it's yours to find

Delorean - Stay Close
Brilliant and brilliant all at the same time. Their creativity with Balearic pop with breezy riffs and hooks, light and fluffy that it is extremely enjoyable, yet not too light such that they aren't taken seriously. The chants of get up, get up almost serve as a calling, beckoning you to get up and groove to their brand of narcotic dance pop that's all so effortless and well, brilliant, like the summer sun.

Delorean - Real Love
More basque love, soak it up.

Washed Out - New Theory
Literally sounds like the name of this one man show, run by a certain Ernest Greene. Washed out synths with subtle echoing percolate as his voice provides a sense of warm hazy nostalgia over layered and soft textures. You start to reminisce and recall fond memories, only to find the song tailing off pretty abruptly - which cuts your train of thought. The only recourse, is to start playing the song again.

Toro Y Moi - Blessa
Amongst the purveyors of "chill wave", Toro Y Moi and the ilk (like Memory Tapes, Washed Out, Neon Indian, Small Black to name a few) milk the haziness of yesteryears, when music played out on cassettes and vinyls, and dreamy distorted synths upon loops and samples. A word of advice, don't try to figure out the lyrics. Half the time, their obscured vocals barely above a murmur, all that's required of you is to relax and embark on this journey of discovery.

The Saturday Mix #42 - you gotta step up your game to make to the top

Marina and the Diamonds - I Am Not A Robot
Her videos are always so glitzy and glam. She's got pretty damn good control over her range of vocals. A loveable power ballad, singing about vulnerability that a person has but yet puts up defenses.

Marina and the Diamonds - I Am Not A Robot (Doorly Remix)
I'm sorry Marina, I'm just hooked on this uber dope remix. The intro is so upbeat and there's that pert bounce which makes me really wanna get out of my seat and bounce to the beat. The dubby thing going on after is pretty neat, befitting of the overall mood of the song but it does cover the vocals a little at times. It's so unbelievably catchy, and that robotic voice that just repeats the word robot at the repetitive chorus is funky! Really slick remix that in my opinion came undone by the unnecessary extension of doowops and more repeating of the word robot.

Miike Snow - Silvia (Roboberget Remix)
Fantastic remix with plenty reverb going on. "An extended track length (eight minutes), a slightly boosted tempo, and an assortment of futurist synths — some washy and cinematic, others arpeggiated and video game-like — it's a new, but not unfamiliar, incarnation of Silvia, crafted by those who know it best." as said by someone. Right on the dot. I love the 8-bit video-game-ish sounds, it's just wicked.

Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work
Here's some music maths. Catchy lyrics + breezy synths + funky guitaring = please-dance-to-it-synthpop. Alright full marks, thanks!

Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work (The Twelves Remix)
The start of the remix sounds suspiciously like La Roux's Bulletproof, which is repeated a couple of times later. Nevertheless, it doesn't take the shine off the magic of The Twelves. Just when you think the songs can't get any better, brazilian duo The Twelves trots along and their electro-disco twist makes it an irresistable hit.

Monarchy - Gold in the Fire (We Have Band Remix)
That's some monster drumbeat.

Monarchy - The Phoenix Alive (Kris Menace Remix)
As mysterious as the band itself (no one knows their identity yet, I think), Kris Menace brings this seriously dope remix to our ears. Thumping bass that threatens to pound your eardrums to bits, even more doowops than the stars in their eyes, this is mind-bogglingly amazing.

we mostly work to live until we live to work

Vampire Weekend - Run
Preppy boppy and fun all rolled into one tight song. Bleeps and bloops scattered about as Erza goes on about taking two, and running away to someplace else, just the two of them, leaving the rat race behind. Behind all the lightness and fun, the song is actually grounded in much starker truths. The you-oohs are just so catchy and downright addictive.

The Big Pink - Velvet
Synths lead this song into full grandiosity as you feel it's entirety looming upon you, the grandeur of the towering vocals contrasted with the echoing voice in the background. Fuzziness interrupts only but for a while, before the song delves deep into the emotions of electro rock, drawing from strength to strength, as the lyrics oddly resonate and find place within you.

We Have Band - Divisive
I love creative funky videos like this. Many of compared them to Hot Chip, and the similarities could be observed. Addictive hooks and catchy repetitive lyrics, they brought a little to mind YACHT as well. Does anyone see a little OK Go! in them as well? But whatever it is, I love their quirkiness and they definitely have a lot more to offer in their latest album "WHB".

