Aloke
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 in Ossining, New York, United States |
| Founder | Christian Zucconi, Paul DeCourcey, Alex Charpentier |
| Defunct | 2009 (initial breakup) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2009; reunited in 2015 |
| Headquarters | Ossining, New York , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
ALOKE is a post-hardcore group from the United States, established in 2004 in Ossining, New York, by Christian Zucconi, Paul DeCourcey, and Alex Charpentier. Prior to their breakup in 2009, the band put out one live album alongside three EPs. Following the disbandment, Zucconi went on to create Grouplove, which rose to fame partly due to ALOKE's track "Colors You Have," later retitled "Colours." The band earned a reputation as "the fiercest, hardest working, loudest band in NYC."
Origins
Christian Zucconi, Paul DeCourcey, and Alex Charpentier, all originally from Westchester County, New York, initially performed together in a school ensemble. Before forming ALOKE, Zucconi played bass for Pagoda (band), led by actor Michael Pitt. He also contributed guitar work on Pagoda’s first album and appeared in their video for "Happy Song." ALOKE subsequently served as an opening act for Pagoda on multiple occasions. DeCourcey was previously involved with The Skizmatics, a punk band that released their sole EP titled "No Heroes" through Beer City Records in 1996. Charpentier had been the drummer for hardcore punk outfit Awkward Thought. After adding guitarist Alex Walker and DeCourcey to the lineup, Awkward Thought released the studio album Ruin a Good Time on March 25, 2003.
Band Formation and Early Releases (2004–07)
The trio officially formed ALOKE during the summer of 2004 and began performing at venues such as Rothko and Pianos. Their initial release was a self-titled five-track EP. Crusher Magazine compared the sound of these songs to material that could have originated from the Nirvana box set, while The Deli Magazine commended the EP for highlighting a skilled fusion of post-punk and post-rock elements alongside compelling songwriting. Both publications singled out the opening track "You Did It… Again" for its post-hardcore intensity and invigorating quality.
On January 29, 2005, they unveiled their second EP, Not So Nonsense. The track "Fire in the Stove" was later reinterpreted instrumentally by Zucconi for use in the documentary film Billy the Kid. That August saw the self-release of their live album One Day We Will Kill You, recorded before a modest audience and mixed by Hugh Pool at Excello Recording Studios. This live recording was additionally offered as a complimentary download via their official website.
On May 2, 2006, Pretty Activity issued One Day We Will Kill You on CD format while Gatehouse Anchor handled its vinyl distribution. The vinyl edition omitted two tracks: "Love Is Distance" and "All That Ever Was." To support this release, ALOKE produced music videos for "Nameless," "Pennywhistle," and "Dirty." The video for "Nameless" sought to convey the raw, intense atmosphere of their live performances. Filming for "Pennywhistle" took place partly amidst California’s desert landscapes, whereas "Dirty" was captured entirely within their rehearsal space.
Alex Walker's Arrival and New Sessions (2007–08)
Alex Walker, previously a member of Awkward Thought alongside DeCourcey and Charpentier, became part of ALOKE in mid-2007. In addition to joining ALOKE, he performed with the experimental chamber ensemble Electric Kompany as well as Do Shadows Savage?, a band that had supported ALOKE on tour. After Walker's integration, the group entered Electrical Audio Studios in Chicago to record under the guidance of esteemed producer Steve Albini, recognized for his work with acts such as Nirvana, Pixies, and PJ Harvey.
During these sessions, they laid down 18 tracks, with 13 intended for the album What a Sight It Shines at Night. Instead of releasing a full-length record, they issued the EP I Moved Here to Live, showcasing five songs produced by Albini. The cover art was designed by Hannah Hooper, who later co-founded Grouplove alongside Zucconi.
Over the next year and a half, ALOKE embarked on extensive touring, including performances at prominent events like SXSW and Safe to Swim Weekend.
Charpentier’s Exit, Anthony Kapfer’s Entry, and Band Dissolution (2008–09)
In mid-2008, Alex Charpentier departed from ALOKE to focus on theatrical pursuits. The remaining members continued as a trio with Walker handling bass duties and DeCourcey on drums until early 2009 when drummer Anthony Kapfer joined the lineup. Shortly thereafter, they appeared at SXSW in Austin, Texas.
Although there were announcements about recording a new EP with producer Matt Labozza, these plans never came to fruition; the band dissolved approximately one month later, leaving those recordings unreleased.
Following the breakup, Christian Zucconi went on to establish Grouplove, reimagining some ALOKE compositions such as "Gold Coast" and "Colors You Have" (which was retitled "Colours"). Grouplove released two studio albums: Never Trust a Happy Song (2011) and Spreading Rumours (2013). Zucconi also pursued side ventures including Back Off Track and solo efforts under the moniker Little Million.
Paul DeCourcey briefly collaborated with Zucconi before turning his attention to guitar making. He launched "Division Street Guitars" in Peekskill, NY, focusing on custom guitar construction and repair services.
Alex Charpentier had a short stint with Star Fucking Hipsters. In 2011, Walker formed FORE alongside Charpentier and Jake Siegler, releasing an instrumental self-titled album via Bandcamp. That same year, he toured as bassist for indie rock group Family of the Year. In 2012, Walker issued an EP under the name Tutti Mondi and contributed guitar work to projects including Galaxy of Tar’s Barreta and Harry and the Henderson's Grooming the Bone.
Anthony Kapfer transitioned into stand-up comedy, featuring on NBC's Seeso series The Comedy Show Show and Fox's Laughs. He released the album Songs For Children To Cry To (2011), produced an animated special titled Anthony Kapfer: The Animated Stand-Up Comedy Special (2015), and authored Book: The Book (2016), all accessible through his personal website.
Reunion Era (2015–present)
In April 2015, ALOKE reunited to unveil a full-length album comprising tracks recorded back in 2007 at Electrical Audio Studio in Chicago with producer Steve Albini. The following month saw the release of the EP ALIVE, which contained three songs from this forthcoming album. On June 3 and 4, ALOKE performed their first shows since disbanding in Philadelphia and Brooklyn respectively. The complete album ALIVE was officially released on July 17, coinciding with a concert at Echoplex in Los Angeles. Their setlists featured previously unreleased material such as "Flushot" and "Walk Right Into the Sun."
On June 22, 2017, ALOKE presented a one-time performance at the Satellite venue in Los Angeles.
Current lineup
- Christian Zucconi – lead vocals, guitar (2004–2009, 2015–present)
- Alex Walker – guitar, backing vocals (2007–2009, 2015–present)
- Paul DeCourcey – bass guitar, backing vocals (2004–2009, 2015–present)
- Alex Charpentier – drums (2004–2008, 2015–present)
Former members
- Anthony Kapfer – drums (2009)
Timeline
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at:10/01/2004 color:EP layer:back at:01/29/2005 color:EP layer:back at:05/02/2006 color:black layer:back at:03/01/2008 color:EP layer:back at:05/04/2015 color:EP layer:back at:07/17/2015 color:black layer:back
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Discography
- Extended plays (EPs)
- ALOKE (2004)
- Not So Nonsense (2005)
- War Child (Promo 2007)
- I Moved Here to Live (2008)
- ALIVE (2015)
- Studio albums
- Alive (2015)
- Live recordings
- One Day We Will Kill You (2006)
- Songs outside albums
- "It's Been a While"
- "Mikey's Song"
- "Walk Right Into the Sun"
- "Flushot"
- "Creepster"
- "Laughing and Crying"
- "On the Backs of Whales"
- "Rocks in My Head"
- "Run Around Town"
- "As Far As We Go"
- "Colors You Have"
- "Immigrant Son"
- "Head Inside a Suitcase"
- "A Taste of Hootenanny"
- "I Don't Wanna Go Home"
- "Gimme Some Armor"
- "Right Where You Are"
- "Itchin' on a Photograph"
- "Naughty by Nature"
- "All Across the World Today"