MATT MALTESE – ” Bad Contestant “

Posted: June 10, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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British but born to Canadian parents, and a focal point of the vibrant South London scene which includes Shame, HMLTD and Goat Girl to name but a few, Matt’s acerbic, witty songwriting brought attention from The FADER, The Guardian, Interview Magazine, NME, DIY, The Line Of Best Fit, and a score of other titles both online and in print throughout 2017.

The Berkshire don helped to create a genre this year: schmaltzcore, caramel-smooth jazz-pop whose purveyors include Tom Misch and Rex Orange County. Sounds like Jamie Cullum, but cool, you know? On his damn fine debut album, Maltese has crafted near-perfect piano pop with whip-smart lyrics (“Some people think the Earth is flat / But if it were / How come I don’t see you anywhere?”) and the occasional boogie-woogie flourish (we heard Jools Holland smashed up his Steinway in a jealous rage when he heard the funky final 30 seconds of ‘Guilty’). ‘Bad Contestant’ is smooth as silk wrapped around a razorblade.

21 year-old South London artist Matt Maltese brings his debut album Bad Contestant – set for release on 1st June via Atlantic Records.

The record, a culmination of 12 days spent in Foxygen instigator Jonathan Rado’s Los Angeles studio and many hours of sessions with Londoner Alex Burey, displays a no-less-than stunning leap forward in songwriting confidence from the already critically acclaimed young musician.

Credited with steering the lush sounding debut albums from Whitney and the Lemon Twigs, as well as Father John Misty’s forthcoming material, Jonathan Rado has helped drench the record with Californian atmospherics, drawing out Matt’s sweetly drifting vocals over a swell of jubilant guitars, brass and drums. Featuring reworked versions of fan favourites and previous singles ‘Strange Time’ and ‘As The World Caves In’ amongst nine beautiful new tracks, Bad Contestant is a grand coming-of-age album packed with Matt’s typically complex, witty melancholy and uplifting melodies.

The SMASHING PUMPKINS – ” Solara “

Posted: June 10, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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The Smashing Pumpkins have released “Solara,” the first song by the classic lineup’s partial reunion and the first to feature Billy Corgan, James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin since 2000.

“Solara” is one of the eight titles Billy Corgan revealed earlier this year that resulted in studio sessions with producer Rick Rubin and longtime collaborator Jeff Schroeder in place of original bassist D’Arcy Wretsky.

Other titles include “Alienation,” “Travels,” “Silvery Sometimes,” “With Sympathy,” “Marchin’ On,” “Knights of Malta” and “Seek and You Shall Destroy.” The band said it was hoping to release the material on two EPs.

“I would say this is the happiest time of the band,” Corgan told The New York TImes recently. “It’s a bit akin to trying to rekindle a romance almost two decades later. The love is there, but, you know, is the language? Is the magic there?” It seemed to be, after the music “just poured out” and, he said, “pick[ed] up where this unit left off.”

Corgan noted that he had become unnecessarily outspoken as the band fractured in the ‘90s, which had left him appearing to be a “class-A heel.” “To my discredit, I didn’t realize that that formula only works if you’re winning commercially,” he admitted. Once that was no longer the case, “you’re just a jerk with a bad message.”

The Smashing Pumpkins start their Shiny and Oh So Bright North American tour on July 12th in Glendale, Ariz.; it runs through September. 9th in Edmonton. The shows mark the band’s 30th anniversary and feature material from across its catalog along with a selection of some of the new tracks

The first recording in over 18 years to feature founding members Billy Corgan, James Iha, and Jimmy Chamberlin. Recorded in Malibu, CA at Shangri La Studios with producer Rick Rubin and longtime Smashing Pumpkins guitarist Jeff Schroeder.

PICAPICA – ” Spring / Shade ” EP

Posted: June 10, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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One for sorrow and two for joy. PicaPica features the vocal interplay of Josienne Clarke and Samantha Whates, dual front women who create powerful harmonies atop layers of texture created by Adam Beattie & Sonny Johns, a tiding of magpies picking shiny moments of tone and timbre from 60s west coast, sunshine pop and indie folk.

Josienne and Samantha met on the London acoustic music scene several years ago and immediately shared a love of singing and writing. They have been unofficially collaborating for years, often singing backing vocals for each other’s projects or just singing harmonies together for the pure enjoyment of it. PicaPica represents a long-held ambition to write, record and perform new material together and to join with like-minded musicians to explore what it’s like to be in a band. When writing, Josienne and Samantha (AKA “Pica One” & Pica Two”) take two versions of the same idea and the songs are built around that concept in various ways, they sometimes even have two titles for each song, one by Josienne, one by Samantha. Good music loves a contrast. Spring and shade, harmony and melody, brightness and deadpan… So do PicaPica. As writers, they compose songs that hold the sadness closer, yet let the joy fly higher.

“Pica Three”, aka Adam Beattie, Scotland’s king of soft-spoken chanson, brings gently morphing textures and detailed guitar playing to every bar, while “Pica Four” is Sonny Johns – a Grammy, Mercury and MOBO-nominated producer/engineer. Sonny’s bass playing and production give PicaPica’s otherworldly compositions a seriously grounded sound.

Their first EP, “Spring & Shade” contains four songs freely- designed to bewitch the listener until its fifteen minutes are over. This is music for memories that creep in under the door. Songs that wear their cares lightly, shining in the dark. Simply, beautiful, beguiling, elegant sounds.

ANDREW COMBS – ” Reptilla ” Strokes Cover

Posted: June 9, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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Andrew Combs released a great album in 2017 titled Canyons Of My Mind. Now, he’s set to release an EP and head out on tour. The first track is a cover of Reptilia by The Strokes.

Combs kicks off a US tour on release day in his hometown at The Basement. About the tour, Combs notes, “Each show will include one or two “special guests” performing a few covers and originals as well. I’ll have the full band in tow, and look forward to playing the songs on the EP, as well as other covers and originals.”

From the EP ‘5 Covers & A Song,’ available July 27th

NEIL & LIAM FINN  – ” Lightsleeper “

Posted: June 9, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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The first single ‘Back To Life’ from the forthcoming Neil & Liam Finn album Lightsleeper, released on August 24 2018.  Neil Finn and his son Liam have made an album together.

Despite both being career musicians, the album, called Lightsleeper, is the first time Neil and Liam have written songs together. Lightsleeperis a true family affair, also featuring Liam’s mum Sharon Finn on bass and brother Elroy Finn on drums.

Since the 1970s Finn’s achieved numerous musical successes as both a solo artist and a member of Split Enz and then Crowded House.

Liam, 34, released his first album I’ll Be Lightningin 2007. He’s toured with the likes of Wilco, The Black Keys and Pearl Jam. Though this is the first time he’s written music with his dad, they have played together on stage numerous times, most recently in January when the pair toured New Zealand together.

“Back To Life” from the forthcoming Neil & Liam Finn album ‘Lightsleeper.’ Out August 24, 2018

Lightsleeper was recorded mostly at the elder Finn’s studio in Auckland, New Zealand, with help from his wife and Liam’s mother Sharon on bass, and Liam’s brother Elroy on drums, among other guests, including Fleetwood Mac guitarist Mick Fleetwood, who recently tapped Neil Finn to help replace Lindsey Buckingham in the band for their upcoming reunion tour.

Neil and Liam Finn will release their first collaborative album together – Lightsleeper – on August 24.

INTERPOL – ” The Rover “

Posted: June 9, 2018 in MUSIC
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We’re nearly halfway through 2018, but Interpol might still be able to shape it into their year: The band is dropping a new album, Marauder, via Matador Records on August. 24th, their first full-length since 2014’s El Pintor.

The rush has already begun for the band, having been tucked away in rural upstate New York, with recording starting last December and finishing in April, although it’s likely that having the cops called on them while practicing down in the city was more of an annoyance than a thrill.

But for those of us who didn’t get to hear Interpol through the walls or down the street, it really all starts today. And that begins with “The Rover,” a shattering first look at the band’s forthcoming record. The song’s title leans into the album’s name—the roaming air of a marauder directly links to roving and wandering, which are captured in the song’s lyrics. The brash line, “You can stick to the highways and suicide,” is wrapped in the lawlessness of a marauder.

On Marauder, Interpol turn to producer Dave Fridmann for the first time; Fridmann has worked with the likes of Spoon, The Flaming Lips, MGMT and numerous others. The new record’s focus of capturing the band’s live energy is felt strongly on this first track, as the drums pound forward and the sharp guitar pierces through it. You can listen to the band play the song live on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Friday, June 8th.

Recent hints appearing on the band’s social media have also been explained: The mural begun in Mexico City has now been unveiled to feature the band’s new album art. Mexico City is also where Interpol are streaming from as they hold a press conference to discuss their new record. The livestream begins today (June 7) at 12:30 p.m. EST (now)  you can watch by heading to Interpol’s website or Facebook page.

The band will be roaming across the globe on their tour and will reach the massive Madison Square Garden in February of next year. Listen to “The Rover”

The KVB – ” Above Us “

Posted: June 9, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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After intense touring ‘Of Desire’ in Europe, Asia and beyond, The KVB returned to their studio to further immerse themselves in sonic experimentation. The resulting ‘Above Us’ heralds the next chapter in the adopted-Berliners dark, electronic pop development. With waves of synthesisers, flourishes of surf guitar and sequences driving with nervous energy, the tension finally relieves with a surging, euphoric chorus.
Brighter and more expansive than ever, the track demonstrates the bands growing ability to create sonic journeys, yet retains the atmosphere synonymous with The KVB.
 
“‘Above Us’ is about defiance in reaction to the anxieties of modern life. In a world where you and your data are the product, ‘Above Us’ seeks to reclaim the power over yourself and to make your own decisions.” Kat & Nick, The KVB
 
This Summer sees the duo make several festival appearances including Green Man and Meltdown the latter of which is curated by The Cure’s Robert Smith.
 
‘Above Us’ is released on Invada Records, 30th May 2018

PHANTASTIC FERNITURE – ” Gap Year ” (Julia Jacklin)

Posted: June 9, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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Julia Jacklin  led outfit looks to Thelma & Louise and Kylie Minogue for inspiration, the Australian songwriter Julia Jacklin already has a glowing reputation among folk rock diehards. Her debut album, 2016’s Don’t Let the Kids Win, was warmly welcomed earning her spots at venerable Festivals . As she revealed in a Twitter update in March, Jacklin has made steady progress on her sophomore record. However, lately she’s been focused on broadening her artistry as part of a new group called Phantastic Ferniture. Jacklin’s solo talents are still being put to good use here, but the garage pop band is purposely meant to be a departure from her and her bandmates’ usual, more serious output.

“The mission is obvious: Don’t overthink it,” a press release notes. Jacklin elaborated, saying, “I’d gone straight into folk music, so every experience I’d had on stage was playing sad music with a guitar in my hand. I thought, I would love to know what it’s like to make people feel good and dance.”

Phantastic Ferniture, which is rounded by Elizabeth Hughes and Ryan K Brennan, successfully get their fans up and moving on “Gap Year”, the latest preview of their upcoming self-titled debut album. As its name suggests, the rollicking and sweeping number seems to inspires listeners to loosen up, leave their comfort zones, and venture off in pursuit of self-discovery — something Jacklin and company have done themselves with Phantastic Ferniture.

Take a listen below via the track’s beautiful music video, which sees the group singing in the great outdoors. Phantastic Ferniture is due out July 27th through Polyvinyl.

This is Gap Year. Filmed by the wonderful Nick Mckk at our favourite place in the world, Mt. Hay in the Blue Mountains x

debut album ‘Phantastic Ferniture’ now! Out July 27th 2018

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SHY BOYS – ” Take the Doggie “

Posted: June 9, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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We are so excited to announce Shy Boy‘s Polyvinyl debut, Bell House! Shy Boys – DIY local champions of Kansas City, MO, who if you add it all up, are something sacred. Comprised of brothers Collin and Kyle Rausch and best friends Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown, The album’s title is taken from the band’s beloved headquarters – the old house on Bell Street in Kansas City where they lived together for the better part of 5 years.

Hailed as “The Beach Boys on Robitussin”, Shy Boys were bred in the dankest basements of Kansas City, MO as a group of ill-fitting squares in a scene of punks and weirdos. We find these great friends now, still living & loving in KC, trading instruments while creating melodic, happy-sad tunes to make your heart swell.

“Shy Boys are the heartland’s answer to The Beach Boys had Alex Chilton been on guitar.” – Kevin Morby
You can watch the lyric video for their first song “Take the Doggie” – a song that Pitchfork raves “…will warm your cold heart.”

Band Members
Collin Rausch, Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little, Ross Brown

“Take the Doggie” is taken from Shy Boy’s new album, Bell House, out August 3rd, 2018.

SNAIL MAIL – ” Lush “

Posted: June 9, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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Snail Mail: <i>Lush</i> Review

“Lush” is a collection of 10 lucid guitar-pop songs that show off Lindsey Jordan’s classically-trained guitar skills, structural know-how, plus an ability to express the inquisitiveness and confident insecurity of youth with a surprising sophistication. “They don’t love you, do they?” she asks during the magic-hour-esque “Intro,” her clear and comfortingly vocal singing the first of many questions she poses throughout the album.

Envision for a moment, if you wrote and recorded some music in your teen years. Lindsey Jordan makes as Snail Mail is so very special. Her 2016 EP Habit won over critics and fans alike with its subdued power and studied melancholy, revealing well beyond her 16 years. Since then, Jordan has graduated high school, toured with the likes of Waxahatchee and Girlpool .

On “Pristine,” she seems to be speaking to someone else. “Don’t you like me for me?,” she asks, eliciting the pangs of your high school crush over low-burning, muted guitars with a ‘90s lean. “Stick” is filled with questions that could be for herself as much as they’re for someone else. “And did things work out for you? / Are you still not sure what that means?,” she sings—an arresting inquiry matched only by the skillful build of the music behind it. It swells and recedes beautifully in a way that when she finally lets the wave crash, the force nearly knocks you over.

Jordan’s music is laid-back, gently hooky, and complements the poetic vagueness of her lyrics. There isn’t enough detail for you to know exactly what she’s talking about, but you understand the mood. “Deep Sea” utilizes a song-length diving metaphor, with Jordan artfully using references to the bends, tides, and the blues and greens of the ocean as stand ins for loneliness, uncertainty, and a person’s responsibility for themselves—the french horn and Jordan’s soft strums driving the point home. “Full Control” hits you in the gut, her inner-conflict expressed in lyrics like “Shouldn’t be here when you get back / Just to stand in line / Wait for you and then waste my time,” as well as the gutsy chorus that features some of Jordan’s heartiest singing.

Though the highs and lows of the album are subtle, Lush confirms what the Habit EP first introduced. Jordan is a definite talent. The songs illustrate a wise-beyond-years songwriting style, with none of the self-importance and indulgence that can come with more experience. Nothing feels trite or contrived. She’s a natural, with an impressive sense of restraint, placing points of tension and release right where they need to be.

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