You know what you’re getting with a Slumberland band: pop melodies played with a lot of fuzziness and a fondness for the 1980s. Brilliant Colors are no different, and their second album for the label is a familiar and (mostly) enjoyable listen.
July, 2011
Dam Mantle – WE EP
The WE EP shows Dam Mantle creating a stark and bleak landscape; a mesmerising desert plain distinguished enough to stand alone from its glitchy predecessors.
Listen: CANT – Answer
The Grizzly Bear vocalist’s new solo track is dark and harrowing but undoubtedly flaunts his expertise in multi-instrumentation and production.
Bon Iver – Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee 22-23/07/11
Bon Iver return to the live stage after a two year absence with a double bill at Milwaukee’s Riverside Theatre. Erik Thompson reports from both nights and witnesses a show that “ranks among the best [I've] seen in years”.
Watch: Pusha T ft. Tyler, the Creator – Trouble on my Mind
In Pusha T’s new vid, Tyler, the Creator has started to repeat himself. Like, actually repeating himself – post-modern, self-referencing and all.
Listen: Carousels – Here To Me
Operating from their Guildford flat, lo-fi pop upstarts Carousels somehow manage to make swooning and beautiful melodies out of scuzzy guitar furore.
Listen: Paradise – Luella
Paradise are somewhat a bit darker than their unofficial artwork may suggest, alluring dream-pop with a macho twist.
Kendal Calling 2011 Preview
Kendal Calling has returned for its 6th year, this time around boasting a line up featuring Frankie & The Heartstrings, The Chapman Family, Blondie and the world’s largest Kendal mintcake. Emma Smith takes a look at what to expect from this years festivities.
Listen: Girls – Vomit
San Fran duo’s new track sounds like Lifted-era Bright Eyes with a bit of Nina Simone backing-vocals thrown into the mix. Just sit back, and pretend you’re still a teenager.
Ólafur Arnalds – Queen Elizabeth Hall, London 19/07/11
Icelander Ólafur Arnalds returns to London, to perform a mesmerising concert in the highly agreeable setting of the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Francine Gorman reviews.
[Premiere] Throwing Snow & Py – Wallow // Song Of The Day #297
Throwing Snow’s latest EP, Wallow, is wintry, melodic, and beautiful. Catch an exclusive stream of the title track here, courtesy of Raffertie’s Super Recordings.
Oh! Canada Road Trip! Part 6: Dawson City Music Festival
Oh! Canada heads to the land of the midnight sun to take in Dawson City Music Festival.
Pure X – Pleasure
Pure X’s debut channels the stoned spirit of psychedelia through the prism of shoegaze, a hazy journey accompanied by meandering guitar lines and echoing bass. If you’ve got a totem animal, better call him now. It’s a heavy trip.
She Keeps Bees – Dig On
Brooklyn-based duo achieve possibly their best album yet, staying constant with their original vibe yet somehow becoming more accessible. Merlin Jobst reviews.
Southern Shores – Atlantic EP
Atlantic EP by Southern Shores doesn’t change the world but that not its aim. It’s far too busy catching rays and urging you to join in this joyous equatorial party it’s created to bother with all that serious stuff, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll do just that – join in.
Photos: All Tomorrow’s Parties – I’ll Be Your Mirror Festival (Day 2)
Noise dominates on day two of the Portishead-curated ATP: Star turns from Grinderman, Liars and Swans see a sonic assault on Alexandra Palace while Beach House and Anika bring a little tenderness.
