Posted in Listen

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.

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.

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!

Listen: The Foreign Films – “Fall Of The Summer Heart”

The Foreign Films

Bill Majoros’ project The Foreign Films has released a new single titled Fall Of The Summer Heart. It is an eight part song cycle from the forthcoming album “The Record Collector” set to be released in April of 2014.

In Marjoros’ words about the release, “The idea sprung while on tour in England. At first it was more a dream sequence than a song, but over time the fragments of mumbled melody took the foggy images of birds, ghosts, pinball machines, a fortune-teller, mermaids, a maze, an abandoned amusement park into a sonic tapestry. The track took just under one year of recording, with help from producer Carl Jennings, and players Kori Pop, and Kirk Starkey. ‘Fall Of The Summer Heart’ is meant to connect the dots from the past to the present. Taking references from not only 60s pop giants, but also modern sound wizards.”

The product is a holistic sonic journey lasting just under thirteen minutes with each part flowing seamlessly into the next filled with a variety of instruments and vocals. Stream Fall Of The Summer Heart below and pick up the single on Bandcamp on a “Name Your Price” basis. For more information follow The Foreign Films on Facebook.

Listen: Sincerely, Grizzly – “Us; or Optimism”

Sincerely, Grizzly - Press Shot #1

Three piece literature rock outfit, Sincerely, Grizzly from Adelaide, Australia have just released the first single titled Us; or Optimism off of their debut record “Halves”. Literature rock is a hybrid of both art and math rock, combining time signature changes and intricate guitar and percussion work. The forthcoming album “Halves” is the bands’ attempt to understand and reconcile musical, personal and philosophical dichotomies. Us; or Optimism was recorded in Melbourne with Jez Giddings at Hot House, mixed by Brad Wood (Sunny Day Real Estate, Smashing Pumpkins, Placebo) and mastered by Emily Lazar (Brand New, Death Cab For Cutie, Wu Tang).

Sincerely, Grizzly this year alone have supported the band responsible for their musical existence, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead as well as embarking on two national tours of their own and sharing the stage with artists such as JAPANDROIDS and The Presidents of The United States of America. You can stream their new single below and follow the band on Facebook for more information. They embark on a national tour of Australia tomorrow so if you’re from there check out the dates here.