Altameda - “Sweet Susie"

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Dawes, The Avett Brothers, Caamp

Altameda are a band that continue to sound tighter and more resonant on their third record Born Losers, melding alt-country and acoustic pop tones in a graceful, well-honed platform. While the band pulls in patterns from indie folk influences, Altameda are keen to lean instead to Southern rock forms as they craft songs that could be album cuts in the 70s all the way up through today. Traditional but with hooks in mind, Altameda’s music is surprisingly catchy. sing-a-long choruses revealing themselves track by track. That balance is sharp and studied, qualities that should impact their next release that is seemingly on the way given their SXSW swing-through this year. (Kevin McStravick)

2022 Review: Altameda have a couple albums under the belts and the maturity in their songwriting shows on 2021 singles “Wheel of Love” and “Dead Man’s Suit”, a band who knows themselves and honed a rich, alt country sound consistent track to track. Subtle yet full, the Toronto band puts all the notes in the right place, from light steel guitar in a verse to sweet harmonies rounding out their choruses. Emotional and personal, Altameda are the sound of comfort, an antidote to the hectic pace of today and a reminder to embrace beauty when you hear it.