Best Albums of 2014

A little later than originally planned (I kept changing my mind), here is a list of the albums I most enjoyed this year, with a few special mentions to start with...

Special Mentions
Real Estate - Atlas
Alvvays - Alvvays
Caribou - Our Love
Sharon Van Etten - Are We There
How To Dress Well - "What Is This Heart?"
Fear Of Men - Loom
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Days Of Abandon
Honeyblood - Honeyblood
Grouper - Ruins
My Brightest Diamond - This Is My Hand
Actress - Ghettoville

15. Lykke Li - I Never Learn
Despite this album's flaws (I.E: the lack of bangers), I do admire Li's boldness; not only is this album raw and powerful in sound, but she really does bear her soul in the lyrics. In all the sorrow she still manages to maintain her sharp ear for melody and killer choruses (see 'Gunshot' and 'Heart Of Steel'). As much I would of loved another 'I Follow Rivers' and God knows how happy another 'Get Some' would have made me, Lykke Li has stayed true to herself and for that I respect her. As this is 'the last in a sonic trilogy', I have no idea what's next for Li, but whatever happens she can be proud that she has created some of the most honest and powerful pop albums of the last decade.

14. GOAT - Commune
Picking up were their incredible debut World Music left off; Commune is a trippy exploration of musical styles from around the globe, from Western surf-rock, African tribal drums to psychedelic guitar twangs with Eastern flavours. With such a melting pot of cultural sounds, it would be easy to cheapen and trivialize their significance, but GOAT do them justice throughout, in the most celebratory way possible. Though I must admit that I preferred it's predecessor, Commune definitely feature some of their best material to date.

13. Aphex Twin - Syro
Though (as many reviews have already stated) this is hardly anything particularly ground breaking for the genius that is Richard D James, it is certainly one of his most accessible records to date (song titles aside). From sparse ambient moments like 'aisatsana [102]' to the more dense acid-techno bangers like '180db_[130]' and the healthy in between in the form of lead single 'minipops'. With more music allegedly on the way, these are exciting times to be an Aphex fan. I'd also recommend Selected Ambient Works for anyone looking to get into his music.

12. La Roux - Trouble In Paradise
If you journey back to January, I wrote a post about the albums I hoped would surface at some point in 2014, one of those being a new album from La Roux. So you can imagine my delight (and surprise) when La Roux returned earlier this year (as a solo artist) and released this masterpiece. Ok, maybe it's not a ~masterpiece~, but it's still pretty darn good. After 5 years, the pop scene is almost unrecognizable, so for her to come out with a bold tropical-pop record of this calibre is pretty impressive. 

11. Neneh Cherry - Blank Project
With the help of cutting-edge producer Four Tet, one of my all-time favourite producers, early 90's hip-hop/pop siren Neneh Cherry returned back in February with one of the most audacious comeback records in years. From the trip-hop recalling 'Weightless', the souring pop of 'Out of the Black' (featuring fellow Swede heavyweight Robyn) to the immaculately sharp 'Blank Project', this album is bold, masterful and effortlessly cool. If you, like me, particularly dug the production I recommend checking out Four Tet's discography.

10. Mac Demarco - Salad Days
It's been 2 years since the Canadian crooner released his critically acclaimed album 2 and he has not disappointed in the slightest. Like Mac's previous material, Salad Days is light and uplifting, yet the added psychedelia injects some extra darkness into the mix (see 'Chamber of Reflection'). This is easily Mac's most textured and impressive output to date. On a side-note he recently put his disheveled red Vans on Ebay for charity and bidding reached about $10,000 within a few days, just thought I'd mention that.

9. Pharmakon - Bestial Burden
Bestial Burden, though intense and uncompromising, is also visceral and has moments of true beauty. It certainly feels more like an ‘album’ than it's predecessor ever did, with each song contributing a different idea and insight into the concept of the record. Though there is immense contrast between the sparser, otherworldly tracks (“Vacuum” and “Bestial Burden”) and the face-melting, bone crushing ones (“Autoimmune”), the album feels cohesive and fluid in its tone, every track serves its purpose. Most importantly, Bestial Burden is a piece of art, and the artwork itself is just the beginning, the arrangements and sounds hit hard and leave a lasting impression. This is most certainly not everyone’s thing, but like all great art, it provokes thought and debate, achieving much more than just a disposable file on your computer.

8. Perfume Genius - Too Bright
What makes Too Bright special is its ability to shift between these aforementioned off-kilter avante-pop tracks and more stripped back balladry, meaning that the content shows heaps of progression without alienating his prior fanbase. Despite the immense levels of confidence he exhumes on the more instrumentally dense tracks, we still see moments of emotional vulnerability and self-loathing on the piano ballads, a familiar territory for Hadreas. Album standout 'Too Bright' uses subtle synth flourishes to enrich the melody and give the track an almost spiritual and medicinal feel, despite the cryptic and sparse lyrics this is one of the most powerful tracks on the entire album. Suffice to say, seeing Perfume Genius' music grow both sonically and visually has been an absolute delight. 

7. Flying Lotus - You're Dead!
Over the last decade LA producer Steven Ellison (A.K.A Flying Lotus) has dropped some of the most interesting and ambitious electronic/hip-hop records [arguably] of all time (Los Angeles, Cosmogramma), though his last record Until The Quiet Comes was a lot tamer he has certainly upped the ante with his latest release. The entire record screams boldness and liveliness, from the explosive cover art to the excessive use of retro video game samples as well as off-kilter synths and drum patterns - Fly-Lo's specialty. This record isn't all style however, the substance is pretty damn good also; You're Dead! contains some of his finest tracks to date with the likes of 'Coronus, the Terminator', 'Siren Song' and his massive Kendrick Lamar collaboration 'Never Catch Me', which sounds even better in the context of the album. An essential jazz-fusion record which feels like a worthy successor J-Dilla's iconic Donuts.  

6. EMA - The Future's Void

Following-up a boundary-pushing debut like the Past Life Martyred Saints was never going to be easy; for Erica M Anderson there was only one way to do it and that was bigger, much bigger. Though you may not realize it now, The Future's Void was one of the most important releases of this year; in an age where our lives are pretty much dictated by the internet, TFV provides 43 minutes and 31 seconds of reflection and contemplation on what the world has become as well as what could potentially lay ahead. This is sometimes surreal ('Satellites'), sometimes sobering ('3jane') and often startlingly accurate ('Dead Celebrity'). This may all sound very heavy but EMA also does an excellent job of adding satire ('So Blonde') and straight up attitude ('Neuromancer') in order to create an eclectic and thought-provoking modern masterpiece which demands to be heard. 

5. FKA Twigs - LP1

So as you may have gathered by now, I am (still) pretty much infatuated with this record, but don't take my word for it; the world of FKA Twigs is ready and waiting to be delved into. But what I can offer you is the following advice: If new to Twigs, give it time (perhaps less than two weeks, ha) and you will reap the rewards. If already accustomed to her artistry, you'll agree it's a masterpiece and want to marry it. And if none of the above don't apply, I simply do not know. I've listened to this record relentlessly and can assure you that there are no weak spots, each track is special and will become your favourite at one time or another, that's the beauty of it. 

4. Lone - Reality Testing

There is an immense confidence felt throughout this record, a self-assurance in Matt Cutler's flawless production which makes Reality Testing feel more entrancing and engaging than your average electronic record. Not since Jon Hopkin's astonishing Mercury-nominated Immunity have I felt such warmth and depth from an electronic record. With Reality Testing there is a real sense of balance between paying tribute to older scenes such as Detroit techno and Chicago House and innovating new sounds. As a result I feel this record will stand the test of time, to the extent where it already feels somewhat of a classic, to me anyway. Hopefully between this and the popularity of acts such as Disclosure and Julio Bashmore, mainstream dance will regain its credibility once again. 

3. St Vincent - St Vincent

With a discography as strong as Annie Clark's, there was never any doubt in my mind that St Vincent would be yet another solid offering from the reigning queen of art rock. Despite technically being ~her major label debut~, St Vincent is her most experimental solo record to date lyrically, melodically and not to mention imagery-wise. This album is every bit as cohesive and fluid as its predecessor, yet each track is unique and presents its own set of ideas; from the ridged indie rock of ‘Birth In Reverse’, the off-kilter pop of ‘Bring Me Your Loves’ and the sheer euphoria of ‘Psychopath’, every second is something to be taken in and savored. Best of all however is its pop sensibility; If you cut past the muffled (and sometimes blazing) guitar riffs you'll see the gooey pop center and like every accomplished pop record St Vincent goes out in a blaze of glory in the form of the deceptively sweet ‘Severed Crossed Fingers’, a career highlight. 

2. Angel Olsen - Burn Your Fire For No Witness

Shock? Well not really, my number 1 choice changed like the British weather over the course of the year and is likely to continue changing...in fact I'm not so sure this is such a good ideas...but anyhow this record in particular had a fair share of time at the top. Both cohesive and wonderfully diverse; there is so much to be taken from this record, from the the glorious highs ('Hi-Five') to the devastating lows ('White Fire'); Burn Your Fire...'s genius is in it's ability to strike the perfect balance between the two. Whilst her debut was crippling at times ('Safe In The Womb' in particular); Burn Your Fire... turns despair into triumph as it sticks up her middle finger to loneliness and sorrow before leaving them behind on the wonderfully uplifting 'Windows'. 

1. Warpaint - Warpaint

Just over a year ago you may recall me banging on about my excitement following the announcement of a new Warpaint album (which just-so happens to be my most-read post yet). With such excitement over a record it is often the case that the record itself feels rather underwhelming in comparison to the hype which preceded it. Fortunately, 12 months on I still cannot get enough of this bloody thing; Hypnotic, rich and often intoxicating this record is a class effort form the Cali quartet, everything about it feels so unique compared to anything else released this year. From the stunning imagery to the execution of the music itself; they simply aren't bothered about being in-tune all the time because the atmosphere takes precedence and I for one support this completely. From the pulsating lead-single 'Love Is To Die' to the badass growl of 'Disco//Very' this album is full of witchy goodness.

Best Songs of 2014

Happy list week folks! I haven't posted for a while but I have two mega-posts to compensate (with my best albums of 2014 coming shortly). What a year it has been, this was an incredibly difficult list to write and there were a lot of last minute shuffles (hence the mess that this the spotify playlist). But I've finally got my s#!t (and incidentally, my list) together, so without further ado I present my favourite songs of the last year...

OK so like I said I am insanely indecisive so I felt it necessary to create a sub-list with a few special mentions (in no particular order), I am aware that 15 is a weird number and there is very little justification for it besides the fact that I had ran out of trendy adjectives by number 15. 

MOVING SWIFTLY ON...

Special Mentions

• Taylor Swift (see what I did there) - New Romantics (seriously though what a chorus)
• Holly Herndon - Chorus
• Lady Lamb The Beekeeper - Billions Of Eyes (as this only dropped a couple of days ago it would have been a bit unfair to put it in my main list)
• St Vincent - Huey Newton (tough call but there can only be one track per artist in my elusive top 15 *hint*)
• Daughter – Winter (Warpaint Remix) (same as before)
• EMA - When She Comes (albums list makes up for it)
• Jessica Pratt - Back, Baby (same as Lady Lamb)
• Rosie Lowe - Water Came Down (again, a little too fresh)
• AlunaGeorge - Supernatural 
• My Brightest Diamond - Lover/Killer
• Panda Bear - Mr Noah
• Lykke Li - Gunshot
• SOPHIE - Hard
• Avey Tare's Slasher Flicks - Little Fang
• Lyla Foy - Feather Tongue
• How To Dress Well - Repeat Pleasure
• White Hinterland - David (such a beauty)
• Kyla La Grange - The Knife
• Little Dragon - Klapp Klapp
• The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Until The Sun Explodes
• Fatima Al Qadiri - Szechuan (Bloody love this one)
• Shunkan - Dust In Your Eyes
• Lily & Madeleine - The Wolf Is Free

15. Mac DeMarco - Passing Out Pieces
What a man...and what a track; Mac DeMarco was always somewhat of an unlikely hero but his ascension from Canadian goofball to a cult hero is remarkable and well deserved. Don't get me wrong, he is still very much a complete clown but his audience has certainly grown much larger than your bog-standard kids party, so to speak. This track, with it's hazy melody and driving horns/synths made 'Passing out Pieces' a premature summer jam. 




14. Caribou - Our Love
The first of many obscure choices on my list; Although it would have made a lot more sense to have featured the certified IDM monster that was 'Can't Do Without You', I can't help but prefer this track, which I feel was unfairly eclipsed by the lead single. The groove feels a bit off, but that only adds to the charm of this track. 



13. Screaming Females - Wishing Well
A late entry to my list; Screaming Females have certainly pulled it out of the bag with this track, which is easily their most straight-forward and accessible to date. Though it must be noted that any of the pre-released tracks from Rose Mountain could have made it onto my list, this one is still my favorite by far. 


12. Hockeysmith - But Blood
One of my favourite iplugtoyou 'Ones To Watch' alumni; Cornish sisterly duo Hockeysmith have undergone a serious level of artistic progression since they first came on the scene. 'But Blood' feels miles away from their ambient alt-pop routes but equally entrancing, and these riffs could've easily belonged to Slowdive or MBV in their prime. 



11. Perfume Genius - Too Bright
It would've been all too easy for me to feature the massive 'Queen', but I for one much prefer the more ethereal title track from Perfume Genius' breakthrough record Too Bright. The simple yet completely glorious melody, flourished with masterful synth-work exemplify Mike Hadreas' ~journey~ from his low-key 2009 debut to a cult hero in 2014. 

