This week we've got a little bit of everything, from the beautifully harmonised, dreamlike melodies of Cristobal And The Sea and the return of Joanna Newsom, to sharp lyricism from Isaiah Rashad and the neo-soul wonders of Stealth. Have a scroll and enjoy the jams.
Cristobal And The Sea - ‘Fish Eye’
This multi-national group are reminiscent of Animal Collective with their electronic elements, richly layered instrumentals and perfectly harmonised vocals. Within moments of pressing play on ‘Fish Eye’, you’re plunged into a beautiful world of guitar tweaks, flutes and melodies that serve as golden syrup for your ears. The band visited Gigwise in the office yesterday and played a stripped back version of the track for us. Needless to say, it was pretty flipping great. Stay tuned for the footage and keep your eyes on this rising band.
Isaiah Rashad - ‘Nelly’
The latest T.D.E signing has stayed relatively quiet since releasing his debut EP Cilvia Demo last year. Rather than return to your speakers and headphones with a huge track, he’s re-emerged with an understated, melodic cut led by subtle piano chords and an intriguing new vocal style. Cilvia Demo was soaked in melancholic atmosphere, ‘Nelly’ continuing on the path of infectious and sedated records that are a breath of fresh air amidst a sea of champaign popping and weed smoking.
Birthmark: ‘Suit Of Armour’
American Football’s Nate Kinsella is set to release his fourth solo project under the Birthmark Moniker, How You Look When You’re Falling Down’. Surging with metal string guitars and cinematic atmosphere, Kinsella sings with energy and resolve over this gloriously catch track. The past and present collide in spectacular fashion as orchestral strings hover above infectiously glitchy beats and force you to bob your head in an indie rock trance.
Joanna Newsom - 'Leaving The City'
Joanna Newsom dropped another peach this week from her forthcoming album Divers. 'Leaving the City' resonates Newsom's familiar medieval, folk, harp trip, then a rolling thump of drums sound in for as stomping chorus that wouldn't be out of place on an early Kate Bush record. Drivers' release can't come soon enough.
Suede - Outsiders
Suede have released one of their darkest tracks to date. In the verses it evokes Brian Molko, whilst the falsetto choruses are unmistakably Suede. Bernard Butler's guitar jangles and fills space brilliantly, solidifying him as one of the most important guitarists in pop. The track is the first to be released from their forthcoming album Night Thoughts which is out on 22. Yes, the new year is close.
L'Amour Bleu - 'The Slave'
The new project from ex-Bloc Party drummer Matt Tong, L'Amour Bleu has taken the slight post-punk nuances of his previous band and ran with them. Bordering sounding like an Iceage tribute band, L'Amour Bleu harness the clandestine aggression of the Danish punks and injects an added dose of flair and playful energy. The drawling vocals and clapping snares are indicative of one of those weird punk parties people used to have in their lounges in the 70s, sounds great.
Stealth - 'Intro'
Riding the impetus behind a series of successful collaborations in the world of dance with Metrik and Netsky, Birmingham songwriter Stealth is ready to take on the world at his own pace, prioritising the quality of his songs before anything else, and INTRO is evidence of that. Delving into bluesy ranges in his vocals, the production job is penetrative and a general reinvigoration of the neo-soul style that's wearing increasingly thin.
TesseracT - ‘Dystopia’
The opening track of prog metal pioneers TesseracT's new album 'Polaris' sets the tone for something we're still struggling to comprehend, but we're loving every second. TesseracT's ambitious, prismatic sound has never failed to amaze and this song is the perfect opener for such a colourful, explorative experience.
