Phoenix: J-Boy

Perhaps not immediately recognizable as Phoenix, the French band’s new track “J-Boy” is a sparkly synth-pop treat. The song is from the upcoming Ti Amo which is set for release 9 June—their first album since 2013’s Bankrupt!. Lead vocalist Thomas Mars’ lyrics mention everything from disco lights, to Michelangelo and masquerade balls, but the song’s message is deeper than it first seems. The swirling, irresistible …

Perfume Genius: Die 4 U

Last week, Perfume Genius (aka Mike Hadreas) released his fourth record No Shape and today, the video for “Die 4 U“—directed by the remarkably talented Floria Sigismondi. The song alone is a slinky, dark and minimal tune that Hadreas’s sultry voice teeters over. Subtle erotic asphyxiation, the lyrics don’t give much away. The music video is equally full of contrasts: an almost abandoned warehouse space …

Difficult or Dangerous to Play Albums

For eight years now, music label Auris Apothecary has released albums that are difficult—and even dangerous—to play as a commentary on the ease of access digital technology provides. Some are more manageable, like a (sold-out) tape by the band Unholy Triforce which came in kit form that required assembling. Others produced by label founder Dante Augustus Scarlatti are absurdist and impossible—for example an Elmer’s “glue …