Lana Del Rey - Chelsea Hotel No 2

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Guaranteed to polarise opinion, Lana Del Rey bridges the gap between last years debut (as LDR nay-sayers) and her forthcoming second album with a faithful cover of Leonard Cohen's "Chelsea Hotel No 2".

Stripped back of all the associated glitz and glam, a softly played acoustic guitar is the sole accompaniment here, putting the focus onto her voice, I'll let you decide if it works for you, I'm sure it's not going to for some Cohen fans who'll say the meaning of the track is lost here but as this is a blog about music I like and after I (and I still stand by it) chose Born To Die as my number one record of 2012 you might be guessing I'll be using words like, beguiling  beautiful, haunting and timeless to describe this.

Form your own opinion below:

CURXES #5 - Further Still

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In Early December CURXES surprised us all with stripped back festive cover of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", it highlighted a new side to the Portsmouth/Brighton duo, intimate and stark, elegant and beautiful where the darkly dramatic “sound of two robots f*cking" (tm Breaking More Waves") made way for a softer, reflective sound with Roberta's soaring voice providing goosebumps throughout.

Now comes "Further Still", Curxes first track of 2013 (after an incredibly successful 2012 which saw them feature in BBC Six Music's poll of most blogged about UK artists). The track similarly holds its power in its restraint, nestling on the verge of explosion throughout, you keep expecting the track to morph into a mechanical synth beasts a la "Haunted Gold" or "Spectre" but it doesn't, it remains understated throughout and it dazzles for that, Roberta's vocal is sublime throughout, oozing with emotive power amongst a chiming melody that can really only be described as gorgeous.

You're probably going to want to press play on this one again. Expect more from Curxes soon.

Marnie Stern #2 - Immortals

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So I may have posted a semi review, semi where the fuck have I been post about Marnie Stern just about 10 days or so ago but the release of a video (hello pillow feathers) for one the best tracks from her exceptional and incredibly well received (check the screen shots of reviews via Marnie's page if you want to see for yourself) new album The Chronicles of Marnia has given me just the ammunition I need (as If I need any, my blog, my rules!) to drool once again, so here I am doing just that..

"Immortals" is an adrenalin filled beast, intense and shrill from the get-go with Marnie's dazzling guitar ability combining with her high-pitched yelps - for three, short and sharp minutes you too will be as enthusiast as the all-male crowd in the videos 'gig' - absolutely killer.

The Chronicles of Marnia came out last week - I got my copy from Rough Trade.

The Boxer Rebellion #5 - Diamonds

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I went through my history with The Boxer Rebellion when I last featured the quartet last November so I'll avoid repeating myself here and head straight for the news, the first track taken from the bands forthcoming fourth LP (as yet details unknown about its release but a UK show has been announced for October - at the Forum - quite the venue for TBR to be playing) "Diamonds", which was shared with the world yesterday and instantly takes heart amongst the bands ever growing catalogue of diverse, perfectly crafted beauties.

Built around layered simplicity "Diamonds" is on the first listen an ethereal, mid-tempo track with swirling atmosphere built around chiming guitars and melancholic beats but progresses with each listen as the emotion slowly leaks out of the track, tinged with hope and reflection "Diamonds" is haunting and exquisite and yet another wonderful track by one of London's finest bands.

Dead Recipe - New Music "Introducing"

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My Internet has been broken for the past week or so, luckily I had a few pre-written blog posts to avoid radio silence on here and now, thankfully Virgin Media have sent me a new modem just in time for me to avoid tearing me hair out - just how Internet dependant I am! - my first evening back turned into a random browsing session of bandcamp and soundcloud with the odd email catch-up. I discovered a few bands too, the first of which I'm posting about are Dead Recipe, a trio (quintet?) from Austin, Texas, a town city no doubt in recovery mode after SXSW but their blissful, sweet but not saccharine folk/surf pop tracks could perfectly aid the clean-up process.

I found the band via their Flowers single, available on a pay what you like basis via Bandcamp and I've since discovered a debut album is available via iTunes. "Flowers" takes a glorious, toe-tapping melody and combines it with Camille Lewis' beautifully rich vocal, her warm effervescent voice brings a radiant charm and instant listenability to the track whilst the shuffling beat and easy guitar hooks catch the ear throughout.

The harmony laden "Patterns" is equally pristine and memorable too, here its chiming guitars that leads the way, sparkling easy listening that could be a countrified version of the Spector sound. One thing these two tasters have highlighted is Dead Recipe's effortless knack of blending stylishly crafted songs with a gorgeous, timeless sound.

