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Wednesday, 14 May 2014

Sylvan Esso


Having both Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn been in other projects before Sylvan Esso, neither are strangers to the world of electronic and acoustic music, which is what their sound projects. This is as good as a hybrid of classic vocals and melodies mixed with electronic instruments gets. The intro track ‘Hey Mami’ starts with just a clap and some vocals/vocal harmonies, very much an acoustic/folk style introduction. The track then takes a direction you don’t necessarily expect. Once it kicks in your ears are filled with a Dubstep style bass and heavier drums, bringing in a new level of presence on the track. You might think adding this sort of layer over the track is predictable in modern day songwriting, but they do it with what I can only describe as, a touch of class. The songs keep their natural feel are overall emphasised, not ruined by the introduction of heavier electronic bass, drums and synths. ‘Play It Right’ is another track to look out for, probably the catchiest on the album, relying heavily on the electronic instrumentation, the vocals add an element of feel good to it, making it a track that will be heavily listened to over the summer by their fans.

La Roux - New Album & UK Tour!


La Roux´s second album ´Trouble From Paradise´ will be released in July 7th 2014.  It´s been nearly five years since the debut, but now you can hear the first song ´Let Me Down Gently' from the forthcoming album.  The vocalist Elly Jackson also announces a UK tour starting from the London gig in July and seven more in November.

1/7 London Conway Hall (July 1)
5/11 Glasgow O2 ABC (November 5)
7/11 Leeds Metropolitan University (7)
8/11 Birmingham Institute (8)
10/11 Bristol Academy (10)
14/11 Norwich UEA (14)
15/11 Oxford Academy (15)
            16/11 Manchester Ritz (16)


Monday, 12 May 2014

Aphex Twin´s Selected Ambient Works Volume II 20years




It has been 20 years since Richard James aka Aphex Twin released his cult album Selected Ambient Works Volume II (SAW II). It gained a huge success back then and has kept its freshness till this day. Music journalist Mark Weidenbaum wrote a book, 33 ⅓, about this masterpiece. Weidenbaum didn't like the album when it was released but after some time he has found the beauty of it; he says it sounds better and better every time. Weidenbaum didn't manage to get an interview from Richard James to his book, so his perspective is more about the context now and then and why the album is so good, still.
33 ⅓ reveals that SAW II was one of the first records which has been experienced and analyzed online. The fans of Aphex Twin created an email list called IDM and shared their thoughts and experiences about SAW II there. The community had a great impact of how the album is understood nowadays, but that is just a glimpse about all the exciting discoveries which Mark Weidenbaum has found about SAW II in his new book.