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LOUDAPHONE On The Alpha Line (2006)
Formed in 2003, Brighton based Loudaphone deliver an engaging mixture of melodic indie pop/rock.
An up and coming band, their 14 track debut album On The Alpha Line - produced by Nick Hunt (Placebo) - is available directly from the band at gigs or at www.sparklepromotions.com
They're currently working on material for a follow-up and they're in talks with several companies about a distribution deal.
With a solid live reputation and a growing fan base, the four piece (Andy MacArthur-Jones - vocals and acoustic, Adam McKee - drums, Patrick Harris bass, Scott Reece -guitar) deliver an acoustic / rock sound aimed squarely at the Keane, Snow Patrol, Coldplay market.
Andy MacArthur-Jones' vocals are consistently excellent (they remind me of someone, but I'm buggered if I can recall who) and there's some tasteful lead guitar work from Scott Reece. The rhythm section is solid throughout. But what sets the album apart is the quality of song writing on display.
Fourteen tracks and a not a runt in sight. Now that's some achievement in these days of 10 track, 39 minute albums.
And if Keane and Snow Patrol are what turns you on (and let's be honest, they turn a lot of people's dials) then you could do a lot worse than give this hard working band a try.
OK, they may a little unpolished around the edges but for me this is a better and more consistent album than the recent chart releases by either of the aforementioned chart toppers.
Finally, a word for promo albums that have adhesive labels - aahr! They just won't play in my car cd player. Which is shame, because On The Alpha line would be ideal in car entertainment.
****
Review by Pete Whalley
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