Ears Are For Feeling

Video of the Week: I Am Chemistry by Yeasayer

Yeasayer is a band that does not compare well to others. A new record is coming soon and now we have a video of their first single I Am Chemistry. The track is all over the place, moving from style to style, with an intermezzo that holds euphoria like we know Yeasayer can do, just to be followed up by a choir singing, the track just gives you a special feeling. If not for that at least the combination of styles is unique. Before I forget to mention the video at all, it fits the track beautifully (in most cases that's my selection criteria for the VotW). I believe the video aims to show how we as humans are just chemicals that pass on, that we have less control than we think. Oh am I blabbing on about a Yeasayer song again?

Go see them live!

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Video of the Week: Wild Nothings Living Album Art

Wild Nothing is an artist I sometimes can't stop raving about. I feel lucky I was able to witness Jack Tatum and his guys deliver magic live. This new record coming out February 2016 seems to be another milestone for the band. Having further developed their sound and the next video is proof of that. Both tracks are great and can probably withstand the test time with some of their material. Love the renewed guitar-sound that is dominating the background of the tracks.

This video is one of the first, not just moving artwork, live album covers. And slow-motion settings between man and woman, just fit the music of Wild Nothing perfectly. Dream away people, dream away.

 

Neon Indian's new record seems to be the real deal

Today I listened to a complete version of Vega Intl. Night School, Neon Indian's 2015 release and it's fascinating. Chill-wave king Neon Indian seems to have outdone himself, with a record that will echo through mainstream genres for the next year, with potential remixes, club anthems and catchyness for many kinds of music-listeners.

It has the warm, exotic, yet surprising nightlife vibe that comes natural to the Indian. The style we have come to love since Deadbeat Summer, yet more energetic this time.

Let's wait and see how it will stand the test of time. But for now I'm totally loving this record.

Here's a quick taste:

 

Video of the Week : The Soft Moon - Wasting

It's been a long time since I've blogged this actively, but the love for it will always resurface. And the biggest reason for that is the music itself. There are a lot of interesting things going on right now, there is a lot of music worth mentioning.

As is the case with The Soft Moon. The Soft Moon has always an intriguing outfit, discovering their neo-post-punk sound with ease, and taking us along for the ride. 

Still, you can arguably state that The Soft Moon has yet again taken the next step in their music and a video to go along with it. With "Wasting" they show a sense of urgency, whilst believing patience in tracks is good. It gives the track an unprecedented atmosphere, even for a band that is already known for being able to create just that. And the vocals are totally creepy this time around.

The video (directed by Y2K) is a peculiar one. The main character (singer) gets injected with some kind of serum and then it starts. The track speeds up, strange images and colors flash the screen. artful images become clear on his face. The old man must be evil. It's a fascinating piece of work really. Could be the soundtrack to some terrifying sci-fi flick.

And it's my video of the week!

 

 

By the way added their self-titled 2010 album to the Full-LPs playlist on the youtube channel.

Enjoy!

Daily Pick #354

BRNS - Behind the Walls

Album: Patiné (2014)

Label: CKoiCeBordelCorp Records

Think Animal Collective, but with the typical Belgium Lo-Fi-ish Folk in between the crazy parts. Hints of School is Cool are in there as well. That's for me what BRNS is. It is an exotic sound, I can honestly say I believe these guys are pioneers in what they do. They are filling their own corner of the music world. The whole album is an adventure, really. One of the best of the year perhaps? (I say that a lot I know, but I'll get to that in January.)

Enjoy and support these guys!

 

 

Daily Pick #353

Sweet indie-rock from Cali. Sweet in the sense that it somehow has mixed garage influences with soft synthesizers building up to a great climax in this track. There is definitely more to this band than you would think. Absolutely unique.

And since this song was not on Youtube or anything and definitely needed sharing. here it is. Spread the word. Great Band, Great Track

 

Soft Swells - Love Like You

Album: Floodlights (2014)

Label: Modern Outsider Records

Video of the Week: Snowmine - Tidal Wave

This is my first experience with this band and I like it. Apparently they have taken a turn form their previous (which I can definitely recommend aswell) and have become more pop-orientated. I would normally not be a fan of this, but in this case I don't mind it. And here's why. This track is such an original mix of some well-known pop-elements, a sweet guitar riff, synth tunes and some underestimated lyrics that it surpasses the level of an 'ordinary' pop song. And the video is not bad either. Actually it's pretty sweet. Sometimes, putting some scenery shots together completely does the trick. A beautifully depicted love story in 4:16. 

But I am still curious what's your opinion?

Enjoy!

 

Album cover of Snowmine's previous work.

Daily Pick #349

Onfortunately, Arcade Fire's we exist didn't win an EMA. (What A Surprise)

So I guess I'll just have to continue spreading the word about good, yet underappreciated music.

Today, a band is returning with new material. A band I truly love. Dutch Uncles.

Their math-like off-beat synth-pop is more intense than you can hear at first listen.

Now with soul added to the mix. is a breakthrough on the cards here? Yes. Go out and go see this band.

 

Tomorrow, many playlist updates and another highlight from London Calling.

Enjoy!

Gap Dream @ London Calling 14

A nice adittion to the line-up of London Calling 14 was Gap Dream. And he definitely proved the audience a point. He proved that he can keep the attention of an audience across all of his tracks, without rushing things and showing variation. He was building the tracks brick by brick. Danceable tracks no less. Music made for enjoyment, that's for sure.

I hope to see Gap Dream next festival season!

 

Enjoy!

Fyfe @ Doornroosje September 21st.

I moved this weekend and I quickly realized one weekend of "Golden Oldies" on the radio is enough for me.

So let's get back to some better music.

I went to new Doornroosje almost two weeks ago.

First gig, first day of the new building, I went to check out Doornroosje in Nijmegen (next to the station).
Nice looking building, very good sound quality (I was actually pretty amazed) but still feels cosy. Anyhow, the old building will be missed.

I Know SOHN was great and all on the first trial day of the new venue of Doornroosje,
but the true surprise was Fyfe. Maybe not so if you already knew one of his tracks from the web.
The vibe in their songs live was impressive, especially cosidering they are only with two. Good stage presence, the crowd was catching on quick.

First track was the most impressive and has both the intense vibes and some beautiful lyrics and will probably be one of their key songs for years to come, yes years, because they truly have potential.

 

Enjoy.

 

Tomorrow: Best of August, A concert calendar update, and a crazy daily pick.

Daily Pick #343

A While ago I posted Pin Tweaks' material. and this sort of reminds me of that. Lots of echo, synth and strong lyrics. I'm talking about the new Dorsal Fins track 'Monday Tuesday'. Synthpop seems to be having its second youth. No complaints here. Especially when the songs have enough catchyness to last for weeks.

Definetely an act to watch out for.

 

 

Tonight I'm finally checking out SOHN at newly opened Doornroosje. Should you believe the hype or not?

 

Updates:

Favorites

Parquet Courts – Instant Disassembly

Parquet Courts – Black and White

Majical Cloudz – Childhood’s end

Peaking Lights – Breakdown

Bag Raiders – Way Back Home

SOHN – Tempest

SOHN - Tremors

 

Daily Pick #339

Check out the vibe on this track, can't believe these guys started out as a garage band, this is sublime.

Definitely keeping an eye on this London duo.

 

Pin Tweaks - Girl on the Wire

Album: Unreleased

Lable: Unsigned. ( https://www.facebook.com/PinTweaksMusic )

 

 

Daily Pick #338

How about another summer anthem? The star of this Indie-Pop band is rising and if this is a taste of what the album is going to be like, i reckon it is rising fast.

Generationals - Gold Silver Diamond

Album: Alix (September 2014)

Label: Polyvinyl Records 

 

 

Daily Pick #337

My review of TEEN live yesterday (in dutch) on 3voor12gelderland.nl . Not every show is a succes, but I still really like the band though.

That's why I share this track today. Absolutely stunning track.

TEEN - Huh

Album: In Limbo (2012)

Label: Carpark Records

 

BKS '14 Highlights: Jessy Lanza

Jessy Lanza out of Ontario was one of the more exotic acts on last edition of Best Kept Secret festival 2014. A festival with no other comparable act to Jessy Lanza, with her electro R&B, that holds more than you would expect after a quick listen. Firstly I was surprised (never seen her perform before) by the fact that she is very active with the synth and with effects. She definitely scored some points on that one. Secondly I was surprised on how easily Jessy took the crowd by the hand and guided us through the show, with absolute bombshell of a track Keep Moving as a finisher. Even though I perceived her presence on stage as if she was a bit shy and perhaps not knowing what to expect from the Dutch crowd, overall her show was impressive, clearly enjoying her own material. The songs going from energetic and danceable, to somewhat slower R&B songs, with more soul. In the end, all a band or artist needs to succeed are good songs, and Jessy Lanza has plenty.

 

photo from: indiestyle.be

Howls stream their full album and it's something else.

With only 36 minutes, this is one addictive tour around the world of Howls. I dare to say that this one will take the band to next level of attention. The attention they deserve.

 

Daily Pick #334

One of the hottest things right now. Coming of an album, released 2nd of June, I have been listening to like crazy this last week, and this is my favourite track, for sure. This one I have not seen highlighted yet, so I felt the urge. The originality of this is.... refreshing, truly. Considering their musical background is in Folk, makes this even more interesting to listen to.

Sylvan Esso - Dress

Album: Sylvan Esso (2014)

Label: Carpark Records

 

Daily Pick #332

One of the acts of BKS '14 that did not ring a bell immediately, and it took some effort, but I really like their tracks, this being their flagship. Outside of the Netherlands this band seems to have picked up some popularity, within it, not so much. Still, this is one amazing track.  I'm talking about Thumpers. Feel the energy, since this Indie-Pop is stacked with it.

Thumpers - Unkinder ( A Tougher Love )

Album: Galore (2014)

 

Daily Pick #329

Some bands are just obligatory to listen to, when considering yourself a music lover. For me this is one of them and apparently some people missed these guys (Danger Mouse & James Mercer) releasing a new album. One of the best records of the year 2014? perhaps.

Broken Bells - Medicine

Album: After the Disco (2014)

 

Daily Pick #317

Uncontested vibe and melancholy, synthpop in its most beautiful form, with a video to match.

Polica - Warrior Lord

Album: Shulamith (2013)