Alif tree’s previous release “French Cuisine” was one of the underground highlights of 2006. So it is with great pleasure to listen to his latest release “Clockwork”. While the compositions on “French Cuisine” displayed a jazz vibe throughout, “Clockwork” expands on that sound by adding more electronic, folk and blues flavored tunes that feel more personal. The opening track “Aurevoir” embodies some of the jazz elements of the previous release. The dark tone and haunting piano riffs create an eerily peaceful atmosphere that is very engaging. “Never be the same” is a mid-tempo acoustic treat with vocals. “Que Tu” is a somber yet engaging trip-hop flavored track laced with strings that creates a cinematic twist. The album closes with the exceptional “Dead Flowers”, a melodic ethereal track that is similar to the opening track. Alif Tree succeeds in producing an excellent follow up that will do more than satisfy his fans. This is a record that should be enjoyed as a whole and not the sum of its parts. I trust that you will not be disappointed.
