VAINZINE

SINGLE REVIEW: Rex The Dog 'I Can See You, Can You See Me?' out 25 August on Hundehaus

2008-07-26T14:33:00.006+01:00

His new album is forthcoming in September but thankfully we don't have to wait that long to get a taste of what we are in store for with the release of this electro monster next month.

The Club mix has everything we have come to expect from Rex with gig basslines, breakdowns and synths galore. Oh and before I forget, lots of squelchy nosies and the like. All the good stuff.

There are 7 -count 'em - remixes on offer. Head straight for the Oliver Huntemann for more late night club action. The Kenson and Mr Miyagi mixes aren't too bad either but it's the original that really packs the punch.

4/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Kitsune 'Maison' 5

Ryu Rozinante

LISTEN:

SEE: The music video:

ART: International Tattoo Convention to be held in London this September 2008

2008-07-24T22:51:00.006+01:00

OK so it's unlikely that there are going to be any A-list Hollywood celebs hanging out at the convention which is being held for the fourth year running in London this September 26-28th at Tobacco Dock.

The important thing is that there will be over 190 of the world greatest artists at the convention demonstrating their extraordinary abilities in skin colouration. Some might say mutilation, but at the worst it's only permanent scarring, surely?

Fashion victims might also be interested to know that France's Tin Tin (no not the Cartoon Character - he was Belgian) will be one of those demonstrating. He is a favourite in the industry having previously worked with Jean Paul Gaultier, Givenchy and Galliano.

If you fancy heading down to the event just visit the website for more details on ticket availability and pricing.

ALBUM REVIEW: Low Motion Disco 'Keep It Slow' out now on Eskimo

2008-07-24T22:35:00.005+01:00

The album is a gorgeous mix of obscure deep disco, electronica and leftfield chilled out vibes that will be appreciated by hardcore fans of those genres and soundtrack aficionados alike.

There is a really cool remake of 'Things Are Gonna Get Easier' which was originally recorded by The Five Stairsteps and has since been reworked by everyone from Tupac to Destiny's Child. This is my favourite remake and the stand out track on the album.

There are some other bombs on here though. I adore 'Love Love Love' and the deep disco track 'At Last I am Low' is filled with an energy that kinda makes you wanna nod your head rather than get a groove on.

Their sound seems to have this feeling running like a theme through the album, something that they can explain, "We tend to be the strange kind of party visitors. The ones that would rather stand around and watch people dance rather than dance themselves. Therefore we have developed a way to dance while not moving. This technique is the basis of all we do. We Call it low motion disco."

So there you have it. Whatever it's called it sounds like the fucking bomb and that's really all that matters!

4/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Future Loop Foundation

Ryu Rozinante

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COMPETITION: Win with San Miguel as Hidden Depths returns this summer 2008!

2008-07-24T20:53:00.003+01:00

After the success of last years event, San Miguel's Hidden Depths returns this summer with a series of five one-off media and music events in London and Manchester.

Two events have already taken place and were hosted by Mark Jones of Wall Of Sound and The Glimmers.

The twist on the events are that they are guest hosted but the details of the artists performing on the night are not released until right before the show kicks off. This Pot Luck take on things has proved really successful.

Next up on 31st July it's the turn of the Secretsundaze pair Giles Smith and James Priestly to host at T-Bar in Shoreditch. Chromeo heads up the August Party on the 21st at The End followed by the finale on the 18th September which will be hosted by Lemonjelly's Fred Deakin.

For more info and details on how you could be in with a chance of winning tickets to the remaining events visit the San Miguel Website.

That's not all you could win. Those lovely Glimmers have thrown five copies of their latest album Gee Gee Fazzi our way, so to be in with a chance of winning a copy send an email with the answer to the following question to Vainzine[at]gmail.com.

What are The Glimmers Real Names?

The competition closes on Friday 8th August 2008.

Good Luck!

