Top Pops! February 2013 James Blake, Kisses, Psychic Twin, Parenthetical Girls, More

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James Blake – “Retrograde”
James Blake is back with Overgrown on April 8th. Embedding this is a tricky feat — as the last time I embedded a James Blake track with the following review, UMG scolded us and demanded the video’s removal — but nonetheless, here it is, for all of your soulful listening desires. Slight electronic texturing still exists here — he hasn’t given himself up completely, certainly — but this is as soulful as we’ve ever heard Blake, and this track is most definitely a slow-burner and a grower, grower, grower.

Psychic Twin – “Strangers” (Polyvinyl Records)
Psychic Twin seem to constantly deliver on impressive one-off tracks, and “Strangers” from their upcoming Polyvinyl-released 7″ is no different. Upbeat synth frolicks and fancy fleeting vocals delight while entering the noggin hypnotically. Polyvinyl is really chasing the dance pop tip lately, and I’d personally say that Psychic Twin are one of their most exciting prospects. Unfortunately, these tracks can’t be embedded right now, but you can enjoy “Strangers” via Soundcloud or hear additional Psychic Twin tracks we have posted here. They will be playing at our SXSW 2013 show; announcement coming Monday.

Kisses – “The Hardest Part”
On Kisses‘ return single, “The Hardest Part”, the duo gets super bass-funky and lyrically more complex. Looking forward to their May 2013 release via up-and-coming pop label CASCINE. Expect a REDEFINE-exclusive mixtape from them soon.

Guppy – “Seen”
The type of track you can infinitely loop on repeat, “Seen” is deliciously simple in its grooviness. The duo features Nathan Terepka from Zula and Felicia Douglass from Ava Luna.

Elephant – “Skyscraper”
Thought they’re talking about modern architectural constructions, sweet ol’ doo-wop throwback vibes can be found in “Skyscraper” by the London-based duo of Amelia Rivas and Christian Pinchbeck. This comes from their forthcoming 7″, on Memphis Industries.

Parenthetical Girls – “Sympathy For Spastics” (Los Campesinos! Remix)
This remix of “Sympathy For Spastics” by Los Campesinos! features exactly the type of epic emotional flows you would expect from theatrical Parenthetical Girls frontman Zac Pennington, made all the richer with lush instrumental reworkings.

The Mast – “Emerald”
Not too long ago, we made a big stink about The Mast‘s pop-and-lock music video for “UpUpUp”. Now here’s another stink for the band’s minimal electronic pop jams, via their latest, “Emerald”.

Autre Ne Veut – “Play By Play” (Software Recording Co.)
Autre Ne Veut has been getting tons of hype love for his release on Software, but his track featuring Mykki Blanco is, in my opinion, by far the best track of his I have heard. Personal preference.

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