Lachlan Vines - Glassmaps - Days Are Done - Reverend and the Makers - Helen Culver

Lachlan Vines - This Could Mean The End.

Background - Lachlan Vines combines soulful, emotive vocals with rich, colourful, modern sounds. His fusion of Rock, Soul, Pop and Electronic music provides truly original songs from the Sydney-sider.

Lachlan was born and raised in Inner-West Sydney where, as a die-hard Muse fan in high school, he started teaching himself to play piano like Matt Bellamy. Though piano was and still is his first love, as he went deeper into music and song writing he found a need to branch out to more varied means of musical expression, namely the electric guitar, which he learnt by listening to the likes of John Mayer and Stevie Ray Vaughan who taught him above all else the endless melodic and expressive potential of the guitar solo – a lesson Lachlan sure puts into practice with devotion, as can be heard in his new single, ‘This Could Mean The End.’ ‘This Could Mean The End’ was written, produced and recorded by Lachlan Vines at his residence in Glebe, Sydney, and partly in some hotel in rural NSW. 

“I started writing the song when I had just finished my uni degree and I was taking a celebratory solo road trip down to Melbourne. During that time I was in the middle of something back home, where I knew I was making some big mistakes, and I needed to get myself out of the situation. But I didn’t. Meanwhile, I had also just bought a new software synth on my computer, and I’d fumbled together this patch and just came up with this four-chord jam on it. The song came together quite naturally from the combination of the situation I was in, the music gear I was playing with, and the music I was listening to on that road trip,” says Lachlan. 

‘This Could Mean The End’ is like a joyride through some urban neighbourhood on a bright, clear day (with a brief stop off at church in the middle). It’s down-tempo but has a driving groove that keeps it moving throughout. It’s a care-free, laid back dance track. “It’s a really simple song but ironically so, because it’s about something really complicated – the self deceit of naïve oversimplification, of making a big mistake but convincing yourself it’s gonna turn out fine,” says Lachlan on the concept behind the track. Facebook here.

Some vibrant synths open up 'This Could Mean The End' accompanied by simple drum beats & some delicious guitar work along the way. Lachlan's smooth vocals add some additional feeling to the song, one that will get a good few further plays!

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Glassmaps - Hyponotised + I'm Sorry.

Background - Glassmaps is the solo project of Joel Stein, lead guitarist in the much-loved Howling Bells. After four successful albums with the band, the UK-based Australian stepped back from the global tours and high-end studios to embark on an exciting solo endeavour. ‘Strangely Addicted’, his debut album, beautifully utilises electronic and organic instruments, delivering melodic, punchy, infectious tunes coupled with psychedelic soundscapes. Autobiographical lyrics speak of universal themes of life, love and loss. 

‘Strangely Addicted’ was recorded and produced by Joel in Las Vegas, at the home studio of The Killers’ bassist Mark Stoermer, where Joel was staying while recording with Howling Bells. There, he discovered a soundproofed room filled with random instruments: tubular bells, a double bass, a three-stringed banjo, vintage guitars and an old Telefunken microphone, on which he recorded vocals for the entire album.

Stoermer himself guested on some of the tracks, including playing bass on ‘Summer Rain’, the excellent single released in May, while Howling Bells drummer Glenn Moule also featured. “I took my laptop into that soundproofed room and didn't really sleep for two weeks,” Joel recalls. “I would wake Glenn in the early hours of the morning to drum on tracks I had just finished. He’d sleepwalk his way to the kit and just nail it every time!”

The finished record, released on Lost In The Manor Records on 10 November, captures the sound of an artist spreading his creative wings. A flourishing that has been further enhanced by the assemblage of a red-hot band transforming Glassmaps into a slick live proposition, whose notable summer ’17 shows have included main-stage support to The Killers at Hyde Park and The Great Escape festival in Brighton. Website here, Facebook here.

We have two tracks to feature, 'Hyponotised' and 'I'm Sorry'. Both are good indicators of what's to follow on the impressive 'Strangely Addicted' album, where another eight songs await (and in my opinion deserve) some time & attention. There is a distinct musical style that permeates throughout the album, Joel Stein's vocals are pleasing and melodic, the music is creative and suggests that this collection of material has been something of a labour of love.


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Days Are Done - Never Let You Go.

Background - Days Are Done are singer-songwriter Emmy Kay (from Blackpool) and BAFTA winning TV & film composer Adam Lewis (from South Wales), who are both based in Kingston-upon-Thames. 

Days are Done are what could be described as a happy accident. Having both played in a series of different bands, both together and individually, they knew that they had a strong chemistry and when they finally sat down together to write as just the two of them, the flow was just natural. Realising that they had something special when they stripped their sound back to just the two of them and a guitar, they decided that this was their musical destiny. Days Are Done was born. The rest if history still in the making.

Over the last 18 months, the duo have composed a striking body of songs, mostly written in their front rooms in Kingston. Boasting an ‘old vs. new’ vibe, it is fair to say that their shared influences are married with their own distinctive sound to craft something rather timelessly magical. One of those key influences is  Nick Drake, whose song Day is Done inspired the duo’s name. Having formed the duo at what they thought was the end of a musical journey, the name fitted perfectly.

A bit of musical secret, they didn’t share the band with friends ahead of launching at a series of open mics where they road-tested material. Within a few months, they had recorded a live EP at a tiny coffee shop Hands Coffee (sadly no more) in their hometown. Armed with a laptop and microphones, they invited friends and family and recorded the whole show to release as two introductory EPs. Website here, Facebook here.

The vocal duet on 'Never Let You Go' is delivered with energy, passion and melodic clarity. A modern folk vibe is emphasised by the natural musical arrangement, that while quite energised as well, allows the vocals to rightly stand out.


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Reverend and the Makers - Auld Reekie Blues.

Background - Reverend & The Makers release a new single, ‘Auld Reekie Blues,’ taken from their new album, ‘The Death Of A King’, which is released through Cooking Vinyl on Friday 22nd September. ‘Auld Reekie Blues’ sees the Makers Ed Cosens take on lead vocal duties and is available now, along with previous singles ‘Too Tough To Die’ and ‘Juliet Knows,’ upon pre-ordering ‘The Death Of A King’ here.

‘The Death Of A King’ which was recorded at Karma Sound Studios Thailand, is the followup to the Top 20 album ‘Mirrors’, and will be available on CD, Deluxe edition CD, 12” Vinyl, limited edition 12” vinyl, cassette and digital download. McClure says of recording ‘The Death Of A King’ “As soon as we got there, the king of Thailand died. And there was a mad monsoon. Most of the town went into mourning and shut down, and all the people who worked at the studio were wearing black. There was this whole ceremony for the king, which was quite moving but it put a weird atmosphere in the air.”

The wave of love and optimism from a new generation towards Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party – whose progressive views McClure has tirelessly championed –  has found the singer fielding queries from the Al-Jazeera news-desk and appearing on Channel 4 News. Corbyn appeared on stage with Reverend and the Makers during the Labour election campaign at Wirral Live on May 20th. ‘We were playing at Tranmere with the Coral and the Libertines and I introduced him on stage and we got 20,000 people singing his name to ‘Seven Nation Army:’ “Oh, Je-re-my Cor-byn. Everywhere he went afterwards they started singing it.” Says McClure.

With five Top 20 albums already under their belts, Sheffield rock’n’roll radicals Reverend and the Makers have carved out a niche for themselves as one of the most enduring and incendiary acts on the British musical landscape. Website here.

There is something of a sixties feel to 'Auld Reekie Blues' or is that because of the flowers and dress code on the accompanying video. Melodic and very addictive, we might be fifty years on from the summer of love, however I cant help but feel, that this song references that time, even if only by coincidence.


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Helen Culver - Ctrl-Alt-Delete. Seven Year Glitch (EP).

Background from Helen - I’m Helen Culver, a singer-songwriter who creates words and noise with Liam Alexander, a producer. Together we’ve embarked on yet another sonic (not acid) filled adventure and conjured up four alternative pop songs. 

Lyrically, the theme of the EP consists of a woman who has decided to put herself first whilst refusing to humour anyone who stands in her way. 

From the industrial New Jack Swing of ‘Ctrl-Alt-Delete’, to the minimal 8-bit funk of ‘Red Light’, this EP is something you’ll want to write home to your mother about, telling her you’ve found ‘The One’. (Or ‘The One this week’ anyway, we don’t know how much of a clinger you are - your mum might just roll her eyes…) Bandcamp (releases September 8, 2017) here, Facebook here.

'Ctrl-Alt-Delete' is the first track on the new 'Seven Year Glitch' EP. The other three tracks are (to quote Helen Culver) also "alternative pop songs." I would just add, creative, hook laden & imaginative to her description.  

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Twin Seas - The Rural Alberta Advantage - Triggerfinger - Bermuda Angels - Nathan Xander - Úlfur

Twin Seas - Alpha Pup.

Background - On Friday, September 29th, LA Dream-pop newcomers -- Twin Seas -- will release their highly anticipated debut self-titled LP.  Following in the footsteps of fellow East-LA creatives, Chicano Batman, Twin Seas has built a strong following in the SoCal area, playing to energetic, dancing crowds!

Out of the East LA creative hotbed, Twin Seas was born. Inspired by 80s new wave, 60s psychedelia -- and of course, their own Latin roots -- Twin Seas creates a fresh soundscape that leads the listener on a voyage of warm tones and sun-kissed melodies. 

After forming in 2016, Twin Seas have made a name for themselves in the LA indie rock scene, playing to excited and loyal audiences all over the SoCal area. The crowd can't help but dance when the band breaks into favorites such as "Surf Wave", "Machine Gun", and "Alpha Pup." In a short time, the band has perfected the art of live performance. 

Twin Seas completed their self-titled record earlier this year at their home studio at La Mina, in the neighborhood of City Terrace. For this debut, they recruited the help of vocalist Chrisol and the rhythm section from Chicano Batman who are both featured on the record. The band's distinct sound, dubbed "New Wave-Dream Pop", is sure to provide the quintessential soundtrack for a summer day. Website here, Facebook here.

There is a feisty start to 'Alpha Pup' where the music quickly builds into a vibrant sound. It's just right for the vocals & some brief atmospheric background harmonies. The band really do have something of a unique sound with this song, lets hope they carry on with the style on the album.

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The Rural Alberta Advantage - Brother.

Background - The Rural Alberta Advantage, Nils Edenloff, Paul Banwatt and Robin Hatch, will release their new studio album The Wild on October 13th on Paper Bag Records in Canada, United Kingdom and Europe. Watch the Anne Douris-directed video for new single "Brother" here. Stream "Brother" here. Pre-order The Wild on limited-edition frosted vinyl here.

"Some people might hear the song as something bleak or overly dark, but I don't really see it that way," says Edenloff about "Brother". "In my mind, it's always been more about finding comfort in change, trying to embrace the idea of an unknown outcome and how those can often bring about the most positive result that you never knew was there."

The Rural Alberta Advantage have also announced North American tour dates which will see the band joined by Vancouver's Yukon Blonde for two months beginning October 20th. Canadian dates include stops in Halifax, Ottawa, Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto.

The RAA have already released two songs from The Wild -- "White Lights" and "Beacon Hill," which was inspired by the wildfires that ravaged Edenloff's hometown of Fort McMurray, AB last year. Tour details are available over on Beehive Candy's tour news page, Facebook here.

The Rural Alberta Advantage have always impressed me with their fabulous music. 'Brother' is a reminder of just how powerful & emotionally charged they can be, this is one stomping and addictive song, the album can't come quick enough!


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Triggerfinger - Colossus.

Background - New Triggerfinger album and video 'Colossus' - Colossus which includes the strutting single 'Flesh Tight' and the relentless fast-forward bassline driven 'Colossus'- offers killer guitar riffs, breezy melodies & festive glam rock, all in a mind-bending production by Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake, turning this album in a wild ride on a merry-go-round in Disneyland after dark. Matt Newman from Mount Emult made a crazy video to go with this track.

The Antwerp, Belgium based trio (Ruben Block, vocals & guitar; Paul Van Bruystegem, bass; Mario Goossens, drums) have built a solid reputation across Europe, the US and Canada as one of the hardest-driving and sharpest dressing bands around. With their self- titled debut album (2004), What Grabs Ya (2008), All This Dancing Around (2010) and By Absence of the Sun (2014) they’ve become a mainstay on the rock scene (the last two going platinum and gold, respectively). Their impromptu cover of the Lykke Li song I Follow Rivers became a major hit across Europe in 2012, and they were invited to open for The Rolling Stones in 2013 and 2014.

After four studio albums and the massive touring that came with it, it was time for a change. While writing Colossus Triggerfinger wanted to add a few new flavors to the mix. The band set off on a 40 date tour across 15 European countries with a first gig on Oct. 4 at Brighton's 'Hope & Ruin', and stops in Paris, London, Berlin, Warzaw, Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, Prague, Copenhagen,Oslo, Amsterdam, Brussels and Luxembourg. Website here, Facebook here.

'Colossus' blasts into action, the band are thumping out some potent riffs, whilst the vocals are almost manic in nature. Whilst I would urge you to spare a thought for your neighbours, in Spinal Tap terms, this really should be turned up to eleven when played.

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Bermuda Angels - On the Run.

Background - Bermuda Angels have shared their new video "On The Run." The track is from their forthcoming debut self-titled album, which is out September 29th. "The video and song is about being in love with Bermuda Jones," the band's Sophie Kadow explains, "in love for the first time when you didn’t think real love existed.  It’s about being intimidated for the first time and losing yourself in the vulnerability." 

Bermuda Angels are Bermuda Jones and Sophie Kadow. They fell in love and wrote an album together while living in the secret room of a music venue. Sophie spends most of her time in CA making songs and videos with Bermuda. The rest of her time is spent painting in NY, where she’s from. Bermuda Jones owns The East Room, a music venue in East Nashville. He primarily lives on his desert ranch in 29 Palms, CA where he works on music with Sophie and his other writing projects.

The recording process of the new album involved an imbalance of work, art, and love.  Creating and fighting through constant chaos, moving from place to place, recording in multiple makeshift studios in 1 music venue, 1 taxidermy/oddities shop, 2 basements, 1 garage, 1 cabin, 1 adobe, and 2 houses- spanning 5 different states (CA, NY, TN, WV, ME.) 

 “The album was partly inspired by our surroundings and landscapes.," explains Bermuda "We explored the extremes of the weather spectrum in the US and spent a winter in Maine on Mount Desert Island surrounded by snow and windstorms and freezing cold, working on our sound.  A few months later, we spent our summer in an adobe in the desert in Joshua Tree, CA in incredible heat, working on our sound some more.  You could literally fry an egg on a rock outside.

We were also inspired by the excitement and turmoil of forming our relationship and planning our future together.  This seeped into the songs and overflowed throughout the album.  Developing our trust was important throughout the process and it comes in many forms.  Do I trust the other to follow through, to be honest to themselves and to me, to be faithful, to try his or her hardest, to create good music, to be understanding, to improve, to give support, and most importantly, to keep coming back. “ All songs on the album were written and recorded by Bermuda Jones and Sophie Kadow. The album was produced, engineered, and mixed by Bermuda Jones.​ Website here.

Rhythmic synths and sensual vocals give 'On The Run' an individual sound and an air of mystery. The video only adds to the feeling, on what is a very addictive track.


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Nathan Xander - Over You, Over Me.

Background - Trailer Fire Records is pleased to let you know that the album Blue House, by Nathan Xander, is out now. New York City-based songwriter, Nathan Xander is a troubadour in the Texas sense, when he’s in Texas. Or in the California sense when he’s there. Or the Chicago sense, oh, OK. You get it. The man writes like he travels: well and often. 

He’s as familiar with Brooklyn as his hometown of Union City, PA, Gillian Welch as with X. Nathan’s new collection of songs, recorded in a big blue barn in Upstate New York, is his best work to date, and we at Trailer Fire Records are thrilled to share it with you.

Blue House represents the work of a writer in the prime of his craft. Nathan’s years of touring, with their joyful wildness and melancholy, come through in these songs. “Over You, Over Me” evokes that duality, while songs like “Shadows” growl and pulse with the frivolous energy of an artist who likes to break things. 

“Pennsylvania” is as anthemic a song as ought to be written, a wholehearted Mellencamp-esque thumper about home, while “I Remember You Now” is a psychedelic memory in homage to friends Xander has met along his traveler’s way. Each song here is evidence of experience, which Nathan has in spades. Website here, Facebook here.

'Over You, Over Me' is the third of twelve tracks on the new 'Blue House' album. It's quite representative of what to expect from this well crafted and professionally arranged collection of songs. Nathan's vocals lend themselves to this natural style of Americana folk, where hints of country rock are often there.

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Úlfur - Fovea.

Background - NYC-based Icelander Úlfur announces his stunning new album Arborescence through figureight records – a new label founded by musician mastermind Shahzad Ismaily –  in October 2017.

A unique talent, Úlfur (Luxembourg-born, Iceland-raised, NYC-residing Úlfur Hansson) is known as much for his genre-defying experiments with homemade instruments and electronics as he is for his work with prominent Icelandic trailblazers Jónsi (of Sigur Rós) and Ólöf Arnalds, and Sweden’s Anna Von Hauswolff. As a composer – a graduate of Mills College, California – Úlfur in 2013 received the prestigious Young Composer of the Year award from the International Rostrum of Composers, and has had works commissioned by The Icelandic Symphonic Orchestra, the Kronos Quartet and l’Orchestre de Radio France.

Arborescence, his brave and immersive newest LP, navigates a trail between these many worlds. Its pieces are long form and dreamily (un-)structured, made up of soundscapes, electro-acoustic processing, vocals, synthesizers, electronic production, all framed by intricate, cinematic string arrangements (performed by label-mate and múm co-founder Gyda Valtysdottir) and cataclysmic explosions of noise (provided in part by the transcendent and superlative drumming of black metal hero Greg Fox). The record alternately traverses moments of stillness and vulnerability and moments of violence, covering all the ground between as it travels.

“The title is derived from that type of movement,” Úlfur writes. “Arborescence – the phenomenon of branching out, following the path of least resistance, growing from a seed, or a bolt of lightning as it rips through the sky, connecting different outcomes, possibilities to a single point of origin.”

Arborescence was produced by Randall Dunn (SUNN O))), Earth, Marissa Nadler, etc.), and also features the wonderful musicianship of Skúli Sverrisson (Blonde Redhead, David Sylvian, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Laurie Anderson, Ólöf Arnalds) and Zeena Parkins (Björk, Jim O’Rourke, Pauline Oliveros, Fred Frith, John Zorn). Website here.

'Fovea' comes with a #experimental over on Soundcloud, something that leaves me hopeful, but all to often disappointed. Not so with this song, the musical arrangement is delightfully unique, whilst being quite assessable, the vocals are dreamy and immerse themselves in the soundtrack. Original & enjoyable, the new album is firmly on my radar.

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We Used to Make Things - The Luxembourg Signal - Frida Sundemo - Trupa Trupa - Sophia Marshall - Pale Honey - KLARA

We Used to Make Things - Yes Man (no no no).

Background - We Used To Make Things are an East London based band, the product of a fusion of influences as diverse as ELO and The Beatles, taking in Indie Rock, Punk and Horns along the way to create an explosion of sound, perfectly exemplified by new single 'Yes Man'.

The song is a about embracing the powerlessness inherent in our modern lives before a chaotic and angry eruption of sound rallies us with a battle cry against apathy, a catchy earworm of dissatisfaction.

The band chose a name to hint at their disillusionment with post-industrial Britain but also more personally about a danger that accompanies adulthood, that of losing the ability to play, make mistakes, be creative and ultimately, make things.

