ALT BLK ERA announce debut album ‘Rave Immortal’

News

1 Jul

Genre-defying sisters ALT BLK ERA have announced their highly anticipated debut album, Rave Immortal, set for release on 10 January 2025, via Earache Records.

The duo—Nyrobi and Chaya—also unveiled the first single from the record, “My Drummer’s Girlfriend,” an energetic blend of indie rock and electronic music that perfectly sets the tone for their upcoming album. “My Drummer’s Girlfriend” is a story about the challenges within friendship groups.

Commenting on the new single, Nyrobi and Chaya said:

“‘My Drummer's Girlfriend’ is a song about new friendships and the problems a shift in dynamics can cause. I’m sure anyone listening to it will be able to think of that ONE person that they just don’t get on with, within a group setting.”

Within just a year, ALT BLK ERA have established themselves as one of the most unique and exciting new alternative acts today, winning over audiences at major festivals including Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds, and opening for artists such as Tom Morello, Lord Of The Lost, and many more. Their highly acclaimed debut EP Freak Show accelerated their meteoric rise, earning them nominations in both the 2024 MOBO and Heavy Music Awards. The album announcement follows their triumphant set at Download Festival, where Metal Hammer magazine described them as one of the bands that defined this year’s event.

As two alternative individuals living life outside societal norms, ALT BLK ERA have created a safe space and community for alts and their allies. This ethos has earned them a loyal and diverse following who see no barriers or boundaries musically and socially.

This inclusive space has allowed the sisters to open up even more on Rave Immortal, which, among its themes of diversity and inclusion, centers around Nyrobi coming to terms with a disabling illness and the support she received from Chaya. From pain and struggle to newfound strength and unconditional love, their story will resonate with anyone who has faced barriers and inspire them to overcome and be themselves no matter what.

Tracklist for Rave Immortal:

Straight To Heart
Come On Outside
Crashing Parties
My Drummer’s Girlfriend
Hunt You Down
Upstairs Neighbours
Come Fight Me For It
Run Rabbit
Catch Me If You Can
Rave Immortal

Nyrobi on Rave Immortal:

“You might not notice on a first listen that this album is about my hidden disability that is a result of chronic illness that took hold during my teens and left me bedridden for years. I take the listener through the shadows and share the pain of abandonment I felt, and the solace that I found in my younger sister's unwavering support. This part of the album is so painful for me and at the same time it feels beautiful because it shows my sister by my side, every step of the way; through each emotion and every story. I wouldn’t have been brave enough to share this part of me without Chaya and the track ‘Come On Outside’ is a beautiful reflection of her. The album then captures the defiant energy that grew within us as I became more able. The songs show us crashing through imposed barriers and boldly claiming spaces that we were once excluded from. As the songs transition into a dreamscape, they delve into the exploration of relationships; the clash of personalities when fitting into a new friendship group and the dangerous mind of an infatuated person who is scarred by illness and years of isolation. The rebellion then builds as we begin to host wild celebrations, fiercely defending our joy after so many years of imposed restriction. The final tracks turn the tide, transforming our pursuit of freedom into an exhilarating hunt, where those who once stifled our spirit are drawn into our eternal dance of liberation, freeing them from all worldly constraints.”

Chaya adds:

“This album starts as a deeply personal story of the physical and emotional pain that my sister went through when she first became ill. I was about twelve at that time. It was during the pandemic so it was a time of worry and isolation for me also but as Nyrobi slowly became more able to communicate, we spent every minute that she was awake together. I would sit in her room and contribute to her creations whilst she wrote song after song after song. From my more introverted perspective, the calmer songs reflect my nature, so ‘Straight To Heart’, ‘Come On Outside’ and ‘Run Rabbit’. However, I’ll ride-or-die for my big sis, so when it’s time to be defiant or to be rebellious, or when it’s time to scream, I’m right there too. This is what the album is about for me - our bond, that also respects who we are as individuals.”

Save the date for Rave Immortal, and watch the video for “My Drummer’s Girlfriend”: