Mixtape #20
Featuring Cosmo Jarvis, Dune, Grand Salvo, Naomi Braun, Red Ink, The 2 Bears
Our Wednesday afternoon mixtape features more amazing local talent with new tracks from Dune, Naomi Braun, Red Ink and Grand Salvo. Internationally we have tracks from the UK’s Cosmo Jarvis who will be out here in Australia later this month and The 2 Bears, Joe Goddard from Hot Chip’s side project.
Dune – Shoestring
It isn’t often that great lyrics accompany a catchy synth-pop beat but Melbournites Dune have managed to make it happen with their single ‘Shoestring’ . So epic it almost sounds like a theme song to a late 70s TV show, this fun track will surely have you both moving and singing along.
Cosmo Jarvis – Tell Me Who To Be
The new offering from Cosmo Jarvis is simple and straight to the point without ever feeling boring. A strong quarter note pulse, with flourishes of strings and harmonies, underpins the track. Simple songwriting is often difficult to achieve, and the UK based songwriter has paid special attention to instrumental detail and dynamics, producing a clear and concise pop track.
Naomi Braun – Deeper
Formally part of the Aria nominated band Deep Face, Melbourne’s Naomi Braun’s branched out on her own in recent years. Producing her brand of beat-inspired pop tunes on her own, Braun’s sound is inspired by Bjork and Erykah Badu, and finds a home amongst current electronic stars Little Dragon and Grimes. ‘Deeper’ especially recalls Grimes’ mix of textured synths and deep beats; however Braun’s voice is more extroverted. Expect her to make her full band debut in August.
The 2 Bears – Warm & Easy
Raf Rundell and Joe Goddard (of Hot Chip fame) make up The 2 Bears and it’s not hard to hear where their musical influences lie. Their critically acclaimed debut album, Be Strong, was released earlier this year. ‘Warm and Easy’ is full of heavy yet soothing electro beats, it’s definitely a dance song, just not the kind that’ll persuade you to hit the clubs. Consider this the soundtrack to your taxi ride home as you sober up.
Red Ink – Euphoria
The first single from their upcoming second EP ‘The Colour Age’, Euphoria is Red Ink serving up a pop-gem. With soaring melodies, vocal harmonies and guitar hooks, the song is a love-letter to everyone. The Melbourne group have summer written all over them, and this track will no doubt be the soundtrack to many road trips across the country.
Grand Salvo – She Woke At Three With A Thumping Heart
This charming little ditty from Grand Salvo is both catchy and somewhat reminiscent of The Shins softer moments. Gently strummed acoustic epithets lead into a cheerful major-key chorus amidst listless bassoon belches, jingling sleigh bells and twinkling chimes. Guiro scratches add a subtle but effective percussive element to the chorus line, making for plenty of light foot tapping and a resoundingly pleasant atmosphere.
