Genre Wander: Cairobi - Daniel Wiggins - Sounds of Sputnik - Surf Rock is Dead

Cairobi - Saint.

Background - Cairobi are a headily eclectic globe-crossing fourpiece of Giorgio Poti (vocals, guitars), Alessandro Marrosu (bass), Salvador Garza (keys) and Aurelien Bernard (drums). Their sound reflects their various backgrounds with a unique multi-cultural twist.

Their debut self-produced album was written in Berlin and, fittingly with their diverse nationalities, was recorded between Berlin, London, Rome and New York. Music and this resulting album was Giorgio’s means of finding his way through health problems, as after relocating to Berlin, he started to suffer frequent, violent migraines that would incapacitate him for an average of twelve days a month.

“I could either stay still, in silence, eyes shut, or take the medication and hope it worked so I could move on with my day,” he recalls. “Even when the medicine worked, it would make me extremely sleepy, so some of the music and lyrics on this record were written in a state of drowsiness. That part wasn’t particularly fun, but maybe it helped me get rid of some filters. Luckily, the headaches stopped after about a year.” Website here and Facebook here.

Swirling guitars and chanting vocals are surrounded by some kind of oriental psychedelic blanket, making 'Saint' a very unique and rather addictive song.

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

Daniel Wiggins - Summer Rain.

Background - Daniel Wiggins is a guitarist, vocalist, composer and producer from Perth, Western Australia. With an eclectic musical taste and background, Daniel’s music draws influence from progressive rock, pop, folk and jazz. His repertoire includes both vocally driven and instrumental pieces, specialising in the atmospheric and the visually evocative. Wiggins’ music has often been described as having a cinematic quality and a sense of narrative.

Daniel Wiggins’ first single ‘Summer Rain’ features long-time collaborator, Drew James Griffiths (Ur Draugr, Asphodel Creative) on backing vocals, as well as mixing and mastering duties. Ben Mazzarol (Chaos Divine) lends his impeccable drumming, while Daniel’s father, Mark Wiggins (Dilip ‘n the Davs) supplies the bass guitar. It was recorded primarily in home studios, with the drums being recorded by Brody Simpson at Underground Studios in Perth.

“I have been incredibly fortunate in being able to work with some astounding talent on this track, and the EP as a whole. ‘Summer Rain’ might be the best representation of my intent as an artist – an amalgamation of many influences and experiences that have shaped me since birth. I feel incredibly blessed that people now have the opportunity to hear the music that has been echoing within my bedroom walls for some time, and perhaps someone will enjoy it!”

‘Summer Rain’ demonstrates Wiggins’ effortless melding of melancholic balladry with progressive rock sophistication. Driven by the rich chords of the acoustic guitar, as well as Daniel’s characteristically soulful vocal delivery, the track is a rich tapestry of texture and melody. Its narrative follows the deterioration of a personal relationship, a longing for the changing season and the embracing of the self. “Summer Rain” will be released 9th of December 2016. Facebook here.

Daniel Wiggins gentle and soothing vocal delivery is just right for a song like 'Summer Rain'. One of those songs that builds as it goes, the instrumentation is very well crafted, it's just the genre that's hard to pin down. Folk, alt rock and everywhere in between I suppose.

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

Sounds of Sputnik - New Born Remixed.

Background - Moscow’s Sounds of Sputnik has announced they will release their new ‘New Born Remixed’ EP via Emerald & Doreen Recordings. Surrounding tracks co-written, produced, and recorded by Canadian-Ukrainian dreampop duo Ummagma, these tracks also feature stellar vocals from Ummagma’s Shauna McLarnon and Alexander Kretov.

Rooted in a shared love of melodic dream pop and shoegaze with a taste of the 80s-90s, Sounds of Sputnik has teamed up with the German label to bring the bands' influences – from Lush, Curve, Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine, Jesus & Mary Chain – into familiar Emerald & Doreen disco & synth wave territory. The result is an unlikely, unfathomable but always brilliant “dream house disco noise experience" for the more adventurous listener.

Earlier this year, Sounds of Sputnik re-released their debut LP 'New Born' feat. Ummagma through hallmark U.S. shoegaze label Moon Sounds Records. Showcasing a palette of clever guitar lines, powerful drums, lush bass and gossamer female vocals, it also features Graham Bonnar (Swervedriver/ Brian Jonestown Massacre), psych rock producer Fran Ashcroft (Damon Albarn, Lords of Acid), Russian producers Morozov and Oleg Mezherovsky, and Brazil’s Mind Movies.

Fronted by Roman Kalitkin, Sounds of Sputnik now includes Oleg Mezherovsky, Oleg Luzhetsky, Dmitriy Bobrinev, Anastasia Berezovskaya, and Almaz Gaifutdinov. Now based in Canada, Ummagma collaborated with Kalitkin while living in Moscow circa 2004 and reunited with him after a decade of living in Ukraine. Their collaborative project went into overtime when military conflicts began between the two countries, as a decisive and loud symbolic act of cross-border comradeship.

In 2014, Sounds of Sputnik received a Jagermeister Indie Music Award, the highest music prize in Russia, and claimed Best East European Video at the 2014 Independent Music Video Awards in Australia. 'New Born' also remained in CMJ's American College Radio Charts for a massive 7 weeks, the first time this has been achieved by a Russian indie artist.

'New Born Remixed' will be released digitally on December 9 by Emerald & Doreen Recordings, which is run by avid audiophile vinyl-loving DJs and whose motto is "we release nice songs and great remixers. Genres do not matter, only awe-inspringity counts". Bandcamp here and Facebook here.

'New Born Remixed' is a fabulous collection of music, redefined and artistically reworked, just dive in and enjoy an incredible audio feast.

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

Surf Rock is Dead - In Between.

Background - "Hailing from Chicago and Australia and currently on tour with Jezabels, Kevin Pariso and Joel Witenberg -- who go by the band name Surf Rock Is Dead -- are set to make a splash with new single "In Between".

“It’s a song about going back to where you’re from and not feeling like you belong anymore yet not feeling perfectly in place where you currently are," says Pariso.

With it's high-reverb guitar riffs that resemble the rolling waves and a sad undertone to the lyrics, "In Between" embodies the beachiness of their namesake's genre through a new-wave filter. Website here and Facebook here.

Upcoming Tour Dates w/ The Jezebels:
Dec 01 @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg - Brooklyn NY
Dec 03 @ World Cafe Live - Philadelphia, PA
Dec 05 @ Rock & Roll Hotel - Washington, DC.

'In Between' is a silky flowing and beautiful surf pop meets shoegaze piece, that is most insistent on being played again.

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

Midweek Muse: Super Paradise - Beatrix Players - Stella Rio - Golden Daze

Super Paradise - The F.C.

Background - Born in Milan, and now based in London, Super Paradise have just burst onto the garage scene in the UK with their debut album Quencebo: twenty minutes of high-octane rotary psych, both frenetic and melodious fusing the genres of garage, synth pop and psychedelia.

Originally written and recorded by lead singer and guitarist Francesco Roma in his hometown, Milan, the record sees the collaboration of Nico Spreafico on backing vocals and now as guitarist in the live line-up. Since moving to the UK, they inspired keyboardist Juliet Styles and drummer Bradley Smith to join to create the full line up.

