Our midweek mixtape #14 features Unearthed High Winners Snakadaktal, Passion Pit’s latest track, School Of Seven Bells who are touring Australia this month, Tallest Man on Earth and tacks from locals Fraser A. Gorman and James Pasinis.
Snakadaktal – Dance Bear
With the Unearthed High Winners debut EP, made up of indie dream-pop songs, its refreshing to hear that this new single is up-beat. It has much more intent than their previous tracks, but it still adhere’s to their indie-pop style. With Phoebe taking on lead vocal duties, the band have given you their best reason to dance yet.
Passion Pit – I’ll Be Alright
While the first single, ‘Take A Walk’, from Passion Pits forthcoming second album, Gossamer, wasn’t too far removed from what you would expect from the band, ‘I’ll Be Alright’ is much more in tune with the the sound of their debut. This is the sort of synth pop song that got you dancing at festivals when Manners was released in 2009, you can expect that this track will do much the same in 2012.
School of Seven Bells – Lafaye
In their follow-up to 2010’s Disconnect from Desire, School of Seven Bells have a shiny new album called Ghostory. Their first official single is ‘Lafaye,’ a ghostly yet uplifting piece of indie-shoegaze with a driving snare pulse. It comes with a video, with Deheza acting like a ghost. They’re onto a theme, methinks.
Fraser A. Gorman – Take Me To Your Grave
When he’s got his ray-bans on Fraser A. Gorman cuts a striking resemblance to ’64 era Bob Dylan, and on ‘Take Me To Your Grave’ his voice sounds not unlike Nashville Skyline era Bobby D, too. If it were only simple imitation the guy deserves points; but Gorman goes beyond that and establishes himself as a songwriter of classic caliber, with engaging stories and captivating melodies. With a slew of shows around Melbourne and some festival slots under his young belt, Gorman’s set to release his debut EP in July. If it’s full of more cuts like this it’ll be a truly memorable release.
Tallest Man on Earth – 1904
While Kristen Matsson’s third album is calmed by extra sonic textures and his voice carries less tension, his third album ‘There’s No Leaving Now’ is still an engrossing and charming romp. ‘1904’ rests on a warm bed of light synth, and Matsson’s hooks are as catchy as ever. Who knows what on earth he’s ever singing about, but with a voice like his, it doesn’t really matter.
James Pasinis – Yes, I’ve Found
Drawing from singer-songwriters like Daniel Johnston and John Frusciante, Melbourne guitarist James Pasinis has released his second EP for free download on his BandCamp. He has a drawl similar to the aforementioned pair, and an angular sense of melody, the songs start out sparse, but when they fill out they come close to Wilco at their most sprawling. Rich and textural, and with help from a cast of Melbourne musicians from different genres, these four tracks take you on an interesting trip.
