Occasionally, I’ll head over to the Hype Machine and take a listen to whats charting. Its kind of more like me wondering what I might be missing (or have missed). Case in point, the new track from Tennis. The Denver husband and wife pop duo (Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley) are back with a new album, Young & Old, which will be released on Valentine’s Day. Perhaps you’ve heard the first two singles off said album, “My Better Self” is the third official release.
This perked my ear today, thanks to Swedes Please. Check out the latest from Swedish electro duo Kids, here’s “My Sincerest Apologies” (song/video).
Kids - My Sincerest Apologies from David HJ. Lindberg on Vimeo.
My 3rd favourite song from my 2nd favourite album of last year. Here’s “Brothers” by The War On Drugs, from the album Slave Ambient.
The War on Drugs - Brothers from Secretly Jag on Vimeo.
Did you check out that post of my favourite new artists of 2011? I included a band, solely on one track released near the end of last year. The song was “Lost Communication” and the band is East London electronic trio Anothers Blood. You can purchase the song from Family Records here.
Well, the band have announced details of a new single ‘Through The Dark’. This along with b-side ‘Foreign Nights’ will be released as a free download for 24 hours on 27th February via their website. ‘Through The Dark’ deftly combines organic sounds with dense electronics to reveal a simple love of classic pop melodies.
Anothers Blood formed in 2010 in East London, borne out of a shared love of cold electronics, William Eggleston and Talk Talk. The line-up consists of frontman Richard Frenneaux, along with fellow band members Courtenay Purcell (electronics) and Chris Rush (percussion).
Also, here’s there remix of Lana Del Rey “Born To Die”.
“Pictures” (below) sees Benjamin Francis Leftwich at his most melancholic; a haunting reverb-laden vocal layered up delicate finger picking. The song is taken from the album ‘Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm’. ‘Pictures’ will be released as a single on February 20th 2012.
Also, be sure to check out the GZUS remix of the song too. Its not too much of a departure from the original, but its nice to hear the song with something to tap your foot to.
“Big Broom” by Races, from the album Year Of The Witch (out March 27th).
Races “Big Broom” [Official Music Video] from Edward Chase Masterson on Vimeo.
Bahamas (aka Canadian Afie Jurvanen) is back with a new album, his sophomore LP Barchords, out on February 7th via Brushfire Records. To go along with his first single “Caught Me Thinkin’”, we can now hear “I Got You Babe” (via Consequence of Sound). Don’t be confused though, this is not the song by Sonny and Cher. “It’s a song about a guy who’s losing someone. About a guy who would do things differently, if given the chance.”
Vancouver-based Yukon Blonde are gearing up to release their newest full-length album, Tiger Talk set for a March 20 release with Dine Alone Records. The first single (“Stairway”, below) has the band sounding the poppiest I’ve ever heard them, and will be release on 7” vinyl January 31. The band are currently in the midst of a world-wide tour, look for them soon in the US on their way down to SXSW.
The Colin Stewart (Black Mountain, Ladyhawk) produced record features tracks that are short and punchy, as the band ‘trimmed the fat and packed hooks and brisk tempos into streamlined arrangements’. Trading in the analog tape of their past work in favor of a crisp digital approach with synthesizer flourishes, this sounds like a positive new direction for the group. Not that they were doing anything wrong before, but perhaps they’ll be able to shake that too often used comparison to Fleet Foxes.
Grab the song at their soundcloud.
Remember a little while back when I posted that trippy video for the fantastic introduction to San Fran band Young Magic? Here’s how it looks, out In The Open, under a tree.
Also, the band have release a new video for “Night In The Ocean” off the upcoming LP, “Melt”, released February 14 via Car Park Records, head to Their Bated Breath to watch it.
In the Open presents Young Magic - Sparkly from In the Open on Vimeo.
With a tip of the cap to ‘The Holy Mountain’, We Have Band embark on a ritualistic sacrifice of the self image through their wax effigies via “Where Are Your People?” . From the new album ‘Ternion’ out 29th January 2012. Available to pre-order now -itunes.apple.com/gb/preorder/ternion-deluxe-edition/id488427760
We Have Band - Where Are Your People? (Official Music Video) from We Have Band on Vimeo.
Trying to keep consistent with the posts that I put together last year, this is my list of favourite new artists that I found in 2011. One caveat worth mentioning, a lot of these artists may have existed pre-2011, but only came on to my radar last year.
Although this post really should have been published at the end of last year, I’m glad I’m finally getting to it.
Stream them in playlist form via Spotify, Rdio and Grooveshark.
Anothers Blood. Honestly, I don’t know to much about this band, other than its Richard Frenneaux from the band Red Light Company. I was really hoping for big things for Red Light Company, but it never really materialized on this side of the pond. Richards’ new band sounds pretty amazing so far, but I am really only judging it based on the single they release in October called “Lost Communication”. Consider this one a gamble then but I’m glad I heard this band in 2011.
ANR. Consisting of Miami, Florida’s Michael John Hancock and Brian Robertson, the bands album Stay Kids spent a lot of time in my rotation last year. If you had to start somewhere, try out “It’s Around You”. Bet you haven’t heard a song like that.
Benjamin Francis Leftwich. A british singer/songwriter who I took notice of for his ability to create beautiful, stripped down covers of popular songs. Turns out his originals are more than good, including “Atlas Hands”, watch the video below.
Caveman. A promising new Brooklyn based band that I couldn’t avoid on the blogs. I’m predicting a big year for the band. Check out “Easy Water”.
‘Easy Water’ from Caveman on Vimeo.
Clock Opera. A London based four-piece who I initially knew as a remix artist. Now after hearing “Belongings” and “Once And For All”, you gotta watch to see how their 2012 album will turn out. Recommended for fans of Elbow, with an folktronica spin.
Fort Lean. Another Brooklyn based band ready to take over in 2012. CMJ last year was big for the band, I’m guessing they killed it with “Beach Holiday”. For fans of the Walkmen, The Strokes.
Gotye. Australian-Belgian multi-instrumentalist Wally De Backer has a phenomenal record in Making Mirrors, with the exception of one song about his vintage organ I can’t listen to. ”Somebody That I Used To Know” is a killer tune, 48 million can’t be wrong can they?
I Break Horses. The Swedish duo composed of Maria Lindén and Fredrik Balck blew me away last year, first with “Hearts” then with the rest of their album by the same name. Looking forward to catching this band on the road this year with M83.
I Break Horses - Hearts from Bella Union on Vimeo.
Icona Pop. Another Swedish duo (Caroline Hjelt & Aino Jawo) with an arsenal of catchy songs from their debut EP, Nights Like This. ”Manners” is recommended, but start with the title track.
James Vincent McMorrow. Irish folk music singer-songwriter who put out the album Early In The Morning last year. For fans of Sufjan Stevens, Ray LaMontagne or Bon Iver, his voice will win you over. Check out “We Don’t Eat” or his great cover of “Higher Love”.
Oliver Tank. Twenty-one year-old musician from Sydney, Australia with a similar sound to James Blake. His 6-song EP is currently my favourite sunday afternoon soundtrack.
Oregon Bike Trails. 60’s pop sounding musical project of Santa Monica’s Zach Yudin. ”High School Lover” made so many “Best Songs of 2011” lists, including mine.
Papa. Brainchild of Girls‘ drummer Darren Weiss and since I found “Halloween To Me” on the blogs one day, I’ve been hooked on the song. For fans of Dan Boeckner (Wolf Parade) or the Walkmen, start with “I Am The Lion King”.
Polica. Former GAYNGS vocalist Channy Leaneagh and producer Ryan Olsonnestly make a great pair. Their debut “Give You The Ghost” will be out out on CD/Vinyl 2-14-12 via Totally Gross National Product, take a listen to “Lay Your Cards Out”.
Y Luv. LA foursome of USC students with a free EP from April of last year and two new singles to download, “Earthquakes” and the song below. For fans of The Temper Trap or The Pass, check out “Keep It Rollin’”.
Youth Lagoon. The dreamy, reverb-laden outlet of Boise, ID songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Trevor Powers. His album (The Year of Hibernation) and videos seemed to make all my top year end lists. Give it a few tries at least, I found it to be a grower.
Youth Lagoon - Seventeen from kasey lum on Vimeo.
You Won’t. The band on this list with the hardest name to google, this Boston folk-rock group have some hid den gems in their debut LP Skeptic Goodbye (out Feb. 14th via Old Flame Records). For fans of The Rural Alberta Advantage, head to their bandcamp and try out “Three Car Garage”.
The Wild Honey Pie Presents: You Won’t - Fryer from The Wild Honey Pie on Vimeo.
If you don’t know the name Bry Webb by now, you a) probably didn’t know the Constantines well enough to learn the lead-singer’s name, b) didn’t arrive early to Feist’s recent tour dates to see her opener or c) missed all the praise for his debut solo album Provider (out on Idée Fixe Records). Here’s your opportunity to get acquainted.
Bry recently filmed a Southern Souls session at his home in Guelph, Ontario, featuring an unreleased cover of Burl Ives’ “Sad Man’s Songs” and “Viva” from Provider. The videos mirror the sincerity of the songs; a song strummed during quiet moment at home with Bry’s son Asa playing in the background.
BRY WEBB - Viva from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.
BRY WEBB - Sad Man’s Song (Burl Ives / Traditional) from Mitch Fillion (southernsouls.ca) on Vimeo.
Catch him in early Feb performing intimate shows across Ontario.
TOUR DATES
February 3 - St Catharines, ON - The Mansion House
w/ Simone from $100
Advance tickets available at www.ticketscene.ca
All ages / licensed event
February 4 - Toronto, ON - The Music Gallery
Two performances: 6pm & 8:30pm
w/ Wyrd Visions
Advance tickets available at Soundscapes and Rotate This
February 10 - Peterborough, ON - Gordon Best Theater
w/ Jonas Bonetta of Evening Hymns & Gavin Gardiner of Wooden Sky
Advance tickets available at The Only Cafe and Sympathy for the Rebel
All ages / licensed event
February 11 - Kingston, ON - The Grad Club
w/ Jonas Bonetta of Evening Hymns & Gavin Gardiner of Wooden Sky
Advance tickets available at Tricolour Outlet, The Grad Club and www.ticketscene.ca
All upcoming shows feature The Providers: Mike Brooks, Rich Burnett and Tyler Belluz.
The Tumblers are an Australian band who have just released their debut self-titled EP, which is already getting some national airplay down under on many stations, including being the feature artist on RTR radio station in Perth. Lets help get this going on this side of the world. Try out “The Fire”.
Download the EP at bandcamp
“Shiny Things” by Fanfarlo, from their upcoming album Rooms Filled With Light.
Fanfarlo “Shiny Things” from Tim Nackashi on Vimeo.
