Stream, Grab, and Share "With You" via SoundCloud:

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Purchase "With You" on iTunes

Purchase "With You" on Beatport

 

If Miike Snow’s eponymous debut is this relatively new band’s introduction to indie-friendly electro-pop music, then this sophomore offering by Stockholm-based trio is their gate to top-40 success. For some this is a revelation, but if you found comfort in the band’s mid-tempo beats, twinkling synths and easy-listening rendition of Scandinavian electro-pop through their acclaimed first record, then Miike Snow’s second release might be a slight disappointment.

Then again, if chart-topping success is what the band really looking for, the members of Miike Snow are already an expert in the trade. Two-third of the trio is Chris Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg – the songwriter-producer duo under the moniker Bloodshy & Avant a.k.a the Grammy-winning producers behind Britney Spears’ massive electro-infused hit “Toxic.” Simply, these lads know exactly how to turn a song into radio hits, they have the recipe to make outstanding pop music approved by the top 40 masses (and yes, even I like “Toxic”)… but why am I not feeling this record?

Happy To You opens with splendid chimed-synth-effects “Enter The Jokers Lair” that reminds you of Vampire Weekend’s African-inspired tracks in Contra. Relaxed yet enticing, this introductory track sounded promising before moving into “The Wave,” a catchy dynamically-composed percussion-heavy number fits for radio airplay. Sure, “The Wave” has every ingredient needed for a crowd-favorite sing-along song but the much-awaited ‘kick’ I was looking for the way the band’s first ever single (off their debut album) “Animal” had was nowhere in sight.

The album continues with the disco-tinged “Devil’s Work” and synth & drum machine-driven “Vase.” Again, that awaited ear-explosion seems very unlikely to happen. It wasn’t until the fifth track when “God Help This Divorce” shifted my almost-drifted attention to the album. A beautifully composed lo-fi folk-inspired number that reminds me of the reason why I love Miike Snow in the first place: their emotional electro-infused balladry pieces. Vocalist Andrew Wyatt sings beautifully in that signature languid voice of his, particularly over the chorus, “She was a beauty queen/But I held her down, down, down.” For a while I regain my confident in the album.

Sadly, the magic of “God Help This Divorce” doesn’t seem to do much justice to the album when following tracks like “Bavarian #1” and “Pretender” got lost into the band’s polished production. By now, Wyatt’s inconsistent and ineffective vocal presence has starting to become a disadvantage to the band’s power-producers’ works and at one point making the record seems too mechanical, imbalance and if not too much… soulless.

“Archipelago” on the other hand rides on the band’s strength for slower electro-pop numbers. This light percussive track is a good replication of the band’s earlier works like “Silvia” and “Sans Soleil” but none appeal much to me. In “Black Tin Box,” the band features fellow Swedes and singer-songwriter Lykke Li in a track that is unlike anything you’ve ever heard of from the band.  Here, Miike Snow gets experimental with sultry mystical melodies that will either make you creep or laud in admiration. I am the latter. The record closes with first single “Paddling Out,” a '90s-inspired disco euphoria that truly represents the sound of Miike Snow – genre-defying Scandinavian electro-pop at best.

Happy To You has every reason not to fail – award-winning producers’ members; tracks that would make it into radio and clubs’ playlist in just about any time; and even their critically-acclaimed debut is a solid one at that too. It’s unfair to not mention, albeit weak songwriting in a number of tracks in this album, about how good the production as a whole is and this comes by no surprise given the background of Karlsson and Winnberg – what you get is a well-crafted electro-pop production but again… why am I still not feeling this record? Ah well, maybe it’s just me but then again, each to their own, no?

Over the past week, we’ve showcased the best new bands to check out at Coachella. Like last week, we’ve dedicated our Artist of the Week feature will again take a look at some of our favorite new bands to play at the festival that we didn’t have a chance to cover last week. Without rambling anymore, here are some more highlights from our Coachella series.

