Sometimes I do not know where I came a cross certain music, or certain artists, they walk into my path and sometimes, they will stick with me for a long time, as is the case with Alberta Cross. This album Broken Side Of Time by Alberta Cross, came out in 2009 so it has been with me for long time. It is his debut album and I still love it very much. I also want to share this with you because I don't think all of you will be familiar with this artist, so if this the case I want to introduce you to something new.
Alberta Cross developed in the UK, when Petter Ericson Stakee the singer and guitarist met the bass player Terry Wolfers. From this meeting the band was founded, however Terry Wolfers has long since left the band (2013) he was part of development of this album though. This also leave Petter Ericson Stakee to be the only permenant member of the band. The band name was kept even with the changes that have occurred. It is still a mystery why the band is called Alberta Cross, a riddle only Petter could reveal.
Alberta Cross always makes me think of Canada, I have lived in Canada for a year and a half and it is also been the place where I listened the most to this album. The band name probably has nothing to do with Canada or the province, but the album demands room and has left a deep impact on me personally. I would love to see this played live on the empty endless fields Canada has many of, in the middle of nowhere, it would be awesome.
I am not one of putting labels on things, it is the most difficult thing I put in my reviews as I generally just do not tend to put labels on my musical tastes. Also most of the bands I listen to cross over int to multiple genres anyways. I would consider Alberta Cross to be rock in the broadest sense of the genre. It has influences of blues, folk, country but also electro rock. It is heavily reliant on guitars, which I love. This specific album is rather dark, full of aggression, desire and a feeling of home sickness. It also has some of my favorite Alberta Cross songs on there.
The album starts right a way with a wall of sound, with the intro of Song Three Blues, to be slowed down, so we can enjoy the beautiful high pitched sound of Petter's voice. This song has many layers and it pulls you right into their depths. The title would let you believe that this would be a blues song, but with the heavy base, the overall noicy guitar riffs, it is definitely no blues, but it is dark and gritty.
The song is followed by one of my absolute favorite ones of min Atx. Atx was also the first ever song I heard by Alberta cross, that may be why it has a special place in my heart. The guitars, are amazing in this song, so fantastic. And again I just fall into the deep, this is the major strenght of this album, it finds way to pull you right in. Take control does show a hint of happiness in the chorus.
Old Man Chicago feels like a long lasting friendship, it is one of the more quiet songs of this album, and what I like about it that Petter's voice is not so high, but rather more at the low side, which is a lovely change from the sometimes a bit strained high notes.
Remember the wall of sound of the first song of this album, well it is back in the title track of this album, but then double that this song will definitely is a hardhitter. It is perfection in my ears, the bombastic guitars, the wall of sound that consists of so many layers, the nice interval from heavy to light, and that bound together with acoustic guitars and beautiful vocals.
The album ends with Ghost Of The City Life, a beautiful ballad, on ode to city life. The album is still one of the best albums I have come across and also my favorite album to date of Alberta Cross. It is unique and I hope more people will come to love it.
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