Alphabeat

Alphabeat is a Danish pop band from Silkeborg, formed in 2004 and active until 2021. The group consists of Stine Bramsen, Anders Bønløkke and Anders Stig Gehrt Nielsen. It is also known to have used the name Sodastar before changing it to avoid confusion with a German band.

Career and recordings

The band signs to Polydor in Denmark and later to EMI’s Charisma Records in the United Kingdom. Its debut single, Fascination, becomes a major hit in Denmark in 2007, followed by 10,000 Nights, which also sees strong success. The group’s self-titled debut album goes platinum in Denmark, and its British debut album is This Is Alphabeat. The first UK single, Fantastic 6, is released in November 2007.

Sound and reception

Alphabeat’s music is described as retro 1980s melodic pop with male and female harmonies. Their sound draws on bands such as Deacon Blue and Prefab Sprout. In the UK, their work receives praise from publications including NME, The Sun, The Observer Music Monthly, Digital Spy and Popjustice.

Notable chart success

Fascination reaches number 23 in the UK Singles Chart on download sales alone, then climbs to number seven after its physical release and later to number six.

Other activities

The group is offered a support slot on the Spice Girls’ reunion world tour in 2007–08 but declines the invitation, saying it would feel too strange to play to an audience unfamiliar with its music.