DATE ARCHIVES : May 2018

Jouska – ‘Conversations’

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Jouska is the Oslo-based musical duo consisting of Marit Othilie Thorvik and Hans Olav Settem.

So far the pair have impressed with a steady supply of intriguing and inventive singles as they explore some of the more untapped, out-there areas of electronica. Drawing our attention today is ‘Conversations’; the latest gem from their debut EP Frog Fiction. Jouska eke out a perfect balance between darkness and light. From the devil denouncing intro versus the angelic vocals. Snatched, distorted vocal and uneasy glitchy sounds conspire with heavy hitting, barrelling beats but tempered by a foray of lighter tones and heavenly vocals. This ability to balance often diametrically apposed elements marks their sound completely, similarly so does their inventive forging of the organic and synthetic elements. Jouska’s music is refreshingly inventive and exploratory, qualities matched in equal measure by superbly evocative artwork

Their debut EP Frog Fiction is out now. Tune into ‘Conversations’ below.

Introducing: David Hopkins

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Las Vegas-based Irish artist David Hopkins has enjoyed a colourful musical career thus far – a former member of LiR, being involved in The Who’s 2001 Quadrophenia Tour, Damien Rice’s 2010 album There Are Debts before going on to front his own band Bombay Heavy in 2014.

Now, it’s Hopkins’ turn in the spotlight, showing off his solo wares with new album Overlook, which came out last month on St. August Records. Lead single ‘C’est La’ is a funky little groover that bobs along with a blend of psychedelic tones, laid-back rhythm, swooning strings and some French touches. A startlingly impressive intro with so much sparkle. ‘Irresponsible’ meanwhile, is quite simply sumptuous as a subtle jazz / bossa nova vibe is married with lush arrangements, swooning strings, with sweetly sung vocals above for a sound that is positively glowing. Two exquisite examples of Hopkins’ pristine popcraft; it is classic, rich, atmospheric and well beyond the reach of most.

You can check out ‘C’est La’ & ‘Irresponsible’ below and Overlook is out now, you can tune in here.

Izaak Opatz – ‘Got To Me Since’

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By day, Montana native Izaak Opatz works with the National Parks but by night, he is proving a genial musician and songwriting talent.

His new single, ‘Got To Me Since’ is lifted from Opatz’s forthcoming album, entitled Mariachi Static, which is being re-released on Mama Bird Recording Co. on 20 July. Built around a simple refrain and embellished with beautiful lyrics and an utterly charming country soul vibe, ‘Got To Me Since’ is ridiculously catchy and endearing. This is soulful country, dripping with melody and has an air about it that encourages a singalong and while this ode to infatuation is constantly skirting on the edge of being cliched but without ever being cliched, ultimately it’s got a real feel-good vibe that will put some pep in your step and paste a smile on your face. A jaunty little Americana meets country soul tune with a very sunny and absolutely lovable disposition.

Tune into ‘Got To Me Since’ below and keep an eye out for that album.