Adam Stafford - Taser Revelations

Adam Stafford - Atheist Money.

Background promo - Adam Stafford returns with his first album in nearly three years following the widely acclaimed Imaginary Walls Collapse in 2013. 

Taser Revelations was recorded at The Happiness Hotel, Song by Toad's newly aquired warehouse recording space. Utilising the warehouse's natural room reverb to great effect, the album features producer and multi-instrumentalist Robbie Lesiuk performing a variety of instruments including steel drums, organ and piano. Greggor Douglas plays the Roland Juno/omnichord and ex-Maple Leaves Anna Miles provides harmony vocals. 

Continuing Stafford's trajectory into electrified alternative pop, Taser Revelations begins with some of the most melodically catchy songs he has ever written, before taking a swerve down a dark alley midway through the album, venturing into industrial syncopation, samurai-guitar attacks and some unsettling, vivid imagery. Album available (here).

'Atheist Money' makes a good introduction to Adam Stafford's new album 'Taser Revelations'. If this is electrified alternative pop, then for me, the key word is alternative. Full of ideas and unafraid to take less pop orientated directions, the nine song album has plenty of imagination and enough hooks to keep the listener engaged throughout. Assessable, curious and yes catchy, this is a very pleasing album.

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

Two For The Weekend: The Wealthy West - Eileen Carey

The Wealthy West - I've Got To Go.

Background bio - Brandon Kinder may not be a household name but there's a good chance you've heard his songs or voice somewhere over the past few years as front man for Austins anthemic rock group The Rocketboys.  As a solo singer under his own name and his Wealthy West moniker Brandon's music has been used in an enormous array of TV shows, indie movies and commercials. 

On 'Long Play' his debut LP as The Wealthy West he lets his fancy fly free and sets of on a grand journey. Themes of travelling, searching and seeking, tie many of the songs together. The Wealthy West becomes a character looking for something he may never find... or has already found and has to convince himself of that. Ultimately there is an honesty to the music. There are no wasted lyrics to fill space. Where The Wealthy West is clear on his road there is a sense of joy. Where he's confused or foundering there's a feeling of hope and experience to get through it all.

'Iv'e Got To Go' is the first of eleven songs on the album 'Long Play' (due for release on February 9th). The album is full of melodic, thoughtful songs. As I read the bio above, I thought it may be at the least, a little fanciful. Having heard the album if anything the words are understated, regarding what is a very good album.  


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

Eileen Carey - Faith.

Background promo - The endlessly versatile vocalist Eileen Carey and her latest single, “Faith,” roar in the new year with an astounding eight cross-format award consideration nominations from New Music Weekly. The single has also just hit the #1 spot on Both New Music Weekly Country Charts. Talk about Faith paying off!!

Moreover, Carey’s YouTube channel has been garnering new and repeat viewers by the thousands, and her heightened prominence has earned her an upcoming guest appearance on “The Weekend Morning Show” on KCAL-TV, the CBS powerhouse in Los Angeles.

Carey is up for a nomination consideration for Female Artist of the Year, Best New AC/Hot AC Artist and Breakthrough Artist of the Year in New Music Weekly’s AC/Hot AC category.  In the Country division, she’s in the running for Female Artist and Breakthrough Artist of the Year.  And to tie it all up in a bow, she’s also contending for the Crossover Artist of the Year trophy. “Faith,” which she co-wrote with Kathryn Grimm, is vying for both AC/Hot AC and Country Single of the Year honours.

At last count, Carey’s popular YouTube channel had racked up more than 100,000 views and was still growing.  She will doubtlessly expand her fan base Sunday, Jan. 10, when she brings her musical magic to “The Weekend Morning Show” on KCAL-TV.  Carey is back in the studio this month recording her next album in Los Angeles.

I received the above promo and nearly ignored it. Plugging a TV appearance in Los Angeles didn't seem a very good fit for Beehive Candy. Anyhow cutting to the chase, I listened to 'Faith', thought to myself, this is good, so you get the song to listen to, and Los Angeles readers get a free TV reminder.

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

My Darling Fury - Satisfied

My Fury Darling - Satisfied.

Background & promo words - There is a bruised elegance, razor­sharp wit, and quirky theatricality about the music of Richmond, Virginia-based band My Darling Fury. With a name that evokes thoughts of vulnerability wrapping its arms around unbridled rage, the indie pop trio of Todd Matthews, Joel Hollister and charismatic frontman Danny Reyes, defies genre limitations with songs that celebrate the unpredictability of life and love. Following the release of their debut album Licking Wounds in 2013, the band returns with A/O/K, out this Winter; a record that continues to push their singular aesthetic in new and exciting directions.

My Darling Fury’s affinity for complex rhythmic structures, operatic­-sized dramatics, and chamber music intimacy should surprise no one, considering that Reyes and Matthews both come from classically trained backgrounds. With a pliant, strikingly beautiful voice that recalls Freddie Mercury, Andrew Bird and even Nate Reuss of fun., Cuban-­American singer Danny Reyes conveys poignant lyrics in both English and Spanish, through songs that devastate and inspire. Looping and layering his acrobatic vocals with the assistance of an effects processor, he infuses the band’s sound with Afro-­Cuban rhythms and harmonizes with himself in real time.

Bassist and sound engineer Todd Matthews integrates cutting edge music software and subtle electronic textures into the fabric of the band's ever­fluctuating song structures. While manipulating the sounds of electric and bowed upright bass, he continues to experiment and develop new and innovative dialects for his instrument. Together with drummer Joel Hollister, whose atmospheric dynamics and percussive strokes elicit more remarkable sounds out of a sampler and a traditional drum kit than predictably expected, the band continues to evolve. Defending the dark horse, embracing optimism, and staring into the eyes of adversity, My Darling Fury invite you to rewrite their future and yours. -Ryan Lathan (Pop Matters, Sonic Hive).

I find it difficult to know what to add to the fine words above. 'Satisfied' is my personal introduction to the band and the song sends goosebumps right through me. A quick search and I found a couple more older songs (here) and straight away, there's two more albums on my 2016 wish list. Six days in and this could be an expensive year..

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

Third Ear - The Ghost Road.

Third Ear - The Ghost Road.

Promo words - Third Ear engage the senses and offer an exquisite arrangement of themes and mood, designed to gently guide you as you embark upon a shared journey. Sometimes breezy, laid back and cool, sometimes taut, explosive and rollicking, Third Ear’s musical works are textured throughout with depth, imaginative flair and a soulfulness that seeks the heart. 

Having well served their “live music apprenticeship” by travelling and performing extensively across the country supporting various headliners, Sunshine Coast based act Third Ear have released their debut single “The Ghost Road.” Produced by Mark Paltridge and recorded at Spark 1 Studio’s Maleny, The Ghost Road displays a captivating mix of classic American 60’s surf beat and Jim Morrison style dark lyrics and overtones reminiscent of The Doors. 

According to Third Ear, “‘The Ghost Road’ is written from the perspective of a person attempting to conquer psychological torment, depression, guilt and anxiety, as it treks through wastelands of fear, turmoil and inner despair.” Deep rich vocals, a “killer riff”, and a hauntingly effective undertone graphically illustrate the subject matter with drive, purpose and gusto.

This is one of those songs that I will play far to much. Vocals are wonderful and the no nonsense musical soundtrack is just right. For me it's a little bit like a brighter version of the Sisters Of Mercy and maybe The Doors, but hey, what a mix to be likened to.


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

Monday And: Cabin Cults - Midwest Soul Xchange

Cabin Cults - Lights Out.

Background promo - After sharing stages with the likes of The Jungle Giants, The Cairos, North East Party House and more, Adelaide’s Cabin Cults are now gearing up for their headline launch show for new single ‘Lights Out’ January 16 at local watering hole The Hotel Metro.

Taken from their just released EP ‘Riot Is The Watchword’, ‘Lights Out’ is an energetic slice of synth driven post-punk with an urgent lyrical desperation of disbelief that’s all wrapped up in a Pixies inspired pop sensibility. Teaming up with producer Badcop (Tkay Maidza, Mio), the band have craftily captured their jam room instincts while ultimately shaping their material with an electro inspired sound.

The fraternity of Cabin Cults is made up of brothers and friends and indeed hails from the city of churches where the myth of purity amongst the reality of depression is evident throughout the city. The habitus that shapes them plays through them and through this body of work reveals the cracks in the veneer that binds them. Expect to hear more from Cabin Cults in 2016 as the band also prepares to announce east coast dates along with plans to head back into the studio.

Taken from a four song EP 'Lights Out' typifies the natural energy of Cabin Cults. The expression used in their promo 'synth driven post-punk' is pretty much spot on. It's upbeat, pleasing, and there's enough hooks in all four songs, to make a second listen more or less mandatory.

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

Midwest Soul Xchange - Roots.

Background promo - Imagine a duo that combines its Americana, folk/prog rock and pop influences with a passion for the sounds of acts that range from Kula Shaker, Pink Floyd and Tenacious D to The Beatles, The Decemberists, Queen and Michael Jackson.

Eclectic, perhaps? That's the robust template established by Midwest Soul Xchange, comprising Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin-based troubadours Nate Cherrier and Ryan Summers. The pair has been buds for nearly two decades, but only recently recognized their sonic synchronicity as songwriters, vocalists and instrumentalists. By year-end 2015, their 11-track debut full-length album "New American Century," is destined to hit the streets.

Each brings their unique talents to the XChange, with Nate contributing percussion and rhythm tracks as the "enchanting wizard of rhythm" and Ryan serving as the "professor," adding synthesizers, lead guitar and working as producer and engineer for the upcoming album. They prefer to deem themselves... the "maestro" and the "master."

Meanwhile, the duo dealt with the challenge of collaborating from afar... sort of. Even though they both grew up in Wisconsin, Nate was living in Phoenix during the recording process, meaning that every note and beat was literally an "exchange" of ideas. Now that the work is done, "New American Century" sashays comfortably between the pair's numerous beloved musical genres—while maintaining the identifiable signature and melodic moxie that has already become the act's calling card in live gigs.

I'm playing catch up again as this song has been around for a while, and the album was released back in November. However the album is so good, I did not want to miss out on giving them a mention. 'Roots' is but a small taste of the creativity of Midwest Soul Xchange, who travel through genres and styles with ease and top it all with superb twin vocals.

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

Bad Reed - EP

Bad Reed - EP.

Background Bio - Brantford, Ontario pseudo-rockers Bad Reed channel a multitude of popular and obscure influences into unique snapshots of passion.

Bad Reed released their first professional studio EP last year,and it's available on line for free (Here).

Bad Reed is Costa Chatzis on percussion, Austin Sharpe on bass, Sydney Sollazzo vocals and keyboards, and Graham Walker on guitars. Hailing from small towns and diverse backgrounds, Bad Reed consists of members with varying music tastes. The group emerged in March 2015 from the ashes of their previous acts to forge a new, focused force of nature. Strip-searching music's history while fusing modern zest, they are likened to acts from Alt-J, Hozier, Jack White, and The Black Keys to Snarky Puppy, The Mars Volta, and Esperanza Spalding.

Bad Reed is engaging and danceable. Bad Reed is happiness and strife. Bad Reed is harmony and dissonance. Bad Reed is overcoming the odds and getting even. Expect to hear them on more radio stations, to see them touring farther, and playing many festivals in 2016.

