Weekend Wonders: Mt. Wolf - Emerald Portal - Among Criminals - Ned Roberts - Joseph Eid - Fujiya & Miyagi - Young Astronaut

Mt. Wolf - The Electric.

Background - London’s Mt. Wolf ended last year teasing the world with the smart-pop stylings of “Golden”, which saw significant pick-up internationally from the likes of The Independent, Indie Shuffle and others but was moreover a distraction of sorts, to maintain momentum whilst the band continued working away in the studio on a debut album and the huge sound they have always threatened. With the 6 minute + “The Electric”, the first material from their as yet untitled debut LP, this sound is very much realised. This year marks a fresh start for a band whose promise is set to be fulfilled.

The road up to now has been nothing if not eventful – including a line-up change, sell-out shows across Europe and the US, a brief hiatus last year that only invigorated the band and significant, ongoing critical support. Getting to this point hasn’t been easy but the feeling is that the real rewards, for the band and for us the listeners, are now just around the corner.

Punctuated by apocalyptic visions, the accompanying lyric video ebbs and flows as the song swells, and shows the strength – and importance – of lyrics in the band’s ever-growing sonic palette.

Since last year’s comeback EP and single the band have kept busy writing and recording with Ken Thomas (Sigur Ros, M83, Daughter). Early listens confirm this as their boldest, most ambitious output yet; expect the full album to land, and awe, shortly before the summer. Facebook here.

The brand new track 'The Electric' has distinct emotive vocals that are accompanied by a powerful and expansive soundtrack where even the drums add to the atmosphere, rather than just driving the momentum. The video is serious and fascinating adding even more to a dramatic, fabulous song.

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Emerald Portal - All The Running.

Background - Emerald Portal is the brainchild of Thomas Ouziel and Brad Rundblade, two musicians, who at a young age immersed themselves into all aspects of art. As a sound designer and screenwriter, respectively, their music is heavily influenced by their cinematic backgrounds. Emerald Portal seeks to make engaging music that not only tells stories, but transports listeners.

Born in Europe, Thomas from Paris, France and Brad from Crete, Greece, both grew up learning how to play piano and guitar. They each spent years playing music before entering the film industry. Upon meeting on the set of a music video in Los Angeles, where the duo currently live, they found they had a mutual interest in creating music and began working on a number of songs. After a period of creative activity they had written enough material for an album. Each song on their first LP, Beyond The Edge of Reason, was a glimpse into different worlds and stories that all culminated into a grander, overall universe. Using their background in film, the duo created music videos for six of the songs from the album.

Emerald Portal works in various artistic fields often collaborating with directors, musicians, and artists to expand their vision and sound. They’ve received numerous awards for their music videos (LAIFFA, Orlando Film Festival, Los Angeles CineFest) and have a new EP, Trouble In Paradise ready for release in 2017. The ambitious band is currently working on three separate concept albums, each another glimpse into the many stories populating the Emerald Portal.Website here, Facebook here.

Emerald Portal come across from this song alone as artists that are comfortable to test boundaries and are not positioned comfortably in any one genre. 'All The Running' has so much going for it, superbly crafted music, melodic hooks galore, and vocals that just melt into the music.

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Among Criminals - Patience And Regret.

Background - Among Criminals, have just launched their new single "Patience and Regret" from their upcoming record Kill The Precedent.

Among Criminals threads together 1990s alt-rock, modern indie rock, punk rock, and Jamaican dub, ska, and reggae. It’s an adventurous aesthetic that conjures the fearless musicality of the Mars Volta and At The Drive In, Nirvana, and Manchester Orchestra.

The band’s recordings are visceral and dynamic, and also subtly layered for a multi-dimensional “headphones experience.” The trio originally formed in 2008, but burned out after a grueling schedule of 250-300 shows a year that tested its sanity, creativity, and commitment. Facebook here.

'Patience And Regret' is a fast flowing rocker where the guitars & drums provide a feisty backdrop for the vocals. It's actually the fine and natural vocals that drive the melody. If you like your rock'n'roll cutting straight to the point, Among Criminals should be on your radar.

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Ned Roberts - Lights on the River.

Background - Ned Roberts is a hotly-tipped, London-based folk musician, who has drawn comparisons with the likes of Tim Hardin, Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen. With a timeless quality to his sound, a poetic turn of phrase, excellent musicianship and a perfectly judged vocal sensibility, his songs sit comfortably amongst the classics of the Laurel Canyon era.

Lights On The River is the first single to be released from his new album, which was recorded in LA and produced by Luther Russell (Sarabeth Tucek, Richmond Fontaine, Noah & The Whale) who discovered Ned some years ago and has championed his music ever since. The highly anticipated new album Outside My Mind is due for release on March 24th on Aveline Records.

Outside My Mind felt a long time coming for Ned, with songs written over a period of three or four years. Largely an album of love-songs, both hopeful, devastated, and all things in between, the album was in a sense cathartic to record, a way to explore a moment and also to move beyond it.

The recording in LA was a much quicker process. They went into the studio with 15 acoustic guitar demos, and within 5 days came out with the finished record. “Recording to tape kept things tight explains Ned, we didn’t have endless reels, so couldn’t indulge in take after take. I enjoyed these practical limitations as they really focused the creative process, and kept everything fresh.” Facebook here.

Ned Roberts has one of those distinctive voices where every word has the feeling of being individually crafted. 'Lights on the River' is an exquisite song and also my introduction to Ned. For me the new album is not only a must listen, based on this track it will be a must own.

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Joseph Eid - Watch it Fall.

Background - Americana-singer/songwriter, Joseph Eid has been writing poetry and dreaming of a career in the arts as long as he can remember. He grew up in the suburbs of New York.  Raised in a strict and traditional home, the arts were only supported as a hobby and never as a career.  During his college years, Eid studied psychology and pre-med.  After his first semester at med school, his dream got too big to hold and Eid made the bold choice of dropping out to move to New York City to pursue music.

While in New York, Joseph Eid picked up a guitar, joined a band, and the songs poured out of him like rain.  His journey then led to Los Angeles where he started playing regularly at open mic nights and showcases.  Shortly after, he began working with world-renowned guitarist/songwriter, David Lamar, honing his songwriting at weekly showcases at the Stone Bar. This lead him to write over 30 new songs as well as record a debut EP, Cardiac Output, followed by a full-length LP, Human.

Known as a dynamic solo performer, Joseph Eid has brought his one-man live show to many of Los Angeles’ premiere music venues, including stints at Room 5 and El Cid and residencies at The Stone Bar, Crane’s Hollywood Tavern, and Bar Lubitsch. He has also toured the West Coast including a handful of house concerts as a part of the Concerts In Your Home series.

Since the release of his Human LP, Joseph Eid has been garnering considerable buzz. He has been featured in American Songwriter Magazine’s “Best New Music” column and was recently named as one of the 100 Hottest Live Unsigned Artists by Music Connection Magazine. His latest EP, Watch It Fall, will be released in Spring 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

There is a crisp and melodic acoustic vibe, right form the opening chords as 'Watch It Fall' develops into a beautiful Americana song where Joseph Eid's vocals are centre stage. There is a timeless feel to the piece, where both the music and vocals are perfectly matched, the melody just right, and with Joseph's vibrant vocals, all in all this is a delightful song.

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Fujiya & Miyagi - Solitaire.

Background - The new 'Self-Titled' LP from Fujiya & Miyagi, will be out 4/7 on Impossible Objects Of Desire. A new single entitled "Solitaire" has now been released.

Many musical projects approaching almost two decades of existence begin to shows signs of stagnation or perhaps start to crook their neck as looking over their shoulder becomes a more common stance than focusing on the horizon. However, for the Brighton-based, genre-hopping, Fujiya & Miyagi the opposite can be said as they see in 2017 by wrapping up a unique year-long musical project that represents one of their most adventurous to date.

Two EPs join a third to make up this album, a carefully staged project that sees the group traverse disco, electro, pop, and the now synonymous 1970s Germany-inspired groove they so seamlessly ooze. Whilst the EPs all contain a distinct personality and fluidity of their own, the new dynamically focused position of the tracks as a full album embodies a long-term plan. “From the beginning I have always thought of this as an album rather than three separate records” Singer David Best says.

The now melded album is a vast one stylistically with influences and references that span from Arthur Russell to JG Ballard, yet the undercurrent that connects it all into one universal groove is one of honesty and joy, a surging sense of euphoria and hope that attempts to cut through the foggy world that welcomes its release. “On this album I have tried lyrically to find the positives and not rely on my factory setting of a general contempt for the world around me.” Best says. Website here, Facebook here.

With a fresh funky beat and smooth vocals 'Solitaire' is a really good electro pop song, that might also be a dance track. The band create a distinct, hypnotic sound, that is extremely addictive.

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Young Astronaut - Chasing El Dorado.

Background - Young Astronaut is an indie 4-piece from New Forest. Having gained fans in both the UK as well as China with their debut LP ‘Fawn’, last year saw them perform at a wide variety of venues, from London’s Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen to numerous bars and bookshops across Beijing, Chengdu and Hong Kong.

They are now back and ready to release their new album called ‘A Gold Frontier’. By teaming up with Grammy-award winning Geoff Swan (White Lies, Ed Sheeran, Bastille), Young Astronaut have decided to take it upon themselves to unite the various meanings of “indie” by intertwining them all together. Through linking the numerous indie sub-genres across 11 beautifully crafted pieces of music, the band takes the listener on an unpredicted sonic journey, beginning with the opening number called “Chasing El Dorado”.​​​​​​​

“Chasing El Dorado” begins softly with a guitar, bass and the vocals by introducing the theme of the song in the vibes of Two Door Cinema Club. Soon after it is followed by Stornoway-like harmonies and Iggy Pop’s “Sunday”-esque groovy drumbeat, only then to pass through an intrumental mid-tempo bridge and later finish in a grand and almost cinematic way.

In short, no matter what kind of indie one falls under; indie pop, indie rock or maybe even pastoral indie folk, Young Astronaut’s single “Chasing El Dorado” has something in there for everyone, and it will be out everywhere 7th April. Website here, Facebook here.

'Chasing El Dorado' gradually builds into a montage of musical ideas where the vocals and harmonies are well up in the mix and rightly so, they are a key feature of the song. That said the musical arrangement both understated and later with full on power is dynamic and distinct. This is one very fine track.

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Five On Thursday: Life in 24 Frames - The Big East - Scotch Hollow - Monet - Hawkmoon

Life in 24 Frames - March (To The World, In Reverse).

Background - It's not easy to understand Life in 24 Frames, but it's hard not to get trapped while trying. Stylistically speaking they appear to be all over the map. The band sounds like a comfortable blend of Pink Floyd's "The Wall", and the Beach Boys "Smile" records while effortlessly sprinkling in influences from modern indie rock contemporaries such as My Morning Jacket and Local Natives. Singer Kris Adams architects deep and thoughtful vocal arrangements on top of beautifully crafted hooky, yet complex and spacey musical arrangements. The band is mature, and the sound is as diverse as the audiences who have already embraced the group as an independent artist.

Life in 24 Frames are comfortable in their own skin. Awkward and different, the group formed in Sacramento, California with one mission - to share the honesty and purity of their musical creations to as many people as possible. Since inception, the band has fulfilled on their initial mission while opening for acts like Band of Horses, Dredg, Geographer, Royal Blood and Cage the Elephant. Also as an artist on Sacramento's 2013 Launch Festival with Imagine Dragons and Minus the Bear.

This group offers a way for listeners to divert from their reality. The opportunity to paint your picture on top of a musical background; personal brushstrokes on a shared canvas. Listening to Life in 24 Frames gives you the chance to write your own story while sharing in theirs. Their records are meant to be experienced as albums, the songs have meaningful depth which reveal new life upon each listen.

With a new record being released on Gold Standard Records on March 3rd 2017, Life in 24 Frames is positioned to take the next step in their journey. Facebook here.

With January (My Condition) and February (Syndicated) already shared through Youtube, I have to say all twelve songs in this collection have a very fine level of quality. 'March (To The World, In Reverse)' is now featured and perhaps a listen to this song alone, may well be enough to have listeners looking forward to the March record release.

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The Big East - The Wild Life.

Background - If the Steve Miller Band met the Flaming Lips and jammed down at the dock by the cottage, odds are it would sound a little like The Big East, who fly under the self-coined banner of ‘cottage rock’, combining elements of mellow gold, timeless rock and indie pop.

They hail from the Lake and Cottage area of North Toronto where the winters are bitter cold but the summer months give birth to a thriving local music scene. Their name is derived from the river that flows through the region where principal members James Jones and Kip Daynard live and their connection to their roots doesn’t end there. Their local community was integral in shaping the sound of their sophomore LP, Hungry Ghosts, which features the many talents of their peers including veteran Canadian producer Andre Wahl.

Hungry Ghosts is a play on the Buddhist saying which refers to human beings who are driven by emotional needs in an animalistic way.  “We applied this concept to our intense need to create music” Jones asserts. And create music they did. Producer Wahl helped the band whittle their 40 demos down to the eleven featured tracks which play to the band’s strengths - rich harmony over tight playing, complete with soaring soft rock hooks. Facebook here, website here.

The second of eleven tracks on the Hungry Ghosts album 'The Wild Life' is a good indicator of the overall style and direction The Big East take. The indie pop and timeless rock description sums up their music extremely well, with melodic hooks everywhere alongside a natural and genuine sound. As a whole, this is a fabulous album that may well appeal to older and younger listeners a like, and across a good range of genres.

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Scotch Hollow - Hocus Pocus.

