Record shops are soon going to need a separate section, beside World and Jazz, labelled 'Stuff that sounds like Bon Iver'. Along with Iceland's Ásgeir, Ireland's James Vincent McMorrow and even recent Bon Iver side project Volcano Choir, there are a lot of musicians doing that haunted, choral indie sound right now. Who's complaining? It's ideal for a cold and frosty morning, and also adverts for television apparently.
Berlin, by RY X, is what you’re currently hearing on the Sony Bravia ad, following in the footsteps of José González’s similarly bewitching Heartbeats. Having been released first in August, the song is now on Radio 1’s B-list alongside Ellie Goulding and Vampire Weekend and has just crept into the top 40. It’s just one side of LA-based Australian Ry Cuming, however. He also makes something a little more electronic as Howling, and a lot more electronic as The Acid. That voice is the thing, though, regardless of the backdrop. No doubt we’ll be hearing much more of it next year.
Feb 17, Union Chapel, N1 (0870 264 3333, unionchapel.org.uk)
