JSkins has written the following articles:
Part Two of our interview with M. Ward sees us delve deeper into the interconnecting themes and ideas that inform his superb new album Hold Time, as well as discussing cover versions and collaborative efforts. Oh, and Bowie.»
In the run-up to the release of M. Ward's terrific new album Hold Time, DiS felt it imperative we get the lowdown from the man himself. So, on a bright Monday morning in London, on the eve of his countryman Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration, we spoke to him about the themes and inspiration behind the new album, how it relates to his previous work, and his thoughts regards taking it on the road.»
There's a sense that in both embracing the mainstream leanings they’ve oft-exhibited and broadening their palette some, Fall Out Boy are accomplishing exactly what they set out to achieve in Folie À Deux – a set certain to satisfy fans' appetites as much as it may surprise and intrigue certain others. »
Matthew Herbert-endorsed, TV On The Radio-compared - The Invisible also emerge with a musical pedigree about as interesting as you could feasibly imagine. Crucially, they've got some tunes in their arsenal too.»
This bumper two EPs-as-an-album package finds Zach Condon both collaborating with a Mexican funeral band (!) and indulging his pre-Beirut, electro-leaning bedroom project Realpeople, in a melody-soaked set as rich as it is in part unexpected.»
Earlier this year married duo Wildbirds & Peacedrums unleashed their rather special debut album Heartcore upon us. Certainly among 2008's most vital and unsung discoveries, we asked the band to compile us a mixtape, and this video-based collection is what we received... »
As far as opening tracks go, The Owl Of Minerva SHREDS – South Central coming on like a shinier The Go! Team or less claustrophobic Crystal Castles. Sadly though, it’s also something the remainder of this disjointed, abrasive collection fails to live up to. »
Peter Broderick – barely into his 20s, proficient at a number of instruments and of a yearning, graceful disposition – released his debut album proper earlier this year. Given some of the plaudits it’s received elsewhere (including a nomination for The People's Voice Prize), DiS thought an evaluation was something it really ought to get ‘round to doing.»
That Anathallo's first offering as part of the widely admired anticon collective initially proves impenetrable should come as little surprise to many. Nebulous, beautiful and frustrating – Canopy Glow is, resoundingly, all these things. »
Is it Christian rock? Isn’t it? It’s an issue deftly skirted around, but for the most part Mending simply isn't very good.»
In Part Two of our interview with Will Sheff, we delve further into the Okkervil River frontman's thoughts on the turning tide in the US, what he meant by deciding to become a "professional failure" and whether he considers himself an optimistic lyricist or not.»
On a cursory listen there’s nothing here likely to stop you in your tracks – beguiling, androgynous voice aside – but through its dusty, sweet tone and lilting, unhurried sway, Death Vessel's second sneaks under the skin, growing irrevocably in stature in the space between listens.»
Tucked away in Shepherd's Bush Empire's green room, Okkervil River's Will Sheff is ebullient and inviting as we discuss the band's hectic touring schedule, the concept behind the two latest full-lengths, and a certain American President-elect.»
Earlier this year Illinois trio Headlights quietly turned in their second album, Some Racing, Some Stopping. Reinvent the wheel it did not, though as a winsomely enjoyable indie-pop effort it takes some beating»
Our latest mixtape comes courtesy of Okkervil River's Will Sheff. Much like his songs, it's steeped in musical knowledge, history and depth – from Jay-Z through Lou Reed and Nina Simone, let the man himself walk you through his choices – he's plenty to say... »
Shrugging off his melancholic torpor and ditching the laptop sees Marc Bianchi (aka Her Space Holiday) both subvert expectation and broaden his palette to successful ends, disseminating untold aspects of himself into his work.»
The Paddingtons, yeah? Nah.»
The beauty and world-weary charm Okkervil River hold in abundance emanates from The Stand Ins’ finer moments. While it may not be the best thing they’ve ever done (or even will do), it is assured, ambitious and occasionally transcendent in its appeal – a worthy expansion of its forerunner and standalone joy in itself.»
It feels like Maps & Atlases have been a cult concern for a while by this point, engendering feverish levels of dedication from musicians and music fans alike through their technically flawless and dazzlingly relayed self-releases. In a favoured haunt of old, their euphonious stylings captivate...»
Listened to absentmindedly, Un Dia's deep, rumbling groove and overlapping rhythmic lines may initially seem nothing more than an artfully assembled soporific swirl»
Broken Hymns, Limbs, And Skin is a dark, twisted, and occasionally glorious listen. From the tense, muted banjo strikes on which it opens to the raucous cries that see it out, it also positively exudes menace»
Whether there’s anything on Think that hasn’t already been felt, exorcised or breathlessly relayed by key players in this scene isn’t the point at this juncture – it’s the conviction and swagger that convinces, and few ‘round these parts do it better. Scrappy, beautiful and brilliant»
The second album from Joseph Mount’s Metronomy project immediately aligns itself with such recent 1980s-influenced gems as Neon Neon, Cut Copy and M83's latest: evocative, luminescent and eminently worthy of your time and investment»
An evening spent in the company of two of North America’s finest, as rambunctious as it is unique»
Me And Armini finds Emiliana Torrini poised to capitalise on the subtle charm of its predecessor»
Across the way at a sodden Field Day 2008 myriad delights abound; hustled close to the Adem-curated Homefires stage however, DiS braves umbrellas and rainfall to catch three fine performances»
Micah P Hinson's cell buzzes in an Ipswich hotel room; in London, DiS readies questions. The Texan is open, honest, revealing plenty about his troubled past»
Conor Oberst is the sound of a musician and songwriter comfortable in his craft, mellowed with age since spitting out those red-blooded, white-skinned blues»
On August 4 Conor Oberst will release his new self-titled solo album, and as something of a preview DiS has dived into the man's Bright Eyes catalogue.»
The Leader's troubled gestation period has lent it – while intermittently endearing – an air of torpor it struggles to convincingly overcome»