Background - Scotch Hollow, an acoustic roots band, teams up down-home delta blues with good old-fashioned country twang and silky vocals. Just as the name implies, Scotch Hollow is as smooth as your favorite whiskey.

Scotch Hollow is a roots band that mixes a generous helping of country twang with just enough blues to stir the pot. The group was founded by Mark Verbeck (guitar, songwriter) and vocalist Carly Martin, who met at the Berklee School of Music. Based in Kansas City, MO (after kicking around the Chicago scene for a time), the group now includes JD Linn (bass), Benjamin Scholz (drums, percussion), Brady Buster (harmonica) and Joel Schuman (piano). 

Verbeck wrote all but three songs and those were written by Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf and Blind Willie Johnson. The performances are as solid and spare as one would expect for this style of music. They certainly can raise a little sand in the down-home way. Website here, Facebook here.

The opening track on Little Tortuga is 'Hocus Pocus' a vibrant country rocker with a generous helping of blues feeling adding to the vibe. Scotch Hollow deliver roots music with quality, energy and commitment. The band have an overall sound based on some refined musicianship and passionate vocals, that keeps pretty close to country and blues across the album.

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Monet - Nobody's Wrong.

Background - Multi-faceted Brisbane artist, Monet, returns dropping his second single titled “Nobody’s Wrong” – a simple ballad that encapsulates raw emotion and a perfect showcase of Monet’s vocal ability. Having first been introduced to audiences with his debut single release titled ‘You’ in May 2016, Monet has been busy readying a series of new single releases due to drop this year, the first being “Nobody’s Wrong”.

“Nobody’s Wrong” is a track best described by Monet himself: "There are usually 4 types of relationships: co-dependent, counter dependent, independent, and interdependent. We all enjoy the feeling of first falling in love with someone and we wish to stay close forever, however, as relationships develop, we often need space and distance every now and again for our own health, and sometimes we try to escape for a little. We make up lies and excuses to each other to avoid conversations, or we make rules trying to control one another. Sadly, quite a few lovers don’t survive this period, usually the co-dependent and counter dependent. Many relationships die before they could tie the knot. This song is inspired by this situation that most of us have had before, that “bittersweet” time, sometimes we get hurt, and those memories, good or bad, haunt us forever. If we could believe in each other, believe in love; be more honest and brave to each other, we could be happy together. This song is written for those who have had a broken heart, and also for those who are going through the “We don't talk any more, but we still care about each other” phase."

The Brisbane artist, originally hailing from the Chinese town of Wujin which has a rich history that often influences his music, has a fierce and loyal Facebook following of over 14,000. His history in music is short but his passion has been there since the age of five having been introduced to music by performing in his local theatre. Facebook here.

Gentle and melodic, 'Nobody's Wrong' gradually builds with power into an almost symphonic piece, whilst the intimate and personal sounding vocals interact in a delightful manner throughout. My first taste of Monet, and it's enough to have me digging deeper into his music.

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Hawkmoon - Silverline.

Background - Hawkmoon is the collective musical identity of Pat Hehir, Liam Hehir and Reuben Aptroot. Their soon to be released debut album The Saturn Return, was produced to fill a void in the current musical landscape, where distorted guitars, eclectic songwriters and ‘Rock’ have gone underground.

After numerous live gigs, festival appearances and EP releases with earlier incarnations of Hawkmoon and Reuben's Ultrafeedy, the three would be brought together in 2013 under the Hawkmoon banner to create music that was thoughtful, challenging, bold and fresh. The first single from the album is ‘Silverline' which was recorded in Reuben’s home studio and produced by the band. ‘Silverline' is one of the older songs on the album and has been a staple of Hawkmoon’s live sets for many years.

In essence, ‘Silverline' is a garage rock song. It is quick and energetic with the emphasis placed on capturing the sound of a live band rather than the precision of a studio piece. Whilst the song is raw, it could also be called pop rock with its guitar hook-littered verses and sing along chorus.

The song originally started as an idea from Hawkmoon lead singer and guitarist, Pat Hehir. “‘Silverline' came about really quickly and organically”, says Pat. “It felt good from the beginning and had a real energy to it. It’s always lots of fun to play live, so the intent was to capture that burst of energy on the record. Lyrically, the song is about the dismissive nature of the music scene and its pursuit of trends, where inevitably the band of the moment gets cast aside for the next thing.”

Over 2 years in Reuben’s bedroom recording studio, DIY production techniques have allowed the band to fully explore their own sonic palettes, songwriting methods and ultimately capture a group of songs they are extremely proud of. From relentless, energetic rock to atmospheric ballads, hook-driven pop to experimental soundscapes. Look for the release of The Saturn Return later this year. Facebook here.

Time to clear the cobwebs and shake up Beehive Candy courtesy of Hawkmoon and the new song 'Silverline'. Mixing full on guitar rock with enough melody and hooks to make the track stand out, this is one fine rocker.

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Midweek Muse: Linnea Olsson - Blueprint Blue - Tempesst - Astrid Gnosis - Emma Charleston

Linnea Olsson - Hall Of Tragedy

Background - The fantasy pop cellist Linnea Olsson drops her new official video for 2nd EP single 'Hall Of Tragedy' Out Now. Having worked with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Sting, Ane Brun and Maia Hirasawa, Linnea leaves no doubt regarding the high level of her talent and musicianship. 

Being supported by The New York Times as well as The 405, Linnea's sonic journey within the "cello driven fantasy pop" continues. "Hall Of Tragedy" is Linnea's second single, taken from her forth-coming EP called "For Show", and the official video is yet again another creative thing done by Linnea in its entirety. The EP will be coming out 24th February. Facebook here.

Combining Cello and keyboards the opening of 'Hall Of Tragedy' sets the scene for Linnea's distinct and creative vocals, using them to great effect on this atmospheric song.

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Blueprint Blue - You And Me.

Background - Blueprint Blue discovered 'You and Me' and the incredible story behind the song, when Mairead Nash, manager of Florence and the Machine, asked the band to perform at her wedding.

Originally recorded in 1970 by long forgotten soul band Penny and Quarters, 'You and Me' came to prominence in 2010 after an unreleased demo of the song was used in the film 'Blue Valentine' at the request of its star Ryan Gosling. The track, which underpins Gosling's on screen relationship with Michelle Williams, had surfaced after a Chicago based reissue label had unearthed it on cassette at a yard sale.

 Blueprint Blue are ex Scum members Huw Webb (bass) and and Melissa Rigby (drums) who are joined by Elliot Hayward on vocals and guitar. They formed in 2013, united by a love of The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, and Jackson Browne. Having already been championed by Tim Burgess of The Charlatans and James Hoare of Ultimate Painting, as well as receiving UK and international airplay and coverage, the band will be playing this year's SXSW music festival. A Pledge campaign to support their appearance at SXSW has reached 78% of its target. Support here.

