Genre Wander: Yellow Castle - Ethan & The Reformation - MERGES - Edamame

Yellow Castle - Restless Creature.

Background promo - Indie pop duo, Yellow Castle, formed by Peter Money (19) and Emily Matthews (21) from Perth, WA have released their catchy debut single ‘Restless Creature’ into the wild world of music through The A&R Department. Money and Matthews have been in the Perth music scene for a few years recently branching off from Rich King Matthews to become a duo.

Fans of Rich King Matthews, 44th Sunset, Mumford and Sons, The Kooks, Dresses, Slow Club and The Ave: Brothers will remember and enjoy Matthews’ sweet harmonies and jaunty piano riffs combined with Money’s upbeat acoustic guitar and warm vocals.

‘Restless Creature’ speaks of the calm at the end of an anxious spiral, where the “what ifs” and fears that keep you up at night, are dulled by the support of those you love, and who love you. The track was recorded and produced by Sam Wylde at Dalkeith Road School of Music, who says of the pair, “they deliver a really nice blend of catchy hooks, clever lyrics and smooth harmonies, a super exciting new band.”

Fuelled by dreams, camomile tea and backing of the ones who mean most, Yellow Castle’s future plans include an EP and global touring. They have already dipped their toes into the music scene with a handful of shows in their hometown and a taste of interstate touring at The Horse in Surry Hills. August will bring them a month’s residency at The Good Shepherd in Perth, a slot at the Monkey Bar in Mandurah and everything else that they can get their hands on. “Restless Creature” by Yellow Castle will be released 26th of August 2016. 

I'm not sure whether to describe this as indie folk or indie pop, I guess what really matters is how good 'Restless Creature' is, and in my opinion, this is a beautiful song. Yes the modern folk twist is there, along with a feel good, upbeat mixture of singing and playing. Its a definite play again, which perhaps is the best measurement.

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Ethan & The Reformation - Hollandia.

Background - Bury/Manchester based psych-rock quintet Ethan & The Reformation are pleased to announce the release of their debut single ‘Hollandia’ which is out now via Bohemian Sex Club on all good digital platforms. A captivating five piece whose retro pop/rock sound pays homage to the greats of the era including The Doors, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The 13th Floor Elevators, in a comfortably familiar, yet refreshingly new take on psychedelia, souped-up and over-driven for the modern age.

‘Hollandia’ was recorded at Manchester's Vibe studios and was produced by Dean Glover and mastered by Pete Maher, whose impressive roster includes The Rolling Stones, U2, Jack White, Noel Gallagher, The Killers, Beady Eye, Paul Weller and many more. Formed in September 2015 by frontman and rhythm guitarist Ethan Davies, the song writer struck up a friendship with lead guitarist Mick Mac in July 2013, whilst both performing at Wonderwall Festival in Flensburg, Germany on a bill that was topped by Jefferson Airplane. Two years passed before another chance meeting between the pair at Liverpool International Festival of Psychedelia.

A week or so later at Mick's home, they began to develop songs written by Davies, where it quickly became apparent to them that this was something they had to pursue. After a handful of meetings, they had demoed four tracks with which they approached bassist James Cordeiro and drummer Thomas Oliver Gorton. Davies had known both from around Manchester and was immediately struck by their unity as a rhythm section, moving quickly to recruit the pair. The line-up was completed with the addition of Jack Wakeman, nephew of Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, on keys.

With gritty vocals and a mean guitar riff 'Hollandia' notifies the listener in seconds of which direction the song is going. Harmonies add some more colour, whilst everything else unashamedly marches on with real rock'n'roll attitude.

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MERGES - ATL.

Background - Nashville alternative artist MERGES makes her debut with the captivating single, "ATL." “ATL” was recorded in Nashville at Glass Onion Recording Studio with co-producers Markus Midkiff (member of Kopecky), and JD Tiner (Erin Rae, Birdtalker). 

MERGES describes the song as “That feeling when you’re in a relationship that’s becoming worse each day, but neither person is breaking it off or even wants to admit it's not good."

Originally from South Dakota, Kelsey Merges moved to Nashville in her teens and has watched Music City evolve from a town known only for country music, to a haven for independent artists pursuing music of all genres. MERGES’ brand of dark-pop draws influence from artists such as Banks and James Blake, and she blends electronic, R&B, and pop melodies on this new project.

Soft melodic vocals drift above a somewhat darker musical soundtrack. 'ATL' is a creative and pretty individual song, that only becomes a little more mainstream with the harmonies. This is a strong and quite powerful debut single, that suggests we really should expect to hear more.

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Edamame - Ochre.

Background - Following the stunning success of his previous full length album releases, Edamame is joining up with experimental/ambient electronic music powerhouse Emancipator for the next release on his Loci Records imprint.  "Ochre" is now out for streaming and purchase.

Ironically enough, the man behind the downtempo "Ochre" album comes from a metal/rock background, having begun the Edamame project after years on the road touring with various bands. "I always had a soft spot for ambient and more chilled out melodic music though, even when I was surrounded by screaming and heavy guitar riffs," he told the Chicago Tribune in an exclusive piece. “Ochre” is his 10th album, a monumental achievement that was inspired by a recent trip to perform at a music festival in Guatemala. Rather than using solely computerised samples, Edamame used naturally derived sounds and field recordings on his phone of organic samples like birds chirping and outside chatter to show off his various inspirations from around the world. For Edamame, music is not merely a hobby, it’s a method of introspection, transformation, and a personal comfort zone in which he can truly express his creativity and vision.

Hailing from Chicago, Edamame is the stage name of 27-year-old ambient electronic music producer Ed Harris. With sounds equally inspired by the great outdoors and the worldís divergent cultures, Ed's productions often teem with organic sonic textures personally field-recorded during his planetary exploration. Edamame has carved out his unique sound by synthesising instrumental hip hop with downtempo melodies further informed by his deep love for world music.

The title track and one of ten on the new album 'Ochre' typifies the ambient and beautifully crafted music within this collection. The intriguing and quite eclectic range of samples and natural sounds are blended together in a superb manner. Moods and tempo shift from track to track, and a pleasing melodic vibe is never far away. Judging by the number of listens on three songs already, I really do hope this is on the way to being noticed far and wide.

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Fridays Alternative Take: The Orb - The Grand Undoing - Tim Muddiman & The Strange - Cubicolor

The Orb - 5th Dimensions.

Background promo - On October 14th Kompakt present The Orb’s 16th album, COW / Chill Out, World!, which marks a creative renewal for the duo. It also features contributions from Youth and Roger Eno, and is encased in minimal ‘ambient cover art’ courtesy of The Designers Republic.

Despite apparently clear connotations to their history, influences and peers (like Alex Paterson’s uncredited role in the KLF’s ‘Chill Out’ album, or the cover cows of Pink Floyds ‘Atom Heart Mother’), the album’s title is actually an instruction, or at least a friendly suggestion. Whilst Alex calls it “a protest album in reverse”, Thomas Fehlmann further explains, “We didn’t intend to rehash old chill out vibes. On the contrary. It’s the 21st century and it seems like a good idea for people to sit back and chill the f out, before continuing to act destructively. To chill out is to act consciously, guided from a calm centre.”

Featuring only the occasional presence of buoyant, gently rhythmic pulses and loops, Alex Paterson describes COW as “Our most ambient album yet”. Sounds bubble, flutter and float through various atmospheres and moods, from bucolic and picturesque, childlike wonderment, the texture of bygone memories, to the universe’s infinite depth.

COW’s creation came together in different circumstances with a different working method to their last album. As 'Moonbuilding 2703 AD' was originally commissioned by the English National Opera, the duo immersed themselves in that new world and maintained a close, continuous dialogue with the opera’s orchestrator and technicians. The production fell through due to budget cuts and the recordings were then adapted for album format, hence its 6 year gestation period.

COW on the other hand, took just 6 months to make. One of main reasons for its speedy completion was Alex’s recording of sounds whilst touring the world, straight to Ableton, using his iPhone. Field recordings were easily captured, whilst the countless hours of ‘downtime’ travelling, or at sound-checks became valuable moments for spontaneous creative laptop productivity.

'5th Dimensions' will be one of ten tracks on the bands sixteenth album, and boy is it a good one. If the album is as ambient and pleasing as this piece of music, I will be one very happy person. If  people can't chill out to this, then they really should pause, for thought!

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The Grand Undoing - Most Of All We Just Go Around.

Background - Seth Goodman, who records as The Grand Undoing, has two extreme passions in life: drinking sparkling wine and creating psychedelic post-rock Americana confronting alienation and mortality. This strange mix, the bubbly and brooding, has become the stock-in-trade of TGU’s growing catalogue.

An only child, Goodman leaned hard on his record player while coming of age just outside Boston. The area’s free-form college radio and vibrant club scene also had a profound effect. The final piece fell into place later in life when Goodman developed a deep affinity for classic country and roots music. All these influences would swirl and collide with his deeply entrenched outsider's sensibility to form The Grand Undoing’s distinctive sound.

First came 2011’s Appeasing the Sick, then 2014’s White Space Flavors and Parties on TV. Both made bold musical statements that landed in the vicinity of “David Bowie on acid backed by the Swans” (Indie News At Noon.) With his latest release, Sparks Rain Down from the Lights of Love (out on Secret Candy Rock Records), Goodman manages to push his musical boundaries even further. He romps from style to style but never abandons his love of the almighty hook and cohesion – albeit the cohesion of constant upheaval.

When reflecting on the heady topics presented in the new material, Goodman explains that the end result is meant to uplift and inspire. He hopes The Grand Undoing’s music will provide a cinematic escape, make great driving music, or be the perfect accompaniment to a bottle of sparkling wine.

One of ten genre hopping songs 'Most Of All We Just Go Around' is a fine song, however it can only scratch the surface of the music from The Grand Undoing. The one constant is the quality, otherwise this is a little like a restless child who cannot sit still, always off trying something else out. In this at least we are left with great songs and don't have to do much parenting.

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Tim Muddiman & The Strange - Hand And Claws.

Background - Over the last 18 months Tim Muddiman has released, written and produced a vast amount of work. Tim and his band have regularly impressed publications in The UK, USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Mexico, Ireland and Belgium as well as having worldwide radio play and also support from BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6.

Paradise Runs Deeper is a deeply crafted album with songs of survival and healing. Big blues guitar riffs and sometimes dark modern grooves and modern production have brought this album to have its own unique sound and character.

Tim Muddiman and The Strange is best described as a combination of genres and is ultimately unique. It has its own sound that is not immediately categorised. It is fresh and song driving with heavy trem guitar hooks, crafted drum breaks and clever studio programming. Tim Muddiman is also a producer and musician for Gary Numan, Pop Will Eat Itself and various other projects. Influences can heard from Bjork to Fleetwood Mac to Nine Inch Nails and also 80's electro and blues. The band consists of other musicians from a professional touring back ground. If you like good music . You'll like this band.

From the forthcoming album release 'Paradise Runs Deeper' I have chosen the song 'Hand And Claws' that appeared on YouTube back in late April. It really is a challenge to try and describe the overall sound of the album, thirteen songs vie for your attention, each one having its own attributes. I guess the feeling I have is that of something quite deep, powerful and at times emotional, whilst never to dark. There are a few other music videos by Tim Muddiman (here), that give more incite into this creative and intriguing album due for release on September 9th.

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Cubicolor - Dead End Thrills.

Background - Cubicolor present their debut album - ‘Brainsugar’ - to be released on September 16th on Anjunadeep. Cubicolor have emerged as one of the most exciting acts to come through the European underground in recent times. Championed by Pete Tong as one of his artists to watch, praised by Mixmag, Spin, Clash, and DJ Mag, and supported by a host of heavyweight DJs, Cubicolor look set to break through with their anticipated debut LP.

Having launched in 2014 with two members, Dutch producers Ariaan Olieroock and Peter Kriek, Cubicolor now welcome British vocalist , and former Duologue front-man Tim Digby-Bell into the band as their third member, following much loved collaborations on ‘Falling’ and ‘Mirror Play’ over the past 12 months. In his time with Duologue, Tim produced, co-wrote and sang on two records acclaimed by the likes of The Guardian, NME, DIY Mag and The Line Of Best Fit.

On ‘Brainsugar’ we hear an evolution in Cubicolor’s sound across a host of diverse and infectious tracks, combining beautiful songwriting with brilliantly cohesive clarity, echoing their influences; Radiohead, Massive Attack and Moderat to name a few. Tim’s lyrical depth and haunting vocal style shine throughout the album, which features 8 vocal tracks and 4 instrumentals.

Throughout August and September 2016 Cubicolor bring their well-honed electronic sound to venues large and small across North America for a DJ tour, including a string of underground club shows and notable festival performances at Electric Zoo and Nocturnal Wonderland where they perform on Anjunadeep label stages alongside the likes of Âme, George Fitzgerald, Lane 8, HVOB, Henrik Schwarz and Yotto. Cubicolor are currently developing a full live show to be launched later this year.

I can see the freely admitted Radiohead influences in the song 'Dead End Thrills', that said this is a lush and beautiful song that oozes melodic vibes. Add me to the list of those keenly anticipating their debut album.

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A Couple Of Good Ones: Otis English - The Persian Leaps

Otis English - Young Kids, Old Love.

Background promo - Otis English speaks to the darkness within while simultaneously dragging you into the light. With a big voice, beautifully twisted lyrics and a natural storyteller approach to performing, Otis has arrived in time to replenish the current well of truly meaningful artists. If his voice doesn’t break your heart, his lyrics, a window into his strange and nomadic history, definitely will.

Otis’ upbringing was far from ordinary. His history reads more like a chain of mishaps and tragedies than it does the upbringing of a songwriter. From accidentally burning down his childhood home to watching his father’s health drastically deteriorate while living out of his car, Otis doesn't glaze over the negative and the challenging parts of life. Instead, he takes those experiences and makes them bloom into beautiful melodies. With a pen and a guitar, he turns discomfort into something beautiful and relatable.

This wanderer now sets out a bold, new adventure. Otis will be releasing his debut EP in collaboration with indie label Crooked Paintings. This upcoming collection of songs is cinematic, but unapologetically gritty in the best kind of way. It’s catchy, inspired, and exactly what you want to hear from an artist who demands your attention, not with antics, but with honest, insightful stories and an undeniable voice. 

'Young Kids, Old Love' starts out with plenty of energy, and just builds from there. It's a melodic indie style song, with unrestrained commitment and very distinctive vocals, that carry the whole thing off.

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The Persian Leaps - See Me Unaware.

Background - “Your City, Underwater” will be available September 16 on CD and digital, but the single, “See Me Unaware” is now out. “The Persian Leaps” began as a phrase singer/guitarist Drew Forsberg doodled in a notebook margin during a college Greek Archaeology course. He wrote music independently under that name for years, until finally assembling a full band in 2012 to perform and record driving, chiming music influenced by My Bloody Valentine, The Smiths, Guided by Voices and Teenage Fanclub.

The Persian Leaps adhere to a disciplined schedule of concise releases: each fall brings an EP of five songs totalling fifteen minutes or less. In 2013, the Persian Leaps released debut EP Praise Elephants, which NME Magazine described as a “celestial guitar jangle”. The band completed a follow-up EP Drive Drive Delay in 2014, praised by XS Noize for its “instantly catchy melodic harmonies layered on top of droning guitar.” In 2015, the band released High & Vibrate, an EP championed by The Big Takeover for its “big-time hooks, upbeat attitude, classic power-trio punch.”

The band recently completed their 4th EP, Your City, Underwater. The EP features songs about terminal illness, social anxiety, and impending climate doom—leavened with enough hooks, harmony, and distortion to leave you wanting more. Land Ski Records releases Your City, Underwater on September 16, 2016.

There is a full on indie rock, feel to 'See Me Unaware'. Not surprising with a classic power trio delivering the goods. What is a plus is, the fine vocals and harmonies that equally deliver the melody, along with a tight rocking feel. The EP sounds promising.

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Quality Not Quantity: Closer - Born Joy Dead - Oldermost

Modern Inventors - Closer ft. Daru Jones

Background promo - Nashville-based Modern Inventors have released their track "Closer". Featuring drummer Daru Jones (Jack White), as well as bassist Owen Biddle (The Roots).

"After a relationship ends, it's natural to feel guarded, and sometimes when you least expect it, you'll find yourself connecting with another person," the band said of the track. "Maybe it's on a subway, or passing each other on the sidewalk, but you remember the feeling; 'Closer' is a realization that you might be getting closer to allowing yourself to open up again.”

Migrating from Philadelphia to Nashville a year ago, Josh Benus and Matt Kass have expanded on their backgrounds as formally-trained musicians with a sound that’s both unique and powerfully emotional.

After several years of collaborating in a variety of projects, including a soundtrack for the HBO documentary First Comes Love, they solidified their partnership by founding Modern Inventors. Shortly after that, they decided to move to Nashville, where they connected quickly with the city’s vibrant artistic network and — critically important — found the house that functions now as their personal and professional home base.

“Working and living here is great because we can put all of our time into writing and recording,” Josh explains. “We have our hands on every second of these recordings. They are us. And because this house has allowed us to do this, it’s become our signature.”

“For me, the allure of Nashville is, that it’s about the songwriting,” Josh adds. “It’s inspiring living here because everyone’s so passionate about their craft. So in retrospect, this is the probably the best move we could have made.”

With vocals that delight (maybe a little like if the Bee Gees, had taken a funkier, rock'n'roll route) 'Closer' is a melodic and dreamy, genre defying highly like-able song. The production and mix, and the clever use of synths, seemingly take the whole piece up another level.

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Born Joy Dead - Sourdough.

Background - Hot out the oven, Brisbane's Born Joy Dead return today with 'Sourdough', a brand new single for daydreamers and brunch enthusiasts everywhere. There's no mucking about either, they'll take to Black Bear Lodge to launch this freshly baked tune in just under three weeks.

A delicious, chewy 'F' to the daily grind, 'Sourdough' is a unique result for the band who recently changed up their writing style, demoing together as a group for the first time. "The band is taking on a more organic songwriting method now and as a result it feels as though we've created something really special and more personal to us all," says front man (and former Hungry Kids of Hungary member) Ben Dalton.

Springing onto the airwaves in 2015 with single's 'Hey Blood', 'Stones in My Shoe' and 'Chains On You', Born Joy Dead have been building their chops among the local scene. Supporting the likes of Ball Park Music, Bad//Dreems, Hey Geronimo, Babaganouj and My Own Pet Radio they've also impressed at a stack of headline shows including a packed debut EP launch. Add a recent signing to Mucho Bravado management, an upcoming second EP and a September single launch. Bake at 180 degrees for best results.

Single Launch - Thursday Sep 01 Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, w/ Muddy Chanter & guests. 

'Sourdough' has a funky rhythmic beat, that underscores the layered vocals and harmonies. Add in the melody and an intriguing stereo mix and we arrive with a superb ultra tight song, with lyrics ideal for those who suffer the daily treadmill of work.

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Oldermost - Honey With Tea.

Background - “Honey with Tea” highlights the paradoxical blend of neuroticism and mysticism of Oldermost's lead singer Bradford Bucknum, whose vocal delivery oscillates between semi-theatrical energetic bursts to gentle, sugary crooning. The inclusion of the up-and-coming Philadelphia singer-songwriter Rosali adds a welcomed vocal element to the song too.

The song’s despairing wit and questionable advice buoyantly tumbles over a sea of lush strings provided by the classically trained yet pop-obsessed compositional asset to the band, David Richard. Mike Sobel’s guitar work slides in and out of the steady rhythms of Stephen Robbins’ focused and passionate drumming, and Dan Wolgemuth’s unique and melodic bass playing.

The sounds of Sobel’s lap steel provides a unique foundation of sonic texture, so that the song can remain innovative but still represent the band’s affinity for popular song construction… and if his playing sounds familiar, it’s because Sobel can be heard on the song “Eyes to the Wind” from The War on Drugs exceptional 2014 release, Lost in the Dream.

This really is a fine song. 'Honey With Tea' works on so many levels, whether it's the vocals and harmonies, the cool, easy rocking music, or the melodic vibes that just hook into my ears. This is the bands first single this year, what a song!

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Monday Mix: Idle Fret - His Clancyness - Chelan - Diana Ebe

Idle Fret - Reborn.

Background promo - Albury/Wodonga's Idle Fret are in the business of making explosive, no-bs rock'n'roll, as spelled out in black and white on their knockout debut album, 'Reborn'. Ticking all the right boxes – great band, great singer, great songs – 'Reborn' perfectly captures everything high-octane rock fans live for... the must-have blend of thundering drums, wall of guitar and soaring, melt-your-face-off vocals that make up one of the most enduring and exciting genres of music.

Taking the best aspects of the best bands spanning three decades, even some 20 years after most of the genre's legends have come and gone, Idle Fret manage to make the music relevant and fresh, while keeping the traditions of the niche alive and well. They are a band literally made up of the same devout rock fans they appeal to.

From front to back, Idle Fret have armed themselves to the teeth. Drummer Ryan Nicholson and bassist James McRorie give the band a colossal sonic heaviness and relentless push forward, leaving the higher frequencies open for the dual assault of rhythm guitarist Daniel Edwards and lead guitarist Shaun Webb, who are able to switch from a wall of rhythm to blitzkrieg solos with sheer precision. At the apex of the band's mountainous sound is frontman Hayden Edwards, whose versatile voice can reach all of the dramatic highs of the genre, but has an even more impressive default setting that is an explosive mix of power and control.

Capturing the band at their best, the brilliant production of Rickie Rae approaches the genre with a stunning attention to detail, giving Idle Fret the larger-than-life fidelity and arena-ready hugeness that all of the great bands must have. And although Idle Fret are a new, young band, 'Reborn' shows an ambition to make the biggest impact they can. 'Reborn' is available on CD and via all good digital retailers Friday August 26

'Reborn' Album Launch - Saturday August 27 SS&A, Albury w/ Midnight Alibi, Doors open 9pm.

It's been a while since we have featured some full on rock'n'roll, well 'Reborn' fixes that issue. Resplendent with all the vital ingredients, massive riffs, drums that can kill, and a bass line that thunders away. Add in the almost "off the shelf" classic rock vocals, and all that's left to do, is to turn up the volume!

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His Clancyness - Isolation Culture.

Background - His Clancyness have announced their new album Isolation Culture (Tannen Records / Maple Death Records / Hand Drawn Dracula) with a release date of October 14th, 2016. His Clancyness’ sophomore album and follow-up to Vicious, their debut on England’s seminal FatCat Records. Vicious saw the band blaze a relentless trail across Europe and the US, hitting well over 150 cities across multiple tours before setting their sites on writing LP number 2.

The band began life as the solo project of singer/guitarist Jonathan Clancy but has since found a new form inspired by the camaraderie of life on the road. The group has evolved into a collaborative tour-hardened minimal noise-pop machine that features Jacopo Beta’s propulsive drumming, Giulia Mazza’s alien synthesisers, the commanding low thump of Nico Pasquini’s bass playing along with Clancy’s trademark fidgeting guitar work and his usual stirring lyrical resolve.

Over the last two years the band have retired to their Bologna basement HQ, Strange City Studios to put to use the newly-honed aesthetic and write a new clutch of anti-hits. Here they conducted late-night 4track experiments, embarked upon curious sonic investigations, threw the odd party and emerged with fistfuls of inspired compositions that make up their compelling new album.

Isolation Culture is a record from another place. It could be a recording snatched from a wormhole to a parallel universe where weathered Bowie statues pepper the abandoned city streets and Swell Maps’ music is piped into empty runaway subway cars. Maybe it’s the final psychedelic transmission from a radio station in flames or maybe it turned up on your lawn, delivered by an overnight tornado from somewhere that no longer exists. But what if Isolation Culture is part of the evidence that suggests that there are bands making records just like this one hidden in all the shadows in all the cities in the world? We can only hope that there are. 

Tour Dates:
22/09 Montreal, Canada @ Pop Montreal
01/10 Munich, Germany @ Glockenbachwerkstatt
02/10 Berlin, Germany @ ACUD
03/10 Hamburg, Germany @ Club!heim im Schanzenpark
04/10 Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Wunderbar
05/10 London, UK @ The Waiting Room
06/10 Sheffield, UK @ Bungalows & Bears
07/10 Liverpool, UK @ The Shipping Forecast
08/10 Brighton, UK @ Stiky Mike's Frog Bar
09/10 Paris, France @ Point Ephemere
10/10 Nantes France @ Madame Rêve
11/10 Lille, France @ La Peniche
12/10 Luxembourg @ De Gudden Wellen

'Isolation Culture' will be one of twelve songs on the October release, it's the only song I have heard so far, and it's a good one. It's an addictive, alt rock piece that slowly builds layer upon layer of sonic delight, in what is a superbly produced and mixed track.

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Chelan - Won't Break.

Background Regarding the forthcoming album - Vultures is Chelan's most ambitious studio effort to date but they were also careful to ensure they can replicate the album during live performances. 

When asked about the writing process for Vultures Hosford says "Its been a fun challenge morphing from the mostly electronic, subdued indie aesthetic of our last couple albums to the wall of sound, big production synth pop thing we went for on this record." 

The album surrounds layered vocals with lush analog synths, guitar, drums, cello and piano.  Chelan is currently planning a tour in the spring of 2017. Vultures was mastered by Jared Hirshland of Elysian Mastering. Album Artwork by Kime Buzzelli.  

We featured the first single (Beams) from Chelan's soon to be released Vultures album not that long ago, and are pleased to be able to share the second single 'Won't Break'. This is another highly crafted song, the vocals dreamily rise above the melodic synth driven soundtrack as the hooks gently dig in, album eagerly awaited.

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Diana Ebe - Chasing.

Background - Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, Diana Ebe was introduced to music at a young age, beginning piano lessons at four and starting to sing soon after. By fourteen, Ebe had begun vocal lessons and classical training with the esteemed Swedish musical theatre performer and producer, Andreas Eldeen. Vocally, Ebe draws from her training to create soaring melodies.

In 2013, Diana decided to pursue her lifelong dream of being a full-time musician and moved to Los Angeles. Beginning with piano, and by layering atmospheric production over pounding percussion, Ebe produces her own songs with the pop sensibility of artists like Lorde and Lykke Li.

Diana Ebe’s introspective lyrics and haunting melodies create a feel that has already caught the attention of notable musicians including The Doors’ guitarist, Robby Krieger. Ebe describes her work as expressing the “lonely and longing feeling of love and life,” drawing inspiration from nature’s power, daydreams, lust, and love.

In June 2016, Diana Ebe released her new EP, Elusive Pleasure, featuring the singles, "Bold" and "Elusive Pleasure". Crafting tracks filled with emotional resonance and ambient styling, Ebe leaves her fans teeming with anticipation for what's next. Visit DianaEbe.com for more information.

'Chasing' is also from the 'Elusive Pleasure' EP released in June. The EP is a collection of seven beautifully written and produced songs. Diana Ebe delivers passionate and intense vocals, that are wonderfully melodic, and these are complimented by the distinctive musical soundtracks. It's intelligent pop music, with a whole lot of heart. 

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Monday Magic: Kate Nash - Gypsy & The Cat - The Rebel Light - James Edge And The Mindstep

Kate Nash - Good Summer.

Background - Kate Nash has returned to Zone 5 and with her she brings the Summer's finest pop offering 'Good Summer', produced by Dave Bassett and out today via Kate's own imprint Girl Gang Records.

‘Good Summer’ is literally the light at the end of the tunnel, an expression of relief, the type we all feel when the sun comes out and the warmth radiates your skin after 10 months of grey sky, central heating and soggy feet. “I’ve been a referee of my emotions,” sings Nash, over upbeat synths, skittering drums and dance-y guitar lines. 

It’s about her own return to contentedness in London. “In Britain, in the summer you let go of the stuff on your shoulders and go, F it, I’m gonna get on this banana boat. Go crazyyyyy!’” 

A lot has happened to Nash, a BRIT school graduate, since the release of her #1 record and Brit-Award gleaning debut ‘Made Of Bricks’ back in 2007 - failed relationships, record label fall-outs, punk record releases, a relocation to the other side of the world... And so it’s wonderful that the singer-songwriter, activist and heroic spirit is here today, possessed of an impervious rebellion and a lightness of being that makes her ‘give-a-f?’ honesty even more contagious. Everything seems to be coming full circle..

Fresh off the back of closing Wilderness festival as part of a huge David Bowie tribute, Kate has announced a small run of UK headline dates this October including London's Oslo. There’ll be more music, there’ll be more shows. “I’m not disappearing again,” Kate says, patient, poised, happy to let fate make the next move.

Ive been an avid listener to Kate's music since the first album Made Of Bricks (wow was it really nine years ago!). 'Good Summer' is a fine reminder of just how good Kate is at writing and delivering great pop songs. Tapping in to our sometimes "short of sunshine" summers, here in the UK, the song is fun, upbeat and oh so sunny.

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Gypsy & The Cat - Odyssey Of The Streets.

Background promo -  The time has finally come for the highly anticipated Gypsy & The Cat full length album, “Virtual Islands”. Boasting ARIA and Hype Machine charting singles, three songs in the triple j Hottest 100 and having been covered by a host of large tastemaker outlets including Rolling Stone, Noisey and Fader; Gypsy & the Cat and success are no longer just flirting with each other. They're shacking up and settling down.

So far the duo have successfully released three singles from the album which got us all very excited for this moment. “Inside Your Mind” marked the start of the spectacular return for Gypsy & The Cat. The single throws a retrograding acoustic guitar into the mix, orbiting in just the right places. Following this single, the Melbourne duo released “I Just Wanna Be Somebody Else” and continued to win over listeners by showering them in glorious Australian indie pop. In only a few months, these singles have hit over 1.3 million streams online and their latest single 'Life' took the coveted #1 spot on Hype Machine charts earlier this week.

With the help of producer Dave Fridmann (Tame Impala, MGMT, Neon Indian, The Flaming Lips) and their inspiring time spent in Japan over the last year, this album marks a new era for Gypsy & The Cat. They put their heart and soul into delivering an amazing album but unfortunately it will be their last project as Gypsy & The Cat. "We have come to a place with the band where we feel like we have achieved the things it set out to, and are incredibly proud of the catalogue of music that we've built along the way," they said. "We are like brothers, Lionel and I, and this is in no way a sad or bitter thing, we speak every day in fact, instead it's more of a decision to keep growing as individuals and explore our artistic limits in different incarnations." They are extremely proud of Virtual Islands and although we will be sad to see them part ways, their success should be celebrated and it will with their final album tour.

Oh what a beautiful album 'Virtual Islands' is and 'Odyssey Of The Streets' is the seventh of ten songs within this stunning collection, and a personal favourite. That the duo are calling it time after this release, might seem strange and even disappointing, however if you ever want an example of going out on a high, this album is a fine place to start.

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The Rebel Light - Where Did All The Love Go.

Background words from The Rebel Light - We are very excited to finally get to share our debut EP with you.... written and recorded here in Los Angeles, we tried to capture what it feels like to live, work and play in California and the good vibes your soul starts to absorb just being here.

In the immortal words of California's greatest ambassadors, The Beach Boys
"I'm pickin' up good vibrations"

We wanted to create a soundtrack to your summer - music to listen to as you drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in your vintage car with a big  f..ahem smile on your face!
Hopefully we came close to accomplishing that.....

“A Hundred Summer Days” has just been released through Dualtone Records. Spotify here.

'Where Did All The Love Go' typifies the positive, upbeat and "bright summer day" vibes that permeate through this five song EP. Taking note of the bands words above, I think it's fair to comment that, it's a case of mission totally accomplished, this is a fabulous EP!

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James Edge And The Mindstep - Four Two Four.

Background - Order becomes disorder and harmony springs from chaos in James Edge and the Mindstep’s latest song ‘Four Two Four’. It sees Edge perverting the country shuffle into something darker and more abstract than anything you’ll find in the soporific musings of most MOR folk pop artists today. Snippets of melody are distributed like splashes of colour in a Pollock painting. The nightmarish lyrics demand the listener’s subjective interpretation, yet concern themselves with the macabre imagery of things like drowning and exploding. The fiendish song spawned itself one day - initially growing out of a fingerpicked improvisation, the guitar part arrived fully formed.

‘Four Two Four’ was recorded at Tom Aitkenhead’s Milk Studios in Limehouse for their upcoming album Machines He Made, released on CD, vinyl and download later in the year.

James Edge is already a studious musical maestro and a top drawer composer. The Kent-raised musician studied composition to master’s degree level under Joe Duddell - arranger for the likes of Elbow and New Order. After moving to London and starting to gig in 2006, he formed James Edge and the Mindstep to record 2010 debut album ‘In The Hills, The Cities’. The working relationships he built around this time would provide him with some dependable collaborators, including regular engineer and occasional co-producer Tom Aitkenhead, best known for his work with Laura Marling and Bloc Party. A core jazz-folk trio of Edge, double bassist Andy Waterworth and drummer Avvon Chambers materialised. Together the trio started recording second album ‘Machines He Made’ over a five day period tracking everything live and only overdubbing the backing vocals. The songs were largely unrehearsed, with band members and additional session players mostly having not heard the pieces before. This spontaneous hodgepodge has resulted in some of the most whimsical and deeply experimental music to come out of the capital in a while.

We featured James Edge and the Mindstep back in March and are delighted to do so again with the new song 'Four Two Four'. The musicianship is incredible and makes a perfect accompaniment for the gifted vocals of James Edge. With an album release due this year, this is an exceptional taster of whats to come.

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Synths & Sunday: Highasakite - Lovecat - Vibrissae

Highasakite - Samurai Swords.

Background promo - Their “synthy sadbangers” are behind a swarm of press, inciting rave reviews from the likes of Vogue, The Guardian, The Fader, Mojo, Pop Justice, Q Magazine and The Line of Best Fit. Fresh from Glastonbury and Latitude Festivals, and just ahead of a headline spot on Norway’s renowned Øya Festival, Highasakite announce new single ‘Samurai Swords’ – taken from acclaimed sophomore album ‘Camp Echo’, out now via Propeller Recordings.

It proves a synthillating addition to Highasakite’s booming arsenal, tackling heartbreak with aplomb and the soaring signature vocal of frontwoman Ingrid Helene Håvik.

Fresh from a guest performance on Made In Chelsea, the band is announced to play the 23rd Annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert on December 11. The event is televised to more than 100 countries, 300 million households and also streamed live on YouTube, with Highasakite joining the ranks of countless Nobel alumni including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Florence and the Machine and Rihanna. The band embarks their biggest US Tour to date in September, before returning to London for a headline show at Heaven on Tuesday, November 1 – joining recent Sold Out performances at Hoxton Hall and Village Underground.

Following acclaimed debut LP ‘Silent Treatment’, which recently marked a two-year milestone in the Norwegian Top 40 Chart, Highasakite’s sophomore offering ‘Camp Echo’ claims a second consecutive #1 chart debut in Norway and #24 entry in the Australian Top 40. The album features singles ‘Someone Who’ll Get It’ and ‘Golden Ticket’, amassing streams of more than 8 million in just a couple of months.

We featured the band back in late January mentioning at the time "Plenty of positive words have been written and said regarding Highasakite". 'Samurai Swords' continues the theme of powerful synth drive music and vocals that demand your attention. It's passionate, immediate and very catchy!

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Lovecat - Lovesong.

Background - This is Lovecat, the DIY synth-pop project from a Vienna-based producer named David Haering. Lovecat will be releasing his debut album The Great Catsby on September 9th via Fabrique Records (iTunes pre-order), and has now shared its first single “Lovesong”.

The Great Catsby is an album full of driving rhythms, playful basslines, and above all, the voice of a hopeful romantic. It will be coming out exactly five years after the release of his debut EP, and follows various radio hits in Europe and a remix for Morrissey's legendary guitarist and co-writer Boz Boorer. The album also explores his past experiences in various rock and punk rock bands, and the gray days between one night of partying and the next.

The Great Catsby is a charming collection of songs that reflects upon on-again/off-again relationships, self-doubt, existential themes and more… The Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and Yazoo form the musical frame of reference. Lovecat has worked with a variety of producers over the years in different studios, only to realize that even a lovesick cat needs to have the last word himself. So The Great Catsby is a very personal manifesto that could only be developed in-house, allowing its compelling charm to emerge in full. 

'Lovesong' is the first of twelve new songs on The Great Catsby. It's indicative of the overall upbeat synth driven songs in this collection, however there is a good level of creativity and space for a range of ideas and directions that are shared. Melodic, danceable and full of good vibes, this is one cool song and album.

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Vibrissae - Need.

Background - Shoegaze electronic crossover trio Vibrissae have signed to Italian label Vipchoyo Sound Factory to release their debut LP 'Somewhere Away'. In advance of the album's release, they are releasing their first reverb-filled driven single 'Need'.

Formed and are based in Portland, Oregon, the same city that produced The Dandy Warhols, The Decemberists, Modest Mouse, The Prids, Quarterflash and Elliott Smith, the three members of Vibrissae hail from different continents.

Vocalist Imber Lingard comes from Australia,  Emma Bell was born in Malaysia, and Aaron Bell is native to the USA. The trio found common ground in their shared love of shoegaze, electronic music, and modern rock, and especially any crossover fusions thereof. Vibrissae's debut output is the result of over three years of rehearsal and recording.

Their music crosses over multiple genres, combining and alternating elements from electronic rock, synth pop, dark wave and shoegaze.

The first single “Need” is an electrifying post-punk number with a darker atmosphere, underlined by a frenzied feeling of urgency. Guitar distortion erupts at the start of the track, transitioning into a warped guitar chime with remarkable percussion penetrating in the calm before the storm. Lingard delivers a stunning sing-talk, building up to what is a hypnotic chorus.

This album was mainly recorded at their home studio with some vocals tracked at Jackpot! Recording Studio in Portland, a testament to Vibrissae's DIY aesthetic. The band also mixed their own tracks and created their own artwork, with mastering performed by Alan Douches.  

From their debut LP 'Somewhere Away' the latest single 'Need' is a fine indicator of the bands genre spanning sound. Earnest, powerful and creative, both music and vocals work so well together, bringing about some fabulous songs. As I say 'Need' is an indicator, there is so much more across the album, it is definitely one to check out.

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Genre Wander: Beauty Sleep - Qlaye Face - Jacob Moore - Oblio

Beauty Sleep - Living Right.

Background promo - Like the changing of the days in Belfast, Beauty Sleep’s new single is very much in a different season to the bands debut back in winter, suitably named ‘The Dark’. As the days are significantly longer right now, new single and sophomore effort ‘Living Right’ drives away from the melancholy tones and melodies of the bands debut effort whilst keeping the dreamy, chorus infused guitars and hazy vocals that are becoming a trademark for this Northern Irish export.

Ryan McGroarty, Cheylene Murphy and Aimee Williamson’s obsession with fuzzy synths and dream inspired pop music continues to show the bands ability to compete in the one of music’s newest trendsetting genres. ‘The Dark’ was described as “a mix of Phoenix and Beach House and occupies the dreamy end of the guitar-pop spectrum.”(The Irish Times) and won the support of a host of tastemaker press and BBC 1 Radio support. The tone was seemingly set for Beauty Sleep.

But if ‘The Dark’ was anything to go by, new single ‘Living Right’ is its nostalgic half-cousin and sets the tempo by jumping straight into a melodic upbeat chorus reminiscent of Washed Out, Teen Daze, and Summer Heart (see what I did there, Summer?). ‘Living Right’ is due for release in all the usual places on Friday 12h August 2016.

The over used term "lush" can be rightly "over used" for 'Living Right' the latest song from Beauty Sleep. It's also a reminder that indie and dream pop are two genres where bands are still creating original and exquisite music, this being a case in point.

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Qlaye Face - Nascence (Radio edit).

Background - Melbourne based prog-rock outfit Qlaye Face are pleased to announce the arrival of their EP ‘Nascence’. Comprised of four intricate and atmospheric tracks that feature complex time signatures and rhythmic ideas, the moody quartet's mission statement is to execute their craft with ambition, precision and integrity.

Conceived out of the friendship of four high school friends and evolving through countless hours of writing and practise, the band chose their surrounds of Melbourne to record at Sing Sing and Rangemaster Studios with acclaimed producer Dave Carr. Vocalist and guitarist Cameron Bobbitt says of the EP, "We wanted to push our creative boundaries and challenge whatever forms or conventions we held about music, while ultimately allowing the songs to grow organically from an emotional place. We came up with sounds, patterns and journeys we had never realised before."

"Lyrics were a direct reaction to the environments the songs were placing us in, perspectives and styles that I had not written within prior. I think through the lucidity and approach to the lyrics, they ended up exposing the honesty and personal relevance needed in the music in the right way. As a listener you should be challenging yourself and the status quo, straightforwardness wouldn't have done the record justice." No strangers to the progressive alt-rock scene in Australia, Qlaye Face have quickly chalked up support slots for Dream On Dreamer, Caligula’s Horse, Closure In Moscow, Voyager and Alithia. The band are set to get busy and hit stages across the country this Spring and Summer, starting with a string of EP launch shows. ‘Nascence’ was out Friday August 5 on CD and via all good digital retailers

Upcoming shows
August 9 – The Zoo – Brisbane, QLD (Tix)
August 21 – Hideaway Bar – Melbourne, VIC
August 27 – The Workers Club – Melbourne, VIC (Tix)
September 1 – Ancient World – Adelaide, SA

We don't get to feature much new prog rock on Beehive Candy these days, however Qlaye Face and the excellent song 'Nascence', has helped to rectify that. In fairness this is pretty alternative and even folk who are turned off by the prog expression, might be pleasantly surprised.  

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Jacob Moore - From Above.

Background - Hailing from Sydney Australia, songwriter/producer Jacob Moore, who has been involved with a myriad of acts for a number of years, is finally ready to shine lighton his first solo musical presentation in 2016. Like a pleasant gust of wind on a hot day, Jacob Moore is drifting into the limelight with ‘From Above’, a pretty taste of his forthcoming EP All In Time. 

Taking time to finely hone his craft; Jacob has merely tested the waters when it comes to his musical endeavours. Fusing 50s barbershop nostalgia and modern soul is not an easy feat, but this is the sonic identity that best describes Jacobs’ previous soft releases ‘Infinity’ and ‘Something in the Water’. Recently Jacob has been hard at work, recruiting a slew of musicians to form his live band, which will be revealed in the coming months, as well as putting the finishing touches on his debut EP at Studios 301 with Jack Prest (Flume, The Preatures, Action Bronson).

All in Time is slated for release on September 9th, but for now audiences will have to suffice with immersing themselves in the tranquillity of ‘From Above’.

With a marching drum beat opening proceedings, 'From Above' quickly morphs into a dreamy, hazy and highly atmospheric song. Jacob Moore's vocals seemingly dance above the music, adding more melody to this creative song.

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Oblio - Days.

Background - On their intriguingly dark new single “Days,” Long Beach alternative rockers Oblio introduce listeners to a nameless character who suffers from autophobia, the morbid fear of being left alone with one’s self. “Days” is the first single from Autophobia, the dramatic and captivating soon-to-be-released concept record from DIY rock reformists Oblio. More information on Oblio and Autophobia is available on the band’s official website.

According to band member Blake Russell, “Days” represents Oblio’s unshakable work ethic in the DIY approach to being in a band: “We wrote, performed, produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered “Days” ourselves. We also filmed the song’s music video on our own, and will be releasing the single (and album) independently on all major digital music platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Bandcamp.”

Comprised of multi-instrumentalists Russell, Alex Strahle, and Free Hallas, Oblio have toured nationally, appeared on numerous notable indie ­rock radio programs, and performed at many venues in and around Los Angeles. Russell and Hallas toured with the popular UK rock outfit The Big Pink, for which Free is the current drummer. Strahle, meanwhile, is a current member of and lead guitarist for SoCal rock band SVB. He previously worked with Russell in the band Dead Ball Era.

Oblio have their roots in the local Los Angeles music scene, as the band frequently records and produces music for other local artists and assists bands with booking and hosting local DIY shows. The band also hosts a one ­day only local music festival called Pointless Fest.

'Days' is a rootsy, alt rock song, where the music does the rocking, and the vocals and harmonies add something a little softer, and support the melody. It's DIY credentials are a plus, as ther band clearly know there stuff, and the sounds they wan't to create.

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The Beehive Candy Interview: In Letter Form

In Letter Form - Wait Now.

Back in May we featured the song 'Face In The Crowd' taken from In Letter Form's eleven song album 'Fracture. Repair. Repeat'. We commented at the time "this is one very cool album, full of post punk sounds, that at times veer towards a darker Gothic feel, and sometimes a crisper early indie rock feel".

From the album we are pleased to share 'Wait Now' and we were pleased to take the opportunity, to ask the band a few questions earlier this week. Here is the interview in full:

Just what is it that makes the likes of Joy Division, Bauhaus, and Echo and the Bunnymen inspire your music? 
These bands are among the core music we grew up listening to, so it's hard wired, in a way. None of us ever set out to write songs that showcase these influences, it just has a way of emerging. It's a beautiful thing and sometimes a hindrance as reviewers sometime cling to these influences and ironically become just as dependent upon the influences as they suggest we may be. A Very interesting dance, indeed. We try not to overthink it.

As a follow up question, given the choice would you prefer to have been a band during their era, or today? 
With the exception of the direction the industry has taken and the "value" I feel people place or rather 'don't' upon live music and recorded music, I'd have to say TODAY, hands down. We live in our time. It's a tautology. If we were then, we wouldn't be us, now.

What are the obstacles facing bands and artists today, that make being a full time professional in your genre(s) difficult? 
Well here in San Francisco, we've witnessed a massive growth in 'wealth' and perverse income inequality along with a population boom. This has meant the closure and threat of closure of many local live music venues that support/ed beginning bands and artist communities. The Idolatry of money that has become systemically pervasive in American culture and felt no where more than here in SF (the great gold rush city) bring an oppressive amount of homogeneity, dull and bland, no teachers, no scholars, less art, more money, always more money.  Makes getting recognised and creating a true community harder but within that struggle there is fertility in the strife.

How well do you get on which each other in the creative and recording process? 
We love each other, and I say that with absolute resolve and without caveat. We really are a family and that extends beyond us 'four' to our team of members in family, management, creative and our label Metropolis who believe in what we're doing. The core four disagree from time to time but it makes for better art. It's about compromise and collaboration and trust. We're still learning and that keeps it exciting.

How on earth do you get airplay on major radio these days? 
Some of it is word of mouth, some of it is PR and campaigning, who you know or rather who you pay for access to the people THEY know. You know?

Best/worst gigs? 
Oooh, they're all 'good' gigs and you gotta believe that. The only thing the artist needs to do is be true to the muse, to the piece whether it be for five people in a pub or five thousand on a green. When I feel I had a bad gig, it's usually because I failed to connect with my audience or my band and that's usually symptomatic of me not connecting with myself, or with the muse.

Can music still influence people on mass, like the "protest songs" of the sixties, and if so, in a positive manner? 
Absolutely! I'll share a story, during our BFD performance I made the decision to get the audience to join in on a chant during "Terror (is a state of mind)" it was simple "Fuck Trump." The audience obliged and we connected, united around a common message. He really is a formidable threat to our nation, and humanity which is under constant threat as it is. After we got off stage I was confronted by two "REAL" Trump supporters. They came at me pretty hard at the merch table. "How dare you push your politics on us! You should play the songs we paid to hear without forcing that on us. We thought you were pretty good! You lost two fans today" I could only respond by saying that our music and politics/philosophy are not mutually exclusive and that I respected their right to voice this opinion but in turn they needed to afford us the same respect. Anyway, that was evidence enough that we can still influence, is it positive? I believe it to be when compared to the message of racism and intolerance that Trump and his clan either knowingly or ignorantly espouse.

It's 2016, what year is the mainstream music industry in?
2016, of course. ;)

Our thanks to Eric and In Letter Form for your thoughtful answers!

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Friday Five: Jay Pray - Soft Corporate- The Plastic Attraction - Oh Well, Goodbye - The Regrettes

Jay Pray - I'd Go Anywhere (Do Anything).

Background promo - Brooklyn synth-pop artist Jay Pray is set to release his debut self-titled album on October 21 via Think Thought Records. Justin P. Romanos has had a love for music since was he was just old enough to pick up a guitar. Justin was drawn to performance and songwriting at an early age, and growing up became a regular in the DIY music scene around his rural Connecticut hometown. He and his friends had ever evolving musical tastes and learned more about the process of making music by consistently forming new bands and recording in Justin’s makeshift home studio. This landed him a spot at Drexel University’s Music Industry Program. Here he found a home of like­minded peers and gained a lasting nickname, “J Pré”, short for an early band called the Justin P. Romanos Experiment. He honed his craft by continuously writing and spent much of his time in the close­knit Philadelphia basement community where he fronted the indie rock band SHMNS. After graduating college in 2014, it was time to regroup, refocus, and reinvent himself as a musician.

Justin relocated to Brooklyn, NY and began to combine the best of his musical beginnings into his biggest, boldest, and most colourful pop album yet; as the newly reincarnated Jay Pray. Under the polished production of Brandon Bost, Justin’s new album flourishes into a lush landscape of bright tones in which every detail is carefully slotted in place. A strong but subtle beat propels the collection forward as it dips into sultry shadows and bursts into powerful blasts of sunshine. Intricate synth riffs and Justin’s gentle lilt twinkle amongst the swelling wall of sound, transforming love musings into a tropical sonic escape. Jay Pray is a refreshing arrival in a saturated pop scene with a debut worth diving into head first.

'I'd Go Anywhere (Do Anything)' has been gaining attention these last few days. It's a genuine indie pop song with beautiful synths and smooth vocals pairing perfectly and delivering a melodic hooky song.

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Soft Corporate - Slipped (From the EP Good Things Will Happen).

Background - Based in Melbourne,the indie four-piece  Soft Corporate explore the boundaries of pop with their simultaneously anthemic and intricate compositions. Performing for several years under another name the first three members Troy Sheehan, Madeline Booth and Jack Cross invited Reuben Dyer to join their group. As a collective decision they chose their new name Soft Corporate.

Leading the charge with their first offering ‘Boats’, the song is a blend of haunting vocals, evocative melodies and intelligent musicianship. With such depth to their sound, it's hard to believe that their EP Good Things Will Happen is their debut release. The first single 'Boats' is captivating and a highly expressive piece of music.

Discovered early on with the release by the Triple J Unearthed team as part of Triple J Unearthed High, Soft Corporate made it to the finals of the well-known competition under a previous guise. Reminiscent of their melodic indie rock predecessors, Soft Corporate draw inspiration from contemporaries Death Cab for Cutie and Unknown Mortal Orchestra and comparisons could be drawn to Band of Horses, The Shin and Doves with their slow-burning builds and shifting dynamics. Lead vocalist Troy Sheehan’s lyrics centre on deep reflections, moments of clarity, time and trying to survive the metaphorical or literal end of the world. ‘Boats’ is a lush heady mix, Sheehan’s performance is understated with a disarming charm. 

Written in a their rehearsal space in Melbourne, their debut EP Good Things Will Happen came to life over recording sessions with producer Colin Leadbetter (Sarah Blasko, Whitley) in late 2015. Recorded at Sing Sing South, Leadbetter worked closely with the band unpacking their songs and developing their sound as a unit. Throughout the mixing process, the six songs that they took to the studio underwent several experimental shifts as hazy textures were introduced. The reverberant guitars and floating harmonies support and illuminate what is now their debut EP.

Upcoming Show – Good Things Will Happen EP Launch
6 August – The Toff In Town, Melbourne with Manor & Sweet Whirl
Doors from 8pm, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

'Good Things Will Happen' is a solid six song EP of which 'Slipped' is the fifth track and quite representative of the bands enticing indie rock/pop sound. The band create likable atmospheric music, with plenty of hooks and a lush musical background for the fine vocals and harmonies.

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The Plastic Attraction - Holding You.

Background - The Plastic Attraction was hatched in Perth when schoolyard friends – Liam (vocals), Matt (guitar/vocals), Horna (bass/vocals) and Chris (drums/vocals) decided that after many years of talking about it, they would batten down the hatches and write some music, channelling 90s rock with a fresh flavour and less denim. The Plastic Attraction started with a communal sharing of riffs, jamming, experimenting with different sounds and building up a base of demos. Once the band amassed a collection of riffs, ideas and songs, they sifted through them to see what sound worked for the band and which ideas jumped out at them as keepers. Throughout the sorting and sifting process, the band played band nights at pubs and clubs to test their material and hone their live show.

‘Holding You’ is the band's debut single. The track was recorded at Sumo Sound Studios in Perth by Tristan Sturmer (Sparrow, Verge Collection, Make Way For Man) and was mixed by highly acclaimed audio engineer Andy Lawson (Tired Lion, Eskimo Joe). The icing on the sonic cake was the mastering by the inimitable Leon Zervos (Boy & Bear, Art vs Science, Last Dinosaurs).

Lead singer, Liam says, “'Holding You’ was born when Matt and Horna were jamming on some ideas and came up with that opening riff. The whole song stemmed from that intro section and once the drums came in, the song seemed to come together very naturally.” Once you dig beneath the lush harmonies, interwoven bass and guitar and airy-high fidelity sound, you realise that ‘Holding You’ is the classic tale of boy meets girl, girl promises boy everlasting love, boy and girl breakup, boy has extreme difficulty letting go.

Obsession, ego and delusions of grandeur rear their ugly head throughout the song as the lyrics describe the heartbreakee's deeply misguided belief that the ex should have to stick to all those things she said while they were together. “Holding You” will be released 26th of August 2016. 

With a smooth and fast flowing beat, guitars and vocals that glide above, the song 'Holding You' is a breezy blast of melodic charm.

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Oh Well, Goodbye - This City To Yours.

Background - Hailing from Liverpool England, Oh Well Goodbye quietly crept into the UK scene with debut cassette release ‘BG092’ through U.S label Bleeding Gold Records. Beginning as a solo project during down time of his 'dayjob' band People//Talk, Philip Rourke (founder of EDILS records/booking) quickly assembled like minded musicians and played a scattering of shows in London and northern England, as well as a 5 date tour of France in late 2015. Oh Well Goodbye, completed by Sam Banks (bass), Peter Seddon (Guitar) and Andy Fernihough (Drums) have continued to push creatively as a unit while fully maintaining their Lo-Fi DIY approach. Three new EPs will be released before the end of 2017 and each one presents a progressive step showcasing Oh well goodbyes bittersweet musical movements that border the edge of collapse. Post punk is murky ground but oh well goodbye given their northern English heritage slot in and out easily. A lush mix of early 90s styled guitars, dance punk beats and hushed almost spoken vocal ride along effortlessly. As beautiful as it is ugly, the nonchalant display masks the chaos and vulnerability underneath.

The first release of the trilogy is a four track EP entitled ‘Swoon’. A step up from the home recording of Rourkes debut effort, ‘Swoon’ was recorded in a Liverpool studio live by the bands drummer Andy Fernihough. ‘Swoon’ is available on pink and grey 7” as well as digitally from September 16th through Bleeding Gold records.The bands next release quickly follows and coincides with a European tour in October. A five track cassette entitled 'Acquiescence' is a co-release between UK labels Hail Hail and EDILS Records (digitally through Bleeding Gold records) will be available from October 16th. A more experimental and ambient collection compared to its predecessor, 'Acquiescence' see's oh well goodbye use drums loops and keyboards for the first time on half of the tracks while still in touching upon the bands pop sensibilities and downbeat 'post punk' sound. This leads nicely into the final release of the trilogy; 'I Know, I Know, I Know' which is a remix EP comprised of tracks from both 'Swoon' and 'Acquiescence'. Hitting the world wide web on November 11th, again through Bleeding Gold Records the digital only release features remixes by a host of acts including Dignan Porch (Faux Discx/Captured Tracks), Gorgeous Bully (Art Is Hard), Moonlit Sailor (Deep Elm) and new comers such as Dayflower and Grave Diggers Union.

The wonderfully understated vocals on 'This City To Yours' typifies the lo-fi and distinctive sound found on the 'Swoon' EP, with the exception of the third track 'Axe The Bay' which takes on a more ambient direction. With more to come, Oh Well, Goodbye appear to be on a  musical and creative roll.

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The Regrettes - Hey Now.

Background - Perfectly imperfect - that’s one way to describe LA based punk act, The Regrettes. Writing songs that proudly bear a brazen and unabashed attitude in the vein of acts Courtney Barnett or Karen O - with a pop aesthetic reminiscent of 50’s and 60’s acts a la the Temptations or Buddy Holly - the LA based four piece create infectious, punk driven tracks.

Lead by outspoken front woman, Lydia Night, and comprised of Genessa Gariano on guitar, Sage Nicole on bass and drummer Maxx Morando, the group have left the LA rock scene floored, managing to capture the hearts of jaded rock critics while opening for acts like Kate Nash, Jack Off Jill, Bleached, Pins, Deep Vally and more. With nothing but demos available online, the group are already beginning to generate hype, from outlets like NPR, and with Nylon already heralding them them as a “punk act you should be listening to”.

From the opening moments on a track by The Regrettes, we’re greeted with a wall of guitars, infectious melodies and a wistful nostalgia that continues right until the final notes. Taking cues from acts like Hinds and Hole, there’s a wistful sense of youth and vulnerability that lies at the heart of each song. A song by The Regrettes is, essentially, a diary entry into Lydia’s life. “My music is a spectrum of every emotion that I have felt in the last year, and you can hear that when you hear the songs. Everything that is happening in my life influences me. It’s everything from boys, to friends, to being pissed off at people, to being really sad. Just everything.”

The most intoxicating draw of The Regrettes is their bashful, heart-on-your-sleeve temperament - writing urgent and fast-paced pop songs with a punk rock mentality. “The way that we write, it’s all based on honesty,” muses Lydia on the group’s punk aesthetic. “If I finish a song, I’ll just leave it - I won’t really go back to it. I like things to feel in the moment and I don’t want it to be perfect. If I work on something too much I lose it and get bored and I want to do the next one..”

Live Dates:
8/5 Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory - w/ Badlands and King Shelter
8/6 – Los Angeles, CA - Save The Smell Fest at The Smell
8/13 – Los Angeles, CA - Smash Club at Junior High
8/18 – Los Angeles, CA - Echo Park Rising at The Echo
Fri/Nov-11 San Diego, CA North Park Observatory *
Tue/Nov-15 San Francisco, CA The Independent *
Wed/Nov-16 San Francisco, CA The Independent *
Fri/Nov-18 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom *
Sat/Nov-19 Seattle, WA Neumos *
* with Sleigh Bells

'Hey Now' is an explosive and feisty, "get over it" punk song. That said, the song is very catchy and the vocals and soundtrack are edgy whilst leaving enough room for an underlying melody.

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