Marina and the Diamonds, ‘Power and Control’ [Eliphino Remix], 679 Recordings
Created by London-based producer Eliphino, this is a relaxed, low-key remix of Marina and the Diamonds’ new
single ‘Power and Control’. This chill-out house style remix of ‘Power
and Control’ offers a fairly mellow mix of the original track presenting
an interesting take on what is one of the more punchy tracks
from Marina’s sophomore album, Electra Heart.
The Eliphino mix has captured and contorted the more delicate timbres
in the original recording and elaborated and extended upon them in some
interesting and intriguing ways. The first section especially offers a
very engaging pattern of sounds, with a post-dub step slant that is
common in Eliphino’s work. The subtleness of the first third of the
track does get somewhat overtaken though when a strong house beat kicks
in after only 50 seconds or so, slightly jarring the vibe at times and
jeopardising the integrity of the remix and other timbres at play.
Additionally, as often happens with remixes, the vocal and lyrical
content of the track is somewhat lost here. This is a shame, as with
this track (as with much of Marina’s work), the vocal abilities and
lyric content are of a very high calibre and, therefore, disappointing
to loose. What we are left with is more of an impression of ‘Power and
Control’ and, as such, this remix is a only shadow of the original
track.
The Eliphino remix of ‘Power and Control’ is available now via
download separately or on the special remix bundle, which includes
various re-versionings of the track, also to download. Marina is
currently on the US leg of her Lonely Hearts Club world tour; the UK leg
is set to commence this autumn.
See this at TGA at: http://www.thegirlsare.com/2012/07/26/review-marina-and-the-diamonds-4/
Friday, 27 July 2012
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
MORE THAN THE MUSIC PIECE: Introducing Yellow Fever
Lets cut to the chase here – Yellow Fever are perhaps the best new
band I have encountered this year. As new music editor, I receive floods
of emails daily on new bands supposedly worthy of attention, but these
guys are the real deal. This band is talent, musical ability, commitment
and creativity, in one very young, Oxford-based package.
I came across Yellow Fever recently in an unassuming country pub, offering a modest audience their sonic wares. They gave an enrapturing performance. It was energetic, competent, dynamic, and fully committed to the moment. The group were also quietly charismatic, and young enough to not know quite how very good they are, which of course makes them all the more appealing.
Yellow Fever’s music is guitar centric per se, but it fuses such a diverse array of styles, genres and influences. Tropical, math, surf and hi-life influences are obvious, along with poly-rhythms, and excellent usage of effects units and cowbells. The music is upbeat yet clever, multi-layered and complex, and sonically speaking incredibly clever. Think Bloc Party meets Vampire Weekend and you’re perhaps some of the way there.
Lyrically, Yellow Fever’s work is also strong, tackling a range of issues with a subtle poetry, astuteness and sensitivity that is uncommon in musicians generally, yet alone ones so young. The lyrics are perhaps a little earnest at times, but they are full of clever assonance and alliteration, and are delivered with quiet passion.
Yellow Fever are next set to play the main stage at Truck Festival this coming weekend, and can be seen gigging around Oxford regularly. The band are not currently signed, but this writer certainly expects big things from Yellow Fever in the near future.
See this at MTTM at: http://www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/the-next-best-thing/introducing-yellow-fever/
I came across Yellow Fever recently in an unassuming country pub, offering a modest audience their sonic wares. They gave an enrapturing performance. It was energetic, competent, dynamic, and fully committed to the moment. The group were also quietly charismatic, and young enough to not know quite how very good they are, which of course makes them all the more appealing.
Yellow Fever’s music is guitar centric per se, but it fuses such a diverse array of styles, genres and influences. Tropical, math, surf and hi-life influences are obvious, along with poly-rhythms, and excellent usage of effects units and cowbells. The music is upbeat yet clever, multi-layered and complex, and sonically speaking incredibly clever. Think Bloc Party meets Vampire Weekend and you’re perhaps some of the way there.
Lyrically, Yellow Fever’s work is also strong, tackling a range of issues with a subtle poetry, astuteness and sensitivity that is uncommon in musicians generally, yet alone ones so young. The lyrics are perhaps a little earnest at times, but they are full of clever assonance and alliteration, and are delivered with quiet passion.
Yellow Fever are next set to play the main stage at Truck Festival this coming weekend, and can be seen gigging around Oxford regularly. The band are not currently signed, but this writer certainly expects big things from Yellow Fever in the near future.
