The Aikiu have made the perfect summer album with Ghost Youth

The Aikiu conjures up Bowie with a dash of Duran Duran at times.  The music really jumps around in tempo and mood which keeps the listener guessing on the album Ghost Youth.  This album is a perfect summer release.  On songs like "Fear" and "Let Me Freak Out," The Aikiu really remind me of Bowie with the vocals and tempo.  Then there are songs like "Fools" and "20th Century Ghosts" that change things up and almost sound like a completely different artist.   And by the way, all of it in a good way.  This album is a must pick up for anyone that likes music with some imagination.  The Aikiu sound new yet conjure up great memories of the past.

"Fools" just blasts you from the first second with the bass thumb and the background vocals.  I really dig the use of white noise to muddy up the vocals a little.  Kind of gives the pop a bit of punk edge.  And what a chorus.  You will be humming, "we must be fools" all day after hearing this song.  Yes, that's a funny screen grab to have for the video below.

"Pieces of Gold" was released a while back and is definitely one of the standouts of the album.  This entire album is really too good not to pick up in full.  Not sure what was the thought process behind the video but hey it's actually pretty funny.  It will probably alienate a lot of viewers though. 

Lorde's "Tennis Courts" is one of the summer's catchier songs

So, Lorde is a New Zealand singer that's slowly getting her sound heard over here in the States thanks to YouTube.  Honestly, I think YouTube has single handily helped unknown artist get noticed more than any technology since we learned how to record sound. Things can quickly go viral without any major label push.  Anyhow, it's hard to believe Lorde is under 18 because there's a level of depth in her voice that normally isn't heard from someone her age singing pop.  Her new song "Tennis Court" does have plenty of teen angst to showcase her age.  Hey, write what you know is what I always say.  It comes out way more honest when it's written from common experiences.

The video is pretty stripped down.  Not sure what to make of it even after several views.  I guess that's a good thing.   Keep your audience guessing.  Cool hook and some clever lyrics.

"Royals" is Lorde's first single. Might as well post that since we are on the subject of this new talent on the pop scene.  Looking forward to seeing what she can do with an entire album.  She has a very similar pop sound to Charli XCX.  It's a good year for young female singers in the pop scene.  It's sad that I can't seem to get my ears to gravitate towards anything a US pop singer makes.  I wonder why?

Kisses is another LA band worth a listen with their "Kids In LA" LP

I've been writing about a lot of Los Angeles based bands lately on this blog and Kisses is yet another to add to the list.  Kisses really don't hide their love of the 80's synth sound.  Their album Kids in LA is a solid first effort and has some fun catchy moments.  I'm not sure how much I like the album as a whole.   We have almost hit that part of a trend that the music starts to get watered down.  And that trend I'm speaking about is the 80's synth revival.  Anyhow, the members of the band Jesse Kivel and Zinzi Edmunson have put out a polished effort here.  It's worth checking out and deciding for yourself.  If you like 80's synth, you'll dig Kids in LA.  Check out their songs "Up All Night," and "Huddle" which best showcase their sound.

"Huddle" is definitely the most 80's flashback song of the entire album.  The synth and percussion actually have a very Stevie B vibe from that late 80's pop scene.  It's that stripped down digital claps that really takes me back.  But they do put a bit more polish and sophistication in their song to raise them above the mentioned era of music.  

If you email the video to someone, they might be fooled and think it's a lost 80's track.  They definitely take great efforts to give it a full blown flashback feel.  I like it and dislike it at the same time.  Like I said, I'm still trying to figure this band out.   Are they just hipsters trying really hard to be this way or is it actually their honest taste and approach? 

Since I spoke about Stevie B, let's roll out one of his classic pop songs from the late 80's.  Some of you kids might not know or remember this guy.   He was part of that Miami dance sound that became very popular from mid to late 80's.  Here's his song "Spring Love."   Gotta love it the level of cheese in this video.  Excellent!  It's odd how some pop songs from the era took way to long to end. This song should be no more than 3 minutes long. Come on Stevie, why do you need 5 minutes to tell me about your spring love?

Studio Killers debut album is dance pop at it's best

Studio Killers' big single "Ode To Bouncer" is the kind of ear crack that will bounce around your skull all day without escape.  When a band can mix a great beat with clever lyrics, that's normally ingredients for a massive hit and this is what Studio Killers have accomplished with this song.  There's no need to dissect it, just take a listen and get hooked for yourself.  The animation for the video is fantastic as well.  This Danish band has a bright future on the pop charts.  

Now, as far as the rest of their album,  it's all pretty strong dance ready music.  There might not be another song as strong or hooky as "Ode To Bouncer" but there are plenty of songs on here to make this worth purchasing and not cherry picking for the best songs on iTunes.  "Eros and Apollo" is their newest single and it's definitely the album's second strongest song.  Whoever is in charge of the band's releases, knows how to pick the right tracks.  There's something about the vocals to their music that puts it a step above the normal euro dance music.  There's almost a Erasure feel to it.

There's a lot on this album to like.  I highly recommend it for anyone that enjoys fun dance music.  Nothing too serious or mind blowing electronica happening here but sometimes it's about the toe tapping nature of it all.  Other songs like "Jenny" and "All Men Are Pigs" make this one of the year's best in it's respective genre. 

Pacifi Air have put out a solid first LP with Stop Talking

Pacific Air is yet another band from the Southern California area with a nice melodic indie pop sound.  Not sure where this creative energy is coming from but it may just be the air coming from the Pacific(yes, I went there). Seriously, it's interesting how The Neighbourhood came out of the gates first and now all these other bands are following with a very similar vibe.   I wonder if these bands run in the same circles like back in the early 2000's with all those indie New York bands?

Now, let's talk about Pacific Air's debut album Stop Talking.  It's pretty darn good.  As mentioned above, they have a very familiar sound to them. Well, mainly familiar to some other local So Cal bands.  There's a good mixture of melodies on here with solid lyrics to actually keep your attention. I could see this album playing in the background while I drive the down the PCH with the windows down.  Songs like "Float" and "Roses" have a dream like quality to them and then there's more up tempo pop melodies of "Lost My Mind" and "Faraway." 

"Faraway" might be my favorite song on this album.  There's a lot going on with this song and I think it really shows the potential for this band to be bigger than the sound they represent on this album.  There are some interesting loops and layers. The song has a fourth act of sorts at the three minute mark.  Really interesting choices in how they composed this song. 

"Lose My Mind" is a perfect first single showcasing the bands melodies and song writing skills.  "I've been thinking about the ocean, and how cold it's been."  Those lines say it all for us folks living in Southern California.  Anyhow, if you like your indie rock more mellow and melodic, Stop Talking by Pacific Air is worth picking up. 

Jason Isbell's Southeastern reminds me of how amazing he is at storytelling

As a person that attempts to write fiction from time to time, it's daunting when you come across such a strong storyteller like Jason Isbell.  You kind of evaluate your own work and go wow, this guy really puts me to shame.  I remember the first time I heard his lyrics on The Drive-By Truckers album Southern Rock Opera and had to literally replay it all over again right then.  I was stunned in how much depth a person can have in their story telling in under five minutes.  

Anyhow, let's talk about Southeastern which happens to be the new album from Jason Isbell.  It's a heartbreaking piece of poetry.  It has a glimmer of happiness in there but it reminds me of how fragile life is and what's really important.  Isbell used to create stories about the world he grew up in and the southern culture that surrounded him but this time around it's even more personal.  You can tell each song is cut really close to the vest.  My personal favorite is "Relatively Easy" and "Traveling Alone."  Both have a nice dark romantic edge that everyone can relate to.   This ain't pop folks, this is southern folk rock at it's best.

"Elephant" is one heavy song.  Isbell cuts straight to the bullshit with statements like, "there's one thing that is real clear to me, no one dies with dignity, we just try to ignore the elephant some how."  There's real no point in dissecting this song. Just listen to him sing it live and if you're not compelled to pick up the album, then not sure I can help you, man.

David Lynch & Lykke Li make a haunting collarboration

I'm a huge Lykke Li fan and to find out there's a song collaboration with none other than David Lynch himself, well, I couldn't be more hyped.  "I'm Waiting Here" is the name of the little bonus track they made together for David Lynch's new album and it is haunting and lush.   Lykke allows the listener to get lost in her voice.  I almost feel like I'm watching a montage of Twin Peaks in my head while this song plays.  Anyhow, if you haven't heard it yet, here it is below.  It makes a compelling argument for me to pick up this new album.  Sacred Bones Records is giving the song away as direct download if you pre-order the Lynch album. http://sacredbonesrecords.com/releases/sbr109/

Vår create one hell of an art album with No One Dances Quite Like My Brothers

Vår is a collaborative effort of four very talented artist from Copenhagen.  Now, I tend to point you good readers towards really catchy music that just happens to be one step from the masses.  Just want to stop you right there, because Vår is not for everyone.  They're a middle ground between Cold Cave and Sigur Ros.  If those bands are familiar to you, then please read on and check out Vår. 

Anyhow, on their newest creation No One Dances Quite Like My Brothers, Vår take you down one deep dark hole of isolation and art. Sometimes, my ears need something that takes a bit of brainpower to wrap my head around.  This album is exactly that.  It took several listens to peel back all the layers and really hear their creation.  It's strange how stripped and sparse it feels but at the same time overwhelming. 

"Into Distance" might be the albums most accessible song.  It really sounds like The Cure and Joy Division gave birth to a wicked creation.  Actually, come to think of it, even the album cover reminds me of Joy Division.   There's nothing shinny or happy about their music.  But if I'm ever going to use the word art and music, this would probably be the time.

 
My personal favorite from this album is "Motionless Duties."  I'm a sucker for a fuzzed out percussion and symbols crashing in the background.  This song is so jam packed with fuzz and all sorts of other samples.  These guys got my attention.  And they deserve yours if you like darker music.

Russian band Tesla Boy make another 80's throwback album with The Universe Made of Darkness

This year is relentless with the 80's flashback sound.  I think I've jumped in a time machine and just saw a DeLorean drive by.  Tesla boy is another band to add to the list of 80's synthpop releases of 2013 with The Universe Made of Darkness.  Like I always say, music really bridges the cultural gap.  A Russian band singing in English and copying the pop 80's sound while doing so.    Don't let the title of the album fool you, this is a fun throwback sound mixing synth and even at times a little of the Kool and The Gang R&B with songs like "Stars."  And then the album has moments of pure pop like the Pet Shop Boys with the song "1991." 

"Split" is the second release from The Universe Made of Darkness.  I hear a bit of Twin Shadows on this track which I really dig.  It has that same R&B mixed with the synthpop of the 80's that's easy on the ears.  You can find great synthpop from anywhere these days.  Nice Coke endorsement in the video.

"Fantasy" seems to have gotten the most play from The Universe Made Of Darkness on YouTube. I imagine it's because of the girl in the webcam video is practically naked.  She's topless actually. Not sure if this video is office appropriate. You have been warned.  Never a bad idea for unknown bands to try their hand at a little T&A to get a few views.  Just saying, do whatever works to get your music heard.  So, this is what people do on Skype.

Marsheaux make one of the year's best dance floor albums with Inhale

 Marsheaux is a Greek duo that make some really fun ]danceable synthpop.  They have had virtually no impact on music beyond their side of the world but they deserve more recognition.  On their newest album Inhale,  they do a great job of making a complete wall to wall musical experience.  It's a pretty relentless synthpop album with little fat to trim.  This is the kind of music genre bands need to have fun with and Marsheaux do exactly that.  Even on songs like "Alone" which is a bit darker, the beat is upbeat and pop ready.  80's flashback music never gets old in my book.  That was the era when I was first discovering music and it takes me back to it. 

The biggest difference from this album than their last might be the dream quality.  The synthpop at times hits shoegaze territory.  "To The End" has an almost a College vibe to me.  It's a bit moody at first before the song really gets going.  It's songs like this that make this album a complete experience.  Gives the album a touch of weight.  Dig through Youtube because this band has a ton of great music for you to discover.  Check out their clever cover of "Eyes Without A Face."

My favorite song from Marsheaux prior to this album was "Dream Of A Disco."  Maybe it's the Flock of Seagulls synth vibe in the background, but this song sort of just hooked me and I had to start digging up their music.  Nothing too complex about this song's lyrics.  

I rarely like remixes but Chvrches construct a new song out of "Hurricane" by MS MR

This song has been out for about a month but I honestly have passed right by it.  I'm normally not a huge fan of remixes.  They tend to be overdone and sometimes lose the edge of the original song.   Chvrches do a great job avoiding those normal pitfalls remixing "Hurricane" by MS MR.  I really like the original song and Chvrches turn the soulful song into a summer bubble gum pop jam.  It sounds like a song straight from the summer of 86'.  The original is so much darker and moody and it's amazing how they completely turned the sound on it's head. 

And just for those that might not be familiar with the original song by MS MR, here's "Hurricane" as it appears on Secondhand Rapture.  If you haven't picked up the album, hit amazon or wherever you get your music and pick it up.  I didn't bother talking about the MS MR's album release because I had spoken about them late last year on the blog.