Download Tracks of the Week

This week we're highlighting the return of White Lies, a somewhat provocative number from Swedish singer Lykke Li and a second track from The Joy Formidable.

By Robert Carry

White Lies, Bigger Than Us. Download here.

English alternative rockers White Lies, a rebranded version of Fear of Flying, demonstrated a stunning level of bravery when they came onto the scene in 2008. They set aside the fact that many a band has come and gone in the blink of an eye and delayed their first performance for five months to build up media hype. The gamble paid off, they nabbed a recording contract and released their sensational debut album, To Lose My Life to huge public interest and critical acclaim.

They played the full festival circuit, made it onto the NME tour and achieved that accolade most sought-after by alternative bands – Crystal Castles stepping in to remix one of their tracks.

Anyway, they’ve returned with what will be the first single from their second album, Bigger Than Us. It looks like a pretty decent follow up from a band that set a very, very high standard with their initial offering. And you have to love the E.T. inspired video.

Listen here:

Lykke Li, Get Some. Download here.

There’s not a lot to dislike about Li Lykke Timotej Zachrisson. She’s Swedish, she’s 24, and has demonstrated a clear capacity to put together a decent tune.

While her debut album, Youth Novels, which mixed elements of indie, alternative rock, electronic and a bit of pop, did little in this part of the world in terms of building a mass following, it put enough pairs of ears on the look-out (hear-out?) for her follow-up. The yet-to-be-announced second album is due in the early part of next year and Get Some will be the opening salvo.

I mean she’s a bit scary, but also quite fit. Her attitude, as revealed by her lyrics, do her no harm: “Like a shotgun, needs an outcome, I’m your prostitute, you’re gonna get some,” she sings. Can’t say fairer than that now.

Listen here:

The Joy Formidable, I Don’t Want to See You Like This. Download here.

We were a tad skeptical about whether or not Welsh outfit The Joy Formidable were worth the effort in the aftermath of their first album but the follow-up, The Big Roar, has marked them out as one to watch.

The first single, Whirring, is an exceptionally strong tracks and would sail into any indie top 20 of 2010. Next up is the slow-builder I Don’t Want to See You Like This which is another tracks well worthy of a listen. The lead singer isn’t bad either, if you’re into that type.

Listen here: