Every time Swiss musician/songwriter Alex Pardini releases an EP or Album, he always has a place in this blog. His sound is the stuff of early evening when you unwind. His is the sound of urban grooves and philosophical musings that transcend genre and culture. Bye, Bye Bird is his new EP comprising of two songs, the title track and One Of Us. Ironically it reminds me of an ABBA song back in the early 80s; however, sonically, it’s purely sophistipop with a touch of smooth jazz and faint Italo disco. Just light, which is perhaps accidental. I appreciate his backing vocals and chord progressions. I also find the beats done well. There is a hint of 70s nostalgia. This works for me because I am a 70s guy in terms of aesthetics. I love this release. We need more.
I don’t know why it took so long for me to write something about Mr Little Jeans. I remember watching an episode of iZombie. And there’s this track playing in the background. It thought it was a cool tune as it reminds me of Til Tuesday with a bit of Cocteau Twins. Turns out it was Heaven Sent taken from her current album Pocketknife(she is now working on a new album).
He real name is Monica Birkenes. According to her bio, the pseudonym Mr Little Jeans is inspired by Kumar Pallana’s character in Wes Anderson’s film “Rushmore. She is a Norwegian singer-songwriter who is now based in California. Yes she makes awesome tunes that you can take with you to the gym while you do cardio or weightlifting. But there is more. Her music is atmospheric. I think this is what appeals to us-or people like us who dig this kind of style. She also makes fantastic melodies. Her music is really different. She doesn’t rely on loud vocals and generic ‘hits.’ There are moments when she layers her voice to create that ethereal effect, but then again she sets the balance by adding more bass and drums. And yes she sometimes create dissonance through chords and studio effects.
In her single Good Mistake, there is that part during the ad-lib secrion when the songs quiets down into drum and bass. There’s that unique bass line that deserves many Ridley Scott movies! I love her craft and her singing. I wish she continues into that atmospheric path no matter what style she incorporates in her new album.
Ex- Colapsing Cities artist Steve Mathieson has a new project out called Lunavela. The new track is called Burn for You. And guess what? It’s a perfect summer track. The vocals are easy and the melodies glide like the smoothest Margarita you’ve ever tasted!
Burn for You has an 80s New Wave vibe. I love the chilled electro pop combination and I am sure you will too. Collapsing Cities were the same band that gave us Regrets. I think Lunavela has a distinct sound so different from its predecessor and that is good news! Check out the single below via Soundcloud:
Madison Park is releasing a new album titled MIX with Dutch dance producer Beechkraft on 03.31.15! It will be her fourth release following her successful tunes that topped the Billboard Dance Charts.
The new album by Madison Park will blow fans of electronic dance music away. Mix is beautiful, rich, vibrant and it is a perfect summer album. Mix has 14 tracks. Perhaps there will be a b-side. I am not surprised if avid collectors will want more unreleased tracks from Madison Park as her tunes prove to be irresistible. This partnership with Beechkraft is perfect. He highlights her strong points and also adds his technical savvy to the dance tracks. I think a song is just a song until two people put a twist on it, elevating it a work of art.
Her breathy voice works well with the chilled beats. There is a relaxed vibe all over the album. Her single Parts of Me is the third track. I am sure you’ve read my previous post about it. I assure you that most of the tracks in this album will be big hits in the dance floor. Especially in European countries like Holland, Germany, UK, France etc. Watch out for (Next Level Mix) upon the album release because I see this as a dance floor fire starter! Warm Me When I’m Alone, Tonight,Closer,Fascinated, Rain, I Am Your Beachbreeze, I Stumble and Let’s Dance(Cover of a David Bowie hit) are all fantastic. There is an irresistible vibe to them that it is hard to sit down and just listen. They drive your body to move!
This is not entirely a dance album as there are ballads like Every Single Day, Rain and the chilled I Am Your Darkness.They serve as balance to the energetic beats of other tracks but they are valuable in a sense that MIX is a testament to the versatile artistry of Madison Park.
It’s worth noting that she makes music that’s not too mainstream but not too left-field. There is a sense of cool and chic but also accessibility that will appeal to the mainstream. If this is the new direction of pop then I am on it. Check it out and have a listen on the day of its release.
Cosmo Simnovec, otherwise known as MY.COSMO has given us an EP of antidepressant tunes that will light up our Friday as we move to the weekend of all things. The title is Follow Me and I have no doubt listeners will follow his irresistible beats and melodies. Cosmo has always been keen on releasing EPs rather than albums. I think this is a practical deal especially in today’s indie-driven music fanatics. People want to sample an artist before they commit to fandom. And five songs (plus one bonus remix at the end) is a good deal.
Sophisticated, ripe and popsy are the terms that come to mind when I listen to Follow Me. I have two favorite tracks : Dream and Inspiration for its midtempo and calming atmosphere. Another one is Represium, a tune that takes you to a trance state. It also has a beautiful guitar solo. But don’t miss out on the introductory instrumental title track and the rest that follow. If I am not mistaken this is his first collaboration with DJ Magics and there is chemistry there that works.
Don’t miss his discography because you will be surprise how addicting his tunes can be.
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