Drawing us in with a dimensional guitar soundscape, textured drums and astral harmonies, Inviolet Row open Alpha Male with an introspective narrative and the situational lyrics, “Who was that man who was making you slow dance, whilst the band was smashing guitars?”
The opus expands with a tangible charisma and a vibe that David Bowie fans would absolutely be able to connect with. We appreciate the hypnotic nature of the composition, the cosmic detailing and frontman Lee Scrivner‘s charm, as well as the warmth of his vocal timbre as he shares a philosophical message.
In a cultural landscape increasingly dominated by technological advances and the encroachment of artificial intelligence into the most intimate aspects of human life, Inviolet Row‘s new single emerges as a poignant, satirical commentary on modern romance. Scrivner has crafted a unique narrative that captures the zeitgeist of our times – a love song directed towards a girl who harbours affections for an AI-generated boyfriend cloned from Benedict Cumberbatch. This choice is not merely a nod to popular culture but a deep dive into the psyche of contemporary society’s relationship with artificial entities.
Scrivner’s lyrics reflect on the growing trend of individuals forming attachments to artificial representations – be they celebrity avatars, pornographic figures, or AI companions. The song’s theme is a mirror to a society grappling with the implications of virtual relationships, where emotional connections are increasingly mediated through screens and algorithms.
The choice of Benedict Cumberbatch as the template for the AI boyfriend in Alpha Male is a deliberate cultural reference. Cumberbatch, an actor known for his roles as intellectual and enigmatic characters, symbolizes a type of idealized partner – unattainable and perfect in the digital imagination. This selection underscores the song’s critique of how media and technology shape our ideals and expectations of love.
Inviolet Row, an ensemble that traces its origins back to the early 2000s Las Vegas music scene, boasts a pedigree of intermingling talents. With members who have played alongside influential bands like The Shins, The Killers, and Third Eye Blind, the group’s musical lineage is rich and varied. The band’s current lineup features Lee Scrivner on vocals, guitar, and keys, whilst Kevin Brewer also shares his skill on guitar along with Jordan-Lee Johnstone, Charles Berthoud on bass, Brian Petry slaying on drums, and Ken Stringfellow sharing backing vocals, in turn, cohesively bringing together a tapestry of influences ranging from 80s post-punk to early 2000s indie rock.
We learn that Alpha Male was recorded across Las Vegas and Moscow and polished in Los Angeles, delves into the phenomenon of technologized romance. The band cite The Flaming Lips, Interpol, Modest Mouse, and Radiohead as sonic influences, which we can see manifest, although there is no doubt that Inviolet Row are creating a universe of their own.
The band’s past performances, including gigs with The Killers and Scrivner’s appearance with Yoko Ono, highlight their place in a dynamic and transformative era of music. We deeply connect with what Inviolet Row are sharing, and have added Alpha Male to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our brand new TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream their wider discography including Eye Should Know.