Kevin Bronson on July 16th, 2009

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[Ears to the ground for new music from L.A. …]

So I arrive back in L.A. today thirsting to catch up on all the sounds that have been sent me, and I immediately happen on this song by Jonathan Haskell, who makes music as Firs. Talk about air-conditioning for the soul. This instrumental piece is the title track from Firs’ “New Hope in Soft Light” 10-inch vinyl single (lovely packaging, too). It’s gripping and cinematic, recalling Air’s best moments. Haskell says his music is inspired by his love/hate relationship with his native Los Angeles, and hearing this I guess I’m curious about what the hate side sounds like. His collaborators include a lot of familiar names and connections – Morgan Kibby (M83), Mike Garson (David Bowie/Smashing Pumpkins), Eric Heywood (the Pretenders) and Lester Nuby (Verbena). Here, chill:

||| Download: “New Hope in Soft Light”

||| Live: Firs play tonight at the Silverlake Lounge.

Photo by Barry Wayne