Another week, another bunch of unsolicited attacks on unsuspecting musicians in the form of the Musical Speed Date. The selection this week is a hot and sweaty mix of RnB, electronica and rock spiced up with some hands-in-the-air 80's nostalgia. Sit back and we'll take you on a cosmic journey through the week's best (and worst)- just remember to scroll.
Jamie xx- Girl
Sam: The vocal sample is super nice but I feel like the rest just plods along unambitiously...until the end when the drums kick in. I like that. A lot. 3.5
Bianca: More like Jamie XXX. Dayuuumm Girl, that was smooth. 4
Lizzie: Bit too slow for me. The start grabs you but then I feel it slipped away very quickly. Vocals are echoey and cool but not his best. 3
Hannah: The walking bass runs through this track at that perfect, effortlessly cool tempo. It's a deeper, darker, offering from the DJ and in many ways more concise, dare I say even more predictable than what we're used to receiving from him. With its big brass samples and tongue-in-cheek play with soulful blues rhythms it has me even more excited to hear what's in store from his forthcoming release. 4 HANNAH'S PICK
Movement- Ivory
Sam: Movement are just the most exciting thing in Australia right now. Not only is the voice unbelievable, but the music is also dark, creeping and alluring. When the piano kicks in and the vocals take it up a notch, I get a little bit clammy. And then that guitar. Someone get me water. 4.5 SAM'S PICK
Bianca: Haunting and breathy vocals transport me to the dark, tattooed alleys of NYC. In a good, non-rapey kind of way. The guitar riff is an interesting touch to the finale. 4 BIANCA'S PICK
Lizzie: Great pace in this song. Simple, beautiful voice, and love the rocky guitar solo! 4.5 LIZZIE's PICK
Hannah: It's 3am and the throbbing bass is the highway that stretches infinitely in front of you while the world around you changes, throwing up new towns and strange characters. The only speed bump is that god awful guitar solo, but other than that it's smooth sailing to dawn. 3.5
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/modularpeople/movement-ivory-2[/soundcloud]
Twin Shadow- To The Top
Sam: It's so explicitly ‘80s that it falls into Simply Red territory and I'm not sure that's a good thing. When he pulls it back a bit in the verses I follow, but the chorus is OTT. Add black cat, wind and a smoke machine for full effect. 3
Bianca: The chorus is too John Farnham on his fifth (and final) comeback tour. He’s the voice and I’m trying to understand it. 1.5
Lizzie: Errgggh. Not my style at all. Go back to the ‘90s Baywatch film set. 2
Hannah: This just in: Twin Shadow announces John Farnham collaboration. 2.5
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/twin-shadow/to-the-top[/soundcloud]
TALA- Serbia
Sam: A tribal expedition through R&B, TÃLÃ pulls all the tricks on this one. The percussion hits hard, the vocal manipulation tugs at the ears and the brassy synths rattle the bones. It's a melting pot of all the right sounds. 4
Bianca: The intro gets straight into it and sets the scene for good things to come. Energetic drums and poppy vocals ensure that dance, tribal and R&B lines are blurred harder than Robin Thicke. 4
Lizzie: I like the layering in this song - not too much to irritate the ears, just enough to keep you bopping. I like the male/female dynamic in the vocals, really works for this track. 4
Hannah: I don't know what this is? Vaguely drum and bass, electronica, indie? I initially thought it was going in Lykke Li direction before it took what was the first of many turns and left me stumped again. Whatever it is, I like what TÃLÃ Is doing here. 3
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/talaofficial/serbia[/soundcloud]
Chromeo- Ezra's interlude
Sam: There's a lot to be said for a simple piano and vocal line. Ezra's falsetto is like honey and is complimented beautifully by Chromeo's subtle guitar stabs. My only problem: I want more. It's like buying anything under a king-sized Cadbury bar. You're always gonna want the extra inch. 4
Bianca: From the get-go, Ezra’s voice melts in my ears. Chromeo adds a groovy touch to his chocolatey falsetto. Short & sweet. 4
Lizzie: A little too corny for me. Yeah, ok, his voice is sweet. Sickeningly sweet. 3
Hannah: Chromeo do Chromeo so well their obsession with the sweet sound of the ‘80s can be forgiven. Happy memories from Coachella may have me a little biased. 3
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/chromeo/ezras-interlude[/soundcloud]
The Black Keys- Turn Blue
Sam: It's nice and polite. My problem is the Black Keys are seemingly on the Kings of Leon path to rock n roll beige. RIP. 2
Bianca: Would probably press ‘next’ on iTunes Shuffle. 2
Lizzie: Not what I am used to from the Black Keys, but I am pleasantly surprised. This belongs in a smokey downtown Jazz club, but not something to go and rave about. 3.5
Hannah: Psychedelic surf rock. Been there done that. 2
