Just over a year ago, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth when the Beta Band decided to call it a day; where now for fans of their psychedelic, pastoral folk/rock musings? Well fear not, because although the Beta's are certainly dead and buried, the various members are back with some stunning new material.
Beta frontman Steve Mason has already toured under his new moniker of King Biscuit Time, and an album, 'Black Gold', is due out in the summer. His first single since the demise of the Betas was the politically motivated, electro-hop 'C I AM 15', which hints heavily at the new direction Mason is taking.
Also rising from the Beta's ashes are THE ALIENS. Drummer Robin Jones, and master sampler/ keyboard extrordinaire John Maclean have teamed up with original Beta/Pigeons member Gordon Anderson, a.k.a. The Lone Pigeon.
Signed to EMI, without having actually released any music, or for that matter having played live, The Aliens debut, 'Alienoid Starmonica', is easily the most anticipated debut from a Scottish band for a long, long time. And we're not to be disappointed.
The opening track, 'Hey Leanne', can only be described as a sci-fi, electro/country soundtrack to an actual alien landing. Distant dog barks, erratic radio tuning, and the lovely pastoral sound of cicadas give way to a delightful country melody which is helped immeasurably by the steel guitar playing of Anderson's twin brother, Pip Dylan. Think Gram Parsons fronting the Beta Band and you're half-way there. Seven minutes long, it's experimental, it's ambitious, but, ultimately, it's a mightily impressive opening.
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Both 'Only Waiting' and 'Robotman' are reincarnations of Lone Pigeon songs that have been around in one form or another for a while now, and both are the obvious choices for any radio play. In fact, as you read, the video for 'Robotman' is receiving extensive play on MTV, while the NME has just declared the song their track of the week. Although, for this particular reviewer, it's the stunning adaptation of Anderson's original 'Music of the Crucifixion' that really captures the imagination.
The magnificent, sprawling 8 minute Floydesque closer, 'Ionas (Look for Space)', completes what is, essentially, the most impressive debut I've heard since the 'Champion Versions' appeared back in 1996.
So, fellow Betaphiles, take that rag away from your face, cos now, definitely, ain't the time for your tears. With the recent aural delights of KBT's highly impressive 'Black Gold', and now this incredible debut from The Aliens, those tears should be well forgotten.
http://www.thealiens.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/thealiens1
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