Another week, another mixtape, and this week Europe is getting a lot of love! From our feature track from the UK’s White Lies, to some urban lovin’ from MIA and an unlikely duet from Bloody Beetroots and Paul McCartney. Apart from some grungey love from Sebadoh, the rest of the cuts are Australian with some teen-indie from Snackadaktl, some danceier stuff from Grey Ghost and a touch of the absurd from Sex On Toast. Dig in guys!
White Lies – ‘There Goes Our Love Again’
With dreamy barritone vocals and an upbeat, synth-infused sound, British post-punkers White Lies are providing our ears with some much needed warmth. The single is taken from their soon-to-be-released third album Big TV which is said to be about a couple who leave a provincial area for a big city. If this is an indication of what’s to come on their August release, we can’t even wait.
Sebadoh – ‘Keep The Boy Alive’
Kicking off with a vintage drumroll, the first offering from 90s icona-band Sebadoh is an exciting one indeed. While Lou Barlow’s mellow, layered vocals take the fore during the verses, it’s a thrashy guitar and louder-than-usual drums that prove that Sebadoh are back baby. Look out for their new album Defend Yourself out later this year.
Snakadaktal – ‘Hung On Tight’
Snakadaktal are finally on the verge of releasing their debut full-length album Sleep In The Water on August 2, and the first single ‘Hung On Tight’ has only made the wait more difficult. The album was recorded in an old horse stable in Victoria, but the five-piece have never sound more polished and refined. This track has a dreamy atmosphere conjured by the tranquil, hazy vocals and superb instrumentals that are led by a hollow reverb guitar reminiscent of Romy’s from The xx. Yep, they’ve got us hooked.
Sex On Toast – ‘Takin’ Over’
Sex On Toast’s first preview single from their upcoming album is a five-minute time warp back to the ’80s. There’s a lot happening in the nine-piece’s latest dance jam – from the discotheque synth line and jazz section to the energetic vocals, everything about this track oozes funk and groove. The repeated line of ‘Feel it takin’ over’ certainly says it all: it’s pretty difficult not to get possessed by this outfit’s massively fun sound.
Grey Ghost – ‘The Elixir’
‘The Elixir’ is the first single from Melbourne hip hop artist Grey Ghost’s The Elixir EP. With massive cross over appeal, Grey Ghost enlisted local heavyweight producers Jan Skubiszeweski, Matik and Styalz Fuego to put together the EP and what a killer job they’ve done if this first track is anything to go by. ‘The Elxir’, has great rhymes, sweet beats, some rockin’ guitar vibes and a big chorus. Keep an eye out for the live show during July.
Bloody Beetroots – ‘Out Of Sight’ feat. Paul McCartney
Okay, you got us. We probably wouldn’t have put money on a Paul McCartney song becoming all the rage in the club scene, but here we are. The stellar track seesSir Paul’s lead, husky as fuck vocals accompanied by dance-punk producer Bloody Beetroots stellar synth jams. Don’t get left behind on this one! Amazing track.
Ride Into The Sun – ‘Lost At Sea (A Love Song)’
Psychedelic rock, shoegaze with a touch of 60s is exactly what Adelaide band Ride Into The Sun capture in the lead single ‘Lost At Sea’ off their self-titled mini LP due for release in early July. Very much the sound of now, jangly slacker guitars with 60s production and psychedelic undertones ‘Lost At Sea’ was produced and mixed by Brett Orrison and Alex Mass (The Black Angels) and hits the spot. Great catchy single.
M.I.A – ‘Bring Me The Noize’
M.I.A. is back with ‘Bring The Noize’ the first taste of her forthcoming album “Matangi” due for release this year. Produced by Switch and Surkin ‘Bring The Noize’ does exactly that with M.I.A.’s political stances, this one being based around the concept of freedom. Musically as always she is pushing the envelope with sounds and production, all topped off with the fact that the gal can rap! M.I.A. can do no wrong, but make up your own mind.
