New independent duo JUDE from Florida have a few singles to their name, but it’s their latest effort (off their forthcoming EP The Bedroom) that has solidified their status as group to watch in 2015. Having drawn comparisons to Lorde (the vocals on “Crystals” are uncanny) and BROODS with prior efforts, the synthpop track “Drive” establishes them as a tour de force in their own right. Stream the dark and dreamy “Drive” below and pick up a free download for your personal collection on Soundcloud.
In lieu of a Remix Roundup this week, we thought to share the latest track and accompanying remixes from Australian electronic producer The Kite String Tangle. Off his debut EP Vessel, “Stone Cold” is an affecting duet between TKST (aka Danny Harley) and Australian singer Tiana Khasi. Stirring vocals with a backdrop of tropical, melancholic synths set the tone for a ballad about that enduring theme of a love gone wrong.
TKST also released a “Stone Cold” Remix EP last month, including standout mixes from AMTRAC and KILTER. We like the juxtaposition of these two in particular, as AMTRAC’s version — utilizing his minimalist deep house production techniques — amplifies the drama of the original by focusing solely on the female’s side of the story.
Meanwhile, fellow Aussie producer KILTER highlights the male vocals/perspective, in addition to a strong drum and bass line. Listen to these two back-to-back for an interesting study in parallels.
After much deliberation, Poetry is ready to present our picks for 2014, neatly compiled in no particular order below into a trim Top 40 Tracks. Considering the myriad of factors to consider when distilling a ‘best of’ list — not to mention sheer volume of quality music produced over the past year — this was no easy feat. Thus, we’ve included a handful of Honorable Mentions as well. While most of these tracks have been posted previously, there are a few that prior to now went unrecognized (our apologies to Owen Pallett, for example).
As an aside, it’s been a good year for Poetry In An Empty Coke Can and we’re excited for an even more expansive 2015 — so thank you for listening — and break out the champ as you relive some of the merrier (and not so merry) moments of 2014.
6. The Preatures – Is This How You Feel?
7. Glass Animals – Pools
8. Tune-yards – Water Fountain
11. Todd Terje – Delorean Dynamite
13. SOHN – Artifice
15. BROODS – Bridges
16. Sam Smith – Good Thing
17. Lykke Li – No Rest for the Wicked
18. Mac DeMarco – Passing Out Pieces
19. Alt-J – Hunger of The Pine
21. Caribou – Can’t Do Without You
22. Wild Beasts – Wanderlust
23. Tourist – Sights (ft. London Grammar)
25. The Antlers – Hotel
28. Osca – Blood
29. Mt. Si. – Oh
32. Sinkane – New Name
34. Beat Connection – Hesitation
40. Owen Pallett – The Secret Seven
— HONORABLE MENTIONS —
1. Mr Little Jeans – Good Mistake
2. Future Islands – Seasons (Waiting On You)
Get acquainted with Re/ly, a new unsigned contemporary jazz duo out of Providence, Rhode Island. Made up of Bryn Bliska (keys, vocals and production), and Jamie Fried (drums and percussion), their music is a combination of classic jazz and electro-soul that seems perfectly suited for this time of year. On their debut album Bilateral released earlier this month, they “blur the boundary between groove and instability and explore what it sounds like for two musicians to rely on one another.”
Favorites from the LP include “Unravel,” featuring Bryn’s warm jazz-styled vocals which reach full swing when the keys kick in around 1:50, and the all-instrumental track, “You Go To My Head.” Based on the sophistication of their work thus far, this is only the beginning of Re/ly’s career and we look forward to hearing more as the duo continue to cultivate their singular sound.
Once upon a time in a strange la-la land, there was a musical outfit called MVSCLES who caught our ears in 2012 with the pithy and endearing tune, “sweet n sour.” After going into hiding for awhile, the LA-based dreampop duo have reemerged under the name WATERBED with their new single “around.” It’s a welcome return, with its whimsical melodies and kaleidoscopic synths, sonically similar to Grimes. Members Chad and Cat are currently in the studio working on their debut album. For more of their particular bubblegum flavor, we recommend streaming the sprightly track “somethin” below as well.
