Two very exciting international tracks start off our midweek mixtape – Yeah Yeah Yeahs with their brand spanking new track ‘Sacrilege’, and the awesome remix that Hot Chip for Foals track ‘My Number’. Then we have a plethora of the best new local tunes. It just really wouldn’t be mixtape without them and this week we have some crackers from Nantes, Dune, Loon Lake, Zeahorse, Sons of Rico & Vaudeville Smash.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Sacrilege
Leaning towards the quieter end of the iconic band’s spectrum, the wonderul Karen O juxtaposes quiet almost whispered vocals with rough yet feminine screams. With the band’s signature jangley guitars and a steady and catchy drum beat, the New York band’s latest single is a taste of what’s to come from their soon to be released fourth album Mosquito.
Foals – My Number (Hot Chip remix)
It’s amazing what taking a voice up an octave or two can do for the musicality of a song. Foals’ lead singer Yannis Philippakis’ vocals are transformed in the Hot Chip remix of the band’s monster hit ‘My Number’. The synth heavy re-invention of the modern classic of an indie rock song isn’t necessarily a huge improvement, but rather more of a musical metamorphosis. Where once there were jangly guitars, now there are heavy synths and echoey vocals. Bound to be heard on a dance floor or two.
Dune – Oh Innocence
The second single from Melbourne multi-instrumentalist Dune, ‘Oh Innocence’ from her forthcoming debut EP of the same title, is about the feeling of being young innocent and free with not a care in the world, something we can all relate to. Layered with a diverse range of vocals and instrumentation, you get pieces of eastern percussion, with electronic drums and a an almost 80s electronica vibe, creating a beautiful song that takes you back to carefree childhood.
Nantes – Avid
Taken from their forthcoming debut album, BeingsBeing out March 15th , ‘Avid’ is decidedly more synthy than last year’s ‘Unsatisfy’. Lead singer David Rogers’ vocals exude a deep and almost Brandon Flowers like intensity. In fact the the song carries more than a few similarities with The Killers’ single ‘Smile Like You Mean It’, although with far less guitars than the Las Vegas four piece’s hit single. The official lo-fi video for ‘Avid’, which mashes up vintage video’s along with the band performing on a rooftop, symbolises the tone they express.
Loon Lake – On Fire
The title track from indie rockers Loon Lake’s debut album ‘On Fire’ is a catchy and cheeky love song. Following on from the success of ‘Cherry Lips’ it’s a rockier track featuring a pumping guitar riff and drum beat layered with the indie-rock vocal style of Sam Nolan .With the lyrics “She was on fire and I couldn’t put her out” it’s a track that’s fun to sing to and even more fun to dance to.
Zeahorse – Tugboat
Newest signed to Sydney label Hub, Lismore psych/punk/grunge four-piece Zeahorse have delivered their new single ‘Tugboat’. It’s raw, loud and is straight up in terms of production and sounds unlike anything else kicking around in Australia at the moment. With scuzzy vocals to kick start the track, backed by pounding bass lines, crossing over into an instrumental about a minute in, Zeahorse are a band you’ll be keen to hear more from if you dig 90s sounds.
Sons Of Rico – I’m Not Thinking About You
The current single ‘I’m Not Thinkin’ About You’ from Sons Of Rico, is not your average straight up rock track. Channeling some 70’s and 80’s vibes think ultra cool stoner rock meets glam rock with brilliant high pitched vocals that will have Justin Hawkins needing to know who this band is. Upbeat with awesome guitar riffs, coupled with hand claps and driving drums, this a winning formula for Sons Of Rico.
Vaudeville Smash – Look At Me
Melbourne’s Vaudeville Smash deliver a super poppy tune in ‘LookAt Me’ a tongue-in-cheek celebration of narcissism with punchy lyrics and synthlines that will have you thrusting around the dance floor, for sure. This pop numbersees front man Marc Lucchesi getting down and dirty in the disco beats with therepetitive lines ‘look at me, look at me, everybody love me’ carving VaudevilleSmash as the 2013 kings of Australian disco-pop.
