The Monday Mix: No Monster Club - Harlea - The Darts

No Monster Club - French Revolution / Life Is Flashing Before Your Eyes (Aardvark - Blessing).

Background from Bobby Aherne of No Monster Club - I'm here to tell you about the 'Encyclopedia Project' that I have planned for the foreseeable future: On the first of each month, I'll be releasing a new single (consisting of two songs) that'll be available for free download - or as 'pay what you like', should one be willing to throw some change into the virtual tips jar.

The first instalment arrived on January 1st, containing one new song and a cover of an amazing Vince Collins song from 1984. As I'll be utilising an alphabetical, encyclopedia-based naming scheme, issue #1 is entitled 'Aardvark - Blessing'.

My 2015 and 2016 albums ('People Are Weird' and 'I Feel Magic', respectively) were unanimously acclaimed ~ they were released by indie labels based in NYC & Chicago, and each picked up four stars from The Irish Times.  Website here.

Both 'French Revolution' and 'Life Is Flashing Before Your Eyes' are worth a feature and as I cannot make up my mind on which one to include, here are both of them. If we are going to receive a monthly double helping of indie music this good, then hopefully their virtual tipping jar will overflow!

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Harlea - You Don't Get It.

Background - Birmingham born, North London raised Harlea has shared her new single ‘You Don’t Get It’ (6th Jan 2017) - a snarling second offering, which marries together crushing blues-inflected guitar work, with infectious pop-tinged vocal melodies.

Sparkling evidence that Harlea has truly found her voice, the new track - inspired by “the overt power of being a woman” is a ferocious affair, yet finely balanced in its delivery. Harlea went on to say this about the new single: "It's about living life on your terms and being true to yourself. You do what you want, when you want and how you want. It is defiant of a male world in which women are expected to fit. You either fit her world, her needs, her desires or you don't get her.”

There is only the careful and judicious release of music, when it’s ready and when Harlea is ready. The release of 'You Don’t Get It’ this week - a timeless, assured, sassy rock track that showcases Harlea’s sultry vocals as well as her songwriting ability - comes just ahead of her debut live show. Harlea was asked to perform at The Line Of Best Fit’s Five Day Forecast, which takes place at the Lexington on Friday 13th January and sold out within a week. With blues inspired riffs, and incessantly catchy female-led pop melodies, Harlea's thinking of 2017, and she’s also thinking of 2018. She’s in it for the long-haul, not the quick fix. Website here and Facebook here.

'You Don't Get It' has a bluesy and powerful rocking vibe running through its veins. Harlea's vocals are determined, suggesting that messing with her might be a bad idea, however adding enough melody to give the song some real edge.

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The Darts - Revolution.

Background - The women -- singer and keys player Nicole Laurenne, guitarist and singer Michelle Balderrama, bassist and singer Christina Nunez and drummer and singer Rikki Styxx -- aren’t afraid of having a little fun with their image, to the extent that their chosen band description on their Facebook page reads, “Garage-psych-rock-grrls who will make your head slam and your feet shake. And then there’s the music.”

While The Darts offers a new creative outlet for the ladies, all are already seasoned musicians. Laurenne and Nunez are both veterans of the recently-disbanded Love Me Nots, Styxx has kept the beat with The Dollyrots and Balderrama is a member of the long-running Los Angeles band Brainspoon. One of the standout tracks on The Darts is “I Want Your Fun,” a hook-filled pop rocker that’s equal parts pink bubblegum and black nylon and that includes the line “Kiss me like you’re leaving town,” a lust that’s palpable throughout the record.

The Darts are about to begin a US nationwide tour that’ll keep them on the road through January; after a bit of a break they’ll return to touring in March. Website here, Facebook here.

Jan 14 Phoenix Valley Bar
Jan 18 El Paso Lowbrow Palace
Jan 19 San Antonio Limelight
Jan 20 Austin The Blackheart
Jan 21 Houston Notsuoh
Jan 22 New Orleans Siberia
Jan 23 Auburn DeRailed
Jan 24 Nashville Springwater
Jan 25 Memphis DKDC
Jan 26 Dallas Three Links
Jan 28 Tucson Flycatcher
Jan 29 Phoenix Rebel Lounge.

It was only last month we were saying just how good The Darts EP was and now we have their new self-titled debut album, due January 13 on Dirty Water Records. Second track 'Revolution' typifies the energy and exuberance The Darts can pack into every song. Sometimes full on garage rock with plenty of hooks and enough melodic variations to keep everything interesting, this is one genuine rock'n'roll LP.

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BeeVids: David Bowie

David Bowie - No Plan

Background - No Plan is an EP by English musician David Bowie. It was released posthumously in digital form only on 8 January 2017 through Columbia and Sony, coinciding with what would have been Bowie's 70th birthday. The songs "No Plan", "Killing a Little Time" and "When I Met You" first appeared in the Broadway musical Lazarus and were originally recorded during the Blackstar sessions. All songs on the EP had already been released in physical form on the Lazarus: Original Cast Recording CD and LP in October 2016. The release was accompanied by a music video for "No Plan".

Beautiful.

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Quality Not Quantity: Grumby - Frederick The Younger

Grumby - Stuck (feat. Sola Fide).

Background - “Stuck” comes as our first taste of Grumby's forthcoming EP and a humble reminder of the duo’s knack for genre-melding production. Featuring fellow New York-based songstress Sola Fide (aka Overcoats), percussive keyboard arpeggios build through the intro and then burst into an acclamation of affection with pounding drums and heavy synths. 

Ultimately this story of an addictive relationship ends with a heavy head bob of acceptance as the love interest moves forward.

Out February 6th, the duo's album ‘Changes Pt II’ is starting to sound real good right about now. Website here. Facebook here.

With rich and smooth synthy vibes and vocals that just glide and fly above the soundtrack 'Stuck (feat. Sola Fide)' is already getting considerable attention, and deservedly so.

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Frederick The Younger - Tell Me.

Background - Louisville's Frederick The Younger released their new single “Tell Me” a couple of days back. Louisville’s vintage pop powerhouse Frederick the Younger are gearing up to release their long-awaited debut album Human Child on February 3, 2017. The album is a bigger and more exploratory progression of their debut EP Warm Front (2016), which established their identity as a female-led quintet with a perfect balance of rock energy and pop melody.

