Tips for 2011 – One Year On (Part Two)

6. Kitten

Part one saw me go through five acts that released albums in 2011 and everyone one of them has made my 40 album long short-list (an oxymoron for you) for my top 25 albums of 2011 (which depending on how I've structured these posts after writing them towards the end of November will either be posted soon, or has already been posted), part two is a little different.


Kitten, a band that jumped onto my radar in October 2010 haven't released anything officially in 2011, there's been a handful of live videos shared and numerous shows (included a return to the UK in May where I saw the band perform a fiery, energetic and possibly slightly too enthusiastic set) as well as a CD re-issue of their EP 'Sunday School'. Signed with Atlantic Records they are clearly taking their time with the young band - I think there has also been a line-up change with their facebook referring to them as a trio.

So nothing new to review really, though on "Kill The Light" Chloe and Kitten show the sort of promise that still leads me to believe that Kitten is definitely a band worth keeping an eye on with their debut album due in 2012.

Kitten - Kill The Light





7. Let's Buy Happiness

Another act I've gone all gooey eyed for numerous times in the past eighteen months are Let's Buy Happiness, while they've yet to release their debut album the four part Geordie one part Mackem blog-darlings have still had a pretty successful year cumulating in a support slot for Primal Scream in Brixton last month.

What they have released in 2011 has continued their 100% success rate with my ears, in February came the wonderful "Fast Fast", tropical, fast drums, shimmering guitars and celestial vocals, it earnt them mainstream airplay and numerous glowing reviews, live festival shows over the summer further enhanced their reputation and September saw "Dirty Lakes" released as a digital single, a joyous melody and delicious chiming soundscapes, the band can do no wrong as far am I'm concerned.

The development on stage has been equally encouraging, it might be a little OTT to say Sarah resembled a deer caught in the headlights the first time I saw the band but I've now seen them play seven times and I'd definitely say they've all grown in confidence and ability, their live show is a genuine joy. Though guys,  please put "Devil's Show" back in the set!

With tracks like "Skinny Moon" and "Clean Mistake" still sitting unreleased the future looks even brighter, ones to watch 2012? Almost definitely (giving away a future post here!).

Buy 'Fast Fast' and previous release 'Six Wolves' from the band on their bandcamp.

Let's Buy Happiness - Dirty Lakes




8. Terror Bird

Terror Bird sound tracked the first part of my 2011, I discovered the band at the back end of 2010 and quickly snapped up their 'Shadows in the Halls' and 'Shame Is On Your Side' EP's, the combination of dark haunted gloom-pop arrangements, the catchy, upbeat melodies and the hypnotic voice of Nikki Never were enough to melt my heart and encourage me to approach the band with the view of releasing their material on via my own living-room run label.

In early 2011 and the band were unrelenting with their output, their debut full length 'Human Culture' picked up some great reviews from those in the know, thirteen synth/piano and drum lo-fi through reverb and Nikki's stirring, emotive vocals. Then there were two UK releases to support a European tour in March, firstly the ghostly synth wonder 'Outside / When I Woke Up' released by the excellent Night School and then (full disclosure via my label) a four track EP 'Waiting For Nothing'. I love it, it's obvious I do so I'll just give you a track to listen below instead of my .

Terror Bird shouldn't be overlooked, the band are preparing more releases going into 2012 and hopefully more European shows to come too. All the bands 2011 releases are available in Rough Trade or Norman Records now.


Terror Bird - She Kissed Me (And I Fell Ill) by Verulamium Records





9. Summer Camp

It's impossible not to like Summer Camp, their music delights on every listen, joyous and uplifting while their online presence on twitter and numerous interviews / sessions shows them as two of the nicest people in the industry today. Seriously, how many other bands can you name that have given their fans an audio book of an entire Adrian Mole book!

The band have had a pretty busy and spectacular 2011 by all accounts, a few UK tours both as support and headlines in their own right on the release of their debut album 'Welcome to Condale' in the last quarter of the year, a brilliant mélange of straightforward bouncy pop-hooks on tracks like singles "Better Off Without You" and "Down", where catchy beats and gorgeous vocal harmonies do a good job of hiding the love turned bad lyrics, a common theme throughout the album and darker, heavier tracks like "I Want You" awash with a fizzing synth pulse.

The Glastonbury sets were spectacular, Jeremy's spontaneous acoustic of rendition of "Karma Police" was a genuine highlight of the festival, their overall whole package is perfect for an 80's kid like myself, retro imagery and sounds that offer ideal memoirs of youth, some sepia coloured blinkered memories of sometimes falsely remembered events that's ideally fantasised, romantic and thoroughly enjoyable.

Summer Camp - Better Off Without You



10. I Break Horses

From the instant I heard the initial demos from I Break Horses in July 2010 I knew we were in for something special, snapped up by Bella Union (of course) we had to wait until May to hear any concrete news but from the moment I heard the final versions of the stunning "Hearts" and "Winter Beats" I knew my early optimism was completely redeemed.

"Hearts" for me is the signature I Break Horses track, perhaps because it's what hooked me first, it's simply heavenly. The glistening, frozen beats the fizzing, pulsating momentum, the echoey drums and the hushed yet stunningly ethereal vocal of Maria Lindén . Her voice, as beautiful as it is, acts as another layer of the instrumentation where the lyrics matter little. The album continues in similar luxurious fashion, a sonic orgasm of swoonsome atmosphere. Personal favourites are "No Way Outro" and "I Kill Love, Baby!" but really this album demands whole consumption rather than cherry picking for the whole thing is nothing short of completely and undeniably luxurious.

I Break Horses are about to make their live debut, excitement overload in anticipation of Cargo on December 5th.To tease we've been treated to a few live videos, 'bedroom sessions', the slow-building beauty is slowly, surely delivered. Everything about the project has been so exquisitely crafted and delivered and surely I Break Horses have delivered one of the finest debuts in a year of incredible debuts.


I Break Horses - Winter Beats by Bella Union

Terror Bird #3 - Waiting For Nothing EP

VR001 - TERROR BIRD - WAITING FOR NOTHING

Full disclousure: This is my label, I'm not going to review my own releases on my own blog, it seems contradictory to the aims of this blog, needless to say I love the music I'm putting out. Press release below:

LIMITED TO 500 COPIES ON BROWN VINYL w/ hand numbered insert and download coupon.

SIDE A
01. WAITING FOR NOTHING
02. SHE KISSED ME (AND I FELL ILL)
SIDE B
03. THRILL KILLER
04. SECRET RITUALS

Released Monday 7th March. Pre-Orders will get digital version one week early. ORDER.

Intelligent and exhilarating the lyrically dark title track ‘Waiting For Nothing’ is a masterpiece of huge sweeping synths. “She Kissed Me (and I Fell Ill)” is a glorious pop number with Never’s melodic vocal shining through in one of Terror Bird’s most dazzling tracks to date. The bright and upbeat “Thrill Killer” with shamelessly beautiful piano and keyboard arrangements kick starts side B before the gloom laden “Secret Rituals” with reverbed vocals and haunting keyboards close the EP in emphatic style.

Terror Bird are on an extensive European tour throughout February and March.
For dates please see Myspace.

Stream Side A below:

Terror Bird - Waiting for Nothing by Verulamium Records

Terror Bird - She Kissed Me (And I Fell Ill) by Verulamium Records

Terror Bird #2 - New LP and Single

http://www.myspace.com/xterrorbirdx

The first of a couple of posts bringing some news on one of my favourite new acts, Vancouver's Terror Bird.

Possibly the most active of any group at the start of 2011, this post bring news of two of three releases penned for the first quarter of 2011, next week I'll bring news on the third, which I'm helping them release, so there may be some bias in my views here!

Terror Bird are pioneers of synth-pop producing dark 80's sounding glam pop which is both chilling and heartfelt, full of real substance and a perfect soundtrack for the increasingly gloomy world we find ourselves in.

This week saw the release of a long awaiting LP jointly released by Adagio 830 and Night People entitled 'Human Nature'. It is available to order here, the first 200 are on clear vinyl. "Human Life" showcases the sound perfectly with its reverbed vocals, haunting keyboards and minimalistic arrangements. Terror Bird are capable of both catchy pop melodies and dark new wave synth-wave doom. A reworking of "We Were Monsters" is quicker than the original version from the "Shadows in the Hall" 7" and it's vastly improved for it, the blistering pace and Nikki's gorgeous vocal have made me love this track more than I already did.
The third album of 2011 so far that will be in my end of year lists, no question.

Then we have released on 21st February a UK based single entited "Outside" b/w "When I Woke Up" which is released through new label Night School, it's limited to 300 hand-screened 7" vinyl and is another essential purchase. Order it now. "Outside" sees Nikki Never duet with a ghostly version of herself and is quite exceptional, with trademark casio-sounding backing keys and percussion. The B-Side is just as great.

Catch the band on their European tour right now - dates on their Myspace. They hit the UK on 8th March supporting Former Ghosts at Cargo and will be staying for a week.

Listen below:
TERROR BIRD  -  When I Woke Up by NightSchool
TERROR BIRD - Outside.mp3 by NightSchool

Tips for 2011 - Fifteen Bands Who've Caught My Eye (Part Two)

Here is the second part of my hopes for 2011. Part One is here.

6. Kitten

www.kittentheband.com/

One of the newest discoveries on this list, I came across Kitten just a few days before I saw them play at Camden Barfly back in October where they completely blew me away with a dazzling performance.

This young band from Los Angeles have produced a fine EP this year named 'Sunday School' which highlights a wonderful indie-rock sound. Lead singer Chloe channelling a serious Karen O vibe, "Kill the Light" especially shows some incredible potential. Can't what to see them live again, they were relentless, energetic and most importantly of all, fucking brilliant. "Kitten With a Whip" was pretty insane live.

Check out the acoustic video below to see that as well as their energetic rock performances, they can just as easily produce a gorgeous mellow sound too, Chloe's voice is exceptional.

Make sure you get their 'Sunday School EP', looking forward to what comes next. Hopefully a UK return before too long.

Listen:
Kitten - Kill The Light

Watch:

Kitten » Cat Power from The Voice Project on Vimeo.

7. Let’s Buy Happiness

http://letsbuyhappiness.bandcamp.com/

If you come here often then hope won't be much of a surprise. I've mentioned Let's Buy Happiness on numerous occasions over the past six months.

Jangly, swirling indie-pop tunes are the Newcastle bands hallmark and their debut EP 'No Hot Ashes' highlighted them to be a band with excellent potential, single 'Six Wolves' cemented that before a couple of radio sessions since (with two exceptional new tracks "Clean Mistake" and "Fast Fast") have made me stupidly excited to hear the new material.

"Six Wolves" combines a flurry of percussion and shimmering guitar lines making a wonderful texture and combined with Sarah's beautiful ethereal vocal make it an absolute gem. LBH are one of my favourite new bands. So far, I've seen them twice, both festival slots (The Great Escape and Glastonbury). I'm looking forward to seeing live again soon and as the headlining slot this time, thankfully I don't have to wait too long as they are playing London early next year (January 27th 2011 in Hoxton).
Book them as tour support TJF please!

Listen:
Let's Buy Happiness - Works Better on Paper by letsbuyhappiness

Watch:


8. Terror Bird

www.myspace.com/xterrorbirdx

Terror Bird's music hit me like a big truck towards the end of the summer, their single "Shadows in the Halls" started me off, followed by the simply amazing B-Side "We Were Monsters". Further delving into the duo's archive uncovered the equally wonderful "Shame is on Your Side EP".

Terror Bird is Vancouver duo Nikki Never and Jeremiah Haywood. Their ghostly synths and Nikki's melodic voice are perfect for their dark electro-pop tracks.

2011 will bring some new releases (an LP on the Night People label and a EP on a label I may or may not have something to do with - more to come on that soon!). There is a European tour in Feb / March. UK dates are as yet unannounced but will be in early March. So, so excited for those dates. Listen below...

Listen:
Terror Bird - Shame Is On Your Side by morrisday

Watch:


9. Summer Camp

www.myspace.com/summercampmusic

Summer Camp are Jeremy Warmsley and Elizabeth Sankey. Their Nostalgia filled, sugar-sweet synth laden pop songs are pretty infectious, they are signed to Moshi Moshi label home to Slow Club and Florence. This years 'Young EP' gave us a great introduction to the band, hopefully a full-length will follow next year and build on the potential shown .

Their music comes across as effortless, it's upbeat approach, beautiful vocals and twee harmonies that makes for an easy and enjoyable listen, best highlighted for me on "Was it Worth it?", "Ghost Train" and the unreleased "88".

Listen:
Summer Camp - Christmas Wrapping

Watch:



10. I Break Horses

www.myspace.com/ibreakhorsesmusic

Signed to Bella Union in the middle of 2010, they teased with a three songs on their myspace and since then we've heard absolutely zilch.

Those songs however were so good that I have every faith that I Break Horses will be a major player next year under the management of the always reliable label.
I Break Horses is Maria Linden from Stockholm, her songs are dreamy shoegaze-pop songs which by the early demos promise an awful, awful lot. The 'Terminator' style synth beat in "Hearts" is killer with a hushed, whispered vocal and "Wired" a more traditional distorted shoegaze song is also well worth your time.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to hearing what this Swedish act has in store for us in 2011.

Listen:
 Removed until the launch of I Break Horses, coming soon.

Terror Bird - New Music "Introducing"

http://www.myspace.com/xterrorbirdx

I've been saving back this post for a while... For reasons that I'll come to another time...About two months ago I came across Terror Bird, a Canadian duo from Vancouver, featuring Nikki Never on vocals / keys and Jeremiah Haywood on drums... I was blown away from the outset of the first song I heard "Shadows in the Halls".

To pigeonhole the sound (something I hate to do, as I'm rubbish at it!) it's dark synth art pop / lo-fi electronica sound, not too dissimilar from some of Zola Jesus' earlier material but with Nikki's wonderful melodic vocals.

The lyrics are generally touching, moody and dark but when required they manage to capture a catchy choruses such as on the aforementioned "Shadows..." which results in a huge tune made by the sweeping synths, the drumming tends to be understated and low in the mix, where the main focus of the songs are Nikki's voice and lyrics.

The wonderful "Shame is on Your Side" sounds like a bombastic 80's revival romantic pop song a la Cocteau Twins but contains some dark lyrics that defy it's indie pop sounds. "Sometimes it seems like I speak a different language then everyone else // I flatten here alone, debasing on the floor // Everything slips through my fingers, but do you?"...

"We Were Monsters" is just exquisite, a heartfelt yet chilling song, the lyrics are really emotional and touching. I tried to quote a sample, but it ended up being almost the whole song;
So, just listen to it below and fall in love with Terror Bird yourself... To be continued...
Terror Bird - We Were Monsters by morrisday
Terror Bird - Shame Is On Your Side by morrisday

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