The Alarm [Release date 26.02.21]
The Alarm are back with a new album, written and recorded in isolation, which physically arrived with fans six weeks from its inception thanks to a special limited edition blank CD-R they can burn themselves. The music was sent electronically on February 25th (Mike Peters’ Birthday), a day earlier than the official release. The Alarm, like the Levellers and Marillion, have created their own ‘fan world’ where they can pull off innovations like this and keep the loyal fans happy. In a nod to the band’s past the album’s title is of course raw spelt backwards, the title of the band’s 1991 album and the last one to feature the band’s original line-up.
Joining Mike Peters are his wife Jules Jones Peters (keys), James Stevenson (guitar), Craig Adams (bass) and Steve “Smiley” Barnard (drums).
‘Protect & Survive’ certainly sets the album’s stall out – ‘280 ways to start a war’, ‘280 ways to infect us all’ – a reference to that popular social cesspit of opinions that is Twitter. The album’s subjects as you’d expect cover the pandemic, politics and above all hope, something that has always run strong through the songwriting of Mike Peters. Indeed, ‘We Got This’ has a positive message despite the current global pandemic. Nice bit of 80’s approved synth on this one too!
‘Warriors’ goes EDM midway through, although the typical Alarm rabble rousing guitar and rhythm drive the song along nicely.Jim Stevenson certainly makes his mark on this one and the rest of the album has plenty of guitar grit.
‘Still Unsafe’ (another nod to the band’s past and the classic ‘Unsafe Building’) is the weakest song on the album, although a slower song it just lacks the passion and sonic assault of the rest of the album.
There is a cover, namely Massive Attack’s ‘Safe From Harm’, which features Skindred’s Benji Webbe trading vocals with Mike Peters. Check out the video for this one to see the passion and fun both singers have on this one.
If Mike Peters and the Alarm form a political party they’d certainly get my vote. Music for the here and now, with lyrics and emotions we can all relate to. Perfect. ****1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie
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