Pop-rock trio Aliensdontringdoorbells have landed with a 2020 release for their debut album ‘Arrival’. Aliensdontringdoorbells are Dorian Foyil (Guitar, Sax and Lead Vocals), Adam King (Lead and Backing Vocals) and Christian Pearl (Keyboards and Backing Vocals). The band’s unique name was as a result of a conversation which took place between Foyil’s (then) six year-old son and an old man on a New York Subway platform. The man then turned to the boy and said “It’s because aliens don’t ring doorbells” and the name was born.
Opener ‘Slipping Away’ has a melodic electric guitar from Foyil which sounds very summery as Adam King croons “How do you keep your girl from slipping away?” – an upbeat catchy opener from this exciting outfit.
Pearl’s cosmic keyboard on ‘It’s Your Night’ is fluid and complements the radio-friendly chorus and the percussive ‘Daylight’ has a groovy rhythm with Kevin Dean on drums and Earl Forbes on bass, both from the Bahamas.
‘Important’ is a vocal highlight as King cries “My heart’s breaking and I wanna die” and the organ- sounding keyboard solo rings out. ‘The Heart Is In Her Eyes’ sounds like a number from a musical with its saloon bar piano.
‘Consummation’ shrewdly combines the two phrases to be consumed and to consume and reflects on the feelings of anxiety which can overwhelm us. The band just rock out on this number just enough so that the lyrics pop without the music coming across angry.
The late-night blues sound in ‘Daddy Blues’ has a real chug and features a skilled female rap solo which is a welcome surprise which gives the track some dynamic. The electric guitar tone sounds very American, but then again, when your guitarist grew up in that country surrounded by music and culture, it is going to come through on the record!
Fans of Chic featuring Nile Rodgers might dig the funky ‘Blind To See’ with the easy on the ear Robbie Williams-esque vocal style.
Overall, ‘Arrival’ is an album which has all of the key components; talented musicians, interesting lyrics, a textured lead vocal, high production values and most importantly heart. Aliensdontringdoorbells have clearly spent time in perfecting every aspect of this release and it really shows in the final product. An interstellar album has arrived.