Sundays Finest: The Masonics - Sweet Gum Tree - Airpark - Siamese - Go Fever

The Masonics - I Ain't Hurting For You.

Background - The Masonics New Album Release "Obermann Rides Again". Masters of the Medway Beat made famous by Mr Billy Childish, this is the group that in our view should be the more famous one – with their more original style of raw and tender rock’n’roll songsmithery. Renowned drum wizard Bruce Brand played alongside Childish in the Pop Rivets back in the late 1970s and both he and gruffly charming singer/guitarist Mickey Hampshire were both in the Milkshakes in the early 1980s. (In fact, it was actually Mickey & the Milkshakes originally!) Bass thumper John Gibbs, meanwhile, cut his jib in his younger years in near-legendary Scottish group, The Kaisers.

This new limited edition – 500 copies only – album of muscular British rock’n’roll from this widely celebrated beat power trio comes trampling merrily over a swathe of garage rock pretenders. While many young groups clutch equipment of equal quality (almost) and vintage, none of them have put in the years that these chaps have – themselves and their gear have been pushed well past breaking point over the years but their energy is far from dimmed. Their vast experience means that The Masonics have built a solid reputation on live shows across Europe and around the UK that delight teen twisters and pop purists alike.

That reputation was more enough for them, as they themselves put it, to “allow those whipper snapper colonial upstarts The White Stripes to close a series of performances for us in the early part of this century, during their maiden voyage to this great country of ours”. While other musical copyists and johnny-come-latelys continue to come and go, The Masonics continue to plough their furrow, in a never ending quest to make the perfect beat-pop album and delivering passionate performances to excitable audiences.

Recorded at Ransombe Studios (regular home to Billy Childish as well as The Wave Pictures), the all-new recordings on this, their ninth album, 14 slices of suave and rocking pop beat nuggets show that the group have not lost their merciless instinct for touch­ing, simple, timeless rock’n’roll melodies and lyrics. The band performs with verve and precision, on record and on stage, always giving their followers their money’s worth. This new release will soon be followed up by a limited vinyl and download releases from The Masonics’ back catalogue, starting with Outside Looking In and the singles compilation plus downloads of the entirety of their decades of releases. Download the Obermann Rides Again. Website here, Facebook here.

From the new 'Obermann Rides Again' album and the first of fourteen tracks we have 'I Ain't Hurting For You'. There is a timeless British rock'n'roll feel right across the album, and that feel is just so good and right. If Dr Feelgood had formed a decade earlier, or The Beatles had been a lot more raw and edgy, then perhaps they would have sounded like The Masonics, that said this is also fresh enough and well produced to sit comfortably as new in 2017.

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Sweet Gum Tree - Twinkle.

Background - Sweet Gum Tree's new album ‘Sustain The Illusion’ is out on March 31st via The Orchard/Plastic Head. Sweet Gum Tree’s first and heavily supported album by the likes of Mojo, Uncut and The Line Of Best Fit, came to fruition with the help of many prestigious collaborators such as Isobel Campbell -Belle & Sebastian, Earl Harvin -Tindersticks and Marty Willson-Piper -The Church. This time, Arno Sojo has reshuffled his cards and chosen to record this new album almost entirely on his own, except for the help of Irish producer David Odlum (long-time partner-in-crime of Gemma Hayes and Glen Hansard).

Both a beautiful, romantic adventure and an unnerving trip through a mind crowded with troubled creatures, Sojo’s earnest vocals confirm that he is amongst those who still believe that music and words can touch the soul, by way of sincerity, constant reinvention and fine craftsmanship. Minimal drum machines and echo-laden guitars throughout create a state of grace evoking the ethereal new-wave productions of British label 4AD as well as hymns from great pop architects like Talk Talk, Prefab Sprout or Divine Comedy. The album’s electronic rigidity contrasts perfectly with the elegant strings and soaring melodies, while Sojo’s gravelled vocals ensure it remains an outstandingly humane and sensitive collection of tracks.

The album’s title nods to Wes Anderson’s acclaimed, ‘‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’’, which itself was based upon Stefan Zweig’s writings on the rise of Nazism in the mid-30’s. Drawing a parallel with the current fiery state of the world and Anderson’s tale of creating love despite all circumstances, Sojo reflects on the challenge of how one can fulfil the need to dream whilst in such a desperate context.

 The soul in Sojo’s voice is what really drives ‘Sustain The Illusion’, particularly on tracks such as ‘Someday’, ‘Guilt Trip’ and the closing lullaby, ‘Keeper’ that lulls you into a complete sense of security. On the other hand, ‘Burn Your Icons’ is both a thought provoking, sharp and ironic look at the relevant question of how we view our fallen idols that gives a truly unique perspective on our society’s traditions.Website here, Facebook here. mp3 (Amazon) from 31 March here.

'Twinkle' is the first single from the forthcoming album 'Sustain The Illusion'.The rhythm has pace and yet the vocals are a little less anxious and carry plenty of the melody. Musically everything is clean and clear, overall the new album sounds promising.

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Airpark - All The Time.

Background - "All The Time" is off Airpark's first EP Early Works, Volume 1, out March 3rd via Eugenia Hall Records. The band is on tour now, with upcoming dates in NYC, Philly, Chicago, Boston, Southeastern US and more.

Inspired by minimalism, melody and groove-heavy percussion, band mates Michael Ford, Jr. and Ben Ford launched the group in 2016, one year after their previous project The Apache Relay quietly called it quits. The Apache Relay had been a large band, staffed with six members and armed with a thick, wall-of-sound approach. With Airpark, the Ford brothers sharpen their focus and scale back their arrangements, focusing on songs that pack a punch with bold, basic ingredients.

On "All The Time," Michael spins the autobiographical story of a musician who's starting over and swinging for the fences, finally coming to terms with his own ambition. "Now I know I need it to be ocean-sized," he sings, backed by propulsive percussion, syncopated electric guitar and his brother's harmonies.

Raised in New Orleans, the Fords grew up surrounded by music, from the Crescent City's jazz to the soul of Irma Thomas and Allen Touissant. Later while living in Nashville, the two rekindled the music connection they'd kick-started back home, finding popularity as The Apache Relay performed alongside the likes of Jenny Lewis, Mumford & Sons and more. Michael and Ben move at a deliberately different speed with Airpark, thus finding new musical territory to explore. Website here, Facebook here. Live dates on our tour page. mp3 (Amazon) from 10 Feb here.

Musically stripped back 'All The Time' initially appears to rely on the vocals and harmonies to carry the song. In reality both elements have there moments and the overall effect is of a feisty pop/rock song, with plenty of hooks.

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Siamese - Chromatose.

Background - Siamese is the glam rock band of four theatrically inclined friends from Dallas, TX. Mixing ominous art pop with opulent set design and deranged alter egos, their live show makes you feel like you could go out and invent a new color, or wear a leotard to work.

The group’s debut release The Mesmerist, tracked with producer Alex Bhore at the studio Elmwood Recording, is set for release March 3, 2017. With two monolithic bookends and a slew of twists in between, the record treks through the charming, soothing and savage, with lyrics inspired by sociopathic film characters and a few shades of identity crisis.

