GRUNGECAKE

Category: Extended Plays

  • Lancelot Releases “J.O.B.” EP on Anjunadeep

    Lancelot

    Following support from MK, The Magician, Tensnake and Skream on his debut Anjunadeep release, Lancelot returns with another exciting collaborative EP, this time with Australian soul sensation Ngaiire.

    Premiered on BBC Radio 1 by Skream, “Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ on But the Rent” picks up where “Givin’ It Up” left off, fusing contemporary deep sounds with retro vocal vibes. Ngaiire covers Gwen Guthrie’s 80’s classic in style over jam-band style instrumentals, featuring live guitar, keys and synth.

    The sound of the Anjunadeep Miami party, B-side “Truth” ventures deeper, with Ngaiire again harnessing a throwback vocal over a warm, enfolding bass groove.

    First up on remix duties is Meramek, who follows up his exciting debut Anjunadeep EP with a seriously bass heavy cut, perfectly primed to do some damage on the dance floor. Lancelot himself turns in an ace piano dub rework of the A-side, fueled by ravey low end and infectious piano stabs beneath the chopped up vocal. Fellow Aussies Playmode, fresh from remixing Ninetoes and collaborating with Jesse Rose, put a wonky dance floor spin on the original, working a bouncing Tech house groove around the stripped back vocal.

    Preview Lancelot’s J.O.B. EP on Soundcloud. The EP is now available worldwide on Beatport.

    Lancelot's "J.O.B." EP cover

    For more Lancelot, just click here.

  • Stream SLK’s New Track “Call”

    East London gives birth to a new shining star

    SLK

    SLK (pronounced ‘silk’) is set to release Form, her debut EP, this month on May 26 through the Prism label. Form is comprised of four tracks, all produced by Embody. According to SLK‘s representatives, “it is a fusion of sung and ambient sounds, poised and controlled throughout. It is both an announcement and confident distillation, the essence of what makes SLK so captivating, packaged into something consumable and eclectic.” Listen to “Call” by clicking this link.

    For more SLK, just click here.

  • Review: Kes’ “Audio Justice” EP

    “Authentic”, “unique” and “beautiful” are the first words that came to mind after listening to Kes’ EP “Audio Justice”. The lyrics and creativity brought forth is deeply moving and unique. Audio Justice provides the perfect soundtrack for mellowing out after a long day, preparing for a night out at the trendiest new age spot, or if you just want to hear a dope new sound. After the first listen, I was sold and found myself wanting more and hopefully you will too!

    Kes' "Audio Justice" cover

    1. Redemption: This was by far my favorite track of the EP. This track was so honest and pays homage to all of us who rise above criticisms. “Excuse my expression, but don’t tell me how I should be talking”…that’s all I needed to hear and it became somewhat of a personal anthem.’’
    1. Horses: The word play in this song is incredible and puts a new spin on what turns women on. This song has the roots of Cameo and The Gap Band infused with The Dream and Frank Ocean all in one impressive new age sound.
    1. Gimme Your Luv: “Something changed the day you walked into my life, and now I can’t believe you’re mine”… that is all!
    1. Carry On: The vocal effort put forth in this track is amazing and I feel the emotion behind each lyric. It was almost as if you could imagine the girl he sang this about and could almost picture who you would dedicate this to as well.
    1. Arabian Paradise: The last track of the EP brings the whole project full circle. I would have loved to see a feature or collaborative effort on this one but nonetheless the true gem of Arabian Paradise is the clever tempo and how it changed in between hooks to really create an amazing signature sound!

    Audio Justice painted a picture that displayed the caliber of artist Kes is and why he’s on his way to being one of the most prominent fresh faces of the game. It is rare that I hear an EP that brings forth anticipation for more songs, and Audio Justice did that for me.

    For more Kes, just click here.

  • Legendary Punk Rock Group Fishbone Release First Project In 3 Years

    Celebrating twenty-five years of making music, the ground breaking and frenetic pioneers of Southern California’s original Punk / Ska / Funk movement Fishbone are proud to announce the release of their newest musical adventure, a five track EP, Intrinsically Intertwined (Controlled Substance Sound Labs / Zojak Worldwide) available for digital download April 22.

    The release comes on the heels of two main stage performances at 2014’s Coachella Music Festival including this past Sunday, where the influential L.A. ensemble were included in Rolling Stone’s “Best Live and Backstage Photos.”

    Fishbone has been trailblazing their way through the history of American Ska, Funk, Punk, Rock Fusion and (so-called) “Black Rock” since starting their professional career in Los Angeles’ burgeoning, Alternative Rock music scene of the mid-1980s. Their sound has often been imitated, but never duplicated. They have toured worldwide with such bands as the Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Roots, Les Claypool / Primus, Fela Kuti, George Clinton, The Dead Kennedys and many more. Angelo Moore’s ability to combine thought-provoking, humorous social commentary with Fishbone’s frenzied, up-tempo music and frantic, euphorically entertaining stage show has cultivated their undisputed reputation as one of the best live acts in music history.

