Black Alpine - Album Review: Black Alpine
The very first time I looked at
the cover of this album I was reminded of Deep Purple’s In Rock, as even
though that was a stylised version of Mount Rushmore, there we had dudes with
long hair playing Seventies hard rock and that is the same here. I mean, we even
have aviator sunglasses! Black Alpine has been together since 2014 and
released The Lightning EP in 2016 before they moved to Melbourne in 2017,
returning to Auckland earlier this year. The band are Adam Farr (vocals,
guitar, keyboards), Aidan Courtnell (lead guitar), Banjo Paterson (bass) and Zel
Kust (drums). The album was recorded while they were going through some changes
and Zel was not involved and instead they were provided by Adam and Aidan along
with Jimmy Campi.
Here we have 11 songs, one of which is a reworking of a number which appeared on the EP (Peru), and throughout we get goodtime hard rock which is an amalgamation of Eighties melodic rock and Seventies hard rock, guaranteed to bring a smile to the face. Even the small bass solo and drum break in Bad Pot add to the overall feel, while the harmonica is a touch of genius. It is impossible not to play this album without a smile on the face and I am mortified that I missed the launch gig, especially as it was held at my second home, Dead Witch. Once we get back to gigs in Auckland then this is a band I am going to look out for as this is pure fun from beginning to end. They have plenty of great hooks, are rooted in the blues swagger from back in the day, are great musicians, while Adam has a wonderful voice. They are not as belligerent and sleazy, but for some reason they remind of Quireboys, and that can only be from the sense of pure joy which comes from this album. It is not possible to play this without a smile on the face, they have that Mötley Crüe feel, with really melodic material and catchy hooks and choruses.
Another massive positive on this album is that they mix it up, so that while it is always a joy, they are putting different styles and elements within it, so there is real depth and more for the listener to enjoy and discover. True, in some ways it is not exactly multi-dimensional, but if you want music to have a party with then these are your guys. I can imagine Holy Water being played with everyone singing along with the “aahs” and arms in the air, and it is a blast from start to end.
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