Ironically, this song isn't available anywhere except spotify so 'Queen' it is then:



10. Robyn & Foyksopp - Do It Again
Ok time for a banger, well, a conventional banger. Robyn is hands-down the best pop star on the planet and to hear her ~slaying the airwaves~ with this tune was a complete joy. This is the perfect summer anthem, it's punchy, fun and relentlessly dance-able. It would probably be a little higher if it wasn't winter and I wasn't in the midst of a horrible cold, but there you go.



9. Warpaint - Son
I bloody love Warpaint, me. 'Love Is To Die' is still on heavy rotation and is quickly becoming one of my favorite tracks of all time, but as it was technically released in 2013, it cannot be featured (according to the tragic set of rules I set for myself before I wrote this list, sad but true). Anyways, this track is pretty damn great too and makes perfect driving music. 



8. FKA Twigs - Kicks
iplugtoyou - doing things differently since 2013; when all other lists glorify the (admittedly amazing) lead single 'Two Weeks', it was the closing track which really caught my attention back in August. I mean, what a breakdown (Portishead realness) and a not-so-subtle lyrical theme of masturbation is always welcome. 




7. Angel Olsen - Windows
*ANGEL OLSEN KLAXON*
I'm sure this comes as no surprise to any of my regular readers (I know you're out there somewhere), Angel Olsen is 2014 for me (*Spoiler alert*). 'Hi-Five' might be great but as an ~original fan~ I will always have an infirmity for her ethereal folk stuff. Yes, it's all a bit melancholic and sad but then again so am I, hence my love for her discography. This track acts as a perfect bookend for a rather bleak and reflective record, you can truly feel her ~letting go~ as the song progresses.   

6. The War On Drugs - Red Eyes

Now it wouldn't be a best of 2014 list without The War On Drugs making their obligatory appearance now would it? I honestly tried avoiding them this year (this song in particular) but back in July I caved in and consequently fell in love (with this track anyway). The shimmering melody and mostly incomprehensible make it the musical equivalent of late-summer afternoons, which are now distant memories for us Brits. 

5. St Vincent - Psychopath

I originally wasn't going to feature album tracks from record which rank highly on my best albums list but I couldn't resist this one; often overshadowed by 'Digital Witness' or 'Prince Johnny' (which, yes, are still very wonderful), this track really ought to get a lot more recognition for how lovely it is in every possible way. The chorus in particular is orgasmic, seriously, well done Annie.   

4. Alvvays - Archie, Marry Me

The concept of 'a perfect pop song' is wholly subjective, for some it's a huge EDM banger in the way of Ariana Grande and Zedd's admittedly huge 'Break Free', while for others it's the jingle-jangle pop of The Smiths' classic 'This Charming Man'. For me pop perfection is personified by Toronto outfit Alvvays, with this track in particular being an absolute clanger. It's almost 3 minutes and 20 seconds of pure hook, from the bird-chirping intro to the perfectly arranged and delivered "Hey, Hey"s in the chorus, this song is pretty-much immaculate.

3. Lone - 2 is 8

Following his seminal album Galaxy Garden, Nottingham producer Lone would have a mammoth task in releasing a follow-up to equal the standard he had set so early on in his discography, but fortunately he came through with the euphoric Reality Testing. The uppity '2 is 8' is a definite highlight, along with 'Jaded' this acts as a key access point for the stream of conscious that is this record with production which not only lends to the golden age of the Manchester dance scene but looks towards the future in equal measure.

2. Real Estate - Talking Backwards

If you trace your minds back to late February you may recall me badgering on about this track; half-way in between a late autumnal jam and a premature summer anthem 'Talking Backwards' was an important track in 2014 by an equally important band (having produced some of my favourite records of all time). This is jingle-jangle pop at it's very finest - with a hint of melancholy in the chord progression for good measure.

 
1. Arca - Thievery

As you are probably aware, I have listened to a hell of a lot of songs this year, but not one of them has even come close to this one; the beat, the guttering synths, the schizophrenic pace and of course, that video. Even though Xen as a whole was kind of underwhelming the fact that this track is on it is enough to make it one of the best releases of the year. I now wonder if there will ever be a moment where this track will not be ingrained in my head (nor the weird big-arsed creature, for that matter). 

Best of October

October was yet another very strong month for new releases, many of which should be making quite an impact on a few end of year lists (including mine). Yes, from the experimental hip-hop duo Run The Jewels to Caribou's alt-house and Taylor Swift's bubblegum pop, that's right, I said Taylor Swift. It is also that time of year were we start hearing snippets for whats to come next year, namely Panda Bear and AlunaGeorge among others. So without further adieu, here is the music I've been thoroughly enjoying this past month (in no particular order):

Albums of the month (playlist below):

Flying Lotus - You're Dead!

Over the last decade LA producer Steven Ellison (A.K.A Flying Lotus) has dropped some of the most interesting and ambitious electronic/hip-hop records [arguably] of all time (Los Angeles, Cosmogramma), though his last record Until The Quiet Comes was a lot tamer he has certainly upped the ante with his latest release. The entire record screams boldness and liveliness, from the explosive cover art to the excessive use of retro video game samples as well as off-kilter synths and drum patterns - Fly-Lo's specialty. This record isn't all style however, the substance is pretty damn good also; You're Dead! contains some of his finest tracks to date with the likes of 'Coronus, the Terminator', 'Siren Song' and his massive Kendrick Lamar collaboration 'Never Catch Me', which sounds even better in the context of the album. 

Pharmakon - Bestial Burden

Anyone who took the time to check this out is probably thinking WTF at this point, and rightfully so, this is an extremely difficult record from one of the most difficult and inaccessible sub-genres (power electronics). What makes me like this record so much is how visceral it is; you can really feel with every listen the passion and energy Margaret Chardiet is putting into the creation of her music. From the rhythmic beats and out-and-out growling on 'Intent or Instinct' and 'Autoimmune', gagging and retching on interlude 'Primitive Struggle' to what can be best described as a Disney princess having a mental breakdown of some kind on the closing track, there is never a dull moment with this record. 

Caribou - Our Love

Electronic music veteran Dan Snaith has been releasing lush and eclectic folktronica/house records for well over ten years and this, his seventh studio album in total Our Love is easily his most straight-forward 'dance' record yet. Though this doesn't come close to the greatness of Swim or Andorra, tracks such as 'Mars', 'Second Chance' and the title track are some of the best he's ever put out.

Grouper - Ruins

Liz Harris (A.K.A Grouper) has one of the most consistently excellent discographies of any contemporary artist. In ten(!) releases she has never failed to deliver moving, skillful and engaging ambient/drone pieces with a strong sense of melody (particularly on her later releases). Ruins, a collection of tracks Harris recorded a few years ago during a residency in Portugal is no exception; the instrumentation is mainly subtle piano yet Harris never fails to hold my full attention.

Run The Jewels - RTJ 2

There really isn't much to say about this record other than that EL-P and Killer Mike have delivered yet another solid experimental hip-hop record which is both 'out-there' and accessible, even to those who care little about rap. The increase number of guest features ensures that there is a healthy progression from their debut. 

Songs of the month (playlist below)



Panda Bear - Mr Noah

Following the rather disappointing Tomboy, it appears Panda Bear is back on top form (a la Person Pitch) with 'Mr Noah', the lead single from his forthcoming 2015 album Panda Bear Meets The Grim Reaper. With its driving beat and disorientating chorus, could his latest output be his strongest release to date?

AlunaGeorge - Supernatural

After over a year of constant hype, AlunaGeorge released their debut album Body Music to a lukewarm reception, and rightfully so, it wasn't very good. At this point I was pretty sure that would be the end of the duo, but thankfully it wasn't and last month they returned with their best track yet. 'Supernatural' shows that there is plenty still to come from this duo.

Rosie Lowe - How'd You Like It

Hot off the musical press, iplugtoyou favourite Rosie Lowe continues to fly the flag for underrated home-grown talent with new track 'How'd You Like It', which contains her most audacious and confident vocal delivery to date and like all of her tracks thus far is backed by stirring hypnotic production. With a new EP this month and a debut album to follow next year, Rosie continues to be one to look out for. 


Screaming Females - Wishing Well

Ugly was one of the best indie rock albums of the last decade, and now Screaming Females are back with a new single and the promise of a follow up in the new year. With an increased emphasis on melody and an explosive chorus; 'Wishing Well' is easily their most accessible track to date. I predict that their new album could be yet another corker.

Shura - Indecision

If you've been keeping up with these posts I'm sure you'll vaguely recall me talking about up-and-coming pop chanteuse and her very excellent single 'Just Once'. Well now she's bringing us back to the 80's (not like I've ever been there but whatever); subtle tropical soundscapes and breathy vocals create yet another stunning listening experience.  

Find below a handy playlist of the best things I heard in October, with a playlist of my vlogs below that:

Pharmakon - Bestial Burden Review

Where do I start with Pharmakon? Well, I would categorize her as an artist I love, but no one else I know does (in fact I once made the mistake of playing “Milkweed/It Hangs Heavy” to one of my friends and they haven’t looked at me the same way since). Regardless of your opinion of her music, to feel this excited about a new(ish) artist is rare and should be commended. Anyway, for a while I thought Abandon would be the only ‘noise/power electrics’ record I needed in my life (mainly because a vast majority of the acts in those respective genres are pretty much garbage to me) but on Bestial Burden Margaret Chardiet has upped the ante and delivered one of the most powerful records of the year.

Abandon was a strange little record, literally; it was only 4 tracks long (with the exception of the ‘bonus track’ “Sour Sap”, which was a whopping 27 minutes long) and the music itself was deranged. Abandon was not an easy record either. Much like going to the gym, the first few times are a real struggle but you eventually adjust and begin to reap the rewards, not like I would actually know but it felt like an apt analogy, so there. While Bestial Burden isn’t worlds apart from its predecessor, it truly is a completely different experience, and this is made very clear from the very first second.

Bestial Burden is certainly a lot darker; I always felt Abandon had a kind of earthy quality, mainly due to the muffled synths and gritty textures (not to mention the maggot-heavy imagery) which gave it a mild sense of warmth. In contrast, Bestial Burden is just cold. The combination of sharper production and clearer mixing of the vocals give Bestial Burden a more industrial and confrontational feel. Following the panicked, breathy and almost ambient intro track “Vacuum”, you are confronted by the rusty clang of “Intent or Instinct”, which is essentially 8 minutes of utter terror. On this particular track Margaret ditches her usual screams and instead delivers a sort of growl reminiscent of a pitbull in its final stages of rabies, just begging to be put out of its misery. This is a breeze compared to “Primitive Struggle”, the most uncomfortable and grotesque track I have ever experienced…in the best possible way of course. I mean, if anyone could make coughing, spitting and gagging over power electronics awesome, it’s Margaret.

You are then hit with the tribal stomp of “Autoimmune”, the most direct track we’ve heard from her yet; no real intro, no real build up, it just goes. It is relentless and extremely dense, yet still has an added element of ~accessibility~ through the circular song structure. The way in which she asserts the line, “I’m a surgeon/ In this vessel,” is also completely badass. There are also moments on Bestial Burden were Margaret makes the full transition from industrial noise to dark ambient, such as the Armageddon-channeling “Body Betrays Itself” and of course, the jarring title track. On the latter, the instrumentation is heavy and bleak, but the vocals are ethereal and spacey with a few schizophrenic bellows of “I don’t belong here/ In the hands of nothing!” Menacing samples of laughter thrown in for good measure. In this track we hear her truly nail the record’s aesthetic and encapsulate an acute sense of anguish and fear — the sonic decay of the tracks show just how fragile our bodies are and the lack of control we have when they begin to fail. It’s a terrifying idea and a bleak reminder of its inevitability, and there is absolutely nothing we can do to stop it.

Bestial Burden, though intense and uncompromising, is also visceral and has moments of true beauty. It certainly feels more like an ‘album’ than Abandon ever did with each song contributing a different idea and insight into the concept of the record. Though there is immense contrast between the sparser, otherworldly tracks (“Vacuum” and “Bestial Burden”) and the face-melting, bone crushing ones (“Autoimmune”), the album feels cohesive and fluid in its tone, every track serves its purpose. Most importantly, Bestial Burden is a piece of art, and the artwork itself is just the beginning, the arrangements and sounds hit hard and leave a lasting impression. This is most certainly not everyone’s thing, but like all great art, it provokes thought and debate, achieving much more than just a disposable file on your computer.

9.0/10

Best Tracks: Intent or Instinct, Body Betrays Itself, Autoimmune, Bestial Burden

I know this is difficult stuff, but if you like what you've heard so  far and want to start exploring darker music, I have crafted a handy little playlist which will ease you in nicely. 

Good luck!

Best Of September

A little later than usual but I hope to make up for that soon, here are my favourite tracks and albums of September. This month I feel was more about quality rather than quantity; all the albums and tracks in this posts are pretty much guaranteed to place highly on my best of 2014 lists. The playlist at the end of the post will feature tracks from every artist for a change. Enjoy!

Albums of the month



Perfume Genius - Too Bright

What makes Too Bright special is its ability to shift between these aforementioned off-kilter avante-pop tracks and more stripped back balladry, meaning that the content shows heaps of progression without alienating his prior fanbase. Despite the immense levels of confidence he exhumes on the more instrumentally dense tracks ('Queen', 'Grid', 'Longpig'), we still see moments of emotional vulnerability and self-loathing on the piano ballads, a familiar territory for Hadreas. Closing track 'All Along' has a very similar effect to that of 'Windows', the closer on Angel Olsen's Burn Your Fire For No Witness; through the majestic instrumentation and the defiant sentiment of "I don't need your love, I don't need you to understand, I need you to listen", the album becomes a statement of where Hadreas is with himself, which adds a new level of satisfaction to the record.

Read my full review here.

Aphex Twin - Syro

I'll keep this one brief because this release has been all over the music media since it was announced and yeah, you should believe the hype. Though (as many reviews have already stated) this is hardly anything particularly ground breaking for the genius that is Richard D James, but it is certainly one of his most accessible records to date (song titles aside). From sparse ambient moments like 'aisatsana [102]' to the more dense acid-techno bangers like '180db_[130]' and the healthy in between in the form of lead single 'minipops'. With more music allegedly on the way, these are exciting times to be an Aphex fan.

GOAT - Commune

Picking up were their incredible debut World Music left off; Commune is a trippy exploration of styles from around the globe, from Western surf-rock, African tribal drums to psychedelic guitar twangs with Eastern flavours. With such a melting pot of cultural sounds, it would be easy to cheapen and trivialize their significance, but GOAT do them justice throughout, in the most celebratory way possible.

My Brightest Diamond - This Is My Hand

On her fifth LP, Shara Worden embraces pop sensibilities like never before, yet she still incorporates the classical and chamber pop elements which made her previous output so classy and authentic. The usual woodwind and horn sections are accompanied by marching bands, choirs and synths, taking her theatrics to a whole new level.

Songs of the month



Arca - Thievery

Following some stellar production work with FKA Twigs as well as two phenomenal solo EPs, Arca is finally releasing his debut album Xen in November. As the disturbing artwork and single 'Thievery' suggest, this album is expected to push the boundaries of experimental electronica further than ever before. And judging by this track, Xen could be a late contender for album of the year.

Flying Lotus - Coronus, the Terminator

While pretty much everyone on the internet continue to loose their minds over Fly-lo's Kendrick Lamar collab 'Never Gonna Catch Me', I on the other hand much prefer this slow burning jazz fusion masterpiece. Despite being a mere 2 minutes 40 seconds in length, 'Coronus, the Terminator' manages to change the entire pace of his latest LP You're Dead! and is certainly an album highlight. 

Rosie Lowe - Water Came Down

You may vaguely recall me badgering on about Rosie Lowe and her wonderful EP Right Thing late last year, well after a year of gigging and recording she has finally put out a new track in preparation for her debut album (due sometime next year). 'Water Came Down' is the most uptempo track she's produced to date, yet her soulful twang still maintains the sensuality which made her a name to watch in the first place. 

Kendrick Lamar - i

When I first heard 'i' I thought I was listening to an Outkast track, I am yet to determine whether this is a good thing or not but then again, I like Outkast and I like Kendrick, so I guess it's the best of both worlds. Stepping away from the grit of his seminal Good Kid M.A.A.D City; 'i' sees Kendrick explore a more positive vibe with the refrain 'I love myself'. Regardless of your thoughts on this track, the prospect of a new Kendrick album is still a very exciting prospect. 




Deers - Barn

Now it wouldn't be an iplugtoyou post without a female-fronted indie rock band of some kind, so here's a band from Spain called Deers. There is a surprising amount of hype surrounding these guys and though I am a little confused by it all, their output thus far has been consistently catchy and fun, with 'Barn' being no exception. 

Perfume Genius - Too Bright review

Despite only having two records under his belt thus far, Mike Hadreas has already established himself not only as one of the finest songwriters in contemporary music, but one of the finest storytellers too. His debut album Learning was a low-key affair; 11 stripped-down tracks, many of which telling harrowing tales of Mike's adolescence and coming to terms with his sexuality, drenched in reverb which created a sense of intimacy as well as distance. The theme was very much the same with his sophomore record Put Ur Back N 2 It, through the introduction of clearer vocal mixing and more experimental song structures made it feel like a massive leap for Hadreas' artistry. On both records, Hadreas' vocal delivery was fragile and soft, complying rather nicely with the delicacy of the themes he explores; ranging from love and loss to drugs and homophobia, I think it's fair to say that Hadreas is not one to shy away from the darker subject matters in his songwriting, and for that I respect him even more.

Just when we (as an audience) thought he had Perfume Genius sussed, he throws us a curveball in the form of 'Queen'; extravagant, loud and seemingly confident, this was a side of Hadreas that we had never seen before and it left us all wanting more. Everything from the epic in-your-face music video to the excellent lyrics (most notably "No family is safe, when I sashay") felt like a massive departure from his previous sound on which he has built his following, but beneath all this his vocals still had that distinctive quivering undertone which told me that he still has that ever-relatable vulnerability. This new style is far from a one-off, Too Bright is full of avante-garde pop delights such as 'Longpig' with it's futuristic, hypnotic synth line and pounding drums creating a ritualistic tone, this being worlds away from his earlier, acoustic tracks. The track 'Fool' begins with a synth/drum/base which lends itself to one of the catchiest vocal melodies of Hadreas' discography thus far, naturally the song then descends into a sparse, organ-led spiritual breakdown, exploring yet more exciting sonic territory. On 'My Body' and 'I'm A Mother' we Hadreas evoke a sense of menace, not only through the darkness of the lyrics but through the density of the production also, the latter track in particular uses down-pitching vocal effects to create an atmosphere so dark it is almost surreal.

What makes Too Bright special is its ability to shift between these aforementioned off-kilter avante-pop tracks and more stripped back balladry, meaning that the content shows heaps of progression without alienating his prior fanbase. Despite the immense levels of confidence he exhumes on the more instrumentally dense tracks, we still see moments of emotional vulnerability and self-loathing on the piano ballads, a familiar territory for Hadreas. 'No Good' combines the lyrical theme of inferiority and being at unease in your own body, "There is gentle way, there's no safe place, for the heart to hand when the body is no good", he sings over a gentle piano melody, before the instrumentation progresses into a luscious outro. Album standout 'Too Bright' uses subtle synth flourishes to enrich the melody and give the track an almost spiritual and medicinal feel, despite the cryptic and sparse lyrics this is one of the most powerful tracks on the entire album. Closing track 'All Along' has a very similar effect to that of 'Windows', the closer on Angel Olsen's incredible Burn Your Fire For No Witness; through the majestic instrumentation and the defiant sentiment of "I don't need your love, I don't need you to understand, I need you to listen", the album becomes a statement of where Hadreas is with himself, which adds a new level of satisfaction to the record.

