Unless you’ve been living under a rock over the past week, you’ll know that The xx are back with a new single called ‘On Hold’, as well as the announcement of a new album and some shows.
The track samples ‘I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)’ by Hall & Oates (we’re guessing that was Jamie‘s suggestion), all encompassed within an unpredictable melody.
The xx’s album, ‘I See You’, is out on 13 January 2017, and has been produced by Jamie, and Rodaidh McDonald.
Sounds like: Jamie XX, James Blake, London Grammar
We wrote about London based, multi-instrumentalist, HudsonScott, a few months back.
Since then, Hudson’s been in the studio with Rodaidh McDonald (Låpsley, KingKrule, Thexx).
Lucky for us, Hudson has taken a little bit of time out of his busy schedule to put together one hell of a playlist for Indietronica.
Talking Heads – Born Under Punches
This is one of my favourite opening tracks of any record for sure- the perfect blend of groove, adventure and hooks.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – First World Problem
I’m an album listener, I like a body of work to sink my teeth into, but its sometimes nice when a band you love throws you a loose bone as good as this.
Chris Cohen – In A Fable
This song is so good. I love how warm and meandering it is and how the form has hardly any repetition but every melody is beautiful.
Shuggie Otis – Special
Shuggie has been a proper hero of mine for a while now but this one is pretty new to me. Its real bouncy.
Arthur Russell – You And Me Both
Another of my hero’s. This song is another meanderer, loads of breathing room. Arthur Russel has this amazing ability to balance romance and groove without it ever being cheesy and I think I’ll listen to him for my whole life.
Orange Juice – Rip It Up
Two things I wanted to get on this list was some 80’s tunes and some synth nerdery so I ticked both boxes with this song. Amazing song and inspired use of what I’m pretty sure is a Roland TB-303 (the synth that birthed acid house) for the bass- you hardly hear that synth in this pop context and it works so well.
Blood Orange – Desiree
Definitely his best record so far- I love it right now and this track is a standout.
Little Cub – Intent
These guys are my best pals an they’re gonna do big things in the next few years. Huge beat at the end.
David Bowie – Ashes To Ashes
Needs no introduction.
Gwen Guthrie – Padlock (Larry Levan Mix)
I’m telling you to never doubt the triangle as an instrument- you’ve got to be pretty confident to have it pretty much on its own for almost 30 seconds though! This song’s chorus kills it.
UK Tour Dates
September 4 | We Are Your Friends, The Bullingdon, Oxford September 15 | The Victoria, London October 14 | What Became Of Us Festival, The Cookie, Leicester October 15 | What Became Of Us Festival, The Bullingdon, Oxford October 28 | Beacons Metro Festival, Headrow House, Leeds
Sounds like: The Maccabees, Foals, Morrissey, Prince, Simply Red, Simple Minds, Miles Davis, Chet Baker
Ardyn are brother and sister duo, Katy (vocals, keyboard) and Rob Pearson (guitar).
They have teamed up with Rodaidh McDonald (The xx, King Krule, Låpsley) for their new single, ‘Over The River’; a glistening track that is confidently guided by Katy’s alluring vocals.
Drawing on a fascination of peoples’ passing conversations and creating a world around a sound bite, Katy says of ‘Over The River’, “I wanted to imagine a couple’s conversation and the problems they were having in their relationship while transforming it into something visual linking to the natural world”.
We’ve included the visuals to the track, because it’s so glorious!
‘Over The River’ was released on 26 April through Aesop (SOHN, TĀLĀ, Klyne).
Live Dates
27-29th May – Dot to Dot (Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham)
1st May – City Sound Project, Canterbury
21st May – The Great Escape, Brighton
12th June – Dials Festival, Portsmouth
3rd July – Barn on the Farm Festival, Over
8th July – Samphire Festival, Porlock
23rd July – Tramlines, Sheffield
30th July – Farmfest, Bruton
18th August – Green Man Festival, Brecon Beacons
Sounds like: Vök, Kate Boy, Susanne Sundfør, First Aid Kit, TĀLĀ
