Track of the Day: 'Lit' by Gidge

Taken from the album 'LNLNN' which is out today on Atomnation, this is a beautifully Scandinavian slice of crisp and clean electronica. The tracks on the new album have evolved from their last album 'Lulin', but this time the ambient shapes have been defined into a more dancefloor-oriented style.

Recommended music: 'Says Hi' EP by sir Was

With his full length album debut due in a couple of months this is a good time for you to get to know the lush eccentricity of sir Was. Swedish multi-instrumentalist Joel Wastberg is the man behind the name - he's worked with the likes of Jose Gonzales in the past but has now found the courage to strike out on his own.

This introductory EP dropped last year and serves as an open door into his world. From the snatched of Gaelic fiddle at the start of 'A Minor Life' you're immediately taken into an indefinable genre. 'Falcon' is even better - beat driven, with spoken and sung vocals a bit like early Beck. Other things this EP reminds me of include Money Mark, Larry Gus, old trip-hop records, Ibizan sunsets and Scandinavian fjords. I can't wait for 'Digging A Tunnel' to escape in March, but in the meantime I'll have this on repeat.

Track of the Day: 'Pilgrim (feat. Brolin)' by Saturday, Monday

The unmistakeable vocal of Brolin are heavily featured on this track, which he co-wrote with Swedish producer Saturday, Monday. Undercutting the smooth vocals are stabs of dark electronica, glitchy strings and a ticking beat. Somehow the whole things gels to become a slick if slightly disconcerting modern r'n'b track, one that hints at the dark corners and forgotten encounters of the night club.

The track of out now on Playground Music.

Recommended music: 'Søren Juul' EP by Søren Juul

You might be familiar with Søren from the 2013 album 'Somewhere Else' - that was released under the Indians moniker but he has since reverted to his own name. The 3 track EP, released on the 4AD label showcases his songwriting talents and fragile, gentle vocals to good effect. Opener 'Ambitions' has hints of Sigur Ros in its melodies and a definite Scandinavian feel - it's warm but detached at the same time, and I love the part towards the end when then keyboard refrain kicks in.

'Manly Beach' (a place I've actually been to) is a simpler, piano-led affair that then sweeps in with some gentle keyboards. The final track 'Soulseeker' actually reminds me a bit of Grandaddy when it starts, and then it becomes a swooping ballad full of heartbreak, with some lovely instrumental passages that have a touch of Pink Floyd about them.

Overall it's a great step on the way to his next album, which will be released early next year. You can listen to all three of the tracks below.

Video of the Day: 'Trance Frendz - An evening with Ólafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm'

There seems to be new material appearing from Messrs Arnalds and Frahm. First there was the single 'Life Story / Love and Glory', then the announcement of their new EP 'Loon', and now this. What started out as a planned recording of one improvised piece turned into an 8-hour session, all of which was filmed by Alexander Schneider. At the end of the night they had a number of new pieces that had been composed on the spot which they've shared with us here (along with some more homely shots of Nils cooking the dinner). Edited down to 46 minutes, it really does show two masters at work, not to mention showcasing Nils' lovely studio in Berlin.



'Loon' is released on October 2nd and you can pre-order it from Erased Tapes here.

Recommended music: 'Jaakko Eino Kalevi' by Jaakko Eino Kalevi

New out on Domino imprint Weird World Records, the debut album from Finnish ex-bus driver  Kalevi is a cool breeze blowing through various strands of electronic based music. I'm not sure what he's sinking about himself in the first track 'JEK' (my Finnish is a bit, well non-existent) but you have to admire him for opening up his first lp with a that as the subject matter. 'Double Talk is up next and it's a smooth indie pop track with a hint of Smashing Pumpkins' '1979' about it. It's followed by 'Deeper Shadows', which, like a few of the tracks, features extra vocals from Suad Khalifa. It's also got a riff like an early Jean-Michel Jarre melody thrown in for good measure.

'Say' is a little bit funkier & definitely reminds me of one of the minor synth-pop bands from the 80s, although I can't quite put my finger on which one. Next is 'Mind Like Muscle', a deceptively bouncy number that would suit a train ride across the Finnish tundra, with a glacial guitar solo at the end. The halfway point is reached with 'Night at the Field', full of brittle, brisk guitar and softly-sung vocals.

There's a laid-back, lounge crooner feel on 'Don't Ask Me Why' that definitely suits him, and kind of makes me wish for a whole album of songs from him in this style. 'Room' is a sultry slow jam that shows JEK has got the songwriting skills to pen a massive hit, maybe for someone else, if he wants to. Then 'Hush Down' steps up the indie-funk and provides a brooding soundtrack for you to shuffle across the dancefloor to.

This leaves us with closer 'Ikuinen Purkautumaton Jannite'. Like a John Carpentet or Cliff Martinez soundtrack this takes you on a cinematic journey, while an enigmatic female narrator tells a story. Halfway through the pace picks up as the journey takes flight. A saxophone appears and we're on the run from persons unknown. It's a great way to finish the album and I'd definitely like to hear more of this sort of stuff from him.

