XL, the label who found success bringing the world The Prodigy, and more recently Radiohead’s In Rainbows, gave the press a showcase of their releases for the coming months at the London ICA. Antiquiet sneaked in.
New videos from Friendly Fires and Basement Jaxx left a mixed reaction – while Friendly Fires demonstrated how to bring thumping samba to the masses with Kiss Of Life, the Basement Jaxx video disappointed, having seemingly been produced by a college student with a pair of scissors trying to emulate Gang Gang Dance artwork. The song Feelings Gone featured Sam Sparro, and although the Jaxx don’t seem to be offering anything to match their former glories, with the album Scars they will likely remain leaders in the UK production pack.
A pleasant surprise followed in a preview of tracks from Gil-Scott Heron’s release I’m New Here, due January 11th. The spoken word soul performer speaks over contradictory grinding sounds before dipping into elements of dub by the next track. This doesn’t seem a safe bet for an indie label who directly competes with the major labels in the UK, but from what we’ve heard the album will be a picture painted from the palette of Dali. Scenesters and artisans will love it.
Some kind of White Stripes footage was also shown (a promo for their forthcoming DVD Under Great White Northern Lights), but I don’t remember a frame of it. What I do remember, however, are the three surprise live acts performed, starting with Holly Miranda who is best described as a female iteration of Jeff Buckley. A female singer-songwriter is never groundbreaking, but her capabilities as a vocalist gave serious wow factor. The XX, a group who spew magic on the demos shared online and on BBC Radio 1, unfortunately disappointed with a bland and uninspiring performance. Don’t ignore this band – but don’t queue too long for a live ticket.
The final set came from Vampire Weekend, with two new songs named White Sky and Cousins from an album due this Autumn. You will love it or hate it – I hate it because I’m not into honkies trying afrobeats on their expensive indie instruments, despite the record-buying public disagreeing with me – but whatever they were playing will be a hit. Unfortunately, not to their faces.