Massive Attack - Pray For Rain
It feels tentative, but in a good way. It sets about in an unhurried manner, vocals just above minimal production, yet it belies the gloom and moodiness brought about by the frenetic pace of tribal-esque drumbeats midway through the song, just like the charged air and rumbling before a thunderstorm. But like all thunderstorms, it always breaks and gives way to sunshine, and this is no exception. Around the two thirds mark, the song not as much as transit, and suddenly turns on it's charm and uplifting mood befitting of a sunny day. It rounds off nicely, with dotty synths and baritone vocals and makes you think that the wait for Heligoland was absolutely worth it.

fall left me with this winter so cold

Photo from Bunny Bissoux.

Oh my, it's been a while. How I've missed talking about music. I apologise to the few readers I have for the lack of posts, been a whirlwind of crap since the last post. Was pretty hectic as I was doing some last minute preparations for my europe trip and then now trip's cancelled cos Eyjafjallajokull erupted, and thereafter, busy with trying to get my insurance claims going. Now I'm planning for Japan, trying to leave asap, and fingers crossed, hope nothing like Eyjafjallajokull happens again, otherwise I'd lose faith with travelling and just stick to staying in this island city.

jj - Let Go
Let Go is from their 2nd album, simply titled "jj n° 3". Gently led into by what probably are harmonica samples, we are presented with a stunning introduction to a song that borders on folk, classical, balearic and electronic, maybe even more. Seemingly like a mish mash of genres, everything somehow dovetails beautifully into an enchanting song. Subtle with alluring vocals, the duo of Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander show no signs of letting up.

Monarchy - The Phoenix Alive
Have a good listen to the latest outfit to hit the electronic scene in UK. A disco-esque vibe that resonates as they barely sing above the synths effortlessly, the pulsating and solid beat akin to sparkling stars in the galaxy apt as they sing of stars in their eyes.

Lusine - Jetstream(mp3)
More ambient music for the senses, the echoing synths going off like dominoes in an ethereal soundscape as tinkly sounds like wind chimes join in the musical medley and permeates the snug cocoon formed by the wonderful sounds, definitely a treat for the sonic palate. Take a walk down the neon lit streets of Tokyo on a cool evening, as streams of people go by, cars flash past, you realise you're only but one amongst many in this metropolis.

we will triumph again

I have to apologise for the lack of posts of late, as preparations for my upcoming eurotrip have taken up most of my time. Also, moving forward, there might be no posts for the next 5-6 weeks, as I'm still unable to find a guest writer.

Caribou - Found Out
Get a feel of his organic-sounding music, as he seeks to expand his boundaries. "I got excited by the idea of making dance music that's liquid in the way it flows back and forth, the sounds slosh around in pitch, timbre, pan...dance music that sounds like it's made out of water rather than made out of metallic stuff like most dance music does," Snaith said in a press release. Found Out evokes this sort of sloshy feeling - part psychedelic, part liquid - like a kaleidoscope of lights from the surface of the sea, seen from high up above.

Bear In Heaven - You Do You
A tight mix of indie rock plus electronica that defines this song. The song feels endless, spacious, such that it makes it seem like you're but a small speck amongst this sonic vista. A little intrigue, a little of pulsing synths, a little of many things; you feel distant, maybe right in the world of the Watchmen.

City Breathing - Rain and Revolution
It's inevitable that they draw comparisons to 65daysofstatic or Explosions in the Sky, but whatever the name drops, their brand of slow-rock is mellow and dramatic, making full use of subtle reverbs that echo into space, one feels that their band name is a little apt, the heartbeat of the city like such.

City Breathing - A Place to Bury Old Mistakes (mp3)
Beautiful instrumentation that tugs your heart.

funny how in spite of all my woes life can appear rosy and clear

Twin Sister - Nectarine (mp3)
The sweet sound of old. Tight crisp plucking of the guitar, so sanguine and peaceful. Comfort music that warms my heart.

Twin Sister - I Want A House (mp3)
Laidback pop has never sounded so good! The drawl of the drums with the lackadaisical voice singing about painting the house any colour. A song that oozes loads of charm, and the lovely interlude of comforting guitars and tight high hats - what's not to like really?

The Morning Benders - Promises
Good ole indie rock from the band consisting of Julian Harmon, Tim Or, Jonathan Chu, and Christopher Chu. Chris Chu and Chris Taylor from Grizzly Bear co-produced this album in 11 days. Wonderful huh.

Of Montreal - Lysergic Bliss
Felt a little reminiscent and randomly clicked on older stuff to listen. This extremely lovely song that warms your heart as well is amazing.

you must speak your life into existence

Holly Miranda - Waves (mp3)
Very beautiful song, brought to life by her drawn out vocals and well-written lyrics. Poignant song on love lost that's so affecting, supported by very subtle drums and the tambourine(?). As she goes on "I don't know, I don't know", it makes one wonder about the unpredictability and incomprehensibility of love.

The Low Anthem - To Ohio
Deep raspy vocals on this melancholic song by The Low Anthem. A folk song sung with such measured elegance and with really brilliant orchestration, I look forward to their next album.

Sun Airway - Waiting on You (mp3)

Lusine - Twilight
As the description of the video goes, "What do you know about the ancients? / What do you know about the future? Vilja Larjosto intones as the song walks on air, evoking an appropriately thoughtful mood to match the songs titular half-light." Down-tempo ambient song vocally led by her, produced by Texan native Jeff McIlwain also known as Lusine, the song is a respite from the plethora of purely ambient songs. Shimmery melodies syncopate as buttery vocals waft from the speakers, she intones and she murmurs; she leads and she follows. Some may say it's placid, but I can feel the warmth of the subtle layers of production rushing through me, vivid images conjured up in my mind. Exquisite.

how do you know the name of the one you love

Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.

- Anatole France


White Hinterland - Icarus
Pure magic. White Hinterland is this sweet lady Casey Dienel and partner Shawn Creeden. This song is from her 2nd album as White Hinterland, 3rd as an artist, entitled "Kairos". Kairos (καιρός) is an ancient Greek word meaning the right or opportune moment (the supreme moment). I think it's perfect that she's released this album now, riding on the wave of all that dreampop. A perfect swirly and dreamy soundscape, like a kaleidoscope of white clouds, golden fields, green trees, and beautiful flowers. Awash with languid synths and deep sporadic bass that's almost as hypnotic as her voice, she is unfettered amidst all the minimalism.

White Hinterland - No Logic
She brings to mind Dirty Projectors, maybe some AnCo. The looping and percussion strung together, plus scratchy guitar reflects her experimentation, and she does find her ground.

Eluvium - Weird Creatures
A little in the vein of Barcelona, but unlike their piano-driven rock, Matthew Cooper aka Eluvium incorporates the piano in his echo-ey electronics, keeping his vocals to a bare murmur, you wonder how he blends two contrasting musical elements into one glorious masterpiece. There's only one way to listen to this, lay back, close your eyes and enjoy.

Scuba - So You Think You're Special (mp3)
Techno-ish song with more ambient anchoring, extremely brilliant. Save it for a good day to chill out to.

The Saturday Mix #41 - just gimme a second and i'll tell you

Got the picture of the cassette from here.



Hidden Cameras - Underage
Really comical video whatwith all the painted faces, even more so when they go "wa-ooh-wa-ooh-wa-ooh". Right off the bat as they stare at each other and break off in unison after a cacophony of birds chirping, it somehow feels right. Lovely catchy beat and lyrics I've yet to fully comprehend. And the shower (of I don't know what) at the end is beautiful.

Hidden Cameras - Underage (Holy Fuck Remix)

Sebastian Tellier - La Ritournelle (Mr. Dan's Magic Wand Remix)
Twinkly xylophones (probably a sample) dot this relax soundscape by Mr Tellier.

Shout Out Louds - Fall Hard
How does a rock song feel so elegant and punchy at the same time?

Shout Out Louds - Fall Hard (Passion Pit's Summertime Radio Remix)
This sounds like a keeper. It has a Neon Indian feel to the remix, going all psych rock on this song. The synths add a different dimension to this song, lovely.

Music Go Music - Warm In The Shadows (Fred Falke Remix)
Fred Falke does an 8-bit treatment of this song. Feels really warm and summery. Let's do the boogey now and get sashaying down the streets!

Florrie - Panic Attack (Fred Falke Extended Mix) (mp3)
Link provided by her own site.

Ooh, one woman show it seems. And if Fred Falke graces her songs with his magic, he's prolly seeing something in her. And rightfully so, she sounds polished and that bassline sounds sweet as hell.

i'm not the best you could have attained

Two Door Cinema Club - Undercover Martyn
Two Door Cinema Club are Alex Trimble, Kevin Baird and Sam Halliday. The Irish trio are the new found purveyors of electropop. Some say their songs lack depth, but with a song as catchy as this which hooks you line and sinker, I say we give them time to hone their craft, and soon we might get some catchy and meaningful stuff from them. Trust me when I say it's extremely catchy - cause it really is, good for the bright warm days of summer.

Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know
Catchy riffs and synths go rampant as they let loose with another similar sounding song, but I'm not complaining. I'm involuntarily bopping my head to the beat. Tourist History sounds like it's gonna be another remix galore.

The Morning Benders - Excuses
Sweet shiny strumming guitar that makes this a really lovely wake up song on a good summer morning. In a bright breezy mood right now, all cause of this song.