It was a past life thing

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tanlines

I had the opportunity to see Tanlines at DC’s Black Cat last month and the dynamic Brooklyn duo managed to exceed my expectations. Not only do they have a fantastic live energy, but their music also has an element of world fusion which I wasn’t aware of going into.

“All of Me,” from their debut album Mixed Emotions released last March was their first single that caught my attention; then after the concert I had to go and uncover a bunch more. “Real Life” is a shining example of the sheer exuberance that radiates from Tanlines. As if that weren’t reason enough to listen to them, they also have a great handle. Who wouldn’t want to soak up tanlines all year long? Vitamin D-deprived crazy people, that’s who.

tanlines2

Wild Cub – “Thunder Clatter”

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Ok I’ll admit, the above still is not from the featured track, but the image from a video by the same artist was too wonderful not to include (so I have a thing for romantic imagery). But I digress — this indie rock track currently clattering its way up the indiesphere comes from Nashville duo Wild Cub. Off their album Youth released this August, “Thunder Clatter” is a joyous listening experience full of “indie-harmonic, fast-paced percussive, love-based majesty.”

 

Wait one minute, I had to listen for it, it was hidden in the fall

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Blackbird Blackbird – All

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

Crystal Castles – III

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In keeping with this week’s theme of Halloween-related music, today’s post features the experimental group with ‘goth-pop sensibilities,’ Crystal Castles. The nihilistic worldview of the Canadian duo is evident in their dark tones and dystopic lyrics. Although discordant at times, their array of sounds come together in what is ultimately wickedly mesmerizing stuff.

Also continuing the meme of three-character monikers, the following tracks “Plague” and “Wrath of God” are off their forthcoming album, III, scheduled to drop November 12. Apparently CC used the first take of each recording on the album, averring that “the first take is the rawest expression of an idea.” That level of commitment to a musical philosophy is commendable.

For good measure, I also threw in a vintage favorite, “Celestica.” Listen to and download all three tracks below.

when it’s cold outside hold me / don’t hold me
when I choose to rest my eyes coax me / don’t coax me
follow me into nowhere / woven with the utmost care