Powder Blue - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook / powder-blue.ca

Over the next few months I expect to discover a good number of bands thanks to their announcement in The Great Escape line-up, even as a New Music blog the one thing that is given is the fact there are always more new bands than you can ever listen to. Powder Blue are a Canadian quartet who released a debut six track EP early last year (available on digital / sexy 12" vinyl now via Bandcamp).

I think my favourite is the first "Go On Forever", the track opens with this foreboding, atmosphere-heavy organ before the tide parts to make the way for slow-burning guitars and reverb-heavy vocal harmonies. The mood remains hazy and hypnotic throughout, a sweet and mysterious beauty that takes you on a blissed-out ethereal journey you don't really want to leave.

The following track "Dream in Black" is perhaps closest to the obvious Warpaint comparisons, with its layers of swirling guitar textured, forever elongated, jangly psyche rhythms which soon embed themselves in your brain whilst western plains are the thoughts during the languid "The Haunting" an exotic, dark and gorgeous combination of spaghetti western soundtrack echoes and surf guitar textures. Yes. I like this a lot. See you in Brighton come what May.

EMA #8 - So Blonde

Facebook

The second taster to the new EMA album The Future's Void is perhaps even better than the first, "So Blonde" sees Erika reclaim her guitar with typical gender-bending style after the stark industrial squeal of "Satellites". Here slacker riffs and heavy drums beats provide the melody for Erika to hit out at sexism and objectification coupled with a video that reinforces the point with blonde cartoon characters on Venice Beach.

EMA has also announced her UK return with a date at London's Garage on June 3rd (amongst others). The Future's Void is released April 7th via City Slang.

The Bright Smoke - Virginia Et Al.

Facebook / thebrightsmoke.com

Despite the odd moan about the blogs mail inbox it's still an important part of music discovery, sure I am overwhelmed by emails on a daily basis, I receive more than I could ever listen to in full and it's a timely basis just deciding which ones I might like but often treasures are found which might otherwise have never been discovered. One such example why the time eventually pays off is The Bright Smoke, the Brooklyn based project of Mia Wilson.

Her latest EP is my discovery point, the six Virginia Et Al. which came out last December and the track "Wild Again" my starting point, instantly you are seduced by the pitter-patter of restrained percussion and creeping guitar circles and then shortly after Mia's voice hits you, her alluring, slow-burn tones recalling the starker moments of PJ Harvey's Is This Desire?, drenched in a web of exotic, hazy beauty and mysterious intrigue, you are pulled in immediately.

"Pure Light" is similarly darkly hued, both weird and wonderful with subtle ringing guitars and twinkling piano chords emphasising the raw, seductive power of Mia's charismatic delivery whilst "Slow Burn" is the EP's most devastating moment, revealing its meaning slowly before hitting home with equal measure heartbreak and reflection. Quite the introduction.

Virginia Et Al. is available now via Bandcamp.




The Bright Smoke - Slow Down from The Bang Bang Theory® on Vimeo.

Douglas Dare - Nile

Facebook

I've featured Douglas Dare here before a couple of times with his previous involvement on backing vocals and keys with Anna Lena & The Orchids, this overdue post though will focus purely on the London based singer-songwriter and his forthcoming debut album Whelm - due for release 12th May via Erased Tapes and is available to pre-order now on CD/deluxe vinyl.

The release of its lead track "Nile" catapults this post, an understated electronic beauty that slowly lures you into its moody, pained world. Douglas' plaintive, haunted vocals allow you to almost touch his emotions and his poetic words blend immaculately around soft, luscious keys and textured atmospheric effects. The result is just beautiful. There's no other word needed.

Douglas spending March in the US before returning to play The Great Escape in May (and other shows no doubt). Listen to "Nile" below.

iamamiwhoami #5 - Hunting For Pearls

Facebook / www.towhomitmayconcern.cc/

Just last week I took to twitter with a tongue in cheek comment about the six month odd delay in receiving my vinyl copy of iamamiwhoami's Bounty EP, her first release re-released last year but delivered in February 2014. The vinyl, sleeve, labels, everything is plain white, plain. I have no idea what could have delayed it for six months. Multiple incorrect pressings I assume.

Anyway, I'm not here for that, Jonna Lee's extraordinary audio/visual experimental project returns with "Hunting For Pearls", a track which I think recalls some of energy and passion of those early Bounty tracks. After an initial 'chase scene' with typically ambient soundscapes the track's themes play out mainly around/under water where fizzing 80's sounding drums and glittering synths sound almost euphoric. As imaginative and alluring as ever, iamamiwhoami keep finding a mysterious, creative spark and long may it continue.

The track is available to download now via iamamiwhoiami's official website.

