Track of the Day
Track of the Day..."Heart Stab" from Champagne Riot
09/01/10 18:22
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
Track of the Day..."Above Your Head" from Anoraak
08/31/10 17:21
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
Track of the Day..."What My Life Could Have Been" from A Classic Education
08/26/10 18:43
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
Track of the Day..."Sleep Tight" from Rollerskaters
08/24/10 19:26
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
Track of the Day..."The Truest Faith" from Korallreven
08/23/10 19:16
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)
Track of the Day..."Just In Case" from Miles
08/19/10 18:40
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
Track of the Day..."She Was A Vision" from Active Child
08/11/10 18:58
Active Child
“She Was A Vision”
from Curtis Lane
Filter Records / Merok Records 2010
Listen to “She Was A Vision” MP3
Active Child is the moniker of Los Angeles based artist Pat Grossi. This former choirboy (he is a former member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir) continues to surprise with his clean falsetto, knack with the harp and subdued 80’s synth-pop inspired electronics. Have a listen to the woozy track “She Was A Vision” with its tribute to the chorus from Cocteau Twins’ ’84 release “Lorelei”.
You can find “She Was A Vision” on Curtis Lane, Active Child’s six-track debut EP released this past June on Filter Records (US) (Filter Magazine’s label) and Merok Records (UK). A 10” white vinyl is also available directly from the official Active Child website or via Insound.
Watch a session online with Active Child on KCRW’s excellent Morning Becomes Eclectic.
NYC residents, you can catch Active Child on 9 September at Brooklyn Bowl. Active Child will stay out on tour through North America through October.
Official | MySpace | Twitter
Track of the Day..."Mowgli The Lynx" from Deastro
08/09/10 21:23
Deastro
“Mowgli The Lynx”
from Mind Altar EP
Ghostly International (2010)
Listen to “Mowgli The Lynx” MP3
At the tender age of twenty-two, Deastro’s Randolph Chabot has created an unmistakable record filled with exciting starry-eyed, laptop pop.
His new EP, Mind Altar, continues the same life and spirit that he has shown on previous effort Keepers and Moondagger. At the heart of the work is “Mowgli The Lynx” – an ethereal, glossy electro-gem that harkens back to early 80’s synth without being overly derivative.
The eight-song Mind Altar —originally released on cassette through Deastro’s blog—comes with three bonus tracks from the also-blog-released Orange Swimmer Red Summer EP, all of which has been remastered and reissued into a cohesive, album-length EP.
MySpace | Ghostly International
Track of the Day...“Kentish Town (Walls Remix)” from Tracey Thorn
08/04/10 15:53
Tracey Thorn
“Kentish Town (Walls Remix)”
from Opposites (Available August 24)
Merge Records (2010)
Listen to “Kentish Town (Walls Remix)” MP3
On August 31, Tracey Thorn will release Opposites - a special digital-only EP of experimental remixes of tracks from her latest album Love And Its Opposite.
While many of her recent remixes have been geared towards the dancefloor, the tracks on her upcoming EP are more futuristic and heady.
The track “Kentish Town” returns Tracey’s sound to that her work with Massive Attack. The remix for the song was created by WALLS - Sam Willis (from influential electronic music blog, Allez-Allez) and Alessio Natalizia (Banjo or Freakout).
Tracey Thorn’s Opposites EP will be available beginning August 24 exclusively on Beatport and then on the usual digital outlets beginning August 31.
Official | MySpace | Merge Records
Track of the Day...“Round and Round” from Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti
07/23/10 23:07
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti
“Round and Round” from Before Today
4AD (2010)
Listen to “Round and Round” MP3
The track “Round and Round” is the captivatingly curious single from Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti’s latest influence-spanning release Before Today. “Round and Round” is a real change-up groove. Lo-fi vocals and instrumentation set the groove, breaking it up with smooth choruses reminiscent of summers past. The track retains the best elements of a home-recorded feel, with the lightest of production touches.
The DIY cult-character himself Ariel Pink heads-up the group, joined by Tim Koh on base and vocals, Kenny Gilmore or guitars and Aaron Sperske on drums. Now through October, the LA-based band will be hitting the road and playing a slew of dates across North America. Check the band’s MySpace page for tour dates (including 24 July in NYC at Irving Plaza).
Before Today is out now on 4AD.
MySpace | 4AD
Track of the Day … “Echoes” from The Royal Palms
07/18/10 18:23
The Royal Palms
“Echoes”
(2010)
Listen to “Echoes” MP3
The Royal Palms is a collaboration of two artists who, as of yet, have worked hard to keep their actual identities a bit of a mystery. Never mind. The smooth redux Yacht Rock of The Royal Palms basks in the neon thrill of the 70’s/80’s with the likes of Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins, and Michael McDonald. Grab a six-pack of Bartles & James, roll up your trousers and walk barefoot on the beach at sunset.
Also check out the track “High Class Lady” which is streaming on the group’s MySpace page. A Patrick Nagel print come to life.
If you are in London, catch The Royal Palms at The Macbeth on 29 July.
MySpace | Twitter | Facebook
Track of the Day..."Western Hospitality" from Club 8
07/08/10 22:46
Club 8
“Western Hospitality”
From The People’s Record
Labrador (2010)
Listen to "Western Hospitality" MP3
Stolkholm, Sweden duo Club 8 went to Brazil for inspiration for their latest album The People’s Record (out now on Labrador Records). You can feel the sun-drenched samba sound in every beat of their exciting single “Western Hospitality.”
Karolina Komstedt’s ethereal, loose vocals float over Johan Angergård’s jangly guitar and congas and creates an effortlessly catchy track. It’s the perfect, summer party song that will take your cares away - a little cachaça and lime would make it paradise.
Check out the video for the track here.
Official | MySpace | Labrador Records
Track of the Day… “Dreamin’” from Feldberg
07/06/10 10:55
Feldberg
“Dreamin’”
To be self-released August 2010
Listen to “Dreamin’”
Feldberg is the laidback Reykjavik-based duo of Einar Tönsberg (a/k/a the laptop creative Eberg) and Rósa Birgitta Ísfeld. The first single ”Dreamin’” features the duo’s coy and infectious back-and-forth, with calls of “dreamin’ of you” sailing over the strains of Einar’s quirky brand of effervescent pop:
To coincide with the release of “Dreamin’” on 30 August via iTunes, a track which won Best Song in this year’s Iceland Music Awards, Feldberg will be releasing a 10-track remix album. Check out the just updated Feldberg MySpace page for additional tracks and videos.
Eberg’s new release Antidote is out now. Check out his toilet holidays video for the track “The Right Thing To Do” on his MySpace page (trust us, watch the video and it will click).
Track of the Day …“Bye Bye Cellphone” from 1973
06/21/10 18:39
1973
“Bye Bye Cellphone” from the self-titled album
2010 Blonde Music Publishing
Listen to “Bye Bye Cellphone” MP3
1973 is the French trio of school friends Nicolas Frank (vocals and guitars), Thibault Barbillon (from Nouvelle Vague on bass, keyboards, guitars) and Jérôme Plasseraud (guitars and keyboards). With their first album Bye Bye Cellphone, 1973 have created a loving homage to the collectively imagined sound of California folk-pop and Beatles infused melodies. The album was recorded in Thibault’s home studio in the French countryside over the last remaining weeks of summer. A soundtrack to that romanticized late afternoon in summer – the barbeque fired up, faces pink from the sun and the lingering light.
The tracks on Bye Bye Cellphone rise in wistful choruses, with lyrics often speaking to reminiscing, escaping or being set free. In this vein, the title track speaks to suddenly becoming un-tethered with the loss of a cellphone and the freedom to reinvent. Settle back and enjoy.
Tracklisting
“Vegas”
“September”
“Bye Bye Cellphone”
“Princes”
“Sexy Plane”
“Little Sis’”
“Simple Song (For A Complicated Girl)”
“Little Thing To Take Away”
“Late Night Call”
“We Are Nowhere”
“You Say You Will”
Official | MySpace | Blonde Music
Track of the Day… “I Can’t Feel” from Matthew Dear
06/18/10 19:07
Matthew Dear
“I Can’t Feel”
from Black City
(to be released August 2010 on Ghostly International)
Listen to "I Can’t Feel" MP3
Musically, Matthew Dear is many things: artist (under various aliases including Audion), producer, keenly sought after remixer and DJ, label co-founder (of both Ghostly International and Spectral Sound). And he is back this summer with his fourth album (under his own name) Black City, his follow-up to 2007’s Asa Breed.
The title track from Black City “I Can’t Feel” is spun from darker stuff. The track begins with an afro-rhythmic clip, a hypnotic bass loop, organ chords and restrained effects. This off-kilter groove is joined by Matthew’s distinctive baritone croon, gliding fitfully forward, until the track simply dissolves. Enjoy the sexy darkness.
As a sidebar, check out the Ghostly International’s free ‘Discovery’ App to stream full tracks from the Ghostly International and Spectral Sound catalogues (with it’s mood-based tool).
You can sign up for updates about the new album at www.matthewdear.com and a get a download of "I Can't Feel".
Below is the tracklisting for Black City:
“Honey”
“I Can’t Feel”
“Little People (Black City)”
“Slowdance”
“Soil to Seed”
“You Put A Smell On Me”
“Shortwave”
“Monkey”
“More Surgery”
“Gem”
Official | MySpace | Ghostly International
Track of the Day…“How The Game Is Played” from The Redwood Plan
06/15/10 20:22
The Redwood Plan
“How The Game Is Played”
Racing Towards the Heartbreak
Fish the Cat Records 2010
Listen to “How The Game Is Played” MP3
The Redwood Plan bust out of speakers and headphones. On the track , “How the Game Is Played”. lead singer Lesli Wood just plain rips it up like few of her peers.
Is it true that the Seattle band has finally perfected the groove-heavy sound that they have promised? This hook-laden charm is immense and is the answer.
Official | MySpace | Twitter
Track of the Day …"Schoolin’’’ from Everything Everything
06/14/10 19:02
Everything Everything
“Schoolin’”
From the band’s debut album to be released in 2010
Geffen
Listen to “Schoolin’” MP3
Everything Everything are a pick-n’-mix quartet hailing from Manchester, crafting smart, catchy and unconventional pop harmonies. They have come a long way since there first gig in 2007, having since released multiple singles including the excellent track “MY KZ, UR BF” (“My Keys, Your Boyfriend”) in 2009 (watch the video).
Everything Everything has since signed to Geffen, and the band’s debut album to be released later this year is already being pegged as one to watch.
