Datalog is the solo project of Brooklyn resident Conor Heffernan, who full-on turned his hand to the machines in 2010 after five years in the indie rock business as a keyboardist. Though we have no clue of how his former ventures sounded like, listening to his forthcoming Haarp EP, we assume it's safe to say that it was the right decision. Landing somewhere between techno-leaning dance beats, more explorative, abstract electronic soundscapes, and even a little dash of forward-looking jazz elements here and there, the EP's seven tracks make for a compelling listen. The subdued, acidic "Sumingashi II" - rather fittingly, each track is named after Japanese paper crafting - is a clear standout, evoking impressions of opaque, watery sceneries somewhere far east. The accompanying video, premiered below, perfectly translates this imagination into restrained images of a night ride's disconnected, surreal city lights. Watch it below.
The Haarp EP is out May 28.
While you're at it, also check out this previously unpublished footwork remix of "Sumingashi II" by Brooklyn-based producer KRTS:
Montreal's Drug Train first came across our radar with the release of a (sadly now unavailable) Electric Voice split album. It has been quite some time since we heard anything from them, but clearly they were biding the time to release their excellent debut album. Now, after being picked up by esteemed French netlabel Beko (home of faves Chevalier Avant Garde), Drug Train have astounded us with a brand of lo-fi, drone infused electro-pop. Each song on the self-titled album has a unique and distinct character; the Suicide thrash of opener ''Bipolar'', or the subtly danceable breeze of ''No One Cares.'' The one through-line is the saxophone, and the way Drug Train showcases that wonderful instrument places it squarely with such luminaries as Colin Stetson or Bowie's Berlin Era with its beautiful bleat. This will turn any nonbeliever into a devout follower, absolutely.
As part of the celebrations of the ten-year anniversary of both the Datashock collective and its associated Meudiademorte label, the Saarlouis-based group is releasing a wooden box containing 10 one-sided 7" singles by members of the artistic family, including Datashock themselves, NFOP alumni Pretty Lightning, and others – go here to check out the whole list. On top of that, all ten songs will be accompanied by a series of videos directed by Datashock and Meudiademorte mastermind Pascal Hector, unveiled one after the other over the course of the next few months, eventually adding up to a movie named "Mirage" and thus ultimately meant to be watched as a single piece of audiovisual exaltation. Today, we're proud to premiere the first part, the video for "Mantra De Morte", the contribution of heavy psych duo Pretty Lightning aka Christian Berghoff and Sebastian Haas. Check it out below, and watch out for the rest of "Mirage" to follow.
One of Manchester's absolute finest (and a defining NFOP favourite throughout 2012), M O N E Y, have been keeping 'quiet' since we proudly premiered the "SOLONG (GODISDEAD)" video, of course if we look past the amazing live material taken in consideration, including a session with Daytrotter, or more recently the heart-aching session with Amazing Radio. With their brand new single "Bluebells", Bella Union mark their first release with the band (rumors that were obviously on everyone's lips last year), and proves to be a truly ravishing jam driven in a more noctural direction than previously. Now, the contact with the outer world seems to be nearly completely erased from their secretive approach, which at the end of the day only strenghtens their sound to the fullest.
Last night, patten's Kaleidoscope label dropped Retakes by Orphan, the imprint's fourth limited cassette release, as reported before. The enigmatic artist from South London plays electronic music that won't sound surprising to those amongst you being familiar with contemporary London dance music: The minimal lo-fi sound of the five-tracks EP is mainly driven by old school analog synthesizers and keyboards which Orphan acquired second hand. Clear melodies are lacking, as well as a beat pumping in the foreground from A to Z. Instead we hear muffled overdriven soundscapes bathed in reverb and improvised sounding keyboard solos. To perfect the dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere, Orphan is using vocal patterns resembling the whisper of ancient ghosts – Retakes is a strong release and clearly indispensable if you're into experimental house music.
If you considered purchasing a physical copy of Retakes, you'll find yourself disappointed though: as patten is redefining the term "limited edition", not more then six copies have been printed – and they were all gone within ten minutes. Fortunately, we live in the digital age, so download the EP for free via the label's homepage here.
It's hard not to crush on the extensive, encircling sounds of Melbourne's Flyying Colors; reminding us how beautifully innocent, but vigorous the earlier records of M83 were, something they unfortunately lost with time. We got to admit that our musical focus on Australia has solely surrounded electronic music as of late, but this tune definitely turns everything upside-down. Listen to the gorgeous "Wavygravy" below.
Straight out of Montreal's loft party milieu comes Zoë Kiefl, who adds her drowsy, dreamlike vocals over some ratherish familiar synth beats — whimsical in the most intelligent way, if I were to word it precisely. Below is a brand new video featuring her new single "NEEDS" directed by Stephanie Creaghan/Sara Graorac, and if you weren't already absorbed by spring aura, you're likely to be now.
While we're still thoroughly enjoying Mr Jonathan Clancy aka His Clancyness' extended version of his fabulous debut LP Always Mist, it's indeed more than exciting news to hear that not only got the Canadian/Italian artist signed by Brighton/Brooklyn powerhouse Fat Cat Records, but that he appears to have a full new album's worth of new material ready. The actual record is due sometime this fall, but it will be preceded by the Charade EP, which arrives as a limited edition cassette, sold at Clancy and his band's upcoming tour through Europe - check the dates below. Appearing on both the EP and the album, first new song to be unveiled, "Machines", takes up the project's signature sound of moderately nostalgic, unassuming yet disarmingly candid rock and roll. Watch the track's lyrics video now, shot by band member Giulia Mazza. (co-premiere with Ad Hoc)
18/05 Rome, Italy – Roma Pop Fest @ Revolver Live Club
20/05 Groningen, Netherlands – Vera (w/ Deerhunter)
21/05 Bruxelles, Belgium – AB Box (w/ Deerhunter)
22/05 Paris, France – Le Trianon (w/ Deerhunter)
23/05 Bristol, UK – Start The Bus (w/ Widowspeak)
24/05 Liverpool, UK – East Village Arts Club (w/ Widowspeak)
25/05 Dublin, Ireland – Workmans (w/ Widowspeak)
28/05 London UK – Cargo (w/ Widowspeak)
01/06 Guastalla, Italy – Handmade Festival (w/ The Babies)
02/06 Padova, Italy – Macello
07/06 Naples, Italy – Lanificio 25
08/06 Marina di Ravenna, Italy – Hana-Bi
09/06 Milano, Italy – MIAMI Festival
11/06 Bologna, Italy – Vicolo Bolognetti
