✖ FACENOISE ✖

Writing a review of Modern Vampires of the City was never going to be difficult given the love I have for Vampire Weekend. Since I first heard Cape Cod back sometime in 2007, I have been a dedicated fan of the New York boys and the newest record serves only to further this relationship.

Modern Vampires is the band’s third record, following Contra in 2010 and their self-titled freshman release in 2008, and it is undoubtedly the most mature of the three. While the first record was an indie pop introduction to the affluent world of preppy New York, and the second a more experimental comment on growing up, the third appears to focus on a genuine and thought-provoking exploration into faith and love and the connection between the two.

The song titles suggest religious themes, with tracks called ‘Unbelievers’ and ‘Worship You’, along with ‘Everlasting Arms’ and ‘Ya Hey’ (sounding suspiciously like Yahweh), and the lyrics only compound this interpretation. There are constant mentions of Babylon and Zion throughout the album, and the mournful ‘Ya Hey’ appears to document Ezra’s existential crisis, questioning man’s relationship with God and His role in the world stating ‘Oh, the motherland don’t love you/ The fatherland don’t love you/ So why love anything?’ Equally, ‘Unbelievers’ appears to demand a validation of faith, lamenting ‘I know I love you/ and you love the sea/ but what Holy water contains/ a little drop, little drop for me?’ This verse seems almost prayer-like in that Ezra is pleading for some recognition that he is correct from God in the way countless believers have done before him, and the imploring appears to stem from a fear that his faith is as unfounded as the views of an unbeliever.

‘Hannah Hunt’, arguably the strongest track on the album, combines this religious fervour with a comment on love. ‘A man of faith said hidden eyes could see what I was thinking/ I just smiled and told him that was only true of Hannah’ jokingly compares the terrifying omniscience of God with the fear Hannah Hunt instils and her perceived power over him. Ezra arguably uses Hannah Hunt as a model for upper class American girls, employing the name Hunt to reference the oil billionaire H.L. Hunt, and suggesting that while they share a special connection, ‘There’s no future, there’s no answer’ to the issues in their relationship. This is a sharp change from the optimism seen in the first two albums, and appears to be indicative of the pain present throughout the album. ‘Step’ talks of a love affair with music continuing this sadness stating ‘We saw the stars when they hid from the world/ You cursed the sun when it stepped to your girl’. In saying this, the protagonist appears to talk of his relationship with unknown music, and ensuing frustration when it became popular. While the narrator endeavours to protect his love, he finally admits that ‘The truth is she doesn’t need me to protect her’ presenting an exhaustion new to the band and a strong sign of their growth.

That said there are some fantastically upbeat moments on the record, which return to the upbeat indie-pop that brought Vampire Weekend to fame. ‘Diane Young’, arguably a play on ‘Dying Young’, jokes about the likelihood of reaching maturity given the chaos of juvenile life. This is particularly evident in the lines ‘Out of control but you’re playing a role/ Do you think you can go ‘til the 18th hole’ and ‘Irish and proud, baby, naturally/ But you got the luck of a Kennedy’, satirising the terrible luck of the Kennedys in dying before their time. Even here however there is an unprecedented maturity with the song ending ‘Live my life in self-defence/ You know I love the past, ’cause I hate suspense…’ suggesting a weariness and satire that despite the dangers of the future, it is to be relished and this fact should not be forgotten.

As a totality Modern Vampires is certainly greater than the sum of its parts. A wonderful album, Vampires presents a new side to the group that finally crushes the classic criticism that they are nothing more than a one-dimensional bunch of preppy Ivy-Leaguers. The emotion and religious exploration in the record show the developing wisdom of the group and the wonderful progression in music making they have undergone since the heady days of A-Punk. Thank you Vampire Weekend, this has made my May.

MB.

Summer On FaceNoise

Mon, 06 May 2013 17:11:00 +0100

The perfect companion to your Summer. Everything we think you need for hot days and long nights. Enjoy.

Find it on our YouTube channel here.

