Artist Spotlight:
Alkatine
Article by: Julien Renvoisé
After 50 years of growth and development since The Who first hit the stage, the power trio with added vocalist has become one of Rock n’ roll’s classic formations. Although it has come in many shapes and colors from Led Zeppelin to Tool, the iconic four-piece always seems to follow some guidelines: a solid rhythm section that is held together by a powerful drummer and tight bassist is complemented by energetic riffs and powerhouse vocals.
In this context one can imagine that it would be hard to be innovative. Yet Calgary-based band and LME top performers Alkatine have managed to create their own brand of rock n’ roll which follows the canons of the genre while bringing their own energy and sound into the equation.
In this context one can imagine that it would be hard to be innovative. Yet Calgary-based band and LME top performers Alkatine have managed to create their own brand of rock n’ roll which follows the canons of the genre while bringing their own energy and sound into the equation.
Formed in late 2009, and rocking Alberta with their current line-up since 2012, Alkatine allow themselves to write heavy music that is not afraid to draw its influences on artists well out of the scope of what one would consider heavy rock. When talking to them, Alkatine mentioned that they loved James Brown and Kendrick Lamar as much as they looked up to Pantera or Thin Lizzy, and it shows!
Beyond the great control they have over their compositions and performance, the way these influences transpire in their music is what makes Alkatine’s sound special, and also what convinced the industry reps at the showcase of their strong potential. Whether it be the funk influences on their infectious grooves, the powerful soul and technicality of lead singer Brady Riplinger’s vocals or the use of African percussions in one of their break downs, Alkatine manage to create a brand of heavy music that stands at the crossroads of Soul and Hard rock, and they do it damn well!
Alkatine are currently in the process of utilizing the grants they were awarded following the LME show by hitting the studio in the upcoming months. They also are planning to keep touring across Alberta and the West Coast to promote their current material! In the meanwhile, here is a link to their eponymous 2014 album to prove to you that Marshall stacks still have some bright days ahead!
Beyond the great control they have over their compositions and performance, the way these influences transpire in their music is what makes Alkatine’s sound special, and also what convinced the industry reps at the showcase of their strong potential. Whether it be the funk influences on their infectious grooves, the powerful soul and technicality of lead singer Brady Riplinger’s vocals or the use of African percussions in one of their break downs, Alkatine manage to create a brand of heavy music that stands at the crossroads of Soul and Hard rock, and they do it damn well!
Alkatine are currently in the process of utilizing the grants they were awarded following the LME show by hitting the studio in the upcoming months. They also are planning to keep touring across Alberta and the West Coast to promote their current material! In the meanwhile, here is a link to their eponymous 2014 album to prove to you that Marshall stacks still have some bright days ahead!
Check out their music at: