Surfacing: Kyiki [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

Ellie Fletcher is a busy lady, juggling vocal appearances with Crystal Fighters, Is Tropical, De$ignated, Tubetops, and Drugzndreamz, as well as launching her own solo career as Kyiki. It's pretty exhausting just to keep track. Her vocal pedigree is supported by a dark, arresting electronica sound, which you can witness in person at her debut gig in London tonight.

Telly Text #5: The Mindy Project + Rihanna's Farmer

Words: Jordan Andrew

'The Mindy Project'

Album Review: Charli XCX - True Romance

Charli XCX - 'True Romance' (UK Release: 12 April '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani

Strangely, Charli XCX’s 'True Romance' feels like it’s been a long time coming, despite her being only 20 years of age. While the singer broke out with singles 'Stay Away' and 'Nuclear Seasons' in 2011, she had recorded a debut in 2006 which wasn’t released commercially - subsequently describing it as "terrible Myspace music". Since then, Charli XCX has built up a strong internet following, becoming something of a pop saviour for Tumblr and the blogosphere.

Listen: Tomo Nakayama - Horses [Soundtrack]

Words: Saam Das

One of the best things about the ongoing Sundance London festival is that it combines music and film, two of my favourite things in the world. These mediums connect everyday of their own accord, of course. Tomo Nakayama's 'Horses' appears in Sundance film 'Touchy Feely', performed by Nakayama himself in the film - a powerful scene that brings together the emotional strands of the film quite beautifully.

Film Review: The Look Of Love (2013)

'The Look Of Love' (UK Release: 26 April '13) // Words: Saam Das

Director Michael Winterbottom and comedian Steve Coogan return for their latest collaborative effort, 'The Look Of Love', a biopic of the life of Paul Raymond, once the richest man in Britain - built on a hefty property portfolio and scantily clad women. Coogan stars as the entrepreneurial and philandering Raymond, playing the role with an inescapable element of arguably his most famous character, Alan Partridge.

Listen: Milk & Biscuits - Hairstyles [New Single]

Words: Simon Opie // Photo: Jesus Ubera

I've been banging on for a while about Brighton-based "supergroup" Milk & Biscuits and we featured their single 'White Noise' a while back in my list of 2012's top tunes. Well the outfit (who feature members of Brakes, Clowns, Restlesslist, and more) have just unveiled their new single - 'Hairstyles' - and it really is a cracker. Watch the video below, which premiered over at The Line Of Best Fit.

Film Review: Iron Man 3 (2013)

'Iron Man 3' (UK Release: 25 April '13) // Words: Saam Das

The alarm bells raised by the relative mediocrity of 'Iron Man 2' were somewhat assuaged by Robert Downey Jr's strong returning performance as Iron Man in 'The Avengers' last year. Previous director Jon Favreau perhaps unsurprisingly did not return to his duties, although the appointment of esteemed screenwriter Shane Black as writer-director was something of a leftfield choice. Black's efforts are reasonable, negotiating the film's action sequences deftly but lacking somewhat in the emotional stakes.

Watch: Desire [Sundance London Festival 2013]

Words: Saam Das

Today marks the start of Sundance London Festival 2013, the music and film extravaganza, born in Utah and fathered by Robert Redford. To celebrate the launch, Jaguar, one of the festival's sponsors showcased their specially commissioned short film 'Desire' - starring 'Homeland' star Damian Lewis and featuring the music of Lana Del Rey. Watch it below.

Album Review: Kurt Vile - Wakin On A Pretty Daze

Kurt Vile - 'Wakin On A Pretty Daze' (UK Release: 8 April '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani

Looking at the length of the tracks, 'Wakin On A Pretty Daze' may seem an intimidating prospect. There are seven tracks over the five minute mark, with the opening track 'Wakin On A Pretty Day' coming in at nearly ten minutes. Yet, somehow after listening to it, you haven’t felt that such a period of time has elapsed – the melodies retain your attention and Vile’s guitar lines are dreamlike, never demanding too much of the listener.

Film Review: The Kings Of Summer [Sundance London Festival 2013]

'The Kings Of Summer' (UK Release: TBC) // Words: Saam Das

Premiering at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival as 'Toy's House', Jordan Vogt-Roberts's debut feature film is now known as 'The Kings Of Summer' - a title more appropriately capturing the heady sentiments of its central teenage trio. 'The Kings Of Summer' reflects classic coming-of-age offerings like 'Stand By Me' and 'The Goonies', while adding its own quirky modern take on growing up.

Simon Says: Good Things Come In Threes

Words: Simon Opie

Good things come in threes we're told, and to prove it, here are three emerging bands with excellent new EPs just out. They are Birds vs Planes from Carlisle, Silver Shields from North London and old favourites Mahogany Hand Glider from Leeds.

Listen: Daft Punk - Get Lucky ft Pharell Williams [New Single]

Words: Rajan Lakhani

Like many, the first I heard of Daft Punk’s new single 'Get Lucky' was on a TV advertisement, a feature of a huge marketing campaign ahead of the release of new album 'Random Access Memories'. It seems to be reaping dividends – 'Get Lucky' became the most streamed song ever in a single day on Spotify. But does the new single live up to the publicity?

Telly Text #4: Arrow + The Intern

Words: Jordan Andrew

'Arrow'

Album Review: Echopark - Trees

Echopark - 'Trees' (UK Release: 15 April '13) // Words: Saam Das

It's not really all that clear why Antonio Elia Forte emigrated from the sun-laden Lecce in Italy to a compact bedroom in London's Whitechapel area - not simply an abode but also an improvised recording studio. Perhaps it was Forte's way of invigorating his creativity, and the resulting debut Echopark album is a suitable reward for his efforts, bearing reminiscence to the likes of Animal Collective and Youth Lagoon.

DVD Review: Seven Psychopaths (2012)

'Seven Psychopaths' (UK Release: 15 April '13) // Words: Raman K

Martin McDonagh’s gut-bustingly funny directorial debut, 'In Bruges', inspired both an enormous cult following and admiration from Hollywood. Inevitably this buzz would attract greater visibility and star power to his next comedic venture. 'Seven Psychopaths' is the end product - displaying huge ambition and style in its sprawling plot, arguably at the expense of some comedic fibre that made 'In Bruges' tight with hilarity.

Playlist: Record Store Day 2013 Recommendations

Words: Team FG

Today is Record Store Day, an annual worldwide independent music extravaganza. By the time you read this, you may already have returned from your outing, records in tow. Equally, you might not have set out - every day is something of a record store day, after all. Either way, here are some of our recommended special releases that have come out on Record Store Day 2013.

TV Review: Doctor Who - Cold War [BBC iPlayer]

'Doctor Who' Series 7, Episode 9: 'Cold War' (UK Airdate: 13 April '13) // Words: Saam Das

I didn't much like the previous episode of 'Doctor Who', 'The Rings Of Akhaten', even going as far as to call it "quite possibly the worst 'Doctor Who' episode that I've ever seen". Unsurprisingly, the only way was up and the more intimate submarine-based drama of 'Cold War' made for a better ride. Spoilers and more thoughts below.

Simon Says: Check Out These Releases On Record Store Day 2013

Words: Simon Opie

Record Store Day arrives on Saturday and browsing the special goodies on offer, here are the first 7 picks that caught my eye in alphabetical order. I could so easily have made this list 70 strong, with no room to feature Cult Of Luna, Deftones, Elliott Smith, Inspiral Carpets, Miles Davis, Opeth, Pussy Galore, The Beta Band and many, many others....what a great idea and a super day.

Listen: Christopher Burman - While You Were Sleeping [Soundtrack]

Words: Saam Das

Before Christopher Burman found relative fame as a member of indie upstarts Spector, he took a break from music to study architecture at University College London. To some extent, he returns to the field with a new brochure entitled 'Vehicle' - a set of photographs and writing inspired by popular car museums in Germany, accompanied by a short CD soundtrack. Listen to 'While You Were Sleeping' below.

Surfacing: Blaue Blume [New Band]

Words: Jack Thomson

Hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, this interesting new four piece first crafted their sound during a road trip across the US and Canada in a van that served as both their studio and home. It was there that Blaue Blume mapped out the ideas for a number of songs before returning to Denmark and settling into a house by the coast to further develop them.

Listen: THUMPERS - Unkinder (A Tougher Love) [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

Thumpers have fast established themselves as one of the most exciting new bands of the last year or so, with releases on tastemaking labels Kissability, ParadYse and Transgressive to back up the burgeoning reputation. Their sparkling experimental pop sound delves even deeper on latest single 'Unkinder (A Tougher Love)', check out the official lyric video below.

Album Review: James Blake - Overgrown

James Blake - 'Overgrown' (UK Release: 8 April '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani

I struggled to understand initially what all the fuss was about with James Blake. While his debut had a handful of standouts, most the record passed me by, sounding to me like decent background dinner-party music. What I was more impressed by was Blake’s terrific cover of Joni Mitchell’s 'A Case Of You', which signalled a move to a soulful, more intimate sound.

Telly Text #3: Suits + Masterchef

Telly Text is a column dedicated to highlighting the TV shows we think you should we be watching. // Words: Jordan Andrew

'Suits'

Competition: Win Mission To Lars DVDs + T-shirt

We rather enjoyed last year's documentary 'Mission To Lars', charting Tom Spicer's journey from Devon care home to Stateside in an attempt to meet his idol Lars Ulrich of the legendary heavy metal outfit Metallica. To celebrate its release on DVD and Blu-ray this week, we're grateful to have some DVDs (and a T-shirt!) to give away so you can enjoy this funny and poignant film at home.

Watch: BASTILLE - Laura Palmer [Official Music Video]

Words: Saam Das

I'm still pretty amazed that BASTILLE managed to nab themselves a #1 UK album this year with their debut effort, 'Bad Blood'. Amazed but very pleased for the band. Perhaps even overjoyed. Ahem. It's set to be an even more incredible year for the quartet, thanks to their forthcoming Muse tour support slot. Here's the video for new single, 'Laura Palmer'.

EP Review: Mt. Wolf - Hypolight

'Hypolight' EP (UK Release: 8 April '13) // Words: Saam Das

London's Mt. Wolf released their impressive debut EP, 'Life Size Ghosts', toward the end of last year, and have seen their stock rise considerably since. Recently announcing a new headline show at London's Union Chapel, alongside a slew of festival appearances, they've unveiled another set of enrapturing dream-folk songs with the 'Hypolight' EP.

Preview: Sundance London Festival 2013

Sundance London Festival (The O2, 25-28 April '13) // Words: Saam Das

Utah's Sundance Festival is undoubtedly one of the most recognised and celebrated film festivals in the world, a legacy that will hopefully be continued with Sundance London. Following last year's successful inaugural edition, the festival returns to The O2, again offering an impressive array of film and music screenings and events. Check out our top ten highlights below.

Remixed: The Mummers vs Passion Pit - Sleepyhead [Download]

Remixed is a column that will highlight remixes we actually think are worthy of praise, be they old or new. Because most remixes are rubbish. // Words: Saam Das

You're probably wondering why I'm reviving a track that's over four years old. It's been there, done that, and probably got to #1 on The Hype Machine's Most Popular chart. Because I can, I guess. The Mummers' version of 'Sleepyhead' is full of joyous majesty - something I need right now in my life. Maybe you'll welcome it into yours too. Download the track below.

TV Review: Doctor Who - The Rings Of Akhaten [BBC iPlayer]

'Doctor Who' Series 7, Episode 8: 'The Rings Of Akhaten' (UK Airdate: 6 April '13) // Words: Saam Das

'Doctor Who' returned with the relatively strong 'The Bells Of Saint John' last time out but my faith in the current series has reached its lowest point with the immensely disappointing latest episode, 'The Rings Of Akhaten'. Although it actually started off quite promisingly. Spoilers for 'The Rings Of Akhaten' below.

Album Review: The Virgins - Strike Gently

The Virgins - 'Strike Gently' (UK Release: 25 March '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani

It’s been nearly five years since the release of The Virgins' self-titled debut, during which time all the original members of the group have left except lead singer and chief songwriter Donald Cumming. In addition, the group was released from their major recording contract. All this would point towards a band in freefall and my expectations for this record were pretty low.

Listen: Swiss Lips - U Got The Power [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

Re-e-wind about eighteen months and a mysterious Manchester band emerged from the ether. They were electro-pop outfit Swiss Lips. And they impressed. So much so that they would earn themselves a four album deal from Sony Epic in next to no time. Thanks to the likes of 'U Got The Power', which is now getting a well deserved single release.

Feature: Alternative Apps For Film Buffs

Words: Abbi Cox

There’s a myriad of apps you may be familiar with that are useful for discovering and watching new movies online, using smartphones such as the HTC One and iPhone 5. However, for those who are seriously crazy about films there are a load of alternative apps that offer people something a little more than just lists of top flicks and DVD rentals.

Surfacing: LIFE [New Band]

Words: Saam Das

If you're wondering where Hull band The Neat disappeared off to then you're in luck. Sort of. The Neat are no more but in their place comes LIFE - their new guise. Their excellent debut single 'See The Light' comes out in May, and you can listen to that along with a demo of 'In Citrus'.

Telly Text #2: Prisoners' Wives + Catfish: The TV Show

Telly Text is a column dedicated to highlighting the TV shows we think you should we be watching. // Words: Jordan Andrew

'Prisoners’ Wives'

Surfacing: Junior Prom [New Band]

Words: Saam Das

Is pop a dirty word? I'm not so sure these days. I doubt Mark Solomich and Erik Ratensperger care. The Brooklyn duo form Junior Prom, purveyors of sparkling synth-pop, with an emphasis on the pop. Check out their debut EP below, with particular reference to the glorious 'Sheila Put The Knife Down'.

Listen: Kagoule - Monarchy/Mudhole [Debut Single]

Words: Saam Das

I'm a little bit late on the scene with the debut single from Notts grunge trio Kagoule, which came out at the end of February. Although we were ahead of the curve in some ways, having written about the band last summer - so swings and roundabouts. Have a listen to the fuzzy 'Monarchy' and shoegaze-infused 'Mudhole' below.

TV Review: Jonathan Creek - The Clue Of The Savant's Thumb [BBC iPlayer]

'Jonathan Creek' Special: 'The Clue Of The Savant's Thumb' (UK Airdate: 1 April '13) // Words: Saam Das

It's almost ten years since 'Jonathan Creek' ceased as a regular British telly staple but the sleuth's subsequent returns have always felt welcome, albeit perhaps a tad forgettable. 'The Clue Of The Savant's Thumb' is another welcome addition to the canon, and likely to be a more memorable one at that. Arguably not for the best of reasons. Spoiler-free review below.

Download: Dems - Desire [New Music]

Words: Saam Das

We haven't written about Dems on FADED GLAMOUR before. Which is a mistake. Especially considering how much I loved 'Lioness', a track that the band have surprisingly removed from most parts of the internet. (Search for it and you will be rewarded.) Hypnotic new track, 'Desire', appeared a few weeks ago and the band are now pleasingly giving it away for free.

Month In Reviews: March 2013

Hopefully you've been enjoying the extended Easter weekend, and haven't fallen victim to some kind of "hilarious" April Fools Day prank. In case you're concerned about what lies beneath, we can happily assure you no shenanigans will take place. Instead, have a read through our reviews from March, including assessments on the return of Suede and The Strokes, the terrific 'Robot & Frank', and even the new David Bowie exhibition.