New Things to Like

Big Deal premiere video for "Talk"

2012-02-08T20:24:00.000Z

Watch Alice perform surgery on KC in their new video for this beautiful song. When they first had "Talk" on Soundcloud, I was playing it about twelve times a day. Then when I got the album, I would constantly put it on repeat while playing the record all the way through.

Going back to it now, it still sounds as wonderfully bittersweet as ever. They're playing a few US dates, with the awesome 2:54, which I've listed below in case any of you are reading from across the pond.

March 11th – Brooklyn, NY – The Glasslands (with 2:54)

March 12th – New York, NY – The Mercury Lounge (with 2:54)

March 13th-18th – SXSW – Austin, TX

March 20th – Los Angeles, CA – Echo (with 2:54)

FREE SHIT Part 33: Niki And The Dove

2012-02-08T10:44:00.000Z

DJ Ease My Mind (Jakwob Remix) by Niki & The Dove

This Jakwob remix is just the right level of rework and nod to the original, and makes for rather addictive listening. Grab it as a free download in the widget above now, for a limited time (til they run out, basically).

Niki And The Dove play in London this week but it's obviously sold out, so click here to keep up with their news and hear when they'll be coming through to your town.

Song of the Day: "Starling" - This Many Boyfriends

2012-02-08T10:27:00.001Z

Simple, quick and oh-so-sweet pop from these Northerners. I first saw This Many Boyfriends play the Old Blue with FAMY and Kurran & The Wolfnotes, and they fared pretty darn well. They wear their influences on their sleeves, play with balloons in the middle of their shows and don't seem to really care that they're just on the dangerous side of twee. Fair play.

It's worth mentioning that they're due to release this single as part of a fanzine package, full of recipes, little quizzes and other handmade goodies that will make girls who wear satin bows in their hair want to implode with happiness. Cute is what they do. It's just what they do.

If you want to see this euphoric pop in action, head to one of their many upcoming UK dates:

23 Feb - Manchester: The Deaf Institute*
24 Feb - Sheffield: Queens Social Club*
25 Feb - London: 100 Club, Oxford St
26 Feb - Leeds: Brudenell Social Club*
28 Feb - London: ULU Live^
29 Feb - Cardiff: Buffalo Bar*
01 March - Edinburgh: The Liquid Room^
02 March - Brighton: Concorde 2^
03 March - Leeds: Metropolitan University ^

* = with Allo Darlin'
^ = with The Cribs

Video: Eugene McGuiness - "Shotgun"

2012-02-08T08:13:00.000Z

Eugene McGuinness is a Domino Records signing whom I'd heard little about until about a week ago. His brand of polished and slightly experimental pop wouldn't normally be my thing (probably cos he wears a suit and uses that really obvious 'look, I'm old school!' typeface for his branding) but something about his songwriting keeps me listening.

This is his new video for single "Shotgun", all slowly building layers behind him doing stuff in a suit. I personally still prefer "Lion" from last year but this record sounds like it'll make for some interesting listening.

"Shotgun" is officially released on March 26th, but can be downloaded from iTunes here, as far as I can tell. The full album's due out in about June, so keep an ear to the ground if his style grabs your attention.

Click for his Facebook page and main site.

Song of the Day: "Forget" - Lianne La Havas

2012-02-06T22:50:00.001Z

I'm still kicking myself for missing La Havas' last London show (though I was seeing another band so need to get working on that time travel machine asap), and let the release of this video slip under my radar a few weeks ago.

Luckily it's still as amazing now as it was the moment is came out, so do enjoy. This woman is a hugely talented soul/pop songwriter and beautiful singer so if you haven't heard of her yet I'd suggest giving her a listen. She was shortlisted for the BBC Sound Of 2012, writes her own stuff and has released an EP which you can grab on iTunes now.

Lianne's going on a European and UK tour in March, details of which you can find here. All the London dates are sold out but there are still plenty of other cities she'll be dropping into. As a bit of an extra treat (kinda to myself too), I'll leave you with her Blogotheque Take-Away performance of "No Room For Doubt" from September last year.

ASAP Rocky Announces UK June Tour

2012-02-06T19:58:00.000Z

The self-proclaimed pretty muthafucker is heading to our shores in the early days of summer, and tickets for this batch of dates will be released this Friday morning (February 10th).

Given the amount of hype he's received since mixtape LiveLoveA$AP dropped last autumn, this is likely to sell out in London at least. I don't know if there are enough new music fanatics in the other cities to push it to that level, but I could easily learn something come Friday. Here are the four dates:

London Camden Electric Ballroom (Tues June 5)
Birmingham HMV Institute (Thurs June 7)
Manchester HMV Ritz (Fri June 8)
Glasgow The Arches (Sat June 9)

I'm still debating whether to go to this or not, but in the meantime you can watch some American teens go ape-shit over ASAP in this TRL-style interview below. Seriously, TRL used to be The One: Carson Daly, an adolescent version of me will always love you. End of.

Album Stream: 'Picture Of Our Youth' by David's Lyre

2012-02-04T14:28:00.000Z

The long-awaited debut from this baroque pop outfit is finally coming out, on a pay-what-you-like basis via Bandcamp, on the 20th of February. It's been a long time coming, and though singer/producer has put out awesome Christmas-time Advent albums two years running, it seemed like a strictly David's Lyre record wasn't going to happen.

Here's a bit of the back-story: within six months of launching the project, Dixon was signed by a major and an LP was projected to drop by the end of 2011.

Things didn't quite work out that way though, and after what I can only assume were some awkward contractual/legal issues, this album's finally come together without the big label behind it.

On a first listen, Picture Of Our Youth sounds just as textured and sweetly poppy as I would have hoped. Have a listen for yourself, then head to their Bandcamp in a few weeks if your ears are pleased.

VIDEO PREMIERE: M.I.A. - Bad Girls

2012-02-03T20:11:00.002Z

I ignored this song when it first dropped less than a week ago; I did that whole 'what the hell else can MIA really have to say at this point?' thing but this is wonderfully catchy. I sound like a properly fickle blogger now. Awkward.

Enjoy the car tricks and gold chains, if you've not already caught this video premiere on Noisey's YouTube channel.

Directed by Romain Gavras

Album Stream: 'Blondes' by Blondes

2012-02-01T15:01:00.001Z

I don't know where the hell I've been, and why I missed the news of this record coming out but I am so damn happy I stumbled across massive tune "Lover" today. Blondes are an insane electronica/house duo currently based in Brooklyn who wield gorgeous synth melodies and pulsating bass patterns like their lives depend on it.

They're coming to London to play their album launch show at the Shacklewell Arms on February 16th (though the record actually comes out next Monday on the 6th) and tickets for that are here. I'll probably be that girl losing her shit towards the front.

Pre-order the album on iTunes, or on physical double CD release here.

Photo Diary 7

2012-02-01T05:02:00.001Z

Shots from last autumn, all taken by me.

Gonjasufi

Bristol boys

FAMY

VICE.com Issue Launch

Song of the Day: "Forget It"

2012-01-31T20:24:00.001Z

Hey everyone, look: guitars are back. Mr Devonté Hynes of Lightspeed Champion and general indie greatness just unleashed this little nugget into the world and it's all plucked strings, doo-wop backing vocals and that breathy vocal we've come to recognise from him.

Now releasing on Domino as Blood Orange, Hynes' album Coastal Grooves is already out and ready for your embrace. This particular single officially drops on March 12th but what with the interwebs and all we can get into it now.

For those in London over the summer, he's been added to the Field Day line-up for this year (which PS: looks amazing) and will probably be playing other UK dates in the spring. If last year's festival was anything to go by, it's going to be another huge affair where you'll see everyone from uni you didn't even know lived in London and every boy you've ever kissed. Whether you'd like to see them or not.

Album Stream: 'Ternion' by We Have Band

2012-01-31T15:36:00.003Z

The ever-weird experimental pop trio are back with new record, Ternion, which dropped yesterday on Naïve Records. If you're still not sure about making that buy (which I reckon wouldn't be an unwise move as a purchase) you can stream the record here first.

