What’s hot in 2012 by Hannah Duncan
Damien Jurado
You may have heard of Damien Jurado from Casa Recordings, his mid 90’s (cassette only) Seattle based record label. At the turn of the century he released Postcards and Audio Letters on the legendary Sub Pop label, a brilliant record complied partly from old cassettes, audio letters and answering machine tapes found in junk shops and thrift stores. His new album Maraqopa, released on February 20th by Secretly Canadian, is a continuation of his work with producer Richard Swift, and from the sneak listens we’ve had promises to be something quite special. Think of Wolf People jamming with Beck and The Doors and you will be somewhere close to his vibe. Stunningly Brilliant! damienjurado.com
Duologue
Already touted by Flush The Fashion way before they cropped up on a lot of peoples radars. Talented raggedy bunch of musicians create a sound that Thom Yorke and Beck would sit up and listen to. Not instantly accessible, at times gothic and brooding, but worth your time and attention if you can open your ears. Intelligent music (brain is the new sexy). logbook.duologuemusic.com
Zulu Winter
Give me cowbells until... well, until the cows come home. Zulu Winter had my ear buds at the first clang, before the crooning even started. I couldn’t tire of ‘Let’s Move Back To Front‘ last year, and then unexpectedly ‘Never Leave‘ followed, a nod to 80’s synths. They will be THE band to see at festivals this year despite playing few gigs. zuluwinter.blogspot.com