Alberteen - Miss World

by Dave Goodwin

published: 5 / 7 / 2015

Label: Rhythm and Noir
Format: CD

Distinctive combination of 60's R and B; dark, provocative lyricism and post-punk on concept album which takes us from Margate and Dungeness from London-based band Alberteen

Review

Alberteen released their debut ‘Metal Book’ in 2012 which was championed by a host of DJs including Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie, Gideon Coe, Liz Kershaw and Tom Robinson. It mixed 60s R ‘n’ B, dark, provocative lyricism and post-punk sonics into what they have self-described as their own distinctive blend of ‘Rhythm & Noir’. 2015 sees them return with their second full-length offering ‘Miss World’, which has been produced by Mike Bennett (The Fall, Ian Brown) and released on their own label Rhythm & Noir. The band consists of Ade Berry (bass and acoustic guitars, keyboards and piano), John Rose (electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, piano and melodica), Phil Shaw (vocals) and Gareth Warden (drums and percussion). They are helped out too by the harmonics of backing singers, Julia Knight and Kathryn Stephens-Berry. When settling down for a listen to this, be prepared to wander around the landscapes of the English coastline. In a thematic journey Alberteen take us from seaside town to city and though a variety of locations and eras from the ominous presence of Dungeness’ nuclear power station to the MOD research site at Fort Halstead to the Margate mod riots of ’64. As its title suggests, ‘Miss World’ also reflects upon Folkestone’s role in hosting the first international beauty contest in 1908 and Derek Jarman’s 1973 film of the same name. Those of you that balk a little at concept albums fear not. This is actually really good, and instead of pondering over one continuous point for five tracks moves around a lot and turns vocals into imagery well. The lead single 'A French Connection' ,which opens up the album, has already been described as "...a twang-tastic B-movie adventure prowled in noir accents. Joe Meek meets Gerry Anderson, a 60’s futuristic spy groove" by ‘The Sunday Experience’, You will be heartened to find that the rest is just as strong. 'Hidden' is a slow affair, while 'Princess Noise' is a funky number. 'We are the Mods' visits an earlier time and the beaches of the South coast. The highlight for me on it is 'Prospect',which is a sparse guitar number with backing from the girls. ‘Miss World’ has various features to accompany its release, including a specially designed music/visual app (for Android and iPhone) which is soundtracked by the title track and has various images to accompany it and the other songs. The album’s cover meanwhile is a photograph of vintage nuclear equipment from Dungeness’ power station taken by Kent-based photographer Nigel Green. Marvellous!