With Alice Donut being lumped in the category of bands I know the name, but know nothing about, I was immediately looking forward to my first listen from the world of the much missed band of the early nineties. Having split in 1996 this is their first foray back into music, and ‘Three Sisters’ gives a much needed shot in the arm to the younger generation on how a dynamic and diverse album should be produced.
Comparisons aren’t easily obvious, but while the band were at their peak in the mid nineties, you can certainly hear sections of sounds which were at their peak in the era of grunge and rock. Those certainly stick to their roots and it is no more apparent than on opening track ‘Kiss Me’ as it churns and roles on a bleating comeback. Other highlights include the delightfully nostalgic ‘Wired’ and the intelligent ‘Cost’ which adds a little more depth to the proceedings. Not being a band to rest on their laurels, the remainder on show predictably maintains a thought invoking pace without ever resorting to easy options, and as such, proves a worthy listen for any self respecting music fan. The inquisitively named ‘Farmers Almanac’ also proves a heartening little ditty as it pulls you in before final track ‘Setting Sun’ spits you out with a forlorn and crackling end to the twelve tracks.
While tracks such as the tough ‘Kcick’ may prove a difficult listen for some, others will no doubt embrace the quest the band undertakes. Often somber verses laced with uplifting chorus’s show a distinct talent which the band hold and with the musical arrangements refusing to take the easy option like some of their contemporaries, it subtly grafts its way into the mindset and as such prove a lynchpin throughout. ‘Three Sisters’ is the type of record that doesn’t get made anymore. It’s diversity throughout is something to marvel and not shirk at, and even if this only strikes chords with one or two unknowing youngsters, then the bands job is done.
Jay