A prime example of this is the first single, "Chromatose." Inspired by the Truffaut film Bed & Board, the song is a sardonic shout out to the neighbourhood dilettantes. "There's a neighbor character in the film that everyone deems a murderer," Nicole Marxen-Myers explains. "He turns out to be a television star, and the main characters are quick to retract their impressions of him, swapping them for praise. That idea inspired a juxtaposition between whimsy and horror for the song. It’s fun, but there’s something unsettling about it."

The band – comprised of Paul Alonzo (bass), Paul Grass (drums), Nicole Marxen-Myers (keys, vocals) and Teddy Georgia Waggy (guitar, vocals) – materialised in 2015 as a means to intersect music, performance and visual art. To do so, they take elements from carpentry to choreography to costume design, and their live shows have come to serve as a parallel universe for the members to act out alternate identities and face the terror of vulnerability with their audiences. Live dates on our tour page. Website here, Facebook here. mp3 (Amazon) from 03 March here.

Whether this is glam rock or art pop or something dreamy that sits in between 'Chromatose' is a really intriguing song that has me hooked and wanting to hear more. Definitely a band on our radar!

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Go Fever - Come Undone.

Background - Austin-based band Go Fever releases their debut single "Come Undone" last Friday. “Come Undone" is an upbeat and catchy track with a deeper meaning. Lyrically, it centres on how Go Fever vocalist and founder Acey Monaro’s life rearranged beautifully after serendipitously meeting her husband. "Come Undone" is a delicious first taste of Go Fever’s self-titled debut album, embodying a surf pop sound mixed with classic rock and roll influences.

Raised in an Australian country town, Acey Monaro dropped out of school at 14, left home a year later, then married a man twice her age. Divorcing her husband after 7 years at the ripe old age of 26, she began writing songs and performing solo gigs in Sydney. Her strong voice and crafty lyrics, evoking Tracey Ann Campbell as much as J. Tillman, were all inspired by her own brimming storybook. She soon garnered a dedicated audience, prompting an early reviewer to compare her simultaneously to Feist and Emmylou Harris.

Acey fell in love whilst on holiday in Austin, Texas with Go Fever bass player Ben Burdick, eventually making the permanent move to the Lone Star State to marry him and record her debut EP with Brad Bell (War On Drugs, Arcade Fire, Spoon). It was during a visit to Austin in 2012 that Monaro wrote the lyrics to "Come Undone" in the local Halcyon cafe, and years later revisited the track for Go Fever's debut self titled LP (produced and engineered by Danny Reisch / Delta Spirit, White Denim, Other Lives). Go Fever will be available via independent release on February 24th, 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

'Come Undone' is the first of ten tracks on the forthcoming release. The band can and do mix up the styles whilst retaining an identifiable overall sound. The featured song gives some insight into the album, and there are plenty of other contenders that could have been the first single. I have to say February has started with some really fine music, of which Go Fever are a welcome part.

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Saturday Seven: Mr. Elevator - Klô Pelgag - Salt Petal - Ephixa & Laura Brehm - Cajsa Siik - Woodes - Our Man In Berlin

Mr. Elevator - Ending.

Background - Mr. Elevator – formed in Southern California in 2012 by Thomas Dolas and Justin Martinez (and their mutual love of Donovan) – eschews guitars for vintage synthesizers, organs, and electric pianos, distinguishing themselves within the fuzzy, distorted contemporary Psych-Pop scene. Mr. Elevator shares the second track "Ending" from their upcoming album. 'When the Morning Greets You,' is scheduled for release in February 10, 2017, on Rad Cat Records. 

Under the original name Mr. Elevator and the Brain Hotel, the band began playing shows as a three-piece with bassist Wyatt Blair, and a short-while later, in 2013, relocated to Los Angeles where they released their first album, 'Nico & her Psychedelic Subconscious,' with Burger Records.
After a few years of live shows, perfecting their sound alongside acts like Thee Oh Sees, The Fresh & Onlys, The Black Lips, Allah-Las, and more, Mr. Elevator recently completed their second album, 'When the Morning Greets You'.

On 'When the Morning Greets You,' the bands’ love for vintage keyboard sounds, concept albums, and 70s pop remains intact, furnishing an album that entrances listeners and evolves over the course of its run-time into an array of bright, complex patterns and shapes. The upbeat, colorful pop feel of Side A, for example, is slowly engulfed in the lush, synth-heavy soundscape of Side B (pointing in at least two distinct directions in regards to the sound of the next album).

With the addition of a fourth member to the performing band, Mr. Elevator will be supporting the release of 'When the Morning Greets You' with national and international live dates. Facebook here. Mp3 from 10 February here.

'Ending' has a sweeping powerful feel, right from the opening moments. Vocals are dreamy and immersed well into the mix, in what might be described as a psychedelic dream song, that doesn't wanna subscribe to any specific genre.

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Klô Pelgag - Les ferrofluides-fleurs.

Background - Klô Pelgag welcomes 2017 with a new video for Les ferrofluides-fleurs. It is the second single from L’étoile thoracique, her sophomore album to be released in Europe on February 3rd. The record is already available in Canada.

The video, directed by her long time collaborator BAZ, reveals an otherwordly and childish trailer park where we follow the meandering of a girl with a wan face as she smokes cigarettes, plays with plush toys and dogs, dances on fries and hamburgers. 

Partially shot on VHS, the video shows us once again Klô’s uniqueness as she displays her boundless creativity. 

Live dates on our tour page. Website here, Facebook here.

OK so the video is a story within itself that adds some intrigue, to say the least. 'Les ferrofluides-fleurs' is just so melodic, upbeat, catchy, delightful... hopefully you get the picture.

Perhaps anyone fluent in French could let me know what the lyrics mean, and if they relate to the videos storyline.

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Salt Petal - Telephone.

Background - Los Angeles-based collective Salt Petal is invigorating audiences and critics alike with a tropical surf-dance sound in a category all its own. A cross-border combination of Argentinian folk, Brazilian tropicalia, cumbia and up tempo surf rock blurs ethnic and musical boundaries, bringing to mind Blondie, Os Mutantes, Gal Costa, and 60′s rock and roll. The band’s sound is one of the freshest to come out of Los Angeles, showcasing deep South American rhythms with vibrant indie pop harmonies and textures.

Founding members, Autumn Harrison and Rodrigo Gonzalez started the band after a trip to Buenos Aires, where their late night singalong sessions turned into the beginning of their first record. After performing in small cafes and receiving positive responses from musician friends, they began to play bigger stages and soon became one of the most sought after festival bands in Los Angeles.

Salt Petal’s latest release, Rare Hearts was recorded at the famed London Bridge Studios in Seattle with producer Eric Lilavois (Saint Motel, Atlas Genius) and mixed and mastered by Raymond Richards (Local Natives, Avid Dancer). The album aims to be a constant reminder for humanity to have faith and love in ourselves, in order to continue to get through difficult moments.  The central theme is “exploring the fight everyday against yourself to be able to see what you have around you” reveals Harrison. Website here, Facebook here.

