Monday Mix: Idle Fret - His Clancyness - Chelan - Diana Ebe

Idle Fret - Reborn.

Background promo - Albury/Wodonga's Idle Fret are in the business of making explosive, no-bs rock'n'roll, as spelled out in black and white on their knockout debut album, 'Reborn'. Ticking all the right boxes – great band, great singer, great songs – 'Reborn' perfectly captures everything high-octane rock fans live for... the must-have blend of thundering drums, wall of guitar and soaring, melt-your-face-off vocals that make up one of the most enduring and exciting genres of music.

Taking the best aspects of the best bands spanning three decades, even some 20 years after most of the genre's legends have come and gone, Idle Fret manage to make the music relevant and fresh, while keeping the traditions of the niche alive and well. They are a band literally made up of the same devout rock fans they appeal to.

From front to back, Idle Fret have armed themselves to the teeth. Drummer Ryan Nicholson and bassist James McRorie give the band a colossal sonic heaviness and relentless push forward, leaving the higher frequencies open for the dual assault of rhythm guitarist Daniel Edwards and lead guitarist Shaun Webb, who are able to switch from a wall of rhythm to blitzkrieg solos with sheer precision. At the apex of the band's mountainous sound is frontman Hayden Edwards, whose versatile voice can reach all of the dramatic highs of the genre, but has an even more impressive default setting that is an explosive mix of power and control.

Capturing the band at their best, the brilliant production of Rickie Rae approaches the genre with a stunning attention to detail, giving Idle Fret the larger-than-life fidelity and arena-ready hugeness that all of the great bands must have. And although Idle Fret are a new, young band, 'Reborn' shows an ambition to make the biggest impact they can. 'Reborn' is available on CD and via all good digital retailers Friday August 26

'Reborn' Album Launch - Saturday August 27 SS&A, Albury w/ Midnight Alibi, Doors open 9pm.

It's been a while since we have featured some full on rock'n'roll, well 'Reborn' fixes that issue. Resplendent with all the vital ingredients, massive riffs, drums that can kill, and a bass line that thunders away. Add in the almost "off the shelf" classic rock vocals, and all that's left to do, is to turn up the volume!

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His Clancyness - Isolation Culture.

Background - His Clancyness have announced their new album Isolation Culture (Tannen Records / Maple Death Records / Hand Drawn Dracula) with a release date of October 14th, 2016. His Clancyness’ sophomore album and follow-up to Vicious, their debut on England’s seminal FatCat Records. Vicious saw the band blaze a relentless trail across Europe and the US, hitting well over 150 cities across multiple tours before setting their sites on writing LP number 2.

The band began life as the solo project of singer/guitarist Jonathan Clancy but has since found a new form inspired by the camaraderie of life on the road. The group has evolved into a collaborative tour-hardened minimal noise-pop machine that features Jacopo Beta’s propulsive drumming, Giulia Mazza’s alien synthesisers, the commanding low thump of Nico Pasquini’s bass playing along with Clancy’s trademark fidgeting guitar work and his usual stirring lyrical resolve.

Over the last two years the band have retired to their Bologna basement HQ, Strange City Studios to put to use the newly-honed aesthetic and write a new clutch of anti-hits. Here they conducted late-night 4track experiments, embarked upon curious sonic investigations, threw the odd party and emerged with fistfuls of inspired compositions that make up their compelling new album.

Isolation Culture is a record from another place. It could be a recording snatched from a wormhole to a parallel universe where weathered Bowie statues pepper the abandoned city streets and Swell Maps’ music is piped into empty runaway subway cars. Maybe it’s the final psychedelic transmission from a radio station in flames or maybe it turned up on your lawn, delivered by an overnight tornado from somewhere that no longer exists. But what if Isolation Culture is part of the evidence that suggests that there are bands making records just like this one hidden in all the shadows in all the cities in the world? We can only hope that there are. 

Tour Dates:
22/09 Montreal, Canada @ Pop Montreal
01/10 Munich, Germany @ Glockenbachwerkstatt
02/10 Berlin, Germany @ ACUD
03/10 Hamburg, Germany @ Club!heim im Schanzenpark
04/10 Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Wunderbar
05/10 London, UK @ The Waiting Room
06/10 Sheffield, UK @ Bungalows & Bears
07/10 Liverpool, UK @ The Shipping Forecast
08/10 Brighton, UK @ Stiky Mike's Frog Bar
09/10 Paris, France @ Point Ephemere
10/10 Nantes France @ Madame Rêve
11/10 Lille, France @ La Peniche
12/10 Luxembourg @ De Gudden Wellen

'Isolation Culture' will be one of twelve songs on the October release, it's the only song I have heard so far, and it's a good one. It's an addictive, alt rock piece that slowly builds layer upon layer of sonic delight, in what is a superbly produced and mixed track.

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Chelan - Won't Break.

Background Regarding the forthcoming album - Vultures is Chelan's most ambitious studio effort to date but they were also careful to ensure they can replicate the album during live performances. 

When asked about the writing process for Vultures Hosford says "Its been a fun challenge morphing from the mostly electronic, subdued indie aesthetic of our last couple albums to the wall of sound, big production synth pop thing we went for on this record." 

The album surrounds layered vocals with lush analog synths, guitar, drums, cello and piano.  Chelan is currently planning a tour in the spring of 2017. Vultures was mastered by Jared Hirshland of Elysian Mastering. Album Artwork by Kime Buzzelli.  

We featured the first single (Beams) from Chelan's soon to be released Vultures album not that long ago, and are pleased to be able to share the second single 'Won't Break'. This is another highly crafted song, the vocals dreamily rise above the melodic synth driven soundtrack as the hooks gently dig in, album eagerly awaited.

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Diana Ebe - Chasing.

Background - Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, Diana Ebe was introduced to music at a young age, beginning piano lessons at four and starting to sing soon after. By fourteen, Ebe had begun vocal lessons and classical training with the esteemed Swedish musical theatre performer and producer, Andreas Eldeen. Vocally, Ebe draws from her training to create soaring melodies.

In 2013, Diana decided to pursue her lifelong dream of being a full-time musician and moved to Los Angeles. Beginning with piano, and by layering atmospheric production over pounding percussion, Ebe produces her own songs with the pop sensibility of artists like Lorde and Lykke Li.

Diana Ebe’s introspective lyrics and haunting melodies create a feel that has already caught the attention of notable musicians including The Doors’ guitarist, Robby Krieger. Ebe describes her work as expressing the “lonely and longing feeling of love and life,” drawing inspiration from nature’s power, daydreams, lust, and love.

In June 2016, Diana Ebe released her new EP, Elusive Pleasure, featuring the singles, "Bold" and "Elusive Pleasure". Crafting tracks filled with emotional resonance and ambient styling, Ebe leaves her fans teeming with anticipation for what's next. Visit DianaEbe.com for more information.

'Chasing' is also from the 'Elusive Pleasure' EP released in June. The EP is a collection of seven beautifully written and produced songs. Diana Ebe delivers passionate and intense vocals, that are wonderfully melodic, and these are complimented by the distinctive musical soundtracks. It's intelligent pop music, with a whole lot of heart. 

