‘The Blackout’ Sam Potter – Late of The Pier / Swimming
We hooked up with Sam Potter sci-fi programmer from the legendary late of the pier who is now working with Binaural pioneers Swimming signed to Tummy Touch records to find out what he has been upto recently and to find out more about his ‘blackout’ project.
So you have recently joined Swimming how did that come about and what are you upto at the moment?
I met John and his with Ronika a few months ago and haven’t left their house since really. It only made sense to follow in all their endevours, which has bought me to Europe at the minute. (more…)
▲ Swimming’s new single Neutron Wireless Crystal
“Like an indie hovercraft powered by amphetamine guitar- The Times
“Thrumming Krauty alt rock that knows the value of thrill” – NME
“Listening to Nottingham Swimming is like going on a kind of magical, out-of-this world adventure- Rock Sound
‘Neutron Wireless Crystal’ is to be the second single from Nottingham’s trailblazing five-piece Swimming, released on October 16 via Tummy Touch Records (Tom Vek, Groove Armada).
Swimming’s first single – ‘Sun in the Island’ – came out on New York’s influential EVR Records earlier this year. It received across-the board spot plays on Radio 1, and support from the likes of NME, The Fly and The Times. New single ‘Neutron Wireless Crystal’ picks up where its predecessor left off, but expands the band’s kaleidoscopic horizons once more. Named after the crystals used in early transistor radios “the first instruments of modern-mass-communication” this is a textured and imaginative blend of swirling synths, psychedelic rock, drum machines and intense, melodic pop. (more…)
Hhymn – In The Depths
Hhymn’s debut full length album has been eagerly anticipated and it delivers on the promise of the two fantastic, previously released singles ‘Land Of Souls’ and ‘These Hands’. “In The Depths” is a joyous record but also has moments of haunting beauty, often full of blissful, soaring melodies, sometimes melancholic but always sweetly so and backed by emotive vocals with a huge range and diversity of style able to turn themselves to any mood.
Nottingham five piece Hymn bring a distinctly British slant to alt-folk with a stark emotional core at the heart of the record, but musically their ability to turn from gentle dreaminess to swirling and infectious tunes in the blink of an eye means they call to mind acts from Bon Iver to Arcade Fire; with trumpet, organ and glockenspiel added to the solid guitar, bass and drums they are able to create some beautiful layers of sound that make you melt.
As well as the two brilliant singles, “In The Depths” has a host of other stand out moments; the wonderfully dreamy ‘Wolves’ which brings to mind Radiohead at their most thoughtful with slow trumpet adding an inspired sweetener; ‘Girl Of Mind’ is melodic and catchy with danceable beats and a hint of the theatrical and album closer ‘On My Mind’ is a belting end to the record, bringing together memorable riffs, sing along vocal lines and soaring trumpet to leave you on a high and longing to listen again.
Cashier No9
Where have these guys been hiding… Belfast apparently.
“Get your cheque-books out!” says Rob da Bank to the labels and quite rightly so. Cashier No.9 are fucking epic. For several years now, Danny Todd has been an accessory to great music from Northern Ireland. A gifted guitarist, songwriter and producer, he has finally found the perfect vehicle for his unique hybrid of pop, rock, indie, country and electronica. To make ends meet as a teenager there was less inspiring work in a coffee shop, where he was appointed as Cashier No 5. That didn’t scan so well, but with a minor change, it provided an identity for the new band: Cashier No.9.
So Cashier No9 are on Steve Lamacq’s Rebel Playlist this week, listen here and send them a vote HERE. (more…)