Firstly thanks to Some Of It Was True! for this re-discovery, I posted about Elephant a few times back in 2011 but then the band went quiet for sometime and they fell off my radar.
Their latest single "Skyscraper" was actually released on 7" back in March but I completely missed it then, I've got 2170 albums by 964 artists in my iTunes library (I didn't count them I promise) so keeping tabs on that many artists is a little tricky, still, I'm glad to have the London duo of Amelia Rivas and Christian Pinchbeck back on my rader.
"Skyscraper" is the perfect song to fall back in love with, a beautiful, hazy carousel of sparkling synths and creeping guitar lines. Dream-pop by its very definition is surely meant to send you to heavenly plains of comforting luxury and boy does this track do that - Amelia's soft, alluring vocals and swooning melody - it has me tingling all over.
Flip side "Spies" is sparser and perhaps even more beautiful with fluttering guitars the main accompaniment for delicate, echoing vocal coos that similarly warms the heart.
The final copies of the vinyl are available via Rough Trade. Elephant play Servants Jazz Quarters on September 11th - details.
Marnie Stern has wasted no time following up March's wonderful The Chronicle of Marnia with a new track "This Was It", released earlier this month as part of the Adult Swim Single Club (where you can download the track for free) it's a track that follows on perfectly from the whirlwind guitar based onslaught of the LP.
Over in less than two and a half minutes "This Was It" is a blink and you'll miss it but exhilarating combination of shredding and pumping riffs which on face value sounds much the same as her LP but it's actually much less vicious, gone is the ferocious bite and instead we've almost puppy-dog sweet lyrics. However you want to look at it, it's a killer track all the same.
Sitting amongst my (hundred plus) drafts was little more than a bandcamp link for the band AKW (so my apologies to whomever provided my introduction), a trio from LA built around Alex Wisner, they recently released their six track EP Last Lines (available on digital / CD via their Bandcamp page) and it is that I'll focus on below.
The opening track "A Better Sea" is an absolutely bloody gorgeous introduction to Alex's deeply intimate vocals, her soft, fragile voice carries emotional weight in a similar way to that of Elena Tonra's whilst she's armed with a similarly beautifully chilled voice to that of Emily Haines, underpinned by the tracks widescreen guitars shimmers and sparking keys, it's enough to send shivers down your spine and transport you to a rich, luxurious place..
"Last Lines" also beguiles, built around little more than minimally played guitars softly repeating and those pure, haunting whispers whilst "Where I Go When There's No One" is even better, building from minimal, spacious beginnings before momentarily peaking around a climactic explosion of emphatic sing-along chorus and frenetic guitar riffs. Closing track "Count The Steps" reveals itself a graceful splendor with a melody that glistens amongst hymn-like harmonies, simple yet staggeringly affecting.
A rare kind of beauty indeed, Last Lines will stay with you long after the duration of the six tracks. The perfect late-night Summer evening listen.
I'm actually on holiday this week but by the wonder of pre-writes you'll never know... I've been meaning to post this since early July and have finally got my act together with the bands release of a new single last week, I saw Leeds based quartet Esper Scout play at a friends private party and they were pretty incredible. A loud, experimental rock dynamic which shortly afterwards landed said friend with a 'noise pollution complaint'. That's about the best compliment you can pay to a band in my opinion, if you're able to piss off a few snotty neighbours you're definitely on the right track, that track is confirmed by "Assumpta Tang".
The track which is available to download via bandcamp on a pay-what-you-like basis commands your entire attention from the outset as you're hit by a Juggernaut of frantic drums, pummeling bass and howling guitar riffs, laden with hypnotic textures and an intense vocal, the transfer of raw, grinding aggression from the live show is seemless and "Assumpta Tang" manages to excite just as much as that garden show did.
The slowburn anthem "Gaps in the Border Fence" is bewilderingly incredible too, snarly and brooding it builds around a wonderfully rhythmic melody as sparkling, chiming guitars and shimmering vocals gradually intensity to a maelstrom finale of noise. Two tracks, both highlighting Esper Scout's impressive capacity to create powerful, progressive soundscapes that borrow parts of various genres but combine to something rather unique.
Why not piss your neighbours off too? Listen / download below.
You should probably know by now that I'm an absolute sucker for delightful retro-pop so it took approximately two seconds for this track "Oh Clara" to make me feel about twelve years old again. Very much a pastiche of 60's girl groups, Spector sound arrangements underpinned by pretty as a flower vocals make hearts go a-flutter - it's pretty fabulous alright.
