Image courtesy of Team Delays
Sitting down to write this, I think of the Maxϊmo Park lyric “Write a review, well how objective can I be?” a question that often crosses the mind of a reviewer. This thought is even more pressing when tasked with reviewing a band I’ve been a fan of for more than half a decade.
by Becky
As a relative newcomer to the Efterklang fold, I’m unsure what to expect from their live set. I’m certainly a fan on record and trusted friends have assured me they are a band worth seeing. They weren’t wrong, from the minute they step out onto the stage the band are captivating.
Casper Clausen makes the reverent crowd feel at home by peppering the live set with banter both in English and his native Danish and the rest of the band look incredibly happy to be there. Their enthusiasm is infectious, as is their melodies. Most of tonight’s set comes from recent album Magic Chairs which is a mixture of swirling orchestral pop and off -kilter electronic soundscapes.
The dramatic ‘Full Moon’ sounds like musical offspring of Kate Bush’s hounds of love, ‘Modern Drift’ is dreamy indie pop with a whole-load of soul and ‘Mirror Mirror’ is twinkling and magical, building and meandering through harmonies, brass and a deft, syncopated beat.
They occasional dip into their back catalogue, which is incredibly well received but it’s very much ‘pin-drop’ quiet when they do play. It’s a wonderful thing to witness a band that can command that kind of stillness while retaining a sense of fun in their performance.
Efterklang have cast their spell, expect to fall under it soon: I certainly have.
by Becky
Alas I have no camera! Here is Ólöf Arnaulds performing the awesome ‘Crazy Car’ on KEXP radio, Seattle
The Icelandic songstress narrowly avoids the wrath of the elements in her homeland to make her debut London appearance. The rather lovely Café Oto is a suitably boho haunt for Ólöf Arnaulds first foray into performing in our nation’s capital. As we arrive, the place is already wall-to-wall hipsters and artsy types that populate this particular post code. The lights are low and single lamp shines on a grand piano – it almost feels like (what I imagine) a prohibition- era club would have been like. Which is entirely fitting, as there is something of a bygone-days glamour in Arnaulds’ persona as she watches Jonsson from afar in a red velvet dress.
Tags: Café Oto, David Thor Jonsson, Ólöf Arnaulds
by Becky
Sunday night in Islington’s Union Chapel, and we are gathered to watch retiring 60s chaunteuse Vashti Bunyan; and what appropriately lovely surrounds we’re in too.
Despite her shyness, Vashti Bunyan is a gracious, self deprecating hostess whose voice is enough to still the sternest of critics. Not that I am one, as I sit obediently on the pew and listen in fan-girl awe to tonight’s performance.
Bunyan and her band play through the songs from her Just Another Diamond Day album as well as her more recent output.
She opens with the love song ‘Hidden’ before musing ”I wrote this song when I thought life could be so simple…I don’t know if I believe that now, but I truly did then” as she introduces ’Just Another Diamond Day’ Most of her songs are strongly rooted in that which she holds dear: her children, love, nature and of course her well-documented love of travelling adventure. Even seasons are synonymous with particular feelings.Tthe melancholy, winter songs ‘Rosehip November’ and her “19 year old heartbreak song” ‘Winter is Blue’ tell stories of lost love and disillusionment. On the other hand, spring-themed songs like ‘Glow Worms’ tell the tales of new love.
She speaks softly between songs, suggesting she would far rather let the songs do the talking, but she is still a very engaging storyteller. Vashti Bunyan once described herself as channelling the voice of twelve year old choir boy - which is as good a definition as any I can think of. Her voices echoes round the beautiful old Islington church while her band play out melodic arrangements. In ‘Here Before’ A Calimba tinkles like raindrops underneath the dulcet tale. She dedicates ‘Rainbow River’ to the memory of arranger Robert Kirby and plays a new song on her own, admitting that she and the band “hadn’t quite worked it out yet’. Despite her reputation for being a reticent performer, she smiles and pays tribute to her fellow musicians. Some things just stick in your mind, Vashti once wrote. Her melodies certainly do.
Tags: Fat Cat records, Robert Kirby, Vashti Bunyan
by Becky
There’s something strangely 1940s about DM Stith. Maybe it’s especially apparent in the retro movie theatre surroundings of the Cube, but I like it. Stripped of the multitracked voices of album Heavy Ghost (well, almost stripped, opener ‘Morning Glory Cloud’ builds up with sampled hand claps and guitar knocks), I’m aware how complicated some of the basics of Stith’s songs are, and what a truly great fingerpicker he is too. He’s a charming and witty guy too, and cements his victory in the battle for KV’s heart with his poignant tribute to the late (and much lamented round these parts) Mark Linkous, a cover of what is probably my favourite Sparklehorse song, Spirit Ditch. A great and wondrous show.
Show Mr Stith some love here
Tags: DM Stith
by Matt
Thao Ngyuen is a Virginian-born, San Francisco based musician who, aged twelve used to play guitar at the laundrette her mum worked at. Several years later, she has travelled the world with her band The Get Down Stay Down and has acted as a mentor for young women at a music camp. She kindly agreed to answer some of questions, from across the seas via email. Click to read more …
by Becky
Yes, you’ve probably heard that Atari Teenage Riot are back, and will bring the noise this spring. They will release a new single Activate through their own Digital Hardcore label on May 17th. Download the Builder remix ahead of the single release.
ATR will be creating glorious, noisy havoc at The Electric Ballroom, Camden on Thursday 12th May. Ticket details here:
Tags: Atari Teenage Riot, Digital Hardcore
by Becky
So the Monday blues are out of the way, and spring is virtually tapping on the door: hurray! Here are some sweet audio and video delights doing the digital rounds this week.
Gorrilaz are streaming their new album Plastic Beach a week ahead of its release, and they take over Gaurdian Music for a week.
Listen here:
Scottish masters of lo-fi The Twilight Sad release The Room on 7″ vinyl and digital formats on 29th March 2010 on Fat Cat records
Video
Owen Pallett (Formerly Final Fantasy) releases ‘Lewis Takes Off His Shirt’ from his Heartland album on March 29th
Here is the video
Free download mp3 -Simon Bookish remix of ‘Keep The Dog Quiet’
MAR 18 DUBLIN, IRELAND - WHELAN’S
MAR 25 CARDIFF, UK - MILLENIUM MUSIC HALL
MAR 26 LONDON, UK - KOKO
MAR 27 BIRMINGHAM, UK - RAINBOW WAREHOUSE
MAR 28 MANCHESTER, UK - THE DEAF INSTITUTE
Tags: Gorillaz, mp3s, Owen Pallett, Twilight Sad
by Becky
The new episode of the Kid Vinyl podcast is online now, featuring music from Sparrow and The Workshop, The Ropes, Laura Veirs, and Cataldo; as well as part of KV’s interview with the great Laura Veirs herself. Please follow the ‘Podcast’ link to the right for more information, and the link to the Laura Veirs interview to read the complete transcript of the chat LV and KV had together.
Direct Download (Right click and ‘Save As’)
Tags: Cataldo, Laura Veirs, Sparrow and the Workshop, The Ropes
by Matt
Four Tet is set to release new single Sing taken from the current album There Is Love In You on March 15th on Domino. The track is available on 12″ vinyl or as a digital download.
Mr Hebden will tour the UK in March including a London date at Village Underground on the 30th May (Bank holiday Sunday-rescheduled from 10th).
Tour dates are:
Thursday 11th March: Manchester - Club Academy
Friday 12th March: Leeds - TJs
Saturday 13th March: Edinburgh - Bongo Club
Thursday 17th March: Brighton - Concorde 2
Friday 19th March: Birmingham - Custard Factory
Saturday 20th March: Bristol Fiddlers
(Bank holiday weekend) Sunday 30th May: London - Village Underground (rescheduled from 10th April - same ticket still valid)
Girl group extradinaire (now with erm, a new girl and some boys) are back with a new album Earth vs Pipettes which is preceded by the single Stop the Music on April 19th on Fortuna Pop. The single will be available on limited edition red vinyl and CD + digital bundle.
In the meantime, you can download Our Love Was Saved By A Spaceman for free.
Tags: Domino, Fortuna Pop, Four Tet, Pipettes
by Becky
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