Já foi em fevereiro que Blackbird Blackbird nos visitou pela última vez, agora, apesar de ilustrarmos este post com a capa do EP "The Boracay Planet", de 2012, o tema que podem ouvir abaixo, é novo. Podem ter a certeza que o nome desta canção não é a gozar connosco e com o nosso tempo. Ainda temos a esperança que o Verão está quase a chegar. Está apenas um pouco atrasado.
David Byrne e St. Vincent, que passarão por Lisboa e pelo Porto nos dias 3 e 4 de setembro, na digressão do seu álbum "Live This Giant", estão a oferecer um EP, "Brass Tactics", online. Esta oferta tem cinco temas: um inédito, duas remisturas, e duas versões de temas seus ao vivo.
O alinhamento do EP é:
1 - 'Cissus' (tema inédito)
2 - 'I Should Watch TV' (Remistura por M. Stine)
3 - 'Lightning' (Remistura por Kent Rockafeller)
4 - 'Marrow' (ao vivo)
5 - 'Road To Nowhere' (ao vivo)
Hoje, com a visita de Rihanna a Lisboa, com um concerto esta noite no Pavilhão Atlântico, lembramos alguns artistas que fizeram versões de temas dela. Em 2011, para a BCC, os Coldplay apresentaram a sua versão de "We Found Love". Em 2012, também para um programa da BBC, foi a vez de Bat For Lashes fazer uma versão do mesmo tema reinterpretado pelos Coldplay. Ainda em 2012, um mês depois do trabalho de Bat For Lashes, surge a versão de Zola Jesus (na foto), para "Diamonds", o single de Rihanna desse momento.
Depois de "Put A Light On", que podem ver no nosso post de 21 de março, os Generationals apresentam um novo single, devidamente acompanhado do seu vídeo, retirado de "Heza", álbum que está disponível desde 15 de março.
O vídeo de "Spinoza" for realizado por Luther Gooch.
Depois do sucesso do single "YOLO", há três meses, em que os Lonely Island tiveram cuidado com a sua linguagem "suja", e para um empurrão, tiveram ao seu lado Adam Levine (Maroon 5) e o princípe do hip hop, Kendrick Lamar. Eles preparam-se para editar o seu novo álbum, "The Wack Album", a 11 de junho.
Pelas amostras do novo disco, e os vídeos que têm sido publicados, garantimos que não vão passar na MTV ou nas televisões generalistas norte-americanas. "Diaper Money" é o mais recente vídeo do trio. Hoje, publicaram um vídeo/letra para "Semicolon", com a participação de Solange, que podem ver abaixo.
THE LONELY ISLAND - "DIAPER MONEY" (tema do novo álbum)
Os Wolf Alice, de Londres, que começaram apenas com Ellie e Joff são agora Ellie Rowsell (voz), Joff Oddie (guitarras), Theo Ellis (baixo), Joel Amey (bateria). O nome da sua banda tem origem no título de um conto.
Apesar de terem ainda um leque reduzido de temas editados, dois singles ("Fluffy"/"White Leather") e ("Bros"/"Every Cloud" - capa na foto), com base nos temas tocados ao vivo, já foram comparados a bandas em extremos opostos da produção independente.
Hoje apresentamos o seu novo vídeo para o tema "Bros", do seu mais recente single.
Do álbum "...Like Clockwork", que será editado a 4 de junho, apresentamos o single "My God Is The Sun".
Como alguns de vós saberão, temos vindo aqui, ou no nosso Facebook, a colocar estes temas/vídeo de apresentação do novo disco deles como: "Kalopsia"
ou "Keep Your Eyes Peeled"
Faleceu Ray Manzarek, vítima de cancro. Apesar de ser mais conhecido como o teclista dos The Doors, ele, para além de um papel fundamental na banda, não só pelo som do seu orgão, como compositor, mas também como arquitecto e trave mestra, ao lado de Robby Krieger, das inconstâncias e imprevisilibdades, devido a drogas, álcool, mau humor, ou uma mistura explosiva de todos esses factores, de Jim Morrison. Foi também ele que assumiu a voz principal na banda, numa tentativa de prosseguir com os The Doors, depois da morte de Morrisson. Apesar de uma dezena de álbuns, a solo ou em outros projectos, ficou sempre marcado como o "teclista dos The Doors" e pouco mais, para além dos fãs.
