Alaska In Winter: Holiday
Bethancourt in a rare, low-tech moment
It's clear that Alaska In Winter's Brandon Bethancourt's new life in Berlin is agreeing with him. The one-man electronic band relocated there earlier this after securing a recording contract for his debut album A Dance Party In the Balkans, and he's been touring and performing all over Europe. He tells the tale that he woke up one morning and found he had recorded his entire second album, Holiday, released just last Tuesday, in his sleep. Uh-huh, yeah.
No matter, this one, like the first is a reflection of Bethancourt in its spritely dance beats, gliding melodies, and quiet joyfulness. But the influence of European dance party music on thenew album stands out starkly when the songs are juxtaposed with the more stately and orchestral numbers from the first album.
Incorporating previous cohorts like Zach Condon, Heather Trost, and Brandon's sister Hillary, Holidaya solid follow-up to Dance Party. I am especially fond of "Highlander," parts 1 and 2, and "Streetgang," part 2.
Alaska In Winter:
Berlin from Holiday (2008)
Staring At the Sun ft. Zach Condon on trumpet, from Dance Party In the Balkans (2007)
MySpace | Label: Regular Beat
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes
Related posts on Speed of Dark:
Electronic Anthems from Alaska In Winter
Interview With Alaska In Winter
Alaska In Winter in Concert
Catching Up With...Alaska In Winter
3 comments:
these tracks jam. never heard of this guy, thanks for the post. i keep hearing about people going to berlin- whats going on?
I am glad to help you with a discovery! I guess Berlin has always had its own special vibe.
Hilary Bethancourt and Heather Trost are actually not on this album.
But it is really good!
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