Sorte pyramider...

Projekt ”ryd op i mailboxen” er så småt gået i gang, men jeg farer dog frem med lempe, for det ville (trods alle spådomme om det modsatte) være åndssvagt at slette alt for mange interessante beskeder! Er dog for første gang længe nået under 20,000 mails…

Blandt de mange mails jeg rent faktisk HAR læst, har jeg med begejstring kunnet konstatere, at det nye Panda Riot album Northern Automatic Music vil være på gaden d. 19. februar. Har altid været en fan af bandets blandede elektroniske/shoegaze inspirerede sound og album forløberen Black Pyramids ændrer ikke den mindste lille tøddel på det.


Cyberspace var på det nærmeste ved at gå i kollektivt selvsving i går over David Bowies fødselsdag, samt nyheden om hans første album i 10 (tror jeg det var) år. Det er trods ihærdige forsøg, med adskillige albums bredt repræsenterende Hr. Bowies karriere, aldrig lykkedes mig helt at blive overbevist om herrens fortræffeligheder, selvom hans plads i musikhistorien jo på ingen måde hverken kan eller skal anfægtes. Så jeg prøvede igen i går (og lidt i dag) om jeg ikke endelig kunne se lyset takket være den nye video Where Are We Now? Men selvom videoen er yderst interessant, lyrikken vedkommende nok og sangen objektivt set ganske udmærket, så skete der heller ikke denne gang nogen åbenbaring…desværre!

Min gode blogger ven Peter er, så vidt jeg kan tyde mig igennem de tyske gloser, særdeles begejstret for the nye album med The Capsules. Snart længe siden jeg downloadede mit promo ex. af Northern Lights & Southern Skies, så måske på tide for alvor at give albummet et lyt?
+ Across The Sky

Tilføjede forresten et par nye numre til listen over anbefalinger i går (se til højre)…tjek dem ud!

Paper planes...

Faldt lige over Panda Riots (US band fra Philadelphia, hvis du ikke måtte kende dem) 2 år gamle cover af Paper Planes. Har det yderst svært med original versionen (måske lige bortset fra pistolskuddene, som lyder super fedt), men i deres udgave ifører Panda Riot sangen dream pop klæder ("drømmende pop" har altså ikke helt den samme klang) og pimper den med lidt cool shoegaze støj og pludselig lyder nummeret helt fantastisk! Døm selv...


 

Some kind of nights...

Philly quartet Panda Riot has posted this new track to Soundcloud...wonderful dream pop as almost everything else this brilliant band has recorded! From a forthcoming Saint Marie Records compilation and will be included on the band's upcoming full length album as well.


 

Serious radical girls...

Dream/noise-poppers Panda Riot are in the studio recording and previews new track Serious Radical Girls. From a release of the same name due in 2037 if what written is true...which it probably isn't (2012 sounds like a much better guess)! Sounds pretty much like the stuff we've heard from the band before, which basically means that it sounds pretty good...

Francois & the Panda...

Stumbled upon a promo mail from Peruvian/Argentinean/French (now in London residing) singer-/songwriter Francois Peglau the other day, in which he claimed that “You will not a find a more independent project than this”. Taking into consideration some of the artists I’ve previously featured around here that’s quite a bold statement, as I sometimes feel a need of inventing a word that describes music that’s more underground than “underground”. But I always find the DIY approach to music appealing, though his true selling point was his apparent liking of Northern Portrait, which sort of erased any excuses I had for not giving the promo track One Minute to Midnight Dream (so sad) a closer look. Mr. Peglau himself calls his music “"socio dramatic Peruvian pop" which is a sort of lo-fi pop with socialist taints”, and though I haven’t checked the lyrics for any political contents, the lo-fi (and pop) label definitely fits this recording perfectly. The trained ear (not mine) will probably hear inspirations ranging from everywhere between the 60’ies to Twee pop, but as always the real important thing (to me) is the quality of the songwriting, as I’m hopeless at describing music, much less discussing the production. So basically it comes down to; do I like the song or not? Well, it’s infectiously catchy, instantly charming and it even has violins in it; so yes - of course I like it.
+ One Minute to Midnight Dream (so sad)

Panda Riot has mailed me a copy of the band’s forthcoming EP Far & Near, which will be out on May 10 (read more). With the drum machine beats, the distorted guitars and the angel-like female vocals the six fine tracks sound like Panda Riot squared (with the short and ambient instrumental Parallax View being the one exemption). So Far & Near won’t really take you anywhere new, but for any fan of pure shoegaze/dream pop it won’t be a disappoint either.
+ Motown Glass

Moving on...the next step...

Tomorrow I’ll be going to the first job interview since I handed in my resignation last month. If I get the job, I seriously doubt that much will change from a working point of view, as the job description is pretty much the same as in my current job. So why do I even consider taking the new one the devil's advocate might ask? Obviously new surroundings, colleagues and a different boss will be much needed breaths of fresh air. And since it is located just around the corner from where we live instead of a 45 minute drive away, the new job certainly has that little something that makes it very attractive! Now I just need to make a good impression!!!! Perhaps I should send a substitute?

That list I mentioned a few times last week still has a few names left on it, so before December comes creeping up on us, I guees it’s about time to get the remaining names wiped off the list! Chris has already mentioned a few of the artists, so if you're a regular to his blog, you probably won't find much of interest in this post.

I received the Panda Riot debut album She Dares All Things (buy) a few weeks back, and have been enjoying it immensely ever since. Great tunes on an insisting platform of noise; and why is it that dreamy female vocals fit the shoegaze genre like hand in glove?
+ She Dares All Things

Swedish synthpop duo Ostrich is giving away a new track named Wonderland. Not sure if this is meant to be a seasonal offering, but in their own words it's a little more danceable than the previous track; the super chilled Icecold Kisses.
+ Wonderland
+ Icecold Kisses

Not so long ago it seemed like every new band was inspired by Joy Division. However it's my impression that this have slightly changed, as more and more bands seem to be embracing The Jesus and Mary Chain. The Vandellas from NY is another fine proof that TJAMC haven't lived in vain.
+ Swell To Heaven

If information is to be trusted, Canadians The Mission District will release their debut album Youth Games sometimes early next year. Judging from the songs I've heard so far this will be something for anyone who's into catchy indie/alternative rock music (think The Bravery, Bloc Party etc.).
+ The Age Of Pretending

Emptying the Mailbox...

Yep - once again my mailbox is flooded and tonight it's my intention to do something about it. So for the next two hours I'll be reading mails and messages, and hopefully be listening to some great music as well!

J.A. recommends US shoegaze trio Shields (obviously this band must be named after Kevin Shields). How he does it, I don't know, but J.A. certainly is an expert in finding new and interesting bands!
+ Love Like You

Speaking of shoegaze...The Panda Riot debut album She Dares All Things has finally been released. You can order it from the band's webpage.
+ She Dares All Things

I think Fanatic Promotion sends out the best promo mails. Unfortunately more than often the music is garbage, but the mails are well structured and contain useful information and (this is the best part) links for 1 or 2 mp3's.

The jury is still out on this track by Alabama rock 5-piece Wild Sweet Orange, taken from the band's forthcoming self-released EP Nervous Blood. Parts of the song work really well, but at times it sound as if they had too many ideas they wanted to include in the track.
+ Wrestle With God

Chopping wood...

The past 3 days the girls and I visited some friends' at their derelict farm in Sweden, where I (when I wasn't drinking beer) spent several hours every day chopping wood. That certainly was great and much needed exercise for arms, shoulders and back, but it also (once again) made it painfully clear that my shape was a whole lot better in the old days, before I became a dad.

Speaking of Sweden, I found the new Kent album Tillbaka Till Samtiden in my mailbox last night. It definitely sounded much better in the car this morning than it did on the computer last week.

Thanks to whoever was responsible for sending me Life Of A Ghost by Blue Foundation. I've been thinking of buying this fine and somewhat Mew inspired album for quite some time now, so getting it this way was a pleasant surprise (I owe you one - whoever you are!).

Pastries, Peppers and Canals is up and running again. Hopefully for good this time!

You DID check out my first post over at Frekvens.dk. Didn't you?

The fantastic new track Rosebud by Danish indie rock trio Us With Millions is now available as a free download. Compared to Band of Horses, but in my opinion this track is better than any track of Cease To Begin. The band has sent me another new track that will be an exclusive download from the blog later this week.
+ Rosebud

Check out new instrumental track by Hits In The Car favorites Panda Riot.
+ Northern Automatic Music

Panda news...

News from (now) Chicago based shoegazers Panda Riot. According to a bulletin posted yesterday the band is in the process of releasing their album. No news though on any expected date of release, but hopefully we're not going to wait "forever" on what I expect to be a highly interesting album. Meanwhile check the new demo version of the track when you said / when I said and the very likeable cover version of The Magnetic Fields' The Book of Love recorded by the band's lead singer Rebecca Scott. Two older tracks are downloadable for free from the band's webpage as well.
+ when you said / when I said
+ The Book of Love

That and This...

The hard work finally seems to be paying off for Kind of girl. Yesterday Slave To Your Charms was aired on the Danish radio show Studie 4.
+ Slave To Your Charms

Another favorite band - US shoegazers Panda Riot - has posted a couple of new demos on their webpage.
+ When You Said/When I Said

Ivan of Oliver North Boy Choir sent me a suggestion the other day that I should pay Norwegian one-man project (a duo when lovely vocals are needed) Attention Now! some attention (pun intended), as he believed that I would like it. And since this sounds like a mix of The Notwist, Radio Dept. and EPO-555/ONBC it was a pretty good guess that I would like it. Attention Now! is still unsigned, but the track Sarcasm Shooter has received some airplay on various radio stations in Norway, so hopefully record labels will soon be knocking on the door. Some remixing activity is going on as well, so there should be plenty of interesting new stuff to be looking forward to.
+ Don't Let It Slip Away
+ Sarcasm Shooter
+ Soundwaves

I'm now 15.89% mainstream!

Shorties...

Friendly Danish indie/electro pop band The Holiday Show has uploaded 3 nice (and free) summer tracks to Myspace. As always this is cool and catchy stuff, but I'm still waiting for the boys to release an album. I've posted 2 tracks below and you can grab the third one here.
+ Traveling minds
+ City Girlfriend

Swedish alternative/indie rock band The End Will Be Kicks has posted a brand new (and very good) track from their forthcoming EP.
+ Ass of a friend

Great US Shoegaze/Dream Pop band Panda Riot has posted a couple of demos over at Myspace.
+ Color me in
+ New demo (Feb 29th)

In the mailbox this morning I found this one by Fields taken from the band's debut album Everything Last Winter.
+ If You Fail, We All Fail

Evening fun....

Download the new Panda Riot demo called Olivia on the Downbeat over at Myspace or watch the very first episode of the DoCopenhagen video podcast featuring Björn Kleinhenz. If you have plenty of time on your hands, you can also watch DoCopenhagen's Top 50 Music Videos of 2006 over there as well!
+ Olivia on the Downbeat

Nude Panda's?

Yesterday I asked what I could do to increase the number of visitors to the blog. Learning from the comments I guess that the only step forward is introducing a new type of posts called something like "nude musician of the day/week/month/?". Would be swell - wouldn't it? ;-) Very much doubt that it'll be implemented, so sorry to disappoint you guys! But thanks for the feedback and looking forward to seeing those pictures in your blogs someday :-)

Instead I hope that music will continue to be the cornerstone of this blog and as long as one or two readers find something useful here every once in a while, I really should be more than happy. Especially if this means that I don't have to post any nude pictures of Meat Loaf!

Two new recordings by fine Philly shoegazers Panda Riot are available from the band's webpage. The first one is called White Elephants and is a brand new demo track. The second one is a live medley version of the songs Suspense Kiss/Art School Girls Of Doom recorded a couple of weeks ago. If I had my own record label, signing the Panda's to a contract would be top priority!
+ White Elephants
+ Suspense Kiss/Art School Girls Of Doom (Live on WPRB 103.3 FM)

What seems like ages ago (it was waaaay back in February) I mentioned interesting Australian shoegaze/psychedelic quartet Tugboat. Two tracks from the band's forthcoming EP Rushes have been uploaded to Myspace for us to download and (hopefully) enjoy! Especially the epic (and quite psychedelic inspired) New Colour is utterly brilliant.
+ New Colour
+ Round Again (remix)

Panda Riot

Yesterday a 6 track demo by promising Philly 2 piece Panda Riot arrived in the mailbox and this morning I gave the songs a real close listen in the car ("Hits In The Car" *s*) on my way to work. The band is positioned in the shoegaze/dream-pop genre and it shouldn't take very long, before your understand why "the pandas" have been compared to the "legendary" My Bloody Valentine. The influence is quite obvious, so if you're a fan of the classic shoegaze sound, this most certainly is a band you should keep a very close eye on! The duo (trio if you add the drum machine) is currently working on a full length album, and if the demo is any indication of what to expect (the songs are damn great), it could easily end up being a fantastic one. Unfortunately no info is available on any release date (accordingly the record should be done by the end of July, and then sent to various labels hoping that one of them will release it), but check the webpage for news, shows (if you happen to live close to NY or Philly) etc.
+ She Dares All Things (it's been on my Current Favorites list for some time now!)
+ Plateau
+ The Jesus Demeanor

Last one for a while...

This afternoon me and the 3 girls will go to the beautiful Danish isle of Bornholm and we won't return until Sunday evening. No e-mails. No web access. So this will be the last post for 5 days!

Danish quartet Skywriter released the album Where Both Worlds Never Meet a couple of months ago, which I have to admit went completely unnoticed by me. However, yesterday the band sent me a "friend" request at Myspace and when I realized that four songs of the album are available for download; I decided to give the boys a listen. The music is quite dark alternative rock dominated by the highly noticeable vocal of the lead singer Jakob Dahn. Overall I'm pretty impressed and the songs have left me with a feeling that I really should explore this band further.
+ For Heavens Sake
+ Passengers

Did you remember to download the remix of This Time I mentioned last night? If not - hurry up and do so!

US shoegazers Panda Riot have posted a new demo called She Dares All Things. Less dark and a bit more uptempo than I expected. Still the guitars and the vocals are just right, making this track an absolutely thrilling experience!
+ She Dares All Things

Loveless Music Group

I had a pretty cool time last night listening to a string of unfamiliar artists and songs. In my search for new music I asked Andy (yep - him again) for a little guidance and he recommended The Daysleepers and in general the bands featured on the webpage Loveless Music Group.

What did I listen to? Here are some of the better ones I found thanks to LMG:

The Daysleepers - Mesmerize [mp3] shoegaze/dream-pop
The Spectacle Experiment - One More Day [mp3] psychedelic rock?
Panda Riot - Plateau [mp3] indie/shoegaze

And finally another really great shoegaze/dream-pop band
Airiel - Kiss Me Slowly + Firefly [mp3]

A few weeks back I hardly knew any French artists (Air and??), but the last couple of days have certainly changed that. Following my "flirt" with French electro pop I stumbled upon indie band Kim Novak yesterday. Cannot say that I'm all that excited about their choice of band name (not very creative - is it?), but since the music is absolutely brilliant, it is somehow easier accepting the name. Seems to be quite popular these days changing band names, so maybe Kim Novak will be next in line? :-)
Soul A While [mp3]
In The Mirror [mp3]
Female Friends [mp3]
If [mp3]

I really enjoyed reading this article Arctic Monkeys get cold shoulder in the States.

I bought Skeleton by Figurines in May last year. Back then it received lots of fine reviews, but most people probably thought that it would be yet another pretty good, but sadly overlooked album by a very talented Danish band. 10 months later things have changed quite a lot and earlier this month the album was released in Canada & USA. All major music blogs seem to have fallen in love with the band, because a quick search revealed that blogs like Each Note Secure, You Ain't No Picasso, My Old Kentucky Blog, Said The Gramophone, *Sixeyes, Motel de Moka, Fluxblog and 3hive have given the band some exposure. Hopefully all the attention means that the album will sell pretty well, though I'm somewhat afraid it won't.