Pound Your Town To Hell
Really like this dream pop song fresh from Japan.
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
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