Song In Summary: “I Might Survive” by Architecture in Helsinki

March 30, 2014 | vinylgarden

Architecture in Helsinki are back in their indie pop glory with a full Andy Warhol-esque makeover for their new album Now + 4EVA, released on Friday.

But besides bringing back SMS language what do they have to offer this time around?

…A nostalgic throwback to the early 2000s, that’s what!

Just check out their tune “I Might Survive”. It’s school discos, scrunchies, rubber bracelets and flip phones all in one catchy, catchy song.

There’s some definite Kylie Minogue influences in this track, from the poppy beat, Kellie Sutherland’s fun vocals to the full choruses. If you don’t believe me, just have a listen to Can’t Get You Outta My Head. But there’s still some remnants of their older style too with that jumpy synth, reminiscent of their 2012 hit “Contact High“.

A solid release from Architecture in Helsinki, check out the rest of the album on Spotify or grab a copy! Keep up to date on their website and be sure to catch them touring soon in the lineup for the Groovin The Moo festival!

By Erin Rooney

RAC: Remix Artist Collective

March 29, 2014 | vinylgarden

If you like remixes or indie music, pop or rock, even electro, then boy do we have some good news for you! This Tuesday (April 1st) RAC, or Remix Artist Collective as the artist is more formerly known, is releasing Part ll of his brand new album Strangers!

RAC takes a different spin on remix, bringing together a range of great artists and sounds from around the world. The two parts of the album showcase some standout feature artists from a range of genres, including the likes of Tokyo Police Club, Tegan and Sara, Penguin Prison, YACHT and St. Lucia. This album pulls together a fine selection of music and explores some unique and fresh sounds. Part l, which was released March 4, brought a range of catchy, upbeat, fun and sometimes a bit rock ‘n’ roll tunes, and listeners can expect more of the same in Part ll with more highs and lows, and more unique sounds that will leave you wanting more.

Some stand out tracks from Strangers Part 2 include “Repeating Motion” (very cool), “405” (very youthful), “Cheap Sunglasses” (very catchy/very summer), and “We belong” (very smooth).

Be sure to grab yourself a copy on Tuesday – the album is a lighthearted and upbeat listen and will keep you trackin’ till the weekend.

Listen here for a sample:

By Sophie Henry

The Aston Shuffle – Photographs Album Release Party

March 27, 2014 | vinylgarden

By now, after about 7 years of being prominent on the Australian house music scene, The Aston Shuffle know how to throw a party. But more specifically, they know how to throw a GREAT party.

Last night’s album launch at The Soda Factory was the result of two years in the making of their new album, Photographs, set to be released tomorrow (Friday 28 March).

Casual, trendy, and with a hint of exclusivity, attendees passed the doors of “Bobby’s Boss Dogs”, through a fridge door to find The Soda Factory bar, a tribute to all that was incredible about the 50’s in America (pin-up girls, suspenders and fried chicken).

The bar in action

In addition to the past three years since their last album release, The Aston Shuffle made the crowd wait three hours for the show. The suspense was palpable.

When they finally graced the stage, it looked like they would be playing to a tough crowd. People shuffled around and nodded uncertainly to the music as the duo started their set.

But then things started picking up. They got their groove, and their energy became contagious. They had prepared some surprises for the audience along the way including the lovely Elizabeth Rose as a guest performer. Highlights included “Can’t Stop Now” and “Sunrise” picking up the mood in the room and truly demonstrating a complete visual and audio experience. As their final song “Tear It Down” arrived, the audience were greeted with the incredible spectacle of a woman dressed in a disco ball suit.

Elizabeth Rose making an electric guest appearance

It is evident that The Aston Shuffle have taken their time to make this album a polished, energetic collection of work, every track offering something more than the last. Do not miss out on the chance to listen to what is sure to be an electronic hit. Take a sneak peak of what it has to offer here:

By Erin Rooney

Audio

International Highlights – Feel Awake with Tycho’s latest album

March 25, 2014 | vinylgarden

Image Source: Navis Photography

This man can do no wrong.

No, honestly he can’t. Simply put, Scott Hansen, known in the music world as Tycho, is an artist.

As with his earlier titles, including Dive and Past Is Prologue, Tycho’s latest album Awake maintains the San Francisco producer’s signature ambient sound, and after his three-year break from recording, reminds us that there is beauty in the simple things in life.

He has managed to create original tracks with this sound, compiled together in a smoothly linked album. Because whether it’s easing into your morning peacefully, practicing yoga or doing a last minute essay for uni, there is no wrong way to experience this music.

However, the genre is not for everyone. Unlike his past albums, Awake is stripped back with no vocal layers, focusing instead on the simple, looping guitar riffs. For those with short attention spans, Awake is not for the foreground.

The album is a work that should be experienced in full and is a great start to the day, true to its name. Listen here: