Tuesday &: The Wretched Desert - The Aves - Vallee - Eves The Behavior

The Wretched Desert - Dead Reckoning.

Background - Zach Lind of Jimmy Eat World and wife, Holly Lind, dreamt up The Wretched Desert one day when they decided to turn their living room into a music room. When they realised how good the acoustics were in that room, Zach began recording himself playing drums then added more and more instruments while Holly laid down vocals and, alas, their debut EP Street Lights came to fruition.

Following Street Lights, the duo continued to cook up some living room tunes during the off season of Jimmy Eat World’s tour schedule that turned into sophomore EP set to release November 13th. Recently, The Wretched Desert happily offered the EP title track, “Dead Reckoning”, as a taste of what is to come. 

Zach explains, “As we were writing Dead Reckoning, we couldn’t help being reminded of the hockey scene in Strange Brew. This song is our ode to the McKenzie brothers from whom we’ve learned so much about the mysteries and secrets of being human”.

'Dead Reckoning' certainly builds on the 'Street Lights' EP. Keyboards compete with drums and percussion, whilst there is an almost robotic feel to the vocals, which is not a criticism, as they are seem so rightly matched. Looking forward to what follows soon.

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The Aves - Juan Bianco.

Background - Taken from their soon to be announced debut album, Adelaide's favourite garage kids The Aves launched their first single 'Juan Bianco' last Friday (November 6) at the Grace Emily.

Filled with jangly guitars, upbeat rhythms and laconic vocals laced with harmonies, Juan Bianco is a tough as boots slice of garage pop about dreams lost and starry eyed suburban ambition. With three impressive EP's, a Big Day Out slot thanks to triple j and a stack of touring under their belts that includes Canada's NXNE Festival, New York's River Rocks and Brisbane's Bigsound, The Aves have become known for their high energy live shows, infectious pop-smarts and tongue in cheek lyrics.

Initially taking cues from a varied range of the greats like Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Kinks and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Aves have taken the melting pot of influences and naturally developed their own succinct style.

Bright jangly guitars launch what is a really cool and very catchy song. The melting pot of influences are noted, but who cares, The Aves have a superb sound of their own, and this single sets expectations high. More please.

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Vallee - Jungle.

Background - The biggest driving force for Melbourne band Vallee has been the positive response from strangers from all around the world connecting with their music. The collaborative song writing of guitarist Michael Keirs and bassist Brendan Aked make up the core of the Melbourne indie rockers. 

Influenced by the post punk revival scenes from the late 90’s and the new wave scene that stems from the 80’s, the band cites Bloc Party and The Wombats as an ideal that they strive to achieve. After a steady string of shows across Melbourne in 2014 followed by a working holiday in Europe, and multiple surgeries related to a motorcycle accident, it’s been almost a year since they headlined the Evelyn hotel in Fitzroy. 

The follow up to their first EP Radio sees the band release their new single “Jungle”. The title track off their first EP Radio reached #1 on the Triple J Unearthed charts and subsequent video was featured on mismatch.tv, whilst second single “Cuba” debuted at #9 and received airplay on Unearthed radio. 'Jungle' by Vallee will be released 13th of November 2015.

'Jungle' reminds me somewhat, of the legendary Scottish band 'Big Country', and that is meant as a compliment. The guitar and drum sound has some of those vibes, however this is far more energised and vocally more powerful. Lets be clear this is a great song in it's own right, and one that sinks it's hooks in deep.

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Eves The Behavior - Girl.

Background - Taking a direct look at modern day feminism and the reality of pressures born out of social media, enigmatic young Australian lyricist Eves The Behavior presents her intimate new audio offering 'Girl' (out 13th November). 'Girl' was produced by Eves The Behavior and Christoffer Berg (Fever Ray, The Knife, Depeche Mode), with additional production by Stella Mozgawa and Thomas Rawle.

"There's a sort of unprecedented darkness that's brewing over modern feminism. A new beast that needs tackling. I refuse to believe I'm being old fashioned in saying that it comes out of the widening jaw of social media. Because I don't write this from an arm's length away... most days I feel like I'm being swallowed whole. I am growing up with very confused ideas of how to look and behave as a young woman. I'm terrified of growing up not knowing how to feel good about myself. And I'm terrified that other girls are in the same situation. I am slowly re-defining my perception of where I'm placed in the world and in my relationships."

Eves The Behavior is Hannah Karydas; a twenty-one-year old Brisbane-based singer, songwriter and producer with a unique look on the world. Few young musicians have quite the steady vision and kaleidoscopic ambition in which Eves The Behavior sets her sights on, which is in part due to Hannah's synesthesia; a condition which elicits an experience of mixed senses, in particular elements that trigger and become colours in her mind. This rare sense affects and influences her own music, allowing Hannah to figuratively paint her music, including the shadow and darkness from within. 

'Girl' conveys passion and sincerity, covering a topic that is serious and relevant. Musically the 'marching beat' is just right for the lyrics, whilst Hannah's vocal delivery is spot on. It's a very good song, simple as that really.

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Monday Alternative: Funktionslust - Phedre - WoodzSTHLM

Funktionslust - Unstable (Dro Carey remix).

Background - Funktionslust announce their 'Window' EP will be released 20th November. You can pick up hints of all sorts of diverse sounds in Funktionslust’s music, from technoid rhythms to glacial coldwave-esque atmospheres, but they bring these styles into a hyper-modern sound world that is distinctly their own. 'Window' is the duos tightest, tensest most compulsively listenable offering to date. 

Funktionslust formed in London, when Sage Redman and Joe Gillick met in their first year of university, bonding immediately over their love of idiosyncratic pop (St. Vincent, Owen Pallet, Tune-Yards, Cocteau Twins etc.) Originally, Sage grew up in Seattle – her parents were “super unmusical”, but her uncle had connections to the grunge scene. Joe, on the other hand, grew up in London, where he was exposed to the music of grime crews like Ruff Sqwad and Roll Deep. 

'Window' is about a disconnection from oneself inside, (inside as in indoors, and inside as in ones self) and from others outside. It explores the dichotomy and beauty of disconnection vs. connection with partners and friends and the parallels between what one thinks of themselves and what one perceives others to think. Every aspect of each song is created with one synthesiser, acting as a temple for all their ideas. Each idea, each strand of inspiration, bounces off the walls of this 'temple', and emerges as one nuanced, unmediated and tangible sonic construction. 

Funktionslust are classicists, writing traditional melodic pop songs, but there’s an experimental bend to their production informed by artists like Four Tet, Mumdance, and Oneohtrix Point Never.

Prior to the EP's release we have a remix of Funktionslust first single 'Unstable'. Australian producer 'of the moment', Dro Carey's remix, stays reasonably close to the original and if anything lightens & thins the sound a little. Both versions make the pending EP release, of real interest.

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Phedre - Tivoli.

Background - Toronto-based experimental pop duo Phèdre return with new single (+video), "Tivoli." 

Melted-pop duo Phèdre make music for escaping. The visually evocative soundscapes emerging on their previous releases take form like a great comic; a concise narrative, bright colors, and psychedelic textures. If comic books had strobe lights Phèdre's certainly would.

As for what they take from the real world, Phèdre's music borrows from hip-hop, psych and high-bpm electronica to make music digestible to internet-induced-ADD-types and also those who can sit through a heavily conceptual full-length. 2016 will see them entering a new cycle, with a couple of new energetic releases.

A looping sound wall comes to life as the bass kicks in, however the vocals are a surprise. Strangely addictive the soundtrack matches the quirky vocal nature and bang! it's finished and time to play again (like I said, addictive).

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WoodzSTHLM - Underwater (feat. Flores & Olle Grafström).

Background - This is the new track from 22-year-old Swedish producer WoodzSTHLM. 

"Underwater" paints a picture, not of drowning, but of human instinct and it's reluctance to give in, even as the surface light becomes further out of reach. 

The single is part of a complex and dark EP, Lighthouse, coming November 20th via WoodzSTHLM's co-founded label, Mångata Records.

Moody and intricate, the song has sultry vocals and a soundtrack heavy on the bass line. Layers of rhythmic percussion sounds, carry the whole piece along. The synth's bring it all together, and as a tease for the EP it really works.


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Straight Shooting Saturday: Lady Low - The By Gods.

Lady Low - Burning Like A Fever.

Background - Released in mid October “Burning Like a Fever,” is the current single from Hollywood’s favourite romance rockers, Lady Low. Described as “where strings and heartstrings collide,” Lady Low is a rock sextet comprised of Jimmy Sweet (vocals, guitar), Eden Lee (vocals, drums), Shanel Chavers (vocals, synth), Kaitlin Wolfberg (violin), Corinne Olsen (violin), and Mia Siler (viola). Sweet had always wanted to start a band that combined love’s passion and old school rock and roll. After returning to L.A. by way of London, he formed Lady Low.

Sweet started out with legendary San Francisco rock band, The Richmond Sluts. He still performs with the Goodtime Boys, a ‘70s cover band, along with members of Hot Hot Heat, Fleet Foxes, The Heavy, and Beachwood Sparks. While studying vocal performance at Ohio University, Eden recorded and performed with The First Street Heat, a nine-piece funk group. She has also been featured in SassafraZ and Tempo Tantrums, a female a cappella group. More information on Lady Low is available on the band’s official website.

Wolfberg writes the string arrangements and also plays viola, keyboards, and violin. She has worked with indie legends The Bats and The DB’s, and has played with heavy hitters such as Dweezil Zappa and Ruthann Friedman.

We featured Lady Low back in early June, however the current single 'Burning Like A Fever' has got under my skin, so why not give the band another share. The whole structure and feel to this song, just ticks a lot of personal 'like' boxes, simple as that.

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The By Gods - On The Radio.

Bio from the band - Nashville-based band The By Gods — originally George Pauley (vocals, guitar) and Tye Hammonds (drums) — breed hook-laden, roll-your-windows-down rock & roll, respectfully reminiscent of the band’s early to mid-90’s alternative predecessors.

With The By Gods, Hammonds and Pauley are focused on the difficult art of keeping it simple, and making the music they love. "We're really hedonistic when it comes to most things with The By Gods." Hammonds explains, "As long as we're into it, we think that other people will be too."

The band’s new album G​et On Feelings ​is chock-full of rock & roll spark, assembled perfectly with intelligent and, most importantly, intoxicating melodies. With it, the band grows from a duo into a trio, thanks to the addition of bassist Natalie Pauley. Together, The By Gods hit their full-stride from the opening track and, down strokes-be-damned, continue delivering their fuzz-guitar-laden youthful energy in crystal-clear high fidelity on “Miss It” and “On The Radio.” Pauley’s guitar work buzzes with maturity and exploration, from the appropriately off-kilter chorus chords of “My Way,” to the raucous bridge riff in “I Really Don’t Care.”

The new record like it's predecessor was recorded by, Carl Amburn (Riddle Of Steel, Traindodge, Self-Evident, Town Portal), at his Oklahoma barn studio, The Mousetrap. Out of that barn, a most-impressive beast of a full-length has germinated and is ready to devour the planet. You see, eventually The By Gods’ music will help put an end to war and poverty. It will align the planets and bring them into universal harmony. Allowing meaningful contact with all forms of life, from extra terrestrials to common household pets...and, it's excellent for dancing.

From the forthcoming album 'Get On Feelings' (out on January 22nd 2016) 'On The Radio' is their current single, and pretty typical of the power soaked album. It's potent rock'n'roll, reliant on energised and passionate performance, cutting out the nonsense and just playing to please, and pleasing the listener.

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Friday Pairing: The fin. - Cian Nugent

The fin. - Night Time.

Background - About The fin. Hailing from the vibrant Japanese port city of Kobe on Osaka Bay, The fin. have become something of a reputed and singular attraction in their homeland due to their stylish Europhile blend of synth-pop, chillwave and dream-pop, complete with English lyrics addressing universal themes of everyday uncertainties. Often referenced alongside the likes of Beach House, Toro Y Moi, Mew and Washed Out, the quartet have, since forming in 2012, created a sufficient stir to have performed before thousands at major Japanese festivals including Fuji Rock, Rising Sun and Viva La Rock. Not content with such acclaim in one country alone, Yuto Uchino (vocals and synths), Ryosuke Odagaki (guitar), Takayasu Taguchi (bass) and Kaoru Nakazawa (drums), each aged 24, set their sights worldwide and in March this year embarked on a major nine-date tour of the US, which included a blinding performance at SXSW. The UK is next up and what better way to announce their arrival than the four compositions of sophisticated, moreish pop that constitute the ‘Night Time’ EP. Big in Japan? Naturally, but why stop there?

See The fin. live in November
Friday 13: The Finsbury, London N4
Saturday 14: Birthdays, London N16
Sunday 15: The Old Queen’s Head, London N1.

This is a bright indie pop/rock song, simple and catchy hooks and definitely with a hint of the Europhile.

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Cian Nugent - Things Don't Change That Fast.

Background - Night Fiction is Cian Nugent's third album but his first taking on the role of singer-songwriter. Where his previous two albums: 2013's Born With The Caul and 2011's Doubles saw him exploring extended guitar-based instrumentals with his band, The Cosmos, here he has reigned things in and focused his songwriting skills. Guitar fans, do not fear, there is still plenty of soloing and fingerpicking here. With 7 songs both solo and with his band, this album amalgamates everything Cian has done up to this point and reveals a more broad palate of influences, including The Velvet Underground, Richard Thompson, Television, Neil Young, John Lennon, Fred Neil, etc.

Recorded over a week beginning on Valentine's Day 2015, Night Fiction was recorded in Bow Lane Studios in Dublin with Daniel Fox (Girl Band) and mixed by Brendan Jenkinson. The album's seven songs include solo ventures as well as full-band recordings feat. David Lacey on drums, Conor Lumsden on bass, Brendan Jenkinson on organ and piano and Ailbhe Nic Oireachtaigh on viola. The vibe here is familiar yet refreshing and a logical progression for Cian.

This is the first single from the new album, 'Night Fiction', due out Jan 2016 on Woodsist. It's a lovely slow song that calmly builds, and it's a wonder why Cian has left it so long, to put vocals over his music, he has a voice just right for this type of song.

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Thursdays Double Up: The Deadline Shakes - Niall James Holohan

The Deadline Shakes - Sweeten the Deal.

Background - Glasgow's The Deadline Shakes are Greg Dingwall (lead vocals, guitars and keys), Iain McKinstry (guitars and vocals), Martin McLeod (bass), Thomas Booth (drums) and Sam Clark (piano), with Michael Muir (violin) and Kiera Pollock (vocals). 

Their debut album 'Zealots', produced by Greg in a tiny room in the east end of Glasgow, is the product of three years of hard work following the band's inception. Greg’s songs are often widescreen in scope, but lucidly lovelorn lyrics give the album a relatably human quality. This is an album recorded on a limited budget that sounds like a large scale, big studio production. 

Each band member is a multi-instrumentalist who has a passion bordering on compulsion to create, a drive which underpins everything they do. Even the band's unique artwork is designed in-house by bass player Martin. Guitarist Iain has edited their music videos.

Radio support for The Deadline Shake's singles leading up to this album release has been extensive coming from the likes of BBC's Vic Galloway, Steve Lamacq and Tom Robinson together with Jim Gellatly (XFM Breakout track), Roddy Hart and and a range of DJs at stations across the world.  The band have also been championed by The List, The Scottish Sun, Daily Record, Louder Than War, God is in the TV, and Artrocker.

From the album 'Zealots' (out on Flowers in the Dustbin Records on the 29 November 2015), 'Sweeten The Deal' is a pacey guitar driven song with stand out vocals and harmonies. Indie pop 'come rock' in nature, it's a definite enticer for their debut album. The album has clearly been a labour of love and has far more depth, than one song can suggest, it's a case of, like the single - love the album.

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Niall James Holohan - New Wave (Is This Rock 'N' Roll?).

And we are told - Reminiscent of Odelay era-Beck and Morning Glory era-Oasis with allusions to 90s hip hop and EDM, 'New Wave' is the ambitious debut single from Irish born and London based solo artist and producer Niall James Holohan; the perfect introduction to an experimental musician with a lot on this mind.

With boundless thumping energy, 'New Wave' is a genre spanning song, that demands to be noticed. It's the mixture of ideas, enthusiasm and refusal to conform to any particular style, that makes this stand out. Having said that it is coherent and clever, and worth a listen at the very least.

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S Is For: Shirley Said - Seth Bogart

Shirley Said - Crash.

About Shirley Said (and we quote) - Shirley Said’s sophisticated, experimental take on alt.digitalism was born in the town of Latina, near Rome, inspired by artists ranging from Bjork to Portishead, Talk Talk to Sonic Youth, as well as auteur's such as David Lynch and Ingmar Bergman. Originally a four-piece, the band performed at a series of prestigious national festivals and live video-based events, which emphasised their dedication to the visual as well as the aural. Subsequently relocating to London, Shirley Said resized to a two-piece, comprising Giulia Scarantino (lead vocal, synth, piano, fx) and Simone Bozzato (backing vocal, guitars, programming, efx). Their sensual, minimalist techno has sound tracked French docu-dramas, Italian TV series and an exclusive fashion film for Vogue. Earlier in 2015, the band’s double-A sided single, ‘Merry-Go-Round’/’Salvation’ firmly established them as one of the English capital’s most coveted electronica acts – the duo’s atmospheric live performances justifying widespread acclaim from keynote reviewers both on line and in print.

Dreamy vocals above a minimalist and cleverly textured soundtrack, that oozes atmosphere. The sort of track that reduces stress levels and puts a smile on your face.

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Seth Bogart - Eating Makeup (featuring Kathleen Hanna).

And the promo succinctly says - Madonna isn't the only master of re-invention - Seth Bogart (Hunx & His Punx, Gravy Train !) has a new album coming early next year on Burger Records and it's a whole new look and sound from him - he's gone "pop".  

The first track "Eating Makeup" features the legendary Kathleen Hanna - album has features from Tavi Gevinson, Clem from Cherry Glazerr, Chela and co-written and produced by Cole MGN (Ariel Pink, Julia Holter, Dam Funk etc).

OK this can easily be described as quirky, breezy, fun, a little different, you get the picture. My serious head says, it's not quite Beehive Candy material, however my serious head is wrong. It's just got under my skin, I like it, music is surely about connecting with our emotions and for whatever reason this song has.

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Paradise Animals - Monday Morning (from the album Day Bed).

Paradise Animals - Monday Morning.

And the band tell us - Appropriately, we're releasing our new single/video "Monday Morning" today. The single is from our LP "Day Bed" it's our very first full length. The album was recorded and produced by the whole band in both Northern Ontario and Toronto.  

Day Bed is the place we go to rest in the daylight. A place where memories wash over us; a place where we pause and think about life. It's a collection of songs that highlights the warmth and happiness of family and childhood, the heartbreak of relationships, and the randomness of social life in the 21st century (album out November 13th).

I listened to the single and thought to myself, that this was 'an absolute must to feature'. I started putting this together, then upon opening both eyes noticed they had also sent a link for the album. So one album listen later, I reckon I have another contender for my top ten favourites of 2015. Seriously if you like the single, the album is a must have. I try to avoid that cliche as much as I can, but hey when something is 'a must have', it's 'a must have'. Understated, intricate music, supports stunning vocals and harmonies, in a collection of superbly crafted songs.

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Sundays Alternative: Venkman - Eastward - The Beat Corporation

Venkman - Andrew, You're Horizontal Again.

What's the story - Venkman are Kate, James, Tom, Danny & Dave who create off-kilter funk from their hometown of Lichfield, UK, citing influences as diverse as Influenced by Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Prince and Thomas Dolby.

Having already been featured on 6 Music and BBC Radio in England and Scotland, Venkman were responsible for the most watched BBC Introducing session ever with their cover of Michael Jackson's 'Leave Me Alone'. They were also selected to feature in the Best New Music of 2015 on their local Introducing show.
The band, who have already played with the likes of Carina Round, Outfit, Turbowolf and Coasts, next play live on 11th November with Dutch Uncles at The Hare and Hounds in Birmingham.

The release of their EP 'Kakkorhaphiophobia' follows the success of their debut single 'Martial Law' and epitomises Venkman’s quirky brand of melancholic funk with haunting male/female harmonies.

This is a fabulous EP and the featured track really is, just one dimension of four very enjoyable tracks, from this creative band. They could be referenced as quirky, I think it far better to say imaginative, adventurous and unrestrained. Highly recommended!

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Eastward - Old Green Thumb.

Background - Quickly following his debut single ‘Old Green Thumb’ Melbourne Producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist ‘Eastward’ (Eden Altman) continues to intrigue with one of the most thought provoking and captivating music videos of the year. Made by renowned UK director Ian Gamestar (Kodaline and Scouting for Girls) 
  
Using a fascinating concept, the video is an exercise in morphing the sterile computer world with that of nature in all its organic grit and beauty. Inventing a character for this concept video, Eastward uses eclectic imagery to explore zany experiments of the fictional Dr. E. Kollisch of the ‘Eastward Institute’. Colourful and vibrant, it quickly transitions from shot to shot of organic wildlife, conducted experiments and alarming facts. Bluntly challenging his audience Eastward invites anybody to try eating a digital meal, summarising the concept perfectly.

This inventive video and single, with its driving rhythm section and shimmering, synthesized melodies is the first taste of Eastward’s ‘Laurie Came Home’ EP, due for release February 4th 2016.

The video is featured now, over on our BeeVids page. I personally think the music stands up in it's own right, however the video actually does add something to 'the story'. Musically for me, 'Old Green Thumb' is imaginative and very pleasing.


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The Beat Corporation - Slaving For The System (radio edit).

And the promo say's - The Beat Corporation are Manchester duo Jody Spence and Tyler Daly. They came together to create music with no limitations and to share a common goal, to make music with no boundaries. 2014 saw The Beat Corporation have releases on legendary dance label Champion Records (Robin S, Faithless) and they have now teamed up with Supersonic Media to present their “Slaving For The System” EP.

The EP kicks off with the title track “Slaving For The System”, a melodic house meets electro funk tune with a bass cab-busting groove that you want to hear over and over again. This is followed by the piano meets tech house banger “Got That Thing” which is sure to mashup dancefloors globally and is already receiving great early support from the guys at Kiss. “No Pressure” is the third track on the EP and is a soulful tech house tune with a fat techno bassline. “DJ Dealer” rounds up the package with its driving electro/bass that evokes thoughts of Green Velvet producing Mutant Disco.

I have to say there is something quite addictive, regarding the title track on this EP. So much so, that I only listened to the whole EP when I decided to feature it. As their promo states there is plenty of variety in this collection, I'm just struggling to get past the hooks of the first song. The release date is 15th December 2015.

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Saturday Pairing: Beliefs - Georgi Kay

Beliefs - Leaper.

What we are told - Toronto shoegaze band Beliefs are set to release their sophomore album 'Leaper' on November 13 via Hand Drawn Dracula. 

Beliefs started abruptly when Josh Korody and Jesse Crowe met at good friend and former Bassist, Patrick McCormack's birthday party and couldn't stop talking about the music of the 90's. Through the love of My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth, the memory of reverb and fuzz was revisited and Beliefs was formed.

Since their formation in 2010, Beliefs have released a two song single and b-side (Untitled, 2012 HDD) as well as a full length record (self titled, 2013 HDD, Manimal, No Pain In Pop) and are currently set to release their follow up, Leaper via HDD on November 13. Beliefs have been lucky enough to share the stage with fantastic artists such as; A Place to Bury Strangers, Disappears, The Breeders, Toy, Algiers, Moon Duo, Beach Fossils, and Suuns.

Beliefs are prolific artists and musicians in the Toronto music scene, with Crowe recording in projects Praises and Rolemodel, and Korody as a founding member of Wish and Nailbiter as well as producing countless projects at his Candle Recordings studio. Beliefs are now set to present Leaper at shows and to festivals such as Supercrawl, Pop Montreal, and New York's CMJ along side the Hand Drawn Dracula family.

Straight into a fuzz laden wall of sound, 'Leaper' gradually mellows into a cleaner piece with vocals lifting in the mix. Every part is cleverly layered and the music is at times quite dominant, but very assessable. Shoegaze fans should adore this song.

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Georgi Kay - God Of A Girl.

