Artist: Abbe May Album: Design Desire Release Date: July 8, 2011 Homeland: Perth, Australia Featured Tracks: “Mammalian Locomotion” (Remixed by Tame Impala)
“Taurus Chorus”
I’m having a love affair with Australian music scene of late and have been particularly obsessed with Perth-based blues rock goddess Abbe May. I’ve been anxiously awaiting her solo debut for…oh, about nine months now. Ever since I stumbled upon her smoking single “Mammalian Locomotion”. Then when I heard Tame Impala remix it shortly thereafter, I knew I was on to something. And so finally, it’s here. “Design Desire” was released today and as good as I hoped it would be. The kind of soul satisfying, ass kicking rock and roll that smacks you in the face and keeps you coming back for more.
God this Aussie effing rocks. I’m head over heels in love with her rock and roll swagger and have been highly anticipating her forthcoming LP, entitled with the same name, due out in May. Just check out her new single “Design Desire” then take a listen to her previous single “Mammalian Locomotion” and the version remixed by Tame Impala and you’ll see what I mean. Hot. Smoking hot!
My latest obsession, Abbe May, released the B-Side to her single “Mammalian Locomotion” called “Disney on Acid.” Her new album is due out later this spring. I’m gonna go dig out my rollerskates now.
As much fun as year end ‘Best Of’ lists are, I find the new artists releases starting in January even more exciting. For me, wrap up lists are more about catching what you’ve missed. But from now until SXSW in March there is always a building crescendo of album releases and buzz. It’s a busy time and fun to predict the bands that are going to pop. So all this week I’m featuring a series on the bands to watch in 2011 with picks from some of my favorite and trusted fellow music bloggers and industry insiders. Sharpen your pencils. Here’s mine to start things off.
Artist: Abbe May Album: Forthcoming Release Date: May 2011 Homeland: Australia (Perth) Track: “Mammalian Locomotion“ (original)
With a new album coming out this spring and the first single already remixed by Tame Impala, I expect this Aussie blues siren to become a household name.
Artist: The Vaccines Album: What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? Release Date: March 21, 2011 Homeland: London, England Track: “Blow It Up”
The demo tape of this mystery band caused an industry sensation in the UK late last year. The details of the group are out, but the hype has not subsided. NME named the group as one of the 20 bands you need to hear in 2011 and BBC Sound of 2011 put them on the top of their list. Already feeling the pressure of the hype, the group has appropriately named their debut album, “What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?”. We’ll shall see.
Artist: Sun Airway Album: Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier Release Date: Out Now Homeland: Philadelphia, PA Featured Tracks: “Put the Days Away”
My jaw dropped the first time I saw this band live. They were the first of three openers. But I predict they will not be a supporting act for long and will follow a similar trajectory to that of, say, Animal Collective.
With their race car getups and feel good Beach Boys inspired music, I think you’ll be hearing more good vibrations from this band in 2011.
Artist: New Mexico (formally Apes of Wrath) Album: Have You Met My Friend? EP Release Date: Out Now Homeland: San Diego, CA Track: “Abused and Amused”
Simply because I love them. So much.
Artist: Lia Ices Album: Grown Unknown Release Date: 1/25/11 Label: Jagjaguwar Featured Track: “Grown Unknown”
Signed by a tastemaker label, represented by the right publicist, highlighted in the NY Times for her CMJ performance, already on the shortlist for SXSW with a debut album set to release this month. And oh, it includes a track with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Sounds like a recipe for success to me.
Dang. The Australian invasion continues. This week it’s Abbe May – a gritty, bluesy, rock n roll throw down. “Mammalian Locomotion” is a track off her forthcoming LP due out in May next year. Kevin Parker and Cam Avery of Tame Impala have just crafted a remix of the track, making her ‘One to Watch’ status even more legit. Tour dates to be announced soon.
the OCMD 