After the success of last month’s Mix-Tape, we’re aware there’s big shoes to fill. But fill them we do- May’s theme is “changes” and this is what we got…
There’s some lovely tracks from our northern friend Morris Ford as well as some more local sounds from London electro-folk outfit Toodar and Lilies on Mars. Bella Union’s Belfast boys Cashier No. 9 and the rather talented Ben Howard both feature their new releases. The artwork from the awesomely talented Sara Prebble and Martyn Warren is fantastic. Matt and I traded many a’waffly email about how great the submissions have been! Thank you to all who got involved.
1. Wait ’til the Morning- Morris Ford
If you liked Jack Johnson’s Bushfire Fairytales (you know, the great album he did before he started to do tours where he’d sit in giant fluffy love hearts playing in all his cringey glory) then you’ll love this track. Gentle, soothing and with beautifully understated vocals our pal Morris is doing the business on this track. And there’s not a love-heart in sight. 4.5/5
2. Singing Saints Darling- Phillippe Nash
Self-described as Christian Gospel, Phillippe Nash’s music is underpinned by a spiritual questioning and sense of purpose that gives an altogether more serious tone. With a mix of influences ranging from Jose Gonzalez to Bob Dylan, Nash produces music reminscent of American alternative band Dishwalla with gritty vocals softened around the edges… Though we’re not necessarily one for ‘Gospel’ nor for ‘Christian Rock’, Nash is an undeniably talented musician and singer at the top of his game, and we’re proud to bring you this track from his new E.P. 4/5
3. Lost at Sea- Cashier No.9
On the 20th June Cashier No.9 will release their debut-album To the Death of Fun, and if this first track is anything to go off, it’s going to be a blinder! We love this jangly sunshine-pop track and it’s been getting some serious airing on our iPod. This Belfast band are quietly doing their thing and building a strong reputation off the back of live performances… We suggest you catch them on your local leg of their UK tour. 4/5
- “Changes” by Sara Pebble
4.Toy- Toodar
Elephant & Castle produced this impressive 5 piece… but they can’t keep them. Oh no. We bring you the track ‘Toy’ from their self-titled E.P. With an eclectic mix of influences informing their sound as varied as folk, electronica and 90s dance, these guys produce infectious and intelligently catchy tracks that we’re just a little bit in love with- and not just because they brought us pestrami and picnic snacks for the interview we did earlier this month. Look for that over the next few weeks… 3.5/5
'Change' by Martyn Warren
5. Aquarium’s Key- Lilies on Mars
London outfit Lilies on Mars have been churning out their shoe-gaze influenced dream-pop for years and with the release of their second album I wish you were a pony, we took the chance to speak to the band earlier in the month. We emerged clutching this track in our bare teeth and with a quirky video to match, we can’t help but think they’re ever-so charming… 3/5
6. Three Tree Town- Ben Howard
Stay Loose have given us exclusive access for Creature readers to download the new release from upcoming singer/songwriter Ben Howard, due for general release on 23 May on Communion Records. For those not in the know, Howard is an amazing British folk artist and is currently touring the UK in support of his debut E.P Old Pine. 3.5/5
7. Milkman- EMA
Sassy alterna-folk songstress and formed Gowns frontwoman EMA releases this, her second single from her debut solo album. With flung vocals and wailing guitars the track builds to its cathartic peak through distortions and white noise that’ll have you wobbling your head alright… 3.5/5
8.Comic Book Metaphors- Craig Wosahlo
With us featuring a brand new music project promoting his new E.P. it’d be silly of us not to include a track by travel loving folk-artist Craig Wosahlo. Here is ‘Comic Book Metaphors’ taken from his second E.P Ships Passing In the Night- we’ll bring you exclusive content from Craig over the coming months as he records and releases his new E.P All the Great Lakes with bespoke artwork created by you, our Creature readers. 3.5/5
Next month’s theme? “Home sweet home”. Tweet us your suggestions for tracks to include or comment in the form for next month’s Mix. Drop us your illustrations here: mailto:creature@creaturemag.com
