Storytelling and songs from Aluka

Aluka, Melbourne’s all-female experimental vocal group, is making the standard studio record and release process a thing of the past.

These vocal beauties are about to release their debut album Space on April 5, and it’s a feast for the ears. Through the nuances of complex production, the album is about more than just the notes and lyrics. It’s a delicate narrative played out with a stunning geographical and spatial sub-plot, created by the unique locations in which they recorded each song.

On their endless quest to surprise their listeners, Aluka is taking fans on a journey around Victoria with their new album. Imagine ‘Keep My Cool’, their first single, as it was recorded; but in a dark and echo-filled stairwell in Hawthorn, complete with the icy echoes of concrete. Aluka also recorded in three separate bathrooms (one for each singer) and even a laundry/hallway/kitchen combination.

This ongoing obsession with the reverb led Aluka to explore various levels of damp sounds as well: a World War II bunker, an indoor swimming pool and even a true blue farmyard tractor shed – chickens included.

Thankfully, a filmmaker documented each recording session so that fans could be a part of the record-making process. Take a look at the clip below, which features the girls recording the harmonious track ‘Lucy’ in a World War II bunker overlooking the ocean in Point Lonsdale.

Combine all this with three different but fitting vocal qualities and you should expect some elating sounds. Blurring the lines between between pop, avant-garde, experimentalism, hymnals, hip hop and jazz, Aluka’s debut album will absolutely fascinate your mind and ears with its unique storytelling.

Aluka play Friday 3 May at Uniting Church of Northcote. For more info visit myspace.com/alukaband