The Holidays – Golden Sky

The Holidays are a newer indie-pop band to come my way. From what I uncovered, the project is huge throughout Australia and is slowly gaining more international recognition after the album Post Paradise exploded with success. Their sound is a bit unique for A/N and seems a little bit reminiscent of that echo found in Omar K by Rainbow Arabia. You can find that track here. On a side note, I love the guitar that leads into the chorus in Golden Sky. It’s a great transition.

These guys have it all. So if you’re on the beautiful banks of Australia you should really check out their tour dates for the remainder of 2010. Find them here.

The album Post Paradise released on itunes last September. You can get yourself a copy here.

The Holidays – Golden Sky

Cassius + Popskarr

Popskarr recently released a Cassius remix to I Love You So off the Rawkers EP. Their take on it is pretty fantastic. It’s a mellowed-out version of the original (which is also fantastic, and can be found on hype machine). Hypnotic and enticing, the combo created by the Cape town boys is so catchy you will need a copy after the first listen. And since we are so close to Halloween, you may want to pencil this into the playlist for around 1 AM. For more about Popskarr read the passage below.

Popskarr are an Electronic/Nu-Disco/Chill Wave/ Misty pop (call it what you want) band from Cape town South Africa. Popskarr was started in early 2009 and consists of Yannick Ilunga and Terrence Pearce. They met after Yannick went to a show that Terrence was Djing at and introduced himself after the show. After a while Yannick met Spoek Mathambo (Sweat X/Playdoe) whom ironically suggested that he meet with Terrence. Yannick could sing and play guitar whilst Terrence could produce the tracks, alas, Popskarr was born…. They have been compared to the likes of New Order, Depeche Mode, Joy Division, Bloc Party and many other Synth Pop electronic acts. They have been feature on numerous international blogs, including LA based Dreamwave Label Binary Entertainment.

In a short time being together, they have played with big names like, The Dirty Skirts, Desmond and the tutus, Phfat, The Real Estate Agents, Jack Parow at the Design Indaba launch party and have done remixes for international acts like Polygon Palace, Short Circuit, Penguin Prison, We Have Band, Monarchy and soon to be released, The Detachments. Popskarr keep growing and growing with every new track they create, getting closer to the sound that is Popskarr. They are a band that can truely claim they are taking South African music in a different and fresh direction.

Cassius – I Love You So (Popskarr Remix)

Marius Vareid – Tropisk Storm


A few friends of mine recently got together to do a bit of a ‘wayback playback’ session where we feature some of our favourites from artists that others may not have had the opportunity to hear when each were in their ‘prime’.  I definitely missed this back in 2008, but thanks to a good ol’ pal, I’m in the dark no more!

The Norwegian Marius Vareid is one half of Ytre Rymden Dansskola and is currently preparing his first solo album with Prins Thomas in his K16 Studios. His stuff is the kind of Balearic house that puts a smile on your face, mixing lushness, pianos and a driving beat. All of which is perfected in that one single from ’08. Take a little gander below to have a listen and hit up the Norwegian’s site for more excellent beats.

Tropisk Storm comes from the release Skumle Planer (2008) in case any were wondering.

Marius Vareid – Tropisk Storm

Tim Berg + Porter Robinson

Today we have a delicious remix from Porter Robinson. The 18 year-old, North Carolina phenom is still only a high school senior. Yet he still somehow has the talent to conquer Beatport’s Electro House chart earning the support from the likes of Miles Dyson, Paul Van Dyk, Armand Van Helden, Dirtyloud, and even Motley Crüe’s Tommy Lee.

His massive bangers are loaded with nasty electro dubstep hooks. Others may call his stuff progressive, I call it progressively good. This kid just keeps getting better and better.

Robinson is set to tour the US this fall, check out the listings here.

Tim Berg – Seek Bromance (Porter Robinson Remix)

Let Me Go Home! [2 For 1 Tuesday]

Van She are delightfully good. They have that raw ability with the synth and know how to sparkle up any track. It’s hypnotic. This mix to Vandroid’s Master & Slave is no exception. Between the vocals, the tempo changes, the dragging layers and transitions, this track fits the definition of being epic. I sure have missed you Van She.

