Monday 20 December 2010
Merry Christmas !
Saw these guys at Cardiff Arts Institute a few weeks back, reet good fun. They do a cracking cover of the Dr. Who theme and now especially for Christmas, a cover of 'Walking in the Air'. It's Smerins Anti-Social Club!
Saturday 11 December 2010
Vessels
Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute
Leedian Post-Rock band Vessels are back with a new single in anticipation of their album 'Helioscope' which is due in Feb 2011. The first thing that you'll notice and will be suprised by is that it has vocals which you'll think would be courtesy of Thom Yorke. You'll then be even more suprised to hear that its actually the sounds of the big-time LSE academic Stuart Warwick. The second thing you'll notice is that its one of the most beautiful songs you've heard all year. Lazy percussion until a textbook post-rock crescendo that doesn't sound too formulaic, maybe due to being thrown off by the vocals. They are performing a major European tour with the massive Oceansize; an event that I could only imagine as being earth obliterating.
Vessels - Meatman, Piano Tuner, Prostitute (feat. Stuart Warwick) from Vessels Band on Vimeo.
Leedian Post-Rock band Vessels are back with a new single in anticipation of their album 'Helioscope' which is due in Feb 2011. The first thing that you'll notice and will be suprised by is that it has vocals which you'll think would be courtesy of Thom Yorke. You'll then be even more suprised to hear that its actually the sounds of the big-time LSE academic Stuart Warwick. The second thing you'll notice is that its one of the most beautiful songs you've heard all year. Lazy percussion until a textbook post-rock crescendo that doesn't sound too formulaic, maybe due to being thrown off by the vocals. They are performing a major European tour with the massive Oceansize; an event that I could only imagine as being earth obliterating.
Thursday 2 December 2010
Sunday 21 November 2010
Monday 15 November 2010
Teeth of the Sea
Your Mecury
After gaining critical success with their debut, Teeth of the Sea are back with their own brand of post-psych-rock. Clearly, the album is hard to link to a specific genre and the underlying theme is difficult to determine, although it is one of exploration and adventure (both musically and in the imagery it conjures). This is due to its experimental and varied nature. The Ambassador sounds like a 6 minute version of an early Metallica intro; a drone of noise with aggressive tom-tom beatings. A.C.R.O.N.Y.M brings 70’s psych rock with distorted guitar riffs and screaming feedback together with early synths. Think Manfred Manns Earth Band meets the intro of The Who’s Baba O’Riley. The title track is harrowingly progressive to the point where you just want it to be over. Other tracks are more ambient, void of drums and regard for typical song structure. Even so, it strikes you as intelligent to the point of nodding respect; in the same way as you’d feel wrong bad mouthing Richard D. James for being too ‘out there’.
However, the peaks of noise rock and ambient troughs are seldom uplifting. This is a melancholy journey, maybe to the depths of Middle Earth. Don’t expect to come out the other end ready to conquer life’s trials, instead prepare to be more disheartened by what lies before. Obviously this does not render it a bad album; it is worth it for a few seriously good songs but some leave you confused about where they are coming from and why.
7/10
Teeth of the Sea - A.C.R.O.N.Y.M.
After gaining critical success with their debut, Teeth of the Sea are back with their own brand of post-psych-rock. Clearly, the album is hard to link to a specific genre and the underlying theme is difficult to determine, although it is one of exploration and adventure (both musically and in the imagery it conjures). This is due to its experimental and varied nature. The Ambassador sounds like a 6 minute version of an early Metallica intro; a drone of noise with aggressive tom-tom beatings. A.C.R.O.N.Y.M brings 70’s psych rock with distorted guitar riffs and screaming feedback together with early synths. Think Manfred Manns Earth Band meets the intro of The Who’s Baba O’Riley. The title track is harrowingly progressive to the point where you just want it to be over. Other tracks are more ambient, void of drums and regard for typical song structure. Even so, it strikes you as intelligent to the point of nodding respect; in the same way as you’d feel wrong bad mouthing Richard D. James for being too ‘out there’.
However, the peaks of noise rock and ambient troughs are seldom uplifting. This is a melancholy journey, maybe to the depths of Middle Earth. Don’t expect to come out the other end ready to conquer life’s trials, instead prepare to be more disheartened by what lies before. Obviously this does not render it a bad album; it is worth it for a few seriously good songs but some leave you confused about where they are coming from and why.
7/10
Teeth of the Sea - A.C.R.O.N.Y.M.
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Two For Tuesdays
Oh go on make it three!
How to create an instant state of dreaming. Step 1, Layer delayed harmonious synths. Step 2, Lazy resounding drums with bongo. Step 3, Get Victoria Bergsman from Taken By Trees to lay down her angelic soaring vocals over it all. Result?
Korallreven - Honey Mine (Feat. Victoria Bergsman)
RIP Denis Wielemans, the drummer from Belgian garage pop band Girls in Hawaii who was killed in a car crash earlier this year. Definately grunge influenced with vocals remind me of Cobain in some songs (not in the following one though). However this song has a big distorted guitar riff that makes you want to through yourself around the place and do all the things you wish you'd done when you were younger.
Girls in Hawaii - Flavor
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Norwegian disco extraodinaire Lindstrøm first teamed up with Christabelle (Isabelle Sandoo) who you may know as Solale back in 2003 with the single 'Music (In My Mind)'. Since then he has 3 solo albums and numerous collaborations with Prins Thomas. Then finally, earlier this year a full album with Christabelle, Real Life Is No Cool was released.
