The Interns / New Music Blog

Musical Speed Dating 19 April

This week there's some serious love in the air, while some songs go down like a gluten intolerant person eating a croissant, others stir the emotions, setting hearts a flutter. It was a week of Hip-Hop, RnB and light indie-pop, all of which got us moving but some in the wrong way.

Bayou- Airlock

Sam: This is jittery and anxious track coated in confusing twists and turns. It sounds like your favourite RnB smashed by a hammer and then put under water. And the result is pretty damn mesmerising. Perfection. 4

Lizzie: Janet Jackson song gone wrong. I struggle to see sense in this muffled mess of a song. 1

Hannah: This song is a conglomerate of perfect moments. Moments that some how shine brighter individually than together. In the name of team spirit... It's ok I guess. 3

Bianca: Gurgly voice reminds me of the voiceover for old school Playsation game ‘Abe’s Oddyssey.’ I however enjoy the breakdown where the song mellows into a calm but steady pace which I can nod my head to. 2.5

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/bayyyou/airlock[/soundcloud]

Boots- My Heart Is A Stone Today

Sam: This song reminds me a lot of Haunted from Beyonces surprise drop. The trap influences are ever so subtle but just enough to turn this song from a snooze fest into a jam. I think this is the best we've heard from him yet. 3

Lizzie: I am broken with this song. At the start, I stopped what I was doing and got lost in the moment. Then he brought in this layered trap sound which really lost my vibe. 3

Bianca: Agree with Lizzie on the Radiohead part. The breakdown at the end is very reminiscent of Paranoid Android which is a very, very good thing. 3

Hannah: I want more from this song. It's neither big enough nor stripped back enough to fully accomplish what it sets out to do. Instead it sits in that awkward zone of mediocrity and unfulfilled potential. 2

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/bootsonboots/boots-my-heart-is-a-stone-1[/soundcloud]

Little Dragon- Paris

Sam: Once again they prove all you need is a minimal collection of instruments to create some serious booty-shaking. A problem they may have forever- it ain't no Ritual Union. 3.5

Lizzie: Put on your gym gear ladies. This a boppy tune, with its slick lyrics and ‘80s vibe - great upbeat song. 3.5

Hannah: Enough motivation to move to Paris. I adore the latest offering from Little Dragon. It's struck the ever appropriate balance between total party starter and total chiller. 3.5

Bianca: Like Khaleesi and her little Dragons, this song starts off confident and ready to lead us, vibrant and well-dressed, to the very end. 4 BIANCA'S PICK

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/hillydilly/little-dragon-paris[/soundcloud]

Tune-Yards- Wait For A Minute

Sam: This is by far the most straight Forward melody I've heard from Tune Yards so far and it works so well. It's so nuanced and yet still left of centre enough to fulfill her wacky image. 4

Lizzie: I love the smooth swoops and swings of her words. Her sound is fresh and effortlessly cool. 4 LIZZIE'S PICK

Hannah: Dreamy and miles away. Anything that takes you out of the moment and into another world altogether is fine by me. 3.5

Bianca: She carries this track with melodic ease, keeping the listeners interested with unexpected vocal loops and heavy bass strums. 3.5

Future- I Won (Feat. Kanye West)

Sam: I think Future has been a key player in the RnB revolution both as a producer and artist. It's part Drake, a little bit ASAP Rocky and a touch Ciara but mostly it's quintessential Future. Kanye's rap is as cringe-worthy as ever. But, hey, Kimye is a modern fairytale isn't it. 4.5 SAM'S PICK

Lizzie: From what I can gather, this guy is hot property on the RnB scene at the moment, however, how is this song standing out? It’s not. Sounds like another “I got 99 problems” rant. Kanye….nothing special either. 2.5

Hannah: This song has a dark quality to it that I can't help resist. It's like that bad boy you're told to stay away from but keep gravitating back to time and time again. He's not good, he don't love you and he won't treat you well, but right now he's perfect. 4.5 HANNAH'S PICK

Bianca: I find nothing unique about this song. Mentioning of ‘pussy’ is never a good quality in a song in my opinion, no matter how hard that pussy is auto-tuned. I can’t see this song winning any trophies. 1

Rainbow Chan- Fruit

Sam: It's such a polite piece of pop that I feel rude for not personally thanking her. It's so clean and well ordered but at the same time it sounds so freeken delicious. Fruit, sugar. Rainbow Chan, sugar. Who said you can have too much of a good thing? 3

Lizzie: Hello Australia’s answer to Lily Allen. If only I could understand what she is singing (minor detail in releasing music). Cute and inoffensive. 3

Bianca: Fruit graphics 3

Hannah: Dare you to swear. Double dare you. 1

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/siloarts/rainbow-chan-fruit[/soundcloud]

Duck Sauce- NRG

Sam: I hate ducks and I find quacking the most awful sound on earth ( second to Barbara Streisand ) but strangely I've fallen for this one. Don't get me wrong, it's an 80s reject that sounds so distasteful and out of place in 2014 but give me a few vodkas and my NRG is all yours. Dem synths too. 2

Lizzie: Fist pump fist pump! Inside a nightclub, perfect for a dance marathon. In the real world, feels like I am continuously hitting my head against a punching bag. 3.5

Hannah: Like an over-excited virgin on his first time this song is all high NRG all of the time with no real climax. And like an over-excited virgin on his first time... a whole lot of awkward thrusting ensues. 2

Bianca: Goes down like a Jager Bomb. Awful tasting at first but gather a few friends together to partake in the activity, get that energy-filled sucker into your system and soon the dry-retching will cease and the party will begin. 3

features

Anatomy of a Travel Playlist

With Easter holidays fast approaching and a substantial amount of music heads jetting off to the U S of A to partake in Coachella frivolities, we, the(in)terns, anticipate long plane, train and automobile rides ahead for many of our readers. Accordingly, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to help you construct the ultimate playlist to accompany the long hauls and sleepless journeys. Here are 8 songs that need to be included on all travel playlists.

The ‘Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow’ Song

Maybe it’s your family, maybe it’s your cat, maybe it’s your bed and favorite granola. Whatever the case may be, one thing assured by all travel plans is that you will inevitably be leaving someone or something you love at home. Pack your bags, put them at the front door, do a couple of last minute checks (do a couple more) and pause for a moment to remember all the good you have to come back to.

The ‘Lets Get This Party Started’ Song

Enough of that. Lets blow this joint!

The ‘Everyone Knows the Words to This Bad Boy’ Song

Because, Beyonce.

The 'Where the snacks at' Song

No matter how long the journey, snacks are a must. There's something strangely hopeful about catching that first whiff of a sweet, sweet sugary snack or hearing the first crunch of a salt and vinegar chip, distant on the backseat. Snacks promise a fulfilment on what can often seem like a never ending road or long haul flight... That is until the sugar high crashes and all hope is lost.

The ‘I Never EVER want to Hear This Again’ Song

In years to come, when this song finds its way onto mix 106.5, and it’s library of great classic hits, you’ll be driving your kids down the dusty road to suburbia and its promise of yet another game of soccer, football, netball, <insert cursed extra curricular activity here>, when suddenly you’ll be thrust back in time to a trip you took one Easter break with your BFFs - wait, where are they now? - and reminded of your wayward youth and that time you lived off salt and vinegar chips for 16 hours. This will be your Easter anthem.

The ‘White Noise’ Song

Unlike the bombastic nature of songs 2 through 5, consider this song a bit of a ninja. It’ll sneak in, anonymously fill the cracks of excited conversation with an innocuous hum and without you knowing, soon form the backing track to your journey.

The ‘I’m Going to Take This Opportunity to Contemplate Life, the Universe and Everything’ Song

While road trips lend themselves to countless rounds of eye spy and fun games of who can remain sane the longest, they also lend themselves nicely to sitting back and indulging in a little bit of “me” time. This is a song to break out about midway through your journey; that place happily located somewhere between the initial excitement of embarkation and the frustration that inevitably creeps in when you realise it’s been a solid two hours since you last felt your ass. *Stares dreamily off into the distance*

The ‘Maybe if I Go to Sleep, We’ll Get There Faster’ Song

Born from pure boredom-come-frustration, this track is pure tactic. Put it in on, fall asleep and, just like your own personal time machine to utopia, wake up somewhere free of cramps and the smell of unwashed armpits.

The ‘OMG There’s Only Half an Hour Left Until I Can Stand Up and Do Something About the Pins and Needles in My Ass’ Song

This one is all about anticipation, baby! YOU’RE ALMOST THERE! Almost time to shake ya booty.

Side note: Premature booty shaking should occur in a manner conscious of all safety restraints, road rules, and/ or the person you’ve been fighting over the armrest with since before the dawn of time.

features / Uncategorized

Our Splendour in the Grass predictions for 2014

It’s that time of year again. The rumour mill surrounding Splendour In The Grass is running in overdrive and while some acts have confirmed that they will make the trip, many are still just possibilities. Never ones to back away from a guessing competition, we've compiled a list of some names we expect to see on the line-up when it is released next Wednesday, April 23.

The Black Keys

The Black Keys still owe Australia. Despite touring Australia nationally in 2012, they cancelled on a heartbroken BDO audience in 2011. With the new album, Turn Blue, on its way, a headline set at Splendour would be a glorious return for the duo.

Chances: Their last festival is Latitiude in the UK on the 20 July- plenty of time to head down under for some Byron sunshine.

Outkast

Outkast are another hot contender for the headline spot. They reunited for their 20 year anniversary at Coachella this month and are set to play over 40 festivals over the globe. There is a Splendour-sized hole in their touring schedule too.

Chances: Lock it in, I’d say.

The Preatures

Straight off the back of a stellar slot at Coachella and an American tour, The Preatures could make a heroic return to Australia capped off by a set at Splendour In The Grass. In the past, Splendour has booked many artists (The Jezabels, Chet Faker, Flume) that have their ultimate live breakthrough and splendour and Isabella Manfredi and co. could just be the next one.

Chances: Count on a mid-afternoon sing-along to Is This How You Feel? In Byron.

MØ

Danish pop star, MØ, did a short jaunt around the country last year, however, she is yet to play it a festival crowd here. With her debut album, Mythologies To Follow, out, she could fill a Splendour up and comer slot easily.

Chances: Her schedule says, yes, it just depends on whether she's Splendour material.

Blood Orange

Dev Hynes is due for an Australian tour. He hasn't been here since he supported Florence and the Machine in 2012 and with a new album out he's got plenty of material to flaunt. He's impressed festival audiences across America and Europe. Maybe it's about time he did so here.

Chances: Fingers crossed, but no certainty.

Cut Copy

They played Future Music Festival but surely Splendour is their more favoured stomping ground. They killed it back in 2011 and would do the same again in 2014 armed with a whole new bag of tricks off the new album, Free Your Mind.

Chances: Their national tour in May suggests that it may be a big ask to come back again in July but they must be used to the jet-lag by now. It would require a hasty turnaround to play Osheaga Festival the weekend after.

Foster The People

With a new album out, Foster The People will no doubt be trying to fit in a trip down under. Splendour, which they played as youngens in 2012, could be the perfect place for a main stage debut in Australia.

Chances: Every other festival will also be trying to snap them up. Splendour could be too early in the promo cycle.

Duck Sauce

With a new album Quack out next weekend, A-Trak and Armin Van Helden could be up for a jaunt down-under. They would be a perfect addition to the dance line-up and would likely pull a large crowd.

Chances: A possibility if they haven't already been snapped up by Stereosonic or Listen Out.

Courtney Barnett

Barnett is possibly the biggest Aussie name in the international music scene at the moment. She's become an NME darling and is booked to play some of the largest festivals on the circuit including Coachella and Sasquatch. It could be a triumphant glory-run, if she returned home for Splendour.

Chances: She has July off so it could be a good chance to pop back home.

Modest Mouse

This one could be a long shot but the band are playing a number of festivals this Summer and have a touring gap to play Splendour. The only way we'd excuse the absence is if they were holed up recording their sixth album. It's been nearly seven years since their last, We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank.

Chances: Slim but a definite potential none the less.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62zslOQLuQ8

SBTRKT

The masked producer was in Australia last year for a quick visit, but a big festival show is long overdue. Particularly when he has just released a new EP, Transitions.

Chances: He's playing Fuji Rock in Japan the same weekend. Splendour has been known to share acts with Fuji. Pencil him in.

features

Coachella - What's in store for Weekend 2

If you missed the stream last week, now’s your second chance to right your wrongs. Week One brought with it a plethora of guest appearances, left of centre covers and euphoric moments. If you're there on weekend two like us, you have the rare benefit of hindsight. For those who are streaming, you also get to decide who's worthy of taking up your weekend mornings on YouTube.

Outkast

Big Boi and Andre 3000 had mixed responses last weekend. While their career-spanning set was jam packed with classic Outkast, 3000 seemed to lose interest about halfway through, culminating in a performance of Hey Ya with his back turned on the crowd. Here's hoping he gets his shit together come weekend two and matches the faultless energy of Big Boi.

Pharrell

The Man of the moment, Pharrell, put on a star-studded event being joined by the likes of Gwen Stefani, Diplo and Snoop Dogg. While his voice let up, the energy level never dropped as he rolled out hit after hit to a crowd unphased by the dust storm. As his voice drew its final note, he announced that next week he'd be back bigger and better. Well then Pharell, over to you...

HAIM

Haim are the quintessential LA band and so Coachella is the perfect festival for them. There's really no more to say apart from the fact their debut album is so damn accessible it's almost impossible for anyone to deny the ear candy coming right at you. On weekend one, Este told the crowd she wanted to hear the sound of ass claps- what more could you want in the Californian desert.

Girl Talk

It's a surreal experience watching Girl Talk in your bedroom at 4pm on a Friday afternoon with an uncontrollable feeling to dance. Gills is one of the only acts of the weekend who's energy translated through the YouTube stream. If you're in the mood for a booty shake, Greg Gills is the most consistent of performer. It's unlikely he'll let you down.

Chance The Rapper

At only 21, Chance is probably the biggest new name in rap music. His Coachella set was jam packed with tracks off his fantastic mixtape, Acid Tapes; perfect for a mid-afternoon grind. Last week he brought on Justin Bieber- luck or misfortune, you be the judge.

Arcade Fire

The Sunday headliner is always bound to be a classic but, wow, do they put on a sound. The added disco flavours of Reflektor sit nicely alongside the other three records. Also Blondie came out last week for a cover of Heart of Glass. I wonder if they can top his next week.

Solange

We're hoping an album is close to being finished but for the time being we're content with the fact that Solange was the queen of the desert last weekend. She brought on Beyonce at the end of her set for a dance-off but the moment belonged to the quirky sister. She had the crowd in a flurry of movement, particularly with her flagship song, Losing You.

Chromeo

The Canadian funksters had us dancing in front of YouTube on Friday night. They deliver such a high energy set and with new tracks from their forthcoming album, White Woman, to show-off they really took height. Jealous (I Ain't With It) was a particular stand-out working the crowd into a well-deserved sweat.

features / Uncategorized

Weekend Windback 12/13 April

Adelaide-born beats wizkid Motez delivers this week’s Weekend Windback with his fresh remix of Madison Avenue’s “Don’t Call Me Baby”. Celebrating 21 years of local label Vicious Recordings, this all Australian re-rub stays true to the catchy mood of the original millennium hit, but adds his own signature bass line and slick modern synth to keep you up and moving.

This ingenious house innovation adds to an impressive list of singles from this bass, fast-rising producer. Cementing himself in the 2014 Aus music calendar, Motez is supporting Disclosure in their Melbourne tour leg this May, and set to release a new EP in April through Sweat it Out.

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/tonicollision/dont-call-me-baby-motez-remix[/soundcloud]

albums, songs, eps / new music

tUnE-yArDs- Wait For A Minute

tUnE-yArDs has a penchant for taking a trend and turning it on its head. And that’s exactly what she’s done on, Wait for a Minute, the latest track from her forthcoming album Nikki Nack. She’s undoubtedly heading down the lane of RnB but she’s swung a left, crashed through a fence and found herself at an anarchy-stricken kids party. It may sound messy, but it’s a beautiful thing. It’s smooth and effortless but at the same time it chops and changes whenever it pleases. tUnE-yArDs may have traded James Brown soul (Bizness) for How To Dress Well-flavoured RnB, but it still sounds undeniably like Merrill Garbus on her A game.

reviews

5 things I learnt from the St Lucia concert

St Lucia and his crew make for a colourful bunch. Jean-Philip Grobler (AKA St Lucia), along with Nick Brown, Ross Clark, Nicky Paula and Patricia Beranek have been tearing up the airwaves with various songs from their indie-pop album When The Night.

Naturally they arrived on stage to an excited room ready to dance to the highly moveable South African flavours. And taste them we did.

Apart from sore feet, here's what I took from the concert:

1. Choir classes pay off

Starting off the night off with radio-favourite The Night Comes Again, Jean-Philip's choir-boy background really shined through; his vocal capabilities exuded a quality only years of dedicated practice could do.

2. St Lucia can smash a cover

Jean-Philip and his backing band surprised everyone by performing a boppy rendition of Chaka Khan's '83 hit 'Ain't Nobody'. It's hard to believe that this '80s hit could become any more balmy but St Lucia and his band worked the crowd into a hot sweat.

3. There is such a thing as too much wind machine.

Lucky his bouffant 'do could handle the gale force.

4. He likes it loud (his clothing, that is).

Keep updated on his appealing apparel that would make even Solange Forest Green with envy on his Twitter account.

Debuting this @Soullandcph shirt in Australia in a few days! Can't wait to be back, it's been WAY too long. pic.twitter.com/Ek9s5Hv8kq

— St. Lucia (@stlucia) March 30, 2014

When is someone at @mastbrothers going wake up and start making shirts with the same prints as their wrappers? pic.twitter.com/S1r4jgspYd

— St. Lucia (@stlucia) March 26, 2014

The new @Fluevog ' so debuted in Vancouver pic.twitter.com/Ahqbp9EMgk

— St. Lucia (@stlucia) February 4, 2014

5. The energy translated from album to dancefloor

Despite the set occasionally lulling into a few too many la-la-las, by and large it was an energetic, sunshine-driven affair. Towards the end of the night, effortless transitions between songs ensured the dancing pit never quit. Elevate was as euphoric as you'd expect and the glistening island-inspired percussion transformed the room into a Caribbean getaway. The more dance-centric September delivered perfectly constructed climaxes, driving the evening home before we were willing to call it a night. That enthusiasm was (unfortunately?) noticed by a fellow punter who complimented my friend and me on our 'enthusiasm' which 'made her night.' I, myself, would pass the compliment onto St Lucia but, hey, my pleasure.

St Lucia wrapped up his National tour in Melbourne on Tuesday before making his way back to the US.

first impressions / reviews

Musical Speed Dating 10 April

This week, the(in)terns are dating pop. From the euphoria of a Cut Copy dance floor to ear candy from rising pop queen, we've cast our fairly invalidated judgement on a new batch of singles. While there's plenty of love this week, there's also a few spiteful tongues as alt-country music falls flat and Drake gets a little too sleazy.

One tune this week made us all fall in love, with three willing bachelorettes naming it the pick of the week.

Cut Copy- In These Arms of Love

Hannah: Nothing to see here folks. 2

Bianca: As a self-confessed Cut Copy fan girl (the rest of the(in)terns can confirm this) it pains me to say that this song should have perhaps remained a left-over. Dan Whitford’s usually on-the-beat voice sounds drawly and at times whiney and the guitar riff in the instrumental breaks sound like new school Coldplay (that’s not a compliment). Luckily this gal takes a man with their flaws. 3

Sam: I'm also an avid Cut Copy fan and like Bianca I ain't giving up. For me, this song is redemption after an album less impressive than those before it. It's expansive, atmospheric and melancholic. The synths come on thick and fast- just the way I like it. Add glitter bombs for extra effect. 3.5

Lizzie: Errrgh my ears are still ringing. I feel like I am stuck in some weird psychedelic Star Trek episode...that never made it to air. 2

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/modularpeople/cut-copy-in-these-arms-of-love[/soundcloud]

How To Dress Well- Repeat Pleasure

Hannah: This song is infectious. With hand-clap percussion and catchy guitar riffs, Krell makes heartbreak sound sweet like only an R&B enthusiast with a killer upper register could. Taking on Mariah with his tingling “Even broken, my heart will go on” is a bold but totally welcomed move. I repeat, Mariah territory is never bad territory. 3.5

Bianca: The clap is infectious. Now let’s talk about the song.. Straight out of the ‘90s, this head-boppin’, toe-tappin’ good time takes me right back to the day with its rhythmic beatine, surface-lying guitar strums and Tom Krell’s soothing falsetto. I’m keeping this pleasure on repeat. 4.5

Sam: Tom Krell has gone from strength to strength. And It Was You was a total jam and Repeat Plesure betters that. It's straight out of Ashanti's song book with a fairly flat-lined melody but buttery instrumentation aplenty. I also heard him gush over Ciara with Jacques Greene and ever since then I've been a massive fan. 4.5 Sam's Pick

Lizzie: This song belongs in “Give a song a chance”! The first time I listened to it I was not sold. Second time, it really blossomed into a beautiful track. I agree with you Bianca, straight out of the 90’s. And now to listen again, again and again. 4

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/howtodresswell/repeat-pleasure[/soundcloud]

