Alix

Alix is the Italian psychedelic groove rock band formed in Bologna in 1995 by lead vocalist Alice Albertazzi. The group develops a sound rooted in 1970s rock, stoner rock and psychedelic hard rock, with a focus on live performance and a strong female vocal presence.

Line-up

The later line-up includes Gianfranco Romanelli on bass and slide guitar, Pippo de Palma on electric guitar, and Andrea Insulla on drums, alongside Albertazzi on vocals.

Recordings

The band releases four albums: Alix in 1997, Cuore in Bocca in 1999, Nessun Brivido in 2001, and Ground in 2004. The first two albums are independently produced, while Nessun Brivido is co-produced with the Bolzano indie label Edgar. Ground is also released on Edgar and receives strong reviews. The band is also associated with a planned recording session in 2008 at Red House Recordings in Senigallia, with mixing by Steve Albini.

Live history

Alix appears at major Italian and European shows, including the main stage at Arezzo Wave in 1995, where they perform alongside The Roots. After winning the first edition of RockRevolution, they play the Heineken Jammin' Festival in 2000 with Muse, Guano Apes, Primal Scream and Rage Against the Machine. In 2003 they tour Europe with the Norwegian band Pawnshop and Swedish band Dozer, a run that leads to them being described as an Italian psychedelic groove rock band. The following year they tour again in Europe with The Hidden Hand, the band featuring Scott “Wino” Weinrich. They also perform in Italy with Sun Dial, Place of Skulls, Debris Inc., and Vic du Monte Persona Non Grata.

Style and recognition

Their music is described as combining stoner rock with psychedelic groove rock, with Albertazzi's voice compared to singers such as Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, PJ Harvey and Chrissie Hynde. The band is also noted for its powerful live shows and for drawing interest within the stoner rock scene across Europe. Ground is singled out for a strong reception, including a positive review from Kerrang!.