Hidden Shoal Recordings today announced the release of the new EP by Portland-based avant-popsters Iretsu. Following hot on the heels of the release of the EP’s superb title track, and last year’s acclaimed album The Moon and Stars Remain in the Morning Sky, Iretsu present the addictive, serpentine pop constructions of Name our Numbers, Numbers.

“If you haven’t yet checked out Iretsu, then this is your chance to hop on the bandwagon before this Portland-based trio really take off. Currently operating in a completely different stratosphere to any other band on this planet, such is the originality of the avant-pop troupe’s sound, ‘Name Our Numbers, Numbers’ (Single) carries the Angry Ape seal of approval. Recalling the likes of Sonic Youth, Talking Heads and Arcade Fire, this track follows their debut masterpiece The Moon and Stars Remain in the Morning Sky, which featured everything from theatrical singalongs, Morricone-esque soundscaping and schizophrenic angular pop… Highly recommended.” – Angry Ape

“Melding such gorgeous, exploratory passages with the ethereal male/female harmonies of Arcade Fire and a sedate indie rock aesthetic, the band’s sound is dreamy and hard to resist… Once it makes its way into your playlist, your brain, your life, this is the type of album that’s hard to set aside” – Popmatters on The Moon and Stars Remain in the Morning Sky

The EP is available now through the Hidden Shoal Recordings online store in both CD and digital formats as well as all good online stores. Read a full press release here and preview the EP in full here.

Iretsu - Frenetic Iretsu - Frenetic

A quick reminder to all you lucky folk living somewhere near the cities below that Iretsu and Monocle are heading out on the road for some live dates in July. The bands will be playing shows both separately and together. Catching either of these bands live is special enough, but both together?! Sponge yourself down, it’s going to be hot!

Iretsu:
July 10th Seattle, Washington @ El Corazon (w/Monocle)
July 11th Olympia, Washington @ Le Voyeur (w/Monocle)
July 13th Portland, Oregon @ The Doug Fir Lounge (w/Monocle)
July 18th Oakland, California @ Mama Buzz

Monocle:
July 9th - Biltmore Cabaret (Vancouver, w/Hotels and Dawntreader)
July 10th Seattle, Washington @ El Corazon (w/Iretsu)
July 11th - Le Voyeur (Olympia, Washington w/Iretsu and Hotels)
July 13th - Doug Fir (Portland, Oregon w/Iretsu and Hotels)

Monocle’s awesome album Outer Sunset is available on CD through US distributor Tonevendor or MP3 and CD through the HSR Store. The album was one of Tonevendor’s best selling CD’s in June and after it’s digital release last year was named on a number of top ten of 2007 lists.

Iretsu’s incredible new single ‘Name our Numbers, Numbers‘ has just been released, and is available for free download from the HSR Store until their new EP is released on 8th July. Hear why RTRFM has the track on high rotation and DJ Gemma Pike called the track “absolutely stunning” and DJ Andrew Ryan named it track of the week.

Hope to see you at the shows!

Monocle - Music of Space Monocle - Music of Space

Iretsu - Name our Numbers, Numbers Iretsu - Name our Numbers, Numbers

Hidden Shoal Recordings today announced it has begun a co-ordinated program which will see the majority of its catalogue reissued on CD. Not only are we excited to be able to offer recent gems in CD format but we’re also itching to expose some of the amazing releases from the back catalogue that missed out on the wider recognition they most definitely deserved. All CD reissues (as well as all future releases) will be available online through the HSR Store and select releases will also be available through US distributor Tonevendor. Keep watching this space or subscribe to the mailing list to keep informed of specific reissue dates.

In other related news the Hidden Shoal Recordings online store (HSR Store) has seen a series of new features added this week. The store has been upgraded to handle the aforementioned CD sales with The Slow Beings christening the shelves with their CD release of We Know Why The Earth Moves out today. The store also has a new “accountless” purchasing option that allows customers to purchase without needing to create a store account (payment is made via credit card or Paypal account all through Paypal secure servers). Last but not least the label has initiated a series of “back catalogue specials” where monthly selections from the back catalogue will be available in high quality digital format at up to 40% off normal price. What are you waiting for?

Wayne Harriss - Anymore Wayne Harriss - Anymore

Iretsu’s new single ‘Name our Numbers, Numbers‘ and The Slow Beings’ new album We Know Why The Earth Moves have just received rave reviews over at the latest edition of Norwegian e-zine Luna Kafe. Pop along to Luna Kafe to read the reviews in full, or visit the artists’ reviews sections for excerpts. Don’t forget that the Iretsu single is available for free download until the release of the new EP on 8th July…

Iretsu - Name our Numbers, Numbers Iretsu - Name our Numbers, Numbers