Milano Sun - 'Already Gone'

These bare-torsoed chaps are Milano Sun from Gothenberg, Sweden. Their promo shot suggests a strange aversion to clothes but judging by this, their debut single, they're in no way averse to joyous, laid back hooks. This is easy to digest pop that's armed with enough finger-tapping power and sparkly little touches to make you pine for summer. Lovely stuff altogether.

Download ‘Already Gone’ for free via Soundcloud. 

New Music: Jape - 'The Oldest Mind'

As posted last week Jape's eagerly awaited new one Ocean of Frequency is out on September 30th and here's a new track from it to whet your appetite even further. 'The Oldest Mind' is a slow-building gem of two halves; one part fragmented, solemn reflection and the other a euphoric little burst of realisation and acceptance. And all this before the memorable refrain of 'Celebrate What It Is To Be Young' plays us out. Kids - listen to the man.

via No Fear Of Pop 

  THE OLDEST MIND by Jape

Free Mixtape: The New Wave Vol.1 - The best in new Irish music

The general consensus regarding Irish music is that we've entered something of a golden period and I'm in full agreement. In fact, I find the music to be that consistently brilliant that I want to do all I can to spread the sounds of this new wave to as far as possible. Hopefully my scribbles here do that a bit but I feel a collection of free-to-download mixtapes - each packed with the best Irish artists of late - are an even more effective way to invade your ear canals and convince you of their worth.

This first volume probably falls under the general indie tag but within that is a broad range of styles, such as Spies' brooding undertones, We Cut Corners' powerful melodies and Jape's synth-fuelled splendour. 

Enough talking - more listening. Click the small downward arrow on the right hand side below for your free download of the mix and keep an eye out for another volume next week...

________ Tracklist_________
 

1) Spies - 'Liars Call Me King'
2) Jape - 'Hands Of Fire
3) Squarehead - 'Axes Of Love'
4) Land Lovers - 'Cinema Bell'
5) Hello Moon - 'Vanity'
6) No Monster Club - 'A Morbid Fascination'
7) Kid Karate - 'Feel For You'
8) Come On Live Long - 'Animal'
9) We Cut Corners - 'Go Easy'
10) Leaders Of Men - 'Up Against The Wall'
  

  STL: The New Wave: Volume 1 by StopTheLights

STL: The New Wave: Volume 1 by Stopthelights on Mixcloud

* Disclaimer: This is all being done on a goodwill basis and if you like what you hear please try and support the artists involved by buying some of their music/going to a gig of theirs! If any of the artists featured would rather their music was not involved just get in touch.*

Lana Del Rey: 'Video Games' - A voice to ease a life's worth of woes

I don't know much about this lady. I don't know if she's signed to a label, if she's touring here soon, if she has an album on the way and I'm not even 100% sure where she's from. Why? Because in the 30 minutes since I first heard this track I've been too captivated by it to go searching for details. That can come later. For now, I just want to focus on what I do know - namely that this is a heart-melting, achingly beautiful piece of work that plays host to a set of honey-dipped vocals that possess the power to ease a life's worth of woes in a few flat minutes. A stunning song and one to be savoured. Expect to be hearing a lot more from her soon.

Find Lana Del Rey @ Facebook // MySpace // Twitter 

Big shout to Mr Sean Early and his impeccable taste for the tip off!

Introducing - Dog & Panther 'Giant Hands'

It's funny how life works. A recent work placement has left me writing about music on a daily basis, casting the pseudo-cathartic role once played by this here blog redundant and thus, this page intermittently barren. Regardless, the good will out and there have been a few songs over the past few weeks which are crying out to be shared. Firstly, I introduce to you Dog & Panther. 

Well, not so much Dog & Panther per se but their track 'Giant Hands'; a wondrous little creation which nestles nicely between the heart strings in a shy, endearing manner. Brash it most certainly is not and if played in the background, it's possible that it may drift by without much notice. Upon closer inspection however, its appeal heightens - a charming romantic serenade with the most striking opening verse I've heard in yonks. There's more than a touch of Death Cab For Cutie of the entire construct as it develops into a confused, insecure tale; embellished with off kilter percussion, varying riffs and some whistling - what more could you want? What's even more astounding is the 'making of' video which accompanies it and simply, has to be watched. It shows the Michigan based outfit develop the entire track from random ideas (including banging on a pillar for a drum beat) to the fully fledged song which your ears are now thanking you for playing - essential viewing.

The track, the making of and the lyrics are as follows:

Dog And Panther - Giant Hands by French Kiss


you'll never be
free from me
you're far too nice
your heart is twice
the size and breadth of mine
you won't be here forever
but right now i'm what you need
there's not one for everyone
but this is the closest you'll ever be

and it scared you how tightly i was holding
and it scared you to let go
you never told me i was pretty
you just drove the wrong way home

dripping holes
cells resolve
we will never be friends
the matter folds
your skin and pores
you know more than you pretend
if ever said
love's greatest spent
love is fear under a veil
giant hands
on water dense
we will never be friends

and it scared you how tightly i was holding
and it scared you to let go
you never told me i was pretty
you just drove the wrong way home

and it scared you how tightly i was holding
and it scared you to let go
you never thought that i was ready
you just lied to make me whole

don't give up on me
your eyes are here for now

New Music: Wild Beasts - 'Albatross'

Oh yes. After the rip-rollicking ride through medieval mental-ness and wanton lust that was Two Dancers, Wild Beasts are back.

The first track to emerge from the new material is a track called 'Albatross' and though immediately recognisable it's clear things aren't quite as 'wild' this time off. 'Albatross' arrives as a more tranquil affair altogether - lush, with a sumptuous spine, and delicately dressed in typically high pitched vocals and matching quiet swoons. In truth, I kept waiting for it to kick in but on repeated listens I've come to appreciate it as a more reflective, soothing number; a dipped toe into the new album which will surely boast the usual flurry of oblique references and triumphant tunes.

The song will also be free to download from the band's Facebook page from tomorrow.

Wild Beasts play this years Forbidden Fruit festival at IMMA, Kilmainham.

 Wild Beasts - Albatross by DominoRecordCo