Concert review: Careful constructions: Alt-J’s concert in Manila

When it was announced that Alt-J, the British band currently on a worldwide tour, would be making a stop in Manila, a friend of mine was shocked. At least that was what your correspondent made of a comment on a post on Facebook about the event. She apparently missed them when they were scheduled to play at a music event in the US, where she was staying for a bit. So it was that she joined me for a night of music, which she promised would be a treat.

The band is known for songs that build upon complex harmonies, often cryptic lyrics, and rhythms that at times evoke genres such as reggae and Japanese traditional music.





In fact, their penchant for songs that are carefully constructed has spawned complimentary jabs from other musicians, as with this satirical video a journalist-friend who was there that night told me about.

Having heard them play on a Canadian radio podcast a long time ago, I had an inkling of how they sounded live. But it was more interesting to see and hear for myself how they brought these tunes to life that night, matched with what has become a signature of their live shows—often complex stage lighting. What I found most fascinating was that, even with the relatively steady groove their music evokes, the band’s energy was quite palpable. This was more so with their drummer, Thom Green. It was amazing how he was able to bring their beats to life with a mix of electronic drums and percussion instruments alongside what appeared to be a standard drum kit. As always, the crowd responded to enthusiasm, especially when their favorite numbers came on.

Apart from past experience, I admit that I was very curious about why, over the years, Alt-J continue to keep a decent following, even around these parts. If you ask me why I found them interesting, they reminded me quite a bit of what I like about some ensembles from both here and elsewhere. They have a skill for the memorable tune and the hook that gets one into it. Their music invites one into their imaginative worlds with ease. It was perhaps this memorable romp through their imaginations that led my friend to tell me on the way back, “I didn’t notice the time. Their set began, and then it was over.”

Perhaps I will revisit their music in the near future. It’s not every day that I get to hear such experienced talent live, and it was definitely a treat to do so. I will end, though, by mentioning one of their encore songs. They covered one of my favorite tunes from the Seventies, Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day.” Honestly, I felt this homage to one of the better pop singers of an earlier era was a great way to end a memorable night. — BM, GMA News