New band of the Day: Bones & Beeker

(Photo: Jules Ameel)

Freshly signed to the Brooklyn-based Wax Poetics Records, Minneaoplis duo Bones & Beeker make hip-hop and soul infused songs that at times seem to have come from a different time or a different planet (or maybe both). Anthony Newes and Brendan Kelly (aka BK-One) are both multi-instrumentalists who've worked cross-genre and seem to be able to turn their hand to just about anything. Joined by stalwart Minneaoplis bassist Chris Bierden, probably best known for his role in Polica, and guitarist Nate Collis, the music they've given birth to almost defies classification. Take 'Lupine', the first track they put out - a slinky bassline melds with a hip-hop beat, congas and even a whistling refrain to slowly weave in and out of your ears.


Meanwhile 'Each Time I Die' has a darkly electronic undercurrent which is lifted by castanets, brass and a bank of multi-tracked vocals in a riot of colourful sound.


The album is due later in the year and personally I can't wait to hear it, especially if they take it on tour - imagine the vibe if they play this stuff live.

Watch this space for more news on the album nearer the time.

Track of the Day: 'Envision (feat. Channy from Polica)' by Supreme Cuts

I'm a sucker for anything with Channy Leaneagh's voice on it, so having bought the Supreme Cuts album today this is the track that caught my eye. It's the sort of intelligent electronic dance music (note the non-use of capitals) that sadly can get overlooked amid the big hitting wub-wub basslines. Brilliant production, great melodies and Channy's vocals combine to make a classy, mature sounding track that deserves to be a massive hit (which means it probably won't be). Channy's in London with Polica next week, and Supreme Cuts will be here the week after, so I guess they'll miss each other, but maybe they'll hook up at festivals over the summer.

Video of the Day: 'Ewok Sadness' by Marijuana Deathsquads

I know, I know, this blog is getting pretty full up with Marijuana Deathsquads posts. But they keep coming up with creative and entertaining stuff, and as long as they do then I'll keep posting them. This video is directed by MDS member Isaac Gale, and features Har Mar Superstar, American comedian Jacy Catlin and, of course, an Ewok.



If you want to see Marijuana Deathsquads in the UK they'll be supporting Polica in February. as well as playing their own headline show in Camden on 11th February - you can get tickets for that here. I'll see you there!

Video of the Day: 'Prisoner' featuring Juliette Lewis by Har Mar Superstar

Apparently (according to the internet anyway) today is Har Mar Superstar day in Minneapolis. To celebrate you can watch the video for his new single 'Prisoner'. A per pro of nothing in particular, it features your man Har Mar in a BMX duel with the delectable Ms. Lewis. I won't tell you who wins, but all I'll say is that I certainly wouldn't be riding off into the sunset and leaving her behind.



Har Mar Superstar's brilliant album 'Bye Bye 17' is out now and is available, as they say, from all good record stores.

New music: 'Oh My Sexy Lord' by Marijuana Deathsquads

OK, so the album isn't actually here yet (it's out on October 15th), but if this face-meltingly psychedelic advert for it is anything to go by then we're in for a treat. Play in full screen mode, just stare at it for a while and see what happens...

Marijuana Deathsquads "Oh My Sexy Lord" from Isaac Gale on Vimeo.