Akala returns on April 7th with his new single ‘Comedy Tragedy History’, the keen eyed amongst you might remember his previous single ‘Bit By Bit’ a while ago, in itself that was a pretty strong offering (given a tasty credibility boost in the form of good mixes). This track ups the ante even further, the result of a live challenge on BBC’s 1Xtra’s Twin B show where he was challenged to come up with an impromptu freestyle track that made use of twenty seven Shakespeare play titles. The initial track garnered popularity on the station and it’s notoriety spread across to it’s sister station Radio 1 and Akala decided to take the idea a little further. The result is a slice of contemporary word play that mixes his box fresh intelligent style with caustic staccato beats and a wordplay that delves deep into the heart of English literature. Dark growling bass filters in and out beneath Akala’s bullet time delivery leaving you with a track that launches from the speakers and smears you all over the walls. A definite recommend.
Regular readers might also remember me raving about My Federation’s first EP (Honey Bee) well the prelude to their new album ‘Don’t Wanna Die’ (expect a review soon) is a single of the same name (out on March 24th). Mixing such a cheery subject matter along with crooning harmonies, snappy guitar and perky percussion along with a slightly morbid burbling synth line makes for a surprisingly upbeat sing a long track and bodes well for the up and coming album. Great stuff. London gig types can catch them in the raw supporting James on April 17th at Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
Clocks next single ‘Old Valve Radio’ is out on April 7th. Since signing to Island in 2007 they have been recording their debut album with Elliot James (Bloc Party, Fields, Little Man Tate). As a song it’s undoubtedly a well played little effort and well produced. Sadly while it doesn’t offend it does little to set your heart on fire, sounding like any number of identikit bands who have a penchant for sixties jangle and slightly scowly vocals. Inoffensive but I am positive this bunch can do better.
I’ll close today with Camille and her single ‘Gospel With No Lord out on March 31st, in the wake of the walls of guitars and blasts of electronica that assault you on a day to day basis (not always a bad thing you understand). Here is something that makes you sit up and really take notice and it was a close run thing between making this my favourite single of the bunch.
Half whispered vocals sneak in and out of the track to a backdrop of human percussion and sweet spot vocalisations. It’s just so damn different and incredibly playful, you could imagine hearing this in pretty much any context or location. Radio friendly, but with the potential to sneak into a club set as one of those crafty ‘surprise drops’. Her album ‘Music Hole’ is out on April 7th and she is playing Koko on the 14th May.