Lindstrøm & Christabelle - Lovesick
How to create an instant state of dreaming. Step 1, Layer delayed harmonious synths. Step 2, Lazy resounding drums with bongo. Step 3, Get Victoria Bergsman from Taken By Trees to lay down her angelic soaring vocals over it all. Result?
Korallreven - Honey Mine (Feat. Victoria Bergsman)
RIP Denis Wielemans, the drummer from Belgian garage pop band Girls in Hawaii who was killed in a car crash earlier this year. Definately grunge influenced with vocals remind me of Cobain in some songs (not in the following one though). However this song has a big distorted guitar riff that makes you want to through yourself around the place and do all the things you wish you'd done when you were younger.
Girls in Hawaii - Flavor
Norwegian disco extraodinaire Lindstrøm first teamed up with Christabelle (Isabelle Sandoo) who you may know as Solale back in 2003 with the single 'Music (In My Mind)'. Since then he has 3 solo albums and numerous collaborations with Prins Thomas. Then finally, earlier this year a full album with Christabelle, Real Life Is No Cool was released.
Lindstrøm & Christabelle - Lovesick
Sunday 7 November 2010
Sŵn Festival / Cardiff / Oct 21-23
The 4th celebration of live music courtesy of Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephans. Sŵn is pronounced 'soon' and it means sounds in Welsh. It takes place over a number of venues throughout Cardiff with each one providing a different atmosphere. This year saw Mancunian synthy indie band Egyptian Hip Hop, the distorted moody drone of Swans and an acoustic set from Cardiff's Kids in Glass Houses amoung many others. Sŵn gives a much needed injection of live music to a predominately dubstep raving student base. Only at festivals can you experience such a broad range of music and how lovely it is to have one in your own city during out of festie term time. Unfortunately I couldn't make the Thursday but here is a quick run down of some of the musical delights that I witnessed over the weekend.
Friday
Plyci
Cardiff Arts Institute kicked off Fridays Proceedings with some very interesting experimental dance music. Each bringing their own various sampler equipment. The north Walian Plyci came to the stage bringing his heavy saw tooth electro that chops and changes so much that it could be IDM. He finished off with a harmonious ambient song called Flump that has a floaty piano over Aphex-esque glitches, a really nice song that you can check out on his MYSPACE
Dam Mantle
Now this guy is a strange lad from Glasgow. The music is hectic, his movements even more erratic. He plays live guitar, sings live, bangs on a drum whilst looping it all and the result is a similar breed of music to Gold Panda. However, it wasn't quite there on the live performance, at times it could be abit of a mess, off time bangs on a single tom at random became abit annoying. There is alot of potential and the recorded stuff on his myspace is much more together and worth a listen.
Dam Mantle - Theater
Quinoline Yellow
Once a food colouring that has now been banned has taken the form of glitchy IDM. Some serious production going on here but unfortunately technical difficulties meant that literally everything was peaking and distorting. A somewhat disheartened Luke Williams at one point even left his decks to come out to the crowd to check that he wasn't imagining it. He played out the set and at some points you could hear some real genius and sometimes the distortion actually worked with the track. Anyway there's no distortion on the recorded stuff so check it.
Quinoline Yellow - Off Ground Touch
The Keys
Cardiff bred 60's garage rock band filled Y Fuwch Goch to capacity and were a great laugh. Sounded similar to Band of Skulls and BRMC at parts. At one point there was a progressive middle 8, almost post rock like which I thoroughly enjoyed. Trying to revive 60's rock could be dangerously tacky like a night out at Flares maybe but this payed off. Its not an attempt at going back in time, more an adaptation of the past. Check out the nice summery tune called Fire Inside on the Myspace.
The Keys Myspace
Saturday
Alphabet Backwards
Well if like me you were hanging from Friday, Alphabet Backwards tried to pick you up at CAI with some happy synth pop. The guy on the old school 80's synths was the real talent and also the drummer was remarkable especially for an indie pop band. There is a male and a female singer who had a strange relationship as it appeared the lyrics were about each other yet there was not much interaction between them. There were some lyrical issues aswell, one song was actually about Primark. Although a good singer, his cockney was abit too Ordinary Boys for me but I wont be too harsh as they were entertaining.
Alphabet Backwards Myspace
Tom Gray
One of the highlights of the festie was Tom Gray from Gomez. A very likable musician who provided not only great acoustic versions of Gomez songs but also humoured the audience with his dry wit and anecdotes. I think CAI was a perfect venue for him as the chemistry between him and the crowd was jovial and removed any awkwardness an intimate venue can have. He helped to laugh of the hangover and set me up for the rest of the days adventures.
GOMEZ MYSPACE
Magic Kids
All the way from Memphis Tennessee this young surf pop band look set to be following in The Drums footsteps who interestingly played at Sŵn festival last year.
Magic Kids - Summer
Islet
A little treat was install for all who could make it into the cramped Model Inn. The last band of the event were suitably chosen to make swn go out with a bang. The atmosphere was one of anticipation as Islet are a well established Cardiff band and I think most people knew what to expect. It was loud, really loud, and very exciting. Its hard to say 'front man' as everyone switches instruments and roles but the curly haired guy from Attack and Defend was the most energetic, climbing on the speakers, jumping off the walls, drumming on the ceiling beams, the lot. The band is quite percussion orientated with various members banging away whilst jumping around on their feet. The crowd were right involved, in unison with the band, moshing appropriately at each crescendo and waiting anxiously in the high tension interludes. A hugely exciting band that are definately going places.
Islet - Ringerz
Islet - Iris
Saturday 6 November 2010
Tu Fawning
Hearts On Hold
Portland quartet Tu Fawning have their debut full length album out after only releasing one EP back in 2008. Mysterious and dark that can even make for a haunting experience but in an exciting, curious way. Corrina's vocals have a vintage quality that sound almost juxtaposed against the moody guitar especially on the aggressive chorus of 'I Know You Now'. I'm a fan of 'The Felt Sense' which sounds like a pre-battle tune for medieval warfare. It's well worth a listen.
Tu Fawning - The Felt Sense
Portland quartet Tu Fawning have their debut full length album out after only releasing one EP back in 2008. Mysterious and dark that can even make for a haunting experience but in an exciting, curious way. Corrina's vocals have a vintage quality that sound almost juxtaposed against the moody guitar especially on the aggressive chorus of 'I Know You Now'. I'm a fan of 'The Felt Sense' which sounds like a pre-battle tune for medieval warfare. It's well worth a listen.
Tu Fawning - The Felt Sense
Saturday 30 October 2010
Thursday 28 October 2010
Wooden Wand
Death Seat
Don’t let the title give you the impression that it’s all satanic guitar riffs and screamo vocals. Instead kick back and let James Jackson Toth’s voice inspire you. He is your noble story teller in lieu if Bob Dylan, his narrative witty and dark in humour. The rich layers of acoustic guitar give an earthy, well-trodden weight that draws you in to James’s lyrics. Listening goes down easy and it’s not long before you’re on a shambolic journey that requires no effort on your behalf. However, it is not lo-fi to the extent of the indie folk you here so much of these days. ‘The Mountain’ is a psychedelic number that leaves you sympathetic to Toth’s trials and tribulations. ‘Ms Mowse’ is similarly hallucinatory but more somber. Then James goes downright gloomy with ‘Servant to Blues’. This is Wooden Wands third LP since former records with his collaborators Vanishing Voice. It is more accomplished and mature like an aged single malt, which I’m sure he also enjoys. Reminisces of relationships are humourous in ‘I Made You’ as if taken from a wisened perspective. I like how free of pretence this particular revival of 70’s folk is, even amoung the genre’s growing popularity. Maybe you’ve found yourself in the midst of some pretty chaotic times, if so Death Seat will empathize and entertain.
8/10
Don’t let the title give you the impression that it’s all satanic guitar riffs and screamo vocals. Instead kick back and let James Jackson Toth’s voice inspire you. He is your noble story teller in lieu if Bob Dylan, his narrative witty and dark in humour. The rich layers of acoustic guitar give an earthy, well-trodden weight that draws you in to James’s lyrics. Listening goes down easy and it’s not long before you’re on a shambolic journey that requires no effort on your behalf. However, it is not lo-fi to the extent of the indie folk you here so much of these days. ‘The Mountain’ is a psychedelic number that leaves you sympathetic to Toth’s trials and tribulations. ‘Ms Mowse’ is similarly hallucinatory but more somber. Then James goes downright gloomy with ‘Servant to Blues’. This is Wooden Wands third LP since former records with his collaborators Vanishing Voice. It is more accomplished and mature like an aged single malt, which I’m sure he also enjoys. Reminisces of relationships are humourous in ‘I Made You’ as if taken from a wisened perspective. I like how free of pretence this particular revival of 70’s folk is, even amoung the genre’s growing popularity. Maybe you’ve found yourself in the midst of some pretty chaotic times, if so Death Seat will empathize and entertain.
8/10
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Toro Y Moi @ Cardiff Arts Institute W/ Seams
Toro Y Moi
Chaz Bundick appeared reserved and shy, almost embarrassed by his soft, almost angelic voice. Between songs was silent, a few mumbles from the crowd as the venue is quite intimate with a low capacity. This made it hard for Chaz to really communicate with the audience. But despite this there was chemistry, maybe down to respect to such an interesting bunch of artists. Neither of them look like world touring musicians, more 'yeh I play in a band with my mates and occasionally we get a gig down the local' type folk. But then comes the music, layers and layers of sound from his keyboard and sampler which Chaz stabbed at with fast repetition. These sounds sometimes built up too much and interfered to detrimental effect, maybe due to the venues acoustics.
The set was quite gig friendly and almost didn't do justice to the album; it sounded more stereotypically "indie" as opposed to refreshing and inventive. Having said this they played my favorite song 'You Hid' and 'Low Shoulder' got me dancey and consequently I can't stop playing it. He also played a new one off his forthcoming album that was really funky and got the audience very enthusiastic. And obviously 'Blessa' was thoroughly enjoyable.
I caught up with Chaz afterwards and was surprised to find him packing up merchandise. He is very softly spoken and friendly. He informed me that his new album is due in February and that there is more to come from his side project Les Sins.
Seams
Well its fair to say I was left shocked and almost bemused at what I had just witnessed after Seams captivated each and everyones mind in the warm up act. I like James Welch's style, head down, concentrating on the many tasks he is performing on the various flashing lights and knobs. Occasionally he will pick up the mic and produce lifting soothing vocals before looping them. The music is ambient with hints of IDM which apparently documents his various travels, life in Berlin and night cycling. Although he told me he is meant to be getting his degree at Birmingham Uni, the fact he is playing with the likes of Toro and Teengirl Fantasy shows that even he can't ignore his potential. I bought his tape and have been playing it constantly. Here is one of his tracks:
Hung Markets by seams
Chaz Bundick appeared reserved and shy, almost embarrassed by his soft, almost angelic voice. Between songs was silent, a few mumbles from the crowd as the venue is quite intimate with a low capacity. This made it hard for Chaz to really communicate with the audience. But despite this there was chemistry, maybe down to respect to such an interesting bunch of artists. Neither of them look like world touring musicians, more 'yeh I play in a band with my mates and occasionally we get a gig down the local' type folk. But then comes the music, layers and layers of sound from his keyboard and sampler which Chaz stabbed at with fast repetition. These sounds sometimes built up too much and interfered to detrimental effect, maybe due to the venues acoustics.
