Rock / Indie Recommendations April 2013

Review: Legendary UK band Depeche Mode signal their return with Heaven, a 12" prelude to their 13th studio album Delta Machine which arrives brandishing four remixes that reflect their highly respected profile. Any record that features Blawan and Matthew Dear on remix duties is big news and both artists excel here; the former indulging his thick set claustrophobic wall rattling tendencies on a Dub version that submerges Dave Gahan's sad refrain deep in the murk. Matthew Dear offers another sly nod to his split musical personalities with one of his trademark "Vs Audion" efforts whilst The Orb's Thomas Fehlman introduces a new alias in Steps To Heaven. Look out for the charmingly dramatic revision from French newcomer Owlle too!

Review: By now, you should all know the story of Atoms for Peace, the new all-star leftfield rock outfit founded by Thom Yorke and Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich. Amok is the five-piece's full-length debut, following a couple of well-received singles on XL and 50 Weapons. While there are obvious similarities with the path Radiohead have taken over recent years - curious beats influenced by dubstep and IDM, haunting soundscapes and intoxicating compositions - there's far greater warmth and vibrancy to the songs than some of Yorke's other projects. Ultimately, it sounds like what it is: a bunch of experimental-minded mates getting together to make music. It comes highly recommended.

Review: The Downwards label inaugurates their new stateside operation Downwards America in superb fashion with the long overdue debut album from Los Angeles duo DVA Damas. Formed of Taylor Burch and Joseph Cocherell, the DVA DAMAS made a distinctive debut back in 2010 with the Brand New Head 10? on the DO sub label of Karl O' Connor's long running Downwards imprint. Burch's intimidating vocal delivery for that release ensured the track remained in our affections ever since and it's excellent to see their sound expanded to a full length album. Our only complaint with Nightshade is it feels far too short at just under 20 minutes, but otherwise their canny concoction of subtle film references and delay laden industrial sounds is a thrilling ride from start to finish. As an added bonus these shrink wrapped vinyl editions include the album on CD!

Review: Taken from their highly addictive album Lonerism, "Mind Mischief" is Tame Impala at their fuzziest, funkiest and most authentically cosmic. Naturally the remixers pay them the utmost respect: Ducktails add heaps of space and dubby reverb and trippy drumwork while The Field slow the whole adventure right down and shove it deep into a psychedelic swamp. Get up to some "Mischief" today!