Laura Marling #9 - Master Hunter / When Brave Bird Saved

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Laura Marling, still only 23, just about to release her fourth album and already possessing the sort of timeless ability to bring together people from all genres in awe of her talent and incredible song-writing talent. Recent slots on Jools Holland and an eighteen minute film entitled "When Brave Bird Saved" (both posted below) have simply left me breathless, the film features the first four tracks from the forthcoming album Once I Was An Eagle (due May 27th - order for LM Store). With its vivid imagery accompanying songs exploring the darker themes for which Laura Marling has almost become accustomed to it is quite the watch and rewards those patient enough to sit still with music for eighteen minutes.

"I Am An Eagle" stands-out with stark, ambient instrumentation which rises and falls with rich flourishes which only add depth and beauty to it, the Jools Holland version of "Once" is simple and beguiling. Spared-back and solo is arguably where Laura strikes hardest and here her acoustic plucks and devastating tone are pure, heartfelt and beautiful. There's also a stream from the album online, "Master Hunter" is far away from the sparseness of the solo set, it dazzles with complex arrangements and organic percussion, bold, powerful and adventurous. Laura Marling, you are a Master indeed.

The Sinclair Sinclair #3 - Everyone Around Me Is Desperate for Love

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I'm going to be using similar words now to my last post, sorry about that. I usually try and shift blogs around so two posts in a row aren't from the same genre, sometimes though I hear a track and need to (pretty much) instantly write about it, that's what has happened today...

The Sinclair Sinclair had me hooked from the word go, their debut release "Feel" wrapped soft, alluring textures around beautifully haunting, emotive soundscapes that glistened with crystalline synths and precise percussion. The result was rather bloody gorgeous. That was shortly followed by an equally ethereal EP The Dreamers of Dreams, where smouldering slow-motion melodies sent shivers down your spine, intoxicating and dreamlike. Now they return with a full band setup and a live video for one of the EP's tracks "Everyone Around Me Is Desperate for Love", which ;succinctly put is restrained, effortless and utterly, utterly brilliant.

Hopefully it's a sign of more 'live' things to come soon. I know I'll be one of the first listeners. You can download The Dreamers of Dreams EP via Bandcamp for free. If you haven't, do so, I guarantee it'll make your day all the better.

Daughter #7 - Get Lucky

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Will I get shot down if I say I can take or leave Daft Punk... This however is wonderful, Daughter's take on their latest track "Get Lucky" sees them switch out the funk-laden groove for a typically (for them) experimental, atmospheric one where stark, restrained instrumentation and Elena's hauntingly beautiful vocals cause goosebumps from the moment you press play (and then press it again because it's so good).

You probably know I'm a big Daughter fan if you've read this blog for a while. The Church shows of the early 2013 tour have been switched for much bigger venues for their October one with a heap of festival dates before - full dates. If you haven't got Daughter's debut full-length If You Leave yet - why?! - Get it here.

The latest single to be taken from the album, the deceptively upbeat "Human" is released today on limited 7" with an exclusive track "Drift", I can't wait for the postman to arrive so I can hear it! (Rough Trade order link for "Human").

Eilidh Hadden - New Music "Introducing"

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I'm always slow to process my inbox, this discovery owes much to my submission box, I received an email on April 3rd and here I am just listening to it, what can I say, if you want a 'buzz blog' you best look somewhere else! Eilidh Hadden is from Perthshire, Scotland and her debut track "Close to Home" has just been released. That's about all I know and to be honest what more do you need to.

When I first pressed play on the track my initial reaction was "Robin at Breaking More Waves is going to love this", so I checked his wonderful blog and low and behold he's already covered the track a few days ago. "Close to Home" is a big, brooding synth-pop monster that's surely going to hit the clubs and radio as it builds steam and praise, an infectious "ah-oh" chorus soars around thunderous synths and heavy drums - dark and euphoric, this is a real crowd pleaser in the making.

"Close to Home" is available now on iTunes.

Big Wave #5 - GW Bridge

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A band I can be unbiased about again - after their last single Only You was released via my Beautiful Strange label - Big Wave return to brighten you day, well I say that, the track, the flip side to the Torquay quintet's latest single "Goldmine" (due May 20th via a rather gorgeous looking golden embossed cassette release by Art is Hard Records). is actually about a suicide hot-spot...

You'll be forgiven for not knowing that or noticing as "GW Bridge" bounds along like an over-excited toddler, all vibrant beats, catchy hooks and echoing vocals. Big Wave are one of the finest indie-pop bands around today and this urgent, melodic jangle is (another) proof of that - there are only 100 tapes so don't hang around kids.

Tideup - New Music "Introducing"

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Tideup is the Orlando duo of Ben Guzman (instrumentals) and Noelle Indovino (vocals), they give their debut four track EP In Curses You Came the description "An Underwater Dream", as fitting as anything to describe their luxurious electronic pop sound...

The first track I heard "Walk" sets the scene for their gorgeous music, butterfly soft with restrained beats and melodic synths it instantly saturates your mind with soothing, blissful atmosphere and haunting beauty.

"Beaches" continues with the languorous mood, soft, sweet psychedelic soundscapes for hazy days and melancholy nights while the title track "In Curses You Came" recalls Twin Sister with Noelle's ethereal, breathy, wonderful vocals shining amongst kaleidoscopic instrumentation, where bass-line riffs and glistening synths mix to swoonsome effect  - just as EP has me swooning all over it. Available digitally now via Bandcamp.

The Crayon Set - New Music "Introducing"

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The last three days have seen summer finally arrive on our shores (although I'll ignore the fact that the weather looks like dropping again from tomorrow), I went for a lovely evening run on Tuesday and it actually made me feel glad to be outside, something that's definitely been missing recently. When Summer's here and BBQ's are flowing there is no better music than indie-pop as far as I'm concerned and Dublin eight-piece The Crayon Set are the latest band who'll be finding themselves on my summer playlists with their self released, self-titled debut album which came out last week (and available via Bandcamp on digital / CD).

Lead track "I Wanted You" is pure pop at its loveliest, a mood which prevails throughout much of the album, with bright, charming melodies and perfect, sophisticated instrumentation around pretty as a flower vocals and to-die-for harmonisation. It's an album full of beautifully crafted songs that are sometimes melancholic ("Sickdays" /"The Art of Letting Go"), sometimes gorgeous ("K+J=O"), sometimes joyful ("Drifting Closer to the Sun" / "No 1. Fan") but always affectionate and warm.

With traditional upbeat, indie-pop arrangements backed up by gorgeous string flourishes it's a colourful, shining album that is infectious from start to finish, with the rockier bite of Tender Trap being recalled on tracks like "Breakdown" and "No 1. Fan" where chugging riffs and precise percussion swirl around heavenly harmonies I can see The Crayon Set appealing to people from all genre spectrums too. Listen to a few selections below and in full on Bandcamp.

Las Robertas #2 - Dissected Affair

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I somehow managed to completely overlook this on release, Las Robertas released the three track Dissected Affair EP as long ago as last December, I can only blame the Christmas season for missing it first time around but I'm glad I finally found the release on a random Internet trawl the other day....

The Costa Rican trio came to my attention with a heavy, scuzzed-up garage-rock show at The Lexington as long ago as almost two years, "Dissected Affair" retains much of the character I remember from that show, short and sharp, rattled through at a blistering pace, where fuzzed up guitar riffs buzz off crashing drums and nonchalant vocal harmonies. The hazy sun drenched vibe which partly apparent on their debut full-length Cry Out Loud has been replaced by a darker, more intense noise assault.

Similar things can be said for "Seconds Away" which thunders around a heavy, rhythmic bass riff and dreamy harmonies which catapult half-way through with a punky burst of punctured, shrill melody - it maybe lunch-time, I maybe stuck in the office when I'd rather be outside in the sun but Las Robertas make me want to grab a beer and nod my head in approval whilst lapping up the atmosphere of a festival (my days of "moshing" are all but gone!).

You can order the 7", released via Art Fag from Norman Records in the UK now.

Souvenir Stand #2 - Days

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Not for the first time writing this blog has led to me working with an artist I've previously covered with praise via my primarily labour-of-love independent label/events name of Beautiful Strange, when I wrote about Stephanie Cupo's Souvenir Stand project last June little did I know I'd be involved putting out her debut physical release some nine months later, it's taken a while to get here but today saw the debut of lead track from the four track EP Days via Impose Magazine (a release which brings together Stephanie's Days I've Spent With You EP with new track "Wherever You Go").

I've said before but I don't think it's cool to overly praise things you've got a vested interest in, the fact I'm helping release it is proof of my love for the music in itself, so I'll let other blogs add critical praise to this release and will instead just point you the way of the accompanying "Wherever I Go", which you can find below.

You can order the limited edition orange cassette via the Beautiful Strange Bandcamp and get "Wherever You Go" now. Eternal love will be yours!

Architecture - New Music "Introducing"

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Architecture is the Chicago duo of Melissa Harris and Rebecca Scott, they came to my attention through their newly released 7" - available on three different colour waxes via Notes and Bolts records and can be ordered via Bandcamp.

The swirling analogue pop of "Diamond Mind" leads the single and it's likely to quickly embed itself in your brain with an intoxicate blend of crunching beats, moody synth and slow-gazing melody, the dreamy pared vocal harmonies take the track to another level though, nothing short of gorgeous.

Flip side "BB Beware" is different but works just as well, with a strong, striking drum beat that commands your attention around repetitive keys which slowly build in intensity around the hypnotic, rhythmic core and half spoken vocals which blossom around the softer choruses, the ending crescendo where the drums and keys reach climax is nothing short of breathtaking. Anyway, don't take my word for it, stream both tracks below and if you like it, then perhaps buy it...

