Segueness III

[Segueness is a curious random occurrence where two tunes ultimately beat as one]

Lovebabies were signed to Richard Branson’s V2 label for a short time in the late nineties. I bought their ‘Blue Earth Angel’ EP cause I liked their name and the look of the cover. Never know what to expect with these things but the aural smoothie that poured from the speakers snagged my attention immediately. ‘Resonance/Divine Plan’ as you’d expect evolves over 2 parts, the second being as essential as a St. Etienne/Morcheeba hybrid should be. Cinnamon from Sweden were operating around the same time as Lovebabies and released 2 undervalued albums. ‘Maybe In The Next Life’ came from their second called ‘Vertigo’. There are traces of early Cardigans wizardry and the instrumentation is particularly clever. See if you can trace the moment during these two songs where segueness becomes a reality. KD

Lovebabies - Resonance/Divine Plan

Buy EP: [UK] Blue Earth Angel
Year: 1998

Cinnamon - Maybe In The Next Life

More Info: Cinnamon
Buy Album: [UK] Vertigo [US] Vertigo
Year: 2000

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My Dad vs. Yours - Grand Law Of Unintended Consequences

Another post-rock outfit to steal your heart, My Dad vs. Yours have a colourful history that saw them first entering the creative arena as puppeteers. An acid tongued critic put paid to the fledgling string merchants aspirations and they soon concentrated their efforts on an altogether more electric form of expression. The results can be heard on their just released debut album ‘After Winter Must Come Spring’, a adorable collection of instrumentals that avoids much of the explosions of noise associated with post-rock. The Ottawa band instead busy themselves with the soft jangly edges so no need to brace oneself for the inevitable torrent of white noise. The pieces included here are from an EP called ‘Winning Hearts And Minds’ released in 2004. Time to bath in the glorious swells and in the process become altogether more spirtualized. KD

My Dad vs. Yours - Canyons (Grand or Otherwise)

My Dad vs. Yours - Law Of Unintended Consequences

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Some Peace Of Mind: After Winter Must Come Spring
Year: 2006

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The ME Band - TV Show

The ME band wouldn’t have been possible 15 years ago. They conduct much of their creative business on the internet you see, so when Jon Seneger is busy knocking off bit parts in Sweden his counterpart Mark Wilkinson in England is scurrying around the fibre optics attempting to build on them. They are now taking the concept a step further by asking others to contribute online. While one might suspect how any cohesion could be achieved through the faceless form (but hey video mail is not too far away) it doesn’t seemed to have done ‘TV Show’ any harm. Granted the piece is a simple affair but it’s also one that’ll weevil it’s way into your consciousness by stealth. I’m already on my 10th listen and it still sounds like the coolest wagon I’ve ever hitched a lift on. There are cute harmonies aplenty to keep you occupied while you work out how their website can be of some use to the over 5’s. KD

The ME Band - TV Show

More Info: Official & Myspace
Album On The Way: The ME Band
Year: 2006

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Human Television - In Front Of The House

I’m not sure guitars have been jangled this tenderly since the Field Mice decided to call it a day. Human Television rank Rocketship among their influences (they may be young but they’ve done their research) and with a debut album called ‘Look Who You’re Talking To’ on general release since May it’s a wonder a fanzine hasn’t been produced to mark the event. Human Television come from Philadelphia and are led by Billy Dowling, who it seems prefers the much more aloof Billy D. moniker. ‘Front Of The House’ is an ode to C86 and Sarah Records, so frightfully twee and ravishingly resplendent in boy/girl harmonies (nice FS 'Breet' like guitars too). But this is no cut-price rip-off, Downing and his cohorts have injected a passion into their application that proves that what they do comes from inside. The albums artwork might seem like a Jackson Pollack/John Squire cast off, this could only be possible, however, if either of the two were living in Brooklyn and were prone to discarding their pieces to public waste bins. Now, if only Rough Trade could get their mitts on these lads. KD

Human Television - In Front Of The House

Watch The Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Look At Who You're Talking To [US] Look at Who You're Talking To
Year: 2006

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Michael Knight - I Did It Biff's Way

You can now buy this song and the rest of the album on our record label Indiecater Records here!

In some ways ‘I Did It Biff’s Way’ is an new avenue of wonkatainment for Michael Knight but as a curtain raiser there’s no denying its appeal in closing the marvellous ‘Youth Is Wasted On The Young’ record. It reminds most of something that the underrated Swedish band South Ambulance might conjure. Of course Michael Knight mostly exist within the elaborate confines of being the first band out of Ireland to compare with the incomparable B & S. Right from the off the pulsating riffs set the momentum with Richard Murphy’s vocals riding the entourage like a champion chord surfer. You can picture the end of gig antics as the band decide its time to ditch the balanced harmonies in favour of a sublime feast of white noise. This is an intimate venue blowout at its most ebullient and the greatest achievement is the way it reveals hidden nuances slowly. The circular merry-go-round is shattered towards the end when the roof finally blows to reveal the sun, moon, a comet or two and an unknown galaxy of glittering stars. If this doesn’t shake your world then its probably time the doctor turned off the machine. Biff, bang, pow. KD

Michael Knight - I Did It Biff's Way

Watch The Video To Leaving Town

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: Youth Is Wasted On The Young
Year: 2005

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Viva Voce - We Do Not Fuck Around

We’ve already have a clutch of endearing boy/girl duo’s, Meg and Jack (White), Eleanor and Matt (Friedberger), Bonnie and Clyde (cough). You can now add a pair of Robinson’s to the list as the Kevin Husband and Anite Wife duo are outdoing greasy food in the infiltration of worldwide hearts. They have been on the go since 1998 but their forthcoming album ‘Give Yr Blood Soaked Out’ will probably make them stars. Viva Voce is Italian for ‘word of mouth’, funny that because a creeping presence through the blogger world has raised their profile, heck even the blood curdling Pitchfork have gotten in on the act. ‘We Do Not Fuck Around’ is a cast iron indie anthem with its sparse piano opening and effervescent chorus that pops in at opportune moments. And bless Kevin for the most effective rendition of that little four-letter word. Robinson lovers lead the way. KD

Viva Voce - We Do Not Fuck Around

Watch The Video For Alive With Pleasure

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Get Yr Blood Sucked Out [US] Get Yr Blood Sucked Out
Year: 2006

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Viva L'American Death Ray Music - Needle To The Heart Of The Matter

Get your retro jeans on because this is going to trigger some memories. Right now I am hearing And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead and Lou Reed but there is a smorgasbord of influences seeping through. Memphis band Viva L'American Death Ray Music don’t make it easy on themselves by having such a cumbersome name but that is compensated by ‘Needle To The Heart Of The Matter’s effortlessly artfulness. The drummer (Jeffrey Bouck) plays with the Polyphonic Spree so its not surprising that there are moments that surpass the charge of the light brigade. Elsewhere Nicholas Ray bans all talk of the past by circulating his own vocal pamphlet on how to get all the cute girls. The bands 4th album is released next month and it’s called ‘In The Meantime’, this will have to do. KD

Viva L'American Death Ray Music - Needle To The Heart Of The Matter

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: In The Meantime
Year: 2006

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Segueness II

[Segueness is a curious random occurrence where two tunes ultimately beat as one]

Not very obvious this one but I can't listen to either song without thinking of the other. Witness seemed to have the critics in their pockets but relations with their record label eventually led to their break up in 2003. 'Under A Sun' was the Wigan (you see Verve didn't have it all their own way) outfits’ sophomore release, which included the epic 'You Are My Own Invention'. Things are decidedly acoustic until the sky opens to the sound of cascading chords and Gerard Starkie’s emotive vocals. It gets my heart pumping every time. Long-View are from Manchester and despite having a number of successful forays into the UK Top 30 singles charts seem altogether unknown. Their music is melancholic yet prone to uplifting moments like ‘Will You Wait Here’ that is so sumptuous you’ll feel like closing your eyes and levitating. Long-View are currently working on a new LP. Both Witness and Long-view echo to the sound of Liverpool's Shack, no mean comparison and yet another reason why they belong in a temporary state of segueness. KD

Witness - You Are All My Own Invention

Long-View - Will You Wait Here

Watch The Video For Further

More Witness Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Under a Sun [US] Under a Sun
Year: 2001

More Long-View Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Mercury [US] Mercury
Year: 2003

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Delakota - C'mon Cincinnati

Kasabian have cleverly nailed their intentions to the Manchester flag. Occasionally they can be kinda stirring but tune longevity is the one trick that have yet to master. ‘Club Foot’, so immensely off its rocker initially soon sags like a sweaty Shaun Ryder t-shirt. The thing is, they weren’t even the first round of Madchester admiring sorts. That honour is bestowed on the almost forgotten but wholesomely edible Delakota. Their album was called ‘One Love’ (hmmm) and came out all the way back in the latter part of the last century. It kicked off in terrific fashion through the bass heavy ‘C’mon Cincinnati’, a song so bedecked in so many Manc influences it’s a wonder it didn’t make it onto Bez’s recent compilation. You’ll also hear Screamadelica bubbling through on occasion, which pretty much ensures it should make it into everybody’s essential party songs folder. KD

Delakota - C'mon Cincinnati

Watch How It All Started

More Info: Delakota Biography
Buy Album: [UK] One Love [US] One Love
Year: 1998

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Darker My Love - Fall

The Serena Maneesh album is proof positive that shoegazing is enjoying a fruitful second coming. Even more fresh off the press is the debut album from California’s Darker My Love which came out a couple of days ago. If MBV, Chapterhouse, Ride and the aforementioned Norwegians are your bag then prepare to feast on the contents held within. ‘Fall’ is the condensed view, a perfect snatch of what Darker My Love are all about (don’t forget Mark Gardener’s chappy’s had an EP of the same name). The guitars are set to grind and fuzz while the vocals swirl about with sumptous disregard, a bit like as if ‘Whirlpool’ was still the benchmark for all things dreamy (it is for me). There are several moments of lucidity to balance the books but it’s the dense undergrowth that really affects. Darker My Love seem content to help us party like its 1991 all over again. KD

Darker My Love - Fall

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Darker My Love [US] Darker My Love
Year: 2006

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James Blunt - Round And Round

This is a real exclusive for the site! A while back James Blunt sent me a message through myspace asking whether we’d be interested in giving his forthcoming album a push by posting a track. Naturally I was horrified at the very suggestion but in the spirit of giving every artist an equal go, no matter how feeble, I said we'd be delighted (there’s only me but shur why burst his bubble?). The mp3 arrived a few hours later and I was really staggered at his new direction. Gone are the drippy themes of love and general angst and in their place stands insightful passages that will really have most people scratching their heads as to their meaning. His voice, such a thorn in the earlobes for most decent indie folk, has also undergone a radical makeover, a certain joyful innocence has replaced the quivering nonchalant warble of old. I’m not making this up, ‘Round And Round’ is by far Blunt’s best work to date and should open the doors to a new army of young fans. The new album has a provisional working title of 'Back To Bednow'. KD

James Blunt - (the wheels on the bus go) Round And Round


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The Arcade Fire - No Winter For A Year

Speaking of works in progress (or works that never progressed in this case) here is a clip of the Arcade Fire before they bloomed into their current multi-membered incarnation. ‘Winter For A Year’ is taken from a demo recorded in 2001 although the details of the sessions are clouded in mystery. What is known is that both Wim and Regine were both involved but Butler has distanced himself from the recordings. Most of the 10 tracks are worth a listen but there are several highlights. The jangling fret play on ‘The Great Arcade Fire’ is exquisite even if it is littered with bum notes. The near instrumental ‘Asleep At The Wheel’ has a fluidity that is close to therapeutic. That said, ‘Winter For A Year’ is certainly the most accomplished piece, appearing fully formed with Butler’s characteristic whine and an offbeat layer of percussion to back him up. Just on the button then for another season of Six Feet Under if they ever decide to resurrect its lifeless corpse. KD

The Arcade Fire - No Winter For A Year

Watch The Video For Rebellion (Lies)

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Funeral [US] Funeral
Year: 2004

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Levy - Squeeze

Ahhh isn’t life just grand. The days are warm, the pre-Christmas advertising campaign is only around the corner and Levy have just sent me a clutch of new songs from their forthcoming LP which they may or may not call ‘Glorious’. I have been reliably informed that these are only the rough mixes so one can only gasp in anticipation as to what the polished tunes will sound like. ‘Squeeze’ is my favourite so far (although the Morrissey tinged ‘Mint’ is a close second) as it takes the shape of an epic without ever resorting to hopeless bombast. That is truly Levy’s gift, they have the songs to sell a million records but some careful tailoring means the ditties are in it for the long haul, never outstaying their welcome. ‘Squeeze’ flaunts some dishy Siskin strums and a soaring vocal that advances and retreats with passionate glee. 2006 has not been a classic year for good albums but ‘Glorious’ should ensure it goes out with a bang. KD

Levy - Squeeze

Watch The Video To Rotten Love

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Rotten Love [US] Rotten Love
Year: 2006

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The High Dials - The Holy Ground

The High Dials have lost their drummer, not such great news when there's several UK festivals to play and a glowing NME review to build upon. In the end it’ll probably end up being a minor issue for the Montreal collective who cloak their pop sensibilities with the aplomb of Inspector Clouseau. Praise be too as such wonderful rafts of ingenuity need to be presented in an unblemished form. ‘The Holy Ground’ (taken from the sophomore album ‘War of the Wakening Phantoms’) is such a romper stomper it seems destined for leave-them-gasping end of set positioning. The momentum is dictated by the booming beats yet the heart of the matter recalls euphoric Teenage Fanclub and those Beatles infatuated hairpieces Jellyfish. The harmonies are perfectly executed and the soft exit will quite likely have you leaking from every orifice. KD

