A Quick Word from the Authors:
Despite the absurd yet morbidly realistic car crash at SXSW this past week, as with many of life's drastic instances we continue to keep our wheels churning, even through the lowest of moments. This too was the music scene, which carried its forward momentum further down the silver-lined path that the opening segment of this year has spoiled us with.
Frank Ocean's spirited vocals, Diplo's keen sense of timing and two parts of the The Clash's quirkiness can all be found in the collaborative release of "Hero", the next installment in the notable Converse-sponsored Three Artist. One Song series. After a long leave of absence from their two highly regarded studio albums Friendly Fires are back with "Before Your Eyes", a collaboration with The Asphodells that will be released on an AA-sided single on March 31st. Having recorded new material with Blur, that supposedly may never see the light of day, Damon Albarn was joined on The FADER FORT at SXSW by Snoop Dog and two parts of Deltron 3030 to perform "Clint Eastwood" live for the first time with both vocal contributors.
Smooth, laid-back and transcendental, this week's Sabbath brings you music from the experimental electronic realm of the indie spectrum. Instead of focusing only on the past week of the niche sound we are offering up a mix of what has passed us by and newer material that all carry a constant theme throughout. Sticking with three playlists that represent the tame, explosive and eye-opening states of mind that can soundtrack a specific portion of your day we urge you to sit back, pop on some headphones and allow yourself to be taken by the lush soundscapes.
– Aaron Thomas & Anna Murphy
The Bees Knees
The Pasture: Foals / Booka Shade – "My Number" / "Charlotte" (RÜFÜS cover)
The Kindle: Duke Dumont – "I Got U" (Bondax Remix)
The Tryptophan: Daughter – "Smother" (Tennyson Remix)
The Indie Gift Basket
Overview
- The Pasture Less is more — slow-churned nights need a soundtrack too, and relaxation is underrated.
- The Kindle represents a peak of accessibility where the masses will be drawn to the raw energy exposed throughout.
- Lastly, in The Tryptophan indie gets plugged. What ups the ante more than experimental electronics and synths?
The Pasture
Drawing from hushed textures the intersection between folk and translucent melodies can surprisingly be seamlessly navigated. So kick back, chill out or fall asleep – but be sure to stream the easy-going tracks below for the epitome of mellow. Highlights include RÜFÜS' venturing cover/crossover of Foals' "My Number" and Booka Shade's "Charlotte" and Tame Impala transforming Michael Jackson's "Stranger In Moscow" into a mellow dreamscape.