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As the Polka Turns
Iceage – Ecstasy
Iceage, the young punk quartet from Denmark are primed to release their sophomore album soon and the second song they’ve released from it, Ecstasy, is something unlike a lot of things I’ve heard from them. The songs on their last album were fast, creaky, LOUD, and sound like they were just thrown together right on the recording. But this is almost poppy, in the way that the drum pattern is so rapid and precise, not as noisy and cacophonous. Everything sounds more planned out and refined, but it still retains the raucous, youthful nature that the band exudes so well. Check it out below.
Colin Stetson – High Above A Grey Green Sea
Colin Stetson is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting musicians around right now. All he uses for instrumentation in his songs is his bass saxophone and many pedals and effects to warp his rusty, deep sounds into sonic balloon animals. Occasionally he has guest vocalists, but it’s usually just his saxophone churning out otherworldly melodies and sounds. In this song, he lays down a bumpy, ominous churn of a line that is the backdrop for what I think is a vocal guest. You never know with him, he might be doing both at the same time. Regardless, it’s the first track off of his newest project coming out, “New History Warfare Vol 3: To See More Light,” and this should get you excited for it.
https://soundcloud.com/constellation-records/high-above-a-grey-green-sea
Autre Ve Neut – Play By Play
There seems to be a resurgence of high-budget, maximalist RnB/pop with tons of 80’s sensibilities loaded onto it. I’m not saying this is a bad thing. A good hook can be a great thing. That’s definitely what’s happening on the new Autre Ve Neut song, where Arthur Ashin is singing his heart out over some EPIC beats, at some points his voice gives out a little bit. Sure the lyrics are a bit cheesy and the overall melodies are definitely over the top, but it’s fun. And catchy. I’m looking forward for Autre Ve Neut’s album to be dropped on Feb. 12th, so look out for that!
Jagwar Ma – The Throw
The blogosphere has been parading around this track, some calling it an easy “Song of the Year” nominee. It’s full of reverb, got a groovy as hell bassline, hip-hop style beats and lots of British 90’s alternative rock sensibilities but still has enough originality establishing itself in the 21st century. I don’t understand the gallons of appeal this track is receiving, but I think it’s still a great track that’s structured well, has excellent builds and releases and a good aesthetic. Check it out below.
https://soundcloud.com/jagwar-ma/the-throw
Cat Power – Manhattan (Ryan Hemsworth Remix ft. Angel Haze)
One of the oddest collaborations I’ve heard in a long time, it starts off with Cat Power’s signature smooth voice, then comes in Angel Haze with her militaristic flow over a remixed beat by one of my favorite, new beatmakers Ryan Hemsworth. It’s a chilled out rap about New York with sultry vocals from Cat Power and a swag-tastic, laid back beat from Hemsworth. I’d check it out in a heartbeat.