DENGUE FEVER-Seeing Hands
Our symphonola is going on a well-deserved Easter break. But to keep you entertained during the ocious holiday time we are putting together a special edition looking at all those records that are already making an impact in 2008, or the ones about to. Starting with the fresh talent, new names hoping to turn into household ones. Like Dengue Fever, the Cambodian residents of LA, who sound like a cross between a New wave act and an Oriental wedding combo. Their second album “Venus on Earth” was released a few weeks ago and is worth checking.
HERCULES & THE LOVE AFFAIR-Blind
Anthony Hegarty has still on break with The Johnsons, but keeping busy in many collaborations and taking part adding his distinctive vocals to this nu-disco supergroup Hercules And Love Affair. The latest offering from James Murphy label DFA. A panoramic update of dance music hippest trends over the last decades. The band is giving away a free song to download to promote their critically acclaimed debut.
James Murphy himself with LCD Soundystem goes to Hollywood after conquering several Rober and other awards with “Sound Of Silver”. His new track, “Big Ideas” has been included, alongside recent hits by MGMT; Peter, Bjorn & John and Rihanna, inthe soundtrack of forthcoming movie “21”, the history of some students that changed the game forever, says the slogan. With Kevin Spacey and Laurence Fishbourne among the cast. We don’t really have high hopes for the flick, but LCD’s track is ace.
Also in DFA, currently seeming to be the busiest label in the world; the latest project from mysterious producer Maurice Fulton, under the moniker of Syclops, who’s got an underground stormer with “Where’s Jason K”.
LYKKE LI FEAT. ROBYN, THE CONCRETES, SHOOT OUT LOUDS, ETC-I’m Good, I’m Gone
From the always fertile Stockholm pop scene comes another Swedish pop pixie, considered by many as the new Robyn, Lykke Li is ready to invade the world, generating a strong buzz in SXSW with her debut album “Youth Novels”. In which she is supported by the cream of her country’s indie musicians. In the video you can see the same Robyn next to members of Shoot Out Loads, the Concretes, etc jamming together.
Hanging around Scandinavian’s finest corners of danceable electronica, the Norwewian DJ aptly named Diskjokke follows the steps of Lindstrom and Prins Thomas in its excellent debut “Staying In”.
LATE OF THE PIER-The Bears Are Coming
Among the new hopefuls in the crowded contingent of British indie bands, Late Of The Pier, from Castle Donington, stand out embraced by a wave of nu ravers. “The bears are coming” is the latest on a promising series of singles that are rising the band’s profile until their awaited first opus hits the shops. Making an impact in both sides of the Atlantic both as artist and producers, the Toronto duo of italo disco purveyors Crystal Castles are about to release their self-titled debut, anticipated by their already cult hit “Air War”.
Further down North America, from Columbus, Ohio, lo-fi champions Times New Viking rescue the rawest spirit of garage rock and fuzzy distortion with their second album “Rip It Off”, causing a commotion in the US blogosphere that may soon expand internationally.
ALPHABEAT-Fascination
The chapter dedicated to guilty pleasures is populated by Alphabeat. These five Danes sound as instant as Roxette or any one hit wonder boy/girl band from the Eighties (Boy Meets Girl?), crossed with the soundtrack of a teenage Disney musical. Most of their output is as sugary and colourful as it is dreadful, but first single “Fascination” is one of those miracles that happen from time to time and may grant them the tag of one hit wonders. Other would-be popular favorite is likely to be Teyana Taylor with her ode to the times “Google me”
THE TEENAGERS-Love No
And some of the most interesting hypes around, that yet have to prove to be worthy are The Teenagers, the London-Paris male trio already known by the pseudo-controversial lyrics of “Homecoming” and their tribute to “Scarlett Johansson”. “Love No” heralds the arrival of their first work “Reality Check”. Also, another contender for the “new Amy Winehouse” spot. After Adele and Duffy it comes sixteen year-old Aussie Gabriella Cilmi, armed with a powerful voice and the backing of hit factory Xenomania , the production team behind Cher’s “Believe” and most of Sugababes and Girls Aloud smashes. “Sweet about me” is a pleasant enough presentation card awaiting her debut “Lessons to be learnt”, that hopefully will this time fulfil the promise her other two rivals somehow couldn’t.