Produced by veteran sonic wizard Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Andrew Bird, Twin Limb, Houndmouth), Human Child is a bigger and more exploratory progression of their debut Warm Front EP from 2016, which established their identity as a female-led five-piece with a perfect balance of psych rock and vintage pop. The band wanted to create a more textured sound… on top of the tracks are Cochran's captivating vocals that harken back to the powerful female voices of the 1960s. Facebook here.

Upcoming Tour Dates
2/03 - Louisville, KY - Headliners (album release show)
2/23 - Chicago, IL - Elbo Room
3/02 - MOTR - Cincinnati, OH
3/04 - Neenah, WI - Short Branch Saloon
3/23 - Knoxville, TN - Barley's
3/31 - Grand Rapids, MI - Mulligans
4/07 - New York, NY - Rockwood Music Hall
4/08 - Philadelphia, PA - Ortlieb's 

This is one splendid song! 'Tell Me' is as the promo above suggests a song that takes vintage pop sensibilities and merges them with some beautiful psych rock overtones. When I use the expression 'catchy' perhaps this can be used as a benchmark and explanation. One of eleven really fine tracks on the forthcoming album, this is a band that are full of ideas and create some pretty definitive and delightful music.

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Genre Wander: Mercy Weiss - Kim Free - Playboy Manbaby

Mercy Weiss (ft Christopher and Erin Pellnat) - War.

Background - Mercy Weiss is an unsigned singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, who currently lives in Los Angeles.  Her unique songwriting and jazz-influenced vocals can be heard on a variety of collaborations with different musicians and producers.  In 2016, she released the "Mercy EP"  Bandcamp here - a collaboration with Christopher Pellnat, who is also the guitarist in the Poughkeepsie, NY based band, The Warp/The Weft. 

"War" is another collaboration with Christopher Pellnat, with the addition of background vocals by Erin Pellnat, of the Brooklyn band, Caretaker.  Mercy wrote war after talking with two homeless drunk veterans at Union Square Park in NYC one day.

It was in late August last year that we first featured Mercy, and the new song 'War' confirms (if ever it needed confirming) that Mercy Weiss is one very talented song writer and a beautiful singer. It's well worth checking out some of her other material and collaborations here.

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Kim Free - Make Me Yours.

Background - Kim Free, is a violinist/songwriter from Los Angeles. She recently released “Make Me Yours,” the first EP from Slips.

Throughout 2017, she will be releasing several digital EPs in the run-up to the album. This record is produced by Alex DeGroot from Zola Jesus, and features Wavves drummer Brian Hill. 

Kim Free will be playing two shows in LA this spring, at the Smell on January 27, and the Hi-Hat on March 28. Website here, and Facebook here.

The title song and first of three tracks on the EP 'Make Me Yours' is dreamy, melodic and blissful piece. Kim uses the violin in moderation allowing the other musicians space to contribute (Allen Bleyle – bass, Brian Hill – drums, Alex DeGroot – acoustic guitar). The second song 'Maui' continues the style and quality and for violin lovers third track 'River Park' really does showcase Kim Free's notable violin abilities. Looking forward to the next EP already!

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Playboy Manbaby - You Can Be A Fascist Too b/w I'd Like To Meet Your Parents.

Background - Playboy Manbaby is the contradictory soundtrack to the contemporary life experience. Grimly sarcastic yet youthfully nihilistic music that seems to crash into things with a semi-coherent deliberation that can only be generated by a group of frail but over-caffeinated and eternally anxious young adults. Playboy Manbaby is the theme song to the sentiment “what the fuck am I doing with my life?” Indecisive in both message and genre but never lacking in sheer intensity.   

The group hail from Phoenix, Arizona and consist of Robbie Pfeffer (vocals), Chris Hudson (bass), TJ Friga (guitar), David Cosme (trumpet), Chad Dennis (drums), and Austin Rickert (sax). Having been a regional powerhouse for over five years with two previously released cassette albums on their own Rubber Brothers label, these lads have have shared the stage with the likes of: Mike Watt & The Missing Men, King Khan & BBQ Show, King Khan & The Shrines, Rocket From The Crypt, Thee Oh Sees, Cosmonauts, The Spits, Black Flag, The Descendents, The Replacements, The Slackers, Teenage Bottlerocket, among countless others.

They've just wrapped up the mastering of their long overdue new LP "Don't Let It Be" (soon to be co-released by Dirty Water and Lolipop Records ) and these desert area DIY-veterans have just released with Dirty Water Records the first single off the album,"You Can Be A Fascist Too" in the run up to the US presidential inauguration on January 20th. Singer Robbie Pfeffer explains, “So, we weren’t supposed to put this out until February, but in light of recent events we feel like every societal catastrophe deserves a proper theme song." However one might feel about the election result and the seemingly endless division and hostility it has produced the world over, this track is sure to strike an abrasive chord in 2017.

On the B side and in their latest music video “I’d Like To Meet Your Parents", viewers are forced to watch two lovebirds looking to enjoy a night out at a place presumably called Crapriotti’s or La Doo Doo which serves only the best Rasberry Creme Shasta and Spaghetti ala Ketchup.

“We shot this video in my living room and tried to make it a terrible Italian restaurant,” says Pfeffer. “I wanted to make a video where the band is playing but aren’t really an important or central part of it. I didn’t tell the guys what the idea was, I just told them to show up at a certain time and then started yelling at them to paint their faces etc. I’m super glad how it turned out and I think everyone did a great job embracing their characters.” Website here, and Facebook here.

I just have to feature both songs from the new single by Playboy Manbaby. 'You Can Be A Fascist Too' is wonderfully manic with its full on punk desperation. 'I'd Like To Meet Your Parents' really comes to life with the video, the album is eagerly awaited.

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Weekend Wonders: Linah Rocio - Joel Gion - Gentoo - Said The Whale

Linah Rocio - Kill The Monsters.

Background - Linah Rocio is a singer-songwriter whose music - a fervid mix of jazz and indie, soul with hints of avant-pop - is passionate and powerful, intimating all manner of behind-scenes torment and drama. Showcased on her compelling new album Warrior Talk, it is beautifully arranged, with instruments ranging from electric guitar, piano and drums to banjo, trumpet, cello and double-bass. Each musician helped to shape the direction of the songs they performed on, adding to the free form nature of the recordings.

The songs on Warrior Talk are richly detailed yet loosely constructed, with a jazzy spontaneity to match the self-styled diminutive warrior’s appealingly careworn - now caressing, now clamouring - voice, capable of communicating sorrow and despair, ecstasy and desire. There is a hair-trigger quality to her singing and piano-playing, both likely to erupt at any moment, with abrupt changes of tack and pace. There is a rawness and intensity here suggestive of a wild, unpredictable and untrammelled talent, one who operates best with a free rein and over a wide range.

She titled her album Warrior Talk because “it’s like a conversation you had with yourself, where you went through something - like a war,” she explains. “An inner war.” The front cover shows a translucent picture of Linah’s head transposed over an image of the universe: she has travelled through (inner) space to bring you these meditations on emotional collapse and self-cancellation, death and rebirth.

Warrior Talk is an album of extremes, of dynamic melodies reflecting the violent vicissitudes of a life lived on the emotional edge. It’s an album, ultimately, about fighting - with others, with yourself - to assert control of your destiny. Linah’s triumph is to make the carnage accessible to all. She circles back to the matter of the album title. Before you go into battle you have to see what your surroundings are and prepare,” she declares, finally. “Warrior Talk is a talk between me and, well, everyone. Because everyone struggles.” Website here.

From the new Warrior Talk album we have 'Kill The Monsters'. It's typical of the quality of production across the release, but only a small taste of the differing melodies and direction each song takes. Sometimes the music is quite intimate and the lyrics feel very personal, at other moments the energy levels are up taking us somewhere else. As a collection this is a really fine LP, worth checking out in full.

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Joel Gion - Tomorrow.

Background - Joel Gion is releasing his new single 'Tomorrow' and it is the psych rock tune we all need to welcome 2017.  Perhaps best known for his long and strange career as the legendary 'Tambourine Man' with The Brian Jonestown Massacre, in recent years, this percussionist has also emerged as a singer-songwriter in his own right. He has released various singles, as well as the well-received full length album 'Apple Bonkers'.

'Tomorrow' is being released ahead of Gion's forthcoming sophomore album, which should be released in early spring 2017. A reflection on the much maligned year that was 2016.

"I wrote and recorded it earlier this year while the Democratic party campaigns were the big topic... So the tune does some BS-calling out of the rising classism in the USA and at the same time sending a message out to not let things get you down too hard – but then nobody in the free-thinking world have ever dreamed things would wind up going this far south in the end," says Joel Gion. "Still, having said that, this is the only life you have, so you have to enjoy it no matter how stupid things get, ‘cause we always have each other and you always have yourself."

The upcoming album was recorded in separate phases between legs of the 2016 Brian Jonestown Massacre world tour. The sessions involved fellow BJM members Collin Hegna, Dan Allaire, Ryan Van Kriedt, and Robert Campanella, as well as other various friends from around the modern psych and indie scene. Website here and Facebook here.

'Tomorrow' packs a bit of a punch, with upfront vocals surrounded by some solid psych rock sounds. As a teaser for the planned new album, it does the job well!

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Gentoo - This is as far as we go.

Background - Gentoo is the brainchild of electronic producer and multi-instrumentalist Damon Kelly. On the new album Structures (release date January 20th 2017), Kelly used live drums, guitar, and bass creating a rich, and enchanting mixture. Structures still embraces Gentoo’s trademark minimalism, slow arching waveforms, and transcendental vocals that invite us to explore our own perceived universe.

With a background in photography and literature, Damon Kelly spends a good deal of time exploring the way we interact with the physical space in our lives, and finding places where we can shield ourselves from the sonic clutter of living in a society of sensory overload. Members/Instruments: ​ Damon Kelly (synths, bass, guitar, programming, photography, design), Jeff Ryan: drums on Listen and Oslo, Aaron White: guitar on Libra. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

Again we have a new album where the featured track 'This is as far as we go' is but a small taste of what's in the collection. Overall it's a collection of ambient music, which flows and veers off in many differing directions. Melodic and often relaxing, it's never boring, more hypnotic and pleasing.

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Said The Whale - Step Into The Darkness.

Background - Following the announcement of their fifth studio album, Vancouver’s Said The Whale has released lead single “Step Into The Darkness”. As Long As Your Eyes Are Wide, out on March 31 via Hidden Pony Records, was recorded during a time of significant change. Previously operating as a five-piece, the current trio - made up of frontmen Tyler Bancroft and Ben Worcester and keyboardist Jaycelyn Brown - entered the studio with no preconceptions and no concrete plan. With the help of We Are The City’s Cayne McKenzie on production duties, the finished product is Said The Whale’s most collaborative, focused album to date. Previous records highlighted the contrast between the two founders’ eclectic rock influences and salt-of-the-earth folksiness. Here, their styles become one.

“Step Into The Darkness” exemplifies this cohesiveness. When writing and demoing the song, Ben limited himself to only a drum loop and bass synth, which left room for creativity in the studio. The song came together organically once the band and producer stepped in. Though finalizing the track was a group effort, it still remains incredibly personal and meaningful to Ben: "Step Into The Darkness" was written after a devastating break-up with my girlfriend of six years. The song is me reaching out to comfort my love, reassuring her that she is safe and despite the immense sadness and feeling of loss, perhaps good things will come. We got back together shortly thereafter.”

A decade since the JUNO Award-winning band’s formation, they have now taken the project back to its freeform roots while simultaneously venturing forward into uncharted art-pop territory. Despite the album’s many adventurous sonic forays, it remains true to the spirit of their classic work. At its core, As Long As Your Eyes Are Wide is a singer-songwriter record, guided by introspective lyrics and alchemical group harmonies from Ben, Tyler and Jaycelyn.

After so much change and uncertainty in recent years, Said The Whale has emerged as a unified force. They’ve evolved, but the DNA is the same, and the group’s musical partnership is more fruitful than ever. Facebook here.

'Step Into The Darkness' is one splendid piece of indie pop. Vocals and the music are bright and melodic, leaving the forthcoming album eagerly awaited.

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Thursdays Two: Deleter - Electric Floor

Deleter - Start To Watch.

Background - Deleter is a punk rock/post-punk group from Minneapolis, MN composed of vocalist/guitarist Knol Tate (Askeleton, Killsadie), bassist/vocalist Travis Collins (Spirit Of 76, We Are The Willows), drummer/percussionist Josh McKay (Farewell Continental, Small Towns Burn A Little Slower) and guitarist Jordan Morantez (Blue Green, The King & The Thief).  

Formed in 2012 as a means to deal with pent up musical and personal frustrations, the band decided to create by not over-thinking or over producing their brand of angular punk, but to keep the urgency and immediacy of their first thoughts and play by instinct. Over their short lifetime they have managed to refine their first creative thoughts to a bold and loud, sometimes obtuse, yet dynamic burst of musical therapy. Tate’s lyrics composed of poetry with classic lyricism create a voice with a unique perspective, while the band thrashes and dashes through songs before you can take the lyrical prowess in. 

After a slew of self-released singles in early 2013 followed by several EPs in the following years, Deleter released their first full length “Oblique Seasons” late in 2015. Deleter’s newest endeavor, the EP “Meaningless Chants,” shows a more manic yet rhythmic side while remaining thoughtful and concise. The songs on “Meaningless Chants” are the most outrightly political work Deleter has put on record, five anthems of the absurd for an absurd time. Bandcamp here and Facebook here.

Full of punk angst 'Start To Watch' is a song that delivers full on rock'n'roll. It's the simple and classic punk era chord changes, that kick in halfway through which seal the song for me, more please!

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Electric Floor - Bluedive.

Background - New wave synth-gaze outfit Electric Floor have announced they will release their forthcoming 'Fader' EP in March via the Vipchoyo Sound Factory label. The Italian trio now presents 'Bluedive', the first single from this album, which exhibits clear underpinnings from Psychedelic Furs, Echo & The Bunnymen and Modern English and will appeal to fans of Interpol, Kasabian and The Wombats. 

"Bluedive is like a surge - it was born during a bad period for us. Initially it was only messy ideas, but we gradually gave it form. The lyrics are suspended between romance and sadness, anger and exhortation," explains Emanuele Chiarelli. "Just like the other songs, our lyrics in this one are very emotional and tidal."

This Cosenza-based trio is comprised of Emanuele Chiarelli (vocals/ guitar), Simone Costantino De Luca (programming/ keys), and Fabio Cosentino (bass). Formed in 2009, the band's concept is based on emotive feelings. 'Fader' will be their third album, following up the self-produced albums '300' and 'Falsità reali' and singles 'Your Blue' and 'My Bloody G'. On this latest release, the band is geared more towards an electronic sound. 

The latest few singles have brought them increased press and radio coverage in numerous countries, but 'Fader' will likely see this attention explode due to the virtually melting pot of synthpop, shoegaze, chillwave and electrogaze presented here. "This selection of songs features tracks closely linked to each other with a common denominator in that they dive into our conscience," explains Emanuele Chiarelli. Facebook here.

'Bluedive' is a bright and vibrant song mixing synths and vocals with the added element of "shoegaze power" for want of a better description. In some ways the track is a little bit retro in sound, however it's done so well that, there's no complaint from me.

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Midweek Muse: Twilight Fields - Lucina Luchii

Twilight Fields - All the Love I Can.

Background - Twilight Fields is from Northern Canada and makes a mixture of atmospheric and psychedelic rock and influences from progressive rock, ambient, dream-pop, psych-folk and shoegaze.

"All the Love I Can" was originally conceived as part of a Beach Boys cover ep of the song "All I Wanna Do" from the "Sunflower" album. When I dropped that idea half finished, I decided I still really liked one of the original compositions I had intended to include, "All the Love I Can", which emphasizes the theme of unconditional love of the original song.

The production pays homage to the wall of sound production style practised by Brian Wilson and Phil Spector. "False Friend" is an old song redone in an ambient pop style and deals with the subject of betrayal. Facebook here.

We are told by Twilight Fields regarding the new song  'All the Love I Can' - "I thought it would be a good way to start the year... it actually has a positive feeling! And I have a feeling that this year we will need those".  'All the Love I Can' may be an expression of positive feelings, I would add it's one very beautiful track (as is it's companion False Friend) and in terms of paying homage, I think it's a case of job done, and very well at that.

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Lucina Luchii - Fly High.

Background - Lucina Luchii pairs up with the high-flying D/A Music Group this winter for the release of ‘Fly High’ – a silky smooth, vocal and keys combo that merges the stunning vocalist’s beautiful aural tones with a clean and reflective instrumental. Rolling along at a steady 74BPM – the production starts out stripped back with just mellow piano chords and Lucina’s voice holding the centre stage. As ‘Fly High’ grows we’re treated to a full course of half-time rhythms, soulful brass glides and subtle low end bass notes which come together to create a reflective backbeat to Lucina’s memorable vocal performance.

Released via the reliable talent stable of D/A Music Group, the collective once again introduce us to a talent that’s capable of garnering international plaudits. High end, modern crossover Pop/Soul/R&B is hard to find outside of the household names which makes D/A’s A&R efforts all the more impressive. If this is a sign of things to come, we can no doubt be looking forward to an exciting year ahead for both the group and Lucina alike. Facebook here.

'Fly High' is a rich and gently building song where the vocals and music are so well matched. Production is sensitive allowing Lucina's vocals to hold centre stage, with the soundtrack adding just enough to ensure the hooks dig in.

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Heat - Overnight (Album release & Tour Dates)

Heat - Lush, (from the album Overnight).

Background - One only needs to take a quick glance at the bands that Montreal quintet Heat have been compared with to get a firm grasp on the visceral, wholesome noise they produce. From the brash pop of Echo and the Bunnymen to the post-punk leanings of Psychedelic Furs, this is a band that proudly take their place in the great alt-rock lineage, delivering rousing, thrilling anthems for the disenfranchised. Initially starting as “as an excuse to get together and drink”, Heat has grown in to something far more significant - and new record Overnight offers their most notable work to-date.

Recorded at Montreal’s Breakglass Studio, the recording process was something of a rocky road for the band but the resulting record is a vehement leap forward, and one that looks set to cement Heat’s status as one of Canada’s most formidable exports. Led by the band’s three founding members, Susil Sharma (Vocals, Guitar, Synth), Matthew Fiorentino (Guitar, Synth), and Raphael Bussieres (Bass),  Overnight feels resolutely solid; old-school aesthetics delivered with a defiantly fresh-faced outlook.

Showcasing the bands shadowy undertones, lead single “Lush” is a heavy-hearted meeting of dark sentiments and inventive instrumentals, while closing track “Chains” offers something altogether more sparkling; a wildly ambitious seven-minute trip that matches Sharma’s slurring, hangover-ridden vocal with colorful washes of spaced-out, guitar-led soundscapes that sits alongside the likes of Preoccupations and DIIV at the forefront of the current alternative scene.

Co-produced by Grammy Award winner Alex Newport, who has worked with the likes of Death Cab and At The Drive In, Overnight is another significant milestone in Heat’s turbulent, tempestuous journey, but it’s a record that sees the band thriving in their current predicament. Ragged, raging, and unrestrained – they’ve simply never sounded better. Overnight will be released on January 20th 2017, via Topshelf Records (US)/The Hand Recordings (CAN)/Rallye Records (JP). Website here, Facebook here.

Tour Dates:
02.02.17 - Montreal, QC @ Ritz PDB
02.04.17 - Quebec, QC @ L’Anti
02.08.17 - Ottawa, ON @ Dominion Tavern
02.09.17 - Toronto, ON @ Baby G
02.10.17 - London, ON @ NZK Palace
02.11.17 - Guelph, ON @ Hillside Inside Festival
02.12.17 - Hamilton, ON @ Casbah
02.24.17 - Sherbrooke, QC @ La Petite Boite Noire
03.04.17 - Saint-Hyacinthe, QC @ Zaricot
03.14.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03.15.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03.16.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03.17.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03.18.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03.19.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
04.18.17 - St John, NB @ Callahans Pub
04.19.17 - Sackville, NB @ Thunder & Lightning
04.20.17 - Halifax, NS @ Seahorse Tavern
04.21.17 - Fredericton, NB @ Flourish Festival
04.22.17 - Moncton, NB @ Claude’s House

Sharing the song 'Lush' as the single and as a taster for the album 'Overnight' may be in part, something of a well considered Chess move. It's a fine alt rock song in it's own right, that said, it's almost an understatement of just whats in store on the album. I guess the move is pretty straight forward, if the song gets your attention, the album will blow you away. So maybe it's a pretty smart move as well. Alt rock that veers towards punk attitude in places and a touch of grunge elsewhere, keeps the whole album interesting and pretty much addictive the whole way through.

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2017 and the beat goes on: Vaudevileins - Melanie Crew

2017 and the beat goes on, musically it's a little quiet on the new material front, how long for we shall see....

Vaudevileins - Sea Anemone.

Background - Chicago’s Vaudevileins released their new LP Magician on vinyl, CD, and digital download back on Nov. 18, 2016. Along with Jeff Julian (vox/guitar), Brennen Chouinard (drums/vox), and Bill Aldridge (bass), Evan Mohler joins Vaudevileins on lead guitar for the band’s second full-length recording, which will be their first release on vinyl.

The 10-song album is the culmination of a multi-year songwriting and recording effort at Aldridge’s Third City Sound in Joliet, Illinois. Bill engineered the project, and the band worked with their long-time collaborator Jeff Halland, who mixed and mastered Magician for digital and vinyl at his home studio in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

“We are really excited to finish Magician and have people hear it,” said Julian. “We think these are our best songs to date and we’re really proud of the production and the finished product.” Website here, Facebook here and Bandcamp here.

OK so we are still doing a little catching up on recent releases, this time with Vaudevileins and we feature the opening song 'Sea Anemone' which typifies the bands no nonsense, indie rock music. Fresh and powerful, I get the sense this is a band that just loves to perform.

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Melanie Crew - Parade.

Background - Melanie Crew is a London based singer and musician writing gentle acoustic music with soulful melodies.  Her second EP, Further Away, was released in October 2016, following the release of her first EP, Until the End, in August 2015. Melanie has received radio play from BBC 6 Music and BBC Kent, as well as numerous local stations.

​Born in West London, and now living in East London, Melanie's music is influenced by favourite artists including Elliott Smith, Roddy Woomble, Neko Case, Hem, and Kathryn Williams.

​Melanie is also interested in writing and photography, and her website includes favourite blogs and photos. Bandcamp here, Website here and Facebook here.

From the second EP 'Further Away' we feature the second track 'Parade'. Melanie Crew writes and performs melodic and gentle acoustic based songs with her beautiful vocals making all the difference. It's good to see she is getting some UK radio attention, with songs this good, that's well deserved.

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Tea Leaf Green - Live at Sierra Vista January 2004

It's been a while since we have featured a live concert and so to end the year, here is a very good recording of a band  some will know, and hopefully many more will get to hear, know and enjoy...

From the Internet Archive (IA) this is Tea Leaf Green live at Sierra Vista on the 9th January 2004. Tea Leaf Green (TLG) is a five-piece jam band from San Francisco Bay Area, comprising Josh Clark (guitar and vocals), Trevor Garrod (keyboards, vocals, guitar, and harmonica), Scott Rager (drums and percussion), Cochrane McMillan (percussion), and Eric DiBerardino.

Tea Leaf Green began in the fall of 1996, when Scott Rager met Ben Chambers on the campus of San Francisco State University (SFSU). Chambers was the group's original bass player but left in 2007; he is featured on the band's first four albums. Rager and Chambers began playing together, practicing in Chambers's bedroom in a back house off Church Street in San Francisco's Castro District. In early 1997, Clark, a childhood friend of Rager, moved from the Los Angeles area to San Francisco and became the third member of the band. Garrod, also a SFSU student, joined soon after.

In the late 1990s, Tea Leaf Green began gigging throughout San Francisco, becoming the de facto house band at the Elbo Room for a period in 1999. The band's first album, eponymously titled, was released that same year and featured twelve original compositions, included songs such as "Professor's Blues," "Asphalt Funk," and "California," all of which remained part of the band's live repertoire for years. Over time, the band pared down the all-inclusive sound featured on the first release and formed a more focused style of songwriting inspired by Garrod's Dylanesque musings and Clark's unabashed, frenetic soloing.

Tea Leaf Green continues to maintain a steady, if often arduous, schedule, playing clubs and other assorted venues across the country. Known for extended psychedelic, rowdy, and exploratory live shows. Other unofficial, but sanctioned, performances are available through archive.org. The group, independent and often on the periphery of the mainstream music industry, continues to rely on grassroots expansion of its music through the diligence of its fanbase, community forums, and web-based music avenues such as jambase.com.

Source: Soundboard.

Sound Quality: Very Good - Full stereo (SBD + 2(Oktava012(Card)) > MOTU828 > Apple iBookG3 Taped by Steven Fabing).

Genre: Rock (in many forms).

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

Hot Dog >
Kali-Yuga
Bootlegger
Vote on Tuesday
Reservoir
Papa's in the Backroom
Precious Stone
Freedom
Been So Long
Who Am I (What's My Name)?1,2
My Bastard Brother
The Invasion
The Garden (Part II)
Professor's Blues
Earth and Sky
Warmup
Loony Bin
Snoop
Tequila
Killing in the Name3
Baseball Jam

Links: Official site here.

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

Listen:

Weekend Rockers: Fox Medicine - Blonde Summer

Fox Medicine - Financial Elevator.

Background - We are told that Nee rides broomsticks and likes to gypsy around. Vanny likes to tinker and get stuff done. The pair met at a Melvins show in Chicago, and describe their sound is heavy glittery noise. They go on - "We like secluded areas and are rarely social. Our influences are stoner rock, doom metal, post punk, peanut butter and good beer. PS. Reject reality and live life as art".

The most recent release Noise Nurse is a compilation album of songs written by Nee while living in Toronto, Canada in the time frame between 2008-2011. She worked at a psyche/dementia ward as a nurse during the time of those songs, and drew a lot of influence from her surroundings.

Most of the songs were written for projects like My Flea Circus + Goldie Luxx, etc, however little promotional effort was used, as they were mostly just for fun + for friends and were performed at local clubs and venues in Toronto's thriving music scene at the time. Nee's writing style is evident in Fox Medicine and throughout the former projects, but continues to be curiously unique and peculiar. This section is an homage to that timeframe and songwriting phase and comes with visuals + vids! Website here. Bandcamp here.

I have chosen to feature 'Financial Elevator' from Fox Medicine's 'Based on Need' EP, for the simple reason it's my favourite track. Probably the noisiest duo we have featured this year, that's heavy glittery noise for you!
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Blonde Summer - Beer On Ice.

Background - Dangerbird Records announces Microdose, a monthly single release and live event series celebrating new music from our neighborhood (LA's Eastside) and beyond. This platform will serve as a launchpad for up-and-coming artists, uniting and expanding our artistic community.  Monthly singles will include an A-side and B-side, and each artist will perform live at Dangerbird's Silver Lake based HQ/event space.

The series will launch on Jan. 12, 2017 with a release of a new single from Blonde Summer and live show that same night at Dangerbird Records. “Beer On Ice” was the last single from LA’s sun-bleached slacker-rock outfit Blonde Summer, released via Dangerbird Records back in November.

The A Side “Beer On Ice” and B Side “Sha La La” are both returns to what Chris Pope, the band’s mastermind, does best. Telling stories thru fuzzed out vocals, of Lazy Days, Wanderlust and Liquor Store Romances.  The band’s stripped down approach to the Beer On Ice single is a departure from last years electronic infused Paradise e.p., resulting in a truer brand of rock that Blonde Summer fans have come to love over the bands 6 year, 4 e.p. career.

Blonde Summer’s Chirs Pope admits “there was a bit of hibernation” following the Paradise e.p. A necessary period where the band could get back to their roots. Hang out with their girlfriends, find jobs, quit jobs and get lost.

'Beer On Ice' has a cool almost lazy laid back rock'n'roll feel, that occasionally likes to pack a riff or two of full on energy into your ears.

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Midweek Muse: Peter Joly - Indigo

Peter Joly - Till They Go.

Background - Singer-songwriter Peter Joly was born in Buffalo, moved on to New York and began writing and performing whilst keeping his head above water working as a cab driver. Since the early 90's he has performed in and around Chicago and gaining attention for his work with the bands Big Breakfast and For Pilots.

Peter Joly, released his self titled album in October 2016, an album that features contributions from top local musicians, including Jon Williams, Josh Piet (The Hoyle Brothers), Ryley Walker contributor Charles Rumback, Joe Adamik (Iron & Wine) and Gerald Dowd (Frisbie).

All the songs were written by Peter in the summer of 2016 before recording them at various locations including MINBAL and Strobe Recording in Chicago, and Elecric Lady in New York (All the songs were mixed and mastered by Phil Joly in Brooklyn, NYC). Peter celebrated the release with a packed house at Chicago’s famous Hideout Inn, back in November 2016. Facebook here.

There are some really special and genuine Americana songs on the recently released self titled album from Peter Joly. 'Till They Go' is but a glimpse of the quality to be found across all eleven tracks. Listen to some more here.

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Indigo - Deluge.

Background - Right from the very first listen of opening track and single 'Deluge', you can tell how much love and painstaking detail Perth's Indigo have put into creating their second EP, 'Kumiho'. From its sonic sculpturing of rich, mellow tones, to the band's effortlessly breezy songwriting; 'Kumiho' captures something special.

In their first couple of years Indigo released their first EP, earned their first support slots, entered (and won) the Ampfest and Stagebound competitions, were invited to the Southbound and State Of The Art festivals, played their first live radio set, and found the start of their fanbase beyond their own friends.

Now as they've become more accomplished as a band (recently supporting Tired Lion and The Jungle Giants) and as players, their music is becoming more sophisticated and subtle. A thoughtful approach to writing and recording resulted in Indigo teaming up with fastidious engineer Matt Gio (San Cisco, Abbe May) - putting one of Perth's most promising bands in the hands of one of its most successful producers.

Guitarist Dylan Keirnan explains “We were extremely picky with this one, having quite a few of our past tracks almost fall into different genres, it took us a whole year to find the sound we were searching for, we even completely scrapped two songs on it, and right on the very last track, we sat back in the studio after recording the first few parts and thought, this is the sound we want, so we went back over all the other tracks and changed them to suit.”

'Kumiho' is simply a pleasure to listen to. The sound is layered and detailed, but still easy on the ears. The music is fun, but still carries a bitter-sweet emotion. Due for release at the very start of 2017, Kumiho is perfectly timed for summer, and will kick off a year of touring for Indigo as they steadily work towards the next milestone of releasing their debut album. 'Kumiho' featuring the single 'Deluge' is out January 1, 2017 on CD and via all good digital retailers. Facebook here.

'Deluge' is the single and the first of four very fine songs on the forthcoming EP release. It's refined alt rock that mixes melodies alongside a subtle and developed sound, that said, if the band feel the need to turn things up, they can pack a punch to.

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Quality Not Quantity: Jess and the Bandits - Astari Nite

Jess and the Bandits - I Don't Dance.

Background - When she agreed to open for Boyzone on their BZ20 tour at the close of 2013, Texan singer Jess Clemmons didn’t realise she was about to embark on the tour that would start the next chapter of her career. Taking her new EP, What If, on the road, she bonded with her backing band and by the end of the tour knew that her music career was not going to be continued as a solo artist. Jess and the Bandits was born.

In January 2014, her single Single Tonight broke onto the to Radio 2 playlist and Jess found herself a loyal, dedicated fan in Sir Terry Wogan, who invited her in for her first Radio 2 session. Covering Glen Campbell’s Wichita Lineman, her rich vocal prompted Sir Terry to state, ‘that was the most fabulous song that I’ve ever heard’.

Taking time to focus on writing and recording the band’s debut album, Here We Go Again, Jess focused her efforts on her regular column for Female First. When the band returned in September 2014 with the single My Name Is Trouble, The Daily Mail praised her as ‘the most powerful voice this side of Adele.’

By the launch of Here We Go Again in April 2015, the band had sold out their debut headline show at Little Rabbit Barn and blown the audiences away at Country2Country. The album stormed to #6 in the Official Country Charts. With the album’s lead single You Can’t Stop Me once again on the Radio 2 playlist, Jess had teamed up with Evans to front their #StyleHasNoSize campaign. Recording the music video to Nitty Gritty, the campaign’s official anthem, Jess revelled in following in Beth Ditto and Chaka Khan’s footsteps as an ambassador for the brand.

2016 also marked the band’s debut headline tour, another summer of festival appearances and the release of a deluxe edition of their debut album, which once again entered the Official Country Charts Top 20, while The Boot and Spotify championed the band’s single Ready Set. Website here.

We have featured Jess and the Bandits a couple of times previously on Beehive Candy, the last time was way back in March. The brand new lyric video for 'I Don't Dance' seems like a good enough reason for another mention, needless to say it's of the fine calibre a growing number of folk are getting use to by the band.

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Astari Nite - Lovesick.

Background - Like every year, Astari Nite continues its tradition of releasing new music for the holidays. It is a custom dear to the band and fans alike. This year the band presents “Lovesick” a clean sounding flashback to the celebrated love songs of the new wave and post punk era. The lyrics remind one of The Cure, New Order, while the music is more energetic, with old school guitars and moderns synths.

The single was produced by Rees Bridges who has worked with Dirty Vegas, Pete Doherty and Tears for Fears. The mastering was done by Emily Lazar whose stellar work trajectory includes David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Foo Fighters and Sonic Youth to name a few. "Lovesick is about rejoicing in the memory of those who have passed on in our lives, whether it is someone we know and or admire. I'd like to think of it as a Eulogy or an anthem for saying goodbye." - Mychael Ghost

Formed in 2008, the group consists of Mychael Ghost (lead vocals), Illia Tulloch (Drums), M. Sallons (Bass), Michael Setton (Guitar), and Howard Melnick (Guitar). Signed to (Danse Macabre Records).

Astari Nite has headlined numerous shows, as well as opened up for many national acts such as Peter Murphy, The Psychedelic Furs, ColdCave, She Wants Revenge, Assemblage 23, VOWWS, Modern English, Andy Rourke of The Smiths among many others.

Since forming they have put out five releases; their self-titled Astari Nite (2010), Requiem Mass (2011)Stereo Waltz LP (2014) featuring the singles "Pyramids" and "I.O. 1987", Anonymous (2015) featuring the single "The Boy Who Tried" and Until the end of the Moon LP (2016)

2016 Highlights - The single "Always Like Yesterday" was included in Spotify's Fresh Finds playlist (January). Released a music video for the single "Always Like Yesterday." Released second LP titled Until the end of the Moon (May). Toured the U.S East Coast in support of the album (May). Opened for She Wants Revenge (June). Single "The Boy Who Tried" featured in Everglades Killing Movie. Facebook here, and Website here.

Third time around this year on Beehive Candy for a band who seem to impress me further, with every new song and 'Lovesick' is no exception. Astari Nite again mix tight rhythms and distinct vocals with a simmering power throughout the track.

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Double Delights: Youngsmith - ElectroBluesSociety

Youngsmith - I Will Not Forget.

Background - Otherwise branded as Youngsmith, Dan Smith is usually a man with a guitar and a bunch of ballads. A veteran of the Brisbane local live music scene.

He opened up his latest Australian Tour in August with a show at Brisbane’s Bearded Lady with tracks off his Light EP as well as new tracks ‘Wither’ and big-hitter ‘Red’ — the latter a sweet ditty about his auburn girlfriend which, after its May release date, took on a life of its own on the national radio circuit reaching the US through KPFK 90.7 in Los Angeles, San Diego, Ridgecrest and Santa Barbara, California.

After the tour launch, Smith played all over the country also garnering airplay from national community radio and Triple J’s Root ’N’ All program. New single “I Will Not Forget” for the first time leans Smith towards stadium rock territory, like ‘When I Grow Up’ by Garbage or ‘Everlong’ by Foo Fighters. Catchy hooks and beats surround lyrics speaking of personal demons and learning from your missteps along the way.

“I wrote about half this track a few years back but the main hook and chorus lyrics have always stayed with me. The starting lyrics ‘My demons, are chasing me, it takes all my will to keep my feet’ always felt like a metaphor for life. Everyone has something that bothers them and it takes effort not to lose your way. The more I remember both the good and the bad, the more I can be grateful for the moment.” - Youngsmith

Smith has worked among the Brisbane music scene for over a decade in various forms, providing an important part to the songwriter and band landscape. Recently working with producers Bryce Moorhead (Violent Soho) and Timothy Carr (Matt Corby) has given Smith a wider audience through singles ‘Red’ and now the latest release. Recording in his home studio and collaborating with producers both locally and interstate allows Smith to progress from singer-songwriter to more catchy territory. Website here and Facebook here.

'I Will Not Forget' is a crisp indie rocker, where the song builds into a powerful almost anthem like piece, with hooks galore running right through it!

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ElectroBluesSociety - Duck.

Background - Two guys and a bunch of junk with a broad taste and an open mind mixing the old with the new. Modern technologies and 30+ years of live stage experience and the musical input ranges from Alan Lomax to Roxy Music and from Charlie Parker to Led Zeppelin. On stage you will find computers, a double bass, foot pedals, vintage amps, midi controllers, an old drumkit and lots of cables. All of this handled by the two band members.

Jasper Mortier – drums, bass, mainly known as bass player but lately he found a new passion: playing drums. Over the last ten years Jasper worked with numerous great artists like Preston Shannon, ‘Sax’ Gordon Beadle, Monti Amundson, Philip Walker, Candye Kane, Melvin Taylor, Sherman Robertson, Terry Evans, Long John Hunter, Eddy Clearwater, Toni Lynn Washington, Paul Oscher, Doug Jay, Boo Boo Davis, Byther Smith, Boyd Small, and many others. Right now is is the bass player of the Jimmy Reiter Band.

Jan Mittendorp – guitar, buttons. Since 1993 touring Europe with USA artists like:  Percy Strother, Smokey Wilson , Byther Smith, Burton Gaar, Roy Roberts, Larry Garner, Boo Boo Davis, Erskine Oglesby, Jody Williams, Roscoe Chenier, Clara McDaniel, Boyd Small, Billy Jones, Hosea Leavy, Percy Strother, Harrison Kennedy and many others.  In 2009 with Boo Boo Davis among others at Montreux Jazz Festival and Peer Bluesfestival. Website here, and Facebook here.

'Duck' is one very addictive track. It is a fabulous blues instrumental that as mentioned above, mixes old and new together, and let me add - the duo do it seamlessly and beautifully.

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BeeVids: Rachel Mason - James Kruman

Rachel Mason - Roses.

Background - Rachel Mason presents the new 'Roses' video from new 'Das Ram' LP. Performance artist Rachel Mason presents the video for 'Roses', a track from her new album ‘Das Ram' LP, co-released by Los Angeles-based Cleopatra Records and artist-run cassette label Practical Records present  new album ‘Das Ram'LP. Comprised of eight tracks, this album conveys the stories of specific characters, who define and delight in their own realities and cosmologies, and individuals who create their own world views, their own religions, and fantasy lives.

'Das Ram' is an inversion of the name of renowned healer Ram Dass, and also a play on Mason's own initials, Rachel Ann Mason. The track “Roses”, produced and co-written by Jeff Hassay, is a powerful anthem with Mason's crisp sonorous vocals and positively loaded drive.

The 'Roses' video was produced and directed by Los Angeles-based artist team BeckandCol. They also contribute costumes and choreography, while Mason created the masks, one of the hallmark features of her live shows. In their work, BeckandCol use humor and chaos to investigate the crisis of human exceptionalism.  “Their work explores alternate universes populated with monsters, who obsess over humanity and emulate its dominant attributes," says Rachel Mason. "Their monsters resist any classification built on hierarchy or a merely binary opposition and instead exposes hierarchical behaviors as absurdities, forcing a rethinking of social and cultural norms.” Website here, Facebook here.

The first of eight songs on the 'Das Ram' album, and the second one featured on Beehive Candy is 'Roses'. Das Ram is a really fine album that I feel deserves a second mention by ourselves. Beyond the visual performance art, musically Rachel delivers some intriguing and very appealing songs, definitely worth checking out.

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James Kruman - Country Sigh.

Background - Manchester (UK) based lo-fi alternative folk inspired artist 'James Kruman' announces the release of his 10 track album 'Twitch'.

Available in digital download or CD format from his Bandcamp page, the collection of tracks forming this independent release is a journey from the sonically bizarre to mournfully beautiful.  Radiating with the subdued vocal-tone delivery of Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, Lou Reed and Ian Curtis (Joy Division), the home recorded efforts of Kruman show the artist at is his most stark, humble and organic. Natural performances with an attitude to embrace nuances and imperfections. Lo-fi and minimalist.

Originally hailing from Middlesbrough (UK) James has stood out from the regional music scene as an unpredictable and unique songwriter evolving his own recognisable voice and the 'Twitch' album flows with fascinating and unpredictable directions from trippy 60's psych rock experiments to folk/country blues tinged parodies and new wave electronica. The inability to classify Kruman's music as any specific genre, has led him to share stages with everyone from folk songstress Bella Hardy to indie legend Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets). Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

James Kruman's distinctive vocals and the fabulous music of 'Country Sigh' are a wonderful match. This for me is a very addictive song, and the lo-fi alt folk description above saves me from having to work out how best to describe the track. Time to get over to Bandcamp and indulge in more!

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Weekend Wonders: Rosebug - Vertigo

Rosebug - He Doesn't Know.

Background - Rosebug is yet another punk band from Brooklyn, and they want you to hear their album. Perhaps they don't have the most original origin story, but that doesn't mean they're not worth listening to. Their debut LP, Worst Way was released in November through Dazzleships Records, is thirty minutes of distress and pretty petulance—wrapped up in a bow. The great thing about Rosebug, though? They’re in on the joke. By the time the words find the music, lead singer Becca Chodorkoff is already over it. Or, at the very least, she wants you to think that she is. Currently the band is sharing their buzzworthy new single, "He Doesn't Know," the follow-up to the critically acclaimed piece, "I Am The One."

Worst Way was produced by Miles B.A. Robinson at a Bed-Stuy studio called The CRC. The space is owned by indie darlings, Chairlift, and frequented by the likes of Dev Hynes and MGMT. Rosebug's current line-up consists of Becca Chodorkoff (vocals), Chris Nunez (guitar), Tarra Theissan (bass), and Drew Adler (drums). You’ll want to get to know this band, because, with Rosebug, it’s fun to be sad. Facebook here and Website here.

This is the second song from the band on Beehive Candy, following on from our early November feature and this time we have 'He Doesn't Know'. This track is a little more alt rock than punk, and once again positions the band firmly on our radar.

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Vertigo - Get Away.

Background - ‘Get Away’, the debut single for Brisbane band Vertigo, is a spirited song driven by a dynamic bass line, sharp stabbing guitar riffs, powerful drums and an intense vocal line. The layers of guitar create a punchy and atmospheric sound, and the up-tempo beat captures the energy of the band.

The song’s lyrics, written as a group during one of the band’s first formal rehearsals, are a reflection of watching a friend hold onto a poisonous relationship. Referencing The Beach Boys, and teenage love, the song is a plea to leave negative relationships behind.

Vertigo’s music came to life under the guidance of Yanto Browning whilst recording at Airlock Studios over an intense four-day period, where the band recorded numerous songs, but identified ‘Get Away’ as the most appropriate debut. Playing living rooms, backyards and small Brisbane Fortitude Valley stages, progressively growing crowds have come to enjoy the band’s raw love of playing music together and entertaining people of varying musical tastes.

Vertigo are currently writing and playing as much music as they possibly can and are hoping to release more music soon. “Get Away” by Vertigo is available now via digital stores. Facebook here.

With a tight rhythm and lively and fresh soundtrack 'Get Away' has the foundations in place for some fine and feisty rock'n'roll complete with urgent and passionate vocals.

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