Following on from their acclaimed debut EP Zurich, triple j sweethearts Alpine finally have a LP to call their own: A is for Alpine. And boy is it a treat...

The eleven track album showcases the Melbourne based six piece’s whimsical and dreamy sound, with the remarkable dual vocals of front women Phoebe and Lou providing a depth and robustness that may have been missing if singular. Their captivating vocals, combined with enchanting melodies, create an iridescent, charming release which is sure to capture the hearts of indie pop fans all over Australia - and hopefully even the world.

Stand out tracks of the release include ‘Hands’ and ‘Villages’ which showcase a more melancholy sound. Although to be fair, it is an oddly uplifting melancholy that makes the listener both despondent and yet, strangely light-hearted, with lyrics including ‘never thought that love could hurt so much’ delivered in such a airy and fanciful way.

From the trials of a broken heart... to, well, the trials of a breaking heart, the album finishes with the delightful ‘Too Safe’. Telling the tale of a relationship that is falling apart from being too safe, the track catches the listener from the opening riffs, with simple vocals and melodic arrangements which drive home the lyrics in a simple and laid-back fashion.

Overall, A is for Alpine is a catchy and charming dose of indie pop, wonderfully suited to sunny, wintry picnic, Sunday drive, getting ready to hit the town, or live at any local music venue. While this album is delivered fantastically in its recorded format, my previous experiences of Alpine live have been less than memorable... however, given that show was sometime ago and the band has no doubt matured in that time, I’m optimistic things will have improved. Actually, desperately hoping things have improved, for this is a magnificent release that deserves an equally magnificent live show...

Review Score: 8.2 out of 10.