De Keefmen - Be That Guy/Jane

Single review by KevW

This article also appears on http://www.soundsxp.com

Dutchmen De Keefmen (named after that Keef, I wonder?) have come to be garage rock journeymen of sorts, performing and selling their wares wherever the demand arises. So far it has been The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, England and Germany where they've plied their trade, including sharing a stage with heroes The Standells. Should this be your introduction to the band, you will have already built up a pretty accurate idea of the kind of noise they make.

'Jane' is rough and ready garage riffing with a throat shredding vocal and is damn catchy, although you expect their rider includes a couple of packets of Strepsils. It's most certainly the sound of a band who mean it, rather than one who are going through the motions. 'Be That Guy' is a similar mix of minimalist, feral 60s rock 'n' roll which throws in some vintage sounding Hammond organ for a dustier, more authentic vibe. I can see De Keefmen being a fiery live experience and there are two very good tunes on this single, but a full album's worth may be just one for the garage purists. 

De Keefmen - Jane

De Keefmen's website

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Out This Week - 30th January 2012

Imperial Teen - Runaway

It's always been difficult to believe that Californian indie-pop band Imperial Teen include a member of bore-rockers Faith No More amongst their ranks, but sixteen years since their debut they're still crafting lovably harmonious boy/girl guitar tunes and new album 'Feel The Sound' seems unlikely to buck the trend. Free taster 'Runaway' is sweet, melodic and exceedingly enjoyable.



Imperial Teen's website

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Pepe Deluxe - The Storm

Another band from the class of '96 are also still looking fresh and relevant. Finnish genre-mashers Pepe Deluxe are back with a new album, 'Queen Of The Wave' this week and, true to form, 'The Storm' is a hybrid of styles that sounds like the result of locking John Barry, Henry Mancini, Bently Rhythm Ace and Can in a room with nothing more than a bag of 'shrooms and the instructions to come up with a new Bond theme.



Pepe Deluxe's website

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Hospitality - Betty Wang

More indiepop from Brooklyn! Hospitality release their self-titled debut album this week. It's taken them a while, since songs have been online for nearly three years, but a recent deal with Merge Records has given them the stepping stone needed. Previous single 'Betty Wang' perfectly encapsulates their minimalist, slightly twee guitar tunes, brimming with melody and charm.



Hospitality's website

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Leonard Cohen - Show Me The Place

Never having been one of the most prolific recording artists, the legendary Leonard Cohen releases his twelfth studio album (in 45 years!) today and whether it's for you will depend on any love for his previous work. Here he sticks to what he knows best, captivating songwriting which is, as ever, unlikely to get you firing up the ROFLcopter. Check out the cosy, wintry and downright lovely 'Show Me The Place'.



Leonard Cohen's website

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OBLIGATORY RECORD OF THE WEEK

Tennis - My Better Self

OK so this doesn't get an official release for a couple of weeks, but The Sound Of Confusion's album of 2011 winners, Tennis, have been kind enough to share a track from forthcoming new album 'Young & Old' with us as an online stream. Plus, the more exposure this wonderful band get, the better. It's pure, beautiful pop with a classic 60s feel and is generally impossible to dislike. More perfect lo-fi pop from the Denver band, the new album will not disappoint, and let's hope they're embraced by the public at large as soon as possible. These people have no idea what they're missing.



Tennis' website

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Five For Free #48

Toy - Left Myself Behind

They may have formed from the ashes of Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong, but the music made by London-based band Toy has more in common with the Krautrock influenced epic psychedelia of recent tour buddies The Horrors. Their new single, the powerful, gutsy 'Left Myself Behind' is out on 12" this week but the MP3 is free to download below.



Toy's website

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Islet - This Fortune

Also in shops this week is the long awaited debut album by enigmatic Welsh experimentalists Islet. A few were concerned that the hype surrounding the band was due to the mystique caused by the lack of online presence and initial difficulty in actually hearing their songs, but the album, 'Illuminated People' has gained some pretty favourable reviews and you can check out the glorious din of 'This Fortune' right here.


Stream the album in full

Islet's website

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Filthybird - I'd Like To Know

Another year has begun for Weathervane Music's new band promotion series Shaking Through, and 2012's first recording is from melodic North Carolina band Filthybird who have recorded the track 'I'd Like To Know' which nicely shows off their harmonies and fresh yet traditional US indie sound. As always with Shaking Through, the track is available to download free or for a donation if you're feeling generous.



Filthybird's website

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Tilt-A-Whirl - Fraggle Rock

Hailing from Somerville, Massachusetts, Tilt-A-Whirl are a young and vibrant garage trio specialising in short, sharp shocks of ragged, melodic punk rock. Their debut release the 'PE EP' is available now on CD or you can grab the scuzzy, lo-fi, pop burst of primal energy that is opening track 'Fraggle Rock' by clicking  download on the link below.



Tilt-A-Whirl's website

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Errors - Earthscore

Glaswegians Errors have achieved a certain cult status with the release of their two albums of 'post electro' so far, and next week sees them return with a third full-length, 'Have Some Faith In Magic'. Their brand of experimental electro-rock is unlikely to nab them Rihanna's pop crown but it will certainly delight their faithful following. Check out album cut 'Earthscore'.



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Errors' website

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Mirrors - This Year, Next Year, Sometime...?

EP review by KevW

This article also appears on http://www.soundsxp.com

Despite a clutch of decent reviews, last year's debut album 'Lights & Offerings' was largely overlooked, but those of us who took notice found a set of top-grade 80s inspired electro-pop. Since then the stability in camp Mirrors has seemed questionable (although I stress that no problems have been reported by the band themselves). Festival appearances and and dates supporting their spiritual forefathers OMD were cancelled, apparently as they were too busy working on new material. It would certainly seem an odd move to call off such fantastic promotional opportunities. A few weeks later it was announced that founder member Ally Young had left the group. From the outside at least, it was starting to look worrying.

On a more positive note, two new tracks appeared late last year with the remaining three members stating that they were studio bound to begin work on a follow-up. Releasing an intermediary EP titled 'This Year, Next Year, Sometime...?' to very little fanfare and publicity isn't exactly the best indicator of a definite future for the trio, but that's how this digital collection consisting of two finished new tracks and a handful of home demos has been given to us. Hopefully it's a message to fans that Mirrors are still very much in business.

Neither of the two finished songs are single material; 'Dust' and 'Shooting Stars' are competent enough but pale in comparison to previous efforts, giving the impression that the good ship Mirrors has been left on autopilot. They don't last long in the memory. The five demo tracks could be a better indicator of things to come, but lacking the extra studio tweaking they're a very mixed bag. 'Blood Diamond' is reasonable enough, but 'Pick Me Up' is nothing more than a Human League b-side. The final three tracks are the proof that the new line-up are finding their feet and there's hope here.

'Nothing Lost' is Depeche Mode colliding with Kraftwerk (i.e. business as usual) before it gives way to the 80s dance floor filler 'Leave Me Here'. It's not a great track yet but has the potential to develop into one. Atmospheric closer 'Dead Air' is similar to the fantasy electro-pop favoured by The Sound Of Arrows and is a suitable way to wrap things up. This is far from an essential EP, which is most likely the reason it's been unveiled in the quiet way it has. It's more the sound of Mirrors mark 2 reminding the fans that they're still very much alive. All in all it has the approach, feel and sound of nothing more than a stopgap, and that's almost certainly what it is.


Mirrors' website






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The Machine Room - Love From A Distance EP

EP review by KevW

This article also appears on http://www.soundsxp.com

Influences; all bands have them. They can be a source of inspiration, ideas to take, twist and develop as your own, something to aspire to, a challenge to match. Alternatively they can be ripped off, cheaply watered down and just plain old stolen as a cash-in. How influences are used can make or break a band, and also save them from, or condemn them to, a critical mauling. For every group genre-mashing/borrowing geniuses such as The Horrors or The Go! Team there are half a dozen facsimiles like The Pigeon Detectives. Edinburgh's The Machine Room have selected their sonic weapons from the past and, crucially, they know how to use them. Debut EP 'Love From A Distance' isn't quite on a par with the first two bands mentioned, but it pisses from a great height on the likes of the third.

Previous single 'Camino de Soda' chucks in a spattering of baggy to some Rapture-inspired dance floor beats and cowbells. It may be a touch '2003' but due to some killer hooks and glistening synths this doesn't matter a jot. 'Cost Of Progress' is another frantic electro-indie stomper of the sort that Delphic should have made more of, and the airy dreampop of 'Picking Holes' drifts along in a relaxing haze, driven by crashing drums and chiming guitars that recall the poppier moments from Chapterhouse, Slowdive and others of that ilk. 'Your Head On The Floor Next Door' again blends similar elements from the past, throwing The Postal Service into the mix. Whatever a scan through The Machine Room's record collection may reveal, the most important fact is that the basis of this EP is great songs and a skilful knack with a tune. Some superb reinventions from a very promising synth-pop band.


The Machine Room's website






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Five For Free #47

Alvin Purple - Huh Her

This new single by Leeds quartet Alvin Purple has been released via bandcamp this week and both songs can be downloaded for free. Lead track 'Huh Her' packs quite a punch, sharing the pop nous of The Gossip and The Ting Tings better moments but with an alternative edge and a belting vocal. It sounds like a hit-in-waiting to us, and a band who clearly know what they're up to.


Alvin Purple's website






Nada Surf - Waiting For Something

Nada Surf will be celebrating their twentieth anniversary this year and are marking it with the release of their seventh studio album 'The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy' this week. The album is the follow up to 2010's covers album consists of original songs continuing in their vein of indie/punk/powerpop tracks, as demonstrated on free track 'Waiting For Something'.

Nada Surf - Waiting For Something by cityslang

Nada Surf's website

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First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar

They're yet to both reach their twenties, but Swedish sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg (otherwise known as First Aid Kit) are already two albums into their career with sophomore effort 'The Lion's Roar' hitting stores this week. Their songwriting shows a maturity beyond their years and their brand of nu-folk is winning them many fans. Check out the countryish title track below.

First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar by The Vinyl District

First Aid Kit's website

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Porcelain Raft - Unless You Speak From Your Heart

We featured a track from 'Strange Weekend', the debut album by Brooklyn's Porcelain Raft a few days ago and the full album is now available to buy and has been on the receiving end of some pretty good reviews. You can check it out for yourself by streaming the whole thing below, or get a free download of the excellent experimental pop track 'Unless You Speak From Your Heart'.

Unless You Speak From Your Heart by Porcelain Raft

Free download: 'Unless You Speak From Your Heart'

Porcelain Raft's website

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Evan Voytas - Can't Let Anybody Know Who You Are

He seems to have been around for ages but Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist Evan Voytas is only unleashing his first album this week. The lead single is the hazy 'Can't Let Anybody Know Who You Are' which is part chillwave, part pop and contains some fine laid back beats, piano and falsetto singing. It's pretty smooth and pretty good, and it's yours for free.

Evan Voytas "Cant Let Anybody Know Who You Are" by SmilingEars

Evan Voytas' website

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The Woodbine & Ivy Band - The Woodbine & Ivy Band

Album review by KevW

This article also appears on http://www.soundsxp.com

The fundamental idea at the heart of The Woodbine & Ivy Band's creation was to gather a collective of some of Manchester's finest folk musicians and to tackle ten traditional English and Scottish songs with a different guest providing vocals to each. The manner in which these tracks have been updated could barely be described as modern (although there is a sparing use of synthesizer and, curiously, Spacemen 3 are cited as an influence), with these sounds having more in common with the 60s and 70s folk revival (think Fairport Convention, Pentangle) and the country rock of The Band and Gram Parsons. The outcome is a fairly mixed range of sounds all of which fit the ethos, and the variety of vocalists give a compilation album feel, but rather like 'Now That's What I Call Newport Folk Festival 1969', it's about allowing the songs to speak instead of drowning them in needless additives.

The delicately pretty 'Spencer The Rover' builds from its basic beginning to a mild crescendo of slide guitar, brass, piano and layered voices. It's quite stunning to hear traditional folk done this well and may help convert a few non-believers to the genre. Those with more mainstream tastes should look to the rollicking 'Alison Gross' for a great example of an amped up, electric update on this brand of time-honoured storytelling. Listening to the sparse, distant 'Derry Gaol' with its drones and forlorn horns you can just about see where the Spacemen 3 reference comes in too. It's the sinister erotica of 'Gently Johnny' that provides the album's centrepiece. Musically it's the sound of Neil Young's early solo records, sung with a naive innocence and brilliantly arranged.

