Sound and the Urgency

Sound and the Urgency's "White Kids", a spacious folktroncia ballad that's as dramatic as it catchy, has been stimulating interest amongst the webscape recently with it's mix of experimental "guitar-drenched electro pop" and heavy sentiment.  Yet upon hearing the remainder of the album, the self-titled Sound and the Urgency, I found that the Portland songwriter has even more to offer.  The 10-song record is loaded with ambition, striving to achieve a spectrum of moods that range from uptempo folk to emotional indie-rock, and as mentioned before, elements of folktronica.  At points it's even fair to say that many of the tracks carry country undertones.  It's most certainly a contemplative release, one which permeates a sense of feeling; sometimes there's anguish, sometimes anger, and at other times disappointment.  Below I've posted two songs from Sound and the Urgency, "Killing Communists With a Smile" and "Sound and the Urgency", both which also include a free download from Soundcloud.  If you like what you hear, you can also check out his Bandcamp to get the rest of the album or find more information at his Facebook.  Chhhhheeeccckkkk it.

 Killing communists with a smile by Sound and the Urgency

 Sound and the Urgency by Sound and the Urgency

Takagi and Fitz

In contrast to today's earlier post of non-club dance music, I figured I'd throw something at you for all the house lovers out there.  It's a catchy remix that borrows from "Calling" by Alesso and Sebastian Ingrosso while featuring vocals from "It's Not My Problem" by Sneaky Sound System.  Man oh man!  If only I had some massive sub-woofers to throw this on I am pretty positive I could get people movin with this mash-up.  The duo bringing it to you is Takagi and Fitz, techno-rockers from the great city of Vancouver. This isn't the only thing they've given us, though, if you head over to their Soundcloud you can listen to a whole bunch more of the songs.  Some can even be downloaded for free, including "It's Not My Calling", which you can preview below.  Get dancing.

 It's Not My Calling (Takagi and Fitz Bootleg)

Future Islands

Future Islands doesn't make what you'd consider prototypical dance music.  To start, lead-singer Sam Herring's voice is atypical, deeper and raspier than the normal vocalist.  It's not techno either, instead presenting itself as slower and more brooding than the average club beat.  Yet, this year's On the Water still manages to include some heavy bass-lines with a surprising amount of head bopping material.  Thrown into somewhat of a "post-wave" genre, Future Islands utilizes a great deal of synthesizers with a fair number of uptempo rhythms.  To some degree it's "intelligent dance", with lyrics that explore emotionality instead of how many shots someone can take and cadences that promote tapping your feet rather than jumping around.  This isn't a bad thing at all, it just may not be what you're looking for at a bar or club; On the Water is simply more of a dance party in your head.  I've posted the songs "Balance" and "Before the Bridge" below, have a listen to see what you think.  Enjoy!

Balance

Before The Bridge

Bombay Bicycle Club

The London-based quartet of Bombay Bicycle Club have been good about putting out new material at a constant rate.  They've released a new album every year for the past three years, a feat that can be difficult to achieve.  Over the course of this time the band has slowly been growing in popularity, attracting a following large enough to place them on UK's music charts.  Even so, this year's LP A Different Kind of Fix may be the one that really helps them soar, likely due to a slight change in their approach (hence the album title, perhaps?).  Indie rock peppered with folk influences has always been the group's MO, especially on 2010's Flaws, which is a somber, acoustic drawl of melancholy-laden arrangements.  That's not necessarily a bad thing, but the newly found confidence, charm, and creativity found in A Different Kind of Fix makes their previous works feel unsubstantial.  They have reached a comfortability level much higher here than before, experimenting with new tempos and energies, sounding more upbeat and fun overall. There are also a few songs presented that are easy to fall back on, a backbone of sorts, that was largely lacking prior.  "Shuffle" is a prime example of all the aforementioned criteria, a catchy tune supported by an addicting piano accompaniment which in turn creates something more alluring and (dare I say it?) poppy.  Whatever, don't knock it 'til you try it!  "Lights Out, Words Gone", "Shuffle", and "Take the Right One" posted below, check it.

Lights Out, Words Gone

Shuffle

Take the Right One

A best of weekends to everyone.  See ya next week.

Alekesam

L.A.'s Alekesam writes on their biography that their music is like "the sound of a state of mind".  This is fitting, considering their single "It's Not You, It's Here" is like a meandering drift of thought...a reflective demonstration of inner tension.  It's their first single from their upcoming album, coincidentally named It's Not You, It's Here.  The track is a laid-back crossroads incorporating elements from an array of music styles; intertwining pieces of hip-hop, jazz, blues, and R&B.  The vocals also take on a variety of moods, a times sounding at ease, while in other moments erupting into a shameless love-cry.  Similar to other songs, "It's Not You, It's Here" truly shines on a good pair of headphones, where each detail (including that awesome bass line) really reveals itself. Some of you may also recognize it from the TV show "Entourage", where it shows up on the 3rd episode on the most recent season.  I've posted the song on SoundCloud below, where Alekesam has also offered it up for a free download.  So take a listen and then snag it up.

 It's Not You, It's Here by Alekesam 

You can get more info and check out any further updates over at Facebook.

Twin Sister

One of the main things that has captivated me about Twin Sister is Andrea Estella's voice.  Whether it's intertwined in lo-fi harmony with    "Nectarine" or presented in a purer form like "Lady Daydream", she finds a way to mesmerize me. In Heaven, released on September 27th of this year, highlights her vocals beautifully.  While the band's first EPs show her off in a slower, dreamier format, the new album includes more electronic elements, helping display her range.  The record itself also shows a slight change in direction, achieving a more '80s tone.  It uses these elements to create a more laid-back, lounge feel instead of having a high-energy synth atmosphere.  The production on In Heaven is also key; it sounds very clean and crisp, making the whole arrangement sound smooth and glassed over.  Take a listen to "Daniel" and "Stop" from the record below.  Hope ya dig it!

Daniel

Stop

Dillon Francis

It's the Friday before Halloween weekend, so naturally the nation's youth are drinking heavily and making terrible decisions around basically every university the country offers.  I don't want to cut into party time, so I'll keep it short.  Since it is such a big weekend, I figured I'd drop some high energy techno on ya'll: the new single "I.D.G.A.F.O.S." by Dillon Francis.  I thought it'd be appropriate given the meaning of the acronym; I Don't Give A F*ck Or Sh*t, the current mindset of many a college student.  It's a pretty whacky song, one that took a little for me to grow into, but it's danceable and has a few nutty dubstep drops...eventually I gave in.  Check it out on SoundCloud below.  Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone, see you next week!

Dillon Francis - I.D.G.A.F.O.S. by DILLONFRANCIS