Sydney duo Twin Caverns are one of our absolute favourite upcoming local acts. Blending seductive trip-hop rhythms and melodies with smooth electronic beats and live instrumentation, their sound is as immersive as it is gorgeous, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2016.

We asked Michael and Lou to share three albums that changed their life. Not the most important or objectively “good” albums necessarily, but those which had a personal influence. Their choices are pretty damn gorgeous. Enjoy!

Michael: Flying Lotus, Los Angeles

There was a toss up between this and Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction – that album made me pick up the guitar! But I think I can say more about Los Angeles by Flying Lotus. This album is very special to me – back in 09, a friend from when I was studying audio at TAFE put me onto flylo. It sort of shaped & influenced my writing style immensely. It encouraged me to create my own sample libraries, rather than dig through someone else’s work. It made me think more critically about sound texture and layering. The whole album is so textural. It’s amazing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6SXXx1Fu_4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYo4__B4qfc

Lou: Ainslie Wills, You Go your way, I’ll Go Mine

It was pretty tempting to put Jeff Buckley’s Grace here, but an album that inspires me in a similar way and is a little closer to home is Ainslie Wills’. I only discovered Ainslie’s music in the last year or so, and her confidence and melodic sensibilities constantly blow me away. This is the album I put on when I want to be comforted, reassured, inspired, entranced.. or when I want to do a vocal warmup along to it. Ainslie is uncompromising and unapologetic whilst retaining a sensitivity and delicacy in her music; that I really admire and strive towards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RLBef3iak4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWTyApl-gQI

Michael & Lou: Portishead, Dummy

I look up infinitely to Beth Gibbons as vocalist/lyricist/human; and the production and soundscapes speak to Michael. This album is a longstanding cornerstone in my collection, it’s the kind of album I have had on regular rotation for years and could never tire of. Beth Gibbon’s honesty and yearning is at a peak here, alongside Portishead’s distinct simultaneously stirring and smooth sound. I am always drawn back to Beth making you feel like she’s whispering secrets in your ear at every turn. Bonus points for being bedroom music…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQYsGWh_vpE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJqem6ek4CI

 

We’ve got a super sexy playlist for you this week, filled with seductive electro-R&B, soulful covers and smooth electronica. Enjoy!

1. Twin Caverns, The Crown
Twin Caverns have returned with a gorgeous new single to cap off a big, busy year. I’m proud to say I’ve been an avid fan of the Sydney duo since their very first single back in 2013, and it’s been really exciting to watch them flourish and grow and develop their sound into something so identifiable. The Crown sees the pair drop further down the rabbithole of seductive, synth-infused trip-hop. A lagging rhythm draws you in, while the breathy, hypnotic and sensual melody captures every inch of your attention.Listen to this one on repeat. I have a feeling 2016 is going to be THE year for Twin Caverns.

2. Brand New, Cleanser (Tamper cover)
I’ll bet you’ve never heard pop-punk sound quite like this. Cleanser is the latest in Tamper’s covers series, following on from re-workings of Santigold, Foals, and more. it might just be my favourite so far, if only for the ingenious decision to cover a track by Brand New. While the original track is clean and emotive alt-rock, Tamper have stretched it out into ethereal Alt-J style electro-R&B, with a driving rhythm and gorgeous synth layers,. You’ve never heard Brand New quite like this, but I’m so glad this exists.

3. AZEKEL, The War Inside
We’ve written about UK artist AZEKEL a number of times, and we’ve got a great reason for doing so – every release is better than the last. Anchored by a powerful, thudding bass, Azekel’s falsetto melody is a captivating counterpoint. “If there’s a war inside, there’s a war outside,” he professes, above an increasingly fluid and diverse, sensual instrumental layers. There’s so much going on between the funky synth rhythms and distorted guitar solos, and it comes together in a way that’s not only refreshingly unique, but incredibly satisfying.  The track features on AZEKEL’s forthcoming EP, Raw Vol 2, set for release in early 2016.

4. FKJ, Better Give U Up
If you aren’t yet aware of French house producer FKJ, let me be the one to introduce you. A recent signee of legendary boutique Parisian label Roche Musique, Better Give U Up is a bubbly, bouncy track. Equally soulful and fun, the track marries a smooth, lounge jazz with understated house rhythms and layers. It’s the first time FKJ has showed off his vocal stylings, and is a pretty strong indication that his upcoming debut album is going to be something amazing. It takes a lot for me to enjoy house-based tracks, and this one absolutely hits the right spot.

5. Foreign Air, Free Animal
I’ve been sitting on this track all week and I can’t get enough of it. Foreign Air are a new US duo, blending indie andelectronic elements to create an immersive and really gorgeous sound, kind of like a more seductive, less overblown stadium-rock Alt-J. I adore the thick, heady rhythm and its contrast to the sweeping synths. The sublime melody is dark and catchy, with a gorgeous, breathy lilt adding its own flavour to the soundscape. Foreign Air are set to release their debut EP in February 2016 – I for one, cannot wait.

6. The Weeknd, Can’t Feel My Face (IYES Cover)
I know, I know, who wants to hear another version of one of 2015’s most massive hits? Stick with me. IYES have done something new and something different, and I promise that it’s worth a listen. The chart-topping track has been translated to smooth, understated electro-soul, with duelling male-female vocals adding a really unique element to the cover. The slow, sparse chorus is particularly cool, creating a really intimate vibe that puts the track in a completely new place.

7. MXMS, OMG (On Planets Remix)
This is a really cool remix of MXMS’ OMG. Originally a beautiful, understated indie tune, On Planets have thrust it into a bright, expressive electronic offering. While the atmosphere could not be more different, they’ve retained the intimacy that the lyrics and lightweight melody profess. I absolutely love remixes like this – they take the core of an excellent song, and use it to create an entirely different, but just as wonderful new one – which MXMS have reportedly endorsed wholeheartedly.

8. Free Wize Men, Is Ya With Me?
Manchester-based hip-hop trio Free Wize Men have just seriously caught my attention with the bright new single Is Ya With Me? I really love the instrumental layers. A funky bass, jazz flute and a simple but catchy rhythm, setting the perfect stage beneath each slick verse. Citing guitar influences like Jimi Hendrix and Santana, it’s unsurprising that the instrumental elements are strong, including a short but smooth guitar solo toward the end. Quite simply, this is just a really fun track. Perfect for a sunny afternoon.

9. Jeff Chery, Power (prod. Sam Tiba)
I am particularly excited about this inclusion in this week’s playlist. Jeff Chery is the very first signee to Brodinski’s own label Bromance Records. While the label have traditionally focused on techno, it’s unsurprising that they’re veering toward hip-hop, considering that Brodinski’s last release was essentially a rap record, as was Sam Tiba’s – and let’s not forget about that Kanye production. In fact, earlier this year I asked Brodinski whether he’d be signing a rapper anytime soon – and I see that I finally have the answer. This is a really cool track. It’s understated and almost quiet, with a dull bass that resonates so well against the verses. I’m a big, big Sam Tiba fan too, so this really is a dream release. If this is the calibre we can expect from Bromance hip-hop, then 2016 is going to be one hell of a year for the French label.

10. HONNE, Gone Are The Days
I’m always on the fence about the uniquely Scandinavian electro-pop sound. While I adore the artists on the starker, more jarring side of things (The Knife, Highasakite), the lighter acts like HONNE haven’t really piqued my interest too much. Not so with their latest, Gone Are The Days. The melody immediately draws me in, equally catchy and passionate, with soaring high notes and a fluid rhythm that just floats above the instrumental layers. All in all, this is a really excellent indie-electro track from HONNE, one of the best we’ve heard in some time.

It’s Friday, and that means it’s playlist day, HOORAY! We have a strongly electronic list this week, with a little hip hop and some indie rock thrown in for good measure. Enjoy :)

Freddie Gibbs & Kaytranada, My Dope House

Well this is just a given. Two of the most exciting names in the game have come together on one hell of a track. Opening on swooping, deep synths and a huge beat, Gibbs’ aggressive raps are spat out, effortlessly power and with a flow like quicksand. I fucking love this song and that’s that.

Nosaj Thing, Don’t Mind Me ft. Whoarei

This track really traipses between the weirdly absurd and the beautifully soulful. Pitch-shifted vocals, both high and low, dance around a deep beat and a gorgeous, husky un-shifted vocal line, before some seriously psychedelic taps and beats come in and out of your earphones almost at random, generating an experimental and very strange atmosphere. Dense, but excellent.

RKDA, META

It’s pronounced Arcadia (I know, I was confused too.) It’s dark and strange and kind of convoluted, but once you wade through the ambience and white noise, an intricate track with a solidly experimental, glitch vibe starts developing. Two minutes of interesting sound effects, I’m looking forward to hearing more.

Klue, Way I’m Loving You

A heady beat and bright xylophone-style notes intertwine with incredibly staccato-ed vocals and clean brass-sounding chords. This is a really interesting track, catchy and dance-ready, although I can’t help but thinking how much better it’d be if it were a little less choppy.

Darts, Aeroplane

The Melbourne five-piece caught my attention recently with their track Westward Bound, and I’m so glad they did, because Aeroplane is even better. Refreshingly simple and somehow managing to sound genuine in a world overflowing with indie bands, I’m very much looking forward to their upcoming debut album.

OOFJ, I Forgive You (Dean Blunt remix)

I imagine it was difficult to remix a track so expansive and unique, but Dean Blunt has managed to do it really well. While I don’t like the pitch-shifted vocals as much throughout this version, the slow, hypnotic and demanding instrumental layers are stunning. Oh, and watch out for the two-minute mark.