The band play London's Lexington on March 9th with support from DJs Rhys Webb (The Horrors) and Bahamian Moor, where they'll be launching their EP 'Flying Machine'. Facebook here.

'You And Me' is a melodic indie pop track with a bright and catchy vibe running throughout, and with a chorus line that just adds so many more hooks.


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Tempesst - Sunflower Lady.

Background - “Hey you, don’t you know who I am?” – it’s a brazen taunt that echoes the boyish fantasies of tempestuous Australian twins Toma and Andy Banjanin, and that of their new single 'Sunflower Lady'. Now based in London - the duo pull together influences from across the board on 'Sunflower Lady'; a kaleidoscopic daydream fusing the psych-rock tendencies of fellow countrymen Tame Impala or King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard, with the wit and humour of folk troubadours like Father John Misty and Matthew E. White.

“Sunflower Lady is about being under the spell of a girl,” explains vocalist Toma Banjanin. “You'd do anything to have her - so I had to write a song about it.” Speaking a little more on the idea behind the video, Andy Banjamin said: "Originally the idea was to feature my cat Riley as the star of the video but he was very unhappy that I took him out of the house. So after hours of chasing him around the studio we ended up only getting one shot with him and then decided to take turns dancing in front of the camera. There you have it."

It’s been a big year for Tempesst – now joined by band of brothers Eric Weber (guitars), Jesse Hutchence (bass) and Kane Reynolds (keys) – including back-to-back showcases (The Great Escape, NME Awards, Live At Leeds), festivals (Bushstock, Southsea Fest, Hackney Wonderland) and live dates alongside Mystery Jets, The Veils, Albert Hammond Jr and GUM (Jay Watson, Tame Impala). Fresh from their biggest London headline to date at The Moth Club, Tempesst saw out 2016 with a sold out December UK Tour in support of The Temper Trap. Tempesst now head out on another UK tour of their own - see our tour page for details. Facebook here.

Last time we featured Tempesst the comment "a little bit of swaggering confidence" felt appropriate and with the music video for 'Sunflower Lady' I reckon it's worth repeating. The band create an expansive and timeless rock sound and a very good one at that.

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Astrid Gnosis - Severe Delays.

Background - Visual and sound artist Astrid Gnosis explores social and emotional collapse through her work — a heady mix of abstract textures, fractured beats, cinematic atmospherics, twisted melodies and off-the-wall vocals.

Now living and working in London, Astrid began writing music when she was just 13 years old. She's crafted sonic installations for exhibitions and art performances, alone and collaborating with other artists. She’s made the soundtracks and sound design for a number of short films, the most recent of which will be shown at the London Short Film Festival 2017.

 “Music alone is a vessel, it diplomatically drives consciousness into reflection. Words seemed to limit this journey” she continues “but increasingly I felt the urge to narrow my language, and incorporate more violence into music”, she says, “because for me it is vital to speak of the anger and hopes of my generation, and it is now we’re most angry.”

‘Agnosis’, a conceptual six-track EP is about “tacit conflict and subsequent collapse”, painting a greying, dystopian picture of where our futures might be headed. “ Agnosis means ignorance in greek, this EP is the first part of a cognitive map of fear, strength, faith, fate, love and hate.” Astrid Gnosis ‘Agnosis’ (music/is/for/losers) Release Date: 24th February 2017. Bandcamp (pre-order) here.

If your looking for something a little different then 'Severe Delays' could well fit that category. Abstract it may well be, the track develops into a more cohesive piece and for me is another example of music and art combining without any pretentious nonsense. EP eagerly awaited!

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Emma Charleston - Falling.

Background - At a time when seemingly everyone is releasing music online and aspiring to full-time careers in the music industry, even today’s most talented artists consider distinguishing themselves a daunting task. On her new single “Falling,”folk pop singer-songwriter Emma Charleston captures both the angst and the optimism of an extraordinarily gifted musician in an overly saturated market. Based at the prestigious and intensely competitive Berklee College of Music, the multi-instrumentalist Charleston delivers a dreamy ballad of a tune that touches on themes of self-doubt, determination, and individuality. “Falling” will be available digitally on February 17 via iTunes, Spotify and other online sites.

According to Charleston, “Falling” originated in the rough and tumble world of a challenging Berklee classroom: “I wrote this song after an exceptionally difficult day of classes. It was a day that pushed me as both an artist and a person. I went through the day feeling like I had to compare myself to other aspiring artists.” With feelings of self-doubt creeping in, Charleston allowed herself to express her feelings in a way that was both musically and emotionally healing.

However, as the songwriting process evolved, “Falling” turned into a hopeful ode to persistence and self-confidence: “In the end, “Falling” became a song about finding yourself in a world of people just like you. It’s an urgent reminder that you have to retain your individuality and find your own way.” Facebook here.

Emma Charleston has a vibrant and melodic voice that is just so suited to a song like 'Falling'. Folk pop with an acoustic soundtrack, it's Emma's vocals that drive the melody, this is a charming song.

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Genre Wander: The Tigerlilies - Topanga - Sinners & Saints - Bokito

The Tigerlilies - Shipwrecked.

Background - The style set forth by the Buzzcocks, Cheap Trick and The Ramones is alive and well in the hands of The Tigerlilies - Cincinnati’s sole practitioners of post punk power pop. Brothers Pat (vocals, guitar) and Steve (vocals, drums) Hennessy spearhead the band which includes Brian Driscoll (bass) and Brendan Bogosian (lead guitar). Together they have played countless shows around Ohio, serving as support for Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, Paul Weller, Guided By Voices and Superchunk, and attaining a sizable and appreciative following along the way. The past decade has seen the release of many singles and albums on independent Midwestern labels such as Atavistic, Violently Hip and Mono-cat 7, chalking up a total of four full lengths which showcase The Tigerlilies economic blend of punk, 60’s soul and garage rock.

The band is following up their 2016 critically acclaimed 123456 EP with an old fashioned 7-inch single release, “Lovers Du” / “Shipwrecked”, tracked at the historic Herzog Studio Space in Cincinnati. The single will drop digitally and on vinyl early 2017 and will be released on Sir Gregory Records out of Ashville, NC. The label, run by Greg Mills, is known for its deep catalog of US and UK-based psych & garage rock.

Both sides of the 7” deal with the ephemeral nature of love and life, often capturing such weighty subjects through the lens of pop culture. “These things are important to us because they represent a shared human experience” asserts Pat. “Hearing them reflected in song can bring people together, make them feel uplifted, reflective and just better.” This is a sentiment which has been echoed by their fan base who have expressed how The Tigerlilies music has helped them through depressing and even suicidal times. It’s seems the band’s retro, revved up rock, which often comes with a care free veneer, has a deep effect on people’s lives. Website here, Facebook here.

'Shipwrecked' is a powerful guitar rocker where the vocals are loud and ideally matched for what is unpretentious blast of rock'n'roll.

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Topanga - Life's A Coma.

Background - Los Angeles indie pop group Topanga is thrilled to have released their debut EP Midnight Jungle. Titled after the nickname the group bestowed upon LA after dark, the EP was written throughout late 2015 and early 2016, and is inspired by two lifetimes of experience in the strange city. They then brought the EP to their friend Mike Malchicoff (who helped engineer Kanye’s The Life of Pablo) and experimented with the right mix of sounds and synths in order to create the perfect concoction. The final result is a dreamy six-part album that both meditates on fantasies of the past, and navigates the strange realities of the present.

Topanga was started by Derek Brambles and Eric Johnson, former members of the now-defunct group The King’s English. Both these men draw inspiration from a wide variety of musical figures, ranging from Miike Snow and Tame Impala, to Kendrick Lamar and David Bryne; however, they both reserve a special place in their hearts for Paul McCartney’s RAM and David Bowie’s Hunky Dory, going so far as to have “1971” tattooed on them to commemorate their year of release. Website here, Facebook here.

With rhythmic beats at the fore 'Life's A Coma' is a powerful track with the vocals also playing a key part in driving the song along. The 360 video is an additional treat, giving even more potency to a feisty song.

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Sinners & Saints - Promise Land.

Background - Americana duo Sinners & Saints share their new single "Promise Land," an upbeat track featuring dulcet harmonies, a swinging bass line and bright harmonica. The track comes to us from the duo's forthcoming second full-length album On The Other Side, available March 10th via Silent Uproar.

Sometimes you need a friend to laugh with and sometimes you need a friend to cry with. The two-man band Sinners & Saints, from Charlotte, NC, fits the bill for both. Whether they’re crooning about heartbreak or tearing it up with joyful abandon, you’ll feel happier for having listened. Perry Fowler and Mark Baran infuse their acoustic, country-tinged tunes with compelling harmonies and foot-powered percussion on repurposed drums from an abandoned kit.

Since the band’s formation in 2011, the band has shared the stage up and down the east coast with the likes of Flogging Molly, Shovels and Rope, Robert Earl Keen, Daniel Romano, St Paul & the Broken Bones, SUSTO, Sun Kil Moon, Bombadil, and many others. On The Other Side will be available on March 10th, 2017. Upcoming tour dates on Beehive Candy tour page. Website here, Facebook here.

Americana with a hint of more traditional country vibes, is notable on the featured song 'Promise Land'. The album takes the listener into a varied collection of Americana ideas and tunes, with the duo keeping it interesting and enjoyable with differing styles and plenty of catchy tracks.

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Bokito - Better At Getting Worse.

Background - Peddling an uproarious blend of rock, soca, funk and roots, London-based five-piece Bokito have coined a phrase for their unique genre mashup: tropical indie. Anyone fortunate enough to have witnessed the group’s jaw-dropping live sets, where edgy grooves and unforgettable hooks are delivered as if every show is a sun-baked carnival, would relate to this label. Though much of the attention naturally falls on singer Moses – a man whose extraordinary voice is married to eye-popping stage-front shape-throwing that proves a catalyst for the audience to follow suit – the vice-like tightness and melodious flourishes of the band, comprising Jody (bass), Joe (guitar), Tom (drums) and Sam (keys/percussion), are equally essential. Bokito take inspiration from such diverse sources as J Dilla, Jeff Buckley, Fela Kuti, Justin Timberlake and Queens of the Stone Age to bring a little of the rousing celtic spirit of Moses’ Irish homeland to London’s global soundscape. The thrilling results proved irresistible to Lost In The Manor Records, which added Bokito to its roster as a signing sure to put a rocket under 2017.

Though an unequivocal dancehall classic, a booming amalgam of Afro-funk and indie, ‘Better At Getting Worse’ is something of a cautionary insight to the male psyche. Frontman Moses explains: “The song is primarily aimed at men and their own handling of their emotions... and how useless most of them are at it. But we men are talented at one thing, which is suppressing everything and moulding it into a smile.” Indeed, one listen to ‘Better At Getting Worse’ and it’s hard not to crack a grin the size of an alpine crevasse, right from the song’s swirling organ-and-guitar refrain soaring across an angular calypso rhythm, to its absolutely astral chorus, a spine-tingler of a hook that finds Moses proclaiming “Everyone thinks I’m better but really I’m just getting better… better at getting worse”. Produced by Bradley Spencer and Alex Beitzke in London’s Fish Tank studios, and mastered by legendary Grammy-nominated engineer Greg Calbi, ‘Better At Getting Worse’ is a characteristically compelling first salvo from a band who have a rich seam of ready singles in waiting. Facebook here.

There is a funky upbeat groove right from the very start and singer Moses just rides above the band, delivering delicious vocals throughout 'Better At Getting Worse'.

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Monday Mix: People Flavor - Rousseau - Spiral Stairs

People Flavor - Shake Well.

Background - People Flavor have shared their new track "Shake Well", out now on Dangerbird Records.  "Shake Well" is the first single from People Flavor in Dangerbird's Microdose series.

People Flavor is a four-piece rock band from Montebello, California. While new on the scene, the band can trace its genesis back to a teenaged solo project dreamt up by frontman Fernando Andrade,  along with best bro Byron Turner joining the process soon after. The pair then recruited high school cronies Giovanni Padilla and Andrew Valdez, to become the collaborative effort they are today.   Since rounding out the lineup in 2015,  People Flavor have been busy playing shows at house parties, DIY venues and some of Los Angeles’ most notable musical mainstays such as The Bootleg Theater, CIA, and Los Globos.

Continually crafted through the writing and recording process, their distinct sound incorporates jazz chords with post and dance-punk elements, delivering it all with 80’s new wave sensibility. The boys are heavily influenced by slinky Spanish rock and the refined cool of British tunes, evoking a likeness to both an Hispanic Duran Duran and early Radiohead. Contrasting with their dance-inducing grooves, the lyrics tend to focus on the more melancholic aspects of life and love, magically manipulating you into feeling good about being sad. Ultimately, People Flavor is a sonic experiment in self-expression geared towards finding yourself in others and finding the others in yourself.

'Shake Well' is a bright indie rock song with jangly guitars, fresh and pleasing vocals alongside a catchy melodic vibe. It's short, sharp and attention grabbing!

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Rousseau - Desert Road.

Background - Following a set of critically acclaimed singles in 2016, New Zealand electro songstress Rousseau keeps the momentum going in 2017, announcing her latest single, “Desert Road,” out now worldwide. The track is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that instantly grabs you from the first listen.

Growing up in Auckland, Rousseau spent hours listening to classical music and opera, or The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel – the only pop music her parents owned. Her relationship with songwriting began when a neighbor introduced her to Lauryn Hill, OutKast, and the acoustic guitar.  In high school she won national recognition for her songwriting and musicianship, before studying economics and philosophy at university.

Since making her debut last year with her single "Petra Says", Rousseau has gained a following in her native New Zealand with over 400K+ streams on Spotify alone in just a few short months, a spot on Spotify Aus/NZ's coveted New Music Friday playlist and music sites and blogs around the world. "Desert Road" marks her latest release building up anticipation for her debut EP "hello, i know you're busy", out April 2017. Described as making "whip-smart...confessional dark pop" by Wonky Sensitive, keep your eye on Rousseau as one of your new favorite discoveries of 2017.

Rousseau declares herself an imperfect everywoman. Her raw honesty and satirical take on working life immediately mark her songwriting out as something special.  This fearlessness, mixed with her pop sensibility and layered, slow-burning production, defines Rousseau. She’s a subversive pop artist, tackling female stereotypes, twenty-something angst and the human condition, sometimes all in the same song. Website here, Facebook here.

Rousseau's vocals can be intimate and personal, however they can also convey a sense of concern and feeling, in a dramatic and engaging manner. 'Desert Road' has a musical soundtrack that mixes low key moments alongside powerful and expansive parts and collectively lead to a superb song.

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Spiral Stairs - Dundee Man.

Background - Spiral Stairs (Pavement's Scott Kannberg) will release his second album under that name, Doris and the Daggers, on March 24 on the Nine Mile label in the US, on Domino in Europe  and on Coolin' By Sound in Australia / New Zealand. He has now shared the second single from the album "Dundee Man".

The album features guest appearances from Matt Berninger of The National, Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew and Justin Peroff, Kelley Stoltz and Shudder To Think's Adam Wade. Spiral Stairs has also launched a Pledge Music campaign where fans will have the option of buying archival Pavement and Preston School of Industry merch and memorabilia (or a DJ set, private show, trip to IKEA or a round of golf with Scott) along with their pre-order of Doris and the Daggers.

The Real Feel – the Pavement guitarist and Preston School Of Industry leader’s 3rd album (and first as Spiral Stairs) – arrived in 2009, just as Pavement were announcing a hugely successful burst of reunion shows through 2010. “Then, after the Pavement shows, I moved with my wife to go live in a house in the country near Brisbane, in Australia,” the amiable Scott remembers, of those years of seeming inactivity. “Then we had a kid, and that sort of got in the way. I tried to do music, but all of a sudden it was two years later and I’m mowing my lawn and tending my garden.” Website here, Bandcamp (pre order) here. Tour dates on Beehive Candy Tour page.

We featured the first single from the forthcoming album last month. 'Dundee Man' is another fine track and more than hints we are in for a good album. With a tight and yet relaxed sound, the musicians are clearly up for delivering some fresh rock vibes, which underpin the vocals, allowing Scott Kannberg to reach out to an audience way beyond Pavements core fans.

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Sundays Alternative Take: Pale Honey - Myles Manley - Ida Wenøe - Happy Camper - ALIA

Pale Honey - Why Do I Always Feel This Way.

Background - Kicking off with a Swedish headline tour and much-anticipated sweaty days in the studio, 2017 is set to be Pale Honey’s year. Having wrapped up their praised debut album release, the self-titled ‘Pale Honey’ (May 2015) with live shows across Europe including sold-out shows in the UK, the band is ready to unleash rising danger upon the world with a new album set for release later this year. With the single release ‘Real Thing’ (October 2016) the band gave listeners a hint of what to expect from their upcoming album

Where 'Real Thing' paired fervent guitar and drums, on 'Why Do I Always Feel This Way' Pale Honey switch their focus to synthesizers and vocals bursting with yearning. Recorded with producer Anders Lagerfors in Nacksving Studios in their hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. Lyrics of love, jealousy and denial are elegantly driven by singer Tuva Lodmark in a way that it is sure to leave no heart untouched. Tour dates on our tour page. Facebook here.

There is a fine mix between minimal synths (albeit pretty potent) and vocals on 'Why Do I Always Feel This Way'. The musical layers gently build as does the emotion and atmosphere, without losing the stripped back feel.

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Myles Manley - Relax; Enjoy Your Night Upon The Town.

Background - "Relax; Enjoy your night upon the town!" with this utterance Myles Manley is being at once both sincere and fatalistic. "I always knew I was the best!" says the dashing and supercilious young artist with a smile, "but at certain points I realise that that might not really be the case. It is always the case though." Myles Manley makes idiosyncratic folk music on guitar with rhythms and colours snatched from various places, most recently Eric B and Rakim, Micachu and The Shapes, Moondog, The Clash's Sandinista, Jinx Lennon, Frankie Cosmos, etc. "I started listening to a lot of early hiphop for some reason and what I loved about it was the clunkiness of the sounds, and the excitement you can hear at a whole new world of opportunities. I bought an MPC and started making idiot beats late at night that I'd write songs to. I've always had an ear for weird rhythms and I was able to make stuff that you'd never come up with rehearsing in a room with a drummer."

Myles Manley was born in northern England and lived in a few places there until his family moved to Sligo, Ireland, where he became the village indie boy. "I'm in love with songs. What I am seeking in my music is naivety and deliciousness; what I find is also an escape from anxiety. And if you want to really hear it, imagine early days, running round a dead, shithole town at 4am in August, with a person you haven't kissed, want to kiss and will never kiss. No power. Night night." "Relax; enjoy your night upon the town" is set for release on February 17th via Dublin's Little L Records, available on 7" and all major digital platforms. See our tour dates page for live dates. Bandcamp pre order here, website here.

After a minute or so of watching the video I still wasn't sure whether to feature 'Relax; Enjoy Your Night Upon The Town'. Something drew me back for another watch and listen, and I have to say I am now totally hooked on this song. Having watched and listened to a couple of other songs by Myles, I think I get it, whatever I love it.

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Ida Wenøe - Lyla.

Background - A new track Lyla taken from Danish artist Ida Wenøe's (pronounced EE-da ven-O) debut solo release Time Of Ghosts (April 7th) has been shared. While she has an obvious appreciation of Americana, Ida's sound is very definitely laced with more English undertones: the kind of sound Edward Woodward might have heard downstairs in the local inn had the Wicker Man been filmed in a remote Danish village, while Sarah Lund scoured for clues in her jumper. Like the best of the Nordic Noir leaving the Danish mainland, the recordings are at once both sonically pure and grimy; there’s a shared loneliness that makes you feel that you’re not at all; and all the while there is an honesty to the songwriting that tugs at your sleeve.

While still fronting the much-feted Boho Dancer, 2014 brought a successful collaboration with Dangers of The Sea, a series of sold out supports in Denmark with Teitur, and a spate of tremendously well received shows both in London and at The Great Escape in Brighton. Now, with a deep breath in her crystal lungs those two brilliant, oxidised copper green eyes flickered across the mixing desk once more as she recorded her debut solo record Time Of Ghosts, reunited with producer Jonas Tranberg who recorded Boho’s first EP. Website here, Facebook here, see our tour dates page for live dates.

