Monthly Archives: November 2013

Listen: Unconditional Arms – “Kinship”

Unconditional Arms
Jeffrey Wright’s solo project Unconditional Arms recently released an album titled “Kinship” made to celebrate the birth of his newborn son, Owen born on August 8th, 2013. The album explores a fusion of ambient, emo and post-rock soundscapes drawing inspiration from Explosions in The Sky and Godspeed! You Black Emperor. With six instrumental tracks, the motivation drawn from the birth of his first-born son is clear with lyrics just not able to convey the incalculable emotions a new child presents. Read Wright’s words about the release below.

” ‘Kinship’ is an album that I have made as a gift to my newbown son, Owen. Everything on the album is a direct representation of some the fears, joys and miracles that come with creating another human through my own unique perspective. As he grows older, I’m sure there will be plenty more new areas of morality and humanity for me to explore and transpose – but for now, I just want to give him an everlasting gift as a welcome into this world from the bottom of my heart, utilizing what I know best. Music.”

Stream the album below in its entirety and depending on your location pick up the album here for the EU/UK, here for Japan, and here for the US. The album is available in a variety of different formats and packages including limited edition 12″ vinyl records. For more information check out the project’s website.

Watch: The Dirt Radicals – “Pop-Punk Left Me In A Pop-Funk”

The Dirt Radicals Press
UK-based punk rock band The Dirt Radicals have released a music video for their newest single, Pop-Punk Left Me In A Pop-Funk. The track is off their sophomore release, “Enter Destroyer”. The song was originally written by frontman Sam Cooper, in which he explores his own life struggles; from growing up in a divorced household, alcoholism, to a string of heartbreak, and bulimia. Here’s what Cooper had to say about the track.

“I was unhappy for a long time, but now at the age of 28 I’m settling into my own skin and accepting things for what they are. I have my friends and family, my band, and I get to travel the world doing rock shows which is what I love best. I made a world that I can call my own.” 

Check out the video for the track below! You can pick up their album Enter Destroyer here.

Bruce Springsteen Unveils “High Hopes”

Bruce Springsteen by Jo Lopez
Heartland rock giant Bruce Springsteen has unveiled the track list and album artwork via Facebook and Twitter for his new album titled “High Hopes”. The album contains two previously released tracks, American Skin (41 Shots) and The Ghost of Tom Joad, which will be revamped for this new album. Similarly, a cover of The Havalinas‘ track High Hopes was also previously released  on The Boss’ 1996 EP “Blood Brothers”, meaning the album’s titular track is an updated cover. After touring with the band earlier this year Tom Morello of Audioslave and Rage Against The Machine has provided his masterful guitar skills and vocals on songs from the forthcoming release. Springsteen is set to finish up his tour of South Africa, and then head down to Australia and New Zealand to complete his Wrecking Ball tour. (For dates click here) The new album “High Hopes” is set to be released on January 14th 2014 and you can pre-order it on iTunes. Check out the tracklist and album artwork below.

High Hopes - Bruce Springsteen

Tracklist:
1. High Hopes
2. Harry’s Place
3. American Skin (41 Shots)
4. Just Like Fire Would
5. Down In The Hole
6. Heaven’s Wall
7. Frankie Fell In Love
8. This Is Your Sword
9. Hunter Of Invisible Game
10. The Ghost of Tom Joad
11.The Wall
12. Dream Baby Dream

Watch: Whales In Cubicles – “Golden Medal”

Whales In Cubicles by Tim Bowditch

London-based trio Whales In Cubicles have released a music video for their new track ‘Golden Medal’ ahead of their debut album release on January 27th 2014. Founded by frontman Stef Bernardi, Whales In Cubicles are the product of a soul-searching expedition that saw Bernardi travel from his home in Italy throughout the United States. The line-up was made complete with a chance encounter in Washington D.C. between Bernardi and fellow members Alex and Jamie, before the group found their home in the UK.

The band create complex but often minimalist soundscapes that draw influence from 90’s alternative rock and psychedelia. Their new music video based on a talent show includes a person dancing dressed as Pikachu, a child practicing martial arts and a Simon Cowell look-alike playing a medley of instruments. I’m confident however that this emerging trio came out on top of the show, despite Pikachu’s slick moves.

Their forthcoming debut album was recorded at Monnow Valley Studio with producer Nick Mailing and mixed by Simon Barnicott, and will be released via CLUB.THE.MAMMOTH. Watch the music video for Golden Medal below and pick up the track for free on the outfit’s Bandcamp. For more information and tour dates check out their Facebook, Twitter and website.

 

Listen: Timbaland – “Know Bout Me (feat. Jay Z, Drake, James Fauntleroy)”

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Honestly, this entire track feels like a missed opportunity: no Drake hook, Timbo taking a turn on the mic, no Jay outside of the intro (which, depending on who you’re talking to in 2013 might be considered a blessing). There are, however, a few bright spots: check out the Timbaland-laced, Fauntleroy-graced “Know Bout Me” below, complete with some stu-stu-stu-stu-stutters from October’s Very Own.