Hop Along - Get Disowned [2012]

For Fans Of: P.S. Elliot, Boys & Sex, Yes Please

Genres: Folk, Indie, Female Vocalist

Websites: Facebook, Bandcamp, Lastfm, Tumblr

Preview: 

Our sincerest apologies for the lack of posts as of late. We were busy tearing it up in Chi-town, but now we're back FULL FORCE with a really exciting album.

Hop Along started out as Frances Quinlan's solo project, and has since blossomed into one of the best female vocalist bands right now. Get Disowned was just released yesterday, and we  here at SIGD are very eager to share it with you! After taking a listen, we strongly recommend you to head over to Hot Green Records and purchase the LP. It is only $10. Thumbs up for supporting your artists! And if you happen to be from Philly and/or near the area next month, here's a link to more information about their record release show. Happy listening!

StreamPad: Hop Along - "Laments"

Sonor Pilot by Sahara Surfers

Kind of like: Sungrazer, Elder, Balero
Genres: Stoner, Rock, Female Vocals
Preview:

The psychedlic imagery implied through both the name of the band and the title of the album translates beautifully in a cohesive, textured, groovey-as-all-hell, powerful piece of stoner rock goodness. Fuck ya Austia!

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Eyelid Movies by Phantogram

Kind of like: Sleigh Bells, Starfucker, Washed Out
Genres: Chillwave, Trip-hop, Psych Pop, Electronica
Preview:

"PHANTOGRAM is a trip-hop/psych-pop duo which formed in 2007 in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States. The band consists of Joshua Carter (guitar, vocals) and Sarah Barthel (vocals, keyboards). Their music can be described as a culmination of unique street beat rhythms, psychedelic melodies and organic textures." -Last.fm

I don't know why i have been so drawn to female vocals in music lately, but Phantogram crafts their sound with a lot of style and ambiance. At times this album reminds me of the dark atmosphere characteristic of groups like Portishead and even Massive Attack. Recommended!

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Finest Hour by Submotion Orchestra

Kind of Like: Lamb, Eleven Tigers
Genres: Jazz, Electronica, Dubstep
Preview:

Super tired and I have a long day tomorrow, but I wanted to post this nonetheless. Beautiful female vocals accompanied by piano and sparse deep and full bass tones and electronic drums. Submotion Orchestra blends jazzy progressions and atmosphere with Dubstep tendencies and arrangements in a very mellow and soft way. I've been on a very interesting kick lately involving unique electronica music, and this comes highly recommended; specially when listening loudly though a quality set of speakers, or a good pair of headphones. Turn the lights down low, smoke down, and throw this on for an amazing and relaxing experience.

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Diamonite by Bell (2011)

Kind of Like: Bjork, Feist, Radiohead, E*Vax, Destroyer
Genres: Electronica, Indie, Female Vocalists
Preview: Bandcamp

To be clear-and I think I've said this before- I am not usually a big fan of female vocalists.  I think I've said that each time I've reviewed a band that is fronted by a female.  Anyways, usually it has to really catch me immediately in order for me to like it.

Bell is a New York-based band led by Russian-born, Alaska-raised songstress Olga Bell.  The layered synths and varied percussion create a very beautiful, intricate and catchy soundscape/world throughout the album.  She derives inspiration from Bjork, but her voice is not a high intonation like hers, instead it is cool and confident.  It isn't another imitation of Regina Spektor either- a trend that I hope has died out by now.

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