Haim #5 - The Wire

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I'd been thinking that it was about time for a new Haim track, we heard their last single "Falling" way back in February and sure enough on Monday night we saw the Internet go crazy for the sister's new track "The Wire", well when I say the Internet I mean that relatively of course but I doubt my little blog is the first time you've heard from the Los Angeles trio this week...

"The Wire" isn't a brand new track, it made its debut at live shows last year soon becoming a mainstay of the set and also features on a much shared Daytrotter session. The studio version is a typically polished affair which plays to all the Haim trademarks so far, a timeless 80's chart atmosphere, an abundance of hooks and wonderful vocal interplay which comes as close to the countless Fleetwood Mac comparisons we've all seen written about.

There is perhaps some loss of exuberance and raw appeal in the transfer from the live version but I could say that about all Haim tracks so far - I'm not alone in thinking this band come into their own in the live arena - overall "The Wire" is as confident as anything we've heard so far, even if perhaps not as commercial as "Forever" or as slick as "Send Me Down", it's still a sure-fire radio hit in the making from 2013's blog darlings (with exceptions before you start!).

"The Wire" is released 23rd September with Haim's debut album apparently nearing completion -that's sure to be an absolute stormer. 

Chelsea Burgin - New Music "Introducing"

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Crack in the Road turned me on to this track by Chelsea Burgin and I love it so much here I am posting about it with the song playing on repeat soon afterwards, her Soundcloud is the only online presence I found and this track "Pocketful of Dreams" is the only track to be found on it at present but with a post on The Recommender as long ago as December 2011 stating 'dozens of demos' it's clear that this is not the start of a new act, I'll concentrate on this track though as it's my own only reference point thus far....

"Pocketful of Dreams" intoxicates immediately and makes me ache all over, the perfect late-at-night soundtrack to those intimate, wistful moments, with a hazy, broken-hearted romanticism filling the air as Chelsea's beautiful, soothing vocals beguile at every word. The melody is simple, just basic guitar strums and echoes - it's all that's needed to bring goosebumps. How I wish I was there to hear those demos nearly two years ago. More soon I hope.

Crying - New Music "Introducing"

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Straight into the music today, time is a little on the short side! "Bodega Run" is the debut single from New York trio Crying and is taken from a forthcoming cassette release Get Olde due via Double Double Whammy later this summer.

What strikes you immediately about the track is the space invaders synth overdrive that propels it at a furious pace and makes you think you’re playing a level of Super Mario, amongst are some pretty meaty, riff-tastic guitar hooks and equally spritely drums which set alongside the deliciously sweet, fragile vocal of Elaiza Santos fill you with a giddy, lovesick feeling that can do nothing but charm and enchant. Simply but, "Bodega Run" is an energetic, smile inducing debut of intent… Here’s looking forward to the rest of that EP.
 

Chelsea Wolfe #11 - We Hit A Wall

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On the first single we heard from Chelsea Wolfe's forthcoming album Pain Is Beauty we were all here talking about a slight change in direction, the starker, more synth led sounds of "The Warden" were ominously beautiful with Chelsea's distinctive ethereal voice butterfly soft amongst glittering electronics, a track which took a much less obvious route to sharing the darkness, now we've got the second track, one which is sure to resonate hard with those who perhaps weren't expecting "The Warden's" departure...

"We Hit A Wall" has the a title of a group of marathon runners worst nightmare and could soundtrack it too, much more akin to the nightmarish atmosphere of her previous records, from the instant echoey guitar patterns and doom-laden drums kick in you're transfixed with the tracks brooding repetition and haunting brilliance.

Chelsea Wolfe returns to the UK in late October to tour the record which comes out the month before via Sargent House. You'll want to take notice of both.

Torres #3 - Dream Dream

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Living in London means I'm pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to gigs and as a consequence I've seen probably about 90% of the acts I really, really love before, an artist breaking into that category is Torres and with Mackenzie Scott's debut London show taking place earlier this month at one of my favourite venues, The Lexington, I should have had the perfect opportunity to test that out - there's no better place than a live show to gauge how hard an artist hits you.

Alas with a young family you can't always make such assumptions and I soon found myself unable to go - the upsides are there already; a return in the autumn, not to far away now and this, a new unreleased demo of a track called "Dreams Dreams" which perfectly sums up why her debut self-titled, self-released album will be making my end of year lists come December.