In some places on the record there are hints of fellow Scandinavian Todd Terje; not so much in the beats but maybe in the feel and style of what he's aiming for. A few tracks also remind me of Night Works so if you like this you should check them out to.

The album is out now, and there's a particularly nice vinyl version with a bonus 7" and a comic if you can track it down.

PS a disclaimer: I've listened to this 4 or 5 times but when I came to write the review my headphones broke 2 songs in. Most of this is therefore based on what was in my left ear, so if something startling happened in the right channel I might've missed it!

Recommended music: 'Erased Tapes Collection VI'

Another great compilation from the Erased Tapes label summing up their brilliant 2014.

If you've already bought something from them then you might have been sent the link to download this for free. If not you can head to ddc.erasedtapes.com and enter the code MY-FREE-ERATP060 to get yourself a copy. It's well worth it and really shows off the quality of the releases that they've put out. Here's the tracklist:

1. Lubomyr Melnyk - Pocket of Light (excerpt)
2. Peter Broderick - A Snowflake
3. Rival Consoles - Odyssey
4. Douglas Dare - Swim
5. Nils Frahm - You
6. A Winged Victory For The Sullen - Atomos VI
7. Kiasmos - Burnt
8. Greg Gives Peter Space - That I Am
9. Michael Price - A Bridge
10. Nils Frahm - Hammers
11. Nils Frahm - Peter (Clark Remix)

New music: 'Skulls' by Röyksopp

Like many people, Röyksopp are predicting the end of the album format. Their new release will be called 'The Inevitable End' and they've stressed that it will be their last one - but they're still gonna make music. Which is just as well if this little beast of a tune is anything to go by. Like a combination of all the best bits of Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, Daft Punk and Justice, it worms its way into your skull and grips your brain from within. Play it loud for maximum effect - like they say, if you wanna ride with them tonight then this is the best soundtrack...

Track of the Day: 'Avertissement' by Fouma System

It's taken some years to reach fruition, but this project from Mustaf Mbaye and Troels Kampmann sond pretty special. Keen to work together physically (rather than just collaborating via the internet) they hit the studio in Copenhagen in their bid to make "original, natural music that's a mix of traditions and inspirations". The first fruit of their labours is the 'Mind Mi Dem' EP, from which this track is taken. There'll be more EPs to come this year but for now sit back and take in this heady concoction - despite the fact that neither Denmark nor Senegal are in the World Cup it feels right for the current international mood. Listen and download the track for free below.

Remix of the Day: 'Do It Again (Moby Remix)' by Röyksopp & Robyn

As if the pairing of Royksopp and Robyn wasn't interesting enough, they've roped in Moby on remix duties. The result isn't the most ground-breaking remix you'll ever hear, but it is a guaranteed floor filler. Even better, you don't have to shell out your hard-earned cash as you can grab it for free below.

Recommended music: 'Nabuma Rubberband' by Little Dragon

Effortlessly stylish, the fourth album from Sweden's Little Dragon is a classy take on dance music made with electronics (rather than 'Electronic Dance Music'). The soulful vocals of Yukimi Nagano help the music to soar and to transcend boundaries. From the foot stomping 'Klapp Klapp' to the more fragile 'Only One' and the almost trip-hop rhythms of 'Pink Cloud', this is a record that will connect your head to your feet via your heart.



With the band's profile having enlarged in the past few years due to guest slots on records by Gorillaz and DJ Shadow, I reckon this is the album to break them much more into the mainstream. They'll be playing festivals throughout Europe this summer (I'm hoping to catch them at Glastonbury) so do yourself a favour and catch them in a field somewhere in the sunshine.

New music: 'Within Arms Reach' by Tastelike Cake

A nice slice of piano-led ambient instrumental music from the Icelandic musician William Georges. It's definitely got that Scandinavian vibe going on, all chilled moods and atmospheres. Listen or download the track for free below.

Track of the Day: 'For (Max Cooper Remix)' by Nils Frahm

In this great remix by Max Cooper, Frahm's gentle, flowing instrumental is gently turned into a mellow club tune that keeps the essence of Frahm's beautiful music while also showing some of Cooper's character. You can download the track for free below.



Frahm's new album 'Spaces' is out next month on Erased Tapes.

New music: 'Fade' by 100wxxds

The lead track from the 'Heartache' EP, which is due out in a couple of weeks, this is a dark, moody and mysterious slice of electronica that leaves you feeling slightly unsettled. I can't tell you much about the guy except that he's from Gothenburg, Sweden, and apparently is unsigned at the moment.

Until the EP arrives you can grab this track for free below.

New podcast - Austerity Audio vol. 5

What could be better on this glorious sunny afternoon than some free new music to brighten up your aural cavities? Yes, it's that time again, welcome to the fifth instalment of my free downloadable podcasts.

As has become the norm, there's 10 tracks of new music from a diverse range of genres, each one legally culled from the Internet over the past week or two. Left click on the picture above to listen, or right click to download the set. If you find something that you really like then please buy a track or two from that artist if you can, and then they'll be able to afford to carry on making beautiful music for us. Here's the tracklisting:

1. Long Arm - Blue Birds Red Flowers (A.B.S.T.R.A. Remix)
2. Joey Bada$$ - Sorry Bonita
3. The B C Band - Railway Rhythmn
4. Run The Jewels - Banana Clipper (feat. Big Boi)
5. Bendik - Forsvinne (Ole Torjus remix)
6. Vondelpark - Always Forever (Tuesday Born remix)
7. Adam Stafford - Ghostly Arms
8. Hookworms - Away Towards
9. Scott and Charlene's Wedding - Lesbian Wife
10. Jack Hayter - Quotes

New podcast - Austerity Audio vol. 2

It's time for the next instalment in my series of free, downloadable new music podcasts. As before (click here if you missed the last one) all of these tracks have been culled (legally) from the Internet over the past week or so, and it's a complete mish-mash of musical styles.

Left-click on the picture above to listen to the podcast, or right-click to save the podcast in full and then listen to it on your 8-track cassette player or phonograph later on. The full tracklisting is below together with some pointers as to where you can download some of the tracks individually. Remember - we're all in this together, so if you do find something that you really like in here then why not spend a few pence buying a track by that artist?

1. Gidge - For Seoul Pt. 2 (click here for details)
2. Ólöf Arnalds - Af Staö
3. Ásgeir Trausti - Going Home (click here for details)
4. Daughn Gibson - The Sound Of Law (available on the Sub Pop Soundcloud)
5. Marijuana Deathsquads - Dark Farm (click here for details)
6. KRTS - Close The Closet Door (Sieren Remix) (available on Soundcloud)
7. Orphan - Horns For The Spirits (Karen Gwyer Remix) (available on Soundcloud)
8. Kutmah - Changin' (available on Soundcloud)
9. The Jet Age of Tomorrow - Wonderful World (feat. Domo Genesis & Vince Staples) (from The Jellyfish Mentality)
10. Doin' It Good (Kanye West vs. Daft Punk) - The Hood Internet (available on Soundcloud)

New music: The Toe Rag Acoustic Sessions by Ásgeir Trausti

If you saw John Grant on his recent tour of the UK then you may well have caught Ásgeir Trausti supporting him. If he's new to you, then it's time for you to get acquainted.

Aged only 20, Trausti has already had the best-selling début album ever by a domestic artist in his native Iceland. He's now working on an English-language version of the album (with lyrics translated by Grant) which will be out later in the year on One Little Indian records. Until it appears you can make do with this gorgeous 3-track acoustic EP recorded at the legendary Toe Rag Studios in London. Listen and grab it for free below.

New music: 'For Seoul' by Gidge

The latest release from Atomnation comes from the strangely-named Gidge, a duo born in Sweden and currently located in Paris. Perhaps unsurprisingly given their birthplace, they say that their main influence is snowy woodlands, and while you might struggle to reference this on first listen there's a certain cool crispness that permeates the tracks. In typically obtuse style Part 2 of 'For Seoul' precedes Part 1 on the release, the two tracks effectively being separated by a beautifully serene piece of piano playing that comes at the end of Part 2. The third track on here is a remix by Applescal which steps up the beat quota and adds some great rhythms to the track.

Listen / download to the EP below.

Recommended music: 'Second Amendment EP' by Pinkunoizu

Danish band Pinkunoizu are one of the most creative and original bands to have emerged in the past couple of years. Following their own path of lo-fi psychedelia while tipping their collective hats towards Eastern influences, their 'Peep EP' and 'Free Time!' albums have frequently graced my turntable. Now their back with an EP which frankly shames many a band's album efforts. 32 minutes, 5 songs, and each one a mini-epic.

The EP starts magnificently with 'The Abyss Part II', the sister track to a song from their debut album, which shares that song's great guitar ending. 'Moped', up next, is a bit like Japanees Krautrock (Japrock?) with some suitably scary shouting.

'I Chi' calms the mood down and is probably the most conventional track on the EP - it's a short and sweet centrepiece that anchors the other songs in reality. The 'Gospel of John' steps up the psych factor again - it's a long, throbbing brooding piece over which layers of sung and sampled vocals are loving piled. The wonders end with 'Tin Can Valley', which is a 60s surf-guitar track sent via the Middle East to rock your world. You can download this last one for free here.

'Second Amendment' is out on May 6th on Full Time Hobby - buy it then, but listen to it now here:

New music: 'Lips Lips Lips (Antlers Remix) by Indians

It's always good when someone you like remixes someone else you like. In this case Darby Cicci (from one of my favourite bands, The Antlers) has remixed a track from Indians 'Somewhere Else' album, which is one of my favourite records so far this year (see review here). The result is this rather woozy take on 'Lips Lips Lips', with snatches of looped and backwards instruments and vocals giving way as a beat appears, matched with a repeated vocal - "the moment it wakes me up, I'm on my way".

Click on the picture below to listen, or right-click to download the track for free.