Nine Black Alps

From the depths of Manchester comes one of the most exciting bands of 2006: Nine Black Alps. Their name might sound familiar; the British foursome released a stellar self-titled EP in the summer of ‘05, wowing American audiences with a nearly lethal dose of rock ‘n’ roll wizardry, eschewing the dancefloor and the post-punk revivalism coming out of the UK as of late. Or it could be from their numerous accolades in the British music press, glowing critical praise heaped sky-high from the likes of The Guardian and the NME. Or maybe you caught them play a particularly incendiary show on their first US tour this year. Regardless, believe us when we tell you: theirs is a name you should commit to memory and fast, because they’re a band everyone will be talking about in 2006 upon the release of their brilliant debut, Everything Is.

Everything Is is a blustering cacophony of melody, guitar squalor, dramatic flair, propulsive drums, and shades of death and love in twelve astounding songs, most of which squeak and feedback in their own joyful harmonious din. Produced by Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Beck), Nine Black Alps sound sonically invincible on their very first LP – songs like “Shot Down,” “Headlights” and “Not Everyone” feature such bright-burning, ferocious guitar assaults, that they nearly set the album ablaze. “Unsatisfied” is destined to be the single of 2006, with its sublime lead guitar line, while songs like “Behind Your Eyes” and “Intermission” strip the band down to just words and guitar, revealing an utter simplicity to their craft, and the haunting loneliness behind singer/guitarist Sam Forrest’s warm, sandpaper voice.