To describe Salt Petal's sound as tropical surf-dance makes eminent sense having listened to 'Telephone', a fabulous tune. Vocals are bright and pleasing, the music dynamic, if this song doesn't lift the spirit, I'm not sure what will.

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Ephixa & Laura Brehm - Losing You.

Background - Featuring two renowned names in the Monstercat community, it’s no surprise that a collaboration between Ephixa and Laura Brehm emerges with a fair amount of anticipation amongst their collective fans. Coming together for the track, “Losing You”, the pair have honed in on an emotion that everyone can relate to, creating the melancholy and heartbreaking feeling of a relationship starting to fall apart. The track’s calming and ambient atmosphere takes listeners to a headspace of going through a bad breakup; providing an emotionally-charged lyrical base (like below) that listeners can feel just as much as they hear.

Breathe in, What is happening?
Walls are in the way
How do I escape losing you?
Fading out of view now
Losing you feels like the earth is falling through..

Singer/Songwriter and Colorado native, Laura Brehm is revealing more of her true potential with each song. As she continues to work with international producers and artists, Laura is bringing back her solo music allowing her to showcase an increasingly sophisticated style of her own.  Combining her experience of different realms of music so far, her new folk/electronic sound will bring the best pieces of her background to the forefront.  Laura’s innovative approach to songwriting and way of singing will continue to win over her steadily growing fan base. Ephixa Facebook here, Laura Brehm Facebook here.

The synths slowly emerge and build into layered and vibrant energy. Add in the dreamy and calming vocals and 'Losing You' is alive with feeling, rhythms and addictive hooks.

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Cajsa Siik - Talk To Trees.

Background - "Talk To Trees is a song about madness, brawls, truth and illusion. Top to rock bottom and the dance in between".

Umeå, Sweden, native Cajsa Siik released her debut single ”Was I Supposed To” back in 2012 and soon got heavy rotation on national radio in her home country. Since then she’s released two critically acclaimed albums. Her 2014 hit ”Higher” took her to a new audience with a remix by Lakechild, soon reaching #8 on the German college radio charts.

Since then Cajsa’s been working on her third studio album, named Domino, with producer Rolf Klinth in Stockholm. Guesting the album this time is, among others, Thomas Hedlund (Phoenix, Deportees) and Rasmus Kellerman (Tiger Lou) – both appearing on the album’s first single ”Talk To Trees”. With its 8 tracks the album takes Cajsa into a soundscape that’s both bigger, bolder and braver, without leaving out her signature laid back pop sound from previous releases.

"I've stared myself down, letting the words roam free - feeling like a superhero as well as my own worst enemy. I had a feeling of wanting to explode. Bombs and cannons. Riding the high in every way, shape and form. I then realised that even a discouraged whisper is of itself an explosion. The name Domino stems from every story having its own part to play, yet partaking in summing up the whole. I want Domino to shimmer and chafe". Website here, Facebook here. Buy mp3 here.

'Talk To Trees' is a very catchy pop song, with Cajsa's melodic vocals adding some emotion and commitment to the track, above a refined, yet uncomplicated soundtrack.

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Woodes - Bonfire.

Background - Taken from the Melbourne artist/producer Woodes acclaimed debut self-titled EP, her new single ‘Bonfire’ released this week combines her love of percussion with a quirky enthralling melody - combined to draw you into the Woodes magic. The track was produced on Woodes recent songwriting trip to the US and is co-produced with Rob Kleiner –  a long time Sia collaborator. Woodes also this week announcing her signing a global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group Australia, as well as being named on the Official SXSW Lineup for 2017.

Woodes said 'Bonfire' was inspired by the tales of growing up, "I grew up as the daughter of a Park Ranger & a Marine Biologist on the coast of the Great Barrier Reef. We lived in a national park when I was in primary school and we used to have giant fires for birthday parties on our property which were pretty well known among my friends. Fire was a great way of celebrating turning 8 years old. During those nights we’d race around feeling fearless. Chasing one another and feeling the heat on our faces.

A little while ago I went back to where our house once stood. This time as a young woman. It’s been quite a while since the house and all the sheds were relocated. My dogs and I walked through the tall grass trying to map out where everything once stood. In the back yard where all the work sheds and the pig pen were there was a giant tree that had branches in a spiral all the way up that were perfect for climbing. As kids we’d climb to the top and feel it sway as we looked out over everything.

On the way back to the car with my old dog in my arms I started to form this song. There’s something so special about that one giant patch of earth, completely hidden to any car driving by. I worked on the track with Rob Kleiner in LA and we had so much fun reconnecting with the idea of being a child and being fearless. Children they have the most beautiful imaginations, worth celebrating and fuelling. This is one of my favourite tracks to play live in that all of those adventures come flooding back." Website here, Facebook here.

Well we featured Woodes three times last year and the new single 'Bonfire' is another delight that is to good not to share. I kind of think if Woodes was to sing a bus timetable or shopping list, she would make it sound incredible.

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Our Man In Berlin - A Lightbulb Mind.

Background - Our Man in Berlin new single 'A Lightbulb Mind' out this week. Perth's Our Man in Berlin have been unassumingly doing their thing for the past 4.5 years. Never quite fitting neatly into any one genre their blissful, hypnotic music has always sat on the fringes of the organic and the processed.

After two very well received EP’s, 'Is It Right?” (2014) and 'Spirit Down' (2015), the band took time to regroup in 2016. Singer Haydn became a father, whilst Trevor, Dan, and Cain took time out to travel and explore the world. As life pulled the band members in different directions, rushes of creativity would consistently remind the four-piece that music making is non-negotiable.

'A Lightbulb Mind' is the first of these rushes to reach completion. The track primarily discusses the methamphetamine addiction and related psychosis of somebody whom is a close family member of frontman Haydn Mansell. A much more honest and organic offering than what has come before, 'A Lightbulb Mind' is a driving, swirling, cinematic slice of dream rock.

Thanks to support from national radio and alternative stations in the UK, Canada, Greece, Italy, Germany and USA, along with widespread blog acclaim, the band are humbled to see their Soundcloud spins near the 250,000 mark. With four national tours, shows in Singapore and 2017 launches on the way, Our Man in Berlin are impassioned and ready to continue the next phase of their musical cycle. Facebook here.

There is a bright and dreamy vibe running through 'A Lightbulb Mind' despite the serious subject. The energy is kept up across the song where the vocals and musicianship are refreshingly natural and fine.

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Weekend Wonders: Fast Romantics - Black Needle Noise with Mimi Page - Neil Brophy Band - Souleye (Feat. Alanis Morissette) - Post Death Soundtrack - Anímic - NØMADS

Fast Romantics - Why We Fight.

Background - "Why We Fight" is the new single from Toronto 6-piece Fast Romantics. "Why We Fight" is taken from the band’s forthcoming album (set for release in Spring, 2017). Both are released via Light Organ Records/Postwar Records.

Anthemic in the truest sense, "Why We Fight" rushes with an energy akin to early music from fellow Canadian indie-rockers Arcade Fire, but with lashings of raw Bruce Springsteen-esque fire. It's perhaps of no surprise, given the Springsteen comparison, that "Why We Fight" was born at a time of political turmoil, written as the US election campaign was underway.

