XYZ Magazine » Editors picks -new releases

Editors picks -new releases

Album: Les Savy Fav - Root To Ruin

Aug 31st, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

It’s been three years since their last release and having hired regular producer Chris Zane, their fifth studio album “Root To Ruin” packs a familiar art-punk punch. Simple rhythms, razor-sharp guitars and catchy melodies are all in attendance as the New York five-piece once again show the world how to do no-nonsense indie. For fans [...]



EP: Huoratron – Prevenge

Jul 28th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Emerging from the Finnish underground armed with only two Game Boys with which to create all manner of bleeps, beats and grinds, Huoratron (known to his mum as Aku Raski) has seriously stepped things up a notch with “Prevenge.” From the first filthy beat of “$$ Troopers” you can tell that you are in for [...]



Album: Sleigh Bells - Treats

Jul 21st, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Brooklyn’s Sleigh Bells haven’t so much released a debut album in “Treats” as unleashed an absolute stomper of a record that confuses as much as it absolutely enthrals. From the abrasive, electro-flavoured hip-hop attack of “Riot Rhythm” and “Infinity Guitars” through to the blissed-out, Bat For Lashes-influenced “Rill Rill”, Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller constantly [...]



Single: Diagram of the Heart – Dead Famous

Jul 7th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

New boys on the pop-dance block, Diagram of the Heart – aka electronic duo Kys Sones and Anthony Gorry – are bounding onto the music scene with their debut single “Dead Famous”, due for release on July 11.
This euphoric track has a poppy Calvin Harris-esque feel, and could well be a contender for this year’s [...]



Album: The Beatsteaks – Limbo Messiah

Jun 27th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

The three-year wait for this album is finally over. Initially just released in Europe and not in the UK, “Limbo Messiah” explodes onto the music scene in all its catchy, punk rock glory. Each song follows on from the last, like they are meant to be stitched together as one. Harmonies and melodies feature [...]



Single: My Jerusalem – Love You When You Leave

Jun 23rd, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

My Jerusalem put something fresh back into the underground music scene, rather than the formulaic indie bands which crop up constantly in the charts.
The debut single from this southern-American outfit is a beautifully bittersweet love song. Jeff Klein’s smooth vocals are well accompanied by sweet female harmonies at the chorus, and violin in the background. [...]



Album: David Karsten Daniels – I Mean To Live Here Still

Jun 18th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

If the “here” to which David Karsten Daniels refers in the album title represents anywhere on earth then one must assume that it is to his hometown, San Francisco. This dark, brooding yet hugely eclectic folk album reeks of the place, a cultural melting pot thrown onto disc for all to hear.
A mention must be [...]



EP: Alba Lua - Ballad Of Joseph Merrick

Jun 15th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Hailing from Bordeaux, Alba Lua (Portuguese for ‘moon of the dawn’) are a seriously interesting proposition. They make the kind of dreamy pop music that was invented for hot summer drives, yet inject it all with a dark and prog-flavoured undertone that would suggest that storms are brewing up ahead. Almost like early Pink Floyd [...]



Album: Raf & O - A Giant In The Snow

Jun 9th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Most artists that stand out possess a distinct ‘sound’, a hook, that makes the listener sit up and take note. For Raf & O, it is surely without question the haunting, sensual vocals of Raf Mantelli.
The South London-based electronic trio create warm, Portishead-esque downbeat electronica, and this influence is evident in Mantelli’s vocals also; though [...]



Album: Oasis - Time Flies… 1994 - 2009

Jun 4th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Time flies indeed. It will be a year since the 90’s rock ‘n’ rollers broke up for good this September, which in it self is a somewhat terrifying thought. When you consider that their debut was released back in 1994 and those early tracks are still the most popular by a stretch, it is more [...]



Album: Nina Nastasia - Outlaster

Jun 1st, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Since her critically acclaimed debut “Dogs,” Nina Nastasia’s rawness and wit have led her to be championed by many seminal figures including the late John Peel. Now with her first album in over two years, she’s back to show us why she isn’t just another girl with a guitar.
Contrary to previous releases, “Outlaster” makes use [...]



Single: Delphic - Counterpoint

May 28th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Since this single was first released back in April ‘09, Manchester group Delphic have been making big, big waves in the electronic music scene. The timing of this re-release couldn’t possibly have been better. The “nothing’s wrong” vocal cry and euphoric, pounding drum and synth rhythms, the infectious melody and grandiose digital loops surely have [...]



Album: Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma

May 21st, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Citizens of the world beware. The fabric of space-time has split and from the rupture spews a confusing, engulfing sound. What you’re listening to is the epic new album from experimental producer and musical visionary, Flying Lotus. Released on Warp Records, Cosmogramma is the third full-length album by the prolific producer and, if the Californian’s [...]



Single: Dan Sartain - Atheist Funeral

May 17th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

The sun-scortched lands of Alabama have produced many seminal names over the years. From Nat King Cole to Hank Williams, the lineage of the deep south is drenched in history.
Having previously supported the likes of The White Stripes and The Hives, rockabilly singer/guitarist Dan Sartain is the latest Alabamaian to reach into the minds of [...]