The set was quite gig friendly and almost didn't do justice to the album; it sounded more stereotypically "indie" as opposed to refreshing and inventive. Having said this they played my favorite song 'You Hid' and 'Low Shoulder' got me dancey and consequently I can't stop playing it. He also played a new one off his forthcoming album that was really funky and got the audience very enthusiastic. And obviously 'Blessa' was thoroughly enjoyable.
I caught up with Chaz afterwards and was surprised to find him packing up merchandise. He is very softly spoken and friendly. He informed me that his new album is due in February and that there is more to come from his side project Les Sins.
Seams
Well its fair to say I was left shocked and almost bemused at what I had just witnessed after Seams captivated each and everyones mind in the warm up act. I like James Welch's style, head down, concentrating on the many tasks he is performing on the various flashing lights and knobs. Occasionally he will pick up the mic and produce lifting soothing vocals before looping them. The music is ambient with hints of IDM which apparently documents his various travels, life in Berlin and night cycling. Although he told me he is meant to be getting his degree at Birmingham Uni, the fact he is playing with the likes of Toro and Teengirl Fantasy shows that even he can't ignore his potential. I bought his tape and have been playing it constantly. Here is one of his tracks:
Hung Markets by seams
Sunday 17 October 2010
Mrs Jynx
One of Planet Mu's less well known is the wonderful Mrs Jynx. The beautiful, flowing synths sound so paradisiacal that you could be chilling in Eden itself. Mrs Jynx is the moniker for Manchester bred Hannah Davidson and she has created a completely unique style that lies between ambient and IDM. Her 2nd full length album 'Shark Carousel' was out this July and is a must. Listen to it and let it relax, inspire and mesmerize you. Would definately like to see Mrs Jynx make a bigger name for herself, she deserves it.
Mrs Jynx - Silky
Warpaint
Shit this song scares me. Hits me in the stomach, some kind of nostalgia, some kind of idillic romance. The video embodies that notion perfectly with dreamy reminisces of young love and the harsh truth of change. Actually directed by drummer Shannyn Sossamon. The debut album 'The Fool' is out on the 25th which I am very much looking forward to.
Saturday 16 October 2010
Thursday 14 October 2010
KISSES
The Heart of the Nightlife
Kisses have just released another song from their forthcoming album 'The Heart of the Nightlife' entitled 'Kisses'. The album is due to be released on Monday. Gentle, breezy pop that still manages to captivate. Similar to Whitest Boy Alive but uptempo and synthesized.
Kisses - Kisses
Kisses - People Do The Most Amazing Things
Kisses have just released another song from their forthcoming album 'The Heart of the Nightlife' entitled 'Kisses'. The album is due to be released on Monday. Gentle, breezy pop that still manages to captivate. Similar to Whitest Boy Alive but uptempo and synthesized.
Kisses - Kisses
Kisses - People Do The Most Amazing Things
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Square Pusher
Shoblader One: Cryptic Motion
The legendary Squarepusher has not so long ago released a new single. Squarepusher has dabbled many different genres from high tempo IDM to a whole album of a solo electric bass guitar. He has now teamed up with Ed Banger, which, on the face of it sounds a bit weird; 'My Red Hot Car' meets Breakbot's 'Baby I'm Yours? I don't think so. The result sounds like something from the likes of Bullion, Mike Slott and Debruit. Nintendo synths and simplistic beats. I really rate it and, being Ed Banger and all, there is a Mr. Oizo remix too. Cryptic Motion is a preview of what is to come as Squarepusher's latest LP, Shobaleader One: d'Demonstrator is due to be released this Sunday. Get excited.
Squarepusher - Cryptic Motion
The legendary Squarepusher has not so long ago released a new single. Squarepusher has dabbled many different genres from high tempo IDM to a whole album of a solo electric bass guitar. He has now teamed up with Ed Banger, which, on the face of it sounds a bit weird; 'My Red Hot Car' meets Breakbot's 'Baby I'm Yours? I don't think so. The result sounds like something from the likes of Bullion, Mike Slott and Debruit. Nintendo synths and simplistic beats. I really rate it and, being Ed Banger and all, there is a Mr. Oizo remix too. Cryptic Motion is a preview of what is to come as Squarepusher's latest LP, Shobaleader One: d'Demonstrator is due to be released this Sunday. Get excited.
Squarepusher - Cryptic Motion
Falty DL
Endeavour EP
Experimental future garage pioneer straight outta NYC, Falty DL, has just released a shiny new single entitled Endeavour. Falty DL is a Planet Mu favourite of mine and I had the pleasure of seeing him at 10 feet tall in Cardiff last year. This latest EP is spot on, it's more downtempo and ambient than previous stuff I've heard which I like. Above is a music video made by the man himself put to the titled tack.
9/10
Experimental future garage pioneer straight outta NYC, Falty DL, has just released a shiny new single entitled Endeavour. Falty DL is a Planet Mu favourite of mine and I had the pleasure of seeing him at 10 feet tall in Cardiff last year. This latest EP is spot on, it's more downtempo and ambient than previous stuff I've heard which I like. Above is a music video made by the man himself put to the titled tack.
