Field Mouse - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook / fieldmousemusic.com/

Field Mouse from Brooklyn have been a band I've been meaning to post about for ages, ever since a friend linked the track you can watch below "You Guys Are Gonna Wake Up My Mom" on my facebook. I'd not heard of the dream-pop four piece prior to that but the band immediately became the sort of discovery that a few years back led to the start of this blog, a band who straight away grab your attention with a killer track.

That track, beautiful and hazy, was the Steinman-esque titled "You Guys Are Gonna Wake Up My Mom", a shimmering, reverb-heavy daydream where fluttering drum beats and glistening soundscapes providing the perfect drop for the heavenly vocals, very much in the Slow Dive / Lush vein of atmospheric, gorgeous early 90's shoegaze. It's a song I could listen to endlessly on repeat as I'm meant to be packing up to move house (I have been packing - I'm having a rest!).

Earlier track "Glass" similarly swirls around gleaming guitar based textures and silky smooth vocals, I don't think I'll ever get bored of the video even if for its entire duration it simply focuses on the face of singer Rachel Browne with various backdrops and bubbles.

Facebook leads me to believe they've just finished what will be their debut full-length, one to keep an eye out for then. In the meantime you can get the "You Guys Are Gonna Wake Up My Mom" 7" via Small Plate Records in the US here.

Alice Jemima #7 - One a Day / Safe / Pain

Facebook / alicejemima.com/

I've been over-working myself the past week, so much so that I've only just got around to listening to last weeks final two tracks on Alice Jemima's rather wonderful 'One a Day' series that start last week...

I've previously mentioned the first three tracks so I won't repeat myself again but Day four is probably my (new) favourite of the lot, "When You Dance" possesses all of those attributes I've talked about countless times already, wrapped in a charming, intimate atmosphere Alice's deceptively simple guitar led melodies and pretty as a flower vocals could melt the sternest of hearts.

The final day's track was met with 'technical gremlins' which meant soundcloud was used ahead of the live videos of the rest of the week, which is a shame because I'd be interested to see the live process in making "Oblivious", possibly the most ambitious track of Alice's so far, with laptop beats added to soft, glistening guitar twangs and layered backing vocals. I already know the dazzling effect of Alice's sweet, delicate tracks and it's good to see her experimenting.

For most people five new tracks in a week would be enough, but not Alice Jemima! Seemingly more prolific than 80's era Prince, a new track was released yesterday, a cover of London electronic act Strangers' track "Safe / Pain" and it's all kind of goosebumps too, taking a dramatic 80's leaning synth-pop epic and turning into something so painfully beautiful. Love.

The History of Apple Pie #3 - Do It Wrong

Facebook

The History of Apple Pie were one of the (relative) success stories of last year, newly formed a few demo tracks on the 'net spawned an impressive number of facebook followers (over three thousand), two excellent releases and some pretty great shows, after a little breather to start 2012 the five piece are back with a new track "Do It Wrong".

It's the heaviest, 90's influenced grungy track from the band to date, the super charged guitar riffs are colossal and ragged though through the noisy fuzz the band are sensible enough to leave their catchy pop sensibilities well alone, alluring melodies and sugar sweet vocals still highly evident, a ridiculous cliché to follow but "Do It Wrong" is very much done right, a very welcome return.

Limited to just 300 and released via the ever excellent Marshall Teller Records, you can pre-order this beauty via Rough Trade now - don't expect them to hang around too long.

Knickers #2 - Baby, It's You

Facebook / knickers.bandcamp.com/

On my 'Introducing' post on Knickers in early May I said basically how amazing they are so it's with some regret that I'm still yet to have my second live encounter with the band (their last show in June clashed with one of my own Beautiful Strange nights).

To tide me over there's been a great video to one of the tracks I covered last time, the lead track to their debut EP "My Baby's Just A Baby (But I Love Him So)", available to buy now on 7" via Elefant and also a new release via the House vs Home singles club which you can download for free at bandcamp right now, you'll be wanting to do that, both releases signal Knickers to be one of the most exciting, engaging indie-pop bands to emerge in my memory...

In the form of two covers, the lead track "Baby, It's You" (famous for versions by The Shirelle's and The Beatles amongst others) oozes with the same type of 'cool' and retro pop sheen that made their debut fresh and insanely addictive, jazzy horns and laid-back drums provide the clean, crisp melody while Sarah's gorgeous, swoonsome vocals literally melt your heart, in a world of abysmal cover versions this one is simply heavenly. The flip side, the French sung "Les Cactus" is an upbeat, jangly stomp led by catchy brass, organ and percussion, I'm not familiar with the Jacques Dutronc original but this funky little number is a guarantee to get you in the mood to jive the night away.

