A great mixture of international and local artists this weekend. First up the brand spanking new single from Sydney via Byron youngsters Glass Towers with ‘Halcyon’, followed by the dirty guitar sounds of Chicago’s Twin Peaks, into a change of pace with the return of Tricky, before we get to local Melbourne band Second Hand Heart, Sydney trio Bloods and Iceland’s Sigur Rós. To end the mixtape we’ve found two killer tracks one from UK pop sensations Marina & The Diamonds + Charlie XCX and the other an introduction to homegrown vocalist Jack Byrnes with some help from producer M-Phazes.
Glass Towers – Halcyon
If this singles name inspired the title of Glass Towers’ debut album, ‘Halcyon Days’, then we can only hope that it has inspired the rest of the album as well. Because if ‘Halcyon’ is anything to go by than their debut should be a shining example of indie pop done right. This is one earworm that will define the set lists on their upcoming Australian tour.
Twin Peaks – Stand In The Sand
With echoey as hel vocals and a twangy, dirty guitar sound comes an introduction to Chicago garage-pinkers Twin Peaks. While their music may not be as Lynchian as the name of their band, these are some boys who are set to rise faster that the tempo of their music.
Tricky – Tribal Drums feat. Francesca Belmonte
Tricky has finally returned to the world of releases with new album ‘Fasle Idols’ due to be released in late May on his own record label of the same name. The first single ‘Tribal Drums’, boasts of just that tribal drums and Tricky’s trademark whispering vocal that sits perfectly under featured female vocalist Francesca Belmonte. The track meanders along on a delightfully chilled vibe. Keep an ear for the full release.
Second Hand Heart – Hold On
Sweet girly vocals and are what introduces this dulcet track that’s rife with all the ingredients to stir up some emotions inside the listener. With a gentle piano melody and a high-pitched guitar sound. What stands out the most on ‘Hold On’ is the combined lead vocals of Jess Carroll and Lily Parker who lift the band to greater heights with their beautifully simple harmonies. A great listen from a local band.
Bloods – Back To You
Moving away from their typically fast paced brand of garage-punk and all things scuzz, the Sydney based three piece takes a bit of a step back with their new track “Back To You.” Taking cues from 1990s style riot-grrrl, the tune delivers a healthy dose of steadily chugging bass lines and feedback-laced bursts of lead guitar.
Marina & The Diamonds + Charlie XCX – Just Desserts
You never quite know what to expect with abrand new collaboration. Here, English songstress, Charlie XCX and Welsh musician, Marina and the Diamonds team up for a synth drenched pop track. Their harmonising vocals vary from feisty and angry to hushed words while the chugging synth line makes it a fun dance track.
Sigur Rós – Ísjaki
From the forthcoming Sigur Rós album Kveikur, the Iclandic band release latest track “Ísjaki.” It’s a five minute long journey into outer space on the back of haunting and ambient string sections swooning amongst teams of shimmering atmospherics. Hints of electronic sheen bump up the new track from typically organic sounds to a more artificial beauty; making for a welcome entrance for Sigur Rós into the world of glitchy ambience.
Jack Byrnes – You’ve Been Left Behind
Introducing Melbourne artist Jack Byrnes (Van Myer and Zee) with his first solo single inspired by his love of classic and nu soul, ‘You’ve Been Left Behind’ was produced by M-Phazes and was released on newfound Australian label Monocarpic Recordings. Super slick production, teamed with a great hypnotic beat that runs underneath the track, to draw you in and allowing for the soulful vocals of Jack Byrnes to shine.
