Although their name is more evocative of an icy Germanic act and they share a name with a motorcycle gear company, Alpinestars are actually a quite wonderful electronic pop duo from Manchester. Their sophomore album, White Noise, finds the twosome in rarefied air. Featuring sonic textures similar to The Orb, Orbital or early Future Sound Of London, the ‘Stars add different pop elements, such as vocals, live drums and occasional guitar bits to produce a one-of-a-kind sound. White Noise is a truly varied effort, ranging from the robotic arctic chill of “Snow Patrol” (as featured on Player .032) to the “Summer of Love” psychedelic pop wonder of “Hotel Parallel” and the stellar Brian Molko of Placebo-sung “Carbon Kid,” as seen on Player DVD .038. They even manage a touch of a homage to hometown boys New Order with the bass-tastic pop that is “Burning Up.” Seamlessly blending electro, dance and good old fashioned pop music in one highly heterogeneous album is no mean feat, but one the Alpinestars have pulled off with flying colors.
JEREMY P. GOLDSTEIN

Alpinestars
Astralwerks

1. Live – Stills/Stratford 4/On The Speakers Glow At Noise Pop Show
2. States Newest Noise Makers
3. Lineup Set for Noise Pop Festival
4. International Noise Drop New MP3, Ready Sophomore Record
5. Carbon Kid