The Aliens Are Coming…
First and foremost, I like this band and there’s a very good reason for all of that, because I like so many other people, really liked the Beta Band.
The Aliens is comprised of 3 former Beta members, Robin Jones (drums) and John Maclean (DJ, sampler, keyboards) joined forces with Gordon Anderson, a founding member who quit soon after the band was signed in order to pursue his own interests as Lone Pigeon.
On the surface the bands are similar and it’s reasonable to assume that if you’re like me and a fan of one you’ll dig the other. Familiar elements: the acoustic guitar, electronic samples, and general blissful dreaminess are all there, taken a step further by the Aliens who add a more upbeat vibe and crank up the psychedelic element – it’s worth it to wonder if this is what the Beta Band would have sounded like if Gordon Anderson hadn’t quit. If you still need convincing I would give “Sunlamp Show” a listen and see if that doesn’t change your mind.
On October 20th, my Scottish brethren are re-releasing their 2008 album Luna (Birdman Records), coupled with a full color 60 page book including drawings, poems, film stills, photographs, interviews…of course released in a limited number (1000) every copy signed personally by the band.