Wielding little more than a raw, devastating voice and stark acoustic patterns the track is a dusky, wounded tale of New York's influence, all dark, moody and emotional power - I'm yet to see a bad review of that London show and I'm guessing when Torres does return in the autumn, it will be at a slightly bigger venue than The Lex...

Summer Camp #7 - Fresh

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You can only assume whilst listening to Summer Camp's new track "Fresh" that's there's a perfect homage to Pulp being played out, one of the things that will live in the memory of everyone who saw the recent come-back shows of Sheffield's finest was the big stage drape with the words 'Do You Remember The First Time' proudly displayed before every gig. It's the same phrase which rings loudest on the London based duo's come-back single, a luscious track made for the Summer months with a wonderful 80's, soft-disco groove, twinkling melodic synths and the beautiful, natural vocals of Elizabeth Sankey causing butterfly's all over - somewhat like the charms of first love then.

Summer Camp's second album, entitled Summer Camp is due September 9th via Moshi Moshi with a show at Heaven on November 27th also in the diary - tickets.

Abjects - New Music "Introducing"

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London based trio Abjects came to my attention with a recent tape release through PINS label Haus of Pins (which you can order the here), unusually I can't find any of the three tracks online so instead I'll put my focus on a pay-what-you-like trio of pre-ceeding demos which you can get via Bandcamp, it's here where I discover a breathless, hard-hitting blend of should be pop hits.

"Hard to Get" perfectly introduces their rough around the edges noise-candy, a surf punk sound of raucous, scuzzy garage rhythms propelling airy vocal harmonies and catchy choruses while "Delay" is even better (and bigger) with chugging riffs and crunching beats straight out of the 90's.

From my school days I now "Aburrido" translates to boring in Spanish, the polar opposite of the songs urgent energy and power chords, nonchalant, buoyant and fun - let Abjects into your life now.

Rosie June - New Music "Introducing"

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We're heading towards late July and perhaps new releases are going to slow down (a little) whilst the schools are off so I'll aim (I can't promise, I'm off for some of August myself!) to try and catch up on some old posts I've had sitting in my draft folder for a while, the first of which is Rosie June, a Canadian singer I really should have featured here sooner - her debut album Listening Post came out in March - possessed with a heavenly voice and dreamy, 80s throwback soundscapes it's a release guaranteed to make countless a heart swoon and sigh.

Take "Sound it Out" and the equally spacious "Airport Lines" as proof, both glisten with airy synths, sugary vocals and soft percussive beats with romantic, retro-fueled lyrics adding another luxurious veneer, like a warm, comforting blanket after the sun departs on a summer day.

The combination of beautiful melodic charm that's both uncluttered and effective and lulling vocals is one that continues throughout with the odd fluttering of instrumental deviation, "Lion on Your Side" and "Broadway" both expand with layers of reverb-drenched textures to delightful results.

The live version of "Broadway" below showcases Rosie's style of achingly pretty jangly pop better than any superlatives I can chuck its way - A gorgeous record to make you happy, induce slightly melancholic thoughts, rose-tinted dreams that leave you better than they found you. You can buy Listening Post on download/CD/Vinyl now via Bandcamp.

We Are Scientists - Something About You

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I'm getting all nostalgic at the moment, over the next month I have gigs lined-up to see Suede, Franz Ferdinand and first-up, at the end of this week We Are Scientists, a band I've been following since their frequent Editors support slot days back in 2005. The trio can always be relied upon for a fun show full of upbeat guitar and banter like no other.

Their debut album was a real treat, their second equally wonderful and Barbara had its moments too, this, their new single contains two new tracks and serves as a welcome stop-gap before album four. Lead track "Something About You" sounds distinctly We Are Scientists, that should be enough of a write-up to make you decide if you think it's your thing or not; all trademark hooks and catchy lyrics, quick, snappy and full of bounce, simply put, a huge burst of fun. "Let Me Win" is more of a departure with woozy guitar lines and washed-out vocals more psychedelic ballad than indie-pop dance-floor filler - it works though - a perfect summers single.

The 7" single was released today in the UK via 100% Records, if you fancy grabbing one head here.

