[Indie - Pop] Swim Deep - She Changes The Weather

So, it was getting pretty late here in Perth and I was contempt to just head off to bed after a hard day at work. Just before I could turn off my computer, I was greeted by Swim Deep’s newest single “She Changes The Weather” via a friend’s post on Facebook. Turns out that this is literally the most beautiful song I have heard this year.

We’re no strangers to Swim Deep, but this single is a welcomed change of pace from their usual grungy surf pop/rock. That two-minute intro built on that wondrous reverberating piano really does wonders in capturing your heart and imagination — I think I was almost in tears from pure happiness.

If that wasn’t enough, the lyrics “She makes me feel like I can see for miles/She changes the weather in my bones, seem like it’s never getting cold” are oh-so-warm and heartfelt. The boys from Birmingham have really outdone themselves on this occasion. Every second of this song is filled with pure beauty and adoration.

Taken from their upcoming debut album Where In Heaven Are We, “She Changes The Weather” has got me very excited indeed.

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[Indie - Pop] Noah And The Whale - There Will Come A Time

So let me get something straight, brand new albums from Phoenix, The Strokes, Vampire Weekend, Empire of The Sun, Cold War Kids and now Noah & The Whale in 2013? Seems like it's going to be a fantastic year for music. 

"There Will Come Time" is the lead single from their fourth album Heart of Nowhere and is a rather upbeat approach from the Twickenham quintet. Imagine The National playing upbeat music, this is exactly what they would sound like. 

Heart of Nowhere is scheduled to be released on the 6th of May - mark it in your calendars like the rest of 'em.

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[Electro - Pop] Owl Eyes - Closure

Owl Eyes (aka Brooke Addamo) has had quite the journey from reaching the top 11 in the 2008 Australian Idol to wowing audiences with her cover of Foster the People's hit single "Pumped Up Kicks". It seems not all hope was lost by her elimination in the idol series as she now has a set of 3 EP's under her belt and a debut album on the way titled Nightswim. 

The lead single "Closure" is absolute pop magic. For a young lady of just 22 years of age, she is producing music way beyond her years - a testament to her shear determination and personal growth over the years. Glittering synths and angelic vocals over a deeply layered ethereal backdrop, there isn't anything more you could ask from this single. 

Nightswim is out April 19th so get pre-ordering!

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[Indie - Pop] The Features - This Disorder

The Features fell onto my radar a couple of years ago when they were featured on the Twilight, Breaking Dawn: Part 1 soundtrack. Not that I watched the movie, but the soundtracks of the series actually uncover some pretty decent indie artists.

"This Disorder" is the lead single from their newest self titled album to be released mid May this year. The track only gets dancier as it builds up to a spiky chorus - though it never bursts into full indie-disco mode. The Features' self-titled new album is due May 14, making for their fifth full-length and first since 2011's Wilderness. 

Here's hoping they stay healthy enough for another five.

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[Mashup] Cassius vs Outkast - Feeling For Rosa (Flight Facilities Mashup)

I'm not usually a fan of many mashups, but when Flight Facilities are involved it definitely receives my full attention. Their latest work "Feeling for Rosa" is a mashup between Cassius' "Feeling For You" and Outkast's "Rosa Parks" which was created for their 90's mix.

They weren't actually going to release as a separate download, but due to popular demand they decided to give it out for free. So how's the mashup? Pretty damn funky if you ask me. I had loved both songs back in my day and combining them was absolute genius.

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[Indie - Pop] Vampire Weekend - Step/Diane Young

So the wait is finally over! Today was the day that the world got what they wanted - brand new material from New York's illustrious Vampire Weekend. No more replaying live acoustic sets or live performances at festivals, the studio versions are here.

The strange thing is we received two new tracks, not just one, but hey I'm not complaining! Both of them will appear on the highly anticipated third studio album Modern Vampires of The City. The first track "Step" definitely has a very Contra feel to it, but also takes some elements from earlier tracks "M79" and "Walcott".

"Diane Young" probably needs a bit of time to grow on me I think. It's definitely a different sound and comes off slightly aggressive for my liking. If there's anyone to sway me it's Ezra Koenig for sure.

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[Folk - Pop] Vance Joy - Riptide

It's not everyday that your second single gets roughly 50,000 plays in one week on Soundcloud, but that's exactly what Melbourne's Vance Joy (aka James Keogh) has experienced with his second single "Riptide". Hopefully it's not just James' mum that is pressing that play button on Soundcloud haha.

If you're a fan of the old folk-pop scene then you'll love the sound he's producing at the moment. I know I've spoken about my love for the banjo before, but the ukelele in this particular number lifts this song to new heights. Much like Mumford & Sons have their banjo, Vance Joy has his trusty ukelele.

There isn't actually one boring bit in this song! It's filled with numerous hooks and well-constructed bridges, there's just so much going on in this song, but James' strong vocal performance will have you captivated all the way through.

The single comes from his debut EP God Loves You When You're Dancing  to be released this Friday in Australia. Enjoy!

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[Electro - Pop] Little Boots - Broken Record

Continuing that dark electro pop sound that we witnessed with "Motorway," Little Boots has released the second single from her second studio album Nocturne.

"Broken Record" plays much like a broken record, which by itself is quite amusing, but at the same time it is quite literally a throbbing-disco-candy-stick-hip-thruster of a song with bells on.

Believe me when I say that you will be singing the chorus over and over and over again. 

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[Indie - Pop] Jinja Safari - Plagiarist

Well it was about time that we heard a new single from Jinja Safari! "Plagiarist" is the first single from their self-titled sophomore album to be released on the 17th of May. 

Lots of fun to be had with this single, bringing those fast paced Vampire Weekend like guitar lines and their signature jungle beats. There's something so very infectious about these guys and I can't quite put my finger on it.

Great start to 2013 for the Sydney lads. 

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[Electronic] Goldroom - Sweetness Alive (Wax Nostalgic Remix)

As good as the original was, I always knew in the back of my head that Goldroom's "Sweetness Alive" had great potential to be remixed by someone special. Enter Canada's Wax Nostalgic or David Hayes as he's known to get the job done. 

There's a certain amount of nostalgia associated with his remixes and this one is no different. I didn't think it was possible, but the wonderful vocals performed by Saint Lou Lou shine even more brightly in this stripped down version. You can instantly tell that David was looking to enhance their vocals with his selection of atmospherics.

Certainly less dance-y, but all the more relaxing.

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[Alternative - Rock] Mainland - Wasted

These guys had me fooled, I was convinced that they were English! No, but seriously they sound exactly like a cross between The Kooks and The Strokes. It doesn't matter, they sound awesome!

Mainland are a Brooklyn garage rock quartet and the single "Wasted" comes from their latest 2 track EP released late last year. Like I said before they really have established quite a convincing brit pop sound, they could be a good prospect in the future.

Check out "Stroll", their other single from the EP. It won't disappoint.

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[Indie - Pop] Hunter Hunted - Operating

Remember these guys? Dan Chang and Michael Garner (former members of Lady Danville) of Hunter Hunted are back with their debut self titled EP after the most successful release of "Keep Together" earlier this year.

"Operating" fits nicely within its own niche, combining elements of both pop and rock to transport the listener to a place of euphoria. You will instantly recognize those soaring vocal harmonies over a synthy, blissed out backdrop.

Much love for these guys at the moment. 

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