Alpine Subs - Sweethaven

Released: 31 Jul 2020
Label: Subjangle
Listen and Buy Here

Chicago's Alpine Subs return with their second album after last year's self titled debut. The first had hints of 60s lo-fi jangle and this is a step forward. On the whole, the production is bigger with more 70s country rock vibes. 

Their overall sound here is similar to Crosby, Stills & Nash and also the more recent band - Woods. It opens with 'The Freeze' which is quite epic and atmospheric, singing of mountain climbing. There are some superb guitar riffs and it is easily my favourite on the album.

Other highlights include 'Your Someone', a big love song which is reminiscent of The Band's 'The Weight' in places. 'Live Forever' is highly melodic and sounded vaguely like Elvis - 'Suspicious Minds'. 


'Keeping You' is one of the strongest songs here, with an anthemic chorus. It ends on the beautifully delicate love song 'Remain' which has wistful and melancholic lyrics.

A strong follow up album and their new 70s rock edge really works well. Highly recommended.

Alpine Subs - Alpine Subs

Released: June 2019
Label: Subjangle
Listen on Bandcamp

Alpine Subs are a relatively new band, hailing from Chicago. This is their debut album and it has a 60's Psychedelic feel to it.

Their overall sound is strongly reminiscent of The Zombies, The Turtles and The Kinks with lo-fi production. They also remind me of more recent American indie pop bands, such as Rogue Wave, in places.

The songs are well-written and there are some really catchy melodies here. The standout track is 'Maybe Tonight', which is a great power pop song and enjoyable to listen to on repeat. Other highlights include 'More Than Love' which echoes the old jazz standard, 'Blue Moon'. 'What Else' shows they can capture the whole psychedelic sound really well.  

On the whole, this is a really promising debut. I'd like to see them develop their own unique sound more in future. It will be interesting to see what they do next.