Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is an Indie-pop band with a name as original as their sound. From Springfield, Missouri, the band took their name from the first president of Russia, Boris Yeltsin. Currently signed to Polyvinyl Records, the band has been making music together since 1999, and have just recently released their new 10 track album 'Fly By Wire'. The band consists of three members, Will Knauer, Philip Dickey, and Jonathan James. 

The band has released a lot of music together, with numerous albums and EP's to their name, but their first commercially released album was titled 'Broom', and they released it independently in 2005. Since then the band has come a long way, touring all over the US, with bands such as Tokyo Police Club, and Two Door Cinema Club. 

SSLYBY has a very unusual, diverse sound, ranging from very vocal indie, to a slightly more pop focussed direction in their latest album, and it is very well worth all the praise it has received online already. There is a brilliant level of simplicity to their music, and this is what makes them so effectively brilliant, and under the songwriting direction of their lead singer Philip Dickey, they have released an album that should definitely be a part of any Indie fans collection. The song that first attracted me to this band is titled 'Harrison Ford', and is a perfect example of the quality of this band.

Unfortuantely, the only available link to the song is through their soundcloud page:

SSLYBY - Harrison Ford

Another fantastic song by the band is the first official single off their new album. The song is titled 'Nightwater Girlfriend' and is just as good an example of the bands talent.

(Unfortunately won't play on many mobile devices)

The band has placed teaser trailers to their new album on YouTube, and give a much better idea of the sound of their new album. If you're interested, their Youtube account link is: 

SSLYBY - YouTube Channel

As a band that is less known than t should be, in South Africa especially, these guys are definitely worth a listen, as difficult as their videos and songs are to find on the net. Easiest way to find out more about them is to visit their website :

SSLYBY - Official Site

Or on Facebook

SSLYBY - Facebook

Definitely worth the time.

London Grammar

London Grammar

It is very rare to stumble upon something as brilliant and inspiring as the music that this trio from London has recorded and released. I discovered them by chance when I came across their song 'Wasting my Young Years' on Youtube, and I was immediately entranced by what I could only describe as the best female vocals I have ever heard. Think Florence Welch (Florence + the Machine) meets Romy Madley Croft (The xx) , but more gentle, more pronounced, more moving.

The members of this art-rock trio are the absolutely beautiful vocalist Hannah Reid, drummer and keyboard player Dot Major, and guitarist Dan Rothman. I can't even put into words how powerful Hannah Reid's voice is. Her voice is truly magical, and coupled with her looks, she has quickly become one of my all time favourite female vocalists.

The group formed in 2009, but it is only recently that they have found major international success. After performing low-key events in bars and small venues, the trio released their debut single 'What Now' in December 2012, and the song, to date, has more than 800 000 views on YouTube. 

'Hey Now'

(link may not work on mobile devices, if so follow this link - London Grammar - Hey Now)

Since the release of Hey Now, the band has put together an EP, titled Metal & Dust, and are releasing their first full-length studio album titled 'If you wait' on September 9 2013. The single I heard, 'Wasting My Young Years', has been very well received globally, and placed on the UK singles chart.

It is honestly my favourite song of 2013 so far, and definitely on of my favourites of all time, and that is a big statement. The combination of the soft strings, the gentle reverbed keys, the simple, yet effective guitar, and the melancholic, meaningful vocals is unbelievably enchanting, and the vocals are both powerful and emotive. When I listen to the song, I am able to just close my eyes, and let the song transport me into a world where there is nothing but the music, which is incredibly difficult for an artist/song to do to for the listener.

'Wasting My Young Years'

(Mobile link - Wasting My Young Years)

Their latest single titled 'Strong' is equally as brilliant, with a slightly more uptempo beat, but carrying the same relaxed, melancholic style as Wasting My Young Years, carrying lyrics just as meaningful.

'Strong'

(Mobile link - Strong)

I have no doubt that this trio's album is going to be a massive success, and I can't wait to hear what more this band has to offer.

Neil Nelson (Twitter - @Neilnelson91)