Welcome to NEOLOOP


Step in to the Neoloop, have a look and listen!

You'll find a cornucopia of tasty tunes to bounce off your eardrums. I update with new tunes, art and photography every week, depending on what I'm doing and listening to at the time, old and new. I'm based in London UK but I love to travel and discover new music along the way and share my musical journey on neoloop.

Please support the artists and buy their music. If you are or represent an artist being featured on here and want me to remove something, email me.

Happy listening!

Neo

Email: neo@neoloop.com
  Heavy Rotation
  Category Cloud
  Albums of the year
Jul 19th, 2015 00:30am

Heartbreaker

Slow, down and funky groove from Thundercat. Stephen Bruner (aka Thundercat) sounds great on this, co-produced by Flying Lotus and features Kamasi Washington on saxophone. Taken from new EP released last month The Beyond/Where the Giants Roam.

Categories: Alternative, R'n'B
Jul 19th, 2015 00:11am

My heart is waiting, taken in from the star

Beirut’s first album in four years, No No No, will be out in September.

Zach Condon has us hooked again with another catchy tune that we’ll be playing all summer. Hearing this has caused me to dig out his last few albums again for a spin. Great to have him back and on form.

Categories: Alternative
Jul 19th, 2015 00:05am

She’s making me high

The American alternative rock musician Beck is straight back into it with new tune Dreams, released on June 15, 2015. Beck's first release and the lead single from his not-yet-announced upcoming album. The song has an upbeat and funky tune, in contrast to the more muted sound on his last album Morning Phase.

"I was really trying to make something that would be good to play live," said Beck, also confirming that this is a track from his upcoming album.

Categories: Alternative
Jul 19th, 2015 00:00am

Driving my heart

My favourite track from Blur’s The Magic Whip is Ghost Ship, it has all the classic trademarks of Blur but for me this sits nicely in with Damon Albarn’s solo material. The laid-back funky groove and the mesmerising melody are intoxicating.

Dreamy tune for a sunny days.

Categories: Alternative
May 4th, 2015 01:20am

Get into the Groove

Slowly working it’s groove into your head this tune is simple but effective, stand-out single from LoneLady’s Hinterland LP. Influences of ESG abound Groove it Out is all about the hook and the hypnotic cow bell. You have no choice but to groove it out.

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
May 3rd, 2015 23:59pm

Carrie & Lowell

Widely regarded as his best album to date, Carrie & Lowell is an LP that definitely earns respect with every play. Sufjan Stevens is often a required taste, here he sounds at his most intimate, stripped back to lush arrangements. Should Have Known Better is a beautiful song.

May 3rd, 2015 19:33pm

Multi-Loving

Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s forthcoming third LP Multi-Love due at the end of May is causing quite a stir, following the bands excellent self-titled debut and II sophomore albums their third is building on that sound with added extra funk and dance friendly beats. Multi-Love is certainly a record you’ll love in many ways.

Official Site

Categories: Alternative
Mar 31st, 2015 00:04am

So Hot!

Serious Mexican-Americano shit going on here, what’s not to love. Fuzzy trumpet riffs buzz over Mariachi band brass and spaceship landing cosmic goings on. Mad as a box of frogs and features Spanish singer Amparo Sanchez.

Taken from Calexico's new LP Edge Of The Sun. And it’s a scorcher!

Categories: Alternative, Leftfield
Mar 30th, 2015 23:38pm

Rolling on the waves free

Cracking new tune from Vetiver’s new long player out this week. If this don’t entice the sun out nothing will. Keep it simple, catchy beat and some lazy strumming in a tropical vibe. New album, Complete Strangers is out now.

Like this? Try: Mac Demarco, Real Estate

Categories: Alternative
Mar 8th, 2015 20:30pm

Everybody knows

Fresh Blood: No Skin the new LP from Matthew E. White, so good to have new music from Matthew E. White as you’re pretty much guaranteed to get high quality output from the American following the creation of Spacebomb Records, which aimed to make available a house band and record a wide variety of music. We’ve already had his debut Big Inner which was amazing and the White produced Natalie Prass debut. 

Back with a new full length LP, he slips straight back into business, first tune up is Rock & Roll Is Cold.

Welcome back.

Categories: Alternative
Mar 8th, 2015 19:41pm

Ibeyi’s eponymous debut

Ibeyi - French/Cuban twins Naomi and Lisa-Kaindé Díaz debut is causing a stir, main down to the originality of their music. They have a organic sound that crossed genres without thinking about it. You can pick-out the influences with a fine tooth comb but they weave a fascinating thread of discovery.

Often bared down to the simplest of arrangements leaving no slack of unnecessary sound and leaves everything to breath in space. This is the full fat. Ghosts is a spiritual delight of glorious harmonies. Buy the LP now.

Recent Mixtape EE-BEY-EE is worth a spin too - Click Here

Buy Ibeyi’s debut on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Folk, Leftfield, Soul
Jan 10th, 2015 19:52pm

Elemental folk

Dead City Emily, a nice mellow track from Marissa Nadler’s seventh LP July which came out February 2014.Dead City Emily was released as a single the previous year.

An eerie under current that shines with a lush melody and Marissa’s celestial voice.

Official site here

Categories: Alternative, Folk
Jan 10th, 2015 19:25pm

Hypnotizing

More tropical sun-beaten pop, a nice track from Florida-based duo SALES self-titled EP that was released last September, Getting It On, a slow burner that has worked it’s way into many playlists in the last few months could be the best song they’ve put out yet.

A beautiful song.

Get the EP on iTunes here

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Dec 27th, 2014 14:30pm

Jump to the beat

In advance of their ninth studio album album Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance—out January 2015. Scottish indie-popsters Belle and Sebastian have exploded back with the new single The Party Line.

An 80s dance-pop infused number with a funky disco groove that sure to keep you toeing the Party Line into the new year.

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Dec 27th, 2014 14:07pm

Daydream Pop

Montreal's Mac Demarco’s sun-soaked tropical guitar flourishes create short ditties that burst with colour and a lazy hazy feeling. My mate Jack raves about Mac’s music and I’ve been listening to Salad Days, Demarco’s sophomore LP, on and off since April. The perfect soundtrack to hot and sunny, chilled-out days laying in a hammock with a cold drink of choice. I’ve succumbed to it’s jangle-pop charm, with an illustrious psychedelic edge that comprises perfect easy listening.

Building-up a big following this year, Mac DeMarco isn’t even his real name he was born Vernor Winfield McBriare Smith IV. He started out with fuzz-pop band Makeout Videotape before releasing debut EP Rock and Roll Night Club back in 2012. The LP 2 then followed the same year. DeMarco recorded Salad Days in his apartment, in the Bedford–Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn, New York, following an extensive tour in support of his debut releases.

This tune, Let Her Go, was apparently label Captured Tracks’ demands for an upbeat single that DeMarco was quite upset about. But it’s proved to be worthy inclusion however it came about and it's a definite highlight on the accomplished album. Salad days is an enjoyable record that’s well worth investigating and one we’ll come back to when the sun comes out.

HIGHLY RECOMMED

Like this try: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Real Estate, Alex Calder

Dec 27th, 2014 12:51pm

Lost in the Dream

The War On Drugs third LP Lost in a Dream was released to widespread critical acclaim back in March. Since then the album has featured in practically every top ten albums of the year lists, if not topping them.

The LP has been a slow burner for me since it’s release and like all great LPs it’s opened up and blossomed with new discoveries and a record that I keep coming back to. Red Eyes, the first single released at the end of last year, a driving beat that brings with it a heavy influence of 1980s rock was an instant hit and a quality stamp that ushered in the album that followed. Lost in a Dream flourushes with many reference points from classic rock, but this record has a contemporary edge that demands attention and repeated listening. The long tracks serve as epic journeys that create a monumental and memorable LP that will stand the test of time.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Like this try: Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Kurt Vile, Sharon Van Etten

Nov 30th, 2014 23:47pm

Retro Voyage

This tune sounds like David Byrne fronting a Soft Cell record in 1985. But it’s 2014 and this is LA duo Sean Guerin and Isaac Franco know as De Lux. I first heard this band when they covered fellow label mates Classixx around the start of this year.

kinda like what Hot Chip would sound like if they came out in 1985, but with a polished production this sounds fresh! New LP Voyage out now.

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Nov 30th, 2014 23:31pm

Why you wanna go and do that?

Love this electronic pop song from Les Sins aka Chaz Bundick aka Toro y Moi.

Very easy on the ear and is undoubtably one of the stand out tunes on the debut Les Sins LP Michael.

Why, featuring vocalist Nate Salman singing over a pop beats and cascading piano flourishes.

Perfect pop, Magnifique!

Categories: Alternative, Electronic, Pop
Nov 30th, 2014 23:08pm

Pom Pom

The eccentric Ariel Pink back with another cacophony of madcap songs, Pom Pom is receiving rave reviews among the left-field blogs and review sites. It is undoubtably a very required taste to even entertain listening to this record, but repeat listens will throw-up all kinds of feelings. In parts it’s a real challenge in the same way you might approach Captain Beefheart or Frank Zappa. All in one go feels like an epic film on fast forward, it’s melting pot of styles and genres that at it’s best is pure genius.

Not Enough Violence pounds to a marching beat with melodic cascading synths and all kinds of weird noises. Shiny happy moments arrive in the short pop ditty Put Your Number in My Phone. One Summer Night sounds like Sebastian Tellier in a fairground. Goth Bomb is the albums Spinal Tap moment, completely OTT rock, Negativ Ed is more of the same but faster, boarding on cartoon thrash. Jell-O sounds like a fucked-up TV commercial before we get to this track here, Black Ballerina which gives us welcome respite with a hip hop beat and disco synths, usual strange lyrics and a monologue of a young Billy going to an LA strip club. The whole thing has a mashed up eighties vide, finishing with Dayzed Inn Daydreams, a straight up folk song with a big finish!

Categories: Alternative, Leftfield
Oct 26th, 2014 12:22pm

Singles

Future Islands, a synthpop band based in Baltimore, Maryland, signed to 4AD and causing a bit of stir over here with the release of their 4th LP Singles. I have to confess not hearing them till now and was introduced to them by my mate Dave after watching the band on YouTube, a live show which showcases lead singer Samuel T. Herring’s unique performance and singing style.

The whole LP has many 80s synth-pop references combined with Samuel T. Herring’s soulful croon and freestyle vocal. Each tune is as good as the last proving that by calling your LP Singles states all these tracks are worthy of single status. I have to say I agree with the band and this is a sure fire shot for Album of the Year. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

But it here on iTunes

Official website

Aug 10th, 2014 13:25pm

Cause I'm drowning for ya

Today is pouring with rain non-stop, it’s days like today you can successfully listen to miserable music and feel all reflective about life. Banks has been generally setting the world alight with her particular brand of bewitching beats and siren-like voice since last years Fall Over and London EPs. Drowning from her debut LP Goddess (September 2014) sees her in a reflective mood after a breakup, her man claimed that he loved her but it was all lies and now he’s going to get some bad karma.

Like this? Try: The XX, Lana Del Rey, Poliça, Lykke Li, London Grammar

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Aug 9th, 2014 19:33pm

Get over it

Getting plenty of well deserved hype, Royal Blood sound like all my old favourite rock bands, you can hear Kyuss and Fu Manchu in there. Because they are a duo, the heavy blues influence will keep them getting compared to The Black Keys, but I think they are pretty far apart from that and make their own sound. Good to hear they resided from Brighton too.

Rock 'n' Roll!

I like the illustrations on their sleeves too...

Categories: Alternative, Blues, Rock
Aug 2nd, 2014 15:12pm

Wicked!

It’s been a while since I featured a track from Lykke Li on here, I always think Lykke Li makes great songs that beg for a dance remix, and Joris Voorn doesn’t disappoint with this serging make-over. Likkie has never sounded so good, euphoric melodies pulsate over a brooding baseline. No rest for the wicked indeed.

May 31st, 2014 23:48pm

8th Wonder

The current favourite tune from the Black Keys 8th album Turn Blue is this slow groover 10 Lovers. It's a fairly upbeat track from an LP that is relatively melancholy affair following the hook-laden El Camino. Less raw blues as it steers towards the indie-pop arena via psychedelic rock and soul, the influence of co-producer and co-writter of the band's frequent collaborator Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton is quite a major force. 10 Lovers is probably the one song that show's this partnership off to the max and wouldn't sound out of place on th last Broken Bells LP. This is no criticism of a the Black Keys, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have come a long way since the raw and heavy fuck-up distorted grime they banged out in the early LPs. This is the sound of a band maturing with style and class, Turn Blue maybe a slower, stoned-out follow-up but it's no less heavy on emotion. 

Categories: Alternative, Rock
Apr 20th, 2014 12:23pm

Sick with Fever!

Great to have new material from the Black Keys just in time for the start of the summer. First new track Fever is a relatively pop-rock sound that hits the heights of previous LP 2011's El Camino, Danger Mouse's production is very much in effect on this track, with shades of Broken Bells in the pop sensibilities. Doesn't feel like it's been 3 years since their last LP, and that's probably because I'm still playing it!

New album is officially released May 13, Turn Blue is produced by Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney with Danger Mouse. Whoa!

Categories: Alternative, Rock
Feb 15th, 2014 18:51pm

Kaleidoscopic-pop

The Shins' James Mercer formed Broken Bells four years ago with producer Brian Burton, aka maverick producer Danger Mouse and following their relatively successful eponymous debut they have ignited the project with a new LP After the Disco. It's a little mixed bag much like the first LP, having produced landmark albums for Gorillaz, Beck and The Black Keys, collaborations with Cee-Lo Green on Gnarls Barkley project and DangerDoom with MF Doom, not to mention his reinvention of Jay Z's Black Album, Danger Mouse's CV is undoubtedly extremely impressive so you expect a high level of quality across all 11 tracks. James Mercer too has been very successful with his day job with the release of The Shins' 2012 LP Port of Morrow.

The sophomore album all kicks off brightly enough opening with the mellow pop of Perfect World. This is followed by the LP's title track After The Disco which is probably the best piece of pop your likely to hear this side of Empire of the Sun and with it's catchy chorus you can see why the track takes the name of the LP.

First single Holding on For Life quickly follows, another great song with Bee Gees style falsettos. Leave me alone and Control sound like the Black Keys mellower moments in a good way. Medicine has a great melody and No Matter What You're Told is another nice psych-pop tune, the record then tails off a bit after that. 7/10 Recommended.

Like this? Try: The Black Keys, The Shins, Band of Horses, Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi

Buy on iTunes click here

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Feb 15th, 2014 16:07pm

The Age of Fracture

A concept LP from London four-piece Cymbals, kicking of with the dark dreamy synths of Winter '98 featuring lead singer Jack Cleverly delivering his vocals in French, the dark synths are over taken with some wah wah sounds and twinkley smatterings of light and airy synths. The Natural World is a very mid-Eighties alternative sound, this is followed throughout with shades of New Order, Depeche mode, XTC, OMD or Tears for Fears. This track You Are is quite the epic electro-pop song, all multi-layered synthetic strings sounding very much like a lost circa. English Riviera tune by Metronomy.

The title track is merely an intro to the illustrious 9 minute anthem Like An Animal, a slow building song that quietly plucks away for the first couple of minutes before a burst of euphoria - coming on all Friendly Fires-esque, before dipping back down for the verses then dubbing out in the middle for some progressive bubbling synths and a driving-disco-fused-groove, shards of light cut through with guitar twangs of delirium. The End is another epic length song focusing on a house groove, more ramblings in French and hands in the air joyousness. It's a kaleidoscopic collection of fine pop tunes, most enjoyable and recommended.

Like this: Try: Metronomy, Foals, Friendly Fires, The Teenagers, New Order

Buy it on iTunes click here

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Jan 25th, 2014 13:29pm

California Dreaming

Great to have Beck back with some quality new material, new LP Morning Phase, the long-awaited followup to 2008's Modern Guilt, is out at the end of February. Back in the groove of his excellent alt-folk LP Sea Change from 2002, Morning Phase revisits that sound and he also enlists the same backing band and is scored by his father's string arrangements.

Beck describes his new LP as 'California music', this is in the vein of Dennis Wilson as apposed to the Beach Boys, their are also those influences of circa Melody Nelson Serge Gainsbourg similar to Sea Change and nods to acoustic guitars and mandolin's of Fleetwood Mac. Blue Moon welcomes him back with with style.

Pre-order Morning Phase here on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Folk
Jan 25th, 2014 12:57pm

We are everyday robots on our phones

Damon Albarn's next solo album Everyday Robots out the end of April, the title track here is out now and sets the tone for Albarn's distinctive soulful voice. Damon describes the LP as a sort of 'folk soul project', produced with the help of XL Recordings head Richard Russell. A mellow track that could easily feature as a somber moment on a new Blur album.

There's a beautifully lush orchestra of violins that backs up Albarn's passion for quirky instruments, what sounds like a squeaky wheel on an old cart, obscure samples that with hints of Gorillaz ingrained in the make-up of Damon's sound. He sings about the rat-race and how everybody goes about the journey completely obsorbed by their mobile phones. You can make out some light bongos in the mix nodding to his many world musical projects and also his previous work with Richard Russell and Bobby Womack. With so many different musical explorations under his belt this record pulls in on so many different influences, he's a musician at the top of his game. Sublime.

Pre-order Everyday Robots here on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Folk, Soul
Jan 1st, 2014 19:42pm

These are the top 30 LPs that rock our world last year. 

  1. Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
  2. The Limiñanas - Costa Blanca
  3. Kanye West - Yeezus
  4. Footprintz - Escape Yourself
  5. Matthew E. White - Big Inner
  6. Empire Of The Sun - Ice On The Dune
  7. Saâda Bonaire - Saâda Bonaire
  8. Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II
  9. Arcade Fire - Reflektor
  10. Bonobo - The North Borders
  11. Devendra Banhart - Mala
  12. Forest Swords - Engravings
  13. Daniel Avery - Drone Logic
  14. John Grant - Pale Green Ghosts
  15. Bill Callahan - Dream River
  16. Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
  17. Washed Out - Paracosm
  18. DJ Koze - Amygdala
  19. Blood Orange - Cupid Deluxe
  20. Boards of Canada - Tomorrow's Harvest
  21. Foxygen - We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors Of Peace & Magic
  22. My Bloody Valentine - mbv
  23. Taragana Pyjarama - Nothing Hype
  24. Jon Hopkins - Immunity
  25. Earl Sweatshirt - Doris
  26. Darkside - Psychic
  27. Deafheaven - Sunbather
  28. M.I.A - Matangi
  29. Proviant Audio - Drift Days & Disco Nights
  30. Classixx - Hanging Garden
Blog entries for each album are in the right column for reviews and sample tracks.


 

Dec 30th, 2013 21:00pm

Dream logic

Bill Callahan's 2013 LP Dream River took everyone by surprise back in September, his oblique, deadpan vocal style never sounded so good against the sparse and minimal but gracefully orchestrated music.

There are many highlights on this masterpiece of an album - Small plane sums up the simplicity and effectively efficient sound. Ride My Arrow adds a little more texture gliding effortlessly to accompany Callahan's story telling.

Highly Recommended.

Categories: Alternative, Rock
Dec 30th, 2013 18:57pm

Still got inch for heavenly glass?

bEEdEEgEE is a spin off band from Brian DeGraw's New York avant-electronic outfit Gang Gang Dance. This time around he recruits guest vocals from CSS's Lovefoxx, fellow Gang Gang Dance bandmate Lizzi Bougatsos, Douglas Armour and Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor. The LP's called Sum/One, out now.

Like Rain Man is a haunting electro-pop track with Lizzi Bougatsos sprinkling of vocal embellishments, light bubbling synths cascade through layers of sounds.

Check out the LP on iTunes here.

Dec 10th, 2013 00:11am

Sugar Crush

The Limiñanas, back on Trouble In Mind with their stunning third album, Costa Blanca.

The band consisting of Lio and Marie Limiñana began life in 2009 as a home studio project, inspired by John Barry and Ennio Morricone LPs, books on Victorian era architecture, Film Noir and basking in the sunshine of southern France.

The LP kicks off with the coloeur café cool of Gainsbourg's narrative style, a short track that could've been a lost song from Melody Nelson, followed by this tune My Black Sabbath - a gentle strum of guitars supports the soft Franc-o-phonic sound and lush pop vocals. Alicante - an instrumental that sets the album off into a faster pace, all jangly Morricone guitars spooky organs. 

Votre Coté Yéyé M'emmerde (featuring Francesca Cusimano) was released as a single in France back in May this year, an intriguing role call - The band say - We recorded this song with a very beautiful Italian friend and actress Francesca Cusimano. We hate the boring French yéyé songs, so the song is a list of stuff we love. We took the opportunity to appoint many of the artists we love — actors, friends, filmmakers, singers, songs, Louie Louie.

I Miei Occhi Sono I Tuoi Occhi sounds very similar to the Avenues and Alleyways riff with deadpan vocal arrangements. La Mercedes De Couleur Gris Métallisé is one of the many major highlights on this marvellous fuzzed-out psychedelic LP, at 1.39 it's short and sweet, the Morricone avant-classical and experimental sonic sound is stunning. Rosas brings the funk with a swagger and style a plenty.

Bb goes totally pop 60s garage with a StereoLab wig-out, The Morricone twang is back on the mellow La Mélancolie and along with the intro La Mediterranée Serge Gainsboug's soundtrack to La Horse is an undoubtedly a major influence for the parting track Liverpool, rounding off a perfect album - superb and highly recommended.

Like this? Try: Sérge Gainsbourg, Velvet Underground, Kim Fowley, Ennio Morricone, Stereolab, Stereo Total

Nov 25th, 2013 23:17pm

Jive Talking

Danger Mouse and James Mercer of the Shins have returned as Broken Bells, and their sophomore LP After the Disco is out January 14 via Columbia. A great little tune in a similar style to their debut, but this track has added Bee Gees style vocals in the chorus soaring over the verses of strumming easy going beats. Looking forward to the LP next month. 

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Nov 17th, 2013 11:58am

Down a foxhole in the ground

Those bearded indie-folk are back with a new LP, their fourth - Antiphon. Following the departure of singer-songwriter Tim Smith in 2012 the band carry on with guitarist Eric Pulido stepping up to frontman. Essentially the bands overall style and sound is in tact, but ultimately this LP falls slightly short of The Trials of Van Occupanther and The Courage of Others. But there are some good psychedelic easy listening tunes that continue down the Fleetwood Mac meets Pink Floyd sound they do so well. The title track builds slowly, rolling in a ’70s baroque sound, Aurora Gone is a mellow floaty folky delight. Vale is an incredible instrumental rock-out jam that Deafheaven would be proud of. Provider is a straight up classic that's totally in tune with Midlake's prog-rock tendencies, with the dizzyingly hypnotic Provider (Reprise) finishing the album with style. Another album, another direction for ever evolving Texas group.

Like this? Try: Fleet Foxes, Tame Impala, John Grant, Midlake's Late Night Tales compilation (released in 2011).

Nov 10th, 2013 23:55pm

Fire on the dancefloor

So the Montreal band have abandoned alternative rock and made an alternative dance album! The influence of the former LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy on co-production duties has surely shaped the double LP into a masterpiece that LCD Soundsystem may have made had they not called it day in 2011.

To be honest I like Arcade Fires previous 3 albums, but I've not been completely blown away by them. With the slight change in direction I've been convinced of their brilliance. Afterlife is about as 'LCD' as it gets and is a magnificent song. Elsewhere we get to pick out all the other great influences that Murphy shares with the band, from Sound and Vision era Bowie (and his vocal contribution obviously) to 80's era Prince and Michael Jackson to the seventies disco beats and G-funk to Talking Heads and Velvet Underground. It's an altogether interesting record that throws up different highlights on every listen. Recommended.

Sep 29th, 2013 21:35pm

Big Wheel and Others

Cass McCombs forthcoming double LP is somewhat of a magnum opus, this little ditty is the first track to see the light of day. It possesses a really infectious little melody that just eases along and you can't help nod along to it. A groove this catchy sounds like an old Rolling Stones jam with a funky drummer beat the Stone Roses would be proud of. Sit back relax and let it gently blow your mind. The new 22-song LP Big Wheel and Others is out 14 Oct.

Categories: Alternative
Sep 7th, 2013 19:03pm

Oh My Lord forgive me

Another LP I missed posting up about at the start of the summer is Steve Mason's Monkey Minds In the Devil's Time.

Not an instant classic for me and I'm a big fan of Steve's previous work with the Beta Band, King Biscuit Time and Black Affair. Mason's last solo LP was 2010's excellent Boys Outside. In March I couldn't quite get into it, the LP has quite a few mad little interludes that spoil the flow for me. But there are some great individual tracks on here including this one - Oh My Lord, a rising indie-pop melancholic-gospel anthem with spiky-pianos and Steve's soaring vocals.

Buy it on iTunes here

 

Categories: Alternative
Sep 7th, 2013 18:26pm

Bigger Love

Matthew E. White released one of 2012′s best albums, Big Inner, still a firm favourite here at neoloop. The gospel-folk-psych-soul crooner gets the electro-pop treatment on lead track Big Love by experienced remixers Hot Chip. Staying pretty close the original with total respect, the Hot Chippers beef-up the bubbling baselines and clattering drums. Steel-pans subtly tinkle in the background and piano washes flutter over the driving bass, Matthew E. Whites guitars sound more urgent, giving the track lots of BIG love.

Sep 7th, 2013 17:49pm

Phoenix Nights

Splendid remix of Phoenix's - Trying to Be Cool by A-Track. The Canadian DJ jacks up the indie-favourite into a shiny hand-in-the-air summer anthem. Breathing new life into the Bankrupt! cut and it doesn't even have to try to be cool now!

Categories: Alternative, Remix
Jul 29th, 2013 23:25pm

Hit the brain freeze button

Not for the faint hearted Fuck buttons are a viscerally demanding listen, industrial strength sound that should come with a health warning.

This is heavy, deep electronic music that grinds down into your subconscience, slowly manifesting itself into a pulverising melodic rhythm. New LP Slow Focus makes previous album Tarot Sport sound like a walk in the park, Slow Focus is exactly that, a sound that slowly builds under meticulously distorted soundscapes before a clarity of focus prevails. This track Stalker is an emotional, ethereal power serge, the whole LP is an immersive experience from a dark alien, future-industrial film soundtrack. Bristol duo Benjamin Power and Andrew Hung deliver an impressive third album, press it and enjoy. Recommended.

Get it on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Jun 16th, 2013 01:42am

Something for the weekend

This new Vampire Weekend LP Modern Vampires of the City is a grower not a shower, Diane Young is my current favourite tune. A ramshackle clattering of drums and guitars held together by punkt beats and a swinging pop melody.

A great album as it turns out, Love it!

Categories: Alternative
Jun 15th, 2013 20:48pm

Magik-mix

Having wowed critics and crate-diggers alike with 2012's acclaimed Magik Cyrkles compilation, Psychemagik have now unleashed the follow-up, Magik Sunrise, on Paul Murphy and Simon Purnell's Leng label.

Bristling with psychedelic, cosmic and curiously Balearic oddities hand-picked from the depths of their vast record collections, Magik Sunrise is, if anything, even more inspired that its predecessor.

The Juggler is one of the highlights from a band called Fox, originally from the 1975 album of the same name. Featuring lead vocals from Noosha Fox. Overall it's an interesting journey into relatively unknown artists. Recommended.

Jun 15th, 2013 16:35pm

I Left my heart in San Francisco

Foxygen's San Francisco, the perfect tune for today's undecided weather. A charming hippie flower-power kinda tune that wouldn't feel out of place on early Kinks LP. Taken from the album We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic, which was release at the start of this year, it's only now that we are getting a bit of sunshine that this LP sounds appropriate. Most of this record is in the same vibe and although it's completely retro in style it's the clean production sound that makes you think this is what the Kinks would have sounded like if they had todays technology back in the sixties. Groovy!

Categories: Acoustic, Alternative, Folk
May 28th, 2013 23:38pm

Put it on Bring it on!

Great melodically-charged pop tune from the Generationals, taken from their latest long player Heza.

Official site: generationals.com

 

Categories: Alternative, Pop
May 6th, 2013 06:49am

Neomix Volume Two

Finally after so many people bugging me, I've put together another mixtape in the Neoloop series Neomix (I guess I can call it a series now there is a second volume!). Volume Two is as eclectic as the first and covers all the stuff we love on Neoloop.

 

Tracklisting is as follows:

  • 1. Get Free: Major Laser
  • 2. Why: Carly Simon
  • 3. On and On (Ruined by Rick Rubin): Justice
  • 4. Big Love: Matthew E. White
  • 5. Without You: Behling
  • 6. I Walk This Earth: King Biscuit Time
  • 7. I'm on Fire (Cousin Cole's Bad Desire Remix): Bruce Springsteen
  • 8. Hamjam (Tofu Mix): The Soul Session
  • 9. Social Studies (Plastic Plates Remix): Body Language
  • 10. So Good At Being In Trouble: Unknown Mortal Orchestra
  • 11. Big Shot: Dr.John
  • 12. Bombay: El Guincho
  • 13. Tear Club: Moullinex
  • 14. Chip Off The Old Block: Chic
  • 15. Destiny: John Talabot
  • 16. Le Grand Sommeil: Ginger Ale
  • 17. Get Lucky: Daft Punk
  • 18. Utopia: Footprintz
  • 19. Juicy Onion: Brusco
  • 20. Benediction: Hot Natured & Ali Love
  • 21. Bourgie Bourgie: John Davis & The Monster Orchestra
  • 22. Inspector Norse: Todd Terje
  • 23. Lost: Frank Ocean
  • 24. Sea: Roosevelt
  • 25. Done and Over It: Marie Madelenine
  • 26. Goblin City (Holy Ghost Remix): Panthers
  • 27. Island: The Whitest Boy Alive
  • 28. La La La: Snoop Lion
  • 29. Fashion Killa: A$AP Rockey
  • 30. Perfidia: Phyllis Dillon
  • 31. The Baddest Man Alive: The Black Keys
  • 32. Blue Skies: Willie Nelson
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

 

 

Mar 12th, 2013 23:36pm

Stars are never sleeping, Dead ones and the living

Good to have Bowie back and returning to form, the storming second single from The Next Day is The Stars (are Out Tonight). 

Categories: Alternative, Rock
Feb 21st, 2013 23:27pm

Kevin Ayers RIP

Psychedelic pioneer Kevin Ayers, a founding member of Soft Machine, died this week. Ayers passed away in his sleep, on February 18 at home in France. He was 68. Ayers collaborated with Brian Eno, John Cale, Nico, Syd Barrett, and many more throughout his distinctive and colourful career. This epic song is the title track of his 1971 solo album Whatevershebringswesing - regarded as one of his most acclaimed albums. it was recorded with Mike Oldfield's guitar accompaniment and Robert Wyatt’s wracked harmonies and would become a template for Ayers subsequent 70s output. It's along track with Ayers superb lyrical style set to the max, a real classic. Cheers Kev!


 

Categories: Alternative, Psychedelic
Feb 10th, 2013 23:15pm

Light on your feet

LA's Local Natives' follow-up their 2010 debut, Gorilla Manor, with Hummingbird this month. Tune of choice is the uplifting Heavy Feet, building a steady rhythm before pausing for breath the song continues to cascade in a rainbow of colour, hand-chaps and harmonies, and subtle guitars intersperse before bursting into strobe lights of sound. Great Track from a brilliant 2nd album.

Buy it on iTunes Click Here

Categories: Alternative
Feb 9th, 2013 12:09pm

It Fucking works!

Solange's latest EP has been well reviewed in alternative music circles, all praising her for not simply following in her older sisters footsteps. But then I just think well why would she, Beyoncé has sold millions of records as a mainstream RnB diva what would be the point in competing with that. 

What Solange does really well is to come at it slightly left-field with an early 80s pop-RnB retro edge that sounds very fresh with today's production values. Signed to Brooklyn indie label Terrible Records, home to Grizzly Bear and Chairlift, on this EP she worked with Dev Hynes, aka Lightspeed Champion.

She sounds a bit Mariah Carey on Lovers in the Parking Lot, but its the production and underlying groove that makes this a refreshing and unique sound. Lead single Losing You is all over the radio now and is probably the most 'mainstream' pop tune on the EP, sounding like it could have come straight off Madonna's True Blue album. Solange certainly has a better voice than Madonna though. Some Things Never Seem To Fucking Work the EP's stellar moment with a sweeping drum loop and an infectious pop-hook melody. Solange doesn't go for the big chorus, each song tells a story and maintains a progressive high throughout. A clever mix that begs for continuous plays. Highly Recommended.

Buy it on iTunes click here.

Categories: Alternative, R'n'B
Jan 22nd, 2013 22:48pm

Monster Remix

The cool vibes of TEED are spinkled over this new Foals track. Excellent work that brightens up the oringinal by keeping the best bits with minimal fuss. A class rework.

Categories: Alternative, House
Nov 25th, 2012 23:15pm

Late Night choice

One of the best Late Night Tales compilations for a while, the compilation series that maintains a quality output have chosen the effervescent Friendly Fires, an inspired choice as it turns out. The selection covers many genres as well as uptempo house, obscure indie, disco-funk, art-pop and ambient chill. This tune is a stand-out, fourth track in, anthemic porn-disco Fly Like An Eagle by Dennis Parker. And it's not just the old stuff that makes for an impressive collection, Melody Echo Chamber's Endless Shore is a welcome addition from a great artist. Friendly Fires’ exclusive cover version of the ’78 electronic classic Why Don't You Answer by Eberhard Schoener and Sting sounds like one of their own.

Surprise choice perhaps is Olivia Newton-John's cover of the Elton John classic Love Song from Tumbleweed Connection, an amazing version that I've never heard before. Also includes choice cuts from Cocteau Twins, SBTRKT, Iron Galaxy, Bibio, Stereolab, Slowdive, Joe Simon and Sonna

Definitely one of the best comps of the year and certainly one of the best Late Night Tales comps ever, no mean feat considering it's on it's thirtieth edition. Highly Recommend.

Buy it now on iTunes

Oct 28th, 2012 22:22pm

Sun-drenched Bliss

Brooklyn band Woods latest album Bend Beyond (Their seventh) is an easy folk-pop jam which I've been enjoying lately. Released last month it's a much more polished sound than previous efforts, it's all Beach Boys harmonies, Simon & Garfunkel melodies and psychedelic wig-outs with sun-dappled guitars.

This LP sounds like it could have been released by a band from California in the seventies, that's definitely not a bad thing. Singer and band leader Jeremy Earl conjures up melting pot influences from that era. Fleeting from the Beach Boys to The Doors via The Byrds with shades of Neil Young it's a pastoral delight.

Like this? Try: Teenage Fanclub, The Doors, The Byrds

Buy it on iTunes

Oct 14th, 2012 21:09pm

Step into Something Good

Following Alt-J being shortlisted for The Mercury Music Awards with debut album An Awesome Wave, released in May this year, it's well deserved nomination. Something Good is released as a single (at the end of last month), I loved the original album version and this remix by Fort Romeau retains what is so good about it but pumps up the jam for the dance floor. Previous remixes have caned it to much for my liking and not retained enough of the looping melodies and piano flourishes that give the song it's charm.

Written by Joe Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton, Gwilym Sainsbury, Thom Green and produced by Charlie Andrew.

Official Site Click Here, Buy it on iTunes Click Here

 

Categories: Alternative, Remix
Aug 7th, 2012 22:28pm

Fantasic new tune revealed from Coexist...

Official The xx website states: IT’S AN EXCITING DAY TO BE ABLE TO SHARE A NEW SONG THAT WE WROTE TOWARDS THE END OF RECORDING THE NEW ALBUM. IT’S GOING TO BE THE SECOND TRACK ON COEXIST, IT’S CALLED CHAINED.

Categories: Alternative, Chill
Aug 6th, 2012 23:25pm

Electro-goth you can trust

Electro-goths Trust made their debut with TRST back in February this year, the Toronto duo Robert Alfons and Maya Postepski are virtual clones of Crystal Castles with a striking resemblance to their fellow Canadians. Dirty synthesizers and pulsating electro beats, heavy influences of 80's electronic masters such as Giorgio Moroder and Kraftwerk. The album has been a slow burner for me, growing in significance with more airplay. Dark and weird, tracks like Gloryhole and (single) Bulbform twist and turn from brutal trance to hi-energy disco. This track, This Ready Flesh is a slow and heavy monster-slab of a tune, Alfons and Postepski duet with sinister under-current. Scary, but in a good way!

Not sure about that cover though, it's certainly not the artsit in the picture!

Buy it on iTunes

Aug 5th, 2012 23:33pm

Obscure Future-Retro-Pop

Ah, the brilliant John Maus has just a released A Collection of Rarities and Previously Unreleased Material. The usual Maus madness is evident on a mixture of tracks dating back to 1999. The Minnesota man's witty lyrics are in full effect on this track Bennington, a love story from 2007. Following the amazing 2011 album - We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves this is obscure and pure future-retro-pop. 

Official site Buy on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Leftfield
Jul 11th, 2012 00:38am

Yppah (pronounced ‘yippah’)

Yppah's third album has been a steady grower over the last few months, I first stumbled apron it's eclectic charms back in April and while it's certainly not an instant grabber, persistent listening bears many fruits. Predominately instrumental with the vocals blending in as instruments, often fast rhythm's have an air of tranquility, creating atmospheric sounds with an overwhelming sense of playfulness. Lead track Film Burn is spectacular, Anomie Belle's vocal meanders through delicate synths, broken beats and soaring strings like Endtroducing... era DJ Shadow combining with the Cocteau Twins. Happy to See you shines with chiming guitars and R. Mullen is overwhelming anthemic with a Stone Roses sense of groove. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, beautifully uplifting music to escape to during rainy days in London.

Love a moody cloud cover too...

Buy it on iTunes

 

 

Jul 10th, 2012 23:25pm

Sexybeats

Los Angeles band Ghost Loft have been causing a few waves with their own brand of R&B and cool lazy beats. Early comparisons with The Weeknd mixed with the XX are not far from the truth and quite the complementary mix. This track - Seconds - possesses a baseline straight out of Jamie XX's bag. Loving all their tunes especially this and another song called Blow. Definitely one to watch! Nice seductive black and white artwork completes the package.

Visit the bands official site here ghostloft.com

Get more tracks on ghostloft.bandcamp.com

 

Categories: Alternative, Chill, R'n'B
Jul 7th, 2012 19:52pm

It's your Fang!

Brooklyn indie-rockers Fang Island will release Major, the follow-up to their self-titled 2010 album later this month. Asunder was the first new tune to materialise from the their widely anticipated second LP.

I love the chaotic arrangements and the thumping beats, the band are high-fiving all the way through this, looking forward to full album.

More news on this band here.

Pre-order on iTunes here.

 

Categories: Alternative, Rock
Jun 30th, 2012 18:28pm

Caught up in a Rapture

Seven minute disco-punk from The Rapture courtesy of a compete overhaul from Ashley Beedle, Colleen Cosmo Murphy and Yam Who. Originally appearing on the NYC bands 4th album In the Grace of Your Love released last year. This DarkStarr Diskotek remix shapes the original into a house monster with cowbells and ESG style baseline in a future retro diskotek. Cool and catchy hooks that will have your head nodding and feet tapping all day long.

Official Rapture website click here

Jun 12th, 2012 23:51pm

Spark up the fireworks!

Following up The band's 2009 debut, Post-Nothing Japandroids new set of songs are blistering uplifting! The appropriately titled Celebration Rock is certainly worth celebrating. The Nights of Wine and Roses kicks off the album in fine style. Highly Recommended

Get the full story on the band at japandroids.com

 

Categories: Alternative, Rock
May 12th, 2012 20:15pm

Born Ready To Die

Terry Urban links up with DopeCouture to present Born Ready To Die, a mash up of Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to Die with Lana del Rey’s Born to Die.

Using the music from Lana’s Born To Die (remixed and resampled) and Lyrics from Biggie’s Ready To Die, it's fucking epic stuff, This track renamed Juicy Lolita is brilliant, I wouldn't have thought Biggie's Juicy would work without the Mtume backing tune Juicyfruit, however this sounds like the perfect Bond theme! Throughout this mixtape it all sounds so natural, Lana's strings and moody tones work perfectly with Big's gritty drawl.

A fitting tribute to the 15 year anniversary of Christopher Wallace’s death.

Check it out you can download full album by visiting mixstream.com

 

Apr 29th, 2012 20:48pm

The Summer soundtrack has arrived

Great to hear some new music from Baltimore duo Beach House and even better that they haven't lost the edge. Following the amazing Teen Dream LP in 2010, new album Bloom is full of the bands lush harmonies and dreamy tunes.

First single Myth is grand song that builds in tension till the euphoria washes over the sound to lift you higher into a state of pure bliss. Other People sounds just as beautiful with a song-along chorus, Wishes has this amazing quitar riff solo halfway through. Irene is the slow late-night jam, On The Sea is a hazy folky song that is just delightful and New Year bursts with energy and colour. Lazuli is 5 minutes of graceful melodies and enchanting atmospherics. Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally have done it again just in time for summer, Beach House will surely be everywhere soundtracking sun-drenched escapades this year. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Due for release in the UK on 14th May. Pre-Order now on iTunes.

Categories: Alternative, Chill
Apr 21st, 2012 13:08pm

A Major Force

Major Lazer played Live at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire this week, it was a mental gig, Toddla T got the crowd nicely warmed-up with a few special guest including the delightful Shola Ama who stole the set. You might need somebody, Taboo and Take it back all sounding good with Toddla's beats. Major Lazor take the stage and dancehall mayhem erupts for the next hour and half. Hold the Line was a special moment, Diplo mixed up the unique Major Lazer sound with classic reggae and calypso, the highlight for me was Harry Belafonte's Day-O mashed with the epic Pon de Floor, the whole of the empire went absolutely mental. 

Also out this week is a new tune from Major Lazers forthcoming album due in 2 months time. Given away as a free download in exchange for your email here. Get Free features the lush vocals of Amber Coffman of the Dirty Projectors and sounds amazing, I've been playing it on repeat for the last few days. LOVE IT!

Look out for Major Lazer's forthcoming Dancehall album with Snoop Dogg too!

 

Apr 15th, 2012 22:39pm

Synth-pop magic

Grimes (23-year-old Claire BoucherVisions is an impressive record that's full of fresh ideas. It's her third album, first for 4AD. Visions certainly has a unique vision, one that transcends the future of pop. Album opener Genesis is electro-pop at it's finest, Boucher's charming vocal skips along over a Depeche Mode melody.

The whole album bursts with vigour and pulsating energy, insistent lo-fi 'Burial' beats and cyborg-synths clatter along with a K-pop edge. Oblivion is an undoubtable stand-out track, ethereal voices swoon over the dark synths and driving beats. After continued listening the eccentric sound is always taking you to that unexpected place. Spellbinding.

Like this? Try: Fever Ray, Little Dragon, Massive Attack, School of Seven Bells, Depeche Mode



Apr 15th, 2012 19:02pm

Grooves like a bastard

Brooklyn's The Men latest long player Open Your Heart is a refreshing burst of melodic leftfield, expansive rock and distortion. Sometimes full on, sometimes it's just weird but always entertaining. It goes from Nirvana grunge to Fucked up's (the band) psychedelic noise via fat Led Zeppelinesque riffarama! It's also has some off kilter alt-country in Candy, a song of beauty. Cube is like an old Dammed song played by Soundgarden that slaps you in the face and nicks your beer leaving you dazed and confused. Title track Open Your Heart sounds like a 2012 version of Ever fallen in love? by The Buzzcocks.

I keep coming back to this album and it's definitely going to feature in the albums of the year come December.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Like this? Try: The Dammed, The Buzzcocks, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters

Buy it NOW on iTunes

 

Apr 9th, 2012 00:02am

Beautiful Bliss

Atlanta's Lockett Pundt's Lotus Plaza project debuted with The Floodlight Collective in 2009, and has spectacularly returned with Spooky Action at a Distance. Following the hugely successfully Halcyon Digest by Pundt's other band Deerhunter this LP is another indie delight. It's a beautifully breezy album full of blissed out acoustic portraits that bring a feeling of floating in a triply daydream. The Deerhunter guitarists expertly crafted folky songs are reminiscent of Kurt Vile but with a warm charm, colorfully rhythmic chord progressions with a pysch-pop edge.

It's slow gentle burner that will no doubt feature in the end of year top albums. Highly Recommended

Deerhunter, Atlas Sound, Real Estate, Kurt Vile

Categories: Alternative, Folk
Mar 31st, 2012 14:00pm

Great tune form Poliça’s debut album, Give You The Ghost. Dark Star, nice baseline.

What is mine, what is all mine

Not my child not my child

Hold you just a little while

I’m gonna give her all my life

Until she's until she's

Swooped up, swooped up, by the sea of love

Categories: Alternative
Feb 19th, 2012 23:16pm

Attack On Memory

Attack On Memory is the third studio album from Ohio's Cloud Nothings released at the end of last month. Wasted Days is the 2nd track in and is a monster 9 minutes of rock 'n' roll, simultaneously taking in punk, psychedelic rock and grunge - meandering into a disoriented mass of noise. Lead singer Dylan Baldi's Kurt Cobain comparisons are inevitable and much of this record sounds like Bleach era Nirvana. And it's recorded by In Utero producer Steve Albini. Albini's previous production work for the likes of Nirvana, The Stooges, Pixies, The Jesus Lizard are all thrown into the mix.

Attack On Memory is out now and highly recommended. Buy on iTunes

Categories: Alternative
Oct 23rd, 2011 22:27pm

SBTRKT RMX PRFCTON

There are some good reworks on Radiohead's new remix LP TKOL RMX 1234567, an electronic version of the excellent The King of Limbs album. Caribou, Four Tet, Modeselector, Jamie xx and Lone all turn in good efforts at reinventing Radioheads already brilliant tunes. But SBTRKT's remix of Lotus Flower is my stand-out version and a testament to the original composition. SBTRKT continues to impress this year following his self-titled debut LP. Check out the rest of the remixes, out now. To listen on iTunes click here.

Like this? Try: SBTRKT's debut album, James Blake, Four Tet, Zomby

 

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Oct 23rd, 2011 12:54pm

Real Good!

There's a cold fresh breeze, the sky is a lush shade of blue without a cloud to be seen, aeroplane vapour trails draw lines in the expansive space and the sun silhouettes the horizon. 

The start of winter is here and New Jersey's Real Estate have made the perfect soundtrack to lazy Sunday's on a fresh winter morning. Following up their excellent self-titled 2009 debut, Real Estate are back with a clean crisp sound on Days. An effortlessly easy listing carefree LP that floats along with rolling rhythms and gentle shimmering guitars, rich tones and breezy harmonies. 

It's real is an upbeat tune that is about as fast as it gets, a nice feel good tune that in riches the soul. The album finishes with the epic  - All The Same, a perfect finish to a great LP. Days is out now, Highly Recommended.

Buy it on iTunes here, The bands place in MySpace, Domino Records

Like this? Try: Deehunter, Beach House, Sun Airway

Sep 18th, 2011 22:32pm

Surfs Up!

Love the sound of this, The Surf is a vocal track from a mainly instrumental jam-band called Lotus. Their MySpace bio reads like this… The swelling beats of a non-stop dance party and the soaring guitar and melodic triumphs of a cathartic rock experience - equal elements to the live instrumental dance rock of LOTUS. Apparently they have been around for years and have quite a few records on iTunes, this track isn't like most of their other tunes. This has a new sunshine vibe to it, almost chillwave!

Check 'em out on iTunes

Sep 18th, 2011 20:00pm

Some Childern and a Doobie Brother

You know what, I've had this tune for ages but didn't really give Holy Ghosts debut LP much of a listen when it first came out a couple of months ago. Since then they have released this as a single. It has that signature Holy Ghost sound of assured beats and crisp rhythms. This actually features the distinctive vocal talents veteran singer and Doobie Brother Michael McDonald and is perfectly married with a children's gospel choir to create a surreal pop moment. Holy Ghost!’s debut LP is out now via DFA.

Official site click here

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Sep 18th, 2011 19:38pm

Chillwave lives on...

Good to hear some new material from Neon Indian, aka Texas-raised musician Alan Palomo. Era Extraña is the follow-up from the excellent underground hit debut album Psychic Chasms. This new LP pretty much carries on from where he left off, more psychedelic lackadaisical dreamscapes with kaleidoscopic synth sounds. But this one has a slightly more fuzzy static sound with nuances of My Bloody Valentine, but with a much more polished production, Dave Fridmann mixed and added his trademark post-production. 

This pulsating track is the first single release and sounds amazing on headphones, I hope he tours over in London again soon.

Like this? try: Toro Y Moi, Washed Out, MGMT, My Bloody Valentine, Passion Pit

Official site click here

Aug 31st, 2011 22:40pm

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Love

Chaz Bundick's electro-funk Toro Y Moi project picks a strange choice for a cover tune, Saturday Love was originally recorded by Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle in 1985. 

Following the critically acclaimed Underneath The Pine album from earlier this year he's back again with a new EP titled Freaking Out - due September 13th. Saturday Love is the first track to surface from the new EP, being that I love the original eighties soul classic and know it word for word it's an interesting song to hear remade. Chaz changes it from a duet to a solo performance and adds the unique Toro Y Moi lush synth sound, refreshing it for a new generation. Hear the original below…

 

Aug 30th, 2011 23:58pm

Remastered releases for The Jesus and Mary Chain

Since Psychocandy was first released in November 1985, The Jesus And Mary Chain's seminal debut album has received a massive amount of critical acclaim and is now widely regarded as a classic. Influenced by the likes of The Velvet Underground, The Stooges, and The Shangri-Las, brothers Jim and William Reid's milestone LP went on to influence further generations of bands, the LP also includes a young Bobby Gillespie on drums. Psychocandy is a wash with feedback distortion, fuzz and a gothic undertone, the Mary Chain's wall of noise is immense. In particular Just Like Honey, a single from the LP still sounds amazing today and nowadays it's better know for being included on the soundtrack to Sofia Coppola's Lost In Translation.

The whole JAMC catalogue - six studio albums, are to be reissued as double CD's plus DVD, including B-sides, live recordings, BBC sessions and more later this year.

Aug 15th, 2011 00:55am

The title track to I Break Horses debut LP - Hearts (on Bella Union) is a very atmospheric in a warm and fuzzy kinda way. Like a soundtrack that ebbs and flows effortlessly through your mind throwing up psychedelic colours and shapes. Fans of My Bloody Valentine and Jesus & Mary Chain et al will undoubtably love this. I certainly do.

I Break Horses Press release...

Allow us to introduce you to the world of I Break Horses, the nom de plume of Maria Lindén and her musical partner Fredrik Balck. Residing in the Swedish capital of Stockholm, the duo have quietly been crafting the nine tracks that make up debut album Hearts throughout stolen moments gathered up over the past three years.

Official site here

 

Categories: Alternative, Chillwave
Jul 29th, 2011 01:34am

Lion In Cages is one of the great stand-out tracks from Wolf Gang's new album - Suego Faults, Memory Tapes Remix give the track laid-back spaced out feel and sounds like it came straight from their own LP Player Piano. Bringing the backing vocals to the front and sounds exactly what you want from a remix, a new track. Is it better than the original?, no probably not but it's completely different. It's Cool!

Categories: Alternative, Pop, Remix
Jul 25th, 2011 00:10am

Orchestral Pop!

Wolf Gang's debut album is out tomorrow, this tune is all over the radio waves, The King and All of his Men is a great indie-pop summer sing-a-long full of sunny tunefulness. Wolf Gang is the singer, songwriter one-man band of 24-year-old Max McElligott, produced by Dave Fridmann who also produced MGMT of which similarities can be heard all over Wolf Gang. McElligott is an accomplished writer of orchestral pop and sounds way to mature for a debut. Expect big things for this band I've a feeling they will go far.

Check out the official site of Wolf Gang

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Jul 23rd, 2011 01:30am

The first feel good hit of the summer!

From Zach Condon's Beirut project. A Rip Tide is due out at the end of August and is some of Beirut’s first new songs since the EP March Of The Zapotec. Their second LP A Flying Club Cup is now a firm all-time favourite, so any new material from Zach Condon is very exciting! Recorded last winter in New York Beirut have come a long way since the debut The Gulag Orkestar LP and Lon Gisland EP. But somehow Condon has always retained a certain unique sound that comes from his rotary valve flugelhorn and ukulele.

All the hallmarks of the Beirut sound are here, the Balkan brass, French accordions and Mexican influences but overall this is much more poppy affair, this is good news as Condon certainly knows how to write a compelling riff and a catchy chorus. Listening to this album just makes me smile, it's uplifting and transcends you off into a happy place.

The mellow A Candle's Fire starts off this short LP (just over 33 minutes) in style, the instruments build throughout and creates that full and satisfying sound we've come to expect. We are then treated to the album's first epic moment in Santa Fe, Condon's home town, a hypnotic synth loop captivates you from the start, listen to it here. Next up is the first single release East Harlem, a gentle accordion intro is snapped up into a choppy acoustic rhythm with lush flourishes of brass horns, just superb. We take in some more somber moments with Goshen and Payne's Bay. The title track The Rip Tide is another bona fide winner, at the centre of the album it holds it all together, Codon's voice is spot on. Vagabond sounds like a left over track from Yann Tiersen's soundtrack to Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain with Condon adding his unique twist. Just beautiful. The record finishes with the stripped back The Peacock and Port of Call a marching band beat and a mandolin riff. What emerges is a style that belongs uniquely and distinctly to Beirut, one that has actually been there all along.

Condon has formed his own label Pompeii Records, the singer will now take direct control of the release and distribution of his music. Beirut will be touring the UK in September with a night at Briton Academy on the 16th. A Rip Tide is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Official Site

Categories: Acoustic, Alternative, Folk
Jun 30th, 2011 00:12am

Brazilian party-starters return!

Ah! It's good to hear Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS) are back with more quirky pop Hit's Me Like A Rock is the bands first single from their third album La Liberación. Lovefoxxx is sounding in good voice dueting with Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie, who is returning the favour after Lovefoxxx appeared on Primal Scream’s last album, 2008′s Beautiful Future. Just in time for the summer then, it's like Tom Tom Club jamming with Primal Scream. Lush synths and obscure lyrics, business as usual for the Brazilian band.

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Jun 27th, 2011 00:54am

Futura music from a fairground in another realm

The quirky, mind-bending sounds of Battles have been banging the hell out of the Neoloop speakers for some time now. see a full review of the new album below. Futura is another stand out track and our current favourite. Crazy beats and clanging guitars and a melody to die for.

From the new album Gloss Drop

Categories: Alternative, Leftfield
May 30th, 2011 23:45pm

The ever unique sound of the Battles returns, experimental left-field music doesn't often sound this good.

Four years on from their critically acclaimed Mirrored, Gloss Drop is the title of the New Yorkers second LP and it's a belter. A cacophony of sounds with everything chucked in and it's as barmy as we've come to expect. Much has been talked about the newly-refined three piece following the departure of vocalist Tyondai Braxton, but this is no bad thing in my opinion as it now makes way for a more eclectic array of vocal talents.

We kick off with the instrumental arrhythmic strings of Africastle, before the first guest vocal leads the way - the human instrument, Kompakt artist Matias Aguayo with first single Icecream, a fairground of organs and pounding drums collide with loud wonky guitars and Matias' unique voice. This is followed by three further instrumentals, steaming in with the propulsive funk of Futura, Inchworm (you half expect the Beastie Boys to come in at any moment) and chaotic cartoon mash-up of Wall Street. Next guest up is electronic pioneer Gary Newman on the relentless drive of My Machines, this is followed by another steel pan driven interlude Dominican Fade before clanging in with Sweetie & Shag featuring the sweet vocals of Blonde Redhead’s Kazu Makino, the steelpans continue with gusto while Kazu's voice make Battles sound like a new band and sounds incredible. Here the LP then takes a darker turn with sinister B-movie interlude Toddler followed by the massacre Rolls Bayce. White Electric is an angry bantering of drums and bass clabbering for a sweet melody that it eventually finds in the last minute courtesy of a monkey's organ.

Finally the epic ending - Sundome featuring BoredomsYamantake Eye, as mad as it gets whaling organs and chopping synths lead us out to another world, three minutes in and beat takes us further into the unknown. A circus of sounds made to blow the top! Despite it being a challenging listen, I think this is more accessible than their debut. Highly Recommended! Out on June 5th on Warp.

Get the full lowdown on bttls.com

 

May 28th, 2011 19:21pm

World Unite! Lucifer Youth Foundation!

Wu Lyf are set to release their debut album Go Tell Fire To The Mountain on June 13th. The reclusive Manchester based band continue to intrigue with their secrecy while the music is of explosive quality.

Go Tell Fire To The Mountain is undoubtedly one of the year's most anticipated releases.

Get the lowdown here wulyf.org


 

Categories: Alternative, Leftfield
May 19th, 2011 00:29am

The superb St. Albans 3-piece Friendly Fires come storming back this week with second LP - Pala (Named after an island in an Aldous Huxley novel) the follow-up of their excellent eponymous (Mercury-nominated) debut album. The nu-rave grooves are back - tropical, balearic, euphoric, funky and drenched in sunshine. Macfarlane’s falsetto runs riot over the waves of lush hooks. The Summer starts here, Live Those Days Tonight, the first single is a blinder! Recommended. Even ?uestlove is a fan! 

Buy it on iTunes

 

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
May 15th, 2011 23:55pm

Brooklyn band The Antlers last album (third LP, Hospice 2009) was an absolute pleasure and now with their latest LP - Bursts Apart they continue the blissful journey into cult status. Originally the brainchild of Pete Silberman, The Antlers are now a 3-piece with Darby Cicci and Michael Lerner.

From the nocturnal and desolate dreamscapes of the opening track I Don't Want Love the sound is so lush and absorbing. But there are always some dark undertones creeping in and out the foreground and shards of beauty pierce through to expose an uplifting melody. This track Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out is full of twisted emotion, as is most of the LP - distortion and pulsing downtempo beats, devastatingly romantic poetry and breathtaking elegance. Recommended


 

Categories: Alternative, Chillwave
Apr 13th, 2011 00:26am

This mellow little groover oozes sunshine from every note. Swaying melody over a rolling beat with lazy hazy sweet voice of Steffaloo while it chops, clicks and glitchs to a sudden cut. Billy Comfort is a bit of an unknown other than a bandcamp page here.

The vocal talents of Steffaloo feature in her own music on bandcamp to here.

Apr 12th, 2011 00:24am

How will I know that you'll save me? Your little hands are getting shaky, It is time to let the light seep From behind your eyes, Then I'll know my night survives…

The brilliant new album from Bibio is out this week! - Mind Bokeh

It's a tough choice to find a favourite tune off this eclectic mix of songs, I've already given you the kitsch sound of K is for Kelson last month. Right now the tune that's wearing out the repeat button is Light Seep. Mind Bokeh is the fifth full-length from LP from Stephen Wilkinson, a.k.a. Bibio, and his second release on Warp Records following up the equally superb Ambivalence Avenue.

