Astronauts, etc.

It has been a fun ride following Astronauts, etc. after the release of his debut single "Mystery Colors".  Since that day around five months ago, Astronauts, etc. (the solo project of Anthony Ferraro) has gifted us with hypnotic atmospheres and beautifully crafted melodies that drift lazily amongst the haze.  It seems, though, that Ferraro has had an itch for experimentation, for his new song "Charity" takes all the aspects of an Astronauts, etc. composition and puts a darker twist on it.  Although still full of synths, atmosphere, and hypnotism, "Charity" exhibits Ferraro's break from wistful textures and displays his more dramatic, haunting flare.  I've posted the track below, which he offers for a free download, but if you'd like to hear more you can head over to his SoundCloud for some additional material.  His Facebook page has more information if you'd like to check it out.  Enjoy!

Top Releases of 2012

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 Beyond by 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!!!

THAT WORK

Over the past couple of the weeks I've begun to realize that New York City's disco-infused group THAT WORK is one of the metro's best kept secrets.  Having only released three songs without an EP or album to their name, the band appears to be hidden with only 228 followers on SoundCloud and 390 likes of Facebook.  I am sure those numbers are going to skyrocket in the upcoming months, for these guys are just too good for them not to.  Their most recent song, "Act Like You Know", carries a synthy flare much in the same light as Holy Ghost!  When stripped to the bone, THAT WORK's material is indebted to older disco influences yet also finds ways to incorporate sounds that are much more relatable to the modern era.  "Act Like You Know" continues this pattern, coming across as an edgy, cutting jam that leaves the perfect amount of room for a dancing option. I've posted their new song "Act Like You Know" below, along with an older track entitled "Secret Lover".  Check out their SoundCloud for other songs and remixes, and then hit up Facebook for any extra info.  Enjoy!

Potpourri of Pearls

Philadelphia's dance pop band Potpourri of Pearls writes the kind of music that makes your ears perk up.  Soaked with influences of disco and '80s-era synth pop, Potpourri of Pearls has a quirky style that is unusual in just about every aspect. Their debut album Why does Coco cry?, which came out in late November, will keep you guessing around every track.  Part of the reason for this is that their music contains dozens of elements and goes through a multitude of changes.  Just listen to "Shadow on My Shoulder"; at times the song seems void of sound, almost coming across as no-wave, while at other moments it's entrapped in a haze of atmospheric synths.  Sometimes it's a mix of both. At the very least I've got to give credit to them for experimenting, they've certainly created a unique, and oddly catchy, world within their album.  To get a hold of Why does Coco cry? you can head over to their Bandcamp.  You can also take a visit to their SoundCloud, Twitter, Facebook for more.  While you're doing that, take a listen to "Diamond Harbor" and "Shadow on My Shoulder" below.

Hazy Mountains

Around a month ago I posted on the then new single, "New Wings", that was released as a compilation of Villa Kang and Hazy Mountains.  I had known about Villa Kang for quite some time prior as I had covered him on previous instances, but Hazy Mountains was a relatively new name to me.  I went to do a little investigative work and ended up downloading his second EP, Lapis Lazuli.  The days following this have been wonderful, and exploring his music has become quite a treat.  What really put me over the edge in helping me realize this was the last track "Window Vision", which I first heard while blasting in my car on a late night drive.  To fully appreciate this song, and much of his others, you've got to listen start to finish.  "Window Vision" is a perfect example of the never-ending sprawl Hazy Mountains tries to achieve, using soaring synths to set aside an expanse of dreamy spaces.  The wait, the growth, the build...it's all worthwhile.  Have a listen to "Window Vision" below, then be sure to head over to Bandcamp to grab it.  There, he is also offering a new album called Breeze, something I'll most definitely be checking out in the future.

Villa Kang & Hazy Mountains

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!

 Villa Kang & Hazy Mountains - New Wings by Hazy Mountains

Colleagues

One of the freshest bands to come to us from Scandinavia is the blossoming Colleagues, who formed earlier this summer.  So far we've only been treated to "Parents' House", which is unfortunate, because afterward you'll only be longing for more.  The debut single is a wonderfully youthful and energetic electropop jam, synths from all angles are constantly jabbing at you in light-hearted fun.  The song really seeks to touch your inner adolescent, just the name "Parents' House" infers an escape to the teenage years.  What really makes the song whole, though, is the implied romance embedded within the lyrics.  The juvenile, innocent fling between the lead and the girl is perfectly relatable, and as the song continues you almost believe that you're flirting with her too. If not, then at least you want to be.  I'm sure she's gorgeous.  I've posted "Parents' House" below for you to listen, and if you would like to follow Colleagues as they continue their quest, you can follow them on Facebook or SoundCloud.  They also have a homepage you can view.  Happy Thursdays!

 Parents' House by Colleagues

Work Drugs

One of the hardest working bands out there, and one that has become a favorite here at Audio Splash, is the Philadelphia "glo-fi" group called Work Drugs.  For a few years now they have been putting out new material at a constant rate, always leaving their fans with a fresh array of music.  Single after single, EP after EP, album after album, I just can't say I've ever left disappointed.  So it shouldn't come as a surprise that as the hype surrounding their most recent full-length, Absolute Bearing, is starting to wind down, a new track has been dropped on us.  It's called "Tigerbeats" and it comes to us off of the band's forthcoming album, Delta, which is due out later this November on Bobby Cahn Records.  The song was written about a recent night of debauchery at Philly's infamous Barbary indie dance party, which I'm guessing (and hoping) was a great time.  To enter into their world of smooth, hypnotic, feel-good synth atmospheres, you can take a listen below.  You can then hit up SoundCloud or Bandcamp for a free download with Twitter and Facebook available for more info.  Don't forget to keep an eye out for Delta later this November!

 Tigerbeats by Work Drugs

Strange Talk

I'm back!  And there's nothing better than returning to work after a week in the sweltering desert in the middle of nowhere and then being greeted with an energetic and lively track that subsequently removes you from the realities of the world once more.  When you listen to "Cast Away" by the Melbourne four-piece Strange Talk, you become completely absorbed in its delivery, its draw, and its message.  In this sense, Strange Talk has landed upon a gem; "Cast Away" is friendly to listeners of all ages and genres, delivering relatable qualities that dodge the pattern of recycled pop garbage.  For this, Strange Talk has successfully been able to carve out a unique enough niche to garner the attention of people all over the interweb.  In these days, that means the world.  I'm confident that the infectious synth washes will win you over, too.  "Cast Away" comes to you as the first single off of their debut album, which is due out in the early months of 2013.  Coinciding with the audio release of "Cast Away" is the music video for it, something you can thank Nylon Magazine for debuting.  I've posted the video for "Cast Away" below, but if you want the usual audio stream I've included the SoundCloud player below it.  Since I know you'll be tempted, you can learn more over at Facebook, Twitter, or listen to more of their work at SoundCloud.  Get listening!

Strange Talk - Cast Away from Strange Talk on Vimeo.

 Cast Away by Strange Talk

MIRS

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!

Tiger Love

It's no surprise that the London-based trio of brothers Tiger Love have been grabbing so much attention lately.  They love the foot-moving hooks, the infectious beats, and the sing-a-long chorus verses.  "Gio Gio" and "Pussy Cocaine", two of their first endeavors, both saw great success with many blogs covering their exploits. Yesterday, though, they released what I think is their best song to date, "Summer Rain".  It's instantly ear-grabbing, hitting you with upbeat synths and falsetto whelps.  Unlike some songs, which take a while to sink in, "Summer Rain" automatically qualifies as a late-night drunken jamfest with a bunch of your best buddies in the back of a car.  If this is how they plan on promoting their upcoming debut album (which is currently being recorded in New York), then by all means don't stop. I've posted "Summer Rain" below for stream, with a music video available here.  There is more available here at SoundCloud and on Facebook.

Summer Rain

Passion Pit

Alas, the moment of fulfillment has passed.  The follow up to Passion Pit's freshman LP Manners has been released, and enough time has ticked by for it to settle in.  Gossamer is an interesting one, to say the least.  As has been advertised by various media outlets and interviews, the themes attacked by lead singer Michael Angelakos are far more mature and emotional than its predecessor. Alcoholism, socialism, love; these are a few topics covered amongst a sea of other inner battles and personal turmoil.  After three years, a long wait for someone's favorite band, Angelakos has revealed himself to us in a very unique way.  He has also shown how his songwriting has progressed, possessing R&B prowess on "Constant Conversations" and crafting piano ballads on "It's Not My Fault, I'm Happy".  Without a doubt it seems like it has been a busy year for Angelakos, but he deserves to give himself a pat on the back for constructing such a solid album and following up just how you're expected to, with something different that doesn't sacrifice the Passion Pit brand.  Is Gossamer better than Manners?  I am not sure yet, but there is plenty of time to answer that later on down the road.  I've posted my two favorite non-singles from Gossamer below, "Cry Like A Ghost" and "It's Not My Fault, I'm Happy", and if you haven't listened to the album already, what have you been doing?!

Cry Like A Ghost

It's Not My Fault, I'm Happy

Twin Shadow

As all of you are probably aware by now, Twin Shadow has officially released his sophomore album Confess to some very good reviews. While I don't feel like it has quite the hook that Forget did, it's still incredibly well-done and will certainly place high on my year end list.  It's evident in Confess that he's trying something new, pushing for new ideas and new atmospheres.  A lot of the time he's successful, as a whole Confess comes across as more jagged and rough, not always as smooth or groovy as Forget.  Anyway, I'm sure if you're reading this you've probably already heard it, and if not I am confident you will soon.  I just wanted to show some love for what has become one of my favorite songs this year, and may honestly be my favorite Twin Shadow song ("I Can't Wait" being the competition) of all-time, "Beg For The Night".  So here you are, enjoy!


