5 guys and a girl from Copenhagen, Denmark, turned down touring the USA with Katy Perry to focus on this piece of work. So, press play and prepare to be amazed – Alphabeat have returned with their brand of pure pop magic, in the form of their second album, The Beat Is….

Alphabeat first appeared in the UK music scene in 2008, with runaway hit song, “Fascination“. It peaked at no. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and was even used in a Coca Cola Light TV commercial in the region.

Stine Bramsen and Anders Nielsen are the lead vocalists (If the Danish names confuse you, Stine is the only female, and Anders male). They’re supported by another 2 Anders: Anders Bønløkke on guitar, Anders Reinholdt on bass, Rasmus Nagel on keyboards, and Troels Hansen on drums.

The Beat Is.. is 43 minutes of powerhouse aural magic that pays homage to early 90s dance pop. The band have credited their influences to 90s hit-makers Black Box, Corona, and Ace of Base, among others.

Compared to their debut record, This Is Alphabeat, the band’s taken the sugar-rush and happy down a notch, ditching their cheerful 80s vibe for sleeker outfits and a decidedly more electronic sound.

The record employs a good deal of digital arrangement, with synthesised vocal warbling, intense bass, and electro-instrumentals coming into the mix. Pretty much all the songs are about love, as is the case with most pop records.

Noteworthy tracks “The Spell”, “DJ”, and “The Right Thing” showcase the band’s talent for clear, pop-songwriting. Coupled with key elements like catchy choruses, dynamic beats, and strong vocals, Alphabeat prove to be true masters of their craft.

The album opens fittingly with first single, “The Spell” – a worthy tribute to 90s dance, driven by high energy, Stine’s astounding vocal prowess, and a smashing chorus. Magical stuff.

“The Spell” single deservedly hit the no. 1 spot on the Danish singles chart upon release, and was well received in the UK, and won over even critics who hated their first record. The music video is a sprightly rendition of the single, packaged in electric blue and flashing lights, reminiscent of a musical era past.

The third song, “DJ”, is probably the easiest tune to catch on to. It sounds very much like Daft Punk’s “Digital Love”, and is a tad more relaxed than the other tracks, but retains some energy in its rhythm. Remember the sheer excitement added to that feeling of restfulness when school’s out? This number feels just like that.

Another notable track is “Heat Wave”. The record reaches its peak as this fast-paced tune builds into the chorus, where Stine’s remarkable vocals bring things to a dynamic explosion, and you can’t help but start bobbing fitfully along to the music, if you haven’t already.

Alas, there’re some bumps along the track list. The mellower numbers don’t fare so well.

The song “Q & A” seemed to go on forever, with Stine moaning, “We need some Q, and A, Q and A-hey, Q and A-hey” for the entire chorus. The lyrics were too corny for this one, and since it’s a slow number, such flaws are more noticeable.

“Chess” had background instrumentals that had an annoying bubbling sound effect, and the slow sway of the rhythm made it seem like the kind of song you’d hear at a cheesy beach party. It has the potential to grow on you, but with a title like “Chess” and a vibe so different from the rest, it stuck out like a sore thumb.

Overall, Alphabeat have really polished their act, churning out a record worthy of pop greatness. This album saw male vocalist Anders take a backseat, while Stine’s mighty lungs gave their all, injecting power and spunk to every tune she belted out.

Opinions will swing both ways, and fans will either be thrilled or bummed by the band’s new sound, which has moved into a completely different genre of pop – from the happy, sugary 80s to the danceable tunes of the 90s.

Alphabeat have proven themselves to be one of the better European pop acts to emerge in recent years, and are certainly not letting past Scandinavian pop greats – like fellow Danes Aqua and legendary Swedes Abba – down.

UrbanWire rates The Beat Is… a 4/5.

Title: The Beat Is…
Artist: Alphabeat
Choice Picks: The Spell, DJ, Heat Wave
Language: English
Record Label: Polydor UK
Release Date: Mar 1

Track list:

1. The Beat Is
2. The Spell
3. DJ
4.Hole In My Heart
5. Chess
6. Heart Failure
7. Heat Wave
8. Always Up With You
9. Q & A
10. The Right Thing
11. Til I get Round
12. 365 Degrees