The Cinematic Orchestra

The Cinematic Orchestra is a music project formed by Scottish born, Jason Swinscoe, in 1999. The band's sound was heavily inspired by jazz and film scores. For this album Jason wrote his own scenes to a fictional film where each of these songs could be used. This gave him a better direction on how he wanted to form the album's emotions. The Ma Fleur album was written and recorded almost entirely in Paris which Jason claims was a large factor in the album's sound. When trying to determine what this album is comparable to there is a range of influences and dynamics to notice. Many of the piano and songwriting could be compared to Coldplay, while the jazz percussion forms the songs into something closer to Tenebre. The eclectic sound on The Cinematic Orchestra is one that can be easily appreciated and not to be missed. In fact you may have even heard this band without knowing it on television shows Grey's Anatomy, Without A Trace, Ugly Betty, and many more.

RIYL: Coldplay, The Album Leaf, David Gray







If you would like information about where to get this album email BloginHood@Gmail.com

Angus & Julia Stone

Angus & Julia Stone is the brother sister music group that has taken Australia by storm. The duo have recently released their second full length album "Down The Way", just months after Angus released his first side project Lady of The Sunshine. The sound of the Stone siblings can be described as acoustic alternative with the accompaniment of haunting vocals. Both Angus and Julia have eerily distinctive voices that shine through on songs like "Big Jet Plane" and "And The Boys". In my review of Lady of The Sunshine I compared Angus' sound to that of Coldplay and I can still hear these similarities in this band as well. Angus & Julia Stone is definately one to keep a look out for as their sound slowly makes its way overseas.

RIYL: Lady of The Sunshine, Mat Costa, Greg Laswell







If you would like information about where to get this album email BloginHood@Gmail.com

First Aid Kit

Homely harmonies and meaningful songwriting are the backbone for the Swedish sisters that make up First Aid Kit. Klara and Johanna Söderberg first gained attention when they posted a cover of the Fleet Foxes' song Tiger Mountain Peasant Song. Since then the duo released a debut Ep "Drunken Trees" and have recently released their first full length album "The Big Black And The Blue". Every song on both albums prominently features the sister's beautiful harmonies on each delicate ballad. The band claims that the wilderness of Sweden provided much of the inspiration for their songs. This can be seen in some of their YouTube videos where they are performing acoustic in their native woods. While campfire tales and Kumbaya seem like the proper venue for First Aid Kit you can see them live this June in one of their first US tours. For more information check out their Myspace.

RIYL: Fleet Foxes, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Elliot Smith







If you would like information about where to get this album email BloginHood@Gmail.com

Boy & Bear

Australia is home to some of the latest rising artists breaking onto the music scene. From Lady of the Sunshine to The Temper Trap the Australian Outback is creating musicians that each have a sound all their own. The latest band to debut their music from Australia is Boy & Bear. This five piece of young musicians have managed to create elegant harmonies on top of down home folk. Each song has its distinctive hook to bring you back for more. With their three part harmonies and acoustic driven lyrics listeners are sure to notice similarities reminiscent of the Seattle based Fleet Foxes. Boy & Bear have found success on Australia's Triple J radio station by winning the Unearthed Homebake Competition. This station is where artists like Mumford & Sons gained a lot of ground by debuting their singles. Boy & Bear's debut Ep "With Emperor Antarctica" was recently released in Australia but is currently unavailable in the US. Hopefully an overseas release will occur soon. In the meantime you can stream the five song Ep on Boy and Bear's myspace. While you are there you can also sign up to receive a free download of their first singe "Mexican Mavis".

RIYL: Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes, Grizzly Bear