Beg For The Night

Western Walk

It wasn't too long ago that Western Walk released his first EP to the world of Bandcamp, on March 6th of this year Future, Mirror starting making its rounds throughout the internet to some good praise.  It was just over two months later that Tobi Soetan, the solo man behind Western Walk, put out Fade Into Oceans in what was his debut album.  In the world of Bandcamp where some great music can get buried, I'm lucky to have stumbled across this find.  I like his style; a lot of his songs are driven by a bold, outstanding, and most importantly infectious synth line with backing hazes that envelop the track in a dreamy state.  For someone who is writing and producing all of the songs by themselves, and releasing a full album a mere two months after an EP, the result is wholly satisfying and definitely worth a few listens.  I've posted two songs below, "Swim" and "Beyond" for your listening pleasure.  If you wanna grab Fade Into Oceans, you can do so at a name-your-price basis at Bandcamp, or you can stream other tracks on his SoundCloud.  You can follow him on Twitter, but if you don't have one then you can like him on Facebook or check him on MySpace.  If you don't have any of those then you're out of luck, and why are you on the internet?

We Were Lovers

The last time the Saskatoon duo We Were Lovers released anything more than a single was back in October of 2010 when they put out the self-titled We Were Lovers EP. The cast involved in the production of it was impressive; Chris Coady, who has worked with Beach House, Grizzly Bear, and TV On the Radio, produced and engineered it while mastering was completed by Joe Laporta, who has paired with The Walkmen and Vampire Weekend prior. They've also toured, being showcased at SXSW and NXNE, and have reached both sides of the continent, playing in San Diego as well as New York City.  So...where have they been since that fateful October?  Answer, prepping their new album Pyramids by releasing a new (and free!) single called "Islands".  The song is adorned in beautifully crafted synths and wrapped together with stunning vocals from lead Elsa Gebremichael. It's still not clear when Pyramids will be released, but this tease from We Were Lovers is making me anxious to find out. Have a listen to it below with a download available at SoundCloud or Bandcamp, whichever you prefer.  To keep up to date, hit the ol' like button on their Facebook.

 Islands - We Were Lovers by We Were Lovers

Resistor

The last time I caught up with Resistor, he had just released a remake of Lana Del Rey's "Video Games". The song was received very well, and since then he has been hard at work putting out new material (much of which I missed due to my minor hiatus of Audio Splash). Finally I'm able to update all you fine folk on his newest contribution to the musicsphere, a track entitled "Vincent van Gogh".  In it he sings about "the myth of meritocracy and the pain of being an artist without an audience", subject matter which I'm sure is relatable to a lot of aspiring musicians.  His message, as well as his delivery, is very interesting, where he plays on the humor of possible posthumous success, saying that he might as well "give it a try".  It's sarcastic, but it's entertaining and gets the point across. He also mentions that he's "sick of the boring undignified slog, hoping to see my name on some dumb blog".....ouchhh.  Of course, the "dumb blog" he's referring to isn't Audio Splash at all.  No way.  Anywho, you can download the new track here on SoundCloud, and in the meantime you can stream "Vincent van Gogh" below.  Peace homies.

 Vincent van Gogh by resistorsings

Sameblod

My apologies to the three loyal readers here on Audio Splash, I've been so busy at school with finals and projects that I've had absolutely no time to post. Work finally seems to be winding down, so I'm hoping I can get back to posting on a more regular basis.  To get back into the groove, I present to you the lead single "UR Road" from Sameblod's debut album Braided Memos, which came out a few weeks ago on April 20th.  While the artwork for "UR Road" represents a cold winter setting, the actual song couldn't be more different. "UR Road" is an infectious electro-pop jam meant for a drive down by the beach on a summer afternoon.  Backed with a steady groove, the synthy undertones take the listener on a relaxing, easy-to-swallow journey into a serene state of mind.  Check it out below, and if you like it find out more on their Tumblr.

 UR Road by Sameblod

Resistor

So we all know the story by now; last fall songwriter Lana Del Rey releases her debut single "Video Games" to as much critical acclaim as vilification would follow.  Encasing herself in a mysterious mystique and embracing her unique voice, Lana Del Rey seemed to explode onto the scene.  Out of nowhere, her YouTube video had 23 million views!  This led to an SNL performance that news anchor Brian Williams called "one of the worst outings in SNL history", as well as waves of critique from indie enthusiasts.  Regardless, you can still feel its impact as people remaining talking about the song and Lana Del Rey's potential future.  One such example is a cover by Resistor, which is the new solo project of Steve Goldberg, who has put his twee band Steve Goldberg and the Arch Enemies on hiatus for a more electronic touch. "Video Games" is one of his first works, and it's neat to see how he incorporates more of a video game soundtrack to back the name.  In doing so, the outcome is an enjoyable synth pop rendition that retains the breezy chorus of Del Rey's version.  Listen to it on SoundCloud below, where he also offers a free download.  Enjoy!

 Video Games by Resistor