Dutch Barn - New Music "Introducing"

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Dipping well into my saved drafts for a long overdue posting now, but one that is actually quite timely for a change, London based quintet Dutch Barn are soon to release their debut album Lighter Later (can't find an official online date just yet) and to give you a taster they've treated us to a free download of the title track (with an album Launch at the wonderful Slaughtered Lamb on April 6th - tickets).

"Lighter Later" introduces an altogether luscious sound, a rich guitar-led melody that is equally warm and reminiscent, bringing memories of happy travels to mind with its perfect fuzzy pop hooks and bright vocal harmonies. I'm not sure if "Everglades pt 1 & 2" is on the album or not but it's quite exceptional nonetheless, at over eight minutes in length it takes you on its own heavenly journey during its course, from the timeless Fleetwood Mac beginnings to the glorious cascading guitars and tight, metronomic drums which burst to life in the middle section of the track before changing again to an up-tempo jangle pop delight. I'm not quite sure how you pigeonhole that, I won't even try but I will heartily recommend you to check out Dutch Barn below.

Lily & Madeleine - New Music "Introducing"

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Lily & Madeleine is the name given to the songs of sisters Lily and Madeleine Jurkiewicz from Indianapolis, their sound though doesn't sound like that of City dwellers, the duo's clear harmonies and simple, stripped arrangements hark to simpler times and earthlier landscapes.

The beautiful "Back To The River" (taken from their debut EP The Weight of the Globe - available on CD/ 10" Vinyl via Asthmatic Kitty on June 11th or digitally via Bandcamp now) the perfect example, striking a chord with soft, stark instrumentation and the sisters' crystalline vocals. "In The Middle" similarly appeals to the hopeless romantic in me, wistful, effortless and gorgeous. Simply gorgeous.

Dark Bells #2 - Wildflower

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When I did my long, waffling introducing post on the London based (but 2/3's Sydney native) Dark Bells last year after the release of their first taster single "Want" I surmised that a live version of the track which has now been announced as its follow-up "Wildflower" was 'an equally incredible whirlwind of epic-sized, wall of sound'.

That in a nutshell the track may be, but I could elaborate and comment on the tracks swirling, guitar tapestry or its hypnotic beat or the beauty of the rich psychedelic melody or Teneil Throssell transfixing vocals. Basically what I am saying is "Wildflower" is, as I stated before, fucking incredible.

"Wildflower" is released on limited 7" via Tape Club Records on May 6th. The band have been added to the Field Day line-up, a sign of things to come indeed.

Candy Says - New Music "Introudcing"

candysays.it/

If I keep mentioning the weather it might change, it's less than a week from April and it's still fucking freezing and it's snowing too (I know, I know, even Mr Nelson says that "Sometimes It Snows In April") but the unpredictability of the last years climate has similarities with many a disaster movie, it seems the zombie apocalypse is nearly upon us - I hope you are all ready!

I'm not quite sure how I go from that nonsensical intro to the debut single by Oxford quartet Candy Says, especially when the track brings out memories that are the polar opposite of what I'm seeing out my window...

"Melt Into The Sun" (har-de-har) is vibrant, adventurous and guaranteed to embed itself in your brain. The upbeat rhythms of the percussive melody, whistles and handclaps remind me of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros from the outset, a big open-hearted beauty that will have you humming along to its hybrid and whimsical psychedelia and sugar coated pop. As fed up with the weather as me? (I've got to attempt a twenty mile run in this tomorrow) grab your sombrero and wellies, press play below and pretend you are at a festival...

Hearsays - New Music "Introducing"

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Nope, this is nothing to do with Hear'say, everyone's favourite Popstars rejects but Hearsays, an (according to Google Translate and a Soundcloud page) indie-pop band from Fukuoka, Japan who last week released their debut EP A Little Bird Told Me via Dead Funny Records and have a couple of samples to stream that are ready to steal your heart.

The simple, dreamy, ear-catching fuzz pop of "When I'm Wrong" is a fine introduction to their energetic, infectious hooks and carefree songcraft. I'm reminded much of The History of Apple Pie and their combination of The Breeders and Brit Pop, it sounds almost made for summertime with a nice cold beer or three, "Missing" is another guitar saturated beauty with a long melodic intro leading to delicately balanced vocals and percussion.

So two tracks perfectly combining sweetly sung nostalgia and the right amount of noise to delicious results. You'll probably want to snap up a copy of the EP via the Dead Funny Bandcamp then.

