Alpha Maid has been diligently shaping her unique DIY sound since 2019, when she launched her inaugural EP under Curl Recordings, a collective founded by Mica Levi, Coby Sey, and Brother May. Now, after six years and seven releases—including multiple collaborations with Levi—her music continues to embody the experimental spirit of London’s vibrant scene. This is marked by gritty production techniques, dub influences, and subtle undertones that evoke a sense of emotional distance.Her most recent album adeptly combines these raw elements with songwriting that is both powerful and captivating.
Details about the creation process of Is This a Queue remain sparse; though, it is indeed known to have been developed over several years across various locations. The album features an eclectic array of rough-edged tracks that not only highlight past collaborators but also reflect on the individuals and experiences she has encountered throughout her artistic journey.
The opening track “6-9” establishes an intriguing ambiance with its unsteady drum loop layered beneath unconventional bell sounds,abrasive screeches,and fragmented vocal snippets. Such wandering instrumentals dominate the album’s concise runtime of just over thirty minutes; other standout pieces include dense soundscapes like “GOAT Rosetta,” rhythmic explorations such as “Why We Need to Move,” featuring percussionist Valentina Magaletti, along with raw guitar improvisations exemplified in “Strut in Straddle.”
Amidst these experimental tracks are several catchy songs that shine due to their memorable hooks rather than mere improvisation alone. For example, “2 numbers” enthralls listeners with its sharp post-punk guitar riffs complemented by Manchester artist Leo hermitt’s playful vocal style; conversely, “On Smoke” conveys feelings of heartbreak through Alpha Maid’s Auto-Tune-enhanced vocals. While labeling these tracks as lo-fi might suggest simplicity or cuteness; they are anything but—this album reveals complexity intertwined with steely determination while casually weaving in references from artists like Giggs amidst jangly melodies.
Noteworthy Releases This Month
This month brings attention to OKO DJ, who masterfully fuses live industrial recordings with acid house elements alongside trap music within club environments. Although more suited for intimate listening settings than dance floors, her debut album As Above, So Below (Stroom) showcases hazy guitar jams enriched by swirling effects paired with syncopated percussion complemented by haunting spoken-word vocals that create an eerie late-night atmosphere.
After briefly exploring pop territory last year with Sentiment, Claire Rousay returns to her avant-garde roots on , presenting collage-like compositions recorded during twilight hours (Thrill Jockey). The sounds fluctuate between drones to glitches interspersed among found audio snippets along warped vocal recordings.
The latest release from Invisible Inc‘s decade-long anniversary series is Resonance—a compilation celebrating diverse artists who embody the psychedelic essence inherent in Glasgow’s label output—featuring everything from house rock to dub-infused musique concrète sounds.