Phoebe Bridgers - New Music "Introducing"

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Sorry to my source for this, my draft folder was nothing more than a bandcamp link (I do like to say if I discover an act via another blog etc and it annoys me how few do), Phoebe Bridgers is a Los Angeles artist whom appears to have progressed from a solo singer-songwriter to the more expansive indie-folk/pop which make up her Killer EP.

Opening track "Chelsea" gives the release the perfect start, growing from stark shimmering guitars and bare, dark lyrics to a storming indie track full of confident swagger and luscious melody, I read the track is a nod to Irish folk music and I can hear that in Phoebe's vocal, her voice sounds natural and clear throughout and the production is top notch too.

Elsewhere things change up considerably, the title track is a pared-down acoustic number with the great line "I'm sick of the chase, but I'm hungry for blood", is full of weighty emotions (as is much of the EP) whereas closing track "Whatever" is pure fun, a stomping Juggernaut of guitar and addictive, repetitive chorus, it hints at much more to come and completes a highly enjoy release. Killer is available to download on a pay-what-you-like basis via Bandcamp.

Liza Anne #3 - 1,000 Years

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Liza Anne has quietly come to Europe, I only found out through this video, a live recording of her track "1,000 Years" (nothing to do with that song). Her album The Colder Months became one of my early year favourites after I became smitten with its breathtaking title-track, an atmospheric beauty that slowly swells around widescreen guitars and softly emotive vocals, it sets the tone for the entire record.

This stripped back version of "1,000 Years" sees Liza joined by Paris based Josh Savage, the track is an understated, intimate and wholly gorgeous number with barely there acoustic plucks and plaintive piano chords placing the emphasis and the pair's words and voices, both haunting and delicate, this is a heart-melting video, make sure you give it a watch below.

Annoyingly (for me), her only London date penned so far is this Sunday, June 1st at a Communion Music at Notting Hill Arts Club.

I've included the album version below too. The Colder Months is available here.

Paperwhite - Magic

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Today I have two wishes; that Paperwhite were British and that this track, "Magic", was our Eurovision entry. We would have walked it (well perhaps came second). Alas the brother / sister duo hail from Brooklyn (does that actually matter?) but this track, their second (I managed to miss last year's debut "Got Me Goin'" altogether) is pure, instant love. I was going to write that in capital letters but then I remembered I'm almost 32.

"Magic" immediately sets about its aim with an anthemic introduction, a glitter-ball of sophisticated 80's leaning electro-pop before we are introduced to the utterly swoonsome voice of Katie Hamilton. The mood is youthful, romantic and effervescent througout and armed with soaring, Haim-esque choruses "Magic" has got the words 'Radio One Playlist Committee' written straight through it.

This should be massive (it's got eighty thousand plays in ten days, not too bad). Get it on iTunes now.

Hydrogen Sea - Leave a Mark

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I meant to write about a little bit about this track last month, it's been a crazy month my end and one that seemingly doesn't want to let go. Belgian duo Hydrogen Sea came to my attention through "Leave a Mark", the first track taken from their debut EP Court The Dark (the last copies of which are available now via Unday Records).

The track is pure beauty and chills, a slow motion melody of soft, bubbling electronics and languid, caressing vocals provides the ghostly air which effortless combine to draw you into a hazy, shivers-down-the-spine inducing mood. Bliss.

Dios Mio #3 - Stories

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I was pretty quick on the uptake of the original Dios Mio demos last September, almost nine months later (and after the equally great "Proto") comes the London based quartet's first 'official' single "Stories", a track which made its debut last month, but better late than never eh (and the official release date isn't actually until June 30th)...

You can immediately feel the investment in studio hours pay off, the track sounds bigger and more refined than those earlier (and still impressive) tracks, "Stories" is beautiful, brooding and infectious, with a sophisticated, smoldering melody swirling around glistening guitars, a tight rhythm section and Helena's stunning vocals, "Stories" sounds like the beginning of one hell of journey for the band...

First Aid Kit #8 - Cedar Lane (Live)

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I've posted about this track before and this act even more but my love for First Aid Kit grew even more strong with a sparkling, rocking, beautiful performance at Islington's Assembly Hall a couple of weeks ago, a far cry from the first time I saw the Söderberg sisters perform in front of 40-60 people at Glastonbury's Greenpeace stage in 2010. Their progression is startling, their live show is near perfect, sounding completely effortless and never bigger or more polished than on the tracks from their third full length Stay Gold (due June 9th and available to order on Gold vinyl now).

This version of "Cedar Lane" is labelled as a live "acoustic" version (and I think I spot their Dad on guitar) yet it sums up that maturity. A full, rich melody that is an absolute joy to listen to. I've repeated this track a half dozen times already and I'm still smiling - I absolutely love the change between their voices, Klara's beautiful lead and the way Johanna's voice complements it, slightly huskier, her voice makes me swoon everytime it kicks in and those harmonies at the songs climax. Wow. I can't wait to see them again (September at the Royal Albert Hall!!!).