Far From Noise

The theme this time around is driving beats. I feel like this mix leaves me battered and bruised in the end but feeling good from all the crazy dancing I’m doing around my living room. When I first heard this distorted-noise-rock I thought it was awful but it has grown on me and reminds me of the emotionally charged music of Rage Against the Machine or Nine Inch Nails. Almost like taking that industrial sound and instead of using synthesizers having the guitars and volume do it for you. I managed to transition into some neo-soul at the end because you know they have driving beats and ending with some house. So there should be something in here for everyone. Enjoy.

1. Next Girl by The Black Keys
   From: Akron, OH
   Album: Brothers 
   I first heard Black Keys a couple years back and I thought they sounded like all the classic rock I grew up on. There’s nothing wrong with that but I didn’t feel like they were bringing anything new to the table. However, the songs I’ve heard off the impending Brothers has got me thinking different about this blues-rock duo. Something more raw that makes me think its more soulful. Already got tickets to see them at the Fillmore. Should be a great show.
   
   
2. No Home by The Ettes
   From: Nashville, TN
   Album: Danger Is EP 
   This is my attempt to slowly ease into the bombardment on the sense, but I don’t think anything can really prepare you for the next song. The Ettes have toured with The Black Keys and you can hear that distortion rock but with a simple strong beat.
   
   
3. A/B Machines by Sleigh Bells
   From: Brooklyn, NY & FL
   Album: Treats 
   I’m sure a lot of my listeners will skip over this song and I won’t be offended. This is the epitome of noise-rock where the volume is turned up to 12 (past 11!!). It’s repetitive, it’s distorted, it’s loud…but within it’s simplicity I hear emotion. Hard for me to explain.
   
   
4. I Was Thinking… by Gauntlet Hair
   From: Lafayette, CO
   Forest Family Records was created by the guys behind Gorilla vs. Bear (one of my favorite music blogs) and Weekly Tape Deck. I would have to say they are batting a thousand since their first limited release was Cults which I played in my last mix and now this is their second release. Taking that noise-rock and adding some pop to it.
   
   
5. Across the Sea by Hanoi Janes
   From: Sachsen, Germany
   Album: Across the Sea / Skeleton Girl 
   Now the distortion takes a slight turn and is applied to that retro surf sound. This might be my first posting from Germany and I hope to hear more coming out of there.
   
   
6. One Day by Kings Go Forth
   From: Milwaukee, WI
   Album: The Outsiders Are Back 
   Now this is full on retro neo-soul but I think their use of distortion gives it a modern feel. And soul music coming out of Milwaukee. Awesome!
   
   
7. Midnight Hour (feat. Estelle) by Talib Kweli
   From: Brooklyn, NY
   Album: Revolutions Per Minute 
   Talid Kweli is going back to his roots. One of his first recordings was with DJ Hi-Tek under the monikor Reflection Eternal back in 1997. 13 years later they are doing it again. Obviously they are riding on the wave of neo-soul although I feel a lot of people would tell you that soul never went anywhere. Maybe it’s just the rising tide then.
   
   
8. Pretty Apollo by CYNE
   From: Gainsville, FL
   Album: Water For Mars 
   I came across this track thanks to an online series called The Season. Not only is he following the lives of some incredible athletes but he’s also giving some coverage to great bands. CYNE (Cultivating Your New Experience) is a four man hip-hop collective of 2 emcees and 2 producers.
   
   
9. Clay Stones by We Are The World
   From: Los Angeles, CA
   Album: Clay Stones 
   And finally we transition into house music with that driving beat compelling you to just keep dancing.
   
   

Top image borrowed from Narque