February 27, 2011

Feb 2011
Cut Copy.

We took a few weeks to listen to Cut Copy's new release "Zonoscope" because frankly there's a whole lot of good stuff coming out this month and we wanted to sit down and give it the time of day. Well, here's the verdict . . . we dig it. Sorry for the anti-climactic delivery but we have never been big Cut Copy fanatics in the past, more respectful acknowledgers of the electro-pop melbournians. Regardless, "Zonoscope" is a great album full of thumping synth, floating melodies, sharp bass and loads more Cut Copy goodness. Off the album, our pick of the litter is a toss up between tracks 'Corner Of The Sky' which builds up to a great chorus hook, the rhythmic 'Pharaohs And Pyramids' or 'Where I'm Going' which bounces along like an afternoon drive to the local swimmin' hole. We'll give you a sample of the latter . . .



February 19, 2011

Feb 2011
Radiohead.

Whenever Radiohead create new material there is a feeling amongst the entire human population that something significant has just occurred. "The King Of Limbs", the latest of the band's releases, was set upon the world today and we were almost to excited to listen to it; well. . . what would happen if we were disappointed? But nevertheless we buckled up the courage and treated ourselves to the musical delight that is Radiohead's new album. Only eight tracks in length, "The King of Limbs" is a typical Radiohead release, sculpted along ridges of groovy beat driven high-points and moments of beautiful ambiance. We would give you more info on the album but we're too busy listening to it . . .

February 16, 2011

Feb 2011
Last Dinosaurs. 

The Last Dinosaurs are definitely gaining some momentum. They are still to release a full length album yet they have toured with the likes of Powderfinger and played at many of Australia's biggest music festivals. Their style is somewhat similar to bands like The Strokes, The Foals and Tokyo Police Club, with their twangy guitar sound, fast paced structure and handsome good looks. Their new track "Time & Place", like all of their songs, is plainly a great catchy tune . . .
                  

February 12, 2011

Feb 2011
James Blake.
James Blake has mastered the fine art of minimalism. The best way to describe Blake's work is to imagine throwing Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), French duo 'Air' and jazz-pop singer Eran James into a blender; the new substance to emerge will be the 21 year old British prodigy. His new self titled album released on the 7th of February is a solo effort worthy of many accolades. The album's minimalism works amazingly well on Jame's helicoptering vocals. Most tracks consist of a simple beat, the gradual build up of electronically enhanced layers and jazz influences.
If you dig this song titled "The Wilhelm Scream", just grab a copy of the album, it's a solid release . . .

February 10, 2011

Feb 2011
Toro Y Moi.
Toro Y Moi is riding the cusp of new wave. His 2010 album "Causers Of This" gave us a range of rich peasures such as 'Low Shoulder' and 'Blessa', each with that distinct Toro style. Now there is a new release out on the scene called "Underneath the Pine" which features the groovy track called 'New Beat'. This track boasts a deadly baseline that reminds you of an 80's American 'cop drama' and a snazzy hook that compliments the verses oh so nicely. If you don't at the very least get down and boogie to this, then there is certainly something wrong with you . . .

February 8, 2011

Feb 2011
White Lies.

'White Lies' released their second album last month to some mixed reviews. Pitchfork media gave the album "Ritual" less than 3 out of ten for their effort, claiming a monotonous repetition of the same formula. Well it comes down to whether or not you like that formula and here at tunemonkey we find the Joy division inspired sound of White Lies to be, although not a terribly innovative sound, a great one nonetheless. This song "Streetlights" is possibly the standout which sounds like it came straight out of Gary Numan's back-catalogue. Take a listen and make your own mind up. . .