Brandt Brauer Frick, a Berlin trio of classically trained musicians, redefines 21st century dancefloor music by playing deep house, minimal electro and techno beat with pianos, drums, strings, glockenspiels and even a rainstick. While their incredibly dynamic debut LP You Make Me Real (2010) ranges from infectious house loops to raw and jazzy textures, the trio pushes the envelop further. Recently Brandt Brauer Frick expanded to a ten-piece ensemble so they can play completely live. Mr. Machine (out on October 25) offers some new pieces along purely acoustic re-interpretations of their previous work such as standout “Bop” as well as cover versions, including one of Aurgasm featured Agnes Obel and Emika‘s “Pretend” (featured below).
One could consider Submotion Orchestra a loungy exponent of the dubstep genre. This, however, would do them no justice. The tracks are crafted with more skill and consideration than the average ‘lounge’ sounds, while the subtle approach has nothing to do with the blunt destruction radiated from the average dubstep track. Their debut album Finest Hour consists of soulful tracks pulsating with sub bass fueled emotions & intricate downtempo rhythms, equally able to hold their own when stripped to acoustic renditions.
Lovers of beats and soulful production should not be a stranger to Adam Gibbons. Often compared to DJ Shadow’s early sound, this funky dude is a frequently asked remixer who also produces for acts like The Diplomats of Solid Sound and Frootful. Lack Of Afro rolls original samples into played instruments, making any song he touches feel vibrant and organic, stirred up with deep bass and heavy drums.
Despite Italy’s long and diverse popular music tradition, some seem to equate Italian music exclusively with Canzone Napoletana, grandiose film scores and heart breaking ballads of such artists as Eros Ramazzotti or Laura Pausini. Italy’s vibrant contemporary pop scene is a little known secret. Erica Musci, better known as Erica Mou, is one of the most promising talents coming from Italy’s singer-songwriter scene in the recent years. Erica’s album È (2011) is a collection of raw, warm and intimate songs, evoking true Italian spirit with a global, modern touch. Erica will be playing in New York, Los Angeles and Miami as a part of the Hit Week, Italian music festival, highlighting the catchiest contemporary music Italy has to offer.
Gracious melodies with quirky rhythms. Erica Mou – Giungla Erica Mou – È + Purchase/Visit
“How long can you disguise what you feel with a song?” is my favorite Infantree lyric. Similar to a present-day Déjà Vu, Would Work is deeply poetic with louder rock, banjo-fringed folk and baroque styling. Strong lead vocals, each unique to their three songwriting members, and marvelous harmonies stay my attention alongside progressive arrangements. Every song is a painting embodying the band in surreal brushstrokes detailed with touching piano, disquieted hallways, or Spanish hue. Serious yet playful; connected to growth and learning; the unstitched fibers of their being are rooted in sounds branching out – forming a companionship that includes you. (thx, Elana)
The sunny calypso pop of Jonquil is somewhat of surprise considering the band hails from the decidedly untropical Oxford, England. Geographical location aside, the four-piece’s effervescent indie pop is vibrant, uplifting, and completely infectious. If the horns, keyboards, tropical percussion and uptempo guitars weren’t enough, Hugo Manuel’s falsetto soars through each song with an anthemic flair. “Fighting Smiles” and “Get Up” from their One Hundred Suns EP are a must-have for your summer playlist.
Danish-born and Berlin-based songstress Agnes Obel possesses a natural sense of tone and melody as well as a truly faultless voice. The beautifully crafted somber folk melodies of her debut album Philharmonics (2010) linger in the air and stir the heart. While Agnes vocal delivery brings to mind the long-time Aurgasm favourite Ane Brun, the album ranges from romantic quirkiness of Joanna Newsom to echoes of Debussy. European readers might recognize the bright melody of “Just So”, as the song was used by German telecommunications company and played all over Northern Europe ever since.
The cinematic nature of Icelandic composer Jóhann Jóhannsson’s work has led him to work on countless soundtracks for documentaries, shorts and feature films. And In The Endless Pause There Came The Sound Of Bees (2010), composed as a soundtrack for Marc Craste’s award winning animated film Varmints, embodies ghostly choirs, gentle strings, lyrical piano, all wrapped in the barely perceptible electronic processing that Jóhannsson is known for. Largely orchestral and choral, it is recommended for those of you, who enjoy the electronic synthesis of Fennesz, Icelandic melancholia of Sigur Rós and ethereal minimalism of Arvo Pärt.
Woodkid (Yoann Lemoine) is probably best known for his work directing films for artists like Katy Perry and Taylor Swift, but those successes haven’t kept him from expanding his talent into new realms. With booming drums, powerful brass, and fluttering woodwinds, the uncomplicated title track to his premier EP “Iron” (accompanied by an eery and equally beautiful video) makes you feel like you’ve entered an epic battle from which there is no turning back.
When music reminds me of home, it stirs up childhood joys and fantastic daydreams of life yet lived. Vocal tones threading struggle with hope, telling lyrics backed by bluegrass or folk-rock, with mandolin and banjo especially hitting that note. Gavin Glass does this, as does Sarah Jarosz. On her debut, Song Up In Her Head, she captures escaping wonder with inner intimacy that’s incredible to realize is the work of a 17 year-old. Among her originals is the Grammy-nominated instrumental “Mansinneedof” and brilliant covers of Tom Waits and The Decemberists. Parts of a lifelong journey having a steady pulse of assurance on the road ahead.
Mandolin wind on the road that’s going home. Sarah Jarosz – Tell Me True Sarah Jarosz – Long Journey + Purchase/Visit
Aurgasm seeks to bring you an eclectic menagerie of aural pleasures. We scout out music you've never heard and deliver only the finest. Expect music curiously different, yet simply enjoyable...
Paul Irish is a music-loving web geek in San Francisco.
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Take an active approach in finding music you love. Only you can find what you love. Immerse yourself in it. Buy the CD. Go to the show and meet your favorite artist afterwards. Tell them their music changed you. Support the artists whose work you adore.
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“How long can you disguise what you feel with a song?” is my favorite 
