White Denim have confirmed details of their new album 'D' due for release on June 6th.
Emerging from Texas, White Denim specialise in sun-friend psychedelia. Mixing a straight ahead punk approach with a mind-expanding sensibility, the band are never content to sit in one place.
White Denim released the appropriately titled 'Fits' back in 2009. A stunning album, it became the band's calling card as they brought their demented live show to a venue near you. Gaining critical acclaim, the Texans then decided to take some time off.
A download EP was made available on the band's website last year, with White Denim now set to follow this with a full length album. Due to be released on Downtown, new record 'D' comes as the band expand to a four piece.
"It was actually made in a private studio owned by a vintage gear collector. It was all one room, so we could shout at each other in the middle of takes. As usual," explains singer James Petralli.
Remaining true to their psychedelic roots, 'D' nonetheless rampages through numerous new influences. Veering between Afro-Cuban rhythms and twisted, Beefheart blues White Denim have rarely sounded so confident.
Due to be released on June 6th, White Denim have made a new track from 'D' available to download. To grab your copy of 'Anvil Everything' simply head HERE.
Alongside this, the band have made a special UK-centric bio available to stream...
Spiritualized have confirmed a one off show at the Royal Albert Hall later this year.
Led by J Spaceman, Spiritualized are one of the most continually inspiring guitar groups working today. Leaving other groups trailing in their wake, the band are responsible for some truly seminal works.
Released in 1997, 'Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space' remains an imposing work. Re-issued in 2009, Spiritualized seemed to tap into something universal despite the very personal nature of the material.
Since then, the English collective have been lying low. The band have not released an album of new material since 'Songs In A&E' back in 2008, with Spiritualized apparently keen to take their time over a new album.
Now the band have announced a one off show later this year. Set to play historic London venue the Royal Albert Hall on October 11th, Spiritualized are promising to draw on the full extent of their back catalogue.
In a new twist, the group are also planning to preview material from their new album. Spiritualized have signed a deal with Domino offshoot Double Six, who will be responsible for releasing any new material.
Due to be released in Autumn, little is known about the new album. Due to receive a full preview at the Royal Albert Hall show, Spiritualized are being typically mysterious about any new material.
Of course, this isn't the first time Spiritualized have played the historic venue. Back in 1997, the space rockers blew the roof off the place with stunning set, captured for posterity on the live album 'Royal Albert Hall October 10, 1997'.
Tickets for the Royal Albert Hall show are due to go on sale this Friday (March 11th).
Glasvegas have spoken about a traumatic six months, which saw them almost come apart at the seams.
Emerging from Scotland with more than a hint of menace, Glasvegas were thrust into a world of hectic tours. Playing dates across the globe, things came to a head backstage at desert festival Coachella.
Glasvegas were set to go on stage when singer James Allan apparently became unwell. At the time, the Scottish group explained that the frontman was suffering from "exhaustion and dehydration".
Recently, though, the band confirmed that James Allan overdosed on drugs. Refusing to reveal which substance caused the incident, the singer is reported by the NME as saying: "It's funny the fancy names people come up with when somebody has an overdose."
Speaking on Twitter, Glasvegas reflected on their new-found comfort. "Back safe and sound in Stockholm hotel. Well looked after and looking after ourselves. The Sun story was a long time ago! (circa 2009!)"
Meanwhile, James Allan has opened up about his non-appearance at the Mercury Music Prize. The frontman went missing, refusing to appear at the ceremony despite Glasvegas being scheduled to perform.
"I'd been up all night. I think I went straight from my friend's clothes shop in Glasgow to the airport and, instead of going to London, I went to New York" he explained to The Sunday Herald.
"My friend had offered me to go over and get some sushi and a walk in Central Park – and I thought that was a better option. Maybe it's quite irrational for me to think like that, but I had no phone to tell anybody. Maybe it was a bit … you know ... But we're all big boys."
Recruiting a new drummer for their second album 'Euphoric ///Heartbreak\\\' Glasvegas are currently on tour in Sweden. According to their Twitter feed, madness seems to follow them around.
"Just seen a headcase chasing a taxi driver round a bus stop in Stockholm. Craziness seems to be global, not just a Scottish thing. Heh heh" they laughed. "The guy stole a plant pot out of a shop and threw it through the taxi window! Best street entertainment I've seen in a while!"
A new track recorded by Fever Ray has emerged online and you can listen to it now!
With The Knife on hiatus, Karin Dreijer Andersson was at a loss. Continuing to write new material, she bundled the brooding, synth laden mini-epics into an album under the Fever Ray moniker.
Released in 2009, Fever Ray's album was a terrific piece of songwriting. Taking the material out on tour, Karin Driejer Andersson added a typically flamboyant, theatrical element to the live shows.
Putting the project on hold, Andersson returned to The Knife in order to complete an opera about Charles Darwin. Recently invited to appear in a bizarre new adaptation of 'Red Riding Hood' the singer refused, but did agree to contribute to the soundtrack.
Due to be released later this year, the surreal new version of 'Red Riding Hood' features Gary Oldman as the witch-finder general. Karin Dreijer Andersson is set to contribute to the soundtrack, with the new Fever Ray track emerging online.
Titled 'The Wolf' the track first emerged on the Disco Naivete blog. Since then, the song has been widely re-posted - listen to it HERE.
Typically haunting, 'The Wolf' is a dark piece of electronica. 'Red Riding Hood' is due to be released later this year.
Meanwhile, Karin Driejer Andersson is gearing up for another soundtrack project. The singer wrote the music for a new adaptation of of Ingmar Bergman's 'Vargtimmen, The Wolf Hour' that will premiere at Stockholm's Royal Theatre this Saturday (March 12th).
Originally released in 1968, Ingmar Bergman's 'Vargtimmen, The Wolf Hour' is the director's only horror film. A deeply psychological film, it treats the story of a missing artist as a real event.
Due to premiere this Saturday (March 12th) it is not yet known if the new production will gain a wider audience, or if the soundtrack will be officially released.
Ninja Tune are offering a free sampler in honour of International Women's Day.
Held on March 8th, International Women's Day is an event designed to highlight the ongoing fight for women's rights. It's easy to forget in the ironic, post-feminist climate that right here in the UK women still regularly lag behind men in the pay stakes despite doing the exact same job.
Around the world, women are treated almost as second class citizens. Religion, class, society and politics have all conspired to push the male gender to the top of the tree, while women are often left behind.
But enough of the lecture...
International Women's Day was yesterday (March 8th) and Ninja Tune have released a free sampler. Focussing - naturally enough - on the Y Chromosome the label are making some tracks available to download.
The line up features Emika, Andreya Triana, Daedelus and more. Speech Debelle recently re-joined the label, and is featured performing on an exclusive collaboration with trip hop group Bonobo.
Taken from the 'Ninja Tune XX Vol. 2' celebration, the track is one of the first things Speech Debelle has released since winning the Mercury back in 2009.
Wu Tang Clan legend Raekwon has given his thoughts on the Charlie Sheen situation, labelling the actor a "rich dick".
Hip hop is often seen a world of excess, where young artists with far too much money are given almost unlimited freedom. Recently, though, the world of rap music was shown up by the lifestyle of Charlie Sheen.
The actor recently became the highest paid actor on American television, earning more than $1 million per episode of '2 And A Half Man'. However due to his escalating drug and personal problems, Charlie Sheen was recently sacked from the show.
Since then, Charlie Sheen has given a number of bizarre interviews as well as attempting to start his own show online. Opening a Twitter feed, the actor received a record 1 million followers in just 25 hours.
Becoming one of the main talking points in American entertainment news, Raekwon was recently asked his thoughts. Although Wu Tang traditionally stand for something other than hip hop excess, the group have been known to indulge on one or two occasions.
Speaking to Billboard, Raekwon did not hold back: "Charlie Sheen is a rich dick, man. He's running around doing all this shit, and you know, he's got kids involved. I don't have anything against him. I just think when you handle yourself like that, when you're so much of a powerful man, it ain't cool."
"When you're at a certain part of your life when you have children involved, and they gotta go to school and deal with that shit - come on, man. Wisen up man, straighten up man. You're getting $2 million an episode, B - what the fuck!"
Raekwon recently returned with his new album 'Shaolin vs Wu Tang'. A complete return to form, it features the re-energised rapper working with a number of guest stars. Continuing, the hip hop icon explained that he felt in a creative space rihgt now.
"You know, (I'm) just trying to work, man. I feel like I'm in a great space. The fans are really giving me the energy to be back in the ring the way I'm doing it, and yeah, you're going to be receiving more things as I go on. I just wanted to clear a couple of humps and let everybody know what I'm capable of. I'ma keep it moving, man."
Gruff Rhys is set to headline this year's instalment of the boutique festival Truck.
Starting as a tiny event in rural Oxfordshire, Truck earned its name after the main stage was fashioned out of... well, a truck. Growing in stature, the event entered its teens last year with its largest instalment yet.
Returning for its fourteenth outing this summer, Truck has named some of the first acts on its bill. The family orientated festival will be headlined by Welsh psychedelic wonder Gruff Rhys and folk types Bellowhead.
Stepping outside of Super Furry Animals, Gruff Rhys has recently focussed on a number of solo projects. Teaming up with a TV repairman, the Welsh songwriter's imagination seemed to be spiralling out control.
However the recent 'Hotel Shampoo' set is easily one of the finest, most coherent things he has released under his own name. Garnering critical plaudits, a recent UK tour saw Gruff Rhys take the music around the country.
Backed by a Welsh surf-pop act, Gruff Rhys mixed a few old favourites with his sterling new album. Set to headline Truck Festival this summer, the psychedelic hero will no doubt have a few surprises up his sleeve.
Elsewhere, synth-pop wonders St Etienne are set to perform while alt folkster Johnny Flynn will travel to the Oxford event. The bill also includes a number of fast rising Oxford newcomers, including much hyped math rock outfit Trophy Wife.
Fresh from the release of only their second single, Trophy Wife will preview their debut album at Truck. Joining the trio on the bill is oddball producer Chad Valley, whose material crashes between indie and electronics.
With Dreaming Spires, Jonny, Richmond Fontaine, Treelight For Sunlight and more named on the bill this year's instalment of Truck looks to be a typically eclectic affair.
Recorded in a makeshift studio with big-hitting producer Gareth Jones, the North London quintet's debut oozes a grand vision. Earlier comparisons with Wire now seem restrictive - Lou Hill's gang possesses a gritty swagger. Heartfelt and compelling, with Jones nurturing every last drop of creative sweat, 'Until Spring' is a romantically epic album, lovingly pieced together by a compelling band.
The full line up for Oxegen 2011 has been announced featuring Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys and more.
Ireland's biggest music festival, Oxegen has grown in recent years to compete with some of Europe's largest events. Thousands of fans descend on the site, with the line up always boasting a number of exclusive performances.
Keeping fans in anticipation, organisers have now unveiled the bill for Oxegen 2011. This summer will be dominated by some massive acts, with Foo Fighters due to headline the Irish festival.
Led by the ever-likeable Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters are one of the biggest rock groups on the planet. Arranging two shows at the vast Milton Keynes Bowl later this year, tickets for both nights sold out within hours.
With their new album lingering on the horizon, Foo Fighters will be on fighting form. Capable of drawing on an enduringly popular back catalogue, the sheer charm of Grohl & Co. is enough to win over any crowd.
