Indie Shuffle » experimental folk

Tunng – The Village

Jason Grishkoff — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:52:03 +0000

Sounds like: Efterklang, Adem, Cheek Mountain Thief

Song: Tunng - The Village [download here]

What's so good?

A little over a month back, we picked up on Tunng’s first single “So Far From Here,” off their upcoming album Turbines. The song was a multi-layered folktronica exploration that had a bit of a stunted rhythm. In a way I’d have to say that it was a little hard to approach — unless of course, you were already a fan of Tunng (as I am).

Fortunately — now that we’re about a month away from the album’s release (June 17th) — the band have gone ahead and unveiled a second single, this one titled “The Village.”

The track starts off with 10 seconds of “woah, what’s that noise?,” quickly transitioning to a bit of a clangy, Western-feel. With it, Tunng have once again displayed an atypical approach to rhythm and melody, establishing some type of crossroad between folk-rock, experimental psychedelia and indietronica.

While the end finishes on a bit of a repetitive / jarring note, I’d have to say that this track leaves me keen to hear what more they have in store. If you find yourself in the same boat, you can pre-order Turbines here.

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1. Original post: Tunng – The Village

2. Posted in: folk-pop, folktronica, experimental folk, efterklang, tunng

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Lisa Germano – Ruminants

Matt Kramer — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:32:27 +0000

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Sounds like: Emily Haines, New Buffalo, Low

Song: Lisa Germano - Ruminants [download here]

What's so good?

“Ruminants,” Lisa Germano’s breathy waltz about digestion, is weird and beautiful and kind of sad (a musical combination that gets me pretty much every time). It’s also a real standout on her recent album, No Elephants.

I hadn’t heard of Lisa Germano before “Ruminants,” but apparently she’s been busy. No Elephants is her ninth studio album, with a handful a self-releases to add to her portfolio as well. Her prolific habit of music making is a bit of a bummer for me insofar as it’s daunting to discover an artist you find interesting only to learn that you’re about a dozen LPs behind in their work. But alas, while I can’t speak to her career as a whole, I can testify to the fact that upon first listen, I found “Ruminants” to be an absolutely captivating track.

Germano’s melancholic vocal delivery, the inclusion of animal noises in the song, and the strange high-pitched metallic digital drones that bubble up subtly throughout the verses of the otherwise classical waltz all contribute to a certain peculiar ambiance and musical quality that makes my ears stand at attention.

I love music that defies the expectations of the listener (even if just in small ways), and ”Ruminants” does just that. With its 3:4 waltz format, its bizarre subject material, and equally interesting production elements, “Ruminants cultivates a uniqueness that had me revisiting the track again and again.

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1. Original post: Lisa Germano – Ruminants

2. Posted in: female vocalist, dream pop, lo-fi, chill, singer-songwriter

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Belle Mare – The Boat Of The Fragile Mind EP

Christiana Bartolini — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:22:08 +0000

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Sounds like: Beach House, Grizzly Bear, Sharon Van Etten

Song: Belle Mare - The Boat Of The Fragile Mind [download here]

What's so good?

I’d like to introduce all you Shufflers to one of my new favorite bands. Brooklyn’s own Belle Mare is a talented boy/girl group that oozes potential and infectiousness.

Their debut EP, The Boat Of The Fragile Mind, is a cathartic and soothing journey into a dream world of many wonders. Sometimes melancholy, sometimes intricate delicateness — this album is solid through and through. Belle Mare takes the simplicity of just a few instruments and effects and calls it their own, producing glistening and gorgeously constructed dream pop that has the ability to awaken your mind and soul. Vocalist Amelia Bushell’s softly hypnotizing voice has a beckoning quality to it as she glides through each song with wistful ease.

Luckily for you, Belle Mare’s EP has just been released. Now you have no excuse to not hear it! I see big things happening for them; with a sound so intriguing and the skill to have such a strong presence within their music, they truly hold a ton of merit in this modern music world.

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1. Original post: Belle Mare – The Boat Of The Fragile Mind EP

2. Posted in: indie rock, female vocalist, dream pop, acoustic, dreamwave

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Owls of the Swamp – The Hypnotist

hmcclure — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:41:17 +0000

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Sounds like: Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, S.Carey

Song: Owls of the Swamp - The Hypnotist [download here]

What's so good?

Melbourne folk-musician Pete Uhlenbruch caught me off-guard a little with his latest single. “The Hypnotist.” I hadn’t actually heard of him or his moniker, Owls of the Swamp, but after doing a little digging came up with a bunch of information on this captivating artist. Currently working on a third album over in Europe, he’s supported a bunch of folk stars, including Jens Lekman and Old Man River.

The first single off the coming album, “The Hypnotist” sees a slightly new direction for Uhlenbruch with the introduction of synth layering. Still containing the delicate finger-picking he’s become known for, he’s moved away from the classic-folk style, giving him a fuller, more complete sound.

Recorded at the famous Greenhouse Studios in Iceland, this track features some spectacular backing vocals from Markéta Irglová, whose ghostly tones provide the perfect contrast for Uhlenbruch’s earthy voice.

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1. Original post: Owls of the Swamp – The Hypnotist

2. Posted in: folk, folk-pop, indie folk, bon iver, Melbourne

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Local Natives – Heavy Feet (Fryars Remix)

Zach Connett — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:43:18 +0000

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Sounds like: Little Dragon, Django Django, Grizzly Bear, Passion Pit

Song: Local Natives - Heavy Feet (Fryars Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

Local Natives and Fryars. Two names that are quite common here at Indie Shuffle, but I believe this is the first post in which both sounds are blended together. It’s a concoction that makes for some phenomenal Friday vibes.

The Fryars-produced remix of “Heavy Feet,” off Local Natives’ Hummingbird LP, is peaceful, wavy, and pure. Like a cold, crystal clear stream of fresh water flowing through the flurry capped Adirondacks… maybe that’s a little too poetic for a guy that usually blogs about mixtape rappers, but have a listen and be your own judge.

I sometimes like to call songs like this Audio Adderall. So, if you have a bunch of TPS reports to wrap up before getting out there and doing whatever it is you do on a Friday night, throw this one on and make that final stretch of the work week a bit more bearable.

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1. Original post: Local Natives – Heavy Feet (Fryars Remix)

2. Posted in: folk-rock, passion pit, Experimental electronic, folktronica, grizzly bear

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Tunng – So Far From Here

Jason Grishkoff — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:52:22 +0000

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Sounds like: Efterklang, Adem, Cheek Mountain Thief

Song: Tunng - So Far From Here [download here]

What's so good?

Years and years ago (shortly before I started Indie Shuffle), I used to binge on new albums. I’d literally burn through five a day, looking to find the next best thing — and in the process jettisoning bands left and right. Fortunately, one of the albums that caught my attention was Tunng’s Good Arrows, an experimental folk pop record with a myriad of twists and turns.

Alas, these days I’m all about singles — the last full album I listened to was by My Bloody Valentine, and boy was that a bore! So, it’s a good thing that Tunng just released a new single titled “So Far From Here,” set to be released on their album Turbines (due June 17th).

“So Far From Here” maintains Tunng’s signature mixed-gender vocal approach, fully backed by layered instrumentation (my favorite moment might be the fun guitar lick you’ll notice at 1:07).

Overall, the chances that they’ll get me to snap back into my album listening phase is slim. But, you can bet your buttons that if they release another single I’ll be all over it!

------------------------ With countless sub-genres

1. Original post: Tunng – So Far From Here

2. Posted in: folk-pop, folktronica, of monsters and men, experimental folk, efterklang

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Wickerbird – The Westering

Christiana Bartolini — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 12:12:35 +0000

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Sounds like: Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty, Grizzly Bear

Song: Wickerbird - The Westering [download here]

What's so good?

I think I’ve found myself a new favorite track! Blake Cowan’s moniker is Wickerbird and his song is called “The Westering,” taken from his upcoming EP The Westering, set to release on March 26, 2013.

This is the type of track you put on when you want to soothe your soul and your mind. Considering the remaining structure of the song, Wickerbird teeters right on the edge of reality and a dream-like ethereal state. This indie folk movement has been strongly leading the pack when it comes to preferred genres these days, and “The Westering” is the perfect fit for anyone who has an affinity for said genre. It makes even more sense when I tell you that Wickerbird hails from Washingston state. There are even nature sounds in the background of this song. It makes me yearn for spring.

In all the chaos of today’s fast-paced, no-time-for-sleep world, Wickerbird can be that lullaby you need to bring you back down to serenity.

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1. Original post: Wickerbird – The Westering

2. Posted in: folk, indie folk, fleet foxes, grizzly bear, experimental folk

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Beyonce – Put A Ring On It (Settling. Cover)

Sophie Evelyn — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:32:05 +0000

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Sounds like: Conor Oberst, Alex Turner, Bon Iver, Bombay Bicycle Club, The National

Song: Beyonce - Put a Ring On It (Settling. Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

Settling. are two young lads from Brisbane, Australia who make experimental, acoustic music from the comfort of their bedrooms.

What started as a solo project for 19-year-old Tim Swanston turned into a duo following the explosive response that this Beyonce cover, created with friend Kurtis Tupangaia, has received since its upload on SoundCloud two days ago. The combination of Tupangaia’s haunting vocals with the brooding, acoustic guitar work by Swanston make the cover nearly unrecognizable from its original form.

Nearly 1000 listens and 50 downloads in less than 48 hours is an amazing feat for such a small, unsigned act, especially for what was nothing more than a late-night home project. By the time this review is posted, I’m guessing those numbers probably will have doubled. Not exactly what you’d expect from a pair of university students studying Economics and Town Planning, hey?

Settling. are currently working on their first EP, due to be released some time in June. After Tim hopefully passes his accounting exam, that is.

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1. Original post: Beyonce – Put A Ring On It (Settling. Cover)

2. Posted in: folk, acoustic, covers, bon iver, acoustic covers

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

James Blake – Retrograde

Kavit Sumud — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:08:39 +0000

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Sounds like: Bon Iver, How to Dress Well, Active Child

Song: James Blake - Retrograde [download here]

What's so good?

Orchestral synths that rise and fall like sirens in the soul, buzzing beats and morose vocals: oh, how we’ve missed you James Blake. He’s the only singe I know who can make his voice literally trumpet.

This radio-rip of “Retrograde” was just pulled off Zane Lowe’s BBC1 coverage an hour ago, and if it’s any indication of his new work, this is going to blow up Wilhem Scream style.

By the time the second stanza gets in stride, the chills are shaking me inside. The style of “Retrograde” jumps through and fuses eras of music without skipping a beat. Capturing the heartache and wonder of the 60s, 70s, and the post-modern era never sounded so easy.

His sighs are just fucking heavenly and couple that with the fact that they croon over lyrics inspired by self-survival in times to trial and Blake has officially bowled me over.

Update: The official single has now been released! No more radio rip :)

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1. Original post: James Blake – Retrograde

2. Posted in: Electronic, James Blake, active child, how to dress well, experimental folk

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Sleep Over – I Want To Be Alone

Kavit Sumud — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:29:32 +0000

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Sounds like: Cat Power, Feist, Wye Oak

Song: Sleep ∞ Over - I Want To Be Alone [download here]

What's so good?

I swirl the wine in my glass like a nerve tonic, bathwater rippling as the candles light my stoic face. The only sounds that pierce my silence are the howling of snow hitting the window and the sound of this track to punctuate the night.

Afterwards, I crawl to my pitch-black room and lay prostate on my bed, thanking the gods no one is sleeping over, save this Sleep ∞ Over track. Sound depressing? To an introvert, that’s the most romantic night possible. After a day of extroverts exhausting me, sometimes “I don’t know why it feels like I have to sometimes get away; but [don't worry world] you know, I love you.” I “just need to walk endlessly hand in hand with myself, somewhere on my own.”

This cover of 1970s-era hippy-folk singer Vashti Bunyan is the best self-love song I’ve ever seen. It’s like Jon Brion soundtracked a David Lynch movie. Romantic strings swell and, for once, they aren’t about anyone else but yourself. Disappear at will, fellow introverts! I know you’ll be back to this site to gush your love once you’ve recharged.

Give the insanely talented Sleep ∞ Over some love on their SoundCloud and buy their Rooftop 7″, out on Hippos in Tanks. Also, if you don’t read Gorilla vs. Bear, you should, as they one of my favorite blogs (other than IS, of course) that turned me onto this wonderful track.

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1. Original post: Sleep Over – I Want To Be Alone

2. Posted in: female vocalist, folk-rock, dream pop, lo-fi, feist

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Jim James – Know Til Now

Rhett Flowers — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:25:22 +0000

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Sounds like: My Morning Jacket, M. Ward, George Harrison

Song: Jim James - Know Til Now [download here]

What's so good?

Jim James (of My Morning Jacket fame) has teased us many times with a solo record, but it’s mostly been him collaborating with other artists and not truly his own personal album.

Now we officially have his first solo record on the books… and it comes out in early February! The title, Regions of Light and Sound of God give us a hint that it’s a pretty introspective album. A few singles have been released, but this one, “Know Til Now,” caught me as a solid tune. The rhythm and instrumentation go very well with Jim James’ falsetto vocals.

I’m looking forward to hearing more of this album as soon as it’s released. Stay tuned!

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1. Original post: Jim James – Know Til Now

2. Posted in: folk, folk-rock, singer-songwriter, experimental folk, dr. dog

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

D.D Dumbo – Tropical Oceans

hmcclure — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:52:08 +0000

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Sounds like: Grizzly Bear, Jeff Buckley, Tim Fitz

Song: D.D Dumbo - Tropical Oceans [download here]

What's so good?

D.D Dumbo is the project of Oliver Hugh Perry, who makes music at his home in Castlemaine – a small rural town a couple of hours from Melbourne. After playing in a post-punk band called Smurfinger a few years back, he’s been concentrating on recording his debut album (which should arrive later this year).

His 2012 EP contains six tracks of what has been described as “experimental folk fusion,” or “technicolour lo-fi.” Basically, don’t bother trying to tag his music. “Tropical Oceans” – one of the more bluesy offerings – is wonderfully raw, with Perry’s cavernous vocals towering over a platform of grimy guitar.

The “sounds like” process of my reviews is often the hardest section, and D.D. Dumbo has been one of the most difficult to date. While I have picked a few incredible acts to compare him too, he really only touches on small elements of their music. You can check out the EP in its entirety on Bandcamp.

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1. Original post: D.D Dumbo – Tropical Oceans

2. Posted in: folk, Australia, folk-rock, psychedelic, alternative

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Farao – Forces

Anu — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:46:02 +0000

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Sounds like: Lucy Rose, Laura Marling

Song: Farao - Forces [download here]

What's so good?

If you call a city home, then you can understand wanting to get away from the noise once in awhile — whether from the place or the people, no matter how much you usually love them. In the same way, I’ve been happily drowning in experimental electronic as of late, but occasionally I’ll come up for air in the form of lovely experimental folk.

“Forces” takes me straight to nature, sitting around a guitar and a crackling fire; raw emotion keeps it burning as Farao sings, “I want to hold you. I want to win… Give me all your affection. I need protection. I need a friend.” The lyrics chronicle her thoughts while struggling through the dissolution of a relationship. The strained strings cry out from time to time, forcing themselves to move along with the steady pace of the drums, while the singer continually resists the inevitable.

This thought process we can all relate to is captured by Norway’s Kari Jahnsen. Although currently touring in the UK, the artist’s debut EP will be recorded in Reykjavik alongside Mike Lindsay of experimental folk band Tunng. We’ll have to wait until April 2013 for the first release, but “Forces” is fortunately available for free download on Farao’s website.

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1. Original post: Farao – Forces

2. Posted in: female vocalist, folk, indie, alternative, indie folk

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Holopaw – Yearling’s Darlings

Christiana Bartolini — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:44:52 +0000

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Sounds like: Grizzly Bear, The Lumineers, The Decemberists

Song: Holopaw - Yearling's Darlings [download here]

What's so good?

Ohhhhh boy. From the first note Holopaw laid down in “Yearling’s Darlings,” I was entranced. This is some hypnotizing stuff that I can’t unhear even if I wanted to. This track is the B-side to their Golden Sparklers 7″.

The first time I heard this song, I immediately envisioned an enchanted land with twinkling fireflies, frogs wearing crowns, and shimmering fairies flying about. How quaint. Seriously though, “Yearling’s Darlings” is quite engulfing. You can’t help but get lost in the ambient, lush guitars and whispering vocals. The shuffling beat and bass add a touch of mystery to this already otherwordly track. It’s as if Holopaw is summoning you to a bewitching land of something that I imagine is like Willy Wonka’s pad. Dear sweet Jesus.

If you are as captivated by Florida’s Holopaw as I am, mark January 15, 2013 to grab their new album, Academy Songs, Volume I.

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1. Original post: Holopaw – Yearling’s Darlings

2. Posted in: indie rock, indie, folk-rock, grizzly bear, alt-country

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Texture Like Sun – One Great Prize

hmcclure — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:50:26 +0000

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Sounds like: James Vincent McMorrow, Jeff Buckley, Patrick Watson

Song: Texture Like Sun - One Great Prize [download here]

What's so good?

Texture like Sun is the project of Melbourne musician Mark Pearl. I fell in love with his first single “Bottle,” and shared it with you back in August (at the time, an EP was promised later this year). Now confirmed, the EP is due out November 2 (the first release from new label Blank Tape), with Pearl receiving assistance from Australian producer Pip “Countbounce” Norman and Dan Rejmer (who’s mixed tracks for Bjork and Foals).

For another taste of his music, he’s just shared the EP’s second single, “One Great Prize.” More subdued than the lively “Bottle,” it’s one of the warmest tracks I’ve heard in quite some time. Pearl’s honest, pure vocal arrangements are supported by Norman’s interesting take on production. Once the track opens up, it has that same bounce to it that made “Bottle” so great, but still maintains all the elements of a beautiful folk song. This combination makes Texture Like Sun such an intriguing listen.

A live (six-piece) show is also in the diary, with an (Australian) East Coast tour to celebrate the EP release scheduled.

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1. Original post: Texture Like Sun – One Great Prize

2. Posted in: folk, Australia, folk-pop, indie folk, Melbourne

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Texture Like Sun – Bottle

hmcclure — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:16:28 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Bon Iver, James Vincent McMorrow, Patrick Watson

Song: Texture Like Sun - Bottle [download here]

What's so good?

Having released an album back in 2007 under the moniker The Commas, Melbourne’s Mark Pearl is all set to release a follow-up album (due out later in the year) as Texture Like Sun. Produced by local producer Count Bounce, the album’s first single is “Bottle” – an intriguing mix of folk and blues.

An incredibly smooth track, “Bottle” touches on the many forms of addiction and how they affect us. Producer Count Bounce is part of Melbourne hip-hop group TZU, and his production gives the track a truly unique edge. Building steadily, layers of sound are introduced throughout, with Pearl’s haunting vocals fitting perfectly with the staggered beats as the track climaxes.

The interesting mix of styles makes this a real stand out track. With the music landscape so saturated, something a little different really goes a long way. It’ll be interesting to hear further work from Texture Like Sun.

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1. Original post: Texture Like Sun – Bottle

2. Posted in: folk, Australia, folk-pop, indie folk, bon iver

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Woods – Size Meets The Sound

Christiana Bartolini — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:54:18 +0000

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Sounds like: The Shins, Girls, Real Estate

Song: Woods - Size Meets The Sound [download here]

What's so good?

Woods is back, Shufflers! This time with their single, “Size Meets The Sounds.”

This slithering indie folk track with a slight twang wastes no time beginning with a bang and ending with a psychedelic whirlwind. Woods gets right down to business with this song; it’s almost as if they throw it right in your face. There’s an organ, a sitar (I hope), acoustic guitar, and probably a lot more that completes this multi-layered hit. This is an easy one to get lost in (in the best possible sense).

September 18 can’t come soon enough. That’s when Woods releases their upcoming LP, Bend Beyond. Let’s hope they release another single or two to hold us over until then.

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1. Original post: Woods – Size Meets The Sound

2. Posted in: experimental, folk-rock, folk-pop, indie folk, real estate

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Virgin Mobile Presents: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Jason Grishkoff — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 15:21:19 +0000

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Sounds like: Alexander, Noah and the Whale, Devendra Banhart

Song: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Man On Fire [download here]

What's so good?

Virgin Mobile have teamed up with Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros to create a Higher Calling video series.

What is a higher calling? In the context of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, this one’s all about creating unique and impassioned music. For Virgin Mobile, it’s about trying to be a better kind of phone company.

Check out more videos from the Higher Calling video series here.

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1. Original post: Virgin Mobile Presents: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

2. Posted in: folk, indie folk, edward sharpe & the magnetic zeros, experimental folk, devendra banhart

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Here

Devin Duckworth — Sun, 27 May 2012 16:12:36 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Alexander, Noah and the Whale, Devendra Banhart

Song: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Fiya Wata [download here]

What's so good?

Since 2009’s release of Up From Below, the indie folk genre hasn’t been the same for me. And now we have an album that is clear in its devices. A record that is so primitively anthemic with wonderfully sung duos and charming temperaments that it’s hard to imagine what the music world would be like without it.

Almost three years later, we are dutifully graced with Here, a flourished sophomore release and the first of two albums Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros will issue in 2012. Alex Ebert, the music genius behind Edward Sharpe, recently told an interviewer from the Washington Post that he had no interest in the Zeros being the equivalent of “the 60s ride at Disneyland.” While some might say that their Americana authenticity grows equivalent to the length of Ebert’s beard, others believe that their illustrative music will stay pertinent for ages to come.

Starting with “Man on Fire,” we are slowly brought back to familiar territory with desert-like surroundings, country-inspired ballads and atmospheric vocals. The permeating instrumentals corresponding with Ebert and Jade’s harmonies sweep us from underneath and carry us into an inspired spiritual dance circle that I’m sure requires you to take off your shoes and let the sun (or moon) take hold of your body.

“Home” (from Up From Below) gets a clear-cut part deux in the emblematic “That’s What’s Up.” Just like “Home,” Ebert and his lovely Jade are given another opportunity to sing to each other with endearing sentimental verses; it may or may not resonate with audiences the way the ubiquitous “Home” has, but it’s an enchanter and possibly one of the best songs on the album with a strong first impression and bright vocals harmonizing.

Jade gets another fine vocal showcase in “Fiya Wata,” while Ebert finds peace in a higher being in “I Don’t Wanna Pray,” with retro-inspired ramshackle and fast-paced acoustics.

