Words by Ben Blackburn
Triptik Records last featured on The Tipping Point with their release of Verso’s latest EP, however Mr. Blazey’s first appearance on this particular feature dates back to summer of last year, with the release of his second album ‘Slonality’. Described as ‘Newcastle’s best kept secret’, Mr. Blazey has continued to develop his aspiring level of respect amongst his peers, as one of the North East’s most exciting producers. His latest EP, entitled ‘MUSH!’, was digitally released yesterday and marks another interesting development in his sound.
‘Slonaility’ was viewed by many as a record that focused on a ‘down tempo, ambient hip-hop’ sound; however ‘Everybody Knows’ is a record that indulges in many more elements of Mr. Blazey’s hip hop influences, with an elecontric foundation that is carefully threaded through the entirety of the track. Beginning with a vocal sample of a woman explaining the traditional cuisine of those in the North East of England, Mr. Blazey is obviously proud of the cultural heritage he has originated from, and this transcription in his music only galvanizes the spirit that exits in his creative work.
With several North East acts due to emerge into the spotlight in 2012, Mr. Blazey certainly stands as one of our region’s most exciting prospects.Mr Blazey's 'MUSH!' E.P. is out now on Triptik Records
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EVERYBODY KNOWS
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HURTLOVE
Words by Linsey Teggert
Little is known about the elusive No Ceremony/// except that they’re from Manchester. Band, duo, or one person, no one knows apart from No Ceremony/// themselves, but sometimes it’s nice to keep that air of mystery, as demonstrated by fellow Mancunians Wu Lyf who found themselves the subject of much internet bloggery last year due to their ‘let’s keep ‘em guessing’ philosophy, (Indeed it does appear to work – No Ceremony/// were apparently hyped as The Independent’s most blogged artist last year.) You don’t need to know who No Ceremony/// are anyway, you just need to listen to the glitchy, otherworldly slice of ambient dance that is 'HURTLOVE'.
Almost narcotic in its nature, it’ll creep around your brain for days. Just under 3 minutes in length, it’s short but definitely not sweet: the overarching feeling here is one of melancholy, intensified by the chopped-up, heavily-produced vocal which swirls desolately over the same piano chord and skittering background beats. It’s similar to the work of James Blake in its emotive quality: that ability to create a sense of anguish and beauty using the simplest of repetitions. It’s very easy to forgive No Ceremony/// for being so secretive when the music they are producing is this intoxicating.
Today's tip comes courtesy of Tom Cotton from Amazing Radio
'HURTLOVE' is out today via the No Ceremony /// website
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ONE STEP
Written by Toby Rogers
No, it’s not tiger-blooded head case Charlie’s latest adventure into madness. But even if it was, it couldn’t be cooler than this. Shoegazing London six-piece Sheen sound like someone slipped a mogadon in your morning coffee. Part Velvet Underground heroin rush, part marabou stork nightmare, their swampy coma-delia is dense and unforgiving.
Opening with a chorus-drenched guitar riff that twists round lead singer Aneta’s haunting, Nico-esque vocals, Sheen’s recent track ‘One Step’ is a jarring, semi-conscious slice of contemporary drone-pop. With a drummer who sounds like they’re playing to a different click-track to the rest of the band, there’s an unerring sense of discomfort about the song. Like listening to a semi-tuned radio when you’re waking with a hangover, it’s the finest pop song you’ve ever heard shattered into pieces and reassembled in an alcohol-swamped mind.
Kaleidoscopic space-rock re-imagined for an audience in thrall to the recent sounds of Warpaint and EMA, Sheen are a compelling listen. It’s not pretty in places, but the finest rock ‘n’ roll never is. As off-kilter as anything to emerge from their namesake’s warlock brain, Sheen are here and they’re winning. Bring it.
Tip courtesy of Andy Von Pip from Von Pip Musical Express
Sheen artwork by Bruna Volpi
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WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SUMMER LASTS FOREVER
Written by Ben Blackburn
Festival announcement season feels like it comes earlier each year, and while the declaration of some simply stunning line-ups does warm the soul, it also inadvertently rubs salt in the wounds of all of us still battling the awful weather of winter. Therefore in the interim I intend to listen to as many summer orientated records as I can, and it is in a vein of good fortune that I discovered the upbeat and entirely jovial work of Châteaux.
That said, ‘Work’ may be somewhat of overstatement, as Châteaux, a.k.a George Flint, only has three tracks currently available on his Soundcloud, and two of those appear to be from a more folk directed period. I say this as ‘What Happens in the Summer Lasts Forever’ is a distinctly more lo-fi and jaunty affair, which has been tagged by the band as ‘beach house’. Whether this is somewhat tongue in cheek is yet to be seen, however there is a certain vibe in the track that does pertain to the pure fun and sun kissed optimism of time spent on the beach. Beginning with infectious and interwoven guitars, Flint‘s vocals enter the track with a subdued nostalgia, before erupting into an emphatic chorus of renewed hope and determination.
While very little is known about Châteaux, don’t expect a Facebook page or Twitter account, it will be interesting to see how – develops his sound as we all eagerly herald in summer and it’s eternal memories.
Today's tip comes courtesy of Alex McCann at Designer Magazine
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4D
Words by Paul Brown
Koreless is the work of one man, the disgustingly youthful Lewis Roberts, late of Bangor but now Glasgow-based. He fills a loosely similar space to that occupied by James Blake before he went all soul-step, playing around with chopped-up, disembodied voices and rich textures. It’s ideal fodder for that point last thing at night when you’re about to drift off.
'4D' is a perfect example of Roberts’ craft, an absolutely beautifully produced sliver of ghostly, unnerving beauty. It strikes that delicate balance between simplicity and intricacy, and illustrates exactly why there’s so much buzz around Koreless at the moment. He plays live dates across Europe over the next 6 months, including sets at The Great Escape and Field Day, so why not beat the clamour?
Today’s Tip comes courtesy of Mark Ryan at Amazing Radio.
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