alt-J
Relaxer
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
Since the band’s 2012 debut, An Awesome Wave, the British trio has experienced much commercial success from both media and fans alike, while also snatching a Mercury Prize for their debut.
The trio returns with their third release, Relaxer, an eight-song set, where they challenge themselves to expand beyond previous material. Unfortunately, their shortest album to-date isn’t the trio’s most cohesive collection. Their identity is lost as a band on Relaxer.
On the opener and lead single, “3WW”, the trio offers their take on a multi-dimensional folk song that opens with soft, melodic guitar, keys, and drums. The band almost tries to take on aspects of the alt-folk band, Fleet Foxes. Not without saying that the band takes more risks on Relaxer than previous albums, but it isn’t tight, and focused.
Their take on “House of the Rising Sun” is transformed into a soft, melodic folk number with little aspects of The Animals’ psychedelic version.
The band’s attempt to venture out into different avenues of music is apparent on the trio’s “Hit Me Like A Snare”. The track opens with drums and a triangle layered over top a psychedelic freakout. It’s so completely different than anything else the band has done.
You want a good groove? Listen to the track “Deadcrush”. The band delivers a commanding groove that you can’t get out of your head. Lead vocalist Joe Newman delivers a solid vocal performance layered over the sick beat throughout the track.
The closing track of Relaxer is, for me, one of the largely offbeat tracks I’ve heard from alt-J since their emergence in 2012. A strings section and orchestra isn’t exactly their style. It’s definitely a different side to the band and their willingness to challenge themselves is admirable. With that said, I don’t think that Relaxer is their best, most cohesive work yet; however, it still is alt-J and their creativity and uniqueness consistently shines on their third effort.
Rating: Bad-Ass