Alela Diane - About Farewell

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What with all this stunning weather making me feeling all warm and summery I've been neglecting one of my favourite genres, dark and winsome folk, Alela Diane is here to remind me what I've been missing whilst I've been engaging in all those fuzzy, nostalgic guitars, taken from her latest album About Farewell (due July 29th with a limited vinyl run available at Indie record stores) is the absolutely stunning title-track that you can stream below.

"About Farewell" is as beautiful and haunting song as 2013 has offered so far, a devastating and plaintive melody is all that's needed to crack at your heart, there's little more than ringing guitar lines and Alela's emotive voice throughout but its subtly and yearning pain stays with you long after.

Soundcloud provides another track from the album, "The Way We Fall", reminiscent of Sharon Van Etten's Tramp with moody, wounded vocals swelling around occasionally dramatic instrumentation swells, simply put it's another stark, ageless wonder.

Las Kellies #4 - Melting Ice

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Three months or so ago when I mentioned Las Kellies seductive late-night dreaminess of "Golden Love" I talked about an impending European tour and forthcoming album, now just in time to make your weekend here are the finalised details (and with the bonus of a new track "Melting Ice" too)...

Hitting the UK during the second week of August (full dates at their label Fire Records site) the Argentinian trio are sure to bring their infectious ramshackle rhythms and summer party-grooves to anyone fortunate to see them, the album Total Exposure, their fourth, follows on September 16th with fifteen new tracks (track-listing etc here).

New preview "Melting Ice" continues to highlight a fully-realised sound for the trio, combining a rich and luxurious slow-motion groove with smooth bass-lines, twinkling synths and heart-melting vocal harmonies - it's got me itching for more (and for those live dates to hurry up) - download "Melting Ice" now in time for your weekend BBQ playlist.

Vulkano - Vision Tricks

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I was disappointed when Those Dancing Days called it a day a couple of years ago, I'd not too long seen them for the first time at Glastonbury 2011 and had really enjoyed their set standing in the mud of The Park. Seemingly though, the first group to form from their ashes are Vulkano (and did so a while back with live videos from over a year ago to be found on YouTube).

The recently released "Vision Tricks" is their debut UK single (released July 29th) and comes as my discovery (and the first track since a trio became the duo of Cissi Efraimsson and Lisa Pyk Wirström). The track combines a dark, shadowy rhythm sections with swirling, mysterious synths and snappy vocals to hypnotic results, exotic and wild, if there's more like this track to come, I wouldn't be too surprised to see Vulkano at a future Glastonbury...

Night Flowers #2 - North

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Last month my little nostalgic heart went a-flutter with Night Flowers impeccable debut track "Single Beds", a 90's fuzzy-pop reminiscing beauty that made me wish I wasn't quite so old and miserable so I could run through fields hand-in-hand with my childhood sweetheart like they do in Hollywood movies... Now I'm getting those feelings all over again with the bands second track "North"...

More languid and dreamy, its a perfect summers day listen with jangly guitar hooks, a beautiful, shimmering melody and soft, intoxicating vocals which can do nothing than take you to the sweetest of moods. Pure pop gold. With a sound far more polished and sophisticated than a band just two tracks in, the future already looks promising.

"North" is available now alongside "Single Beds" as a free download single via Bandcamp - you'd be silly to refuse and I for one, cannot wait for more.

Keelin - New Music "Introducing"

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Keelin is Caoilfhionn Birley, a singer/songwriter based in Manchester, her first studio recording "Day Dreamer (Who Are You?)" is going to be the main focus of this post - though her Soundcloud page contains a whole host of covers and demo originals for you to further delve into - a track which, as its title may suggest, is a soft, hazy gem perfect to soundtrack the more melancholic moments of this heatwave, her soft, tender vocals melt your soul as piano twinkles gently caress at your heart.

Heading to YouTube, a demo track "Even Though I May..." similarly combines stark and uncomplicated arrangements (this time with added guitar) with Keelin's gentle, pensive vocals, both are utterly beautiful - Keelin states that she's "working on debut EP - watch this space" - don't worry, I shall.

Hero Fisher - Fear Not Victorious

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I don't have to much to on with Hero Fisher other than a mind-blowing debut single called "Fear Not Victorious" but you could say it's pretty much all I need. What I do know; a) Hero Fisher is a (currently) London based singer-songwriter whose been around for a little while and b) This track is absolutely bloody stunning....