Lily & Madeleine #4 - I've Got Freedom

Facebook

One of my New Year's Resolutions as far as the blog was concerned was to keep posting about bands after the initial joy of a new single / album announcement has been made (I'm probably failing). It's pretty easy to get filled with hysteria when an act releases a debut track that blows your mind or about the first single from a favourite band returning after three years away but I often neglect to cover that act again until their next album (apart from year-end lists or festival reviews).

Generally the reasons are simple and one I adhered to on my twitter today - time. This is a one-man blog of passion and love around a family and full-time job and an obsessive compulsion to see as many gigs as I can possibly go to. Something has to give.

Anyway, that long-winding paragraph brings me onto one such act, Lily & Madeleine whom I'm covered here a couple of times around the release of last October's debut full length and forgot all about since... Their latest single "I've Got Freedom" gives me chance to amend that (I was probably meant to post this a couple of weeks ago to coincide with a UK tour but Prince kinda got in the way of my life!)...

Much like with earlier singles "Devil You Know" and "Come To Me" there's nothing not to like about the track, as beautiful and enchanting as a track about post relationship liberation can be with the sister's arresting voices and simple, restrained instrumentation creating a melody to fully lose yourself in. Pure, relaxing bliss, what more could ask for on a Tuesday evening.

Lily & Madeleine is out now on Asthmatic Kitty Records

Sleep Thieves #2 - City Of Hearts

Facebook / sleepthieves.net

On last September's introducing post to Dublin trio Sleep Thieves I described the bands sounds as a big wink to the late night sound of the 80's or the recent Drive soundtrack, a comment that rings truer still with "City Of Hearts", the second single taken from their forthcoming debut album You Want The Night.

The track instantly recalls the dark, seductive mood of Chromatics as slow-motion synths, pulsating beats and gorgeous, breathy vocals combine to create a sparse, cinematic affair full of equal parts shimmering sexy and haunted chill. Fans of Italodisco / noir-pop should click below now.

Annie Eve - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook

I've been aware of the name Annie Eve for a little while now, in fact I've a draft posting I started as long ago as last July in my folders reminding me to post about her debut EP, a self-titled release which came out last summer via Young & Lost Club. Obviously I never quite got around to that and it wasn't until the weekend just past that I finally propelled myself to posting about the London based singer-songwriter...

The track that makes Annie step up from the crowd for me is the first taster of her second EP Feversome, its lead track "Southern". A beautiful, deep acoustic number that nestles with a similar sense of emotional weight, story-telling lyrics and spacious instrumentation to that of Bon Iver or Daughter, here Annie's pure tones, capable of healing wound combine with a subtle melody full of magnificent splendor and grace, the result is simple enchanting.

The EP is set to be released on March 17th and for those of you who fall similarly under her spell, Annie is currently on tour across the UK as part of Communion's 'New Faces' - details and dates.

Frame - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook

I've talked about my love affair with bright, gorgeous 80's sounding classics on this blog before and here's another for the collection... Frame is the project of Brooklyn based Caitlin Frame and "Run Around" is (I believe) her debut track and is taken from a forthcoming album Polarizer due Spring.

When you press play on "Run Around" you immediately you feel like you could be listening to a lost song from Tango in the Night, an instant nostallgia fix wrapped up in Caitlin's warm, rich vocals and glistening synths; I don't a song about unsuccessful relationships has made me swoon quite so much as this. Just lovely.

Honeyblood #3 - Choker

Facebook

I'm pretty sure when I last talked about Honeyblood I was talking about the Glaswegian duo upping the anti with their punchy, direct garage-pop. Consider that statement true again with their lastest track "Choker", taken from the debut, self-titled full length due May 19th via Fat Cat.

"Choker" sounds like a long lost indie's anthm from the 90's, a track which stand up to anything from The Breeders or Elastica as immediately you are introduced to some beasty guitar riffs and pounding drum beats, the result is liable to cause a celebration of mosh-pit bounce at future gigs around call-and-response vocals. Sweet!

Aquilo - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook / aquilomusic.com

I've had another of those weeks, long days, long nights and little sleep. When I first heard this song late, late on Friday evening after a couple of hours with Bates Motel it was just what I needed. A warming, soothing blanket of majestic beauty.

The track "You There" is the latest, seemingly the second, by Aquilo, a duo hailing from The Lake District and within moments it's apparent that the gorgeous, natural landscapes of their day to day surroundings has rubbed off on their music too. "You There" is a serene, restrained gem where piano, strings and a melancholic falsetto merge with a rich, dreamlike quality full of space and calm, if you allow yourself to immerse within it, the result will bring goosebumps.

No news of a physical / digital release yet, all you need to know for now is to listen below:

Liza Anne #2 - Thin Ice / Rubble

Facebook / lizaannemusic.com

Liza Anne was one of 2014's first and finest discoveries, my introduction was the title-track from her then soon to be (now released) album The Colder Months, a restrained, atmospheric beauty that slowly swelled amongst widescreen guitars and softly emotive vocals to devastating results.

