My New Obsession: MS MR's 'Secondhand Rapture'.

I first heard of MS MR on BBC Radio One a few months ago, and I was instantly captivated by their debut single 'Hurricane'. Since then, MS MR have released a further two singles - 'Fantasy' and 'Bones' - both also phenomenal singles. Now that their debut album, 'Secondhand Rapture' is available on Spotify, I can't tear myself away from the computer!

MS MR consists of vocalist Lizzy Plapinger and producer Max Hershenow, based in New York. It seems that 2013 really is the year of the duo, with the likes of AlunaGeorge soaring in the charts also. There is a considerable difference between the two artists however; MS MR have a much more vintage sound whereas AlunaGeorge has a sweet naivety about their sound. Plapinger's vocals have been rightly compared to Florence Welch; the raw intensity of her voice is brilliant in conveying the emotion in the album, particularly in  'Think Of You' and 'Hurricane'. 

The video for 'Hurricane' is very Lana Del Rey-esque: the antique tones and hues; the hostile sex appeal; the husky vocals. I think these husky vocals work spectacularly well in 'Bones'. It does sound like it should belong on FATM's album 'Lungs', but a quirkier modern production. The drama of Florence, through heavy drum beats and passionate piano keys, is amplified beautifully by not only the phenomenal vocals but also Hershenow's production which has a brilliant imbalance about it.
This is a band that you will definitely be hearing more of in 2013. Currently touring in the US, MS MR will be hopping over the pond to tour Europe before arriving in the UK mid July. Unfortunately, there are only a handful of dates in the UK until they jet back to America. They'll also be featuring at Reading & Leeds Festival (I am therefore FURIOUS I can't afford to go!).
I am sure with the upcoming release of their album, a full UK tour will be organised soon! I will, of course, be getting tickets if they are announced anywhere near where I live (Newcastle, please!) and I am confident they will not disappoint.

To listen to MS MR's full collection (as well as some cool remixed by the likes of CHVRCHES) visit their SoundCloud here.
Also on this SoundCloud is a brilliant collection called 'MS MR Track Addict Vol. 1'. It is full of tracks that fans of MS MR will adore, including Haim and Alt-J! It's keeping me entertained!