Tuesday Mix: Lauren April - The fin. - Wendy James

Lauren April - Picture On The Wall.

Background promo - At the forefront of the bustling Country Music scene in the UK, Lauren April launches herself to the top of the most promising new artist’s lists with the remarkable debut single “Picture On The Wall”, released Monday 16th May 2016.

“Picture On The Wall” comes from a very personal place, showcasing April’s unique ability to connect with audiences through her vivid storytelling and prolific song writing. The debut single resonates with emotive, relatable stories of the lessons learned in love and with tension building musicianship that oozes with modern flair.

Lauren was discovered after astounding audiences with her souring vocals and her ability to connect at open-mic nights in her home town of Nottingham. Word soon spread leading to spins from BBC Introducing, nationwide airplay across all regional BBC Radio stations on Mark Forrest’s evening show and Nottingham Trent University Radio becoming keen supporters of the 20-year-old singer and self-taught guitarist.

Tipped to be the next big name in UK Country Music and her debut EP out later this year, Lauren April takes to the road in May and June supporting The Sons Of Pitches, winners of BBC2 TV’s ‘The Naked Choir’:

11/05 Rhyl, Pavilion Theatre    Supporting The Sons Of Pitches
19/05 Newbury, Arlington Arts Centre    Supporting The Sons Of Pitches
20/05 Brighton, The Great Escape
28/05 Morecambe, The Platform    Supporting The Sons Of Pitches
02/06 Southport , Atkinson Theatre Supporting The Sons Of Pitches
17/06 Deal Astor, Community Theatre Supporting The Sons Of Pitches

Although 'Picture On The Wall' is described as country music, I would suggest it's broader than that, and will appeal to a wider audience beyond pure country fans. However you categorise it, this is a really good song and Lauren's vocals are just right for the part.

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The fin. - Through The Deep.

Background promo - About ‘Through The Deep’ There’s a theme running through the beauteous new EP by The fin. that permeates more than just the song titles. Oceanic imagery features heavily in Yuto Uchino’s lyrics, as references to ship, shore and submersion loom large. The singer articulates these tales of impermanence and transition to a shimmering, sophisticated indie art-pop backing that will be familiar to fin. fans, even though there’s a greater electronic influence to this EP, as synths carry more of the weight, melodically and rhythmically. 

About The fin. “At the end of the day, we just want to be seen as borderless.” Yuto Uchino. Hailing from the vibrant Japanese port city of Kobe, The fin. are a reputed and singular attraction in their homeland due to their stylish Europhile blend of synth-pop, chillwave and dream-pop, complete with English lyrics addressing universal themes of everyday uncertainties. Often referenced alongside the likes of Beach House, Phoenix, Metronomy and M83, the quartet have, since forming in 2012, performed before thousands of rapturous fans at major Japanese festivals including Fuji Rock, Rising Sun and Viva La Rock. Not content with such acclaim in one country alone, Yuto Uchino (vocals and synths), Ryosuke Odagaki (guitar), Takayasu Taguchi (bass) and Kaoru Nakazawa (drums) set their sights worldwide and in 2015 embarked on a major tour of the US, which included a performance at SXSW, before making their first forays into Britain with a handful of dazzling shows in support of their debut UK EP, ‘Night Time’. Their much-anticipated return to these shores this spring comes in the wake of a second British release and a growing recognition that there’s an act of rare, sophisticated beauty creating a big noise in the East. It’s time to turn your gaze to The fin.  

April 27 Tokyo,JP - Studio Coast (The Last Shadow Puppets support)
May 13 London, UK - The Finsbury
14 Southampton, UK - The Alex
15 London, UK - Old Queens Head
19 Reading, UK - The Purple Turtle
21 Brighton, UK - The Great Escape
26 London, UK - Tooting Tram & Social
27 Portsmouth, UK - The Edge of The Wedge

We featured The fin back in November of last year. The new five song EP is so good the least I can do, is mention it. The beautiful title track 'Through The Deep' is incredibly catchy and the understated indie feel and vocal harmonies are pretty special.

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Wendy James - Indigent Blues.

Background promo - Originally from London, now a resident of NYC, Wendy James wrote her latest album ’The Price Of The Ticket’ in its entirety, with the exception of two inspired cover choices, 'It's Alright Ma' by Bob Dylan and 'You're So Great' by Fred 'Sonic' Smith. Recorded in her adopted city, 'The Price of the Ticket' is available on vinyl, CD and via digital download. The record reached No.13 in the Official UK Indie album chart and No.15 in the Official UK Vinyl album chart. It is presented with arresting and beautiful artwork by Kym Ellery and Roze Hooij.

From the album comes a double A side single that showcases Wendy's Garage Rock and Roll credentials perfectly. 'Indigent Blues' is an infectiously upbeat song that Wendy wrote to evoke English 60s Pop. She says "I wanted to create a carefree, suburban London sound, a distinctly English feel, inspired by the movie Georgy Girl and it’s theme tune by The Seekers. There was a period in the late fifties to sixties, where theatre, music, playwriting, and politics, all came together. There was a great sense of optimism but also naivety in young English people. I’m not talking about the hipsters on Carnaby Street but slightly more removed, where they were just wearing their mini skirts for the first time. A tremendous sense of optimism."

'Bad Intentions and a Bit of Cruelty' is bursting with New Wave energy, attitude and raw Rock and Roll. The video, filmed in Paris sees Wendy walking through the city as dawn breaks, champagne bottle in hand, the very embodiment of Art Rock.

Wendy James has spent her entire adult life in the public eye, her musical evolution recorded in a huge body of work, both through her first band Transvision Vamp and as a solo artist. An icon born of the late eighties and early nineties pop punk scene, Wendy's talent, style and attitude led Miley Cyrus to proclaim that Wendy was her original pin-up; whilst Wendy's principles as an uncompromising artist, songwriter and musician have led to an alignment with her own musical inspiration Patti Smith. Indeed this album sees her working with Lenny Kaye of The Patti Smith Group together with Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols and James Sclavunos of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The album's cover versions feature Iggy & The Stooges' James Williamson on guitar/bass and Steve Mackay on Baritone Sax. Wendy James has achieved what few can or have: longevity and a forward motion trajectory in New Wave Garage Rock.

Live Dates:
Thursday 19th May - Brooklyn Bowl, London
Thursday 26th May - The Fleece, Bristol
Friday 27th May - Mello Festival, Throckmorton Airfield,Worcester
Saturday 28th May - Kasbah, Coventry
Sunday 29th May - Darwen Live, Town Hall, Darwen
Wednesday 1st June - The Venue, Derby
Saturday 4th June - Esquires, Bedford

The double A side single is a reminder of just how talented Wendy James remains. The featured song 'Indigent Blues' really does capture a carefree sixties feel, with real pop sensibilities. The other song 'Bad Intentions and a Bit of Cruelty' has Wendy's trademark post punk or new wave credentials. All in all these are two fine songs from a very good album.

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Monday Music: Bonnie Prince Billy - Chief Ghoul - Carly Jamison

Bonnie Prince Billy - Most People.

Background - The first track from the 'Refugee' compilation album has surfaced. 'Most People' is the contribution from Bonnie 'Prince Billy. 

Featuring Richard Dawson, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Linda Thompson, Alasdair Roberts, Ricky Ross, BMX Bandits and many more, the 'Refugee' album is a united effort from some of folk’s most esteemed and cult figures, who’ve contributed an original or unreleased song each to the ‘Refugee’ project.

