Music Under Fire

As far as topping off this year with much recognition to artists who deserve to be on the top of everyone's year-end lists, MUF's favorite remix goes to Phones, the clever remix specialist from the UK whom we gave a hint of what was coming in our Bloc Party Remixes. Phones has come out with numerous remixes, more great remixes than I could count on my hands and toes, from many of our favorite artists including Black Ghosts, Interpol, Crystal Castles, Holy Fuck and many more.

Phones' 'R.I.P. remix' of of Bloc Party is one that stuck with us for nearly two months now since it was released on the Talons EP back in early November. Although here at Music Under Fire we're not as much into the DJ world as we are to the indie rock side of things, this one hit us in the right spot. Through all of the electronic-driven music, this one combined one of our more likable long-running artists over the last 5 years as one of the greatest emerging remixers out there.

To top off this classy showing, Phones went out with style as he posted a message soon after the Bloc Party Talons remix saying not only was he closing shop, but this would be his second to last remix, next to his Santogold remix. But don't worry, Phones is going underground to emerge once more. He will be working under an anonymous name - if anyone knows what this may be, please let us know!

MP3: Bloc Party - Talons (Phones R.I.P Mix) (buy (UK iTunes link))
MP3: Santogold - Say A-Ha (Phones Cosmic Mix) (buy)

From Phones:

I let it be known a few weeks back that I am killing off the Phones moniker once and for all. The reasons are simple really.. that I feel I've just about exhausted the creativity in how I have done 40 remixes for various people and felt like it was better to leave it there than to continue and risk spoiling some of the things I've done.

The last few mixes I've done were hard work and I felt like I need to start afresh under a new name.. anonymously.

The things that excite me musically change all the time and it feels like a shame to be stuck in one groove when there is a lot more to explore outside of those confines.

Px

After months of touring, the Cal pals of Sherwood have decided to settle back into the studio to work on a new album, which is scheduled to release around June. Before they shut themselves behind closed doors, they have released a free mp3 in time for the holiday season.

Titled "Snowing in Seattle", the single obviously fits the season as sleigh bells jingle and snow is mentioned. The rest just highlights what has helped develop the five-man group from crashers of the Warp Tour to a key part of MySpace's budding label. To get this free track head over to their MySpace page. No email or phone number necessary.

The band has most recently released their self-titled EP as well as the A Different Light album. Formed out of Joe Greenetz (drums), Nate Henry (vocals, bass), Dan Koch (guitar, vocals), Mike Leibovich (keyboard, percussion) and David Provenzano (guitar, vocals), Sherwood grouped back in 2002 and has since released various other recordings. For more, check their website out.

MP3: Sherwood - Snowing In Seattle (buy)

We were hooked after Several Arrows Later and following every step afterwards, we've arrived at yet another gem created by Matt Pond PA. Here in PA (Pennsylvania), things are getting messy and turning out quite like that picture above. Some sun has been around, and some snow showed up for a day or so, but we're quite happy with our temporate weather up here in the Northeast overall.

You can download the album for FREE right here.

If you live anywhere more north and are getting snowed on like crazy, perhaps this EP, FREE ep that is, will brighten your spirits.

MP3: Matt Pond PA - First Light (buy)

Surprisingly, we haven't written a word about Scotland's Glasvegas all year despite numerous discussions amongst ourselves about lead singer James Allen and their new self-titled album.

The news begins like many other groups this time of the year, as Glasvegas is releasing their own holiday EP (A Snowflake Fell (And It Felt Like A Kiss)). Both the holiday tracks and the regular album are being bundled together for a lower-than-normal price through iTunes. If you already own the album and just want just the Christmas EP, head here.

The real news is that the album initially released in September but will be making its way to the U.S., starting with a live act at the Virgin Megastore in New York City on January 5, which is the same day they will be appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman. The video for their song "Please Come Back Home" is below along with the U.S. tour dates.

For more info on Glasvegas, hit up their website.

Since their 2005 release of Flock, Music Under Fire has been quietly anticipating news from Ireland's Bell X1, who have experienced great success outside of the U.S. but a definite lack inside.

To ignite the buzz a bit more, Bell X1 have given a glimpse to their new album Blue Lights On The Runway with a video and the "How Your Heart Is Wired" track on their MySpace. The album is slated to also have the known tracks "Blow In's" and "One String Harp".

Bell X1, composed of Brian Crosby, Dave Geraghty, Paul Noonan and Dominic Phillips, only released in the U.S. this year although their initial release was three years prior. This coming album will be their fourth, following Flock, Music In Mouth and Neither Am I.

MP3: Bell X1 - Eve, the Apple of My Eye (buy)
MP3: Bell X1 - Heartlands (buy)

Located at the edge of the Atlas District inside D.C., The Red and The Black bar claimed host to North of Canada and several other emerging indie bands from around the country. Although the other bands (Southeast Engine and The Shiftless Rounders) won't be mentioned in this review, definitely check them out since their sounds kept the audience wide-eyed and slack-jawed.
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North of Canada

Despite not being the headliner, a jittery crowd appeared hyped for what turned out to be an energy-packed set from North of Canada. From the intricate dual vocals of Robert France (Kuczynski) and Brazenly Rye (Ryan Kobb) to the masterful play of The General (Mark Kuczynski) on the drums and the deep-rooted impressionism on the bass from The Admiral (Mike Lashinsky), each member of the group hung to each other in a manner that spoke of camaraderie.

Influences from Supergrass, Blur, Built to Spill, Nada Surf, Albert Hammond Jr., Graham Coxon, Ghost City and Johnny Headband came through in spurts throughout the set as wily Brit-pop lyrics mixed with laid-back jam-band riffs. Outside of the group's fine performance, the venue didn't offer the best acoustics, which were designed for less electric and more acoustic, both of which hurt NoC.

North of Canada will be releasing a six-track EP in late winter along with another EP at some other point next year. For pictures from the show, head to MusicUnderFire's facebook, or check out NoC on facebook or MySpace.