    In 2011, the band released an independent full-length feature documentary, “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone” (Pale Griot Films), which was featured in theaters and film festivals across the US, garnering a significant dose of critical acclaim. Narrated by actor Laurence Fishburne, the film earned LA Weekly’s Critic’s Choice Award at the Los Angeles Film Fest in 2010, has been called “effortlessly entertaining” (Variety), “Brilliant and groundbreaking” (Pop Matters), and hailed as “more than a documentary about rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a documentary about the American spirit and one that shows the life of one of its most influential creative forces.” (Encore Magazine). The film not only highlights the bands substantial legacy in contemporary music of all forms, but also the struggles, adversity, and inner turmoil that has surrounded the bands career.

    To date, Fishbone still continues to tour all over the world, turning heads at some of the most noteworthy festivals around the globe such as Coachella Music Festival (2014), Afropunk Festival (2014), Gathering of the Vibes (2013), Outside Lands Music Festival (2013), Ottawa Blues Fest (2012), Montreal Jazz Festival (2012), Bumbershoot in Seattle, WA (2012), Riot Fest in Chicago, IL (2012), Voodoo Festival in New Orleans, LA (2014, 2011), Fuji Rock Festival in Tokyo, Japan (2010), and more.

    In 2012, the band performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and Angelo Moore sat in with The Roots on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.”

    Finally, Fishbone are in the process of starting a crowdsourcing campaign to raise funds for their highly anticipated video sequel series to their 2011 documentary “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone”. Additionally, the campaign will support the groups on-going legal costs associated with the default judgment levied against them last year, as a result of a stage diving lawsuit the band continues to fight.

    For more Fishbone, just click here.

  • Stream Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Sye Elaine Spence’s new EP: Bloom

    When the music is this good and this timeless, there’s little room for fluff and not much to say except to push play so you can start the wonderful audio journey that is ‘Bloom’, a warm, soulful, folk-inflected EP from singer-songwriter Sye Elaine Spence. ‘Bloom’ EP is now also available on all digital providers.

    ‘Bloom’ is refreshing yet familiar, and is the quintessential sound of Spring-Summer, with light instrumentation and twee arrangements. The four-track EP begins with its title track, ‘Bloom’, featuring a softly-plucked banjo as the sole accompaniment to Spence’s soft but poignant vocals. This instrumental arrangement is constant throughout the EP, continuing into her relaxed and romantic cover of Bob Marley’s ‘Is This Love’. In contrast, the third track, ‘You’, feels more urgent, with the repeated line “I just wanna love you” growing in volume along with the eighth-note banjo counter-melody as the song climaxes. Closing track ‘Long Live The Summertime’ is the most obvious contributor. Its lyrics are full to the brim with summery references, including barbecue, sweet tea, and ice cream; as the song closes, a flock of birds tweet as they fly into the distance.

    Says Sye,

    ‘Bloom’ was composed from stories about my young daughter and the series of events surrounding her birth. The themes explored are melancholia, self-examination, intimacy, freedom, happiness and love.

    Sye will also be a featured performer for the eighth annual 500 SONGS FOR KIDS concert series in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday, April 19 at The Earl. 500 SONGS FOR KIDS takes place every spring in Atlanta, Georgia – over 1000 musicians hit the stage to benefit Songs For Kids Foundation performing a countdown of Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Past performers have included the likes of Janelle Monae, Cee Lo Green and Gavin DeGraw.

    Sye Elaine Spence is a singer-songwriter from New York City, currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. As a songwriter, she has collaborated with various artists in the New York City indie music scene since 2008. She also records and performs as a solo artist, and has previously released projects under the names We Are The Arrow, Sye Spence, and Elaine. To stream the EP, visit this link.

    Upcoming Live Dates:

    April 19 – The Earl, 500 Song for Kids – Atlanta, GA
    May 24 – PHAIR – Philadelphia, PA
    May 29 – EAV Farmers Market – Atlanta, GA
    June 07 – Green Market @ Piedmont Park – Atlanta, GA
    June 21 – The Waypost – Portland, OR
    June 28 – Athens Farmers Market – Athens, GA

  • New “LAFAWNDAH” EP To Be Released On May 6

    LAFAWNDAH
    Image: Jason Rodgers

    [highlight_blue]Listen To LAFAWNDAH’s Butter via this awesome link.[/highlight_blue]

    LAFAWNDAH is proud to share the second single from her self-titled debut EP. “Butter” can be streamed above and follows up on the previous single “Chili”. LAFAWNDAH co-produced both songs alongside Porto-based producer Emily King aka Garagembanda at the studio of seminal zouk producer Jean Claude Bichara in Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean.