Witch Hunt - New Music "Introducing"

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Witch Hunt first came to my attention via multiple postings by Flying With Anna late last year and I've been waiting for the right time to post about them myself, the announcement of Crawl, the second single from the Leeds based duo (of Louisa Osborn & Chris Mulligan) is precisely that.

Compelling from the first listen "Crawl" is predominately stark, atmospheric guitar circles with equal parts shimmer and claustrophobia and Louisa's outstanding, rich lead vocals which backed in unison by Chris's foreboding harmonies combine to haunting yet strangely seductive effect. The nearest comparisons I can come up with is a melting pot of Creatures of Love, Bird and Curxes. Something like that, I don't like comparisons anyway so perhaps scratch that line!

Their first single is long sold out (boo) but "Crawl" is released via Dead Young Records on April 22nd and is limited to just 200 copies - order quickly from Bandcamp now.

Eliza Shaddad #2 - Alright Again

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Eliza Shaddad has treated us to a gorgeous acoustic session (for Carmel Nights) to a new track called "Alright Again", it's so beautiful/haunting/spine-tingling that here I am writing about it some 25 minutes after I discovered the song without any knowledge of a future release date - hopefully soon - you're too late for a CD copy of last years wonderful debut EP January ~ March but it's still available digitally via bandcamp and you should check that out after pressing play on the video below...

The absolute clarity and control of Eliza's stunning vocals, sung with crystalline precision will hit you first and soon have you quietly listening to her every word which when coupled with the simple, beautiful melody magnifies the narrative of great reflection with exquisite elegance. Simply put, this is just too bloody lovely.

Image by:  'Axx Photography'  www.facebook.com/Axx.Photography

Savages #4 - Silence Yourself

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Savages, a band written about by approximately 80% of music blogs over the past 24 hours I am sure. I'm joining in because the news announced yesterday was pretty darn excellent. Their debut album Silence Yourself will be released on 6th May (via Matador and their own Pop Noire) and we've also been treated to a taster from it in the form of the frankly amazing "She Will". (I won't repeat the track-listing and further details - if you want that head to Pitchfork).

"She Will" is a song that's been a staple of the bands live show the past year or so. It's a sentiment to the bands initial brilliance that the songs they started off with make up a vast majority of the album. I've included a picture of the set-list from their show at The Shacklewell Arms last May, twelve months on and all of these tracks will have now see the light of day ("She Will" scrawled out on the set but was played as a riotous conclusion that hot, barmy night). It's quite unusual I think to have so few (if any) initial tracks discarded but I suppose that's one of the things that have made Savages stand out since their debut last January, their quality.

The recorded version of "She Will" is slicker than we've heard from their recorded output before with Gemma's shimmering, sheening guitar texture at the fore but it doesn't lack for intensity or emotion as Jehn's shrieking vocals come to a furious conclusion amongst punishing backing. Assertive, brutal and brilliant, "She Will" is Savages' calling card.

I'm not one for copy and paste but I do love the statement posted to the bands website:

SAVAGES is not trying to give you something you didn’t have already, it is calling within yourself something you buried ages ago, it is an attempt to reveal and reconnect your PHYSICAL and EMOTIONAL self and give you the urge to experience your life differently, your girlfriends, your husbands, your jobs, your erotic life and the place music occupies in your life. Because we must teach ourselves new ways of POSITIVE MANIPULATIONS, music and words are aiming to strike like lightning, like a punch in the face, a determination to understand the WILL and DESIRES of the self.

Make sure you pre-order the CD / Vinyl via Savages own site - initial orders on clear vinyl.

Kitten and Bear - New Music "Introducing"

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I'm drawing between the lines here but Kitten and Bear appear to be the brother / sister paring of Cirencester based Katy & Rob Pearson, there's only one demo on their soundcloud (and a few youtube session videos) to base my gushings on to but the duo's sound is sweet and gorgeous and full of the early signs of promise that blogs like this feed off.

"Falling Off The Track" is the track available to stream and download below and it will fit as the perfect introduction to a simple, clean and beautiful sound with a ukelele strummed melody the sole accompaniment for Katy's vocals, understated and pure, both fragile and strong at the same time. "Say What You Want" is my pick of their sessions to date, a earthly, fresh sound that is sure to draw in many fans as the young band reach new quarters.

My introduction to Kitten and Bear came via Emily and the Woods whom they supported last night, so thanks to her (and I hope the show went well guys).

Spotlight Kid #3 - Budge Up

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Spotlight Kid made one of my albums of 2011 (with Disaster Tourist) and spent much of last year touring it. The Nottingham based sextet (although co-vocalist Katty Heath calls Amsterdam home and was even a contestant in the Dutch version of The Voice) have also been busy recording their second full length, the first track from which saw the light last week in the form of the Todd Howe (The Boxer Rebellion - who themselves return with album four soon) produced "Budge Up"...

It shares much with the Dinosaur Jr song "Budge" (a few words and tune) but is made entirely their own by enormous, haunting swathes of sound that prevail with spectral guitars layered amongst epic sized swirls, pummelling beats and ethereal, daydreaming vocals. Glistening with a beautifully melodic sheen, moulding shoegazing past with dream-pop present "Budge Up" is a more than welcome addition to the ever impressive Spotlight Kid portfolio. The track is available to download via Saint Marie Records now.

A warning that the accompanying video (see below) is not suitable for all / work / school due to the graphic scenes.

The Hundredth Anniversary #4 - 34

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A band I've continued to follow since the start don't disappoint again as The Hundredth Anniversary make it four out of four with the b-side to their debut 7" single The Jump - released this week via Tiny Lights with the remaining copies available via bandcamp.

"34" continues the Brighton quartets' dramatic, distinctive direction as its melody simmers on the edge with brooding, stirring menace before exploding half-way through with the perfect marriage of shimmering guitar, rigorous percussion and the beautiful, ethereal vocals of Eleanor Rudge. Perhaps with more atmospheric, darkly undertones than we've heard from the band before, however you want to describe it, "34" is a bloody great way to spend your next three minutes.

Marnie Stern - The Chronicles Of Marnia

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For about two years now I've been saying I would die a happy man if Annie Clark did a full on rock album (check out her incredible version of Big Black's "Kerosene" for proof), that still applies of course, but for now I'm very pleased to have Marnie Stern in her stead, her latest LP The (excellently titled) Chronicles Of Marnia is possibly her most accomplished, polished and dare I say it commercial record yet. Though don't expect Marnie Stern to be featuring highly in the charts any time soon. I say commercialised when in truth I mean streamlined, for the uninitiated the quick fingered guitar-shredding which is the signature of the ten track, thirty three minute record could be assumed to be intense and shrill but The Chronicles Of Marnia, her forth album is in reality her most uncluttered (and best) yet.

"Year Of The Glad" kicks off with a simple statement of intent, to make your day better with balls of steel riffs and super-catchy rhythms, pummelling beats and snarling vocals, stripped back of previous layers her vocals are more prevalent than ever, they hit hard and take no prisoners, "Nothing Is Easy" similarly combines ferocious vocal bite with a raucous, upbeat melody and super-speed guitars.

Highlights aren't limited to the odd track here, the powerful and intricate "Noonan" storms along, "Immortals" sees Marnie's high-pitched yelps reach fever pitch whilst a "Proof of Life" almost provides a moment of serenity, The Chronicles Of Marnia isn't for the faint of heart but those ready to embrace the sheer scale of beasty riffs on display here will surely find this an exhilarating experience.

You can download the album via Bandcamp or order on CD/LP via Rough Trade (and plenty of other record stores). Marnie returns to the UK in early June with most importantly for me, a show on June 5th at The Garage.

The River Cry - New Music "Introducing"

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I've already posted one haunting beauty of a track today so lets quickly follow it up with another, The River Cry is the debut album and solo project of the former bass player of JJ72, Hilary Woods. If you're expecting a trip back to the 'glorious' early 2000's look away, The River Cry is an atmospheric, emotive album full of ethereal landscapes, minimal instrumentation and delicate vocals.

"Sleep Baby Sleep" is a haunting, spacious track that sets the tone for the record, there's a real organic and natural feel as you traverse through the eight track album. Sparse piano strokes provide the sole backing for Hilary's soft, hushed vocals on much of the album with the closing track "Raise The Red Lantern" particularly effective amongst textured guitar effects and "The Devil Knows" the serve-ball changing the melodrama for raw, experimentation with rugged guitars and brooding drums. Quite exceptional.

WALL #3 - Left To Wonder

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When I last mentioned WALL I surmised about Lyla Foy's sparse and delicate soundscapes with minimal beats and swirling synths easing you into Lyla's intimate, hushed vocals, the result is sweet, blissful and guaranteed to leave you feeling all weak at the knees. That description was for the heavenly "Shoestring", the lead track taken from the Wall's debut EP of the same name (due for release on April 1st - digital pre-order).

I could use almost identical words for the next track I've heard too, "Left To Wonder" is overwhelming beautiful and soothing with haunting, ambient synth textures and soft electronic beats. There's little more backing needed, it puts the focus on Lyla's voice and what a gorgeous one it is, sending you to somewhere much prettier than the four walls I'm currently look it.

Wall plays her biggest headlining show to date at London's Bush Hall on the 11th of April.

Desert Stars - Past in the Trash

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It's always good to have an email submission that stands out for a reason, I've gone through the dilemmas of a singular person fan-blog on numerous occasions before so I'll save you from that this time but Desert Stars, a five piece from Brooklyn first appealed to me when I saw that their bassist was Jane Herships. She has featured here before in her own right as Spider, a project where delicate guitar twangs and overwhelmingly beautiful vocals could melt hearts. So it was with great interest that I pressed play on the attached soundcloud link, the first track taken from their forthcoming debut full length  "Past in the Trash.

I was instantly hooked with the track" too, not for the quite the same reasons as Spider, although the smoky, alluring instrumentation takes you to same pastures of American West, but because of the tracks lush, layered psychedelia vibe, its hypnotic melody pulls you in almost as much as the smoldering vocals of Janelle Best, dreamily invoking memories of yesteryear whilst even affording time for a dazzling harmonica closure, misty-eyed and overwhelmingly gorgeous this one, stream below and look out for that album due in Spring.

The Birthday Kiss #3 - Can You Keep A Secret

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The Birthday Kiss are a band I've featured here a couple of times before so I won't bore you with their fine history again and instead will head straight into the good stuff... "Can You Keep A Secret" is the bands first official single due for release 8th April (if you are slow to pick up this 7" like me, you'll have to import it from the US via label Death Party Records as the bands own have sold out, you can still grab their earlier digital single "Choking" for free via bandcamp).

"Can You Keep A Secret" builds on the identifiable sound of their last track and is a truly great pop track, combining a joyous indie-pop core packed full of melody and punch with shimmering synth and the gorgeously sweet vocals of Sarah Williams. Bright, infectious and danceable it's a track that is going to go down a treat on stereos all summer long. The flip side "Worth It" is similarly full of contagious energy with jangly retro sounds and crashing crescendos starring on another punchy hit that will take you back to the days when you could stay up dancing at indie pop discos until 3am without the aid of pro-plus. That last bit could just be me.

Cherokee Red - New Music "Introducing"

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According to the press release that came attached to the song I'm writing about today Cherokee Red have been together since 2011, so I suppose the release of "Vaya Con Dios" is a long time coming. It's the first track taken from their forthcoming self-titled debut album which follows next month and if this one track is anything to go by, it's going to be one the carefree albums of the summer...

Amongst Spector group backing harmonies and whispered dual vocals is this beautiful, crystal clear melody full of understated, woozy bliss. "Vaya Con Dios" is brightly bitter-sweet and hides intimate lyrics amongst its inventively catchy tune, combining the like of Fleetwood Mac with more recent dream pop landscapes, Cherokee Red are here to steal your heart.

Darling Don't Dance - New Music "Introducing"

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Swerving SXSW emails has reached fever-pitch over the last couple of days, I'm extremely jealous of anybody who happens to be in Texas this week. One thing for sure, it's guaranteed to be incredible with an almost who's who of bands playing alongside warm weather and free beer at most showcases too, it seems almost too good to be true. I'm not there though so I won't be discussing it again! Envy. Instead I'll head to my archive of drafts and write a few old posts up fully as I doubt they'll be too much new stuff hitting this week.

Starting with Danish quartet Darling Don't Dance who released their debut full length City Ghosts via Pad Pen Records on Vinyl and Digital last year, opener "Waiting For High Tide" lulls the listener into a false sense of security with warm harmonies wrapped in a blanket of chiming guitar, until after a minute or so we are introduced to the sounds which become the signature of the album, big, venomous riffs and crashing drums. Darling Don't Dance remind me of Sleater-Kinney or a few other 90's noise-rock bands I could mention, blockbuster tracks full of breathless energy that shreds on your ears and makes your speakers bulge with noise.

"Replacement" highlights that perfectly, hypnotic grooves of full-on rock melded with some great harmonies, the vicious edge of the howling lead vocal softened by the beautifully warm backing harmonies with the polished garage scuzz of "Never Seen Anything Like This" and "Golden View" sounding equally potent and powerful. Indeed, softer moments are few and far between with "Movies" offering about the only sign of light, yet it's hypnotic textures are still guitar heavy and leaves little time for you to catch your breathe, City Ghosts is here to grab your attention and boy does it do that.

Laurelin Kruse - New Music "Introducing"

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Last week I did a run after work in the light wearing a t-shirt, I thought Spring was here at long last. I was wrong. Yesterday it was like being caught in a Siberian wind and today is equally frozen, although I appear to have escaped any snow here. To compensate I'm going to bring warmth in the form of music.

Brooklyn via Colorado's Laurelin Kruse released her EP, somewhat aptly titled Winter in Mind in January and its a golden pot of Americana styled folk to transport you to vast, spacey desert plains. Opener "Yarblar" and "Forest Fire" are stomping Jenny Lewis-esque country/blues numbers accented by driving percussion and reverb-drenched guitar perfect for a roaming car journey whilst "Golden Waves closes the EP on a more intimate note as it somewhat eerily moves along with gentle, sparse percussion soothing as Laurelin's achingly beautiful delivery melts heart and soul.

"Jupiter" is the jewel in the crown though, bursting with sultry, melodramatic beauty, twanging guitars and purposefully slow pacing, it instantly takes you to a similar place as a certain Chris Issak track, windswept and forlorn with haunting moodiness and seductive whispers, atmospheric and just down-right gorgeous. You can buy the Winter in Mind EP via bandcamp now.

Sister Crystals - New Music "Introducing"

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I've labelled this post as a new music one but Sister Crystals are actually a band I have written about before under their previous guise as Magic City, their new name seems to have brought a fuller, dynamic sound to the group too (and an expansion from duo to quartet), where earlier EP's Little Bits languid, nostalgic fuzz/dream-pop morphs with shimmering psychedelia and hypnotic guitar effects.

Vocalist Lauren Whitacre's sweet vocals float effortlessly over motorik rhythms, her fragile, breathy voice brings calming goodness to this beautifully melodic treat.

"For So Long" is the first single from Sister Crystals' debut LP due this Spring via Walk-In Records / Feel Trip.

Varg - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook / vargmusic.se

Here's a band I found very hard to search for, it appears there's a slightly more successful German metal band that share their name with the Swedish folk trio I'm posting about now. Just my cup of tea that...

Varg recently released their debut self-titled EP via Jämmerdosa and it's pretty safe to say it's captured my heart, a real feast for the senses with beautifully natural, vivid landscapes that flutter between Mountain Man harmonisations and the serenity and calmness of Bon Iver.

"You" and "Forest" are both magical, enchanting body and spirit through a soft acoustic sound where subtle textures belie the instrumental simplicity but it's "Wolves" that is perhaps the highlight. As haunting vocals grow with power and presence,the building melody gradually gives up its majestic treasures with beguiling results, Varg wraps you in a blanket of soft, soothing blanket that you really don't want to ever leave.

Stream the EP in full below and order via the band's website.



VARG - "Wolves" from The Jazz Sessions on Vimeo.

She & Him #3 - Never Wanted Your Love

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The words needed to describe She & Him's new single "Never Wanted Your Love" (the first track from their forthcoming album, Volume Three - set for release in the UK on May 13th) are hardly new ones to describe Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward's joint project, I could go with "an unfettered delight" or "irresistibly charming" or "perfectly balanced between Phil Spector bombast and indie-rock cool" or even "candy-coated bliss".

Zooey's beautiful flavoured vocals shine amongst the upbeat, breezy melody with more than a little retro about it. She & Him have certainly used a safe old rhetoric of 'if it ain't broke, why fix it'. Fans of Volume One & Two see below.

Belle Mare - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook / bellemare.bandcamp.com

Something to really immerse yourself in now, from the low-key acoustic strumming of the outstanding stand-out "The Boat of the Fragile Mind" this is a record that will stay with you long after it's finished playing, spacious, sparse and overwhelming beautiful, Brooklyn based duo Belle Mare have created a truly haunting, atmospheric wonder with the eight track mini-album of the same name.

"All This Time" comes closest to hitting the pre-billing 'dream pop' sound, it's definitely dreamy, sleepy music with a languid, electronic wash sweeping through its rich textures but it's moody and melancholic and Amelia Bushell's whispers are tinged in darkness, the London born vocalists honey-toned voice is a true highlight, woozy and nostalgic, dusky and enchanting, drenched in reverb throughout it adds much more than words to the minimalistic soundscapes.

Belle Mare are a band for a mature, thoughtful appetite perfect for those after-hours solitary moments, deep in thoughts or with a glass of malt, the vulnerability in "Rehearsed Lines" or the eerie tapestry of piano echoes of "Deep In Your Dark" both hit equally hard on this compelling, sophisticated release.

The Boat of The Fragile Mind is due for release on April 9th via bandcamp and the usual digital outlets with a CD/Tape release available at future shows.

Austra #9 - Home

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A very much welcome back to Austra. Katie Stelmanis & Co quickly became one of my acts of 2011 after the phenomenal "Beat and the Pulse" first hit my ears in January of the same year, I saw the act a handful of times over the year and the subsequent LP Feel it Break was number five in my records of the year posts too.

In fact, I just re-read the opening paragraph of my Austra "Introducing" post. "My first musical error of 2011 was deciding to have a peaceful evening in last Monday when I could have taken a trip to Brixton to see Daughter and Austra.". Imagine that Daughter and Austra at the Windmill....

Anyway, no point dwelling on past errors, there are a many. March 2013 sees the return on the Canadian sextet with their forthcoming second album Olympia, earlier announced for release June 16/17 via Domino. The first track to be taken from it "Home" starts with almost Austra-patented choral vocals, strong and passionate as Katie calls out to a lover whose failed to return home, the big, bright melody more akin to "Lose It" than the crunching darkness that shrouded much of Feel it Break, with driving piano and electronic glitches leading a dance-floor filler full of energy and infectious spirit.

The press release states that Austra have developed from primarily the work of Katie to "a complex collaborative effort between its six members", I'll be interested to see how that transfers to the LP. The good news isn't over there either - Austra return to the UK to play London's Hoxton Bar & Kitchen on June 17th - tickets.

Lizard Kisses #2 - Loving Creatures

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Another band returning to this blog after an extended break are Brooklyn duo Lizard Kisses, a band I fell for in the middle of 2011 with a couple of soft, dreamy EP's and a gorgeous mini album Tiny Island Teeth...

The band return to my radar with a soon to be released four track limited 3" CD via WeePop. With stronger melody and production in evidence the band still retain their soothing, comforting aesthetic with simple, melancholic melodies and beautiful delicate vocals that are sure to leave you feeling just that little bit better.

"Over and Over" summing this up with a blissful, woozy ambience and contradicting it's name "The Storm" is perfectly restrained, combining the duo's languid lullabies of floating, ethereal vocals, slow-motion drums and fuzzily wrapped nostalgic guitar with effortless grace. "Stones" is perhaps their most ambitious track to date (and longest to), with strong surf guitar textures meandering around Cory Siegler's harmonies

Earlier track "Close" is said to be taken from a 'forthcoming record' which gives something else to be excited for...

Life Model - New Music "Introducing"

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Life Model are a new five Piece shoegaze/noisepop band from Glasgow, Scotland who have been amassing quite some praise in early 2013 with a trio of tracks that bring 90's era dream pop instantly to mind with spaced-out guitar and drifting ethereal vocals taking the listener on a gorgeous, gauzy journey of sparse ambient bliss.

Those early recordings are now being bundled together via a limited self-titled cassette release due on April 1st via Viscerality Records with a fourth, as yet unreleased track "Persistent" to follow...

Opener "Glazed" sums up Life Model's intent within its title, hypnotizing soundscapes and a prominent bass-line amongst perfectly swirling psychedelia. "Sit Still" is a sugar-coated beauty with gorgeous day-dreaming vocals gliding weightlessly on a bed of soft guitar textures while "Take it Slowly" combines the same hazy atmospherics, floating in and out of conciousness with languid beats and noisy guitar riffs.

These tracks are utterly delicious and I can't wait to see where these guys go next.

Chloe Foy - New Music "Introducing"

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Chloe Foy is a Manchester based Singer/Songwriter who fell into my inbox last week, her latest single (released this week on iTunes) "In the Middle of the Night" came as my introduction but follows last years "I've Got a Feeling", two tracks only but both indicate a talent that could soon see Chloe stand-out amongst the current crop of new folksters looking to follow in the footsteps of Laura Marling and the such.

The strength of Chloe's voice, self-confidence of her ability and depth of her song-craft is already shown in abundance."In the Middle of the Night" is beautifully written both lyrically and musically, delicate and haunting at times and thoughtfully quirky at others. From acoustic beginnings with her beautiful voice and poetic lyrics at the fore it builds to a flourishing finale of carefully constructed percussion and backing harmonies rousing you to attention with uplifting, grandiose aplomb.

"I've Got a Feeling" is quite stunning, a breeze-blown acoustic lead ebbs and flows with gorgeous, enchanting effect around stirring instrumentation, a sophisticated track that rewards multiple listens with it's rich and powerful melody with deep, dark broodings - just wonderful

Keebo - New Music "Introducing"

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I'll still trying to gradually post blogs that were due ages ago (I don't need to go into my time constraints again), here's one such, London quartet Keebo have been silent so far in 2013 but a handful of tracks posted to their soundcloud towards the back end of last year got me sufficiently excited, they came to my attention via a show with the wonderful Las Kellies last July and their sumptuous cocktail of plentiful melodic fuzz, swirling psychedelia and shared harmonies are sure to win them fans of their own once they return from their silence.

"Hold Me Down" reminds me of early Novella, with an added sheen of slick pop, intricate guitar-work and a funk-laden bass line that creates a danceable groove amongst floating harmonies. A fun, dreamy haze which introduces a band with an ear for a pleasing, sunny rhythm that is loveable from the get-go.

Taking those funk bass-lines further is "The World is Waiting" an irresistibly catchy, bouncy song full of sunshine splashed melody and tribal beats that embed itself in your brain. The glorious "Tell Me When The Beat Turns On" is pure pop with an innocent breeziness and tight musicianship that entrances amongst incredible harmonisations.

Hopefully Keebo's current silence is just a calm before the storm and not a sign of impending nothing for this is a band that deserve to be heard by many.

Oh Sister - New Music "Introducing"

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Sometimes you find artists via gigs that you can't actually go to, here's one such case. Whilst I was being a groupie with The Joy Formidable this weekend and missing Saturday's incredible variety of gigs in London (Bird at The Garage and The London Pop Fest with Big Wave, The Tuts and September Girls to name but a couple) there was another gig playing at The Gallery Cafe, with new folk favourite Sophie Jamieson and an artist I'd not come across before Oh Sister (aka now London based singer-songwriter Sarah Berresford).

My introduction point (and favourite track available online to date) was her demo "Don't Leave" (video below), a wistful heart-breaker that is pure and effortless where a husky weary-toned vocal and gently strummed acoustic led a raw, emotive track that seduces the listener after just one listen. The two other demos on her soundcloud highlight a poppier sound with "Hold On" showcasing her brilliant voice and "Wake Without You's" dramatic synth beats hinting at new direction once her forthcoming debut EP sees the light of day.

Doe Paoro #2 - Hallelujah

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I seem to be saying sorry for forgetting about you a bit recently, here's another case I'm afraid  I posted about Doe Paoro's exquisite debut single "Can't Leave You" over a year ago now, a track so good the only words I could muster together at the time were "holy fucking wow".

A delay from my posting until her album, the rinse-repeat nature of new band blogging and a sheer excess of bands to post about (my draft folder has 150+ bands I'd like to write about give some time) means I've not actually sat down to listen to her album Slow to Love since (available via bandcamp now), a couple of days ago though I discovered Doe Paoro again thanks to a down right gorgeous cover of "Hallelujah" and it's safe to say I'll be aiming to rectify the error in my ways as soon as possible.

The stark instrumentation that accompanies her version, barely more than strongly strummed acoustic and backing harmonies place all the emphasis and power into Doe's soulful vocal, haunting and moving from the get-go, it's a wonderful success and stirs emotions in you that even Mr Cohen would be proud of.

Blessa #3 - Pale

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No offence intended to Sheffield but I imagine it is rare that the Steel City holds what could potentially be called the gig of the week, this week though, it did just that. On Monday The Harley Bar played host to two of my favourite new bands Veronica Falls & Fear of Men along with an act who by the material they've released thus far, could soon be in that bracket too, Sheffield's own Blessa.

"Pale" comes from the same session that brought us "Unfurl" and similarly sees hazy, hypnotic guitar textures shimmering in a wash of irresistible vocals and reverb, instantly the sort of track that hooks you in and gets you all weak at the knees. Blessa are due in the studio again soon and featuring here in the non too distant future, I can only imagine.

Anna Lena & The Orchids #4 - Miss Audrie

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It's all getting exciting for fans of Anna Lena & The Orchids (like me), frequently mentioned here for almost two years now, next week sees the launch show for Anna's debut EP (Friday 8th at The Sebright Arms, London with support from fellow blog favourites Hella Better Dancer - details).

Her self-titled four track EP will follow on March 18th on 10" vinyl and CD (pre-order via Rough Trade) and over the last few days we've been treated to its second preview (after last years gorgeous "View of My Sanity"), "Miss Audrie". It fills the senses with intrigue and wonder, Anna's emotive vocals soar amongst beautiful, textured instrumentation led by driving piano and haunting harmonies, showcasing Anna's diverse and mysterious talents, "Miss Audrie" is brooding, powerful and most importantly bloody wonderful. Stream below: