Paper Crows return on March 21st with new double a-side single 'Follow The Leader / Fingertips'. "Follow The Leader" is an upbeat yet much darker and unsettling number than the previous Paper Crows tracks we've heard to date. Emma's vocal more in Bjork territory with measured electro beats creating another fine track for the duo.
Early last month I wrote this about "Fingertips":
"Fingertips" has a distinct early Portishead feel to it, an atmospheric melancholy pop-noir with a beautiful soulful touch which allows Emma Panas glorious vocal to shine through in a brooding, mature and ultimately rewarding listening experience.
If you want to catch them live, the duo are headlinging YOYO (Notting Hill Arts Club) next Thursday, 10th Feb. Head here for more information on that.
Canadian trio The Barettas got in touch to introduce the release of their debut 7" "Touche", it's a catchy power pop stomp with a bit of garage rock / punk spirit, driving rhythms and sing-along choruses, the vocal reminiscent of Gwen Stefani. Backed with "Black Sheep" another slice of infectious indie-pop.
You can download the single for free via the groups BandCamp and order a phyiscal copy via this link.
Listen:
The girls also have an EP available on iTunes or on CD here. There's still the garage pop feeling, but these tracks contain a bluesy feel too with my favorite being the oddly titled "I Dig The Alley, But Not The Birds".
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.
Auction From The Promise Club, are a band from Cornwall, and are comprised of a brother and sister (Zoe and Toby) and bassist friend (Pez). They produce an energetic, powerful guitar based sound which leans close to some early 90's indie-rock bands and comparable with more recent groups such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Metric and dare I say it, The Joy Formidable.
There are four tracks to download for free direct from their soundcloud and an TBA EP to be ordered from their shop. I shall be onto that as soon as my PayPal gets some funds in it!
With crashing drums, multi-layered buzzing guitars and a stunning vocal Auction For The Promise Club have four demos that to me only say one thing - fucking awesome (that's two things I know). "Awake" with its loud thrashing chords oodles cool thanks to Zoe's sultry voice and blistering riffs. "Under China" is a soaring high energy anthem which explodes with frenetic, aggressive power.
"Tick Tock" deviates from the others with a lush, melodic and relaxed sound which highlights Zoe's hauntingly beautiful voice, it's a lovely come down to their other tracks that sit more in the traditional alternative punk-rock genre - I think we have another band that'll turn in a rather wonderful acoustic session.
The best of the four though is the thunderous "See Through" an absolute powerhouse of a track, its blistering pace, infectious riff is a mosh-pit favourite in the making. Epic.
That's another band on my to see live list then. Another great discovery, how I love new music. These are just demos too! They seem polished and advanced to me, I'd certainly be happy if these were the final cut.
Just a quick post as I covered She Keep Bees just last week - for full Euro tour dates see my last post here.
Jess and Andy yesterday released a preview for the forthcoming third album 'Dig On' which will be out on the superb Names Records in April. Can't wait for that and those tour dates at the end of the month.
The track is entitled "Saturn Return" and it's a typical She Keep Bees sound of bluesy garage rock that certainly packs a solid punch, looking forward to the rest of the album.
I'd heard of Creatures of Love through their Joy Formidable connections but hadn't listened to them before catching them support TJF at The Borderline last Saturday, I was suitably impressed.
The menacing intro and dimly lit stage set-up gave a strong signal that we were in for a gothic spectacle, that we were. Lead singer Bonita Mckinney was sporting a cape similar to one I've seen Zola Jesus wear a few times and the similarities don't stop there, an incredible vocal with a sound that sits somewhere between the aforementioned Nika, Esben and the Witch and the pop sensibilities of Florence Welch. Instead of the incessant pacing of Zola Jesus, we were treated to bewitching stares and a powerhouse voice from Bonita backed wonderfully by some pounding electro beats.
"Barbitos" might still be in demo form but it's a dark, electro masterpiece. Edgy guitars, witchy ambient synths and percussive beats create an brooding, atmospheric beauty. It is a real sign of intent.
The band released a digital EP last year which you can get on iTunes. It contains six tracks very much in the same vein. Highlights include the haunting chimes on intro "Creatures of Love", "Book Thief" and "So Low". Check them out live, I was impressed, you will be too. Expect to see Creatures of Love back on here soon.
