I very, very briefly mentioned Swedish House Mafia in a post a while back (refer to here), and included their huge song ‘One’. Well, their next big hit is here… And this post is just as short. Basically ‘Miami To Ibiza’ is a festival monster. I would love to see a live set from these guys. Words cannot describe…
Swedish House Mafia – Miami 2 Ibiza (Vocal Mix) [MF]
Only days after publishing a piece on Styrofoam Ones (see here), I am already writing about another band from Toronto, Canada.
Bravestation – a new-wave, post-punk, indie-pop four-piece – have just released their second EP which was prosaically titled ’2010 EP’. Having listened to its five versatile tracks on repeat all week, I can genuinely say that it is one of my favourite releases of the year. As demonstrated in my failure to define a singular genre of Bravestation, they are a notably talented band with the ability to create music consisting of many, many different styles.
That said, there was one thing that I found to be consistent within every song, and that was the atmospheric nature that is so evident in Bravestation’s music. It becomes present immediately after pressing play and is maintained right up until the final second; arguably hanging around even after you’ve turned your speakers off. The melodic guitar and vocals are beautifully accompanied by upbeat drums and finally completed with an electronic touch. Though clearly of a different musical nature, their ability to create this sense of atmosphere and aura around each track draws similarities with dream-pop duo Beach House. With regards to general sound, I could hear aspects from The Temper Trap, and others have even mentioned Yeasayer.
However, maybe we should not be trying to find similar artists, and just accept the fact that this sound is simply Bravestation.
These guys have a big future, and I can’t wait to hear more. Check out two of the tracks from Bravestation’s new EP below.
Bravestation – White Wolves [MF]
Bravestation – Their Calling [MF]
For more on Bravestation check out their bandcamp/myspace page, and purchase the EP on iTunes.
LectroLips are an upcoming electro songwriting duo, consisting of Leo and Ant. In combining modern electro with stylish pop hooks, synths and a strong 80′s influence, LectroLips manage to produce some truly great dance music.
The British duo started out back in early 2009, when they began posting their demos online. Since then, they have gained a strong following, and their new EP ‘Exempt From Classification’ (to be released next month) is sure to create even more hype.
Listen to a couple of my favourite tracks below. Seriously, do it, these guys are excellent.
LectroLips – Kiss This (Electric Garden Filthy Remix) [MF]
LectroLips – Love Has Lied (I Can Feel It Dub) [MF]
Styrofoam Ones are a Toronto based synth-punk trio who have gained a very strong fan base over the last couple of years. The raw energy they exhibit in their recordings, and even moreso throughout live shows makes for some seriously exciting stuff.
Don’t be fooled though – Styrofoam Ones are not only appealing due to this energy. The masterful incorporation of pop genres within their music provides an effective and intricate blend of styles which is rarely achieved. To be honest, I’m hooked. After a couple of listens you probably will be too.
‘Blue Lines’ is a track off their current self-titled EP, which is available on iTunes.
Styrofoam Ones – Blue Lines [MF]
Here is another track (and a remix) that I thought I would add as a bonus:
Styrofoam Ones – O.T.T.A.P
Styrofoam Ones – O.T.T.A.P (Torro Torro Remix)
Neighbors are an exciting new band hailing from Long Island, New York. After coming together in 2009, they have been working hard to establish the direction they wanted to take their music. Now, in the year of 2010, they seem to have achieved this. After months of writing and collaborating, Ian Kenny (vocals/keys), Jordan Schneider (drums), Tommy Fleischmann (guitar), and Eric Vivelo (bass), now feel confident in their newfound sound. Get on board early and check out ‘Bodies’, a great track that features on Neighbors’ new EP ‘hellomind’.
Neighbors – Bodies [MF]
So the Falls Festival lineup came out the other day… As I attended last year, I was quite interested in seeing what musical talent they had on offer this time round. Whilst (in my opinion) the headliners weren’t as good as last year, the overall depth of the lineup had improved.
Here are a couple of tracks from artists that I would definitely see, should I attend again. Enjoy!
The Middle East – Blood [MF]
The Morning Benders – Excuses [MF]
The National – Bloodbuzz Ohio [MF]
Public Enemy – 911 Is A Joke [MF]
Posted in Acoustic, Chill, Indie
Tagged Falls Festival, Public Enemy, The Middle East, The Morning Benders, The National
In recent months, I’ve seen quite a number of fresh artists establishing themselves in a new style of music that can only be defined as a fusion of electronica, pop and hip-hop (electro-hip-pop?). Featured artists today are Hoodie Allen, Mouth’s Cradle and AudioDax.
Hoodie Allen is a diverse rapper, notable for his blend of different styles of music and genres. His most recent work samples a diverse array of artists and sounds from UK pop singers (Marina & The Diamonds) to indie rock staples and upstarts (Death Cab for Cutie and Two Door Cinema Club).
Of the three artists today, Hoodie Allen is the name that you are sure to hear crop up again soon. His music is dope. Check out these two tracks from his upcoming mix-tape Pep Rally.
Hoodie Allen – You Are Not A Robot (feat. Marina & The Diamonds) [MF]
Hoodie Allen – Words Of Wisdom (feat. Two Door Cinema Club) [MF]
Mouf and Master Rogers combine to form Mouth’s Cradle – a more pop based style of music than Hoodie Allen, but still essentially of the same genre. This said, the duo do cite a prominent rap influence from lyrical genius GZA. When this is combined with a solid foundation of pop and electronica, it forms to produce an eclectic blend of music which is upbeat, appealing and leaves you wanting more. This track is off a mix-tape the duo produced, sampling Train’s ‘Hey Soul Sister’… The title says it all. God I wish it was summer again in Melbourne.
Mouth’s Cradle – Summertime [MF]
Last but not least, is a hip hop, electronic duo known as AudioDax. Krypton FLO and Tremble united at school to create music of this electronic/hip-hop/pop nature. I don’t really need to say anything else about their background, or aspirations, because the lyrics in this track put it better than I ever could. Have a listen.
AudioDax – Matter Of Time [MF]
Joe Neptune is the singular alter ego used by Nick Vorrath and Jarrad Brown (of the Custom Kings) for their side-project, ‘No Time To Grow Up’. The album was released about a year ago, and after only one listen, I immediately fell in love with this music by ‘Joe’. It’s great because it doesn’t try to be anything more than it is – just a simple, lovely little folk album.
Despite my supposed deep and profound love, I completely forgot about Joe Neptune… That is, until last week when I rediscovered it. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing either, it meant that I was able to enjoy some quality music all over again. I could experience the whole concept once more.
Last year, I probably would have said that my favourite tracks were ‘No Time To Grow Up’ and ‘Just Go Indigo’. However, since my ‘rediscovery’, I’ve had a bit of a change in heart. Included below are some of my (new) favourite songs off the album. If this is your type of music, I strongly encourage you to buy the whole album, as it really is quite fantastic. Check out iTunes for details.
Joe Neptune – My Other Dream Of You [MF]
Joe Neptune – Here Now, Waiting [MF]
Joe Neptune – I Shall See My Love No More [MF]
After Ben Eisen – one half of the electronica-pop duo that is Lovers and Poets – contacted me about their upcoming self titled album, I had a listen and realized it was exactly what I needed. Shannon Hurley (named as one of Rolling Stone’s top 25 best bands on MySpace) and Ben have combined to successfully produce beautiful, peaceful electronic tunes.
After a somewhat stressful week, my introduction to Lovers and Poets’ opening song ‘Life Is Strange’ proved to be both calming and thought provoking. The rest of the album was of a similar caliber, showing much potential for future productions by the pair.
Lovers and Poets have produced a satisfying and enjoyable debut album, with traces of a La Roux and Massive Attack influence. It features memorable pop hooks in conjunction with thoughtful electro-synth sounds. Standout songs were the aforementioned ‘Life Is Strange’, as well as a more upbeat ‘The Things We Do For Love’.
Check them out and let me know what you think:
Lovers and Poets – Life Is Strange
Lovers and Poets – The Things We Do For Love
If you like, head on over to Amie Street to purchase.
Last month The Beautiful Girls released the follow up to their successful album ‘Ziggurats’, titled ‘Spooks’. Personally, I miss the chilled out, beachy, acoustic sounds that The Beautiful Girls expressed in their 2003 album ‘Learn Yourself’, but hey, that’s just my opinion. Regardless, this is undeniably a very solid and expansive production.
Mat McHugh returned after a solo stint, and the group has come together to create a smooth fusion between Roots and different aspects of Reggae, particularly Dub and Dancehall. This style is accompanied by a strong emphasis on matters such as love and relationships; an influence that could almost certainly be traced back to Mat’s recent engagement.
My personal favourite track on ‘Spooks’ was ‘After All This Time’. This reggae styled ballad tells the romantic love story of a couple’s continuous love for each other; frequently referring to Shakespeare’s famous Romeo and Juliet. It is a clean, beautiful and appealing song which I am still not bored with, despite having listened to it many times.
Other standout tracks are without a doubt ’10:10′, and then probably ‘My Mind Is An Echo Chamber’.
Have a listen and let me know what your thoughts are!
The Beautiful Girls – After All This Time [MF]
The Beautiful Girls – 10:10 [MF]
The Beautiful Girls – My Mind Is An Echo Chamber [MF]
