Mixtape #46
Featuring Adele, Axolotl, Cabins, Deftones, Lowlakes, San Cisco
Welcome to the weekend and welcome to some new music! With so many new tunes to choose from we may have to make a mixtapes longer… First up the youngsters from WA San Cisco with their new single ‘Wild Things’, Adele’s lastest which happens to be the new James Bond theme song, Deftones are back as are Sydney band Cabins and new single for Melbourne bands Lowlakes and Axolotl.
San Cisco – Wild Things
The new track from the young Western Australian band is a relaxing and soothing affair, perfect for a bright and sunny Spring day. Although the lyrics reference a children’s book, San Cisco have certainly matured with their sound, with the youthful exuberance and energy somewhat restrained, replaced by a new and more polished sound. The much loved San Cisco ‘da da das’ are replaced by some backing ‘la la las’ this time, adding a quirky and interesting layer to the chorus. The interplay between dual vocalists Jordi Davieson and Scarlett Stevens is at its best, giving the song a playful and entirely enjoyable feel.
Adele – Skyfall
This song sees two British institutions come together, with soulful pop star Adele lending her impressively soaring vocals to the latest James Bond theme song. The result is, in a word, epic – with smoothly consistent strings, melancholy brass strains, and little of the slick cheesiness that characterised the James Bond of the sixties and seventies. It’s a steady build-up, but by the time this track peaks I challenge you not to envision an impeccably suited man standing stoically in front of a wall of flames.
Deftones – Tempest
The first taste of the ‘Radiohead of Metal’s curiously titled seventh album Koi No Yokan, contains a mix of the band’s trademark brutal riffs with atmosphere-laced mood. Chino Moreno’s vocals are in their mellow, brooding setting but the six-minute length allows the track to spread its wings while peaking and flowing with a rousing chorus. It may irk fans of the band’s heavier material, but it once again shows why they can mix smarts with savagery.
Cabins – In Blue
With a decidedly vintage sound, the latest offering from Sydney-based Cabins is a timeless-seeming love song that tells the tale of a love that just won’t die. Drawing inspirations from the likes of Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison’s classic tunes, the combination of the slow crooning guitars and lead singer Leroy Bressington’s smooth and aching voice make ‘In Blue’ the perfect tune for longing.
Lowlakes – Cold Company
Typically atmospheric, “Cold Company” is the pulsating new single from Melbourne four-piece, Lowlakes. Set against a metronomic backbeat, frontman Thomas Snowden finds the groove throughout the verses, letting his unique falsetto rise and fall before an uplifting mantra: “I’ll never keep, your cold, cold company,” he sings in a haunting drawl. Shrouded in darkness, broken piano chords drops in and out while a web of guitars slowly encircle. “Cold Company” is another impressively poised cut from Lowlakes’ eponymous EP. Watch this space.
Axolotl – Electricity
Second single from Melbourne’s Axolotl the brain child of Ella Thompson and Dustin McLean; ‘Electricity’ is a well produced lusciously layered electro indie track with haunting vocals and a classical edge. The track is held together by repeated hand claps, almost computer like game chimes and cleverly arranged backing vocals. Axolotl are launching this track live during October with no doubt an interesting live show.
