Tracks Of The Week, 04.08.14 - GigslutzGigslutz

Having recently signed to Virgin/EMI, North Londoner, Ben Clementine, is about to release his second EP, Glorious You. The last year has been one of growing success for Clementine; since appearing on Later With Jools Holland in October, he has played two sold out shows at the Purcell Rooms, supported many acclaimed acts including Cat Power, headlined London’s Koko and is now ready to release a this second EP.

Somewhat wise beyond his 24 years – having experienced the torments of heartbreak as well homelessness and travelled from Edmonton to now receive cult-like status in Paris – Clementine’s inspirations range from Satie to Anthony and the Johnsons. Both of which can be heard in lead track to new EP, ‘Condolence’.

However, despite discernable influences, Clementine is undoubtedly exceptionally unique. With a cinematic grandeur, rich, resounding vocals (comparable to jazz queen, Nina Simone) and flowing piano melodies, ‘Condolence’ is a hauntingly majestic track. As an intense crescendo builds throughout, and ghostly backing vocals echo, the song develops into a flowing anthem that will send chills down your spine. As Benjamin sings “I’m sending my condolence to fear…”, I am in full agreement that he should do just that as – with wonderful songs such as this under his belt – he clearly has nothing to fear.

Glorious You will be out on 25th August, via Virgin/EMI.

If you’re after a slice of floaty, summery psych-rock then Kid Wave may be just what you’re looking for. Currently residing in London, the youthful, gender-symmetrical quartet are from all over – from Sweden to Australia, as well as Britain – though appear to gel perfectly.

Latest single, ‘All I Want’ is filled with lilting, sunny guitar melodies that run alongside Lea Emmery’s seemingly effortless smooth vocals that hark back to the likes of rock legend, Chrissie Hynde. Oozing totally chilled-out vibes, and an optimistic youthful energy, ‘All I Want’ will leave you smiling from ear to ear.

‘All I Want’ is out 8th September via Heavenly Records (Toy, The Wytches…) and you can catch Kid Wave live, supporting fellow psych-rockers Childhood, on 13th August at Oslo, London. They will also be playing On Blackheath Festival on 14th September and will be kicking off an Autumn tour at Sheffield Leadmill on 3rd October.

Having already received acclaim from the lovely Lauren Laverne, upcoming Quantic single ‘La Plata’ feat. Nidia Gongora, is a wonderfully uplifting take on Pacific Colombian folklore. With a catchy latin groove, addictive rhythm and impulsive brass melodies, ‘La Plata’ speaks of the pros and cons of money in a light heart-hearted way.

With its buoyant beats, ‘La Plata’ leaves me longing for sunny street parties and colourful carnivals, in whose absence dancing around my bedroom will have to suffice. Party or no party, however, one thing’s for sure – you’ll find it impossible to sit still whilst listening to the exuberant sounds of Quantic.

‘La Plata’ is out 8th September on Tru Thoughts and is the third single to come from Quantic’s criticically acclaimed Magnetica album.

With a welcome follow up to 2012’s Put Your Back N 2 It, Perfume Genius is back with a new album. The first single to be taken from the album is ‘Queen’ – an eerie sounding, thought provoking creation apparently written about ‘gay panic’ and the “blank fear” that some narrow minded people may feel as Mike Hadreas walks by.

A refreshingly raw and honest offering, with a pounding repetition of chords providing a backdrop for twinkling synth-filled melodies, ‘Queen’ comes accompanied with a fittingly intense and affecting video that seems to perfectly match the meaning of the song and really is a must-watch. Filled with Hadreas’ subtly powerful falsetto, ‘Queen’ builds up a haunting sense of foreboding in a cinematic fashion. An addictively magical creation that only goes to show that Hadreas is not only a Perfume Genius, but is pretty great at songwriting too…