The High Dials - The Holy Ground

Watch The Video For Fields In Glass

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] War of the Wakening Phantoms [US] War of the Wakening Phantoms
Year: 2005

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Oppenheimer - Breakfast in NYC

Now this is a nice surprise, not at all what you’d expect from alternative Ulster. It seems the changing atmosphere up North is at last manifesting itself in a softer edge creeping into the music being produced there. I guess the seeds were sown by Panda Kopanda's effortless descent into sweet harmonies. Oppenheimer are a duo from Belfast led by the box clever Rocky O’Reilly (sorry). They serve ditties that rely more on electronica rather than plucked chords but they never lose the essence of what it means to be in a band. ‘Breakfast In NYC’ was the first single from the bands eponymous debut released back in June. The single came out as a 7-inch (is it me or does vinyl seem to be on something of a renaissance?) but soon made its way onto the major download sites. Thank God for that as ‘Breakfast In NYC’ deserves a huge audience. From start to finish it is pretty terrific, so imbued with the joys of life it can't help but lift your mood every time. The only pity here is that it’s so short, clocking in at under 2 and a half minutes. A bright future beckons, let the electric soft parade begin. KD

Oppenheimer - Breakfast in NYC

Watch The Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Oppenheimer [US] Oppenheimer
Year: 2006

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Sebadoh - The Freed Pig

You can tell from his eyes that that J. Mascis is one moody dude. Every moment such a splendid freak scene and so in a bid to save his sanity Lou Barlow broke from Dinosaur Jr. with the bands drummer to form Sebadoh (he was kicked out). That was 1989 and two years later after a couple of acoustic efforts Sebadoh released ‘Sebadoh III’ which contained ‘The Freed Pig’. The album has been out of print for years but is being re-released this summer by Domino with extra remixes and singles. From the off it’s clear ‘The Freed Pig’ was going to become an essential piece of ammunition in the indierock canon. The semi-screechy guitars are a delight and with Barlow’s unruffled delivery the mix proves to be a seminal combination. Not content with just one creative outlet Barlow formed Folk Implosion as a side project in 1995 and had his biggest hit with ‘Natural One’, which was included on the ‘Kids’ soundtrack. Check out ‘Bakesale’ and ‘Harmacy’ for further evidence of Sebadoh’s worth. KD

Sebadoh - The Freed Pig

Watch The Video To Sebadoh's 'Skull'

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Sebadoh III [US] III
Year: 1991 & 2006

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The Cure - Pictures Of You

10.15 Saturday night, Dressing Up, Charlotte Sometimes High, The Loudest Sound, Hey You, Harold & Joe, Birdmad, I’m A Cult Hero, Fascination Street, How Beautiful You Are, Want, The Perfect Girl, Just Say Yes, Babble, Foxy Lady, Trust, Just One Kiss, Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me, The Walk, The Lovecats, In Your House, The Upstairs, Let’s Go To Bed, Give Me It, Plastic Passion, Screw, Pornography, Like Cockatoos, Hot, Hot, Hot, Exploding Body, Shiver and Shake

Grinding Halt, A Foolish Arrangement, It’s Not You, Gone! , Boys Don’t Cry, Numb, This Is A Lie, Lament, Piggy In The Mirror, Wild Mood Swings, Push, The Baby Screams, Disintegration, The Empty World, Standing On A Beach, Staring At The Sea, The Same Deep Water As You, Cold, Sinking, Seventeen Seconds, The Final Sound, End
KD

The Cure - Pictures Of You

Watch The Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Disintegration [US] Disintegration
Year: 1989

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Dave Couse & The Impossibles - The World Should Know

Sometimes being a literate pop band just isn’t enough. Dave Couse persisted with A House until their logical conclusion, despite being with flush with the wherewithal it seemed that their fanbase was diminishing with each subsequent release. Couse launched his clever invective through a mixture of spoken/sung dialogue but the world just didn’t get it. So now almost a decade after his former bands demise he has decided on calling his backing band the Impossible and his album ‘The World Should Know’ (ironic to the end). While the album never scales to the majesty of A House’s most accomplished hour ‘I Am The Greatest’ Couse’s more restrained persona brings out the best in his tunesmithery. The title track is a pert little thing, jangling quite happily until Couse finds a chorus to die for. ‘I Always Be Grateful’ is an oldie, taken from A House’s debut ‘On Our Big Fat Merry-go-round’. Both exemplify the depth of talent at work and how one day he may be forced to rewrite ‘Endless Art’ with self referential nods included. KD

