Stark Artist to Watch: Laura Mvula

In our recent binge on UK R&B, indie, soul singers, (the likes of AlunaGeorge and Jessie Ware,) we came across our newest (my newest) favorite in Laura Mvula. Only touting one track on her SoundCloud page, the tune "She" is beginning to pick up steam in the US. It's hauntingly-simplistic beauty showcases Mvula's raspy-soul voice, while surprising you at the end. From delicate to rousing, Mvula's new track already has FADER hailing it, "...the most promising single of the year." We agree.

Rhye: “Open”

We're very intrigued by this lovely little tune from the duo Rhye. Fader writes: "they’re both members of other (possibly well-known) bands. Her voice may be recognizable to some: it’s immaculate." We're going with Sade. That's my final answer. Video to follow next week, the EP comes 2/7 on Innovative Leisure.

New Warpaint Video: "Elephants"

[mp3] Warpaint: "Elephants"

By far Warpaint is one of our favorite new bands around here and a clear standout for artist to watch consideration in 2010. While we're still fans of "Billie Holiday" for #1 Warpaint track, "Elephants" aint that far behind. Their EP Exquisite Corpse is out now on Manimal Vinyl with a full LP coming out on Rough Trade soon. We're counting the days till March 3 at Music Hall with Yeasayer and Akron Family. All tour dates after the jump.
Via Fader

Feb 5 2010 NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM w/ Yeasayer Los Angeles, California
Feb 17 2010 ARTISTIKA NIGHTCLUB w/ Akron/Family Greensboro, North Carolina
Feb 18 2010 40 WATT CLUB w/ Akron/Family Athens, Georgia
Feb 19 2010 BACKBOOTH w/ Akron/Family Orlando, Florida
Feb 20 2010 CLUB DOWNUNDER w/ Akron/Family Tallahassee, Florida
Feb 21 2010 ONE EYED JACKS w/ Akron/Family New Orleans, Louisiana
Feb 23 2010 WALTER’S ON WASHINGTON w/ Akron/Family Houston, Texas
Feb 24 2010 THE PARISH w/ Akron/Family Austin, Texas
Feb 25 2010 GRANADA THEATER w/ Akron/Family Dallas, Texas
Feb 26 2010 HI-TONE CAFE w/ Akron/Family Memphis, Tennessee
Feb 27 2010 EXIT/IN w/ Akron/Family Nashville, Tennessee
Feb 28 2010 PILOT LIGHT w/ Akron/Family Knoxville, Tennessee
Mar 3 2010 MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG w/ Akron/Family Brooklyn, New Yor

The XX Take New York

[mp3] The XX "Basic Space"

Today, Fader gave us the new mp3 from England's newest exports The XX. While much is made of their love for soul music, that's not really what we take away from their music. It's more about the languid male/female vocals melodies and the band's ability to play by not playing too much. They hint at dance rhythms, but they are almost too laid back for that. We haven't had a full listen to their debut LP yet, but we're definitely looking forward to it. Comes out on Young Turks/XL October 20th. There are plenty of chances to catch The XX in New York coming up, including a free show at South Street Seaport with School of Seven Bells. See tour dates after the jump.

Aug 07 - New York NY - Mercury Lounge (with Free Energy and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic)
Aug 12 - New York NY - Pianos
Aug 13 - Brooklyn NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg - with Friendly Fires
Aug 14 - New York NY - South Street Seaport (with School of Seven Bells)

Your New Favorite Band: The Wild Yaks

Wild Yaks - "River May Come"

Wild Yaks - "Tomahawk"

Wild Yaks - "Wish I Had A Whip"

mp3s via Fader b/c our acct isn't working right now

There is a good chance that after seeing the Wild Yaks live, we will be changed people. According to several very reputable sources (thanks John and Sheryl) this new punk/rock/americana band from Brooklyn is not to be missed. Fader has taken to begging folks to get out to one of these shows. Who are we to say no? To be sure, we're not experts on the band's background, but we don't really give a shit - it's not that important. What is important, is the guarantee that when you see this band live: A. They will probably be wasted. B. You will probably get wasted. C. There will be yelling, singalongs, dancing and awesomeness. D. It will be a superb time. It's sort of like if The Replacements met the Black Lips and kicked the shit out of 1994 Jay Farrar. (Sorry Jay). They play Cameo on Sunday night 7/19 and Glasslands 7/25. See you there.

Ebony Bones - Playing Santos Party House - McCarren Pool - Union Pool

Ebony Bones MYSPACE
Stark's British friends have been gettin' their knickers in a bunch after recently hearing that Ebony Bones will be playing at the last pool party of the year this Sunday in Brooklyn. Channeling influences as disparate as 80s disco, modern hip-hop and dance, Ebony Bones hits hard and has drawn the attention of everyone from Timbaland, to Massive Attack, Grace Jones and Basement Jaxx. With her high fashion sense and M.I.A grooves, she's a Fader magazine dream. Certainly a good reason to get to the pool early on Sunday. Oh yeah, not to mention the fact that Titus Andronicus and Yo La Tengo are also playing, and it's the last pool party ever. Ebony Bones will also be at Santos Party House on Friday and the official McCarren after party at Union Pool Sunday at 10.

“While her world town sounds sensationalize the ear, the effect surpasses her status as a future icon and takes her into the realm of intergalactic sonic champion..” - FADER (US)

Stark heads to Seattle...

Hey all,
Stark is heading to Seattle, not for musical purposes, but rather to celebrate a wedding. We are hoping to perhaps meet up with a few Kill Rock Stars personnel albeit that may be easier said than done.

Please check back next week for our exclusive Ezra Furman interview. We like him. He is funny. You will soon like him too. Also we will be reviewing the Thao/Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson (MBAR) show at the Bowery next week as well.

Until then, keep your chin up and your head on a swivel.

Here are a few things we came across in this week's Hot Sheets...A.K.A blogs and such we read:

FADER - On the road w/ MBAR

Gorillavsbear - Lykke Li Remix

Brooklyn Vegan - All things Girl Talk

Pitchfork - Conor Oberst Review

Stereogum - Jenny Lewis "Acid Tongue"

Take Away Show w/ Man Man

~Best,
Stark

After the jump.