Alternative Take: Super8 & Tab - Club 8 - Frameworks

Super8 & Tab - Komorebi.

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

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

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

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

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Club 8 - Late Nights.

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

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

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

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

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

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Frameworks - Branches.

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

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

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

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

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

The Monikers - Friends Like These.

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

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

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

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

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Eternals - Out Of Context.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Ocean Blue - First Three Albums Reissued

The Ocean Blue - City Traffic.

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

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

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

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

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Friday With: Barons Of Hiddenhausen - Renders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thursday Three: Krista Polvere - Gillbanks - PJKTS

Krista Polvere - Shut Up & Ride.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mother Hips - Live at Belly Up 2006 (IA)

From the Internet Archive (IA) this is Mother Hips Live at Belly Up, Solana Beach, California, back on the 10th March, 2006. The band performed Neil Young's album 'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere' in its entirety on the first set.

For those unfamiliar with Mother Hips, the following is part of their (Wiki) history - Tim Bluhm (vocals/guitar), Greg Loiacono (guitar/vocals), Isaac Parsons (bass) and Mike Wofchuck (drums) met in 1990 while attending California State University-Chico, living off campus in Bradley Hall. They jammed and played some original songs at a few parties (once billed as Pippi Longstocking and the Trunk-of-Funk), but soon Isaac and Mike were lured away by the prospect of playing Led Zeppelin and Jane's Addiction covers at big parties as the rhythm section of the Keystones. Meanwhile Tim and Greg played acoustic guitars and sang harmonies to songstress Ali Weiss in the mellow trio Ali and the Cats.

These bands played throughout 1990, but in early 1991, Tim, Greg, Isaac and Mike got back together and got serious about being a rock band. It didn't take long to step up from parties in Chico, CA to local bars and dance clubs like LaSalles and Juanita's. They began playing original songs rather than covers. The band released Back to the Grotto in February 1993. It was produced by the band with Bay Area-based musician/producer Paul Hoaglin (who would subsequently replace Parsons on bass upon his departure in 2002). The Hips were courted by major record labels and did sign a deal with MCA. A&R Exec. Rob Kasino signed them to Rick Rubin's American Recordings even though they were still students at Chico. The Hips then became labelmates with Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, and the Black Crowes (whose Chris Robinson helped the band to sign with American.) The band visited The Black Crowes at Conway while they were recording Amorica on their way to SXSW.

They did more recording and mixing on Back to the Grotto for its American re-release (March 1995) and set out to record a follow-up. Released in August 1995, Part-Timer Goes Full included new songs as well as tunes from their back catalog. American Recordings decided the song "Shut the Door" would be released as the first single, but this decision did not go over well with some fans, who thought the song was not representative of their sound. While the song didn't top any charts, the fanbase grew due to touring, including a concert at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds with 2,400 tickets sold. They were also headlining major venues like the Fillmore in San Francisco and appearing at festivals like Laguna Seca Daze and the Horde tour. Their third album Shootout was recorded in early 1996 and released in October of that year. American Records failed to promote the album and eventually dropped the band from their roster. Their music shifted direction around 1997, with shorter, radio-friendly songs, instead of longer multiple sectioned songs. They started to get into basic country-style songwriting, but it didn't fit with drummer Mike Wofchuck's style, so they replaced him with John Hofer, formerly of the Freewheelers. In 1996, the band members moved out of the Chestnut Street house in Chico, to the San Francisco Bay Area, where they are currently based.

They recorded the stripped-down Later Days album and self-released it in May 1998. They continued playing frequently, focusing mostly on California cities, with occasional jaunts to Utah or the Pacific Northwest. They self-recorded another album, the more pop-oriented Green Hills of Earth. Indie label Future Farmer liked the album and released it, but, again, the album did not promote the band to their desired popularity. Bassist Isaac Parsons left the band in March 2002, to spend more time with his son. He was replaced by Paul Hoaglin (co-producer of Back To The Grotto and Part Timer Goes Full). In September of 2002, Greg Loiacono, lead guitarist, decided he too needed a break, and the band went on indefinite hiatus after two shows at Slim's in San Francisco in February 2003.

Toward the end of 2004 the Mother Hips reunited and started playing shows again. They recorded an EP, Red Tandy, followed by a full-length album, Kiss the Crystal Flake, released in April 2007. The band released their seventh album, Pacific Dust, in October 2009 to great acclaim, including highlights "White Falcon Fuzz" and "Third Floor Story". The album was recorded at Mission Bells Studio in San Francisco with co-producer/engineer David Simon-Baker. The Mother Hips released an archival 4-CD set compilation celebrating 20 years of music together September 13, 2011 called Days of Sun and Grass. On May 14, 2013, the band announced that their new album, 'Behind Beyond' would be released on July 9, 2013. The album was produced by David Simon-Baker and recorded at the Mission Bells studio in San Francisco and will also include the songs, 'Isle Not of Man' and 'Jefferson Army'. - The band continue to perform, for details see the website link below.

