Digitalism have always been one of the best electronic acts of recent times as far as I'm concerned, and when Daft Punk were not making music I subbed Digitalism for them, and never have I looked back. "Go Time" is the duos latest cut and sounds a lot like New Order crossed with Phoenix (if anyone remembers them).
It's a great Indietronica track with some great guitar hooks to boot! So why not head on down and find out why this band has been one of my favourite electronic acts of the past ten years!
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a decade since Digitalism broke through with their anthemic "Zdarlight". Nu-rave and dubstep came and (largely) went; hip-hop morphed into trap; and EDM made pop stars out of dance DJs. Back with their third album, "Mirage" which is out May 13th.
Coasts have revealed a brand new track, titled "You" it's lifted off their self-titled début album which is out 22nd of January.
Liam (Guitar) says - " ... "You" is about the hopes and fears that come with the band becoming more and more successful. We find ourselves spending more and more time away from home every passing month, and this song is about needing your loved ones more than ever before, but then seeing them less and less at the same time. Being in a band is very surreal, and you need the people closest to you to remind you what is really important in life."
The title track from Foals' brand new "What Went Down" has been given a very dark remix by Haxan Cloak. The producer turns Foals' most intense song yet into something even darker, glitchy and full of 80's sounding computer game effects, which all the while keeps Yannis Philippakis' vocals some weird effetcs too, and yes, there is a drop... somewhere!
Years & Years today have announced some details of their brand new single, "Shine",which is released on Polydor Records on July 5th. The single will follow their performance at Glastonbury and will be another taste of their début album "Communion" - out on July 10th.
Having hinted at a change in direction at the start of 2014 with the release of "Fahrenheit 32", a soundcloud-only offering, Digitalism finally showcased their new creative vision with "Wolves" and then released the version featuring Youngblood Hawke, back in July. You can now check out their new cut called "Second Chance" which features less of their instrumentation and moves them back into the electronic-dance music realm.
Debut single, 'World Peace' by London trio Real Lies could not sum up a bands sound more accurately. Straight from the kick off, the border of 80s and 90s pop synth is crossed to create a melody almost too close for comfort to New Order; it's spot on.
Sounding just like the Italia '90 hit, 'World In Motion', Real Lies are instant controllers of their own destiny, slipping in clips of 90s football on a box TV and memorabilia strung across the walls in the video for the dance hit. It's almost a surprise that John Barnes didn't crop up with an irrelevant rap half way through.
B-side, 'Deeper', is a throwback to Pet Shop Boys as Neil Tennant's mundane vocals echo are near enough present in every nook of the track. The effervescing synth still rings strong into latest EP, 'North Circular', which comprises more toned down and troubling vocals similar to The Streets. 'Dab Housing' on the other hand is dreamy and includes smooth tropical groove without getting too carried away. The track, perfectly suited for those dark and misty club nights is as intriguing as the band members, who choose to refer to themselves by their initials, KK, TW and PK. Don't expect them to remain strangers though, as the indie-dance pioneers bring it back to 2015.
This is the start of your music hunger, we will be giving away a free download (from official sources) every day!!! First off the blocks is a great remix of a Bloc Party classic, Alex Fox (of We Are Tokyo) has remixed one of his favourite Bloc Party tracks, and with stunning results! What a great way to start off your week!
A week or so ago Carnivals released a double single, 'Absences/Ino (Parts 1 & 2)'. They've had some good coverage on indie sites like The Line of Best Fit ans No Fear Of Pop. They've certainly caught our eyes! Carnivals is just one guy, Stew Green.
His recent single is electrifying, with cut up beats that some may think back to Burial and the gentle yet haunting hush-like vocals that lull you into a slumber. 'Absences' is the more up-beat track out of the two but with both songs pitching in at over 5minutes long this is single is seriously one to download if you love losing yourself in the majestic sounds that is... Carnivals!