‘Refugee’ (out digitally on June 3rd through Brainfog) is a highly significant collaborative recording project which reflects, through song, the issue of the refugee crisis in its many forms, from Syria and beyond. It’s been curated by Scottish folk artist Robin Adams, who called on his close friends and musical colleagues from around the world to contribute to the project.

Each track is an unreleased original song, with contributions from the likes of the above artists. All proceeds go to the MOAS organisation (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) who’ve saved more than 13,000 lives since 2013 in the Mediterranean Sea. Read more on them at www.moas.eu.

The first song from the 'Refugee' compilation is this superb acoustic piece from Bonnie Prince Billy. Gentle and understated, something this artist excels at, the song 'Most People' is touching and provoking. With this legitimate cause in mind, I'm sure the collection of musicians involved will deliver equally fine songs.

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Chief Ghoul - Let Me In.

Background promo - Blues rock outfit, Chief Ghoul, announces the release of their latest album, Damned, their fourth release to date and Lee Miles’ solo follow up to III. Chief Ghoul is Lee Miles (guitar, vocals, songwriter), Chase Coryell (bass) and Justin Brown (drums). The band started as the brainchild of Miles, who began his career in song writing as a solo artist under the name Chief Ghoul. Seeking to expand the project’s sound, Miles recruited Coryell and Brown.  premiered their latest single for “Roll Baby Roll, Kill Baby Kill” on Diffuser.fm, with Lee Miles saying, “This song is my ode to the exploitation films of the ’60s and ’70s. They were gratuitous and they were awesome. Not too many movies get made like that anymore and I actually think that’s a good thing.” The Revue said, “Whether he’s telling stories about individuals on land or sea, Miles has established himself as a songwriter to watch. For that matter, he’s not just a musician, but a storyteller.”

Hailing from Louisville Kentucky, Lee Miles moved to Chicago at 21. “Chicago is a gritty city and I mixed that sound with Louisville and ended up with a good merge of the two. I wrote about things that I was going through and there has never been a different feeling for me across my albums.” The band is now based back in Miles’ home in Louisville , where Chief Ghoul’s latest installment, Damned, was written - don’t miss it!

'Let Me In' has a haunting feel to it (sorry could not resist). Actually I guess it's a bluesy lament, set just right as a predominately acoustic piece, with Lee Miles vocals so naturally gifted for this type of music.

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Carly Jamison - Dynamo.

Background promo - Anyone who thinks that rock music is dead has not been following the stream of new singles that have been emerging from songwriter and recording artist Carly Jamison over the past 6 months. First there was the "The Devil's Trying To Bring Me Down" which graced Halloween party playlists world-wide. Then there was "Christmas May Have To Be Postponed", a brand new original Christmas song inspired by vintage rock and roll that reached #1 on the Hypem Twitter Music Chart. "100 Goals" ushered in the new year with high intensity blues rock to super-charge New Year's goals and resolutions. Now, just in time for tornado season, she has announced the release of "Dynamo", an exciting brand new rock and roll song.

Carly States - "It's a totally autobiographical song. There are several people in my life who have told me that when I visit it's like a tornado or hurricane hits, so I thought that would be a fun subject for a song! Plus, I just started hearing it playing in my head one day so it really just wanted to write itself."

The single was produced by Tres Sasser who also produced her previous singles. He said, "We were inspired by 80's guitar riffs and mixed them with stacked Prince-like vocals that are instantly memorable. The song moves and hops seamlessly through the 80's, 90's, and 2016 and takes the idea of a sing along solo to a new height. Chris Tench's guitar work really complements the subject matter and seals the deal musically."

It was recorded at The Sound Shelter in Franklin, TN. Players on the track include Chris Tench on guitars, Tres Sasser on bass, Elton Charles on drums, and Mike Webb on keyboards. It was engineered by Brett Ryan Stewart and mixed by Joe Costa (known for his work with Ben Folds, Ke$ha, and Brad Paisley) at The Sound Shelter. It was mastered by Pete Lyman at Infrasonic Mastering (known for his work with Jason Isbell, Courtney Love, Fall Out Boy, Sturgill Simpson, and others.)

There's something of a retro feel to 'Dynamo'. It's pretty much a no nonsense rock'n'roll piece, with Carly's vocals driving the song forward as much as the drums and bass. Add in a little classic rock guitar and you have one fine song.

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Genre Wander: Corbu - Allie & Ivy - Helix Pulsar

Corbu - Polygon Forest.

Background promo - New York neo-psyche band Corbu are streaming ‘Polygon Forest’, the first track from their forthcoming debut album. With its choral harmonies and tribal drumming over shimmering, glacial synths ‘Polygon Forest’ is a glorious and uplifting trip, taken from their album Crayon Soul, out 5th August 2016 via 3 Beat (EU) & Big Picnic (US).

Recorded and produced by the band, Crayon Soul was mixed by Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, MGMT). A vivid exploration inspired in part by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Graves’ lucid dreams, Crayon Soul is a truly realised vision. “It’s a journey through a series of “gates”, or events that you pass through with the narrator,” says Graves of the album. “At each event, you change and shift into a new part of the story.”

Extremely visual, Corbu create captivating, kaleidoscopic visuals to accompany their music. Encouraging listeners to paint their own path through Corbu’s world, Crayon Soul includes a colouring book, as well as artwork inspired by each of the twelve songs.

Crayon Soul follows two acclaimed EPs, We Are Sound and Everything You Imagine Is Real, which garnered praise from the likes of NYLON, Stereogum, The Guardian, NME and more, as well as capturing the attention of Jessie Ware, who personally requested the band to remix her song ‘You & I (Forever)’. 

The album is a feast of ideas and thoughts captured musically with considerable imagination. 'Polygon Forest' is just one dimension of an epic album, that explores differing musical styles. First time around the listener can't be to certain just how the next song will develop, giving a sense of journey and discovery. That said, there is a constant overall feel to the album, in part due to Jonathan Graves vocal skills. It's a refreshing listen, no wonder that the attention is already there.
 
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Allie & Ivy - Get Hi.

Background - About "Get Hi" “'Get Hi' is about my housemate’s battle with cocaine addiction,” Allie explains. “He absolutely loved to party and lived only for the weekend but his substance abuse had seen him get into thousands of dollars in debt, which put a massive strain on his relationship. He was constantly beating himself up about it, saying he was going to give up the party lifestyle and pay back the money he owed, but as soon as the weekend rolled around he’d get so excited and be up to his old tricks again. He just couldn’t resist the temptation.” - Allie

Bio: Allie & Ivy is indie electropop singer-songwriter Aleisha (Allie) Conlay, from the sunny northern beaches of Sydney, Australia. Writing songs since the age of 11 and picking up the guitar at 14, Allie was schooled in music at a very young age by her father, a guitarist and record collector from London with a passion for 60s music.

Having developed a deep infatuation with The Beatles at age 11, Allie had dreams to one day front an all-girl rock band called The Ladybeetles but unfortunately never managed to find her Paul, George or Ringo. Not one to let that get in the way of her plans, Allie conjured up alter ego Ivy, giving her the comradeship, confidence and support a real band couldn’t.

Allie & Ivy’s fresh sound and penchant for catchy hooks and infectious melodies have gained accolades both in Australia and internationally. With new songs scheduled for release throughout 2016 and a debut EP underway the year is already shaping up to be a busy and exciting one for Allie & Ivy.

Well there is always some room for unashamed pure pop when it's this good. As with any good indie pop piece, it's awash with hooks and upbeat all the way, sometimes that's more than enough.


