datA

Let's make one thing clear - I don't know why, but French people, are just better at producing absolute bangers (Ed Bangers to be precise :P). The latest in a looong line of fantastic French producers is datA who first caught my attention with his insanely good remix of TEPR's Minuit Jacuzzi. Now with an album and stacks more remixes under his belt, I predict good things for the most unique/refreshing sound I have heard since Justice dropped their retro inspired bass sounds on us in 2005.
The album, titled 'Skywriter' is drenched with some familiar sounding 'heartfelt' vocals (in Rapture, Skywriter and One In A Million), however listen deeper and there is a quality which grabs you in making you want more. The instrumental songs on the album are remniscent of his remix works which should please anyone who has seen him take on a range of musical styles ranging from Snoop Dogg to M83.
So make sure to check out datA, guaranteed to be ripping up clubs around you soon.

TOMMY C

Time for some up and coming home grown talent, introducing Mr. Tommy C, resident DJ at World Bar in Kings Cross, Sydney. I've known Tommy for a while now, we've always both been heavily into our dance music then came the splitting of paths when Tommy became a DJ and I bummed around at home and started a music blog :P. Needless to say Tommy's work has inspired me to get off my ass and do something so it is fitting that he is the first local act that I am giving the Snap! treatment to.

Whilst he is still very young (and very good looking if all you ladies are wondering) and has alot to learn there is alot of potential for the young lad who has already set up his own business spreading his sound in the never ending quest to get paid.
Much to my excitement I also hear production isn't far off for Tommy who's influences come from a vast variety of sources.

Here is a mixtape recently made by Tommy for a competition, make sure you check it out.

Tommy C Mixtape
Tommy C Mix mashup April 09

THE PRAGMATIC

If only everyone was as nice as the folks over at the Remix Artists Collective. Not only do they make really good remixes, all of which you can find on their site, they're also willing to give us EP's from many of their side projects for free! I'd hate to use the kid in a candy store expression but its so fitting here!

Lately I picked up The Pragmatic's latest EP - Circles. After a first listening all I can say is WOW! If Death Cab were to make love to some cute electro monster this is what they would sound like. Their sound is quite refreshing, especially in You Blame Me, a very catchy tune featuring a light tweety synth loop under more synths - this time of the big and dirty sound. At the other end of the scale there is Deathmatch which once remixed, could easily be a dancefloor killer, the infectious beat will have you throwing shapes instantly, as do most of the tracks on this EP even though its primary outset wouldn't exactly be so.

Their perfect mix of light and heavy sounds throughout makes it suitable for Sunday morning relaxation or the Saturday night before :P.

Grab it right here > The Pragmatic - Circles EP

WE HAVE BAND

British trio We Have Band may describe their sound as being similar to that of an elephant, however there is alot more behind Thomas, Dede and Darren who must be getting a little bit anxious ahead of The Great Escape Festival, only a few weeks away. They first unleashed their song Oh, an incredibly infectious tune that stuck in our heads and left us on the blogosphere wanting more.

Well, I'm glad to say there is more of this unique disco rock trio in Hear It In Cans. We Have Band jacks up the complexity of this track with driven guitars, a strong bass line and their unique layered vocals. It definitely follows suit after the success of Oh and come Great Escape, who knows? We could have a monster on our hands.

we have tunes

WE HAVE BAND - Hear It In Cans

WE HAVE BAND - Oh

Snap Up!

Welcome to Snap!

We're finally up and ready to bring you the tunes that make us throw shapes like absolute loopers. I'll start by introducing myself, I'm Marty and I hail from the great land of Aus (Sydney town to be exact). I'll be doing most of the posting here, but hopefully every now and then we'll be having guest posters (friends, people in the know or both) on here to keep things fresh.
I'll try to broaden your musical horizons by introducing you to all types of music from wonky house to shoe gaze. So to just give you a taste of what to expect, here are some of my favourite tracks from the year gone by and also of 2009...enjoy!

Justice - Stress (Auto Remix)
Well after Waters of Nazareth and Phantom I,II opened my eyes to the insane musical stylings of the two former graphic designers from Paris, the polished version of Stress confirmed for me where my musical interests would lie for many years to come. Opening with eerie strings over a heart like beat, the tone is set for one hell of a track.

Vampire Weekend - A-Punk
Growing up my musical influences came mostly from my dad who was and still is all about the world around us. So when I heard the heavily African influenced Vampire Weekend, I fell in love with the mix of alternative western music with the stylings of such greats as Ali Farka Toure.

Tiga - Shoes (Mr. Oizo Remix)
A guaranteed head banger. Monsieur Oizo chops Tiga's shoes up nicely and drops a dope beat on top giving us extra reason to love the whack yet simple lyrics of Canadian producer Tiga. If you're also looking for one of the best albums of 09, Tiga's has already put itself in great contention for taking the prize, check it out!

Frankmusik - When You're Around
It seems sampling is the new black, and whilst many are arguing those who originally wrote the tunes aren't getting their due recognition, look at what Kanye did for Daft Punk. Frankmusik gives Golden Brown his special up-beat treatment and with a few finishing touches from Boys Noize we have a track guaranteed to please.

Foals - Cassius
Foals have really been one of my most favourite bands for a while now with their unique sound mixing math rock with hints of shoe gaze. The band just oozes awesome-ness with front man Janusz being voted one of the coolest guys out there in 2008, and the band featuring in a secret episode of everyone's favourite show at the moment - Skins. Cassius is a testament to why Foals are such a hit.

Little Red - Coca Cola
Melbournians Little Red stormed onto the Aussie music scene with Witchdoctor, and their album was one the better lesser-known releases of 08. Coca Cola is a simple, short and very catchy intro to the album, revealing that the best advice anyone can give is "co-coca cola and ice!".

Cut Off Your Hands - Still Fond (original version)
Proving that the Kiwi's are a music force to be reckoned with, Cut Off Your Hands' sound is one best matched when one thinks of a soundclash between the Strokes and the Smiths. Still Fond was the first taste we were given of what many describe as one of the best live acts going around.

1901 - Phoenix
Much hype sparked at the beginning of the year after the release of this track by frenchmen Phoenix. The resulting album, Wolfgang Amadeus - Phoenix was easily one of their best, showing there was more to them than just long distance calls and consolation prizes.

Little Boots - Stuck On Repeat
One of the acts to look out for in 2009, with an album being released soon, and already three top singles to boot, Little Boots is leaving big shoes to fill for anyone looking to contest her for awards in 09. Stuck on Repeat (made famous in dance circles by the Fake Blood remix) suits all musical tastes, it can be good for just chillaxing or even if you are looking for a good work out on the dancefloor.

Death - White Lies
The White Lies have burst onto the scene with a style tinted with dark themes however making for great listening no matter what mood you're in. Death is ironically one of the lighter tunes on the album.