Leftfield - Alternative Light Source

  by Adrian Huggins

published: 12 / 8 / 2015

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Review

'Alternative Light Source' is the third and latest album from influential electronic-dance act, Leftfield. Somehow it has been twenty years since the group released their debut album 'Leftfield' which was a Mercury Prize nominee in 1995 and a close contender to Portishead, who were the eventual winners that year with ‘Dummy’, which is rather fitting as both groups are held in high regard for their forward thinking and experimental approaches to electronic music. Along with fellow British electro pioneers Massive Attackas well as Portishead, Leftfield are one of the acts that really opened up what electronic/dance music could be. The London-based act, who rose to infamy during the early 199's when illegal raves were rife, took the sound of chemically enhanced, outdoor parties and gave it an air of intelligence and refinery . Yet they also incorporated elements of house music and dub to give a really full and soulful sound to a genre that previously had relied mainly on making the soundtrack to youthful euphoria. I am very, very happy to report that 'Alternative Light Source' manages to keep up with the times and sees the group still at the peak of their game. In keeping up with their previous tradition of collaborating with other vocalists, Leftfield have called upon some modern stars to add some words to their bleeps and beats. Having previously worked with the likes of Toni Halliday, Roots Manuva, Afrika Bambaataa and butter-pusher and occasional punk John Lydon, this time the band have enlisted a few current acts including female vocalist Channy Leaneagh on 'Bilocation', Georgia Barnes on 'Universal Everything' and Marmite group of the moment Sleaford Mods on the absolutely banging and enthralling 'Head And Shoulders’(For the record this reviewer’s feet are firmly planted in the 'love' side of that argument - did you see their performance at Glastonbury? Amazing!) While Sleaford Mods are an act that divide opinions, this particular track adds perfectly to what is there already rather than completely changing either band’s sound. Even the Mods' detractors couldn't hate this particular tune. Further along in the album Channy Leaneagh lends her talents again for the Chemical Brothers-influenced 'Little Fish', which really brings the album to life. This upward climb is followed by 'Storm's End' which has a hint of dub-step and drum and bass about it. Title track 'Alternative Light Source' keeps things moving progressively with a fantastic slow builder that is somewhat reminiscent of a full-on danced-up version of 65 Days Of Static before the absolute beast that is 'Shaker Obsession' blasts the listener off into outer space. The album finishes off with a soulful number featuring the vocal talents of Ofei. I cannot tell you how pleased I am to be writing about an album that is not only relevant and modern but which is totally innovative. With 'Alternative Light Source', Leftfield prove why after 25+ years they are still at the forefront of electronic music.

Track Listing:-

1 Bad Radio
2 Universal Everything
3 Bilocation
4 Head and Shoulders
5 Dark Matters
6 Little Fish
7 Storms End
8 Alternative Light Source
9 Shaker Obsesssion
10 Levitate for You

Band Links:-

https://twitter.com/leftfield
http://www.leftfieldmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/leftfield

Label Links:-

http://www.infectiousmusicuk.com/
https://www.facebook.com/infectiousmus
https://twitter.com/Infectious_uk
https://www.youtube.com/user/infectiou
https://vimeo.com/infectiousmusic

Have a Listen:-