Neon Indian: Much has been said about Alan Palomo. Since rising from obscurity to bandblog sensation, his group, Neon Indian has become one of the de facto emissaries/new bands for a movement popularly known as “chillwave”—I’m guessing you’re familiar. To be sure, there are plenty of bands out there that draw parallels to Neon Indian, with woozy electronic sounds that melt through vintage synthesizers and echoing vocals taking the form of aural acid hits. What sets Neon Indian apart, however, isn’t the perpetuation of stereotypes, but the quality of their music. Their brand of electro-synth music combined with murky guitar fuzz, is sure to keep the bodies moving on Frida – Zach Klassen

Gary Clark Jr.:  Gary Clark Jr. hates the term bluesman. Judging from his brand of music, you would expect this new artist to embrace the label, but being a nasty guitar player is only the tip of the iceberg to this man’s talents.  Sort of like a latter day John Mayer, Clark can play many different types of guitar: jazz, blues to straight up balls-to-the wall rock, making it all sound delightfully good in the process. Though he has one of the earliest timeslots on his Friday performance, he may not get the crowds that he deserves. However, the one thing that is certain is that whoever catches this up-and-comer, won’t be disappoint with the music they hear emanating from the stage and who knows, this could be one of those “I remember where I was when” or “I saw Gary Clark Jr. when he was the first act at Coachella” moments that could go down in music folklore. –Daniel Kohn

Grouplove: As our official Best New Band Of 2011, Grouplove are one of the most promising voices to emerge in indie pop. Grouplove produces poppy, twangy, indie rock, which is nothing new in the world of music. What really makes the quintet stand out in a plethora of similar acts is its sincerity. Blaming the band’s chance meeting on fate, each member plays from the heart, creating large, swelling tracks that hit its listeners directly in the soul.

This passion and devotion translates into the five-piece’s live show. Every band member drips with enthusiasm and genuine love for what he or she is playing. This warm energy floats into the crowd, making a Grouplove show feel like a party hosted by familiar friends. It’s amazing how bands can be playing to crowds of 100 people (if they’re lucky) one day and massive theaters the next. This is the exact case with Grouplove. I remember writing a show preview back in January for the band’s free, month-long residency at Bootleg Theater. I had never even heard the music, so I listened to the self-titled EP, and it was pretty good, but I never got the chance to see the indie troupe during that residency…and I am kicking myself for that right now. - Katrina Nattress

The Vaccines: West London’s The Vaccines are one of the hardest new bands to peg at times.  On first listen, they’ve totally got one of those late ‘50s, early ‘60s pop revivalist things going, except with a little more reverb and maybe a pinch more aggression.  But if you listen a bit more closely, the lines begin to blur.  They’re clearly on their way to becoming (or maybe they’ve already become) something far more interesting than just another pop band. The Vaccines music has all the makings of great pop music; simple, catchy, easy to clap along with, but there’s a little something more that’s enough to send a shrill shiver down your spine. It’s 21st century guitar pop for the kids who like to stay out late and wake up to a few bad decisions. –Chris Castro

Sleeper Agent: You might've heard of Sleeper Agent from their recent hits, "Get It Daddy" and "Get Burned."  "Get It Daddy," an upbeat, dance-around-in-your-room kind of track, was an iTunes free single of the week and was #14 on Rolling Stone's 50 Best Singles of 2011.  Furthermore, they were featured on Rolling Stone last summer as a Band to Watch. The band hails from Bowling Green, Kentucky and made their way up through the rankings by playing loud, noticeable sets at SXSW.  They eventually caught the attention of Matt & Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant and ended up touring the US with the band (not to mention making some hilarious videos). So, with that kind of publicity, it's safe to say that these Kentucky-bred kids are on their way to rock stardom. And the next stop on that road? Playing Coachella, obviously. Lead singer Alex "Kidd" Kandel is a monster on stage, and her vocals fit the music's youthful grunge perfectly.  The album as a whole and the band's presence are so much fun, and I can just imagine how incredible it al will be beneath the daze of the Coachella sun, dancing your ass off before some seriously talented kids. – Claire Gallagher

Much has been said about Alan Palomo. Since rising from obscurity to bandblog sensation, his group, Neon Indian has become one of the de facto emissaries/new bands for a movement popularly known as “chillwave”—I’m guessing you’re familiar. To be sure, there are plenty of bands out there that draw parallels to Neon Indian, with woozy electronic sounds that melt through vintage synthesizers and echoing vocals taking the form of aural acid hits. What sets Neon Indian apart, however, isn’t the perpetuation of stereotypes, but the quality of their music.  Of all the bands that get lumped into this cringeworthy subgenre descriptor, Neon Indian are one of the very best.

Originally from Denton, Texas, Palomo first broke into the scene with his debut album, Psychic Chasms, released in 2009 on Lefse Records. Propelled by singles “Deadbeat Summer” and “Should Have Taken Acid With You”, he was soon championed by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and Spin, as one of the best new artists, earning spots opening for Massive Attack, Phoenix, The Flaming Lips and Chromeo, among others.

For his full-length sophomore album and most recent effort, Palomo secluded himself in an apartment in Helsinki, Finland during the winter of 2010. The result was Era Extraña, released on Palomo’s Static Tongues imprint the following year. Foregoing the sample-heavy sound of Chasms, Extraña more defines itself with electric guitar. Parts that would have normally been supported by a collection of synthesizer tones are now steeped in shoegaze’s murky guitar fuzz. This isn’t to say that Palomo’s unearthed synth effects didn’t play an integral role in the record;  “Polish Girl” pops with beeping electronic sequences, while “Arcade Blues” pays homage to 8-bit video game sounds, backed by classic drum machine beats.

Palomo and his three-strong touring band play Weekend 1: Friday, April 13^th and Weekend 2: Friday April 20^th at this year’s Coachella Festival.  Check below for the group’s post-Coachella show dates:

 

Apr 22             Mammoth Mountain, Hyde Lounge              Mammoth Lakes, CA

Apr 24             The Fillmore                        San Francisco, CA

Apr 26             Doug Fir Lounge                  Portland, OR

Apr 27             Neumos                                 Seattle, WA

Apr 28             Venue                                     Vancouver, Canada

Apr 30             Starlite Ballroom                   Edmonton, Canada

May 01            Republik                                Calgary, Canada

May 03            Pyramid Cabaret                    Winnipeg, Canada

May 04            First Avenue                           Minneapolis, MN

May 05            Majestic Theatre                    Madison, WI

May 06            Magic Stick                            Detroit, MI

May 08            Phoenix Concert Theatre       Toronto, Canada

May 10            Cabaret Mile End                  Montreal, Canada

May 11            Paradise Rock Club               Boston, MA

May 12            Terminal 5                              New York, NY

May 23            Mascotte                                 Zurich, Switzerland

May 24            Hinterhof                                 Basel, Switzerland

May 25            Summer Student Festival         Padova, Italy

May 26            Velvet                                       Rimini, Italy

May 28            Circulo Degli Artisti                Rome, Italy

May 29            Astoria (Basement)                  Turin, Italy

May 30            Sallumeria Della Musica        Milan, Italy

Jun 01             Burn Selector Festival            Krakow, Poland

Jun 02             Primavera Sound                   Barcelona, Spain

 

On Tuesday night, Los Angeles’ Echoplex transformed into a dance club hosted by the rapidly-ascenting promoter Check Yo Ponytail 2. The lineup was excellent, consisting of the lovely Danish Oh Land, the eccentric Blood Orange, and the dark sounds of TRUST.

For those of you who have not heard TRUST before, picture a mix of house music and gothic new wave of the ‘80s. While listening to the Toronto-based duo’s debut full-length, TRST, I imagine band members Robert Alfons and Maya Postepski performing at a seedy after hours club in New York City circa 1980, sweat dripping off their faces as they produced heavy, hard-hitting electronica to a sea of strung out party monsters, jonesing for human contact. And to be quite honest, that’s exactly what I was hoping for in their performance Tuesday. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out that way.

A third member accompanied the two-piece on synthesizer, allowing Alfons to focus on his vocals with Postepski behind the drum kit. Musically, the group killed it. Each song was executed flawlessly (and loud). Alfons’ vocals seamlessly ranged from an Ian Curtis-esque drone to falsetto wails as Postepski’s dead-on rhythm kept the beat. But although TRUST produces electronic music, it’s not all necessarily dance worthy, which I found out during the band’s performance. The trio began its set with a couple slower paced tunes to get in the groove, while the Echo Park audience stood, rigid. It wasn’t until the group started playing “Dressed for Space,” its most upbeat, catchy dance track, that the crowd got excited and began to dance. From there, the band transitioned into its single, “Bulfbaform,” heightening the sweaty dance party I was so looking forward to. However, this flailing orgy was short-lived, coming to a screeching halt when the Canadian electro-ravers switched back to their heavy, buzzing, bass-heavy tracks.

Some critics have commented on TRUST releasing its debut album for itself rather than for an audience, and the same could be said about the performance. Alfons was in a trance, gyrating as if he was suffering a seizure, but there was disconnect with the audience. Nobody in the band said a single word to its fans while onstage (and there was a good turnout considering TRUST was the first band of the night). For this, I was disappointed, but as I left the Echoplex, I wanted nothing more than to get in my car and blast the album on my drive home.

TRUST is currently on a North American tour before heading to the UK in May. Below is a list of tour dates.

4/11 Costa Mesa, Ca - Detroit Bar

4/12 San Francisco, Ca - Popscene

4/13 Seattle Wa, Electric Tea Garden

4/14 Vancouver, BC - Electric Owl

4/15 Portland, Or - Rotture

4/17 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle

5/10 Brighton, UK - Psychosocial

5/12 Brighton, UK - Above Audio

 

 

WITH REMIXES BY:
HUDSON MOHAWKE, SHABAZZ PALACES, GANG GANG DANCE, GUI BORATTO, THE FIELD, QLUSTER, KODE9,

PATRICK MAHONEY (OF LCD SOUNDSYSTEM) & DENNIS McNANY, KANGDING RAY, THE ALCHEMIST, SILENT SERVANT & EYE (OF BOREDOMS)

STREAM TWO NEW REMIXES
ICE CREAM (BDG #GANG GANG DANCE REMIX)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOb6IC3LQTI

ROLLS BAYCE (HUDSON MOHAWKE REMIX)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cofswLqmfc

ABOUT THE REMIXERS:

- GUI BORATTO (WALL STREET REMIX):
A Battles remix record would not be complete without a heavyweight from our friends from the KOMPAKT label.  We are very excited that Gui has taken the time to rework one of our tracks.  This Brazilian monster has been making club bangers for some time now and he can now add his rework of “Wall Street” to his already accomplished list of amazing tracks.......thank you Gui! Boratto Bangers: "Arquipélago", the entire Chromaphobia album, and "Anunciacion". - John Stanier

- THE FIELD (SWEETIE & SHAG REMIX):
Since the release of the first album by The Field entitled From Here We Go Sublime through to the most recent Looping State of Mind, we have been huge fans of the music that Axel Willner makes. The Field did a fantastic remix of "Tonto" a few years back and it is with great pride that we once again call upon him for another slice of brilliance with his remix of "Sweetie & Shag". In addition to The Field, be sure to look into Loops of Your Heart, a newer synth-heavy project by Willner, further proof that Axel has already begun carving out his own chapter of excellence in the encyclopedia of electronic music history.  - Dave Konopka

- THE ALCHEMIST (FUTURA REMIX):
When we were given the opportunity to have The Alchemist rework one of our tracks we jumped at the chance.  It is a complete honor for us to have "the greatest hip hop producer of all time" share his vision with us.  With bangers like "More Like Us", "Chemical Warfare (featuring Eminem)" and "Keep It Thoro" he has made his mark in more ways than one in hip hop history.  Thank you DJ EMZ for hooking this up. - John Stanier

- SHABAZZ PALACES (WHITE ELECTRIC REMIX):
Having always been a fan of Ishmael Butler's groups, both past and present, we were really excited to have Shabazz Palaces be able to rework a version of "White Electric" and to drop few verses on top. We had a "feeling" that this remix was going to be good, but when we first laid ears on this track we were ecstatic at how awesome this song turned out! There is nobody like Shabazz Palaces, they are in a class of their own. Definitely check out the Black Up album, which is, in my opinion, one of the most refreshing, daring, boundary-pushing hip-hop releases in years. - Dave Konopka

- KODE 9 (AFRICASTLE REMIX):
Not only does Steve "Kode 9" Goodman make good music but he also has a doctorite in Philosophy and wrote a book called "Sonic Warfare;Sound,Affect,and the Ecology of Fear". This alone is reason enough for him to be involved in our remix record! Best music: "Memories of the Future" and "Black Sun" both on his own Hyperdub label. - John Stanier

