Popforward: Violet
Sometimes, it is best to listen to new music point-blank, without any expectations, and that’s exactly how you should listen to the track below.
STREAM: Violet – Y.O.U.
That was well lovely, wasn’t it? It’s languid, laidback, nostalgic and lovey dovey dream-pop, reminiscent of ’90s Mazzy Star, and Beach House, for a more modern reference. It’s appropriately springtime soundtrack for a lakeside picnic.
I checked Violet out with no other information other than they’re the latest signing to cool British indie label Luv Luv Luv, and I liked it so much I had to google to find out more. Much to my surprise, it turned out Violet is in fact fronted by Pixie Geldof, whom I have only known of as an infamous socialite and tabloid fixture. I definitely didn’t see this coming! It’s easy to forget that she is technically music royalty after all. Suffice to say, I’m glad I got to hear this without my preconceptions getting in the way, because “Y.O.U.” is indeed an impressive preview of things to come.
“Y.O.U./I Come Undone” will be released as a limited 7″ on May 7 by Luv Luv Luv.
Popforward: New Build
It’s not easy to keep up with all the side projects of Hot Chip. While the band’s new full-length “In Our Heads” is not set to drop until June, they still have time to pursue their other gigs. New Build is the new band of Al & Felix, and musically, it is very much in the same universe with Hot Chip, whose sounds I’d like to refer to as “graphic designer pop”. However, compared to Joe Goddard’s project The 2 Bears, this is more stoic and sedative. The new single “Your Love” is a typical indie electro affair with blokey vocals, dubstep flourishes and cowbells. Lyrically, they’re still proudly wearing their hearts on sleeve. The debut LP entitled “Yesterday Was Lived And Lost” is out now in the UK, and on April 3 in US. However, if you can’t wait, they have kindly made the entire album available for advance streaming below.
STREAM: New Build – Your Love (Radio Mix)
Popforward: Darkness Falls
Darkness Falls is the Danish indie rock duo of Josephine Philip and Ina Lindgreen. Together they created “Alive In Us” – their first album released in late 2011 with production handled by Trentemøller. They remind me a lot of their fellow Danish rockers Mew, and for good reasons too.“The Void” is the single to discover, a prime example of just how well the Danes understand atmosphere in music. Instrumentally, it’s flawlessly produced – chilling, brooding, and melancholic. However, it’s not without flaws. It feels like the vocals didn’t maximize the ethereality it could go for, and the lyrics left something to be desired, beside its English-as-second-language charm. Regardless, it’s music that pertains to a certain kind of mood and weather, and a Saturday rainy morning is just the right catalyst, not to mention that the gorgeously-shot music video is a must-watch.
STREAM: Darkness Falls – The Void
Their album is available for streaming on Spotify, so I’ve got my homework cut out. Hopefully there’s more where this comes from.
Popforward: Ren Harvieu
I was first alerted to Ren Harvieu when she was longlisted on the BBC Sound of 2012. Forewarning: she makes music for Radio 2. BUT it’s damn good Lite FM gold. The Mancunian chanteuse possesses an enchanting jazz/soul voice with a drawl that lulls you in effortlessly. Her debut single “Through The Night” is an exquisite, languid, elegant tune, conjuring up an expensive, widescreen kind of sadness. I suddenly found the song creeping its way back into my head on a misty Thursday morning, and it’s been lingering there since. In a nutshell, if you secretly like Rumer but think she’s too mumsy, or have a fondness for Norah Jones circa 2002, then Ren Harvieu is for you. Lovely stuff.
STREAM: Ren Harvieu – Through The Night
“Through The Night” is OUT NOW in the UK.
Watch the video for “Through The Night”.
Buy the single.
Watch her cover Beatles’ “Something” for The Sun Session.
Check out her Soundcloud.
More on Ren.
Popforward: Lianne La Havas
A member of the BBC Sound of 2012′s club, Lianna La Havas is hotly tipped as one to watch by British media. I first heard of the 22-year-old London native through her buzz single “No Room For Doubt”, which I thought was pleasantly nice enough. However, I wasn’t feeling the tracks on her EP as much. Even though she has a great soulful voice, her materials didn’t sound terribly exciting. The Corinne Bailey Rae comparisons also did her no favors.
Well, I would like to take that back. I shouldn’t have written her off so hastily, because her new single “Forget” totally flipped my premature verdict on its head. The song is much more sonically interesting than I expected – a slick, funky midtempo with a Latin twist. The simple, understated performance video gave her space to present herself as a star, taking command of the screen with moxie and sass. It helps that she’s very videogenic and charming, too. I am glad that she’s capable of versatility, beside the acoustic folky stuff. Apparently, she’s been working with Matt Hales (Aqualung), so I look forward to at least a piano ballad. With her album scheduled to arrive in May, you have plenty of time to get acquainted with Lianne and her music. Check out the video, download an acoustic live version, as well as her sweet cover of Everything Everything’s “Final Form”.
MP3: Lianne La Havas – Forget (Live in LA)
MP3: Lianne La Havas – Final Form (Everything Everything Cover)
STREAM: Lianne La Havas – No Room For Doubt (feat. Willy Mason)
Buy her music (UK) / (US).
Download a free EP.
More on Lianne.
Popforward: AlunaGeorge
London-based AlunaGeorge is the latest on my list of favorite up-and-coming pop acts. Even though their new single has been knockning about since last summer, I only discovered it recently. “You Know You Like It” is a sexy, slinky piece of post-dubstep R&B, a firecracker loaded with infectious hooks that will get stuck in your head for days. Aluna Francis’ voice is a cool mixture between Santigold and Martina Topley-Bird, and to me they sound like a modern-day Moloko, which is always a good thing in my book. 2012 will see the release of their debut album, so hopefully they’ll have some more ace tunes up their sleeves. I highly recommend them if you like Little Dragon, Katy B… or have a thing for boy/girl electro duos. They’ve also been doing some high-profile remixing work, including one for Lana Del Rey which you can download right below.
Popforward: Serenades
So it’s that jolly time of the year when new original festive songs are in demand again. Up-and-coming Swedish duo Serenades has stepped up to the challenge by releasing a holiday-themed song as their first single. However, “Come Home” is not so much about Christmas itself, but rather a lament about the non-festivity of a one-man holiday. And they sugarcoat the depressing sentiment with lovely sun-kissed melodies that Swedes can seemingly do in their sleep. Serenades’ music falls in the same subgenre of chill, tropical, Instagrammed ’80s pop that The Tough Alliance and Gypsy & The Cat also frequent. While their sound’s not entirely original, it’s done beautifully, and there’s enough room for another band in that niche. Curiously, they are signed to Cherrytree Records, Lady Gaga’s label, so undoubtedly we’ll be hearing a lot more from them in 2012. Watch/stream “Come Home” right below.
A 4-track EP is out now, including a remix by Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John.
Buy “Come Home” the EP.
Check out more of their tracks on Soundcloud.
Grab free download “Oceans” over here.
More on Serenades.
Popforward: The Staves
Pictured above are the three sisters from Watford, collectively known as The Staves. This British trio should soon be on every folk-pop fan’s lips with their debut album scheduled for release next year. If you like the likes of Laura Marling, The Pierces, Birdy etc., then their new single “Mexico” will most certainly appeal to you. Basked in a warm glow of harmonies, the song is a thing of understated beauty. The melodies tread lightly and unobtrusively, yet they draw my full attention and reduce me to silence every time. There’s not necessarily new ground to break, just beautifully crafted mellow music for your listening pleasure.
Watch the music video for the track below, and keep in mind that all the effects were achieved in camera!
STREAM: The Staves – Mexico
The Staves’ new EP is out on December 11.
Download a free 2-track live EP here / Stream other tracks on Soundcloud.
More on The Staves.
