The quartet, Alt-J, first entered our consciousness with their debut release of ‘Bloodflood’ / ‘Tessellate’ in October 2011. Released on 7” via Loud & Quiet, it sparked a wave of interest in their brilliantly unique and compelling sound.

Radio support came through almost instantly from Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, Zane Lowe and Nick Grimshaw while the BBC Introducing team didn’t hesitate to get them booked in for a live session, which was broadcast on both Huw Stephens’ and Steve Lamaq’s shows. More recently they were selected to perform as part of Radio 1’s Festive Festival to showcase new, exciting acts for 2012 alongside Emeli Sande, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosuars, Jakwob, Dot Rotten and others. Previous artists to be given the same accolade have included Katy B, The Vaccines, Wretch 32, Plan B, Mumford & Sons, The xx, Florence & The Machine and Chase & Status.

Now signed to Infectious Music for their debut album (due May), next up for Alt-J is the release of two tracks that are sure to cement the early love shown to boys whilst also drawing in a wealth of new fans and supporters for 2012. ‘Matilda’ is a beautifully penned ode that gets under your skin and refuses to leave while ‘Fitz Pleasure’ brings out the raw, inspiringly inventive side of the bands music. Two impactful pieces that illustrate the spectrum of their influences and forward thinking approach to music for the year ahead, both polished off with Joe’s brilliantly distinctive vocals.