Building on the edgy energy of Thee Oh Sees, the rough sounds of Parquet Courts and the soundscapes of New Order, the result is a hypnotic amphetamine rush with dizzying catchy melodies.

Bandcamp here, and Facebook here.

Taken from the debut release 'Quencebo' we have chosen to feature the first track 'The F.C.' The song is a fine example of what is a creative and varied range of tracks. Musically they mix pace and melody with some blistering moments and the occasional pause for reflection. Ones to watch I reckon.

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

Beatrix Players - Lady of the Lake.

Background - London-trio Beatrix Players have just released their new single 'Lady Of The Lake' taken from their upcoming debut album (due in 2017).

When choosing a suitable name for their band this London based trio certainly gave themselves something to live up to. Beatrix, from the Latin Viatrix, is a name that in its various forms has been previously bestowed upon self-sacrificing martyrs and self-denying mystics, royal consorts and Holy Roman empresses, Balzac heroines and Tarantino assassins. No small irony then, that a name so often chosen by tragedians for their characters literally means "she who makes happy".

Through their enchantingly dark and evocative melodies, expansive arrangements and empowered orchestral sound Beatrix Players tell stories of real life and fantasy. Citing influences as diverse as Michael Nyman and Regina Spektor and drawing comparisons to the likes of Kate Bush and Einaudi Ludovico; this London-based, all female trio combine elements of Folk, Jazz, Progressive and Classical music. In 2015 the band (Amy Birks, Jess Kennedy and Amanda Alvarez) took their unique sound – a beautiful combination of vocals, piano and cello – into the studio to record their self-produced debut album, which has been mixed by two-time BBC Folk Award winner, Jim Moray. That album, titled Magnified, is scheduled for release in 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

If your one for classic vocals, mixed with a timeless piano and cello combination, then 'Lady of the Lake' suggests that you (and I) may well be in store for a magnificent album next year. Supported by an imaginative video this is one mightily impressive and beautiful song.

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

Stella Rio - Don't Go Away.

Background from Stella - I've finally had a chance to work on my own material after being consumed by other projects for the past while.

You'll notice the song is about meeting that special person and feeling that you’re connected on a deeper level and never wanting to let that feeling go. I think most people can relate because deep down most people chase that kind of love.

In addition to my own music I've been working on Canadian DJ's DVBBS latest Wicked Ways EP, which just came out. I've also been writing for the new Little Mix album Glory Days. The album dropped on November 18. You'll definitely want to go support their great work as well! Facebook here.

With distinctive and absolutely charming vocals, Stella Rio has given us the splendid 'Don't Go Away'. Melodic and catchy, combines with expansive and dreamy, a perfect recipe for a superb song if ever there was one.

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

Golden Daze - Ghost.

Background - Formed by Ben Schwab and Jacob Loeb, Golden Daze is a collaborative songwriting duo. Inspired by 60's melodic rock and contemporaries like Cass Mccombs and Brian Jonestown Massacre, Golden Daze drenches their straightforward earthly pop tunes in ethereal drones and tape flutter. The duo, originally from the Midwest (Schwab from Ohio and Loeb from Chicago), are based in Los Angeles and recently released their self-titled debut LP on Autumn Tone Records.

This week the band shares the surreal video for "Ghost." The video serves as a tribute to the band member's mothers, and tells the story of a mother psychically channeling the spirits of her sons. Catch the band on tour now with together PANGEA and Twin Peaks.

Tour Dates:
11/28 - Denver CO- Moon Room*
11/29 - Lawrence KS- Bottleneck*
11/30 – Columbia, MO – Cafe Berlin*
12/01 – Detroit, MI – El Club^
12/02 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop^
12/03 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace^
12/05 – Burlington, VT – Signal Kitchen^
12/06 – Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall^
12/07 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair^
12/08 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer^
12/09 – New York, NY – Webster Hall^
12/10 – Richmond, VA – Strange Matter^
12/13 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5^
12/14 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In^
12/16 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall^
12/17 – Chicago, IL – Metro^
* with together PANGEA
^ with together PANGEA and Twin Peaks

Atmospheric and sometimes seemingly distant vocals and harmonies drift above the rich textured sounds making 'Ghost' a very hypnotic and pleasing song. Slowly building in energy this is one really fine track.

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

Quality Not Quantity: Calling All Astronauts - Adwaith - Cassady Southern

Calling All Astronauts - Life As We Know It.

Background - 2016 has been another fantastic year for West London Electro Punks Calling All Astronauts. It has seen the release of their widely acclaimed second album “Anti-Social Network” Their single Empire hit #2 in the Official European Indie Chart, they’ve had two #1s in the Hype Machine Twitter Chart, they headlined the Bandstand Stage on the final night of Beautiful Days Festival. They have seen their Twitter following swell to over 500,000.

They round off the year with their ninth single, “Life As We Know It” released via Supersonic Media on Dec 23rd in which we see a more mellow, electronic side to these usually noisy rockers. The single is backed by three remixes and would you believe a “shuffle” video. “We are not a band to release the same single over and over, yes they all sound like us, but we are very eclectic in our influences and I hope our music reflects this” David CAA.

Website here, Facebook here.

The original version of 'Life As We Know It' is a rhythmic feast where guitars glide and the deep vocal delivery adds some real edge. The three remixes take the song into differing orientations, however the dark sonic vibes cannot help but remain.

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

Adwaith - Pwysau.

Background - Adwaith have always existed. They have been there since the sixties, through Roxy's filthy glitter, and within the glorious chaos of punk and its post-punk offspring. Now the relevant stars have aligned, Adwaith have been made physical in the form of Gwenllian Anthony (Bass, Mandolin), Hollie Singer ( Vocals, Guitar), Eva Chelsea Free (Vocals) and Heledd Owen ( Drums).

History flows through Adwaith, so much so that they are formed around a classic core songwriting duo of Hollie and Gwenllian. Like famous musical partners Hollie and Gwenllian's friendship stretches back to their childhood days (the pair met when they were three years old). After taking a detour through life with Hollie moving to Australia (which included her singing at the Opera House) the pair are now reunited and embarking on forging a new path for Welsh music. Inspired by artists who refuse to walk the easy path (Datblygu, The Slits, Nico, Happy Mondays, The Velvet Underground, Johnny Cash) Adwaith are set to be hailed as the most exciting band to come out of Wales for a very long time.

The band have worked with Patricia Morgan from Datblygu over the summer to develop their demos and sound. The results can be heard on Pwysau their post-folk debut single.  With Pwysau, Adwaith offer their hand and let the listener know that are people who care and who can support you in your time of need. Facebook here.

'Pwysau' is a beautifully understated folk song where the music is crisp and the vocals just right. At just under two minutes it's almost a tease, however if Adwaith deliver more music of this calibre, it may well be time to learn the Welsh nations language.

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

Cassady Southern - Breakdown.

Background - Cassady Southern’s new single “Breakdown” is a paean to broken love and showcases the ability of Cassady's writing to uncover the vulnerable truths within all of us. Cassady’s heartfelt lyrics and unique delivery are enhanced by the signature sound of guitarist extraordinaire Wolf Mail, and the rock-solid rhythm section of current drummer for ‘Ratcat’ Reuben J Alexander and bassist Brad Fitter. Paul Najar fills out the band on piano and Sarah Hamad provided back-up vocals.

Skilfully crafted and produced, the track features the undeniable talents of Cassady and the band. Both authentic and catchy, a couple of plays will have it stuck in your head. “While this song is personal, it is not just about me. It’s the result of my own, and others’ experiences, distilled over time. It’s about wanting someone so much that it is consuming; and I think many people can relate to that” says Cassady.

Indeed Heart is the fitting name of Cassady’s latest EP, featuring three other original tracks including, “I Liked It”, which has an instant groove, the rocking “Feet on the Ground”, and “I Ain’t Feeling A Thing”, which closes with a poignant sing-along. The EP is a musical journey through many landscapes and influences - distant echoes of LA canyons, ricochets of nascent southern rock and a raucous pub’s worth of rain-soaked London blues-rock.

The EP was recorded by Nick Franklin (Daniel Johns, Matt Corby) and produced by Nick and Daniel Vanda (British India, The Wrights), son of Harry Vanda (The Easybeats, AC/DC), at Hercules Street Studios in Sydney. It was mastered by Don Bartley at Benchmark Mastering. Heart follows on from Cassady’s debut EP Don’t Ask Me which was shortlisted in the MusicOz Awards and supported on local radio around the country. Website here, Facebook here.

'Breakdown' showcases a gentler and more personal side of Cassady Southern. It sits well on the new EP in as much that, each song takes very different musical directions. The one constant is Cassady's fine vocals and the superbly delivered musical arrangements.

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

And The Beat Goes On: The Wedding Present - Losers - Port Juvee - Conversing With Oceans

The Wedding Present - Broken Bow.

Background - The Wedding Present present their track 'Broken Bow' not long after premiering 'Kill Devil Hills'. These are among the more animated bustling tracks from their new album ‘Going, Going…’, referencing the interplay between alienation, distance and freedom for the first track and a sensual predatory encounter in the second. This UK indie cult band's widely anticipated ninth studio album gets its vinyl release on December 2nd in North America via Happy Happy Birthday To Me Records (HHBTM). The album retells the story of a road trip across the USA, revealed across a collection of twenty ‘linked’ songs, each with an accompanying short film.

'Going, Going…' is also the first double album in The Wedding Present’s long glorious career. It opens with four haunting instrumentals, as if David Gedge has been stunned into silence and is slowly working up the courage to speak, like when your loved one asks you what’s wrong and all you can manage to do is slowly shake your head. Finally, he collects himself and explodes into ‘Two Bridges’, and even then he’s only able to leave a voicemail message—he probably made sure to call when he knew she couldn’t answer.

Formed in 1985, The Wedding Present are one of the UK’s most longstanding and much-loved indie bands with eighteen UK Top 40 hit singles to their name. The Fall’s Mark E. Smith, in his northern-ness, his cantankerousness, is one of the few peers who can match David Gedge’s longevity.

'Going, Going…' was recorded at Studios La Fabrique in the south of France and Parr Street Studios in Liverpool with multiple Grammy award winning producer Andrew Scheps (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, Adele). Website here, Facebook here.

Tour Dates April 2017.
14 : Washington, DC - Rock And Roll Hotel
15 : Brooklyn, NY - Bell House
16 : Boston, MA - Great Scott
17 : Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz PDB
19 : Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
20 : Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
21 : Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
22 : Minneapolis, MN - Turf Club
25 : Seattle, WA - Crocodile
26 : Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Cabaret
28 : San Francisco, CA - Independent
29 : Los Angeles, CA - Echo
30 : San Diego, CA - Casbah

I cannot miss the chance to feature another song from The Wedding Presents latest album, this time we can share 'Broken Bow'. Currently on tour in the UK and Ireland the band have some US tour dates scheduled for 2017 (see above). As for the song, well it's typical of the high quality across the album, an album that will easily sit up towards the top end of my favourites for 2016.

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

Losers - The Ruiner.

Background - Losers have shared their new video for the track 'The Ruiner', this video comes alongside the news that the band will soon play a headline show at London's Electric Ballroom on 30th November 2016. Losers released their brand new album 'How To Ruin Other People's Futures' in September 2016.

Made up of Tom Bellamy (ex-Cooper Temple Clause), Paul Mullen (ex-YourCodeNameIs:Milo/Young Legionnaire), Eddy TM (DJ/new music radio and club guru) and Dean Pearson and with years of history across a huge range musical landscapes, Losers are the rarest of species, a band with no safety net and no conformist formula to follow. 

Their previous material has crossed over a huge range of styles and genres with their earlier dance driven material developing all the way into the more rock driven and poignant emotive output of their previous album. Now, Losers are back with another more developed new outlook, as a new band, and more importantly, with their new album ‘How To Ruin Other People’s Futures’. Website here, Facebook here.

The video for 'The Ruiner' has something a little "film noir" about it. The song has a darker and moody feeling coursing through it, and collectively I am left needing to watch and listen again. It's a credit to their recent album release.

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

Port Juvee - Bleached Out Soda Pop.

Background - Port Juvee is excited to release their new music video for "Bleached Out Soda Pop". The beachy video paired with Port Juvee's sunny garage rock-inspired sound is the perfect antidote for the winter blues.

Port Juvee may call the plains of Canada home, but they are no stranger to international success. Having played a multitude of festivals including CMJ, Sled Island X-Fest and Rifflandia, the fivesome has also supported DIIV, Titus Andronicus, Twin Peaks, Sticky Fingers, Bleachers and The Orwells on tour. The band also slipped into the global spotlight in 2014 when tracks from their Revenge EP were featured in Herschel Supply Company’s Spring ad campaign.

Although Port Juvee embody a sound that is equally indebted to New York City post-punk and California surf garage, the band's stomping grounds are in Calgary. An isolated city that thrives on extremes, the huge vacant buildings downtown take on an eerie feeling after dark and inhabit a post-apocalyptic vibe. This, combined with the band's obsession with gritty 80’s films in the vein of John Carpenter and David Cronenberg, are the essence and source of inspiration for their energetic post punk sound. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

The video is a little like a summer tourism promotion, however 'Bleached Out Soda Pop' quickly helps it to double up as a fine music video. Above they are described having a sunny garage rock sound, I can't argue with that, Port Juvee are quite addictive.

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

Conversing With Oceans - The Gold Rush (Remastered).

Background -  Worldly indie-pop artist Conversing With Oceans (Alex Bondarev) reveals his glorious full EP entitled Past. Present. Future. The EP holds two of Conversing With Oceans' previously released buzz-worthy singles "Heart of a Poet" and "Deeper". "Heart of a Poet" was produced with longtime friend and musician, Brendan Rivera and his production team Field Observations (comprised of Matt Labozza and Stephen DeRafelle).

"Past. Present. Future. combines all aspects of time, while my name (Conversing With Oceans) combines locations. It’s a coming together of time and space. Also, the songs progress from a starting place of past conflict (“A Spotlight on 3rd”) to current love (“The Gold Rush” and “Deeper”) to a place of future inclusion of others in that love (“Heart of a Poet”, “The Dream”). Finally, ‘The Dream’ is the only full-band song on this EP and my next EP will be more of a full-band sound,” says Conversing With Oceans.

Conversing With Oceans’ first single “The Gold Rush” quickly landed him a one-on-one showcase with the legendary Randy Jackson at this year’s SXSW and a global distribution deal with The Orchard. Website here, Facebook here.

