Genre Mix: Why We Run - Jenn Vix - Vandaveer - The Chambermaids

Why We Run - A Moment To Return.

Background/Promo - Emerging only earlier this year Why We Run have returned with energetic third single 'A Moment to Return'. Their previous two singles received over 200K streams across Spotify, YouTube & Soundcloud, as well as glowing reviews via everyone from Zan Rowe (triple j) to Rob Thomas (yes, the Rob Thomas). 'A Moment to Return’ is the first track from the Sydney quartet's forthcoming debut album (due April 2016). 

Produced and mixed by Wayne Connolly (Boy & Bear, Cloud Control, Paper Kites), the song’s nostalgic lyrics and driving energy are reminiscent of indie stalwarts like The National, The Killers, Joy Division and Silent Alarm-era Bloc Party. It’s a vibrant and moving taste of the great places Why We Run are sprinting towards.

'A Moment To Return' might be a good song to play to someone, if you were trying to define what good indie rock music is. The song flows beautifully, with delicious music and calming vocals, it is hook laden and well under my skin.

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Jenn Vix (feat John Ashton) - The Woman With No Fear.

Background - Jenn Vix has been releasing music for 15 years, her self-titled debut album on her own label, coming out in 1995 received glowing reviews in Rolling Stone amongst others. Further albums included collaborations with Reeves Gabrels of The Cure and David Bowie’s band, Andy Anderson formerly of The Cure and electro industrial artist Dirk Ivens.

‘The Woman With No Fear’ is the first single from the the new ‘Strange Buildings E.P.’ which comprises of five tracks, with two of them "The Woman With No Fear” and "Weirdo” featuring former Psychedelic Furs Guitarist, John Ashton, on rhythm guitar.

No surprises regarding the driving guitar on the featured song, however Jenn's singing is superbly matched for this type of music. Vocally she reminds me in part of Julie Driscoll, and as a fan of her music (and also the Psychedelic Furs) this is a double helping of delight for me. The five songs on the EP differ quite a lot, both in pace and musical styles, all of them, are really strong. If you like  'The Woman With No Fear', grab the EP.

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Vandaveer - But Enough On That For Now.

Background/promo - Vandaveer are announcing their fifth full-length album, The Wild Mercury, out via WhiteSpace Records on February 19. The album is a career-defining release from a band that has gathered its dedicated fan base the old-fashioned way--on the road. With everyman narratives and striking, folk-based harmonies, Vandaveer loosely fall under the Americana umbrella, but the band regularly elbow their way into wider spaces with a kaleidoscopic assortment of sounds. With The Wild Mercury, they’re stretching the genre's fibers even further.

The Wild Mercury is a journey through the personal stories of Mark Charles Heidinger, but this time with far more musical collaboration outside the unit's core duo of Heidinger and vocalist Rose Guerin. Vandaveer now feels fully formed and brimmed with its potential. This record is clearly the best the band has sounded, and they already sounded pretty great. 

The lead single, "But Enough On That For Now" is a grandiose kick off to the album. Avoiding trap song writing cliches that often permeate the roots scene, Heidinger and Guerin stack lead vocals on one another to several soaring climaxes. Each phase of the song comes off like its own coda, and when you think it can’t pile on more emotion and melodious sections, it does. The track is a bold stamp, reintroducing the band to their true believers and emphatically announcing their presence to the uninitiated.

'But Enough On That For Now' comprises of stunning vocals and harmonies, that are supported by under stated, but extremely well crafted instrumentation. Sometimes when I read promo's and then listen to the music, I have to double check I've not mixed things up. On this occasion the above words are spot on, this is one fine song.

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The Chambermaids - Tall Grass.

Background - When Ollie Moltaji and Max Schramm joined founding siblings Neil and Martha Weir to form the newest Chambermaids lineup, the chemistry between the four was immediate. Rather than putting time into playing live, they began working on new material, integrating the studio (Old Blackberry Way) into the writing and arranging process. 

Songs were captured fresh and allowed to develop and morph, sometimes coming together quickly and sometimes completely reinventing themselves. The result is a dreamy and expansive take on reverb-soaked minimalism. "Tall Grass", the first single from the almost completed album, was released on Old Blackberry Way/Guilt Ridden Pop.

'Tall Grass' has been out for a month, so we are a little late on the scene with this one. Musically it's a little like shoegaze morphing with Neil Young & Crazy Horse, something that really works for me, although I think you need to listen and see if you get my drift. Vocals are softer in the mix, which also works really well, so all in all, this is one to feature late, rather than never.


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Rock Of Ages: Oracle North - Plum - The Missendens

Oracle North - Communion.

Background - Having previously collaborated on numerous projects and having released material on labels such as Kitsuné and Palms Out Sounds, Swedish four-piece Oracle North are currently getting ready to release their debut EP. Drawing inspiration from life-embracing warm and ambient soundscapes and colder forms of new-wave and punk; their new EP moves around themes as loss and alienation but never hits a dead end, rather a supposition for rebirth, for becoming your own origin.

As a complete entity ‘Communion’ is both a distinct and consummate release, which when broken down calls to mind the sounds of New Order and the Manchester post-punk scene, whilst seamlessly applying osmotic pressure in the form of darkwave textures and 80’s influenced electronic sections to merge and create an EP full of rich yet dark, atmospheric colours and an orchestrated bohemian individuality.

Talking about their forthcoming EP, the band said, “I think our music is touching on subjects like estrangement and existential anxiety, which is expressed through some sort of yearning for a more primitive experience. Aesthetically, we've been inspired by equal parts Greek mythology; the Dionysian, Apollonian dichotomy and so forth, and the late 70s, early 80s DIY culture. And Can... and Suicide.”

As touched on in the promo, there are some older post punk vibes within 'Communion', however there is far more to the song than that. It has that clean, precise sound of 'older' New Order, but enough of it's own identity and quality to grab my attention. I like it, and surely that's what its all about.

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Plum - Light Years, Dark Years.

Background - Like an old kaleidoscope pointed at the present, Plum is a psychedelic rock outfit that brings the aesthetic of 60's and early 70's music into a modern context. Velvety vocals, hallucinatory harmonies, and prismatic guitars provide soundtracks for daydreams. Formed in late 2014, Plum's members came together with the ambition of filling the void of vocal harmony and vintage guitar driven music in the modern music scene.

The high powered, heavy hitting vibes of this band seem to come almost naturally – and they should. Having formed in late 2014 the band has already had a chance to open for giants like Charles Bradley, Win Butler and The Districts. The point being – Plum are on to something special and any true fan of Chuck Berry's music should be enamored within seconds.

The problem with music like this is that it reminds me of just how old I am. Surely not you say, still it does give me a chance to compare from memory whether it stacks up against their forerunners. For me, some types of music are timeless and Plum have that feeling going for them. So whether there are comparisons with the 60's or early 70's is academic, it's great music, done well, thanks Plum!

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The Missendens - Rolling Start.

Background - The Missendens is that rarest of creatures: a kick ass band of like minded souls who have all earned their stripes the hard way, treading the boards at countless gigs in countless bands, who have come together to bring songs of undeniable importance to all who will listen. 

Like a lot of great music, The Missendens began with a lone songwriter strumming away - forgoing sleep, pouring years of passion, life's lessons, successes and failures into chords, melodies and lyrics with true meaning. Very quickly it became evident that the bagful of songs Craig Hansen had been working on were sonically too big to be done justice by one man.

Friends were called, classified ads were placed, and eventually a band of music obsessed ‘brothers’ who were born to play was formed. Not for lure of money and not to chase some elusive dream, but purely for the love of 'the song' and the thrill of the indescribable, spine tingling power of a band in step with each other.

Recorded at Surry Hills’ Hercules Street Studios and Camperdown's Church Street Studios with former lead guitarist of Thirsty Merc Sean Carey engineering, The Missendens debut album, due for release in March 2016, was recorded in a total of 10 studio days.

'Rolling Start' is one of those songs that just gets on with it. It has the hallmark of musicians who know there stuff and having read their bio above I guess that much is clear. What makes the difference is that, the chemistry evidently exists within the band. Add a good old rock'n'roll song and a love for the music from those performing it, and you arrive at a fine song like this.

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Midweek Three: Sinnet - Peppermint Heaven - Justin Sawicki

Sinnet - Houdini Hands.

Background - Aaron Spransy knows a thing or two about Midwest Manners. The Wisconsin native has been settled in Boston for some time now, playing around town as guitarist for indie-pop melody makers The Fatal Flaw, but his own musical vision recently crystallised with Sinnet. His two-mikes-and-a-laptop bedroom project now evolved into a full-fledged band. That fleshing out of sound nicely augments songs like Castlevania, a smooth-as-f66k electronic pop soul-sucker that's the lead single off, an eclectic collection of lush sounds and lively spirits on their e.p. Midwest Manners. - Mike Marotta / Boston Phoenix.

Sinnet brings to mind the dusty, stoic Midwest of Steinbeck and the "The Last Picture Show". This Boston group rips its way through a very studious, carefully arranged, and sometimes cathartic slew of inventive indie rock. - Matt Parish / Boston Globe. Sinnet has received airplay on Boston's WFNX and WMBR radio as well as features in the Boston Globe, Boston Phoenix, The Noise and The Weekly Dig! 

'Houdini Hands' is we are told, about indecision and the mysterious magic of love and commitment. Musically it is quite distinctive, the keyboards are a little reminiscent of The Doors, but there comparisons end. The video for this has a 'spooky, tongue in cheek' theme, however I just feel the song on it's own is something quite special.

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Peppermint Heaven - I'll Be There For You.

Background - After cutting their teeth playing the Chicago indie club scene several years back, Peppermint Heaven aka Juno (Vocals, Keyboards) and Spark (Vocals, Bass, Drums) separately made the long trek from Chicago to LA eventually winding up together in the summer of 2011 when they began creating their own tasty brand of 80s-influenced indie pop, replete with heavenly harmonies, Juno’s delicious keyboard hooks and Spark’s inventive bass ‘n’ beats.

Taking their name from an obscure pre-Smiths Morrissey song, Peppermint Heaven found a home at indie band playground The Bedrock in LA’s storied Echo Park area and several months of playing, writing, recording, mixing, and honing their sound followed.  After a wintry trip to London in early 2013, the boys decided that the UK would be the perfect launching pad for the band. This made perfect sense, as many of their influences hail from the UK (Tears For Fears, Pet Shop Boys, Simple Minds, New Order, Howard Jones, Psychedelic Furs to name a few). 

Having unveiled their debut EP, the aptly titled The Delicious EP, last year, the band were thrilled with the loving response the record received, including a Top 10 placing on Music Week’s dance chart. Building on their earlier efforts, the band returned to the studio impassioned by the response.

With echoes of David Bowie, Morrissey, Erasure and Pet Shop Boys, but also boasting a distinctive Peppermint Heaven edge, the duo return with their ambitious debut album Precious Things. Hypnotic album opener Stranger Than Fiction is a clear demonstration of how the boys have raised their game. An intriguing dancefloor filler which sees Duran Duran meeting New Order, Spark and Juno show that they are plenty capable of reaching the arena highs of their musical idols. Journeying through the social comment of tantric The Cage That We Live In through to the uplifting breeze of The Girl I Used To Know and the irrepressible earworm Foreign Feeling (think Heaven 17), Precious Things is an ambitious debut that delivers what the duo have always promised – a big nostalgic 80s driven, contemporary pop record.

Unfortunately I cannot share anything from the forthcoming debut album as yet, however 'I'll Be There For You' is a reasonable introduction, for those new to the duo. What I will say is the album really builds on earlier work, and the comments above are pretty spot on music wise. Due for release on 29th January, I have a feeling they may well be in for a considerable amount of attention.

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Justin Sawicki - Upsala Trees.

Background - Justin Sawicki has been active in the Hamilton Music Scene since 2003. In that time he has shared the stage with such acts as Dave Bidini (Rheostatics), Selina Martin, Tomi Swick, Tom Wilson, Terra Lightfoot, and Max Kerman (Arkells). In 2007 he recorded in Daniel Lanois’ legendary Grant Avenue Studio. In 2009 he won the Committee Award at the Hamilton Film and Music Festival, and in 2011 released his LP. The offering, Nothing For No One, has been described as "a portrait of an artist who loves to explore" and as being "eerily romantic and playful".  In 2012 the recording was nominated for Independent Album of the Year at the Hamilton Music Awards.

In December of 2015, Justin Sawicki, the songwriter's self-titled second album is set to be released. The most recent effort is more honed and mature with a strong focus on traditional roots rhythms and arrangements. This time, Sawicki offers uptempo numbers (Louise, Honey Bee), songs with humorous insight (I've Never Been a Farmer, The Polar Bear Song), and songs referencing obscure Canadian Geography (Upsala Trees). The album will have it's physical release on December 11 at the Artword Artbar in Hamilton, ON.

