The Summer State of Mind Mixtape

GLASS ANIMALS

These guys were the first to sign with Paul Epworth's new label, Wolf Tone.

One of my personal favorites from 2014 (so far) comes in the form of this "quirky quartet" out of Oxford. Glass Animals released their debut full-length album--Zaba--produced by frontman Dave Bayley in a studio located "in the dense Oxfordshire woodland." 

It is difficult to summarize their eclectic sound, but Clash put it best. "Glass Animals create a formula that leaves you curled in a corner marveling at their brilliance." To listen to the entire album before its official release on June 9th, head to the band's official site! 

Recommended:

1. Gooey 

2. Pools

3. Holiest (with Tei Shi)

Note: These guys are playing The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever on July 2nd, though it's already sold out. 

THEIF

Winner of the Triple J "Unearthed Top Song" competition and recipient of the Foundation for Young Australians Buzz Grant

Thief, formerly Thief Urban, is the electronic project of the Sydney based, multi-talented musician, PJ Wolf. His debut EP, Closer, is a promising mix of synth-pop melody and impressive vocal harmony.

Recommended:

4. Closer (single)

5. Don't Believe You

SIN FANG

Sindri Már Sigfússon = Sin Fang

Reykjavík's own Sin Fang is a dreamy summertime must in Los Angeles. The original member of the band Seabear, Sindri Már Sigfússon has been releasing solo projects under the name Sin Fang and Sin Fang Bous since 2008. Other Seabear alumnus include current members of Kimono, Mr. Silla, and Skakkamanage (as well as several solo acts). 

Recommended:

6. Sing From Dream

7. Young Boys 

8. What's Wrong With Your Eyes?

VACATIONER

"It would be easy to assume that Vacationer would pick up where The Starting Line left off, but that really couldn’t be farther from the truth." (Cincy)

Vacationer was the brainchild of Startling Line's lead singer/bassist Kenny Vasoli, and Body Language. Matt Watt brought the two together at Vasoli's behest, and the rest is beautiful history. The results are an electro-pop nod to the tropics, and one of the greatest "sunny day in SoCal" soundtracks I can imagine.

One of my personal favorites this summer, "The Wild Life" is the most recent release off their upcoming LP, Relief. 

Recommended:

9. The Wild Life

10. Good As New