Dave Couse & The Impossibles - The World Should Know

A House - I'll Always Be Grateful

Watch The Why Me? Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy A House's: [UK] I Am the Greatest [US] I Am the Greatest
Buy Dave Couse's: The World Should Know
Year: 2005

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The Gladeyes - Bad Town Blues

If Camera Obscura are ever to achieve what their music ultimately deserves then watch the female fronted bandwagon ride into town with gusto. Before all of that happens we can sit back and be entertained by the breezy charms of the Gladeyes from Auckland. Jade Farley and Gwen Norcliffe provide the twin vocals on ‘Bad Town Blues’ while a gentle jangle affair spills from a colourful instrument. The effect is a DIY confection that has the capacity to escape a bedroom in the southern hemisphere and move into the concert halls of the world. Stick this with a gaggle of other Gladeyes tracks and you’ll have plenty of material to occupy several dozen Pipettes. KD

The Gladeyes - Bad Town Blues

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Their EP: A Heart Full Of Love
Year: 2006

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Boat - Last Cans Of Paint

Boat are based around the vocal talents of D. Crane. He put the band together after a move to Chicago didn’t result in all-things-going his way. Once back in his hometown of Seattle, however, Boat were soon releasing their maiden EP titled ‘Life Is A Shipwreck’. Things have gone swimmingly since then and their pithily titled new album ‘Songs That You Might Not Like’ is on sail now. ‘Last Cans Of Paint’ might not be the most crotch grabbingly exciting name for a song but buoy does it float my ship. This is quintessential indie rock; Crane possesses a wonderful morning after vocal tint and the music is just left of centre enough not to wear out its welcome after a weekend worth of listens. Shivers me neck hairs and...erm me timbers. KD

Boat - Last Cans Of Paint

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Songs That You Might Not Like [US] Songs That You Might Not Like
Year: 2006

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Ash - Petrol

You probably know them as the juggernaut shiny pop hit production line. But, there was a time when a trio of ‘guaranteed teenagers’ from a wee place in Northern Ireland struggled to release their debut record in-between studying for their school finals. Such was their bookish attitude that the lure of a tour with Green Day and Pearl Jam wasn’t enough to tempt them away from their exams. Well, the debut release ‘Trailer’ was finally born and it turned out to be a joyous expression of youthful vigour doused in angular hooks and Tim Wheeler’s effervescent lines. ‘Petrol’ was always my favourite, a speedball of activity that trembled under the weight of a sack full of melodies. Look deep and hard into their illuminating back catalogue and you’ll struggle to find a better example of their inherent dynamism. KD

Ash - Petrol

Watch The Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Trailer [US] Trailer
Year: 1994

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Mike TV - Money Shot

Charlie Bucket was a tad drippy for my liking, the real star of the kids in Willy Wonka was always Mike TV. Pretty neat character, full of his own self-confidence, a total brat but engaging all the same. So it was a no brainer purchase when a Leitrim quartet (a novelty in itself) decided to use the underage gunslingers character as their band name. Headed up by Rory McPartland Mike TV’s time on earth was short but they left us with at least one memorable moment in ‘Money Shot’. The guitars are off the cuff, the rhythms are quirky and the whole piece approximates a winning They Might Be Giants effort. It could probably drive some people insane while others will lavish in its non-linear approach. As a bonus please also find attached the brash charms of Veruca Salt’s ‘Seether’. KD

Mike TV - Money Shot

Veruca Salt - Seether

More VS Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Veruca Salt's: [UK] American Thighs [US] American Thighs
Year: 1994

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A Hat-Trick of Oddballs in a Sanitised Game

Who said the underground music scene had gone stale? Not with these itsy bitsy weeny wonders doing the rounds. The Archie Bronson Outfit were discovered in a bar by the Domino label. You can see what attracted them, the freewheelin’ instrumentation is top notch even if it sounds as if Sam Windett has a tarantula down his trousers. Jamie Radford comes from R.E.M. country but he orbits a different solar system altogether such is his mishmash of styles and genres. ‘You’re So Warm’ is evidently Animal Collective after they’ve smashed all their instruments and taken to a broken down play room in search of replacements. ‘Hi On Wade’ is the loosest canon of the three, so indelibly off its rocker it’s a wonder Sigue Sigue Sputnik didn’t think of it themselves. Vic Thrill used to live in a petrol station you see, the fumes were bound to seek some retribution some day I guess. KD


Archie Bronson Outfit - Dart For My Sweetheart
More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Der Dang, Der Dang [US] Derdang Derdang


Jamie Radford - You're So Warm
More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: Athens


