ITC ITC ITC it's alright.

towards the end of last year there was a minor panic when rumours flew around about the uncertain future of In The City, one of the country's biggest showcase festivals. thankfully the 3 day event returns this year wooo. based in Manchester, covering large parts of the city centre, In The City is host to an impossible number of brand new bands. i was lucky enough to go last year and had a blast; Egyptian Hip Hop, Everything Everything and Esben & The Witch were particular highlights.

this year ITC has such an insaaaaane line-up, for £30 it's pretty much the bargain of the year. i was allowed to help pick out some bands to play so i'll probably do a special 'DON'T MISS' feature right before the 13th rolls around. but who could say no to:

HEALTH, Mount Kimbie, No Age, Egyptian Hip Hop, Monarchy, White Ring, Oberhofer, D/R/U/G/S, Factory Floor, Kisses, Breton, Beaty Heart, Japayork, Clock Opera.. i could go on or you could salivate over the listing page here.

plus i'm totally DJing at some point.

ITC runs 13th - 15th October. tickets are available here.

watch the glow.

video via Stereogum.

i am fucking LOVING Museum Of Bellas Artes so much. 100% perfect. need more. single out on Transparent!

i know i suck at blogging lately.

you you you.

Snow And Taxis from Gold Panda on Vimeo.

i love Gold Panda. stream his gorgeous debut album over at luckyshiner.com and get your pre-orders in for the special ltd edition packages.

lovely love.

there is a right way to do guitar centered pop and a multitude of wrong ways to do guitar centered pop. thankfully Thievery couldn't sound more in the right. a combination of the band's credible contemporary influences (see: The Strokes, Arcade Fire, Miike Snow) has produced what i can only describe as 'lovely lovely love'. more please.

Thievery - Proud Lovers

disobey.

heaving with dancefloor worthy synths and the sweetest vocals i've heard all year, AlunaGeorge bring you their twisted pop. this lead song from the London based outfit smacks you round the chops in the best way possible. i think this is what they call "a banger".

keep your eyes peeled for more juicy tracks in the coming weeks.

AlunaGeorge - Make No Mistake

red sky.

back in 2008 i was the first person to blog about the incredible Clare Maguire. i definitely won't be the last because she is coming for you.

check out the video sneak preview of forthcoming single 'Ain't Nobody':

and please wrap your ears around the amazing Bloodyshy & Avant re-work of 'Strangest Thing'.

Clare Maguire - Strangest Thing (Bloodyshy & Avant Re-Work)

[via]

all things nice.

it is amaaazing to see the internet currently lapping up the sounds of the formidable Disclosure. so staying on a similar tip, please immerse yourself in the pulsating world of Samuel Diamond. this track is brimming with everything that is right and good about electronic bloops colliding with the thundering of dubstep infused beats and the brilliant use of female vocal samples. 'amazeballs'.

Samuel Diamond - Wish U Had

on a completely different note, the BT DMAwards are taking place again this year. you can vote for my mighty fine blog by clicking this link. or there's an icon in the sidebar over there --->.

ehhhhhhh.

this song has been exciting me since i first heard it live in a dirty basement in Manchester at last year's In The City. don't think i've been fanatic about a song like this since Bathroom Gurgle. if they really wanted to Egyptian Hip Hop could probably take over the world. for now though their EP (produced by the incredible HudMo) is out soon on Moshi Moshi.

Egyptian Hip Hop - Moon Crooner

waiting for the water.

Strange Talk make my kinda music. hailing from down under, the Aussie four piece make ridiculously perfect summer sounds that refuse to leave your head. synth laden pop that borrows from the best bits of previous 'summer jam' darlings such as MGMT and Passion Pit. i think i'm in love.

Strange Talk - Climbing Walls (Demo)

queen of the cairo.

Metal Mother is the alias of the beautiful and enchanting Tara Tati. whilst reminiscent of contemporaries such as Bat For Lashes and CocoRosie, Metal Mother manages to bring an extra layer of 'spook' and magic to her music than previously demonstrated by other bewitching ladies. gorgeous.

Metal Mother - Song Of A Willow