Culture

Lydia Ainsworth - Hologram



Whilst a student of film scoring, Canadian artist Lydia Ainsworth was secretly working on songs for her upcoming debut, Right From Real. “Hologram” is the first single to drop from the intriguing new artist.

“Hologram” is an ethereal, piano-based, pop hymn. Decorated with haunting synths, a washed out drum loop, and almost Gaelic, chopped up, backing vocals. The track possesses an otherworldly quality, channelling artists such as Bat For Lashes, Kate Bush and Julia Holter. Lydia's vocals are the main highlight, singing a beautiful, gothic, vocal melody, that sort of makes you feel like you're walking through an abandoned castle in Scotland.

Perfume Genius - Grid



Perfume Genius is Mark Hadreas, a Seattle-based artist who is set to release his third album, Too Bright. Following his first single, “Queen,” a sprawling anthem, “Grid” is the second single to drop from what is shaping up to be a bombshell of a record.

Known for his heart wrenching piano ballads, Grid doesn't exactly fit that mould. Instead the track is built on a pulsing synth bass and a booming kick drum. The track starts of slow but transitions into a climax of distorted moaning over a hypnotic, mantra-like melody. “Grid” is a beautiful, polarising track from a highly anticipated release.

Mr Twin Sister - In the House of Yes



Formerly known as just Twin Sister, Mr Twin Sister are a New York-based quintet who have just released their self-titled album, Mr Twin Sister. “In The House Of Yes” is the second single to come out from their stunning, nocturnal, disco album.

The track starts off slow, with a plodding bass line and sweet, sensual vocals. When the chorus kicks in, though, it's like a rush of endorphins. Enhanced by soaring strings and, like, a saxophone? Or something that sounds like a saxophone, anyway. “In The House Of Yes” is a hypnotic, beautiful, washed-out dance track suited for after hours.

Flying Lotus - Coronus, The Terminator



With his new album, You're Dead!, on the horizon, the Los Angeles producer drops yet another single to give us a glimpse of what we're in store for. Boldly titled “Coronus, The Terminator,” kind of like a comic book villain, the track deals with themes of death and the afterlife.

Not in a downtrodden way, however. Instead the track is a funky, psychedelic, gospel track. Featuring sweltering vocals by guest singer Niki Randa that sizzles and every now and then just smoothly burns.

Andy Stott - Violence



Coming off the brilliance of 2012's Luxury Problems, Manchester-based producer Andy Stott returns with “Violence,” the first single from his upcoming album, Faith In Strangers. His press release states the record features "an array of instruments, field recordings, found sounds and vocal treatments" to create "a largely analogue variant of hi-tech production styles arcing from the dissonant to the sublime."

“Violence” is a melancholic, electronic sound piece featuring a haunting distorted synth line and sweet, ghostly vocals. It has a machine like quality and is cold as ice, but is strangely seductive in its delivery and texture.