Popforward: Spector
I’m always on the look out for the next “it” British guitar band. It doesn’t matter if they all sound the same, with luck, one might come along with one great guitar-pop tune, and one at a time is all I ask for. However, up-and-coming London-based five-piece Spector has already exceeded that ratio by churning out 3 good singles in a row! The nerves. Their latest release, “Grey Shirt & Tie”, saw them switching gears for a more ’80s-inspired sound. At first listen, it seems lovely enough, if a bit restraint compared to their previous efforts, but it turns out to be a massive grower. What sets them apart from the much crowded deep-voiced blokey band pool is that they definitely don’t shy away from a catchy melody. With their namesake (which is, yes, named after that Spector), they’ve got a lot to live up to, but I believe 2012 will be their breakthrough year. Watch the quite nice video for “Grey Shirt And Tie” below, though I’m not sure if the Harry Potter glasses are a good look.
STREAM: Spector – Grey Shirt And Tie
STREAM: Spector – Never Fade Away
Watch the video for “What You Wanted”.
“Grey Shirt & Tie” is out on December 7 on Luv Luv Luv Records.
More on Spector.
Popforward: Mint Julep
Keith Kenniff is known to most electronic fans as the man behind Helios and Goldmund. Far from the former’s beautiful downtempo soundscapes or the latter’s minimal neo-classical compositions, Mint Julep has long been served as an outlet for his pop experiments. A project by Keith and his wife Hollie, Mint Julep leans toward shoegazing, ambient dream-pop (…dreamgaze?). The Portland-based duo’s new single “Aviary” is probably their poppiest track to date. With reverbed, softly-sung vocals and an atmospheric mood, it makes great music for the changing of seasons. Just put it on while you stand by the window and gaze wistfully at the rain outside. And if you’re in the mood for a bit of post-rock, check out the 8-minute Mogwai remix. The band has kindly made both tracks available for free below. A new album, entitled “Save Your Season”, is expected soon.
MP3: Mint Julep – Aviary
MP3: Mint Julep – Aviary (Mogwai Remix)
After the jump, watch the cool music video, shot in Berlin.
Popforward: Delilah
Meet Delilah, Britain’s latest up-and-coming post-dubstep popstress. Having lent her vocals on Chase & Status’ single “Time” before, she has finally found the time (ha..) to unleash her solo ambitions. Her first single “Go” is a quite the seducer, with an insidious, moody electronic production, on which Delilah’s voice purrs, flicks and drips sensually. I quite like how the track shamelessly nicked the verses of Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody”, Liberty-X-style, and patched on a bit of Beyoncé’s “Green Light” for the chorus too. As for the music video, she suitably vamps it up by patrolling London streets at night with a canine friend.
Even though some of her vocal affectations could be handled better, I’m intrigued by the direction she’s taking. “Breathe”, a string-addled downtempo number by way of Zero 7, is another early highlight. However, her “Go” EP seems to divide between the trip-pop sound, and plodding Sia-esque piano lounge ballads which I’m not as keen on.
Imagine a modern-day one-girl equivalent of All Saints. That’s what I’d like her to be. She’s definitely got the looks and voice to fill that void. Dear Delilah: might we have some more dark, chill, urban-tinged pop, please. Thank you.
Stream “Go” and a great drum’n'bass remix by SPY below. Then get here for a free download of “Breathe”.
Delilah – Go
Delilah – Go (SPY Remix)
Stream all her tracks on Soundcloud.
Buy the Go EP.
More on Delilah.
Popforward: SoundGirl
Of all the new girlbands popping up in UK lately, I found myself rooting for SoundGirl the most. There is just something fresh and likeable about the London-based trio that distinguishes them from the rest. Maybe it’s the girl-next-door appeal that’s part of the charm. Olivia, Izzy and Nicole appear to be just 3 teenage girls who are genuinely having fun, not at all concerned with building a hefty multimedia branding empire, or becoming overstyled tabloid figures just yet. Comparisons to Sugababes 1.0 are duly noted. Their debut single/free buzz download “I’m The Fool” was passable, but “Don’t Know Why” is the one that reveals their potential for me. While it’s not the first song to sample Carly Simon’s “Why”, the involvement of songwriter Miranda Cooper really gave it that fondly-missed Xenomania pop kick. The single might have come and gone in the charts with less recognition than expected, but it’s truly a fun summer hit that should have been. Check out the video below, and get a ’90s-styled remix after the jump.