Check out their track-by-track breakdown of the album on This is Fake DIY to get an insider's look into what inspired the album's formation.

Ternion | We Have Band

Iggy Azalea - "My World"

2012-01-30T09:06:00.000Z

I'm late to the game on this one, but have just been put onto Iggy Azalea by our lovely new intern at Don't Panic. She's an Australian rapper who listened to a whole lot of Tupac before writing her own stuff. She's also dating A$AP Rocky, which must make hundreds of women want to end her.

I personally am more into the styling in this video than the actual lyrics, but the beat's good and that's a start. You can download her 2011 mixtape here for free to make up your own mind.

Most Awaited Albums in 2012

2012-01-29T23:04:00.000Z

I put together a list of the LPs I really want to hear/see come out this year for Don't Panic. My boss threw in a couple too, so just for the record I don't really give a shit about the new of Montreal and Islands albums. I've never even listened to Islands.

An honourable mention goes out to Best Coast because I am so excited to hear her new album but couldn't fit it into the piece. Read her Pitchfork interview from a few weeks ago about what the record's gonna sound like and how she doesn't want to just whine about boys like a kid any more.

CLICK HERE FOR MY FULL ALBUM LIST

Q & A with Trailer Trash Tracys

2012-01-17T17:16:00.001Z

Well, actually this was a Q & A with Jimmy from the Trailer Trash Tracys, but a fun interview nonetheless. I've had their single "You Wish You Were Red" on repeat at various times since I first heard it and their washed out, dreamy approach to rewriting pop has so far pleased me on their entire debut album, Ester.

Enjoy the video and song below, and

CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW HERE.

Q & A with New Look

2012-01-16T10:11:00.000Z

I Skyped Sarah & Adam from synth-pop acct New Look a few months ago. When we weren't making silly jokes about baking and beat-making we chatted about Berlin, the making of their last record and why their marriage and working relationship are pretty 50s. Read it on the Don't Panic website, below.

CLICK AWAY

Q & A with FOE

2012-01-15T20:07:00.000Z

I'm back! And after a couple of majorly restful weeks in Gaborone, Cape Town and Joburg I've got a whole bunch of bits and pieces lined up to share. First up, here's an interview I did with Hannah from FOE, whose well-crafted debut album, Bad Dream Hotline, drops tomorrow.

She's running a sort of forum at the moment, framed around the idea of contributors confessing their dreams and worries to other fans. She then responds to a whole bunch, in a way that should drive her fan boys extra crazy. Click here to share your own, and below for my interview on Addict Music.

INTERVIEW WITH FOE

Top 50 Songs of 2011: 10- 1

2011-12-20T15:18:00.003Z

10. Korallreven - As Young As Yesterday
9. New Look – Janet
8. Friends - I'm His Girl

7. Wavves - Nodding Off (feat. Best Coast)
6. Gucci Mane - Dollar Sign (These New Puritans Remix)
5. Lykke Li - Get Some (Remix by Beck)
4. A$AP Rocky - Wassup
3. Anna Calvi - Suzanne & I

2. M83 - Midnight City

1. Niki & The Dove - The Drummer

And there it is: my one-track heart belongs to Niki and the Dove this year, with their perfect pop on "The Drummer". To listen to most of these tracks all at once on Spotify, click here for my Top Fiddy playlist.

A bunch of the songs weren't available on Spotify, but I just replaced them with other gems I loved that ended up on the bench when I was making my final cuts. I'm now in South Africa, then Botswana with my grandma's dial-up internet connection, so am going to go quiet on the blogging front for a while.

Have a great holiday season errbody, and I'll be back soon with more New Things To Like for 2012.

Sprawl II by Arcade Fire

2011-12-19T18:33:00.000Z

Last week the Arcade Fire dropped a series of ridiculous and hilarious videos via their Facebook, showing them voicing over footage of some lovely Haiting people dancing or hanging out wearing giant Arcade Fire member 3D masks. It sounds creepier than it was, promise.

Anyway, it was all part of a teaser trio for their new interactive "Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)" video. You can interact with it in two different ways, either with dancing hands in front of your web cam or clicks, and also watch a standard version. I went hand dancing all the way and it was great.

The mental image of different Arcade Fire fans all over the world doing jazz hands in front of their screens while giggling uncontrollably just stands as another example of how special this band are. I'll leave you with the traditional version below, then implore you to head to Sprawl2 and go wild on the interactive ones yourself.

Top 50 Songs of 2011: 20- 11

2011-12-19T11:21:00.000Z

Top 20 time. My housemates probably never want to hear any of these songs again, pulsing through the walls/floor. Awkward.

20. Stay + - Fever
19. Active Child - Hanging On (White Sea Remix)
18. Jamie xx - Far Nearer
17. Clams Casino – Gorilla
16. Metronomy - The Bay (The 2 Bears Remix)

15. Braids – Lammicken
14. tUnE-yArDs – Bizness
13. High Rankin - The Things You Do (Toronto Is Broken Remix)
12. The Drums - Money (Chad Valley Remix)
11. Icona Pop – Manners

Top 50 Songs of 2011: 30- 21

2011-12-18T21:21:00.000Z

We're hitting the halfway mark with this bunch, so go ahead and have a listen to see if any of your faves from the year are on the list. Picking top songs often means cutting offerings from artists who released albums that as a whole were amazing, but didn't necessarily have one stand-out track; for that, Wild Beasts, I hope I am forgiven.

I mean we all know Year End Lists are just a bit silly anyway, but I figured it would be my totally on-the-cheap Christmas gift to anyone who reads this blog. Happy Holidays?

30. Ghostpoet - Longing For The Night
29. Bonjay – Stumble

28. Masterface - Excuse Me Girl
27. Sleep Over - Romantic Streams
26. Chelsea Wolfe – Moses
25. Pandr Eyez - Little Bit

24. SBTRKT feat. Yukimi Nagano - Wildfire
23. Boy Friend - Egyptian Wrinkle
22. Summer Camp - Better Off Without You
21. TEETH - U R 1 (Friendly Ghost Remix)

Top 50 Songs of 2011: 40- 31

2011-12-17T12:58:00.000Z

Here's the next ten, which I hope you all enjoy. Feel free to drop me a line on Facebook or in the comments section about the tracks that made your ears happiest in 2011 too.

40. Cold War Kids - Mine Is Yours (Passion Pit Remix)
39. YADi - Sahara Heart
38. 2:54 – Got A Hold

37. Big Deal – Chair
36. PS I Love You - Get Over
35. James Blake - I Never Learnt To Share
34. Purity Ring – Lofticries

33. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Niggas In Paris

32. Feist - How Come You Never Go There? (Beck Remix)

31. Friendly Fires - Show Me Lights

Listen: Sleigh Bells - Born To Lose

2011-12-17T08:04:00.000Z

Born To Lose by Sleigh Bells

Sleigh Bells shared this new song with us earlier in the week, but I was selfishly uninterested in posting it until I could find a non-Spin-Magazine-affiliated link. And here it is. Apparently this record's going to take more of a melodic turn, with Alexis having a stronger writing role than on Treats. And it sounds like it's gonna be pretty guitar-heavy too.

The Reign Of Terror LP drops on Valentine's Day, 2012.

And 'cos I love you that much, here are the official lyrics to this track.

Top 50 Songs of 2011: 50- 41

2011-12-16T19:34:00.000Z

And so begins the first of my 'End of Year' posts. It's been a really strong year for new music, and whittling my options down to the fifty you're gonna hear over the next few posts involved a lot of hair grabbing, actual cliche lip-biting, and body-rolling (while going back to my favourites).

Each of the songs listed here formed a big part of my year, and will always be my soundtrack to 2011 when I look back. Those that were made available for free download when originally released will be up for grabs, and for the rest I'll be sourcing videos or Soundcloud links.

