Björn Kleinhenz: The Mountain Pt. 2 [mp3]
Björn Kleinhenz creates pleasant folk-pop with a romantic edge. Like a Swedish version of something by Iron & Wine’s Sam… Read More »Björn Kleinhenz: The Mountain Pt. 2 [mp3]
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Song Reviews
Efterklang: Modern Drift [mp3 + Twitter Giveaway]
“Modern Drift” is a lot moodier than a lot of what you’ll hear on earlier Efterklang, but the orchestral and pop sensibilities found on those earlier releases, Parades and Tripper, remain steadfast. Efterklang is still very much in the business of creating some of the best experimental pop around. A consistent piano backing sets the stage, accompanied by monumental percussion and deep horns. Perhaps most surprising is the lack of multiple vocalists, which was instrumental in the greatness of songs like “Caravan” and “Cutting Ice To Snow”. Still, “Modern Drift” is a very worthy and viable first single off Efterklang’s new LP, Magic Chairs. Read More »Efterklang: Modern Drift [mp3 + Twitter Giveaway]
Dinosaur Feathers: Vendela Vida [mp3]
Last year, Dinosaur Feathers impressed me with their superior experimental style. Somewhere between electronic and pop, the band mixed styles familiar to bands like Animal Collective and Yeasayer, thanks to clever somewhat barbershop-quartet-like harmonies and tribal beats. They’re back this month with Fantasy Memorial, their debut LP and follow-up to Early Morning Risers EP. “Vendela Vida” is off the new album and it has hints of a Latin-influenced shuffle while remaining true to the sounds they defined on last year’s EP. This song is further proof at how stunning these guys are, especially when it comes to producing a sound that is truly unique. Dinosaur Feathers are absolutely a band to keep an eye on! Read More »Dinosaur Feathers: Vendela Vida [mp3]
Air Waves: Sweetness [mp3]
You could snuggle with “Sweetness”; it’s just that warm and fuzzy. No wonder Dan Deacon told Pitchfork “The music she writes is like a favorite blanket wrapped around you” about Air Waves‘ lead singer Nicole Schneitt. Like everything off last year’s Air Waves EP, “Sweetness” is packed with sunny California guitar pop perfect for the beach. Rapid percussion and an equally quick guitar strum featuring pretty much just two chords, and the song is practically complete. Add simple lyrics that are filled with lovable hooks, and you’d be a fool to not like this band. They embody the term sweetness. Read More »Air Waves: Sweetness [mp3]
Portugal. The Man: The Dead Dog [mp3]
Portugal. The Man never seem to tire out. It hasn’t been a year since they released The Satanic Satanist, and already they will be releasing their fifth album, American Ghetto, this May. This promises to be another giant step forward for these hard working rock and roll vagabonds. Their first single “The Dead Dog†finds The Man running through another terrifying tale with a catchy hook and wonderful experimentation of instrumentals, the likes of which have not been heard of in some time. If the spirit and social contemplation of this song is supposed to represent the beautiful complexity of the forthcoming album, then we are in for a real treat. But who would really be surprised or expect anything less from these guys? Read More »Portugal. The Man: The Dead Dog [mp3]
Tobias Fröberg: When We Go To War [NSFW Video]
Tobias Fröberg mixes folk and pop with the electro side of both genres in his new song “When We Go To War”. The video compliments the song’s electronic elements thanks to outstanding performances by dancers Kage Mulvilai and Azumi Oe. Filmed by Shane Sigler and directed by Petter Ringbom, “When We Go To War” is a classic good versus evil, light versus dark, carnal and savage portrayal of the human spirit and its brute animalistic heritage. Bringing performance art into a music video is an excellent concept that not enough bands use to their advantage. The result is one of the best music videos yet this year. Read More »Tobias Fröberg: When We Go To War [NSFW Video]
Venice Is Sinking: Falls City [mp3]
Dark and dreamy, “Falls City” is the first track available from the new Venice Is Sinking album, Sand & Lines. The song is a testament to this band’s versatility and ability to create a diverse set of music. Recorded using only two microphones in Athens’ Georgia Theatre, which burned down a few months after it was recorded, the album is set for a June 2010 release — one year after a fire destroyed the building. All proceeds from the album will go to the theater. Read More »Venice Is Sinking: Falls City [mp3]
Nick Jaina: Sleep Child [mp3]
Musicians are dreamers, none more so than the songwriter. And Nick Jaina could easily be their king. Experiential and filled with immense complexities, his music is the finest art-folk has to offer. The ceaseless beat of drums and hand claps and guitar strums in “Sleep Child” brings forth a modern tribal ode to the present. The most pressing element of Jaina’s music is the now factor, forcing one to open their eyes and look around, to appreciate their surroundings. Read More »Nick Jaina: Sleep Child [mp3]
World Atlas: The Winter Stories [mp3]
World Atlas is slated to give us their self-titled EP early next month on Magic Marker Records. The band is joined by Fred Thomas (Saturday Looks Good To Me) on guitar and The Umbrella Girls on hand-claps, tambourines and back-up vocals. Fronted ultimately by Brian Groux on vocals and guitar, World Atlas is what you’d expect from a band on Magic Marker — they dig The Smiths and Velvet Underground, and list as influences the various indie-pop and twee sub-cultures. Read More »World Atlas: The Winter Stories [mp3]
Club 8: Western Hospitality [mp3]
It’s long been my opinion that anything Johan Angergård touches magically turns to gold. This belief has stood strong with all his projects, from The Legends to Acid House Kings. Club 8 has consistently come third on that list, but with “Western Hospitality” from the forthcoming The People’s Record, everything is about to change.
Read More »Club 8: Western Hospitality [mp3]
