Music Archive: March 2011
Here is a very small selection of the new music we've been playlisting this month
Amalia- Art Slave (Tokyo Dawn)
Produced by Opolopo, and coming across like a sleazy-but-sophisticated mutation of late 80s New Jack Swing, boogie and disco, Amalia's debut LP would make the likes of Grace Jones and Chaka Khan proud. Slap-bass, space-age keys and a vocal that you just know not to mess with mean this is likely to fill the gap between Dam Funk albums. Retro-futurist genius.
The Go! Team- Rolling Blackouts (Memphis Industries)
More songs of upbeat innocence from Ian Parton's infinitely charming Go! Team. Present and correct are the girl-chants, the sharpest, catchiest sampled hooks and the rabble-rousing party-starting choruses. Also, however, parts of this record finds the band in a somewhat more introspective mood than we've known them to be. A certain maturity often infects the Go! Team's featherweight party-pop, and that's no bad thing. The band still know how to do what they do, but this third album is likely have you going back to it more than the previous two, as it's sugary charms are diluted by genuine songwriting skill.
Maya Jane Coles- Hummingbird EP (Hypercolour)
We're delightred to welcome the fantastic Hypercolour to our list of labels, and especially as it's just in time for us to be able to playlist this record! Deep, warm house that'll be getting as much play on the dancefloors of the world as it will on our playlists. An utterly catchy hummed melody can surely guarantee crossover appeal, and the beautifully crafted piano-and bass will make this a hit with even the most fussy aficionado.
Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will (Rock Action)
The seventh album of post-rock-pop from Lanarkshire's unhealthiest noiseniks. With the tempo upped slightly across these tracks (and one featuring Stuart's vocal) it definitely brings change to their catalogue without straying from their tried and tested quiet-loud-quiet-loud formula. A blissed-out, moody racket. If it was anything else, it wouldn't be a Mogwai record.
Zoey Van Goey- Propeller Versus Wings (Chemikal Underground)
Album number two from Glasgow's ZVG sees them hit the ground running with proper support from Chemikal and a recent headline slot at the holy grail of indie pop, Belle & Sebastien's Bowlie event. Classic Glasgow songwriting influenced by B&S and Teenage Fanclub collides with the noisey melodies of Magnetic Fields and Yo La Tengo to create the kind of record their home town is known for. Needless to say, you're going to love it.
FOUND- Factorycraft (Chemikal Underground)
It's a good month for Chemikal! The third album from experimental pop collective FOUND finds them taking interesting new musical routes. A modern amalgamation of styles and stylishness with it's roots in Hot Chip, My Bloody Valentine and Ivor Cutler- it seems Chemikal might just have another big hitter on their hands. Although it's getting a CD release, there are only 300 copies of the heavyweight gatefold vinyl, so act fast to secure a copy.
Frootful- Colours (Freestyle)
This is exactly the kind of album Freestyle are known for, and a great example of how they've earned their fantastic reputation. Simultaneously authentic-sounding yet modern, 'Frootful' is produced by Open Ear favourite Lack of Afro, and perfectly mixes 60s R&B soul with be-bop, funk and soul-jazz. It takes a special talent to mix these styles and finish with everything sounding so perfect, and Freestyle sure know how to find 'em.
Daedelus- Bespoke (Ninja Tune)
Expertly crafted beatronica from LA, and the first new Daedelus material for Ninja Tune sinc 2008's 'Love To Make Music To'. Employing a number of vocalists and several musicians, we're sure the title explains as much as it ought to- this is tailor-made, expertly crafted art made for connoisseurs by a true master.
Treefight For Sunlight- Treefight For Sunlight (Bella Union)
The first big release of 2011 for Bella Union sees the debut from Danish pop-art mavericks finally get issued. A glorious mixture of 70s California and 80s experimentalism means this is going to be a hit with anybody who ever fell in love with The Flaming Lips, MGMT and Panda Bear. We're tipping Treefight For Sunlight as one of the big hits of the summer festivals. Already.