Track of The Week - Wild Belle - It's Too Late

       To celebrate the nice weather today, here is a lovely track called It’s Too Late by Wild Belle. Have a listen below:

      Made up of siblings Elliot and Natalie Bergman, Wild Belle hail from Chicago. This song is taken from their debut album ‘Isles’ - an interesting mix of reggae, ska, indie-pop and electronica.

      Check out another track, Keep You, which sounds like a mash-up between The Specials and Beth Gibbons.

      I deliberated for a bit about which to put as the track of the week out of these two, but eventually went for It’s Too Late as I actually heard that one first via a tasty remix by Anoraak. The catchy and unusual vocal stylings led to me look up more of their stuff.

      You can check out the band and see what they are up to by visiting their official page HERE or on Facebook HERE

31st Mar 2014

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Track of The Week - Kaleida - Tropea

This week’s track comes from the Kaleida with the track Tropea. 

Have a listen below.

Hows that for an awesome intro? Firstly the bass dropping, then the ethereal vocals coming in - sounding like a cross between Annie Lennox and Florence Welch. Best listened to on a speakers with good bass output. Love the production on this!

Not much is known about Kaleida. They are described as an ‘electronic duo’ based in London, consisting of two young women by the names of Christina Wood and Cicely Goulder.

They only have one other track out on Soundcloud called Think, which there is also a video of - you can see it by clicking HERE. I didn't like it as much as Tropea at first, but the more I listen to it the more it grows on me.

For more info about them check their Facebook page HERE.

21st Dec 2013

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Track of The Week - Chromeo - Sexy Socialite

 

      This week’s track comes from the Chromeo with the track Sexy Socialite from their forthcoming album White Women. You can listen to it below.

        When I first heard Sexy Socialite I was surprised as it was a bit of a departure from their usual electro sound. However, it literally only took about 30 seconds of those bouncy beats, catchy vocals and the uplifting get-up-and-dance vibe to make it this week’s most listened to track.

        On the face of it, it is a departure from the usual Chromeosound - and props to them for taking on new influences and branching out in different directions rather than just repeating the sounds of their hit 2010 album Business Casual.

       Having said that, on closer inspection the ingredients that make up Chromeo are still there: the funky baselines, lyrics about girls and relationships, the vocoder backing vocals, the amazing synths… Oh, and did I mention the bass? Listen to this on a something with good speakers. This is the very the definition of a funky baseline!

        I’ve been a fan of Chromeo for many years and eagerly await each new release or remix (either by them or of one of their tracks). I even made a mixtape in my Electro Fighter Vs… series that celebrates much of their back catalogue with various remixes and rare tracks all mixed together. It's actually the most listened to of all my mixtapes! You can check it out HERE.

        So it’s been a three-year wait, but they've finally announced a new album, entitled White Women. Although there is no official release date as of yet, I would take a guess and say it would probably be out early next year.

        In the meantime though, you can check out another forthcoming track Over Your Shoulder by clicking HERE. This one is a bit more of a classic Chromeo sound, but still great nonetheless. I'm very much looking forward to the new album now!

17th November 2013

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Track of The Week - Lorde - Royals

This week’s track comes from the sublime talent of Lorde, with the track Royals. Have a listen below:

       Real name Ella Yelich-O’Connor from New Zealand, she is at the time of writing only 16(!) and yet her song writing and vocal prowess belie her years.

       I love how the electronic production is effective and yet sparse – to allow the vocals to take centre stage, with great use of harmonies and layering.

       It would be unfair to compare, but her vocals bring to mind Florence Welch, Marina Diamandis or Lana Del Rey. She’s certain to be headed for big things, so watch this space!

       You can check out another favourite of mine, the track Team by clicking HERE.

       Want more? Her debut album Pure Heroin is set for release at the end of this month, but in the meantime you can listen to her EP The Love Club in its entirety by clicking HERE.
       You can also find the website for Lorde HERE.

21st September 2013

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Track of The Week - M83 - Oblivion (feat. Susanne Sundfør)

Taken from end credits of the film Oblivion, which I recently reviewed for PillowMagazine, this track is by electro-pop band M83 featuring vocals by Susanne Sundfør.


Have a listen below:



The score of the film is a collaboration between Anthony Gonzalez of M83 and Joseph Trapanese (who worked with Daft Punk on the TRON: Legacy soundtrack) and is the perfect end to this decent sci-fi film.

If the soaring cinematic strings and pounding drums don't get your roused, then Norwegian singer Susanne Sundfor's epic vocals will send shivers down your spine. She sounds just as good live too - check out the awesome live version below:

7th Sept 2013

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Track of The Week - LSK - Test Me

        This week’s tune is by Leeds based singer/songwriter and record producer LSK with his track Test Me. Have a listen below:

        Ah summer! You have finally emerged!

        To celebrate, here is a track you can enjoy whilst sitting outside and soaking up the rays. With a catchy mix of vocals, reggae rap and B-boy breaks you can get up and rock to, this one grabbed my attention from the very first time I heard it.

        LSK (real name Leigh Stephen Kenny) has worked with other artists such as Nightmares on Wax and Faithless, and you definitely need to check out the 2003 album Outlaw from which this track is taken.

