The Tigerlilies - Tallies - TALMA

The Tigerlilies - Contact.

Background - The style set forth by the Buzzcocks, Cheap Trick and The Ramones is alive and well in the hands of The Tigerlilies - Cincinnati’s sole practitioners of post punk power pop.

They have played countless shows around Ohio, serving as support for Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, Paul Weller, Guided By Voices and Superchunk, and attaining a sizable and appreciative following along the way. The past decade has seen the release of many singles and albums on independent Midwestern labels such as Atavistic, Violently Hip and Mono-cat 7, chalking up a total of four full lengths which showcase The Tigerlilies economic blend of punk, 60’s soul and garage rock.

Along the way, someone unearthed their debut record, Space Age Love Songs, which was recorded exactly 20 years ago. The LP was a hit at the time, winning album, artist and record of the year at the Cincinnati Music Awards and landing them a showcase at the burgeoning SXSW Festival. But the band had all but forgot about its release after a traumatic accident, involving a drunk driver hitting their tour van, killed their manager and momentarily dashed their dreams.

Listening back, they were all impressed with the timeless nature of the material. Indeed, their knack for sharp and concise rock nuggets left little room for any dated production techniques. They had always correlated its release with the accident, but with the buffer of time, it felt appropriate to orchestrate a re-release, a 20th anniversary addition if you will, with 6 additional unreleased tracks from those sessions. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

We have featured The Tigerlilies a couple of times before, and I really wanted to mention their 20th anniversary addition of Space Age Love Songs that was released just a few days ago. From the re-release we can share 'Contact' a song that typifies the quality of the albums material, and has passed the test of time very well. What is really pleasing is the calibre of the six previously unreleased bonus tracks, it must have been a challenge to choose what to include and what to leave out from those original album sessions, this re-issue uses the expression "bonus tracks" accurately, they are indeed a real bonus!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tallies - Mother.

Background - Tallies (formerly Thrifty Kids) is a 4-piece indie pop band from Toronto, Ontario, founded in 2014 by lead singer and guitarist Sarah Cogan and guitarist Dylan Frankland. While studying recording engineering in Ottawa, Cogan and Frankland worked together on a school project for which they formed what was supposed to be a one-time ensemble but turned into a full-time act. After numerous tours to Toronto, the band chose to relocate permanently in 2015 where they moved in together and have been recording and performing steadily ever since.

Frankland initially met drummer Cian O’Neill at “School of Rock Camp” in 2006, where they learned to rock together at the tender ages of thirteen and twelve respectively. Ten years later, O’Neill and Frankland are rocking together on stage again when O’Neill agreed to join the band. Not long after joining the group O’Neill recommended bassist Stephen John Pitman.

Along the Tallies' wave of success they’ve sparked the attention of Bluesfest, CTV, ET Canada, The Edge 102.1, Ottawa Life and many others. Borrowing heavily from previous generations music, specifically 50s doo-wop and 60s harmonies, they have crafted a sound that’s one part modern with a heavy dose of nostalgia.

Whatever they lack in thriftiness they make up for in stealthiness, the way their soothing beach sounds, shimmery guitars and dreamy heartthrob vocals sneak up on you. Frankland now works at Candle Studios with producer Josh Korody (Beliefs, Dilly Dally, Weaves) who is currently in the process of mixing Tallies most recent work. Their newest material features up-beat drum beats, melodic bass riffs, jingly guitar leads, and fluttery lighter-than-air vocals. FACEBOOK.

Tour Dates:
March 01 - The Casbah, Hamilton ON w/ Casper Skulls
March 02 - Baby G, Toronto ON w/Palehound
March 03 - House of TARG, Ottawa ON w/ Weaves
March 04 - Moustache Club, Oshawa ON
March 08 - Windsor Beer Exchange, Windsor ON
March 09 - The Foxx Lounge Rock Bar, Barrie ON
March 10 - House Show, Guelph ON.

