Tracks Of The Week, 25.11.16

Imagine the pop experimentation of Bowie and Prince, throw in a bit of Beck and a bit of Mac DeMarco. The result: Hotel Del Salto (AKA J Francis).

Don’t be put off by the seemingly erratic comparisons, for when it comes to Hotel Del Salto and his debut release ‘Bigger than Elvis’ they’re less comparisons and more points of reference. ‘Bigger than Elvis’ combines brilliantly experimental songwriting with playful lyrics, a DIY approach to recording and, most of all, an irrefutable talent to package his influences into one, wonderful, 3-minute-long track.

Written, performed and recorded by Francis, ‘Bigger than Elvis’ has a level of chill that only comes with such a DIY approach; he is entirely in charge and he most certainly knows what he’s doing.

‘Bigger than Elvis’ is out now as a free download from Soundcloud

Described by the band as the “darkest and heaviest we’ve pushed our music too”, The Amazon’s latest offering ‘Little Something’ may be that, but it’s also arguably the coolest their music’s been.

That’s not to say it wasn’t before, but ‘Little Something’ is the sign of a band who are going from strength to strength. Driven, guitar-fuelled rock ‘n’ roll, ‘Little Something’ is about “the hunt for an obsession that’s out of reach, and then in the darkness and failure of reaching it, finding yourself becoming something you’re not”. It’s sinister, brooding, but most of all, superbly crafted.

Catch The Amazons live:

December 1 St. Albans The Horn
December 8 Bath Moles
December 9 Bedford Bedford Esquires
December 10 London Nambucca (This Feeling club night)
December 15 Newcastle Think Tank Underground
December 16 Sunderland Independent
December 17 Manchester When In Manchester Festival

Following support slots with Circa Waves, Blossoms, The Subways and Spring King, Veludo Planes are fast securing themselves as one of the most exciting unsigned bands. And with their latest single ‘Luna’, the band are well and truly securing themselves as ones to watch for 2017.

‘Luna’ sees anthemic choruses paired with a 90s grunge feel – guitar driven, no-holds-barred indie, with a sing-a-long nature that will no doubt find its way into the ears (and hearts) of everyone next year.

‘Luna’ is out on 26th November on all major digital Download and Streaming platforms

It might seem a little too early for summer anthems, but the more time to learn the words the better, right? So get learning, because Passport to Stockholm’s latest single ‘Shooting Stars’ has already found its place as BBC Introducing’s “track of the day” multiple times and will no doubt keep climbing.

Blending their love for big choruses with electronica, Passport to Stockholm seem to have the perfect formula for the ultimate hooky pop anthem in ‘Shooting Stars’. It’s hard to imagine it belonging anywhere but on a festival stage.

‘Shooting Stars’ is out now

Melissa Svensen
@MelYeaahh

Melissa Svensen

Melissa Svensen

Melissa, 22. Editor. Student, music journalist, probably talking about Blur or Bowie