Alias Hopeman: The Raw Energy of Modern Garage Rock

Alias Hopeman is the dynamic musical project of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Liam Hopeman, originating from the vibrant city of Manchester, UK. The project's breakthrough arrived with the 2018 debut album Static Fires, which charted within the UK Independent Album Breakers Top 20 and established a fervent underground following.

Early career

Liam Hopeman began crafting music under the Alias Hopeman moniker around 2014, following his departure from several local indie bands. The early sound was a lo-fi blend of garage rock and post-punk, first captured on the self-released 2015 EP Borrowed Circuits. This initial work caught the attention of the independent label Rough Trades Records, which signed Hopeman and reissued the EP the following year.

Breakthrough

The true turning point came in 2018 with the release of the debut full-length album Static Fires on Rough Trades Records. Fueled by relentless touring and critical acclaim from alternative press, the album's lead single gained significant traction on streaming platforms, pushing the album to number 18 on the UK's official Independent Album Breakers Chart. This success was solidified by a support slot on The Chords' 2019 UK arena tour.

Key tracks

Static Fires — The title track and lead single defined the project's signature gritty guitar tone and anthemic chorus.

Neon Feedback — This track became a live staple and its music video received regular rotation on several music television channels.

Circuit Breaker — Featured in the soundtrack of the popular video game *Driftline Rivals*, introducing Alias Hopeman to a global gaming audience.

Manchester Rain — A slower, more melodic fan favorite that showcases Hopeman's songwriting depth beyond pure garage rock energy.

Transmission Hiss — Known for its collaboration with producer Sylvia Kane, who added distinctive analog synth layers to the track.

The momentum from Static Fires led to the 2021 follow-up, Crossed Wires. This sophomore effort saw Hopeman experimenting with broader production while maintaining a core garage rock sound, and it included a notable collaboration with vocalist Elara Vance on the track Dual Frequency. The album debuted at number 42 on the UK Albums Chart, marking Hopeman's first entry into the national top 50.

Fans of Alias Hopeman's brand of intense, riff-driven rock often also appreciate the work of The Libertines for their shared punk-infused energy and lyrical rawness. The melodic garage rock sensibilities can be heard in Royal Blood and their powerful bass-and-drums format. For the modern British rock angle, explore IDLES and their cathartic, aggressive post-punk output. The influence of earlier UK rock is also evident, similar to the driving rhythms of The Who.

The music of Alias Hopeman has become a regular feature on alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online rock radio streams. Independent music radio stations, in particular, champion the project's authentic and unpolished garage rock sound, frequently adding new singles to their playlists alongside established rock acts.

Listeners can discover the raw power of Alias Hopeman's discography through the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to our curated selection of alternative and rock stations to hear tracks from Static Fires and Crossed Wires in regular rotation.