Petite Noir, que apresentámos aqui em setembro de 2012, apresentou, na semana passada, o vídeo para o seu single "Noirese", que está, desde 15 de maio, disponível em formato EP. Além do tema, que dá o nome ao EP e que poderão ouvir no vídeo, existemmais três versões remisturadas dessa mesma canção.
Na usual "digressão" promocional por programas de televisão, para a promoção do novo álbum, "More Light" (capa na fotografia), os Primal Scream passaram pelo The Jonathan Ross Show e tocaram "It's Alright, It's OK", o último tema no alinhamento do disco.
O tema, tem um marvilhoso vídeo para o acompanhar, que podem ver abaixo.
Não esqueçam a fabulosa selecção de temas do Music Alliance Pact, para além do tema português. São 36 temas que podem ouvir e descarregar, completamente grátis e legalmente, para uso individual.
Carregue no botão de "play" para ouvir os temas individualmente. Para fazer o download do tema em mp3, clique com o botão direito por cima do título do tema. Para descarrgar todos os temas num só ficheiro, com os 36 temas deste mês, faça-o aqui.
ARGENTINA: ZonaindiePaula y Los Besos - Bailar
Paula y Los Besos is the new musical adventure of singer, songwriter and poet Paula Trama. The band just released eight songs in the form of two EPs that range from acoustic-punk upbeat tunes to tender folk ballads. Bailar is a cover of T. Rex's Cosmic Dancer, with Spanish lyrics adapted by Paula herself. You can hear and download both EPs from their Bandcamp page.
AUSTRALIA: Who The Bloody Hell Are They?Swimming - Triplebrie
Adelaide's Swimming are sisters Katie and Angie Schilling and friend Sam Reynolds. Triplebrie is the first single from their new record Yes, Tonight. There are plenty of layered vocals and looped sounds on the album, but Swimming's simple outlook on a capella really does its best in an acoustic setting. The trio also sell tea towels as merchandise, so we can't really say anything bad about this band right now.
AUSTRIA: WalzerkönigFijuka - Behave (From Now On)
First a drum machine, then a Billie Jean-style bassline and finally synthscapes that embed the voice of Fijuka's Ankathie singing one of the weirdest declarations of love we have ever heard. Fijuka stands for DIY pop with an art school touch. Watch the music video for some Rhönrad wheel action.
BRAZIL: Meio DesligadoFAROFF - Brazilian Star Wars
Can you imagine the Star Wars troopers having fun in a slum in Rio de Janeiro, listening to funk carioca in the summer and surrounded by girls? This is not a new track, but Brazilian Star Wars shows one of the best moments of DJ FAROFF, the name used by Leo Bursztyn, PHD in economics and former guitarist of Brazilian band Móveis Coloniais de Acaju.
CANADA: Quick Before It MeltsProgram - Waiting
Program's wall of sound is not insurmountable but it's far from an easy climb. It will challenge you to find a familiar foothold (Is it shoegaze? Is it drone-rock? Is it disco or dance?) but ultimately leaves you breathless with its brilliant audacity. It is a mountain you'll climb over and over again, never once following the same sonic route to its summit.
CHILE: Super 45Lainus - Montañitas
Lainus is the solo project of Alfredo Ibarra who, after returning from New Zealand, has devoted himself to writing music and rediscovering his country. The Andes is the source of inspiration for his single Montañitas ("Little Mountains"), a catchy electronic pop breeze that links him telepathically to the new pop wave (Passion Pit, Phoenix), the Chilean psychedelic tradition and the now very trendy world music. It's a taster of his next album, due for release in the second half of the year.
COLOMBIA: El Parlante AmarilloLina Patiño - Plena Luz
With roots in classical singing, Lina Patiño has been experimenting with jazz, ballads, R&B and classical music. Proof of this is the endless number of projects of different genres she has participated in. But now, in her solo guise, her range takes her a step further than usual. We invite you to listen to Plena Luz ("Full Light"), produced by Eblis Alvarez (Meridian Brothers), in which Lina's vocals are confused and intermingled between bambuco and dark experimental pop.
CUBA: suenacubano.comAdrian Berazaín y Mauricio Figueiral - Por Una Camarera
This month we cover the association of two young artists: Adrián Berazaín and Mauricio Figueiral. Por Una Camarera ("For A Waitress") is a song in which Cuban rhythms are fused with extraordinary results and will be included in the upcoming releases of both artists separately. Follow these two songwriters closely as they are sure to surprise us with their future output.
DENMARK: All ScandinavianLulu Rouge - Grey Heron Man
Five years on from their awesome debut Bless You, electronica legends Lulu Rouge (aka DJs and producers Buda and T.O.M.) released their second full-length, The Song Is In The Drum, at the end of April. If you're into deep, dark and excellently melancholic dub this is one not to miss. Grey Heron Man, one of three instrumentals, is a MAP exclusive download.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: La CaseteraNelson García - La Bomba
Veteran singer-songwriter Nelson García (formerly known as Nelson Poket) went solo and is now making music under his real name. La Bomba is a rock song with a classic attitude that ticks with new energy and prepares us for his new album release on June 15.
ECUADOR: Plan ArteriaGuanaco - Crónico
After 15 years on the road, Guanaco, one of the most important independent music icons in Ecuador, presents his most ambitious and mature album, Raíz. The record has 16 versatile tracks that blend hip hop with a wide range of urban and Latin sounds. The lyrics of Crónico provide a deep reflection on the use of drugs.
ENGLAND: Drowned In SoundGhosting Season - Time Without Question (alternate version)
Ghosting Season are a techno-loving duo from northern England. Until recently, their music was a marriage of glacial post-rock and warm late-night electronica as Worriedaboutsatan. Under their new guise, Gavin Miller and Tom Ragsdale are already readying a second LP of brooding bloops that spiral into something you could call evil party music. This track was featured on our DiS community podcast.
ESTONIA: Rada7.eeKannabinõid - Karistus
Kannabinõid are a deafening stoner/doom band from Tallinn. Obviously there are plenty of (Nordic) metal/rock bands but these guys are particularly good. They just received some really good feedback from the international music industry delegates of showcase festival Tallinn Music Week.
FINLAND: GluePhenomenal Creature - Perfect Impression
Phenomenal Creature play (mostly) acoustic folk with an intense bluesy feeling, creating songs that are beautifully arranged and decorated with a myriad of little instruments and harmonies.
Perfect Impression is the opener of the band's recently released debut album.
FRANCE: Yet You're FiredFAUVE - Kané
FAUVE appeared from nowhere in the French music scene at the end of 2011, and after only a few months and four songs, offered for free, they became what many French critics called "the voice of our generation". With beautifully crafted instrumentals, marvellous choirs and words that touch and speak to our feelings and soul directly - putting a finger on our many life problems and crises - they deserve to be known all over the world, even if only using spoken word in Molière's language. Their first EP, Blizzard, is released on May 20.
GERMANY: ColtranHELMUT - The Tribe
Voice, guitar, loops. More and more artists focus on these instruments to make versatile songs to dream, cry or dance to. HELMUT has the talent to build up a song layer by layer, motif by motif, and then slowly start to variate and deconstruct everything. The live experience of this guy is simply amazing.
GREECE: MouxlalouloudaNo Clear Mind - Morning Rain In June
No Clear Mind is an unconventional musical experiment that has been evolving constantly from 2004 till now, an open platform of expression, bringing together people who tint everyday inertia, cancelling its discreet yet lingering nature. Borrowing its name from the old neighbourhood of Athens where it was created, Mets, their second album, is a magnificent set awash with texture, atmosphere, strong autobiographical elements, past memories and emotions that provide a hypnotic, surreal soundscape suitable for both day and night dreaming.
INDIA: NH7Big City Harmonics - Ennio
A former alt-rock band guitarist, Big City Harmonics is Rohan Hastak, a soul-infused, downtempo electronic music producer. Sampling a variety of instruments and vocals, Big City Harmonics offers a fresh take on electronica.
INDONESIA: DeathrockstarMuchos Libre - Romusa
On Muchos Libre's press release they declare: "In surf we trash! In stage we wrestle! Give us one show, so we'll give you the beast!" They've perhaps watched too much Mexican wrestling as the two vocalists often grapple on stage during their ferocious live shows.
IRELAND: Harmless NoiseRachael Boyd - Aim Too High
From playing in side-project math rock and pop bands to her own contemporary, improvised solo efforts, the broad strokes of Rachael Boyd's taste in music have gifted the Belfast multi-instrumentalist with a keen grasp of melody and timing. Aim Too High is the title track of a new EP, alternative neo-classical pop with enchanting, urgent piano and strings. Freely flowing with ambition, the slight underlying jitter is calmed by a reassuring vocal intercession. It feeds the need for pop sweetness yet still sounds like substantial brainfood.
ITALY: PolaroidWildmen - Zero Generation
Wildmen are a garage rock duo from Rome. Guitar, drums and a lot of raw energy. More than a lot. Their debut album is called Haters Gonna Hate and someone wrote that it sounds like a grungier version of Black Lips. Uhm, well, OK. What if we stop talking and just dance to these marvellous and mighty songs? You will have fun, trust me.
JAPAN: Make Believe MelodiesMetoronori - v_v
The boom in bedroom-based music makers in Japan over the past few years has produced a lot of great artists operating on a very DIY level. Tokyo-based Metoronori is one of the latest in this tradition. She makes discombobulated lo-fi pop where every element falls just into place. Her song v_v demonstrates this well - the sounds she makes seemingly out of step with one another, but the whole thing comes together to create an inviting track.
MALTA: Stagedive MaltaBletchley Park - Calendars
Bletchley Park is an indie/alternative band who draw influences from post-punk and fuse them with dark rhythms and lyrics. In 2010, they released From Bletchley, With Love, a collection of their first works. Last year's debut album, My Body Fighting, resulted in three nominations at the 2013 Malta Music Awards - Best Album, Best Song for Tight Red Dress and Best Band.
MEXICO: Red Bull PanamérikaApocalipsis - Jihad
It's easy to behave in a nihilistic way when you are a Mexico City dweller. With no frills other than being raw as reality can get, Apocalipsis delivers a hybrid that borderlines on the ridge of post-rock, math-rock, hardcore and neocrust, without being too loyal to any of those. Grip zealously to the soundtrack of riots, burning flags and a society on the fringe of collapse... it's not the Arab spring, nor the Mexican spring. Actually, it's nothing but part of the Apocalypse.
NETHERLANDS: Subbacultcha!Spilt Milk - Funeral Blues
For an album which boasts death as its central theme, Spilt Milk's Funeral Blues is not as morbid a listen as you may think. You may recognise the lyrics as a W.H. Auden poem, used in that harrowing funeral scene from Four Weddings And A Funeral that I'm still getting over. But thanks largely to Brenda Bosma's beautiful vocals, the Amsterdam quintet does an impressive job of giving a soft yet jangly, folkish spin to what must be some of the saddest lyrics bouncing around.
PERU: SoTBLa Tornado Lost Band - Wake Up
La Tornado Lost Band is a folk/rock/country duo formed by Gabriel De La Piedra and Rodrigo Melgar. Their warm voices and nostalgic guitar sounds create an atmosphere of loneliness and calm. If you like Wilco, Bon Iver or The Replacements, you will love this duo. Wake Up is taken from their debut EP, Pastores On Strike, a collection of six beautiful songs available for free download from Bandcamp.
POLAND: Łukasz Kuśmierz WeblogHow How - Pinkery The Knight
No, this isn't Animal Collective and we aren't in 2004. How How is a four-piece from Warsaw who play experimental music. Or, as they describe it, "electroacoustic free pop". Pinkery The Knight is taken from their latest EP, Knick-Knack.
PORTUGAL: Posso Ouvir Um Disco?Dear Telephone - That Violin Lesson Sucks
Dear Telephone, whose band name was inspired by a Peter Greenway movie, appeared on MAP in August 2011 with their song Providence, from their first EP. This month they released their debut album Taxi Ballad which continues their path through mildly electronic music ripe for reasoning and wonder, which will please fans of bands like The xx. Dear Telephone is releasing videos for each track on their album, such as this one for That Violin Lesson Sucks.
PUERTO RICO: Puerto Rico IndieIkol Santiago - Tampoco Tanto
Having spent his teenage years and part of his adult life living in the United States, Ikol Santiago returned to Puerto Rico in 2004 and quickly became part of the island's underground hip hop scene. His commanding vocal style - cool yet stern, clear and precise - developed through numerous collaborations with many of the island's greats. Ikol's solo debut, Iguacas, named after the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot, is a deeply personal journey through the MC's experience growing up and trying to find his footing in life. Tampoco Tanto takes a look at our increasingly desperate society, turning anger and anxiety into something closer to wisdom - and perhaps a bit of hope.
ROMANIA: Babylon NoiseQuantum Drive - Echoes (redone)
Quantum Drive, a project from Cluj, started with two guys who found that a shoegaze/indie/60s-revival approach to music fit them very well. Later on, other friends joined them in this journey. They draw their inspiration from bands such as Deerhunter, The Horrors and Tame Impala, and are definitely an act we'll keep our ears on.
SCOTLAND: The Pop CopPrides - Out Of The Blue
Prides are probably the most talked-about new band in Scotland since CHVRCHES. In fact, one listen to the fiendishly addictive Out Of The Blue - a staggering piece of dynamic pop that proclaims the arrival of a hit-ready proposition - proves the two groups share common ground, with Prides' debut single informed by current trends for 80s-leaning electro. It is also reminiscent of MGMT hit Kids, with its distorted, organy synth sound.
SOUTH AFRICA: Musical Mover & Shaker!Beast - Smoke Swig Swear
New supergroup Beast consists of some of the most well-known members from various bands in South Africa. The band's raw, organic sound has captivated audiences and their 'no boundaries' ethos is reflected in their honest rock 'n' roll that is best played at high volume.
SOUTH KOREA: Korean IndieGage - Your Night
Gage is a band featuring members from heavy rock MAP alumni Apollo 18 and The Quip. A complete contrast to the music of those two groups, however, this quintet has a much more acoustic orientation, playing on current trends in Korean music while still creating an original sound. Your Night is taken from Gage's recent self-released and self-titled EP and is a new take on the sort of melodies Apollo 18's Kim Daeinn would create under the alias Jelly Boy.
TURKEY: WEARTBEATThe Free Licks - Hang On
The Free Licks are getting ready to share their Exit Plan EP, which is inspired by the best variations of rock music since the 70s. Although The Free Licks could be categorised as an alt-rock band, its members' varied styles and influences make it much more than that.
UNITED STATES: We Listen For YouCarousel Beach - Ayahuasca
Carousel Beach's impressive self-titled debut runs the gambit of genres as folk bleeds into a 90s rock sensibility, which moves into piano ballads and then makes a turn with grandiose harmonies that bounce around tribal percussion lines. A satisfying listen for anyone and everyone.
VENEZUELA: Música y MásAndreazulado - Alto
Andreazulado is one of the most prominent rock bands in the Venezuelan indie scene. The trio have toured Argentina, Spain, Colombia and the United States and now they are preparing for the release of their fourth album, Apolo, from which first single Alto is taken.
Do novo álbum, "...Like Clockwork", que estará disponível a 3 de junho, os Queens of the Stone Age disponibilizaram um extracto do vídeo de "Kalopsia", o sexto, dos treze temas do disco. Tinhamos já revedo, no nosso perfil no facebok, o extracto de um anterior vídeo mas, dessa vez, para o tema "I Am Missing".
"...Like Clockwork" terá a participação de algumas estrelas do pop/rock, como Alex Turner, Dave Grohl, James Lavelle e Trent Reznor.
ARGENTINA: Zonaindie
Paula y Los Besos - Bailar
Paula y Los Besos is the new musical adventure of singer, songwriter and poet Paula Trama. The band just released eight songs in the form of two EPs that range from acoustic-punk upbeat tunes to tender folk ballads. Bailar is a cover of T. Rex's Cosmic Dancer, with Spanish lyrics adapted by Paula herself. You can hear and download both EPs from their Bandcamp page.
AUSTRALIA: Who The Bloody Hell Are They?
Swimming - Triplebrie
Adelaide's Swimming are sisters Katie and Angie Schilling and friend Sam Reynolds. Triplebrie is the first single from their new record Yes, Tonight. There are plenty of layered vocals and looped sounds on the album, but Swimming's simple outlook on a capella really does its best in an acoustic setting. The trio also sell tea towels as merchandise, so we can't really say anything bad about this band right now.
AUSTRIA: Walzerkönig
Fijuka - Behave (From Now On)
First a drum machine, then a Billie Jean-style bassline and finally synthscapes that embed the voice of Fijuka's Ankathie singing one of the weirdest declarations of love we have ever heard. Fijuka stands for DIY pop with an art school touch. Watch the music video for some Rhönrad wheel action.
BRAZIL: Meio Desligado
FAROFF - Brazilian Star Wars
Can you imagine the Star Wars troopers having fun in a slum in Rio de Janeiro, listening to funk carioca in the summer and surrounded by girls? This is not a new track, but Brazilian Star Wars shows one of the best moments of DJ FAROFF, the name used by Leo Bursztyn, PHD in economics and former guitarist of Brazilian band Móveis Coloniais de Acaju.
CANADA: Quick Before It Melts
Program - Waiting
Program's wall of sound is not insurmountable but it's far from an easy climb. It will challenge you to find a familiar foothold (Is it shoegaze? Is it drone-rock? Is it disco or dance?) but ultimately leaves you breathless with its brilliant audacity. It is a mountain you'll climb over and over again, never once following the same sonic route to its summit.
CHILE: Super 45
Lainus - Montañitas
Lainus is the solo project of Alfredo Ibarra who, after returning from New Zealand, has devoted himself to writing music and rediscovering his country. The Andes is the source of inspiration for his single Montañitas ("Little Mountains"), a catchy electronic pop breeze that links him telepathically to the new pop wave (Passion Pit, Phoenix), the Chilean psychedelic tradition and the now very trendy world music. It's a taster of his next album, due for release in the second half of the year.
COLOMBIA: El Parlante Amarillo
Lina Patiño - Plena Luz
With roots in classical singing, Lina Patiño has been experimenting with jazz, ballads, R&B and classical music. Proof of this is the endless number of projects of different genres she has participated in. But now, in her solo guise, her range takes her a step further than usual. We invite you to listen to Plena Luz ("Full Light"), produced by Eblis Alvarez (Meridian Brothers), in which Lina's vocals are confused and intermingled between bambuco and dark experimental pop.
CUBA: suenacubano.com
Adrian Berazaín y Mauricio Figueiral - Por Una Camarera
This month we cover the association of two young artists: Adrián Berazaín and Mauricio Figueiral. Por Una Camarera ("For A Waitress") is a song in which Cuban rhythms are fused with extraordinary results and will be included in the upcoming releases of both artists separately. Follow these two songwriters closely as they are sure to surprise us with their future output.
DENMARK: All Scandinavian
Lulu Rouge - Grey Heron Man
Five years on from their awesome debut Bless You, electronica legends Lulu Rouge (aka DJs and producers Buda and T.O.M.) released their second full-length, The Song Is In The Drum, at the end of April. If you're into deep, dark and excellently melancholic dub this is one not to miss. Grey Heron Man, one of three instrumentals, is a MAP exclusive download.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: La Casetera
Nelson García - La Bomba
Veteran singer-songwriter Nelson García (formerly known as Nelson Poket) went solo and is now making music under his real name. La Bomba is a rock song with a classic attitude that ticks with new energy and prepares us for his new album release on June 15.
ECUADOR: Plan Arteria
Guanaco - Crónico
After 15 years on the road, Guanaco, one of the most important independent music icons in Ecuador, presents his most ambitious and mature album, Raíz. The record has 16 versatile tracks that blend hip hop with a wide range of urban and Latin sounds. The lyrics of Crónico provide a deep reflection on the use of drugs.
ENGLAND: Drowned In Sound
Ghosting Season - Time Without Question (alternate version)
Ghosting Season are a techno-loving duo from northern England. Until recently, their music was a marriage of glacial post-rock and warm late-night electronica as Worriedaboutsatan. Under their new guise, Gavin Miller and Tom Ragsdale are already readying a second LP of brooding bloops that spiral into something you could call evil party music. This track was featured on our DiS community podcast.
ESTONIA: Rada7.ee
Kannabinõid - Karistus
Kannabinõid are a deafening stoner/doom band from Tallinn. Obviously there are plenty of (Nordic) metal/rock bands but these guys are particularly good. They just received some really good feedback from the international music industry delegates of showcase festival Tallinn Music Week.
FINLAND: Glue
Phenomenal Creature - Perfect Impression
Phenomenal Creature play (mostly) acoustic folk with an intense bluesy feeling, creating songs that are beautifully arranged and decorated with a myriad of little instruments and harmonies.
Perfect Impression is the opener of the band's recently released debut album.
FRANCE: Yet You're Fired
FAUVE - Kané
FAUVE appeared from nowhere in the French music scene at the end of 2011, and after only a few months and four songs, offered for free, they became what many French critics called "the voice of our generation". With beautifully crafted instrumentals, marvellous choirs and words that touch and speak to our feelings and soul directly - putting a finger on our many life problems and crises - they deserve to be known all over the world, even if only using spoken word in Molière's language. Their first EP, Blizzard, is released on May 20.
GERMANY: Coltran
HELMUT - The Tribe
Voice, guitar, loops. More and more artists focus on these instruments to make versatile songs to dream, cry or dance to. HELMUT has the talent to build up a song layer by layer, motif by motif, and then slowly start to variate and deconstruct everything. The live experience of this guy is simply amazing.
GREECE: Mouxlaloulouda
No Clear Mind - Morning Rain In June
No Clear Mind is an unconventional musical experiment that has been evolving constantly from 2004 till now, an open platform of expression, bringing together people who tint everyday inertia, cancelling its discreet yet lingering nature. Borrowing its name from the old neighbourhood of Athens where it was created, Mets, their second album, is a magnificent set awash with texture, atmosphere, strong autobiographical elements, past memories and emotions that provide a hypnotic, surreal soundscape suitable for both day and night dreaming.
INDIA: NH7
Big City Harmonics - Ennio
A former alt-rock band guitarist, Big City Harmonics is Rohan Hastak, a soul-infused, downtempo electronic music producer. Sampling a variety of instruments and vocals, Big City Harmonics offers a fresh take on electronica.
INDONESIA: Deathrockstar
Muchos Libre - Romusa
On Muchos Libre's press release they declare: "In surf we trash! In stage we wrestle! Give us one show, so we'll give you the beast!" They've perhaps watched too much Mexican wrestling as the two vocalists often grapple on stage during their ferocious live shows.
IRELAND: Harmless Noise
Rachael Boyd - Aim Too High
From playing in side-project math rock and pop bands to her own contemporary, improvised solo efforts, the broad strokes of Rachael Boyd's taste in music have gifted the Belfast multi-instrumentalist with a keen grasp of melody and timing. Aim Too High is the title track of a new EP, alternative neo-classical pop with enchanting, urgent piano and strings. Freely flowing with ambition, the slight underlying jitter is calmed by a reassuring vocal intercession. It feeds the need for pop sweetness yet still sounds like substantial brainfood.
ITALY: Polaroid
Wildmen - Zero Generation
Wildmen are a garage rock duo from Rome. Guitar, drums and a lot of raw energy. More than a lot. Their debut album is called Haters Gonna Hate and someone wrote that it sounds like a grungier version of Black Lips. Uhm, well, OK. What if we stop talking and just dance to these marvellous and mighty songs? You will have fun, trust me.
JAPAN: Make Believe Melodies
Metoronori - v_v
The boom in bedroom-based music makers in Japan over the past few years has produced a lot of great artists operating on a very DIY level. Tokyo-based Metoronori is one of the latest in this tradition. She makes discombobulated lo-fi pop where every element falls just into place. Her song v_v demonstrates this well - the sounds she makes seemingly out of step with one another, but the whole thing comes together to create an inviting track.
MALTA: Stagedive Malta
Bletchley Park - Calendars
Bletchley Park is an indie/alternative band who draw influences from post-punk and fuse them with dark rhythms and lyrics. In 2010, they released From Bletchley, With Love, a collection of their first works. Last year's debut album, My Body Fighting, resulted in three nominations at the 2013 Malta Music Awards - Best Album, Best Song for Tight Red Dress and Best Band.
MEXICO: Red Bull Panamérika
Apocalipsis - Jihad
It's easy to behave in a nihilistic way when you are a Mexico City dweller. With no frills other than being raw as reality can get, Apocalipsis delivers a hybrid that borderlines on the ridge of post-rock, math-rock, hardcore and neocrust, without being too loyal to any of those. Grip zealously to the soundtrack of riots, burning flags and a society on the fringe of collapse... it's not the Arab spring, nor the Mexican spring. Actually, it's nothing but part of the Apocalypse.
NETHERLANDS: Subbacultcha!
Spilt Milk - Funeral Blues
For an album which boasts death as its central theme, Spilt Milk's Funeral Blues is not as morbid a listen as you may think. You may recognise the lyrics as a W.H. Auden poem, used in that harrowing funeral scene from Four Weddings And A Funeral that I'm still getting over. But thanks largely to Brenda Bosma's beautiful vocals, the Amsterdam quintet does an impressive job of giving a soft yet jangly, folkish spin to what must be some of the saddest lyrics bouncing around.
PERU: SoTB
La Tornado Lost Band - Wake Up
La Tornado Lost Band is a folk/rock/country duo formed by Gabriel De La Piedra and Rodrigo Melgar. Their warm voices and nostalgic guitar sounds create an atmosphere of loneliness and calm. If you like Wilco, Bon Iver or The Replacements, you will love this duo. Wake Up is taken from their debut EP, Pastores On Strike, a collection of six beautiful songs available for free download from Bandcamp.
POLAND: Łukasz Kuśmierz Weblog
How How - Pinkery The Knight
No, this isn't Animal Collective and we aren't in 2004. How How is a four-piece from Warsaw who play experimental music. Or, as they describe it, "electroacoustic free pop". Pinkery The Knight is taken from their latest EP, Knick-Knack.
PORTUGAL: Posso Ouvir Um Disco?
Dear Telephone - That Violin Lesson Sucks
Dear Telephone, whose band name was inspired by a Peter Greenway movie, appeared on MAP in August 2011 with their song Providence, from their first EP. This month they released their debut album Taxi Ballad which continues their path through mildly electronic music ripe for reasoning and wonder, which will please fans of bands like The xx. Dear Telephone is releasing videos for each track on their album, such as this one for That Violin Lesson Sucks.
PUERTO RICO: Puerto Rico Indie
Ikol Santiago - Tampoco Tanto
Having spent his teenage years and part of his adult life living in the United States, Ikol Santiago returned to Puerto Rico in 2004 and quickly became part of the island's underground hip hop scene. His commanding vocal style - cool yet stern, clear and precise - developed through numerous collaborations with many of the island's greats. Ikol's solo debut, Iguacas, named after the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot, is a deeply personal journey through the MC's experience growing up and trying to find his footing in life. Tampoco Tanto takes a look at our increasingly desperate society, turning anger and anxiety into something closer to wisdom - and perhaps a bit of hope.
ROMANIA: Babylon Noise
Quantum Drive - Echoes (redone)
Quantum Drive, a project from Cluj, started with two guys who found that a shoegaze/indie/60s-revival approach to music fit them very well. Later on, other friends joined them in this journey. They draw their inspiration from bands such as Deerhunter, The Horrors and Tame Impala, and are definitely an act we'll keep our ears on.
SCOTLAND: The Pop Cop
Prides - Out Of The Blue
Prides are probably the most talked-about new band in Scotland since CHVRCHES. In fact, one listen to the fiendishly addictive Out Of The Blue - a staggering piece of dynamic pop that proclaims the arrival of a hit-ready proposition - proves the two groups share common ground, with Prides' debut single informed by current trends for 80s-leaning electro. It is also reminiscent of MGMT hit Kids, with its distorted, organy synth sound.
SOUTH AFRICA: Musical Mover & Shaker!
Beast - Smoke Swig Swear
New supergroup Beast consists of some of the most well-known members from various bands in South Africa. The band's raw, organic sound has captivated audiences and their 'no boundaries' ethos is reflected in their honest rock 'n' roll that is best played at high volume.
SOUTH KOREA: Korean Indie
Gage - Your Night
Gage is a band featuring members from heavy rock MAP alumni Apollo 18 and The Quip. A complete contrast to the music of those two groups, however, this quintet has a much more acoustic orientation, playing on current trends in Korean music while still creating an original sound. Your Night is taken from Gage's recent self-released and self-titled EP and is a new take on the sort of melodies Apollo 18's Kim Daeinn would create under the alias Jelly Boy.
TURKEY: WEARTBEAT
The Free Licks - Hang On
The Free Licks are getting ready to share their Exit Plan EP, which is inspired by the best variations of rock music since the 70s. Although The Free Licks could be categorised as an alt-rock band, its members' varied styles and influences make it much more than that.
UNITED STATES: We Listen For You
Carousel Beach - Ayahuasca
Carousel Beach's impressive self-titled debut runs the gambit of genres as folk bleeds into a 90s rock sensibility, which moves into piano ballads and then makes a turn with grandiose harmonies that bounce around tribal percussion lines. A satisfying listen for anyone and everyone.
VENEZUELA: Música y Más
Andreazulado - Alto
Andreazulado is one of the most prominent rock bands in the Venezuelan indie scene. The trio have toured Argentina, Spain, Colombia and the United States and now they are preparing for the release of their fourth album, Apolo, from which first single Alto is taken.
