Way back at the turn of the decade (has it been that long already?) synth-pop band Broadcast had a solid following and were making waves in their respective lane. However in 2011, vocalist and founder of the group Trish Keenan tragically passed away from pneumonia complications, which came as a side effect of contracting H1N1, leaving bassist James Cargill as the sole member of the group.
Nearly six years later, Cargill aims to continue the legacy he helped create with Broadcast with his new collaborative group, Children of Alice.
The name acts as a tribute to Kennan, who constantly remarked the inspiration she received from Alice in Wonderland, particularly Jonathan Miller’s 1966 tv adaption. The name “invokes her abiding spirit” and helps the bridge the gap between Cargill’s two projects, where he hopes he can bridge Broadcast’s sound and style.
Along with Cargill, former bandmate Roj Stevens (keyboards in Broadcast) and Julian House, co-founder of Ghost Box records join Cargill in the creative effort, helping to shape and solidify Children of Alice’s look and sound.
The announcement of the band comes along with a new self-titled four-track EP out this February, though they have been quietly composing soundscapes for the Folklore Tapes for quite some time. The album will include new material as well as a track previously recorded by the three members, “Harbinger of Spring.” While none of the new music has yet to be released, you can check out a short teaser of the new work on the band’s website. If you were even remotely a fan of Broadcast, you’re going to want to listen to it.
Keep the anticipation going by checking out the album artwork and tracklist below.
Children of Alice:
- The Harbinger of Spring
- Rite of the Maypole-An Unruly Procession
- Invocation of a Midsummer Reverie
- The Liminal Space