Popforward: New Look
Sometimes great visuals can enhance a song to another level. Such is the case with Canadian/NYC-based duo New Look‘s “The Ballad”. Is it just me or both the song and the video are quite David Lynch-ian? It helps that singer Sarah Ruba looks a bit like Milla Jollovich, too. The stark, clinical beats and synths contrasts against her voice and the lyrics, which are like a gentle, consoling pat on the back, though distant, awash, and weary. I highly recommend watching the video first, as it sets up and maintains the mood suitably.
Their dark, atmospheric synth-pop sound is probably too chilling for July, but it will soundtrack grey days and rainy nights perfectly. An album is due this fall on German label !K7. Hopefully there will be more of the same ilk to come.
The video uses a shorter edit, which keeps the song condensed enough. Personally, I prefer it to the full version, which adds 2 extra minutes.
New Look – The Ballad
MP3: New Look – Numbers
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Popforward: Emeli Sandé
Scottish newcomer Emeli Sandé is the latest to join the pop division of the ’90s electronica revival current. While she has only stepped into the spotlight recently, Emeli is actually no stranger on the UK urban pop scene, having featured on tracks of Professor Green, Tinie Tempah, Wiley, and written for Cheryl Cole, Alesha Dixon and Susan Boyle! Quite an impressive CV, don’t you think? Since I’m not really familiar with her previous urban collabs, “Heaven”, her debut single, is the first song I heard from her. And it’s the perfect introduction to her sound, with old-school drum-n-bass beats and a powerful, emotive vocal delivery. The girl can belt out! The music video, directed by Jake Nava (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies”), took the ’90s vibe even further, complete with vague “broken Britain” imagery. If you’re a fan of Katy B, Yasmin, or Jess Mills, then Emeli Sandé will definitely be to your liking. Only time will tell whether she’s not just a new Leona with a trendy haircut, but “Heaven” is indeed a bloody good start. Watch the video, and stream the radio edit below.
Emeli Sandé – Heaven (Radio Edit)
“Heaven” the single is out on August 14 in the UK. Pre-order now on iTunes.
More on Emeli.
Get a free track if you like her Facebook page.
P.S. I was planning this post before I knew of yesterday’s heartbreaking news, and I couldn’t help but feel that this song’s lyrics made a rather fitting tribute to her. It was such a tragic end to a massive talent and tortured soul. Let’s face it, we all saw this coming, but that didn’t make this devastating loss any easier to cope with. I was always hoping she could fight the demons, get herself together and make another brilliant album… She is truly an icon, and there will never be another one like her. RIP Amy Winehouse, may you find peace at last…
Popforward: The Good Natured
I first got wind of The Good Natured around this time last year. Both their self-released singles “My Body Is A Machine” and “Be My Animal” were catchy examples of icy, moody, goth-tinged synth-pop. I would describe the sound as Ladytron-meets-La-Roux, for which lead singer Sarah McIntosh‘s clearly-enunciated, slightly mechanical vocal style added the frostbite needed. The British band is now signed to UK’s Parlophone, home to Lily Allen, Pet Shop Boys and Bat For Lashes, so they have excellent company there. On July 4, they will release a new 3-song EP called “Skeleton”, and the title track, produced by Patrik Berger (Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own”) is already out now (video). I expect more exciting things to be announced soon! For now, you can download freebie track “Wolves”, along with a bonus cover of The Cure’ s “Love Song” below.
MP3: The Good Natured – Love Song (The Cure Cover)
Stream more tracks on Soundcloud.
Buy their music.
More on The Good Natured.