However, "Why We Fight" is not a protest song, in the traditional sense. It is perhaps best described as the reflections of a non-American songwriter living close to the border, hyper-aware of the US and its influence over Canada and the world. It's a song about being hungry for something, and fighting for it through chaos that can be beyond our control.

As Fast Romantics songwriter, singer and guitarist Matthew Angus explains: "'Why We Fight' started out as a song about myself, about what it is that drives me to even be in a band in the first place. But it quickly evolved into an ode to anyone who finds themselves hungry for something that might seem out of reach.” Website here, Facebook here.

If you enjoy a nice powerful rocker, with feisty vocals and a solid band behind, then 'Why We Fight' should tick all your boxes, and more.

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Black Needle Noise with Mimi Page - Swimming Through Dreams.

Background - Legendary producer John Fryer, one of the most innovative sonic architects on the music scene, is releasing new music under his new project Black Needle Noise, dubbed “the spiritual successor to This Mortal Coil” by Cold War Night Life. Best known for his production work, he also branched out as a musician as one of only two constant members of This Mortal Coil (along with Ivo Watts-Russell), providing keyboards, strings and synthesizer sequencing for the band, and its offshoot, The Hope Blister.

In 1979, John Fryer started his career at London’s Blackwing Studios (London) and soon began working with seminal bands on the 4AD, Mute, Rough Trade and Beggars Banquet record labels, including Depeche Mode, The Wolfgang Press and Cocteau Twins. His achievement in helping develop the latter’s pioneering ethereal and ambient sound ultimately led Watts-Russell to recruit Fryer as his partner for This Mortal Coil.

He has produced many other groundbreaking artists, including Yaz (Yazoo), Nine Inch Nails, Clan of Xymox, Nitzer Ebb, Love and Rockets, Xmal Deutschland, Fields of the Nephilim, De/Vision and Stabbing Westward, Swans, HIM, Cradle of Filth, Jesus Jones, Swallow, M|A|R|R|S (A.R.Kane & Colourbox), and many others. More recent projects involve Dead Leaf Echo and The Foreign Resort.

The latest Black Needle Noise single ‘Swimming Through Dreams’ features renowned ethereal vocalist Mimi Page, who recently co-wrote and contributed vocals and programming on four tracks from Delirium’s 15th studio album 'Mythologie,  which debuted at #7 on Billboard's Electronic charts. Based in Los Angeles, she is also a singer-songwriter and composer of cinematic dream worlds. Facebook here. Mimi Page Facebook here, website here. Buy mp3 here.

'Swimming Through Dreams' to quote Mary Poppins is "practically perfect". Musically grand with the haunting voice of Mimi Page, this is fabulous.

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Neil Brophy Band - Where the Bears Go Fishing.

Background - Upbeat, rowdy Folk from Copenhagen via Northampton, Neil Brophy Band combine lyrics packed full of sentiment, bouncing Folk guitar, iconic banjo and accordion melodies to deliver the infectiously catchy new single “Where The Bears Go Fishing”, out 7th April 2017.

Following the band’s politically charged previous release “Fear of Fear” combining foot-stomping Folk Rock with a serious political message, Neil Brophy Band call upon their humourous side to bring the kind of party atmosphere the group are best known for with the high-energy “Where The Bears Go Fishing”.

Delivering their social banter in a contemporary Folk Rock style with humour, uplifting lyrical kicks and melodies bursting at the seams with energy, the Uke/banjo-driven getaway anthem is jammed full of sentiment reflecting on lead singer and songsmith Neil Brophy’s travels through the majestic Nordic outdoors. The popular festival favourites draw upon their unique storytelling talents to recall warming tales of fishing, campfire harmonies, running from bears and the great Northern lights. Not many bands have nailed Aurora Borealis in a song but Neil Brophy Band own this one.

“Where the Bears Go Fishing is a pure, uplifting hoe-down, feel good track, a lot different from the normal stuff we do, but playing it live gets the crowd up on their feet every time. There’s something about a Ukulele that sets a happy mood and the song just seems to naturally follow.” - Neil Brophy Website here, Facebook here. Fear Of Fear mp3 here. See our tour page for live dates.

Described above as upbeat and rowdy, what can I add for 'Where the Bears Go Fishing'. Maybe just that it's another foot stomper with a chorus that demands you to join in, and dance along if you must.

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Souleye - Snow Angel (Feat. Alanis Morissette).

Background - After releasing 2012's Iron Horse Running and touring the world playing sold-out arenas with Alanis Morissette, an inspired Souleye returned to the studio to begin work on his next full-length album. With a wealth of new material, Souleye released his album Shapeshifting in October 2015 featuring lead singles, "The Victim" and "Labeled". Shapeshifting effortlessly joins old-school hip hop with trip-hop...it's a psychedelic, otherworldly exploration.

"The Victim' touches on some deep issues that I feel many people, myself included, struggle with. The victim-consciousness, or the 'poor me' mentality, is a darker aspect of our shadow-selves that we must first embrace, then work through. We hold onto old patterns and traumas that happened to us in the past, and this song speaks to releasing and freeing ourselves from all things that hold us back and keep us in a victim state."- Souleye

Shapeshifting as well as "Labeled" and "The Victim" received an honorable amount of press and was featured on sites such as Yahoo Music, Thisis50, The Hype Magazine, Triple HQ and more. "Labeled" made it to the top 20 Official European Independent music charts. Muzic Notez touted, "Not only is he a brilliantly gifted lyricist but his music delivers a strong and positive message. Facebook here. Buy mp3 here.

'Snow Angel' is not typical of the music Beehive Candy usually carries, however I was fascinated to see how Alanis Morissette squared up to this genre, and the fact is, she does so remarkably well. More than that I actually really like the song and Souleye is most definitely now on my radar.

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Post Death Soundtrack - Transform in White Light.

Background - Post Death Soundtrack is a Canadian inter-city music collective consisting of Kenneth Buck, Steve Moore and Jon Ireson. Founded in Calgary in 2007 by Buck and Moore, the band now operates out of Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto using the magic of the internet to collaborate across the country. The group creates thought-provoking music by weaving together electronic, industrial, pop and rock sounds. Side-line.com calls their sound “indefinable" while Reflections of Darkness calls them "by no means music for simple minds”.

Now after a 3 year hiatus, Post Death Soundtrack is back with The Unlearning Curve. The latest 9 track collection is an eclectic narrative about dropping concepts, healing and venturing into the unknown. Equal parts Alice in Wonderland, J. Krishnamurti and dream language, The Unlearning Curve pulls as much from psych era Beatles and David Bowie as it does from modern industrial rock. The record was recorded at a number of studios, primarily in Vancouver. It was mastered at Suite Sound Labs, Vancouver and the album cover is an original painting by Toronto artist Kayla Aileen Brown. The album is available as a free download as well as in limited edition vinyl format. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

'Transform in White Light', slowly builds into an electro rock song and then explores and morphs here and there, whilst retaining an overall feel to the song.

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Anímic - Gem (From the new Skin album).

Background - There is no doubt Anímic’s new move will be mistaken for an attack against the loyal relationship between band and followers… meanwhile, others will take it for what it truly is: a golden chance to renew vowels of fidelity with a formation capable of cutting the deck even after the sprint involving their last two albums, “Hannah” and “Hannibal”. The question is out there: Anímic’s new album, “Skin”, is a change, a break, a transformation, but it is a mutation where we really don’t mind not being able to (almost) not recognise the body, because the soul speaks so loudly, so clearly from inside, that that is all that matters.

The easy thing would be to say they have turned to electronic music and that there is nothing left of the Anímic you could so easily imagine in a luminous space in the forest, surrounded by powerful greens and fresh air… but that would be to simple. The bands last two albums had already invited us into the depths of that forest, to a place where day gave into night, threat could be smelt in the air and the green became a black that would beat to the rhythm of a powerful, urgent heart, a heart with a thousand faces. “Skin” simply continues exploring those same shadows, but this time, with a torch that emits a new and surprising light. The magic is still present, like it always has been, how can we explain if not, that delicious feeling when listening to Anímic even if your mind is telling you something different to what it used to be. Website here, Facebook here. Buy Gem mp3 here.

The first album track 'Gem' gives a flavour of where Animic are headed with the new collection of songs 'Skin'. Personally I think this is a really fine collection of material, a little bit Radiohead, in as much as your just not certain what each song will develop into.

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NØMADS - Achluphobia.

Background - “Achluphobia”, is the blistering new single based on the fear of darkness from NYC’s post-punk duo NØMADS, who are re-emerging after taking 2016 off from recording and touring. The duo is now announcing their new album Phobiac that’ll be released in 2018, which is the follow-up to their acclaimed debut Free My Animal.

Phobiac is a conceptual collection of 12 songs based on different phobias, one of which will be released each month in the coming year. They initially teased the project back in 2015 with the release of "Traumatophobia", aka the fear of pain.

The return of NØMADS at this point in time is no coincidence… fear, as an abstract force, has never held a stronger place in our society than it does today. It colors everything we see outside of ourselves. Each song on Phobiac examines the fear process through the prism of rare clinical phobias, all approached in the abstract. The buried message within this set of material is a cautionary one: when we succumb to fear, chaos reigns. Technically speaking, it is generally accepted that phobias arise from a combination of external events and internal predispositions (i.e. heredity or genetics). Many specific phobias can be traced back to a specific triggering event, usually a traumatic experience at an early age.

NØMADS' partners Nathan Lithgow and Garth Macaleavey paused in 2016 to focus on their respective parallel lives - one a budding sommelier in the NYC fine-dining restaurant world and bassist for My Brightest Diamond, the other the technical director for Williamsburg's most respected new music venue, National Sawdust. With “Achluphobia” and the Phobiac announcement, NØMADS is officially back for 2017… there's no need to be afraid. Facebook here.

No nonsense with 'Achluphobia'. It's a powerful full on rocker, where the vocals pour out every last gasp of breath and the guitars and drums take a pounding. Raw and solid, it's also highly addictive.

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Quality Not Quantity: PEP - Garrett Pierce - Gothic Tropic

PEP - Get Physical.

Background - PEP is a supremely fitting name for an act who describes its music as “Nu-Wop Dreamsauce.” Their irresistible new single “Get Physical” embodies vintage malt-shop pop with an updated rhythmic twist. Both parody and homage, the track's punchy bass line, sugary sweet vocals, and ironic lyrics deliver on those melodic hooks that are essential to pop music. “Get Physical” is available on all DSPs now.

PEP's dynamic live show has grown into a spirited seven-piece collective comprised of front-woman Karys Rhea, two back-up singers (Ilana Webber and Christina Connerton), and four male accompanists. The band has quickly made a name for itself in New York City with their one-of-a-kind retro sound and choreographed live shows.

“We love synchronized movement,” shares Karys, “So we incorporate classic 60s-soul moves into our performances while occasionally referencing modern forms of dance like hip-hop and jazz."

PEP says they feel musically indebted to the past, drawing inspiration from 60s girl-groups like The Shangri-Las and The Marvelettes, soul artists like Jackie Wilson and Ben E. King, as well as 80s pop acts like Gloria Estefan, Janet Jackson, Madonna and Prince. With the release of “Get Physical” and its highly anticipated debut LP, PEP will continue to record new music and bring its memorable live act to venues across the country. Website here, Facebook here. Get mp3 here.

As genres of music go Nu-Wop Dreamsauce sounds as wonderful as it reads. 'Get Physical' is a totally lovable song, part retro and part modern, put together PEP have created their own sound, and it is an extremely good one!

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Garrett Pierce - Get Me Out Of This Place.

Background - Garrett Pierce shares "Get Me Out Of This Place" a dark, ambitious, work from his forthcoming LP Dusk. Garrett pens songs that are literary in style with well-worked lyrics and a voice that soars over dark, ethereal melodies. He began writing for magazines and playing in rock bands as a teen in Los Angeles before permanently relocating to the Bay Area in the early 2000’s.

In the Spring of 2016 I built a studio at the back of my house in Sonoma, CA (with the help of engineer Eric Ruud) and over the next six months, played and recorded the album on my own. As the record found it’s final form, long-time collaborators Timothy James Wright and Payam Bavafa added instrumentation to select tracks.

He tells us "Dusk is a collection of stories that span a lifetime. It’s a travelogue from my younger years - nostalgic episodes of seasick fishing boats, suffocating poverty, and first loves. It’s a road trip soundtrack from the desert to the coastal forests, stopping at every sh-tty Greyhound bus station along the way. It’s the purples and grays that conclude another day; another phase of my life". Facebook here. Get mp3 here.

One of ten songs on the 'Dusk' album 'Get Me Out Of This Place' gives a flavour of this new collection of music. There is a personal and sometimes quite intimate feel to the piece, not surprising for a collection of life's stories. Musically the production is very refined and the vocals work well with the melodies within the soundtrack. This is a consistently pleasing album.

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Gothic Tropic - How Life Works.

Background - Los Angeles’ Gothic Tropic introduces a new brand of female fronted, guitar-driven indie rock. The new music video for "How Life Works" is off their upcoming album due May 19th on Old Flame Records.

The brainchild of Cecilia Della Peruti, Gothic Tropic keeps the vibe playful and punchy, bringing audiences into a new era of female rock nobility, nodding to stars like Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. Delivering a blend of Richard Lloyd and Nile Rodgers on guitar, Gothic Tropic’s Della Peruti has won sponsorships with Fender, and leading pedal manufacturers, and works professionally as a touring and session player for Charli XCX, BØRNS, and more. Facebook here. Get mp3 here.

'How Life Works' showcases the quality of their brand of indie rock. Layers of melodic guitar driven music, support the dreamy vocals, on what is a very fine song and taster for the forthcoming album. Well that's what we said last August when we featured the soundtrack for this song, however as an unashamed fan of the Gothic Tropic's  music, the new video provides a perfect reason to feature them again.

