Our first mixtape for the month of July, and we’re officially into the second half of 2013. What a great year for music it’s already been, and this week’s collection of tracks is another testament to that. We kick things off with our feature track by one of the coolest bands in universe The Vaccines, and move straight onto one of the most inspired collaborations ever from Toy & Bat For Lashes’ Natasha Khan. We keep the diversity going with some tunes from Washed Out’s new album, Ballarat’s Belair, the new David Lynch, and more!
The Vaccines – “Melody Calling”
The ever-prolific indie rock four-piece haven’t stopped since their 2011 debut was released, with their sophomore effort, Come Of Age, landing just one year later. While the surprise surfacing of this track has not yet signified the release of their third album it does show that the British outfit have one hell of a work ethic. Still coming of age, “Melody Calling” has a lax Dandy Warhols vibe running through the pop-rock chorus. Typically short and to the point The Vaccines demonstrate their sonic diversity on this relatively psychedelic tune.
Toy & Natasha Kahn – “The Bride”
Psych-rock five-piece Toy team up with Bat For Lashes’ Natasha Khan on this cover of the Amir Rassaei original to promote label Speedy Wonderground’s compilation of old Iranian freakout music. Entitled Zendooni: Funk, Psychedelia and Pop from the Iranian Pre-Revolution Generation, label owner Dan Carey produced this intense and abrasive psychedelic number. Khan’s howls sound wicked behind Toy’s instrumentation. Both combine to make what sounds like the perfect addition to the soundtrack of horror films of years past.
Washed Out – “Don’t Give Up”
The follow up to Ernest Greene’s critically adored debut, Within and Without, is set to be released on the 13th of August. We were given our first taste of Paracosm via the lyric video of It Feels Alright and the second sample in ‘Don’t Give Up’ only strengthens the idea that Washed Out hasn’t lost its touch since 2011. With over 50 instruments used in the recording of Paracosm this track has an impressive percussive backbone with the swirling additions of synth textures and Greene’s soft voice creating an atmosphere of nonchalance. However an infectious chorus allows the track to be anything but dull.
Belair – “Taste”
Not sure what’s in the water in Ballarat, but whatever it is, it seems to be flowing in the form of great musical acts. There seems to be yet again another little scene bubbling away in country Victoria with youngsters Belair, who are gaining a lot of overseas blog attention with their track ‘Taste’ which was recorded by Sam Sedgwick from another Ballarat band Dark Arts. ‘Taste has a very dark but international vibe with interesting production, great guitar sounds, vocals and driving drums. Band to keep an eye for sure.
Elephant – “Skyscraper”
South London based duo Amelia Rivas met Bristolian Christian also known as Elephant, have dropped the first offering from their new EP of the same title ‘Skyscraper’. The track is full of floating sounds that make you feel like you could be in a David Lynch film, it manages to feel old fashioned but modern all a that same time. The layering of Amelia’s vocals and and other soundscapes sit perfectly amongst the lovely guitar tones and electronic drum beats.
Delorean – “Spirit”
Sometimes you just wanna go where you can feel the bass. This week, let Delorean take you there! With 80s inspired synths, a killer beat and choir-like, ethereal vocals, the Spanish dance band bring the beats of yesteryear back in the best possible way. If there’s one track that”ll bring the European summer down under, this is definitely the one.
Eliza And The Bear– “Friends”
With a sound so current it’s almost eery, the British pop-rockers have released their catchy-as hell single ‘Friends’. With the contagious vocal line I got friends/ I got family here” bound to echo through your brain after first listen, this is a band we’ll be hearing a lot more from.
David Lynch – “Star Dream Girl”
The king of all things left of centre has offered up his first single from upcoming album The Big Dream his follow-up to Crazy Clown Time, his acclaimed 2011 solo debut. Dubbed ‘modern blues’ by the maker himself the new tune features heavy guitars and spoken word lyrics. If this is indicative of what’s to come on the album, we cannot even wait.
