Showing posts with label The Soft Underground. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Soft Underground. Show all posts

Saturday, 9 November 2019

Lauran Hibberd - Robert Jeffery - Carroll - Dante Mazzetti - The Soft Underground

Lauran Hibberd makes yet another (and most welcome) appearance on Beehive Candy this time with 'Sweat Patch' a slacker pop come rock song, something she is just so good at creating. === From Australia we have Robert Jeffery and 'This Time' a slick rocker of a song. === We have to go back to 2016 for our only other feature for Carroll, well now we have 'Fern' a gently paced psychedelic influenced pop song accompanied by a very colourful video. === Ahead of a new E.P Dante Mazzetti shares 'Ugly' which is a beautiful song with a rich musical backdrop and notably distinct vocals. === Last month we shared a track from The Soft Underground ahead of their new album 'Anemoia' and I am pleased to say we have the album in full to hear below from this creative art pop duo.
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Lauran Hibberd - Sweat Patch.

Effortlessly charismatic and dripping in sarcasm, Isle Of Wight’s indie sensation Lauran Hibberd caps off her phenomenal year with Sweat Patch, the latest addition to her colourful patchwork of sparkling slacker pop.

Arriving hot on the heels of critically acclaimed debut EP Everything is Dogs earlier this autumn, Hibberd’s prolific songwriting and playful personality is encapsulated once more in her newest fizzing cut, and drops in the midst of her extensive UK/EU support tour alongside US punk rockers The Regrettes.

With substantial praise across the BBC Radio 1 airwaves (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Jack Saunders) and throughout the online community (The Line Of Best Fit, Dork, Clash, Gigwise), not to mention notable comparisons to contemporaries Courtney Barnett and Phoebe Bridgers, it’s evident the singer-songwriter has made quite the statement over the last twelve months.

Having produced a rousing display on Glastonbury’s BBC Introducing stage, in addition to a slew of supports with Hippo Campus and her own biggest headline gigs to date, Hibberd’s reputation on the live circuit has grown significantly, and with a second headline tour already lined up for February 2020, the newcomer looks primed to bring her unique performance to even bigger audiences.

Discussing her upcoming single, Hibberd revealed: “Sweat Patch is arguably a song about drugs, but it’s not like I’m trying to be cool about it. I’m pretty much frigid with anything unprescribed. But because of that, this song is based on my idea of that world. There’s loads of songs about getting high, not as many songs about watching and I guess analysing other people do it. I guess this is me, soberly sat in a room watching all of my friends take drugs. I guess there’s also a nod to the elephant in the room, A DUDE. There’s always a dude! And I guess this song stemmed from me being into this guy, but he was pretty much into other things more.”

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Robert Jeffery - This Time.

Following up on the solo debut of Don’t Give Them Any Reaction, Robert Jeffery returns with a single a that simultaneously furthers the range of his songwriting and deepens the scope of his classic rock references in This Time. Tracing the tropes of 80’s classicism with re-invigorating entendre and refreshingly modern values, This Time is reflexive and rocking. Jeffery’s attention to detail and desire to suffuse confident energies with widely relatable themes fosters a dynamic entanglement of Muse and Supertramp.

Recorded at Valleysound Studios with producer Pete Dyball (Kasey Chambers) the track can be interpreted in a number of ways with the core theme surrounding preoccupation with a person or object and how exhausting it can be.

‘Sometimes there is something or someone in your life who you just cannot get out of your mind. It may be because you admire them or it could be because you despise them. Either way, they are riding your train of thought without a ticket and you can’t kick them off.’ - Robert Jeffery

His songwriting style of pushing for loud, thundering guitar riffs was suddenly met with a desire to explore old-school styles, tones and melodies. These desires grew as the influence of groups such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Foxygen pushed his creative comfort zone out into new territory which was eventually revealed in his 2019 introduction Don’t Give Them Any Reaction which received national airplay across Australia’s Community Radio Network and was also featured on international stations KOR and Uckfield FM in the United Kingdom Robert works out of a home-studio in Coffs Harbour, NSW. It is there that he composes music and records demos to provide a guide for when he takes his songs to a producer to be recorded properly. This has allowed him to hone in on his on a sound over time and focus on performance when it comes to recording.

After a car accident in 2013, he found himself taking everyday life and music a little easier. Robert is working towards expanding his release catalogue and is currently putting together a band to play shows in the Mid North Coast area. He looks forward to jumping back into live performance and sharing his music with the world however he can.

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Carroll - Fern.

Carroll presents "Fern" The first single from their third LP, out 2020 on Shattered Orb Records The first line of the song "Fern" by Philadelphia band Carroll provides an apt metaphor for the band's sound: "I'm a fern with the leaves curled up / in the light I extend and unravel." Over the course of two critically acclaimed LPs and an EP, Carroll continues to compose blossoms of psychedelic pop that unfurl and bloom as you listen.

"Fern" is the first single from the band's forthcoming third album (out 2020 on Shattered Orb Records). Recorded in the band’s subterranean bunker in Philadelphia and at Berlin Studios in New Jersey, the band is taking their outrospective sonic palate to glistening new heights and some of the murkiest depths of their career.

After years on the road and stints opening for the likes of Dr. Dog, Whitney, and Jessica Pratt, the four members of Carroll are learning to stay in place. “I get used to it / ivy grows when I'm not watching,” sings frontman Brian Hurlow on “Fern.” The vividly colorful video by Karl Cooney reflects this sense of settled unsettling. A fruit bowl signifies mise en place but the band members' faces float on the surface of moving liquid, suggesting something more uncanny. Underneath Hurlow’s plaintive delivery swirl the dense psychedelic landscapes the band is known for.

The propulsive, liquid bass lines of Charles McClung are a second narrator throughout the course of the song and Max Kulicke continues to create micro-climates and sonic storms with his atmospheric guitar. The single’s tasteful and varied synthesizers seem to bubble up from beneath the understated beats of drummer Charlie Rudoy, an indication that the band is working on some of the most enveloping grooves of their career.


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Dante Mazzetti - Ugly.

Singer-songwriter Dante Mazzetti recently announced his new EP Hotel Vol. 2, slated for release on November 22nd. Keeping with the themes and story-telling from his July EP, Hotel Vol. 2 continues the tale of a troubled man finding a new life and new challenges. Through 4 new original tracks, Dante Mazzetti tackles a darker tone, infusing his sound with somber vocals and bluesy undertones.

In preparation for his upcoming EP release, Dante dropped the first single “Ugly” in September. A combination of jazz, blues, and a slight Latin flair, “Ugly” conveys a story of an unpleasant encounter. Dante once again shows off his diverse artistry, while maintaining his notable songwriting skills.

Reflecting on “Ugly”, Dante Mazzetti offers a clear explanation, "I purposefully wrote ‘Ugly’ to be able to be interpreted in different ways. I like to let the listener make the decision on how they want to receive the meaning. Some people hear it as being about a man who is sponging off of an aesthetically unattractive woman. I like to think of it as a song about a woman who is beautiful on the outside, yet has an ugly soul. I hope to inspire the listener to question the meaning of ugliness and to search for more in my songs than the surface understanding of the lyrics."

In July, Mazzetti made his official return to music with Hotel Vol. 1. With four new original songs, the record brought together acoustic folk and soul, laced with lyrical storytelling. The EP was the first volumes that brought together various unreleased songs in folk and Americana, but emphasize Mazzetti’s ability as a songwriter to express struggles and triumphs in life. For the artist, a piece of music is a living organism - always evolving, improving, finding new creative avenues to explore.

Mazzetti says, “The music on this EP is a mixture of accessibility and wild imagery. I’ve always enjoyed making music that goes off on a tangent but doesn’t fall off the cliff.  The songs are doors that open easily into bizarre worlds rather than places of comfort.”

Now, through the introduction of “Ugly”, Dante Mazzetti takes listeners on a different journey. Whereas Vol. 1 incorporated higher energy and excitement, Vol. 2 ventures into the slow tempo darkness. Dante Mazzetti’s new EP Hotel Vol. 2 is set for release on November 22nd and will be celebrated at Rockwood Music Hall on November 19th, with tickets available now.

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The Soft Underground - Anemoia (Album).

NYC-based art rock duo The Soft Underground have been hailed as modern descendants of the touchstone bands from Seattle’s 90’s alternative scene, garnering strong international press and plays including a buzzy endorsement from Alt Nation.

Spearheaded by Andrew McCarty and Charlie Hickey (both 26-yrs-old), the duo was formed in 2010 when the two musicians met and bonded over their love of the jangly melancholia. Riffing on their love of the The Smashing Pumpkins and other alternative 90’s bands, the two struck up a friendship and eventually began to hone in on a sound that mined deep into 70’s psych rock, falling somewhere between My Bloody Valentine and The Velvet Underground.

