New York indie-pop outfit Freelance Whales have come along way from their adorably unconventional 2009 debut. Since then they have amped up their sound in a big way, pumping it full of electronic flourishes. Listening to their recently released single “Spitting Image” from their upcoming album Diluvia, I couldn’t help but thinking their newfound niche sounds like what Arcade Fire would sound like on an alternate robot universe. They’ve more than grown up since Weathervanes. They’ve developed bionic limbs. It’s a good look for them, though.

Spitting Image
[audio:https://controlaltdelight.com/album%20reviews/freelance%20whales/Spitting%20Image.mp3]

Free Candy

Enzymes
[audio:https://controlaltdelight.com/album%20reviews/freelance%20whales/01%20Enzymes.mp3]
Location
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I told you guys I’d keep an eye out for folk hippie one man show with magical facial hair Esta Vivo. I told you I would.

I’m glad I did, too, cause he’s been slowly but consistently churning out dreamy pop melodies. He recently released a two-track digital album “My Thing//Green Thumb.” In just a few minutes he creates a sleepy yet sophisticated atmosphere worth floating in. Give your ears a rest from all that crap on the radio. Download his stuff.

Like him on Facebook. Follow him on Twitter. Introduce him to your mother.

A little over a year since the release of their debut album, all I can say is I still honestly don’t know what to expect from the Vaccines. Their debut was a glorious tumult of vintage-esque British rock, catapulting them into the libraries of fans of such exalted Brit rock bands as Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian. It was an exhilarating sugar rush of rock and roll and it was over all too fast. Just when we thought we had their sound nailed, however, they released the Please Please Do Not Disturb EP on their website. Four dusty acoustic-picked demos long, it’s the sort of melancholy nostalgia you want to turn on before bedtime. It’s definitely more sedated than what we’re used to from them, which just goes to show their range. It’s consistent with frontman Justin Young’s former solo stuff as Jay Jay Pistolet. It’s definitely worth snagging. Download it here. Fo free.

The West London four-piece are due to release their sophomore album in just a few days. I’ve listened to it through and I can say it’s definitely worth getting excited about, especially if you liked their first album. Stream it at the Guardian.

Track List, Downloads & Free Candy after the jump (more…)

Bryan Ellis FaceBook | Cloud of Unknowing EP

Every once and awhile I find something that lacks the usual sort of explanation I’m used to giving. Even less often is it a sound that they can actually pull off. New York’s Bryan Ellis is ready for his breakthrough with the debut release of Cloud of Unknowing. It’s a 34 minute journey through an array of genres that are laced with his vibrant vocals and powerful production. The beats themselves range from mellow dubstep to soulful hip hop. He even takes it to the stand out indie rock vibes that are perfect for those laid back days. Best part about this EP is that it’s free. The guy hasn’t even hit 100 likes on Facebook which blows me away. Give this guy his well deserved support by clicking here.

Download and stream the EP after the jump. Be sure to give his cover of Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love” a listen at the very least!

Two years following the release of their boomingly successful debut album Tourist History, Irish trio Two Door Cinema club are set to drop their followup album September 4. Bands of their caliber stereotypically lose their touch with the sophomore album and slump miserably in an effort to live up to their own hype. This doesn’t seem to be the case with TDCC. In fact, Beacon is likely to be an album for the charts–it’s beautiful. The album doesn’t show promise of a new direction for them but is rather a shinier, spacier advancement from the previous album.
It lyrically deals with what I assume is the woes and trials of what is missed while on tour. Overall it is masterfully crafted. Each track manages to be expansive and dreamy yet simultaneously powerful and rock solid. It’s destined to please current fans and rake in some new ones. Make sure you don’t miss out on this one.

TDCC on FaceBook | Pre-order ‘Beacon’ on iTunes

Track List, Downloads & Free Candy after the jump (more…)

I can’t get this song out of my head. It’s something beautiful.

Fifteen
[audio:https://controlaltdelight.com/album%20reviews/gooldroom/Fifteen.mp3]

Aberdeen four-piece Copy Haho seems to have revitalized a sound I thought was left in the crumb trails of indie essentials years ago. It took me a few listens to to figure out what their recently released self-titled LP reminded me of. (It was Hot Hot Heat.) These lads have churned out a sunny album of optimistic indie-pop jams that just might eek its way onto the essential list itself. Granted, it is nothing break through but it is simple and honest and consistent. Who could ask for more?

Copy Haho on FaceBook | Buy ‘Copy Haho’ on iTunes

1. Factory Floor
2. Earthquake
[audio:https://controlaltdelight.com/album%20reviews/copy%20haho/02%20Earthquake.mp3]
3. Wrong Direction
4. Waiting for Something to Happen
5. A Winter On the Run
6. Demons and Gods
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7. Dying Breed
8. Pestle and Mortar
9. The Be Good
[audio:https://controlaltdelight.com/album%20reviews/copy%20haho/09%20The%20Be%20Good.mp3]
10. When It Gets Dark
11. Accent Change
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