IM // UR | Miike Snow Live and the 'Animal' video

We swear this isn't an ironic listening. We love Beyoncé and 4. OK, we might unironically skip straight to track 5, 'Party', produced by Kanye West and with rap by Andre3000, because we ain't no stay-home-mums that need all those ballads about being broken hearted and finding the right person. But, after that, the album turns into a beautiful compilation of classic r'n'b, soul and a bit of sweat-inducing booty tracks - not too many though - that sound surprisingly courageous considering the actual state of pop music. And for that, we bow down and hail Queen B. P.S. Get the deluxe version, for those extra couple of amazing tracks.

WE // R \\ WEARING

The name of this label has been interpreted in many ways; from 'bass-seekey' to 'base-ike', but the correct way describes exactly what this label is about: BASIC. Bassike delivers easily breezily cut staples with an interesting little twist that keeps them from being your run of the mill. For those that live in climates like that of Australia (where Bassike hails from) or Brazil, you'll know how easy it is to make fashion faux pas when the weather gets hot and the prospect of wearing anything but a bathing suit becomes slightly unappealing; Bassike is all and everything you need.

WE // R \\ WATCHING

Before watching HBO's Game of Thrones, I assumed the series would tend a bit more towards the blood-dripping Danish movie Valhalla Rising rather than fairy-tale stories a lá 'Lord of the Rings'; and for that I didn't really like the series at the beginning. But slowly, I found myself submitting to tales of bad kings, midget juggernauts, savage warriors and... dragons. And that happened probably because there aren't exactly good guys and bad guys here, like there are in Tolkien stories - and that is, of course, a simplification of his work. Another reason I relented to this series is because of the intriguing political backstage element that leads to the ever-happening dance of thrones. Oh, and did I mention the gratuitous nekkid-ness?

WE // R \\ GOING

Of the slew of new spots having opened up in Sydney in the last six months, The Norfolk on Cleveland St in Surry Hills has been one fated with success. Owned by some of the same kids that have brought The Flinders back to life (and currently, it's incredibly quick onset of 'The Norms'), you'll undoubtedly find The Norfolk rammed with all kinds, vying for a bite, a beer and a spot in the garden out back. The aim of the game is to cultivate Aussie pub culture at it's best; and it's doing a pretty decent job so far - if only you could get a table!

WE // R \\ READING

Super Sad True Love Story is the third book from the writer of the best selling Absurdistan, Gary Shteyngart. Incidentally, I read him name dropped in Flavorpill's Ultimate Hipster Reading list and in the same sentence as James Franco (they're buds, apaprently) just before I finished his latest offering. Don't let any of that put you off, or take away any of the sad scary brilliance of Super Sad True Love Story; written from the perspective of one 39 year old Lenny Abramov, son of Russian immigrants and in love with the impossibly cute and cruel Eunice Park. A satire that cuts to the bone, Super Sad True Love Story is exactly it's title. And it's good.

Miike Snow Live and the 'Animal' video

Monday // August 24, 2009 at 11:26 // filed under Music

Okay, before I begin, I'm going to say sorry about these photographs below. They are meant to be of Miike Snow, but my camera ran out of batteries before I got any decent shots.

BLURRY. It IS them, I promise

Anyway, they were playing at Cargo on Friday. Their self titled debut album has been one that's been on rotation quite a lot, establishing itself as one of the most smoothly charming albums I've heard all year. Incredibly accessible without being obvious, this debut is an extremely easy listen, with it's piano driven melodies and the grayscale rainbow of swirling, sparkly electro.

I think they're my Lykke Li of 2009; the artists whose album and remixes I will listen to incessantly until I've wrung it of all it's sweet juice, only to lay them aside in a business like fashion to wait to hear their next releases.

I thought I might drop in to see how they'd measure up live. Admittedly, I can't seem to think of Miike Snow without Britney hovering about too; though for all intents and purposes, aside from their undeniable hook riddled music, there's nothing to connect the two entities.

Andrew Wyatt and someone's head

A six piece on stage, all wearing slick black satin jackets, Miike Snow is, in it's way just as produced as the popstars that Pontus Winnberg and Kristian Carlsson (aka Bloodshy & Avant) have worked with.

I arrived just in time to hear the opening bars of one of my favourite tracks on the album 'Silvia' thrummed out. The first time I heard this song, it literally made me want to die. In the best, melodramatic Britney way possible. Miike Snow rocked it out, with frontman Andrew Wyatt being the owner of a laidback charisma, cranking up some dirty guitar with an extended solo in the middle of the track.

Though the crowd on the other hand, seemed like they knew not what to do in response to the band. I initially thought that perhaps not so many people knew who they were; until 'Animal' kicked in and everyone sang along. I swear to god that they they were teasing me by cutting in Britney samples, but I think that was just wishful thinking. Regardless, Miike Snow didn't fail to disappoint live and I thoroughly enjoyed their gig presence as much as I enjoy them recorded.

In an attempt to make up for my shit photos, below is the new video for 'Animal'. Check it if you haven't already.

Miike Snow - Animal

POSTED BY CHRISTEL ESCOSA

TAGS: Miike Snow, Cargo // LINKS: Miike Snow