Anemoia is the bands third LP, following 2015’s Lost in Translation and 2018’s Morning World. The LP is a clear indication of their intent to constantly reinvent themselves musically, replacing standard guitar rhythms with more exotic instrumentation, implementing flutes, violins, synthesizers and pots and pans. Anemoia was recorded at Andrew’s house in Memphis, TN, affording them the laid-back, off-the-clock vibe they were looking to capture. As usual, the two worked together to craft the arrangements and instrumentals and worked to cast singers for each song - this time working with guest vocalists Sam Reed and Lisa Mac.

“Thematically, it’s a happy album,” McCarty reflects, knowing that their material often boasts an impenetrably moody veneer. “We tried to capture that state of euphoria where you can appreciate all facets of life, including the lows.”

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Sunday, 13 October 2019

deux furieuses - The Soft Underground - Rocket - CVC

We have carried the previous three singles from the album, now deux furieuses share the fourth 'Let Them Burn' just a few days ahead of the full release. Well the post punk come full throttle rockers once again impress, this is going to be some album.

It's back to July 2018 for our only other feature for The Soft Underground however 'Voicoder' from the art rock duo makes for a creative and pleasing return and a superb teaser for next months 'Anemoia' album release.

LA-based quintet Rocket share 'Giants' and the new Mark Needham Mix. It's feisty and potent pop punk that's packed with hooks, they are apparently quite something to catch live.

CVC are from South Wales and have just released 'Jungle Fever' where the six-piece slacker funk outfit are just superb, their reputation as a live act is spreading fast around Cardiff, this song deserves to get them noticed further afield.
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deux furieuses - Let Them Burn.

Ahead of the release of their second album My War Is Your War on 18th October via Xtra Mile Recordings, London duo deux furieuses share an impactful and searingly poignant fourth album teaser in the form of digital single ‘Let Them Burn.

deux furieuses are known for their politically charged music, with forthcoming album My War is Your War tackling social injustice head-on in a series of songs that present as impassioned calls to arms. The album reaches out to find common cause against a context of increasing right wing populism in Europe, Brexit, a friend's suicide and the #MeToo movement, however it is ‘Let Them Burn’ that stands out as the album’s most emotive and controversial track.

Blending post-punk’s dark shades with exhilarating rock riffs, ‘Let Them Burn’ is a tense supercharged track that recalls early PJ Harvey at her most visceral. deux furieuses describe ‘Let Them Burn’ as "their outraged response to a Government that is prepared to 'let the people burn' as a result of ideologically driven austerity", sung with a chilling chant like refrain.

deux furieuses are Scottish vocalist and guitarist Ros Cairney and London Greek drummer Vas Antoniadou who were raised on a fiery blend of Irish and Greek music, 80’s post-punk and 90’s alt rock, and who bonded over a love of early PJ Harvey and Kate Bush. In 2017 they released their debut album Tracks of Wire to critical acclaim with coverage in Q Magazine, Louder and Louder Than War among many others, and with huge champions in the likes of John Kennedy (Radio X) and Frank Turner who invited the duo to play his Lost Evenings Festival at the Roundhouse, London (2017). ‘Let Them Burn’ was produced by Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey) and mixed by Mark Freegard (The Breeders).


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The Soft Underground - Voicoder.

NYC-based art rock duo The Soft Underground have been hailed as modern descendants of the touchstone bands from Seattle’s 90’s alternative scene, garnering strong international press and plays including a buzzy endorsement from Alt Nation.

Spearheaded by Andrew McCarty and Charlie Hickey (both 26-yrs-old), the duo was formed in 2010 when the two musicians met and bonded over their love of the jangly melancholia. Riffing on their love of the The Smashing Pumpkins and other alternative 90’s bands, the two struck up a friendship and eventually began to hone in on a sound that mined deep into 70’s psych rock, falling somewhere between My Bloody Valentine and The Velvet Underground.

Anemoia is the bands third LP, following 2015’s Lost in Translation and 2018’s Morning World. The LP is a clear indication of their intent to constantly reinvent themselves musically, replacing standard guitar rhythms with more exotic instrumentation, implementing flutes, violins, synthesizers and pots and pans. Anemoia was recorded at Andrew’s house in Memphis, TN, affording them the laid-back, off-the-clock vibe they were looking to capture. As usual, the two worked together to craft the arrangements and instrumentals and worked to cast singers for each song - this time working with guest vocalists Sam Reed and Lisa Mac.

“Thematically, it’s a happy album,” McCarty reflects, knowing that their material often boasts an impenetrably moody veneer. “We tried to capture that state of euphoria where you can appreciate all facets of life, including the lows.” Anemoia is due out 11.1.19.

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Rocket - Giants (New Mark Needham Mix).

LA-based quintet Rocket produce high energy pop punk that falls somewhere between Social Distortion and Paramore. They’ve been acclaimed as one of the “Best bands to catch” by CBS Los Angeles with subsequent spins on KROQ 106.7, KLOS 95.5, Indie 103.1, and features in Music Connection. Rocket have recently been featured on the “The Frosty, Heidi & Frank” KLOS morning show segment ‘Stay or Go’ garnering the band a big “Stay.”

Consisting of members Janelle Barreto (Lead Vocals), Eric Wibbelsmann (Guitar), Steve Kilcullen (Guitar), Jordan Lawson (Bass), and Paul DePatie (Drums), ROCKET was conceived as a vehicle to empower, excite and elate. “We all just clicked from the get-go, had similar influences and a singular mindset,” asserts Janelle, referring to their diplomatic approach to songwriting. “We are dedicated to being a voice for those who’ve been told they’re weird, strange or don’t fit in.”

Formed in 2013, the band has honed their live act for years, sharing the stage with Bow Wow Wow, Alien Ant Farm and Puddle of Mudd. They’ve recently committed to releasing their official debut single “Giants” by working with Grammy Award Nominated Producer Mark Needham (Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Pink, Neon Trees) and recording engineer Doug Grean (Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver, Sheryl Crow).

Reflecting on the thematic nature of the single, the band says, “Giants” is about the feeling you get when you accomplish something as a team or with a community. Sure, you’re a bad arse on your own, but sometimes it can be more empowering to recognize that you’re even mightier as a collective.” Rocket is playing the Whisky a Go Go on November 16th, and their single “Giants” will be complemented by a music video later this year.

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CVC - Jungle Fever.

Six-piece slacker funk outfits are very hard to find, especially those hailing from the sleepy, mountain top towns in South Wales.  That was until the birth of slacker funk crew, CVC, affectionately adopting their name from the aforementioned town, Church Village (Crew), boldly emerged. Their debut single 'Jungle Fever' released last week marks the first of two releases produced by Matt Evans (KEYS) supported by the Welsh artist development scheme, Forté Project.

CVC say that "Jungle Fever is a 3-minute distillation of pure energy that should be played as loud as possible, on the fattest speakers you can find or at the very least cranked up through the radio of your mum’s car.” The band continue “Big shout out to ‘The Big Sweep’ aka Matt Evans for helping us create this wild and untameable beast.”

Backed up by hard-head bouncing funk riffs, the song follows themes of love, lust and ultimately being lost in the world. ‘Jungle Fever’ is an obvious choice for a debut single and a well-known crowd favourite.

Whilst life moves along slowly in their hometown, the same can't be said for these infamous crowd-pleasers. Described by Buzz Magazine as "explosive loons" armed with a barrage of various 70's and funk influences, CVC have quickly become a 'go-see' band within the Cardiff music scene.

With a plethora of ear-pleasing riffs and infectious melodies, CVC have been winning crowds over on this year’s festival circuit. Whilst also supporting Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard at their recent single release party and a nomination at the Cardiff Music Awards, it's safe to say, there's been much anticipation building for a CVC debut single.

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Saturday, 14 July 2018

The Soft Underground - Earth Girl Helen Brown - Silent Forum

The Soft Underground - Ghosts.

Background - NYC-based The Soft Underground may hail from the outskirts of Manhattan, but have been hailed as modern decedents of the touchtone bands from Seattle’s 90’s alternative scene.

Formed in 2010 by drummer, Andrew McCarty and guitarist, Charlie Hickey, the band quickly began to write, perform and record original music. Their mode of working involved perfecting their musical beds and then casting the correct guest vocalist for each song, working in the rock genre in a similar way that French electro innovators Air recruit collaborators for their tracks. Guests have included Nick Redmond (Star & Micey), Brannon Barnett (The StoneCoats) and Rick Steff (Lucero, The Afghan Whigs, Hank Williams Jr.)