Much of this record will be solely of interest to those whose tastes don't stray far from the folk scene, but tracks such as those mentioned above may bring a few new ears to the club, as the subtlety of the other aspects gives certain songs a wider catchment area, but whoever this collection ends up appealing to will grow to love it as they barely put a foot out of place. If I had to be picky I'd say that 'Out With My Gun In The Morning' could have been replaced with a better song, but even that is well recorded. All in all, 'The Woodbine & Ivy Band' should be treasured by seasoned folkies and new converts alike.



Stream The Album in full

The Woodbine & Ivy Band's website

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Out This Week - 23rd January 2012

Django Django - Default

Having been available digitally for a while (along with several remixes), this week sees the physical release of this new single from experimental Londoners Django Django. 'Default' is packed with a similar range of ideas to those explored by The Beta Band a decade or so back, indeed this track feels very much like a superb update of that band's indie inventiveness.

Django Django - Default by Django Django

Django Django's website

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François & The Atlas Mountains - City Kiss

Frenchman François Marry releases his first album for Domino Records this week as François & The Atlas Mountains, titled 'E Volo Love'. Taken from it is the track 'City Kiss' which is a delightfully breezy piece of swooning continental pop with chiming guitars and sweeping strings, while the unique sounding bilingual vocals set it apart from much of the rest of the indiepop pack.

François & The Atlas Mountains - City Kiss

François & The Atlas Mountains' website

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Boy & Bear - Feeding Line

Sydney quintet Boy & Bear have already become big news in their homeland but remain relatively unknown elsewhere. This could change with their Zeitgeist riding new album 'Moonfire' which follows many of the same roads as North American big hitters such as Fleet Foxes, The National, Arcade Fire and the like. Check out the countryish indie-rock of 'Feeding Line'.

Boy & Bear- Feeding Line by MMMusic

Boy & Bear's website

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Amadou & Mariam - Dougou Badia (Feat. Santigold)

Malian duo Amadou & Mariam have been making music together for the best part of forty years and will release new album 'Folila' in March. New single 'Dougou Badia' continues their embrace of western rock and electroncia influences by enlisting Santigold to provide guest vocals. The result is the kind of intercontinental, inter-genre sound many modern producers would give their right arm to create.

Amadou & Mariam - Dougou Badia feat Santigold by Because Music

Amandou & Mariam's website

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OBLIGATORY RECORD OF THE WEEK

Chairlift - Met Before/I Belong In Your Arms

Nearly four years after their previous album, and having lost a member along the way, Brooklyn's Chairlift return with new album 'Something' this week. Like previous effort 'Does You Inspire You' the album is a touch patchy, but when it's good, it's stunningly good. Containing an 80s vibe throughout, stand-out tracks include the superb 'I Belong In Your Arms' and 'Met Before' which you can stream below - and makes OROTW a tie this week!. It's great to have them back... finally.

Met Before by Chairlift

Chairlift - I Belong In Your Arms

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Chairlift's website

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Five For Free #46

Cloud Nothings - Stay Useless

Next week sees the release of the new album by Cleveland lo-fi garage-punks Cloud Nothings. 'Attack On Memory' will be the band's third album in less than 18 months and a few tracks have already appeared online which show a touch of diversity in their ragged sound. Best of all is the rough, Strokes-like clatter of 'Stay Useless' which is free to download below.

Cloud Nothings - Stay Useless by Wichita Recordings

Cloud Nothings' website

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Mansions On The Moon - Athens

It's more than likely that California based band Mansions On The Moon will generate a fair bit of (deserved) publicity in the coming months due to the fact that they're now signed to Pharrell Williams' Star Trak Records and their new EP 'Light Years' is produced by the man himself. Taken from it is the lovely, laid-back dreampop of 'Athens'. Stream or download it here.

Mansions on the Moon - Athens by TaKoHANDz

Mansions On The Moon's website

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Grass House - A Cradle, A Short Breath

One of The Sound Of Confusion's bands to watch this year are Yorkshiremen Grass House. We've already featured both tracks from recent single 'The Breeze/Faun' and you can also grab previous single 'A Cradle, A Short Breath' as a free download (a few physical postcard copies are still available too). It's more of their first-rate moody indie-rock. We expecting great things!