Henry Green, Barcelona

Henry Green is a Bristol-based teenager, and this is his absolutely gorgeous debut single Barcelona. Slow and emotive, the intimate lyrics and delicate instrumental layers have been pieced together with precision well beyond his experience. This is an absolutely lovely track, and I’m really looking forward to hearing more.

Twin Caverns, Truth

Twin Caverns have become something of a staple in these playlists – each track they release is phenomenal. They’ve just released their debut EP, and this is their final single from it. Sensual and sultry and trip-hop-infused electronica, and there’s a flute – you cannot go wrong when there’s a flute involved.

Feki, Remember

I discovered Feki a few months back through a mixtape, and I’ve really loved his work ever since. The Brisbane producer has a knack for organic, earthly beats that just give off this beautiful rainforesty vibe. Each layer smoothly flows around the next, with keys, rhythms and synths gently twirling and intertwining with one another.

Tinashe, All Hands on Deck (Giraffage Remix)

Tinashe’s track has received a bright, plinky-plonky electronic remix courtesy of California’s Giraffage. It’s got a seriously sick dance beat, perfect for the late night dance floor, but retaining enough of the original’s steamy sensuality. It’s not easy to find that balance, most dance remixes end up giving up the sexiness to make room for banger-ness, but this one’s perfect.

I originally wrote this on Indie Shuffle

Really happy to share yet another beautiful new track from Sydney duo Twin Caverns. Each and every one of their hypnotic releases showcases another angle of their sultry, soulful electronic sound. I feel re-hypnotised every time.

Pyramid has a low beat and a softly syncopated rhythm. The rolling bass leads the atmosphere while the airy vocals and beautiful guitar — which almost gives off a Spanish vibe at times — add a whole myriad splashes of colour and tone. Intertwined to perfection, each layer dances together with smokey precision.

This was actually the first track they actually wrote together. You can already hear how tightly fused Michael Macias’ production is with Louise Millar’s icy vocals.

With a haunting chill and sensual touch, this song is simply stunning. Twin Caverns will be releasing their debut EP, Glass Balloon, on April 8.

This week, somehow we’ve opted for an Australian heavy list just by coincidence, highlighting just how strong our homegrown talent continues to be. We’ve got a fresh disco track from Total Giovanni, a beautiful soundscape from Twin Caverns, psyched out pop from Morning Harvey, a slow burner from Flower Drums as well as electro jams from Elizabeth Rose and Japanese Wallpaper. Hockey Dad‘s new track is also in there, as well as new Danish duo The Wands, and some new Jamie xx and Le1f to finish things off. This is probably one of my favourite playlists yet!

1. Total Giovanni – Paradise

I cannot rave enough about this Melbourne band. Bringing disco back in the sexiest way possible, this is their third single in which they have again absolutely killed it. No surprises there, this six minute track is an irresistible disco number makes my heart melt.

2. Twin Caverns – Pyramid

Sydney duo Twin Caverns are experts in creating dreamy soundscapes I love getting lost in. Their latest track Pyramid is one of their dreamiest yet, with a rolling, expansive beats, Lou Millar’s honey voice and a searing guitar solo that I can’t get enough of.

3. Morning Harvey – Smith Street Swap Meet

Brisbane boys Morning Harvey just scored a new manager (Rock Chazan who is also responsible for The Church and Emma Louise) as well as signing to bookers Select Music, so it’s safe to say things are really heating up for them. What better way to celebrate than to release Smith Street Swap Meet – a brilliant exercise in tripped out nostalgic alt-pop, with frontman Spencer White leading the charge with his one of a kind vocals.

4. Elizabeth Rose – Another Earth

Making the wait between releases completely worth it, it seems Elizabeth Rose has been biding her time before releasing her latest track, Another Earth. Teaming up with Chrome Sparks, the pair are a match made in heaven.

5. Japanese Wallpaper ft. Airling – Forces

Melbourne multi-instrumentalist Japanese Wallpaper continues his run of outstanding electronica with the release of Forces. Joining forces (couldn’t help myself) with Airling, this track is packed with intensity, highlighting just how talented and exciting both artists are.

6. Flower Drums – End II End

Perth darlings Flower Drums are definitely one of the more exciting acts coming out of the West. This slow burner props darker, sparse beats against pop styled vocals to make a beautiful, gentle track still brimming with emotion.

7. Hockey Dad – Can’t Have Them

Wollongong duo Hockey Dad just wrapped up a national tour with DZ Deathrays and Bass Drum of Death, but are showing no signs of slowing down! Laid back yet upbeat, Can’t Have Them is probably my favourite of their released singles, and has got me all kinds of excited for what is still to come!

8. The Wands– She’s Electric

Danish duo The Wands are making psych even cooler than it already was with their track, She’s Electric. They’ve also received a nod from NME so it isn’t just us that’s got us hyped up for more music from the pair. Their album is dropping May 1, so keep your eyes peeled and your ears pricked for more blissed out psychedelia.

9. Le1f – Ooh (Truffle Butter)

I love Le1f, so hearing new tracks of his makes me one happy lady indeed. Delivering his unique rhymes over a Nicki Minaj Drake/Weezy featuring number is an ambitious move from the New York rapper, but one that has seriously paid off. FIRE.

10. Jamie xx ft Romy Madley Croft – Loud Places

Words cannot describe how excited I am for Jamie xx‘s debut album (that’s apparently dropping very soon), and his penchant for casually dropping tracks like it ain’t no thing is driving me crazy. This is one of the more beautiful songs released this year in my opinion, and recruiting fellow bandmate Romy from The xx for vocal duties makes it all the more special. It’s just so lovely.

Here’s our five favourite videos to come out this week so far:

Twin Caverns, Drown
I’ve followed this Sydney duo since their first track, so I’m very excited to share their first ever video here too. As beautiful and eerie as the song itself, find yourself mesmerised by the hypnotic, sensual smokiness (literal and figurative) of their clip for Drown. Follow the story through a deep, green forest and you’ll really get into the track’s atmosphere.

Kucka, Divinity
Another song I fell in love with on first listen, Perth artist Kucka has just dropped the video for her new single Divinity. Like Twin Caverns, the video is as sensual and intimate as the single, it’s essentially Kucka in the shower, but it’s artistic and powerful beyond just being sexual – and you don’t see that too often.

Alt-J, Pusher
Wow, this was somehow unexpected. Soon in town for another series of shows, Alt-J have released a bleak video for Pusher. It’s gloomy and strange, featuring businessmen in dark suits standing around a single man yelling/preaching, breaking down and eventually snapping his own neck. One of their most intimate songs, the video is emotional and incredibly confronting.

The Prodigy, Wild Frontier
In town this week for Future Music Festival, The UK electronic stalwarts have released the third track – and video – off their upcoming album The Day Is My Enemy. The funny little clip features a series of animated characters, mostly dealing with hunting, roadkill, motorcycle accidents and one moose’s revenge. I’m not so sure about the song but I love this clip.

Public Service Broadcasting, Go
Ahead of their album release later this week, these space age artists have released another space-age video. Recordings from space flights intertwine with synths, and the video kind of does the same – black and white scenes of controllers and control rooms mashed up with clean shots of the band and their instruments. It’s simple and beautiful, with a lot of little visual delights throughout.

Twin Caverns are a Sydney two-piece that have been on my radar since the end of last year. The duo, consisting of Michael Macias and Louise Millar are creating really soulful, down-tempo guitar-infused electronic with an honest, enchanting depth to it. Over the past few months they’ve scored opening slots for the likes of Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Willow Beats, The Kite String Tangle and Thief.

Every track they’ve released so far has really hit the right spot for me – gorgeous vocals, emotive beats, husky melodies and a beat that really captivates you. Their latest single Drown is released today, and once again, I’ve been blown away. Listen to it right here:

Perfect for lovers of The xx, London Grammar and James Blake, these guys really, honestly are worth keeping an eye out for. Want more proof? Have a listen to their visceral, guitar-infused trip-hoppy debut Swell, and their breathtaking cover of Bon Iver’s Hinnom, TX.

We wanted to know a little more about their musical tastes, so the duo filled out our segment:

Twin Caverns: My Favourite Tunes

  1. My favourite track to wake up to is…(Louise) Try to Bend a River, Idiot Wind
  2. The best track for cooking is…(Michael) Cookout, Nine High (M-Phazes remix)
  3. The best track for spring cleaning is… (Louise) Cleanse Song, Bright Eyes
  4. The ultimate road trip track is…. (Michael) hmmm either Magic Carpet Ride, Steppenwolf or Roadhouse Blues, The Doors
  5. My favourite love song is…(Louise) Into My Arms Nick Cave. Undeniably weep-worthy.
  6. The best track for sweet love makin’ is…(Louise) Glory Box, Portishead, mmmm. Or anything by FKA Twigs, Movement…
  7. The track that always gets the party started is… (Michael) Lose Yourself to Dance, Daft Punk
  8. The best track to wind down a crowd is… (Michael) Remembrance, Sina
  9. My favourite drunken karaoke track is…(Louise) Gold Digger – Kanye West. Seriously.
  10. A song that always makes me cry is…(Louise) Chelsea Hotel, Leonard Cohen.
  11. I love going to sleep listening to…..(Louise) Wash, Bon Iver
  12. I can’t stop dancing when I hear…(Michael) Golden, Hermitude

And here’s some of it in a handy little playlist for you: