Heligoland – Massive Attack

Every Sunday I bring you something a little more downtempo to ease you back into the world.

Now then, Bristolian trip-hop legends Massive Attack. Their latest album from 2010 is a varied, wondrous number. Definitely worth a re-visit.

Historical note: Heligoland is a tiny island just off the North coast of Germany, rendered uninhabitable by bombing in the latter stages of the Second World War. Now you know.

Harrison BDP

Most killing-it artist of 2018 so far? Harrison BDP has to be up there. He’s released 5 EPs on 4 labels with about 20 top quality house tracks. The Welshman is Pro. Lific. Expect to hear his name more and more.

Here are some of my top picks – a lot of them are reminiscent of another of my favourite Welsh-raised artists, Dauwd. Occasionally ambient, occasionally bold, always fresh.

The second two tracks on this EP are huge collabs with Garth James

Contact Light, and It’s All Just Sound are the picks from this EP

The title track on this EP is glorious.

Finally, his breakout hit from 2016, Small Talk.

7 – Beach House

Sitting somewhere between dream-pop, shoegaze and indie-rock, you’ll find Beach House. 7 is the duo’s seventh album (clever). My highlights are the tense and foreboding Lemon Glow, and Black Car. I’m off to see them for the first time at The Troxy tonight. Very excited.

Bonus track: Sparks is my favourite. Guitar comes screeching through some chanting and takes you on a magical ride before you know what’s happening. It’s good, trust me. Try the album Depression Cherry for more of the same.

Saw You For the First Time – Laurence Guy

What do you get if you throw together the most delicate sections of Leon Vynehall and the playfulness of Harvey Sutherland? Well you get this of course! Laurence Guy’s debut album released last year on Camberwell-based Church Records is a glittery piano-looping genre-transcending gem. There are literally no bad tracks! Enjoy.

He’s playing alongside Session Victim at XOYO this Saturday. Don’t miss out.

Bonus track: Laurence’s break-out single Les Mur, released on Ben Gomori’s Monologue Records back in 2015

Hands Down – Trentemøller

Trentemøller is a bit of a legend on the European electronic music scene. The Dane has been releasing music for over 20 years now. Here is his latest track from 2017 which is a bit more punk-influenced than his more minimal techno usual. It starts quick and takes you on a rip-roaring toe-tapping journey. There’s nothing clean about this one. Post-punk rawness. Featuring the vocals of jennylee of Warpaint fame. Enjoy.

Bonus track! This is was one of my all-time favourites growing up. One of those that you found on Limewire and put on repeat. It was released in 2004(!) and features the haunting vocals of Ane Trolle. A real beauty.

 

Give You The Ghost – Poliça

Moody. Unsettling. Spooky. Bewitching. Enchanting. A Rolling Stone review of this 2012 album, the band’s first, described it as “the sound of heartbreak and celebration happening simultaneously.” I love that. Basically, Poliça are a 5-piece outfit from Minneapolis making synth-pop music fit for a Hallowe’en party. Get to know.

Also, they are on tour. I have 2 tickets for sale at face value at London’s ICA on Saturday 3rd November. Let me know if you want them.

Oh, and one last thing – chill, I’ve got you covered.

Wayne Snow

Every Sunday I bring you something a little more downtempo to ease you back into the world.

Today, the smooth tones of Wayne Snow. Wayne (real name Kesiena Ukochovbara) was born in Nigeria and moved to Berlin to launch his music career. He picked up the name ‘Snow’ as a play on his blackness. He released his first EP Red Runner in 2014 on Tartelet Records, produced by Max Graef. In his music you hear the confluence of German and Afro sounds. It’s good.

One from his new(ish) album, Freedom TV.

Wayne featured on Max Graef’s Running.

And my favourite, Rosie.