Tracks Of The Week: 10.03.14 - GigslutzGigslutz

For months, I’ve been anticipating a new record from my favourite surfer pop-rockers, Real Estate, and at last it has arrived: ‘Atlas’ was out last week, and lead single ‘Talking Backwards’ is a pretty promising slice of what we can expect.

Whilst retaining all of the band’s characteristic sunny disposition and twinkling melodies, ‘Talking Backwards’ also sees a deeper side to Courtney – a reflection on emotions, regrets and desires. That said, however, Real Estate seem incapable of not radiating a twinkly romanticism, and will always hold a special place in my heart – oozing nostalgia and memories of summer days. ‘Talking Backwards’ would appear to signal a step up for the band; offering us a perfect balance of this glistening, sun-filled pop but with an added depth, channelling a feeling of growth and maturity for the band, that will inspire and captivate. Recognising the darkness that can occasionally cloud our vision, yet paving the way for the clear skies that lie ahead.

Both melancholic and majestic – the perfect accompaniment to these languid Spring days.

Hailing from the bright lights of Teddington, South West London, Jungle Doctors bounded onto the airwaves last year with single ‘Better’, which received acclaim from the likes of Tom Robinson and Dan O’Connell. Now, with new track – ‘Dry’ – taken from their upcoming EP, these young lads (who are neither doctors, or from the jungle…) continue to impress with their cheery indie-pop. Apparently using vocalist, Sam Budd’s, garden ‘cabin’ as a hub for music-making, Jungle Doctors may be young, but they are already proving to be impressively prolific, having made their mark at Blissfields and Beach Break Live last year, and set to support Swiss Lips at Bush Hall later this month.

Filled with sparkly melodies, reminiscent of early Maccabees, ‘Dry’ is a catchy ditty. Serenading us with delightfully dizzy synths and upbeat riffs, whatever experiment it is that Jungle Doctors have been concocting, it has most certainly been a success. You’ll be left humming the lilting melodies for days, and will be reaching for the repeat button in no time.

The Doctors’ new EP will be released next month, and – until then – you can bide your time by downloading this wonderfully bright slice of indie-pop from the band’s Soundcloud:

Keziah Stilwell, Anna Argiros and Hannah Holland are a new London three-piece, going by the name of Black Gold Buffalo. Fronted by hair-stylist, Stilwell, this trio have recently been making waves with their current single: with smooth, sensuous vocals and an eerily ethereal vibe, ‘A Million’ is a soulful slice of dreamy pop.

Although there is not yet much known about this elusive trio, Black Gold Buffalo look set to make their mark in the near future. Having already received acclaim from Lauren Laverne, and with more sparkling snippets of their talent set to grace our ear waves throughout the Spring, the future is looking pretty exciting for this London trio. Reminiscent of Little Dragon, and even the glorious Gwen Stefani, Black Gold Buffalo are well worth a listen.

Founding member of seminal New York bands, The Walkmen and The Recoys, is back; with his debut solo album being released on 23rd June, Peter Matthew Bauer has given us a taste of things to come with his first offering – ‘Latin American Ficciones’.

Whilst the subject-matter of Bauer’s solo material is said to be deeply reflective, a collection of autobiographical musings touching on subjects from religion to rock stars, ‘Latin American Ficciones’ is an upbeat, Americana-esque ballad. With traces of classic Ryan Adams and, the more contemporary, War On Drugs, this track oozes good old fashioned rock n roll with just the right balance of resounding reverb and experimental twinges to keep you hungry for more.

The album, ‘Liberation!’ is out 23rd June through Memphis Industries, and – to keep your thirst quenched – here is first single, ‘Latin American Ficciones’: