Category: artists to watch for in 2011

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2010 releases artists to watch for in 2011 music

Matthew and the Atlas – I Will Remain

There comes a time in every man’s life where he needs to truly admit that he’s reached that particular age when the banjo is undeniably, incontrovertibly his most favourite instrument. And, if any band could convince you of that moment, it could be Matthew and the Atlas.

Matthew and the Atlas – otherwise known as Matthew Hegarty, Lindsay West, Dave Millar, Thomas Field and Harrison Cargill – are yet another product of jams at the Notting Hill Arts Club, putting them in the same company as Laura Marling, Noah and The Whale, and Mumford & Sons. In other words, if you judge someone by the company they keep, Matthew and the Atlas are damn well positioned for a wider breakthrough.

Hegarty has that kind of Ray Lamontagne/Glen Hansard/Nick Drake voice that just immediately sucks you in and unfolds a story in your head far bigger than your skull should be able to hold. And the band just plays so… organically, it’s like music that you’ve been waiting to hear.

The below track (like the above video) comes from Matthew And The Atlas’ “To The North EP”, and it’s one of my favourite tunes of 2010. “I Will Remain” has a wistful quality that is more genuine than anything I’ve heard in quite some time. It’s the type of song that was made for whiskey and faded jeans.

Listen: Matthew and the Atlas – I Will Remain

Matthew and the Atlas’ new EP, “Kingdom of Your Own”, is out on November 1, and can be pre-ordered here. And, if you simply can’t wait, you can download another track of theirs, “Deadwood”, for free here (well, for the price of your email address).

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2010 releases artists to watch for in 2011

The Mariner’s Children – It Carved Your Name Into The Ground

The Mariner’s Children are one of those happy finds that you just manage to stumble across, you know? I was trying out the Facebook page browse function (warning: time waster!) and came across a page with an interesting name: The Mariner’s Children.

After clicking through, there was a video posted to the wall that absolutely blew me away. A live recording of “Golden Pine”, the string interplay and slow-burn of a start had me hooked right away.

Looking into the band a bit more, it turns out they’re releasing a new EP called “New Moore Island” on 1 November, and giving away a track from the EP, called “It Carved Your Name Into The Ground”.

And damned if it isn’t awesome.

It’s got that same kind of foot-stamping rhythm that Mumford and Sons have made so popular, but there’s something more… I don’t know, freeform about it? It’s relentless, but at the same time, wild.

In other words, it’s exactly my kind of tune.
Listen. Love. Support.

Listen: The Mariner’s Children – It Carved Your Name Into The Ground

“New Moore Island” is out November 1.

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2010 releases artists to watch for in 2011 music music videos

The Chemist – Lullaby #1 (Mercy) [VIDEO]

Man, what a great music video from Perth lads, “The Chemist“. And there’s something about that line, “Mercy sleeps inside Love’s arms” that just really gets to me tonight.

Stick around for the full thing… that last minute of the tune just feels right.

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2010 releases artists to watch for in 2011 digital downloads guitar music

Things you missed while I wasn’t blogging #2: Brandon Clark and the American Standard

So we all know that I haven’t been blogging for a while. In an attempt to make amends, I’m going to post a series of short “Things you missed while I wasn’t blogging” posts that recaps what I’ve been up to/listening to in the last while. Enjoy this peace offering.

Things you missed while I wasn’t blogging #2: Brandon Clark and the American Standard

So, about a year ago, a dude by the name of Brandon Clark got in touch with me to let me know about their new tune that they had just recorded, “Restless”. I thought it was a badass track, and wanted to hear more. Unfortunately, I had to wait quite a few months until Brandon and band managed to get back into studio.

Brandon Clark and the American Standard (photo courtesy of Erike Friedlander)
Brandon Clark and the American Standard (photo courtesy of Erike Friedlander)

Nearly 12 months and yet another name change later (they’re now known as Brandon Clark and the American Standard), Brandon dropped me a line with a copy of their new EP, titled “Honestly”. And I’m really glad he did.

After a few spins, I realised just how apt that title is… because if there’s one word I would use to describe Brandon Clark and the American Standard’s music, it’s just that: honest. I wouldn’t say this is music that’s going to change the world. But that’s ok, because it is – quite frankly – damn fun to listen to and just freaking cool. And the guys seem to be ok with that, and I love the fact that they aren’t trying to be anything other than what they are.

If anything, this is becoming my “favourite band shirt” music equivalent… you know, that shirt you slip on when you need to be reminded that everything’s going to be ok? Yeah. That’s this EP.

Here’s a sampler from the guys, and below that there’s some details on where you can get a free copy of the release.

Listen. Love. Support.

Listen: Brandon Clark and the American Standard – Anchor

You can download Brandon Clark and The American Standard’s “Honestly” EP here, for free. And really, you should. Because I want to see these dudes go far.