As you all learned from my take on Alt-J’s single “Hunger of the Pine”, you know right off the bat that I’m an Alt-J fan through and through. But, at first listen, I have to admit that their newest single “Left Hand Free” didn’t impress me. After awhile though, I started to get used to the Black Keys-esque tune, but I can’t say that I’m too thrilled about it either. It doesn’t harp on any of the unique aspects that I love about the band except for the raspy and authentic vocals of lead single Joe Newman. I’m sure a rock fan would appreciate this change, but I’m waiting for more tracks like “Hunger of the Pine”, which I thought really pushed the band’s limits, but in a good direction. I haven’t completely written off “Left Hand Free” just yet, but it certainly doesn’t live up to the high standards to which I hold the band.
I’m eager (and maybe a little nervous) for the release of the band’s sophomore album This Is All Yours set to drop in September. But one thing is certain: this British trio has obviously made the statement with these two bold single choices that we shouldn’t expect a repeat of their debut album An Awesome Wave, and surely they have other developments in their sound up their sleeve to come this Fall.
You can preorder This Is All Yours here.
(photo by Gabriel Green)
