Category: Electro-Pop
Fresh & Addictive – Introducing: Nautic
I discovered Nautic maybe a week ago, and have been listening to their two tracks, “Fixxx,” and “Fresh Eyes” so obsessively, I figured it was time to actually write about them.
Story goes, Nautic is a brand new collaboration consisting of UK trio Bullion, Laura Groves, and Tic (of Young Turks). The result is an unbelievably unique, psychedelic and beautiful sound. Nautic is full of 80s nostalgia drenched in synth, strings and soaring vocals. I haven’t heard anything this fresh in a while, (which in music blog world, means about 3 weeks), and I’m dying to hear more. So far, the trio sports just two tracks and a Bandcamp page via Deek Recordings.
Have a listen to Nautic‘s fresh and highly addictive tracks, “Fixxx” and “Fresh Eyes” now:
Nautic – Fixxx
Nautic – Fresh Eyes
New Track: Pale – Doing My Time
The ever-so mysterious, UK hailing, triangle loving, electro-pop group, Pale, has just released a second track, “Doing My Time” – A darker, slower burning and churning jam in comparison to their debut track, “Too Much.”
Listen to “Doing My Time” + watch a vintage-esque video with a possible glimpse of the two electro-bros in action:
Pale – Doing My Time
Meet NEW Hype-Worthy Swedish Electro-Pop Group: Kate Boy
The Swedes are insanely talented music producing masters and they’re especially synonymous with eclectic electro. From The Knife, to iamamiwhoami, jj, Little Dragon, Niki & The Dove, The Sound of Arrows, even Robyn (and don’t you even try to forget) Ace of Base, addictive electro-pop music is a Swedish forte.
This month, we get to add yet another talented Swedish act to the electro-pop pool: Kate Boy. With just one strong song, “Northern Lights,” Kate Boy thrusts us into nostalgia for The Knife, and in doing so, has quickly topped music blog charts. If the mysterious (supposed 3 parts Swedish, 1 part Aussie) group continues to produce synth superbness, they’re steadfast to becoming electro super stars.
With a bouncing, dark, ambient beat, metallic synth and righteous vocals, listen to Kate Boy‘s debut track, “Northern Lights” and stay tuned:
Kate Boy – Northern Lights
New Track + Video: Heartsrevolution – Not That Hard to Explain
It seems as if Heartsrevolution have come out of hibernation. The NYC based electro-punk-pop duo have released a new track, “Not That Hard to Explain,” a colorful, bubblegum, acid-trip-pop video (produced by High5Collective), and are currently working on releasing a mixtape, Revolution Rising, in December.
The group, Ben Pollock, Leyla ‘Lo’ Safai, and live performance drummer, Terrence Campbell, have released a slew of EPs, singles and mixtapes over the years, on a slew of labels, (iHeartcomix, ISOmorph, and Kitsuné). The group, now managed by Kyambo “Hip Hop” Joshua, was supposedly ready for an LP release as long ago as 2011, but it just never happened. However, with the recent release of “Not That Hard to Explain,” a new track sampling The Strokes, it may seem as if the group is (attempting) to live up to their motto, “Ride or Die.”
According to Vice, the band states the new video for “Not That Hard to Explain” is “more of a mission statement than a music video. After navigating the dark underbelly of the music industry and watching the rapid decline of human civilization… The lyrics/video speaks for itself. Revolution! (or) Run.”
Heartsrevolution – Not That Hard to Explain (Mixed by Just Blaze)
New Acoustic + Video: Trust – Sulk
Robert Alfons aka Trust (as featured in Loud and Quiet Magazine)
If you didn’t think Robert Alfons, the Toronto hailing electro-goth synth-pop God (aka Trust), could get any more talented, he busts out an acoustic piano version of his beloved track, “Sulk.” The kaleidoscope-esque video, directed by Petra Collins, displays Alfons’ raw talent and beauty as a musician. The acoustic version of “Sulk” adds layers of delicateness to Trust‘s expected and addictive “drug-sick” lurching electro-goth that typically oozes with sex and synth.
Trust (sometimes a two-piece with Maya Postepski of Austra) has had quite a year. They released a debut album (and one of the best of 2012), TRST, and an EP, Dressed for Space. Having finished a whirlwind tour with Yeasayer, and a headlining tour in Europe, Trust is now currently on tour supporting The Faint (which I personally think it should be the other way around).
