Sondre Lerche Covers Animal Collective
Sondre Lerche - Bluish (Animal Collective cover)
Labels: Animal Collective, Cover, Music, sondre lerche
Labels: Animal Collective, Cover, Music, sondre lerche
I was thrilled upon the gig annoucement of one of the most hyped band of 2009, Animal Collective at Capitol, Perth. Without hestitation, ticket was purchased and the night finally came after long wait of excitement.
Support act Bachelorette warmed things up with her beautiful mass of layered loops and clever lyrics that leave the lasting impression this evening. The charm of Annabel Alpers is undeniable with her rather shy appearance and awkward chat.
Not long after, Animal Collective hit the stage, kicking off with #1 from their Strawberry Jam album, followed by What Would I Want? Sky and My Girls; the ever infectious single off their latest album Merriweather Post Pavilion. Performing before a painted background of a possessed mermaid-child, Animal Collective arrive in all their psychedlic genre-bending glory, filling the packed room with swirling sounds and echoed vocals.
Their set was more instrumental than vocal, with most of the time Avery tare, Panda Bear and Geologist pushing buttons of synths and loops. There are a number of unfamiliar tracks taken from the latest Fall Be Kind EP, which sadly seemed like they were draining the interest out of the crowd, noticable by the obvious increase in chatting and trips to the bar.
The encore consisted of two songs, their last song Brother Sport the latest release off the new album, leaving everything on a positive note. Walking out of Capitol, the though of "what just happened?" lingered. It’s been a night without many memorable moments and yet I was feeling completely exhausted and strangely satisfied. Awesome night.
Animal Collective - What Would I Want? Sky
Labels: Animal Collective, Concerts/Gigs, Music
Patrick Wolf's gig was an absolutely amazing, full of utterly memorable moments, that was impossible not to enjoy. The crowd at Capitol that day wasn’t the usual dumb blondes or fluoresecent disco kids. Glittered outfit, leather, eccentric bow ties, thick framed glasses, bold rouge lipstick and eye-liner was the attire on show – a scene that the headliner would definitely be proud of.
We were treated to the spetacle of Wolf straight awat as there wasn't any opening act. Dressed in tight black pants, a black feather jacket accompanied by a black leather belt that attached around his neck and lastly a leather head-band, Wolf kicked off the set with Kriegspiel. The first three tracks of the aforementioned, "Oblivion" and "Blue Bells" allowed Wolf to display his multi-talents on guitar, piano and violin. His vocal flexibility was also on display with his soaring highs and haunting lows.
Naturally the set was dominated by tracks from Wolf's latest album "The Bachelor". As the intro of Damaris echoed throughout the venue and the euphoric exhibition of violin rhythms took over, Wolf removed his feather jacket and the whistles and cheers were drowned out, made for an absolutely magic experience as it coupled with the beauty of the song, the atmospheric stage lights, and the glittered crowd.
The crowd remained well-behaved during intermission, waiting patiently as Wolf went backstage for costume change. He then returned to the stage in a long black Dementor gown., and then finally revealing a black and white vertical striped jacket with external shoulder pads. Very Patrick Wolf indeed. There was a welcome collection of older tracks as well such as "Wind In The Wires", "Libertine" and "Tristan".
There was several hillarious moment as the mood was uplifted by Wolf. Story was told involving someone in the Perth public yelling abuse about his clothes and suggesting he looked like a housewife or Britney Spears. later on, The crowd turned crazy as the electric guitar and the familiar sound of the popular Hard Times took over, followed by the crowd favourite dance anthem Magic Position, which saw Wolf ventured into a joyful state and smiled into the glaring lights happily.
Vulture was the encore of the set, and it left me with a smile on the face as the night was over. Patrick Wolf is truly an amazing eccentric individual with huge music talents made for entertaining people. A great live show.
Patrick Wolf - Wind In The Wires
Patrick Wolf - On Sussex Downs (Larrikin Love Cover)
Labels: Concerts/Gigs, Music, Patrick Wolf
Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear
Built on a stark piano clink, "Two Weeks" is a doo wop-inspired pop song of immense charm. Its glorious chamber pop is shown in Ed Droste's eerie vocal over the wobbly mellotron and Beach Boys-esque three-part harmonies. Amazing.
Lisztomania - Phoenix
The frantic two-note intro of "Lisztomania”, coupled with its hypnotic drum beat, Thomas Mars' smooth vocals and punchy electric guitars, grabbed me straight from first listen. It’s catchy, it’s dancey and it’s memorable. A well constructed and composed track, breaking out the flows, breakdowns and build-ups perfectly, which makes it the feel-good summer anthem.
Sometimes - Miami Horror
When it comes to the irresistible electro-fueled indie-pop, Australia has the game locked tight. "Sometimes" features a rich vocal and 80's synths touches, tightly coiled around a baseline that has more hooks than a fisherman's hat, bringing us to the world of youth, discovery and adventure, just like the lyrics and video have addressed. Oh, and having seen this track played live twice, and probably few more times in the future really complement it.
Let's Go Surfing - The Drums
"Let’s Go Surfing" is a slice of retro heaven, paying tribute to the breezy American surf-pop. The rapid-fire guitar beat sounds like it's being played out of a vintage amps, coupled with the catchy chorus of "Oh mama I want to go surfing / Oh mama I don't care about nothing", it's as fun as a trip to the beach. And who can resist the most infectious whistling line since Young Folks?
Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
“Sweet Disposition” is a gorgeous, soaring arena anthem. Its plucky, echo-ey electric strat, has been done numerous times, but what sets it apart from all the other moody-sounding guitar tracks is the lead singer Dougy Mandagi’s charming, rich falsetto. Another great aussie product.
Cold Dust Girl - Hey Champ
An amazing mix of electro dancepop, Cold Dust Girl is a pretty genuine sounding, likable synth-filled track. It doesn't hit you over the head with first listen, but rather it envelops and grows on you with such its brilliant tune.
The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future - Los Campesinos
Who would have thought Los Campesino!, those energetic twee-poppers could churn out such a depressing, melodramatic track? This track is all about slow-build arrangement. It starts off with a spoken narrative of eating disorder, with slow strings dominating, and just as you’re about to make assumptions it goes into the an explosion of noise. The song keeps building and growing, creating a really powerful atmosphere. It should really create excitement for the band's upcoming album.
The Reeling - Passion Pit
“The Reeling” is already the overplayed anthem on dancefloors across the country. It kicks in with a joyously synth line, then enter into the layered, high-pitched melodies and ever catchy vocals. Michael Angelakos is even joined by a children's choir for the chorus to complete the sound. Awesome indeed.
Animal - Miike Snow
Featuring songwriting/production duo Bloodshy & Avant, Miike Snow self titled album is no doubt one of the great debuts of the year. Album opener "Animal" combines a subtle reggae beat and synth interludes, producing a infectious track full of sunshine. A slick slice of summer pop which got me hooked for a long time.
Surprise Hotel - Fool's Gold
It is sung in Hebrew, and I absolutely don't understand a word, but this sun-streaked Afro-pop is perfect for a summer road trip. It is the afro-beat percussion and boundless rhythms, not the words, that really drive the track. 'Spinning around until you are dizzy' is a tag for this song on last.fm, and I certainly have no qualm about that.
11th Dimension - Julian Casablancas
This solo came as a surprise while we hardcore The Strokes were still waiting for the long-overdue new release, fingercrossed for next year, nevertheless we are certainly pleased like a hungry boy who gets dessert instead of maincourse. Those drum machine bang and Casiotone synths were something new from Mr. Casablancas, but there is a definite sense of familiarity with his tradmark vocals. We love it, it's one-fifth of The Strokes anyway.
Quitters Raga - Gold Panda
Clocked under 2 minutes, the chopped up vocals, stretched sitar and guitars messed up my head. I am not sure what is this, dubstep/sychedelic or whatsoever they labelled, it is out of the world and makes me yearn for more, that's how beautifully strange the song is. Interestingly, this is a sample-based song but it is done so with warmth and melody. Gold Panda has already been listed on BBC Sound of 2010 longlist, I'd be quite sure we will be hearing more from him.
Deadbeat Summer - Neon Indian
This is so 80s. Like for real, like it's recorded out of record tapes. Other than the kitsch retro sound, this is insanely good with substance too. Fun and playful, the perfect blend of vocals, grinding guitar sounds, and catchy pop melodies, and reminiscent of the youth, this is like a combination between MGMT and M83, perfect soundtrack for those 20-something who miss those chilled-out lazy summer days.
Two - The Antlers
I have always been one of those who listen to the tunes rather than lyrics. But the lyrics of this song grips so much that it feels painful and difficult to listen to. It is beautifully haunting, delivered in shimmering false falsetto, yet tuneful and perfectly captured the theme of love and death stretched across the album 'Hospice'. This song speaks like a depressing story that everyone loves to hear.
Velvet - The Big Pink
The band was featured on most 2009 to-watch list and they have not dissapoint with their debut 'A Brief History Of Love'. 'Velvet' was the song that the London duo demonstrated they have got skills and style. It is a loud, catchy and sparse shoegazing epic. The drum beats at the beginning immediately draw the listeners in and envelope them in their massive sound.
Brother Sport - Animal Collective
Amazingly this is the first time a band has scored two tracks in the YHNR list. The pitch-shifting vocal synergy of 'Brother Sport' no doubt make up the greatness of the album. Listening to the track is just like riding through a journey of tones, emotions, and vocal depth, before dissolving into a racket of energy-charged "noises" and returning to an infectious three-part harmonies and that overblown explosion of big-beat rave. Epic indeed.
Labels: Music, Year-End Best of Lists