With the album now out in the big, bad world Liza has shared two more tracks from the release, "Thin Ice" which combines Liza's expressive voice, a sweeping melody and deeply intimate tales of love, a theme that takes centre stage throughout much of The Colder Months. The second track "Rubble" is perhaps the most personal, vulnerable moment on the release and also one of the most beautiful, restrained guitar patterns remain understated with the emphasis on Liza's haunting voice, melancholia rarely sounds so gorgeous.

Her subjects (love and death) are universal and this release is sure to connect with anyone who found themselves starring into a box of tissues whilst listening to last years Daughter debut LP.

Anto Dust #2 - 1955

Facebook

Incredibly over six months have flown by since I posted a brief introductory blog about Anto Dust's rather lovely debut "Eyeless in London", they return with the rather spicy "1955", a track which is sure to appeal to those of you that enjoyed the swirling dreaminess of the aforementioned (and hopefully some new listeners too)...

"1955" immediately takes the London based quintet's textured, ethereal shoegaze to the next level with a kaleidoscopic web of dense, melodic goodness that is hazier than anything heard from the band before. Yet still, it retains an innocent, hypnotic state throughout and with Anto's soft vocals sounding as delicious as ice cream on a Summer day, it's one that slowly reveals it's true beauty rather than explodes into life.

I saw daffodils in bloom today, Summer isn't too far away now kiddlywinks! Here's one for your first mix-tape.

Broken Twin #3 - Glimpse of a Time

Facebook / brokentwin.com

Majke Voss Romme's Broken Twin synonym has quickly become one I've become besotted with, something that shows no signs of change with the newly released track "Glimpse of a Time", taken from the recently announced and forthcoming debut album May which is due for release April 28th via ANTI.

"Glimpse of a Time" is stunning, of course it would be, guided by soft, uncluttered instrumentation which is never more than an understated accompaniment to Majke's vocal, a voice that cuts straight through you and leaves your emotions teetering on the edge. Possessing an infinite amount of vulnerability and beauty, it's one of the most intimate voices I can remember hearing, it ekes out hidden depths from her longing lyrics and genuinely moves you like few can.

I was lucky enough to see Majke perform an intimate show late last year at Servant's Jazz Quartet's and I can assure you her songcraft is just as affecting live, thankfully the wait for a repeat chance isn't too far away with Broken Twin already confirmed for May's Great Escape festival (with no doubt a few more shows to be confirmed). You should be there.

Night Flowers #3 - Embers

Facebook

Night Flowers were a band I connected with the very second I heard their debut tracks "Single Beds" and "North", immediate, upbeat jangle-pop that brought to mind any number of 90's fuzz pop / Pains comparisons. The London quintet return now with news of their first official release, a four track EP which will be available on 10" vinyl / digital via Dirty Bingo Records on April 7th.

"Embers" shows the signs of a band developing in their craft, straying ever so slightly from the nostalgia-filled memories with a stronger percussive heart and grungey guitar melody, don't worry though indie-poppers, the track is still sweetness personified with dreamy, beautifully hushed vocal harmonies soothing any troubles away.

The EP is set to be launched with a show on April 4th at the Victoria Dalston. I'm in Bratislava so the day I get to break my live Night Flowers duck will have to wait, soon I promise.

Cari Cari - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook

Last week I used the word "cor" to describe Shura's sexy new single "Touch" and as I cannot come up with a better alternative today to describe the track I'm going to talk about by Austrian duo Cari Cari, I'm just going to say it again. Cor.

It's a cor for different reasons though, "No War" isn't a sexy slow-jam, it's a raise the hairs on the back of your neck, seven minute long rocker. Ringing guitars and big, doom-laden drums set the theme from the get-go, it's all-out, passionate and epic. Big, meaty, twanging guitar riffs soon hypnotise you into submission as they repeat and repeat amongst the sporadic use of didgeridoo and Stephanie's hymnal vocals, all sultry hushed they add an exotic flavour to the raw soundscapes in a track that leaves you momentarily breathless towards its end but then begs you to press play again. And again.

Dog In The Snow #5 - Factory

Facebook / doginthesnow.com

A week long catch-up is brought almost up to date by one of my 'tips for 2014', Dog In The Snow. The next in an increasingly long line of wonderful tracks from Helen Ganya Brown's project "Factory" is actually the first release you'll be able to part money with and buy when it's released digitally on March 3rd via a new label to me, Tidal Wave.