9/10
Sunday 10 October 2010
Thursday 7 October 2010
School of Seven Bells
SVIIBHeart is Strange EP
The recent SIIVB album release 'Disconnect From Desire' is a dream pop masterpiece. Danceable, poppy synths with haunting vocal harmonies from twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza. 'Heart is Strange' was released as a four track EP on the 24th September. There is a remix by Pantha Du Prince which has like a deep minimal tech feel with Booka Shade connotations. Phantogram has made ILU more shoegazey and sounds like a M83 number (I actually prefer this to the original). There is also a remix of 'Dust Devil' by White Sea. Check it.
7/10
SVIIB - ILU (Phantogram Remix)
The recent SIIVB album release 'Disconnect From Desire' is a dream pop masterpiece. Danceable, poppy synths with haunting vocal harmonies from twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza. 'Heart is Strange' was released as a four track EP on the 24th September. There is a remix by Pantha Du Prince which has like a deep minimal tech feel with Booka Shade connotations. Phantogram has made ILU more shoegazey and sounds like a M83 number (I actually prefer this to the original). There is also a remix of 'Dust Devil' by White Sea. Check it.
7/10
SVIIB - ILU (Phantogram Remix)
Tuesday 5 October 2010
CFCF / Collarbones
CFCFThe River
Montreal Chillwave pioneer CFCF has just released his latest EP 'The River'. Dark, moody and ambient whilst still sticking to his disco samples and poppy synths, quite a feat. The tracks are progressive with the rising and falling synths of 'It Was Never Meant To Be This Way' taking you on a misty mountain journey. 'Before and After Light' has a repetitive 3/4 rhythm that draws you into what is quite a ghostly song. If you're depressed, listen to this. If you're not, listen to his earlier works, much more uplifting.
7/10
CFCF - Before And After Light
Collarbones
Collarbones forthcoming full LP is eagerly awaited by many and is named Iconography. 'Beaman Park' is a taster of what's to come.
Collarbones - Beaman Park
Montreal Chillwave pioneer CFCF has just released his latest EP 'The River'. Dark, moody and ambient whilst still sticking to his disco samples and poppy synths, quite a feat. The tracks are progressive with the rising and falling synths of 'It Was Never Meant To Be This Way' taking you on a misty mountain journey. 'Before and After Light' has a repetitive 3/4 rhythm that draws you into what is quite a ghostly song. If you're depressed, listen to this. If you're not, listen to his earlier works, much more uplifting.
7/10
CFCF - Before And After Light
Collarbones
Collarbones forthcoming full LP is eagerly awaited by many and is named Iconography. 'Beaman Park' is a taster of what's to come.
Collarbones - Beaman Park
Sunday 3 October 2010
Too Many Pandas
Gold Panda
Where to start? Well it's all abit mad really, but hugely enjoyable. Straight Outta Essex, Gold Panda has made it on to Ghostly Records joining the like of Matthew Dear and School of Seven Bells. You can listen to the recently released debut LP 'Lucky Shiner' on his MYSPACE. He is obsessed with Japanese culture and this shows in his music; 'Quitter's Raga' has a very oriental feel. The song is also very glitchy and experimental with distorted samples taken from old VHS tapes found in charity shops. Other songs such as 'Back Home' are chilled and uplifting. Definately worth more than a little moment of your time.
Gold Panda - Quitter's Raga
Panda Bear
Ok now onto a completely different type of Panda, erm well, just 'Panda Bear'. If you like Animal Collective, you'll like this. This may have something to do Panda Bear is Noah Lennox of Animal Collective. Dreamy trippy hippy music with all sorts of harmonious vocal layers, impromptu key changes and other strange noises. I'm pretty sure it was recorded deep in the Amazon with an entourage of beautiful swaying hippy women (you know the type) and native tribal men smoking fuck knows what.
Panda Bear - Slow Motion
Where to start? Well it's all abit mad really, but hugely enjoyable. Straight Outta Essex, Gold Panda has made it on to Ghostly Records joining the like of Matthew Dear and School of Seven Bells. You can listen to the recently released debut LP 'Lucky Shiner' on his MYSPACE. He is obsessed with Japanese culture and this shows in his music; 'Quitter's Raga' has a very oriental feel. The song is also very glitchy and experimental with distorted samples taken from old VHS tapes found in charity shops. Other songs such as 'Back Home' are chilled and uplifting. Definately worth more than a little moment of your time.
Gold Panda - Quitter's Raga
Panda Bear
Ok now onto a completely different type of Panda, erm well, just 'Panda Bear'. If you like Animal Collective, you'll like this. This may have something to do Panda Bear is Noah Lennox of Animal Collective. Dreamy trippy hippy music with all sorts of harmonious vocal layers, impromptu key changes and other strange noises. I'm pretty sure it was recorded deep in the Amazon with an entourage of beautiful swaying hippy women (you know the type) and native tribal men smoking fuck knows what.
Panda Bear - Slow Motion
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Memory Tapes / Toro Y Moi / Washed Out
Seek Magic by Memory Tapes
Well magic was sought and magic was found. I, like all people interested in music, trawl through every method possible to find that song that makes you think, 'yes'. Unfortunately you then over play that song and the excitement wears so you have to go hunting for a new one to get your hit: its our crack. However, the play count of 'Green Knight' on my iTunes has increased more rapidly then any song before and shows no sign of slowing.
The song has a very psychedelic feel, the funky 70's guitar riff with psychedelic rock vocals with psychedelic 'aaaaahhhhss'. I didn't even know I was into that shit. 'Pink Stones' is a faster tempo instrumental number that gets your feet tapping when the beat kicks in after a long ambient intro. It resides back into ambience but some Japanese guitar comes in and you realise the whole feel of the song is oriental.
'Stop Talking' has an up tempo 80's beat with some funky guitar which suddenly breaks into a dramatic chorus. And its this that I think is the trend with alot of the songs; sudden breaks from downbeat interludes into psychedelic dream pop chorus's. This gives the songs a great sense of theatre. I don't know if its because theatre is something that is a dying in popularity that it has been idealized by some bands today like Empire of the Sun or because its just part of synthpop. Probably the latter. Maybe its because the world needs to take a journey away from economic crisis and iPads. Memory Tapes does just that.
9/10
Memory Tapes - Green
Knight
Causers Of This by Toro Y Moi
More hectic than the chillwave of aforementioned Memory Tapes but chilled nonetheless. Its glitchy and messy but still manages to soothe. Its busy too with a multitude of little synth shots especially in 'Lissoms'. I think it is the airy vocals that maintain the chill and are heavily side chain compressed in most cases. This is Chazwick Bundick's first full length album and I think its a magnificent debut.
Its quite varied aswell. I really like a song called 'You Hid' which is nice and chilled with a lazy electric piano and slooowww hip hop beat. But the title track is much more upbeat and dancey.
Chazwick also has a side dance music project where he goes my the moniker 'Les Sins' and I definately recommend you check some of that shit out, its good.
8/10
Toro Y Moi - Lissoms
Life of Leisure by Washed Out
Another psychedelic, dreamy, 'chillwave' heavyweight is the marvelous Washed Out. I'm being taken to a place that everyones going, I'm sure I like it but I'm not sure if I'm invited. That's the vibe I get anyway, ya get me? The American Ernest Green has produced some emotive and powerful works with 'Life of Leisure'. If you have problems dreaming, stick on 'Feel it all Around' whilst trying to sleep. The concise album is mostly chilled, different from the glitchy feel of Toro Y Moi.
8/10
Washed Out - Feel it all Around
Well magic was sought and magic was found. I, like all people interested in music, trawl through every method possible to find that song that makes you think, 'yes'. Unfortunately you then over play that song and the excitement wears so you have to go hunting for a new one to get your hit: its our crack. However, the play count of 'Green Knight' on my iTunes has increased more rapidly then any song before and shows no sign of slowing.
The song has a very psychedelic feel, the funky 70's guitar riff with psychedelic rock vocals with psychedelic 'aaaaahhhhss'. I didn't even know I was into that shit. 'Pink Stones' is a faster tempo instrumental number that gets your feet tapping when the beat kicks in after a long ambient intro. It resides back into ambience but some Japanese guitar comes in and you realise the whole feel of the song is oriental.
'Stop Talking' has an up tempo 80's beat with some funky guitar which suddenly breaks into a dramatic chorus. And its this that I think is the trend with alot of the songs; sudden breaks from downbeat interludes into psychedelic dream pop chorus's. This gives the songs a great sense of theatre. I don't know if its because theatre is something that is a dying in popularity that it has been idealized by some bands today like Empire of the Sun or because its just part of synthpop. Probably the latter. Maybe its because the world needs to take a journey away from economic crisis and iPads. Memory Tapes does just that.
9/10
Memory Tapes - Green
Knight
Causers Of This by Toro Y Moi
More hectic than the chillwave of aforementioned Memory Tapes but chilled nonetheless. Its glitchy and messy but still manages to soothe. Its busy too with a multitude of little synth shots especially in 'Lissoms'. I think it is the airy vocals that maintain the chill and are heavily side chain compressed in most cases. This is Chazwick Bundick's first full length album and I think its a magnificent debut.
Its quite varied aswell. I really like a song called 'You Hid' which is nice and chilled with a lazy electric piano and slooowww hip hop beat. But the title track is much more upbeat and dancey.
Chazwick also has a side dance music project where he goes my the moniker 'Les Sins' and I definately recommend you check some of that shit out, its good.
8/10
Toro Y Moi - Lissoms
Life of Leisure by Washed Out
Another psychedelic, dreamy, 'chillwave' heavyweight is the marvelous Washed Out. I'm being taken to a place that everyones going, I'm sure I like it but I'm not sure if I'm invited. That's the vibe I get anyway, ya get me? The American Ernest Green has produced some emotive and powerful works with 'Life of Leisure'. If you have problems dreaming, stick on 'Feel it all Around' whilst trying to sleep. The concise album is mostly chilled, different from the glitchy feel of Toro Y Moi.
8/10
Washed Out - Feel it all Around
Monday 20 September 2010
13 Great Disco Hots
Faze Action
I Wanna Dancer (Disco Rock
Dub Mix)
Metro Area
Miura
Tensnake
Around the House
Lindstrøm & Solale
Baby I can't Stop
(Aeroplane Remix)
Alan Braxe & Fred Falke
Chrystal City
Sneaky Sound System
When We Were Young (Shazam Remix)
1gnition
Secret Sunday Lover
(Greg Wilson Edit)
Geyster
Under the Fuse of Love (Lifelike Remix)
Teddybears
Black Belt
Russ Chimes
Mulsanne
Atmosphere
Swede's Scandal
S.O.S. Band
Just Be Good To Me
Moodymann
I Can't Kick This Feeling
When it Hits
I Wanna Dancer (Disco Rock
Dub Mix)
Metro Area
Miura
Tensnake
Around the House
Lindstrøm & Solale
Baby I can't Stop
(Aeroplane Remix)
Alan Braxe & Fred Falke
Chrystal City
Sneaky Sound System
When We Were Young (Shazam Remix)
1gnition
Secret Sunday Lover
(Greg Wilson Edit)
Geyster
Under the Fuse of Love (Lifelike Remix)
Teddybears
Black Belt
Russ Chimes
Mulsanne
Atmosphere
Swede's Scandal
S.O.S. Band
Just Be Good To Me
Moodymann
I Can't Kick This Feeling
When it Hits
Beast Rest In Heaven
Never Eat Shredded Wheat, well thats how I remember it anyway. Bear in Heaven's second album is a play on North South East West, entitled Beast Rest Forth Mouth. I have only stumbled across them recently but only due to a recent release which is the same album, remixed. I particularly like the Studio Remix of 'You Do You' which is a much funkier version of the original.
Bear In Heaven - You Do You (Studio Remix)
I checked out the original which I don't actually prefer, but still really rate. It is more dream pop and much more dramatic, a totally different ball game. However I then tried listening to the rest of the original album and found it too much, over dramatised in parts but maybe I'm just being boring. Although I do like the shoegaze feel of 'Wholehearted Mess' and 'Dust Cloud' is a nice Chilled one.
Bear in Heaven - Wholehearted Mess
I would recommend instead the new Remixed album. Obviously it is varied as each song is remixed by a different person but there are some great songs. The Fields remix of 'Ultimate Satisfaction' is a dark, demonaic reconstruction which I actually quite like (Even if it is ultimate satisfaction from, oh i dunno, brutally eating someone alive). Its very progressive and is very effective when the drums come in. It's almost, by the end, refreshing as it is a well earned break from all that hipster Yeasayer shit. Well worth a listen.
Bear in Heaven - Ultimate Satisfaction (The Field Remix)
Bibio / Baths
Last summer Bibio made his debut on Warp records with Ambivalence Avenue. Glitch Hop with folk thrown in, or is it the other way round? Kind of like he's take abit from Warp residents Flying Lotus and Grizzly Bear and put it in the mixer. Although not entirely because the album is very varied. 'Fire Ant' is very glitchy and choppy with a hip hop beat where as Lover's Carvings is straight up folky. And then 'Jealous of Roses' sounds abit like a 70's funk disco. A very original, almost organic album that entertains too.
Bibio - Fire Ants
This July saw the release of Cerulean by Baths. Parallels can be made with this and Bibio with the glitch hop feel and Flying Lotus connotations. However Baths ditch the folk and replace it with the much raved about Chillwave, but more from the Toro Y Moi spectrum. 'It's not Chillwave though, Chillwaves been rinsed, its gay blah blah' I hear you say. Ok it's not Chillwave. It is however dripping with beauty, the shimmering melodies of 'Animals' dance around your ears whilst you can hear the kids play in a distant Eutopia. But the glitchy snares mean that you can never be fully immersed in the dream. It hovers on the horizon but you can never quite get there, always one step behind. This album makes me feel a kind of scared that I can't get enough of, hope it does the same for you.
Baths - Animals
Baths - Hall
BESTIE FESTIE
Bestival 2010 was, like last year, an absolute stonker. Lot's of strange (not necessarily good) fancy dress and enough gurned messes to chew up every bit of grass on the site. It seemed more hectic this year, I think due to increasing popularity and the rain on saturday fucked everyones shit up abit. As always there was a good stomp to be had in Bollywood tent and as always it was a sauna. Here I sweated to the likes of electro master Jack Beats and drum and bass legend High Contrast. Arcadia was banging, Joker and Audio Bullys were memorable, just. Prodigy on the main stage (Which was in a far better location) was class, Keith Flint being his usual terrifying self and a visual display to match. I was very happy to hear them play tunes from 'Fat of the Land' and 'The Jilted Generation' such as 'Their Law', 'Voodoo People' and 'Breathe'. Anyway I'm not going to do a full review as I'm sure if you didn't go, you're bored to shit of hearing about it from your mates.
I am however going to write about my 3 favorite acts that I saw over the weekend.
3. Submotion Orchestra
SO, Sunday midday, thought it would be nice to start the days proceedings off with some jazz and wondered down to Chai Wallah tent to see Portico Quartet. After waiting ages for them to set up I noticed that there was a female vocalist. This seemed to be a bit strange as on their albums I had never heard singing. Then they started playing and it was definitely NOT jazz . But still I thought, oh great Portico Quartet are playing a dubby trip hop set with a guest singer. Nono, it was infact Submotion Orchestra and what a lovely surprise they turned out to be.
The song started out very ambient with a heavily vibrato-ed electric piano and loose hi-hat work, with singer Ruby Wood soulfully playing with the songs lyrics. Then a break and then a very simple but hugely effective 'sub' bass plays along with full drums and added trumpet forming a crescendo that made everybody sway like they were having spiritually uplifting moment. Anyway check them out, I reckon they will be playing with the likes of Thievery Corporation in no time.
All Night by Submotion Orchestra by Ranking Records
2. Mount Kimbie
WHATGODS, unfortunately only saw the last 20 minutes from the back but what I witnessed took me too that 'other place' that hippies keep going on about. If you haven't checked out Kimbie's LP Crooks and Lovers, do, it's a must. The duo perform a live act, so its not just like being played your iTunes library back to you. The somewhat distant sounding long synth chords, intricate percussion which sounds like dripping water and heavily modulated vocals make for a euphoric experience. When they played 'Maybes' everyone was definetaly up in their head, probably close to the point of tears. An ambient journey away from the muddy field outside. I don't know where this magical place is but I know I want to visit Mount Kimbie again.
Mount Kimbie - Before I Move Off
1. Fever Ray
I LOVE YOU KARIN ANDERSSON. I made sure I was right at the front for this one, copious amounts of dry ice and tens of living room table lamps make the eery stage. The mist clears as the music builds and there is a silhouette of a very disguised Karin as a big, well, Totem Pole. The other musicians also wore frightening masks and lurched aggressively at you as if in a mosh pit. Opened with Triangle Walks and let me tell you, there is nothing as heart wrenching, as boner inducing as when you hear her voice live for the first time. Karin fucked my ears and she fucked them good. I love the 80's feel of this song with the claps and poppy synth. Those synthesized drums with her dreamy pitch-shifting voice remind me of a Cocteau Twins number. Also Karin and Liz sound similar no? The dark male sounding vocals are even more haunting live as on the record. This combined with the stage set and universal appreciation of the audience made a deeply moving, theatrical performance that I will never forget. If you have the opportunity to go and see Fever Ray, do everything in your power to get that ticket. Unfortunately this will be difficult seeing as Karin has put an end to the project. Gutted.
Fever Ray - Concrete Walls
I am however going to write about my 3 favorite acts that I saw over the weekend.
3. Submotion Orchestra
SO, Sunday midday, thought it would be nice to start the days proceedings off with some jazz and wondered down to Chai Wallah tent to see Portico Quartet. After waiting ages for them to set up I noticed that there was a female vocalist. This seemed to be a bit strange as on their albums I had never heard singing. Then they started playing and it was definitely NOT jazz . But still I thought, oh great Portico Quartet are playing a dubby trip hop set with a guest singer. Nono, it was infact Submotion Orchestra and what a lovely surprise they turned out to be.
The song started out very ambient with a heavily vibrato-ed electric piano and loose hi-hat work, with singer Ruby Wood soulfully playing with the songs lyrics. Then a break and then a very simple but hugely effective 'sub' bass plays along with full drums and added trumpet forming a crescendo that made everybody sway like they were having spiritually uplifting moment. Anyway check them out, I reckon they will be playing with the likes of Thievery Corporation in no time.
All Night by Submotion Orchestra by Ranking Records
2. Mount Kimbie
WHATGODS, unfortunately only saw the last 20 minutes from the back but what I witnessed took me too that 'other place' that hippies keep going on about. If you haven't checked out Kimbie's LP Crooks and Lovers, do, it's a must. The duo perform a live act, so its not just like being played your iTunes library back to you. The somewhat distant sounding long synth chords, intricate percussion which sounds like dripping water and heavily modulated vocals make for a euphoric experience. When they played 'Maybes' everyone was definetaly up in their head, probably close to the point of tears. An ambient journey away from the muddy field outside. I don't know where this magical place is but I know I want to visit Mount Kimbie again.
Mount Kimbie - Before I Move Off
1. Fever Ray
I LOVE YOU KARIN ANDERSSON. I made sure I was right at the front for this one, copious amounts of dry ice and tens of living room table lamps make the eery stage. The mist clears as the music builds and there is a silhouette of a very disguised Karin as a big, well, Totem Pole. The other musicians also wore frightening masks and lurched aggressively at you as if in a mosh pit. Opened with Triangle Walks and let me tell you, there is nothing as heart wrenching, as boner inducing as when you hear her voice live for the first time. Karin fucked my ears and she fucked them good. I love the 80's feel of this song with the claps and poppy synth. Those synthesized drums with her dreamy pitch-shifting voice remind me of a Cocteau Twins number. Also Karin and Liz sound similar no? The dark male sounding vocals are even more haunting live as on the record. This combined with the stage set and universal appreciation of the audience made a deeply moving, theatrical performance that I will never forget. If you have the opportunity to go and see Fever Ray, do everything in your power to get that ticket. Unfortunately this will be difficult seeing as Karin has put an end to the project. Gutted.
Fever Ray - Concrete Walls
SEEGAAAAAAAAAA
Ok it is the antithesis of a Mozart Concerto, it sounds cheap and well it's called Skweee but I really thought it would take off more than it did. There was alot of hype like a flash in the pan but where did it go? It was born in those wacky Nordic countries and consists of simple synth leads like that from your Sega Megadrive and then combined with funky, choppy beats and a bassline and hey youve got err...something.
When you start your hunt for Skweee, first you'll come across an attempt by Rusko and actually, it's a banger. Its a remix of Kotchy - Sing What you Want and I dare you not to be happy listening to it. Dig a little deeper and you'll get to the Icelandic/Norwegian stuff which takes more getting used to. Check out a compilation called Skweee Tooth and Volume 1 from the Norwegian record label Dodpop and your all set.
I think the main problem with Skweee is it all gets a bit much after a few songs and lets be honest, it's a bit weird for the standard dub wobble junkies. And well basically its for people who like to take alot of Ketamine.
When you start your hunt for Skweee, first you'll come across an attempt by Rusko and actually, it's a banger. Its a remix of Kotchy - Sing What you Want and I dare you not to be happy listening to it. Dig a little deeper and you'll get to the Icelandic/Norwegian stuff which takes more getting used to. Check out a compilation called Skweee Tooth and Volume 1 from the Norwegian record label Dodpop and your all set.
I think the main problem with Skweee is it all gets a bit much after a few songs and lets be honest, it's a bit weird for the standard dub wobble junkies. And well basically its for people who like to take alot of Ketamine.
Sunday 19 September 2010
Young At Love and Life
Sun Airway's "Waiting On You" visuals
This video makes me feel nostalgic about love. Maybe in another life could romance be as idillic as this. Goosebumps am I right? Anyway, effective filming, very dreamy reminiscent of Classixx 'I'll Get You' by Cobrasnake but better. Gives the impression she will never be close enough, just floating before your eyes but the sea and clouds keep her away.
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