latvian Indie Band Alejas Drops New Album, Announces Major Concert
Latvian musical collective alejas, known for its unique blend of pop, electronic, hip-hop, and experimental sounds, has released its highly anticipated third studio album, “Goodbye, Ice Age!” The album, described by the band as “stubborn, contradictory and full of fast rhythms,” follows the group’s successful climb from underground beginnings to near-cult status. Their previous achievements include opening for Finkis last November and making the Top 5 in the 2024 Zelta Mikrofona awards with their hit song, “Udensvīrs.”
The band members themselves offer a whimsical description of their new work: “This album is ‘useful for dancing alone,in pairs and in groups in the semi-darkness of the ‘disene’,in the middle of a flower,on top of a glacier,joyfully saying goodbye to what is leaving,and anxiously excited about what is to come.'”
Alejas, a trio comprised of Kirils Ćis, Spāre Vītola, and Reinis Žodžiks, brings a multidisciplinary approach to their music. Each member is actively involved in other artistic endeavors, including theater, contemporary art, and poetry. This diverse background is evident in the band’s visually striking music videos and overall aesthetic.
It should be reminded that “Alejas” is a three-person ensemble that stylistically balances between pop music, electronics, hip-hop and experimental music. The group is made up of Kirils Ćis,Spāre Vītola and Reinis Žodžiks,who all work in other arts at the same time,and this can be seen both in the group’s focused approach to the video genre and visuality,and in other projects in which the trio works – in theater,contemporary art and poetry.
“Goodbye, Ice Age!” features a dozen tracks, including two versions of “Sirds DJ,” and is mastered by Andis ansons. While the album showcases a diverse range of musical styles, the band’s signature blend of familiar and unfamiliar sounds creates a listening experience that’s both intriguing and varied. While some tracks might not resonate with every listener, the overall album offers a compelling and unique sonic journey. Standout tracks include the synth-wave infused “Sirds DJ II” and the catchy “Lava,” while fans of more experimental sounds might gravitate towards tracks like “KTIPM?”, “I see you,” and “Rūpnīcas.”
The album’s cover art is a striking still life embroidery by artist Ines Groševa, featuring Latvian wildflowers. The artwork was then digitally reproduced by Austrian graphic designer Marlena Kagere, who also designed the physical CD version, available for purchase on the band’s Bandcamp page.
Alejas is celebrating the release of “Goodbye, Ice Age!” with a major concert on January 30, 2025, at the Angārs concert hall in Tallinn. This event marks a important milestone for the band.
“With this concert,’Alejas’ closes a powerful act and at the same time starts a new and even more powerful one,” says kirils Ćis,the group’s soloist and lyricist. “Six years ago, when we had just finished our debut album ‘Stāsti par dabu’, our first concert took place in these premises.At that time, we still had no idea what kind of plan, where we wanted to go with this, who would listen to us at all, one thing was clear – making music with friends fills life with a sense of meaning and simply – it’s cool,” admits kirill. “Now, after countless concerts, after participating in various theater, cinema, interdisciplinary projects and after two full-length albums, it can be seen that we are used to sharing this sense of meaning, so on January 30 we will meet, celebrate and share the best that we have.”
This concert promises to be a memorable event for both the band and their dedicated fans, marking the culmination of years of creative work and the beginning of a new chapter for Alejas.