London duo LSBV (short for Little Shoes Big Voice) dropped a lovely new piece of dreampop in the ether this week — a track called “Smoke N Mirrors.” Made up of Jack Durtnall and Emily Harvey, the British two-piece released their debut EP, Little Things last year and continue to assert themselves with instantly accessible singles such as this one. Enjoy the whimsical gem below.
Following their EP Blood, Osca have debuted their first single of the new year — a b-side to a track due out in March. Set against subdued guitar and melancholic synths, frontman Jack Kenworthy’s gorgeous vocals are on full showcase on “Sleeptalk.” The London quartet certainly know how to build anticipation, as with b-sides like this, the analogue seems almost superfluous. Stream the starry track below.
Chris Ward of Tropics knows how to use a repetitive snare. The London artist’s new single “Rapture” will capture your ears through a reverberated piano, accompanied by double-layered vocals. Innovative Leisure label strikes lyrical gold again with this talented multi-instrumentalist, who will be releasing his sophomore effort February 16. “Rapture,” the title track off the forthcoming album, is a seductive song about the struggles of experiencing a deep connection in an urban city. Stream below.
Escape the winter doldrums with the new single from Years & Years, a bright poppy anthem entitled “King.” Might as well call this UK trio the new pop royalty, because every thing they put out turns to gold. Stream the shimmering single below and look for its official release March 1 on Polydor Records.
Deptford Goth, also known as Daniel Woolhouse is a producer from South London, who once alternated a daily teaching assistant routine with recording sessions at night in his apartment. Daniel’s sophomore LP, simply titled Songs (November 2014) is composed of introspective lovesick pop accompanied with synthesized instruments such as the harp and piano. Listen to “The Loop” on loop below.
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
XO, the UK producer/songwriter otherwise known as Sunil Heera has received a good amount of acclaim this past year from tastemakers such as Pitchfork, Noisey, and Mixmag. Premiered by Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 last weekend, his new single “Pulling Me Under” is a haunting piano-driven house groove with featured vocals from fellow UK newcomer Leo Kalyan. The soulful track, which was co-written by MNEK, is sure to pull you under with its seductive chords and undulating melodies.
Listen below and look out for XO’s debut EP, Through The Night to drop December 1 via new UK label He Loves You Not Recordings.
On Chromeo‘s latest LP, White Women (released May 2014), the Canadian electro-funk/disco duo teamed up with Solange to create soulful single “Lost On the Way Home” — an 80s-inspired synthy duet about a relationship gone sour. Dave 1 of Chromeo and Solange duel it out on the track, but it’s the gripping vocals of the Knowles songstress that steal the show with her repeated refrain ‘And you know it’s gonna take time’ — which sounds like it was sampled straight out of an 80s pop song.
Stream the melancholic gorgeousness below, along with a more upbeat remix from Mat Zo. The british producer ups the tempo and transforms the track into an uplifting drum and bass electro-affair. Snag the mix gratis on Soundcloud!
In honor of the CMJ Music Marathon happening in New York this week, we thought now would be a good time to highlight the Leeds-based group and featured CMJ artist, Adult Jazz. Four years in the making, the British quartet released their complex debut, Gist Is this August. Showcasing a uniquely variegated sound with influences of chamber pop, prog rock, and of course jazz, lead singer Harry Burgess has said that the album explores weighty subjects such as the challenges of communication, empathy, morality, and the search for meaning.
Stream the stirring track “Am Gone,” and if you’re in the NYC area, get jazzed for their CMJ performances below (full schedule here).
Adult Jazz CMJ dates:
10.23 – Rough Trade – 10:00PM
10.24 – Rough Trade – 12:30PM
10.25 – Brooklyn Bowl – 8:30PM
In light of the fact that Jungle is playing in DC this week, we thought now would be an appropriate time to share the amazing video for their single “Time.” Co-directed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch, the London duo premiered the video a week before releasing their smash self-titled debut this July. The short—similar to the last one for “The Heat”—centers around two older gent’s proclivity for dance, culminating in a full on dance-off in a high school auditorium. Watch the fierce battle that transpires below.
Can’t wait to catch these cats tomorrow, September 30 at Black Cat!
And just for kicks — we also wanted to share the new Joy Orbison rhythmic rework of Jungle’s “The Heat.” One of the few remixes that Jungle have permitted, UK’s Joy O brings some intricate synth work and basslines to the groovy original. Right on time.
poetry in an empty coke can 