With a fresh upbeat tempo and feel 'Mother' is a catchy sixties influenced song, that fires hooks from start to finish. The modern production adds more definition, the gorgeous vibes are timeless.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TALMA - Out To Sea.

Background - The titular track of TALMA’s second EP release, ‘Out To Sea’ is the bands most ambitious cut to date. A song of two halves, it starts as a poignant and melancholic reflection on the concept of mortality before morphing into a dazzling progressive outro replete with urgent guitars that rush through the mix like the racing of a restless heart. As drummer Johnny Harrison explains: "Many of our artistic influences write about death in their music - The Smiths, Nick Cave, Pink Floyd. In my own writing I sought to approach the subject from a positive viewpoint, or at least a bittersweet one.

‘Out To Sea’ is about being comfortable with the concept of mortality, an acceptance that can afford us a sense of opportunity in fleeting moments and a perception of fate that gives rise to purpose. The culmination of the track in the second half instrumental almost expresses the ecstasy that comes with these realisations - we can embrace the absurdity of it all.”

Seamlessly blending alt, classic and art rock, London-based five-piece TALMA command a magnetic sound and presence that comes straight out of the underground scenes of London. TALMA’s raw and unshackled live performances are where they truly run riot. They’ve supported the likes of Queen’s Spike Edney and received acclaim for their intense energy and all-out charisma from London all the way to LA, including praise from industry commentator and author Ari Herstand. Singer Henry Adams captivates attention with a bravado and charm that’s rarely seen among many frontmen, while the telepathic tightness of guitarists Jack Rennie and James Creed, bassist Pete Warren and drummer Jonny Harrison make TALMA an artistic unit to be reckoned with.

Where the band draw direct inspiration from the likes of The Smiths, The War On Drugs and The National, they also incisively employ a musical diversity and dynamic range comparable to the likes of Radiohead and Wolf Alice. The result is a band who operate without creative constraints and who are primed to challenge the seemingly predetermined binaries of modern British rock. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Out To Sea' is our third song from TALMA to be shared on Beehive Candy as the band continue to consistently impress. Another well crafted alt rocker, the distinct and addictive vocals are well up in the mix, the bands smooth and capable delivery is notable, the second EP is calling for attention in a powerful way.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TALMA - Blakk Pearl - Ecstatic Union

TALMA - In Circles.

Background - With its urgent ticking drums and syncopated bass lines, ‘In Circles’ is a canny sleight of hand from London alt-rock band TALMA. Frontman Henry Adams’ vocal line pairs with guitarist James Creed’s lyrics and arrangement to create a tune which effervesces with heady romance and nostalgia. As James explains: "In Circles is about the sense of apathy we can experience when returning to a routine lifestyle after time away from it all - the everyday, the mundane.

Where the loss of rhythm helps us to see what’s before us with renewed perspective, it can ultimately lead us to question it too. We all crave a sense of purpose, but affecting a change towards that offers the unknown. We then have a choice; to resign ourselves to the security of these sleepless cycles or to take a chance, step away from paths well known and chase a new sense of meaning."

The second EP from London based TALMA, Out To Sea sees the alt-rock 5 piece produce some of their most powerful and intricate works to date. Taking inspiration from rock music’s most innovative artists including Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The National and Radiohead, the EP is defined by the dexterity of its guitar led arrangements and a poignant lyrical anxiety regarding the modern world. 

Themes of loneliness, isolation and upheaval are explored with a sense of romantic optimism, showcasing a musical offering that proves that TALMA aren’t just another glib or fanciful indie group. Like their heroes, they’re conscious of the power of rock as an art form primed to tackle timeless concepts and get to the heart of what it means to be alive and to be human. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

We featured 'Lifeline' by TALMA back in December and are pleased to share another track from their 'Out To Sea' EP entitled 'In Circles'. This is another very fine alt rocker, the band are tight and vibrant, the vocals are distinctive giving the song  further individuality & the EP matches the calibre of the tracks we have shared.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blakk Pearl - Cowboy.

