Just two weeks on from their beautiful return with “Growing Up Pains (Unni’s Song)”, Alaskalaska are back with the news that they’ll be releasing a new album called Still Life on October 14 through Marathon Artists. They’ve also shared the title track, with Lucinda Duarte-Holman saying:
“Still Life asks, is what is supposed to connect us on a worldwide scale being used more for vanity/ego, distraction or even surveillance/control? ‘Look at it breed, modern greed…’. It’s a bit of a cautionary tale, much like 1984…if you get my drift. Still though, there are glimmers of hope – ‘I’ve got the seed in my pocket….’ as in I’ve got seeds to sow, seeds to grow. Small gestures can make big changes.”
An about-face from the loving “Growing Up Pains”, “Still Life” shows a new side of Alaskalaska with darker, more demanding tones. It’s practically a techno song in the way the synth bass tunnels its way irrepressibly through the track, and it helps hammer home the numb horror of Duarte-Holman’s words; “I’m looking at the screen / I’m staring at it / I wanna be seen.” The song builds hypnotic momentum, Alaskalaska musically and lyrically pulling us into their mildly dystopic world view. They’re not condemning but merely observing the way all of our behaviours have changed and we’re now marching to a different beat – one that’s way outside of our control. It gives us plenty to think about – but also ensures we’ll be dancing while we do.
Watch the video for “Still Life” below or find the song on streamers.
Alaskalaska’s new album Still Life will be out on October 14 through Marathon Artists (pre-order/save). You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