Foo Fighters will need to be on their toes, however, with Sheffield indie bandits Arctic Monkeys also due to perform. Working on their fourth album, the band are set to preview new material at Ireland's largest festival.
Elsewhere, Coldplay will close the mammoth weekend with a special set while The Strokes have confirmed their involvement. Recently previewing new material on American TV show Saturday Night Live, the indie kingpins are set to return to Ireland ahead of their fourth album 'Angles'.
Other names on the bill include Brandon Flowers, The National, Beady Eye, Eels, Friendly Fires and more. Taking place at Punchestown Racecourse, more acts are due to be confirmed in the run up to the event.
These leftfield art popsters are equally at home winning BAFTAs for making robots out of wardrobes as they are devising interactive air traffic control audience experiences. Laying down their second LP in two weeks, FOUND are half psychedelic art project and half swooning indie band who are riddled with electronics that'll wrong foot you everytime.
'Machine Age Dancing', for example, starts as a faithful Motown lope before switching into a beatscape more inspired by Dabrye. There are more straight forward ideas like 'Shallow', with the falsetto melancholia of their Scottish forefoathers (and former art teachers) The Beta Band proudly keeping their flag planted in their distinct ground of Caledonian indie wonk. Criminally under exposed.
8/10
Words by Matthew Bennett
Hear 'factorycraft' in full right now on ClashMusic.com HERE
Released last year, the debut album from Beach Fossils was a deeply affecting sleep hit.
Skeletal indie rock, it bore comparison with groups such as Television, Galaxie 500 and more. The ramshackle songwriting belied the sheer heart which poured through the album, with Beach Fossils managing to capture something ineffable with their music.
Since then, the Brooklyn based band have grown in stature. Missed out on many 'End Of Year' lists, Beach Fossils' debut album has enjoyed word of mouth hype, passed from music fan to music fan.
Returning with their new EP 'What A Pleasure' the band have no intentions of reinventing themselves. The release is a short collection of songs which continue the threads of their debut album, but with a renewed sense of confidence.
In a special collaboration, Beach Fossils have recorded a track with Wild Nothing lynchpin Jack Tatum. Tatum took his bedroom project to the world last year, the shimmering nostalgia of their debut album enticing critics.
Entering the studio late last year, Beach Fossils and Jack Tatum recorded a one off collaboration. 'Out In The Way' connects the piercing melancholy of the Brooklyn act with the blissful nostalgia of Wild Nothing.
With 'What A Pleasure' released on Monday (March 7th) ClashMusic has grabbed a stream of 'Out In The Way'.
Brighton based newcomers Tall Ships have confirmed a new tour with Three Trapped Tigers.
So apparently guitar music is dead, kaput, gone. The figures from the mainstream have been carved into its obituary, with many arguing that British guitar music ceased to be surprising or inventive over a decade ago.
However out there on the margins guitar music is thriving. Trophy Wife are the latest group to emerge from Oxford's ever buoyant math rock scene, while Manchester's Dutch Uncles are finally set to drop their full length debut.
Down in Brighton - so often a centre of groundbreaking music - Tall Ships have begun making big waves. The trio arrived in the city from Cornwall, brought together by a ferocious need to create.
Playing a number of gigs last year, the trio have caught attention with their frenetic tempo changes and jagged guitars. Not quite math rock but far from mainstream, Tall Ships are preparing to release their new single later this Spring.
Already a live favourite, 'Plate Tectonics' is a vital slice of new music. Never settling in one place, it continually twists and evolves before finally shattering.
To coincide with the new single, Tall Ships have announced a joint tour with Three Trapped Tigers. Taking in dates across the country, the shows unite two of the most vital guitar acts in the country.
Opening in Cambridge on May 16th, the tour continues with shows at Birmingham, Cardiff, Liverpool and more. Playing the Glasgow leg of Stag & Dagger, Tall Ships will end the tour with a special show in London's Cargo venue.
Tickets for all dates are on sale now.