9.2/10

Standout tracks: Queen, Fool, No Good, Grid, Longpig, Too Bright, All Along

iplugtoyou TV episode 2

Just a quick post today as I'm extremely busy at the moment with work (well, A-levels). I'm not sure if I'll be posting too much over the next few weeks but if all goes to plan I'll be uploading a couple of reviews, new videos and my monthly round-up as normal.

Here's episode 2 of iplugtoyou TV, I'd just like to thank those of you who watched it and gave me feedback, it is much appreciated. After episode 3 I intend on varying the content and making how to be posting vinyl care/collection guides as well as reviews so look out for those in the coming weeks. 

Once again, thanks for reading the blog, I am nearing 8,000 views in total which is extremely exciting and hope to continue this success in the future. 

Introducing iplugtoyou TV

Ok, so it's time for that 'big announcement' I've been yapping on about. Basically, for the past year I have been pondering whether to start making videos to put on the blog alongside posts, just to make them more dynamic and engaging (plus I was feeling kinda inspired by The Needle Drop). 

Anyway, after completing my GCSE's I was speaking to my maths tutor about schemes for young people running in my local area and she happened to mention that she was setting up a platform for young people to showcase their interests thorough her company Galaxy Learning. So as a young person with an interest, I saw a window of opportunity and took it, and here we are...

So from now on I will try my best to include videos in my posts (not all of them of course, that would probably get monotonous after a while). I'm taking a fairly lighthearted approach to this and completely acknowledge and accept the fact that I am not Beyoncé and thus won't be raking in the views. Instead I aim for about 250-500 views for the channel by the end of the year. That's not too much to ask now is it?

And now, without any further ado, I present to you the very first episode of iplugtoyou TV, in which I delve into my record collection, dropping a 'lil bit of insight as I go along. 

(If you think I'm awkward here then I apologize because this is pretty much the best it gets)

Self-deprecation aside, here's the video:

Best Of August

Hey everyone, I'm sorry that I've only posted once this month, I mean I haven't even been that busy so I don't really have an excuse...except for the fact that I've been planning ahead to September; I start A-Levels soon and I want to ensure that I can maintain my 3-post-a-month plan. So I promise I will try to keep up from now on. 

ANYWAY

Back to music, yeah, this has been a good month. In terms of albums it's a bit on the slow side, but September is quite the opposite so I'm not too fussed. There are however lots of great tracks floating about and some incredibly exciting new albums coming soon (hence the need for a new post). There is also some extremely exciting news which I will announce in due course...

Albums of the month



FKA Twigs - LP1


So as you may have gathered from my gleaming review, I am pretty much infatuated with this record, but don't take my word for it; the world of FKA Twigs is ready and waiting to be delved into. But what I can offer you is the following advice: If new to Twigs, give it time and you will reap the rewards. If you're already accustomed to her artistry, you'll agree it's a masterpiece and want to marry it. I've listened to this record relentlessly and can assure you that there are no weak spots, each track is special and will become your favourite at one time or another, that's the beauty of it.

Read the review in full here. 


Marcel Dettmann - fabric 77: Marcel Dettmann

Through a series releases and his world-renowned DJ sets, Marcel Dettmann has become one of the biggest DJ's in techno. His latest release fabric 77: Marcel Dettmann is a long one, it's nearly 3 hours yet never once feels tiresome or boring. This is techno at it's most skeletal and steely. There are moments of sparseness as well as mind-numbing density during the more club-ready tracks like 'Transit 0.2', while the menacing 'Inside Of Me' adds an element of darkness.

The Bug - Angels and Devils

With a track list featuring acts such as Copeland, Death Grips and Liz Harris (A.K.A Grouper); how could the fourth album from Kevin Martin as The Bug be anything less than excellent? The answer is it couldn't. The album features everything I could ever want from it; stellar guests, strong instrumentals and an expansive range of sounds. The only track I genuinely don't care for at all is the Death Grips track, that's simply because the lyrics suck. As this is a two part LP it's safe to say I prefer the lighter and more accessible first part, otherwise known as 'Angels'. But as a whole it is a really strong piece of work and Martin's best release to date.

The New Pornographers - Brill Bruisers

After two rather underwhelming records, The New Pornographers have come back fighting with Brill Bruisers. This record sees the band reclaim their ‘best indie rock/power-pop super group’ crown (from whom I am not quite sure). Whether it be the soaring harmonies on the explosive “Brill Bruisers”, the melancholic “Champions of Red Wine” or the driving groove of “Backstairs”, this record truly feels like the band have managed to find the fire which made their early releases so highly acclaimed. The album’s celebratory and joyful spirit is exemplified by the closing track and leaves the listener with an overwhelming sense of appreciation for the mundanities of life. It may not be their best record but it’ll certainly put a smile on your face, and thus rightfully earning the band’s power-pop tag.

Read the full review over on Earbuddy.

The Wytches - Annabel Dream Reader

After months of hype from various publications; Brighton-based surf-doom outfit The Wytches finally released their debut album this month. As far as an album of this genre goes, Annabel Dream Reader is pretty expansive and features a range of moods and tempos. From the face-melting 'Digsaw', the psychedelic riffs of 'Wire Frame Mattress' to the moody slow-burning 'Robe For Juda', the band are pushing the boat out here and bringing a new meaning to 'surf-psych'.

Songs of the month (see playlist below)



Caribou - Our Love

If you journey back to June, you may remember Caribou's 'Can't Do Without You' topping my 'best songs of June' list, well he's done it again. 'Our Love' the second cut from his forthcoming record of the same name is yet another intoxicating IDM banger filled with off-kilter synths and drum machine sounds. As much as this is very much a summer track, I'm sure a song of this calibre can be appreciated all year long. If early reviews are any indication, the record is full of these euphoric epics so I suggest you brace yourselves...

SOPHIE - Hard

Oh Lord, where do I start with this? It's hard to really talk in-depth about a track like this because it is quite literally all over the place. Is it garage? is it pop? is it dub-step? I don't know. All I know is that the song is brilliant and I can't stop playing it.

Mr Twin Sister - Blush

Earlier this year Twin Sister announced that they had changed their name to 'Mr Twin Sister' and were no longer with Domino Records (why exactly I am still not sure). This got me worried, especially considering how much I loved their last album In Heaven. My anxiousness intensified once I heard their single 'Out Of The Dark', as good as it is it simply isn't the band I know and love. However, all of this doubt was irradiated by the incredible 'Blush', with its jazzy undertones and soothing chorus, my faith is now fully restored. 

The Juan Maclean - A Simple Design

~A Moment to appreciate this song's length~. Ok, 'A Simple Design' is a sleek, catchy and funky piece of synth-pop, it seems that the addition of Nancy Whang as a full-time vocalist has done wonders for John Maclean's (former) solo project. Let's hope that their up and coming LP features more bangers of this magnitude. 

Pharmakon - Body Betrays Itself

WARNING: This track is not for the fainthearted. So if you don't like screaming, loud electronic noises or angry women, I suggest you skip this track (hence why it's at the end of the playlist).

She's back. 

Margaret Chardiet (better known as Pharmakon) has been very much embedded in my mind ever since her debut Abandon harpooned it's way into my ears last year. A mash-up between noise, power-electronics and avante-garde; Pharmakon's sound is certainly an acquired taste. But I happen to love it. And with a new record on the way in October, this new single proved her throat-shredding game is as strong as ever. 

Run The Jewels - Blockbuster Night Part 1

What started off as a collaborative album between Killer Mike and El-P became one of the most successful rap projects of the last year. From the beats to the bars, everything was pretty much on-point and the fact it was free was the cherry on the cake. 'Blockbuster Night Part 1' picks up where the duo finished off, but the production shows that they've clearly upped their game. 

My Brightest Diamond - Lover/Killer

Next month, Shara Worden will release her fourth album under the moniker My Brightest Diamond. The album in question is called This Is My Hand and it is excellent, this track in particular being one of my favourites. 'Lover/Killer' combines Worden's signature baroque elements with funky guitar licks and horns, the result is extremely unique, much like Worden's talent itself. 

Lily & Madeleine - The Wolf Is Free

Teen sisterly duo Lily & Madeleine released their bewitching debut last year following the immense success of their earlier buzz tracks and covers. Now, less than one year on they are gearing up to release their sophomore album Fumes in October. 'The Wolf Is Free' is easily their best track to date, with subtle hints of chamber pop and barber shop harmonies, it is clear that the young duo are constantly honing their skills. Despite it's light aesthetic, 'The Wolf Is Free' packs a punch and suggests that their up and coming sophomore album is not to be missed. 


 
Wardell - Dancing In The Freeway

Just because Summer is over does not mean that I can't still pretend; the poor weather will not stop me from listening to sun-soaked pop-rock at an obnoxiously loud volume. Wardell's 'Dancing On The Freeway' delivers this sentiment much better than I ever could. Bearing in mind I've been waiting around a year for them to follow-up their excellent Brother/Sister EP, this fills the void wonderfully. 

Hookworms - The Impasse

I was initially going to end this with a light and melodic soul-pop track but this came along at the last minute and nabbed the last spot on my playlist (hypothetically, as it isn't on soundcloud). Leeds outfit Hookworms released their debut full-length Pearl Mystic last year to rave reviews and are now ready to release the follow-up in the form of The Hum. To tie us over until November, the band have dropped 'The Impasse', possibly their most accessible and focused release to date, yet maintains their ramshackle charm. 

FKA Twigs - LP1 Review

It is not uncommon for an upcoming artist to build interest through the release of an EP (or in this case, two EPs), especially in an age where technology is progressing at a frightening rate and artists tend to have a diminishing window of opportunity to make an impact and sustain a fanbase large enough to ensure longevity. But what is particularity astonishing about Tahliah Barnett's ascent to prominence is how she manages to captivate the internet by defying the norms of modern pop. Each track came accompanied by unique and stunning visuals which encapsulate the mood of the tracks whilst not detracting from the music itself. Her sound was always startlingly assured for such a newcomer to the game; rich in texture and brimming with off-kilter beats and sounds, she seemingly ripped apart any genre-specific labels the industry or media may have tried to impose on her. Suffice to say, Barnett has truly delivered a game-changing debut album which pushes all the boundaries whilst maintaining a considerably expansive reach.

Imagery is an integral part of Barnett's artistry; her visuals and sonics go hand in hand to create an experience for the listener/viewer, this enables them to feel even more connected to the music on a deeper level. Arguably one of the main reasons for the immense success of prior singles 'Water Me' and 'Papi Pacify' is the music videos which accompany them. They immerse the viewer in the concept of the song and bring new meaning to Barnett's lyrics. The artwork of LP1 (created by Jesse Kanda) itself is no exception to this; the cover art is a partially digital portrait of  Barnett is placed on a tranquil blue backdrop, representing the more ambient part of her sound whilst the quiet sense of longing on her face lends itself to the darker soundscapes in her music.

The album opens with 'Preface', which consists of one, very powerful lyric; "I love another and thus I hate myself", a quote from the 16th century poet Thomas Wyatt which I feel sums up the lyrical tone of the record to a tee. The notion of self-loathing induced through the love and undying devotion to another human being is a poignant one, this only reinforced by the throbbing basslines and punchy synths laced across the record. And then of course, there is her voice. And what a voice it is; from breathy and wispy coos to gutsy and rich cries, her vocal delivery is as colourful and dynamic as the production it juxtaposes. Despite its running time, it makes a huge impact on the listener and sets the tone perfectly, it oozes grandeur with every second, much like the lead single 'Two Weeks'. The latter is undoubtedly Twigs' most accessible song to date, plus it's a bona fide jam; the throbbing bass line, shuddering drum beats and spine tingling vocal delivery as well as the accompanying visuals take Twigs' regal aesthetic to the next level. The lyrics on the other hand are anything but, "Higher than a motha fucka, dreaming of you as my lova" are hardly the words of a queen, though the way said lyric is delivered evokes an overwhelming sense of empowerment, she is truly owning her sexuality here and it's awe-inspiring to witness.

You'd be foolish to even attempt to pigeonhole FKA Twigs; she does not belong in any old rigid genre structure, her sound created through the fusion of various styles and the intention is not to fall into any genre-specific category. Nobody I feel articulates this better than Barnett herself, in a recent interview with The Guardian, she said: "When I first released music and no one knew what I looked like, I would read comments like: 'I've never heard anything like this before, it's not in a genre.' And then my picture came out six months later, now she's an R&B singer." Essentially, because she's mixed race, people (the music press) rather carelessly class her as "Alt-R&B", because its easy and they don't care to look deeper into the music she creates, and that's a great shame. Barnett's genius is in the fact that she creates boundary-less and thought-provoking electronica with nods to chamber music, soul, trip-hop, along with avante-garde and ambient thrown in for good measure.

In that same interview Barnett also declares her love for "annoying sounds, beats, clicks. Kakakakaka", this is evident on many of the tracks on LP1. Take closing track for example; laced with haunting vocal samples and throbbing synths, 'Kicks' climaxes with a glitchy and unusually catchy breakdown which ends the album on a euphoric note. She also said [of the album] that "the structures aren't typical, it's relentless. It's like punk; fuck alternative R&B!", another statement I'd have to agree with, Barnett's sonic innovation in this record's production is certainly that. A prime example of this is the track 'Pendulum', which features Barnett's signature 'clicking'; though brittle, it is also unsettling and gives the track a subtle sense of menace. The track then opens up in the most mesmerizing and majestic of ways into an explosion of plush soundscapes as she coos "so lonely trying to be yours, when you're looking for so much more".

So as you may have gathered, I am pretty much infatuated with this record, but don't take my word for it; the world of FKA Twigs is ready and waiting to be delved into. But what I can offer you is the following advice: If new to Twigs, give it time (less than two weeks) and you will reap the rewards. If already accustomed to her artistry, you'll agree it's a masterpiece and want to marry it. And if none of the above don't apply, I simply do not know. I've listened to this record relentlessly and can assure you that there are no weak spots, each track is special and will become your favourite at one time or another, that's the beauty of it.

9.2/10

Standout Tracks: Two Weeks, Pendulum, Numbers, Closer, Give Up, Kicks

Best Of July

Even though we are over half-way through the year, I truly feel the best is still very much yet to come; upcoming releases from Rustie, Perfume Genius, Flying Lotus, The Wytches, Karen O, Caribou and Zola Jesus all have AOTY potential. Not to mention FKA Twigs, whose debut album has been blowing my mind for some time now, so make sure you check that out when it's released in August. Here's a roundup of the albums and tracks which have been on heavy rotation in July:

Albums of the Month



Alvvays - Alvvays

As you may have guessed (if you read my review, that is), I'm pretty into these guys (and have been all year). Whilst many debuts tend to blend into a host of other sub-Parr albums before fading into obscurity a few years (or even months) later, I feel that this won't be the case with Alvvays. Even though it's clear that Alvvays are influenced by bands such as The Smiths, The Vaselines and Teenage Fanclub, they pay homage to them through crafting songs that are often on their level of greatness. This is not only true for the excellent pre-release singles, but for many of the other album tracks also, primarily 'Next Of Kin' and 'Party Police'. Their brand of jingle-jangle pop evokes all the happiness that makes the genre so great whilst adding more dimensions through their melancholic moments of lyrical genius. In summery, this record won't change the world but it certainly makes mine a little happier, and therefore better.

Read my full review here.

La Roux - Trouble In Paradise

If you journey back to January, I wrote a post about the albums I hoped would surface at some point this year, one of those was a new album from La Roux. And to my delight (and surprise), La Roux returned (as a solo artist) and released this masterpiece. Ok, maybe it's not a masterpiece, but it's still pretty darn good. After 5 years, the pop scene is almost unrecognizable, so for her to come out with a bold tropical-pop record of this calibre is pretty impressive. Summer soundtrack for sure. 

Jungle - Jungle

Following the release of their (ever so slightly overrated) buzz track 'Platoon', Jungle have been making their way to the forefront of the British music scene. As samey as their melodies can be, the production is consistently solid on this LP, not to mention a handful of tracks (The Heat, Busy Earnin', Lucky I Got What I Want, Lemonade Lake) being among my favourites of the last few months. If the band can find a way to introduce some more eclectic and varied sounds on their future releases, I'm sure whatever they produce in the future will be very special indeed.

Honeyblood - Honeyblood


As far as debut albums go, Honeyblood has it all; anthemic moments like 'Super Rat' and 'Fortune Cookie', melodic slow burners like 'Bud' and '(I'd Rather Be) Anywhere But Here' and of course, the band's specialty, raw and punchy pop gems like 'All Dragged Up' and 'Killer Bangs'. Yes, one could say that it would've been slightly better had the track list been a little shorter to allow the very best songs to shine brighter. But from where I'm standing this is a record created with passion and skill, making it an absolute joy to listen to and proving that you don't need a multitude of synths and software to make an excellent record in 2014.

Read my full review here.

Songs of the Month



Rustie feat. Danny Brown - Attak

Glasgow producer extraordinaire Rustie is set to follow up the incredible Glass Swords this month with a new LP titled Green Language. Thus far we've been treated to lead single 'Raptor' (which I featured in last month's write-up), and now he's also put out 'Attak', a collaboration with Pigeons and Planes fave Danny Brown. In true Rustie style, the arrangement is chaotic and the beats are as hectic as ever, but Danny's flow takes Rustie's production to the next level of explosiveness. A dream partnership.

Perfume Genius - Queen

One of my favourite songwriters of all time; Mike Hadreas, who performs under the moniker Perfume Genius, has released two of my favourite albums of the last decade. His vocal delivery is startling raw and emotive whilst his arrangements are experimental and bold. On this new single however, we see Hadreas more confident than ever; this is easily his most ambitious track to date, and insinuates that his forthcoming album Too Bright will be excellent. 

FKA Twigs - Video Girl/Pendulum

As I said earlier, I've heard the FKA Twigs album and I can tell you that it's pretty much immaculate. There is no filler on LP1, just killer. She could've put out any song from the record and it would be as strong a representation of the overall quality as any of the other tracks. Her approach to melody, production, tone and songwriting are exhibited wonderfully by both tracks, with 'Video Girl' sporting one of my favourite hooks of the entire record. (Only 'Video Girl' is available on soundcloud so 'Pendulum isn't on the playlist:/)




GOAT - Hide From The Sun

Following their ground-breaking debut World Music, GOAT have announced its follow-up in the form of Commune, which supposedly features their heaviest material to date. So colour me excited. Our first taste, 'Hide From The Sun' features psychedelia in abundance, not to mention a killer guitar solo towards the end. 

Spoon - Do You

Spoon are one of the most well-respected and loved rock bands of recent times, which is probably why I never really got into them previous to this campaign, I've acknowledged their existence but that's about it. But for some reason, their latest album They Want My Soul has really captured me, particularly this track, which is easily their most upbeat and catchy track to date.

Karen O - Rapt

Following their, well, shite fourth studio album Mosquito, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are having a bit of a breather. In the meantime, front woman and all-around badass Karen O has decided to release an album of old demos called Crush Songs. As much as I would have loved some new material, if new material would've sounded anything like this, I'd gladly take a collection of old demos, thank you very much. Anyway, the first track, 'Rapt' is gorgeous and can be streamed via the rather ethereal clip below. 




Shura - Just Once

As crowded as the whole, 'sparse R&B indietronica pop' scene is becoming, when a track is heads and shoulders about the other efforts, it really shows. Relative newcomer Shura has offered yet another stellar track in the form of 'Just Once', a track which oozes sophistication and breeziness in every immaculately-produced second. More please. 

The Wytches - Burn Out The Bruise

Over the past year, Brighton's finest The Wytches have become one of the most exciting emerging forces in psych-rock. This is completely understandable, after all their rhythm section is incredible in every track, the vocals are punchy and the level of reverb is just right. Their debut album Annabel Dream Reader is out in August and if the singles are any indication, it should be one of the best of the year . 

Lia Ices - Higher

As I mentioned last month, Lia Ices' new material is bloody excellent. Adding some more off-kilter beats into her folky repertoire has clearly worked wonders for her sound. On 'Higher', Ices is able to retain her ethereal aesthetic whilst also emitted a sense of  strength and bite through the audacious flourishes in the production.