4ad Future This
Following our look at some of the record labels classic, defining acts now we inspect the 4ad new breed. From the Grammy winning Bon Iver to young electro siren Grimes via rock legend Mark Lanegan, withguitars Jamie Gambino presents his pick of the labels current artists…
St Vincent
St Vincent aka Annie Clark adopted a new music style for her third album ‘Strange Mercy’. An unflinching study of personal catharsis, the record was more guitar orientated than it’s predecessors ‘Marry Me’ 2007 (created almost entirely on a laptop) and ‘Actor’ 2009.
Like the best work of David Lynch ‘Strange Mercy’ appears light on the surface but deals with dark subject matters.
Clark has received praise for her unique fretwork and has surprised live audiences by performing a Black Flag cover in concert.
Cheerleader
Deerhunter
Formed in 2001 by Bradford Cox the first Deerhunter album ‘Turn It Up Faggot’ was lo-fi experimentation named after an insult Cox claims they received at early gigs. Cryptograms the bands 2006 album was when things started to progress for the band, with them signing a deal outside of the US with 4ad in 2008.
As a result of ‘Microcastle’ leaking 4 months prior to it’s scheduled release the band recorded another album ‘Weird Era Cont’ as an additional bonus disc. Continuing their prolific output at this juncture ‘Rainwater Cassette Exchange’ ep followed in 2009 to accompany the bands tour of Europe, Japan and Australia.
Latest album ‘Halcyon Digest’ was released in 2010.
Frontman Bradford Cox has since spent time on his Atlas Sound side project, releasing the album ‘Parallax’ in 2011
Helicopter
Mark Lanegan Band
Mark Lanegan has had a long, respected career before signing to 4ad. Rock band Screaming Trees were formed in 1985 later becoming an integral part of the Grunge scene, and Mark released his debut solo record in 1990.
Various collaborations have been well received most notably as a member of Queens Of The Stone Age and his pairing with Isobel Campbell.
Blues Funeral is the 7th studio album from Mark and his first for 4ad, it also happens to be one of his most critically acclaimed records to date.
The Grave Diggers Song
The National
Early albums ‘The National’ and ‘Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers’ preceded the band signing to Beggars Banquet in 2004, the following years ‘Alligator’ raised their profile significantly. Success snowballed for the band and next album ‘Boxer’ sold over three times as much leading to a support slot with REM.
‘High Violet’ has transformed them into a headlining act and this December The National will be curating the ATP festival
Conversation 16
Bon Iver
Named after the French for good winter, singer songwriter Justin Vernon recorded most of the debut album ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ during a three month spell in a remote cabin. A huge success worldwide led to many of it’s tracks being featured on US tv shows.
A second, self titled album saw Vernon recruit additional musicians to reflect the growing numbers of the live show and best capture vocal harmonies. Earlier this year Bon Iver won two Grammy awards for best album (and without a trace of irony seeing as it was their 2nd album) best new band..
Calgary
The Big Pink
The Big Pink formed in 2007, a low key single on indie House Anxiety in 2008 led to the duo signing with 4ad. Epic debut record ‘A Brief History Of Love’ followed resulting in numerous awards and the huge hit single ‘Dominos’
Latest album ‘Future This’ was released in January 2012 and saw the band work with producer Paul Epworth ( Florence & The Machine ) in order to realise their intentions, marrying their sound with pop sensibilities
Stay Gold
Tune Yards
Merrill Garbus AKA Tune Yards initially released debut album ‘Bird Brains’ as a limited LP with diy sleeve. A deal with 4ad soon after saw the record remastered and 4 new tracks added.
Live performance is where Tune Yards excel especially since recruiting Nate Brenner on bass, bolstering the sounds created via loop pedals and snare drums.
2011 album ‘who kill’ explores femininity, sexuality and the threat of violence.
Bizness
Grimes
Grimes is the work of Claire Boucher, her 4ad debut album ‘Visions’ is actually the fourth release in less than two years. This new set of songs – citing influences ranging from Enya to Aphex Twin can easily be likened to Cocteau Twins’ Liz Frazer joining La Roux, that is to say dreamy ethereal vocals blending with electro beats fused with a pop edge that creates an otherworldly futuristic sound.
Genesis