POSTS TAGGED : David Harks

Millions Like Us Podcast – Episode #7

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We’re back once again with a brand new episode of ‘Millions Like Us’, and we’re delighted as always.

This is Episode #7 (time really is flying) of Justin & I’s music podcast in conjunction with Vancouver news & culture site 604now. It is a bi-weekly digest of music from metro Vancouver and beyond, the latest serving has the usual whimsical chatter and top tunes, comprised from an eclectic mix of styles and genres. Hopefully you enjoy podcast #7 and we plan to have an end of year round-up Pod recorded before the close of 2015, hopefully you tune in to that too.

You can read more on it here and listen below, and the tracklist (with links) is after the jump too. You can subscribe to ‘Millions Like Us’ on iTunes & Podcast Republic or find us on Facebook & Twitter.

Hopefully you enjoy our curated pickings, and thanks for listening as always.

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BarryGruff Playlist November 2015

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Your regular monthly round up all the blog action, in a nice, neat and handy playlist of tracks featured throughout the month.

November was another busy one, with introductions to A.S. Fanning, exmagician & New Cardinals. There were excellent new singles/EPs from Avid Walker, Anderson, Public Service Broadcasting, Ulrika Spacek, Daniel Avery, CaStLeS, David Harks & Manor. And we had tunes from Globelamp, MMOTHS, Coves, Hinds & Tuff Love ahead of their respective, new and forthcoming albums.

Oh, and there were two new episodes of ‘Millions Like Us’, Justin Beats & I’s new music podcast extravaganza for 604now (if you missed them, check ’em here). You can also subscribe to ‘Millions Like Us’ on iTunes & Podcast Republic or find us on Facebook & Twitter.

Well then, that’s that for another month – listen to BarryGruff’s November 2015 playlist below. Enjoy!

 

David Harks – ‘Tripping Ghosts’

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Following on from last year’s wonderful debut solo EP, LOMO, Brighton based musician David Harks is back with a new single, ‘Tripping Ghosts’.

In collaboration with composer/producer Dan Berridge (Broadway Project) ‘Tripping Ghosts’ a is downtempo electronic number. Steeped in melancholy, ‘Tripping Ghosts’ sees Harks’ haunting pure-toned vocals weave in and out of a shadowy yet elegant electronic soundscape. At points both melancholic and transcendent, his voice conveys a fragility (not unlike that of a certain Steve Mason) and evinced with a kind of nocturnal self-analysis that results from late-night walks or spending many a restless hour staring at the ceiling. A shadowy track of murky layers, emotion and isolation; it is wholly absorbing, affecting, invigorating and thrillingly distinct.

The single is also joined remix from Anglo-French duo Loframes (James Yuill & Franck Russo) who while retaining the intimacy, transform the track into a sleek, dark yet sparkling and mildly Balearic dancefloor friendly tune.

‘Tripping Ghosts’ is released November 27 on JumJum Records and you can listen to it below. Why not check out his previous releases too? They’re here.

 

Alaska Wilson – ‘Invisible Boy’

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Regular patrons may remember David Harks from a string of stellar singles he released last year, that ended up forming into the fabulous, Lomo EP.

While we don’t have a new material from Harks’, what we are privy to though, is the latest release from his label, JumJum Records. The single ‘Invisible Boy’ is a sublime debut from newcomer Alaska Wilson. Info on Wilson is pretty scarce but what we know is he currently resides in Dangriga on the coast of Belize, suffice to say, the single speaks for itself. ‘Invisible Boy’ whisks an elegant blend downtempo pop, soul and electronics, as hypnotic synths combine with waves of feel good, woozy summery vibes. There’s a hint of the Balearic about it and tempered by some tender vocals from Wilson. An intriguing first outing from Wilson, let’s hope we’re not waiting too long for more tunes.

‘Invisible Boy’ is out now & you can sample its delight below. Also, the fantastic artwork was carefully created by Ilya Gulyaev – I really like it.

Favourite New Sounds of 2014

 

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Originally published for Dukla Prague Away Kit on November 27th 2014 – where by I shared some of my favourite new musical discoveries from 2014. Pretty self-explanatory this….