Drake- Days in the East

Hannah: The best and worst part about this is the teasing Rihanna sample. More RiRi please. 2.5

Bianca: Too R&B sex playlist for me. Keep this locked away in the after-dark collection. 2.5

Sam: Surely this is a left-over from Nothing Was The Same. It sounds in the same lane as Own It or Furtherst Thing. And I'm ok with that. It's another understated jam where Drame proves he's becoming a more effective singer than a rapper. Rihanna and Drake are going out now right? That sample is so kuwaii. 3.5

Lizzie: Hellooooo stripper pole. Not your best Drake. 2

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/octobersveryown/drake-days-in-the-east[/soundcloud]

Rita Ora- I Will Never Let You Down

Hannah: It’s reassuring that in the lead up to her second album Rita Ora “will never let you down.” Good one Calvin, you’ve given this pop princess the credibility she deserves. 3

Bianca: Very simple, classic pop song. Neither here nor there for me. I didn’t have high hopes to begin with so fortunately Rita hasn’t let me down. Although in saying that, Calvin is better on his own and needs to ditch the poor man’s Rihanna - there’s no love found in this hopeless place. 2.5

Sam: So this is what talented couples do in their spare time. As far as pop songs go this is an A+. I like how Calvin tones down his synth break but I'm starting to grow tired of him. I feel he's up for a Guetta style fall from grace as it seems he's oversaturated the market. This could be his last moment in the sun. Rita on the other hand will surely have yet another hit record on her hands. 3

Lizzie: Calvin and Rita - bangin’ couple in real life but they do not hit it as a music duo. At all. Rita is still too cookie cutter, Aria Top 40 for me and “I Will Never Let You Down” is no different. I really want her to do something risqué with her beautiful voice. 2.5

Chrome Sparks- Goddess

Hannah: The title track off Brooklyn producer Jeremy Malvin’s forthcoming EP, Goddess is flawless. Sucking you in with deep synths and an almost Seekae sound, Goddess builds into two climatic crescendos so effortlessly imbued with vocal loops and twinkling galactic samples, you’ll be up, down and back up again before you even notice it. Scared to miss a single moment of this stellar roller coast ride, Goddess is on repeat. 4 Hannah's Pick

Bianca: Love the moodiness to this track and its underlying intergalactic feel. Very Fritz Lang-esque. Hot tip: listen to this song whilst feasting your eyes on this classic on mute. 4 Bianca's Pick

Sam: Such a velvety slice of ear candy. It just ticks all the boxes. A slow, brooding start and a gloriously climatic finish. It's got so much texture and dynamic to it- impressive for such a young gun. It's probably not immediate enough for it to really take off but a cult-following is sure to ensue. Count me in. 4.5

Lizzie: This track is beautiful- a pure, layered delight to listen to. If only the “drop” (for lack of a better word) at 4min 35 secs came earlier, thats when I experienced some serious earporn. 4.5 Lizzie's Pick

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/chrome-sparks/goddess-1[/soundcloud]

First Aid Kit- My Silver Lining

Hannah: Sure to find itself on The Js high rotation soon, My Silver Lining brings you the midwest straight out of Sweden (wait, what?). With big strings and even bigger harmonies, the latest offering from duo First Aid Kit promises long dusty road trips and hopelessly hopeful mornings spent in forgotten hotel rooms. Bring on Summer. 3

Bianca: Hannah: Summer’s gone and this track should go with it. Adios, Amigos! 2

Sam: The Lions Roar was a standout record for me when it was released. And I like this. It's confident and assured but I can't help feeling it's more of the same. Hopefully the album has a little more variation but this is enough to whet the appetite. 3.5

Lizzie: Did Lana Del Ray go on a Western adventure? Sure sounds like it. I do like the sway this song has, and the violins, banjo and vocals work well together to produce and digestible cowboy track. Yee-haa!! 3.5

albums, songs, eps / new music

St. Vincent- Lithium (Nirvana Cover)

stvincent

Listen Up! is the(in)terns way of giving a song the isolated attention it deserves. It's the track that says stop what you're doing and slow dance, grind or head thrash immediately. Our first Listen Up! is from the incomparable Annie Clarke, otherwise known as St. Vincent. April 5th marked 20 years since Kurt Cobain's death. In memorandum, St. Vincent took on the ballsy task of covering Nirvana's Lithium at a show in Chicago. It's a far cry from the left-field, brassy pop of her latest self-titled effort, but she slays. The chorus is one that even Courtney Love would be pleased with. It's everything it should be: angst-driven, angry and anxious. Clarke sticks close to the original, taking the beast on head-first and wins. The recording is low-quality but it adds a certain lo-fi charm.

lists

The Most Underrated Releases of 2014 So Far...

Every year there is a host of brilliant records that fail to capture the spotlight when they are released. Sometimes it's simply because they have no established profile othertimes it's because they release it on the same day as Beyonce surprise releases an album or Miley flies on a giant hotdog. Whatever the reason may be there is some gold that has fallen through the cracks this year. Below are five albums that we deem to be worthy of a first listen or re-listen.

Rome Fortune- Beautiful Pimp II

Beautiful Pimp II is the follow-up to last year’s Beautiful Pimp mixtape. Calling something a mixtape often suggests that it’s rough or unfinished. Beautiful Pimp II suggests the complete opposite. Produced entirely by CitoOnTheBeat, it’s a cohesive effort that revels in its understated beats and melodic raps. Mixtape standout I Was On One, I Can’t Lie is a chopped and screwed masterpiece while closer So is coated in beautifully warm keys. It’s not what you’d expect from an Atlanta rapper but it’s a refreshing take on the genre that deserves to have people talking about it.

Lyla Fox- Mirrors The Sky

When your debut record’s a grower, it’s always hard to grab immediate attention. A grower is most-definitely the word you’d attach to singer/songwriter Lyla Fox’s debut record. Fox recorded the album in the English countryside, isolated from reality and it shows. Mirrors In The Sky sounds beautifully detached from the chaos of the city. Instead, it floats along on a melodic cloud, peppered by carefully selected instrumentation and pixie vocals. Let it rest with you a while and Mirrors In The Sky will present itself as a dusky, self-assured record.

Dena- Flash

Perhaps it will be obvious on first listen of Flash why Dena hasn’t gained the attention she deserves. It’s a hard album to swallow, founded on a mix of left-field hip-hop and pop. Once you get used to it, Flash oozes sass and cool. It sounds youthful, vibrant and modern like a cross between M.I.A and Yelle. Cash, Diamond Rings, Swimming Pools is a lesson in minimalism, lifted by Dena’s nonchalant attitude. Elsewhere on the record, she presents Timabland-esque production on Games- the most straight-forward moment on Flash. Yes, it’s odd but it’s a party from start to finish; partly obnoxious but also a heap of fun.

Eagulls- Eagulls

NME has already gushed over this record, but it’s underrated in the way that it should be amassing a large cult following by now. If you compare it to the mighty public reactions to records from Cloud Nothings or Palma Violets in the past, then this album looks like it’s been criminally ignored. Eagulls is a sea of raucous noise- distorted and tempo-raising. However, it never sounds messy. Behind it all, lead-singer George Mitchell delivers a hearty vocal that injects just enough melody and stature to keep everything in check. That’s further aided by the killer hooks that are delivered on every song. They may be an unambitious alternative band, but there’s some anthems on this debut like the Sonic-Youth sounding Possessed. If you have trouble connecting to Eagulls then watch the band perform live. On stage, Mitchell is an anxious and tense performer that creates an uncomfortable aura that’s also thrilling to watch.

</span><span style="font-family: Consolas, Monaco, monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">http://open.spotify.com/album/1WXa2R14fPFcP4TvWZASl3</span><span style="font-family: Consolas, Monaco, monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">

100s- IVRY

IVRY may just be the funkiest rap music, this side of the century. With obvious nods to Andre 3000, 100s is a personable and colourful rapper. If the cover doesn’t already make it obvious, IVRY is not your standard rap record. He takes Prince’s infectious funk and lays on top an effortless flow that’s both seductive and arrogant. When I think of IVRY, I think of a dim-light, a circular bed and purple satin sheets. While it may all sound a bit creepy, it’s the sort of seduction that Prince and most recently Miguel have become masters in. If you can handle a line like “this is for bitches that like to get high” (Ten Freaky Hoes) you’re likely to fall in love with IVRY. If not, avoid this. There’s much more where that came from.

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/foolsgoldrecs/sets/100s-ivry[/soundcloud]

new music

Shura, Young Franco, KLO & Sway Clarke II

"I'm new here", sang Gil Scott-Heron on the title track to his penultimate record. Newbies gives us the chance to introduce those that are just beginning to scratch the surface of the music-world. It's our chance to introduce them to you and hopefully light the flame to a beautiful and fulfilled musical relationship.

