Soundclouds of the Underground: Winter Romance Edition

ABOVE: DARK DARK DARK. IMAGE COURTESY OF TOD SEELIE

These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures-some of the most new and exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes deep into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.

Whether it’s because of the snow (if you get it), school ending, or the anticipation of a New Year’s kiss, the winter holidays always seem to usher in emotions of a cute and couple-y sort. Purveyors of all things lovey-dovey, we decided (in the midst of our post-Christmas food coma) it’d only be appropriate for us to provide a soundtrack inspired by such—thus, in this week’s column, you’ll find three tracks that summon the subject of romance in entirely different ways.

Dark Dark Dark: “Without You”

Who: The band is based around a break-up (Nona Marie Invie and Marshall LaCount, former lovers, sit at the center of the group), but their tracks cover far more aspects of a relationship than its demise. Invie’s alluring, raspy vocals are enough to keep you listening for days, along with the group’s chillingly personal lyrics and often eerie instrumentation, which tend to give Dark Dark Dark a special kind of staying power.

The Song: “Without You” employs heavy accordion use, but don’t let that jolt you—the song is a stirring ode to real love (presumably Invie and LaCount’s), with Invie singing, “Without you, I am a river, my love, wandering aimlessly.” What else do you want to hear from your significant other?

Current Project: The aforementioned cut can be found on the band’s newest record, Who Needs Who, available in CD, Vinyl and digital formats here. (http://www.melodic.co.uk/whoneedswho/)

Arca: “2 Blunted”

Who: Real name Alejandro Ghesri, Arca’s genius sound, electronic-friendly with an array of influences and strange samples, maintains an intense tone without taking itself too seriously. The producer’s warped world calls predominantly on ambient noises and big beats, but every song is more of a surprise than apart of a pattern.

The Song: Sometimes romance doesn’t mean saying “I love you,” but something far more twisted, and, in this case, way sexier. Arca lays his pitch-bent rap vocals over this hard-hitting track, a song that likely appeals to those who think they’d find their other half in the back of a foggy after-party.

Current Project: The artist recently released a visually arresting video for his track “Manners,” which you can watch here.  

Olivia Broadfield: “Early Hours”

Who: There’s something refreshingly straightforward about this English singer-songwriter’s approach to music—a frequent instrumentalist (many of Broadfield’s Soundcloud songs are stunning piano solos), her beautiful vocals lend perfect to the acoustic sound she so comfortably helms.

The Song: Peppy and pretty (thanks in large part to Broadfield’s harmonized vocals), “Early Hours” is a song you’d probably hear in the background of an indie rom-com. The track’s pace makes it an easy listen, as it tarries on the same chord hypnotically.

Current Project: The new cut was posted by Broadfield last week-stay updated with her via her Facebook page.

For more Soundclouds of the Underground, click here.