For now, let's kick things off with numbers fifty to forty-one:

50. Dum Dum Girls – He Gets Me High

49. Echo Lake – Young Silence
48. Gold Panda – MPB
47. Moths – Jimmy Francis
46. Still Corners – Into The Trees
45. Nero - Promises (Skrillex Remix)

44. Kurt Vile - Baby's Arms
43. TV On The Radio – Caffeinated Consciousness
42. Bilal – All Matter
41. Little Scream - Heron And The Fox

Watch Wavves - "Bug"

2011-12-15T14:34:00.000Z

Wavves have a new video for single "Bug" off their Life Sux EP from earlier this year. I think I'll always have a soft spot for this band after they sound-tracked my summer of 2010, so I'm pretty excited to hear their next full-length.

In the meantime you can get the EP on iTunes and keep up with their general sillyness on their Tumblr and Facebook. And yes, just in case any of us forgot, they are massive stoners: hence the mermaid-cop-pill extravaganza you see above.

Q & A with 2:54

2011-12-15T12:27:00.000Z

2:54 - Scarlet by 2:54 Band

I met up with Hannah and Colette Thurlow of 2:54 in a North London pub a while ago, and we giggled about Mastodon and lame people who don't dance/move at gigs. Sadly I had to keep it semi-professional for the final edit, which you can now read in this week's Don't Panic mag.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

Bos Angeles debut video for "Days Of Youth"

2011-12-14T11:06:00.000Z

The boys of Bos Angeles have this little gem to give to us: a super-saturated and stonerific video for "Days Of Youth" (I in no way know whether these kids smoke weed, and don't assume they do). Richard Board's voice has a richness in this which I love, though his low drone delivery won't be for everyone.

Personally, I'm saying yes to this.

Black Tie Experiment

2011-12-13T21:55:00.000Z

Far Too Long by BlackTieExperiment

Black Tie Experiment are a Brighton-based soul/hip hop/generally awesome outfit, with a member or two at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music (BIMM). I was played this track by a friend of mine a while ago, then reminded myself of these boys' talent when she sent me over a new teaser song below (which she laid down some backing vocals for).

Interstate (Sneak Peek) by BlackTieExperiment

Their nods to neo-soul, Chicago rap and jazz guitar show the type of versatility that hip hop hungers for at the moment. I also love that they play live instruments and incorporate delicate guitar picking with well thought-through harmonies and that sort of Jill Scott vibe that I still don't think UK audiences have heard enough of. And let it be known that there's probably no-one over the age of about twenty-one in this band either. If you like what you hear, I'm gonna do my darndest to find out when they're next gigging in the windy city by the sea.

Ominous Creep by BlackTieExperiment

In the meantime, go vote for them to get through to the next round of MTV's Brand New Unsigned to show your support. I just want the full tracks, already!

Disclaimer: regardless of how much I'm gushing in this post, they haven't asked me to write about them nor sent me their music. This is just one of those happy accidents that keep me in love with writing about music.

VIDEO PREMIERE: Korallreven

2011-12-08T16:59:00.000Z

Korallreven dropped this video for "As Young As Yesterday" about two weeks ago, and just discovering it now means I have another excuse to play this really really loud again. Seriously, this song is just so well produced, I feel like I'm in love with it.

The 14-year old me would have totally been in love with little skater boy here, too. As far as music videos go it's not massively inspired but it touches on youth and the songs lyrical content in a way that just about works.

"Sa sa samoa" is also one of the best lyrical hooks of 2011.

Tennis sign to ATP Recordings

2011-12-08T14:39:00.000Z

Origins by tennisinc

Cutesy-pop trio Tennis have just been picked up by the awesome ATP Recordings, who'll be putting out their second full-length record on February 13th, 2012. Originally just hubby-and-wife duo Patrick Riley and Aliana Moore on their first critically-acclaimed album, Tennis have now enlisted the help of drummer James Barone to become a proper, like, band.

They've worked with the Black Keys' Patrick Carney on Young And Old, and released the two songs in this post as a digital download you can get on iTunes. They've also beefed up their sound a little but still hold onto that whimsical sort of innocence (mostly oozing from Aliana's voice) that hooked listeners the first time round.

FREE SHIT PART 32: Bear Driver

2011-12-07T21:02:00.002Z

Bear Driver - Never Never by Bear Driver

Bear Driver are a new London five-piece I just got sent, whose list of influences reads like a fantasy of mine circa 2006. And I mean that in a good way: they've got all that Yo La Tengo-ness and lazy, sunny delivery that epitomises that end-of-high-school feeling without sounding contrived.

I'm excited to hear more from them and hear about their story. If you are too, check out their site here and grab this single "Never Never" as a free download above, for as long as Soundcloud allows it.

M83 adds US 2012 spring dates

2011-12-07T20:30:00.000Z

Intro (ft Zola Jesus) by M83

Anthony Gonzales, everyone's favourite synth-blasting Frenchman of the moment, is set to embark on a hectic US spring tour. And since I'm always rambling on about things happening in London I thought I'd share these dates with any readers who happen to be based on the other side of the pond.

Tickets for the LA shows at Club Nokia in January are already sold out (and seriously, Club Nokia? As in the phones? Someone tell me it's shaped like a phone) but you can already book ones for the later shows, by clicking here. He's also passing through the UK at the end of next month, so get on that if you haven't seen him yet but are keen to.

US dates:

22/4 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore Auditorium

25/4 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theatre

26/4 – Seattle, WA – The Neptune

27/4 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre

29/4 – Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue

30/4 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre

1/5 – Lawrence, KS – The Granada Theatre

2/5 – Saint Louis, MO – The Pageant

4/5 – Chicago, IL – The Vic

5/5 – Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre

6/5 – Toronto, ON – Sound Academy

7/5 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom

9/5 – Boston, MA – House of Blues

10/5 – New York, NY – Terminal 5

11/5 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer

12/5 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

17/5 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

18/5 – Austin, TX – Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater

19/5 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater

Trailer Trash Tracys announce Europe & UK tour details

2011-12-07T20:13:00.000Z

London four-piece Trailer Trash Tracys have just shared their new video for "You Wish You Were Red", as well as some rather exciting news for the people who want to see them live. They'll be touring Europe later this month with The Vaccines (fingers crossed they outshine them), and then heading back to our shores for a set of London dates. Boom.

Check out tour details below, and listen to the Ital remix of the single here too. He's another one of them 100% Silk artists, so is pretty adept at showing us the weird and dark side of disco-trance (that's a genre I just made up).

December:

14 - Amsterdam Paradiso
15 - Copenhagen VEGA (w/ The Vaccines)
16 - Stockholm Debaser (w/ The Vaccines)
18 - Berlin Postbahnhof (w/ The Vaccines)
19 - Brussels AB (w/ The Vaccines)

January:

9 - London Rough Trade East
12 - London Lexington
13 – Leeds Session
14 - Manchester Kraak Gallery
15 - Glasgow Captain's Rest

Sleigh Bells Plot Their Return

2011-12-06T01:50:00.000Z

I am so excited about this. Sleigh Bells were one of my top acts of 2010, and it'll be great to see what they've got in store for us in 2012. PS: Alexis Krauss is likely to make you jizz yourself when she's on stage.

That's just a gentle warning.

VIDEO PREMIERE: Still Corners

2011-11-30T15:47:00.000Z

The London-based four-piece just tweeted about their latest video, which I thought I'd share too. It's been ages since I saw them play, but this video for "Into The Trees" perfectly captures their scuzzed-out sound and the atmosphere they beautifully create live.

Enjoy it, and click here to find out about their upcoming American tour dates.

Echo Lake unveil video for "Buried At Sea"

2011-11-24T21:42:00.001Z

Echo Lake - Buried at Sea from ///NO PAIN IN POP\\\ on Vimeo.

Okay, this actually happened a week ago but somehow slipped under my radar. Echo Lake have been one of my favourite dream-pop London bands for a little while now, and it's great news to hear that their debut LP will finally be hitting our ears early next year.

Enjoy this new video for "Buried At Sea", and grab a vinyl offering of theirs made as part of an exciting Marshall Teller project. Their tune is placed alongside tracks from The History Of Apple Pie, Novella and Gross Magic, and is available to order as a 7" here. Be warned: clicking on that link opens up an autoplay site so if you don't think your co-workers or dog will appreciate Gross Magic blaring out at them full-blast, turn the volume down, eh?

Song of the Day: "Egyptian Wrinkle"

2011-11-24T19:13:00.000Z

BOY FRIEND - Egyptian Wrinkle by HellYes

What happens when two Texan girls have a messy break-up with their previous band, then start writing songs as the separation happens? The murky and hazed-up sounds of Boy Friend, that's what. Once of Sleep ∞ Over fame, Sarah Brown and Christa Palazzolo have broken off to craft their own project without Stefanie Franciotti and I'm loving what I've heard of it so far.

I was sent over this track a few days ago, then started exploring the rest of their past work to tighten up the background research for my Addict news post on them. So far their archives are just as strong, all about the whispery vocals and textured samples that I've been drawn to recently. Their debut album drops on Hell Yes! Records in February, so keep an eye on them if you enjoy this track. I'd be really interested to see what kind of live show they put on, so hope they're planning to pass through London soon.

Masterface

2011-11-24T14:40:00.001Z

Masterface "Excuse Me Girl" by Bleek Records

Masterface is the musical alias of Brooklyn's Cedar Apffel (and sometime collaborator Rory O'Connor), and is my new thing to like today. Having worked as a part of Seattle band House On A Hill for eight years, the producer broke off to do his own thing and really flexed his sonic muscle when he had the space in which to do so.

He somehow mixes crazy Panda Bear-like synth squelches with sounds as diverse as those from dub, ambient electronica and (dare I even mention it) reggae. But not in a shit way. Seriously. When I first heard his most recent single "Magic Dragging" I couldn't even begin to understand how someone had taken a concept I usually hate (white dudes playing with reggae) and turned it into something beautiful. Step one to mad props, taken.

Masterface "Magic Dragging" by Bleek Records

Then when I dug through my emails, saw that I'd already been sent "Excuse Me Girl" and found myself body-rolling in my chair at work and hitting repeat one time after the next, it was clear that I was just straight up into Masterface. So now it's up to you: go have a listen to album Freedom Tower on his Bandcamp page and if you like it, I'd really recommend buying it. It's a total steal at about £5 anyway.

The album came out on New York label Bleek Records as a digital download on the 15th of November, 2011. Have a look at the rest of their roster if these tunes pique your interest, as Apffel's currently producing label-mate Natureboy's new stuff and is probably going to make it sound awesome.

FREE SHIT Part 32: TEETH

2011-11-23T13:40:00.000Z

U R 1 (Friendly Ghost Remix) by TEETH

I'm just loving this Friendly Ghost remix of the TEETH single so much, I figured I'd share it. I would still prefer if TEETH fans bought it as part of the single package (ahem, just doing my bit here) but I can understand if you want a little sampler first.

There doesn't seem to be much known about Friendly Ghost besides the fact that they're possibly New Yorkers, a duo and capable of using both dubstep and 90s rave breakdowns in a synth-heavy track without making it sound like a total mess. Scroll to the 2-minute mark to see what I mean.

Q & A with The Juan Maclean

2011-11-22T21:42:00.000Z

The Juan Maclean - Everybody Get Close by DFA Records

I spoke to John Maclean about working with LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy, staying committed to Death From Above Records and why London's awesome to play in. I'd never actually listened to his stuff before, but it was still fun to chat. He's more sort of disco-housey than stuff I'd normally listen to but was a great interviewee nonetheless and clearly knows his shit.

Check it out on the Don't Panic site,

RIGHT HERE

TEETH release "U R 1" today

2011-11-21T14:56:00.000Z

U R 1 by moshi moshi music

The cover art has already horrified two guys at work, but here it is! Get the single on Moshi Moshi Records now. In their own words:

"U R 1" is about being raised from birth by computers and the internet, being taught everything we know by something other than a biological parent. It's a love song to the digital nannies- who raised us up into who we are and kind of playing with the idea that Artificial Intelligence might be capable of emotional attachment.

Fair enough. Enjoy their usual synthy madness.

VIDEO PREMIERE: Suuns

2011-11-18T18:32:00.000Z

Suuns "Red Song" from Topher Manilla on Vimeo.

Here's the new semi-gross-out video for "Red Song", by Suuns. There's something so comforting about the thick wall of sound most of their music builds, and this track is no different. Vocalist Ben Shemie gets his face tugged at and slow-moed all over the place before a (spoiler alert) totally horror movie ending that you should make sure children avoid.

Reviewed: Tribes at the Electric Ballroom

2011-11-18T11:00:00.000Z

I went to see Tribes play in Camden ages ago to a roomful of teenagers and old people. They were shit. Here's that opinion, rather more eloquently stated, for Addict Music:

CLICK FOR TRUTH BOMBS

And this was the nice version, since my original might have meant the PR behind this gig never contacted me again. Had to be relatively diplomatic innit; luckily their entire roster doesn't suck as much ass as these guys.

Song of the Day: "Simple Girl (Tiger & Woods Remix)"

2011-11-16T15:48:00.000Z

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Simple Girl (Tiger & Woods Remix) by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

I ignored Dale Earnheardt Jr Jr for so long because I thought their branding meant they'd only make dry folk. It's not exactly what they do, but they're still a bit too sweet-reverbed-indie for me at the moment.

HOWEVER this remix by Tiger and Woods brings them back into the realms of awesome for me, and have thus given them Song of the Day today. That reads like a bit of a back-handed compliment but, hey, it's happening. Enjoy this synthy blissed-out reworking of their single. I'm still going through my Family backlog, and have unearthed yet another gem, so thanks Keong and Chris!

Bos Angeles

2011-11-16T14:11:00.001Z

&amp;lt;a href="http://bosangeles.bandcamp.com/track/days-of-youth"&amp;gt;Days of Youth by Bos Angeles&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

I'm a little late to the game with these guys, but am pretty glad their music landed on my desk last week. The awesome people at Family PR sent me over their upcoming single "Days Of Youth" (with B-side "Beach Slalom") and it's been making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside this afternoon.

The trio are from Boscombe (hence the adorable name), near Bournemouth and quite clearly wear their small town, teen nostalgia influences on their sleeves. You'll hear everything from Wavves and Male Bonding to The History Of Apple Pie on these two tracks so if that's your kinda thing do grab them when they're out next Monday (Nov 21st) via Roundtable Records.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://bosangeles.bandcamp.com/track/beach-slalom"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Beach Slalom by Bos Angeles&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

The band are currently playing a few UK dates, details of which are on their Bandcamp page. They just passed through London, opening for Cults at XOYO and I'm now extra bummed I was busy that night. Still, I'm pretty excited to catch Summer Camp at Efes tomorrow so all is not lost.

Keep up with Bos Angeles news and ting via their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Salem release new video for "Better Off Alone"

2011-11-15T16:50:00.000Z

And it's mostly Gisele found footage cut and pasted in a way that turns flash gun lights almost into strobes. Nice. Their version of the Alice Deejay track is amazing too; I still love this band, no matter what all the witch house haterz say.

Somehow they make seven minutes feel like about three. Here's the original for you to enjoy too.

Lizard Kisses

2011-11-13T20:56:00.000Z

Swell (with Sea Oleena)

Lizard Kisses are Cory Siegler (on vocals) and Marc Merza (on guitar), a Brooklyn duo who sent me over some music this week and won me over. Though one of the most twee acts I've listened to in a good couple of months, something about their sparse and bare approach to song-writing totally charms me.

The band have released Tiny Island Teeth, an EP with self-designed artwork, on tape via label Cakes & Tapes and also as mp3s for those of us who don't have access to tape-players any more. Their seemingly simple melodies are layered beautifully, and they use their musical friends to great effect on the record. You can hear Sea Oleena (of Wintercoats fame), Mutual Benefit and some other New York musicians on the EP and its sister release of demos, Tooth Notes.

Lizard Kisses - Pinch from Jessica Amaya on Vimeo.

