Tiger Shadow - A tastey morsel before the Feast

 

"What we're they thinking? They kept playing while the ship was sinking."

The imagery of the Titanic is used here as an allegory for the downfall of western civilization. If you skip a minute into the video, you find your self immersed in one of the most riveting and enlightening flows ever put to tape. MC Komla of the Dubstep crew Tiger Shadow provides a powerful take on societal norms as the band backs him up with solid beats, bass and dirty synths.

Tiger Shadow hails from Leeds and proudly showcases their trip hop roots on their debut album "Adventures of the Tiger Shadow". These guys have all ready stormed the BBC with their first release and are primed to make some serious things happen with this unquestionably great offering. Heads up!                                                                                                                   

Francis Bowie gives us a Sunny Day

 

Francis Bowie's self titled EP is a strange trip into the Danish pop world steeped in brilliantly crafted 80's glam rock with a modern twist.  Though it becomes apparent Francis' last name is his biggest influence, this collection of songs is strikingly original and well executed from start to finish.

The real star here is the track "Sunny Day" which is accompanied by an excellent music video (See Below) which is a celebration of life and love in streets of Denmark. The song itself is brimming with big bright production and is set in a great key for Francis to playfully bounce around in. He delivers a fabulous vocal that soars into the elated chorus and makes you feel like you are at the party enjoying the sunshine.  Very catchy stuff.

Another gem is the opener "Endlessly" which bops out of the speakers like a mash up between Boy George and Prince.  A groovy love song which has a sort of surprising innocence, delivered in a rich vocal reminiscent of Jack from "Nightmare Before Christmas" - a phenomenal score.  Not surprising, being that Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo is the composer and there are definitely elements of said band in Francis' music. 


The ending track "Silly and Crazy" is a curious song filled with a type of lusty desire and a slow, dragging 808 beat leading into a chorus that will get you jumping on the dance floor.


Visit Francis Bowie's site and check out more of his music and some really great paintings

HERE.

Check out his video for "Sunny Day" and join the party!

The Peer Press on Bethesda

This week we sent our Peer Press Bethesda's EP Dreamtiger & Other Tails.

Read all about it below:

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 THE DJ

Poetry this deep can never fail. That said, I'd also like the option of enjoying the instrumental versions. Angular, energetic rock rhythms. Recommend: 1 and 4.

THE NATURAL

Bethesda is an ethereal band with a female vocalist. Her voice has a nice opera-like vibrato. Humble motifs bubble out at a steady pace. The lyrics are unassuming and natural but the music has a cool indie gloom about it. I like how they find ways to incorporate fiddle and banjo into certain songs. It sets their sound apart from most indie bands. Really nice!

THE SPIRITUALIST 

Clever and poetic, The Dreamtiger EP is full of accessible indie goodness. Original sounding vocals give me a much welcomed relief from the plethora of sound alike, trained female vocals you find every time you press play. Oh thank heavens for you, girl! Get dreamy with it. Oh, and great album art never hurts.

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Check out Bethesda

Buy Dreamtiger by clicking the photo below:

Videos Going Viral - Conceit "Take My Pain Away"

 During a time when hip hop has either gotten to preachy or much too ignorant, Conceit has the ability to mix all that’s good with all that’s hood. 

Stunning work of passion, vision and understanding. This is and example of how powerful a tool Hip Hop can be in the hands of a true conscious artist. Everyone should open their eyes, watch "Take My Pain Away" and feel their humanity.   Find out more about Conceit HERE!

Videos Going Viral - Fire On McGinnis "Bedlam Boys"

With a totally unique sound that mixes the appeal of rock with the woodiness of Irish and Celtic music, Fire On McGinnis can only be described as a “head-banging, bagpipe playing live celebration.”

Balloons and Skeletons in bright animated glory.  "Bedlam Boys" by Fire On McGinnis is a rambunctious and bone shaking trip that's unique changes and marching rhythm makes for a fun, contagious visual and oratory feast!   Check out the video below and find out more about these boys HERE.

Rooftop Runners, We Are Here

Rooftop Runners EP We Are Here is bubbling with a deep, hypnotic chemistry. As if 

Led Zeppelin and Massive Attack went binging on Radio Head B Sides. There 

is blinding mix of warm acoustics and house shaking electro beats. 

It is dark & haunting - penetrating rock backed with trip hop drum & bass. 

The lead singer comes off as a funky 

Jack White, whipping his rock star croon around like he is taming some kind 

of wild musical lion. I believe his sincerity, even when the musical stack 

behind him doesn't carry the exact same ferocity. It has a peddling quality which

moves the tunes along at a droning speed. 

This is indeed a very good outing for the Runners and it is obvious that they have a very 

clear idea of the sound they are after. The bluesy electric guitar work against 

the pulsating electrons is a welcomed bit of innovation and something they should 

definitely cultivate more of.  The air of rock & roll coolness around them reminds me of 

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club but it is clear these boys have no intention of 

rehashing a fuzzed out Johnny Cash ballad... They are here to do their own thing.

Someone needs to come along and turn the dull indie rock scene on its head. It's been 

years since we have been able to bite into something as spicy as 

Massive Attack. The same formula is not going to work twice. The ante needs to 

be upped and I would be willing to bet the Rooftop Runners have a pretty good

idea about conquering the big sleep. Let's hope they turn up their 

guitars for the full length and shock us all with an incredibly powerful and 

dynamic record.

Check out Rooftop Runners HERE

Like them on Facebook

And check out the video below - where you can download the song "Streets" for free!

The Peer Press on King Loverr

 We sent our Peer Press the song "Island Girl" from the self proclaimed "Sexy Deep Voice of Love", King Loverr.

Read all about it below.

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THE NATURAL

Although the sound quality leaves something to be desired. The song is simple and romantic in a way that only R&B can be. King Loverr's authentically low vocals also add some "Barry White effect" to the song, which is a little bit funny while managing to stay cool.

THE DOC

Wow, this song gets a lot of mileage out of a 7 second loop!

 The DJ 

What if Johnny Hartman were the self-produced rival of young Tresvant from New Edition? This minimal mise-en-scene is just begging to be d-stepized.

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Check out King Loverr and Island Girl