we are under control from forces impossibly remote

Apparat - Black Water(mp3)
Definitely something very different from his trance/techno roots. Vocals bordering on ethereal along with a thick goosebump-inducing electronic soundscape, it's a magnificent and subtle song at the same time. It's got me hooked.

Mates of State - Maracas
A quirky infectious sample of their new album "Mountaintops" which will be released in September. The husband and wife duo seem to have taken a time machine back in time, what with bouncy synths lending a bubblegum vibe, reminding me of colourful 2D cartoons of yesteryear.

Handsome Furs - What About Us
Again, a new track from yet other husband and wife duo, from their soon to drop album "Sound Kapital". Yes, you saw that right, with a kapital K. Taking inspiration from the electronic and industrial music of 1980s Eastern Europe (pitchfork), it pulls no punches with the bass and it's got the gritty punk feel right down to a T.

all that you want from me you can take it away

Lusine - Double Vision
With a track so ridiculously chill, I just might get double vision once I get high on this drug called good music. A distant beat that palpitates in the quiet of the night, lingering for a while and drifting away just as you think it has settled. Fantastic for a late night jaunt.

André Obin - Soft Rain
It has a intro very similar to another song but I just can't put my finger to it. Whatever it is, sparkling lux synths dominate this outstanding track, along with whispered lyrics that you can't quite decipher its meaning. Multi-layered electronic sounds draw you magnetically into its glorious procession, providing a sort of secret warmth that you'd like to embrace.

Susumu Yokota - Tobiume
This is like dope from the land of the rising sun. I think one can vaguely sense the progression towards the end amidst the constant repetition of hollow synths.

we become tired of hearing people lie

Maybeshewill - Ixnay On The Autoplay
Short but nevertheless sweet instrumental song from Maybeshewill. Hailing from Leicester, the band was formed by Robin Southby and John Helps from when they first met at university.

Maybeshewill - Co-Conspirators
As most instrumental rock songs go, they like to add vocal samples from movies and whatnot, to add atmosphere and meaning to the song, and this song is no different. Taking the closing speech of Frank Galvin, played by giant of a man Paul Newman, in the movie "The Verdict", it adds a sort of gritty undercurrent to the song.

65daysofstatic - Weak4
Distancing themselves from their post-rock label, they throw in more electronic elements and actually don't sound too shabby. This urgent pounding track gives me the vibes of a post apocalyptic world where half of the world is in ruins and where most of the people of this world inhabit, dealing with daily struggles and it's a fight to survive. On the other end of the spectrum, there's the futuristic advanced half of the world where the rich minority live, with advanced technology and nary a concern in their day to day living.

As The Stars Fall - As Far As The Eye Can See

i will hold on to you like a fool till my hands go blue

Think I'm just gonna do a Monarchy post. They've released tons of songs without actually releasing a full album, but they've finally decided to do so. Their debut album "Around The Sun" which will drop in about 6 days is a chockful of goodness, almost all of which has been released or floating around the interweb already. Pardon my excessive posting of Monarchy stuff (I've posted almost everything they have I think), but I really love their music. Don't think I'll ever tire of it.

Monarchy - You Don't Want to Dance With Me
This track has actually been around for quite some time, I'm surprised I didn't listen to it before. Big fat drumbeats invite you into this council of sound, curated by none other than the two kings of spacey electronic sounds behind their masks. Toss in some snazzy electrowork and scratching, with some cheesy (well, it works all the same) lyrics, you've got a sure fire hit among Monarchy fans.

Monarchy - Call
Heady mix of twinkly samples, fat beats and casual vocals in a part downtempo, part trance-ish dance track.

Monarchy - Floating Cars
I would hazard to say that Monarchy are synonymous with atmospheric spacey sounds incorporated into very catchy dance tracks. They do it with such panache and as much as some might say it gets boring, I'm sure they're getting themselves heard.

the way you move is a mystery

Benny Benassi - Spaceship (feat. Kelis, apl.de.ap, & Jean-Baptiste)
Really lush and sexy vocals from Kelis here, with fantastic electro work by Benny Benassi. I would like to avoid using this, but it's quite out of this world.

Breakbot - Fantasy (feat. Ruckazoid)
I actually thought the girl in orange was as pretty as the "model". Loving this retro disco number, totally sensual and hip-swaying inducing.

Justice - D.A.N.C.E
As huge fans of the King of Pop, they did this as a tribute to him, sampling various songs such as P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing), Black or White, Workin' Day and Night, and Whatever Happens along with the Jackson Five song ABC (from wiki).

i'm too busy keeping track of all the things that could go wrong

Tessa & The Typecast - Straight On 'Til Morning
Hailing from Aussie, Tessa and her merry band make boisterous music that showcase her strong vocals, not least supported by urgent catchy melodies.

The One AM Radio - Credible Threats
Here's Hrishikesh Hirway as the centrepiece of a quirky video that's kooky as well as creative. Pairing twee melodies with synths and instrumentation sure seems like a recipe for instant love.

Bon Iver - Calgary
The same haunting vocals from Justin Vernon. Affecting lyrics which take a while to decipher, and then you're still not sure whether you're right. But as you listen to the song again and again, you realise it's not so much the meaning of the lyrics, but the utter craft that goes into the song. Anyhow, I feel that the song is about a couple growing old and going through all that together regardless of what may happen.

The Cinematic Orchestra - To Build A Home
Somehow, the song title reminds me of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes' Home (other than the fact that there's the same word in it). Whatever the case, this is an extremely enchanting song that buries its way deep into your bones, fills the atmosphere and sweeps you off your feet.

i've been listening to your music for a while

Non Tiq - Quiet
Real name Nora Lindqvist and hailing from Stockholm, she brings about the usual fresh poppiness of Swedish music with her in this number. With lyrics that hint of relationship issues, she sings with melancholy, in contrast with the bounciness of the song's melody. On a side note, I think it's a perfect waste of a nice tee in the otherwise random video.

Priscilla Ahn - Vibe So Hot
My call has been answered! In this post, I made a wish that she would come to Singapore, and now she is! On her facebook page, she asked for song requests for Singapore. How awesome! Front row seats please.

Anyway, it's a neat little song about her insane want for a guy. A little contrasting with the tender melody and warm vocals. If I recall correctly, this album was written around the period she was going to be married so this song might be about her husband.

Priscilla Ahn - City Lights (Pretty Lights)

Hauschka - Cube
I love his music and this new piece from his latest album "Salon des Amateurs" is no different. Like a new person to a foreign land, wandering about and gleefully discovering the boisterous local market fair, the cobbled streets lined with quaint shops, the castle over yonder as well as the forest with verdant trees and beautiful flowers just on the outskirts of town.