#jeffmix 5

[jeffmix]

JeffMix 5  /  2016.05.02

ASTRONOID “Air”

Everything has been done in music, but this is new. Chill-out metal? Ambient rock? Doesn’t matter, just keep slamming that bass drum.

Astronoid  /  twitter  /  facebook  /  bandcamp

SPICE BOYS “Fuk Luv”

See, this has been done before. But there can’t be enough rock songs that tell love where to go. B-bye.

Spice Boys  /  soundcloud  /  facebook

COURTS “No Lie”

Okay, not sure this has been done before either. UK Grime-influenced dancefloor bangers. Shit, that’s not true: The Rhythm Method did it, too.

Courts  /  soundcloud  /  twitter  /  facebook  /  youtube  /  instagram

MULLIGRUB “Canadian Classic”

A three-piece from Winnipeg, my hometown, with an original track that I’m pretty sure I heard 20 years ago nursing a beer at the campus bar. Fucking classic.

Mulligrub  /  soundcloud  /  twitter  /  facebook  /  bandcamp  /  instagram

BRAIDS “Companion”

Raising a glass to Björk who, let’s be honest, hasn’t made much as listenable in years. This is beautiful.

Braids  /  website  /  soundcloud  /  twitter  /  facebook

[jeffmix]

JeffMix 5 :: 2016.03.21

ALEX LAHEY “You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me”

I’m not one for “If you like blank, give a listen to blank” posts – because, really, does anyone follow that advice? But if you like Courtney Barnett, give fellow Melburnian Alex Lahey a try, especially her latest single with the Morrissey-like title, “You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me,” and especially if you want something more upbeat than Barnett (and way more than the Moz). Catchy, this.

Alex Lahey :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube :: instagram 

EMPRESS OF “Woman Is A Word”

Hey, Spencer Bernstein, dude, you said it all with your Genius.com comment that “Woman Is A Word” is a “woke-as-hell feminist slapper.” (Although, come to think of it, “slapper”?) It’s another strong-as-hell song from Empress Of, aka Lorely Rodriguez, the American-born Spanish-Honduran feminist musician: in other words, a Trump supporter’s worst nightmare.

Empress Of :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook

ADRIA KAIN “Kainthem”

If you like feminist woke-as-hell slappers, Toronto-based rapper/R&Ber Adria Kain’s got one too. “I ain’t ’bout that working for the man, nigga / That ain’t in my plan, I don’t think they understand.” And to paraphrase Bruce Springsteen, it’s just us and them, and don’t get caught on the wrong side of that line.

Adria Kain :: soundcloud :: twitter :: youtube :: instagram :: bandcamp :: tumblr

BELLEVUE DAYS “Pepper Tea”

Well, heartbroken British rocker guys need an anthem, too. Cue Bellevue Days’ “Pepper Tea,” which you could call “emo” although not sure that exists in the U.K. A worthy follow-up to the equally anguish-soaked “Let’s All Be Friends.”

Bellevue Days :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube

KENTON SLASH DEMON “TT”

Last week, electro icons Underworld released a new record. Stereogum attempted a list of their 10 best songs (decent, but not enough from Beaucoup Fish). I went down an Underworld hole for hours and nearly changed my Facebook background to the paint blotch that is the cover for Second Toughest In The Infants. So here’s “TT” by another duo, Kenton Slash Demon, which isn’t a tribute to Underworld, per se, yet of course it is.

Kenton Slash Demon :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube :: instagram

[jeffmix]

The JeffMix 5 :: 2015.02.1

AGGROCRAGG “Units”

I know little about the Carolina music scene, but the Southern state produced Toro Y Moi and now the Northern one’s given us another super-interesting bedroom musician in Aggrocragg, real name Lamont Brown. “Units,” from his recently released series of demos called Fifi Afterglow, is breezy and catchy, music he says is written “late night after work.” Settle in.

Agrocragg :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: bandcamp :: tumblr

THE ASSIST “In Your Ear”

Any mods still out there? They’ll be thrilled with The Assist, four “lads” from Birmingham, thick in accent and chirpy guitars, and their new single “In Your Ear” is smothered in Britishness. One breathless UK radio station has already labelled them “Birmingham’s next big thing,” and I won’t argue.

The Attic :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube

WE WERE STRANGERS “I Believe”

We Were Strangers is the new project from Manchester singer/songwriter Stefan Melbourne, and from the strength of lead track “I Believe,” it’s a winner. It’s perhaps a tad over-produced, and easy to imagine it used in a trailer for some movie weeper (with its young stars holding each other as the rain falls down), but the song’s bones are strong and a sign of more good things to come.

