devil's children

                             

nacht van de nacht

(we're not weird)

Pink & Blue

A short film a couple of friends and I made for our Theater & Media Studies course

one day my hair needs to look like this.

Shallow Bed (acoustic)

Dry The River are going acoustic. Wait, what? Yep, this time it's official. The acoustic version of their debut album, Shallow Bed, will be released on December 17th; right on time for Christmas shopping-mania. Ignore the marketing trick; this is one album you should be getting excited about. Perhaps I'm ever so slightly biased, being a fan of these heavily-bearded men, but this album might just be able to sneak its way into my 'best of 2012' list.

When Shallow Bed came out last spring, my first thought was YES. Having seen them twice already by that time, and having tried to collect all their leaked tracks, their lo-fi, bad sound-quality live recordings, the time had finally come to be able to enjoy their gorgeous music in the comfort of my own couch. My experience with Dry the River had been mainly acoustic - or partly anyway. The thing about DtR is that they trick you into believing that what you are listening to is acoustic. Peter Liddle, singer and guitarist, is always arm in arm with his acoustic baby and usually starts of each song solo. Then the bass, drums and violin discretely create a build-up, until they all kick in together and leave you wondering how this all happened without you noticing. At least, this is what happens at their gigs; Shallow Bed was a surprise.

The opening track of their debut album, Animal Skins, undoubtedly set the mood for what was about to follow. While listening to it for the first time however I wish it wouldn’t. It wasn’t bad at all, but somehow it didn’t grasp the essence of what DtR had seemed to be working on. The shy, mellow guitar strumming was replaced by heavy bass and soon drums entered the picture. Not much later the songs started to sound more familiar, especially round track four; History Book. Finally, the sentimental, nostalgic feel was back. Liddle begins to sound like an angel again with his falsettos, and is quickly backed-up by his fellow band-members creating chilling harmonies.

Perhaps the problem is not the track selection, or execution of the songs even. Perhaps the problem is that the energy they give out during their concerts can simply not be captured in a studio recording. This is obviously not the first, nor last band to face this issue; thank goodness they’re constantly on tour.

I have a feeling this album will be more representative of DtR’s work. Maybe some acoustic demos, like Night Owls or Coast, will be on it; a girl can dream. Until December though, you can enjoy their Exclusive Boat Concert in Amsterdam, hosted by FaceCulture on youtube. It is purely acoustic, and well, they’re on a boat cruising the A’dam canals so that’s pretty damn cool. For the real deal, you can go to Tivoli, Utrecht on the 6th or Mezz, Breda on the 7th of November.

grlz

grlz from seapony

May Jailer

So Lizzy Grant is May Jailer is Lana Del Rey

Lizzy's first album was recorded between 2005-2006, long before the LDR glamor-days. It is 100% acoustic, and it's not bad. It's pretty simple, but so shockingly different to her newer songs, and it works. Definitely a pleasant surprise.

All You Need by MayJailer

the wes anderson fascination doesn't end

are you cussing with me? from seapony on 8tracks Radio.

Florence Welch sugarskull, Halloween 2011

Ghosts and Skeletons and Vampires and Werewolves: A Halloween compilation

If it's acceptable for supermarkets to sell kruiden-noten three months ahead of Sinterklaas, I have the right to rant about Halloween right about now. The costumes and make-up, ghost stories and games with the Ouija board are only half the fun. The other half is finding the appropriate music to be your 'soundtrack' for the evening. Here is a short mix of different genres, ranging from level 'subtle references to Halloween' to 'okay this sounds pretty creepy' :

Arctic Monkeys – Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But...
Starting easy, not a particularly spooky song. In my defense, it does contain the word 'vampires'. Plus it's early Arctic Monkeys, so it's gold.


The Black Keys – Howlin' For You Werewolves.
Yes?


The Kills – Superstition
Black cats, broken mirrors; minimal guitars and raw vocals.

Joy Division – Shadowplay
No explanation necessary.


The Cure – A Forest
Ditto


The XX – Blood Red Moon
An early demo that did not make the album despite the dark, ethereal atmosphere.


Dead Man's Bones – Lose Your Soul
Ryan Gosling's obsession with ghosts lead him to form this Halloween-themed band. Somewhat blues-y and quite theatrical, the Silverlake Conservatory Children's Choir is the finishing touch.


Ghosting – Mother Mother
Indie folk, subtle Halloween theme.

Florence + The Machine – What the Water Gave Me
The combination of the melody, Florence Welch's voice and the theme of drowning make this song haunting.



Karen Elson – The Ghost Who Walks
Tough call between this or her cover of Donovan's 'Season of the Witch'.


The Smiths – Cemetery Gates
A happy indie break for you.


Radiohead – Lotus Flower
Hypnotizing, especially if you're watching Thom York dance at the same time.


The Weeknd – Initiation
I had no idea R&B could be so dark; swift rhythm, a lot of bass, a surprise.


Deadmaus – Ghosts n Stuff
We've heard it a thousand times, it's still good.

Twin Shadow – Tether Beat
If you enjoyed The XX, give this guy a listen.


Metric – Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT remix)
MSTRKRFT's take on this pop song has given it a completely new sound; slower tempo, more bass.

Screamin' Jay Hawkins – I Put a Spell On You
This must be the creepiest song of this compilation (or you could argue, the only somewhat creepy song).

Two Door Cinema Club

Beacon
Kitsuné, Sept. 3, 2012.
Sounds like: Bombay Bicycle Club, Foster the People, Passion Pit

TDCC’s latest release, sophomore Beacon, has not come as a surprise to the Northern Ireland trio’s fans. The catchy melodies and upbeat rhythm of Tourist History (2010) have been re-issued, with a more melancholy touch. The indie-rock/electro-pop sound that has made the band super-popular between gig/festival goers (see bellow, Paradiso sold-out) has secured them a lengthy tour throughout the United States and Europe.

As catchy as Beacon might be, however, it does give out a feeling of being ‘part two’ to Tourist History. The element of surprise is lacking and little evident progress has been made in the lads’ style of composing. Similar patterns have been re-used in their second attempt. The songs start-off slow enough, with a predictable explosion of synth, guitar, bass and drums following within the first minute.

What has changed are the quirky lyrics the boys have spoiled us with, “You would look a little better don't you know if you just wore less make-up” (Eat That Up, It’s Good For You). There seems to be a theme of homesickness and distance separating lovers in the new album; “Where do we start if we will end apart?” (Someday), “Though I'm far away I know I'll stay, I know I'll stay right there with you” (Sun), “Shut your eyes, so you see I'm there” (Handshake). This melancholy is reflected in the melodies, making a very pleasant combination with the upbeat guitar riffs.

Beacon has gloriously succeeded in not becoming a second-album flop, now only time can tell whether it’s a strong enough follow-up for Tourist History.

Two Door Cinema Club will be performing in Paradiso on November 17th 2012 (sold out) and in the Heineken Music Hall on March 1st 2013.