Watch and listen to Trust‘s acoustic version of “Sulk” now:
Trust – Sulk [Piano Version]
New Tracks/Bands: Sam Flax + DIANA + Everything Everything + Black City Lights + Cashmere Cat + SoKo
Sam Flax
This is a sure-fire random roundup of new tracks and/or bands. Hence, there will undoubtedly be something incredible for everyone – Lucky!
It’s that time of year again when the music blogosphere begins to compile year-end “Best of” lists. Gorilla vs. Bear recently announced on Facebook they were already knee-deep and asked if it’d be a cop out to do a three-way tie for best album of 2012 (yes, total cop out). So of course, a slew of comments commenced with guesses for those top three albums. The usual suspects like Grimes, Chromatics, Grizzly Bear, Tame Impala and Animal Collective were mentioned, however, someone had also suggested Sam Flax, which I found interesting. Now, I don’t think he’d win best album (can anyone compete with Grimes this year?), but his recently (re)released, psychedelic, punk, pop rock LP, Age Waves (via Burger Records), certainly hasn’t garnered the exposure that it deserves. The LP’s opening track, “Fire Doesn’t Burn Itself,” is a glamorous, intricate, rockin’ track that becomes even more trippy with each second resulting in full-fledged addiction. Sam Flax‘s persona is also slightly David Bowie-esque, which he should totally milk. Stream Age Waves via SoundCloud, Bandcamp or Spotify.
Sam Flax – Fire Doesn’t Burn Itself
I don’t know how DIANA, new indie-synth-pop band from Toronto managed to fly under the (my) radar. The trio, (including the sax player from Destroyer) has just two tracks, “Perpetual Surrender” and “Born Again” but they’re enough throw you into retro electro bliss and I’m eager to hear more! Keep up with DIANA on Tumblr, Facebook or SoundCloud.
D I A N A – Born Again
Addictive hooks, sweet beats, shredding guitars and soaring falsetto vocals make UK hailing, Everything Everything quint essential indie-rock stardom material. Apparently, the lead singer/guitarist, Jonathan Higgs and bassist, Jeremy Pritchard also both have college degrees in “Popular Music.” If they continue to produce addictive tracks like “Kemosabe,” a single from the forthcoming LP, Arc, (due January 14, 2013), they’ll pay off those college loans in no time.
Everything Everything – Kemosabe
Black City Lights is an emerging electro/experimental group consisting of two homies hailing from New Zealand. They dropped an EP, Parallels via Stars & Letters in March, and recently released (Nov. 6th) an EP, (of the EP), called RMXS…. of remixes – Okay, you get it. The GWS remix of “Parallels” is less dark and synthy than the original track, but takes it to another/amazing level. Stream both EPs on SoundCloud.
Black City Lights – Parallels (GWS Remix)
Cashmere Cat is the creation of a young Norwegian producer intriguing the interest and ears of many with his debut EP, Mirror Maru via Pelican Fly. There isn’t much out there about the Olso beat-making inhabitant, but the bouncy, piano backed track also titled Mirror Maru (is this named after the cat in Japan who loves boxes?) has me yearning for more. Stream Mirror Maru on SoundCloud or Spotify.
Cashmere Cat – Mirror Maru
So apparently SoKo is still around… who knew? Remember her, “I’ll Kill Her” track everyone obsessed over back in ’08? Well, the French/Polish singer-songwriter has just released an LP, I Thought I was an Alien with smoother indie-rock jams. However, it sounds like Stéphanie Sokolinski may have swapped rage for tears this time around. In her track, “First Love Never Die,” it sounds like the guy she would’ve killed for 4 years ago didn’t work out, though in end, she has a beauty of a track… so take that.
SoKo – First Love Never Die
NEW Band + Video – Empress Of
Filming yourself gorging on watermelon to the soundtrack of your own smooth, sensual, electro-pop sounds will undoubtedly grab the attention of many. Lorely Rodriguez aka Empress Of has done this successfully with her new video and song, “Champagne.”
People have been eager to know/hear more from the young Brooklynite. Releasing her “colorminutes” Youtube clips, sporting a Craigslist look-a-like website, and debuting at the Gorilla vs. Bear CMJ showcase has placed Empress Of on people’s radars with an extreme douse of curiosity.
