Alt-J on DeBaser: reviews, quotes and key works

Alt-J

Musical Group

Forfans of indie/art rock, curious newcomers, and listeners into detailed production and inventive songwriting.
3 Reviews 2 Definitions 2 Charts

The Profile

Alt-J are a British indie/art rock group formed in Leeds in 2007. The core lineup includes Joe Newman, Thom Sonny Green and Gus Unger-Hamilton. Their debut album, An Awesome Wave, won the 2012 Mercury Prize, followed by This Is All Yours (2014), RELAXER (2017) and The Dream (2022).

Produced frequently by Charlie Andrew (including RELAXER); notable songs include Breezeblocks, Tessellate, 3WW, In Cold Blood and Left Hand Free; Joe Newman is the distinctive lead vocalist/guitarist; the band has covered House of the Rising Sun; debut album An Awesome Wave won the 2012 Mercury Prize.

Three DeBaser reviews chart Alt-J’s rise from the acclaimed An Awesome Wave to the expansive This Is All Yours and the deconstructive RELAXER. Reviewers praise the detailed production, genre-blending ideas and Joe Newman’s distinctive vocals. Standout cuts include Breezeblocks, Tessellate, 3WW and In Cold Blood. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, emphasizing craft, growth and sonic curiosity.

Notable Quotes

❝ It sounds spectacular, first of all, and this is always a noteworthy added value.

❝ A great album, this “Relaxer,” which allows Alt-J to continue on their path of growth, with intelligence and without overdoing it.

❝ The strength of the group is, indeed, the variety of sounds and influences that are brought together making their music scandalously catchy, yet never banal or predictable.