Adam & Elvis - Modern Hitz / Thick Bob.
Background - The Reading (Berkshire, UK) band have performed their adventurous, singularly intense live shows on the same bill as Fat White Family, The Zombies and The Correspondents, and garnered resounding praise for their blistering debut single, ‘Hanging Tree’, taken from their first long-player, Through Snow and Small Talk, to be released on the band’s own DIY Freak Power label in the autumn of 2017. It’s an album fizzing with ideas and energy, capturing Adam & Elvis in all their irreverent, witty and experimental glory, the sound of a group that have come of age and are proving as hard to pigeonhole as they are to ignore. About ‘Modern Hitz’ We’ve all been there. Another Saturday night enduring identikit clubs, watery drinks and cheesy chart music in the vain hope of stumbling across a special someone. It’s a state of affairs that Adam & Elvis sum up with characteristically mischievous prose in ‘Modern Hitz’, inspired, as vocalist Patrick Malone explains, “by times I have crossed my fingers queueing for a club, hoping the music isn’t depressing and the company isn't awful”. At the heart of the song’s intoxicating blend of carnivalesque power pop, new-wave funk, silvery synth and quivering guitar stands a hooky chorus that candidly summarises Patrick’s nightlife desires: “Please can I have a kiss/What the hell do you think I’m dancing for?”
About ‘Thick Bob’ Inspired by an Edgar Allan Poe short story where a son kills his mother to keep all the buried treasure for himself, ‘Thick Bob’ appropriately finds Adam & Elvis at their most overtly Gothic to date. Channelling late-period Damned, the song is all jagged hammer-ons, squalling lead, tumbling drums and a vocal delivery that’s equal parts melodrama and menace. The shock contrast of the summery chorus and warped instrumental break only serves to further the sense of unease – and that’s before the Hitchcockian string stabs kick in. ‘Thick Bob’ is a rare beast that puts both a spring in your step and a shiver down your spine. Facebook here.
We featured 'She Bites Mosquitoes' from the new album in September and now have two more songs from the collection, along with the back drop for both tracks above. The album comprising of ten songs, sees the band mix elements of personal incite, outside the box opinions and a level of surreal beauty that is addictive and occasionally challenging. Whilst I might not agree with all of their thoughts, the album is impressive, full of mischief and a fabulous listen.
Background - Cara Salimando is a singer, songwriter from New Jersey, currently based in Los Angeles. She is signed to Sony/ATV for publishing and as a writer has penned hits for the likes of Tinashe, Sabrina Carpenter, Hey Violet, Grace Mitchell, Jarina DeMarco, Whissell, Soliddisco, Grace Sewell, Lia Marie Johnson as well as co-writing songs like Kesha's "Hymn" and Dua Lipa's "Begging". Cara is the major labels' go to for effortless cool. With her first release since 2013 - 'Nothing's Going To Hurt You Baby' is a serene cover of the Cigarettes After Sex classic. Cara noted, "This was the first song I'd ever heard by Cigarettes After Sex; lyrically this song is so vivid and nostalgic in all the right ways, something I definitely admire about their work in general. My frequent collaborator Bram Inscore and I got to try our hand at making our own version of it and I think the lyric is painted a little differently with a female voice on it, yet the softness remains. Super versatile wording is the mark of great writing. " The song was produced by Bram Inscore who who co-wrote/produced half of the last Troye Sivan record and whose other accolades include Bipolar Sunshine, Twin Shadow, Hayley Kiyoko, Jr Jr, Mayor Hawthorne and many more. 'Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby' will be featured on We Are: The Guard's Volume 1 compilation, alongside others like DENM. Facebook here.
Dreamy and emotive vocals alongside an expansive and dramatic musical backdrop makes 'Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby' a compelling listen. As cover versions go, this is a very fine example of how to make it your own, doing so with style and depth.
Background - Principe Valiente’s “Running Juveniles” music video is here: a pure celebration of youth and life. The homonymous song is the third single to be released from the band’s most anticipated latest album “Oceans”. Shot around Östermalm in Stockholm, the video was filmed & edited by the Swedish filmmaker Andreas Hillerborg. After an outstanding self-titled debut album in 2011 and the breathtaking „Choirs Of Blessed Youth“ in 2014, the Swedish post punk / shoegaze band lead by Fernando Honorato, true to their vision, continues to carve out its own unique musical path. Drawing inspiration from ambient experimentalists like Cocteau Twins, 80's sci-fi soundtracks as well as exuberant vocalists like Bowie and Kate Bush, Principe Valiente ventured deeper into the sonic landscapes of their minds. The intensity of the athmospheric sound and the interplay of melodic guitar strings, the dark drifting drums, rhythmic bass lines and above all the warm, emotional voice of the singer, have remained. The listener is captured in a mixture of longing and loneliness, which is fluently and hypnotically directed. Calm pieces alternate with energetic compositions, such as the recently released single "Strangers In The Night", and give the album a strong note of ambivalence. With their third work „Oceans“, the band has created another alluring world with "human, all too human" lyrics and phantasmagorical soundscapes. Cool, yet impassioned and loaded with sweet anxiety, Principe Valiente have managed to make an irresistibly beautiful and intense continuation of what was started in the previous two albums.Website here, Facebook here.
We featured Principe Valiente back in April with a previous song share from their 'Oceans' album. Now we have the new video for 'Running Juveniles'. This is a powerful and atmospheric piece which combines a subtle melody delivered with layer upon layer of musical sounds, along with passionate and striking vocals.
Background - Darling West release a video for their new single "Traveller." The last twelve months of Darling West’s musical career can't be described as anything other than fantastic. Since the release of their second album, "Vinyl And A Heartache", they have played concerts all over the world. The band have been play-listed on the biggest radio stations in Norway, appeared on the Top 100 Country charts in the US, amassed more than 2.5 million plays on Spotify, been booked for the biggest festivals in Norway, Americanafest in Nashville, and won a Norwegian Grammy. Despite all this, the band have no plans of resting on their laurels, and now they’re releasing another new track from a new album they plan to release in early 2018. This is the sound of a new and revitalised Darling West. The band are still playing their sweet americana / country / folk, but there’s a lot more drive in the music and the melodies are catchier than before. Facebook here.
It's our second feature for Darling West following on from the track 'After My Time' which we carried back in July. We now have the song 'Traveller'. Once again we have a beautifully melodic piece with those Americana musical flavours and gorgeous vocals & harmonies.
Background - Philippa Hanna is returning to the spotlight with her brand new album Come Back Fighting. Most of her sixth studio album was written in Nashville, and she has brought together a range of pop, country and gospel influences, assembling an impressive collection of musicians. With features from BBC Radio 2 presenter Paul Jones on harmonica, world-champion banjo player John Dowling and a leading UK gospel choir. Working with long-term collaborators guitarist Roo Walker and manager Andy Baker, the production has a fresh and unique flavour that won't leave fans disappointed. The album is set for release on 24th November, amidst Philippa opening a formidable 29 date UK tour for BGT winning vocal group Collabro which will be coming through your way. From the acoustic-reggae infused Dorothy to the hard hitting bluesy title track Come Back Fighting, listeners can expect to be drawn into the storytelling narrative that has put Hanna on the singer/songwriter map. The album succeeds in catering for an incredibly broad fan-base that has seen the Sheffield singer open tours for the likes of Lionel Richie, Little Mix, Leona Lewis, Anastacia, and Marti Pellow. Website here, Facebook here, tour details on Beehive Candy's tour news page.
'Off The Wagon' mixes traditional country music, gospel style chorus lines, alongside an upbeat modern feel where the pop sensibilities ensure the hooks are sharp and dig in deep. Refreshing and energised if you cannot tap your feet or sing along to this, you might be in need of a holiday.
Background - Take experimental rock blended with minimalist avant-pop and art-punk elements, and you've got the beginnings of NYC's group Pollens. Quirky, weird, and in a league of their own, they released their first single "Words" today, off their upcoming EP Mister Manufacture. Pollens sound is like no other blending electronic dance beats, ambient noise, and shouting into infectiously catchy and cleverly woven melodies. "Words" is a untraditional yet uniquely hooky tune, building into a steady earworm. The band breaks down the lyrics, "It's a little anthem for how a monster gets to be a monster.. because we're not listening... especially in the summer, and at any time that precedes kissing. All the tells and omens stack up as promises rather than warnings. And for all the reasons we shouldn't, we must... I could tell you all of this upfront, and instead of being afraid, you'll probably be endeared to my disclosure. It's not a trick, but it is a trap." Written in minimalistic songwriting style, it's an attention grabbing example of "less is more". "Words" comes as the first single off the group's upcoming EP Mister Manufacture, out October 27. It will be available for free in digital format; with limited edition cassette tapes available from the band at their record release celebration show on November 16 at Secret Project Robot in NYC. They'll be joined by Operator Music Band, Salt People and a special guest (to be announced); full details on Facebook here.
If you are in need of something a little different then 'Words' has plenty of that. This is fabulously quirky, massively addictive and an absolute gem of a song. Lets add in sumptuous and resplendent to make the point!
Background from The Rebel Light - We wanted to share with you our new music video for our song 'Where Did All The Love Go', If trippy psychedelic vibes is your thing then this is your jam.
Also, KCSN in Los Angeles and EQX in Vermont just added ‘Where Did All The Love Go’ into rotation. Both stations play some of the best damn tunes on FM radio, So naturally, we were pretty excited to hear that our song has been added to their playlists.
Los Angeles trio The Rebel Light have already been turning heads on both sides of the Atlantic. This exciting new band’s sound already oozes a confidence that feels both effortlessly fresh yet wonderfully familiar. The Rebel Light have already pulled in comparisons to bands such as The Shins and Temples and draw heavily on their influence of the sun drenched sound of 60’s California pop. Website here, Facebook here.
It has been over a year since we first featured The Rebel Light, with the track 'Where Did All The Love Go'. Well they now have a music video for the song and as they are also getting noticed on FM radio I thought it deserved a second share. Upbeat and with a hippy, trippy, sunny feel, let it brighten up your day!
Background - Indie rock outfit, WYO, is back with the second single from the forthcoming record, Untamed. This driving, powerful track titled "Falling", describes a bittersweet romance that is not destined to last.
Indie rock band WYO found its roots in a small town south of Yellowstone National Park. Inspired by the surrounding natural beauty, singer-songwriter Andy Sorge utilizes an organic instrument palette to create the soundscape that is WYO.
After attending film school in New York, Andy met multi-instrumentalist, Scott McKay Gibson, and the two began composing music for documentaries, commercials, and short films together in Wyoming. Perhaps this explains the reason that WYO's music has a way of evoking such striking visuals that stir the imagination. The pair began delving into Andy's original songs that would soon become this debut album. They teamed up with Los Angeles-based producer, Brad Wood, to provide a fresh ear to finalize their work.
WYO intends on releasing their debut full-length, Untamed, worldwide early next year, website here.
'Falling' is a smooth indie rocker with vibrant guitars and a driving beat. Add in the refined vocals and the melodic hooks and we arrive with a fine teaser for next years debut album.
Background - What is “quick reflex”? It’s words written on a baseball-cap that my brother used to wear. A couple years ago I started wearing it and not knowing what the phrase referred to, I started to imagine the hat as a time machine. The song travels through the ‘20-something autumn moons’ of my childhood. In the pauses between the lyrics, I see flashes of my brothers and I making films, practicing kung-fu moves, and all the imaginary landscapes of my youth." - Luke Kuplowsky
What Kind of Animal an 8-song collection of poetic musings is out November 28, 2017. The first single from What Kind of Animal is the beguiling “Quick Reflex”, an airy and loping anthem for the suburbs of Etobicoke, Ontario. Recalling the patient and deadpan delivery of Leonard Cohen and Bill Callahan, Kuplowsky’s gentle croon is deceptively tuneful and melodic.
The song pairs a lilting tropicalila beat with Kuplowsky’s signature nylon string guitar, tracing a string of fragmented memories from a childhood baseball cap. With a nostalgic gaze, Kuplowsky muses on one’s relationship to physical artifacts and their connection to one’s sense of identity and history (“In the bosom / of my family home / ancient relics / seen twenty-something autumn moons / video camera / full as the memory put in ya”).
LUKA is the project of Canadian singer-songwriter Luke Kuplowsky and his collaborators. Guided by the nuanced production of Stephen Prickett and percussionist Evan Cartwright (Tasseomancy, Andy Shauf), LUKA is defined as much by its unique lyrical voice as it’s constant exploration of folk, pop and experimental traditions. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.
The vocals are central to 'Quick Reflex' as they feel so personal and honest. The musical arrangement is also beautifully structured and the accompanying harmonies add even more beauty to the song.
Background from Area Resident - This new music was recorded at home between split shifts -- I’m a traffic reporter with CBC Ottawa.
Many songs draw from my experiences as a journalist for more than two decades -- stories I’ve covered, murders, runaway wallabies, a man who smuggled gold out of the Mint in his bum, etc…
This track in particular is inspired by the home I grew up in along the Ottawa River in Pembroke, it’s mostly about all the mistakes you make and how you never want to admit to learning from them.
Did you know? Delano was US President Roosevelt’s middle name. Roosevelt is my favourite president. I really enjoyed writing these and hope you enjoy listening. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.
'Riverside' is a fine alt/indie rock song which grows in power and is produced to a very high standard. Each musical element is distinct, the vocals add some melodic vibes, & there is an air of fresh enthusiasm about the track.
Background - The Begowatts craft a distinctive blend of rock & roll, rooted in deep 70’s grooves with an ear toward modern atmospheric aesthetics. Formed in 2012 in Madison, Wisconsin, the band built buzz across the Midwest and honed their live presence through relentless touring and Pabst Blue Ribbon consumption. Along the way, the foursome’s sound evolved at a steady clip. While early Begowatts paid faithful homage to classic rock, the band has matured toward a tighter, more immediate fusion of old and new which they christen, “21st century electric rock & roll.” Within a short time they went from packing basement parties to being the house band at Madison’s world famous Bike Shop and released their self-titled EP in 2015. The EP’s response gave the band the confidence they needed to pony up for a professionally recorded full length debut, and in June of 2016 they released the LP, Photoelectric, to glowing reviews and nominations for the Madison Area Music Awards “Alternative Album” and “Alternative Performer of the Year.” The group’s sophomore effort, Grand Charade, is scheduled for release this September. Written during the whirlwind of the 2016 election, their new tunes reflect the great division they bore witness to. Songs like the Clash-esque “Kids On Parole” hark back to the politically-charged rock of the late 70’s, while the closing number "You & I" is drenched in dreamlike tension and disillusion, conjuring up a decidedly brooding Twin Peaks vibe. Yet throughout it all, the sound remains undeniably their own in its signature exuberant, carefree coolness. Begofans will find that the group has grown leaps and bounds on Grand Charade, refining their sound and emerging as new contender in the current post-punk scene. Website here, Facebook here.
Six tracks make up 'Grand Charade' an EP we can feature in full. They describe their music as "21st century rock & roll" which seems a more than reasonable summary of the music. Each song has it's hooks, the music is very well crafted and the vocals have plenty of real rock edge. As a whole this is a very likable collection of natural modern rock & roll.
Background - We have the new song "Young" from one of Switzerland's finest Lower Pink. The Swiss music press delivers one rave review after another about the independent troubadour.
“His intimate & dreamy songs barely let us breathe.” SRF3 – biggest public radio of Switzerland. “Everything about the songs seems authentic.” Tages Anzeiger
It is not by chance, that we read & hear such praise. “Lower Pink” achieved the creation of his own atmosphere on his new single “Young” – and he fills this atmosphere with voice, synths & spherical pads. On the climax, the song literally erupts over the listener, just to leave behind a barren silence and to disappear. Immediately, his warm voice finds time & space again. “Young” is a listening experience and the video, which you can find attached to this, is painting a euphoric feeling through impressive pictures and an unagitated storyline – leaving behind an echo. The video has been shot in the Swiss alps transmits in images, what the music lets us feel: Distance and vicinity – for once unisono. Website here.
As the song gently develops it's the vocals that standout and rightly so. 'Young' is a song where the atmosphere expands beautifully, the music adds some extra layers, however it's the voice that resonates and demands another listen.
Background - Amsterdam singer songwriter, VanWyck, follows up the 2016 single that KCRW’s Chris Douridas called “exquisite” with her new single,“An Average Woman”. The title track is off the album due out on January 19 on Maiden Name Records. Hauntingly atmospheric and melodious, the songs on the album unravel in a spiral of smoky soulful vocals aching with lyrical precision of stories untold. An Average Woman is about women who are visible and hidden, sacrificing and selfish, ordinary and magical, obligated and free. It's about the mysteries lurking in the everyday. It's about creating your own universe and your own sense of belonging - and stumbling along the way. The lead single is about being braver, bolder, and sometimes selfish. Written in the past tense, it’s almost like a funeral song, burying the average woman in order for the creative woman to emerge. VanWyck says, “Both my grandmothers were strong women (a nurse and a teacher) who came from very humble backgrounds and had to work hard and take care of children. Being creative was a luxury that was often not allowed to them. Being in the foreground was also not something they were allowed to aspire to. One of my grandmothers was very inspirational in making me reach higher and to put all my talents to work. I keep her picture as a young girl on my desktop to remind me of the chances she never had and the way she pushed me to reach higher.” Website here., Facebook here.
A slow bluesy vibe is there from the beginning on 'An Average Woman'. VanWyck's vocals are melodic, sensitive and carry some notable emotion. The musical arrangement develops adding even more to a gorgeous soulful song.
Background - Mean Motor Scooter are a fuzzed up, farfed out, Fort Worth quartet of psych-garage goodness firmly rooted in the Texas traditions of The Butthole Surfers, The Dicks, and Roky Erickson with a tab of Scratch Acid. The band was founded in 2015 by singer and guitar player Sammy Kidd, drummer Jeffrey Friedman and bassist Joe Tacke and almost instantly became overnight local and statewide sensations. The trio played 31 shows in 2015 throughout Texas, including shows at the Dallas Music District Festival, with bands like Leopold and His Fiction and Aaron Behrens. Mean Motor Scooter released its self-titled EP in August of 2015, which was put out on a limited edition cassette by Dreamy Life Records. In 2016, the band continued the momentum, playing 48 shows, including three unofficial showcases for SXSW and Oaktopia, the Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards Festival, Fort Worth Rock Assembly V and legendary Dallas venue, Trees. In April, Mean Motor Scooter released the singles, “Naked Brunch” and “Such a Seducer,” which received a lot of positive local press and were mentioned in some Best of 2016 lists. That same year, the Fort Worth Weekly awarded Mean Motor Scooter “Rock Band of the Year.” Mean Motor Scooter began recording their first full-length album, Hindu Flying Machine at Cloudland Recording Studio in Fort Worth, October 2016. During that time they we asked to record songs for both the Dreamy Life Records’ Group Therapy Vol. 4 compilation and the Fort Worth Weekly’s Frequencies Vol. 8, the Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards’ compilation. The group recorded “Mechanical Man” for Group Therapy Vol. 4 and “Surfing Pizza” for Frequencies Vol. 8. Both were released in 2017. Before finishing the recording of Hindu Flying Machine the trio decided it was time to bring in another member. Rebekah Elizabeth (I Happy Am) was added on the combo organ. Mean Motor Scooter played their 100th live show in July of 2017, at the newly opened Main at South Side. In June the band was awarded “E.P. of the Year,” “Band of the Year” and “Artist of the Year” by Fort Worth Weekly. Hindu Flying Machine will be released in October 2017 by Dirty Water Records USA and the band will be touring in November with The Darts and Escobar. Facebook here.
Psych garage with just a hint of insanity ensures 'Sea Serpent' a timeless feast of music registers within a nano second. Play it loud & leap about!
Background - Grammy nominated trumpeter, composer, and producer Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah will release the third installment of a trio of albums commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first jazz recordings. Collectively titled The Centennial Trilogy, the final album in the series The Emancipation Procrastination will be released on October 20th via Ropeadope. The Emancipation Procrastination the third and final chapter in the trilogy deals directly with the social and political issues of the day. Rather than descend into identity politics, Adjuah sees many disparate cultures in New Orleans being underserved and exploited. This worldview transcends New Orleans, as Christian has traveled and toured the world for almost 20 years, starting as a child and performing with extraordinary players (McCoy Tyner, Donald Harrison, Eddie Palmieri).
The scope of The Centennial Trilogy is not limited to the music; Adjuah uses broad strokes to present his vision of the world. Growing up in New Orleans' Upper Ninth Ward, he witnessed people enduring the same challenges regardless of their race or ethnic background: He saw a community of people undereducated to serve the tourist culture, facing food insecurity, yet viewing each other as different through the lens of race. Seeing this around him, Adjuah came to understand that race is a social construct, and that people could work together to build and move forward. "I’m not interested in harming anyone," Adjuah says. "I have a responsibility as an artist to create a space where people feel welcome. When I walk outside this hotel room, that is not the reality. There is a difference when music is made with love. When people come into my space they are going to feel that. We are trying to figure out a way to treat each other better. We are all responsible for healing each other.”
The vision of Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah is clear – that this is an opportunity for all of US to come together and address issues that affect ALL of us. Emancipation Procrastination means that we all have an opportunity to liberate ourselves from old world ideas. Let the healing begin. Website here, Facebook here.
Whilst Jazz is not a genre that often appears on Beehive Candy, when the music is this good it would be a crime of sorts not to feature it. 'The Cypher' is a superb track where for me some fairly cliche images come to mind, a hot late night urban scenario for example. When I hear music this good I feel I should know a lot more about the genre, perhaps one day...
Background - Warbly Jets play synth-driven guitar rock that is a genre-bending blend of punk balladry, wide-screen production and unflinching attitude. The LA quartet will release its self-titled debut album on October 20 but this week they debut the genre-bending churner, "Ride". Despite a lack of allegiance to any sound or place, since the release of their debut single "Alive", the slithering music industry indictment "The Lowdown", the hip-swaying "4th Coming Bomb" and the maniacle "Shapeshifter", the four piece has grown explosively and earned praise from a number of music sites, radio and the press. The band is climbing the charts at Spotify, VEVO and Apple Music and were announced this morning in the first round of performers for SXSW 2018. Warbly Jets just completed a massive European tour, including dates with Rival Sons and are returning home to LA for an album release show at The Moroccan Lounge next Thursday, October 19. They then head to Vegas to showcase at Emerge in November. Website here, Facebook here.
I was impressed by Warbly Jets back in July when we first featured them. 'Ride' is another fabulous genre defying song that is loosely alt rock based, the band have psychedelic vibes and the music just gets better!
Background - Blackmill’s Robbie Card is one of the pioneers of melodic dub-step. After reaching number one on Hype Machine with his remix of 'Your Song' by Ellie Goulding a few years back, and (fast forward to today) has since got over 500,000 single sales under his belt, 250,000 album sales as well as 70 million streams (and growing).
With a vast cult following, this enigmatic producer is back again! This time the Watford-born dub-step prince dabbles in a whole different sonic spectrum than before, and having teamed up with his long-time friend and fellow Scottish musician John Edge, he enters into the Americana indie folk genre.
“Emerald City” is the fruit of their collaboration. Opening softly with the eerie Fleet Foxes-like harmonies, the track immediately brings nostalgia and melancholy into play. There’s a slight country-ish twang to Edge’s way of singing, which topped with Blackmill’s powerful usage of space within the instrumentations, “Emerald City” sounds like a goose-bump-winner. If, however, you press play and the instant splendour of sound doesn’t lift your spirits right away, please just wait ‘til the chorus kicks in. Its spine and ear-tingling Hozier-like soaring vocal harmonies are there to hit and move just the right spot of any music lover, you included!
When talking about “Emerald City”, the Inverness-based musician Edge says: ‘Since reality is never what it seems, it feels very much like a quest to me to actually find what is true. I can’t help but write about the big questions.’
Robbie aka Blackmill also talks about his new venture. The producer says: ‘Well for a long time I always wanted to work on acoustic music, making sneaky tracks now and again but they always got over shadowed by my electronic work. I actually intend to do more, in fact quite a few melodies were first made on the guitar and then later turned into songs. 'Relentless' was one I can name of the top of my head. I did make a reggae track as well which was mostly done acoustically.
So when John asked me if I'd help produce his first Acoustic/Electronic E.P I was on board in a flash. I got started straight away and was inspired to make it a big one. Apparently it was originally supposed to be light acoustic song, well I most certainly flipped that pancake. Pretty much every weekend John would pop round and we'd work away, you could even say it got a bit emotional at times! But simply put, the love to create was there with us both during those months, which I think reflects 'Emerald City' and the E.P perfectly, hopefully you do too. Facebook here.
'Emerald City' is a refined folk song where the vocals are passionate and a perfect fit for the genre. It's was the musical arrangement that had me intrigued. The electronic elements are totally in sync with the style, subtly adding richness and depth and blending into the whole piece beautifully.
Background - Scotland's The Decrees have announced they will release their new single 'Sons of Rage', comprised of two tracks, the other one being 'West Sierra'. Hailing from Fife, Scotland, The Decrees are a no-holds barred Rock 'n' Roll band possessing high-octane energy from the punk realm. They mix different blends of genres in their songs but still retain a raw and provocative take on music that is reminiscent of a bygone age. 'Sons of Rage' was recorded by Michael Brennan, Jr. of The Substation (Mogwai, Snow Patrol, Super Furry Animals, Loop, Primal Scream) and mastered by Pete Maher (U2, The Pixies, Jack White, The Rolling Stones, Lana Del Rey). The band was formed in early 2016. Their line up comprises of vocalist Lewis Akers, bassist Caitlin Petrie, guitarist Callum Bell and drummer Kieran Bell. Since their formation, The Decrees have become quite popular locally and are now becoming better known on the national scene.
In April of this year, The Decrees released their debut four-track EP 'Screams From Suburbia', offering a musical account of the everyday experiences of the monotony of modernity. This release blends full-throttle rock music with catchy choruses and beats.
'Sons of Rage' was one of the first songs the band wrote after forming, retaining their trademark sound while weaving in an infectious Celtic rock melody. This beckons to the forgotten past, to the band's Scottish roots, affectionately nestled in the band's collective psyche. This follows in the same vein of such Celtic-folk tunes as 'The Gael', steadily imparting strong and re-occurring themes and melodies, and coupled with the strong, driving and near-primal beats throughout. The music follows and compliments the triumphalism embedded in the lyrics.
This is a significant release for the band as it shows a more emotive side of their music, transmitting a massive dose of positive energy while also resonating with deeper musical inspirations. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.
Feisty and determined rock'n'roll simmers throughout 'Sons of Rage' and 'West Sierra'. They are two potent and energised songs that are musically tight and passionately delivered with plenty of hooks that dig very deep.
Background - Segers shares new single and video for Call Out Loud; November 15 launch. Bearing raw emotions of jealousy, loneliness and fear, Perth's Segers delivers an edgy slice of indie-rock with her latest single, Call Out Loud. This intriguing juxtaposition of sweet melody and bitter emotion creates a lulling mood that is at once both uplifting and melancholic – highlighting the power that comes from pairing a carefully crafted song with a natural, uninhibited voice. Co-written and produced by Eskimo Joe's Joel Quartermain, Call Out Loud is a humble song that rises to greatness. There is no wall of guitar, no symphonic orchestra... just simple hooks layered so as to rise and fall with Seger's effortlessly beautiful voice. The end result speaks for itself – a song you can't help but want to play over and over again. Following on from her charming single The Wandering, Call Out Loud quite naturally finds Segers stepping into her own as a singer and songwriter. As a talented multi-instrumentalist, there is a broad spectrum of ideas that Segers can execute with fluidity and ease. Within a handful of minutes, Call Out Loud displays everything this exciting new voice has to share... and the boundless potential that lays in front of her. Stacey-Ann Pietersen's debut EP Little Lines (under the moniker of Segers) forged the path that she is now on – introducing the world to a musical force of equal parts talent and humility. Part of the new generation of Australian artists who brandish both the skill and determination to earn their place in the public consciousness, Segers has the potential to be a true breakthrough – bridging the gap between honest rock songwriting and big radio-friendly pop hooks. With an immediate and positive response from radio including Double J rotation, Call Out Loud brings Segers one step closer to this monumental achievement. Website here, Facebook here.
