Laurel Halo is a solo artist of Brooklyn. She composes and performs with a style I have yet to hear before. Laurel Halo’s sound has been fascinating me as of late. A blend of ambient trance, harmonic vocals and new age psychedelia, it’s eclectic, electric aura transcends higher dimensions. Below is Cult of Optimism, a track from the Ambrosia EP.
Two EPs have so far been released, ‘The Future Fruit’ and ’Ambrosia’ which can be heard on last.fm. I’ll be sure to feature any future Laurel Halo releases on this blog as they inevitably happen.
The Flaming Lips’ strange and compelling journey has entered a new stage with the unveiling of their anticipated new double album Embryonic. The album is the latest in a selection of classic collections from the Grammy winning and Brit nominated Oklahoma band.
The album features eighteen new songs, the sound is immediately recognisable as the Flaming Lips but once more push the boundaries of sound into unchartered new territory. Embryonic also highlights a number of special guest appearances including; The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Karen O provides additional singing, screaming and noises on a few tracks whilst MGMT contribute additional playing and singing to track Worm Mountain.
Israel Darling’s self-produced debut album ‘Dinosaur Bones & Mechanical Hands’ is to be released this Autumn. Originally of North Carolina, Jacob Darden is the real creative input to the band. He grew up as a devout Baptist but lost his faith upon leaving hospital at the age of 19 after an unfortunate series of events. “I don’t think there’s anything after this so I’ve been trying to do better for myself, living for now and making the most of today.”
‘Dinosaur Bones & Mechanical Sounds’ has a traditional indie acoustic rock sound. The tracks are subtly catchy and a lot of the lyrics refer to religious practice from a wiser, rational, outside perspective. Below is Samson The Mason, the first single to come from this debut album.
Posted by Charlie O'Shea | Posted in Charlie O'Shea | Posted on 14-09-2009
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Although I couldn’t care less for any of the artists involved in this incident, I thought it worth mentioning for the fact that this will no doubt cause a dent in the career of one of the most popular musicians of this time. Viacom are taking down all of the youtube videos of this incident so I haven’t bothered to include one.
Kanye West entered the VMA stage whilst Taylor Swift was giving her acceptance speech upon winning the award for the best female video. West took the mic from Swift and with the same logic and elegance of speech as saying ‘no offense’ before laying into someone announced,
“Yo Taylor, I’m really happy for you, I’m going to let you finish. But Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time.”
Swift remained silent and was soon escorted offstage. Beyonce was of course massively embarrassed by West’s outburst and later called Taylor Swift on stage to finish her acceptance speech.
I don’t care that he apologized about it on his blog. The fact is that he ruined a defining moment of a teenager’s life and should have been able to control himself.
Portland’s Hockey are set to release their debut album ‘Mind Chaos’, it’s a consistent record that blends chunky beats, razor-sharp lyrics and a whole lot of soul. For men with such chaotic minds, the band has channelled many influences into this album from Tom Petty to Michael Jackson to LCD Soundsystem.
Mind Chaos is a witty pack of literate songs you can dance all night to, especially single ‘Learn To Loose’ where vocalist Ben Grubin combines a vocal soulfulness and vulnerability with an arch raising eyebrow wit which is irresistible. Embracing an urge to mix the rhythmic sharpness of old school hiphop with the rawness of garage rock and the vitality of modern electro, Hockey have created a colourful, vibrant and infectious record, the band say “Everyone’s making dance music now true, but we started in 2002”.
Indie Music Finds was started in April 2009 as a place for people to find something new. It’s now being written by two people both living in the U.K. I try and keep it quite diverse so rummage around a bit and I’m sure you’ll find something you like to take away with you.
Contact
For music submissions and advertising enquiries, contact indiemusicfinds(at)googlemail.com
Portland’s Hockey are set to release their debut album ‘Mind Chaos’, it’s a consistent record that blends chunky beats, razor-sharp lyrics and a whole lot of soul. For men with such chaotic minds, the band has channelled many influences into this album from Tom Petty to Michael Jackson to LCD Soundsystem.