Posted by Harri Gibson

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.

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: Japanese Gum – “Homesick”

Japanese Gum Press

Italian electronic psychedelia outfit Japanese Gum known for their heavy use of soothing vocals and dreamy loops, have unveiled a new single titled Homesick from their forthcoming album ‘High Dreams’. Supporting the likes of Teen Daze, Selebrities and Prince Rama over the past year, and touring both Europe and America, this eclectic duo turned trio have been busy performing their brand of experimental electronic music.

Japanese Gum’s new single “Homesick” is layered with ethereal echoed sounds, hypnotic vocals, a medley of different percussion, and synthesizers creating a celestial shoegazing soundscape. Their new album ‘High Dreams’ will be available on December 2nd 2013 from all good digital stores. A 12” vinyl version of the album will also be released in early January. For more information “like” them on Facebook and check out their website. To download some of their past releases visit their Bandcamp and stream the new single below!

Track: Mumblr – “Puke”

Mumblr Press
Track: “Puke”
Artist: Mumblr
Release Date: November 12th 2013
Label: Fleeting Youth Records

Four piece outfit Mumblr from Kensington, North Philadelphia play a genre of music that they dub “fuzz punk”. With the stylings of second-wave emo bands such as The Promise Ring and an early Modest Mouse alternative punk feel their track “Puke” off of their upcoming release is one hell of a listen. Rapid distorted guitar strums, clamouring drums, and frantic vocals combined with the refrain, “I don’t know anything why do you lie to me?” is a recipe for distress leaving you eager for more. Mumblr have combined both of their EP’s to be released on a lush red cassette titled White Jesus/Black God via Austin, Texas based Fleeting Youth Records. Stream Puke along with the entire release below and pre-order the cassette and digital album here. Follow the band on Facebook for more information.

Rating: 9/10