Genre Wander: Robert Nix - James Edge And The Mindstep - Missing Sibling - Jake Meadows

Robert Nix - Won't Go With The Flow'.

Background promo - Robert Nix is largely recognized as an innovative alternative artist, incorporating alternative, postpunksynth, new wave, pop, classical and progressive rock into his songs and appealing to the 'intelligent alternative music fan'.

With his unique songwriting style, musical approach and distinctive haunting voice Nix stands out from the rest of the crowd.

"Once in a Blue Moon", Robert's latest release, is his 5th. The album reveals an artist dedicated to recording his own brand of song. Nix handles all aspects of the album's writing, performance and production.

OK the album was released back in January, so late to the party again! However it's such a good LP that a quick mention seems only fair. The featured song gives a hint of what's in store, expect a lot more.
 
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James Edge And The Mindstep - On A Red Horse.

About James Edge and the Mindstep - "I want to change the way people think about acoustic music and start redefining what it can be. I am pleased to have found, in Folkstock Records, a label brave enough to take on the challenge of releasing something as unusual and abrasive as On A Red Horse".

James Edge is already a studious musical maestro and a top drawer composer. The Kent-raised musician studied composition to master’s degree level under Joe Duddell - arranger for the likes of Elbow and New Order. After moving to London and starting to gig in 2006, he formed James Edge and the Mindstep to record 2010 debut album ‘In The Hills, The Cities’. The working relationships he built around this time would provide him with some dependable collaborators, including regular engineer and occasional co-producer Tom Aitkenhead, best known for his work with Laura Marling and Bloc Party. A core jazz-folk trio of Edge, double bassist Andy Waterworth and drummer Avvon Chambers materialised. Together the trio started recording second album ‘Machines He Made’ over a five day period tracking everything live and only overdubbing the backing vocals. The songs were largely unrehearsed, with band members and additional session players mostly having not heard the pieces before. This spontaneous hodgepodge has resulted in some of the most whimsical and deeply experimental music to come out of the capital in a while. The eerie acoustics of Nick Drake inform the atmospherics of much of James’s songwriting, but his sheer compositional nous - which draws on aspects of jazz, modern classical music and punk rock and roll - elevates songs like ‘On A Red Horse’ to a place far above any glib and generic categorisation. He is closer to a modern day Zappa, channelling his eccentric art through folk arrangements to create something deeply surprising, raw, and unnerving.

The On A Red Horse EP is released 15th April 2016 on Folkstock Records. An award winning independent label, they have achieved over 20 plays on BBC Radio 2, 3 and 6 Music over the last year, receiving positive Sunday Times reviews for their compilations and charting albums in The Telegraphs's Top Folk Albums of the Year for 2014 and 2015.

There is real nervous energy etched into this song. Chamber music meets folk music via all manner of directions and yet some how the whole thing ends up in a coherent and really good song.

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Missing Sibling - Mary's Rashers.

Background bio - Missing Sibling is a five-piece indie rock band from North Texas known for melodic, guitar-driven rock songs that are anthemic and sometimes melancholic, but always meant to be played loud. Their sound has been described as “a less grumpy Pixies” and like “Sleater-Kinney meets Bruce Hornsby.”

After spending 2015 playing regional shows to promote their 2015 EP, Commiserate, Missing Sibling will be expanding to national and international touring in support of their self-titled debut album, which will be out on Idol Records in April 2016.

Members: Drew Gabbert (lead vocals, guitar), Todd Walker (vocals, bass), Steph Buchanan (vocals, guitar), Kevin Buchanan (synth), Josh Hoover (drums).

There's a robust feel of  "this is our way of playing, so get over it" as Missing Sibling rip their way through 'Mary's Rashers' a song that demands the volume is notched up for your complete attention. It's a gutsy no nonsense rock'n'roll piece and it works!

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Jake Meadows - Echo Of Tomorrow (feat. Daniel Johns).

Background - Sydney artist Jake Meadows has a new track that features Daniel Johns who collaborated with him on his upcoming EP. Echo of Tomorrow is Meadows' debut single was released on March 11th

Echo of Tomorrow is a clear and honest portrait of the artist’s imprint. With Daniel Johns as an honoured collaborator, Meadows has created a modern marriage of true analog and electronic

His signature sound has been built from years of experimenting with modern electronic techniques, classical harp and rich harmonious layers has featured as part of John’s recent shows as well as with Angus & Julia Stone, Eves The Behaviour, Paul Max, Thelma Plum and many other  Australian artists.

'Echo Of Tomorrow' has layers of calming sounds and a real atmospheric feel. Vocals are a perfect fit for the music, whilst the rhythmic beat ensures the whole piece flows just right.

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L Is For An Australian Double Play: Little Coyote - Lama

Little Coyote - Neverending.

Background promo - Emerging from the sands of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, alternative-pop-rockers Little Coyote have been playing venues since their first live show at Upstairs Beresford mid-2014.

Combining thumping beats (Anto Dinh, drums) and funky resonance (Gareth Bussey, bass), with a vintage-feel 6-string twanging fluidity (Matt Coates, guitar) and powerful, rich poetics by (Judd English, vocals), Little Coyote has ripened into an ability to create quality alt- rock music with an honest lyrical content.

Their debut EP Howl was quoted as having “a healthy dose of rock that has just about the perfect amount of attitude" [Ted Rogan, The Equal Ground]. Neverending will be the lead track on Little Coyote’s second EP scheduled for release in early 2016. Written by Judd English and Anto Dinh. Neverending was recorded and mixed by Wade Keighran at Linear Studios in Leichhardt, Sydney and mastered by Steve Fallon at Sterling Studios in NYC.

Their recent show highlights included monthly residencies at The Steyne Hotel’s Moonshine for May & August 2015 including supporting The Hinds (as part of their International Tour) and headlining Next Wave Youth Concert at Manly Jazz Festival; headlining the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life charity fundraising event, and a plethora of shows across Sydney including gigs at Oxford Art Factory, The Standard, Narrabeen Sands, Spectrum, World Bar, Mona Vale Hotel, The Newtown Townie, Brighton Up Bar, Manly Food & Wine Festival and Newport Festival. Catch them live when you can. “Neverending” by Little Coyote will be released 25th of March 2016.

The opening drumbeats lead into both soaring guitar play and the distinctive vocals of Judd English. The 'alt rock' swagger is notable as 'Neverending' builds into a fine rock number.

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Lama - Wolf.

Background promo - Lama are the enigmatic 7-piece originating from Melbourne (AUS), whose unorthodox line-up dips its toe in the orchestral pool. Pitting a flute, trumpet and violin against a killer rhythm section, underneath some powerful bearded vocals, the result is exactly what you’d expect: nothing like what you’d expect. 

The new and revamped line-up is fast becoming known around the traps for their vivacious and colourful live show.

Their explosive set has proven to be acquiescent to the festival stage, with a number of Australian appearances under their belt including Strawberry Fields, Folk Rhythm and Life, Cool Summer and Brunswick Music Festival. Sporting a jazzy, psychedelic glam-rock set of tunes, Lama pack a certain whimsical absurdity as well as a punch. 

Lead singer Dave Adams takes the audience with songs of loss, anarchistic rants and psychedelic adventures - whether it be the plight of a French burlesque dancer (a fugitive from death) or an obscure primary school tale of disappearing into the grass... 

The lead single to be lifted from the bands upcoming debut album is “Wolf”, a tongue-in-cheek and candid song that, well, struts. Delving into some facetious social commentary, the themes are not to be taken too seriously. 

“‘Wolf’ started off as a political rant...now it’s just a rant” – Dave Adams (singer) The track showcases some filthy guitar riffs, punchy horns and a ballsy vocal performance, with a cheeky Hammond organ solo that comes out of nowhere. 

“Wolf” was produced by Jonathan Dreyfus (French Ave Studios) and recorded with Craig Harnath (Hot House Studios) and Nick Herrera (The Grove Studios), mixed by Craig Harnath and mastered by Tony “Jack the Bear” Mantz (Deluxe Mastering). Artwork by Sebastian White. “Wolf” by Lama will be released 8th of April 2016.

Upcoming Shows 
Sat 9th April @ The Retreat Hotel, Brunswick, VIC 
Fri 15th April @ The B.East, Brunswick, VIC
Fri 13th May @ Bar Open, Fitzroy VIC 

Lama unleash uncompromising full on, powerful rock and more, with the song 'Wolf'. The song skips genres as it develops, the power is refined by the mix of vocals and instruments, it's a cool track.

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Quality Not Quantity: Andy Shauf - Joon Moon - Jenny Gillespie

Andy Shauf - The Magician.

Background promo - On May 20th, Anti- is excited to release an immensely imaginative work from acclaimed young singer-songwriter Andy Shauf called The Party.

The Saskatchewan-based Shauf recorded his first album at home and toured Western Canada playing DIY punk venues with an acoustic guitar. In 2015 he gained attention with a an album called The Bearer of Bad News that NPR called one of “2015's most breathtaking albums” and “an appropriately titled collection of mostly grim tales about small town drug addicts, murderous lovers and other weary underachievers.”

With The Party, Shauf masterfully creates a cast of memorable and unique characters. They show up “Early to the Party,” reveal secrets (“To You”) or try to reveal nothing (“The Magician.”) In “a city the size of a dinner plate,” everyone knew the guy who keeled over after smoking what he promised would be his last pack of cigarettes (“Alexander All Alone.”) There’s the girl dancing by herself in the middle of the room, with the “Eyes of Them All” upon her. One moment you’re dancing with someone who bears an uncanny resemblance to your ex (“Martha Sways,”) and later slagging your best friend as way of endearing yourself to his recently dumped ex (“Quite Like You”).

All of this is set to ornate arrangements of fuzzed-out guitars, string sections, clarinets and dreamy synths, all draped over delicate piano, acoustic guitars and rainy-day drums. The Party is not exactly a concept record, but it was a way for the singer-songwriter to get out of his own head. An after-party record, more like it. Or for the hangover the next day, when only Shauf’s songs can make any sense of the emotionally-charged scenarios that played out the night before.

When The Party was over, Shauf had no regrets—even if its characters have more than a few. You’re invited to The Party. It’s one you’ll never forget. Andy Shauf will be touring extensively in Europe in the next few months. He is set to open for The Lumineers on their highly anticipated European tour this April and May. He will also be doing headlining shows and festivals, including the Primavera festival in Barcelona (ES). 

'The Magician' is getting a lot of attention, which is hardly surprising as it's such a wonderful song. A foretaste of the 'The Party' album due out in May, it's really nice when a song gets you excited and in anticipation of what's to follow.

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Joon Moon - Call Me (Radio Edit).

Background promo - Joon Moon's story started in 2014 in Montmartre, Paris, in the studio of the excessively discreet Julien Decoret - with Phoebe Killdeer giving breath to his first lyric sheets. The indefatigable Moon's aim was to continue creating, after touring with Nouvelle Vague, Florent Marchet etc, and start his own project.

Joon Moon have announced their upcoming EP Call Me coming out March 25, 2016 on Kwaidan Records / !K7.  With the announcement they shared the title track of their EP along with US tour dates, see below.

With all the creative decisions already made for keyboards, vocals and drums, Julien joined up with his pals Raphael Chassin and Sébastien Trouvé for both the studio recording and stage show that they had already collectively imagined. In early 2015, thanks to chance encounters and other musically-minded friends like Marc Collin and Hugh Coltman, Julien Decoret met another artist with an impressive live show (and someone just as reserved as he is) - Krystle Warren, born in Kansas City and recently arrived in France.

The four had mutual friends, and after a few try-outs in the studio and a misunderstanding about a certain Alice / Juliette Lewis (a story that makes them all laugh even today) a real synergy came to pass, with Joon Moon the result - both in the studio and on stage.

Their first EP Chess, released late 2015, showcases a mix of precise and impressive pop and soul arrangements, hinting that the album due in 2016 will be an exciting discovery, joyfully crashing through numerous musical barriers. A word of warning though - the siren-like voice of Krystle Warren may have you addicted to Joon Moon before you know it!

The song 'Call Me' gently starts out with delicate keyboards and beautiful vocals. It then builds into a really fine piece with the various instruments all adding an extra dimension.

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Jenny Gillespie - Dhyana By The River.

Background promo - Jenny Gillespie returns with her new single 'Dhyana By The River', ahead of the UK release of Cure For Dreaming.

Cure for Dreaming was recorded in autumn 2015 in Los Angeles, CA. Featuring musicians such as Paul Bryan (Aimee Mann,) drummer Jay Bellerose (Robert Plant and Allison Krauss’ Raising Sand), guitarist Chris Bruce (Meshell Ndgeocello,), guitarist Gerry Leonard (David Bowie) and pedal steel player Greg Leisz (Lucinda Williams, Bon Iver), the album blends an earnest folk sensibility with experimental flavourings of progressive jazz and sunny R&B-flavoured pop - think Minnie Riperton, Fairport Convention, and Shuggie Otis.

The songs span a variety of landscapes, from a warm Venice boardwalk with its “chakra hucksters” to a woman’s solitary, spiritual rebirth on the banks of an East Coast river in “Dhyana by the River" while themes of motherhood, marriage, spirituality and dying enter into the music through the medium of playful and conversational language. Characters weave in and out of the songs - such as the brooding loner drawn to the masculine expressions of his ancestry of “Part Potawatomi”, or the cheerful artist facing death in “Last Mystery Train.”, and the music itself is loose, warm, and memorable, pulling off an undercurrent of occasional instrumental and melodic wildness not often found in modern day pop.

'Dhyana By The River' showcases Jenny's definitive vocals right from the start. The song twists and turns as the music keeps things coherent underscoring what is quite a remarkable piece.

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Martin Tillman - Superhuman (New Album)

Martin Tillman - Notes Towards The Universe.

Background words - More than any other form of art, music transports us from the physical plane to a realm of reflection, dreams and excitement. Yet at the same time, we find ourselves swaying to the melody, if not dancing wildly to its rhythms. Such is the power of listening to Martin Tillman’s “Superhuman” a soundtrack for the composer’s upbeat imagination that rocks with his sense of stylistic and technological exploration, while jetting down to the EDM Earth his tunes encourage us to leap from. Mind and body are one as Tillman elevates body and soul in “Superhuman,” lighting a stylistic path with his distinctive fusion of music and movement.
  
As a world-renowned cellist whose distinctive playing can be heard on such scores as “Black Hawk Down,” “The Ring” and “Batman Trilogy,” Tillman’s equally distinguished career on the concert stage has drawn a number of renowned players to this ambitious project, among them guitarists Michael Landau (Michael Jackson, Joni Mitchell) Davey Johnstone (Elton John), Graham Russell (Air Supply),  drummer Vinnie Colaiuta ( Sting, Frank Zappa), Bassist Leeland Sklar ( James Taylor, Phil Collins),  vocalist Dee Lewis (Peter Gabriel, Jamiroquai) , Toto keyboardist David Paich and the  “City of Prague Symphony”.  All contribute to the rhythmically expansive, cello-topped sound of “Superhuman,” its eleven, stylistically diverse tracks made all the more cinematic by movie score mixer Jeff Biggers. “Because he has this tremendous experience on epic films, Jeff’s talent allowed me to treat ‘Superhuman’ as a soundtrack for the audience in a way that goes beyond incorporating EDM and rock and roll into my themes,” Tillman says.

Tillman hears “Superhuman” as an album that will unlock listeners’ own imaginations, in much the same way that the composer has transformed adversity into the thematically soaring, encompassing optimism of “Superhuman.” “Music lets us dream a different existence, and make it our own,” Tillman concludes. “It’s that spirit that’s now let me find a new, powerful way to express myself with ‘Superhuman.’”

Composed, produced, performed and arranged by Martin Tillman
Guest musicians:  Dee Lewis Clay vocals, Davey Johnstone guitars, Michael Landau: guitars, Graham Russell acoustic guitar, Vinnie Colaiuta drums, Leland Sklar bass guitar, David Page keyboards, William V. Malpede piano, Michele Balduzzi and Daniele Pianigiani sound design, Christopher Healings:  remix ”Involuntary Midnights”, Aaron Steinberg guitar, Angel Roche Jr. percussion,  “Involuntary Midnights” “Seint Nicolas was borne in the citee of Patras"  performed by Anonymous 4, courtesy of Harmoni Mundi USA.
Strings orchestrated by William V. Malpede
Orchestra recorded by City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
Executive producer Russell Emanuel 
Mixing by Jeff Biggers
Mastered by Nick Cooke at Extreme Music
Engineered by Steve Genewick, Joerg Huettner, Adam Schmidt

'Superhuman' is an aural delight. If you are a fan of music by the likes of Vangelis, Jean Michel Jarre, and anything remotely like them, then put simply, you really should own a copy of this album. The featured song gives a small taste of what's in store on this diverse and expansive album. Production is wonderful across eleven inspiring tracks, it's a case of Hi-Fidelity heaven.


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Genre Wander: Sex on Toast - Laurel - Animal Noise

Sex on Toast - Doubt.

Background promo - Following the cult success of recent single 'Oh Loretta!' & a knockout performance at Bigsound 2015, Melbourne 10-piece Sex On Toast are about to drop their new EP 'Ready', heralded by the release of new single & video for 'Doubt'. They'll also be hitting the road soon, with a Sydney show & NZ dates just announced.

There really, really isn't anyone quite like the formidably talented, performatively irrepressible 10-piece that is Sex On Toast. They're fervidly dedicated to their craft. They're unconditionally vivacious. They're virtuosos of the tongue-in-cheek. And they're 'Ready' to unleash the goods once more.

It's a rare band that has the savvy to successfully combine retro production, tight 70s/60s inspired instrumentation, and lyrical commentary that bites harder than your Aunt's rabid chihuahua. And you'll want to listen again. But Sex On Toast aren't content to leave it at that. Outrageous videos are fast becoming a band trademark - as anyone who's seen the clip for 'Oh Loretta!', featuring Molly Meldrum, can attest. The Tanzer-directed video for 'Doubt', with its use of soft-focus lens, Caddyshack-inspired mise en scene, and screwball exploration of male bravado, is every bit as waggish & winking as you'd expect.

'Ready' is the first EP but second release for Sex On Toast, who put out their self-titled debut LP in 2014. Produced by the band's front man Angus Leslie, the EP is a triumph of sleek pop, driven by the band's uncontainable effervescence.

Dates:
Wednesday, March 16 | 'Doubt' Residency @ The Gasometer, Melbourne w/ The Scrimshaw Four & Ayawatamaya
Wednesday, March 23 | 'Doubt' Residency @ The Gasometer, Melbourne w/ Frida & Dx-Heaven
Thursday, March 24 | Yot Club, Raglan NZ
Friday, March 25 | Waiheke International Jazz Festival, NZ
Saturday, March 26 | Coastella International Music Festival, NZ
Sunday, March 27 | The National Jazz Festival, Tauranga, NZ
Wednesday, March 30 | 'Doubt' Residency @ The Gasometer, Melbourne w/ Au Dre & 777 - 93 - 11
Thursday, April 21 | 'Ready' EP Launch @ Newtown Social Club w/ The Cactus Channel.

'Doubt' is my introduction to the band and boy am I pleased to hear them. The ten piece bands production is superb, vocals and music are well mixed (you get to hear all elements clearly) and the sheer energy, fun and bravado is infectious.

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Laurel - Life Worth Living.

Background promo - Southampton-raised, 21 year old London-based singer, songwriter and producer Laurel Arnell-Cullen has today revealed her brand new song ‘Life Worth Living’ from the forthcoming Theia Recordings release, after time away concentrating on producing her debut album.

‘Life Worth Living’ was solely written, recorded, produced and performed by Laurel in her East London bedroom based studio.  It follow’s two EPs, ‘To The Hills’ and ‘Holy Water’ and the release of single Blue Blood, which Laurel released in the summer last year.   She posted the song several years earlier on Soundcloud as an unknown teenager, which spiked huge industry and blog interest.

Laurel has been busy touring and playing numerous UK festivals including, The Great Escape, Dot to Dot, Bestival, and Radio 1’s Big Weekend.  Laurel also played her first U.S shows at The Troubadour in LA, KCRW’s “School Night” in LA & New York, Northside Festival in New York and NXNE in Toronto.

With a debut album scheduled for late 2016, ‘Life Worth Living’ further enhances Laurel’s position as a phenomenal new talent, mixing strong hook based electronic production with striking yet touching song writing and powerfully enchanting vocals.

This is a really fine song. 'Life Worth Living' has real heart and soul. The song's production reminds me, in part, of First Aid Kit, however I emphasis only in part, and as a massive fan of their music, please see that as the compliment it is meant to be.

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Animal Noise - Sink Or Swim.

Background promo - When Animal Noise self-released their debut album ‘Run Loose’ in 2012, they quickly went from playing in their rehearsal studio, an old cowshed on bass player Birdy’s farm, to the stages of Bestival & T in The Park.

Through extensive support from BBC Suffolk's Introducing show, Animal Noise caught the attention of BBC Radio 1, receiving airplay from Greg James, Huw Stephens, Sara Cox and Scott Mills. BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson was also a big fan, recording a session with the band for his show. This widespread national radio support and subsequent festival appearances have meant Animal Noise have built a large following across their home county of East Anglia, and now they’re looking to reach further afield.

Working with producer Tom Donovan, the band have been crafting songs to follow up 2012’s ‘Run Loose’. The first tracks to come from these sessions will be found on their Sink Or Swim EP which will be released on limited edition vinyl as part of Record Store Day.

The lead single ‘Sink Or Swim’ will be released on the 8th April, upfront of the EP on 15th April. The band describe the track as having “a bouncing staggered riff that flips from aggression to reflection. The song runs with a recurring theme of water and helplessness, relating to plaguing negative thoughts and anxieties about taking risks, a fear of jumping into the deep end of something new and different which scares a lot of people…"

The EP includes the tracks 'Bag of Bones' and 'Alright', which have already gained momentum through extensive BBC introducing support. A compelling blend of strong melody and intricate structure, Animal Noise are as innovative as they are exciting.

Clearly rehearsing in a cowshed on a farm in East Anglia is conducive to developing great music. 'Sink Or Swim' is the first of four songs on the EP and it's one of four really good tracks. With almost anxious levels of energy the bands passion comes through in every song. It's no surprise they are already registering considerable interest and attention.

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Friday Three: Wolfie - Gillian Nicola - Wolf Girl

Wolfie - New Horizons.

Background promo - Wolfie is the artist name for Lisa McNaughton, a Blue Mountains multi-instrumentalist and singer songwriter. Her music can only be described as an eclectic smash up of roots, grunge, folk and African rhythms which has crossed over from her love of African dancing. Wolfie is all about rhythm, big drums and driving guitar, something you can move to as Lisa says.

Wolfie started out as a solo artist Lisalive. As Lisalive, Lisa won the blue Mountains singer songwriting competition in 2008, which then led to her releasing her debut EP Roots. She played The Falls Festival in 2009, hit no. 3 on the Triple J Unearthed Roots charts and toured New Zealand and the east coast of NSW and Victoria.

Wolfie is her new project and you can listen to one of her dirtier songs “Talking to Myself” on triple j unearthed. Having played shows with the likes of the Jeff Mar/n, Sarah McLeod, Chase the Sun, Lachey Doley and Abbe Dobson amongst other renowned artists, Wolfie has enjoyed sharing the stage with some amazing muso’s already in her young career.

“‘New Horizons’ is a story of my struggle with mild depression, loss of identity and trying to figure out how to exist on this planet basically! A lot of people particularly young people struggle with this once or more during a lifetime and it’s so hard to get yourself out of it. The black dog can come to visit anyone at any time and the more awareness and clearing of the haze and taboo surrounding conversation about it the better,” says Lisa of her new single.

While Wolfie does write the guitar and lyrics she has help from her partner and drummer Sam McClain and their ever changing bassist who at the moment is Steve Stockton. For “New Horizons” she has also recruited the talents of west African style drummers Dom Hanly and John May of ‘Hands Heart and Feet’,  “New Horizons” was recorded in the Blue Mountains in our bass player’s studio, just a couple great mics, tie dyed curtains and a great vibe, magic!  “New Horizons” by WOLFIE will be released 25th of March 2016.

With deep bass drums and a thumping beat 'New Horizons' is a funky piece. Lisa brings even more to the party with her powerful and melodic vocals.

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Gillian Nicola - Oh Marie.

Background words from Gillian - My first single, “Oh Marie” draws directly on the idea that we often find it hard to call anyone or any place home. I've presented the story of a character who seemingly has everything she needs in life, but still has a sense of emptiness. Marie abandons it all for a new life – something that so many have dreamed of, but few have the courage to pull off. 'Oh Marie’ is just as much about questioning how she could go through with her actions as it is about envying them. While at times it may be "pretty", 'No Place to Call' is anything but that: it is charged with emotion, grit and vulnerability.

In late 2015, I headed into Catherine North Studios to work with producer Dan Hosh (Whitehorse, City & Colour, Rose Cousins) on my sophomore EP, 'No Place to Call'. Mastered by Elliott Brood’s Stephen Pitkin, the five-song EP is a move to a sound that I feel more fully defines me as an artist. The full EP will be released this Spring!

'Oh Marie' is a modern folk song with rich vocals and excellent musicianship. As the song builds the hooks got under my skin, what a charming song.

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Wolf Girl - Deep Sea Diver (from 'We Tried').

Background promo - Wolf Girl are Becky, Chris, Carl and Christabel - a garage pop four-piece based in South London with a shared propensity for long walks on the beach, guitars that look like Cadillac's and feral teenagers. Having met each other through being in awkward teenage bands in the South East, they eventually formed in September 2013.

Their debut EP ‘Mama’s Boy’ was released on limited edition cassette on Soft Power Records (who have also been the first home to the likes of Witching Waves, The Spook School and September Girls) in November 2014, and stays true to the poppy energy of their frenetic live shows. With admirable authenticity, they record and rehearse in an old garage called Bucket East that backs onto the river Wandle, staying faithful to their garage-rock tendencies. It’s been said that they both do and don’t sound like the Ramones, and have also been compared to both the Shop Assistants and Bratmobile.

Wolf Girl have their own trademarks though, offering a spirited take on powerful, melodic and jagged indie pop that often recalls the noisier aspects of C86.

Forthcoming live dates:
Mar 24 DIY Space For London - London, UK – Album launch show with Chorusgirl, Dirtygirl and Camp Shy.
Mar 26 Glad Café -  Glasgow, UK
Mar 27 Henry's Cellar Bar =Edinburgh, UK.

'Deep Sea Diver' is the sixth of nine songs on the new album. Released on 25th March 2016 'We Tried' is a collection of garage and punk pop, with the emphasis on highly upbeat and enjoyable pop tunes. It's unpretentious high energy music, which mixes male and female lead vocals, and it is brilliant!

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Genre Mix: Sophie Lowe - Fragile Creatures - Jaggery

Sophie Lowe - Breathe.

Background promo - After high triple j rotation of her first single 'Understand' and the seductive follow up 'Pink Flowers', Sophie Lowe returns unveiling her vulnerability in her latest track 'Breathe’.

Taken from her 'EP 2', 'Breathe' sees Sophie expose her inner thoughts about life, love and confidence, in turn creating this powerful, provoking electronica jam.

Sophie said, "I wrote 'Breathe' at a time in my life when I struggling to feel comfortable within myself and my surroundings. I wanted to talk about anxiety with this song because I feel its not talked about enough."

Sophie has launched into 2016; soon to be starring in the film ‘Waiting for the Miracle to Come' co-starring Willie Nelson and Academy Award nominee Charlotte Rampling, starring in Flume’s latest film clip alongside the man himself for 'Never Be Like You ft. Kai’ and she was recently named by Italian Vogue as one of the ‘Australian’s to watch’ in 2016.

The actress/songwriter was also recently featured in a full page Rolling Stone Australia editorial as well as being named 'One of their favourite artists of 2015’. Her videos for 'Understand’ and 'Pink Flowers' were added to rotation on rage, MTV Australia and Channel V.

In 2015 Sophie went from strength to strength supporting sold out shows across Australia with Meg Mac and Montaigne. Sophie Lowe has her sights set on 2016 working with new and exciting collaborators; Sophie Lowe is not a name to be forgotten.

'Breathe' has a simple but quite hypnotic rhythm, that works really well with Sophie's vocals. The song feels personal, there is enough emotion to draw the listener in, without overwhelming them.

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Fragile Creatures - Stowaways.

Background promo words - Fragile Creatures are a rock band from Brighton on a mission to restore Britain's reputation for original guitar music. Combining the very best of classic American and British pop and rock into beautifully crafted songs that will move you to the dance-floor and stick in your head. They are about to release their debut album ...And Other Wild things, the first release from new label Brightonsfinest Presents, due March 18th 2016.

Band names can sometimes mean nothing, or come across as very silly. Or be so all-embracing that they too lose all meaning. Everything Everything? TV On The Radio? Vampire Weekend, anyone? Then you get something like Fragile Creatures which is a neat encapsulation of humans. Well, as neat as you can get within the limitations of a bands name. But it nearly didn't happen for this Brighton -based five piece: "There was a guy called Dave, who was investing in us and he said you should call yourselves Fragile Creatures, right from the off," remembers Adam Kidd, lead singer and guitarist. "We all said 'no'," Adam laughs at the memory of it, "Then a couple of months later I said halfway through a rehearsal: 'Guys! Got a great idea for the band name! Why don't we call ourselves Fragile Creatures?!" Indeed, such is the human way with appropriation and rights... But, whoever deserves the credit, there is no denying it is a great name for a band, surely that all but the most egotistical of us can relate to.

OK so the song 'Stowaways' has been around a while and has already made a very positive impression on a good many people. It's a fine song and gives an indication of what's in store for us, on the forthcoming new album. Each of the dozen songs lives up to the bands aspirations, it's upbeat, lively and very pleasing.

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Jaggery - Garden. (From the album Crux).

Background promo - Operatic ululations shiver above hand-hits on a wood box drum. A clamorous breakdown dwindles to a time-tick and a whisper. The latest offering from Boston band Jaggery — who’ve been creating entirely unique, genre-defying art rock for over a decade — begins ("War Cry") and ends ("Nijinky's Diaries") with extremes. Dramatic explorations of the dark corners of the human condition lead into the album's heart: the stripped-down title track "Crux," a chamber pop meditation on the confusing, beautiful mess of existence. Jaggery’s third full-length album is a swirl of storm clouds surrounding a quiet, contemplative eye.

Crux marks Jaggery’s first collaboration with co-producer and engineer Jon Evans (who has worked with Tori Amos, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, and Sarah MacLachlan, among others). Jon’s treatment has the band sounding better than we’ve ever heard them before. Singer Mali Sastri’s acrobatic whispers and wails are at once forceful and ethereal, often heard through the distinct sound of a copperphone mic. Drummers Daniel Schubmehl and Dylan Jack’s intricate, jazz-based rhythms pop and sizzle with clarity and articulation. Tony Leva’s dexterous upright and electric basses snap and rumble. Rachel Jayson’s avant-classical viola dances, sings, and scratches, always with elegance. And Petaluma Vale’s Celtic harp glistens and shimmers with thoughtful, well-placed accents.

Jaggery formed in New York in 2004, and relocated to Boston in 2008, where their live shows often include visual artists, storytellers, dancers, and aerialists. The band’s interest in aesthetic cross-pollination is evident on Crux. Four songs came out of a collaboration (Ten Paintings/Ten Songs) between Mali and painter/theater director Steven Bogart (“War Cry,” “Garden,” “Icy,” “Venus in Transit”). The alternately smooth and jagged track “This Way That Way” was commissioned as part of a song cycle for a Leonardo da Vinci exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in the spring of 2015. The agitated “Raskolnikov” is an ode to Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment protagonist. And the lyrics of the album’s climactic closer “Nijinsky’s Diaries” are taken from the journals of the eponymous ballet dancer of the early 20th century, who inadvertently documented his own descent into schizophrenia.

Jaggery’s unconventional sound has consistently eluded easy genre classification. “Restless chamber pop,” “avant rock,” and “darkwave jazz” have all been proposed. Whatever label you choose, this amalgam of piano, viola, harp, bass, percussion, and what boston.com calls the “mercurial majesty” of Mali’s voice holds its own ground and speaks for itself. Crux immediately clarifies a recurring tendency of Jaggery’s music: it’s not there to placate crowds. Jaggery challenges listeners: through subject matter, instrumental arrangements, and the visceral power of a voice with zero qualms about exploring the full spectrum of uttered human expression. With arresting skill, sui generis originality, and unnerving beauty, this album cuts to the crux.

I first heard some of Jaggery's music two or three years ago. Their genre defying sound never fails to impress me. They experiment, test boundaries, and yet never come across as indulgent. 'Garden' is but a small taste of what to expect on the album. It's music as art, or possibly art as music!

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The 2ubeXtra Festival: Taws - Ruby Sky

Liverpool's first and only independent online music festival The 2ubeXtra returns on 13th April 2016. Once again, The 2ube are building up to this year's festival by staging weekly 2ube Live shows every Friday night, but 2016 has brought an exciting new development... For the first time ever, The 2ube Live will be broadcast each week on Liverpool's Bay TV. The weekly show on Bay TV consists of past highlights from 2ube Live events punctuated by live shows, the next of which is scheduled for Friday 18th of March. This event will also be streamed around the world via YouTube. The following artists will be taking to the stage at Liverpool's Paul McCartney Auditorium.

Taws - Mama Doesn't Own You.

Background promo - Taws are a four-piece progressive/math rock band hailing from UK, Norway and USA who met at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts in 2013 and have grown into a tight and energetic live band.

Intricate riffs, heavy grooves and soulful vocals make up a unique and innovative sound. The band will be releasing their second single 'Lost In Brighton' in spring 2016.

 "Taws ‘head-scratching ideologies have been carefully concocted for the sake of ‘once you listen, you will never go back.’ (…) Ferociously intimidating but nevertheless capable of slamming the replay button.?" -- GetIntoThis, UK, Liverpool??

"Taws look like they have been playing together for years and they kept the audience going through the whole set." -- Run & Tell That.

Taws really took me by surprise. The description of them as a progressive/math band gave me preconceived ideas. The song 'Mama Doesn't Own You' changed all of that. It's mixture of power and full on soulful vocals, that morph into something gentler towards the end, is quite spectacular. One more to explore, for me.

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Ruby Sky - When It's Easy.

Background promo - Ruby Sky (born Emma Buckley) is a Liverpool based Singer, Songwriter. She began her musical journey as an acoustic solo artist captivating audiences with her catchy chorus’ and perfectly poignant lyrics, in small venues across the midlands and North West. Securing winner and finalist positions in a number of regional, UK and even Nashville song writing competitions, she is widely considered one of the countries most talented up and coming singer/songwriters.

Ruby was recently hired to write a biographical song about local veterans for war project ‘Giving Veterans a Voice’. The project, the ministry of defence and the immediate audiences were so blown away with the song Ruby decided, with the projects funding, to release the single both physically and digitally in association with the Royal British Legion and shot a music video, which is currently totalling over 8000 views.

Whilst continuing performing her acoustic material across the North West, during her studies at LIPA (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts), Ruby has been developing her live sound with her 5-piece rock band.  Even with her new heavy rock guitars and edgy pop/rock arrangements she maintains a raw but beautiful honesty that’s just unavoidably addictive. With a whole host of full band gigs lined up for the New Year and some exciting festival interest, Ruby Sky is certainly one to watch in 2016.

The mix of edgy rock musicians and the refined vocals of Ruby Sky combines to make some really fine music. 'When It's Easy' mixes power and elegance, vocals are splendid and rise with ease over the thundering soundtrack. Her more acoustic songs are equally good and worth a good listen.

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Alternative Take: Jarbird - Meeka Kates

Jarbird - Such Is The House.

Background promo - London outfit Jarbird released their debut EP "Such Is The House" last week on burgeoning French independent label Oskar.

The 4-piece found its roots at Leeds University where vocalists Ric and Lara were studying. After recruiting bass virtuoso Jim and returning home to their native London upon graduation, the lineup was rounded out with the addition of drummer Rami.

First single from the EP "Such Is The House" surfaced on line in demo form last year, this track is a melting pot of so many brilliant musical perspectives, which could only be channelled by a band with an exuberant, wide-eyed fascination with the possibilities of their music. "Such Is The House" has been championed by the likes of BBC Radio 1 DJ's Annie Mac, Huw Stephens as well as Beats 1, XFM and US radio zeitgeist KCRW where it was hailed their Top Track. "Such Is The House" has also reached #1 on Frances most influential radio show Radio Nova and FluxFM in Berlin.

 Next track from the EP "Iona" is a triumph for the bands sustained creative restlessness. "Gavelkind" and "Jocasta" further show Jarbird to be at the forefront of progressive pop, as impressive with their textures as their harmonies.

Jarbird succeed in their knowing but expertly delivered goal: to sound like no other band out there. Their recently announced London headline show at The Waiting Room has Sold Out, further live news coming soon.

'Such Is The House' is the first of four quality and style laden songs on what is a splendid EP. Each song has a different dimension to it, however all four tracks are single material in their own right. Highly impressed!

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Meeka Kates - Empire (Feat. Allen Ginsberg).

Background promo - Meeka Kates, a recent Melbourne transplant from NYC, is an independent singer, songwriter, and producer. While still a student at the University of Pennsylvania, Meeka released his single "Closure" and accompanying music video on  The Bearded Man, an imprint of Armada Records. Garnering nearly 1MM listens worldwide, it was picked up by major outlets including Complex, Dancing Astronaut, and La Belle Musique.

FindNewJams is pleased to present "Empire," Meeka's first release of 2016. It was inspired in equal parts by Jean-Michel Basquiat's painting "Mecca", which serves as the cover, and Allen Ginsberg's poem "Howl", part of which is recited by the poet himself in the third verse of the song. It's a bouncy indie electronic dance track about the downfall of civilization.

2016 holds a lot in store for Meeka, including one more single in April and two EPs scheduled for official release in the summer on Kraak & Smaak's nascent label Boogie Angst. He will also be accompanying K&S on their fall European tour to promote their sixth full length studio album, which features Meeka on their lead single "So Clear".

Funky vocals are way up in the mix, right where they belong. I used the 'less is more' expression very recently, this is yet another endorsement of that view. The song beautifully builds and the inclusion of Allen Ginsberg is wonderful.

Quality Not Quantity: WE-ARE-Z - Summer Heart - Wolkoff

WE-ARE-Z - Easy.

Background promo - WE-ARE-Z produce quirky, rhythmic indie 'wonk-pop' born out of many wine fuelled late night jam sessions in bass player Archie's studio in London. Their idiosyncratic songs are largely observational, yet fully accessible, inspired by weekend booze fuelled culture and the late night chaos found in many British cities and towns, the increasing acceptance of the plastic surgeons knife as the norm, the futility of man's desire for ever increasing material acquisition and madness in its multifarious forms.

WE-ARE-Z represents the the culmination of each of the band members' adventures through music.
Bass player Archie, through his work as a producer has worked with James Morrison, Pharell Williams and Celtic song writing legends, The Waterboys. Frontman Gabby had weaved his way across the globe in an array of guises, playing and performing in desert festivals in California, working with Brazilian Hip Hop artists in Montreal and New York, and providing avant-garde musical textures for the alternative theatre scene across Germany. Drummer Guillaume and guitarist Drew have both clocked up air miles touring across most of Europe, Scandinavia and Russia in many different bands, whilst keys player Clement had travelled the length and breadth of France as a street magician before teaming up with the others to make the leap of faith from magic to music, whilst still retaining an element of magic in his on stage antics.

'Easy' is a song about the insane addiction to, and sweetly tormented lust, for ever increasingly adrenaline fuelled travel adventures. Each member regaled the others with various individual experiences of life on the road, before they had come together. Late night run-ins with Mafiosi in remote snow bound Russian towns, sumptuously hedonistic musical performances in the deserts of California with a mélange of tripped out hippy characters and naked women adorning pianos and whatever other parts of various musical instruments happened to be present, drives across the Atlas mountains of Morocco in vehicles that would frequently break down, horse riding in Mongolia, midnight skinny dipping in villages high in the Norwegian Arctic Circle. There was definitely a song to be had!

The musical influences are most definitely left-field, in what is a refreshingly upbeat song. Vocally it seems to drift from Russell Mael of Sparks one moment, into somewhere quite unique. Musically it's a melting pot of sounds that come together into a great indie type piece.

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Summer Heart - The Forbidden.

Background promo - With much of the world blanketed in snow, now might be the perfect time to soak up a new release from Summer Heart, the solo project of Swedish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, David Alexander. Best known for a nostalgic low-fi sound, David’s sun- bleached latest track The Forbidden is just the thing for those pesky winter blues.

