MP3// Memoryhouse: The Kids Were Wrong

Memoryhouse have been likened to Beach House. It's a fairly honest comparison to make, as both sounds are built upon chilled out, dreampop foundations. Memoryhouse is also a duo, a characteristic not unbeknown to fans of the Baltimore outfit mentioned before. This latest track, the first from Evan Abeele and Denise Nouvion's debut album, an effort set to drop at the end of February, is entitled 'The Kids Were Wrong'. Despite all of its rebellious connotations the music behind this name is as soothing as ever. An upbeat number, these fantastic vocals emerge from the sun laden beat. A reverberating melody lifts the content, sigh-soaked lyricism up into clouds that feel heavy with memory and the strain not to rain. Futile grasps at a summer long gone makes Memoryhouse and a debut album seem very exciting! Stream 'The Kids Were Wrong' above and relinquish your email for a download!

MP3// Autoheart: Control

Danton Supple should be a familiar name for any Coldplay fan. The producer of 'X & Y', a classic album for many, Supple's talent looks set to place Autoheart's debut on a pedestal of similar acclaim! 'Control' is the lead single from this forthcoming record and at a current download price of absolutely nothing, it's well worth checking out. A quintet formed in East London Autoheart record a rather brilliant form of indie pop, laden with keyboard melodies and lead singer Jody's melancholy vocals. Previously known as The Gadsdens, the group has fortunately traded that in for a name much easier to pronounce. Fear not however, for a shift in style just doesn't seem to be on the cards for Autoheat and it's just as well! Their previous single 'The Sailor Song' was met with widespread praise, and after listening to it I too wanted to hear more of that same lush, beautiful sound. 'Control' didn't disappoint. An incredible number backed by great bass and subtly danceable drums, these four minutes moot a relationship predestined to flounder. It's a relatively common lyrical theme but then Autoheart manage to lend it a whole new lease of life, and I adore them for doing so. The melody for the chorus is a bit on the unimaginative side from 0.55 to 1.05, but the quibble is hardly worth mentioning when you consider the rest of the song. It's magnificent, quietly sad and everything in between. Extremely strong and yet ever so delicate, 'Control' dries heart-broken tears with its promise of hope. Stream above and await the album next year! Download it at Autohearts SoundCloud page or alternatively get a copy via the Facebook!

MP3// Sad Souls: Meandering

Sad souls meandering. It's an incredibly evocative image painted by an incredible number. Recorded in the early hours of the morning, that eerily beautiful sense of quiet, emptiness and the dawn of a new day is somehow empowering. I could listen to that first quarter for a very long time, and while the surreal vocals work well, I'm split between distraction and the busy nature of their implementation, reverb fuelled and bubbling just under the surface. A fantastic track with or without them, these three minutes bear witness to the awakening of the world, and I love it. Concluding with ethereal harmonies and deep breaths of this crisp, unpolluted air, 'Meandering' is a song to get lost within. Truly brilliant, stream it up above!

MP3// John K. Samson: When I Write My Master's Thesis

John K. Samson is the rock alternative to Sufjan Stevens. There is all that intelligence and elegance, and even some vocal similarities, all backed by jangly guitars and uplifting drum phrases. He's a truly talented wordsmith, pulling lines of beautiful lyricism from nowhere, a skill I've always revered. Supported by powerful and inspirational rock sensibilities he gets his thoughts across ever so well. A smattering of nostalgia dusts these three minutes, and subtle reverberations detail the swathes of sonic sunlight beaming from your speakers. An incredibly cold winter day it may be, but John K. Samson is determined to remind you all of summer, weeks laid out in front; the world at your feet! Taken from his forthcoming record 'Provincial' which drops on January 24th, stream 'When I Write My Master's Thesis' above.

VIDEO// Lana Del Ray: Born to Die

Finally the official video to replace that semi-naked placeholder has arrived! The visual to Lana Del Ray's recently released title track 'Born to Die', taken from a forthcoming record out in January, the film contains within it some pretty stunning moments. One, there are a couple of live tigers mulling over their need to guard Lana's fancy throne. Secondly, there is revealed really quite a vulnerable side to the American pop princess. From the start she seems confident, straight-backed and austere in her retrospection. At 1.17, shifting eyes and an uncomfortable fidgeting make you want to walk in and soften her obvious sadness. By the end however, you realise her split or argument or uncontrollable love for this tattoo laden man has made her stronger. Delicate throat-slitting gestures and the final shocking moments validate my love for both Lana Del Ray's music and her acting. Ever so often the line between the two becomes blurred, her passion and sincerity really shining through. A simply wonderful concept just magnificently executed. Stream and hear 'Born to Die below.

UPDATE// Mutineers

When a band I love email over with news of their success it more often than not makes my day! I reviewed Mutineers album 'Friends, Lovers, Rivals' quite a while back, praising what is a magnificent collection of tracks. To discover this Mancunian outfit have recently had a spate of sales running into the thousands, well I haven't stopped grinning! Also, guess the group currently trending on Twitter in Manchester. That's right: #mutineers. I'm truly in awe of this quartet. They thoroughly deserve the success they receive, and I urge your good selves to seek them out as well. I assure you the fuss is well-founded! Read my review of their debut album then go ahead and follow these rebellious Mutineers via Twitter. Review.

MP3// Mux Mool: Raw Gore + BONUS

'Raw Gore' is the latest three-minute electronic wonder from Brookyln producer Mux Mool! Built upon a once comfortable existence, the beams of reality begin to creak. Under these aggressive, unrelenting synths the seams holding your life together start to tear apart. But by the two minute mark something within your futile, desperate mind clicks. A tonal change and newly discovered melody embraces the chaos taking place around it. Wood splits and roof tiles smash upon the uprooted floor. For those final sixty seconds the furious screams of people fleeing this apocalyptic scene become strangely, terrifyingly glorious. Something about 'Raw Gore' exposes you to situations beyond reality, and I love that! Stream above!

Just as a little bonus here's Mux Mool's remix to a song you've more than likely heard. For me, a remix is a song that should turn one sound into something completely different, and thats exactly what Mool has done with Snap's 'Rhythm is a Dancer'. Theres just a fantastic old-time crackle behind an almost alien, War of the Worlds esque melody. It's a subtle and attenuated number, and even the vocals have been re-worked. After hearing 'Raw Gore', I would just turn off for a few minutes and fall into this awe-inspiring, head-bobbing groove!

MP3// Alto Jeffro: Stay At Home

When I'm sent something like this I usually pass on posting it, sending a polite email in the place of dissection results. For Alto Jeffro however, the moniker for Jeffery Gallagher, I felt the need to give him a chance. I won't lie, most of the tracks brimming over the edge of his SoundCloud don't work. The quality of the recordings or more the lack of such control and sonic restriction limit the music. 'Stay At Home' is one of the few numbers in which the truly brilliant experimentation is not mauled by fluctuating, irritating reverb and spikes of deadly high pitch. The gritty guitar phrases are muffled at the start but a drum beat and a bubbly, surreal melody soon take over. They settle into a certain groove, the vocals less important than you might initially think. There is something very chilled about them, care-free, with a blissfully ignorant ethos diffusing through the air. At five minutes long you have all the time in the world to fall into step with this refreshing aesthetic, and I am digging it. An electronic voice represents Jeffery's lover, her monotonous tone really quite thoughtfully executed. A few harmonies here and there and a relatively catchy chorus give 'Stay At Home' potential and an awful lot of it! Any producers out there? Get this guy in a studio! Stream up above.

MP3// Terracotta Blue: Healer

America's Terracotta Blue hails from Takoma Park in Maryland, but it doesn't matter where he's from. Where his music takes you is what's important! When he dropped this track into my inbox the other day I'll admit the over saturated, posterised art put me off. But, sticking to my belief that covers shouldn't influence the decision to listen, I dived into the two-track effort with hopes and expectations. I wasn't disappointed. 'Healer' is actually the b-side to this release, with 'Arcade' being the first, but I found it equally if not more impressive. Four and a half minutes long, chillwave vibes race across a melancholy soundscape. Electronic glitches and subtleties detail your surreal surroundings, repeated phrases unifying all too well the abstract refraction seen through this alien lens. Pipes are blown with a delicacy matched by the melodic synths, and everything stays rather at the back of the music. The beat is our protagonist, leading the way with all the beautiful, illusive components simply in toe. But you know what, I like it. It's almost dream-like, bubbling under the surface of your mind. Wandering this stress-free land meander animals of rarity. That great lament barely audible at 3:00 is the cry of an unimaginably huge creature. A cry of happiness, it mourns the last of its days upon this euphoric utopia. Get 'Healer' and 'Arcade' over on Terracotta Blues Bandcamp for free but stream the former up above before you do. Bandcamp here!

VIDEO// Little Racer: Little Racer

I'm digging this new Little Racer video, taken from the split single that I covered last month entitled 'Split for the Coast'. Directed by one Cate Schappert, whose work I've promised to explore further, these four minutes are truly smile-inducing. Shot at night, you can almost feel the heat of the street-lamps as they stare out into the gloom. This repeated pattern of flashes becomes hypnotic as dawn grows closer. Stars pop in and out of existence as our protagonists cycle, playing on swings and dancing about. The street is empty. A sense of freedom takes hold, rebellion against the day and the troubles of work and money and the restraints of everyday man. You simply need company to enjoy life to the fullest it can be! Stream this romantic, charming video above and read my review of the single if you like it!

REVIEW// Hoodlums: Dark Horses

     I'd like to start by saying the artwork for this single is incredible, both art and size wise! I grabbed the high res version for all you lovers of high definition quality as well (I'm always thinking of you guys!) so go ahead. Relish in its eye-watering sharpness! However, album covers are only ever a facade, hiding the music behind often pretty pictures. I can appreciate record sleeves, but they must never influence a conscious decision not to listen. The famous piece of advice 'never judge a book by its cover' comes to mind, but fortunately Hoodlums came out from behind their curtain of expectation with the intention of fulfilling such a request. Based in a certain British capital Hoodlums dropped this split single, 'Dark Horses' a few months ago, yet they've already received attention from both Q Magazine and BBC6. Not streaming an' ignoring such respected musical critics was impossible and I'm so wonderfully glad I didn't!

     Opening with the title track, a surprising piano melody begins to weave in and out of an unwavering electronic phrase that stays throughout these four minutes. The vocals aren't the most impressive nor the most unique you'll have ever heard, but this ordinary, human quality to them ensures a strong bond between singer and audience can be tied. There is a fantastic set of drums taking a hold on this track too. They pound and race and pant like the horses sang about. As the piano grows and the vocals reach an epic climactic apex, a wind blows through your hair. Hooves thunder and the salty spit of a raging ocean catches your cheek. Faster choruses. Abundant high notes. Inspirational lyricism and the euphoric theatricality we all long to experience make 'Dark Horses' the powerful, beautiful thing it is!

     The b-side to the single is 'Ends of the Earth', and it's clear it's a b-side for a reason. A slower, more predictable number, something about the vocals reminds me of Ed Sheeran, especially in those first few lines. It's far from a bad thing but rather an observation seeing as no such influence reared its head during the first track. It builds and swells in the same way, but these four minutes lack that hit. That intensity and quietly terrified grip upon your heartstrings that Dark Horses managed to pull off. It's not a bad track, just suitably inferior to the opener. All in all though, it balances a clearly aspirational single. Hoodlums want to go all the way, and have the passion and ability to do so. Stream the title track below and ready yourselves for the single to drop on the final day of January! I certainly will be! Site.

MP3// Steve Moore: Enhanced Humanoid

A new split from Steve Moore and Majure, the two men who make up prog rock duo Zombi, was announced a couple of weeks ago. Now, a duo working on a split record? Sure, it just means they'll be working individually rather than in each others company. The first track to drop from it is 'Enhanced Humanoid', a four and a half minute synth-fest that pulsates and writhes under ominous progressions. Electronic instrumentals blow plague-like winds over dunes of shifting, mesmerising gold, howling and moaning and summoning darkness to an unstoppable epitaph of hopeless futility. I've always been a massive fan of Zombi's sound, and this stunning number has stirred my mighty grindstone of anticipation for this release!

MP3// Shearwater: Breaking the Yearlings

Please bear with me while I figure out how to embed these funny little email download box things into a post! There you go. Shearwater are an American rock outfit from Texas, and have been around since the late nineties. Recently signed to Sub Pop records, 'Breaking the Yearlings' is the first single off of their forthcoming 2012 album 'Animal Joy'. After their last three efforts, frontman Jonathan Meiburg, previously of Okkervil River, has expressed a desire to explore the band's 'rock' side a little more and this track certainly validates my anticipation for such a journey. Full of throbbing bass and bone rattling percussion the trio has most definitely moved away from their slower, more progressive sound to chuck in the pot some rock-orientated sensibilities. Most of these vocals and instrumentals are epic in their aesthetic, filling a sonic space with a pounding heartbeat and beast-like pant. Its truly fantastic, so stream below. Like what you hear? Type in your email, then grab a download!

MP3// ALPINE: Hands

Alpine is an Australian six-piece and 'Hands' is their latest number, a track taken from their debut LP all set to drop early next year. It's an instant hit. Three minutes of elusive sound, it's pure pop perfection, layered between hand-claps and ethereal vocals and served with a smattering of nostalgic reminiscence. Something about the high, surreal singing reminds me of my childhood, either that or the subtly sad notes such vocals hit. Supported from an unknown point by brilliant drums and a beat to get lost in, 'Hands' manages to occupy the space between happy and melancholy with orchestrated elegance. It's a song of sections, broken by magnificent breaks and a stunningly shocking introduction. The melody gets a grasp upon your mind, catchy and danceable and yet extremely thoughtful and intelligent. Those vocals however are the reason I keep returning. Just as they die down, fading into the background they strike up yet again, gaining passion and scope and scale with every glorious resurrection. I'm very impressed with what Alpine have created, so stream above!

VIDEO// Whistling On My Mind

This is a guy named Ralph Giese performing on the Detroit 'Kelly & Company' talk show in the early eighties. The song is 'Georgia on my Mind', which is famous for being the official song of the American state of the same name. Ray Charles recorded a cover, as did Billie Holiday, but Mr. Giese relays it with a particular emotional brunt that yanks furiously upon your heart-strings. As you can probably infer from the post title he whistles the whole song while being backed by a suitably tender instrumental. But when I say whistling this isn't the tuneless pursing of lips you see everyday. This is something all together more. Its brilliant, so stream it up above and prepare to be amazed and inspired and somewhat entranced!

MP3// Sun Sister: Sore Eyes

Hailing from Fitchburg Massachusetts, Sun Sister dropped this little gem of a number onto my lap a couple of days ago. Taken from their EP, 'Rich American White Kidz', which is set to be unleashed on the public upon the dawn of New Year's Day, 'Sore Eyes' simply rocks. When I say rocks, it is more of a slow sway, undulating atop the swell of a dreampop wave, blown by breezy guitars and delicate drumming. The female vocals have been soaked in a vat of reverb, the echoes dripping from every sincere note. They coax forth memories, old and forgotten and barely there, dozing at the back of your mind. "Your hair was black and your eyes were sore" goes one particularly nice line, evoking sighs and contented yawns in equal measure. A flurry of senses come alive. Cold water lapping between your toes. A snow shower descending from the heavens along with crisp morning air. Your breath falls from icy lips in a cloud, billowing and dancing before fading from view. This song will bring different images to mind for everyone, but bring them it will. It is one lovely and chilled out number, quietly happy and yet quietly sad. Yearning. Longing. Remembering. I'm certainly keeping my 'Sore Eyes' on Sun Sister, and I hope you'll do the same! Stream it up above!

MP3// VCMG: Spock

VCMG is very exciting. For the first time in thirty years two members of Depeche Mode are coming together to form a duo of epic anticipation. Vince Clarke and Martin Gore have an almighty set of expectations to fulfill, and are set to drop a debut EP, 'Spock', sometime in the coming months. As far as I can tell the EP is this track and a number of remixes but an incredible six minutes like these hardly need accompaniment! This is techno music at its very best, grinding and throbbing with an industrial, mechanical groan. Repeated phrases declared by gloomy synths and preceded over by alien marching, the tense stares of men hanging heavy in the smoke-filled, morbid air. Looking forward to the EP? Stream above!

MP3// Julia Holter: Marienbad

'Marienbad' is taken from Julia Holter's forthcoming record 'Ekstasis' which is set to drop a few days into March next year. It's one incredible song, running through a number of tonal changes within its five nostalgic minutes, and that's a variation so wonderfully attenuated I grinned from ear to ear when I realised what was happening! From an autumn garden, the leaves flutter as Holter blows a breeze with her classical vibes and simple electronic beat. The sound builds as fairytale melodies hide amongst the eternal afternoon. The voice is a stunning blend of the innocent and the reminiscent, almost trance-like in a heart breaking kind of way. Tension grows however, pulling memories taunt with a more defined, deeper beat. The vocals become noisy and complicated. The dream falls apart, highlighted by the laments of angels and the drums of reality come closer. An almighty hum cuts out, leaving stark clock chimes echoing in the coldest manner imaginable. We return to that paradise though, running through the long grass and paddling in the peacefully still lake. Bird calls harmonise and make for an amazing end to a brilliant song. Stream 'Marienbad' up above.

VIDEO// YACHT: I Walked Alone

YACHT's video for their track 'I Walked Alone' is suitably chaotic and mesmerising and just completely out of this world. These five minutes of pure madness are taken from the duo's fantastic album 'Shangri-La', which dropped last June. It's hard not to watch Jona Bechtolt as he stumbles around a vast plain, his drugged out dance moves strangely captivating in their seemingly improvised insanity. You eyes become transfixed, intrigued by this strange creature singing and moving and playing guitar. Beat-heavy electronic quirks are one of a few characteristics that make YACHT that unique and individual thing it is, and 'I Walked Alone' encapsulates their execution of such sound perfectly. You will not have listened to or seen anything like this, which is reason enough to do so. If you, like me, found all of the sensibilities and singularity here a little overwhelming I suggest watching an interview with YACHT to convince yourself Bechtolt isn't crazy! I do love it though, so stream it up above!

VIDEO// Twin Sister: Stop (Yourstru.ly Session)

This video just speaks for itself. Twin Sister is an American quintet and the offering of pop perfection is much appreciated. From the drums to the high-pitched vocals to the fantastic choruses dripping in chilled out reverb, everything about 'Stop' is simply outstanding. An incredible combination of male and female voices compliment each other perfectly and tell a tale of control, or more, the lack of such. Like driving down a busy street, it's a song that sends you to sleep in the best possible way. Bright lights are dulled and the noise outside become muffled as the hypnotic patter of rain lulls your tired eyes to rest. The throbbing of the engine purrs with content as you lay your head against the window. The coolness of the glass. The blurred, surreal nature of reality beyond it. It's just a wonderful number! Via

REVIEW// Whales In Cubicles: We Never Win

     Whales in Cubicles, apart from having an awesome band name, also record some comfortably magnificent indie-rock tunes. The groups latest split single is made up of 'We Never Win' and the brilliant 'Across America' anthem to freedom. Both tracks take noted inspiration, from bands like Blur to the undeniable songwriting skill of undisputed legends like the Canadian Neil Young. A self-deprecating sadness seeps through their music, a passionate regret blinding their conscience, embodied by determined guitars and unwavering drum phrases. I think both numbers here aim to arouse the desire inside everyone to go out and make the most of the opportunities handed to them. To carve a name for themselves on the memory of the world. To be remembered by the nations for something truly amazing. Not many of us will manage this, but Whales In Cubicles and their yearning ability to dream and work in earnest towards such a goal makes their sound reverberate off walls far from those made of bricks and mortar. The title track opens with a certain delicacy. An instantly noticeable melancholy that turns into an antagonised rage riddled with punk bullets and the debris of a future crushed. The catchy chorus is repeated just enough to get stuck in your head. A build from quiet to loud, from a walk to a sprint, the wind in your hair and the world in front of your thundering feet. Melodic shouts and riffs as heavy and epic and huge as anything you've heard make for a number that is hard to forget. 'Across America' is one five minute monster, but one I'm more than happy to fall into. A similar build to the first track runs with this one. A slower number, the verses remind me of Frightened Rabbit or Bright Eyes, and I love them. A guitar lead interlude stares down an empty road. Your foot presses down on the accelerator. You speed up, and so does your heart beat. It's a climax as good as any, and closes this split single. I for one was in awe. Stream 'We Never Win' below and grab a copy of both songs on vinyl if it tickles your fancy. Head to the Young and Lost Club here!

VIDEO// The Newds: Chasing Shadows

Quite a while back The Newds dropped the humourous video for their track 'Go Getter', in which there was a lot of smile-inducing lyrics and acting from the Bolton born band of four. The thought crossed my mind: how would they fare with a more serious song? While their sense of humour was brilliant and made for a wonderful, fantastic, care-free number, I was hoping a track like 'Chasing Shadows' would come along and reveal a different side to an already very relatable outfit, and it did. Dressed in a suit, with a semi-permanent furrow on his brow, the lead singer here sings a song of anger and regret and saddening passion. It is a track composed of a keyboard, drums, guitar, bass and an obvious need to succeed. I can't help but love it, with all its melodic retrospection and working class charm. You could see any of these men on the streets and never realise the talent and skill their group most certainly has. Everything from The Newds is stunning so watch 'Chasing Shadows' above!

MP3// Perfume Genius: All Waters

Perfume Genius is for all its sins just one man, Mike Hadreas, but sometimes it is so easy to forget that! 'All Waters' is one of those occasions. A relatively short track taken from his forthcoming Matador release 'Put Your Back N 2 It', this number runs just over two minutes from front to back, but you've never heard two minutes like them. I often fear I overuse the word 'beautiful', but trust me when I say it here. When I say I get goosebumps hearing one particular song, believe me, I've never meant it more than I do regarding this track. Every single note here stuns. Sometimes you'll come across music and expect a note that never arrives. With 'All Waters' I knew what note I wanted to hear and Perfume Genius fulfilled all my expectations with unprecedented beauty and sincerity and ethereal wonder. This is the reason I do what I'm doing right now. To find a song that throbs and pulsates and breaths. A track that sounds above all others. Alive and conscious of itself. The vibrating synths on this song beat like a sonic heart, pumping heart-rendering words through your very being. You cannot do anything but listen, and when it's over you cannot hit play again. A strange fear grips you. You don't wish to get accustomed to what you've just heard. Its rhythms or private thoughts. You don't want it to lose its magic and you know what? I don't think it will!

MP3// Kitten: Panic (Smiths Cover)

Taken from the double album 'Please, Please, Please', a tribute record celebrating the life and many hits of The Smiths, Kittens version of the classic track 'Panic' is simply fantastic! I rarely post covers, but this one is truly exceptional and well worth hearing. One almighty, thundering bass line powers through these four minutes, opened by a reverberating, epic and synth-driven introduction. Subtly haunting and elevated by beautifully long notes, the drum beat confidently holds the track together. Singing wise, similarly strong vocals, in all their passion and variation just sound stunning. Echoing harmonies and laments and then choruses so wondrously easy to dance to come and go, but finish in equal measure. This cover of The Smiths song 'Panic' does the original every deserving justice. Stream above!

MP3// Work Drugs: Dirty Dreams

First off we've had a couple of changes made to the face of the blog. There's now a lovely new Follow button to your right for anyone who wants to know about mp3s and reviews as soon as they're posted! Also, instead of NEWS//, you'll notice an MP3// post title which just seemed well, more sensible. Now you may remember me posting a Work Drugs track quite a while back, but 'Dirty Dreams' is another, and dropped onto the blogosphere a few days ago. A four minute escape from reality, Work Drugs labours are laid upon instrumentals by Philly artist Dylan Sieh. Summery vibes run up and down the back of the song like children along a beach. Sand flows between your toes, cemented by refreshingly cool water, clear blue and glistening in the afternoon sun. The vocals are suitably relaxed, holding onto the day and refusing to let it succumb to night. The whole number it fantastic, but the frantic conclusion makes it for me. Stream 'Dirty Dreams' up above and get lost in the last ebbing rays of sunlight. If you happen to like it then, head to the SoundCloud and grab it for free!

NEWS// Mike Snow: Devil's Work MP3

Mike Snow dropped this little track only yesterday and yet a number of blogs have already covered it! After about half a second of deliberation I tentatively had a listen, and I haven't looked back since. These four minutes are simply stunning, and after that similarly brilliant debut released back in 2009, my worry of disappointment was immediately dispelled. The incredible vocals are better than ever, supported by taunt horns and piano lines shivering with deep, soothing tension. Sonic spaces are crammed with dance sensibilities that, while still accessible, remain beautifully sincere, dusted in nostalgic freckles. Uplifting interludes split periods of unashamed solemnity, musing the notion of moral high ground. Electronic builds and drops and thoughtfully wrought detail highlight an exacting example of how the use of technology and physical instrumentation can come together to create something all too magnificent. Stream 'Devil's Work' up above and have a look at the official video here!

NEWS// Air: Seven Stars (Featuring Victoria Legrand) MP3

What a wonderful combination. Air and one half of Beach House. 'Seven Stars' isn't one of those tracks that hits you right from the off. It's a smouldering number, and one that slowly but surely manages to draw you in, wrapping itself around your limbs and mind with smoky tendrils that render you blind; aghast with unanticipated amazement. A countdown at 2.25 acts as an intermission between a dark, drum lead intro and softer female singing. Adding crystal clear samples to surreal sensibilities is risky, but Air apparently cannot go wrong in regards to music! Taken from a forthcoming album 'Le Voyage Dans La Lune' which drops January 6th, I'm intrigued to hear what else French duo Air might throw in! Stream above!

NEWS// Chloë Sunshine: Hold Me MP3

Chloë Sunshine embodies every positive connotation their moniker has. Infinite summers blurred by nostalgia. Shafts of glittering dust lancing through your memory, dappling each of those moments with that sense of absolute perfection. Your eyes have always been half closed to this revelation though, trying their hardest to fight the glare of the midday sun. In 'Hold Me' you find a welcome spot of shade, quiet and subtle and beautifully understated. The vocal work is stunningly relaxed, relaying such lines as "but I'm wired with the blood of a fool", which is brilliantly thought-provoking. An innocence is expressed on the track, the second from the Californian surf-pop band's forthcoming album 'Indian Summer', and I am more than happy to simply flow along to it's attenuated sadness. Hope, regret and indeed sadness are all explored in 'Hold Me's jangly instrumentation and catchy harmonies and I like it very much! If you also like the sound of the stream above, download it for free here!

REVIEW// The Black Tambourines: Chica EP

     Cornish lo-fi quartet The Black Tambourines are all set to release their EP 'Chica' later this month, via Art Is Hard Records on the 19th. A grunge-ridden rock an' roll effort layered with surf-pop sensibilities, 'Chica' will be available on cassette, and purchasing it unlocks an extra two tracks, t-shirt and a poster. It's most certainly worth your money, and at a limited edition of just fifty, I suggest skipping my review and grabbing a copy if I've managed to sell it to you already! If not read on and I'll try my hardest to persuade your fine self to do just so! After a couple of listens, I came to the conclusion that The Black Tambourines' sound was not dissimilar to that of the Black Lips and even subtle quirks akin to a lighter, happier WU LYF, if such a thing can be imagined, emerged from the music. A five track effort (seven if you count bonus numbers) this EP is fantastic from start to finish and easy to recommend!

     Opening with 'Bad Days', a relaxed build and beat slowly grow, the guitar-lead melody happily letting me soak in the music before hitting me with all that glorious loudness. Drum wise the level of skill and refinement and ability here is outstanding, carrying all the songs with an infectious upbeat grin, tangible in its care-free happiness. Vocal harmonies lie just below that layer of nostalgic reverb, simmering with an understated, overlooked pleasure. 'White Album' follows with a similar aesthetic, the singing moving to the front of the stage. I found it particularly fascinating on this track as while it is a loud song the vocals remain so subtle and controlled under it! Every tonal change and stunning lyric can be plucked from this hotbed of furiously blissful rock. Some smile-inducing high notes are even thrown in! 'Cat Days' succeeds 'White Album' with a softer, bluesier air about it. Childish 'la la la's are abundant, and I love every single one. '27 - 25 Blues' is the lead single from 'Chica', and it is ever so easy to see why. It seems a lot more mature than the rest, confident in its gritty guitar lines and noisy, throbbing backdrop. The vocals are as spot-on as ever, yet it is the ultimate track 'Green' that gets my feet tapping the most. The drum beat shimmers with a summery glow, reflecting back a larger-than-life sun that hangs heavy in the sky. Closing the EP, the singing gains an apt, almost unwilling tiredness, a quality I can't get enough of!

     A final push reveals the concluding build, delighted and sad and wondrously contented with its effort. The Black Tambourines have surpassed your average lo-fi garage rockers. I think the Cornish quartet are set to blow up in the face of mainstream pop and I'm backing them all the way. This is music as it should be. Thought-out, passionate and eager to get smiles slapped on despondent winter cheeks. It's an excellent set of tracks, so stream '27 -25 Blues' below, then head over to the Bandcamp to make sure you get a cassette, here!

NEWS// Jack Robert Hardman: Famous MP3

When a song title like 'Famous' appears, you'd be forgiven for assuming the track sounds like The Pussycat Dolls' 'When I Grow Up', or similar to an over-produced Ke$ha number. I feared exposure of equal intensity, arrogant, selfless and absent human warmth. However Jack Robert Hardman delivered an altogether different experience. His debut single, taken from an eponymous record, is set to drop via Pleasant Pursuits / Essential Music the 23rd of January, and simply rocks. Blissed out, chilled out and everything in between, 'Famous' is steadfast in its resolve, uncertain on the inside, the sensitivity seeping and flowing from every beautiful word. This isn't a demand. It's a wish, pleading and praying with tired eyes, struggling with the thought of giving up on its dream. The vocals are whimsical, wistful in a quiet child-like confidence. Simple acoustic guitars highlight the desire to be remembered, and nothing more. It's a short-lived number, but an absolute gem of a pop song. Stream it up above and wait for it to be released as January next year draws to chilly, hopeful finish!

VIDEO// Gauntlet Hair: Top Bunk

Gauntlet Hair dropped 'Top Bunk' a while back, but this new video for it fell out of nowhere a few days ago. Composed entirely of Arnold Schwarzenegger clips that basically sum up a Terminator movie, the music backs it perfectly. Vocals dripping in reverberation echo, a nostalgic bounce between walls of memory. Heart is ripped from Arnold, who is confronted by salvation, redemption and ultimate sacrifice. The tone of the movie is a lot more subtle when revealed under a different light, shimmering and shuddering below a film of yearning and evocative emotional charm. Bravo Neighborhood Watch, and bravo Gauntlet Hair! Go ahead and stream the video above because it really is a chilled out and fascinating listen!

Weekly Classic: Mike Oldfield: In High Places

I thought it was about time we got back to doing Weekly Classics you mightn't have heard of, so when the guys over at LYFSTYL posted this 1987 track from Mike Oldfield I just had to share it. Everything about the number emulates a ethereal beauty, from delicate reverb to abundant high notes to an airy beat and hopeful melody. "Could we get much higher/ Could we get much lighter/ navigator, to Heaven" is my favourite line from these three and a half minutes. It marks the introduction of the defined drum beat, tip-toeing over melody-tinged clouds. Kanye West used a sample in his song 'Dark Fantasy', and it's easy to see why. Stream 'In High Places' above and have a gander at the original LYFSTYL post here!

REVIEW// Stellarscope: Stellarscope

         Philadelphia's trio Stellarscope have actually, for more than a decade, been recording music. Over that time they've built up an impressive number of releases -from albums and EPs to compilations and tributes. It's a substantial list, and one that inflated my anticipation to hear their eponymous record tenfold! Unfortunately however the group just don't deliver for me. An eleven track effort, there isn't enough substance behind them to hold my interest and a plethora of reasons besides. The vocals from Tom Lugo aren't terrible at all, but the aesthetic of the album is one of throwback sounds, circa 80s and 90s indie pop. A lo-fi sensibility is almost expected from such an ethos, but most of the time Stellarscope move away from charming low-fidelity and into the realm of a noisy and unrefined lack of quality. Muffled lyricism does nothing to elevate the band's obvious writing ability either, and by the time you've reached the second half your attention has begun to wander. That's not to say some tracks aren't great, because they are, but as a shift in sound from Stellarscope I must admit it is a path I don't wish to follow. My expectations were somewhat downtrodden!

     'Stellaracope' opens with 'You Always Know' and immediately the vocals become lost in a strange space-age throb. The chorus doesn't help, as voice upon voice accumulates in an almighty confusion. There are a few effects thrown in, from epic mechanical whirrs to a senseless, tension-fuelled drum beat, but they work surprisingly well. The next track 'What Happened Here' follows in the same manner, introduced by fantastically stark electronic phrases, but again it turns into incomprehensible noise. I know noise-pop is a hard genre to understand, but this just feels accidental, as though the noise was simply rushed and in a way just allowed to grow out of control. 'Fight Another Day' in its aggression falls short of the desired effect, but 'Beauty Awaits' goes some way in redeeming my lost attention. A six minute monster, the vocals have finally gained a subtly and understated presence that I was looking for. It takes two minutes of refined instrumental before they're injected into the music, and it's indeed a respite from the previous numbers in every sense of the word.

     'Tangled Web You Weave' seems to work off the back of 'Beauty Awaits' and once again you can appreciate the track both lyrcially and vocally. The intricacy of the drums and nostalgic nature of the guitar shine through the lo-fi hum that for the most part is kept to a minimum. 'Feel the Pain' was the point at which I sat up, eager to see whether or not this three-track streak could continue. Prolonged notes work with the noise to amplify their passion and vocal exertion, and alien samples dapple its listen. 'I Am So Alone' sounds a lot like Joy Division singing-wise and 'Is It So Sad To Say's tempo changes make for a nice variation between verses. 'She is No Angel' follows 'This We Know's shoegaze sensibility. It's a stunning penultimate number, its gritty guitars throbbing and pop-punk vocals apt in their anger. The final number hones back to the group's space-rock roots and closes the album on a positive vibe, which is startling in its contrast to the beginning of 'Stellarscope'!

     This is an album of two halfs. The first and arguably the more important doesn't live up to expectations. The second works a lot better, but still lacks the noticable refinement and polish that I was holding out for. It's an uncertain effort, wobbling on legs obviously unused to the genre the trio have chosen to explore. As you know I like to listen to an album all the way through, as the artists intend, without skipping or missing out tracks. As it is these songs therefore don't work. You shouldn't have to listen through ten minutes of noise in order to reach the tracks that do away with such. In the end this record was an effort, and even those final tracks couldn't dispell this rain-cloud of sighs and groans. Stream 'Beauty Awaits' down below, as its the best number here, and then find the full-length album here!

NEWS// Minimum: Smash Routine MP3

Minimums single 'Smash Routine' is the second song emailed over by London based label Kittiwake Records, the first being Aerials Up and their fantastic number 'I Am'. In an almost complete flipside to that violin-laden tale of yearning, we're dealt with Minimum something electronic and aggressive and in parts unashamedly fierce. With a name dripping in irony, there is a dramatically theatrical tendency on the band's behalf to exaggerate their sound. This is simple in-your-face rock and it works astoundingly well. The vocals bounce from an exceptionally soft 'woo woo woo' to the metal-esque climax, and it's this variation within the music that make it worth your while. The tinkling intro and gruff, untamed guitars are also admirable however, supported by suitably intense drumming that only gets better as these four and a half minutes progress. 'Smash Routine' requires you to do just that. No time for a listen? Make some. Stream above and await the release over at Kittiwake Records here!

NEWS// Aerials Up: I Am MP3

Aerials Up are signed to Kittwake Records, the team behind Song of Return, a band which didn't impress me as much as I'd anticipated. A email regarding two new releases from the London based label was met with reluctance, but Aerials Up have restored my confidence! 'I Am' isn't the most imaginative title ever, but it contains some beautifully orchestrated pop magnificence, a confident beat backing an epic, thundering melody. Through those drums and guitars however, there is a subtle delicacy and human warmth, pulsating through the Scottish outfit's violins and gloriously unreserved vocals. It might not be the most original sounding thing in the world, but sometimes that's just not important. I say congratulations, and I'm looking forward to hearing a full-length record sometime soon! Hear 'I Am' above, and look out for the single, which drops on December 12th at Kittwake Records over here.

NEWS// Mirror Lady: Roman Candles MP3

Mirror Lady, that small bedroom pop outfit from California, are fast becoming very popular, which is recognition they rightly deserve! The spark from their debut track 'Shapes' seems to have stoked a bonfire of sorts, and Mirror Lady are determined to keep the fire roaring! 'Roman Candles' dropped a few days ago, and I think it might just outshine that first song, even after only a couple of listens. Warmer in tone and with vocals still at the forefront of the music, light flickers across vaulted ceilings, chasing echoes and quietly enlightening in a more reserved, thoughtful sort of way. While not drastically slower than that first number, something about it feels calmer. The singing still contrasts with the backing track, a unique lilt lending its individuality to the song in bucket-loads. Lyrically, Mirror Lady remain on top too, with powerful lines like "And when your heart attacks / you'll be screaming my name" pleasing in their abundance. Stream them all up above and check out 'Shapes' over here!

VIDEO// Lana Del Ray: Born to Die

Now, you all know I've been an ambassador for Lana Del Ray from day one, so finding not only a new track but a semi-naked video as well might have made my Christmas. Some of the Internet populous has been concerned in the past over the New Yorker's looks. Plastic surgery on those lips? Focus put on her image more than her music? I say, if you've got it, flaunt it, and that is exactly what she's doing here. Bear-hugging a tattooed fellow may be conjuring up a storm of criticism from music blogs around the globe, but if it's getting her noticed, do you think she cares? I personally got that shiver of unexplainable beauty from the video, and indeed the song that backs it. The way she stands, lacking in even the hint of a smile. The man's closed eyes and comforting grasp, stroking Lana's back against the fluttering American flag. Is he a ghost? Is Lana's arms furiously clinging to the shadow of a lost friend? It's a mesmerising notion, and one that transfixes while you listen. Staring into her quietly yearning eyes, a lifetime of struggle holding back the tears, you can so easily fall into the music and become lost in her stunningly delicate voice. But maybe we're a tad too analytical in our approach. She's naked, and the song is fantastic. There's something here that we can all appreciate, and you can't say you haven't had the same thoughts! An album of the same name is set to drop late January so look out for that and stream above.

VIDEO// I Dream in Colour: Strangest Place

Essex quartet I Dream in Colour have got their debut single 'Strangest Place' streaming all over the Internet before its official release on the 5th of this month, and I have to say I just love it. We're now pretty much in the grasp of winter's mighty fist, and this autumnal video is just what our chilly bones need. Richard Judge's lead vocals take on an almighty scope, epic, powerful and quietly heartbreaking. Reminiscing a childhood in the woods, innocent winds blow through intricate drum phrases and huge cinematic piano melodies, relayed in passion through the uniquely confident singing. It is a warm breeze that alights upon your ears, and one I'm more than eager to welcome. It renders you speechless on first listen as you savour each beautiful musical note I Dream in Colour sends your way. By your third helping however, they'll have you singing along to the wonderful lyricism and humming to the catchy melody. They manage to dispell that frosty air of winter, and for that alone they are worth your time. Anticipate the single in a few days and stream the brilliant film above!

NEWS// Exlovers: Starlight, Starlight MP3

Exlovers. A London-based quintet. Four guys, one gal and just some seriously blissed out bedroom pop, lathered in shoegaze sensibilities, sweeping symphonies and humbling lo-fi charm. I was emailed 'Starlight Starlight' by two separate people, and I wasn't dissapointed with what I found! The first track from their debut album, it's currently being given away for absolutely nothing at all, so it's a delightfully easy reccomendation for me to make. Kicking off with some furiously summery drums, riddled with mellow vibes and bathing in that pool of satisfaction we all wish to find, Exlover's singing slowly emerges. The combination of the male and female vocals is a technique not unknown to the indie-pop outfit, but it seems on 'Starlight Starlight' that such a harmony has been perfected, and an edge refined. Muffled by our minds ability to make nostalgic events better than they probably were, this track is a catchy one. It sticks in your head, which in turn moulds it into something incredible. It's the basis of a pop classic, and one I'm not likely to forget. I think I'm in love with Exlovers! Grab the track here, and then look out for their forthcoming LP 'Moth' sometime next year!

VIDEO// Gabriel Bruce: Sleep Paralysis

I know absolutely nothing when it comes to Gabriel Bruce other than that he records some simply stunning post-punk numbers, with one of the more recent being 'Sleep Paralysis'. A four minute muse pondering the actuality of his very being ("I've got this feeling that we're dead"), it's a track that's all the more powerful because of Bruce's despondent, saddening tone. These vocals bring the sound of The National to mind, and it soon becomes evident that they've played a modest part in Gabriel's inspiration. A melodic groove hiding in the steady drum beat seeps in through his passion, driving the track with an eager sincerity in toe. It's a style not unfamiliar to those fans of The National, but for me, the lacking hope in 'Sleep Paralysis' grabs at your heartstrings with a tighter, more unrelenting grasp. When such a great track is paired with an amazing video my day is made, so stream it up above!

NEWS// Grimes: Oblivion MP3

This new tune from Grimes is pretty inspiring. Backed by a deep unwavering beat, chunky and confident and subtly melodic, the vocals retain a completely different aesthetic. They feel delicate and soft, contrasting their support as they float under an innocent suggestion of a lisp. It's a fine balance, but one that reaps many a reward when the equilibrium is met. Grimes has created something that gets me excited from the off, so I'm looking forward to seeing what she pulls out of the bag for her next full-length record! With all of its haunting presence and underlying tension, elevated by truly beautiful singing, 'Oblivion' is glorious.

VIDEO// Fleet Foxes: The Shrine / An Argument

Fleet Foxes dropped this fantastic video a few days ago, and there are truly no words with which to describe it. The animations match the music perfectly, swelling and receding with each beautiful note. The combination of two songs from the band's latest album make the magnificent journey glorious, exploring hurt and longing like barren wastelands. Reds and oranges reign supreme, sweltering and oppressive in their infernal angst. Soft water, in its cool, murky, ignorant bliss contrasts this, the calm shattered like ice by a monster's wrath. I love this video, so stream it up above and have a gander at my Fleet Foxes review here!

REVIEW// Vinyl Williams: Lemniscate

     I've polished off the last of my email requests, so its time to return to the rather daunting backlog of music I never got round to covering. 'Lemniscate' is the debut album from Vinyl Williams, an experimental pop group fronted by Lionel Williams and hailing from the fair city of Los Angeles. It's a nine-track effort that arrived way back in August and is available from the Bandcamp for no cost whatsoever, which is reason enough to grab it! A surreal and mesmerisingly abstract LP, 'Lemniscate' explores a kaleidoscopic spectrum of sound, brimming with orchestral scope and subtle sonic complexities, all beautifully realised through layers of attenuated texture. In coming to the album I expected something incredibly hard to 'get', but what I found was a record that was incredibly accessible. Take away the noise and the experimentation and you're left with a pretty solid melody and beat behind most numbers, grounding the tracks and creating something very easy to sit back and just take in. There is a fascinating and rewarding intelligence within 'Lemniscate', blissed out and oozing calm vibrations. It lulls and swells and pulsates under waves of pure serenity, lapping the shore of a remote island, caverns echoing back the distant tide. A content sincerity weaves its way throughout each track in turn, though not in an ignorant way. Instead, it's more of a suggestive blithe elation, reflective and profound and infinitely charming, and I just love it!
     Opening with 'Tokyo -> Sumatra', a flurry of percussion explodes into your ears, softly spoken synths softening the edges and pushing them to the back of the music. The vocal talents of Lionel reverberate over sonic hills and vast, incomprehensible plains, hypnotic in their unwavering, steady tone. Closing with a cosmic epiphany of sorts, it makes your problems feel small, insignificant against the backdrop of the universe. 'Higher Worlds' is an apt follower, pounding under a film of nostalgic crackle and building with unanticipated benevolence. The throbbing rhythm is crystal clear, with a comfortable melody in toe. A tangible and strangely ethereal tone to the track marks it out as one of my favourites, surpassing both the muffled quirks of 'Stellarscope' and the psychedelic shoe-gaze ethos portrayed in 'Who Are You?'. 'Grassy's tribal beat and wind instruments rustle amongst the reeds of a magnificent river. Decidedly more ambient than the other tracks, things are slowed down, yet still retain that refreshing energy I've come to expect from Vinyl Williams. A glittering finish leads into the passionate vocals of 'Object Of The Source', a powerful, more serious creation from John Williams talented grandson. The drums and guitar flow as one, backing a 'post-punk meets dream-pop' sensibility. 'Inner Space' hits off with an immediately easy-going groove, natural and simple and oh so soothing. 'Open Your Mind' is the penultimate song off of 'Lemniscate', delicate singing bouncing off cloud as the walls of your mind melt away. The words during these five minutes, and indeed throughout the album are the most distinguishable, but that's not what the music is about. It is the layering of notes and sound and texture to achieve something much more. Spiritual or not, it massages an aching, uptight mentality, allowing thoughts and notions to seep in. It's more of an experience rather than simply a collection of songs, and one well worth baring.
     The final number, 'Follow Your Dreams', is a seven minute epic, but it's not until about half way through that you can begin to see the finish line, emerging from the noise. Synth and string and bell accumulate into a surprisingly tension fuelled ending. 'Lemniscate' was merely a dream you come to understand. An escape from the madness and ravaged land that is your dreaded reality. As the dream draws to a close, you can sense something it wrong. A tonal change, ever so subtle, causes your brow to furrow and your fingers to clench. Bullets rip through the seams holding your Utopia together, a terrifying black dust clogging your lungs and obscuring your beautiful vision. It's a compelling conclusion to a captivating record. Stream 'Higher Worlds' above, then I urge you to download this album!

NEWS// Of Montreal: Wintered Debts MP3

I've always been a fan of Georgian rock octet Of Montreal, and 'Wintered Debts' has got a certain charm about it that doesn't disappoint. I'll admit the outfit's last two releases didn't click with me, especially after the magnificent 'Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?', but my confidence in them has been suitably restored with this latest epic of a track. Running for seven and a half minutes and taken from their forthcoming effort 'Paralytic Stalks' it's a number that reaches out to grasp for past glories, the concluding strings and piano rising to a level of instrumentation I've never heard but always anticipated from the group. The opening vocals are melancholy in their wintry delicacy, wrapped warm in a subtle melody. A drum phrase introduces a marked change in tone as Of Montreal seem to slowly break down, but it's a vulnerability and passion that matches the undeniably determined attitude they have to get every song they record as perfect as it can be. Even on albums that didn't sound as good, you can tell they tried their hardest, which is an element I've always admired. Eventually that orchestral interlude leads into the stunning conclusion, to a track so beautifully refined you can't help sighing with affection. Stream 'Wintered Debts' above.

NEWS// Frost: The Woods MP3

Frost is the musical moniker for Norwegian duo Aggie Peterson and Per Martinsen, a pair who have already put out two records under the icy pseudonym. 'The Woods' is the latest teaser from their forthcoming third effort 'Radiomagnetic, an album set to stun when it falls early next year. During these four minutes however, we're served a wondrously well-baked slice of electro-pop, delicious in its delicacy and lathered in warm, pulsating synths. It's an understated gem, trickling under Aggie's haunting vocals, dripping in subtle reverberation and yet still managing to retain a crystal clear aesthetic, euphoric yet melancholic over the beautifully refined and attenuated melody. Drum phrases pan between channels, an alien light dappling the track's base in mystery and intrigue. A song of contrast, Frost unify the sounds, bringing them together under just one, truly magnificent namesake: 'The Woods'.

NEWS// La Shark: Magazine Cover MP3

Eccentric South London sextet La Shark are all set to launch their latest single, a frenzied and beautifully unconventional smattering of pop perfection next Monday night. 'Magazine Cover' somehow feels dated, an element to their music more often than not attributed to a certain lead singer's vocals. Rather than a hindrance however, this quirky and individual sound, when matched with the off-kilter instrumentation, pacey interludes and fantastically catchy choruses, makes for a captivating and curiously unique aesthetic that we at Music Dissection love. An electronic whirring, beeping and laser-shooting dominates the beat, a rhythm that supports lyrics evocative in both their tragic and smile-inducing notions. The group prophesise their own downfall, a forlorn and quietly saddening affair brought about by ego and fame and the temptations available to those with money. Each member of La Shark dies, the coverage of which appears on a "magazine cover". During the second half of the track, we pause for a while and slow down. It's here that we can really appreciate La Sharks ability to take words and twist them into something stunningly powerful. The faster phrases are truly incredible, and as the song draws to a close, you can finally breath. The urge to replay ultimately takes over, yet the impulse to sing along is stronger. It may not be for everyone, but for me 'Magazine Cover' is the apex of pop perfection. Hear it above!