Bibio slowly wowed the underground electronic music scene with the sunny synth-pop of Ambivalence Avenue, a unique blend of crafted instrumentals and folktronica in 2009. Critical Acclaim pushed the album into many 'best of the year' album charts. With that record behind him Bibio has triumphed again with Mind Bokeh. It's another complete mash of musical styles, chucking in obscure samples that sound completely spontaneous yet you know it been meticulously constructed. There are all sorts of modern influences here, Four Tet, Gaslamp Killer, DJ Shadow and Neon Indian spring to mind. But he's also blending in a mixed bag of retro sounds liquefying genres into timeless hybrid songs. Pretentious uses jangly funk and beautiful harps with a soulful vocal creating an new angle on glick-pop before deconstructing into a mellow saxophone demise. Anything New starts as sunny sing-a-long pop and effortlessly transforms into a synth driven monster with mad distorted vocal samples. Light Seep is a pure bliss of psychedelic synths and funk. Artists' Valley sounds like a missing track from Four Tets last LP, but with added vocals from Wilkinson. Highlights are plentiful on this record and it captivates from beginning to end, how many albums can you say that about nowadays! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Not bad for an album entirely recorded in a bedroom, in a terraced house, in Wolverhampton.

Buy it now on iTunes

 

Mar 23rd, 2011 00:40am

Currently enjoying the new Kurt Vile album - Smoke Ring For My Halo.

In My Time has a nice easy summer shimmer going on, and there's a shade of The Stone Roses about this, other tunes on the album sound like old Lee Hazlewood, the Philadelphia folk-rocker's voice is very similar. A great album well worth a good listen. Recommended.

 

Categories: Alternative, Folk
Feb 27th, 2011 22:12pm

Nice and easy tune from Toronto's Bedouin Soundclash collaborating with Béatrice Martin best known as Coeur de Pirate. A stand out track from their latest Light The Horizon Album. The mesmerising percussion floats along and pulls you in as Béatrice Martin's voice caresses the strings and it's all quite beautiful.

Official site

Categories: Alternative, Chill
Feb 19th, 2011 16:57pm

Really enjoying the new album of singles and b-sides from The Radio Dept.Passive Aggressive: Singles 2002-2010.

Not a band that I have really researched into but always enjoyed the odd single. This compilation really showcases what a great pop band they are and gives you the opportunity to dig deeper into the Swedish bands catalogue of great songs. The best tracks I think come from last year’s dreamy Clinging To A Scheme album. Including this track, Heaven's on Fire, which I never get bored of.

Buy it on iTunes

Feb 13th, 2011 21:40pm

New single from Swedish band Peter Bjorn and John, Second Chance is another infectiously catchy pop tune. After releasing short rock n roll ditty Breaker Breaker. Both taken from the forthcoming Gimme Some, the band’s sixth album and picks up the direction of Writer’s Block. Whistles are replaced with cow bells on this, the cousin of Young folks and it's a cracker!

New album due at the end of March.

Categories: Alternative
Feb 7th, 2011 23:40pm

Micachu and the Shapes and the London Sinfonietta are set to release their live album, Chopped and Screwed and they are sharing a single with fans everywhere. The live album was recorded at Kings Place, London in May 2010 and it will be released via Rough Trade March 28th. It's an interesting collaboration of avant-pop and classical orchestration. strange and exciting, well worth a few listens to get your head round it.

News at Rough Trade, Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Leftfield
Jan 30th, 2011 22:19pm

Nice remix of Lykke Li's I Follow Rivers by Dave Sitek. Original version is from her forth-coming album entitled Wounded Rhymes, the enigmatic Swedish indie singer/songwriter returns with her trademark ethereal sound. set for a March 1 release via Lykke's own LL Recordings. With this track and the amazing Get Some it's already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2011.

Jan 30th, 2011 21:49pm

Great track here from the excellent new album Kiss Each Other Clean from Iron & Wine aka Sam Beam. Monkey Uptown is a real feel-good folk-funk tune. The whole album has a certain funky vibe to it compared with Beam's simpler more folky material. It's a gentle record with some excellent, well crafted songs that burst with soaring harmonies and lush melodies. Recommened

Like this? Try: Simon & Garfunkel, Midlake, John Grant, Fleet Foxes

Buy it on itunes

 

Categories: Alternative, Chill, Folk
Jan 23rd, 2011 23:55pm

New album from Mogwai is amazing, epic tracks that build up into a nerve-shredding frenzy. Their ninth LP, mostly instrumental, it's a real return to form.

Mexican Grand Prix is a pummelling captivating track, play it loud!

Get the lowdown at mogwai.co.uk, Pre-order on iTunes

Like this? Try: Fuck Buttons, Holy Fuck, Emeralds, Primal Scream

Categories: Alternative
Dec 15th, 2010 00:56am

A happy little tropical tune from Jesse Cohen and Eric Emm of Tanlines, O Seizing The Day O, featuring vocals from the frontman for fellow NYC band, The Rapture’s Luke Jenner. The track is taken from the duo's compilation album, Volume On, which features all their early EPs alongside remixes from Memory Tapes amongst others plus bonus material never heard before.

Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative
Nov 28th, 2010 23:43pm

Fast propelling itself to the top of many 'end of year' album charts, Deerhunter's Halcyon Digest album has been on heavy rotation since it's release back in September. I can't praise this LP enough, it's a magnificent record, see my earlier review below at the beginning of this month. Here's is another superb track that didn't make onto Halcyon Digest and appeared on the B-side of single Revival. First half is all frantic riffs and pulsating pop before the calm and tranquility of the faded piano and tweaking owls finishing with a toy music box. Wicked!

Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Nov 16th, 2010 00:20am

With Warpaint's debut album on heavy rotation at Neoloop I've also been been giving their first EP Exquisite Corpse a good airing. I have to say that Billie Holiday is an amazing tune. Their enchanting, psychedelic folky rock is hypnotizing on this track. They subtly intertwine their acoustic ballad with Mary WellsMy Guy, to create their own beautiful song.

Exquisite Corpse was recorded back in 2007, and self-released by the band in late 2008 followed by the vinyl version via Manimal in October of 2009. The EP is produced by Jake Simon Bercovici and mixed by former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante. It also features current Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer performing the drums on this track.

Buy it on iTunes

 

Categories: Alternative, Folk
Nov 14th, 2010 23:34pm

Neoloop have long been big fans of Philadelphia duo Sun Airway ever since the release of the Oh, Naoko EP was given away as a free download about a year ago. All the tracks from that EP feature on Sun Airway's debut album - the brilliant Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier. Oh, Naoko, Swallowed By The Night, Put the Days Away, Your Moon and Waiting On You - all excellent tracks that have been previously given away free on the bands website and are undoubtably the albums backbone. Other newer tracks such as this road anthem American West are of the same high standard. Swirling synthesisers, meaningful melodies and glorious harmonies create a stunning LP that deserves much attention. Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier is out now and available on itunes. Highly Recommended.

Buy it now on iTunes, Bands official website

Categories: Alternative, Chillwave
Nov 14th, 2010 20:17pm

This week I've mostly been listening to Teen Daze and the excellent Four More Years  EP. This track Shine On You Crazy White Cap is just beautiful. Echoes filter through the beats like its been transmitted from outer space, you feel like your floating through a galaxy of stars. Cascading synthesisers wash over your ears with a subtle beauty while the soft voices weave in and out the mellow groove. love it.

Like this? Try: Millionyoung, Memory House, Washed Out, Sun Airway

Buy it on iTunes, Bands place in MySpace

 

Categories: Alternative, Chillwave
Nov 6th, 2010 12:31pm

Now I've got you in the undertow

An all girl Los Angeles quartet, Warpaint release The Fool, their debut album for Rough Trade. Getting rave reviews everywhere. It was produced by Tom Biller, and features mixing duties by Andrew Weatherall and Adam Samuels. Warpaint bring in lush harmonies and brooding baselines, I can hear flashes of Fleetwood Mac and even the Stone Roses on some tracks. 

Subtle strands of punk, shoegaze, psychedelics, and folk all intersperse at once creating a truly captivating sound with a quality that's rarely heard. It's the perfect soundtrack for cold sunny days doing nothing or late night's chilling out with a nice single malt whiskey. It's breathtakingly good and highly Recommended. 

Also worth checking out their debut EP Exquisite Corpse that was produced by Red Hot Chili PeppersJohn Frusciante, which features the amazing track Billie Holiday.

Warpaint's current line-up is Emily Kokal (vocals/guitar), Theresa Wayman (guitar/vocals), Jenny Lee Lindberg (bass/vocals), and Stella Mozgawa (drums).

Like this? Try: The xx, Dirty Projectors, Stevie Nicks

Bands place in MySpace, Official website

 

 

Categories: Alternative, Chill, Folk
Oct 28th, 2010 23:41pm

Great new material from Swedish singer Lykke Li, out on 1st November on 7" Inch vinyl. A pounding drum beat with so much energy, this rocks! Lykke's voice is as mesmerising as ever singing the dark lyrics - Like the shotgun needs an outcome, I'm your prostitute your goin' get some. This is available together with the B-side Paris Blue as a free download from Lykke Li's website.(Click Here) She states If you love it, feel free to spread it among Friends and Lovers! You can also order the tiny shiny vinyl from Rough Trade store in UK.

Official site, Rough Trade

Oct 28th, 2010 23:33pm

Following Matthew Dear's remix of The xx's VCR, this week see's the release of a new remix of VCR by Four Tet. It seems there is plenty of life yet in the revered Mercury winners seminal debut. The xx original album track is barely recognisable but for the hushed tones of Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft plus bursts of Jamie Smith’s xylophone fluttering in and out the hypnotic groove of Four Tet's organic percussion. While it feels somewhat unnecessary for another remix, this is quickly dismissed as you get totally captivated by Hebden's reworking that breathes new life into an already stunning piece of music. 

The xx and Four Tet together - It's a blinder!

Buy it on iTunes

 

Oct 16th, 2010 15:51pm

Two of Neoloop's favourite artist combine on this excellent remix by Matthew Dear of the The XX's VCR. With all the recent publicity The XX have gained from their Mercury Award for the brilliant debut and Matthew Dears latest album Black City still dominating the speakers here at Neoloop I dug out this remix that came out back in January. I never posted it up back then (kinda thought I did) but it's an amazing mix so if you didn't hear it then, sit back and relax in the beauty of it all. It could almost be a lost track from Matthew Dear's Black City (With a guest xx vocal of course) I love it.

Oct 7th, 2010 01:38am

My new favourite track from !!!'s (best known as chk chk chk) excellent latest LP - Strange Weather, isn't it?. If you like a bit of funk in your indie disco then look no further. And indeed their previous albums Louden up Now (2004) and Myth Takes (2007) are equally recommended.

!!! is composed of Mario Andreoni (guitar), Dan Gorman (horns/percussion/keys), Nic Offer (vocals), Tyler Pope (bass/various electronic devices), and Allan Wilson (horns/percussion/keys). Touring members include Shannon Funchess (vocals), Sean McGahan (various electronic devices/sound manipulation) and Paul Quattrone (drums). The band also shared membership with the similar, defunct group Out Hud (including Tyler Pope, who has played with LCD Soundsystem and written music for Cake)

On November 18, 2009, the band's former drummer Jerry Fuchs - who was also a member of Maserati, Turing Machine and The Juan MacLean - died after falling down an elevator shaft.

Official site, But it on iTunes

Like this? Try: Out Hud, Jamie Lidell, We Have Band, Yacht

Categories: Alternative, Funk
Sep 5th, 2010 23:30pm

I've enjoyed everything I've heard so far from Tanlines, the duo of Jesse Cohen and Eric Emm - their remix of Memory Tapes' Bicycle is wonderful (Memory Tapes return the favour by remixing Real Life). Out now is their new LP called Settings - The percussion is brought to the foreground on most of their tunes and this fires them up for pure feel-good vibes that are irresistible foot tappers. Add to this the melodic synth's and your in dreamland.

Like This? Try: Foals, Friendly Fires, Holy Ghost

Bands place in MySpace, But it on iTunes

 

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Sep 5th, 2010 20:14pm

Here's another track from Maximum Balloon's forthcoming LP, If you Return features the wonderful vocal's of Yukimi Nagano from Little Dragon. There's a heavy Depeche Mode influence on this one. Maximum Balloon, the new solo project by TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek is due out later this month. Nagano has sung with Sweden's electronica-jazz outfit Koop, and she and Erik Bodin play live with José González. Nagano is also featured on the Gorillaz album Plastic Beach on the songs Empire Ants and To Binge, both of which she co-wrote.

Like this? Try: Little Dragon, Depeche Mode

Pre-order on iTunes, Official Site

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Sep 5th, 2010 19:51pm

Maximum Balloon, the new solo project by TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek - album due at the end of September. Groove Me features the eccentric talents of Brooklyn’s finest Theophilus London, surely only a matter of time before Theo goes big-time! This track has been reworked for the single by DOOM collaborator and Philly producer Jnerio Jarel (also available on the forthcoming iTunes deluxe version)

Sitting along side Theophilus London, the debut LP will also feature contributions from Karen O, David Byrne, Aku Orraca-Tetteh, and Little Dragon.

Like this: Try: Theophilus London

Official Site, Pre-order on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Remix
Aug 30th, 2010 00:08am

Au Revoir Simone's latest album of remixes (released last month) is a solid quality listen, called Night Light, the compilation is a remix album of Still Night, Still Light LP and features remixes from the likes of Neon Indian, Jensen Sportag, Silver Columns, Aeroplane, cocknbullkid and many others. The iTunes version incudes 20 tracks. I featured the Neon Indian remix of Another Likely Story back in December last year (check it out here). Clock Opera's remix of Tell Me is quite a wild departure from the original version and the pick of the LP for me.

Like this? Try: The XX, Dirty Projectors, Neon Indian, Little Dragon, Ladytron

Buy it on iTunes, Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Remix
Jul 11th, 2010 19:29pm

The ever engaging Brooklynites School Of Seven Bells first single Windstorm is taken from the forthcoming album Disconnect From Desire, released 12/07/10 on Full Time Hobby. This remix takes to original track in an altogether darker place while retaining the beautiful background harmonies of sisters Claudia and Alejandra Deheza and adding a banging kick drum. I actually think this is better that the album version, excellent.

Like this? Try: Their first album Alpinisms

Jul 11th, 2010 17:52pm

Los Angeles' HEALTH's last LP Get Color gets the remix treatment on Disco 2 LP, following the trend of their first remixed album DISCO. Pick of the remixes for me is this Tabacco remix of Die Slow (Which is an epic track anyway!) search HEALTH for more of their stuff here on neoloop. 

Like this try: Joy Division, Atlas Sound, Wavves, My Bloody Valentine

Bands disco place in MySpace, Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Disco
Jun 29th, 2010 01:04am

Much hype for this band has circulated around the various music blogs since break through track Crown On The Ground surfaced at the end of last year. So Sleigh Bells release their debut LP Treats to much anticipation. For most of this record vocalist Alexis Krauss' sweet pop vocals are surrounded by chaotic noise of scuzzy guitars and distorted beats by the other half of the duo Derek Miller. The track here, Rill Rill is quite a clear clean cut track that stands out from the rest, not because it's any better than other tracks, it's just that the majority of tunes are full-on distorted sound bombs. Sampling Can You Get To That from Funkadelic's Maggot Brain, Rill Rill is almost like an interlude of calm in the middle. Treats is a very exciting new sound that is sure to divide music heads and casual listeners. The closest you get is a cross between Crystal Castles and the Ting Tings. RECOMMENDED

Like this? Try: Crystal Castles, Yacht, HEALTH, My Bloody Valentine

Band place in MySpace, Buy on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Leftfield
Jun 27th, 2010 22:15pm

Very excited about the forthcoming album from NYC's !!! (aka Chk Chk Chk), due out on the 23 August. Their debut LP Louden Up is still undoubtably one of neoloop's favourite albums ever. The indie funkers signature sound is all over this new track, but with a touch of Chemical Brothers in there. !!! recorded part of the new album in Berlin and were influenced by Brian Eno apparently, sounds interesting. Produced by Eric Broucek (LCD Soundsystem, Hercules and Love Affair) Frontman Nic Offer said - There's these really dark moments in the record, and there's really some of the poppiest stuff we've ever done. Each record, we're always trying to get deeper and darker and funkier and catchier, and it feels further along that road. Can't wait to hear it!

Official Site

Categories: Alternative, Funk
Jun 27th, 2010 15:08pm

Based in Los Angeles, Ariel Pink (born Ariel Marcus Rosenberg 1978) has made loads of self produced lo-fi tunes over the years, now he's put together a proper band and recorded new album Before Today for a large independent label (4AD) and is enjoying all the increased attention such a leap provides. The result is still as ramshackle and glorious, reminiscent of the Beck's classic Odelay LP. This is the stand out track and first single, mastered at Abby Road no less.

Bands place in MySpace, Buy the album on iTunes

Categories: Alternative
Jun 27th, 2010 14:43pm

This tune is like an old Beck song in term of production and the Eric Enger remix transforms the track into a quirky pop sound. Elsinore is an indie band from Champaign, Illinois currently signed to Parasol Records. They have released one studio album, one live album, and three EPs. Their second album, Yes Yes Yes will be released on August 10th, 2010. This remix is from the Chemicals EP.

Bands place in MySpaceCheck out all Elsinore's tunes on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Jun 24th, 2010 23:10pm

Found this cool laid back tune on MySpace from Rio Blanco, a nice dreamy-pop vibe and reminds me a bit of Miike Snow, Rio Blanco is an alias of Zach Lipkins who has made some great music under his own name too. Unsigned at present but punting his own stuff out on the net on free downloads.

Bands place in MySpace, and here

May 30th, 2010 23:17pm

For anyone who missed out on School of Seven Bells first album here's a great track Half Asleep from Alpinisms.

Mercurial French author Rene Daumal defined “alpinism” as “the art of climbing mountains.” Alpinisms is an electronically enhanced pop record of dizzying highs and claustrophobic lows, whose painstaking conception shows in its detail-laden crevices. Benjamin Curtis constructs layers of shoegazing, moire-patterned guitars, while sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza intertwine their near-identical voices like the fingers of praying hands. Throughout, the whole heavenly affair is tethered to the ground with a glitchy, tribal thwomp. A great album to discover or re-discover in wait for the new LP Disconnect From Desire due to surface next month.

Buy Alpinisms on iTunes, Bands place in MySpace

May 29th, 2010 21:26pm

The instrumental post-rockers Holy Fuck will follow-up their widely acclaimed LP (2007) with Latin, the band's third album and it's a lot leaner and funkier and less aggressive than its predecessors. This is the first single and first track to be leaked in to blogsville. Sounds very much like a Fuck Button's older brother with intensive grooves that build with emotion and complexities that could fall apart at any moment. A bastard relentless maelstrom of live guitars and techno -informed drum patterns that pound out a unique and utterly compelling sound.

Like this? Try: Fuck Buttons, Broken Social Scene, Wooden Shjips

Bands place in MySpace, Official site, Buy on iTunes

 

Categories: Alternative, Psychedelic
May 29th, 2010 20:42pm

This week I've been enjoying the new LP from Delorean, another high-quality chillwave pop album to put next to your Animal Collectives and Grizzly Bears. However Spanish four-piece Delorean have been kicking around the scene for awhile now and give the genre a slightly euro-pop edge and dance-pop groove widening their appeal to a broader audience. Following up from hype-building Ayrton Senna EP in 2009 the band releases Subiza, its third full-length album. 90's house groove form the backbone of much of the album with charming harmonies and soaring organs. This track has a slight tribal house vibe and is a mesmerising blistering pop tune for a perfect summer soundtrack. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Like this? Try: The Morning Benders, Sun Airway, Real Estate, Animal Collective

Buy it on iTunes

 

May 9th, 2010 00:19am

The excellent Foals are back with a new album on Monday 10 May titled Total Life Forever, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut Antidodes. And I'm please to say the new LP carries on from where they left off only raising the bar higher, it's full of potential singles and it will undoubtably propel them in to the mainstream arena. The Oxford band possess an extra edge that they didn't have before, a mature sound that really fills up your headphones to bursting point. One thing they always did well was percussion and Jack Bevan's drumming is immense, the driving force behind an incredibly accomplished second album. 

Even frontman Yannis Philippakis's vocals sound better than ever, often big albums feature one or two epic tracks, Total Life Forever encompasses 4 big blow-out numbers - opening track Blue Blood, Black Gold, Spanish Sahara and After Glow each build into an exhilarating euphoria that is just amazing. In-between these are perfect pieces of hands-in-the-air sing-a-long pop such as this excellent title track. A captivating masterpiece that is surely a massive contender for one the best LP's this year. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 

Like this? Try: Friendly Fires, Late of the Pier, Battles

Buy on iTunes, Official Site

May 6th, 2010 23:35pm

The National new LP titled High Violet is released next week, it's a very chilled and relaxing affair, I'm loving this track, Anyone's Ghost - it has a nice swagger about it. Well worth checking out the rest of the album, Bloodbuzz Ohio is available as a free download on the bands official album site, which is also a beautiful moment from the album. High Violet is high quality indeed. RECOMMENDED.

Like This? Try: Spoon, Midlake, Wilco, Calexico

Buy on iTunes, Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative
Apr 28th, 2010 00:47am

I like the rousing strings on this new track from Murder By Death, Foxglove is from their new album out this month Good Morning Magpie. Sounds like the late Johnny Cash jamming in an alt. country band. New album is well worth a listen.

Like this? Try: Fleet Foxes, Johnny Cash, Mark Lanegan

Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative
Apr 22nd, 2010 00:55am

A killer relentless driving tune that pounds along and builds up into an epic extravaganza!

I've mostly been listen to LCD Soundsystem's new album This Is Happening this week in anticipation of the live gig on Friday. However this new album from Broken Social Scene is also fighting for my ears attention. It's as eclectic as ever, for anyone unfamiliar with BSS, they are a band or musical collective made up of many different musicians mainly from Toronto. The band's core members are Kevin Drew and Brendan Canning, releasing their first album in 2001. The new LP Forgiveness Rock Record is due for a May 4th release and is a good quality listening experience. The first single World Sick is available as a free download via their MySpace page, well worth getting. Much of the album sounds like the Fuck Buttons mixing an Arcade Fire LP, especially this track here Meet Me In The Basement and Sentimental X's. Other highlights include Ungrateful Little Father and All to All.

Like This? Try: Fuck Buttons, Arcade Fire, School of Seven Bells

Official Site, Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative
Mar 28th, 2010 22:00pm

Back in January I posted up The High Road by Danger Mouse and James Mercer's Broken Bells, I've been playing the album for the last couple of months now, it's now been released last week and I think it's a great album thats sure to feature in the albums of the year lists come the end of the year. The Ghost Inside is my new favourite tune on this LP. It has all the qualities of The High Road, a real sing-a-long tune. Enjoy!

Buy the album on iTunes, Official Site

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Mar 28th, 2010 19:26pm

The original version of Health's In Heat from their Get Colour LP is only just under two minutes long and is somewhat of an interlude. This new remix by Brooklyn's Javelin makes the song a completely different animal, cleaning up the fuzzy guitars and feedback to give it a clearer pop sheen. Making this a fresh new tune for a sunshine day!

Buy HEALTH on iTunes, HEALTH's Official website, Javelin's place in MySpace

Mar 21st, 2010 21:42pm

This tune reminds me Peter, Bjorn and John's 2006 smash hit Young Folks… although this is a little less mainstream it's just as catchy. We Have Band release their debut album WHB on 5th April. The Londoner's have been making waves with a variety of single releases over the last two years and creating buzz on the gig circuit, this tune was released as a single in June last year, while it was a hit on the underground scenes I think the release of the album will give the track and the band renewed exposure. It's a brilliant debut album full of quirky hits for both dancefloor and headphones alike. Part Lo-Fi and part polished indie dance its eclectic and intriguing while having more catchy hooks than velcro. Another one for the summer, for all your late night parties with friends or in your own headphones!

Like This ? Try: !!! (chk chk chk), Hot Chip, Depeche Mode, My Robot Friend

Pre-order the album on iTunes, Official Website, We Have Band's place in MySpace

Check out the video, must have taken ages to shoot...

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Mar 19th, 2010 00:16am

The wonderful Miike Snow are really killing it live on tour at the moment. Their debut album was one of neoloops top picks of 2009. This track is a bit of a hidden gem, first available as an extra track on the Japanese release of the album and the b-side to Animal. I think it sits comfortably with the rest of the album and is a welcome extension, another great song.

Miike Snow is a Swedish band, who formed in 2007. The band consists of Andrew Wyatt, and the producing team of Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg, also known as Bloodshy & Avant.

Buy Miike Snow's Album on iTunes, Miike Snow UK Website

Mar 16th, 2010 00:14am

We are big fans of Miike Snow here at Neoloop, so a tasty collaboration with the Crookers is an exciting prospect! And I glad to report it doesn't disappoint. Featuring Miike Snow's singer Andrew Wyatt, at first the track sounds like another tune from Miike Snow's album, then the Crookers effect takes over building a breakbeat, beeps and a wonky siren sound. Cool tune, another favourite for the summer I think! I like this low budget video as well...

Like this? Try: Diplo, Soulwax, Friendly Fires

Miike Snow UK Website, Crookers Website, Buy the Crookers album on iTunes,Miike Snow's place on MySpace, Crookers place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Mar 14th, 2010 21:31pm

After touring together Friendly fires and Holy Ghost have traded covers and released them as a split 12". Both bands original tunes are bona fide smashes to begin with. Friendly Fires make Hold On their own with their trademark sound, plenty of infectious percussion, cow bells and all. The St. Albans band do the tune total justice. Equally as impressive is Brooklyn's Holy Ghost's version of Friendly Fires' On Board. But I think the Friendly Fires one just edges it! Look forward to a new album from Friendly Fires this year.

Like this? Try: Holy Ghost, Foals, Delphic

Buy the whole EP on iTunes, Friendly Fires Website, Holy Ghost Website

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Mar 11th, 2010 23:10pm

Neon Indian aka Alan Polomo releases a new single this week available free on Green label sound. Sleep Paralysist, a collaboration with Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear, was recorded in Brooklyn at Taylor’s Terrible Studios.  While it includes all the blips, clicks and bleeps with lush psychedelic, indie synth-pop melodies featured on Neon Indian's critically acclaimed début album Psychic Chasms, it has a clearer production sound about it - The Chris Taylor influence perhaps. If you can't sleep, whack this on and enter into the neon dreamland.

Get Psychic Chasms on iTunes, Excellent free downloads on Green Label Sound, Neon's place in MySpace

Like This? Try: Grizzley Bear, Four Tet, Memory Tapes, Beach House

 

Mar 11th, 2010 01:54am

The new title track from MGMT next album Congratulations is a somewhat laid-back easy going summery freaky folky affair. Their back to basics acoustic approach is in stark contrast to the debut album Oracular Spectacular that launched last summers classic tunes. The band have been quoted saying there are no radio friendly single on this new album. But this is not a bad thing, I'm like this tune, it just sounds like a different band. There are other tracks on the album that feature the wonky organs that make Kids such a great anthem. You can download another track Flash Delirium from the bands website. Congratulations is out on 12th April.

Like This? Try: Devendra Banhart, Marc Bolan, Kings of Convenience

Official Site

Categories: Alternative, Chill, Folk
Feb 28th, 2010 21:52pm

You fucked with the sunshine, left it in the water… Where is the sunshine then, fed up with all this rain. Brighten up your rainy days until the sunshine comes with this bright and breezy snippet of dreamy-pop. Chicago's Skybox rattle through this little feel-good tune with wonky synths and jangle guitars, a right catchy number that will have you humming it well into summer. They have a new album out, released last month Morning After Cuts. The video for this is well nuts, love it.

Like This? Try: MGMT, Animal Collective, Real Estate

Buy it on iTunes, Official Site

Feb 27th, 2010 22:21pm

Following Danton Eeprom's cover of Lost In Music below, here's The Fall's version of the same track. Taken from their 1993 covers album The Infotainment Scan, considered to be one of bands more accessible albums. The Fall have made some very challenging albums throughout an illustrious Discography of some 28 studio albums and numerous live albums. The John Peel favourites have had a major influence on many bands over the years such as LCD Soundsystem, Nirvana and Pavement to name a few. My mate Coolio introduced me to some of the bands brighter moments, some of The Fall's album's are pretty experimental to say the least. But, the fact that Mark E. Smith's band have turned this into a perfect indie alternative is testament to the quality song writing of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards original masterpiece.

Check out The Fall on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Leftfield
Feb 22nd, 2010 21:32pm

I posted up a track from Sun Airway's Oh Naoko EP last December to much appreciation. Although just a 4 track EP it's one that I keep coming back to as all four tracks are superb blissed out dream-pop loveliness. Swallowed By The Night is another song of beautifully layered lush melodies and dreamy harmonies. Philadelphia's Sun Airway have an album on the way soon, hopefully just in time to soundtrack the summer, like the Beach Boy's Pet Sounds for 2010!

Download the complete EP here, become a fan on Facebook

Categories: Alternative, Electronic, Pop
Feb 14th, 2010 12:27pm

Starting off like a dark nursery rhyme with a plinky plonky vibraphone going up and down scales this little Lo-Fi song then jumps into life with a marching drum beat. This is the opening track from Josiah Wolf's debut solo album Jet Lag (Release date 2nd March 2010) Josiah Wolf is the drummer from Cincinnati-born band WHY?. Understandably this track is lead by a savvy percussion, Josiah records everything himself in solitude. On the surface it's a dreamy weightless sensation, but the dark undertow is ever present threatening to flip over to a nightmare at any moment, but it never quite achieves it and the anticipation is captivating.

