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!!!

CIRC

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.

Stumbleine

Stumbleine has been around for a while, dishing out beautiful atmospheric dream beats at a high rate since 2010.  Whether it be a single, EP, or full-length LP, Stumbleine has dominated the front page of Bandcamp's chillwave tag, partly due to the incredibly expedient distribution of material.  There has been so much, in fact, that a large majority of prior output has been removed from the internet, and yet there still remains an adequate pool to experiment with and listen to.  While I have not followed Stumbleine voraciously throughout this time, I must say that this year's new album, Spiderwebbed, is the most-developed and cohesive that I've heard so far.  I had always liked Stumbleine, but over time I began to feel he had fallen into a repeating run-of-the-mill chillwave sound, a common problem within the genre.  Spiderwebbed proves me wrong, putting my money where my mouth is; from start to finish we're treated to an inescapable dream-filled landscape of swirling electronics, the main element being the swirling, spacious synths that soar to striking heights.  Each track delivers its own charm, switching tempos and alternating tones, to give a remarkable listening experience.  He has also added subtle accents of dub beats, which have really paid off, presenting Spiderwebbed with a unique flare.  Enough of me, to actually listen to or buy the album take a visit to Bandcamp, and then head over to Facebook to show some love.  For a sneak peak I've posted three of my favorites below; "If You", "The Corner Of Her Eye", and "Kaleidoscope".  Enjoy!

If YouThe Corner Of Her EyeKaleidoscope

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.

Neeco Delaf

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!

 Neeco Delaf - Walking Alone (feat. Rubyrax) by Neeco Delaf

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

Joel Hood

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!

 Mystery Colors (J.Hood Remix) by Joel Hood

N8 ST9

The last time we heard from N8 ST9 was over the summer when he had just released his debut song "Shooting Star".  The best way to describe it is a hypnotic journey that drifts in and out of wobbly synth lines and drum beats, the kind of music I would find in the soundtrack to one of my dreams.  N8 ST9's newest song "Impact", posted yesterday, has once again sent me into a daze. Although not as long as "Shooting Star", "Impact" packs a punch into its 5:52 duration.  This time around, N8 ST9 diminishes the use of the synth in replacement of grandiose orchestral elements. To set the tone, he implements a calming vocal track that alternates between himself and guest contributor Sarah Rose.  About a minute in the track really begins to take flight, introducing the powerful backbeat that sets the foundation for the soaring string section.  To have a taste of "Impact", all you need to do is click the play button below.  For more on his work you can always visit SoundCloud, although he has also been known to dabble in Facebook and Twitter.

 Impact by N8 ST9

NO CEREMONY///

Since the band's beginning, NO CEREMONY/// has been somewhat of a mysterious entity.  Coming to prominence in late 2011, the group released a series of original tracks and remixes online that won major approval in the eyes of the blogosphere.  Diplo and Ellie Goulding even delivered their praise.  At this point no one had any idea who the band members were, and it didn't help that they had never performed live. NO CEREMONY/// let people wallow in their curiosity until May 18th this year when they finally performed live for the first time.  They haven't slowed down, playing alongside the likes of Alt-J and earning slot times at music festivals spread out over Europe.  The momentum is continuing with the release of their new single, "FEELSOLOW".  The track is an electronic piece that rewards frequent listens; at first glance we're led to believe it's a sappy electro-piano ballad with altered reworked vocals reminiscent of James Blake, except the song proves to be different.  We're treated to a slow build-up of layers, including a more pronounced drum beat as time goes on.  Halfway through the song though, the floodgates open and we're bombarded with a wash of synths, keyboards, and other electronic assemblies.  If the whole track was like its second half, it may have even been considered dance music. It's an intriguing piece, and is one that has a strange allure to it.  I've posted the music video below for your viewing pleasure with a free SoundCloud download under that if your heart desires it.  To enter further into their mystical world, take a visit to their homepage.

