Tunng - ...And Then We Saw Land (2010)

My introduction to British folktronica ensemble Tunng (via NPR's World Cafe) would've shocked me if I didn't listen to bands like Megafaun and Le Loup. I mean, combining folksy acoustics with the buzz and hiss and whatever other awesome sounds you have at your command seems crazy. Or so simple of an idea as to be completely foreign. And yet, if done well, is mesmerizing in a way the two genres can never manage on their own. When listening through an album for the first time, it's rare that I'll repeat a track and yet that's what I did with the lead track "Hustle" off their fourth studio album ...And Then We Saw Land. Beginning with a simple grin-inducing ostinato, that starts off in a muddy sonic haze before clearing up, and gently eases in other instruments. As with any good ensemble, they make the best of each instrument at their disposable, including lovely multi-part vocal harmonies. It's one of those deceptively happy sounding songs and it's pulled off amazingly. With a lead track as infectiously endearing, you're led to wonder: Where can the album go now? Well, the album maintains its endearing quality resulting from its sincere lyrics and thoughtfully composed instrumentals.

...And Then We Saw Land never manages to overwhelm despite the vast array of instruments and sound at the band's disposal. Instead, each addition only serves to heighten the listening experience. At no point does anything seem excessive or boringly repetitive. While not sure if it was a conceptual choice, the album tosses and turns like a ship at sea and occasionally the sound is allowed to build up like a daunting wave. The effect of which is incredibly gratifying. It's sure to be an instant favorite.

Get a taste of Tunng's fourth album ...And Then We Saw Land with the video for "Hustle":

Megafaun - Heretofore

It's hard to believe Megafaun's mini-album Heretofore was meant just to tide over until the band's next album (which they are currently recording). It's got as much substance as their previous two albums and the whopping 12 and a half minute "Comprovisation For Connor Pass" makes Heretofore pretty much as long as them too. The mini-album offers up the jam band-esque instrumentals that manage to avoid that boring repetitive feeling. There's also a little bit of sonic experimentation that makes sure things stay interesting which is not altogether uncharacteristic for the band. Heretofore manages to provide this mash-up of old and new. The songs are new but seem familiar. Not in a been-there-done-that sense and not because they're not risky, but rather because it follows in Megafaun's all encompassing style. All 6 tracks are boldly different from each other but they all sync up to make this album full of rich memorable musical moments. Whether its bright folk pop sound of "Carolina Days", the slowly unraveling harmony laden gem "Heretofore", or bluesy "Eagles" with its bee-bop saxophone solos. The mini-album makes me incredibly excited for the upcoming full-length.

Stricken City says goodbye with new video

British jangly pop rock quartet Stricken City have made it abundantly clear in their mini album Songs About People I Know, that they don't like boredom. In the video for their latest single from their upcoming album Losing Colour, Rebekah Raa wades through a series of mundane daily rituals accompanied by the melancholic track.

The band hasn't gone public with the reason why they're calling it quits but I've got a feeling boredom has something to do with it. And yet the quartet has had an exciting run: releasing three singles, one free EP, one mini-album, and a soon to be released debut album. All in addition to playing shows pretty much constantly. Thanks for the awesome music Stricken City. Enjoy the video for "Losing Colour":

Stricken City - Losing Colour from Stricken City on Vimeo.

You can pre-order the debut album at their site and preview four of the tracks via Soundcloud.
Losing Colour LP Preview by {Stricken City}

Pitstop: Junip

I'm not exactly sure how I found out about Junip. I remember the band's name being on the ever-lengthening list of bands to check out for at least three months now until about a week ago when I purchased their debut album Fields on a whim. Swedish trio Junip is one of those bands that somehow manage to defy genre-fication. Featuring solo singer/songwriter Jose Gonzales on guitar and vocals, Elias Araya on drums, and Tobias Winterkorn on keyboard instruments like synthesizer and organ, the instrumental combination fools you into knowing what to expect. The band has a retro-rock sound without actually imitating anything combined with some folk elements. Their album is like stumbling into a jam session, sometimes lacking an apparent structure but rather being an organic growth. Unsurprising upon learning that the debut was 10 years in the making and that the three frequently improvised together. Their method of songwriting is actually to jam together and save the good bits that happen and try and do something with them. It's a good method for them. Instead of lyric-focused songs, you have these collections of songs that feature hand offs between vocals and instrumentals. The elusive quality of the vocals is actually what draws attention to them. They seductively meander away from you the most you listen for them, so instead you're forced to accept the music as a whole. The way it was meant to be. Here's hoping it's not another 10 years til their next album.

Get a taste of Junip with the video for "Always":

Noah and the Whale preview new album with "Wild Thing"

Sometimes a totally good band drops off your radar and that's what happened to me with Noah and the Whale. After their release of their second album The First Days of Spring late last year, I hadn't heard too much about the band and its happening (aside from a magazine interview earlier this year) until about a week or so when this track "Wild Thing" appeared. The track, off their upcoming March album Last Night on Earth, follows along in the new style established on their last album: sleepy, unobtrusive instrumentals which frame Charlie Fink's voice and its narrative lyrics. The new album is rumored to be more upbeat and yet, this track is more like the break up songs featured on the last album. Hear the new track "Wild Thing":

Left With Pictures release final In Time video

Earlier than normal, Left With Pictures is releasing their final In Time song/video. A little Christmas ditty called "Forgive Me". The video directed by Chris Boyle is, unsurprisingly, one of the best produced of all the In Time videos. Its charming, funny, and even a little weird. A naughty little boy, played by Reece Buttery, upon being left coal declares revenge and grows up to be a full blown Santa Hunter. With help from his wife, played by Natasha Broomfield, he finds clues that eventually bring him to the North Pole. Though the video is artfully produced, the song that accompanies it is definitely one of the best to arise out of the In Time project. Starting off as a sentimental piece of gorgeous piano pop, the band's other instruments come in at the just the right times to elevate the song to another level of well composed loveliness. The song even quotes the "Carol of the Bells". This is one of those rare moments where a song and video fit perfectly together. Left With Pictures definitely ended their In Time project on a high note. The amazing amount of growth the quintet had during this project is sure to result in a fantastic new album so here's hoping that's coming up soon!

Watch the video for Left With Pictures' last In Time composition "Forgive Me":

Left With Pictures - Forgive Me from CHRIS BOYLE on Vimeo.

Limited Edition copies of their In Time album are still available for Preorder, so if you enjoyed the In Time songs and videos, think about buying the CD+DVD package here.

Mumford & Sons, Laura Marling, & Dharohar Project - EP

Last year British folk songtress Laura Marling performed in India. Something about the culture must've spoke to her because she along with Mumford & Sons then teamed up with an Indian ensemble to record an EP together. The 4 song EP features a reworked versions of Marling's "Devil's Spoke" and Mumford's "To Darkness". The EP proves that folk music is universal. The Indian ensemble's instruments perfectly compliment the western instruments of the two charming Brit groups. There's something inexplicably amazing about the way the lyrics seamlessly change from English to with the folk singers even trying their hand at it. Instead of like a direct split between styles, the groups merge into this amazing unit sometimes sounding trading off in the lyrics or with the instruments played before ultimately blending again (Meheni Rachi being a prime example. The EP is remarkably innovative, showing their artistic prowess as master musicians as they step out of their comfort zone with none the wiser. They have no problem embracing the culture and have no trouble infusing it with their own. The result is an enjoyable musical adventure that everyone is bound to love. The EP is available digitally through the wide variety of music vendors and will see physically release sometime in early 2011.