For me, music is more than just art. Music is more of a force, able to stir one's emotions, awaken one's senses, and unite people under a common denominator. It is an essential part to my life.
A year ago today I was doing the same thing I am doing now, looking ahead onto a new year that is full of wonder and possibilities. There is no way I can fully know what to expect, and it's impossible to look into the future and get a solid grasp of what the music world will throw my way; right now, it's all up for grabs. What's going to be my favorite album of 2013? What is going to disappoint me? Which band will release a debut album that blows me away? These are the same questions I (and all of us for that matter) was faced with at the beginning of 2012. I didn't have answers, I didn't have a clue. It's for this reason that I love lists, if nothing else it's a reflection of the year that passed, a representation of the artists you listened to and the albums that grew to symbolize a small segment of your life. It's all there, neatly organized in a countdown. For me, that's why I do lists. I don't do them because I want to brag about what I listened to, nor do I think my list is better than everyone else's. No, I do it because it gives a certain portrayal of who I am for that year, it shows what I was into and what I cared about. Going through the years of previous lists, it's fascinating to look back and see how I've changed and how my music tastes shifted. Each list fills in the answers that you asked yourself at the beginning of each year, and it exhibits that child-like excitement and curiosity that you felt 12 months prior. To go back and observe that introspection is a wonderful thing, and the best part? You get a chance to do it at the beginning of each and every single year. The music side of me now has a clean slate going into 2013, and whenever a part of you has an uncertain future, how can you not help but feel a flurry of anticipation? That's how I feel now, and that's how I felt then, way back in January of 2012. Now, though, my questions have been answered, and 2012 will slowly disappear behind us (but that doesn't mean we won't forget it) as new and inspiring music makes its way into our ears. So, without further adieu, here are my favorite releases of the year that passed....
25. Blondes by Blondes
"Lover"
24. Strange Weekend by Porcelain Raft
23. Duality by Captain Murphy
22. Shrines by Purity Ring
"Crawlersout"
21. Allah-Las by Allah-Las
"Tell Me (What's On Your Mind)"
20. Confess by Twin Shadow
"Beg For The Night"
19. 2 by Mac DeMarco
18. Our House on the Hill by The Babies
17. Heaven by The Walkmen
"We Can't Be Beat"
16. Spiderwebbed by Stumbleine
15. Melody's Echo Chamber by Melody's Echo Chamber
14. Gossamer by Passion Pit
"It's Not My Fault, I'm Happy"
13. Coexist by The xx
"Tides"
12. Shields by Grizzly Bear
"Gun-Shy"
11. Sweet Heart Sweet Light by Spiritualized
"Little Girl"
10. There's No Leaving Now by The Tallest Man on Earth
"To Just Grow Away"
9. Nocturne by Wild Nothing
8. Oshin by DIIV
7. Attack on Memory by Cloud Nothings
"Fall In"
6. Bend Beyondby Woods
"Impossible Sky"
5. Kindred EP by Burial
"Loner"
4. Spooky Action at a Distance by Lotus Plaza
3. Bloom by Beach House
"Lazuli"
2. Lonerism by Tame Impala
"Music To Walk Home By"
1. Celebration Rock by Japandroids
"Evil's Sway"
So there ya have it, 2012 in a nutshell! As with every list I'm sure you agree on some while you completely disagree with others, but that's the beauty of music...no one has to agree on anything, we all just listen to what we like. Anyway, I look forward to what will hopefully be a stellar 2013 music year, there are sure to be some great releases heading our way (Beach Fossils and Toro Y Moi, I'm looking at you) as well some debut hopefuls (ON AN ON, my fingers are crossed!). Here's wishing everyone a happy new year, and hoping that your holidays were merry! Thank you all for reading, it has been a pleasure writing for you, and I hope to see you guys soon!!!
Ahhhh yes, the last Friday before the Christmas holiday week kicks in to full gear. Well as the stress builds leading up the 25th and shopping crowds pack into malls like sardines, here's a little gem to help you take your mind off things. "Fairy Flash", the new song from the French producer CIRC, is a hypnotic lullaby of sorts, attacking the seratonin receptors of the brain. As the busy shopping times are upon us, let this cradle you in a blanket of warmth. Head over to SoundCloud for some more tracks.
After a busy afternoon of running around, all I wanted to do was kick back with some music to calm my racing mind. I was lucky, because Neeco Delaf's new release "Walking Alone" was just what I needed. The song isn't entirely fresh, though; it appears on Delaf's debut album You Don't Know, which came out earlier this year on October 7th. The version that appears on the LP is largely instrumental, give or take a few whispered vocals, but this recent reenergized rendition incorporates the beautiful voice of Rubyrax, a musician from Toronto. The addition is absolutely stunning, and it complements the slow, drawn-out beats of the original "Walking Alone". The track is chill by most standards, giving you a legitimate reason to lay down with a good pair of headphones and close your eyes. I feel like my brain is dripping with a tranquil serum. I've posted "Walking Alone" below for you to find out for yourself, then be sure to head over to his SoundCloud for some extra songs. You can also purchase You Don't Know over at Bandcamp with additional info over on Facebook. You can snag a free download of the track here. Enjoy!
It's been a while since we've heard from Villa Kang, with approximately six months separating his newest single, "New Wings", from his last, "Touch of Evil". In whatever he has released, Villa Kang has done a great job of allowing atmosphere to seep into his songs. Even way back on "Hallucinating Arkansas" we feel a sense of space, like his synths are trying ever so hard to break free from the room. The newest track finds the Toronto producer refining these ideas, and teams up with German musician Hazy Mountains to do so. The matching is ideal, the glo-fi oriented ambient Hazy Mountains complements the need for Villa Kang's cavernous melodies. To tie it all together, "New Wings" has a fluttering chorus that acts as both unique and familiar, like something you've heard before that you can't quiteeeee put your finger on. The song is available for streaming below, but you can head over to Kang's SoundCloud for a download. He also has Twitter and Facebook. For more on Hazy Mountains, be sure to visit Bandcamp, Facebook, or SoundCloud. Enjoy!
Earlier this summer I was introduced to the brothers that comprised the duo Madrà s. They had just come out with their debut album Things Can Change, and what impressed me most was what they did with so little. Quiet and fragile, the buoyant guitar licks made you feel as though you were floating. That's why when I heard those same brothers also played in a band called Fou, I was eager to hear what they were all about. Not surprisingly, the product is fantastic and beautiful. The idea is similar, on Fou's 2-song release Boy the group plays with space, manufacturing ethereal dreamscapes that are both calming and engaging. The set up is also minimal, utilizing your basic guitar-bass-drum trio of instruments. Upon first listen, I likened them to the slowcorers Galaxie 500, another group who stripped down to the fundamental arrangement, succeeding wonderfully. The main difference between Boy and Things Can Change is that Boy includes much more texture. Piercing guitar slides tend to break the silence much more so than in their previous work, giving the release a gazey feel. It's great music, and definitely worth a couple of listens. Plus it's a free download, they're basically handing awesome to you on a golden platter. I've placed both songs from Boy, "Colour Me In" and "Don't You Know?", below for your listening pleasure. Afterward, be sure to hit up Bandcamp to snag it.
It's fascinating to see two artists who you respect somehow morph into one singular unit. What's even better is when that end result is awesome. Take for example Joel Hood, whose gentle electronic arrangements would sound pleasing to just about anyone, and match him with Astronauts, etc., who specializes in comfortable and melodic dream pop. All you need to do is look at it on paper to see that the pairing is ideal. Well, around two months ago Astronauts, etc. released "Mystery Colors", his heavenly debut single that seemed to excite the blogosphere. As we fast forward to the present, Joel Hood has remixed his own wonderful rendition of the hit track. Still equally as tranquil, Hood's remix lowers the focus on the original's drifting synths and replaces them with his own delicate electronic accents. You can stream the song below, with a free download as well as other pieces of work available on SoundCloud. You can also visit his Facebook or Twitter. One more thing, keep an eye out on November 8th when Hood will make his own "Teardrops" available for free download on Bad Panda Records. Enjoy!
From the very start with the release of The Midget Party EP in March of 2011, the Greek band Melt Mountain has hovered atop a three-way intersection of psychedelic, dream, and ambient pop. Rarely flexing the vocal cords, Melt Mountain depends on an intriguing mix of instrumental samples and loops to manufacture dreamy, sometimes trippy, and experimental tracks. And so far, that's all we've gotten a taste of; tracks. The group has yet to release an LP, instead putting out a steady stream of singles and EPs. Their newest release, the "Blossom Dream/Painted Root" single which came out today, is no different. Both songs fit in perfectly with Melt Mountain's previous work, yet attack at different angles, setting the new single as a prime example of their diversified and exciting portfolio. The base of "Blossom Dream" is comprised of a beach-like guitar loop, a sedated riff that could appear in a '70s surf video. Backed by spacious "ooos" and "ahhhs", "Blossom Dream" presents Melt Mountain's breezy, laid-back nature. "Painted Root" is clearly the psychedelic and experimental counterpart, sounding a little darker and utilizing cloudy synths that come across as more drug-induced. There is no indication of whether these songs will go towards a new album, but they're well worth the listen regardless. I've posted everything below for your listening pleasure, and if you like what you hear head over to Bandcamp for more offerings of their older material (there is a SoundCloud, although with a limited collection). Facebook and Twitter are provided as social media. Enjoy!
If there were a better word to describe the London quartet Mt. Wolf than 'ethereal', I would use it. But alas, such a descriptor is non-existent; with gossamer vocals, angelic harmonies, sweeping strings, and deep bass embedded in the music they make, how could there possibly be a more perfect adjective? The evidence gathered for this conclusion comes from their Life Size Ghosts EP, a 4-song assemblage that exhibits all of Mt. Wolf's heavenly qualities. The term that they've come to describe it as is "dreamfolk", which just so happens to fit them ideally. One element to Life Size Ghosts that surprised me were the pronounced beats that appeared out of no where in some of the songs. In one full swoop they're able to turn a dreamy wash into what sounds like a soulful downtempo track, perhaps along the lines of a darker How to Dress Well. Either way, Life Size Ghosts is well worth a listen for curious ears, and the good news is that it is streaming over at SoundCloud now, so be sure to have a gander at it. For more information you can visit the band's Twitter or Facebook. Below is "Cry Wolf", which comes directly off the EP.
The new track "Licksss" by Harlem's beat maker Solice is only a tad over two minutes long, but there are plenty of things that can be done in that duration of time. One is procreate; the song is ultra-smooth and seductive, calling all sexuality to arms. It's like the foundation of a Barry White tune if trip-hop was cool in his day. Another is smoke ganja-herb; you can spark a bowl in less than two minutes, so why not accompany it with some steady and catchy beats? You can also go to sleep; the soulful vocal samples are like sweet lullabies to that suave rhythm, thus inducing an expedient slumber. There isn't much known about Solice and his future endeavors, but I'm sure that's all bound to change soon. You can check out his SoundCloud to listen to his tracks, and you can also reach him on Twitter, so be sure to take some visits to those. In the meantime I've posted his two songs below, the new "Licksss" and the older "Dirty Knees", so go ahead and give it the ol' college try.
This Thursday I'm going to give you a heavy dose of chill in the form of Boerd, a Swedish producer who hails from Stockholm. Boerd, otherwise known as Bard Ericson, is also a member of the band Stay Ali, which has been around since 2006. Last year, Ericson created the solo project to further explore his electronic experimentation. The most recent result of this move is his Velocity EP, which was released just over two weeks ago. When discussing chill, it doesn't get much more laid-back than here. Ericson puts together slow and spacious beats as well as mellow rhythms that form into a seriously relaxed vibe. Many of his tracks remind me of Air, that is if Air slowed their tempo by half while smoking a lot of pot. It's a very interesting listen, and one that's certainly worthwhile. I've posted "Flimmer" for stream below, with more links available at his SoundCloud, Facebook, and Twitter.
I find it difficult for anyone to approach Joel Hood's music apathetically. With the swirling synths and hypnotizing drum rhythms, the soundscapes that envelop each track become mesmerizing. Hood's style is most definitely "chill", the melodies of which are not only easy, but enjoyable, to gulp down. The gentle and soft sweeps of electronics effortlessly invite the listener into the gentle structure of the tracks. That's one of the aspects I find myself attracted to in Hood's compositions; each song appears to be fragile, delicately constructed by an engineer with an agreeable mindset that is awash in mellow foundations. Every individual track that he has put out so far seems to stick true to these characteristics, offering a world that is effortless to become lost in. On September 10th Hood will be releasing his first single through Bad Panda Records, an event that will hopefully launch further material. Until that time, I have posted "Companero" and "Teardrops" below for stream, with SoundCloud and Twitter to hold you over.
Since I've started following MIRS about a year and a half ago, I've seen him go through quite the metamorphosis. He has developed into a very respectable artist. Starting up in 2010 when chillwave was becoming more of a phenomenon, MIRS stuck with that hazy, ethereal overlay. It was good, but with his newest single "Take Away" that was released today we see a guy who is working to advance his craft, take some risks, and experiment with the skills he has acquired over the years. Here, his voiced is drenched reverb, the sequence of the song has a legitimate build-up, and there are far more components that make up the complexity. Besides this, the track also goes through a few transformations, shifting from quiet to loud and busy to uncluttered. At the moment MIRS is working to get either an EP or full length put out in 2013. You can find streams and downloads at SoundCloud or Bandcamp, as well as a Facebook page that he just launched, so why not show some love? "Take Away" below, enjoy!
Since the beginning of Audio Splash, one of the bands that I've had the most frequent correspondence with has been the glo-fi Philly outfit Work Drugs. One reason why this has happened is because they're incredibly nice dudes, and other is because, well, they make some fantastic music. In all my time following them they have been able to put out good material at a very consistent rate; in fact, they just recently released the album Absolute Bearingthis past July. Following that up already, today they whipped out a new single "The Art of Progress", a song that they say was originally written in 1994 as a response to U.S. President Bill Clinton and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signing the Kremlin accords. Obviously the song was shelved until the present day, 2012, or you would've heard it 18 years ago. Like much of the material they release, "The Art of Progress" is a smooth jam that emanates a slick, chill vibe. It's seamless in integrating itself with the classic Work Drugs image; a couple of good friends hanging on a boat during a hot, summer day accompanied with a few good laughs. Although not on a yacht, the video that goes with it complements that scene. Listen to "The Art of Progress" below, and if you like it they offer it as a free download over at SoundCloud. As usual, don't forget about visiting their Facebook (holy shit at 22,000+ likes!), Twitter, or homepage.
Teki-Toe is the stage name for Tenju Sato, a musician who hails from the great city of La Jolla, California. Besides this, there isn't much to be found on him; there's no Facebook, MySpace, or Bandcamp. He has kept himself well under wraps. We're lucky enough, though, to be treated to his wonderful work over SoundCloud, in which he attempts to make a "unique blend of digital synthesizers, warped instrumentation, and pitched vocals to create a dark, chilled atmosphere". Well, it wasn't more than 12 hours ago that Teki-Toe released "PC on the Television", a new track which follows the aforementioned rubric. Coming forward with a more chill approach, "PC on the Television" is wonderful for those late-night haze sessions. Have a listen to it below, but don't forget to head over to his SoundCloud for some free downloads.
I was granted a healthy dose of excitement today when I learned of the fact that there was a new Work Drugs single that came out recently. The track, entitled "Pluto", is follow up to the previous single "License to Drive", and will be featured on their new, upcoming album Absolute Bearing due out on Bobby Cahn Records on July 10th. "Pluto" continues pushing forward the dreamy, laid-back summer vibe that Work Drugs has done so well in establishing. In this they've even included a rousing saxophone to close it out...smooth and satisfying. According to their page it's about someone who they once loved, but now don't even recognize. Be sure to have a listen to it below, which can be followed by a trip over to their SoundCloud for a free download. Check in on their homepage, or follow them on Twitter for updates on their new record Absolute Bearing, which is sure to be a winner. Enjoy!
About a year and a half ago I had the pleasure of doing a write-up on the aspiring Los Angeles musician Amir Motlagh, who goes by the name MIRS. At that point in time he had just released his Spin Cycle EP, which also happened to be his debut work under his new moniker. Fast forward to the present and we're greeted with a new single, a treat I've been waiting for, which is called "Kayla". While there are a lot a similarities present that carry over from his older material to his newest, it's also abundantly clear that MIRS doesn't plan on sitting still. "Kayla" showcases his intention to experiment and grow; in general the track is much deeper, flexing his skills on multiple layers of synths, to present a very rich product. Information hasn't been released one what album or EP this song will go to, but at least now we have something to quench our musical thirst until that time comes. I've posted the song "Kayla" below, which you can download at either his Bandcamp (which is still offering Spin Cycle for free *hint* *hint*) or SoundCloud. Scoop it!
So it goes a little something like this....Ableton is a music software company well-known for its program Ableton Live, and they've teamed up with SoundCloud for a special contest. A downloadable pack of sounds from artists like Junior Boys and Nosaj Thing is available to all Live users. As soon as the pack has finished downloading, the artist has 24 hours to use the loops, stems, and presets to create a new, original track. The winner is based on the votes from the SoundCloud community as well as the artists themselves. The idea is pretty neat. For the competition Sad Soul Circus has sent me his remix using M83 loops in a track that (I believe) is called "24 Hours", and since M83 is involved I was interested immediately. Like you would expect from an M83 remix, the final product exists in an air of synth-soaked tones and floaty accents. These features are used to create a relaxed mood, playing the "chill" card instead of aiming for a grandiose wave of inspiration (which M83 also does well). Perhaps this is because Sad Soul Circus says he made the track at 5 AM following an intoxicating night at the clubs. Anyway, have a listen to the short "24 Hours" below. If you want to listen/download other material from Sad Soul Circus, hit up his SoundCloud or his Bandcamp for some free goodies. For more information on the contest, which ends June 15th, check out the homepage, and if you want to give Sad Soul Circus your vote, you can find the submission here. Enjoy!
The Philly glo-fi group Work Drugs have officially released another song, this time it's a single off their new album that is due out this summer. The song is called "Coral Gables", and it continues with their amazing blend of "sedative pop" and chillwave influences. This time they also mix it up with some subtle groovy and funky guitar lines. Check it out below, and you can also hit up the SoundCloud page for a free download. Enjoy!
Throwing Yes Sir Idol's new song "Heavy Conscience" on headphones is quite an experience. Starting off with a strong drum rhythm, the percussion simply pounds into your ears, piquing curiosity of where it could lead. It's hard to know at the time, but the song will display a variety of moods, shifting in and out of rigid beats and celestial electronic tides. It's an interesting play, and thoroughly unexpected, but the contrast between a darker, heavier beginning and a lighter, more polished chorus works well here. As someone who grew up with a multitude of influences, including a fondness of pop, it's cool to see it all mix together in "Heavy Conscience". The track comes as a single from the debut EP Two Heart Race, which Yes Sir Idol plans to release as a free download on February 6th. I've posted the song below, but there is also some more music on his SoundCloud for listening. For people more into the pop side of things, "By Your Side" is an absolute must listen. Checcckkkk it!
Over a year ago on November 3rd, 2010, I had the luck to interview Sky Hiker, an ambient musician from Brussels, in what was my first interview ever. As he proved to be such a kind person with a strong enthusiasm for music, I wrote up on him only 3 weeks later about his fantastic newly released single. His songs were great, and his talent palpable. Yet as I studied abroad and put the blog on hiatus, I lost the ability to follow him as closely as I once did. Apparently the Sky Hiker project waned as well, until he decided it was time to close it. But with closure, there starts a new beginning! After spending 6 months away from his synths, he decided to revamp the project and start anew with a fresh concept he calls Hyker. The idea is very similar; relaxed, dreamy, instrumental music that aims to recreate "something from beyond", but with differences in the approach. While he still produces original compositions, Hyker now remixes as well as samples...if you listen carefully you may hear accents from bands such as Radiohead, Aphex Twin, and the Chemical Brothers. In order to wash out what he calls the simplistic tendencies of Sky Hiker, he hopes to further explore those techniques. The result is wonderful, Hyker retains the tranquil nature that made him so appealing in the first place, but also mixes in new tactics that allow him to sound fresh. Have a listen below to see the culmination of his work! You can also head over to Facebook to keep updated, or Soundcloud to keep an eye on new material. Enjoy!
In some other news, I've decided to experiment with Twitter. I don't have a smartphone and have never tweeted before, but I'm excited to take the step up from being a grandpa with technology and see where it leads. Click below if you're interested in following!
