Punchy and straight to the point. Singer-songwriter, bullfighter, ballerina, ex-teenager and future dinosaur Aron van Alstine delivers an object lesson in how to say everything that needs to be said in short, 2-minute bursts with new EP, Subtle Teeth (vol.1)
Release Date: November 2025
Label: Self-Release
Formats: Digital
AN ENIGMATIC PRESENCE
An enigmatic presence, Aron van Alstine has described himself, variously, as singer-songwriter, bullfighter, ballerina, ex-teenager and future dinosaur. He could also add: multi-instrumentalist to that list – he’s adept on guitar, bass, sax and keyboards and – so rumour has it – a bit of a wizz on the bassoon, too.
Currently resident in Ojai, California, Aron van Alstine has been around for quite some time but always, it seems, on his own terms. His debut album, Here Comes a Train, came out as long ago as 2010 and whilst, since then, he’s released a string of singles and EPs, he’s unlikely to claim to be prolific.
FROM THE BEACH BOYS TO BEETHOVEN
Aron’s music isn’t easily categorized – over the years he’s “performed everything from The Beach Boys to Beethoven.” His music reflects the moods of the moment and, for Subtle Teeth (vol.1) he’s chosen an enticing minimalist blend of punk, pop and funk to convey his messages; messages that are blunt and to the point, and all delivered within short, punchy 2-minute bursts.
I Can’t Fall in Love, the EP’s opening track, sets the short, punchy template. Blasts of sax provide the relief to Aron’s tightly-rationed guitar licks and it all provides the perfect accompaniment to his plaintive, pleading vocals. Nothing is wasted and, once Aron feels that his point his made, he rounds the song off, with a decisive “HA!”
SAGE ADVICE
“I can’t take it anymore,” cries Aron, to launch A Bird on the Fence, another song that packs a punch. There’s a late 60s garage feel to this one; the guitar licks are minimal but wholly effective, whilst the sax explores less-terrestrial territory and Aron’s voice is forceful as he assures us: “We can make a difference…”
And, to round off this short, satisfying collection, Aron assumes a tone that isn’t quite rap and isn’t quite conventional song for the electrifying Oh No, Not Rock ‘n’ Roll. “Oh no, don’t hesitate, you change the world when you masturbate” is just one example of the sage advice that Aron has on offer, as the guitars surge forward at lightening speed. And there’s a Robert Plant tone to Aron’s voice as he assures us that Rock ‘n’ Roll is gonna: “…save my soul!” It’s a fine song that serves up punk and funk in almost equal measures.
Listen to Open Your Eyes – a 2020 single from Aron van Alstine – below:
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