Calculon and Austin Speed

Sinistarr

VIP Remixes

Lose Squares

Two good remixes of two great tracks.  Calculation & Austin Speed gives “Back the Fuck Up”

a sparer, sparser sound, emphasizing the low end to make it boom out of the speakers,

Perfect for when the party is in full swing.

The remix of “Ross” by Sinistar put drums in the forefront, slowing things down for maximum effect with voices popping out of the mix, all threatening violence with their “chopper” or AK-47.  And for all the threats, a good change of pace for a slightly downbeat feel that could be used to take a breather from dancing.

Both remixes are as good as the originals, but different, as good remixes are wont to be, and worth a listen, not just for the fans, but for anyone who enjoys danceing. https://soundcloud.com/loosesquares/sets/various-vip-remixes-loose-l710 

Andrea Weiss

Stornaway

Tales From Terra Firma

4 AD

I’d given Stornaway short shrift on their debut, Beachcombers Lullaby, for the rather petty reason of not measuring up to Mumford and Sons, simply because I felt Mumford was a better example of modern folk/rock.  I’m taking that review back, and apologizing to the band. Considering what Mumford became, woozy, ear splitting romantics, Stornaway is now the best example of modern folk/rock I can give.

And the band has grown tougher, very gently displeased with what they see, but putting their best foot forward. A very wise move. The music is stronger. What seems flimsy on first listen is now sturdier, durable, and quietly rousing to listen to.  May this band have as much success as Mumford, and continue to grow. They’ve fulfilled the promise of their debut, and gone way beyond it.

http://www.stornoway.eu/ 

Andrea Weiss

Scanners

Mexico EP

Dim Mak Records

Scanners are a UK band that sounds like Arcade Fire, but if Arcade Fire was a folk band with Régine as the sole lead vocalist.  As Arcade Fire is a really cool band, I really dig Scanners reinterpretation which maintains their own sound and style--happy, smart, playful. You’re able to bop around the room to the music, which also means they’re fun to listen to.  A wonderful EP, and if you love Arcade Fire, you will absolutely love Scanners.  http://www.facebook.com/scannersofficial

https://soundcloud.com/dimmakrecords/sets/scanners-mexico-ep/s-68wUv

Andrea Weiss

DJ Spoko

Ghost Town EP

True Panther

I don’t feel entirely qualified to review this, as I know very little about house music of any kind. I did like the solemn tone of the music. You can dance to this, but because Spoko is South African, there is a lot more going on than just dancing. This is music to think to. The best example is “I Remember” (featuring G-Dog) where each lines starts off with “I remember, my Grandpa used to say…”  Then you realize they’re talking about Apartheid.  South Africa is a land of many great things, but never forget the past.

I’m not sure if “fun” is the best way to describe the rest of these songs, but Azange    (ft. Magaula & Puzuzu) Batauweng (ft. Kapa Kapa) are very upbeat, and “Sounds of our 4fathers” is a gentle way to bow out.  All in all, a very good English language debut from someone on a rapid rise, and may whatever he does next be just as good as this EP.

http://www.truepanther.com/artists/dj-spoko

Andrea Weiss