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Joe Mooreis incredible. Sometimes we wonder how time will treat the work of such a multifaceted, open-minded author. He offers us music as a whole, as an absolute. The arrangements, the melodies, these are the ends to which everything else is the means. Styles don’t matter, labels don’t matter. There are just songs. His new Mini-LP, “Filter”, released under the name of THE PERFECT KISS, the moniker he reserves for his most electronic compositions, makes this clear. Because just as he has played different styles of pop, the sixties sound and chamber music with his main project, THE YEARNING, with THE PERFECT KISS his musical language takes a major turn. Where “Disconnect”, THE PERFECT KISS’ debut Mini-LP, was a marvelous electro-pop treatise, “Filter” dives head first into italo disco, without letting go of the synth-pop. And again, it’s a triumph.

The eight songs on this 500-copy-numbered-limited-edition, magenta-colored, 10” vinyl are marvelous. While we listen to undeniable hits like “Indebted To You”, “Glitches” and “At The End Of The Rainbow”, we are reminded of FUTURE BIBLE HEROES and CHVRCHES, of ELECTRIC YOUTH and SAINT ETIENNE, of A-HA and YAZOO. With the beauty of “Talking To Myself”, “Compete” and “Trying Your Patience” we are taken from THE POSTAL SERVICE to OMD, from VISAGE to Ryan Paris. When we hear the sonic deformation of &l [ Read more ]

The third advance Single of "La Gran Esfera", the new album by LA CASA AZUL.

Ataraxia (from ancient Greek ἀταραξία). F. phil.: State of mind characterized by tranquility, serenity and freedom from emotional disturbance with respect to the soul, logic and feelings. The human being, through reducing the intensity of passions and desires that can alter their mental and physical balance and strength in the face of adversity, reaches a balance and, ultimately, happiness.

Juanma Carrilo [Director of the  A T A R A X I A video]: I wanted to try to express in images the inexplicable feeling and chemistry that comes from desiring a person for the first time, as if you needed that person’s air to breathe. I decided to capture a simple story of love and encounters, but letting myself go with the flow in the dreamy moments, like the levitations that the ataraxic desire itself produces in the stars of the story. More than just trying to show, without being shy about it, sexual encounters that were full of passion and at the same time a certain pleasure in provocation and the possibility of being seen in public places, I decided to record it using primarily wide angle lenses as a small tribute to the grandiosity that the director Terrence Malick infuses in his movies, especially “The Tree of Life”. For the final scene, I had John Cameron Michell’s crazed “Shortbus” in mind, since the “lov [ Read more ]

After the splendor that was “Psiconáutica” and how well it was received, both by the media and the general public, and after the Single “Primavera Negra”, we are desperate to get more news about Eva,Iván and Mari. For the moment they are helping us get over the effects of our specific abstinence with a song that is putting some of the group’s greatest secret weapons on the table.

Because “Mucho Mejor” has ferocious guitars, catchy choruses, psychedelic ambiances, hallucinogenic lyrics and a slippery structure. And finally, strength, emotion, tension and happiness. That’s the thing about great songs: you start off playing them to satisfy your craving, and wind up with an urge to hear something new a thousand times stronger than when you started and playing the song you have two thousand times just to survive, once again. It’s called pleasure.

And if, on top of all this, Magnetova are in charge of the video again, which includes dozens of tributes to so many of the band’s favorite groups (and our favorites, too), we can only say one thing: We want more songs now! [ Read more ]

This September, the long-awaited second album from ALPACA SPORTS will finally be released. The group comes from a long line of Swedish indie pop, which traces back to groups like CLUB 8 and SAMBASSADEUR. “From Paris With Love” will arrive with twelve new songs that tell us the story of the feelings singer/guitarist Andreas Jonsson had when he relocated to Paris in 2016.

The crystalline guitars are back, and so are co-writer Lisle Mitnik’s lush arrangements. And as always, beneath the optimistic pop melodies, ALPACA SPORTS’ signature melancholy lyrics evoke a subtle sadness, as heard in this second single, “Nobody Cares But Me”. Beginning with the dreamy vocals of singer Amanda Åkerman, the song explores the disillusionment of discovering life doesn’t always turn out the way you expect it to, and the struggles of trying to reclaim our youthful idealism. This dichotomy of expectation vs. reality is further explored in the new video by Carl Jirestedt, where images of our protagonists’ pastoral Swedish landscapes mix with vivid interiors, all loaded with suggestive doses of intimacy and color.

Another thing we like about this release is discovering a B side as solid as “Baby Pop”, a fantastic song that is an exclusive release for this Digital Single. There’s a reason their early 7” Singles are so sought after and coveted – it’s the quality of these “extra” songs tha [ Read more ]

Paola Rivero plays the guitar, Alicia Ros plays the bass and sings and María Talaverano plays keyboards and sings. The three of them, with a drum machine, luminous lyrics, the help of their friend Martín Spangle and a little bit of magic, recorded their first two songs, “Canción De Pop De Amor” and “Momento Inadecuado”, in March 2018. And that’s how the pop craziness began and how it immediately landed at Elefant Records.

Two songs that we are presenting right now as an advance Digital Single of what will be their first release on Elefant, a 10” Mini-LP that will come out after the summer as part of our “New Adventures In Pop” collection. "Pop Para La Bajona" (pop for when you’re down) is the title the Single is being released under, and these three couldn’t bring us down if they tried. “Canción De Pop De Amor” is fresh, direct, honest, sincere, and with spot on touches of humor. It is a good definition of what a solid pop song should be, reminding us of the freshness and audacity of early PAPA TOPO. “Momento Inadecuado” confirms all of this. But what was a declaration before, here is spite. Cynicism takes a small step forward, but the sense of humor and direct, piercing lines continue to shine: “Y si ahora te arrepientes / Cómprate un par de loros / Aunque sólo te mereces / Qu [ Read more ]

“Way Of The Wolf” is the new single from that marvelous album that is “BMX Bandits Forever” and that lengthens the life of an album that should be eternal. Duglas and company continue to show their talents when it comes to playing all the styles of pop. From the clear Beatle-esque-ness of the title track (and for which you can enjoy the tremendous video, once again made by Chris Croft), to the disco-pop spirit of “You Justify My Life”, and the Wilson-esque touch of “Can’t Wait ‘Till I Get Home”.

It is precisely the two previously unreleased tracks that reconfirm to what extent Duglas pays attention to these formats that go beyond Long-Play, including songs that could perfectly be a part of the album. Even the emotional weight they carry fits. “You Justify My Life” is a song that Duglas wrote with David Scott for THE PEARLFISHERS and that was released on their album, “The Young Picnickers” (1999) and which the Scotsman now takes into the land of dance music with irony, emotion, and inspiration. “Can't Wait 'Till I Get Home” was co-written in equal parts by Duglas and his loyal squire Stuart Kidd. 

As Duglas himself said:

"There's a tradition in pop music of songs about lovers who have been separated for some reason anticipating and looking forward to their reunion. They are about the hopes of how they imagine the reunion might be. The listener never find [ Read more ]

Tiempo, Temperatura and Agitación are the three key parameters to keep in mind when you’re dealing with traditional film developing in photography. The developing process requires an artisanal meticulousness with the use of these factors, and they can change depending on the type of film, the maker, etc. and they can make a big difference in the final result. We imagine that fans of Álex Diez understand this perfectly. Because the three variables that give this new album its name (the fifth full-length with COOPER), reflect key aspects to his way of understanding music and, why not, the world: details, craftwork, passion and being careful with everything analogue and vintage.

But let’s take this analysis a little further. What does photography have to do with all thiscategoría What is Álex trying to tell us with this concept of the instantaneous image that is developed slowlycategoría We’re going to explain our own personal theory. Álex is a huge fan of photography, and it’s also possible that the message hides the idea of an album as a snapshot of an artist at a specific moment in time, a reflection of what he is personally and artistically, here and now. And maybe the message is about how difficult it is to achieve a final result you’re satisfied with; it’s the same as with traditional film developing – there are so many different factors that need your closest attention in order to get the desired resu [ Read more ]

This is a new era for pop, in so many different ways, and the AXOLOTES MEXICANOS have been and continue to be, without a doubt, one of the most pressing promises on the national scene. Their Mini-LP and their Singles have been models in audacity and strength. And here they are again, at last! And we can’t even believe it. “Salu2” is an album that reflects a moment in time, starting with the title itself, and the cover.

