An English chap who goes by the name of Mais Um Gringo, earlier this year took himself on a journey of musical discovery around Brazil. What he uncovered was a fascinating and vibrant variation of exciting new styles and genres which changed greatly from region to region and upon his return he did the smartest thing he possibly could… he put together a compilation.
The 2CD ‘Oi! A Nova Musica Brasileira’ is one of the most interesting world compilations I’ve heard in a very long time and this very haunting piece of modern Brazilian folk ‘Cara De Bronze’ by Siba E Roberto Correa is a particular highlight for me. The song calls out to the violeiro (guitar player) who spends the whole night searching for the perfect song.
These boys first came to my attention around the time of the first Broken Sound Podcast where I played out a free taster tune called Lost & Lonely. I’ve kept my eye on the band’s steady progress since then and just had to give them another mention upon hearing this month’s epic new single Fever Rising. It’s nothing less than a 3 minute monster, with a bass riff that has a very bad attitude, laden with hooks and drops of euphoria worthy of any classic dance record all of which highlights how versatile and mature the songwriting is. It’s an early taster for the band’s increasingly anticipated debut album which I can’t wait to hear, nor can I wait to see them live.
A couple of weeks back, Bella Union showcased some of their newest signings over at one of my favourite London venues, Union Chapel. Bella Union have been responsible for some of my favourite records- their incredible roster includes such awesomeness as Peter Broderick, Fleet Foxes, and Alessi’s Ark (the latter of which opened up this night with what I think was my favourite gig of hers to date). They’re a phenomenal label who’ve had some hugely successful releases, but always retain the feel, passion and love of a small indie. This is probably because they are. Bella Union is 2 people pouring their hearts and souls into everything they do. It’s a beautiful achievement. On their site they write “Our reason for being here is simple. We are a Home.” Bella Union is exactly that.
A real highlight for me on this particular night was the first UK show from Mountain Man - a (mainly) acappella americana/folk trio from Vermont. Three of the most beautiful voices you could hope for. Tight harmonies are totally my bag, and Mountain Man have this stuff completely nailed. Their set opened away from the stage, up in the rafters of the Union Chapel, with a different voice on each side of the room. Amazing. They then continued their set on the stage, completely unplugged, and equally amazing. They’ll be back in the UK for a tour starting on August 25th, and are also playing at Green Man and End Of The Road. Three cheers for Bella Union, three (perfectly harmonised) cheers for Mountain Man.
I’ve been meaning to write about Crystal Fighters for aaaaages. A band we’ve caught a few times now and always absolutely loved. Paul just passed me over this AMAZING stop motion video for their new single In The Summer (out since Monday through Zirkulo). The song is, of course, also the balls. Head over to their Myspace page to download the Tek One remix for free. Crystal Fighters first came to our attention last year with their single Xtatic Truth (through the amazing Kitsune). They’re brilliant live, go see for yourself at The Secret Garden Party on July 24th.
These are my favourite shoes in the whole world. They belong to Anika, of Anika In London, and they have seen an insane amount of amazing gigs. Well gigged shoes=a pair or ears you can definitely trust. Anika puts on incredible shows, makes brilliant drawings, music videos, takes photos, and lots of other awesome stuff. Check it all out here. Last night I was at her show at The Black Heart in Camden, and a damn fine night it was too. Joe Innes was on absolute top form, and Kat Burns of Forest City Lovers played a stunning solo set - so much darker than when with her band, and absolutely beautiful. Her voice is totally perfect, and her guitar looping goodness was a gorgeous touch.
Headlining, was a band who’s name seems to be cropping up more and more of late, and rightly so - Ghost Bees. Twin sisters Sari and Romy Lightman are on to something very special. There are occasional reminders of Joanna Newsom, a perfect merging of contemporary and more traditional folk, incredible arrangements, and some really amazing lyrics and harmonies. Their debut album Tasseomancy is an absolute triumph, it’s out through Youth Club Records - you should definitely check it out. Tonight they’re at The Luminaire, supporting the brilliant Timber Timbre. See you there.
Last Wednesday was spent on The Tamesis Dock for the latest installment of God Don’t Like It/Moonshine Jamboree’s brilliant summer shows (every Wednesday in case you were wondering - go go go). I was there to catch Liz Green, who was absolutely stunning as always. An awesome surprise though came from Laura Hocking. This was my first time catching her and she was phenomenally good- her band are brilliant players, and her lyrics and voice are really something else. To see what I mean check out the acapella of Loves Of A Girl Wrestler on her myspace page. Nice to see she’ll be playing with another favourite of ours, Lulu And The Lampshades at 93 Feet East on 11th June. Definitely worth getting down to.
We haven’t blogged about Rachael Dadd for ages have we? Definitely not. Here’s a gorgeous new song ‘The Wind And The Mountain’, filmed by Bradley Steenkamp at her recent Union Chapel show. Such an incredible voice…
I am INSANELY excited that Forest Fire are getting ready to return to the UK for some amazing shows with another favourite band of mine, Phosphorescent. Forest Fire haven’t been back here since Rough Trade put their phenomenal debut album Survival in their “Top 10 Best Albums of the Year”, these shows are going to be something very special indeed. Our European brothers & sisters needn’t feel left out, they’re heading your way too! Full dates are on our events page, European shows begin on 19th May, and they’ll be in the UK from 2nd-5th June, finishing in Amsterdam on 6th June. Below is a little reminder of some of the praise that was given to that glorious album (which incidentally you can buy right here along with a free re-worked EP)…
“Album of the Year” - La Blogotheque
“Superior lofi indie-Americana…an intriguing record well worth your time: perfect for kicking back with a beer and losing yourself in” - Clash 8/10
“An exercise in urban’n'western with art-punk underpinnings…Lyrically sharp, but musically savvy too” - Uncut 4/5
“Their sound is noisily, knowingly ragged and their lyrics contrastingly romantic…Rock classicism smoulders in this Forest Fire” - Mojo 4/5
“Piping hot…convincingly seductive in it’s wooziness” - NME
…and there’s an awesome new video for Fortune Teller. Amazing.
The Mariner’s Children are without a doubt one of the best things to have ever happened ever. I’d dread to think how many times we’ve caught them live now, and they just keep getting better. We’ve watched them grow from a lineup of just 3 (which I might add was still INCREDIBLE) to an epic collective of seven awesome players all doing their bit to create something undeniably unique and genuinely heartfelt. Ben’s voice still absolutely kills me every time, and his lyrics are nothing short of phenomenal (”Your breath pirouettes through the cold and the wet, rising up like a ghost in the morning”).
So, they’re currently involved in The Green Poll to open up The Green Man Festival. This would be nothing short of ‘the balls’. They need votes to do it though, so get clicking here. You can re-vote every 24 hours, and your vote could win you a weekend ticket to the festival, and my eternal love. Spread the word.
Last Tuesday saw a trip to Camden’s Black Heart to catch Nashville’s newest export, Caitlin Rose. At only 22 she’s doing some truly incredible things. Her debut EP ‘Dead Flowers’ came out not-so-long-ago through Names Records (who can do literally no wrong - see also Alela Diane, She Keeps Bees… and everything else they’ve put out). It’s a gorgeous EP, a really great mix of vintage sounds and some occasionally more modern subject matter. AND it’s got a biog on the back of the vinyl. Why doesn’t anyone do that anymore? Love it. Anyway, the show was stunning, and all the more so because she was joined by her bassist Jordan Caress (playing guitar for this show). Her voice is so well matched next to Caitlin, perfect. You really can’t fault Caitlin’s voice or songwriting - I’m admittedly not a huge fan of most of that Nashville country sound (cue beatdown), but she totally makes it her own. Miss Rose also swears quite a lot between songs, was on both beer and wine during her set, and seems to be quite a vocal fan of smoking. Collectively this makes her pretty much ‘the most awesome girl in the world’ in my book. Here’s one of my favourite songs of the night, Docket…