We Were Strangers :: website :: soundcloud :: facebook

MOURN “Your Brain Is Made of Candy”

Speaking of scenes, something’s happening with the young women of Spain. First there was Deers (now Hinds), four women from Madrid that got a lot of press last year based on a few raw SoundCloud tracks. Now it’s Mourn, three female teens (plus one dude) from Barcelona. “Your Brain Is Made of Candy,” is their third released track and it’s the tastiest, their rougher edges given a ready-for-the-mainstream sheen.

Mourn :: facebook

TRINIDAD JAMES “Black Man Pt. 1 ft. Big Krit”

Atlanta rapper/singer Trinidad James’ latest single, “Black Man,” is a timely plea for U.N.I.T.Y. and tribute to a local rapper who was recently shot and killed. Plus it’s just a good song, with old-school beats and a positive message (“Be a queen, queen!”) that harken back to the alt-hip hop of the 1990s.

Trinidad James :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook

[jeffmix]

The JeffMix 5 :: 2015.01.25

RUNAWAY BROTHER “Moth”

There’s been growing buzz for Cleveland emo-rockers Runaway Brother on the strength of a handful of EPs and fist-pumping SoundCloud tracks. Shout your way through new single “Moth,” from their upcoming debut album, down to its Springsteen-esque (catch the organ) finish.

Runaway Brother :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: bandcamp :: tumblr

TORO Y MOI “Empty Nesters”

Everyone’s favourite South Carolina musician named Chaz (last name Bundick) is far from a secret any longer, but new single “Empty Nesters” takes Toro Y Moi back to his earlier MySpace days, when his demos mixed more beach-rock sounds with the electro grooves he’s stuck to on recent albums. A bit psychedelic too. Groovy.

Toro Y Mo :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube

TOCCA “Best Friend Lover”

Not a lot of info on Tocca, a duo out of Texas that clearly do all their recording on a home set-up. But it’s endearing stuff, including “Best Friend Lover,” a Casiotoned love letter waiting to be spliced into a teen rom-com. RIP John Hughes.

Tocca :: soundcloud :: tumblr

FORTH WANDERERS “Painting Of Blue”

Slacker rock from New Jersey seems somewhat appropriate, the state from which people are born to run away, and on new album Tough Love, Forth Wanderers excel at it. “Painting Of Blue” is a tight lazy mess of a song, suitable for your next hangover.

Forth Wanderers :: soundcloud :: facebook :: bandcamp

LVTHER “One Look (ft. Mammals)”

Jonesing for a dancier Passion Pit? Here you go. From UK producer LVTHER and Aussie act Mammals, “One Look” hits a sweet spot between the dancefloor and indie cred.

LVTHER :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube

[jeffmix]

The JeffMix 5 :: 2015.01.18

YEARS & YEARS “King”

2014 finished with Years & Years’ single “Take Shelter” being named as my favourite song of the year. And 2015 begins with a triple feat: a new Y&Y single, the group being crowned BBC’s top Sound of 2015 artist, and another place on the JeffMix 5 (after previous single “Desire” in October). “King” sharpens their pop-dance sound even further with a love-it-or-hate-it synth-flute addition. Loving it here. As I wrote on Twitter, if Olly & the boys don’t have a Disclosure-size breakthrough this year, than I don’t know nothing.

Years & Years :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube :: instagram

WAXAHATCHEE “Air”

Speaking of loving everything they do, Katie Crutchfield project Waxahatchee is also set for a big 2015, following up on 2013’s majestice Cerulean Salt, a record I’m going to be playing until my last days. So that’s a pretty high bar, and after about 1,000 listens, I’m not sure “Air,” from upcoming album Ivy Tripp, rises to it. But the Crutchfield sisters (Katie’s sister Allison is in Swearin’ and put out this super-sweet solo EP last year) are champs, the Peyton & Eli Manning of music. I think I’m watching too much football lately.

Waxahatchee :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: tumblr

BLIS “Floating Somewhere High And Above”

I caught a few minutes of a Pixies reunion concert on TV this week, and despite the fact their touring has been chacterized as a cynical cash grab, lead singer Frank Black clearly didn’t give a fuck, all sweaty and large, eyes closed, banging on his guitar, screaming and daring you to like them. I turned the channel but damn I was in their corner back in the days. Don’t know if Atlanta three-piece Blis count The Pixies as an influence, but it’s a straight line from them to “Floating Somewhere,” a loud-soft screamer of a track that will have you tuned in. From the terrificly titled upcoming EP, Starting Fires In My Parents House.

Blis :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: bandcamp

PHANTOM POSSE “Blue Diamonds (ft. Renee)”

This is not what you might expect from a group that includes Makonnen, the hip hop artist fresh off the 40-million-play single “Tuesday” ft. Drake. And the rest of the EP, from which “Blue Diamonds” comes, is decidely different, at least if you’re expecting something to be played on Hot 97. Phantom Posse is the NY-based collective Makonnen and a bunch of other not-who-you’d-expect artists use to dabble in their softer and weirder side, including Renee Anderson (from Melbourne electro-pop duo Private Life), who provides turndown vocals on “Blue Diamonds.” Shimmering.