"Fear Not Victorious" is one of those rare tracks that stays with you long after listening, a slow-burning beauty that molds together multiple genres over the course of its six minute length, powerful and up-lifting with increasingly haunting vocals and immaculate instrumentation which ebb and flow to create the sort of stark intensity which made me fall for the Josh T Pearson album so hard. A must listen:

Kid Wave #2 - Shelley

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When I posted about Kid Wave last month I mentioned about the thrill factor of new music discovery, a sentiment that can be repeated after just a handful of listens to the bands first official single "Shelley" - due for release July 29th via Battle Worldwide Records - a track that instantly melts hearts with irresistible guitar hooks and ear pleasing rhythms and whilst Britain continues to bask in a radiant, endless summers glow were provided with the perfect setting for the band to soundtrack our days.

The beautiful, hazy textures of vocalist / guitarist Lea Emmery's gorgeously relaxed voice and bright, daydreaming surf-pop guitar make me which I was outside twirling around in green pastures or mucking around in my room - a bit like the scenes in the accompanying video - some perfect youthful nostalgia right here - watch below and fall in love with one of 2013's finest new bands.

The Great Wilderness #2 - In the Hour of the Wolf

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 I first "introduced" The Great Wilderness here a couple of years back when I'd just missed the opportunity to catch them live, they've not returned to the UK since and this track "In the Hour of the Wolf" - the lead track taken from a forthcoming album of the same name - is the first new material in that time with the band having seemingly gone through a couple of line-up changes too, thankfully though, none of the explosive talent seems to have left to group.

"In the Hour of the Wolf" sees the band in a heavy, dynamic form with an expressive blend of psychedelic, swirling melody and dark rumbling drums and bass-lines, chiming guitars and haunting vocals combine as the track builds to a climatic, powerful finale of storm inducing noise. Exciting -  if you're new to The Great Wilderness make sure you listen to their incredible track "Dark Horse" - grab them for free download via Bandcamp.

Editors #7 - Formaldehyde

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Let's kick start the week with an absolute beast of a track, Editors have been making up for lost time over recent months featuring here time and time and time again with tracks from their latest (and somewhat divisive) album The Weight of Your Love, here they are again with the newly announced  second single from the record - not due until September - "Formaldehyde".

Instantly infusing itself in the brain, if "Formaldehyde" were a stick of rock it would have the word 'single' written right through it. Tom's booming vocals sound more commanding than ever as the track's infectious chorus and upbeat radio-friendly sheen skittles along with unbridled pomp, it's as close to An End Has A Start Editors as I've heard for a while, dominating drums and a fuzzy throb of bass - I'm happy to admit I've always been a bit biased when it comes to Editors but I bloody love this.

Lockets #6 - Girl

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Hope you are all ready for a great weekend, in the UK at least it looks set to be another stunning one, perhaps here's a track you'll want to listen to as the sun shines down on you, it's by Lockets and it's released on Beautiful Strange next month.

"Girl" is the second track taken from the forthcoming 10" vinyl EP release "Surrender" - the title track I've already mentioned - with the flip side including two remixes by Sun Glitters and Fear Club. It's going to be released on transparent orange vinyl limited to just 300 copies and the first 50 orders (25 ROW via Beautiful Strange Bandcamp and 25 US via Lockets) orders come with a free "Surrender" alternative art print designed by Cristina Rose which you can see in the picture above - it looks pretty great I hope you agree.

Stream "Girl" below and tell perhaps share it with your friends other a nice cool beer this weekend.

Smoke Fairies #3 - Good Man

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An act I've featured here a criminally few number of times are Smoke Fairies, the now London based duo came to my attention about three years ago now (later than a lot of people's I know) and have since released two great records and more recently a Record Store Day release called Upstairs at United, a wonderful release that you should track down (if you haven't already), fantastic tracks recorded in one take using old, natural recording equipment, the results are as haunting and beguiling as you'd expect.

Not content with that Jessica and Katherine return with Ghosts, a retrospective double album (I've already got what will be released as CD1 on vinyl from an earlier US edition, a compilation of Smoke Fairies early singles. This edition will also include some new/old unreleased tracks on CD2, a complete disc of early studio sessions. So you've either got one disc of new material or two if you started with Through Low Light and Trees, (Ghosts is released on September 23rd and you can pre-order direct via BigCartel), at £9.99 you can't complain in any case. Full track-listing can be found here.