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Helix Pulsar - Rapture.

Background promo - France's electro rock synthpop outfit Helix Pulsar has announced they will soon release their debut LP 'Beyond the Wall', a 12-track debut EP that was produced by Britain’s Creative Music Studios, which is based in Brentwood. ‘Rapture’ is the lead single from this album.

Most often likened to The Danse Society and Clan of Xymox, they count Depeche Mode, The Cure, Archive, Mesh, IAMX and Muse among their key influences. They also seem to draw inspiration from such themes as sexuality and the addictiveness therein. “This song is about how it feels to surrender to the burning desire of one’s lover… a perfect blend of sensuality and wild instincts as well,” says Estelle Flaujat.

In early 2014, Olivier Rennesson (formerly of Shiny Darkness) joined forces with Estelle Flaujat, who had, until then been involved in gospel and jazz. They united over a shared love of synthpop and electropop and founded Helix Pulsar. Both educated in classical music (piano for Olivier, piano / violin for Estelle), they compose their music as absolute electro synthphonies - note by note, pulse by pulse. After relocating from Nantes to Lille (northern France), they chose to add a rock dimension to their synth pop vibes and welcomed guitarist Steve Boudoux, and their sound came to adopt the sense of pulsating electro rock waves, with contrasting yet engaging rhythms and distinctive harmonies.

"We’ve been crafting this album over these past 2 years composing with our busy private lives. This album is grounded in our personal history, helping us to expel our inner wounds from the past but also celebrating our love and life together," explains Olivier Rennesson. 'Beyond The Wall' will be released on May 6.

The semi-industrial and hypnotic beat makes a perfect background for the duo's vocals. There are a few name checks in the promo and they make sense, however there is a unique and quite addictive feel to this song, that leaves me keen to hear more.
 
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Quality Not Quantity: The Insatiables - Stillwater Giants - ISLES - The Broadcasts

The Insatiables - I Know My Scars.

Background promo - Perth based indie-popsters The Insatiables are gearing up for the May 9 release of their second EP 'Impatient Creatures', with a live launch May 22 at everyone's favourite watering hole The Rosemount Hotel.

Spearheaded by lead single 'I Know My Scars', the six track EP was recorded at Underground Studios with resident producers Mark McEwan and Brody Simpson. 'Impatient Creatures' treads the alternative path, not shy of a trumpet melody or a cinematic sub effect, ultimately providing an expansive landscape. The moodier tracks could sit on a shelf with artists like Lana Del Ray and London Grammar where cyclical guitar and piano riffs swirl around a commanding vocal line.

Following on from their debut 'Let Go of Limbo', which quickly saw the group play the 2013 WAMi Saturday Spectacular showcase, The Insatiables are now armed with an inviting 2016 release that is both lyrically and musically passionate.

'I Know My Scars' is the second of six really good songs on the forthcoming EP. The band have a distinctive indie pop sound that runs through the collection, plenty of melody and well crafted material.

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Stillwater Giants - Montage.

Background bio - Gearing up for the imminent release of their debut album, lovable Perth scamps Stillwater Giants announce the release of 'Montage', the second single from the upcoming LP.

Brotherhood. It’s a word thrown around often, but for Stillwater Giants, it’s now gospel.  These days, two years can seem like a lifetime between new releases. For this Perth four piece it was a necessary hiatus that’s helped to turn them from boys to men, both within their song writing and the mateship that hard times bring. After originally being Unearthed by triple j in 2012 to play the Groovin' the Moofestival, this group of young guns from Margaret River began their steam rolling journey across the country. Swiftly finding themselves warming up the stage for the likes of The Delta Riggs, Birds of Tokyo, Stonefield, Ball Park Music, British India, The Rubens and Regurgitator, they also clocked festival time at Future Music, Parklife, Southbound, St Kilda Festival,as well as heading to US taste maker festival CMJ. The lads were even given the unique pleasure of being the first ever band to perform at the brand new Perth Arena when it opened.

With an intention to head back into the studio for a quick six month follow up to their hugely successful single and EP ‘Fly Under the Radar’, things went slightly awry as they sometimes do. This once cheeky group of musos - who were famous for their happy-go-lucky attitudes and not taking life too seriously -turned. Internal conflicts ensued, university degree debts went up and personal differences almost drove the band apart. Then, something amazing happened. They began recording. The decision to record all parts to their new album live at RADA Studios with Matt Gio (Birds of Tokyo, Katy Steele, San Cisco) presented a chance to bond but also to write new material, together. Inspired by the rawness and evidence of mistakes heard by other artists who recorded live such as Eddy Current Suppression Ring and Parquet Courts, they began.

Continuing to write helped pull the band back from a period of stagnation and the results are stunning. With their fun-loving attitudes back in-tact and a polished new live show,complete with equally polished Dad jokes,this certified party band are finally ready to unleash the very first Stillwater Giants full-length to the world. Long live the Stillwater Giants wolf pack.

Indie rock song 'Montage' is one catchy piece. The band have kept things simple and concentrated on making a foot stomping number, with vocals and harmonies providing as much melody as the perfectly timed chord changes.

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ISLES - The First Act.

Background promo - London-based ISLES are set to release their new single The First Act.


The indie-pop quartet is made up of Goldsmith students: Amber, Luke, Miles and Oliver - a 75% Northern group of friends who now reside in South London.

Taking references from bands such as Orange Juice, Neil Young and REM, the band manage to perfectly blend art school sensitivities with an alternative, bluesy sound. The band spent most of 2015 writing and touring across the UK. Bury Me is their first track of their double A –side single Bury Me / The First Act which will be unleashed on line over the coming month.

Bury Me, the first track to be released, is a soulful song with rugged, dreamy vibes. The melancholy female lead-vocals work perfectly in tune with upbeat guitars, ambient drums and backing vocals from fellow band mates.

Despite being described as indie pop in the press release, ISLES could slip into a number of genres quite comfortably. As regards 'The First Act' vocals are dreamy and delightful, and the music is bright and breezy, almost hinting that summers on it's way. Looking forward to hearing more.

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The Broadcasts - This Is Life.

Background promo - The Broadcasts are a four piece Alt Rock/Acoustic band who are based just outside of Cardiff, South Wales. Previously signed to indie label Right Recordings, the band released a double A side single recorded by legendary producer Stuart Epps (Oasis, Elton John) before leaving their label to pursue an alternative path.

Since forming in 2012 The Broadcasts have played at the BBC Club, London in front of music industry professionals, supported bands like Press To Meco, Dead! and Owen Paul in Cardiff as well as sharing the bill with BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens at Newport Student Union. The boys recorded their debut nine track album in May 2015 at the beautifully scenic Mwnci Studios in Pembrokeshire, embarking on their first UK Tour shortly afterwards. Adam Walton of BBC Radio Wales' Introducing Show, described their music as "Heart on your sleeve, gritty Rock" and that's exactly what to expect from this storming eponymous debut album.

The album is released digitally on June 3rd and will be available on CD from June 17th.

One of nine songs on the new album, 'This Is Life' gives a good flavour of the alt rock side of the album, with super tight musicianship and gutsy vocals. There are some more acoustic based songs that add to the whole in a very positive way,  indeed the band seem quite happy to explore different ideas. It's creative without being pretentious, and there is plenty of good old feisty rock'n'roll.

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Four For Friday: Kid Cupid - The Aves - Winter1982 - AM

Kid Cupid - Siren.

