Monthly Archives For August 2014

PREMIERE: MKO – ‘Puddles’

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Brisbane’s MKO sent this song to us a few days ago, describing it as a “sub-aquatic, other-wordly plea”. I don’t know what that means, but it’s probably no coincidence that all your wild ideas and short moments of genius come to fruition when you’re mid shower.

Lathering aside. The arrangement begins sparse. It’s the same way MKO (Hannah Macklin) makes her foray into previous songs – lulling your ears along with that coy vocal, backlit by giddy tryptich beats. Soft R&B twists and turns hold this track by the shoulders, but it’s MKO’s subtle delivery that wins here.

‘Puddles’ is available to purchase via MKO’s Bandcamp from tomorrow.

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PREMIERE: Singing For Humans – ‘Walk Don’t Run’

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‘Walk Don’t Run’ is the brand new single from Melbourne four-piece Singing For Humans. The group has been gathering momentum for a little while now over a bunch of new releases, and we are happy to offer you the first taste of their upcoming album.

The song is a rousing track of simple yet elegant pop with the volume turned up to 11. Crystal clear vocals, pristine musicianship – Singing For Humans know how to write a tune. ‘Walk Don’t Run’ has a distinct UK indie-rock feel, channelling bands from the ’90s and early 2000s, combining the sonic qualities of acts like The Big Pink and The Verve.

After a few opening bars of acoustic strumming an electric guitar is introduced that sounds like an air-raid siren (if it were powered by failing Duracell batteries) and lyrics that provide a warning: walk, don’t run; simple but sound advice.

Singing For Humans will be releasing their self-titled EP on the 30th of August via Shock Records. 

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INTRODUCING: Mermaidens

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Dual guitar and drum-kit toting Wellington trio Mermaidens last month put forth a new three-track EP of icy, self-recorded guitar music that may very well send shivers down your spine.

Following on from the release of Bones earlier this year, O sees the band embrace a slower pace and a more spacious sound. In a show of brevity and skilled songcraft, Mermaidens lead you down a grim path with ambiguous intentions. Dark and swirling, O achieves a great sense of depth and movement in the space of three tracks and little more than 12 minutes of music. It’s an almost gothic experience, but it also carries the lo-fi grit of a noise band trying in vain to play quietly late at night.

Their sound is much bigger than their simple instrumentation would have you believe. O is a charming and brief experience that gives you enough in the way of spooky vocal melodies to make you want to listen again and again. Ideally on headphones, alone, and at night.

 

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