Old Colours - New Music "Introducing"

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I think I came across Old Colours via Bandcamp Collections - a great follow and find new bands tool where all your purchases are nicely ordered and people can listen to them in one easy place and get emails as and when you update your list too. Anyway I'm here on BC commission or as part of their marketing team so I'll head on with the meaning of this post, Old Colours are an indie-folk quartet from Swindon led by the serenely gorgeous vocals of Zoe Mead and the combination of flourishing choruses and shiver inducing melodies on their debut EP Mountains has me instantly won over.

Opening track "Giants" introduces their dynamic well, a sound that doesn't fit within one genre, Zoe's soft, delicate voice reminds you of Lucy Rose whilst the purposeful build-up of melody is more reminiscent of a slightly more radio friendly Lanterns on the Lake, starting all soft and gorgeous with twinkling xylophone before building with shimmering guitar textures and increasingly purposeful percussion to a cinematic, evocative finale.

A similar methodology is adopted on "Centre Line" which starts as a sweet, graceful pop song before the beautiful arrangements increase in tempo and dynamic amongst a swooning tapestry of strings and understated melody whilst "As We Run" could perhaps be even better, haunting and ethereal at the outset it builds glacial like with a driving crescendo of percussion and keys to an epically atmospheric end. Wistful, emotive and as pretty as a flower - a perfect combination then.

Mountains was self-released last month and is available digitally via bandcamp now.

Golden Fable #4 - Crossfire

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Golden Fable return with an alternative version of "Crossfire" from last years wonderful Star Map LP, a record that was one of my 2012 albums of the year - I highly recommend you to get the special edition from their Bandcamp too - it comes with some to die for acoustic version and a rather snazzy poster edition all put together by the band themselves.

Speaking of to die for, this updated version of "Crossfire" is absolutely gorgeous, the very definition of calm and serenity it fits somewhere in between the two versions of the track I already knew. The album version combines spluttering drum machine ticks and synths whereas the the acoustic version twinkles with slow-motion keys, Rebecca's uniquely choral tones and little else. Now we've the best of the two with the added pitter-patter of soft drums resulting in something that will send beautiful chills right through your body.

A band already know for its genuine, ethereal grace comes up trumps yet again - bloody lovely this is! "Crossfire" is released on June 3rd backed with a pair of remixes - available from Bandcamp.

Serafina Steer - Disco Compilation

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Back in January I named Serafina Steer's latest album The Moths are Real as my 'album of the month' alongside a joint 'Gig of the Month' for its release show at St Leonard's Church in Shoreditch, where the album was actually recorded.

It's been a much played album since so it pleased me to see that as a special release for Record Store Day Serafina released one of its undoubted highlights as a limited 7" single, "Disco Compilation" sees the fluttering harp and soft, delicate melodies which make up much of the Jarvis Cocker produced LP switch for (and somewhat apparent given the title) a funky, disco beat. Sure the intimate, often beautiful parts are there still but Serafina's pure vocals and intricately woven harp plucks become secondary to a real dance-floor number as the synths really kick in during the second half of the track. I've never seen so much wobbling jelly either!

Chelsea Wolfe #9 - Fight Like Gods

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Hope all of you who set out to enjoy Record Store Day did just that, mine was relatively successful if not quite my normal because I had my daughter in tow. I walked into Rough Trade West at about 3pm, handed my list to the guy behind the counter and they had all six records I wanted, add in an No Joy LP and I was walking out of the shop ten minutes later. No rummaging through the racks this year for miscellaneous treats as I'd promised a trip to get waffles and milk not vinyl! Anyway, one I didn't have on my list because it was a US only release was a split 7" with Chelsea Wolfe and King Dude, the latter I've not heard of, the former I have, and featured here on numerous occasions...

Chelsea's track is a new one, "Fight Like Gods", which like so many of her songs it exists in the half light, doom-laden drums, heavy guitar chords swathed in distortion and a raw and painful mood lead the purposely slow paced, sprawling track. For much of the duration it threatens to spill out to the dark, half demented highs of a "Demons" or "Mer" but it remains restrained and anguished and is beautiful for it, like her more recent acoustic LP, "Fight Like Gods" is haunting as well as bone-chilling and unnerving yet still somehow softly it soothes. The last minute is just spine-tingling. Chelsea Wolfe, yet again, confirms herself as one of the most breathtaking musicians of today.

I'm also very happy that Chelsea starts a month long UK/Euro tour this week hitting London's Cargo (I hate this place and am breaking my avoiding of it for one night only!) on May 9th - full dates.

North American War - New Music "Introducing"

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I've often mentioned Glasgow as one of the finest Cities for new bands to come out from and this long, long, long overdue post proves that point futher, North American War have been sitting in my drafts folder since November last year when I obviously first came across them, since memory lapse and a sheer volume of other stuff has happened but I'm making a concerted effort to write up a couple of older posts each week and to keep them coming alongside newer tracks and discoveries which form the basis of much that I write about on the blog / journal of musical nonsense...

North American War released a tape and a 7" last year and it's the sort of fucked up noise that I should be listening to more often if I wasn't continually searching for the next 'thing'. Their chaotic, abrasive soundscapes with take you by the collar and with nonchalant, spoken word vocals interlaced with delicate harmonies it's a pretty unique combination,  it's the more recent vinyl release that I'm going to focus on for length and time reasons here - though the tape release is equally recommended.

"Ivory And" instantly provides a pure noise thrill of guitar-based dissonance with a loose structure it's spiky, intense and very, slightly unhinged. The raw energy seeps right through your speakers and hypnotises you to attention, play it loud to doubly piss your neighbour off. "Geraniums on a Spit" is softer and almost lovely, with beautiful harmonies and a jangle pop melody that always threatens to break into the clattering aggression of the a-side but it never quite does, sometimes there is just as much power in restraint after-all.

I couldn't help myself including "Jelly Witch" from their tape below, demented vocal scowls, hard-hitting drums and fuzzy riffs, it's absolutely marvellous. Both releases are available to order direct from NAW via bandcamp - you should do just that.

Savages #5 - Shut Up

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Before the much anticipated release of Savages debut album we've been treated, and I really do mean treated, to another track taken from Silence Yourself - due May 6 via Matador and their own Pop Noire label - "Shut Up" comes as a short film with a  minute long monologue by Jehn, the premise of which I've seen quite a bit of press coverage about recently - turn your phones off at gigs...

My view is fans taking pictures (and increasingly 'professional' photographers with DSLR's standing directly in front of the artists) is fine in limited moderation, and by that I mean three of four pictures during the first song or two, any more than that and you detract from the experience you are meant to be experiencing. I could re-count numerous examples where I've be pushed out of the way by people eager to get a better shot or where my view has been blocked by someone with their arms in the air snapping what will be a terrible photo for Instagram or where I've had the sound of a DSLR 'clicking' in my ear literally throughout a whole set because a photographer is taking literally hundreds of pictures that will know doubt never see the light of day. It's a problem for you but I also think people should be allowed to have a memento, picture, memory of a gig if they so desire - a sensible, polite balance is what is needed. Unfortunately sense is something that seven pints of of Stella wipes away!

I listened to the bands earlier EP I Am Here whilst I was running on the treadmill yesterday, it was the perfect experience (I'm sure the band wouldn't like to hear that!) where the propulsive energy of the bands rhythm section and the raw, intensity of the venomous vocals literally propelled me forward and raised the tempo of my heart-beat as I progressed with the run, "Shut Up" could do much the same, ferocious, assertive and instantly Savages. In other words, brilliant.

Lana Del Rey #2 - Summer Wine

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Hot on the heels of her nostalgic cover of Leonard Cohen's "Chelsea Hotel No. 2", Lana Del Rey returns with another faithful, old-memories version, this time it's Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood's 60's hit "Summer Wine".

There's not too much more you can say about the song, it's as faithful a cover as you'll hear, the accompanying sepia-tinged video and dusky vocals of Lana and Kassidy’s Barrie James O’Neill almost identical to the original but it's a wonderful, charming song that deserves to be brought to the attention of a new audience and these these cover versions have got me wishing for is for an American Recordings style album already.

In reality, Lana tours the UK next month, with Kassidy by chance.

The Joy Formidable #18 - A Minute's Silence

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One of the (many) great things about The Joy Formidable is that they are never scared of trying something different, a relentless touring schedule over the past three years has led to numerous bespoke releases including a bootleg CD, a live CD, a couple of EP's and now their latest offering for Record Store Day (and somewhat more appealing to collectors than the earlier "Whirring" re-issue to boot).

The A-side is an exclusive number called "A Minute's Silence", which through Ritzy's deep and dark vocal performance and a beautiful melody of chiming piano and luscious strings is as striking as any of the 'stadium-sized' arrangements that dominate their latest LP Wolf's Law. Increasingly the words stark and atmospheric have not been key identifiers of the bands sound and I'm glad to see this little treat shows that The Joy Formidable don't have to be just loud - though sometimes loud is just fine - to be spectacular.

"A Minute's Silence" is available on Record Store Day, tomorrow, on 12" vinyl backed with a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Badlands", remaining copies come online a week tomorrow - A1 in my list of RSD wants.

The Adelines - New Music "Introducing"

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Swansea quartet The Adelines are the latest Welsh addition to the Kissability label ran by radio DJ Jen Long, having earlier released tracks by the likes of Deaf Club and Cut Ribbons this latest release "Alleyways" (due May 6th via limited cassette) sees sugar coated 60's girl group pop and chiming indie combine for a joyous, summery slice of guitar-based prettiness.

Everything about "Alleyways" is gorgeous and mood enhancing, from the hammering of drums that introduces the track to the bittersweet vocals of Jennie Morris whose pure and clear voice resonates around the beautifully laid-back jangle pop melody. Think BBQ's, think cans of beer and think a good shuffle - hopefully we'll be able to do all three of those things when The Adelines play at The Great Escape festival next month.