Recording Details: Source SBD>Mac laptop. - Lineage CDR>EAC V0.95 beta 4>yamp>Flac Front end version 1.7.1 level 8.

Sound Quality: Superb - soundboard.

Set List:

Set 1.
01.Cinnamon Girl
02.Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
03.Round and Round (It Won't Be Long)
04.Down By the River
05.Losing End (When You're On)
06.Running Dry (Requiem for the Rockets)
07.Cowgirl In the Sand

Set 2.
01.Banter
02.Singing Seems to Ease Me
03.Colonized
04.Such a Thing
05.3rd Floor Story
06.Back to the Grotto
07.Del Mar Station***
08.Gold Plated
09.Song in a Can
10.Grizzly Bear
11.Life in the City
12.Chum
13.Blue Tomorrow
14.Red Tandy
15.Rich Little Girl
16.---waiting for encore
17.Encore: The Figure 11
*** with Court and Spark

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:

Tuesday Rocks: Hound - Andrew Johnston

Hound - Driveway.

Background - Brisbane goth cricket enthusiasts Hound return with an infectious garage-door banger ‘Driveway’ following on from their album single ‘God is Calling’ - which turned up on a fair few radios and televisions across the great southern land.

Born out of a combined love for 80’s post punk and 90’s alt rock, ‘Driveway’ is equal parts fresh and throwback. Singer Chris Cox’s lyrics and vocal delivery evoke strong images of booze soaked balconies basking in the afternoon sun. Hungover thoughts of being caught in the same environment without a means of escape, sending ones ambitions into the indifferent vacuum of outer space echoing the lyric “I guess we’re back to the same old driveway”. Driveway’ is the first single taken from Hound’s forthcoming  EP to be released early 2016.

Whether it's post punk or goth rock is academic, 'Driveway' is a refreshing blast of high energy, fast paced, good old rock'n'roll music. Best served with plenty of iced beer.

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Andrew Johnston - Take The Highway.

Background words from Andrew Johnston - On the eve of my new tour I'd like to release my new single “Take the Highway”. It's the fruit of my earlier tour dates this year where I reconnected with the magic of art and travel.

I wanted to make something fun and spontaneous that would capture the creative energy I felt coming off a tour of Ontario last May.  Being on the road can feel magical because you connect with real people face-to-face in a really special way and if you are tuned-in just right there is some cosmic energy out there - for example, when we drove into Orillia, Ontario, Gord Lightfoot came on the radio (Orillia is Lightfoot’s home town), and taking exit 64 to Hamilton, the Beatles “When I’m 64” came on...explain that! Ah, regardless of if you believe in magic, “Take the Highway” explores that often living a fulfilling life requires taking chances, and getting outside of your comfort zone.

Meeting the road for me was that chance. For you it may be something different. Regardless, I wrote "Take The Highway" to encourage you to take those chances, go see those places, write a song or simply do what you need to do to expand your horizons. Take the Highway will by a digital only release for now, packaged with a bonus track: a cover of Cory Heart’s 1985 classic “Never Surrender.”

Tour Dates:

November 19th Ottawa -Raw Sugar Cafe with Nick Ferrio and Dynamite Motel
November 20th Stratford - Monforte with Two Minute Miracles
November 21 Kingston - Musiikki Cafe
November 22 Montreal - Cagibi with Nick Ferrio, Colin Moore, We Are We
November 26th London, Ontario - East Village Arts Collective with Cat Clyde
November 27th Peterborough - The Garnet with Nick Ferrio
November 28th Toronto - Saving Gigi with Part & Parcel, MJ Cyr (Presented by Lootbag)
November 29th Saint Catharines - Mahtay Cafe with Mat Monoogian and Edwin Conroy Jr.
Dec 3 – Fredericton – The Grimross.
Dec 4 -St. John, NB -Taco Pica w/Womb to Tomb.
Dec 7th – Charlottetown, P.E.I – Babs’s Lounge w/ David Woodside
Dec 8th – Moncton, NB – Igloo Beverage Room.

'Take The Highway' has that warm timeless rock vibe of a 'road' song. Story telling, unfolding lyrics and vocals that really can deliver this style, along with some tighter than tight music.

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Monday: Emmylou Harris with John Paul White - Twin Limb - Steve Mahabir

Emmylou Harris with John Paul White - Kyrie.

Background - Emmylou Harris & John Paul White have released "Kyrie," the second single from the upcoming Mercyland: Hymns For The Rest Of Us, Volume II compilation. "Kyrie" is available today as a single for purchase and streaming at all digital outlets. The full Mercyland compilation will be released on January 15, 2016 on Mercyland Records.

This is the second installment of the Mercyland compilation, bringing together some of the most prominent voices in Americana music. "I don’t know that the first Mercyland would have even happened without Emmylou’s involvement," says Phil Madeira. "When I started Volume II, she suggested we write together, which of course was an honor.  She brought lovely verse ideas to the table, but a chorus eluded us until the words 'Kyrie Eleison' appeared.  What better prayer can be prayed than to ask for mercy?"

Classic Emmylou Harris with sensitive accompaniment by John Paul White (John Paul White is an American singer-songwriter, and was a member of the Grammy Award-winning duo The Civil Wars). It's a charming tender song.

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Twin Limb - Don't Even Think.

Background - Twin Limb’s debut 'Anything Is Possible and Nothing Makes Sense' was relesed last Friday. Twin Limb are type of nouveau Americana, enlisting all the roots-y singing and strings their part of the world has been known for since its inception, but stacking all the types of production tricks we've learned over the decades, bringing us to 2015.

Twin Limb is proof that a band can be a powerful trio without being a "power trio". When friends, Lacey Guthrie and Maryliz Bender decided they were going to build a musical edifice together, they eventually enlisted the producing prowess of Kevin Ratterman, not knowing that his organic style would blend so well with their own; bringing post-punk guitar sprinklings to a yearning, but militaristic amalgam of soaring vocals, percussion, and slowly-kneaded accordion. Once Ratterman officially joined, the production of the long player interestingly ceased, and following what the three felt they should do to honor their output, they began work on a second release, the EP Anything Is Possible and Nothing Makes Sense. In an age of rushing full lengths, sometimes an outfit does not get the opportunity to suddenly pivot to follow what their music dictates, but in the new wild west of the music industry... well, anything is possible.

Oh I do like the featured track 'Don't Even Think'. Atmospheric music supports the superb vocals and emphasises the 'powerful trio' versus 'power trio' comments above. A beautiful distinct and memorable song.


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Steve Mahabir - Riding Cowboy.

Background and the story so far  - Steve Mahabir's family moved from Trinidad to Canada when he was seven, exchanging an idyllic island lifestyle for the gritty Toronto neighborhood of Parkdale.

The Caribbean rhythms and steel drums of childhood quickly morphed into a rock and roll adolescence for Mahabir as he turned to the electric guitar. He co-founded the seminal Canadian alt.rock band Groovy Religion and held down a residency at The Beverley Tavern's infamous “Elvis Mondays” ground zero for Toronto's explosive 1980s Queen Street music scene. Mahabir recorded three albums with the group, appeared on compilations and soundtracks, backed Jim Carroll for several Toronto shows and shared bills with the likes of the Beastie Boys, Hüsker Dü, Dream Syndicate, Barenaked Ladies and many others. He also played with Scott B. Sympathy, Parts Found in Sea and Ministry of Love before largely putting music on the back burner as he started a family and then a store front business in Parkdale. 

Music still coursed through Mahabir’s veins, however, and he’s now finally set to release his debut solo album, Angel in Parkdale, through Big Canoe/Bungalo/Universal. The 16-song, 50-minute record offers an eclectic mix of instrumentation and sounds that combine to create a concept album that pulls no punches in telling a gripping story of a one-time drug dealer and his girlfriend that’s based on real people and situations that Mahabir has dealt with over the past 16 years. Some songs were written in just 15 minutes while others took a few years to gestate, but they form a cohesive collection of driving rock, country-based roots, simmering ballads and haunting pop numbers.

The guitarist/singer invited friends to bring his vision to life, including: two Groovy Religion bandmates, bassist John Borra (Rattlesnake Choir, The Screwed) and drummer Glenn Milchem (Blue Rodeo, The Swallows); keyboardist Michael Boguski (Blue Rodeo); and steel guitarist Mickey Andrews (Stompin’ Tom Connors). The bed tracks were recorded in three days with Juno Award-nominated Grammy Award winning engineer/producer Peter J. Moore (Cowboy Junkies, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Hard Core Logo) at his renowned The E Room studio.

