Now that the lovely folk at Modular Records have rectified their problem of uploading audioless cinematography onto YouTube, here is the video clip for that Van She song “Strangers,” which I’ve been going on about since, oh, around January. Anyway, four months on, this is still the track to beat for me in regards to Single Of The Year status.

Not much goes on in the clip, but this is no problem; the boys play instruments, some singing is done, there is a bit of smoke and a giant “V” on set (not the drink, but the actual letter,) they all make looking sexy a bit effortless (particularly Tomek, drums, who looks ultra-chiseled throughout, non?) they each jump in the air during the breakdown after the middle-8, and then they all go back to playing their instruments and/or singing. Let’s take a look at all of this being put into proper effect.

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AND IN HQ…

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I’m not one for using any of the Triple A’s; Awesome, Amazing and Ace (GUFFAW,) but this song is definitely all three of those things. Very, very good stuff. And I’m incredibly fond of the clip too; all four subjects in the group make very pleasing visual aides, don’t they? Single is released on June the 7th; physical CD single (technically the boys’ first physical single release!) and digital download.

You can read everything else I’ve said about Van She over the last few months by clicking here, should you be interested.

So todays Van She related post is somewhat of a mixed bag. It’s a collection of good news and frustration. I’ll start with the frustration.

Van She’s debut album has been pushed back YET AGAIN, this time scheduled in for an August 2008 release. I’m not sure if I should be worried; I think I understand why this has happened (again) but am not entirely certain of it. The new single “Strangers” has been penciled in for a release on June the 7th, which is also frustrating seeing as the original date was set for around April/May. So I’m guessing the boys will work the promo wheel in the lead-up to the single release, go on their tour with The Bravery, and then concentrate solely on promo for the album in the lead up till August, right? I have a lot of faith that the boys and, more importantly, their people, know exactly what they’re doing, but I cannot help but feel sad.

It’s just a little annoying I guess; this album was due for release late 2006, early 2007, August 2007, March 2008, April 2008, June 2008, and now August 2008. If it gets pushed back another time I seriously have no idea how I’ll react. This news has put me in the worst mood! I just want to be able to hold that hot-little-record in my hands and finally say there’s a Van She album for everyones consumption. It’s just so disheartening to think what was only 2 months away is now going to be 4. I’ve made it no secret that the anticipation for this album, for me, has been greater than it was for Madonna’s “Hard Candy,” which is a serious statement for me to make I feel.

The good news is, it seems “Strangers” has been sent to radio and the video clip should surface any day now; the boys have posted pictures from the video shoot over on their MySpace page. Here’s the link; I’m sure you’ll agree the boys are looking quite lush in those photos, and that set looks pretty epic, non?

Also, while you’re off visiting other parts of the web, if you have a Facebook account, feel free to join the “I Heart VAN SHE” group. Clicky Clicky.

Stuff on their show with PNAU from last week possibly before Friday; I’d like to tie it in with the posting of the “Strangers” video clip, should it surface on time. Not too sure when my Madonna “Hard Candy” review will be online now. Maybe Thursday, because it’s my birthday tomorrow so I’ll no doubt be a bit busy with family and the like.

UPDATE 8:38pm: The video is online, but there is no audio. W.T.F.?

UPDATE 23/04/2008: “Strangers” - my song of the year - is available for preview on their MySpazz NOW. Hurrah!!

Some little tidbits of information on what’s going over at Camp Van (DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?!)

First of all, the boys are offering a free MP3 download of the Vanshe Tech remix of their most recent single “Cat & The Eye.” Bit of a dancefloor banger. You can download that from here.

Caught the boys on Friday night supporting PNAU at Billboard Nightclub in Melbourne and, needless to say, they absolutely killed it once again. I’ve seen them dozens of times before; shows in Geelong, Melbourne, Festivals and the like, and this was definitely one of their best; rather dazzling even. There was a proper lighting show and the guys seemed to be in tip-top form both vocally and musically, and the new songs sound better and better with each show. Pictures next week.

