Like a sonic Swiss army knife, Zurich-based band Alois comes packed with an endless array of genre-defying tools. Across a nearly decade-long career, they have released 3 albums and have toured extensively in Switzerland and Germany, building a reputation as a captivating live act.
With a fourth album on the horizon, the band entered a new era with the introduction of vocalist Aurelia Giachino. Their new single “9 Hours” (which the band describes as “a slow-burning road trip shuffle”) is a perfect showcase for the band’s next chapter, blending their signature cosmic groove with lush new vocal melodies.
“9 Hours” starts with cinematic drones, filters, and strange squeals. When the beat kicks in (along with those quietly chugging guitars), it has a slow groove that stalks you like a panther on a midnight prowl. Bandleader Martin Schenker really knows how to set the mood!
Everything sounds warm and smokey as David Hanni’s bassline throbs and pulses. Aurelia’s vocal has a lazy delivery (in the best way!), and she moulds the words around the melody like a sculptor’s warm clay.
You’re worn out, I feel quite alive
And no doubt, I’ve been standing right behind
I got time and space to tell you why, you should play your part
I won’t shut my mouth until you know my game by heart
Get ready for the wonderfully uplifting, jazzy progression. Don’t worry, you can’t miss it – the way it appears out of nowhere creates such a wonderful energy. Imagine a classic 70’s TV theme mixed with a psychedelic jazz band from the future, and you’ll get the idea.
“9 Hours” is a beautifully fluid blend of electronic and organic – I enjoyed imagining the vintage mixing desk, the cushion in the kick drum, and old, worn guitars sitting next to the synths and the drum machines.
Effortlessly cool and funky, this will transport you to a hazy underground disco full of retro swagger, and will have your head bobbing as you smile at its sheer infectious trippiness.
Written by Grubby