Lizard Kisses are streaming both records on Bandcamp, but also selling them on a pay-what-you-like basis. I'm pretty excited to get my hands on the EP and indulge in some late evening, quiet-times-with-tea listening throughout this week. Also, how weird is it to not listen to something brimming over with synths? I haven't done that since about June (and yesterday, when I listened to lots of the latest Kurt Vile record on a road trip).

photo by Jessica Amaya

Q & A with Pandr Eyez

2011-11-11T08:58:00.001Z

Little Bit by PANDR EYEZ

Pandr Eyez are a London-based synth & vocals duo whom I interviewed for both Addict Music and Don't Panic. The Addict q & a is up and live right hurr, so check it out. They are such lovely people, and we spent a lot of time giggling about nineties r'n'b, honey badgers and drunken musical performances.

More importantly, their music is awesome.

CHECK IT OUT

Song of the Day: "Got A Hold"

2011-11-11T08:02:00.001Z

2:54 - Got A Hold by 2:54 Band

I'm interviewing 2:54 this week and looking forward to chatting to them about their new EP (out on Monday, on Fiction). Here's their latest teaser single off the record. It's their usual hazy, alt sound with a bit of that nineties sound a la PJ Harvey but is still as good as all their previous tracks.

Reviewed: Niki And The Dove - The Drummer EP

2011-11-10T17:39:00.000Z

"The Swedish duo are back with their second EP of the year, pounding our eardrums and any resistance to their charms to a pulp with ‘The Drummer’. This seven song collection boasts some of the first wholly instrumental work we’ve heard from the band, while exploring new sonic terrain for them in other ways.

Together Malin Dahlström and Gustaf Karlöf weave a series of different tales on the record but never stray too far from their electrifying pop roots".

I love this Niki & the Dove record, unsurprisingly. Read the rest of my review for Addict Music on the site:

CLICK CLICK CLICK

Friendly Fires share new video for "Hurting"

2011-11-10T16:12:00.000Z

And it's rather silly.

As ever Ed McFarlane is wearing a print shirt and moving his body in ridiculous ways, but it's a formula that I don't mind. This is one of my least favourite tracks from the album to be honest. Still, I think the whispered vocal refrain sort of saves it towards the end.

Props to the stylist for finding what looks like a patent version of the JS Dany shoe too; haven't seen that one yet.

Stream 'Feelings 4 U' by Dreams

2011-11-10T11:02:00.000Z

lnlove. (EP DOWNLOAD IN TRACK DESCRIPTION) by Dreams.
4Runner (EP DOWNLOAD IN TRACK DESCRIPTION) by Dreams.

Jesse Pimenta aka Dreams does not mess around. Where most people are throwing out three song EPs like there's no time in the world, this young West coast beatmaker has just put out a NINE-track EP on indie label Absent Fever. I mean dude, that's basically an album.

It's all throwback funk samples chopped over his own beats, with the sort of eighties revival sound that fans of Star Slinger and Com Truise will love. To be honest, I clicked this link by mistake when on Facebook this morning (goshdarn touch-screen laptop/tablet thing) but am pretty damn glad I did. This is a New Thing to Like in the 'old' sense that first made me start this blog: a random treat found online from unexpected browsing.

Listen to the rest of the EP on Bandcamp, and pay whatever you like for it. Happy listening.

Bye London, Hallo Berlin

2011-11-03T11:52:00.000Z

I'm going to Berlin for a couple of days, and so my usual weekend posting won't be happening. If I were a better blogger I'd have loads of posts queued but I don't: I've been running the whole mag at Don't Panic again so life is teetering on the edge of manic right now.

If you know of any hotspots I should hit when I'm there, drop me a line! I'm going in a group of about twenty people, and I'll be armed with about four different cameras. Can you tell I'm excited??

In the meantime I'll leave you with this brilliant and gros video from La Shark, for their single "Magazine Cover". You can get it as a free download for a limited time only, so hop it if you like what you hear. I tried to watch this while eating a red petter & tomato soup the other day and that didn't end well. You'll see why. Bon weekend à tous, and be safe.

FREE SHIT Part 31: The Whendays

2011-11-01T17:47:00.000Z

The Whendays - 01 Untru Love II by CASCINE

Hello to another freakin great release from Cascine. The Whendays are Serge and Simon, two Swedish multi-taskers who make 80s-flavoured tunes that are heavy on the synths and easy on the ear.

If you like Com Truise, old Super 8 films and remembering how awesome the early 90s were then you're probably going to love these guys. Their four song EP drops on the 15th, and although I can't yet share it with you here, I can honestly tell you it's rad. That's come consolation, right?

Grab this freebie for the minute though.

Happy Halloween from Echo Lake

2011-10-31T20:22:00.002Z

Echo Lake - Alisa from ///NO PAIN IN POP\\\ on Vimeo.

Here's their aptly gross video for their cover of Ariel Pink's "Alisa". A remastered version appears on their Young Silence EP re-isssue coming out to Japanese audiences in two weeks. For the rest of us, the unmastered version is grabbable via this Pinglewood Ariel Pink special mix.

Happy Day of the Death everybody, and stay safe whether you get tricks or treats.

EDIT: Just heard from the band that you can still enjoy the remastered version even if you won't be buying the reissue in Japan. Click here for a free download:

Alisa (Ariel Pink Cover) by Echo Lake

Stream League's 'How Do I Know' EP

2011-10-30T12:48:00.000Z

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://leaguesound.bandcamp.com/album/how-do-i-know-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;How Do I Know EP by LEAGUE&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

League are a London & LA two-piece, who make textured, semi-psychedelia with just right doses of Yeasayer, MGMT and Beach House. This, their latest EP, rings out with syncopated drum rhythms, beautifully lifting guitar lines and intelligent instrumentation choices.

It's always refreshing to hear a band who don't try to hide their influences behind too many layers of mish-mashed confusion but just put their own honest stamp on things. The three tracks that make up How Do I Know are all well worth a listen and a sign of even better things to come from the band.

You can also hear their previous Golden Maps EP on their Bandcamp. Now we've just gotta get them to play London.

Reviewed: Chase & Status at Brixton Academy

2011-10-30T12:04:00.000Z

I forgot that I went to this, reviewed it, then didn't share it on this ting. Felt pretty hilarious having someone from the PR company hand-deliver the tickets on their bike, while I wasn't even at work. I think my boss reckons I'm someone really important now. Not really.

Anyway, my friend Bruce and I were moshed about, had entire pints spilled down our backs and counted more than thirty Fred Perry shirts, all within the first half hour of getting into the show (we didn't really keep count). Chase & Status were great, Tinie Tempah's surprise performance made people go ape-shit and it was fun overall. Read the full review on Addict Music now.

CLICK CLICK FOR FUNZ

Song of the Day: "Call Me An Animal"

2011-10-30T10:03:00.000Z

This track, by new band I Am In Love, grabbed me within the first twenty seconds of playing it: always a good sign. And luckily the band delivered for the other four and a half minutes that make up my song of the day today.

I Am In Love are a four-piece apparently from Leicestershire and their brand of power-pop indie has that instant dance-a-bility that's always attracted me to the strong players in the indie game. Plus, that synth sample at the beginning of the track sounds like new M83 and that's always gonna be a good thing.

The band are giving this track away via their Facebook tomorrow, in the weeks before their Robot Needs Home EP drops on the 21st of November. Get involved now and if you've got the chance check them out at one of their live shows below. I'm goona aim for the EP launch party at Catch.

Tour dates:

Wednesday 23rd November - Shoreditch, Catch London
Thursday 24th November – Brighton, Pav Tav
Friday 25th November - Leicester Firebug
Saturday 26th November - Leeds Cockpit 3

I'm DJing Guilty Pleasures at KOKO

2011-10-28T08:38:00.001+01:00

Dan & I being silly behind the decks at the London Fields night we played

For a nineties-themed Halloween party on Saturday (October 29th). As far as I know it's all sold out in advance, but they'll be releasing 100 on the door and if you wanna come down hit me up on the Facebook page: I'll see what I can swing, guestlist-wise. I was up for ages last night intermittently getting really excited about the tracks while feeling really sleepy chopping and pulling them together.

