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 . . .