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Monday Magic: Kate Nash - Gypsy & The Cat - The Rebel Light - James Edge And The Mindstep

Kate Nash - Good Summer.

Background - Kate Nash has returned to Zone 5 and with her she brings the Summer's finest pop offering 'Good Summer', produced by Dave Bassett and out today via Kate's own imprint Girl Gang Records.

‘Good Summer’ is literally the light at the end of the tunnel, an expression of relief, the type we all feel when the sun comes out and the warmth radiates your skin after 10 months of grey sky, central heating and soggy feet. “I’ve been a referee of my emotions,” sings Nash, over upbeat synths, skittering drums and dance-y guitar lines. 

It’s about her own return to contentedness in London. “In Britain, in the summer you let go of the stuff on your shoulders and go, F it, I’m gonna get on this banana boat. Go crazyyyyy!’” 

A lot has happened to Nash, a BRIT school graduate, since the release of her #1 record and Brit-Award gleaning debut ‘Made Of Bricks’ back in 2007 - failed relationships, record label fall-outs, punk record releases, a relocation to the other side of the world... And so it’s wonderful that the singer-songwriter, activist and heroic spirit is here today, possessed of an impervious rebellion and a lightness of being that makes her ‘give-a-f?’ honesty even more contagious. Everything seems to be coming full circle..

Fresh off the back of closing Wilderness festival as part of a huge David Bowie tribute, Kate has announced a small run of UK headline dates this October including London's Oslo. There’ll be more music, there’ll be more shows. “I’m not disappearing again,” Kate says, patient, poised, happy to let fate make the next move.

Ive been an avid listener to Kate's music since the first album Made Of Bricks (wow was it really nine years ago!). 'Good Summer' is a fine reminder of just how good Kate is at writing and delivering great pop songs. Tapping in to our sometimes "short of sunshine" summers, here in the UK, the song is fun, upbeat and oh so sunny.

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Gypsy & The Cat - Odyssey Of The Streets.

Background promo -  The time has finally come for the highly anticipated Gypsy & The Cat full length album, “Virtual Islands”. Boasting ARIA and Hype Machine charting singles, three songs in the triple j Hottest 100 and having been covered by a host of large tastemaker outlets including Rolling Stone, Noisey and Fader; Gypsy & the Cat and success are no longer just flirting with each other. They're shacking up and settling down.

So far the duo have successfully released three singles from the album which got us all very excited for this moment. “Inside Your Mind” marked the start of the spectacular return for Gypsy & The Cat. The single throws a retrograding acoustic guitar into the mix, orbiting in just the right places. Following this single, the Melbourne duo released “I Just Wanna Be Somebody Else” and continued to win over listeners by showering them in glorious Australian indie pop. In only a few months, these singles have hit over 1.3 million streams online and their latest single 'Life' took the coveted #1 spot on Hype Machine charts earlier this week.

With the help of producer Dave Fridmann (Tame Impala, MGMT, Neon Indian, The Flaming Lips) and their inspiring time spent in Japan over the last year, this album marks a new era for Gypsy & The Cat. They put their heart and soul into delivering an amazing album but unfortunately it will be their last project as Gypsy & The Cat. "We have come to a place with the band where we feel like we have achieved the things it set out to, and are incredibly proud of the catalogue of music that we've built along the way," they said. "We are like brothers, Lionel and I, and this is in no way a sad or bitter thing, we speak every day in fact, instead it's more of a decision to keep growing as individuals and explore our artistic limits in different incarnations." They are extremely proud of Virtual Islands and although we will be sad to see them part ways, their success should be celebrated and it will with their final album tour.

Oh what a beautiful album 'Virtual Islands' is and 'Odyssey Of The Streets' is the seventh of ten songs within this stunning collection, and a personal favourite. That the duo are calling it time after this release, might seem strange and even disappointing, however if you ever want an example of going out on a high, this album is a fine place to start.

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The Rebel Light - Where Did All The Love Go.

Background words from The Rebel Light - We are very excited to finally get to share our debut EP with you.... written and recorded here in Los Angeles, we tried to capture what it feels like to live, work and play in California and the good vibes your soul starts to absorb just being here.

In the immortal words of California's greatest ambassadors, The Beach Boys
"I'm pickin' up good vibrations"

We wanted to create a soundtrack to your summer - music to listen to as you drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in your vintage car with a big  f..ahem smile on your face!
Hopefully we came close to accomplishing that.....

“A Hundred Summer Days” has just been released through Dualtone Records. Spotify here.

'Where Did All The Love Go' typifies the positive, upbeat and "bright summer day" vibes that permeate through this five song EP. Taking note of the bands words above, I think it's fair to comment that, it's a case of mission totally accomplished, this is a fabulous EP!

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James Edge And The Mindstep - Four Two Four.

Background - Order becomes disorder and harmony springs from chaos in James Edge and the Mindstep’s latest song ‘Four Two Four’. It sees Edge perverting the country shuffle into something darker and more abstract than anything you’ll find in the soporific musings of most MOR folk pop artists today. Snippets of melody are distributed like splashes of colour in a Pollock painting. The nightmarish lyrics demand the listener’s subjective interpretation, yet concern themselves with the macabre imagery of things like drowning and exploding. The fiendish song spawned itself one day - initially growing out of a fingerpicked improvisation, the guitar part arrived fully formed.

‘Four Two Four’ was recorded at Tom Aitkenhead’s Milk Studios in Limehouse for their upcoming album Machines He Made, released on CD, vinyl and download later in the year.

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.

We featured James Edge and the Mindstep back in March and are delighted to do so again with the new song 'Four Two Four'. The musicianship is incredible and makes a perfect accompaniment for the gifted vocals of James Edge. With an album release due this year, this is an exceptional taster of whats to come.

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Synths & Sunday: Highasakite - Lovecat - Vibrissae

Highasakite - Samurai Swords.

Background promo - Their “synthy sadbangers” are behind a swarm of press, inciting rave reviews from the likes of Vogue, The Guardian, The Fader, Mojo, Pop Justice, Q Magazine and The Line of Best Fit. Fresh from Glastonbury and Latitude Festivals, and just ahead of a headline spot on Norway’s renowned Øya Festival, Highasakite announce new single ‘Samurai Swords’ – taken from acclaimed sophomore album ‘Camp Echo’, out now via Propeller Recordings.

It proves a synthillating addition to Highasakite’s booming arsenal, tackling heartbreak with aplomb and the soaring signature vocal of frontwoman Ingrid Helene Håvik.

Fresh from a guest performance on Made In Chelsea, the band is announced to play the 23rd Annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert on December 11. The event is televised to more than 100 countries, 300 million households and also streamed live on YouTube, with Highasakite joining the ranks of countless Nobel alumni including Paul McCartney, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Florence and the Machine and Rihanna. The band embarks their biggest US Tour to date in September, before returning to London for a headline show at Heaven on Tuesday, November 1 – joining recent Sold Out performances at Hoxton Hall and Village Underground.

Following acclaimed debut LP ‘Silent Treatment’, which recently marked a two-year milestone in the Norwegian Top 40 Chart, Highasakite’s sophomore offering ‘Camp Echo’ claims a second consecutive #1 chart debut in Norway and #24 entry in the Australian Top 40. The album features singles ‘Someone Who’ll Get It’ and ‘Golden Ticket’, amassing streams of more than 8 million in just a couple of months.