David Harks

“Infectious, upbeat and colourful..”

Hailing from Brighton in the UK, David Harks, is a singer-songwriter who creates lush elegant electronic-pop music. Harks left quite an impression throughout 2013 with a number of beautiful, blissful and uplifting singles. The pièce de résistance of this heart-pumping, well-whisked blend of soul and pop, with electronic undertones being ‘Illusion’. Hushed, inviting and transfixing vocals float upon a beautifully warm melody. Flowering beats and percussion, usher a soft hypnotic psychedelic feel and a simply irresistible listen. Infectious, upbeat and colourful, with tender vocals, it is a soul-filled, synth-kissed, soothing sound with flourishes of warmth. David Harks’ is definitely worth some of your time and one to keep your eye on in future.

Distant Cousin

“Hazy chants, swirling synth and subtle melodic embellishments”

Earlier this year LA-based producer Distant Cousin released his promising and stylistically diverse self-titled debut EP. Both pensively cinematic and reflective, it delves headlong into a textural depth that goes far beyond the constraints of one single genre. Done with majestic progression, he paves a winding path through a chilling hinterland of electronica, techno and even hip-hop. Of which, ‘Floating/Above Nothing’ is a perfect example of this exemplary touch. Opening in bubbling slow-burning fashion, the murky origins are expanded upon by hazy chants, swirling synth and subtle melodic embellishments. Chugging relentlessly toward a deep and mysterious well of rich sounds, then bang, we have lift off. A heavy bassline and mutating synthwork laid over a thick bed of bristling percussion as the euphoric underbelly comes to the fore, only relenting to allow the poignant spoken sample ring through. Utterly captivating beat and synth work. Exciting times lie ahead.

Oh Boland

“With every rumbling note their music proves ever more captivating and palatable..”

Oh Boland are a garage rock trio – Niall Murphy, Éanna Mac Donnchadha and Simon McDonagh – from Tuam, Co. Galway.

Admittedly formed close to two years ago, their charms having remained elusive (to me anyway) till January of this year, a discovery I’m all the better for. The trio’s rough, ragged and somewhat abrasive sound borrows from an earthy mix of garage rock, indie, pop and some local guitar flavours. To date they released two EPs Oh! & Ho!, and this year’s super spilt release with Me and My Dog. Taken from the latter, ‘Tidy Is’, a rollicking indie rock number with crashing drums and rumbling guitars, pretty much captures the essence of this band. With every rumbling note their music proves ever more captivating and palatable, as it screeches and howls harmonically as the sheer thrashing nature rings through. Bands of this ilk are relatively rare commodity Ireland and rarely are they so utterly fuckin’ brilliant, which is all the more reason to treasure them. With a debut LP on the horizon they’re one’s to keep an eye out for in the new year. Listen here.

Mowbird

“Hurled together with exuberant bursts of energy, and a sheen of poppy harmonies..”

Welsh lo-fi-fuzz pop wizards Mowbird specialize in scuzzy, charming, soul-consuming guitar jams.

Fusing a predilection for fuzz pop, with parts surf-rock, slacker indie and some garage punk nuances to create fun filled blasts of sub 3 minute, easy to listen to tunes. There is a real spontaneity and energy to their sound; a theme running throughout their dedut LP Islander. It kind of feels unrehearsed and unplanned as it goes where feels right without putting a single foot wrong, with ‘Return to the Sea’, ‘Islander’ and ‘Empress’ are exemplary exponents of this prowess. Hurled together with exuberant bursts of energy, and a sheen of poppy harmonies, melodies, catchy hooks and some stunning organ work (an intrinsic part of their sound), and you’ve got yourself absolute joyous amalgam of sounds that lives in the moment. Quite simply one of the finest things crafted in Wrexham since Mickey Thomas’ free kick against Arsenal in ’91. Listen here.

The Careers

“There is a scrappy imperfection and absence of glossy production..”

The Careers are a garage- rock band comprised of four young men – Luke O’Neill, Eoin Conway, James Moone & Fergal Hennessy – from Cork.

They’ve a certain penchant for the past and sound as though they were raised on a steady diet of ‘6os rock and roll and garage bands. They’re a rock ‘n roll band, plain and simple. To date, they’ve released one EP, Atomic Cosmosaurus, recorded in the drummer’s shed, it’s filled with lively and stomping gems of the fuzzy, garagey variety. These scratchy, rough and ragged home recordings are endearing in their unique imperfection, and pleasing to the ear and an eminently repeatable experience. While there is a scrappy imperfection and absence of glossy production to their sound, the execution is tight, as any number of examples from the EP are testament to – from the bashed kickdrums and turbulent guitar riffs of ‘Won’t Go Far’ to the slinking swagger of ‘Try [Try, (Try)]’ or stomping retro-fitted rock ‘n roller ‘All The All The Whiles’. Combining a clever use of great riffs, driving rhythms and catchy hooks and melodies, The Careers have struck an incredible balance between sounding familiar, yet wholly original at the same time. Hopefully we’re hearing more from them soon. Listen here.

David Harks – ‘Odyssey’

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Hailing from Brighton in the UK, David Harks creates lush elegant electronic-pop music – music that left quite the impression throughout 2014.

Rounding off on a stellar year of beautiful, blissful and uplifting singles, Harks has released his debut EP. Entitled Lomo, it’s a collection of singles, the 4th being ‘Odyssey’, the fourth and final single to complete the EP. Effortlessly cool, ‘Odyssey’ has all that sparkle set his music apart this year. An intricately crafted slow burner with a driving groove at its core, harnessing some delicate, subtle synth work, which rises, swells and flourishes, to reveal Harks vocals at their most soulful and tender. A suitably stunning conclusion to his four part series of singles and 2014 in general, which has been ever so fruitful. David Harks is a unique and extremely exciting talent, who is definitely worth some of your time and one to keep tabs on in future.

You can take a listen to ‘Odyssey’ below & make sure to check out the whole EP here.

 

David Harks – ‘Open Arms’

 

1614556_742294825783330_1513816051_oDavid Harks left a lasting impression on introduction to his brand of heart-pumping, lush and elegant, well-whisked blend of soul and pop, with electronic undertones – a la the colourful ‘We’ and the irresistibly hypnotic ‘Illusion’.

Brighton based David Harks return, as promised, with a penultimate release from a series of four singles this summer. ‘Open Arms’ reaches into the realms of Balearic where sermon samples from a 10 year-old Cayman Islands based Preacher wrap suave steel drum melodies, waves of feel good vibes and tempered by halcyon synths and lush storytelling. This elegant, lush and swirling backdrop is at odds with Harks’ strong lyrical message, a somewhat nihilistic love letter declaring, “there is no religion, there will be no answer, put your loving arms around the ones, you want tonight, we could stay together, if we just come closer, I will be your window out through the other side”. For all intents and purposes, ‘Open Arms’ sounds like the embodiment of summertime. It is hard to recall when steel drums made such an intense impression, from the moment they’re introduced, let them take control and whisk you away into the throws of summer vibes.

You can check out ‘Open Arms’ below & if you fancy catching up with his previous work, you can do so here.

Introducing: David Harks

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Hailing from Brighton in the UK, David Harks, is a singer-songwriter who creates lush elegant electronic-pop music.

Harks’ already turned heads with debut single ‘Sirens’ on Kitsune Maison 15 last year, and on listening to his well-whisked blend of soul and pop, with electronic undertones, it is easy to understand why many were so enamoured. His latest single ‘Illusion’, is his finest effort yet. Hushed, inviting and transfixing vocals float upon a beautifully warm melody. Flowering beats and percussion, usher a soft hypnotic psychedelic feel and a simply irresistible listen. Harks’ previous releases are no slouches either. ‘We’ is imbued with many similar qualities as ‘Illusion’; infectious, upbeat and colourful, with tender vocals, it is a soul-filled, synth-kissed, soothing sound with flourishes of warmth. What’s not to love about these tunes? If you’re not one for beautiful, blissful and uplifting sounds, perhaps steer well clear. Ba-bap ba-bap baa.

Harks has four new singles penned for release this year, of which we have the first two, so only half way there then. Keep your eyes peeled for more. For now, get yourself accustomed to ‘Illusion’ & ‘We’ below.