Background promo - After joining forces only a year ago and already being compared to huge acts including London Grammar and Young Galaxy, the London-based indie-electro quartet Kid Cupid are definitely ones to watch in 2016.

Their upcoming new single Siren is the perfect introduction to what’s yet to come. Filled with backing harmonies highlighting the importance of the lyrics and topped with Laura’s incredible vocal delivery instantly draws comparisons to Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry.

Produced by the band themselves, the track ticks all the right boxes from start to finish. It consist of attention-grabbing lyrics, flowing real-world analogies as well as plenty of space for the listener’s diy interpretation. Their clever use of a broader range of instruments such as the snare drums to add the captivating rolling and additional tribal drum patterns resemble the likes of Jungle as well as Bastille’s hit Pompeii. Siren is the lead track taken from their forth-coming EP, and it will be available for sale and download everywhere 3rd June 2016. 

There's a couple of comparisons in the promo above, both have some credibility. Kid Cupid are not however clones, and a reasonably distinct and attractive sound emerges with the song 'Siren'. With a solid beat and rich background vocals, Laura glides above and hints at what is still to come from the bands eagerly awaited EP.

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The Aves - We Were Young.

Background promo - Adelaide's favourite garage kids The Aves have lifted a new single 'We Were Young', a definite highlight from their cracking debut album 'Good News'. Vocalist/guitarist Lucy Campbell says of the track, "For a long time this one was called 'Complicated Chords', because the structure took so long for us to get – the chorus never repeats itself. In the studio we faffed about with it for a long time just to get that rhythm right. The guitar solo had nine takes and Thomas’ hands blistered so much he had to stick them in methylated spirits between takes. Lyrically We Were Young takes cues from Bruce Springsteen, it’s a nostalgic, bitter sweet call back to when I was a teenager. In a lot of ways The Aves have grown up together and this song epitomises all of that energy for me."

With three impressive EP's, a Big Day Out slot thanks to triple j and a stack of touring under their belts that includes Canada's NXNE Festival, New York's River Rocks and Brisbane's Bigsound, The Aves have become known for their high energy live shows, infectious pop-smarts and tongue in cheek lyrics. Initially taking cues from a varied range of the greats like Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Kinks and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, 'Good News' is an album that's both energetic and textured - an ode to Adelaide, Hollywood and suburban dreams. 'Good News' is out now through all good digital retailers via Firestarter Distribution and via the band on CD.

How time flies, it was just over five months ago that we featured The Aves for the first time and after a few positive words finished with "more please", so thank you! If anything the band have an even stronger song with 'We Were Young', which besides being extremely catchy, demonstrates a more developed sound, all of which makes the album a must have.


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Winter1982 - Friend.

Background bio - Winter 1982 are Phil Barber (vocals, guitar) and Luke Phillips (piano, bass) from Birmingham. Trampled by their increasingly grey and relentless nine to five existence, they wanted to make music that spoke about their existence, sometimes beautiful, other times desperate and depressing, both knew their experiences could be drawn upon to create haunting alternative folk...  

Phil says "I have always written music, making little acoustic songs and recording them, very roughly. We are a duo so once I have something I like I send it to Luke. If he likes it too we work on it together, building in piano, bass, drums etc. We like songs....or maybe are just compelled to write songs....about life, love, hurt, doubt, mistrust. Basically what it is to be flawed human beings fumbling through life. I think everyone is continuously falling in and out of love, feeling great, hurt, happy, depressed, haunted and we are all trying to deal with that - sometimes privately -  the songs tend to be about those very human experiences. I've always loved soulful music that can be as dark as it is beautiful."

The duo, who have drawn comparisons to Ray Lamontagne and Ben Howard, have had support from both Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing.

Winter1982 are releasing 'Worry' on the 13th May, it's a beautiful song that unfortunately, I cannot feature here at the moment. Having been so impressed by the track, I pretty much wanted to share something, and the song 'Friend' makes for an excellent substitute. The duo create an expansive sound, laden with well crafted music and vocals, and creative song writing.

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AM - Precious Life.

Background promo - "Precious Life", produced with drummer Joey Waronker (Beck, Yeasayer, Atoms For Peace), is the new single from Los Angeles songwriter AM, with the album of the same name following on May 20. Returning from an ultra prolific period with electro-soul partner Shawn Lee (Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra), AM summons a dreamy sound on his new solo outing. With Waronker behind the drums and the board and with AM doing just about everything else on synths, bass, and guitar, the two carefully craft a record that is honest and emotional, yet swings and pulses.

When Joey's name was mentioned as a possible producer I thought 'how crazy would it be to work with one of my favourite drummers'...his work on Beck's "Mutations" and "Sea Change" were a huge influence and still remain some of the best drumming on record to date.  The first day we hooked up we banged out "The World Will Go On Without You", the last track on the record.  It was so effortless and fluent...with me on the bass and Joey on drums...I think we had the whole track done by the end of the day.  I think we both new then we had to make a record together."

The first single "Precious Life" delivers a bare, soulful guitar driven track rotating the question, “Who are you, with your precious life?” which openly critiques social class hierarchies of this time. Music made for the headphones...the big ones that is. Album available in stores on May 20, 2016 on Limited Edition blue vinyl and CD.

This is a really fine song. 'Precious Life' has a classic soul feel to it, and has been produced with care and attention. Musically it's crisp and precise with enough funk and feeling to complement the dreamy soulful vocals, the album sounds very promising.

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Thursday Double Play: Jack Berry - Stone Cold Fox

Jack Berry - Coal.

Background bio - Originally from Reno, Nevada, Berry created his first album for a school project while studying in Los Angeles. After performing along the West Coast in a duo, Berry decided that he was meant for a career in music and relocated to Nashville. After several months of sleeping on a couch and working to catch the attention of the local press, Berry’s “ample supply of good hooks and riffs” (Nashville Scene) eventually gained the praise of critics throughout Nashville and beyond, earning him spots at well- known festivals, including North by Northeast in Toronto, New York City’s CMJ Music Marathon and SXSW’s Red Gorilla Festival.

Since then, Berry has logged dozens of shows from Nashville to New York City. He most recently appeared at No Country For New Nashville’s December showcase in 2015 and earned the runner-up spot in Hard Rock Rising’s Battle of the Bands. Mean Machine is poised to serve as Jack Berry’s breakthrough record, so be sure to stay tuned to the Reno-native’s every move! The new single, "Coal," is from his forthcoming LP, Mean Machine, out May 13th.

The mix of Alt rock and blues is a really good background for Jack Berry's naturally potent vocals. 'Coal' is a bruising rocker of a song with vocals and band delivering a concerted piece of in your face music. The music and harmonies are a mighty powerhouse, and Jack is the vital messenger.

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Stone Cold Fox - Firing Squad.

Background promo - The best kind of road trips are the ones that are spontaneous. You know where you want to go, you have a final destination in mind - you just don’t necessarily know how you’re going to get there. But that’s ok, because it’s all about the journey, right? Brooklyn-based four piece, Stone Cold Fox want to take a road trip with you- they’ll get you to where you want to go, you just gotta let them take the wheel, because in the end whatever will be, will be. And the soundtrack? Their forthcoming EP, Tunnel Vision.

Tunnel Vision is a stunning contradiction- a collection of journeys made up of distorted dance synths that bleed with a rock-heavy heart. Written, recorded and produced over a period of two years, the sound of Tunnel Vision resembles a mindset that is anything but narrow minded- instead, it’s a collection of tracks that skew in every which way, that ultimately steer back to it’s original course to create a wistful, cohesive sound. “Tracks started as total rock songs, then turned into chilled electro songs, eventually finding its way somewhere comfortably in the middle,” explains guitarist and vocalist Kevin. “They find middle ground with a rock core and a dancey pulse,” he adds. So, imagine a world where John Lennon is rose from the dead and conceived a love child with The Strokes while listening to LCD Soundsystem and Beat Connection - that’s the kind of world that Tunnel Vision creates.

A spacey dreamy guitar driven indie song topped with delightful vocals is how I would describe 'Firing Squad'. Sometimes that's enough, Stone Cold Fox add their little twist and it becomes more than enough.

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50 Foot Wave - Bath White.

50 Foot Wave - Bath White.

What The Promo Says: This LA-based power trio formed in 2003 by Kristin Hersh and Bernard Georges of Throwing Muses (with Rob Ahlers on drums), was named after the lowest note audible to human ears. The band was intended as an outlet for the noise/math rock pieces that didn't fit the aesthetic of Throwing Muses or Kristin Hersh's solo work. They are known for pioneering the name-your-own-price movement.

The band works with Creative Commons licensing to allow film makers and other artists to use their songs without incurring costs or copyright infringement. Though their records are available for purchase on CD and vinyl, 50 Foot Wave gives away its music free for download and encourages all forms of music sharing. As their records state: "Share This Music - burn it for friends, burn it for enemies - Use It" All those involved with the band donate their time to make this possible. Their most successful and influential release, 2009's Power + Light, is thirty minutes of non-stop music, a barrage of free-form sound that found the band challenging its own complex song structure. 

This year's Bath White is their sixth release. Again, they've chosen to work with Los Angeles producer Mudrock, best known for his work with Godsmack. As Mudrock states, "These are the best musicians I've ever worked with, easily the most facile...they're pros and they're good people. 50FootWave is why I do what I do."

Kristin Hersh on the track "Bath White"
"Swimming in Laguna salt water, coming clean, laughing with the kids, etc., I looked down and saw a pretty big (I wanna say enormous, but I’m not gonna) shark, between my toes and the sand. California will do this to you sometimes; catch your breath between spoiling you and inflicting unspoiled on you. It shrinks you to your appropriate size, an un-mattering. Sharks are the matter that matters in that sun-sparkled world. It’s their ocean, not yours.

Anyway, smart people already know that, but I paddled away, pale and embarrassed. And still, pale and embarrassed, I wander an ocean that isn’t mine. Not a lot of choice, really. Maybe something new is on the other side, but I guess none of us’ll know for sure until we finish piling up the new that keeps getting pitched our way here. Ducking or gathering, depending. New can be hard, but together we move forward, backward and in circles, nudged by these suggestions:
1. Don’t hurt each other. If you can’t help, do nothing.
2. And try not to fall for impure when purity is waiting: a rotten apple can’t feed you, a shadow is'nt a person.
3. When the glare of fluorescent human-ness obscures the light of humanity, let it wake you up a little, help sort out your noisy addictions.

One Bath White butterfly is the oldest pinned entomological specimen, the others fly up and over the Himalayas. I’m not making a judgement call here, just saying. Cuz it doesn’t get any better than high on the ground, in my opinion. We don’t get any better than that. Clumsily, sweetly, we surf the sharks’ ocean, fly the butterflies’ sky, but grounded is pretty great. And it’s the only greatness that’s really asked of us."

The title track and the first of six powerful songs 'Bath White' introduces us to a collection of material that is rich in ideas and sounds. There is a raw, pure rock feel throughout, totally unpretentious, at one level the band are seemingly just getting thoughts and feelings out of their system.  That said, on occasions 50 Foot Wave become more musically intricate and vocally more sensitive, however the underlying passion and belief never goes away. Overall this is a massive blast of fresh dynamic rock'n'roll, with a lot of spark.


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Quality Not Quantity: Nelipot - Lánre - Hanna Bech - Duke Chevalier

Nelipot - Coming Coast.

Background promo - Nelipot are a youthful trio of bare-foot, music enthusiasts from the Central Coast, New South Wales. Brought together on the beach side streets of Terrigal, the lads joined and began busking, to feed their need for grooves and to make some extra cash to supply themselves with kebabs and money for fuel.

Crafting and developing a unique blend of blues and alternate rock compositions, with funk and soul stylings, Nelipot produces distinctive as well as captivating pieces. This year, 2016, the boys have set their sights high and are aiming to increase their following enough to tour interstate, spreading positive vibes and their unforgettable grooves as far as they can possibly take them. Already, they’ve been privileged enough to support and share the stage with exploding national acts, such as: Kingswood, Tired Lion, Bootleg Rascal, Ocean Alley, and many more emerging artists. Yet Jordan, Benny, and Jordyn aim to make 2016 the year of headline shows, and sold out venues, producing the goods for any and everybody to boogie along to.

“Coming Coast”, Nelipot’s latest single, was recorded at ECP studios in Berkley Vale, NSW. Jordan Crotty, a local artist and audio engineer, both recorded and produced the piece.

”’Coming Coast’, highlights the monotony of Coastal Culture, this being expressed both lyrically and instrumentally through structure, melodic contour, and repetitive chordal progression. All of which allude to the tedious, unchangeable cycles in which we have found our families, friends, and ourselves falling into here on the Central Coast.” - Nelipot

The song, “Coming Coast” ̧ is a catchy, alternate rock composition with slight blues & soul superimpositions. Essentially, the piece is about the rut that we, human beings, find ourselves caught up in. This song particularly refers to the home town of the artists, and the monotonous and unbreakable cycle of social norms and droning contemporary culture that has been formed around recreational activities (especially the nightlife) on the Central Coast. “Coming Coast” will be released 6th of May 2016.

Upcoming Shows:
Thur Aril 21st - Bar on the Hill, Newcastle University
Sat May 7th - The Record Crate, Glebe
Fri May 27th - MCA ARTBAR, VIVID, The Rocks
Sat May 28th - The Rhythm Hut, Gosford NSW (Single Launch)

Keep it simple. This is a catchy song with likeable vocals and harmonies, that glide above a gentle funky background and delightful guitars.

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Lánre - Human.

Background words - Lánre is a British singer-songwriter whose music can be described as acoustic Soul, Folk with captivating storytelling influenced by her Yoruba heritage. Born in Stoke-On-Trent in England, Lánre has spent most of her youth in Nigeria where she started singing and performing live at the age of 8. Soon enough, she started playing guitar and found freedom in her own voice.

In 2002, Lánre embarked herself on a worldwide tour as a member of award-winning UK collective GK REAL. This experience ignited in her the desire to pursue a solo career. Her debut album 'Pen Voyage Chapter One: Singing For Change' was released in 2011 followed by her critically acclaimed EP 'Home' in 2014 (praised by MOBO, MTV UK among others).

Her new EP 'Human' is set to be released on April 29th. This new record is a collection of uplifting songs, which encapsulates the essence and depth of Lánre's artistry. Relating the struggles and celebrations of life, 'Human' is a hopeful hymn to togetherness.

In the meantime, Lánre has recently unveiled the title track 'Human' whose signature phrase 'We're all broken so that light can come in' showcases once again her determination to offer the listener inspiring words to hold on to. 

This is such a fine song. Vocally Lanre and the background singers deliver superbly, accompanied by delicate background music, until the rousing finish.

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Hanna Bech - ABCs.

Words from Hanna - My new release is coming out shortly, and I'd love to share the first single 'ABCs'!

My favourite artists take their shoes off on stage ­and I'm always striving for that same kind of grounded authenticity in each project I take on.

Naked Bones, is the name of my debut EP. It is a quirky album that is serious about playfully exploring the darkness and hope we have within us. I'd describe 'Naked Bones' like a film score and indie pop going on a first date – dramatic, playful, with a rhythm that carries it forward.

Dealing with health issues and anxiety, I've chosen to create work that helps me cope, making it as fun as possible for myself and hopefully those around me too!

The forthcoming EP comprises of five songs of which 'ABC's is the first track (and single). It's bright, breezy as are the the next two songs on the EP, with the final two a little softer. Overall it is full of hooks, fun and extremely likeable music, where quirky meets quality in a big way.

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Duke Chevalier - Carneval.

Background promo - Duke Chevalier (Sacramento) is the nom de guerre for the creative output of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Eliot Stern and a loose cast of co-conspirators.  Driven by a desire to make, “meta-modern cosmopolitan pop music,” Duke Chevalier inhabits a Bermuda Triangle of influences where the ghost ships of doo wop, soul music, singer-songwriter, garage rock, electronic, 80’s pop, G funk, and Afro-Caribbean music collide into an eclectic mélange that sounds simultaneously futuristic and primitive, and is imbued with a lyrical depth and identity that transcends the conventions of pop song writing.

 Ace Of Swords is the first record by Duke Chevalier. The songs on Ace Of Swords were written and recorded during sporadic recording sessions at various locations between 2013-2014.  Duke Chevalier says the goal was to record something that “…sounds like music from the Super Sargasso Sea, where space/time boundaries dissolve and everything that ever has or will be exists in this compacted meta-present.”  Whatever that means.

 Sonically, Ace of Swords has a very eclectic “dystopian chic” vibe.  Moog synthesizers growl along with gut string Brazilian folk guitars, and 808 drums dance with cantina horn ensembles.  Great love and affection is shown to the Vibraslap and other Latin percussion instruments.  “We tried really hard to conjure up a sonic space that was like a filthy river after a huge flood,” says Duke Chevalier, “…all these jumbled up influences and ideas bobbing around in this murky trans dimensional bayou.” 

'Carneval' kicks off the five song EP 'Ace of Swords'. It's an incredibly varied collection of songs and defies categorising in any one (or three) genres. I chose to feature the first song as it gives a feel for the richness of the whole EP. Put simply get the EP if you only half like the featured song, it's a good one.

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Globe Trotting: Russell Morgan - Elouise - Meter Bridge - Groovy Bones - Seavera

Russell Morgan - You Don't Feel.

Words from Russell - "You Don't Feel" is from my new album "Begin Simple", which will be released, May 13th 2016, by Ray Recordings. Throughout the writing of the new record my songs developed their own magic, to me, they are documents of moments and feeling or things that’d I’d been a part of, or had witnessed.

Sometimes I can struggle with my writing process, I have to be sincere to myself. You don’t feel represents being true to that ideal. Without a passion you don't feel. My songs were recorded and filmed live by Filippo Gaetani at Wilddog Studio.

The production of the album took on a new phase. We introduced clever rhythmical aspects and electronic instruments, adding to my folk roots. Filippo was key in bringing these aspects to life, forming key parts where necessary and being absolute and true to the production. The idea was to get out of the box, creating new dimensions within these stories. It worked.

The album 'Begin Simple' comprises of eleven songs of which 'You Don't Feel' showcases the sincerity that has gone into this musical collection. At the core may be folk roots, however the album builds around this. Sometimes a blues feel is more to the fore, some songs are stripped back, whilst others build around  the precise musicianship and are more energised. It's a really good collection of songs, if you like the featured track, your in for a great album.

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Elouise - Black Horses.

Background promo - Fuelled by a sordid real-life backdrop of good old fashioned suicides, murders, and alcoholic depravity followed by church on Sunday, Elouise is an eccentric collaboration of Los Angeles-based musicians who came together to create an ominous, raw and cinematic genre of music they identify as Blackgrass. It is the sound of sin and salvation mixed in a dark cocktail with a taste of Bluegrass, a black symphonic sound and weary emotional vocals that tell original tales of struggle and re-imagine songs from our collective Americana consciousness.

Using a mix of Classical and Bluegrass instrumentation combined with an array of eclectic instruments including the marxophone, six-string banjo, bandoneon and harmonium, Elouise layers their sound with dark and beautifully dramatic European strings like the cello and double bass. This idea of low end drone and virtuosic strings combined with sounds from traditional Bluegrass instrumentation is the signature sound of Elouise and Blackgrass. Add in world-weary and guttural vocals paired with instruments like the bandoneon (which produces one of the saddest sounds imaginable) and you get a musical experience that captures a distinctly original, emotionally fraught and unforgettable sound.

Elouise deconstructs and re-imagines classic songs like Amazing Grace, I’ll Fly Away and the sweaty revival tent of Fire and Brimstone (which sounds like an old Alan Lomax field recording) shaking these old chestnuts to their bones, revealing an underbelly of the darkness of Americana standards and turning them into a booze-sodden cry from America’s trailer park soul. Shadow of the Pines pays homage to Bluegrass royals, The Carter Family, with a slower tempo and a musically re-envisioned version of the original, mixing traditional Bluegrass instrumentation with the lonely and weary vocals of Elouise Walker, creating a desperate and beautiful love song reminiscent of early Bluegrass anthologies. Silent Night, a single that debuted around the holidays, is an age-old standard transformed into Elouise’s Blackgrass rendition with swirling strings, menacing vocal and six-string banjo topped off with a culmination of wailing hallelujahs that earned the praise of Blurt, Folk Radio U.K. and 50Thirdand3rd. The songs and recitations in Deep Water are haunting and beautiful, deviant and desperate sonic explorations that stretch the boundaries of Americana Music.

'Black Horses' is just a small flavour of the album 'Deep Water'. The album is something of an epic journey into a genre of music they identify as Blackgrass. The album cover somehow hints at what's in store across thirteen songs. If the vocals don't get you, the surreal collection of instruments and the incredible songs most certainly will. It is at times dark, ominous and intriguing. It is also an alternative work of art, file under excellent.


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Meter Bridge - Filter.

Background promo - On the trail of their recent single 'It Was Nothing', Canadian synthwave duo Meter Bridge have announced they will be releasing their latest maxi-single ‘Filter / Kite’ through WEATNU Records. It includes three tracks - 'Filter', 'Kite' and a Mind Veneration Remix by Mark LaFountain. The two original tracks for this new single feature catchy and crystal clear production with particular attention to the vocals. LaFountain's output is a wicked club mix with a heavy groove, while the original version of 'Kite' features modular synthesis over a minor chord progression, unique quarter time percussion and staccato rhythm. 

Hailing from Nelson, British Columbia, Richard Kleef and Jill Beaulieu have been playing together since 2011, creating a distinctive and unmistakable sonic identity as Meter Bridge, forged of minimalistic groove-infused alternative dance melodies that are seemingly retro and futuristic at the same time. "Our song 'Filter' is a song about persecution and about the complicated process of resistance and assimilation followed by reclamation of spirit and culture," explains Jill Beaulieu. "For the video, film-maker Bryan Webb took our concept of invasion, assimilation and rescue, making it modern and mysterious. It was filmed in studio, as well on location, in several different nearby forests."

