James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream

Too soon for more James Blake? Never! "The Wilhelm Scream" is actually from the less-samples-and-more-vocals self titled album, and it's a hypnotizing brain worm.

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

After three long years, Fleet Foxes finally return with a new album titled Helplessness Blues. Oh, you're so welcome. They're kind enough to give us the title track for appetizing pleasure: building up with soft ramblin' blues, their signature vocal harmonies surely come crashing in, flooding the scenery. It all ends in with a withering waltz; a class act.   

mp3: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

James Blake - Footnotes

As far as minimalist dubstep music goes, it doesn't get more unintuitive as this structured mess, or more compelling for that matter. Its builds on an unlikely combination of soft, clattering beats and alien talk being tased by paralyzing synths. The track is actually from last year's CMYK EP, but it was compelling to revisit while anticipating James Blake's more soulful self-titled debut album (cover art above), out in February.

mp3: James Blake - Footnotes

Panda Bear - Atiba Song

This is a treat for those eagerly awaiting Panda Bear's new LP, Tomboy; more so if you have or ever had a thing for skateboarding. He does a great job soundtracking this clip and gives a fresh, sentimental perspective on the sport. The track won't be in the new album, and, honestly, it doesn't feel like it belongs in that soundscape. It's already in the right place anyway.

mp3: Panda Bear - Atiba Song

Wild Nothing - Vultures Like Lovers

Apparently, this one's been out for quite a while now; but for many, they heard it first on Wild Nothing's latest EP, Golden Haze. The EP is, in contrast to the floaty debut album, Gemini, a tad more gritty and aggressive. That's still pretty chilled out by any normal standard though.

mp3: Wild Nothing - Vultures Like Lovers

Also...

mp3: Wild Nothing - Golden Haze

Ducktails - Killin' The Vibe

Sometimes there's beauty in simplicity and repetition. This is a short tale of an escape long overdue, making the best of it while it lasts.

mp3: Ducktails - Killin' The Vibe

Lower Dens - Batman

It's hard to make out what this track is all about. If anything, the dark superhero is surely not something that comes to mind. The only apparent relation is the mystery behind them. Sewer-y guitars, absent minded drumming, and a combination of wavering falsetto and crooning, low vocals make this song an intriguing concoction.

High Highs - Flowers Bloom

For a second there, it seemed like High Highs were off the radar for good, thankfully not anymore. They just posted this short n' sweet track that sounds like it could be a dramatic album opener. I'd bet on it!

mp3: High Highs - Flowers Bloom

Dream Cop - Marooned

Happy Birthday indeed.

mp3: Dream Cop - Marooned

Also...

mp3: Dream Cop - Beach City/Carol I Know

Best Coast - Crazy For You

I Can Has Cheezburger does Wes Anderson

Minks - Cemetery Rain

Minks are like the nice guy in a group of punks, less attitude and more modesty and nostalgia, but still punk at heart. They're debut album, By The Hedge, isn't groundbreaking, but still creative and refreshing. Check it out.

mp3: Minks - Cemetery Rain

mp3: Minks - Funeral Song

mp3: Minks - Ophelia  

High Highs - Open Season

Promising Australian newcomers High Highs seem like they only have this sweet track and a great Wild Nothing cover out at the moment, but that's enough to know they're headed in the right direction.

mp3: High Highs - Open Season

The Jameses - Fifth Dimension

If you can forgive the awful cover art, check out this pumped up clackering psychedelic shit-storm from The Jameses' latest 7", Caribou. Aspirin recommended.

mp3: The Jameses - Fifth Dimension

Twin Shadow - Shooting Holes

Lazer in the face!