Sonically textured and tonally violent ‘Dig Early’ is the latest single by the sadistic shoegaze five-piece, The Altered Hours.
The Altered Hours are based in Ireland where they independently recorded and released their debut EP, Downstream (2012). Before being spotted by the neo psychedelic guru Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and invited to record their last EP Sweet Jelly Roll in Berlin. Anton Newcombe released the EP on his record label, A Recordings Ltd. Sweet Jelly Roll showed potential, from the psychedelic drone folk of ‘Smoke Your Eyes’ a cross between Spaceman 3 and Love, through to the dream pop aesthetics of My Bloody Valentine on ‘Sweet Jelly Roll’.
‘Dig Early’ (released on Cork based label Art For The Blind) moves on from their last EP at the frantic pace of fuzz-laden The Black Angels. Building into a dark and twisted soundscape of The Jesus And Mary Chain, through its chainsaw guitars, threatening chimes and hypnotic rhythms. The song is based around a claustrophobic and minimal vocal line, “sometimes I feel like I could dig an early grave, sometimes I wish that I could lay down and feel safe”. Delivered with urgency and dark humour, wrapped within brooding yet lush harmonies, capturing the late 60’s acid trips of the Grateful Dead.
‘Dig Early’ shows the incessant growth of The Altered Hours, continuing to make music that paints visceral swirling imagery and menacing black and white landscapes. ‘Dig Early’ is their most exciting, nihilistic and relevant release to date. Hopefully this is a mere glance into The Altered Hours.
[Rating:3.5]
