Unknown Mortal Orchestra
During the second half of last year, word began to spread about Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Except no one really knew who they were. Their first track “Ffunny Ffriends” appeared on a bunch of blogs across the world to great acclaim and we were still none the wiser to who had actually made it. But I guess you already know this. That story’s been told already. (More …)
Connan Mockasin
Blonde mop-topped, Warhol-esque New Zealander Connan Hosford is most notably known as the man behind quartet/sextet, depending on the show, Connan Mockasin. He’s a classically trained jazz pianist whose music is often described as psychedelic, (think Beatles psychedelia rather than Hendrix), a term with which he doesn’t necessarily agree. His second album Please Turn Me into the Snat (Phantasy, 2010) is a mix of blues, folk, soul, art-pop and moments of Bowie. There are whimsical instruments in the mix – synths, harpsichords, and drony guitars, as well as odd noises and vocal samples. Although he doesn’t touch anything stronger than booze, Connan’s music would certainly be a welcome companion on a trippy day out. The real strength of the music is melody and pure ethereal dreaminess. Sometimes feeling disjointed, sometimes gliding smoothly, listening to songs such as “Megumi Milkyway Above”, “Forever Dolphin Love”, “It’s Choad My Dear” and “Unicorn in Uniform”, fully confirms that Connan is floating somewhere in the stratosphere above us. (More …)