Welcome to another Remix Roundup, in which we bring you the latest mixes and electronic tracks currently burning up the blogosphere. After the last installment of folk-themed mixes, we thought we’d shake things up with some soulful R&B-tinged dance tracks this week. Starting us off is electronic artist Le Youth with his latest reimagining, “R E A L.” Pitching down the vocals from Brandy’s 1994 hit “I Wanna Be Down,” the LA producer (born Wes James) sprinkles some of his signature nu-disco and house vibes onto the original with a rapturous rendition that feels like 90s nostalgia personified.
Next we have a new track from an Ohio-based artist TAPES, who last month put out his EP entitled Songs to Drake Up To — a play off Ta-Ku’s album Songs to Break Up To. Seems appropriate, since according to TAPES the album was inspired by a personal breakup, after which he used the sounds of Ta-Ku and Drake to help cope. “Tried To” is an electronic recast of Drake’s “Take Care” with a more dance-infused production style. Where TAPES may have tried and not succeeded interpersonally in the past, he thrives with this upbeat reinterpretation of the Drake piece. Take care to stream below.
And finally we have the latest jam from Toyboy & Robin, “Don’t Just Say.” Actually influenced by Le Youth and other artists at the forefront of future house, the UK production duo deliver an energetic dance track that uses spliced and looped vocals from Brownstone’s 1993 R&B classic, “If You Love Me.” Transforming it an invigorating and glittering house number with the use of piano lines, layered synths and drum machines, this mix is sure to ignite dance floors everywhere.
Portland artist/producer EXROYALE first popped on our radar about a year ago with his debut track, “Give It Up” that was picked up by Ra Ra Riot for a remix shortly thereafter. Since then EXROYALE (aka Josh Schroeder) has been working on his EP and has released a few tracks, including “Stuck In My Head” and most recently “Lovesick Youth.” The former is an enticing piece of electropop tinged with R&B, replete with moody melodies and pulsing tempo, while the latter is more of a shimmering pop anthem. Stream both efforts below.
Last week, Portland’s Pink Feathers (aka Liz Anjos) saw the release of her debut EP, Invisible Lines. Produced by Andre Anjos of RAC (you read that right — the duo are a pair), the EP is a four-song collection confected of synthy, sugary pop. The standout track has to be the duet “The Feeling’s Gone” with Austin newcomers (and new Poetry fave), SPEAK. Troupe Gammage’s tenor serves as a nice counterbalance to Liz’s candied vocals, particularly in the coda. Stream below.
If you’re into contemporary jazz, you should be familiar with BADBADNOTGOOD. For the uninitiated, BBNG (the title is a misnomer) are a Toronto trio that make inspired instrumental music, fused with jazz and electronic elements. Made up of Chester Hansen (bass), Alexander Sowinski (percussion and samples), and Matthew Tavares (keyboard), all of the members are classically trained musicians who met in college and bonded over a mutual love of hip hop, as reflected in their music. In their relatively short career they’ve collaborated or enjoyed the support of numerous renowned artists, including James Blake, Frank Ocean, Bonobo, and Tyler, The Creator.
For a sampling of their work, stream the percussive “Can’t Leave The Night,” off their third studio album III, released May 2014 via Innovative Leisure (Classixx, Rhye). Also check out their fantastically dark and dramatic reinterpretation of Kanye West’s “Flashing Lights” below.
DC locals will have the chance to see BBNG work their jazz alchemy at U Street Music Hall this Friday, December 5. Tickets are still available, so get on it.
London electronic musician Alex Kotz aka Elderbrook is the latest artist to sign with Black Butter Records, and already we are intrigued. His debut EP Simmer Down, which was released November 23 on iTunes is highly worth checking out with entrancing singles like “Could” and “How Many Times.” Think Chet Faker x Seekae. Listen to the compelling track “Could” below, as well as the tantalizing “How Many Times” remix from German production duo Andhim, also included on the EP.
So many lies / So many lies that you thought out
It’s no surprise your shakin’ eyes get you caught out
A little time / A little time and it’s alright
And all the lines you drew / You didn’t find what you set out to
poetry in an empty coke can 