Stairs to Korea – Small Fractures (E.P. review)

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Fran Panzarola


Stairs to Korea consists of one exceptionally talented young man, Will Vaughan. The eagerly awaited EP ‘Small Fractures’ possesses something that has been absent in pop music for a long time. Playing a multiplicity of instruments, Vaughan has carefully merged fragmented pop chords with synthesised guitar strums to create delicate harmonies. When listening to Small Fractures, it becomes clear why Vaughan himself has received wide critical acclaim from the likes of Steve Lamacq and 6 Music.

To fully comprehend Vaughan’s artistic delicacy, it’s best to begin with the second track on the EP. ‘Paul, is this how you want it?’ begins with an undeniably jolly, 80’s-esque synthesis of happy harmonies. Enlisting the help of delicate guitar strumming, and simple vocals, a track is created which becomes difficult to flaw. Gaining impressive plaudits and immersing into the airwaves of NME and Radio 1, it is obvious that Vaughan is in for some serious success.

Subsequently, the track ‘All of your Friends’ emulates the sheer technique enlisted by Vaughan to generate broken harmonies into elusive, heartfelt and subtle pieces of music. The slightly heavier strumming heard are contrasted with simple lyrics, creating an interesting bridge between a lyrical story created by Vaughan, and a catchy, melodic tune that leaves the listener hooked.

Again, Vaughan regenerates the Pop music genre by coinciding heavy backing beats with faint instrumentals. ‘Guy Fawkes’ is a perfect representation of this; erratic pop synths are elongated to create simple verses, slowly introducing the chorus and regenerating Vaughan’s signature vocals. Ascending into an abyss of fragmented chords, ‘Guy Fawkes’ closes on a gentle set of string harmonies- a solid end to the EP.

With choruses evolving in to broken harmonies that infiltrate Vaughan’s gentle vocals, it becomes clear why Stairs to Korea are not to be ignored. Having previously been signed to Brainlove Records, Small Fractures will be released under his own record label, named ‘Now…No NOW’. It will be available on CD and as a 7” Vinyl, and will be released on July 18th.

RATING: 4/5
BEST TRACK: ‘Paul, is this how you wanted it?’
SOUNDS LIKE: Noah and the Whale, Mystery Jets, The Magic Numbers.

Small Fractures EP by Stairs to Korea, to be released via Now…No NOW on 18 July 2011.

Saturday Soundtrack: Givers [FREE DOWNLOAD]

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Betty Wood


If this press shot doesn’t make you feel deliriously happy at the current offerings in the world of music, then this free download will. Offered up by Stayloose, the group are celebrating the first UK string of performances by Louisiana quintet Givers with this remix of ‘Up Up Up’. This track is like an edorsement of the magic of full-fat coke, with enough sugar content to having you bouncing through the ceiling. They take the charming aspects of the likes of Gypsy The Cat, MGMT, The Beachboys and a wave of psychadelic surf-poppers and add a splice of good ol’ Southern ent’rtainment.

Download it above, or if you prefer your music like your flavour Doritos – ‘cool original’ – then why not cast your glance over the music video instead. The band release their debut album In Light later this year.

More information? Check their website here.

Monthly Mix-Tape [JUNE DOWNLOAD]

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Betty Wood

by Catherine Pape

 

June’s mix-tape is a little later than normal, but fear not, we haven’t compromised on the quality. As always, we’ve got 8 tracks to take you into the month ahead sourced from the finest corners of the music world. We’ve had some awesome artwork contributed by AWESOME illustrators Catherine Pape, Emma Ridgway, Pamela Halomoan, Aliyahgator and Donna Letterese. This month’s theme was ‘no place like home’ and this is how that looks to these talented ladies…

by Pamela Halomoan


1. Now I can’t see the woods for the seas – Surf Sadness

Ambient and completely chilled, this track comes from Surf Sadness. We don’t know much about them, except that they’re pretty prolific on Bandcamp, and we quite like this track.


2. You have me surrounded – RJ Thompson
This guy has spent the last 3 years touring as support for the likes of Gabrielle Cilmi, Sandi Thom, Madeleine Peyroux, Cara Dillon, Joe Brooks and Midge Ure. It seems that 2011 is his turn to step into the limelight. The Newcastle native has been quietly plying his trade and is set to release his second single of the year on 17 July on Chicken Wire ‘When I get Old’.


3.You’re almost there – Lanterns on the Lake
Another coincidental Newcastle link (I’m from there if you hadn’t already realised), here’s the new release from the excellent Lanterns on the Lake. Endorsed by the likes of Simon Taffe (End of the Road Festival), these guys make stunning music and their latest track is no different. With a haunting atmospheric instrumental arrangement, this is LotL at their finest.

by Emma Ridgway


4. Landfill – Daughter
Daughter is songstress Elena Tonra and the north London native makes us more than just a little bit weak at the knees with her enchanting brand of confessional folk, a sound that blurs the lines between performance poetry and music. She tells stories about ghosts, has a hair cut that Paul McCartney’d be proud of and typifies when East End chic can actually looks good. And she’s playing in and around London, so go and see her. We insist.


5. Another volunteer – Oh Minnows
As if one OM treat wasn’t enough for you this month after our video exclusive, we’re offering you this delightful download from quirky song writer Chris Steel-Anderson. It might not have astronauts this time, but it’s got one catchy guitar lick.


6. Been better – Kyla La Grange
We featured an interview with Kyla earlier in the week, and if you didn’t get a chance to listen to her new single the first time round here’s a second go. Smart, cute and sensitive, this track prods delicately at  the moral situations we feel growing older when a gap emerges between the person we are being, and the person we want to be. A pretty track, this one sits light despite its more rock-inspired roots.

by Aliyahgator


7. My Body – Young the Giant (Two Door Cinema Remix)
It wouldn’t really be a summer mix if we didn’t include a healthy dose of California sunshine now would it, so here is a track by Irving, CA five piece Young the Giant. Signed to Young and Lost Club, these guys produce really fresh pop songs that have attracted the attention of admirers including Two Door Cinema Club and Minus the Bear. This is a remix by TDCC of the band’s new single

8. Hearts- I Break Horses
We’re hot on this Scandinavian band,  the latest signing to London label Bella Union Records. Look for our feature over the coming weeks with exclusive illustrations done to match… We don’t want to give away too much, so let the music do the talking.

by Donna Letterese

Illustrator links are:
Emma Ridgway

Pamela Holomoan

Catherine Pape

Aliyahgator

Donna Letterese

Thank you to all who participated in this month’s Mix Tape and who are already squirreling away for next month’s! Speaking of, it’s the 75th anniversary of the Surrealism movement this year, so we’re drawing on the ‘surreal’ as the theme for July’s submissions. Ready, steady, go!

Introducing: Cyra Morgan

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Betty Wood

Creature editor Betty Wood speaks to New York singer/songwriter Cyra Morgan.

Cyra by Amelia carson

If you’ve been following our Mix Tape feature for the last few months then you’ll be aware of Cyra’s spectacular sound. Possessing an etheral style that does nothing if not prick at every hair on your body when you hear her sing, Cyra’s one of Soundcloud’s most precious discoveries. When I was compiling the mix list back in April, I stumbled upon her music completely by chance – since then she’s enchanted listeners the world over with her vocal-driven brand of acoustic folk that dabbles it’s toes in the likes of Alanis Morissette, Lisa Hannigan and PJ Harvey.

Cyra 'Two' by Amelia Carson


 

 

Cyra, we already know you make beautiful music, but what else is there to know to know about you? What’s your background?

I’m originally from Rhode Island. I moved to New York in my late teens and my life changed. I’ll always love NYC because it helped me to find my inner-warrior, it’s where I began to have the courage to find myself.

I’ve lived life as the token ‘struggling artist’ waiting tables, tending bar and trying to perform whenever I got the chance. I was also interested in acting at the time, but I tend to be a bit of an introvert so acting’s not for me… Oh the awkward auditioning stories I could tell you….. but we won’t get into that.

 

Mandala by Jamila Walker

How long have you been performing for? Were you in bands growing up, or was music something you came to later on?

I’ve been performing for as long as I can remember – if that includes performing in my room with a hair brush microphone for an imaginary audience. Singing and writing is all I’ve ever wanted to do. It was never been a choice really, it is just an essential part of who I am, who I’ve always been. My therapy.

When I was very small, around four years old or so, my dad (who plays banjo and loves bluegrass) would put me up in front of a mic and have me sing John Denver’s ‘Country Roads’ for all of his friends. I think I knew, even then that performing was going to be a huge part of my life. I also loved writing as a kid, I think I wrote my first song when I was around ten. I didn’t have many outlets to perform growing up but when I moved to NYC, I performed with bands every now and again. I once tended bar at this cool little lounge on the Upper West Side, and whenever the bands would come in, I’d jump out from behind the bar to do a song or two.

Cyra Morgan by Amelia Carson


What do you model your songs on in terms of style, instruments and influences? (Did I hear a loop pedal in the mix?)

Lol, no loop pedal, I’m not that sophisticated. Stylewise, I’d definitely say indie folk. I’m not a musician, I basically play just enough to grab a feel for my songs and I can hear the rest in my head. Which is why I adore Soundcloud because it has enabled me to connect with some amazing musicians. I truly feel for the musicians I try to explain my vision to though….. Usually I can hear guitar, strings and sometimes piano.

What would we find on your Ipod if we had a nose?

I think that my ipod might have multiple personality disorder….. I’ve got everything on there….. Lisa Hannigan, Damien Rice, Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, Portishead, Elbow, Arctic Monkeys, The Beastie Boys, Simon and Garfunkel, Matt Costa and of course some of my collab buddies Mass Distraction, Rotorro, Straina the list goes on and on…..

Outside by Peter Tinkler


Are you a professional musician or are you just doing this for fun?

I would have to say I’m in the process of becoming a professional musician. I do what I do because it comes from a place deep within my heart. Singing, writing, working on music makes me feel like flying….. I don’t think that there is anything I would love more than to be able to support myself with my music, but I try not to get too caught up in that aspect of the industry. I’m just going with the river and hoping it takes me to a happy place.

 

Cyra Outside - Amelia Carson

Make sure to ‘Like’ Cyra’s facebook page. She’s playing live in New York all summer, so if you’re over that side of the pond make sure to check her out. HUGE thank you to our contributing artists Peter Tinkler, Amelia Carson and Jamila Walker for their outstanding work.

Saturday Soundtrack

Posted on June 18, 2011 by Betty Wood

Happy Saturday everyone! To celebrate this day of rest, we bring you this awesome remix from Young & Lost Club darlings Bastille.

Image: Gregory Nolan

Download below:

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