Familjen - Mänskligheten
(Hybris / Shock)
Looking for something a little different? Swedish indie-electro/synthpop artist Familjen will deliver with his third album Mänskligheten. I started listening to this album yesterday and am a little unwilling to disclose how many times I’ve already played it. If lyrics are important to you, you might not find the same level of appreciation; they’re in Swedish – but there’s something a little fantastic about that, isn’t there? From the sad dreaminess of “Man ser det från månen” to the somewhat middle eastern funkiness of “Viggo”, but perhaps not the Ministry of Sound tackiness of “Vinter i april” (you can give that one a miss!), I’m really enjoying this album. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a back-catalogue to see to.
Bonobo – Black Sands
(Ninja Tune)
Black Sands is the fourth album from British musician Bonobo (Simon Green), and is his first release in four years. If you really enjoy downtempo, electronic instrumental music and, like me, it’s been a while since you’ve heard something that’s stood out and had you love it; this album is for you. It’s 55 minutes of a kind of downtempo trip hop with beautifully layered instrumentals that will have you listening over and over. A layered, complicated sound that never feels messy, Black Sands is already one of my 2010 favourites. Out April 16.
Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms
(Popfrenzy)
If you had the pleasure of seeing Neon Indian at Moth recently, you won’t need me telling you how amazing this album is. Psychic Chasms is the Texas band’s first LP release and has garnered an enormous amount of praise. An interesting mix of guitar and synth sounds; it has an electropop/psychedelic rock feel to it that may remind you of MGMT. Before you screw your nose up, the sound is definitely their own, and the album, at only 30 minutes long, is sure to secure Neon Indian’s place as one to watch! Get your hands on a copy from Jan 30th!
Scott Spark – Kathleen EP
(Other Tongues)
The Kathleen EP from local singer/songwriter Scott Spark is a sneak peak at what we can expect from his forthcoming LP Fail Like You Mean It. A beautiful, easy listening set of songs you’d pair perfectly with some quiet evening cocktails; the talented pianist and vocalist tells stories of love and hurt in an upbeat, enjoyable set that leaves you wishing for more. Be sure to see him live at the Brisbane Powerhouse during April!