A Cradle a Short Breath by Grass House

Grass House's website

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Porcelain Raft - Put Me To Sleep

Good old Brooklyn. A few tracks from Porcelain Raft (aka Mauro Remiddi) appeared online last year and sounded promising, but we weren't expecting the finished album to be quite as good as it this. 'Strange Weekend' is out next week and contains some quite brilliant experimental pop tracks. Check out the superb 'Put Me To Sleep' and you'll see what we mean.

Porcelain Raft -Put Me to Sleep by My Old Kentucky Blog

Porcelain Raft's website

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United Sons Of Toil - Overturning The Rumford Fair Housing Act

Wisconsin's United Sons Of Toil are politically charged noisemakers that blend hardcore, post rock, grunge and authentic punk attitude like an angrier Future Of The Left. Their album 'When The Revolution Comes, Everything Will Be Beautiful' is available to buy physically or as a name your price download - so you can grab it free or leave a tip. In their own words "Donate if you can, but it's more important to hear the music. Share it with your friends." Stream 'Overturning The Rumford Fair Housing Act' below or get the album from bandcamp.


United Sons Of Toil's website

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Allo Darlin' - Capricornia

Single review by KevW

This article also appears on http://www.soundsxp.com

Originally the solo project of London-based Australian Elizabeth Morris ('Capricornia' is named after her hometown), Allo Darlin's rise to becoming indie darlings has been a significant one since their 2010 debut album, taking in US and European tours and capturing the hearts of many. This first taster of the forthcoming follow up is only likely to increase their fanbase further. Musically the idea for second album 'Europe' was to be "somewhere between 'A New England' by Kirsty Macoll and 'Cattle And Cane' by The Go Betweens". 'Capricornia' suggests that, in that respect, it could be mission accomplished.

Both tracks on this single display a more grown up sound, but rest assured, none of their sunny sparkle has been discarded along the way. The a-side is pure, driven melody that strums and jangles in a way that flips the bird at any accusations of sickly tweeness, falling more into the 'timeless classic' bracket. B-side 'When You Were Mine' is not to be sniffed at either, being another example of wonderful indiepop songwriting. It's too good to be buried as a b-side, essentially making a purchase of this single the best plan of action, as opposed to just streaming the a-side online. The album could be a cracker.

Allo Darlin' - Capricornia by Slumberland Records

Allo Darlin's website

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MJ Hibbett & The Validators - Dinosaur Planet

Album review by KevW

This article also appears on http://www.soundsxp.com

The music world is permanently full of questions. Why is there so little guitar music in the charts? Do the current generation of musicians have anything of merit to say? Who the hell is still buying the Adele album? Why has no one created a War Of The Worlds style indiepop musical narrative about giant space dinosaurs invading Norwich? While the rest of the media scratch their heads pondering the first three, the rest of us can sleep a little better knowing that MJ Hibbett & The Validators are here to blast through the mundane with this bonkers and inventive 'rock opera' concept album.

'Dinosaur Planet' is a notion that began several years ago and through tweaking, reinvention and a cast of thousands throwing ideas into the melting pot, the recorded version is completed, and it's done in some style. As if this oddball project wasn't mad enough already, it's peppered with laugh-out-loud moments and genuinely interesting (not to mention barking mad) plot twists. Without giving too much of the story away, these murderous beasts spread west from Norwich, wreaking havoc on the country and killing the masses, who correctly note "it's a pretty bloody awesome way to die!". While the country's team of top scientists look for a way to defeat the marching monsters (at the Battle Of Peterborough) the mainstream media is more concerned with the disruption to the East Coast Mainline.

The acting is unlikely to win any Oscars, but clearly, this is hardy Shawshank Redemption and its ramshackle nature only adds to its charm. "When fighting Tyrannosaurus nuclear, Stegosaurus with bazooka the best we could have hoped for was a draw". This delightfully madcap and unmistakeably British comic storyline is just one reason to love this album, the songs, all short and sweet, are not here to pad things out, there are some wonderful witticisms and a lovely variety of styles and melodies that blend in perfectly as part of this herculean report, the title track in particular is a joy. Plus it's always handy to know that dinosaurs talk like pirates and can be defeated using spark plugs, right? 'Dinosaur Planet' is unlikely to be an album that you'll have stuck on repeat for the rest of the year, although it's without doubt good enough to demand repeat listens and will never fail to raise a smile. A heroic effort.

