Analogue Spheres

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Porsches: "HORSES"

Porsches are a brand new synth pop duo from Sydney that can be compared to acts like Selebrities or Work Drugs. They dropped their splendid debut song "HORSES" last month. The track might easily become your next late night jam thanks to its delicately smooth sounds and soft, lively vocals. Grab "HORSES" below and be sure to include this one in your NYE playlist. -- Johan Baeten

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Dyev: "Graphiti"

An artist whose work we've been following for quite a while is the much underrated Wilmington based act Dyev, a definite leftfield pop artist who impressed us once again with "Graphiti". The track begins with a short sample before Dyev's unique instrumentation kicks in, including abrupt guitar chords, beats which immediately grab our attention and Dyev's haunting vocals. This song captures a certain momentum which easily convinces us. Take a listen to "Graphiti" below and be on the lookout for a proper release by this artist in the new year. -- Johan Baeten

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Lone: "Life Time Loop"

R&S Records signee Lone proved he was in the form of his life with his splendid debut LP Reality Testing, which was released earlier this year and is definitely one of our favourite electronic records of 2014. Today he decided to treat us with "Life Time Loop", a song that is drowned in Lone's typical atmosphere: dense and extended keyboards accompanied by a soft and melodious line on his synthesizer, and with superb percussions as always. Just like Lone's entire debut album, "Life Time Loop" is an excellent electronic piece of music. Hear and grab the track below. -- Johan Baeten

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Lilac Pin: "Come Inside"

To make up for our absence the latest months, we're sharing some older tracks which we've received in our mailbox lately and are excited about at the moment. One of those songs is Lilac Pin's latest tune "Come Inside", a gritty-sounding song featuring Lana Del Rey-esque vocals and a hauntingly beautiful pop chorus. Describing the origins of the track, singer April May explains:

“The concept of 'Come Inside' was to embody Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and create a modern parallel world that exists alongside her time.”

The Glaswegian duo's debut album is most probably released in 2015. Hear "Come Inside" below. -- Johan Baeten

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Speelburg: "Aubrey"

Brighton's Speelburg is absolutely doing a great job at the moment with his debut single "Aubrey" as he's already been played by the likes of Huw Stephens and Gilles Peterson on the English radio. In case you haven't heard his cinematic, surprising and unique song "Aubrey" yet, you definitely should below. Speelburg dazzles us with incredibly warm synths, extremely tight percussion and of course there's his powerful and vivid vocals. Although the instrumentation might not be that expansive, Speelburg uses his apparatus the way it should be used. Take a listen to "Aubrey" below and get stoked for more. -- Johan Baeten

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Lily Oakes: "Dare To"

Lily Oakes' captivating sound is something you can feel within the first seconds of her latest track "Dare To." This London based singer/songwriter incorporates a blend of various elements that emphasize her naturally expressive and soulful voice.

A fascinating aspect of her writing is the fact that Oakes' lyrics are often composed just minutes before recording. This raw method of craft digs deeply at the root of truly feeling the accompaniment and using musical instincts to drive thoughts. You can listen to another of Oakes' tracks here. -- Athylia Paremski

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10 acts you shouldn't miss at Pukkelpop

Pukkelpop is one of those festivals that has got a lot to offer to each kind of music aficionado. As this blog was founded in Belgium and Pukkelpop definitely is Belgium's finest festival, we'd very much like to share ten acts you have to go and see at this year's edition of Pukkelpop. Of course there are a lot more than ten bands you shouldn't miss at Pukkelpop, but we simply chose to pick ten out of the many we're excited about. We hope to see you in Kiewit on August 14, 15 and/or 16! Check out our picks after the jump and take a look at the set times over here  — Johan Baeten

Mac DeMarco: Thursday, 16.15, Club

Mac DeMarco has quickly become the ultimate slacker hero of this day and age and a true jizz jazz-hero thanks to his latest albums 2 and more recently the brilliant Salad Days. He'll definitely conquer everyone's hearts at Pukkelpop with his extraordinary personality, but most of all due to his beautiful guitar pop songs. Bliss.

Forest Swords: Thursday, 16.55, Castello

Right after DeMarco's set at the Club, you'll need to sprint towards the other side of the festival site, towards the Castello where Forest Swords will certainly play another intriguing and captivating set just like he did at Best Kept Secret in Holland nearly two months ago. His subtle and warm electronics, dark yet bright guitar lines, obscure loops and gloomy sounds result into something very unique - something very beautiful.

Oscar & The Wolf: Thursday, 01.00, Marquee

This Belgian quartet was featured on AS once, with one of their fantastic singles from the band's debut album Entity, which was released earlier this year. Now they get to headline Pukkelpop's largest tent on Thursday, at one am, something that will certainly help for Oscar & The Wolf while playing their dark, compelling and mysterious interpretation of r&b music.

Actress: Friday, 14.15, Castello

Raw techno sounds, ambient soundscapes, lo-fi beats and repetitive trips: all of these elements make Darren J. Cunningham alias Actress one of a kind in the world of electronic music. We're pretty sure he'll turn the Castello into a dreamworld for forty-five minutes. This might be one of Cunningham's last times in Belgium as his latest album Ghettoville is supposed to be his last as Actress.

Wild Beasts: Friday, 18.15, Club

Well, what do Wild Beasts still have to prove after their brilliant album Present Tense earlier this year? Kendal's four-piece are definitely playing champions league nowadays with their bright and generally flawless art and synth pop. Make sure you catch Wild Beasts live on Friday.

Madensuyu: Friday, 20.35, Wablief?!

We couldn't post this article without mentioning Pukkelpop's Wablief?!, a stage that only features Belgian acts. One of those very fine Belgian bands is Madensuyu (Turkish for mineral water), a Ghent based duo characterized by raw and dark noise, strong drums and grim; sharp sounding guitars. Their hypnotizing atmosphere will surely impress those who go and see Madensuyu.

The War On Drugs: Friday, 23.45, Club

Here's another outfit that's proven to be one of the best in their league after their nearly perfect LP Lost In The Dream surprised, moved and convinced almost everyone. Adam Granduciel and co are playing the Club in the dark as headliners of the stage - and we're totally ready to be drowned in the band's mesmerizing and oh so beautiful rock music.

BRNS: Saturday, 12.30, Club

One of Belgium's top up and coming bands, BRNS, are hitting the stage pretty early on Saturday, but that shouldn't be a reason to miss their grand, emotional and lively mix of post rock and pure indie rock. Their sound is mysterious on the one hand, infectious on the other hand and always apealling. 

Arthur Beatrice: Saturday, 14.30, Castello

Minimalistic, ethereal and vivid pop music, often with pianos and clear crystal vocals. This could be a description of Arthur Beatrice (or at least an attempt). The band's debut effort titled Working Out sounds superb: emotional pop songs, colourful and expressive moments, clean-cut keys and The xx-like guitar lines: Arthur Beatrice have got it all. Don't miss this act.

FKA twigs: Saturday, 17.05, Castello

As you might have already noticed, Pukkelpop's Castello is an absolute hotspot for new and exciting pop music. That's why one of the internet hypes of this year in the music of r&b, FKA twigs, couldn't be excluded at the Castello. Her delicated, animated, sublime and intense twist on pop music is something special that won't return in the form of a different artist too soon. Be there to witness LP1 live.

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Here is another bunch of tips:

Larry Gus | Kelela | Cut Copy | Young Fathers | Perfect Pussy | Deafheaven | Jungle | Amatorski | Outkast | Ryan Hemsworth | Cashmere Cat | Slowdive | XXYYXX | Sharon Van Etten | Shlohmo | Balthazar | Kurt Vile & The Violators | The National | Kaytranada | John Wizards | Float Fall | Glass Animals | Robbing Millions | Tourist | Marble Sounds | St. Vincent | Darkside | School is Cool | Portishead

See you at Pukkelpop.

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SOPHIE: "HARD"

London based producer SOPHIE has been around for quite a while now but really get us going with the b-side to his new single Lemonade / High, which is out now on Numbers. "Hard" effortlessly ties together all of the smooth synths sections into one tremendous and deep track. The result is one incredibly bouncing and deliciously sounding vibe. -- Johan Baeten

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Oscar: "Kitchen Song"

You might have already heard one of Oscar's previous pop songs on this very page, but we're sure you've never heard him singing about his kitchen before. That's why we wouldn't want you to miss "Kitchen Song", the London based artist's new pop tune.

"Kitchen Song" starts with some low, King Krule-esque notes, before Oscar switches over to his typical sharp, clean-cut chords accompanied by lo-fi vocals and a brisk keyboard in the back. Overall Oscar convinces us once more and we're absolutely looking forward to a proper release by this young man from England. -- Johan Baeten

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HOMESHAKE: "Cash Is Money"

One of Mac DeMarco's bandmates goes by the name of Peter Sagar and he's got a solo project as well, called HOMESHAKE. A little while ago, he released a single taken from his upcoming LP In the Shower, which is out on September 26th through Sinderlyn.

The single is titled "Cash Is Money". It's a wonderfully laid-back track featuring an infectious chorus, some jazzy bass notes, bright guitar lines and most of all Peter's vocals, which fit brilliantly well with the entire feel of "Cash Is Money". Chill. -- Johan Baeten

via our friends over at Hearing Gold

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Ikonika: "Praxis"

London based producer Ikonika has shared a new song a couple of days ago, titled "Praxis", lifted from her forthcoming EP Position, out August 25th on the never disappointing label Hyperdub. "Praxis" kicks off with gloomy beats and continues in the same hazy atmosphere for the rest of the track, which is shaped up nicely with various melodic synths lines, accompanied by tremendous percussion and dusky keys in the background. All of it sounds very introspective and makes us long for the Position EP. -- Johan Baeten

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10 acts you shouldn't miss at Best Kept Secret

The Netherlands are known for having a handful of enjoyeable festivals, and all of those are characterised by very fine lineups year over year. Last year, Best Kept Secret Festival saw the day, featuring an impressive line-up. Besides that, we were told that the festival had some of the best food on earth and a beautiful location as well, and that's why we immediately bought our three day pass for this year's edition back in December of 2013. 

Now, as the full line-up is revealed, we firstly wanted to guide you through the entire festival, but thanks to the exams and the lack of time we're currently coping with, we decided to pick 10 acts (and a bunch of other names) you shouldn't miss at Best Kept Secret Festival, in case you're planning on going. If you aren't, you can still buy tickets over here or get excited in our place. We hope to see you in The Netherlands on June 20, 21 and/or 22! Check out our picks after the jump. -- Johan Baeten

James Blake: Friday, 20.15, Stage One

This Mercury Prize winning electronic artist obviously doesn't need to be introduced anymore. From 2009 on, James Blake is one of the prominent leaders in the electronic music genre. If his five EP's and two albums - all utterly excellent - somehow wouldn't convince you, there's still his outstanding live performance that will certainly do the trick.

Caribou: Friday, 23.30, Stage Two

David Snaith alias Caribou creates infectious, hook laden, folky electronica, as described by BKS. We couldn't illustrate the Canadian's warm, organic and ecstatic music better in a few words (although we just tried to). Caribou is the perfect end to the first day of Best Kept Secret, so be sure to catch him at Stage Two after the sun's set. 

Nils Frahm: Saturday, 13.30, Stage Two

Nils Frahm is known for his contemporary classical music. After hearing his ingenious music, centered around the piano, it's no wonder that he was taught to play the instrument during his childhood. His songs are lengthy, yet Frahm's music grows throughout the compositions and sound even more wonderful with every single listen. We're very curious to hear how his ambient music will sound in a tent early on the afternoon. 

Wild Beasts: Saturday, 16.45, Stage Two

Here's another Mercury Prize nominee all the way from the British Isles: Wild Beasts. Thanks to frontman Hayden Thorpe's falsetto, the band's ingenious rhythms and their direct and sometimes agressive synth sounds on Present Tense, Wild Beasts' latest album, the record sounds more accessible than any of the previous albums by the Kendal based four-piece. Together with their older work, Wild Beasts' set will certainly leave an impression on Stage Two, after Mogwai and right before Slowdive.

Slowdive: Saturday, 18.15, Stage Two

Although Slowdive will only play for 45 minutes, the fact that this legendary English shoegaze band plays Best Kept Secret and a dozen of other festivals in 2014 would be wishful thinking for Slowdive's fans twenty years ago. Slowdive's timeless, grand and moving shoegaze pop will undoubtedly be one of the festival's highlights.

Metronomy: Saturday, 19.45, Stage Two

You're right: Stage Two indeed is our favourite spot on Saturday. Next in the row is Metronomy: yet another British act that is playing Champions League (or World Cup as you like) nowadays. Their infectious, well-balanced and electronic pop music is very hard to resist. We're sure they'll conquer even more hearts on Saturday evening at BKS.

The War on Drugs: Saturday, 20.40, Stage One

After Metronomy's set, you should sprint towards Stage One to catch The War on Drugs, as their most recent release Lost In The Dream might well be one of our favourites of 2014 so far. The band's combination of straight-forward rock music, Americana and ambient guitars, as well as synthesizers and horns on their third album, is true brilliance and although the full-length crosses an hour in time, it never gets anywhere near the word 'boring'. Granduciel and his band are known for their mighty live shows so we're definitely looking forward to seeing The War on Drugs

RY X: Sunday, 13.00, Stage Five

Waking up to RY X  has already proven to be one of the finer things in life lately. And now Best Kept Secret has actually made it possible to do so in real life, as the organisation puts RY X on stage at 1pm. A perfect choice, as there's actually nothing better than waking up to Ry Cuming's magical, intimate and acoustic songs, as mentioned above. Make sure you don't oversleep!

Connan Mockasin: Sunday, 18.30, Stage Three

Meet another Oceania import, this time hailing from New Zealand: the one and only Connan Mockasin. His eccentric figure combined with the fact that Connan crafts brilliant, laid-back psychedelic pop are definitely enough to go and see this stellar artist. His guitar tunes are a true gift to any fans of the instrument. There's no doubt that this oddball will convince you thanks to his sticky and deliciously jazzy songs.

Forest Swords: Sunday, 22.15, Stage Five

And here's the finisher to your perfect festival: Matthew Barnes alias Forest Swords. The staggering music of this Liverpool based producer is simply so intense, original, sophisticated and mystical that there's no escaping from Barnes' late night set at Best Kept Secret. This show promises to be a grand and outstanding one. Yes, we might be putting some pressure on this young man - but he just shouldn't make his music so incredibly well.

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You might want to take a look at the timetable over here. These are our other (countless) tips:

Jessy Lanza | Broken Twin | Midlake | Jaakko Eino Kalevi | Pixies | Bombay Show Pig | The Haxan Cloak | Amatorski | PINS | September Girls | Mogwai | School is Cool | Girl Band | Chvrches | Roosevelt | Childhood | The Horrors | Belle & Sebastian | Fat White Family

Have a great weekend.

[analoguespheres]

The Wild Curve: "Warriors"

I can't help myself, but sometimes I need some catchy electro/funk music full of sunbeams, beach sand and anthem choirs in the background. Those are the moments in which I crave songs like "Warriors" by Scotland-based electro-pop duo The Wild Curve.

As cliché and Capital-Cities-esque as it gets, this tracks invades your earworm-cortex with humming melodies, muted guitar backings and a lot of LF filters resulting in an well-known feeling: the mass-media-influenced anticipation of "Oh come on, let the next chorus in!". Three minutes of fun, two years of trying to get it out of your head. -- Lukas Hermann 

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Violet Skies: "Power" & "Dragons"

Hailing from a small village near South Wales, singer/songwriter Violet Skies has just released "Power" feat. Ben Freeze, and the two are a powerful combination indeed.  This Kanye West re-work is incredibly captivating and showcases Violet's control over her dreamy and smooth vocals, as well as a compelling backing choir only enhanced by Ben Freeze's production and mixing. Like us, if you find yourself wanting more from Violet Skies, she has a debut EP entitled Dragons, available on the 22nd of June. Until this date, you can listen to her truly stunning title track below as well. Or if you are in London June 9th, you can catch her alluring live show based upon the five senses (click here for tickets). — Athylia Paremski

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Fyfe: "For You"

London singer/songwriter Paul Dixon, also known as Fyfe, and his crooning smooth vocals are sure to captivate you from the get-go in this new single, "For You." His distinctive stylistic sounds alongside ornate jazzy-electronic beats, melodic piano, and soulful saxophone, generate an incredibly moving and expressive composition that ended far too soon. If you like this, check out his other lovely tunes here. — Athylia Paremski

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Mixtape: April 2014

photo taken by Sandra Croft

Although we only gave you ten posts last month, we wouldn't want to leave you without our selection of remarkable songs which dropped in April 2014. Download the April mixtape below, or stream it via the Soundcloud set. Tracklist and Soundcloud set after the jump. — Johan Baeten

Analogue Spheres Mixtape: April 2014

01. Elvis Depressedly: "No More Sad Songs"

02. Oh, Rose: "Prom"

03. Nathree: "My May"

04. Donovan Blanc: "Minha Menina"

05. Oscar & the Wolf: "Undress"

06. Mac DeMarco: "Treat Her Better"

07. Bent Denim: "Nine Years" (not in Soundcloud set)

08. Douglas Dare: "Swim"

09. Baths: "Ocean Death"

10. Tin Gardens: "Leave Slow"

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Bedroom: "We All Need Something"

Noah Kittinger alias Bedroom probably has been our dearest protégé since the first days of AS, as Noah even helped us with starting up this blog back in 2012. Of course, he's better known as the one who's brought us tons of great music since that year, like his debut LP, which we had on heavy rotation back in the summer of 2012. Now we're stoked about the release of his upcoming sophomore album, which is titled Grow and is out on May 20th via Furious Hooves.

On "We All Need Something", Bedroom's sound seems to have distinguished a lot: the way the acoustic guitars open up and continue in the song is more well-balanced and sounds brighter. It also sounds like Noah took a lot more time finishing and precizing his songs. The hazy electric guitars kind of reminisce us of a typical summery feeling, as well as the synthesizers and Jade Lawhon's backing vocals, which all lift up a brilliant feel. Stream the first cut taken from Grow below, or watch the accompanying video for the song over here. Tracklist below. -- Johan Baeten

1. Being Hunted 2. Grow 3. Nothing Lasts 4. Move Forward 5. We All Need Something (feat. Jade Lahwon) 6. Hurry, Get up 7. Drift Away (feat. Jade Lawhon) 8. Hide 9. End.