News This Week In New Music (11th May 2013)

All three acts mentioned in this week’s new music round-up stand out because while the rest of the pack moves in one, albeit promising direction, these guys are doing their own thing. They mark their territory with unique initials, constructing and de-constructing simplicity until it’s a construed reflection of its former self.

This week was probably one of the busiest since we started these round-ups. Wednesday had us writing about over 10 bands’ new songs, which is a bit silly really, but when they’re all of such a high standard you’ve little choice but to give them the praise they deserve. Somehow, amongst all of this, MONEY, Twigs and newcomers Radstewart were staples of our listening week. It’s music to re-approach from a different perspective with each cursory listen, music that’ll pique the interest for months to come, instead of fleeting, individual days of the week.

TRACK OF THE WEEK
MONEY - Bluebell Fields


Listening to MONEY as a source of utter, unparalleled comfort wasn’t the most likely prospect when they first emerged. Frontman Jamie Lee is often uncompromising, a guy who goes by his instincts. You’ll find him writing lengthy monologues on how disgusting and troubling and bittersweet a city London is, just as you’ll see him reading poetry aloud before sitting at a piano and playing an old favourite of his, of one of MONEY’s own songs.

The talent within this band was never doubted, but would it actually ever manifest itself into something of force? The Manchester group have found a home in Bella Union to help source the very best out of an erratic, confusing prospect. With ‘Bluebell Fields’ they settle, while never losing sight of their unhinged ideas. It’s so pure, so beautiful, it’s won comparisons to Sigur Ros and Coldplay, but make no mistake: This is MONEY, and they’re here to stay.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Twigs - How’s That (prod. Arca)


Another enigmatic figure who’s come good is London-based Twigs. There’s plenty more to come, no doubt, but ‘How’s That’ is by all means her most complete work to date.

You could attribute that to producer du jour Arca, who spins odd shapes with Twigs’ already-constructed, sweltering atmosphere. The video is where things really come to life, Jesse Kanda finding fascination in movement, and the connection between two lovers.

DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK
Radstewart


Pavement-fans unite, or so the chorus might go when people first hear Radstewart. But from the corny pun, based around a guy people (for some reason) label ‘Rod the Mod’, right into the lyrical content within their tracks, Radstewart are an entity separate from mere Stephen Malkmus tribute acts. The songs on their ‘Whig Crooks & Beer Swindlers’ EP are fierce, loaded with wit, all indications of a band with their heads firmly screwed on. It makes you think: If Parquet Courts can blow up with their debut album, why can’t this?