Latitude Festival 2012 - Preview Part Two

No waffle (I'm pretty short on time!) just straight into part two of my tips to see at Latitude Festival. Part one is here in case you missed it (and are interested).

Laura Marling - Facebook
Saturday 14th July - Obelisk Arena

A second to headline billing on the main stage for Laura Marling, a quite incredible rise for arguably Britain's most successful current singer/songwriter, with her recently announcing that her fourth album is written it's a rise that I can't see ending any time soon either...

The last time I saw her at Glastonbury last year a couple got engaged, expect similar declarations of love during her set at Latitude, Laura's three albums to date portray the vulnerability and versatility of her songcraft and beguiling voice, stark and haunting her staggering talent will be one of the stars of the weekend.

Daughter - Facebook
Sunday 15th July - The I Arena

Daughter's rise over the last eighteen months (although on a smaller scale to the above Ms Marling) has been equally impressive, from a self-released demo EP given away free to a small number of followers to a Mute signing and thirty seven thousand fans on facebook alone.

It's hardly surprising, I didn't do a best of 2011 EP's posting but if I had both Elena's releases His Young Heart and The Wild Youth would have featured highly and I'm sure Daughter was close to a spot on the BBC sound of 2012 list, perhaps the lack of exposure and instant success that demands is a good thing for her career...

Expect emotionally affecting heartbreaking moments and spine-tingling intimacy at her show at Latitude's I Arena, another I genuinely cannot wait for.

Tim Ten Yen - Facebook
Friday 13th July - The Lake Stage

Now something a bit different, I used to love Tim Ten Yen, unfortunately I've not seen him perform for a few years now but Latitude has given me the perfect time to correct my oversight. 


Back in 2006/7 I was obsessed with a band called Apartment (I still am, if only they'd found the success they deserved...) and Tim was a regular support act (Tim also played with David on one of his few solo shows since), his act basically (I keep using the past tense as I've not actually heard anything from him for over 24 months) comprised of Tim and an iPod along with his Sinister Cat (stuffed). 

Tim Ten Yen's show is a guarantee to brighten your mood and get you ready for the festival ahead, come and watch him, I promise you won't be disappointed.

I Break Horses - Facebook
Saturday 14th July - The I Arena

I'm very interested to see how I Break Horses go down at a festival, I've seen both their two London live shows so far and the second at Scala was a world apart from the first. Transforming the album Hearts into a seamless piece of art. Pulsating synths and drums perform the backbone as the tracks are stretched from the original state, somewhere in the mix the reverb-drenched vocals of Maria Lindén shimmer and shine.

Still a band in their infancy, I Break Horses are very much an act to grow up with and saviour in their journey. 

Zola Jesus - Facebook
Saturday 14th July - The I Arena

Another act I needn't cover in too much glory again (I've already done it countless times), Nika Roza Danilova's Zola Jesus returns to UK shores a year after the release of Conatus to headline Saturday's I Arena line-up.

Her incredible sound based around her bands harsh, metallic beats and Nika's colossal voice will create a menacing atmosphere that's dramatic, hypnotic and immediate.  One of the most prolific, incredible artists of our time Zola Jesus is an obvious pick and one you shouldn't miss.

Perfume Genius - Facebook
Sunday 15th July - The I Arena

My pick to close the festival, Mike Hadreas (Aka Perfume Genius) will close a stage which seems to have taken over this preview, The I Arena on Sunday, those of you wanting an intimate, captivating experience to end their weekend should look no further.

His recent show at St Pancras Old Church an indication of his talents,  sublime, it managed to leave the entire crowd in utter awe, bruised, plaintive and compellingly beautiful, just like his two albums so far.



Of course, I could have easily included Toy, SoKo, Lucy Rose, Smoke Fairies, The Staves and of course Bon Iver to name but a few of the other quality acts playing over the weekend - the line-up is that good. Cannot wait!