The upcoming album’s first genre-melding single, “Schoolin’” will be available to download from 13 June, and out on 7" and CD on 14 June.
Also, check out the Visions of Trees (who will soon be featured on What’s On The Hi-Fi) blissful and tribal remix of “Schoolin’” on the Visions of Trees MySpace page
The band will be hitting the festivals this summer (Glastonbury, Latitude, Reading). Check here for dates.
Official | MySpace | Twitter
Track of the Day...“Second Guessing” from Eddy Current Suppression Ring
06/10/10 18:52
Eddy Current Suppression Ring
“Second Guessing”
Rush To Relax
Goner Records (2010)
Listen to “Second Guessing” MP3
“Second Guessing” from Eddy Current Suppression Ring is a rollicking, punk infused romp in the tradition of X, The Cramps and The Troggs. On the track the Melbourne-based four-piece spark a high energy, slow burn rocker that is highlighted by lead singer Brendan Suppression’s rambling, nasally but ultimately cool vocals.
Check out the band here in their video for “Which Way To Go” and catch them live at the Cake Shop on June 18th in NYC.
Official | MySpace | Goner Records
Track of the Day..."Knock On Wood" from Halsted
06/07/10 13:21
Halsted
“Knock On Wood”
From Life Underwater
Ashbury Records (Due in July 2010)
Listen to “Knock On Wood” MP3
Sometimes being a songwriter and performer can be strange roller-coaster ride. One moment you feel all the golden promise that you worked so hard to attain turn to lead and the idyllic strength you once depended on seems gone in an instant. And sometimes the better of these fallen dust themselves off and try again better than before.
Ryan Auffenberg is the latter of the two scenarios. After a promising debut LP, Marigold, and a subsequent tour the singer-songwriter returned home to find his label had folded amidst the recent financial collapse. Rather than dwell on what could have been, Auffenberg turned to friends and in the process put together a group to support his new material.
Out of these collaborations Halsted was born. The group, named after the first street Auffenberg lived as a musician, has created an inspired and exciting sound on their debut LP Life Underwater. Built around straightforward, passionate and poignant songwriting and playing, the songs on the album remind me of the best parts of Wilco, The Church and Paul Westerberg.
“Knock On Wood” is a driving, melodic track that feels like it snakes and bounces down a lonely country road at night. Filled with fine guitar riffing and Auffenberg’s plaintive vocals, it’s just a small sample of a great debut album.
We can’t wait to experience the trajectory of this band and look forward to checking them out live.
Official | MySpace | Twitter
Track of the Day..."1977" Ana Tijoux
05/31/10 13:46
Ana Tijoux
“1977”
From 1977
Nacional Records 2010
Listen to “1977” MP3
After a great showing at this year’s SXSW, Ana Tijoux seems poised to launch large into the US market. The Santiago, Chile native is no newbie though. She proves it on the title track to her North American debut 1977.
The track has a hypnotic glare that features Tijoux’s monotone yet sensual flow over a cascade of latin bullfight horns and staccato guitar blasts. What she hides behind this near flawless bit of cool is a strong message that makes her stand out above peers. It’s definitely a track to party to that will open your mind.
MySpace
Track of the Day..."Sleep Paralysist" from Neon Indian
05/20/10 16:39
Neon Indian
“Sleep Paralysist”
Green Label Sound 2010
Listen to "Sleep Paralysist" MP3
We first heard rumblings from Alan Palomo while working as alter-ego Vega and with the band GhostHustler but its with new band Neon Indian that he has started to roar.
Formed in Denton, Texas in 2008, Neon Indian garnered a cart full of accolades with their debut LP Psychic Chasms. The fuzzed-out, electronica and melancholy vocals in such songs as “Should Have Taken Acid With You" and “Deadbeat Summer” were surprise indie hits in 2009.
With the release of their new single “Sleep Paralysist”, Palomo has continued his blend of tripped-out, bleeped up, psychedelic electronic that is both cool and accessible. If this is the future for Neon Indian, we like what we see in the cards!
Make sure to check out Neon Indian in NYC at The Music Hall of Williamsburg on June 17th.
Twitter | MySpace
Track of the Day..."To The Forest" from The Forest & The Trees
05/17/10 16:34
The Forest & The Trees
Ill Fit Recordings (2010)
Listen to "To The Forest! ( I Need Some Peace)" MP3
The Forest & The Trees is Joel and Linnea Edin, a husband and wife team based outside of Stockholm. Their debut self-tiled release is an infectious combination of the joyous and slightly melancholy side of indie pop music. The tracks brim with romanticism, often casting a nostalgic and hook-laden gaze back at days and loves past. The duo’s harmonies will provide a perfect companion to your laziest and least cynical days of summer.
One of the standout tracks is “To The Forest! (I Need Some Peace)” with its building chorus and rumbling call of bass and drums (featuring David Lindvall and Ola Hultgren from Loney, Dear). Check out the retro SE Asian video created by Jamie Harley.
Other favorities include the slightly bittersweet and quietly assuring “In The Summer”, the woozy “Circus Lonely Hearts”, the propelling and imploring duet of “Run”, and the skipping folky harmonies of “Escape”.
You can stream the new album in its entirety on the band’s website. But pick up a copy via the band’s website, iTunes, other digital download merchants and Rough Trade Shops.
The Forest and The Trees is the debut release from Ill Fit Recordings, a digital label venture from Rich Thane of TheLineOfBestFit.com and Something In Construction. We are already looking forward to seeing what these guys have up their sleeve for their next release.
Tracklisting
“Mother”
“To The Forest! (I Need Some Peace)”
“The Barber”
“Run”
“Bohemian Boy”
“In The Summer”
“Circus Lonely Hearts”
“Hold Me Close, Hold Me In Your Arms”
“Dreams”
“Escape”
“Seveneen”
“By The Trees”
Official | Ill Fit Recordings
Track of the Day..."Let Go" from JJ
05/06/10 19:18
jj
“Let Go”
From jj nº 3
Secretly Canadian (2010)
Listen to “Let Go” MP3
jj are the duo of Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden (taking their name from Truffaut's 1962 film Jules et Jim). Following up on last year's beautiful debut jj n° 2, the pair is back with the handily named jj n° 3, the band's first album to get a broader release with the help of Secretly Canadian.
This new release sees jj honing the often R&B and dubbed-out Balearic sound of their previous releases. The album kicks off with a soulful and simple, piano-backed track borrowing Lil Wayne's chorus from The Game's "My Life''. Several tracks such as "And Now", "Voi Parlate, Lo Gioco", "You Know" and "No Escapin' This" swagger along on an infectious and warmly crystalline tip. "into The Light" explores electronic synths, beats and washes, punctuated by snipits of excited latin football commentary. One of the standouts is the single "Let Go", building from a solo harmonica, adding blurring and icy beats and synths over Kastlander's sublime vocals.
As an aside, lest we forget that jj also brought us their take on the theme song to the TV series Welcome Back, Kotter.
jj have just wraped up playing a few dates with The xx in the US and are heading to Europe for several dates, including Paris on 21 May, Berlin on 23 May and Amsterdam on 26 May.
Tracklisting
"My Life"
"And Now"
"Let Go"
"Into the Light"
"Light"
"Voi Parlate, lo Gioco"
"Golden Virginia"
"You Know"
"No Escapin' This"
Make sure to check out the video for “Let Go” as it just makes you think this duo has more than a few avant-garde ideas going through their heads. This is definitely a twosome to watch.
Secretly Canadian | Sincerely Yours
Track of the Day…"Icarus” from White Hinterland
05/05/10 17:30
White Hinterland
“Icarus”
From Kairos
Dead Oceans (2010)
Listen to “Icarus” MP3
White Hinterland is the project of Portland-based Casey Dienel, who is joined by Shawn Creeden on the new release Kairos. This atmospheric album has the classically trained Casey leaving former territory behind, eschewing acoustic instruments for electronic instrumentation and effects, percussion and washes of sound. The result is an ambitious collection of off-kilter pop that shines in being just that bit different.
Casey said that making the album was like swimming in a cave, trusting only the instinct to just keep swimming. This is also a particularly fitting description of the single “Icarus”, a chilly swing propelled into the vastness on echoing minimal percussion and looping calls.
Check out the beautiful animated video for the release “Amsterdam” (featuring mystical gherkins no less) created by Michaela Copikova.
Kairos is out now on Dead Oceans. White Hinterland is on tour now in the US with stops planned in Europe in May and June (21 May, London / 2 and 3 June, Paris).
White Hinterland (Official) | MySpace | Dead Oceans
Track of the Day..."Excuses" from The Morning Benders
04/23/10 12:23
The Morning Benders
"Excuses"
From Big Echo
Rough Trade (2010)
Listen to "Excuses" MP3
With Big Echo, Berkeley, CA band The Morning Benders have made a huge leap forward from the delightful but simple pop sounds on their 2008 debut album Talking Through Tin Cans. The new release is deeper, more eclectic and features lush, layered songwriting and thoughtful, exciting production from singer Christopher Chu and co-producer Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear.
On the opening track “Excuses”, Chu takes on the role of 50’s style balladeer with his cool, gentle and ethereal delivery. The music follows suit from the opening timpani drum sound, to the orchestral strings and the slow dance, prance of the keyboards. What makes the song so marvelous is that they make the sound refreshing. It’s a perfect soundtrack to soak up the summer and remember how a well-crafted pop tune can change your day.
Big Echo is available now in the US and will drop in the UK/Europe on June 28th.
MySpace | Rough Trade Records
Track of the Day..."A Glorious Time" from Team Ghost
04/12/10 13:25
Team Ghost
"A Glorious Time"
From the EP You Never Did Anything Wrong To Me
Sonic Cathedral Records (2010)
Listen to "A Glorious Time" MP3
Team Ghost is the new project fronted by Nicolas Fromageau, co-founder of M83 with Anthony Gonzales. The two co-wrote M83's first two releases M83 and Dead Cities, Red Sea and Lost Ghosts. Before the release of M83's third album, Nicolas and Anthony parted ways, seeing Nicolas moving to Paris from the South of France. It was there that he formed Team Ghost, joined by multi-instrumentalist Christophe Guérin and producer / manager Jean-Philippe Talaga (founder of Gooom Disques). Nicolas and Christophe also formed a production team called Kiss Me First.
Against this backdrop, Team Ghost is set to release their first EP You Never Did Anything Wrong To Me next month on the UK's Sonic Cathedral Records. Along with being available as a digital download, the release will also be available as a limited edition black and white 10-inch vinyl.