It's by a band called The Chordelias and I don't really have anything to go on apart from that and a compilation album the track is part of released by Double Phelix (downloadable via bandcamp), so yeah, enjoy.
At the start of 2012 I did an 'introducing' post on Lucille, who I then described as 'the new music project from the artist formerly known as Lucy & the Caterpillar', in a Prince style u-turn Lucille has once more become Lucy & the Caterpillar and to celebrate is releasing a limited compendium CD of tracks (available online soon and at a handful of gigs set for September - dates).
The preview track which you can grab for free via the link below is actually one of the tracks that I fell in love with as Lucille called "Roads". That video is since deleted but I think this live demo version holds much in common with the addition of a beautifully haunting piano line. Lucy's vocals are soft and heart-melting as a woozy melodic waltz makes brings you to your knees.
Straight on with part two of my acts to see at next weeks End of the Road festival. If you landed on this page and are interested in seeing the first part - you can do so here. I'll keep the writing on the brief side as every act is one I've covered previously. If you want to hear more click on the labels link at the end of the post.
This year the organisers are promising some exciting secret shows (most likely in the woods), so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for them. Also worth checking out amongst the other activities and Comedy/Cinema tents is the Rough Trade stall. They normally have some great others on releases of bands playing the festival, some exclusives and some signings too (can't say I remember any performances last year). There was a pretty cool music art stall last year too.
I'll start the second part of these tips with the most obvious pick of all, Caitlin Rose. Her first show in the UK since early Spring and I can't bloody well wait.
I recently got asked by a friend to describe Caitlin in one word, I replied 'flawless'. I've mentioned her here countless times already, the most recent just the other day so I'll keep that short. Flawless about sums it up to me.
I've not seen The Staves live since last years Latitude festival when they played a beautiful set to a packed tent as rain threatened outside.
At EotR they play the main stage on Sunday afternoon, it seems the perfect setting to grab a couple of beers and to enjoy some of the sisters heart-melting harmonies from last years exquisite Dead & Born & Grown.
I was lucky enough to see Savages four times before the hype really took over and have been smitten since. Silence Yourself delivered on my every expectation and hope, an album of exhilarating brilliance underpinned by darkly atmospheric rhythms, soaring guitars and Jehnny Beth's unique vocal delivery. It's raw, full of passion and utterly compelling throughout.
Live? Well Savages are even better - you'll be wanting to add them to your list of must see artists then.
Broken Twin originally featured here back in June after discovering her via the End of the Road initial line-up, I had this to say about her track "Beaches":
"The sparse, uncluttered instrumentation, little more than gentle acoustic and piano chords, of the opening track “Beaches” instantly send shivers down your spine as you are introduced to the beguiling tone of Majke’s pure, fragile vocals, wrapping you in a calming yet melancholic state of beauty".
One of the few acts I'm listing I've not seen before, Broken Twin promise to deliver a set that should be something pretty special.
One of my early year highlights was Serafina Steer's album launch show (and the album of course). I doubt Jarvis Cocker will be joining Serafina on stage this time around but what I do know is her set will combine fluttering harp solos with soft, delicate melodies that sporadically burst into life with eccentric, left-field instrumentation and soaring highs.
If that sounds good to you too then you'll want to head to the beautiful garden stage on Friday. Leave your chairs at the back.
Last but certainly not least in this little preview are Pins who are gearing up to release their debut album Girls Like Us. I've been following the Manchester quartet right from their debut to their most recently single "Get With Me" and live their show is the perfect continuation of an electric sound combining searing vocals, incessant rhythms and raw, brooding intensity.
Pins will hold your attention like a magnet - make sure you don't miss them.
I've been a little bit slack with Festivals this year (granted my failures with Glastonbury was out of my control) but aside from The Great Escape and a couple of one day festivals (one of them this weekend in Portsmouth where I'll be seeing The Joy Formidable and Charlotte Church) I've not actually done a 'proper' festival until now. End of the Road was one of the highlights of this year and I think this one may be even better. In my opinion it is the line-up of the summer, add in a relaxed atmosphere and loads of real ale tents and what more could you possibly want - yes sun (fingers crossed on that one).
The next two posts will see me pick a dozen acts to check out over the weekend which is now just a week away. I certainly plan on doing so. You'll see which I actually do and what else I get up to (well not everything) in my post weekend review. Anyway, straight onto it:
Not the most unique of starts I know but an essential act to see at the festival this year is Daughter. Her album If You Leave is a sure-fire inclusion in my 'favourite albums of the year' lists and is surely, if there is any justice, up for consideration for many other peoples too - a heart-wrenching, beguiling, emotive, bedazzling experience from start to finish - live they manage to hit places long though lost with their potent combination of glacial guitar textures and beautifully intimate vocals. Unmissable.
Whilst I'm on blindingly obvious choices lets throw another in, a UK festival exclusive sees Warpaint hit these shores for the first time in 2013. A set that is sure to include a few new tracks amongst their spellbinding existing material, we've not been treated to any of the new stuff yet (given a UK tour set for October I'm certainly expecting to hear something soon) but given the history of this LA quartet, I've no worries about it being a perfect continuation of their delicious harmonies and beautifully textured rhythms.
Golden Fable - Facebook Tipi Tent Stage - Saturday
I finally got to see Golden Fable at The Great Escape and was blown away metaphorically and almost literally too. I was pretty close to a speaker stack and their live sound is a lot bigger than I previously anticipating, combining the majestic vocals of Rebecca Palin's with Tim McIver's instrumentation and some extraordinary drums - the band are currently busy recording their second album and I'm sure we'll be treated to a few new songs next week.
Come see them and be blown away.
Anna Von Hausswolff - Facebook Tipi Tent Stage - Saturday
An altogether new act for me discovered by delving into the line-up, Anna Von Hausswolff released her second album Ceremony in June, a captivating, uncompromising vision of darkness and the morose.
"Deathbed" takes four minutes to introduce Anna's typically haunting vocals, starting with a creeping organ which can be quite frightening whilst "Mountains Crave" is about as accessible as it gets, a cinematic melody and beautiful soaring vocal delivery. The record ebbs and flows throughout (from "Red Sun's" brooding power to "Liturgy of Light's" soft guitar textures).
Perhaps an even more challenging than Soap&Skin - I think it promises to be a quite extraordinary performance.
Indie pop darlings (sorry) Allo Darlin' are sure to bring summer to Larmer Tree Gardens no matter what the weather is as Friday draws to a close.
I recently saw the quartet at The Buffalo Bar and caught a wonderful set with highlights from last years Europe, their debut and a helping of new tracks too. Expect to see dancing and singing along. Fun times a guarantee.
Widowspeak - Facebook Big Top Stage - Sunday (to be confirmed - Widowspeak's website suggests Friday)
I think the band are on a duo tour so this Widowspeak show might be a little different to the one I recently saw at Cargo, what is guaranteed though is the irresistible vocal purr of Molly Hamilton and spidery guitar patterns that will temporarily transfer the audience to a hazy, American west. Widowspeak are a wonderful live band who are not to be missed.
A band I've included in my 'tips for 20xx' no less than three times Let's Buy Happiness return after what seems like an eternity with new track "Run", the first to be taken from their (extremely long-awaited) debut album "Chants for Friends" (as yet undated).
"Run" highlights a shift in direction, a more intimate, restrained sound to the Newcastle quintet. Seemingly gone is the faced paced, chiming guitar pop of a "Dirty Lakes" or a "Fast Fast" and instead there's this introspective, brooding melody guiding Sarah Hall's beautiful, reverb-filled vocals and hushed ethereal harmonies, it gradually builds with glacial guitar soars to something quite emotive and wonderful.
The track might be a slightly unexpected turn but it's an equally rewarding one too - here's hoping what the album may bring - I'm hoping we'll see it around October when Let's Buy Happiness head out on a UK tour - the London show is on the 7th at Hoxton Bar and Kitchen.
Towards the end of last year I gave a typically superlative filled review to Hills, a saccharine sweet surf pop band from Los Angeles who had just released their blissful self-titled debut LP (it's still available as a free download via their bandcamp).
Now they return with their first track since, the utterly bloody gorgeous "Would You Love Me", perfect for the shortening summer's nights with the irresistible vocals of Alisa Cacho-Sousa' melting hearts amongst a languid, ringing guitar intro which soon progresses to a toe-tapping beat as the track rises in urgency, swooning amongst a delicious melody and heavenly harmonies.
"Would You Love Me" - like the LP - is available for free download from Bandcamp. Help yourself below.
End of the Road is almost here (look out for my festival preview later in the week if you, like me, are going) meaning my craving for a Caitlin Rose live fix will be soon satisfied, to coincide with her forthcoming UK tour the third single from her exquisite album The Stand-In has been announced, "Waitin" will be released via Names Records on 16th September.