Rainer - New Music "Introducing"

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I can't tell you too much about Rainer, a new act from London who came to my attention through The Great Escape line-up announcement so I won't try and guess whom they maybe (though the voice sounds somewhat strikingly familiar) and instead will dive straight into the two tracks available online (available to stream / download below)...

Both introduce a minimal, stark songcraft with ghostly voices and skeletal arrangements, "Silence" sounds like it belongs to another time with choral harmonies and beautifully nightmarish synth arrangements, stripping away much and the music put the emphasis firmly onto the lyrics and vocals which are raw and intimate, haunting whispers that pierce straight into your soul, whilst "Swallow" is even more introverted with elongated chords echoing around subtle arrangements with soaring, graceful vocals that are eerie and melancholic but also soft and tender. A beautiful introduction indeed.

Tripwires #2 - Catherine, I Feel Sick

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Tripwires return with news of an album and a track which sounds well nothing like anything heard from Tripwires before, where earlier tracks "Emerald" and "Cinnamon" were adrenaline pumping rushes of deliciously fuzzed-up guitar brutality over hazy, shimmering melody new track "Catherine, I Feel Sick" is spacey, luscious and beautiful.

Languid guitar and woozy melody create a dark and deep pysch-rock atmosphere that's just perfect to lost within, a track which whilst different in style rewards listeners willing to explore its depths equally.

The Reading quartet's long over-due debut album Spacehopper is coming out through Frenchkiss Records on June 18th, with the band playing London's Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen on May 2nd. They will also be at The Great Escape festival two weeks later.

Keebo #2 - Native American

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On my introducing post to Keebo just six or so weeks ago I said I hoped their earlier 2013 silence was 'a calm before the storm'... Thankfully it was just that, with gigs a plenty coming over the next month or so (details via the facebook link above) the London based quintet have now shared their debut video, for one of their most recent and finest tracks to date "Native American".

There's so much to enjoy throughout the gloriously psychedelic track, irresistibly catchy from first listen it combines soulful vocal harmonies with a hypnotic sunshine splashed melody jam packed with intricate, layered guitars and a funky rhythm section. Jangle/fuzz/dream pop, call it what you will, put "Native American" on heavy rotation and it will propel you closer to summer.

You can download a free MP3 of "Native American" shared with the blessing of the band via dropbox.

Waxahatchee - Cerulean Salt

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So here's another party I'm late too, nothing usual there, Katie Crutchfield aka Waxahatchee has announced the UK release of her album Cerulean Salt, out 1 July 2013 via Wichita. Already acclaimed State-side with accolades such as Pitchfork's Best New Music and Album of the Week at Stereogum amongst others perhaps I should have taken stock sooner but it was the stream of her track "Brother Bryan" in my inbox that brought her to my attention and probably to more UK based people a little more important too...

The track is minimal and raw throughout which brings out her voice all raspy soul and blues and her lyrics, devastating and bare, it's deceptively simple with stark slap-hazard beats and precise bass twangs the sole melody, it's all that's needed to strike home the intensity of Katie's craft.

Another track streaming on soundcloud "Coast to Coast" brings another side of Waxahatchee to the plate, a full-on 90's rocker, frightfully short at just over 90 seconds in length is amped-up and fuzzy to the extreme which whilst varying in style still pierces at your heart. Cerulean Salt is most definitely an album I shall be checking out then. Sometimes it's good to find 'discovered' acts in your own time I think...

Waxahatchee play London's Shacklewell Arms on June 13th - the last few remaining tickets here.

The National #4 - Don't Swallow The Cap

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Even quicker than the proverbial London buses, last week one new track by The National became two. Quickly after the wonderful "Demons" stunned us all last week comes "Don't Swallow The Cap", the second track taken from the bands forthcoming album Trouble Will Find Me due May 20/21st via 4AD.

"Don't Swallow The Cap", dare I say it, is almost upbeat with a robust percussive beat and glistening keys driving the melody with more urgency than the aforementioned "Demons". Of course, this is The National we are talking about here, and exactly as I said last week, the perfectly structured track progresses with a drip feed of emotive power and melancholic wisdom wrapped around string flourishes and soft backing harmonies - it's simple to say this - The National are a band who remain on top of their game - Trouble Will Find Me can't come soon enough.

The US can order a special vinyl edition of the album via 4ad here - hopefully something will follow for us folk across the pond soon - shipping charges are increasingly crippling music imports.

The UK Ally Pally show in November has now been joined by a second and further dates in Manchester, Dublin and Belfast - details.

Las Kellies #3 - Golden Love

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I've posted about my introduction and initial love affair with Las Kellies a couple of times here already so I'll save you that again and head straight for the new, the Argentine trio last week shared the first track from their forthcoming fourth album "Golden Love", which merges elements of dub, psych, reggae, disco and more with their distinct raw, eclectic garage-pop rhythms.

