Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Free internet, you know.

Alright, I had promised you and myself that I would keep quiet and enjoy my last days in New Zealand without sniffing about for stuff to mention here, but I've just got a few wees that I need to get out of the system.

First of all, I am massively impressed by new-in-town Danish house-duo Kenton Slash Demon, made up of parts of much heralded band When Saints Go Machine. I think good old Kjeld T. is probably going bonkers for a track like this one. Check it out, it's massive.

Don't bother reading this next part if you're feeling miserable, because upcoming Kitsune-darlings New Door Cinema Club are anything but it. In fact, they're somewhat over-fresh, but hey, aren't we all sometimes? 'I Can Talk' is a likeable little track in any case.

Back when it was released about half a year ago, I didn't really notice I Got You On Tape's 'Spinning For The Cause', but as they just won the P3 Prize (which, by the way, I think Oh No Ono were snubbed for, as was Trentemoller snubbed for the Live Prize for his godlike show at Roskilde), I thought I'd check out their performance from that show, and what charisma, actually. It's been on my mind for days.

In other stuff, I had a quick hear-through of Delphic's debut album Acolyte, which I mentioned in my last post. A promising record, although too early to say anything.

And one more gulp: Arctic Monkeys' Humbug has really grown on me through the past half year, and I regret I have yet to mention it. But it is a brilliant record.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Five in five weeks.

This is probably gonna be my last post until I return home in early February, unless I stumble upon something really awesome of course.

These next five Mondays see the release of exciting new records in my book, which I'm definitely gonna get a hold of when I get back. They include a few exiting and energetic debuts, one of those all-too-anticipated sophomores, and two albums from staples in very different fields.

Tomorrow, the 11th, sees the release of Vampire Weekend's much anticipated 2nd album, Contra, which can be heard in full length on their myspace. I have yet to give it an ear myself, but if you don't like brains, or do like Oasis, or both (which is often the case, sorry Liam, but I just can't get over how nice and quiet the NME.com frontpage has become since Noel threw his guitar at you and left), don't give it a go. They've got a tough task topping their debut though.

The 18th it's time for Delphic and their debut release, Acolyte. I saw these guys warm up for Bloc Party in Copenhagen something like a year ago, and they were quite impressive. As I've stated before, they remind me of few things internationally, but of somewhat of a cross-breed between Marvel Hill and Spleen United, to those of you lucky enough to know Danish music. Acolyte too is available for full streaming on myspace!

On the 25th, Danish upcomers Ginger Ninja are releasing their debut, called Wicked Map (I guess they wanted a record-title that was as poor as their band name, eh?), and this one I'm really excited about. They just received a nomination for Talent of the Year by benchmark Danish radio P3. I had the joy of playing alongside them with my own band Kinetics about a year ago, and since they've just gone skybound. Give the new music video for 'Bone Will Break Metal' a go here (and yes, the video is poor too).

A bit farther into the future, in February, on the 1st (01/02-2010 - nice twang, guys), Kashmir, arguably Denmark's most important rock outfit, are releasing their sixth full length, titled Trespassers. This is gonna be huge in Denmark, and less important everywhere else, but try giving 'Mouthful of Wasps' a listen anyway. You'll love that chorus.

Finally, British electrorock/dancepunk/pseudo-indie-schmindie pioneers Hot Chip are around for their fouth album on the 8th. It's called One Life Stand, and the title track is here.

Oh, and on a final note, I just can't believe I have hitherto not mentioned this track. Just, just in case you didn't hear it, which isn't likely, as this Teignmouth threesome is among the importantmost bands in the world, it's Muse's 'Undisclosed Desires', which is perhaps one of their suavest, bravest and straightforwardly brilliant songs ever.