Taken from the new self titled album, the song 'Upsala Trees' really is just a glimpse, of some varied and very pleasing songs. There has been a considerable amount going on in Justin's life of recent times, however as an independent artist, the vast majority of delivering this album has been on his shoulders. That said musically and lyrically this is a mature piece of work, that in my opinion deserves to get noticed. Website here.

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Stella Diana - Shohet. (From The EP Alhena)

Stella Diana - Shohet.

And the promo says - Stella Diana have confirmed details for the international release of their vast, compelling EP ‘Alhena’, which will be available through Italy's Vipchoyo Sound Factory and Britain's Raphalite Records on December 4th. The first single ‘Shohet’ foreshadows a release full of melodic gems. Tracks spirit you into a state of bliss, underpinned with a harmonic complexity that both beguiles and entrances. Welcome to your new favourite Italian band.

Stella Diana are Dario Torre (vocals and guitar), Giacomo Salzano (bass guitar), Raffaele Bocchetti (guitar), and Davide Fusco (drums). This EP was mixed and mastered by Marc Joy of Lights That Change and Alexander Kretov of Ummagma. 

Hailing from a city more known for pizza and opera than shoegaze and new wave addicts, Stella Diana possess not only the spirit of late 80s/early 90s British bands like Catherine Wheel and Ride, but also the dark wave seeds of Joy Division and the stylistic underpinnings of new wave artists like Psychedelic Furs and The Chameleons, all of whom number among the band's influences. Others include Pale Saints, Lush, The Stone Roses, Codeine, Christian Death, and Talk Talk.

Since their inception in 1998, Stella Diana has gradually become recognized by the Italian press as one of the best shoegaze bands in the country with their intricate, brooding and textured mix of shoegaze, post-punk, dreampop and new wave. They have managed to grow a sizeable international following despite singing entirely in Italian – an unprecedented achievement for an Italian indie band in these respective genres.

I am really impressed with Stella Daina's EP 'Alhena'. 'Shohet' is probably the most intense of the five tracks which includes a fascinating cover version of Kula Shaker's 'Govinda'. The band sing in their native tongue, which for me adds to the intrigue, and enables them to perform truly from the heart.
 
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Alternative Take: Thug Entrancer - Liskka - FERDI-F - The Weather

Thug Entrancer - Curaga.

Background - Thug Entrancer, aka Denver-based producer Ryan McRyhew, has announced his sophomore full length Arcology is arriving via Daniel Lopatin's forward-thinking electronic label Software on March 4th. A sonic narrative of an imagined alien colony existing between the fabric of known and unknown worlds, Arcology explores high tech / low life society, mechanical structures, and data-driven humanity in an evocative techno framework. Though conceived in a similar improvisational womb as McRyhew's debut, the new album moves from the free-form foot workouts of Death After Life with an expanded palette vibrating brightly with melodic deployment.

McRyhew did not sculpt Arcology's universe alone. Milton Melvin Croissant III designed the album's artwork, live visuals and forthcoming video pieces, the offspring of an expansive collaboration and a lifelong friendship between the two Coloradans. At the outset of recording, McRyhew and MMCIII spoke at length on the theme of world building: "What interests us the most in science fiction... is the ability to construct a new universe, culture, and environment," notes Croissant III. "World-building is something we strive for individually in each of our creative practises. The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to use the music of Arcology as a framework to create a universe."

"The album title stems from the idea of a structure or object that is entirely self-sufficient and life-generating with little to no outside influence," notes McRyhew. Thug Entrancer's new odyssey expands on DAL's themes of isolation and displacement by envisioning how similar emotions would play out in a fantastical environment. Arcology scores a VR addict's routine or a sleepless night in a still-suit, a suite of anthems for the sci-fi lover and dystopian dreamer.

There is something about 'Curaga' that works for me. The music seemingly snakes and weaves within itself, at times quite intricately. All of this needs the order of the constant dominant beat, the result makes next years album, one to look forward to.

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Liskka - Keep Me Awake.

Words from Liskka - 'Keep Me Awake' is a spooky, dripping wet, autumnal song that utilizes real instrumentation such as Oboe and Trumpet, samples, and alluring vocals to create a gorgeously exciting, and cinematic song.

'Keep Me Awake' takes cues from glitch, electro pop and Modern R'n'B, whilst managing to sound absolutely nothing like any of them. Warm organic sounds of horn and piano litter the track, adding a beautiful respite to a fairly restless scene. Meanwhile, self-referential stop-start samples emphasise the glassy alien tone, all combined, it amounts to an interesting journey.

After toying with several demos, we decided to quietly release a 5-track EP to help define our sound. A clear winner was the combination of electronic glitch and organic instrumentation. 
Following that EP is 'Keep Me Awake' which we think is both a continuation and the beginning.

Now I really do like this song. Each layer fits beautifully together, the music is a concoction of ideas and instruments, that playfully work wonders, supporting the vocals that take it all even further.

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FERDI-F - Headbang (original Mix).

Background - FERDI-F is a a session drummer, recording engineer and producer with a unique approach to his blend of EDM. 

Boasting over twenty albums (involved as an engineer) and ten single releases of his own material, FERDI-F set out to develop a sound that is all about connecting with listeners through high-energy release, uplifting melodies, and a floor-shattering beats not unlike influential performers such as Hardwell, Tiesto or Steve Aoki, just to mention a few.

This has been around for a few weeks, however it's to good to ignore. As you might imagine the drums are clearly a key component of the music, but by no means the dominant part. This is more stripped down than a lot of house music and as a result the tiny and detailed parts stand out more, much to my ears delight.

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The Weather - Too Late.

Background - After ten long years in the desert, Isaac James is back with a new electronic project, The Weather. Shaking of previous vocal house roots, The Weather has emerged with a TB-303 Bassline synth and cut up sample attitudes to produce uplifting debut "Too Late" Releasing a string of house hits in the 2000??s through Sony Music, Central Station and Vicious Vinyl, Isaac is no stranger to the scene, responsible for the 'Dirty South remixed "Just Can't Handle this" and single ??Baby Likes It? which charted at number 4 on the UK dance charts and gained global TV and radio play.

Under a new moniker and with a fresh new direction, The Weather now makes a new home in the world of uplifting electronica; carefully melding samples, analogue synths and vocal drops in this refreshing sonic reinvention.

