Alberteen

"I love them, retro chic…” Mark Radcliffe, 6 Music

"A work of genius…” Louder Than War

"Cinematic noir epics, killer hooks…” Tom Robinson 6 Music

Alberteen are an East Midlands five-piece band who concoct a dreamy, noir-inspired cinematic sound. Sitting somewhere between art rock and singer-songwriter, Alberteen’s idiosyncratic soundscapes would offer a fitting addition to any Lynchian soundtrack. 

The band’s literate, cerebral sound has gained the attention of a kaleidoscope of music press and radio outlets ranging from Classic Rock, Louder Than War and Uncut to BBC Radio 6’s Marc Riley, Gideon Coe and Tom Robinson.

Alberteen are preparing to unveil their latest release, the double a-side single Dark Matter. Comprised of Dark Matter and This Day Is A Gift, the tracks follow on from the critical success of album Lowenva, released in 2021. Written during the end of the pandemic, the songs were produced by Alan D Boyd (Little Sparta). Demonstrating the band’s versatility, and ear for a killer melody, the two tracks are perfect bedfellows.

Dark Matter sways and floats, meditatively lifting the listener along for the ride, neatly offering singer Phil Shaw (vocals, saxophone, percussion) the platform to showcase his musings of the world that surrounds him. This Day Is A Gift changes the pace, combining piano and propellant beats, with a winding rhythm section and quirky guitar notes. Shaw’s distinctive vocal ominously narrates throughout, his delivery sitting straddling the lo-fi noise pop of Sparklehorse and the dry honesty of John Grant.

As well as the aforementioned Shaw, Alberteen are John Rose (guitar, vocals, keys, clarinet), Julia Knight (keys, flute, vocals), Ade Berry (bass, guitar, keys) and Gareth Warden (drums). Having released their debut album in 2008, Alberteen came to prominence with their albums Metal Book and Miss World. Since then, they have built up an impressive list of press support at home and abroad including God Is In The TV, Backseat Mafia, Loud and Quiet, Pop Matters, Vents Magazine as well as performing sessions for BBC 6 Music. The release of Dark Matter will be the start of a busy period for the band as they aim to release album number five in 2024.

Dark Matter is out on 1st September 2023.