It fit when I was a kid.

I don't really know much about Liars, apart from that many heralded last years Drum's not Dead as one of their albums of the year. Having only heard bits and pieces of their back catalogue I came to the conclusion that they had a pretty uncompromising sound, bass-heavy, full of drums and low vocals.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, Tori presented me with a Liars remix she had come across by Toronto's Crystal Castles, whom we both adore. The remix was of a track off of DnD, 'It fit when I was a kid', one which I hadn't previously heard. I find that listening to a remix prior to the original mix will always taint my mind, so that when I do eventually hear the original mix it becomes less accessible than if it was heard first (example: Diplo's mix of Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Gold Lion' will always be favoured over the album version). Well, anyway, after a couple of weeks listening to CC's interpretation, all 8-bit blippery, haunting echo-harmonies and resonant pianos, I decided it was time to listen to the track how Liars had intended it to be heard. And I was surprised. Unlike CC's mix, the Liars original felt much more cold and empty. Yet whilst that description may not sound like a complement, it should be read as one. It isn't until about the 2 minute mark until the elements which are distinctive to the Crystal Castle remix come in; the ambient piano chords and nursery-rhyme-esque vocals. It certainly was more than I expected, and has made me seriously reconsider listening to Liars more intently, especially their last album. Hear for yourself.

Liars Drum's Not Dead is available on Mute.
Crystal Castles will release the Untrust Us EP on Summer Lovers Unlimited in the not too distant future.

mp3: Liars - It fit when I was a kid
mp3: Liars - It fit when I was a kid (Crystal Castles remix)

We are the Teenagers.

I remember the first time I heard the Teenagers. My girlfriend, Tori, had 'Homecoming' as her profile song on myspace. First I was slightly shocked, but it grew on me. So much so that I have spent the past few months since then trying to track down as much of their material as possible. For those of you who haven't come across the Teens yet (seriously, you must have?), you may have heard some of their distinctive remixes for New Young Pony Club, Au Revoir Simone and Simian Mobile Disco, to name just a few. 'Sleeping Bag' is a track I haven't seen featured on any blogs, and although this version is tagged the Yo version, I haven't a clue what the original version sounds like. All I know is that this track share a similar haunting vibe in its sound as 'Homecoming', the lyrics verging on the pervy (Tori and I are pretty certain that the lyrics say "I'm feeling all erect" - yet to be confirmed). If anyone knows where you can catch the original version, please shout!

'Homecoming' is set to be their first single, out 20th May on Merok records (the label that brought you Klaxons and Crystal Castles no doubt). Backed by 'Fuck Nicole', the single is titled We are the Teenagers, the title of the second track which I have included for your pleasure. Consider it an audio calling-card of the Teenagers' sound: 2 minutes of perfect minimalist trance-pop. Or, jargon aside, just another example of why I love the Teenagers so much.

mp3: The Teenagers - Sleeping Bag (Yo version)
mp3: The Teenagers - We are the Teenagers

video: The Teenagers - Homecoming