Anticon will release Jet Lag on 2nd March find out more here. Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Lo-Fi
Feb 14th, 2010 00:45am

I'm loving Spirit Spine's new release Jungle Bridges, This track Flashes is another dreamy pop Animal Collective pastiche and a very good it is too. Mashed up loud synth's bash around in an echo chamber of booming beats and muted vocals peppered with chop stick tinkering, a uplifting feel good delight.

Spirit Spine is 19 year old Joseph Denney from Bloomington, Indiana. Apparently Spirit Spine's name comes from a 70s documentary about people who had their spinal cords severed in various ways, but they still thought they could feel their legs.

Like This Try: Neon Aztec, Starfucker, Of Montreal, Animal Collective

Bands place in MySpaceBuy it on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Feb 13th, 2010 23:17pm

Leftfield sunshine-pop with slice of cheese, sprinkle in Hawaiian coconut and stir in sugar-sweet harmonies and a soaring orchestra and add a hint of psychedelic-era Beatles to make Auckland CBD.

Chant Darling is the 2nd album from Lawrence Arabia, the alter-ego of New Zealand's James Milne, but his first released in the UK. He's currently touring the UK with Beach House, see his MySpace page for details.

Bands place in MySpace, Buy it on iTunes

Like This Try: Beck, Bertrand Bergalat, Don Air, Divine Comedy

Categories: Alternative, Pop, Psychedelic
Feb 6th, 2010 01:39am

It's been a busy week! This week I went to the Miike Snow gig at London Scala, great venue - the perfect place for an intimate gig. I was pleasantly surprised how good they can cut it live. Every track was an extended version of the record, teasing in the intros before exploding into the full track and whipping up the crowd to proper rave up. Black and Blue rocked the house and Silva sparked the nights first hands-in-the-air united sing-a-long. Finishing their set with the ever popular and biggest hit Animal, Miike Snow put on a cracking gig. One track that stood out was this - Burial with it's cheeky little piano riff, marching beat and soaring chorus! I hope they came back soon.

Buy Miike Snow on iTunes, Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Electronic, Pop
Jan 31st, 2010 21:59pm

Texan outfit Spoon release their seventh album Transference this week in the UK. Who Makes Your Money is hypnotic tune that snakes around your head and keeps your head nodding all day. looping samples and rough edge production feels very organic with an emotional vocal from Britt Daniel. The band formed in 1993, have turned in an enjoyable album that should last well into the summer and beyond. Maybe this one will give them some mainstream success in Europe. Well worth checking this new album and previous long player Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Recommended.

Official site, Buy it on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Rock
Jan 29th, 2010 00:56am

First single Stylo is a quality return from the genius of Damon Albarn's virtual band. Featuring Bobby Womack’s trademark croon and Mos Def, who will join Gorillaz as an animated character named Sun Moon Stars. Damon's unmistakeable soulful tones introduce us to the new style, before Womack enters into the Gorillaz world with a passionate chorus, Mos Def brings the track to a close, subtle in the mix.

The follow up album from the highly successful Demon Days is Plastic Beach due to drop 8th March. Albarn continues to attract stella cameos on Plastic Beach, Bobby Womack and Mos Def are joined by Snoop Dogg, De La Soul, Kano Bashy, Lou Reed, the Fall’s Mark E. Smith, Little Dragon, Gruff Rhys and the Clash’s Mick Jones and Paul Simonon all making appearances on various tracks.

Gorillaz will headline the final night of the Coachella music festival on 18 April 2010

Like This Try: Neon Neon, Rae and Christian, Yuksek

Pre-Order on iTunes, Official Site, Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Electronic, Soul
Jan 28th, 2010 00:44am

An Epic track from These New Puritans, I've had a copy of These New Puritans new album Hidden for a while and it's a hard listen first few times around. A challenging album that I keep coming back to. It's an ambitious complex affair, full of innovation and intrigue that is sure cause much debate. The song structures are intricate yet expansive. The tune here, their first single off the album, We Want War enters with a slow tribal beat declaring war with a fanfare of trumpets, whispered voices smoke in and the pounding rhythm, the beats slowly building up and gaining speed, like Massive attack fighting with The Prodigy, tribal drumming and chants of 'We Want War' with flashes of samurai swords until the mayhem breaks for some reflective verse, with spiritual voices swirling around the madness, everything building around the dark dramatic orchestral swell and clattering drums, then a sudden swipe of the sword, the battles over and the mood turns quiet and dies in the mist. a captivating epic masterpiece. Now watch the video!

These New Puritans are a British art rock band from the Southend-on-Sea area!

Bands place in MySpace, Official site, Buy the album on iTunes

 

Jan 24th, 2010 12:45pm

Lush Melodic groovy sing-a-long, wonky blips and sound effects, clap your hands to the beat and nod your head to the stomping piano and synths. Danger Mouse has done it again, this time he's not just producing, he's in the band. Broken Bells are a the duo of Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) and James Mercer of the Shins. Everything Danger Mouse touches at the moment is given a seal of quality, jumping from genre to genre it's all about good music. This is the first single taken from their debut album which will be released on 9th March, the rest of the album is much in the same vibe, Your Head is on Fire and The Ghost Inside are two other stand out tracks. Danger's production is exceptional throughout, loads of layers that all dip in and out in perfect harmony and Mercer's vocal soars beautifully with the backing harmonies. RECOMMENDED.

Like This Try: The Shins, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Beach House

Official Site, Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative
Jan 23rd, 2010 18:20pm

Woozy organs carry you through the disturbing dubby darkness while Robert Del Naja's hushed rap caresses the moody beats. Yes! Massive Attack return with a new album next month, the duo’s fifth studio album, Heligoland (named after a German archipelago in the north sea) is out 8 February, 7 years after the release of their last album, the disappointing 100th Window. All in all Heligoland is an accomplished album, with their well respected eclectic address book they have pulled in an impressive cast of vocalists, Damon Albarn, Guy Garvey, Martina Topley-Bird, Horace Andy, TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe and Hope Sandoval. Atlas Air is the album's closer, a reworking of a previous live track called Marrakech. I still long for the soulful euphoria of their debut album Blue Lines, that will remain an all time classic, we just have to accept that they were a different band then and it will never be repeated. Heligoland is due for a complete rework from dubstep producer Burial much in the same vein as '95's Mad Professor's remixing of No Protection. Certainly one to look out for.

Pre-Order new album on iTunes, Official Site

Categories: Alternative, Dub, Electronic, Soul
Jan 13th, 2010 01:13am

Sounds like the Stones Roses playing in a chilled out bar in the seventies while Cool bright coloured lights pierce through a smokey atmosphere. No one's got a care in the world.

My Robot Friend is from NYC, AKA Howard Robot his latest album Soft-core, is full of guests including Alison Moyet, Jay Kauffman and Zombie Nation… this track features the vocals of Dean Wareham of Dean & Britta duo. The album is real melting pot styles, old an new. Great tunes for late night listening.

Official site, Bands place in MySpace, Dean Wareham's site, Buy the album on iTunes

 

Jan 12th, 2010 01:19am

Clanging drums and wonky tonk piano... A grand masterpiece of crazy pop... Heaven Can Wait.

Following on from her excellent album 5:55 from 2006, Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin's daughter has collaborated with Beck to make IRM, her best album to date. Full of Beck's distinctive style and lyrical nonchalance, who himself is massively influenced by Serge Gainsbourg. And it's all in there, it's an eclectic mix of tunes that hang together well, Charlotte is sounding more and more like her mother, although Charlotte does has a better voice, not to say I don't enjoy Jane Birkin's songs as she has made some quality pop with Monsieur Serge.

It's sounds practically like a new Beck album but with Charlotte doing all the singing, Beck does chip in with background vocals here and there, apart from this track which is a full on duet. So Beck plays Serge to Charlotte's Jane, and in true style of the legend they have also managed to maintain Serge's forward thinking pop while plundering from his past. It's very early indeed to think about albums of the year, I just hope come the end of the year it won't be forgotten about as it really is a magnificent album. With such talented parents the expectation bench mark is set very high, Charlotte has a lot to live up to, with IRM I think she has achieved it… The old man would have been proud. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Like This Try: Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, Beck, Jean-Claude Vannier, Bertrand Burgalat

Charlotte's Official Site, Beck's Official Site, Buy it on iTunes

Jan 10th, 2010 21:15pm

Enter in a dream-like state, the world of Beach House, atmospheric rhythms, floating soulful harmonies and graceful hazy lazy melodies fulfil a lush landscape of shiny dreamy pop. Magnificent! Beach House are the duo of Alex Scally on guitar and keyboards and Victoria Legrand on vocals and organ formed in 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland (Legrand is the niece of French film composer Michel Legrand and singer Christiane Legrand, cool!) New Album Teen dream is released at the end of this month.

Like This Try: Stereolab, Grizzly Bear, Yeasayer

Jan 10th, 2010 18:47pm

The mighty Ian Brown gets a re-work from The Prodigy on this, his latest single Just Like You. Liam Howlett & Co. give it a scuzzed up electro vibe, letting Ian's original vocal slide over the top. I still like Ian's original from his My Way album with the funky brass section, this remix takes it in an entirely different direction firmly hitting the Indie dancefloor. 

Ian's official site, Ian's place in MySpace, Latest album on iTunes

Jan 9th, 2010 01:45am

Bear's Beat is an infectious little groove, sounds like a bear banging away on an old typewriter in the woods! Written and performed by unsigned artist Eric Dana a multi-instrumentalist from Florida.

Like This Try: Rodrigo y Gabriela, Cornelius, Cassettes Won't Listen

Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Lo-Fi
Jan 9th, 2010 01:07am

Been listening to Memory Tapes album Seek Magic quite a bit recently, Bicycle was doing the rounds last summer, but as part of the album released the end of last year I've discovered what a great tune it really is. Skips and bangs along like Metronomy jamming with New Order at LCD Soundsystem's house.

Like this Try: Metronomy, !!!, School of Seven Bells, New Order

Bands place in MySpace, Buy the album on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Dec 31st, 2009 18:09pm

Chilean born, German raised Matias Aguayo new album Ay Ay Ay is taking up a lot of time the Neoloop sound system. Composed mostly of the human voice it make's sounds you've never heard before, an unfamiliar style of music that will define a whole new genre. If any thing it has an almost tribal quality sometimes hinting at the odd african rhythm and chanting. I've previously posted up the single Rollerskate off the the album, this track is magnificent blend of human voice and wind instruments to a pounding tribal beat. Go get the album. Highly Recommended

Buy it on iTunes

Dec 31st, 2009 16:56pm

Real Estates album was only released last month, but with tracks like Beach Comber, Let's rock the beach and Pool Swimmers its all about long hot lazy sunny days and having fun, surf guitars and Hawaiian flowers. Although their are a few somber moments in Black Lake and Fake Blues and even a song about Snow days. In the middle of a cold winters day it brings in a ray of sunshine and you can only but dream about next summer. I'm sure this album will have the longevity to soundtrack your summer holidays in 2010 and beyond, a cracking debut from the New Jersey band.

Bands place in MySpace, Buy it on iTunes

Like this try: Grizzly Bear, Biblo, Freelance Whales

Categories: Alternative, Chill
Dec 30th, 2009 23:49pm

A pounding heavy slab of white noise, yet strangely melodic, distorted sounds crash and collide beating each other up until the most powerful one pushes to the fore until it get smashed away by another creating a captivating chaos. You need to turn the volume up to stun on this one. If you imagine My Bloody Valentine jamming with Giorgio Moroder in a dark heaving disco you come close, The main riff is oddly reminiscent of Sly & the Family Stones' Into My Own Thing (as sampled by Fatboy Slim on Weapon of Choice). Die slow is taken from their 2nd album Get Color, out now. LA's HEALTH are best known in the UK for their collaboration with Crystal Castles on hit dancefloor filler Crimewave, something of a disco departure from their usual brand of ear punishing cacophony. Also available is an album of remixes, HEALTH//DISCO featuring new versions of first their first album. Check out the video for Die Slow, pretty gruesome!

Like this try: No Age, Atlas Sound, Wavves, My Bloody Valentine

Official Site, Bands place in MySpace, Buy all HEALTH albums on iTunes

Dec 29th, 2009 22:58pm

The longer U wait the more you cry… bouncin' synths and jangley guitars dominated by Simone White's folky vocal swoon. Fol Chen are a group from Los Angeles signed to Asthmatic Kitty records, this is the title track from their second album The Longer U Wait. The original version appears on their debut album Part I: John Shade, Your Fortune's Made.

Like this try: Hot Chip, The XX, Yacht, Simone White

Bands place in MySpace, Simone White's place in MySpace, Buy Fol Chen on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Dec 29th, 2009 22:49pm

Psychedelic bongo rock with sitars and guitars from Denmark, sounds like Jesus and Mary Chain remixed by Beyond the Wizards Sleeve. But this is all the work of one man, Tobias Winberg an unsigned from Denmark

Like this try: Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, Velvet Underground

Bands place in MySpace

Dec 19th, 2009 20:28pm

Wow what a riff! Portishead come storming in with this dark disco stomper, sounding like a futuristic version of Joe Jackson's Stepping out with Beth Gibbons haunting vocals. Chase The Tear released for Amnesty International organisation. Wicked tune!

Official Site, Portishead on iTunes

Dec 19th, 2009 19:57pm

On first listen this sounds all over the place, moving from Prog-rock to ballad to electro pop, picking 80's ups synths and Gary Numan on the way, ending up in a cascading electric guitar crash. Produced by Erol Alkan this hyperballad sounds slightly different from anything on their previous record, while still retaining their LOTP unique sound they have moved on in a higher direction to a fresh and interesting place for 2010. A storming return from Late of the Pier, following on from their brilliant debut album Fantasy Black Channel in 2008. This new tune, which is actually quite and old tune. Released this month as a pre-album single, new album due next year. Late of the Pier are a four-piece band from Castle Donington, England.

Bands place in MySpace, Official Site, Buy LOTP on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Electronic, Pop
Dec 17th, 2009 01:35am

The perfect companion to Sun Airway's track below, A stunning tune from Scandinavian popsters Choir Of Young Believers. Uplifting harmonies soar over bongo rhythms and dramatic soundscapes, absolutely captivating. Released back in February this year and re-released again in September, taken from their album This is for the white in your eyes.

But it iTunes, Bands place in MySpace, Ghostly record label

Dec 17th, 2009 01:31am

Sun Airway's Oh, Naoko is blissfully uplifting tune full of texture and layers of lush sounds supporting more soaring harmonies. Philadelphia's Sun Airway's should go far if they make more tunes like this.

Bands place in MySpace, More tunes on their official site here

Dec 17th, 2009 00:03am

While deciding my albums of the year I've enjoyed diggin' in the crates and rediscovering albums and tracks from the beginning of the year. I always think that most of these end of year round ups of the best albums tend to feature the later half of the year. April revealed the Super Furry's ninth excellent album Dark Days/Light Years, a whirlwind of colourful and vibrant tunes takes the listener on a psychedelic journey to oblivion. White Socks/Flip Flops is a groovy little stomper, hey hey hey!

Buy it on iTunes, Official Site, Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative
Dec 16th, 2009 23:54pm

The fabulous Neon Indian gives fellow Brooklynites Au Revoir Simone's tune a real psychedelic make-over, taken from their Another Likely story EP released last month. Neon synth's and pounding beats are pulled through the Indian echo chamber, love this.

But it on iTunes, Au Revoir Simone Official site, Bands place in MySpace

Like this try: Neon Indian, Little Dragon, Ladytron

Dec 13th, 2009 23:37pm

Loving the new tune from Vampire Weekend. A cracking tune, has all the feel good factor we've come to expect from VW. Looking forward to the  new album Contra is out on 11 January 2010.

Official Site, Vampire Weekend on iTunes

Categories: Alternative
Dec 9th, 2009 23:27pm

Flame is an old tune from 2006 by the Irish pop rock quintet, Bell X1, taken from the band's third album Flock. Still a great tune, the Chicken Lips remix gives it a monster groove. 

Bands website, Buy it on iTunes

 

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Dec 8th, 2009 23:53pm

I'm currently considering my albums of the year and revisiting lots of great stuff. Passion Pits album Manners is a cracking loud pop mash up. I also enjoyed Miike Snow's debut effort of quirky pop gems. Both these band have been remixed to oblivion this year. But this combination of Miike Snow remix of The Passion Pit's The reeling is one of the years great pairings. Whose albums of the year will up here soon, watch this space.

Passion Pits place in MySpace, Miike Snow's place in MySpace, Buy Passion Pit on iTunes

Dec 6th, 2009 22:54pm

Fantastic expectations, amazing revelations… went to see Ian Brown at Brixton Academy last night, amazing gig with all his hits rounding up with an epic version the Stone Roses classic Fools Gold. His new material sounded really good, Stellify and new single Just Like You standing out the most. Marathon Man suffered from a few sound problem which was a shame. Overall Mr.Brown delivered rip roaring performance, he is real a Legend. Ian's classic tune F.E.A.R is just a lyrical masterpiece, posted here on neoloop for your pleasure although I'm sure you already own this!

For each a road, For everyman a religion, Find everybody and rule, For everything and rumble, Forget everything and remember, For everything a reason, Forgive everybody and remember...

Final eternity arouses reactions, Freeing excellence affects reality, Fallen empires are ruling, Find earth and reef, Fantastic expectations Amazing revelations

Final execution and resurrection, Free expression as revolution, Finding everything and realizing... You got the fear.

Ian's website, Buy Ian Brown on iTunes

Nov 29th, 2009 20:32pm

After seeing the Specials live again this week, I've been listening  to a lot of Specials. This tune hasn't featured in their new live sets, which is a shame as it's one my top fives! Way ahead of it's time I think.

Nov 21st, 2009 19:40pm

A happy little indie pop tune from New Orleans band Generationals. This has a nice retro vibe, with sixties production sound and Beach boys harmonies. This single is their new album Con Law. Out Now.

Bands place in MySpace, Buy it on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Nov 21st, 2009 18:42pm

Psychedelic euphoria, spine-tingling magic.

Brother Sport is the third single taken from Animal Collective's universally acclaimed album, Merriweather Post Pavilion. A real stand out track from the album, scaling to euphoric proportions! Available on 10" and is backed with a live version of a brand new track 'bleeding' (live) recorded recently at big sur in california. Open up your, open up your, Open up your throat, And let the all of that time, All of that time, all of that time go! Animal Collective is a band originally from Baltimore, Maryland, currently based in New York City. Animal Collective consists of Avey Tare (David Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Deakin, or Deacon as spelled on Strawberry Jam (Josh Dibb), and Geologist (Brian Weitz).

Official Site, Buy it on iTunes

Like This Try: Grizzly Bear, Panda Bear, Atlas Sound

Categories: Alternative, Psychedelic
Nov 21st, 2009 00:36am

While the Dirty Projectors Bitte Orca album has been well raved about since it's release earlier this Summer, I've found it to be a slow burner that just gets better with every listen. It's hard to highlight one individual track, in the world of mp3 it's easy to just pull out the popular tracks and never listen to rest of the album. So it takes a really good album stand up in its entirety. With Bitte Orca it really is a complete listening experience required. However, No Intention is a captivating listen, even if it does sound better at track 7 nestled in as part of the whole LP. 

Surely a front runner contender for album of the year. Intricate melodies, epic landscapes stripped bare to reveal beauty in it's most simplistic and triumphant form. Frontman Dave Longstreth's lead vocal is strangely jarring at times but it works, add to that the female harmonies of amber coffin, angel deradoorian and haley dekle you end up with a unique record.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Buy Bitte Orca on iTunes, Bands place in MySpace

Nov 17th, 2009 00:25am

From the new Richard X remix of 1991's Foxbase Alpha album, the Neil Young cover "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", an epic Balearo-disco banger. Always loved the original Neil Young version and the original Saint Etienne version (amazing to think that it's nearly 20 years old, Saint Etienne were one of the bands that helped define the indie dance genre in the early 1990s), this new remix gives it a nice polish for another few years to come.

Official site, Saint Etienne greatest hits on iTunes

Categories: Alternative, Pop, Remix
Nov 15th, 2009 23:10pm

Just add clear blue skies on cold frosty morning!

Great start to winter's day, wake up with a happy face with Washington DC's Le loup's morning song. Melodic banjo's and sweat harmonies. Uplifting. Taken from Le Loup's 2nd album Family out now.

Bands place inMySpace, Official site Buy it on iTunes

Like this, try: Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Bill Callahan

 

Categories: Acoustic, Alternative, Folk
Nov 7th, 2009 16:30pm

The xx incredible remix of Florence + the Machine's version of Candi Staton's classic 'You've Got The Love'. Originally appears on her Mercury nominated Lungs LP. Every now and again a track comes along and blows you away, this is an amazing remix, practically a complete remake, stripping the original down to basics and reconstructing it with subtle xylophone and warped harp to dubstep beat and cutting up The XX's vocals with Florance Welch's chorus. The XX can do no wrong, captivating!

The XX Official site

Florence + the Machine official site

Nov 1st, 2009 23:54pm

Got a bit a chinese urdu going on on this remix by Memory Tapes.

Primary 1 is churning out good shit at the moment and Memory Tapes are right on the money. This just builds and builds, Tune!

Bands place in MySpace

 

Nov 1st, 2009 01:15am

The original track from Miike Snow's debut album is real stand out tune and one of the top 20 of the year so far. There have been many remixes of this track but Mark Ronson gives it a complete make over and takes to the tune in to an entirely different direction. A light ska beat, a wonky organ and Ronson's signature brass is superb. (There are a few versions of this mix on various blogs which has a bit Lady Ga Ga overlapping the end, but this is the complete version).

Oct 24th, 2009 19:18pm

Freak Folk just went mainstream, Devendra Banhart's first release on major label (Warners) brings on slightly more polished sound and the tunes are more structured than previous albums. This is one of the standout tracks, sounds more indie band than folk. Love this!

What Will We Be is a Devendra Banhart album set to be released on October 27th, 2009 on Warner Brother Records. The album was co-produced by Banhart and Paul Butler from A Band of Bees. Rejoining Banhart are old band mates Noah Georgeson, Greg Rogove, Luckey Remington, and Rodrigo Amarante, all of whom worked with him on his previous album, Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon.

Album is released at the end of this month.

Dev's place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Folk
Oct 18th, 2009 22:51pm

Quirky little sounds all over this tune, which is something quite different from Altas Sound AKA Bradford James Cox, lead singer in Indie outfit, Atlanta four-piece Deerhunter. Featuring Noah Lennox (known as Panda Bear) an experimental musician and a founding member of Animal Collective. Taken from the new album Logos, which is an indie delight. A very original album that takes on a variety of styles and sounds, well worth checking out. Released 19th Oct 2009.

Buy from 7digitalBands place in MySpace

 

Categories: Alternative
Oct 11th, 2009 17:24pm

A superb chilled out remix from Folk-Hippie Devendra Banhart

Devendra said: We LOVE and have LOVED Phoenix since Alphabetical, and have wanted to do more than just ogle at their awesomeness for quite some time. With the release of their luminary Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix we got the chance to un-floccinaucinihilipilificate our dreams and with awesome, oceanic glee, we took Rome for a ride... a mellow, meditative one, let’s bring out the candle-lit side, a side of the song suited for lucubration !

You can download this and more Phoenix remixes here

Categories: Alternative, Chill, Folk, Remix
Oct 11th, 2009 00:51am

An inspired choice of vocalist in Michael McDonald for the b-side of Grizzly Bear's new single from the excellent Veckatimest album. I love a bit of Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. But Michael McDonald also gave us some great tunes as a solo artist, Sweet Freedom springs to mind. Grizzly Bear's style sounds like a strange mix for McDonald on paper, but I think this sounds like it was meant to be and adds a deeper soulful meaning to the tune. Even Grizzly Bear's backing vocal has stepped up to take the track into an altogether utopian moment. Class.


Categories: Alternative, Soul
Oct 10th, 2009 18:26pm

Have you heard the new Mr. Brown.

Why Ian Brown hasn't done a cover of Bob Marley's Mr. Brown by now is beyond me. You know Ian loves his reggae!

His new long player is bit of a gradual grower, but this track is an instant hit, sure to be a future single. It has a bit of Beta Band vibe about it but with Ian's genius lyrics. Monkey business as usual, looking forward to his gigs in December.

New album 'My Way' on iTunes

Ian's Official site

Categories: Alternative
Sep 23rd, 2009 01:55am

Loving this album and this tune in particular. Sound like old skool funk put through an old gramophone and recorded down a crackley phoneline. Wah Wah!

Take a trip down Ambivalence Avenue!

Bands place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Folk
Sep 14th, 2009 00:37am

Psychedelic swirling rhythms on a hot sunny day.

Over the top squelches and a continuous looping riff sucks you in to the kaleidoscopic chasm of Neon Indian. Expect big things from Neon Indian, from Brookyln/Austin, Texas. New album Psychic Chasms available from 13 October.

Great cover artwork too!

Bands place in MySpace

 

Sep 14th, 2009 00:27am

A burst indie pop to keep the sun shining

Nice summery vibe, twanging little riff that loops around your head and doesn't let go. Two Door Cinema Club are 3 people from Northern Ireland with the help of technology and a thirst for anything quirky.

Band place in MySpace

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Sep 13th, 2009 22:55pm

More chilled out Scandinavian grooves.

Subtle acoustic guitars, pan pipes, hand claps, sprinkles of delicate percussion and Victoria's quietly captivating voice.

Taken By Trees is the solo project of Swedish singer songwriter Victoria Bergsman, best known for providing guest vocals for the smash hit Peter Bjorn and John single Young Folks

Victoria Bergsman was singer of the indie pop band The Concretes from 1995 up until her 2006 departure. Since announcing her leaving the band in July 2006, she has been recording for her new solo project, Taken by Trees.

Her place in MySpace

Categories: Acoustic, Alternative, Chill
Sep 13th, 2009 20:43pm

Beautiful chilled out atmospheric grooves

This tune has been all over the radio lately, a beautiful slice of atmospheric indie pop slowly builds in to a crescendo of colourful and grand guitars. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon chillaxing. Taken from their album - Conditions, out now.

The Temper Trap are a band from Melbourne, Australia.The Temper Trap took their name from the combination of their favourite song 'The Lady is a Tramp' and their favourite movie 'The Parent Trap'.

Official Site

Bands Place in MySpace

 

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Sep 13th, 2009 09:47am

Wacked out organs and a Mustang Sally baseline!

Yo La Tengo's new long player is a grower, Popular Songs a is Cinematic, indie pop masterpiece. These guys have been making great music for a quarter-century now, so I guess they know what they are doing. Their 12th album is out now.

Official Site

Buy in on iTunes

 

Categories: Alternative
Sep 8th, 2009 03:11am

Carry me Hooting & Howling to the river!

A extraordinary, stunning piece of music, captivating vocals and lush arrangements.

Another contender for album of the year, Two Dancers (Wild Beasts 2nd Album) is a musical magnum opus of a masterpiece. Hooting and howling all the way to this years top ten albums of the year. Immerse yourself and drown in it's beauty.

Official site

 

Categories: Alternative, Leftfield
Sep 8th, 2009 00:40am

Like the beta band with the Bee Gees on vocal duties

A slow groover with a melody that pulls you in slowly but surely, hook line and sinker.

Wave Machines, from Liverpool currently enjoying success with the single I Go I Go I Go. Their debut album is a eclectic array pop. New single Punk Spirt is another standout track.

Official Site

Bands Place in MySpace

Buy it from 7digital

Categories: Alternative, Electronic, Pop
Sep 3rd, 2009 08:33am

Next time I'll be true yeah!

I've been listening to the new album from the The XX quite a bit, well worth checking out. But this old cover version of the classic Womack and Womack tune is an amazing version. I love the original, but this version is a different tune entirely. Class!

Bands place in MySpace

But the Album on iTunes

Aug 29th, 2009 01:24am

This is a song for no one, but all of you!

I hadn't really listened to this band much, until Mr. A Black @ablackcanvas told me it was a killa album. I fell in love with tune straight away, perfect pop with a funky drummer beat. Hey the sun is shining again.

Miike Snow are a Swedish band, who formed in 2007. The band consists of singer/songwriter Andrew Wyatt, and the producing team of Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg, also known as Bloodshy & Avant.

Bands place in MySpace - myspace.com/miikesnow

Buy it from iTunes

Aug 13th, 2009 01:11am

Rip it up and start again!

Yacht release their new album this month, an eclectic affair to say the least, dead pan vocals, scattered beats and electronic melodies chop about all over the shop. If you like LCD Soundsystem then this is right up your street. No coincidence they are signed to James Murphy's DFA label then.

Bands place in MySpace

Official Site - teamyacht.com

Aug 12th, 2009 08:36am

Rave it up and lose your head!

This tune came out back in January this year, I heard it being played a few weeks ago in a shitty bar, it sounded brilliant so I shazamed it.

It just picks up where New Order left off, no surprise to learn that this lot are from Manchester. "Manchester has this amazing history of bands who could mix rock and dance music," say the Delphic boys.

Bands place in MySpace - myspace.com/delphic

Official Site - delphic.cc

 

Categories: Alternative, Electronic
Aug 3rd, 2009 22:38pm

Bring on the drums!

Friendly Fires pound in with a samba carnival of a summer tune, already a live favorite, this tune is released as a single at the end of this month. The video is pretty cool too.

Looking forward to their next album.

Official Site - wearefriendlyfires.com

Categories: Alternative, Pop
Jun 13th, 2009 15:56pm

When the sun is shining you need some happy tunes for the summer vibe, so for the soundtrack to your next BBQ look to further than this album Veckatimest from NYC, Brooklyn band Grizzly Bear. Everyones raving about this band all over the internet, lazy grooves with some beach boys harmonies going on. The first single from the album 'two weeks' has been getting quite a lot of airplay of late. 

Official site - www.grizzly-bear.net

Buy it - Itunes