Once you get past that bland indie exterior, you’re welcomed into a little hub of activity: whimsical melodies, enigmatic lyrics and playful percussion. – So writes Gina Louise on the latest outing from Herman Dune.
Author Gina Louise
Kitty, Daisy & Lewis – Smoking In Heaven
Kitty, Daisy & Lewis are one of those good old fashioned bands that always deliver; if they say you’ll be home by ten, you’ll be tucked up in bed by half past with your curlers in. They don’t simply look to the past for inspiration – they become the past.
FM Belfast – Don’t Want to Sleep
Whilst FM Belfast play safely within their niche of electro pop, they’re mighty fine at it. And you don’t want to punch them in the face for being so god damn happy. Bonus!
Bullion – You Drive Me To Plastic
Mechanical groaning, radio voice overs, hip hop beats and electronic conceits all fight for a place in the heavily built landscape of Bullion’s musical mind. A pre cursor to greater things to come from this young West-Londoner.
BettySoo – Heat Sin Water Skin
The delicacy of Priscilla Ahn and the feminine strength of Dolly Parton – not a combination you get to see every day. “Like [a] favourite pair of jeans” – Gina Louise slips into something more comfortable with Bettysoo’s third outing.
Algodón Egipcio – La Lucha Constante
Dynamic pop, with an undercurrent of maturity and grace. A beautifully scripted album, and one that really allows you get to know the man behind the moniker. The latest release from the consistently worthwhile Lefse Records.
Flash Fiktion – Hoxton Bar and Kitchen, London 22/02/11
If first impressions are everything then I’m sorry to say Flash Fiktion wouldn’t have made it on to my Christmas card list. When the singer Matt saunters on stage in a reindeer hoody, cut off leather gloves and a blank expression, it pretty much sets the tone for the evening, which is a baffling cacophony [...]
OMD – History of the Modern
For anyone scared that this album will topple the pedestal you have placed OMD on, never fear, the boys have still got it according to Gina Louise.
The Hundred In The Hands – The Hundred In The Hands
Gina Louise wonders whether the wider world is ready for The Hundred In The Hands particular take on kooky pop music.
Skream – Outside The Box
Skreams album is just the thing to get you in the mood for a grimy rave or two, according to Gina Louise.
The Secret Garden Party – Huntingdon, 22-25 July 2010
A quick look around at the hoards of pirates, one-time transvestites and gimp suits, I knew I was among friends. As with most things in life, festivals make more sense in fancy dress. Even if the dress you’re wearing isn’t intentionally fancy.
Max Richter – Infra
Oh Max, if only you knew what you did to us mere mortals, maybe you’d think twice about creating such evocative music…
Au Revoir Simone – Night Light
Neon Indian, Jens Lekman, Dam Mantle and Aeroplane all show up to re-work last years ‘Still Night, Still Light’ – with mostly great results, says Gina Louise.
Memoryhouse – The Years
Memoryhouse unify ill-timed, deadpan vocals and a myriad of melodic layers with an integrity seldom seen in the indie world. Gina Louise reviews.
Sia – We Are Born
Sia’s album is a rather predictable, yet entirely welcome, mix of pop, soul and electro according to Gina Louise.
Gold Panda – You EP
‘You’ sounds like someone has flown Mario and the Gentle Friendly to a tropical island, given them some synthesisers and made them have an all out electronic battle. Yeah!