The pre-release streaming track "Good Man" is Smoke Fairies all over, heavenly vocal harmonies weave amongst an intricate web of hypnotic guitar textures and a languid bed of drums, defiant and haunting in equal measure there are few bands who can create atmosphere and enchantment like the Smoke Fairies.

An intimate tour has also been announced ending with a date at London's St Pancras Old Church on October 23rd - tickets on sale today (if there are any left - I doubt they'll last too long).

The French Pop Dream - New Music "Introducing"

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This weeks' finest inbox submission by at least ten times is the wonderful debut EP by new English / French act The French Pop Dream, their summery-pop tunes are as perfect as their track titles and combine classic 60's nostalgia with a beautifully simplistic melodic craft that makes me think of Underachievers, Please Try Harder era Camera Obscura.

The EP is led by "Eurostar, the Musical", a breezy, upbeat track that makes you wish you were taking a soft and gentle stroll through Paris with a summer romance, a lovely constructed indie-pop tune which is made all the sweeter by Anne Brugière's crystal clear vocals.

The other two tracks on the release sound equally timeless, drenched with a dose more melancholia both "Tell Me Something You Never Told Anyone" and "It's the Middle of Winter but it will be the Summer Soon" (Jim Steinman would be proud) are songs about life happening all around you, delivered exquisitely with a delightful, carefree charm that can do nothing but make your day brighter. Writing a praise-only music blog means I say words like 'my new favourite things' and 'amazing' all too often but this EP really is just perfect - get a copy from the band directly here.

Widowspeak #6 - True Believer

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News of this release came as a bit of a shock to me, obviously heading off on worldwide tours and releasing albums is the way Widowspeak find the time to record new material, hot on the heels of their second album Almanac (released in January this year) comes a new six track EP entitled The Swamps and this track "True Believer" is the first taken from it - due for release October 29th via the ever wonderful Captured Tracks.

The track is gorgeous, dark and mystical from first listen, pulling you in with its absorbing atmosphere and the bands typically intertwining melodies, with Molly's warm, hypnotic vocal delivery swooning around dreamy guitar and languid bits, perfect for a hazy-summers' day like this one then, enjoy:

F.U.R.S. #3 - Just Kids

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Summers here and with it comes a general feel good factor (in me at least) that makes you reach for music perhaps a little more joyous and optimistic than the usual songs of the impending apocalypse, probably because instead of being in your dark bedroom you've moved to the garden and are pretending to your friends and neighbours that you're always this happy and love to eat charcoaled meat of disputable origin four times a week...

F.U.R.S are here to make that actually okay though, their glorious new 80's retro pop single "Just Kids", a track that you'll want to listen to over and over as the sun shines down on you with a bristling mix of bright, dreamy pop hooks and cinematic soundscapes that recall the nostalgia of youth - yeah, that last bit is pretty obvious from the title. "Just Kids" is playful, enjoyable and you know, fun, like they used to make them before as my Granddad would say. Elle's vocals are heavenly throughout as undulating waves of throbbing bass and glimmerings synths recall Summer Camps' debut, that's definitely a good thing, give me more already.

"Just Kids" will be released on 7" vinyl on August 19th via Loose Lips Records backed by the previously heard (and similarly excellent) "Striptease". The band have some live dates to celebrate to - check them out here.

Deaf Club #5 - April

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Here's another band I've been following for a while now, although I managed to miss the initial news of this release so my post comes some three weeks after the majority, Deaf Club return with a new track and a new EP - due August 5th via Kissability and called Take In Colour, it's led by this beauty "April"....

Entwined amongst gorgeous shimmering soundscapes and darkly rhythmic atmospherics the track hypnotise as Polly's brooding, sultry vocals carry you to glistening highs, bold and dramatic "April" leaves you wanting much, much more.

You can pre-order the EP via Kissability now.

Don't Cry Shopgirl - New Music "Introducing"

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Thanks to the EarDrumsPop label for this introduction, Don't Cry Shopgirl are the newly formed duo of Astrid Wiezell and John Svensson from Stockholm who shared their first two demos online just last week, both introduce a classic, sweet indie-pop sound that swoons with a pure, wistful beauty.

Shimmering casio keys and fluttering beats provide the melody for Astrid's naturally pretty vocals to instantly melt hearts on "What You Could Have Been To Me" while "Bring Me Home" casts an even bigger spell with propulsive bass rhythms and rat-a-tat beats creating a fuller, infectious sound for their dual vocals to absorb into your mind - comfortably nostalgic, both tracks are guaranteed to leave you feeling brighter than before - you can't ask for more than that on a beautiful summers day...

As a side note, Astrid also plays solo as Northern Spies, I've since listened to her debut EP released on the aforementioned EarDrumsPop label and expect to see more words there soon...

Pins #8 - Get With Me / Album / Tour

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One of Manchester's (and the UK's) finest new bands Pins are back with the AA side to their latest 7" release "Get With Me" (which follows swiftly from the A side "Stay True and is due via Bella Union on July 26th), a track which bursts straight out of the gates with an urgent blend of the four-pieces trademark noir pop, propulsive beats, shimmering guitars and Faith's superb vocals, half snarling venom and half seducing harmonisation, "Get With Me" thrills with hooky precision from first listen to the tenth (and counting).

That's not your lot though music fans, also announced yesterday is Pins debut full-length Girls Like Us and an accompanying UK tour. Rather than me cut & paste the full track-listing, dates and art work I'll politely send you in the direction of their Facebook which contains all the necessary, thirteen (no doubt) hot tracks (including the two on the 7") to get our teeth into come September 30th - that's a bit more exciting than my waffle....

Franz Ferdinand - Right Action

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I'm not very good at compiling a list of my favourite ever things, there are just too many bloody things to pick from. I've been to around 500 gigs in my time (I hope I'm not the only one who constantly checks their Songkick accounts in the hope all the old features return when you could actually see how many times you've seen each band) and when asked about my all time favourite gigs it's difficult, I normally would say Prince's 2002 dates at Hammersmith Apollo and the after-show after at the Islington Marquee (now Academy) or more recently Josh T Pearson in Brighton or one of many The Joy Formidable show's.

One gig that does stand-out amongst them though is Franz Ferdinand at Brixton Academy back in 2005, I'd of been 23, it was a Friday night and it was perhaps slightly alcohol fueled after meeting up with an old school friend beforehand but I remember 90 minutes of continuous entertainment, mosh-pits and singalongs (pretty much everything I frown upon now!). That said I can't actually remember the last time I listened to the band until today with the news of their new, fourth album (the follow up to 2009's Tonight), Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Actions - due 27th August with the single "Right Action", detailed below, a week earlier.

The track pulls you straight in with a trademark Franz Ferdinand hook, an infectious chorus combine with a pop-infused grooving bass-line, repeating guitar riffs and analogue synth pomp - accompanied by a great video that could catch on just like the "Take Me Out" one did. It's a pretty perfect pop track that is taking me back to 2004 when I would prance around the office singing "Michael" and "Jacqueline" at colleagues of according names, I've grown up to become the misery I am today since then!

 Not content with one new track, the Glaswegian boys have also shared another track from the album "Love Illumination" which instantly excels with similarly crunching riffs and catchiness - welcome back Franz Ferdinand, your debut is now going to soundtrack this summers' day.

Roxanne Clifford of Veronica Falls features as a guest vocalist on the album too - can't wait to hear that one. If this all takes your fancy, you can pre-order the LP (which includes a rather special, if pricey, looking deluxe version of the LP) via Domino.

Lady Lamb The Beekeeper - Ripley Pine

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I had Lady Lamb The Beekeeper recommended to me by a few people a while back and then one night a couple of months ago (yeah, that's about how long it takes me to write things up) I was itching to see a gig, LLTB (the recording name of Ally Spaltro) happened to be headlining The Old Blue Last and that was that, I was there, and boy was I impressed. A set that started with the longest A cappella track I've ever witnessed instantly set-alight a show that would provide instant redemption for my decision to venture out on a Sunday evening and proof of a versatile voice and raw, expressive talent.

Most of the tracks played were taken from Lady Lamb The Beekeeper's debut studio album Ripley Pine, an album that since has easily become one of my favourite albums of 2013, a release that contains a few tracks that had been previously released on Ally's earlier bedroom recorded releases but I can ignore that as I'm late to the party... Ripley Pine devastates with an incredible range of songs that hit right at your soul, one minute stripped back electric guitar solo and then the next complex full-band arrangements with a running length that equally varies, from three minutes to seven yet the dozen tracks here are always rich and sophisticated, it is simply an incredible record.

At her most vulnerable on the exquisite "Florence Berlin", a stark, intimate heart-breaker and on "Little Brother", a soft delicate beauty that transports you to a world of soulful dreams with her lone electric guitars twangs sending shivers down your spine. "Bird Balloons" feels like it should be Ally's breakthrough track, as dynamic and powerful as a St Vincent and as epic and emotive as Patti Smith, it bursts with venom and anguish in equal measures and is as affecting as any song you'll hear this year.

My Jim Steinman roots mean I'm a sucker for long tracks and the two on Ripley Pine are possibly my favourites on the record, "You Are The Apple" is one of those rare tracks that brings you to a stand-still on first listen, progressing from a bluesy opening to a full band stomper with an eruption of raw emotion. Ally made a comment during the show about alienating her early fans with the 'polish' of the recorded album and thus also releasing a demo album via her Bandcamp yet, for me at least, it's the rough aggression that I find so powerful and astonishing, when the orchestra comes in; goosebumps all over.

"Crane Your Neck" closed the live set and is likewise the sort of track to bring an audience to a stand-still, even those at the back who come to gigs to chat to their mates stop to pay attention as Ally howls and shrieks with her typically unpredictable voice, resonating with a fiery intensity that perfectly sums up Ripley Pine, hot, rich and passionate throughout - do yourself a favour and order Ripley Pine via Ba Da Bing here.

Bloodgroup - Nothing Is Written In The Stars

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I'd not encountered Icelandic quartet Bloodgroup before this track "Nothing Is Written In The Stars" came to my attention via Gold Flake Paint yesterday but after this intoxicating beauty I can guarantee I'll be checking out their recent album Tracing Echoes shortly...

The track purrs with sultry romanticism, drenched in luscious, grey atmosphere with languid beats and haunting Twin Peaks echo instrumentation, it combines with the wistful melancholia of the gorgeous vocals and I'm pulled instantly in, immersive, beautiful and moreish.

L'Amour Des Rêves - New Music "Introducing"

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I'm currently at the stage where the only time I get to write blogs is way past midnight when I really should be in bed or at lunchtime at work when arguably my boss would prefer me to be doing something a little more 'productive'. Today I was going to write about London Grammar's new track "Strong" then I decided if you've not heard that you've probably been on Mars so decided to head into my draft folder and finish this post on Sheffield Duo Tom & Jess aka L'Amour Des Rêves instead(or The Love of Dreams if you prefer).

They recently released their debut five track EP Avec... and for those of you who want to be transported back to some point in the 60's, it's going to come as your favourite treat of the year so far. The recordings are purposely simplistic, minimal and raw with audible hiss throughout, it only adds to the charm. The five tracks come and go within ten minutes, only a fleeting trip down memory lane then, but one you'll want to take over and over again.

The duo alternate between a brash, haphazard sound heard on the wonderful "If You Got Nothing Nice To Say (Then Why Don't You Say Nothing)" where big, hollow drums echo around stark guitar riffs to a softer, girl-group sound heard on the swoon-some "(I Couldn't) Live Without You".

"What You Gonna Do?" reminds me of an unpolished Young Romance with fuzzy guitar and pounding drums, Jess has the same strength and emotion in her voice as Claire and I guess the fact that both groups are duo's of voice/drums and guitar helps that comparison too while "I Stole the Night" ends this wonderful EP on a beautifully pure note with syrupy sweet pop verses capable of melting the sternest of hearts.

After that (and a listen below) you'll probably want to grab the EP, which you can do via the magic of the internet - get it now via Bandcamp with a few remaining tapes left at Rough Trade

Swords - Lions & Gold

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Dublin based trio Swords came to my attention via their single "Lions & Gold", the latest track to be released from their debut album of the same name which comes out tomorrow digitally via iTunes and other digital distributors too no doubt.

It intoxicates immediately with a luxurious poppy atmosphere and Diane Anglim's slightly kooky but always fascinating vocals; a confident, seductive sheen and propulsive rhythms create an immaculate melody, rich and sentimental it commands repeat listens.

Earlier single "All The Boys" is even more infectious, drawing immediate comparisons to YYY's is a real dance-floor filler that throbs and shimmers with a supercharged synth/power-pop glitz and as Prince says on one of his lesser tracks from Emancipation, "Get Your Groove On".

Treasureseason - New Music "Introducing"

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Not strictly a new music post, the band in question formed a good few years ago now but Treasureseason, the UK/Swedish duo of David Powell and Ida Olsson released their debut 7" via Coja Records last week (available for just £3.00 - a price I'm not quite sure how they can afford!), with two summer anthems full of bright synths and luscious vocals guaranteed to have you wishing you were anywhere but looking out the window to grey clouds and impending rain (welcome to summer in London).

"Don't Hold Back" is the track which first caught my attention, a pretty blend of glistening synth and delicate dream-pop vocal textures but it is "Archipelago" that's the stripped back centrepiece, with a beautiful, understated melody that slowly intoxicates the mind whilst soft slow-motion vocals tug at your heartstrings - magical stuff.

The Joy Formidable #19 - Silent Treatment

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One of the undisputed highlights of The Joy Formidable's latest album Wolf's Law "Silent Treatment" is given the makeover treatment by famed producer William Orbit as part of the bands latest release, a digital only EP released next week July 8th and available via Amazon and no doubt other places too.

The four track release contains the remix, the original, a live version of "Tendons" - which sounds bloody superb live by the way - and a new track "All This Promise". On the album "Silent Treatment" comes as a welcome respite from the adrenaline pumping tracks beforehand (and after when followed by the rather massive "Maw Maw Song"), now as a stand-alone track it is allowed to shine properly, the remix is subtlety done, adding atmosphere and skeletal synths to Ritzy's show-stopping vocal and delicate acoustic guitar - as intimate and beautiful as things get. Kick back and spend your evening with this.

Chelsea Wolfe #10 - The Warden

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Chelsea Wolfe has been one of the most prolific artists of the last few years; two studio albums, a live release and an acoustic album which brought together some tracks which pre-dated her official debut and some new tracks too, all those different releases in a relatively short period of time and never the slightest hint at dropping quality (and worldwide tours on top). Not one to rest on her laurels Chelsea has announced her next album Pain Is Beauty for release on 3rd September via Sargent House.

To whet the appetite further there's a stream of the lead single "The Warden" and it might come as a little shock at first, sure you can instantly recognise Chelsea Wolfe, it's eerie, haunting and made it the dark but it sounds altogether different to anything heard by Chelsea previously. Gone are the dirty, sludgy riffs, the heavy guitar chords swathed in distortion and the doom-laden drums and instead we're here listening to a minimalist synth-pop track, I'm honest enough to admit it took me a couple of listens to adjust although I'm now a fully paid subscriber.

Chelsea's thin, ethereal whispers float perfectly over stark, industrial beats, softened and echoey amongst glittering synths "The Warden" remains bleak yet powerfully hypnotic, altogether hinting perfectly at the albums title, beautifully intimate.

Also make sure you check out the stunning live version of "Feral Love" below, another track which is on Pain Is Beauty - fear not all you dark metal-heads!. I'm excited for this album a lot, nervously excited, just the way you should be when one of your favourite acts releases something new.

Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker - Fire and Fortune

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I briefly covered Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker here after I picked them as one of my three final acts for the Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent Contest earlier this year (a competition which was won by the wonderful Bridie Jackson & The Arbour) after the truly captivating "Done" caused me Goosebumps, they return with the title track to their forthcoming album Fire & Fortune, a stark, atmospheric track coupled with a suitably disturbing video that soon becomes unforgettable.

Repeating harmonies and hollow drums echo and creep with hypnotic, dark-hued intent. Complimented by Ben's exemplary guitar playing and production Josienne's pure, hymnal vocals become almost meditative as this poignant and strangely beautiful track creeps up on you with its restrained power and grace.

The album Fire & Fortune is a collection of traditional folk songs and original tracks, you can pre-order on vinyl via Bandcamp now with an album launch at The Forge in Camden the previous Friday the 19th July - details.