[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!

Tweet

[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. 

Tweet

[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. 

Tweet

[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.

Tweet

[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.

Tweet

[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. 

Tweet