ALTERNATIVE 4

Alternative 4 have provided a mood piece to us with 'The Brink'; the likes of which haven't been heard of for some years. In fact this could be a modern-day sequel to Roger Waters' 'The Final Cut'. The subject matter may be different, but the general ambience, and strength of narrative, is very much in tune with each other. Whilst most people will no doubt focus on Duncan Patterson (Íon) being a major driving force behind this band, it would do Mark Kelson and Mauro Frison a disservice by suggesting that this is anything but a symbiotic three-piece. Duncan's history is of course present, because of the band name, but this is a very forward-thinking piece; especially lyrically. The themes are no doubt very personal, but can also be prescribed to humanity in general, such is the grandness of topic; 'The Dumbing Down', a personal favourite, speaks of society's gradual decline into force-fed media. And, while this isn't the story of any one man, it's a concept piece in essence. If this all sounds very weighty, then the music only reinforces that viewpoint. At once foreboding, dare I say creepy, it's rare that moments of beauty show up to relieve the burden. Eerie piano lines intertwine with crushing guitar breaks, lending space, and sometimes uncomfortable pauses, in which to absorb the atmosphere of each piece. And, while it's inevitable that people may focus on the past when describing 'The Brink', it is to misunderstand the strength and purpose of this wonderful debut. It's not an easy listen. But, then, art shouldn't be.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Metalhit

Album

THE BRINK

Review by Steve Cowan

RUNNING TIME:

57:42

RELEASE DATE:

15th Nov 2011

TRACK LISTING

1) The Brink
2) False Light
3) Alternate
4) Underlooked
5) Still Waters
6) The Dumbing Down
7) Automata
8) Autonoma
9) The Brink (Reprise)

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

UK

"Alternative 4 have provided a mood piece to us with 'The Brink'; the likes of which haven't been heard of for some years."