March 2011
Stateless.

Stateless are a melting-pot of musical influences. We couldn't possibly corner these guys into any single genre as their music reflects styles found in rhythm and blues, dub-step, trip hop, ambient pop and occasionally harbour an East Asian/Western Europe flavour. Hailing From Leeds in England, Stateless are truly a name to watch. Their album "Matilda" was released in February and it contains some amazing tracks. Listen to 'I Shall Not Complain', 'Ariel' and 'Junior.' 'Ariel' has an amazing film clip to accompany this MEGA track, check it out, Stateless will not disappoint . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .
                  

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 . . .

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 . . .

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. . .

Jan2011
Clive Tanaka y su Orquesta.

We know relatively nothing about Clive Tanaka and his orchestra, but we've heard whispers of an unusual Japanese upbringing which involved isolation and the repetition of a few 80's disco cassettes. The result is something of a Daft Punk/ABBA hybrid and we love it. This track doesn't have a video as yet but it's called "All Night, All Right" and it is now our new favourite party starter. . .

Jan 2011
Broken Bells.

We know we are a bit late on the broken bells bandwagon but we felt it would be a crying shame to keep these guys away from you. Broken Bells is the brainchild of Brian Burton, who usually works under the guise of "Dangermouse", and James Mercer, the lead vocalist of "The Shins." This truly magical pairing has brought us a self titled album that pulls the melodic imagery of The Shins and the smooth beats of Dangermouse and infused them together in a warm pot of tasty music tea. This track is the stand out from the album and it's called 'The High Road'. If this won't chill you out on a rainy afternoon, nothing will . . .

Jan 2011

Grouplove.

These guys released there first EP back in November last year and we must say there are more than a few killer tracks on it. 'Colours' is a song with a powerful chorus that hooks you in and keeps you humming for hours afterwards. It does give off a new aged-emo vibe but don't let that put you off, there are some clear modest mouse influences to this track and their other songs show a wide variety of styles and influences including sounds similar to those put out by "Band of Horses" and "Cloud Control."

 

Jan 2011
Cherry Chapstick. 

NO it doesn't have anything to do with Katy Perry, we wouldn't put you through that. Cherry Chapstick is a glam/shoegaze outfit from Montreal, Canada. They don't have a whole lot of songs out just yet but if this track is anything to go by we should all be  excitedly awaiting a full release. This track is called 'the line'. . .

Jan 2011
Gobble Gobble.

 We stumbled upon Gobble Gobble mid way through last year and were instantly intrigued by the sound. It's like being struck by an electro pop thunder storm. There's just so much going on in each track but that's no downfall, if anything it works due to it's clever layers of bouncing melodies. The genius behind Gobble Gobble is Canadian, Cecil Frena and this track is titled 'boring horror.' We're hoping Cecil might put out a new album some time this year featuring this song and possibly some other newies floating around the internet such as 'seizure to the metronome' and 'lawn knives.' Enjoy. . .

Jan 2011
Howl.

These boys from Victoria, Australia are deadly! Jam packed full of raw energy, these guys smash out solid rock tracks and probably a couple cases of red bull. This track's called 'brothers in violence.' We're a little bit excited to see what else they can do. Kids these days . . .

Jan 2011
The Checks.
Admittedly these guys have been around for a few years but we believe that they still have pockets full of potential and aren't nearly as big as they should be. Anyway, these lads from Devonport, New Zealand are gangbusters! Their recent full length album "Alice by the Moon" released last year is absolute dynamite so go and grab yourself a copy. We did, and we're better for it.

This song doesn't happen to feature on their new album, it was released as a single back in 2008. Just a heads  up . . .

Jan 2011
White Denim. 

Making serious waves is a four piece outfit from Texas, USA. We are loving absolutely everything these guys are pumping out. Their songs hook you with groovy baselines, jazzy drum beats hard hitting vocals. We basically challenge you to find a funkier set of tunes. It is an injustice that these fellas are currently unsigned. You be the judge . . .

What's that, you want us to show you another? Your lucky we dig these guys. here's an early recording called 'sitting' of their self released "Exposion." This track will have you doing the truffle shuffle garaunteed . . .

sorry about the bird.

Jan 2011

Lemâitre. 

This duo out of Norway have a very addictive and 'friendly sound'. They are fresh on the scene and their music is hard to find but nevertheless we've brought you a taste. If you wait through the sub par vocal intro you'll find a groovy dance line that just keeps on giving.