May Roosevelt - New Luna - Bee Bee Sea - Mo Kenney

May Roosevelt - Air.

Background - So far, May Roosevelt is best known as a thereminist. She has already performed in cities such as Barcelona, Berlin, London, Istanbul, and she has collaborated with artists ranging from Tijuana groovy band Los Macuanos to Tel Aviv multi-talented artist Kutiman. Despite her collaborations, May has got three releases to her name so far, including 2011's self released Haunted, eight musical compositions included the zeibekiko dance rhythm in "The Unicorn Died", which was composed and presented for the first time in London at the Red Bull Music Academy in February 2010. 

May Roosevelt marks her return in 2017 with her new album titled "Junea", just released on October 23th via Inner Ear. It's her first release for the label. Junea is a heroine of the modern digital world, where reality meets fiction through bridges made of electronic sounds and pixels. Musically, it could be said that she is an alter ego of May Roosevelt, adding new qualities to the artist's existing musical identity.

In the world of Junea synthesizers rule, creating a multi-layered sound environment of crystal sounds and rhythmic beats. Ethereal vocals and encrypted lyrics lead to a parallel dreamy, three-dimensional universe that mirrors the artist's exploration into new musical coordinates.

"My intention when composing the music of Junea was to create bright sonic environments and upbeat atmospheres, to shape imaginary spaces of transformation, reinvention and discovery."  May Roosevelt. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

From the brand new album 'Junea' we can share 'Air' one of eight songs that make up the collection. If you will excuse the pun, I found the album a genuine breathe of fresh air. The musical production is fabulous, where her dreamy vocals are immersed in layers of synthy sounds. Sometimes the songs are more rhythmic, other times the melody is key to the piece, always present is imaginative & creative music. If you like the featured song, go and dive into the album, it is quite special.


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New Luna - Opinionated.

Background - Manchester alternative outfit New Luna have announced the forthcoming release of their latest single Opinionated, further establishing themselves as an act pushing modern dream pop and post-indie in a forward direction.

Drawing early comparisons to the likes of Radiohead, Mogwai and The Twilight Sad, the quartet’s innovative songwriting and expressive live performances have already landed them support slots with acts including Happiness, Sløtface and Trudy and the Romance, as well as appearances at Y Not Festival and The Great Escape.

Discussing their upcoming release, the band stated: “As per with us, Opinionated’s become more extreme and elaborate each time we’ve played it, starting off as a low-key krautrock tune and now being a full on heavy dream pop jam/social mediation. Ultimately with this release, we wanted to make a simple but direct social statement and be as musically free as possible, letting the noise do the rest.” FACEBOOK.

Kicking off with a feisty rhythm that is soon followed by some impassioned vocals 'Opinionated' is soon in full stride. As the full band kick in the songs potency grows even further. More post punk than indie, this is a blast of raw energy and commitment, surely that's enough for one track.

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Bee Bee Sea - D.I. Why Why Why.

Background - Bee Bee Sea is a three piece band from an industrial town in Northern Italy, with garage-psych songs and a punk attitude. In 2015, they released their self-titled debut album (first pressing is now sold out) via Glory Records, the band’s own label. 

During that year, they started working with Rome-based booking agency Asap Arts and toured Italy, Switzerland, France and Germany, supporting Thee Oh Sees, Black Lips, The Night Beats and King Khan & the Shrines. 

In 2016, Bee Bee Sea released a 3 song EP Jacques Dutronc  Glory Records), on digital and cassette. Tracks were soon featured in major commercial campaigns including ads by Fiat, DC Skateboarding, New Balance and DMAX. In April 2017, the band recorded their most recent full-length, Sonic Boomerang, live at Tup Studio in Brescia (IT) with producers Bruno Barcella and Alessio Lonati. The record will be released on Nov. 17, 2017, by Dirty Water Records USA (cassette, digital) and Wild Honey Records (vinyl).

Bee Bee Sea: Wilson Wilson - vox, guitar Giacomo Parisio - bass, backing vocals Andrea Onofrio - drums, backing vocals, FACEBOOK.

'D.I. Why Why Why' is a no nonsense garage rocker, where the vocals drop some melodic hooks in & the music which begins at fever pitch, refuses to settle down until a catchy guitar break midway through.

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Mo Kenney - On The Roof.

Background - This is the year that Mo Kenney plugs in, quite literally. Known for her smooth vocals and fearless lyrics, the Canadian singer releases the fast-paced On The Roof, due December 8th, & taken from new album The Details.

Mo has released two records with long-time producer and Canadian rock mentor Joel Plaskett since 2012. With her third album, Mo comes fully and completely into her own as an artist; she swaps her trademark acoustic guitar for a Fender Mustang, tracing her own strange, devastating, and ultimately hopeful trip through the trials and tribulations of booze-fuelled breakdowns, clouds of depression, and disintegrating relationships.

"I began writing "On The Roof" during a solo tour in the US. I had a day off in Syracuse, NY, and wrote the chorus for the song that day. When I sit and think of all the negative things in the world it can get me down, because there's a lot of it. I go down that wormhole often, as I'm sure a lot of people do. The song is about being in that mindset and not being able to shake it. " Mo Kenney

On each of The Details' 14 tracks Mo unflinchingly confronts her annihilation and eventual redemption, leaving nothing out. Combining elements of bruising rock ’n’ roll, vivid psychedelia, and haunting, left-of-the-dial pop, Kenney navigates the darkest waters in her life with self deprecation, genuine soul baring, and typical black humour.

Before and during writing the album, Kenney was enroute to rock bottom: depressed with dark blues and drinking like a fish, unable to hold herself or her relationships together, alienating the people she loves, and living hell-bent on oblivion. It’s a journey, thankfully, that finds Kenney sailing to calmer seas, closing gently on the sparse, clear-minded “Feelin’ Good.” But the storms weathered to get there are the kind that leaves scars.