Angel in Parkdale was produced by Borra, Moore and Mahabir and was rounded out masterfully with the addition of trumpet, trombone, saxophone, violin, harp, tabla and backing vocals, with contributions from the likes of friends David Madden (Bob Marley, Zap Pow), Miranda Mulholland (Great Lake Swimmers, Belle Starr), William New (Groovy Religion) and former professional wrestler turned country singer Sweet Daddy Siki.

'Riding Cowboy' may only be a little over two minutes long, but it's one mighty tempting hook, to go out and purchase the rest of the album. It just oozes quality and with a 'CV' like the one above, you kind of expect that at the very least.

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Alternative Take: Rococode - Cayetano - Emancipator - Blade of Grass

Rococode - Panic Attack.

Background - Rococode is Laura Smith and Andrew Braun. They released their debut album 'Guns, Sex & Glory' to much critical acclaim in early 2012. The record was produced by Ryan Guldemond (Mother Mother, Hannah Georgas) and mixed by John Congleton (St.Vincent, Polyphonic Spree). Upon the release of their debut, the band took to the road and spent the better part of the next 18 months touring Canada and the US in various capacities.

When it came time to work on their follow-up, Rococode coaxed producers Caleb Shreve (Phantogram, Bear Hands) from New York and Ted Gowans (Tegan and Sara, Fences) from Los Angeles to set up a studio in a cabin, off the grid, in the isolated coastal forest of British Columbia. Between building fires, checking the solar panels, and failed fishing trips, the foursome set to work on music that shared none of the characteristics of their rustic surroundings. They arranged an army of synthesisers, guitar pedals and drum machines into tight, crisp Alternative gems that sparkle, shuffle and shake at every turn. The result of this incredible collaboration is the 'Panic Attack' EP (Released back on October 9th). It will be followed by the full length album due out in February 2016.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

November 17th - Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange — Regina, SK
November 18th - Starlite Room w/Dear Rouge — Edmonton, AB
November 19th - Broken City — Calgary, AB
November 20th - The Slice — Lethbridge, AB
November 21st - Spirit Bar — Nelson, BC.

Released last month the five track 'Panic Attack' EP is a taste of what to expect from next February's album. With thumping synths and percussion the title track is accompanied by some 'softer' songs and consistently fine vocals. The remix of 'Panic Attack' strips back the layers a little, giving it a more intricate feel. It's a hard one to call so we have added both versions.


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Cayetano - Talk To Me.

Background - It's been 3 years since Cayetano's "Once Sometime" album, which received great reviews from the Press as well as amazing feedback and support from artists such as Thievery Corporation, The Herbaliser, Mop Mop and Skeewiff to name a few.

Now, Cayetano is back with 11 different stories about everyday life, love and loneliness to be heard as one. It's the first album where he plays almost all instruments by himself, apart from the guitars, performed by Alex Papoulidis.

From the fusion feeling of "Talk To Me", or the deeply emotional "Something In You" and "Hold Me Tight", to the funky "Third World War" and the cinematic "Leningrad", from the jazzy "Fading Away", to the pop oriented "Treat You Right", "Where The Sun Shines" and "Never Said It's Easy", Cayetano creates another sonic kaleidoscope for your special moments.

'Talk To Me' is the first of eleven quite diverse songs, on this album. I just love the whole way this track flows, and was pleasantly surprised by the impressive quality of the rest of the material. As said, it ain't all the same, but it is a very good album.

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Emancipator - The Key (Live).

Background - In the wake of the release of his fourth studio album Seven Seas last month, hip hop/down tempo producer Doug Appling, aka Emancipator, has decided to release a live version of album track "The Key" for free download. This cut, which features live drums, bass, guitar, and violin, was recorded at the same show as his Live In Athens album, but was not included because the studio version was unreleased at the time.

Seven Seas debuted at #2 on the iTunes Electronic chart, and Doug and the Emancipator Ensemble are touring the west coast throughout November with openers Blockhead and Manatee Commune. Featuring bass and drums, along with a variety of string instruments played by Doug and close collaborator Ilya Goldberg, the Emancipator Ensemble brings his music to life at the crossroads between a DJ set and a live band.

Remaining Tour dates:

11/15 - Hi-Fi Music Hall - Eugene, OR
11/17 - Ashland Armory - Ashland, OR
11/18 - The Catalyst - Santa Cruz, CA
11/19 - Regency Ballroom - San Francisco, CA
11/20 - Regent Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
11/21 - Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA
11/22 - Glass House Concert Hall - Pomona, CA.

Well we have been known to share to odd live track or two on Beehive Candy. This is just superb, what else can I add, that hasn't been said in positive reviews by the likes of the New York Times and others.

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Blade of Grass - The Day Will Come.

Background Words - Blade of Grass is a two man organic electronic project based out of the seascape-y areas of the LA space. Back on October 20th they released their follow up EP to this year's two track EP She Was. From the onset, their latest release Skydream swiftly pulls the listener into a sonic landscape that dilates the senses and clears the stressful congested and racing mind.  

More so than this year's She Was, Skydream acts as a vehicle for Michael and Josh (Blade of Grass) to act as lackadaisical shamans of the secular world. In other words, all four tracks on Skydream are quintessential chill out music. Take a break from social media, anxiety, possessions, and let Blade of Grass' newest release be your convoy to momentary escapism.

Any outfit describing their music as 'West Coast Electronic Space Rock' deserves at least a listen. Vocals are good and strong, and nicely 'up in the mix' across all four tracks, each of which stamps it mark in a positive way. On reflection west coast electronic space rock is a fair description and you can add me as a fan.

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Saturday Sounds: Deep Sea Diver - L.U.V - Sugarmen - Postal Blue

Deep Sea Diver - Secrets.

Background and the story so far - "Wide awake, and I'm chasing after you" - exclaims a breathless Jessica Dobson, singer and multi-instrumentalist of Seattle's Deep Sea Diver. The lyric is one that best encapsulates the front woman's bravado and fearlessness which dominates Deep Sea Diver's forthcoming sophomore LP, Secrets out February 19th on their own High Beam records. In their desire to explore dualities, Deep Sea Diver urgently and deliberately move you from rock experimentation to dreamy soundscapes, Kraut-esque drum and bass grooves to angular danci-ness, and full fledged orchestration to bare bones simplicity. Dobson has the voice and authority to tie it all together, and turn it into a cohesive unit that soars yet remains beautifully delicate and intimate. Live, the band has received acclaim for their festival-ready power and presence, Jessica's larger than life guitar hooks, and their cascading layers that build upon each other until they reach their explosive peak.

In late 2013, Dobson put in her notice to former Shins boss, James Mercer, in order to give full attention to her own musical vision. Mercer agreed, saying "I'll miss you, but I give you my full support. You've gotta pursue Deep Sea Diver." While much was gleaned from the experiences in her many years spent playing with top tier musical outfits (Beck, the Shins, Spoon, Yeah Yeah Yeahs,) something was brewing that demanded a sort of dedication and alertness that couldn't be fully engaged while moonlighting as a side-woman for those greats.

Recorded with Darrell Thorpe (Radiohead, Beck) and Luke Vanderpol at the Bank in CA, Jessica and band (comprised of husband Peter Mansen on drums, Garrett Gue on bass, and Elliot Jackson on guitar and synth) have together created an album that is colorful, energetic, and varied-with an emotional depth and pulsating charge that demands the listeners full attention. As she and Mercer sing together on "Creatures of Comfort," "I'm in my own world", the listener is brought in, and very content that this is the world that she has chosen and invited others into. Secrets is an album you will not want to keep to yourself.

'Secrets' is the first single from next February's album of the same name. A potent and powerful song, both Jessica's vocals and the music, cut to the action, demanding your attention.

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L.U.V - I Can Be The Answer.

Background - Following their debut single 'Take Me to the Sea', Sunshine coast sister pop duo L.U.V are proud to present their new single 'I Can Be the Answer'.

Mixed by Brisbane’s Konstantin Kersting (Art of Sleeping, Moses Gunn Collective), the song’s dreamy karmic melody and harmonic overlapping vocals flirt playfully with psychedelia while demonstrating the young sisters innate ability to produce effortlessly gripping hooks. Think kaleidoscopic glimpses of bonfires by the lake on dark summer nights enveloped by the hypnotic voice of a young girl trying to seduce a lover with song. 'I Can Be the Answer'- beautiful, imploring and channelling the siren - is the second taste of a plethora of material forthcoming from L.U.V before impending live shows in 2016.

'I Can Be The Answer' is a catchy melodic pop song. Superbly performed and produced, that surely has to be enough, I think so.

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Sugarmen - Plastic Ocean.

Background - 2015 has been a huge year for Sugarmen. The band played two Hyde Park shows with The Who and Blur, as well as sharing stages with Sleaford Mods, The Bohicas, Hooton Tennis Club, Deer Hunter, Metronomy and British Sea Power. The four-piece have toured hard and reinforced their growing reputation for high octane live sets, driven by charismatic cool and electric chemistry.