We featured the band back in late January mentioning at the time "Plenty of positive words have been written and said regarding Highasakite". 'Samurai Swords' continues the theme of powerful synth drive music and vocals that demand your attention. It's passionate, immediate and very catchy!

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Lovecat - Lovesong.

Background - This is Lovecat, the DIY synth-pop project from a Vienna-based producer named David Haering. Lovecat will be releasing his debut album The Great Catsby on September 9th via Fabrique Records (iTunes pre-order), and has now shared its first single “Lovesong”.

The Great Catsby is an album full of driving rhythms, playful basslines, and above all, the voice of a hopeful romantic. It will be coming out exactly five years after the release of his debut EP, and follows various radio hits in Europe and a remix for Morrissey's legendary guitarist and co-writer Boz Boorer. The album also explores his past experiences in various rock and punk rock bands, and the gray days between one night of partying and the next.

The Great Catsby is a charming collection of songs that reflects upon on-again/off-again relationships, self-doubt, existential themes and more… The Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and Yazoo form the musical frame of reference. Lovecat has worked with a variety of producers over the years in different studios, only to realize that even a lovesick cat needs to have the last word himself. So The Great Catsby is a very personal manifesto that could only be developed in-house, allowing its compelling charm to emerge in full. 

'Lovesong' is the first of twelve new songs on The Great Catsby. It's indicative of the overall upbeat synth driven songs in this collection, however there is a good level of creativity and space for a range of ideas and directions that are shared. Melodic, danceable and full of good vibes, this is one cool song and album.

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Vibrissae - Need.

Background - Shoegaze electronic crossover trio Vibrissae have signed to Italian label Vipchoyo Sound Factory to release their debut LP 'Somewhere Away'. In advance of the album's release, they are releasing their first reverb-filled driven single 'Need'.

Formed and are based in Portland, Oregon, the same city that produced The Dandy Warhols, The Decemberists, Modest Mouse, The Prids, Quarterflash and Elliott Smith, the three members of Vibrissae hail from different continents.

Vocalist Imber Lingard comes from Australia,  Emma Bell was born in Malaysia, and Aaron Bell is native to the USA. The trio found common ground in their shared love of shoegaze, electronic music, and modern rock, and especially any crossover fusions thereof. Vibrissae's debut output is the result of over three years of rehearsal and recording.

Their music crosses over multiple genres, combining and alternating elements from electronic rock, synth pop, dark wave and shoegaze.

The first single “Need” is an electrifying post-punk number with a darker atmosphere, underlined by a frenzied feeling of urgency. Guitar distortion erupts at the start of the track, transitioning into a warped guitar chime with remarkable percussion penetrating in the calm before the storm. Lingard delivers a stunning sing-talk, building up to what is a hypnotic chorus.

This album was mainly recorded at their home studio with some vocals tracked at Jackpot! Recording Studio in Portland, a testament to Vibrissae's DIY aesthetic. The band also mixed their own tracks and created their own artwork, with mastering performed by Alan Douches.  

From their debut LP 'Somewhere Away' the latest single 'Need' is a fine indicator of the bands genre spanning sound. Earnest, powerful and creative, both music and vocals work so well together, bringing about some fabulous songs. As I say 'Need' is an indicator, there is so much more across the album, it is definitely one to check out.

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Genre Wander: Beauty Sleep - Qlaye Face - Jacob Moore - Oblio

Beauty Sleep - Living Right.

Background promo - Like the changing of the days in Belfast, Beauty Sleep’s new single is very much in a different season to the bands debut back in winter, suitably named ‘The Dark’. As the days are significantly longer right now, new single and sophomore effort ‘Living Right’ drives away from the melancholy tones and melodies of the bands debut effort whilst keeping the dreamy, chorus infused guitars and hazy vocals that are becoming a trademark for this Northern Irish export.

Ryan McGroarty, Cheylene Murphy and Aimee Williamson’s obsession with fuzzy synths and dream inspired pop music continues to show the bands ability to compete in the one of music’s newest trendsetting genres. ‘The Dark’ was described as “a mix of Phoenix and Beach House and occupies the dreamy end of the guitar-pop spectrum.”(The Irish Times) and won the support of a host of tastemaker press and BBC 1 Radio support. The tone was seemingly set for Beauty Sleep.

But if ‘The Dark’ was anything to go by, new single ‘Living Right’ is its nostalgic half-cousin and sets the tempo by jumping straight into a melodic upbeat chorus reminiscent of Washed Out, Teen Daze, and Summer Heart (see what I did there, Summer?). ‘Living Right’ is due for release in all the usual places on Friday 12h August 2016.

The over used term "lush" can be rightly "over used" for 'Living Right' the latest song from Beauty Sleep. It's also a reminder that indie and dream pop are two genres where bands are still creating original and exquisite music, this being a case in point.

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Qlaye Face - Nascence (Radio edit).

Background - Melbourne based prog-rock outfit Qlaye Face are pleased to announce the arrival of their EP ‘Nascence’. Comprised of four intricate and atmospheric tracks that feature complex time signatures and rhythmic ideas, the moody quartet's mission statement is to execute their craft with ambition, precision and integrity.

Conceived out of the friendship of four high school friends and evolving through countless hours of writing and practise, the band chose their surrounds of Melbourne to record at Sing Sing and Rangemaster Studios with acclaimed producer Dave Carr. Vocalist and guitarist Cameron Bobbitt says of the EP, "We wanted to push our creative boundaries and challenge whatever forms or conventions we held about music, while ultimately allowing the songs to grow organically from an emotional place. We came up with sounds, patterns and journeys we had never realised before."

"Lyrics were a direct reaction to the environments the songs were placing us in, perspectives and styles that I had not written within prior. I think through the lucidity and approach to the lyrics, they ended up exposing the honesty and personal relevance needed in the music in the right way. As a listener you should be challenging yourself and the status quo, straightforwardness wouldn't have done the record justice." No strangers to the progressive alt-rock scene in Australia, Qlaye Face have quickly chalked up support slots for Dream On Dreamer, Caligula’s Horse, Closure In Moscow, Voyager and Alithia. The band are set to get busy and hit stages across the country this Spring and Summer, starting with a string of EP launch shows. ‘Nascence’ was out Friday August 5 on CD and via all good digital retailers

Upcoming shows
August 9 – The Zoo – Brisbane, QLD (Tix)
August 21 – Hideaway Bar – Melbourne, VIC
August 27 – The Workers Club – Melbourne, VIC (Tix)
September 1 – Ancient World – Adelaide, SA

We don't get to feature much new prog rock on Beehive Candy these days, however Qlaye Face and the excellent song 'Nascence', has helped to rectify that. In fairness this is pretty alternative and even folk who are turned off by the prog expression, might be pleasantly surprised.  

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Jacob Moore - From Above.

Background - Hailing from Sydney Australia, songwriter/producer Jacob Moore, who has been involved with a myriad of acts for a number of years, is finally ready to shine lighton his first solo musical presentation in 2016. Like a pleasant gust of wind on a hot day, Jacob Moore is drifting into the limelight with ‘From Above’, a pretty taste of his forthcoming EP All In Time. 

Taking time to finely hone his craft; Jacob has merely tested the waters when it comes to his musical endeavours. Fusing 50s barbershop nostalgia and modern soul is not an easy feat, but this is the sonic identity that best describes Jacobs’ previous soft releases ‘Infinity’ and ‘Something in the Water’. Recently Jacob has been hard at work, recruiting a slew of musicians to form his live band, which will be revealed in the coming months, as well as putting the finishing touches on his debut EP at Studios 301 with Jack Prest (Flume, The Preatures, Action Bronson).

All in Time is slated for release on September 9th, but for now audiences will have to suffice with immersing themselves in the tranquillity of ‘From Above’.

With a marching drum beat opening proceedings, 'From Above' quickly morphs into a dreamy, hazy and highly atmospheric song. Jacob Moore's vocals seemingly dance above the music, adding more melody to this creative song.

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Oblio - Days.

Background - On their intriguingly dark new single “Days,” Long Beach alternative rockers Oblio introduce listeners to a nameless character who suffers from autophobia, the morbid fear of being left alone with one’s self. “Days” is the first single from Autophobia, the dramatic and captivating soon-to-be-released concept record from DIY rock reformists Oblio. More information on Oblio and Autophobia is available on the band’s official website.

According to band member Blake Russell, “Days” represents Oblio’s unshakable work ethic in the DIY approach to being in a band: “We wrote, performed, produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered “Days” ourselves. We also filmed the song’s music video on our own, and will be releasing the single (and album) independently on all major digital music platforms, including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and Bandcamp.”

Comprised of multi-instrumentalists Russell, Alex Strahle, and Free Hallas, Oblio have toured nationally, appeared on numerous notable indie ­rock radio programs, and performed at many venues in and around Los Angeles. Russell and Hallas toured with the popular UK rock outfit The Big Pink, for which Free is the current drummer. Strahle, meanwhile, is a current member of and lead guitarist for SoCal rock band SVB. He previously worked with Russell in the band Dead Ball Era.

Oblio have their roots in the local Los Angeles music scene, as the band frequently records and produces music for other local artists and assists bands with booking and hosting local DIY shows. The band also hosts a one ­day only local music festival called Pointless Fest.

'Days' is a rootsy, alt rock song, where the music does the rocking, and the vocals and harmonies add something a little softer, and support the melody. It's DIY credentials are a plus, as ther band clearly know there stuff, and the sounds they wan't to create.

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The Beehive Candy Interview: In Letter Form

In Letter Form - Wait Now.

Back in May we featured the song 'Face In The Crowd' taken from In Letter Form's eleven song album 'Fracture. Repair. Repeat'. We commented at the time "this is one very cool album, full of post punk sounds, that at times veer towards a darker Gothic feel, and sometimes a crisper early indie rock feel".

From the album we are pleased to share 'Wait Now' and we were pleased to take the opportunity, to ask the band a few questions earlier this week. Here is the interview in full:

Just what is it that makes the likes of Joy Division, Bauhaus, and Echo and the Bunnymen inspire your music? 
These bands are among the core music we grew up listening to, so it's hard wired, in a way. None of us ever set out to write songs that showcase these influences, it just has a way of emerging. It's a beautiful thing and sometimes a hindrance as reviewers sometime cling to these influences and ironically become just as dependent upon the influences as they suggest we may be. A Very interesting dance, indeed. We try not to overthink it.

As a follow up question, given the choice would you prefer to have been a band during their era, or today? 
With the exception of the direction the industry has taken and the "value" I feel people place or rather 'don't' upon live music and recorded music, I'd have to say TODAY, hands down. We live in our time. It's a tautology. If we were then, we wouldn't be us, now.

What are the obstacles facing bands and artists today, that make being a full time professional in your genre(s) difficult? 
Well here in San Francisco, we've witnessed a massive growth in 'wealth' and perverse income inequality along with a population boom. This has meant the closure and threat of closure of many local live music venues that support/ed beginning bands and artist communities. The Idolatry of money that has become systemically pervasive in American culture and felt no where more than here in SF (the great gold rush city) bring an oppressive amount of homogeneity, dull and bland, no teachers, no scholars, less art, more money, always more money.  Makes getting recognised and creating a true community harder but within that struggle there is fertility in the strife.

How well do you get on which each other in the creative and recording process? 
We love each other, and I say that with absolute resolve and without caveat. We really are a family and that extends beyond us 'four' to our team of members in family, management, creative and our label Metropolis who believe in what we're doing. The core four disagree from time to time but it makes for better art. It's about compromise and collaboration and trust. We're still learning and that keeps it exciting.

How on earth do you get airplay on major radio these days? 
Some of it is word of mouth, some of it is PR and campaigning, who you know or rather who you pay for access to the people THEY know. You know?

Best/worst gigs? 
Oooh, they're all 'good' gigs and you gotta believe that. The only thing the artist needs to do is be true to the muse, to the piece whether it be for five people in a pub or five thousand on a green. When I feel I had a bad gig, it's usually because I failed to connect with my audience or my band and that's usually symptomatic of me not connecting with myself, or with the muse.

Can music still influence people on mass, like the "protest songs" of the sixties, and if so, in a positive manner? 
Absolutely! I'll share a story, during our BFD performance I made the decision to get the audience to join in on a chant during "Terror (is a state of mind)" it was simple "Fuck Trump." The audience obliged and we connected, united around a common message. He really is a formidable threat to our nation, and humanity which is under constant threat as it is. After we got off stage I was confronted by two "REAL" Trump supporters. They came at me pretty hard at the merch table. "How dare you push your politics on us! You should play the songs we paid to hear without forcing that on us. We thought you were pretty good! You lost two fans today" I could only respond by saying that our music and politics/philosophy are not mutually exclusive and that I respected their right to voice this opinion but in turn they needed to afford us the same respect. Anyway, that was evidence enough that we can still influence, is it positive? I believe it to be when compared to the message of racism and intolerance that Trump and his clan either knowingly or ignorantly espouse.

It's 2016, what year is the mainstream music industry in?
2016, of course. ;)

Our thanks to Eric and In Letter Form for your thoughtful answers!

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Friday Five: Jay Pray - Soft Corporate- The Plastic Attraction - Oh Well, Goodbye - The Regrettes

Jay Pray - I'd Go Anywhere (Do Anything).

Background promo - Brooklyn synth-pop artist Jay Pray is set to release his debut self-titled album on October 21 via Think Thought Records. Justin P. Romanos has had a love for music since was he was just old enough to pick up a guitar. Justin was drawn to performance and songwriting at an early age, and growing up became a regular in the DIY music scene around his rural Connecticut hometown. He and his friends had ever evolving musical tastes and learned more about the process of making music by consistently forming new bands and recording in Justin’s makeshift home studio. This landed him a spot at Drexel University’s Music Industry Program. Here he found a home of like­minded peers and gained a lasting nickname, “J Pré”, short for an early band called the Justin P. Romanos Experiment. He honed his craft by continuously writing and spent much of his time in the close­knit Philadelphia basement community where he fronted the indie rock band SHMNS. After graduating college in 2014, it was time to regroup, refocus, and reinvent himself as a musician.

Justin relocated to Brooklyn, NY and began to combine the best of his musical beginnings into his biggest, boldest, and most colourful pop album yet; as the newly reincarnated Jay Pray. Under the polished production of Brandon Bost, Justin’s new album flourishes into a lush landscape of bright tones in which every detail is carefully slotted in place. A strong but subtle beat propels the collection forward as it dips into sultry shadows and bursts into powerful blasts of sunshine. Intricate synth riffs and Justin’s gentle lilt twinkle amongst the swelling wall of sound, transforming love musings into a tropical sonic escape. Jay Pray is a refreshing arrival in a saturated pop scene with a debut worth diving into head first.

'I'd Go Anywhere (Do Anything)' has been gaining attention these last few days. It's a genuine indie pop song with beautiful synths and smooth vocals pairing perfectly and delivering a melodic hooky song.

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Soft Corporate - Slipped (From the EP Good Things Will Happen).

Background - Based in Melbourne,the indie four-piece  Soft Corporate explore the boundaries of pop with their simultaneously anthemic and intricate compositions. Performing for several years under another name the first three members Troy Sheehan, Madeline Booth and Jack Cross invited Reuben Dyer to join their group. As a collective decision they chose their new name Soft Corporate.

Leading the charge with their first offering ‘Boats’, the song is a blend of haunting vocals, evocative melodies and intelligent musicianship. With such depth to their sound, it's hard to believe that their EP Good Things Will Happen is their debut release. The first single 'Boats' is captivating and a highly expressive piece of music.

Discovered early on with the release by the Triple J Unearthed team as part of Triple J Unearthed High, Soft Corporate made it to the finals of the well-known competition under a previous guise. Reminiscent of their melodic indie rock predecessors, Soft Corporate draw inspiration from contemporaries Death Cab for Cutie and Unknown Mortal Orchestra and comparisons could be drawn to Band of Horses, The Shin and Doves with their slow-burning builds and shifting dynamics. Lead vocalist Troy Sheehan’s lyrics centre on deep reflections, moments of clarity, time and trying to survive the metaphorical or literal end of the world. ‘Boats’ is a lush heady mix, Sheehan’s performance is understated with a disarming charm. 

Written in a their rehearsal space in Melbourne, their debut EP Good Things Will Happen came to life over recording sessions with producer Colin Leadbetter (Sarah Blasko, Whitley) in late 2015. Recorded at Sing Sing South, Leadbetter worked closely with the band unpacking their songs and developing their sound as a unit. Throughout the mixing process, the six songs that they took to the studio underwent several experimental shifts as hazy textures were introduced. The reverberant guitars and floating harmonies support and illuminate what is now their debut EP.

Upcoming Show – Good Things Will Happen EP Launch
6 August – The Toff In Town, Melbourne with Manor & Sweet Whirl
Doors from 8pm, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

'Good Things Will Happen' is a solid six song EP of which 'Slipped' is the fifth track and quite representative of the bands enticing indie rock/pop sound. The band create likable atmospheric music, with plenty of hooks and a lush musical background for the fine vocals and harmonies.

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The Plastic Attraction - Holding You.

Background - The Plastic Attraction was hatched in Perth when schoolyard friends – Liam (vocals), Matt (guitar/vocals), Horna (bass/vocals) and Chris (drums/vocals) decided that after many years of talking about it, they would batten down the hatches and write some music, channelling 90s rock with a fresh flavour and less denim. The Plastic Attraction started with a communal sharing of riffs, jamming, experimenting with different sounds and building up a base of demos. Once the band amassed a collection of riffs, ideas and songs, they sifted through them to see what sound worked for the band and which ideas jumped out at them as keepers. Throughout the sorting and sifting process, the band played band nights at pubs and clubs to test their material and hone their live show.

‘Holding You’ is the band's debut single. The track was recorded at Sumo Sound Studios in Perth by Tristan Sturmer (Sparrow, Verge Collection, Make Way For Man) and was mixed by highly acclaimed audio engineer Andy Lawson (Tired Lion, Eskimo Joe). The icing on the sonic cake was the mastering by the inimitable Leon Zervos (Boy & Bear, Art vs Science, Last Dinosaurs).

Lead singer, Liam says, “'Holding You’ was born when Matt and Horna were jamming on some ideas and came up with that opening riff. The whole song stemmed from that intro section and once the drums came in, the song seemed to come together very naturally.” Once you dig beneath the lush harmonies, interwoven bass and guitar and airy-high fidelity sound, you realise that ‘Holding You’ is the classic tale of boy meets girl, girl promises boy everlasting love, boy and girl breakup, boy has extreme difficulty letting go.

Obsession, ego and delusions of grandeur rear their ugly head throughout the song as the lyrics describe the heartbreakee's deeply misguided belief that the ex should have to stick to all those things she said while they were together. “Holding You” will be released 26th of August 2016. 

With a smooth and fast flowing beat, guitars and vocals that glide above, the song 'Holding You' is a breezy blast of melodic charm.

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Oh Well, Goodbye - This City To Yours.

Background - Hailing from Liverpool England, Oh Well Goodbye quietly crept into the UK scene with debut cassette release ‘BG092’ through U.S label Bleeding Gold Records. Beginning as a solo project during down time of his 'dayjob' band People//Talk, Philip Rourke (founder of EDILS records/booking) quickly assembled like minded musicians and played a scattering of shows in London and northern England, as well as a 5 date tour of France in late 2015. Oh Well Goodbye, completed by Sam Banks (bass), Peter Seddon (Guitar) and Andy Fernihough (Drums) have continued to push creatively as a unit while fully maintaining their Lo-Fi DIY approach. Three new EPs will be released before the end of 2017 and each one presents a progressive step showcasing Oh well goodbyes bittersweet musical movements that border the edge of collapse. Post punk is murky ground but oh well goodbye given their northern English heritage slot in and out easily. A lush mix of early 90s styled guitars, dance punk beats and hushed almost spoken vocal ride along effortlessly. As beautiful as it is ugly, the nonchalant display masks the chaos and vulnerability underneath.

The first release of the trilogy is a four track EP entitled ‘Swoon’. A step up from the home recording of Rourkes debut effort, ‘Swoon’ was recorded in a Liverpool studio live by the bands drummer Andy Fernihough. ‘Swoon’ is available on pink and grey 7” as well as digitally from September 16th through Bleeding Gold records.The bands next release quickly follows and coincides with a European tour in October. A five track cassette entitled 'Acquiescence' is a co-release between UK labels Hail Hail and EDILS Records (digitally through Bleeding Gold records) will be available from October 16th. A more experimental and ambient collection compared to its predecessor, 'Acquiescence' see's oh well goodbye use drums loops and keyboards for the first time on half of the tracks while still in touching upon the bands pop sensibilities and downbeat 'post punk' sound. This leads nicely into the final release of the trilogy; 'I Know, I Know, I Know' which is a remix EP comprised of tracks from both 'Swoon' and 'Acquiescence'. Hitting the world wide web on November 11th, again through Bleeding Gold Records the digital only release features remixes by a host of acts including Dignan Porch (Faux Discx/Captured Tracks), Gorgeous Bully (Art Is Hard), Moonlit Sailor (Deep Elm) and new comers such as Dayflower and Grave Diggers Union.

The wonderfully understated vocals on 'This City To Yours' typifies the lo-fi and distinctive sound found on the 'Swoon' EP, with the exception of the third track 'Axe The Bay' which takes on a more ambient direction. With more to come, Oh Well, Goodbye appear to be on a  musical and creative roll.

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The Regrettes - Hey Now.

Background - Perfectly imperfect - that’s one way to describe LA based punk act, The Regrettes. Writing songs that proudly bear a brazen and unabashed attitude in the vein of acts Courtney Barnett or Karen O - with a pop aesthetic reminiscent of 50’s and 60’s acts a la the Temptations or Buddy Holly - the LA based four piece create infectious, punk driven tracks.

Lead by outspoken front woman, Lydia Night, and comprised of Genessa Gariano on guitar, Sage Nicole on bass and drummer Maxx Morando, the group have left the LA rock scene floored, managing to capture the hearts of jaded rock critics while opening for acts like Kate Nash, Jack Off Jill, Bleached, Pins, Deep Vally and more. With nothing but demos available online, the group are already beginning to generate hype, from outlets like NPR, and with Nylon already heralding them them as a “punk act you should be listening to”.

From the opening moments on a track by The Regrettes, we’re greeted with a wall of guitars, infectious melodies and a wistful nostalgia that continues right until the final notes. Taking cues from acts like Hinds and Hole, there’s a wistful sense of youth and vulnerability that lies at the heart of each song. A song by The Regrettes is, essentially, a diary entry into Lydia’s life. “My music is a spectrum of every emotion that I have felt in the last year, and you can hear that when you hear the songs. Everything that is happening in my life influences me. It’s everything from boys, to friends, to being pissed off at people, to being really sad. Just everything.”

The most intoxicating draw of The Regrettes is their bashful, heart-on-your-sleeve temperament - writing urgent and fast-paced pop songs with a punk rock mentality. “The way that we write, it’s all based on honesty,” muses Lydia on the group’s punk aesthetic. “If I finish a song, I’ll just leave it - I won’t really go back to it. I like things to feel in the moment and I don’t want it to be perfect. If I work on something too much I lose it and get bored and I want to do the next one..”

Live Dates:
8/5 Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory - w/ Badlands and King Shelter
8/6 – Los Angeles, CA - Save The Smell Fest at The Smell
8/13 – Los Angeles, CA - Smash Club at Junior High
8/18 – Los Angeles, CA - Echo Park Rising at The Echo
Fri/Nov-11 San Diego, CA North Park Observatory *
Tue/Nov-15 San Francisco, CA The Independent *
Wed/Nov-16 San Francisco, CA The Independent *
Fri/Nov-18 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom *
Sat/Nov-19 Seattle, WA Neumos *
* with Sleigh Bells

'Hey Now' is an explosive and feisty, "get over it" punk song. That said, the song is very catchy and the vocals and soundtrack are edgy whilst leaving enough room for an underlying melody.

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Quality Not Quantity: Happyness - Jake Meadows - The Slang

Happyness - Anna, Lisa Calls.

Background promo - Happyness have announced that a brand new EP, titled Tunnel Vision On Your Part, will be released this September 23rd through Moshi Moshi Records. It can be pre-ordered here. In addition, the forthcoming harmony-packed new single Anna, Lisa Calls appears here as the EP opener, with the band saying; “This is our first phone call song and our 5th song in E major. We wrote it one day in the studio in June and recorded it straight away - I think we were going for a kind of Traveling Wilburys thing. Also we felt like we hadn't put a synth in a song for a while, so there's a synth.”

The EP, which also includes recent single SB’s Truck – a track penned by the band in homage to Samuel Beckett, who famously used to give the beloved, late, 80’s wrestler André The Giant lifts to school in his truck, owing to him being too large for his dad’s car - is announced alongside a run of UK and EU dates in support of Chicago garage-rockers Twin Peaks. Happyness’ last UK stint saw them support The Dandy Warhols up and down the country.

Tunnel Vision On Your Part also provides a rare direct glimpse into the band’s influences as they offer their own interpretation of Club Gaga’s Friend Of The Revolution. Originally featuring on their Suburban Lake album, it’s a record that Happyness hold up as one of their favourites of all time, saying “Most (if not the whole) of the record is findable on YouTube. There were a few different songwriters in the band - but this one's by the great Peter Fancher.”

Prior to the Twin Peaks support dates Happyness have two special EP release shows booked in, the second taking place at London’s Vauxhall City Farm, at which they’ll play a stripped-back set to include tracks from their work-in-progress 2nd album. “Vauxhall City Farm is one of our favourite spots in London & just up the road from where we wrote most of 'Weird Little Birthday'. As part of the release of our new EP, 'Tunnel Vision On Your Part', we're adopting the farm for the evening of October 8th for a stripped back show - playing songs from the EP, and some from our upcoming second album. Tickets are available now exclusively from Music Glue & all come with a download link or limited 12" vinyl of the EP. All Ages Welcome.”

Happyness EP release shows:
Sept 30 Happyness EP release show, The Finsbury, London, UK *
Oct 8 Happyness EP release show, Vauxhall City Farm, London, UK *
Happyness tour support with Twin Peaks dates in full:
Oct 19 Le Point Ephemere, Paris FR
Oct 20 Patterns, Brighton UK [buy tickets]
Oct 21 All Years Leaving Festival, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham UK
Oct 23 Bungalows & Beats, Sheffield UK * - Free Show
Oct 24 Brudenell Social Club, Leeds UK
Oct 25 Sound Control, Manchester UK
Oct 26 Scala, London UK
Oct 28 Botanique, Brussells BE
Oct 30 Merleyn, Nijmegen NE
Oct 31 DBs, Utrecht NE *
Nov 01 Vera, Groningen NE
* = Happyness headline show

'Anna, Lisa Calls' has the feeling of a spontaneous song, that is full of fresh bright vibes. The band reference The Travelling Wilburys as an influence for the direction of this track, however there is no missing the extra energy Happyness bring with them.

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Jake Meadows - Lost Entitlement, featuring Daniel Johns.

Background - Jake Meadows is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and harpist from Sydney, Australia who recently released his debut EP Good Company featuring vocals and production from Silverchair's Daniel Johns on every track. Good Company showcases Meadows' signature sound which has been built from years of experimenting with classical harp, modern electronic techniques, and rich harmonious layers.

Written and recorded in studios across Sydney and Tasmania and a shed on the north coast of Australia, Good Company is a creative collaboration between two old friends, Jake Meadows and Daniel Johns. Meadows returned home from an inspiring trip to Spain and Ibiza to show Johns early versions of what would become a stunning debut release. "Daniel and I have been friends for years and he's always helped me find inspiration. We've always worked well together, on different projects, and this collaboration happened really organically. I showed him the tracks I had been working on for the EP and he offered to produce and be a part of the project, and we just went for it," says Meadows.

Good Company oozes with a hazy tranquility, as mellow electronic production pulses against warm, reassuring vocals and the ethereal sounds of Meadows's harp. Reminiscent of Rhye or Unknown Mortal Orchestra, "Lost Entitlement" showcases Meadows and Johns's ability to combine intricate rhythms, striking melodies, and unconventional instrumentation to deliver a celestial sound that's comfortable on the dance floor. Lead single, "Echo of Tomorrow" is a haunting and foreboding track that captures a sense of bittersweet grace not heard elsewhere on the EP. Good Company is only a small, yet outstanding, taste of what we can expect to hear from Jake Meadows in the future.

We featured Jake Meadows back in March, and did not hesitate to do so again, with the opportunity to share another song, this time 'Lost Entitlement'. This is an upbeat and danceable track, that really does boast an eclectic mix of sounds, welded together beautifully.

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The Slang - Ballad Of Everything.

Background - The Slang is an alternative/rock band consisting of duo John Bobo and John Newsome.  Their musical talents have earned them invitations to several premier music conferences including MPMF, NXNE, and CMJ.  In addition, the sounds of The Slang have been used in various mainstream outlets including HBO, USA network, and Troma Films.

The Slang’s path is anything other than typical for a rock band.  Lead Singer John Bobo turned down becoming an FBI Special Agent in order to focus on music and record the bands debut EP.  The success of that record led to more touring and a desire to record another album.  The follow-up EP’s title (Night and Day) refers to a number of differences the band experienced since the debut EP was recorded.  The band went from a three-piece to a duo and decided to change the scenery from the hustle of NYC to the more relaxed atmosphere of Nashville, TN.  In addition, they used a number of well-known Nashville session players to fill out the more layered sound of the new EP.

The band is set to release the Night and Day EP in the summer of 2016.  Recorded at the Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, TN, it highlights the talents of songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist John Bobo and Bassist John Newsome.  The album is produced by Russ Long (Wilco, Sixpence None the Richer). The Slang will be on tour in support of the Night and Day EP starting in the fall of 2016.

'Ballad Of Everything' is one fine alt rock song. With a powerful and superbly mixed soundtrack the vocals glide effortlessly above, with enough grit to provide that full alt rock sound.

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Spoilt For Choice: Harts - Pete Gardiner - Oh My Love - Yishay

Harts - Power.

Background promo - With a strutting bass line, velvety vocals and thunderous guitar riffs, the three-and-a-half minute epic sounds like it was written and recorded with the sole intention of being blasted from stadium speakers. The track premiered on triple j’s Good Nights With Linda Marigliano show and has since been added to high rotation on triple j. 'Power' is the first single Harts has released since partnering with Dew Process / UMA last month.

Harts – the brainchild of musical polymath Darren Hart – has already had a huge year following the release of his latest single ‘Peculiar’, which has ruled the airwaves over at triple j and been on regular rotation since its release in March. He has since been touring non-stop both locally and internationally, recently returning from a successful tour of the UK and Europe, including a slot on the Pink Pop Festival in the Netherlands.

In Australia, his outstanding live reputation is already cemented, having wowed the audiences of Splendour In The Grass, Groovin’ The Moo, Byron Bay Bluesfest, and Falls Festival to name just a few, and he returned to the main stage at Splendour last month. 'Power' is available to buy/stream now via Dew Process / UMA.

'Power' has a funky feel, driven by a potent bass line and a rich musical soundtrack. Add Darren Harts really cool vocals and you have one superb funky rock song.

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Pete Gardiner - Pretty Smiles.

Background -  Irish singer songwriter Pete Gardiner unveils his new single ‘Pretty Smiles’  along with a cinematic video inspired by 50’s Film Noir, set for release via NUA Entertainment on 2nd September. The visuals are the testament to the young artist’s love for retro, shot in a 1920’s bar in Manchester by award-winning video director Alex Taylor, the video narrates the story of a young bartender who falls in love with a ghost. Resembling a young James Dean, Pete Gardiner shows off his acting and dancing skills in what is his first professional shooting experience.

Fresh  from  the  success  of his debut single ‘All These Things’  - released earlier this year and supported by the likes of Robert Elms and Radio 2’s Janice Long, and crowned with a ‘Track Of The Day’ feature on Record Of The Day, the talented songsmith has been building a steady following of fans by performing his music across the country.

Pete Gardiner’s recent collaboration with Pól Brennan of Clannad, saw the young artist performing the theme music for the Irish movie ‘Property of The State’ alongside the legendary Irish composer. A powerful drama based on a true event that shocked Ireland in the 1990’s, the film tells the story from the eyes of the sister of a young man who committed murder and deals with the devastating effects of mental illness and domestic abuse. Pól Brennan composed the full score while the lyrics for the closing theme, ‘From Over The River,’ were written and performed by Pete.

‘Pretty Smiles’ is taken from Pete’s forthcoming debut album produced by Mercury Prize winner Tommy McLaughlin from Villagers. The album is due for release later this year and mixed by hit maker Ash Howes - who worked on singles for Ellie Goulding, One Direction, Kylie Minogue and Dido. With a debut album in the pipeline for the end of the year, ‘Pretty Smiles’ continues to cement Pete Gardiner’s position as a bonafide songwriting talent.

'Pretty Smiles is a powerful and beautifully produced song, from singer songwriter Pete Gardiner. There is a maturity and level of quality here, that I would expect from someone with a much longer track record in the music business. The forthcoming album is definitely on the "must listen list".

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Oh My Love - ChaChaCha.

Background - Oh My Love is an Electronic Pop duo out of Madison, WI comprised of Hannah Luree and Christian Lisser. Oh My Love’s sound is driven by powerful vocals, glistening melodies, driving synth, and heavy-hitting, electronic beats.

After two years of writing and performing music together, the electronic pop duo Oh My Love is releasing their debut album “Ghosts & Bubblegum” on May 6th for the world to hear. The 11-track album was written, recorded, and produced by Oh My Love in their home studio and mixed by Joe Mabbott (known for his work with Atmosphere, Doomtree, and Brother Ali). Ghosts & Bubblegum is representative of the idea that yin and yang, or two opposites can attract and become one whole entity. The duality of the album touches on humanity’s struggles with happiness and sadness, dark and light, and death and life. Without one, you wouldn’t have the other.

'ChaChaCha' really makes good use of the synths, with some meaty, deep vibes, that contrast and juxtapose with Hannah Luree's crystal and beautiful vocals. Electronic music fans really should check this song out.

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Yishay - Night Games.

Background - Gritty South Central LA artist Yishay finds beauty in the dirt and darkness on his second release, Trinity Tapes II. Layering live rock instruments and passionate vocal melodies over tight hip hop drums and electronic production, he has etched his way in bridging the gap of organic and electronic.

Spiritual questions and scientific insights are explored in clever wordplay throughout as exemplified on the opening track "Friend Of Mine," which takes lessons from the tale of psychology poster child Phineas Gage.

Darkness and light. Organic and electronic. Spirit and science. It seems Yishay is bent on unearthing the pole that pierces through polar opposites.

Trinity Tapes II continues his three-song-free-mixtape series that demands a public eye to uncover it from the underground. Yishay seeks to overthrow genre limitations by asking listeners to avoid labels and simply see things as they are. Here's hoping we find what's really there.

Yishay tells Beehive Candy "I am a new, unknown artist so there is no point in writing up some bio - I believe the music speaks for itself". Fair enough, and as it happens the featured song 'Night Games' speaks volumes, as do the other two tracks on Trinity Tapes II. This is a mixture of genre defying, creative music, with a sense of urgency and real passion. I can't help but like all of that!

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Quality Not Quantity: Wyatt Blair - Grog - Glider Pilots - Perpacity

Wyatt Blair - Dancing On A Dream.

Background promo - Record label founder. Recording wizard. Power pop maestro. Wyatt Blair is a man of many disciplines. Blair began Lolipop Records out of his parents’ Laguna Beach garage in 2010 with a simple goal of recording his friends and sharing their music with the world. When Wyatt moved the label to Los Angeles in 2012, he inadvertently started a rock ‘n’ roll revolution — spawning an army of sweet-toothed teens with an insatiable appetite for the sugary garage pop sounds of Lolipop bands — most of them discovered by Blair himself.

However, even as he assumed his role as the hardest working man in LA’s flourishing garage rock scene, Blair continued to write, record and produce his own music at a prolific rate. His debut full-length, “Banana Cream Dream,” immortalised his love of all things sweet and solidified his place as one of LA’s top tune-smiths. An infectious blend of anthemic power pop, tongue-in-cheek storytelling and hilarious interludes, the record has seen multiple re-pressings on Lolipop, Burger Records and Resurrection Records. Blair toured tirelessly behind “Banana Cream Dream,” supporting bands such as Broncho, Froth and Corners, and playing popular local festivals like Burgerama, Beach Goth and Desert Daze.

So, where does one go after assuming the throne of dessert-themed rock ‘n’ roll? For Blair, a musical chameleon and pop music Renaissance man, there was only one option. Hang up the banana suit and bust out the hairspray. Blair’s latest LP, ‘Point of No Return’ (out August 5th on Lolipop and Burger Records), is an unabashed love letter to the arena rock, glam and hair metal heroes that he holds so close to his heart. Channelling the soaring, harmonised guitar solos, lovelorn lyricism and workout-ready rhythms, “Point of No Return” plays like a lost gem from the long player generation.

'Dancing On A Dream' is the first of twelve songs on the new album 'Point of No Return'. It's an unashamed collection of arena, hair and glam rock music, that hurtles at the listener in a wonderful blast, indeed it's not until track six 'Patience' that the tempo really drops, and then not for long. Melodies, smooth vocals and loads of guitar driven songs make for a great album. It's a little retro and and yet also fresh and immediate.

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Grog - In Plain Sight.

Background - 'In Plain Sight' is the debut solo single from LA-based singer-songwriter Grog Lisee, aka singer/bass player and face of cult rock band Die So Fluid.

Finding herself in an intensely inspired creative space [‘cut me and music spills out’], Grog has recently been writing & producing material that flows beyond the framework of the classic Die So Fluid rock sound.

Her ever-widening perspective and a desire to share more personal and experimental offerings have led her to this solo project. With her mantra 'no rules, no limits', we can expect the release of more Grog songs over the coming months.

 "As a Brit living in the US, you can't help but notice the abundance of religions and cults here. I became interested and started researching them. I soon discovered the more extreme side of cult behaviour and was moved to write about what I consider its evil nature 'hidden in plain sight'.

The lyrics seem ever more pertinent in the face of escalating global civil unrest, racial disharmony, and terrorist propaganda. This is a time when surely we need to trust our instincts, strive for peace, and refuse to live in fear." – Grog, 2016.

'In Plain Sight' has a rhythmic, synth driven soundtrack, that complement Grog's superbly matched vocals. The song has a message that is delivered powerfully, in a piece that gradually builds into something of an anthem.

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Glider Pilots - Simple Things.

Background - Glider Pilots is an indie-rock/folk duo formed by brother and sister Benjamin and Samantha Hope. Born and raised in far north Queensland, Australia, their music revolves around the use of delicate guitar melodies, breathy vocals, synthesisers and drum machines. They write, record, mix and master themselves. They even do all the artwork and music videos.

Glider Pilots first released their debut EP In Another World in February 2015. They went on to play shows throughout Queensland, releasing new singles ‘Shoe Box’ and ‘Brand New Day’ later in 2015. Their follow up EP Some Where out There premiered through hhhhappy.com in April 5 to wide praise throughout Australia. The duo released a music video for EP track ‘Sleeping Vision’, and launched the EP at The Drift in Cairns later that month to an adoring audience.

Their upcoming single ‘Simple Things’ was recorded in their own studio and was recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by band member Benjamin. “‘Simple Things’ tells the story of how you get caught in the push and pull of where and who you are and where and who you want to be,” says the band.

Glider Pilots are planning touring throughout Cairns and Queensland this October, with an accompanying music video for the single later this Winter/Spring. “Simple Things” by Glider Pilots will be released 12th of August 2016.

Delightful, gentle vocals and the equally melodic and sensitive musical soundtrack, make 'Simple Things' something quite special. It's one of those songs that leaves me, desirous to checkout far more of their material.

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Perpacity - 9725.

Background - British-Danish synth pop duo Perpacity are releasing '9725', the lead single from their forthcoming second album ‘Arise’, Comprised of 14 tracks, it is scheduled for release in early October, the 14 tracks on this release complement each other well and create a special ambiance. ‘Eternal ft. Nordik Fire’, a track that brings the Celtic element of a violin-charged melody into electronic territory, is being offered as the b-side.

Perpacity is a duo comprised of Ian Harling and Martin Nyrup, who reside in Bristol (UK) and Copenhagen (Denmark) respectively. Their music exhibits a strong command of melody and texture, characterised by unique dark moving electronic soundscapes and vocals to set your heart alight. This is genuine, unconditional love for synthpop or dance-pop.

“When we set out to write the new album we agreed to not try to go for a specific mood, theme or atmosphere - that whether a song or a track made the initial cut depended purely on whether we like it and whether it speaks to us. We purposely allowed other genres to influence what came out of each song,” explains Martin Nyrup. “We get a bit blues-ish here and there, and even go a bit Celtic in one track with an amazing collaboration we had with violinist Bethany Borg of Nordik Fire. We like to think there is something for everybody here.”

“One of the reasons that Martin and I work well together is that we don't have the same tastes in music, often quite the opposite,” says Ian Harling. “The song '9725' was very much like that; it started out as a really gritty instrumental, but every time I listened to it I could hear lyrics and a melody within it. When you work on tracks like that, there’s a feeling that the song is writing itself, and you simply have to help it come out. On the surface it's a standard love song, but there is also a second level of meaning there.”

The ‘Arise’ LP was mastered by Alexander Kretov from renowned dreampop band Ummagma. As of October 7, ‘Arise’ will be released on CD and digital download via the duo’s Bandcamp, Amazon, and elsewhere. It is already available for pre-order on Bandcamp, with immediate download of ‘9725’ and ‘Eternal ft. Nordik Fire’). 

The contrast between the featured song '9725' and ‘Eternal ft. Nordik Fire’ is considerable, and demonstrates that Perpacity can turn their attention to very differing sounds and ideas, making the October album release something to look forward to. '9725' has a timeless electronic feel, with synths and vocals both vying for attention. Comparisons there may be, however I can only think of some very fine ones, so no problems there!

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