“Mayla” is a feel-good jam that endures lovely melodic balance and bursting instrumentals beyond what we heard in “Brother,” but doesn’t quite compare to the effortless spirituality in “Om Nashi Me”; it kind of meanders somewhere in between.

“Dear Believer” has a sort of “Rocky Raccoon” aesthetic to it without being so obvious while “Child” carries a mild melody of sorts with tales of sirens and a “come hither” approach.

Currently on the road in the U.S., the band will play the Wakarusa Festival in Ozark, Arkansas before heading overseas for UK dates. Here was recorded in Bogalusa, L.A. and Ojai, CA and will be released to its entirety on May 29 via Community Music.

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1. Original post: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Here

2. Posted in: folk, indie folk, edward sharpe & the magnetic zeros, experimental folk, devendra banhart

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Port St. Willow – Holiday

Christiana Bartolini — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:05:23 +0000

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Sounds like: Y La Bamba, Active Child, Sampha

Song: Port St. Willow - Amawalk [download here]

What's so good?

Port St. Willow is Nick Principe’s solo project, and it’s quite the gorgeous one. Don’t let this Brooklynite fool you — his music is as lush and fresh as a newly sprouted forest in the spring time, and his debut LP Holiday is overwhelming.

It’s almost as if there’s an awakened spirit that rises up within this album… as if Port St. Willow is summoning a deeply spiritual being to carry out the task of creating such a beautifully orchestral piece of music. The style that Nick Principe emulates translates into a wildly nuanced piece of art.

Throughout this album, there are humming sounds in the background, twinkling guitars, deeply stretched synths, and — of course — an incredibly gorgeous falsetto. This is album may be what outer space sounds like at peace.

Holiday was just released last week, so let’s hope that Port St. Willow takes his stunningly hypnotizing tunes on the road. You can purchase Port St. Willow’s album here. Enjoy!

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1. Original post: Port St. Willow – Holiday

2. Posted in: experimental, ambient, folk, indie, lo-fi

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Bodies of Water – Like A Stranger

Devin Duckworth — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:02:06 +0000

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Sounds like: Of Monsters and Men, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Head and The Heart

Song: Bodies of Water - Like A Stranger [download here]

What's so good?

David and Meredith Metcalf, husband and wife that are also known as Bodies of Water, make a richly sophisticated and classic brand of folk-infused pop colored with bursts of 60’s influence, brass, strings, well-positioned twangs of electric guitar, and the couple’s own endearing vocal harmonies.

After a couple years of hiatus, BoW came back with a third album, Twist Again, released last summer via their own label, Thousand Tongues Records. An overall restrained album, one standout track that captured me right from the start was “Like A Stranger.” The entire track is a controlled affair, with brooding baritones, vocal unison and galloping musical instrumentation.

“Like A Stranger” is a valiant song that coherently incorporates solid elements of upbeat rock, jazz and folk with vibrant choruses. Surprisingly enough, all this genre differentiation works perfectly together, making this track a very pleasant listen.

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1. Original post: Bodies of Water – Like A Stranger

2. Posted in: indie pop, alternative, folk-pop, experimental folk, 60's

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

MV & EE – Sweet Sure Gone

Christiana Bartolini — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:10:15 +0000

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Sounds like: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Cotton Jones, Devendra Banhart

Song: MV & EE - Sweet Sure Gone [download here]

What's so good?

I really don’t know much about MV & EE, besides the fact that they’re a duo from Vermont and they’re into celestial psychedelic experimentalism. Can you dig it?

MV & EE’s single, “Sweet Sure Gone” is the perfect track for a chilled out sunny day. There’s a huge emphasis on their lax approach to music making in every aspect of the song: the instruments sound as if they’re being played in slow motion, the drums are just barely there, the harmonies are free and easy, and a thick, slow echo covers the lead vocals. This combination is sure to help you hang loose whether you’re sober or not. It’s the type of track that helps you slow down and breathe deeply… and we all need that.

The track ends as quickly as it comes, as if the breeze carried it in and took it away in passing. If you’re jonesing for some more laid back psychedelia, grab a copy of MV & EE’s album Space Homestead and prepare to melt away.

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1. Original post: MV & EE – Sweet Sure Gone

2. Posted in: experimental, folk, psychedelic, indie folk, freak folk

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson – Delicate Cycle

el gringo rico — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:06:25 +0000

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Sounds like: Aesop Rock, Kimya Dawson, Atmosphere

Song: Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson - Delicate Cycle [download here]

What's so good?

At first glance, you might question just what the hell a collaboration between Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson would sound like. He is a verifiable king of underground hip hop, one of the most thought-provoking and abstract lyricists of all time. Kimya, meanwhile, is a queen of female freak-folk, capable of seranading you to the verge of tears at any given moment.

One quick listen to “Delicate Cycle” and I understood pretty quickly that these two clearly share some sort of otherworldly musical bond. Their respective styles compliment each other perfectly. Kimya calmly tells us the profound story of her childhood, while Ace gently spits his status quo abstract rhymes, always open for interpretation. Behind the lyrics their genuine friendship and understanding for each other is also evident, as if we’re witnessing two new friends connect with each other about their pasts and the cyclical nature of life.

The upcoming album (no set release date yet) should be a giant leap for each of them. I’m excited to hear the results, somber and melancholic as they be. We’ll also be keeping an eye on Ace’s upcoming EP, Skelethon, set to drop in July.

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1. Original post: Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson – Delicate Cycle

2. Posted in: female vocalist, hip-hop, indie, underground hip hop, experimental hip hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Sufjan Stevens & Rosie Thomas – Where Were You?

Jason Grishkoff — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:45:24 +0000

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Sounds like: St. Vincent, Andrew Bird, Bon Iver

Song: Sufjan Stevens & Rosie Thomas - Where Were You? [download here]

What's so good?

WTF, Sufjan? Can no one can escape your auto-tune madness?! You established yourself as a successful artist by having one of the most beautiful voices out there. And now all you do is smother it with auto-tune.

“Where Were You?” is the first single released by Rosie Thomas and Sufjan Stevens off their split 7″, Hit & Run Vol. 1. It’s a good song and all, but I’m getting a bit sick of the auto-tune.

That said, if you can tolerate the warbling, there’s here information about how to get your hands on the 7″ via Vintage Vinyl.

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1. Original post: Sufjan Stevens & Rosie Thomas – Where Were You?

2. Posted in: folk-pop, sufjan stevens, experimental folk, rosie thomas

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Bruce Peninsula – In Your Light [Video]

Christiana Bartolini — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:48:41 +0000

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Sounds like: Dirty Projectors, Pattern Is Movement

Song: Bruce Peninsula - In Your Light [download here]

What's so good?

This is my first time hearing Bruce Peninsula. I know this band is a 10-piece from Canada and I know that their video is intriguing, along with their music. Their album, Open Flames, was released back in early October of last year but they’re just now debuting the video for their song, “In Your Light.”

When I first watched the video, which was also the first time hearing their music, I was on the fence. What sold me was the band’s obvious passion, the wonderful theatrics of the video, and the fact that the female vocals are utterly gorgeous. I immediately thought of the Dirty Projectors. So, as you may know, sometimes a band as off-kilter as this may take some time to sink in but I found myself quickly loving this track and its video.

The music is as artistic and intelligent as the video. They’re both colorful, intriguing and quite unique. Intricate guitars, thumping drums, and a choir of gorgeous female vocals strongly defines the entire song, not to mention the lead singer, Bruce’s, raspy, masculine voice. Check out their video and if you’re as intrigued as me, then go on and get their album, Open Flames!

Bruce Peninsula – In Your Light by HandDrawnDracula

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1. Original post: Bruce Peninsula – In Your Light [Video]

2. Posted in: indie rock, experimental, folk, post-rock, experimental folk

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.