//ANIMAL//

We Are Animal are releasing their debut album 'Idolise' very soon. It's a good listen. Lot's of strong riffs, fuzzed electronic interludes and husky welsh lyrics. I rate it. If you haven't heard them and want a comparison, the band lay somewhere between The Walkmen and Liars. A good combo in any case. Listen for yourself and get down one of their launch gigs around the country over the next couple of weeks. 'Idolise' is out on Art Union on October 25th.

We Are Animal - 1268
/myspace

I heart Beaty

I had the pleasure of seeing Beaty Heart last week. They're layered, electronic, percussive, tribal sound could quickly be likened to that of Animal Collective, but that's a dry thing to say. They're super special in their own right. The four piece band from London are definitely one to catch live. Their sound has depth, as do the band, as individuals as they swap around from instrument to instrument. I don't know what the deal is with any releases, but I reckon they should sort something out soon, I for one would be at the front of the queue. They have a couple more dates in London and Manchester on their myspace.

/myspace

Lost n' found

It was put by me that I should listen to tRANSELEMENt. So I did. I can't believe that this band never cut it beyond late night radio play from John Peel before they split. These recordings from '98 - '04 are amazing. Really something special. Experimental, listenable and tight as fuck. Leanings toward bands like Deerhoof in places, Bearsuit but less annoying. They're much better and more eclectic in their output. The band split having never releases the album '(____) is Missing?'. But to the delight of myself and hopefully you, the four Lancashire lads have put every release they've had including the 'missing' album up on bandcamp for us all to enjoy for free. Please download them all and listen to them. And spread the word about this amazing unsung band. Who knows we could convince them to reform.

tRANSELEMENt – Toebull
tRANSELEMENt – Bontempi Motor Neuron Song
/download albums

Awake from Slumberland

Crystal Stilts are back with some new material. To get us in the mood for the release of their sophomore album early next year, the hypnotic psychedelic hole has been reopened with 'Shake The Shackles'. The 7" is due to be released on 26th October on Slumberland Records. The sound's about the same as last years release 'Alight of Night', but that was good, so this probably will be too.

Shake the Shackles by Slumberland Records

/myspace

Happy out

Idiot Glee is doing the rounds supporting Women next week here in London town, so I thought I'd see what the beef was about. The Kentucky man's fifties influenced acapella approach is a great way to start the day, but his sound is more Brooklyn. A gentle vocal sound that floats between Owen Pallette and Grizzly Bear harmonies. Some nice plinky keys in there too. He released his self-titled EP in March and for $2 you get four very good songs.

Idiot Glee – All Packed Up
/myspace
/buy EP

Danger Maus

I've only just become aware to John Maus and now I'm mildly obsessed. I don't know how this is humanly possible after constantly listening to Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti and Panda Bear, seeing as he's been a part in both. The cheesy synths, booming monotone voice, random spurts of noise all make a great listen. Sometimes I don't know whether I should laugh as much as I do at some of the songs, if it's intended that way or not ('Rights for gays' - so good), but there's a couple of belting albums to listen to, and it puts a smile on ya face. His last release 'Love is Real' was in 2007 but he's played a couple of gigs recently, so hopefully he'll be emitting more sounds soon.

John Maus - Bennington
John Maus - Pure Rockets
/myspace
/buy

Back to the floor

Factory Floor. Minimal. Industrial. Cold wave. Whatever, they're fucking good. The 10" 'Lying / A Wooden Box" came out in May, they just released two remix versions of this too. Tour dates on myspace means get down and see them. I saw them at Rough Trade a few weeks back and was left with little hearing. You'll be like a moth against a light bulb.

Factory Floor - Lying
/myspace
/buy

Public Strain

Ace news... the wonderful Women are putting out a new album 'Public Strain' on August 23rd on Jagjaguwar. I was pretty much obsessed with their self titled album last year. Experimental, eclectic, shoe gazey, and beautifully produced by Chad Vangaalen. They've announced UK and European tour dates for August and beyond. Pick up tix quick, they'll sell out double fast. They've put up a free download of 'Eyesore' as a pre-treat. Preorders start on July 27th and come with a free 7". About time.

Women - Eyesore
/myspace

Flock of Segall

I'm pretty much over the garage scene right now, but I've been listening to Ty Segall's latest album 'Melted'. It's very good. Catchy slaggy fuzzy riffs and lazily drawled lyrics. It's more of a pop version of Thee Oh Sees, with some Supergrass thrown in. I really like the down tempo tracks when they feel like his right arms going to drop off from playing the guitar to slowly. All the songs a good. A rare treat. San Fran can.

Ty Segall - Girlfriend
Ty Segall - Finger
/buy Melted
/myspace

El Scorchio

It's set to be a belter this weekend. I recommend the following to cool your ears down:



El Guincho
Finally the lovely man from Barcelona is following up his album Antillas with a somewhat more relaxed release called 'Piratas de Sudamérica'. Set to be buyable from July 12th on Young Turks. Love the single being put out called 'Hindou'. The EP is a a mix of lost and loved songs from South America and you can hear them all here...

YT044 - El Guincho - Piratas de Sudamerica by Young Turks

/myspace
/buy EP




Monster Rally
I read about Monster Rally and had to check out their series of dreamy, fifties exotica hawaiian style sample heavy songs. Don't know anything about them, other that the fact you can download the self-titled EP from bandcamp. Very generous. Proper lovely.

Monster Rally - The Wolf
/Download EP