ALT BLK ERA announce debut album Rave Immortal and stream new single / video ‘My Drummer’s Girlfriend’
Rave Immortal out 10th January 2025 via Earache Records
Genre defying sisters ALT BLK ERA have announced their highly anticipated debut album, Rave Immortal, set for release on 10th January via Earache Records. The duo – Nyrobi and Chaya – have also unveiled the first single taken from the record, ‘My Drummer’s Girlfriend’, a high energy indie rock-fuelled electronic rager, that perfectly sets the tone for the ride ahead.
Watch the video to ‘My Drummer’s Girlfriend’ here: https://youtu.be/c-wRK4Nq73g
Pre-order Rave Immortal here: earache.com/altblkera
A story about challenges in friendship groups, Nyrobi and Chaya comment on the new single: “‘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 comes after their triumphant set at Download Festival, where Metal Hammer magazine described them as one the bands that defined this year’s event.
As two alternative people who understand living life outside of the edge of social norms, ALT BLK ERA have created a wonderful safe space and a community for alts and their allies. This ethos has earned them a loyal and diverse following, who see no barriers and boundaries musically and socially.
This safe space has allowed the girls to open up even more on Rave Immortal, which among its themes around diversity and inclusion, centres 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, this is a story that will resonate with anyone who has faced barriers, and is an inspiration overcome them and to be yourself no matter what.
On Rave Immortal, Nyrobi comments: “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 bed-ridden 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.
“But we don’t stop there! The album then captures the defiant energy that grew within us, as I became more able. The songs show us crashing through the 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 continues: “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.”
Catch ALT BLK ERA live this summer:
July 19 – Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival (headline)
July 11 – 2000 Trees Festival
Aug 09 – Boomtown Festival
Aug 31- Burn It Down Festival
ALT BLK ERA are:
Nyrobi – vocals
Chaya – vocals
ALT BLK ERA online:
Instagram || TikTok
Rave Immortal tracklist:
01. Straight To Heart
02. Come On Outside
03. Crashing Parties
04. My Drummer’s Girlfriend
05. Hunt You Down
06. Upstairs Neighbours
07. Come Fight Me For It
08. Run Rabbit
09. Catch Me If You Can
10. Rave Immortal