Background - London born, France resident singer Blakk Pearl released her debut single 'Cowboy' at the end of last year. Sleek and commodious and driven by a subtle backbeat and a warm marimba sound, the track perfectly showcases Blakk Pearl’s haunting, mellifluent tones floating atop a lush and otherworldly dreamscape.

Blakk Pearl has now shared a video for her debut single, a video she has put together herself: "I love 1930's era cut-out animation, and when I came across this clip of these beautiful trio of fairies trying to help a soldier, who had lost his way in the woods, I knew it was the perfect video for 'Cowboy.' It tells the story of 'Cowboy' so beautifully and delicately, and in such a feminine way".

Blakk Pearl grew up in North London and moved to Devon when she was a young teenager, where she would watch her, by now absent, father on US TV shows and hear of his activities in LA as a manager of NWA.

She now lives in a convent just outside Toulouse in France. Having rebuilt it from a ruin, it serves as her creative hub and sanctuary. Blakk Pearl divides her time between Toulouse, London and Paris. WEBSITE.

Soft melodic and captivating vocals make 'Cowboy' attractive from the opening moments. The musical arrangement is subtle and yet detailed, this is a gorgeous debut song.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ecstatic Union - Desert Queen.

Background - Ecstatic Union's sound is like a liquid sun-soaked harmony layered psychedelic dance party. Started in 2012 as a kind of solo-spiritual-folk-rock recording project by frontman Rex Costello, after assembling a few core members (including Oliver Hart & recording partner Paul Olsen) the band took on various forms over the years and primarily played as an acoustic folk act. In 2015, while living in his home town on Catalina Island, Costello recorded what would become Ecstatic Union's second full length album (released 2017 on Lolipop Records).

Over the next year he assembled the band into a complete electrifying 5-piece psychedelic-rock outfit in support of the release. The core members include Rex Costello (Guitar/Vocals), Oliver Hart (2nd Guitar/vocals), Solange Kupersmid (Bass/Vocals), & Bradley Cluff (Organ/Synth/Vocals). The band now primarily resides in Los Angeles, CA where they recently recorded the Neurons EP.

Look out for the Neurons EP, set for release early this summer! BANDCAMP, FACEBOOK.

The music is punchy psych rock, the vocals take the psychedelic vibes even higher and 'Desert Queen' quickly grabbed my attention, this is a band that deliver potent rock & roll.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mitchell Leonard - Norma - TALMA

Mitchell Leonard - Come Downstairs (Video By Haisi Hu).

Background -  Artists of all muses seek to elicit a feeling, a response, or reaction from their art.  “Come Downstairs”, a video by musician Mitchell Leonard and animator Haisi Hu, which will do just that – raising the hairs on your nape, with breathtaking beauty and a myriad of emotions brought forth in a multi-dimensional art collaboration. Led by a piano-jazz ballad and the moving vocals of Mitchell Leonard, the music is brought to life in a ethereal other-world full of mysterious creatures and mirages, designed by animator and claymation artist Haisi Hu.

With scenes inspired by Max Ernst’s Europe After the Rain and Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, “Come Downstairs” explores the moment before death – examining the character’s longing, fear, and numbness. “Although the piece resonates with themes of crossing through, it also imparts a feeling of connection to a life-giving source,” shared Leonard. “This is, without a doubt, the most emotionally intense work I have been a part of…there are worlds below the surface of every layer here. Haisi created alien landscapes to reflect the character’s feeling of displacement, and I used an undercurrent of sonic textures to give voice to his pain and awakening love for the world he sees in flashback.”

The video took over a year to produce, with a number of challenges for the team. “It’s been an intensive, elaborate process, with many technical and conceptual obstacles to overcome,” said Hu. From deadlines to budgetary restrictions and unexpected complications, the process was laborious – involving over 100 pounds of clay, and over 2000 cels of hand drawn animation.