The songs on their album are shaped by warm, witty lyrics about dissatisfaction, personal politics, open plan offices and the kind of characters Mike Leigh and Pinter would be proud of. It is in turn funny, poignant and angry, but also very good to dance to. Website here, Facebook here.

'Yes Man (no no no)' is a song with a message & a point to be made. It's also fabulously catchy with determined vocals and a rich musical arrangement, and the video adds just a little more focus on the message at hand.


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The Luxembourg Signal - Blue Field.

Background - Luxembourg Signal debut new single and title track from their new album. Shelflife presents the new album Blue Field from The Luxembourg Signal available October 13th on limited edition LP vinyl, CD and digital formats on Shelflife and Kleine Untergrund Schallplatten (for Europe).

With the release of their first single and debut album on Shelflife in 2014, The Luxembourg Signal quickly found a loyal following among fans of dream pop/indie pop music, and received enthusiastic reviews for their pop sensibilities, angelic vocals and lush soundscapes. Since the debut release, the band's lineup of Beth Arzy & Betsy Moyer (vocals), Johnny Joyner (guitars), Brian Espinosa (drums) and Ginny Pitchford (keyboards) has been expanded with the addition of Kelly Davis (guitars) and Daniel Kumiega (bass).

The seven-piece played a handful of shows in the UK and Europe in the summer of 2015 to promote their debut album, including a Sunday evening performance at Indietracks that many cited as one of the highlights of the weekend. 2015 also saw the release of a split 7" single with Soft Science (Test Pattern Records), which featured a remix of Dying Star by Robert Hampson (Loop/Main).

For their follow-up LP, Blue Field, The Luxembourg Signal returned to the studio with engineer Mark Rains and produced an album that reveals a bolder, more developed sound with a darker undertone. The album's first single "Laura Palmer," released on 7" in June, earned immediate admiration from fans across the globe. The new LP also features special guest vocals from Bobby Wratten (Field Mice, Trembling Blue Stars) on the reflective track "Fall Feeling."Website here, Facebook here.

We featured Luxembourg Signal back in May & are pleased to be able to share the new single (& album title track) 'Blue Field'. Smooth, melodic and pretty dreamy, this is a fabulous indie song, leaving me eager to hear the album.

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Frida Sundemo - Gold.

Background - Swedish songstress Frida Sundemo has released her brand new single ‘Gold’ ahead of her highly anticipated international debut album Flashbacks & Futures, due on October 6th through leading Scandinavian record label Cosmos Music. 

‘Gold’ features glorious dewy production and evocative orchestration delivering a stunning soundscape surrounding Frida’s enchanting vocals.

Regarding the single Frida says, ‘”Gold’ is about being brave and embracing the beauty of life. It’s about having the courage to risk something that’s ”alright” for the chances of getting something you really dream about.”

‘Gold’ follows the release of previous highly acclaimed singles ‘We Are Dreamers’, ‘It’s OK’ and ‘Keep An Eye On Me’, all taken from Flashbacks & Futures. Frida Sundemo has created a debut of otherworldly beauty and one that is set to meet the expectations for one of the most highly anticipated albums to be coming out of Scandinavia this year. Website here, Facebook here.

The soundtrack is beautiful enough to be released on it's own, however without doubt it is Frida Sundemo's vocals that make this such a wonderful track. Indeed this is one beguiling song!

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Trupa Trupa - To Me.

Background - Gdansk, Poland post-punk-psych band Trupa Trupa announce their third LP Jolly New Songs. Today, they release the first single "To Me" via The Quietus, who writes, "Entitled Jolly New Songs, the album sees the band gunning for an overtly more triumphant tone than previous offerings. "To Me" was inspired by the poetry and legacy of poet Walt Whitman. BBC Radio is currently spinning the track as well. "To Me" gives a good taste of what to expect off the full record.

Nothing hurts harder than a surprise ending, and the title track of this album has a real face-slap of one. One minute you’re in bliss, carried away in a crescendo of spine-tingling post-rock guitars and soft, wordless oohs, the next you’re through - the song’s out the door, down the street, pulling away from the curb and into a new life. The overall tone of Jolly New Song is so anthemic and - for this band - uncharacteristically triumphant, only makes having the rug pulled out from under you like this seem so much more cruel, so much more funny. Perhaps the harder the fall is, the more you have to laugh.

Trupa Trupa are sodden in a particularly cryptic kind of gallows humour. This isn’t just down to some glitch in translation - it could be in part due to the band’s art-rock origins and because their singer and guitarist, Grzegorz Kwiatkowski is an award-winning poet in Poland (incidentally, Trupa Trupa themselves have been shortlisted for the Polish equivalent of the Mercury Music Prize). The band’s name in English roughly translates to Corpse Corpse, which sounds like the punchline to some inscrutable gothic joke. You can dance to this album - check out the to-die-for funk groove that propels the Can-like "Falling." You can trip out to it - check out the psychedelic meltdown that mutates the Wurlitzer fairground music of "Only Good Weather" into something dark and psyche-scarring.

Jolly New Songs comes heavily anticipated after their 2015 full length Headache that was released to raves from The Quietus, KEXP, and LA Times. The record will be released via Ici d'ailleurs (Yann Tiersen, Matt Elliott/The Third Eye Foundation, Stefan Wesołowski), and Blue Tapes and X-Ray Records (Jute Gyte, Tashi Dorji, Mats Gustafsson, Katie Gately) with american distribution via Forced Exposure. Jolly New Songs was recorded at Dickie Dreams studio in Gdansk, Poland, and produced by Michał Kupicz (recording, mixing and mastering). It is scheduled to release October 27, 2017. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

Described as a post punk psych band, Trupa Trupa are certainly living up to that description with 'To Me' perhaps with the psych element most notable around the vocals. Powerful & engaging this is my introduction to the band & it's an impressive one.


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Sophia Marshall - Bye Bye.

Background - Sophia Marshall announces debut album 'Bye Bye' out October 6th. Sophia Marshall burst onto the UK Americana scene as one-half of highly acclaimed band The HaveNots (Cooking Vinyl Records), earning praise alongside as an accomplished singer-songwriter within the alt-country music scene.

Having played hundreds of gigs across three continents from the tiniest dives to the grandest theatres, she’s delighted audiences at prestigious festivals like Summer Sundae in the UK and South by South West (SXSW) in the USA with her spellbinding voice and songs.

Highlights include performing Emmylou’s parts at a Gram Parson’s tribute alongside Evan Dando, (and earning the praise of Gram’s daughter Polly) and touring the land sharing stages with some of Americana finest, such as the Be Good Tanya’s, The Sadies and Tift Merrit.  More recently, Sophia joined Frazey Ford on her UK tour, as both the opening act and providing backing vocals for Frazey.

