Another mixed collection of musical treats this week in the form of a very eclectic mixtape! Our feature this week comes from British electro-poppers AlunaGeorge, and we’ve got some more international treats from Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros. The rest of the tunes happen to all be Australian with some rock from Karnivool, Pond, and Grizzly Jim Lawrie, some electro-infused jams from Hayden James, and The Belligerents and finally, a solemn folky tune from Caity Fowler.
AlunaGeorge – ‘You Know You Like It’
Aluna Francis and George Reid will drop their debut album, Body Music, in late July and with the release of a second video for this tune it’s the perfect time to revisit one the electronic duo’s most underrated tracks. The song first appeared on last year’s debut EP of the same name and will also feature on Body Music. Its rerelease comes as no surprise with Francis’ RnB vocals and Reid’s slick beats making this a little pop gem that no on should have to miss out on.
Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros – ‘Better Days’
Southern Californian soulful ensemble Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros are back with another cracker single ‘Better Days’ from their forthcoming self-titled album due for release on July 23rd. Lead by singer and producer Alex Ebert, ‘Better Days’ is full of olden-day charm, including choir singers, vocal instrumentation and marching drums all held together by the soul of Ebert’s vocals. Love, Love Love!
Grizzly Jim Lawrie – ‘Midnight Run’
Well known for his drumming repertoire that spans the past ten years Jim Lawrie took a solo sidestep in 2012 with his debut album, Paying My Debts From The Grave. With the transition from drummer to singer-songwriter now complete Lawrie has swiftly followed his debut with this new single. ‘Midnight Run’ is an evolution of his debut in terms of instrumental expansion. With the inclusion of drums and electric guitar the musician has gone from haunting folk to an almost folk pop sound.
The Belligerents – ‘All I Have’
Brisbane electro-pop act The Belligrents have delivered a catchy first single off their forthcoming EP in the form of ‘All I Have’. The track has their trademark infectious hooks, layered with outtaspace sound vibes over the top of some seriously 80s sounding electronic drums and trippy sounding keys all topped off with super punchy vocals. Surely a track that will get you on the dance floor this winter.
Karnivool – ‘We Are’
‘We Are’ is the first taste from the Aussie kings of prog-rock, Karnivool. Taken from their forthcoming album Asymmetry, recorded in Byron Bay and produced by Nick DiDia, ‘We Are’ makes you want to see the band live, you can hear the technicality and complexity throughout the whole track, with really intense but interesting drum and industrial crash sounds. With Karnivool it’s better to say nothing and just listen.
Pond- ‘Xanman’
Prepaare for another taste of Hobo Rocket, the upcoming LP from Tame Impala-offshoot Pond. The track is just as 70s and just as amazing as you’d expect it to be. Nick Allbrook’s vocals transport you back to times of yore with the psychedelic instrumentation to match. If this is what we’re to expect from the Perth band’s soon to be released LP (out August 2nd to be exact), we’re pretty fucking excited.
Caity Fowler- ‘Beautiful Girls’
The angelic vocal stylings of Caity Fowler bring the simple song to life and add depth and warmth to the lyrics. An ode to those that are “the make up of her made up universe” the song is reminiscent of early Maria Taylor or other such Team Love folksters. Definitely one for the more solemn of heart, ‘Beautiful Girls’ might just melt you.
Hayden James – ‘Permission To Love’
The sydneysider has just recently ben signed to Future Classic and it’s no surprise why. With soulful effect-ridden vocals and synthy goodness, this latest track is a testament to the best elements of mainstream electro. Already out on 12″, the release features The “Permission To Love” the balearic original, plus remixes from Charles Murdoch and Touch Sensitive.
