Sea Lions - Grown Up by Slumberland Records
Don't say I never give you anything for free. Available for download here is this charming little record by Sea Lions, taken from their forthcoming album (released 22 November) Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Sea Lions, But Were Afraid To Ask. The link will also provide you with Everything You Always Wanted To Ask About The Band Sea Lions But Up To This Point You Weren't Aware Of Them So In Fact Everything, In The Context of Sea Lions, Is a Concept That Is Only A Few Minuets Old But Now You Want To Know Everything Anyway.
In the necessarily positive notes written by their label Slumberland Records, they describe the Sea Lions sound as being successful in it's ability to encapsulate the nature of youth, 'bored, underemployed and wishing your life was something else.' On this I'm inclined to agree with them, although I would refine the description to the successful depiction of small town, seaside-rural youth. The Beach Boys-esq vocals gives this track a real sense of coastal space and the jangling guitars that compliment those voices so perfectly, evoke that feeling of restlessness, even helplessness, that youth living in such a cut off yet wind swept environment must experience.
With tedium often a perfect excuse for substance abuse this track is like the cool, leather jacket, cigarettes and eyeliner Lou Reed coming to town and introducing Brian Wilson to crack cocaine; who inevitably loves the escapism it provides. Whilst it still retains it's surfer, seaside body their is now a real sense of urgency in the understanding of self, an understanding that this frustration is a result of the environment. This is most epitomised in the narcotic induced drawling of our protagonist. I really do hope the whole album carries on this theme like a cracked -up Pet Sounds.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Monday, 31 October 2011
Mazzy Star - Common Burn
Mazzy Star - Common Burn by weallwantsome1
Last week I featured a remix of the song for which anyone with even the slightest resemblance of a relationship with the world will know Mazzy Star for. Since then they've been rather quiet, probably basking in the glory of that record or stuck deep in a depression with the thought that they, or even anyone else, might never be able to make anything of such beauty again.
This new single however, released on their own Rhymes Of An Hour Records, might just be getting close. Imagine the aftermath of Dorothy returning to Kansas. Having just clicked her pretty red ruby shoes together, she lands on a hay bale looking out upon the baron prairie. It is vast and magnificent in it's emptiness, the wind moves through the hollowness and creates beautiful sounds, like nature blowing on a giant empty milk bottle. As the sky shifts and the hills speak, she starts to wonder if the whole yellow-brick-road-thing was not just one big trip, she's pretty sure she didn't spill any LSD on her fingers when she was making tabs for grandma but she can't be sure. She especially suspicious considering that Toto doesn't look the slightest bit bothered, in fact he looks a bit bored, like he's been sitting starring at his owner chat rubbish about tin men and wicked witches for hours.
Last week I featured a remix of the song for which anyone with even the slightest resemblance of a relationship with the world will know Mazzy Star for. Since then they've been rather quiet, probably basking in the glory of that record or stuck deep in a depression with the thought that they, or even anyone else, might never be able to make anything of such beauty again.
This new single however, released on their own Rhymes Of An Hour Records, might just be getting close. Imagine the aftermath of Dorothy returning to Kansas. Having just clicked her pretty red ruby shoes together, she lands on a hay bale looking out upon the baron prairie. It is vast and magnificent in it's emptiness, the wind moves through the hollowness and creates beautiful sounds, like nature blowing on a giant empty milk bottle. As the sky shifts and the hills speak, she starts to wonder if the whole yellow-brick-road-thing was not just one big trip, she's pretty sure she didn't spill any LSD on her fingers when she was making tabs for grandma but she can't be sure. She especially suspicious considering that Toto doesn't look the slightest bit bothered, in fact he looks a bit bored, like he's been sitting starring at his owner chat rubbish about tin men and wicked witches for hours.
Horsementality EP1 - Out Now
Horsementality EP1 - Out Now by Renegade Hardware
The first release from The Noble Lion of drum and bass Loxy and his brother in arms Ink, from a larger 30 track project, which will feature tracks from over 30 artists influenced by the original Horseman project.
This is typically dark Renegade Hardware fair full of deep sub bass and industrial influence that still holds a rhythmic, rolling character to it. Stand out track for me is Arclight's Judas, as it exemplifies the aforementioned elements but it also has this wonderful, robotic groaning noise, like the sounds the invaders would make in War of The Worlds as they scope the landscape looking for survivors in the battle ravaged remains of earth.
The first release from The Noble Lion of drum and bass Loxy and his brother in arms Ink, from a larger 30 track project, which will feature tracks from over 30 artists influenced by the original Horseman project.
This is typically dark Renegade Hardware fair full of deep sub bass and industrial influence that still holds a rhythmic, rolling character to it. Stand out track for me is Arclight's Judas, as it exemplifies the aforementioned elements but it also has this wonderful, robotic groaning noise, like the sounds the invaders would make in War of The Worlds as they scope the landscape looking for survivors in the battle ravaged remains of earth.
Friday, 28 October 2011
Gardens and Villa "Black Hills"
Gardens and Villa "Black Hills" by LightsOutPR
It might at first sound like a phone is going off somewhere in your house, but ignore it, they will call back later if it's urgent. Once you get past this it develops into a lovely, wistful track full of character and depth; I love the singers voice, an example of how a vocal can act as another important instrument.
Gardens and Villa released an album at the beginning of this year and considering the strength of this track it might be well worth a second look. They also have a UK tour starting at the beginning of November so go to www.gardensandvilla.com to find out when they'll be in ant own near you.
It might at first sound like a phone is going off somewhere in your house, but ignore it, they will call back later if it's urgent. Once you get past this it develops into a lovely, wistful track full of character and depth; I love the singers voice, an example of how a vocal can act as another important instrument.
Gardens and Villa released an album at the beginning of this year and considering the strength of this track it might be well worth a second look. They also have a UK tour starting at the beginning of November so go to www.gardensandvilla.com to find out when they'll be in ant own near you.
Ra Shawn - I Got It
Ra Shawn - I Got It by iAmRaShawn
There are not enough guitars used in hip hop and for no good reason, as the distorted guitar (ala Black Keys Black Roc) works really well in this track. Along with the equally moody but still melodic base line, it helps to compliment the neat, tight rhymes of Ra Shawn. The use of the almost wooden sounding percussion gives the tune that final, garage-esq, street dwelling attitude and provides a beat to which you can't help but bop along to.
This is all the more extraordinary considering that this yoot is but 15 years old, he's is getting a lot of love on SoundCloud already so expect big things. He is already quite prolific, realising a track on SoundCloud almost every month, so check out his page here to keep up to date.
There are not enough guitars used in hip hop and for no good reason, as the distorted guitar (ala Black Keys Black Roc) works really well in this track. Along with the equally moody but still melodic base line, it helps to compliment the neat, tight rhymes of Ra Shawn. The use of the almost wooden sounding percussion gives the tune that final, garage-esq, street dwelling attitude and provides a beat to which you can't help but bop along to.
This is all the more extraordinary considering that this yoot is but 15 years old, he's is getting a lot of love on SoundCloud already so expect big things. He is already quite prolific, realising a track on SoundCloud almost every month, so check out his page here to keep up to date.
Open Your Eyes, the World is Shit-Dust Congress
Open Your Eyes, the World is Shit-Dust Congress by BestNewBandscom
When you first hear this you instantly mould into the character of Henry VIII, putting down your comically oversized drumstick and wiping the thick gravy off your fat chops. You rise from your position at the centre of the banquet table with some difficulty. You reshuffle your large, smock like cloak, covered in ridiculously expensive jewels and gratuitous flourishes of gold. You begin the long, tiresome walk around the banquet table to the dance floor in front, minions scuttling away in fear as you do so, the goblets of wine rippling like that scene in Jurassic Park from the weight of your footsteps.
After an awkward eternity where all your guests try horribly not to stare at this hideous sight, like a three carriage pile up, you make the dance floor and approach that lady who you've been making eyes at the whole meal. You've already decided you'll marry her over at Hampton Court, you'll play some real tennis in the morning, grab a hot bath and a scrub down and wed in the afternoon. You'll get that hog roast man in and the jester with the burnt face who you find so pitiful and funny. Once the festivities are over you'll whisk her to the marital suite, where she will conceive you a perfect, arian male heir.
There's a problem however, you've seen this complexion before in the whore houses of western France, she's not a virgin! In your anger you order her impromptu and summary execution. The bloke with the black hood, who you insisted come to these dances precisely for this reason, looks relieved at no longer having to look civilised.
Later on in your chambers, after many more goblets of blood-red vino, you start to dwell on what you've just done, transforming into a blubbering, drunk, melancholic Shane MacGowan, who with the help of the rest of The Pogues, enable you to illustrate your sorrow, not at the loss of that wench's life but at the cruel cycle of violence your life has entered in the search to continue your legacy.
When you first hear this you instantly mould into the character of Henry VIII, putting down your comically oversized drumstick and wiping the thick gravy off your fat chops. You rise from your position at the centre of the banquet table with some difficulty. You reshuffle your large, smock like cloak, covered in ridiculously expensive jewels and gratuitous flourishes of gold. You begin the long, tiresome walk around the banquet table to the dance floor in front, minions scuttling away in fear as you do so, the goblets of wine rippling like that scene in Jurassic Park from the weight of your footsteps.
After an awkward eternity where all your guests try horribly not to stare at this hideous sight, like a three carriage pile up, you make the dance floor and approach that lady who you've been making eyes at the whole meal. You've already decided you'll marry her over at Hampton Court, you'll play some real tennis in the morning, grab a hot bath and a scrub down and wed in the afternoon. You'll get that hog roast man in and the jester with the burnt face who you find so pitiful and funny. Once the festivities are over you'll whisk her to the marital suite, where she will conceive you a perfect, arian male heir.
There's a problem however, you've seen this complexion before in the whore houses of western France, she's not a virgin! In your anger you order her impromptu and summary execution. The bloke with the black hood, who you insisted come to these dances precisely for this reason, looks relieved at no longer having to look civilised.
Later on in your chambers, after many more goblets of blood-red vino, you start to dwell on what you've just done, transforming into a blubbering, drunk, melancholic Shane MacGowan, who with the help of the rest of The Pogues, enable you to illustrate your sorrow, not at the loss of that wench's life but at the cruel cycle of violence your life has entered in the search to continue your legacy.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Disrespected Snares - Contamination [Unmastered]
Disrespected Snares - Contamination [Unmastered] by Disrespected Snares
Listen to this masterpiece, isn't it just beautiful? Isn't the use of fluctuating drum tempos and nerdy samples so clever? Don't your eardrums feel so rosy and pleasant? What? They hate you now? Thought so. This is god awful and in some respects, I think that's the point.
This music is made for you not to like because if everyone liked it, then it would be 'mainstream,' and 'mainstream,' is bad! Maybe I just don't get it and I am willing and happy to accept that, but part of me thinks this is a cry for identity, a call to be recognised as different. Different in being able to recognise an unpalatable garble of noises as being something more meaningful. Yes, yes your angry we get it.
Breakcore fans (although they'd hate the colloquial application of 'fan' here and would probably prefer something more like follower or disciple) are effectively goth's who've failed to grow-up, discovered dance music and gone clubbing. Heavy metal fans who were intimidated into buying pills at a gig one night and needed to hear some music that went on past eleven.
Just like it's slower tempo, non electronic counterparts, this scene has a 'holier than thou,' feel about it, 'you don't understand it because your part of the system man.' Their understanding to your bemusement is the equivalent of a goth sulking around outside the shopping centre, scowling (with an air of superiority) at you as you enter HMV.
The bastard inside me wants to organise a flash mob of middle age suits to attend a breakcore night, just so I can watch their faces contort in horror as they dash from the club under the pretension that breakcore has become popular. The next day you'll see them (in HMV) having ditched the black T's and chains, buying Adele and Coldplay CD's, feeling smug in thinking now, they're being so different.
Listen to this masterpiece, isn't it just beautiful? Isn't the use of fluctuating drum tempos and nerdy samples so clever? Don't your eardrums feel so rosy and pleasant? What? They hate you now? Thought so. This is god awful and in some respects, I think that's the point.
This music is made for you not to like because if everyone liked it, then it would be 'mainstream,' and 'mainstream,' is bad! Maybe I just don't get it and I am willing and happy to accept that, but part of me thinks this is a cry for identity, a call to be recognised as different. Different in being able to recognise an unpalatable garble of noises as being something more meaningful. Yes, yes your angry we get it.
Breakcore fans (although they'd hate the colloquial application of 'fan' here and would probably prefer something more like follower or disciple) are effectively goth's who've failed to grow-up, discovered dance music and gone clubbing. Heavy metal fans who were intimidated into buying pills at a gig one night and needed to hear some music that went on past eleven.
Just like it's slower tempo, non electronic counterparts, this scene has a 'holier than thou,' feel about it, 'you don't understand it because your part of the system man.' Their understanding to your bemusement is the equivalent of a goth sulking around outside the shopping centre, scowling (with an air of superiority) at you as you enter HMV.
The bastard inside me wants to organise a flash mob of middle age suits to attend a breakcore night, just so I can watch their faces contort in horror as they dash from the club under the pretension that breakcore has become popular. The next day you'll see them (in HMV) having ditched the black T's and chains, buying Adele and Coldplay CD's, feeling smug in thinking now, they're being so different.
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