She conjures a sultry sound on her debut album ‘Bye Bye’ that keeps its roots in Americana yet harks back to elements of 90s trip hop. The album closes with an acapella sea shanty that draws a line of influence around the world from British folk to African choirs to the spirituals of the Deep South.

The clever and subtle arrangements, make full use of her intuitive harmony but also incorporate fractured electronics and loops. Her songs take unexpected twists and turns, throwing up unusual chords and timings and marking her out with an originality and quirkiness often missing in UK Americana. With 'Bye Bye' Sophia Marshall sets out her stall as a British songwriter to be reckoned with. Website here, Facebook here.

Distinctly pleasing vocals that are just naturally disposed to Americana are surrounded by a vibrant modern country musical arrangement on 'Bye Bye'. Full of hooks, top notch musicianship and plenty of passion Sophie Marshall will be pleasing a whole lot of people with her October album release.

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Pale Honey - Get These Things Out Of My Head.

Background - Two years have passed since Gothenburg-based band Pale Honey (Tuva Lodmark and Nelly Daltrey) released their critically acclaimed, self titled debut album. This year the band will release their second full length album Devotion, a record of real honest and maturity. 

It is no doubt that Devotion was named thematically. Written and recorded together with producer Anders Lagerfors at the legendary Nacksving Studios in Gothenburg, the album offers a snapshot into the changing shape of Pale Honey. Though their sound may be maturing and growing more ambitious, for this album they returned to the process that served them so well as songwriters while they penned their debut. They say the number one motivation was to stay curious about music and try new things; “We didn’t record our debut album knowing what we were doing - we were new to our instruments at that time, and so writing for Devotion was a bit like that. We’ve recorded ideas on instruments we don’t usually play.”

The band have also sought to make Devotion more of a curated experience to its predecessor; “Our debut album included songs that we wrote as teenagers and settled for anything that sounded good. For Devotion, we became extremely picky and left out a lot of songs that are good, but just didn’t fit in together or didn’t feel good enough. It has taken it’s time, two years of touring and writing but we’ve also had some time apart to be able to let ideas come in more environments than in the rehearsal room or studio. As we have pushed ourselves, we have become more confident in what we’re doing and what we like and don’t regarding our music.”

What shines through about Devotion, thematically, is its dealing with relationships on their many different levels, all the way down to the relationship with one’s self. In this way they’ve said the album has been quite therapeutic, and nowhere else on the album is this clearer than on the single track Get These Things Out of My Head. Amongst a swath of distorted guitars and menacing synths are lyrics that deal with singer / guitarist Tuva Lodmark’s Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, something she has suffered with since her teenage years; “For me, this is very personal to talk about. I even wanted to change the lyrics for the song to be about something else before we recorded the vocals, I was so afraid of what other people would know about me. But after I gave it some thought, why would I censor myself that way? We make music because it’s true. We write to deal with ourselves and things that happen around us. This condition I’ve been in is a big part of me and I want to be true to myself and shed some light on the disease. It’s more common than people think.” Over ten tracks, Devotion proves itself to be a deeply personal album to really get lost in. Facebook here.

'Get These Things Out Of My Head' is one of those songs that skips around rock genres with ease. Hints of punk meet alt rock, or is it new wave, by the time Iv'e tried to place the genre they have moved on again. It's a lot easier just to say the track is full of hooks, natural passion & vibrant energy.

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KLARA 'These Woods (Human Made).

Background - London-based Swedish singer-songwriter KLARA has announced the release of her new single These Woods. KLARA self-released her debut Playgroundhouse EP earlier this year, garnering support from the likes of Nordic Playlist, Apple Music 'Best Of The Week' and Spotify 'Fresh Finds:Hiptronix' playlists amongst others. 

Since meeting Justin Vernon of Bon Iver at Glastonbury and being invited over to spend time with him and his musical cohorts at Eaux Claires Festival in Wisconsin in 2015 and 2016, KLARA returned inspired and with a clear vision for her own music. With Bon Iver providing a creative influence, KLARA’s own love for the church-like reverb of bands such as Daughter, the powerful female folk harmonies of First Aid Kit and the bold yet sparse power of the likes of London Grammar have shaped her sound.

In June, KLARA entered Peter Gabriel’s legendary Real World Studios to record These Woods, also produced by KLARA. The beautiful and tranquil setting of Real World provided the perfect ambience for creating a track that is an epic soundscape of luscious strings, heart-wrenching French horns and pounding rhythms, underpinning the emotive piano and beautiful vocals. The recording features an impressive set of musicians including the QStrings and session musicians who regularly perform with the likes of George Ezra, Lianne La Havas and Ella Eyre. The track will also feature on the new Volvo advert which will run throughout September and October. KLARA says; “I wanted to write about my love of being amidst nature – some of my best childhood memories are from being surrounded by forests and lakes in Sweden and I think these early memories shape us as people. Recording at Real World Studios so close to nature was fantastic – I could feel myself connecting more with my lyrics when I was looking out on the water from the vocal booth.”

KLARA has shared stages with the likes of Lucy Rose, Fenne Lily and Clare Maguire across the UK and in September, she will undertake a special live performance of These Woods at the iconic Festival No. 6 in Portmeirion. KLARA has been hand-picked by the festival’s composer-in-residence, Joe Duddell, to perform a unique set with his No. 6 Ensemble, playing new musical arrangements of her songs, including These Woods, especially written for this performance. KLARA is currently working on her debut album which will be announced soon. Facebook here.

A gentle & understated piano opens 'These Woods (Human Made)' followed quickly by some beautiful vocals & harmonies. As the soundtrack adds additional layers, the power gently rises, adding to the emotional feel of an enchanting song.

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A Million Machines - OxenFree - Year of October

A Million Machines - Come Tonight.

Background - LA-based synth pop outfit A Million Machines have announced they will release their first full-length self-titled record in November 2017, preceded by the single ‘Come Tonight’. Featuring 11 tracks, this album is a synth pop kaleidoscope, densely layered in clean, modular synthesizers and a heavy melodic aesthetic between light and darkness. 

‘Come Tonight’ is a pulsating electronic burner that echoes Depeche Mode in its technical attack of modular synths, coupled with passionate male vocals. "This song encourages an awakening to the state of the world. An awakening to prejudice, corruption and human rights. An awakening to a revolution," says vocalist Fate Fatal. 

The entire debut album is, in essence, a blast of heart-thumping beats, stomping propulsion and intoxicating melodies. Fatal injects his gloomy obsessions with an ultra melodic harmony, abetted by MIG, a conscientious technician with an understanding of the inner workings of modular technology and exploring the abyss of self-made modular circuitry. 

