We’re into “Twice”, the new track from London-based SWIMS. Melodically (at least in terms of its groove) reminding a bit of Rihanna’s “Rude Boy”, “Twice” (while sounding like a lot of songs/bands out right now) overpowers on the merit of it’s very strong tune. Well done.
Out now on the venerable Fool’s Gold is “Bring Me Your Love” the THEA-featuring new steady-rocker from Camelopardalian beatsman Giraffage. Vibe too on some new tour dates from Giraffage below.
9/2 San Bernardino, CA – Nocturnal Wonderland
9/17 The Gorge, WA – Magnifique
10/7 Albuquerque, NM – Effex Nightclub
10/8 San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park
10/13 Salt Lake City, UT – Elevate
10/27 Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre w/ XXYYXX
10/31 San Francisco, CA – Mezzanine w/ XXYYXX
11/3 Montreal, QC – NewSpeak
11/4 Toronto, ON – The Hoxton
11/5 Detroit, MI – Magic Stick
11/9 Washington, DC – SoundCheck DC
11/10 Brooklyn, NY – Output
11/17 Orlando, FL – Venue 578
11/18 Miami, FL – Bardot
11/19 Boston, MA – Ascend Nightclub
12/1 Portland, OR – 45 East
12/3 Vancouver, BC – Celebrities Nightclub
12/9 Austin, TX – Kingdom
12/10 Dallas, TX – Lizard Lounge
12/16 Chicago, IL – The Mid
12/17 Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line Music Cafe
We’ve posted Swedish duo Grapell a couple of times knocked out by their wistful at times sax-driven dark pop. “Some Places” (from the band’s upcoming “Love Chamber” EP out September 30th) is a very good new track from the duo that sticks to a similar aesthetic as previous tracks like “Arrow” while exploring more spacious arrangement ideas.
On “About You” Colouring (fka Osca) pulls off what can at times be a near impossible task to realize, create a well-constructed modern pop song that still feels inherently soulful and just real. “About You” is that sort of song. Well done.
“Pray”, the new one from star in the making Bishop Briggs (“River”), is perfection. Ms. Briggs delivers in a big way at a crucial career moment in following up her breakout track. A+++++++++.
We were into debut track “Manipulator” from ex-Yumi Zouma Kim Pflaum’s new MADEIRA project and we’re liking the warm tones of latest “Come On Thru” which you can stream below.
Out now on PMR’s Beat Club imprint is “Flight Mode” the debut single from new Nick van Hofwegen (Young & Sick) project Mr. Sanka.
Stream the surrealistic swirl of the latest dark pop wonder track from UK duo Over Sands, “Heartbeat”.
We were into “Love is Bad” a couple weeks back and we’re equally knocked out by latest stream “Sheila” from Portland band Minden. From forthcoming LP Sweet, Simple Things out Friday on Hit City USA, “Sheila” is a cool tune built on breezy major chords, 70’s pop-influenced instrumentation (ie. into those bongos), and some really impeccable vocal melodies. Get into Minden and “Sheila” below.
Out now on B3SCI (and on Chess Club in the UK) is “Porcelain / Wolf”, the debut AA-side single from Swedish singer SKOTT. “Porcelain” was called a “quite beautiful thing” by CLASH and an “impressive debut” by Pigeons & Planes. New stream “Wolf” has been equally lauded with praise from Fader, Best Fit, Breaking More Waves and more. Further details on the release can be found here at B3SCI Records.
Perhaps our favorite new vocalist of the year, Charlotte Day Wilson follows-up the excellent “Work” on strong Sade/C. Bailey Rae-vibing new one “Find You”. Ms. Day Wilson will release her debut CDW project on August 26.