Here are a few gems I'll be dropping, if time allows. Danielle and I only have an hour to play but between us probably have about three hours of incredible nineties hip hop, pop and r'n'b to throw down. Kissing a bunch of tracks goodbye tomorrow night's gonna hurt.

Summer Camp share new video for "Down"

2011-10-26T12:47:00.000+01:00

And it's entirely made up of cinemagraph gifs. Stuck in some weird time trap, the duo can't seem to escape the small-town blues at their creepy Halloween party. It's been directed by Chris Doyle and is already one of my fave music videos of the year. Probably.

Enjoy. Their album's out on Halloween, aptly.

2:54 debut video for "Scarlet"

2011-10-25T23:19:00.000+01:00

Here's the new-ish 2:54 video for "Scarlet". This sister-centric foursome have already been making a name for themselves around London and put on a pretty good show at the Great Escape earlier this year. Though they wear their influences openly on their sullen sleeves, there's still something about their vocals that makes the Thurlow sisters stick out in my mind.

They're embarking on the latter half of an autumn tour in November (they've already been on the road with the Maccabees), dates for which you can see below. I'd recommend seeing them if that whole sexy-sulky PJ Harvey-loving thing gets you going. Last time I saw them you could practically smell all the hipster boy boners growing in the room throughout their set. It was hilarious and awkward.

Their EP Scarlet drops on November 14th, via Fiction.

November Dates:

1 – Village Underground, London+
2 – Trinity, Bristol+
4 – 60 Million Postcards, Bournemouth (headlining)
6 – Louisiana, Bristol (headlining)
9 – Corsica Studios, London (headlining w/ Bos Angeles, Novella)
11 – Classic Grand, Glasgow*
12 - Constellations Festival, Leeds
14 – Academy 3, Manchester*
15 – Academy 2, Liverpool*
17 – Wedgwood Rooms, Portsmouth*
18 – Digital, Brighton*
19 – HMV Library, Birmingham*
21 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham*
22 – Thekla, Bristol*

* = with The Big Pink
+ = with The Maccabees

Song of the Day: "As Young As Yesterday"

2011-10-20T12:38:00.000+01:00

Korallreven - As Young As Yesterday by Addict Music

This Korallreven single is in no way a completely new thing to like, but I just can't seem to shake my love for it. It didn't make it onto the blog when it first dropped cos I was pushing it on Addict Music and got all caught up in that.

The soul claps, bombastic synths and overall tight production make it such a joy to listen to. That use of strummed acoustic guitar transitioning into a manipulated vocal and wild bass sample is just so subtle and well thought through. I am in love with this song (and gushing).

The blog's going quiet for the weekend because I'll be away in Brighton, then with the fam in London and Hertfordshire. Check out the Facebook for the latest videos from M83, Friends and New Look though. There are always fun little things happening there. Have a great weekend everyone!

Q & A with Summer Camp

2011-10-17T20:27:00.001+01:00

I've been listening to the new Summer Camp record pretty much non-stop for the last week, and was pretty damn psyched when I grabbed them for an interview on Don't Panic. Welcome To Condale drops on Halloween, but til then why not enjoy the words we exchanged on cookie-baking for fans and why being in the Arcade Fire must be kinda awkward?

CHECK IT HERE.

Song of the Day: "Video Games (Jamie Woon Remix)"

2011-10-17T16:15:00.000+01:00

Lana Del Rey - Video Games - Jamie Woon Remix by woon

Right, well it looks like the whole Lana Del Ray thing is actually becoming a thing. When "Video Games" first appeared a few months ago, I was instantly in love with the simple piano line and her smoky vocals.

Then I watched this. Then this. And I realised that while she may sound lovely on the record, this girl can't sing and can't really perform with much confidence. I don't want this blog to be a space for hating, so I'll keep this brief: Jamie Woon's remix of this song makes it worth listening to again.

Enjoy. And if you think I'm wrong about her, tell me why.

SCUM debut new session video

2011-10-17T15:13:00.000+01:00

Here's the exclusive stream for SCUM's performance of Whitechapel, in session for Mute Records. The band are about to play a whole bunch of dates as part of NME's Radar Tour (with the absolute darlings, Niki & The Dove). Tickets are still going here.

In the meantime, enjoy their synth-driven poppy post punk right now. I'm in the process of sorting an interview with these lot so will be letting you know how that goes if it's a success!

FREE SHIT Part 30: Pandr Eyez

2011-10-15T12:40:00.002+01:00

Pandr Eyez - 04 Eyes On You by CASCINE

It's been a minute since I posted anything by these two, but Pandr Eyez have got a couple of new and exciting developments in their musical pipelines.

First off, they've just been picked up by Cascine (one of my favourite independent labels of all time) for a digital-only release of the Eyes On You EP, due out soon. And second, you can cop a free download of its title track above, now.

I can't wait to see these two live and in action because if these tracks are any indication, it'll be quite the event. And yes, the Bonjay comparisons will probably start flooding in but that's that. I'm sure they'll get used to it.

Enjoy, and hope everyone's having a great weekend!

Big Deal debut new video for "Distant Neighbourhood"

2011-10-13T19:29:00.000+01:00

It's another beauty, celebrating youth, slow-motion and awesome jewellery. I don't have much to say about this band because I feel like I've said it all already: they're damn good. Their record is available to buy here.

photo courtesy of me

Stream M83's 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming'

2011-10-13T08:21:00.000+01:00

I've been waiting for the chance to share this epic two-disc album with you all, and it's finally here. Woot! M83 has really brought out something special, euphoric and beautifully textured. Enjoy this one, over a listening party with friends or on your own if that's how you'd prefer.

Yes, there are twenty-two songs on it, but it's well worth investing in. You can pre-order it yourself on vinyl or CD here.

FREE SHIT Part 29: My Panda Shall Fly

2011-10-12T19:10:00.000+01:00

My Panda Shall Fly - Sydney [Free Download via MTV] by My Panda Shall Fly ♥

The awesome Suren Seneviratne has been doing big tings since I first stumbled across his tracks a few months ago. As well as nabbing himself an MTV UK feature online, he's also been playing and DJing a whole host of nights all over the city.

So if you missed him at CAMP for the Emika record launch last week, I strongly suggest heading down to Notting Hill Arts Club on Friday (October 14th) for a Talking At Me night. He's throwing down a live set with a bunch of DJs I've never heard of but if this video below is any hint, it's gonna go off. Be there. He's the only reason you'll ever find me whisper-singing The Weeknd to myself at my desk, like some sort of hesitant hipster loser.

And yes, sometimes when I sing "am I making love to you through her" it creeps out the girl sat next to me. It happens.

My Panda Shall Fly, God Dont Like It, Corsica Studios 2011 from DGTL on Vimeo.

School of Seven Bells remix Surfer Blood

2011-10-12T18:16:00.002+01:00

Miranda (School of Seven Bells Remix)

The power pop boys have been given a beautiful and bassy revamp by one of my favourite New York bands from the last few years. Even though School of Seven Bells are down to a two-piece now (sounds like they're a bikini or something: note to self, that looks weird) they still have that magic touch.

Enjoy this new version, and listen to the original bouncy track below. "Miranda" comes off the Tarot Classics EP due to drop on October 25th. I just got sent my copy and it sounds pretty fun: standard Surfer Blood fare, but fun nonetheless.

Miranda

Q & A with Ghostpoet Part II

2011-10-11T13:42:00.000+01:00

This time around I chatted to Ghostpoet on behalf of Don't Panic, for work. A whole lot has changed in his life since I first caught up with Obara almost a year ago, but his music is still as awesome as ever.

If you've not heard about this man yet, get to know.

CLICK FOR THE INTERVIEW

New Look

2011-10-10T00:32:00.000+01:00

New Look - Nap On the Bow by New Look

This band is awesome. I am so gutted I missed their London shows last week, but have fallen in love with their sound after picking up on a tweet dropped by the awesome Natalie Shaw. If you were lucky enough to see them play the Old Blue Last or Sticky Mike's last week, let me know how it was!

And for those of you, like me, who missed out check out these two tracks from them for now. The Canadian duo mix future pop with r'n'b sensibilities in a way that gets a massive thumbs up from me. Find out more about their debut album on its own little site here.