'Too Late' just puts me in a good mood. The vocal lines are a delight and the chunky bassline synth just punches (and punches) the beat out. Clearly a lot has gone into this, the result is something quite uplifting.

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Fridays Singer/Songwriters: LeRiche - Joni Fuller

LeRiche - Rain.

LeRiche introduces himself - I'm 22 years old and I'm from Port aux Basques. My passion for music began at an early age, first stretching my fingers out on a six-string at the age of one. After years of playing local establishments across the island of Newfoundland, I'm thrilled to be upon my first commercial release, Rain.

In this release, I'm supported by a string quartet, percussion and the sound of rain falling (captured on microphone) through an open window at the downtown Toronto studio as the track was being recorded.  This will be the first look at new music from my debut EP Quiet Steady which is set for release Summer 2016.  The album delves deep into strong memorable melodies at the core of my music.

The only other band I know who recorded rain with a live mike through an open window was The Who (Quadrophenia). OK music lesson over and to LeRiche. 'Rain' is a gentle and melodic song, with LeRiche's vocals reminiscent a little of Jeff Buckley, in as much as they are so natural and sincere. It's a fine introduction and one that sets the EP up, as a must listen.

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Joni Fuller - The Penny.

And The News - Friday 27th November 2015, the day history is made by Joni Fuller, an award-winning songwriter and classically trained multi-instrumentalist. Joni Fuller will be releasing her high-energy, indie folk/pop song  'Everybody Says So' through existing digital outlets, but the track will first be available on Aurovine, an revolutionary platform which utilises the recently launched music industry currency AudioCoin.

Aurovine allows music fans to connect and support emerging artists by listening, rating and sharing tracks, earning AudioCoins for both parties which can be exchanged for other currencies, stored in an offline wallet to earn interest or used for transactions on Aurovine and other websites. Through revolutionary blockchain technology, Aurovine provides super transparent and fair revenue splits to the artist, songwriter and anyone with a tangible stake in the making and promotion/distribution of a record. Even fans can become an integral part of the project with an innovative crowd revenue share feature.

Just three hundred limited edition digital copies of Joni Fuller's single will be available, featuring two extra specially recorded bonus tracks. Along with an official record of support, these three hundred backers will also get a revenue share of worldwide sales.

Born in Lytham-St Annes, Lancashire, Joni Fuller's first solo performance was made at the Montreux Jazz Festival when she was just twelve years old. Since then she has honed her craft the traditional way,  performing extensively in the UK, mainland Europe and North America. Known for her high energy, instrument swapping solo performances, Joni combines sublime musicianship with ground breaking looping techniques to build a wall of sound live on stage.

So all of the above is about 'Everybody Say So' and I have featured 'The Penny'. Well 'The Penny' is a great introduction to Joni Fuller, and it only seems fair to support her Aurovine release by encouraging a visit to her page on the site. Joni's Aurovine link (here). Both are really good songs indeed you can checkout more on her website (here). Right I'm off to figure out how Aurovine works - enjoy.

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Two For You: Timber Bones - yndi halda

Timber Bones - Travelling Song.

And we are told - One hot summer under the shade of a Queenslander indie-rock 5-piece Timber Bones jammed out their first song together. “Travelling Song” was written in celebration of one of Australia’s newest pass-times- “the festival romance.” A side effect of excessive cider consumption and inadequate sun safety the festival romance is a whirlwind of summer dresses, white smoke and young love. The third single from Timber Bones "Travelling Song" is best enjoyed in the company of strangers with inhibitions left back home with your day job.

The bouncy, folk-rock tune takes inspiration from the likes of Mumford and Sons, Fleet Foxes and The Mama's and the Papa's. "When we first started writing music together we had aimed for a more folky sound overall,” says guitarist Kendall. "Originally the guitar lines were written for banjo and the song was jug-tootingly folky. When the song came out of pre-production at The Palace, producer Caleb James had worked this awesome festival vibe around it. People heard it and started dancing so naturally it became our festival song and my banjo became a paper-weight."

Timber Bones leave on their maiden bus voyage after a month’s work under the very same Queenslander. Planning an east-coast tour for the coming summer Timber Bones whole journey will be documented in a web-series to appear on their website (here).

This has those feel good vibes through and through. Upbeat and to use the expression above 'bouncy', it does all of this without losing the sincerity. It's a nice bright song.

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yndi halda - Golden Threads From The Sun (excerpt).

Background - Eight-years on from Enjoy Eternal Bliss Brighton based quintet yndi halda are now preparing to release their new album, Under Summer. Having toured across the UK, Europe, USA and Asia, including shows at London's famed Barbican Hall, Koko and Union Chapel venues, and entirely selling out a short residency at Hoxton Hall; yndi halda's fervent and nominally patient fan base have been eagerly awaiting this new material. For those who were previously enthralled by the band's revered string-heavy and densely layered flavor of instrumental rock, there are seemingly endless new aural delectations to unearth and embrace in the band's intense second effort. Their music is at once subtle and joyous, hitting huge emotional peaks around moments of serene gentleness and heart-breaking sadness in its orchestration of sonorous guitar interlacing, meticulously crafted string arrangements and - now - soaring vocal harmonies.

Speaking about writing the new album, James Vella (guitar, vocals) said "We called the album Under Summer. It is two references. For us at least. Inevitably it will mean something different to everyone who hears the album. But for us it is the very upper limit of the sky under which we wrote and recorded the album. The endless July days that we played into, a perfect calm and joy. But it's also a sadness. 'Under' as in 'beneath'; sorrow and heartache. We found that important because we want to express that in our music too. Sadness and bliss. What one means to the other." The new album is due out on the March 4, 2016 via Big Scary Monsters in the UK/EU and Burnt Toast Vinyl in the US, and follows the critically acclaimed Enjoy Eternal Bliss, which was released in 2007.

A four minute taste of their forthcoming album, in this excerpt of the track 'Golden Threads From The Sun' and what a teaser it is! It suggests we really are in for a treat when the album is released, one for the diary to say the least.

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Another Genre Mix: Atlas Lab - Dirty Revival

Atlas Lab - Wake Up Slow.

About the band - Like so many stories, Atlas Lab's biography begins with a chance meeting. Alex and Solei met one chilly morning while street performing in Harvard Square. She had her mic and looper, he had a homemade drumset of pots and pans. Before long, they were playing out together. Around the same time, Solei and John were experimenting with adding vocal loops and electronic textures to folk tunes, and Alex and Samm were living together, making ambient electronic music, and performing with local acts. The four came together in a Brighton apartment one afternoon in the winter of 2015 and felt the undefinable thing called chemistry.

Since then, Atlas Lab has toured the Northeast in suppport of an EP of live demos, which have gotten noticed on Bandcamp and several online indie labels/blogs. They will be releasing their first studio EP, "Wake Up Slow," in January 2016. In the fall of 2015, bassist Otto Briner joined the band as it moved towards a more groove-based, soulful sound. The new line up is currently writing songs for a full-length album. They have spent the past year playing extensively in Montreal, New York, Cape Cod, Vermont, Maine, and at local venues like Middle East Up, TT the Bear's (RIP), and Great Scott. -- Website Here.

One of the nice things about running a music blog, is when one band you feature opens the door to another, and they also sound really good, as has happened with Atlas Lab. The first single 'Wake Up Slow' is a song that quietly builds into something quite special. Indie folk with a bit of a kick, I can't wait to hear the rest of the EP.

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Dirty Revival - Dirty Love.

Background and band comments - “Big, gritty, and honest.  Our sound is unique but pulls elements of our favorite genres: soul, funk, hip-hop, R&B, jazz, gospel, and rock,” says Sarah Clarke, the resounding, and resonating, front woman for Portland, Oregon-based Dirty Revival. Also comprised of Evan "evv'n'flo" Simko (M.C., guitar), Terry Drysdale (drums), Karl Ludwigsen (keyboards), and Jon Shaw (bass), the quintet shines on their self-titled, debut full-length.  

“Someone once described us as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and Rose Royce all blended up as one,” Clarke says of the comparisons her band has already started to receive.  “I nearly fainted.  What a massive compliment.” Expanding on that, Evan Simko says, “I think people will find a great variety of influences or comparisons, to name a few: P-Funk, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Bill Withers, Charles Bradley, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and The Roots.  It’s hard to say.  I think there are so many influences that it won’t quite sound like anyone in particular.”

Their debut is a representation of all of this, a melting pot of influences and personalities, with all five members getting their voice, literally and metaphorically, contained within the sounds of the album.  While navigating different musical waters, the album also vacillates between fiercely political uprisings to down and gritty party jams that are meant to make you smile and dance.

“The album is about honesty,” says Sarah Clark Clarke.  “It is candid and sincere, the same way we as a group approach music in general.  ‘Breathe’ is a song decrying the racial tensions in our society as we see it.  ‘Lay Me Down’ is about the brutal affect addiction has on people.  ‘Take It Off’ is a take on lust.  “Make It” is about the need for personal betterment.  And then there are songs like ‘Dirty Love,’ which highlights our passion for performance.  Essentially, every song on this album is an unadulterated take on music and the world that we see every day.” Adds Terry Drysdale, “It’s serious when it needs to be and fun the rest of the time.” The band decided on self-titling their debut, as a representation of who they are.

Now, with the record done, the band just wants to get their music out there, share it with people, and hope that those people want them to come to their city and play live for them.  And, the band, will be happy to oblige, with heavy touring this fall into next year slated in support of Dirty Revival.

Plenty of musical references above, however on merit the influences or comparisons are pretty reasonable. On the featured track the band stomp things up and certainly mix the styles. The album as a whole has plenty of 'traditional' soul songs, that whether they are softer, or more powerful, are just so full of commitment, and real soul passion. Dirty Revival are a melting pot of musical and vocal quality, that reaches way beyond just soul music fans.

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Upbeat Tuesday: Prickle - The Gromble

Prickle - Tell Me Why.

What we are told - Prickle is 17 y/o independent pop rock artist Emily Wilson from Melbourne, Victoria. After spending a few years honing and developing her sound, in search of her ‘unique voice,’ Emily is ready to share her personal perspective.

‘Tell Me Why,’ is her first single. It is a study of contrasting personalities and the thoughts that follow. The honest vocals engage a story telling voice speaking to the listener in conversational style. Initially sketched out with a laid back acoustic feel, the song has now adopted a garage rock 60’s mood with a strong rhythm section and drive.

The song is produced by Rich Bowers and Matt O’Connor, and features Jasper Miles on drums. Jasper has collaborated with Emily on a lot of her material and is also a member Auntie Mag. A lot more to come from Prickle in 2016 following 'Tell Me Why.''

This is a superb song. Vocals are a delight and the music (more rock than pop in my opinion) adds power to the whole piece. An exciting blast of fresh new music, due for release on the 11th of December 2015.


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The Gromble - Real Sympathy.

Background - Hailing from the warm shores of California, five-piece band The Gromble grew up playing together in various bands and have established the kind of rare synchronicity that has helped them carve out their own idiosyncratic niche: a charming blend of orchestral alt-folk and indie rock, honed live supporting such acts as The Lemonheads. 

With the classic intensity of early greats Pavement, Weezer and Neutral Milk Hotel and a taste for the heartland classics, they arrive somewhere between Grouplove, Miniature Tigers and Vampire Weekend. They take their name from Nickelodeon’s Aaahh!!! Real Monsters a perfect indicator of their unashamed love for 90s pop culture and for the sense of humour that runs beneath the surface of their songs.

Their new album 'Jayus' is due out February 12th 2016. The band say: “We wanted to create something that encompassed all of our varying and often conflicting influences, in hopes that it will reach the listener as something both fresh and familiar. There's something special about the time when a group is first trying to gel together and really define itself, its aural signature. For us, this album definitely captures that feeling as we're learning about ourselves, each other, and the burden of life in general.”

This just 'screams' summer and smiles and beach parties and warmth (you get the picture?). It's been some journey for the band to reach this point, based on the good vibes of this song, a lot of music fans will be glad they stuck with it.


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Alternative Take: Super8 & Tab - Club 8 - Frameworks

Super8 & Tab - Komorebi.

Background - Since their collaboration in 2005, Super8 & Tab have released two Beatport trance number one artist albums, played at major music festivals all over the world, including EDC, Ultra, Tomorrowland and A State of Trance and been nominated ‘Best Breakthrough DJ’ at the Miami WMC IDMA Awards. Most recently, the duo was signed to colossal record company Armada Music and shows no signs of slowing down.

Things started happening for the Finnish duo in 2004, when Above & Beyond adopted each of them individually as the first members of the ever-growing Anjunabeats family. Super8 met Tab in 2005 at a recording studio and they soon start working together. Although they have grown with Anjuna and had multiple number one releases on the label, they’ve always put out records on other imprints too; the latest of which is Armada Music. In addition to being signed to two of the biggest labels in trance music, Super8 & Tab’s other achievements include two artist albums, four mix compilations, remixes for the likes of Armin van Buuren, Paul van Dyk, Ferry Corsten and BT and countless hit singles such as ‘Elektra,' ‘Irufushi,'  ‘L.A.’ and ‘Helsinki Scorchin.’’

In 2014 the duo released their second artist album ‘Unified’, which was celebrated with a string of Beatport Top 3 singles (‘Code Red’ with Jaytech, ‘Rubicon’ with 7Skies, and ‘No Frontiers’ and ‘Let Go’, both featuring Julie Thompson). To coincide with the release of ‘Unified’, the duo embarked on a five-month album tour, taking in more than 40 cities across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

'Komorebi' has that classic trance feel to start with, and then just goes somewhere special, wonderful and quite anthemic. This is an incredible piece of music.

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Club 8 - Late Nights.

Background - Club 8 and the new album 'Pleasure' just released (November 20). Swedish duo Club 8 celebrate 20 years as a band and return with their 9th album, “Pleasure”. For the album producer and songwriter Johan Angergård (The Legends, Pallers, Acid House Kings, Eternal Death) wrote almost 30 songs and then he and singer Karolina Komstedt chose to record eight of these. Just like most Club 8 albums from the last 14 years ”Pleasure” was recorded in their own studio, the ever changing Summersound Studios.

- ”Love dies” was the first song we recorded and it set the tone and work process for the whole album. It was written in a few hours and finished the day after. Vocals was captured on the first take. For me, this is not only our probably best album to date, it’s the the most well produced in every way. Still, we haven’t done an album this fast since ”Spring came, rain fell” in 2002, says Johan.

Club 8 has always seen themselves as an international band with no plans to succeed in their home country (but accidently succeeded anyway). - We never play live in Sweden and we’ve chosen not to do any interviews here in the last years. We love Sweden, of course, but why play here when you can tour Brazil or China? Or, more importantly, produce some new music! (Johan)

The duo has released their albums on more than 40 different labels located in more than 20 different countries (including labels in Indonesia, Spain, the UK, the US, Philippines, Japan, Ukraine, Italy, Brazil, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand). They started out the Spanish label Siesta in 1995 and had a dance hit with “Missing you” on Labrador in Spain three years later. A few years later they were among the first to popularize indie pop, possibly the very first, in Indonesia and a driving force behind the creation of the entire indie scene in the country. In the last years they’ve seen their popularity grow rapidly in China and played audiences of 20.000 people in 2014. 2015 has certainly been a productive year for Club 8’s producer and songwriter Johan Angergård. “Pleasure” is his third album this year, his 9th with Club 8 and 21st album in total.

'Late Nights' is an upbeat and up tempo mix of synths and the dreamy voice of Karolina sits beautifully above it all. As far as the album goes, some songs are slower or softer, they all have the constant quality that is Club 8.

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Frameworks - Branches.

Background - British downtempo and instrumental hip hop producer Frameworks has teamed up with Emancipator’s label Loci Records for the release of his ‘Branches’ EP. Following his debut LP Tides, which was released with First Word Records earlier this year, the four-track ‘Branches’ EP sees Matthew Brewer, aka Frameworks, expand his cinematic soundscapes into bolder tempos with even more live instrumentation bringing an organic richness to his already warm compositions. 

The title track, “Branches,” brings bold, organic house grooves right out of the box. Delicate atmospherics are the hallmark of “Carry On,” which functions as the EP’s lead single. “The Movement” reunites Brewer with longtime collaborator Rioghnach Connolly, whose powerful vocal style penetrates the innovative foundation. Closing with “The Passenger,” Frameworks brings brassy, pulsing beats to a fanfare of a climax.

Brewer first became a part of the Loci Records family after opening for Emancipator at a UK tour stop, who then asked him to lead off his Dusk To Dawn remix album with a version of the title track. From there, it was only natural to release an EP with the imprint. He just recently finished up his first US tour, alongside Vibe Street and Dreamers Delight, and looks forward to hitting the road again soon.

First track off the EP 'Branches' typifies the overall quality of Frameworks new release. It's intricate, with an attention to detail, its also incredibly well composed and deserves a lot of attention.

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Genre Mix: The Monikers - Eternals - Bloodhounds On My Trail

The Monikers - Friends Like These.

Background - The Monikers are a four piece indie rock band based in Adelaide, SA. Forming in early 2013, the guys have come together to create their own unique style of melodic, guitar- driven indie rock. Working hard over the past two years and delivering two EPs in the process, they have steadily built a reputation as one of the most fun live acts in Adelaide. The floor is always packed with people dancing along to their catchy tunes! 

‘Friends Like These’ was recorded and produced in SAE Studios, Adelaide, by Michael Carver. It’s an upbeat-party song with some dark undercurrents. Punchy and guitar- driven, it’s friendly demeanour somewhat conceals the more serious subject matter of the song. 

“It’s probably the happiest and saddest song I’ve ever written. Definitely the most personal” - Andy Mackenzie. You can catch The Monikers in Adelaide on 12/12/15 at The Ed Castle and in Melbourne on 8/1/15 at Mr Boogie Man Bar.

The Monikers are a good reminder that keeping music simple, unpretentious and danceable tends to make it timeless and popular. 'Friends Like These' seemingly skips along with fine 'earthy' vocals accompanied by a band that know their business. Go on, play it and try and stay still...

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Eternals - Out Of Context.

Biography - Drawing equally from contemporary greats such as Wilco, Spoon and Sparklehorse, and classic pop and rock experimentalists like Brian Eno and John Cale, Somerville, MA’s Eternals are the perfect collusion of timeless sounds with an ambitious sonic language.

Songwriter Stephen Konrads writes like an arranger, and arranges like a cinematographer. A multi-instrumentalist of intense versatility, he is acutely aware of the fallacy of technique over content, and keeps his sonic landscape stark & muscular. Wayne Whittaker, bass; Harrison Seiler, drums; Eric Bolton, guitar contribute a spare, smouldering power that recalls the restrained prowess of classic American rhythm sections.

For the better part of ten years, members of Eternals have collaborated with numerous musicians in the Boston area, including Marissa Nadler, Thalia Zedek and members of Passion Pit, Titus Andronicus, Haerts, Lucius, Foxygen, and Diane Coffee. The band began arranging original material in 2013, and recorded their debut full-length to analog tape at the Soul Shop in Medford, MA. Following the album’s release in 2014, the band toured regionally and landed opening slots for acclaimed acts, including Wild Nothing, Caveman and Bishop Allen. 

On their forthcoming full-length, Isn’t That Anyone, Eternals seek to expand their brand of atmospheric Americana. “Out Of Context”, the record’s first single, is a compactly arranged folk song buoyed by warm electronic ambiance reminiscent of Brian Eno or Daniel Lanois. The band co-produced the song alongside engineer Aaron Bastinelli, who has worked with thousands of artists including Bono, The Roots and The Hold Steady.

'Out Of Context' is the first song I have heard by this band, and I am really impressed. OK so there is plenty of name checking in the bio above, however in the end, its the music that "makes it, or breaks it", and this one just stands out on so many levels.

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Bloodhounds On My Trail - Jolly. (from the EP Escape II).

Background - It's no secret that Australia has a burgeoning shoegaze scene. From within the burgeoning Melbourne shoegaze community, Bloodhounds On My Trail are set to release ‘Escape II’ internationally through US label Moon Sounds Records. where they join a healthy roster with such notable bands as Ceremony, The Foreign Resort, Dead Leaf Echo, Static Daydream, and Follow The Sea. This deluxe edition of their debut EP ‘Escape’ will also feature additional tracks ‘She’s In My Plans’ and a remix of ‘Jolly’ by celebrated dreampop duo Ummagma.

Bloodhounds are Johnny Green (guitar, vocals), Chris Donaldson (guitar), Nik Donaldson (drums) and Ché Walden (bass). With a love of shoegaze bands of the late 1980s to early 90s, Bloodhounds On My Trail seek to fuse the rhythmic underpinnings of bands like the Velvet Underground and the Stooges with the infectious stylings of shoegaze luminaries such as Cocteau Twins and Slowdive. 

Since playing their first show in February 2014, the band has been blossoming through a whirlwind combination of live shows, festivals and recording sessions. Their music was met with positive reactions, encouraging press, and invitations to play with notable Australian artists such as Lowtide, Contrast, and White Walls. Thanks to Tonedeaf and Gabe Lewis from Lowtide, one of the foremost shoegaze acts in Australia, Bloodhounds on My Trail began to be known as one of the best Aussie shoegaze acts around. "They sound like how I want my guitars to sound," Gabe explains. "Needless to say, I was immediately hooked. Really languid, cascading washes, and wearing their pastoral shoegaze influences on their sleeves.”

All of this prompted the band to formally commit their hazy tones to tape at Birdland Studios with renowned engineer and producer Matthew Hosking, who was the perfect match for the band - also being deeply immersed in shoegaze music and having a record of outstanding work with fellow shoegazers Lowtide, Contrast, vhs dream and Hideous Towns. This year has also seen the band gain momentum with appearances at local gaze festivals alongside Flyying Colours, Immigrant Union, Black Cab and Day Ravies.

In all honesty I have to be in the right mood to listen to shoegaze music these days. Across this EP, there is enough variety, rather than a constant wall of noise, to keep it interesting and enjoyable. I guess my Cocteau Twins obsession, sets the bar high, however for me, 'Bloodhounds On My Trail' certainly fall into the 'ones to watch' category.

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The Ocean Blue - First Three Albums Reissued

The Ocean Blue - City Traffic.

And the facts - The Ocean Blue reissued its first three albums on vinyl yesterday (Nov. 20th) via Shelflife Records / Korda Records - this includes The Ocean Blue (1989), Cerulean (1991) and Beneath The Rhythm and Sound (1993). Cerulean and Beneath are being issued on vinyl for the first time ever. The band will also perform their S/T debut and Cerulean in full on fall tour (final dates below).  

The Ocean Blue's debut record on the famed Sire Records label in 1989 achieved widespread acclaim and radio & MTV airplay. The band of four high schoolers from Hershey, Pennsylvania went on to do two more well-received records for Sire, the atmospheric Cerulean and alt-pop Beneath the Rhythm and Sound, and a fourth record for Mercury/PolyGram, See The Ocean Blue, before leaving the majors in the late 90s. The band did several independent releases in the 2000s, including Davy Jones Locker and Waterworks, and in 2013 released their first full length record in over 10 years, Ultramarine, on Korda Records, a new Minneapolis cooperative label that the band helped launch in late 2012. A new full length record is in the works and slated for release in 2016.

Remaining dates:
11/21 - Washington, DC - Jammin Java
11/22 - Lancaster, PA - Chameleon Club.

I guess 'City Traffic' makes a good introduction to those who for whatever reason missed out on The Ocean Blue first time around. The band produce some exceptional music and hopefully these vinyl reissues will help spark wider interest again. There is also a reissue sampler with a further three tracks, and of course the bands music is available in other formats. Enjoy!

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Friday With: Barons Of Hiddenhausen - Renders

Barons Of Hiddenhausen - Realm Of The Edge (V.2).

Background - Barons Of Hiddenhausen is based out of Vienna, and is an experimental "one man duo" founded in 2012.. I grew up near the "Waterwoods", an isolated place in the upper Austrian outskirts. I was handed a guitar pick by BB King when I was 11 years old for being the youngest person at the show. A year later I begged my father to buy me an electric guitar. 

After being in several bands I decided to move to Vienna and locked myself up in a small flat for two years to start writing my first debut album. I recorded and mixed it entirely alone on just one macbook and decided to self release it by late 2012. It was around the very same time when an opportunity came along to collaborate on Digital Noise Academy in Los Angeles with one of my childhood hero's, Ken Andrews (Failure, M83, A.P.C.).

From a five track EP 'Realm Of The Edge (V.2)' has a chunky, deep and at times quite edgy vibe flowing through it. All five tracks have a distinct sound, that mixes power and precision with energy and determined vocals. Together the five songs are both moody and majestic.
 
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Renders - I Am Gone.

Background words - Renders recently released her debut single ‘I Am Gone'. The track was produced by Mark Andrade of the band Paradise Animals.

Empowerment and Independence: the standard of purity and truth is reclaimed through the heart. The repetition of the honesty of love is imbued in the song writing, crystallised in the synth chords, and rendered with the strength of willing autonomy. We've all had our hearts broken; we've all felt lonely; but not all of us have stood tall and free; pushed back when pushed over. 'I Am Gone' does just that: takes a stand and raises a collective fist.

Kelly McMichael, aka Renders aka the new pop princess, pours her sensitive heart into this debut single. Asserting herself in the discourse of pop music, Renders is a love letter to herself and the state of moving on. Renders is deliberate: Renders is becoming: Renders is providing: Renders is Kelly McMichael.

We featured Paradise Animals not that long ago. The production by band member Mark Andrade on this song is good, however what really helps, is having a vocalist of the calibre of Kelly McMichael (Renders), and a beautiful song to go with her. A song that is good for the soul.

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Thursday Three: Krista Polvere - Gillbanks - PJKTS

Krista Polvere - Shut Up & Ride.

And those fine background promo words - Melbourne based alt-country siren Krista Polvere returns from an international hiatus with the release of her new single Shut Up and Ride on November 27.

The single is the first taste of Polvere’s new self-titled album due for release early in 2016. Both single and album were recorded in Virginia, USA, and produced by producer/artist Brian Elijah Smith. The recordings were made over an intense period in a basement studio fuelled by an intense relationship between the pair resulting in an album of rare emotional vulnerability and fire.

“There is a story within it all that makes this album even more intense and special. You may hear it all coming through the songs, through my voice. The producer and instrumentalist on the album was my lover at the time. When I listen to the record now I can hear the ghosts of our love and the listener may too”. Shut Up and Ride is a powerful first single from the album – a rollicking, guitar driven ode to spontaneity and risk-taking, with an unmistakably lustful lyric!

To celebrate the release of the single Polvere has commenced a short residency at Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel along with a series of other shows around Victoria and a three-day stint at Australian Music Week in Sydney. In February 2016 Krista will return to the USA having been accepted to perform at the prestigious Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City.

Upcoming headline shows:
Tuesday 24th November 2015 - Gasometer Hotel, Fitzroy VIC
Friday 4 December 2015 - Westernport Hotel, San Remo VIC
Wednesday 16 December 2015 - Retreat Hotel, Fitzroy VIC

Alt country doesn't have to be dark and moody as 'Shut Up and Ride' demonstrates. With a kick in it's heel, this song is a positive blast of great music and captivating vocals, that are just right for the song.

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Gillbanks - Tiffany. (from the EP 'Lend Me Your Skin').

Background words - The truth is that you have no true self-realised opinions, you have no absolute idea about who you are or what sort of legacy you’ll leave. Everything you are is an adoption, a slice of someone else’s thoughts, a misinterpretation between the excitement of something new and the fear of missing out.

A deep anxiety took hold of Sam Gillbanks. A story told by too many of the newly graduated youth: no job, no money, no future. Still no inkling into what he really wanted, he ventured into a labyrinth of dreamscaping, guitar playing, and song writing and found a release of residual energy and captive ideas of his own making. These were not adopted. These were his ideas.

He took his guitar and his voice and burrowed in the coastal town of Falmouth until he surfaced with a host of songs. Aided by the infallible Hugo Heaverman, the two made Gillbanks with the self realised dream of giving the world their own creation. A Wavey Head released album called ‘Lived In’ followed and spawned the interest of many a keen eye. Gillbanks dreamt of writing songs for the wicked, for the useless, for the kings of us. The ones who both know what they want and don’t know who they are, we are all guilty of falling into those well trodden paths and Gillbanks want you to know that you can tread theirs.

On November 27th, Gillbanks release their debut EP 'Lend Me Your Skin', riding on the waves of the initial singles ‘Anxious?’ and ‘Loosen Up’. Coming from the industry heartland of Birmingham, its not hard to hear where the gritty noisier extremes and the punishing self-examination of faithless and trust less love originate. Spinning the coin between dark realisation and melancholy appendix, Sam explored the lighter side of his mind to create a juxtaposition in melody and lyric writing, most notably on the track ‘Tiffany’. However, as chilling to the bone ‘Nerve’ may be to the ear, it’s sanctity is it’s musical journey, whisking you from subtle lows to cliff-edge highs.

'Lend Me Your Skin' is Sam’s promise not only to the listener, but to himself. He will constantly mine into the bottomless caves of musical innovation to create what will ultimately be, a voyage of his mind.

I chose 'Tiffany' to feature from this five track EP because it's my favourite one, and also I think it gives a good indication, of the styling you will hear, from what is a varied set of very fine songs.

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PJKTS - Sunshine. (from the 'Loudest Child' EP).

Background promo words - Songwriter James Mason releases his debut EP Loudest Child under the name PJKTS on November 17th. The project emerges from the LA indie pop scene inhabited by producer Ethan Kaufmann (Wild Party), who was a driving influence of the EP’s electrifying, synthpop sound. The two teamed up in Silver Lake, CA to record Loudest Child, a set of songs that weaves the singer’s natural emotive voice into Kauffman’s slick production in his East Hollywood studio dubbed The Elephant in the Room. The debut EP was released a couple of days ago.

Mason, previously in pop-tinged rock outfit The Vantage and pop-punk revelers Safety Word Orange, has always relied most on his ability as a songwriter. Stacked high with experimental indie rockand synth-popgleam, the four tracks on the EP - “Mary Louise,” “Sunshine,” “Three for the Show” and “Bad Manners” - are all buoyed by keen lyricism. Thematically, the songs conform around the anxiety and tension that nearly every 20-something has grappled with: transitioning from a more careless existence to fitting in with the bewildering idea of what it means to be an “adult.” The EP also calls to attention the damage done to personal relationships caught in the corners of addiction and depression, although sonically it is a four on the floor party affair.

The set starts with “Sunshine,” a song about self-reinvention spurred by the site of a particularly engrossing homeless man, whose weary gruffness brings up insecurities and uncertainty in our narrator. By the chorus, however, he is “walking on sunshine” as he ultimately chooses hope and optimism as his coping mechanism.

Celebratory single “Three for the Show” explodes with tom drum-lead choruses and fetching verses. Carefully placed percussion layers and synth progressions provide the base for Mason’s musings. “Three for the Show” preaches to everyone who has cracked or lost their iPhone screen during a night of heavy boozing: Sometimes it’s just easier to find delight in the screw-up and accept it as a souvenir of an awesome night of revelry. “Mary Louise” finds Mason nostalgic for his days living in LA in the mid-2000’s, reminiscing on past friends and debaucherous times.“Bad Manners” rounds out the EP with big, guitar-driven hooks and alternately spacious and snappy vocals. PJKTS will play local and regional shows leading up to appearances at the South by Southwest Music Festival in March of 2016.

The first of four songs 'Sunshine' quickly grabbed my attention, with the dominant and powerfully expressive vocals of James Mason. Each song stamps it's own mark, and combine to make a very rich EP.

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