Triple Thursday: The Mystic Underground - Albert af Ekenstam - Yael Borger

The Mystic Underground - Here In My House.

Background promo - Synths and sass. Pomp and circumstance. Two simple phrases. Two small glimpses into the minds of singer Vladimir Valette and producer Benedetto Socci. Together, the two combine to form the nucleus of indie electronic pop outfit The Mystic Underground. With inspiration found in the sounds of machines with the warmth and immediacy of the hummable melody, the New York band are primed to inscribe their mark on the pop landscape with their forthcoming LP entitled simply 'Protagonist' due out on the 18th of November on the band's Stereosonic label.

Ten songs. Ten tales of experience, lament and redemption. The Mystic Underground present an opus that beckons the heart, teases the mind, and tickles the feet. 'Protagonist' features the new single 'Here In My House' currently being serviced to radio and notable digital media outlets. A sultry mid-tempo ode to unrequited love, 'House' is a perfect primer for those yet to fall in love with TMU's brand of romantic, twinkle-eyed pop. Website here.

'Here In My House' is track number eight from the ten that make up Protagonist'. As a whole the album is a vibrant synth festival of sounds and oh so crafted vocals. Often energised and upbeat, the featured song is a little understated and gentler than the rest, but typifies the intense quality found throughout.

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Albert af Ekenstam - Made of Gold.

Background - Fresh from supporting Dan Michaelson and The Coastguards and performing at Reeperbahn festival, Albert af Ekenstam is pleased to share the video for current single 'Made Of Gold' taken from the forthcoming album 'Ashes' (out October 14th). Nine months have passed – have fallen like red autumn leaves to the ground –since I first heard Albert af Ekenstam’s melancholic solo material.

During this time Albert has, amongst other things, released two singles on Kning Disk (”Walking” and ”Angel Liz”), acted as a warm up act for The Posies and Bear’s Den, moved from Gothenburg to Stockholm and appeared in prestigious Swedish music magazines such as Sonic and HYMN.  Naming his influences as Explosions in the Sky, Bon Iver and Mogwai, it is more than easy to lose yourself over and over in his mournful guitars, grandiose arrangements, heartfelt voice and poignant lyricism.

On the 14th of October Albert of Ekenstam’s debut album ‘Ashes’ will meet its expectant audience. Singer/guitarist Sumie Nagano (whose self-titled album on Bella Union is a must for all who love unique voices), drummer/ keyboardist/producer Filip Leyman (who, together with Albert, make up the post-rock constellation Tempel) and trumpeter Max Lindahl (known from a number of jazz bands) have all helped Albert bring it to fruition. Website here.

We featured Albert af Ekenstam's 'The Devil Bird' a month ago saying at the time "First of all there are the vocals of Albert af Ekenstam. Genuine, intense, powerful and so good for the ears". 'Made of Gold' our second feature from tomorrows album release is more than equal to those thoughts.

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Yael Borger - Let Me Go.

Background - Yael Borger is a 24 year old singer, songwriter, and producer from Tel-Aviv, Israel. She began playing piano at the age of 3 and studied Jazz at the Thelma Yellin High School of Art. Since completing her military service in the IDF, Yael released her hit debut album Yael and performed alongside her brother and international DJ/producer Borgore at major festivals like Tomorrowland, Ultra, EDC, and more.

Yael was released in May 2015 to much acclaim. The album hit #10 on the iTunes Israel album charts, landed her as the The Hottest Thing In Music from TimeOut Israel, and AT Magazine selected her as “one of the 10 best young female musicians in Israel.” DJ Mag also featured Yael and her brother as one of the top EDM families.

With Electro Soul, Yael wanted to do everything on her own. Unlike her debut album, which was produced by multiple producers, the EP is completely produced by Yael. In fact, the first single from the EP, “Lost Without You,” was released only nine months after she first opened Abelton! Heavily influenced by her jazz background, Electro Soul features soulful, jazz leaning vocals on top of spacey, dubstep influenced production. Electro Soul is a promising offering from the budding Israeli singer-songwriter, producer. Website here.

The final song of five on the EP 'Let Me Go' is a fine example of the overall quality of the EP. Yael takes a variety of styles and builds totally likable songs, mixing melody and energy with hooks galore.

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