For now, Empress Of dons two songs, “Champagne” and “Don’t Tell Me” (found below), both of which have been released on a new 7″ via No Recordings. Join in on the curiosity and follow Empress Of on Facebook, SoundCloud, and watch her new eyebrow raising video for “Champagne.”
Empress Of – Champagne
Empress Of – Don’t Tell Me
New Chromatics + Video – Looking for Love
Earlier this year, Portland, Oregon based Chromatics could Kill for Love, yet apparently, they’re still looking for it… I think they’ll certainly find it fast, (especially front woman and sex kitten, Ruth Radelet), as their latest video and track, “Looking for Love,” is a beauty of lusty, electro synth-pop proportions.
“Looking for Love” (originally 17 mins long!) is featured on After Dark II, a sequel compilation album by artists on the New Jersey-based Italians Do It Better record label.
Chromatics were also asked by Karl Lagerfeld (Creative director and head designer for Chanel) to play at the Chanel Pret-A-Porter Printemps-Ete 2013 Runway, in Paris, France – Oh la la. As a result, the vintage-esque “Looking for Love” video (directed by Alberto Rossini) shows behind-the-scenes footage, shots of Karl Lagerfeld, and the Chromatics playing at the fashion show that took place in early October.
After Dark II will be “out soon,” so until then, check out the set list, and watch/listen to “Looking for Love” over, and over, and over, just as the song implies:
Chromatics – “Looking for Love”
New Hype-Worthy Band: Pale
Don’t you love it when a brand-spankin’ new hype-worthy band lays down a glorious electro pop track (that hits the ground running), yet you don’t know a God damn thing about them? NOT REALLY. I mean, there is that ‘mystery’ factor that falls into play, but come on, give us something, yeah?
Pale is the latest, and mysterious electro buzz band that, according to their SoundCloud, hails from London. With just one addictive track, “Too Much,” Pale is already intriguing the ears and minds of many.
Follow Pale on SoundCloud and Facebook, and wait in anticipation with the rest of us for more releases. Until then, have a listen to their smooth, hypnotizing electro-pop debut, “Too Much,” and watch the insanely captivating music video:
Pale – Too Much
FRESH NEW TRACKS: Prince Rama, xxyyxx, Diplo, Jhameel, Satin Jackets
Prince Rama as Hyparxia
I’ve discussed Prince Rama‘s bizarro but super cool new LP concept before, (Top Ten Hits of the End of the World is a compilation of jams by Prince Rama channelling fictitious mega superstars who’ve died in a supposed apocalypse). The Brooklynites’ LP is due 11/6 via Paw Tracks. The notion may be out there, but I can’t wait to hear the LP in its entirely ‘cus the jams released thus far have been apocalypse worthy. Here are two new tracks:
Prince Rama (Channeling Hyparxia) – Welcome to the Now Age
Prince Rama – Those Who Live for Love Will Live Forever
Orlando, Florida’s Marcel Everett, aka xxyyxx, is one of those producers who makes you feel like saying, in typical Wayne/Garth fashion, “We’re not worthy!” Why? ‘Cus the kid’s only 17! He produces these experimental, down tempo, chillwave beats out of his bedroom, in boredom, and they’re masterpieces. His full-length, self-titled LP was released in March of this year, and he continues to crank out new beats on a consistent basis. “Lay Down” is his latest creation:
xxyyxx – Lay Down
This is kind of a guilty pleasure, but damn, it’s GOOD. According to Pigeons & Planes, Jhameel, our Berkeley hailing pop-crooner asked fans to choose a song, and he’d cover it. Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” was apparently the winner, and we’re all grateful, ‘cus it’s poppy, lustful and fun:
Jhameel – Thinking About You (Frank Ocean Cover)
Satin Jackets is smooth, electro-funk guru and German producer, Tim Bernhardt. He’s also making humble waves in the blogosphere with his self-proclaimed “glossy music” and new track, “You Make Me Feel Good.” Check him out on SoundCloud and Facebook.
Satin Jackets – You Make Me Feel Good
How did Diplo make it on my blog again? Regardless, this slower than typical Diplo jam featuring Jahan Lennon (of the now-defunct PO PO) has gotten some serious repeat action. “About That Life” is the first single from Diplo’s first full-length LP in 8 years (!), which is expected sometime in early 2013. Diplo and Lennon have also made an appropriately trippy, hippie video to accompany:
Diplo – About That Life feat. Jahan Lennon
coco stereo 