N.B- Any MP3's hosted or linked to on this site are for promotional purposes only. If you like what you hear, please, respect the artist and buy the record. Thanks.
I'm not world's biggest psychedelic music fan, but when something of Tame Impala's calibre comes along, I can't help but be besotted.
In short, this band is the best thing to come out of Australia since Neighbours. Their spellbinding, hypnotic sound is perfect encapsulated by their debut album, 'Innerspeaker'. Yet, into the mix of hallucinogenic sounds and Lennon-esque vocals, they add some genuinely quite pensive lyrics-'the only one who's really judging you is yourself, nobody else'. All in all, pretty damn good stuff.
Sick of music reviews that go on forever and ever? Tired of being bombarded with more information than you could ever possibly need? Fear not- I present to you my no-mess, no-fuss music reviews. Get it? Got it? Good.
I. BEACH HOUSE-Teen Dream On the surface, it's a perfect dream-pop album; an anthology of love stories that sit so easily on the ears. Yet, there's something in there- in the echoing, quietly powerful vocals- that transforms this album into something shadowy and surreal, into a precious and blissful reverie to be enjoyed time and time again. Maybe a little too sedate in places, yet still pretty damn beautiful. 8.5/10
II. LIARS- Sisterworld I opened my heart to Liars after falling for 'On the Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack' when it was used in The Nines. The bluesy vocals and ethereal harmonies in the opener, 'Scissors' suggests we're in for a similar journey. Yet, as it furiously descends into the guitar line, we enter 'Sisterworld'- a dark, dystopian realm, allegedly based on LA. Expect shrill violins and apathy twinned with rage. But I feel what makes this a stand-out album for me is that it doesn't rely on the joyous, electronic soundscape that dominated many of the great experimental albums of '09. They mix up the formula, sometimes unsuccessfully (see the rap/chanting on 'Scarecrows on a Killer Slant), and sometimes to dazzling effect- 'Pure Evolution', for instance, is absolute perfection. 8/10.
III. SCREAMING LIGHTS- Like Angels It has got to point where 'indie' these days can almost be taken as an insult. It's a word that no longer conjures up images of visceral chants in pokey studios- chants with heart and with meaning; instead, it has come to be affiliated with the monotonous musical output of a group of British lads with asymmetrical haircuts, Topman loyalty cards and not a clue about original music-making. Thus, NME describing Screaming Lights debut output as 'goth-disco crossover' should be taken as a good omen. However, that's where the good news ends with this album. Commanding vocals, an atmosphere of the early 80's and a few solid songs- check. Yet, like all 'indie' albums of this ilk, there seems to be little in the way of heart, of charisma, of longevity. Words have been crafted to describe albums like this: solid, average, uninspiring. Not without its good moments, but swathed in mediocrity. 6/10.Read More......
Sorry this month's mixtape offering is so ridiculously late- the real lives of the Sinema writers have been pretty hectic lately. We're about mid-way through exam season, but we'll return to you shortly, we promise.
Anyway, when we started working on this playlist, we were in the midst of the Christmas/ New Year season. And we thought: what springs to mind when we think of this most wonderful time of the year? Family? Fun? Food?
Well, umm, no. The emergency services. It's the busiest time of year for those firefighters, policemen and paramedics who aim to keep us safe. So here's to them- the people behind 999 (or 911, if you're American).
Playlist 8: Emergency Services
For the people behind 999
Charles's Picks:
1. TV ON THE RADIO- Ambulance
2. PATRICK WOLF- Accident and Emergency
3. ARCADE FIRE- Accidents
4. MAYBESHEWILL- We Called For an Ambulance But a Fire Engine Came
5. ANDREW BIRD- Natural Disaster
6. THE ANTLERS- Sylvia (An Introduction)
Eileen's Picks:
7. SOUNDS UNDER RADIO- Portrait of a Summer Thief
8. ATLAS SOUND- Criminals
9. METRIC- The Police and The Private
10. AT THE DRIVE-IN- Pickpocket
11. CITY AND COLOUR- Sleeping Sickness
12. STRAND OF OAKS- End in Flames
13. THRICE- The Artist in the Ambulance
14. THE HUSH SOUND- Hospital Bed Crawl
Chloe's Picks
15. GOLDFRAPP- A&E
16. BLACK KIDS- Partie Traumatic
17. REGINA SPEKTOR- Prisoners
18. ONE SILVER ASTRONAUT- Band Aid for a Fracture
19. JOE LEAN AND THE JING JANG JONG- Lucio Starts Fires
20. AQUALUNG- If I Fall
You can listen to the whole playlist on the nifty little I-Pod below. Enjoy!