Vic Thrill And The Saturn Missile - Hi On Wade
More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] CE-5 [US] CE-5

Watch The Video


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The Album Leaf - Window

Jimmy Lavalle is the man behind the Album Leaf although he has a full live band to call upon. Many were first drawn to them through their collaboration with Sigur Ros on the third album ‘In A Safe Place’ which was recorded in the mercurial foursome’s own Icelandic studios (a converted swimming pool no less). The results were faintly disappointing yet there were moments of genuine beauty like the opener ‘Window’. Simplistic, sparse yet so wholesome of personality this is a piece of music for contemplation. While that may sound like an opportunity to soundtrack another wrought scene from the OC (often taken up) there is so much more to the composition that boasts a faint classical edge (TAL was named after a piece by Chopin) but owes much to modern day mechanics. The Album Leaf’s new album ‘Into The Blue Again’ is released in September through Sub Pop and was crafted in both Iceland and Seattle. KD

The Album Leaf - Window

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] In a Safe Place [US] In a Safe Place
Year: 2004

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Ryan McPhun & The Ruby Suns - Maasai Mara

In an effort to shun his metal adoring chums Ryan McPhun decided to split from his home in California and put down roots in faraway New Zealand. A little over the top I’m sure you’ll agree but in musical terms it proved to be a canny move. Ryan McPhun & The Ruby Suns is what he calls his band and together they make sweet music using themes as quirky as the story of the lonely Kenyan Zebra named Ulysses. Of course it’d all fall apart quite rapidly if ‘Maasai Mara’ didn’t sound so utterly contemporary yet have the intricate harmonies normally associated with music from the sunshine states. Not sense Mike Batt decided to adopt a group of furry creatures has a song so captured the majesty of wild earth. Ryan also moonlights as the drummer in another NZ band called the Brunettes, just for the phun of it I guess. KD

Ryan McPhun & The Ruby Suns - Maasai Mara

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: Ryan McPhun & The Ruby Suns
Year: 2005

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Segueness (Pilot)

Segueness is a curious random occurrence where two tunes ultimately beat as one. It's what the best DJ's call the moment they turned down a pretty girl. Segueness will attempt to extract some fine tunage from disparate artists, put them in close proximity and hope the listener establishes a true lineage. Take a listen to these up and coming Scandinavian’s who process beats and flutterbye melodies with a curious consistency. There's Serena Maneesh who come close to repeating the heady daze of 'Whirlpool' Chapterhouse and Peter Bjorn and John whose only crime is in their failure to choose a name that befits their sunshine wares. Audio bliss thanks to some segueness. KD

Serena Maneesh - Candlelighted

Watch The Video For Drain Cosmetics

Peter Bjorn And John - Up Against The Wall

Watch The Young Folks Video

More SM Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Serena-Maneesh [US] Serena Maneesh
Year: 2005

More PBJ Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Writer's Block [US] Writer's Block
Year: 2006


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The Sound Of Young Ireland (Vol. 1)

Tasty morsels from the land that made Richie Kavanagh a star. An occasional series that promises the best of Irish without the Concertina.





Beard stroking electronica from the man with no fixed monikor.

Si Schroeder - Lavendermist

More info: Si Schroeder


Pavement reform in a remote village in county Longford.

Glenwash - Uptown Outpost

More info: Glenwash


Aphex Twin finds his long lost sibling.

LPX - Chambers

More info: LPX


As inoffensive as a bottle full of baby's milk.

Pharmacy - Tears

More info: Pharmacy


Brian Wilson reincarnated as a burly Irishman.

Pugwash - Apples

More info: Pugwash


Purty little tunes fall off this band like autumn leaves.

Delorentos - Leave It On

More info: Delorentos

KD


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St. Etienne - Kiss And Make Up

St. Etienne are such a sweet combo, still on the go and consistently creating music to revere. The threesome consists of Bob Stanley/Pete Wiggs electronic machinations and Sarah Cracknell’s faint Motown wispiness. The effect is a magical brew that could decorate the bleakest of coffee houses with velveteen atmosphere. The band have generally kept their motives London-centric despite being called after a French Football team. ‘Kiss And Makeup’ is taken from the early days circa 1990 as the band were finding their creative feet. The piano riffs are simplistic and the bass bumble may be obvious but there is such an exciting sense of chemistry between the players to suggest theirs would be a fruitful alliance. Paradoxically (eek) the vocals were supplied by a Cracknell clone (even if she hadn’t arrived yet) called Donna Savage. This song was originally recorded by Sarah jangle heads the Field Mice (‘Let’s Kiss And Make Up’), a band Stanley was a big fan of. Colin has immortalised this song forever over at the wonderful LKAMU. KD