In fact "Golden Love" is more slow motion dub than anything heard from Las Kellies before, the fleetingly short track instantly sounds like it would fit right into a late-night, 3am come down mix tape with an accompanying video which only adds to the trippy vibes. Sure the throbbing bass rhythms which make up so much of the intensity of their live show are still apparent but the lackadaisical beats and soft, dreamy vocals which float above the track sound more beautiful and immersive than anything heard from the band before, instantly sexy and intoxicating, it's fair to say I'm still smitten.

European dates are promised very soon and are very much dates to look out for.


Las Kellies - Golden Love from fire records on Vimeo.

Echo and the Empress - New Music "Introducing"

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This is the first of my introductions found from a quick glance at The Great Escape line-up, I'm sure they'll be more to come as I digest an incredibly vast line-up in full - Echo and the Empress are Adelaide sisters Beth and Skye Germein, who appear to have established a fanbase in their home country but are looking to expand that to these shores with some festival slots, after a listen or three to their first UK single "One More Tear", it's safe to say the duo have the ammunition to do just that.

"One More Tear" is experimental electro-folkpop that's both sweet and dominating, pretty and addictive, their beautiful, rich harmonies stand at the fore of the track with simple background keys twinkling amongst the tracks deep percussive heart, a fresh luscious sound that is bound to hit the radio waves as summer approaches. A quick Youtube search finds an earlier track "Balloon", similarly shining with a playful, upbeat mood and big tom beats which beam radiant, rhythmic energy amongst gorgeous, soft vocals - yeah, I think Echo and the Empress will be most welcome here.

Tape Waves - New Music "Introducing"

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I've Seapony to thank for this discovery, they posted up the Charleston duo of Jarod Weldin and Kim Hart to their Facebook last week with a simple 'we think you'll like this' recommendation. Sure enough, they were right. I don't have too much more to go on about the duo at present, they are recording under the name Tape Waves, thats about all I need. An empty facebook has just been set up so I'm sure they'll be more all in good time...

From two tracks up on their bandcamp (and available to download on a pay-what-you-like basis) Tape Waves already have that sweet, dreamy, lo-fi sound nailed on. "Ready Now" is utterly beautiful, a breezy melody twinkles with soft percussion and calming vocals and "Wherever I Go" has a more surf-pop guitar riff echoing around rat-a-tat percussion and the airy, whispered vocals which blissfully calm and sooth, just the two tracks so far yes, but two that are effortlessly simple yet so deliciously charming that I'm already hooked, summer, I welcome you.

Father/Sculptor #3 - Lowlands

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A long overdue catch up with Father/Sculptor now, it's been about a year since I last mentioned the Glasgow quintet after their early demos impressed me with powerful and emotive soundscapes awash with marvellous guitars, clever lyrics and fantastic atmosphere now they return to this little blog with their best track yet, the stunning "Lowlands", the lead track from their debut EP Faith & Violence which is released next week (and is available on digital/vinyl via bandcamp).

The track swoons with raw emotion and a knock-out vocal delivery, where brooding guitar textures compliment the elegant melody on this sexually charged wonder - you might not want to watch the video below at work - also taken from the EP is "Sault", a track which immediately sounds brighter than anything Father Sculptor have released before with calypso rhythms and big drum beats, listen carefully though and amongst the glorious, bouncing groove are moody lyrics and vocals that fill the air with a darker, dramatic mood.

Father/Sculptor play a few live dates to celebrate the EP release next week - details.

Just Handshakes #3 - Say It (Album Release)

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The long awaited news of Just Handshakes' debut album is finally with us, Say It will be released on May 20th via Bleeding Gold Records and is available to pre-order now via Bandcamp (Bleeding Gold for US orders) with a limited purple marbled vinyl heading my way soon.

If that and the shimmering excellence of the recently released "London Bound" weren't enough good news for you, we've been treated to another teaser track from the album in the form of the absolutely beautiful "Bright Lights", which plays to the bands softer, melodic side with swirling keys and Clara Patrick's striking, sweetly toned vocals melting hearts as it builds elegantly to a jaunty, percussive finale that leaves me wanting nothing more than to hear that album in full - patience is a virtue I'm yet to master!

Tashaki Miyaki #6 - I Only Have Eyes For You / Keep Me In Mind (Alt. Version)

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Tashaki Miyaki already have a long line of successful cover versions, from their opening singles' version of The Everly Brothers "All I Have to do is Dream" to an entire albums worth of covers late last year (still available for FREE via the LA trio's bandcamp), the band have seemingly found great enjoyment adding their signature hazy daydreams to some old classics.

Now, never one to rest on their laurels, the band have added another cover to their portfolio, this time a syrupy cover of "I Only Have Eyes For You". A track recorded on numerous occasions, arguably never better than The 50's doo-wop Flamingos version. Here their sweet, dreamy vocals and languid backing is soft and irresistible, gently lulling you to a blissful state of happiness - something Tashaki Miyaki have proven time and time again that they have the perfect knack of - check out their version of Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love" if you need further proof.

The band have also shared an alternative version of "Keep Me In Mind" from their debut EP which does very much the same thing, removing the fuzzy, stomping beat and scuzzy guitars of the original and adding in the most serenely beautiful strings and a wistful, soft acoustic - to put it succinctly - it's bloody gorgeous.

The Disraeli Gears #3 - Back Of My Eyes

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Here's a belated catch up with something I missed when it was first shared last month by a band who I've so far covered 100% of their material (and I wouldn't want to break that now would I!).

Leeds quartet The Disraeli Gears released a gorgeously shot live session video to a new track called "Back Of My Eyes" and it's got me all smouldering and wishing I could make their live gig in London tomorrow (although I wouldn't change where I will be for the world - Meat Loaf's The Final Tour rolls into London), that gig alongside Anna Lena & The Orchids promises to be a good one though so perhaps you should go in my stead...

"Back Of My Eyes" is outstanding, building effortlessly with beautiful, emotive grace around Teia Fregona's sumptuous vocal lead and textured guitars, the hazy, languid rhythm it slowly, surely emits power and strikes the perfect balance between atmospheric rock and serenely gorgeous melody. The track is due to be a part of the bands forthcoming EP, due this summer, one to keep an eye out for.

September Girls #6 - Talking

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The welcome return of September Girls now with a rather awesome animated video for their new single "Talking" (which you can order on digital / 7" via Art For Blind Records), you'll want to do that as soon as you've finished listening below, playing to the quintet's paranoid, psychedelic side "Talking" rattles along with precise percussion, meaty bass and swirling keys whilst the girls alternating harmonies float around in a Spector Group gone psycho-stalker kinda way. The accompanying video really is great, as Powerpuff Girls they save the world from all sorts of monsters whilst playing a rather excellent tune, all without breaking sweat of course.

The flip side "Some For Me" isn't quite as dark and suffocating but still rumbles with spacey, jagged guitar and throbbing bass, here though the vocals are lighter, softer and the melody more bright and upbeat, it makes me wish it was sunny and that the September Girls had a London show soon. They don't yet but you Northern sorts can check them out at Manchester's Sounds From The Other City Festival on May 5th.

Farao #2 - Skin

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When I last mentioned Kari Jahnsen just after Christmas it was with "Forces", a track which introduced her new nom de plume Farao and to mention a forthcoming trip to Iceland to record her debut single, the results of which have now been shared with us lucky folk...

"Skin", due for digital only release on May 27th, highlights a more adventurousness tone than Kari's previous work with Like Spinning where an intricate web of luxurious, sprawling instrumentation and honey-sweet harmonies combine to majestic results. Rich and fresh-sounding "Skin" sets the tone for Farao, whose pristine voice and genuinely heart-felt song-craft is sure wrap itself around many a listener, atmospheric, well-crafted and beautiful.

Farao have a spate of dates coming up, on tour with Paper Aeroplanes, at The Great Escape and finally (for now at least) a debut headlining show at The Sebright Arms on May 29th - details.

Update 10th April - I've added a possibly an even more beautiful live version of the track recorded for TLOBF, spine-tinglingly good.

The National #3 - Demons

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The ever increasing number of admirers for The National grew to an all-time high after 2010's incredible High Violet, since we've (I'm sure a few of you haven't) all been waiting with baited breathe for the follow up, luckily the Brooklyn quintet toured pretty extensively around the time and have since added incredible one-off tracks such as "Exile Vilify" and "Think You Can Wait" but today, finally, saw the release of "Demons", the first track to be from their forthcoming LP Trouble Will Find Me (released on May 21st via 4AD).

Immediately "Demons" feels like The National, it's not just Matt Berninger's baritone or the incredible, raw musicianship on display or the dark, brooding sadness evident in the luscious melody but the drip feed of emotive power and lyrical beauty that overwhelms from the get-go. "Demons" is both a continuation and progression from High Violet, mature, subtle, reflective, addictive. It is spellbinding, just like The National.

The band finally return to the UK to play Ally Pally on November 13th (and a few other UK dates too)- on presale this week via American Mary.

The Lift - New Music "Introducing"

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The Lift is the Los Angeles based duo of Amber Ojeda and Davy Nathan whose debut, self-titled EP came out last month (and is available now on iTunes)  led by the restrained melancholia of "Lost In The Middle", a track so hopelessly romantic and beautiful that it can't help be touch at your emotions, as you listen it feels like someone is wrapping you up in a warm blanket to comfort and sooth you.

The tracks finest attribute, aside from Amber's soft, delicate vocals is its simplicity, with little more than pared-down percussion and haunting piano twinkles providing the back drop to this gorgeous, heart-breaking beauty.

Misty's Big Adventure - Aggression

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Another band I've got a long relationship with who've some how not featured here before are Misty's Big Adventure, I'm honest enough to say I don't think I've even seen them live for a good couple of years now but I have seen them about ten times over the years since I first discovered them via The Zutons at Shepherds Bush Empire in late 2004,  if I looked through my photo albums they'll be a picture of me with Grandmaster Gareth from Glastonbury 2005, not long after he'd appeared on stage with the aforementioned group and back in the mid 2000's, their first two proper albums The Solar Hi-Fi System and The Black Hole were staples of my listening agenda - that was before I wrote a blog and spent nearly every spare second on the search for something new to write about! They also had the most wonderful track which featured Noddy Holder, the brilliant "Fashion Parade" and a Christmas song about Jam Jars.

Unique and captivating every time you heard them their lyrics are always intelligent and socially aware yet merging ska, pop, psychedelia with just about every other genre imaginable they make it sound like the most fun ever. With the most excitable melodies (and that's without even mentioning Erotic Volvo who would jump around the stage and venue with boundless enthusiasm), infectious hooks and unrivaled energy their live show is second to none and manages to get even stalwart miserablists like myself perhaps half-dancing around them. A gig at London's sadly defunct Metro and at The 100 Club just after I'd seen Apartment play stand-out as much as any.

Those nostalgia fueled paragraphs lead to 2013, Misty's Big Adventure have a new single and Grandmaster Gareth has a new album due imminently, "Aggression" is the Birmingham groups latest video and it's easily the best one I've seen for ages. Just like a trip up your high street at 2am on Sunday morning, a half depressing, half amusing story of a modern society in crisis backed by an uplifting ska beat and a chorus that is guaranteed to embed itself in your brain. A track only Misty's Big Adventure could make, simply marvelous.

I've also included a video for a track from the vault, the magnificent "Story of Love".

Ottilia #2 - and Then He Said (demo)

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Every so often you hear a voice and a talent so apparent that you wonder why the artist in question hasn't already 'broken through' - in a relative sense of course, the acts I'm posting about here are rarely likely to become the next Beyonce or something - Ottilia is definitely one of those, perhaps it's still early days for her after moving to London from her native Sweden last year (I think) and the signs are good - lauded by Communion, decent support slots and increasing blog support but when I listen to her self-released single release which I posted about here last November and then, this a newly shared track, just a demo and still in rough form, "...and Then He Said" I'm instantly pulled in by her devastating voice and lovelorn, heartfelt lyrics that is made to be heard by more than her current 340 facebook 'likes'.

The demo doesn't need much to send shivers down my spine, just rugged guitar and Ottilia's expressive vocals. Minimalism can sometimes be the most striking and this intoxicating beauty is just that. Don't say I didn't tell you so.

Still Corners #8 - Berlin Lovers (Video)

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Still Corners yesterday released a video for their laest track "Berlin Lovers", the second song to be taken from their forthcoming album Strange Pleasures, in a perfectly accompanying video new love blossoms as Greg Hughes and Tessa Murray work at a Skate Park, the bright, pop track follows "Fireflies" as something of a new avenue for the band / duo, I'm still unsure which, with a repetitive, jaunty synth beat mixing with Tessa's airy, ethereal vocals it's distinctly nostalgic yet distinctly Still Corners.

The band seemingly set to soundtrack after hours romantics with this neon-futuristic beauty that's more Chromatics than Broadcast, the bands previous yard stick.

I've also added a stream to the b-side of the recent Fireflies single, "Hearts of Fools", beautiful from the start it treads more traditional Still Corners plains, cinematic and breathtaking in every possible way. (You can order the 7" here).

Orders of Strange Pleasures made via US label Sub Pop get a scrapbook journalling the making of the album - available on LP/CD May 6/7th - pre-order. The same link will provide you with a free download of "Berlin Lovers" too.

Oh So Quiet - New Music "Introducing"

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Another discovery thanks to a gig I couldn't go to, London based quintet Oh So Quiet played at The Old Queen's Head on Easter Sunday, about the time I was tucking into a family roast dinner no doubt. It's impossible for me to get to every gig I'd like to with a family and other commitments (including training for a marathon, which according to my running diary - as geeky as it sounds - accounted for some 25 hours in March alone), so and my Easter turned into four family / off days and not quite the all-day music events I'd of liked to have attended, though saying that, I quite enjoyed myself nonetheless.

Anyway, music, Oh So Quiet started as the brother / sister duo of Lucas and Malena Zavala who moved to the UK from Argentina as children and started the band in 2011, adding three multi-national members along the way, their debut self-titled EP is due as a digital download via Cool For Cats Records on April 29th and for now we've got the lead track "Rain at Night" to listen to. Simply put, it is heavenly. Malena leads the song with a vocal as soft and pure as whatever your finest pleasure may be, backed initially by a sparse acoustic guitar the track blossoms amongst subtle musicality with divine harmonies and increasingly radiant instrumentation to become a truly warm and affectionate number that gets better with every listen.

"Water's Fall" is another track that will be on the EP, an early demo version (and a live video) of the track is enough to decide it's another winner, calming and soothing it's the sound of falling in love in slow motion, reflective and introspective amongst subtle rolling percussion and falsetto echoes reminiscent of the depth, beauty and magnificence of Farao / Like Spinning, Bon Iver and the like.

There's more stunning videos to be found on YouTube (and some demo tracks on Soundcloud) that I could equally add my superlatives too, head here or here if you can't get enough of the couple I've added below. Quite magnificent.