Sometimes an album can hook you in from the first beat and this certainly rings true with ‘Alliance’ the brilliant new collaborative effort from Andy Bell’s GLOK and music producer and ‘Insult to Injury’ label boss Timothy Clerkin.
Of course, it’s not the duo’s first rodeo when it comes to joining creative forces, Tim remixed GLOK’s ‘Projected Sounds’ taking the fantastic original track and elevating it into a tripped-out acid house dreamlike state.
It seems that this has proven to be a winning formula and ‘Alliance’ serves up more of the same. Hypnotic melodies, scintillating and lysergic synths fused with the stark yet pristine production values from Tim.
Opening track ‘Empyrean’ sets the tone of the seven track album thanks to its woozy, psychedelic synths. Celestial and cosmic, the experimental analogue-decayed production trades off exquisitely against the otherworldly vocals and spirits you away to a “dwelling place of perfect happiness…”
‘AmigA’ soars thanks to its nostalgic synths that are reminiscent of Edward Woodwards’ ‘The Equalizer’ theme tune, but whilst they sound slightly menacing, the overall sonic is softened by the acoustic guitars and celestial harmonies. Andy himself describes it as something you might have heard at an ‘ancient prehistoric rave’ and ‘AmigA’ definitely feels like it fits the bill in that respect.
GLOK are renowned for encompassing a myriad of genres into the sonics. From synthwave, to techno to a more laidback Balearic vibe, all of which can be found throughout ‘Alliance’ thanks to influences ranging from Death in Vegas to Boards Of Canada and New Order.
The duo are inventive and bold in their approach, leveraging shimmering jangly guitars, distorted effects and trippy psychedelic electronic beats.
An entirely kaleidoscopic affair, ‘Alliance’ has a sincere subtlety in its approach whilst not compromising on keeping the listener intrigued throughout. ‘E-Theme’ with its sun-dappled and mesmerising beat delights thanks to its fuzzy lo-fi electronica beat and breathy vocals. It’s reminiscent of an indie-dance track from the early-90s and easily transports you to the heady, hazy days of Ibiza.
Du Blonde provides vocals for the sensational ‘Nothing Ever’, an effervescent indie-dance track that’s charged with intent and momentum. It has the credentials of a future classic ‘driving anthem’ and would also be perfect on a film soundtrack.
‘Scattered’ with its meditative trip-out vibes and impossibly catchy ‘Need somebody’ refrain and nineties whistling, takes the exhilaration of the nineties indie and dance (think Opus III) with intoxicating, pulsating psychedelic electronics is a triumph. Despite the name, ‘Scattered’ is an assured and confident track that showcases the magic that ensues when you ‘freewheel’.
‘The Witching Hour’ is a dazzling swirl of lysergic-soaked summertime haziness and is yet another dimension to GLOK and Timothy Clerkin’s visceral sonic palette.
Mesmerising, bold and impeccably-crafted, ‘Alliance’ is utterly compelling and is brimming with unique energy. From its sublime ambient vibes and ethereal grooves to its lofi guitars and searing synths, ‘Alliance’ is set to become one of GLOK’s best albums to date.
8/10
Words: Emma Harrison // @emmahwriter
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