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Filed under: Anglophile

Under the Radar: SBTRKT

Dubstep has only just hit the mainstream and, in my opinion, it's already overblown. I mean, when Britney uses it, it's not exactly an underground sound anymore.

But, some artists are able to make it interesting, like James Blake and, now, SBTRKT. The London-based DJ - real name Aaron Jerome - has been making his mark for the last two years on the dubstep scene, but has just released his debut eponymous album. 

And, judging by the lead single, "Wildfire", this album is definitely worth checking out. And bonus points for the creepy video that features a possessed woman, contorting all The Exorcist like. 

My only question is, is the ceiling fan the devil?

Natalia Kills gives it away for free

There was a time, before she found Jesus, that all Lady Gaga sang about was fame and fashion. And while I don't disagree with Gaga's new lyrical inspiration, I miss the element of simplicity.

So, Natalia Kills fills that void quite nicely. I've loved every single she's released so far. Her knack for exploring the darker side of pop music is something that is refreshing in this day of big pop stars singing about nothing more than partying and hookups. 

With "Free", we find Natalia at her cheekiest and most lighthearted. The ode to living large on a small budget is visually counterpointed with video that looks like a Vogue photo shoot from the 80s, right down to the big shoulder pads and androgynous fashion. 

And of course, she pokes fun at the concept of haute couture with jarrring shots of her head on a bodybuilder's body, her neck stretched out in tribal fashion and her hair bun on fire.

The song, produced by will.i.am, who also guests on the track, is insanely catchy and fun. I can't wait for her debut Perfectionist to finally be released in August.

The Good Natured bares their bones

One of my fave new acts from the UK, The Good Natured, have a new EP out called Skeletons and the title track finds the young trio to be maturing very nicely.

"Skeletons" is about that moment of hot and heavy intimacy where you bare all your imperfections and flaws, and you don't care. Singer Sarah McIntosh channels the energy of other female electronic singers like Ladytron and Ellie Goulding and it's hard to imagine she's only 20. She conveys a presence and maturity beyond her age.

Coldplay is lazy

So, what happens when you release a tired, clichéd song as a lead single for your upcoming album?

You make a tired, clichéd video that rips off visual ideas that have been done before by cooler, younger bands - including yourself when you were younger and cooler.

Check out "Strawberry Swing" "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" by Coldplay.

Under the Radar: Example

I don't think it bares repeating that I love artists who blend two genres of music together.

While Example, from England, isn't the first to fuse rap with dance music, the way he does it is pretty unique. Not only is he rapping over top very European beats, but he also starts singing with a very 80s baritone that reminds me of New Order. That's amazing in my books.

Check out the lead single "Changed The Way You Kissed Me", from his upcoming third album, Playing In The Shadows.

Under the Radar: Clock Opera

When it comes to alternative pop music from London, there is a certain niche of music that blends electronic sounds with melodic indie guitars. See Elbow, Keane... even Coldplay. 

But, even if it is a predictable musical route, it's one that for me continually sounds fresh. Enter Clock Opera, a band who somehow manages to sound just like the above bands, but completely unique at the same time. 

Take a listen to their lead title single off their upcoming album,  Belongings. It's a beautiful song about a man who's transient life finds a home in his love. It starts off quiet and quirky before unfolding into an anthemic climax. 

And the video is pretty amazing, too. They use a cool kaleidoscopic effect fro some of the landscapes that is pretty mesmerizing.

James Blake joins a cult

One of the most hyped artists of last year, James Blake, has a new video out for what is possibly my fave track from is album.

"Lindesfarme" starts off barely a whisper, before becoming James' version of a folk song. Meanwhile, the video is anything but jaunty. It features a cult of teens, doing a series of rituals before they send one of their own off to the real world. Bizarre.

I admit, the "post-dubstep" musician was underwhelming for me because he was so inflated by music critics all over. But, once I got over my disappointment, I realized his album is actually quite genius in its minimalistic approach to music.

Check out the strange clip below.