Atlas Sound.

Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox has recently released another mindtrip record under his solo guise Atlas Sound. The album titled "Parallax" is another successful exploration of his alternative soundscape. The album is a beautifully crafted record full of mellow subtleties floating on Cox's crooning vocal style. This track is called "Te Amo", it's a bit different but truly a great piece of songwriting . . .

MUTEMATH.

MUTEMATH have put out a truly impressive album a few months back. "Odd Soul" their third studio album is jam packed full of killer riffs and potent beats. This track titled 'Equals' just pipped other tracks like 'Blood Pressure' and 'One More' to earn tunemonkeys stamp of approval as favourite off the album. It dips in and out of this funky guitar riff into a dreamy chorus line making it anything but a dull affair. enjoy. . .

SBTRKT.

SBTRKT is a London based DJ who chooses to remain somewhat anonymous so that his music speaks for itself. Good on him. Let us enjoy then . . . this song is called 'Hold On'.

Loon Lake.

Loon Lake have crafted yet another summer stunner with their new hit 'Bad To Me'. It has received plenty of airplay recently on both the radio and my ipod, so you know it's killer. 

The Rubens.

Here's some good old Aussie blues for you. This song will make you want to grab the nearest sheila and smooch her senseless. The Rubens are a Triple J unearthed prodigy destined for big things so keep an ear out for more stuff from these boys from Menangle.

Toro Y Moi

This ones's from Toro's newest Ep. He brought it out only six months after his full length album, that's pretty impressive. It's electro but in a sampled from nothing electro kind of way. Clever guy. . .

Fox & Fowl.

Because tunemonkey gets a daily viewership that rivals the words "Janet Jackson and Boobslip" put into a Google search, I thought I'd give a shout-out to my brother's mates Fox & Fowl who write the most delicious songs and win handsome face awards on the regular. If anyone other than my parents read this, check out Fox & Fowl's unearthed page and their song 'Pilot'.

Pilot (She's All, Oh Hey) by fox & fowl

Kasabian. 

Kasabian's latest album is a bit of a hit an miss really. Although I really like this song its got a clear Beatles influence and they even make obvious references in the song. Be warned it's not rock but it's still good.

The Vasco Era.

These fellas from Melbourne are under-appreciated because, essentially, they fucking rock. See them live if you want to watch something impressive.

Real Estate.

Nothing to say, but . . . yeah. good song. It's called 'It's Real'.

San Cisco.

We are proud to present San Cisco; a lovable bunch of teenagers from Western Australia who particularly enjoy spreading infectious indie pop unto an unsuspecting audience. They've played massive festivals around the country on the back of their hit singles 'Golden Revolver' and 'Girls Do Cry' but their newest release 'Awkward' has really struck our groovy bone. These guys have a gift for crafting potent yet simple indie pop gems and 'Awkward' is certainly one of our favourites. Give it a few listens if you want the song stuck in your head all day. . .

Chairlift.

It's been a while since a song has excited the monkeys quite as much as this one has. Pumped full of 80's synth and the catchiest of vocal hooks Chairlift's 'Amanaemonesia' is a freakin deadly tune. We've been humming that damn chorus for days now but we're still foaming at the mouth to hear it. Lead vocalist Caroline Polachek dips and swerves her sweet pipes around what is possibly one of the most potent chorus's ever. The film clip is strangely engaging too. . . 

The Rapture.

If any band could metaphorically represent the life cycle of cocooning insect, The Rapture would possibly make the list somewhere near the top. The band seems to have a forever morphing sound that chooses not to lay stagnant on the surface of a pond but rather progress in and out of a tightly wound cocoon. The band's new album "In The Grace Of Your Love" is the more mature version of the insect. We are not suggesting that they've made it to the butterfly stage just yet but it would seem that they are relaxed with where they are. Here is what we are talking about - 'It Takes Time To Be A Man' . . .

The Drums.

Those infectious surfer vibes are back this month with the release of The Drums second album "Portamento." The drums have a knack for disguising their song's more sombre undertones with light, jangly guitar riffs and potent vocal hooks, however the new album does a little less to get you up and groovin. It chooses to remain a more downbeat version of it's younger brother. However, the first single off the album titled 'money' is possibly the band's best to date, would you agree? we certainly agree with us . . . 

Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.

These two Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs are also known as Orlando Higginbottom and Edmund Finnis. Far from extinct, these lads from Oxford are fresh new faces on the dance scene but are already stirring up as much hype as a dinosaur playing the sharpest beats at your local discotheque. They are apparently working on a full length album so get excited for more from these boys very soon. In the mean time here is our favourite tune by them it's titled 'Household Goods'. . .

Beirut.

The third installment of the worldly sound that is Beirut was released this month to keenly awaiting tunemonkeys. Having had a large fascination with the band for a few years now it has been hard not to have high hopes for the new album. We heard murmurs of a stripped back record with a barer sound than the band's successful sophomore album "The Flying Club Cup", this however was not successful in deterring our excitement as we were confidently met by an upbeat indie record with Beirut's trademark European flavour. The single 'East Harlem' is a perfect example of this . . .

Dananananakroyd.

We went and saw these Scottish Scallywags in Sydney the other week to find that we were not just seeing a band but rather a group of entertainers who just happened to be awesome at music. Their new album "There Is A Way" was released back in June and it features some brilliantly catchy tunes. The single off the album 'Muscle Memory' is a fun romp that will have you screaming the lyrics in public with five of your mates, other noteworthy tracks off the album are 'Think And Feel', "Make A Fist' and 'Time Capsule'. Take a listen . . .

Junior Boys.

If you're like us and have no clue who the Junior Boys are, you might be interested to know that they are a Canadian electro-pop duo who are surprisingly amazing. Their fourth release which landed in our ears only a few days ago was originally set upon the public earlier this month to very positive reviews. The 80's inspired dance style is revamped on the new album titled "It's All True" with stellar tracks such as 'Banana Ripple' and 'The Reservoir'. We'll give you a sneak peek of the latter. . . 

The Paper Scissors.

We've been huge fans of the under-appreciated rock band from Sydney for a long time now. They have the goods to be impressive venue fillers, they just need a breakthrough hit in our opinion. Could this be it? Likely or not we dig the heck out of it. In typical Paper Scissors form the deep base lays a groovy platform from which talented drummer Ivan Lysiak can let loose. The purely unique vocal style from frontman Jai Pyne is unmatched anywhere in music at the moment and it gives the Paper Scissors a fresh sound to stand out from the rest. This track is called 'Taller Than You Then' . . . 

Yuksek. 

A few months old now, we realise we're a bit late on the Yuksek train but the debut single from the Frenchman's new album is an undeniably catchy electronic song. The track titled 'On A Train', well complimented by its film clip of an unlikely train journey, is a well structured dance song that is very vocal driven in both verse and chorus to keep you groovin throughout the whole train trip. . . 

Gotye.

Featuring possibly the two best voices in Australia at the moment the new track from Wally De Backer called 'Somebody I Used To Know' pleases our ears. Whilst featuring the sensual sounds of Kimbra, the new single follows that trademark Gotye style by incorporating a plethora of curious sounds and slowly building on these until we hear Wally's spine tingling voice reach its upper register. Gotye's album is set to release around mid august, we're preparing our ears for more of this please. . . 

                                     

Bombay Bicycle Club.

The latest release from the bicycle club incorporates a jangly sounding piano to create an interesting direction for the boys but to be fair they haven't really ever followed a logical sequence as a band. Their first album was a tunemonkey favourite, but rather than try and follow it up, the Bombay Bicylce Club released a very melow, almost folk-ish, acoustic album. So, as a seemingly trademark gear shift, the boys have kicked it up a notch with their new single 'Shuffle' which we think may be aptly titled to encourage you to do just that. . . 

Gross Magic.

Gross Magic is Sam McGarrigle, a hip dude out of Brighton in the UK whose music is being described as a take on grunge but with a pop vibe and fuzzy low-fi edge. Imagine a less erratic Wavves with catchier hooks and you've got Gross Magic. His first Ep 'Teen Jamz' is set for release in August but Sam has been kind enough to put up his single 'Sweetest Touch' for free download on his Bandcamp site, seriously go get it . . .

WU LYF.

Proving to be somewhat of an enigma, Manchester boys WU LYF are quickly becoming a name outside of internet chatrooms. The name WU LYF is an acronym for 'World Unite, Lucifer Youth Foundation', which means . . . something alternative and cool we're guessing. Regardless, these guys make some sick music. The raspy vocals compliments distant echoing guitars that deliver a sound that is neither indie nor grunge. WU LYF see themselves as more than just a band, they dabble in film making and general anarchy raising and it shows through their film clips. This one's called 'Spittin Blood' . . .

Bon Iver.

For those who have not yet met Bon Iver and his music, don't stress. But if you do choose to stress, Bon Iver has the remedy for stress and it comes in the form of ten new songs each individually wrapped by Justin Vernon who wanted to add a whole lot more ingredients to this recipe. The self titled album, the follow up from 2007's "For Emma, Forever Ago", is a sophisticated release that harnesses a range of elements previously undiscovered by Bon Iver. Vernon expressed his intentions for a purely creative sound on this album absent from any past influence. This is the result . . .

Battles.

"Gloss Drops" the new release from New York's Battles is an impressive record. Known for their experimental sound and beat driven compositions, Battles have kept with their abstract formula but added a few nice touches. There are many standouts on this album, none more exciting than the cameo from Gary Numan on the song 'My Machines', however our favourite of the bunch goes to the track 'Ice Cream featuring Matias Aguayo', here's why . . .
            

Oscar + Martin.

Oscar+Martin are an exciting prospect out of Melbourne that have flown under our radar until now. The duo formerly known as Psuche, utilizes off beat drum loops on top of key samples to produce a minimalist hip-hop sound. But it is the crisp vocals of both Oscar & Martin that gels the elements together and creates at product dubbed 'wonky pop'. The song 'Recognise' is not only our favourite off the album "For You", released back in April, but it is accompanied by a very hip video. check it out . . .

My Morning Jacket.

Sometimes the best songs are the most simple. "Moving Away" by My Morning Jacket is an endearing track that plays a sleepy melody with your heart strings. The Jim James falsetto gets us every time as the song is [for lack of a better word] beautifully written, like that of The Beatles softer endeavours. It's a big wrap for a song that is just one of many great tracks off the new album "Circuital"; a very diverse release that still harnesses that Morning Jacket country twang. So if you are very much inclined on a mature record from this quality outfit we would recommend it without question . . . 

White Denim.

Believe it or not we've already posted on White Denim this year. Someone should tell these lads to space out releasing solid gold songs. The latest from the Austin trio is the rhythmic exploration known only as "D" and it takes the band's style of experimental groove rock to a new place. The album is ten tracks of pure good time jams and we are very glad to be on the receiving end. The single off the new album is titled 'Drug', a song Cream would be proud of . . . 

Arctic Monkeys

Gone are the days when the monkeys would make songs that had more lyrics than beats per minute.  Four albums deep, it's understandable that Alex Turner has toned down the sheer amount of words in each song. The latest album "Suck It And See" follows the same path of their more recent releases but for those who still claim they want the cheeky teenage Arctic Monkeys back, we believe you should stop whining and appreciate what is actually put out here. It is definitely possible that "Suck It And See" is largely influenced by Turner's side projects but if anything it keeps the band from going stale. Here's one of the newies that is way to fresh to go stale . . .

Mr. Little Jeans.
We heard this cover on the radio and immediately thought it was brilliant. Not only would it be hard to pay homage to Arcade Fire but to also attempt an interpretation of an already immaculate song is quite a feat. Mr. Little Jeans, who we believe to be a Norwegian by the name of  Monica Birkenes, channels the ambiance of  Lykke Li and mixes it with a simple but very effective hip hop beat to create a lethargic version of 'The Suburbs'. Take a listen, the lass has done a good job. . .

WIM.

WIM will take you deep into a glam folk coma. Their style of music is hypnotic. It is very melow but not so much that it becomes drawn out. Each song feels like it is building towards some form of psychadelic climax. The band's self titled album was released this month and we're hoping it gets the recognition it deserves. We hate to do this to you but we have a live version of the song 'Diamond' for you to listen to and it isn't the best quality but it's all they have available on the internet at this stage, so bare with it. We thoroughly recommend checking out the real version on itunes or better yet buy the album, we did. . .

Foster The People.


We've all had our kicks pumped, some may say a little too much. Admittedly it is a stellar tune, but could it be possible to hear more good stuff from Foster The People? We think so, although we also feel it may not be what you're expecting from the Californian trio. The debut album "Torches" features some more up-tempo songs built to get you on the dance floor and staying there. Here's an example it's called 'Miss You' . . .

Wild Beasts.

Here's a song for that moment between hopping into bed and drifting off into the deepest of sleeps. This is not to say it is in anyway boring or monotonous. We hold songs that fill this period in high regard. 'Deeper' by Wild Beasts is a haunting track off the band's new album "Smother." It crawls along to a clever drum loop complimented by soft guitar by front-man Hayden Thorpe. But the winning ingredient are the hazy backing harmonies that create a calming atmosphere making it all to easy to chillout to. . . 

May 2011
Friendly Fires.

Its that band that with that sound thats heaps cool. Friendly fires are back with their second album "Pala" and we had the highest of hopes for this record due to the amount of love we had for their first album. We might just go out and say its ambitious with each track having a full-on sound with so many components all vying for attention, it could possibly be a little too much. But that's just because we had high expectations. Otherwise its a dancematic revelation! This song is our favourite from the album it's titled 'Hawaiian Air' . . .

May 2011

First Rate People.

These youngsters from Ontario Canada have come up with a cracker of a tune. You would assume this type of sound to come from the very experienced appendages of some famous producer. Full of clever lyrics and groovy samples this track was composed with great care; "Funny Games" by First Rate People has definitely turned on the bright lights and left them on . . .

May 2011
Fleet Foxes.

Fleet Foxes have released a stunning follow-up album to their successfull self titled debut. In the typical Fleet Foxes style, the album takes you on a mystical journey through what you would imagine to be a denseley wooded area amongst furry critters singing in perfect harmony. However, you could be forgiven for thinking  that the album is largely a sombre affair but it does contain moments of sunshine that peek through such as the tracks "Bedouin Dress" and "Grown Ocean." Our pick is an song that Frontman Robin Pecknold delivers with amazing conviction, it's titled "The Shrine/ An Argument" and resembles a mash up of Pink Floyd and Simon & Garfunkle. . .

May 2011

Kimbra.

You know when you get the feeling that someone will be a big deal someday? We present to you our hunch. . . She goes by the name 'Kimbra'. We had the pleasure of watching Kimbra perform at the end of last year and we were impressed by the power and range of the voice escaping the petite front-woman. She's recently jumped back on our radar with the news of an upcoming album sometime soon. This song is called 'Cameo Lover' and it has what we like to call Pezaz! 

April 2011
Wombs.

Wombs are a four piece out of Cleveland who's knack for creating a more abstract kind of pop have interested us. They share an unusual vocal style and structure with bands like Wolf Parade and Maps & Atlases. Their album "Unitopian" was released a few months back but we only stumbled across it recently and so continuing our noble service we are offering a slice up to you. this song is called 'Protein Shake'. . . 

April 2011
Panda Bear.

In the real world, Noah Lennox (also known as Panda Bear in the music world) is a genius. His style of music draws from so many elements of the past five musical decades but never appears to sound anything less than pure innovation. To try and properly describe this sound, Lennox uses electronic samples in high repetition but with subtle changes and molds it around his trademark floating high & low harmonies. It is the irregularity of the sounds used in composition that makes each tune interestingly captivating. This track is titled 'Surfer's Hymn' and it's off the recently released but already highly acclaimed album, "Tomboy". . .

If your wondering why it sounds familiar, Panda Bear is the more recognizable founding member of Animal Collective.

April 2011
Jebediah.

Kosciuszko is out! And it is hard to spell! But like one of Australia's tallest national landmarks, the mountain range is nowhere near as big or exciting as the love-able Perth rockers. Jebediah are back in the swing of things after a lengthy hiatus and a few solo projects and we welcome them back with open ears. The new album is packed full of Kevin Mitchell's unambiguous lyrics, nasally vocals and all out Jebediah goodness. Here's a song off the new album reminiscent of the bands glory days titled 'Under Your Bed' . . .

April 2011
Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

Like the name itself, Unknown Mortal Orchestra have chosen to remain largely unknown. We can tell you that they used to have ties to New Zealand's Mint Chicks and are now based in the US. We couldn't even tell you where. Doesn't change the fact that their music is unreal. It's a type of indie/shoe-gaze that has a fuzzy low-fi edge but with much more coherence than other low-fi hybrids. Did we mention it's catchy? It will be stuck in your head all day guaranteed. . .

