Marlene – Indian Summer EP

Kaiotic has been gagging on Marlene‘s debut Bon Voyage for way too long now, and finally there is something substantial to gratify that tickle in the back of our throats.  Recorded in LA, Marlene’s debut EP, Indian Summer, is a delightful collection of Pop songs and powerful vocals.  Featuring previously shared tracks Bon Voyage and Stay Awake, the real selling points here are Indian Summer- a great title track pop ditty, the kind that makes you feel all alive and stuff, and I Do This For You, a minimalist R&B/Pop track with some Timbaland-esque production and intense belting.

Seinabo Sey – Hard Time

There’s a swedish songstress out there named Seinabo Sey who is blowing our minds with her fantastic songwriting- her first track Younger whet the appetite of pop music lovers all over and got her some significant internet circulation.  Produced by Magnus Lidehäll (who has written and produced for Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Mapei, Sky Ferreira and Kylie Minogue), the song is an absolute gem (read my post on it here).

It’s difficult to decipher what an emerging talent consists of- the song is a clear testament to phenomenal songwriting and top quality production (with an interesting genre-bending edge), and it alludes to a powerful voice as well.  The voice has yet to prove itself though, something that became evident after viewing this video in which Seinabo skips over singing all of the vocally intriguing parts of the song and instead reverts to walking around a stage silently as confetti falls (also the dress makes it look like there are no shoulders and no neck).  This isn’t enough to destroy faith in this rising talent- she can still write a mean song (which is more than many others can say).  She presents us with her next single today entitled Hard Time.  Produced by Magnus once more, and again written by Seinabo, the track is still within a pop/soul framework, with a little No Diggity stylings within the production.  It’s no Younger, but it’s no deal breaker either.  As a performer and vocalist, the jury is still out.  As a songwriter this girl is schooling the others (take note pop divas).   

Little Dragon – Klapp Klapp

It’s here.  The new cut from Little Dragon‘s upcoming release Nabuma Rubberband (out May 12th on Because Music).  Klapp Klapp is that moment in a band’s career when you realise “Holy fuck.  They’re actually as brilliant as they’ve alluded to being”.  Little Dragon has accomplished that astounding feat of being an indie band that can successfully straddle the line between widespread success, artistry, and commercial restraint.  Great examples are Twice and Ritual Union- two tracks so quickly recognizable, so epically good in their own unique ways, apart from not only pop music but also each other, that they shift the public perception and inspire intense rotations.  On the new single the band’s intention is clear, and they’ve even stated that the song is a journey from an acoustic beginning into a new dimension of sound.  Klapp Klapp does so in an electrifying manner, incorporating acoustic and jazz into an electro-pop gem and inciting goose bumps throughout the listen.  While their previous releases were the auspicious ones, this single is the beginning of an acceptance and responsibility within their new legacy.  This is Little Dragon after having transitioned from newbies to juggernauts.  This is a taste from an album that I predict will become their magnum opus.

Younger (Tiedye Remix)

I’m not one to really post remixes but…Younger by Seinabo Sey is LIT’RALLY one of the best songs I’ve heard lately, and it hasn’t gotten old.  Also, I’m totally enamoured with this unflinching, raw & honest beauty and anything she makes is certain to be gold.  On top of that, this remix is actually kinda awesome.  It flips the song onto one of its brighter melodies and hollows it out a bit, creating a bit of a Flight Facilities feel at times and not destroying the center piece- Seinabo’s awesome voice.

Younger for the win!

Seinabo Sey debuts video in U.S.

 

Like Seinabo Sey‘s deep eyes, this video is a well of stories and emotions.  It’s simplistic at its surface, but within that simplicity a million flittering moments exist that spurr my mind on a passionate journey through the condition of youth, its beauty and its challenges.  Seinabo herself embodies a wisdom that contradicts her very message of youth proclaimed and defended.  Just like the motifs that represent the dichotomy of youth and understanding- a dead squirrel, a moment of unexpected intimacy between two men, the liveliness of an abandoned home, the beauty of nature clouded by cigarette smoke- this song is anthemic for anyone who has ever wondered beyond the naivete of our blissful youth, and it’s the perfect imagery for an incredible debut track.

Introducing: Seinabo Sey

Seinabo Sey has released her debut track Younger and is delivering perfectly quintessential Swedish Pop/R&B.  This is what I’ve been waiting for in this genre.

All the Trappings of a Perfect Pop Song

When Marina (& The DIamonds) tweeted “…f***king amazing” she intentionally launched global awareness of this rising Swedish Pop star, and caught my attention as well.  Tove Lo’s single Habits was, upon first listen, interesting.  My first impression was to recoil from the painful lyrics about coping with missing someone.  It’s not a pretty picture- frequenting sex clubs, puking in the bathtub, and the basis of the song, staying high all the time.