How to enter free entry comps – Email [email protected] with the gig above in the Subject line you’re entering for along with your full name and phone number (for late contact) in the body of the message. Full info on each show below. Draw closes at 6pm the day before the gig or Friday 1pm latest for weekend gigs.
RTE NSO Video Games Classic @ National Concert Hall (€25+) Eimear Noone conducts video game and classical music favourites with the National Symphony Orchestra.
2Fm Xmas Ball @ 3Arena (€39.50) All Tvvins, The Academic, Kodaline, Picture This.
Wyvern Lingo, BARQ @ Button Factory (€17.50) Rising Irish trio of harmony, pop and indie.
Young Hearts Run Free’s Yule @ The Co-Op, Newmarket Square (Dublin 8, BYOB, €22) Alaisdair Roberts, Tandem Felix, This Side Up, David O’Doherty, Le Boom Paddy Hanna, Booka Brass and more
CUAR & Danny Diamond @ Royal Society of Antiquities, 63 Merrion Square (€15, 4:30pm) Cuar is an ensemble led by Neil Ó Loclainn that explores composition and improvisation within the framework of irish traditional music.
How to enter free entry comps – Email [email protected] with the gig above in the Subject line you’re entering for along with your full name and phone number (for late contact) in the body of the message. Full info on each show below. Draw closes at 6pm the day before the gig or Friday 1pm latest for weekend gigs.
How to enter free entry comps – Email [email protected] with the gig above in the Subject line you’re entering for along with your full name and phone number (for late contact) in the body of the message. Full info on each show below. Draw closes at 6pm the day before the gig or Friday 1pm latest for weekend gigs.
Molossus, Laura Sheeran, Diarmuid MacDiarmada @ Tivoli Backstage (€10) Molossus are a 5 piece alternative band from Dublin featuring members of The Jimmy Cake, Hands Up Who Wants To Die and Percolator.
Tongue In Chic @ The Bowery (Free) Nile Rodgers/ Disco covers band.
Legend @ Voodoo Lounge (€22.50) Dark Icelandic electronica
Mother @ The Hub (€5/€10, 11pm) DJs Kelly -Anne Byrne and Michael Pope.
Lumo Club #14 @ Yamamori Tengu (€10, 10pm) Lumo DJs isn’t another house and techno night. Everything from Four Tet to Fleetwood Mac / Phil Collins to Caribou
How to enter free entry comps – Email [email protected] with the gig above in the Subject line you’re entering for along with your full name and phone number (for late contact) in the body of the message. Full info on each show below. Draw closes at 6pm the day before the gig or Friday 1pm latest for weekend gigs.
After a week’s holiday, there were many albums for me to unravel and unpack upon my return not least Solange’s Seat At The Table, an album that takes the charged racial atmosphere of American in 2016 and produces a spiritual, political artistic statement on black lives, culture and family on an album teeming with music of black origin: R&B, soul, funk and gospel. Much of the music draws on restraint but an early highlight ‘Cranes In The Sky’ (See also the Sampha-featuring ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’, ‘Mad’ and ‘Junie’ for starters )
2.
Banks – ‘Mind Games’
On her second album The Altar, Jillian Banks has really found her voice and projects it with a dominance that wasn’t present on her debut. Drawing on her emotions as strength, ‘Mind Games’ is indicative of her current more enjoyable phase, a more forceful, less-obvious superior alt R&B pop sound.
3.
Nicolas Jaar – ‘Three Sides Of Nazareth’
Another surprise album release last week, Sirens, at 41 minutes and 6 tracks, is perhaps Nicolas Jaar’s most cohesive album. It finds him dabbling in new textures, like the ten-minute krautgrooving Suicide-esque motorik ‘Three Sides Of Nazareth’.
4.
Tash Sultana – ‘Jungle’
A sprightly guitar pop hit from the land down under. With a history of busking, 21 year-old Melbourne artist Tash Sultana does it all herself on her new single ‘Jungle’, a refreshing bedroom pop number. Sultana has two singles out but Triple J support and buzz has lead her to sell out her six Melbourne and Sydney shows. One to watch and inbound for European dates too.
5.
