First some insight from wikipedia ‘the Van Allen Radiation Belt is a torus of energetic charged particles (plasma) around Earth, held in place by Earth’s magnetic field’. Ok, glad that’s out of the way so on with the music. Pittsburgh’s The Van Allen Belt are a seriously interesting proposition, a gargantuan 4-piece with the amalgamated sound of the Polyphonic Spree/Go-Team in their sights. Not only do they somehow manage to recreate what was prevalent when studio’s and big name producers actually affected how a hit record sounded but they also come fitted with a conscience unbowed by conventional thinking (see ‘Slanted To The Left’). The result is a refreshing epic and as much as it sometimes sounds retro I can’t escape the feeling that the Van Allen Belt are somehow going to form the crux of the future. For an insiders view on how contemporary America really ticks their debut ‘Meal Ticket To Purgatory’ proves to an essential listen.
The Van Allen Belt – Baby Boomer Backstroke
The Van Allen Belt – Alaska Dreamin’
And if that wasn’t enough, take a listen to this bonkers express of a tune from the Van Allen Belt offshoot known as Nonstop Everything (Ben Ferris). Now where have you heard that tune before, well you may be hearing it at the coolest wedding ever very soon. Introducing the jiviest bunny ever. KD
Nonstop Everything – Electric Rolling Abba
More Info: More Free Downloads & Myspace
Buy Songs: The Van Allen Belt
Year: 2008
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