April 2011

TV On The Radio.

TV On The Radio are the grooviest group of fellas in existence, not only because of their progression into the music world as more than experimental sound-smiths, but because they are snappy dressers and bloody talented musicians. Each record these guys put out, they seem to fine tune their trademark sound without cornering themselves into a particular style. The newest release titled "Nine Types Of Light" is due out on April 15th, only a few groove-less nights away but they have released a taster of the new album through the single 'Will Do'. Take a listen  . . . 

April 2011
High Highs. 

High Highs are a pair of Aussies doing some good stuff overseas. Based in Brooklyn, High Highs are responsible for a few nice little pop songs. Their songs are gentle and melodic, perfect for a sunny afternoon and possibly a bike ride. This song called 'Open Season' played with nothing more than your standard guitar, drums and keyboard combo but its the vocals that really sell it . . .

March 2011
Tune-Yards.

"This song is so damn catchy," you'll find yourself saying after listen to tUnEyArDs' 'the Bizzness.' Merrill Garbus, the powerful voice behind this creation is set to release a new album out April 6th and we're thinking we might pick ourselves up a copy after hearing this song. It is amazing to think that the singer is a woman after hearing this, but rest assured our sources confirm no foul play it is in fact the voice of Merrill Garbus, a woman. A very talented woman at that. . .

March 2011
The Dodos.

After the last album The Dodos felt a need to bring it back to basics and produce some of their good old rhythmic treasures. The new album "No Color" is the older more mature brother to their sophomore release "Visiter" which gave the duo most of their commercial success. It is an acoustic album that uses the same Dodos formula but adds an array of instrumental cameos to produce a sound with more experience and density. Our favourites from the album are 'Black Night', 'Sleep' and 'Companions' although you couldn't really find a bad egg out of the bunch . . .

March 2011
The Strokes.

Possibly one of the more anticipated releases of recent times - the new album from indie rock guru's The Strokes was set upon a frothing public recently . . . so, how is it? Given they had a few years to attract some cobwebs we could expect the worst. On the flip-side we could have unimaginably high expectations and be disappointed regardless. Whatever your prediction, the new album does exactly what the strokes have been doing for the past three albums; producing the catchiest, most enjoyable indie songs you could wrap your lips around. Sure the album is nothing adventurous but it doesn't need to. If these fine young lads were to make many more albums like "Angles", then we would be happy tunemonkies. The song we chose to sample is called 'Machu Picchu', possibly one of their best . . .

March 2011
Cage The Elephant.

Punching out a solid new album recently, Cage The Elephant have propelled themselves back on the scene rekindling the buzz from their self titled debut back in 2008. The album itself is an ambitious attempt at diversifying 'the elephants' product range featuring a mix between franticly fuzzy, up-tempo rock and calmer, more melodic indie rock and for the most part it works. The lead vocals of Matthew Shultz powerfully guides the elephants in a manner that, at times, resembles Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse) ie in a way that both makes sense in a logical structured way, and then doesn't. The single track 'Shake Me Down' is one such track that is not as adventurous as most but one that is cleverly crafted upon tempo changes and what we like to call rhythmic suspense. Enjoy . . .

March 2011
Small Sins.

These lively chaps are from Toronto, Canada. We don't really know much else about Small Sins even though they've had previous releases back in 2006 and 2007. All we really wanted to do is show you this catchy song that will surely assist you in making your jam on toast for breakfast. I'ts called 'Why Don't You Believe Me?'. . . 

How was the toast?

March 20011

I Am The Dot.

Zack Tipton is the man behind I Am The Dot; a curious name for a musical artist because it says little to nothing about his work, although you might expect another "bedroom dj" type similar to Calvin Harris or an experimental indie pop band similar to Passion Pit, but Tipton is in no way similar to these artists. I Am The Dot create songs with often laid-back tempo's, simple chord progression but GREAT melodies. In this respect, although not clearly obvious, I Am The Dot resemble strong vocal bands such as Tv On The Radio and The Morning Benders. Currently unsigned Tipton has released a LP titled "A Collection of Songs (2008-2010)" which features 17 tracks, some better than others, but its a great starting point to sink your teeth into his music . . .