[LISTEN] Tusks - False

Tusks' latest offering quite might be her most spine-tingling of the lot, and with those Daughter-style  beats kick in you know your ears are in for a treat. The track builds so well and then explodes at the midway point showcasing one of the many reasons why Tusks has been signed by One Little Indian.

If you could imagine the music from Foals' CCTV Session's mixed in with some Daughter and The XX then you've got this latest effort, it's seriously good, definitely one of my 'to watch live before 2017' list!

[LISTEN] AUGUST - Sword

AUGUST (or ∆UGUST as they are stylised) have revealed their début single, "Sword". The dup are based in London and their first offering was produced by Charlie Hugall (Florence and the Machine, Halsey) and is due to be released this Friday (15th April).

"Sword" is a great way to hear AUGUST showcase their music, it's a very downtempo and chilled out track with soaring vocal melodies. You can listen to it below.

[LISTEN] Tom Redwood - I've Fallen For You

As you all know, we love Swedish music and this latest Swede sensation is currently getting hyped all over the world thanks to the HypeMachine (which we're not a part of, #notbeingsourhere) and Spotify. The track reminds me of a George Fitzgerald track but with a lot more guitar lines, and it honestly sounds like it can be performed live by a band, this is some sick production!

Listen to it below.

[LISTEN] Boys Noize feat. POLIÇA - Starchild

I've been personally a fan of Boys Noize ever since I heard their remix of Bloc Party's "Banquet" over ten years ago, so whenever I see new material from them I have to check it out. Turns out their latest offering is a very glitzy and atmospheric track featuring POLIÇA on vocals, which adds yet another dimension to their work with some captivating vocals.

You can listen to it below.

[LISTEN] Man Without Country - All Is Full Of Love (Björk Cover)

Welsh trio Man Without Country have just uploaded a cover of Björk's "All Is Full Of Love", which isn't their first cover, and follows on from their cover of The Beloved's "Sweet Harmony" - which is now a year old. 

This latest track gives "All Is Full Of Love" a huge feel to it, not that Björk can't do that or anything but there is a whole lot more atmosphere here, with a dash of The Petshop Boys sound about this it's certainly a big track that can easily soundtrack your late night!

[GIG REVIEW] Wet @ Scala, London, 23rd March 2016

Ever since the release of their eponymous 2013 EP, Wet have been key players in the new found lounge-friendly soft-pop movement, dominating the blog scene and flirting with the mainstream. Mixing 80s R&B and earlier soft rock influences, the band’s name has been bandied around with the likes of The XX, Jessie Ware and Rhye. The recent surge in popularity for Wet has only been aided by the release of blissful debut album ‘Don’t You’. Credit must go to the strength in intricacies, production and patience surrounding this album, since it has managed to overpower an arguably fading trend and come out triumphant. In lieu of this, it is no surprise their show at Scala was a sell-out.

With headphone-friendly fine points being very difficult to recreate in a live and large setting, Wet didn’t overcomplicate their set. Instead, the Brooklyn trio (backed on the night by a second percussionist to boost the steady beats) delivered a clear and powerful show. Opening with crowd pleasers ‘Deadwater’ and ‘You’re The Best’, the band overcame early tech jitters and overly loud crowd members. Vocals from Kelly Zutrau were clear, with an endearing quaver, maintaining her powerful, ringing notes of affection and pro-apathy. Backed by beaming blue lights, seemingly expert in hitting every audience member directly in the eye regardless of location and build, the band seemed to gain confidence hiding in the shadows.

Instagram: @richmaver

With her figure dissolved into darkness in front of the textured background, a shy Zutrau could still command attention when singing alone during ‘Small And Silver’. With no additional voices, nothing to hide behind, her drifting vocals rose above the increasingly irritating crowd; where the reintroduction of the quiet thundercrack drum, reverb, and pealing guitar completed the carefree dreamscape. Personal favourite ‘Move Me’ and ‘Body’ swiftly followed, with the latter being drawn out for a bigger and punchier finale. With one track weaving into another, only to be broken up by fluttering wildlife echoing in the monitors, the sound became more anthemic with a stronger low-end punch. The notably bolstered sound is helped by the addition of a live drummer; which shows the band have clearly thought of how to up their normally downtempo, flowing songs in an attempt to not be swallowed by the countless festival stages they’ll be playing over the next year.

Album closer and band favourite ‘These Days’ dismisses any concerns of Zutrau’s ability to control the crowd. On stage she’s at the core of every song, being significantly more connected to her songs than any audience member – which is not a bad thing. Although only rarely varying from her innocent and default position, she invites you to enter her world and get lost there. ‘Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl’ goes down a treat and holds the strongest sing-a-long of the evening – in fact, it went down so well that I swear I even saw some rave hands being periodically thrown up on the floor. Swiftly following the appreciative applause and some nervy murmurs of “this is so fun” and “this is the best London show we’ve ever done”, the band worked their way through ‘All In Vain’. Eyes fixated on the stage in hypnotic gaze, an intimacy developed, which was unexpected in a rather large venue. However, what was expected was Wet’s ability to thrive on this, with every note laced in precision.

‘No Lie’ and ‘Island’ finish the first part of the show, where Zutrau leaves the stage to allow the band to finish off in grandiose fashion. After a short break, Wet returned to the shadows to reveal ‘All The Ways’, a comparatively upbeat section of the evening. Through these lyrics, the present happiness can’t wipe away uncertainty and the expectation of future despair. In closer ‘Weak’, the drummers and shimmering guitars free the mist and consolidate the well-executed and consistent concert. There is something comforting in knowing that we have a band in Wet that go out and execute what they have set out to do; rather than attempt to dress themselves up and lose focus on their key template.

They may not create tracks you can head bang to or be accompanied by blinding strobe lights, but it’s a gig well worth the value and more.

Wet played:
Deadwater
You're The Best
Small and Silver
Move Me
Body
These Days
Don't Wanna Be Your Girl
All In Vain
No Lie
Island
--------
All The Ways
Weak

Written by – Richard Maver (@richmaver)

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[LISTEN] The Electric Sons - Hold On, We're Going Home (Drake Cover)

The Electric Sons have covered Drake's "Hold On, We're Going Home" with an added bonus, some elements of Odesza's "Bloom" for good measure. It's one of those covers that just stands out from the rest, it's big and bold and has some seriously good production behind it.

You can listen to the slick cover/mash-up below.

[LISTEN] Phoria - Evolve

Brighton based Phoria have revealed their latest atmospheric gem, "Evolve". If you could think of the perfect marriage between Sigur Ros and Mansionair then you'd get this cut, and it certainly is a track you'd want to hit the repeat button on. Just open your mind and take this track in, there's a lot to take in to be honest, but it's clearly one that'll stay with us for a while.

[LISTEN] Thomston feat.Wafia - Window Seat

The New Zealander is back with a brand new track, and accompanying him on vocals is the stunning Wafia, their collab "Window Seat" is a very smooth cut and has some dreamy hooks too. I have to say I do love songs with 'boy/girl' vocals on it, they always tend to give the track that extra layer and makes it very delicate as the two vocalists intertwine their varying voices.

The track sounds perfect to make love to, so... err... listen to it below!

[LISTEN] ECHOS - Tomorrow

Portland based Echos have revealed a rather stunning track in the shape of "Tomorrow". It's racked up a quite staggering 100k plays on soundcloud in the past three days and it's now getting seriously hyped.

Upon further inspection it sounds huge, with some sounds that don't sound atmospheric, but sound like they've been plucked from the stratosphere. Head on down to find out why I'm all excited about this duo!

[LISTEN] Indigoe - The Flash

Fresh out of California is Indigoe, the project of Josh Collopy is an instrumental track with nods towards TYCHO, the ambient side of The 1975 and is ready for those 'Midnight Mixtapes'. The track is an epic six minutes long and oozes bounce and bite.

Head on down to check out Indigoe's début track "The Flash".

[LISTEN] Seckar - Sail [IAI PREMIÈRE]

Seckar is the current project of Yorkshire-born London-based Producer, Engineer and Multi-Instrumentalist, Ray Tovey. The project influenced by the likes of Tycho, Postal Service, Boards of Canada, Warp Records and Ghostly International amongst others.

"Sail" is taken from his upcoming EP is called "Herewegobrilliant" and will be available on limited cassette release (available from the gig and bandcamp) and digital (bandcamp) on 3rd March 2016. Gig is on 3rd March 2016 at the Finsbury, supporting Fox Hotel and YOU. If you're a fan of Tycho I urge you to listen to this, if anything Seckar is better than Tycho, why? Well listen and find out!

Tickets (Free) / 3rd March 2016 at the Finsbury, London

[LISTEN] Låpsley - Cliff

Låpsley has just unveiled her latest cut "Cliff", a track that's lifted form her début album - "Long Way Home" - which is out March 4th. Here in her new track is showcases her weird side with some tropical beats mellowing in the background, haunting backing vocals and a stunning breakdown into something that sounds like it's been lifted from a SBTRKT record.

I'm loving this chillout track, head on down to stream it.

[LISTEN] BOA - Right Place Right Time

After getting well over 100,000 plays on their début single - "Holier" - the London/Bristol trio are back with another heartfelt electro-pop anthem, "Right Place Right Time". The track acts as the first taste of their début EP which is due out at some point in May 2016 via Hand In Hive.

The track is a dreamy electro-pop tune with some exceptional melodies, slick production and a smattering of guitar in the chorus. Head on down to check out the track, you'll be wanting more after hearing it!

[LISTEN] VIMES - Tuem

In two days time VIMES' début album will be out, "Nights In Limbo" will be out February 12th, 2016 via Humming Records / Rough Trade, and a few weeks later it'll also herald the start of the band's European tour.

The track is an eclectic mix of dark and moody synths, bass heavy beats, processed clicks and very heavenly vocals. It's definitely one for your 'late night session' playlists - listen to it below as well as their EU tour dates! 

"Nights In Limbo" Tour
09.03.16. Aachen, Kulturbunker
10.03.16. Duisburg, Steinbruch
11.03.16. Cologne, Gebäude 9 * record release show *
12.03.16. Stuttgart, 1210
14.03.16. Munich, Milla
15.03.16. Mainz, Schon Schön
16.03.16. Luxembourg, De Goude Wellen (L)
17.03.16. Nuremberg, Stereo
18.03.16. Dresden, Paula
19.03.16. Berlin, Musik & Frieden
23.03.16. Hamburg, Häkken
24.03.16. Hannover, Lux
30.03.16. Düsseldorf, FFT
16.04.16. Kassel, Schlachthof

Balcony share video for "Don't Leave Me Blind"

Balcony have today revealed their video for their rather epic track, "Don't Leave Me Blind". Balcony are a London based four piece drawn from three continents. They manage to effortlessly blend their electronic hooks and guitar riffs into some beautifully warm dream-pop. The lead vocalist provides the ethereal soulful vocals, showcased perfectly, they're a band we're definitely going to be keeping an eye on!


Watch the video below.

[LISTEN] Wet - All The Ways (Arnold Remix)

Here's a rather splendid remix of Wet's "All The Ways" by Arnold, here he keeps the remix fairly close to the original, however adds some trancey vibes to it as well as a driving beat. The vocals are still very prominent in it and stand out as clear as ever.

Wet's début album is out now - listen to the remix below.

[LISTEN] Haarm - Foxglove

2016 is well under way, and we love hearing new and exciting music, and it doesn't get any newer than Haarm's début track "Foxglove". The track had a few nods towards Indie-Pop as well as shimmering Electronica, this goes down straight away as a winner in my eyes. It's one of those tracks you've love to put on while you're driving, those duel vocals just win you over from the word go!

So why not head on down and check out Haarm's début effort.

[LISTEN] HONNE - 3am

HONNE have just unveiled a brand new track that's set to feature on their up-coming release, "Gone Are The Days (Shimokita Import)". The 8-track EP features 2 new tracks, the up-tempo, soulful – EP title track, "Gone Are The Days" and the sultry yet silky "3am". Along with these fresh new tracks "Gone Are The Days (Shimokita Import)" will stand as a reminder to those familiar with HONNE of what makes their music so special as the EP features previously released, "No Place Like Home" and "Baby Please".

You can listen to the electro-soul track just below.

[LISTEN] Flume - Never Be Like You (feat. Kai)

Earlier on this month, Flume previewed his new LP - "Skin" - and he's now shared album track called "Never Be Like You," which you can listen to just below the image. The song also features Canadian singer Kai, and was premiered on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show.

Take in a flavour of Flume's new album below.