1. Diane Young - Vampire Weekend

2. A + E - Clean Bandit

3. Something Good (Chesslo Junior Remix) - Alt J

4. Bill Cosby - Tj Atoms

5. Suit & Tie (Aeroplane Remix) - Justin Timberlake

6. Pumped Up Kids (Acid Invaders Remix) - Foster The People

7. Valentine’s Day - David Bowie

8. Friday Nights Ft. French Horn Rebellion - Viceroy

9. White Lies - Max Frost

10. Let Me Show You Love (Kevin McKay Remix) - Romanthony

11. The Mother We Share (Miaoux Miaoux Remix) - CHVRCHES

12. Who Did That To You? - John Legend

13. Quicksand - Jacques Greene

14. Get Lucky (M-Rock’s Bangin’ Disco Mix) - Daft Punk

15. Boardwalk - Tijuana Panthers

16. Entertainment - Phoenix

17. Aubrey Plaza (Shields Remix) - Bear Cavalry

18. Kartoon Emperor - Chester Watson

19. Lolie Pop - Travelling Day

20. Second Summer (RAC Remix) - Yacht

21. White Leather - Wolf Alice

22. Colourful Day (Seams Remix) - Alan Pownall

23. She Changes The Weather - Swim Deep

24. Fly Away (Poolside Edit) - Laid Back

25. Hours (Teen Daze Remix) - Tycho

26. Heavy Feet - Local Natives

27. Take Me To The Sea - Salt Cathedral

28. Fantasy - MS MR

29. Little Sister - Drop Electric

30. Cannibal - Marika Hackman

31. Master Hunter - Laura Marling

32. From Above (Jack Steadman Remix) - Rae Morris

33. Wasting My Young Years (N.D.M.A Remix) - London Grammar

34. Late Night (Koreless Remix) - Foals

35. Back To Black - Beyonce x André 3000

36. Mirrors - Justin Timberlake

37. LA Again ft. Michna - K.Flay

38. King Wizard - Kid Cudi

39. Mast (Yale x Classixx) - DJ Topsider

40. Inhaler - Foals

41. Mozart’s House (XXXY Remix) - Clean Bandit

42. Sun (Viceroy Remix) - Two Door Cinema Club

43. $100 Bill - Jay Z

44. Only For Tonight (Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs Remix) ft. Sasha Keable - Zinc

45. Electrified - Young-Wonder

46. Electricity - FMLYBND

47. Honey - Swim Deep

Peace.

MB.

Disclosure feat. Eliza Doolittle - You & Me

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:19:00 +0100

Disclosure have been 2013’s breakthrough sensation. Although we’ve been raving about them for over a year now, its only this year where their two debut singles “Latch” and “White Noise” brought them into the public eye and into the charts, reaching number 1 and 2 respectively.

Their latest effort features female artist Eliza Doolittle.The track was premiered this evening by Annie Mac and is called “You & Me”. Slamming basslines and smooth vocals a-plenty.

Listen here.

Enjoy, and have a good weekend everyone.

News: What is going on with Jai Paul?

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:20:38 +0100

Arguably the biggest news in music over the weekend was the release of Jai Paul’s HIGHLY (when I say highly I mean like super high) anticipated release of his self titled debut album. It was released on his supposed official Bandcamp page on Saturday evening. Something didn’t seem right. I took a back seat and watched the internet blow up and see every single blog cover the ‘new release’. It has now emerged that Jai Paul emailed Owen Myers of Dazed & Confused Magazine (the only magazine that Paul has ever done an interview with) and told him that his laptop had been stolen. The crook had been charging £7 to buy the album. Paul tweeted earlier to confirm that the release was not in fact his doing. What Paul did confirm is that the tracks were his demo’s which we are all guessing were going to be on his album in some shape or form anyway. I have not even listened to any of the ‘new’ tracks yet, but by all accounts, they are amazing, which is understandable based on his previous efforts.

For those of you who don’t know Jai Paul, he is one of the most talented and exciting young producers out there, and his 2007 track “BTSTU” ended up being sampled by the likes of Drake and Beyonce. His follow up track “Jasmine”also achieved huge critical acclaim which was released last year.

Its a real pity that this has happened, and I can imagine his label XL Recordings are even more annoyed than his fans.

Will be interesting to see what happens next, but all i can say is I’m happy that he has been working on new material!

White Lies - Max Frost

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:32:16 +0100

Something of a teen-prodigy, Max Frost was a regular on the Texas unsigned scene before he turned 18. Unfortunately however this local fame seems to have struggled to spread outside of his home state, but that is hopefully about to change.

His newest release, White Lies, is a gorgeous track I simply can’t stop listening to, mixing funk, indie and a bit of soul producing a uniquely modern Southern sound. The track has been played over 100,000 times in the 21 days since its posting, so hopefully this marks his shift from relative anonymity to receiving the praise he duly deserves.

If White Lies takes your fancy, I’d strongly advise you to give him a follow on Twitter, or check out his Soundcloud for more of the same, as I’m expecting big things from Frost in the near future.

Bros - Wolf Alice

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:46:00 +0100

I am a massive fan of the quantity of soft, female vocal-ed indie folk around at the moment. As we had the male folk explosion of Bon Iver, Ben Howard, Benjamin Francis Lefwitch etc a few years back, now it’s the turn of Lucy Rose, Daughter, Rae Morris and one of my personal favourites, Wolf Alice.

Bros is their newest piece, and with Kings of Leon-esque guitar riffs the track is a more up tempo release compared to some of their slower, more melodic pieces (see White Leather). This said, this is a fresh sound for the North London foursome and worth a listen if you have any time for any of the artists mentioned above.

Peace.

Pusha T - Numbers On The Boards

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:52:00 +0100

Yesterday was a good day. First we had a new Jay track, then Kanye tweeted this: “Our family Hov brought that real hip hop shit this morning so me and Pusha wanna keep that feeling going”.

There has been some doubt over who produced this track but rumour has it, it was in fact Kanye who made this clunky beat.

Listen here.

Video: Wildcuts - Who Did That To You? (John Legend cover for Ont' Sofa Gibson Sessions)

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:12:00 +0100

Wildcuts, a trio made up of Theo Byrd, Jamie Davies and Jack Manser are, as their Facebook page states, “an original, multi-instrumental indie folk band influenced by early ‘west coast’ harmonies that combine punchy guitar rhythms with soulful vocals”. I’d say that’s pretty accurate. These guys are certainly ones to watch and here are seen doing a session for Ont’ Sofa for their Gibson Sessions.

The trio have been doing a lot of gigs in and around London over the past few months so if you’re ever around make sure you get down to one of their shows.

You can “like” them on Facebook here to keep up to date with all things Wildcuts.

Listen to the “Who Did That To You?” cover, here.

Keep it up guys.

Who is K.Flay

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:11:29 +0100

Kristine Flaherty, more commonly known as K.Flay, is not your typical Hip Hop artist. Attending Stanford University from 2004-7 majoring in Psychology, hailing from a suburban Illinois town just north of Chicago, and not exactly looking like your usual rapper, Flaherty arguably lacks the entry requirements for the traditionally ‘thug-life’ hip hop scene. Fortunately for her, K.Flay’s sound and the deeper meaning behind her lyrics undoubtedly pay her way.

I first stumbled across K.Flay when reading into the background of Bret Easton Ellis’s fantastic debut novel, Less Than Zero. A Google search of the title brought up her track of the same name, which is based loosely on the book pushing the themes of youthful decadence and teen disillusionment present throughout the novel. The track samples the XX’s Crystallised, and K.Flay’s reworking of the hit bringing in an edgy flow juxtaposed with a smooth chorus is an audible delight.

Following this discovery I delved deeper into the enigmatic world of Kristine Flaherty, and soon realised she was by no means a one hit wonder. Her most recent track, Hail Mary (ft. Danny Brown), initially sounds like the kind of music one would hear pumped out of speakers at a moronic frat-boy college party, but a closer listen suggests there’s more to the track than is first evident. The lyrics give glimmers of a dark inner voice, kicking back at the system she is so much a part of.

Her single LA Again (ft. Michna) is similarly a cutting satire of the world she resides in, relating both to Hail Mary’s subtle ridicule of college life and Less Than Zero’s exhaustion with the lifestyle of those who have too much money at too young an age. Speaking of fake accents and men who keep telling her about movies they have written, Flay states how she doesn’t want to talk about ‘your Dad or your job or your cab ride back to your pad in Milan’, and simply wants to ‘get gone’. Sounding like a modern day Holden Caulfield, the disenchantment is a recurring theme throughout her work, shown perfectly through the mix-tape titled ‘I stopped caring in ‘96’ in all giving a fascinating edge to what would otherwise be pretty run of the mill Hip Hop.

K.Flay has two mix-tapes and a number of EPs available from her website, some free some not, and her SoundCloud is a veritable gold-mine for those who take a fancy to her music. I implore you to have a proper listen, as there is certainly more here than meets the eye.

Hope you enjoy,

MB.

In Focus: Eric Lau

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:30:00 +0100

Who is he?

(Taken from his official website) Eric Lau is a London-based producer, known for his work with an array of international artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Chris Dave, Guilty Simpson, Oddisee, Muhsinah, Kaidi Tatham, Olivier Daysoul, and a family of artists from London including Dego, Tawiah, Rahel and Fatima.

In addition to his production work he is also a well-respected DJ having toured the world as well as supported acts such as Erykah Badu, Questlove and Robert Glasper. As well as being the sound engineer for LA based BTS Radio, he has also provided mixes for renowned music platforms such as RBMA Radio, Put Me On It and Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide.

His debut album ‘New Territories’, released on Ubiquity Records to great critical acclaim was nominated as one of Gilles Peterson’s Top Albums of the Year 2008, and established him as a key name at the forefront of progressive new production talent.

His follow-up EP’s and instrumental projects in 2010, 2011 & 2012 saw him work with Grammy® nominated artist Muhsinah, Washington DC rapper Oddisee and Detroit native Guilty Simpson. It also saw him begin to collaborate with multi-instrumentalist Kaidi Tatham (Bugz in the Attic), a partnership that can be heard most fruitfully on his upcoming album “One of Many”.

Key tracks?

Lau has just put out a new single featuring some heavenly vocals from female singer Rahel, called “Everytime”. As far as his earlier stuff goes, his EP called “The Mission” is really great, as well as his debut album “Quadrivium”.

Watch out for more of this guy in the coming months as he releases his sophomore album “One Of Many”.

TNGHT - Acrylics

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:04:00 +0100

For those who don’t know, TNGHT is made up of Scottish born and bred Hudson Mohawke and the Canadian maestro, Lunice. 2012 was a breakthrough year for them, with their self titled debut EP gaining wide critical acclaim, even getting the likes of Kanye, Lil Wayne (sigh) and Waka Flocka Flame excited.

This is a new track called “Acrylics” and is accompanied by a nice little video which showcasing their seemingly never ending tour dates.

Watch/listen here.

Jay-Z - Open Letter (Prod. Timbaland & Swizz Beatz)

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:03:00 +0100

Everyone knows Jay doesn’t like people on his back, and what better way to come back at “haters” than to drop a brand new track featuring production from two of the best in the business, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz. After announcing he was selling his shares in the Brooklyn Nets, getting criticised by politicians for his trip to Cuba and mock stories about his new sports management agency, Hova hits back with a smooth dis track.

There’s even a Chief Keef diss: “Might buy a kilo from Chief Keef”. What more do you want? A new record I hear you say? That may come sooner than you think. Watch this space.

Listen here.

Rae Morris - From Above (Jack Steadman Remix)

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:09:00 +0100

Rae Morris, hailing from sunny Blackpool, is a 20 year old singer songwriter who I was lucky enough to see about a year ago when she supported Noah & The Whale at the Royal Albert Hall. I was absolutely blown away by the gig, and a lot of touring has been done since then, showing both her commitment to improving and the support she is amassing, including dates with Tom Odell.

This is a relatively new track from Rae, called “From Above” which in fact she did a video for (find it here). Bombay Bicycle Club front man Jack Steadman is a great producer himself, and he gave his hand at remixing the track and the result is tremendous.

Listen here.

Ghost Loft - So High

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:58:00 +0100

For most of you, Ghost Loft will be a new name. The LA producer has been on my radar for a while now, and he dropped his first single last month which was called “Seconds”. “So High” is a new track from him which he shared via his Soundcloud, and his amalgamation of ambient melancholy with some cracking vocals make us crave for more.

Listen here.

Video: Jessie Ware - Imagine It Was Us

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:51:00 +0100

Jessie has had a brilliant year or so with the success of her debut album “Devotion”. This new track, “Imagine It Was Us”, is a bonus track from the record and hits the same heights which are present throughout her phenomenal first record.

You can watch the video for “Imagine It Was Us” here. The track is out April 16th (US) and 15th (UK).

MMX - CHILD EP Review

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:07:15 +0100

As one of my hot picks for Rock 2013, it seems only fair that I review MMX’s new E.P, Child. Coming from a previous band that I loved, Francesqa, these four lads from Oxford have put together four songs that are almost truly original; high praise in today’s saturated market of indie bands.

Opener Mercy sets the tone with its sparkling guitar, distant drums and synth which are the appropriate backing for the huge talents of vocalist Ashley Wilkie. His voice simmers beautifully through three octaves and his lyrics, although a little dark, only add to the celestial nature of the piece. Stay follows a similar style with organs, but a more upbeat drum section on the track really brings the EP to life. This shouldn’t be described as depressing however; the dark lyrics seem somewhat uplifting and inspiring amidst the vast musical talent on display.

Ten, which has been recorded beautiful in their live video at St. Michael’s Church here, offers more of the same subtle brilliance that will stand MMX apart from their contemporaries. Strained vocals from Wilkie are teemed only with an understated synth and dreamy guitar chords, and the harmonising talents of all four of the band are shown in the uplifting chorus. Ritual, the final track on the EP, is one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. The tribal drums and synth akin to Scottish group CHVRCHES are gorgeous, but MMX outshine the hottest band of the moment, through the amazing lyrics and singing of Wilkie. Describing the mourning of friend’s death could easily have been overdone, but he perfectly encapsulates the despair fuelled by “praying to trade my life; I sore the fear in your mother’s eyes.” As a piece of music, its hauntingly brilliant.

The pulsating finale to the EP finishes one of the best debuts (sort of) from a band I’ve ever heard. It resembles a bespoke suit; not many will ever experience it and there are plenty of cheaper alternatives, yet few can match the quality and craftsmanship on display that will be appreciated by those who know what they’re looking at. More of the same please, gentlemen.

The E.P can be streamed on SoundCloud.

She Changes The Weather is the newest single from Swim...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:56:03 +0100

She Changes The Weather is the newest single from Swim Deep’s highly anticipated debut album ‘Where The Heaven Are We’ (out July 29th) and the accompanying video is absolutely gorgeous. The video makes very little sense but is a fascinating watch, with some fantastically ethereal underwater scenes and crisp production on what I would imagine wasn’t a massive budget. Check it out.

Hidden Gems

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:54:00 +0100

XS returns with the 5th fantastic installment of Hidden Gems for your audio amusement. Enjoy, but remember, you heard it here first.

Over the last two months I’ve been busy immersing myself in the very best from all corners of the musical spectrum, and I’m now ready to bring you Hidden Gems 5 – The Re-union Edition. Hope it was worth the wait.

Twos x Tours - As We Strive

Twos does stunning electronic ambient music. This collaboration with Tours sees the chill-wave producer take on not a wholly different sound but one that is potentially more widely appealing. As We Strive has numerous layers of higher than high, cut and paste vocals all carried along by dreamy electronica and hip-hop beats.

Glass Candy – Geto Boys

Glass Candy have something distinctly sensual about their work. The mix of echoed spoken vocals (“for a good time, call Glass Candy”), silky basslines and a Gorillaz 19-2000esque make their re-released 2008 single a delight if you’re into sugary laid-back pop. Try also the disco-inspired Warm In The Winter.

Casual Sex – Soft School

This one from Glasgow pop punks Casual Sex comes on like a freight train headed straight at you. The result is something brooding and wonderful that makes you want to shake and convulse like an epileptic zombie.

Wildarms – Full Hearts (Doss Remix)

Elusive and self-classified ‘ex (?) binaural beat DJ’ Doss takes the warped hip-hop sounds of NY producer Wildarms and moulds from them a stylish electronic piece tinged with drum’n’bass kicks and sprawling sampled horns. For more Doss see also her mix of How To Dress Well’s ‘& It Was You’.

Blackfeet Braves – Misery Loves Company

Delightful psychedelic tones from the San Diego five-piece.

Lion Babe – Treat Me Like Fire

Okay it’s gone massive - they have support from the likes of Solange Knowles and Bondax - but I just had to share with you this debut track from NY duo Lion Babe. Soulful, R&B streaked vocals dive in and out amongst glam and groove reverberations while the whole lot is topped off by some crafty crackling production. Sweet.

Rachel Zeffira – Wintertime

Rachel Zeffira recalls the birds leaving during the wintertime, while she remains, “calling, calling.” It’s sad and full of regret but it still gives you a great big warming hug once it’s over - not what one would necessarily appreciate this time of year but what with the unexpected cold snap, perhaps it’s what we all need.

Milk Music – I’ve Got a Wild Feeling

The latest EP from Washington rockers, Milk Music, stinks of booze, sweat and 90s rock. B side I’ve Got a Wild Feeling is self-confident with fuzzy driving guitars and an overwhelming sense of freedom.

James Yuill – Turn Yourself Around (Crofts Remix)

There’s something immediate and rewarding about the opening synth lines of this Crofts remix of James Yuill’s Turn Yourself Around. It’s well worth sticking around for the full 7 minutes - by this point you’ll be totally immersed in the eurotechno vibes - and for a few days after you’ll be able to listen to nothing else.

GRMLN – Night Racer

It’s a strangely rare thing to stumble across amazing generic indie music. This time round though, Yoodoo Park AKA GRMLN has smashed it, manufacturing a nostalgic unmistakably Californian pop rock anthem.

Anna Lunoe & Touch Sensitive – Real Talk (Cassian Remix)

Wait till 1.32 for this one to burst into colour. Try not to dance… it’s no use. You’re already moving.

Cymbals – The Natural World

Sprouting from math rock beginnings Cymbals have always been a self-assured and accomplished sounding outfit (Summer Escaping is a personal favourite.) The Natural World however sees them strike a fine sounding balance between new electronic and disco sensations whilst remembering the importance of that wholesome band atmosphere.

Screaming Females – Poison Arrow

Pure and unstoppable rock music that really will make females scream. (Maybe.)

Selebrities feat. Lissy Trullie & Erika Spring – Everywhere

Released over the Valentine’s period, this delicious rendition of the Fleetwood Mac classic is aptly affectionate, and is brimming with glorious spangled harmonies courtesy of American singer-songwriter Lissy Trullie and Au Revoir Simone frontlady Erika Spring.

Dutch Uncles – Fester (Wherka Remix)

Stockport’s Dutch Uncles have been busy of late, pushing their new album Out of Touch in the Wild and tackling numerous interviews in the hope of breaking into indie rock stardom. They’ve done well, and what’s even more exciting is the list of remixes that have consequently accompanied the record. Best of all is this remix of Fester by 21 year old Tom Leah AKA Wherka that comes on like a disturbed Two Door Cinema Club.

XS.