'The Gold Rush' is such a fine indie pop song, as in fairness are the other four pieces on the new EP.  Conversing With Oceans may say that on the EP, only 'The Dream', is a full band song, in which case his ability to make each track expansive and so lush is quite something!

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

Weekend Wonders: Daniel Land - Columbo - Felin - Silent Riders - Sonïtus

Daniel Land - New York Boogie-Woogie.

Background - After a three year hiatus, Daniel Land has announced the forthcoming release of his 'In Love With a Ghost' LP, undoubtedly his most complicated and textured record to date. This album follows albums 'Love Songs For The Chemical Generation' and 'The Space Between Us' by Daniel Land & The Modern Painters. It was recorded over the three years following that group's disbanding, at a time when he seriously considered giving up making music. The first single from this release is 'New York Boogie-Woogie', along with a video based on footage Daniel Land himself filmed in New York.

Daniel Land explains, "This is an album about cities. It is an album about reinvention, and starting your life over. It is an album about growing up, finding love, and settling down. And to a lesser degree, it is about the damage that can be done to a person, or a family, by falling in love with the wrong person. With 'In Love With A Ghost', I came full circle for a while by incorporating a whole bunch of influences that pre-date my love of dream-pop and shoegaze. I really wanted to make a colourful, widescreen, detailed record. When I started the album, I didn't have a live band, and most of the tracks were written on the piano, for my own amusement, rather than for a group with three guitarists." 

Daniel suffered a series of health issues midway through making the album, including a chronic inner-ear infection that left him partially deaf for over a year and also prone to bouts of dizziness.

"Unable to make music, and living in a new city made me feel, at times, powerfully depressed. This became a crisis of confidence that went very deep and it did seem, for a while, that I would never find my way back to making music again. Finishing the album was a process that involved re-evaluating my life and overhauling my relationship to music, and coming out of the other side more healthy, more humble, and more grateful. It's good to be back again," says Daniel.

Daniel Land has been releasing dream-pop and ambient music for nearly a decade, having developed a unique blend of dreamgaze and confessional song writing. Drowned in Sound said that the first album 'Love Songs For The Chemical Generation' is "one of the finest records of its time", while NME says the single "Within The Boundaries" was "like Slowdive reimagined by Phil Spector".

Daniel Land's 'In Love With a Ghost' LP was released on November 25 via Bandcamp and the usual online retailers. Website here, Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

'New York Boogie-Woogie' is a very appealing dream pop song. Daniel Land's vocals and the musical production are equally melodic, and the song builds beautifully.

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

Columbo - Made In The UK & Rockabilly Bob.

Background - Great tunes sparkle no matter how long they've been buried. And in a remarkable turn of events, a never-released album has been unearthed and is finally about to receive the acclaim the cognoscenti originally felt it deserved.

In 1999, indie surf-pop-meets-bigbeat duo Columbo were ready to roll. An unlikely mashup between sought-after dance remixer Trailermen and the bass player of UK ska and dub crowd-pleasers Maroon Town, Columbo were snapped up by Richard Branson’s V2 label on the basis of their quirky single, "Rockabilly Bob”.

The reaction was instantaneous, the broad popular appeal obvious. “British surf-pop mavericks” (Sunday Express), “irresistible idiocy” (Melody Maker). What’s On said “this is the song the Beach Boys would’ve made if they knew Quentin Tarantino”.

But then things went South. Promotion stalled. Critical distributors choked- perhaps unsettled by the eccentricity of “Rockabilly Bob”. The track still charted, but the duo were disillusioned, feeling they and the label were no longer on the same page. The planned second single was pulled at the last minute.  Rather than release material without the support they deserved, Columbo walked out on V2.  An unreleased treasure trove of pop genius was left to gather dust…

In 2016, Stuart, the boss of indie label Banoffeesound (a longtime Columbo obsessive), decided to do a bit of sleuthing and find out what happened. Like an episode of the TV show the band mischievously named themselves after, there was a mystery- “Whatever Happened To Columbo?” With some Google-fu and joining of dots, Stuart managed to track down Jules from Columbo, now a sought-after composer for film and TV. Sure enough, there was an unreleased collection of Columbo material - it existed. The lost treasure was found, and eventually the other half of the duo - now a well-known broadcaster - was back in the fray too. This wild and unpredictable laboratory of song-writing was bubbling again.

And it’s remarkably fresh. It’s from the ‘slice of life’ school of British song-writing The Kinks, Madness and Blur so cleverly express, albeit in different genres. "Strawberry Ice Cream" is a rollercoaster collision of Lou Reed and perfect pop confection. The eponymous "Columbo" is a gorgeous slab of sleaze, "Bad Behaviour" a searing lament on modern morality.  And there's “Local Boy” - the catchiest pop song you haven’t heard yet. The album was released on November 18th 2016 - seventeen years late, but just in time! More here.

'Made In The UK' and 'Rockabilly Bob' are two very contrasting songs, which suggest the album really has got something special going on. Having been gathering dust for practically two decades, based on these two songs, Stuart at Banoffeesound is to be thanked for digging out some hidden gems.

============================================================== ============================================================== -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Felin - Gossip.

Background - Out on Friday 25th November 2016 Felin New Self-Titled EP. The Swedish act Felin consists of songwriter/ artist Elin Blom and photographer/ director Fredrik Etoall (the "F" in Felin who provides all the visuals for the band).

Having worked with the likes of Icona Pop, Tove Lo, The Rolling Stones and Adam Lambert, Felin are all about the highest quality of sound as well as image. Are they worth looking at and listening to? For sure!

Website here, Facebook here.

From the new self titled  EP 'Gossip' is one of six tracks. The music video is imaginative and the song very impressive. The EP has some very feisty pop punk tracks along with the occasional gentler moment, it's one very catchy collection of songs.

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

Silent Riders - I See You.

Background - This Copenhagen-based trio seem to have sprung from some murky unknown world, if we are to believe the statements of the band themselves. Little is known about Lu, Gee and C who comprise the group, or what is behind the masks they wear during their performances. They might have materialised from shadows in the woods, lurking in the dark until they were ready to share their sounds with the world. This mythical sphere that they have created for themselves is accessible through their music, which is a vision of electronic music that is organic and alive with both warmth and danger.

Led by the sultry voice of Lu, we are taken into the dark woods of the Silent Riders with almost cinematic brilliance as Gee and C mans the machines that weaves the atmospheric dronings of this world. A world that could be easily mistaken for one created by David Lynch or Tim Burton. The rhythms that form the path to this domain have been tried and tested by previous travellers, known to us by names like Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire or Tolouse Lowtrax.

With debut single "I See You" they offer up a brilliant pop diamond of all the elements of their sound palette. With Lu in her most soulful voice, bouncing off of an almost funky drum machine, all drenched in layers of dark analog ambience. On the lush "Copenhagen Dream" we hear Lu channeling a sense of brit-pop nonchalance into a rather political song about the current state of her city. "Being Afraid" on the other hand, sees the band pull out their hardest and grittiest song. With Lu sounding like PJ Harvey at her most moody, the slow groove behind her sounds like a factory machine steadily beating away and releasing steam.  Other highlights on their forthcoming album include the chilling "Static" and the ethereal beauty of closing track "Falling" which sees the Riders in their most relaxed and dreamy state, and echoes the works of Portishead and Massive Attack. With debut single "I See You" (coming out Jan 6th) they offer up a brilliant diamond of all the elements of their sound palette. 