The track is sparser and more experimental than some moments we've enjoyed previously from Dog In The Snow, that's not a bad thing, and as the tracks title perhaps indicates "Factory" is propelled by disjointed, mechanical beats and random industrial samples which blend around Helen's soothing, ethereal toned vocals with luscious key tones adding in some lighter shades amongst the strangely compelling darkness.

Soko #4 - Love Letter

Facebook

A timely named one-off release today by SoKo, if you've seen her live before you'll know she's unpredictable from one song to the next, some of her tracks lonely, tender love songs resonating intimately around plucked acoustic guitar and then the next moment she teleports behind a drum kit and start hammering out some almighty noise.

It's the latter style that her unexpected "Love Letter" takes, now residing in LA the track sounds like it was made in a late 70's Berlin club with dark, sleazy synth lines propelling drum machine beats and biting vocals. The atmosphere may be cold and ominous throughout yet it's spectacularly catchy too, amongst repeated cries of 'a big kiss from your bad, bad weed' I can pretty much guarantee you'll be tapping your feet along by the end.

I like it. You can download the track via Bandcamp below. Happy Valentine's Day to you too.

Eliza Shaddad #3 - When We

Facebook / elizashaddad.com

A couple of weeks back I posted an exquisite live version of a new Sophie Jamieson track taken from from a Sofar Sounds release, now comes another track from thr same compilation album (which is available now via iTunes), this time from the sublime Eliza Shaddad.

Within thirty seconds of "When We" you're transported firmly into the track with a seamless blend of Eliza's haunting, world-weary tones and ringing electric guitar circles. It all seems deceptively simple because Eliza has perfected this knack of making a beautiful song and singing it beautifully but there's a masterful art to the craft on display here, elegance and clarity delivered with a timeless warmth and devastating tone. It's one you'll want to listen to over and over.

Everything by Electricity #4 - Hello Nothing

Facebook / everythingbyelectricity.com

Everything by Electricity have been a new band favourite of mine since way back in March 2012 when I did an introducing piece that talked about the London based trio's ringing guitar chords and anthemic wall of sound, I saw them perform once shortly after and then nothing, I feared the worst. A re-birth occurred in May 2013 with the band introducing a more synth orientated sound with glistening synths and soft, dream-inducing vocals. The result was pure beauty.

Reminiscing aside, I'm here to talk about "Hello Nothing", a new/old track (it's actually one of the original demos - the one I originally said was my favourite) which has been suitably updated in keeping with the 'new' sound, amongst propeller synths is this heavenly tapestry of swooning, retro-cool soundscapes, glacial guitars and gorgeous vocals, the result is an intoxicating combination that pulls you in, seduces you and leaves you begging for more. Please don't leave it so long next time guys?!

Bird #6 - The Rain Song

Facebook / birdofficial.tumblr.com

Bird are another of those bands who I've been excited about for a few years now, with a couple of stunning EP's already under their belt 2014 is already shaping up to be the year they finally break out with the release of their debut full-length My Fear And Me scheduled for May. First though comes the single "The Rain Song" on Feb 24th.

The track is of course a stunner, the (now) Liverpool quartet have yet to produce anything but. Starting with swarming, atmospheric percussion and ringing bass-lines you can instantly feel the progression of the band, Adele's haunting, ethereal tones keep the eerie, spiritual side of the band front and centre but Bird 2014 is an altogether bigger force (and more akin to the dynamic live show) with the addition of permanent guitarist Christian Sandford and soon enough "The Rain Song" explodes amongst tribal drum beats and searing guitar textures, a break of deliciously dark and beautiful harmonies only hastens the emotional outpouring of the final aural storm. Immense.

Tour dates are promised soon enough, add the album to your 'to buy list' now.

Sea Lion #4 - Sanna's Song

Facebook

There's been a theme this week for posting acts I've mentioned numerous times already and that's continuing for another few days at least, the hope is at least that newer readers will still be discovering an act for the first time, even though like in the case of this post I've covered the artist in question at intervals since September 2012 (and as the blog title suggests, I'm here to talk about music that I like).

Sea Lion (Gothenburg's Linn Osterberg) has captured my heart before with her naked arrangements and a delicate, haunting voice so it's no surprise she's done it again with the first glimpse of new material since signing to Turnstile Music (a few of you might have been lucky enough to see her play her debut UK dates in support of Cate Le Bon this/last week).

The track "Sanna's Song" (available as a free download via the soundcloud link below), plucks right at your soul with typically soft, restrained instrumentation as glacial guitar shimmers are joined by pared-down beats and Linn's serenely fragile vocal delivery, it's purposely slow but hits hard with devastatingly beauty as you are transferred to a blissful world far away from the constant rain that's blighting the UK. Gorgeous.

