Aloosh

Aloosh is an English band that draws on electronica, alternative indie and jazz, and builds songs around unusual time signatures, groove-led rhythm sections and melodic hooks. The group’s sound combines syncopated guitar, minimal beats, layered synths, delays, multi-part vocals, driving bass and guitar-heavy climaxes.

Formation and members

The project centres on singer Jodie Scantlebury and producer and multi-instrumentalist Alastair McNeill, who also records under the name Yila. Scantlebury starts out as a jazz singer and later moves into touring work as a backing vocalist. McNeill studies Sonic Art at university and is associated with an experimental collective called David Toops Unknown Devices.

The line-up is completed by Joshua Blackmore of Troyka on drums and Jack Allinson of Films of Colour on bass and synth.

Jodie Scantlebury’s background

Scantlebury begins touring as a backing vocalist for Róisín Murphy on the Overpowered tour, where she meets McNeill. She later sings with the Noisettes and also works with Cee-Lo Green, Eliza Doolittle, Mr Hudson and the Wombats. Her recording credits include work with Crookers, another Noisettes album, and a session with Kele Okereke on his solo project The Boxer, where she sings backing vocals and a duet.

Alastair McNeill’s background

McNeill, working as Yila, remixes Róisín Murphy’s track “Demon Lover” featuring Wiley, and also produces albums for Scroobius Pip. His approach in Aloosh is described through experimentation and a focus on expanding the group’s sonic palette.

Releases and activity

Aloosh release the single “Time”, which opens with syncopated guitar and a restrained four-four pulse before building into a fuller arrangement. The group also records “Armour” and is working towards a first full-length album.

Recognition

The band receives support from Rob da Bank, Tom Robinson, John Kennedy and Eddy Temple-Morris. Metro describes the group as sitting between club culture and indie-pop.