There's a lot of words in the above promo piece we received however 'I See You' pretty much lives up to the introduction. Something of a darker atmospheric piece, the vocals and music are beautifully matched, and the song conjures up mental images, teasing my imagination. Another forthcoming album for the must listen list.

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

Sonïtus - Kleptocracy.

Background - About ‘Kleptocracy’ The blistering power riff that scythes through the silence to announce Sonitus’ latest release is a prelude to a track that melds the edge of Jane’s Addiction and the invention of Primus with a touch of deep street-soul. ‘Kleptocracy’ soars and swoops in a molten waltz as each band member strains to match the high standards of his fellow musicians, surrounding frontman Russell’s vocal with an electrifying vigour as he opens his lungs to unleash an uber-Ohrwurm of a chorus. What initially seems to be a love story concerning a couple at the margins of society reveals itself as a metaphor for the hopelessly unequal struggle between the masses and the corporations. It charts “a world, an economy, run by thieves,” says guitarist Dein, denoting the biting political intent of ‘Kleptocracy’ that matches its clear ambition to be a bona fide alt-rock classic.

About Sonïtus Hailing from East London’s as yet ungentrified fringes, Sonïtus are a multicultural assemblage of tenacious artists whose powerful neo-rock explores the beautiful, devious and carnal sides of the human psyche. Brought together by a passion for prog, alt-rock and adventurism, counting Radiohead, A Perfect Circle, Incubus and Animals As Leaders among their inspirations, Russell Balogun (vocals), Dein Moore (guitar, vocals), Nathan Chan (guitar), Scott Bacon (bass) and Romulo Heredia (drums) are also bonded by their exceptional musicianship. 

The band’s dexterity endows their songs with a distinctively expressive touch, where intricate passages, dynamic textures and raw power lend the material sensitivity, colour and heft. The quintet’s debut EP, ‘Kleptocracy’ – recorded in part at Urchin Studios in Hackney with Dan Cox and Matt Ingram (Lianne La Havas, Enter Shikari, Denai Moore, Slaves and many more), and produced by Sonïtus’ Nathan – is a seven-song testament to this, showcasing a band unafraid to weave threads of R&B and urban UK sound into their politically driven progressive metal, and, through mastery of their art and radical songcraft, Sonïtus are pushing new boundaries at UK rock’s bleeding edge. Website here, Facebook here.

We are delighted to be able to feature the debut EP 'Kleptocracy' in full. Sonitus certainly know how to mix unbridled power alongside more reflective and detailed musical styles. Overall I guess the alternative rock label is fitting, perhaps it's best to keep in mind that for rock read ROCK and as far as alternative goes, this is a band that explore a wide range of ideas, and put down some really fine sounds.

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

BeeVids: Corniglia - The Hamiltons - Terra Lightfoot - 55 Cancri e

Corniglia - Oh My Love.

Background - Perth indie pop act, Corniglia are releasing their debut single ‘Oh My Love’, through The A&R Department on the the 25th November.

With comparisons to Beach House, Daughter and Radiohead their brand of Dark-Pop combines dreamy guitar and synth leads with an undulating bass groove and minimal beat guided by a tambourine. The introspective, almost mantra like vocals, touch on mortality and the vulnerability that lies beneath the bravado of modern life.

Recorded in bedrooms and living rooms, songwriting brothers (Matthew and Mitchell Irwin) are walking the line between their raw, DIY tendencies and silky production, being mixed and mastered by Perth musical guru, Alan Smith of Bergerk! Studios. DIY wins out in the end on their decision for making the film clip for the track, with Matthew and singer (Chloe De Paoli) shooting a homemade animated film clip for the release off a bedroom floor.

“We used over 1000 photos shooting the stop motion film clip for ‘Oh My Love’ and took many more that we didn't use. Chloe spent a good week before that drawing up all the pieces. It was a strangely therapeutic exercise,” says Matthew Irwin on the creation of the video for the track. Expect an announcement of Perth shows for the end of the year and early January soon, as well as debut album release plans in 2017. Website here. Facebook here.

'Oh My Love' has some soft atmospheric vocals gently travelling above a sophisticated soundtrack. My inner minimalist says's that's enough!

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

The Hamiltons - Take The Hit.

Background - The Hamilton’s have just unveiled the video for their new single ‘Take The Hit’ out 16th December. The Hamiltons are an anomaly. In an era where many artists work with songwriters, producers and musicians to create their music, The Hamiltons are totally in control of their artistic vision; writing, playing and producing all their material from a bedroom in London.

Since deciding to relocate from Sydney to the U.K with a one-way ticket in 2015, a lot has happened to this formidable duo. They found themselves some quirky musicians to complete their live act: a tubist, drummer and guitarist, which compliments perfectly Emma’s jazz tinged vocals and shredding accordion skills, and brother Tom’s masterful, frenzied piano chops and husky voice. They have performed all over town, toured the country opening for Matt Cardle, and even collaborated with Guy Chambers on some interesting projects. Let’s throw a few more quirks into the mix. They grew up playing country, cajan, jazz, folk, and 60’s music in their fathers’ band, and debuted in Australia with an exceptional French album (they are half French!) which Van Dyke Parks called “a total triumph on so many levels”.

The Hamiltons perform with a manic passion, tinged with nostalgia but cemented in a pop tradition. “We take a genre of music we like, and turn it on its head” says Tom when asked to define their musical genre. It’s the kind of music best to be heard than described. Their single “Take The Hit” showcases their eclectic taste and even features sax parts from Max Abrams (from the Grammy-Award winning The Mavericks). Website here, Facebook here.

Live dates: 16th December- Crazy Coqs, Piccadillly Circus, London. 

'Take The Hit' is a gorgeous pop song that is bright, uplifting and oozing with charm. Love it!

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

Terra Lightfoot - All Alone.

Background from Terra - My new video for “All Alone” has just been released. The visuals were filmed on our last UK tour while in the highlands of Scotland. We headed there to take some photos with noted landscape photographer Angus Bruce. On a whim, we decided to shoot a music video and the only song we had with us was “All Alone” — fitting, since I was going to be alone in these frames of insanely beautiful Scottish highlands.

We visited a hidden beach, a cemetery, a bog full of petrified wood, a castle, some sheep, and finally a dreamy waterfall. During the shoot, Angus mentioned that he and his wife had arranged to get a new puppy. We had such an amazing time and the next day they asked whether I would mind if they named their new pet "Terra". I happily agreed.

The Scottish highlands will always hold a piece of my heart and I'm so glad we were able to capture that sense of awe on film. The track “All Alone” is off of my sophomore LP Every Time My Mind Runs Wild which was released this year on Sonic Unyon. Website here, Facebook here.

'All Alone' has a bluesy feel and Terra's vocals are a delight. Melodic and extremely catchy, this is one very likable song.

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

55 Cancri e - 55 Cancri e II.

Background - 55 Cancri e - Att lämna Tellus (UK Release 9th December). Att lämna Tellus (in english: To leave Tellus) is a journey between the planets Tellus (Earth) and 55 Cancri e. It starts on Tellus with a feeling that you might not be where you are supposed to. A search for a peace of mind and a place in the universe where you belong. Travelling through deserts, dark forests, emotions, space and time. Giving up and moving on at the same time. A revelation. An awakening. Suddenly there is no fear anymore and that is when you find love and the courage to start over. Leaving home for another home. 55 Cancri e - a new beginning.

