Dove Hounds

http://www.dovehounds.com/

After a productive year: releasing a new album as Former Ghosts, touring in support of that album with Xiu Xiu and Zola Jesus, and another tour of Europe coming up, you might expect Freddy Ruppert to be feeling like taking a break...apparently not.

The two tracks on this website seem to have more in common with This Song Is A Mess But So Am I than Former Ghosts. Ruppert's vocals aren't hidden behind any synthesizers or distortion (perhaps the only slight criticism of Former Ghosts I've ever really had), allowing his distinctive and emotional voice the prominence it deserves. These tracks feel raw and clear - every sound is audible, Ruppert’s talent for communicating the most painful (and personal) emotions through his music clearly has not diminished.

With an album only planned for release, and the intriguing possibility of Freddy Ruppert starting a small (vinyl only) label it looks like patience is going to be necessary before anything more is heard from Dove Hounds.

Xiu Xiu Interview...

Link to Tumblr

A little teaser for my interview with Jamie Stewart of Xiu Xiu.


EDIT:
The full interview can now be listened to here: Link to Tumblr

Jack Hayter - Sucky Tart

The first track, 'I Stole The Cutty Sark' contrasts traditional sea-shanty style vocals with discord and unusual instrumentation effectively, managing to tread the line between 'folk' and 'alternative' without becoming dull. 'A Doll's House' is lyrically smart and humorous; "he's got her head in his lap, but her body's in the corner of another room. It's not what it seems...'. The image this creates at first is surreal, but Jack Hayter makes it seem a deeply personal emotional tale.

'A Simple Song' and 'Jacquie I Won't Mind' are pleasant and again emotionally literate. On the evidence of this EP, Hayter's lyrics have a knack for making you think one thing, which is then later revealed as something more. This makes it feel quite touching and personal, as in 'A Doll's House', "It's not what it seems...'cos what it seems is, they're living in a Doll's House". His refreshing blend of sounds and influences make 'Sucky Tart' is a pleasant listen.

Available to order from Audio Antihero on 31/01/2011