What A Man, What A Man...

Again, nothing new here but some music I just want to share because it's that-damn-good. White Flight is the solo project of Justin Roelofs of Kansas alternative rockers The Anniversary.

The story behind his self-titled album is a remarkable one, allegedly an assembly of sound vibrations, both electronic and vocal. Justin recorded the sounds shortly after returning from an enlightening exploration of traditional medicinal and hallucinogenic plants in the jungle of Peru whilst The Anniversary were on a four year hiatus.

With a sound similar to what I'd imagine Modest Mouse would be like if they were raised on a diet of hip-hop and funk, White Flight is full of weird and wonderful sounds and could almost be considered avant-garde.

Released in March of last year, yet still somewhat of a hidden gem, tracks to note are piano driven opener 'Deathlands', the utterly psychedelic RJD2-esque 'Great Gold' and the indescribable 'Superconductor'.

Rather disappointingly, Pitchfork only gave White Flight just 5.5 out of 10, but who reads Pitchfork anyway?!

Myspace
White Flight - Deathlands
White Flight on iTunes

Carl

Re-edIT?

Admittedly, I was tipped off on the wonders of Edward Ma, aka edIT from another contributor to the blog, Harry. However I decided I'm going to abuse my rights as editor and steal his thunder.

edIT is a journalistic nightmare, his productions adopt many varied and strange styles but somehow manages to pull them off in a cohesive blend of Hip-Hop, IDM, Glitch-House, and Cut&Paste Electro, he is part of Los Angeles based group "Glitch Mob".

Collaborating with the likes of TTC, The Grouch and Abstract Rude on sophomore album Certified Air Raid Material, the sublime follow up to 2004's Crying Over Pros for No Reason.

Having taken four years in the making, Certified Air Raid Material was worth the wait, if the romantic, slow-jam inspired debut was music for the bedroom, this is music to get down and dirty in the club to. While filled with a more aggressive attitude and grit than it's predecessor, CARM is about "...this hole idea, when there's so much war going on, we don't need an more bombs in the world period. Except for the dance floor."

If there was a definition of "living the dream", edIT wouldn't be far from the mark. As a day job, he composes music for adverts and jingles having produced work for Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Calvin Klein according to his myspace. On weekends, he's busy "slaying" clubs all over the world.

The future is bright, the future is Glitch-Hop.

Myspace
edIT - Artsy Remix feat. The Grouch
edIT on iTunes

Carl

There's No 'I' In 'Los Campesinos!'

It has been a whirlwind 18 months for feisty Welsh seven-piece Los Campesinos!, who are now all set to release their debut album Hold On Now, Youngster… in February.

Having set the blogosphere alight with their whimsical, innovative instrumentation, energetic live performances featuring their endearing call-and-response male/female vocals it’s not hard to see why many people were hailing them as the best new band of 2007.

Their 2007 EP Sticking Fingers Into Sockets was a breath of fresh air in a year full of nu-rave-a-likes, and their new album expands upon their existing catchy twee pop sound with songs old and new.

Including the well-loved dancefloor favourite You! Me! Dancing! and Don’t Tell Me To Do The Math(s), it's given the benefit of higher production values, courtesy of former Broken Social Scene producer and band favourite, David Newfield.

They’ve kept their twee-goes-dance charm, but with this record, everything seems more co-ordinated, sounds more cohesive and a lot better for it. 2008 should see Los Campesinos! bringing the International Tweexcore Underground to everyone’s attention – and it’s about time too.

Myspace
Los Campesinos! - Broken Heartbeats Sound Like Breakbeats
Los Campesinos! Store

Harry

The Reciprocal Acts Of Seeing And Being Seen

I’m not sure whether this four-piece from New Zealand want emphasis on how modern they are or that they’re just averagely modern. Regardless, they put out a ‘fucking good tune’ and they are So So Modern.

Having released the Friends and Fires series on four limited edition multi-coloured 7"s on Transgressive, and the 7-track EP Friendly Fires, they only recently finished a massive 70-date European tour which started in September of last year.

A complete hash of sweat, noise and energy, think Shy Child partying with Blood Brothers, and more charisma than you can shake a stick at. Juxtaposing fast-paced electro with just bashing the hell out of their instruments - they promise to create ‘a more fun and meaningful future through performance and music’.

Having had the good fortune to see them perform at the Solent Union bar in Southampton (unfortunately, at a night named ‘Rave in a Cave’) - they lived up to everything I’d anticipated.

Colourful matching jumpsuits, each with an interesting attachment on their heads; running about the stage and kicking large balloons out to the crowd; they’re one of those bands where you just can’t wait to see them in a packed out venue and go fucking crazy.

