M83: Synthpop Shoegazing

For a band whose name is derived from a galaxy (Messier 83), you would imagine a sound that might be descibed as "space rock". But M83 probably owes more to the Cocteau Twins or the Jesus and Mary Chain than Pink Floyd or Hawkwind.

Their extensive use of pedals and effects, and other synth sounds, coupled with emotive lyrics, they have created an almost hybrid sound. Main band member, Frenchman Anthony Gonzalez, has been creating this sound for over ten years.

Their upcoming sold-out show at Toronto's Lee's Palace is considered a highlight on the GTA's musical calendar of events.

Here's the first video taken from their most recent release, Hurry Up We're Dreaming. The song's called "Midnight City". Oh, and you may recognize it from a recent Victoria's Secret commercial (if you were paying attention to the music), or heard it over the closing credits of an episode of HBO's How To Make It In America. Enjoy the creepy "Children of the Corn"-inspired video, something far removed from a lingerie commercial.



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She Wants Revenge: Dark Dance

This musical duo, known collectively as She Wants Revenge, hail from "The Valley" (as in San Fernando), and have been gaining respect and admiration from fans and peers with their dark, dancey brand of rock and roll.

Respectful of their 80's influences, their synthpop sound has gained them support status on the tours for many of these same influences - Depeche Mode, Psychedelic Furs (even proving ultimate hero worship by covering "Love My Way"), and most recently Peter Murphy. Often compared in the press to gothic rockers such as Joy Division, Bauhaus, and Sisters of Mercy, Adam Bravin and Justin Warfield prefer to be regarded as more of a "dark dance" sounding band, not only "dark wave".

In a 2009 interview at hellox6.com, Justin described it as such:

"Dark wave to me is much darker than what we do. I mean honestly I consider it dancy rock n roll, not like rock n roll like early stones dancy rock n roll but certainly rock n roll to me like dance. And we’ve said before it’s like dark dance because it’s an easy way for people to wrap their heads around it. But you say dancy rock n roll and someone can think Eagles or Death Metal. If you get more specific yeah it’s dark and its influences lie in stuff like Psychedelic Furs, Franz, and stuff like that....."

With three albums and numerous EP's under their belt, including the 2011 release, Valleyheart, She Wants Revenge continue to mine that dark 80's synthpop beat. A quick check on You Tube reveals numerous videos, official and fan-based, for your viewing pleasure. A must-see....

Taken from Valleyheart, here's the Official Videos for the first two singles:

Be sure to visit their website for the free download of a half-dozen remixes of "Take The World".

If you're keen to see this pair live, and you're in the Toronto area, She Wants Revenge play Lee's Palace on November 23rd, in support of goth influence Peter Murphy, who is touring to support his latest release, Ninth.

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The Ice Choir: Synthpop Saavy

Formed as a side project of Kurt Feldman, drummer of The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, The Ice Choir recalls that 80's synth sound of bands like Camouflage, When In Rome, and New Order.

With their debut 7" single, "Two Rings" scheduled for release on November 15 in the US and UK, could they be poised to be considered a contender for "the next big thing"?? Their nostalgic sound has already been leaked through Soundcloud postings, which I have included below.

In their short career so far, they have also contributed a remix of  "Two Rings" to Recorded For Japan, a compilation album containing songs recorded between April and June 2011 to aid the victims of the earthquake, resulting tsunami, and nuclear emergency that happened on March 11th, 2011 in Japan. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this compilation will go directly towards the continuing recovery and reconstruction effort, specifically the Japanese Red Cross. Details on it`s availability are at the band`s website.

I'm sure it won't be long before we hear The Ice Choir on radiojive.com and/or Radio Zazoo. In the meantime, enjoy the tracks here.

As a visual treat, check out the boys performing their namesake song, "The Ice Choir" live, aboard a party cruise earlier this year.

Two Rings by theicechoir

The Ice Choir by theicechoir




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http://theicechoir.bandcamp.com/

Moogfest 2011 Highlights

Had to share this update on the festival mentioned in a post below. Courtesy of NPR Music and All Songs Considered, there are some wonderful photos, plus full concerts from Moby, Austra, and Tangerine Dream to name a few. Don't forget to check out the story on the "Mayor of Moogfest", Brian Eno, plus a story on the man whose namesake the show derives itself from - Robert Moog.

For all the exciting stuff, click on the link - 

NPR Music: Moogfest 2011

As an added bonus, check out XLR8R's Moogfest 2011Wrap-Up for another point of view.

Humble and Fred are coming to wreck the Internet!!!!!!

For the first time in fifteen years, since they shared a morning show together, venerable ex-CFNY (and various GTA stations) radio personalities, Humble Howard Glassman and Freddie P Paterson have found themselves both unemployed at the same time. Figuring they had nothing to lose and everything to gain, they decided to take their careers to the Internet.

Starting today, you can now enjoy a show bereft of any corporate interference - totally uncut and as wacky as they wanna be!

Here's the "official" press release, from earlier in the week, as cut and pasted from their website, humbleandfredradio.com:

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2011 /CNW/ - As the unprecedented power of the interactive technology, mobile platforms and social media continue to revolutionize the way we work, live and play, one of Toronto's most successful morning radio teams, Humble and Fred, are launching an innovative alternative to commercial radio, embracing the new and emerging social radio movement and because they need a job.

Hyper-localized, social and interactive, HumbleandFredradio.com will exist well beyond the bounds of mainstream media and commercial radio. Being driven by social technology, it will cover all platforms and depend on viral distribution. With the cutting-edge and irreverent content that today's audiences want, delivered through apps and podcasts, the new show format will give the listeners more control and participation in what they are experiencing and hopefully make Humble and Fred some money.
"It truly is a revolution in the way we can think about radio," says Howard Glassman, the seasoned media industry veteran and voice behind the radio persona Humble Howard. "This is a new and truly authentic and alternative radio experience featuring raw uncensored commentary, news, fresh music, exclusive special guests and just the right amount of fart jokes."

Patterson says, "We can't wait to be stupid on your smart phone. It is time to realize that the way we reach our target audiences and deliver content needs to change with ubiquity and social graphing the key to new markets."

For the past two decades the Humble and Fred Show has been synonymous with cutting edge, irreverence and funny radio in Toronto. Voted best morning show in Canada four times, the team will speak directly to their loyal audience using the power of social media. For years, the show was number one with the 18-34 demographic and now those people are in the much sought after 25-54 demographic and are looking for refreshing content not heard anywhere else on terrestrial radio.

The new show is set to launch October 15, 2011.

Personally, I feel the idea of a podcast for these two is ideal. There were some mornings I would tune in late, only to hear some dweeb in the office ask if I heard some bit, only to realize it happened an hour before I woke up. With the benefits of a podcast, I can listen anytime I want, without the fear of missing anything.

So head on over to the humbleandfredradio website to subscribe, so you won't miss anything. Oh, and check out Scary Pete's little introductory video.