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Midweek Muse: The Little Kicks - John Andrews & The Yawns - Beau + Luci - Línger

The Little Kicks - Don't Get Mad, Get Even.

Background - The Little Kicks first emerged around five years ago, a young Aberdeen band with the wind in their sails. A crisp, upbeat debut album followed, laced with off-kilter indie pop worthy of comparison to early Franz Ferdinand, The Long Blondes, or even Sparks. Then, the band took some time off to reassess, re-jig their personnel, and are now ready to stake their return...

With recent single You & Someone Like Me under their belts – complete with intricate motion capture video – The Little Kicks now officially announce that their long-awaited follow-up album Shake Off Your Troubles will be released on March 3rd through the band’s own Loosen Up Records. The third single to be taken from the album, Don't Get Mad Get Even, is out now. Website here, Facebook here. Mp3 here.

'Don't Get Mad, Get Even' is the second track we have feature by The Little Kicks. This is another fresh and refined song, where the melody is driven by the vocals and harmonies, above a quality indie pop soundtrack.

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John Andrews & The Yawns - Drivers.

Background - John Andrews & The Yawns announce upcoming album, share first track and video, and announce tour dates. Throughout his years of traveling, John Andrews has documented his life with his home recordings. His first record, Bit By The Fang, found him living in the amish country of Lancaster, PA. His latest record, Bad Posture finds him waving farewell to Pennsylvania & greeting the wooded hills of Barrington, NH. Sitting on top of one of these hills, coined Mt. Misery, is the colonial era farmhouse John now calls his home. This is where Bad Posture was born.

The songs were written slowly & quietly throughout the winter, usually late at night next to the wood stove for warmth. It was recorded in his barn with the doors ajar, welcoming the springtime. The humble recording gear invites the outside noises in. You can hear the crickets chirping with the occasional truck driving by. The songs themselves lend their hand like slow backwoods Beatles demos covered in a thin blanket of tape hiss. John’s voice lulls us in an earthy calmness as he sits hunched like a scarecrow over the piano.

Andrews’ band, The Yawns, has been crystallized with staples from the New England freak scene; Rachel Neveu & Lukas Goudreault (MMOSS/Soft Eyes) & Joey Schneider. All of who have been playing up in the free country for many years themselves and all of who call the same farmhouse home. Bad Posture is due March 10, on Woodsist Records. Tour dates on our tour page. Website here, Facebook here.

There is a restful vibe running through 'Drivers' that is occasionally given a little surge of energy. The environment in which the song was written and recorded in has rubbed off, giving the track a natural feel, with a good measure of charm and warmth thrown in.

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Beau + Luci - Fire Dancer.

Background - This song is the title track from their upcoming EP Fire Dancer, due out March 3, 2017. Hailing from the swamplands of Southern Georgia, raised on a heady blend of rock-and-roll and blues and classic country, Beau + Luci mine their rich musical heritage to dream up an extraordinarily timeless sound. On their upcoming debut the duo join forces to infuse their earthy yet lushly textured folk-rock with naturally immaculate harmonies that never fail to captivate.

Along with drawing from real-life experience, Beau + Luci weave in elements of visionary storytelling throughout the EP. Inspired by a central character from Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart trilogy—a fire-eater named Dustfinger—the intensely charged “Fire Dancer” explores what Luci refers to as “the idea of taking something that could be used for destruction and instead using it to give hope.”

Produced by Dan Hannon (Manchester Orchestra, Aaron Shust), Beau + Luci’s debut EP finds the duo collaborating with a host of esteemed musicians, including guitarist Scott Sharrard and keyboardist Peter Levin (both members of the Gregg Allman Band) as well as keyboardist Rami Jaffee (best known for his work with Foo Fighters and the Wallflowers). Throughout the EP, Beau + Luci show a sharp sense of songcraft honed through their near-lifelong studying of legends like Joni Mitchell and Johnny Cash. At the same time, the two channel pure passion into each track, instilling the EP with a powerful energy. Facebook here. Mp3 here.

If the vocals don't get you on their own, then when the music starts on 'Fire Dancer', I have a feeling that lovers of Americana and a good few other genres, will be very impressed. As a reference then, perhaps they might be compared to a young and highly energised Kate and Anna McGarrigle, whatever, more please!

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Línger - Avoid.

Background - In late September 2016, Línger released her debut single ‘Flyon’ and has already proven she is a powerful force to be admired. The single, and EP tuple were recorded in her home in Sydney, Australia, produced by fellow Sydney artist, Xavier Dunn.

Her latest offering from the forthcoming EP is ‘Avoid’, a lush electronic-pop journey characterised by Línger’s signature vocal harmonies. They provide the foundations for an pulsing and dramatic electronic track, all supporting Línger’s beautiful melodic whimsies.

Línger is a collaboration between experience and emotion that has come to fruition through years of feeling, longing and by simply being. Her words, originating in part through the creation of poetry, seek to make sense of the world which at times mystifies us all. Her EP tuple is inspired by the five elements of air, fire, water, earth and space. Attuned to divinity, each of Línger’s songs is able to insightfully capture moments in time that reflect what it means to be human.

Flying on to the Australian music scene in late September 2016, Línger has already proven she is a powerful force to be admired. Línger has been featured on Acid Stag’s Australian artist to watch list, and received glowing reviews throughout the blogosphere.

Línger will meet you in your world and her song will carry you upwards to a sky filled with ethereal beauty that is forever unfolding and everlasting. ‘Avoid’ will be in Digital Stores on the 3rd of February. The tuple EP by Linger will be released 17th of February 2017 (Mp3 here). Facebook here.

'Avoid' is a fine vocally driven electro pop song. Initially the vocals and vocal arrangements make this a beautiful enough song, however the synthy sounds emerge and the track gently develops in power and richness.

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Genre Wander: The Byzantines - BLu ACiD - King Salami and the Cumberland Three - Locks - HEZEN

The Byzantines - Top Boy.

Background - Hailing from the great South Australian state that brought you two giant balls, Farmer’s Union iced coffee and Cooper’s Pale Ale come brit pop band The Byzantines.

The band share their newest single, ‘Top Boy’ from their forthcoming EP, You Pull It, set to release via Marshmallow Pavement Records on February 17th, 2017. Following the release of their debut EP and a successful European/UK tour in 2014, the boys head out on an east coast Australian tour during February and March in support of the new EP. The tour kicks off at The Karova Club in Ballarat on Friday Feb 24 with label-mates The Montreals, and Melbourne Garage- Rock darlings BATZ. They’ll make their way up the coast on a 9-date tour, hitting Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and other cities along the way.

There’s nothing pale about these Adelaide lads and best mates; vocalist Michael Pietrafesa, guitarist David Zammit, Jose Moucho on bass and Johnny Zervas on drums. Considered ‘Australia’s answer to Kasabian’ The Byzantines have incorporated a varied mesh of sounds and layers, all the while feeling organic and staying true to the British sound that bands like The Stone Roses and Primal Scream made famous.

