I hate Twilight. Check that. I LOATHE Twilight. So when I heard that some of my favorite artists (i.e.- Thom Yorke and Grizzly Bear) were contributing to the second movie's soundtrack, it irked me to no end. Alas, we're now hearing some of these songs, and they're actually okay... as long as you keep the images of overly-romanticized, overly-hyped vampires out of your heads.
Anyway, if you head over to Stereogum, you can check out three of the tracks on the upcoming (groan) Twilight Saga (Editor's Note: fail)New Moon soundtrack, out October 20th, via Atlantic. Among them are Thom Yorke's techno-riffic "Hearing Damage," Grizzly Bear's airy and hollow melody "Slow Life," featuring Beach House's Victoria Legrand; and the equally haunting "Rosyln," by Bon Iver and St. Vincent.
Many probably remember that Volcano Choir's (Bon Iver and Collections of Colonies of Bees collaboration) Unmap came out this past week. As also mentioned, lead single "Island, IS" is mesmerizing and eclectic. Enter the video, which accomplishes both of these descriptors equally as well. It's a simple visual representation showing colored squares appearing on a bridge as the music plays over it. It's a bit trippy, but like I said, completely mesmerizing. You'll definitely want to check the deal out below.
Last year, Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago took the indie music world by storm. People were obsessed, especially with tortured campfire acoustic number, "Skinny Love." The album as a whole was also a solid effort, all turned in by Wisconsin's Justin Vernon, who put it together by himself in a cabin. Now, after years of trying, Vernon's finally a relevant entity on the indie scene, and thus has the luxury of pursuing ambitious side projects. His first, Volcano Choir, in conjunction with fellow Wisconsinites, Collections of Colonies of Bees, turns in an effort completely unlike each artists' respective work, experimenting with sound and ambience on a superior level-- most apparent on first single, "Island, IS."
What makes "Island, IS" stand out amidst a crowd of "cool new things" in music today is its organic combination of such different aesthetics into just one track. Employing Middle Eastern sounds, folk and ambient electronic soundscapes, the song seemingly defines experimental, yet the appeal pulls any listener right past that label. It pulls you in immediately, as a track shrouded in intrigue and mystery. Each listen, you're digging for something new to take out of it, and surprisingly, some new feature does, indeed arise. If you haven't heard yet, you'll want to do so, with the track below, courtesy of Stereogum. Volcano Choir's Unmap just came out yesterday, so for those worried about missing the boat, it's still early enough for you to hop on.
Animal Noises is a blog about music, both old and new, and how it stands up in the current music scene. The staff-- John, the editor, with contributions from Matt-- uses their various music backgrounds to intelligently discuss artists and albums, focusing on the good, while not avoiding the bad. We focus on sub-genres of rock, electronic music and hip hop, but don't be surprised to see the occasional wildcard too.
I hate Twilight. Check that. I LOATHE Twilight. So when I heard that some of my favorite artists (i.e.- Thom Yorke and Grizzly Bear) were contributing to the second movie's soundtrack, it irked me to no end. Alas, we're now hearing some of these songs, and they're actually okay... as long as you keep the images of overly-romanticized, overly-hyped vampires out of your heads.
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