Ana Lola Roman #2 - No Architect

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I seem to be on a cycle of artists returning after around six months off the blog, Ana Lola Roman featured here in March with her wonderful debut single 'Jigsaw / Klutch' (check it out if you haven't already), the follow up ‘No Architect’ will be available November 7th and it's an absolute knock-out.

You can stream an extended version below, it's just great. From its extra-long intro of pounding drum machine beats, looping synthetic effects and driving piano melody you know it's a special track, the toe-tapping pulse instantly danceable, uplifting and infectious.  I love Ana's powerful and strong vocals too. "No Architect" is simply a master-class in experimental synth-pop, not a beat feels out of place.

It's so good that I've just played the track back eight times in a row, easily one of the best electronic / synth-pop tracks I've heard in a long time. In a genre that is becoming pretty over-crowed Ana's creative and instrumentation talents should see her stand out from the crowd with the release of her debut album in early 2012

Listen:
No Architect (Extended Version) by AnaLolaRoman


Ana Lola Roman - 15 Minute God from Matthew Caron on Vimeo.

La Bête #2 - All Around Me / Wolf

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London's La Bête seem to have grown some facial hair (the boys that is) since I did an introducing piece in February, the past six months has seen them play some dates on the London gig circuit and now we've been treated to two new tracks from a forthcoming (as yet unnamed / undated) EP which you can listen to below.

"Wolf" and "All Around Me" see the band continue with their punchy, intense grunge rock. Raw and unrestrained throughout with dirty guitar heavy hooks, pounding bass lines and hammering drum beats. Naomi's sneery vocals emitting just the right combination of passion and swagger, there is a satisfying smattering of filth too, all in all two tracks that command to be played at a high volume probably much to the disgust of your neighbours.

The band are supporting the most excellent Spotlight Kid at their London date on October 21st, it's a shame I'm away or it would have been a must-see. If you are in town, you can take my place - full details.

Listen:
Wolf by La Bête

All Around Me by La Bête

WILD FLAG - Romance

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WILD FLAG can easily be tagged with the word "supergroup" after its members previous careers in various notable indie-rock acts such as Sleater-Kinney and Helium, thankfully this is one time when they seem to have continued in the industry because it is creatively rewarding, feels natural and the music is great rather than simply for the money. From what I've heard of WILD FLAG so far, it's easy to say this; they rock.

Following up a quickly sold-out record store day 7" is their debut self-titled album (due 13th Sept via Merge and Oct 10th in the UK), a taster has been released in the form of "Romance". A guitar heavy, spunky track with infectious riffs, dancing drums, playful organ and catchy lyrics. It's fun and includes hand claps to boot, there's nothing not to like then!

The girls have announced an intimate gig at one of London's best venues, The Lexington on Thursday 8th December following from an extensive US tour. Tickets won't last long but can be snapped up here and here.

Watch the suitably zany video below:

Wild Flag - Romance from Merge Records on Vimeo.

Listen:
Wild Flag - Romance
WILD FLAG - Glass Tambourine

Little Anchor - New Music "Introducing"

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Brooklyn-based four-piece Little Anchor release their second EP 'Yellow Lights' this week, they came to my attention through the delicate "Until Our Eyes Adjust", a track that's gorgeous enough to melt you heart. I was instantly instantly in love the softly-whispered, serene voice of singer Alexa Cabellon which shines throughout the six EP's tracks, her sweet, calm voice is nothing short of beautiful.

"A Sentimental Way" is equally soft and mellow with its dreamy, soothing instrumentations. The languid nature of the track would be perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon or summers day at the beach, it's a shame the white clouds that shroud London right now mean the only way I can picture that is with my eyes shut. "Lady Tennessee" kicks more of a punch with foot-stomping drum beat and jagged guitar riffs proving the band have more up their sleeves then gentle pop sensibilities.

"When You're Looking" closes the EP on a high with its uplifting tone and sparkling melodies, though if you were to pick one track for your mix-tape, it's got to be "Until Our Eyes Adjust". The lyrics start "tell me sweet, tell me softly, in your sleep, do you still dream, until our eyes adjust...", now its time for some peaceful daydreaming...

Listen:
Little Anchor - Until Our Eyes Adjust

You can buy the EP on iTunes or bandcamp now, it will also be available on 12" which I'll link here when I find an outlet. Here's the accompanying video, glad to see the band are safety concious too!

Zola Jesus #12 - Seekir

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As the release of the new Zola Jesus album 'Conatus' draws closer (26th September in the UK and 4th Oct in the US) we've been treated to another track from, following the incredible "Vessel" is "Seekir" and as you could probably guess I absolutely fucking love it.

I'm still obsessed with 'Stridulum' now but the new material I've heard so far shows such a leap forward in terms of production, song-writing and Nika's ability to use her incredible voice, probably one of the best in music today. "Seekir" is a gothic dance orientated track, electronic glitches and a pulsing synthetic beat, Nika's signatures all there, dark, brooding and monstrous. I can't wait for the full album, surely album of the year potential.

A simply incredible show has been announced today, two artists signed to souterrain transmissions (in Europe), Zola Jesus and EMA play London's Heaven on November 23rd (also in Manchester the next day). ZJ plays a few other UK dates around the same time too. Tickets for the London show won't last too long so get one here.

Listen to "Seekir" below:
Zola Jesus - Seekir

Once you've got over that, check out this stunning live version of "Night":

SoftSpot #2 - Holy Father / Tour Cassette

Facebook / softspot.bandcamp.com/

I've been excited to hear the follow up from Brooklyn's SoftSpot since I fell in love with them just after Christmas (my introducing piece is here), my wait came to an end early last week when I was treated to two of the three tracks from their upcoming EP release.

The signs of development are evident, "Holy Father" is an absolute monster. It starts peaceful enough, Sarah's hauntingly beautiful voice hits you straight away, it's unique, stunning. Accompanied by the rat-a-tat of drum sticks, slowly increasing in intensity as Brian's textured guitars glisten on the edge simmering until finally it explodes, cumulating in a euphoric cataclysm of aural pleasure, heavy-hitting drums, guitar buzz and hard bass-line riffs. The addition of Andrew Spaulding on drums has helped the band to expand their sound, I'm so glad to hear the band do what I hoped would happen at the end of earlier track, the exquisite "Bones" from their debut 'Ardour'.

"Slack Tide" clocks in at nearly seven minutes and is equally impressive. Seamlessly powerful throughout demonstrating a breathtaking display of musicianship, engrossing layers of melodies, wonderful guitar shredding riffs and to die for vocals. These sort of creative compositions is really what music is about, fuck "artists" with no soul selling their record to countless thousands of people spoon-fed on X Factor, this is real music by real musicians.

Americans will get a chance to see the band on an extensive September East Coast tour, kicking off tomorrow, September 6th at Death By Audio, Brooklyn. A show which also doubles as a release for their tour cassette, you can get a free download of the three tracks from their bandcamp now. For the full list of dates head here.

Listen to "Holy Father" and "Bones" below, if you've not heard them before, prepare to be blown away: