Single Selections: Kimbra

Kimbra - Cameo Lover   3.5/5   Youtube

   The neo-soul/pop songstress from New Zealand drops her latest single 'Cameo Lover' from her forthcoming album Vows. Complete with vibrant tambourines 'Cameo Lover' channels equal parts Motown and contemporary pop spun in the mould of a classic 50s pop tune that's a refreshing departure from the dance heavy pop dominating Top 40.

Sound Waves

Polarsets - Sunshine Eyes

Single Selections: Dancefloor Edition

Frankmusik - Do It In The AM (feat. Far East Movement)   3/5   Official Website

   The first single from the British singer/producer's debut US album, features 'it' group Far East Movement and Frankmusik's standard dance-pop sound. It's catchy, danceable, radio friendly, and makes for decent party music but it's nothing special.

Sound Waves

1, 2, 3 - Work

NXNE Announces Second Wave of Bands

Sandman Viper Command To Play Edgefest

Single Selections: Born Ruffians

Born Ruffians - Jimmy Jimmy   4.5/5  Soundcloud

A stellar groove and hand claps to boot, this stand out cover by Born Ruffians off label Paper Bag Records True Blue, a Madonna tribute album. The Ruffians turn the Madonna album filler into a bona fide airy, guitar driven summer jam. It's sweet ear candy that you must hear!

Sound Waves

The Knocks - Make It Better 

Federico Aubele Creates Hypnotic Grooves

Federico Aubele - Berlin 13   4/5


Myspace


   Argentine Federico Aubele's fourth studio album, Berlin 13 fuses Argentine tango, electronic grooves, acoustic guitars and synth for a sultry cocktail of sounds that are as exotic as the influences Aubele draws from. Inspired by Aubele's time living in Berlin, a city with a vast electronic music scene, the record is hypnotic lounge music that has no boundaries or borders.

Toronto Quartet Go Back To Rock 'N Roll Basics

Teenage Kicks - Rational Anthems EP   4/5


Myspace


   Much of the past decade rock music has put on several different hats, from the dance-rock of bands like The Killers to the alternative arena rock of Kings of Leon, all with a sleek, manicured sound that moved away from classic rock and the simplicity of a song built on gritty vocals, pounding drums and explosive guitar riffs.

Single Selections: Sade

Sade - The Moon & The Sky (Remix) feat. Jay-Z   4.5/5   Myspace


  A sensual beat, the exotic, seductive vocals of Sade makes for a hypnotic blend of R&B/Soul. Jay-Z's appearance on the remix is surprisingly subdued enhancing the narrative for a slick, sexy single that will be in constant rotation.

Sound Waves

Data Romance - Bullets

Hot Tix

Freelance Whales 

with Foals and The Naked & Famous

   Indie darlings Freelance Whales kicked off their North American Tour earlier this month that will run through May with help from Foals and New Zealand's The Naked & Famous.

Brilliant! Tragic! Return of Art Brut

Art Brut - Brilliant! Tragic!   2/5


Myspace


   In 2005 rock outfit Art Brut made waves with their debut Bang Bang Rock & Roll, and it's bratty punk persona courtesy of lead singer Eddie Argos' first person narratives.  Six years later and set to release their fourth disc, Brilliant! Tragic! Art Brut is starting to sound a little worn. 

Single Selections: Designer Drugs

Designer Drugs - Crazy For You (feat. Annie)   4/5

Myspace/iTunes


  Combining one of Shattered Vinyl's current obsessions the club/electro outfit Designer Drugs with Norwegian dance-pop singer Annie, for an intoxicating electro-pop number with dark under currents. It's got all the makings of a club banger, and a highlight off the NYC DJ duo's latest effort, Hardcore/Softcore.