For the full line-up, last minute tickets and more head to Latitude's official website - http://www.latitudefestival.co.uk/

Latitude Festival 2012 - Preview Part One

http://www.latitudefestival.co.uk/

Latitude Festival is in (slightly less than) two weeks now, I really cannot wait. I've not been to Latitude before but in a year without Glastonbury (though after last years mud-baths, ever increasing capacity / mainstream line-ups and old age catching up with me it could be my last) I've been looking for a few smaller, less 'mainstream' festivals to get my festival fix. Latitude is the first traditional festival where I'll be taking my tent, rather than basking in hotel based glory as at The Great Escape. I've got absolutely everything crossed for the weather, surely we are due a few days without rain soon?!

Latitude's sub-card is exemplary, the main stage commands the biggest names, Elbow, Paul Weller and more but it's in the smaller stages where I plan on spending most of my time (a couple of exceptions to come in my previews), split over two parts I'll now give a dozen acts who I recommend you check out if you are heading to Sufflok yourself (or if you want to discover some great music).

First though, a massive hat tip to Bands with iPhones whom without I wouldn't go attending at all, I owe her (sorry!) quite a few beers and gigs!

Sharon Van Etten - Facebook
Saturday 14th July - The Word Arena

Sharon Van Etten's Tramp is one of the albums of the year so far, she opens Latitude's second stage The Word Arena on the festivals second morning, Saturday and I expect it to be a busy start as people wearily leave the confines of their tents and head to hear the heavenly tones of the Brooklyn singer/songwriter who, after three albums each better than the last is finally seeing some commercial and critical reward. Expect Tramp to feature heavily in 'tastemakers' end of year polls too.

Unmissable for everybody who is not out partying too heavily on Friday night!

Josh T Pearson - Facebook
Saturday 14th July - The Word Arena

Josh T. Pearson is a must see, a genuine must see. If you take my infallible love of The Joy Formidable out of the equation last year's Last of the Country Gentlemen and the JTP live show at The Great Escape last May were my favourite album / live show of the year, and believe me it's just as amazing now as it was about 14 months ago when it was released.

Josh doesn't seem to play its devastating centrepiece "Honeymoon's Great! Wish You Were Her" live but the whole album is delivered with such heartbreaking fragility and beauty that I can't say any more come along and you will not regret it. The live show promises all that and bad jokes, bad jokes about Willie Nelson and more bad jokes. Cannot wait.

First Aid Kit - Facebook
Friday 13th July - Obelisk Arena

Another of the years finest records so far is First Aid Kit's second full-length The Lion's Roar. The Swedish sisters have long been a favourite folk-leaning act of mine, since I first saw them at back at Glastonbury 2010.

They've grown since and now backed by a full band have a full, deep sound that perfectly suits their breathtaking harmonies and(cliché time) mature-beyond-their- years lyrics. Sincere and heart-felt, latest single "Blue" the perfect insight to their beguiling balance of sweet voices and rich production.

Playing the main-stage of the festival on Friday afternoon, it'll be a far cry from the Glasto set in front of about 40 people at the Greenpeace stage but one that promises to leave those in attendance spellbound.

St Vincent - Facebook
Sunday 15th July - The Word Arena

If you've been following this blog for about a year this pick is about as obvious as they come, I'm not quite sure why Annie Clark hasn't found the success in the UK her three exceptional albums deserve. I guess she's played Shepherd's Bush Empire but St Vincent deserves more. Much more.

Last years Strange Mercy perhaps best highlighting her ability. Annie Clark's vocals are one minute venomously strong, the next serenely sweet and her dense, inventive melodies equally prone to frenzied, rock spikes as experimental, electronic edges. Unorthodox, unique and Stunning.

It is though her extraordinary guitar playing (if you don't believe me check out her cover of Big Black's "Kerosene" below) that makes her so good to watch.

Greg Davies - Facebook
Friday 13th July - Comedy Arena

What's this comedy on a music blog? Pah. No seriously, Greg Davies is good, very good infact.

I was meant to be seeing him in February but snow put pay to that and I shall (extraordinary circumstances depending) be there on Friday afternoon to put that right.

I don't really know what to say about comedy; he's funny come and see him!

Bat For Lashes - Facebook
Sunday 15th July - Obelisk Arena

The Internet (well sections of it) went a bit stir crazy a couple of weeks back when Natasha Khan annouced her long awaiting return with Bat For Lashes third album (The Haunted Man due October 15th), some not so hot quality live qualities soon did the rounds, but I'm trying to hold off to experience the new tracks first hand as on the main stage of the festival on Sunday evening.

If it's anything like the first two albums we won't be dissapointed and to steal some words direct from the BBC's review of the first Bat For Lashes album, I'm hoping for a show that is 'ethereal, cinematic, fantastical'.