[Listen] St. Vincent - "Birth In Reverse"

Praise the Lord. Count your lucky stars. Thank your next door neighbour. Do whatever you god damned like to show your appreciation for Annie Clark AKA St. Vincent who is back and has just announced a brand new album set for release in a matter of month on February 25th via Loma Vista after her previous releases have came out on the wonderful 4AD. Taking a route that seems ever more popular in recent times, the album is simply called, St. Vincent, and below you can stream the lead single, "Birth In Reverse" which to me sounds like the worst thing imaginable. Just, no. But the track is delectable and as sexy as ever. Funky guitar lines pair up with Annie's unique vocals to deliver a track that opens up with the lines: "Oh what an ordinary day, Take out the garbage, masturbate." I mean what more could you ask for in a new track? Check it out below and mark your calendars for what sounds like it could be a great album so early on in the year. 

[Listen] The Dead Weather - "Open Up (That's Enough)"

Over the weekend while in a crowded place I saw via Twitter that The Dead Weather had returned with a brand new single which triggered me to shout "FUCK YEAH!" which resulted in some rather odd stares. Like I give a crap when this band are involved. Third Man Records have already mentioned that the band are preparing to release a full-length in 2015, which sounds like a time far too far away for my liking, which is why my reaction in a crowded place was so extreme.

Jack White along with Alison Mosshart of the Kills, Dean Fertita of QOTSA, and the Raconteurs' Jack Lawrence have dropped a track called "Open Up (That's Enough)" which is every bit as gritty as you'd expect. Distinct guitar tones rattle their way through the mix while Alison chugs on with an ever catchy and punchy chorus. Prior to the aforementioned 2015 album, the band will be releasing a series of singles, this being the first along with the B-Side, "Rough Detective". Check out the A-Side below and if you want to get your hands on a copy then you can do so over at Third Man's magical Vault. A digital version will be released on January 14th which should be marked in everyone's calendar, 'cause it's my birthday. So yeah, more music from these guys would be a very welcome present.

[Watch] Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip - "You Will See Me" (Official Video)

Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip return with another visually stunning clip for their lyrically heavy track "You Will See Me" taken from their recently released album, Repent Replenish Repeat. The video is a cool look into Pip losing it in a small room, before time seems to wind backwards while moving forwards too. It's rather cool. It fits nicely with Pip's passionate commentary and along with Dan Le Sac's ever building beat it makes for a pretty powerful watch. Check it out below.

When released last month, their album got to number one on the first ever Independent Record Store Chart and to celebrate that they're doing something a little special. On December 16th the pair will release the single on a limited run of vinyl that is exclusive to Independent record stores so keep your eyes peeled for that. The track will also be available digitally. Alternatively you could just buy their album and get a whole heap of awesome instead of just a little bit of awesome? In early 2014 you can catch the boys on the road which I'd highly recommend you do. Dates can be found after the jump.

Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip 2014 tour dates:

19 Jan: Manchester, Academy 2
20 Jan: Edinburgh, Liquid Room
21 Jan: Glasgow, Arches
22 Jan: Newcastle, Academy 2
23 Jan: Sheffield, Plug
24 Jan: Leeds, Stylus
25 Jan: Birmingham, Institute
27 Jan: Cardiff, Solus 2
28 Jan: Exeter, Lemongrove
30 Jan: Oxford, Academy
1 Feb: Norwich, Water Front
2 Feb: Hull, University
4 Feb: London, Koko
5 Feb: Cambridge, Junction
6 Feb: Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms
7 Feb: Bristol, Anson Rooms
8 Feb: Bedford, Corn Exchange
13 Feb: Derry, The Nerve
14 Feb: Belfast, Limelight
15 Feb: Dublin, Vicar Street

[Listen] Warpaint - "Love Is To Die"

I love waking up to surprises. Those days where you wake up a little worse for wear and you realise you still have you phone, wallet and passport, but then you check your wallet and there's still money in it! It's a magical feeling. I like it even more when I wake up to find that the night before while I was in a dream-like state that a band I really like released a new track and announced a new album. Today was one of those days as Warpaint have announced their sophomore album and following the ever growing trend it's a self-titled one. Along with that they've tickled our ears with brand new music in the shape of a track called "Love Is To Die" which you can check out below. The ladies are currently doing a short stint around the UK but I'm sure we can expect more dates to be announced in 2014. The 12 track S/T will be released via Rough Trade on January the 20th.

They play Manchester Academy this evening (October 39th) and Brixton Academy in London tomorrow on the 30th Oct. For now treat yourself to the huge sounding track below.

[News] Beck Signs To Capitol, Announces New Album 'Morning Phase'

Apparently good things come to those who wait because WE'RE GETTING A NEW BECK ALBUM IN FEBRUARY, Y'ALL!! FINALLYYYY!! It was just announced that Beck has signed to Capitol Records and will be releasing his first album since 2008. According to the press release, "The new record, titled Morning Phase, has been described as a companion piece of sorts to Beck's 2002 classic Sea Change. Featuring many of the same musicians who played on that record (who are also currently accompanying him live) -Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Joey Waronker, Smokey Hormel, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., and Jason Falkner -- Morning Phase harkens back to the stunning harmonies, song craft and staggering emotional impact of that record, while surging forward with infectious optimism."

No more details have been announced yet, but you better believe the second it hits our inbox you all will be the first to know.

ARE YOU EXCITED OR WHAT!?!?!

[Listen] Francis and The Lights - "If They Don't Come Tomorrow"

Seems like it's been a little quiet here in recent weeks, apologies for that, but how about some new music to make up for it? Francis And The Lights is a New York based producer and songwriter that has made some waves in the past but went quiet for a while. Well it appears he's been working hard at some new material that is sounding damn fine. He seems to have a knack for simplicity that reminds me of some James Blake stuff in a way. It's easy to see why he has Frank Ocean and The Weeknd as fans. Let's see if we can you to that list too? The track below is titled "If They Come Tomorrow" and the piano lick paired alongside a lighters in the air synth build and drum beat/click is just a treat for the ears. I for one am looking forward to hearing more. Less is more and all that.

The track is set to appear on an EP titled Like A Dream set for release on November 25th via Good Years.

[Listen] SKATERS - "Deadbolt"

SKATERS humble from New York City and have been busy working away all summer in the UK and the US alike. If you were at Reading or Leeds Festival this summer I hope you caught these guys, cause they know how to party. Their new track "Deadbolt" is a fuzzy mess of energetic freedom. Kind of reminds me of Wavves a little and this is by no means a bad thing at all. It may be a little while until we get to enjoy the band's aptly named debut album, Manhattan, which is due on out next year on the 24th of February. If you like what you hear then high five yourself. Then do it again as they'll be on the road in the coming months playing shows on both sides of the Atlantic. Firstly with Palma Violets in the US before coming to the UK to play shows with Deep Vally. Make the jump to check the dates. 

Before that though, cast your mind to a dingy karaoke club where you may sing classic hits such as R Kelly's "Ignition" and you may be filled with images of regret. SKATERS manage to capture an essence of those clubs and karaoke with their lyrics video for "Deadbolt". It's nice to see a pretty nice Lyrics video as I'm not usually a fan. 

On Tour With Palma Violets:

10/8      Philadelphia, Boot & Saddle

10/9      New York, Webster Hall

10/14    Seattle, Neumos

10/15    Vancouver, Biltmore Caberet

10/16    Portland, Crystal Ballroom

10/18    Berkley, UC Berkley/ ASUC Superb 10 Esheleman Hall #4500

10/19    Los Angeles, El Rey Theater

UK Tour with Deap Vally:

11/1       Brighton, Concorde2

11/2       Bristol, Trinity Centre

11/4       Nottingham, Rock City Basement

11/5       Manchester, Club Academy

11/7       Birmingham, Birmingham Academy 2

11/8       Leeds, The Wardrobe

11/10     Newcastle, The Warehouse

11/11     Edinburgh, Liquid Room

11/12     Glasgow, Oran Mor

11/14     London, Electric Ballroom

[Watch] Breton - "Got Well Soon" (Official Video)

Just this past weekend as Liz and I were hanging out I half joked, "We should totally train up in the gym so that when Breton comes to town we are in tip top shape to dance super hard all night long at the show." 

That was prior to experiencing that which is the new Breton single, "Got Well Soon". 

Now I think we should have been training since the day the band first Vined a snippet from the studio around the beginning of the summer. I had a ballpark idea of how much I thought the band had matured and progressed in the year-ish that Team SKOA has been following the artist, but now I regret underestimating them like that. This first single is a compilation of the things that I have always celebrated about the band: it's dark, showcases a lot of depth and complexity, and is semi-gloomy yet electrifyingly bassy so there's no chance in hell that, at the bare minimum, your hips won't be swaying back and forth juuuuust a little once it hits your eardrums. On top of this solid initial offering from a musical standpoint, the accompanying video unveiled yesterday is yet another powerful visual that the band is well-known for. What they've managed to capture in under 5 minutes is so striking that I was invested immediately in the story and pretty much had my jaw on the floor by the time it ended. To date, I would say this is their best work overall.  

Per the song's premiere on BBC 6 Music yesterday on Mary Anne Hobbs' show, the album is slated for a February 2014 release and was recorded in Berlin. From what I can tell from the several videos and Vines that the band has teased throughout the past few months on top of this first single, it is going to be one doozy of a followup to their 2012 debut, Other People's Problems. 

The band will be heading out on a small string of dates starting next Wednesday (10/16) in support of Local Natives before playing a small handful of festival and North American gigs. Team SKOA will be training up for their Glasslands show on December 13th, so look for us there. We'll be the ones dancing the hardest, obviously. 

Enough yapping, check out "Got Well Soon" below: 

Breton Tour Dates

16/10 - Waterfront, Norwich, UK - w/ Local Natives
20/10 - Sage 2, Newcastle, UK - w/ Local Natives
21/10 - Arches, Glasgow, UK - w/ Local Natives
22/10 - Limelight, Belfast, UK - w/ Local Natives
24/10 - Olympia, Dublin, Ireland - w/ Local Natives
25/10 - Leadmill, Sheffield, UK - w/ Local Natives
26/10 - The Ritz, Manchester, UK - w/ Local Natives
27/10 - O2 Academy, Bristol, UK - w/ Local Natives
29/10 - University, Southampton, UK - w/ Local Natives
30/10 - Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands - w/ Local Natives
31/10 - AB Club, Brussels. Belgium - w/ Local Natives
12/11 - Zenith, Paris, France - w/ Foals
23/11 - Goodgod, Sydney, Australia
05/12 - The Lexington, London, UK
13/12 - Glasslands Gallery, Brooklyn, US
14/12 - Il Motore, Montreal, Canada