Listen Punk

[listenpunk-blog]

Metric have announced that their fifth offering Synthetica which will be on sale from June 12. 

This is an album crafted from hard work, Haines once described the recording process for Synthetica as gruelling but the result of all this sweat is a stunning album. Obsession set in from the first self-deprecating line of opening track Artificial Nocturne and resulted in replaying the whole album three times in quick succession. This is an album filled with songs that will be screamed back at Metric at future shows.

If you can't wait until next Tuesday to hear Synthetica its streaming here.

[listenpunk-blog]

Next week Hot Chip will release their self-produced fifth album In Our Heads but the London based  boys are kindly streaming the whole album for fans already. You can hear the whole album here.

From first listen I can say that if you are a fan of Hot Chip you will love In Our Heads - this is a band at the top of their game. The goofy indie electro outfit have honed their skills to a point close to perfection with the themes of sex, dancing and making music being more cleverly overlapped than ever before to the point when its hard to tell which is which,"The way I feel about you, baby / in the middle of the night / There's just one thing that I can do / to make me feel all right ... Let's sweat." "Work that inside, outside/ work that board." "Remember when we both first felt / the world is sound / Remember when we both first heard / the wall of sound." Complicated to follow huh?

I've always struggled with Hot Chip and their unique take on dance, after persevering with four albums and always finding something lacking, am I the one with this feeling?

I'm hoping after a few more listens In Our Heads will convert me...only time will tell.

[listenpunk-blog]

San Cisco's single Awkward  dropped a few months ago and has been causing a stir in their native Australia.  It's is a simple track, a clean guitar hook and a soft rhythm accompany the cute boy/girl vocal duo lyrical exchange. Unfortunately this track that promises dayglo fun just isn't that fun...awkward!

The track is taken from the quartet's recent second EP which is also named Awkward which is an apt name especially when considering the soulless rendition of the Arctic Monkey's 505. Much like the title track it's okay but San Cisco have somehow managed to strip all the anger that the original is laden with leaving a track seemingly lacking substance. 

This is a young band, forcing themselves to look like they are having fun, promo shots are proof of this - relax those fake smiles guys! 

[listenpunk-blog]

If you listen to one album this week make it Alt-J's An Awesome Wave! Alt-J ∆ are one of the most exciting British bands around at the moment with their unique sound which combines crushing synths and tight vocal harmonies with folky verses.

Give it a listen I would be surprised if you didn't fall in love with the quirky quartet from Leeds. In case you have become so enamoured with Alt-J you can find out when and where they are gigging here. 

You can stream the whole album on Soundcloud and Listen Punk I suggest you do it!

[listenpunk-blog]

Beat Connection’s single The Palace Garden, 4am has received much praise since its release earlier this week. I feel like I must be missing the point.

The self described tropical psychedelic pop quartet have delivered an average at best electro pop track as an introduction to their forthcoming album. This is a stereotypical “summer song” filled with childish optimism and coupled with the kind of beat that rattles around your head uncomfortably for hours. 

From hearing this track would you buy the digital release of Beat Connections debut album The Palace Garden which is set for release on June 19?

[listenpunk-blog]

This is one of the stunning promo shots for cult British Beauty brands Illamasqua's new capsule collection Naked Strangers. Consisting of three nail varnishes, two lip glosses and two blushers in pink toned nudes and shimmering metallics Naked Strangers has understated summer glamour stamped all over it.

A slight move away from the companies usual campaigns, Illamasqua usually champion bold colour and serious attitude, this mini collection could entice the colour shy into the wonderful world of the Alter Ego.