A Month In Music: November

It might be cold, dark, windy and wet – but Music Magazine has some scorching musical highlights to look forward to this month to warm the cockles of your heart.

First up is Younger Brother. If you have to drag yourself out from the cosy comfort of your home just once this month, I’d thoroughly recommend heading to the Electric Ballroom in Camden, London, on 18 November to catch them live.

A clever mix of twisted progressive electronica liberally dusted with Ruu Campbell’s soaring vocals, Younger Brother create music that stands apart from the usual flat fodder that gluts the dance charts. The band has changed direction since their initial album “A Flock of Beeps” (Twisted Records) in 2003. Originally a side project of über psy producer Simon Posford and Benji Vaughan (the man behind Prometheus), the duo has since enlisted Campbell and a full live band as their sound has developed. Latest single “Night Lead me Astray” was released on 10 November and showcases their new sound that will be revealed in all its technicolour glory on forthcoming album Vaccine next year. They definitely deserve to be heard by a wider audience.

Check out the video here:

On a different tip, fans of full-on rock will be delighted that Deftones have embarked on a European tour to support the release of “You’ve Seen The Butcher” on 29 November from sixth album Diamond Eyes (Reprise Records). The hard rocking California-based band play the Guildhall, Southampton on 15 November, London’s Brixton Academy on 17, Norwich UEA 18, Rock City, Nottingham on 19, and Birmingham Academy on 20 November. Devil horns optional.

Meanwhile, cooler than cool kings of electronica Thievery Corporation release It Takes a Thief (ESL music) on 15 November. Rob Garza and Eric Hilton have been serving up their trademark laid back tunes for 15 years and this compilation is a neat introduction to their polished sound. Anyone not familiar with their chilled fusion of silky smooth beats that embrace styles from bossa nova to dub, funk to Latin should definitely stick this on their Christmas list. “Lebanese Blond”, “Warning Shots” and “Vampires” are all included, alongside a new tune “The Passing Stars”. Keep your eyes peeled for a new album and tour dates in early 2011.

The Human League are back! Ten years after their last release Phil Oakey and co will release “Night People” on 22 November. It’s the first track off a new album, Credo (Wall of Sound), due out in March next year. As the band that paved the way for much of today’s synth-pop sprinkled acts, it’s fitting that the single is remixed by bands who cite the League as having had a major influence on their formative years. Step forward Cerrone, Mylo, Emperor Machine, and Villa. Sounds intriguing.

Elsewhere, Gruff Rhys, the genius frontman from Super Furry Animals, has just released “Shark Ridden Waters” from his forthcoming album Hotel Shampoo. I can’t wait for the long player to land. Check out the album title’s backstory here:

On a similar Welsh tip, Howl Griff have just released their second album The Hum (Catdog) – and first in English. Recorded in Cardiff, it’s a soothing set of pop/folk, rock-flavoured life-affirming songs that’s well worth a listen. Stand out tracks for me are “Crash and Burn” and “Unselfish”. It’s an album that’ll put a spring in your step despite the November rain. Enjoy.