Popforward: Niki & The Dove
On the contrary to the misleading promo pic above, Niki & The Dove are not literally Niki and a dove. No one in the band’s named Niki either, how confusing! The Swedish band has been making the rounds with their off-kilter pop tunes, but what I previously heard did not make me a full-time believer yet. That was until “Gentle Roar”, undoubtedly their best offer so far. With its pounding beats and earthy, pagan-like chants, the track feels esoteric and eerie, but it’s their big POP moment, as opposed to earlier tracks which only seemed to teasingly teeter around that territory. I dare you to sit still while listening to this. It’s a wicked monster of a song. If you have an ear for fantastically weird Scandinavian music like The Knife, Fever Ray, Jenny Wilson or Lykke Li, then Niki & The Dove should be your cup of tea. “Gentle Roar” is on their new “12 single “The Fox”, out now on Sub Pop. You can stream it below and grab the great Mylo remix on the way.
MP3: Niki & The Dove – Gentle Roar (Mylo Remix)
Stream “The Fox” EP, and more of her music.
More about Niki & The Dove.
Popforward: Jess Mills
The latest to join UK’s new wave of pop inspired by the ’90s, vocalist Jess Mills seems to opt for a new spin on the pulsating, melancholy sound of late-’90s trip-hop. She previously sang on Breakage‘s dance hit “Fighting Fire”, and has since been working with the dubstep producer for her album. Her debut single “Vultures” is a piece of atmospheric, dark but subdued electronic pop, a grower that guarantees repeated listens. It’s a fitting soundtrack, should you decide to take one of those contemplative walks in desolate streets at night. For remixes, she managed to recruit all the familiar names of yesteryear: Photek, Nu:Tone & MJ Cole. You can download MJ Cole’s soothing dubstep take below, though the Photek mix is probably my favorite of the bunch. I’m anxious to hear more from her, because… let’s face it, people, it’s about time for a new Dido (and I mean that in a good way!). Watch the suitably moody video for the track, then stream her cover of The Cure’s “A Forest” after the jump.
Popforward: Amanda Mair
I was rather excited to learn that Swedish indie-pop label Labrador just signed a new female act, and they did not disappoint. The 16-year-old Amanda Mair possesses a voice mature beyond her years. My first thought was that Stuart Murdoch (Belle & Sebastian frontman) would kill to get her on his God Help The Girl project, as her voice is right up his street. She also uncannily looks like the splitting image of Anna Paquin. Mair’s debut digital single, the piano-led “House”, is a lovely taste of what’s to come. I do hope it won’t take her too long to record the album, because I’d really like to hear more from her.
“House” the single is out on June 8th.
LISTEN: Queen Of Hearts – Where Are You Now
Queen Of Hearts, a fresh, unsigned British electro-pop artist, has been hotly tipped for a while, and for good reasons too. Her latest track “Where Are You Now” is a dreamy dose of melancholy italo-disco pop that will most certainly appeal to fans of Sally Shapiro, or Annie‘s work with Richard X. In fact, Queen Of Hearts has indeed worked with Shapiro’s producer Johan Agebjörn for a track called “The Last Day Of Summer”, for his new album “Casablanca Nights”. One to watch, excitingly.
Queen Of Hearts – Where Are You Now
Download some free remixes at her Soundcloud.
More on Queen Of Hearts.
Popforward: Primary 1
This edition of Popforward is an unusual one, because I’m about to “tip” an act that has already ceased to exist. Primary 1, aka Joe Flory, was known for producing leftfield electronic music and remixing artists like Mutya Buena and Metronomy before he decided to take the mic and embark on a major label pop career. He first got on my radar for “The Blues”, a stunning collaboration with Nina Persson (The Cardigans). Signed to Atlantic UK, he released two good singles in a row, “Princess” and “Never Know”, with the latter being his most instant pop number to date. However, despite having the tunes and visually arresting videos, his music remained relatively overlooked, and things got all too quiet. After a while, I found out he deleted his blog and Twitter without an explanation. Apparently, due to his frustration with the music industry, he retired the “Primary 1″ moniker and called it a day. The album, “Other People”, was quietly chucked on iTunes with little promotion or fanfare. It is such a shame when things like this happen, because I’ve heard the album, and while it feels a bit underdeveloped, it’s certainly has its share of highlights. He proved to be indeed quite good at making moody, low-key pop music that blends electronic, folk and soul together nicely, like a more downtempo Hot Chip. I hope he will continue to make music under a different guise. Check out the opening track, “A.O.K”, a pick-me-up electro ditty with a chantlike hook that goes “If I can be happy, you can be happy too”. Make sure to get his lullaby-esque cover of “Tonight You Belong to Me”, and see the very cool video for “Never Know” after the jump.
