by Philip Moss and Joseph Purcell
Ezra Furman – Unbelievers
After the release of his fourth solo record, Transangelic Exodus, earlier this year, Ezra Furman is back in the UK for a slot at End of the Road Festival and his biggest ever headline show at Brixton Academy.
To mark his return to British shores, Ezra has recorded a cover version of Vampire Weekend song, Unbelievers. This may seem an odd choice to many, but Ezra was quick to explain- “With Ivy League cunning they realised there were more interesting and profitable directions to go with their music. But the punk instincts still shine through in many of their songs. I heard Unbelievers as a punk song almost immediately, adventurous production and orchestral touches notwithstanding. It takes one to know one. In the midst of our recent ambitious and inventive music, I started to get a strong urge to reconnect with my high-tempo voice shredding punk roots. Covering this song was a perfect gateway from one to the other. Plus, no matter how deep in love I am with Judaism, there is a never-ending supply of religious alienation and rage in me. Felt good to spill some more of that out.”
Transangelic Exodus is out now on Bella Union Records. Ezra plays Brixton Academy on 4th September.
John Grant – He’s Got His Mother’s Hips and Touch & Go
After returning in July with the title track from forthcoming album, Love Is Magic, Icelandic based troubadour, John Grant, is back with two new tracks from his upcoming fourth studio album.
Like many of Grant’s previous releases, Love is Magic, promises to be a mixing pot of influences, sounds and exciting new musical directions, and new singles, He’s Got His Mothers Hips and Touch & Go, exemplify this. The former is a funk infused jam of excitement and bright lights,as Grant explained in a press release- ‘it’s a fun song, built upon disgust’. Second track, Touch & Go, is a touchingly electronic fused slower affair, dedicated to American activist and whistle-blower Chelsea Manning.
Speaking to Uncut, Grant explained how his development as an artist and a growing confidence of direction has contributed to a growing clarity on Love is Magic, “Each record I make is more of an amalgamation of who I am… The more I do this, the more I trust myself, and the closer I get to making what I imagine in my head.”
Love is Magic will be released on October 12th via Bella Union.
The Twilight Sad – I/m Not Here [missing face]
Having joined Kathryn Joseph on Mogwai’s label, Rock Action Records, The Twilight Sad drop their latest single, I/m Not Here [missing face].
Of the song’s conception, Andy MacFarlane explained – “I was attempting to play Ogives by Erik Satie, but I’m really shit at the piano so it didn’t happen, but I came up with the music using those chord shapes. So from my perspective, it’s a bad cover version of that piece of music.”
But bad cover version this is not, as Krautrock drums and swirling guitars underpin James Graham’s repeated declarations of “I don’t want to be around you anymore.”
The Twilight Sad play London and Edinburgh in November.
Night Shop – My Love
In preparation for his debut album, In The Break, singer/songwriter, Justin Sullivan aka Night Shop, has shared the third single, My Love.
Having already released a self titled EP, My Love is a shuffling ditty that has will definitely appeal to fans of his former touring buddy and Babies’ band mate, Kevin Morby.
Night Shop will tour the US with Waxahatchee/Anna St. Louis and Shannon Lay through September and October. In The Break will be released through Woodsist/Mare Records on 14th September.
Babygirl – Soft
Soft is the second track to be released by Babygirl from their upcoming EP, Lovers Fevers.
Described by the Toronto based duo themselves as ‘bubblegum emo’ – don’t let that put you off, by the way – Soft is four hazy minutes of beautiful dream pop.
Lovers Fevers EP will be self released by the band, and is out on 31st August.
Mothers – Pink
Having just signed to Anti Records, Philadelphia based, Mothers, are prepping us for their second album with the follow up to Blame Kit with second single, Pink.
For the new record they’ve managed to tie down Grammy winning producer, John Congleton (St Vincent, John Grant, David Byrne), to man the desk, and he loved the experience -“The first time I heard Mothers I knew it was a band that I wanted to work with. They’re so special and idiosyncratic, it is impossible to ignore their point of view. I loved making the record and seeing them work.”
Mothers will tour the US throughout Sept- Nov. Their second album, Render Another Ugly Beauty, is out on Anti Records on 7th September.
Haiku Salut – The More & Moreness
Based in the Derbyshire Dales, Haiku Salut release their third album, There Is No Elsewhere, on 7th September.
In preparation for the LP release, they have dropped a new single – The More & Moreness.
Those who feel that the female three piece’s instrumental sound is familiar may recognise them from their collaboration on Public Service Broadcasting’s top five album, Every Valley, as they collaborated on the track They Gave Me A Lamp.
Haiku Salut are on tour in the UK throughout September and October, and will appear with British Sea Power at Louth Town Hall on 31st December.
Calvin Johnson – Like You Do
K Records main man, Calvin Johnson, has dropped the second single from his upcoming solo record, A Wonderful Beast.
The album, which was produced by The Black Keys’ Patrick Carney, has been in the pair’s minds since they met in 2005. And this is yet another sampler which suggests it can only be a good thing that they finally managed to make time to work together!
A Wonderful Beast will be released by K Records on 12th October.
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