L'Amour Des Rêves - New Music "Introducing"

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I'm currently at the stage where the only time I get to write blogs is way past midnight when I really should be in bed or at lunchtime at work when arguably my boss would prefer me to be doing something a little more 'productive'. Today I was going to write about London Grammar's new track "Strong" then I decided if you've not heard that you've probably been on Mars so decided to head into my draft folder and finish this post on Sheffield Duo Tom & Jess aka L'Amour Des Rêves instead(or The Love of Dreams if you prefer).

They recently released their debut five track EP Avec... and for those of you who want to be transported back to some point in the 60's, it's going to come as your favourite treat of the year so far. The recordings are purposely simplistic, minimal and raw with audible hiss throughout, it only adds to the charm. The five tracks come and go within ten minutes, only a fleeting trip down memory lane then, but one you'll want to take over and over again.

The duo alternate between a brash, haphazard sound heard on the wonderful "If You Got Nothing Nice To Say (Then Why Don't You Say Nothing)" where big, hollow drums echo around stark guitar riffs to a softer, girl-group sound heard on the swoon-some "(I Couldn't) Live Without You".

"What You Gonna Do?" reminds me of an unpolished Young Romance with fuzzy guitar and pounding drums, Jess has the same strength and emotion in her voice as Claire and I guess the fact that both groups are duo's of voice/drums and guitar helps that comparison too while "I Stole the Night" ends this wonderful EP on a beautifully pure note with syrupy sweet pop verses capable of melting the sternest of hearts.

After that (and a listen below) you'll probably want to grab the EP, which you can do via the magic of the internet - get it now via Bandcamp with a few remaining tapes left at Rough Trade

Swords - Lions & Gold

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Dublin based trio Swords came to my attention via their single "Lions & Gold", the latest track to be released from their debut album of the same name which comes out tomorrow digitally via iTunes and other digital distributors too no doubt.

It intoxicates immediately with a luxurious poppy atmosphere and Diane Anglim's slightly kooky but always fascinating vocals; a confident, seductive sheen and propulsive rhythms create an immaculate melody, rich and sentimental it commands repeat listens.

Earlier single "All The Boys" is even more infectious, drawing immediate comparisons to YYY's is a real dance-floor filler that throbs and shimmers with a supercharged synth/power-pop glitz and as Prince says on one of his lesser tracks from Emancipation, "Get Your Groove On".

Treasureseason - New Music "Introducing"

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Not strictly a new music post, the band in question formed a good few years ago now but Treasureseason, the UK/Swedish duo of David Powell and Ida Olsson released their debut 7" via Coja Records last week (available for just £3.00 - a price I'm not quite sure how they can afford!), with two summer anthems full of bright synths and luscious vocals guaranteed to have you wishing you were anywhere but looking out the window to grey clouds and impending rain (welcome to summer in London).

"Don't Hold Back" is the track which first caught my attention, a pretty blend of glistening synth and delicate dream-pop vocal textures but it is "Archipelago" that's the stripped back centrepiece, with a beautiful, understated melody that slowly intoxicates the mind whilst soft slow-motion vocals tug at your heartstrings - magical stuff.

The Joy Formidable #19 - Silent Treatment

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One of the undisputed highlights of The Joy Formidable's latest album Wolf's Law "Silent Treatment" is given the makeover treatment by famed producer William Orbit as part of the bands latest release, a digital only EP released next week July 8th and available via Amazon and no doubt other places too.

The four track release contains the remix, the original, a live version of "Tendons" - which sounds bloody superb live by the way - and a new track "All This Promise". On the album "Silent Treatment" comes as a welcome respite from the adrenaline pumping tracks beforehand (and after when followed by the rather massive "Maw Maw Song"), now as a stand-alone track it is allowed to shine properly, the remix is subtlety done, adding atmosphere and skeletal synths to Ritzy's show-stopping vocal and delicate acoustic guitar - as intimate and beautiful as things get. Kick back and spend your evening with this.

Chelsea Wolfe #10 - The Warden

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Chelsea Wolfe has been one of the most prolific artists of the last few years; two studio albums, a live release and an acoustic album which brought together some tracks which pre-dated her official debut and some new tracks too, all those different releases in a relatively short period of time and never the slightest hint at dropping quality (and worldwide tours on top). Not one to rest on her laurels Chelsea has announced her next album Pain Is Beauty for release on 3rd September via Sargent House.

To whet the appetite further there's a stream of the lead single "The Warden" and it might come as a little shock at first, sure you can instantly recognise Chelsea Wolfe, it's eerie, haunting and made it the dark but it sounds altogether different to anything heard by Chelsea previously. Gone are the dirty, sludgy riffs, the heavy guitar chords swathed in distortion and the doom-laden drums and instead we're here listening to a minimalist synth-pop track, I'm honest enough to admit it took me a couple of listens to adjust although I'm now a fully paid subscriber.

Chelsea's thin, ethereal whispers float perfectly over stark, industrial beats, softened and echoey amongst glittering synths "The Warden" remains bleak yet powerfully hypnotic, altogether hinting perfectly at the albums title, beautifully intimate.

Also make sure you check out the stunning live version of "Feral Love" below, another track which is on Pain Is Beauty - fear not all you dark metal-heads!. I'm excited for this album a lot, nervously excited, just the way you should be when one of your favourite acts releases something new.

Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker - Fire and Fortune

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I briefly covered Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker here after I picked them as one of my three final acts for the Glastonbury Festival Emerging Talent Contest earlier this year (a competition which was won by the wonderful Bridie Jackson & The Arbour) after the truly captivating "Done" caused me Goosebumps, they return with the title track to their forthcoming album Fire & Fortune, a stark, atmospheric track coupled with a suitably disturbing video that soon becomes unforgettable.

Repeating harmonies and hollow drums echo and creep with hypnotic, dark-hued intent. Complimented by Ben's exemplary guitar playing and production Josienne's pure, hymnal vocals become almost meditative as this poignant and strangely beautiful track creeps up on you with its restrained power and grace.

The album Fire & Fortune is a collection of traditional folk songs and original tracks, you can pre-order on vinyl via Bandcamp now with an album launch at The Forge in Camden the previous Friday the 19th July - details.