Cougar Microbes

 Metronomy‘s 3rd release seems distant from the discopop the band first made their name for. Frontman Joseph Mount re-imagines his home town of Totnes in Devon as a sun kissed and hip destination where people come to relax and forget about their troubles.

It may be slightly removed from the truth, global warming permitting, but this thematic idea acts as the pillar upon which the band build their pop gems.

Cougar writer Olivia said of ‘The English Riviera‘ that “Metronomy‘s style keeps on changing or rather ‘evolving’ as band members come and go, so sometimes it’s quite difficult to follow. ‘The English Riviera‘ sounds nothing like their previous albums, but rather resembles something Hot Chip or Phoenix would cook up.

The music encompasses both dance and indie music building on a basic beat and catchy vocals. It’s a simple formula but it definitely works“.

TRACKS:

Metronomy – The Bay

Metronomy – The Look

Since I relaunched the site I’ve been trying to upload a photo a day to Cougar Microbes Photography. Check it out and tell me what you think.

TRACKS:

Phoenix – 1901 (Customised by DLID)

Seemingly not content by the French near total domination of the global dance scene, Phoenix came along to show us how indie rock is to be done properly.

Fans of the band’s previous efforts will have been eagerly awaiting a new release since 2006′s highly enjoyable ‘It’s Never Been Like That‘ but few could have predicted how accomplished Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix sounds.

Opening double whammy ‘Listzomania’ and ‘1901‘ became instant classics and having them back to back at the front of the album represents a true statement of intent. Though these two tracks are majestic and worthy of attention the tracklisting that follows demonstrates that Phoenix are far from a one trick pony..

‘Wolfgang Amadeus…‘ offer up plenty when it comes to variety including the positively sexy ‘Fences‘, driving album closer ‘Armistice‘ and the truly inspired ‘Love Like A Sunset Part 1′. This last track’s reminiscent of Air‘s atmospheric edgy genius at its best.

Possibly the stand out moment on the album is ‘Lasso‘ with its subtle structure changes and emotive guitar dynamics. This track makes for a suitable bedfellow to consummate a melodic menage-a-trois with the the opening doubly whammy .

Up until not so long ago Phoenix represented a hidden secret that only a few were in on. ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix‘ will ensure the world can no longer ignore them.

TRACKS:

Phoenix – Lasso

NEXT: #03 Cougar Microbes Top Albums of 2009: Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz

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A couple of weeks ago I lost my notebook with all my pre-written reviews, notes and ideas for Cougar Microbes. I’m slowly re-writing the lot but it has meant updates have been less frequent than I was planning.

Easing back into the scheme of things here are The Wallpapers and their track ‘Waiting In A Coma‘. The Parisian upstarts are aged between 15 and 17 but have already caught the interest of  US label Revel Music Group who snapped them up earlier this year and set them in a New York recording studio.

The band will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of other succesful French imports and conquer our airwaves.

TRACK:

The Wallpapers – Waiting In A Coma

A couple of days ago I stumbled across this sweet Fortune remix of Phoenix‘s kick ass ‘1901‘ track. I think I will play it on Saturday night but also wanted to share as part of a very prolific birthday week.

Will hopefully feature Fortune again soon so make sure to check out another fine French quality import.

Enjoy the birthday treat!

TRACK:

Phoenix – 1901 (Fortune Remix)