NEW MUSIC: 2:54 - ORION

2:54 are back! Over two years after the release of their self-titled debut album and subsequent extensive touring, the Thurlow sisters have signed to Bella Union and released new single 'Orion', with the promise of a new record later this year. One of the musical hallmarks of 2:54 was an intoxicating claustrophobia; on 'Orion' however, the guitars and drums expand out into open air and the track breathes much easier, hinting at a much different mindset. 

Check out 'Orion' here

2:54

Some Summer Listening

As the famous British Summer both drowns us and burns us to a crisp, here are some suitably atmospheric albums to soothe a sunburnt head.

Hundred Waters - The Moon Rang Like A Bell

Following on from their eponymous debut record, Hundred Waters are carrying on the good work with The Moon Rang Like A Bell. This is a restless record, constantly lulling you into a false sense of security in its quieter moments before expanding exponentially. 

Glass Animals - ZABA

Full of sleaze and sultry beats, this record does not beat around the bush in any way; Glass Animals are here, now, and they demand your attention. 'Pools' is irresistible, while tracks like 'Toes' have an underlying sinister nature, holding your ears to ransom. An audacious debut, perfect for unbearably hot summer afternoons. 

Woman's Hour - Conversations

The Kendal four-piece have already impressed many through the first half of 2014 and while some would falter under such pressure to perform, Woman's Hour show that they are assured enough to carry this weight. Conversations is very much part of the 'less is more' philosophy, but no emotion is lost or spared on this beautiful record. 

MARCH - APRIL: THE BEST BITS

We Are Scientists - TV En Français

It's been nearly 4 years since the release of previous effort Barbara but TV En Français makes it worth the wait (see what I did there?). Cheap WAS song puns aside, this record is everything we've come to know and love from Murray and Cain; sweeeeeeet hooks and not-so-sweet lyrics - "When I said that you were something else/I didn't mean it as a compliment".
Check out: Dumb Luck, Overreacting

Foster The People - Supermodel

Those people that endured the endless airplay of 'Pumped Up Kicks' throughout 2011 will be pleasantly surprised by Supermodel; there is a real myriad of styles here, deftly executed. Let's face it, the world doesn't need another one-hit wonder, and I'm happy to say that Foster The People have avoided this fate.
Check out: Pseudologia Fantastica, Best Friend

Spring Offensive - Young Animal Hearts

Oxford are very excited about their new export; Spring Offensive have been labelled by many as the next Foals. While this comparison is warranted to a point, Spring Offensive have more than enough about them to shrug off the shadow and make their own tracks. There's a subtlety and vulnerability to Young Animal Hearts that makes for an assured debut and hints at great things for the future. 

Check out: Bodylifting, Speak

THE YEAR SO FAR ...

We are hardly two months into 2014 and yet there is already an abundance of new music to be devoured; here is my pick of the year's new releases.

 East India Youth - Total Strife Forever

William Doyle's debut solo effort contains an impressive palette of sounds; it is an ambitious record that almost demands to be heard. 

Check out: 'Heaven, How Long', 'Hinterland'

James Vincent McMorrow - Post Tropical

From the first strains of 'Cavalier' it is clear that Post Tropical is an album that whispers rather than shouts. If you take the time to listen close, you will surely be rewarded.

Check out: 'Cavalier', 'Outside Digging'

Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow

An album borne of travel, with home at its heart. The quartet know a good hook when they hear one, and So Long... is full of them.

Check out: 'Home By Now', 'Feel'

Arthur Beatrice - Working Out

A strong debut album underpinned by intriguing vocal contrasts and a sophisicated sound that usually takes several records to cultivate. 

Check out: 'Midland', 'Carter'

Wild Beasts - Present Tense

Building upon Smother's flirtations with electronica, this record weaves synth upon synth and vocal upon vocal in and out of your ears until you inevitably become entwined with it. 

Check out: 'Daughters', 'Palace' 

NEW MUSIC: WILD BEASTS - WANDERLUST

In a whirlwind 24 hours, Wild Beasts have unveiled a new album, single and a smattering of tour dates around the world. 'Wanderlust' is the lead single and first track on 4th LP Present Tense, and it denotes yet another shift in the Wild Beasts sound. The sonic DNA is at its essence the same; Hayden Thorpe's idiosyncratic vocals stretch out into the lower end of his register while Tom Fleming's soar in the background, and the relentless rhythm section is a comforting ever-present. There is, however, as in the Beasts' whole back catalogue, a sense of the Darwinian to be found in 'Wanderlust'; guitars are shed like a skin in favour of powerful, cutting synths that build to a crescendo as Thorpe warns "Don't confuse me with someone who gives a fuck". Present Tense is, as the band put it, an album about "headspace and consciousness"; 'Wanderlust' is the triumphant cry of one who has mastery of these concepts. These thematic concerns bring to mind a little snippet of Shakespeare:

                "O God, I could be bounded in a nutshell and
                count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that
                I have bad dreams."
                                                                              Hamlet II.II.265-7

It remains to be seen whether bad dreams will appear on Present Tense alongside the infinite space of 'Wanderlust'. 

Preorder Present Tense and check out the new tour dates here