This week’s songs are quite the mixed bag! Our feature track by Chicago-natives RÜFÜS kicks this off. We follow through with some more upbeat tracks including cuts from Grouplove and Bastian’s Happy Light, before injecting a little bit of country from the Stillsons, and some 60s-influenced pop-rock from out new favourite band Raindrop. We take it all down a notch to finish up with a new est single from The Marquis de Tren & Bonny “Prince” Bill. What a rollercoaster!
RÜFÜS – “Desert Night”
RÜFÜS can do no wrong musically. ‘Desert Night’ the second single from their forthcoming debut album Atlas, due for release on the 9th August on Sweat it Out. With a real international sound, the production is slick, the vocals are smooth and the track is chilled with electronic grooves, that builds enough to still get you on the dance floor. This Sydney three-piece just keep going from strength to strength. Keep an hear out for the killer remixes from Jesse Rose, Motez, James Curd, Avon Stringer and Victor Lassance dropping soon.
Jordan Leser – “Berlin”
This young songstress makes a precarious balance between sounding like a mellower Emily Hanes and an adult contemporary version of Birdy. ‘Berlin’ though has none of the naivety of the British teenager with far more intent displayed and Leser does her own successful Bon Iver cover without sounding irritating. The single sees Leser on the brink of maturity, an exciting prospect given it’s her debut effort.
Grouplove – “Ways To Go”
The first taste from their sophomore effort Spreading Rumours is a fresh injection of peppy synth pop. Sounding not too dissimilar from their 2011 debut, Never Trust A Happy Song, ‘Ways To Go’ has the right mix of dual vocals to suggest they might have an anthem-of-sorts on their hands. Hardly surprising given many of their festival-ready fans have been undoubtedly waiting for more dance rock from the five-piece.
The Stillsons – “Feel So Young”
‘Feel So Young’ is the second single from Melbourne alt country band The Stillsons, forthcoming album Never Go Your Way. Featuring the stunning vocals of the bands drummer Cat Canteri, ‘Feel So Young’, showcases the bands brilliant story telling ability, which is backed by warm acoustic guitar and the pedal steel, keeping you drawn in all the way to the end of the track.
BoardWalk – “I’m To Blame”
New signings to Stones Throw Records never goes unnoticed. Having only formed last year in LA, BoardWalk, are Mike Edge and Amber Quintero and guitarist Mark Noseworthy. ‘I’m To Blame’ is the new single of their forthcoming self-titled album due for release later this year. If you like Beach House then you’ll like BoardWalk, they appear to be the Californian version, more upbeat vocals and lovely guitar tones that sit above the drone of the organ. Keep any eye for their album later this year.
Bastian’s Happy Flight – “Hooray”
Soul-infused 80s synth pop isn’t necessarily a musical term we’re faced with daily, but after listening to the new track by Bastian’s Happy Flight, we can honestly say we wish this weren’t so. Channeling Robert Smith, BHP’s lead singer Will Slade has just the right amount of sensitivity and distain. Definitely one that’s going to get a lot of plays.
Raindrop– “Killing Me”
We love an all male band that aren’t afraid to show some 60s girl group influence! This latest 60s music revival is veering away from a garage sound, towards a more pop-infused sound a la Foxygen. With simple lyrics like “She’s playing all these games/it’s pushing me away” we have no doubt this latest cut from Sydney’s Raindrop will make the rounds.
The Marquis de Tren & Bonny “Prince” Billy – “Solemn 119”
Mick Turner of Dirty Three always melts us, and this new song is no exception. With beautifully lazy drums and lo-fi, untreated vocals this is the perfect tune to wrap up this week’s mixtape. With Scott Walker-like lyrics and shaky vocal line, this pained tune, will have you melting along with us in no time. See Mick Turner supporting Japanese instrumental band Mono during June.
