Champagne Riot
“Heart Stab”

Listen to "Heart Stab" MP3


What began as a solo project of Caspar Bock in 2008, Champagne Riot has since transformed into a duo with the joining of fellow Dane (and music journalist / producer) Anders Reuter. The band’s stated inspiration of Hedonism, Dadaism, Nihilism and Abba sums up their sound pretty neatly – infectiously melodramatic tracks which delve head first into the blissful froth of pop.

Head over the Champagne Riot’s MySpace page and have a listen to the excellent tracks “Ingrid Bergman” (which has been on our hi-fi for awhile now) and “The Champagne Anthem”.

Champagne Riot’s next release is slated as a double A-side single “Heart Stab / A Friend of a Friend” for release on 27 September.

Official | MySpace

Anoraak
“Above Your Head”

Listen to "Above Your Head" MP3


As a follow-up to some stellar singles including “Nightdrive with You”, the French electro artist Anoraak will be releasing his debut album Wherever The Sun Sets on 21 September on Grand Blanc and Naïve. The Valerie collective member continues to play with retro electronic sounds and romantic grooves on the album’s first single “Above Your Head”, available as a free download from the Anoraak MySpace page.

Check out the video for “Above Your Head”, a flat rendering of a 360° dizzying descent through the French Alps.

In case you missed it, read our interview with Valerie Collective founder David Grellier

MySpace | Valerie Collective

While you listen to the podcast click here or on the image above to go to our podcast artist gallery to find out descriptions, links and more. You can also subscribe to our podcast free at

Listen to "Podcast 12” MP3


Artist - Track Names
1) A CLASSIC EDUCATION - "WHAT MY LIFE COULD HAVE BEEN"
2) ROLLERSKATERS - "SLEEP TIGHT"
3) KORALLREVEN - "THE TRUEST FAITH"
4) MILES - "JUST IN CASE"
5) LIVING DAYS - "LET’S KISS"
6) ACTIVE CHILD - "SHE WAS A VISION"
7) DEASTRO - "MOWGLI THE LYNX"
8) TRACEY THORN - "KENTISH TOWN (WALLS REMIX)"
9) CHAMPAGNE RIOT - “HEART STAB”
10) EVENINGS - "BABE"

A Classic Education
"What My Life Could Have Been"
from Hey There Stranger
Lefse Records/Holiday Records 2010

Listen to "What My Life Could Have Been" MP3


Bologna, Italy outfit A Classic Education is a promising young group, which has a distinct stateside approach to indie rock. Formed by Canadian singer and guitarist Jonathon Clancy and his Italian friends Luca Mazzieri and Paul Pieretto, the band is now a six piece with the addition of Giulia Mazza, Federico Oppi, and Stefano Roveda. Their sound could easily be mistaken for the best of Arcade Fire or the Decemberists and they translate that impressive aptitude onto their upcoming release Hey There Stranger (due out September 21).

On the lead single “What My Life Could Have Been” A Classic Education provide us with a rich, multi-layered, up-tempo dashboard - possibly dance-floor - pounder that glows with self-confidence and fun. The track gives you that feeling like you’ve heard early-New Order for the first time. In short, this band is hitting on all cylinders and seemingly, just in first gear. We will be watching.

Official | MySpace

Rollerskaters
"Sleep Tight"
2010

Listen to "Sleep Tight" MP3


Andrew McKee may be better known for his project The Young Friends, a project which has recently been featured in Clash Magazine and which will see Andrew and co. touring with The Drums and Surfer Blood this September.

However, Andrew's Phoenix-based side project Rollerskaters is not to be overlooked. The project's sole track thusfar "Sleep Tight" was written during Andrew's senior year in high school as a means of procrastinating, avoiding studying for finals. The track is a slice of reimagined nostalgic indie pop, accompanied by a video featuring some of those mighty fine metal clip on rollerskates.

MySpace

Korallreven
'The Truest Faith"
Acéphale Records (2010)

Listen to "The Truest Faith" MP3


Korallreven is the coming together of talented Swedes Daniel Tjäder (of one of What's On The Hi-Fi's favorites, The Radio Dept.) and Marcus Joons. Together they create the perfect bright Balearic backdrop to those dog days of summer.

'The Truest Faith" is available as a limited edition 7" single or as part of a remix EP with the track "Loved-Up".  Be sure to check out the rather amazing Sail A Whale remix of "The Truest Faith" which grabs onto the track's shimmering haze.

Keep an eye out for the duo's first full-length hopefully to be released later this year.  Meanwhile, check out the video for "The Truest Faith."  

If you are in NYC, be sure to catch Korallreven at Glasslands on 12 September in Brooklyn.

MySpace | Acéphale Records (Korallreven EP page)

Miles
“Just In Case”
from As Fast As You Can
(2010)

Listen to “Just In Case” MP3

Miles are a Brooklyn-based band that creates delicious pop soaked treats. Their new album As Fast As You Can is a testament to that notion filling the ethos with lighter than air melodic dreams.

On the track “Just In Case”, singer/songwriter Marc Plotkin shows off his high-range vocals and feather soft arrangements. It’s a hip spark that will grow on you listen after listen.

MySpace | Official | Twitter