Tag Archives: Alt-J

[NEW] Alt-J – Left Hand Free

Posted by Ash El Gamal - July 7, 2014

alt-J
Left Hand Free

A few weeks ago, we got the first glimpse into Alt-J‘s highly anticipated upcoming album with the airy track, “Hunger of the Pine.” To help you kick any Monday blues, all puns intended, the U.K. band released another song from the project this morning that features a completely new sound.

The “least Alt-J song ever” according to the band members themselves, “Left Hand Free” carries the twangy feel of The Beatles circa the late 60s with a distinctive, upbeat hippie guitar lick that builds into an incredibly catchy hook. Not surprisingly, in a recent interview with The Guardian, Alt-J has suggested this song was made almost sarcastically to appease their label who did not feel that “Hunger of the Pine” had big-hit potential.

Regardless of the undertones, the unique vocals of lead singer Joe Newman accompany the instrumentation with perfection and the lyrics border on hilarious making this a fun, addictive addition to your summer playlist. Stream above and, if you’re digging it, head over to iTunes for a pre-order, which comes with an instant download of the single. This Is All Yours drops on September 22nd.

Alternative/Rock

[NEW] Alt-J – Hunger of the Pine

Posted by Ash El Gamal - June 18, 2014

alt-J
Hunger Of The Pine

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U.K.-based band, Alt-J, blew the music world away with their 2012 debut album, An Awesome Wave, which won England’s highly-respected Mercury Prize and led them on an extensive worldwide tour. After a long hiatus from new music and parting ways with one of their band members, they are back with the lead single from their upcoming album, This Is All Yours.

“Hunger of the Pine” continues the unique, experimental narrative expressed in their first project, but carries a slightly more solemn progression to it meant to capture feelings of longing. The slow-build proves powerful drawing the listener into Alt-J’s deeply and delightfully emotional world. If you listen closely, you may recognize an unexpected, warped vocal sample through out, which the band members identified as Miley Cyrus singing “I’m a female rebel” on her song “4×4.”

Although it is a thoroughly enjoyable listen, the track definitely leaves speculation open as to the direction of their sound making it a particularly compelling glimpse. Stream above and pre-order the album, which drops on September 22nd, on iTunes to get an instant download of this first release.

[via NPR]

[Remix] Portugal. The Man – Modern Jesus (Charli XCX Remix)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - January 15, 2014

Portugal. The Man
Modern Jesus (Charli XCX Remix)

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Alaskan alternative band Portugal. The Man released one of the strongest projects of the 2013 with Evil Friends and have continued to keep their fans engaged while on tour with some pretty unique remixes from the likes of Alt-J, Danny Brown and Mike D of the Beastie Boys. The latest re-work, posted to the band’s YouTube page this morning, may be the best yet as the U.K.’s Charli XCX transforms PTM’s “Modern Jesus” into a minimal, airy electronic masterpiece.With drums that could easily originate from a rap instrumental, the verses gain a certain groove and smoothness working to compliment their content. Meanwhile, there is a distinct progression that culminates in a stellar closing to the song. Peep above or check out the video, which features a sketch being made over a picture of Charli, below.