tunes for people who dance awkwardly

Kate Boy - In Your Eyes A little electro-pop from Stockholm...

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:20:04 +0100

Kate Boy - In Your Eyes

A little electro-pop from Stockholm based Kate Boy, kitted out by raincoat donsStutterheim no less. Scandinavian lands just keep churning out these good old, sing-a-long, keyboard sounds, ‘The Knife’ a clear influence on the band. Actually, these guys (Kate Akhurst, Hampus Nordgren Hemlin, Oskar Sikow Engström and Markus Dextege) split their time between Australia and Sweden, so maybe that accounts for the upbeat/darkbeat feel of it all. Anyway, you can make up your own mind with the official video to single ‘In Your Eyes‘ below. Debut EP ‘Northern Lights‘ released 11 March by IAmSound.

Phèdre - In Decay Phèdre are “three lovers from Monaco, raised...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:03:09 +0100

Phèdre - In Decay

Phèdre are “three lovers from Monaco, raised in a cave of gold”. The band, which features members of Hooded Fang’s Daniel Lee and April Aliermo, along with Airick Woodhead of Doldrums, recently dropped the fantastic track “In Decay”, the first cut from their upcoming album. Phèdre, inspired by Greek mythology, have released their self-titled debut album digitally on February 14th via Toronto’s Daps Records. The video for ”In Decay” is an amalgam of strange imagery, odd floral arrangements, empty lobster husks, headdresses, ultra-goopy goo poured all over faces and bodies, filtered through a warped-VHS sheen. And the visual accompaniment fits the actual song like a glove. “In Decay” is a mutant hybrid of several different types of sounds - of Montreal’s freaked-out glam, the AM-radio baritone blur of Ariel Pink, and a dash of the cheekiness contained in Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love”, for good measure - but it’s Phèdre’s charming mash of these signifiers that make the song rise above mere pastiche.

Typesun - The PLTypesun - The PL Hailing from Bristol – a city...

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:25:00 +0100

Typesun - The PLTypesun - The PL

Hailing from Bristol – a city known to have forged some of the most influential music talents in the UK– think Roni Size, Massive Attack and Portishead – Typesun (aka Luke Harney) is quickly earning the reputation of city’s next rising star, making a huge impact on the airwaves with his new single, “The PL“. A well-rounded producer, drummer and DJ, Typesun has come up with quite the gem. “The PL” is a gorgeous, minimal, hypnotic, electro-soul track featuring the heart-warming and captivating vocals of Romaine Smith. “The PL” has the kind of simple, catchy and addictive groove that will have you place this track on constant repeat for a while. A timeless classic in the making.

SSION - Luvvbazaar A little film masterpiece from Kansas City...

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:55:00 +0100

SSION - Luvvbazaar

A little film masterpiece from Kansas City pop star SSION nee Cody Critcheloe, who, with elaborate costumes, sets and drag queen cameos, manages to take us somewhere else with each of his ever-ambitious music videos. “Luvvbazaar,” the catchy hit from last year’s Bent album, gets a video treatment that traipses through some heavy black-and-white, ’90s dance-pop nostalgia, reminding us how exuberant pop can be at its best. The joy of SSION is that it’s never ironic—a triumphant moment when a queen in a glittery dress takes the stage to sing some backing vocal ad-libs is life-affirming the most unembarassing way.

The Knife - Full Of Fire The world has been waiting far too...

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:18:12 +0100

The Knife - Full Of Fire

The world has been waiting far too long for something new by The Knife, but finally we have new music, a new video, and a new album to get excited about. Recently it was announced that their fourth album, Shaking The Habitual, will be out in April. Here’s the video for the first, brutal and wonderful, new single, “Full of Fire,” via Sweden’s SVT. Marit Östberg, born in Stokholm and now residing in Berlin, where she makes porn for feminists, directs the mini-film, which follows a cast of 16 across 10 minutes. When you’re full of fire, what’s the object you desire? is the song’s driving question, illustrated here with lonely yelps into the ocean, broken glass and bondage ties. At the end, there’s a guttural epilogue of bent Salt ‘N Pepa: Let’s talk about gender baby/ Let’s talk about you and me.

Psychobuildings - Wonderchamber The self-titled debut EP by...

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 12:31:36 +0100

Psychobuildings - Wonderchamber

The self-titled debut EP by Peter LaBier and Co. shined like a still-wet painting leaning nonchalantly against a grimy Bushwick studio wall. Thick, tense vocals partnered up with terminally cool darkwave grooves on Psychobuildings’ first release, and the effect was claustrophobic and fun, like the final dance party before everyone drinks the Kool-Aid. But with “Wonderchamber” (which actually is about a cult), each element is fully defined and three-dimensional — every syllable, every note stretched to its full potential, adding an irresistible and disturbing brightness to the “vibrant hell” being described.

Charli XCX - You (Ha Ha Ha) “You (Ha Ha Ha),” the new Gold...

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 23:39:55 +0100

Charli XCX - You (Ha Ha Ha)

“You (Ha Ha Ha),” the new Gold Panda-sampling single from London dance-pop sensation Chari XCX, now has a video, and a small army of stylists must’ve had a very, very good time putting it together. In the clip, Charli and friends take over a warehouse to party and fire submachine guns, and Charli shows an absolutely dangerous level of charisma. Ryan Andrews directs.

Bondax - Gold Musicians now a days seem to be getting younger...

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 02:09:22 +0100

Bondax - Gold

Musicians now a days seem to be getting younger and younger every time. From the likes of XXYYXX to Disclosure to a new artist from Britain that just releaset it’s new track, Bondax with “Gold”. For those who aren’t familiar with Bondax, this duo hails from the city of Lancaster and exudes a sound that is beyond their years. Boasting a captivating and upbeat rhythmic beat, George Townsend and Adam Kaye pair the instrumental with relaxed singing that has a tinge of emotional undertones.

Rare Times - No One’s Looking Out Rare Times, an LA-four...

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 14:31:26 +0100

Rare Times - No One’s Looking Out

Rare Times, an LA-four piece comprised of guy friends, will release the first in a planned trio of EPs, Missionary, February 25th on brand-new label Feel So Real. “No One’s Looking Out” is a velvet taste of what’s to come; jazz pianist and frontman Anthony Calonico stars in its damp and porny video, brooding on a surveillance cam, under red lights, and in a stiff white shirt.

The-Dream - Can’t Wait to Hate You (Jerome LOL...

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 13:39:47 +0100

The-Dream - Can’t Wait to Hate You (Jerome LOL Edit)

Jerome Potter, a.k.a. Jerome LOL, half of the currently on hiatus Los Angeles-by-Montreal production duo LOL Boys, reworking a demo made by R&B maestro The-Dream for current American Idol judge/HSN host/popstar Mariah Carey. A blissed-out remix of “Can’t Wait to Hate You,” one that trades the original’s nuance for something purely emotional. A simplified version of an already feelings-heavy song might sound like too much, but with the focus on the track’s “Today I’m going to get over you” chorus, a bitter, but heartfelt break-up song is turned into something surprising uplifting.

Clean Bandit - A&E Clean Bandit are a group who match their...

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 15:04:20 +0100

Clean Bandit - A&E

Clean Bandit are a group who match their classical training with fresh, bass-driven pop and hip hop leanings and soulful melodies, and it’s safe to say there aren’t many groups putting out music right now that could be said to be doing the same. Not to mention, the quartet’s brand new video, for the ludicrously fun track A&E, is unlikely to be like any other you’ve watched in recent memory. As gold-painted dancers make their way through the barren streets of London pursued by a cartoon metallic snake, driven by band members who pull intensely meaningful expressions over violins, a sub-plot features vocalists singing in the midst of a tropical greenhouse. It doesn’t make a lot of sense, but great pop music often doesn’t – and something about this is great.

HAIM - Don’t Save Me (Cyril Hahn Remix) This song’s for...

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 14:47:50 +0100

HAIM - Don’t Save Me (Cyril Hahn Remix)

This song’s for lazy mornings and soft sunlight. It’s that song at the end of a movie where the guy you’ve been rooting for all along get’s another chance and starts a new day. Swiss producer Cyril Hahn has a knack for these kinds of tracks, which really play on the artist’s vocals and add this touch of spacey wanderlust. His remix of “Don’t Save Me” from the LA based band, HAIM(comprised of three sisters Este, Danielle and Alana Haim), does just that. The track feels like someone lifted it straight from the 80s, featuring heavy emphasis on percussion, synth and this wonderful ethereal warmth that rings throughout. Sit back, relax and enjoy the bright side of the day.

Tensnake ft. Syron - Mainline Tensnake first burst onto the...

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:39:47 +0100

Tensnake ft. Syron - Mainline

Tensnake first burst onto the scene with the explosive, Technicolor eruption that was ‘Coma Cat’ a few years back; a record that was as inescapable as it was irrepressible. Since that point he’s given us a few teasers of what we know he’s capable of, but has been relatively quiet on the release front… until now. ‘Mainline’ is the latest record from Tensnake and once again bears all the marks of an uplifting club classic in the making. With his trademark, old-school production aesthetic and featuring the vocals of Syron – last seen appearing on Rudimnental’s underground hit ‘Spoon’ – ‘Mainline’ is the realisation of many months hard work in the studio and further proof that Tensnake is one of the most exciting producers of a generation. The clip, much like the song, effortlessly evokes feel-good vibes in an old-school fashion. Similar to Kanye’s “Good Life” video, director Pondr’s footage features colorful, ’80s-inspired animation over the top of Syron doing her thing while dancers groove around her, on top of her, and in the palm of her hand. Look for the single that dropped via Defected Records on November 5.

Collarbones - Hypothermia ft. Guerre ‘Hypothermia’...

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:31:16 +0200

Collarbones - Hypothermia ft. Guerre

‘Hypothermia’ is the latest offering from Collarbones, a duo that’s separated by roughly 1403kms. Collaborating over the net, Marcus Whale (who lives in Sydney) and Travis Cook (who lives in Adelaide) traffic music that’s highly emotional yet detached, like professing love for someone over email.
Typically their sound takes cues from ’90s pop and R&B, but ‘Hypothermia’ is a mutated dance song. Featuring Sydney’s Guerre, it’s anchored by this incessant beat that never seems to stop - until, you know, it actually stops, but the consistent shuddering rhythm does put you on edge. Of course, that’s what Collarbones do: their music is melodious and sweet but it’s got a dark side, like walking through an empty park at midnight. Collarbones’ second album Die Young is out now on Two Bright Lakes .

Disclosure - Latch ft. Sam Smith A lot of songs are written...

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:47:21 +0200

Disclosure - Latch ft. Sam Smith

A lot of songs are written about lust and the immediate rush of falling head over heels in love with someone, but few seem to sum up its deliriousness as brilliantly as Latch, the latest single from brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence, aka Disclosure. Featuring full-bodied vocals from newcomer Sam Smith, it’s a slowly unravelling ode to the thrill of wanting to figuratively (and possibly literally) latch on to someone else: “Now I’ve got you in my space, I won’t let go of you / I’ve got you shackled in my embrace, I’m latching on to you.” For the video – premiered here – we get to see a lot of good-looking people basically just getting off with each other in various locations – in a lift, on a bed and, finally, on a revolving platform of some kind. Latch is the duo’s first single since signing a deal with PMR Records, who recently released Jessie Ware’s first album, so know a thing or two about songs that feel emotionally direct and intimate.

Panama - It’s Not Over Sydney-based quintet Panama have...

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 22:04:18 +0200

Panama - It’s Not Over

Sydney-based quintet Panama have just unveiled the video for their new single “It’s Not Over”, a brilliant pop gem from their upcoming debut EP of the same title. Directed by Fabian Röttger and Vivien Weyrauch, the video stars a cute couple of bandits and their even cuter toddler. Panama’s debut It’s Not Over EP, recorded in LA with former DFA Reccords in-house engineer Eric Broucek, comes out November 2nd via Future Classic.

Anna Lunoe & Flume - I Met You Sydney’s Future...

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 21:37:57 +0200

Anna Lunoe & Flume - I Met You

Sydney’s Future Classic record label has become a reliable source for smooth, shimmering disco-infused dance tracks lately, and Anna Lunoe & Friends’ Real Talk EP is no exception. Lunoe is an Australian born singer and DJ, currently residing in LA, who’s made a name for herself by playing alongside big electronic acts like Diplo and Soulwax and providing musical direction for fashion labels including Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. On “I Met You,” she teams up with fellow Aussie and Future Classic artist Harley Streten (Flume) to deliver a sharp piece of R’n’B influenced tropical disco. The track develops nicely around the midway point, with a driving bassline and sun-drenched synths setting the stage for a lovely vocal outro. You can watch the official video for “I Met You” above, shot in the idyllic natural dreamscape of Australia’s Turon Gates with a healthy measure of kaleidoscopic effects, neon filters and stardust.

Bobby Tank - Afterburn The maximalist UK producer Bobby Tank’s...

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:01:35 +0200

Bobby Tank - Afterburn

The maximalist UK producer Bobby Tank’s lavish funk anthem “Afterburn” now has a frantic, technicolor video befitting the single’s size. The piece is an over-the-top, seizure-inducing cyber journey full of topless ladies wearing neon makeup and tribal masks as they drive futuristic Cadillacs. The glitchy transition between shots is immaculate. It pairs quite well with Bobby Tank’s production, which manages to cram every beat to the brim with intricate ’80s-inspired synth melodies and oversized drum fills. Bobby Tank’s Afterburn EP is out now via MofoHifi.

Pixelord - Been Lookin Just a few days ahead of the September...

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:47:11 +0200

Pixelord - Been Lookin

Just a few days ahead of the September 17 release of his Supaplex EP, Russian producer Pixelord (a.k.a. Alexey Devyanin) has unveiled the peculiar video for his new record’s lead track, “Been Lookin.” While the footwork-leaning beat doesn’t overtly suggest that Pixelord has a fascination with shogun or samurai culture, the clip for the tune draws heavily on footage from a presumably vintage Japanese film. Director Dan Hankinson modified and edited the images by making ample use of the mirroring effect and superimposing opaque geometric patterns; at one moment, the film flickers within a triangle that’s floating in what looks like star-spangled deep space. Considering the dark chord stabs in Pixelord’s track, perhaps the black void of outer space is an appropriate setting for the video’s seemingly random infatuation with samurai films.

Rone - Parade Three years of work have taken for Rone to create...

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:38:13 +0200

Rone - Parade

Three years of work have taken for Rone to create his new album, coming October 15 so it won’t be strange got understand the complexity of the video for it’s first singe, Parade. It must have been a painstaking process to film and edit the video for Rone’s “Parade,” but all the hard work certainly paid off. The whole clip, which was directed by Filip Piskorzynski and hosted by The Creators Project and the InFiné label, was shot in stop-motion, and executed in such a way that it looks like a woman is floating in mid-aid the whole time. Her feet never touch the sandy Southwestern-looking landscape or the pool she hovers above, and the camera even follows her when she dives into the sea and swims to the bottom. Rone’s warm, bouncing beat—which will be out along with the rest of the French beatmaker’s upcoming album, Tohu Bohu—adds to the whimsy and charm of the overall experience.