T R A C K S      O F      T H E     Y E A R     

check 'em out

PEACE - 1998

Splashh - All I Wanna Do

Swim Deep - Honey

DIIV - Oshin (Subsume)

Tame Impala - Elephant

Pond - Fantastic Explosion of Time

Temples - Shelter Song

Alt-j - Taro

FOALS - My Number

Wild Nothing - Shadow

Bahamas - Lost In The Light

Mac De Marco - Freaking Out The Neighborhood 

happy new year
&

bring on '13

    I N T E R V I E W    

  Q/A  

   A L T E R N A T I V E     J U K E B O X   

Picture courtesy of 'http://cosmicambience.wordpress.com/'

  SWIM DEEP  

≈

I interviewed SWIM DEEP for 'Alternative Jukebox' which you can check out below:

BTOWNERS Swim Deep have made quite a name for themselves this year. The release of ‘Honey’ catapulted Swim Deep into the music worlds spotlight, their distinctive trashy-look and ‘beach grunge’ vibes have caught the eyes of many. With stacks of plays on MTV, the launch of a solo tour and talks of their debut record, Swim Deep are a band to watch. We spoke to the Austin, Higgy, Zachary and Cavan to mark the closing stages to a successful year and to discuss what’s next as they drop the tour-partying antics for work in the studio.

You guys just finished a UK tour with Splashh and Spector, how was the tour?

It was incredible. We couldn't of hand picked a better tour if we tried. We were basically just partying with our best friends for a month straight.  

How were Splashh and Spector as company on the tour? 

Really cool man, There we're just so many vibes floating around you could see them, and eat them.

Any crazy or troublesome antics on tour with Spector/Splashh? 

I think we managed to get us Spector and Splashh kicked out of every single bar we went into after the shows. We were just being little brats to be honest. I (Zach) got wrestled to the ground by a huge bouncer in one of the city's it was really funny looking back, but really scary too.

Are you surprised at the support ‘Honey’ has been getting? Plays on MTV in particular are nothing to be ashamed off. 

Definitely nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just so amazing that our music's making its way into people’s minds through all these cool shows that we all used to watch when we we're little being like 'How cool would it be to get on this show man' It’s a dream I guess.

In Feb, you’re off riding solo, you excited about embarking on a solo tour and to take centre stage?

Yes we can’t wait, We've only played like 2/3 headline shows so far and there definitely the coolest shows, to know that everyone in the crowd is there to see you play is an amazing feeling. It all seems so far away though because we have an album to record before it, but it’s going to be ace!

Which dates are you most excited about on your tour? 

All of them. Obviously the home coming to Birmingham is going to be huge, the London date, but we've been to most of these cities before on the Spector tour so it’s going to be so good to go back and rock shit.

How has the recording process of the album been so far? 

Great, we're in Brussels and at the moment it feels like it’s the best place we could have chosen, the vibes are so good out here, the studios amazing, we have the best producer (Charlie Hugall) what more could we possibly need...

Whats the next step for Swim Deep? 

Well we have the album to record, then we have Christmas to celebrate which we're all huge fans of, headline tour in February. Next year's going to be very busy for swim deep it’s going to be incredible.

   T R A C K S   O F    T H E    W E E K   

Listening to:

#1

temples / shelter song

#2

allah-las / catamaran

#3

the staves / tongue behind my teeth

#4

mac demarco / freaking out the neighborhood

#5

palma violets / best of friends

                                     M U S I C A L     M A T H E M A T I C S                                      

&

                                     A L T E R N A T I V E    J U K E B O X                              

New work. Working for both Musical Mathematics and Alternative Jukebox, two very diverse, contemporary and ever-expanding music websites. Please check out the links below for interviews, new music, columns and so much more. Big thanks to editors Andy Crowder (MM) & Sam Cornworth (AJ) for welcoming me to the teams. 

http://musicalmathematics.co.uk/

http://www.alternativejukebox.com/

In the meanwhile sit back and listen to Mac:

   N E W    M U S I C   

FOALS

inhaler

Foals are back, and packing a punch. New single 'Inhaler' is the latest record by this Oxford five piece. A new sound for a band that are constantly creating and expanding there musical direction. A lifetime away from there previous records. Their pre-pubescent debut 'Antidotes' and the solemn maturity of 'Total Life Forever' seem a distant memory to the destructive, over-driving sound of new record 'Inhaler' which is off their latest album 'Holy Fire' due in February 2013. 

