Pop production duo from Australia, Flight Facilities — best known for their dancefloor number Crave You — are back with the blissful single featuring the vocals of Christine Hoberg, “Clair de Lune.” Stunning.
Blackbird Blackbird – All
Based out of San Francisco, Blackbird Blackbird is the moniker of wunderkind composer Mikey Maramag. Originally from Hawaii, the tropical influences of the producer’s origins are evident in his particular flavor of layered folktronica. The following video/track “All” is off the new EP Boracay Planet, released this October to critical acclaim.
Citing musical influences such as The Smiths, Grizzly Bear, and My Bloody Valentine (a damn fine line-up), the album in Maramag’s own words is made up of “a lot of guitar layered over synths and visually patterned ambiance, blending warm tones with clear vocals and anthemic melodies.” I’ll take it all, please.
Grimes – Genesis
One of my favorite female artists to emerge this year is Grimes – nom de plume of Claire Boucher – a Canadian artist known for her childlike, dulcet vocals and eclectic blend of lo-fi synthpop. If you’re not yet hip to Grimes, stream and download the dream-like “Genesis” off her album Visions below.
Alt-J (∆) – Something Good
Although on the surface a band represented by a symbol might seem pretentious, at least Alt-J (∆) is a symbol that can be pronounced (unlike the artist formerly known as Prince). Nonetheless, I’m willing to give the UK group a pass as the symbol signifying change has intrinsic meaning to them.
Plus, their blend of indie pop with syncopated rhythms and folk influences is pretty awesome. “Something Good” is my favorite track off the band’s debut LP, appropriately titled An Awesome Wave. The recently released video showcasing the demise of a Spanish matador is a visual feat also worth viewing.
The Zolas – Knot in My Heart
Canadian progressive rock group The Zolas released their second LP, Ancient Mars last month and have been gaining popular momentum ever since. Best single off the duo’s sophomore album is the seriously catchy “Knot in My Heart,” aptly described by 32ft/second as:
“one of those pop songs that traffics in the dark sorts of solipsisms of the early 20s, the sort of sea sick pains that you wake up with, a grinding anxiety of love and loss, […] set to a bouncy, modulated chorus that tickles every dopamine receptor available.”
Ultraísta – Smalltalk (Four Tet Remix)
Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich’s newest project is a trio called Ultraísta, named after the Spanish literary movement ultraismo. Nigel brings his singular brand of sonic soundscapes to the group’s self-titled debut LP, which was released October this year.
This excellent Four Tet remix of “Smalltalk” highlights the cool vocals of new London artist Laura Bettinson. Another requisite remix to check out (if you call yourself a Radiohead fan) is the Alpines rework of “Bad Insect” below.
so I’m not going out, and I’m not gonna dance
not gonna sing unless somebody’s holding on
The 1975 – You
The 1975 is a group from Manchester, who will be releasing their new EP, SEX November 19th. Their classic indie rock sound and earnest vocals as displayed on the track “You,” will tug at the heart strings and pull you in.
it’s my party and I’ll cry ’til the end
you must try harder in kissing all of my friends
…it takes a bit more…
poetry in an empty coke can 