Album Streams: Porcelain Raft/Cloud Nothings

For anyone out there afraid 2012 isn't off to a great start, Tuesday January 24th is looking like the first big day of the year. Two of the most hotly anticipated releases of the winter are both being released that day, Cloud Nothing's Attack on Memory and Porcelain Raft's Strange Weekend. Over the weekend, both albums were made available for streaming for those of us who prefer to listen before we buy. Coincidentally, both albums mark exciting new production styles for the bands. Porcelain Raft's first proper LP adds a professional layer of studio gloss, without fundamentally changing his warped, dreary style. Attack on Memory on the other hand marks a more dramatic departure, with the overall aggression on an entirely different level than Cloud Nothing's 2011 self titled. If you've got some time, dig into both full album streams below.




Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory by Carpark Records

Strange Weekend Preorder
Attack on Memory Preorder 

Album Stream: Those Lavender Whales - Tomahawk of Praise

South Carolina's twee-folk rascals Those Lavender Whales release their debut album January 17th, but decided to let us all hear it a few days early. Tomahawk is filled to the brim with songs that just make me smile, and I'd highly suggest it to everyone. Stream the entire album over at Fork and Spoon's website, and expect a full review on Athid in the very near future.

Blonds - Kite (Acoustic)

Last Semester, as finals rapidly approached things got a bit hazy around here. I found myself constantly writing up quick drafts of blogs posts and never finding the time to actually publish them. This seems to be the case with Miami's indie pop duo Blonds. Their blown out retro pop, (specifically the ear worm Kites) was more than deserving of a write-up the first time through. Fortunately, this acoustic session refreshed my memory and I can finally rest easy. Watching the duo at their most playful, laid back on the beach is the happy antithesis to our not so pleasant January weather. Perfect timing, or at least better late than never!

Blonds' debut EP is available for free on their bandcamp.

Music Video: Real Estate - Easy

Real Estate - "Easy" from Tom Scharpling

I think this the first time I've posted a a music video that premiered on Funny Or Die. The internet is a strange and wonderful place though, so hopefully this won't be the last.

Porcelain Raft - Unless You Speak From Your Heart

Mauro Remiddi continues to build the hype surrounding his full length debut "Strange Weekend" with the release of his second single. "Unless You Speak from the Heart" follows in the high fidelity footsteps of the album's first single, and unwinds most of the nervous tension. Centering around a bouncing, whimsical synth line, the track is the first Porcelain Raft song that's unabashedly fun. The keys and percussion bring to mind a sugar coated Walk in the Park, but (not unlike that song) the guitar part is the real joy. The soldering iron line breaks through around the half way point and reminds us that we're in outer space, not cloud nine. This is still Porcelain Raft after all!
Porcelain Raft - Unless You Speak From Your Heart by DOJAGSC

Strange Weekend is out January 24th on Secretly Canadian. You can pre-order the album here.

Music Video: Hooray for Earth - Realize It's not the Sun

Premiered earlier today on No Fear of Pop, one of the best blogs around.

Gutter Saint mixtape

A few months back the lovely Avis Elizabeth asked me to contribute to her super rad arts zine. I gladly accepted, and since I don't know how to do anything else I made a mixtape. The zine also includes much more exciting contributions like short stories, poetry, art and photography. To quote Avis, the issue revolves around "Identity. How people, places/your environment, experiences shape self." It can be a bit of a downer at times, but then again so can life. If you'd like to check out the zine you can read the whole thing for free online right here. Even if I didn't contribute I would highly suggest it! Stream the mixtape (preferably while reading the zine), and then pick out your favorites or download the whole thing.

1. School Night - Coma Foxes
2. Her Sinking Sun (Rachel Levy Remix) - Coma Cinema
3. Hollywood Snow - Ghibli
4. Motivation (Instrumental) - Clams Casino
5. Grins - Blood Diamonds
6. Ungirthed (AIDS remix) - Purity Ring
7. Oliver Twist - Avey Tare
8. Oh, Why - Balam Acab

If you'd like to contact Avis about Gutter Saint (word on the street is she's always looking for more contributors) send her an email at aenorfle@g.cofc.edu