We at HCE have decided to take a new approach to the Singles of the Week from now on. As the angle of the site has shifted somewhat to covering more independent, new and unsung acts, we have decided to also take this approach with Singles of the Week, to give the whole site a more cohesive, unified feel. Instead of focusing on single releases that are good and bad from the mainstream charts, we will be focusing on more low-key, independent releases, new artists and acts that we generally think deserve more attention than the usual chart offerings. Singles to us are still really relevant, and in the age of downloads and one-click music purchases, they are a vital medium for small and large acts alike. So here is our selection of the best new releases this week, the ones you might of missed, or only vaguely heard of.
Pony Pony Run Run – “Hey You”
Pony Pony Run Run are a French electro pop trio signed to 3ème Bureau. They have had a lot of attention throughout their career on the continent, but have had sporadic success here, hence the re-release of their 2009 track “Hey You”. This track exhibits their version of electro power pop similar to the likes of Friendly Fires et al., with catchy hooks, quirky synths and breathy male vocals. As with most synth pop, the variety of their synth timbre choices is where most of their appeal lies, but still, they create expertly executed synth pop that is certainly better than many of their contemporaries, and deserves a bit more UK attention.
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The Good Natured – “Skeleton”
The Good Natured is the monkier of a very young keyboard lady called Sarah. At only 18, The Good Natured has built up her musical career quickly over the past two years, self-releasing her first EP last year, being signed to Parlophone earlier this year, and now releasing her new EP, of which “Skeleton” is the lead single. In my opinion her earlier work had a more interesting, unpolished vibe, but this track is still good, with very nice, subtly furious vocals and good quality pop-alt-indie instrumentation.
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City Reign - Daybreak
City Reign are a new alt indie band set to release their debut on car Boot Records in the autumn. They have a refreshing guitar-lead sound, void of the usual pretentions often present in guitar music. Interesting and alternative without resorting to synth trickery, City Reign have released an enjoyable record with sober vocals and quietly impressive music.
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See this at HCE at http://t.co/ACyk4ve