Well, it's 2010. With the new year comes the latest crop of band set for fame this year. But if you're reading this blog you've probably never cared much for popularity, (no popular kids read blogs, right?) so here's one of our tips. They might not make it big, but they'll make good. Featuring Derek Miller, formerly of hardcore outfit Poison the Well, and former pop girl Alexis Krauss, this experimental pop duo are definitely something to look forward to this year.
With distorted drums and the catchy guitar and vocal hooks alike, Crown on the Ground is the best of the bunch we've heard so far.
8. Converge - Axe To Fall You could almost guarantee another strong release from the Massachusetts hardcore band. What people may not have been anticipating was the almost Tom Waits-like 'Cruel Bloom' and, in what could be their best track yet, the creepy and atmospheric 'Wretched World'. MP3: Dead Beat [RS]
6. mewithoutYou - it's all crazy! it's all false! it's all a dream! it's alright With their fourth offering, mewithoutYou have departed completely from the post-hardcore days of old, switching distorted electric guitars for acoustics and pianos and the screams and shouts of Aaron Weiss for a more melodic vocal line. This ambitious effort may not quite match 2006's 'Brother, Sister', but you've got to hand it to them for trying. Songs such as 'The King Beetle On A Coconut Estate' are a fond way to remember the band in this, - if rumours be true - their last record. MP3: The Fox, the Crow, and the Cookie [RS]
5. Noah and the Whale - The First Days of Spring Charlie Fink was a man of many problems. After 'Five Years Time' was released, Noah and the Whale were at risk of being branded a one hit wonder and, no sooner than it was a commercial success, Fink had been abandoned by former band member and girlfriend Laura Marling. He only had one choice - to create a solemn, heart-filled album of longing and solidarity which fill the tracks on 'The First Days of Spring'. MP3: Love of an Orchestra [RS]
4. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart This band have been described as "bland" and "lacking in balls". In a way, it's easy to see why, but people are forgetting that music doesn't have to be constantly changing and experimental to be exciting, or even good. Sometimes all it takes is sheer songwriting strength, which is something The Pains of Being Pure at Heart definitely don't lack. MP3: Young Adult Friction [RS]
3. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest The Brooklyn-based band burst into the US charts earlier this year with some of their poppiest material yet. Although it may not live up to the masterpiece of Yellow House, songs such as 'Ready, Able' and 'While You Wait For The Others' show Grizzly Bear at their best yet. MP3: Two Weeks [RS]
At this point I have just realised that I am a complete retard; I miscounted my top ten and there's actually 12 albums on this list. FML. So I'm just going to continue and hope that no-one notices...
2. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion It was the album that everyone was talking about this year, but not without good reason. Blah blah blah, you already know it, here's AnCo, in at #4 (not #2). MP3: Brother Sport [RS]
0. The Antlers - Hospice Another album from an indie folk band based in Brooklyn? Well yes and no. With this stunning breakthrough record, Peter Silberman explores the concept of life in a hospice in a breathtaking 50 minute journey. This album is chilling, depressing, and probably the best thing to come out of Brooklyn all year. MP3: Kettering [RS]
-1. Bat For Lashes - Two Suns Based around Natasha Khan's conflict with her city-girl persona of Pearl, a blonde femme fatale born out of the city of New York, the stories and ties between the two characters and the universe around them run deep in these 11 interweaving tracks. Natasha doesn't just create an album; she creates a new world altogether. At any point whilst listening to this record, I dare you to shut your eyes to hear, see and feel Natasha's strange and mystic universe. MP3: Glass [RS]
Throughout the month, we will each be bringing you our Top 10 favorite albums of 2009. Up first, Eileen:
10. Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest This is an album which will no doubt be cropping up time and time again in lists such as this. It is clear from the off how meticulously executed this album is, how painstakingly the Brooklyn-based quartet have strived for perfection, in what appears to be largely a collection of love songs (certainly the case in ‘Two Weeks’, ‘I Live With You’ and ‘All We Ask’). But then, the album in places seems effortless, with something about it that seems to ooze nature- particularly apt, considering ‘Veckatimest’ is an uninhabited island off the coast of Massachusetts. The whole thing leaves me slightly confused, but in a very good way. MP3: Southern Point
9. Grammatics- Grammatics One of the most promising first albums I’ve heard in a long, long time. I think what makes this album a stand-out work for me is the sheer ambition- the soaring highs of ‘The Vague Archive’, the magnificently composed breakdown in ‘Relentless Fours’- which you simply don’t see in other fledging musical acts. A bit of a triumph. MP3: The Vague Archive 8. dredg- The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion And now for something totally different- some high-concept art/alt-rock, largely inspired by ‘A Letter to the Six Billionth Citizen’ by Salman Rushdie. Yes, I know- and it’s actually good! Although dredg are always a breath of fresh air, they’ve basically followed the same basic backbone as their previous El Cielo- soaring rock ballads interspersed with short, experimental ‘jousts’, as their bassist put it. Maybe not quite as successful as El Cielo (giving that it doesn’t feel that original anymore), but still a top record. MP3: Ireland
7. Manchester Orchestra- Everything to Nothing One of the only albums this year that I’ve genuinely been anticipating that has proved better than the act’s previous material. 'Mean Everything To Nothing' has the same triumphant melodies and quiet, introspective periods as 'I'm like A Virgin Losing a Child', but is bolder, better and carried out with a little more finesse. Andy Hull's vocals, in particular, have ripened considerably. Top stuff. MP3: I've Got Friends
6. Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion Ok, so you’re probably sick of hearing about this album by now, but how could I not? It is brilliant, afterall. Usually, experimental albums are musical marmite- some love them, some think they’re unbearably pretentious and just random noises that a child could’ve bashed out with a toy xylophone. But on the whole, MPP has received wide-spread praise; a fitting testament, I think you’ll agree. MP3: Brothersport
5. Neko Case- Middle Cyclone As I’m writing this, I’m smiling. Why? Because ‘Middle Cyclone’ is so much fun! A country album that never takes itself too seriously, but has moments of rare and brilliant beauty. Not my usual cup of tea, but I love it. MP3: This Tornado Loves You
4. Bat for Lashes- Two Suns Before you push the ‘play’ button on this one, get ready to be dragged by your heartstrings into Natasha Khan’s mystical world of surrealism and romance, all capped off by breathtaking vocals. Magnificent. MP3: Glass
3. Alexisonfire- Old Crows/ Young Cardinals I’d never really given hardcore/post-hardcore a chance before this year, but I’m so glad I warmed to it. It’s often considered to be a genre with little in the way of artistic accomplishment, but albums such as ‘Old Crows/ Young Cardinals’ explode such stereotypes. Principally based around the contradiction of beauty with violence within the modern world, Alexisonfire take us on a journey through the beautiful and the depraved- as well as a few chantable choruses thrown in for good measure. MP3: The Northern
2. Patrick Watson- Wooden Arms I probably use the word ‘beautiful’ too much. But when I call this album ‘beautiful’, I express the utmost admiration for the humble, the intricate and the heart-warming composition of ‘Wooden Arms’. It’s an album to fall in love with, time and time again, and I’m in complete disbelief that it hasn’t received more acclaim. MP3: Wooden Arms
1. As Cities Burn- Hell or High Water Yes, my album of the year is ‘Hell or High Water’. There’s something about the circularity of this album that beguiles me to no end- indeed, the rolling currents of the sea are a recurring motif, and several of the songs bear the lyrics ‘round and round we go’. But As Cities Burn definitely aren’t walking in circles- they’re headed firmly in the right direction. Although their last album, ‘Come Now, Sleep’ received considerable acclaim, for me there was something overdone about it- the introduction (‘Clouds’, in which we hear several people’s views of God set to music) and the finale (a 14-minute marathon, Timothy) in particular, seemed as though they could do with toning down. What follows, ‘Hell or High Water’, has all the same triumphant, guitar-swelling peaks, but the quieter moments are brooding, brilliant and just as enjoyable. Nothing here seems overworked- there’s just the right balanced of nature and nurture. It’s an album that takes my breath away every time I hear it. Truly, truly brilliant. MP3: Pirate Blues
So, when we decided on the theme for our first group playlist, we came up with 'Day and Night'- seems oddly appropriate with the clocks going back last month, afterall. But what we found when we actually came to choosing our songs was that we simply had to many songs to choose from. So, we've split our playlist into two- you can listen to the first half here. So, may I present to you:
Playlist 6.5: NightThe shadowy underbelly of this month's playlist
Tri's Picks: 1. ARCADE FIRE- Wake Up
2. THE POSTAL SERVICE- The District Sleeps Alone Tonight
3. PASSION PIT- Sleepyhead
4. IMOGEN HEAP- Goodnight and Go
5. TEGAN AND SARA- Night Watch
Eileen's Picks: 6. GRAMMATICS- Shadow Committee
7. TILLY AND THE WALL- Rainbows in the Dark
8. PEARL JAM- All Night
9. DOLLY MIXTURE- Whistling in the Dark
10. MUSE- Darkshines
11. THE PUPPINI SISTERS- Soho Nights
12. KAY HANLEY- Cellars by Starlight
13. YEAH YEAH YEAHS- Date With the Night
Chloe's Picks: 14. LAURA MARLING- Night Terror
15. THE DYKEENIES- Feels Like Sleep
16. BAT FOR LASHES- Moon and Moon
17. TURIN BRAKES- Dark on Fire
Charles's Picks: 18. 65DAYSOFSTATIC- Drove Through Ghosts to Get Here
19. BJORK- All is Love
20. MEANWHILE, BACK IN COMMUNIST RUSSIA...- Anatomies
21. SIGUR ROS- Hún Jörð
22. MONO- The Battle to Heaven
You can now listen to the whole playlist on the nifty little i-Pod below. Enjoy!
October has been a pretty exciting month for us here At the Sinema. We've gained not one, not two, but three new writers, which will hopefully make our future content alot more varied (because, really, there's only so long you can probably stand hearing about comic-book obsession/ indie-rock infatuation / love of hairy men). So, here's our round-up of the month, and the TV, music and movies that are not to be missed.
Film of the Month: 'Up'The primary aim of most children’s films these days is to work on a number of levels- they must have plot simple enough to engage with a younger audience, but they must also have elements that keep the parents entertained too. However, never before have I seen a film achieve this goal with as much aplomb as ‘Up’.
From a kid’s perspective, it works. It’s a visual feast, with infantile comedy (talking dogs never go amiss), and a lot of heart- and if that doesn’t appeal to them, there’s also enough balloons to revert Darth Vader to a state of child-like giddiness.
But, there’s so much more to enjoy for an adult audience. This film- which begins with an old man losing his beloved wife, whom has spent all of his life with, and deciding to fulfil their life-long dream alone- is so poignant, so touching, and finished with such a pure, child-like sense of simplicity, it’s impossible not fall head-over-heels in love with it. A better film I have not seen all year- in short, it’s a masterpiece. Go see it now.
-Eileen
Album of the Month: ‘Logos’ by Atlas SoundSainthood, Terra Incognita, Masterpiece Theatre- the list of albums that fell short of my (rather lofty) expectations goes on and on. Month after month, I’ve sat down, plugged in my speakers, prepared to be dazzled, and came away feeling dejected. So, by the time ‘Logos’ arrived, it was fair to say I’d resigned myself to another anticlimax.
Luckily, such expectations were surpassed. There are some truly beautiful moments on ‘Logos’- the title song, for instance, has moments that can only be described as delicate and enchanting. But what sets it apart from most experimental albums of the year is variety- the album weaves from pretty to catchy, making pit stops at melancholy, and all finished off with the sort of fuzzy vocals we saw on Wavves’ latest offering- only this time, they work.
However, the overall impression of this album is almost blurred- in places, the distorted layers of sound build up to a largely forgettable song- you’d be hard-pushed to hum along to most of this record. And although there are much more distinctive, accomplished experimental records around this year, this dreamy and imaginative album is definitely worth a listen.
TV Show of the Month: 'Flashforward' A few months ago I stumbled upon an article about an upcoming American TV show, which had been compared by ABC as a companion show to Lost. As Lost is one of biggest and probably best TV show of the past decade, this was quite a bold claim on ABC's part. But the idea seemed intriguing enough; everyone in the entire world's consciousness skips forward six months. Basically, people see the future. Couple this with a good cast list (including Lost's Dominic Monagan and Sonya Walger) and this show was set to impress. And, after watching the première, I had high hopes that the show would do just that. Although a far cry away from reaching ABC's expectations, it made for a very good series. Unfortunately a good cast list and a brilliant idea aren't everything. Within a few episodes we are submitted to weak script writing, sub-par and seemingly irrelevant story lines and a few cases of rather dire acting (we're looking at you, John Cho). Read the full review here >>>>
Testimonials- This month, we offered you chance to get to know the whole team a little better, and gave you a little insight into the inner workings of our twisted minds.
5 Fashions: Spring and Summer 2010- Wonder what everyone might be wearing next year? Based on London Fashion Week, Eileen makes her predictions- and shows how to get one step ahead.
Yes, I've (finally) got around to making another proper playlist- try not to faint with shock. I'm sure you anguish at being left without new muisc for so long will dissolve in a frenzy of aural excitement as soon as you hear this playlist- it's a corker, if I do say so myself. Y'know how it is with me buy now- a little old, a little new, a little indie, a little jazz, and, this month, a surprising amount of rock. Check it out:
True Colours
A playlist filled with songs about every colour under the rainbow.
Tracklist: 1. French Navy- Camera Obscura 2. Red Right Hand- Arctic Monkeys 3. Purple Haze- The Jimi Hendrix Experience 4. Pot Kettle Black- Tilly and the Wall 5. Behind Blue Eyes- The Who 6. Black History Month- Death From Above 1979 7. Black Hole- Be Your Own PET 8. Green Knight- Memory Tapes 9. Black Tongue- Yeah Yeah Yeahs 10. Brown Eyed Girl- Van Morrison 11. Pink Bullets- The Shins 12. Pirate Blues- As Cities Burn 13. Purgatory Blues- Juliette and the Licks 14. Orange Spider- mewithoutYou 15. Grass is Greener- Dolly Mixture 16. Red and Purple- Dodos 17. Seein' Red- Unwritten Law 18. Red Tide- Neko Case 19. Red River- The Walkmen 20. Whitewash is Brainwash- Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly 21. Wine Red- The Hush Sound 22. Your Heart is as Black as the Night- Melody Gardot 23. White Unicorn- Wolfmother
Listen to the whole playlist on the nifty little I-Pod below. Enjoy!
I understand my updates have been a wee bit infrequent this month, but here's what's been going on in the wonderful world of Eileen (that's me) this September:
Film of the Month- 500 Days of SummerWhen it comes to the rom-com film industry, the rules of the game are changing. Everything's getting a little more 'indie'- the tick list back in the days was a cute guy, a cute girl, a 'cute meet' and a predictable ending. These days, it's all about geek-chic guys n' gals striking up funny and witty conversations and going on a string of unconventional dates, to a backdrop of whatever music is 'in' (think Feist and Vampire Weekend). But what seems to have stayed the same is the predictable ending- unless, of course, you're watching 500 Days of Summer. You've got all of the usual features of a geek-chic rom-com, but with a few commitment-phobes, wise-cracking younger sisters and gratuitous karaoke scenes thrown in- as well as a bittersweet ending you probably won't see coming. 500 Days of Summer won't break any boundaries- it's still cutesie and indie to the core. It's just taking a familiar genre, giving a few extra perks, and trying to gently nudge it in a different direction.
