BIGkids’ Kool-Aid
October 10, 2012
Fusing manipulated big-band sounds, forlorn disco beats, and delightfully schmaltzy lyrics, BIGkids’ debut album, Never Grow Up, is a full-on happy fest. The UK duo is comprised of Rosie Oddie, the the daughter of English comedian Bill Oddie, and Ben Hudson (aka Mr. Hudson), who is also part of Kanye West’s GOOD Music label.
Discovery: DENA
July 18, 2012
She may not yet have released a debut album, but Berlin-based MC DENA (Denitza Todorova) is already drawing lofty comparisons to artists like M.I.A. and Santigold based on the strength of singles “Cash, Diamond Rings, Swimming Pools” and “Boyfriend.”
A Sense of Kindness
March 23, 2012
Few artists today have the capacity to leave their listeners both feeling fulfilled and wanting more. The debut album from musical act Kindness (aka Adam Bainbridge), World, You Need A Change Of Mind, takes a romantic stab at putting us bitter, disconnected social-media addicts back into affection rehab, and on the road to real intimacy recovery.
Discovery: House of Blondes
March 9, 2012
Clean Cuts, the debut lo-fi release from ambient electro trio, House of Blondes, is a hypnotically minimal album, filled with light, airy vocals, analog chords, and solid drums.
The Manic Sentiment of Azari & III
January 19, 2012
Riding on the wave of ’90s and noughties house-music revisionism, Toronto’s production/DJ team Azari & III have managed to spark up ADD dance floors all over again with soul-flecked tunes, infused with samba beats, steel drums and electro elements.