Album Review by EDF
Aalacho hail from Seattle in the U.S. and you would not think it listening to their second album. Taking various musical cues from the likes of Kraftwerk, OMD, Depeche Mode, Ultravox and European dance music, this will give you a fair idea of what this sounds like. Led by Nathan Scott who grew up on a steady diet of Motown and Detroit Metal, Scott discovered other musical genres when he left his hometown. Armed with a Korg, a Mac and a second-hand Les Paul, Scott released Aalacho’s debut album, SUGAR, in late 2002. ELECTRO is the follow-up album and is the sort of brave experimentation that allows the songs to breathe.
One common thread that can be found from early 1980’s electronic music is the feeling of space between each sound. You can also include the catchy hooks and the way that melodies just stick in your mind, which is probably why the groups mentioned above have not been forgotten. Aalacho could easily continue this legacy as their electro-rock sound can attract an audience but this might take another couple of albums as the group sound like they are still trying to find their feet. Yes, the melodies are dark and haunting and the mix of keyboards and guitar are interesting but somehow you are left a little bit cold on parts of the album. The album itself is enjoyable but is not immediate after the first listen, where subsequent plays will peel back the layers of each track. The clever retooling of THE BEATLES’ Ticket To Ride is an experience upon itself and this album is enough proof that Aalacho have potential.