It is no surprise that Team Ghost builds on the M83 sound -- tracks crafted on shoegaze synths and guitar washes, bringing a welcome and slightly dark closeness. One of our favorite tracks "A Glorious Time" builds along on an uplifting drone with a hypnotic chorus of abandon and moving forward, charging you to "leave it all behind you"….
Be sure to catch Team Ghost in Paris on April 26 at Nouveau Casino with Crystal Castles. Other European dates are set for April, with a few shows in London and Brighton in May. Check the Team Ghost MySpace page for updated concert information.
Tracklisting from You Never Did Anything Wrong To Me
"Lonely, Lonely, Lonely"
"A Glorious Time"
"Sur Nous Les Étincelles Du Soleil"
"Echoes"
"Only You Can Break My Heart"
"Colors In Time"
"Deaf" (digital release only)
MySpace | Sonic Cathedral Records
Track of the Day… "Everyday" from Twin Tigers
04/06/10 00:12
Twin Tigers
"Everyday"
From Gray Waves
Old Flame (2010)
Listen to "Everyday" MP3
Ahhh! Rock music has returned to Athens. I have no problem with the cacophony of auto-tuned, hip-hop, blah from most of north Georgia that has been spilling out of the vine in the last ten years. Yeah, well, I guess I do. I miss good old fashioned college rock and that's what Athens, GA is all about. Now, the haircuts are much better than Stipe in '86 but the quality is there in spades. Twin Tigers' straight-forward yet sharp sound is as welcome as the spring warmth. It's on the hi-fi and should be on yours' as well.
Myspace
"Everyday"
From Gray Waves
Old Flame (2010)
Listen to "Everyday" MP3
Ahhh! Rock music has returned to Athens. I have no problem with the cacophony of auto-tuned, hip-hop, blah from most of north Georgia that has been spilling out of the vine in the last ten years. Yeah, well, I guess I do. I miss good old fashioned college rock and that's what Athens, GA is all about. Now, the haircuts are much better than Stipe in '86 but the quality is there in spades. Twin Tigers' straight-forward yet sharp sound is as welcome as the spring warmth. It's on the hi-fi and should be on yours' as well.
Myspace
Track of the Day… "Everything Purple" from 800Beloved
03/23/10 01:01
800beloved
"Everything Purple" from Everything Purple
6 April on Moodgadget
Listen to "Everything Purple" MP3
Hailing from Michigan, 800beloved is Sean Lynch (vocals/songwriting), Anastasiya "Stacy" Metesheva (bass) and Scott Masson (drums). And contrary to what some may expect when they hear of Sean's day job working at the family funeral home, the band's second release Everything Purple bears no kinship to goth or more macabre sounds. Rather, 800beloved's sound is a bright and dreamy homage to love, obsession and watery landscapes, borne out of dreams of purple. The title track from Everything Purple is unmixed and features Sean's measured baritone over jangly and melodious guitars and lo-fi drums. A sound which, along with that of the other tracks on the album, remains organic and retains a characteristic richness.
Moodgadget has set up an Everything Purple mini-site where you can stream the upcoming release and download a free MP3 of "Everything Purple".
"If temptation's red as our eyes are blue, together we'll make everything purple".
Tracklisting
"Everything Purple"
"1992"
"Tidal"
"Surf's Up"
"Empire"
"Slasher Flick"
"If Butterflies Never Burned"
"No More Unicorns"
"Malva"
MySpace | Twitter | Moodgadget
Track of the Day..."Hammock" from MillionYoung
03/17/10 18:26
MillionYoung
"Hammock"
From Be So True (EP)
Arcade Sound Ltd (2010)
Listen to "Hammock" MP3
First off, MillionYoung is not a one trick pony as many electronic artists seem to be. With several good tracks making the rotation right now you should expect to see this South Florida button pusher around for years to come.
"Hammock" is just one of our highlights but you can find several other outstanding tracks at his official site below.
Official | MySpace
Track of the Day..."None Shall Sleep" from Pepper Rabbit
03/17/10 01:28
Pepper Rabbit
"None Shall Sleep"
From Clicks (EP)
BFM Digital (2009)
Listen to "None Shall Sleep" MP3
California duo Pepper Rabbit has created a superbly languid, emotionally redolent and harmony rich track with “None Shall Sleep” off their Clicks EP. Band members and multi-instrumentalists Xander Singh and Luc Laurent throw the kitchen sink of sounds on the cut but weave them all together masterfully. Their eclectic offering is most apparent in the percussion of the song in which you can happily get lost. Dreamy layers of bongos and shakers mix with just enough electronic beats to make for a sublime pairing with Singh’s ethereal callings.
Along with Clicks the band also released a companion EP entitled Shakes that includes the equally impressive “Red Wine.” Check out the video for that track here and you get to really see these creative gents at work.
Definitely keep your ears perked for more from these guys in the years ahead.
Myspace |Twitter: @pepper_rabbit
Track of the Day …"Lion Face Boy" from Seabear
03/14/10 22:38
Seabear
"Lion Face Boy"
From We Built A Fire
2010 Morr Music
Listen to "Lion Face Boy" MP3
Released this month on Morr Music, We Built A Fire is the fruit of the on-going evolution of Iceland's Seabear. The project originally began as a one-man endeavor of singer and multi-instrumentalist Sindri Már Sigfússon (a/k/a Sin Fang Bous : check out our review of his 2009 release Clangour). However, today Seabear has matured into a seven-member strong collective. "Lion Face Boy" is the first single from the band's second release and reflects the collective's beautiful take on melodic orchestrated indie-folk. Watch the video for another release from the album called "I'll Build You A Fire".
In conjunction with We Built A Fire, Seabear will be releasing When The Fire Dies, a six track EP highlighting the band's folkier balladry.
Be sure to catch Seabear at Mercury Lounge (NYC) on 25 March and at Point Ephémère (Paris) on 20 May. See here for a full list of concert dates.
Tracklisting of We Built A Fire
"Lion Face Boy"
"Fire Dies Down"
"I'll Build You A Fire"
"Cold Summer"
"Wooden Teeth"
"Leafmask"
"Softship"
"We Fell Of The Roof"
"Warm Blood"
"In Winters Eyes"
"Wolfboy"
Tracklisting of While The Fire Dies
"Pocket Knife"
"Arms"
"Bright House"
"Singing Arc"
"Leafmask II"
"Doctor"
Official | MySpace | Twitter | Morr Music
Track of the Day …"Yours" from Gaspard Royant
03/07/10 22:34
Gaspard Royant
"Yours"
You Can Have Me (If You Want To) (EP)
2010
Listen to "Yours" MP3
Gaspard Royant is a young Parisian artist whose first self-released EP You Can Have Me (If You Want To) was released last month. Gaspard's style is a mix of folk and pop, with the slightest hint of honky tonk-lite à la français. The EP's 5 tracks were honed on the road, Gaspard traveling with his guitar and playing across Europe and the US. It was actually during his travels in the US, perhaps in part drawn by a certain sense of romanticized adventure, where Gaspard decided to invest fully in his music. Gaspard writes in English, tackling in his songwriting the wild extremes of the human condition.
The track "Yours' is a wonderfully deceptively tender duet with singer-songwriter Marie-Flore. The EP also includes a favorite "Grow", a quietly confident and swaggering ballad.
Watch the video for "Yours" directed by Ben Berzenker : when a untroubled stroll in a snowy wood turns sinister
MySpace
Track of the Day…"Careful What You Say" from Class Actress
03/01/10 23:37
Class Actress
"Careful What You Say"
From Journal of Ardency (EP)
Terrible Records 2010
Listen to "Careful What You Say" MP3
A transplant to Brooklyn from California, Elizabeth Harper has shed her solo acoustic sound for full-throttle 80's retro-electro pop. In forming Class Actress, Elizabeth (a former drama major) hooked up with producers Scott Rosenthal and Mark Richardson, recording the debut EP Journal of Ardency in Elizabeth's apartment. The sound is a wonderful mix of vintage Dynasty-era synths and dance beats sampled from vinyl. There is a particular strength in the songwriting, each track wearing a preppy dark heart on its sleeve. The result is a collection of tracks which are, as Elizabeth puts it, for people to become obsessed with their lovers over -- the definition of pure stalker pop.
MySpace | Terrible Records
Track of the Day..."So Derobe" from Joy Orbison
02/26/10 01:13
Joy Orbison
"So Derobe"
From The Shrew Would Have Cushioned The Blow
Aus Music 2010
Listen to “So Derobe” MP3
Joy Orbison (a/k/a producer Darren J. Cunningham) has outdone himself on this follow-up to 2009's massive, jet fuel on Xanax, "Hyph Mngo". Once known as “She Dressed the Best,” “So Derobe” is included on his new EP, The Shrew Would Have Cushioned the Blow, and the sound just percolates inside your ears running the length of your spine and into your feet. It paints an evocative picture which expands his normally blissed out sound with the deep touch of latin tinged, percussive, finger snaps and Human League/Boyz II Men samples. The transition to the ambient part is unexpected, but it works well with the overall tone. A little bit of sonic-cine!
The track is smart and is such a genre mixer that it has been embraced by just about everyone out there. If we were forced against a speaker to make a comparison, the track sounds most like Alex Gopher with 21st century production -- but that is just musical hairsplitting. It's simply an amazing dance cut.
Check out video for "Hyph Mngo" here.
Joy Orbison(Official) | MySpace | Aus Music
Track of the Day..."Fold" from CLAPS
02/15/10 23:08
CLAPS
"Fold"
From (EP) New Science
Guilt Ridden Pop (2010)
Listen to "Fold" MP3
CLAPS is a minimal synth pop three-piece from Saint Paul, MN formed in April 2009. On "Fold", their first single from their debut EP New Science, the trio mixes some heart into the minimal electronic beats by way of lead singer Patrick Donohoe's plaintive delivery. Although they haven't been together as a group for very long, we expect great things in the future from this band.
New Science is available now on Guilt Ridden Pop.
MySpace | Guilt Ridden Pop
Track of the Day..."Marchin' In" from Lo-Fi-Fnk
02/11/10 00:29
Lo-Fi-Fnk
"Marchin' In"
New album expected in 2010
Listen to "Marchin' In" MP3
Lo-Fi-Fnk are two young Swedes, Leo Drougge and August Hellsing, who make playful indie-pop dancefloor music. The two met in high school and formed the group back in 2001. In a complimentary division of labor, Leo is charged with songwriting, production, lead vocals, bass and percussion, while August focuses on production, mixing and keyboards.
