Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

[TMN Premiere] Mosaics – Chromophilia

Posted by Ash El Gamal - June 8, 2015

Mosaics
Chromophilia

Few bands we’ve encountered do a better job of combining complex acoustic guitar with electronic elements than San Francisco’s Mosaics. The trio, who rocked our last showcase in SF, return today with a single ripe for the summer and we’re excited to be bringing you the premiere. “Chromophilia” grows out of an oscillating synth accompanied by similarly swaying vocals before dropping into a hypnotizing acoustic interlude. When the track erupts out of that gorgeous lull and into its chorus, the song truly hits stride combining continued, steady guitar with a pulsing synth-laden backdrop and addicting vocal accompaniment.

“Chromophilia” arrives right in time for the summer proving one of the catchiest tunes we’ve heard from Mosaics thus far all the while building off of the experimentation displayed in their debut LP, Of Colors. We’re excited to hear what else they have in store on their upcoming EP, due out this fall, but in the meantime this will definitely be in heavy rotation over the summer.

P.S. You can read our interview with Mosaics from back in February here.

Indie

[TMN Premiere] 50 Cent – Magic Stick (LifeAlert Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - June 3, 2015

Lil Kim & 50 Cent
Magic Stick (LifeAlert Remix)

Soundcloud

There’s been a recent movement in electronic music towards organic, tribal percussion across sub-genres whether it be in the glittering, melodious tunes of ODESZA or Big Wild; or the bass-powered G-House of Kill Frenzy or Shiba San. Anonymous production duo, LifeAlert, who appeared in our inbox with a new remix a couple days ago, seem to have emerged at just the right time.

Utilizing vocals from 50 Cent and Lil Kim’s “Magic Stick,” LifeAlert inject a hypnotizing tribal backdrop that makes it pretty much impossible not to nod your head. It’s instrumentally minimalistic, yet simultaneously musically intricate, largely due to the crisp and dynamic percussive composition. With occasional chops of the vocals and injections of bass, LifeAlert transform “Magic Stick” into a hybrid that combines hip-hop influenced electronic music with primal percussion.

The subtleties of this one would pulsate through a dance floor and are a great way for these two animated characters to introduce their sound. Get a nice mid-week energy-booster above.

[House] Lane 8 – Hot As You Want (feat. Solomon Grey)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - June 2, 2015

Lane 8
Hot As You Want ft. Solomon Grey

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Lane 8‘s been one of our favorite producers for quite some time, providing a steady stream of gorgeous house tunes on Soundcloud. Up until now, we’ve heard a solid mix of originals and remixes from Lane 8, but he’s shifted gears as he prepares for the release of his upcoming album, Rise, next month. Yesterday, the UK producer blessed us with “Hot As You Want,” the second single from the project.

Teaming up with oft-collaborator Solomon Grey, Lane 8’s composition slowly progresses starting with a 4×4 beat accompanied by chopped vocals from Solomon Grey’s Joe Wilson before introducing the minimal melodious synth work that makes the song irresistible. After a steady build, the track recesses with focus on Wilson’s emotionally-driven lyrics before bringing all facets back for an enormous ending. It’s an anthemic and radiant joint that arrives just in time for summer. You can pre-order Rise now on iTunes.

[Indie Electronic] Bells Atlas – Sugar for the Queen

Posted by Ash El Gamal - June 2, 2015

Bells Atlas
Sugar for the Queen

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Bells Atlas have already established themselves as a local favorite in Oakland’s burgeoning music scene, and for good reason. The band’s brand of “kaleidosonic soul punch,” as they have so eloquently described it, masterfully mixes electronic and acoustic elements with soulful, avant-garde vocals for a hypnotizing sound. We had a chance to catch their performance at The New Parish a few weeks back and that style translates into an undeniably moving live experience.

Today, the talented four-piece released their latest EP, Hyperlust, a short-but-sweet collection of songs, many of which they’ve rolled out over the last few months. “Sugar for the Queen,” the second offering from the project, dropped yesterday and serves as a perfect introduction to their sound. It’s a dynamic and textured track that draws the listener in with duet vocals backed by unique guitar-plucking and scintillating percussion. The song steadily evolves into blissful psychedelia making for an enchanting, thought-provoking listen.

Get lost in “Sugar for the Queen” above and head over the Bells Atlas’ Bandcamp page to pick up Hyperlust.

[Indie] Feed Me Jack – Twice (Little Dragon Cover)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - June 1, 2015

’Feed Me Jack – Twice (Little Dragon Cover)’

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’Feed Me Jack – Reelin’ In The Years (Steely Dan Cover)’

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As they prepare to release their upcoming EP, Oakland-based Feed Me Jack put out a phenomenal collection of covers last night. With Little Dragon, Steely Dan, Weezer and more included, the 5-track project showcases Feed Me Jack’s experimental indie rock and versatile musicianship to perfection. As with all great covers, the songs are complete re-imaginations that take each song to unique and exciting places.

Their take on Little Dragon’s “Twice,” our personal favorite, starts similarly to the original utilizing a beautiful acoustic backing, but around the 1-minute mark expands on that initial melody falling into a blissful guitar jam. It’s the type of song that only gets better the longer you listen–after repeating the chorus it once again erupts into a gorgeously composed outro. Feed Me Jack’s take on Steely Dan’s “Reelin’ in the Years,” another stand-out, transforms the original into an airy, guitar-layered jam session mixed in with flawless horns. Add in some goofy ad-libs, and it captures FMJ’s breezy quirkiness making for a completely different listen than the classic original.

It’s interesting hearing a young band like FMJ, who’s musicianship gives them freedom to take on endless sonic endeavors, truly establishing a sound. It’s even more intriguing that they’re able to do so while covering other artists’ music. Feed Me Jack are currently working on originals for their next EP, which they expect to drop in August. Based on some of the experimentation we’re hearing on this project, we really can’t wait for what they have in store. You can pick up the full covers EP over at their Bandcamp page for free and check out our interview with them from a few months back here.

[Chill] Oh Wonder – White Blood

Posted by Ash El Gamal - June 1, 2015

Oh Wonder
White Blood

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We’re always excited for the first of the month because, besides pay day, it also means there’s new music from Oh Wonder. Since unveiling their debut track back in September and subsequently releasing monthly tracks for a year leading up to their album, the UK vocalists/production duo have been amassing an enormous following, seemingly growing with each release. The fact that they’ve already got sold out shows booked, stands as a testament to the power of the Internet to empower independent artists.

This morning, we get “White Blood,” which continues to expand on their aesthetic. While tracks have varied in tempo, “Lose It” probably being the most upbeat, they’ve all maintained the emotional, duet vocals that make their sound so enticing. Their latest falls more on the downtempo side of things slowly building with gorgeous piano and subdued percussion. Give it a listen above. “White Blood” is tenth track they’ve released thus far meaning we’ve only got a couple more to go before their debut drops on September 4th. As we await the next track, due out on July 1st, we’ll be spending plenty of time on their Soundcloud page.

P.S. Oh Wonder also left a note in the Soundcloud description to learn more about the story behind the artwork for this single provided by Steven Keating at their website.

[Festival Review] Life on the Incline: Sasquatch!, the Gorge and the Hill’s Eternal Serenity

Posted by Ash El Gamal - June 1, 2015

There’s nothing quite like the sensation of sitting sideways atop the slope of the Gorge Amphitheater’s hill at Sasquatch! Music Festival overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. Add entrancing music to a background that no picture or piece of art could ever do justice; and, at that intersection, you’ll find the happy place Squatchers look forward to all year. The so-far-past picturesque backdrop sets the tone for the festival but, with arguably one of its best lineups yet, was a far cry from Sasquatch’s only attraction this year. Rather, the main stage’s slope served as the much-needed anchor after a dance party at the Chupacabra tent or Big Foot stage—a place to lie, head up or down, and absorb the collective consciousness of thousands of equally inspired concertgoers.

Music festivals have become such chaotic events and Sasquatch! is, certainly not an exception, but it’s that same comfort felt on the hill that permeates throughout the entire campground. No matter what you’re going through or how you’re feeling, the hill will take your emotional state to serenity, where it belongs.

Words, photos and songs really can’t do justice to just how incredible the Squatch is but we’ve done our best to recap, from our perspective, the musical highlights from the 4 days. For those of you who were there, we hope this brings you back even if just a little bit and for those who weren’t, well, you’re going to want to be there next year after peeping our recap.

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