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Alfa 9 — My Sweet Movida
(Blow Up BU, 2018, CD / LP / DL)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2018-05-06

My Sweet Movida Cover art

My Sweet Movida is the third album by the UK band Alfa 9. Consisting of Phil Mason (guitar and vocals), Ali Heath (guitar and vocals), and John Bradbury (drums), Alfa 9 presents a collection of eleven original tunes that recall the heady days of West Coast psychedelia, most notably The Byrds. The Byrds was one of my favorite 60s bands and I find it very interesting that a number of today’s UK bands are emulating Roger McGuinn’s guitar work. Trippy jangling and tremolo guitars propel Alfa 9’s music, imparting a retro sound. Plus, there is some sense of a Morricone spaghetti western theme on the title track “Movida,” a gothic western / Dire Straits vibe on “Darkest Sea,” and some blues psych on “Rise.” All the songs deal with different aspects of relationships and the opening lyric of “When the Lights Go Out” “When I get to the bottom, I go back to the top,” is almost the same as The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter,” but with an entirely different emotion and sound. The exquisite vocal harmonies across the songs complement the music, presenting a beautiful record. If you are a fan of 60s West Coast country psych, My Sweet Movida will be an excellent addition to your collection.

Filed under: New releases, 2018 releases

Related artist(s): Alfa 9

More info
http://blowup.greedbag.com/buy/my-sweet-movida/

 

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