"We are very pleased to be involved with Mark Lafountain. He was one of our earliest supporters and we value his work immensely. He added new life into this song, transforming it into something even better than the original," says Jill Beaulieu. Mark LaFountain has been creating and recording electronic music under the alias Mind Veneration since the late 1980’s. Mark's new wave flavored remix of ‘Kite’ was inspired by some of his favorites, including ambient house pioneers The Orb.

“The synth bands of the early 80’s were amazing to me. Howard Jones, Thomas Dolby, Men Without Hats, Soft Cell, Naked Eyes… I couldn’t get enough of that synthetic sound," explains Mark LaFountain. "I eventually stumbled upon the Meter Bridge track ‘Kite’ and I felt as though I were hearing a hidden gem from the likes of The Human League, which I’d never heard before. I played the track relentlessly!”

'Filter' is just half the story, with 'Kite' being the other. Two contrasting songs, the featured track has hallmark synth's and perhaps a respectful nod towards Kraftwerk. The music is expansive, uncluttered and works perfectly for the vocals, which are delightfully 'up' in the mix. 

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Groovy Bones - Again We Went Astray.

Background promo - Everything starts with that little impulse inside you. Sometimes it’s just because of plain boredom or pure coincidence; very often the need to create something comes from the inner need to express yourself in a brand new way. In case of Groovy and his friend Bones both those things were equally important.

The main part of the Groovy Bones experiment consists of only two members because everything started from their early MIDI projects they were scrupulously storing somewhere on their PC’s about ten years ago. Then one beautiful day they made a decision to take their ideas one step further. Groovy had a flair for composing, producing and mixing music and Bones was completely absorbed with learning how to sing and make his own songs. And so they started – armed with good intentions, youthful naivety and complete lack of money and experience.

Years passed and the project luckily survived all the obstacles on its way. Groovy and Bones changed, got older and wiser, they also acquired some essential knowledge to give their project the form they both expected. Hundreds of hours of basement recordings, bottomless ocean of coffee, one destroyed guitar (in powerless anger) and countless phone calls – begging different people to take part in their project and to help them record something: some guitar tracks, a trumpet solo, a bass lines and all that needed stuff. Moments of plain happiness when the song is finished and moments of pure despair when some of the work is good for nothing and lands in a trash bin.

Its time to say goodbye to making the Groovy Bones: Experiment GB1 and to say hello to creating completely new GB2 material but with Your help there is a chance for our loooong work to finally see the daylight, Groovy Bones and many other people involved are convinced it’s worth it.

Twelve beautiful songs, mixing blues, jazz and even a little soul, in a variety of tempos and arrangements. That it took considerable effort and time to arrive with this collection, may be a pertinent issue for Groovy Bones, as a listener, what can I say other than to echo the sentiment that it was and remains worth it.

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Seavera - Caving.

Background promo - After living in three states, seven bedrooms, and accumulating almost two years of song writing under her belt, 21 year old Tori Zietsch decided she was ready to embark on a musical project under the moniker Seavera.

Consisting of her own brand of lo-fi beats, sparkly layers, honeyed vocals, and heavyweight emotions, “Caving” is saturated in honesty, laden with intimacy, and stirred by darkness.

Exploring the fear of being exposed, a violent plea to a lover to be cut open, the debut single “Caving” was recorded across spaces throughout Northern NSW and the quiet suburban streets of Melbourne’s Fitzroy North, and mixed by Grammy Award nominated engineer Andrei Eremin (Chet Faker, Hiatus Haiyote, Montgomery, The Harpoons, Wafia, Banoffee).

'Caving' sets the bar high for Seavera. Intimate and emotionally powerful, this is such a beautifully layered song, that halfway through the first listen, you know your going to have to play it again.

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Genre Wander: ElleKaye - Blaak Heat - Esma Project - Astorian

ElleKaye - Di Caprio.

Background promo - Unsurprisingly, the track has recently grabbed the attention of BBC Introducing London who recently named the south coast four-piece their featured artist. Absolutely soaked in catchy hooks, the new single “Di Caprio by Ellekaye has managed to turn heads and perk ears in the Brighton music scene. In a town where “anything goes” it’s often hard to get noticed but raised on a diet of 90’s dynamos such as Blur, Supergrass and Suede, Ellekaye’s sound is one of true distinct diversity and is a clear niche heard amongst today’s sounds.

You can’t help but admire the nonchalant, defiant attitude from these newcomers as they effortlessly bridge the gap from retro to modern with their sound. “Di Caprio”, the new single from the young quartet released this week boasts infectious guitar lines and vocals that are both familiar and unique making this track rise above the numerous in-vogue bands from their trendy home town. The track has subtle moments of humour reminiscent of Pulp mixed with the intelligence of artists such as Talking Heads and David Bowie. Dress sense and lyrics as sharp as a cat’s claw, singer (Lewis Kane) reminds you of a Morrissey you could have a pint with.

"Ever been dumped, of course you have. Ever been dumped for a better looking boy or girl, of course you have - Di Caprio is a bitter sweet story of love, betrayal and Hollywood" - Ellekaye

Before the band were even a year old they had recorded with producer Ken Paul (David Bowie) and headlined the Camden Roundhouse for the Annual Farah Fridays. Since then, the group have been on a non-stop upwards rise joining the Ordinary Boys for sold out shows, a UK tour with 90’s Brit-Pop icons My Life Story and main stage appearances at ‘Brownstock Fesitval’ and the award-winning ‘Y Not Festival’.  Along with backing from BBC Introducing, it’s no wonder the band have been chosen to perform at this year’s Great Escape Festival in Brighton (20th May).

It took a while to edit the above promo into some kind of sense (someone copied and pasted the original in the dark, I think). It was worth it though as this is such a good song, and it can be downloaded free, which is quite a gift for something this fine. Excellent vocals, smart band, I suspect they will get noticed.


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Blaak Heat - Mola Mamad Djan.

Bakgronud promo - Blaak Heat, the Parisian-American psych/stoner/eastern rock trio, have shared their new track 'Mola Mamad Djan'. Out May 13th on Svart (Oranssi Pazuzu, Beastmilk, Opium Warlords), the track is the second single from the 'Shifting Mirrors' album.

Originally performed as a traditional Middle Eastern folk song throughout the years (With versions by Farida Mahwash, Abdul Rahim Sarban and many others), this track celebrates its Afghan and Persian origins in a heavier, modernist fashion.

The track is ritualistic, drone infused, and laden with groove; it seamlessly merges fuzz drenched stoner-rock riffs whilst resting upon a rich history of musical tradition, drawing from the Middle East as naturally as from California’s deserts and beaches. The end-result is a timeless, vivid blend of thundering psychedelic rock and Arabian tonalities, an altar to heavy riffage, mind expansion, and social insurgencies.

I sometimes wonder how ideas like this come to be. Mixing up genres and styles is one thing, but "lets do a psych come stoner type middle eastern folk instrumental" well that's a little different. It is however, superb and addictive. More please!


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Esma Project - Happiness is Free.

Background promo - Esma Project is the ever evolving and versatile outfit for chief songwriter, producer and instrumentalist Erik Esma. A DIY approach has seen Esma Project busk the streets and play venues in the United Kingdom, France, Russia, the Netherlands and Erik’s native Italy. Now calling Fremantle home, Esma Project have been embracing the streets and stages, soaking up all the famous port has to offer.

The first official Australian single has arrived in the form of ’Happiness is Free’ taken from the forthcoming album ‘Surf the Change’. Erik explains the reasoning behind penning a track like ‘Happiness Is Free’,“Happiness gives you the brush for painting all the concrete canvases around you. It gives you the power to be as fresh as the water of the ocean, cleaning the mud of habit from your daily life.”

As if in an almost modus operandi for Esma Project, Erik adds “In almost every single moment you can choose to smile. Happiness is your choice and happiness is free so waste it wisely.” ‘Happiness is Free’ is out now via all good digital retailers.

'Happiness Is Free' revolves around upbeat vocals and sharp funky guitar lead music. It exudes energy and fresh vibes, you just have to enjoy this one.


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Astorian - Night Flight.

Background promo - Based in Switzerland, Astorian are a four-piece lead by Alexandra Schmidt (lead vocal), Olivier Bruchez (guitar,) Luis Alameda (bass, synthesiser, B.V) and Pascal Evard (drums).

Night Flight is their debut six track EP, a musically cohesive offering of melodic spatial indie pop with undeniable rock energy and new wave undertones. Lead track Night Flight is available for free download via soundcloud on April 25th.

Alexandra’s vocal has crystal clarity, strong and with a unique rock edge she is a front-woman who brings real depth to Astorian. The music is bursting with catchy guitar riffs; spatial melodies, chasing drums and beautiful harmonies and throughout dark atmospherics they still manage to sound uplifting too. Their music is influenced by 90’s Brit Pop melodies and the romanticism of New Wave, citing bands such as Oasis, The Cure, Pixies and The Jesus & Mary Chain as inspirations.

Astorian however are very much on their own path finding a new way of mixing both nostalgia and current sounds with musical hope.  Astorian have already been well received by their home country Switzerland with numerous airplays across national radio stations including Couleur 3 and Retetre.

The band are currently touring the Night Flight EP in Switzerland and Europe with plans to bring their emotive live show with striking audio visuals to the UK later in the year. They have previously supported Motorama and Girls Names amongst others and for full upcoming gig listings check here.

This is a really pleasing EP with six fine songs included. Featured and title track 'Night Flight' pretty much typifies what's in store in terms of quality. The band also mix things up with some creative ideas, in what is broadly indie pop and rock.

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Saturday Specials: Feral Love - Mercury Girls - Close Lobsters

Feral Love - Like The Wind.

Background words - Feral Love formed when Adele Emmas and Christian Sandford emerged from the ashes of Bird, a band who were on the cusp of success having played BBC Radio 6 Music's festival alongside Damon Albarn and Haim, were championed extensively by the UK music press and had their music featured on TV's Sky Sports, The Killing and The Messengers.

When Bird suddenly disappeared, Emmas and Sanford spent a year in a damp, windowless basement studio writing, emerging only when they knew they'd arrived at the sound they'd been striving for.

Recorded at Parr Street Studios with Chris Taylor (Hooton Tennis Club, Bill Ryder-Jones), 'Like the Wind' is Feral Love's debut single and is released on Edge Hill University's The Label Recordings.

Live Dates:
1st May - FESTEVOL, Camp and Furnace, Liverpool (W Steve Mason and Juliette and The Licks)
5th May - The Bedroom Bar, London
18th May - Heavenly Social, London
29th May - Sound City, Liverpool  

'Like The Wind' is melodic, full of hooks and so well put together. Loosely labelled as electronic, it's more of an anthem and a reminder of just how good pop music still can be.

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Mercury Girls - Ariana.

Background promo - Philadelphia, PA’s Mercury Girls features Sarah Schimineck, Kevin Attics, Andrew Hagiwara, Chris Schackerman, and Kevin O'Halloran. Schimineck, formerly of NYC Popfest alums Pet Milk is flanked by the shimmery and adventurous guitar interplay of Attics (Literature, former Pitchfork Media) and O'Halloran (of indie heroes Little Big League, Run For Cover Records). Hagiwara and Schackerman provide a sturdy rhythmic base, creating a sound that's equally lush and driving, using Sarah Records-inspired pop as a basis for  savvy de-/reconstruction and sonic experimentation. Despite having only started in March of 2015, the group has achieved a lot. They've collected many endorsements, including those from Chickfactor Magazine, Pains of Being Pure at Heart's Kip Berman and NPR,  they've shared the stage with bands such as Expert Alterati ons, Joanna Gruesome, Beverly, TEEN, Eternal Summers, and their 2016 SxSW visit was a head-turning, mind-melting blast.

Now they cap of their first year with the release of their debut single, Ariana.  While their sound uses classic indiepop as a jumping-off point, there are bits of shoegaze, post-punk and DIY punk in the mix that recall like-minded bands like Veronica Falls, Makthaverskan, Fear of Men and Frankie Rose. "Ariana" is gorgeous tangle of chorused, jangling guitars and Sarah's dreamlike vocals. A marvelous two and a half minutes of perfect, forward-thinking pop. On the flip, "All That Heaven Allows" leans more on the band's post-punk inspirations, marked by a careening rhythm and a huge chorus that will stick in your head for days.

Ariana is out May 20th, just in time for the band's engagement at NYC Popfest alongside legends The Primitives and The Chesterfields. The spring is looking to be fully scheduled with shows up and down the east coast, keeping the band busy while they write and record their highly-anticipated debut album. (Pre order Here).

Upcoming shows:
04/29 – Bethlehem, PA – Ice House (w/ Brother JT)
05/12 – Philadelphia, PA – PhilaMOCA (DJ Set w/ Radiator Hospital, Spook School, Bent Shapes, + Littler)
05/15 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts (w/ King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
05/20 – Philadelphia, PA – Space 1026 (Steve Keene Art Gala w/ The Snow Fairies, My Favorite)
05/21 – NYC – Knitting Factory (NYC Popfest w/ The Primitives, The Chesterfields, + more)
06/11 – NYC – Cake Shop (Slumberland/Kanine Records/Culture Collide Showcase w/ Flowers, Expert Alterations, + more)
06/14 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brendas (w/Flowers, Beverly).

There's a little bit of genre hopping on this pleasing debut single 'Ariana'. At it's core I guess is indie pop, however as it rightly indicates above the band are not glued to just that. With a song that comes in at two and a half minutes Mercury Girls have made sure every second counts.

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Close Lobsters - Under London Skies.

Background promo - It's been nearly two years since Shelflife has had the pleasure of putting out new music from the eternal Close Lobsters, and we're proud to say that this will be changing shortly. On June 2, we are extremely excited to be releasing the Scottish band's new EP featuring "Under London Skies" b/w "Wander Epic Part II" on limited gold 7" vinyl with download and digital formats. The digital download also features "Wander Epic Parts I & II" and "Wander Epic Part III" as well as an alternate mix of "Under London Skies".

These self-proclaimed "Post-Neo-Anti-Close Lobsters" are back in a big way, and with these two tracks you'll be quickly convinced of that. The A-side, "Under London Skies," serves as both a lament and ode for London- the radical London of The Clash, the Rock London of The Only Ones and Flesh for Lulu, and the Libertarian London of The Mob and the June Brides. There's a lot of history (both musical and otherwise) tied closely with London, and if any band is gonna do justice to that fact it's undoubtedly our trusted Close Lobsters. If that sounds like a big subject to tackle, the single's B-side "Wander Epic Part II" will make you think again. Calling the song an epic is no exaggeration; the band has described it as a yearning for the vast and endless sea. The song is both a wanderlust and a pilgrimage, designed to take the listener on a journey as huge as the subject matter they're tackling.

This is one really superb song and it's not alone, the EP is exceptional. Close Lobsters create a passionate, natural and earnest sound and then deliver songs so catchy, that hitting the replay button becomes compulsive.

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