Fellow Mancunians The Alicias carve out a refreshingly organic and energised lane, as their brand new EP What In Me Is Dark? intertwines conceptual depth with nostalgic alt-rock passion and power.
Bringing together the talent and passion of Samm Hewitt, Ste Moran, Rob Nixon, Darren Thompson and Saul Padraig Gerrard, The Alicias balance heavy distortion and awakening rhythms with snappy indie vocals and short, poetic lyrical musings.
Their new project storms into view with the intoxicating energy and rising anticipation of alt-rock anthem JPJ Blues, both alternative and engaging as an original groove and performance, and the four-track project continues to blend playful performative charm and gritty industrial weight from here on in.
MIA is a mighty alternative track, intriguing lyrics and melodies, as well as an unexpected structural shift from the melodic to the sharp and concise. The track is interesting yet catchy, satisfying from an indie performative angle, with vocals born to perform in this way, and yet underneath that – as with all of these songs – there’s a story both mysterious and strangely relatable.
Next we move into a more familiar call-and-response punk set-up – power chords and soaring live drums laying down the foundation for a fearlessly confronting and scornful listen. Coming For You is again unique in melody, and in its verse-chorus format being somewhat unpredictable yet still impactful. The drop is immense, and as ever, the band provide clear suggestion that a live show is where this music really comes into its own.
Finally, Hole In My Heart wraps things up with a mildly dreamy guitar tone and groove, reflecting on these dark parts of the mind one last time, connecting with vulnerability and confidence carefully threaded together.
The song builds beautifully, that essential rock escapism being something that has clearly been missing from much of modern music, and the song is chaotic, hypnotic, intoxicating, and offers an interesting fusion of singer-songwriter freedom and sheer indie-rock intensity and charm. We lean towards grunge, hard rock, another twist of influence that’s subtle but essential to the dynamic and variety of this EP.
It’s a huge finish, an arena-ready arrangement that tightens its grip increasingly throughout, and a fine testament to the conceptual undertones and fearless conviction of The Alicias as an authentic modern rock band.
To coincide with the launch of the EP, catch The Alicias performing live this Friday, 1st August, alongside Black Sonic Revolver and Morris and The Dancers, at Salford’s The Eagle Inn.
Pre-order then download or stream What In Me Is Dark? Find The Alicias on Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud.
