The sample pop prodigies TV Girl are branching out into the physical world with the first single! Small Plates will release the 7", which features the band's first sample free tracks. The transition didn't seem to affect the duo too much though, because the tracks still have sepia toned, "way too cool" feel to them that used to be called retro. Perfect for those of us still trying to convince ourselves that summer isn't over.
Orca Orca is the solo project of Boston native and pop-punk dreamer Jim Hewitt. His debut single (which you can download below for free!) straddles that fine line between breezy and lazy with surprising ease. The project is self classified as dream pop, and the texture is definitely there. I'm not so sure dream pop captures the whole picture though, as these songs stay snappy; bobbing and jumping where their peers just sway. Fans of Cloud Nothings or Unuomedude's more pensive moments will definitely approve.
These days, just having a release on Tri-Angle is cause for buzz. Their newest release, a single from New York (via Kuwait) artist Ayshay somehow hasn't received the buzz of its peers. Maybe I just dropped the ball on this one, but even though these songs have been out since July I'm just now hearing them.
Warn U, comprised entirely of Asyshay's ("whatever" in Arabic) layered vocals, will rip any preconceived notion that songs should convey specific feelings to shreds. The end result is pulsing, foreboding, and somber yet somehow comforting. While I'd say I have a larger background knowledge on Islamic culture than the average america, not knowing whether or not what I'm listening to would offend many of my friends only adds to the song's inherent tension.
Also including on the single is the Nguzunguzu remix, which almost effortlessly turns the single into a post-dubstep banger. Any sense of calm is stripped away, leaving one of the scariest dance songs I've ever heard, and I can't stop listening to it.
I've been absolutely floored by Slumberland's output this year. They are definitely in the middle of a renaissance. Just take a quick peek at their soundcloud and youtube page if you don't know what I'm talking about. Perhaps the most buzzed about band in their rising class is Big Troubles, and they've made their debut album available for stream! No embed link at this time, so head over to Stereogum. There's not a second of filler on the album, but if you need a highlight, I'd say Minor Keys is the cream of the crop.
Unreleased old Daft Punk? Yes Please. No one's going to declare this their new favorite Daft Punk song, but a ton of people (including this blogger) might get that special Daft Punk feeling they haven't felt in far too long.
