This one got super interesting from the get-go. Opening with a syncopated drum beat that could have been lifted from a Spector-era Girl Group, shortly after to be joined by a bass line hearkening to Joy Division’s Transmission and then Synths?
Love Dies, the latest single from Sweden’s Club is a thing of ethereal beauty. From the moment Karolina Komstedt’s gorgeous vocals usher the track in, you are swept along on the loveliest, fluffiest cloud imaginable. Johan Angergård’s light and airy synths lift things to a dreamy, romantic plain.
The remix by Modular adds synthy overtones and backbeats to the track (I went back and found the original was pretty damn good in its own right). Cort’s smooth vocals evoke memories of Tim Burgess (The Charlatans UK) and Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream)
The new track falls squarely into the perhaps overused genre term of Chillwave and appropriates the same space as hometown boys Small Black. Originally a member of Beach Fossils, alongside Zachary Cole Smith who also left the band to form DIIV, Peña has done the Captured Tracks label proud with a couple of full length releases. Intent foreshadows the LP Designer, scheduled for late 2015.
There is indeed a warm staccato style of bass and guitar sound here which is highly reminiscent of the Smiths at their peak – Moon Tapes has mastered this particular brand of textured aural and emotional complexity, but give it their own unique spin. There isn’t quite Morrissey’s lyrical dexterity, but the plaintive angst vocalist Joep Meyer brings to the song is spot-on. Essentially, this is the Smiths without the hubris.
What better way to enjoy these hot summer nights then rolling down the windows and cranking out some Disco-Synth? Synthco? Disynth? I’m not even sure what to call this genre, but Kisses‘ A Groove could be one of its defining tracks, melding classic disco sounds with modern Electro-chill dance.
Chvrches has announced the initial details of the sophomore album called Every Open Eye. It is scheduled to be released on September 25th. The first single is called Leave A Trace and you can get your first listen right here.
Strong Hearts is just the latest in a string of infectious synthpop jams from the Orlando duo, Priest. From the debut self-titled LP, the track will have you singing along in no time and it’s not going to leave your head any time soon.
Saint Etienne frontwoman Sarah Cracknell is stepping out for a solo break with her new LP, Red Kite. This gorgeous slice of Indie Pop seems radio-ready, with charming boy-girl trade off vocals between Sarah and Manic Street Preachers’ Nicky Wire.