On her debut full length album, on Danish label Music For Dreams, Swedish artist Sara Hausenkamp lets her dreams of space travel come to full fruition. With a steady hand on her guitar, she steers us through the desert at night, through the cosmic noises of space, and finally to the distant planet 55 Cancri e.

Ranging from melancholic to hopeful, the music of 55 Cancri e is perhaps an expression of Hausenkamps longing for a better home planet, and for the possibility of escape. In creating these kinds of science fiction lullabies, she is preparing us for both the beauty and the sadness of a looming future.

Using her voice mainly to hum or whistle along, she does however break the silence on a few tracks to sing in her native tongue. On "Rävjakt" she imagines a turning of the tables, where the fox hunters are chased out of the forest by the animals. "Alltid Du" is a tender and straightforward love song that has become the centre of her recent live performances. And on "55 Cancri e I (We Ran Away)" she switches over to English for the first time, where we find her in a slightly different voice.

Often working with variations of recurring musical themes, Hausenkamp allows for subtle changes over a number of tracks to create a linear progression that unfolds as a whole in a hypnotic brew of folk-inspired pop. Saturating it all in a glistening atmosphere of both electronic and acoustic sounds as well as samples and field recordings, this album comes as a natural format for Hausenkamp to exlore her ideas. Facebook here.

The tenth and final track on the album '55 Cancri e II' gives some insight into the collection of music, due for UK release in December. The songs & music, slide effortlessly from folk to almost experimental themes. There's some intriguing moments however overall everything is quite accessible and you get to go on a fantastic journey.

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

Globetrotting: Matt Townsend - The Proper Ornaments - Kamaliza - The Insatiables

Matt Townsend - Came Down From The Mountain.

Background - The Drifter and the Dream (Part I) is the first installment of a two-part EP series. It features some of Western North Caroli-na’s finest musicians, such as Bill Berg (Drums on Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks) River Guerguerian, Kat Williams, Franklin Keel, Jackson Dulaney, Carly Taich, Charles Gately (Doc Aquatic), Ryan Burns.

With his distinctive voice, and a world weary insight, Matt Townsend delivers his original songs, formed in the wells of Folk music, 60’s rock and pop, indie rock, ambient music and the American songwriting tradition.Live, his band flows from high energy rock and roll, to quiet folk tunes and back. Bob Dylan, Neutral Milk Hotel, Neil Young are counted among some of his musical guiding lights.

The Asheville, North Carolina-based musician has been performing across the country since 2012. 2016 marks the anticipated release of Townsend’s latest work, The Drifter and the Dream (Part I), a five-track EP, which is part one of a double EP series. The songs were recorded at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville with producer Michael Selverne (Welcome to Mars Productions), and features Bill Berg (The drummer on the Minnesota sessions for Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks, Cat Stevens, Leo Kottke). The first EP explores the personal relationship to social and political issues, spiritual connection, and humanness in a de-humanizing society. Along with recording and touring, Townsend is also the the founder of Eternal Mind Records, a new arts collective and record label in Asheville, NC. Website here. Facebook here.

The second of five songs on the EP 'Came Down From The Mountain', is a good indicator of the quality to be found on 'The Drifter and the Dream (Part I)'. Mixing lighter acoustic songs with more expansive pieces, the wonderful vocals of Matt Townsend are just a gift for this type of music. The craftsmanship of the musicians and the quality of each song, make this a must have for me.

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

The Proper Ornaments - Cremated (Blown Away).

Background - The Proper Ornaments – the project of James Hoare (Ultimate Painting, Veronica Falls) and Max Oscarnold (Toy) – will release their sophomore album 'Foxhole' on January 20 via Slumberland Records (US) and Tough Love Records (ROW). This week the band shares album standout "Cremated (Blown Away)".

James and Max started out writing Foxhole, the follow up to the bands 2014 released debut album ‘Wooden Head’, in January 2015. On ‘Foxhole’ they’ve sliced away a whole stratum of their sound, removing some distortion and lowering the frequency of plectrum strokes to allow more nuanced, piano-led ideas to emerge. The title isn’t a reference to Television’s jaunty proto-punk record but seems to be more of a dark, protective interior, a head space sketched out on ‘Jeremy’s Song’. While their particularly recognisable production style remains, three things stand out as likely reasons for the shift in mood. By the time they got around to recording again in James’ bedroom in Finsbury Park that Summer, the instability around the recording of ‘Wooden Head’ (and the five years before) had slid into a deep and seething acrimony. Second, they both bought pianos. Third, when the band, with Daniel Nellis and Bobby Syme joining on bass and drums went to record at Tin Room in Hackney in June, the pinch wheel on the 8 track machine was broken and somehow no one noticed. All but one recording, ‘The Frozen Stare,’ was hopelessly warped, so they went and did it all again from scratch back at James’. Facebook here.

Tour Dates:
01/22 Leeds, UK - Brudenell Social Club (Games Room)
01/23 Glasgow, UK - Mono
01/24 Birmingham, UK - The Hare & Hounds
01/26 London, UK - Moth Club
01/28 Lille, FR - Le BiPlan
01/29 Lyon, FR - Sonic
01/30 Luzern, CH - Gewerbehalle
01/31 Lausanne, CH - Le Romandie
02/01 Winterthur, CH - Albani Music Club
02/02 Heidelberg, DE - Karlstorbahnhof
02/03 Berlin, DE - Marie Antoinette
02/05 Hamburg, DE - MS Stubnitz
02/07 Amsterdam, NL - Paradiso
02/08 Utrecht, NL - ACU
02/09 Rotterdam, NL - V11
02/10 Paris, FR - La Mecanique Ondulatoire.

'Cremated (Blown Away)' has a distinct sound and feel to it, one that has that timeless element. Keeping the arrangement quite simple results in each instrument standing out and the refined vocals are a really good fit. Another fine musical example of  "less is more".  

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

Kamaliza - Zermatt.

Background - London-based company, Cape & Monocle do a fantastic job of creating a video that is just as mesmerising as the song. Switching between a series of complex visuals that encompass a spectacular world of beauty inspired by Kamaliza's travels through Switzerland.

The visual art of Kamaliza's "Zermatt" mesmerises, its vivid colors encompassing a spectacular world of beauty. Inspired by his travels through Switzerland, Kamaliza describes the simple joy of a holiday with a loved one, contextualised by the natural wonder of Zermatt's majestic Matterhorn. In the video, landscape transforms into abstraction, colors distorted yet thoroughly breathtaking. The music, fittingly, is a contemporary blend between electronic and alternative, as refreshing as the crisp air of the Alps. Website here, Facebook here.

The video is a spectacular collection of creative images, where vivid colours and artistic montages combine to create an intriguing series of moments for the song 'Zermatt'. All that's needed is the right music, and Kamaliza is a natural for that, with a beautifully produced track that comfortably builds around the electronic framework.

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

The Insatiables - My Dear.

Background - The Insatiables launch summery new single 'My Dear' Following on from their May 2016 EP release 'Impatient Creatures', Perth three piece The Insatiables have wasted no time and are set to launch their wonderfully crafted new single 'My Dear'.

