Listen: Marlais - Blue Swoon [New Demo]

Words: Saam Das

At the start of May, we warned you to keep an eye out for Berlin-based experimentalist Marlais, who has been rather prolific of late. He returns again with a new demo - 'Blue Swoon', inspired by the Pulitzer-winning American poet William Carlos Williams.

Film Review: The Comedian (2012)

'The Comedian' (UK Release: 31 May '13) // Words: Joe Curtis

'The Comedian' is not a funny film. Not really. But director Tom Shkolnik’s debut feature is a masterful character study of people lost in a city that doesn’t care. The film follows thirty-something Ed, who has lived in London for around 10 years, trying to make a career out of his woeful stand-up performances while paying the rent by working at a call centre. After a particularly terrible gig he meets Nathan on a bus home, and the pair begin a relationship.

Surfacing: Kirin J Callinan [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das

Enigmatic genre-mashing Aussie Kirin J Callinan emerged in 2010 with his 'She' EP but we've been playing catch up - only affording Callinan his debut UK show yesterday. Callinan also has the honour of being the first artist to benefit from a deal between the sort-of-Grizzly Bear-backed Terrible Records and XL Recordings. Listen to a selection of tracks, both from his upcoming album 'Embracism' and otherwise, below.

Telly Text #9: Skint + Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life

Words: Jordan Andrew

'Skint'

On Monday night, my Facebook and Twitter was blowing up over this 'Skint', a new show on Channel 4. There were so many statuses full of hate about these folks that I had to catch up on 4oD. As I watched I could slowly see myself also wanting to write a Facebook status about these people and the way they lived.

Album Review: Noah And The Whale - Heart Of Nowhere

Noah And The Whale - 'Heart Of Nowhere' (UK Release: 6 May '13) // Words: Saam Das

Four albums in, and Noah And The Whale have firmly established a reputation as one of Britain's more esteemed bands. The heavy folk influence of the debut album has largely dissipated over the years, instead giving away to an evocative eighties sound. The trend continues on 'Heart Of Nowhere', with an orchestral theme that harks back to their second album, 'First Days Of Spring'.

DVD Review: The Last Stand (2012)

'The Last Stand' (UK Release: 27 May '13) // Words: Maxamillian John

If Arnold Schwarzenegger retired from acting with 'The Last Stand' rather than returned from his political career with it, the title would add an extra post-modern kick to a film already full of intertextual allusions. It would have been a lot better than leaving us with 'Collateral Damage' for ten years too.

Listen: CHVRCHES - Gun [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

Scottish electro-pop CHVRCHES have achieved something of a "meteoric rise" since they came together from a smattering of relatively unheralded other Scottish outfits. Murmurings of approval upon the emergence of their demos were built upon with impressive live performances and a major label deal. New single 'Gun' could be the one that matches their critical acclaim with more commercial success.

Album Review: Daft Punk - Random Access Memories

Daft Punk - 'Random Access Memories' (UK Release: 20 May '13) // Words: Rajan Lakhani

I still remember hearing 'Da Funk' for the first time, while watching MTV. I hadn’t been a fan of electronic music, defined as it was by lazy Ibiza club anthems that sounded increasingly similar. Yet Daft Punk were bold and imaginative, showing electronic music didn’t need to resort to the lowest common denominator. 15 years on, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is experiencing a similar malaise with tracks all following the same formula – can Daft Punk revitalise the genre again?

Listen: Ellie Makes Music - Shaky Hands [Debut Single]

Words: Saam Das

We've been following the wonderful Ellie James for a while, in her Ellie Makes Music guise. Her debut single, 'Shaky Hands' has finally appeared, powered by her beautifully soaring vocals. Download a demo version of the track below, and for those in London, pop down to The Greenwich Tavern to catch her live for free at 9pm this evening.

Listen: Dan Black feat Kelis - Hearts [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

Back in 2008, I wrote about a new solo artist called Dan Black, and his incredible track 'HYPNTZ'. A few months later, he appeared in the BBC Sound Of 2009 longlist. The reaction to his debut album of the same year, 'UN', was somewhat mixed but he's bounced back since - collaborating with Kaskade, Kid Cudi, and now Kelis. Listen to 'Hearts', featuring Kelis, below.

DVD Review: The Complete Existing Films Of Sadao Yamanaka (2013)

'The Complete Existing Films Of Sadao Yamanaka' (UK Release: 20 May '13) // Words: Maxamillian John

This week sees the release of the latest in the Masters of Cinema line of DVDs, 'The Complete Existing Films of Sadao Yamanaka'. Full disclosure here: I consider Sadao Yamanaka to be one of the most technically accomplished directors in history, and 'Humanity And Paper Balloons' one of the greatest films ever made. Don't worry though, I'm writing this review with an ice-pack on my head so I can retain my lucidity.

Telly Text #8: Waterloo Road + Guy Code

Words: Jordan Andrew

'Waterloo Road'

After taking a “school holiday”, 'Waterloo Road' is back to finish off the term and as usual it is never plain sailing. This BBC hit show has had more changes than the Sugababes over the years, with teachers coming and going as well as moving the school all the way to Scotland, which in my opinion still never makes sense.

Listen: Matt Corby - Resolution [New Single]

Words: Saam Das

It's been a while since we last heard the striking vocals of Aussie solo artist Matt Corby but it's been worth the wait. New single 'Resolution' premiered on Triple J radio in his homeland a few hours ago, and is now available for your listening pleasure worldwide below.

Download: Internet Forever - White Light Collision Course

Words: Saam Das

I was rather pleasantly surprised when indie-pop trio Internet Forever's debut album emerged last year, which I described as a "deliriously giddy ride". I can imagine the band bring a similar vibe to their live show, which is handy, as they've just announced a new tour. To celebrate, they're also giving away 'White Light Collision Course' from the album.

Album Review: Mark Lanegan & Duke Garwood - Black Pudding

Mark Lanegan & Duke Garwood - 'Black Pudding' (UK Release: 13 May '13) // Words: Simon Opie

Mark Lanegan may well be the hardest working man in show business since the new millennium dawned, which isn’t bad considering that when he appeared with Queens Of The Stone Age back at the turn of the century, it was rumoured that he couldn’t manage to sing more than a handful of songs per night. Even so, that incarnation of QOTSA was quite comfortably the best, making some notorious badass music until Josh Homme perversely disbanded them.

DVD Review: Trouble With The Curve (2012)

'Trouble With The Curve' (UK Release: 20 May '13) // Words: Maxamillian John

Clint Eastwood has played so many grumpy old men pissed off at young people that it's basically become a genre. Much like Liam Neeson as the angriest lost property officer in the world, or Nicholas Cage as Hell's mercenary defying the forces of evil, it seems like Eastwood has found the one role that corresponds to his self-image in recent years and has decided to play it til he's dead.

Listen: Embers - Part Of The Echoes [New Single]

Words: Saam Das // Photo: manox.net

The Great Escape festival in Brighton is one of the rare places where I might consider "networking" to be acceptable - it's not even really networking, more drinking and enjoying some top bands with fellow music lovers. One such band were Embers, who we had the pleasure of witnessing live, and can share their huge-sounding forthcoming new single 'Part Of The Echoes' below.

Preview: Bushstock Festival 2013

Bushstock Festival (1 June '13, London) // Words: Saam Das

Bushstock is fast becoming one of the most popular London music festivals, returning for its third edition in June. Taking over four venues in the Shepherd's Bush area, the festival has previously seen the likes of BASTILLE and Daughter play in intimate settings before gaining huge audiences. Indeed, Daughter returned last year to headline, providing a mesmerising performance at St Stephens Church.

Album Review: Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires Of The City

Vampire Weekend - 'Modern Vampires Of The City' (UK Release: 13 May '13) // Words: Saam Das

Revered in some quarters, reviled in others, Vampire Weekend have generated plenty of interest since their emergence from the packed Brooklyn scene circa 2007. But with two critically acclaimed albums under their belts, 'Modern Vampires Of The City' is accompanied by a certain amount of pressure. The band has responded in a curiously engaging fashion, offering a mellower sound, with a surprisingly overt religious theme.

Download: YADi - Unbreakable [Feat. Baaba Maal and The Very Best]

Words: Saam Das

Our belated tips for 2013 saw London solo artist YADi make her way into our top ten ones to watch for the rest of the year. To be honest, I'm a tad surprised she's not already more of name. But these things take time and with tracks like recent single 'The Blow' and this free download of 'Unbreakable', I'm still confident YADi has a bright future. She also plays The Great Escape this Saturday, and we heartily recommend checking out her live act.

Listen: Big Deal - Dream Machines [Album Preview]

Words: Saam Das

Big Deal's forthcoming second album is called 'June Gloom', perhaps taunting all of the UK while we try to navigate the rather dreary May weather. Oddly enough, their new single 'Dream Machines' seems to (at least metaphorically) opening up the clouds and shining upon our withered souls. Have a listen below, along with the more psych-influenced recent single, 'In Your Car'.

Telly Text #7: Men At Work & Ben Fogle: New Lives In The Wild

Words: Jordan Andrew

'Men At Work'

Surfacing: Fridge Poetry [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das

We're big fans of Johnny Foreigner over here at FADED GLAMOUR, and always interested in hearing what the band have to offer - whether in their collective or singular form. This time round, we have some exciting new tunes from drummer Junior Laidley (and guest vocalist pals) in his more electro-based Fridge Poetry guise.

Listen: Fight Like Apes - Pretty Keen On Centerfolds [New Demo]

Words: Saam Das

Boisterous Irish lot Fight Like Apes are pretty much my favourite live band. And they're more than decent on record too - their debut 'Fight Like Apes And The Mystery Of The Golden Medallion' being a particularly bouncy delight. They're upto album number three now and here's a taster, accompanying a crowdfunding campaign to help finish and market it.

Film Review: Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

'Star Trek Into Darkness' (UK Release: 9 May '13) // Words: Saam Das

For many, JJ Abrams 2009 'Star Trek' was a revelation - reviving an ailing franchise by appealing to both existing fans and new onlookers alike, with its thrilling drama and comedic touches. A sequel became inevitable, and 'Star Trek Into Darkness' carries forward much of Abrams' impressive style albeit relying too greatly on previous material. Spoiler-free review follows.

Festival Review: Sundance London 2013

Sundance London Festival (25-28 April '13) // Words: Alison Potter & Saam Das

The Robert Redford-founded Sundance festival returned to The O2 in London recently for its second edition, and impressed again after last year's Sundance London debut. Alison and Saam managed to pop down to the 2013 fest to check out some of the finest (and not so finest) films on offer.

Live Review: Vampire Weekend + Syd Arthur @ The Troxy

Vampire Weekend + Syd Arthur live at The Troxy, London (2 May '13) // Words: Saam Das

The Troxy is something of an odd venue, a former East London cinema/theatre that now hosts live music, weddings and mixed martial arts. Similarly, Vampire Weekend's latest venture to the UK was slightly odd, jetting in for the solitary live public gig. Not that the band held back on the night, delighting the sell-out crowd with a string of hits, as well as previewing the occasional new song from their shortly arriving third album.

Listen: Goodbye Chanel - Divine (Feat. Jaymz Dean) [New Track]

Words: Saam Das

It's been just over a year since we last wrote about either Goodbye Chanel or Jaymz Dean but the two combine on a new track here. The duo share an affection for dream-pop which again manifests itself on 'Divine'.

Film Review: I'm So Excited (2013)

'I'm So Excited' (UK Release: 3 May '13) // Words: Lauren Johnson-Ginn

It has been almost 25 years (and a few grey hairs) since Pedro Almodóvar made 'Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown', begging the question why the director has taken so long to return to comedy. In fact, he answered it quite candidly in a recent appearance on 'The Graham Norton Show' - dark films win awards. Being a ridiculously ultra-camp comedy of the highest order then, it’s unlikely that 'I’m So Excited!' will win Almodóvar any golden gongs – but it is jolly good fun.

Telly Text #6: The Voice + Revenge

Words: Jordan Andrew

'The Voice'

Download: Phoenix & R Kelly - 1901/Ignition [The Hood Internet Mash Up]

Words: Saam Das

Okay, so it's highly likely that you heard (or at least heard about) the collab that Phoenix and R Kelly did at this year's Coachella Festival. You might not have heard the more polished version that remix specialists The Hood Internet put out. Download the "Phoenix to Ignition" below for free.

Film Review: Emanuel And The Truth About Fishes [Sundance London Festival 2013]

'Emanuel And The Truth About Fishes' (UK Release: TBC) // Words: Alison Potter

Emanuel (Kaya Scodelario) has never been able to come to terms with her mother dying during childbirth. Her long-suffering father (Alfred Molina) and his new wife are at a loss as how to cope with the depressive and acerbic teen, especially as her upcoming birthday and the anniversary of her mother's death throws her into even deeper despair.

DVD Review: The Oranges (2012)

'The Oranges' (UK Release: 29 April '13) // Words: Maxamillian John

Setting a film in the pristine front yard of American suburbia is always going to cast shadows of 'Blue Velvet' and 'The Stepford Wives', but Julian Farrino’s 'The Oranges' aims for less gruesome subversions. Out on DVD this week, it presents the tribulations of two neighbouring families mired in the quiet discontent of middle-class drudgery as the daughter of the Ostroff clan is received home from a long and self-searching spin round the globe.

Preview: The Great Escape Festival 2013

The Great Escape festival, Brighton (16-18 May '13) // Words: Saam Das

I love The Great Escape, the annual Brighton-based festival dedicated to new music. Indeed, after visiting the festival for the third time last May, I commented that it has "yet again proved to be one of the finest multi-venue, city festivals around." A quote that the festival are even using as one of their testimonials alongside the likes of NME and The Times. I hope to be there again this year, and read on to find out why.

Surfacing: Marlais [New Act]

Words: Saam Das

When we last wrote about Marlais and their excellent remix of Alt-J's 'Dissolve Me', we hadn't the foggiest who they were. But now the pieces of puzzle have come into place, to co-incide with a new Marlais track. Listen to the hypnotic 'Bright Night'.

DVD Review: Bait (2012)

'Bait' (UK Release: 29 April '13) // Words: Maxamillian John

Out on DVD this week is 'Bait', a 3D shark-driven horror from Australia only three decades late to the 'Jaws 3-D' party. Unfortunately, the DVD release is actually in 2D due to technical constraints, meaning you'll miss its glorious popping-off-the-screen action, but only in the narrowest sense of the word.

Download: Bravestation - All We Have Is Us [EP Preview]

Words: Saam Das

Toronto experimental popstars Bravestation return with a new EP, following last year's debut album, 'Giants & Dreamers'. The 'IV' EP is led by the surprisingly R&B-tinged 'All We Have Is Us', which you can download for free below, ahead of the 14th May release date.

Month In Reviews: April 2013

Lots of TV reviews this month, thanks to the arrival of Jordan FG, as well as our usual smattering of film and music offerings. Find out our thoughts on Tony Stark's return in 'Iron Man 3', as well as our assessment on long awaited albums from the likes of Charli XCX and James Blake below.