June 29th saw the release of Equals, the brand new album by The Alarm. The current line-up consists of Mike Peters, James Stevenson, Smiley, and Jules Peters. It is first mainstream release from the band since the 2010 album Direct Action. It is a stunning collection of songs brought together from the Blood Red / Viral Black recordings previously only available from thealarm.com. Equals is available on all digital streaming services, so having Amazon Music I have that facility to listen to it. The download is available to buy online, and I bought a copy from Google Play as I didn't want to have to wait for the physical copy of the album to arrive. The physical CD and LP formats can bought from record stores and online outlets. I got the limited red vinyl edition from HMV, and then the standard black vinyl edition from the Sound Knowledge record shop in Marlborough. To celebrate the album release Mike Peters is currently doing an eight date record store tour promoting the album, signing copies and playing acoustic sets. This included Marlborough, so it was great to meet up with a few friends there, and make some new ones too.
The album is a brilliant collection of songs, and the re-recorded / remixed versions that appear on Equals carry a real punch and bite. It is Mike Peters songwriting at it's best. If I had to list a favourite track, I would go for 'Tomorrow' - the version on the album takes it to a whole new level, but there's not a bad track on it.
If you have ever been into The Alarm or seen them live, and perhaps have lost touch with their music, check out this stunning release. It's an album that will hopefully get the band back into charts, and more importantly reconnect them with old fans, and reach out to a whole new set of new fans.
I've had an amazing year following the band, travelling to New York in May to see them. My first ever trip to America, and it was an unforgettable experience. Mike kindly signed the photo book I out together of the trip. The Gathering in North Wales in February was a brilliant weekend, and I even got to do the wedding photos of fellow fans Rich and Ceri, who got married there. A big gig in London in May was terrific, so it's been a great time to be into the band.