St. Etienne - Kiss And Make Up

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Too Young to Die [US] Pale Movie
Year: 1990

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For Those Who Know - Competition

Of late I haven’t been able to shift my focus from Austin, Texas. Not because of SXSW, that isn’t for at least another 6 months. It just seems that there is remarkable crop of new bands appearing over the brow of the hill from that part of the world. Not your average spotlight-hogging indie types either, sure there is a tad shoegazing going on but for most part a well conceived talent is the order of the day (don’t mind the Pitchfork barbs either). For Those In The Know are certainly ones to watch as their self-titled EP (7 tracks, which makes it a full blown album in most peoples books) ploughs exciting new pastures as much as it ingeniously plunders from the past (SY, 4AD, MBV, J&MC). The guitar is the focus although the rhythms for the most part are no pushover either. ‘Competition’ is the EP’s savvy opener, all Thurston Moore vocal embellishments and drifting chords in a twin tub it will doubtless make the hares standing on the back of your neck wish they had a better view of the 4 cool types making the music. For Those Who Know will presumably not be just for those in the know for much longer. KD

For Those Who Know - Competition

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy For Those Who Don't Know: Those In The Know
Year: 2005

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Loxsly - Stethoscope

Can there be anything more exciting than discovering an unsigned gem amongst the plethora of musical resources spread throughout myspace? Probably a few I suppose but right at this moment Austin 5-piece Loxsly are consuming me. Not in an agonising Ebola like way, more in a fuzzy first date type of one. ‘Stethoscope’ could be the most affable piece of awkward pop I’ve heard this year. It mixes equal parts Mercury Rev and Grandaddy to stir up a cocktail that shoots the summer breeze. There is scattiness in abundance by way of a flailing organ yet when the chips are down ‘Stethoscope’ goes supernova on a trip fantastic chorus. Cody Ground provides the clean vocals while his cohorts manage to concoct a swirling mass of sweet audio distractions. Loxsly have an album out called ‘Maps And Organs’ (recorded in all of 4 days) and with gems strewn about the place like ‘Card Gauge’ it’s surely only a matter before Loxsly become Lords of the Manor. Hey, what’s that noise; well, it’s the sound of your heart skipping a delighted beat. KD

Loxsly - Stethoscope

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy: Maps And Organs
Year: 2005

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A Cricket In Times Square - Fast, Cheap, Out Of Control

If you like your harmonies to be bludgeoned to within an inch of their lives then you'll be salivating over A Cricket In Times Square’s ‘Fast, Cheap, Out Of Control’. Don’t know whether it was recorded in an airport hanger or if they dispensed with the noise reducing microphones but this thing springs from the speakers with more ingrained spirit and joie-de-vivre than a thousand soppy Jack Blunt numbers. The saving grace of course is the choppy riffs and distant vocals that recall shoegaze during one of its more lucid moments. Of course, Sweden’s South Ambulance produce this gold by the bucket load so if you are enamoured make your way down Labrador way. ACITS have good form boasting a couple of members from Alcian Blue at various stages of their development. Before you ask they actually come from Washington D.C. and all reports suggest they are releasing an album this summer. KD

A Cricket In Times Square - Fast, Cheap, Out Of Control

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy the bands s/t: [UK] A Cricket in Times Square [US] A Cricket in Times Square
Year: 2004

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Sinead O'Connor & Shane MacGowan - Haunted

Of course she’s as mad as a brush but that doesn’t stop Sinead O’Connor having one of the most moving voices to ever pass through the pop sphere. Her association with movie soundtracks began in 1987 when her collaboration with the Edge (U2) produced ‘Heroine’. Back then a balding female singer from Dublin was something to behold but it was her crystallised voice that truly enchanted. Since then her material has appeared in numerous cinematic moments including ‘A Nightmare On Elm Street 4’, ‘The Butcher Boy’, ‘Vanilla Sky’ and ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’. ‘Haunted’ is taken from the 1997’s ‘The Matchmaker’ and included the not so cute charms of Shane MacGowan. The contrast between beauty and the beast works remarkably well with deep seethed melodies present throughout. The soft-lit instrumentation exemplifies the varying vocal styles and one is left with a warm feeling in the tummy by the finish. KD

Sinead O'Connor & Shane MacGowan - Haunted

More Info: Sinead O'Connor & Shane MacGowan
Buy Album: [UK] I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got [US] I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Year: 1990

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Remy Zero - Fair

It’s hard to suss whether Remy Zero still exist having broke up initially in 2003 there are indications that they are presently recording new material. ‘Save Me’ is their most well known track having being adopted as the theme tune to Smallville. The band are named after a railway worker who recorded dozens of demo tapes that somehow fell into the hands of Remo Zero lead man Shelby Tate. Much of Remy Zero’s music can be traced back to these tapes or so the story goes (and you thought the Spinto bands cracker box story was far fetched). While most appraisals of the band seem to suggest a Radiohead likeness ‘Fair’ has its sights firmly set on Damien Rice. This is fine acousticism with a great chorus that found its way on the universally colourful ‘Garden State’ soundtrack. KD

Remy Zero - Fair

More Info: Officially Dead? & Myspace
Buy Remy Zero's: [UK] Villa Elaine [US] Villa Elaine
Year: 1998

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Holy Fuck - Cadio Bossa Nova

I don’t think electronica has ever sounded like this. I mean Underworld could pretty much isolate their human thought processes and feed them through the machines but then Hyde and Emerson were always level headed fellows. Now imagine a room full of freethinking, multi-spirited young things who don’t care for the devices, only what comes out the other side. Well, this is Holy Fuck, or Holy F**k as they are destined to be referred as. Let ‘Cadio Bossa Nova’ be an introduction to their take on music. The tune not only scares small household creatures but could also be the start of a supercult that bore witness to celestial beings who had ditched their craft building ways in order to soundtrack the inaugural winning performance of the inter planetary dance off. Oh boy, this is good stuff, probably won’t be getting much sleep tonight. KD

Holy Fuck - Cadio Bossa Nova

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy An: Unholy Racket
Year: 2006

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The Capitol Years - Juicers

‘Let Them Drink’ was Shai Halperin's 3rd studio album in 4 years as the Capitol Years. It also announced Halperin’s decision to expand the bands membership and finally become a fully-fledged outfit. Up to this point Halperin had doodled successfully but for the most part he did so alone. The move meant that songs like ‘Juicers’ had a wider angle, the 60’s sensibilities and full blown harmonies remained intact but now came complete with shiny wings to elevate the ideas into the stratosphere. The dynamics on ‘Juicers’ are straightforward and most have been revealed within the first minute but such a propulsive avalanche of catchiness deserves many replays. Teenage Fanclub have been doing it this good for years so it is a genuine feather for Halperin that he more than matches the Glaswegian’s harmony drenched opuses. The Capitol Years are due to release their new album ‘Dance Away The Terror’ in September. KD

The Capitol Years - Juicers

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Album: [UK] Let Them Drink [Us Import] [US] Let Them Drink
Year: 2005

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Regina Spektor - Us

Everybody has their own story about how they stumbled upon Regina Spektor’s music. The Russian born singer with the big apple accentuated warble is certainly destined for big things. I had read that Spektor had been the girl who broke James Levy’s heart and in an apparent subtle move focused her attentions on one Julian Casablancas of the Strokes. Levy went on to write one of the most beautiful tunes about owning a broken heart and in the process Spektor’s act of betrayal was somewhat soothed. Then I heard ‘Us’ from Spektor’s 2003 album ‘Soviet Kitsch’ and I thought I was back listening to the theme tune to St Elmo’s Fire. Kudos to Spektor’s cascading piano riffs and the elaborate strings but they merely apply the icing on the cake because Spektor’s wonderfully expressive vocals are her trump card. It is a thing of rare beauty and her performance on ‘Us’ brings to mind early Kate Bush moments. Spektor’s new album ‘Begin To Hope’ is out now, as is the European introduction to the chanteuse called ‘Mary Ann Meets the Gravediggers and Other Short Stories’. KD

Regina Spektor - Us

Watch The Video

More Info: Official & Myspace
Buy Songs: Regina Spektor
Year: 2003

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Rocket Science - Being Followed

The aptly named Roman Tucker had this dream of becoming a rock star when he was a kid. He aspired to write tunes that pillaged so devastatingly from the past but still could wake contemporary youth from its slumber. What he didn’t plan on was a catalogue of misfortune which has seen him recover from a serious head injury only to break his leg a couple of weeks later. But, that was in 2004 and 2006 should see Melbourne’s finest release their 4th LP. ‘Being followed' is the perfect vehicle for Tucker to strut his updated version of the Jagger swagger; the video is a masterpiece of elegant retro stylings. ‘Being Followed’ has a terrific Farfiso centrepiece but it's not alone in its reconstitution of rocks early manoeuvres. As a live force Rocket Science have to be seen to be believed, it doesn’t matter if you don’t know the songs this is a band that was born to thrill your inner television throwing self. KD

Rocket Science - Being Followed

More Info: Rocket Science
Buy Album: [UK] Contact High [US] Contact High
Year: 2002

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