Published Date:
04 November 2009
Since being included on the NME's Cool List compilation of 2004, Nine Black Alps have suffered varied fortunes.
Their first album, Everything Is, released the following year, was largely written off for having 'ironed out' the very rough edges which had made the band such an exciting prospect, and despite comparisons to American grunge and alternative rock bands Nirvana, Pixies and Dinosaur Jr, the group's second album Love/Hate also failed to win the band the acclaim their early potential seemed to deserve.
At Wedgewood Rooms last night, the Manchester band, Sam Forrest (vocals, guitar), David Jones (guitar, bass), Martin Cohen (bass, guitar) and James Galley (drums, vocals), played to an almost sold-out crowd.
Although almost the definition of preaching to the converted, the gig was a reminder of the urgency and edginess the group can produce, though the proof of their progress will be judged on album Locked Out From The Inside, where fans and newcomers will be able to see if the band's heavily-Nirvana influenced sound is allowed to find its full voice.
On the night, the group pleased fans with its Seattle-esque grunge sound, never leaving its melodic roots for the hard rock it edged towards.
But as has ever been the case, its records may still prove more important than its crowd-pleasing live show.
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Last Updated:
04 November 2009 8:40 AM
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Source:
The News
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Location:
Portsmouth