Seekae – ‘Blood Bank’

Seekae – ‘Blood Bank’ (mp3)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Even though I have a hefty list of backed up songs, everything kind of got dropped for this queue-jumping jam from Seekae, the first taste of their hotly-anticipated sophomore album, due out next year.

On first listen (and, at this point, only listen – I’m posting this immediately), ‘Blood Bank’ is built around the same technical skills that made their first album a standout – a slightly stumbling hip hop beat, manipulated and cut-up samples, crackling textures, wobbling pads. It sounds like the same band that made The Sound of Trees Falling on People, but it doesn’t sound like it should be on that album.  ‘Blood Bank’ is less icy than a lot of the material on their debut – there’s still a strong focus on atmosphere, but it’s distinct from the atmosphere on, say, ‘Wool’ or ‘ Void.’ It’s one of their more rhythm-centric tracks, where all the elements on their pulls together in slave of the beat.

It’s a good start for an album I’ve already pegged to be a highlight of 2011. Looking forward to seeing this and some other new stuff live on their upcoming tours with PVT and Cloud Control. Those dates for those after the jump. Seekae are also spearheading an unreal line-up at The Gate on September 18 alongside Bon Chat, Bon Rat and Zeal.

www.myspace.com/seekaemusic