New Releases - 10th May

New Releases - 10th May

05 May, 2010
by: Music Team

So we learnt this week that yes, the '80s generally sucked, mainly thanks to Cyndi Lauper, and Villa Nah are a bit like marmalade

*SINGLE OF THE WEEK*
Gold Panda – You
Notown Records

Gold Panda is the stage name of Derwin, a young man from Essex who sculpts lush electronica soundscapes through the power of his laptop computer. This, the 7” single that predates the release of his solo record later this year, progressively demonstrates a patience not often incurred by producers of his field.

In equal parts fun and contemplative ‘You’ is, simply put, stunning, and the work of one of the most promising musicians this country has seen for some time. 5/5
RM

Villa Nah – Running On
Moshi Moshi

To think I was a whisker away from reviewing Lee Ryan's new song this week and might never have discovered Villa Nah. It's a bit like the time I accidentally put marmalade on my toast instead of jam.

These guys make dreamy synth-pop music which manages to sound like the '80s and the future at the same time. Most of their tracks (including this one) have a haunting end-of-the-night feel to them, a sort of lackadaisical disco to get you gently swaying on the dance floor. Beautiful stuff. 5/5
EM

The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster – Love Turns To Hate
Black Records

Few things are as disastrous as the '80s. Chernobyl, John Lennon's assassination, the Challenger explosion, Margaret Thatcher, the Lockerbie bombing, AIDS, Cyndi Lauper. That's why it's so painful to see the kids in '80s clothing. They think it was all acid washed jeans, Ferris Bueller, and funny haircuts; well it wasn't, it was a lot of Cyndi Lauper. Much like Vietnam, you had to be there to truly understand.

On a separate note, this single is superb, well worth the five year wait. 4/5
TO

Men of North Country – Man of the North Country
Acid Jazz Records

A retro offering from this Tel Aviv born-band which sounds straight outta '60s London. It's got a Northern soul vibe crossed with a proud, big band sound. The chunky brass section and wavering vocals sound quintessentially English. It's a good debut from this Israeli seven-piece, who have emerged from Tel Aviv's apparently 'thriving' soul scene.

Shame about the name though – it's bound to cause confusion. 3.5/5
LC

Heavy Water Experiments – Hermes Told Me So
Intrepid Sound Recordings

It's a lazy single, with drums and growling guitar that loop throughout the song. A mellow voice follows suit, but like I said, it's lazy, and I like it. The melody doesn't 'wow', but it's pleasant and reminiscent of lying around in a park.

A little more variation would be nice but the slightly psychedelic keyboard and vocals make for easy listening and a great summer tune. 3.5/5
SC

Dan Sartain – Atheist Funeral
One Little Indian

Call me old-fashioned, but I just don't think religion has any place in rock music. Remember Live's 'Heaven'? Yes, I wish I didn't too. Although Alabaman blues rocker Sartain occupies the opposite end of the spectrum, admonishing listeners not to "talk about God on my wedding day", the awkward subject matter means it's never going to be something you throw on at a party.

A shame, because the deliciously deep double bass twang combined with hyperactive drumming and Sartain's darkly commanding Nick Cave-esque voice makes this track otherwise well worth listening to. 3/5
SK

The See See – Mary Soul
360 Degree Music

This is rock-pop from a beach somewhere in the '70s transported to us via a Delorean that took a mad detour through '90s grunge. Bizarrely brilliant, I imagine the The See See have much more of an impact when they're performing live.

The track sadly sounds a little boring but I'd be up for seeing these folks at a long hot summer festival. A manic depressive's worst nightmare, it's a perfect amalgamation of the happy clappy and the melancholic. 3/5
NK

Kelis – Acapella
Interscope

As far as pop music goes these days, it's fairly agreeable, although it fails to hold your attention for the full 4 minutes. It simply doesn't go anywhere.

Despite capturing some of the tribal charm of the 1997 chart topper 'Sunchyme' by Dario G, 'Acapella' lacks the uplifting spirit of its nineties predecessor as it drones on and on. Produced by Will.I.Am, I find myself screaming, 'Will, I am bored!'. However, her voice still sounds fantastic – perhaps it should have been left as an acapella. 3/5
RS

Blighters – Heartbeat
Hungryaudio

These cool cats won’t move for anyone, especially not that damned tube worker in the video. They’re too busy rocking out and asking people to ‘feel their heartbeat’ in a London underground station, which is apparently called ‘Blighters’. Hmm, I wonder what line that’s on then?

This catchy little tune will have you bopping your little head up and down in no time, so these new-wavers must be doing something right. Although after a couple of listens I think them asking you to ‘feel their heartbeat’ may become a little tedious. 2.5/5
SRC

Princeton – Shout it Out
Kanine Records

Umm, maybe Princeton should take their own advice, grow a pair and yes, actually ‘Shout it Out’. Then maybe the girl would care, or at least we might. At the moment it's all a bit slow and soppy.

I don't know how old these guys are – their photos suggest they're still young – but for some reason the singing sounds a bit like someone putting on their dad's voice. If you fancy a laugh, watch the live performance on YouTube first. 2/5
LR

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Music Team