Alpha: Stargazing : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

On their third album, British duo Alpha leave the trip-hop behind and delve into classic Sixties songwriter terrain. Creating moods reminiscent of Lee Hazlewood, Burt Bacharach and Claudine Longet, what Alpha retain from their former efforts is a languid beats foundation and a lazy rhythmic shuffle. These are taken by select vocalists who have treated them with a sultry fireside flavor that moves them from transient, modern day beats-and-vocals affairs to old-fashioned numbers that have a better chance at standing the test of time. This does misfire occasionally, such as on "Vers Toi," but for the most part dreamy songs like "I Just Wanna Make You" and "Once Around Town" are keepers, with their breathy intonations making them the perfect romantic accompaniment to an evening of seduction.

LILY MOAYER
(March 22, 2004)