Chimpomatic

Snatch

A little dated, but only by 'homage' to the original.

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13th Jun 2010

The Drums

The Drums

Island

Emerging bleary eyed from the Christmas/New Year haze I was confronted with nothing but talk of immanent financial hardship and the merits of a New York band called The Drums. I laughed off both as mere hype but lo and behold they've both come true and after hearing this debut album the latter certainly certainly makes the former rumor more easy to bear. If you have the Summertime Ep released last year then you'll be familiar with a lot of this but that shouldn't dampen your enjoyment in the least. Swamped in British eighties warmth but infused with a charm and freshness that seems to only emanate from the States at the moment The Drums continue in part what bands like Vampire Weekend started. These are simple songs heavily recalling bands like The Cure or New Order but laced with a rolling surf-rock sensibility. It's a fine mix and one that benefits form a full length format. They've bravely left off two of their most popular songs from Summertime, I Felt Stupid and Submarine, but left their flagship Let's Go Surfing, a song that won them their considerable acclaim on the blogs.

In these dark times I continuously look across the pond for indie-pop alleviation and with The Drums I look no further. It's not reinventing the wheel but who needs reinvention with a record as joyous as this. Highlights include Forever And Ever Amen and I'll Never Drop My Sword.

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11th Jun 2010 - Add Comment - Tweet

The Ponys

Deathbed Plus 4

Matador

This 5 track EP comes into view as another darkly looming juggernaught in this impressive bands back catalogue. It continues on form the success of 2007's awesome Turn The Lights Out and though doesn't really aim to make much ground in terms of progression it manages to more that solidify this band as one of Matadors more steady exports.

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11th Jun 2010 - Add Comment - Tweet

The Cure

Disintegration (Deluxe Issue)

Polydor

On it's impending release I remember thinking of Disintegration as something of a sell out. A mainstream album on a major record label, which was getting the kind of promotion a new Kings of Leon record would get today. In hindsight, it is perhaps The Cure's darkest and most complete album - focussing their attention in a way that the singles-orientated band had not managed before, into what might as well be one, long brooding composition.

Which begs the immediate question of whether this 12 track masterpiece really needs an expanded, 44 song edition? The answer isn't exactly yes, but if taken as 'extras', this is a fantastic release, which honours the original beautifully. The first disc features a newly remastered version of the original album, making it easy to switch off when that finishes. If you're on a mission, disc two should perhaps be listened to first - as the variety of demos from different periods in the production really show the evolution of the album, without the dull repetition that so many deluxe issue succumb too. Songs evolve from Robert Smith's home demos, through band rehearsals, band demos and studio outtakes.

Delirious Night, Pirate Ships and Babble offer notable non-album tracks on this disc, perfect for mix-tapes - but the more up-beat nature and tempo of each makes it easy to see why they didn't make the cut for the sombre/uplifting final record.

Disc three features the entire album, live (from Wembley Arena! Sell out). Stick this one on last and the evolution of the record is complete, transporting you back to a packed concert as the alum is majestically and triumphantly performed.

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11th Jun 2010 - Add Comment - Tweet

Wild Nothing

Gemini

Wild Nothing is the work of Virginia's Jack Tatum and though Gemini wears its 80's mope influences on its sleeve it does it with pride. Drenched in hazy sunshine, vocals buried in texture, swirling jangle guitars and synth washes all combine to create a glorious mud of sound that penetrates every pore of your being. It has the nostalgia of Pains Of Being Pure At Heart and the subtle mesmerism of The XX. It doesn't however have the heart stopping captivation of either of those bands but comes a close third. Like a gently drizzly day, you'd have to spend some time in this music for it to soak through, but soak through it certainly will. It sounds familiar but gloriously so.

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11th Jun 2010 - Add Comment - Tweet

Active Child

Curtis Lane

Merok

As the dying beauty of opener I'm In Your Church At Night fades gently into the background you'll ask yourself where on earth this sound came from and how dare it pop up and steal your heart this damn easy and with such little warning. Well it's the momentous achievement of Pat Grossi who's soaring falsetto vocals are the instant attention grabber. They float with a fragility that caries with it real power. Miscellaneous fuzz and effects follow it's every movement and when supported by the calamitous drums on Weight Of The World the effects are utterly dazzling. This music is dream-like in its production with different planes of sound from twinkling harp to great synth oceans sliding in front of the vocals and pushing everything into the distance and rendering it all untouchable. This only serves to encourage your ears and soul to strain even harder to reach the prize.

With such simple strokes Grossi produces epic magnitude and though the EP only spans 6 songs its power is astonishing. It's the soundtrack to a momentous event in your life.
Killer tracks: When Your Love Is Safe, I'm In Your Church At Midnight.

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11th Jun 2010 - 1 comments - Add Comment - Tweet

Black Mountain

Old Fangs (Single)

Jagjaguwar

The first taste of Black Mountain's forthcoming album Wilderness Heart has arrived - and Old Fangs is no disappointment. Not exactly as expected, with the band moving their sound forward the best part of a decade to the late 70's/early 80's - but exactly as expected wouldn't be much fun would it? Empires will be smashed, dual vocals will rule and the psychedelic keyboards get their turn in the spotlight.

Wilderness Heart is due in September. Download Old Fangs now.

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11th Jun 2010 - Add Comment - Tweet