After polishing off The Delta Riggs’ rider and copping abuse for it from them manager whilst supporting them at their Rolling Stone Magazine Live Lodge event, guitarist and talented engineer and producer Alex Markwell was impressed and a friendship was born. Markwell offered to help produce and engineer the EP so in 2015 the boys decided to hit the recording studio.

Recorded between competing national tours and other commitments, The Byzantines also enlisted the help of friends Dan Crannitch (Love and Other Crimes) to assist with pre-production and Luke Godson (Luke Million/The Swiss) to help capture the more electronic aspects of the band’s sound. Facebook here. Live dates on our tour page.

Featured in December and back again we have The Byzantines and their new song 'Top Boy'. It's a potent rocker that works well with the video storyline, and the gentle switch of tempo for the chorus is clever and adds a good few more hooks.

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BLu ACiD - HCN.

Background - A compilation of BLu ACiD tracks that were released as singles in 2015 and 2016, has been released.

BLu ACiD; two Dutch musicians/producers that joined forces in this production unit. Both of them have more then 25 years of live stage experience and they combine that with 2016 recording and production techniques. Preserving the power and originality of american roots music but at the same time not excluding influences from any other musical styles nor any technology that is available today.

 Like moonshine, the music was slow brewed in seclusion during all-night-and-day marathons attended only by the two members and the ghosts of the past, who were eager to have their voices echo into the modern world.

In February 2014 they released their first tracks on Black and Tan Records and April 2014 their first album production: a new Boo Boo Davis release (What Kind Of Sh-t Is This?) After this succesfull project they did several other projects and these tracks will be released individually on BLu ACiD Records, a subsidary label of Black and Tan. Facebook here.

'HCN comprises of six genre meddling tracks, each formerly released as singles. Put together this is a very strong collection of Americana rooted material, that imaginatively travels into other musical territory adding some extra spice. Creative and pleasing it also makes a good introduction to their material.

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King Salami and the Cumberland Three - Goin' Back To Wurstville.

Background - King Salami & The Cumberland Three: London's Premiere International Party Band Release Third LP. As stars of the BBC Television series, “The UK’s Best Part-Time Band”, King Salami & the Cumberland Three are London’s greatest rhythm’n’blues-punk band – one that truly represents London, being a mongrel mix of Caribbean, France, Japan, Wales and the Johnny-come-lately sax man from Mexico. (plus Canadian Spencer Evoy from MFC Chicken playing sax on many of this album’s songs).

Their repertoire, while hugely influenced by many of the great though obscure tunes of the ’50s and ’60s, are made to sound fresh and new to modern ears. You won’t be able to help but move your feet when the Cumberland Three are blasting out of your speakers. The King howls like Screaming Jay Hawkins with Bo Diddley chasing his coat-tail whilst Andre Williams tries to offer up some of his bacon fat, and the Trashmen do the Surfin’ Bird behind him, shakin’ and twistin’ and groovin’ non-stop. The Cumberland Three rock up a storm with their own branded mix of vintage rockabilly, desperate rock’n’roll and stomping soul, with fire, energy, gusto and, above all, fun!

The band has played pretty much everywhere in Europe (with more trips to the continent coming very soon) where they fill venues in every town, plus Australia, Israel, Turkey, the USA, even in China (from big cities to rural villages, from Beijing to Shanghai and all points between), and of course Japan (where they performed at the World Sumo Wrestling Champion­ship in front of Empror Akihito, who was unable to stop himself from tapping his toes along to the band’s up-tempo tunes). Indeed, the band’s super fun new video for the title track of this album was filmed during a recent tour of Japan in which local people, young and old, readily jumped in front of the camera to join in with the shenanigans. Bandcamp here. Live dates on our tour page.

King Salami and the Cumberland Three are feisty, thunderous and fabulous. 'Goin' Back To Wurstville' is just a little taste of the bands no nonsense, timeless music. Think good time, add some craziness, a slice of lemon and come join the party!

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Locks - The Gin Song.

Background - Locks have now released the EP Rattle Them Bones on CD and are releasing it on Vinyl on 24th of February, to co-inside with this we have another single, The Gin Song. This is a bit more Pogues-esq, however they tell us "we're still sticking very much to our Waits/Cave skeleton-bluesy roots though".

After playing with a variety of different bands including rockabilly, traditional Irish, indie and nu-folk, the three misfits found themselves in a rehearsal room together writing parts for murder ballads involving burying bodies, mythological creatures and dark family secrets. Slowly tracking the footsteps of whatever creature has wandered before them, whilst singing songs about whatever's hiding just under the surface or lingering from the corner of their eye, they are together creeping through London's weird and wonderful musical underbelly. Locks hypnotically types out the lyrics on a vintage typewriter and this focuses you back to the sinister meaning of the story of the song.

Locks are: L. Geary-Griffin - all lyrics, guitars, vocals, Mike Byrne - Double Bass, Marian McClenaghan - Fiddle. Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

From the EP we have 'The Gin Song'. We featured Locks last year and on the strength of just one song were pretty optimistic of the good things to follow. The Gin Song demonstrates they can vary their style, the 'Rattle Them Bones' EP confirms our optimism was well founded. Locks readily admit their influences, however rather than being a tribute band for these, they use those influences to create their own sound and material, and I think it fair to say, they do this extremely well.

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HEZEN – Oil Fire (Stigma EP).

Background - “Music is how I make sense of my experiences. My songs are intimate and cathartic – I hope they can be for others too.”

HEZEN is the creation of London-based French producer and songwriter Sarah Hezen. Her indelible material comprises electronic beats layered with orchestral instruments, tackling themes that explore the body, femininity and the uncanny. Inspired by fairytales and sci-fi, her electro-fantasia soundscape is tender and brutal, organic and synthesised. Her debut EP, Stigma, was released on 27 January, and is a collection of songs about violence and resistance, and wholly conveys the spine-tingling atmospherics that are the motif of electronica’s new sensation. HEZEN will stir something in your heart, and under your skin.

Evoking the sublime unease of Massive Attack and the poignant vocal execution of Sia or Thom Yorke, ‘Oil Fire’ is a downtempo electro masterwork, a redolent digitalist ballad underscored by cool trip-hop grooves. HEZEN sings of resilience, of rolling with the punches, as she produces a beautiful take on the maxim what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Created by HEZEN with her iPhone, a macro lens, and with post-production on After Effects, the striking video captures the singer alone in her room, dressed in clay. The results are raw, vulnerable and claustrophobic, making the body seem reptilian at times, or blistered by flame at others, but also suggesting a tough, protective armour, thus apposite for the theme of this bold and unforgettable track. Facebook here.

Taken from the 'Stigma EP' we have the video for 'Oil Fire'. We also can share the whole EP, a rich collection of material, that demonstrates HEZEN can match her dreamy and somewhat ethereal vocals, to well crafted and creative music.

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Monday Mix: Au/Ra - Aristophanes - KOYO - Ren - The Kate Lush Band

Au/Ra - Kicks.

Background - Following the success of her debut single ‘Concrete Jungle’ - Ibiza born, Antigua based artist Au/Ra has released her second single ‘Kicks’. "What’s dust to you is gold to me, but we’re just different books to read - where every single chapter is another cliff hanger” rings out in the scintillating pre-chorus, with Au/Ra continuing her penchant for surrealist lyricism. Backed up by a spirited rhythm section and thick, brooding bass-heavy production - ‘Kicks’ is an alternative pop song of the highest order, carefully sprinkled with flecks of bright electronics and intelligent synth work.

Au/Ra clearly feels she’s a little different from her peers. Raised in Antigua after moving there from Ibiza at the age of 5 - she’s no doubt grown up to appreciate the small things in life. Not one to go out “chasing dollar bills” - she instead finds the excitement in her songwriting process - “when my thoughts start to rhyme, goosebumps never lie.”

Speaking on the track, Au/Ra has said: “'Kicks' is about accepting uniqueness. I find my thrills when writing songs, listening to good music, being creative or fangirling over a TV series, while somebody else might get a kick out of doing something completely different that feeds their passions. ‘Kicks' is about being okay with who you are and your differences, and owning that." Facebook here. Buy here.

'Kicks' has a deep resonating bass line and wonderfully layered electro music. The vocals add a melodic dimension, in what is a really good alt pop song that oozes feeling.

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Aristophanes - 人為機器 (Humans Become Machines).

Background - Taipei based artist Aristophanes (real name Pan Wei Ju) combines striking verbal wordplay, poetry and forward thinking delivery, which has seen her rise to be at the forefront of new sounds emerging from Taiwan. Discovered by Grimes, who subsequently invited her to collaborate on her single 'Scream' from her critically acclaimed album ‘Art Angels’, Aristophanes fuses elements of Hip Hop, Slam Poetry, Jazz, Soul and Electronica, to create a sound that is truly unique.

Today you can hear a brand new single from this powerful pairing of cutting edge female artists, with Aristophanes latest offering '人為機器 (Humans Become Machines)'. The track, which was produced by and features additional vocals from Grimes, premiered last night c/o Zane Lowe on Beats1 and is taken from Aristophanes forthcoming mixtape, due for release on 24th February on Big Picnic Records. Other collaborators on the mixtape include Jam City and hotly tipped 17-year-old producer Kai Whiston. See Beehive Candy's tour page for live dates. Facebook here. Buy here.

I find the vocals mesmerising in this phenomenal mash of ideas and styles. '人為機器 (Humans Become Machines)' is perhaps not typical Beehive Candy fayre, but there is something about Aristophanes new single that is just so intensely good...

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KOYO - Tetrachromat (Radio Edit).

Background - Named after the Japanese word for colourful autumn leaves, KOYO is also the name of a new group fusing colourful influences to create music of their own. KOYO formed in Leeds in 2015, and are Huw Edwards (lead vocals, guitar), Jacob Price (sampling, synthesisers), Seb Knee-Wright (guitars), Dan Comlay (bass) and Tom Higham(drums). Initially co-founded by Huw and Jacob, the pair gorged on ‘90s grunge and alt.rock (Huw: “I loved the melodies and harmonies of Alice In Chains”), but also their parents’ classic rock and prog-heavy record collections.

Upon moving to Leeds, the duo’s influences soon expanded to include electronica and post rock, ranging from Floating Points to Mogwai, via Brian Eno’s landmark ambient albums. To cope with emulating the soundscape of such influences, the band sound expanded into the 5-piece of today. KOYO’s debut album, tipped for release later in 2017, marries psychedelic and progressive rock with electronic soundscapes. While unafraid to borrow from the past, theirs is a wholly 21st-century sound, drawing on influences such as Tame Impala, Boards of Canada and Live At Pompeii-era Pink Floyd.

First single Tetrochromat further entwines the old with the new. Recorded in Foel Studio in Wales, the band seamlessly merges the sounds of My Bloody Valentine with Slowdive and Ride, whilst showing a catalogue of influences cited above. KOYO will be a name hot on the lips of 2017, and Tetrachromat will be available March 31st in all the usual places. Keep an ear out for more new music as the year progresses. Website here, Facebook here.

As first singles go 'Tetrachromat' is mightily impressive. The production is just right, allowing enough musical ideas to come through, without swamping the overall sound. Vocals are smooth melting into the overall sound to add a dreamy dimension.

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Ren - The Coast.

Background - The eagerly anticipated debut E.P ‘A Calling From The Shore’ from Ren, is scheduled for release on February 24th. Following up on releasing two singles in 2016, Ren sets the benchmark with this wonderfully rich and wanderlust soaked debut release, drawing comparisons to singer songwriting contemporaries such as Roo Panes, Scott Matthews, Foy Vance and Ciaran Lavery. 

‘A Calling From The Shore’ is a luscious mix of Celtic infused storytelling, a classic songwriter feel, with a modern arrangement of both warm stirring string sections and tasteful lead guitar parts. The last song on the E.P ‘Piece Of Your Heart’ was recorded and produced at Jim Abbiss’ studio (Adele, Artic Monkeys, Kasabien)  by his young protege George Chung. Ren and George will continue to work together on future recording projects in 2017. Exciting times ahead. 

Ren is embarking on his first European tour this February with dates in France, Switzerland, Germany and Holland, culminating in a one off gig at Camden’s Green Note in London on March 8th for Time Out Magazine. Website here.

One of five songs on the soon to be released EP 'A Calling From The Shore', I have chosen to feature 'The Coast simply because it's my personal favourite. That said the other four songs are of the same fine calibre, making this a very strong debut EP.

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The Kate Lush Band - Dust My Broom.

Background - The Kate Lush band is taking off into a whole new stratosphere right now with her brand new album Let It Fly being launched in early March. After her #1 album in 2016 & winning The Aust Blues Chain Award for Best New Talent as well as rocking festival stages & venues all over Australia her new album has created enormous interest around the world. Kate is one of Australia’s most outstanding Blues & Soul vocalists. Gritty, soulful & straight from the heart. Think Susan Tedeschi, Sara Bareilles with a dash of Aretha’s Soul & Bonnie Raitt’s harder rock edge. Great original songs, an outstanding band, and that is Kate Lush.

Kate’s first & second albums ‘Don’t Wait Too Long’ & ‘The Wild Captain Radio Tour’ have won numerous awards in Australia & the U.S. Her third & most recent self titled Blues album has just won the Australian Blues Chain award for Best New Talent of 2016. Her first, earned Best International in the Songwriters Assoc. of Washington (U.S.), Best Female in the Int. Acoustic Music Awards (U.S.) and the Aust. Songwriters Assoc. awarded her their coveted Rudy Brandsma Award for Excellence in Songwriting.

With a touted U.S. tour on the horizon, her songs hitting #1 in the Blues charts, festival bookings for Girrakool, Winter Blues, Mitchell Creek, Thredbo Blues festival among others as well as a new album in final production, 2017 is looking to be a big year for Kate who is turning more than a few heads & is certainly one to get out & see live. Website here, Facebook here. Previous album here.

Any band who can perform a cover of a Robert Johnson song this well deserves to be heard. 'Dust My Broom' gives just a tiny glimpse of what's to come with the March new album release. Blues fans might do themselves a big favour in checking out The Kate Lush Band.

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