Wildbirds & Peacedrums return with one of their catchiest efforts yet.
wildbirds & peacedrums
Wildbirds & Peacedrums - "Keep Some Hope"
New TracksCommentSwedish experimental-bluesy-rock duo Wildbirds & Peacedrums, consisting of husband and wife Andreas Werliin on drums and Mariam Wallentin on vocals and extra percussion, are gearing up to release their fourth album, Rhythm. Their last release, 2010's Rivers, found the band building on their core sound with the addition of a large choir, and Wallentin went solo last year on one of 2013's greatest records, Blood Donation, which contained lots of angular guitar, bass, and synths. But now the duo are back, and it seems they're up to their old tricks.
"Keep Some Hope" opens with big, heavy drums and shakers, before Wallentin comes in. Her vocals have pretty much always been WB&PD's biggest asset - they're so full of soul and power, and she has an uncanny way with melody, often going places we would never expect. There is something very elemental about their sound, and it's nice to see their sound growing bolder with each record. There's an implacable aspect to their sound, wonderfully illustrated by this single: this song falls squarely in their wheelhouse, and yet I don't think it could fit comfortably on any of their prior releases, or even Blood Donation. A plea for hope leads to an oddly catchy chorus, and this song (as well as lead single "The Offbeat") leave me eager for this record.
Rhythm is out November 3 via Leaf Label.
Wild Birds & Peacedrums - "The Offbeat"
New TracksCommentSweden's Wildbirds & Peacedrums drops a new track titled "The Offbeat," which looks like it's going to be landing on the duo's next full-length album, Rhythm. Not a surprising title from this band considering much of their past material has featured nothing but vocals and drums, and that's exactly how this new track feels. Aside from a few spare "plinks" and glitches hanging in the background, Mariam Wallentin's voice passionately rides the building drum work of Andreas Werliin.
Despite the lack of accompaniment, once again, Mariam and Andreas sound great. Mariam's vocals continue to be a powerhouse of passion, and the Andreas' grooves really keep the tension up.
It's nice to hear W&P get back into the swing of things after the release of Mariam's debut solo album, which I loved last year.
Look for Rhythm on November 3rd via the Leaf Label.
Mariam The Believer - "To Conquer Pain With Love"
New TracksCommentThe beloved Mariam The Believer drops a simple, somber organ ballad with the track "To Conquer Pain With Love," which is set for release on a forthcoming EP titled The Wind. Not only was this track build of first takes, but it seems all the tracks on this EP will be organ ballads. The release date is June 18th, and I'm told we can expect more experimental EPs from Mariam in the future. Enjoy!
Mariam The Believer - "Invisible Giving"
VideosCommentSwedish singer-songwriter Mariam the Believer has shared the music video for Blood Donation cut "Invisible Giving." The video certainly delivers on the repeated lyric "make a hole, make a hole," with Mariam doing nothing but digging a hole for its nearly 8-minute-long runtime.
Watch a review for this year's Blood Donation here: