Everything Everything – Distant Past

Holy. Friggen. Hell. Everything Everything are back!! It’s been a short two years or so since their epic sophomore album Arc hit stores, but definitely a noticeable hiatus and this writer is certainly over the moon to see them back. Leaving searing notes in our heads and hearts with tracks classics like “Kemosabe”, “Cough Cough” and the beautiful “Duets”, they’re back with their very bespoke vibe to build anticipation ahead of a new album in 2015.

The track, “Distant Past”, is scattered at best, searching for a solid formation while knowing in its heart of hearts that Everything Everything will do everything but. Frontman Jonathan Higgs gives his all in this one, showing brilliant range for a man that is certainly not an impressive vocalist by pop standards, but with tone and attitude he brings it to life ten fold.

Issue Thirteen

As predicted, 2013 has begun with a furious bull-rush of top new tunes as the anticipation for the Triple J Hottest 100 grows leading up to Australia Day. If it wasn’t for that pesky, social-media-curious Warmest 100 guy giving all the surprises, most people would’ve been completely clueless as to which songs were set to top the year (apart from Macklemore’s “Thrift Shop”…that was a shoe-in from the beginning apparently). Not to worry. If you were hoping to hear a whole bunch of surprise punches in the countdown this year, only to let your curiosity get the better of you and spoil it all at that darned site; you’ve always got this good old top ten to count on. I guarantee none of the songs on my radar right now will ruin the one time of year that Triple J is still relevant to the rest of the Australia.

10. Clubfeet – Heirs & Graces (Fucking everything on it)

OK so I realise that this first little number is not exactly a song. It’s a trailer for Clubfeet’s album, with previews for some of the songs on it. Released last Friday, the 18th of January, Heirs & Graces prove that they are not destined to be a Triple-J-only-sort-of-one-hit-wonder. The whole thing absolutely kills it with tracks like the opening My Shadows to the tropically vibing Acapulco & LA and the follow up to Heartbreak, Everything You Wanted. I’d liken them to fellow Aussie’s The Temper Trap (on My Shadows) but probably closer to Cut Copy and Van She. The only reason they don’t receive higher status is that it’s unfair to pit an entire amazing album against puny one song shiners, and there’s no YouTube ready clips. So grab it off iTunes now!

9. Lucy Rose – Middle of the Bed

Lucy Rose is pretty cool. End-o story. I’m gonna say it outright. I have a massive thing for red-heads. Ever since Ginger Spice, I swear the whole bunch can do nothing wrong in my eyes. Anyhow, Lucy Rose has a great voice and has a bum-load of talent to go with it. Middle of the Bed is the single off her debut album and it’s a major silver bullet that will force you go out and buy the album.

8.  Daughter – Smother

I recently heard Daughter has a new album coming out soon. Very exciting news. She is as laid back as they come. Built for rainy days. It’s the type of song I don’t usually go nuts for only because it’s so chilled out it’s just there for pure enjoyment. That’s what Smother is; just a real impressive and enjoyable track.

7. The Book Club – The Irony Tower

For fans of Two Door Cinema Club or probably closer to We Are Scientists. Both great bands, much like The Book Club is. This track is yet another great dancey, brit-pop staple and to be honest I don’t care how much bands pop up with this style, they will never get old as long as they keep it fun and easy on the ears. Enter exhibit A, The Irony Tower. 

6. Chloe Howl – No Strings

Pretty sure there’s an umlaut (European style O with the two dots above it) in Chloe Howl. Regardless, here’s another one of those Lily Allen/Kate Nash “fuck-you-ex-boyfriend” type UK singers. She’s only 17, which makes it a little weird that she’s already fucking up her relationships so royally that she’s getting damn good songs out of it. Although I guess 17 is the age where you’re most likely to be a dick and make mistakes. Yep, if it weren’t for prolonging the effects of puberty into young adulthood I’d say we’d lose half the classic songs of our time.

5. The Heartbreaks – Delay, Delay

This playlist seems to be full of easy, enjoyable songs. The Heartbreaks are apparently quite big. News to me. That fact aside, I’m stoked I eventually got around to finding them. Delay, Delay is the obvious stand-out on what is one of my favourite albums this year Funtimes. Side Note: That title appropriately paints you a little pre-cursor for what to expect in the rest of the album.

4. MNDR – Feed Me Diamonds (SAC Remix)

Might I say that this is one of the finest remixes around at the moment. I once foolishly announced that this reminded me a little of Jamiroquai, but then quickly realised I hate Jamiroquai and absolutely fucking love this song and remix. It really hits its peak around the second verse and when the chorus has a little more content to it but the whole think is bouncy. Feed Me Diamonds is a definite heel-tapper. As in it will even get those too-cool-for-school types at a gig secretly tapping their heels, even when they think they’re so mysterious because no-one can tell if they’re vibing the band or not. MNDR: Certified jerk catchers.

3. Glasvegas – Whatever Hurts You Through The Night

Shut up. I know this is quite old. As in, one or two years. Not sure. Don’t care. Glasvegas is great and always will be. Their consistently anthemic tracks can sometimes get a bit repetitive but there’s always one or two killer classics in there somewhere. This is one of them, the other one being the sort-of title track Euphoria, Take My Hand. I would even go as far as saying that it rivals Geraldine for their best song ever.

2. Everything Everything – Duet

Everything Everything almost backed it up two weeks in a row with tracks off their second album Arc. I raved about this song in my round up of the new album but it wasn’t available on YouTube to view on the blog so I left it out. Lucky for them, now that it’s up they get a top spot in my playlist. Duet is probably the most straight forward song off the album but is absolutely stunning both lyrically and melodically from beginning to end. 

Unfortunately “Duet” by Everything Everything isn’t able to load straight to Blogger. You can check out the track by clicking on this link to YouTube! It’s apparently an alternative version. I highly recommend going onto iTunes and buying the real thing.

1. The Crookes – Afterglow

Hell yeah. Best find of the week. These guys have been trucking for quite some time and they have so far been outside of my radar until the beauty that is iTunes suggestions showed up. I was purchasing Everything Everything’s new album and there were The Crookes, sitting in the “If you liked this band…” section. They looked decent so I tried it out and damn are they good. The album Hold Fast is a winner in its entirety. Other awesome tracks include Maybe in the Dark, Hold Fast & Collecting Skies. It more than earned its spot on the summit of this weeks top ten.

So that’s it for the unlucky 13th issue of The Indie Rock Summit. I’ll be heading to St. Jerome’s Laneway festival in Sydney soon so stay tuned for an “I-was-drunk-and-not-paying-sufficient-attention-so-watch-me-try-to-piece-the-event-together” type reporting on how that goes. It might end up just a post with the words “fuck yes” in size 78 bold, who knows. 

Also, to anybody in Australia: Clubfeet are touring next month, so if you like what you heard and want to check it out live, tickets are only $15 and you can buy them by clicking here.

Fresh Tracks: Everything Everything

In December 2012, the world was supposed to end. God had planned on a rapture the likes of which had only been seen once before. Who by you ask? By Noah of course. The legendary bearded gentleman that built that fine wooden arc we’ve all heard about countless times throughout our youth. He and his family were chosen out of everybody in the world to carry on the human race because of their devotion to awesomeness.

Well this time around God chose a band named Everything Everything to build an Arc that would outlast the end of the world. But when December 21st, 2012 came around, to his surprise (and absolutely no one else’s) he was foiled by science. When the end of the world had been avoided, God said to the band, “Fuck. Sorry boys, I really thought that would work. But as long as you made that Arc we might as well do something good with it”. So in two fell swoops, God uncapped his magic marker, gently sniffed the tip of it, and turned their Arc into what will be one of the most impressive albums to come out in 2013.

So there you have it. Everything Everything’s new album, Arc. Engineered by God. Powered by divine intervention.

But seriously, this is only the tip of exciting news in releases to hit stores of all sorts this year but holy hell is it a fantastic start. When Everything Everything released their debut album Man Alive, it was interesting to say the least. Their attempt at mixing a kind of prog or art rock-esque styling with smooth pop didn’t seem too polished except for a few stand out tracks that became singles such as MY KZ, UR BF. It seems like they’ve well and truly crossed their T’s and dotted their lower case j’s in this second release.

The reviews for Arc are just beginning to come in from the major outlets and so far the sentiment is that it’s the work of a band at the top of their game. Described by most of the top reviewers as a more “honest” album than their first (whatever that means), the first single, Cough Cough, is being flogged like crazy here in Australia on Triple J and I believe it is one of the top 100 most played songs of the year on that particular channel. It’s fresher tracks like Kemosabe, Duet and Torso Of The Week that have me giddy like a twelve year old girl about this record. Showcasing all the best elements of the band including the most original use of falsetto in all the perfect places combined with hallmark Everything Everything harmonies and that static, creepy-crawly style guitar with soothing electronics. I know that description sounds like a whole lot of different noises and flows crashing around, but believe me it is such a perfectly melodic mess from beginning to end.

Everything Everything’s, Arc is available on iTunes as of right now. You can like their facebook page HERE.

Issue Twelve

Back for the first Issue of the new year with some pretty unreal stuff. The next few Issues are sure to be crazy exciting with albums coming out all over the place (including Everything Everything’s newbie coming out this month that I forgot to put into the 5 Albums to Look for). It turns out that I’m so keen to chuck out the first top ten of the year that I coincidentally haven’t got much to say about it. I’m sure it speaks for itself.

10. A B & The Sea – In The Sunshine

A B & The Sea. Even just by the name you can tell that these guys could be the poster boys of pop and that they are. In The Sunshine is just your typical catchy pop song that has the possibility of becoming annoying if heard one too many times. That being said, it has had it’s moment in the sun for a long while on my iPod and this spot in the top ten is well deserved, although there is much more pressing matters to attend to. For lovers of HAL (anyone remember them?), or I guess even people that liked fun. before they got terribly repetitive and boring.

9. Twin Shadow – The One

It has taken me a very long time to have any opinion at all on Twin Shadows critically acclaimed album Confess. Eventually I gave it a second listen and got this half decent track out of it. It’s definitely an acquired taste, unless you really enjoy music from 80’s buddy cop movies…then you’ve probably already heard this before. 

8. Foxes – Clarity

I honestly think I could love Foxes forever in an emotional capacity based solely on her voice. It’s encapsulating and transcends anything that Richard Mercer could even dream about. *insert cheesy 80’s late night sex line vocabulary while dressed in a maroon silk robe and a tumbler glass of scotch etc. That’s not even based on looks. But Foxes, whilst having an absolutely amazing voice, actually writes some kick ass music. This being one of the aforementioned songs that has a hand in the kicking of said ass.

7. Matt Pond PA – Specks

I found out about these guys whilst researching Christmas Songs for the last Issue but they’re actually really good. They’re a tad old I believe and I can’t believe I’d never heard of them as apparently they have a weird connection to Bryan Adams. Maybe they used to play in bands together or something of the sort. All I can say is they’re awesome at writing acoustic gems and will easily make your playlist if you also dig artists like Josh Pyke or to a lesser extent City & Colour.

6. Art Of Sleeping – Above The Water

I just heard this song today on Triple J so it well and truly snuck up on me. Can’t say much about Art of Sleeping. They’ve been around for a while I know that but I never really took to them. Have a bit of a feeling this is a one off pick too but it’s quite a good song and deserved a little more respect then a late spot.

5. Tan Vampires – Digital Rot

I found out about Tan Vampires from the good folks at Good Indie Music (@goodindiemusic on instagram) simply because I loved their album art work. Turns out the songs aren’t half bad either. This is the stand out track of the album although I Found A Body rivals it hard. It’s very folksy, but lately I seem to be liking that. Make sure to drop by their facebook page and give them a like if you dig because they have a measly 1,000 fans and deserve way more with beauties like this.

4. CHVRCHES – We Sink

CHVRCHES are back in the top ten! I knew they’d make it as soon as they released something else. I had a feeling about these guys. I actually found this live studio version of one of their other songs and it was so perfect live that I felt it could go right into the top ten even though they haven’t released it properly on iTunes or anything official. Watch out for CHVRCHES in 2013 though, they’re going to cause a big fuss.

3. The Cast Of Cheers – Human Elevator

The Cast Of Cheers, Family. What a classic album. It was super hard to pick this as one of the tracks I would put into this Issue but here we are. I think you can tell I’m hinting at a recommendation to go out and sample the rest of the album. Seriously, do yourself a favour. If you like Foals or Late of the Pier you’ll love these guys after a few listens. I actually found out about them through one of those “If you bought Foals, you’ll like…” on iTunes. Apparently they’re in the top 50 most played songs on Triple J of 2012…good for them.

2. Tigertown – Morning Has Finally Come

This is a massive stretch at number two. I gave it a chance and it came good. Another song that I’ve only heard recently courtesy of Triple J and I decided I liked it well enough to put it here. May feel like in a few weeks time that it was a bit premature but it’s a real quality song and plods through the whole track with that whole racing vibe given off by a very vibrant percussion and symphony of vocal harmonics. Effervescent in it’s delivery. In pretentious speak…that means it fizzes. What I mean by that I have no idea.

1. Everything Everything – Kemosabe

Oh my frigging good lord almighty. This is basically the reason I decided I wanted to do another post tonight. I heard this and went absolutely bonkers. I love Everything Everything. Have been a massive fan ever since I heard their first single in my van in Canada from an English mate. But Kemosabe has to be without a doubt the best song they’ve released to date. I really hope to see them create a stir this year. I love their out on control frenzied sound that always comes off melodically perfect through it all behind the most unique and well used vocals I’ve heard in a very long time. The new album, entitled Arc, comes out in 5 freaking days! Now I’m not sure if that’s UK release date or the Australian release date but it’s sure to be soon and I am more excited than ever. It’s going to be raining epic albums for the next four months!

Issue Six

You know those times when you just play and play a song until it gets tired? For those first couple of days or weeks it’s the most amazing thing ever and you think it’s going to be one of those tunes that follows you into adulthood. Tracks that your kids will grow up with as they tell all their friends that their “cool dad” used to be cool back in the naughties and listen to cool music cause he was cool. But after a week or month you look back and can’t bear to hear it even once more. A year later you don’t know why you liked it in the first place.

 Ok so we’ve made our way through five issues now and so far, looking back, I’m still extremely pleased with the selection of tracks in the top tens. There’s been some wicked stuff released so far this year but none of those previous calls of musical genius compares to this weeks top ten. This week’s top ten is not completely new releases but I guarantee the top five at least is unbelievable.

In the last week there has been (as declared in the previous issue) an abundance of glorious, time-lasting hits released by some of my favourite bands in the past year. This has, without a doubt, been the most exciting week for releases in 2012. So close the blinds, wedge a chair under the door and get ready to be pleasured…musically that is.

10. Strange Talk – Cast Away

I’ve been waiting for this single ever since I bought their debut self-titled EP. I put Strange Talk in at about number 5 or 6 last week for one of those previous tracks and since then realised they’ve released this saucy number. To be honest, I was a bit let down. I know that’s a bad start to the top ten with a personal let down, but they’re a good band who deserves a chance and I can’t deny I haven’t played it a few times. I just can’t get over the really cheesy chorus and lyrics that’s a little step away from their catchy indie-synth pop thing that was really edgy and cool and more towards just bubble gum pop. The song isn’t bubblegum pop…just the lyrics and chorus melody…the rest is…alright this song is just confusing, figure it out yourselves.

 

 

9. Mansions On The Moon – Radio

 

So once again we have a new BIRP! playlist and once again it has matched the poor standards of last months. After an amazing July playlist I’ve been quite dissappointed with the last two and the quality in this one is few and far between. One of the highlights though is Mansions On The Moon. A band I don’t know much about but they have an EP out on bandcamp and that this song is mighty cool. For some reason BIRP loves songs that sound like the singer took a giant breath in and just sung the whole song, whispering whilst breathing out; and this is one of the only times I’ve enjoyed such a technique.

 



 

 

8. CHVRCHES – The Mother We Share

 

Another BIRP! endorsed number. I decided to put them all up the back end just because there’s so much amazing stuff this week that deserves to be number one let alone the top five. This song is a bit girly and sort of poppy/synthy but I like it. It’s a good one to bop along to, kind of edgy in the bits where it goes super digital but the vocals keep it catchy enough to get stuck in your head. Simply put, just a really enjoyable song.

 



 

 

7. Blackbird Blackbird – All

 

I stumbled upon Blackbird Blackbird on YouTube through random recommendations and this song caught me up in the best way. It’s pretty straightforward. One of those digital tracks that finds a good beat and melody and just sticks with it. If you listen to this and get bored or something (not that it would do that to you) I emplore you to stick around till 2:56 when shit gets real!

 



 

 

6. The Griswolds – Mississippi

 

Oh, wow. The Griswolds. What can I say. Here’s where the issue gets wicked awesome. This is hardly one of those new releases I told you about. But I just found out about them, and how bloody unreal are they! This isn’t their single but I think it’s the easiest listening going around. They’re starting a tour this month next week. I got tickets and I highly recommend buying some, I heard they’re awesome live. It’s just fun music at its absolute best.

 



 

 

5. Hungry Kids Of Hungary – Sharp Shooter

 

Ok, now we’re getting into the new releases. This is only just in the recent Triple J Hit List and it’s no wonder why. It’s easy, catchy and of course rocky. Hungry Kids Of Hungary have always had that trademark indie, rocky, “kids hanging out, drinking beer, having fun playing music” aura about them and this song (and video) confirms it. Awesome band, Awesome song. They are also touring Australia in November, tickets are only like $20! Get on it.

 



 

 

4. Everything Everything – Cough Cough

 

Maaaaaan, these guys are wonderfully wierd with their style of british indie rock. It is the most original sound I’ve heard in ages. Takes a bit of getting used to but you can easily appreciate how talented these guys are when you see them recreate it live. I just don’t know how someone would go about writing a song like this. I’m so glad they’re out there doing it for us otherwise I don’t know what kind of hell we’d be living in. I just ask you to give it a chance and you’ll crumble.

 



 

 

3. Northeast Party House – Stand Tall

 

These guys were number one last week but their new single “Stand Tall” was released last Friday and it’s genius. I was at the gig in Newcastle on the night to see them live and they are even better live. Didn’t know what to expect in terms of crowd but it turned out to be a intimate affair with about 20-30 people (most of whom were most probably the other bands and their girlfriends). As much as I personally loved this as I got a chance to just sit there in awe as they just absolutely killed it for an hour, they definitely deserve to be playing to packed houses. Watch out for their debut album coming out soon as well as a performance at the Peats Ridge New Years Festival.

 



 

 

2. Little Comets – Bayonne

 

Why this is not number one in my list I have no idea. No I do actually, because this only just came out last night and I’ve smashed the number one song more times in the past two weeks. I’m just alluding to the ethereal and divine nature of this song and album in general that is well above any release I’ve heard so far this year. I’ve been waiting for Little Comets second release for so long and in a weeks time, my patience pays off. The guys chucked the album in its entirety onto YouTube last night for their loyal fans to perouse. I imagine in a few days this will be obsolete on YouTube so don’t be surprised if it doesn’t work after a bit. Enjoy it while you can. On October 15th, I beg you. Get the album off iTunes or risk never being happy as you potentially could be.

 



 

 

1. Gold Fields – Dark Again

 

Here it is. The greatest single to be released this year. For anyone who’s followed these guys since their demo days on bandcamp would’ve had to be chomping at the bits to hear this single last Sunday when it was premiered on Triple J. It did not dissappoint in any way. It’s so new that I can’t even get it off YouTube, so it’s going to have to be SoundCloud. I’d heard the track live a few times and actually used it in another blog of mine as it was my favourite track on the night. It’s their digitally fused, dance-rock portrait at its best although it’s insanely catchier than their last couple of singles. It’s been two weeks and I haven’t let a day go by without listening to this naughty number. It’s downloadable for free at their bandcamp for I’m assuming a limited time.  Get onto it!!

 











So that’s it. I think it’s safe to say that I’m VERY happy with this selection. I’m kinda worried I’ll be listening to the exact same tunes in two weeks time with no Issue Seven. Oh well. The Whamtam Ten has almost hit 300 pageviews in only Six Issues. Pretty stoked about that. Remember to join via Twitter on right hand panel. No notifications, emails or commitments or anything; I’m just trying to eventually build up a really lame cult that has no beliefs and only exists in this blog that will hopefully get me tax exempt status or a spot on the front page of some obscure paper somewhere.