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Pop

Rudi Zygadlo – Melpomene

Finally something in our inbox to take us by surprise. Seriously, guys, if we get another instagram-filtered press-still that features 3-4 mop-topped youths backed by a band name like Beavers or Arms or Hugs playing (as described in the press release as) “hazy synth pop” we’re putting all y’all on block. OK, so our friend Rudi Zygadlo. The track on offer here “Melpomene” is not that. It’s atmospheric, but in a way that is dramatic and focused, all attention pulled to the center. But the construction, the way the tune is structured is neat too. “Melpomene” almost reminds in a way of Olivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time in its dynamism-on-top-of-a-pinpoint that purveys that tension between the piano (power) and supportive atmosphere/vocals (release).

Rudi Zygadlo (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

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reviewed by
06-18-12

Jhameel – Let’s Run Away

Jhameel wraps the Are You Free series with this new and atmospheric track “Let’s Run Away”. The cut showcases particularly well the electronica blood running through Jhameel’s Pop repertory. A few spins will get you singing along, remix primed. We’re always excited to hear what’s next from this dude.

Jhameel – Let’s Run Away

Jhameel california (Facebook)

Rating 8

brown8

reviewed by
06-12-12

Fast Years – Women [EP]

Brooklyn rockers Fast Years will release their debut EP Women on June 25. The EP starts out on a tear with the guitar-driven “Young Heart” which certainly packs a jangly punch. Women then segways nicely into the incredibly hooky surf tune, “Let Me Try”. Things mellow out on the next few tracks giving the album a nice flavor. “Fall For Me” is an exceedingly dynamic, but pleasantly tight track where nothing is wasted. The melodies are woven masterfully with a true knack for Pop – something that Fast Years seem to do effortlessly. “Like It Or Not” is more nostalgic and without doubt leaves me with a John Frusciante sort of feel (this song is really a delight). The album takes another turn with “Stolen Love”, which delivers a vibrant and energetic track. The closing number, “Happy Hour” offers up some healthy refrains and more of those guitar sounds that are so distinctive to Fast Years. Highly relatable lyrics is another quality that makes this EP ever more relevant and significant to the listener – spurring periods of pondering, reflection, and maybe even preparation for some looming event that might just be meandering beyond your awareness. – By Trevor Meyer

Fast Years newyork (Facebook)

Rating 7.7937

reviewed by
06-10-12

Jens Lekman – Erica America

Beef Boy Jens is back with “Erica America”. The track which is excerpted from the due in September LP I Know What Love Isn’t gathers the best of ’70’s jazz-influenced Dad Rock (hands clenched, shoulders braced for that sizzling sax solo) with more modern melodic textures.

Jens Lekman (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

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reviewed by
06-07-12

Lucy Rose – Lines

“Lines” plays true to the sweet sounding sparseness that we’ve all come to know and love from the young UK based singer-songwriter Lucy Rose, but more so, the song branches into new musical territory where a mix of instrumentation, syncopation and counter-melodies clearly share in the greater vision. It’s a substantive vision of an artist who clearly has lots (and lots more) to say. Lucy Rose’ debut album Like I Used To will be released on September 24. Mark it down.

Lucy Rose – Lines

Lucy Rose england (Facebook) (Twitter)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
06-06-12

Zella Day – 7 Nation Army

The seventeen years young song-stress Zella Day recently dropped this hauntingly delicate twee folk rendition of the White Stripes standard. We’re sure it does Jack proud. #RADAR

Zella Day – 7 Nation Army

Zella Day arizona (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
06-05-12

Theophilus London – Golden (Prod. by Twin Shadow)

Theo keeps heading down the road of an outside-the-box head space with this new Twin Shadow produced track from his forthcoming Rose Island release. The new collab “Golden” yields as much new wave, coastal beach vibes as it does hip-hop r&b. (PS – you know somewhere down the line there had to be some discussion about adding a steel drum somewhere on this track.)

Theophilus London – Golden (Prod. by Twin Shadow)

Theophilus London newyork (Official) (Blog) (Twitter)

Rating: 8.235

brown8

reviewed by
06-01-12

Calvin Harris – We’ll Be Coming Back (Feat. Example)

Calvin Harris has a taste for Top 40. It’s almost perpetual, there’s no stopping him now. “We’ll Be Coming Back” is the fourth single from his forthcoming album. Check it out.

Calvin Harris – We’ll Be Coming Back (Feat. Example)

Calvin Harris scotland (Facebook)

Rating 8.4907

brown8

reviewed by
05-31-12

Martin Solveig – The Night Out (Live at Studio Ferber)

Martin Solveig just dropped this live 25 piece orchestra version of his smash “The Night Out”. This tune has longer legs than they make pants. Even at that we still can’t get enough.

Martin Solveig – The Night Out (Live at Studio Ferber)

Martin Solveig (Facebook)

Rating 8

brown8

reviewed by
05-31-12

Zella Day – No Sleep To Dream

“No Sleep to Dream” is a record for those moments you didn’t know that you wanted to hear something like it, let alone any record. Got that? Not sure we do either but check out “No Sleep To Dream”.

Zella Day – No Sleep To Dream

Zella Day arizona (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
05-30-12

DWNTWN – See My Eyes (+GIVEAWAY: 05/31/12 @ Santos Party House, New York)

So we’re up on this DWNTWN shit (L.A. duo Jamie Leffler and Robert Cepeda). “See My Eyes” is a neatly sliced helping of well-executed synthpop and the best original track we’ve heard out of the outfit thusfar. Give it your attention below.

*BONUS* We’ve got a pair of passes to give away to the band’s Kitsuné America Release show in New York this Thursday night (05/31) at Santos Party House (with Them Jeans, Giraffage, xxyyxx and Selebrities). Hit our inbox if you want to go (winner will be picked at random day of the show). Tickets available here.

DWNTWN (Facebook)

Rating 8.1

brown8

reviewed by
05-29-12

Little Comets – Jennifer

“Jennifer” has summer jam status written all over it. Basically, you can close your eyes and have a 2:45 sunny vacay getaway (if you’re like us and you need more than 2:45 then we highly recommended the replay button). Little Comets release “Jennifer” on June 11th via Dirty Hit Records. Grab yourself a copy and catch this band on tour through the UK later this year if you can. You can also sample their ace live performance of “Jennifer” below.

Little Comets (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
05-25-12