Alpines, is the south London duo climbing the musical ladder and taking storm as a powerful synth-pop pair. With Catherine Pockson on vocals and Bob Matthews on synth and percussion they describe themselves as members of the ‘night pop’ genre- previously graced by The XX and Jamie Woon.
Supporting Fenech Solar and The Naked and Famous, collaborating with the Maccabees on Unknown, having Florence Welch request them to support her at Alexandra Palace and with Rankin using tracks to support his film for Hannah Marshall, their potential is self-evident. Their ambitions are also clear, as suggested through Catherine’s blog where she is regular in updating on the bands progress and video production.
Their sound fits to electronic, new wave and maybe neo-dubstep, but when their music is combined with vocals, they become something on their own. This isn’t just a female showgirl with a synth backing, they both steal the limelight.
Their influences are apparent- Joni Mitchell, Wild Beasts along with chart music and R and B- and praise from Florence describes them as ‘the xx crossed with Kate Bush’.
First EP ‘Night Drive’ was released in 2011 with tracks including Drive and Ice and Arrows. Further releases include Empire, Cocoon and Survival. Released in May this year, Empire is one of the first songs the band wrote together and they describe it as “about making your mark on the world, striving for your goals and dreams, no matter what stands in your way”. The song consists of a deep imposing and authoritative drumbeat, against Catherine’s pitched vocals. With emotive, almost autobiographical lyrics this is an empowering track. The video compliments the track perfectly. Catherine in a Georgia Hardinge dress performs heroicly with Bob on drums acting as the stone behind. Neither dominate, they both shine.
With such amazing experience under their belt, and growing support, their future is unstoppable.
See: http://alpines.bandcamp.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/alpinesmusic
Gabriel Bruce - Cupid
