Merry Christmas from Old Man River and Katalyst. Head here to check out and download a pretty rad new bootleg mixtape the pair have put together free of charge. No tracklist for it that I can find, but feel free to point out the stuff you recognise in the comments section. It’s worth listening to at least once, even during this peak release period. Kudos.
Broken Chip – ‘Nothing To See Here’ (mp3)
Broken Chip is a one man electronica act based in the Blue Mountains. ‘Nothing To See Here’ is pulled from Powwow Seven , which is part of Feral Media’s Powwow (see also: AFXJIM).
It sounds largely like a modern, minimalist classical composition mixed with a lullaby, but with its broad, icy atmosphere penetrated by moments of floating static and cut-up beats. It’s a calming, beautiful track that transforms a simple piano figure into something that sounds equally like the soundtrack to some haunting, blue-washed opening credits or a guy fastidiously messing about on his laptop in the dark. Either way, the image is fitting and the result is fairly amazing.
Van She – ‘Don’t Fear The Reaper’ (Holy Ghost B-Live Mix) (mp3)
There’s little coming out of the DFA stable that isn’t worth checking out if not covering. Holy Ghost are one of the NYC label’s more recent signings and continue with its theme of electro/disco/house music. They’ve lent their deft remixing skills to Van She’s recent cover of ‘Don’t Fear the Reaper’ and have extended it into a 12″-inspired disco track. Amongst many changes, Holy Ghost have re-installed the infamous cow bell and introduced a more protracted and repeating build up/break down structure. Funtimes.
Single Twin – ‘Came Home Dead’ (mp3)
I previously covered the track ‘My Silken Tooth‘ by Melbourne singer-songwriter Single Twin (Marcus Teague to his mother) when it was sent to me after being written and recorded in a single night. That track has now made its way onto Single Twin’s first official release, a six-track EP now available through iTunes and is being launched this weekend in both Melbourne and Sydney.
The above track, ‘Came Home Dead,’ is not only the lead track on the EP but it also set to appear on Teague’s debut long-player under the Single Twin moniker early next year (he also pulls time in Deloris). Like other Single Twin songs, it’s a mostly acoustic, narrative-driven affair, recorded and mixed entirely in his bedroom on Garageband. That said, the arrangement and sound quality in general are more subtle and dynamic than these conditions might suggest, while his lyrics are also more affecting than your average local troubadour.
Single Twin launches the EP this weekend with band in Melbourne and Sydney, at a couple of off the map warehouse shows. Friday 18th December at 188 Christmas Street, Fairfield in Melbourne with guests Denim Owl, and Saturday 19th December Suite 303, 271 Cleveland St, Surry Hills in Sydney. Doors for shows start at 8.30pm.
Endusk – ‘Coda’ (mp3)
Featuring alongside Matt Amery and bigger-than-Jesus-right-now Boy and Bear on MacQuarie Uni’s ‘Universe/City’ compilation is the above track by Sydney’s Endusk. The release is a cool opportunity for both band and uni alike, since it creates exposure for the bands but is also one great advertisement for Mac’s music school. They’re doing something right there.
Endusk’s track is reminiscent of older Howling Bells to these ears. It’s a crisp affair, driven by strong vocals of singer/”glam puppet” Rachael Pale and some alternately spacey and chugging guitar.
Disclosure: Endusk guitarist Adrian Leighton is a contributor to this blog, but had no part in the editorial of this post.
Cabins – ‘Hounds’ (mp3)
I first heard Cabins when I was helping put together the line-up of showcasing artists at this year’s BigSound Summit. I pretty much loved their demo for the track ‘Catcher in the Rye’ and was sincerely concerned that some studio sheen might cut the bollocks off their sound. Thankfully, it hasn’t.
‘Hounds’ is less of a stoned groove – not just because the cleaner production reduces the general haziness but because the song is more upbeat and direct and the vocals are less drawling. As I said, this isn’t necessarily a good thing since those were the very things I loved about them initially, but some added crispness hasn’ entirely compromised the darker, atmospheric side of Cabins’ music.
This is a track that’s true to their sound – retaining the noodling, reverbed guitars and rhythmic power – whilst also increasing their chances of radio airplay ten-fold, so kudos are in order. Hopefully they get some well-deserved coverage. Looking forward to hearing more stuff from them.
Mark Moldre – ‘Hushabye Mountain’ (mp3)
It’s been a long time since I saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In fact, it’s a joke amongst my family because I actually had nightmares about it when I was a young’un. Suffice it to say, I can’t recall how the original ‘Hushabye Mountain’ goes, but I’m guessing Mark Moldre’s version is quite different.
That’s right, this is a cover of a song from the aforementioned film, and it is far more Tom Waits than Disney. It’s has a slightly creepy feel about it. In spite of Disney’s intent, Moldre’s bare, carnivalesque atmosphere make’s the titular mountain feel like somewhere I don’t want to visit.
This is weird but also really cool. Especially the whistles at the end.
Latest Comments
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Still trying to purchase!!!ANTHONY J LANGFORD
Cool track. Congrats Joshua. Hope the release is a success.Tristan
Man I love these guys. I can't believe they are not releasing any new music. I've been to so many…sophie
^^ I love Grimes! Banoffee is one of my new favorite music artists! :) I love With Her, Reign Down,…Ace
Read your review then listened to the EP. Fantastic ! Different to most hardcore punk I listen to. Somewhat more…