        Need more convincing? Check out Rapp Starr from the same album.

        So open the doors and windows and crank up the volume. Here’s to many more days of long overdue summery goodness. Enjoy!

3rd June 2013

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Track of The Week - Anna Ternheim - Off The Road

        This week’s track comes from Swedish singer-songwriter Anna Ternheim with the hauntingly beautiful Off The Road. Have a listen to this live version, which also features Ane Brun.

        Click the video below:

        I first heard this song whilst playing Silent Hill: Downpour - the latest in the long running survival horror series. In the game, just before reaching the mysterious town of Silent Hill itself, I had just disembarked from a ride on a cable car and was making my way through the dilapidated station when I came across a radio. These radios are scattered through various points in the game and you always have the option of switching these on to catch some chatter from the DJ or to listen to some licensed music.

        I knew that the town lay up ahead and so I decided to pause for a moment to collect myself. I switched on the radio and this song started to play. I literally just stood there (in the game) listening to the song, mesmerized, being soaked in the melancholy atmosphere. It fitted the current mood of the game so perfectly, evoking themes of sorrow and loss, the travels into the unknown that lay ahead and the shattered ideal of small town Americana.

        Listening to this song again, it conjures up an image of a long train ride in the rain – which is exactly what this person on YouTube made a video of. Another song by Anna Ternheim that is also used in the game is Words of Love, which you can listen to HERE.

        You can find out more about this talented lady by visiting her official page HERE or her YouTube channel HERE for more videos.

18 Mar 2013

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Track of The Week - Haim - Falling

 

       This weeks’ track comes from LA female 3-piece Haim (rhymes with ‘rhyme’) with their latest single Falling.

       A friend of mine recommended the song to me the other day and upon hearing it I was instantly smitten and had to make it my song of the week.

       Have a listen below:

       The first thing that will no doubt hit you about the song is the vocals. As well as the sweet harmonies (the girls are also actually sisters), the delivery of the vocals also stands out as being catchy and unique - influenced by Stevie Nicks with a little bit of MJ thrown in there too. In fact, you can hear their cover of the Fleetwood Mac song Hold Me HERE.

       The production on this track is wonderful too – evoking a sunny and nostalgic late 80s/early 90s vibe whilst still sounding fresh and exciting. Again, it’s insanely catchy and warm.

       Another awesome song you should by Haim you should check out is Forever.

       It’s great that a band of three talented sisters like this is slowly getting the exposure they deserve and I look forward to checking out their debut full-length album when it does get released.

       In the meantime, check out their Facebook pagefor more info and updates.

25 Feb 2013

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Track of The Week - Neon Workout feat. Mirana - Hot Water

        This week’s track is by Neon Workout featuring Mirana and is entitled Hot Water.

        Have a listen here:

        Whilst listening to a lot of 80s vibe electro tracks on YouTube I came across this gem (exclusively only available to listen on NewRetroWave’s channel).

        Starting with a funky bassline, this tune goes to the next level once Mirana’s sweet disco-styled vocals drop. It's infectious and guaranteed to get your head nodding - despite the fact that the song is basically just about taking a shower! Maybe that's what happen to be craving in this recent freezing cold weather.

        You can listen to more of Neon Workout’s 80s electro goodness by going to his Soundcloud page or Facebook for more info on what he’s up to.

        Mirana hasn’t actually featured on that many decent tracks as of yet, but one song of her's entitled Dark Ride is also pretty good – check it out! She also has a fan page on Facebook.

        Right gotta go – I have a sudden urge to have a nice warm shower…

24 Jan 2013

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Track of The Week - Cinnamon Girl - Now I know

        This week’s track is from London based singer Cinnamon Girl and is entitled Now I Know. 

 Have a listen here:

        I discovered Cinnamon Girl on Soundcloudand was immediately charmed by the electronic production and her amazing warbling voice, slightly reminiscent of Emilie Autumn except in a different genre.

        The first track I heard was actually her most recent, Devil in Me, which had that 80s Kylie Minogue charm in the production. You should definitely check that song out too by clicking HERE. Another recommended track is Friends which features some awesome synths.

        However, the track I chose for TOTW is Now I Know which is snappy, nicely produced and showcases Cinnamon Girl’s vocals nicely, which makes it my chosen favourite of her songs.

        Little is known about Cinnamon Girl but hopefully I will be able to hear more of her work in the future – an artist who isn’t afraid to just go and do her own thing.

         
        You can follow her on youtube HERE or visit her website HERE.

24 Dec 2012

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Track of The Week: Fenech-Soler - All I Know

        This week’s TOTW is All I Knowby Fenech-Soler, a track from their forthcoming second album due for release in 2013.

        You can watch the video below:

        Having recently completed a Fenech-Soler electro mixtape, I came across this brand new track whilst linking my blog post to their website, and upon hearing it – it just blew me away. It’s immediate, catchy, melodic and dancey all at the same time – a perfect marriage of electropop with a rock edge.

 

        Yes, this is the classic Fenech-Soler sound – it just seems they have stepped it up to another level! These guys should be blowing up in 2013 and I am genuinely excited to hear more of their new material – a rare feeling for me these days.

        You can check out their website HERE.

10 Dec 2012

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