Neu Under Alien Skies

When you first put on ‘Fyodor’, a great rush seeps through you, as a sedated backwash of tip-toed synthetics immortalise wise, clearly-projected words. It’s almost incomparable. Almost. “Calm in your arms…” goes the mantra, by which time there is only one other vocalist’s name on our mind; that of Owen Pallett (formerly Final Fantasy). When asked about Pallett’s music, one-half of the act, Danny Hale, agrees on his influence, without overstating things; “for me [2010’s] ‘Heartland’ is some of his best work..I love the depth and warmth of his music”. Funnily enough, The depth and warmth of Prestatyn, Wales’ Under Alien Skies’ work is exactly what strikes you initially.

Hale, alongside companion David, correlate like the hands on a clock after working together under various guises for a long time. Hale writes alone, is often sent sounds over by David, via. the phone or on e-mail and then the songs begin to take shape: “it’s a pretty instinctual thing”, says Danny, “ I like working alone, taking stuff out of the computer and through different pedals and back in again.”

They’ve two EPs to their name. The first, ‘Powder’, consists of samples, arranged beautifully and accompanied by David’s assured vocals; ”It was all about using samples but still trying to have an organic feel and letting them lead the vocals.”

The second, ‘Paste’, steps aside from sample use, trying to invest time into applying more homegrown elements. The result is a collection of five songs, equally as dazzling as those on ‘Powder’. Here, we’ve a rather restless act, constantly challenging themselves, re-shaping the mould at any given opportunity. That’s Under Alien Skies and that’s why you should be interested.