Public Service Broadcasting on their new album Inform-Educate-Entertain do exactly that

Public Service Broadcasting is a duo from England that focuses on tight instrumentals while cutting and pasting old dialogue from public information films.  So, yeah, they're not exactly radio ready but there's plenty here to hook you.  The music is pretty tight and they don't waste a lot of time getting to the meat of the hook.  Their new album Inform-Educate-Entertain showcases their range and collects music they've been slowly putting out over the past year.  I think the album as a whole works together seamlessly.   Even on their more mellow songs like "Late Night Final" they keep the layers moving around you with horns, guitars, and a jazz vibe on the drums.  This album will go in my playlist to be played in the background while I read or write.

"Spitfire" is probably the best groove on this album.   You can just hear the band jamming to this and on the Youtube live versions of this track the band does exactly that.  It's definitely one of my favorite songs from Inform-Educate-Entertain.  You can actually see where they lifted the dialogue for this song on the video they made.  It's a pretty interesting concept this band is built on but I do wonder how long they will be able to keep people's attention with that hook.

"ROYGBIV" is another fun song from Inform-Educate-Entertain.  The banjos playing on this track are pretty unexpected but work really well with the rhythm.  Plus, this song is about a subject matter I'm pretty familiar with and hey, they can't go wrong with that.  Educating you folks on color.  Color on your televisions to be exact.  Yeah kids, way back when TV was black and white. 

Imaginary Cities album Fall Of Romance grows on you fast

It's definitely a theme this week talking about bands I'm not familiar with until their most recent releases.  I'm adding Imaginary Cities to that list.   Fall Of Romance is their brand new album that came out on Tuesday and it's fantastic.  There's a lot to like about their sound.  It's engaging and heartfelt without ever sounding too over produced.  The production level on this album feels very high.  They're Canadian and possibly the reason for the lack of exposure here in the US.  I hope things change for them quickly with this new album.  This is alternative-pop of the highest grade.   The most recent band to link their sound to would probably be The Naked And Famous but that's a stretch possibly. You be the judge.

I can't stop listening to "Bells Of Cologne."  With each listen, I get more out of this song.  The vocals by Marti Sarbit are powerful enough to challenge all the bells and whistles in this song. Yeah, there's a lot going on in this song including actual bells but it all works together to pop perfection.  They need to make an actual video for this song.

I really like Marti Sarbit's voice and it's showcased best on "Water Under The Bridge."  She is seriously soulful on this track and it really stands out from the more up tempo pop moments of the album.  I think it's a good way to judge a band on their album as a full by their more quiet thoughtful moments.   And on Fall of Romance, Imaginary Cities pass with flying colors. Pick up this album if you like your alternative-pop with a little soul thrown in.

Sir Sly have gotten my attention with their EP Ghost

Sir Sly is a band I barely know anything about.  And they're right here in my backyard of Los Angeles. They've let out a song every few months and I'm finally on board trying to catch up.  I'm not sure how familiar they are with The Neighbourhood but their sound has a striking similarity.  They might be drinking from the same creative well.   It's a nice blend of electronica and alternative rock with a modern twist.  I think Sir Sly do get a bit darker with the background atmosphere of their tracks than The Neighbourhood.  Their first EP Gold is really promising.  More unknown bands need to put all their tracks for people to be fully exposed to their sound. 

"Ghost" is one of my favorite tracks they've put out so far on the Ghost EP.  There's been a few ghost themed songs this year. Not sure what creative energy is sending that vibe out.  Anyhow, the synth backing this track is subtle but really captures your ears. I think what really works for me on this song is the lyrics.  Great stuff. 

"Gold" is the title song of the EP you can find most their tracks. Well there are only a few tracks at the moment but you they're all good.  I think there's a lot of promise here for a fantastic first album.  This song is where the similarity is really begins between Sir Sly and The Neighbourhood.  Something about the tempo and the mood is a lot like "Female Robbery."  Not a bad song to be compared to and this song has enough of it's own personality to keep it original.

Since I spoke about The Neighborhoud so much here's "Female Robbery" from their first EP.  Just so you can compare for yourself and see the similarity.

Young Galaxy's album Ultramarine is a pitch perfect electronica flashback

This year is chalked full of great alt-electronica albums and Young Galaxy's Ultramarine is another one to add to the growing list.  After one listen to Ultramarine, you immediately think of late Yaz and early Erasure albums.   The music sounds so familiar to Vince Clarke's production of those past great albums that Catherine McCandless starts to sound like Alison Moyet.  And just in time for the new Alison Moyet album.  She's not going to let the 80's revival pass her by.  Anyhow, back to Young Galaxy, McCandless puts a lot of soul into the electronics here.  If you like Chvrches, picking up this album is a no brainer.

"Pretty Boy" is the first single released from Young Galaxy's Ultramarine.  This song is seriously powerful and personal.  It's rare that you hear such perfectly crafted electronica with heavy and thoughtful lyrics.  A great introduction to anyone that hasn't heard this band yet.

"Far For You" is the latest release from Ultramarine.  The band knows how to pick the more pop friendly tracks for singles.  This song is great for a holiday weekend playing in the background with the sun blazing on your dashboard. That was me weaving through LA traffic to midtown. 

Colt Silvers album Red Panda is pure ear crack

Colt Silvers album Red Panda is one of those rare treats that keeps on getting more interesting after each listen.  The music is highly addictive and fun.  The band has put out several singles so far and have yet to hit the catchiest song on Red Panda, "Season of Silence."  You know your album has a lot of great tracks when you can keep putting out singles and have probably not even unearthed your best song.  Add this to your list of French bands that are making serious ear crack.  If you enjoy electro-indie-rock, this is your band and Red Panda is the album to pick up.

"Hide and Seek" was the first song I heard from Colt Silvers and it's a damn good starter track.  It's catchy with a nice hook and a chorus you can remember.  Bingo.  Really not sure how this song has song doesn't have more views after a year.  Come on people, discover this band already.  The lyrics seem very familiar to personal experiences of mine.

"As We Walk" is the bands newest single from Red Panda.  It's a bit more subtle but still as catchy as their first song from the album.   They know how to perfectly time the backing vocals on this.  There's a lot going on this song and you don't even realize it till the third or fourth listen.  This album is good, folks. Pick it up already! 

Danish band Veto make one of the year's most compelling EPs with Point Break

I love the mix of atmospheric electronica with live instruments and that's what Veto deliver on Point Break.  They bring to mind Post War Years and that to me is a great comparison.   I really dig how the percussion drive the music on each song. It's the heartbeat and backbone to all the tracks and none more clear than the song "Turner." This is one of those albums that I wish had a few more songs because each one is that good.   I highly recommend picking up the entire EP.  The entire album is leaked on youtube.

"Battle" is the first single from Point Break the band decided to release.  It's one of the most straight forward tracks on the album and shows how full and precise they can be.  I like how subtle they are with the use of synth on this song.  It blends together so organically with all the other instruments.  You practically forget it's there. 

And yes, I really like Post War Years.  Here's one of their most recent efforts and I know I've mentioned them on this blog before but if you missed it, they are tragically original.  Might not be for everyone.  "All Eyes" is so epic to my ears.  Galapagos collects most of Post War Years' music from the past 2 years.  Both these bands are worthy of your support, folks.

Benga's new album Chapter 2 is what pop electronica should strive to be

Benga's new album Chapter II just came out across the pond in the UK and I couldn't wait to give it a listen.  He had teased the fans with a few tracks last year and finally got around to putting out a full length album.  The Chase & Status album is probably my favorite dubstep record of all time. I'm sure I will get smack talk for saying that.  I think all the different artist on that album helped raise the bar for the dubstep genre.  Anyhow,  Chapter II has some really killer tracks that are easy for the mainstream.  Songs like "Higher" and "Choose 1" are club ready with great beats and catchy chorus to hook you in from the first minute.   Benga gives the serious dub-step fans some tireless tracks with heavy bass and for the mainstream, he gives them a handful of extremely catchy songs. That's why I say other electronica albums should strive to have that kind of balance. 

"Forefather (feat. Kano)" was the first single pre-album-release.   This song is definitely your classic Benga track with the bass dropping 40 seconds in.  The dubheads out there will enjoy this song more than the two I mentioned previously.  I like the video tracing the club scene in England from the beginning of Benga's career till now. 

"Choose 1" to me is the Benga song that really resembles his work as Chase & Status.  This is the kind of song that gets me to pick up Benga's music.  I'm not a huge fan of the huge bass and wabba-wabba sound of typical dubstep. This song has more rhythm and a catchy chorus. 

Boxer Rebellion gets even more grown up with Promises

I've been anticipating the new Boxer Rebellion album a while now and can't stop listening to it since it's release this past week.   Promises might be missing that one home run song like "No Harm" but it's such a well rounded album you won't even notice.  The songs flow together so well and you get lost in the music.  That's the way albums should be, folks.  Not a few singles slammed together with pure garbage but a complete and collected piece of work.  I really like their album Cold Still and Promises has it's own personality.  Maybe because it doesn't have that one song yet I've gravitated to.  Time may change that.  Overall, this album is just well polished and worth the purchase.

"Diamonds" is the big single so far from Promises.  It has a catchy chorus and you can't beat the line "I'm not good next to diamonds."  Not sure who can claim they're good next to diamonds actually.  Kayne West has a big enough ego that might take a stab at that statement. 

Promises is a really well balanced album.  It has some subtle moments and then some bigger songs like "Always."  "Always" has a big chorus and it's really polished.  The production value on this album is definitely up there and songs like this really make you hear it.  Again, this album might be missing those stripped down earnest moments of Cold Still but overall, it's probably the band's best work yet. 

Young Wonder's new EP Show Your Teeth is very promising

Young Wonder is an Irish based electronica band and a touch different from other electronica bands with a similar vibe like Chvrches.  They have hard hitting deep bass grooves reminding me of deep house bands but their music tends to be way more abstract.   This isn't for everyone, but if you like electronica and a band that's fresh and willing to take some chances on some songs, well Show Your Teeth is worth picking up.  And don't worry, folks, there is some pop sensibility deep within the songs and lyrics here.   It might just a be bit deeper than bands like Chvrches, that have that pop right at the surface.

"Time (feat. Sacred Animals)" is the bands second single from Show Your Teeth and most definitely their most accessible song believe it or not.  The vocals are more clear lending itself to access for a wider audience.  Although, it's still fall from pop.  The bass on this song really is pretty damn awesome.  If you have a good speaker setup, prepare for some rumble.

"To You" was the first song I heard from Show Your Teeth and I knew I had to pick up this album.    I love the layers and samples in this song.  This is really the shinning moment from this EP and gives me huge hope for future music from Young Wonder.  I love the funky bagpipes sampled in front of the electronica.  The video for this song is also really clever. Who doesn't like a Viking funeral for a pet?

Ours new album Ballet The Boxer is a flashback to the 80's stadium rock

The Killers made an attempt for a flashback 80's style stadium rock album with last year's Battle Born, and Ours do much of the same with a thunderous stab at everything grand from 80's pop rock.  Their new album Ballet The Boxer 1 takes me on a time warp to the era of U2 and Foreigner with those big rock anthems and bombastic vocals.  This album is really easy to listen to.  I've had it on repeat in the background through out the weekend and it hasn't gotten old.  It really takes me back to my childhood with bands like Foreigner on heavy rotation on the radio.  You can see the undeniable similarity in songs like "Sing" and "Stand."  This album is available for download ahead of it's release for a pledge of $10. 

"Been Down" is probably one of the albums high points.  This is my personal favorite track from this album along with "Stand."  I just dig the funk and soul vibe of this song.  I like it when a band makes an album void of gimmicks or tricks.  There's nothing pretentious about this band.  Here's a quick promo of the songs from the new album.  I couldn't find a good link to the songs and they currently have no videos available for any single off of Ballet The Boxer 1.

Karin Park's Highway Poetry still sounds great a year after release

Highway Poetry is one of those albums I can't stop coming back to while I write.  There are so many moods and moments represented on this album that I can't recommend it enough. It was on my year end list of 2012 but I don't think I ever spoke about it on it's own.  Listening to this album brings me back to the day I picked up Bjork's Post LP.  It's hearing an artist evolve to something that's ready to be taken more seriously on a grander scale.

Anyhow, she's put out a good amount of videos last year and here is a good collection of her work for you to enjoy.  Pick up Highway Poetry and you won't be disappointed or maybe you already did when I put it on my year end list in 2012. 

"Thousand Loaded Guns" is one of the hardest hitting songs from Highway Poetry.   She made a video for this but her performance live at the AllSaints Basement Sessions is way better than the video.

"Wildchild" is a more stripped down song and in your face song from Karin.  It's the shortest of the album and probably one of my favorites. Oh yeah, it also has the line "he showed me his monkey."  HAHAHA. Love it.  That's what happens Karin when boys come through your bedroom door.

"Fryngies" was Highway Poetry's first singles.  It's one of the more Bjrok moments on this album.  The way Karin sings and her chorus feels directly lifted from Post.  Not that I have any issues with that. If it's working, keep doing it.

Dorena create a damn good instrumental album with Nuet

Yet another band I knew nothing about before the release of their new album.  Dorena, from what I seem to uncover, is a Swedish band that was formed back in 2007.  Dorena is also the name of a town in Oregon. Thanks Wikipedia. 

Anyhow, Dorena just put out their new album Nuet and it really exceeded my expectations.  As a big fan of Godspeed! and Explosions in the Sky, I'm always looking for a good instrumental album and Nuet delivers.   Unlike the two bands I just mentioned, Dorena brings more light than dark moments to it's song compositions.  Nuet is the kind of album you want in the background on a sunny summer day while you drive with the windows down.   This is a good starter for those that might find some rock instrumentals too dark and heavy.

On songs like "The All-Clear,"  Dorena start out with an almost pop rock vibe transitioning into chaotic soundscape by the the sixth minute that leaves all early expectations behind.   I've linked a video of them playing the song live. 

"Young Hearts of Summer" really does create a perfect summer mood.  It's light and uplifting with enough complexities in it's structure to not leave the more discerning listener bored.   This album is really damn good, folks.

Injustice: Gods Among US soundtrack is suprisingly good

Why would so many big names like Depeche Mode, Killer Mike, The Faint and Rise Against make music for a video game release? First of all, it's odd to have a soundtrack for a video game.  Not something I would normally consider picking up.  I know that in recent years big time composers like James Horner and Trent Reznor have taken stabs at scoring games.   I guess I answered my own question then.  It's the new medium to play with for composers and bands.  

I reviewed the Iron Man3: Heroes Fall album recently and this Injustice: Gods Among Us is DC's answer to that album in some way.  Both coming out a few weeks apart.  I wonder if Superman will have an inspired by album?  We shall soon find out.  Yeah, I'm trying to start the age old fight between comic book fans, "Are you a Marvel or DC guy?" 

Anyhow, let's get to this Injustice album.  I haven't played the game and that makes it unclear for me if any of these songs actually make it into the game itself.  If any of you reading this have played the game, leave me a note in the comment section if you actually heard any of the tracks in the game. 

This album is actually better than Heroes Fall in my opinion.  It has way more grit and who can go wrong with a kick ass song "Villain" from Killer Mike?  This song is just fun on any level.  Killer Mike delivers again with a twisted vision of the Villain's side of the game.  

There's plenty to talk about on this album.  I just say pickup the entire thing. It's worth it.  Another personal favorite of mine from this is "This Is Is Is Is Pain" by The Faint.  Just to hear a new track from The Faint is great.  And this song does not disappoint.  Love the pounding beat over the guitars.   This might be my favorite Faint song in 10 years. Sorry Marvel, your inspired album for Iron Man was decent. This album by DC is way more bang for your buck.  Oh yeah, this album has a Depeche Mode song. Enough said.

Lucero have become a Southern lounge act with Texas & Tennessee

I didn't want to talk about Lucero again so soon after talking about their live show anniversary.  Texas & Tennessee EP came out and things changed. I had to start talking about this release.  I so wanted this to be back to the old form of the band but nope, this is more of the same from Women & Work era Lucero.

"Breathless Love" is a big Southern lounge sound.  It's got so much going on that it loses the edge the band used to have with their more earnest strip-down approach.  And then there's "Other Side of Lonesome" with a a polka sound and lots of fill all over the place.   I think Ben is far from "lonesome" on this song with all the musicians playing in the background.  "Texas & Tennessee" might be the shinning moment from this album.  It's a little more subtle and laid back.  Hearing Ben playing it stripped down is the way I wish it was recorded on the album.  Minus the accordion. 

This EP in no ways is bad by the way. Me bitching about it is more personal than a critical slamming of a well polished and written album.  Long time Lucero fans would probably know where I'm coming from here.  I just wish the band would go back to being that original 4 piece they started with for a song or two. I'm not asking for an entire album but just give me a few songs with that old Lucero sound.   Ben still can write the hell out of lyrics. 

The Weeks deliver a pure unfiltered traditional rock album

Yeah, there's no alternative or pop in front of the word rock that would go to describe this album.  The Weeks' new album Dear Bo Jackson is one of the year's more soulful traditional rock albums. There's no tricks or high concepts here, just pure fun rock to listen to while enjoying a cold beer on a warm spring afternoon.   I really dig it's soulful backbone with the southern twang.  If Kings Of Leon had a more playful and soulful younger brother, it would most definitely be The Weeks. My personal favorite tracks are "Bad Enough," and "Thief In My Mouth."

"Brother In The Night" is the first single from Dear Bo Jackson and I think it does the album justice.  It starts out with a great funky groove that sucks you in minute one.  There's no doubt these guys love the South and aren't ashamed to represent it.  Just like the Alabama Shakes giving lots of love to their home state, these Mississippi boys give their home state a proud nod here.

Here's a live version of "Ain't My Stop" from The Weeks' acoustic sessions performed at this year's SXSW.  I hope to catch these guys live when they make it out to California.   It's great to see bands embracing their surroundings and creating art from that exposure.