'Lyla' is a gentle uncomplicated song with beautiful vocals and a melodic feel throughout. I'm beginning to wonder if Americana has something going on with Scandinavia, the synergies are definitely there, no complaints from me whatever the situation.

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Happy Camper - Easy Way Out.

Background - Happy Camper announces its long-awaited return in 2017 with a brand new album: Gravity. First single ‘Easy Way Out’ released on Excelsior Recordings.

‘Easy Way Out’ represents a significant stylistic shift for Happy Camper, without sacrificing that unmistakable combination of pop levity and powerful subject matter. "‘Easy Way Out’ describes that moment when you lose your own intuition. Something that appears safe and ordinary at first, then suddenly feels very foreign and strange. Within these moments, it becomes harder and harder to assess your next move. Whereas someone from the outside looking in often has a better read on things,” says Job Roggeveen, founder and songwriter of Happy Camper.

Happy Camper is a band and multimedia-project founded by Dutch musician, producer, composer, animator and graphic designer Job Roggeveen. With an extensive cast of guest musicians Happy Camper released two albums brimmed with gleaming and sonorous pop, tunes heavily inspired by chansons and film soundtracks. Subsequently, Happy Camper manifested into a comprehensive, awe-inspiring audiovisual live experience, comprised of up to twenty musicians.Website here, Facebook here.

A bright and breezy vibe runs throughout 'Easy Way Out' whilst the lyrics concentrate on a more vulnerable question. It's pop and very good pop music at that, surely that's enough boxes ticked for one song.

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ALIA - Feminine Medicine™ Volume 1.

Background - ALIA is the visionary behind Feminine Medicine™, a series of collaborative original music albums and stage shows that brings more feminine voices to electronic dance music. After years performing in the festival scene, ALIA set out to co-create with her favorite female artists when she noticed that few other women were being featured on electronic music stages, and that only 3 of the Top 100 DJs in the world are female. Volume 1 of Feminine Medicine features ALIA’s collaborations with numerous other female musicians including revered bass music producer Imagika Om, and revered indie vocalists Heather Christie and Ixchel Prisma.

"I have been working on the music for this project for the last two years. I am so excited to finally share it with you! I really want to thank the incredible women and men I collaborated with on the music for this album, especially Imagika Om, Heather Christie, Tara Divina, Ixchel Prisma, Amma Li Grace and Theo Grace of Entheo, Liquid Love Drops, Eden and Ilan of Amadora, Kaia Ra, and Chris James aka Pattern Disrupt, who spent countless hours in the studio with me. What a beautiful journey we took together". Website here, Facebook here.

The first track 'Madre' on 'Feminine Medicine™ Volume 1' had me instantly hooked and the following pieces are a phenomenal collection of ideas, crafted together to provide something very special. Thankfully I can feature them all. I personally feel that this beautiful musical collection will appeal well beyond traditional EDM fans, potentially from Gong to Vangelis, or Hawkwind to Leftfield. Enjoy!

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Saturday Seven: Neville Staple - Beatrix Players - Black Dough - A Treehouse Wait - The Routes - Nozart - Josephs Coat

Neville Staple - Return Of Judge Roughneck.

Background - On February 17, legendary Specials and Fun Boy Three founding member Neville Staple will be releasing his new studio album ‘Return of Judge Roughneck’ via Cleopatra Records. This double LP features brilliant new re-workings of classic Jamaican cuts, some brand new material, and a few gems from Neville’s past, along with a bonus dub album offering serious bass-bin shaking mixes.

Known as The Original Rudeboy, Neville Staple is a Jamaican-born British singer credited with changing the face of pop music not only once but twice. His 35-year career in the music business is well documented, from the early days with The Coventry Automatics, The Specials and Fun Boy Three to collaboration with Ranking Roger in The Special Beat and various other collaborations during his solo career from the 90s until the present day.

About his musical legacy, Neville Staple comments: “The way we brought it was mixing Jamaican music with the English style, which was actually punk at the time. Now most people are into ska, they listen to all the people that we talked about that they might not have listened to before... This has happened again and again with the different waves of ska. I am hearing lots more young bands now also putting their own spin on ska – some with dance music and some with a rock beat. It's all good. The music just makes you want to dance. Even when singing about tough times, every-day things or bad things, the beat and the rhythm makes you want to move!" The Neville Staple Band is playing shows all around the UK in late winter and spring in support of ‘Return of Judge Roughneck’. Website here, Facebook here.

The Original Rudeboy has returned with a new album and if featured song 'Return Of Judge Roughneck' is anything to go by, we are in for some seriously special ska sounds. Once again Neville Staple reminds us of just how important his role in both The Specials and his other projects were.

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Beatrix Players - Molehill.

Background - Following their single 'Lady Of The Lake'; London-trio Beatrix Players have announced their debut album Magnified will be released on March 31st. Beatrix Players are a London-based all-female trio who make florid, adventurous music that operates at the interface between folk, singer-songwriter acoustica, prog and quasi-classical baroque chamber pop. 

There is a light, translucent quality to the music, and yet when it is not being hushed and reverent, it has the attack and thrust, the surging dynamism, of rock. It can be soft and intimate, but it can also be fiery and intense, epic and immense. There are tempestuous passages in their music that you can imagine being delivered by traditional rock instrumentation but it is the very absence of guitars and drums that means that there is nobody out there quite like Beatrix Players.

Through their enchantingly dark and evocative melodies, expansive arrangements and empowered orchestral sound Beatrix Players tell stories of real life and fantasy. Citing influences as diverse as Michael Nyman and Regina Spektor and drawing comparisons to the likes of Kate Bush and Einaudi Ludovico. In 2015 the band (Amy Birks, Jess Kennedy and Amanda Alvarez) took their unique sound – a beautiful combination of vocals, piano and cello – into the studio to record their self-produced debut album, which has been mixed by two-time BBC Folk Award winner, Jim Moray. Website here.

One of thirteen exquisite and intricately crafted songs on the new album, the featured track & video for 'Molehill' is our second chance to share some of Beatrix Players music. 'Magnified' is a wonderful collection of material that, drifts across genres from folk to chamber music and a good number of styles in between. Vocals and harmonies are on a par with the musical arrangements, this is an album I would seriously recommend if the featured song appeals to you.

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Black Dough - Nighty Night.

Background - Black Dough was formed in Gothenburg, Sweden back in 2013 – and shortly upon that the four piece recorded their debut EP, ”first punch!”. Since then Black Dough has been playing constantly, visiting clubs and festivals all over the world – from Dublin, Ireland to Rabat, Morocco. Sporting a sound hard to define, the experimental unit has been called everything from jazz punk to voodoo rock. With the release of ”Freaky Family”, the band’s new full length album due to May 2017, Miranda Raeder – front person and composer – decides to label it experimental rock. Beautiful, dissonant, heavy and dirty.

I have a thing for the strange and dramatic. When I write a song  I see pictures in front of me like a film. I create a mood in harmonies, lyrics and expression. The music should  fairly be treated as a play in 8 acts.  The story is you as a listener, you create the frames but I provoke them.  It’s not ‘easy listening’ music, you will feel it.

Miranda is the center of the group. She writes all the material and also directs the band’s music videos, but the Black Dough sound first and foremost stems from the four musicians of the unit playing together. Black Dough is a band with 4 members and the sound requires that all 4 of us are involved. I write all the music and decide roughly how it will sound but we rehearse and form the songs together and in that process we all contribute. Website here, Facebook here.

'Nighty Night' immediately gained my attention with fabulous vocals that tease out so much more than just the lyrics, and interact so well with an equally distinct and pleasing soundtrack.  

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A Treehouse Wait - Waves.

Background - A Treehouse Wait would now like to invite you to check out the video of their new single 'Waves'. Waves is taken from the album Interludes.

After spending a month in the USA, being the opening act for a Swedish folksinger, singer and songwriter Jenny Wahlström plucked up the courage to put the songs down on paper and record the songs she didn’t think she’d ever share with the rest of the world. A Treehouse Wait was born.

The music is mostly inspired by the things one is so familiar with, but mostly would not talk about. Like empty city streets during the summer. Or when anxiety leaves. Giving up your love or the fear of leaving home. It’s not all beautiful, but it’s all life. And sharing that experience, the music suddenly creates a place for you to be, and you know that someone else has been there, too. Facebook here.

Our second feature for A Treehouse Wait, this time for the new video and single 'Waves'. With this particular song Jenny Wahlstrom's vocals seemingly move from vulnerable to powerful and back again. Melodic, gentle and full of atmosphere this is one beautiful track.

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The Routes - No Permanence.

Background - The Routes always seem to be do something different stylistically on every record they release; from their largely R&B influenced debut album “Left My Mind”, to the playful US garage drenched “Alligator”, to the Strummin’ Mental madness of the “Instrumentals” album, right up until “Skeletons” in 2016 which saw them on more of a modern garage punk trip. It doesn’t seem to matter what they do, and who plays in the band; it still unmistakably sounds like The Routes .

“In This Perfect Hell”, the fifth album by The Routes, brings you ten original songs. No filler and no covers. From the start, you can tell it’s not going to be your stereotypical garage album. This time The Routes seemed have strayed far from your average garage bands comfort zone. They have stripped everything right down in the playing department, with leader Chris Jack playing pretty much everything apart from the drums.

The stripping down seems to have the opposite effect, of creating a huge, thick, heavy wall of sound. The nasty Japanese fuzz pedals, and very simple guitar leads stab through the wall, and stick into your brain. It’s not exactly your typical garage, it’s not exactly psych; it’s not exactly any one thing in particular. Is this a mutant musical manifestation of Chris Jack’s musical taste? One wonders if he opened the floodgates on his musical tastes and just let it all come through.

The brain penetrating heavy fuzz, and Maureen Tucker-esque rhythm of opening track “Thousand Forgotten Dreams”, instantly tells you we are again on a new, different tangent. The hypnotic guitars are actually not unreminiscent of early Spacemen 3 or Jesus and Mary Chain. “Worry” sounds like it could be the cover of a long lost Tamrons acetate, being played by The Fall. You have catchy up-tempo lyrically playful numbers like “Peeling Face” and “Housework In My Head”, sounding like The Kinks meet The Modern Lovers, meet Guided By Voices; “Something Slipped Through My Window” and “Oblivious”, again see the band in fine songwriting form, with The Routes Acetone organ resurrected. Website here, Facebook here.

The video reminds me of an early Pink Floyd performance, however that's where comparisons must stop. 'No Permanence' is a feisty rock'n'roll number with fuzzy and vibrant guitars, loud and proud vocals and a driving rhythm.

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Nozart - Puppet.

Background - Nozart is a cinematic post-rock project lead by composer/pianist/producer Noah Kellman, based in New York City. He grew up in Syracuse, NY, where he often sat at the top of the staircase in his home, listening to his father play a variety of pieces by Chopin, Beethoven and Mozart. 

By age 5, his father had taught him most of these pieces by ear. When he was 10-years-old, Kellman heard Duke Ellington for the first time and began studying jazz intensively.

While building his skill as a jazz pianist, Kellman was constantly composing and producing songs. Kellman's musical foundation stems partly from his long devotion to jazz. He was often inspired by the story-like musical nature of the collaborations between pianist Brad Mehldau and composer Jon Brion. Other important influences come from classical music and soundtrack composers, including greats such as John Williams, Danny Elfman, Stravinsky and Ravel. Website here, Facebook here.

Despite Noah Kellman's musical upbringing 'Puppet' is a long way from any classical or jazz genre. However as is often to be expected with those a fore mentioned styles originality is here and in abundance. Post rock is a reasonable label, it's also accessible, and the vocals tend to give the whole piece a consistent sound, whilst the music dips into different places, adding layers of sound.

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Josephs Coat - Breathe.

Background - Josephs Coat is the new project by multi-instrumentalists and song writers Abe and Ben Camden. Together they have founded a number of bands over the last 15 years, each being an integral part of the musical journey they boys have been on. 2017 finds the band on the cusp of releasing their second EP, and they could not be happier with the direction it has taken them.

‘Breathe’, the first offering from the upcoming EP is a lyrical celebration of new love, with the verse spilling a message of reassurance, before leading into a triumphant chorus were the vocalist gloats over his new-found situation. With a funk driven pulse through this track, it maintains its rock thread with an infectious vocal melody that will get stuck in your head for days.

After spending a few years apart exploring separate parts of what the east coast of Australia had to offer, the Camden brothers decided it was time to get back in the studio and do what they enjoy most. So, in 2014 the sessions began for their debut EP titled The Black Ocean, and were recorded at Love Street Studio on the Gold Coast. They both decided to call Coffs Harbour home again. Between surfs and catching up on good times with family and friends, the year was spent launching their genre defying sound. Which is a unique, alternative take on funky blues, hints of jazz, with a tasty twist of reggae rock grooves. Best to be heard to understand the marvellously eclectic sounds being projected into your ears.

Playing some prestigious and vibrant venues such as The Basement in Sydney, to the great northern in Byron Bay. The list of artists that the Brothers have together shared the stage with kept growing, Adding Jebediah, Sea Legs, Tired Lion to a list of previous artists such as Cog, Grinspoon, Dead Letter Circus and The Butterfly Effect. With appearances at festivals such as Turtle Fest in Bellingen with Mark Seymor, Katie Noonan. And The Banana Field Festival in Coffs Coast with Illy, British India, Phil Jamison, Art Vs Science, and with Sea Legs at the Falls Festival pre-party in Byron Bay. Facebook here.

At first 'Breathe' seems to tease the listener as to which particular direction the song is going to take. It settles on a funky alt rock style and throws up enough hooks to keep my attention, and settle on another listen.

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