Tall Ships are due to play the following shows:
May 16 Cambridge The Portland 18 Birmingham Hare & Hounds 19 Cardiff Buffalo Bar 20 Liverpool Kazimier 21 Glasgow GSA 22 Newcastle The Head Of Steam 23 Manchester Night & Day 24 Sheffield The Harley 25 Leeds Nation of Shop Keepers 26 Preston Mad Ferret 27 Bristol Start The Bus 28 Glynde Place Meadowlands Fest 31 London Cargo
Tom Krell, aka How To Dress Well, is a complex character.
A bedroom producer who is the latest signing to label of the moment Tri-Angle, home to oOoOO and Balam Acab, he was once described by Primal Scream producer, Andrew Weatherall as sounding like "you're standing in the middle of an 18 year old brother and a 14 year old sister, and she's playing R'n'B and he's playing a Burial album – but in a good way". Not bad eh?
"I've always listened to R'n'B. I started playing in bands in 99/ 2000 and my favourite album was the first big Nelly record," says Krell. "There was always this concurrence of different musical styles – at any given time I'll like hardcore and Jodeci or harsh noise and shy."
The juxtaposition in How To Dress Well is resonant throughout his debut record, Love Remains, which sounds like a half remembered tribute to his youth – like the negative of a photograph or the ghost of a record. Perfectly placed on Tri-Angle, he shares much in common with his label-mates, who are also bedroom producers aiming for sounds that their equipment can't quite hit – forced to flourish within that restrictive atmosphere gives Krell's music its haunting longing.
It's this loner vibe, layered on multi-track in Krell's own bedroom, which creates the sound that a high tech studio couldn't emulate. Money may be able to buy you effects but it can't buy you the soul that fills 'Love Remains'.
Words by Samuel Ballard
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How To Dress Well's debut album 'Love Remains' is set to gain a British release later this year. Until then, have a listen to this stark remix of an R Kelly classic...
Outside his day job with Radiohead, Greenwood has created quite a reputation within a more classical realm. Having written a number of soundtrack scores, he became Radio Three's Composer In Residence in 2004. This latest piece of work is a sombre affair, mainly performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra.
There are interjections of bare guitar and three numbers by Can, adding a degree of bleakness. The problem with any soundtrack is that, in isolation, something gets lost and there's no exception here, but it serves as a showcase for a virtuoso performer with the dexterity to excel within any discipline.
Reclusive San Francisco project oOoOO is set to make its London debut on March 25th.
Part of a new wave of groups who aim to disrupt the Google-centric way of absorbing music, oOoOO have a nigh on impenetrable name. Pronounced 'oh' the San Francisco producer makes uniquely distorted electronica.
Loosely aligned to Witch House, oOoOO swaps the hip hop beats of that genre for something more influenced by IDM. A series of one off tracks led to a full EP last year, which saw hipsters everywhere struggling to pronounce their name.
Almost uniquely affecting, oOoOO have an unearthly feel which seems to drag its feet on the way out of the speaker. Essentially a product of Christopher Dexter Greenspan's imagination, the project sometimes expands.
Rarely playing live, oOoOO stretch and twist female vocal samples into tragic levels. Stand out track 'No Summr4U' filtered through the internet, passed on like a virus from listener to listener.
Set to DJ at the Ether festival on April 9th, the line up for the event is filled out by fellow American producers Games and Oneohtrix Point Never.
Meanwhile, oOoOO has added a new live date. The San Francisco producer's first ever performance on British soil, the show is set to take place in London's Electrowerkz venue at part of the Playground Weekender.
Opening the event, oOoOO will be joined by a bill focussed on dark wave electronica. Elsewhere, the likes of Teebs, Jeremiah Jae, D/R/U/G/S and more are due to perform at the London event.
The second night is dedicated to Parisian label Kitsune and includes performances from Yelle, In Flagranti, Punx Soundcheck and more.
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