Oh Land - Bloodbuzz Ohio

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I'm confusing myself here, I'm pretty sure I've posted about Oh Land before though, apparently I have not. Apart from my review after seeing her twice at Glastonbury, this is the maiden posting about the Danish singer-songwriter / pop-star, she's yet to be officially launched in the UK, her self-titled (second album) is due for release here on November 21st (though it reached no 5. in the Danish charts in March). Any purveyor of synth-pop would be wise to investigate Nanna Øland Fabricius as soon as they can and if you are reading this, let that time be now...

The album is probably the best pop album I've heard this year (I can't bring myself to listen to Nicola Roberts), "Sun of a Gun" is the catchiest, an energetic slice of fun that's both dance floor and radio friendly, similarly "White Nights" keeps things playful, sparkling synth hooks, looping drum beats and gorgeous melodies make for one of the most irresistibly infectious tracks of the year. My favourite track though is "Wolf & I" where Oh Land's sultry vocal completely enchant you in a goose-bump inducing ballad.

Anyway, all that gushing wasn't actually the reason for this post, this was... Oh Land has released a cover of The National's "Bloodbuzz Ohio" and before you fanboys go running off screaming, listen to it, it's actually all kinds of brilliant. A restrained synth warble and delicate electronic beat create this dreamy, brooding ambiance and the switch of vocals from Matt Berninger signature baritone to Oh Land's ethereal whispers create an emotive version that is nothing sort of beautiful. Covers can be a dangerous thing, Oh Land have pulled this one off no question.

Oh Land - Bloodbuzz Ohio (The National Cover)

Oh Land play Heaven on November 10th - tickets - unfortunately it's the same day as St Vincent and until somebody gives me a DeLorean DMC-12 I'm unable to time travel or be in two places at the same time.

Here's some samples from the album:
Wolf & I by Oh Land


White Nights from Oh Land Music on Vimeo.

Zola Jesus #13 - Vessel Video

With this post I'm in danger of turning into a hipster blog that only posts videos and neglects words though I've mentioned Zola Jesus so much recently that if you hadn't realised I'm completely in love with Nika you've been on another dimension, this stunning accompanying video for "Vessel" has been released, give it five minutes of your time now, it's jaw-dropping, just like the song:



You can now buy the wonderful 'Conatus' on stunning marble vinyl in Europe or coloured vinyl in the US.

 

Creatures of Love #3 - Barbatos

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Creatures of Love return with a sparkling new version of a track I first mentioned back in February, 'Barbatos' will be the London trio's second release and for those of you who prefer quick a summary, the first word that comes to my mind to describe the track is enormous.

"Barbatos" is epic and dramatic, CoL are, and to forgive the pun, creatures of the night, a veil of thick, misty gloom shrouds throughout, an atmospheric current of doom-laden shadowy beats, echoey guitars and icy chimes. "Barbatos" is unashamedly melodramatic and sumptuous for it, Bonita's vocals striking, effortlessly conveying equal measures of beauty and emotion through her incredible voice. Creatures of Love music maybe dark and window shattering in proportion but it is also quite gorgeous.

I can't see the accompanying video being shown on MTV any time soon, it features two girls dressed in school uniforms and swimming costumes (and a whale) and features them in all manner of provocative and suggestive positions (not the whale), not one for the easily offended I guess.

For those of you coming to see The Joy Formidable over the next three weeks get there early because CoL are the first support, I've seen them a couple of times already and their live show is stunning, extremely loud and maintains this incredible intensity throughout, when I first saw them at The Borderline in January the room went silent as soon as they started - not bad for a support band. They've also the biggest light bulb I've ever seen. Alternatively, they headline London's CAMP on November 24th.

Like their debut "An Introduction to Creatures of Love", "Barbatos" will be released on ultra limited (just 66 copies) via Red CD in 7" vinyl packaging, assumingly on sale in their shop here and on The Joy Formidable tour. You can get the track as a free download from the band with a quick trip here.

Listen / Watch:
Creatures Of Love - Barbatos by CreaturesOfLove

Esben and the Witch #5 - Hexagons

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Just a couple of days after I mention Esben & The Witch teasing us with a trailer for a forthcoming EP the Brighton trio have released a track from it as a free download...

You can stream / download "Hexagons II (The Flight)" below. After their long awaited debut 'Violet Cries' February release you could have forgiven the band for taking the rest of year to promote and tour it, though I for one am happy to see them return quickly and can't wait to hear this standalone EP in full, given the six part hexagon title (including a revamped Hexagon IV from the album), I'm hopeful for a seamless listening experience.

I think it's safe to assume that fans of the album will be immediately at home with "Hexagons II", it continues with the eerie, atmospheric soundscapes heard on the full-length, the otherworldly vocals of Rachel Davies combine with creeping guitar line echoes and electronic rhythms to create an icy cold, misty fairy tale that's equal part celestial and nightmare. Esben & The Witch's hauntingly dark sounds definitely aren't for the mainstream (I'm still unsure as to how they got a BBC Sound of 2011 birth - not that I'm saying it's undeserved, I just don't see any mainstream crossover potential) yet for those willing to enter their bewitching (sorry) universe, the Brighton three piece are proving to be one of the essential acts of this decade.

The six part Hexagons EP is due for release November 7th (I've not seen any mention of physical/digital release method yet), the full track listing and a small handful of live shows can be found at their label Matador's site.

Make sure you buy the 'Chorea' 12" to, exclusive to Record Store Day but you can get a copy for a fiver from the band direct here.

 

Ellen and the Escapades - New Music "Introducing"

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I'm behind the times with Ellen and the Escapedes, other than the knowledge they won the Glastonbury Emerging Talent contest in 2010 I'd gone no further with the five piece until I listened to their forthcoming single 'When The Tide Creeps In’ (which is due for digital release October 24th), it certainly was enough to pull me in.

Ellen has this commanding vocal, dusky, warm and gorgeous, the country tinged a-side "When the Tide Creeps In" sweeps along with delicious melodies and passionate vocals, it's beautifully put together and delivered in such a captivating manner, a perfect choice for a single.

B-side "Always in My Heart" is slower, more delicate and intimate, Ellen's soulful vocals backed by gentle acoustic guitar and glorious harmonies. You can listen to both tracks below.

Ellen and the Escapades play an intimate show at London's Bowery tonight (details), the support is the wonderful Emily and the Woods and I'll be trying my darnedest to get there. Further dates throughout the remainder of the year can be found on Ellen's site.

When The Tide Creeps In by Ellen and the Escapades
Always In My Heart by Ellen and the Escapades


Green Man Session 017 // Ellen And The Escapades - When The Tide Creeps In from Green Man on Vimeo.

Paper Aeroplanes - New Music "Introducing"

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Over the next month or so I'm trying to make a concerted effort to write up some posts that I've had in 'draft' status for a period of time. This is a pure 'hobby blog' and finding the time to do everything I want is, at times, difficult... I've around sixty posts in various states of 'draft', some are half written, some purely a reminder to investigate a band further, I'll go through them as my mood fancies so be prepared for some blog post about bands with nothing to currently promote!

Anyway, waffling, I don't remember when Paper Aeroplanes came to my attention but their melancholia-laced acoustic / alternative pop songs are going to melt your heart with their honest, intimate approach to song-craft and the damn-right gorgeous voice of vocalist Sarah Howells.

Their most recent release is the 'A Comfortable Sleep' EP (which was released September 16th and can be streamed / dowloaded from their bandcamp page now) my stand-out is the stunning heartfelt "All You Need", I'm repeating myself already but the most important part of Paper Aeroplanes is Sarah's voice. Her gorgeous, soothing vocal steals the show, the melodies are simple and restrained, the lyrics thoughtful and reflective and backed by Richard Llewellyn's understated guitar the end result is beautiful.

Similarly check out the lovely "Tuesday" below, equally capable of caressing or soothing depending on your mood. I could easily say the same for "Painkiller" another luscious track which sees the addition of gentle strings to accompany intricate acoustic strums and the pitch perfect vocals.

The EP is their second release of the year, in April they released a mini-album, the seven track 'We Were Ghosts', I've included an acoustic video for a track that blew me away on first listen, the breathtaking "Same Mistakes" as well as the slightly more upbeat jaunt of "Safe Hands". Stream / download and purchase a CD copy here.

In typical me fashion, being late to the party, the band have already been on their UK tour for well over a week, though they have a handful of dates left including London on Wednesday (at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith) - full dates.

All You Need by Paper Aeroplanes
Paper Aeroplanes - Tuesday
Paper Aeroplanes - Safe Hands