We never actually published the list, but The War On Drugs’ “Slave Ambient” was our favourite record of the year – and new b-side “Don’t Fear The Ghost” continues its linear, melancholic theme. So subtle, and yet so enveloping; it’s definitely one to get yourself lost in.
We’re not going to lie – we’re pretty bloody excited about everybody’s favourite potentially-mentally-unstable indie act Alt-J. Their brilliant eccentricity keeps surpassing their previous efforts; see the meandering strangeness of new track “Fitzpleasure” for proof. Its brooding, almost schizophrenic tone is completely bonkers, but they tie the whole thing together seamlessly. In fact, they’re so good that all their off-the-wall ideas end up coalescing into a gloriously unhinged pop song. And when someone can do that, you know they’re good.
FRENCH FILMS – You Don´t Know from Teemu Niukkanen on Vimeo.
French Films have somehow positioned themselves in an unbelievable position; they write towering, anthemic indie-pop, and somehow pull it off as if they’re the hippest, Urban-Outfitters loving, roll-your-own-fags lot from Shoreditch. And they’re from Finland. It just defies logic, but it has happened, and the best part is that as radio-friendly as their tunes may be, there’s more than enough substance and character there to satisfy the sternest, monocled Guardian critic. Almost like a more grandparent-friendly Yuck.
It’s the sort of situation that generally culminates in bands landing themselves hyperbolic feature pieces in the music press; surely it’s only a matter of time before somebody suggests that they’re about to save the guitar from its long expected death? Or maybe a xenophobic Daily Mail music journalist will call them part of the “Nordic Invasion” and slam their debut album? Only time will tell, but for now they’ve got the influential support of Ja Ja Ja and Record of the Day – and after being completely convinced by these two songs, we’re completely on-board, too.
RSS
Newsletter
Twitter
NetworkedBlogs