VAINZINE WAS VOTED IN THE TOP 100 MUSIC SITES AT THE BT DIGITAL MUSIC AWARDS 2007! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

TV: Peaches Geldof hosts the iTunes Festival show on ITV

2008-07-24T20:01:00.004+01:00

Peaches Geldof is currently presenting the ITV 2 iTunes Festival show from KoKo in London. The show is being aired every day this week and will continue next week.

The iTunes Festival has already featured money spinning acts like CSS, James Blunt, The Ting Tings, Dizzee Rascal and Kelly Rowland.

Tonight's show presented by Peaches and Dave Goss included interviews with Kelly Rowland and Sophie Ellis Bextor as well as music from the festival. Click here to watch today's show.

Tomorrows show features a performance from N*E*R*D so if you can stomach the advert breaks and cringe-worthy presenting from Geldof and Goss then tune in on ITV 2 from 7:30 pm or watch online after the event.

ALBUM REVIEW: V/A 'Ziggy Marley In Jamaica' out 8 September on District 6

2008-07-23T22:18:00.004+01:00

Reggae. Some old some new compiled on an album by Bob Marley's son Ziggy.

Some might say that you can't get wrong. I would probably have been one of those some. It's all a bit yawnsome for me though. I felt a bit like I might drop off at any minute, and no I hadn't smoked any ganja so there was no excuse.

I'm not complaining though. I still like the selections on offer. From classic reggae by Jimmy Cliff and Desmond Dekker right through to his own works in the contemporary field.

The quality is certainly high and it's a nice intro to the genre but it's hardly mind blowing, with or without the green stuff.

3/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Frost & Wagner

Ryu Rozinante

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ALBUM REVIEW: This Is The Kit 'Krulle Bol' out now on Microbe

2008-07-22T15:07:00.006+01:00

Lovely acoustic guitar, folk twinged vocals and a melancholy undertone make this debut album from This Is The Kit aka Kate Stables a future indie classic.

It's very simple combinations of her beautiful vocals, guitar, banjo, trumpet and spoons that gel together triumphantly on this timeless 12 track compendium of songs.

'Two Wooden Spoons' was released in 2006 as a single on Sunday Best, but it's since her move to Paris that she started to become noticed enough to get get gigs with The National and Jose Gonzales amongst others.

Check out 'Moths' and 'Tangled Walker' I really am digging these tracks right now and I think you will too, especially if you like Laura Marling, Emiliana Torrini or Joanna Newsome.

4/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Laura Marling

Ryu Rozinante

LISTEN:

SEE: 'Greasy Goose' live:

NEWS: Havana Club launches Cuban arts website

2008-07-22T14:35:00.005+01:00

Havana-Cultura.com is a new site dedicated to bringing Cuban culture to a larger audience worldwide.

I must admit I didn't know an awful lot about said culture so was delighted to hear that there is now a place to find out more about all things art, music and other form of expression that reveal and explore many facets of contemporary Cuban - and in particular Havana's - culture.

The site is constantly being updated with new artists portraits and projects, currently featuring 27 including the mural artist Salvador Gonzalez (pictured). To find out more simply visit the site by clicking the link.

NEWS: Batman Bale Behind Bars - arrested in London today!

2008-07-22T14:16:00.007+01:00

Alliterations aside, it seems that star of the Dark Knight, Hollywood actor Christian Bale has been arrested in London today.

According to mass media outlets in the UK including the Daily Mail and the Telegraph, allegations over an alleged assault were made by Bales mother Jenny and his sister Sharon.

The assault allegedly took place in his hotel suite in London before the European premier of the Dark Knight but Bale was not arrested until today because police officials did not want to spoil the celebrations.

At this stage no charges have apparently been made against the Hollywood actor who starred in American Psycho and will also star in Terminator 4 due for release next year.

Daily Mail Story

Telegraph Story

VAINZINE WAS VOTED IN THE TOP 100 MUSIC SITES AT THE BT DIGITAL MUSIC AWARDS 2007! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

MUSIC NEWS: Mercury Music Prize 2008 shortlist announced!

