It’s been three years since the release of Alberta Cross’ debut Broken Side Of Time and the journey to their second album hasn’t been without its hiccups.
The recording process spanned a couple of cities, numerous producers and even some re-writes. Considering its turbulent journey, it wouldn’t be surprising to reveal another story of the ‘difficult second album’. Thankfully this isn’t the case.
Songs Of Patience certainly nods to their early influences and sound, but most importantly it builds on them.
Petter Ericson Stakke and Terry Wolfers have seamlessly intertwined influences ranging from American country rock and blues into modern British rock sounds, ultimately creating a hybrid that is all their own.
Opener ‘Magnolia’ is certainly one of the brighter moments musically, with steady acoustic guitars and Stakke’s vocals taking on a slightly more effeminate quality. The choral singing at the back end of the chorus also adds to the friendly vibe of the music that is juxtaposed against the lyrics about too many late nights and the feelings that come with them.
There are moments when the band’s direction into more commercial rock becomes a little too much. ‘Wasteland’ seems more like filler than anything else – it simply doesn’t sit right against the rest of the record, with a chorus melody evoking regrettable boy-band like clichés and images.
‘Lay Down’ however, captures all the best parts of the record as Stakke’s voice clearly plays an integral part of Alberta Cross’ sound, highlighting both ends of his range. The chorus crashes in with crunching guitars and brooding group vocals.
Dynamically the song ebbs and flows before the guitars build towards an epic finish with Stakke’s soaring vocals underpinned by the pounding rhythm section, demonstrating that when Alberta Cross get it right – they get it very right indeed.
– Gabe Andrews