As far as recent blog silence goes, work has been crazy at the mag and I've neglected Blogger. Boo on me. I hate looking at blogs that get updated like once a month, so I'm trying my darndest not to become that guy. As ever, click over to Facebook to peep the quick links I'll be sharing.

Oh Land Covers The National

2011-10-05T16:36:00.000+01:00

Bloodbuzz Ohio

In the midst of Soundcloud clawing its way back into the land of the living, I'll have to give you lovelies a free download link to Oh Land's cover of The National instead. She puts her own twinkly pop twist on their beautiful single, "Bloodbuzz Ohio".

Though the simple major fourth harmonies may grate for some, I think they're endearing. Enjoy this gem. And Soundcloud, we look forward to having you back.

Metronomy Debut New Video

2011-10-01T11:40:00.000+01:00

"Everything Goes My Way" features a fittingly soft video, all deers and forest scenery. It's lovely, and shows the band's diversity. I guess it can't all be oil-slicked bikini-clad girls over tight pop rhythms.

It's also lovely to hear Anna Prior's vocal take centre stage on this tune.

I'm DJing for London Fields Radio

2011-09-30T10:02:00.001+01:00

At their night in Peckham tonight. 'London Fields Goes South' is taking over the Montpelier pub for a night of DJ battles and general revelry. I'm going up against GoldBars at 7:30pm, so come down after work to hear some goodness and feel the greatness.

I'm definitely playing this at some point. The goal is to get the dinner pub crowd bopping hard over their glasses of wine, post-work pints and chunky chips.

Q & A with Apparat

2011-09-28T15:17:00.000+01:00

I Skyped with Sascha Ring from Apparat a couple of weeks ago, and learned that he loves Morocco, likes messing around with his own creative process and would fucking hate it if you compared to Coldplay. He's awesome.

READ IT HERE.

Apparat - Song of Los (Director's Cut) from Saman Keshavarz.

Christopher Owens (Girls) x Hedi Slimane

2011-09-28T14:17:00.000+01:00

While hunting for the AnOther Magazine shots of Michael Pitt, I stumbled across these beauties of the Girls frontman. Somehow he makes that whole lanky-oft-in-a-crop-top thing work.

See the rest of the series here, and enjoy the new video for "Honey Bunny" (which I previewed on my Facebook page) below. He's basically frolicking in a crop top with his girlfriend. It's cute.

VIDEO PREMIERE: Björk

2011-09-24T12:38:00.000+01:00

As star, art director, producer and director/Queen of the World, Björk is being her usual amazing self once again in this new video for "Moon". Long sentences apparently are my only way to express how much respect I have for this woman.

In all seriousness though, Biophilia is just proving that she's still got that excellent knack for infusing her pop background with all the weirdness that throws her music out of any conventional ballpark and into her own world. It's great. Enjoy this one, and I hope everyone's having a great weekend.

Song of the Day: "Tame The Sun"

2011-09-19T16:49:00.000+01:00

This new video from Male Bonding features something hilarious and silly we all did as kids. I love how both creepy and endearing it is. Also, this band are very good. I suggest you see them play live when you next get the chance. They do a meaty garage pop that I find hard to resist.

For now, enjoy this single.

Stream Twin Sister: 'In Heaven'

2011-09-19T15:03:00.000+01:00

I fell in love with this band when I saw them open for Still Corners a few months ago, and am pretty excited to listen to this bad boy in full. They somehow fuse pop, disco and sweet sweet soul without really sounding too much like any of those genres.

The record is out on Domino Records next week, but you can pre-order it here.

FREE SHIT PART 28: Twin Shadow

2011-09-16T18:53:00.001+01:00

Changes

He's doing a one-off single giveaway in association with his awesome label, 4AD. "Changes" can be yours by either doing that right-click-save dance on this post or signing up to his mailing list and having it emailed to you. Click here for that path.

The track is all bombastic electro and a heavier bass beat than we might be used to hearing from ole Lewis Jr. Still, the great drum rhythm shifts and general manic energy of "Changes" are enough for me to recommend it, so have a listen.

In other news, my friend Matthew's playing a gig in Hoxton tonight so come on down for some late evening shenanigans before your Friday night gets deep.

Song of the Day: "I'm His Girl"

2011-09-14T16:26:00.000+01:00

Friends - I'm His Girl by LuckyNumberMusic

It's been impossible to avoid the bloggerati chatter about this song today, and after much other-stuff-to-do-ing, I caved; goshdarn is it lovely. Friends are a Brooklyn five-piece releasing this little beauty on Halloween, via Lucky Number Music.

If you love basslines and music and sex then you will probably like this. Currently on repeat. Find out more about Friends here.

VIDEO PREMIERE: Summer Camp

2011-09-12T16:40:00.000+01:00

More bouncy retro-pop from this awesome duo, in the shape of new single "Better Off Without You". I'm so psyched to see them in November that each time they drop a little treat like this I get all over-excited again. That looks dodgy written down, but I'm sure you get what I mean.

Their Pledge Music project is still going, so get them to prepare you a dinner party, or play at your house party in return for some cash to get their record out. They've already made their target, but are pledging for another 49 days.

Song of the Day: "Working On A Dream"

2011-09-08T12:17:00.000+01:00

Wintercoats - Working on a Dream from Cascine on Vimeo.

New, from Cascine's Wintercoats aka Australian musician James Wallace. He was one of Cascine's first signings and has his Sketches EP out on September 27th. I've been sent a copy by the darlings at Cascine that I can't wait to listen to later today. I'll be sharing my thoughts on it soon. For now, enjoy this and grab a free download of it here.

Stream Peggy Sue's 'Acrobats'

2011-09-07T17:17:00.000+01:00

These Brighton girls are massively talented, and used to blow away many a crowd in dive bars around the city years ago. Let me know your thoughts on their new record in the comments section below.

It's out on Monday (September 12th) via Wichita Recordings. If the last LP was anything to go by, this will be another dark and beautiful journey into their playful minds.

Big Deal release 'Lights Out' today

2011-09-05T08:05:00.001+01:00

And it's as awesome as we all would have expected. Alice and KC have crafted a beautiful long player, staying true to their no-rhythm-section format with a resultant fragility and earnest delivery. I'll be in Brighton this Wednesday night, so annoyingly will miss them play Tamesis Dock with Weird Dreams & Netherlands, but tickets to that show are still going here. Go watch them play on a boat if you've not got plans, Londoners.

Big Deal - Lights Out

You can listen to the entire record here, or on Spotify. If you like what you hear, please nab yourself a copy to help support this talented twosome. I just used cheesy alliteration. Forgive me. You can get mp3 downloads via Amazon, and physical copies through their label, Mute. I've no idea if iTunes take more of a cut than Amazon, but I'd just assume so.

Photo Diary 6

2011-09-02T19:52:00.000+01:00

Kevin MacDonald, as in director of Last King Of Scotland. Whom I MET

The friends I love, the things I've seen and the places I've recently been. Taken by me in London and Brighton.

Korallreven's 'A Dream Within A Dream' Mix

2011-09-01T14:32:00.001+01:00

Korallreven's A Dream Within A Dream Mix

Tracklisting:

Korallreven – Fall Asleep / Keep Your Eyes Shut
Ciara – Deuces (Korallreven Version)
Britney Spears – Till The World Ends (Korallreven Version)
Korallreven – Ah Ah
Music Of Samoa – Ua Ao Popo Ua O Le Aso Ula (Korallreven Version)
The Velvet Underground – Pale Blue Eyes (Korallreven Version)
This Is Head – 0007 (A Remix By Korallreven)
Oni Ayhun – OAR003-B (Korallreven Version)

Scandinavian duo Korallreven have just unveiled this awesome 25-minute mixtape, replete with ridiculously good Ciara and Britney remixes and their own material. In anticipation of their debut, An Album By Korallreven, dropping in November they've made the mix and each of its individual tracks available for free download. Yes, guys. Yes to that. I'm a particular fan of the "Deuces" re-work, below.

Ciara - Deuces (Korallreven Version)

The download links are hosted by Nialler9 and the Fader, so may not be up for very long. Get clicking soon if you like what you hear.

FREE SHIT PART 27: Com Truise

2011-08-30T22:50:00.002+01:00

Datebar by Com Truise

I sure hope any Brightonians reading that have already got themselves tickets for the Be Nothing-curated Com Truise show at the Green Door Store in November. If not, hop to it. Truise has bid us all a temporary internets farewell, by posting this track on his site for free before heading off on his US, Canada and Europe/UK autumn tour dates.

He's supporting the likes of Active Child and Neon Indian alongside Chad Valley and Purity Ring as part of one of those line-ups that is just so perfectly put together. If you've got the chance to see him, I'd recommend it. I'm meant to be going to the Shacklewell Arms gig so come say hello if you'll be there too.

In the meantime, enjoy "Datebar" from his archives, and stream his entire LP via Bandcamp here.

Summer Camp Announce Tour & LP

2011-08-25T21:19:00.000+01:00

And make the announcements one day after another. So I thought I'd better just wait it out to make sure they didn't say they were getting married to each other, or anything else, today. So far, so good.

I am majorly excited to see this duo play at Efes in November (full schedule below) and to get my hands on this record. The menacing "I Want You" and drum machine-driven "Round The Moon" have both received heavy rotation on my speakers, so Welcome To Condale will be getting a thorough once-over. It's released on October 31st via Moshi Moshi & Apricot Recording Company (their own label). Tracklisting and full UK tour details right here:

Better Off Without You
Brian Krakow
I Want You
Losing My Mind
Summer Camp
Nobody Knows You
Down
Welcome to Condale
Done Forever
Last American Virgin
Ghost Train
1988

Summer Camp - Ghost Train (viral).

November Tour Dates:
9 - Lancaster, Library
10 - Liverpool, Mojo
11 - Newcastle, The Parrot
12 - Leeds, Constellations Festival
14 - Southampton, Joiners
15 - Oxford, Jericho Tavern
17 - London, Efes Pool Hall
18 - Canterbury, Farmhouse
19 - Brighton, Green Door Store

As far as I remember, the London date sold out in a few hours but if you really want to see them I'm pretty sure you can still pledge them to play your living room or whatever. It's a great crowdfunding project they've been running, so get involved.

Weekend - Coma Summer (Slow Version)

2011-08-25T00:51:00.001+01:00

It has a fan made video, and that beautiful rawness that makes this band so great in my eyes. Week one of acting editor-ness has been just as mad as predicted, so sorry for neglecting.

Keep checking the Facebook for links to sweet treats though: so far this week we've had the Flaming Lips & Lightning Bolt batshit collaboration, the funniest things about rappers we all wish Ghostface Killah had actually said, and a track from German artist I Am Harlequin.

GO GET IT.

UO Sale Kicked My Ass

2011-08-22T20:15:00.001+01:00

You know when you decide to buy loads of stuff you don't need, right before you move house, only serving to enrage you and turn your entire room into a walk-in storage unit? Yeah, I invented that.

Here's a video by new indie pop boys Theme Park to make everything alright again. I've been meaning to post about them for literally a month now, so will get it together and show them the love they really deserve later this week. So far The Line Of Best Fit and The 405 have already had good things to say, so I'd suggest giving them a go. This is "Wax".

Song of the Day: "Especially Me"

2011-08-21T19:25:00.001+01:00

Low - Especially Me (OFFICIAL VIDEO) from Sub Pop Records.

By Low. I unexpectedly really like this song, and have wanted to share it since it debuted about a week ago, but have been so busy moving house that things went haywire for a while. In any case, enjoy this late Sunday evening jam. I've got a big few weeks coming up where I'll be running Don't Panic magazine as acting editor, so New Things may have to take a momentary backseat.

Still, ME LOVE YOU LONG TIME for reading and watching, as ever.

Weekend Unveil New EP Cover Art

2011-08-18T14:46:00.000+01:00

Weekend - Hazel by Slumberland Records

And this brand-new song too. The band have just announced the release of a new EP, due out on Slumberland Records in September. This teaser track, "Hazel" is just one to come from their three weeks of recording time while on tour this summer. The result with be 5-song package Red, and I'm guessing it's gonna be just as awesome as Sports.

Those noise-pop clangs and shudders that epitomise their sound are out in full force here, so I'll be looking forward to sharing the rest of it with you when I have the chance. For now, enjoy "Hazel" and play it loud.

Red comes out on Slumberland, September 20th.

My Summer Playlist for Don't Panic

2011-08-15T17:53:00.000+01:00

I finally got the chance to curate a playlist for Don't Panic magazine, and you can listen to it here. Basically it's a collection of songs I've already shown love for on the blog at some point which I wanted to share with the DP readership. The playlist features Toro Y Moi, Star Slinger, Best Coast and Neon Indian, all of whom I think are suitably summery.

You likey? Tell your friends.

SUMMER SOUNDS ARE HERE.

I'm DJing for Young And Lost Club

2011-08-12T09:59:00.000+01:00

Come down to Bungalow 8 next Tuesday night and dance with me. I'll be double-teaming with Danielle again, and playing alongside a dude from the Mystery Jets, and one of the YALC crew. If you're a Londoner, come down and say hi.

As the flyer says, email nadia@youngandlostclub.com for free guestlist. YES.

Pretty sure I'm gonna drop this. People better just be ready.

Partie! Partie!

2011-08-11T18:42:00.000+01:00

The party blog by photographer Sam Hiscox. Chances are if you've done some dumb shit at Digital in Brighton, he's seen it. This guy's photos are so expertly timed and well-shot that every time I peep new content on the site I find myself exploding with laughter. Case in point:

Real people. Real dancefloors. Unreal behaviour. This is in no way a shoot'n'shame blog or whatever, just a hilarious log of all the ridiculous business people get up to in clubs. Sam's been on this for about four years now, so we should at least give him props for staying sober and shooting (he does VICE photo stuff and club Facebook album stuff too) while everyone around him gets annihilated.

Here are my favourites of the good, bad and ugly (not necessarily in that order).

Get to know Sam's work if you don't already, on his site and other blog. He tells me the best of Partie! Partie! will be coming out in a zine, so keep an eye on that too if you have some love for his work. Fittingly, I leave you with "Bounce", by MSTRKRFT, N.O.R.E & ISIS (whole lotta caps for this collaboration)

VIDEO PREMIERE: Oh Land

2011-08-09T19:24:00.000+01:00

Oh Land has at last given us a video for "White Nights", the first song off her album that I fell in love with way back in January. I really think she's a true performer, and obviously with her dance background and amazing childlike imagination, this video shines.

She's got all those ageless Bjork dimensions with the kind of like-a-bility that must also make her so easy to hate. I think she's got the voice and overall the songwriting chops to get away with being so sickeningly cute. And the little style hints at the Miu Miu bird print shorts from a season or two ago give her another fat thumbs up in my books.

Got to love her 'oh, I just woke up' physicality too.

VIDEO PREMIERE: Ghostpoet

2011-08-08T15:26:00.000+01:00

Here's Ghostpoet's brand new video for "Liiines". He somehow makes that whole indie guitar with hip hop thing work without sounding like an idiot. Man has skills.

I'm due to interview him again, for Don't Panic this time, so that Q&A should be posted soon. Can't wait to hear what he's got to say about his Mercury Prize nomination.

Listen to Jay-Z & Kanye's 'Watch The Throne'

2011-08-08T14:25:00.000+01:00

Then let me know your thoughts. When Jay previewed "Otis" on his blog a few weeks ago, I pretty much assumed the rest of the record would suck as much as it did. Thankfully, that doesn't seem to be the case so far.

Complex and interesting rhythm patterns on "Lift Off" (buoyed by Beyonce's ridiculous vocal) and great production on "Made In America" might just make up for the smatterings of unnecessary auto-tune throughout. Also, it's great to see an album block up all album leaks and actually come out when its creators wanted it to.

What are your favourite tracks so far? Or, why will you not be giving a shit about this record at all? Sharing is caring.