@PumpUpThaVolume: Episode007 - Walked on the Water
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- 2012-05-11
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- @PumpUpThaVolume,
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Pump Up Tha Volume: Episode007 - Walked on the Water
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[Via @TheUdog - NB: I just want to make a quick note here to pay my respects to MCA. The Beastie Boys were an amazing band that really broke through a market dominated by overly produced pop. Personally, I didn't really know too much of their work, but the track "Girls" will always have a spot in my heart, as I used it to time a montage for a short piece early in my film career. God Bless MCA, may you rest in peace.]
Lower Dens: Brains
Lower Dens is Jana Hunter, a Baltimore based musician who began her life in Houston. There is an element of the Kings of Leon in the chord progression, as the low tempo track builds momentum towards the chorus. Hunter/Lower Dens is signed to the Gnomonsong label that is run by Devendra Banhart, her solo album, 'Blank Unstaring Heirs of Doom' is the label's debut release. The film clip for the track was done by Tristan Patterson, perhaps best known for his work on the "gnarly film DragonSlayer" (www.thefader.com) Naomi Zeicher (of the Fader) has suggested that the band is going "on a pretty epic supporting tour that starts at Vassar upstate next week, winds through SXSW and ends in Europe this summer." So if you get a chance - see them!
Mirel Wagner: To The Bone
The sultry vocals of Wagner reminds me of Regina Spektra and Ingrid Michaelson, but has a dark edge to it that KCRW suggests is "no frills blues." Another one for the 'blue day album', the theme of the song is heartbreak and the depths of abandonment. Written at age 16 "To The Bone" is the first track of her "self-titled trance-inducing debut" (KCRW). Now signed to Bone Voyage, the 23 year-old grew up in Finland but was born in Ethiopia. The themes of the album include "black wells and necrophilia" (Guardian UK). According to the Helsinki locals she has been touring almost every week over the past year.
Pontiak: Lions Of Least
Just like their automobile namesake their is a great grunt coming out of the "engine of this band - the guitar." There is almost a "Muse" quality to the melody and harmony, yet they aren't afraid to get messy and rock out like Lenny Kravitz might. KEXP tell us that this is the 9th record for the Virginia-based brothers: Jennings, Van and Lain Carney. Pontiak was started in 2004 and eight years later is still "blending blues and rock with psychedelia." Lion's of Least is available for your enjoyment on the band's website along with a number of other tracks such as "Royal Colours" and "Part III" from the EP 'Comecrudos'. The album is titled 'Echo Ono', and was released in February on Thrill Jockey.
Chicha Libre: Danza del Millionario
Chicha Libre conjure a mix of Latin rhythms, surf and psychedelia inspired by Peruvian music from the Amazon. The Brooklyn-based band mixes up covers of forgotten Chicha classics with French-tinged originals, re-interpretation of 70’s pop classics as well as cumbia versions of pieces by Satie and Wagner. "Danza del Millionario" comes from their second full-length album, 'Canibalismo'.
Light Asylum: Heart of Dust
This track is so fresh (released May 1) that the keyboard worriers haven't had a chance to review it on Amazon! The electronica/Funk of this post apocalypse band is driven and kept in line by a dynamic rhythm. The album is following on from the buzz generated by the released of "In Tension EP" which was widely accepted internationally. Heather Phares of Allmusic.com has drawn a parallel between the chilling contrast of "electronics and a deep all too human voice" that, through the likes of Ian Curtis, Grace Jones and even Cold Cave, has enchanted and haunted audiences for generations. "Heart of Dust" is the fourth track off the self-titled album coming from the Mexican Summer Label. That record label has issued the cut as being of the Pop/Rock genre. But interestingly enough they have also suggested that the style is "Alternative/Indie, Rock, New Wave/Post Punk, Revival and Indie Electronic.
Glen Hansard: Love Don't Leave Me Waiting
Can you smell the fresh press of the vinyl? Not yet? Well, that is probably because the track is a pre-release from the new album 'Rhythm and Response' expected to "drop" June 19th. According to "Write of the beat", Hansard has dropped his "trademark gravely croons" in preference for what Rolling Stone have called "tropical... warm bliss and plenty of sunshine." From Dublin, Ireland, Hansard is, of course, a member of the band Swell Season who had a massive impact on Melbourne Town when they toured after their film "Once" had box office success in our "hipster town." Hansard is also the front man for The Frames, another Irish act. I can still remember the excitement and enthusiasm my Dad came home with after he and my sister went to see the film, of course she simply rolled her eyes and suggested that she had known about them for ages! The direct of the song's film clip Heidi Rose told Rolling stone "It's like going out on a trip to an exotic island" and we hope that whilst Swell Season is on Hiatus, Hansard can find some time in the sun and we can enjoy his new cut. It is on the Label Anti-.
Jennifer Castle: Way of the Crow
According to the Flemish Eye, Castle's debut album captures the "distinctive artist using a vivid pallet of subtle textures and colours." The song "Way of the Crow" is reminiscent of America's "Horse With No Name", particular the bit that goes "I've been through the desert with a horse with no name, it felt good to get out of the rain." Perhaps there has been some sampling going on here - musically at least. Linked with Eamon McGrath, Justice McLellan (Ruby Coast) and Rob Stefaniuk - apparently regulars at "Sweaty Betty's" this group is considered to be a part of the future of Canada's independent music scene (and from what I could see of their get together, they don't mind making a few jokes at Bieber's expense). Castle's Vocal range is dynamic and broad - perhaps even comparable to that of Coldplay's Chris Martin. Featured on KEXP's "Music that Maters program (Vol 302) [as well as PUTV!], Castle's song is gaining traction internationally. The album is called 'Castlemusic' and was recorded and mixed by Jeff McMurrich - there are no tour dates for 2012.
Diamond Rugs: Big God
I spoke about Diamond Rugs being a multi-sideproject-cum-band last week, and I still wish that they all had beards to match the connotations of their music. But a man's facial hair is his business, and these men mean business with this track. Less ZZ Top and more the Strokes or even White Stripes, this track is up beat, and adds yet another dimension to what is already a compelling narrative surrounding this album. The striking guitar solo that borrows its style from Cream through to the distilled vocal solo emphasizing that it does indeed "hurt so much" brings a breathed to the third track off the Album. It may have taken Pax America a while to come around to this band, and perhaps last week they got lost a little in the heavy hitting tunes of PUTV006, but this week they stand out, and I think will win over some of us who may have been sitting on the fence a bit. The self-titled album was released in February and is on the Partisan Records Label.
Spain: Walked on the Water
But not across Ceasars swimming pool. Spain are an American band fronted by Josh Haden, and have returned after a ten year hiatus, perhaps to take our minds of the PIIGS austerity and the GFC, although the lyrics in the song are stingy and uncompromising adding an eerie subtext and offering a chance to focus on the musical composition. With a leading piano based melody that features a dramatic key change, the track inspires reflection. Clearly a song with religious connotations, it is the 7th track off the album 'Soul of Spain' on the Glitterhouse Records label. The band is set to embark on a European tour this month.
DIIV: How Long Have You Known?
Like the title of a Justice (featured in a recent newspurge) track, DIIV is actually the new name for DIVE. Chris Coplan of "Consequence of Sound" reports that the Brooklyn Fuzz Rockers' Changed their name, originally taken from a Nirvana title, out of respect for their Belgium namesake, a 90s industrial band. Band member Cole Smith told Pitchfork "A name is nothing, I don't really give a fuck what the band is called. I originated this project in a bedroom with no internet and didn't know it would ever leave." Well a rose by any other name sounds just as tight, and How Long Have You Known, the fifth track off 'Oshin', continues to bend genre and style to create a unique sound. Hypnotic and exotic it brings a sense of calm to a fast paced world. The other track doing the rounds is Doused, which has a similar feel to it, albeit executed in a different way. 'Oshin' will be released June 26th via Captured Tracks.
MaLLy: Good One feat. K. Raydio
Like I Self Devine - MaLLy is proof that the Hip Hop scene is alive and well in the Twin Cities. The Album 'MaLLy and the Sundance Kid - The Last Great' is a highly collaborative work that features the likes of Claire De Lune, Truth be Told, Brother Ali and of course K.Raydio. The rap is almost lyrical in its delivery, but there is no denying that MaLLy is in control of his Rhyme. There is a sweetness to the chorus that is juxtaposed to a post-produced musical track that features electronica, a 808 and vocal samples as well as synth. This powerful track is life-affirming and bright in its own dark way. Like an early Kanye or Eminem Track it has the "It factor" about it. '…The Last Great…' is being promoted with a free T-Shirt deal.
Congo Sanchez: Democrazy
Aren't we all getting a little crazy from the spread of demo-cracy?! This funky uptempo song features the muffled vocals of the Russians discussing democracy. And whilst I power through a strong sense of deja vu, I will tell you about Congo Sanchez. His latest album has a strong Cuban influence, and according to Suzanne Lindgren "is clearly inspired by Afrobeat." However Lindgren's most interesting observation comes from the beginning of her article when she suggests that Sanchez will be the flavour of choice for the wealthy Hollywood types in a hotel in Palm Springs California, that made its name when the "stars of the mid-twentieth century Hollywood went to escape fame. [And] Poolside, they relaxed in the sun, put cocktails on their tabs [and] listened to the latest breed of jazz." Sanchez's album which can be enjoyed anywhere, by anyone, is called 'Volume 1' and is available on ESL Music.
Black Mountain: Mary Lou
"Talk about it in the wild," is the intriguing demand this "wild" track makes. Surging guitar and focused percussion accompanies an elusive and intoxicating vocal stem. Considered to be Psychedelic Rock, a genre made famous by the late Jim Morrison and the Doors, this track echos the sentiment of "The End" (among others) by allowing it self to swell onwards for close to eight minutes. There is almost a pressurized intensity to introduction that is broken open by a mix of electric guitars and the eerie voice of Stephen McBean. Their self-titled Album was chosen by Amazon in their "Top 100 Editors picks" in 2005. 7 years on the band has produced another three albums and a small library of EPs. Despite the associations that the psychedelic genre has with experimental drug taking, that is perhaps not the connotation this band wants as several members have been working with the poor and drug afflicted in Down town Vancouver for up to a decade. Among the highlights for this band, they have played with Coldplay during the "Twisted logic tour" in 2005. Their last album was long listed for the 2011 Polaris Music prize and their latest album is called 'Year Zero: The Original Soundtrack'. they are signed to Jagjaguwar and Outside Music.
(Thanks to @TheUdog)
- Addeddate
- 2012-05-11 21:42:06
- External_metadata_update
- 2019-02-21T18:23:04Z
- Identifier
- 20120511PumpUpThaVolume007
- Run time
- 1:01:03
- Year
- 2012
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