q:pitch

The Irrepressibles

2010-01-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

From some bands, there's no escape - their campaign cudgel hits you about the eyes and ears wherever you seem to go, no matter how picky you are with your bars and shops. Then others' seem only to cross your peripheral vision before they're gone, leaving behind a wish for a better look.

Some were lucky enough to catch a glimps of the Irrepressibles in the woods around Latitude or on its lake this, and last, summer. A chosen few were left astonished when they popped up at the V&A in London. And a tantalising trace of this chimera, half band half mini-orchestra, has been circulating on Youtube for a while, in the form of a short film by Shelly Love in which the band perform.

In January 2010, led by their creator and front man Jamie McDermott, the shy Irrepressibles will be stepping out of the mist to offer us all a taste of their craft with their debut album, Mirror Mirror. Costume, movement, spectacle and sumptuous music are the parts. The sum is a heart-stopping, often sensual magic.

Volatile and surprising, Mirror Mirror is released on V2/Co-op on Jan 11. Available to order from Amazon.

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Alan MX

2010-01-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

It is with relief that we can report AlanMX has released his debut album, Warpsichord. A weight off our mind as the secret's finally out: AlanMX is brilliant. A musical mind as colourful and playful as a fairground, and a voice that reminds you how good Tom Vek was. The album's a study in skittering beats, jittering string samples and lyrics that touch on the subtle nuances of love and relationships.

Confidently pitching his tent in "gay artists" camp, he has an unambiguous opinion about who that relates to his music.

“When I think about it, most music is an expression of love. Or songs, anyway. The most common subject of a song is love or lust. If someone was to renounce or ignore their sexuality as a musician, I think it limits their accessibility.”

Musical toffee for your ears, Warpsichord is released on Small Town America and available now from iTunes.

The Gadsdens

2009-11-30T16:22:00.000-08:00

The Gadsdens set sail for the charts for the first time this week with the digital released their debut single, Sailor Song.

The likes of Idol and X-Factor continue to homogenised our ideas of what's a great singer and the public's appetite for junkfood voices seems unstoppable (they're either bland or contain too much sugar and salt, and definitely trashy). In Jody Gadsden's voice we have a new feast, unlike anything that's been served up for decades.

Recalling those early years of the 80s, where blue eyed soul provided a rich stylistic seam for guys with high voices and women with low ones, Gadsden likewise sees no value in traditional masculine vocal style. Frequently compared to Tracy Champan, he's unfazed and humbly flattered rather than offended. And like all great soul voices, a sadness sits at its heart. It's impossible not to respond with love.

Sailor Song by the Gadsdens is available from iTunes

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The Hidden Cameras

2009-09-29T01:11:00.000-07:00

Three years after their insistently rhythmic last album, Awoo, the Hidden Cameras return with a record which cradles together familiar sounds and themes with a new depth and darkness which will catch some off-guard.

Early reviews are raving about this "mature" sound, with apparitions of misty eastern strings and sadistic brass punches. But they've not abandoned that profound gift they have for simple melodies, with recent single, In the Na, being an ecstatic lesson in economy. And never one to mince his lyrics, Joel Gibb still spins lines that would have outraged Dail Mail readers jabbing pen to paper. Currently on tour in North America, Gibb will directing his Cameras around Europe in March 2010.

ORIGIN:ORPHAN is released in UK 2 Nov with a tour planned for March 2010

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Dolby Anol

2009-09-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Dolby Anol are dance music's worst kept secret. They’ve been getting played out by Boys Noize, MSTRKRFT, Annie Mac, Kissy Sell Out and are in high demand for their remixing talents, putting their own twist to a whole smorgasbord of impressive names such as Kings Of Leon, The Gossip, Chromeo and La Roux.

Coming out of Glasgow, the production duo of Graham Peel and John Baillie Jnr (also the vocalist of Dananananaykroyd) have been knocking out original floor burners for the past couple of years, including their own club banger tracks ‘Puppies’ ("Summer Electro anthem" - Mixmag) and ‘Tender Touch’, featuring vocals from Lola from Spectrum and Chrome Hoof.

Dolby Anol release "Sandy Bitches" in November on Tigerbass

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tender touch from rebecca davies on Vimeo.

Scott Matthew

2009-09-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Best known as the composer and performer for most of the music for John Cameron-Mitchell's film cult classic Shortbus. He's also one of Antony Hegarty's favourite singers, opening for Antony & the Johnsons at this year's Montreux Jazz Festival.

His voice has a heartbreaking quality, remarkable in its indolent beauty and emotional range. Sophisticated without ever being clever, his songs unfurl with the naturalness that marks out a master of his craft.

Gigs in London 31 Oct and 1 Nov see qpitch.co.uk for details

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SCOTT MATTHEW - WHITE HORSE from orangepopberlin on Vimeo.

Dance Yourself to Death

2009-09-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

The high tide of Canadian talent refuses to ebb. With their debut album, Toronto’s Dance Yourself to Death have created a fantastically fun record. "Ready for Love". sounds slick but not over inspiration from artists who spanned several musical eras, from Fleetwood Mac to the Cars, to New Young Pony Club, creating a sound that’s hook-laden, highly addictive, and ready for repeat rotation on your stereo.

They count among their fans Peaches, MEN, Uh Huh Her , the Indigo Girls fans and perhaps surprisingly Sir Elton John who cast the band in his 2006 film “It’s A Boy Girl Thing”. That's one to remember for the pub quiz.

On tour in Europe during November, check their myspace for dates

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McAlmont & Nyman

2009-09-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

A marriage made in heaven? Indeed, why has no-one thought of this before? The voice of David McAlmont was once described as so magnificent that one day “he’ll open his mouth and a cathedral will fall out”. British composer Michael Nyman counts among his achievements the scores for The Piano (nominated for an Oscar) and Gattaca, as well as being one of the most highly regarded opera composers of his generation.

Following their first live outing as a duo in January this year, the remarkable collaboration between singer and composer developed into a recording project whereby McAlmont selected his favourite Nyman compositions and then turned to world news for inspiration. The result is The Glare, one of the most startling, beautiful and extraordinary records of the year.

McAlmont & Nymna play Union Chapel London on 24 Oct
“The Glare” is released 26 Oct

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Gentleman Reg

2009-09-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

For a while now I've been saying: Canada sneezes, the UK applauds. It's incredible just how much quality music is coming out of that country, which, 10 years ago was only really on the map for being the birthplace of St Joni and the Moaner (Alanis Morrissette). Now you can't stick on iTunes shuffle without hearing something gloriously alt. Canadian every 3 songs. It's one musical meal I'm happy to super-size. [Can't believe I just wrote that. Slay me.]

Gentleman Reg is absolutely worth giving a big round of applause. Partly because, in a predominantly white country, he must be the whitest person that lives there. But have a listen - wow! Of course he's friends with "all that lot" (Owen Pallet, Hidden Cameras, The Organ...), but maybe he needs to exploit those ties more, because he certainly deserves his own spot light. Do do do, try and get to see him.

Gentleman Reg may be in the UK during May...more info when we have it.

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Final Fantasy

2009-09-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

Two men stood before the world on empty stages separated by a vast ocean. Each was alone apart from a string instrument at his chin. Both were tall - some would say handsome - and both possessed of a creative talent that shone in many colours, some unusual and rare. As happens with those who choose to stand on stages, some folk gathered to watch. And listen. The people smiled, clapped and afterwards chattered amongst their friends.

As more and more people gathered about to watch these two, young impressive men, something happened to bifurcate this story's branch. One of the young men became consumed by his own image and sought to mold himself into the legend he thought he must surely become. The people about at first thought it comical, then tragic and finally they were repulsed and turned their backs.

However everyone's favourite violin-toting Canadian, Owen Pallett, is back in the UK for 2 dates over the next few months. He remains, as he ever was: charming, funny and an incredible musician. Gather about people!

Final Fantasy plays London: Union Chapel 23 May, Field Day 1 Aug

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Nils Bech

2009-09-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

The name A-Ha looms large over Norway's music as Abba does for Sweden. Abba were genius. A-Ha had a dead good video. Norway's modern music heros, Erlend Oye and Sondre Lerche don't look set to upturn A-Ha's cross-hatched apple cart any time soon. And maybe not with Nils Bech either, but at least he has the frickin hair! With a baritone that sounds seductively schooled, a scrap book of musical styles and a real zeal for performance he's the type of artist you stumble across at a festival, go "wtf?" and within 2 songs is your new favourite band. Handsome too. Always helps.

msypace

Dynasty Handbag

2009-09-13T05:07:00.000-07:00

You know when you click a link and another universe suddenly opens up, like that bit in the titles of Dungeons & Dragons when the kids are at the gate of the amusement park. Well that (almost) happened when I was snooping on who'd played at SXSW's gay jamboree this year, GAYbiGAYGAY. Dynasty Handbag, I thought, hmmm...let's suck it and see.

Like Violet Beauregarde on e, I blew up with dance music induced excitement. It's quite stripped back and minimal, and her (?) image looks like Eartha Kitt raided a Peaches' charity shop drop. However, she probably doesn't stay in her clothes long - she looks that sort. Sure, not to everyone's taste, but if you like glitchy, experimental stuff like Gay Against You or The Knife's early stuff, you'll probably love. I Can't Wait is as immense as down-tempo bump-and-grind minimal filth gets. As they say in NYC (so I read) - FEROSH!!

msypace

Slow Club

2009-09-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

I saw Slow Club playing a chair once. It dropped to bits after a few percussive blows. Rebecca (singer/drums/Habitat's worst nighmare) then asked one of support band members to come and hold it together whilst she finished belting ten shades of shit out of its pathetic wooden frame.

You see, Slow Club are a little bit adorable. The fact that Rebecca also claims to be a massive Rod Steward fan just about takes them to then point of jellybaby affection: you just want to bite off their heads, they're that darn cute. I HATE the word cute, but I'm failing to find anything else which expresses that urgent fondness you sometimes get for something.

Slow Club - seals may not like them, but I love them.

Slow Club have quite a few dates in April and May across the land.

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My Brightest Diamond

2009-09-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

I've an apology I'd like to make to Shara (aka MBD) - the next time I assail you after a gig to gush, tell me to piss off. There she was, outside the Roadhouse in Manchester (it was probably raining) patiently listening to me go blah blah blah, whilst all the time I bet she was thinking "Christ, I'm dying for a pee, make him go away!!".

Sorry. But you see, she was fantastic and she played to a puddle of people. I cannot believe her promotions people are anything more than highly paid record company vagabonds with the attention span of weasels. It takes a concerted effort and a bit of intelligence to get an artist to market, even when they're an utterly stunning performer and have the Midas touch with their material.

She did not deserve that pitiful crowd, but she played it like a stadium gig. That takes grace. On a rainy Monday in Manchester's premier toilet venue, it takes the whole fuckin' Kelly family. So, yeah - sorry Shara. I hope you got your pee in time [anyone know the Cobra Killer song I like it when it burns a bit?] and I hope when you're next in town, the puddle has become the reservoir you truly deserve.

MBD plays the Slughtered Lamb, 28th April 2008. Only UK data.

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