Amber Coffman – ‘All To Myself’
With new Dirty Projectors music out last month, Amber Coffman, the member who has demonstrated the most interest in collaborating elsewhere (Major Lazer, Frank Ocean, Snoop Dogg), Now she turns her attention to her solo album, coming on Columbia, called City of No Reply. ‘All To Myself’ is a warm and graceful intro to what’s to come.
6.
Meltybrains? – Know My Name
Ireland’s finest ebullient experimentalists return with a diptych. Part one is an ambient dub track while part two is an electronic freakout that is reminiscent of the Super Furry Animals. Know their name. A new EP Kiss Yourself is out in November.
7.
Bad Sea – Solid Air
Bad Sea’s two members, Ciara Thompson and Alan Farrell met on Tinder but quickly decided to pursue musical interests together over romantic ones. The band’s first single has elements of ’50s pop, indie and classic rock’n’roll. They claim its inspired by Angel Olsen and Carly Rae Jepsen and there is certainly some of the former’s vintage aesthetic in the air.
8.
Danny Brown – ‘Ain’t It Funny’
Rapper Danny Brown’s third album Atrocity Exhibition is his most sonically polychromatic (fitting for a Warp Release) and features guests Kendrick, Petite Noir, Kelela, B-Real of Cypress Hill and Ab-Soul. ‘Ain’t It Funny’ six tracks in, is a blast of chase scene horns and Brown’s frenetic energy.
9.
Midnight Magic – ‘I Gotta Feeling’
Nine-piece New York disco band Midnight Magic return with a sure-footed new single that falls somewhere between classic ’80s electro and disco. See? They are not only responsible for ‘Beam Me Up’. Wisely though, they asked the guy that made that song such a club hit – Jacques Renault to produce it.
Danny Brown dropped another track from his forthcoming Atrocity Exhibition, out 30th September on Warp.
‘Really Doe’ is produced by Black Milk and features TDE’s Ab-Soul and Kendrick along with Odd Future’s Earl Sweatshirt.
“Me and Kendrick always talked about doing stuff, and I had the idea to get K-Dot and Earl together …but first I got me and Ab-Soul. And then one day when I was mixing the album with Ali, K-Dot snuck in and just laced it. I had to be patient and wait on Earl, but it was all worth it you know because hip-hop needs that posse cut. We just wanna make the best possible song cause we know the hype on paper. I know it’s gonna satisfy, my feet is up.”
Atrocity Exhibition also features Petite Noir,Kelela, Cypress Hill’s B-Real with production by Paul White, Evian Christ, The Alchemist and Black Milk.
Rapper Danny Brown has been quiet on the release front with the exception of that “this isn’t really that great is it?” return of the Avalanches’ ‘Frankie Sinatra’.
But yesterday, the rapper returned with new song ‘When It Rain’ on his new label Warp Records. With the blessing of Fools Gold Records who released Old and xxx, ‘When It Rain’ is a good fit for the experimental-leaning label, a production by Paul White built on dense menacing synths and lo-fi horror pings allows Brown’s whiny voice to discombobulating effect.
I remember being in college at the turn of the century when Since I Left You was on everyone’s iPod. I remember falling in deep with this crazy sample-tastic warm retrofuturistic dance record. I remember seeing The Avalanches when they played at Witnness in 2001.
Things went quiet after a while. As long as the internet existed, The Avalanches were “rumoured” to be making an album.
This morning, we know it’s actually happening. After rumblings and suggestions of “something” as there has so often been in previous years, followed by some tour dates, including Primavera this week and Field Day, the Avalanches’ second album is called Wildflower and is out on XL recordings on July 8th (CD/Vinyl). The artwork was inspired by Sly and the Family Stone’s There’s a Riot Goin’ On.
The first single is here in both single and extended formats ‘Frankie Sinatra’ and features both MF DOOM and Danny Brown along with samples by calypso musician Wilmoth Houdini and Rodgers & Hammerstein.
The band were on with Zane Lowe last night too and they told him that the album features Father John Misty, Biz Markie, Toro Y Moi, Jennifer Herrema of Royal Trux, Camp Lo, Jonathan Donahue (Mercury Rev), and Warren Ellis (Bad Seeds/Dirty Three).
A slow-moving weighted return for the Mercury Prize-winning band who manage to defy expectations by legitimately sampling Miley Cyrus on their new single from second album This Is All Yours. This coarses through the veins the more you listen to it.
“I wanted to make something I could play out when I got home that reminded people of how good home is.”
“I made All Under One Roof Raving whilst on the tail end of another year on the road with The xx. I was missing life in London and trawling through any music and videos that reminded me of home. One in particular I found very inspiring, Mark Leckey’s ‘Fiorucci Made Me Hardcore.’
Twigs sits on a throne in an Egyptian-style temple, looking bronzed, exotic and elegant, singing the words which obfuscate explicitness through her hushed singing and style. There are no others in her category.
On the first single from the album, ‘Headstrong’ which does feature a great vocal hook from Dublin singer Jesse Kav (who appears throughout the album), JackKnifeJ’s brooding bumping ambient production (reminds me of Banks’ ‘Drowning’ in tone) is the perfect backdrop for Paulie remaining positive among the curveballs that life throws at him.
5. Rustie – ‘Raptor’
The bass on this track gave me a headache when I first heard it. But there’s something endearing about a producer who uses the mechanisms of trap music in such a bright and brazen way that subtly subverts the form. Clap trap happy music from Rustie’s second album Green Language out in August on Warp.
6. Jessie Ware – ‘Tough Love’
No sign of Ms. Ware going full-on electronic-pop just yet. Instead, her new Benny Blanco and Two Inch Punch-produced single sticks to her modern Sadé R&B template. Super smooth.
The Dublin folk electronic duo’s encouraging new single.
Their new double A-side single, takes it first step forward with ‘Roots’ (‘Significant Landscapes’ is the other track). It’s their most direct track yet, a suitably clip clopping rhythm and synth stabs swell towards the chorus of Page singing “roots run deeper when we play / roots grow high when we lay,” which despite the recordings of the metropolis, firmly place the song in a more pastoral setting.
The Dublin band stretch their indie-rock M.O. into some more expansive, yet past-referencing.
9. Zola Jesus – ‘Dangerous Days’
The first single from the 25 year-old’s fifth album is her most accessible yet. That glorious warble is still in full flow. Free download.
10. Busdriver – ‘Ego Death’ (feat. Aesop Rock & Danny Brown)
The first single from Busdriver’s forthcoming Big-Dada-released Perfect Hair album ropes in cackling Danny Brown and old favourite Aesop Rock on a Jeremiah Jae beat.
One of the many amazing things that happened at Drop Everything, the cultural biennale on Inis Oirr on the Aran Islands in among the DJ sets, the dolphin swimming with people in the bay, the 8 minute flight to Connemara, the light and sound installation on the beach, the Ard Bia cocktails, the live music, the people and the Sunday knees up was this, a song introduced to me in my hotel bedroom by my friend. This tune blew me away. Amazing video too. It’s the little things.
A perfect pop single for me this one. Do you think Elly Jackson had Talking Heads and Bowie in mind when making this? Because it certainly sounds like it.
4. Vic Mensa – ‘Down On My Luck’
The Chicago rapper has toured with Disclosure and it sounds like their garage-house sound has rubbed off on the man’s new single. Production is actually by the unfortunately-named Stefan Ponce.
From the Family EP, a release of disco edits from producers curated by Waterford’s Get Down Edits comes this seductive edit of Gwen McCrae’s 1979 track ‘All This Love That I’m Giving’.
Jeremy Hickey’s talents have been recognised by a contingent of musicians in France including Bo’tox, one of Justice and DVNO but before we hear what the latter will sound like, a third R.S.A.G. album is on the way and this track, a darker electronic cut points the way.
9. Lana Del Rey – ‘Shades Of Cool’
There are certain artists, after a while, that you lose interest in, as what drew you to them quickly becomes their schtick. I was tired of Lana’s musical and visual aesthetic of the faded American glamour puss. Then I heard the soaring chorus of ‘Shades Of Cool’ the wah-wah-assisted string chorus and I heard something fresh and classic all at once. From LDR’s second album Ultraviolence out on June 13th.
Toronto jazz hop live band trio Badbadnotgood have been known to play live with rappers, most notably with Tyler, The Creator. Here they team up with two of the best in the biz -Ghostface Killah and Danny Brown, for a limited edition single on Lex Records.
Toronto jazz hop live band trio Badbadnotgood have been known to play live with rappers, most notably with Tyler, The Creator. Here they team up with two of the best in the biz -Ghostface Killah and Danny Brown, for a limited edition single on Lex Records.
The single is available to preorder on 10″ vinyl with download card and digitally and will be released on 23rd June. The single also includes instrumental track, Tone’s Rap.
How to enter – Email [email protected] with the gig above in the Subject line you’re entering for along with your full name and phone number in the body of the message. Full info on each show below. Draw closes at 6pm the day before the gig.
Sense: New York Transit Authority @ The Academy (€7, 11pm) [DJ] 120 – 130bpm 80′s Electro, House & Techno influenced tracks & creations.
The RnB Club @ Twisted Pepper Café (10:30pm, FREE) [DJs] Diskotekken’s new night every second Saturday of the month playing ’90s RnB, Hip Hop & G-Funk.
Sunday March 2nd
Julia Kent, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh @ The Odessa Club (€10/€12) [Cello/voice] Collaborator with Antony & The Johnsons and Stars Of The Lid plays solo material.
Midge Ure @ The Sugar Club (€27.50) [Alternative] An acoustic evening with the Visage/Ultravox man.
The Jezabels @ Button Factory (#WINTICKETS) [Rock] Saturday is sold out but tickets available for tonight.
All City and Abstract present Holmes Price @ The Pygmalion (Free) [DJs] A set of disco, house, techno and edits with support from All City’s 4wrd Grad alongside Abstract DJs.
Danny Brown is in town on Tuesday night (25th February) on his Old tour. Last time he was here in The Sugar Club, it went off and you can expect the same (see the video below). I have a +1 guestlist to see the man. Just enter via the widget below before Monday at noon.
Dublin bass promoters !Kaboogie kicked off a more electro-orientated club night called People Are Saps this year. Declan aka Sixfoot Apprentice is one of main crew and here he gives us his top 10 tracks of the year. Something good for everyone.
1. Chance The Rapper – ‘Everybody’s Something’ feat. Saba & BJ The Chicago Kid
A stand-out track from the excellent Acid Rap mixtape, which despite being a free release, and not on any label, still managed to do real well in the US charts cos of online plays.
2. Lethal Dialect – ’13 Til Infinity’
An absolute feckin’ Irish hip-hop anthem for that unreal Summer we had. Perfect for yer backyard barbecues ‘n’ bifties buzz.
3. Young Fathers – ‘I Heard’
These Scottish lads have had a great year, and are definitely ones to keep an eye on. Mad variety of tunes outta them, from bass-heavy bangers to the more mellow ones like ‘I Heard’.
4. Richie !Kaboogie & Joni – ‘I Do’
Lush vocal from Joni on this Richie !Kaboogie production. Insanely catchy one, this.
5. Graeme S & MyNameIsJohn – ‘Struggle’ feat. GodKnows
80/160bpm jukey-footwork beats from these two Limerick producers, with GodKnows bringin’ the sick grimey vocals. Powerful stuff.
6. Run The Jewels – ‘Run The Jewels’
I was well hyped when I heard that Killer Mike and El-P were teaming up for a release. Turned out to be one of the albums of the year. Plus the sound feckers gave it away for free. Serious heft in this track, the album opener.
7. Blue Daisy & Unknown Shapes – ‘Used To Give A Fuck’
Definitely one for the dancefloor. There’s no messin’ around with this one. A straight banger from the get-go.
8. K.Flay – ‘Hail Mary’ feat. Danny Brown
Two heads who had a great year. K.Flay with the West Ghost mixtape, and Danny Brown with the Old LP. An odd combo here on this track, but it works real well.
9. Lethal Dialect – ‘Keep It Real’ (Deviant Remix)
Deviant calls this one his “manky” remix. Fairly apt title. This is filthy boom-bap to get the head noddin’.
10. Sophie – ‘Bipp’.
Infectious summer single on the Numbers label. One of the most FUN electronic tunes of the year.
Meanwhile uptown, Richie !Kaboogie has has own Christmas selection mix:
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