2008-07-22T12:44:00.006+01:00

The 2008 Nationwide Mercury Music Prize shortlist was announced this morning and unsurprisingly there were a few surprises thrown in by the judges.

UK and Irish bands and solo artists who have released an album in the last 12 moths are all eligible to be shortlisted with a chance to win the £20,000 first prize.

Somewhat surprisingly Coldplay do not receive a nomination this year despite Viva La Vida hitting the number 1 spot in both the UK and US chart this year. One other surprise was that Estelle has been chosen over Duffy for her album 'Shine'.

Neon Neon (pictured) also receive a nomination for their album 'Stainless Style'. Last years winners The Klaxons don't feature this time around so wont be able to defend their title.

Two albums featured on Vainzine this year were shortlisted for the prize. They were 'Alas I Cannot Swim' by Laura Marling and The Last Shadow Puppets 'The Age Of The Understatement'. Click on the names to read the reviews and have a listen too.

VAINZINE WAS VOTED IN THE TOP 100 MUSIC SITES AT THE BT DIGITAL MUSIC AWARDS 2007! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

ALBUM REVIEW: She & Him 'Volume One' out now on Double Six

2008-07-21T18:16:00.006+01:00

M .Ward and Zooey Deschanel team up together and have released this superb debut album that is full of vintage sixties sounding melodies, blended wonderfully with Zooey's enchanting, smooth and mellow voice.

The album has all the class that one would expect from an M. Ward production. There are a few surprises too, including a great bluesy acoustic cover of the Beatles 'I should have known better'.

If you can listen to that song and not fall in love with Zooey's voice then you must be dead inside.

That said, I can imagine a lot of people may be put off by this homage to the sixties. It's hardly an new music genre creating phenomenon,but with music of this undeniable quality it really shouldn't matter. Just sit back and enjoy the mellow vibes.

4/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Emiliana Torrini

Ryu Rozinante

VAINZINE WAS VOTED IN THE TOP 100 MUSIC SITES AT THE BT DIGITAL MUSIC AWARDS 2007! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

LISTEN:

SEE: The video to 'Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?':

FASHION: Vainzine teams up with LOOKBOOK to offer you immediate access!

2008-07-20T00:21:00.005+01:00

The lovely people at LOOKBOOK have teamed up us to offer you, yes you, the Vainzine readership the chance to beat the invite only system and register for FREE today with LOOKBOOK.nu.

Have a look at the article we did earlier this week if you want to know more about LOOKBOOK. Because it's an invite only fashion community you wont be able to join without the special access code.

Once you have registered you will be able to post your own looks and hype other peoples, as well as joining in with the community.

Simply click on the link below and enter the invite code: VAINZINE

LOOKBOOK registration link

Happy Lookbooking!

NEWS: Enter The FREE Vainzine Fantasy Football League 2008/09 and WIN stuff!

2008-07-19T16:00:00.001+01:00

If like Mr Doherty here, you talk a good game but when it comes down to playing it, the most you can muster is sitting on the bench of your pub team smoking a fag on a Sunday, then the Vainzine Fantasy Football League is for you.

Vainzine likes to think it knows a few things about 'Soccer' too and we won the inagural Vanzine Serie Morto (that's death league to you non Italian speakers) with a massive 2163 points. Thanks again Christiano.

So if you want to be in with a chance of winning this years league all you have to do is click on the link below, register your team and enter the activation code.

It only takes a minute and once you have entered the league you're in with a chance of winning the following prizes:

1st Place: 10 x CD's
2nd Place: 5 x CD's
3rd Place: 1 x CD

Vainzine Serie Morto Registration Link

Activation Code: 102583-26561

If you have any questions or need help getting started send us an Email

Don't forget to subscribe to the mailing list for updates on how the league is progressing.

Good Luck!

SINGLE REVIEW: Emiliana Torrini 'Me And Armeni' out 18 August on Rough Trade

2008-07-18T22:15:00.006+01:00

Emilian Torrini is back with the first single to be released off her forthcoming studio album. If this is anything to go by then it should be OK.

I really hope this was not the best single to be released from the album which is also entitled 'Me And Armeni'.

The track is a a nice MOR reggae pop rock song that has Torrini crooning away about love over the top. It does sound a little bit like wading through thick, gloopy mud in some points and is certainly not her best work.

That said it's great music to chill to and probably won't disappoint her most ardent fans. If you are new to her then I strongly recommend you go out and buy her wonderful album 'Fishermans Woman' first as I think it's going to be better value for money than this one. I hope I'm wrong.

2/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Gabriella Cilmi

VAINZINE WAS VOTED IN THE TOP 100 MUSIC SITES AT THE BT DIGITAL MUSIC AWARDS 2007! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Ryu Rozinante

LISTEN:

SINGLE REVIEW: Metronomy 'Holiday' out now on Because Music

2008-07-18T16:31:00.003+01:00

The title track is not my favourite on this brand new single package that includes the original plus two new tracks 'Let's Have A Party', 'Our Raid', and The Bedtime Dub remix of 'Holiday'.

So this certainly is value for money. Holiday sounded like a b-side to me. I was much more impressed with 'Let's Have A Party'. It's way less boring and managed to not only keep me interested until the end but also furiously nod my head in appreciation of the bassline and synth hooks.

The story is similar with 'Our Raid' and the Bedtime Dub. 'Our Raid' totally sounds like you are gonna hear this on some commercial soon or the theme to the next I-Tunes campaign. Have a listen and see if you agree with me.

It's just got that guitar riff vocal and synth hook up that combine perfectly to make this uber trendy cool kids track that scenesters and 'istas are probably creaming over right now. It's my undeniable fave and up there with my best track of the year in my head right now.

4/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Kitsune Tabloid

Ryu Rozinante

LISTEN:

SEE: 'Holiday' Music Video:

SINGLE REVIEW: The Whip 'Blackout' out now on Southern Fried

2008-07-18T14:56:00.005+01:00

Following the success of their debut album 'X Marks Destination' The Whip have just released album track 'Blackout' as a single.

Thankfully for those of you who already have the album there are 2 very good reasons why you should get a hold of this release. The single package include the original and a double whammy of superb remixes from Popular Computer and X-Press 2 old boy Ashley Beedle.

The Popular Computer remix is a good old dancefloor friendly electro romp with some rather nice synths, bleep and glitchy sounds effects that will keep the dancefloor bubbling along nicely, especially late night.

Ashley Beedles Next Generation Edit is a more up-tempo deep house affair with a thumping bassline and well produced clean use of the vocal and musical parts, making this a worthwhile addition to your digital crate!

4/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Midnight Juggernauts

Ryu Rozinante

LISTEN:

SEE: The music video 'Blackout':

FASHION: LOOKBOOK launches: love labels? love this site!

2008-07-17T14:08:00.007+01:00

LOOKBOOK is a brand new fashion community that works a little bit like the wonderful Fairtilizer does for music.

Users create a profile then can upload 'look' of themselves that other users can then vote for creating a hype chart.

It's not just about who's got the prettiest face or the best fashion knowledge. This is a serious resource for those in the industry / students/ and consumers with 'looks' having lots of background information inputted by users so other users can see where to get the look from / cost etc.

It's also a great place for aspiring and up and coming models to get exposure like Olivia Lopez (pictured).

Still in beta test at the moment LOOKBOOK is available through invite only. If you do manage to get an invite have a look for me!

Ryu Rozinante

ALBUM REVIEW: V/A 'Kitsune Tabloid Mixed By Digitalism' out now on Kitsune

2008-07-15T20:38:00.009+01:00

Yes please! Hot, nasty, dirty, ear-splittingly sexy electro from Kitsune and Digitalism.

How could this possibly get any better? 24 tracks on one mix! There you go, it's better. All killer no filler - even more reasons to calm down, finish yourself off and get down the shops quick smart.

It's only been out a week or so but this is already looking likely to be in my top compilations list at the end of the year, if not at number 1 spot.

Digitalism really can do no wrong at the moment and are vying with Justice at the top of the electro pile to become the eventual successors to the Daft Punk reign methinks.

It's like an old skool house rave, nu rave, indie acid trip all mixed into one. Psychedelic simply isn't a strong enough word for the intensity level this mix reaches as it progresses. It's like putting one of those fucked up 3 course bubblegum meals Willy Wonka made except you don't chew it - It chews you up and spit you out at the end wanting more.

In the meantime while we wait for another work of genius from Kitsune and/ or Digitalism (come on Justice where you at?) sit back and enjoy this ghost train of a mix if you can, sit back that is!

5/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Digitalism, Justice, Shir Khan, Metronomy, blah, The Kills blah blah...

Ryu Rozinante

VAINZINE WAS VOTED IN THE TOP 100 MUSIC SITES AT THE BT DIGITAL MUSIC AWARDS 2007! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

LISTEN:

ALBUM REVIEW: V/A 'Karen P...Broadcasting' out 18 August on Sonar Kollektiv

2008-07-15T19:11:00.008+01:00

Karen P takes up the mantle on this compilation series on Sonar. For those of you who haven't got a clue who she is, she used to work on Gilles Peterson's Worldwide show on BBC Radio 1. From there she went on to help set up the Red Bull Music Academy's Internet radio station before starting her own audio production company.

I like this selection because it mixes a lot of obscure Jazz vocal tracks, instrumental and general freakishness together with some slightly more accessible music.

The point is this is pure music selected for pure music fans by a pure music lover. There has been no compromise or sell out. You will either adore this or come away thinking 'what the hell was that?'. That's why this is great. It's a musical statement, talking point and work of jazz comp genius all round in one 20 track package.

I loved it, not all of it but most of it and I know that when I listen back to this in a few months time there are going to be some absolutely stand out songs on there that maybe I didn't appreciate this time around.

It's certainly not a one listen selection made for the moment. Broadcasting is a slow burner that is sure to keep setting off sublime sound rockets for some time to come.

4/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Orchester

Ryu Rozinante

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DOWNLOAD: The Remix Kid 'The Immaculate Mixtape Edition' - Madonna

2008-07-14T23:18:00.005+01:00

If you like Madonna and Electro then you might be interested in The Remix Kid's free download remix album available now for free by clicking on the image opposite.

We're not going to critique this one for you so you can make up your own mind whether you like it or not.

We'll be making some updates with some more fresh new cuts very soon so stay sharp and in the meantime have a listen to the Immaculate Mixtape Edition.

Ryu Rozinate

VAINZINE WAS VOTED IN THE TOP 100 MUSIC SITES AT THE BT DIGITAL MUSIC AWARDS 2007! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

NEWS: Juliette Lewis to make movie comeback after 3 years with The Licks

2008-07-13T15:04:00.006+01:00

Rockstar /Actress Juliette Lewis has announced her return to the movie business.

After touring for the last 3 years with her band The Licks she announced on her Vlog that the band will start recording another studio album soon and she will start filming 'Whip It!'.

She will play the character 'Dinah Might ' a Rollergirl in what will be Drew Barrymore's directorial debut. The movie also stars X-Men and Juno actress Ellen Page.

Check out the Vlog below for more info on the movie, her thoughts on high fives and Madonna.

SEE: Juliette Lewis Vlog:

ALBUM REVIEW: Lulu Rouge 'Bless You' out now on Music For Dreams

2008-07-11T19:56:00.004+01:00

Trentemoller's mates are taking their share of the Danish pie with this outstanding debut album just released on Music For Dreams.

T.O.M and Buda have produced a fine album that is predominantly minimal, dub and techno based, with a sprinkling of house in the mix for good measure.

There's lots of vocal collaborations with unknown (to me) artists but that doesn't detract from the Black Strobe type of vibe that I for one was getting from this.

Check out 'Bless You', 'Sweeter Than Sweet' and the wonderfully Religous art sounding 'Ninna Nanna' - my standout tracks.

3/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Black Strobe

Ryu Rozinante

LISTEN:

SEE: 'Bless You' performed live:

ALBUM REVIEW: Seelenluft 'Birds And Plants And Rocks And Things' out now on Gigolo

2008-07-11T18:21:00.007+01:00

Fantasy, electro, ingenious, rock, special, synthesised, artificial, natural and chemical are just some of the adjectives that most perfectly describe Seelenlufts brand new album.

This was hotly anticipated by a lot of people in the music industry, including myself after the rather wonderful last offering 'The Way We Go'.

It doesn't disappoint in any way really. The album starts off a Little slow with 'Horse With No Name' but soon picks up the expected pace with some very special songs like 'The World Through The Little Window Of My Spacecraft' standing out for me.

'Fantasy' follows on from this and is is a little more upbeat in it's outlook but is by no means any more special.

This is an eclectic mix of songs produced within a set of constant features rules that really promote, rather than inhibit Seelenlufts abundant creativity. This is prevalent on the wonderful 'Comme Dans Un Reve' and 'You Can Dance' where the tracks use the same base elements but sound uniquely different. Check those basslines out, they're simply delicious!

4/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Midnight Juggernauts

Ryu Rozinante

VAINZINE WAS VOTED IN THE TOP 100 MUSIC SITES AT THE BT DIGITAL MUSIC AWARDS 2007! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

LISTEN:

SEE: The Video to 'Horse With No Name':

ALBUM REVIEW: V/A 'Compilation H' out now on Cocoon Recordings

2008-07-09T19:36:00.002+01:00

Lively, energetic, upbeat, minimal house and techno for the dancing masses this summer.

As the summer dance seasons reaches it's peak what with Ibiza parties and the like in full flow right now then what better time to release a compilation featuring what are sure to be some of the underground smashes of the year.

It's not exactly rocket science on display here. The tracks have a familiarity that any seasoned dance music lover will recognise instantaneously. That's not the point with this one though. These are quality production designed for peak and late night dancefloors in the worlds best and most exclusive nightclubs. Check out my favourite Len Faki's 'Death By House' which samples the legendary Jungle Brothers 'I'll House You'.

Leeds boy Simon Bakers 'U' is another powerful addition to the comp, along with the colab between Sven Vath and Roman Flugel on the noisy 'Trashbindance'.

3/5

Ryu Rozinante

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Shameboy

LISTEN:

ALBUM REVIEW: Midnight Juggernauts 'Dystopia' out now on Charisma

2008-07-08T16:07:00.004+01:00

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together?

Vincent on vocals has a magnificent range managing to hit those Scissor Sister highs then juxtaposing them instantaneously in the next bar with some Bowie-esque lows and mids. This is perfectly demonstrated on the wonderful 'Into The Galaxy'.

We've all been waiting a long time here for this album to drop. The juggernauts have supported the Klaxons, Digitalism, !!!, Holy Fuck and the Pixies.

They were also personally invited by Justice to support them on their world tour and now have their own live show that knocks the shit out of a lot of other bands in their genre. Just check out the music video below for their single 'Tombstone'.

It's not easy to describe what I felt while listening to the album but they certainly have a touch of the Moroder about them with all the synths and vocoders going on. This work really is like a musical journey and transported me from my chair straight into their world. I know I'm not the only one who has probably felt this. They have already got legions of fans worldwide so log on, tune in and electro-rock out!

5/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Digitalism Justice and Holy Fuck

Victor Maitland

LISTEN:

SEE: