Winter Wunderland

So its June hey? And the sun has still been a feature all week (although as I type this I think I am invoking some kind of ironical clouding over of the sky. Sorry. Its my fault Melbourne... but you can't silence me!). The internationals have decided to give me a small break from the relentless touring over the last couple of months, so I have caught my breath, got out the extra blanket for the bed and gone a' adventuring on the internets.

White Suede

Rock'n rollers prick up your ears. White Suede have put on the blue smooth textured fabric shoes, written some sweet pop tunes and added just a hint of soul. The clever Canadians have just released their debut album Animal Man, and I for one think it is just the thing for a Saturday afternoon that evolves into night, or a cheeky weekday dance. It is full of soulful optimism (Back by the River), lets out its proverbial animal side (Cold Kids) and yet maintains a folkish, playful sound that comes across in many northern indie releases. Just listen to Colourblind below and then go and donate them some money and download this beauty.

Lanie Lane

I went to a ol' fashioned letter writing event last week, hosted by the lovely Claire Bowditch, which got me investigating her upcoming tour, which led me to this beauty. Lanie Lane is a unique voice, talented musician and stunner in a 50s A-line print. Having played with the likes of Justin Townes Earle amongst others, my ears are excited about the impending Winter Secrets tour. Have a look.

Bon Iver, Bon Iver

Thanks to the ineptitude or sneakiness of Itunes, Justin Vernon's new self-titled release was leaked last week to the joy of many internerds. So once I was un-shaped (thanks idiots from upstairs, I KNOW IT WAS YOU) I joined the masses to illegally have a listen before it hits stores.

Truthfully, I was not impressed upon first listen. Gone are the crackly aesthetics and bare-boned heartbreak, and I honestly couldn't separate the synth on the final track, Beth/Rest, from a Celine Dion offering. I was ready to give it a thumbs down, but something stopped me. I listened again, and again, and now, well I'm not so sure.

Yes, it is different. Yes, now he has been inside a studio with money, and you can definitely hear that. But tracks like the opener Perth, and the haunting Holocene let you know that he has not lost the ability to pull on the heartstrings. He deftly combines all that is at his disposal and creates an album that soars higher, is more complex but is not overproduced. It is a fitting second release, and it shows that For Emma was not a fluke, but that Vernon is a very talented composer.

Jury is still out on the last track, but I reckon he'll be acquitted due to the strength of the rest of the evidence, *Bang of gavel*.

Download Bon Iver Holocene