International News

Hercules and Love Affair embarking on a disco odyssey

Unless paired with an appropriately modern modifier, such as ‘punk’ or ‘indie’, disco has become a dirty word in pop music - shallow, hollow, even narcissistic.

Dirtbombs drop shell on America, explode rep as one-trick pony

In the words of singer Mick Collins, The Dirtbombs’ new album, We Have You Surrounded, is a concept album about “the United States’ slide into a police state”.

Swedish starlet Lykke Li a little bit loopy

Like the Swedish pop star’s blistering lo-fi pop music, there’s something unnervingly cool about 21-year-old Lykke Li.

Bon Iver got to do what a man’s got to do

Retiring to a log cabin in the middle of the woods of Wisconsin for months on end with no one to keep you company besides a shotgun and a few bits of musical equipment seems like a recipe ripe for a zombie horror-fest.

Invisible Conga People keeping us in the after after dark

Italians Do It Better are rolling out of 2007.

El Guincho’s an island treasure

Knitting Tropicália, space-age pop and calypso together, El Guincho’s Alegranza is one glorious patchwork piece.

Howlin’ Rain back with a storming second album

The first incarnation of Howlin’ Rain did not disintegrate, implode or dissolve - the band merely evolved.

Skeletons and The King of All Cities hairs to the throne

There’s a beguiling narrative thread, linear or not, that runs through, Lucas, the sophomore effort from gonzo-psych New York City avant-rockers, Skeletons and The King of All Cities.

Be Your Own Pet hit London, barf out then depart

It came from the suburbs and ate the dude from Clear Channel.

Cool Kids cold reppin’ realness with a glance to the past

Lost in a sea of New Era hats, Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks stood tall at Shoreditch’s Cordy House in February.

Holy smoke, White Williams is trashing pop

Ever get the feeling that somewhere along the line we took our eyes off pop music and lost it down a rabbit hole?

Only death will set Zombie Zombie free

It’s not often a press biography deserves mentioning, but Zombie Zombie’s is great.

Wildbirds & Peacedrums reject music college, go heartcore instead

“I knew that there was much more to come out of the drum kit than the usual sounds you hear bands churning out everyday,” says Andreas Werliin, explaining the dynamic rhythmic palette that colours Wildbirds & Peacedrums heavily expressive, percussion-driven music.

The Minah Bird

Devo’s Gerald Casale on Faith.

The Stool Pigeon issue 16, May 2008

International News