May 20 2010

Substatic’s début EP

Substatic02

Well, they said their début EP would be out in May and, bizarrely for a band, it will be out in May. If nothing else we can, at least, say that Substatic are punctual!

I’m not going to go on again about how impressed I was with this Bristol based Electro act, you can read what I wrote about them in my previous post, but I will say how they managed to improve on tracks that didn’t need improving for the release of the ‘Days Go On’ EP. Listening to the original, demo, versions (check the prior post for mp3s) I would have said they were easily of release quality but, production wise, Substatic have really outdone themselves this time around. The sound is more separated, everything sits together better. the drums kick, the basses rumble and there are some additional synth and guitar flourishes that are now allowed room in the mix, but it’s the vocal production that really stands out from the demos. Again, I wouldn’t have said there was anything wrong with the vocal production first time round, but now the vocals really shine. All-in-all these new recording really showcase Substatic’s unique blend of modern Electro, Breakbeat and songwriting talent.

There are four tracks on the EP. New versions of ‘Wild Horses’ and ‘Triplet’, which we featured formerly. Both tracks have had some radio play, ‘Wild Horses’ being a Electro Breakbeat epic and ‘Triplet’ being an edgy, bass laden, Indie-electro tune with some Dubstep overtones. Either would be worthy of a single release. My personal favourite track on ‘Days Go On’ is ‘Edge Of Your Love’, an Electro-House/Nu-Disco stomper with a touch of (a more ballsy) Goldfrapp about it. As with tracks one and two, ‘Edge Of Your Love’ could easily carry a single release on it’s own. The EP draws to a close with ‘Closer’, a deep, bass heavy , emotional journey and a perfect end to the EP with a finale that layers strings and sparkling synths to almost spine-tingling effect. I know I mentioned it in my previous write up, but there really is something of the dramatic to Substatic’s songs. Whether it is in Alex and Steve’s intricate, driving, music or Colleen’s passionate vocal delivery, as a listener you really do feel a depth of emotion and a sense of urgency to the tracks.

♫ Substatic – Edge Of Your Love

If you want to pick up the full quality release (and you do!), ‘Days Go On’ drops 31st May but can be pre-ordered right now!

Substatic @ 7Digital

Substatic @ Amazon

May 20 2010

Plushgun + Buffetlibre for PEACE

Plushgun

I’m really getting into this track, it’s Plushgun’s effort, as reMixed by the Buffetlibre DJs, from their PEACE project in association with Amnesty International.

‘Mixtapes’ a good song with a killer reMix, a brilliant slice of ElectroPop. Buffetlibre have taken the guitar based Indie original and created a high energy track reminiscent of early 90’s SynthPop.

♫ Plushgun – Mixtapes (Buffetlibre reMix) (zShare) (MediaFire)

Buffetlibre and Amnesty International’s PEACE album is out now, you can pick it up, and make your all important donation, here.

May 19 2010

electronic rumours mixtape: Pop-Fu 06

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With the weather getting better it seems like no better time to drop an upbeat Mixtape of smooth ElectroPop and Dreamwave:

01 The Good Natured – Your Body Is A Machine (Zebra & Snake reMix)
02 Crystal Castles – Celestica (Album Mix)
03 Monarchy – The Phoenix Alive (Original Version)
04 The Vanish – Hold On (Russ Chimes Mix)
05 Yes Giantess – The Ruins (Fear Of Tigers reMix)
06 Cassette Kids – Lying Around (Diamond Cut reMix)
07 Shy Child – Disconnected (Anoraak reMix)
08 Ellie Goulding – Starry Eyed (Russ Chimes reMix)
09 Fenech-Soler – Stop And Stare (Original)
10 Barretso – We Won’t Stop (Redial reMix)
11 Penguin Prison – The Worse It Gets (Starsmith reMix)
12 HURTS – Better Than Love (LightsOverLA reMix)

If the weather isn’t getting better where you are, stick this on and pretend it is!

May 18 2010

HURTS reMixed

Hurts

Only a matter of days now until the release of HURTS first ‘proper’ single. ‘Better Than Love’ is already getting some good airplay here in the UK (Radio1 have finally playlisted it!) so it looks promising that the single could do well.

To stave off the anticipation check out LightsOverLA’s take on the track, keeping most of the song intact they inject a little more dancefloor appeal with a heavier beat and mid-song breakdown.

♫ HURTS – Better Than Love (LightsOverLA reMix) (zShare) (MediaFire)

HURTS’ ‘Better Than Love’ single drops on the 24th.

HURTS @ Beatport

HURTS @ Juno

HURTS @ Amazon

May 18 2010

La Roux reMixes

LaRoux06

Is it time for a new La Roux album yet? Or are Elly and Ben still gallivanting ‘round the world promoting the last one?

Oh well, it’s gonna’ be while before they’re back in the studio I expect so the occasional trawl of the internet for unheard reMixes may sometimes be in order, sometimes you can find some real gems like these two!

No Roux No, out of nowhere, has dropped what may be one of my favourite reMixes of ‘Bulletproof’, like a stripped down Nu-Disco track the whole song revolves around the ever evolving lead line, it’s well worth a listen. Mr. TinoForever, however, drops a dubstep reMix of ‘In For The Kill’ to rival Skream’s, with some heavy, heavy synths.

♫ La Roux – Bulletproof (No Roux No reMix) (zShare) (MediaFire)

♫ La Roux – In For The Kill (Mr. Tinoforever reMix) (zShare) (MediaFire)

Interestingly, La Roux were on BB2’s documentary about Heaven 17 last night and Elly was joined by Ben for the interview, does this mean he’s stepping out of the shadows? (he probably just has a lot to say about Heaven 17, but who wouldn’t?).

May 18 2010

Fotonovela reMix Groove Armada

Groove Armada

Fotonovela stopped by the electronic rumors inbox to drop off their latest reMix, of Groove Armada’s recent single featuring the vocals of Ben from Fenech-Soler and SaintSaviour, ‘Paper Romance’.

Fotonovela are a Greek duo who hail from the Undo stable alongside Marsheaux, and as with their label-mates they are masters of ElectroPop.

The reMix a pretty awesome retro synth workout. It’s a good song anyway but the pair add a cool arpeggiated late-80’s SynthPop vibe to it. The more I listen to it the more I’m digging it, the chords in the chorus and the sparkling lead lines remind me so much of the Pop I grew up with without sounding dated at all. I’ll defiantly be keeping my eye on Fotonovela.

♫ Groove Armada (Feat. Ben From Fenech-Soler And SaintSaviour) – Paper Romance (Fotonovela Rmx) (zShare) (MediaFire)

‘Paper Romance’ is out now.

Groove Armada @ Beatport

Groove Armada @ Juno

Groove Armada @ 7Digital

Groove Armada @ Amazon

May 17 2010

Underworld’s new single

Underworld

The new Underworld single (featuring Welsh Drum & Bass man High Contrast) is really growing on me.

Underworld have always been innovators and genre barrier breakers when it comes to electronic, and specifically dance, music. House, Breakbeat, Techno, Acid, Drum & Bass have all been churned in Underworld’s musical mixing bowl and always been sprinkled with a little ElectroPop topping. ‘Scribble’, is a feelgood Drum & Bass tune with an ElectroPop vocal, not something that always works but here it feels just right.

♫ Underworld (Feat. High Contrast) – Scribble (Radio Edit) (zShare) (MediaFire)

‘Scribble’ is the first track taken from the forthcoming new Underworld album which is due for release later this year.

Underworld @ Beatport

Underworld @ Juno

Underworld @ 7Digital

Underworld @ Amazon

May 17 2010

HURTS mini-documentary

HURTS were recently featured on Channel4’s 4Play with an 11 minute insight into how the guys approach both the music and the visuals of HURTS, also commenting on how risky it was to release HURTS into the wild via big ‘events’ (both the EP and live show) rather than the usual oversaturation.

It’s a good watch for anyone interested in the band.

And here’s the full version of ‘Better Than Love’ from the show.

HURTS’ ‘Better Than Love’ single drops on the 24th.

HURTS @ Beatport

HURTS @ Juno

HURTS @ Amazon

May 16 2010

Ali Love; Love In Darkness

AliLove03

Courtesy of the fine folks at Big Stereo, check out this leak from Ali Love’s forthcoming album, ‘Love Harder’.

It’s an arpeggio fuelled, sleazy, lament with a serious mid ‘80’s lead line that just makes us exited for this album release even more. The injection of a 303 acid build around the 3m20s mark is both jarring and genius, the whole song has a vibe of the best/worst night of your life.

♫ Ali Love – Love In Darkness (zShare) (Sharebee)

Back Yard Recordings are releasing ‘Love Harder’ soon.

[Via Big Stereo]

May 16 2010

DMX Krew’s new album!

DMXKrew

DMX Krew are easily one of my favourite artists of all time. At one time or other Ed DMX has covered most of my personal preferences in electronic music, from Electro Hip-Hop to retro SynthPop, from Experimental to Space Synth.

it’s been a while since we’ve had and of DMX Krew’s Pop material, recent releases have been Experimental electronic odysseys and his latest album, ‘The March To the Stars’, builds upon this while adding a touch of an electronic soundtrack vibe. At times sounding like Jean-Michel Jarre by way of Kraftwerk this is a record that can take to away with it on a robotic journey.

It’s an odd comment for a website that deals with electronic music to make, but this album is just so damn electronic!

It’s good to have DMX Krew back!

♫ DMX Krew – Hellfire (zShare) (Sharebee)

♫ DMX Krew – Soundmaster ’88 (zShare) (Sharebee)

‘The March To The Stars’ is our now!