Fresh Track: Michael Kiwanuka ft. Dan Auerbach “Lasan”
I was excited to learn that The Black Keys took the time to link up with up-and-coming Brit Michael Kiwanuka during their UK tour. News swirled that the soul-revivalist and Keys frontman Dan Auerbach had recorded a track. Well, the rumors were true, and the track was released in the wee hours this morning. The results can be found below. Auerbach is not featured on vocals, but his fingerprints will be visible to any longtime Keys fan. The song, like the rest of Kiwanuka’s work is simple and of another era. Check out a video of Kiwanuka playing an acoustic version of the track on the streets of Brussels HERE.
“Lasan”
Fresh Track: Robin Pecknold “Olivia, In a Separate Bed” (demo)
Fleet Foxes frontman Robin Pecknold has released a new demo for a song entitled “Olivia, In a Separate Bed.” The material is the first since drummer J. Tillman’s departure from the indie-folk titans a few weeks ago. The song is still in its early stages and is a bit rambling and unfocused. This should not be surprising as the lyrics deal directly with Pecknold’s recent break-up with his girlfriend Olivia. Only apathetic people with frigid hearts write concisely and coherently in the midst of an emotional loss. Apparently, Pecknold unleashed a torrent of bitter tweets regarding his lost love the other day, before subsequently deleting. Ah, young love in the digital age.
The tone of the track is reminiscent of the material that Pecknold released for free with fellow indie rocker Ed Droste last year. Other Foxes, Christian Wargo and Casey Wescott are currently playing shows for their side project Poor Moon. Stream Pecknold’s demo below. It might not be Fleet Foxes, but at least we know Pecknold is working. And that, to borrow Martha Stewart’s words, is a good thing.
Written by Rob Peoni
Band to Watch: San Cisco
Crossing borders and stepping into another scene is a rejuvenating experience from and change of routine. The ability to listen, learn, adopt, and share is at our disposal on a day-to-day basis, which is something as listeners we all need to capture. As bands pop up like microbreweries across our state lines we all need to make it a point to introduce new music to our neighboring scenes. Much like we reach for a new local beer to taste, we oftentimes accidentally reach for an import and end up take a trip abroad. I introduce you to San Cisco – Australian for indie pop.
San Cisco is the third artist from down under that we’ve featured on Thought on Tracks within the last few weeks, following ScotDrakula and Field Trip. The band released their debut LP Golden Revolver last year and has followed up in 2012 with a new EP entitled Akward. San Cisco has clearly adopted the expedited release formula to remain relevant. Flying off the coattails of Aussie counterpart, Gotye, San Cisco will attempt to cement visa status this year on U.S. listeners. Jump into the Australian scene and get ready to soar with “Rocket Ship.”
Connect with San Cisco via Facebook | Twitter
Written by Brett McGrath
Thought on Tracks 