Releases // Monday 11th May

Neils Children after being together a decade, and coming across a number of obstacles have released a full length album, "X.Enc". The band have put the record out on their own label Structurally Sound and has surprised me how much I've enjoyed listening to it. Previously the only track I knew particularly well was "I Hate Models" which although I have strong nostalgic feelings towards, it wasn't the greatest song. The record as expected sounds very post-punk with tracks like "Sometimes It's Hard To Let Go" but some tracks like "An Exchange" have been fused this with dark atmospheric tribal drums.

MP3:Neils Children - Sometimes It's Hard To Let Go (zShare)
MP3:Neils Children - An Exchange (zShare)


New York's Telepathe and Effi Briest join forces and cover each others tracks for a super limited 7". Telepathe remix Effi Briest's "Mirror Rim" and turn it into their own no wave song with their signature vocals and beats. Effi Briet cover "Chrome's On It" which becomes a spacey psych track which you can lost in. Remember to catch Telepathe at Stag and Dagger on the 22nd May.

Vivian Girls return with new 7" "Moped Girls" and on the flip side "Death". Unfortunately I went to try and buy this today but neither Crash or Jumbo had it, so I still haven't heard it. From what I've read the only place you can get hold of it is Rough Trade. Also if anyone finds MP3's of these tracks link me up please. You can also catch Vivian Girls at Stag and Dagger on the 22nd May.

The Horrors - Who Can Say from IM // UR on Vimeo.

The Horrors first physical single release from the new album is "Who Can Say". It is undeniably a good track, however it is clearly the most commercial song and is their attempt to convert their critics. Music video again by The Jesus and Mary Chain's former member Douglas Hart which is also much more mainstream compared to the fantastic "Sea Within A Sea" video. You can catch them at Cockpit on the 7th June with support from the fantastic Factory Floor.

MP3:The Horrors - Who Can Say(zShare)

Kasms release their debut album "Spayed" today. When i first heard this this band I was quite interested in them, however having heard quite a few tracks I've started to really dislike them. From the tracks I have heard off the album it doesn't look like my opinion will change.

Leeds based label Dance To The Radio last week (4th May 09) released the first of a series of four 12" singles. The first featured Wonderswan, Pulled Apart By Horses, Broadcast Society and Bear Hands. For me the only track that stood out was Wonderswan's "Hey Nature" the calm vocals over scuzzy guitars made me love it. I'm going to need to see these guys live next time they play.

Releases // Monday 4th May

'Primary Colours' the new album from The Horrors has been one of the most talked about albums of this year so far. The band have gone in a very different direction to their debut album, 'Strange House' which I wasn't a big fan of. Often being blamed of being image over substance but with his new record have really shown any doubters that they are very talented musicians. The album has been described as been a 'record collectors' album which isn't surprising considering the vast collection of records these guys have. You can see very distinct parts taken from My Bloody Valentine and Joy Division. The first track they released 'Sea Within A Sea' could be argued as being a rip off of krautrock legends Can's 'Mother Sky' and 'Scarlet Fields' of the Swiss band Grauzone's track 'Eisbär' download them below and listen yourself. Although I do have my criticisms the album is by far the best of 09 so far.

The Horrors - Scarlet Fields
Grauzone - Eisbär
The Horrors - Sea Within A Sea
CAN - Mother Sky



For any record collectors it might be worth mentioning that Radiohead have re-issued a bunch of their records check out the full list over at Rough Trade.

Heartbreak // Vice Mini Mix

Italo-Disco duo Heartbreak have recorded a mini mix for Vice Magazine called “Grandes Exitos de Ayer y Hoy”. It's full of great disco tracks and they even dropped The Horrors new single 'Sea Within A Sea'. Remember to catch Heartbreak on the 'NME Radar' tour on 7th May at Cockpit, the other acts on the bill may be terrible but it would be worth it so see Heartbreak perform live.

Check out the mini mix here.

E.Gold // Ones To Watch

E.Gold is a new London based musical project. Their newest track CPIBTA is a experimental disco influence track which features vocal from Alexis from The Violets and I love it. Although currently unsigned I dont think it will be long before it is released, so they are certainly ones to watch. On their myspace their are two remixes of CPIBTA, one by Passions and the other by Tomethy Furse (The Horrors/ Spider and the Flies) which are both great offerings.

The Horrors // Countdown Over // Sea Within A Sea

The countdown on The Horrors website ended at midnight and revealed their new music video. The video is for a track called 'Sea Within A Sea' and is a big departure from their debut album 'Strange House'. Douglas Hart from The Jesus and Mary Chain has directed the new video which shows that the band have gone in a shoegaze direction, which I am a big fan of. Other changed are Rhys now on bass and Tom on synth.

The single which has been taken from their forthcoming album 'Primary Colours' which is due to be released on the 4th May. It has been produced by Geoff Barrow from Portishead and the single is available to download for free from their website if you join the mailing list.

The band have also released dates of a U.K tour and they are coming to Leeds on the 25th May and are playing The Brudenell Social Club. Tickets can be brought from here.

The Horrors // Countdown To Single Release???

Southend's garage rock band The Horrors have started a countdown on their website today. It's unsure what they are counting down to but most people seem to be speculating that it's a release of a single. The count down is due to end at midnight on Monday 16th March. Their new album has been recorded and is set to be released later this year. We'll keep you posted on release dates and any live performances they confirm.