Torres - Cowboy guilt

Every time Torres drops a new song, it is a day of celebration in this household at least.

Cowboy guilt, the third song to be shared from her upcoming album Sprinters (less than 2 weeks to go!), is big, playful and fun in a way that's reminiscent of St Vincent.

If anything could have made me more excited than I already was for Sprinters, it is this.

Torres - Strange hellos

Torres is back! The excitement in the (this) room is palpable.

Singer songwriter Mackenzie Scott has announced her second album, Sprinter, set for a May release. In the meantime, she's given us a taste of what's to come with album opener strange hellos.

Strange hellos is stronger, angrier and darker than anything on her debut Torres. Is this a departure from her stoutly acoustic roots? A video she's shared on her site points to a more melancholy, brooding direction.

Either way, my interest is well and truly piqued.

All we are

Any band that describes its genre of choice as psychedelic boogie will automatically fall into favour on this blog.

But favouritism aside, London trio All We Are are the very best of the foreseen The XX- inspired indie bands. They're just incredible.

With no debut album yet, keep your eyes peeled for more from this incredible band and their guitar bow.

Arrows of love - Everything's fucked

Arrows of love are perhaps the most attractive band around at the moment. The London five-piece garage punk band released their triumphant debut album - the brilliantly named Everything's fucked - earlier in 2014.

Most of the album follows a distinctly Jesus-and-Mary-chain-meets-Sonic-youth vibe. But there are also softer moments throughout. Their modern take on the male-female vocal dynamic is showcased beautifully in the knife.

I look forward to seeing - and hearing - more from these sexy rockers. 

 

Chad VanGaalen - Shrink dust

Continuing the unnatural phenomena of incredible Canadian acts, Chad VanGaalen hails from Calgary, Alberta and has been on the circuit since 2005.

Released in April this year, Chads brilliantly perverse fifth studio album Shrink dust brought him critical acclaim as a Polaris Prize nominee. 

The albums second track, where are you, is a particular highlight with its simultaneously familiar and fresh take on sixties rock and roll.

PS: the video to where are you, below, is extraordinary. Watch it.  



Festival focus - End of the Road 2014

Come summer, the UK has no shortage of festivals to keep us all boogying. But for me, Dorset's End of the Road festival, held at the end of August every year, is a always a highlight, with 2011s lineup proving to be a true vintage.

Well this year I am finally attending EOTR instead of admiring from afar, and so have decided to share my homework with you. Over the next 6 weeks I will endeavour to review each and every music act at EOTR 2014 for both mine and your listening pleasure, which will culminate with a comprehensive playlist of all of each acts best tracks.

You never know, we might learn something.