Alice Hubble is the project of London-based Alice Hubley (formerly Mass Datura, Cosines and Arthur and Martha), composer and vintage synthesizer enthusiast.
The debut album ‘Polarlichter’, released in September, with unanimous praise, layered with analogue synthesisers and mellotron, is majestic, and sweeping, offering introspective soundscape of pastoral solace, far removed the urban sprawl in which it was conceived.
Following the delicious debut ‘Goddess’, the second single, ‘Kick The Habit’, offers her distinct take on the 70’s glam rock sound. Part Goldfrapp, part Suzi Quatro, ‘Kick The Habit’ was written after Alice finished a tour supporting Canadian band Black Mountain.
“Black Mountain’ are masters of the ‘big riff’. After listening to them night on night, I was inspired to attempt my own ‘big riff’ song drawing further inspiration from bands like Goldfrapp and Ladytron and 70’s glam rock and prog to shape the final song.” says Alice
‘Kick The Habit’ aptly displays Alice’s unabating approach at molding creative and refined synth-laden pop with a leftfield twist, this time through an intoxicating array of bouncing synthetic rhythms and shimmering glam-infused synth, churning out a lush and energetic up-tempo stomp through hypnotic pounding drumbeats and sharp staccato riffs that swirl and shimmer above euphoric, unbound vocals flowing in self-healed determination as she delves into the unknown with eyes wide shut.
Check out the quirky video for the song made by Phil MFU (Vanishing Twin / Man From Uranus).
The lyrics were inspired by ‘Black Narcissus’, the 1940’s psychological drama about the emotional tensions of jealousy and lust within a convent of nuns living in the Himalayas.
“With the lyrics I wanted to portray aspects of the journey central character Sister Ruth goes through in rejecting the sisterhood and embracing her sexuality”
Also on the new single, are three remixes. Glasgow-based, Canadian synth-pop wizard Soft Riot injects an atmospheric darkwave slant, like The Cure fronting a synth-band band. Happy Robots label-mate Rodney Cromwell reimagines the track for the football terrace – with additional vocals from his kids, think Add N To X, Fat Les and ‘Another Brick in the Wall’. The final mix by Spaceship takes the track on another darker excursion – akin to 90’s Numan with 303 synths injecting a touch of acid house.
Following recent live shows with supports for Damo Suzuki, Darren Hayman, Advance Base and Pram. Alice is currently still on tour with dates including a debut London headline show for Parallel Lines at Servant Jazz Quarters, and an already announced slot with Damo Suzuki in London, at The Lexington on 16th, February 2020.
– 5 November, Servant Jazz Quarters, London
– 8 November, Tennis Bar, Berlin
– 9 November, Keller Nr. 3, Dresden
Alice Hubble‘s second single ‘Kick The Habit’, co-produced with Mikey Collins (whose clients include Metronomy, Stealing Sheep, Girl Ray) and who contributed drums to the track, is going to be released digitally on 1 November 2019 via Happy Robots Records.
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Photo by Poppy Cockburn