Debut single 'Dirt', produced by Clash legend Mick Jones, was made XFM single of the week on its release in March and has racked up over 100,000 plays on Spotify. It’s easy to hear why: 'Dirt' is two-and-a-half glorious minutes of pure accelerating guitars matched with anthemic vocals.

Their new single 'Plastic Ocean', a galactic track that explodes into life with a collision of fractured rhythms and angular riffs, boasts clever lyrics, power-surged vocals, and spaghetti western guitars, all driven by an unrelenting rhythm section and infectious melody. 'Plastic Ocean' captures on record the on stage energy the band are renowned for, it's as sharp a statement of intent as you’ll ever hear.

Swaggering with attitude 'Plastic Ocean' is like a massive shot of adrenaline, delivered with a timeless 'Mod Rock' feel.

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Postal Blue - Bitterness Is Sweet.

Background promo - This is the second album from Brazil's Postal Blue, who have been around (though not very actively) for nearly 18 years now, with previous releases on indie pop royalty labels like Drive-In, Shelflife and Cloudberry Records. One listen and anyone could easily be convinced that this was a lost Sarah Records release, with its songs echoing the Orchids and Field Mice (in both their exuberant and melancholic moments) at some times, a less fragile Blueboy at others, and even Secret Shine at their dreamiest in a few spots. 

The production is crystal clear and shimmers brightly throughout the entire 35 minutes of this album, making it easy to see how it took so long to complete (you just can't rush perfection!). Overall, this is a very beautiful batch of songs that will make you wistful for the indiepop days of old and elated that the torch is still being carried on...

'Bitterness Is Sweet' is the first of ten songs on the album, all of which are at the very least, on a par with this featured track. If you were asked to describe 'indie pop', this could be as good a starting place as any.

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Friday Five: The Goldhearts - Indigo - Radiation City - Martha Bean - James Clark Hangover

The Goldhearts - Here's The Thing.

Background - The Goldhearts have had a big year. Not only did they master playing in a band with an interstate guitarist. They released their first single “On The Run" which received weekly spins by iconic Los Angeles DJ KROQ Rodney on his show Rodney on the Roq. The single was also embraced by community radio and received regular spins on SYN, ZZZ, Radio Adelaide and others.

So here' the thing... The Goldhearts are about to release their second single called "Here's the Thing”. "It's short and sharp" says Margy, the singer/guitarist and "a change in mood from the country swagger of our first single ‘On the Run’. The track highlights the punchier grittier side of The Goldhearts but with the same hooks and melodies that they are becoming known for as well as saluting the bands of the nineties where they draw their inspiration.

The single is the second of their forthcoming debut album which will be released early next year. The Album was produced by Govinda Doyle (Angus and Julia Stone, Big Jet Plane). The single will be supported by shows at Studio 56 at Miami Marketta on November 26, and the Zoo in Brisbane on November 27. And Chicks with Picks 19 December at Sydney Town Hall.

The Goldhearts formed earlier this year, bringing to life a solo recording project created by indie music stalwart Margy Joughin who stepped away from her usual duties on bass and guitar to record an album of engaging tunes with Govinda. Margy says "people seem to like the song “Here’s the Thing” because for some reason people love saying ‘here's the thing...’ maybe its because it makes them feel like they are about to say something very profound and people are going to listen to them, even if it's, ‘I think it's time for a coffee.’”

Straight rocking and with a respectful nod to artists as diverse as PJ Harvey and Hole, The Goldhearts sound is full of hooks. 'Here's The Thing' has repeat play written all over it, another band ensuring rocks legacy is in safe hands.

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Indigo - Moving On.

Background - Indigo are a four piece band out of the South West of Western Australia. The current line up consists of Christopher Kinna on lead vocals & guitar, Dylan Keirnan on guitar/backing vocals, David Williams on bass guitar/backing vocals and Joshua Beaumont on drums. 

Together, the four boys produce a sound that reflects the good summer vibes that we all know and love. This soft rock/indie/alternative outfit easily translates from CD to an electric live performance that will have you dancing all night, singing along to their catchy tunes.

The Indigo boys have just finished the recording of their next single “Moving On" and it’s due to be released November 2015 along with an official film clip. ‘Moving On’ is a feel good song written about getting over the hard times and finding balance. ‘Moving On’ is the new single off an upcoming EP that Indigo is currently working on, look for it to be released in early 2016.

'Moving On' is a pleasing indie rock song, and yes it does have a little bit of a 'summer lift' to it, even though it's definitely early winter where I am. This might be how Arcade Fire would sound if they were stripped back and more gritty.

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Radiation City - Juicy.

