3hive fan and former student of mine Max says these guys are “the new hotness.” (He had terrible punctuation and capitalization in his e-mail message touting the band, so maybe that B+ I gave him in Composition was a bit of a gift, eh?) “Australia’s indie-pop chamber orchestra,” according to Bar None, offers up a great windows-down, warm-weather treat here, a version of their track “Do the Whirlwind” remixed by the UK’s Metronomy. Check the band’s website for a video of the original version of the song and assorted other treats.
Islands
For some reason I really enjoy beating Clay to the punch. Not even sure why. But I know he’s gonna be bummed he didn’t find this one first, because he really likes The Unicorns. And Islands consists of two members of The Unicorns, Nick and J’aime, after what sounds like an ugly break-up. They crossed paths in Los Angeles on the set of Woody Allen’s “Melinda and Melinda” as walk-ons in the same scene. Fate, and mutual pity, brought the two closer together when both their parts were cut from the film (side note: OK, I’ve always wanted to be an extra in a Woody Allen film—Juliet Taylor if you’re reading this and Woody ever has a bit part for a thumbless guy, call me—and I’d be hating it too if I got that close!). We feel your pain and love the result: more crisp, clean pop from Montreal. Thanks to Filter for digging up the MP3.
Sukpatch
They’re back! They’re back! Sukpatch are back! After a near seven-year hiatus, Chris and Steve are finally about to drop a new full-length full of polished bedroom beats, guitar loops, and slacker poetry on our aching ears. (If you need to get caught up on these fools, head over to Slabco and download their first two albums for free, ’cause that’s how Slabco rolls.) To celebrate their new release, Sukpatch have put out an open call for remixes. Go to the Music section of their site to download remix files and instructions. The rest is up to you…and Reason, Ableton, Cakewalk, Acid, or whatever the kids are using these days. Good luck on that.
The Situation
With The La’s making a comeback, it might be time for some young lads from this side of the Atlantic to bring back that Manchester feeling in their own Americanized way. The strong bassline, Philadelphia-accented nasally vocals, and infectious rhythm make it clear that The Situation have taken their cue from the flop-topped Brit-pops of the early ’90s. But that’s a good thing when you add a little Philly soul.
POSTSCRIPT: As Oliver astutely pointed out in the comments below, The La’s are actually a product of Liverpool, which geographically is just a short drive from Manchester but psychologically may as well be Athens to Manchester’s Sparta—or vice-versa if you prefer. Anyhow, rest assured of one thing: The Situation is still from Philly, and they still rock it.
Guggenheim Grotto
This is soft music with slight edges. As such, it’s probably some of the most accessible stuff posted on 3hive for people into folk, Iron & Wine and understated strings. These tracks from GG’s A Lifetime in Heat EP are touching tracks that your average Sum41 or Good Charlotte fan will run screaming from. These tracks are perfect for bringing up next time someone says, “they don’t write songs like this anymore”.
Young and Sexy
Aside from the obvious ploy to boost our search engine traffic, I offer up Young and Sexy to add to Sean’s early nominations for Pop Album of the Year. This Vancouver outfit’s thoughtful, epic take on pop makes them a perfect foil for the Figurines’ scruffy charm or Field Music’s fleeting sugar rushes. Me, I’ve got all three in heavy rotation. Who says there can only be one Pop Album of the Year? Well, the oddsmakers, I suppose. Best believe there’d be rioting in Vegas if we ended up with a three-way tie…
Field Music
Field Music is somewhat of an all-star band in their hometown of Sunderland up there in the northeast corner of England. They’ve shared members with Futureheads and loaned out the drummer from Maximo Park for some album duties. Their debut album hit back in August of last year in the UK drawing comparisons to “Wire arranged by the Beach Boys,” and The Beatles. And when the band lists influences ranging from My Bloody Valentine to Stravinsky to Big Star to Duke Ellington you get your hopes up. Field Music fails to disappoint. It’ll be out next month in the States and I’m calling it the pop album to beat this year. I know for a fact they’ll be going mano a mano with Figurines for my attention. One last note, when you buy the album listen for them lifting Lloyd Cole & The Commotions’ “Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken” verbatim for the bridge in “Pieces.”
Antennas
Whaddya know, these audioblog things are just plain spiffy—a fantastic way to hear new music. Really! Sniffing around today I see that Blair over at Music For Robots is getting some great mail from Antennas. So head over there and grab “Adapt” from MFR before it goes offline. Then treat yourself here to “Always On My Mind.” What I’m really digging on from Antennas is their density. And I don’t mean their McFlybian destiny. There is so much going on in this song, so many layers: strings, horns, whirring electronics, handclaps, and vibraphone. Of course it’s probably all MIDI, but what do I care. It works. It holds together without being overwhelming. Throw in the vocal drama of Jeff Buckley and we’ve really got something here. Great find Blair! (Note: The two Novak tracks included are from the band’s original 2003 demo when they were called Novak).
Victor Scott
By all accounts Victor Scott shouldn’t be aspiring to what he aspires to — rhythmless porn-funk on “Gotta Go,” hybrid-power balladeering on “Mareel,” couch-surfer-rock on “Golf,” lounge-hop on “Airstream” — but he does. And it works very well. Fans of the eminent Honky King Calvin Johnson will see in Scott the same irresistibly affectless soul. Fans of Quentin Tarantino and David Lynch soundtracks will see in Scott a torch singer who croons charming oddities as if they were ageless standards. Victor’s a different chap, that’s for sure, but once you catch on to his wavelength, you’ll want to ride his current all the way to the shore.
The Amazing Pilots
The Amazing Pilots are actually two amazing brothers, Phil and Paul Wilkinson, of Coleraine, Northern Ireland (Come on you Bannsiders!), although they have relocated to Dublin. They play this amazing (sorry) pop that soars like the wonderous landscape of the North Antrim coast, providing relief from the cramped housing estates of Coleraine. This same pop is remniscent of the sounds of Moose, the lilting acoustic guitar, the wandering slide guitar, and a pop sensibility that can get those toes a-tapping. They’re one of what, 1,200 bands, playing SXSW, so for anyone attending who needs some help filtering through all the choices, remember, the Amazing Pilots.