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.
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.
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.”
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 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…
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
While little is known about No Ceremony///, the mysterious outfit from Manchester have been making waves on the web with dark but dreamy electronic pop tunes like FEELSOLOW, released earlier this month. Shortly thereafter, Theatre of Delays put out a remix that amps up the original track, preserving the tender undertones at the same time.
Trails and Ways are one of my favorite bands to emerge onto the indie scene this year. Their bossa nova sound and affective lyricism is like a tropical, musical confection for my ears. Though based out of Oakland, their music is inspired by the samba sounds of Brazil, where the lead singer spent an extended period of time in Fortaleza.
Below are some of my favorite singles off of their forthcoming album, Trilingual – due to release in early 2013.
you left me in Fortaleza / I lost myself in empty walls
made myself a shoreline without water / heat and sand was all
It took a little while for the experimental sound of Purity Ring to grow on me. After inadvertently hearing the Canadian duo live this fall, however, I started to see their appeal. In the same vein as Crystal Castles, their sound is downright eerie – and the kind of thing that if were I to be making a Halloween/Frankenstorm playlist for instance (if? who am i kidding), would will definitely be included.
Check out Noah Hyde’s remix of “Obedear,” as well as the more demure “Fineshrine” PR original below.
Digging this rework of British singer-songwriter Ben Howard’s “The Fear,” from Belgian producer Moonlight Matters.
I been worryin’ that my time is a little unclear
I been worryin’ that I’m losing the ones I hold dear
I been worryin’ that we all live our lives in the confines of fear
poetry in an empty coke can 