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Introducing… Chromatone!
"…a perfect little slice of modern pop."
- FAMEmagazine
The new single from Chromatone's recently released EP Touchdown is the confessional, and deeply personal Alien. The track is dressed in catchy pop hooks and introspective lyrics focusing on the pitfalls of surviving in the modern world as an outsider, with a carnivalesque instrumentation that's as sinister as it is euphoric in places. It's a strong offering from an artist who independently sold over 4,000 copies of his debut EP and boasts a dedicated fanbase, allowing him to fill venues such as the O2 Academy Islington, Jazz Café and Scala.
You can check out the video to the single Alien on YouTube.
You can also check out the video for Flyin' on YouTube. It's already racked up over 160,000 views!
Alien also demonstrates what a Chromatone gig sounds like, with the decision to make the single a live arrangement stemming from Chromatone’s passion for real instruments and Gospel-inspired arrangements, showcasing the musician behind the moniker. The track was arranged and produced with Mahlon Rhamie of StarClef Music, whose previous clients include legends like Amy Winehouse, James Brown and Quincy Jones.
Chromatone began his foray into the world of music as a classical guitarist aged six and then as a musical theatre actor in his teens, before falling in love with the world of pop via Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. He soon found himself winning Germany's prestigious Battle of The Bands and Sprungbrett Popkultur and touring across Europe and Asia. Moving to London, he established himself as a session musician, singer and street dancer. Chromatone soon caught audiences' attention by fusing Soul, Rock and Funk into an infectious mix, sprinkled with his distinct form of breakdancing, granting him that extra hook to set out on his solo career.
With online press coverage ranging from MTV Wrap Up, SB.TV, Digital Spy, Artrocker and Contactmusic.com with his YouTube channel garnering over 1 million views, Chromatone is well on his way to becoming a pop and soul sensation.
Introducing… Copper Lungs
Following on from last year’s debut album, Louder, Copper Lungs return in 2014 with their self-titled EP due for release on April 25th 2014 via Thin Hippo Records.
Copper Lungs, consisting of Darren Lindsay (vocals/guitar), John Cargill (guitar/vox), Jamie Mayes (bass/keys) and Sean Crossan (drums),
were formed in 2011 in Dundee. Drawing on influences such as Two Door Cinema Club and Phoenix, the band have produced their own powerful blend of melodic harmonized vocally-driven pop rock, a sound that should see them attract a diverse fan base.
You can download the track, "How Long?", on SoundCloud
The upcoming EP sees the band’s sound evolve even further as they enter the next phase of their musical development, with an intensity that can only be attained through experience. Lock four people together in a tour bus for long enough, and they'll either kill each other or gain enough perspective to create something that's truly remarkable. In this case Copper Lungs have achieved the latter.
Copper Lungs wastes no time building up momentum - the explosive opening track "Lego" showcases a band working together seamlessly like a well oiled machine as they create a definitive wall of sound. The band maintains this intensity with second track, "How Long", before the EP winds down, as Darren's vocals take centre stage. Backed by the band's sweeping and epic melodies, it's safe to say that Copper Lungs have spent the time since their debut album honing their sound, using their experiences on the road and in the studio to create a mature and accomplished release.
With an EP tour in the works that will see Copper Lungs playing their very first English dates and the release of the forthcoming EP, we're sure 2014 has plenty in store for the Dundee four piece.
Copper Lungs is released April 25th 2014 via Thin Hippo Records.
Introducing… The Fire And I
The Fire And I’s second album Double Kamikaze is a blur of hectic noise, rollocking, high-octane riffs and good old fashioned rock ’n’ roll released via CarCrash Records on 10th March 2014. They are one of the most intriguing alt-rock two-piece outfits to emerge from Scotland right now, take heed - they are ones to watch. The album's title track, "Double Kamikaze" has just been released as a free download, and you can check it out on SoundCloud, and watch the frenetic video that accompanies the tune over on YouTube.
Download free track, Double Kamikaze, on the Fire And I's official SoundCloud page.
The Scottish based two piece, comprised of bassist Gordon Love and drummer Hooligan Sadikson, were originally four. However, rather than finding new members, the pair decided to keep their minimalist bass / drums set-up, sharing vocals. Their acclaimed live performances have become something of legend on the live circuit - adrenaline-fuelled, no holds barred spectacles, their tracks burst to life on stage.
This high-octane noise is felt throughout the album. Opener ‘Devil Damned Thoughts’ is purely instrumental, showcasing the band’s love of the riff; there are hints of CKY meets That Fucking Tank - an exciting start and you can almost feel the sweat pouring from the speakers. Title track ‘Double Kamikaze’ could have easily have made Queens of the Stone Age’s 1998 self-titled debut - unapologetic dirty rock. However, When The Fire And I calm the pace, their softer underbelly also has great potential - there are real shades of light on ‘Coming Loose’ akin to early Biffy Clyro’s quieter moments. Nevertheless, they don’t stay quiet for long, the album is pure heart-pounding alt-rock.
Since their debut album Stampede Finale, the band have been honing their sound, with their aforementioned live performances being their ace in the hole. As well as sharing a stage with Biffy Clyro, they’ve also headlined the T in the Park T-Break stage but now that they’re ready to unveil Double Kamikaze, they plan to tour the UK in March before heading off to Europe.
Double Kamikaze will be released on CarCrash Records on 10th March 2014.
This Silent Forest release download & Video of ‘We Are We Were’
Scottish four piece, This Silent Forest, are pleased to announce the free download and video of the album track, ‘We Are We Were’, taken from their full length album Indivision via Never Make Friends Records.
You can stream and download 'We Are We Were' for free on SoundCloud.
Check out the video for the single on YouTube.
On ‘We Are We Were’, This Silent Forest exhibit their diverse range of influences - all in one track. Coming in at over 8 minutes long, the band don’t shirk experimentation as the track builds throughout, highlighting Graeme MaDonald’s stunning vocals, and culminating in an explosion of penetrating drum beats, passionate harmonies and soaring guitars.
Consisting of Graeme MacDonald (Vox, Rhythm Guitar), Jamie Sturt (Lead Guitar, Vox) Ewan Macdonald (Drums) and JJ McGowan (Bass, Vox), This Silent Forest have managed to create a rich tapestry of sound, producing moments of beauty, tempered by a more visceral edge, adding depth to an already impressive sound. This has seen Indivision 29th on The Herald’s list of the best Scottish album of 2013 and 98th on White Tapes albums of 2013.
While Indivision is the band's debut album, it follows the successful release of three singles and two EP’s over a 3 year period that gained comparisons to Idlewild (one of the band's major influences), Frightened Rabbit and early era U2. They've also supported the likes of Dry The River, Frightened Rabbit and The Birthday Suit as well as featuring at festivals such as Belladrum. Kicking off 2014 with an appearance at King Tut’s New Year Revolution in January maintains This Silent Forest’s rising profile and starts the year as they aim to continue.
‘We Are We Were’ is available to download now via Never Make Friends Records.
Introducing… Fantôme!
For fans of: Atari Teenage Riot, Le Tigre, Nine Inch Nails
Fantôme is the new project by Hanin Elias (ex Atari Teenage Riot and founder of Fatal Recordings) and Marcel Zürcher (Die Krupps). Their debut album, It All Makes Sense is a beautiful new wave shoe gaze epic illustrating the story of a woman in touch with her emotions and scars. She gets up after every knock down and keeps on walking into the rising sunshine. It's set for release on 17th February 2014 via Snowhite.
Check out the video for Fantôme's forthcoming single, Love, released 27th February 2014.
It All Makes Sense, for the most part, was recorded with analogue instruments (guitar, bass, drums and piano) by multi-instrumentalist Marcel Zürcher with Hanin Elias' vocals showcasing melancholic dreamy melodies and authentic lyrics. The album has a cozy sound that creates intimacy. Influences such as Leonard Cohen and flavours of My Bloody Valentine linger throughout most of the album. The combination of the duo creates a sound that is strong, dreamy and forceful.
Opening track, "Future Heroes", provides a slow build up before deftly showing its hand with an explosive chorus that blends choppy guitars and bass with an industrial live drum track. It's a strong opening that sets the tone for the album, with throbbing electronica and fallen-angel vocals fused together to create a speaker throbbing collection of songs that fare just as well on the dancefloor as they do your stereo.
The album features a free bonus track, a Lorenzo Montana remix of speaker shaking album track, "The Key", featuring scream queen Asia Argento on vocals. It transforms the track into a dirty and sensual descent into industrial techno that's sure to whet the appetites of long-time Atari Teenage Riot fans.
Just listen to It All Makes Sense and it will all make sense.
It All Makes Sense is released February 17th 2014. The album will be preceded by the single Love out on 27th January 2014 via Snowhite.