2015 According to Imploded View

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One of my proudest achievements on the blog this year, or any year for that matter, is the release of GruffWuff; a 19 track compilation of new, previously unreleased and exclusive recordings from some of my very favourite acts over the past 5 years of blogging.

It was a truly fantastic way to mark 5 years of BarryGruff and I am incredibly grateful to everyone involved and the overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic response. As 2015 draws to a close, I have enlisted help from people who made the compilation what it was, to chat about their favourite moments and sounds from year, and up next is Imploded View.

From his Longford hideaway, operating under the guise of Imploded View, Jerome McCormick has proven a reliable source of experimental, sometimes abstract but always interesting electronic music. Sometimes dark and moody, while often bouncy, playful and jovial, Imploded View has you covered whatever your mood. His compositions are always top class.

Before we take a look at his 2015 sound selections, you should check out Imploded View’s superb back catalogue here and his GruffWuff inclusion, ‘Barry’s Game’ – of which you can download here for FREE.

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Jape – ‘Seance of Light’

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Jape is, and has been, one of Ireland’s most talented musicians for sometime now and his much anticipated fifth album, This Chemical Sea, is out today (January 23rd).

‘Séance of Light’ follows ‘The Heart’s Desire’ as the album’s second single. It is more of a grower and less instantly infectious than it’s predeccesor but that said, it is synth-led pop of the highest caliber. It pulsates with a vital electronic beat, shifting through expansive and colourful production that intertwine with some wonderful euphoric undercurrents. It is all topped off to perfection by Egan’s intoxicating blend of soft vocals and exquisite harmonies which sit atop of the haze and swirling synth. A delightfully warm and hazy gem that offers yet another wonderfully compelling and colourful insight into the new record, The Chemical Sea, which is out today (so, many of you will have already heard the LP but I have not).

‘Seance of Light’ is below for your listening pleasure and check out the Dave Tynan directed video too. The Chemical Sea is available now from all the usual haunts.

 

Jape – ‘The Heart’s Desire’

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Jape are back! The Dublin trio of Richie Egan & Co. make a welcome return with brand new single ‘The Heart’s Desire’, the first taster from their fifth album, This Chemical Sun.

Recorded in Malmo, Sweden where Mr. Egan has been living since 2012, it is penned in for release in January 2015 and will follow-up 2012’s Choice Music Prize-winning album Ocean of Frequency. ‘The Heart’s Desire’ is a gorgeously infectious slice of shimmering electro-pop. An intoxicating blend of soft vocals and exquisite harmonies are complemented by hazy, swirling synths and shuffling beat that serve to both soothe and uplift. Spurred on by a propulsive bassline, this is forward-moving synth-pop with a Hot Chip-esque electro swagger, while also remaining unmistakably Jape. This is Jape at the very height of their powers, doing what they do best; mixing it up and eking out a sweet spot between live band and electronic sounds. A fabulous and compelling insight to what we’ve got coming our way in January.

The Chemical Sea will be released in January, while ‘The Heart’s Desire’ is released on November 3rd through Faction. Stream it below.


 

Video: Jape – ‘The Oldest Mind’

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Following the success of 2008’s Ritual, Jape‘s new album was always going to be one of most anticipated Irish albums this year. While I have yet to find the time to delve fully into Ocean Of Frequency, his latest single ‘The Oldest Mind’ won me over straight away. As has Brendan Canty’s wonderful video which perfectly compliments the essence of the song.

Jape has a whole host of gigs lined up across Ireland & beyond. Check the dates here

ASIWYFA – 7 Billion People All Alive At Once (Jape Remix)

Jape has remixed And So I Watch You From Afar’s new single taken from the exceptional Gangs, ’7 Billion People All Alive at Once’.

It is a very different remix from Jape, in fact, it has been reworked it into a pretty indistinguishable dance number with only mere echoes of the original coming through.

‘7 Billion People All Alive At Once’ is out via the Richter Collective on Sept 16th. Listen to both superb versions below.

 ASIWYFA – 7 Billion People All Alive At Once (Jape Remix)

 ASIWYFA – 7 Billion People All Alive At Once