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Vallis Alps EP

Alex — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:00:27 +0000

My enthusiasm for musical discovery has been lacking over the past couple months. Work, school and my other vices may have clouded my mind for a time, but no longer! Introducing Vallis Alps, a really sweet name, a lunar mountain range, and also the Aussie – Seattle pop duo that shook my emotions and inspired me with their impressive four track EP. The duo spews out sound similar to that of Made in Heights and Chet Faker, although I hate to categorize.

The lyrics within each track flow impeccably with dream-pop synths and dozy bass lines, making for fifteen minutes of sound that simply put, feels great. The first track is for me the most memorable. It crosses multiple genres and boasts powerful lyrics that inflict a reflective mood. The story concludes with a melancholy feeling – “And we said this has only just begun / in the end time forever favors the young.” But this is just my take on one track. The remaining three are each markedly different and equally impressive in their own way. Check out the entire EP below and be on the lookout for more Vallis Alps sounds in the future.

Alex Feder – Moments of Silence

Alex — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 02:17:10 +0000

So I came across this rock track the other day, and while said genre isn’t usually my cup of tea I couldn’t help rocking out. The material is courtesy of LA pop/rock artist, Alex Feder, formally known as Leonard Friend. The uplifting vocals are probably the highlight for me. The title and pinnacle of the chorus, “these days the kids dance to moments of silence,” is in my mind a reference to the fast paced and often violent nature of our generation. I actually have spent some time reflecting upon this unfortunate condition, so the song was particularly meaningful to me. The preceding line, “hearts are so wired and loves are so violent,” sends a similar message, relating possibly to the technological advancement experienced by our generation. I won’t analyze the rest of the lyrics for you, because for one I don’t have time, but more importantly because the song will resonate very personally for each one of us, and so my interpretation may be meaningless to you. Lyrics aside, the track boasts some cool synths during the intro and killer drum patterns throughout the chorus. Certainly some pop influence here. Stream and download below.

Mansions On The Moon – Where You Are

Alex — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:51:03 +0000

The LA based quartet, Mansions On The Moon, has been consistently pumping beats onto my radar for the past three years or so. Needless to say, its a real surprise they haven’t gained more recognition for it. They stay true to a modern brand of chill wave marked by downtempo bass and dreamy electronic synths. Their stuff fits in the same variety with music by the LA band, Carousel, and Philadelphia natives, Work Drugs. Two equally impressive names well worth your attention.

The latest release from Mansions On The Moon, Where You Are, showcases the band’s slower side with hazy vocals and melodic rhythms from both the keyboard and bass. Its the kinda coma inducing track you’ll find yourself listening to speechless and half conscious at 4 am, a sedative drug if you will. So… stream below and make sure to check out Mansions On The Moon on Souncloud.

Dooqu – Breathe EP

Alex — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 23:32:30 +0000

Allow me to introduce you to Dooqu, the seventeen year old production prodigy crafting beats way north out of Denmark. The young talent just recently signed with Heroic Recordings and has seen support from the likes of Flux Pavilion and Dirtyphonics. His Breathe EP was released just a few days ago and to my knowledge has received underwhelming attention with less than 1,000 plays on Soundcloud. That will change. The first and most impressive track, Breathe It In, could almost serve as a blueprint for deep house production. It kicks off with a catchy upbeat melody, gradually bringing in some deep masculine vocals accompanied by a low bassline. Dooqu described his stuff as “music meant to make people smile.” I’ll have to agree. Check out Breathe It In and the rest of the EP below.

James Hersey – Coming Over + Filous Remix

Alex — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 05:29:28 +0000

I usually hate admitting that a remix from an established producer lead me to the original material. Something about not uncovering that gem myself… it bothers me. The case holds here, except the prominent producer in question, Filous, only seems to add to the magic that is Coming Over by James Hersey.

The track in short recognizes the most basic and honest joy of visiting that special someone. Hersey chants throughout the track “all I need is you and a bit of music.” Too real. For him, that visit trumps all other thoughts, clearing his mind and obviously allowing him to produce beautifully sincere music. And that’s just the original work. The track is then taken to the beat lab and equipped with that sooting ambiance Filous has become famous for. Both the acoustic and remix are dream material. Stream and download below.

Ryn Weaver – Promises EP

Alex — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 21:58:16 +0000

Can’t stop won’t stop. In just a month Weaver has risen from the depths of an idle acting career to complete fame on hype machine and across the blogosphere. It all began in late June with Octahate, an infectious pop anthem that has racked up close to 1.5 million plays on soundcloud. Next came Promises, an equally impressive track showcasing the dynamism in Weaver’s voice. Now, after all the wait we are graced with the full EP, including two new uplifting tunes, Stay Low and Sail On. Weaver’s voice stays fresh and the production is polished throughout. I can’t get enough. Purchase the full project on iTunes.

Ryn Weaver – Promises

Alex — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 21:16:46 +0000

Ryn Weaver exploded onto the scene back in June with her debut track, Octahate, featuring a star studded production team led by Benny Blanco and Charlie XCX. Due to these prominent collaborators however, Weaver’s rise to fame was criticized for being given or unearned, a big label’s favor perhaps. Lana Del Ray met similar criticism while trying to break through back in 2010… and like Del Ray, it appears Weaver won’t be daunted. This new track, Promises, packed with a heavy electro punch and catchy hook, provides all the gusto and fire needed to silence the haters. No doubt this girls on a trajectory straight to pop stardom. Stream Promises below and look out for the EP coming soon.

P.S. – 90% sure the pic is her.

Nihils – Help Our Souls (Urban Contact Remix)

Alex — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 23:51:23 +0000

I’m loving this up beat electro remix from Austrian production duo, Urban Contact. The original already packed with grooves and feels was sped up and decorated with some disco synths and guitar riffs. Aside from the production, this guy’s voice is totally peppy, and almost inspiring in a way. Perfect dance track to get the blood pumpin before the weekend. Hit the stream below and take it all in.

La+ch – You Are My Summer Feat. Coleman Hell & Jayme

Alex — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 01:29:04 +0000

Super sunny track from Toronto based producer, La+ch, with vocalists Jayme and Colemen Hall. The beat here is absolutely infectious and the lyrics are more relatable than a Luke Bryan radio hit. Its almost cheesy in that way, but honestly impossible to dislike. I hope we see more of these three together because this first track is a true summer anthem. Oh I forgot to mention that the video is more charming than the track itself. So do yourself a favor and brighten up Monday with the official music video below… If you don’t feel nostalgic in the first minute then we probably wouldn’t get along. Shouts to Tommy for the find

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Prince Fox Remix)

Alex — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 06:55:56 +0000

Countless remixes have been done of Sam Smith’s powerful track, Stay With me. Many are worth a listen, but few truly harness your attention like this one does. The NYC producer, Prince Fox, slides us into the track with a quiet intro paying homage to Sam Smith’s golden pipes. But don’t let the start deceive you… Around 1:15 the beat finally kicks and we have ourselves a sneaky banger. Not only does Prince Fox do justice to the original material, he takes the track to another level entirely. Check it out. Loving the name by the way.