So anyway, listen...

Library Voices are yet another of those Canadian troupes with far more members than is strictly necessary to produce their noise [ten?!]. They haven't crossed the border yet and have just an EP to their name. Amazingly, this cracker isn't on it - Haunt this house will haunt your brain:

But EPs are excellent things, generally; so many records would be better as mini albums. Like The Xx debut, which is terrific for five songs (peaking with tune-of-the-moment Islands) but kind of sags thereafter, when the perky beats start to disappear. Moodiness, you only need so much...

Hmmmm, Message to Bears. UK self-recorded project, ambient classical/elecronica/folk-type of thing. Album comes in a lovingly hand-crafted package all tied up in string with unique 'found' photos in each of the 500 limited run. Sounds nice, huh? And it is just that, nice, but not inspired. Good for reading to and stuff but someone like Benoit Pioulard pushes the sonic envelope a tad more interestingly, methinks...
[message to bears]

...and speaking of Thomas he'll be over for his first(?) London show later in the year, with Boduf Songs, at The Lexington on Nov 4. Woop, etc...

And that pairing would fit in right nicely at the upcoming End of the Road Festival which, while not stuffed to the gills with reallyrather-friendly types, promises enough early-autumn treats to make it well worth looking forward to. Sold out, dontcha know. What's missing from the bill? Well, action like this:

There must be other stuff to report but...