Chalk and Numbers #5 - In The End

Facebook

Chalk and Numbers have long evoked memories of yesteryear with a couple of EP's already under their belt highlighting a classic 60's pop influenced sound that is nearly always bright, sunny, and welcoming. They now team up with one of our finest little labels Soft Power for a 'compilation' cassette which sees five tracks from their two earlier releases compiled with an altogether new track "In The End".

I'll focus on the new one (though if you haven't heard the wonderfully catchy "He Knew" make sure you rectify that like now), "In The End" sits in nicely with the rest of the material on the releases, sparkling with life as Sable's gorgeous swooning vocals floats over vibrant instrumentation, where horns, piano and percussion combine to have you toe-tapping along in agreement. And while I'm at it. Here's two new tracks for the price of one, a cover of the Misfits "Angelfuck" has cropped up on the duo's soundcloud, here transformed into a reverb-heavy beauty full of swirling analogue synths, chugging guitars riffs and runaway percussion - there is nothing not to like.

The cassette compilation is due for release next week and you can order one now via Soft Power's Bandcamp.

Shura #2 - Touch

Facebook

I've been looking forward to hearing new material from Shura for a while now, it's crazy to think it was way back in 2011 that I first came across her 'night-folk' tracks produced with Hiatus. Both "River" and "Fortune's Fool" introduced a beautiful, soothing voice capable of healing broken hearts. Since there's been the odd further collaboration along the way but it wasn't until yesterday that Shura returned to my headphones with a track that wasn't at all what I was expected but had me hooked almost straight away...

"Touch" removes all of those earlier singer-songwriter trademarks and inside replaces them with a mid 90's R&B slow-jam. Here there's this effortlessly sexy / cool melody that swoons amongst soft-glittering electronics and Shura's luxurious vocal, its simple and refined and despite its lyrics of "I wanna touch you but it's too late, I wanna touch you but there's history..."  is straight-up baby-making music.

Cor.

Fanfarlo #2 - Landlocked

Facebook / fanfarlo.com

Fanfarlo were a band I adored on their debut album (in fact they were one of this blog first ever posts back in 2009), I remember seeing them play a special, intimate show at a packed, sweltering Servants Jazz Quarters as a last hurrah before they went and recorded album two and then I probably started this blog in full force over the summer of 2010, started spending all my waking hours searching for new music and I honestly don't think I ever listened to album two. A strange move indeed.

I promise to rectify that here and now, my return to the London quintet starts with a listen to "Landlocked", the first single to be taken from the quartet's third album Let's Go Extinct (released yesterday with an eye-appealing bonus CD version available via Rough Trade).

The track is far removed from the bands early folk influences, instead "Landlocked" sees a shift to exuberant, confident pop far away from the songs title, it's party time throughout with calypso rhythms and flourishing melodies sprawling around bright, playful harmonies. Fanfarlo - it's good to have you back on my mind.

SoftSpot #8 - You \ Yours

Facebook

Before Prince went and completely uprooted my past week (last night's incredible show at Shepherd's Bush even surpassing the highs I talked at length about from the Electric Ballroom) I mentioned a lot of my favourite new artists caught me my surprise with new material last week, one such act is Brooklyn's SoftSpot who return (after their debut Enso - a release that comes highly recommended and one I named my number two album of 2012) with the first track taken from their forthcoming second LP Mass (due April 8th)...

The track "You / Yours" sees a distinct step up in sound from the debut, yet one that still keeps much in line too, still apparent are the bands characteristic kaleidoscopic textures, beautiful guitar textures in perfect coupling with energetic drums and Sarah's vocals, a distinctive rollercoaster of emotions and yet the loud/quiet dynamics are now filled with more suspense and sky-scraping peaks than ever before, from rolling beats to big chunky riffs, this is a track that pulls you in along its journey, expresses more within four minutes than most bands manage in an entire album and makes you beg to hear more.

The track can be download via Bandcamp with the album, no doubt, to follow shortly.

3RDEYEGIRL & Prince - Live at the Electric Ballroom - My Day

Facebook / 3rdeyegirl.com

If you follow my twitter account you'd have noticed a certain theme over the last three days or so, a very Prince related theme. Since the announcement was made that a certain Mr Nelson and his new band 3rdeyegirl were heading to London to play a series of dates in advance of his latest, their debut album Plectrum Electrum I've been checking various news outlets, twitter accounts and Prince fan site constantly. And I mean constantly. Like worrying for my job levels of constantly.

Prince and I go way-back (well it's one way really). He was/is my first true musical discovery after Brit-Pop. I was obsessive in my listening to Prince during sixth-form / university and whilst over the past few years I've let that wain in favour of the acts you see posted here on a daily basis he is still my favourite artist alive (if Freddie and Queen were still here, perhaps he'd be in a fight for that title). Who did I see seven times over the space of a month at one of my least favourite venues in London the O2? Prince. Who was my first gig in London whilst I was still a midlands-based student in 2002? Prince. Who was my first main-land continental gig? Prince. Whose had me sleeping outside train stations, getting cabs across London in the hope of getting into aftershows and parties? yes, you guessed it, Prince. (It worked, I got to 'talk' with Prince in the VIP area of a sleazy Soho nightclub in 2002 and saw an incredible aftershow at Islington Academy (then the New Marquee). I could go on.