The group's first full-length release Boylife was released in 2006, seeing the duo hit the road, headlining dates in Europe and opening for bands such as The Rapture, Hot Chip and Justice in the US. NME referred to the Boylife track "City" as conjuring images of Daft Punk tossing aside their helmets to reveal Bangalter and de Homem-Christo in a state of ecstasy. And in 2008, Kitunsé featured the track "Want U" on their Compilation 6.
Lo-Fi-Fnk are now working on their second album which is expected to be released later this year. A hint of the sound to come takes the form of the track "Marchin' In", a laidback call to youth with a snapping and piano chord driven melody, featuring the backing vocals of Maja Gödicke.
Watch the video for the track here -- however, don't be fooled by the languid images of sea life, there is danger in these waters.
Official | MySpace
Track of the Day ..."Teenage Romance" from Bear in Heaven
02/10/10 00:07
Bear in Heaven
"Lovesick Teenagers"
From Beast Rest Forth Mouth
Hometapes / Dreamboat (2010)
Listen to "Lovesick Teenagers." MP3
Beast Rest Forth Mouth is the second release from this quartet made up of Jon Philpot, Adam Wills, Sadek Bazaraa and Joe Stickney. The album speaks to the points of the compass ("Beast Rest Forth Mouth" / "East West North South") and the inevitable pause of uncertainty at reaching a crossroads. All transplants to Brooklyn from the American South, Bear in Heaven create a distinctive sound wrapped in a rolling fog of kraut beats, treated vocals and synth washes. The second single "Lovesick Teenagers" is a darkly optimistic reminder that while the years seem to tick by with an unfaltering regularity, you never lose hold of that teenager that you once were.
Released in the US last year to a warm critical reception, Beast Rest Forth Mouth will be seeing its European release in April 2010 on Hometapes in association with Dreamboat Records. The band are now on the road with Cymbals Eat Guitars throughout in North America, interrupted by a stop at SXSW, and then off on their first European tour. Be sure to catch Bear in Heaven at Point Ephémère in Paris on 27 April, or in London at The Lexington on 20 April and at Windmill Brixton on 26 April.
The band will also be in Brooklyn on 18 February at Grasslands and again on 9 April at The Music Hall of Williamsburg with Cymbals Eat Guitars.
MySpace | Hometapes | Dreamboat
Track of the Day…"O.N.E." from Yeasayer
02/08/10 20:55
Yeasayer
"O.N.E."
From Odd Blood
Mute / Naïve (2010)
Listen to "O.N.E." MP3
The Brooklyn trio are back this February with their second album Odd Blood. Giving a new twist to their experimentalism, Yeasayer have left behind the progressive world beat tip of the 2007 album All Hour Cymbals. On the new release, the band focuses their sights, embracing a more electronic and underground pop sound (inspired, in part, by 70's ambient electronica). Fret not, the blessed quirkiness remains. Give a listen to the warped Caribbean-beat inflected second single "O.N.E.".
Not shy of dropping trow and running through the dessert, Yeasayer have put together an otherworldly video for the first single "Ambling Alp".
Download "Ambling Alp" here.
Official | MySpace
Track of the Day…"Funny Symphony" from Ninca Leece
02/04/10 00:27
Ninca Leece
"Funny Symphony"
From There Is No One Else When I Lay Down and Dream
Bureau B / Tapete Records (2010)
Listen to "Funny Symphony" MP3
Ninca Leece's debut album, There Is No One Else When I Lay Down and Dream, is the distillation of her travels, playing clubs and festivals, writing soundtracks and various musical collaborations over the past few years. Having grown up in France, Ninca went on to study music production and vocals in Rotterdam and then to tour the globe as part of various projects. She has now relocated to Berlin, and the musical imprint of her adopted home on her brand of minimal electro, "glitch and synth pop" is undeniable.
In producing and arranging her album, Ninca plays with electro sounds and melody, mixing in layers of organic instrumentation and field recordings. As she explains, the result is a "collection of my experiments in sound and emotions -- lots of funny little things, broken hearted sounds and melodies. It's about glitchiness, quirkiness, sexiness".
Have a listen to "Funny Symphony" - Ninca's French and English vocals provide a looping melody, gently warming the chilly permafrost of electronic clicks and cuts.
Watch the video to the track "On Top of The World".
Official | MySpace | Bureau B | Tapete Records
Track of the Day…"Spirited" from Laura Gibson
01/29/10 13:45
Laura Gibson
"Spirited"
From Beasts of Seasons
Hush Records (2009)
Listen to "Spirited" MP3
Before we speed too far into 2010, we wanted to take a quick look back at the year that has been and see if there were any gems which we may have overlooked. Beasts of Seasons from Laura Gibson is just one of those albums which we regret not having discovered sooner.
As the title suggests, "Spirited" is a track which speaks to grabbing at a moment before it slips away. For this track, Laura was inspired by summer nights spent with friends around the dappled light of a fading fire, smoldering away in a rusty old washtub. Indeed. A beautiful track, from a wonderfully reflective album.
Listen to Laura Gibson's session with Daytrotter from last December (includes additional tracks such as "Funeral Song" (a favorite), "Glory" and "O Frailty").
MySpace | Hush Records
Track of the Day..."Bright Red Cords" from Loomis & The Lust
01/27/10 17:20
Loomis & The Lust
"Bright Red Cords"
From (EP) Nagasha
Kings of Spain (2009)
Listen to "Bright Red Chords" MP3
Formed in 2008, Santa Barbara rockers Loomis & the Lust spin an infectious, groove filled coat of forgotten early 80's styled R&B rock (think Tommy Tutone or The Greg Kihn Band). On "Bright Red Chords", the band provide a jolt of needed rock and roll good times into the overly indulgent landscape of Gaga-era glam ram. We are looking for big things from this band as they have already garnered spots as a selection for Urban Outfitters, MTV and are working with hot producer Brandon Mason.
Watch the video for "Bright Red Chords".
MySpace | Official | Twitter
Track of the Day..."Beach Comber" from Real Estate
01/10/10 21:43
Real Estate
"Beach Comber"
From Real Estate
Woodsist Records (2010)
Listen to "Beach Comber" MP3
In the midst of this icy cold winter we thought we would give you a little peak through the snow to the summer ahead. New Jersey quartet Real Estate serve up smooth, chiming, staccato guitars that are reminiscent of the sun soaked sounds of West Coast surf pop of years past. On "Beach Combers" the group finds a welcome balance of psychedelia and heartfelt harmony that will make you get out that swimsuit and dance around in your apartment as the snowflakes peer in the window from outside. Warning: Avoid mirrors if dancing in your trunks or bikini…at least until you get tan.
MySpace | Woodsist Records
Track of the Day …"Who Do You Love" from Museum of Bella Artes
01/06/10 21:09
Museum of Bella Artes
"Who Do You Love"
Force Majeure (2009)
Listen to "Who Do You Love" MP3
With friends moving abroad and Stockholm feeling emptier, friends Leo, Alice and Joanna got together to form a music project called Museum of Bella Artes (after the site in Valencia). As an initial target, the group set their sights on updating the 1964 hit "Who Do You Love" from Philadelphia's The Sapphires. The result moves away from the classic Motown sound of the original and re-imagines the track with a simple crunchy electro beat accompanied by dreamy and naively catchy vocals, seemingly betraying the anguish of the lyrics.
Look for Museum of Bella Artes to release new material with Force Majeure (also home to Bandjo and Nhessingtons) later this year. We will post release dates when available.
Watch
MySpace | Force Majeure
Track of the Day …"Left It Alone" from Banjo or Freakout
01/04/10 22:29
Banjo or Freakout
"Left It Alone"
Half Machine (2009)
Listen to "Left It Alone" MP3
Banjo or Freakout is the moniker of Allessio Natalizia, an Italian "bedroom artist" now living in London. Allessio creates sample-heavy, shoe-gazing tracks, each carefully wrapped in a downy cocoon. Check out the dreamy guitar wash and lyrics of déjà vu on "Let It Alone", out now on a 7" (transparent vinyl) with the track "Breathe Out".
Watch "Left It Alone" here.
Allessio is also behind some excellent remixes including "All of the King's Men" from Wild Beasts (accompanied by an intriguing video of vintage performance art clips here).
Free Banjo or Freakout downloads are available at Hush Records.
Also, if you still have a bit of the holiday spirit left in you, check out the free download from Allessio of his recordings of some Christmas classics here.
Official | MySpace | Twitter: banjoorfreakout
Track of the Day..."Puzzles" from The Mary Onettes
01/03/10 19:04
The Mary Onettes
"Puzzles"
From Islands
Labrador (2009)
Listen to "Puzzles" MP3
The Mary Onettes are an indie rock band formed in the town of Jönköping, Sweden in 2000. After some unfortunate major label dealings, the group eventually landed squarely on their feet with November’s release of Island on Labrador Records. The sound is reminiscent of early Echo and the Bunnymen and demonstrates the integral swell and abandon to innocence present in 80’s British pop music. This heartfelt, romantic sound is most evident on the tracks “Puzzles” and “Dare” both of which glisten with Cure-like guitar riffs and synth hooks. Get out the eyeliner and your creepers and enjoy.
The Mary Onettes | MySpace
Track of the Day….."Bellyfulla" from Ramona Falls
12/30/09 16:18
Ramona Falls
"Bellyfulla"
From Intuit
Barsuk Records (2009)
Listen to "Bellyfulla" MP3
Ramona Falls is the solo project of Brent Knopf, also of the Portland trio Menomena. In creating the project, Knopf looked to the inspiration of one of his favorite Oregon hiking trails, a place which is at once a refuge and a space to come together. In this vein, Knopf explored working with over 30 guest artists over the span of the 11 diverse tracks which make up his debut Intuit.
Knopf's songs are at their most powerful when they are at their most simple, allowing the melodies and the lyrics to ease into being. In this way, the penultimate track "Bellyfulla" builds with a reserved and plucky urgency, clearing the way for Knopf's lyrics, eventually leaving the author blissfully overwhelmed by "more happiness than a body can hold".
MySpace | Barsuk Records
"Bellyfulla"
From Intuit
Barsuk Records (2009)
Listen to "Bellyfulla" MP3
Ramona Falls is the solo project of Brent Knopf, also of the Portland trio Menomena. In creating the project, Knopf looked to the inspiration of one of his favorite Oregon hiking trails, a place which is at once a refuge and a space to come together. In this vein, Knopf explored working with over 30 guest artists over the span of the 11 diverse tracks which make up his debut Intuit.