AUX Innocent is an electro collective from somewhere near the old steel city of Sheffield. They are a chemical balance of colour and sound with melodies and a bass-drum that floods the room. Twinkling layers of electronica surge towards a cacophony of beautiful noise. We etch our insignia on today and tomorrow. We've been keeping a close eye on this band, and with a track called 'Indigo' already doing the rounds on the blogs I'm sure they'll make an amazing album in 2012.
They have Intruder records backing them in 2012 and with the members once being in Dance-Rock band The Spires. They've transferred their abilities into a magical combination of danceable Indie-Rock to aspire to in so many ways. Check out 'Indigo' on their facebook site now! It's also free to download!
Safari - the Hertfordshire based band - released their video for 'Doubt' a few days ago. The single is out December 1st and is directed by the bands very own Jonny Flynn (Keys). They will release it as a free download on their website along with 'Are We Ready'
Go check them out and watch the video, it's brilliant!
Is Tropical are set to release a new single on KITSUNÉ /CO-OP on the 31st of October 2011, the song is called 'Lies', and it's already got us in a daze! We will have a review up of that song very soon! 'Lies' is the follow up to the recent 'The Greeks' single with its now legendary video and is the third single to be lifted from the band's début album 'Native to', which was released in June this year.
The video is directed by Jonathan Leder, the creative director of 'Jacques' Magazine which is America’s only new luxury erotic magazine.Formed in 2009, the IS TROPICAL line up of Gary Barber (Vocals / Guitar / keys), Simon Milner (Vocals / Guitars / Keys) and Dominic Apa (Drums) have developed a worldwide reputation for their stunning live shows.
Taking to the stage in their trademark masks, and cloaked by self-made video projections, they improvise constantly changing soundscapes, effortlessly swooping from raw pop anthems to lo-fi dance songs with fantastic results.
Remaining tour dates: 10/20/11 New York, NY, Good Units (Kitsune' Party) - 8.30PM 10/21/11 New York, NY, Santos Downstairs - 8.30PM 10/21/11 New York, NY, Brooklyn Bowl - 12AM 10/22/11 New York, NY, South Paw - 8.30PM 10/22/11 New Work, NY, Cameo - 12AM 10/24/11 Vancouver, BC, Fortune Sound Club 10/25/11 Los Angeles, CA, House Of Blues 10/26/11 San Francisco, CA, Mezzanine 10/27/11 Los Angeles, CA Echoplex 10/29/11 Mexico City, Pasaguero (Kitsune' Party) 03/11/2011 Holland – Amsterdam - Paradiso 04/11/2011 Belgium - Brussels - Botanique 06/11/2011 Germany - Hamburg - Molotow 07/11/2011 Germany - Cologne - Gebaude 09/11/2011 Switzerland - Lausanne - Bleu Lezard 10/11/2011 Switzerland - Zurich - Stall6 11/11/2011 Italy - Milan - Plastic 17/11/2011 Germany - Berlin - Magnet 18/11/2011 Denmark - Copenhagen - Rust 19/11/2011 Sweden - Stockholm - Debaser Slussen 20/11/2011 Norway - Oslo - Venue TBC
Unlike many other bands in their genre, I Heart Sharks insist on playing everything live, and are celebrated for spearheading a new Indie music scene in Berlin and Germany. We have previously featured them on the blog and this time round they have a single and an album about to be released. A song that'll be on both is called 'Neuzeit'.
They've certainly come a long way since I heard their demos around a year ago. They have grown up with the song boasting some German lyrics as well as English - they are a Anglo-German band after all. The guitar rush in the middle of the chorus is simply amazing as the band embrace their influences and create a track that is set for the dance-floors. They've also recently supporting Friendly Fires in Germany, if I were them I'd be trembling, why? Because 'Neuzeit' is one nugget of Electro-Indie perfection.
Formed in mid-2010, London-based trio Waylayers immediately set about crafting stunning atmospheric pop, fusing elements of Electronica and Indie-Rock with epic and melodious vocal lines and stunning hooks. They instantaneously caught the attention of the legendary Steve Lamacq who has already touted them as ‘unsigned band of the week’ on his 6music show. This buzz led them to the door of producer Ewan Pearson (Delphic) who straight away saw the band’s ability to create songs shot through with an effortless pop-nous.
Hear No Lies: No track sums up Waylayers’ huge ability more than début single ‘Hear No Lies’; its haunting, layered synths and driving melody make it a reflective and powerful statement of intent for a band who look set to do big things fast. Considering this is their début single they seem to be really great at projecting their musical abilities. With a new era of Dance-Rock beckoning in 2012 Waylayers are going to be at the forefront of the revolution judging by this track. Out of 10: 9/10
Fires: The stunning B-Side to 'Hear No Lies' was originally featured on the world famous Kitsune album, specifically Kitsune Maison 10: The Fireworks Issue. This racey Indie-Dance track has great synths picking away at the riffs and very very fast drumming. This is one of those tracks of the Kitsune album that I always play. Why? Because it's so good! Out of 10: 8.5/10
It isn't a well known fact that Fenech-Soler hail from the 2nd city of Cambridgeshire... But they do! Their home-coming show was packed, with friends, fans, and even the next door neighbour (I kid you not) popping along to see the band take to the stage! They opened with the very electronicly enhanced 'Battlefields', with the oohs and ahhs lasting for what seemed like a life-time Ben suddenly popped like a balloon, dancing everywhere and singing his heart out! The punchy, deep and groovy synths proved to be a big hit with the crowd, certainly a great way to start the night! Next on the set-list was 'LA Love' which was initially a B-Side to 'Lies', this was a great track to sing along to, and even the band were enjoying themselves!
After the cracking openers it was the turn of one of their singles, 'Demons'.
"Hello old friend, the night is dark and I feel cold, The sun is setting and I need to get out before it starts"
This was one of my highlights of the night as it proved to be one of the biggest songs, judging by the crowds reaction it was! A slower track was thrown into the mix after that stunning ear pleasing track. Ben turned towards his piano and I thought, oh 'Stone Bridge' is next, well not yet, 'Lies' was to come, but not before 'The Great Unknown' and 'Contender' came into the mix. With the latter having cowbells thrown into the mix, which I go crazy for (I don't know why, but I do!).
'Golden Sun' and 'Stop And Stare' were the last two songs of the night, or were they? The band have been 're-learning' an old track... any guesses? it was 'Airbrushed', the song featured as a B-Side on 'The Cult Of Romance' 12" (which I have) and also on their very first EP! This was a real treat, especially to me as I love their older stuff as much as their album songs.
After the show finished I hung around at the merchandise stand to buy a bag and a jumper... who did I run into... the whole band! I chatted to Ben and Daniel, who are both really kind gentlemen and took time to speak to me, I will be putting up excerpts of the chat I had with Ben alongside an interview I am hopefully going to have with him soon. This was indeed one of the best gigs I have ever seen, be sure to check them out!
London based duo Age of Consent release their début single 'The Beach' on September 5th 2011.Their début single 'The Beach' was recorded in a 16th century Italian farmhouse with producer Luke Smith who has previously worked with Depeche Mode, Foals and Crystal Fighters.
In only a few months of playing live, Age of Consent have taken their drum heavy live show to Italy and Austria. They have played with The Drums, Fiction, Is Tropical, Koudlam & Tiga.
They have already confirmed a few live dates, with more to be announced soon:
10 September - London, UK @ ? Bar/Question Mark Bar - Single Launch Party: Age of Consent (Live), Klaxons (Dj) and more TBC
17 September – London, UK - Sound Tracks Festival @ Concrete Space, Shoreditch
14 October - London, UK - Back To The Future Club @ The Macbeth, Camden
7 December - Italy, Venice - Wah Wah Club with Metronomy
Alpines are from Kingston-Upon-Thames in London, their music can be described in a few ways. Indie-Dub-Step would be a lazy way in putting them into a pigeon hole but Electronic synths, wobbly bass and thudding drum lines is what they are all about.