See this at MTTM at: http://www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/the-next-best-thing/introducing-yellow-fever/
Monday, 9 July 2012
THE GIRLS ARE POST: Kool Thing (Single)
Kool Thing, ‘Plan. Life. Go.’, Laser Guided Melodies
This debut single from Berlin-based duo Kool Thing is a compelling, slow-burning tune, composed with elements of electro, techno and rock. Guitars penetrate this track entirely for the first three full minutes, offering a blues fuelled, cosmic-rock sound. Repetitive and persistent, the single slowly build with the eventual input of live percussion and post-modern drum machine patterns. Finally, atmospheric, effect-heavy vocals join the fray. Synth timbres too get involved. All these sonic ingredients lead to a pounding electro-rock track – deep, heavy and very danceable.
The track eventually reaches an almost cinematic climax, full of rush and adrenalin, retaining a meditative, warped vibe alongside a direct and physical rhythm. This is certainly a promising and complex debut effort from Jon Dark and Julie Chance.
‘Plan.Life.Go’ is available now via download or on 12” vinyl, as all good releases are. The single package also includes two remixes by Toby Kaar and REID.
See this at TGA at http://www.thegirlsare.com/2012/07/09/review-kool-thing/
This debut single from Berlin-based duo Kool Thing is a compelling, slow-burning tune, composed with elements of electro, techno and rock. Guitars penetrate this track entirely for the first three full minutes, offering a blues fuelled, cosmic-rock sound. Repetitive and persistent, the single slowly build with the eventual input of live percussion and post-modern drum machine patterns. Finally, atmospheric, effect-heavy vocals join the fray. Synth timbres too get involved. All these sonic ingredients lead to a pounding electro-rock track – deep, heavy and very danceable.
The track eventually reaches an almost cinematic climax, full of rush and adrenalin, retaining a meditative, warped vibe alongside a direct and physical rhythm. This is certainly a promising and complex debut effort from Jon Dark and Julie Chance.
‘Plan.Life.Go’ is available now via download or on 12” vinyl, as all good releases are. The single package also includes two remixes by Toby Kaar and REID.
See this at TGA at http://www.thegirlsare.com/2012/07/09/review-kool-thing/
MORE THAN THE MUSIC POST: Introducing Saint Motel
The weather this summer might be utterly atrocious, but fear not –
for there is a hansom new band from the shores of sunny California
sending some summery musical vibes our way.
Saint Motel are an new all-male outfit with real charisma, creating indie rock with lashings of bosa nova, Latin, funk and tropical. Their sound has a mellow, smooth, south-of-the-border feel, distinctly retro without being throwback or pastiche. This band is the soundtrack to Daiquiris and Margaritas, cigar smoke, and lazing around because it’s just too damn hot.
This band create genuinely exciting, dynamic music with commercial factor. Saint Motel equal amiable, clever music, with a fresh yet classic appeal. Their music also has witty, cynical edge lyrically that should appeal well to our wry British humour.
Saint Motel’s debut album is set for release on July 10th, and will be available on i-tunes, CD and 12”. They also have their fantastic track ‘Benny Goodman’ available on free download, like right now. They are sadly focusing on touring in the US at the moment, but hopefully they will approach our shores soon. Their raucous, rhythm-heavy live shows are sure please and entertain.
See this at MTTM at: http://www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/the-next-best-thing/music-saint-motel/
Saint Motel are an new all-male outfit with real charisma, creating indie rock with lashings of bosa nova, Latin, funk and tropical. Their sound has a mellow, smooth, south-of-the-border feel, distinctly retro without being throwback or pastiche. This band is the soundtrack to Daiquiris and Margaritas, cigar smoke, and lazing around because it’s just too damn hot.
This band create genuinely exciting, dynamic music with commercial factor. Saint Motel equal amiable, clever music, with a fresh yet classic appeal. Their music also has witty, cynical edge lyrically that should appeal well to our wry British humour.
Saint Motel’s debut album is set for release on July 10th, and will be available on i-tunes, CD and 12”. They also have their fantastic track ‘Benny Goodman’ available on free download, like right now. They are sadly focusing on touring in the US at the moment, but hopefully they will approach our shores soon. Their raucous, rhythm-heavy live shows are sure please and entertain.
See this at MTTM at: http://www.morethanthemusic.co.uk/the-next-best-thing/music-saint-motel/
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