ALT BLK ERA are a MOBO nominated duo from Nottingham, sisters Nyrobi & Chaya Beckett-Messam who started out posting R&B covers on YouTube videos at the beginning of the pandemic but after Nyrobi became ill they started taking things more seriously and discovered their own sound. They have performed at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, Download, Boomtown and 2000 Trees.
Their sound has been described as a fusion of rock, trap, and alternative pop. They release their debut album `Rave Immortal` this month which they describe as a “concept album,” which documents their journey from girls to women.
There`s a gentle introduction into `Straight To Heart` before the number bursts into life with a blend of drum’n’bass melded with an electronic underbelly, a number that will seep into your subconscious before you realise it. We have a grungy/rock-tinged slow burn with `Come On Outside` which does touch on the chronic fatigue syndrome that Nyrobi lives with.
`Crashing Parties` tips it`s hat to Australia`s electronic rockers Pendulum in sound but lyrically it`s a kind of defiant anthem. The pounding riff laden `Drummers Girlfriend` hints at how the dynamic in a band alters when an outsider infiltrates and disturbs the previous equilibrium.
`Hunt You Down` seems to relate to an unhealthy slightly sinister obsession with somebody shared against a thumping rolling melodic electronic soundscape that gives it a delightfully compelling but uneasy charm. A fusion of drum’n’bass and electronic rock allows a platform for `Upstairs Neighbours` a track that is rapped, screamed, shouted, and also has some distorted spoken word regarding selfish attitudes towards neighbours.
`Come Fight Me For It` has a wonderfully full-on confrontational attitude both musically and lyrically. There’s a throbbing beat to `Run Rabbit` with vocals that sound breathless at times which mirrors the fleeing escaping dangerous situation insinuated in the words shared.
`Catch Me If You Can` is an anthemic haunting ballad like offering that enjoys a fairly expansive feel and fades out with a kind of orchestrated symphonic sense. Title track `Rave Immortal` closes out the album and has a forceful vocalised rap shared atop a rhythmic rolling electronic base which at times seemed to blend in occasional snippets of video games console soundbites.
`Rave Immortal` was a fascinating and enjoyable introduction for me to the delights of ALT BLK ERA who shared a variety of musical forms on this debut album. They really have their own sound and style and if you can obtain a ticket, i`m sure their live appearances around the UK in April will be a must see.
On the strength of what I’ve heard here and stealing a line from The Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin, these sisters are certainly doin` it for themselves.
Rating 8.5/10