The latest bout of hardcore obsession started properly on Monday, the day when the tour was announced to start, yet the day came and went with no news, Tuesday saw the press conference finally happen (I don't think I need to go into the Lianne' La Havas house story) at around 7pm but we didn't actually hear any news from it apart from that Prince likes ping pong. That's awesome of course but it's not news of a tour. Then at around half ten at night bang, twitter explodes with news that Prince is playing the Electric Ballroom for an 'open soundcheck'. My heart races, what the hell is an open soundcheck? Can I get in? Can I be bothered to try and get there from my computer chair? The decision was to stay in my lounge pants and live the moment through twitter, I think I made the right choice, a press only start saw 'fans' enter for a four track set, I'm not sure that would have sufficiently satisfied me and would have perhaps changed the course of what was to come the next day.

Wednesday started as a normal day, I went to work and looked around. Rumours were rife about a repeat show at the Electric Ballroom. My productivity was at an all time low as I constantly refreshed pages to sources in the hope of being first to find something concrete and grab a ticket. The show became official news soon after, we knew Prince would be playing at the venue again but we didn't know how we could make sure we were there... At about half eleven again rumours spread like wildfire via Twitter about tickets going on sale from the venue at 2pm. It kind of made sense, it was too late in the day now for a Ticketmaster sale. I decided to risk it, shortly after midday I downed tools and ran for the station phone in hand and jumped on a train. I walked up to Camden from St Pancras ignoring potential tube problems and arrived at the venue just before 1pm. I headed straight for the queue and landed myself just outside Camden Town Market. I'd estimate at that time I was around 80th in line. Then came the toughest hour of the day.

There was no news at hand or concrete information to go on, the entirety of the queue seemingly checking their phones for the slightest whiff of information. The last thing anyone standing in the February chill wanted was for tickets to go on-sale online and their efforts made all in vein. At this time it was a little quiet and time went slowly, I started chatting with the guy next to me about his take on the story but he too, seemingly knew very little and came to Camden chasing down whispers. To make matters worse the rain was pretty heavy at this time, fine persistent rain that annoys you, the drilling from the nearby road-works did little to aid the mood.

It stayed that way until 2pm, the time when we hoped tickets would be coming on sale. A couple of security guys turned up and one of them slowly walked down the line and answered a few questions. The official, non-official line was this was the queue to enter the venue at 7pm. No advance tickets but if we were willing to wait, a Prince show would be ours for just £10. A couple near me with a buggy left shortly after, a few people who were probably taking extended lunches also departed with a further five hours of queuing not an option. I made the decision quickly, it was a no-brainer really. I could get the train back to work and hope I could get back later or wait, I decided to wait.

Soon after group mentality kicked in and a bunch of strangers brought together by a common goal; to see Prince started talking and then we began to take it in turns looking out for each other whilst one of us needed to go to the toilet (there was a nearby pub whom I'm sure weren't too happy about the number of people walking in and out to use their facilities!). It's possibly the perverse nature of the committed fan-boy I am but I can honestly say I enjoyed the next five hours standing outside in the cold and talking about Prince, it's not often you get chance to do just that without having something else to do. Right now though, we literally had nothing else.

The rain wasn't so bad either and when the heavens did attempt to open at about 4pm we were quickly given a free umbrella. Fair play to the marketing department at Zoopla who quickly put two and two together and hunted out their boxes of purple umbrellas from storage to hand out to the front of the queue - the see of purple looked great.

Beers were in full flow by now and that certainly helped to take the edge off the cold as the fleeting visit of sun was followed by the outset of evening, it wasn't until around six pm that it started getting noticeably busier. A tourist asked the best question of the day to us at around this point. "Is this the queue for the bus?". The queue in front had swelled and all of a sudden we were possibly 150 back. Some of the difference was people returning to the queue or friends joining sole survivours after work, not all bosses take too kindly to you walking out of the office with no notice and some were chancers who jumped in. This got to be a more serious problem just before doors opening time. I was hoping security would hand out raffle tickets or something similar so you knew you were getting in and I actually asked them that question earlier in the day, the response was they would have more security guards in place by the time they would be needed. Unfortunately that didn't quite happen and lots of people took advantage of the lack of barriers to push in just before 7pm.

When seven pm came I was pretty surprised that the shutters on the venue opened not long after, a guest-list line had appeared from nowhere spanning in the other direction and then suddenly security moved the queue from one side of the road to the other now the shops nearby had shut - it caused mayhem and a surge of people rushing forward, on a personal note it didn't cause much problem as I reacted quickly enough but I've read some horrible stories about trampling occurring, it's a shame not everyone is quite the same as the great bunch of people I'd had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with.

Soon we were inside, a quick toilet and bar stop later we were at the front, about four rows back and in a perfect spot for the gig to come. At that time we didn't know there would be in fact two shows that evening and I was anticipated a long wait until the show started. In fact it wasn't long at all, shortly after 8pm 3rdeyegirl's latest single "Pretzelbodylogic" started firing out of the PA soon followed by the three girls, Donna, Ida and Hannah and then Prince himself, it caught the crowd a little unawares at first but soon the expected hysteria started. A level which only increased with the opening of "Let's Go Crazy". A re-worked version I'd previously heard from a teaser video, it sounded incredible and to be standing about ten feet away from Prince and seeing his facial expressions only made the experience the more rewarding.

The set progressed with track after track of rock-heavy beats that satisfied every single inch of me. I'd earlier said I was desperate to see a Prince rock show and now here I was being treated to one, Donna Grantis on electric guitar especially impressive dueling with Prince with her metal-inspired riffs and wide-eyed stares into the audience. "She's Always In My Hair", a track that's long been a favourite of mine and a slowed down version of "I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man" both bringing instant goosebumps. The best was still to come. An album track from 1999 "Something In The Water" starts with Prince on piano before he moves to more tradition place front, centre to bring a stadium-esque rallying call of the chorus, the crowd are quick to react. It almost feels as if you've been transferred into the set of the Purple Rain movie. I'm in heaven.

Prince changed to conductor during the 3rdeyegirl song "FixUrLifeUp", standing at the side of the stage orchestrating this tight, three piece band. An instrumental closed the main set (both sets started almost identical) before the band returned for a beastly version of the underrated "Chaos & Disorder", noisy, rhythmic heaven. The band disappear again and the house lights come on but those with experience of the 21 Nights shows will know that with this being Prince, lights means nothing and sure enough a good five minutes later the band return again and get straight into the phenomenal "Bambi", "it's better with a man" the well known chorus cries go but seeing Prince backed by this incredible band instantly calls that into doubt. 3rdeyegirl have definitely breathed new life into Prince (55 and looking younger than ever) and a creative Prince is an incredible sight, one I'm delighted to have seen in such intimate surroundings. Would I do it all again? You betcha!

Prince and 3rdeyegirl are reported to have begun a UK tour / London residency, I don't know the facts, what I do know is that whatever comes next, I'm going to be there for the ride. Unmissable.

Tashaki Miyaki #8 - Cool Runnings

Facebook

I've only been offline for almost 48 hours (the reasons for that will be following in the very next blog later) and I've missed a whole pile of stuff from a lot of my favourite acts, the catch up starts immediately and in order that I saw them, Tashaki Miyaki are a trio that have been around for a while now with a series of tracks drenched in starry-eyed melodies and super-chilled vocals. They return with a new single ahead of their debut album due later in the year...

I'm not sure if the title is purposely meant for now at the start of the Winter Olympics or coincidental, with the whole Jamaica in the Bobsled  / Disney film of the first, infamous incident, either way "Cool Runnings" is another slice of their trademark dream-pop swoon where hazy, languid guitars combine with Lucy's gorgeous vocals now with the added accompaniment of serene strings, smooth, laid-back perfection.

A super limited vinyl version of the track (with exclusive track opportunities) is released on the bands own label February 25th and can be pre-ordered now via Bandcamp.

Marissa Nadler - Was It A Dream / July

Facebook / marissanadler.com

I'm not quite sure why I've never really listened to Marissa Nadler before, despite releasing material at a consistent rate for almost ten years now I don't think I've ever heard her until I recently pressed play on the latest track to be streamed from her forthcoming album July (and first album released by Bella Union here in the UK). Immediately "Was It A Dream" firmly ticks all my boxes, a guazy-like haze of misty-eyed beauty drenched in Marissa's luxurious voice and maudlin guitar strums, her vocal comforts you like a warming blanket and hypnotises you into repeated submersion.

Sitting in the same realms of dark melancholy "Dead City Emily" is equally rewarding, with a pretty guitar melody creating a serenely beautiful mood around a soft soothing vocal, it's the sort of thing dreams are made of.

Follow newbies, you'll probably be wanting to investigate Marissa's back catalouge further now, a fine starting point is Soundcloud which features a whole host of tracks from previous albums, covers and more.

Marissa Nadler plays London's Cafe Oto on April 23rd - tickets. I've already got mine.

Fear of Men #8 - Alta / Waterfall

Facebook

Fear of Men are a band I'be adorned with superlatives here since way back in March 2011 when I discovered their debut demo tape and track "Phantom Limb", it's hard to believe three years have passed since. 2014 starts with news of the Brighton quartet's debut full length (after last years Early Fragments, a collection of earlier 7" releases) entitled Loom and due for release on April 21st via Kanine Records. To make the news even better we've been treated to the first five minutes of the record in the form of "Alta / Waterfall".

The slow brooding "Alta" starts with a mist of eerie atmosphere built around elongated organ chords and plaintive vocals before launching straight into "Waterfall", a track more in-keeping with the dreamy jangle-pop which we've become accustomed to, here Jess Weiss' impeccable voice serenades around beautifully upbeat guitar shimmers,chugging bass-riffs and driving percussion before the track closes with the re-introduction of experimental soundscapes which hint towards a wholly immersive album to follow.

Loom is available to pre-order now via fearofmen.co.uk, a limited Record Store Day vinyl is also promised.

Birds of Passage #5 - This Kindly Slumber

Facebook

This blog probably owes Alicia Merz (aka Birds of Passage) an apology, after featuring her stunning work no less than five times in 2011, I've not featured her here since. Let's blame the sheer volume of artists to feature and lack of time for that. The return here is catapulted by the news of her third album This Kindly Slumber recently released (and available to order) via Denovali.

The first track I heard from the release "Belle Du Jour" is instantly familiar as Alicia embraces the chilly air of sparse, haunting atmosphere, slowly reveling itself amongst layers of droning instrumentation and poetic whispers. "Yesterday's Stains" is one of the darker moments on the album (and that's on a release with tracks called "Ashes to Ashes", "Take My Breath" and "Lonesome Tame") with stark piano chords and reverb dreched echoes brooding slowly like a sombre funeral march. It's "Take My Breath" that stays with me the longest though, Alicia's vocal a little more central in the mix sweetly serenading around gentle guitars and a hazy dreamlike landscape.

Overall though it's an album that should be enjoyed a whole experience and not a set of individual tracks, This Kindly Slumber transports you into a heartbreakingly beautiful world as for 40 minutes you're lifted into a cocoon of minimalistic and natural wonder. If you're late on the boat, you are in for something special (Birds of Passage's entire discography is available here).

Alice Boman #2 - Skiss 3

Facebook

Another of my 'Tips for 2014' now, Alice Boman is set to release a brand new EP in the Spring but first we're treated to a final hurrah for her debut Skisser...

"Skiss 3" gives latecomers a perfect insight to the haunting intimacy of her bedroom recordings, the track sees an echoed piano melody matched by Alice's fragile vocals and sends chills through you with a natural sense of stark beauty.

The follow up can't come soon enough.

Skisser is available on download / 10" vinyl (with a bonus track) now via Adrian Recordings.

Sophie Jamieson #5 - Other

Facebook

Last Friday, this blogs fine blogging chum Robin over at Breaking More Waves (along with Adam at Alphabet Bands) did a charity blogathon - what that entitled was basically writing blogs (and all that it entails, checking emails, research etc) for 24 hours straight (I assume toilet breaks and coffee were allowed!). I've not had chance to digest all of the results yet but one that jumped right out of the page was a new track from one of my favourite new artists Sophie Jamieson...

The track "Other" is a live version of a new song (which from seeing Sophie live before Christmas I think I am right in saying is one side of a forthcoming double a-side single - don't take that for gospel though) and highlights the startling progression I've talked about here before.

Now expanded to a full quartet with the addition of ex-Fanfarlo drummer Amos Memon (live UK band dates to follow soon) "Other" combines the original traits of Sophie's music; beguiling vocals, tug at your heart intimacy and finger-plucking acoustic with those increasingly becoming her's, a haunting blend of atmospheric guitar shimmers and now swelling percussion, the use of space and emotion here is quite extraordinary and the result can do nothing but bring goosebumps. I love it.

Fielded #2 - City of the Dazed

Facebook

I first covered Fielded, moniker of now Brooklyn based Lindsay Powell almost three years ago now, her debut LP Terrageist was one I instantly ordered upon my discovery, becoming smitten with what I then described as an experimental enchantresses singing post-apocalyptic tales with a mystical and gothic tinge amongst the sounds of ritualistic sacrifices and haunting dreamy soundscapes.

I later picked up a 7" White Death that was released here in the UK but after seemingly lost touch shortly after (Lindsay's bandcamp page adheres to release last year - all can be streamed there too). I'm back on track with the first track taken from Fielded's forthcoming EP Universally Handsome...

"City of the Dazed" highlights a big progression, with the focus firmly put on the crystal-clear clarity of Lindsay's voice, now releasing its full power in a booming pop laden track full of stuttering electronic beats and layered harmonies. It certainly perks the curiosity for more.