- SILENT SERVANT (INCHWORM REMIX):
Real name John Juan Mendez from LA/Minneapolis,Silent Servant has been holding it down in the west coast scene for some time now.  Releasing numerous anthems on the mysterious Sandwell District label, SS was an obvious choice for us.  We wanted something that will sound like a religious epiphany at 9am in Berghain.......and that is exactly what we got! Best tracks: "Doom Deferred", the "Hypnosis In The Modern Age" 12" and "Violencia (function remix)" - John Stanier

- KANGDING RAY (TODDLER REMIX):
We wanted to use KR because his atmospheric dark textural music sounds big and creepy in giant clubs and we wanted to see if that vibe could be conveyed in a remix of one of our songs. KR most definitely delivered. Awesome tunes include the Pruitt Lgoe 12" and the OR LP both on the Raster-Noton label. - John Stanier

- QLUSTER (DOMINICAN FADE REMIX):
First time caller, long time fan. Our jaws dropped when we reached out to Qluster to see if they would be interested in doing a remix for the song "Dominican Fade" and they were kind enough to oblige. Yes, Qluster (aka Cluster, Kluster), the experimental German electronic group consisting of core members Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Dieter Mobius—absolute living legends! It has been a truly humbling experience to have one our songs remixed by Qluster for they have always been a genuine source of inspiration for Battles. - Dave Konopka

- BRIAN DEGRAW / GANG GANG DANCE (ICE CREAM):
Gang Gang Dance has been one of the best bands in NYC for years now and they have through and through earned our whole-hearted respect and admiration. Therefore, we couldn't imagine anybody more appropriate to remix the bizarreness that is "Ice Cream" other than Gang Gang Dance's own Brian DeGraw. Coming off of the success of their outstanding 2011 release Eye Contact, DeGraw follows through with tons of sonic flavor for this bombastic jammy-jam of a remix. - Dave Konopka

- HUDSON MOHAWKE (ROLLS BAYCE REMIX):
Using label mate Hudson Mohawke was a simple "no brainer".....we knew what we would get and we couldn't be happier. Warp's jam master is a welcome guest for our little project. Best tracks: "Fuse", "Gluetooth", and "Thunder Bay". - John Stanier


- PATRICK MAHONEY & DENNIS McNANY (MY MACHINES REMIX):
Patrick Mahoney is the awesomeness that is the drummer behind the magnificent LCD Soundsystem. In addition to being a great drummer Patrick Mahoney is an incredible DJ, which led us to the conclusion that it could be pretty fun to see what he would do with a remix for "My Machines". After giving us the nod of approval, Pat got in touch with producer Dennis McNany of Run-Roc records and the two of them worked out an immense nine minute dance floor banger that features Gary Numan's one-of-a-kind vocals. A killer track! - Dave Konopka

- EYE (SUNDOME REMIX) - CD-only

One-off UK show at the LONDON SCALA

APRIL 10th 2012

Multi-legged groove machine THE ASTEROIDS GALAXY TOUR play a one –off London show at the Scala on April 10th.  

The achingly cool Danish collective (consisting of core members Mette Lindberg and Lars Iverson) have recently been playing to sell out crowds in the US and Europe and proving themselves to be one of the most unorthodox and uniquely original live bands on the planet. The Asteroids Galaxy Tour’s vision of pop music is a kaleidoscopic, free-wheeling affair—a symphonic collision of big pop hooks, soaring horn sections, retro-synth flourishes, and epic beats. Mette Lindberg belts it out wonderfully live; her powerful voice acts as the greatest instrument in the band’s wall of sound. While dance, pop, funk and lounge elements are prominent elements; there are also some wonderful, blissful moments of electronica and psychedelia. For a taster check out the video for latest single “Heart Attack” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELNvmFGNLRU

For Lindberg and Iversen—two friends who have been playing music together for nearly a decade—the band is an always-evolving entity. The two might be the core masterminds behind the band, but they insist that the band is not—nor has it ever been—a duo. The Asteroids Galaxy Tour has become a travelling collective of friends that, much like their music, defies traditional definition. The current touring incarnation of the band includes six people—including two horn players—all of whom have a predilection for swapping instruments at a moment’s notice. 

Tickets for the show are available through the following link: http://www.seetickets.com/Event/THE-ASTEROIDS-GALAXY-TOUR/Scala/606548

http://www.facebook.com/TheAsteroidsGalaxyTour
https://twitter.com/theasteroids
http://www.theasteroidsgalaxytour.com

One thing I have learned from shooting as many shows as I have, is that opportunities often randomly present themselves and lead to some crazy outcomes. That was the exact thing that happened the last night at SXSW. A friend scored Sleigh Bells and Nas passes, sadly I couldn't make it in time for Sleigh Bells, but I was all ready for Nas to take the stage.

After an amazing Nas performance, I was then presented with another opportunity to catch the tail  end of the extravaganza that was Perez Hilton's party to save the music.

As we walked in Dev had just taken the stage.

For her closing number she performed her newest song,sure to be a hit, a collaboration with Timbaland. He pulled out all his tricks performing all his hits as well as a new song. Not wanting to leave the stage, this man rocked out.

Once Timbaland left the stage Perez welcomed Mia Moretti and Caitlin Moe a dj with a killer violinist. I have never seen something as cool as this chick owning the violin while music is being spun.

To close my whole experience that was SXSW, B.o.B took the stage and left everything he had on it.

 

Editors Note: Ok. They're not "new" bands. But, how could we refuse the invitation and how could we not shoot once we got there and how could we not run these amazing pictures and talk about this great show?

Photos (c) Daniela Montelongo

 

 

Since the early ‘60s, garage and lo-fi rock have been staples in music. Though many of the bands of this genre are mostly unrecognized or have faded into oblivion, that doesn’t mean that they didn’t have an impact on bands of a later generation. In the past few years, bands like No Age have led the latest lo-fi rock revival. That being said, Philadelphia natives PO PO have taken elements of lo-fi rock and electronica, and smashed them together to make one of the most diverse sounding records in some time.

Formed by Zeb Malik along with his brothers Hassan and Shoaib, the group formed in the latter part of the last decade. Though the name PO PO conjures up different meanings in many languages (for example, it can be used slang for the police, to Germans it means butt etc), but in their native Pakistan, the term is slang for your dad’s sister (as opposed to your mother’s sister). Why this name? As Zeb told the Philadelphia Weekly, it is a way to describe a badass woman. Whatever the reason, the name sounds cool in any language.

Through a stroke of luck, the band’s demo ended up in the right hands, in this case that meant Trent Reznor. Before they knew it, as an unsigned band, they went from playing small rooms with even smaller crowds in the greater Philadelphia-area, to touring with Nine Inch Nails. In 2008, a year after they finished touring with NIN, PO PO met fellow Philadelphian and DJ extraordinaire Diplo through Athens, Ga-based band Dark Meat, who brought the DJ to a PO PO in their hometown. The DJ was so impressed by the group’s unique dynamic that he signed them to his Mad Decent record label.

After years of work and despite having every bandmember except for Zeb leave the group (yes, even his brothers left), Dope Boy Magick was finally released last week and is one of the more compelling albums to be come out this year. Songs on the record range from the typical early Nirvana garage sounding jams to anthemic (and believe it or not) U2 sounding lo-fi magic. Though the songs may not sound alike, the one constant element amongst them is that they’re all very, very good.  The faster, punkier songs give the album it’s foundation and allows for the bigger songs to stand out as the strongest on the album. The album’s inconsistency is what defines PO PO; imaginative while making you wonder what's next. What Zeb does here, whether he meant it or not, is create a genre-bending sound that can appeal to a mass audience.

Having received accolades from artists ranging from the aforementioned Reznor to Theophilus London, PO PO is finally set to take off. With the first LP finally behind him, the future looks bright for Zeb. As long as he’s still focused, continues to take chances sonically and doesn’t take a while to release the follow-up, PO PO could be one of the most interesting bands to emerge in the past few years.

St. Lucia Signs To Neon Gold/Columbia Records - Tour Dates Announced.

For more information via St. Lucia's Facebook page go to http://www.facebook.com/stlucianewyork?sk=wall.

Tour Dates are listed below