Gigslutz Tracks Of The Week 27.09.13

French Indie-Pop collective, Nouvelle Vague’s vocalist, Melanie Pain, is now going it alone with the release of her album ‘Bye Bye Manchester’ – the first single to come from this solo project being the eerily atmospheric ‘Black Widow’.

The single has recently been featured on BBC 6Music’s rebel playlist, and has received plenty of positive acclaim. And it is not hard to see why – with penetratingly pretty, high pitched vocals reminiscent of icons such as Kate Bush or Shirley Manson, Pain (pronounced ‘pan’, not ‘pain’…) seems capable of creating beautiful melodies with a poppy vintage spirit.

‘Black Widow’ – the macabre tale of a woman plotting with her lover to assassinate her husband – was written and recorded alongside British crooner, Ed Harcourt and, after its initial cheery indie-pop feel, soon progresses to reveal much darker melodic undertones. With Pain’s iridescent vocals perfectly harmonising with the smooth baritone of Harcourt, it is a quintessentially sophisticated slice of cool and captivating pop that will be sure to entice and entrance.

‘Black Widow’ is out on 14th October, on Fierce Panda, following the release of album ‘Bye Bye Manchester’ released 30th September.

Fans of London Indie-rockers, The Maccabees, will be pleased to hear that they can now get their fix as guitarist, Felix White, has delivered a surprising, yet very welcome, offering – side project, ‘Cosmo’. Although initially intended to be filled with instrumental soundtrack music, White’s unexpected EP features guest vocal appearances from the likes of Jessie Ware, Jack Penate and Florence Welch.

The first single available to grace our eardrums comes in the form of the twinkly, atmospheric ‘Yalla’. A pretty, melodic electro-pop tune, ‘Yalla’ quickly succeeds in hypnotising the listener into a blissful oblivion. Upon hearing the resounding echoes and climatic electro melodies, it certainly does seem like White has created something worthy of a soundtrack to the most pivotal of films – indeed, ‘Yalla’ would fit perfectly onto my Trainspotting CD, right after Brian Eno’s tranquil and trippy ‘Deep Blue Day’.

So, if you’re craving a bit of Maccabees action, but don’t mind the absence of a full band, then you should certainly take a listen to this serenely beautiful concoction of Felix White’s. The video even features a slow motion, indoor skydiver and – with a whole EP filled with equally as captivating tracks – it’s all pretty exciting.

Cosmo’s EP was released on Wednesday 25th September and is available to purchase from selected record shops and as a download on iTunes.

Brooklyn duo Sleigh Bells’ latest single to come from their forthcoming third album ‘Bitter Rivals’ has been described by the band as “positive” and “not as dark” as previous material. And it seems that Krauss and Miller are correct – ‘Don’t Tell Me Twice’ is certainly a lot lighter than their last two albums, but has the same incessant pounding beat and intensely energetic, excited build up. Whilst the characteristic sound of Miller’s propelled, crunching guitar remains, the latest single does not contain as much distortion and resounding reverb as the likes of ‘Tell ‘Em’. Instead, what we have is a playfully upbeat piece of sugary pop, filled with pretty melodic interludes alongside the recognisable Sleigh Bells sound.

The album, ‘Bitter Rivals’ is set for release on 7th October.

Unsigned Yorkshire lads, The Glavins, have recently been making waves having been played on BBC6 Music’s LaMacq show and touring the North with appearances including Sheffield’s Tramlines festival. Formed in Barnsley way back in 2008, their recent exposure has been long awaited and is well deserved. The Glavins create rocky, indie anthems with shades of Brit-Pop icons such as Oasis and Kasabian – their appealing Northern drawl delivering their upbeat, catchy melodies. Current single, ‘Moscovite’ is an effectively simple, uplifting song filled with intricate riffs alongside bouncy bass and honest lyrics that make you proud to be British.

With their endearing, youthful energy and a catalogue of songs that are hard not to sing along to, The Glavins are definitely one to watch this autumn. You can catch them live at their first London show at The Islington on 15th October.