New Sounds #8 11/10/15

SHUNKAN - PALEONTOLOGIST
Five-piece New Zealand outfit from Dunedin fronted by 21-year-old Los Angeles native Marina Sakimoto who moved to NZ last year. Taken from their debut album 'The Pink Noise', out on November 20 thru Art Is Hard. The follow-on from their lo-fi debut EP 'Honey Milk and Blood', this time with big jangly guitars and big drums as Shunkan transforms itself from Sakimoto's original bedroom project. Star rating: ***/5





SLEEPLUST - DEEP NIGHTS
Newly-formed, Los Angeles-based (by way of Charlotte, North Carolina) trio comprised of twin brothers Michael and Joseph Pepe and long-time friend Meghan Tartamella. Velvet smooth vocals and brooding electronics, on this track from their self-titled debut EP out later this year, and the follow-up to previous singles 'Lies', 'Lone Black', and 'Over It Now'. Star rating: **.5/5





BUCK - UNDERNEATH THE GLOW OF MY SKIN
Ed Jones of Masters In France is the man behind this new synthpop project started a few months ago. Electronic beats back Jones’ hushed vocals over four-and-a-half minutes of semi-experimental waves of sound on this taster from an EP due before end of year. Star rating: **.5/5





THE AMAZONS - ULTRAVIOLET
Reading-based quartet with track from their Catherine Marks-produced EP (debuted on Radio 1 by Huw Stephens), 'Don't You Wanna?' released last Friday, October 9, on their own Goth Cruise Records label. Ebullient track built on pummelling drums and the heavy front duties of Matt Thomson. On tour now with next date being October 13 at The Hope in Brighton. Star rating: ****/5





HOLY OYSTERS - TAKE ME FOR A RIDE
Parisian five-piece influenced by 60s/70s psychedelic rock, with elements of pop and experimental jazz. Their self-produced debut EP will be dropping on November 23, from which this lead single comes. Synths and dulcet vocals rise over a skittering bassline. Star rating: ***/5