HUNGER OF THE PINES – ALT J VIDEO RELEASE

So Alt J are back once more with this triumphant video release. The video itself is a gem to behold: the cinematography is superb, the acting subtle yet highly evocative, and the overall tone of defiance that Nabil creates matches perfectly with the single’s insistent urgency.  The  ideas of consumption, fire and self-immolation were also fascinatingly brought together and laced with a subtle sense of release that was impressively portrayed by the actor. Alt J are back! Also I would just like to take this time to mention that personally I’m damn impressed with the Miley sample, sounded so well integrated with the track and an interesting break from their usual style.  More of the same please!

Single Review: #XI feat. Sundays – Lovecraft

Apart from their self-affirmation that they are a normcore duo from VIOV – CHINATOWN,  not much is known about the enigmatic twosome that is #XI. #XI ( hashtag X I? Number 11?) have released their latest single Lovecraft, with collaboration from musician Sundays, a gem which has been floating across the wide expanse that is the internet.

To get straight to the point, this single is an ethereal, otherworldly pleasure which can be described as nothing other than resolutely chill. The atmosphere that #XI create with their almost down-tempo inspired electronic beats makes for a wistfulness that wouldn’t be out of place on a sunny sunday afternoon at the close of a busy week.  For me, the feeling that #XI create with this single is highly intriguing. Initially the cooing wordless vocals of Sundays combined with the haunting beat reminded me  of a fuller, more textured version of a chillout deep house track.  As a result of this, I was then subsequently surprised at the almost old-school guitar solo towards the end of the song that acted as a wordless response to the vocalist, which seemed to marry the electronic side of the track to a more traditional idea of guitar based indie music.  An interesting single from the mysterious #XI, with a promise of more to come.