Image

Vök – Tension

Vök - Before

Margrét Rán’s sultry yet simple vocal is the star of “Tension”, Iceandic dream & b duo Vök’s slow burner new single. The sticky and seductive “Tension” is perhaps (and we mean this in the most complimentary way) a bit of an approximation of what another noted Scandinavian R&B duo Quadron might sound like in 2014 had they continued to pursue an artier more obtuse sound. The visceral, earthy, human qualities of “Tension” are highly highly palpable, they almost bleed off the record which is pretty indicative of a track that not only demands your attention but is also a great piece of art.

Vök iceland (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
03-18-14

Zella Day – 1965

zelladay2

Following an impressive attention-turning run last week at SX, the L.A.-based (via Arizona) songstress Zella Day now drops “1965”, the b-side to the dark pop/big hooks of “Sweet Ophelia”. The dusty, nostalgic, almost whimsical “1965” is “Ophelia’s” soaring, cinematic, light-footed perfect counterpoint. The “Sweet Ophelia/1965″ 7″ is out April 7 on limited edition clear 7” vinyl via B3SCI Records. Get one here.

Zella Day arizona (Facebook) (Purchase 7-inch Vinyl)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
03-18-14

Amtrac – Don’t Know (Feat. Posso)

PR Kit for Amtrac

The Louisville-based OWSLA Records producer Amtrac introduces considerable crossover appeal into new uptempo house track “Don’t Know”. While currently a quite crowded sound and genre, the bigness and quality of house on “Don’t Know” is not only exceptional enough to more than standout from its trend, the track possesses an immediacy and instant magnetism that should certainly give “Don’t Know” and Amtrac run outside the indie dance community. Very well done.

Amtrac kentucky (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
03-17-14

Sia – Chandelier

131220_3

One of pop’s greatest constructors Sia is back today with a propulsive new single, “Chandelier”. Complete with pop radio-ready drums and mountain-sized chart-relevant vocal hooks, the new track introduces much of the writing acumen Ms. Furler has acquired in the last couple years writing Hot 100 staples for artists like Rihanna and Britney. Look for a new LP from Sia coming this summer on RCA.

Sia australia (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.8

brown8

reviewed by
03-17-14

SXSW 2014: B3SCI’S 15 Most Anticipated Acts

100s

100s (Berkeley CA)

angelolsen2

Angel Olsen (Chicago IL)

arthurbeatrice

Arthur Beatrice (London UK)

banks

BANKS (Los Angeles CA)

chloehowl

Chloe Howl (London UK)

damonalbarn

Damon Albarn (London UK)

jungle

Jungle (London UK)

kaytranada

Kaytranada (Montreal QC)

liz

LIZ (Los Angeles CA)

samsmith

Sam Smith (London UK)

sango

Sango (Grand Rapids MI)

Sohn

SOHN (Vienna AUT)

sza

SZA (Los Angeles CA)

preatures

The Preatures (Sydney AU)

tinashe

Tinashe (Los Angeles CA)

reviewed by
03-11-14

Cubby – Cold (Feat. Kwane and Current)

cubby

BK-based vocalist Cubby makes his formal debut with warm electronics-soaked R&B of “Cold” featuring emcees Kwane and Current. A+

Cubby newyork Soundcloud)

Rating: 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
03-10-14

BASECAMP – ATSW

BASECAMP ATSW

If you like jams — you know, good ones. Like the sort of jams that you have to play over and over. Then have a listen. Tennessee indie electro-R&b crew B A S E C A M P have put a fresh spin on “All That She Wants,” the ’98 smash hit from Ace Of Base. It’s no surprise that (20+ years later) we still can’t get this melody out of our head. Pick up the track on limited edition A/B side 7″ vinyl coming soon via Turntable Kitchen. And for more BASECAMP, have a read at our interview with the band last summer.

B A S E C A M P @ SXSW

Wednesday March 12th – 3:00 – 3:30 – Secret Sounds – Holy Mountain
Wednesday March 12th – 11:10 -11:45PM -ASCAP – Red Eyed Fly
Friday March 14th – 2:00 -2:30PM – Dickies & Amazon – Bangers
Friday March 14th – 6:15 – 6:45PM – Vitalic Noise – Krave
Saturday March 15th – 4:00 – 4:30PM – The Green Room – The Brew Exchange
Saturday March 15h – 9:45 – 10:15PM – It’s A School Night – The Parish

BASECAMP (Official)

reviewed by
03-08-14

MISUN – All For Leyna (Billy Joel Cover)

MISUN_ALL_FOR_LEYNA_COVERART

Hot off the heels of a new 7″ MISUN keep the universe guessing with this 180-degree take on Billy Joel’s “All For Leyna” from 1980’s Glass Houses. Singer Misun from the band is actually a huge Billy Joel fan, which given the band’s eclectic nature and early Joel-esque knack for irresistible left-field pop shouldn’t come as a total surprise. Complete with an a capella breakdown and Nacey’s Baltimore/Jersey inspired club beats, MISUN transform “Leyna” into a 21st century electronic pop anthem. Grab yourself a download below.

Misun maryland (Facebook) (Purchase 7″)

Rating 8.4

brown8

reviewed by
03-08-14

Talos – Tethered Bones

talos

Wow, what a tune by the Cork-based Eoin French aka Talos. “Tethered Bones” has the skeleton of an absolute hit with its incredible production, uncommonly smooth melody and haunting guitar and synths. I am truly blinded by the beauty of this track. Think he can make a quick trip to Austin next week? By Brian Litwin

Talos ireland (Soundcloud)

Rating 9.0

brown93

reviewed by
03-07-14