Knopf's songs are at their most powerful when they are at their most simple, allowing the melodies and the lyrics to ease into being. In this way, the penultimate track "Bellyfulla" builds with a reserved and plucky urgency, clearing the way for Knopf's lyrics, eventually leaving the author blissfully overwhelmed by "more happiness than a body can hold".
MySpace | Barsuk Records
Track of the Day…"Sirkka" from Fear of Tigers
12/29/09 18:56
Fear of Tigers
"Sirkka"
From Cossus Snufsigalonica
Self-released (2009)
Listen to "Sirkka" MP3
Fear of Tigers is the moniker of Ben Berry who has a knack for crafting layered compositions from a wonderful mishmash of retro inspired electronica. Mr. Berry (born and raised in Kobe, Japan and now living in Greenwich, England) seems to approach songs like multi-pronged arrangements, with attention given to the minutiae of the overall soundscape. The track "Sirkka" sums up the Fear of Tigers' sound nicely. On this track, the sounds of rain and thunderclaps lead us in over hooky synths and a dipping beat, cue the waka waka guitars, side step to early anthem rave, and then the staccato strings, and back again…. Hats off to Fear of Tigers for these 10 blissfully upbeat and cynicism-free tracks.
…and Happy Holidays! Fear of Tigers is making the debut release Cossus Snufsigalonica downloadable for free at here.
And, thanks to the Valerie Collective for putting us on to this!
MySpace
"Sirkka"
From Cossus Snufsigalonica
Self-released (2009)
Listen to "Sirkka" MP3
Fear of Tigers is the moniker of Ben Berry who has a knack for crafting layered compositions from a wonderful mishmash of retro inspired electronica. Mr. Berry (born and raised in Kobe, Japan and now living in Greenwich, England) seems to approach songs like multi-pronged arrangements, with attention given to the minutiae of the overall soundscape. The track "Sirkka" sums up the Fear of Tigers' sound nicely. On this track, the sounds of rain and thunderclaps lead us in over hooky synths and a dipping beat, cue the waka waka guitars, side step to early anthem rave, and then the staccato strings, and back again…. Hats off to Fear of Tigers for these 10 blissfully upbeat and cynicism-free tracks.
…and Happy Holidays! Fear of Tigers is making the debut release Cossus Snufsigalonica downloadable for free at here.
And, thanks to the Valerie Collective for putting us on to this!
MySpace
Track of the Day…"Krimson" from Warpaint
12/28/09 01:22
Warpaint
"Krimson"
From Exquisite Corpse
Manimal Vinyl Records (2009)
Listen to "Krimson" MP3
Warpaint is a quartet formed 5 years ago (on Valentines Day no less) by LA (Echo Park) transplants and childhood friends Emily Kokal (vocals, guitar), Theresa Wayman (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass, vocals). M Quinn (from the group Corridor) was recently added as the group's latest drummer and multi-instrumentalist. Earlier this year, the group self-released their debut Exquisite Corpse, an EP which proudly made its way to the top of Amoeba Records' local artist's chart. Lucky for us, Exquisite Corpse has been re-released on Manimal Vinyl Records.
This re-release includes the excellent tracks "Billie Holiday", "Elephants" and "Stars" from the original release, as well as a new track called "Krimson". On this track, a post-punk beat emerges from a blurry guitar loop, sliced by distantly raw vocals, all building to a wonderful trailing psychedelic blur.
Catch Warpaint touring the US with Akron / Family this coming February and March. Also, look for the band's new release and appearance at SXSW, both in 2010.
MySpace | Manimal Vinyl
"Krimson"
From Exquisite Corpse
Manimal Vinyl Records (2009)
Listen to "Krimson" MP3
Warpaint is a quartet formed 5 years ago (on Valentines Day no less) by LA (Echo Park) transplants and childhood friends Emily Kokal (vocals, guitar), Theresa Wayman (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass, vocals). M Quinn (from the group Corridor) was recently added as the group's latest drummer and multi-instrumentalist. Earlier this year, the group self-released their debut Exquisite Corpse, an EP which proudly made its way to the top of Amoeba Records' local artist's chart. Lucky for us, Exquisite Corpse has been re-released on Manimal Vinyl Records.
This re-release includes the excellent tracks "Billie Holiday", "Elephants" and "Stars" from the original release, as well as a new track called "Krimson". On this track, a post-punk beat emerges from a blurry guitar loop, sliced by distantly raw vocals, all building to a wonderful trailing psychedelic blur.
Catch Warpaint touring the US with Akron / Family this coming February and March. Also, look for the band's new release and appearance at SXSW, both in 2010.
MySpace | Manimal Vinyl
Track of the Day…"Time Machine / Submarine" from Shelly Short
12/15/09 18:02
Shelley Short
"Time Machine / Submarine"
From A Cave, A Canoo
Hush Records (2009)
Listen to "Time Machine / Submarine" MP3
Shelley Short's excellent third release A Cave, A Canoo came to life over the span of a year, recorded over the winter months and slowly evolving in its own time as each track began to take on its own form, whether over a matter of weeks or recorded on the first take in the wee hours. The Portland native draws upon her upbringing, growing up around music. "It was like growing up in a time machine; in some ways we lived like in 1876, chopping wood, growing our own food, wearing old clothes in a Victorian home and singing our own songs. Other times it seemed like we were living in 1955, driving around Cadillacs and Studebakers and listening to Jonny Ray and The Flamingos. And yet it all felt like growing up in a blurring movie made in 1963."
On the track "Time Machine / Submarine", Shelley welcomes you in from the cold, stoking a warm closeness with her delicate vocals and the sounds of an organ and guitars, all as if sung to a hushed beat coming from somewhere across the frozen fields.
Watch
Shelley Short (Official) | MySpace | Hush Records
"Time Machine / Submarine"
From A Cave, A Canoo
Hush Records (2009)
Listen to "Time Machine / Submarine" MP3
Shelley Short's excellent third release A Cave, A Canoo came to life over the span of a year, recorded over the winter months and slowly evolving in its own time as each track began to take on its own form, whether over a matter of weeks or recorded on the first take in the wee hours. The Portland native draws upon her upbringing, growing up around music. "It was like growing up in a time machine; in some ways we lived like in 1876, chopping wood, growing our own food, wearing old clothes in a Victorian home and singing our own songs. Other times it seemed like we were living in 1955, driving around Cadillacs and Studebakers and listening to Jonny Ray and The Flamingos. And yet it all felt like growing up in a blurring movie made in 1963."
On the track "Time Machine / Submarine", Shelley welcomes you in from the cold, stoking a warm closeness with her delicate vocals and the sounds of an organ and guitars, all as if sung to a hushed beat coming from somewhere across the frozen fields.
Watch
Shelley Short (Official) | MySpace | Hush Records
Track of the Day...”Scissor” from Liars
12/13/09 23:17
Liars
“Scissor”
From upcoming album Sisterworld
Mute (2010)
Listen to “Scissor” MP3
After traveling on a musical odyssey through the realms of a Jesus and Mary Chain and Pere Ubu post-punk revivalism, a Nitzer Ebb, industrial pit-stop and a formless, cinematic sound collage period, Liars - Angus Andrew, Aaron Hemphill and Julian Gross – seemed to have found their sound.
“Scissor” is the first track from their upcoming album Sisterworld. The song retains an ominous and bleak residue from their earlier work but takes that previously scattered, confusing group of sounds and reveals a rich, evocative and succinct cry that is filled with wraithlike harmonies and vocals. When the “Scissor” bursts with brutal intensity you know the members of Liars have arrived. And they are going to be welcome on our hi-fi for a while to come.
Liars (Official) | MySpace
“Scissor”
From upcoming album Sisterworld
Mute (2010)
Listen to “Scissor” MP3
After traveling on a musical odyssey through the realms of a Jesus and Mary Chain and Pere Ubu post-punk revivalism, a Nitzer Ebb, industrial pit-stop and a formless, cinematic sound collage period, Liars - Angus Andrew, Aaron Hemphill and Julian Gross – seemed to have found their sound.
“Scissor” is the first track from their upcoming album Sisterworld. The song retains an ominous and bleak residue from their earlier work but takes that previously scattered, confusing group of sounds and reveals a rich, evocative and succinct cry that is filled with wraithlike harmonies and vocals. When the “Scissor” bursts with brutal intensity you know the members of Liars have arrived. And they are going to be welcome on our hi-fi for a while to come.
Liars (Official) | MySpace
Track of the Day...”Rollerskate” from Matias Aguayo
12/09/09 22:54
Matias Aguayo
“Rollerskate”
From Ay Ay Ay
Kompakt (2009)
Listen to “Rollerskate” MP3
Dust ‘em off, lace ‘em up and hit the rink. It’s time for couples skate at the roller disco.
With Ay Ay Ay, Matias Aguayo (formelly of Closer Music) departs from his more established electronic style and explores a full-on world of left-of-center songcraft riddled with layers of wild vocal effect buckshot.
Ay Ay Ay is a truly intriguing mix from this Chilean born musician who currently splits his time between Buenos Aires and Paris making music and djing. Matias is at his most playful on tracks such as “Rollerskate”, one of the release’s most light hearted and unapologetically fun highlights.
Facebook | MySpace | Kompact
“Rollerskate”
From Ay Ay Ay
Kompakt (2009)
Listen to “Rollerskate” MP3
Dust ‘em off, lace ‘em up and hit the rink. It’s time for couples skate at the roller disco.
With Ay Ay Ay, Matias Aguayo (formelly of Closer Music) departs from his more established electronic style and explores a full-on world of left-of-center songcraft riddled with layers of wild vocal effect buckshot.
Ay Ay Ay is a truly intriguing mix from this Chilean born musician who currently splits his time between Buenos Aires and Paris making music and djing. Matias is at his most playful on tracks such as “Rollerskate”, one of the release’s most light hearted and unapologetically fun highlights.
Facebook | MySpace | Kompact
Track of the Day…"War Bells" from Royal Bangs
12/07/09 16:21
Royal Bangs
"War Bells"
From Let It Beep (2009)
Audio Eagle Records (US) / City Slang (Europe)
Listen to "War Bells" MP3
Royal Bangs hail from Knoxville, Tennessee and with their sophomore release Let It Beep, deliver a gunning mix of 70's guitar rock tinged with just enough vintage electro wonkiness. To help put this sound in perspective (or not as the case may be), the band cite such far ranging influences from Bruce Springsteen to the soundtrack of Blade Runner. Let It Beep kicks off with the excellent track "War Bells", and the joyride continues for another 11 refreshing tracks.
Check out a live session (from January 2009) from Royal Bangs on Daytrotter here.
