southern records

Out Now!

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

Pedestrian Pop Hits
CD (Latitudes)

Islands Of Ayle stands as a notable turning point in follow up to Dollar And Deed. Clearly learning from his mistakes the unclear vocals were replaced with more clarity, thought, and delivery. Listeners will find the lyrical confidence of The Streets or MIA tied up with the vulnerability and beauty of Kimya Dawson. The production is now more intricate and melodic as opposed to the straight ahead beats of the past, not too far from Deerhoof's hooks having a handshake with Peaches beatbox. The basslines are a welcomed bonus, as someone finally lent him a synthesiser! During his 20 month world tour for his last album, Dollar And Deed, Cooler utilized his travel to create an intricate library of samples. From vintage, oscillating melodies, to the chopped up countryside field recording on Zhou Zhong (where the spine of the song is based on field recordings of cows' bells Cooler heard while he was traveling in the Swiss Alps) one thing remains constant: this stands as one of the most refreshing records of the decade. A captivatingly precise ear for sound that bonds with each listener.

The Owl Service was formed by Steven Collins on 6th June 2006 as a vehicle to explore his love of British films and television of the 1960s and 70s, the great outdoors and the sound of the English folk revival. A Garland Of Song was recorded and mixed almost entirely at home, with a group of like-minded collaborators, between December 2006 and June 2007; it fuses traditional British folk ballads with elements of psychedelic rock, occasionally bordering on a doom-laden garage sound, and is interspersed with Steven's original instrumental compositions. It recalls the great acid-folk bands of the late '60s/early '70s but never once sounds contrived or overtly retro - nobody has approached trad folk quite like this for over 30 years. SOME WORDS FROM ITS CREATOR: "...I set out to make the most exciting English folk album since Liege And Lief - I'll leave it up to you to decide whether I actually achieved that: it's certainly a celebration of the tradition, the beginning of a joyous re-telling of our song tapestry and ultimately something I'm incredibly proud of. I sincerely hope you enjoy it." Steve Collins (Leigh-on-sea, June 2007)

9 tracks 30 minutes. Debut release from North Carolina post-punk trio Bellafea. Personal and poigniant lyrics wail over fractured beats, and the hooks keep you coming back for more

12 tracks 41 minutes. Third full length album from the Chicago rock three piece. Featuring special guests Andrew Bird and Stephanie Morris this will no doubt be spectacular.