Three songs make up Bad Reed's first studio EP. It's been around for a while, however I only got to hear it for the first time yesterday and was really impressed. Above comparisons noted, they have enough of their own art and style shining through, and are really worth a listen.  

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

Gooch and the Motion - Comin' Home

Gooch and the Motion - Coming Home.

Artist, Ryan “Gooch” Nelson and his band, Gooch and the Motion, are preparing to release their debut album, “Comin’ Home,” on February 19th 2016.

Background - Ryan “Gooch” Nelson is an inspiring quadriplegic cancer survivor from New Jersey, who hasn’t quit since his paralyzing 2004 auto accident, with an infectiously upbeat attitude and an ability to write and perform equally infectious blues-based rock.

His producer, nine time Grammy winner Joe “The Butcher” Nicolo (Billy Joel, Cypress Hill, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Boyz II Men, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince), thought enough of Gooch to make him the first artist on his new record label, Blacbird Records, distributed by Universal.

On his Facebook page Ryan 'Gooch' states - I am a quadriplegic, musician, writer, & a man of many hats. I am living my dream and want to inspire others to never give up on theirs. The Washington Post carried an article on Gooch and can be found (here).

The background story regarding Ryan 'Gooch' Nelson is both moving and humbling. That said musically Gooch and the Motion are featured here, not out of sympathy, but because they are such a fine band, and the forthcoming debut album is quite stunning. There's a mixture of blues rock orientated tracks and the title track is just a 'toe in the water' regarding the sheer variety that is included. Everything from vocals to musicianship has a truly natural blues feel, it really does have 'Cajun Sparkle'.

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

Wednesday Double: Mind The Journey - Angela Burns

Mind The Journey - Rose Colored Glasses.

Background promo - Raised on a tranquilising shoreline in Connecticut, Spencer Sabo spent his youth learning the drum set, making crazy films with his brother, and exploring his creativity. In high school Spencer found like minded peers and started playing drums in a band. Here he began his journey of learning the ins and outs of audio production, recording and mixing the songs they created. It wasn't until the age of 17, when Spencer began experimenting with an old keyboard, that Mind The Journey was born. He made sure that what was in his head was the exact way his creation came out.

This lead to Spencer releasing his first dreamy 8 song EP, of which gained buzz both on line and locally, with him playing shows in the New England area. Years later in Boston, a now almost-man and adrift introvert, Mr. Sabo is releasing his first 12 track album, entitled Colour In The Gray Machine, which was entirely created in his makeshift basement studio. Release date: January 5th, 2016.

'Rose Colored Glasses' quickly builds into a psychedelic maelstrom, before cooling off into a gentler synth and vocals piece. It's the sixth of twelve tracks on this intriguing album. There's a mixture of psychedelic rock (and pop) that at times seem to be suppressing the desire to break out into drum and bass. Original ideas meet retro styles, that make for a pretty cool album.

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

Angela Burns - All Together.

Background promo - Raised in the suburbs of Austin, Texas, Angela grew up listening to 90s grunge, pop-punk, and post-grunge bands circa 2000s. Her biggest aspiration being acting, she wrote her first song at age 9 and began playing drums in a band with her two sisters, Kathryn and Carolyn. After working as an actress and playing local shows in Austin, she graduated early from high school and subsequently relocated to Los Angeles with the goal of seeking out more opportunities as an actress and musician.

A multi-talented and surprisingly experienced 21-year-old, her work can be seen behind the scenes in film (Richard Linklater's "Boyhood", Robert Rodriguez' "Sin City 2"), in front of the camera, and on her first musical effort,  "So That You Can Feel Better". Her uniquely dark and emotive take on the genres is largely a result of her punk and underground rock leanings, and can be heard on a new eight track mix tape HERE.

'All Together' is the first of the eight tracks, and makes as good a starting point as any. Angela's music certainly demonstrates her punk and underground leanings, but those genres don't dominate the music, and she certainly puts her own style and ideas at the forefront. There's a link above to hear all eight songs, if you like the featured one, your in for a very pleasant surprise.

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

Two For Your Ears: Housemate - Atlanter

Housemate - Wild Gardens.

Background promo - Housemate has never been one to conform to musical genres and "classification". A self-taught disciple in the craft of genre-splicing, "Wild Gardens" embodies the contrasting influences and conflicting diversity personified by his Stop Out Records back catalogue and live shows.

'Wild Gardens' coolly dissolves from its eccentric outset into a backdrop of acidic jazz trombones and cinematic melodies to disclose a calculated trapstep killer ominously lurking underneath its kooky leftfield exterior.

From the opening notes 'Wild Gardens' was one of those pieces of music that gained my total attention. Different, and yes a little eccentric, however immensely pleasing. With so many directions being taken, they somehow come together as a strange, but wonderful piece.

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

Atlanter - Jareeze (Radioedit).

Background promo - Atlanter washed over Norway like a tidal wave in 2013. Their debut album, Vidde, became a favourite among both record buyers and critics, with its beautiful and natural mix of African desert blues, American delta blues and German “motorik” from the 70s. “Vidde blues” was a new and self-made term at that time - a term that summed up the quartet’s wish of uniting music from several corners of the world in “Norwegianised” and timeless attire. They fully succeeded. “Atlanter are a straightforward pleasure”, the NME wrote about their debut album. With a Norwegian Grammy nomination and several high positions in some critics’ summaries of the music year 2013, we’re allowed to have high expectations. The Atlanter wave is here again.

‘Jewels of Crime’ is both a natural sequel and a long step forward for the quartet. A conceptual album about diamonds and pearls. An album that Atlanter have spent three long years recording, but that really has provided the musical gems to befit the subject matter.

Arild Hammerø (guitar, vocal), Jens J Carelius Krogsveen (guitar, vocal), Jonas Barsten (drums) and Morten Kvam (bass) have all the time kept and developed their astounding knack for improvisation, their joy of playing and their intuitive musical understanding, which also in a live setting is central to the band’s sound. They’re proving on ‘Jewels of Crime’ that they also master the art of songwriting completely. Jewels of Crime will be released on Jansen Plateproduksjon on 22 January 2016.

'Jareeze' reminds me of the days of jazz-rock in the sense of just how tight and funky the music is. Vocally it has a more indie feel to it. Overall it is a fascinating taster for the new album, which on the strength of this, promises to be, quite something.

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

New Riders Of The Purple Sage - Fillmore East 1971 (IA)

From the Internet Archive (IA) this is the New Riders Of The Purple Sage live at the Fillmore East, New York, USA back on the 28th April 1971.

Back in 2009 we featured the band live at the Fillmore West from the same tour, (that feature has now been updated with Internet Archive streaming and download links). The Fillmore East gig is such an excellent performance and recording, that I just could not resist featuring this to. The background for the band below is the same as, that we provided with the 2009 feature.

The group emerged from the psychedelic rock scene in San Francisco in 1969, and its original lineup included members of the Grateful Dead.

After a few warm up gigs throughout the Bay Area in 1969, the New Riders (for all intents and purposes John Dawson and David Nelson) began to tour in May 1970 as opening act with the Grateful Dead. This relationship continued on a regular basis until December 1971. Throughout much of 1970, the Dead would open with an acoustic set that often included John Dawson and David Nelson before segueing into the New Riders and then the electric Dead. 

By the time the New Riders recorded their first album in late 1970, change was in the air. Dave Torbert, a young Bay Area musician, replaced Phil Lesh. After Mickey Hart went on sabbatical from music in early 1971, Spencer Dryden (from Jefferson Airplane) began a ten-year relationship with the group as their drummer, and eventually manager. The first album, eponymously titled, was released on Columbia Records in late 1971 and was a moderate success. Featuring all John Dawson songs, the record was driven by Jerry Garcia's inventive pedal-steel playing.

With the New Riders desiring to become more of a self-sufficient group and Jerry Garcia needing to focus on his other responsibilities, the musician parted ways with the group in November 1971. Sadly John 'Marmaduke' Dawson passed away in July 2009.

Source: Soundboard.

Sound Quality: Excellent (Linage - SBDMR > Reel > Alesis Masterlink > CDR > EAC > SHN).

Genre: Country Rock

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

Workingman's Blues
Superman
Truck Drivin' Man
I Don't Know You
Runnin' Back To You
Down In The Boondocks
Garden Of Eden
Glendale Train
Fair Chance To Know
Sailin'
Connection
Henry
The Weight
Last Lonely Eagle
Louisianna Lady
Fun, Fun, Fun
Honky Tonk Women

Band Line Up:

John Dawson - rhythm guitar, vocals
David Nelson - lead guitar, vocals
David Torbert - bass, vocals
Jerry Garcia - pedal steel guitar
Spencer Dryden - drums

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments: You can stream the concert below. For download files in either MP3 or OGG VORBIS format, visit the Internet Archive (here).

Listen:

Radiohead - Spectre

Radiohead - Spectre.

And we quote - Last year we were asked to write a theme tune for the Bond movie Spectre.

Yes we were. It didn’t work out, but became something of our own, which we love very much.

As the year closes we thought you might like to hear it.

Simply wonderful, enjoy Radiohead and their interpretation of a Bond theme for Spectre. In my opinion, better than.... but hey ho, I'm an unashamed Radiohead fan.

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

Southern End - Lost Girl

Southern End - Lost Girl.

Background promo - Newcastle band Southern End, formed in early March 2014 with members Patrick McBeath on lead vocals/rhythm guitar, Aidan Liddle on lead guitar, Duncan Brown on Drums/percussion and Andrew Gray on bass guitar and backing vocals. After getting together in high school through similar influences, they decided to jam out a few of their favourite songs and have since then written and recorded many songs. 

Lead singer Patrick McBeath brought ‘Lost Girl’ to the band’s rehearsal the day before their scheduled recording session at Trackdown Studios with producer/engineer Evan McHugh. Impressed by the songs potential the band quickly stuck the pieces together and recorded it in the studio the next day. “We had heaps of originals to go in with, but after we finished it at rehearsal we all knew it was the right song to use” says Southern End. 

The finished product was a track that took an atmospheric pop approach to blues. Southern End are looking to start off 2016 with a slew of shows on the east coast supporting the launch of their new single. “Lost Girl” by Southern End will be released 15th of January 2016.

This is a really cool bluesy rock track. Patrick McBeath has vocals just right for this type of song. The band are clearly a long way beyond jamming their favourite songs, 'Lost Girl' has all the right ingredients, and production is spot on.

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

Gently Does It: Joseph Sant - Glass Face

Joseph Sant - Nor'easter.

Background promo - Joseph Sant is a musician living in Brooklyn, NY, hailing originally from Seattle, WA. He deals in lush, green, mountainous musical textures hewn out of his Pacific Northwest. He composes with angular shapes, the noise of subway brakes, off-kilter grids, and the encroaching sea.

His debut, Sea White Salt, is influenced by New York’s coasts, imperilled as they are by climate change, reshaped in an instant by catastrophic storms, and prey to wolfish markets. These songs explore the connections and analogies between forces of nature, impassable social barriers, and the gravity of all-consuming love and persistent dreams.

For Sea White Salt, Joseph collaborated with his good friend and producer Gabriel Galvin, erstwhile proprietor of Four Foot Studios in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn. They recorded Sea White Salt in a few overnight marathon sessions in the dead of winter, just before Four Foot Studios was evicted, casualty to the overheated real estate market synonymous with that neighbourhood. Fellow Brooklyn artist Stirling Krusing plays lap steel on the album. Long-time collaborator Tyler Graham plays drums. These artists, together with bassist Georgia Tan, form the five-piece band that now plays under Joseph Sant’s moniker. Release date: January 14, 2016.

'Nor'easter' is the third of four tracks on the forthcoming EP. There's a relaxed pace to the EP, the featured track is fairly typical of the style, however expect gentler offerings as well. The whole thing is a solid piece, great vocals and musicianship, and really good production, make this a pleasing collection, of rather classy songs.

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

Glass Face - Roses.

Background promo - Glass Face recently released their debut EP, ‘You Are Nowhere’. A dream pop group based out of London, Ontario in Canada, Glass Face's members include Amelia Fraser on vocals, Cole Sefton on guitar, Dylan King on synths, and Rowan Grice on drums.

Fresh on the heels of their ‘Hotline Bling’ cover, which was featured on Spotify’s "Chill Covers" playlist, ‘You Are Nowhere’ marks the first official release from the band, composed of five original self-penned and self-produced tracks. The band describes the EP as an amalgamation - a cage match between folk, post-rock, and electronica. It’s twenty minutes of discovery: an exploration into the sound of four young Canadians who all bring distinct influence to a project which they foster with an evolving sense of direction.

‘You Are Nowhere’ features Glass Face’s debut single ‘Holland’, which received a high profile placement on MTV’s Teen Wolf and made the band one of the most Shazamed artists of the week. ‘Roses’, the second (and current) single lifted from the EP, is a mesmerizing atmospheric pop song with heartfelt vocals and a huge orchestral arrangement, which has already succeeded the bands cover of ‘Hotline Bling’ on Spotify’s official “New Music Friday” playlist. ‘Underkept’ is a two-part journey that takes the listener from a vocal-ridden dreamscape head first into an instrumental wall of pure sound and energy. Finally, the EP’s last track, ‘Wild Wood’, shows a softer side to the band, driven forward only by a grand piano and Fraser’s raw and powerful vocals.

A six track EP if you include the one minute 'Outro', it starts with the featured song 'Roses'. The band deliver a distinct and atmospheric sound, however what really makes them stand out is the song writing and the genre spanning musical interpretation. From dream pop to shoegaze via indie folk, Glass Face are not afraid to experiment, and importantly, they do it very well.

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

Monday Double Up: Twin Ages - Sophie and The Bom Boms

Twin Ages - Outlaws.

Background promo - Formed in Melbourne’s inner South East, from the ashes of original angry, young band Junk and Jill, that featured various musicians and produced a couple of independent releases, Twin Ages has come a long way conquering everything you could throw at a band, from a broken hand in a broken down van to dating every Yoko in Melbourne. 

Their passion is now supported by an arsenal of stories presented to you in the form of cut throat rock and blues. Twin Ages have played some of Melbourne’s most prestigious venues, (Espy, Cherry Bar, The Vineyard, The Hi- Fi Bar, The Brunswick hotel, Revolver, etc, etc) to large crowds. The unique sound these guys produce is unlike anything else coming out of this generation, combining a throwback to traditional Blues, a lot of rock and even some heavy undertones. Their style is one of a kind and marks them for future fortunes. ‘Sabertooth’, their 2nd release is already receiving airplay in Melbourne, and the new stripped back 3 piece line up is, “the best they’ve ever sounded” according to their fans. Twin Ages pedigree is formidable, featuring two sons of Melbourne’s legendary Blues Band from the 80’s and 90’s. “Outlaws” by Twin Ages will be released 15th of January 2016. 

'Outlaws' has all the guts and swagger of The Black Crowes, back in their early days. Add to that the potency of a three piece band, one that knows how to mix rock and blues, and you arrive with Twin Ages. This is seriously one fine rock'n'roll tune.

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

Sophie and The Bom Boms - Big Girls.

Background promo - If you’re not familiar with Sophie Stern, the Los Angeles native is a former pop songwriter that was signed to Dr. Luke’s camp. After spending a few years writing for some huge names, she decided to launch her own project, inspired by everyone from Erykah Badu to Tom Tom Club. Also, her father is a famous actor that had a huge role in one of the best holiday movies ever..(Stern…)

For her forthcoming EP, Sophie collaborated with two amazing producers - David Elevator (won three Grammy’s for his songwriting/production work on Beck’s “Morning Phase”) and Dan Dare (Marina and the Diamonds, Charlie XCX and MIA). The result is an exciting, innovative, fun new sound. “Big Girls” sets it off.

'Big Girls' is a nice slice of punchy indie pop. It's bright and it's fun, with a funky bass line driving the whole thing along.

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

Alternative Take: Zaflon - Colder

Zaflon - Nightmare Division (feat. Gilan-Music).

Background - An ambient and sinister down tempo, LDP 1 is the debut EP from South London innovator Zaflon. Two songs featuring Zaflon’s latest collaborator Gilan_Music among the cyclonic sub-bass, abstracted guitars, harmonic piano and crooked percussive breaks.

The featured track is described as follows - ‘Nightmare Division’ (feat Gilan_Music) – is the first of two tracks featuring Gilan (both the low male vocal and high female vocal are sung by her). “This track uses a lot of samples of river noises that I recorded on the Thames riverbank, including the hull of a big old barge being hit with a stick. There are flies, doors and breaking watermelons in there, too, among plenty of other things. Abstracted guitars and an outro consisting of an old piano and a 909 drum machine play out as a modern nocturne. The river driftwood vibe is a theme that runs throughout LDP 1.” 

'Nightmare Division' is the second of four tracks on LDP1. You can stream the entire EP as one piece (here). I can't really add much to the description above, the sheer amount of work and attention to detail that runs throughout the EP, makes this a must hear for anyone, with a liking for trip-hop or down tempo ambient music.

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

Colder - Your Kind (Kasper Bjørke Remix).

Background - Following the digital release of “Many Colours”, Colder keeps digging on his post-punk approach to the contemporary electronic scene, using the raw material of his long awaited third album to come up with a remix EP for lead single “Your Kind”, and a limited edition vinyl of the album featuring unreleased B-sides. Including four guest artists from different horizons and a remix from Colder himself, the Remix EP of “your Kind” manages to blend in a various mix of influences with great results:

Influenced by the new wave and krautrock scenes, Kasper Bjørke seemed like a match made in heaven for the remix of a Colder song. With his take on “Your Kind”, the versatile Danish producer chose to put an emphasis in of the late 70’s influences already distinctive in Colder’s music. The result is a minimalistic song filled with troubling, addictive beats, making you reach for the replay button instinctively.

Featuring Matias Aguayo, Kasper Bjørke, Barney Khan, The Left Hand Path and an exclusive club mix by Colder himself. 

The sheer level of difference and interpretation between each remix on this EP is remarkable. My natural liking for Krautrock made the Kasper Bjorke remix an instant favourite for me. Can't argue with the description above, however the other versions are equally worth checking out.

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

Saturday And: Slow Culture - Shields

Slow Culture - Hoax.

Background promo - Slow Culture is the musical child of four guys who spent their adolescence saturated in music. The culmination of various lineups and bands dating back to 2009, their music holds within it the personality of four people who've effectively grown up together. It started (as all promising bands do), when Jack, Ben and Lee decided to form a band even though two didn't play an instrument. Ignoring this basic requirement, the three carried on. With Payton joining later, opting for bass synth, the groups sound was cemented, developed from a wide variety of influences. 

The product of various lineups dating back to 2009, Slow Culture could be described as the meeting place of psychedelic and alternative rock. Their debut single, “Hoax”, alternates between quiet withdrawn verses and raucous choruses, layered with psychedelic sounds reminiscent of early Pink Floyd. Recorded at Free Energy studios in Camperdown and produced by the legendary Phil Punch, the singles reliance on experimentation in the studio is clear. Layers of guitar effects, synths and a cigarette lighter used as a guitar slide are the meat on the bones of a song held together by the incessant practice and revision that the band undertook prior to recording. 

The band describes how the song “came out of an acoustic jam [they] just happened to record years ago”, the name taken from a biography of Brian Jones which was sitting in the corner of the room. Stating that the single has taken on so many forms that it’s almost “unrecognisable as the same song”. “Hoax” will be released 15th of January 2016.

I don't know why, but Radiohead sprang to mind when I started listening to 'Hoax'. It's certainly not a copy of their style, Slow Culture from this song at least, have quite an individualistic sound. Whatever, I like 'Hoax' and it's easy to understand the psychedelic meets alternative rock reference above.

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

Shields - Mezzanine.

Background promo - Shields embody the Playlist Generation. While other artists publicly decry music streaming services, Shields have been shaped by the diverse artists whose music they might never have heard through more traditional means.  Shields’ musical output is a reflection of these diverse influences, and their debut album ‘How Can We Fix This?’ has a genuinely broad appeal whilst at the same time refusing to conform to a simple description.

After hitting the live circuit heavily (including support tour dates with Placebo and Everything Everything, and performing at Glastonbury and the BBC6 Music Festival in Newcastle), the band crafted a tight sound and a solid body of songs, ready to record this debut. The development of their unique sound has been largely due to their DIY approach to production. Using their own studio space to record a vast range tracks over a 12-month period, the band caught the eye of double Grammy award-winning producer Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters) who helped them complete their debut album.

Bushby said, “Shields, in my opinion, are one of the best bands I've heard in a long while in both songwriting and performance. They are an incredibly fresh and original-sounding band who I think will go on to achieve great things.” The recent single ‘Face to Face’ captures the kind of innovative alt-pop instrumentation and delicate harmonies that saw 2012 single ‘Mezzanine’ (also on appearing on the album) featured as iTunes’ single of the week and garnering praise from sources as diverse as Kylie and Zane Lowe. Shields – How Can We Fix This? is out 26th February 2016 on Kaleidoscope Records.

'Mezzanine' is the third of ten songs on the forthcoming album, and typifies the quality and vibrancy of the album. The band have toured a lot and worked hard to develop their pristine sound, something that becomes clearer the more you hear from the album. Work and effort aside, this is great music, after all that's what it's all about.


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

Friday Pairing: Anna Rose - Powerkompany

Anna Rose - Start A War.

Background promo - At first glance, one wouldn’t guess that Anna Rose, the adorably petite blonde with the sugary name, is a fearless, unabashed, mind-blowingly talented Rock and Roll powerhouse.  But, Rose, in fact, is walking, singing proof that big things most definitely come in small packages.   It’s no wonder that Pancakes and Whiskey declares her a “complete badass.”

Anna Rose is gearing up for the release of her new EP, Strays In The Cut, a collection of six mesmerizing tracks that find the singer/songwriter pushing her musical boundaries. “I am very much an album artist and a storyteller, so the idea of scaling it all back to the size of an EP was a challenge in itself. It forced me to look at the songs in a different way, the production, everything. These six songs needed to tell the whole story. The limitations I placed on the length made the process so much more imaginative in every other aspect.” shares Rose.

Strays in the Cut is the much-anticipated follow-up to Rose’s Beyond a Pale Horse, which Flashwounds declared a “deep swirl of Blues and Rock and Roll” that “beautifully represents the many dark and beautiful corridors of the human heart.”  Beyond a Pale Horse introduced us to Anna Rose’s dynamic voice and effortless command of the guitar; each song highlighted by attitude and pure grit.  Undoubtedly, Beyond the Pale Horse cemented Rose as a veritable force, with hard-driving Rock and dirty Blues coursing through her veins. 

In 2012, Rose also gained attention for her sultry take on Arcade Fire’s “My Body is a Cage,” which is currently available for download on iTunes. Cover Me Songs premiered the track, affirming, “The sparse cover showcases her effortlessly soulful singing.” Since then, Rose has shared the stage with a variety of notable artists, including: Crystal Bowersox, Howie Day, Teddy Geiger, Tyler Hilton and founding member of Live, Ed Kowalczyk. The consummate artist, Anna Rose lets her spirit shine through with every performance, while captivated fans hang on every note. Anna Rose is set to play the Brooklyn Bowl on January 27, 2016 with more dates to be announced soon.

 'Start A War', may be a little laid back, however the tension and drama in Anna Rose's voice simmers, as this gentle bluesy song unfolds. If the EP is as good as this, we have something special to look forward to.

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

Powerkompany - Can't Cry.

Background promo - Powerkompany's compound noun name is hardly coincidental; by the sound of their first single off their upcoming two-part LP Fever & Chills, it's completely possible that they are a fully functioning power station (but not the Robert Palmer/Duran Duran supergroup). "Can't Cry" features vocals by the band's Marie Davon that are so massive that not only has the song been probably powering our entire office like a mini nuclear reactor, but it gives Diane Lane's performance in Streets of Fire a run for its wallet. 

Fever & Chills was recently completed at Chase Park Studio in collaboration with Andy LeMaster of Bright Eyes and Azure Ray fame. The two-part LP is made up of two sides of six songs that reach into the depths of the most orchestral music that permeated a more fun era in pop music, like in the 1980s, although there are hints of cabaret whimsy throughout that wouldn't be uncomfortable living in a dark, 1920s opium brothel. The album is out February 5th 2016, and its playful score and powerful vocals are a must for anyone who loves their favorite records to dabble in the cinematic. 

'Cant Cry' is just a taste of what is one very good album. Songs are imaginative, diverse and some are splendidly big in production. The sheer variety that comes across, in the twelve tracks that make up the album, left me wondering why they chose 'Cant Cry' as the 'streamed' song. I guess you have to start somewhere, and it's a good song, it needs to be to get on the album.


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

Thursday Two: Three Tree Town - Ghost Wave

Three Tree Town - Two Birds.

Background Promo - The pleasantly contrasting vocals and war-drum beats of Three Tree Town’s latest track “Two Birds” marks the beginning of the bands delve into their new sound. After several successful festival sets and over ten years playing together, the band now takes their countryside popularity and head for bigger lights. 

In an unprecedented alliance with renowned musician and studio owner Beau McKee (Closure In Moscow) the band have managed to capture their alt/folk roots and combine them with new percussion grooves to form an en/rely alternate sound. “We never tire of this track” says one of two lead singers Dylan Berends. “And now with the alternate arrangement, this apple landed nowhere near the tree it fell from!” 

With a “pull and go” style guitar technique, mix of female and male vocals and bouncing drum rhythms, “Two Birds” is an upward journey, speeding towards eternity, gaining momentum with each bar. The raspy vocals Dylan Berends are relieved by the sweet and innocent return vocals of Tania Lodge that show hints of hit band Of Monsters and Men while maintaining reviews that Three Tree Town is Australia’s answer to an early Mumford & Sons. 

A story of crossed paths, misconceptions and everlasting effects it echoes a tale of how the slightest interactions can result in catastrophic results. “Two Birds” finishes with a smooth sigh, giving closure to the listener but reminding them that there is more to come from Three Tree Town.

This is a really good song. The contrasting vocals, intricate guitar work and 'marching' drums are so well woven together, the end result is one short and sweet song.

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

Ghost Wave - Blues Signal '79.

Background words - Yesterday Ghost Wave released their Blues Signal '79 single, taken from a forthcoming album out early in 2016. The album was recorded in Auckland and mastered by Sonic Boom....more details to come.

The band explain the background to the song as follows - Blues Signal '79 kinda eventuated out of this other song that we used to play called Jazz Style. The original of the version of the song was way different to what you hear, and I'm really glad that after playing Jazz Style for 3 years, we scrapped it. I'm a big one for throwing songs away, even when I really like them... 3 years later, recorded, the song just wasn't meant to be. I just heard the original recording on the drum stem and was like "nope, this isn't happening", so deleted it. Within 5 minutes the new organ hook had arrived, we dropped the bass on it, and felt like we had a way more captivating piece of music. 

We decided to put this song out first cause it's kinda different to stuff we've released before. Ghost Wave isn't a singles band, but we're super proud to release Blues Signal 79 off our upcoming LP Radio Norfolk (Flying Nun). It's a slice of GW's future (album on the way), looking at the past (don't forget), wondering why nothing makes sense (or does it?).

This is one of those songs that's hard to pigeon hole in a specific genre. Whatever, it's catchy, clever and does the trick in making me look forward to checking out the new album, when it lands next year.

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

Tuesday Two: Flightress - Doprah

Flightress - The Room.

Background - “The Room” is the latest offering from Perth acoustic duo Flightress, and explores the idea of homelessness, and one version of how it could feel to be put in that place personally.

Songwriter Minky G says, “I wasn’t trying to make a political statement on being a refugee or losing your home, this is just how it feels to me when something that you thought was solid and immovable is taken from you, and you have to rely on other people to get you out of that place. But sometimes, that’s when you find the best parts of others, because it’s so much easier for them to walk away, and sometimes they don’t”.