Vandroid – Master & Slave (Van She Tech Remix)

I’m really liking this joyous Myndset remix right now. I mean it really does maintain the vocal flavour from the original but it’s just so damn catchy, it’s hard not to like it.

PLUS, it reminds me of good ol’ home, now ain’t that pleasant. Check out more Myndset remixes on Soundcloud!

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero’s – Home (Myndset Remix)

FUKKK OFF! [Worldwide]

Fuck, FUKKK OFFF is fucking brilliant when they fucking throw down! Chyeeea! For friday we light it up with an electric rap banger and a big rhythmic masterpiece. Both are from the very same Worldwide EP out on Coco Machete Records now.  It has been awhile since the last one dropped but their newest was well worth the wait. Thanks for sending us the heads up in addition to these two beauties released below!

With four smokin’ new tracks this is bound to be the freshest soundtrack to Hamburg’s red light district the Reeperbahn. ‘Brain Rock’ will, without a doubt, get any party, from Harlem to Hamburg and beyond, jumped up in to high gear. And on ‘Worldwide’ Fukkk Offf again teamed up with Hazel for a full on Hip-Hop electro workout. Be on the lookout for a full remix package of ‘Worldwide’ in early 2011.

Purchase the entire album on beatport here!

FUKKK OFF – Worldwide

FUKKK OFF – Brain Rock

Sweaters

Sweaters is a producer from Brooklyn, NY who inspired us with his disco-laced music. Fun, energetic, and a little wild, Sweaters brings the heat. I’m loving the transitions within each track, especially those rolling loops that are sporadically thrown down every now and then.

Winter is coming, do you have your sweater? More tunes and future uploads available through Soundcloud!

Sweaters – Jeff Goldblum Is Dead

Sweaters – Mista Cool (Original Mix)


Marina & The Diamonds + Fred Falke!

Yes you heard right! Marina and Falke have teamed up in a new Shampain remix.  I should have posted this earlier but the net was screwing with me. However, it’s better to be a week late than to never have arrived at all!

This remix delivers. But knowing these two I wouldn’t expect anything less. Falke uses his delicious disco-synth ability to compliment the haunting and dark vocals provided by the always stellar Marina Diamandis. We here at A/N have been watching her intently since Neon brought her into stardom with The Crown Jewels EP in 2009 and later with the Mowgli’s Road singles. Both are so damn good. You can find them in the archives here.

As for Falke, what can I say? The man’s a genius.

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Marina & The Diamonds – Shampain (Fred Falke Remix)

StardonE

StardonE is a new exciting producer who recently sent us a trio of damn good tracks. Heavy in romantic synth and disco house, the melodic genius has self-proclaimed that he is trying to achieve far more in his music than any other retro-based artist. Specifically in the daunting task of refining harmony within analog synths and pop-oriented music. It’s a ballsy statement but his sound truly is phenomenal. I can’t get enough of it. Pay attention to him in the future, he’s about ready to explode.

The singles CT, Space Romance and Love Fighter show off his spectrum of earnest and bittersweet emotional dance tracks.

StardonE – CT

StardonE – Space Romance

StardonE – Love Fighter

Hunt With A Cat

San Francisco’s Hunt With A Cat sent us some demo’s that are dangerously good. The pair have already harnessed a unique musical style to them. A style that is truly one of a kind. The mutant combination of vocals and electric noise is excellent. Feel the pulse and feel the rhythm. Each song has a particular beat that knocks it out of the park. You’ll want them all by the end of each song.

The vocal recording needs a brushing in some areas to give it more of a balance feel all around but the distortion gives the trio of tracks a very dirty edge.

Check out their new song, The Weather listed below, and click here often for more news and info on Hunt With A Cat!

Hunt With A Cat – You Used To Love The City

Hunt With A Cat – Wrapped in Rope

Hunt With A Cat – The Weather