Royal Bangs (Official) | MySpace | Twitter: royalbangs | Audio Eagle Records
"War Bells"
From Let It Beep (2009)
Audio Eagle Records (US) / City Slang (Europe)
Listen to "War Bells" MP3
Royal Bangs hail from Knoxville, Tennessee and with their sophomore release Let It Beep, deliver a gunning mix of 70's guitar rock tinged with just enough vintage electro wonkiness. To help put this sound in perspective (or not as the case may be), the band cite such far ranging influences from Bruce Springsteen to the soundtrack of Blade Runner. Let It Beep kicks off with the excellent track "War Bells", and the joyride continues for another 11 refreshing tracks.
Check out a live session (from January 2009) from Royal Bangs on Daytrotter here.
Royal Bangs (Official) | MySpace | Twitter: royalbangs | Audio Eagle Records
Track of the Day..."I Felt Stupid" from The Drums
12/03/09 21:05
The Drums
"I Felt Stupid"
From Summertime!
TwentySeven Records (2009)
Listen to "I Felt Stupid" MP3
With "I Felt Stupid" from The Drums you can hold onto the increasingly fading memory of the dog days of summer. The Brooklyn duo (and Florida natives) delve into their New Wave influences and create a track which bops along on synths, Cure guitars and unabashedly shiny melodies. Lyrics of lost love mingle with talk of treks to the Eden that is the beach, where life seems slightly less complicated and "where we can finally be free". Grab the towels and lets go.
Check out the EP Summertime! From The Drums, out now on TwentySeven Records. Various UK dates for The Drums are scheduled throughout the UK in February 2010.
The Drums (Official) | MySpace | TwentySeven Records (MySpace)
"I Felt Stupid"
From Summertime!
TwentySeven Records (2009)
Listen to "I Felt Stupid" MP3
With "I Felt Stupid" from The Drums you can hold onto the increasingly fading memory of the dog days of summer. The Brooklyn duo (and Florida natives) delve into their New Wave influences and create a track which bops along on synths, Cure guitars and unabashedly shiny melodies. Lyrics of lost love mingle with talk of treks to the Eden that is the beach, where life seems slightly less complicated and "where we can finally be free". Grab the towels and lets go.
Check out the EP Summertime! From The Drums, out now on TwentySeven Records. Various UK dates for The Drums are scheduled throughout the UK in February 2010.
The Drums (Official) | MySpace | TwentySeven Records (MySpace)
Track of the Day… "100 doLLa biLL" from Monica Rush
12/02/09 10:37
Monica Rush
"100 doLLa biLL"
From (To Be Released Album)
Self-Released 2009
Listen to "100 doLLa biLL" MP3
A young veteran of the New York music scene, Indian-American Monica Rush is a prolific songwriter including the demo of “Bad Girl” for Brittany Spears. Her single, "100 doLLa biLL", takes a tongue in cheek spin on the playgirl being played for her cash.
The single provides a colorful mix of electronic, glam, funk, pop, and hipster-hop. Look for more from Monica Rush on her on her new album slated to drop soon.
Her video for “100 doLLa biLL”, directed by Chadd Harbold, is a cool, colorful, graphic art and lyrics driven piece that will get you moving and grinning. Video
Monica Rush (Official) | MySpace
"100 doLLa biLL"
From (To Be Released Album)
Self-Released 2009
Listen to "100 doLLa biLL" MP3
A young veteran of the New York music scene, Indian-American Monica Rush is a prolific songwriter including the demo of “Bad Girl” for Brittany Spears. Her single, "100 doLLa biLL", takes a tongue in cheek spin on the playgirl being played for her cash.
The single provides a colorful mix of electronic, glam, funk, pop, and hipster-hop. Look for more from Monica Rush on her on her new album slated to drop soon.
Her video for “100 doLLa biLL”, directed by Chadd Harbold, is a cool, colorful, graphic art and lyrics driven piece that will get you moving and grinning. Video
Monica Rush (Official) | MySpace
Track of the Day… "May You Never" from Land of Talk
11/29/09 23:04
Land of Talk
"May You Never"
From Fun and Laughter EP
Saddle Creek (2009)
Listen to "May You Never" MP3
Montreal's Land of Talk is back with a follow-up to the excellent 2008 release Some Are Lakes (produced by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon). The group, led by frontwoman Lizzie Powell (also part of the Broken Social Scene caravan) who is rebounding from vocal chord ailments earlier this year, has released the excellent EP entitled Fun and Laughter on the Omaha, Nebraska-based Saddle Creek Records. The EP includes 4 new tracks like the guitar driven change-up "May You Never", as well as videos for earlier releases, including the woozy standout "The Man Who Breaks Things (Dark Shuffle)". Look for a new full-length from the band in 2010.
Land of Talk (Official) | MySpace | Saddle Creek
"May You Never"
From Fun and Laughter EP
Saddle Creek (2009)
Listen to "May You Never" MP3
Montreal's Land of Talk is back with a follow-up to the excellent 2008 release Some Are Lakes (produced by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon). The group, led by frontwoman Lizzie Powell (also part of the Broken Social Scene caravan) who is rebounding from vocal chord ailments earlier this year, has released the excellent EP entitled Fun and Laughter on the Omaha, Nebraska-based Saddle Creek Records. The EP includes 4 new tracks like the guitar driven change-up "May You Never", as well as videos for earlier releases, including the woozy standout "The Man Who Breaks Things (Dark Shuffle)". Look for a new full-length from the band in 2010.
Land of Talk (Official) | MySpace | Saddle Creek
Track of the Day… "Golden Chain" from Lake Heartbeat
11/23/09 21:40
Lake Heartbeat
"Golden Chain"
From Trust in Numbers
Service (2009)
Listen to "Golden Chain" MP3
Trust in Numbers is the debut release from Swedes Lake Heartbeat. The Gothenburg-based duo is made up of Janne Kask (formerly of Brainpool) on vocals and Kalla Kåks on guitar / bass. Put out by Service (home of bands such as The Embassy, The Tough Alliance and Jens Lekman), Trust in Numbers glows with hooks and bright, romantic pop. The album is produced by Dan Lissivik of other projects such as Studio and Fontän (listen to "Early Morning" from Fontän).
"Golden Chain" is our favorite track from the album, with its modern and sun bleached take on 60's guitar-pop, providing a welcome escape from a shortening of days and the nearing stretch of winter.
Lake Heartbeat (Official) | MySpace | Service
"Golden Chain"
From Trust in Numbers
Service (2009)
Listen to "Golden Chain" MP3
Trust in Numbers is the debut release from Swedes Lake Heartbeat. The Gothenburg-based duo is made up of Janne Kask (formerly of Brainpool) on vocals and Kalla Kåks on guitar / bass. Put out by Service (home of bands such as The Embassy, The Tough Alliance and Jens Lekman), Trust in Numbers glows with hooks and bright, romantic pop. The album is produced by Dan Lissivik of other projects such as Studio and Fontän (listen to "Early Morning" from Fontän).
"Golden Chain" is our favorite track from the album, with its modern and sun bleached take on 60's guitar-pop, providing a welcome escape from a shortening of days and the nearing stretch of winter.
Lake Heartbeat (Official) | MySpace | Service
Track of the Day..."Blessa" from Toro y Moi
11/18/09 20:47
Toro y Moi
"Blessa"
From Causers of This
Car Park Records (2009)
Listen to "Blessa" MP3
Toro y Moi is the solo project of The Heist and The Accomplice lead singer Chaz Bundick. “Blessa”, off his album Causers of This, is a unique sound that has elements of TV On The Radio, MGMT and crate robbers like Blockhead and R2DJ, but takes its own path. There is a psychedelic vibe behind the track like the best of Animal Collective and doesn’t run off the rails like many of his psych-pop contemporaries. What sets the track apart is the sexy yet maudlin station it orbits above.
Toro y Moi (Official) | MySpace
"Blessa"
From Causers of This
Car Park Records (2009)
Listen to "Blessa" MP3
Toro y Moi is the solo project of The Heist and The Accomplice lead singer Chaz Bundick. “Blessa”, off his album Causers of This, is a unique sound that has elements of TV On The Radio, MGMT and crate robbers like Blockhead and R2DJ, but takes its own path. There is a psychedelic vibe behind the track like the best of Animal Collective and doesn’t run off the rails like many of his psych-pop contemporaries. What sets the track apart is the sexy yet maudlin station it orbits above.
Toro y Moi (Official) | MySpace
Track of the Day… "Low Files Tropical" from Get Back Guinozzi
11/15/09 23:25
Get Back Guinozzi
"Low Files Tropical"
From Carpet Madness
FatCat Records (2009)
Listen to "Low Files Tropical" MP3
Get Back Guinozzi is a London / Toulouse -based quintet headed by friends Eglantine Gouzy and Fred Landini. The group thrives on a pick 'n' mix of influences from reggae, dub African, Tropicalia with a hefty dose of summery pop. One of the highlights from the group's debut album Carpet Madness is the infectious single "Low Files Tropical" - a breezy groove which highlights the wonderfully warm childlike vocals of Ms. Gouzy (you can check out her solo work here). Also, check out Get Back Guinozzi's take on the Junior Murvin song "Police and Thieves" (a free download of the track is available on the FatCat Records site).
The titillating video for "Low Files Tropical" was created by director Jean-Luc Charles and features a mix of footage of the band at the Midi-Festival in France and vintage super 8 films shot at the "Bingo Club" on the French Riviera. Watch.
MySpace
"Low Files Tropical"
From Carpet Madness
FatCat Records (2009)
Listen to "Low Files Tropical" MP3
Get Back Guinozzi is a London / Toulouse -based quintet headed by friends Eglantine Gouzy and Fred Landini. The group thrives on a pick 'n' mix of influences from reggae, dub African, Tropicalia with a hefty dose of summery pop. One of the highlights from the group's debut album Carpet Madness is the infectious single "Low Files Tropical" - a breezy groove which highlights the wonderfully warm childlike vocals of Ms. Gouzy (you can check out her solo work here). Also, check out Get Back Guinozzi's take on the Junior Murvin song "Police and Thieves" (a free download of the track is available on the FatCat Records site).
The titillating video for "Low Files Tropical" was created by director Jean-Luc Charles and features a mix of footage of the band at the Midi-Festival in France and vintage super 8 films shot at the "Bingo Club" on the French Riviera. Watch.
MySpace
Track of the Day… "Better Days" from Speech Debelle (with Micachu)
11/11/09 18:42
Speech Debelle
"Better Days"
From Speech Therapy
Big Dada / Ninja Tune (2009)
Listen to "Better Days" MP3
Speech Debelle has come to the forefront this year with her win of the 2009 Barclycard Mercury Prize for her debut album Speech Therepy. Inspired by the likes of Ms. Dynamite (Mercury Prize winner in 2002), the 26-year-old South Londoner approached her label Big Dada back in 2005 looking to make a "hip hop version of Tracy Chapman". While far from the original brief, what results is a very different type of rap album. On Speech Therepy, Ms. Debelle combines various influences with organic jazz-inflected instrumentation. What you will immediately notice about Ms. Debelle is her connecting and genuine narrative - often distinctly intimate and personal. Speech Therapy often gives flesh to darker times, and with her Mercury Prize win, Ms. Debelle says that she is now ready to focus on the days ahead.
On "Better Days", one of the standouts from Speech Therapy, Ms. Debelle redirects her organic sound in a beat-centred direction, set off against her immediate and hopeful lyrics and Micachu's quietly melodic chorus. This track will get in your head and stay there - guaranteed.
Check out Speech Debelle's MySpace page for concert date updates, including the 1 December show at Nouveau Casino (Paris).
Speech Debelle (Official) | MySpace | Watch
"Better Days"
From Speech Therapy
Big Dada / Ninja Tune (2009)
Listen to "Better Days" MP3
Speech Debelle has come to the forefront this year with her win of the 2009 Barclycard Mercury Prize for her debut album Speech Therepy. Inspired by the likes of Ms. Dynamite (Mercury Prize winner in 2002), the 26-year-old South Londoner approached her label Big Dada back in 2005 looking to make a "hip hop version of Tracy Chapman". While far from the original brief, what results is a very different type of rap album. On Speech Therepy, Ms. Debelle combines various influences with organic jazz-inflected instrumentation. What you will immediately notice about Ms. Debelle is her connecting and genuine narrative - often distinctly intimate and personal. Speech Therapy often gives flesh to darker times, and with her Mercury Prize win, Ms. Debelle says that she is now ready to focus on the days ahead.
On "Better Days", one of the standouts from Speech Therapy, Ms. Debelle redirects her organic sound in a beat-centred direction, set off against her immediate and hopeful lyrics and Micachu's quietly melodic chorus. This track will get in your head and stay there - guaranteed.
Check out Speech Debelle's MySpace page for concert date updates, including the 1 December show at Nouveau Casino (Paris).
Speech Debelle (Official) | MySpace | Watch
Track of the Day…. "Snow" from Lisa Germano
11/09/09 17:47
Lisa Germano
"Snow"
From Magic Neighbor
Young God Records (2009)
Listen to "Snow" MP3
After a hiatus, Lisa Germano is back with her new release Magic Neighbor on Young God Records. Much has been said about her confessional and intimate style of song writing. The track "Snow" from the new release continues in this vein, building on Lisa's impressive solo catalog which spans almost two decades. From the simple piano and strings which occasionally reel as if stumbling, only then to right themselves, Lisa's intimate and guarded vocals dare to rise, both personal and contentedly spent. As is the case with this track, as well as many of Lisa's songs, there is a unifying sense of comforting and appeasement, from wherever it may come. With Magic Neighbor, Lisa continues to prove herself to be a powerful artist, unwavering in her devotion to pursuing her singular vision.
So much melancholy beauty.
Lisa Germano Official | Young God Records
"Snow"
From Magic Neighbor
Young God Records (2009)
Listen to "Snow" MP3
After a hiatus, Lisa Germano is back with her new release Magic Neighbor on Young God Records. Much has been said about her confessional and intimate style of song writing. The track "Snow" from the new release continues in this vein, building on Lisa's impressive solo catalog which spans almost two decades. From the simple piano and strings which occasionally reel as if stumbling, only then to right themselves, Lisa's intimate and guarded vocals dare to rise, both personal and contentedly spent. As is the case with this track, as well as many of Lisa's songs, there is a unifying sense of comforting and appeasement, from wherever it may come. With Magic Neighbor, Lisa continues to prove herself to be a powerful artist, unwavering in her devotion to pursuing her singular vision.
So much melancholy beauty.
Lisa Germano Official | Young God Records
Track of the Day… "Falleg Depurd" from Blindfold
11/05/09 20:05
Blindfold
"Falleg Depurd"
From Faking Dreams
CinePop Records (2009)
Listen to "Falleg Depurd" MP3
Blindfold are an Icelandic quartet now living in London, creating watery and muslin wrapped indie-pop. The group cites Radiohead and Sigur Rós as influences, while the more pop oriented strains of Coldplay and Keane are not far off the mark. One of the standout tracks from the group's second release Faking Dreams is "Falleg Depurd", a tender lament which gently builds, only then to quietly slip away. This track highlights the vocal and writing style of the group's frontman, founder and composer Biggi Hilmarsson. Blindfold also has an uncanny ability to translate their sound live, retaining the melting richness of their cinematic sound.
MySpace | CinePop Records
"Falleg Depurd"
From Faking Dreams
CinePop Records (2009)
Listen to "Falleg Depurd" MP3
Blindfold are an Icelandic quartet now living in London, creating watery and muslin wrapped indie-pop. The group cites Radiohead and Sigur Rós as influences, while the more pop oriented strains of Coldplay and Keane are not far off the mark. One of the standout tracks from the group's second release Faking Dreams is "Falleg Depurd", a tender lament which gently builds, only then to quietly slip away. This track highlights the vocal and writing style of the group's frontman, founder and composer Biggi Hilmarsson. Blindfold also has an uncanny ability to translate their sound live, retaining the melting richness of their cinematic sound.
MySpace | CinePop Records
Track of the Day… "Early Morning" from Fontän
11/05/09 17:52
Fontän
"Early Morning"
From Wintherhwila
Information Records (2009)
Listen to "Early Morning" MP3
Welcome to the sound of kraut-pop revisited. Fontän's "Early Morning" is an epic trek through retro electro sounds, treated token vocals and wailing electric guitars tumbling over 80's synth beats. The duo of Jesper Jarold and Johan Melin hail from the (unlikely) burgeoning musical hotbed that is Gothenburg in southern Sweden - home to acts such as El Perro del Mar, Lake Heartbeat, Air France, The Tough Alliance and The Embassy (and the birthplace of Jens Lekman and José González).
Fontän lead us in a game of frenetic musical hopscotch across their excellent release Wintherhwila - never content to stay with any singular sound for very long. As a result, Fontän's musical ADD is our beguiling reward.
Watch (fan video)
Official | MySpace | Information Records
"Early Morning"
From Wintherhwila
Information Records (2009)
Listen to "Early Morning" MP3
Welcome to the sound of kraut-pop revisited. Fontän's "Early Morning" is an epic trek through retro electro sounds, treated token vocals and wailing electric guitars tumbling over 80's synth beats. The duo of Jesper Jarold and Johan Melin hail from the (unlikely) burgeoning musical hotbed that is Gothenburg in southern Sweden - home to acts such as El Perro del Mar, Lake Heartbeat, Air France, The Tough Alliance and The Embassy (and the birthplace of Jens Lekman and José González).
Fontän lead us in a game of frenetic musical hopscotch across their excellent release Wintherhwila - never content to stay with any singular sound for very long. As a result, Fontän's musical ADD is our beguiling reward.
Watch (fan video)
Official | MySpace | Information Records
Track of the Day… "Good Morning" from Bikini Machine
11/03/09 17:59
Bikini Machine
"Good Morning"
From The Full Album
Platinum Records (2009)
Listen to "Good Morning" MP3
France's Bikini Machine (whose name is taken from the B-movie Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine) thrive on inspiration from the sounds of 50's / 60's subculture - coupling vintage guitars and melodies with modern rock and electro sounds. The imprint of Jon Spencer as producer and mixer on "Good Morning" is undeniable - playing here with many of his hallmark sounds. The track revs up and swings out in full retro-garage-pop mode, while French songstress Laetitia Shériff lends her backing vocals to this raucous opener to the quintet's excellent release The Full Album.
MySpace
"Good Morning"
From The Full Album
Platinum Records (2009)
Listen to "Good Morning" MP3
France's Bikini Machine (whose name is taken from the B-movie Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine) thrive on inspiration from the sounds of 50's / 60's subculture - coupling vintage guitars and melodies with modern rock and electro sounds. The imprint of Jon Spencer as producer and mixer on "Good Morning" is undeniable - playing here with many of his hallmark sounds. The track revs up and swings out in full retro-garage-pop mode, while French songstress Laetitia Shériff lends her backing vocals to this raucous opener to the quintet's excellent release The Full Album.
MySpace
Track of the Day..."Can We Stay" from The Woodlands
10/28/09 22:11
The Woodlands
"Can We Stay"
From The Woodlands
Self-Released (2009)
There is a touching intimacy to the track "Can We Stay" that can only be attributed to a wonderful love affair. Portland, OR natives The Woodlands are just that. The husband and wife duo (Hannah & Samuel Robertson) have created a lush and evocative song that calls out from a warm and gentle place of yearning and deep need. Hannah Robertson's voice is a light that peers through a world of emotion and wonder. They are definitely a duo to watch.
We hope to see much more of this band in the future and look forward to getting a sense of their live show.
"Can We Stay"
From The Woodlands
Self-Released (2009)
We hope to see much more of this band in the future and look forward to getting a sense of their live show.
Listen to "Can We Stay” MP3
Track of the Day…"Two Dots" from Lusine
10/26/09 17:17
Lusine
"Two Dots"
From A Certain Distance
Ghostly International (2009)
Listen to "Two Dots" MP3
"Two Dots" is the first single from the release A Certain Distance from Seattle's Lusine (a/k/a Jeff McIlwain). On this track, McIlwain (a sometimes soundtrack composer) manipulates the organic sounds of drums and strings, setting them off against the crisp, accented vocals of Finland's Vilja Larjosto. The strength of this track lies in its seeming simplicity, altered snares racing at a steady clip coupled with an uplifting, melodic chorus which foregoes the usual dance lyrics, instead seeing Larjosto asking who is responsible for the not so benign consequences of geometry (relationships - as - trigonometry). "Two Dots" is just one of the highlights on this excellent second release from Lusine on Ghostly International.
The "Two Dots" single also contains a remix by Dave Pezzner (of Jacob London) as well McIlwain's own dance floor rethink.
Check Lusine's MySpace page for a list of European dates through the end of November 2009.