What emerged from these collaborations was unique yet accessible to the mainstream, and their debut album, 2015’s Lost in Translation, garnered positives nods from The Big Takeover, Music Street Journal and Alt Nation. The latter was quick to nail down their dynamic combo of solid hooks and rock riffs, noting the potential for radio ready singles.

Their forthcoming sophomore follow-up, Morning World, is a much more personal work which continues their penchant for eclectic variation. They labored over the recording process for over two years, insuring their melodic, dreamy and diverse esthetic evolved beyond their debut. The resulting recordings could be described as alt art rock in the vein of Deftones, Father John Misty and Stone Temple Pilots - a solid rock foundation that integrates big band swing, jungle electronica, shoegaze and punk. WEBSITE.


'Ghosts' is a refined alt rocker that mixes pleasingly distinct vocals and a slick soundtrack together, and adds in some delicate harmonies and subtle melodic hooks. If the sophomore album is this good throughout, it's gonna be something very special.

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Earth Girl Helen Brown - Set the Woods on Fire.

Background - A new video for, "Set The Woods On Fire", off Four Satellites, Vol. 1 by Earth Girl Helen Brown has just been shared. The Earth Girl Helen Brown Center for Planetary Intelligence Band (E.G.H.B.CF.P.I.B.) is pleased to join forces with In the Red Records & Empty Cellar Records, presenting the first vinyl release of their proto planetary series: Four Satellites Vol. 1. Double gate-folded LP (3 sides + etching), the release is a collection of songs and information from the band’s 2017 consumer recycled cassette series. Spring: MERCURY: fire; Summer: MARS: war; Fall: SATURN: communication; Winter: VENUS: love. Classic black or green and gold all proceeds benefit 12 earth-minded organizations.

The band, related media artists and technicians includes: Heidi Alexander, Jamie Barron, Jamin Barton, Eric Bauer, Aylin Beyce, Emilee Booher, Ryan Browne, Tim Cohen, Grace Cooper, Dave Cousin, Brad Caulkins, Mikal Cronin, Bart Davenport, Brigid Dawson, John Dwyer, Chris Fallon, Lars Finberg, James Finch Jr., Davin Givhan, Dylan Hadley, Dustin Hamman, Kiran Harlow, Wilder Harlow, Graeme Gibson, Tahlia Harbour, Anna Hillburg, Douglas Hilsinger, Warren Huegel, Emmett Kelly, Nora Keys, Shannon Lay, Raven Mahon, Rusty Miller, Charlie Moonheart, Jack Name, Ethan Novikoff, Tim Presley, Ty Segall, Dave Sitek, Sean Smith, Sonny Smith, Kelley Stoltz, Enrique Tena, Alica Vanden Heuvel, Lida Vanden Heuvel and Mikey Young. WEBSITE.


Appearance number five on Beehive Candy for Earth Girl Helen Brown, this time we have a new music video for 'Set the Woods on Fire'. Musically it's another imaginative and massively catchy song, on that front they are so consistent, and the video adds just a little more message and some intriguing dancing as well.


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Silent Forum - How I Faked The Moon Landing.

Background - Cardiff's Silent Forum are a combination of shadowy post punk and the more accessible side of indie rock.

The band are releasing their new single How I Faked The Moon Landing on 10th August on Libertino Records’ ‘Singles Club’. A music video for the single has just been made available. 


How I Faked The Moon Landing is the first track to be released from our debut LP produced by Charlie Francis of R.E.M., Future of the Left and Ultravox fame.

How I Faked The Moon Landing’s video was filmed in Barry Island by filmmaker Jaydon Martin - it features the band on jubilant form, surprising the locals in Barry’s famous arcades.


Silent Forum comprise of Vocals - Richard Wiggins, Bass - Oli Richards, Guitar - Dario Ordi, Drums - Elliot Samphier. FACEBOOK

'How I Faked The Moon Landing' opens with some addictive, rhythmic vibes, that suggest this song is going to be rather hard to ignore. Once the vocals commence and the band subtly take things up a notch, it's all apparent that Silent Forum have developed one engaging and resplendent sound. Whether it's indie rock, post punk, alt rock or whatever, it is without doubt an impressive track that guarantees further investigation of anything else they already have to offer.


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Joe Kelly & The Royal Pharmacy - Cult Of Venus - Tora Luna

Joe Kelly & The Royal Pharmacy - Cast Me Down. Newport's Prodigal Son Joe Kelly & The Royal Pharmacy announces his 2nd album, t...