ALBUM REVIEW: Push – Sons Of Alpha Centauri

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI – a group who have become one of the UK’s most beloved underground bands. Since the release of their self-titled debut album in 2007, their blend of avant-garde, ambient metal and post-hardcore has given rise to a hardcore cult following, an ongoing collaboration with YAWNING MAN known as YAWNING SONS and, perhaps most notably, their exclusive touring with KARMA TO BURN, something in motion since 2009, but which has seen the band play under 20 shows during their career. This Friday sees the release of Push, the band’s third studio album and first on Exile On Mainstream Records.

Push, quite literally, sees SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI push the boat out further than they ever have before, largely because of one man – Sacramento’s Jonah Matranga, notable for his work in FAR and GRATITUDE. What is so key about him? Well, he’s providing vocals on the record. That’s right, in what could arguably be seen as the starkest of departures for any band in alternative music, SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI have been given a voice, albeit in a guest role as opposed to a permanent joining. Naturally, this is going to take some getting used to – two decades have passed with fans immersing themselves in musical journeys without the distraction of words. However, the addition of vocals hasn’t made SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI a radio rock band; far from it.

While you might need a few listens to adjust to the lyrics, you’ll need plenty more to find every nuance within Push. It’s only 35 minutes long, but SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI have continued to produce music with enough textures and layers to keep people listening long after growing accustomed to Matranga‘s voice. It feels darker than some of their other work as well; Listen, for example, has an air of DEFTONES about it given the steadier riff and position of Matranga in the mix; this is also seen within Boys And Girls.

Elsewhere, WILL HAVEN drummer Mitch Wheeler lends a hand to five of the tracks, most notably the more progressive and psychedelic Listen, and The Enemy allows the core members of the band to shine through, most notably guitarist Marlon King. This should alleviate some fears that fans may have – this is very much still a SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI album, regardless of who has been brought on board.

They’re no strangers to experimenting and collaborating, but Push is far and away the most daring move that SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI have made during their career. Has it paid off? Well, it will divide their fanbase, that’s for sure. Some may never acclimatise to it, even as a one-off, and return to the likes of the band’s debut of 2018’s Continuum. However, it’s likely that many will embrace this new venture as they have done with previous projects that the band have been involved in, enjoying its twists and turns for a long time to come.

Rating: 7/10

Push is set for release on August 27th via Exile On Mainstream Records.

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