Michael Francis is gearing up to release his debut album the Cold Heart Chronicles LP, and now the New Jersey native gives fans an official introduction to the project with “Her Song.” Produced by Back The Beast and originally recorded in 2009, the serene, swooning, sentimental track marks the beginning of a love story that Francis weaves intricately throughout the album.
Get acquainted with Example – the British rapper and singer who’s been steadily racking up hits on the UK Album Charts and is now building a following Stateside. His third album Playing In The Shadows debuted in September (at #1 on the UK charts) led by the hit single “Changed The Way You Kiss Me.” Over the bass and synth-heavy beat, the 29-year-old weaves a familiar tale of love and troubles with the opposite sex.
(Photo: Garret Curtis)
Along with the announcement that LA gauze-rockers Superhumanoids are supporting Active Child and Balam Acab on tour (this is in addition to dates already booked with Cold War Kids and Class Actress), came freebie “Geri,” the first single from their upcoming LP Exhibitionists. So when we popped the track, we thought, jeez guys, take a rest with this crazy schedule. But as the calming new-wave-cum-dreampop emanated out, lush with impressively-ranged male and female duets and an alloy of live and synthesized instruments that pushes each note to chilly infinity, we flip-flopped. Superhumanoids: Tour even more, put out even more, visit even us more. As much as you possibly can.
"Shallow" is unashamed to be a glistening piece of dream-pop. It's like Beach Fossils just got out of the pool before recording it. Guitars jump and ping around, bass bounces with sprightly intuition and the drums form a distinctive motor. It's the A-side to a new single that band is putting out via Captured Tracks on February 21.
Musician Alex Schaaf formed rock band Yellow Ostrich himself, releasing his debut album The Mistress in 2010. But Strange Land, the group’s second effort and first via Barsuk Records, out March 6, is the product of a full band. Early album cut “Marathon Runner” is a boisterous indie rocker, simultaneously imbued with thoughtfulness and whimsy. Schaaf’s voice and lyrics are especially compelling as he uses the titular marathon to ask life's big questions.
There's only so much Arthur Russell and sometimes I feel pressure to take what I can get and try to relive the thrill of discovering his iconic original work for the first time. Here, though, Estate does a good '80s-infused spin on "That's Us/Wild Combination." It's welcome and very surprising that there was room for a keyboard with all the cocaine I presume was on the table when this was made. Ah, those vocals! Still!
There's something about that late '70s New York grime. When we hear something that sounds like it – with its mix of disco, punk, attitude and dirt – we run over like little helpless animals at feeding time. That's basically what Anika has pulled-off with her cover of Chromatics' stunning "In The City." The track comes from a sampler for Invada Records, which is the imprint of Geoff Barrow from Portishead and Beak>.
Ohio indie rock band Walk the Moon are releasing a new EP, Anna Sun, today on RCA. Although the propulsive title track has been out for a while, please allow this to be your (re)introduction to the group, who are currently on tour with Young the Giant. “Anna Sun,” a deeply-catchy track, is a dance-tinged rocker in the vein of MGMT or Foster the People. Our apologies if it’s stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