Recording at their own studio in Los Angeles, A Million Machines use modular synths to make some of the most human sounds around. Based in Silver Lake, California, A Million Machines is a duo comprised of producer/multi-instrumentalist MIG (The New Room) and vocalist Fate Fatal (The Deep Eynde, Kittens for Christians). They formed in 2014 when MIG and Fate were separately called into an audition with an upcoming LA underground band and, while waiting, dived into discussion about their passion for electronic music.

The result is output that is rooted in raw analog synths and punchy vocals, using low-res electronic noise and pop hooks. After being showcased on local college radio stations, including LA’s KXLU, A Million Machines’ sound quickly progressed to incorporate various areas of electronic music; electroclash, shoegazing, electropunk and electropop. Website here, Facebook here.

Right from the opening moments, some rhythmic synths and lo-fi vocals ensure ‘Come Tonight’ has plenty of atmosphere. Add in a layer or two more of vibrant synths and energise the vocals and we arrive with a notable & already very noticed tune. It's the last of eleven tracks on the forthcoming album, & judging by the interest so far, it would appear mighty likely, that a large number of music lovers, are about to add another superb album to their collection.

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OxenFree - Caterpillar.

Background -  “Caterpillar” is the excellent second single from OxenFree’s upcoming Another Land EP, which will be coming out through Sneaky Bear Records on October 13th.

The video was directed by Diane Russo and stars the talented kickboxers Venus Providence Smith, Stoney Morales and Mariana Firestone defining their home. While it might appear to be a a violent home on the surface, it's also filled with happiness and love for self and each other. Doyle felt that that dichotomy is reflective of the world we live in, and represented the song’s core themes.

OxenFree’s new EP Another Land was recorded with producer Andrija Tokic in his Nashville studio, whose other credits include Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Benjamin Booker and Clear Plastic Masks. The band credits Andrija with harnessing the vitality of the record, and bringing a sense of experimentation to the band, pulling the right gear from his stacks of organs and amps to get the live sound right in the room. The result on Another Land rears whirling organs, vocals playing in delay, fuzzy guitar leads, and a punchy rhythm section.

Jeff Doyle, the front man and primary songwriter was born in DC and reared in Virginia. Living in Charlottesville, he recorded his first EP with Mike Bishop of GWAR (the original Beefcake the Mighty and current Blothar), before moving to New York and starting OxenFree. He resurrected two of those songs when he moved to Brooklyn and recruited Christopher Burns (drums, Sydney), Sam Ghitelman (guitar, New York), Sean Padden (bass, New York), and Emilie Soffe (vocals and keys, Alabama) to round out the band. Jeff, Christopher and Sam grew up playing punk music at house shows, while Emilie grew up in the theatre (she recently co-created and appeared in the acclaimed play Ski End). Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

With feedback & reverb 'Caterpillar' unfolds into a feisty and expansive rocker, where the vocals dominate above a decidedly robust musical arrangement. The harmonies add another layer of beautifully emotive sounds, and the rhythm changes just add more.


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Year of October - Come & Get It.

Background - Year of October just unveiled their lead-single “Come & Get It”, from the impending 3rd studio LP Trouble Comes, out in October. Following the release of their critically acclaimed 2nd album Golden Days, Year of October built up a loyal fan-base, and received raving media attention from a number of outlets.

Formed at University of Kentucky in 2010, Year of October is the passion-project of Phlecia and Josh Sullivan. Mixing their diverse influences of Led Zeppelin and The Beatles for Josh, and Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald for Phlecia, Year of October stands out for their clawing Nashville-rock edge, and soulful, swirling vocals. 

Previously, the band has released debut LP Stories and sophomore album Golden Days. Year of October has played over 250 shows across the South, and has built up a devoted community of fans with their cohesive and genre-elusive style. Website here, Facebook here.

'Come & Get It' is a bluesy rocker, where passion infused vocals are equally matched by some fabulous & timeless rock riffs.


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Pageants - Whitney Rose - Oddnesse

Pageants - Chai (חַי‎).

Background - Pageants' (members of Avi Buffalo, Cherry Glazzer & Best Coast) first single "Chai ( חַי)" has just been released. This teases their upcoming album 'Forever' which will be dropping November 3rd.

Pageants was formed by Rebecca Coleman in the aftermath of leaving Avi Buffalo (Sub Pop) in 2010, a band in which she was a founding member at the age of sixteen. Frustrated with clashing personalities and differences in musical sensibility, she, along with two other Avi Buffalo defectors, set out to revive the simplicity and spirit of earlier days. Diaristic yet dreamy and abstract in nature, her songs merge pop levity with melancholic lyrical undercurrents. 

Collaborating with boyfriend Devin O’Brien to flush out demos, their debut LP, ‘Forever’ was close to completion in 2015. When label interest around the album hit a wall, the band decided to hold off on finishing the record while pursuing other opportunities. 

Coleman continued to write, O’Brien focused on engineering and producing, while also being picked up by Cherry Glazerr (Secretly Canadian) to tour as their bassist and drummer Dylan Wood went on to play with Best Coast (Harvest). Inspired by fresh material and perspectives, Pageants decided to finish ‘Forever’ earlier this year and will be releasing their debut album via Eye•Dull Records. Website here.

'Chai (חַי‎)' is a gorgeous dream pop song with hints of indie rock. An attractive & emotional vibe runs throughout the song, giving it that play again feel, very impressive.

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Whitney Rose - Can't Stop Shakin'.

Background - Six months ago, Rose was primed to release South Texas Suite, a countrypolitan valentine to Austin, Texas. Days before the EP hit the streets and Rose kicked off a 4-month worldwide tour, the burgeoning songwriting force (and ‘country hair’ disciple) packed her boots for Nashville, where she entered BlackBird Studio A to reconvene with The Mavericks’ Raul Malo. In one short week, Rose, Malo and co-producer Niko Bolas channelled the tumult, turbulence and tension outside of the studio into Rose’s sophomore worldwide release, which includes nine self-penned songs. Playful yet uncompromising, Whitney Rose reminds us of popular music’s rich history of strong female voices and perspectives, and on Rule 62, Whitney Rose channels her inner Nancy Sinatra, Bobbie Gentry and Françoise Hardy.

Rule 62 finds Rose “breaking up with patriarchy”; a break-up evidenced by new songs that show verve, swagger and self-assurance in Rose’s instinctive sense of tone, broadened scope and attention to detail.  Rule 62’s ‘break up’ theme can be felt in songs like “Arizona” and “Time To Cry,” two fiery, merciless tunes that show Rose at the end of her rope with the manipulation and discrimination of women in the music business and beyond.

First single, “Can’t Stop Shakin’” was originally written as an anti-anxiety treatment in Memphis soul dance party form; however, recorded against an ominous political backdrop, the song now reverberates with an undercurrent of uncertainty and anger that reframes the self-calming shimmy as an act of protest.

Rule 62 is Rose’s second release of 2017, and sees the songwriter’s increased output matched by increased distinction. With so much touring now under the tires throughout North America, Europe and the UK, it’s no surprise that Rose’s best work yet often explores her journey woman’s experience. A move from her native Canada for a two month residency in Austin’s famed Americana bastion, the Continental Club, Rose describes as ‘lighting a fire in her’ and she felt compelled to stay. Smitten with Texas and the two-step dance culture, Rose found herself writing non-stop leading to the creation of both the self-produced EP South Texas Suite and Rule 62. Website here.

'Can't Stop Shakin' typifies the 'Rule 62' album, a collection of eleven modern country songs, that sometimes expand into other genres, broadening the appeal for this fine album. Centre to all of this are Whitney Rose's vocals, both melodic and interpretive, they have an impressive interchange with the musical arrangements, in fact the overall production of this album really does help all the key ingredients stand out.


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Oddnesse - Are You Down.

Background - The project began as a studio collaboration between musician Rebeca Arango and producer Grey Goon. The two east-coast expats had arrived independently in Los Angeles plagued by ghosts of old bands, with many gigs at the Cake Shop under their belts and expensive degrees in music on their linked-ins. 

They both shared a vision for infectious beautiful music with a dark, heavy groove and as friends occasionally dropped by the studio with contributions, Oddnesse was born. 

“I call this my “Pina Colada” song (in reference to the Rupert Holmes ditty). It’s a very confident and laid-back anticipation of my next lover, where I’m getting specific about calling in someone who can match my energy and approach to life. The question of going “slow” isn’t about romantic pacing per se (though that is important), it’s more about generally moving slow, never rushing to pack in too much all at once or getting anxious about “missing out,”  and preferring to sink in and explore the depths of all things.” - Rebeca Arango Website here, Facebook here.

Our third feature for Oddnesse this year, this time we have the new track 'Are You Down'. Consistently imaginative, Oddnesse up the stakes with each song they release, the ability to sound both powerful and yet uncomplicated is increasingly becoming a hallmark of their dreamy and passionate music.

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Desert Mountain Tribe - Michael Malarkey

Desert  Mountain Tribe - Interstellar.

Background - London based alternative/indie rock trio Desert Mountain Tribe are releasing the song ‘Interstellar’ from their 2016 debut album ‘Either That Or The Moon’ as a new single. It coincides with the band’s appearance at Manchester Psych Fest 2017 on 2nd September.
    
Edited from its original nine minute duration to just under five, the BVB Version of this epic track also boasts a superb video directed by Daniel Turner of Sound & Colour.

Turner explains the extraordinary camera method employed on the promo clip as follows : “It is effectively made to look like one single shot - going from wide to super close up, with the band rotating on a stage, speeding up and slowing down in a sort of ‘Matrix’ effect, with lights flashing and streaking in sync with the music. Together with my Director of Photography, I have developed a way to use multiple cameras to make a super-huge frame that we can zoom in and out of, and a way to time all the effects to the music.”

‘Interstellar’ follows a pair of digital EP’s, ‘If You Don’t Know Can You Don’t Know Köln’ and ‘Live At St. Pancras Old Church’, plus the single ‘Enos In Space (Top Of The World)’, which was mixed by Youth. The band have also spent much of 2017 on the road, including an extensive spring tour of North America and summer festivals in mainland Europe. 

Formed in 2012, Desert Mountain Tribe released their debut album ‘Either That Or The Moon’ in the spring of 2016 to positive reviews from UK publications such as Shindig, Classic Rock, Louder Than War, Drowned In Sound and The Arts Desk. The album achieved heavy rotation at US college radio, while their latest single has received support across BBC 6 Music. Facebook here.

Powerful and expansive ‘Interstellar’ teases the listener on first listen, with it's beautiful refrains and moments of high energy. In between this, there are some superb vocals and the wonderfully epic guitar solo's, just add to the bands sense of drama.


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Michael Malarkey - Uncomfortably Numb.

Background - Vampire Diaries actor Michael Malarkey’s has just dropped a new single called Uncomfortably Numb, written about the overbearing expectations placed on an artist thrust into the spotlight, it’s pretty fitting to the man behind the music.

Michael is about to release his debut album called Mongrels this September followed but a full set of EU/UK Tour dates booked in (below). Described as “folktronica” by Metro, the new record is a modern mash up of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds with Tom Waits.

Quote from Michael: It is about disconnectedness to this society but being forced to participate in it anyway, the contrast in the music and the lyrics reflects the unpredictability of mood swings and depression, the subconscious games we play with ourselves, how we react to that feeling of flight or fight when neither are appropriate, the love/hate relationship with addiction. 

Whatever crutches people turn to out of desperation or habit when walking through this world becomes tiresome - and the sometimes overbearing expectations placed on the reclusive artist thrust into the spotlight and forced to deal with the unquenchable thirst of the public. All of which magnifies the internal battle of lightness and darkness, the animal vs the man, the reclusive artist vs the public performer. It’s a fight song for the soul. This struggle is one of the main themes of the record. What does it take to be man? Is that even the right question? Facebook here.

Second song this month from Michael Malarkey this time with 'Uncomfortably Numb'. We stated last time that "The album comprises a fine mixture of material, occasionally dark in nature (but only occasionally), the refined melodies and desirable feel of each song, makes for a rich and pleasing listen. This deserves to be heard not because of The Vampire Diaries, but because it is a very affecting album". This song I hope endorses our opinion, enjoy!

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Giant Flying Turtles - The Mining Co. - Julia P. - Anna Coogan

Giant Flying Turtles - Waltz To The World (4 song selection).

Background - With a sound about as unique as their name, Giant Flying Turtles are carving a place for themselves in, and beyond, the thriving Brooklyn, New York indie music scene. Their genre bending music has no bounds, inspired by rock, folk, jazz, bluegrass, and blues this high energy jam trio will blow you away. They have the uncanny ability to capture audiences small and large, young and old.

Johnny and Calvin met while playing in Kreisor on Teepee Records. They soon found they had a lot in common and started playing as a duo in bars around Brooklyn. It was then that this Maryland Jazz cat and Kansas born Dead Head came to be the musical force they are today. Soon they met drummer Jim Toscano and the chemistry between the three was obvious. In 2016, virtuoso guitarist TJ Jordan joined the group making the sound complete.

Their song Raven Hair is featured in the festival favourite One Wall – Kings of Coney Island. Their song Keep My Dream Alive is the theme of the film Shining In The Dark which was nominated in The Moscow International Film Festival, and they were invited to perform it there. Giant Flying Turtles are staunch advocates of music played well, from the heart, and their passionate performances are garnering them a consistently growing fan base in and around the east coast and beyond. Website here, Facebook here.

Here we have the first four of the eleven tracks that make up the very fine 'Waltz To The World' album. The band have something pretty special going on here, there is a consistent level of energy and imagination centred around an overall band sound, however their skill in switching genres or just mixing them up in one song, makes for some fabulous variety. As a tease I would also add that the seven other songs are equal to, or even better than those shared here!

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The Mining Co. - Mountain Fires.

Background - The Mining Co.’s debut album ‘Burning Sun and The Atomic Powers Within’ released in 2016 was an intriguing collection of downbeat Americana and alt-folk tracks which signalled the arrival of a new artist to challenge the current status quo of artists in those genres. Gaining attention from the likes of The Guardian, Gigslutz and Amazing Radio and key taste makers germinating what now is a band that are set to prove themselves.

The Mining Co.’s sophomore album ‘Mountain Fires’ should do just this with principal member Michael Gallagher returning to the studio in Spain in which their debut was recorded to fully hone his craft with songs that were creatively spurred on by the processes involved in the release of the first album. It’s an album that looks back to a different time, a time of total freedom, a wild childhood, long days and nights spent listening to radio stations like Radio Luxembourg, before the internet and before mobile phone communication and the start of a love for music: Elvis, Springsteen, New Wave: the soundtrack to love - come, gone and missed - a celebration to the past that still shines brightly.

From the minimal opening of ‘Julie’s Song’, Gallagher’s voice sounds deeper and more refined echoing in a distinct reverb and comforting with its angst and melancholy and the production seems polished and spacious. ‘Closer’ rattles with piano and retro organ with a darkness, Gallagher’s voice cracking from its deadpan style occasionally and reaching high notes offering an accomplished sound that yearns in histories coffee stained pages and sepia photographs and London’s grey streets and empty rooms and bars, recalling Nick Cave and Tom Waits perhaps with its darkness.

Stand out track ‘Against The Grain’, is just what Gallagher is. A maverick music obsessive who is heading backwards and forwards at the same time, perfectly crafting his tracks in 2017 with a caution and care like the best 50’s and 60’s singers. He laments that he is ‘always against the grain’ as the track escalates with gorgeous strings and glockenspiel and shuffling drums. ‘Valentine To Write’ is another highlight with its instant upbeat moods and sweeping organ as Gallagher ponders on another ‘valentine to write to’ and that he can’t believe another year has passed him by. It’s a daydream of a song that deals with lost time and dreams and indecisiveness in love.

It’s a superb collection of tracks that are rooted enough in traditions to be engaging but with enough quirk and eccentricities to find a place above the rest of Americana and folk’s recent bands and to cherish for years to come and to warrant continued listening. Gallagher is laid plain in some lyrics alongside other lyrics left veiled in metaphor and profundities. The Mining Co. are back with an album that should stand shoulder to shoulder with the best new alt-folk music around, so let yourself be taken on their gentle and psychedelic ride into glorious sounds. Facebook here.

If the vocals don't just grab you & refuse to let go, then surely the musical arrangement will dig it's hooks in on 'Mountain Fires'. The timeless vibe that pours from this track is sublime, so it's time personally to back track on last years material whilst anticipating whats soon to follow.

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Julia P. - Oleander Dreams.

Background - Julia P's jingle jangle sixties pop songs and her clear and unique voice have brought her international fame. New single Oleander Dreams is a sticky sweet and poppy song with the trademark casual West Coast sound and it's bursting with joy.

Oleander Dreams is the third single taken from her Summer EP. The previous singles did very well,  Big Beach was even featured in the Apple US Hot Tracks and landed on various Spotify Playlists. Both singles got picked up by radio stations from the US to New Zealand. 

Julia P. Hersheimer first got noticed in 1991 with her Twin Peaks Forever cassette. Thereafter many albums, EP's and projects followed. She shared the stage with Paul Weller, toured with dEUS and Daryll-Ann amongst other bands, was featured on the internationally acclaimed Eurosonic Noorderslag showcase festival, famous Dutch festivals Crossing Border and Lowlands, and on Dutch national TV.

Accompanied by backing band The Hengles, her international sound reminisces artists like Sharon van Etten and Courtney Barnett. Oleander Dreams is released on 1 September 2017. Website here.

It was only a few weeks back that we first featured Julia P. and the new song 'Oleander Dreams' really deserves a share as well. Unpretentious pop where the melody, vibrant music and delicious vocals and harmonies are all present & deliciously blended together.

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Anna Coogan - The Lonely Cry Of Space And Time.

Background - US singer-songwriter and former fisheries biologist, Anna Coogan, is excited to announce her return to the UK this October, following the release of her well received new record ‘The Lonely Cry of Space & Time’ in April. The live dates include a show at London’s Sound Lounge on Thursday October 19th.The album, a virtual two-person effort which features Willie B (Brian Wilson) on drums and Moog bass, combines Coogan’s three-octave soprano vocals, electric guitar soundscapes and pointed social commentary into a fierce cohesive piece which combines the personal and the political, in a musical hybrid of rock, country, pop and classical opera into a unique whole. Her new direction was born from her series of performances in her adopted hometown of Ithaca, NY, in which Anna and Willie B created live musical accompaniments
for vintage silent films.

Influenced by her classical opera training and her father’s protest albums by Phil Ochs andBob Dylan, The Lonely Cry Of Space &Time is a stylistic breakthrough for Anna. Call it operatic rock, a genre previously explored by the likes of Kate Bush, Jane Siberry, LeneLovich, Yoko Ono and Freddie Mercury, among others; there have been many attempts at rock opera in the past, but The Lonely Cry of Space & Time is something different.

A distinct stylistic change from her previous solo work (The Nocturnal Among Us, 2010; The Wasted Ocean, 2012; and Birth of the Stars, 2014); Coogan explains her shift from the acoustic Americana of her past to the jangly, electronic buzz of the new album could be described as her “Judas moment.”  As a guitarist, think of her rubbery, pneumatic, wah-wah sound like a combination of PJ Harvey, Courtney Barnett and her personal favourites, Bill Frisell and Marc Ribot.

A true independent, Anna releases her own albums and books her own tours, which have taken her all over the world, including international festivals like the Blue Ball in Lucerne, Switzerland, Maverick in Suffolk, UK, as well as the Glasgow Americana Festival and Celtic Connections in Scotland. She has also played extensively in Germany and the Netherlands, and toured as a member of the Johnny Dowd Band. Live dates are listed on Beehive Candy's tour news page, website here.

'The Lonely Cry Of Space And Time' is the third song we have featured by Anna Coogan this year. It's another powerful rock track where her vocals once again provide emotional commitment & drive the melody, whilst the music is straight down the line rock'n'roll.

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