As found on Annie Mac Presents, these former history geeks lay forth yet another blinding single, set for release in November. The intro is an aqua-syrup concoction and forms a distinct and generically indefineable TEED sound, with lyrics that make apparent the aim of easing up the sadness of a lost soul (forgive me if I'm wrong/but you look sad all alone/so give me a shot/cuz i could be/a dog to your bone/or something). I'm sure we've all been there TEED.
Enjoy this nostalgic yet avantgarde Hot-Chip-alike.
Colin Bailey puts right a lot of the wrongs his countryman Calvin Harris has inflicted upon the reputation of Scottish dance music with this insistent and snarling effort. His work as his enigmatic stage persona Drums of Death is defiant and confrontational, and it's easy to see why Peaches chose to collaborate with him on their 2009 mixtape.
Although many (including myself) initially dismissed his efforts as overly conceptual and not worthy of the hype, I find myself eating my words as the track goes on. 'I Won't Be Long' is simply explosive with drumbeats stolen from an M25 rave building up to a thrilling crescendo at 2:26. It backs up the reputation of his frenetic live performances (and freakish badass street mime/zombie costume) have garnered over the last 12 months.
Every part of the track bursts with life, albeit life with a dark Gothic edge. So, although the song is filled with big organ riffs and throbbing percussion, it retains something malevolent bubbling beneath the surface - much like the heavy make-up Bailey hides behind at live shows. It's an oxymoron - that something so dark and sinister can harbour so many lively sounds within it. It's now that the name 'Drums of Death' makes so much sense - the drums being the ever beating heart of the track, upbeat and positive, with death always just on the horizon of thought. A brave effort.
Believe it or not, there's a certain expectation of sillyness upon first hearing their name: Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (MySpace page - worth visiting just for the list of dinosaur influences) or TEED. Yes, there is a playful, light-hearted element to his new EP, found in the upbeat musical style of 'Garden', which sounds like a Calvin Harris-Joy Orbison replicate, a sort of relaxed disco-dubstep amalgamation. The conversational narrative between a couple balances out the upbeat music and adds a touch of introspective depth. 'Blood Pressure' is more of a dancefloor pleaser, subscribing to a fidgety electro house bass roll that takes inspiration from dancehall and sounds like an Ayia Napa goldmine - a sound that is all so popular at the moment. Top advice in the lyrics too: "Prehistoric ting, rude bwoy." Damn straight. Overall, a very quirky, post-historic release that doesn't lose its credible enormity through experimental production.