And the story so far - In late 2013, with two well-received full-lengths and an EP under its belt, Radiation City got the itch. The band had built a strong following in its native Portland and connected with fans around the world, and from the outside, the path seemed clear enough: find a great producer to work with and further develop the smooth, space-age doo-wop sound that had put them on the map in the first place.

But on the inside, things weren't so simple. Cameron Spies and Lizzy Ellison, Radiation City's founding couple, were falling apart. Rad City, a tight-as-family band that always seemed to work so effortlessly off- and onstage, was on the verge of calling it quits. Then a funny thing happened: Spies and Ellison got together to record some new, urgent and semi-spontaneous songs and rediscovered that old magic. "None of it felt rushed, or belabored," Spies says. "It was honest and unafraid."

Of course, it was also the product of just 40 percent of the group. So, in the face of ambivalence and the band's impending implosion, Ellison and Spies decided to do something they'd never done before -- they transformed Radiation City from a democracy into a monarchy. They curated a new tracklist for the third full-length (half new songs and half old ones), enlisted Unknown Mortal Orchestra's Riley Geare to be their studio drummer, and found their great producer in John Vanderslice (Spoon, Death Cab For Cutie) of Tiny Telephone Studios.

The band's issues didn't end with these revelations-Spies and Ellison broke up temporarily and called off their wedding, one band member was let go, and only half of the group went to San Francisco to record the tracks for the new album-but the die was cast. Radiation City was not going to polish up its old style for Synesthetica; it was going to completely overhaul both its process and its sound. After recording with Vanderslice, the band took its new directive back to Portland and turned to Jeremy Sherrer (Modest Mouse, Gossip) at Ice Cream Party to flesh out its studio sessions.

Based on the condition known as synesthesia, whereby a person links one sensual experience with another (for Ellison, who experiences it, that means seeing specific colours when she hears different musical sounds), Synesthetica is a place where multi-sensory experience is commonplace; where feelings and definitions blend and melt, and surreality becomes reality. The word synesthetica is the summation of a pivotal third album that, from the outside, probably seems as effortless as every other Radiation City release. Synesthetica almost killed this band, but instead, it serves as the opening salvo of a monumental second act, and Radiation City is invincible.

The album is due out February 12th 2016, and as the (edited) story above shows it's been some journey arriving at this point. Thankfully 'Juicy' suggests we are in for a treat regarding the forthcoming album. A great song that twists and turns, bring on the album.

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Martha Bean - A Better Man.

Background words - About ‘A Better Man’ - With Martha’s pacific acoustic picking and radiant gliding vocal to the fore, ‘A Better Man’ is an enchanting composition of mellow orchestral folk. Completed by warm components of electric piano, bass, a string section and a rolling yet respectful tom-tom pulse, it conveys both the classic English harmony of retro-roots torchbearers The Unthanks and the ambient indie stylings of This Is The Kit. “What does it take to be a better man?” wonders Martha in a breathy, beautiful hook, reflecting on the contradictory, confusing nature of the information overload surrounding self-improvement, before reaching a sage conclusion in the final chorus:  “A little dignity, and a willing hand/Now that’s the start/Of a better man”.

About Martha Bean - On her acclaimed debut album, ‘When Shadows Return To The Sea’, released earlier this year, Martha Bean not only wrote and bathed all of the tracks in her haunting, ethereal falsetto, she also played guitar, piano, double bass, banjo and clarinet, as well as orchestrating the string arrangements throughout. It’s perhaps not surprising, then, that this Leicester-based polymath – whose aforementioned LP drew her comparisons to the likes of Lisa Hannigan, Fiona Apple and Norah Jones – began her musical education early, at the age of three, when her parents got her started on piano. This immersion into sound led Martha to pick up the guitar as a teenager and then study music composition at Dartington College of Arts in Devon. From this creative resume came a broad church of inspirations, from alt-folk maestroes such as Nick Drake and Fionn Regan to fellow boundary-breakers Radiohead and Claude Debussy. Martha’s sonic template has been further expanded by support slots and festival appearances alongside the likes of Marika Hackman, Seth Lakeman, Bombay Bicycle Club and Bon Iver, while she’s even been heard on primetime TV: her songs have featured on trailers for EastEnders and Midsomer Murders, as well as in several advertising campaigns. It’s indicative of the crossover appeal of Martha Bean, for what’s not to like about intense, sincere songcraft, authoritatively composed and passionately performed? 

See Martha live in November:

Saturday 14: In The Woods, Lage Vuursche, Netherlands
Sunday 15: Het Oude Theater, Oss, Netherlands
Thursday 19: Jam Café, Nottingham
Tuesday 24: The Finsbury, London N4

Wednesday 25: The Musician, Leicester

This is a beautiful song. Vocals are stunning and the music is in perfect harmony. What else can I say, I love it.

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James Clark Hangover - Maria.

A message from James - I've been playing professionally for 35 years.. I started in the bars of the 1980's playing punk rock. Over the last five years I've reevaluated my music, I've relearned guitar and learned piano. And started to concentrate on keeping it simple and delivering the message in the most concise and universal way. 

For instance, for my new song Maria the intro is 5 seconds long, and then quick to the chorus.. Bubblegum! The Ramones are a huge inspiration. It's not easy to "dumb it down" but here's my attempt at it...with Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker The Star/Lindsay Buckingham/Courtney Love/Sam Roberts) singing back-up vocals and producing. The video was filmed in three locations: An old Barber Shop, a garage that looks like it had been hit by a bomb and finally a classic bar. I think it worked out to look like an ad for H&M directed by Herb Ritts. It's a Black & White arty affair. Some pretend singin' and playin' and a vague concept but I think it came together nicely.

The video will be added to our BeeVids page, and the album 'Volume 3' is out November 20th. 'Maria' is a timeless rock piece, no bells or whistles, just straight gutsy 'how it is' music, with well suited and passionate vocals.

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The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Hell.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Hell.

And Kip and the band tells us - A couple months ago I posted a demo for the song "Hell" and some people said, "why don't you record that for real?" So we went over to my friend Danny's studio (House Under Magic) and recorded the track along with two cover songs - "Ballad of the Band" by Felt and "Laid" by James as a way to mark our forthcoming tour of Japan. 

The latter has lead vocals by Jen Goma, who sang on our last album and also performs with the excellent pop contortionists, A Sunny Day in Glasgow. The Felt song is really the UR-Felt song, the wry articulation of what Felt is most famous for - not being an eighth as famous as they ought to be. The song "Hell" is about how insufferable performances of sensitivity are when there's a good song playing and someone you want to dance with.

Remaining Tour Dates:

November 28 - Hong Kong - Cockenflap Festival
November 29 - Singapore - Neon Lights Festival

There is something quite raw and genuine about this three track release. 'Hell' has that natural rock feel to it, not to polished, it just lets the bands collective talent do the work, and is pleasingly unpretentious. Having found a link to the cover of 'Laid' I could not resist sharing this as well. I love so much of the music James have released down the years, and this version does the original justice, whilst demonstrating that this band can put their stamp on a whole range of music, in a really good way.

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Frøkedal - Kid

Frøkedal - Kid.

Those promo words - If songs are like children, it’s important to fend off favouritism… but perhaps there is something a little special about Frøkedal’s latest, ‘Kid’. The single is paired with news of Frøkedal’s forthcoming debut album ‘Hold On Dreamer’ – a ten-track offering, slated for release on February 26, 2016 via Propeller Recordings.

“Kid opens with a depiction of a young child who falls asleep under the table during a family party,” explains singer/songwriter Anne Lise Frøkedal. It all seems conventional enough, before the track takes a somewhat poignant turn: “It turns out that this is only a made-up memory because all the photos of the child have disappeared along with the family's recollection of him”.  

“I remember you, kid” forms a fitting refrain, and a comforting assurance that resonates throughout new album ‘Hold On Dreamer’. Lyrically, a theme runs across its ten tracks: “They deal with people whose lives are about to take a turn – for better or worse,” Frøkedal says. “For me, writing about change is much more interesting than exploring situations that already work. Most are real stories, about real people, some influenced by my own life more than others.”

Having fronted successful Norwegian outfits Harrys Gym and Grammy-nominated I Was A King (who count Sufjan Stevens, Robyn Hitchcock and Norman Blake among past collaborators), Frøkedal approached her solo descent differently, almost defiantly. “Almost everything I’d done in the past I tried to avoid,” she says. “Harrys Gym had a huge pop sound with lots of instruments, so the new songs had to be simple. I wanted a stripped-down sound that was still dynamic.

“Because everyone has a computer these days, there’s no limit to how many times you can multi-track. I’m sick of that. Big, busy songs don’t touch me emotionally anymore. I hoped to go the other way – to remove as much as I could and be left with a beating heart.”

'Kid' is such a fine and pleasing song. I was going to take a day off from Beehive Candy today, but having played this a couple of times, I can't 'sit on it', any longer. I'm trying to keep a note of albums on the horizon that I really wan't to have, the list just got longer with the forthcoming debut album 'Hold On Dreamer'.

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