Background words - Perth’s Georgi Kay is a musical chameleon. You may know her dark and brooding song ‘Ipswich’. You may know her from past tours with Alpine, Clubfeet and Ed Sheeran. How about her performance as troubled musician Melissa in Jane Campion’s multi award-winning BBC drama ‘Top of the Lake’? Or maybe you’ve heard her haunting theme for the Netflix series ‘Residue’? Or perhaps you know her from her collaborations with French-noir DJ Brodinski, rapper Bloody Jay or her co-writes with M-Phazes, Mag and Nash Overstreet? Oh, and there’s ‘In My Mind’ - the platinum-selling, ARIA-winning, Grammy-nominated dancefloor anthem recorded with Ivan Gough/Feenixpawl, remixed by Swedish House Mafia’s Axwell.

Whichever version of Georgi Kay brought you to this point, her new EP Origins, due for release in early 2016 brings the strands of her past together, showing a mature artist with a strong commitment to songwriting and a strong sense of her own muse. With her unique and distinctive voice and sound - part Sia, part Massive Attack, part Lorde - Georgi Kay is creating some of the most interesting and intelligent pop music in Australia. 

The first taste of her EP comes in the form of ‘God of a Girl’. The inspiration for the song came from the film adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘Carrie’, exploring reality and fantasy within the psyche of an abuse victim and the mental results of being pushed to breaking point. Released globally on Monoki through Parlophone Records, the track is available for free download for fans from Georgi’s website (HERE). 

“I’ve been working hard, experimenting and collaborating with some talented people who have helped influence and inspire me to create a body of work that best represents me as an artist. I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks of the EP,” said Georgi. “It’s also really important for me to share ‘God of A Girl’ - a song that represents me in my purest form, with all the fans and supporters who have been with me on my journey over the past few years. It’s the shape of things to come.”

The deep synth sound and slow beat that introduces this song, have a strong hypnotic feel. Then add Georgi Kay's vocals and the song really does move up to something quite special. Music and vocals are perfect for each other in what is a powerful and intriguing song.

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Friday Three: Kissing Party - Private Island - The Salt Riot

Kissing Party - Trash. (from the album - 'Looking back it was romantic but at the time i was suffocating).

Background - Getting it's release on Hot Congress Records on the 2nd November 2015, just some of the comments made about Kissing Party include - Tired of Ty Segal? Bored with Beck? Wanna slit your wrists at the thought of another Jack White album... From the Mile High City comes Kissing Party, your new favourite band whether you like it or not. - This Is Indie Slop...

How much emotional weight can one impart in a two minute pop rock structure? Such is the game Kissing Party plays, as sampled on their new album "Looking back it was romantic but at the time i was suffocating'. At the forefront of the 'Slop Pop' movement, Kissing Party is the sound of debt, regret, heartbreak, hair dye & Pennsylvania. This is the band's second release on Denver's Hot Congress Records (Denver, USA) available on CD, Vinyl, Cassette and download. Kissing Party has nearly perfected what it was already doing best: making straight ahead, two-minute pop songs that stick to the mind like glue."  - The Onion A.V. Club

"Kissing Party encourage even the wallflowers amongst us to take to the dance floor, or at least give us a reason to drink up."  - Three Imaginary Girls

"Pure among douchebags and fashion victims." - Jason Heller (NPR, Pitchfork).

So the band and the music has been around for a while, still better late than never regarding Kissing Party. One commentator put as 'early nineties indie with a twist'. Can't disagree with that, there is something annoyingly good going on musically, slop pop they call it, and I am loving slop pop. Facebook (here).


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Private Island - Enough.

Background - If you can’t purchase your own private island, listening to the band may just be the next best thing. And, if you haven’t yet fallen for the band, now is the perfect time to pop in those earbuds, get comfortable and soak up some sweet, musical sunshine.

Private Island, the Southern California-based sextet is gearing up for the release of their newest single, “Enough.”  Featuring snaky guitar licks, memorable lyrics and a spacy synth interlude, “Enough” perfectly exhibits the band’s remarkable ability to blend alternative rock, retro funk and that unmistakable California sound.

“Enough,” was recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Bob Curtain at The Alamo, “Enough” is the first single off of Private Island’s highly anticipated sophomore EP, ‘Sunbreak’ which drops in the first half of 2016.

Comprised of Christian Lum, Michelle Guerrero, Tommy Nickerson, Roger Mawer, Tim Barbour & Cameron Anderson, Private Island has drawn much-deserved comparisons to acts like Kings of Leon and Young the Giant. In the Fall of 2014, Private Island released their debut EP A Good Look, which set the Internet positively abuzz, garnering nearly half a million streams in the first year.

This song mixes genres into one compelling sound. Musically it stands out as a superbly crafted song, whilst the energy and upbeat vibes come crashing through, giving the song a distinct and highly enjoyable edge.

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The Salt Riot - Boom. (from the album 'Dead Star').

Background - The Salt Riot is a passion trio that comes on strong and as big as stadium rock, that is somehow as intimate as a favorite LP from your childhood heroes. Pre-release single “Boom” has already gotten lots of YouTube love as the band has been playing oodles of shows in the Emerald City and elsewhere.

The band blend an eclectic mix of creative influences into the engaging, driving alternative rock sound known as The Salt Riot. Their first full length Dead Star was recorded and produced with innovative veteran David Miner at Chartreuse Muffin Studios. (Three songs, “Would You Walk?”, "Nameless" and “Giver” were recorded and produced with Jack Machin at Mighty Maverick Studios). They had worked with Miner on an earlier EP, and say that sculpting their first full length there felt like creating “in their second home.”

What is Dead Star about? “Soooo many things,” Julia says. “But most importantly its name derives from perception. A ‘dead star’ is still seen millions of miles away but it is actually gone. It only lives in our perception. I like the duo translation of the fallen rock star, fallen icon, the results of the fallen ego. Once on top of the world, burnt to a crisp. The album is released on 20th November.

The album I guess sits somewhere between Alt Rock & Indie. It's engaging and 'Boom' is a reasonable indicator of what to expect. They have the ability to sound pretty stripped back, so that each instrument & the vocals are distinct, and stand out, and yet the power is always simmering away. It's got passion and has that something, that draws me back for another listen.

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Yonder Mountain String Band - San Francisco 2007 (IA)

From the Internet Archive (IA) this is Yonder Mountain String Band Live at The Fillmore Auditorium on the 21st April 2007.

