Brilliant Pop from Buildings and Food

It might be hard for Jen K. Wilson to to escape those Stereolab comparisons with her Buildings and Food project. But, if you put that all aside, neglect your cool points and immerse yourself below, you will be rewarded. This tune has this plodding electronic from the get-go, shifting and moving before Wilson’s voice comes in over another layer of electronics. Personally, I like the delivery, almost as if the words were dropped into thin air emphatically. It’s all highlighted, too, by some exceptional cymbal work that builds in some extra artistry. People always reference tunes that entrance them, and this is precisely what I envision; look for Quick Beat Save on November 2nd via Number F Records.

Buildings and Food Shares New Single

Sometimes you pen a song and just let it sit for awhile, planning to come back to it at a later date. Such is the case with the latest single from Buildings and Food, which Jen Wilson says had its origins way back in 2001. But, this go round, she’s opted to take the acoustic strums and vocals and layer them with various beats and electronic textures, aligned with her current songwriting habits. I love how there’s this natural vibrance to the musical element, now even more poppy with the careful beat work added beneath. It works in perfect contrast with the mellower vibes of the vocals, hanging just beneath the surface now. Always stoked to see what Jen is up to, so consider this another solid addition!

Buildings and Food Share FM am

A month or so ago, I encouraged you to check in on Buildings and Food, as Jen Wilson had just announced that there would be another album, Up Down Strange Charm. With a new single below, you can now dip your toes deeper into the proverbial waters. While “Streetlights” had Wilson employing softened vocals, “FM a.m.” is a full dive into Jen’s instrumental IDM work, which is what makes up a great deal of the new LP. On my end, I always get attached to minute details, like the very subtle little change in direction around 1:18 with a different keyboard line coming through. It’s these effortless little direction changes that illustrate the artistry throughout the Buildings and Food catalogue, drawing me in every single time. If you’re so inclined, Up Down Strange Charm is out September 25th!

Buildings and Food Announce Up Down Strange Charm

When Jennifer Wilson dropped Quick Beat Save back under the name Buildings and Food, I was really blown away. The album employed these subtle beats that engrained themselves in your mind, then they were wrapped in the warmth of Wilson’s quieted vocals. As she gears up for her sophomore album, it seems the work is as impressive as ever. Our first listen gives you pulsing beats pushing the song forward as little turns of knob build in some textured electronic layers. When Wilson enters the picture, she seems to slink into the comfort of the song, almost hanging back in the mix so as not to overpower with her performance. Careful ears will reveal the tiniest of twists and turns, like the seeming uptick near in energy near the 2:43 mark; it’s these little nuances that make Buildings and Food so rewarding. Up Down Strange Charm will be out on September 25th!

Friday Album Streams: Motorists, Aluminum and More

This week doesn’t seem as nearly as crazy with releases as last week, and perhaps that’s a good thing, as you’ll get a moment to really dive into some great records that we’d like to turn your attention towards. Several Oakland area bands decided today was a good day to drop tracks (so good thing that Neutrals LP is out next week!), plus I threw in a new ambient collection from our friend Buildings and Food! Click on some stuff, see what you love. Couldn’t hurt!

MotoristsTouched by the Stuff (Bobo Integral)

AluminumFully Beat (Felte Records)

Yea-Ming and the RumoursI Can’t Have It All (Dandy Boy Records)

Buildings and FoodEcho the Field (Self-Released)

Friday Album Streams: The Small Intestines, Hartle Road, Melenas + More

What’s the old cliche? When it rains, it pours? It’s a freaking downpour over here, as there’s just too damn much good music, or at least for my ears. I tried to pick up what I was laying down, and spread some suggestions out for you. No bullshit. Just tunes and their labels for you to stream.

Hartle RoadMAXX II (K Records/Perennial)

The Small IntestinesHide in Time (Lost & Lonesome/Meritorio)

MelenasAhora (Trouble in Mind Records)

Plastic CandlesFuton Stereo Mix (Paisley Records)

Molly BurchDaydreamer (Captured Tracks)

Buildings and FoodsInfinity Plus One (Self-Released)

The PopgunsPopism (Matinee Recordings)

 

 

 

 

 

ACL Interviews: Los Campesinos!

The ATH crew is heading full blast into our ACL Festival coverage this week with some spotlights, interviews, battles and any other craziness we can think of.  Today we’re coming at ‘ya with our first interview of the season from Welsh band Los Campesinos!  Prior to the festival, we sent some interview questions to band member Tom Campesinos! who was kind enough to answer our tough questions.  Follow the jump for his answers.

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