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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)