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 …)
Mystery Jets
Anticipation is a pretty powerful feeling, and it can be felt in abundance backstage with the Mystery Jets today. The sun, unusually for a British summer, is blaring in a clear sky as I sit down with the band. We’re in the opulent grounds of Somerset House in London, a beautiful Thames-side historic venue, just hours before they are due to perform to a sold-out crowd at one of the most eagerly awaited gigs of the summer. After the London four-piece have sound checked in the courtyard, I sit down with a quietly excited Blaine Harrison, William Rees, Kai Fish and Kapil Trivedi. “Tonight? Ah, it’s just the warm up for York Fibbers tomorrow,” quips Will, and the rest of band crack up. (More …)
Liars
After eight years of making music all over the world, Liars are now five albums in, with the recent release of Sisterworld (Mute, 2010). Angus Andrew (vocals/guitar), Aaron Hemphill (guitar, synth) and Julian Gross (drums) have finally settled as a crew in Los Angeles, where they continue to inspire, persevere and surprise the listener with musical sounds always ahead of their time. A ‘SUP favorite, and one of the only bands we’ve interviewed more than once (in fact, three times now), we thought it was time to show Liars even more love. (More …)
Comanechi
Growing up on separate sides of the world didn’t stop Japanese-born drummer/vocalist Akiko Matsuura and Serbian-bred guitarist Simon Petrovitch from having the same record collections. Comanechi formed in 2005 in East London’s Dalston neighborhood. They’ve been on the scene for all of five years (having played in 2006 at ’SUP’s old monthly party at the Old Blue Last) but just recently experienced a burst of media attention. (More …)