Album: Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster - Blood and Fire

May 10th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Brighton’s finest psych/garage quintet are back with their latest offering “Blood and Fire”. For loyal followers of the Disaster, this album doesn’t disappoint and you can expect the usual moments of insane brilliance that make the likes of Queens of the Stone Age sound positively angelic.
Throughout the album, unlying subtleties add a depth to the [...]



Album: Bear In Heaven - Beast Rest Forth Mouth

Apr 28th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Electronica pop with a slightly prog rock feel, from the southern states of America. It is as odd as it might sound at first. The U.S based foursome headed up by Jon Philpot have put together a sophomore effort of epic proportions. With its large scale sonic boom style compositions and haunting lyrics they sound [...]



Single: Hot Chip - I Feel Better

Mar 30th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

‘I Feel Better’ is Hot Chip’s new single following the release of the band’s fourth LP and single ‘One Life Stand.’ Peter Serafinowicz, of hilarious spoof ‘Look Around You’, directs the video for the single, with the boys reimagining themselves as a slick boy band troupe.
Alexis Taylor’s voice bounces over the happy synths as he [...]



Single: Peggy Sue - “Watchman”

Mar 9th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Peggy Sue have grown up. From the light-hearted fun time girls of a few years ago, playing with toys in Brighton’s art venues, they have been shaking their rattles a little harder with the addition of a drummer and darker tales.
Single ‘Watchman’ seems to tell the story of going out to see someone you shouldn’t. [...]



Qemists – Your Revolution

Feb 26th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

The intro sounds like Muse, bouncier, but Muse - maybe a remix of Muse by Noisia. Maybe that’s what the Qemists have always sounded like? Disguised by the automatic street cred that grew from collaborations with artists such as Jenna Gibbons and Wiley. Whether or not the comparison is worthy is debatable, but I’m not [...]



Single: Owl City - “Fireflies”

Feb 1st, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Adam Young is the brilliant individual behind American synthpop project Owl City. Capturing the hearts of millions of fans through the combination of melodic vocal lines and simple programming, Young has created a sound so memorable you’ll be humming his songs for weeks. His latest single ‘Fireflies’ is no different, having had over 24million listens [...]



Album: Delphic – “Acolyte”

Jan 11th, 2010 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Keep calm and carry on - dancing that is. This is the message Manchester based trio Delphic send us with the release of their bass filled album ‘Acolyte’, on January 11th. Channeling the energy of orbital with the craftsmanship of  Chemical Brothers, drum and bass rhythms and fill your ears, with a fast drum snare [...]



Album: You Me At Six - “Hold Me Down”

Dec 21st, 2009 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

I click play and I’m greeted with “The Consequence”, a cacophony of air-raid siren sounds heralding listeners into the much awaited follow-up album from Surrey rockers, You Me At Six. The promising teenage collaboration were once limited, only ever touring the British underground scene, but since the start of 2009 the band have stretched beyond [...]



Album: Dead Confederate - “Wrecking Ball”

Nov 24th, 2009 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Holding on to a 90’s grunge feel, this eerie yet somewhat soothing album brings back memories of when the last decade’s music was at its top. Maintaining a solid performance of casual drums and ring-out guitars, Hardy Morris’ passionate vocals sits well with their alternative music. Sounding like a Nirvana b-sides album, fans of Kurt [...]



Album: Brakes - “Rock Is Dodelijk”

Nov 5th, 2009 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Brighton country-rockers Brakes are back with this energy-fuelled album.  ‘Rock Is Dodelijk’ showcases fan favourites including ‘NY Pie’ and ‘What’s In It For Me?’.  The four-piece deliver hard hitting guitar work and crashing drums which many bands don’t carry through live.  Accompanied by Eamon Hamilton’s witty and euphoric vocals, Fat Cat Records don’t disappoint.
‘Rock In [...]



Album: Deadmau5 - “For Lack Of A Better Name”

Sep 29th, 2009 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

The new compilation from the Canadian house guru, Deadmau5, sets off brilliantly with the hypnotic ‘FML’ which features real drum samples, tasty guest vocals from Rob Swire and MC Flipside and stupidly hard-hitting squelchy bass kicks. This is pure four-to-the-floor mayhem and the seamless track segues will give you an idea of what to expect [...]



Album: The XX - “XX”

Aug 28th, 2009 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

The XX “XX”

One of a bunch of talented new artists making darker pop music, these four gothic looking south-west Londoners have produced a superb debut from their small basement studio. Laid back, sparsely instrumented electronic tunes featuring the guy-girl vocal duo of Oliver and Romy, the ambience of this album is the most startling since [...]



Album: The Low Anthem - “Oh My God, Charlie Darwin”

Aug 6th, 2009 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

The Low Anthem “Oh My God Charlie Darwin”

With their second full length album, the Low Anthem have established themselves as fully fledged stars within the busy confines of the American folk scene. Folk in the sense of subject matter and sensibility, that is, since unlike previous album “What the Crow Brings”, this record brings stomping [...]



Album: Arctic Monkeys - “Humbug”

Aug 4th, 2009 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

Arctic Monkeys “Humbug”

The Monkeys’ third album still has that unmistakable sound but it’s bigger, filthier and heavier. Alex Turner and chums have created an album that will only underline the fact that they are the best band this country has produced for decades (well at least until Haven make a return). Like all the best [...]



The best new releases.

Aug 2nd, 2009 | By Web Guy | Category: Editors picks -new releases

A look at our favourite releases. Coming soon.