[NEW] Yusuf Azak - 'Eastern Sun' and 'Time to Kill'

I've been a big fan of Yusuf Azak's two releases, 'Light Procession' and 'Gazelle' (both available for free download). Here are two previews of his new tracks 'Eastern Sun' and 'Time to Kill'. The latter features lush string arrangements with Azak's token rasping voice only just peeking through the wall of sound which erupts in euphoric waves of sound. 'Eastern Sun' features skillful guitar plucking, which is more in key with his previous releases but also demonstrates the originality and progress this young songwriter has made in such a short space of time.

The tracks will be featured on the Aberdonian-by-way-of-Glasgow's debut album, due for release this year. These tracks further excitement for it.

He is supporting Meursault at their Glasgow album launch on the 10th at Captain's Rest.


Yusuf Azak - Eastern Sun


Yusuf Azak - Time to Kill

New 'Magnetic Fields' Stream.

The Magnetic Fields are one of the most elusive yet prolific indie bands of the last 20 years. They mark their third album in their 'no-synth trilogy' with 'Realism' on the 26th of Jan. Although it is in the same trilogy as 'Distortion' I feel the album has several moments that would not be out of place on their seminal '69 Love Songs'. 'You Must Be Out Of Your Mind' and 'I Don't Know What To Say' are two of these tracks, with exclusive streams available here.

I will let the tracks do the talking as Merritt and co. so often choose to do;

The Magnetic Fields - You Must Be Out Of Your Mind


The Magnetic Fields - I Don't Know What To Say



Pre-order the album via Nonesuch Records

New Frightened Rabbit - Nothing Like You

It is safe to say that Frightened Rabbit have dominated my listening routine for the past two or so years. The band from Glasgow by way of Selkirk have their new single Nothing Like You streaming on their myspace page.

I was already excited for the release of their new album Winter of Mixed Drinks due in March, but the sheer quality and urgency this new single exudes furthers the notion that we are witnessing a band who are going to take over the world in 2010. With frantic guitar and Scott Hutchinson's token vocals Nothing Like You is a perfect way to build up a frenzied anticipation for their third studio release.

I will forever know this song as Steve, Frightened Rabbit die-hards will know what I mean by that!

Nothing Like You is released on Feb 22 and Winter of Mixed Drink is released March 1 (9 in U.S) on Fatcat Records.

New The Knife - Colouring of Pigeons

The Knife have just released their newest offer fairly unexpectedly. Colouring of Pigeons is the first track to come from the Swedish bands Darwin inspired Opera Tomorrow, In a Year and if this track is anything to go by the musical is going to blow everyone away.

Never shy of experimentation, the 11 minute track builds up gradually, starting with tribal drums, then leading to bird-like vocals, then it leads to male vocals and then female operatic vocals. It is a pretty intense listen but you wouldn't expect anything less from the duo. Gone are the synth pans and hooks that they are well known for, with the track swirling and climaxing in a crescendo of violins.


If the track doesn't impress you enough, then here are some clips from their Darwin inspired electro-Opera, it is definitely very 'out there';



Tomorrow, In a Day is released digitally on Feb 2nd and in stores March 9. Finally an album for us evolutionists!

Tracklisting

CD 1
1.Intro
2.Epochs
3.Geology
4.Upheaved
5.Minerals
6.Ebb Tide Explorer
7.Variation of Birds
8.Letter to Henslow
9.Schoal Swarm Orchestra

CD 2
1.Annie’s Box
2.Tumult
3.Colouring of Pigeons
4.Seeds
5.Tomorrow in a Year
6.The Height of Summer

Bonus track
7.Annie’s Box (alt. vocal)



Download the track here.