The music of “Come Downstairs” was recorded in part by Mitchell Leonard’s good friend and songwriting partner John Creasey, who passed away in early 2016; the video is dedicated to him. Leonard shared, “It seemed only right to dedicate this piece to John. He was an extreme believer in the overwhelming power that music has in exploring spirituality. He loved the more mysterious and elusive elements of the art world, those that were the hardest to define with language.” Mitchell Leonard: WEBSITE, FACEBOOK. Haisi Hu: WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

A collaboration between two artists results in some gorgeous visual art with intricate animation and the intimate and beautiful song 'Come Downstairs'. Combined this is a powerful work that leaves us with two artistic avenues to further explore.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Norma - S.A.D.

Background - Norma have released the video for their new track ‘S.A.D.’ Musically taking their cues from NEU and Faust, as well as the space rock of Spacemen 3 and Spiritualized, the Swedish Kraut-rock three piece have written a timely ode to Seasonal Affective Disorder on their new single.

In the video, Lynchian character ‘Neil’ embodies the personal demons of the protagonist. In the band’s words is “a figure that appears especially during the darkest season. We probably all have our personal devils, wherever we want them or not, it’s just about learning how to live with them.”

The video feels like a Lynchian nightmare, following Neil as he appears as a children’s entertainer, hurtling through the countryside in a custom-built car and finally floating off into a dream world amongst laser beams and planets. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'S.A.D.' in this case referring to Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a fascinating song that sees Krautrock undergo Swedish influence & psychedelic twists. The result is a fabulously hypnotic affair, where the vocals at times pleading and angst filled are driven along by a textured, swirling Krautrock maelstrom of sound.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TALMA - Lifeline.

Background - Seamlessly blending alt, classic and art rock, London-based five-piece TALMA command a magnetic presence that’s more than primed to scale from the ferocious intensity of the UK’s underground scene to the electric atmosphere of arenas worldwide. TALMA’s raw and unshackled live performances are where they truly run riot. They’ve supported the likes of Queen’s Spike Edney and received acclaim for their intense energy and all-out charisma from London all the way to LA, where they found a fan in industry commentator and author Ari Herstand.

Wielding only a microphone, singer Henry Adams captivates attention with a bravado and charm that’s rarely seen among many frontmen. The telepathic tightness and ferocity of guitarists Jack Rennie and James Creed, bassist Pete Warren and drummer Jonny Harrison make TALMA a force to be reckoned with. Where the band draw direct inspiration from the likes of The Smiths, The War On Drugs and The National, they incisively employ a musical diversity and agility comparable to the likes Radiohead and Wolf Alice. The result is a band who operate without creative constraints and who are more than ready to help shape the next wave of British guitar music.

With its cascading production and hook-heavy statements, ‘Lifeline’ is a pulsating alt-rock offering that takes an incisive look at life in the modern city and the sense of alienation that can come with it. Frontman Henry Adams explains: “Lifeline explores the juxtaposition of being surrounded by millions of people – for us, in London – but still feeling a sense of loneliness every day. There are moments where it seems no-one can see you, yet everyone is watching you. This paranoia can drive people away from the city, and so we look for lifelines to tether us to the places we try to call home.”

Adams’ lyrics and unique vocal styling runs reminiscent to that of early Morrissey as he grasps the sincerities of modern life with a swagger all his own. By turns romantic and reflective, and with a vocal line that packs wide ranging emotion, ‘Lifeline’ reveals TALMA to be a return to rock’s visceral songwriting origins. Produced and mastered by Jason Wilson (Reuben, Don Broco, Fightstar), ‘Lifeline’ is a cathartic performance from a band destined to reanimate the seemingly lifeless bones of rock and roll, and challenge any notions that guitar music is dead. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Fast paced alt rocker 'Lifeline' has just a little hint of The Smiths to it both in the vocal phrasing and feisty tight beat. That said it's extremely catchy and has a fresher modern production feel to it, in fact if TALMA keep on turning out material this, they can sound like any other band they might care to.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------