The Tough Alliance
A new chance
Sincerely Yours
Composed of big 80s beats reminiscent of Peter Gabriel, UB40, and, to some extent, Madness, yet remaining distinctly a product of Gothenburg's electro scene, woven together with exceptional production, and as insinuating as a guilty pleasure, "A new chance" is a damned accomplished sophomore record. Infectiously sunny, but still subtle and complex, The Tough Alliance have crafted what is sure to be one of the standout albums of the summer, if not the year. Assembled around the hope that "every day is a new chance, a new romance," the songs on the record flow seamlessly together in their thematic explorations, further strengthening the record. There's not a single composition that I dislike, not even the kitschy, 90s-esque "Miami". Even the order of the tracks is faultless making it a record that can be enjoyed start to finish without any skipping. Summer hasn't technically started, a few weeks remain between us and the solstice, but I'd be rather surprised if I am not still listening to this fine album at a respectable frequency when autumn's chill reenters the evening air.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson