Music Newsletter 24/1: Pantha Du Prince | Glasser | Geotic
All music newsletters R E M O T E G O A T * M U S I C * N E W S L E T T E R This is where we try to squeeze in as much music related shenanigans as we possibly can. We get a lot of requests to review new stuff but unfortunately we're not always able to get it up in time, so we're hoping this will keep you all in tune with what we think you should be listening to or watching. Check out the bands page for even more reviews, previews, tracks and bands. Also feel free to follow us on Twitter, and of course, we in turn will follow you.  Hendrik Weber's third album as Pantha Du Prince is a bustle of activity. It's predominately dings, dongs, clicks and clacks, all incessantly overlapping, making it incredibly dense and yet, using his master skills, manages to keep it spacious, delicate and wintry. Apparently his newest album was inspired by his journeys in the Swiss Alps. There is also something very familiar and together about the way Weber plays out his long, unwinding basslines, they really glue the whole album together. He makes sure that, even at the lengthy 70 minutes, it's one of the most satisfying electronic albums of late. Listen to the glacial The Splendour.  So a little by Norwegian ambient-dub master Lindstrøm is probably a pretty great thing to have on your resume. Especially if you're still quite unknown on the whole, MUSIC SCENE. Glasser is the latest recipient of that particular honor. The remix works really well, combining her witchy, tribal sounds with Lindstrøm's zoned-out, minimal, summer beats, which you can listen to right here - Mirrorage. The remix will be on an album out later in the year, and the original Glasser version is available from Glasser's 2010 debut album Ring.  When he's not making animated, quirky electronic pop as Baths, California-basted singer/songwriter/producer Will Wiesenfeld also maintains a more ambient-focused side project (if Baths wasn't ambient enough), using the moniker, Geotic. Wiesenfeld has made his latest LP as Geotic, 'Mend', available free of charge(!), which you can find here. Also, the image that goes with the free album, (the image above) is, according to Wiesenfeld, is "an Optomap Retinal Photo" of his left eye. As its free, I think you should get it, it really helps the back-to-work feeling I know you're all feeling too. |  In November Wolf Parade announced that they'd be going on indefinite hiatus after playing a few shows this year. This came after working out how many side-projects were mid-flow. These guys have their fingers in a lot of pies. Boeckner will be on tour with the Handsome Furs but clarified Wolf Parade's future with a post on a fan site, saying that they're going on "indefinite hiatus". I guess a band this good is allowed to have a break occasionally.. Unless they never return, then it was the worst idea ever. What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had to Go This Way)  Baltimore musician Benny Boeldt's electro-pop project Adventure has a new record, Lesser Known (out in March). If you're not familiar with his ultra-melodic synth compositions, referencing the 8-bit soundtracks of the Sega Genesis video game catalog of his youth, you soon will be. His sounds also have a familiar late 70s electro-pop sound and he also suggests a strong liking for "Eastern European diminished scales". It's listenable, and a gentle take on 80s game electro pop. Listen to Feels Like Heaven for a quick bit of fun.  One of 2010's most popular collaborations was the remix of Crystal Castles' "Not in Love" with Robert (The Cure) Smith. And oh yes, it finally gets a video. Thankfully the Nic Brown directed video steers well clear of Mr Smiths hair, and pouty Alice Glass (ice queen front woman of Crystal Castles). Actually the music kind of sticks to that grainy, blurry "vintage" VHS-style footage which is average - the song on its own is better. Watch the video here (Via Gorilla vs Bear.) And listen to the track here - Not In Love (feat. Robert Smith).  Back in July 2009 we gave Dicepeople's debut album 'Time To Play' a 4-star review. Since then various blogs and magazines have been similarly enthusiastic about its blend of electronic beats and textures. The good news now then, is that its just been available for a completely FREE download over on the Dicepeople website. For those of a more tactile disposition, you can also click the link to snap up one of the remaining copies of the album on CD too. |