Speaking of the new songs, the bands incredible drummer Tomek told me on Friday to expect some news later on this week in regards to the next VS single “Strangers.” I shall reveal all soon…

Just as the boys are wrapping up their tour supporting PNAU across the country, tour dates to coincide with their album release in June (and, my ETA for said album is around June the 1st, going by the tour dates as some sort of rough guide…) have just been announced.

04 JUNE :: The Metro (SYDNEY)
05 JUNE :: Corner Hotel (MELBOURNE)
06 JUNE :: East Brunswick Club (MELBOURNE)
08 JUNE :: We Love Sounds (SYDNEY)
10 JUNE :: The Zoo (BRISBANE)

I’ll see you at the 5th and 6th of June shows? I dare say I’ll be attending both. There’s also the possibility that a Geelong show could be slated into that empty date of June the 7th, so keep your fingers crossed.

About two days ago I had the pleasure of chatting to Jules (whose penis, left, is being pointed at to by Kim, right) from The Presets on the telephone, a chat in which we discussed Roisin Murphy’s hats, the irony of Billy Corgan labeling anyone other than himself as a “has-been,” the importance of European Tomato’s, and what the next single from “Apocalypso” is going to be (in my review of the record I mentioned this particular song should be the next single… fish it out for yourselves.) To celebrate the impending upload of this interview sometime next week, the lovely people at Modular have sent me a remixed Presets MP3 to share with you all. A remix by the brilliant French DJ Lifelike, no less!

LIFELIKE’S 1 SERIOUS REMIX OF “ARE YOU THE ONE!”
A party throwdown that joins the old with the new, this barnstorming new interpretation of Are You The One? has been masterly brought to “life” by French whiz-kid, Lifelike. Lifelike has stamped his name resoundingly onto the minds of electronica fans the world-over. His 1 Serious Remix of AYTO gives a respectful nod-of-the-head to the original track, but is a true reappropriation in its delivery. For Presets connoisseurs, this represents the closest thing to a bridge between Beams and their sophomore album, Apocalypso. In a genre-spotting sense, Lifelike has spawned a track that sits somewhere between a raw, industrial, noise aesthetic, and filtered disco 2am party jam.

The Presets - Are You The One (Lifelike’s 1 Serious Remix).mp3 *zShare Link*

Very good.

You just cannot complain when record companies - particularly ones as ace as Modular - give you free music now can you?

THE PRESETS
Apocalypso
(MODULAR) A+

Much like their label mates Cut Copy, Australian electro-whiz-kids The Presets (Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes) have outshone the brilliance of their debut long player “Beams,” with this, “Apocalypso”; the bands long awaited sophomore album. Hamilton and Moyes waste no time in setting the mood of the record, a somewhat theatrical affair, from the beginning; “Apocalypso” introduces itself to your ears with the aptly titled “Kicking & Screaming,” complete with a filthy bassline and terrifyingly grand chorus. By now you’ve all heard first single “My People,” which has already become quite the dance classic a mere few months after its initial release. Complete with a fierce chorus and glitteringly-dark middle-8, it’s no wonder people are succumbing to its statuesque nature.

“A New Sky” and “Talk Like That” are the closest “Apocalypso” get to referencing “Beams,” with their endearingly bizarre structure and dramatic synths; “A New Sky” peers through with its quirky introduction as an off-center bassline kicks in before ripping itself into a classy dancefloor romp, and “Talk Like That” is the nearest you’re going to get should you be looking for an “Are You The One Part 2.” But then that killer chorus chops in, and it’s a whole new number… it’s a certifiably bonkers joint which, come chorus time, throws you off-guard with its harmonious intensity. Keep an ear out for that spooky Transylvanian-style organ; complete genius.  Next single “This Boy’s In Love” is a hypnotic and powerful track which, as it builds, warms your body with its beauty; a straight-out luscious pop song which rolls all the best moments of The Human League and Duran Duran into a ball of musical ecstasy. One of the best singles to come from an Australian artist, period.

“Yippiyo-Ay” drives the guys into Grandmaster Flash territory, albeit whilst sounding a little bit like Wham’s “Wham Rap” from aeons ago. Top stuff.  The excitement of electronic doom continues with “Eucalyptus,” fusing IDM style verses with an A-HA-like chorus. Then there’s the wonderful “If I Know You,” a truly Pet Shop Boys-esque lament and the most heartbreaking of moments in The Presets body of work. It’s – quite geniusly - followed by “Together,” which can only be described as a bouncy and energetic techno-stomper (combined with small elements of Vitalic’s “La Rock 01,”) and is a psychotically satisfying ride that exercises itself into “Aeons,” a lovely, solely instrumental number which soothes the Apocalyptic savage beast within the record just in time to makes the trance-tastic last track “Anywhere” that much sweeter come closing time.

The dramatics of “Apocalyspo” are a fine example as to why The Presets are still one of the most refreshing local-grown acts, and a true testament to their growth as artists. This record is probably what a soundtrack to the Rocky Horror Picture Show would sound like were it a movie made in 2008 with a predominantly high-paced electro, gorgeously melodic but somewhat sinister score.

And that is a very, very good thing.

MY REVIEW ON RóISíN MURPHY LIVE IN CONCERT IS COMING TOMORROW. IT’S GOING TO BE A LONG ONE; YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. APOLOGIES ONCE AGAIN FOR MY INTERNET ABSENCE, I HAVEN’T REALLY BEEN AROUND MUCH FOR THE LAST WEEK AND A HALF AND ONLY JUST GOT AROUND TO FINISHING UP WITH MEGA-CATCH-UP TIME ON EVERYONE’S BLOG’S ABOUT AN HOUR AGO…

CUT COPY
In Ghost Colours
(MODULAR)  A+

If you were somewhat underwhelmed by Cut Copy’s ace 2004 album “Bright Like Neon Love,” then there’s every chance that their sophomore effort contains that little something you may have thought was missing the first time around. Four years later (almost to the date!) since their now iconic debut record was released, Melbourne’s favourite indie-electro kids have truly trumped any connotations thrown at them of possibly being one-trick ponies. “In Ghost Colours” is a much more enjoyable, mature, delightful, melody-filled record than anything we’ve heard from the trio before, and boasts a refreshing slab of delicious electronic cuts, whilst containing more truly pop-infused tracks than they’ve ever attempted before.

“Feel The Love” lustfully opens the record with harmonious strums of the guitar and celebratory oooh oooh’s, which are immediately followed by a remarkably joyous chorus and sharp use of the vocoder. “Out There On The Ice” merges quite nicely into current single “Lights & Music,” which is fabulous but isn’t even this albums best moment. “Unforgettable Season” conjures up images of The Strokes or The Teenagers and, alongside previous single “So Haunted” (also included on the new album,) is Cut Copy’s most truly brilliant and convincingly Indie moment in their discography.

The long players most defining moments spawn itself over three tracks; the interlude “Voice In Quartz,” sliding into the truly mesmerizing first single “Hearts On Fire” (which contains the greatest use of a Saxaphone since any-given-scene in an 80’s Rob Lowe movie,) and the pulsatingly catchy “Far Away,” which carries the bands finest and poppiest chorus to date.

“In Ghost Colours” is the finished product of years of fine tuning, clever production, intensely astute writing and memorable lyrics. And all that hard work and effort shows; this is the years first sign of true album perfection. Van She; you are officially being given a run for your money..

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Remind you of anything?

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A couple of weeks back the guys were discussing the clip in the Herald Sun, and made mention of Madge’s “Justify My Love” clip being a bit of an influence in its creation.  Lovely!

I’ve decided to completely throw that plan of not blogging due to the worldy departure of my best friends out the window. I am yet to reach the point of being angry by their abandonment (ie: Adem is still howling like a Nonna at her Grandsons funeral,) but surely it’s not incredibly far off. Anyway, like fuck I’m going to put any writing ideas on hold while they’re off having fun on International waters, especially when there is music to be enjoyed right here at home in Australia.

I actually have this mammoth post planned which covers everything that is special and amazing about Australian music at the moment. It’s not finished though, and I don’t want to rush it, but it should be happening soon. Until then, I’d like to divert your attention to one of the artists which will appear in that post; the completely amazing and totally unsigned Sydney four piece The Jezabels.

I found out about The Jezabels indirectly through Van She. During the She’s most recent Aussie tour, The Jezabels supported them on a select number of dates. Sadly, none of those dates included the Geelong or Melbourne leg of the tour, so, out of interest, I looked them up on TEH INTERNETS to see what I was missing. Quite a lot by the sounds of things!

Three of their tracks are available for fully-legal download in VERY HIGH QUALITY MP3 FORMAT right now over on their MySpace page. All three moments are truly amazing, but it’s “Disco Biscuit Love” which completely won me over. It is essentially a love-song-but-not about a poor girl who has become somewhat attached to a boy who seems to only care about her after ingesting a Green Mitsubishi (not the automobile) OR WHATEVER IT IS THOSE ECSTASY TABLETS ARE PRINTED AS NOWADAYS. I have become almost dependently devoted to the song in question over the last 24 hours and think it’s beautiful, ridiculous, hilarious, and sad all at the same time. A winning combination, non? Especially with my incredibly schizophrenic emotional state today…

Their MySpazz blurb’s great too.

“We don’t have a manifesto as such, but we do have definite intentions in what we do. We want to be pop… but with a sense of certainty that our audiences won’t walk away thinking that we take ourselves too seriously.”

Fucking. Brilliant.

You can also watch a Medium-quality live clip of them performing that very song over on the ever-resourceful YouTube.

I’m not entirely sure if Indie radio such as RRR or Triple J are playing these guys (the completely groundbreaking FBI in Sydney seem to be though,) but they should be. I definitely know they are now the latest band receiving rotational airplay during my Friday night radio show, and are an act which will appear on every single compilation CD I put together for various friends over the next two months.

Someone sign these guys; they are super-fab.

Continuing the Aussie tip; Cut Copy album review on Monday (in short, it’s the album - so far - to beat for me in ways of an ‘Album Of The Year’ type-title,) Muscles double-whammy gig review, and something about that ace new single from The Presets.

Van She’s people have uploaded a new video to YouTube which documents the travels made during their Japan tour earlier this year. The truly brilliant thing about this 2:25 running video is its featured backdrop track; “Changes,” my Number 2 favourite track of 2008 thus far, and so totally not made available anywhere other than their live shows until now. It’s also the boys’ favourite track from the new album.  Whilst it’s not the whole song, it’s certainly enough to tide us over until the album release in June.  Picture me with my happiest of faces when this arrived in my email.

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Fucking Amazing. And we’ll pretend whoever edited that video didn’t go and spell “censored” incorrectly.

News-wise, MY favourite song from the new album and next single “Strangers” (which is also my Number 1 favourite song of the year thus far) is hitting radio in two weeks, meaning we’ll be getting a new video clip from the boys soon, which ALSO means I’ll finally be able to show you all this completely bonza pop song.

On the other side of the world, UK radio seem to be enjoying the ace Van She Tech remix of that Utah Saints “Something Good ‘08″ reswizzle, and apparently some Very Important Deejays are playing it over on that Radio 1 thing. Very good news. I’m just hoping one of these Very Important Deejays is going to bother with mentioning the actual BAND once the new album is released over there, because their original material completely wipes the floor clean with any of their remixing efforts.

Finally, Van She are supporting PNAU on their national tour in April. Full details here. See you at the Billboard show on the 18th, front and center…

Oh, and if you don’t like my constant Van She scribblings then tough; 2008 is ALL about the V. If you love it, you can read more about them on this site by clicking here. Review of their Geelong gigs and Audio Interview with Matt online soon.

Phwoar.

That’s a full stream of my interview from last week with Axle Whitehead. In the interview we discuss his upcoming album, taking time off, why Avril Lavigne is a cunt, stripping off for the gays and - the topic I enjoyed the ‘moist’ (DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID THERE?!) - his cock ‘n balls.

You can also download - via RapidShare - the interview if you wish. Link here.

Axle’s brilliant debut single, “I Don’t Do Surprises,” is released this Saturday the 8th of March. You should definitely buy it from either iTunes, Sanity, or one of those novel record stores (!) in your nearby shopping mall.  You can also buy the very-nice-on-the-eyes video clip, again over at iTunes.

Oh, hello there… 

Phwoar.