Tokyo-based producer Winona Hyper delivers “U,” an instrumental electronica track that twists and turns, splashes and rings all over the place. But it’s hardly noisy or rushed; everything fits smoothly where it’s supposed to — like a pile of puzzle pieces that somehow come together — you just have to be ready to ride out the entirety of this slightly quirky and unpredictable but entertaining song.
Four Tet recently did a set for RinseFM, including this little gem in the mix. It was ripped and once it surfaced on the internet, folks left and right quickly dubbed it a remix of a Grimes track called “Skin,” despite any official confirmation. Four Tet himself posted it on his Facebook, but with a mysterious (?), furthering the speculation. Finally, however, he took to Twitter to announce that, in fact,
“It’s just some track I made the other day using a loop from her record…no remix going on or anything.”
A lot of buzz for nothing, you ask? Well, even if it isn’t a “real, official” remix, it’s still pretty damn fun to listen to. Check it out below:
IYES, a new indie/electro pop duo from the UK, mix simmering, ambient electronics with powerful pop. The result? On “Lighthouse” — which they’ve dubbed as a demo, but trust us, it sounds way better than a scratchy, homemade recording — the group transcends where The xx might have otherwise left us a little unsatisfied. The beginning is sparse, minimal (and yes, very xx-like), with bits of sound fluttering softly like tiny ripples in the ocean. But it doesn’t stop there; this is actually where it picks up energy. The track reaches out and pulls anxiously. This needing, longing feeling that aches and won’t go away, is propelled not only by the nice dueling male/female vocals, but by the general exuberance, umph of the rest of the song. Demo or not, “Lighthouse” is not one to miss. Tune in below:
New York indie rock band Guards nail it on their newest song “Ready To Go”. With chiming church bells, winding guitars and a huge, anthemic chorus, what more could you possibly ask for? While the previous singles “Coming True” and “Silver Lining” (all off their forthcoming debut LP In Guards We Trust) were catchy enough, this one might just be the absolute standout. Hit play and lose yourself in its euphoric vibes.
In Guards We Trust comes out February 5th via Black Bell.
Tegan and Sara, one of our favorite sisterly pop duos, do a beautiful rendition of The Rolling Stones‘ “Fool To Cry”. The cover, which was produced by RAC, is off the soundtrack for HBO’s hit series Girls. Seeing as the show’s second season premieres this weekend, and the group’s new LP, Heartthrob, drops January 29th, this is pretty perfect timing for all the parties involved. Check it out below!
Talk about a throbbing wound. The ache in “Fake Heat,” by Mississippi duo Water Liars, is as painfully palpable as they come. Both band members Andrew Bryant and Justin Kinkel-Schuster are exceptionally emotional throughout the slow-moving folksy/indie rock track, calling, telling, cautioning of an impending doom. When it isn’t crunchy and soaring, the music — which sometimes calls to mind Band of Horses balladry — seems to sigh heavily and sadly. This back and forth between explosive feeling and somber resignation, alongside the moving harmonies (especially towards the second half of the song), really makes this lead single standout as a heartbreaker.
“Fake Heat” is off Water Liars’ new album, Wyoming, out March 5th via Big Legal Mess/Fat Possum Records.
Soulful crooner and relative newcomer Mikky Ekko stopped by Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 show and covered The xx‘s subtle and somber Coexist track “Chained”. It’s still very much a tragic, heartbreaking song, but Mikky really makes it his own with this rendition, inserting runs and shifting octaves throughout. In a way, it’s almost unrecognizable, an entirely separate R&B ballad, and this is hardly a bad thing. In addition to glimpsing his creativity, we get yet another taste of his smooth, smooth vocals. We heard it on his breakout single “Pull Me Down” (produced by Clams Casino), but this cover in particular puts his voice front-and-center, and it’s beautiful.
