Sydney two-piece Left. have returned with a new single, Slow Release, documenting the flames and embers left at the end of a once-sisterly friendship between two females, described on their Soundcloud as, “one of the most convoluted and emotional relationship dynamics in existence.” I can only imagine this is based on a true story; beneath the dancey vibes and catchy percussion, the lyrics tell a completely relatable story of that realisation that there’s someone in your life who shouldn’t be there anymore. Like it or not, we’ve all been there.

The vocals of frontwoman Sarah Corry ring out with a sizzling, seething clarity, leading the way atop meticulously produced instrumental layers and a housey, almost jungle-inspired rhythm.

The pair have said that this track is their favourite to date, and I feel that many fans are bound to agree. The track tackles an intimate (not to mention quite unique) theme through its icy melody, while the beats and gorgeous production make it club-ready all the while.

Keep an eye out for tour dates announced soon.

 

Read more: Left. tell Us Their Favourite Tunes

This review has been republished with permission from Indie Shuffle

Image: Soundcloud

This week is pretty electronic heavy, which we don’t mind one bit considering how good they all sounds. From all corners of the globe, but a heavy focus on local acts, this playlist will have you boogying into your weekend in no time! Enjoy!

Chymes, Oracle

This is the first single from Central Coast duo Chymes and as far as first singles go, this one is certainly up there. As magical as the song name would suggest, Oracle is a tinkering, hypnotic song that has hints of Purity Ring with its eerie vocals and captivating soundscapes, but it would be remiss to totally lump them in that category. No, Chymes shine bright on this single and will make just about anyone very keen indeed to hear the rest of what they’ve been working on with their Grow EP out later this year.

Kllo, Bolide

Kllo (formerly Klo) have finally returned with some new music, and holy shit was it worth the way. Bolide is a shifting, jolting number that has elements of footwork and garage-house with it’s beats, but is kept grounded thanks to Chloe Kaul’s heavenly vocals, husky and soft. Showing a bit of a change in direction from their previous EP last year which focussed more on the lo-fi vibes, Kllo have amped up the tempo here and are delving into unchartered territory. We cannot wait to hear what else they’ve been cooking up, nor can we wait to catch them on tour later this year!

Client Liaison, World Of Our Love

The purveyors of fine things and turn-of-the-90s nostalgia, Client Liaison, make their entry into 2016 with World Of Our Love– a liberating, upbeat, exciting song that heralds their return as some of Australia’s best dance artists. World Of Our Love is a dancefloor filler, and it’s thumping beat, swelling chorus and borderline euphoric lyrics make me just feel like everything is okay in the world now that new Client Liaison is out in the world. They’ve also announced a huge national tour, which promises to be their biggest and best yet if this new single is anything at all to go by. Head here for more details on that!

Left., No Way

Sydney duo Left. have been around for a while now, but I have never quite heard them like this before. Delving further into the indie electro arena, the pair are sounding better than ever. It’s an uplifting tune that hides a powerful message. Sarah Corry, one half of Left., said of the track that, “I want to be able to say something in our songs, to use my voice as much as I can in a positive way. ‘No Way’ was written in this time where we see so much deep seeded, dark abuse and mistreatment of women. Women’s bodies being found raped and destroyed by their partners – it hurts me so much to see this. I decided to write a song that was bursting with positivity and a powerful message that we have the power to own our bodies, our lives, our fate.” YES. GIRL!

Aeora, Medicine

Melbourne artist Aeora has changed her name up and really come into her own with this latest single. Previously going under the moniker “Aura”, Aeora is building on the success of New Thing and Out Loud with Medicine – and she is really bound for big things. Just listen to that voice around the 2 minute mark. The production throughout, expertly laid down and throbbing, is vast and massive as more and more is added to the fray. Produced by Owen Rabbit, this is the first taste from her forthcoming record Alt, out in July via local label Riot Expert Records, and we are expecting one hell of a release for that one!

GL, Grip

GL are back with a banger in the form of Grip– another throwback to the 80s in a way only they know how. Released alongside their previous single, Number One which was also a total jam, for Record Store Day last weekend. Ella Thompson, the “L” in GL, said of the track, “Grip is about physical love. This is a recurring theme in our album Touch. When something takes its grip and really has a hold on you, it can feel like a game of cat and mouse. You might say all the right things, try and keep your cool but in the end your body does the talking.” GL are about to go on tour with Client Liaison (mentioned above) and are an unstoppable force live. Don’t miss out!

Kid Cupid, Siren

They’ve already drawn comparisons to the likes of London Grammar, and for very good reason. Indie-electro quartet Kid Cupid make brooding, powerful indie pop with electronic elements infused to give it that extra depth. It’s expertly produced, sounding way more accomplished than their relatively short history would suggest, and it’s because of this that I have such high expectations of what else these guys can achieve. Big things are coming for this London band, with tribal drums, sensational vocals and harmonies and subtle guitar licks to really take it home. Very nice indeed.

Donatachi, Bubblegum (Ft. Rosebud Leach)

Out now via the legendary Sydney party crew Sidechains‘s latest mixtape, Donatachi steps further into his own as a producer and as an artist. Talking of the collab with Melbourne singer Rosebud Leach (who you may recognise from LUCIANBLOMKAMP tracks), Donatachi said, “Rosebud and I both share are deep love for bubblegum pop and wanted to do a sickly sweet, exaggerated version of the genre in this song. We wanted it to sound like Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask’s first dance at prom.” And they have achieved it! Sounding like PC Music meets a fairy or something, this is a shimmering, over the top exercise in pop music but it sounds so good.

Fifi Rong, Forbidden Desire

Beijing born, London based producer Fifi Rong sounds like a more badass Lana Del Rey, with her inviting voice but secret bite. Forbidden Desire is the latest release from the up and coming artist, and a taste of what we can expect from her forthcoming EP out next week. She’s worked with the likes of Tricky and will be featured on none other than Skepta‘s forthcoming album Konnichiwa, so if you don’t want to take our word for it then maybe theirs will help. Seductive, woozy and somehow chilled out even though it’s totally captivating, Fifi Rong holds it down here and makes it sound easy.

Katy B, Water Rising (Ft. MssingNo & Geeneus)

Another shimmering slice of pop from Katy B’s forthcoming collab heavy album, and it’s one of, if not the best we have heard so far. Her album, titled Honey, comes out today and Water Rising is the perfect tune to herald its arrival. The album sees Katy B working with many, many artists including Four Tet, Floating Points, Major Lazer, Craig David, Kaytranada, J Hus, Wilkinson, Jamie Jones, Sasha Keable, Novelist, Hannah Wants, Mr. Mitch, D Double E and more, and has already shaped up to be a formidable release. Working with electronic producer MssingNo and Rinse founder Geeneus, Katy B’s impeccable voice sounding commanding and powerful over the dark track. It’s an impressive song from a sure to be impressive album.

Ahhh, Friday. You bring a lot with you; contagious good vibes, a promising feel and an excited air, but you also bring our weekly playlist of best new tracks – and that is our favourite Friday factor of all!

This week is guaranteed to get the party started. We’ve got it brimming with fantastic new electro slices, some desert blues tunes and even a remix of a track by The Kooks to give you that nostalgic feel. We’ve listened to a hell of a lot of music this week, but we reckon these 10 are the best. Enjoy!

Anatole, Colours

Anatole could quite literally be one of, if not the best producer in the country right now. We here at Howl & Echoes cannot possibly rave about him enough. Every single song is astounding,and every single song outdoes it’s predecessor. Colours is probably my favourite release of his yet, and it’s easy to see why. Recruiting a bunch of fellow Sydney Conservatorium musicians to jump on violins, violas, cellos, double bass, clarinet and flute whilst he lays down his typically meticulous and intricate production, you can hear just how much time and effort he has put into this song. It’s truly in a league of it’s own, as is it’s creator.

Left., IOU

The message along behind this track earns it a special place in our heart. One half of the Sydney duo, Sarah Corry said it’s about “standing your ground and being the sexy, strong, smart woman you are, celebrating an existence where you can live without fear of being mistreated by anyone. It’s at once sexy and powerful, which I think all women are – even though we’re not always made to feel that way.” Fuck yes, Sarah! Not to mention the slinking beat and Sarah’s impeccable vocals – this track has it going on in all the right ways. Yaaaasssss lady!

Lontalius, Kick In The Head

This song reminds me of Noah & The Whale in the way it paints a grand picture with all it’s elements and draws you in almost instantly with it’s emotive nature. Slightly melancholy and forlorn, Lontalius is detached but engaging, and sounds quite nonchalant for someone who has created such an intricate song. This is a track you can listen to again and again and still pick up new sounds, and one I don’t see myself getting sick of any time soon.

Retro Culture, Cold

As the artist name would suggest, this is full of retro goodness. Flume-esque production is laid down, and whilst the song is called Cold, the track is warm and welcoming. It washes over you and, whilst it’s a slow burner, it still leaves you feeling excited and almost exhilarated as it fades out. Retro Culture might be a relatively new name around the place, but if he keeps putting out tracks like this, that will absolutely change!

The Kooks, Sweet Emotion (Montmartre Remix)

Whilst my 15-year-old self might not have ever thought of a dance pop remix of The Kooks, my 22-year-old self is all about it and more. Montmartre’s remix is the first to come from the recently announced remix album The Kooks are planning, and the bar is well and truly set high from this one. Coming just in time for the start of summer, Montmartre have captured everything fun about The Kooks’ unique brand of indie rock and put it through a dance music kaleidoscope, and the results are just so damn good.

I’lls, Let Me Have Just One (Planète Remix)

Two of Melbourne’s best, finally on the same track. The recently announced hiatus of I’lls was one that left more than a few fans with heavy hearts, but it seems fellow Melbournian Planète is here to save the day. Taking the band’s most recent single Let Me Have Just One and turning it into something entirely his own, Planète works his intricate magic to turn the track into a nearly 9-minute epic. Being a fan of creating entire soundscapes, he starts off small and ends up with an absolute behemoth, all the while exercising a certain element of restraint to keep everything under control in the most enjoyable way possible.

Squarehead, Citamenic

Squarehead have been kicking around since 2011, but they’ve recently returned to the scene in a blaze of glory with their latest two track after a year and a half hiatus. Sprawling, dark, heavy and intricate, this is the exact way you would want to herald your return, and the guys have done it so well. Citamenic is the first song off the release, and is definitely my favourite. It’s electrifying and energetic in all the right places, and absolutely spell-binding in the way it works it’s way along. Welcome back Squarehead, please don’t leave us again!

Elizabeth Rose, Shoulda Woulda Coulda (Sinden Remix)

I love when an awesome new song comes out that you just can’t get enough of, and then a slew of remixes of said song start to pop up as well. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving, and the gift is an almighty slice of dance pop thanks to Elizabeth Rose. She dropped this track a little while ago, but now it’s starting to get some fresh life breathed into it – and who better to do that than Sinden? The legendary producer has jumped on the Sydney up-and-comer, and the two are a match made in musical heaven.

Sophie Lowe, Pink Flowers (Kuren Remix)

Kuren is 17 years old, but is already sitting on hundreds of thousands of Soundcloud plays and a very steady growing fan base – and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. From just one listen to any of his emotion-drenched electronic tracks, it’s obvious he’s onto something seriously good. He just dropped his debut EP recently that has everyone talking, and now he’s showing off his remix abilities too by jumping on Sophie Lowe’s Pink Flowers. Let’s just say, this doesn’t disappoint either. Is there anything he can’t do?!

The Family Jordan, It Won’t Be Long

Brisbane mega-group The Family Jordan are local staples in their hometown, but for some reason they’ve never fully broken through. Whilst it is beyond me as to why not, something tells me that they may be about to finally hit their stride with the news of a new album on the way and a new single to boot. Sprawling, captivating and really special, The Family Jordan have always done things their own way and when they sound this good, who are we to complain?

Finally, the weekend is here, and it’s a long one at that! Thankfully, we have once again pulled through to bring you the top 10 new tracks that have dropped this week. There is a really good mix here, from sultry pop to delicate piano numbers, peculiar electro, shoegaze, late night club jams and – of course – some Killer Mike. TGIF!

1. Sofi de la Torre – Lovers Work Late

Lifted from her forthcoming EP Vermillion, this is one rising pop star that isn’t messing around. She’s already had nods from Paramore and Grimes, as well as a lot of Internet love. If you listen to her tracks, you’ll know why. Her honeyed voice and sultry lyrics paired with pop styled production makes for an incredibly enjoyable experience.

2. Adria – Falling

Perth singer Adria has just dropped her debut EP, Shell, and Falling is her latest single. Beautiful and delicate piano is juxtaposed with her incredible vocal range, as it soars with incredible passion before dropping to a faint whisper. Wait ’til you get to the end and try not to melt. Stunning.

3. Late Night Hysterics – Moondance

Following on in our Perth love this week is the new track from local heroes Late Night Hysterics. Labelling it as “Atmospheric Electronic”, they’re not too far off the mark with this new track. Epic, sprawling and captivating, Moondance is one massive track that I was enthralled in from the first listen.

4. Fieldings – A Pleasant Stutter

Sydneysider Fieldings has been kicking around for about a year under this current moniker (she was formerly known as The Understudy), but her simplisitic, less-is-more approach makes her sound like she’s been doing this since forever. A Pleasant Stutter is understated cool, featuring sounds from a Dulwich Hill thunderstorm and a car safety PSA from the 70s, wicked vocals, thumping beats and what sounds like a wall of fuzz descending on your ears.

5. Left. – Liquor Lip Loaded Gun (Sticky Fingers cover)

I’m not the biggest fan of Sticky Fingers, but I could be if they started sounding like this! Intricate, experimental and sweeping, this cover is a tremendous effort and has been on repeat for quite a while now. I really love artists that completely overhaul the track their covering to make it their own, and Left. has done this and more with Liquor Lip Loaded Gun.

6. Sea Moya – Do Things

Psychedelic beat trio hailing from Germany Sea Moya make some of the most interesting sounds I’ve heard in quite some time. Do Things is one of those tracks that makes you sit up and listen, with it’s originality and fresh take on electronica that I just can’t get enough of!

7. MNDR & Killer Mike – Lock & Load

We also have a separate post on this bad boy, but it’s just too cool not to cover. Two of my favourite artists in the game teaming up for one of the most bad ass songs to be released this year, MNDR and Killer Mike both shine on Lock & Load (I actually think it’s impossible for Killer Mike NOT to shine). The gangsta beat with the echoing, almost creepy synth lines provide the perfect bed for MNDR’s sexy as hell vocals and Killer Mike’s epic verse.

8. Phosphene – Be Mine

US rockers Phosphene are back with another killer track in Be Mine. Sticking to their guns, this shoegaze number shines a great light on their lead female vocalist and features a pretty killer guitar solo. This is tipped to be included on their new EP coming out later this year, which has us very excited indeed to hear what’s still to come.

9. LUCIANBLOMKAMP – Help Me Out (Rat & Co Remix)

I fucking love LUCIANBLOMKAMP. He is one of the most exciting electronic artists in the Australian scene, and he continues to deliver excellent tracks. Help Me Out has featured heavily in my most played tracks lately, so it’s pretty awesome to see fellow local electronic heroes Rat & Co jumping on remix duties. Bringing jazz into the fray, they give this twisted, dark track some soul with it’s hip hop backbeat. Also that breakdown is what dreams are made of.

10. The Completely Boys – Hard 4 U

This is the collaborative project of Sweat It Out! Music alum Frames and his friend from bass lords B.O.O.M.A. As someone who is no stranger to late nights in the club, this is the kind of music that speaks to me on another level. The perfect tracks for those 3am times when your body is aching from the heaving bass you just experience and you don’t want to go home just yet, these guys are the new kings of late night club jams.

Photos by Andrea Alcantara

Left. are one of my favourite recent discoveries, and I’m excited to share them with all of you here today. Their latest single Lay With Me caught my attention (read my full single review here) with its husky vocals and subdued melodies, as the Sydney duo get ready to release their debut album Sirens on Feb 6.

Left. are heading out on a little tour to celebrate Sirens really soon. We’ll be there, and we reckon you should head along too. Check out all the tour deets below.

We wanted to get to know them a little better, so we asked vocalist Sarah to share some of her favourite songs with us!

  • My favourite track to wake up to is…this is hard because I am not a morning person…I’ve been listening to Flava by Rich Gang a lot in the morning. I have no idea what Young Thug is saying, but anyone who can pull off saying “Crew Cut” three times in one verse deserves some attention.
  • The best track for cooking is…  Calls by Jill Scott and Robert Glasper Experiment. This song and album (Black Radio 2) is seriously next level.
  • The best track for spring cleaning is…  I’m going to make things clear up early and explain that I am probably in the 99th percentile of Beyonce diehard fans, so this may get a bit one dimensional. Blow is seriously danceable and I need something to get my moving if I’m going to clean at all, let alone spring clean. It’s also about oral sex performed on a woman; a much more empowering ode than My Neck, My Back by Khia!
  • The ultimate road trip track is….Sticky Fingers, Gold Snafu – the bassline, the whistling, the scream-along-ability, it’s got it all.
  • My favourite love song is…  La Ritournelle by Sebastian Tellier – it’s like an aria, it just builds and builds. Classic French drama
  • The best track for sweet love makin’ is…  Good Luv’n by BJ the Chicago Kid. Everything he writes is ridiculously sexy.
  • The track that always gets the party started is…  Kaytranada’s remix of Teedra Moses’ Be Your Girl. He has excellent taste and style. (link)
  • The best track to wind down a crowd is… We generally only play originals, so I guess I could plug Freedom by us – I think it’s a pretty relaxing but uplifting song
  • My favourite drunken karaoke track is…Billy Joel We Didn’t Start the Fire – I was actually put onto this song by a friend and haven’t looked back. I can’t really sing karaoke songs by women because for some reason karaoke tracks are always pitched way too high
  • My favourite song to sing in the shower is…Beyonce’s Me, Myself & I – a down temp precursor to Irreplaceable, which is also in my repertoire (surprised?)
  • A song that always makes me cry is…  Asleep by The Smiths. Most depressing song ever but also beautiful and Morrisey’s voice is haunting…I don’t recommend listening to this song on Sunday mornings.
  • I love going to sleep listening to….. I can’t sleep when there is music playing, my brain latches onto it too much to shut down. But I am deep into songs about sleep – Moon by Sia is an excellently relaxing song. Sia has been a big influence on me and she is killing it right now.
  • I can’t stop dancing when I hear…. Paris by Little Dragon – it’s one of my favourite songs from 2014. Their music to me is the meaning of compelling modern pop music, and they Yukimi has influenced my own melodic and rhythmic vocal decisions. I have also spent a lot of time in Paris so it also makes me miss the city a lot… (PS read our Little Dragon interview here!)

Check it all out in this lovely playlist right here:

I doubt you need any more convincing; Left. are a wonderful part of the Sydney music scene. Here’s all the details to pre-order their music, and grab tickets to see them live:

Pre-order Sirens and you instantly get Lay With Me and Freedom!

Links: Spotify || iTunes || CD

TOUR DATES:

Thurs 12th Feb: Laundry, Melbourne
Buy tix here
Fri 13th Feb: Oxford Art Factory (Gallery bar), Sydney
Buy tix here
Sat 14th Feb: Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
FREE!