Upau – The Creatures Within

We served up a sneak glimpse of this cut in LEM Vol 364. Here is the full version from the LP, The Creatures Within on You Know Me Records out of Warsaw, Poland, each track on the LP, The Creatures Within is a tale of a creature and a tale of transformation, with the titles of the songs being nods to works of prose, poetry, film, games, and myths. Fascinating artwork by Aleksandra Ołdak

Mystic State & Elias – XOYO

An exceptionally gorgeous release on Chord Marauders, an international collective and label founded by the artists themselves. XOYO is from the Japan-inspired four-track Yozakura EP by Bristol-based duo, Mystic State. This EP could be described as the more ambient side of Dubstep – deep, dubby and perfect for indulging…cool sleeve, too.

Amano x Kalabanx – Southwind

Amano is a songwriter, vocalist, poet, and performance artist out of Kerry, Ireland. She works in both Gaeilge/Irish and English. Amano says her work includes folk, pop, electronic and spoken word. Southwind is from her EP Thread, a collaboration with producer and beat-crafter Kalabanx. Much to discover and enjoy here. Highly recommended.

Fir Cone Children – You Are My Animal 

Fir Cone Children – Vote For Me

If for some peculiar reason you have not discovered Alex Donat yet, then you need to get a move on and treat yourself to the vast catalogue of releases courtesy of the ridiculously talented chap who happens to be the mastermind behind Blackjack Illuminist Records. With the new Fir Cone Children LP, Jig Of Glee Mr. Donat is determined to make you do just that – a jig of glee. To aid him in the process Alex has involved the brilliance of his 9 and 11 year-old daughters. Jig Of Glee is an album of pure joy from beginning to end, even though Alex doesn’t miss an opportunity to get his serious thoughts across as in Vote For Me. We need Alex Donat, his daughters and Jig Of Glee to remind us a few smiles go a long way.

Peter Perrett – I Wanna Go With Dignity

After the rays of sunshine from Fir Cone Children it may seem perverse to enthuse over the somber music of Peter Perrett. Yet, Peter says this about his forthcoming double album, “I know some of the subject matter is death, suicide and depression,” adding, “but I feel there is an uplifting atmosphere to the album, because I’m obviously enjoying recognizing what is going on around me.” It’s at this point we need to remember that Another Girl Another Planet is certainly one of the most important rock songs, ever! So much has been written about the song, is it an ode to heroin – to addiction yes, but it’s also an extraordinary love song. It’s no secret that Perrett’s dependency on drugs led to his retreat from the music biz and serious health problems. Now Domino Records are releasing The Cleansing featuring Perrett’s sons Jamie on guitar/production and Peter Jr playing bass plus members of his live band, alongside guests, Johnny Marr, Bobby Gillespie and more. The first single, I Wanna Go With Dignity recalls Peter Perrett fronting The Only Ones from over four decades ago. All these years later, the often-imitated South London drawl is still there, like the early days he has an exceptional band, a winning combination. Respect!

Keeley – Trans-Europe 18

We are extremely fond of Keeley here at Life Elsewhere Tower. Trans-Europe 18 is from the soon come LP, Beautiful Mysterious. This accomplished Irish musician has been busy touring of late and spending time in the studio making quality music. You are advised, if you haven’t done so already to check out Keeley’s earlier work and our conversations.

Nectic – 砂​塵​楼 (Rubble Hill)

This one does sound a little wonky to begin with, but Nectic, an underground musician from Tokyo sorts things out as the vocals start in traditional Chinese. You should know that Nectic translates into “here’s what’s going on” and 100% of the revenue from this work will go to help humanitarian aid to citizens of Gaza, Palestine. The EP is titled, 砂​塵​楼 (Rubble Hill) if you feel like practicing your foreign language skills. Definitely a curio. Love that bass.

Porridge Radio – Sick Of The Blues 

A new release from Porridge Radio is a time for celebration around here. Sick Of The Blues is from the upcoming LP, Clouds In The Sky Will Always Be There For Me, which is scheduled to drop in October. Dana Margolin formed Porridge Radio in 2014, I have been a fan since then and raved about their every single release. I think Dana is an exceptional talent with an extraordinary voice, the rest of the band deserve a big thumbs up too. There is a deeply moving commentary that accompanies this release. Plus you should know that a evocative video for Sick Of The Blues was shot at Centre Pompidou in Paris. A brilliant band!

The Radio Dept. – Pet Grief

An extraordinary coincidence? It just happened that The Radio Dept slotted in rather well at this juncture. Pet Grief is from the album of the same name from this outfit out of Malmö, Sweden. This is their second studio album, an enjoyable effort, nothing too divergent but perfectly competent. 

AK/DK – Nobody Shouts (feat. Thick Richard)

I have no doubt that a few clever-clogs and trainspotters, will ask if this is an undiscovered John Cooper Clarke single. No, it’s Graham Sowerby and Ed Chivers who use the moniker AK/DK with Thick Richard on Nobody Shouts from their rather fine, Strange Loops LP. They have a splendid spoof on the classic black AC/DC T-shirt available. This is the 4th long player from these Brighton-based lads, and a tip of the hat for the excellent artwork. 

The Raft – Memory Of A Day #7

So, while we are talking about Brighton, it’s only reasonable to mention that the great Shoredive Records are based in that genteel English seaside town. This is where Nico Beatastic weaves his magic by releasing damn good music. He has had the smarts to grab hold of Phil Wilson from Liverpool who has been performing under the name The Raft since 2003. Memory Of A Day #7 is from the new album, Look At The Patterns, a strikingly competent collection of songs, perfectly executed. Love the trumpet on Memory Of A Day #7. Another cool sleeve.

Glimmerman – Scatter (feat. Older Brother)

Ethan Begley Hughes AKA Glimmerman is based in London, for Scatter he is joined by London-based poet and lyricist Older Brother. The Temple Sublet EP is on First Second out of Dublin, a label you should check out for a superb array of Electronica, Drum and Bass, Dubstep etc. Especially, Stray Of Light from Babystar.

The Podcast Is Available Here

The artwork is from an iPhone photo taken on a street in Kiev City, Ukraine