All posts tagged The Knife

RKDA – Quartz

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In what might be perceived as a linguistic nod to their Melbourne peers HTRK (pronounced Hate Rock), emerging electronica trio RKDA (pronounced Arcadia) have named themselves in a similarly obscure and minimalist fashion. As first impressions go, debut single ‘Spaces’ left it’s mark by playing with industrial textures in a dark seductive atmosphere. It was a bold artistic statement that (whether knowingly or not) referenced the work of Karin Dreijer Andersson, blurring together elements of femininity with machinery, and avant-garde pop music with experimental noise.

New release Quartz is a beguiling creation that hints at a more organic progression, whilst retaining much of what made ‘Spaces’ so intriguing. Beginning with a freshly discovered tenderness, and underpinned by an almost Joy Division influenced post-punk drum sample, ‘Quartz’ builds quickly in both tension and depth, managing to delicately balance melancholy with a powerful primal feel. These are tiny steps towards a bigger world, and RKDA are making them with a growing confidence in their own identity, and a defining clarity in their ideas.

Quartz is taken from forthcoming EP CS, which will be released digitally and on vinyl via Riot Expert Records at the end of April.

Phill Young

FAE – RUOK

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“This is the place we met and from here we can proceed. A crossfade between the two of us.” – FAE

OH MY LORD. I needed this!! FAE may never realise just how much début track RUOK has affected me, but it feels like I’ve just been brought back to life. A moment of pure ecstasy breaking it’s way through the dark swirling confusion of my mind…

Having previously made music as Battlekat (who created a hype storm with the mysterious campaign ‘Just A Number 05272011’) Copenhagen based duo Jeppe Madsen and Matilde Böcher have re-invented themselves, sweeping away the dark, glitchy electronica of old and replacing it with the sound of euphoria. Emerging like a butterfly from it’s cocoon are Böcher’s unmistakable vocals, taking you to the edge of heaven, before falling away into a dream.

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https://www.facebook.com/weareFAE

Phill Young

Acre Tarn – This Once

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I’ve always been a believer that artists need space and time to develop, aware that those thrown into the spotlight too soon, often end up on scrapheap before they’ve even got going. Manchester is the perfect city to hone your craft, away from industry eyes but very much part of a vibrant and competitive scene. Having previously fronted Letters To Fiesta, Anna-Louisa Etherington will be a familiar voice to many, and it feels like her musical development might be reaching it’s destination with new project Acre Tarn.

Debut track, This Once is a perfect example of how to balance electronic minimalism with inventive textured beats. With the right production now behind her, Etherington’s ethereal vocal channels Karin Dreijer Andersson; darkly seductive, pushing you towards the edge of a dream.

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Acre Tarn support Alpines at The Deaf Institute on June 11th.

https://www.facebook.com/acretarn

Phill Young