The Yonder Mountain String Band (abbreviated YMSB and referred to by some as just "Yonder") is an American progressive bluegrass group from Nederland, Colorado. Composed of Dave Johnston, Ben Kaufmann, Adam Aijala, Allie Kral, and Jacob Joliff the band has released five studio albums and several live recordings to date. Founding member and mandolinist Jeff Austin left the band in 2014 due to creative differences and conflicting career goals.

Just some of the bands history - In December 1998, the four musicians formed Yonder Mountain String Band which was to open for a band at the Fox Theatre in Boulder. They have since developed both a bluegrass and jam band fanbase, and can often be found on tour. Their debut album Elevation was released on Frog Pad Records, an independent record label run by the band, in fall 1999. From 1999 to 2001 they performed as one of the many attractions at NedFest, a music festival held in the band's hometown. By 2000, the group was also playing larger venues, such as The Fillmore in San Francisco, California. The band has released several live albums with material from live performances, but fans are welcome to record the concert they attend for themselves, as the band is taper-friendly.

There were several tapers during this early period that worked hard to document the band and spread recordings. Sandy "Bigfoot" Alexander, "Bluegrass" Brad Burleson, Josh Parsons, and Mark Burgin all contributed heavily to documenting Yonder during these early years. Jeff Austin once said that when these guys started to follow Yonder around recording them, that they felt like Yonder had started to make a mark. Burleson went on to work for the band as monitor engineer, as well as recording every show. Both Alexander and Burleson were inducted into the Kinfolk Hall of Fame for their efforts in documenting YMSB during these early years, particularly the unplugged encores that Yonder became known for during that time period.

In 2005, their recording of "Think for Yourself" was included on the album This Bird Has Flown – A 40th Anniversary Tribute to the Beatles' Rubber Soul.

Recording Details: Source: SBD > Edirol R4 (24/48), Lineage: R4 > PC > Soundforge 7.0 (resample/dither, slight re-eq) > CDWave (tracking) > FLAC frontend > FLAC16.

Sound Quality: Excellent - soundboard.

Set List:

Set 1
01 Intro
02 Idaho
03 Keep on Goin'
04 Two Hits and the Joint turned Brown
05 Keep on Goin'
06 Damned if the right one didn't go wrong
07 Rain Still Falls
08 Crooked Hitch
09 Goin' across the sea
10 Sometimes I've Won
11 Classic Situation
12 Boatman
13 King Ebeneezer
14 Mother's only son

Set 2
01 Intro
02 Kentucky Mandolin
03 Too late now
04 New Deal Train
05 Spanish Harlem Incident
06 Just the Same
07 How 'Bout you?
08 If there's still Ramblin' in the rambler (let him go)
09 Up on the Hill Where they do the boogie
10 Ramblin' Reprise
11 Finally Saw the Light
12 Ten
13 Angel
14 Follow me down to the riverside
15 Angel
16 Ten

Encore
17 Encore break / banter
18 Sharecropper's son
19 Steampowered Aereoplane
20 Granny Woncha Smoke Some

Website: Official Here.

Comments: There are FLAC, Ogg Vorbis and mp3 download files, along with the streaming material over at the Internet Archive (here).

Stream Below:

Midweek Double: The Glorious - Home Lives

The Glorious - I Wake Up.

Promo words - The hauntingly beautiful single from Australia’s The Glorious, “I Wake Up” is the first release from Falcon, the Melbourne band’s forthcoming full-length album co-produced by Julian Mendelsohn (Paul McCartney, Belle & Sebastian). Neil Rogers of The Australian Mood, notably said The Glorious create a “captivating sound with great songs, soaring harmonies, and heartfelt playing.” Falcon will be released by The MuseBox on January 8th.

“I Wake Up” is gently bathed in sparse, mournful piano and ghostly keyboards. Its gorgeously stark production allows lead singer and main songwriter David Mather’s chorus to soar while maintaining a hushed immediacy during the rest of the hymn-like track. Mather explains that “I Wake Up” was inspired by a lost loved one communicating with him via a dream. The tune represents his band’s unashamedly heartfelt approach to songwriting in that it is “a meditation on the possibilities of renewal, the sense of being deeply connected with someone.”

Founded in Melbourne in 2004 by Mather and longtime friend and collaborator Dan Gard'ner, The Glorious began as a vehicle for Mather's songwriting before evolving into a full band. The band's lineup solidified with the addition of Joel Loukes (bass) and Danny Stain (guitar). The release of a self-titled EP in 2005 immediately announced the band's trademarks: expertly crafted songs, rich melodies, and atmospheric soundscapes. Readings Monthly called The Glorious’s second album, Sweetwater, “warm, relaxed, and raw.”

Mather, who feels a “strong kingship with America and is ready to hit the U.S.,” confirms that Falcon will feature the open and honest stylings already established by The Glorious on previous recordings: “If I'm going to sing something, I'm going to stand behind it. The lyrics are real. They are a truth. I'm singing from a very real place.”

'I Wake Up' is a beautiful ballad that rounds off the exceptional album 'Falcon'. The band are quite capable of  knocking out some power chords and meaty bass lines, along with gentler acoustic and piano lead numbers. Vocals are 'stand out' across the album, that thoughtfully drifts through a variety of genres and styles.

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Home Lives - Cool Waves, Young Blood.

Background words - Upstate New Yorkers Brittany Cohen and Mike Horgan are the the snotty, at times heartfelt, lo-fi combination that is Home Lives. The pair are ready to give you their killer debut EP Cool Waves, Young Blood, ahead of their Shea Stadium show in Brooklyn (on November 7th).

Mike started the project chasing a desire to create hooky tunes about brazenly personal topics like childhood, love, post-college millennial life and the human condition. Their debut single marries these heavy concepts together in a way that is seamless and yet charmingly naive. 

The EP was recorded with Chris Daly at Salvation Recording Co. in New Paltz, NY. Daly has worked with a whole bunch of artists such as Porches, Frankie Cosmos, Quarterbacks, Diet Cig and PWR BTTM. Jamal Ruhe was on mastering duties at West West Side Music and has mastered albums by bands like Titus Andronicus, Built to Spill and Swans. Noah Bowman, drummer of Diet Cig, plays drums on the entire Home Lives EP.

This is a feisty three track EP. Lot's of passion and high energy in the featured track, which in reality is only a third of their musical story. Harmonies and melodies are more to the fore on the other two songs, whilst 'Cool Waves, Young Blood' is their 'in your face calling card'.

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Phil Lesh and Friends - Live at Langerado 2008 (IA).

From the Internet Archive (IA) this is Phil Lesh and Friends Live at Langerado Music Festival on the 9th March 2008. The sixth Langerado Festival was held March 6, 2008 through March 9, 2008, making it one day longer than the previous year. The festival took place on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation, thirty miles west of Ft. Lauderdale.

Unfortunately earlier this month Phil Lesh reported “I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in early October, and have spent the last few weeks at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale doing tests and eventually surgery to remove the tumors. I am very fortunate to have the pathology reports show that the tumors are all non aggressive, and that there is no indication that they have spread". We wish Phil a full and speedy recovery.

Phil Lesh and Friends is of course an American rock band formed and led by Phil Lesh, former bassist of the Grateful Dead. Around the time of this gig we are told - A new formation of Phil & Friends, including Lesh, Larry Campbell (guitar, mandolin, fiddle), Teresa Williams (vocals), Jackie Greene (vocals and guitar), Steve Molitz (keyboards), and John Molo (drums), debuted in September 2007 in Santa Barbara, California.

On February 4, 2008, Phil and Friends joined Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir and drummer Mickey Hart, along with Barry Sless and Ratdog guitarist Mark Karan, for a concert called "Deadheads for Obama", in support of Barack Obama's presidential campaign. The show was the first time that Weir, Hart, and Lesh had played together since 2004. Even more recently, the band performed the final shows at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco, California. Bob Weir sat in for a run of five nights that included sets of the Grateful Dead's first few albums.

In the fall of 2008, Phil Lesh and Friends toured the Eastern United States, including a run of 14 shows in 19 days, known as "Philathon", at the Nokia Theatre Times Square in New York City. The final Phil Lesh and Friends performance until 2012 was on 12/31/08. 

Recording Details: Source: (FOB) JW MODDED AKG 463's (DIN) > Lunatec V3(Opti-Mod) > JB3 (16/44.1 ), Location: FOB - 5 feet ROC, Approx. 75 feet away @ 10 feet high.

Sound Quality: Very Good. There are close on two thousand recordings of Phil Lesh on the IA, this one was chosen for audio quality, the set list, and because you have to start somewhere.

Set List:

01 crowd/tuning
02 Sugar Magnolia
03 The Wheel tease
04 Uncle John's Band
05 The Wheel
06 Cumberland Blues
07 Gone Wanderin'
08 Cumberland Blues (reprise)
09 Help On The Way
10 Slipknot!
11 Franklin's Tower

Set II:

01 crowd/tuning
02 China Cat Sunflower
03 I Know You Rider
04 New Speedway Boogie
05 A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall
06 Unbroken Chain
07 Telstar# (Phil/Molo/Molitz)
08 The Golden Road to Unlimited Devotion
09 Viola Lee Blues
10 Donor Rap / Band Intros
Encore:
11 Casey Jones

Website: Official Here.

Comments: There are FLAC, Ogg Vorbis and mp3 download files, along with the streaming material over at the Internet Archive (here).

Stream Below:

Monday Double: The Blue Dolphins - Manwomanchild

The Blue Dolphins - Walking in the Sun.

Background - Los Angeles, CA-based eclectic, melodic pop-rock duo The Blue Dolphins follow up this year's six-song Walking in the Sun EP with their sophomore full-length, Come On!, a fourteen track collection of California-sun soaked roots songs that travel the landscape of memorable melodies, intricate guitar solos, luscious vocal harmonies, and uplifting lyrics, all wrapped up in fantastic production.

Comprised of two-time Grammy Award winner engineer Alfonso Rodenas on guitar and Victoria Scott on lead vocals, the duo released the Walking in the Sun EP in May, a prelude to the forthcoming full-length; Walking in the Sun contains six songs Come On!.  Prior releases include their debut full-length, 2012's My Favorite Word is Today and 2013’s In Between EP.  

Come On! is a major push forward for The Blue Dolphins, reaching towards a more complex and fully produced music scenario, where sonic aesthetics and songwriting are richer and more varied, departing from the pared-down premises and acoustic songs that characterized My Favorite Word is Today.  Come On! embraces folk, pop, and roots-rock with the duo’s characteristic optimism and charm.

Victoria Scott and Alfonso Rodenas fatefully met at the legendary rock pit The Cat Club on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles and soon started playing and recording together.  Formed in 2010, The Blue Dolphins released their debut full-length and gigged constantly over the following two years in California and Western Europe - earning them a dedicated fan base in the U.S., U.K., and Spain.

'Walking In The Sun' oozes feel good vibes. It's natural pop-rock, that has so much going for it, vocals and vocal harmonies skip above a sparkling and slickly crafted soundtrack.

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Manwomanchild - Return To Ithaca.

Background - Manwomanchild is a rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania fronted by David Child.

The band was started in Rhode Island in 2008. In February 2010, the band release a self-titled EP recorded at Machines with Magnets in Pawtucket, RI. The band’s lineup for the EP and album consisted of David Child on vocals, guitars, and synths, Mason Neely on drums, and Craig Gifford on bass. In May 2010, Manwomanchild released the song “Chile La Roja” in support of Chile’s 2010 World Cup team. The song was featured in 4 national newspapers and on 2 Chilean TV networks.

The band released its self-titled debut album on 12/14/2010 on West Cortez Records. In 2013, Manwomanchild moved to Philadelphia. In April 2014, they wrote and recorded the soundtrack for Decidedly‘s iOS and Android game “Floyd’s Worthwhile Endeavor“.

In September and October of 2014, the band released the singles “Wedding Toast” and “Recent History”, followed by another, “The Telepath Returns,” in December of the same year. In March 2015, “The Difficult Years” was released. Music blog “Surviving the Golden Age” described the song’s sound as “LCD Soundsystem being fronted by Ben Gibbard” as well as “hybrid glam rock/chamber pop”.

This is a really well crafted song, the production is clear and crisp musically, and David Child's vocals are pretty much a perfect match for a song like this. Find out more (here).

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The Mosers - Cold Hearted Girl.

The Mosers - Cold Hearted Girl.

Background - Meet The Mosers.  Comprised of New Jersey natives, Mike Pellegrino, Dave Ryan, Rick Szpakowski and Matt Kulper, The Mosers have burst on to the music scene with their contemporary brand of gritty, in-your-face, no-holds-barred Rock and Roll. Fun-loving and fearless, The Mosers released their first single “Cold-Hearted Girl,” to rave reviews and their debut EP Ticonderoga releases today, October 23, 2015. On October 28, the guys will hit the road on a mass US tour with Interscope buzz band and New Jersey brothers, Young Rising Sons. 

“Cold-Hearted Girl,” a bonafide smash, is a testament – not just to the foursome’s impressive musical chops, but also to their penchant for crafting delightfully relatable stories.  Highlighted by authoritative drumming, snarling guitar riffs and Pellegrino’s signature, whiskey-soaked growl, “Cold-Hearted Girl” is an ode to the heartache and rebellion that seem to define our adolescence.
  
“We are a bunch of guys that just love rock and roll,” says Pellegrino. “It's all we've done all of our lives. We want fans to be able to let go of everything and just enjoy themselves when they hear us. We truly care about music and having the best time in the world playing it.” Since their inception, The Mosers have shared the stage with a variety of notable acts, including: Young Rising Sons, Halsey and Oh Honey. Recently, they put their stamp on the Empire Records 20th Anniversary celebration at Rough Trade NYC.

Let The Kids Riot Tour featuring Young Rising Sons, Night Riots and The Mosers:

10/28. Santa Ana, CA . Constellation Room
10/29. Los Angeles, CA . Club Bahia
10/30. Phoenix, AZ . The Crescent Ballroom
10/31. El Paso, TX . Lowbrow Palace
11/2. Austin, TX . The Parish
11/3. Dallas, TX . House of Blues / Cambridge Room
11/4. Houston, TX . Fitzgeralds Downstairs
11/6. Atlanta, GA . The Loft                      
11/9. Detroit, MI . The Shelter
11/10. Chicago, IL . Double Door
11/11. Cincinnati, OH . Southgate House
11/12. Cleveland, OH . Grog Shop
11/14. Buffalo, NY . The Waiting Room
11/15. Toronto, ON . The Mod Club Theatre
11/17. Baltimore, MD . The 8x10
11/18. South Burlington, VT . Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
11.19. Albany, NY . The Hollow
11.20 Hamden, CT . The Space
11/21. Philadelphia, PA . The Foundry / The Fillmore
11/22. Brooklyn, NY . Brooklyn Bowl
11/24. Long Branch, NJ . Brighton Bar.

Power chords and good old rock'n'roll drumming, play support to gutsy vocals, in this mini anthem of a song. This song cuts straight to the chase, with just a little swagger and plenty of passion.


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Sundays Alternative: Vaudeville Smash - French Horn Rebellion - Ducky

Vaudeville Smash - Richter Scale.

Background - Australia’s Vaudeville Smash return with their new single Richter Scale, a synth-laden funk anthem with hooks for days.

Having just returned from a hugely successful tour of Japan, where they signed with P-Vine records, this is the band’s first release since their world wide smash Zinedine Zidane in 2014. Vaudeville Smash has explored many genres but with Richter Scale and B-side Dangerous they revisit their first true love. Funk. 

The single is out now and had worldwide radio premieres in Australia (on Triple R), in Japan (on Tokyo Inter FM) and in the US by on line heavyweight EDM Sauce.

 "With Richter Scale, we channelled some of the great 80s boogie bands like Cameo and Midnight Star. We've set out to make a really great Funk album. It's our first love!" - Marc, Vaudeville Smash.

Synth drive funk, can't disagree with any of their words above. Actually the synth element lightens the sound up, giving it a fresher modern feel, without losing the intention to celebrate their funk forerunners. It's fun and it's catchy.

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French Horn Rebellion - Play Your Part Feat. Spencer Ludwig.

Background - The Brooklyn-based brother duo French Horn Rebellion have teamed up with singer-songwriter and trumpeter Spencer Ludwig (Capital Cities, RAC) for a blissfully optimistic bop called “Play Your Part,” which is the second single to come off FHR’s forthcoming Foolin’ Around EP (out November 6). 

French Horn Rebellion are Robert and David Perlick-Molinari, two brothers born and bred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. In 2007, younger brother Robert was playing French horn in the Chicago Civic Orchestra, and decided to make hot beats instead. After telling the conductor that Mahler isn’t fun anymore he asked his bassoon-toting brother, David to join with him. And so it was, a French Horn Rebellion began.

Since then, the boys have travelled 5 continents with French horn slung over their back, doing shows with MGMT, Yelle, Cut Copy, and others along the way. Also, they've pioneered a new genre called 'Next Jack Swing,' like New Jack, but with heavy beats and funkier bass lines.

Live Dates :
10/30 — Buffalo, NY at Town Ballroom w/Robert DeLong 
10/31 — Clifton Park, NY at Upstate Concert Hall w/Robert DeLong 
11/1 — South Burlington, VT at Showcase Lounge w/Robert DeLong.

The track just blasts into action, with French horns blazing the trail. Spencer Ludwig has just the right voice, and the song has a mixture of charm, style (lots of style) and uplifting good time vibes.

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DUCKY - Lost Angeles.

Background - Since her early teenage years, Ducky has been fully immersed in club culture. She worked the door and started off her DJ career in San Francisco with the help of a fake ID before dropping out of high school at 17 and heading to NYU where she continued working on music. Following a move to LA this year and a release through Parisian imprint B.yrslf Division Ducky continues to shape her sound with a new EP on Nest. The three-track Lost Angeles is a scenic stroll through winding four-four environments, opening with the hazy title track, followed by the hypnotic "Rain Dance", and ending at "Winter Song" just as the Fall storm clouds land in LA.

This is a really good sounding and quite diverse EP. The featured track has a dreamy distant sound, that soothes. 'Rain Dance' is far more dance orientated and 'Winter Song' has a more stripped down, rhythm heavy feel and beat. All of which showcases Ducky in a very positive musical light.

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