We’re not really about lists. We like longform interviews and in-depth analysis; wordy think-pieces and lengthy reports. But that’s partly because we’re music-loving writers and there’s nothing we love more than the sound of a keyboard clacking satisfyingly with the sound of our own thoughts. Hey, at least we’re honest. We also know that not everyone that reads the site is up for 1200 meaty words on an artist’s development; some of you are here to get a quick bite of musical brilliance, so we’ve decided to institute a new weekly feature: Now Hear This. Harking back to TV’s Top of the Pops, we’re pulling together a list of tracks that we think are worthy of your time, or have received a terrifying amount of airplay on our office stereo. Old hits, fresh tracks, must-see-videos and obscure classics: Now Hear This is where we offer up our tunes of the week. We hope you enjoy it…
[Words: Alex Cull (AC), Seb Law (SL)]
London Grammar – ‘Nightcall’ (Joe Goddard remix)
On his autobahn-ready remix of London Grammar’s Kavinsky cover ‘Nightcall’, Joe Goddard strips the track back to its four-to-the-floor essence. In the process, the Hot Chip man re-instills the original’s nocturnal essence all the while maintaining the sheer haunt factor brought on by Hannah Reid’s lost in time vocals.-AC
IYES – ‘Til Infinity’
Stomping beauty from fresh new label Duly Noted, this fab electronic duo is British producer & singer Josh Christopher and Czech singer Melis Soyaslanova. Multilayered gorgeousness – it’s the kind of thing that could easily be labelled ‘ethereal’ but that would do them a disservice. Defo one to watch.-SL
Aiden – ‘The Cleaner’
And the reinvention of Aiden Grimshaw continues unabated. On this ace new cut, the former Notion cover star fuses a definite indie-pop sensibility with jack-knife synths and a clearcut beat that keeps the whole thing on its feet.-AC
Ink Project – ‘Lost at Sea’
Oooh this takes me back to Burial and Four Tet; boppy jolly electonica jubbles mixed with ghostly whooshing and melancholic chord progression – it’s a bit like James Blake is he wasn’t so bloody depressing. But better, obvs.-SL
Avec Sans – ‘Shiver’
It’s another ebullient, icy pop gem from the fast-rising London duo. We haven’t exactly had a shortage of nice things to say about Avec Sans this year, and on the basis of ‘Shiver’ we won’t be running out anytime soon either. Sublime.-AC
We Are Shining – ‘WHEEL’
From its initial re-blog roll call of musical and historical figures, it’s clear to see that his mysterious production/vocals pair are aiming for the very top. If the tribal, latin-tinged ‘WHEEL’ is anything to go by, you’d be wise not to bet against them.-AC
Gorgon City feat. MNEK – ‘Ready For Your Love’
We’re feeling pretty validated this week. Not only have old favourites of ours Avec Sans returned with an absolute cracker this week, but the rather insanely good Gorgon City – who we first introduced you to earlier this year – earned themselves a ‘Hottest Record’ plaudit last Tuesday from Zane Lowe. One listen to the MNEK-featuring ‘Ready For Your Love’ and you’ll see why we’re expecting great things from the Black Butter two-piece.-AC
Echoes – ‘Fight the Feeling’
A gliding disco-laced firebomb from emerging London trio Echoes, ‘Fight the Feeling’ certainly has more than a twinge of the 80s to it but that’s okay because it’s got me shooting off dated vernacular like nobody’s business. This one’s mondo, way cool, tubular and radical all at the same time. Stellar stuff.-AC
Broods – ‘Bridges’
Epic, sky-high balladry, ahoy! We don’t know much about New Zealand’s Broods at this point, but we do know this: you need ‘Bridges’ in your life. Those majestic, albatross synths; the breathy, unadorned vocals; it’s one big, beautiful, synth-pop YES from us.-AC
Joel Compass – ‘Run’ (Armeria remix)
It seems that the much-hyped Mr. Compass can barely go a week without showing up on our radar for something else amazing. First, we had ‘Run’ in its smooth original form, and then a reworking of the track with former Clipse man, Pusha T and now we have this beguiling, pitch-shifting remix c/o office favourite Armeria. -AC
Solomon Grey – ‘Firechild’
Now we’re not saying it helps to have a celebrity cameo in your video when it comes time for us to piece together our weekly tracks and videos round-up, but it certainly can’t hurt your chances. Fortunately, recent Black Butter signee Solomon Grey would have found ‘Firechild’ – whose accompanying clip features The Wire‘s Andre Royo – in there anyway. It’s mesmerising stuff with percolating synths floating upwards like little bubbles of oxygen in a primordial ooze of choppy beats, sweetly sung vocals and late night foreboding.-AC
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