DATE ARCHIVES : March 2016

Pavel – ‘Alright’

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Vancouver duo and purveyors of rich, melodic and rather exquisite electronica, Mesa Luna are currently on a bit of a break. One half of the dynamic duo, Alex Cooper, isn’t about to let this downtime stifle his own creative output.

Cooper’s ready to step out with a new solo project under the guise of Pavel, and we have been graced with debut track ‘Alright’. ‘Alright’ serves an intro to this new musical moniker, and how! It is a whimsical mix of pleasant synth warblings, shuffling drum machine beats, crackles and hazy vocals. It is a pretty infectious groover that espouses a playfulness amid its rippling saunter. ‘Alright’ is a wonderful introduction to Cooper’s new side-project and sure to keep us tide over till Mesa Luna get the bit between their teeth once again. Mesa Luna by the way, are not only a local favourite but one of the finest new discoveries from the past 12 months or so, and well worth some of your time.

Pavel will be supporting for Prince Rama and Dinner at Vancouver’s Cobalt on April 2nd, but for now, listen to the brand new single ‘Alright’ below.

David Harks – ‘Obey’

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Following on from last December’s downtempo and sombre ‘Tripping Ghosts’, Brighton based David Harks returns with a more optimistic and chipper first release of 2016.

Written and produced by Harks and Miguel Toro, aka Royal Dust, ‘Obey’ is an incredibly joyful, slice of uplifting synth-pop. Slinking along a disco-infused-house groove, bubbling synths and shuffling rhythm, it is bubbly and light, and fizzes with optimism. It is a delicious tune with glossy production, and just sounds so hopeful. There are shades of Hot Chip or The 2 Bears to this one, and is as good as anything either of those have put our way, making for an ever so pleasant listen. Obviously. It’s always great to hear from Harks and this is right up there with the best of his work to date. An incredibly joyful listen.

‘Obey’ is out now 18th via JumJum Records, check it below:

Silverbacks – ‘Techno Dogs’

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Dublin based indie/garage outfit Silverbacks have returned with a new single ‘Techno Dogs’, the first track to be lifted from their forthcoming EP ‘No Duds Club’.

Silverbacks have made a solid rep for themselves when it comes to whipping up lashings of ’90s inspired lo-fi fuzz. ‘Techno Dogs’ does little to dispel this notion, as they continue along a similar path furrow; however their the slanted ’90s Pavement inspired sounds mix it up with the post-punk tones of Television and a touch of Talking Heads. Much like a Spring day, ‘Techno Dogs’ is simultaneously gloomy and sun-kissed. You know the sort of thing LCD Soundsystem always manage to do so well, yeah, just like that. O’Kelly’s low-toned and world weary vocals, bring a forlorn sense of being to a generally upbeat backdrop of chugging hazy bass-lines and rolling guitar riffs. This is a triumphant & confident return for the band, and easily one of their best tracks to date, and that’s saying something, given the ease with which they appear to be able to proliferate splendid singles.

You can check out new single ‘Techno Dogs’ now. And while we wait for the new EP, why not get acquainted with Silverbacks’ most recent album, ‘Hot Bath’, released last year, it is superb! You can get that for free from Bandcamp.

Helen Love announce new LP and share new single, ‘First Girl From Wales In New York’

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With twenty one singles, three EPs and seven albums to their name, Welsh bubblegum-pop-punk outfit Helen Love have revealed details of their eighth LP. Entitled Smash Hits, the record will be released on May 20th via Alcopop! Records.

Ahead of its release in May, Helen Love have unveiled the first single from the forthcoming record, ‘First Girl From Wales In New York City’. Helen Love may have been around for more than two decades but their music has a youthful, carefree and fun air, and they are as catchy as any band on the planet. ‘First Girl From Wales In New York City’ stick with this tradition. Uniquely catchy mash-up of bubblegum-pop, punk, retro keyboards, colourful sounds, homages to The Ramones and an infectious giddiness.As is the norm with Helen Love, you’ve got one hell of an infectious and addictive racket on your hands.

Smash Hits is out on May 20th via Alcopop! Records and you can stream / download Helen Love’s brand new single, ‘First Girl From Wales In New York City’ below.

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Millions Like Us Podcast – Episode #13

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We’re thrilled to share yet another Millions Like Us Podcast with you all. It’s great to back with the latest in a series of music podcasts hosted by Justin & I, in conjunction with Vancouver news & culture site 604now.

On a bi-weekly basis we aim to serve some lively and entertaining chat mixed with an eclectic selection of fabulous music from metro Vancouver and elsewhere. There’s plenty in there, well over an hour in fact, of great tunes and plenty of chat.

You can read more on it over here and of course, listen below (and the tracklist (with links) is after the jump too). You can subscribe to ‘Millions Like Us’ on iTunes & Podcast Republic, Mixcloud & SoundCloud, or find us on Facebook & Twitter. Or you can email us at millionslikeuspodcast[at]gmail[dot]com.

Thanks for all the support thus far and once again, thanks for listening! We hope you enjoy Episode #13. And last but not least, thanks to Caroline for the super image.

Episode #13 Track list:

 

Hannah Lou Clark – ‘It’s Your Love’

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‘It’s Your Love’ is the exhilarating new single from London’s Hannah Lou Clark, the first lifted from her It’s Your Love EP.

Due for release April 22nd on her own label Quatre Femmes, the record was crafted while undertaking extensive touring in support of her debut EP Silent Type. Giving a fresh perspective on things, she toyed with new ideas and interesting sounds and textures, and the results are impressive. Title track, ‘It’s Your Love’ is urgent and tense, and ultimately catchy, bright and a cracker. Smothered by the roughness of the chugging guitars and propelled by kicking retro drum machine loops, these combine with Hannah Lou Clark’s angelic vocals to concoct a perfect rock-pop recipe. With nods to ’90s US guitar-pop, this is a catchy ditty as spring begins to reveal itself. A prime cut of unbridled brilliance from an artist in full command of her powers and knowing, seemingly, how and when you unleash them to full effect.

Check out ‘It’s Your Love’ below. The full EP is out on April 22nd.

Introducing: Games Violet

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Games Violet is the Philadelphia-based Irish duo of Alexander Games and Emma Violet. Together the pair write, perform, record and produce ‘surrealist pop’ music in their home studio.

Originally from Dublin, they have just released their debut EP Nixie, into the world. Nixie is an elegant excursion into Games Violet’s surrealist and experimental world, littered with imaginative ideas and unique sounds. Otherworldly and eerily atmospheric recent single ‘Courtship’ demonstrates their raison d’etre, as it slips between beautiful and unsettlingly haunting. ‘Nixie’ is a similarly haunting piece of gothic pop that traverses an ominous mix of downtempo textures and atmospherics to remain peaceful yet simultaneously chilling. Closer ‘Gone’, is a downright unsettling and spooky, groove-driven wonky-pop. One other constant throughout is Violet’s ethereal vocals, which mesmerise and enchant in equal measure. Games Violet deliver more than their fair share of murky, chilling and foreboding qualities, but equally, there are utterly beautiful and spectacular moments too.

You can check out some choice cuts from Games Violet below and if they are to your liking, you can get at their debut EP Nixie, here.

Introducing: Eoin Dolan

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Eoin Dolan is a singer-songwriter from Galway City, on the west coast of Ireland. Having released his debut EP, Placid Ocean in 2014, Dolan has recently joined forces with independent record label Citóg Records, to release his new EP Something Good.

Dolan has an inherent knack for twinkly, enchanting and whimsical, good old fashioned pop gems. These are easy-going and timeless songs blending a wonderful mix of surf/folk/pop, with elements of Brian Wilson, Syd Barrett and Lennon/McCartney threaded through the fabric of Dolan’s sound. Yet amid all the sinuous melodies, giddy-pop-playfulness and reverb-drenched vocals, there is a sombreness, nay a sadness at hand. Due in no small part to Dolan’s song-writing, which is steeped in the imagery and atmosphere of a vintage seaside town and we see the world through the eyes of an intuitive storyteller on the very top of his game. The beauty for the likes of ‘Something Good’ and ‘Heavenly Possessed’ flows from the juxtaposition enchanting and whimsical pop and the hint of melancholic sombreness.

Eoin Dolan’s Something Good EP is one of the finest wee releases to come my way so far this year; it’s a utter joy to behold. There are a few choice cuts below and Something Good is available, in full, from Bandcamp.

 

 

Anderson Announces New Single ‘The Existential Vacuum’, & Solo Tour

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‘The Existential Vacuum’ is the latest single to be lifted from Anderson‘s wonderful debut album, Patterns.

Released last year, the Dubliner’s debut is a gem of rare and beguiling beauty, it was one of 2015’s stand-out records, from Ireland or anywhere else. ‘The Existential Vacuum’ is a playful, jaunty number with rich and beautiful arrangement. In a mere two-and-a-half minutes, the new single captures the quintessence of Anderson’s sound, and why he’s a true treasure. Trading in ’60s/’70s influences, the arrangement is beautiful, from the stirred teaspoon clink, bubbling bass, irresistible keys and guitar jangle. A colourful and buoyant sound with a rhythmic twists amid some subtle off-kilter undercurrents and the self-evidently brilliant song-writing. Anderson has long been one of Ireland’s finest, it’s just great to see more and more people taking notice.

To coincide with the release of his new single, Anderson has announced a solo tour, taking in some of the country’s most intimate venues. Performing on solo piano and acoustic guitar, the shows will reveal and strip back, the origins of the songs on his richly arranged debut album, Patterns. The full list of dates are after the jump.

Check out ‘The Existential Vacuum’ below and Patterns can be found here.

Tour dates:

Friday April 22nd Cyprus Ave – Cork

Saturday April 23rd Whelan’s (Upstairs) – Dublin

Friday April 29th Joe Lee’s Bar – Tullamore

Saturday April 30th Roisin Dubh – Galway

Saturday May 7th Source Arts Centre – Thurles

Monday, May 9th New Theatre (James Connolly Festival 2016) – Dublin

Thursday May 12th Spirit Store – Dundalk

Friday May 13th Cunningham’s – Kildare

Tuesday May 17th Centre Culturel Irelandais – Paris

 

Weird Dreams – ‘Heaven’s Hounds’

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London-based Weird Dreams have existed in numerous forms over the past few years. Once a two-piece, a quartet and now the fully-fledged solo project of Doran Edwards, is set for a return with a new album, Luxury Alone.

Due out in June, the record is billed as a “collection of songs made over a four-year period of uncertain times in different rooms in various homes.” Due out in June, Luxury Alone is preceded by lead single ‘Heaven’s Hounds’, and oh my, what a return it is. A dreamy five-minute melodious marvel, it is a slow and steady builder, spliced with stellar synth, sizzling guitars and atmospheric sounds, topped off with Edwards’ alluring vocals. So, so good.

Weird Dreams’ new LP Luxury Alone (and follow up to the 2012 album Choreography), shall be with us in June,but before all that, the utterly amazing single ‘Heaven’s Hounds’, is out now via Tough Love. Check it below: