Quality Not Quantity: Scatter Factory - Yassassin - Tammy

Scatter Factory - Out the Blocks.

Background -  Scatter Factory presents the new single 'Out The Blocks' from the forthcoming self-titled debut album. Set for release via Flecktone Recordings, this track delivers us a motorik, ghostly and infectious roller-skate bass groove.

This is the solo project of Will Foster, a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and arranger who was a member of acclaimed art-pop band Delicatessen, as well as Top 40 hit-scoring Lodger in the 1990s. He has since written string arrangements for acts under Simon Raymonde’s guardianship, been a touring keyboardist / guitarist with Martina Topley-Bird, Brett Anderson/ Bernard Butler reunion vehicle The Tears, and Heather Nova.  Since 2008, Will has been regularly touring and recording as keyboardist with The Fratellis. Foster neatly sums up his shift in position: “I’m still in the background – but now there’s nobody else there with me.”

Suede’s Brett Anderson, with whom he toured in support of his solo album, describes Scatter Factory's music as “beautiful stuff”. Scatter Factory is an eloquent instrumental album that manages to be both vividly imagistic and intriguingly open-ended, playing as a set piece while ranging across pastoral tranquillity, cosmic spookiness and indeterminate dread. Composed, played, produced and mixed by Foster at his home in Oxford, this album features an array of electronica, pianos, guitars and percussion, while also making imaginative use of field recordings and treated sounds.

‘Scatter Factory’ is a non-prescriptive record that poses more questions than it provides answers and artist James Marsh, renowned for his Talk Talk album covers, has responded to this with a striking, retro-futurist graphic design for the cover artwork. It’s bold and dynamic in a way that befits someone flying solo for the first time, even if they are obscured by clouds. From the nine tracks featured on the LP, one other track ‘PowWow’ (edited version) is available for free download and streaming on Bandcamp. Its mix of light-filled lyricism and downright eeriness illustrates Foster’s knack for shifting mood, as well as pace and tone.

As of July 22, ‘Scatter Factory’ will be widely available through digital stores and also as a handsome digipak CD.

From the forthcomingg self titled album we have 'Out the Blocks', a piece of music than merges elements of Neu!, Kraftwerk and even Can, and yet still has plenty of vibrant originality. This is an incredible album, and whilst I'm name dropping you can comfortably add Vangelis and Mercury Rev into the equation. Some of the music is gently melodic, other tracks leaning towards experimental ideas without being self indulgent, and beyond that you have the steady hypnotic beat of early Krautrock. Collectively this is simply wonderful music, and a must listen for anyone who has a taste for any of the above artists.  

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Yassassin - Social Politics.

Background - Kinetic quintet Yassassin are probably the kind of colourful chaos that you need right about now. With all guns blazing, no exceptions made and nothing left unsaid, Yassassin premiere their debut single ‘Social Politics’. The single is mixed by Margo Broom (Fat White Family, Telegram) and will be available as a limited free download and then released via Enate Records (distributed by PIAS) on all digital platforms in July.

Following successful stints in other bands including The History of Apple Pie and LUST, Yassassin combine insistent, loud-mouthed guitars and throaty bass murmurs with ear-dwelling, pop perfection.

The single is a true reflection of the girls’ ideologies and doing things the Yassassin way. Extrapolating further, they suggest that: ''Social Politics is about standing up to the bullies, both in personal life and in today's society. It's about not always fitting the norm but daring to go your own way. It’s about rebelling against the ‘zombie scene,’ which could be either a social clique where only certain people are accepted, or a society where racism is becoming more glaringly visible.” After just stepping out of the studio with producer Dave Allen (The Cure, Neneh Cherry, Depeche Mode), the band are set to release their debut EP later in the year.

Tuesday 9th August - The Waiting Room, London (w/ Labradoor).

'Social Politics' is a totally likeable indie rock, come jangle pop song. Vocals are part raw and part refined and the harmonies just add melody and beautiful hooks. With a message in the lyrics, and upbeat energy it's one very fine single.

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Tammy - Hated It (With You).

Background - Two people, one name and a wholly captivating style is the simplest way to describe the breakthrough Sex-Folk duo, Tammy. Members Aaron and Brooke, who met for the first time at a New York bar called Ioana, possess the kind of undeniable chemistry that brings to mind some of the most beloved American folk duos, like Simon & Garfunkel and Dylan and Baez. Aaron’s bouncy acoustic riffs provide the perfect backdrop for Brooke’s sweet yet sultry, honey-soaked vocals, giving Tammy its truly original and unforgettable sound.

Today, Tammy reveals their debut single, "Hated It (With You)." Of inspiration for the candid single, Tammy says, "Brooke had a bad breakup and they starting writing hate songs to make her feel better.” “Hated It” is about trying to forget the bad, walking in the sunshine, and ultimately, moving on. The bridge presents the man who has been left behind, admitting to his loneliness and distress, in a rare moment of clarity. The response of the woman is fittingly unforgiving. She only offers the hopeful image of her pink shoes, along with the simple admission that she "really f##kin' hates you."

Influenced by everyone from Burt Bacharach to Nirvana, both Aaron and Brooke began developing their musicality at the age of four. Now, as Tammy, they draw inspiration from their experiences as New Yorkers. And as Brooke puts it, “We can’t wait to keep singing and writing songs about love, hate and making out.”

Oh what a timeless and beautiful song 'Hated It (With You)' is. It's hard to know what to add beyond the press release above, which is refreshingly accurate. It's a pristine modern folk/pop song with plenty of natural emotion and feeling.

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