 NO CEREMONY/// FEELSOLOW by CPR Agency

Peking Duk

For this Friday's post I'll keep it short and sweet so you guys can go on your merry way for the weekend.  And!  Since we're on the topic of weekends, I think it's a fair assumption to say that everyone has heard/danced/partied to the worldwide hit "We No Speak Americano".  At least I know when I was studying abroad I couldn't enter a bar or club without hearing it three or more times.  I can thank DCUP and Yolanda Be Cool for that, the makers of the dance wonder.  Well now Peking Duk, who I've written about prior, has done a remix of DCUP's new song "I'm Corrupt".  This follows a series of remixes that Peking Duk has completed, and is one that will surely get your Friday moving.  Go ahead and stream it below, then check out SoundCloud for more offerings.

 DCUP - I'm Corrupt (Peking Duk Remix) by Peking Duk

Chris Malinchak

The last time I wrote about Chris Malinchak was about two months ago when he released "These Dreams", a specimen of disco and house fusion. Today, we are faced with a fresh song from Malinchak called "All Shook Up", the newest addition to his repertoire of beat-heavy electronic bangers.  What's great about "Leaving Tomorrow" is the use of samples, which tend to take on a more soulful tone.  I am even sniffing hints of funk somewhere in there.  This one also comes to you from French Express, a label comprised entirely of foot-tappers and head-rockers.  It's only reasonable that Malinchak would fall directly into the mix.  You can see the array of French Express artists at the label's SoundCloud here.  If it's Malinchak you want, he has a Facebook, Twitter, and SoundCloud that you can tune in to.  Have a listen to brand new "All Shook Up" below.  Enjoy!

 Chris Malinchak - All Shook Up by FRENCH EXPRESS

The Cataracs & Borgeous & Taylor Bird

I think just about everyone knows about the classic song "Let The Good Times Roll", it's the kind that has been immortalized in the annals of music history.  It has been covered a large volume of popular artists and bands throughout its tenure, but I don't think it has been taken quite like this before.  The first piece of the pie is The Cataracs, an artist from Berkeley who has teamed up with the likes of Waka Flocka Flame prior.  The second is Borgeous, a fun and energetic producer who I have written about before for his fist-pumping bangers.  The last contributor is Taylor Bird, another musician from Hollywood.  These three have teamed up to release a remix of "Let The Good Times Roll" featuring the voice of the late great Freddie King, and boy does it bump.  There really isn't much else to say except just that; it will make you want to jump around.  Oh!  That and it's offered for a free download over at SoundCloud.  If you want to give your pregame mix a little boost, this just might do the trick.  Have a listen to it below.

 The Cataracs & Borgeous & Taylor Bird - Let The Good Times Roll Ft. Freddie King by The Cataracs

Hunting Grouds/Gold Fields

A little less than two months ago I had the pleasure of writing up on Hunting Grounds and their new album In Hindsight.  It was a great release, and now the group has garnered the attention of the Ballarat natives Gold Fields, who have released a remix of the Hunting Grounds song "Flaws".  Seeing as both bands are from Ballarat, an Australian city, it would make sense that the combination of the two flavors mixes so well.  With vocals that bring to mind Cut Copy, it would seem the Australian synth sound carries some parallels.  Thank god it does, because the wonderful remix is one you'll be itching to hear over and over again.  The best part is that they offered a free download of it over at SoundCloud.  For more information on Hunting Grounds, head on over to their Facebook or homepage (which links to other outlets).  Gold Fields can be reached at Facebook, Twitter, and Bandcamp, so be sure to pay a visit to those.  "Flaws" remix streaming below!

 Flaws (Gold Fields Remix) (WAV VERSION) by Hunting Grounds

Joel Hood

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.

 Campanero by Joel Hood

 Teardrops by Joel Hood

Hyker

To close the week I offer you the gift of "Golden Cars", the newly released song from a long-time Audio Splash favorite Hyker.  Hailing from Brussels, I've witnessed Hyker go through his musical evolution first hand.  Originally named Sky Hiker, we've seen him take his ambient instrumentals to new levels, always pushing his personal boundary and finding new niches.  This was true even two years ago around the time that I interviewed him.  Coming back to the present, I'm hoping the world is ready, because now he's starting to get comfortable.  "Golden Cars" is an example of this; the steady beats trudge forward amongst a haze of encompassing synths while the smooth shifts between backing electronics and subdued vocals carry forth effortlessly.  Plus, as he has promised from the very beginning, he has put "Golden Cars" up for free.  You can stream the song below and then snag a download here.  Be sure to check out his past works over at SoundCloud with more information offered at Facebook and Twitter.  You can always visit his homepage as well.  Happy weekends everyone!  See you next time.

 Golden Cars by Hyker

Astronauts, etc.

Sometimes all you gotta do is give a man a synth and next thing you know you're off floating in the wisps of clouds.  Anthony Ferraro, the solo man behind the name Astronauts, etc., accomplishes a similar atmosphere with the release of his debut single "Mystery Colors".  The track arrives about a month before the release of his EP Supermelodic Pulp (due out September 10th).  At first glance the name seems fitting; "Mystery Colors" is indeed supermelodic, cradling you in a comfortable bed of slow, mesmerizing dream pop.  The organ and drum machine that backs the track almost sends you into a trance, suspending you in a vacuum of space.  It demonstrates the potential Ferraro has to be a good songwriter; sometimes less is more, and it's very difficult to make that distinction.  If you're interested, there's a video for "Mystery Colors" that you can view here.  He also has a Bandcamp and SoundCloud that offer free downloads.  For social media, be sure to hit up Facebook and Twitter.  Peep it below!

 Mystery Colors by astronautsetc

El Ten Eleven

The word has been spoken, the new El Ten Eleven album TRANSITIONS has been slated for a November 6th release.  How has this not gotten more attention?  Their album El Ten Eleven in 2004 had some of the most chill vibes that I've heard, delivering such greats as the late-night cruiser "My Only Swerving". Just because there have been a few albums since that doesn't mean we shouldn't get excited, and plus there's potential!  We've been given "Thanks Bill", a new single put out to advertise the fresh album.  It's everything you would want from El Ten Eleven, an instrumental post-rock jammer that consists of multiple transformations and shifts.  This time, they've decided some great electronic elements in there as well.  Have a listen to it below, and then head over to their Bandcamp to snag it.  You can also check out their Kickstarter page in promotion of the new album.

Kopfklang

One of the first things I noticed when turning on the new EP Tanzen & Schlafen is how much the music derives from what Daft Punk brought to the forefront of electronic styles.  Kopfklang, the Berlin native, adds some nice flare to the German techno scene with a piercing, instrumental release.  Released on July 20th of this year, Tanzen & Schlafen isn't the kind of techno you'd find yourself dancing to in a club, but instead falls into more of a subgenre that he calls "minimal techno".  What I get from it is that it carries the same idea as techno, huge sounds and dramatic shifts, but without the intent of dancing to it.  It's more of a calming, stationary kind of listening.  That doesn't mean Kopfklang isn't able to paint beautiful soundscapes with his synths, he just approaches it in a slightly different way. Have a listen to "Tanzen" and "Tanzen Statt Schlafen" below, and then head over to Bandcamp to hear more.  Facebook, Twitter, and SoundCloud are all good outlets to find out more.

La Boum Fatale

The story of La Boum Fatale begins in 2010 during a media technology course in Hamburg.  It is here that the German duo of Antonio de Spirit and Levente Pavelka met up and got to know each other.  Shortly after, they started to figure out that their music preferences were very similar, and they eventually discovered a mutual interest in starting a band that was "electronic, experimental, cool, and straight-forward".  Their June 29th, 2012 release of Damwild proved to live up to those expectations.  La Boum Fatale plays with a kind of subdued minimalism, electronic tracks that don't flood your headphones but instead lead your ears down a steady, solid road of experimental drum beats and sounds.  Not only is it cool, but it's absorbing.  In case you missed it a few months ago, I've placed their lead single from Damwild, "AAA", below for you to listen to.  As an extra goodie, I've put 9b0 remix of another track "Rumple" there, too.  You can reach La Boum Fatale's Facebook here as well as their SoundCloud here.

 La Boum Fatale - AAA (Single Edit) by Sinnbus

 La Boum Fatale - Rumple (9b0 Remix) by Sinnbus