Is it just me, or are these electronic artists that keep popping out of the abyss ridiculously, ridiculously talented?
Young Montana? is among that number-he hasn't been in the blogosphere for even a year yet. Consequently, there's still an air of mystery about him and not much info to share, but here's hoping he does a North American tour soon. He just dropped a new track "BONSOIR" on his soundcloud Wednesday. I hope he keeps them coming.
Darren Williams a.k.a. Star Slinger, is a Manchester based remix scientist and mastermind (if I do say so myself). His mixes are fuzzy delights for the ear, and it's hard to believe he was completely off the charts a year ago. He's worked with the music of two of my personal faves-The Morning Benders, Washed Out-and he just keeps pulling out goodies from his sleeves. His recently released track, Dumbin' feat. Reggie B, packs some misty bass and makes for a nice listen. Check it out below, along with some others. Seriously can't get enough of this guy...
...of everyone at the Hollywood Bowl tonight for TV On The Radio, Arctic Monkeys, Panda Bear, Warpaint and Smith Westerns. Studying some Gregorian chant instead-juxtaposing the very beginnings of music with that of today is a strange experience.
Here's what probably went down:
I love when things like this happen. Check out this article from Pitchfork for details, but the gist is: Aphex twin is remixing and reworking Penderecki (pictured above), as well as playing some Steve Reich with members of Television, Portishead, and Goldfrapp, and more in Poland this month. Radiohead's Johnny Greenwood is also premiering music he wrote in response to Penderecki's "Polymorphia". Classical music lives.
In spite of their petty feuds with a few other bands (hem hem..Arctic Monkeys..), I can't bring myself to not like these guys. If it puts a smile on my face and a lilt in my step I'm sold, and dammit I love me some English accent. The Kooks, ladies and gentleman. New (third) album "Junk Of The Heart" out Sept. 13.
Los Angeles State Historic Park seriously got down for FYF fest this past Saturday. Bigger names like Simian Mobile Disco, Cold War Kids, Death From Above 1979, and the Descendants drew the larger crowds, but it was truly a victory day for the smaller acts.
(Disclaimer: y'all are getting the iphone quality photos-the legit camera USB cord is missing in action...)
Purity Ring blew the roof off of the small-ass tent they performed in, and they were cute as a button all the while. Megan James sported a humbled, imaginative countenance, sharing an embrace with a fellow curly-haired fan up front mid-"Lofticries". Their sound was recording quality, and they even constructed a pipe-maze instrument ("The Binary") to add visual effect to a rather sample-heavy performance. They don't have a large enough repertoire for a full concert yet, but I have faith in these guys. I can't wait to see what they'll bring to the table in the next year or so.
Four Tet was another set that absolutely captured the crowd. The shifting melodies of Kieran Hebden's music drew the audience deeper and deeper into the sound as the set went on. Those who began standing ended dancing; Hebden's live set is much more dance friendly and bass heavy than his albums, perfect for larger venues and beat-hungry crowds. Drawback? Not much to look at. It's a good thing he was wearing bright yellow. However, the simplicity of show complements the somewhat minimalist style of the music, not to mention the beauty of the sunset that was happening in the background as Kieran did his thang.
Locked (TEXT011) by Four Tet
(Hint: Turn that volume up)
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YACHT
Now, I've never been a huge fan of YACHT's music until I got the chance to see them on Saturday. Let's just say their music sounds 357679384 times better live. Brainchild of Jona Bechtolt and Claire L. Evans, YACHT is a power punching, spectacle kind of duo that tore it up for the crowd. Evans does whatever the hell she wants to whilst performing (pretty sure she climbed on top of everything there was to climb at one point or another). They rocked it, crowd loved it. Bonus points for their cover of Mesopotamia by the B-52's.
Skream + Benga + Artwork = the group we like to call Magnetic Man. They make electronic magic, and that's all I'm going to say. Check out the tracks below, the rest of the album slams as well.