Recorded by the sea at Driftwood Studios in Trigg, WA, and produced by the talented Rene de Vries, “The Room” takes on a uniquely Australian sound, with the duo including sounds from the garden outside the studio (check out the magpies at the end of the track!) They also enlisted a cello player, who rocked up with a 19th century instrument to include on the song.

Flightress combines songwriter Minky G’s mellifluous melodies with duo buddy Rosco’s seriously awesome guitar licks, the pair create a unique sound that makes them one of Perth’s most prolific live acts. Between them, they’ve jammed with Beyoncé's band (and taken them surfing!), supported UK artist Passenger, jazz muso James Morrison, John Butler, and once accidentally supported Gyroscope as well as a cheeky gig at the Queens Jubilee Celebrations in England in 2012.

This is a gentle and sincere song. Vocals skip above the acoustic soundtrack, and the addition of a cello really does add depth, to this well produced song.

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

Doprah - Lucid Visions.

Background - Doprah are very proud to share Lucid Visions, the first single and video from their forthcoming album called Wasting. The video features an intriguing religious cult based plot, set amongst a hazed out and spooky forest.

Producer/Director Julian Vares has an interesting story about the video, which may even reveal a missing link to the infamous Parker-Hulme murder as portrayed in the Peter Jackson movie Heavenly Creatures. We shot most of this video in a random spot of forest up at Victoria park, just off Dyers pass road. The day before the shoot we doing doing some location tests and I had my wardrobe designer sitting under the tree we planned on shooting. She felt something sharp buried underneath the tree roots and actually un-earthed half a brick wrapped in what looked like an old 1950's girls-high issue stocking. The Parker-Hulme murder happened not far away after all. I did some research and apparently the actual murder weapon sits on some police-commissioner's desk as a paperweight. I'll never know if we found the legitimate other half brick, a relic from the Heavenly Creatures production, or simple fell victim to some weird prank. I've since lost the brick anyway so I guess we'll never know.

Doprah - a Christchurch New Zealand band - released their debut EP in 2014 to widespread acclaim and featuring a brilliant video for the track Stranger People. This was followed by a trip to CMJ New York, various festival slots including St Jerome’s Laneway Festival and performing with Lorde, Silicon, The Phoenix Foundation and more.

The video for 'Lucid Visions' has been added to our BeeVids page. It's no wonder the band have been getting noticed amongst music pundits, their imaginative and quite intriguing songs really do have that 'special something'. Lucid Visions has a trippy psychedelic vibe for me, whilst the video is something else and worthy of a check.


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

Two For Monday: Living Hour - Chrystyna Marie

Living Hour - Seagull.

Background - Living Hour began in the basements of South Winnipeg, writing dreamy love songs inspired by the cinematic sky of their hometown. Blending bright shimmering guitar pop with thick casio drones and uniquely powerful, smoky vocals, their sound washes over you like  the soundtrack to the best parking lot makeout session of your youth.  Watery echoes of gorgeously sung melodies, psychedelic interlocking guitar, and huge driving crescendos create an enchanting wall of blissful dream pop.

Living Hour contributed two songs to Family Portrait II, a vinyl compilation put out by Art is Hard Records (Bristol/London) in April 2015, and released a super limited edition cassette of their debut s/t album with Tree Machine Records (Bloomington) that same month. The band will release their debut album world-wide with Lefse Records (Portland) on February 19, 2016.

Tour Dates:

March 3    Winnipeg, MB    The Good Will Social Club
March 4    Fargo, ND    The Aquarium
March 6    Des Moines, IA    Des Moines Social Club
March 7    Rock Island, IL    Rozz Tox
March 9    St Louis, MO    Foam
March 11    Denver, CO    Lion's Lair
March 13    Phoenix, AZ     Trunk Space
March 18    Santa Barbara    CA    FUNZONE
March 19    Fresno    CA    Peeves Pub 
March 22    Santa Cruz    CA    Bocci's Cellar
March 25    Davis    CA    Third Art Space Collective
March 29    Portland    OR    The Analog Cafe
March 31    Bellingham    WA    Loudhouse
April 2    Rossland    BC    The Flying Steamshovel
April 3    Kamloops    BC    Zacks Coffee.

A little bit dream pop & a little bit shoegaze (and quite a bit of the epic), 'Seagull' stands out from the crowd, with beautiful guitars and atmospheric vocals.

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

Chrystyna Marie - Loaded Gun.

Background - Originally hailing from Toronto, Crystyna Marie sings with a powder keg voice over a cocktail of grungy blues and pop. The classically trained Canadian-born singer has supported Ontario acts and been featured as a demo singer on indie labels from as young as 18 years old.

Marie has taken first place in various categories in the Kiwanis Music Festival 2 years in a row. She's taken lead roles in local community plays; West Side Story as Maria and Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Over the years, she has racked up a long list of smaller roles in music videos, television and was also the lead singer in an LA founded pop group called Greencat. Writing and releasing her own music, with her own unique voice, however, is where her true passion lies.

Believing the classics are just as essential as modern favorites, she finds musical inspiration in everyone from Janis Joplin, Ottis Redding and Etta James to Selena and Christina Aguilera.

Although Crystyna has been represented by several independent labels over the years, she decided that in order to shape the sound she wanted, releasing music on her own was absolutely necessary. Her first solo single, "Loaded Gun", is proof that this was the right choice, revealing the first taste of Marie's gritty take on the blues. The EP is due to be released on Feb 29, 2016.

About the new material, Marie says "Breath is life, and life is music. I wanted to create music from personal experiences and true emotions. Something the everyday person can relate to and build strength from having been exposed to it. With a raw and gritty feel to emulate these experiences and emotions".

'Loaded Gun' has a timeless blues vibe, and a song that is delivered with power and passion by Chrystyna Marie. It deserves to be noticed.


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