Something new, but something grand. 

listen below

Foals are also embarking on a grand 'sweatbox' tour of the UK. 

The dates are below:

1-28 Sheffield, England - Queens Social Club
11-29 Leicester, England - Lock 29
11-30 Stoke, England - Sugarmill
12-02 Doncaster, England - Leopard
12-03 Derby, England - The Venue
12-04 Gloucester, England - Guildhall
12-06 Southampton, England - Cellar
12-07 Bournemouth, England - 60 Million Lights
12-08 Aldershot, England - West End Centre
12-10 Brighton, England - Concorde 2
12-11 Tunbridge Wells, England - Forum
01-23 Sydney, Australia - Oxford Art Factory

                                                                     L  I  V  E                                                                 

tame impala

@

brixton academy

30th October 2012

Picture courtesy of RichardIsaac.co.uk

The 30th of October saw the arrival of Aussie band tame impala entertain a sold out crowd at Brixton Academy. They delivered a set that never grew stale, or lack-lusted yet a constant remember of why tame impala are so loved and adored. The pure essence of psychedelia on a 70s groove. The bands selection of songs kept an excitable audience on their toes as uproars of cheers echoed around the theatre at the break of each song. Crowd favourites 'Elephant', 'Solitude is Bliss' & 'Mind Mischief' were clear examples of how to get a crowd moving. Amongst a packed setlist oozing with psychedelia and experimental rock the bands performance felt entirely unique and fresh, somehow. With strong supports from 'The Amazing' & 'Young Dreams' it created the perfect showcase for these Aussie favourites. If you ever get to see this band, go. Even just to appreciate what a wonderfully creative & unique genre psychedelic rock can be.

9.5/10

*****

              M U S I C   B R O K E   M Y   B O N E S           

I am now writing for Music Broke My Bones, feel free to check out the website @ www.musicbrokemybones.co.uk

Here are my two single reviews available on the site.
Be sure to visit for new music, features, interviews, and downloads.

Release Date – 22nd October 2012

Label – Domino

Rating – 5/10

Villagers have returned after their debut album Becoming a Jackal reached the hearts of folk/alternative lovers a-like. However, new track ‘The Waves’ seems to be a new sound in comparison to the humble, warming sound of the first album. The track itself starts as if Villagers have taken a dose of electronica. Its always an enjoyable risk to hear bands push their boundaries, and try to create a new sound, but in terms of Villagers perhaps they should have stuck with what they know. The song itself I think fails to cover-up a rebranding of their sound, it’s as much a new sound, but not necessarily as strong as their previous record.

Release Date – 26th November 2012

Label – Believe Recordings

Rating – 6/10

Oxford five-piece Wild Swim have released their debut track ‘Echo’. A truly distinctive sound that is created by the sheer voice prowess of frontman Richard Sansom. Sansom’s haunting high-octave voice progressively immerses you in the track. Often compared to the likes of Wild Beasts, Wild Swim have created a track that is unflustered, creative and progressive. The track is laced with intricate drum patterns, seductive keyboard and the vocal mastery of Sansom’s. A band that are worth a listen, yet perhaps not something to scream and shout about. The band have released a self-produced b-sides with their second track ‘Bright Eyes’.

                                                         L I V E                                                      

swn festival

w/

SPLASHH

Hackney four-piece 'Splashh' were welcomed to Cardiff's Buffalo bar yesterday as part of Cardiff's own Swn Festival. A festival that offers a true reflection of contemporary, contrasting and creative music. Crammed into the top bar of Buffalo 'Splashh' put on an engaging and clear performance. A bands sound labelled as grunge, it often means that bands go overboard with distortion leaving the audience over-powered with mess. Amidst a few vocal changes after the first track 'Splashh' then delivered a polished, powerful yet short set. Singles 'All I Wanna Do' 'Need It' & 'Vacation' stand out to a captivated crowd that relish the chance to see a band hoping to verge on greatness. 

****

 L A U N C H 

pebblezine

This week saw the release of online publication 'Pebblezine'. The publication covers all aspects of culture from music to fashion & film to food. Available at www.pebblezine.com , keep your eyes peeled for my review of Grizzly Bear, and double page spread of 'Greenman Festival 2012'. Be sure to check out this issue, the facebook page and follow the magazine via twitter.

Screenshot of Pebblezine.

N E W   M U S I C

Brolin

NYC

Bedroom producer 'Brolin' has released a single 'NYC', a minimalist and original take of chill/pop/post-electronica. For lovers of Trevor Powers 'Youth Lagoon' 'Brolin' feels similar to his work with an added electronic twist. A superbly immersive and surreal video of grainy footage paired with a contemporary song makes for an easy listening record, not one that jumps out, but one worth a listen.

listen below:

 N E W    M U S I C 

   splashh   

   vacation   

image courtesy of: www.theticketsellers.co.uk

Splashh are back with another single 'Vacation', its a pure example of the original and immersive sound these Hackneys boys have. Their grungy/pyschedlic chillwave sound has really crafted them as a unique band to keep an eye on. New single 'Vacation' is as powerful as previous songs 'All I Wanna Do', 'Need it' & 'Headspins' which were mentioned previously on here, and be sure to listen to them also. For lovers of easy-listening, experimental, grungy rock, introducing Splashh. 

listen below

                                           R E V I E W                                       

 album 

Grizzly Bear

shields

Fans of 'Grizzly Bear' have been left waiting for 3 years since the previous record 'Veckatmiest' transpired around the world with its instrumental grace and beauty. New album 'Shields' holds together the creative, energetic and emotional sound that we know and love from 'Grizzly Bear'. An example of pure originality in sound and triumph. This Brooklyn four-piece have released their fourth album that could stand as a personal favourite. An album that digs deep into immersive and transcendent rock and psychedelia as well as holding back to give an emotive and inspiring sound. Both singles 'Sleeping Ute' and 'Yet Again' slot in to a beautifully crafted album. Songs such as 'Speak in Rounds' and 'A Simple Answer' give reason to purchase the album. Previous albums 'Veckatmiest' 'Yellow House' & 'Horn of Plenty' all offered something different where as this album is homely, warming and feels deeply emotional. After 6 months apart from one another to have a much-deserved break 'Grizzly Bear' have returned with an album set for endless enjoyment. A pure example of creative vocals, orchestral drums and an array of strings offers an album that as a whole is wonderfully satisfying. 

* * * *

                                        L I V E                                          

  the xx  

the coal exchange

cardiff

11/09/12

 An archaic venue paired with an immersive, transcendent and over-powering sound made for quite a spectacle on a chilled Tuesday evening in Cardiff's Coal Exchange. Supported by 2:54 as part of Cardiff's own 'Swn Festival' the XX graced the stage at the historical venue that couldn't contradict the band's contemporary sound anymore. A solid performance by 2:54 went down well with a crowd filled with a diverse variety of people. From young to old, fans packed into the venue to be treated to some of the most contemporaneous and spiritual music around at present. 

With the album, 'Co-exist' released a day before the gig it did give little chance for those listeners to learn the words in a frenzy the night before, yet it offered a superb showcase for what seems to be a similar yet still entirely unique and fresh album. Old tracks such as 'Infinity' 'Stars' & 'Intro' went down well with a well-oiled,excitable crowd and new tracks 'Angels' & 'Chained' seemed also to resonate with the audience. 

The first time The XX have visited Wales, and I for one would be willing to see them time and time again, after seeing them two years ago it seems to be a band that's music is effortless and timeless. 

* * * * *

  E V E N T  

P H O T O S

Usk Show

N E W     M U S I C

   melody's echo chamber   

Paris born Melody Prochet from Melody's Echo Chamber has released her debut record 'Endless Shore', a whirlwind of transcendent and psychedelia 'chilled' rock. Produced by Tame Impala's own Kevin Parker it is a song that can easily be mistaken as his band gaining a female vocalist. However Melody Prochet's classically trained voice offers a unique take on the genre and adds a certain dimension that can be missed in other examples of this new-wave of psychedelia.
Her album is out on Weird World Record Co. on November 5th 2012.

listen below

                             

P H O T O S

   greenman   

N E W      M U S I C

The xx

The xx have released the third song 'Sunset' of the forthcoming record 'Co-exist' which is set for release come the 10th September. Another classic take on their immersive and transcendent style and a great glimpse of what looks to be another top-selling, award-winning album. Other tracks 'Chained' and 'Angels' both worth a listen.

listen below

 N E W    M U S I C

black moth

Leeds foursome 'Black Moth' have released two debut tracks for free via their website. A band that combines rock, gothic, metal and are labelled as 'Mothic Horror' and for those who love Pulled Apart by Horses.100% worth a recommendation, plus an added organ on top with female vocals makes for an original take on a often controversial/inconsistent genre. Two songs entitled 'The Articulate Dead' and 'Blind Faith'

visit:

http://blackmothband.co.uk/

for downloads

G  R  E  E  N  M  A  N

Greenman 2012 delivered once again amongst handfuls of rain, mud and vegetarian cuisine. 

Picture courtesy of buzzmag

top 10

1. Alt-j

Alt-j delivered a outstanding performance of sheer perfection. The foursome tore apart the Far Out tent leaving a crowd filled with pumped-up joy. An incredible polished performance playing throughout their debut album 'An Awesome Wave'. A witness to a masterpiece.

2. Feist

Feist's playful and powerful performance to close the final live performances of the festival topped off another outstanding performance. Her sheer enjoyment and passion to perform her own music encouraged a crowd into uproar. A set filled with songs to tug on the heart strings and those to jump and scream.

3.The Staves

An example of pure perfection vocally. The three-piece Staves delivered a perfectly polished performance. Songs such as Mexico and Motherlode sent the crowd into cheers/claps. As well as their playful and casual persona on stage, they gave a truly mesmerising performance.

4. Stealing Sheep

Stealing Sheep have grown and grown in the music world. There unique style and powerful performance can feel like it's missing from their latest record, yet when they begin to perform on stage with their energy and sheer talent is something not worth missing.

5.Kwes

Kwes offered a totally unique style of electronica to a folk-orientated environment. As darkness fell on the Greenman Pub stage, Kwes accompanied by two shy and timid females gathered a large crowd for this small stage. Witnessing a genius of electronica was something entirely unique and fresh to the rest of the festival.

6.Tallest Man on Earth

As expected Tallest Man delivered, just to bare witness to Kristian Mattson in his element alone with his acoustic guitar offered a spine-tingling sensation as his uproars of passion flooded the Far out tent. There is something truly unique to a guitar and a voice, and one as strong as Mattson's offered an inspirational performance.

7. The Bees

The Bees offered a powerful, well-constructed and incredible performance that forced a packed far out tent into a frenzy of claps and cheers. The talent of The Bees lies in their way to adapt and multitask to multiple instruments and each time provide a professional performance. A real mix of folk,blues and jazz combined into a single band.

8.Michael Kiwanuka

Its impossible to not love the sheer soul of Michael Kiwanuka, accompanied with a large percussion section and backing band Kiwanuka offered a polished performance which could have easily been mistaken as listening to his record. A sheer example of pure talent in voice and song-writing.

9. The Wave Pictures

The band that don't look like a band - but could potentially be some of the most talented musicians to bare witness. Not a band that focuses on image or style but the sheer love and desire to play incredible music. 

10.Metronomy

Metronomy headlined the Mountain Stage for Saturday night and the whole performance was a sight to bare witness, with an incredible lighting display paired with a strong performance by the band themselves, Metronomy finished off an action packed Saturday line-up.

Other notable candidates:

TOY

Van 'the Man' Morrison

Gang Colours

Dark Dark Dark

Jamie N Commons

Savages

Slow Club

Ghost Poet

N E W     M U S I C

Nottingham based band 'Kagoule' have caught my interest due to their unique and sometimes dark take on music. An amalgamation of punchy drums and drone rock paired with trembling bass and vocals creates a unique sound. At present they only have demo's released but a band to watch out for the future.

listen below

M A R A T H O N

Today saw the launch of my own band 'Marathon'

Please feel free to like, listen & share via

http://www.facebook.com/marathonUK

listen below

N E W    M U S I C

wild nothing

paradise

Wild Nothing/Jack Tatum has released another single track of the forthcoming album 'Nocturne' entitled 'Paradise'. The previous single 'Shadow' was an insight in the droney tones of chillwave, yet new the new record mixes in a 70s synth and drum sound. However Jack still delivers a calm and tranquil sound. New single 'Paradise' encompasses all that is 'chillwave' and has added a seaside feel.  Both singles are on the new record set for release on August 27th. 

Wild Nothing have also released a lunar calendar to accompany the album

be sure to visit it at http://wild-nothing-nocturne.com/

listen below

N E W      M U S I C

the xx

chained

The XX have began their return to music with the release of their second single 'Chained' from the forthcoming album, 'Coexist'. The previous single 'Angels' and now 'Chained' are both classic examples of the immersive, simplistic and creative sound we know and loved about the self-titled debut album. On 11th September I am fortunate enough to be seeing The XX at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff, the day before the record is released. After previously seeing them at the break of their debut album at Glastonbury 2010 I am thrilled to be able to experience the XX live once again, and with the support 2:54, it's sure to be a gig to remember. 

listen below

N E W     M U S I C

grizzly bear

'Yet Again'

Grizzly Bear have revealed their second single of their forthcoming forth album 'Shields '. The new record entitled 'Yet Again' combines the classic orchestral elements which we know and love about this New York foursome.  Be sure to check out the previous single 'Sleeping Ute' for another beautifully constructed sound. This new record, 'Yet Again' holds the classical elements of Grizzly Bear we know and love yet adds a wave of psychedelia to finish.

listen below:

Shields track list:

sleeping ute

speak in rounds

adelma

yet again

the hunt

a simple answer

what's wrong

gun-shy

half gate

sun in your eyes

P H O T O

sailing

N E W     M U S I C

tame impala

elephant

Aussie's Tame Impala have released another track of their forthcoming album 'Lonerism'. The track is entitled 'Elephant'. The sound reminds me of the golden drugged-up days of Marc Bolan. This is the second track to be released so far from the latest record, - first  'Apocalypse Dreams'. Their previous record 'Innerspeaker' is very immersive and creative, and a truly unique sound. 'Lonerism' is set for release in 8th October - a long long time from now.

listen below

N E W     M U S I C

DIIV

Originally from Brooklyn, New York City DIIV - pronounced Dive - have recently began to gather more and more momentum in the music world. With single 'How long have you known' and album 'Oshin' available for purchase, these chillwave/dreampop enthusiasts are another to add to the collection. 

For lovers of Wild Nothing, Beach Fossils and Yuck, DIIV are worth a listen. 

N E W      M U S I C

bloc party 
octopus

A slow and steady four years have passed since previous releases from Bloc Party. Yesterday saw the revealing of their latest track 'Octopus'. A bold move from Kele Okereke and the gang, the new track dived back into the roots that started the band that then created the golden album, 'Silent Alarm'. The track itself.. i'm hoping is a grower, I'm not sure if i'm just blown away with the fact that Matt, Russell, Gordon and of course Kele have finally reformed and are just providing me with a great sense of nostalgia to my teenage indie years.

Listen below

N E W     M U S I C

Two new releases from both Ariel Pink Haunted Graffiti & Tame Impala this week, available from Pitchfork for a free download. Ariel Pink's new track "Only in my Dreams" has a wonderful 60's feel to the song and Tame Impala sticks to its psychedelic and immersive style, with their new release entitled "Apocalypse Dreams". 

Listen below and be sure to download.

ROCK WERCHTER 2012

the line-up I forgot to check.

A host of names will perform this weekend at Belgium's renowned rock festival 'Werchter'. Containing the likes of M83, Anna Calvi, Perfume Genius, the xx, Alabama Shakes, The Maccabees, My Morning Jacket, even The Cure to name but a few. After hearing from friends who visited a few years back I've never followed up the festival just due to its Belgian location, but with a line-up as current, as well as classical it seems to offer a strong and diverse festival. 

Listen below to the best of the bunch:

 

P H O T O

dark party

P H O T O S

hereford

Molly Wolly

Mother & Sister

P H O T O


tanglewood
/ollie

 P H O T O

tanglewood

 V I D E O

Slow Club fan Daniel Radcliffe stars in their latest single 'Beginners' of their latest album 'Paradise'. After seeing Slow Club several year ago as a support for Los Campesinos I was instantly hooked on this perfectly tuned, tight and punchy British band. The harmonies of both Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor are always an ease to listen too and the new record although in my opinion not as addictive as the previous one still offers some superbly constructed songs. The latest video staring the globally recognisable actor is one that excels Radcliffe's performance skills as well as a brilliant example of creative and immersive filming. Definately worth a listen and a watch, if not just to witness Potter being a drunkard in a pub.

N E W      M U S I C

splashh

Hackney band, Splashh are the latest to reach the eyes and ears of the public. With only a few songs available to listen to online these brit-pop classics are set for a good future. With indulgent and immersive vocals paired with steady drums and grungy guitar chords, they offer a distinct sound. A band that follow a chill-wave-esque genre offer something different to the likes of Wild Nothing & Warpaint. The guardian labelled them as 'fuzzy surf/garage' but I'd label them as a grungy chillwave band. A band to definately listen to and keep an eye out for. Listen below to 'All I Wanna Do' and be sure to check out more of the band's record via soundcloud, also below. 

P H O T O

grandfather's camera

A L B U M         R E V I E W

tallest man on earth

'There's No Leaving Now'

Kristian Mattson, also known as the fast emerging Tallest Man on Earth has released his third studio record entitled 'There's No Leaving now'. A record packed with emotional highs and lows, from acoustic ballads to punchy folk, Mattson's variety in acoustic music always draws in a new or regular listener. Previous records are as immersive as the latest release with songs such as '1904' and the album titled track 'There's No Leaving Now' particularly proving Mattson for the strong vocalist and song-writer that he really is. All albums entirely recommended for a Swedish musician that deserves much more public approval than he's given. Performances on Jools Holland - viewed below - proved how even the greats recognise his superb talent. Fortunately the album also came with a free 45, including '1904' and 'Cycles' on side B, a track exempt from the album. An evening at Greenman with this fellow is one that should stick with me. 

****

N E W       M U S I C

wild nothing

Jack Tatum, also known as Wild Nothing returns with his latest track 'Shadow' of forthcoming album 'Noctrune' set for release at the end of August. Wild nothing's previous album 'Gemini' was played throughout last summer for those days of chillwaves in the sun. An album that I have played continously for months and this new release seems to be proving Jack Tatum as the strong solo artist that he is. Witnessed last year with a full band at Greenman 2011. I highly recommend any change you get to see these chillwave lovers, as you won't regret it.

Buy: 'Gemini' Album

         /Look out for 'Noctrune' later in the year.

N E W         M U S I C

F O A L S

The first 10 minutes of a new FOALS mixtape has been released. 
Its different, but I like different. 

Here it is: