∆’s “This is it”

By: Emma

Lead singer, Joe Newman, performs their song, “Breezeblocks” while playing riffs on his guitar.

Creatively known as Alt-J, band members Joe Newman (vocalist and guitarist), Thom Green (drummer), Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboardist) and Cameron Knight (bassist), lit up Comerica Theatre in Phoenix on Oct. 14.

The name Alt-J is derived from clicking the “Alt” key and the “J” key on an Apple computer creating a triangle or ∆. Having such a different band name really shows their alternative music roots and sets them apart from other musicians within the genre. With such unique instruments and vocals, a mesmerizing light show and a wide fan base, Alt-J provides a second glance toward the alternative genre that would otherwise be hidden under pop and rap artists today.

Comerica Theatre can hold approximately 5,000 people at a packed concert. Surprisingly, my friend and I made it front row with only arriving 15 minutes before doors opened. This is probably because we had pit tickets while the majority of the venue holds seat tickets on the floor and balconies. It was also a Wednesday, in the middle of the week, when people may have not been able to spend hours waiting in line to watch the performance. Either way, it was really exciting to be that close to their electric show.

Once Alt-J started their first song, the crazy light show had already begun. There were mini screens projecting different patterns, and even flying birds at one point, which moved up and down above the stage. While the screens moved, flashing lights pointed on the musicians and on the crowd. The light production was definitely interesting, and could have been a show in itself. However, it was distracting toward their music performance and almost conflicted with their live show. I even had to look away from the stage throughout the concert because of the harsh strobe lighting. Even though the light show seemed hazardous, Alt-J still played well, sounding crisp and like their recorded versions on their albums.

Keyboardist and supporting vocalist, Gus-Unger Hamilton, communicated with the fans by making them clap their hands together during their songs.

Alt-J mostly performed and promoted their second album, “This Is It,” but also sprinkled in a few songs from their first album, “An Awesome Wave.” What really makes Alt-J stand apart from the rest is Newman, because of his deep and almost robotic voice. Even though the lyrics are in English, they seem foreign as it is hard to even understand what Newman is singing about in some of his songs, but this makes them unique and still catchy. At the concert, this seemed relevant because not many fans sang along, but just enjoyed the instruments and lyrics themselves.

The most memorable songs performed were “Left Hand Free” for its garage rock sound, “Hunger of the Pine” for its anticipation build up and hypnotic instruments and lyrics and “Tessellate” for Unger-Hamilton’s keyboard and clever lyrics. Their last song during an encore, “Breezeblocks” ended the night with Newman’s mellow voice and the band’s flowing rhythm.

Alt-J was a slower concert as the fans seemed calm about the experience and enjoyed the psychedelic, soft, alternative music they provided. Their complex light show was a bit over the top and suggests almost a lack of confidence in their live performance.

Alt-J does not need the special effects to put on a good show – – just a passion for the interesting music they create.