ALBUM REVIEW: Somewhere // Anywhere – The Alchemy

Upcoming British rock band THE ALCHEMY are back with their third studio album Somewhere // Anywhere. The band like to blend a variety of genres from the music they grew up with and when it comes to their sounds there is no limitations in what they want to branch out into next, creating something that’s exciting and incredible to listen to.

As the album opens with Birdsong the listener is greeted with a rather grungy intro as the band get their instruments warmed up before kicking into a track that can be described as rather melodic alternative rock that draws some comparison to something by ROYAL BLOOD or ELBOW’s Grounds For Divorce. But before you think that this is all you’re in for, the band then go on to Lovesick which feels like the brainchild of alternative and art rock, with something theatrical thrown in with the use of a piano. Each song on the record genuinely takes on a personality of its own through the constant experimentation and use of genres heard throughout the modern rock scene, while the band also pay homage to earlier movements.

There are many standout moments on this record, and frankly it would be so easy to just do a breakdown of every single track, but with limited time here’s a quick rundown: there’s True Loves A Waste Of Time, a moody track that feels rather powerful, with some comparison drawn to MOVEMENTS during their Feel Something era; there’s Glass Houses that’s a cool sounding alternative-indie track with a guitar hook that feels nostalgic, like something from your childhood, before it suddenly kicks off to become something far more intense in the best way possible, and before you think it’s over they suddenly speed things up again in a bridge that’s tied together nicely with anthemic harmonies; and then there’s concluding track Hollywood which is another cool sounding alternative track with sound effects that creates an incredible atmosphere, with some psychedelic rock elements thrown in for good measure.

THE ALCHEMY have created a brilliant collection of rock tracks that go in so many different directions and have you waiting with bated breath to hear what they do next. They are an exciting force in the world of upcoming rock bands and, frankly, they deserve to receive more attention for what they’re doing.

Rating: 8/10

Somewhere // Anywhere is out now via self-release.

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