Each week, we'll bring you four up and comers. It's your job to tell us: unsubstantiated hype or glorious potential. As always, first impressions count. Meet this weeks Newbies below.

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/yfrnco/sets/futurefunk-ep[/soundcloud]

This 19 year-old producer from Brisbane has been making waves for almost a year but a new EP and a few stellar remixes have moved Young Franco to the tips of many peoples tongue. He dropped his debut EP Futurefunk this year and is joining Alison Wonderland on her mostly sold-out Australian tour of warehouses. His soundcloud reveals an impressive resume including remixes of Broods and Major Lazer and his own nu-disco-inspired, bass-throbbers. Australians are eating up this brand of summery, groove-infused production and he’s likely to have a big year ahead of him. He joins a host of young Australian DJs transforming the national dance music spectrum alongside Wave Racer, LDRU and Motez

For fans of: Motez, Todd Terje, Classixx

Avoid if: The Flume revolution is driving you towards insanity

What’s next: A national tour with Alison Wonderland. Catch dates here.

Often all it takes to captivate is one songs and that’s certainly the case for young Brit, Shura. Touch has been out for under a month and it’s already captured the hearts of all/98 per cent of people that met ears with it. It’s also being played on Radio 1- the holy grail of British radio. And how? Purely on the merit of the song. It’s a slinky, soulful pop track that is instantly infectious. The video emulates the theme of intimacy that permeates the song with grace and style. In other words, if you like watching people smooch- hit play.

A quick google of Shura lead me to find out that it means ‘consultation’ in Arabic- I’ve racked my brain for how or why that relates to their sound and have turned up nothing. The moral: I need to quit Google.

For fans of: How To Dress Well, Blood Orange, SZA

Avoid if: you’re not a fan of up close and personal

What’s next: Hopefully a second track as buttery as this

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/sway-clarke-ii/idnm[/soundcloud]

Still salivating from Miguel’s delicious cover of Bennie and the Jets? Then this Toronto-born, Berlin-based soul-man may be just the remedy. Two tracks down, he’s impressed both times with a Franck-Ocean brand of sporadic R&B. His latest track, Secret Garden, powers along with a hard-hitting piano line in the same vein as Bennie and the Jets. He cites his influences as everything from Peter Gabriel to Deadmau5 to Jay Z and it shows. He sounds like an old-soul operating in the contemporary realm, similar to what Damon Albarn did with Bobby Womack on The Bravest Man In The Universe. His dark reworking of Kendrick Lamar’s Swimming Pools is proof that Sway Clarke’s capabilities are potentially endless.

For fans of: Frank Ocean, Miguel, Solange

Avoid if: You’re still hurting from Frank Ocean’s Splendour In The Grass cancellation

What’s Next: He’s just done and handful of shows with HAIM but there have been no extensive tour announcements yet. Hold tight, I say.

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/klomusic/make-me-wonder[/soundcloud]

Like Shura, Klo are likely to extend to a mass audience off the back of one song. Make Me Wonder was released last week and it has already amassed close to 20,000 plays on Soundcloud. And rightly so. It’s an impressive debut built from dazed beats and crawling vocals. Make Me Wonder is one of those sleepy growers that charms with every listen, slowly infiltrating.

Klo are another notch in the belt of Aussies likely to take over the world. Hopefully the Melbourne duo hurry up and tour their homeland before they run of overseas to please a growing mass of fans.

For fans of: SOHN, Tinashe, SAFIA

Avoid if: You have chronic fatigue

What’s next: Only a week has passed since track one. We’ll have to wait and see.

features

Weekend Wind Back 5/6 April

Welcome to Weekend Wind Back, the first of our weekly feature in which we find the best remake of a classic song from the week that was and deliver it right here for listening pleasure.

Rounding out this week is Chitown duo, Autograf and their remake of the Marvin Gaye, all American classic, Grapevine. A glitchy rendition laden with steady snaps and heavy on the Nicholas Jaar influence, this remake lets Gaye’s vocals linger, soulfully as ever, over an initially paired back intro before moving full throttle into pure dance territory. More often than not, remakes of such iconic songs have a tendency to lose the integrity of the original beneath thumping bass lines and synth-happy crescendos. Autograf manage to steer clear of this territory in their truly modern rendition of the 1960’s classic.

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/autografmusic/marvin[/soundcloud]