Indie pop with a powerful and upbeat yet soulful vibe makes 'Call Out Loud' standout from the word go. Add in the melody and excellent production and the song soars even higher!
Background - Lonely The Brave have been deliberately quiet these last few months, working on new material and reassessing what has come before. This has been all the more noticeable because before then, they had never stopped: last year alone saw them secure a no.1 on the rock chart with their second LP “Things Will Matter”, sell-out a headline tour and play main support on a hugely successful European tour with Biffy Clyro, followed with a thematically linked series of EP’s which have shown the sheer depth of strong material that was available to them around that second record. But despite their successes, Lonely The Brave have never been like their peers, never calculated the game in quite the same way they have, never shot from the same angle. From their stage dynamics, to their influences, to covering the likes of Bjork, Pink Floyd and Antony & The Johnsons, they have always been proud of their differences and in what has staunchly set them apart from the others who have now fallen by the wayside. They followed the release of their critically acclaimed debut “The Day’s War” with an extended version including several Redux tracks that reinvented material rather than simply stripping it back and they follow this theme of insular reinvention again now on a full Redux album version of “Things Will Matter”. Melody and heart will always be at the centre of what they do, but Lonely The Brave are here to prove once again that they will always continue to do things that other bands can’t. At their most anthemic, or at their most vulnerable, Lonely The Brave remain an inarguably important act. Where they head for the next album remains to be seen, but you know that if they can keep their heads we will be rewarded with another record on their own terms that will always stand proudly apart from the rest. Lonely The Brave - Things Will Matter (Redux) - Out November 10th on Hassle Records - Produced by Matty Moon and Lonely The Brave, website here, Facebook here.
We have featured Lonely The Brave once before back in March this year. The new Redux track 'What If You Fall In' is an atmospheric piece where the vocals are emotionally subdued giving a sense of simmering passion, that in fact eventually breaks through. The music is layered with gorgeous sounds, that gradually build, on what is a beautiful song.
Childcare - Getting Over You (By Dressing Up Like You).
Background - Inspired by 'I should Coco' era Supergrass and Phil Spector produced Motown shakes, 'Getting Over You (By Dressing Up Like You)' is Childcare's most likely-to-be-featured-on-a-Spo tify-playlist song to date, depicting an unorthodox approach to moving on from a relationship break up. Singer Ed Cares eloquently explains: “After being the victim of a polite yet painful breakup, I found myself later that same day wearing one of the skirts of my former inamorata for a video shoot the band was filming. Realising this was an A* creative writing idea for a song, I quickly noted down the title 'Getting Over You (By Dressing Up Like You)' in my gmail drafts folder and the song flowered from there.” Childcare finished 2016 playing huge shows in front of thousands as part of Bastille’s nationwide arena tour. ‘Made Simple’, their debut EP released in April this year represented an emphatic statement which cemented the adoration of all those newly turned on to the London quartet courtesy of that tour. With a sling of festivals and a recent Radio 1 Maida Vale session tucked safely under their belts this four piece are soon to embark on their first UK headline tour. It all started when Ed Cares, one of west London's most in-demand male nannies, was overheard humming a song he had written, by Katie, aged six, who persuaded him to form a band. Josh, eight, boldly proclaimed: "You're probably my second favourite artist after Katy Perry." And so, after sourcing some neighbourhood musicians capable of living up to Josh’s heady billing — specifically Emma Topolski (I cold) on bass, Rich Legate (son of 'Menthos' font designer) on guitar and Glyn Daniels (Chelmsford born, Bristol bred) on drums — Ed soon had an able band to perform with under the only logical moniker in the circumstances: Childcare. Website here, Facebook here, includes tour dates.
It's the fourth time on Beehive Candy for Childcare, so I am guessing we pretty much like them! 'Getting Over You (By Dressing Up Like You)' has some intriguing lyrics and is so full of hooks it's hard to ignore. The whole arrangement is produced to a very high standard & I have a sneaking feeling they might hit half a dozen features at some point.
Background - US Americana legends Blitzen Trapper have just unveiled the title track from their forthcoming new album ‘Wild & Reckless’ due out Nov 3rd. Earlier this year, the Portland, OR-based Blitzen Trapper accomplished a unique feat for a rock band who has been releasing albums and touring for the better part of two decades: a staged musical titled Wild & Reckless that ran for 28 performances at Portland Center Stage. Today, the band is announcing a new album of the same title that was born from the stage production and as a companion to their 2008 breakthrough album Furr.
The album Wild & Reckless was born from the stage production that the band spent the better part of a year producing. The half musical, half rock-opera dealt with heroin abuse, desperation, true love and western power structures. The story evoked a bygone era of Portland with this sci-fi love story, featuring a rock-and-roll score that paired unreleased songs with favorites from the band’s catalog.
Following the success of the production, the band took 7 original songs from the production and developed the theme further into the 12 songs that comprise the new album Wild & Reckless.
Frontman Eric Earley also sees the record as a companion and extention of their 2008 album Furr. "Wild and Reckless” is something like a cross-eyed stepchild to Furr, in that it chronicles the darker dystopian stories of rural and suburban west coast death-drive via a riffing psychedelic landscape. Ten years after Furr with all its talk of murder and the end of the western world, it seems there's more to tell."
Blitzen Trapper is Eric Earley (songwriter/singer), Erik Menteer (guitar, keyboard), Brian Adrian Koch (drums, vocals), Michael Van Pelt (bass) and Marty Marquis (keyboard, vocals). Wild & Reckless was produced by Eric Earley and Michael Van Pelt and was recorded by Gregg Williams at The Trench, in Portland, Oregon. It was mixed by James Brown (Foo Fighters, Kings Of Leon, Blitzen Trapper's All Across This Land) at The Union. Website here, Facebook here.
We shared the track 'Rebel' less than a month ago & have no hesitation in featuring the title track from the forthcoming album 'Wild and Reckless'. We suggested that the previous song was "a fine alt rocker with more than a hint of Americana about it". This time the rock element is powered up, the melody is catchy & the vocals have something of a country vibe to them.
Background - Anglo-Dutch Gitta De Ridder is excited to release new single My Dear, Oh Boy, Oh Man; the first to be taken from new album For Everything A Season due out in Spring 2018; and will be hosting a single launch show at London's Green Note on Sunday 22nd October. The songs on For Everything a Season are a journey of experiences through life and relationships, beginning with album opener My Dear, Oh Boy, Oh Man, a song about love and loss, about finding the strength to move on and let bygones be bygones. Recorded in the beautiful suffolk countryside with friend and fellow songwriter Stephen Hodd, For Everything a Season is the next step following the success of previous release Feathers in 2016. Although themes across the album are quite universal, the lyrics also reflect a part of Gitta's personal and relational explorations across the past year. Originally growing up in the Netherlands, Gitta taught herself to write and play songs on the guitar from a young age, and cites modern folk artists such as Iron & Wine, Ane Brun and Sufjan Stevens as her inspiration. Gitta's beautifully poetic folk-pop songs go straight to the heart. Website here, Facebook here.
Gitta De Ridder is another artist we have had the pleasure of including a few times previously and the new song 'My Dear, Oh Boy, Oh Man' is way to gorgeous to ignore. Her melodic vocals and gentle harmonies are accompanied by a simple musical arrangement that gradually builds adding additional richness to a beautiful modern folk song.
Background - Despite her last name, Anna St. Louis was born and raised in Kansas City. She grew up a painter and singing in punk bands, eventually leaving her hometown to attend art school in Philadelphia. After graduating she made the move to Los Angeles where she began teaching herself guitar, writing songs and recording them on her own in her bedroom. First Songs is the sound of someone discovering their talent in real time - a peak into the collage of a wonderful mind that is absorbing their new surroundings and using new tools to put them into the room. Listening to this collection you can feel the sun coming in through the window - Anna on the foot of the bed with a guitar on her knee, finding her voice. St. Louis wears her influences well - think Patsy Cline singing over John Fahey - but has a style all her own. And while you can take the artist out of the midwest, you can't take the midwest out of the artist - so let this be known; this is Midwestern music ran through a California filter. I believe Anna will have many more releases in her lifetime, but let it all begin here - First Songs. Bandcamp here.
'Fire' is my introduction to Anna St. Louis and it is a very positive one. A personal feeling runs throughout the track, with the guitar and vocal arrangement giving a live performance vibe.
Background - The new Pageants single "Cacti For Clothes" has just been released. The single teases the band's upcoming release 'Forever' and follows the lead single "Chai ( חַי)". Pageants were 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 on November 3rd. Website here.
We featured 'Chai (חַי)' at the beginning of September and the new single 'Cacti for Clothes' is a very fine follow up. The energy levels are up a little more, however the refreshing vocals and sharp musical arrangement ensures the catchy appeal is retained, as is my struggle to pin this duo into any specific genre.
Background - John Lafayette Ramey is a familiar face on the Los Angeles roots music scene. Although his own music isn’t in the country genre, he’s played sideman with some of the best country musicians around; Grant Langston, Dave Insley, Ted Russell Kamp and Austin Hanks to name a few. Ramey even played Gibson Amphitheatre with Austin Hanks opening for Lynrd Skynrd.
Exposition Lines is Ramey’s third solo release and carries elements of both roots Rock and straight-up pop music. “I’ve always been more on the pop side than say, Grant Langston or Austin Hanks,” the artist clarified. “I became involved in the LA roots music scene not because I harbored ambitions to play roots or country music, but because as it turned out, the folks in the roots music scene were the people that could actually play. I love folk, country, blues, and R&B, and all the great Americana music, and it’s all a huge influence, but it’s not how I define myself as an artist.” John Lafayette Ramey's Exposition Lines Releases on October 20th. Starting with the punk-like energy of "Cheap Rent” to the acoustic folk ballad "Guadalupe," before the build up of the sixties-type pop gem "Jenny." He wraps up his new release with the country blues of "Sad Song Sad Town" and the Willie Nelson inspired ballad "Still With Me" as he pulls off his best classic country vocals. Website here.
'Let Me Down Easy' is just one of the song styles you will hear on 'Exposition Lines'. John Lafayette Ramey tests the boundaries of what might be called Roots, Americana or Country music. All is done with natural heartfelt passion, high quality musicianship, and material that just begs for a second listen.
Background - From the home of innovative, genre defying music - Nub Country Records - comes the new covers EP from The Mojo Slide. Classic tracks given the unmistakeable Mojo Slide treatment. If you like Country, Americana, or just great music played by amazingly talented musicians then this EP is for you. The Mojo Slide is a group of musicians, hailing from Cambridgeshire, united in their passion for blues-inspired alternative music. Formed in 2011, they released their debut album 'Twist Your Bones' in November 2015 on DO IT Records. The album features a contemporary mixture of classic rock 'n' roll, and blues rooted alternative rock. They have had radio play on BBC, Absolute and Planet Rock, amongst others.
The Mojo Slide are: Mark Wilks (vocals), Mike Fenna (lead guitar), Matt Legg (rhythm guitar), Danny Savage (bass guitar), Michael Graham (drums), website here.
Now I learnt something about the song 'Folsom Prison Blues' today (and forgive me if I am the odd one out on this). I always associated the song with the live 1968 recording at Folsom Prison & made an assumption it was written for that. Now I can plead not guilty in as much as I was not born when it was first recorded and released by Johnny Cash, as that was back in July 1955. So what of the cover version by The Mojo Slide? They power the whole thing up, put their own style on it, and along with the other cover songs, make the exercise, more than worthwhile.
Background - Hawkmoon are the collective musical identity of Pat Hehir, Liam Hehir and Reuben Aptroot. Their soon to be released debut album The Saturn Return is an album 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. After releasing Silverline, Hologramatic and Storms Gather, three diverse singles displaying the musical breadth of their album, Hawkmoon have released Speed of Dark, the fourth single from the record. Speed of Dark is one of the older songs from the album and was recorded in Reuben’s home studio whilst being produced by the band. “Speed of Dark has been one of our key songs since we started playing it” says Hawkmoon drummer Liam Hehir. “I remember Pat showing me a chord progression and melody and much of that has survived to this day. It’s a great example of band members enhancing each other’s work. I added the military-like drum part and Reuben’s lead and e-bow parts really completed the mood.” Speed of Dark is Hawkmoon at its darkest. With an ominous lyric complemented by an eerie, apocalyptic arrangement of marching rhythms, brooding guitars, haunting harmonies and a tense cello part, Speed of Dark is one of the cornerstones of The Saturn Return. Facebook here.
Having featured Hawkmoon a couple of times earlier this year, the new share 'Speed Of Dark' is most welcome. It might be one of the bands darker pieces however it's also my favourite so far, with all it's majestic alt rock glory.
Background - Candace (formerly known as Is/Is) can be traced back to the summer of 2009 when Sarah Rose (guitar/bass/vocals), Sarah Nienaber (guitar/bass/vocals), and Mara Appel DesLauriers (drums/vocals) came up with the great idea to make music together. The band released the This Happening EP (2010), the “Vowel Movements/Blackest Beat” 7” (2011), their full-length debut, III, in 2012, Is/Is (2014), and a number of single before announcing their name change to Candace in 2016. New Future, the band’s first official release under the new name, was produced, recorded, and mixed by Neil Weir and Candace at Jackpot! Recording Studio in Portland, Oregon, where the band all lives. Writing momentum stayed steady following the release of New Future so the band took a trip to Iowa just a few days after Trump was elected to work on some new material. Working with long-time collaborator Neil Weir, at Flat Black Studios, built in an old barn in the middle of nowhere outside of Iowa City, surrounded by corn fields and nothing else, they ate frozen pizza, track for 12-hours a day, and then pass out in a loft sleeping area above the studio. Once the songs were done, the band handed the finished material off to Larry Crane at Jackpot! for mixing. On November 24, 2017 Candace will release a new 7″ called “Horizons b/w Greys” followed by their highly awaited full-length, New Ruins, in early 2018. Both collections of new material will highlight a sound that is introspective, dreamy, and expansive. Reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine, Warpaint, and Beach House, Candace adds an element all their own that can only be described as “hopefully crisp.” Listening to these new songs is akin to waking up on a sweltering day and plunging your face into a bowl of ice water. Wakes you up, gets the blood moving, and adds a little thrill to your day. Facebook here.
Rich and expansive dream pop with a musical arrangement that hints towards shoegaze 'Greys' is a beautiful song where the distant melodic vocals draw the listener in. As a foretaste of the 2018 album that's scheduled, it suggests something pretty special is on it's way.
Background - London based 4-piece Tempesst are announcing the release of their much-anticipated debut EP Adult Wonderland, by sharing new single ‘Waiheke’. Speaking on the lyrical inspiration behind the track, Toma Banjanin of the band said: "My girlfriend Summer and I were travelling around New Zealand in a van last summer and ended up staying at her Auntie's 'Bach' (beach cabin) in Waiheke, an island off Auckland. Summer's Dad stayed with us too and gave me my first Tarot reading and I wrote this song about that conversation”. A new chapter in the Tempesst story, the Adult Wonderland EP marks a confident stride forward for the band, with ‘Waiheke’ standing tall as an apt first taster. Guitars lilt delicately amidst the swaying rhythm section, as Toma sings of the… “first light in the morning” and “sugar coated later days". The push and pull of the expansive vocal harmonies and soothing instrumentals give the track an extremely pleasing dreamy, psychedelic quality; clearly a songwriting process carefully prepared and planned by the quartet. It’s been a big 12 months or so for Tempesst – led by brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums), and joined by Eric Weber (guitars) and Kane Reynolds (keys) – the band’s 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) have propelled them into the spotlight. Fresh from their biggest London headline to date at The Moth Club, Tempesst saw out 2016 with a UK Tour in support of The Temper Trap. Now the band are preparing to release their much-anticipated debut EP ‘Adult Wonderland’, set for self-release on October 27th, along with a string of UK dates in December. Facebook here.
London alt rockers Tempesst have given us a splendid new single with 'Waiheke'. Atmospheric vocals & harmonies glide above a wonderfully constructed rock soundtrack where all elements intertwine with melodic combinations. The song sets expectations high for the EP!
Background - Following the release of album Outside My Mind earlier in the year on Aveline Records, hotly tipped, London-based musician Ned Roberts has announced new single Angel Station for release on October 20th with a single launch to be held at London’s Green Note on Tuesday 19th September. Having drawn comparisons with the likes of James Taylor and Bob Dylan (Mojo); Ned has 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. First single Lights On The River video premiered with the Independent, whilst Gideon Coe championed the album on his BBC 6 Music show. New single Angel Station had its first spin on BBC Radio Scotland’s Roddy Hart show, who subsequently invited Ned in for a session. "A wry song about standing in the rain waiting for a girl. She arrives and tells the singer to pull himself together.” Ned Roberts on Angel Station. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.
With the above James Taylor and Bob Dylan comparisons noted 'Angel Station' rises to the occasion and Ned Roberts deserves full credit in his own right. Many years back London's Angel Station was a daily part of my travels so the video resonates personally, it's the song however that really stands out.
Adam & Elvis - Modern Hitz / Thick Bob.
Cara Salimando - Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby.
