Cougar Microbes

Bergen is already home to The Whitest Boy Alive, Röyksopp, Ungdomskulen and Datarock. Casiokids continue in the fine tradition of great acts to come out of the Norwegian city.

Having fallen in love with the band’s single from a few years ago ‘Fot I Hose‘ I was really eager to hear some more and ‘Det Haster!‘ (meaning literally “it’s urgent!”) does not disappoint.

Managing to deliver electronica-tinged music whilst playing instruments as a band can be hit and miss at times but the 4-piece succeed gloriously. In addition Of Montreal provide a special remix of the track to mix it

While we await news on a new album Casiokids plan some live dates including a bunch of performances in the UK towards the end of November.

‘Det Haster!‘ is taken from the album ‘Aabenbaringen over aaskammen‘ and is out now on Moshi Moshi.

TRACKS:

Casiokids – Det haster!

Great Lakes are a bit of an institution having been around in various guises since 1996. Ben Crum is the heart of the band since his partners in crime Dan Donahue and Jamey Huggins (of Of Montreal fame) focussed their talenta on other projects over the years.

For the latest release under the Great Lakes guise, and the first to feature Crum as the principle songwrriter, he assembled musicians from the likes of Mice Parade, Beirut, Ladybug Transistor, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and Ryan Adams to deliver his folk and country influenced vision.

‘Ways Of Escape‘ is pretty distant from the sound that has become associated with the bands but in no way less elegant. Clearly benefitting from the all star cast of of musicians lending their help Crum has delivered an enchanting record boasting soulful organs, steel pedal guitars and considerate drumming.

‘Ways Of Escape’ is out now on Orange Twin Records

TRACKS:

Californian-born sextet Fol Chen have combined a quirky strain of electro- art –pop which is so deliciously off quilter it’s hard not to be impressed by it.

They were first brought to my attention via their single ‘In Ruins’ whose intro bears brashness akin to Sleigh Bells’ ‘Tell’Em’ but quickly softens up with some Arabian Nights-like extracts to reveal a Of Montreal set up.

Elsewhere dulled percussion and low -impact vocals ground the tracks whilst gentle tinkering from the resident Xylophone proves the band aren’t taking themselves too seriously.

Fol Chen will offer your ears some rare and welcome confusion so prepare for an auditory curve ball and take a listen.

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Post by the referencing Ruby

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TRACKS:

Fol Chen – In Ruins