Into Music Review: Sweethaven by Alpine Subs

Artist: Alpine Subs
Album: Sweethaven
Label: Subjangle 

Hailing from Chicago, Alpine Subs released their eponymous debut album just 12 months or so ago and hot on its heels comes album number two, Sweethaven. It’s often said that the second album can be a difficult one with creative juices not quite as fertile as that on a debut release. No such problems here with the six piece band on fine form, as evidenced on the generous fifteen songs which run to just over fifty minutes of hazy, dreamlike pop. Pretty impressive stuff given the band have only been together since 2018.

Album opener The Freeze kicks things off in fine style, a subtle bass and a mesmeric guitar lick lead to a Flaming Lips-style track of laid back tuneage that wraps its sonic wall of sound around you like a warm fluffy blanket.

Early singles Clear Blue Waters and Keeping You are highlights but there is so much more to offer here. There are paisley patterned, pastel shades of psychedelic pop, none more so than the Carrie Roche led vocal on Your Someone which starts off with a sparse vocal accompanied only by a piano before the band come in to create a beautiful 4 minute pop masterpiece.

Wind Burn has a repetitive bass with singer Will Goodseed providing soaring lyrics, and the dueling lead and rhythm guitars combine for another pop gem.

With influences evident from ’60s Californian scene through to psychedelia, alt-rock, country and a dose of dance/indie crossover and you’re onto the general vibe of a well-drilled and confident record. Difficult second album? No chance!

Sweethaven by Alpine Subs is available to buy here.

John Welsh
@welshjb

Links:
@AlpineSubsTaste
@subjangle
@janglepophub