Icelandic Mountain Sound

Introducing the utterly spellbinding music of Icelandic, Indie six-piece, Of Monsters and Men. You will probably already be familiar with their debut-single Little Talks, a distinctly tuneful number that's both deep in thought but positive simultaneously. Their latest track, Mountain Sound, continues the theme of a catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, and it's quite simply brilliant. 

The two vocalists, have exceptional chemistry in their music, their voices seem to compliment eachother just perfectly, but in a very natural way. Co-singer, Ragnar "Raggi" Þórhallsson, opens the track with his distinctive, edgy voice painting a vivid picture, describing running away from, "all the trouble", to somewhere new with only a "shadow" in pursuit, very clever wordplay. The chorus, is rejoiceful and uplifting with, co-singer, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, taking the reigns, with Ragnar echoing vocals. It's a very sincere track, with a raw, natural edge only an Indie band can offer.

The video depicts the band, performing in a park In Iceland, where they're energy and passion for what they do really transpires to the thousands of people gathered to watch them. They dance joyfully, sing along to the song and it really captures of the whole care-free, starting afresh, upbeat concept of the song, which is running away and starting new. 

Much respect for this band and let's hope they can live up to the comparisons many are already drawing to them, of that of Arcade Fire and Mumford & Son's. Debut-album, My Head is an Animal, is out now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gEVaniPOmU

Sean Bones - Hit Me Up

From the album "Buzzards Boy" Sean Bones, latest offering introduces a wider market to what he is all about and the way his heart and soul is reflected in the music he makes. "Hit Me Up" is the title of this single and it really is something very unique, particularly for an American Artist.

The song has an incredibly nostalgic feel about it with the echo of Bones' voice reminiscent of the Swingin' 60's, arguably comparable to the voice of the late-great Bob Dylan. Bones pours passion and feeling into the track, but in a very relaxed way, or at least that's how it comes across. His voice is soulful and the tune's very natural rock 'n' roll edge, really sets it apart. Lyrically it is beautiful, describing a powerful love that can be fallen back on in times of hardship. This is accompanied with a full-bodied guitar, a melodic tune that repeats through the track as well as a gentle drum-beat.

The video, is very interesting in the textural format it's set out, it's almost a mixture of both dreams and memories and that's what makes it such a fascinating watch. Describing it as halluciogenic would be an understatement, with the the pool of water and bubbles throughout, arguably symbolic of the sinking and rising notion of love where you are almost unable to breathe. The video truly lends a magic to the tune, and displays the nostalgia in the song, visually, very successfully.

An indie talent at it's core, and the sort of track which will be popular with the pot-heads of the world, serving as the perfect accompaniment track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTNW5fNottU

Swedish House Mafia say "adjö"

Yes, sadly the electronic dance trio, who have revolutionised their genre and broken into virtually every country worldwide have announced their hiatus, bidding farewell or the Swedish "adjö" to their legions of loyal fans. Whilst charting well Worldwide with anthemic tunes like "Miami to Ibiza" and the infectious "Greyhound", it was their live performances that truly captivated fans. Any group of DJ's that can sell-out the Milton Keynes Bowl (June 2012) with the cheapest ticket at £50 is surely going to have something special about them.

The supergroup, have offered their fans closure with the release of their final single, "Don't you Worry Child" featuring the vocals of John Martin, befitting for the man who co-created arguably their greatest hit "Save the World" singing on that. It's a rousing tune, showing off the best of the bands DJ'ing capabilities with lyrics that inspire, "Don't you worry, don't worry child, see heavens got a plan for you!" The emotion from the group saying goodbye really emanates through the track.

The video, depicts the unreal euphoria of their live performances, with the group  first reflecting old footage of their live performances and the transition from then to now, with thousands of people flocking to see them. The excitement of their live show at the Milton Keynes Bowl, displayed in the video is tangible. That's what the group will want to remembered for no doubt, the sheer happiness they brought to people of all different backgrounds and ages through their shows.

The group are apparently tired, hence announcing splitting up, but fans shouldn't be too disheartened, I have no doubt they will grace the best Music Festivals again one day...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y6smkh6c-0

One Republic with Feel Again...

Colorado Springs, Colorado, home to the United States Olympic Training Center, the prestigious Colorado College and one of the 21st Century's most influential pop-rock bands, One Republic. Their catchy melodies, tuneful instrumentals and heartfelt lyrics have set them apart, inspiring many. With two collosal albums under their belt, Dreaming Out Loud and Waking Up, the Colorado five-piece return with the lead-single from their third studio-album, entitled Feel Again.

One Republic's sound has always been slightly downbeat and emotional, it's truly what the band do best. Pouring the same emotion into this song, yet with a bright, positive edge the band have stayed true to their unique sound that sees them climb the charts faster than it takes the band to perform the tune! Lead-singer, Ryan Tedder's highly creative songwriting ability is used to full-effect in 'Feel Again', which in the opening verse describes the strenuous pain in overcoming losing an ex-lover, yet meeting a new lover it's brought him back to life and he's simply able to "Feel Again". A tuneful guitar accompaniment and an emphatic drum-beat contribute to the catchy chorus, but, as with all One Republic songs, it's Tedder's passionate voice that makes it.

The video was filmed in a forest near San Francisco, California, it opens with Tedder walking across a leafy ground before a picturesque San Francisco Bay Sunset. He picks up a glowing yellow ball which is symbolic of the new life that is being breathed into him after meeting this new person, he runs towards the light and basks in the glowing warmth that a new relationship brings. The video brings the song to life and adds to the uplifting nature of the tune.

If their last two albums are anything to go by, we can expect more hits from this album!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tMKO_9SD1Y