Holcombe Waller Offers Free Download To Celebrate New Album

In preparation for his third album entitled Into the Dark Unknown and set to release February 22, 2011, singer, songwriter, composer and video artist Holcombe Waller is offering his single “Risk of Change” as a free download. 

The San Francisco native, began his musical career while attending Yale University studying art.  During that time, he produced and mixed two albums for Bryce and Aaron Dessner and Bryan Devendor of The National fame.  Returning the favor, the three played on Waller’s debut album Advertising Space released in 1999 on Holcombe’s very own label, Napoleon Records.  In 2001, he released his second album, Extravagant Gesture

In 2005, Waller moved to Portland, Oregon.  Over the years, he has stepped outside his box of recorded music and ventured into theater, performance art and video installation.  In 2008, he embarked on a new experience performing in “In the Dark Unknown: The Hope of Chest” which toured the U.S. as well as Canada and Croatia.  During this time, Waller wrote the songs for his new album which is sure to be a melodic combination of songs and lyrics that will show off his talent as a musician and songwriter. 

For more information about Holcombe including album information and tour dates, visit his Web site here.

Hoofdriver Is As Awesome As Name Implies


Although honestly, a couple of the other combinations sound way cooler. Formed as a 7″ between Deerhoof and Busdriver (MC Regan Farquhar), Hoofdriver features Busdriver recording new lyrics and vocals over the Deerhoof’s song “I Did Crimes For You.”

But really, Hoofdriver is the best one? What about Busdeer? Or Deerbus? Or Deerdriver? The compilation formed when Deerhoof accidently sent Farquhar the wrong instrumental track to sing over. By the time they realized their mistake, Busdriver had already recorded lyrics too awesome to ignore.

The 7″ will be out on a limited 1,000 copy-run in yellow vinyl. Meanwhile, Deerhoof have also released a new track from their two-month CD release party. The song “Must Fight Current” can be found over at www.deerhoofvsevil.com

The Knife Are Spreading Seeds


Techno group The Knife have released their first single in “Seeds”. The song will come in EP form with remixes from Portable aka Bodycode and Shinedoe.

The song is taken from the group’s album Tomorrow, In A Year which was commissioned by the Danish performance crew Hotel Pro Forma.

The project is based on Darwin’s famous and controversial On The Origin Of Species and challenges the convention of a standard opera. Adding techno is definitely a step in the right direction in that regard.

The single will be out December 6th both digitally and limited edition vinyl. In the meantime, check out The Knife’s mystifying “Silent Shout: An Audio and Visual Experience” right here.

http://pitchfork-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/player/DelveMoviePlayer.swf

Introducing Moneypenny


Chicago based duo Moneypenny came to our attention yesterday when we heard they were doing spot shows with hometown pals Hey Champ and Team Bayside High this month. The first of these three shows was actually last night in San Fran so, if you went, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.

If, however, you can’t make it out to see Moneypenny live, the band is offering their new EP up for free download. Grab that HERE.

 

12.04.10 – Los Angels, CA @ LMA Fest (w/ Classixxx, The Golden Filter, Acid Girls)
12.10.10 – Austin, TX @ Aces Lounge (w/ DJ Spooky)

Nicole Atkins’ “Mondo Amore”

Mondo Amore

Brooklyn based Nicole Atkins is soon to release her bluesy sophomore record called Mondo Amore in 2011. Her first and lead single, “Vitamin C”, is a cover of 70’s German experimental band Can and it definitely leaves you wanting more citrus. Mondo Amore is a promising record that touches up on dark psychedelia and blues. “This is the record I’ve been wanting to make since I was 12,” says Atkins. “It has so many layers, it’s able to do whatever it wants without defining itself as one thing.” Keep your eyes out for this album cover, and listen to “Vitamin C”.
Nicole Atkins – Vitamin C (Can Cover) by Nicole Atkins

Wet Wings Debut EP ‘Skin to Soil’ Out Now!


Lucy and Darian are Wet Wings, the coed duo from New Zealand who recently released Skin to Soil, their six-song EP on a limited-edition cassette tape through Infinity Tapes.

“Sleep Tight” is an eerie and morbid lullaby as Lucy sings “Sleep tight, my baby but don’t forget to wake up, my baby.” The cello that makes an appearance halfway through the song is gorgeous and emotional, introducing Lucy’s crooning that carries the track to its finish.

“Keep it Together” is a complex blend of electronics, trumpet and piano. There are a lot of different components going on in this song, but they all work wonderfully on their own and with each other.

“Whisper Always” has odd, competing vocals between Lucy and Darian. The song itself sounds like water and awakens the desire to go night swimming.

Each band mate has a calming, even therapeutic voice with Darian’s having a Jose Gonzales quality and Lucy’s sounding like it belongs in an esteemed chorus group. Their moody, dream pop effect is perfect for late night cuddling.
Keep It Together by smally pockets