Reviews

RTÉ Entertainment - "Made In Sand"

25 June 2004
Alphastates - Made From Sand
Magi Records - 2004 - 58 minutes
"Complex and accomplished"

'Made From Sand' starts strongly with 'Round Here', 'Addicted' and 'Indian Sky' all early tracks, each one a highlight. Alphastates' ability to incorporate electronic music seamlessly into a mix that will please most ears makes them real contenders.

There is little to trouble the skip button over the first half of the album and, although the hooks are harder to find as the album progresses, the sounds are never less than compelling.

Catherine Dowling is unquestionably the focal point of this group, her breathy vocals giving even the weaker tracks a sense of purpose. Sounding like Beth Gibbons on more than one occasion, comparisons to Portishead are complimentary and justified. The numerous musical influences that inform the music of Alphastates, although wide-ranging, never dilute what is a clearly defined and unique sound.

On the best tunes nothing sounds accidental, the focussed and deliberate way this music is put together being as noteworthy as the songs themselves. An occasional tendency to be overly stylish strangles a good tune, but for the most part all of the post-production flourishes work well.

With a debut of complex and accomplished compositions, Alphastates will continue to add to an audience that takes their music as seriously as they do.

Ray Donoghue

 

RTÉ - Other Voices 3

Alphastates were formed in 2001 by friends Catherine Dowling and Gerry Horan and the band's profile has risen every year since. Dowling and Horan were joined by Karl Odlum for a period of time, who was then followed by Stevie Kavanagh and Mike O'Dowd. The band's third EP, 'Good Stuff', which followed 'Sometimes' and 'Conversations with Robots', was a Hot Press Single of the Fortnight.

Alphastates have shared stages with Sinéad O'Connor, Throwing Muses, The Beta Band and Cat Power and their songs have been used on numerous TV programmes and films. Their track 'Addicted' was remixed by Chris Agnew of Agnelli and Nelson and the new version became a regular track on both national and regional radio.

April 2004 saw the release of Alphastates' debut album 'Made from Sand', described as "complex and accomplished" and "never less than compelling". The band backed up its release with solid touring last year and have begun working on songs for their second album.

 

BBC, Northern Ireland - Across The Line

BelFEST 2004, November 24 2004
RED SIRUS, DUKE SPECIAL, ALPHASTATES, EVE’S MAJESTY
THE LIMELIGHT, BELFAST

Dublin’s Alphastates are up next. We’ve always had a soft spot for Catherine Dowling and Co.’s electro-pop songs. ‘Made From Sand’ is probably one of the most ambitious records to come out of Ireland in a while and here in the Limelight they sound absolutely huge. Although it looks like Alphastates singer Catherine stole one of Huggy Bear’s hats before he went on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, the band seem comfortable onstage-fashion faux pas aside. ‘Good Stuff’ is a salacious nugget of pop wizardry, ‘Addicted’ is a pulsing, sexual song that manages to combine beats and guitars without sounding like Republica (remember them?) and ‘Gypsy’ proves the band doesn’t have to rely on samplers to sound good. All in all, Alphastates managed to turn in one of the best belFEST performances in recent memory.

Edwin McFee

 

BBC, Northern Ireland - Oxegen 2004

Dublin trip-poppers Alphastates have had a year of mixed fortunes, from releasing their self-financed debut album, to having their uninsured gear half-inched after a London showcase. The second Oxegen/Witnness appearance for the lads is one of mixed fortunes too.

There are what seem to be sound problems, which affect Catherine’s usually faultless, breathy delivery on a few numbers. All things considered, it's a solid enough affair, with general goodwill on both sides of the crash barriers. Highlight song is still undoubtedly the stylish bass heavy spit of ‘Addicted’.

Paul McClean

Alphastates, Green Room, Oxegen, Saturday 10.7.2004

 

Hot Press - "Made From Sand"

Alphastates
Made From Sand
(Magi Records)
30 Mar 2004

While nobody was looking, a silent revolution happened in the Irish music scene. Out of the singer-songwriter pact and shoegazing electro posse, a cross-breed sprang up, and among these wonderful mongrels are Cane 141, Random, The Tycho Brahe and Autamata. At the centre of this accident of cross-fertilisation were Alphastates, a prototype of sorts.

Despite their healthy live presence, a rather and unjust fate had befallen Alphastates, whereby success has seemed to be always just around the corner, slightly out of reach. They have been on the edge of the action for quite some time, eliciting neither feverish acclaim nor big advances. All that looks set to change. Buckle up, kids, and get ready to embrace your new favourite band.

The first string to their well-crafted bow is the startlingly unique vocal style of Catherine Dowling. Delivered in a strangely emotional and engaging, yet nonchalant way, Dowling’s vocals are breathy, catching in her throat as she delivers knowing and worldly tales about kissing girls and the like. It’s as sexy as fuck.

Add to that a multi-layered, delicately creative and innovative musical backdrop, and we’re really talking about something special. ‘Addicted’ and ‘Sometimes’ are both prime slices of accessible, lovingly crafted indie pop, and ‘Good Stuff’, as all great songs are wont to do, sticks in the head long after you’ve switched off the stereo.

One small step for Catherine Dowling and her cohorts, then… one giant leap – in the right direction – into a new dawn for the Dublin music scene.

Tanya Sweeney
Rating: 7½ / 10

 

Hot Press - Alphastates

26 Apr 2004

Alphastates are the kind of band you have to admire. Sonically ambitious and not afraid to stretch the possibilities of the form, you imagine them sitting around and thinking deeply about arrangements, mixes and beats even before they pick up an instrument.

Added to that, Catherine Dowling is an engaging front-person with a distinctive and at times otherworldly vocal technique. She is a potential ace in the Alphastates hand.

As this was effectively the live launch of their much-vaunted Made From Sand debut there was a sense of occasion about this well attended gig and the night was heavy on atmosphere.

Onstage, the band are musically tight, and create an impressive tapestry of textures and rhythms, blending dance, rock and pop influences effortlessly, with Dowling clearly in control of things.

While you can’t fault the material or the playing, however, as the night wore on it became clear that they will have to work on their stage craft.

They weren’t helped by the giant movie screen that acted as a backdrop, the arty clips distracting from, rather than enhancing, the action, but overall there was a lack of dynamics about the delivery.

They need to reach out more. With songs like ‘Sometimes’ and ‘Addicted’ in their repertoire, Alphastates clearly have the potential to make a big impression. Here’s hoping they can realise it.

Colm O'Hare

 

Hot Press - "Conversations With Robots"

Alphastates
Conversations With Robots
(Magi Records)
14 Oct 2002

Babelfish’s biggest hook is the dreamy vocals supplied by Catherine Dowling, a woman who can both hit notes while simultaneously sounding like she’s talking to herself. Guitars and noodly keyboards supply the music with some programmed beats dropped in to add to the somnambulistic feel. Addictive.

 

Hot Press - Single Of The Fortnight "Good Stuff EP"

Alphastates
Good Stuff EP
(Magi Records)
02 Dec 2003

The first thing you notice about Alphastates’ Good Stuff EP is the attention to detail. Every sound has been meticulously, lovingly crafted; every twist, turn, modulation and crescendo plotted with extreme precision, and, in places, to startling effect (namely the sultry of ‘Good Stuff’, punctuated by spiky guitars and light, airy vocal harmonies). They do get a little self interested on ‘Top Of The World’, a tune blessed with an incredible vocal line but weakened somewhat by its lack of direction. Soundscapes come to the fore on ‘Freewheelin’’, but the tack changes for the better the second ‘Addicted’ kicks in - a dark electro disco dancefloor pop gem accompanied by the lusty vocals of Catherine Dowling. So the verdict: when allowed to fester in their own musical juices, Alphastates lose sight of the bigger picture. But when they pare it back, they’re none short of brilliant.

Hannah Hamilton

 

Hot Press - "Last Day Of Summer"

Alphastates
Last day of summer
(Magi Records)
11 Aug 2004

Only a team like Alphastates could masterfully create an ‘anthem’ for the Irish summer replacing the spirit of Ibiza with the all too familiar feeling of being stood up by the sun. The yearning vocals of Catherine Dowling convey the sense of lethargic desperation, with the melancholic undertones drawn out beautifully on the two remixes. Pure class.

Danielle Brigham

 

Hot Press - "Sometimes EP"

Alphastates
Sometimes EP
(c&p magi Records)
06 Dec 2001

An unassumingly infectious series of songs, with Catherine Dowling’s voice rising and falling, floating and catching upon the crackly backing beats, her lyrics placing a magical, esoteric spin upon everyday joys and sorrows. Second track ‘Flowers’ is nicely threaded with a nagging Nymanesque keyboard pattern, and ‘Song To M’ offers voice and guitar with a frugal sprinkling of atmospheric effects.

Fiona Reid

 

Hot Press - "Sometimes"

Alphastates
Sometimes
(Magi Records)
31 Mar 2004

Although not quite in the same league as the Ash tune of the same name (or, for that matter, Erasure’s equally magnificent mid-’80s hit), Alphastates’ ‘Sometimes’ is still a supremely elegant electro-acoustic number that convincingly explains their esteemed status in the Dublin independent scene. Also, Catherine Dowling’s lilting vocals strongly recall Sarah Blackwood – of criminally overlooked Britpop trio Dubstar – circa ‘Stars’ (bloody hell, there wasn’t half an astrological theme to that band), which in itself is enough to elicit an enthusiastic thumbs-up from this quarter.

Paul Nolan

 

Hot Press - "Top Of The World"

Alphastates
Top Of The World
(Magi Records)
22 Oct 2004

Made In Sand has been home to a string of fine singles so far, yet ‘Top Of The World’ probably marks the album’s last hurrah. The real interest then comes in the form of the B-sides, an excellent cover of ‘The Model’ and a pretty instrumental. If these are the opening lines of the next chapter for Alphastates it’s not a bad start.

Phil Udell

 

Alternative Ulster "Made From Sand"

Currently presiding over the Dublin Music Scene, light years ahead of their peers, Alphastates are a tricky bunch to pin down. Not quite electronica, not quite alt rock; Alphastates are big on hooks and melody...

... the band decided to record their debut record between a studio in France and a less glamorous studio in Catherine's house. The resulting longplayer, Made From Sand, is perhaps the freshest, most vital Irish release in an age. While contemporaries such as The Thrills are a full-blown retro-outfit, Alphastates have their eyes fixed firmly on the future and that future looks very bright indeed.

from an article by Edwin McFee

 

Irish Independent "Made From Sand"

While Alphastates do pop, it's of the avant-garde, leftfield variety. Anybody utterly bored with the proliferation of singer-songwriters and garage bands will take comfort in the fact that Alphastates sound completely different. Led by Catherine Dowling - whose distinctive vocals call Beth Gibbons and Liz Fraser to mind - the band has been attracting a critical thumbs-up thanks to their meticulously crafted electronica and a strong melodic sensibility.

Recorded in Black Box studios, France and produced by former band member Karl Odlum, "Made From Sand" is one of the more accomplished Irish Debuts in recent years. It's the small details, like a choice drum loop, that make songs such as Addicted, Sometimes and Good Stuff so rewarding. Best of all, though, is Kiss Me, whose swirling melodrama sounds like a great lost Portishead track.

 

entertainment.ie "Made From Sand"

With the release of this excellent debut album, their time has finally come. Disdaining the acoustic introspection of most of their contemporaries, the youthful quartet specialise in a cool, brooding electronica that recalls such other sophisticated female-fronted acts as Dubstar and Saint Etienne. What really lingers in the memory, however, is the voice of singer Catherine Dowling - breathy, vulnerable and disarmingly sexy. Her oblique lyrics mean that you may not know what she's on about half the time, but one listen to those hushed tones should be enough to get every red-blooded male trembling at the knees. Given half a chance, this beguiling album will creep slowly under your skin and start to dominate your thoughts. Why not let it?

 

cluas.com "Made From Sand"

There are changes occurring on the Irish music scene at the moment. Bands of mysterious guise and experimental sounds are suddenly cropping up everywhere. The Tycho Brahe, the Jimmy Cake and the Republic Of Loose are currently leading the charge in modifying an Irish scene that is over-crowded with singer/songwriters. Now the Alphastates have joined in with their mellow mix of indie-pop on their debut LP ‘Made In Sand’.

The band, previously known as Babelfish, has produced an album of utterly delightful tunes. On the opening track ‘Round Here’ there is a harmonious and sexy appeal to Catherine Dowling’s vocals. Her distinctive voice dominates each track with Gerry Horan and Stevie Kavanagh mostly playing backup throughout the albums entirety. In contrast to this, songs like ‘Indian Sky’ and ‘What You Are’ stand out due to Horan’s lead guitar and Kavanagh’s bass. It is an album that is well crafted and soaked with pleasing melodies. Its ability to hook will have you reaching for the repeat button, again and again.

The recent single ‘Sometimes’ has a magical feel to it along with ‘Good Stuff’ and ‘Angel Kiss’, where Dowling’s sultry vocals soar. Every track, bar the forty-seven second ‘Belvidere’, has a charming quality that gives the album a satisfactory feel. The Alphastates have delivered a great debut album in ‘Made In Sand’. The future looks bright not only for them but also for the Irish music scene. Watch out for them making big waves over the summer months of 2004.

Gareth Maher

 

Eclectic Honey "Made From Sand"

Alphastates seem to be the indie band, who missed out on the indie revolution, burying their heads in the sand and their instruments until all the melodramatic posing has been finished with. Now it's safe to venture outdoors and spread their picnic of understated, trippy, delicate pop on the lawn and let everyone dig in.

Round Here's gentle hypnotic swing, the shifting tempo of Top of the World and the humdrum danceability of Addicted are all consumed with the same lo-fi pop sensibilities. Catherine Dowling's breathy voice is at times heavenly beautiful and at others, as casual as if she's chatting over a cup of coffee on a rainy bank holiday, which is all part of the joy really. These songs don't always call for vocals that push their way to the front of the crowd, but rather they embody the afterthoughts that hang around in the back of your mind, such as What You Are's recurring doubts or Good Stuff's critical eye.

The latter would be the standout of the album, if not for the hauntingly stripped Kiss Me, or the thrashing rock of closer Angel Kiss which ensures a strong finish. Made from Sand seems to be much more about creating some funky hooks and melodies that are impossible not to be swallowed up by, rather than wallowing in a bedsit crying over spilt milk, or alcohol as the case may be. And sometimes it certainly seems to be the better option, why think about things too much when you can dance?

 

The Lobby Bar profile - Alphastates

"Sexy as fuck. We're talking about something special. Buckle up kids. Get ready to embrace your new favourite band". Hot Press

"Catherine Dowling has a lovely scratchy voice. They've the potential to be huge". The Irish Times

"Catherine Dowling's voice is a perfect mix of vulnerable and menacing, breaking and sighing. A fine debut." Sunday Tribune

Meticulously crafted Electronica, Made from Sand is one of the most accomplished Irish debuts in recent years. Irish Independent (ALBUM OF THE WEEK)

alphastates biography

Whether you like your melodies served with edgy, manic guitars or on the soft drone of analogue synths, Alphastates will grab your attention with their unique take on pop melodies and leftfield sounds. Critically acclaimed for their stunning mix of ambient electronica, insidiously catchy pop and driven by the hook-laden breathy vocals of Catherine Dowling, Alphastates release their debut album, Made from Sand on Friday April 2nd.

If the songs on the album seem familiar, it's because you've heard them before in the CD collection swirling inside your head. "Made from Sand", is a collection of 12 powerful songs, encompassing diverse song writing and sonic styles and topped with Catherine Dowling's sultry voice lending a subtle humanity to the proceedings. Produced by Karl Odlum and Alphastates, the debut was recorded in Black Box Studios, France and various Dublin bedrooms and features 12 tracks (one hidden).

The track listing is: Round Here, Sometime, Addicted, Indian Sky, Last day of Summer, Top of the World, (belvidere), What You Are, Good Stuff, Kiss me, Hide, Angel Kiss ....(Secret Track - smiles and lies).

The album also features contributions from Graham Hopkins (drums) and Jimmy Behan (additional programming on some tracks)

Catherine Dowling and Gerry Horan formed Alphastates in April 2001.If formed is the word: no ads were placed in music magazines, no long hours auditioning musicians, simply, they were friends who discovered a shared desire to combine leftfield sounds and productions with powerful songs. Their sound caught the ear of Karl Odlum, who joined the team for some time as producer and band member. Today Alphastates are made up of Catherine Dowling (vox, guitars, keys), Gerry Horan (guitars, keys), Stevie Kavanagh (bass) and Mick O'Dowd (drums) Since their humble beginnings, Alphastates have released three ep's - Sometimes, Conversations With Robots and Good Stuff (Hot Press Single of the Fortnight), played Witnness twice, shared stages with Sinéad O'Connor and the Throwing Muses, had their music aired on both TV and Film productions and have built up a strong fanbase. One of the men behind U2's famous Elevation remix, Chris Agnew of Agneli and Nelson fame, completed a remix of Addicted which found itself on high rotation amongst both national and regional radio stations as well as on the current TV series The Big Bow Wow. Certainly one of the most original acts to emerge in recent times, Alphastates played a sell-out nationwide tour in April and May. Their debut album 'Made from Sand' released on 2nd April via RMG, has earned them rave reviews as well as a huge number of new fans from both press and radio alike.

Alphastates play Oxegen (Green Room) on Sunday July 12th.

 

Oxegen.ie 2004

Whether you like your melodies served with edgy, manic guitars or on the soft drone of analogue synths, Alphastates will grab your attention with their unique take on pop melodies and leftfield sounds. Critically acclaimed for their stunning mix of ambient electronica, insidiously catchy pop and driven by the hook-laden breathy vocals of Catherine Dowling, Alphastates released their debut album, "Made from Sand" in April 2004.

f the songs on the album seem familiar, it's because you've heard them before in the CD collection swirling inside your head. ?Made from Sand?, is a collection of 12 evocative songs, encompassing diverse song-writing and sonic styles and topped with Catherine Dowling's sultry voice lending a subtle humanity to the proceedings.

Produced by Karl Odlum and Alphastates, the debut was recorded in Black Box Studios, France and various Dublin bedrooms and features 12 tracks (one hidden). The track listing is: Round Here, Sometimes, Addicted, Indian Sky, Last day of Summer, Top of the World, (Belvidere), What You Are, Good Stuff, Kiss me, Hide, Angel Kiss ....(Secret Track - smiles and lies). The album also features contributions from Graham Hopkins (drums) and Jimmy Behan (additional programming on some tracks).

Catherine Dowling and Gerry Horan formed Alphastates in April 2001 - if formed is the word. No ads were placed in music magazines, no long hours auditioning musicians, simply, they were friends who discovered a shared desire to combine leftfield sounds and productions with songs. Their sound caught the ear of Karl Odlum, who joined the team for some time as producer and band member.

Today Alphastates are made up of Catherine Dowling (vox, guitars, keys), Gerry Horan (guitars, keys), Stevie Kavanagh (bass) and Mick O'Dowd (drums).

Since their humble beginnings, Alphastates have released three EP's Sometimes, Conversations With Robots and Good Stuff (Hot Press Single of the Fortnight), played Witnness twice, shared stages with Sinéad O'Connor and the Throwing Muses, had their music aired on both TV and Film productions and have built up a strong fanbase.

One of the men behind U2's famous Elevation remix, Chris Agnew of Agnelli and Nelson fame, completed a remix of Addicted which found itself on high rotation amongst both national and regional radio stations as well as on the current TV series The Big Bow Wow.

Certainly one of the most original acts to emerge in recent times, their debut album "Made from Sand" is out now.

 

Irish Unsigned - Alphastates

Catherine Dowling, Gerry Horan and Karl Odlum formed Alphastates (then known as Babelfish) in April 2001, having met by chance the three realised they shared a desire to combine leftfield production with good songwriting.

Alphastates released their debut EP 'Sometimes' on their own label Magi Records. The result was very encouraging. It was lauded by Tom Dunne on Today FM, A listed on 2FM, Spin FM as well as making playlists on FM104, 98 FM and a number of other Dublin and nationwide stations.

Their objective now was to perfect their live show. Karl Odlum had by this time become a permanent member of Gemma Hayes’ live band and due to touring commitments, became Alphastates’ producing-collaborator. Stevie Kavanagh was drafted in as bass player, Jimmy Behan, a major favourite on Donal Dineen’s electronic sets began playing keys and went on to co-produce the second track – Serenade - on Conversations with Robots. Tim McGrath, who had worked with the Golden Horde and more recently Paddy Casey, became the new live drummer.

The beginnings of their debut album was recorded in Black Box, France (as frequented by The Frames, Gemma Hayes, and David Kitt) in May 2002.

'Conversations With Robots' was released in November 2002 and again the critics approved. They were nominated for a second time as Witnness Artist of the week on Tom Dunne’s Pet Sounds. They also made playlists on 2FM, Spin and were voted both, best Irish Band and Best Song on Phantom FM, Ireland’s biggest independent music station. Alphastates were also voted in the top ten Irish releases of 2002 in the Irish Times. Sometimes also made ‘Tom Dunne’s Best Singles of 2003’ alongside Coldplay, Doves, & The Streets.

Alphastates were selected for the Phantom Rock Compilation Volume 1, alongside PJ Harvey, Massive Attack, Death in Vegas, Radiohead, Blur and a range of other international acts.

Alphastates hope to release their debut album in 2003.

 

Trinity News - Alphastates

So anyhow, while Stone Ocean et al continue to dredge up that which has already been dredged up (and more effectively) by the Frames, headliners Alphastates fly "light years ahead of their peers", according to recent reviews of debut album "Made From Sand". And from the opening number "Addicted", I'm addicted. Residing somewhere between urbane electronica and buoyant indie-pop, the Alphastates sound is rich with the heavenly noises coming from the telecaster of Gerry Horan, while cemented by the rhythmic backbone of bassist Stevie Kavanagh and drummer Mick O'Dowd. The luminous vocal talent of lead singer Catherine Dowling breathes icily over fluid, cool backing tracks, echoing the funkier moments of the Cocteau Twins.

Dowling oscillates wildly, vocally and physically, dressed from head to toe in blue. Her voice and presence possess the oddball edge that finds Gemma Hayes and Nina Hynes lacking. During Kiss Me , her croaksome jazz-voicings are an icy rasp of oozing sophistication, yet loaded still with all the understated erotic agony we recall in Beth Gibbons. Indeed, a Portishead-like suspense haunts Dowling's hushed intimacies during the set, which is in fitting contrast to Horan's expansive My Bloody Valentine fortissimos. This line-up of Alphastates has only existed for less than a year, yet the entire band's connection - rhythmic, musical and personal - is obvious even in this limited, ill-equipped venue (I highly recommend their next Dublin gig at Crawdaddy on November 25th). Happily brimming with talent and seemingly oblivious to their comparatively mundane surroundings, all four are refreshingly unselfconscious onstage and clearly revel in a gig opportunity. This flexibility allows for a rendition of Kraftwerk's "The Model" to work swimmingly with the Alphastates style, despite the relatively obscure choice.

Perhaps if we put Stellastarr in the fridge for a couple of hours, or gave the Cardigans a soul, we would end up with Alphastates. But then again, to reduce this band's sound to a merely digestible indie-pop stereotype is to cheapen and gravely underestimate one of the most potent undercurrents in the country's alternative music scene. This music is stylishly etherealised without sounding removed, and at no point alienates the listener. I look around and their audience are transfixed. Tonight, the Buttery was plucked from the armpit of stale indie bedwet and propelled skywards toward the lofty creative
peaks of a band who I am convinced are poised to record something truly special.

 

Kilkenny People - Alphastates

If you missed out on Alphastate’s blistering gig in the Annaconda last Saturday night you have my deepest sympathies. Led by Catherine Dowling, an extraordinary vocal talent, the band make the most ethereal-sounding, spirit-melting music this side of the Cocteau Twins.

Promoting their excellent debut album, Made From Sand, the group thundered through all of its choicest cuts including Top of the World, Last Day of Summer, Kiss Me, the single, Sometimes, and the fantastic album opener, Round Here. Dowling swirls from side to side as if calling on invisible entities to massage her as her majestic voice soars over the drum tracks, keys and the discordant guitar theatrics of Gerry Horan who, at times, resembles Radiohead’s Johnny Greenwood - except with a slightly better haircut.

Those who were there to see the band made sure to stand their ground at the end of the bar; though many of those there just for a casual Saturday night drink were drawn towards the magic in front of them and probably converted. A smashing cover of Kraftwerk’s The Model sounded strangely in place amongst the bands own electro flirtations. I’m sure there were those that were sceptical at first, probably expecting yet another twee, cutesy-cutesy girl-led group making offensively summery sounds, but on hearing the dark, layered poetics of Dowling’s lyrics, they were left standing.

Alphastates are a very special thing indeed, buy the album, go see them and, for pity’s sake, don’t let them swan off to obscurity like so many other great bands of the past. In country a where the likes of Dido and The Frames can headline outdoor concerts, this band will manage to reassure you that there’s still urgency, passion, and art left in music.

Pius Meagher

 

Hot Press - Ten, Waterford

That Waterford has a new club that can attract such a fine and knowledgeable audience is good news too, the plush futurism of 10 serving as a particularly appropriate backdrop for the full-on indie rock assault of Alphastates. In Catherine Dowling they have a singer born to live on stage, her WW11 vamp-waitress persona and honeydripping voice pulling them in from the bar from the off.

The seductively bluesy "Kiss Me" revealed her voice at its most expressive before it built into an exciting guitar wig-out. The martial "Sometime" and the funkyish "Angel Kiss" showed a band keen to blow the electricity budget. "Round Here", with its "she likes kissing girls" is vaguely Vega-ish and "Last Day of Summer" is sombrely majestic and brimful of chunky guitars and that voice again.

All told, a night that scored an appropriate ten out of Ten.

 

Sunday Tribune "Good Stuff EP"

Probably one of the most professional sounding up and coming bands in Ireland at the moment, Alphastates (formerly Babelfish) release their limited edition EP Good Stuff as a taster to their upcoming debut album, set for release next February. In Good Stuff, they reveal a slightly harder attitude, with singer Catherine Dowling's wonderful, completely distinctive voice revealing a little more disillusionment. The melodies here are slightly more skewed but there still remains a core of pop that makes these songs insidiously catchy.

 

Belfast Telegraph - Live In Belfast

You know it's gonna be a great gig when the hairs are standing up on the back of your neck and the band hasn't even started playing. This is only the second time that Dublin band Alphastates (formerly Babelfish) has played in Belfast. It's a shame because, for my money, Alphastates is probably one of the most innovative and creative bands in the country. Singer Catherine Dowling has a voice like melted chocolate, perfect for their first single Sometimes, which is beautiful in its simplicity. Then they play Addicted. It's a sleazy and sinister song that fuses drum loops and samples with traditional song- writing values - it sounds absolutely stunning. As the rest of the band gaze at their shoes, the frontwoman looks like a total star, belting out one great song after another. They even throw in a cover of Kraftwerk's The Model for good measure. Catherine tells the crowd that Alphastates' first album is released in February next year. It could be the record of the year.

 

Tom Dunne, Today FM  "Conversations With Robots"

Their debut EP was called ‘Sometimes’ and the title track was a regular feature on Pet Sounds, and one which listeners constantly requested. Their style is part-ambient electronica, part-pop, and all brilliant. By far one of the more promising acts to appear on the Irish scene recently, the new single further shows their expertise at conjuring catchy, leftfield pop. ‘Addicted’ is the first track on their new ‘Conversations With Robots’ EP, and a faster, darker track than ‘Sometimes’. The production once again is superb, using airy samples in the background to complement the nu-electro sound.

 

Hot Press - Alphastates

The succession of young Irish bands opening up proceedings across the board may not be facing such a torrid time as last year, yet they are still battling to keep the attention of the masses. Alphastates’ atmospheric stylings should suffer more than most, but they manage to pull off a small triumph. Catherine Dowling’s vocals still remain their most unique selling point, but they refuse to let themselves become dwarfed by the expanse of the space and even manage a stab at dry-ice-assisted dramatics.

 

The Ticket - Alphastates

Catherine Dowling is the Irish indie diva who enjoys discoursing with Daleks. Their second EP features four fine, diverse tunes that echo everyone from Eddie Brickell to Liz Frazer.

 

Irish Times - Alphastates

The name might change but the songs remain the same. And what gorgeous songs they are. Last year's single, Addicted, highlighted the bands handy knack of knocking out a pop tune infused with a luscious, unselfconscious sense of artiness. If this means that the slow burning, hypnotic, Last Day of Summer sounds like Philip Glass being backed by New Order then so be it.

 

soundwaves.com "Conversations With Robots"

Although it's six tracks short of a damn fine album, babelfish's EP 'Conversations With Robots' (Magi) underlines why this band are so highly thought of. Addicted echoes the best elements of Garbage while the other songs seep into your subconscious with their passive beats and haunting vocals.

 

The College View - Alphastates

Conversations With Robots - the follow-up to the successful “Sometimes – sets itself apart from its predecessor with its moodier edge and stronger electronic vibe to it, while still retaining those sweet melodies.