The instrumental “Intro” and “Astor” go right into what we were expecting – unhinged, hyper-energetic, catchy, youthful and speedy pop-punk with lyrics that twist your heart into a knot. But then “Doble Check” comes on, and your head spins. Those fat, broken, fragile beats, a slippery song that still maintains every last drop of the immediacy of its predecessors intact. Capital letter POP, twenty-first century pop. “Trececatorce” dives head first into sped-up J-pop. “Nacida Para Sufrir” and “Sin Ti” are euro-pop, disco, pop-punk… HELEN LOVE, JUNIPER MOON, SHAMPOO, early PHOENIX… But no, there’s autotune, those twisted frequencies, they talk about TOFUBEATS and KERO KERO BONITO…

And yes, again, only two of the thirteen songs on the album reach the three-minute mark. They maintain the impeccable effectiveness of their choruses, as, to give an example, “Menos 100” and “Vaga” demonstrate. And yes, there are more example [ Read more ]

We enjoyed that foretold surprise that was NELEONARD’s debut album so much, with their singles, their first album and their marvelous live shows. Critics and fans alike praised them. Now the time has come to open a new cycle, with the imminent arrival of their second full-length, “Un Lugar Imaginado”, which will be released after summer. In the meantime, they have left us a wonderful advance song from that highly anticipated album: “El Bufón”. It is a paragon of soul-pop with touches of northern, influences of CAMERA OBSCURA and ALLO DARLIN’, their trademark vocal play, absolutely amazing arrangements, lyrics that, once again, hit you where it hurts, cut you in half, and then just at the last second, smile at you. Like they themselves say: “El Bufón” is aimed at that person you loved so much and who didn’t care about or trust in you. That person shows up a few years later, after you felt awful, looking for all the possible mistakes you could have made, having felt small and insignificant, broken… And they declare their eternal love to you, telling you how much you meant to them and their life, and tries to go back to that time. But you have already moved on… And two feelings collide inside you: on the one hand, anger for the hard times you went through and “what could have been”, and on the other hand bitter satisfaction and the melancholy that remains after the initial ironic-e [ Read more ]

Our “New Adventures In Pop” collection came about as a way to give voice to new artists whose projects captivated Elefant Records (PAPA TOPO, TRONCO, DIE KATAPULT, AXOLOTES MEXICANOS…). But sometimes, some groups spread so quickly online and on social networks, and their songs and messages have such an impact that when their first songs are officially released they are already really well known. They’ve already been applauded by the media and stalked by the most unconditional fans. Such is the case with Chenta Tsai Tseng, better known as PUTOCHINOMARICÓN. A migrant originally from China, he is an architect, a musician, an activist, and a unique, inimitable character in love with pop culture from recent decades. Interviews in El País, La Sexta, El Confidencial, FantasticPlastic, Radio 3… Concerts where the audience goes crazy and songs that are authentic protest anthems for new generations… These have been his first steps in the music world.  

Yes, like we are saying, this is his first record label release, but he has thousands of views on YouTube and has already given us so much to talk about… Some places actually say he is an “influencer” because of how intense his Instagram activity is. Some people will already be gritting their teeth. That’s when PUTOCHINOMARICÓN rubs his hands together and sharpens his quill. His thing is to break down preconceptions and along these lines we [ Read more ]

Tiempo, Temperatura and Agitación are the three key parameters to keep in mind when you’re dealing with traditional film developing in photography. The developing process requires an artisanal meticulousness with the use of these factors, and they can change depending on the type of film, the maker, etc… And they can make a big difference in the final result. We imagine that fans of Álex Diez understand this perfectly. Because the three variables that give this new album its name (the fifth full-length with COOPER), reflect key aspects to his way of understanding music and, why not, the world: details, craftwork, passion and being careful with everything analogue and vintage.

The song that has been selected to be the first advance single of the album is “Infinito”, which is an instant classic in the group’s repertoire right from the first listen, and comes with a fantastic video by AfterliVe, plagued with images of Barcelona, the “new city” the song’s lyrics allude to. Just like on the rest of the album, “Infinito” drinks from the waters of the sonic fountain of youth. Fresh, impetuous, passionate, energetic. The return of the New Wave spirit, updated and brought into our time.

[ Read more ]

This is a new era for pop, in so many different ways, and the AXOLOTES MEXICANOS have been and continue to be, without a doubt, one of the most pressing promises on the national scene. Their Mini-LP and their Singles have been models in audacity and strength. And here they are again, at last! And we can’t even believe it. “Salu2” is the new album of the band. A new record that reflects a moment in time, starting with the title itself, and the cover.

“Doble Check” comes on, and makes your head spins. Those fat, broken, fragile beats, a slippery song that still maintains every last drop of the immediacy of its predecessors intact. Capital letter POP, twenty-first century pop.

With the support of Carlos René on production work and a few songs, which he also plays live with them now, Juan and Olaya Pedrayes have written a surprising album that puts them right in the spotlight of the here and now of national music. "Salu2" will be released on May 2018 in vinyl (500-copy, numbered-limited-edition, transparent vinyl) and digital format, and will definitely have people writing and talking about it. Please excuse us – what we mean to say is, “Salu2” is going to use up tons of megs. 

[ Read more ]

It’s known by all their fans, that cheeky turn toward the dancefloor that FITNESS FOREVER took after their third album, “Tonight”. And that’s why the time has come for remixes – remixes that pervert and reformulate the groove of songs imagined to make the most weightless bodies shake. This Digital Single of “Baby Love” has some absolutely exceptional remixers.

FARE SOLDI are an Italian duo made up of Luka Carnifull and Santana Pasta, who are widely known in the electronic and groove sector. Theirresume isdizzying. They have released on labels like Riotmaker, Kitsunè or Ministry Of Sound. They have played over 200 sessions across Asia, Europe and North America, where their recognizable golden jackets have brushed elbows with names like Calvin Harris, LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, MR. OIZO and THE CROOKERS, among others. And songs by Madonna, Beyoncé, TORO Y MOI, STARDUST have been in their blender, and even a revision of Kendrick Lamar’s super well-known “Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe”. It’s a winning combination, FARE SOLDI and FITNESS FOREVER, to bring to light this infectious, acidic and solid revision of “Baby Love”. Far from the original, new open roads for irresistible grooves.

<br /> [ Read more ]

It’s always exciting, and equally difficult, to introduce a new group to the general public. How do you figure out in words what their music is and express it to receptive ears in a way that doesn’t demystify it or seeming grandiloquentí But we enjoy exploring new, different worlds, like the one RUSH WEEK offers. The duo from Philadelphia was formed in 2016 by Rachel K. Haines and the producer James Benjamin Thomas, who update the NU Disco, Soul and R&B sounds from the end of the seventies and beginning of the eighties. Their first album, “Feels”, sounds like the elegance and melancholy of ROXY MUSIC and TALK TALK, modernized with ST. VICENT, Étienne de Crécy and JUSTICE, with an irresistible pop filter that brings it closer to TENNIS’ more recent songs, and that also feeds the dance floor.

To start things off, “Feelings” breathes life into the New Jack Swing, and gives it a sense of mystery and of emotional strength, like a version of THE XX full of light. It’s just enough to express an abstract, intangible, but powerful feeling. “Stranger Danger” talks about the mysteries of the night, of fear and danger, but with sweetness and an addictive chorus, and a melody that brings us back to Cindy Lauper at her most enchanting. On “Crush”, we can see RUSH WEEK’s disco vocation more clearly, on a song that would play non-stop on the MASTERS AT WORK’s stereo, and that Kylie M [ Read more ]

THE YEARNING was not a group that Joe Moore thought up to have an incarnation on stage; you can count on the fingers of one hand the group’s live appearances in its 6 year career. But the success all their albums have had in Japan has made it so that, at least temporarily, the group has prepared a live show and is heading out on the Japanese road. Over five intense days, from April 4 to 9, Joe Moore and company will take their dreamy and mature chamber pop to record stores, cafes and bars, where they will also present a special, limited-edition, unique vinyl compilation album called “Do You Remembercategoría”, which is being released especially for this tour by the Japanese label DISKUNION. It includes 16 of the best songs released over the course of their career. During the tour, fans in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo will be able to enjoy the songs included on the vinyl, since the set-list the group plans to play will be based on that collection. We are so excited to see all the fans who will flood in to the shows and, above all, to see how such a delicious and exquisite proposal takes shape. More info at: https://elefant.com/grupos/the-yearning/conciertos Before they leave, THE YEARNING will also be playing in the Wales Goes Pop festival in Cardiff, along with bands like AXOLOTES MEXICANOS, KERO KERO BONITO, THE SCHOOL and SHONEN KNIFE. Let’s see if we are lucky and we make the most of the path our Japanese friends are opening up to see them again on [ Read more ]