Theme From Dinosaur Planet (single mix) by MJ Hibbett


MJ Hibbett & The Validators' website

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Five For Free #45

Italian Japanese - Two Islands

This new single from Southern Californians Italian Japanese sees the five-piece in widescreen indie-rock format, which is just rough enough around the edges to ensure that its soul remains intact. Of course they're not the only band doing this type of thing, but 'Two Islands' shows that they can compete with the best of them and bodes well for their second album.

Italian Japanese - Two Islands by wearesolidgold

Italian Japanese's website

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The Parson Red Heads - Burning Up The Sky

We heard about Portland band (yes, another one) The Parson Red Heads thanks to a blog post from Blitzen Trapper, which should give some indication of their sound. 'Burning Up The Sky' is the opening track from their album 'Yearling' which was released in the summer and is a rather nice piece of upbeat American folk-rock. It's yours for free.

Parson Red Heads - Yearling - Burning Up The Sky by PressWolfPR

The Parson Red Heads' website

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Elvis Depressedly - Crazier With You

In other tips from other bands news - thanks to the brilliant TV Girl for posting a link to this superb free EP from LA artist Elvis Depressedly on their facebook page. He creates quite beautiful lo-fi pop akin to a ragged, pocket Spiritualized. Head over to bandcamp to get the whole EP or stream the gorgeously messed up track 'Crazier With You' below.


Elvis Depressedly's website






White Car - Now We Continue

Chicagoan duo White Car would like to make it clear that they are not a rock band. Let's call them funky, industrial new wave then. They're about to follow up their debut EP with a first album entitled 'Everyday Grace'. As a sample of the delights they have in store you can grab new track 'Now We Continue' by clicking the arrow below.

White Car - Now We Continue by Hippos In Tanks

White Car's website

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Lower Dens - Brains

Baltimore quartet Lower Dens are also prepping a new album which is set for a release at the end of April and they're letting us have first single 'Brains' as a free download. Word is that the record will be more ambitious than their debut and this track gives a Krautrock feel to a decent dreampop influenced track and is more than enough to whet the appetite.

Lower Dens - "Brains" by Some Kind of Awesome

Lower Dens' website






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Moira Stewart - Whatever We Do Is Love

Album review by KevW

This article also appears on http://www.soundsxp.com

Given that the 2008 debut album by North Shields trio Moira Stewart was called 'Sweetness, Yes!', had a cover displaying toy ducks and contained songs with titles such as 'We Still Live With Our Parents', 'The Mr. Men Groove' and 'Top Ten Drinks', it comes as no surprise whatsoever that long awaited follow-up, 'Whatever We Do Is Love', is unlikely to find favour with those whose idea of a good night out is standing at the back of gigs stroking their imaginary beards. If their daft-as-a-brush name didn't give it away, the now defunct band were never likely to rival Radiohead for in-depth seriousness, but that is by no means to say that the songs they created are throwaway or without merit.

Recorded over a year ago but only now seeing the light of day, 'Whatever We Do Is Love' is a storming collection of electro-indiepop that locates itself in the unlikely (and probably uncool) middle ground between the late period baggy of Northside and the modern day squiggly electro-pop of Passion Pit. There's little fluff here, Moira Stewart have no shortage of simple-yet-uplifting melodies and the acid-pop tunes to sit them on. 'Fiery Biscuits' is so catchy and joyful that only the coldest of hearts could hate it, and slightly lower octane pastures are explored on the likes of 'Tell Me, Have You Seen Terminator 2?', but always with a great pop sensibility. 

Over exposure may lead to nausea in some, but it's difficult to deny the sunny euphoria of 'Addiction To Retro' and 'Everywhere The Aura' have a bright sparkiness that is rarely done with this level of taste and fun in equal measure. Somewhere at the heart of these recordings lies a pop genius in waiting, and you hope that whatever the future plans of these guys, music is somehow involved amongst them. 'Whatever We Do Is Love' is daft, witty, enjoyable and uplifting, a bit like Red Bull for the ears.

Fiery Biscuits Moira Stewart - Fiery Biscuits

Addiction to Retro Moira Stewart - Addiction To Retro


Moira Stewart's website

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Out This Week - 16th January 2012

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Tribes - When My Day Comes

Certain areas of the press have been making a big noise about the arrival of the debut album by London's Tribes. It's with us this week and early indications show that, for once, they may have a point. 'Baby' consists of fairly conventional guitar music with a hint of glam, a hint of Suede and sounds like it could be from the mid 90s, but, importantly, they have good tunes. Here's recent single 'When My Day Comes'.



Tribes' website

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Neverever - Wedding Day

If we go along with the myth, Neverever are a band from LA who formed when a truck driver and his friend picked up Joe Meek's great niece and nephew. Whether this is true I'll leave you to decide, but their new EP 'Shake-a-Baby' is out this week and mixes punk ethics and 60s pop sounds is a similar fashion to Blondie or Dum Dum Girls. Download EP closer 'Wedding Day' for free below.

Neverever - Wedding Day by Slumberland Records

Neverever's website

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Milagres - Here To Stay

This debut album from Brooklyn's Milagres (it's Spanish for 'miracles') was released Stateside back in September and is out in the UK this week on Memphis Industries. There are no miracles here but it's easy to see how their loveable indie-rock landed this album in some 2011 'best-of' lists. Get a free download of the excellent, Arcade Fire-like 'Here To Stay' and see for yourself.


Milagres'website

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Cate Le Bon - Fold The Cloth

Welsh songstress Cate Le Bon has an extensive US tour lined up to coincide with the release of second album 'CRYK'. It's a record that follows in the tradition of inventive, oddball British songwriters from Syd Barrett to Gruff Rhys and beyond. Call it 'quirky' if you like, we'll call it psychedelic folk. Hopefully the American audiences approve, it's hard not to fall for a track as charming as 'Fold The Cloth'.



Cate Le Bon's website

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OBLIGATORY RECORD OF THE WEEK

The Ting Tings - Hang It Up

After a stonking debut single came a slightly patchy album that felt a tad rushed. It makes sense for The Ting Tings to take their time and get things right for the follow up. To be honest we weren't expecting to be that impressed, but new single 'Hang It Up' is a belter and one of the best pop records we've heard for a while. Looks like they will finish what they started after all.

Hang It Up by the-ting-tings

The Ting Tings' website

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Five For Free #44

Caged Animals - All The Beautiful Things In The World

More hip indie experimenting from Brooklyn? Go on then. Caged Animals have drawn comparisons to The Velvet Underground and Suicide but this seems to be more to do with melody than any ragged garage or electronica. Their album 'Eat Their Own' was released last year and new single 'All The Beautiful Things In The World' is 'Screamadelica' era Primal Scream jamming with Beck.



Free download: All The Beautiful Things In The World

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Field Music - A New Town

The brothers Brewis and co. return with a new album, 'Plumb', on February 13th and they're giving us their new single for free. 'A New Town' combines stuttering drums and guitars with some Talking Heads style indie-funk, topped off with their usual pop sensibilities and a near falsetto vocal. Field Music are turning into the north east's very own TV On The Radio!

Field Music - A New Town by memphisindustries

Free download: A New Town

Field Music's website

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Willis Earl Beal - Blue Escape

Willis Earl Beal began his musical career, after being discharged from the army, by leaving CDs of his music lying around Albuquerque and was eventually picked up by XL recordings. He's apparently now amassed over 100 songs and will soon be putting out a debut album and single. 'Blue Escape' is one of those early recordings and is a terrific piece of soulful, modern day acoustic blues.

Blue Escape by Willis Earl Beal by Rachel.Metea

Willis Earl Beal's website

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Rose Elinor Dougall - I've Always Known

It's been a while since Rose Elinor Dougall released her debut album, but a new one is on its way. To fill the gap she's giving away an EP of non album tracks originally recorded just over a year ago and tidied up for the release. It bodes well for the new album if 3 tracks as good as these didn't make the cut, they're up there with her best. Check out 'I've Always Known' below or get the EP from bandcamp.


Rose Elinor Dougall's website






Blaenavon - Foes

The seven demos so far posted online from Brighton's Blaenavon are an interesting hybrid of Foals, The Maccabees and Wild Beasts. The fact that these are rough tracks recorded by a band who are still at school indicates that the future's bright for them. Given time they could develop into something very special. Grab free download 'Foes' below.


Blaenavon's website






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