Check ‘Em Out: Capsula

Wild. Energetic. Hot. Psychedelic. A Furious Hologram. A Space of Sounds. Droning Riffs. Garage Rawness. Shinny Surf Pop. Exploring Vocals. Feedback and Noise. CAPSULA.

The trio has returned with their sophomore album and sonic masterpiece, In The Land of Silver Souls (Krian Music Group).

Capsula’s Martin Guevara (vocals/guitar) and Coni Duchess (vocals/bass), along with Capsula drummer, Nacho, collectively create the musical storm, a whirlwind of psychedelic wonder and punk rock fury. Their music roars with a combination of garage rock toughness and modern style that have earned them a wide range of comparisons from The Stooges and The Pixies to Sonic Youth and David Bowie.

Although the band now lives in Bilbao, Spain, all three were born in Argentina.  Martin and Coni’s creative process was largely affected by living through the Argentinean dictatorship. A time when the censoring of music’s most fundamental subjects- love, sex, justice, revolution, drugs- created an atmosphere in which subversive lyrical and musical expression was a necessity. You don’t have to understand every lyric of a Capsula song to capture the unbound emotion of their dirty rock.

Their first single “Hit ‘n’ Miss” kicks off with a classic garage rock riff, before Martin rips into a Bowie-esque tale about the rise and fall of those seeking fast stardom in the big city.

Listen: Capsula – “Hit ‘n’ Miss”

Capsula will be touring the US in 2012, following their third SXSW showcase, on Thursday March 15. Witnessing Capsula live is an experience not easily forgotten, as they tear though blistering washes of guitar and pounding rhythms delivered with the true essence of punk rock attitude, garnering a great deal of acclaim from Rolling Stone, Wired Magazine and The Chicago Tribune among others.

Their sneering rock and roll attitude may suggest they don’t care if you like their music or not, but after one listen to In The Land of Silver Souls, it’s going to be hard not to. Deep grooving rhythms and wailing guitars are ever present as the band shifts between blazing riffs, spacey exploration, shimmering walls of sound and thick catchy vocal melodies.

Leave a comment

Filed under Check 'em Out!, Events, listen, new albums, Shows

MP3: Animal Heart – “UN-Extraordinary Man”

After releasing their first seedy, yet buxom single “Miami” (watch the video “Miami” (NSFW) HERE), take another trip down with Animal Heart’s second single UN-Extraordinary Man”.

Listen/download: Animal Heart – “UN-Extraordinary Man”

Animal heart is a musical mistake of good intent founded by two of the most un-extraordinary men one could ever hope to find. |animal heart is an experiment | animal heart is electronic pop rock | animal heart is unwholesome fun | animal heart is two pink moons and a loaded gun | animal heart is diggin’ in the dirt for tips | animal heart is so much more than this…Witness!

Their first release, “the buxom yet seedy ‘MIAMI,’” will leave you wanting palm trees, warm breezes, and… some company. Strap on that fanny pack tight or else the force of this electro pop might whip it right off. “The Vinyl District

Leave a comment

Filed under downloads, listen

Video: Keepaway – “Vital”

Last month I posted a video from Brooklyn’s Keepaway for their track, “Cake.” Well, now check out another one for a song called, “Vital.”

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Videos: Grieves and Charli XCX

Happy Friday! Here’s two cool vids for ya. (Disclaimer: These two videos are in no way alike. So, if you don’t like one, maybe you’ll like the other….or be like me and like both.)

Leave a comment

Filed under Check 'em Out!, listen, video

Newest Love: Zulu Winter – “We Should Be Swimming”

“…music that shimmers like a sky full of fireworks” NME

catchy and anthemic indie-dance” – The Guardian

UK reverby rockers” – BrooklynVegan

Perseverance and dedication are two things that the members of Zulu Winter are very familiar with. The four guys from Oxfordshire, England came together in their teens over a shared love of music and have been collaborating ever since. Now, twelve years after their first practice as a band, Zulu Winter is gearing up to release Language, a debut album that has the immediate appeal of pop while at the same time packed with emotional insight. Inspired by everything from 19th century literature to obscure ‘60s electronica, Language will be released in North America on June 19th via Arts & Crafts.

Language is a collection of multi-dimensional songs that bleed with sentiment and syncopated dance beats. The album opens with “Key To My Heart,” a sincere message of love that showcases the depth and richness of the band’s sound with layers of swirling instrumentation. The upbeat “Silver Tongue” is driven by an energetic bass line that leads to a danceable chorus. “Bitter Moon” is an emotionally charged track hinged on a powerful chorus, inviting listeners to experience a vulnerable side of the band. “We Should Be Swimming” is a melancholic pop-song running over a compelling rhythm. Zulu Winter released a chilling video for the track, and today they have released the song as a free MP3 download.

Download: Zulu Winter – “We Should Be Swimming”

Having played sold-out shows across Europe alongside acts like Friendly Fires and The Horrors, Zulu Winter is ready to bring its energetic live show to the US. The band will be hitting the road for a string of US dates this month, including multiple performances at SXSW. Be sure to catch Zulu Winter live in your city!

  • 3/14: SXSW @ The Mohawk (Eat Your Own Ears & Laneway), 3:30pm
  • 3/15: SXSW @ Cedar Street Courtyard (Filter Magazine party), 1pm
  • 3/15: SXSW @ Latitude 30 (Clash Music UK party), 3pm
  • 3/15: SXSW @ Tiniest Bar (Double Denim & LuvLuvLuv present), 5:15pm
  • 3/16: SXSW @ Antones (Billions Official Showcase), 9:40pm
  • 3/20: Chicago, IL @ Schubas
  • 3/26: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall (w/ Chairlift)
  • 3/28: New York , NY@ Mercury Lounge (w/ Polica)
  • 3/29: Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands (w/ Willis Earl Beal)
  • 3/30: Pawtucket, Rhode Island @ The Met Cafe (w/ Polica)
  • 3/31: Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse (w/ Polica)
  • 4/01: Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl (w/ Polica)

Leave a comment

Filed under Check 'em Out!, downloads, Events, listen, new albums, Newest Love, Shows, video

Video: SoSo – “My Women, My Guitars”

Swedish native Soso will release her debut album That Time I Dug So Deep I Ended Up In China, May 1, 2012. Today Soso releases the companion video to her power pop version of cult legend Cody ChesnuTT’s song “My Women My Guitars” which PerezHilton recently noted has “hints of Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse”.

This is soooooooooooo good!!!” – PerezHilton

Soso shifts from an Adele-brand of defeatism to Beyoncé’s confidence in just a few chords.” – Interview Magazine

“Soso is Swedish superpower composed of Monica Belluci’s face, Robyn’s voice and Adele’s heartbreak.” – RCRD LBL

That Time I Dug So Deep I Ended Up In China features single “Who’s Gonna Love Me,” a slow-building pop gem that battles intimate issues like insecurity and abandonment, with a “fuck-you” attitude. “Happy People” is a soulful and bittersweet song evoking an earlier time, when life was simple and free from complication. “Joaquin Phoenix” is a one-take-love-song to the decadent actor that Soso recorded impulsively after watching his mockumentary “I’m Still Here” in 2010. The record is also cut with a number of lush preludes and semi-instrumentals, including “Sab Lackath,” on which Soso recorded herself crying and edited it into rhythmic beats. It is clear that within the parameters of her technique, Soso truly invites us to her inner most private places.

Leave a comment

Filed under Check 'em Out!, listen, new albums, video

New Music: Blaqstarr – “Roses”

Multi-talented producer, DJ and artist Blaqstarr is gearing up to release his long awaited full length album entitled, Here We Are this summer on N.E.E.T/Interscope.  Blaqstarr will be previewing some of his new material next week down at SXSW.  Listen to the first track, “Roses” now.

Listen: Blaqstarr – “Roses”

  • March 10   Fast Company Magazine – SXSW Interactive – private event – 10:45 PM
  • March 11   Yahoo “Electric City” Afterparty – SXSW Interactive – private event – 9:00 PM
  • March 12   White Rabbit               San Antonio, TX
  • March 13   Venue: Ten Eleven     San Antonio, TX
  • March 14   606 Club – 1:15 AM
  • March 16   Hard Rock Hotel Presents: The Sound of Your Stay @ Cedar Door – 3:00 PM

Leave a comment

Filed under Events, Highly Anticipated, listen, new albums, Shows

Brand New: Dragonette – “The Right Woman”

Click to go listen to "The Right Woman"

Dragonette have spent the last two years working on special and successful collaborations. “Fire In Your New Shoes, ” their pairing with Kaskade, was a huge club hit worldwide, and one of the 4 songs they did with French DJ Martin Solveig, “Hello,” was a pop hit across the globe, going Top 10 in over 30 countries, achieving platinum status in the USA, getting synched 150 times in the process, and leading to Mr. Solveig producing Madonna. Now the band turn their attention to their own material again.

