WDL + Elliphant – “Stardust”:
According to this music producer’s social media profiles, WDL is based on the moon. Despite a bit of research finding out that he is in fact Swedish, with a track like “Stardust” being dropped, it is true that his sound is certainly out of this world. Partnering up with fellow country-woman Elliphant, their incredibly unique sound, including mutiple rap verses and beautiful vocals coincide to produce quite a stirring stormer.
Managing to combine multiple genres from hip hop, to neo classical, WDL succeeds tremendously well with mastering his electronic melting pot style. “Stardust” will appear on WDL‘s upcoming LP, which is expected to be released sometime next year via Record Company TEN and Sony Music. Click below to listen:
Arca – “Vanity”:
Arca has shared an official video for track “Vanity”. The track is off his forthcoming album Mutant which is due for release on November 20 via Mute. The music video is portrayed as seedy and dark. It appears to be a continuation of the dark abstractions Arca previously shared with “EN” and “Soichiro”, which shows a dark stroll through an urban city at night. The video was co-directed by Arca and his boyfriend Daniel Sannwald. You can watch the video below.
Sam Smith – “Drowning Shadows”:
Sam Smith delves into a depressing, lonely place with his new song “Drowning Shadows”. It debuted on Zane Lowe‘s Beats 1 radio show on November 2 and will feature on Smith’s upcoming reissue of In The Lonely Hour (which can be pre-ordered on November 6). Described as the “saddest song I’ve ever written”, “Drowning Shadows” details a lonely, alcohol-fueled Smith searching for someone to fill the void in his heart.
He tells an old story of leaving the studio and having to choose between going home or heading to a gay club by himself to try his luck. What’s especially tragic is that either option sounds lonesome. “Do I go home to nothing or stay out for more? / Give in to someone or lock down my door?” he sings woefully.
The song can be heard right here, plus you can listen to Sam Smith talking with Zane Lowe here.
Cleopold – “Scarlet”:
Cleopold puts his musical versatility on show with latest track “Scarlet”. His creative songwriting similarities to fellow countryman Chet Faker were evident with his previous single “Down In Flames”, in which he combined smooth crooner vocals with electronic distortions and melodic rhythmic patterns. This might be due to the fact that he’s following his musical superior after signing onto Faker’s Detail Co. record label, obviously receiving a lot of useful musical guidance and treatment for his fresh style.
His latest track “Scarlet”, also progresses in similar direction Chet Faker is going down with Marcus Marr in their upcoming EP, absorbing a fun funk-pop element to his sound. Cleopold is currently on tour and performing with Faker for his Built to Live Australian gigs. To listen to his latest single “Scarlet” click below:
Findlay – “Junk Food”:
Manchester group Findlay have unveiled their brand new single “Junk Food”. The song, according to vocalist Nat Findlay is “a satire of the food, diet and beauty industry”. The single comes a long way when up against “Off & On”, the group’s 2013 single which saw them endorse a more gritty rock styling.
“Junk Food” is a certain progression into the more popular and mainstream, however the band still perfectly articulate just the right level of grit to retain their original sound heard in recent years without compromising their nerve for the song’s shiny pop tint. Not only this, but Findlay are using their platform to speak out about our consumerist society and challenge what is commonly accepted as the norm – perhaps something that more people within popular culture should be embracing? Findlay’s EP Electric Bones is out now.
Klyne – “Closer”:
If clowns scare the bejeebers out of you then close the browser now! This is not for the feint hearted people scarred with coulrophobia. If you’re brave enough, then proceed with caution to watch a man with a blue afro and face paint dancing his heart out on a countryside road, much to the fear of local bystanders. Released in audio format a few weeks ago, Klyne‘s “Closer” is a synth heavy track with an electronic backdrop resembling an early classic Metronomy sound, but with more attention on refined pop vocals. As smooth as you like, this catchy tune which will effortlessly grab your attention.
These two dutch musicians claim the single is “about someone going to the extreme in order to reach their lifelong desire, and at the same time coping with the fear that their fate might already be decided” and “one of life’s greater beauties is when a person breaks free of these psychological limitations“. “Closer” will be compiled with Klyne‘s previous release “Paralyzed/Entropy” on a 12” vinyl along with a new forthcoming track called “Waiting”. Additionally, they are writing a debut album, which will be out next year. Directed by Jon Olav Stokke, watch the video for Closer below:
Paul Weller – “Pick It Up”:
Paul Weller has shared his new video for “Pick It Up”. The video features Martin Freeman who is best known for his acting roles in The Office, Lord Of The Rings and Sherlock. In the video, Freeman stars as a DIY enthusiast with a hot temper. You can watch the video below. Weller released his 12th solo album Saturns Pattern in May. The former frontman of the Jam has also recently has announced his solo arena tour which is the biggest solo arena tour he has done. You can find the dates of the tour here.
DJ Haus – “Higher”:
UK DJ and producer DJ Haus has today (November 5) shared the video for his track “Higher”. The track is taken from his forthcoming album Burnin’ Up, which is due for release on November 13 via Rinse. Watch the video and listen to the track below.
The track and its visuals make pretty concrete references back to the golden age of British rave culture. The audio has an old school garagey house feel with swinging percussion rhythms, stabbing transposed chords and choppy female vocals. The video, made by Jack Addis, picks up on the throw back vibes with a retro aesthetic style featuring floating pills, water bottles and glow sticks inter-cut with an animated woman dancing and perspiring to Haus’ tune.
You can pre-order DJ Haus’ album here. The album will be able available in a range of formats including digital, CD and as a 2 x LP. “Higher” is also available to be bought as an immediate download from The Sound Of Rinse FM compilation.
Words by Finn Brownbill, Shakira Knight, Shanade McConney, Callum Thomas and Nick Bimson