Myspace
So So Modern - The Love Code
Transgressive Store

Lea

**WORLD EXLUSIVE** Lillica Libertine vs. Late of the Pier

Touted as the best young producer in the UK, Lillica Libertine (aka 19 year old Laurence Matthew Blake) has been part of the Nottingham scene for some time. Sharing the decks with the likes of Justice, Erol Alkan and Sinden, he's had the perfect opportunity to learn from some of the best in the world.

Gaining rave reviews from such respected blogs as Missingtoof and Trash Menagerie, he is set to release his first EP on London duo Tapedeck's label Meal Deal Records in March. Featuring tracks Limited Edition and personal favourite Ultra 10, the release date had to be pushed back from next month due to demand.

Having founded Fresh Out Of Death, the now legendary Nottingham club night, he has now decamped to Southampton to study at university. However he is still producing and playing sets all over the world, with a date in the US as well as a mini-tour of Australia in the pipeline.

Here's an unreleased remix he did of current indie/electro/insert genre here-kid favourite Bathroom Gurgle, for good friends, blog favourites and fellow Nottinghamshire dwellers, Late of the Pier.

Some of you may have heard it doing the rounds in the clubs, with love from Erol, Luca from Cazals and D.I.M.

Myspace

**EXCLUSIVE TO THIS BLOG**
Late of the Pier - Bathroom Gurgle (Lillica Libertine Remix)

Sweden Saves Music?!

Sweden is one of the most prolific yet overlooked countries in the world when it comes to music, modestly producing some of the best bands around with the likes of The Hives, The Knife, The Sounds, I'm From Barcelona, Taken By Trees, Love Is All, Lo-Fi-Fnk, Shout Out Louds, Mando Diao, Peter Bjorn and John, and The Concretes leading the way in recent years. Here are some that have slipped through the net for most... until now.

pic by Mjukstart

Stockholm songstress Firefox AK otherwise known as Andrea Kellerman is a former member of UK trip-hop collective Anamorphic, she decided to go it alone in 2005 released her debut EP through her own label, having since signed to Razzia Records and released debut album Madame, Madame in 2006.

The follow-up to which, If I Were A Melody is due for Swedish release in February, with no details of an international release just
yet. Winter Rose is the first single to be released. Featuring fellow Swedes and husband Rasmus' band TGR LOU, and also mixed by Matt Didemus of Junior Boys, it a beautifully crafted blend of soulful vocals with delicate synths and Bonde Do Role-esque beats.

After performing alone with nothing but her voice and an iPod in the earliest stages of Firefox AK, she is now joined by Ulrica Brunner (synthesizers), and Andreas Hogby (bass guitar) when performing live, she has toured with previously mentioned TGR LOU and Junior Boys, with more dates soon to be announced.

Myspace
Firefox AK - White Rose (Assid Remix)
Firefox AK on Razzia Download Store




Q: What's Swedish for Fight Club?
A: Slagsmålsklubben

Formed in 2000, Slagsmålsklubben have released three albums to date; Den svenske disco (2003), Sagan om konungens årsinkomst (2004) and last year's Boss For Leader through EMI.

Essentially a six-man, six analogue synth behemoth, Slagsmålsklubben's style comes across as being heavily influenced by Kraftwerk, and while at times sounding like Happy Hardcore on acid, they can also conjure up all sorts of weird and wonderful rhythms and breakdowns.

About to tour the UK with Late of the Pier of all people, it seems the world is slowly catching on the the wonders of Slagsmålsklubben aka SMK. I've got a sneaking suspicion that these guys are going to steal some of the limelight from their tour mates come February.

Myspace
Slagsmålsklubben - Sponsored By Destiny
Slagsmålsklubben Webshop




Somewhere between Emily Haines and Emmy the Great is 32 year old Stockholm resident Marit Bergman.

With three successful albums under her belt, Marit is well known and very successful in her home nation, gaining five Swedish Grammis nominations and two awards for "Composer of the Year" and "Female Artist of the Year".

A D.I.Y. success story, the former member of Swedish punk band Candysuck released her debut album 3.00AM Serenades on her own label in 2002, before re-releasing it through Sony BMG in 2003.

She has released two albums since, Baby Dry Your Eye in 2004 and I Think It's a Rainbow in 2006. She recently played at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen in November, with no news on furter releases.

Myspace
Marit Bergman - No Party (Piano Version)
Buy I Think It's a Rainbow on Amazon

Carl

Woweeeeeee!

WOW have quite literally catapulted themselves to prominence: they formed in November and only two months later, they are playing at one of the biggest music festivals on the Sydney calender, Field Day.

This year, the line-up included the likes of Uffie & Feadz, Felix Da Housecat, Kissy Sellout, Spank Rock, Midnight Juggernauts, The Go! Team, Chromeo… you get the picture.

The Sydney boy/girl duo consisting of Matt Cribb and Bree Carter, formed out of their apparent inability to play any musical instruments properly and too much time messing around on drum machines and cheap keyboards.

The end product however is brilliant: disco-punk, with an element of pop to it, completing the paradoxical pair. Each song maintains it’s own individuality throughout, a rarity in modern times in which songs just seem to amalgamate into one general ‘sound’. If you were to throw The Lost Valentinos, Crystal Castles and Gang of Four into a blender, you’d end up with a WOW smoothie.

Their live performances are something special too. I went down to watch WOW strut their stuff on Friday night and I was blown away. The tempo seemed slightly increased in an otherwise beat-for-beat replication of what I’d heard from their mp3s, but it only added to the hip-shaking, toe-tapping atmosphere they strived to create.

With much thanks to the band, they've supplied us with two demo tracks, which will be re-recorded for their forthcoming debut Common Species EP which will be released in February through US label Metal Postcard. These guys are something to watch. Australia will be theirs this year, the world next year? I predict big things for these guys.

Myspace
WOW - Common Species
WOW - When You're Dead

Ross

Murders Not Presspackers

Something of a hidden gem, Tom Rosenthal is a prolific and charming song writer. I've been a fan ever since I accepted his friend request on myspace around 6 months ago and he keeps getting better and better.

With no releases to speak of, this Londoner studying in Durham has a ridiculously large catalogue of well written, imaginative and hopelessly sour songs performed exclusively on the piano.

His music reflects a great and often bitter sense of humour. With song titles such as "Lizo From Newsround", "Tesco Is Evil" and "Jeremy Kyle", it's apparent that he isn't one to keep his opinions to himself.

However, the reason I pressed "accept" rather than "deny" was the first song that I heard, the wonderfully enchanting "The Giant Bicycle". Here, Tom takes us on a journey deep into his mind, with such delights as a young giraffe standing on the top of Prince Philip's head, Max from Neighbours -"you know, the one that went a bit mental", and an advert for Specsavers.

Other highlights of his include a haunting and at points, awkward rendition of Cyndi Lauper classic "Girls Just Want To Have Fun", and a scathing attack on the relevance of Jamie T and other contemporary musicians in "Touch My Bum".

With an unorthodox and at times, just plain odd vocal style and approach to song writing, his songs are a refreshing alternative to the sort of Adele/Duffy/Nash drivel that's so popular at the moment.

Myspace
Tom Rosenthal - The Giant Bicycle
Tom Rosenthal - Touch My Bum
Tom Rosenthal - Lizo From Newsround

Carl

You Say You Want Revolution...

One of the most interesting bands I've come across in a while are New York entrepreneurial duo HeartsRevolution.

Ben (male) and Lo (female) are soon to release their Switchblade EP in the UK on artist Kate Moross' project Isomorphs in April, the band will also be playing a few yet to be confirmed dates this side of the pond.

As well as the new EP, there's also a remix compilation for their debut single C.Y.O.A. (Choose Your Own Adventure) coming soon, including reworks from the likes of Brondinski, Lazaro Casanonva and Lauren Flax.

Seemingly not content with a sold out split EP with Crystal Castles and a sold out debut single, they are also a brand - HeartsChallenger.

Something of a revelation, HeartsChallenger consists of two ice-cream trucks full of limited edition and novelty items. Pulling up outside exhibitions, fashion shows and events selling goodies ranging from sweets to artwork, it really brings a whole new dimension to the D.I.Y. ideal.

I've no doubt that come April, HeartsRevolution are going to take over, and it will be glorious.

HeartsRevolution Myspace
HeartsChallenger Myspace
HeartsRevolution feat. Cory Kennedy - Prism Effect

Carl

Cobrastyle Between The Sheets

With the imminent arrival of Steve Aoki’s mix album Pillowface and his Airplane Chronicles fast approaching (it’s only a matter of weeks), Steve has teamed up with imeeb.com to allow listeners a sneak listen of his album in its entirety…

I’m not sure why. It’s awful. While the song choice remains solid - MSTRKRFT, Justice, KIM, Goose and Does it Offend You Yeah?, however the mixing on this album really highlights what the word in the schoolyard is: Steve Aoki can not mix.

Admittedly, he puts on one hell of a show when performing live. So much so that I was forced to see him twice when in Sydney (I’ve never seen anyone drop Waters of Nazareth to such a rapture before).

Performer he is, mixer he is not… but he may have attached another bow to his string. Teaming up with Junkie XL, he has produced one banging track, which seems to reciprocate the energy Steve portrays on stage.

Myspace
Steve Aoki & Junkie XL – 1967

Ross