Alpines - Early Hours

Alpines are very serious about their craft. There is nothing throw away or lightweight about their intense take on pop, and this intensity ripples through the four tracks that feature on new EP, ‘Early Hours’.

The London based duo of Bob Matthews and Catherine Pockson have garnered much attention this year based on their striking imagery and two very well received singles. ’Early Hours’ seeks to expand on that burgeoning promise but only partly manages to do so.

The four tracks can be divided into two dance floor fillers and two emotive but slightly overwrought electro ballads. It is abundantly clear that Alpines are at their best when the BPM is very much increased. ‘Got Me Wrong’ is a perfect example. A big ringing piano hook combined with powerful drums and Pockson’s strong vocals, reminiscent of the wild abandon of early Bjork, combine to make a strong and strident opening track. It is a disappointment after the striking opening that the next track, ’Chances’ is a rather ponderous and slightly po faced ballad. It is well put together admittedly but the intensity is a bit overbearing. ‘Only a fool could love you like I do,’ sings Pockson and her pained vocal lacks the exuberance of the brighter moments.

Closing track ’Deeper’ is another electro ballad seeped in synthesised strings. It is a grandiose piece but fails to really hit home. Fortunately, it is preceded by the EP’s standout moment. ’Hidden Love’ is the track that really shows off Alpines’ abundant promise. It is a huge club banger characterised by big beats and a ravey euphoria. The intensity of their sound is also present giving a winning combination between profound song writing and dance floor exuberance.

There is no doubt that Alpines have all the potential in the world to be an excellent pop band with real meaning and stature. ’Early Hours’ goes a little way to realising this ahead of their debut album next year.