Estaban’s Picks – November 2012
Kate Boy – Northern Lights
Has the lack of swedish pop tunes from The Knife left a hole in your heart in the last year? Don’t fret so hard, along with Purity Ring, we now have the startling initial release of Kate Boy pumping out some sideways, synth driven magic.
Autre Nu Veut – Counting
Arthur Ashin is the man behind Autre Ne Veut, or as the drunk people who ask me what song I’m playing call it, “Outro new what?” His artist alias is almost as peculiar as his music but his aggressive new take on R&B is outstanding. Combining slow-jam beats with outrageous vocal effects into a pleasing soundscape. Fun fact, Arthur was roommates with Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) in college. Makes sense right?
Teleman – Cristina
Upon my discovery of this track, I immediately went to dig up some information on this guy. At first I found George Phillip Telemann, and realized I was off by about 300 years but I may have discorvered the origin of the name? This Teleman is a pop trio from London, England. I’m excited to see where they go from here. Cristina demonstrates brave and beautiful simplicity in the best of ways.
Local Pick: The Zolas – Knot in my Heart
It’s not surprising to see The Zolas jump in the ring with the big kids. The prog-pop duo’s track record with striking a resonating chord in Vancouver’s music scene is somewhat flawless, so it only makes sense that their next release would feel similar, but on a higher plain. Knot in my Heart contains the recipe of what made the band originally great, a precise and memorable song with lyrics that make you think singer Zach Gray’s been reading your blog and writing about you. Except this time around, there’s something a little more rough and raw about their sound. A different texture, like a rough gem or an old house with a lot of character. There’s a story here too compelling not to listen to.
You can hear the new song in this very fitting, and lovely stop-motion music video.
The Zolas will be playing Winnie’s East Van Christmas Party on December 19th.
posted by @estabanbelchere