In this song, Summer Heart brilliantly uses a mix of vocals, guitar, synths, bass and drum machines in the song to create his signature variety of hazy, dream pop.  With such an impressive blend of rhythms, tones and melodies, it’s hard to believe that there’s just one man behind the Summer Heart so artfully packaged sound.

Summer Heart is a featured performer at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin from March 15-20. Additionally, you can catch Summer Heart play a much-anticipated show at Brooklyn’s famed Knitting Factory in New York on March 23.

Taken from is forth-coming EP, the new single The Forbidden holds all those quirky attributes of David’s song-writing and production skills, and it was out 4th March 2016.

SXSW: Wednesday 16th March - The Townsend – 1:05am
Saturday 19th March - Icenhauer’s - 1am
NYC: Wednesday 23rd March - Live In Brooklyn – The Knitting Factory.

'The Forbidden' is a peaceful multi layered dream pop song, that kicks into a more energetic zone, without losing the charming warm vibes.


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Wolkoff - Kings Highway.

Background promo - The song is from her debut album Without Shame and comes out April 15th.

Emerging from her laboratory clutching a new LP created with a mind to build exhilarating, dance-worthy songs about real life, the ever-prolific Wolkoff is proud to present eight new lavishly produced electro-pop tracks. Inspired by symphonic 90's Europop and deep house coupled with new wave motifs, her newest offering (and debut full-length) is titled Without Shame.

The Brooklyn-based Canadian, whose newly minted album was mixed by Grammy award-winning engineer Ariel Borujow and produced by Icarus Moth, used this body of work to explore the stock shame holds in our lives and, more importantly, the possibility of sidestepping its snare through breaking rank and venturing into the unknown.

Wolkoff experiments with tapping into trance writing, during which she delves into ideas and experiences to draw her out of her workday surroundings and situate her imagination in the midst of myriad recollections and musings. Creating Without Shame gave the artist several months to journey through a no man's land of ancient misgivings she'd psychologically set aside for a rainy day, and the product is a cathartic and vibrant octennial of her inner workings.

On the heels of her N64-soundbite/medieval instrumentation infused 2015 Talismans EP, Wolkoff's playful approach to crafting songs continues to generate a narrative-rich, beats-fraught listening experience. On Without Shame, Wolkoff and her collaborators take giant JNCO jeans steps though an engrossing musical landscape, building a spire on the edifice of her trademark sound; a blend of glittering glitch percussion and digital plug-ins, interlaced with pan-era compositions to leave you smitten.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

3/11 - Savannah, GA - Savannah Stopover Music Festival (Club One @ 10:30pm, w/ Prince Rama and Mr. Little Jeans)
3/31 - Annandale-on-Hudson, NY - SMOG @ Bard College %
4/02 - Easthampton, MA - Flywheel %
4/03 - Jamaica Plain, MA - Midway (early show) %
4/06 - Pittsburgh, PA - Pints On Penn %
4/08 - Louisville, KY - Kaiju (w/ Quiet Hollers) %
4/09 - Asheville, NC - House Show (inquire for details) %
4/10 - Norfolk, VA - Thank You %
4/11 - Charlottesville, VA - Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar %
4/19 - Brooklyn, NY - The Knitting Factory %
5/13 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fire %
% - w/ Jesse R. Berlin.

The featured track 'Kings Highway' gives a good flavour of what is a, really good eight song album. The genre hopping collection of songs are in the main upbeat and lively, whilst you are treated to a spectacular range of sounds, all of which supports some 'delicious' hooks and vocals.

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Genre Wander: Exploded View - Kate Brown - Rosie Carney - Future Haunts

Exploded View – No More Parties in the Attic.

Background promo - At SXSW, Mexico City/Berlin-based, Exploded View will be unveiled by US Label, Sacred Bones, fronted by German/Bristol political- journalist-turned-musician/singer Anika who released her self-titled debut album in collaboration with Geoff Barrow’s Invada imprint and Stones Throw to critical acclaim in 2010. LA Times said “Anika phrases syllables with precise Teutonic reserve, as severe and numbing as a Bavarian winter."

This new project was created during the rehearsal sessions for Anika's Mexican live debut back in March 2014.  An unexpected partnership formed between Annika and local producers, Martin Thulin (Crocodiles producer) synth-head Hugo Quezada (Robota) and Riotboy sweetheart Hector Melgarejo (Jessy Bulbo / Nos llamamos) to form Exploded View. The four musicians discovered a new sound, several steps removed from the krautrock-isms of Henderson’s previous work  during their rehearsals and live performances in Mexico City. The straight to tape sessions that followed in the San Rafael neighbourhood, ventured somewhere new; a lighter place, unguarded, veering from any script.  Improvisation was the guiding principle and the source of the band’s inspiration. The studio itself was outfitted so that every sound produced in the room would be recorded. A Tascam 388 8-track captured everything – fully live, fully improvised, first-takes only. Produced by Thulin and Quezada and mastered by Josh Bonati in NYC, the long player is due for release on Sacred Bones in Summer 2016.

Today Sacred Bones Records welcomes Exploded View to the family and offers up the off kilter no wave/ post punk debut single from that album, ‘No More Parties In The Attic’.  A song that finds power in its conflict; a demented collage of noisy perplexing tones and ominous drones backed with distorted guitars, a devastating bass line and fractured rhythms. While Anika’s jarring vocal display may appear softer than her previous works, the song is laced with her unmistakable icy & nonchalant vocals delivered in ruinous calm.

There's quite a lot going on here and in my opinion all of it's fascinating. Vocally I am reminded in part of Nico, and her days in The Velvet Underground, however musically this has elements of a marching Krautrock sound and more. Out of chaos comes order, with this song it could also be the other way round.

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Kate Brown - Bring Me Down Dixie.

Background bio - Mesmerizing narratives and a charismatic command of the stage are essential facets in the vivid artistry of singer-songwriter Kate Brown. Envisioning lyrics and music, touring, acting and now raising a new kind of family—all of these touchstones crystallize into compelling country-rock songs and shape shifting performances. And whether the audience is rapt and attentive or well oiled and rowdy, Kate charms them with self-deprecating monologues, sheer intensity and her audacious authenticity.

A small town girl from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, she grew up with supportive parents that she characterises as “Old hippies in an upstanding Midwest Catholic way -- really accepting and free.” Her mom had played in a folk duo back in the day, and while rummaging in the attic, Kate uncovered her dusty 12-string guitar and a six-string that belonged to her great-grandmother. After what she recalls as a well-received living room performance of “Annie’s Song” by John Denver, Kate had discovered her calling. Buying her own guitar on lay away from a store in nearby Burlington, she was on her way. Eventually dropping out of college, she performed in coffee houses, peddled home made CD’s and slept in truck stops as she traversed the country as a singer-songwriter.

Kate’s song  “Bring Me Down Dixie,” shines a spotlight on a saloon singer who despite the tribulations will not abandon life in the spotlight, no matter how meagre. While this is certainly not Kate’s story, she inhabits this character with grit and grace. “Acting and songs are connected by the thread of storytelling,” says Kate. “Songs are not just a bunch of nice words and a hooky chorus.”

It was at a 10-week intensive course at The School at Steppenwolf in Chicago that she met fellow actor and drummer Tony Sancho, the musical partner who forms a fundamental bond in her endeavours. Their on stage connection is intuitive as Kate observes. “We really trust each other. We’re both performers first and musicians second. He’s a great sideman, very funny, without having to take centre stage -- he just rolls along.” From Iowa, Illinois and Maryland to Washington, Oregon and California, Kate has lived in a variety of locales. Challenging, expressive and committed -- with prairie-nurtured poetics, new family values and a formidable cast of vivid characters, the songs of Kate Brown open windows both outward and inward. In a musical form built on an expression that is both deeply traditional and always evolving, Kate is a formidable voice.

'Bring Me Down Dixie' is one delightful song. Kate's voice is both melodic and powerful, and the accompanying Americana style music, just adds to the whole piece.

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Rosie Carney - Antidote.

Background words -  Rosie Carney, the charismatic 18-year-old singer/songwriter from Donegal, Ireland, has made the cut at NPR’s just released Austin 100 playlist.  The single, the sweetly bitter ballad “Antidote,” is inspired by masters of melancholy Joni Mitchell and Bon Iver, Carney calls “Antidote” a “plea to embrace and feel - rather than reject and mask - the heartbreak associated with loss.”

In 2013, the then 16-year-old Carney burst onto Ireland’s music scene with a stunning performance at St. James' Church during Ireland's highly acclaimed Other Voices festival (Hozier, The National, Ryan Adams). While Carney’s talent has already taken her to London, New York, and Los Angeles, the rapidly rising songstress will travel to Austin, TX in March 2016 to make her SXSW debut.

The intimate feel of 'Antidote' charms and draws the listener in in equal amounts. An exceptional example of 'less is more'.

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Future Haunts - Devon Loch.

Background promo - After gaining traction with their first single 'Green Light', Brissy boys Future Haunts have done the rounds in the local scene supporting a host of soon to be giant acts, such as triple j attention grabbers Good Boy and Big Bad Echo. With no plans to slow down their momentum the band took to the renowned Plutonium Studios to lay down their latest offering.

'Devon Loch' begins to take shape with an infectiously hooky guitar riff, gradually evolving into a layered arrangement which culminates in an epic rinse out that will turn your brain inside out and make you forget what you had for breakfast.

Future Haunts are only just dipping their toes into what promises to be an entire ocean of opportunity, there's really no stopping them now.

Brimming with Indie Rock guitar hooks and smooth vocals 'Devon Loch' is a potent, breezy and above all, pleasingly energised song.

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Power & Punk: Mad Anthony - Hound.

Mad Anthony - Haunt Me feat. Tom Pappas of Superdrag.

Background promo - The ferocious three-piece, Mad Anthony are about to live up to their name, as long as you subscribe to the commonwealth definition of "mad". Expelling the antiquated and tired traditional album cycle, these three lunatics decided, after being excited by all their work and collaborations, that they will release a brand new song every week... for 52 weeks. The Mad Anthology is a culmination of everything that the band has ever accomplished and envisioned.

The project involves dozens of friends, producers, colleagues, peers, and collaborators from all over the continent. The daunting undertaking, although created out of an avalanche of excitement and content, is an interesting business move that screams "2016"; an era in the music business where the public are less and less interested in the traditional cycle of releasing a long player and then waiting potentially years to hear another. That type of release schedule is very un-Mad Anthony. In a time when the news cycle is 12 hours long (at best) Mad Anthony understand that you have to stick around, and take on an attitude of attrition.

So, at the starting line is the band's "Haunt Me", a traditional slice of modern rock, with the classic Ablini-y drum sound and Rust Belt growling vocals. It's the first step in an adventure that will likely turn Mad Anthony round the bend, if that's not already the case.

As ideas go, one song a week for a year, goes beyond a gimmick into something of a mad challenge. That said, in the end it all depends on the music. Well 'Haunt Me' sets the standard, which in fairness is fairly high. Robust three piece rock, with enough edge and passion, to ensure at the very least I'll be checking out for the next song, and quite probably the one after that.

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Hound. - Drown.

Background promo - Hound is a product of a peculiar yet familiar environment. Years spent together ingrained in dilapidated Brisbane share houses wherein countless nights were spent idealising and arguing the nuances of the 70's and 80's punk rock movement. British new-wave, post punk and 90's alternative have unwittingly given Hound their personal take on the very sounds, values and ideas that have sculpted them as a band.

Since their inception, Hound has toured the eastern states, playing alongside bands like DZ Deathrays, Hard-Ons, Clowns, Killing Joke and the Coathangers to name a few, showcasing their tight and frenetic live act, honing their natural instincts of hi-hat abuse, stealth bass lines and inappropriate guitar solos into signature facets. The singer does a fantastic Neil Young. Seriously. Their single 'God Is Calling' aired on national and local radio, with the film clip earning best new clip on ABC's Rage program.

Now thinking of tomorrow with equal parts restlessness and focus, an increasingly reckless creative process and a relentless desire to be ‘not bad', Hound are scheduling three new EPs for release in 2016. The new single “Drown” comes from the first of their forthcoming EPs, due for release in March.

Upcoming Shows:
Saturday 5th March 2016 -The Milk Factory, Brisbane QLD w/ Halcyon Drive
Saturday 7th May 2016 - Last Chance Bar, Melbourne VIC
Friday 13th May 2016 - Bearded Lady, Brisbane QLD
Saturday 21st May 2016 - Glebe Record Crate, Sydney NSW.

This takes me back many years to my misspent youth, when punk was biting at the backside of the rock 'superstars'. 'Drown' has that momentum and feeling. Underneath all the rebellion, many punk bands wanted to be 'not bad' and within that you get the mixture of edginess and determination. Back to basics rock rarely becomes tiresome, as this song more than demonstrates.

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Heidemann - I’m So In Love (From The Forthcoming Detectives EP)

Heidemann - I’m So In Love (feat. Nancy Whang).

Background promo - Heidemann is the solo project of NY-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Monika Heidemann. When not performing and touring as Heidemann, she plays synthesizers in The Juan MacLean and was formerly the lead singer of NYC’s electronic-pop band, Xylos.

Heidemann performs minimalist pop songs with electric bass, synthesizers and pulsing analog drum machines supporting her fearlessly intimate vocals. After releasing her acclaimed solo debut Orphan EP in September 2014, Heidemann is now gearing up to release her new Detectives EP - (out April 8th through Vienna's Fabrique Records), which includes the lead single “I’m So In Love,“ featuring lead vocals from Nancy Whang (LCD Soundsystem and The Juan MacLean).

The forthcoming EP 'Detectives' has five tracks including one remix of the opening song. This really is minimalist pop, however it's also pretty powerful. Enticing vocals are supported by some very clever use of synthesisers, and there is plenty of melody and feisty rhythm. The featured song gives a good idea of what's in store on the EP.

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