The track finds Caitlin in defiant and bold mood, underpinned by her band who deliver a wounded, country-tinged song with the ballsy edge of a rock band - the ringing melody sees heavy drums and deep bass rhythms propel Caitlin's ever impeccable vocal which soars some pretty dark emotion with such effortless ease.
I've also added a video from a recent Noisetrade acoustic session / interview (which I discovered just this past weekend - how had I missed it earlier?!). It features five songs from the album (well one track from the bonus CD which you get when ordering the LP from Rough Trade) reinterpreted as laid-back, jazz club tracks full of soul and heart-melting vocals, the piano version of "Everywhere I Go" particularly spine-tingling. You can download the session on a pay what you like basis from the Noisetrade website.
Unless you're new to this blog (hello if so) you'll probably know Caitlin is one of my favourite artists - possibly of all time - do yourself a favour and fall in love below. She returns to London for her biggest show yet at Shepherds Bush on September 12th - you should come - tickets.
A very welcome surprise was found on my twitter feed earlier (so good I've written about it on my late lunch), an alternative live, semi-acoustic version of a new track by blog favourites Lanterns on the Lake. "The Buffalo Days" is taken from the quintet's forthcoming LP Until The Colours Run (due October 7th via Bella Union - pre-order link) and on this evidence is quite superb.
Hazel's beguiling vocals sit firmly at the front here as typically restrained acoustic guitar and a creeping mist of haunting instrumentation add an otherworldly feeling to a delicate, majestic beauty - I genuinely cannot wait to hear this record in full.
You can download "The Buffalo Days (Alt Version)" for the price of an email address here. LotL embark on a UK tour in October including a date at London's Islington Assembly Hall on the 22nd - full dates.
Creatures of Love released their Boy Crimes EP towards the end of 2012, a release that went criminally unnoticed by many, full of dramatic chimes and shadowy beats it highlighted a massive progression to the London trio's otherworldly soundscapes.
Today sees the release of "Sutra Sweat" (accompanied by a suitably gross-out video), easily the most fucked up track on the EP, it fully deserves the limited release it's been picked out for (even if its subject matter hardly makes it fit for daytime radio - the most obvious track about sex since anything on Prince's Come album?).
If this beast of a track doesn't ignite more interest in the band then there really is something wrong in this world, as dark and menacing as anything you'll ever want to hear, industrial, mechanical beats couple with Bonita Mckinney's incredible set of pipes, here more chilly than ever, penetrating amongst a relentless onslaught of horrifying electronic drones and screeching backing effects. I think you've just found your perfect song to blare out loud when you really want to piss your neighbours off.
The single is backed with new track "The Balance of You & Me", a devastatingly beautiful antidote to the 'evilness' of "Sutra Sweat", a haunting mix of passionate vocals against a backdrop of gradually increasing metronomic beats and soft, restrained piano twinkles - it makes me think of Yazoo and that can only be a good thing.
The release is one you'll want to act quick on. Limited to just 50 copies the CD single comes hand decorated inside a recycled 7" features such beauties as Barry Manilow and Rod Stewart. Order via Bandcamp now.
I'm horrendously behind on my emails but decided to take a look last night, my 'free night' ended up being an hour of looking through submissions and then writing a few of the blog posts you see this week - It's a good job I like to be busy - I did then settle down with Alan Partridge and a few beers so don't feel too sorry for me!
Amongst the first I read (I tackled my inbox most recent first) was this by an Australian duo I'd never heard of previously, Manor. The track I was sent "Architecture" is their third single and is utterly swoonsome, vocalist Caitlin Duff's light, ethereal vocal floats transparently over multi-instrumentalist's Nathaniel Morse funky bass groove, textured guitar-lines and splattering beats. The dance-floor ready rhythm and goosebump inducing vocal combination propels the track from another dream-pop track to something just that little bit special - not that I'm a big fan of them - but it's definitely a track I'm sure a few people would love to remix.
Investigation of their soundcloud finds two earlier tracks from a year or so ago, both "Rhodesia" and "Afghan Hound" are similarly rhythmic and gorgeous to boot, the former sees Nathaniel on lead vocals around chiming guitars and Caitlin's heavenly backing coos, the latter combines hypnotic beats, luscious textures and hazy vocals, it paints a canvas as propulsive and beautifully constructed as anything from Warpaint's The Fool and I think I may have just found my new favourite Australian band.
An unexpected bit of poptastic fun at The Great Escape was YADi, an artist I had no prior knowledge of whom I saw because she shared a stage with Big Deal. Her show was ununusal success for me, besides a drum kit there was no organic music on stage with nearly all of the music coming from backing taps, yet still I enjoyed a half hour Saturday night set full of Eastern rhythms and Marina and the Diamonds esque power pop.
Her first track for a while saw the light of day late last week and it's similarly grand. "Creatures" plays to everything I remember from May, a quirky, luxurious combination of Hannah's gorgeously smooth vocals fluttering around toy box synths and percussion heavy beats, make sure you check out her last single, the huge "The Blow" too.
I never expected to be writing about Cosmetics again, I did an Introducing post about the Montreal duo over two and a half years ago and since it's been quiet, really quiet. I naturally assumed they'd quietly disbanded. The fact there's no artist page on label Captured Tracks website vindicated such opinion.
That was until a couple of weeks ago when they announced the release of a limited cassette release Olympia which brings together most of their old tracks (there are two killer 7"s "Soft Skin" and "Sleepwalking" for the uninitiated) with some others seemingly out of their vault, the release forms part of the labels fifth birthday celebrations and is available with deluxe ticket passes to an event in Brooklyn - hopefully some will make their way online soon after.
What must be on the most overdue albums of recent times has been promised via their Facebook page and to tease us further Cosmetics have shared a cover on their bandcamp page (available as a free download), "Black Candy". Gone is the venom, harshess and anxiety of the Beat Happening orginal and in its stead are typically Cosmetics soundscapes - icy, restrained and haunting beats combining with soft, after-midnight vocals that creep up on your like the chill of night - especially when the track hits the repeated refrain of "burn baby burn baby burn", shivers all over - sinister yet completely gorgeous too - I love it.
Wolf Alice, one of 2013's early success stories have been relatively quite over the summer until now, the announcement of their debut EP Blush (due October 7th via Chess Club rccords with pre-orders's via Rough Trade) comes as the band hope to capitalise on the success of their diverse blend of rocking grunge-rock and the rich, heavenly vocals of Ellie Rowsell.
New track "She" gives a perfect indication of the band intention with the EP, searing and soaring one second, then the next all honey-toned bliss, starting all intense with urgent beats and impeccable 90's influenced guitar riffs offering an adrenaline filled accompaniment for Ellie's snarling vocals, then switching to delicate xx-esque drops, all languid and beautiful, those intersections don't last though and soon enough "She" is pushing along with more driving power-pop perfection. The EP promises to offer more of the same - that's more than enough for me.
In my last post I mentioned country-tinged folk that leaves you tingling all over, whilst Zola Jesus isn't quite what I'd call 'country folk', boy can she leave you holding back on your emotions. Never more so than on the new, pared-down versions of tracks from her catalogue on the latest ZJ release Versions - a string quartet collaboration album with JG Thirlwell.
The LP comes out next week and new track "Fall Back" is its latest teaser (following on from the goosebump inducing "Avalanche (Slow)", it grows from similarly beautiful beginnings to become the most uplifting teaser so far as gradually the string section grows to a screeching, frenetic climax amongst Nika's repeated Meat Loaf inspired (perhaps?!) cries of "I would do anything to be the one with you".
This spectacular combination of pure, ethereal starkness and unadulterated emotion that Nika manages to deliver in her breathless vocal delivery promises to be one of the years most unmissable releases - Zola Jesus plays a one-off Versions show in London on October 3rd - tickets.
You can order a special limited edition via Sacred Bones with UK orders possibly best heading to Rough Trade and grabbing the record with a free DVD of the Zola Jesus show at New York's Guggenheim museum.
I've been meaning to follow up my Introducing post on Lily & Madeleine (sisters Jurkiewicz from Indianapolis) for a while now, their debut EP The Weight of the Globe introduced a timeless sound of heart-melting perfection as effortlessly soft vocals and beautifully restrained melodies tugged at your soul. The news of their self-titled debut album and its lead track "Devil We Know" gives me the perfect opportunity...
Easily their boldest, fullest track to date, the stark, wistful sounds of the EP have grown in a similar fashion to that of the most recent First Aid Kit release, their crystalline vocal harmonies remain as pure and clear as ever and the lyrics honest and worldy reflections but they now blossom amongst country-tinged instrumentation that swells and beguiles, the added layer of complexity to previously simplistic arrangements works perfectly and nothing is lost from the overall sound. just added, "Devil We Know" transcends beauty and leaves you tingling all over - I can't wait to hear more.
Lily & Madeleine is due October 29th and is available to pre-order via Asthmatic Kitty now.
Have I posted enough upbeat, joyous surf-pop here recently? No, the answer to that question is always no. The latest band to come to my attention are Brisbane quartet Major Leagues with their third track (if I tally up their Bandcamp tracks) "Endless Drain".
Bouncing straight off the bat the song combines irresistibly sweet vocal harmonies with sun-kissed, bright melodies. A combination of widescreen guitarscapes and hazy, summer day memories - what more can you ask for in August?
Well perhaps earlier track "Teen Mums", a beautiful, breezy track with chiming guitar hooks, precise beats and super saccharine vocals - a perfect fuzz-pop track from the outset guaranteed to leave you feeling ready to hit the great outdoors.
I'm back with you after four days up north though hopefully you didn't notice I was away thanks to the wonder of some pre-writes... The first 'fresh' post since my return is this beauty by Half Waif, the project of Nandi Rose Plunkett from Brooklyn, expanded to a trio with their recently released debut EP Future Joys - available via Bandcamp now.
"Wooden Horse", the lead track is completely swoon-some, intoxicating around your heartstrings from the outset with sparkling, kaleidoscopic soundscapes and dramatic, swooping vocals. With ethereal grace Nandi's gorgeous butterfly soft vocals sweep in perfect harmony with the shimmering melody whilst darker psychedelic undercurrents lie underneath. The results is one that is overwhelming gorgeous but also enough to keep you right on the edge.
The rest of the EP equally impresses, "Eyes Are Closed" is similarly atmospheric and rich, it reminds me of follow Brooklyn band SoftSpot as it blossoms around the fusion of bright keys, imposing drums and Nandi's luxurious vocals whilst closing track "Slender is the Throat" is the most haunting and mysterious of the lot (as the title may suggest), all beautiful choral vocals and twinkling, echoey instrumentation. A new band is found.
Just last week I gave an introducing post to an artist who didn't really need any 'introducing', Charlotte Church is pretty much a household name in the UK already although perhaps her new musical direction is not. From a child prodigy to independent artist (and recently giving the chance to become an X Factor judge the big V) isn't perhaps the usual career path but it's one that certainly meets with approval from the likes of this blog...
The reason for quickly coming back (and I'll keep this post short because of such) to Charlotte is a new track, "Watch Tower", taken from her forthcoming EP (although with seven tracks it could be considered a mini-LP) Three, due 26th August via her own Alligator Wine Records. A track which starts as subtle and ethereal as anything we've hard from Charlotte so far, soft, minimalist soundscapes that grow from their restrained beginnings with a sudden explosion of noise when a huge cacophony of horns, beats and guitar bedazzle - it's pretty amazing indeed.
I put quite a few Introducing posts up on here and sometimes don't follow up with the artist again, sometimes it's because the artist disappears or perhaps I don't quite connect with their next track as much, but in the case of Oh Sister who I first featured here about six months ago now it's an even more simple reason than that, a lack of new material. Thankfully a new recorded live track came to my attention earlier this week and commanded my almost instant praise..
"Hot and Cold" (video by James Houghton) is even more beautiful than those earlier songs, complimented by nothing more than a few tender acoustic guitar plucks the track manages to be one of the most heart-warming songs I've heard in memory. Sarah has such a rich, luxurious rich that can sound spine-tingling and pure one minute and aged-old and weary the next - it's a talent that should make many a people stand up and take notice when she comes to release something for proper.
Oh Sister plays regularly around London town - check out her Facebook for more information.
I'm in danger of turning into a buzz-blog here! I've held back on covering London Grammar again for the simple reason that they and perhaps Haim are 2013's undisputed blog darlings (I know, not you), getting covered on pretty much blog every time they leave their house... However London Grammar have shared two new tracks this past week and I'm not holding back any longer - especially as I'm actually away for five days and this is a pre-written blog - there won't be any 'real-time' posts until Wednesday...
In reverse order, the band shared their cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" on Thursday, recorded for their Radio One Maida Vale session. Surely one of the most covered tracks ever, I've featured versions by Widowspeak and ExLovers here before and numerous other versions of course exist, it's perhaps a perfect fit for London Grammar though, their subtle electronic textures may be downbeat and restrained but they also embrace emotion and strength, and what better song to bring out those characteristics than one of the most alluring songs ever written. They do a fine job I think, starting restrained and mellow it soon picks up with their signatures sounds of shimmering soundscapes and Hannah Reid's extraordinary vocals that grow with power and beauty.
Earlier in the week the London trio shared "Feelings", the flip-side to latest release Strong whereflickering synths and tropical guitar loops create a laid-back melody for those soaring vocals to beguile once again with the a-side itself "Strong" being exactly that, a truly spine-tingling combination of the bands glacial, minimalist synth-pop effects and haunting vocals, hype can on occasions be justified and I think this is certainly one of those.
London Grammar's debut album If You Wait is released September 9th - expect the adoration to continue.
Another long overdue posting, probably because HAERTS have been satisfactorily covered just about everywhere already... The New York quintet recently shared a very nice video by Yours Truly (although I have to admit I do get annoyed with interviews playing over the top of the live session, either or please) which highlights their irresistible sounds perfectly (especially from around four minutes when new track "Heart" starts) and I finally cave in to temptation and feature a 'new band' you've doubtless all heard.
"Heart" reminds me of a combination of countless bands from times gone by but the results sound modern and fresh; add the 80's pop of a Gloria Estefan and the stylish moonlight synth of an Ultravox with added 90's guitar shimmers and a bridge of Foals-esque tropical-pop and perhaps you'd create a melody this swoonsome. On top of this you have the truly heart-melting vocals of Nini Fabi, with a naturally warm, uplifting voice that you can't help but instantly fall in love with.
If you've been on Mars and missed the two tracks that have made their name so far I've included them below. "Wings" was the song that propelled them to the radar of many, a flawless beauty that smoulders with perfect cinematic textures, stylish, swirling atmosphere and subtle, reflective mood and "All The Days", another impeccably-crafted gem, where timeless, vintage soundscapes swoon and soar with exquisite ability combining with those beautiful, haunting vocals to beguiling results.
Haerts debut EP Hemiplegia is due mid September - I imagine it will go down quite well.
There's never not time for something as bright and lovely as this, the first song from Seattle trio Cumulus to come to my attention "Do You Remember" is an absolutely perfect listen as we approach the weekend and your mind flutters away to things a little bit more exciting than work.
They have the feeling they create with the track spot on themselves on their Facebook page, with the tag-line "indie pop fuzzy goodness". "Do You Remember" is exactly that, a catchy, guitar pop anthem that is beautiful and lifting, full of that rare form of bitter-sweet nostalgia that makes you want to turn back the clock (more than in my case) ten years and run around the school yard without a care in the world.
Their debut album I Never Meant It To Be Like This is out October 1st via Trans- Records. More of the same please.
Another post I’ve been meaning to do for ages finally sees the light of day, a slightly different one today though featuring an artist you've doubtless heard of before but whose recent music you may not.
Charlotte Church, whose childhood “angelic” voice made her a household name around the world some fifteen years ago has gone through a re-birth over the past year or so and now sees herself fighting amongst a whole ocean of independent artists (granted, with a financial backing most artists can only dream of), so far 2013 has seen a series of EP releases (the next of which Three comes out later this month) with a tour to follow in September including a date at London's Scala (with support from the ridiculously amazing Golden Fable).
The results I've heard so far are quite extraordinary; Two includes the track which first caught my attention “Glitterbombed”, slowly building around pulsating electronic beats and throbbing bass to dramatic, emotive highs as Charlotte’s breathy vocals unleash their full power, a truly triumphant opener. The real gem of Two though is “Nerve”, with distorted vocals and an alluring dirty-synth base, Charlotte also delivers one of the most breathtaking vocal performances of the year, sending shivers all over with a sincere, stunning delivery that literally drips with raw emotion.
One equally rewards, where it’s less ethereal and synthetic it’s more haunting and beautiful, with a wide ranging styles from folk to alternative rock soundscapes. “How Not To Be Surprised When You’re A Ghost” is perhaps the stand-out, where restrained instrumentation and soft whispers beguile until finally exploding with thick guitars and driving percussion.
Her newest teaser “I Can Dream”, taken from Three highlights Charlotte’s creative growth perhaps better than anything she’s produced so far, a truly fascinating track that bridges multiple styles. "I Can Dream" begins its journey with throbbing bass-lines, crystalline vocals and glacial synths, easing you into a bridge of furious electronic guitar before the track completely goes left-field and delivers this cataclysmic finale as all the genres and instruments combine to a bewildering yet incredible climax - I bloody love it.
I've long supported Bird on this blog, from their first EP Phantoms released over two years ago now to the latest Ophelia, I've been bewitched by their intoxicating combination of ethereal harmonies, haunting beats and beautiful alternative-folk arrangements.
So much so that I included the Liverpool based quartet (with the recent addition of Christian to the fold) in my 'Tips for 2013' posts. That love increased even more over the past couple of months when I caught them live again (I've now seen them five times), firstly at The Great Escape and then in June at a Beautiful Strange night at The Black Heart when I saw them deliver their most captivating performance yet, a set of almost entirely new material that combined all their trademark starkness and dark-beauty with powerful percussion and rocking guitars rarely heard on their recorded material (to date). It promises much for the future and it is new material that brings about this post today...
Yesterday Bird announced that they have started to record their debut album and shared an acoustic version of a new track "Intro (Ghosts)", a track I can recall from their recent live sets, here the rhythmic, tribal energy of the drums propels Adele and Sian's perfect siren-like harmonisation and is sure to make many a heart flutter.
To sign off this post I'll keep it simple - Bird is a band you should be following.
Marnie, the moniker of Ladytron's Helen Marnie releases her debut solo single release via Soft Power Records (who are aptly named after Ladyton's track "Soft Power" and have an impeccable taste in music) next week with two tracks taken from her Crystal World album, which itself is due at the end of the month after a successful Pledge Music campaign that I manged to completely miss...
You might need to act super quick if you want to grab a vinyl too, the magnificent, darkly-infused electro-pop wonder that is "The Hunter" takes me back to Depeche Mode of the 80's and seduces instantly with its glittering, propulsive melody and soft, ethereal vocals, on the surface a beautiful, emotional track with somewhat un-nerving undertones. The flip side "The Wind Breezes On" similarly combines synthetic pulses with the gorgeous softness of Helen's vocals managing to be both rich and glacial, simply put, this is stunning stuff.
You can order the ultra limited 7" of "The Hunter" via bandcamp now.
The weather in the UK might not be quite as good as it was a few weeks back but I'm still not one to grumble, here's the track you'll want to soundtrack your laid-back, wistful afternoon stroll (which so happens, is what the band do on the suitably pastel coloured video which aired last week), a track so good I'm featuring it twice (after first posting about the track in May)...
"I'm to Blame" is the very definition of beautiful, dripped in a sparkling carousel of sensual fuzziness with looping, echoed synths, reverberating guitars and soft, restrained percussion Amber Quintero's comforting, dream-like vocals wrap around you and send you off on a journey of perfect bliss.
"I'm To Blame" comes out on as a 7" Flexidisc with the self-titled album to follow on October 15th - both via Stones Throw.
It feels like it's been ages since we've heard from Rose Elinor Dougall (it has, her debut album came out back in 2010) so it's good to finally hear a new track in the form of "Strange Warnings" which aired just before the weekend with the dual announcement of a free show at the Shacklewell Arms on August 14th.
It seems that it's the whole Dougall family who have been listening to some old pysch records as "Strange Warnings" combines Rose Elinor's beautifully warm vocals and knack of a perfect pop hook with a swirling sea of floating synth lines and a deliciously infectious beat - it works to perfection and the track might just top anything from Without Why.
And so starts a new week, I hope you enjoyed your weekend - "Sorrow" is the name of the track I'm writing about today, the first song to be taken from Herein Wild, the forthcoming album from the prolific Frankie Rose... It's a somewhat apt title for my state of mind yesterday, thankfully I'm now refreshed after a very early night and ready to face sunlight again - why do we do these things to ourselves?!
"Sorrow" is perhaps the name of the track but it's anything but as breezy guitars, purposeful drums and bright synths combine to create a luscious, upbeat melody that seems to be the perfect follow-up to lasts years 80's influenced Interstellar. We've got until October 7th to wait for the album, I'm expecting it to be just as good.
Some fine news for one of 2013's best new breakthrough acts La Luz, the Seattle quartet have found their perfect home on local label Hardly Art and have announced their debut album It's Alive for October 15, to celebrate they've shared its first single "Big Big Blood" as a free download (below).
Those familiar with the sound from last years Damp Face EP will be happy to hear a track full of La Luz's typically haunting, atmospheric sound, combining dry and dusky surf guitar twangs with delicious, entwining harmonies from the heavens, "Big Big Blood", as the title suggest, is dripping with both midnight dreams with more than a dashing of sinister edge.
2013 shows no sign of letting up with great albums, October should now have another.
