[SKOA Presents] Some Kind of Mixtape: February 2012
Another month gone by and another handful of music that your friends at SKOA are offering up for your listening pleasure. The February edition of the Some Kind of Mixtape series features artists from all over the world, some of which might not be known by many of you. Either way, give the mixtape a listen and let us know who you enjoyed, and perhaps who you didn't, and make sure to give us feedback on this relatively new monthly feature. Our mixtape is hosted on 8tracks, a favorite of ours in the world of music sharing communities, so make sure to head over there and show your support. In the "liner notes" you will find written explanations from each of the SKOA writers regarding their choices for the month.
We hope you enjoy Some Kind of Mixtape: February 2012!
Much love,
Kibbe, Shey & Adrian.
Hawk Eyes - "Skyspinners" (from their upcoming album Ideas)
So, if you're a regular reader you may of realised I have a personal love for Leeds band Hawk Eyes and with their new album Ideas being released later this month my love has only grown. Their lead single "Skyspinners" is the perfect taste of what's to come on the album. Heart thumping drum lines and guitar riffs renascent of QOTSA in places thrown together with a lighter worthy slow breakdown make for the perfect little tease from the band. Look out for their new LP when it drops on March 26th. - Shey
Death Grips - "Get Got" (from their upcoming album The Money Store)
People loved these guys and their Exmilitary release and now with the announcement that Death Grips have signed to Epic and are to release two records this year I am one of those people falling for them. While they're not the most what you might call, radio friendly type group, the music they make just talks to me. It's brash and abrasive whilst managing to make you wanna turn it up loud to soak it all up. I'm hooked and I hope a few of you will be too. - Shey
Santigold - "Disparate Youth" (from Disparate Youth - Single)
What can I say about a track that just oozes awesome. Well let's see, the comeback track from Santigold sent the internet into a frenzy in a matter of minutes with the synthy intro and reverb filled snare leading into a beat you just simply cannot get a groove onto. Add to this a harsh guitar jab here and there and Santigold's vocal work it all ties into a track that is sure to be one of (hopefully) many this year that will be spun time and time again by not just me, but some of you too. Let's get excited for her new album Master of My Make-Believe which comes out May 1st on Downtown/Atlantic. - Shey
Montage Populaire - "Reject Reinstall" (from their upcoming Not All Bombs Explode EP)
Southampton experimental pop five-piece Montage Populaire has latched onto my ear drums with their single, "Reject Reinstall" from their forthcoming debut EP Not All Bombs Explode. Hours after you've stopped listening to the song and left your house you will soon find yourself humming the melody and muttering to yourself, "Why can't I just listen to that again RIGHT NOW?!?!" To think that this EP was recorded and mixed over the summer of 2011 in an old meat locker that the band had been using as a rehearsal space just adds to their quirky wonderfulness for me. Not All Bombs Explode is set for release on March 19th courtesy of a joint venture between Popular Recordings, Tri-Tone & PIAS UK. - Kibbe
Computer Magic - "Moving Forward" (from Orion Minimix)
Computer Magic is simply fun and charming, with an upbeat and poppy 8-bit sound driving her music forward. The solo project of Toronto's Danielle Johnson, Computer Magic takes a note from the eccentric and quirky style of band's such as Lemon Jelly, and in every facet her Orion Minimix is just that. Specifically, her track "Moving Forward" is outright fun and enjoyable on so many levels, with 8-bit synths leading the show and odd sounds popping in at every possible opportunity. Add in the fact that Johnson's vocals are executed in such a simple and calm manner, and "Moving Forward" encapsulates everything that makes music entertaining. - Adrian
Bedroom - "You'll See" (from Toys EP)
When I first came across Noah Kittinger's (quite literal) bedroom project Bedroom, I was immediately intrigued, and since premiering his Toys EP last month, it's been amazing to see the blogosphere react to his music. His music perfectly embodies the simplicities and joys of life, the moments where you sit back and relish in the good times, despite the fact that these songs were written in a time of depression. With airy, distant vocals, entrancing acoustic guitar riffs, subtle percussion and an overall attitude of calm serenity, Bedroom's music has an incredibly alluring quality, and his song "You'll See" captures this perfectly. - Adrian
RxGibbs - "Futures" (from Futures EP)
From the EP of the same name, "Futures" is a chilltastic little gem that I've been keeping to myself this month. RxGibbs is a Michigan-based producer that recently signed to the ever-solid Cascine. I've continued to come back to this song all month because of its ability to clear your head almost instantly. The vocals that he's peppered in are so cool and soothing coupled with the laid back synths and beats. Futures dropped just this past week, so make sure you grab it here. - Kibbe
Lucius - "Don't Just Sit There" (from Lucius EP)
It has been a pleasure watching Lucius grow into their own on their new self-titled EP. The Brooklyn duo has gone from cramming friends and a few fans into Rockwood Music Hall to taking the stage at the Bowery Ballroom at such a natural pace that you can tell the amount of care that they have taken to carve out a sound of their own. Having heard "Don't Just Sit There" way back in 2010 as just a sketch of a song, these lovely ladies have transformed it into a full-blown piece of artwork that people of all types can connect with. Head over to their official website and show them some love - Kibbe
PANAMA - "Porcelain (Skinny Love)" (from Good Winter [A Bon Iver Remix Album])
Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago stands as one of my favorite albums, and the song "Skinny Love" as the standout track. When the rather unknown PANAMA released Good Winter, I was immediately excited to hear how they had remixed the aural beauty of Justin Vernon's work, and in no way was I disappointed. The album takes crucial elements of Bon Iver songs and reworks the rest in such a way that it is unique in its own merits, but still retains the recognizable stamp of the original. "Porcelain (Skinny Love)" is where the album shines, though, as it takes the original song's memorable guitar riff and combines it with the distinctive and captivating sounds of a glockenspiel to create a very simple yet powerful take on an already amazing song. - Adrian