They only have 3 'studio' tracks on their soundcloud - 'Cocoon' and 'Drive' are below - and both of the tracks are intoxicating to the perfect measure. They have seemed to find the niche that The XX found when they rose to fame, something new with a touch of the familial. If I had to pick a track for you to listen to out of the 3 that they have, I'd have to choose 'Drive'. Pulsating beats, wobbling Dub-Step bass but with the gentle vocals and charisma of any established artist. Everything about them shouts success!
Heart Sharks is an Indie-Tronic-Pop band from Berlin. The members Pierre, Simon and George all moved to Berlin and started playing together in this constellation in November 2007. Pierre grew up in London and brings the English lyrics and accent to the band as well as playing synthesizers. Simon started as the guitarist and has now taken on the job of playing synthesizers in some songs. George is the bands drummer that plays a live drum set combined with a sample pad.
So what do you get when you combine electronic beats infused with guitar riffs? Well most people will go for Two Door Cinema Club or down the more electronic route towards Delphic. This song trumps both of those bands by miles! With a bouncing drum beat and punchy synths the track builds itself up to be a stomping track, the bridge strengthens this argument. The chorus comes in and euphoria kicks in.
With trumpets accompanying the finale to the track it gives you a ever lasting impression of this great band that surely does have a great track just waiting to be discovered by the masses!
'Blitz' is a long awaited single from the Electronic juggernauts Digitalism, who have created a big bang theory of their own. It’s a synth supernova that explodes through the speakers, bringing with it a euphoric state of consciousness as we too look to the stars and while we may know there are far greater things happening within this moment, all you can do is dance. It has been an epic journey, one that Digitalism are prepared to share, so strap yourself in and get ready for launch.
he entire track teases you with the prospect that more is just around the corner, each time delaying for a few flirtatious moments the next layer of infectious dance beats. That’s probably a fitting effect for a teaser single like this to have, whetting our appetite for the album which is just as good, if not better!
After the huge success of their previous single, 'Sunshine Eyes', Polarsets are set to release a new EP as a physical 7″ vinyl on Neon Gold and a digital download on Moda. Stream the new version of 'Morning and the b-side 'Sunset'. Moda have had a streak of having Electronic acts that break-through the year later, Fenech-Soler anyone!
Morning: Morning is a synth orientated song and is layered with percussion, providing a burst of Tropical and Electro euphoria. This is an updated version of the song that has been doing the rounds on the blogs lately. It's slightly longer but rammed with the same funky beats, keys and cut-up drumming. Out of 10: 9/10
Sunset: If anything the opposite of the song before it... literally! It seems like they have reversed, flipped and cut-up 'Morning' to make it sound like a homage to Everything Everything. The Synths sound like steel drums that have been distorted, the vocals seem to be darker than they sound on 'Morning' and the cowbells have a strange fade-in and out. Certenly a great track to listen to by any means! Out of 10: 9/10
The new justice 12" on 'Ed Banger' features the original and demo version. 2000 prints have been available worldwide that includes a poster.
Civilization: There are certainly a number of critics arguing against the work of French electronic duo, Justice, but I beg to differ. Their début LP, †, was damn near incredible, and so is their latest single, “Civilization”. 'Civilization' is the lead single off justice's long-awaited sophomore album and it doesn't fail to impress, there's no radical departure but what there is is a thick justice groove laced with funk and a killer vocal to boot. Out of 10: 8/10
Civilization (Demo): Although this is the demo version at least you can see progression from the rusty rough demo to the full vindaloo version you see below. Yes it is a demo, so the highest I can really offer is a... Out of 10: 6/10
