News Tracks: BANKS, Yuck & More

With tracks coming out and scattering themselves faster than you can shake any kind of proverbial stick at, it can sometimes be a challenge to keep up. It’s so nippy and depressing outside that sometimes curling up in the foetal position and waiting for it all to blow over seems like the most appealing option, but before you go into hibernation, have a read of Tracks. The DIY writers have combed every mossy corner of the interweb, and as usual, they’ve harvested some total crackers.

BANKS – Brain (prod. Shlohmo)

BANKS has featured on most “Ones to Watch” lists of 2014 and rightly so; her voice has a sullen elegance that flies up and down a most expansive vocal range, making even the manliest man perform in front of his bathroom mirror like a 15 year old Kelly Clarkson fan. As enticing as her voice is, an equally essential element to BANKS’ success in 2014 that is in danger of being overlooked is the production that supports her resourceful vocals. Luckily, LA producer Shlohmo has crafted a beat that allows BANKS the freedom to warble and wail, yet maintains its own credibility as an instrumental. At times, it’s one step away from being the music for a montage in a Jean Claude Van Damme film, which only seems like a compliment if you grew up watching piss-poor martial arts films on Channel 5. (Nathan Butler)

Yuck– Athena

I don’t know about everyone else, but I spent the majority of Christmas troughing down whatever foodstuffs I could lay my greedy little hands on, and watching crap telly. I certainly didn’t do anything productive, and so Yuck put me to shame with their new impromptu release ‘Athena’. “This Christmas instead of staying in and watching TV we got together and recorded a few new songs,” say the band. It’s named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, art and craft – quite fittingly, really. Spangling with more shoegaze glimmer than a smashed pumpkin that has slammed into a wall of sound, this new Yuck cut doesn’t leave a sour taste, and bodes extremely well for the band’s forthcoming spring EP(El Hunt)

Cloud Nothings – I’m Not Part Of Me

Not a great deal has changed in the way Dylan Baldi’s made music from 2009 right up to new album ‘Here and Nowhere Else’. He’s moved basements (from his parents’ in Westlake, to a place of his own), and sure there might’ve been a dabbling of Albini in between Cloud Nothings’ three records, but routine is a crucial part of band’s formula. What has changed, however, is the venom Baldi bites in to, the level of rage - the dynamism of this anger, too - that loads up his records. Backed by a full band with similar intent, every line he spits feels like a suckerpunch. Several layers of emotion line the seams. He’s not just full of frustration. There’s hope, a bittersweet upbeatness to ‘I’m Not Part Of Me’. Still, he admits “I’m not telling you all I’m going through” after an initially positive verse about learning how to focus. Not exactly hurling abuse at his subject, he’s perfectly at home giving grim realities a place to stay on tape. The comfort of his basement setting could be a crucial part of this. ‘I’m Not Part Of Me’ is intimacy epitomised, truths getting in line to the sound of angst-ridden, faux triumphant noise. (Jamie Milton)

Eyedress –Teen Spirit

As the Youtube comments section - in its usual capital-letter fury - caterwauls, the video for this is more hipster than a moustache with its own little top-button shirt. But music wise, it’s like a banker’s wet dream; bang on the money. Smothered in eighties synths and good times, it sounds like Blondie put through an Instagram filter before being sprinkled with some MGMT vibes. It’s got a fantastic, slightly haunting character to it - creating a sense of unease and edginess imposing on its happiness. Combined with Idris Vicuña’s monotone philosophies, it makes for a deliciously warped view of today’s society. Here’s hoping it doesn’t get too mainstream. (Kyle MacNeill)

YOOFS – Déjà Vu

Bournemouth bros Mike and Rich Dent write and record under the YOOFS moniker, and have been creating songs for a while now; a hybrid of rock & roll dream-pop and subtle psychedelia. It’s only recently, though, that they’ve started releasing a bunch of tracks in the run up to their anticipated debut album ‘Something’ - due out on Febuary 3rd on Strong Island Recordings. The latest cut, ‘Déjà Vu’ is a gentle, hazy stroll through half-countrified, off-kilter guitars and a smooth, surfy melody, with vocals telling tales of melancholy which are swiftly undercut by a sprightly, jangly choral ascent. The whole album is more than worthy of a listen - it really is ‘Something’ special. (Laura Eley)

Francis Lung – Tsunami Blues (Cause of Me)

Bassist for mysterious carpark-dwelling heavy pop aficionados WULYF (2011). One third of cheeky, highly-hyped trio Los Porcos (2013). As far as buzzy resumes go, Tom McClung’s is surely a template example. Now he’s onto yet another side-project, back under the guise of Francis Lung. Less tidal wave and more gently lapping azure ocean, ‘Tsunami Blues (Cause Of Me) is a change from the heady, playful pop we’re used to from McClung’s other projects, and although unexpected, it’s totally brilliant. By the sounds of it, stepping out alone has enabled McClung to make his own waves. (El Hunt)

Francis Lung 7” (A Selfish Man/ Tsunami Blues (Cause of Me)) by Francis Lung

Major Lazer (ft. Pharrell) – Aerosol Can

It’s hard to imagine that the list of songs about aerosol cans is an extensive one - however production maestro Diplo’s collaborative project Major Lazer have hardly been ones for conventional titles, with last year’s ‘Bubble Butt’ taking the cake for most hilariously titled club banger. The first offering from their recently unveiled ‘Apocalpyse Soon’ EP shys away from the synth squelches, content with, being an erratic, percussive affair that bathes in its own minimalistic glory instead. The compelling cacophony is made complete by the enlistment of 2013’s ‘musician most likely to follow the word ft.’ Pharrell, who provides his most bonkers vocal contribution to a track yet, namechecking Mario Kart, imitating gunfire and providing the infectious, nonsensical hook of “aerosol can, buh-bum, ba-bum”. Crazy? Most certainly. But incredible? Undoubtedly. (Joshua Pauley)

Mowbird –Happy Active Horse Organ

Four-piece outfit Mowbird are at it again. The Wrexham band peddle a DIY blend of twee cali-surfer-pop bookended by chunks of heavy 90’s distortion and edgy synthesizers. Each build sways with a heavy emphasis on vintage spring reverb and strange inviting riffs, with understated yet pivotal drum rhythms giving a strong platform on which the rest of the song effortlessly balances. ‘Happy Active Horse Organ’ is a sneak preview track from their latest album ‘Islander’, which sees the light of day on 10th Feb. Looking to hearing what the rest of the release has to offer. (Joe Dickinson)

Islander by Mowbird

Boat To Row – Tightrope

Birmingham’s Boat To Row have been gently massaging the ears of friendly n’ folky fans since the year 2009 (which now feels so long ago!). They are following up a great 2013 including various festival appearances and a corker of an EP in the form of ‘Loyal Light’ with their new single ‘Tightrope’. They are releasing it on their very own label ‘Nocturne’ too because why the folk not? It is a song that hums with a natural warmth and one that confirms Boat To Row as a band to get your ears involved with, especially when you just need the healing power of music to tide you over. (Jack Parker)