In letter writing My Dear is an opening line used for a more intimate and affectionate approach and the same can be said of the delivery of this slice of indie-pop. A penned letter to a love accompanied by rhythmic guitars, driving sixteenths and commanding vocals, The Insatiables' writing chops step up a level as they channel textural specialists The Jezabels.

Previous single 'I Know My Scars' from the EP 'Impatient Creatures' introduced audiences to The Insatiables and scored community spins Australia wide along with commercial exposure through Perth's Mix FM. As the band prepare for a 2017 EP release, 'My Dear' will be available via all digital retailers from November 24 with a live launch date of December 17 at favourite watering hole 459 Bar in North Perth. My Dear is out November 24 via all good digital retailers. Website here, Facebook here.

'My Dear' has some notable and powerful upfront chord changes that are delivered with vibrancy. The audio production is superb, and whats more the song just happens to be one very fine indie piece.

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

Midweek Muse: Nice Motor - The Amazons - Lionfly Secrets - Cocoa Futures

Nice Motor - Duck And Cover.

Background - Nice Motor is a Rock n' Soul band from Chicago, forming in late 2014. With Brian Webb on Vocals and Guitar, Seth Webb on Drums, Dave Swick on Guitar, and Neil Krajenta on bass, the band began recording music during the summer of 2015. Their first releases, "All the Neighbors" and "Turn to Stone" were made available for free on Soundcloud in the fall of that same year.

Nice Motor formed after the break-up of Chicago veteran band "Jonny Rumble", freeing up Brian and Seth for new adventures, and Dave's departure from another Chicago band, "Super Happy Fun Club". Neil was waiting in the wings, bought a bass, and off they went. Beginning with acoustic writing sessions on a balcony, and impromptu electric noise-making, the band quickly began to write tunes as a well-orchestrated unit. After pocketing a hand or two full of songs, the band began recording in May with their good friend Chris Mason manning the controls of a make-shift home-studio. The month of May also saw Nice Motor play their first show, selling out Alive One in Chicago, to benefit Team High-Life and bring awareness to suicide prevention. They quickly followed up by selling out a show at Tonic Room in June.

The band’s next show is on NYE at Double Door in Chicago. They will be opening for Lucky Boy’s Confusion. Facebook here.

I cannot help but love the vintage sounds that introduce 'Duck And Cover'. However rather than be the highlight it simply helps the refined, beautiful music and vocals that follow to stand out even further. Alt rock of sorts Nice Motor have a something pretty special going on here.

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

The Amazons - Little Something.

Background - Following their recent Q Award nomination for Best Breakthrough Act, The Amazons’ upwards momentum continues with the news that their brand new track ‘Little Something’ has been chosen as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World. Now available to download and stream, ‘Little Something’ impacts on January 20th.

Produced by Catherine Marks (Wolf Alice, Foals, The Vaccines), ‘Little Something’ elevates the clash of melody and aggression that simmered in The Amazons’ previous single ‘In My Mind’. It starts with an ominous air of moody atmospherics before erupting into a fiery ball of energy following a dynamic breakdown that inspires chaos when the band performs it live.

“‘Little Something’ represents the darkest and heaviest place we’ve pushed our music to,” says frontman Matt Thomson. “It’s a predatory lyric based around the hunt for an obsession that’s out of reach, and then in the darkness and failure of reaching it, finding yourself becoming something you’re not.”

‘Little Something’ will also feature on the band’s debut album which has been recorded with Catherine Marks in Flood and Alan Moulder’s famous Assault and Battery studio in London. Facebook here. Website here.

The Amazons recently played their biggest London headline show to date at Oslo and are currently finishing a run of dates as guests to Jimmy Eat World. They conclude 2016 – and preview an even bigger 2017 – with the following shows:

December:
1st - St. Albans, The Horn
8th - Bath, Moles
9th - Bedford, Bedford Esquires
10th - London, Nambucca (This Feeling club night)
15th - Newcastle, Think Tank Underground
16th - Sunderland, Independent
17th - Manchester, When In Manchester Festival

A nice thumping bass and drums combination bring 'Little Something' into play and the darker vocals and haunting guitar add additional atmosphere and urgency. This is one meaty and powerful track, a short reprise halfway through is the calm before the band storm into a full on finale.

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

Lionfly Secrets - Epiphany Spinnup.

Background - Lionfly Secrets released their new single “Epiphany” on Friday 18th November. “Epiphany ” is a bombastic, energetic electro-pop symphony. It is four minutes of hook-filled melody with striking synths, crashing guitars and a female vocal that thunders boldly through the progressiveness of the track.  The production is rich, colourful and steady.  Erica’s vocals reverb through the track and sit perfectly with the electro style of their music. Fellow bandmate Nikolai Hemmingsson is the Producer charged with the warmth and power of the production and serves up a track full of oomph and dynamism.  Erica describes the song as a moment of diversion from reality “We wanted to create a soundtrack for escapism. Walking around in headphones and dream away that you are in a dreamworld and a better place, but then you have to take the earphones out and get back to reality where nothing is as good as you hoped it was”.

Lionfly Secrets are a 5-piece from Sweden.  Vocalist Erica Zandelin hooked up with Sebastian Fernstedt whilst in High School and he produced her first single. An ongoing working relationship continued over the years, until 2015 the pair officially unified and created Lionfly Secrets and added 3 band members to the family. The band have achieved a great deal since their incarnation, including reaching the finals of “Stream Your Dream” competition in Stockholm, part of an acoustic tour in Sweden and had the opportunity to play the “Live At Heart” festival in Orebro.  As with all working bands, day jobs have to be sustained to fulfil the dream – in the case for Erica that is operating  a forklift truck – but it is the means to an end.

Release plans for 2017 for Lionfly Secrets are scheduled. Writing and recording over the winter for an EP release in Spring and touring and festivals in the summer and further releases in the autumn. Facebook here.

With something of a swirling sound 'Epiphany Spinnup' introduces itself before developing into a very catchy song that drifts between indie pop and rock. Erica Zandelin has distinct and very fine vocals and the band have a depth of sound that adds something a little extra!

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

Cocoa Futures - The Grey.

Background - Perhaps Cocoa Futures’ most direct offering of sparkling, upbeat indie pop, 'The Grey' is all driven groove, sonorous dancefloor bounce and soaring vocal hooks. Such pull-no-punches positivity stems straight from the tune's lyrical subject matter, as Futures frontman Greg explains. “‘The Grey’ is about someone facing life and all of its normality after something really bad happening. It talks about how difficult that can be and the things that you can do to get through it. It's also a reminder that they will.” ‘The Grey’ is taken from Cocoa Futures’ forthcoming ‘Blue’ EP – produced by Marc Withasee (Micachu & the Shapes) – out on Lost In The Manor Records on 2 December.

“Our ethos is pretty simple – to be ambitious about making music we’re proud of. And to have a nice time.” Greg, Cocoa Futures

Scotland-bred and London-based, Cocoa Futures are the brainchild of frontman Greg (vocals/bass). They specialise in pristine pop harmonics crossed with a taste for the unexpected. Greg assembled a band including Dave (drums), Zoe (keys) and Jack (guitar) and first came to prominence in 2014 through the self-released upbeat singles ‘Do Something’ and ‘Scotland’, while commanding distinguished reviews for their select live shows, which included the Great Escape and Camden Crawl festivals. This early promise served as a staging post for the band to determine their musical direction and decamp to the studio to write. And write. 

Crafting and developing manifold demos became a daily pastime for Greg and when he sent a batch of these over to producer Marc Withasee (Micachu & the Shapes), the pair bonded over a love of ‘messed up’ pop and the producer was instrumental in setting tempos, tweaking arrangements and bringing out the band’s penchant for building tracks around loops and effects as they collaborated on the ‘Blue’ EP, completed in early 2016. When Greg shared the results with Lost In The Manor Records, the label wasted no time in offering the band a contract. ‘Blue’, mixed by Max Taylor and mastered by Jason Mitchell, is immediate yet intriguing, a collection of fantastic pop moments wrapped up in music of great depth, and its release seems set to propel Cocoa Futures to the frontline of UK pop’s key innovators. Website here. Facebook here.

It was back in August that we featured the first single 'The Blue' from next weeks EP release. 'The Grey' is another fabulously alternative pop song, where the melodic creativity is delivered in style. The EP is just so, so good!

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

Genre Wander: Happyness - Country Lips - Teen Daze - Juliana LaChance

Happyness - Falling Down.

Background - When Happyness first burst into the public conscience with 2013’s debut single It’s On You, their spirited take on US college rock was as big a surprise as it was an instant hit. The resulting full length, Weird Little Birthday, went on to feature in many of 2014’s End of Year album lists. Worldwide tours, an NME Award, a re-issue on the much-loved labels Moshi Moshi Recordings (Bar/None in US), and millions of Spotify plays later, it is with some anticipation that news of album number two begins to surface. Currently only two things remain certain: Spring 2017 will see the release of Weird Little Birthday’s successor, and today they share the first taste of what the album will sound like in the form of new single Falling Down.

Following news that their YALA club night headline show for The Maccabees’ Felix White sold out within two hours, the band also announce today their biggest London headline show to date: 28th April, The Dome, Tufnell Park. Tickets for the show will go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 23rd November, and be available from Rock Feedback.

Singer and guitarist Jon EE Allan shares a little about where the band are coming from with Falling Down, and it’s epic two-minute introduction. “One of many anti-overthinking songs. I think we thought it would be funny to trick people into thinking we’d turned into Interpol or something for about 15 seconds at the beginning of the record. I remember we were talking at the beginning of the recording sessions about Wizzard and Roxy Music and us maybe taking a leaf out of the whole glam rock thing, but getting it a bit wrong. Like children dressing up in their parents’ clothes or something - completely silly but very serious about it. I don’t think we ended up pushing that line of thought for the whole of this song, or even for THAT much of the album, but maybe a bit of it made it into the outro synths.” Facebook here.

'Falling Down' is the second song feature for Happyness on Beehive Candy, and once again I am impressed. I love the two minute layered intro that just builds into what is, a really fine, lazy feeling, alt rock number.

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

Country Lips - Grizzly Bear Billboard.

Background - Country Lips are pleased to share the video for 'Grizzly Bear Billboard', taken from their forthcoming album 'Till The Daylight Comes' out January 6th.

The band say: "'Grizzly Bear Billboard' is the kind of song that, without sadness or regret, remembers the Summer for the beauty that only comes from things that must, at some time, come to an end. In the video -- filmed at the Cowlitz County Fair in southwestern Washington -- director Coco Foto captures our trusty E350 touring shuttle and the genuine friendship and joy that has kept Country Lips together for the last seven years. Set among carnival rides, fun houses, midway lights, and the Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo, we do what we do best and manage to stay out of trouble long enough to make a few lasting Summer memories."

Merging Backwoods-style blues with honky-tonk, boot-stomping rhythms, the 8-piece powerhouse known as Country Lips deliver a sound more associated with the wild, raucous West than the grit and grunge of America’s Emerald city. The spirit of unadulterated, whiskey-fuelled country rings true however, via a rollicking sonic presence and ramshackle charm – and they take their chances siding with musical outlaws like George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, and the Louvin Brothers over the homogenous sparkle of more chart-friendly players.

New album Till The Daylight Comes, recorded in Seattle and produced by Randall Dunn (Master Musicians Of Bukkake, Sunn O))), Cave Singers) is an ode to alcohol-ravaged, small-town romance, bringing to mind the destruction and debauchery that bopped and swirled around country-heavyweights like Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard. When playing live, it’s worth noting too, they have an absolute blast with the friendly warning that "in one set you’re likely to see five different lead singers, swapping soloists, all manner of hoots and harmonies, and (at least) one spilled beer." Facebook here.

With 'Grizzly Bear Billboard' Country Lips put a few genres in a blender and come up with a wonderful mix of country, blues and Americana vibes. Catchy, dance or stomp along music, with a timeless feel.

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

Teen Daze - Cycle.

Background - Themes For Dying Earth is the fifth LP from British Columbia-based artist Teen Daze (Jamison Isaak), and the first to be released through his new label, FLORA. Themes For Dying Earth is due February 10, 2017.

After last year’s foray into vibrant indie-pop, Themes finds Teen Daze returning to more ambient, electronic production with new insight: “I learned so much from the experience making Morning World, it would be a step backwards if I didn’t apply it.”  This comes through in songs like “Lost”, “Rising” and the first single, “Cycle”, which fuse the synthesized sound of early Teen Daze records with the live energy of his more recent works. Themes is also distinct in its collaborative nature. Jamison has worked with other artists in the past, but never to this degree and expanse: “Making the last record alongside other people helped me realize that inviting additional minds to the creative process brings out the best in me.“  Themes For Dying Earth also features collaborations with Sean Carey, Dustin Wong, Sound Of Ceres, Nadia Hulett, and Jon Anderson.

Conceptually and thematically, this album is one of Jamison’s most personal, navigating topics both intimate and broad: “Much of my work is inspired by nature, and it’s scary to think that future generations may not have that same relationship. The album starts with Cycle, a song about my personal experience dealing with anxiety and depression, and it slowly zooms out to cover some of the external forces, like climate change, that are affecting those experiences.  After touring last fall, I came home so cynical and worn out, I decided take all the nervous energy I had about the world, and filter it through more optimistic, positive sounds.“  Website here, Facebook here.

'Cycle' is a beautifully ambient and dreamy song, where melody and smooth vocals seemingly intertwine. If this is typical of the forthcoming album, then we are in for a good one.

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

Juliana LaChance - Thunder Dragon.

Background from Juliana - I'm a full time visual artist and I've constructed my own world for this project. Including the album art, music videos, and merchandise in addition to the music itself. I've created a new album called 'Thunder Dragon' and I wanted to share with you the title track and first single today.

Dragon' is a metaphor for my creative spirit animal. It's where I get all my inspiration and creative force from that hits me like thunder. It is a song honoring and paying tribute to the gods of creativity that flow through me. The song contains the essence of the album the creative driving force that inspires every aspect of my life. The album of 15 songs features the bandura - a folk harp that lends bass, and harmony to the warm dreamy melodies...used in a modern way.

The 'Thunder Dragon' video (my 40th video), was created on an island in the sun in Ontario. I directed it myself, It captures the essence of summer, and the feelings of the era of folk music that is still alive. Website here, Bandcamp here, & Facebook here.

The video for 'Thunder Dragon' is both a visual delight, and a terrific match for the song. The crisp sound and technical production gives away the fact this is a new song, however the artistic side really could be from way back, with a dreamy folk infused song. As a note of caution, don't nibble unidentified wild mushrooms...

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