Phantom Posse :: website :: soundcloud :: facebook :: bandcamp

THE JULIANA HATFIELD THREE “Ordinary Guy”

On the heels of my Pixies reference, here’s another (as Stereogum calls them) “underrated early-’90s alt-popper.” Juliana Hatfield has reunited with the other two, putting out their first record in 21 years (which they crowdfunded, btw). And based on lead single “Ordinary Guy,” they’ve reknindled their alt-pop fire. If Portlandia can be a successful series based on the idea of keeping the ’90s dream alive, hopefully Hatfield’s new effort won’t be so underrated.

The Juliana Hatfield Three :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook

[jeffmix]

The JeffMix 5 :: 2014.12.21

MAX FROST “Let Me Down Easy”

I just watched the Jimmy Fallon episode of Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, which was top-notch and another highlight in a week dominated in pop culture by late-night TV. It’s an interesting time in entertainment, in which more artists are being rewarded less for unique talents (think David Letterman) and more their ability to synthesize what’s come before, while putting a smile on our faces (think Fallon). Switching to Texas singer/songwriter Max Frost, who, like many musicians breaking through lately, is a terrificly accessible mish-mash of soul, dance & pop. And his latest single “Let Me Down Easy,” a follow-up to 2012’s mostly online hit “White Lies,” is a seductive pop ballad that resists over-production and over-playing. Sneaky.

Max Frost :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube

THE JACQUES “Pretty DJ”

I’ve got music blog Unrecorded to thank for introducing me to Bristol four-piece The Jacques, a band that looks, sounds and is ridiculously young (the youngest is 16, the oldest 21). “Pretty DJ” is the strongest track on their newly released EP, four songs that wouldn’t be out of place on a Libertines or The Jam playlist. But their jangly rock sound is no mere imitation, despite the fact “Pretty DJ”’s story of “Mr. Cheekbones” not playing any of their tunes doesn’t ring true. First, these are good tunes, and second, a pretty DJ?

The Jacques :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube

HOLM. “Don’t Sweat It, Kid!”

I could’ve sworn Holm., a solo act based out of the U.S. East Coast (Boston & NYC), is from the UK, from both his The Streets-like pirate radio style and what seems like a British lilt. “Don’t Sweat It, Kid!” from new EP I Feel A Great Peace, is a good reply for my error and a needed musical reminder during these busy times. Its yoga-class lyrics (“I stopped worrying about the things I couldn’t control,” “You’ve got to roll with the punches, roll with the waves”) aren’t the easist fit with a much more kinetic Casiotone beat and what sounds like an out-of-tune guitar. But these are songs that don’t take themselves too seriously, a point made clearly on third track “I Wrote This Song on Nicks Guitar In The Middle Of The Woods.” Cool.

Holm. :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: bandcamp :: tumblr

JUAN CRISTOBAL FT. ANDRÉ DEPRIEST “So Precious”

Producer-singer collaborations are most strongly associated with either EDM or hip-hop tracks, not usually R&B. Nonetheless, Parisian producer Juan Cristobal specializes in late-night-hour grooves and brings out the silky best in L.A. soul singer André DePriest on "So Beautiful." For the Freddy Jackson fan in your life.

Juan Cristobal :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook André DePriest :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: bandcamp

TOUCH SENSITIVE “Teen Idols”

A doo-wop dance track? Australian producer Touch Sensitive pulls it off, although I don’t suggest others fall his lead. (You hear that, Pentatonix?) “Teen Idols,” with its choral voices and xylophone touches, is a track that suits the holidays well. All the best to you and yours during the festive season!

Touch Sensitive :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook

[jeffmix]

The JeffMix 5 :: 2014.12.14

GANGLY “Fuck With Someone Else”

From their slacker name and abrasive song title, you might guess this would be a neo-grunge band (more on that later). Settle in for a surprise. “FWSE” is a slow-boil of a track, a sexy, haunting but definitely pissed-off song by as-yet-unknown Icelandic group Gangly. (“Could you fuck with someone else? / Could you just leave me alone? / I’m so tired.” Okay, then.) It’s got a nice screen-saver video to go along with it, too. Think The XX with more “issues.”

Gangly :: soundcloud :: facebook :: youtube

GIRLPOOL “Alone At The Show”

I’m surprised it’s taken this long to write about Girlpool, as they’re one of the breakout acts of 2014. (Who else? Years & Years, The Orwells, Broods, Raury, Daniel Wilson, Shamir, Joyce Manor, Mitski.) And like Mitski, Cali duo Girlpool are another in the line of recent female “soft punk” acts, with their M.O. being guitar-and-bass-based tales of bad boyfriends and greaser lingo (“Slutmouth,” “Blah Blah Blah”). New track “Alone At The Show,” off an upcoming label compilation, isn’t a throw-away track: a two-minute spin on unrequited adolescent love (“You tell me stories about your mom… Won’t you take me home?”). No secret crush here.

Girlpool :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: bandcamp

MESITA “Together”

Mesita, a one-man show based out of Denver, is hard to pin down, and his tracks remind me – if not in style but in variety – to when I first heard Toro Y Moi. Chaz Bundick’s early tracks were all over the place – from dance, to surf rock, to fuzzy electro – and Mesita brings a similar can’t-stand-in-one-spot excitement. His latest single “Together” is more beat heavy than some of his other Soundcloud tracks, but even still it’s in that Tom Vek vain, a song that weaves together influences effortlessly. More to be heard from Mesita when he drops his full-length at the end of the month.

Mesita :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: bandcamp :: tumblr

SHY GLIZZY “Funeral”

The content of Shy Glizzy’s latest “Funeral” might make some uncomfortable, including me, but amidst the violence and misogyny is some real sadness (Glizzy’s grandma who’s “been through so much pain that she don’t give a damn”) and humour (“You might get your ass robbed at my funeral”). There’s a place in hip hop both for end-of-life pathos (“Tha Crossroads”) and Lil Wayne-style realness, and Shy Grizzly gives us both.

Shy Glizzy :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube

DIRTY DISHES “Red Roulette”

I promised some ’90s-style rock and here it is, from “L.A.-based, Boston-bred” duo Dirty Dishes. “Red Roulette” channels early Rivers Cuomo / Matt Sharp, a time that a lot of us lock back on fondly, with its sludgy riffs and strewn-pizza-box laziness; its repetitive verse is meant to make you give in, before a second gear kicks in towards the end. A Soundcloud commenter says, “It’s as if someone finally wrote a good new Weezer song” and I can't disagree.

Dirty Dishes :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube :: bandcamp :: tumblr

[jeffmix]

The JeffMix 5 :: 2014.11.30

PORTABLE “Surrender (ft. Lcio)”

Song of the Year Alert: I like to make too big a deal of song titles and band names, but “Surrender” indeed. Singer-producer-DJ Portable (real name: Alan Abrahams) has taken over my speakers not only with this slow-burn-defining soul-house track but the rest of his videos and tracks I’ve been clicking and replaying all week. I just sent an email to a friend with a bunch of Portable’s links, more than he’ll have a chance to get to, with this note: “It’s like the ’80s, ’90s and now put together.” Uncle.

Portable :: website :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: youtube

TRUST FUND “Cut Me Out”

Bristol indie-bedroom-rock band Trust Fund previously appeared on my April JeffMix podcast with “We’ll Both Apologise,” and new single “Cut Me Out” does an even better job balancing the band’s on-its-sleeve sensitivity with blow-the-door-off riffs. A full LP, including such unthreatening titles as “Sadness” and “Unwieldy Foam,” is coming in February on Turnstile Records, home of Perfume Genius and Christopher Owens, no stranger to fragile-rock themselves.

Trust Fund :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: vimeo :: bandcamp :: tumblr

KATE STEWART “Close Enough”

It takes a really good song to break through in an over-saturated new-R&B scene and “Close Enough,” from London singer Kate Stewart, manages the feat with slinky beats provided by ace producer Karma Kid, a combination that’s already worked well on previous track, “Tell Me ’Bout That.” Stewart’s also guested on more straight-forward dance hits by Oliver Heldens and TCTS, but it’s her more groove-laced solo work that hits the mark for me.

Kate Stewart :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook

BLACK SURF “Burn It To The Ground”

Before their was indie rock, there was alt-rock, a ’90s moniker saved for grunge-influenced bands that followed paths out of either Seattle or UMass. And unsigned London four-piece Black Surf are playing that sound forward, displaying a veteran-ness that speaks to their 10 years in different bands before their current incarnation. “Burn It To The Ground” nails it, from first hook to shout-along chorus, a standout from their new four-song EP. Nice one guys.

Black Surf :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook :: instagram

TREASURESEASON “Julep”

More music from London, this one from self-described “dream-pop” duo Treasureseason. And “Julep” fits the sounds of the season, with its twinkly electro beats. A million dollars to the person who can sub Tresureseason’s chilly tracks into Disney’s Frozen and stop the madness! If Daft Punk can be featured in Tron, I’ll hold out hope.

Treasureseason :: soundcloud :: twitter :: facebook