April 2012 ~ HotBox

The Rubbish Zoo - The Rubbish Zoo EP

Before they got in touch with us here at The HotBox, we'd never heard of The Rubbish Zoo, so we really weren't sure what to expect from their self titled EP. After a good few listens we're happy to report that these LA indie wonders offer the weirdest and most wonderful indie/pop that we've heard in a long time.

Laid back guitar lead melodies, synth moments - they're all there and in good form, just as you'd expect from any indie pop band. However, on a second listen you'll start to pick up some some less 'out of the box' features. Whether it's the funky vibes and cheeky lyrics of 'Look Alive', or the off kilter rhythms and toned out melodies of desperation in 'Bring Me Back'.......While they may be a little too 'pop' for some indie purists, there's definitely a lot more than meets the eye (or should it be ear?) here, making them a band well worth checking out
Try the EP in the player below then head on over to Bandcamp to pick up the EP for a modest $4.

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Summer Heart - My Forever Smile EP

Lately i'm really loving that lo-fi dream wave sound that bands like Teen Daze and Washed Out have been sending out. Sweden's Summer Heart is the latest artist to join the fray with his awesome and importantly FREE tunes. I could blather on about Summer Heart all day, but instead i'm going to direct you to all his tunes on Soundcloud, including and beyond his 'My Forever Smile' EP, which you can check out below.

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SKisM - Rave Review (Dodge & Fuski Remix)

Big, big, tune here from SKisM, Dodge and Fuski. Epic drum samples, deep drops and even though it might be a little 'bro-stepy', it's still a FREE d/l here

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Man Without Country - Foe (Album Sampler)

It's hard to describe Man Without Country's particular sound. It's kind of like a blend between New Order, Cut Copy and Carousel.
They are effortlessly reminiscent of that 80s New Wave sound, whilst simultaneous encompassing electro/trance melodies and Indie mood laden lyrics.
As difficult as they are to place, the South Welsh band's latest effort is nonetheless a highly accomplished and enjoyable listen.
Although sampler, this 5 track preview of forthcoming album 'Foe' is well worth picking up for FREE here in anticipation of the full release, due in June.

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Theme Park - Two Hours (RAC Remix)

Those RAC boys have been at it again, this time remxing Theme Park's 'Two Hours'. This is simply a must for all Electro/Pop fans.....and as always it's available for FREE d/l.

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Usher - Climax (Figgy Remix)

Although the debate rages on here at The HotBox as to whether we are secret Usher fans or not (we obvs are) what we are clear on is our love of remixing RnB samples into dance tracks. This is where Figgy comes in.....
New England based Figgy has taken what many are calling 'that UK bass sound' over Stateside and made it his own through a number of remixes and original productions which blur the lines between 2step, House and Garage.
As with his multiple other productions, Figgy's remix of 'Climax' defies genre pigeon-holing to some extent, drawing on both House and Garagey rhythms to create something distinctly unique, and unique it certainly is when heard in contrast to the original Diplo production. Figgy has taken a decent, if underwhelming, R&B track and turned it into a proper sneaker shuffler.....and best of all, he's giving it away for FREE.
Check out the track below, as well as his SoundCloud for more vibey tracks and FREE d/ls.

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Deadmau5 - Rlyehs Lament

The tracks, that Joel aka Deadmau5 has been putting out lately via his Soundcloud have been, for the most part, relatively experimental...at least so it would seem.
Although it's hard to determine the particular direction he's taking with what he calls 'Cthulhustep', we're really enjoying this depart from the 'the norm' and into the complex, and moody soundscapes of 'Rlyehs Lament'.
Listen and download for FREE below

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Sailor & I - Tough Love (Wize Remix)

About two months ago, Stockholm based Sailor & I. A released “Tough Love” and since then a few great remixes of the track surfaced the the internet. Amongst the best is the remix by Parisian producer Wize. If you're a fan 80s style synths and electro pop then you're bound to enjoy his production style.
Below i've linked both his 'Tough Love' remix and also his take on Lily Allen's 'Not Fair'...both of which are available for FREE.

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Blondfire - Hide and Seek

The guys from Blondfire have just sent over their latest release 'Hide and Seek' and it's a cracker. Check out the dreamy indie/pop goodness below.
'Hide and Seek' should be coming soon, but in the meantime check out Blondfire's other releases via iTunes

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Dank N Dirty Dubz - 4/20 FREE EP

Yea that's right, the lads over at Dank N Dirty have been busy and are once again offering a completely FREE EP full of Dubstep, Chillstep and Garage from some of the biggest underground and up and coming artists.
High quality productions, big bass and even bigger vibes, it's all there and we've come to expect nothing less from Dank N Dirty releases.
Listen to the full '4/20' EP below, then swing by FaceBook to download for FREE

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Chief - A Tribute to Chick Corea

Swiss beatmaker Chief is perhaps best known for his collaborations with Hip-hop's current underground; artists the like of Blu and Co$$.
While his beats are often heavily jazz influenced, 'A Tribute to Chick Corea' is the first time Chief has released an album with the explicit intention of finding that jazz instrumental sound, and moreover to pay tribute to one of his greatest influences, the infamous jazz pianist Chick Corea.
This ten track masterpiece is truly an excellent listen, and one that Hip-hop fans simple shouldn't ignore....listen below and grab the album for FREE via BandCamp

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Jack Steadman - Jack Steadman EP

Well this is a little embarrassing....I've always known Jack Steadman (frontman of Bombay Bicycle Club) to be one hell of a talent, based purely on the material he's recorded with his band over the past few years. However, somehow...his solo material has managed to completely pass me by...until now.
It seems that when he's not busy with Bombay Bicycle Club, Steadman is producing some of the best Garage and Hip-hop beats i've ever heard....frankly I'm lost for words, which is probably a good thing, since this stuff needs to be heard to be believed.
Check out some of the stand out tracks i've posted below (hip-hop instrumental mix 'Beat Plate'/Wu Tang remix 'Gold Tooth'/garage vibes 'Cheating') and and then head on over to his Soundcloud to check the rest....while you're at it, drop him some thanks too, since all of the tracks are FREE to download...
Screw the rain, this has been a good day.

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Major Lazer Feat. Amber - Get Free (Hannes Fischer Breakfast Mix)

Just a few days after the release of Major Lazer's 'Get Free', german House wizard Hannes Fischer has let loose his remix. He's calling it 'electro hippie house'....whatever that may be. All we know is...we like it!
Grab it for FREE here....

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San Cisco - Awkward

Everyone loves a good bit of aussy indie/pop, that's exactly what you'll get with San Cisco and their track 'Awkward'. The back and forth vocals, and charming guitar lead melody of this track may add up to be the most original track in the world, but it doesn't need to be. This is simple, clever pop at it's catchy best...good luck getting that hook out of your head.

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Disclosure - Boiling ft. Sinead Harnett

Regular readers will already know how fond we are of UK duo Disclosure at The HotBox and the lads' latest release, 'Boiling', doesn't disappoint with solid house vibes complimenting the sultry vocals of Sinead Harnett.
I could go on about this track for days, but there's really no need to say more,...just check the track out yourself below to find out why we can't wait for Disclosure's 'The Face' EP forthcoming on Greco-Roman June 4th.

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Major Lazer - Get Free ft. Amber Coffman

Chances are you've heard about the release of Major Lazer's latest offering 'Get Free', especially since #GETFREE has been all over for Twitter for days. Well i've finally got around to posting about this interesting track that looks to be giving us clues as to the new future direction of Major Lazer.
In 'Get Free', gone are the heavy dancehall vibes and bassy synths in favour of something far more chilled....with the vocal leads of Amber Coffman taking the forefront alongside clear dub/reggae influences likely stemming from the track's Jamaican recording location.
It's an interesting track, especially for Major Lazer fans so cop it + a bonus track for FREE via MadDecent...in the meantime check out the trippy video below, cartooned up in true Lazer style.

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Evan Awake - Minowa

When it comes to laid back, easy going Hip-Hop, you can always count on EvanAwake. Whether it's a mash-up, a collaboration or an instrumental, EvanAwake always stamps his own recognisable mark on everything he produces....and each track he makes makes us love him just that bit more....
Below is a preview of his latest collection 'Minowa', check it out and as always the album is available for FREE here

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Portugal The Man – All My Light (RZA Remix)

Portugal the Man ain't nothing to fuck with!

Clearly Portugal The Man are big Wu-Tang fans, or at least that how its seems since they went and reached out to RZA to remix 'All My Light' from last years 'In The Mountain, In The Clouds'.
Whatever the motivation, this is one hell of an interesting collaboration, with RZA's delicate addition of a little more bass acting as further proof that a little bit of Wu Tang can make everything better.
Grab it for FREE here....

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Friday Mix: DnB

Tracklist:

Electrosoul System - On the Beach
The Roots - Break You Off
Empire of The Sun - We Are The People (Sub Focus Remix)
Greg Packer - Shake Song
Grafix - Devotion
Genetic Bros - Uplifting
Fracture, Survival - Tracks of Time
FD - Third Glance
Example - Watch The Sun Come Up (Blame Remix)

It's that time of the week, so here's another quick little mini mix.....having a bit of fun with these now, seeing what I can sneak in here and there.....in this case I managed to casually slide The Roots into a DnB mix, always an achievement.

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Fixers - Iron Deer Dream (RAC Mix)

It's been a while since we've heard much from remix experts RAC. However it seems like they're back to form with their remix of Fixers 'Iron Deer Dream'.
For RAC fans this track will instantly be familiar as it stays true to their melodic, feet shuffling synth lead formula.....and in true RAC fashion, it's available for FREE here

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Tee Circus - Searching For The Whomp

Everybody loves House, and FREE House is even better. That's why when London producer Tee Circus's PR team sent 'Searching For The Whomp' our way, we snapped it up straight away.
If you like Minimal House music with big baselines and fist-pumping rhythms, then you'll be all over this.....
Check the track below and download for FREE here.....this one's for the ravers.

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Star One - Respect ft. Sarah Lillie

We're on a bit of a Garage tip he at The HotBox so let's keep it going....Kentish duo Star One, aka Phaze One & Blacksta, sent over their 3 track release 'Respect' a while ago and unfortunately I've only just got around to checking out it, frankly its a crying shame that I hadn't heard it sooner, because 'Respect' is gonna easily be one of the biggest Garage releases this year.
Let's start with the lead single track itself, unfortunately the preview below, barely tells half the story. The track's jazzy opening might have you fooled at first but don't be, this is pure classic garage at it's very best. Piano led melodies, warm bouncy baselines, 2step rhythms, they're all there and they shine, combining brilliantly with smooth brass interludes and the sultry vocals of Sarah Lillie. If you like a bit of jazz, but more importantly, love a bit of 2step riddim, then you'll be all over this track on the first play.
The B side, 'Swag' caters more to ravers on the side of House.... not a bad thing by any means, as the track's driving bassline is instantly catching and bound to rinsed on dancefloors across the UK. Unlike it's A side brother, 'Swag' is not complicated or highly arranged, rather its hooks and charms lay in its simplicity.
The third track is Star One's own 'Punch In The Face Remix' of 'Respect' and takes on a sort of military vibe, with a big emphasis on heavy techno style kicks and truancy synth stabs. Personally I think this track pales in comparison to the first two, and is especially eclipsed by its original. But as Phaze One describes it, it's 'one for the bass heads'........can't argue with that.

Overall this a highly accomplished release, and must have for UKG fans. 'Respect' drops May 28th via Carrot Records, so get on that preorder. In the meantime take a look at Star One's FREEmix albums over at BandCamp for more serious vibes, besides...everyone loves a FREEbie.

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Zed Bias - Subway Baby

When it comes to garage, Zed Bias aka Maddslinky is pretty much the don...that much is certain. In case you were unsure about that, he's decided to release 'Subway Baby', (a 2step track that has been featured in pretty much every mix since March) for FREE just to prove it once and for all.
It's a 'giveaway ting' so go ahead and grab it for FREE here and check the YouTube player below to preview.

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Dive - How Long Have You Known

Seems like every indie/rock band is coming out of Brooklyn these days and Dive, the side project of Beach Fossils' Zachary Cole Smith , is no exception....
The four piece band has an extremely reverb laden sound bordering on Chillwave with distinct nods towards fellow Brooklyners (Brooklynites?) Real Estate but with heavy Nirvana influences. In this vein their music takes on a rather laid back style, with easy...almost coastal rhythms and occasionally moody lyrics....all very good things in our book.
Their debut album, 'Oshin' is due out on June 26th. In the meantime check out their singles 'How Long Have You Known', 'Geist' and 'Sometime' available for FREE download below via Pitchfork.

Dive - Geist
Dive - Sometime
Dive - How Long Have You Known

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Bondax - Only You Know Ft. Dee

Just recently we had the pleasure of stumbling across this brilliant FREEbie from British duo Bondax. 'Only You Know' is a perfect Post-Dubstep that the bass heads will love. At times the track even verges on the side of UKG with its melodic drive and vocal leads, however that familiar 140ish beatmark stands as a firm reminder of where the track really stands.
'Only You Know' is available for FREE here, drop your thanks over at their Soundcloud and check out their other productions, two of which i've linked below.

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Cosmonaut Grechko - Youmi

It ain't easy trolling the internet for new (and importantly FREE) music, you tend to come across alot of generic, mediocre stuff.........However, every now and then you come across a diamond on the beach of rhinestones....in this case Russia's Cosmonaut Grechko. aka Victor Klyuchnikov.
When it comes to uplifting lo-fi electro and nu disco sounds, this guy is second to none. Whether remixing, or creating something from scratch Cosmonaut Grechko seems capable of putting a smile on my face no matter what. His melodic style may not be the most versatile or genre defying, but it doesn't have to be....its uncomplicated, laid back and as cheery as it comes. If your waiting for summer to come, Cosmonaut Grechko might just help you reach it a little faster.
The track 'Youmi' reflects his melodic style brilliantly....while the first few seconds will test your patience with solid synth noise (almost as though he's tuning his instruments) after the brief build up you'll be rewarded with an almost euphoric melody....of course 'Youmi' hardly stands alone, I challenge anyone to go through the large catalogue of tunes on Cosmonaut Grechko's Soundcloud without breaking into a smile.
Check out 'Youmi' below and then swing by Soundcloud to check the rest of his stuff, the vast majority of which is available for FREE.

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Foster The People, A Trak & Kimbra - Warrior

Converse has struck again with another promotional FREE release, this time bringing together Mark Foster (of Foster the People), A-Trak and Kimbra to create the track 'Warrior'..............the track definitely reflects that Foster the People sound, with no sign of A-Trak in there really, but that's no bad thing.

Check it below and download for FREE via Converse & Journeys - linked removed due to idiotic DMCA request, despite the fact that I am simply directing readers where to legally download this track.

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Hijinkx - Metallic Vibes (Dank n Dirty Remix)

To celebrate the release of Hijinkx latest EP 'Metallic Vibez' the legends over at Dank n Dirty have decided to release their Dubstep remix of the single for FREE via Soundcloud.
The Dank remix of 'Metallic Vibez' is downright grimy bass indulgence through and through....nothing says Happy Saturday quite like FREE dirty Dubstep......What more could you want?
Check the full EP release as well as Dank n Dirty's FREE remix below.

