We’ve loved Swedish born (Argentinian descent) indie-folk singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez for quite some time, about 7 years now. His work with Zero 7, where we initially heard his unique and soothing voice, is some of his finest but his solo work is incredible as well (well worth checking out, highly recommended).
Here, one of his collaborative tracks with Zero 7 gets the sublime house treatment courtesy of Berlin’s Simon Hoppe (aka Dinner Date, and this is his first offering by the way). Here Hoppe captures the dark ebbs and flows of the original and then effectively paces it with some nice chilled house vibes. Another fine tune that’s ready for summer, and a free download!
Touch Sensitive - Pizza Guy
Bit Funk rarely steers me wrong and the Future Classic label based out of Sydney, Australia is getting hotter by the day. Their outstanding roster includes notables such as Flume, Flight Facilities, Classixxx, Mario and Vidis and now, Touch Sensitive.
This track and accompanying video is masterfully produced and could easily be straight out of just about any 80’s film end scene while the credits are rolling down the screen. In other words, the guy gets the girl. Or the cops get their guy. You get the picture.
The vocals have a decidedly Ellie Goulding slant to them which works just fine with that crisp bass line and emotive synths. The track, available May 24th is a surefire winner and one we think we’ll be having a summer fling with.
With all the talk about French disco house directed towards Daft Punk the last 24 hours (and deservedly so) we thought it would be nice to highlight another fine French house track (the title is Kiss Me) that deserves a listen. It’s comes from Pendentif, an underrated pop band from Bordeaux, France and the video, much like the music, is alluring.
And although the song’s title is translated to ‘Kiss Me’, this is thankfully NOT a cover of Sixpence None the Richer’s radio friendly drivel. So, feel free to halt that Random Access Memories stream to enjoy a little French pop heaven.
The Norwegian singer has released his first official piece of music from his second side project, simply called Truls. The heavily electro-R&B track is substantially different from the other projects he’s been involved with (Lukestar and Truls and the Trees). which were more along the lines of indie-alt folk rock.
The track is a slice of pop heaven that was written in a place where he says he was completely relaxed and “just having fun”. Besides the radio friendly synth and beat combo, it’s the mans naturally high register that makes this track a stand out. It’s not the first time he’s showcased that high voice (think Jonsi from Sigur Ros) so it’s not surprising he can nail it. What is surprising is that it comes from this man right here.
Given the quality of this tune we’re hoping Truls is on track to release more music soon.
Bibio - You
More Bibio, you say? Alright then, without delay here’s the second single off the upcoming album, “Silver Wilkinson” and it’s a straight up club banger. Ok, not quite. Actually not at all.
What it is is far more hip hop than the usual work from the UK artist- kinda like an ambient Kid Koala. The back story for “You” is pretty interesting. Bibio actually came up with the original version of this track about 5 to 6 years ago when he was playing around with cut up hip hop samples. He had always liked the track but it sat unfinished- until now. He tweaked it and filled it in with more lush sounds and - voila!
Needless to say, we’re eagerly awaiting the mans new album which drops in one week (May 14th).
Kate Boy is back and now that they’re 3 songs into their career, it’s clear that they now have a “sound”. With comparisons to The Knife coming fast and furious this one doesn’t deviate too far from the music they’ve released thus far. Even though this track is more dance club ready than the previous two tracks from the band, they appear to be more comfortable in the type of music they are becoming known for which is essentially synth heavy, block beat pop inspired by the Scandinavian sound scope.
Disclosure - Latch feat. Sam Smith
Another top notch effort from UK boys Disclosure. Sure, they had some mad chemistry with Aluna George (“White Noise”) but this melodious and clubby track has them hitting their stride with an easy, breezy, cool, summer anthem, window down, wind blowing the hair type of feel to it.
Expectations for Baz Luhrmans “The Great Gatsby” are high. The film featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire will be released this Friday (May 10). Luhrman sure knows how to turn classically beautiful stories on paper into phenomenal works of art on film.
Visually it’s all but assured it will astound and we know from his past Luhrman soundtracks that musically it will be as equally vivid. If I may use a baseball term, he will knock it out the park. And speaking of knocks, Jay Z who gave us Hard knock Life way back when delivers a fresh, anthemic epic killer track which cuts deep and hits hard.
As a Vancouver resident when I see “Swedish sisters” and “Lou”, my mind obviously goes to our very own Swedish twin sisters, Henrik and Daniel as well as Roberto Luongo, who despite his best efforts is stuck here in no man’s land. Seeing as the Canucks are down 3-0 to the San Jose Sharks and all but eliminated from the NHL playoffs, I must look elsewhere for my Swedish sister and Lou fix.
Imagine my delight when I came across this pair from Stockholm. Twin sisters Elektra and Miranda Kilbey form “Say Lou Lou” and their chilled, dark electronic vibe washes over your senses in a deliciously sad sort of way.