Preparing to release two brand new tunes this March, today sees the unveiling of Dragonette’s “The Right Woman” which appears on Proud to be Woman Vol. 3, a compilation put together by Diane von Furstenberg in celebration of International Women’s Day.  The compilation will be released both digitally and as a limited edition Play button. All proceeds from the compilation benefit Vital Voices, an organization dedicated to empowering women worldwide. The track is a collaboration with producer Felix Blowxsom, who has worked with Sia and Empire of the Sun, and produces, remixes, and DJs under the Plastic Plates moniker. Check out some of his tracks here.

The band is also readying the video for the first proper new single “Let It Go” to be unleashed at the end of the month.

Listen to “The Right Woman” streaming HERE and you can purchase it HERE.

In conjunction with these releases, and in the lead-up to the release of Dragonette’s 3rd album (which is almost done!), Dan, Tina, and Joel are hitting the road to play a combination of new tracks and old favorites, stopping at SXSW and Coachella along the way. They will also pop in to the Juno Awards, where they’ll perform “Hello” and see if their nomination turns into their first win!

Dragonette Tour Dates

  • Fri Mar 16 – Austin, TX – SXSW – Windish Agency Showcase @ Mohawk (Outside)
  • Fri Mar 16 – Austin, TX – SXSW – Warp Magazine Showcase @ Friends
  • Sat Mar 17 – More BBQ
  • 3/21: Kingston, ON @ The Ale House – BUY TICKETS
  • 3/23: Toronto, ON @ Canadian Music Awards – BUY TICKETS
  • 3/23: Toronto, ON @ The Hoxton – BUY TICKETS
  • 3/24: Waterloo, ON @ The Starlight – BUY TICKETS
  • 3/28: Halifax, NS @ Pacifico – BUY TICKETS
  • 3/30: St. Johns, NL @ Club One – Tickets Available at the Door
  • 4/1: Ottawa, ON – Juno Awards @ Scotiabank Place – BUY TICKETS
  • 4/6: Miami, FL @ The Mansion – BUY TICKETS
  • 4/7: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom – SOLD OUT
  • 4/14: Indio, CA – Coachella Music Festival @ Empire Polo Club – SOLD OUT
  • 4/19: Whistler, BC – World Ski & Snowboard Festival @ Skier’s Plaza – FREE SHOW
  • 4/21: Indio, CA – Coachella Music Festival @ Empire Polo Club – SOLD OUT

Leave a comment

Filed under Highly Anticipated, listen, Newest Love, Shows, Whoa!

MP3: Free Energy – “Electric Fever”

In celebration of their upcoming SXSW dates, Free Energy is thrilled to share a brand new jam from their new record, Love Sign.

Download: Free Energy – Electric Fever

Free Energy SXSW Performances

  • 3/14: Popantipop/Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Party @ The Brew Exchange (formerly Annie’s West), 3:30PM
  • 3/14: Blow Up Presented by Caoker and The Seaport Music Festival Showcase @ Blue Theatre, 5:20PM
  • 3/14: Consequence of Sound Showcase @ Emo’s Jr, 1:00AM
  • 3/15: The Get Down Day Party @ Kenny Dorham’s Backyard Park
  • 3/15: Vagabond Collective Showcase @ Gypsy Lounge,  4:45PM
  • 3/16: My Old Kentucky Blog Showcase @ Peckerhead’s, 4:30PM
  • 3/16: The Windish Agency Showcase @ ND at 501 Studios, 9:00PM

Leave a comment

Filed under downloads, Highly Anticipated, listen, new albums, Shows

Highly Anticipated: New Albums Due Out This Month

Tomorrow is a HUGE music release day. I’m super excited about quite a few albums. Which ones? Why, I’ll tell you!

Andrew Bird – Break It Yourself

Kaiser Chiefs – Start the War Without Me

Nite Jewel – One Second Of Love

 White Rabbits – Milk Famous (Probably MOST excited for this one)

Other releases this month:

March 13

Delta Spirit – Delta Spirit

Say Anything – Anarchy My Dear

 

The Ting Tings – Sounds From Nowheresville

March 20

Tanlines – Mixed Emotions

The Shins – Port of Morrow

March 26

Madonna – MDNA

March 27

Miike Snow – Happy To You

The Mars Volta – Noctourniquet

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized