XS returns with the 5th fantastic installment of Hidden Gems for your audio amusement. Enjoy, but remember, you heard it here first.
Over the last two months I’ve been busy immersing myself in the very best from all corners of the musical spectrum, and I’m now ready to bring you Hidden Gems 5 – The Re-union Edition. Hope it was worth the wait.
Twos x Tours - As We Strive
Twos does stunning electronic ambient music. This collaboration with Tours sees the chill-wave producer take on not a wholly different sound but one that is potentially more widely appealing. As We Strive has numerous layers of higher than high, cut and paste vocals all carried along by dreamy electronica and hip-hop beats.
Glass Candy have something distinctly sensual about their work. The mix of echoed spoken vocals (“for a good time, call Glass Candy”), silky basslines and a Gorillaz 19-2000esque make their re-released 2008 single a delight if you’re into sugary laid-back pop. Try also the disco-inspired Warm In The Winter.
This one from Glasgow pop punks Casual Sex comes on like a freight train headed straight at you. The result is something brooding and wonderful that makes you want to shake and convulse like an epileptic zombie.
Wildarms – Full Hearts (Doss Remix)
Elusive and self-classified ‘ex (?) binaural beat DJ’ Doss takes the warped hip-hop sounds of NY producer Wildarms and moulds from them a stylish electronic piece tinged with drum’n’bass kicks and sprawling sampled horns. For more Doss see also her mix of How To Dress Well’s ‘& It Was You’.
Blackfeet Braves – Misery Loves Company
Delightful psychedelic tones from the San Diego five-piece.
Lion Babe – Treat Me Like Fire
Okay it’s gone massive - they have support from the likes of Solange Knowles and Bondax - but I just had to share with you this debut track from NY duo Lion Babe. Soulful, R&B streaked vocals dive in and out amongst glam and groove reverberations while the whole lot is topped off by some crafty crackling production. Sweet.
Rachel Zeffira – Wintertime
Rachel Zeffira recalls the birds leaving during the wintertime, while she remains, “calling, calling.” It’s sad and full of regret but it still gives you a great big warming hug once it’s over - not what one would necessarily appreciate this time of year but what with the unexpected cold snap, perhaps it’s what we all need.
Milk Music – I’ve Got a Wild Feeling
The latest EP from Washington rockers, Milk Music, stinks of booze, sweat and 90s rock. B side I’ve Got a Wild Feeling is self-confident with fuzzy driving guitars and an overwhelming sense of freedom.
James Yuill – Turn Yourself Around (Crofts Remix)
There’s something immediate and rewarding about the opening synth lines of this Crofts remix of James Yuill’s Turn Yourself Around. It’s well worth sticking around for the full 7 minutes - by this point you’ll be totally immersed in the eurotechno vibes - and for a few days after you’ll be able to listen to nothing else.
It’s a strangely rare thing to stumble across amazing generic indie music. This time round though, Yoodoo Park AKA GRMLN has smashed it, manufacturing a nostalgic unmistakably Californian pop rock anthem.
Anna Lunoe & Touch Sensitive – Real Talk (Cassian Remix)
Wait till 1.32 for this one to burst into colour. Try not to dance… it’s no use. You’re already moving.
Cymbals – The Natural World
Sprouting from math rock beginnings Cymbals have always been a self-assured and accomplished sounding outfit (Summer Escaping is a personal favourite.) The Natural World however sees them strike a fine sounding balance between new electronic and disco sensations whilst remembering the importance of that wholesome band atmosphere.
Screaming Females – Poison Arrow
Pure and unstoppable rock music that really will make females scream. (Maybe.)
Selebrities feat. Lissy Trullie & Erika Spring – Everywhere
Released over the Valentine’s period, this delicious rendition of the Fleetwood Mac classic is aptly affectionate, and is brimming with glorious spangled harmonies courtesy of American singer-songwriter Lissy Trullie and Au Revoir Simone frontlady Erika Spring.
Dutch Uncles – Fester (Wherka Remix)
Stockport’s Dutch Uncles have been busy of late, pushing their new album Out of Touch in the Wild and tackling numerous interviews in the hope of breaking into indie rock stardom. They’ve done well, and what’s even more exciting is the list of remixes that have consequently accompanied the record. Best of all is this remix of Fester by 21 year old Tom Leah AKA Wherka that comes on like a disturbed Two Door Cinema Club.
