Reviewed by Jamie Maxwell

10 years into their career, Indiana-based electro group Sheltershed have released their sixth album, 'Alternative Energy'. The title's theme is carried throughout, with tracks named: "Solar", "Bio-Fuel", and "Hydrogen". One of the impressive things about them is their commitment to in-house sound design, eschewing sampled loops in favour of sounds produced in the studio. The overall canvas of sound this creates is built upon by a set of strongly developed musical motifs which, along with a high standard of production, put the album in good stead even at first listen. Musically, it holds its own alongside better known electronic artists: think of Pendulum's sound but darker. There is enough variety here to create interest but the album does not deviate from its core in the way previous albums were criticised for. While not completely seamless, there is a clear flow and sense of journey about the record. It is a little slow moving at times, one wonders if the album would not benefit from a few brighter, more upbeat tracks as well as perhaps a few more vocally led ones; where vocals do appear they add another dimension to Sheltershed's sound. Overall it's strong, fresh, edgy and current, it should prove popular with long time fans of the electronic genre and newcomers alike.

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