The 10 best songs I’ve heard in the last two weeks. The return of the Pixes, Franz Ferdinand, Big Deal plus the usual mix of indie rock, indiepop, dream pop and electronica.

Pixies ‘Bagboy’
Although Kim Deal has now left the band, she does appear on this their first new song in nine years.
[Pixies]

The Preatures ‘Is This How You Feel?’ 
Hotly tipped Sydney band who split their vocals between Isabella Manfredi and Gideon Benson. Here Manfredi channels her inner Leslie Feist while the band come over all Tango In The Night-era Fleetwood Mac.
[The Preatures]

Franz Ferdinand ‘Love Illumination’

First taste of forthcoming fourth album promises a return to form. Fuzzy guitar, layered vocals, horns and neat, and what’s either a stylophone or Farfisa riff. The best thing they’ve done since their debut I reckon.
[Franz Ferdinand]

Big Deal ‘Catch Up’
Swooning dreampop from the Anglo American duo’s new album June Gloom.
[Big Deal]

Blouse ‘No Shelter’
Whoozy synths were the hallmark of this Portland band’s acclaimed debut. Here, they’ve shed them for something more stripped down, which suits this combination of pastoral psychedelia and dream pop.
[Blouse]

TRAAMS ‘Low’
Chichester indie rock trio channeling some serious Modest Mouse / Isaac Brock moves.
[TRAAMS]

Dent May ‘Born Too Late’
Catchy, summery Beach Boys-influenced pop from Mississippi based musician signed to Animal Collective’s Paw Tracks label.
[Dent May]

Lindstrøm ‘Vos Sako RV (Fred Falke Remix)’
Even when you’re as ambivalent about remix culture as I am, anything with Fred Falke’s name on is worth checking out. More so when it’s a reworking of Norwegian space disco maestro Lindstrøm.
[Lindstrøm]

Arp ‘More (Blues)’
Alexis Georgopolous deals in a number of different styles – experimental classical, funky space disco. Here he channels Euros Childs, The Flamingoes version of ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’, Mazzy Star’s ‘Fade Into You’ and funereal New Orelans jazz.
[Arp]

Big Deal ‘Call and Come’

Too lovely. “What if no one else compares? What if no one else cares?”
[Big Deal]

[Take Away]