In May 1998, the UK saw the release of Almost Here by Unbelievable Truth, a band that slipped into a quiet corner of the alt-rock scene amid the tail end of Britpop and the rise of introspective indie acts. This was an era when Radiohead had just shaken the airwaves with OK Computer, and listeners were hungry for music that could reach beyond surface angst to something richer, if quieter.
Meet Unbelievable Truth: The Band Beyond Radiohead
For fans and newcomers alike, Unbelievable Truth may feel like a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered. Led by Andy Yorke, the younger brother of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, the band brings an entirely different flavor to the table. Unlike the turbulent, world-weary tone often heard from his older sibling’s projects, Andy’s vocals are imbued with a softer, almost reassuring melancholy. While his connection to Radiohead often draws initial attention, it’s clear on listening that Unbelievable Truth were charting a course all their own.
Crafting Almost Here
The band was initially formed in 1993 in Oxford, England, and for a time, Andy Yorke pursued his path in Russian literature and worked abroad as an interpreter. But by 1996, he had reunited with drummer Nigel Powell and bassist Jason Molster, and they began recording. What resulted was a debut that landed somewhere between folk, indie rock, and that 90s Britpop haze, yet felt fresh and personal.
Almost Here is not a flashy album. Its strength lies in its subtlety and atmosphere—a sound often minimal yet rich in texture. With tracks like “Settle Down” and “Stone,” the band forgoes big hooks or heavy riffs, favoring acoustic layering, quiet intensity, and emotional sincerity.
A Unique Sound for Reflective Moments
The appeal of Almost Here lies in its careful restraint and spacious soundscapes. It’s not meant to assault the senses but to ease its way in, making you listen and absorb. The thoughtful arrangement of soft guitars, subtle drums, and warm organ sounds wraps around you, inviting a closer listen. Though some might categorize it as “soft rock,” the album has a grounded sincerity that keeps it from slipping into background music.
Unbelievable Truth may not have reached the same heights as Radiohead, but Almost Here has earned a cherished spot among fans for its quiet brilliance. Reissues or anniversary shows hint that the band may still have something to say, even as it finds new audiences eager for a slice of 90s nostalgia. If you haven’t yet, take a moment with this album, a slow-burn soundtrack that pairs perfectly with reflective moments and a touch of that late-90s yearning.
Songs in this Episode
Intro - Solved
15:27 - Higher Than Reason
18:02 - Stone
25:57 - Settle Down
Outro - Finest Little Space
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Unbelievable Truth - Almost Here | 90s Rock Revisited