Astronauts, etc.

Following up on a pervious post regarding the fantastic song "Mystery Colors" by solo-man Astronauts, etc. (Anthony Ferraro), he has recently released yet another beauty. This one is called "You Can Yell" and it also comes off his forthcoming EP Supermelodic Pulp (due out September 8th).  Probably the best thing about it is that you can really see him start to flex his songwriting muscles.  Instead of restricting himself to a calmer, spacier atmosphere, "You Can Yell" is lively and more full.  They're both great, and they're both different.  It'll be exciting to see how Ferraro further spreads his wings in future endeavors, and the best thing is that we only need to wait about a week more! Check out the new single below, then be sure to give him some love over at SoundCloud, Facebook, Twitter, and Bandcamp.  You won't be disappointed!

 You Can Yell by astronautsetc

Boerd

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.

 Flimmer by boerd

Trails and Ways

Everyone seems to be talking about the Californian quartet Trails and Ways these days. It's for good reason; their affinity for twangy dream pop has carved a wonderful niche for the up-and-coming band.  Sure they might be "dream pop", but are more grounded than the spaced out likes of ethereal gazers, something which has garnered the attention of thousands of people.  Now, they've unleashed the music video for their most recent single "Mtn Tune".  It features the band as they rock climb, bike, and perform atop of 40 ft. tall volcanic rock...pretty much doing everything that makes California awesome.  Catch that below, and after the jump check out their Ghost Beach cover of the song "Miracle".

 Miracle (Ghost Beach Cover) by TRAILS AND WAYS

Harts

To add to the extensive list of dynamic and kinetic artists coming out of Australia, the Melbourne native Harts has recently thrown his talent into the mix.  Only two songs deep into his music career, Harts has already made quite a splash, catching the eyes of many fans.  One such enthusiast was Lars Stalfors of The Mars Volta, who has offered to mix the forthcoming EP Offtime, which is slated for a release later in 2012.  I find the draw to his songs to be a mix of energy, creativity, and the ability to hook on to his music.  "Back To The Shore" is an excellent example of this; the driving guitar riff is striking and unique, allowing Harts to be distinguishable.  When you hear "Back To The Shore", you're going to remember the piercing tone and you'll know who played it.  The first official single "All To Real" is similar, instead utilizing disco-like bass grooves to catch your eye.  I've posted both songs below for you to listen to, with links to his SoundCloud and Facebook for further exploration.  Hit it up!

 Back To The Shore by Harts

 Harts - All Too Real by Harts

Work Drugs

If the distinct '80s chimes and intimate saxophones of Bon Iver's "Beth/Rest" weren't smooth already, leave it to the kings of slick Work Drugs to remix it up.  In their newest release, they stand up the Bon Iver remix challenge over at Indaba Music using a 10-year-old Packard Bell and an "outdated version" of Windows Sound Recorder. In true Bon Iver fashion, the group traveled to a small cabin in a densely wooded area of the Poconos to find inspiration.  To complete such a competition, I couldn't think of a more fitting environment.  Straight up living the Bon Iver lifestyle (as of a few years ago at least).  Have a listen to the remix below, and if you like it be sure to vote for Work Drugs over here and show them some love.  To keep the track, you can grab the download here.  As has been the case lately, all of the Work Drugs social media has been busy; you can check them out over at SoundCloud, Facebook, Twitter, Bandcamp, MySpace, as well as their official page. Enjoy the weekend everybody!

 Bon Iver - Beth / Rest (Work Drugs Remix) by Work Drugs

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

Kasket Club

It was around a month and a half ago that I first wrote up on the newly formed duo Kasket Club.  At the time of the post, Kasket Club had released a few songs but had yet to put out anything official as a whole.  That has all changed now with the creation of Kasket Club, the group's first debut EP.  The five-song collection continues Kasket's worry-free attitude, putting out sleek and laid-back vibes in a form most resembling electronic chillwave tendencies.  As much as I loved the first output by Kasket Club, I feel confident in saying that this is an improvement.  The songs sound better constructed, and even include more foreign elements like disco.  The small touches they include in Kasket Club make it all the more rewarding.  Although they're all good, I've posted favorites "Patience" and "Sunday" below.  The EP is offered for free, so after listening check out Bandcamp or SoundCloud to snag some downloadables.  Their Facebook page offers additional information.

 Patience by KasketClub

 Sunday by KasketClub