Gigslutz Tracks Of The Week 11.10.13

Being a Grammy award winner, and having released nine records, it’s a wonder I haven’t heard of Joseph Arthur before now. However, now that I have witnessed this prolific talent for myself, I can’t wait to hear more of his beautiful vocals and rich, bluesy pop. Having received praise from various famous musicians, from Michael Stipe to Lou Reed, this Ohio-bred singer songwriter is now onto his tenth album – a two ‘act’ concept album, loosely written about his life so far: ‘The Ballad of Boogie Christ’. Act 1 was released earlier this year, whilst Act 2 was only available last month.

Latest track ‘Junkies and Limousines’ is captivating and soulful, reminiscent of crooner Kurt Vile but with underlying traces of Rolling Stonesy upbeat rock. Capable of entrancing you with his smooth vocals, Arthur has created a delicate ballad with layered loops and twinkly melodies, that will tug at the heart-strings whilst comforting you with its warm, soothing sound.

Upon finally listening to Joseph Arthur therefore, I’ve come to the conclusion that he is well-deserving of all the praise he has received, and I would appear to have joined the masses in being wooed by his emotive, musically diverse creations. ‘The Ballad Of Boogie Christ’ is out now on Real World Records, and you can check out ‘Junkies and Limousines’ on Arthur’s Soundcloud.

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At just eighteen, Kiran Leonard has the kind of soothing voice that I could listen to all day, and the kind of talent that will take him far. Having made over half a dozen albums, it was only with the teenager’s last single ‘Dear Lincoln’ that he really came to our attention.

Latest single, ‘Port Aine’ juxtaposes cheerful, folky melodies alongside the resounding echoes of a church organ and Leonard’s deeply affecting, near-falsetto vocals that quiver and shake in a way that will make your spine tingle. With a climactic build up and Leonard’s evident raw emotion, ‘Port Aine’ is an exultant exclamation that possesses a subtle power that will charm and enthrall. Kind of Arcade Fire meets Bob Dylan, this song is a unique concoction of sounds, and quite a feat for someone so young.

Leonard’s first ‘proper’ album, ‘Bowler Hat Soup’ is released on 4th November via Hand Of Glory, and I will certainly be having a listen.

Hailing from the North East, ambient-indie outfit Blank Maps deliver atmospheric, textured tunes with a chilled out vibe and their latest single fits this description nicely. ‘Lucky Dip’ is bouncy and light, with sounds of syncopated guitars and jingly jangly melodies that will get you dancing in no time.

Bearing a likeness to MGMT or the dancier side of The Maccabees, Blank Maps’ new single is a pretty slice of electro-pop, a perfect soundscape of laid back beats to brighten up the rainiest of Autumn days. Infectiously charming and addictively lovely, ‘Lucky Dip’ is released on 14th October via Tiny Light Recording.

London based electro-blues duo, Vienna Ditto, have a rather unique back-story: band members Nigel Firth and Hatty Taylor first met when he was teaching her guitar back in 2000 when she was just eleven years old. After losing touch, they then bumped into each other in the street in 2009, and that’s when the magic started. They have since received acclaim from the likes of Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and have played on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury.

The new single ‘Ugly’ from their EP of the same name blends the eerily hypnotic, smoky vocals of Taylor with bluesy riffs and catchy choruses, with a touch of atmospheric electronica. A truly unique amalgamation of sounds and an altogether captivating piece of music which resembles the twinkling melodies of Goldfrapp with the bluesy, darker side of PJ Harvey, ‘Ugly’ is definitely worth a listen and proves impossible to pigeonhole into one particular genre.

Vienna Ditto’s EP ‘Ugly’ is released on 14th October.

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