Discoverer 26: new indie findings

New bands for you!

Of Monsters and Men. Iceland finest! They began in 2010, when Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir turned her solo project into a quartet band, winning last year’s edition of Músiktilraunir, Iceland “battle of the bands” competition (praise judges & audience for their good taste). Encouraged by their triumph, they added two more members to the line-up, creating a bigger, expansive folk-pop sound. The contagious, rich and vital sound you'll enjoy in their debut album "My Head Is An Animal", released this September. Ómissandi! (indispensable).
Of Monsters And Men - 'Little Talks'


The Blanche Hudson Weekend. Change of style. Hailing from Leeds, UK, featuring Darren and Caroline from the ashes of the Manhattan Love Suicides, they started in 2009 as a one-record idea with several guests helping on recording. But after a 7" single and first live shows, two more singles and a compilation, "Reverence, Severance and Spite", followed in 2010. And this October they released what's considered their debut album, "You Always Loved Violence". Glorious noisy twee-pop, recalling Talulah Gosh or The Primitives. Addictive!
The Blanche Hudson Weekend - The Bitterest Clash
The Blanche Hudson Weekend - Let Me Go
The Blanche Hudson Weekend - Noise and Fury

The Soft City. After reading the review of their self-titled 2010 debut record, on the great blog 360º de Separación, I had to check if what they say was true. The Soft City are a super-indie group created by Phil Sutton (Comet Gain, Kicker) in 2007. After an EP, Sutton was joined by Jason Corace (A Boy Named Thor), Kyle Forester (Ladybug Transistor, Crystal Stilts), and Dora Lubin's amazing voice, indeed like a young Natalie Merchant. Imagine early Maniacs, Go Betweens, Belle & Sebastian, girl and jangle greatest groups (I know, a dream come true). They have a new EP, "Four Stories", out now, so more gems to hear!

Discoverer 25: new indie findings

Cinema Red and Blue. Always have the same feeling with Comet Gain. No matter tone or lyrics, its always played with a joyful, passionate rawness, so it's almost mathematic: I fall for their music once and again. So when I discovered Dave Feick and co. embarked themselves in a new adventure, a collaboration with members of Crystal Stilts with guest appearances of Gary Olson from The Ladybug Transistor, I knew I would love it too. The eponymous record, released in November of 2010 is followed by "Butterbean Crypt EP", out next week. As great as Comet Gain. Enough said. 
Cinema Red and Blue - Same Mistakes
Cinema Red And Blue - Walkin' To The Cemetery

To Kill a King. A Shakespearean name for this five-piece Brit band leaded by intriguing songwriter Ralph Pellymounter, who after several attempts (started his musical career in 2004 solo), in early 2010 finally ensembled the current band's line-up, releasing heir first single "Fictional State", which is now followed by "My Crooked Saint" EP. A powerful and diverse blend between pop-rock and folk, that sometimes evoke a more restrained Arcade Fire, and others the straightness and euphoric side of Mumford And Sons' tunes. Keep and eye on them.
To Kill A King - "Bloody Shirt"
To Kill a King - "Wrecking Crew" (Acoustic Version)
To Kill a King - "Cold Skin"

2:54. Behind this curious name (their favourite moment in a Melvins song), you'll find sisters Hannah and Colette Thurlow. Hailing from London, they emerged past May with their song "Creeping". A couple of tunes followed soon, and after signing with Fiction Records, they now offer their first release, "Scarlet" EP. Many names come to mind when listening, from Garbage (that sensual voice recalls Shirley Manson's) to Warpaint or Mazzy Star. A cinematic and atmospheric affair, where guitars stride relentlessly and cymbals seems to splash, like waves, against imaginary rocks.
2:54 - Scarlet
Cold Front 7"