You're A Fuck Up But I Love You

I'm going to be honest here ladies and gents, I don't know much about these guys, their hopes, their dreams, but I do know that they are consistently producing songs that excite me, and it's not often that happens.

I've been listening to Duke Of New York for a few months now, and I've tried again and again to get some info out of them and for various reasons I haven't found much out. So... I've kind of jumped the gun on this one and will probably be told off, but who cares, right?

Featuring the talents of Dayvd West, Andy Chatterley, Ben Vella, Barney Freeman, Jason Tarver and Patrick Fowler, each of the tracks I've heard have something different to offer while all having one thing in common - being epically brilliant.

Google offers nothing other than their Myspace and despite them performance at the almighty Adventures Close To Home back in March, I found nothing. I admit defeat (until I'm sent the press release through the post - hurry up damn it!).

I can but hope that they took their name from Isaac Hayes' character in Escape From New York, until that is confirmed, here are my two favourites...

Duke Of New York - You'€™re a Fuck Up
Duke Of New York - Mistress Machine

It's Not A War, It's A Renegade Silence

artwork by Will Sweeney

I'll go as far as saying I was distraught when DFA 1979 split, having never had the fortune to catch them live. MSTRKRFT kind of eased my pain, and Sebastien Grainger & The Mountains came along and even made me feel good again, but it's not until now that I can say I'm almost over the loss.

I'll contribute this to one thing - The Rhythm Method.

The little known side-project of Sebastien Grainger is pretty much impossible to find anywhere except for a limited double A-side release on up and comers 50 Bones (who released The Shoes' Knockout). Those guys really know a tune when they hear one.

Renegade Silence/When You Go Out is available on 7' on their Myspace now and will be in selected stores on July 21st - I suggest you part with some cash.

The Rhythm Method - When You Go Out
50 Bones Myspace

I Keep My Socks On When I Get My Rocks Off

It's no secret to regular readers of this blog that I'm a sucker for a tune that sounds like it could easily be from some seedy 80's roller disco or from the outer realms of space, this time it's from two US students who go by the inspired name... Roy G and the BIV.

Texans Max Townsley and Drew Erickson are the multi-instrumentalists behind the music, which reminds me slightly of Chromeo, except actually good.

I'm a big fan of artists who are unafraid to embrace a genuine pop feel (if done effectively and without coming out the other end sounding like Alphabeat), and Roy G and the BIV have nailed it.

Plans are in place for an album release sometime in August, however you'll have to wait at least a year for any kind of live show as the pair are currently concentrating on finishing college.

Check them out, especially the track Socks On/Rocks Off on their Myspace.

Roy G and the BIV - Nicotine
Roy G and the BIV Myspace