Popforward: Yasmin
It’s not that often I become completely obsessed with a track I haven’t even heard in full yet. Such is the case with Yasmin‘s upcoming single “Finish Line”. I must have been listening to the snippet at least once a day since it was posted on her Youtube account, and it’s not even out until May 8! Every second of the 2-minute-long preview is laden with hooks. The Iranian/British singer’s pop sound is a breath of fresh air, taking inspirations from early 90′s electronica music from the likes of Massive Attack. It’s the right fusion of trippy beats, sweet vocals and addictively catchy melodies. Her debut single, “On My Own”, is a good introduction to her, though it lacks a bit of punch compared to the new one. I had my doubts, as she’s signed to Ministry of Sound, a label more known for its dance compilations, but Example is her labelmate and he had fair success last year, so hopefully, with a great video and good promotion, she too can make the jump to pop stardom. “Finish Line” has “hit” written all over it, and I can hardly wait to hear it in full. Hear the amazing teaser below, and check out a remix from the mighty Freemasons.
Finish Line (Preview):
Yasmin – Finish Line (Freemasons Pegasus Radio Edit)
Popforward: Tove Styrke
The latest Pop-Labyrinth-approved Swedish pop export, Tove Styrke, is actually a Swedish Idol 2010 alumna. In many ways, she shares a lot in common with fellow talent-show graduate, X Factor’s Diana Vickers, sans the marmite voice. That her album cover has the same aethestic as Diana’s (black-and-white photo with white text on red) is uncanny! Even though she did not win, Tove was quickly signed, worked with the more “alternative” producers, and released a self-titled debut album in November 2010. Tove looks like a fashion model styled by Alexa Chung, and her voice suits the type of quirky, ’80s-referenced electro-pop well. Her first single, “Million Pieces”, did not woo me, but I reserved judgement and decided to give her album a try. To my surprise, there are some solid pop nuggets here, in the same vein of other Scandinavian pop ladies like Linda Sundblad, Margaret Berger, or Robyn. Some of my favorite tracks are “Chaos”, “Stalker In Your Speaker”, “Walking My Daydream”, and “White Light Moment” (kind of her Robyn moment). It looks like she’s on a fast track to success in her home country, and let’s hope the rest of the world will soon catch on. Below, you can hear “Four Elements”, a lovely, instantly likeable album track with a chorus consisting only of na-na’s. It sways along elegantly but is addictively catchy.
Popforward: Ólöf Arnalds
While Icelandic singer/songwriter Ólöf Arnalds is not new to the folk scene, her second album, “Innundir skinni”, was the first to feature tracks in English. And on new single “Surrender”, she enlisted no one else but the Björk to provide her wondrous trademark yelps as background vocals. Ólöf has a clear, luring voice that demands attention, and her ukulele arrangement makes the acoustic track all the more eerily beautiful. The video, shot in Iceland’s National Park, is as deceptively simple as it is arresting. It managed to be strangely sensual and creepy at the same time. Quality cold-weather music, from ladies who certainly know it!*
MP3: Ólöf Arnalds – Surrender (feat. Björk)
*They’re from Iceland. It’s very cold there, see.
Popforward: Mackintosh Braun
Had I not known better, I would have sworn Mackintosh Braun is a Scandinavian new act. The duo actually hails from Portland, but they’ve definitely got that particular sound down. Mackintosh Braun is signed to Chop Shop Records, whose owner is the tastemaker Alexandra Patsavas, so so far, they’ve earned pretty good exposure on shows like Grey’s Anatomy & Gossip Girl. They might be taking cues from Röyksopp, but there is still plenty of space for lush, dreamy, downtempo electronic chill-pop. “Could It Be”, from their new album “Where We Are”, certainly belongs to that lovely specialty. Try it on for an evening walk. Stream and/or download it below.