    Pitchfork writes, “Crunking bones, banging teeth and dropping spit: ‘Butter’ summons up a raw vision of sex that’s wholly liberating and infectious, as the airbrushed fantasy is peeled back to reveal the writhing reality of intertwined limbs.”

    For more LAFAWNDAH, just click here.

  • New “LAFAWNDAH” EP To Be Released On May 6

    LAFAWNDAH
    Image: Jason Rodgers

    [highlight_blue]Listen To LAFAWNDAH’s Butter via this awesome link.[/highlight_blue]

    LAFAWNDAH is proud to share the second single from her self-titled debut EP. “Butter” can be streamed above and follows up on the previous single “Chili”. LAFAWNDAH co-produced both songs alongside Porto-based producer Emily King aka Garagembanda at the studio of seminal zouk producer Jean Claude Bichara in Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean.

    Pitchfork writes, “Crunking bones, banging teeth and dropping spit: ‘Butter’ summons up a raw vision of sex that’s wholly liberating and infectious, as the airbrushed fantasy is peeled back to reveal the writhing reality of intertwined limbs.”

    For more LAFAWNDAH, just click here.

  • Recap: Kes at Up & Down (Epic After Dark)

    No matter how much the weatherman warns me, rain in the evening soils my day. Today’s assignment is Epic After Dark at New York’s newest spot Up & Down. As an open-bar scout, I anticipate a long line with a few arguments —no canopy— all drizzle. To my pleasant surprise, I was greeted by two handsome brick walls dressed in black and a warm smile asking my name.

    Kes

    Walking into a crowd at about 60% capacity allows you to gauge the night, see who you know, and claim a spot. The first thing I noticed were the scantily-clad women standing on the couch. Great impression, Up & Down! If they are there, where am I going to stand when this thing gets turnt up? There were a bevy of various hipster typecasts, which is to be expected considering who is performing. Red Bull cocktails and Don Julio were flowing all night. The crowd was vibrant. There were old friends, new acquaintances, and people fronting for the “gram.” The place was packed and loud like a bloody cafeteria. I ran into a colleague of mine, so now we’re mobbing. We push pass all the way to the front, right by the photographers. The band is out and Kes enters mid-stage. It’s fucking show time.

    Kes is going to give a good show. The energy felt intentional. The instrumental warms us up. His voice follows with a commanding sensualness. You know that scene in an action film when the leading man yells, “Give me your hand; Trust me.” That’s how each note tremored. It made you feel like the journey starts now. He performed his EP, “Audio Justice” including my favorites “Horses” and “Carry On”. The Internets have been describing him as “Futuristic Nostalgia”. As a Phil Collins stan, I see what they’re hinting at that. He has that bounce that The Dream adds to his Prince inspired songs. The space allowed Kes to be pseudo-intimate with the audience. I wish he would’ve given us some anecdotes so we could really connect to him. He was holding hands, looking into eyes, and really serenading the people. His quiet confidence and trust he had in his fans echoed when the crowd belted, “Gimme Your Love.” He made us melt, thanked us then exited the stage. I overheard a couple girls scheming to get backstage, and I was one of them. Security was tough! They told me “no” about four times until I had a #SmartenUpNas moment and tagged along with a newly acquainted friend.

    I’m not sure if it was the room or the people that brought on an imaginary nostalgic feel of the industry in the 90’s. Downstairs was surrounded by the uber cool kids aka the fake important mu’fuckers upstairs and record execs. The pool table surrounded by hanger-ons (Yes! a pool table) and women sauntering around the handful of cliques; It was too mixxy, leather jackets and weird hair cuts everywhere, for me to figure out exactly who was his manager. I ran into Kes or as I was trying to pinpoint which guy in the leather jacket is his manager (Y’all saw the video), I ran into Kes. He was warm and accommodating. Instead of me struggling to take the picture, he approached security to do it. What a total fucking sweetheart swoons. We spoke briefly about his performance, then he pointed me in the direction of his manager. The room was buzzing with chatter and aspirational professionals standing in line to speak to Sylvia Rhone or bust it up with L.A Reid. The night was unreal. It felt like I was on the set of an industry party. [End Scene]

    For more Kes, just click here.

  • Recap: Kes at Up & Down (Epic After Dark)

    No matter how much the weatherman warns me, rain in the evening soils my day. Today’s assignment is Epic After Dark at New York’s newest spot Up & Down. As an open-bar scout, I anticipate a long line with a few arguments —no canopy— all drizzle. To my pleasant surprise, I was greeted by two handsome brick walls dressed in black and a warm smile asking my name.

    Kes

    Walking into a crowd at about 60% capacity allows you to gauge the night, see who you know, and claim a spot. The first thing I noticed were the scantily-clad women standing on the couch. Great impression, Up & Down! If they are there, where am I going to stand when this thing gets turnt up? There were a bevy of various hipster typecasts, which is to be expected considering who is performing. Red Bull cocktails and Don Julio were flowing all night. The crowd was vibrant. There were old friends, new acquaintances, and people fronting for the “gram.” The place was packed and loud like a bloody cafeteria. I ran into a colleague of mine, so now we’re mobbing. We push pass all the way to the front, right by the photographers. The band is out and Kes enters mid-stage. It’s fucking show time.

    Kes is going to give a good show. The energy felt intentional. The instrumental warms us up. His voice follows with a commanding sensualness. You know that scene in an action film when the leading man yells, “Give me your hand; Trust me.” That’s how each note tremored. It made you feel like the journey starts now. He performed his EP, “Audio Justice” including my favorites “Horses” and “Carry On”. The Internets have been describing him as “Futuristic Nostalgia”. As a Phil Collins stan, I see what they’re hinting at that. He has that bounce that The Dream adds to his Prince inspired songs. The space allowed Kes to be pseudo-intimate with the audience. I wish he would’ve given us some anecdotes so we could really connect to him. He was holding hands, looking into eyes, and really serenading the people. His quiet confidence and trust he had in his fans echoed when the crowd belted, “Gimme Your Love.” He made us melt, thanked us then exited the stage. I overheard a couple girls scheming to get backstage, and I was one of them. Security was tough! They told me “no” about four times until I had a #SmartenUpNas moment and tagged along with a newly acquainted friend.

    I’m not sure if it was the room or the people that brought on an imaginary nostalgic feel of the industry in the 90’s. Downstairs was surrounded by the uber cool kids aka the fake important mu’fuckers upstairs and record execs. The pool table surrounded by hanger-ons (Yes! a pool table) and women sauntering around the handful of cliques; It was too mixxy, leather jackets and weird hair cuts everywhere, for me to figure out exactly who was his manager. I ran into Kes or as I was trying to pinpoint which guy in the leather jacket is his manager (Y’all saw the video), I ran into Kes. He was warm and accommodating. Instead of me struggling to take the picture, he approached security to do it. What a total fucking sweetheart swoons. We spoke briefly about his performance, then he pointed me in the direction of his manager. The room was buzzing with chatter and aspirational professionals standing in line to speak to Sylvia Rhone or bust it up with L.A Reid. The night was unreal. It felt like I was on the set of an industry party. [End Scene]

    For more Kes, just click here.

  • Until The Ribbon Breaks Releases “The Other Ones” EP

    U.K. band Until the Ribbon Breaks continues their genre-bending musical masterpieces with the release of a four-tracked EP, The Other Ones, Tuesday via Casablanca Records. With an infectious opening track, ‘A Taste of Silver,’ brooding ballad ‘Goldfish,’ dance-worthy ‘Spark,’ and thoughtful reverie of the eponymous ‘Until the Ribbon Breaks,’ The Other Ones has quickly climbed to number 7 in the iTunes electronic chart. The U.S EP is available now on both iTunes and Spotify.

    During SXSW Festival 2014, Until the Ribbon Breaks drew packed crowds at multiple showcases, including SPIN House, Chop Shop, NYLON Magazine, Universal Music Group, The British Music Embassy, ATC Showcase and a headline appearance at Dickies Roadhouse. They were also featured in the Austin 100, NPR Music’s downloadable 100-song sampler of the not-to-be-missed SXSW 2014 bands.

    The trio – led by visionary producer and visual artist Pete Lawrie-Winfield (lead vox, keys, percussion, brass), James Wolujewicz (synths) and Elliot Wall (drums) – also just completed a North American tour with Spanish alt-band Delorean.

    As with their other debuts, Until the Ribbon Breaks marries music and images with a self-made music video. Created by Pete, a former student of film, the video features clips from Timothy Linh Bui’s 2009 “Blue Powder” set to the music of the new track ‘A Taste of Silver.’

    Download their single ‘A Taste of Silver’ on the band’s Facebook page and check out the video on the band’s YouTube page.

    Until the Ribbon Break’s debut EP was met with critical acclaim, and the band continues to make waves with skillfully woven sounds, samples, and lyrics through their innovative “re-imaginations” of various original tracks, including Sam Smith’s ‘Nirvana’ and Lorde’s ‘Royals’ (with whom they toured last year).

    For more about Until The Ribbon Breaks, just click here.