Alpha Mortal Foxtrot – Spectrum (2022)
Alpha Mortal Foxtrot is a band that has been delighting our ears since we first heard their single ‘White Collar’. Since then, they have taken us from happiness to the heavy grief of loss and a hazy almost ethereal ambience. The band has resurfaced with their single ‘Spectrum’ packed with pounding beats, explosive solos and some sharp notes that cut through to your soul.
Between this mix of music, there is a deeper tenderness resting in the heart of the track that, once again, showcases the emotional depth the band has to offer. Inspired by Wiku Anindito’s (vocals, guitar) intense desire to communicate with his son who is autistic, the single is both personal yet touches on something much bigger than this desire. To emphasise the band’s support for Autism Awareness, they collaborated with Kreaby, a creative studio empowering autistic artists, to create their music video.
The guitar that opens ‘Spectrum’ sweeps you off your feet and takes you straight into the stratosphere as the colours of the music swirl around you. The roll of the drums propels you through the sky while the interplay of the guitars brings flashes of light and colour to the edges of your vision. It is a really tight opening that rises like a balloon of sound before bursting on for these verses. When this happens, the drums cradle you in a pastel cloud allowing the vocals to ghost over your skin. The music rises again continuing the forward movement of the track, but there is a moment of stripped-back psychedelia that warbles through the higher levels. This is a rather dynamic melody that moves through various emotions and stages of being that is a pleasure to listen to.
Anindito’s vocals have the lightest growl bringing a new edge to the rock flows of the track, but there is an undeniable softness to his performance. You can almost feel him reaching out through the lyrics both looking for a connection and promising this. The tenderness of the inspiration of this single really shines through the vocals as they dance and play with the melody. Both come together perfectly to form the swirling kaleidoscope that is this single. The gentleness of the vocal performance cushions the momentum of the melody while still allowing each instrument and band member to shine. By the end of the track, you’ll be rather shocked that it has come to an end and will be reaching to play it all over again.
Tender, moving, kaleidoscopic and utterly immersive, ‘Spectrum’ by Alpha Mortal Foxtrot is a single you will get lost in and want to play on repeat. Using a masterful interplay between the vocals and melody, the band take you on a sonic journey of tender emotions. Reaching out for a connection while promising one in return, the track envelops you allowing you to escape from the world for a little while.
Find out more about Alpha Mortal Foxtrot on their Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
