We’ve got some really great tunes for you this week in the form of this tasty mixed mag! Kicking things off is a new ditty from Warpaint as some local and international tunes from the likes of Gossling, Zack Buchanan, Austra, Ariella Jacobs, Mogwai, and more. Check it all out!
Warpaint – ‘Love Is To Die’
The band of four are set to release their eponymous third album later this year. If he follow up to 2010’s The Fool is anything like lead single ‘Love Is To Die’ fans have not nothing at all to be worries about. The album is self-produced along with producer Flood (PJ Harvey, Sigur Ros), and mixed by Flood and Nigel Godrich (Radiohead).
Gossling – ‘Harvest Of Gold’
The sweet-voiced Gossling, aka Victoria’s Helen Croome, returns with the title track of her upcoming debut album. Like ‘Never Expire’ – the new record’s first single – ‘Harvest of Gold’ is a beautifully crafted piece of pop, which will have fans eagerly awaiting the album’s November 1st release.
Zack Buchanan – ‘Easy’
It seems Melbourne musician Zack Buchanan has undergone quite the transformation since his first EP Little River, released earlier this year. ‘Easy,’ the first taste of Buchanan’s upcoming Home EP, sees him ditch the acoustic guitar in favour of computer-generated beats and layered synths. Zack’s smooth vocals remain a focus and a clever, hip-hop influenced hi-hat rhythm gives this laid back electro-pop track a distinctive edge.
Austra – ‘Forgive Me’
‘Forgive Me’ is the latest single from Austra’s second album, Olympia, and sees singer and ringleader Katie Stelmanis’ soaring vocals take centre stage. Behind Stelmanis, the Canadian electronic outfit deliver a densely layered track, driven by a simple but highly effective bass line.
Ariela Jacobs – ‘The Sound’
Despite the instrumentation being nothing unexpected one cannot help but being caught by the sheer charm of Ariela Jacobs’ voice. It’s hauntingly hopeful as she pulls together a story across graciously finger-picked guitars in something reminiscent of recent chart topping group, The Lumineers. At times it’s reflective and soon after joyful, a mirror to the undulations we all see in life. ‘The Sound’ carries this idea of uncertainty throughout, baring witness to the longings of one’s heart to ‘build a home’ and a name. The Melbourne local offers a lot of charm and is of a genuine spirit. Where at times similar musical experiences can feel quite contrived, Jacobs by comparison produces something authentic.
Chromeo – ‘Sexy Socialite’
“Sexy Socialite” is the second single to be dropped from Montreal electro-funk duo Chromeo’s upcoming LP White Women. Brimming with slick production values and catchy pop hooks, this is six minutes of synth fuelled disco that’s sure to get you grooving. With collaborations from Solange, Toro Y Moi and Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig already confirmed, the record is shaping up to be an absolute belter. A release date is still unconfirmed.
Mogwai – ‘Remurdered’
Mogwai are associated with some dark, grunge-esque tunes, and ‘Remurdered’ is no disappointment. Clocking in at six-and-a-half minutes, the tracks haunting beginning soon evolves into an extraordinary progression of music. Being a Mogwai track, vocals are absent, allowing you to really take in each and every layer of sound that is moulded together so well. An intricate synth solo halfway through sets you in store for some droning bass and guitar tones that the band are so well known for – the end result being something that leaves you frantically searching for the repeat button.
Straight Arrows – ‘Make Up Your Mind’
There’s nothing quite like songs packed with low-fi scuzz, and Straight Arrows deliver that perfectly. ‘Make Up Your Mind’ is well-paced, full of rhythm and just oozes garage goodness. From the first few bars, you’re expecting the track to erupt into a garage rock/punk delight, and it does just that – but very nicely, without so much force. The guitar and vocal effects really establish that ‘wall of noise’ persona, whilst sweet harmonies and some sweet high pitched guitar provides great contrast. All-round rockin’, ‘Make Up Your Mind’ sets you in store nicely for Straight Arrows’ forthcoming album, due out in early 2014.
Evan And The Brave – ‘Rescuer’
With eerie yet beautiful falsetto vocal harmonies opening the song and strong drum beats with a hint of electronica, Evan & The Brave hark back to some tried and true musical oddities while remembering to combine all these separate elements interestingly to make something unlike what we’ve ever heard. We’re in love!
