Tag Archives: Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Weekly Gems 124

Posted on by

Childe – Just Me

Childe by Scarlett Anderson

Childe by Scarlett Anderson

Childe releases his new single ‘Just Me’, about loneliness in a modern world. It’s a groovy whirl of eclectic synths and darker kaleidoscopic sounds within the chill-pop genres.

Sounds like: MK.Gee, Two Feet, FVLCRVM

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Dugong Jr – Float Feat. Rromarin

Dugong Jr - Float Feat. Rromarin

Chinese/Australian multidisciplinary creative Dugong Jr shares the dreamy new single ‘Float’ featuring Rromarin. Inspired by the UK garage scene, the electronic producer creates a refreshing take on a classic sound.

Sounds like: Jai Wolf, Qrion, Pat Lok, Rome in Silver, Robotaki, Cabu, Thor Rixon, Salt Ashes

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Matt Maltese – madhouse

Matt Maltese by Lainy Black

Matt Maltese by Lainy Black

Kid of the moment, Matt Maltese, is making waves with his soft take on 2020 indie. With a DIY aesthetic and scarily accurate prediction of current times, despite his continuous daydreaming, you can watch his cinematic video for ‘madhouse’ below.

Sounds like: Beach Boys, Oscar Lang, Glass Animals, Rex Orange County, The Last Shadow Puppets

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Hoofa – How Do We Know

Hoofa

Indie duo Hoofa considers the true cost of being a musician in 2020 in new single ‘How Do We Know’. A little more of a slow-burner than their usual ambi-pop take on indie, but this perfectly represents their abilities to consider aptly express real emotions.

Sounds like: Kodaline, Larkins, Sea Girls, PEACE, The Beautiful South, Little Comets

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

The Bright Light Social Hour – Ouroborous 20

The Bright Light Social Hour by Jaycee Grover

The Bright Light Social Hour by Jaycee Grover

Austin’s premiere psychedelic-rock connoisseurs The Bright Light Social Hour return with their cosmic, uniquely brilliant new single ‘Ouroboros’. It’s a transcendent journey through psychedelic, distorted guitar licks and spaced out vocal parts.

Sounds like: Arcade Fire, Jagwar Ma, Jungle, Tame Impala, Pond, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

JYLDA – Impulse

JYLDA by Sophia Payne

JYLDA by Sophia Payne

London-based leftfield alt-pop artist JYLDA shares new single ‘Impulse’. Written about a dark romance, the track rouses in JYLDA’s trademark future-electronica style.

Sounds like: FKA Twigs, Arca, ÄTNA

Facebook | SoundCloud | Instagram

Moxley Rey & Jeff Carl – Garden

Moxley Rey

Burgeoning Aussie newcomer Moxley Rey returns with his triumphant sophomore single, a sun-soaked collaboration with Nashville-based alt-pop savant Jeff Carl. A kaleidoscopic cohesion of soothing indietronica, left-of-centre pop and euphoric EDM, it perfectly encapsulates boundless energy perfectly befitting any summer mood.

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Weekly Gems 121

Posted on by

Gang of Four / JJ Sterry – Day Turns To Night

Gang of Four by Leo Cackett

Gang of Four by Leo Cackett

Gang of Four‘s singer, JJ Sterry shares the serene video for ‘Day Turns To Night’, written in the days following guitarist Andy Gill’s untimely death earlier this year.

Sounds like: The Raincoats, Attawalpa

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

LoveLeo – HEAD OVER HEELS

LoveLeo

Charming LoveLeo shares the self-directed visuals for ‘HEAD OVER HEELS’, which follows a miniature Leo getting up to mischief. Another great video from the TikTok star.

Sounds like: Easy Life, Alfie Templeman

Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

ODDA – MAMA

ODDA

Imperfect indie artist ODDA shares the solemn track, ‘MAMA’, as he deeply explores all that is being human, from the judgement of others to the insecurities of ourselves.

Sounds like: Nirvana, Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The Bright Light Social Hour – Enough

The Bright Light Social Hour by Jaycee Grover

The Bright Light Social Hour by Jaycee Grover

Austin quartet The Bright Light Social Hour shares cosmic single ‘Enough’, taking us on a groove-rich journey through 70’s psychedelic rock, with a contemporary production sheen.

Sounds like: Jagwar Ma, Jungle, Tame Impala, Pond, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Matilda Eyre x PALMR – Water

Matilda Eyre x PALMR - Water

The new collaboration between London-based German singer, songwriter and producer Matilda Eyre and Devon-based producer PALMR dives us into a pool of strength and freedom in new single ‘Water’.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Kllo, Austra

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Dirty Nice – Zero Summer

Posted on by

Zero Summer

Making a case for ‘Zero Summer’ is UK duo, Dirty Nice.

We are not entirely sure what the term ‘zero summer’ means, but the lyrics suggest the track maybe politically driven; “…the people are living in a zero-sum game…they accept there will always be a winner and a loser…they don’t try make things work for everyone…they don’t care?”. This despondent attitude is further displayed by the overtly chilled, lo-fi feel throughout the track.

Sounds like: Jai Paul, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Facebook | Twitter | SoundCloud | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Playlist: Σtella

Posted on by

Σtella

Σtella

Greek artist, Σtella has just released her highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Works For You’.

To celebrate, Σtella has put together a playlist for us. Enjoy!

Moscoman, Manfredas – Dévoué (Manfredas Remix)
First time I heard this song I kinda felt like I was tripping, in a good way. I’m happy to have shared the stage with Moscoman once.

Arthur Russell – Springfield
Arthur Russell will always remain a mystery to me. It ‘s music from outer space in a way.

Yello – Oh Yeah
Really don’t know how to comment on this. Just a good listen and a place for phantasies.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi-Love
“She don’t want to be a man or a woman”. Good for her.

Grace Jones – Pull Up To The Bumper
I love this song so much. It explodes in my head every time.

Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension
This track takes me back in time, it’s got that heart ache feeling you just can’t miss.

KAYTRANADA – BREAKDANCE LESSON N.1
A DJ and a good friend of mine introduced me to this song by Kaytranada, and now I play it whenever I wanna shake my head a little.

Red Axes, Abrão – Balma (feat. Abrão)
Loving Red Axes this year, they did a show In Athens last month. Good boys.

Jean-Jacques Perrey – Cat In The Night
I sadly found out about Jean Jacques Perrey the day he died, late 2016. This man was a genius and is really worthy to listen to pretty much everything he’s done.

Toro y Moi – Lilly
“This place is up for grabs, I give it to you for free”, that line was stuck in my head for a long time. Really good sound.

Fleetwood Mac – Never Going Back Again – Remastered
The album “Rumours” has been one of my favorite albums ever, but just recently I gave a lot of attention to this track in the album. How sweet.

LA Priest – Lorry Park
LA Priest hit me in the stomach at around 0:50 with that beat, oh man, thanks.

Alan Hawkshaw – Beach Journey
Super fine tune by Mr Alan Hawkshaw. This track takes me places I didn’t know existed.

Vulfpeck – Back Pocket
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo to Volfpeck for this massive funky smart track.

‘Works For You’ is out now via Inner Ear Records and is seriously good. Listen to ‘Way To Go’ below.

Sounds like: Kaleida, Annie Lennox, New Order, Depeche Mode, The Human League, Cash+David, Christine & The Queens

Website | Twitter | SoundCloud | Facebook

Share on Tumblr

Playlist: Hudson Scott

Posted on by

Hudson Scott

Hudson Scott

We wrote about London based, multi-instrumentalist, Hudson Scott, a few months back.

Since then, Hudson’s been in the studio with Rodaidh McDonald (Låpsley, King Krule, The xx).

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

Soundcloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Playlist: Young Summer

Posted on by

Young Summer

Young Summer

Young Summer is a talented artist from Washington, US.

The tracks on her upcoming EP give us a glimpse into the many facets of her music, and with that in mind, we asked Young Summer to put together a playlist for us, featuring the artists that influence her the most.

Björk – Stonemilker

This song is such a work of art and stretches the traditional framework of song structure. I revisit her and this song whenever I feel I need inspiration.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi-Love

I love the lyrics in the beginning, “checked into my heart and trashed it like a hotel room”. The vocals and how they’re layered and affected are perfection. The drum fills are brilliant, I love how they punctuate and separate sections of the song.

Miguel – Waves

This song has one of the best bridges and falls in line with that old songwriting rule that you don’t put an active bridge in a song if it isn’t better than the entire song, otherwise it can ruin it, and this song and its bridge are incredible!

Niki & The Dove – So Much It Hurts

The title alone had me the moment I read it. The song is so emotional but has a groove that doesn’t quit. I am a huge fan of theirs and loved their record “Instinct.” This song and their new album are amazing. Malin Dahlström’s voice has elements of Stevie Nicks but is still all her own and I could listen to it all day long.

Anohni – 4 Degrees

She’s incredible for a myriad of reasons and this song is one of them. There’s a delicate synth and a menacing brass section, which make it so beautifully dynamic. And of course, her vocal is so mesmerizing.

Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings

I love this song’s gritty, raw guitar tone. His lyrics are direct and unambiguous which is one of many reasons to love him. He brings a direct narrative to his songwriting which I haven’t loved this much since Johnny Cash did it. I have mountains of respect for him and if you get a chance to see him live, do it.

Caribou – Can’t Do Without You

This is a song that feels like you’re living inside a lush breeze for three minutes and 56 seconds. The sentiment is explained immediately and washes over you. It is perfect and beautiful. If you’re paying attention and listen to the entire song you get the reward of a confession at the very end, “And you’re the only thing I think about. It’s all that I can still do. And you know you’re the one I dream about. I couldn’t do without you.”

Maybird – Turning into Water

They’ve got a psychedelic sound and I am so down with that. The guitar tones and ambient vocals are on point. It feels classic but new all at the same time.

Radiohead – No Surprises

It wouldn’t be a playlist without Radiohead. I am a massive fan of theirs. This song is beautifully dark just the way I like ‘em. He [Thom Yorke] sneaks the most desperate of lyrics into a beautiful, shiny almost childlike sounding song. I love to disguise sadness with melody.

Spoon – Inside Out

I love the percussive undercurrent of this song and how it feels as though it dictates its movement and evolution. Britt Daniel’s vocals are just perfection as always.

Listen to the jazzed-out and laid back ‘Paused Parade’ below.

Sounds like: HAIM, MUNA, Wet, VÉRITÉ, Jorja Smith

Website | Tumblr | Soundcloud | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Playlist: Viigo

Posted on by

Viigo

Viigo

Viigo are used to fully documenting their emotions through vocalist, MJ Hancock’s lyrics.

Like so many musicians, Viigo use music to explore anxiety, despite there still being a taboo about the subject, and nothing says it better than their new single ‘Paranoia’, which we are sharing today along with an excellent playlist.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – First World Problem

This dude just keeps getting better and better. The horns on this new one are awesome and the hook is truly clever.

Tabu Ley Rochereau – Hafi Deo

I put this on at pretty much any family get together I attend. The backup vocal hook is super catchy, nice airy track with a sweet bridge a little over 3 minutes in.

Nohelani Cypriano – Lihue

The intro to this track gets me every time. Sweet dreamy vibes throughout.

Janet Jackson – Got ’Til It’s Gone

The descending bass line on this is perfect and outside the box. J Dilla ghost-produced this track, if by ghost-produced you mean he got his credit snaked by the powers that be.

Empress Of – Woman Is A Word

This one is hard as hard gets. Empress Of is our collective favorite going right now.

Nite-Funk – Let Me Be Me

Our new summer jam. Let’s you be you.

Neon Indian – News from the Sun

The whole album feels like a tape of a radio show passed from hand to hand, this closer is the Parade era Prince moment.

OutKast – Da Art Of Storytellin’

One of the most haunting tracks from the Dungeon Family, one of our biggest influences when we make Viigo tracks.

serpentwithfeet – flickering

This is just plain beautiful. The vocal is out of the park.

Viigo’s single, ‘Paranoia’ is out now via 10K Islands.

Sounds like: Leo Islo

Soundcloud | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Share on Tumblr

Club Kuru – Not For Me

Posted on by

Club Kuru

Club Kuru

Meet London based Club Kuru.

Not club gurus, but experimental lounge music gurus, the band share a collective love of 60’s and 70’s American RnB, soul music melodies and 7″ 45s breaks.

Listen to their new single, ‘Not For Me’, below.

Sounds like: Tame Impala, Tuska, Jungle, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Website | Soundcloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Share on Tumblr