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Rock

Mrs. Magician – There Is No God

By Chris Gedos

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So Cal four-piece Mrs. Magician is in the midst of a cross-country jaunt with fellow San Diegans, Cults. They’re less influenced by the NYC girl groups, instead taking cues from Don Van Vliet and a whole lot of jangle pop. Fans of irreverent, Rivers Cuomo / Stephin Merritt style songwriting should wake up early this Tuesday, March 6th, and purchase a digital copy of their debut LP, Strange Heaven, out via Swami records. The Prescription Vision 7” was released this past November, but the album version of “There is no God” is an anthem for atheists. Love this shit before a mini-encyclopedia emerges post-SXSW.

Mrs. Magician – There Is No God

Mrs. Magician california (Facebook)

Rating 8.49

brown8

reviewed by
03-03-12

The Union Line – Bongo (Time is a Seed)

By Chris Gedos

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“Bongo (Time is a Seed)”, part of a three song teaser off the forthcoming LP from The Union Line, places the band solidly in the b3sci convo re: most anticipated releases. There’s a very mystical / soulful ethos here, almost as if Question Mark and The Mysterians recorded well into the seventies. The claustrophobic wall-of-sound is achieved through an economical, non-baroque instrumentation, allowing for the arrangement and vocal to take precedence. Check out “LoveJam” as well, which features some juicy Chicago / Al Kooper inspired jazz fusion.

The Union Line – Bongo (Time is a Seed)

The Union Line california (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

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reviewed by
03-01-12

The Cold One Hundred – Sixteen Inside (Demo)

By Chris Gedos

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The most classically constructed rock song I’ve heard thus far in 2k12, The Cold One Hundred’s “Sixteen Inside” is a song for aficionados. A very Liverpudlian intro ripens into a Londoner verse and American college Rock chorus from the Manchester five piece, but with the geographical influences melded into something cohesive, original and much removed from the Factory Records legacy. The stuck-at-sixteen motif, rarely utilized by contemporary groups on either side of the pond, is perfectly employed here. Having already provided support for The Vaccines and Spector, it’s only a matter of weeks before The Cold One Hundred drops one of Mr. Lowe’s Hottest Records. The ghost of Alex Chilton nods his head in accordance.

The Cold One Hundred england (Facebook)

Rating 8.71

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reviewed by
02-29-12

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Shoot A Hole Into The Sun

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“Shoot A Hole Into The Sun” is a first taste of what’s to come on Noel Gallagher’s forthcoming Amorphous Androgynous collaboration. The track will also be featured as the b-side to his new “Dream On” single getting released on March 11. Segments of this track may sound familiar to those who caught Noel on tour in late 2011, where portions of the track were covertly mixed into the house speakers before he took stage. The psychedelic duo, Amorphous Androgynous, do a capable job of pushing the limits here on Noel’s sound and it will be interesting to hear what else is to come.

Noel Gallagher england (Official)
Amorphous Androgynous england (Facebook)

Rating 8.5

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reviewed by
02-29-12

SHOW REVIEW: Hanni El-Khatib @ La Maroquinerie, Paris 02/22/12 [Photos]

By Tamara Tabet

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Hanni El-Khatib california (Facebook)

reviewed by
02-28-12

Gold Fields – The Woods (Expensive Looks Remix)

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Aussie band Gold Fields’ ace track for “The Woods” gets an equally ace remix from NYC producer Expensive Looks. The remix’s blend of layered effects-driven guitars and 808-esque drum textures had us almost immediately, alas, too irresistible a blend to resist. Listen.

Gold Fields australia (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
02-27-12

Luise Pop – Fast and Frightening (L7 Cover)

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Luise Pop is a four piece band out of Vienna, here the Austrian quartet dials in a reverb-soaked Cramps-esque take on 90’s band L7’s track “Fast and Frightening”. LP’s just released 2nd album Time Is a Habit is available now.

Luise Pop austria (Facebook)

Rating 8.0

brown8

reviewed by
02-27-12

Professor Penguin – Pirate

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Professor Penguin, a new band out of London, could be the next big thing out of the UK. Given the right spins (Steve Lamacq and Nick Grimshaw are among the band’s supporters) and exposure, PP could be a real breakout band in 2k12. They’ve got a debut LP Planes at the ready and an excellent single to lead with. This is “Pirate”.

Professor Penguin england (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
02-24-12

RAVE’S FAVE! Django Django – Default

By Bruce Rave

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Their British drumbeat started at the beginning of the year. When I was Australia last, a major promoter told me they were excited to bring Django Django down to Australia. This band has a fresh, upbeat sound that is unique, especially vocally. Their album dropped at the end of January and all announced tour dates so far are in Europe.

Django Django england (Official)

Check out Bruce’s “Go Deep” show on Fridays 1-3 pm Pacific, 4-6 pm Eastern, 9-11pm GMT. Also listen to past shows at Bruce’s blog and follow Bruce on Twitter.

reviewed by
02-24-12

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart – My Terrible Friend (Washed Out Remix)

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If you’re a fan of NY’s The Pains of Being Pure at Heart then cue up those salivating glands. The band will be releasing the Acid Reflex EP on limited edition colored vinyl via Play It Again Sam on Record Store Day this year! Yes, that’s colored vinyl folks! The release will feature remixes off of the bands 2011 Belong by the likes of Twin Shadow, Violens, St. Etienne, and Washed Out! Get a taste below and pick up a copy April 21, 2k12!


The Pains of Being Pure At Heart – My Terrible Friend (Washed Out Remix)

The Pains of Being Pure At Heart newyork (Facebook)

Rating 8.2

brown8

reviewed by
02-24-12

Marriages – Ten Tiny Fingers

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“Ten Tiny Fingers” by L.A. band Marriages (comprised of members of post-rock band Red Sparrowes) is one of our favorite tracks of the year. The on face sprawling, sort of far off “Ten Tiny Fingers” hooked us not only with its’ crushing enormous sound but with it’s soul. There’s a feeling and warmth in “Ten Tiny Fingers” that is not always common in this genre. We always talk about warmth and soul (in rock particularly) as being that stuff that really can pull you into track, that it’s what really takes hold off you and brings you back. Give it a spin.

Marriages california (Facebook)

Rating 8.6

brown8

reviewed by
02-23-12

Mint Julep – To The Sea

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Portland’s Mint Julep has been heavy in the b3sci rotation the last several weeks. If you’re a longtime reader of the site, you’ll know that the gravitas-filled electronic-tinged cinematic pop style that is in Mint Julep’s music (ex. “To The Sea”) is right in one of b3sci’s “sweet spots”. Mint Julep is a band you should/need be listening to.

Mint Julep oregon (Facebook)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
02-22-12