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New Look

The new-look layout is now live and there's more to come with a new logo on the way soon. Feedback is welcome, of course and please let us know if you encounter any bugs...we're bound to have missed something.

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Good Friday Mix

The decks have come back from the grave...today of all days, so what could be more appropriate than some DnB!
It's been a long time since the last, but finally the next HotBox friday mix has arrived.....and we're hoping to make them a damn sight more regular.
This time a little mixture of liquid and jump-up DnB....up and downs based on the way things have been here in the UK....this is a prayer for the summer to come...and I can't wait
Tracklist coming soon..
Enjoy!

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Star Slinger - Bad Bitches (Feat. Stunnaman & LIL B)

Star Slinger is a beat-making machine and the beat behind 'Bad Bitches' is just another example of his versatility. Although the quality Stunnaman & LIL B's vocals are a bit...questionable, the production is nonetheless....we wouldn't expect anything less from Star Slinger.....plus its a FREE download so check the track below and grab it now!
For more examples of Star Slinger awesomeness check out the Rihanna and Buraka Som Sistema remixes posted below too.

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New Look/Logo

Keep your eyes peeled The HotBox is page layout and logo is currently being redesigned and we are hoping to get our own .com fairly soon
Feedback is always welcome, so if there's anything you guys wanna see, now's the time to start asking....in the meantime, watch this space and SPREAD THE WORD!

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Carousel - Where Have You Gone

Those boys from Boston are back with another one! Yes, Carousel have released another single entitled 'Where Have You Gone'. The single stays true to Carousel's familiar indie/synth style, remaining somewhere inbetween dreamlike chillwave and indie/pop.
As with their other releases 'Where Have You Gone' is available for FREE here....what's not to love?!

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Chill Bump - Back To The Grain EP

Quality Hip-Hop is hard to come by, but we seem to be getting lucky lately here at The HotBox. French Duo Chill Bump have been around for a while, but are just starting to gain traction outside of France.
Production wise beatmaker Bankal's heavily sample-based beats are tight and bouncey and compliment MC Miscellaneous versatile flow and vocal delivery. According to the duo, 'Chill Bump is 100% DIY,' and their spontaneous, hands on approach really comes through in 'Back To The Grain', particularly in the stand out track 'It's Alive!'
The 6 track album is available at the duo's BandCamp for FREE or name your price.....can't argue with FREE...especially since the Chill Bump fellas believe 'real rap music ain't made under pressure'.....and anyone who quotes Gangstarr is alright by us.....the hip-hop resurrection continues

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Dunson - Count On It

According to Dunson's Soundcloud,

'Dunson resigned from his career as an investment advisor to become a full-time artist in 2010. After spending a multitude of years playing in bands of different genres, the Maryland native took the chance to become a solo artist focusing on lyrics and production.'

Unusual back story aside...this Maryland native - Financial Advisor turn Rapper - is showing some promising talent, both in terms of vocals and production. Yes the lyrics aren't exactly revolution and delivery isn't always on point, but nevertheless Dunson provides interesting potential in a sea of rap mediocrity.
Check out 'Count On It' and his contribution to The Foodchain's 'Traction' below and see for yourself.....plus both tracks and more are available for FREE on his Soundcloud.

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Rusko - Skanker

Rusko’s latest album 'Songs' has dropped and despite Mad Decent's insistence on only allowing an album stream from AOL....the album nonetheless looks to be another banger from Rusko.
To celebrate Rusko's offering up the track 'Skanker' for FREE via Soundcloud. The holds the familiar production style of Rusko, complete with some seriously dubby/reggae influenced vibes......it's well worth a download so grab it quickly before the limit runs out.

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and Happy April 1st from The HotBox (don't worry, no fools here)