Swans Deliver New Album
Rejuvenated noise merchants Swans have confirmed details of their startling new album ‘My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky’.
Swans are one of the most important yet unheralded acts in American music. Outsiders, their love of noise connected the No Wave scene to wider rock music.
Helping to inspire Sonic Youth, the band focussed their noise roots to find something much more universal. Moving through industrial, grunge and more the group’s output is nothing if not varied.
Now Swans have returned. Leader Michael Gira has brought the band out of hiatus, confirming a number of UK tour dates. In addition to this, the group have been working on their first new material for over a decade.
Issuing a statement Gira was unequivocal. “THIS IS NOT A REUNION. It’s not some dumb-ass nostalgia act. It is not repeating the past. After 5 Angels Of Light albums, I needed a way to move FORWARD, in a new direction, and it just so happens that reviviing the idea of Swans is allowing me to do that.”
Swans have reformed with members from the band’s celebrated mid-period, promising to be as brutal and forward thinking as ever. New album ‘My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky’ moves between acid folk to noise drone, switching mood in a second.
The Horrors Art Exhibition
The Horrors singer Faris Badwan is set to open a major new exhibition of his work in London’s Book Club gallery.
The Horrors borrow freely from Britain’s rich art school tradition. Acts such as Roxy Music were born in the hot house conditions of the art school, blending fashion with impeccable musical influences.
Returning with their Krautrock inspired second album ‘Primary Colours’ The Horrors launched themselves into the upper echelons of the British indie scene. Yet away from the music, the band nurtured other creative outlets.
Singer Faris Badwan attended St Martins College Of Art, using his skills to craft inventive cover designs for the band. Releasing fanzines and t-shirts, his aesthetics have helped to define the group’s visual appeal.
In addition to this, Badwan has designed artwork for Hatcham Social, Lumina and The Charlatans.
Back in 2007 the frontman opened his first stand alone exhibition, taking his art to The Bodhi Gallery on London’s Brick Lane. Last year the singer held a new show in Bristol, and will now return to London for a major new exhibition.
I Am Kloot September Tour
Cult Manchester act I Am Kloot have confirmed details of a lengthy British tour in September.
Try as they might, some groups just never quite get the recognition they deserve. Lauded by fellow songwriters, it seems that I Am Kloot could yet break through to the mainstream with their sublime new album.
‘Sky At Night’ isn’t a tribute to Patrick Moore, but it is a glorious collection of well crafted songs. Leader John Bramwell is capable of making a commercial pop track without being cheesy, adding some intelligence and wit for good measure.
A literate and thought provoking songwriter, I Am Kloot are built upon Bramwell’s material. However there is much more to them than that with all three members capable to expanding upon his ideas.
For ‘Sky At Night’ the band were re-joined by some old friends. I Am Kloot recorded the album with assistance from long time superfan Guy Garvey, with Elbow colleague Craig Potter dropping by for good measure.
Out now, the new album has been gaining warm reviews. I Am Kloot have been playing a series of shows to promote the record, joined by an array of guest musicians to flesh out their live sound.
Ninja Tunes Anniversary Box Set
Celebrated independent label Ninja Tune is set to turn 20 years old with an expansive new box set.
Few labels hold the cachet of Ninja Tune. Founded by electronic duo Coldcut the label has tread its own path for two decades now, with its deeply individual signing policy uncovering some unique talents.
Amongst the acts currently on the label’s roster are Roots Manuva, Toddla T and many more with Ninja Tune moving from electronica to hip hop and reggae.
Now the label is set to turn twenty years old with a new box set. Due out on September 20th ‘Ninja Tune XX’ contains some stunning material, including brand new cuts from some of the imprint’s foremost artists.
Amongst the acts donating new material are (deeeeeep breath): Amon Tobin, Roots Manuva, The Cinematic Orchestra, Kid Koala, Mr Scruff, The Bug, King Geedorah, Zomby, Jaga Jazzist, Bonobo,Toddla T, Daedelus, Dorian Concept , Eskmo, Floating Points, Jammer, Two Fingers, Wagon Christ, The Heavy, cLOUDDEAD.
‘Ninja Tune XX’ is split into three cases, with the first containing six CDs of exclusive new music. The second case contains six 7 inch singles alongside a cute Ninja Tune family tree poster.
Tom Jones On Spiritual Songs
Welsh crooner Tom Jones has spoken about his new stripped back album ‘Praise And Blame’.
Tom Jones: tanned skin, ripped open shirt, medallion on a hairy chest. Think you know Tom Jones? Think again. On his new album the singer tears down the public’s perception to reveal a much rawer depiction.
The Welsh singer recently turned 70, and obviously desires something to match his age. Tom Jones was invited to record a Christmas album last year, sparking the idea for an album of spiritual material.
“We said, ‘If we’re going to do this, why don’t we take a bit of time and get it done right?’” he told The Guardian. “And it was suggested, thank God, that we approach the producer Ethan Johns.”
Fresh from working with Kings Of Leon, Ethan Johns is one of the most celebrated young producers around. Signed up to the new project, he insisted on a new backing band and a raw studio approach.
Choosing a number of old time religious songs, it took a rendition of ‘Run On’ to waken everyone involved to the potential of ‘Praise And Blame’. “Suddenly it happened, it caught fire” Tom Jones explained.
No Age Album Details
Los Angeles duo No Age have confirmed details of their new album ‘Everything In Between’ and a full UK tour.
No Age represent something of a renewed spirit in American music. The duo named themselves after an SST compilation, and have a strict DIY ethos when it comes to recording new material.
Secluding themselves in their home studio after last year’s EP ‘Losing Feeling’ No Age are now ready to face the outside world. In the meantime, their noise pop sound has influenced countless new acts.
Returning to find a new audience for their music, No Age have confirmed details of their second album on Sub Pop. ‘Everything In Between’ is due for release on September 27th, a bold new step for the band.
Taking on board found sounds on the ‘Losing Feeling’ EP, the new release finds No Age stretching out even further. Perhaps their most ambitious statement yet, it comes as the world begins to catch up to their noise pop sound.
‘Everything In Between’ is set to be preceded by the new single ‘Glitter’. Due to be released on August 23rd, the vinyl only single will come with exclusive material on both 7 and 12 inch versions.
Best Coast Boyfriend Ode
Californian noise-pop newcomer Best Coast is set to release her new single ‘Boyfriend’ as a free download.
Best Coast are based around a female / male duo, with Bethany Cosentino and musical partner Bobb Bruno taking the Stateside scene by storm. Their new single ‘Boyfriend’ is a lovelorn ode, which could lead to rumours of an inter-band romance.
However nothing could be further from the truth. Bethany Cosentino is attached to Nathan Williams, the out there frontman with Wavves. Together the pair have become one of the most talked about couples in American underground rock.
New single ‘Boyfriend’ will only enhance their status. Best Coast are returning after a critically praised debut album, with the new track representing a brave first blast from the Californian duo.
Right click HERE to download ‘Boyfriend’!
Sunburnt psych-pop, the band have been snapped up by esteemed indie label Wichita in the UK. Guaranteeing them wider distribution, the imprint have marked their 10th anniversary with a stunning signing.