The busy touring schedule, however, eventually led to bassist Sainsbury’s departure from the band (the tour spanned locations from Australia and Singapore, to Europe and America). Singles from the album include “Matilda” (named after Natalie Portman’s character in director Luc Besson’s 1994 film, “Léon”) and “Fitzpleasure.” In 2013 Alt-J went on a huge world our to flaunt their debut and cater to their newfound fan base. They won the revered Mercury Prize in 2012 and were nominated for three BRIT Awards in the same year.Ģ012 was the year that their debut album, “An Awesome Wave” was released, gaining them the award nominations and wins.

The band’s distinctive sound has seen the members’ efforts compared to Wild Beasts, Hot Chip and even Coldplay. The original four members met at university in the northern UK city, Leeds and spent two years refining their sound and rehearsing before signing the deal.Īlt-J is comprised of vocalist and guitarist Joe Newman, guitarist and bassist Gwil Sainsbury (who later left the band), keyboardist and vocalist Gus Unger-Hamilton and drummer Thom Green. The folk-infused, layered alternative electronica saw Alt-J carve out a name for themselves in the mainstream music scene after signing a record deal with Infectious Records in 2011.

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