Video of the Week: The Weeknd

The Weeknd - The Knowing (Official Video) from xoxxxoooxo on Vimeo.

The Weeknd - "The Knowing"

   Toronto's The Weeknd is anything but conventional with his mixtape House of Balloons released earlier this year garnering widespread acclaim including the shortlist for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize, while remaining relatively elusive. In fitting fashion "The Knowing" is Abel Tesfaye's first official music video, a track that doesn't immediately scream music video yet still manages to captivate. Both bizarre and stunning there is no denying the oddly enthralling experience of Tesfaye's references to Ethiopia and futuristic vision, "The Knowing" is not your average video but then again The Weeknd has never been your average artist.

Record Revue: Rihanna

Talk That Talk   3/5


  Talk That Talk leaves the dark, hazy sounds of Loud and Rated R for dancefloors soaked in neon lights, and sexy, flirtatious R&B/pop tunes. After exercising her demons on Rated R and discovering her sexual ethos on Loud, Rihanna finds comfort in her own skin and a more carefree approach to her sound.

Video of the Week: Data Romance

Data Romance - She's Been High

   Data Romance follow-up their ghostly video treatment of "The Deep", with "She's Been High" a simple, sleek black and white video featuring singer Amy Kirkpatrick as the focal point. The videos warmth comes from Amy's honest emotion, but arguably the music pulls focus from Amy with it's intense, addictive groove. Ready to embark on tour with Digitalism, Data Romance keep delivering new music that's worth our attention.

Video of the Week: Ra Ra Riot

Ra Ra Riot - Shadowcasting

   Ra Ra Riot's latest video for "Shadowcasting" besides being a solid track, is a colour video featuring what appears to be a distant relative of Cousin It if you replace the hair with bird feathers and what appears to be a lover in the form of a Peacock. A mix of what can only be described as Adams Family meets Alice In Wonderland, it's all a bit confusing but mainly just good fun.

Sound Wave: One Room

One Room - I Want You

Record Revue: Florence and the Machine

Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials   4/5


  Ceremonials finds Florence Welch and company moving from the more refined, crisp sound on Lungs, to gospel rock built on a grand scale.

Video of the Week: VV Brown

V.V. Brown - Children feat. Chiddy Bang

   VV Brown's lo-fi, sun kissed video for the catchy Children featuring Chiddy Bang, couldn't have come a better time, with Winter creeping up slowly it's a cheery, pop tune that reminds us warm summer nights. Who doesn't like a little freestyle dancing with children in the street, or random snake tattoos. It's fun, it's playful and that how SV likes it.