Album of the Month- 'The Resistance' by MuseWith a band like Muse, I really don't want to say anything overly critical, for fear of having abuse hurled at me by their fans. Lucky I don't have a critical word to say, really. 'The Resistance' is everything we've come to expect from Muse- dramatic, ambitious, experimental- and oh so much more. They appear to got a giant music blender, shoved in a massive dollop of futuristic electronica, a largely unnecessary amount of anthemic riffs, a sprinkling of Orwell references, a spoonful of recycled riffs (mostly from 'Origin of Symmetry', my favorite Muse album), a fair quantity of Queen, and a little bit of Bellamy magic, to taste. What we have here is bags of ambition, a more modern sound, but a record that in places tries to hard to achieve those big hitters Muse has so often composed before. Not their best work ever, but definitely signs of musical progression there.
Fashion Designer of the Month- Roksanda Ilincic Tall, sweeping frocks in soft colours, but with a distinctly structured look- what more could you want? From fashion school to fashion star in a few short years, Roksanda combines a punk-rock feel with the classic lines for a collection that's unique and mindblowing. I would also like to point out how awesome the scruffy-ponytails Dior were rockin' for Spring/Summer 2010 were: Posts of the Month: 10 Film Love Interests Who Aren't Utterly Loathsome: Tired of vapid, two-dimensional love interests in films? Want to see some legitimate characters, as well as some romance? Well, look no further- I have a list of 10 Romantic Supporting Actors who might tickle your fancy.
10 Songs of the Week- The Cure, The Beatles, Neko Case, Alexisonfire- my ten songs on heavy rotation during September. Bit of a mixed bag, so hopefully something for everyone.
Missed Connections- Gosh, I'm in an amorous mood this month! The Autumn does strange things to me. Art to celebrate the amorous glances and missed chances we all experience.
My humblest apologies for being a wee bit lax on the posting front of late- I’ve been spending way too much time (stupidly) letting people crash in my empty house. However, I promise as soon as V starts (i.e as soon as all of my friends with money desert me), I’ll give you some awesome stuff to sink your teeth into.
Speaking of awesome stuff- in my absence, it seems that music bloggers everywhere have been coveting one song in particular- ‘Island IS’ by Volcano Choir. Volcano Choir are the musical collaboration between Justin Vernon (or ‘Bon Iver’, as he is more commonly known), and Collections of Colonies of Bees. An unusual blend, you might agree, but the contrast between these two musical acts makes for some dynamic and original music. Vernon states that their music is “definitely more on the experimental side of things,” as the music came about before the lyrics, which apparently followed as some sort of stream of consciousness. They debut LP ‘Unmap’, is due out on 22nd September, and is definitely one to watch in my books. Check out ‘Island, IS’, below;
2009, thus far, has definitely been a year for 'freak-folk'. With bands such as Animal Collective and Grizzly Bear at the helm, the experimental and fantastical has come to the fore front of the indie music scene. And yet, it leaves some people cold- those that long for a distinguishable melody under smorgasbord of sound. Step in Foreign Born. They still have that slightly experimental edge, and tunes that are the product of many layers of sound, but still have a tune; a melody. In short, they're bringing something new to the table, but you can still sing along at home. The formation of Foreign Born began in college dormitory, where roommates Matt Popieluch and Lewis Pesacov made beautiful music together (but not in that way). Fast forward a few years, and with more musical experience under their belts, the pair unite again, this time with pals Ariel Rechtshaid and Garret Ray. Thus, over one very good weekend for music, Foreign Born were formed. I'll be honest with you- the first time I heard 'Vacationing People' (below), I wasn't instantly dazzled. But I found over the next couple of days, it was a song I came back to time and time again. It's a largely faultless and very catchy song- but don't take my word for it. Click 'play' and see/hear for yourselves.
about mid-way through exam season, but we'll return to you shortly, we promise.
