South London-based duo Alpines - guitarist and producer Bob Matthews and pianist/singer-songwriter Catherine Pockson, which should not be confused with Melbourne sextet Alpine - are probably best known for "Tidal Wave", their collaboration with Sub Focus. As The Guardian's Paul Lester noted back in 2010, the modelsque duo are attempting to bring back 'arty affectation' back (in their sound, image, packaging, etc.) via their self-described genre of 'night pop', which features Pockson's blaring, ethereal vocals and Matthews' synthpop production, which "drifts between eras and genres: it moves at a trip-hop pace, utilising some of the same post- or neo-dubstep production techniques heard on the xx album as well as clanging beats".
"Cocoon", an early single that wasn't included in their first studio album Oasis (2014), is a great introduction to the duo. Pockson's vocals are certainly charismatic and intriguing, hovering over an edgy electronic production. The song's lyrics dwell on the familiar popular music trope of betrayal and romantic disappointment:
'I gave you all you wanted,didn't I love?I gave you all you needed,but was it enough?Wrap me up in this cocoonunravelling the truthAll of this time,I understand why...I want you,more than I think you do,and I used tobe blinded by you'
Lyrics: MusixMatch.com
As The Gizzle Reviewnotes, Alpines' lyrics doesn't always have the depth to back up Pockson's soulful vocals (or Matthews' skillful, clinical production). With effective assonance and the use of some strategic images, however, "Cocoon" delivers just enough lyrical meaning, familiarity and sonic innovation to be arty and radio-friendly.