Lusine (Official) | MySpace | Watch
"Two Dots"
From A Certain Distance
Ghostly International (2009)
Listen to "Two Dots" MP3
"Two Dots" is the first single from the release A Certain Distance from Seattle's Lusine (a/k/a Jeff McIlwain). On this track, McIlwain (a sometimes soundtrack composer) manipulates the organic sounds of drums and strings, setting them off against the crisp, accented vocals of Finland's Vilja Larjosto. The strength of this track lies in its seeming simplicity, altered snares racing at a steady clip coupled with an uplifting, melodic chorus which foregoes the usual dance lyrics, instead seeing Larjosto asking who is responsible for the not so benign consequences of geometry (relationships - as - trigonometry). "Two Dots" is just one of the highlights on this excellent second release from Lusine on Ghostly International.
The "Two Dots" single also contains a remix by Dave Pezzner (of Jacob London) as well McIlwain's own dance floor rethink.
Check Lusine's MySpace page for a list of European dates through the end of November 2009.
Lusine (Official) | MySpace | Watch
Track of the Day…"Tall Countryside" from Shannon Wright
10/13/09 21:28
Shannon Wright
"Tall Countryside"
from Honeybee Girls
Vicious Circle (2009)
"Tall Countryside"
from Honeybee Girls
Vicious Circle (2009)
Listen to "Tall Countryside” MP3
Wright's "Tall Countryside" from her album Honeybee Girls is a beautiful and melodic piece that combines her soft, commanding voice, a steady fingered guitar and a lonely snare drum keeping time. It feels like a walk through the woods on a distant, autumn afternoon watching the sun punch wholes through the falling orange leaves. It is an evocative tale from a powerful singer-songwriter.
Shannon Wright (Official) | MySpace
Track of the Day..."Bicycle" from Memory Tapes
10/05/09 10:37
Memory Tapes
"Bicycle"
from Seek Magic
Acephale Records / Sincerely Yours, 2009
"Bicycle"
from Seek Magic
Acephale Records / Sincerely Yours, 2009
Listen to "Bicycle” MP3
Weird Tapes, Memory Cassette and Memory Tapes are all monikers of one-man-band Dayve Hawk who has recently released his first full-length Seek Magic. Liquid mercury tracks stream along on drum machine beats, detailed layered melodies and Dayve's pitched and muted vocals, creating an album of energized, but confidently chilled, electro-pop tracks.
Give a listen to the first single "Bicycle" which ebbs and flows with late 80's New Order-style electro-pop guitars, synths and sharp-edged beats. The track is also available for download at We're Tapes.
Pick up Seek Magic from Rough Trade Shops and get a bonus CD
Official | MySpace | Acephale Records | Sincerely Yours
Track of the Day…"Boys Don't Cry" from Norman Palm
09/28/09 16:54
Norman Palm
"Boys Don't Cry"
From Songs
Ratio Records / Morr Music, 2009
"Boys Don't Cry"
From Songs
Ratio Records / Morr Music, 2009
Listen to "Boys Don't Cry” MP3
Along the way between Berlin, Paris and Mexico City, Norman Palm assembled a mesmerizing collection of often winsome songs, pairing each with his own artwork to create the unique release / book entitled Songs. The original run published by Ratio Records having quickly been picked up by fans, Songs as a book / CD package is now enjoying a wide re-release via Morr Music. On the album, Norman provides most of the instrumentation himself and worked with Finnish producer Jonas Verwijnen (Annie, The Whitest Boy Alive), looking to the basic structure of the songs as his musical plumb line.
One of Norman's oldest tracks which appears on Songs is the sympathetic cover of The Cure's "Boys Don't Cry". Norman approaches the song with a sense of melancholy and deliberate stillness. The track was first released on a limited edition vinyl together with a cover of Cindy Lauper's "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". Norman told us that he gravitated to these songs "because they are both icons of the 80's, saying so much about the roles of women and men at the time. In 'Boys Don't Cry' it's about the guys who can't really show their feelings because they are not supposed to as guys. The song is really sad, but in the original version its up-beat and people dance to it…. So I wanted to give the song its meaning back by singing it in the saddest way possible, even adding this moody almost whining trombone (which was played by Sebastian Maschat from The Whitest Boy Alive)."
Norman celebrates the release of Songs in France with a show at the Pop In in Paris on 30 September.
Norman Palm (Official) | MySpace
Track of the Day..."6174" from Don't Wait Animate
09/27/09 20:14
Don't Wait Animate
"6174"
Album to be released in 2010
"6174"
Album to be released in 2010
Listen to "6174” MP3
Fusing indie and dubstep, Londoners Don't Wait Animate create a terrifically warped and frenetic vibe, which as the story goes, was first christened "strumstep" by an excited (and rather lit) fan after a show. Each of the members of this five-piece brings to the group varied musical influences and affinities, and together they meticulously distill these into a heady and genre / era crossing concoction. Keep these guys on your radar!
The band's debut single "6174" won't be released until early 2010, but they have been kind enough to let us give you an advance listen!
Watch the video for "6174".
Don't Wait Animate (Official) | MySpace
Track of the Day..."Halleluja!" from [ingenting]
09/22/09 22:56
[ingenting]
"Halleluja!"
from Tomhet; idel tomhet
Labrador 2009
"Halleluja!"
from Tomhet; idel tomhet
Labrador 2009
Listen to "Halleluja!” MP3
Thanks go out to Kristian Dahl of Lacrosse for turning us on to this steller pop track from Sweden's [ingenting]! "Halleluja!", sung in Swedish, confidently swaggers along on Brit-pop riffs and a joyous melodic chorus. Its no wonder why this indie-pop track has been a top play on Swedish radio over the past few months. While the subtleties of the Swedish language may escape us, this delightfully addictive tune remains firmy stuck in our heads.
"Halleluja!" is the first single from the album Tomhet, idel tomhet (which, in a rather stark contrast to the track, we understand means "emptiness, nothing but emptiness") and is out now on Labrador. Watch
[ingenting] (Official) | MySpace
Track of the Day…"Bitch of the Bitches" from Le Corps Mince de Françoise
09/15/09 00:20
Le Corps Mince de Françoise
"Bitch of the Bitches"
from Bitch of Bitches
Stimulus 2009
"Bitch of the Bitches"
from Bitch of Bitches
Stimulus 2009
Listen to "Bitch of the Bitches” MP3
Emma and Mia Kemppianen and Malin Nyqvist hail from Helsinki and make up the frenetic electro-pop trio that is Le Corps Mince de Françoise ("The Slim Body of Françoise"). These young ladies whip up furious musical dust devils and scatter in self-knowing and biting lyrics. The first single "Bitch of Bitches" off their debut album of the same name is produced by Berliners New Judas who also had a hand in Annie's release Don't Stop. An ode to the second sex, the ladies declare on "Bitch of the Bitches": "I'm gonna marry Agent Cooper, he'd be good as a wife! I don't want to marry you, stay out of my life!"
Bitch of Bitches is out now on Stimulus.
LCMdF (Official) | MySpace
Track of the Day…"I Talk to the Trees" from Masha Qrella
09/08/09 12:50
Masha Qrella
"I Talk To The Trees"
from Speak Low - Loewe and Weil In Exile
"I Talk To The Trees"
from Speak Low - Loewe and Weil In Exile
Listen to "I Talk To The Trees” MP3
Berliner Masha Qrella continues her solo efforts with her third release Speak Low - Loewe and Weil In Exile and creates a laid-back, lo-fi pop gem with the standout track "I Talk To The Trees". On the album, Masha shares her surprising and blessedly un-theatrical take on songs by Kurt Weill and Frederick Loewe. The album was born out of a 2007 project with Berlin's Haus der Kulturen der Welt as part of its "New York - Berlin" celebrations. The challenge of the project was to find new and fresh approaches to Weill and Loewe songs, and Masha unquestionably succeeds in avoiding the obvious pitfalls and gives the tracks a welcome twist. Speak Low... is out now on Morr Music.
Morr Music | MySpace
Track of the Day…"Bloodshed in the Woodshed" from Modernaire
09/07/09 12:48
Modernaire
"Bloodshed in the Woodshed"
from the EP Velvet Never Dries
"Bloodshed in the Woodshed"
from the EP Velvet Never Dries
Listen to "Bloodshed in the Woodshed” MP3
With "Bloodshed in the Woodshed', Manchester's Modernaire flirts with theatrics and a sense of intrigue, juxtoposing a dark and grisley tale of a spurned lover's revenge against a wonderfully catchy and addictive electro-pop tune. The track was released awhile back on the group's Velvet Never Dries EP but is getting well deserved recent attention on compilations such as the Sisters album now out on SisterPhunk.
SisterPhunk | MySpace
Track of the Day..."Royan" by Frànçois and The Atlas Mountains
09/02/09 11:01
Frànçois and The Atlas Mountains
"Royan"
from the EP Her River Raves Recollections
"Royan"
from the EP Her River Raves Recollections
Listen to "Royan” MP3
"Royan" is the gently unfolding opening track from the warm and intimate EP Her River Raves Recollections from Frànçois and The Atlas Mountains. Frànçois, a Frenchman who has relocated to Bristol, shared with us about his new release which he describes as "a sort of collection of songs recorded at different places and times, but they have in common the feel of water. One side of the vinyl is the River Side, and the other is the Seaside. I need to go in the water very often. If I don't swim in the sea or the river for a long time, I start feeling confused … All the songs on the EP refer to that feeling in one way or another. It's an intimate affair - a lot of it was recorded on a 4 track that fits in the palm of my hand. So when I recorded it, it was like talking quietly to someone. I recorded a lot of it outdoors, picking up the surrounding sounds."
Her River Raves Recollections is available now on Stich Stich Records. Watch for the release of his new long player entitled Plaines Inondables later this month, as well as our upcoming interview with Frànçois!
Frànçois (Official) | MySpace
Track Of The Day..."Linger with Pleasure" by Ane Brun
09/01/09 11:31
Ane Brun
"Linger With Pleasure"
from Changing of the Seasons
"Linger With Pleasure"
from Changing of the Seasons
Listen to "Linger With Pleasure ” MP3
"Linger With Pleasure" is an all too brief and mesmerizing track inspired by an island off the Norwegian coast where her father is from -- a longing for that rare and fleeting feeling of tranquility and clarity. The beautfiul album Changing of the Seasons highlights some of the best of Ane's songwriting and her ability to craft the rawest of bittersweet love songs.
Ane begins her Sketches Tour 2009 next month with shows throughout Norway, Sweden and Denmark with a final show in Paris on 17 November at Café de la Danse (Changing of the Seasons is scheduled for a September release in France). Check her official site for updated tour dates.
Ane Brun (Official) | MySpace