By
Rob Jones
In 2007 alt-J were formed in Leeds and after a productive apprenticeship the guy’s debut album An Awesome Wave won the 2012 Mercury Prize. A second album, This Is All Yours built upon the initial success and this record became an instant UK number one in 2014 as well as going Top 5 on the US Billboard chart.
The band has also picked up other accolades on either side of the Atlantic and their success has brought them a long way from their university experimentation. There has been one line up change since their inception but the act has remained as a quartet. Their industry has also led to a number of alt-J tunes being used in television and film soundtracks-and their 2015 UK tour takes in some large venues and the undercard also features some interesting prospects.
The Horrors fourth album, Luminous is arguably their most accomplished since their 2005 arrival. However, each one of their releases displays development and diligence. From their Goth beginnings The Horrors have since mixed an 80’s electro template with a post punk mantra. This quintet then gel their sonic stances from across the decades to offer the influence of the past and volley it in to the present.
Ghostpoet is a UK-based musician/MC whose debut EP arrived in 2010 and a year later his first album Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam surfaced to critical acclaim. A willingness to tour increased interest in a man championed for both his beats and lyrics. Some Say I So I Say Light, gained an increased level of commercial kudos in 2013 and the current opus Shedding Skin has gone on to score the most reward. However, two Mercury Prize nominations pay honour to the endeavour of this up and coming performer.
Alt-J, The Horrors and Ghostpoet offer aural attractions aplenty at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena on Thursday, December 3, 7.30pm. For ticket details go to: www.ticketmaster.co.uk or seetickets.com