The self-destructive drive of “On The Roof” explodes out of the gate with blistering intensity. “June 3rd” channels the late Elliott Smith with spectral atmospheres as Kenney comes to terms with her alienating behaviour. And the vicious, rollicking “If You’re Not Dead” shows her playing mind games over feral guitar solos and biting hooks. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

We featured Mo Kenney back in August and are pleased to be able to feature another track from her new album in the shape of 'On The Roof'. This time we have an energised rocker with some fine hooks, that brighten up the somewhat darker lyrics.

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The Luck - Radio Drive - They Might Be Giants - Mitch Bullen

The Luck - Rise and Shine.

Background - London indie folk duo The Luck have premiered the video for their new single Rise and Shine, which is out now through Common Market Music. The Luck are Max and Esmay Luck, a brother and sister duo whose indie folk sound is influenced by their childhood musical heritage, from Fleetwood Mac and Simon & Garfunkel to Joni Mitchell and The Eagles. Singing in choirs and learning to play an array of instruments, including cello, harp, piano, guitar and bass, from an early age, they finally formed a band together in 2011.

Residing in Los Angeles over the past year, the pair have been working with Paul Broucek, President of Music at Warner Brothers Pictures, and three-time Grammy Award-winning engineer/mixer Ed Cherney (The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt), and with over a million Spotify streams to their name, they will be announcing their debut album soon.

New single Rise and Shine follows their True North EP released last year and is a dramatic and emotive track with melodic vocal harmonies that build to a catchy and powerful chorus. The video was filmed in LA and directed by Jeff Thomas and the band say;

"We wanted to show the inner workings of someone’s mind when they’re trying to take themselves out of a bad situation. Jeff Thomas, the DP and director found the perfect actors, Jenna and John, to help us tell the story, captured against that technicolour light that is so unique to LA." WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Rise and Shine' is a richly layered indie folk or perhaps folk rock song (it seems to veer between both). The production is very high quality, the hooks are consistent through out, and with a polished video in support, I hope this piece gets the attention it deserves.


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Radio Drive - Borders.

Background - Radio Drive is an Alternative Pop Rock band featuring Kevin Gullickson. As the engine behind Radio Drive, Kevin has won international awards and nominations for his songs and music videos. The music of Radio Drive is being aired on radio around the world alongside major artists and is receiving rave reviews by music critics. He has been featured on web zines and radio shows in Europe, Canada and the USA.

Kevin’s music has landed on charts on indie stations around the world, including Canada, Germany, the UK and the South Pacific. His music has been used on shows airing on Animal Planet, National Geographic and Discovery Channel and other TV programs around the world. In 2014 Kevin released his single "A Taste of Heaven", produced by Chris Garcia (credits include Celin Dion, Adele and Katy Perry), which was an instant hit on indie stations around the world and is still getting massive airplay and rave reviews.

In mid August 2015 Kevin finished a project with internationally recognized producer, Stuart Epps. Stuart has worked with some of the most influential artists in music, in cluding George Harrison, Bill Wyman, Jimmy Page, Oasis and more. Kevin now has the honor of being listed among the artists Stuart has worked with. The result is a magnificent song entitled “Humanity”. Late 2016 Kevin released a music video for
"Humanity".

In 2017 Kevin was chosen by BEM Wireless to endorse their products. Currently Kevin has engaged in a European radio campaign and is receiving extensive radio play of his music and in September and October has been in the Top 20 on the Top Indécouvertes, Official European Independent Music Chart and in October has landed at #8. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

I had a few tracks to choose from and each one was in contention. 'Borders' is more alt rock than pop, it does however show off the distinct & fine vocals that are a hallmark of Radio Drives music. Some tracks are more melodic, however I'm in the mood for some unpretentious rock & roll which is taken care of in style with this song.

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They Might Be Giants - I Left My Body.

Background - Why is the world in love again? They Might Be Giants has announced the release of I Like Fun, a remarkable 15-track album to be available physically and digitally on 19th January 2018.

I Like Fun jumps with surprises, vitality, and the startling point of view of these Brooklyn originals. Over a year in the making, songwriters and band founders John Linnell and John Flansburgh draw on themes of dread, death, and disappointment and set them to their driving, hyper-melodic music. The results will leave even the most heavy-hearted among us with a renewed sense of wonder. Fresh and sonically adventurous, the band’s command of the studio and the song is in rare form from beginning to end.

On I Like Fun, the spotlight is also on the band’s formidable long-standing live lineup; drummer Marty Beller, bassist Danny Weinkauf and lead guitarist Dan Miller. While the group enjoys a reputation for delivering one of the liveliest shows around, the album accomplishes the rare feat of capturing that ecstatic intensity on disc. Co-produced with and mixed by Patrick Dillett (St. Vincent, Donald Fagen, The National, Mary J. Blige), the album was tracked and mixed at the brand-new Reservoir Studios—site of the legendary Skyline Studios where TMBG recorded their platinum-selling album Flood.

2018 will also see the return of TMBG's Dial-A-Song service, with weekly instalments toll free at www.dialasong.com, and on streaming sites everywhere, featuring new music all year long! WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

It's been a long while since They Might Be Giants first appeared on my musical radar and the new song 'I Left My Body' is going to get me digging out some of their old albums. They can certainly still turn out a pleasing song, this one being a case in point, it's catchy, powerful and uniquely their sound.


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Mitch Bullen - The Fray.

Background - Mitch Bullen is a London based singer songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. His gentle, acoustic guitar finger picking and beautifully soaring vocals draw inspiration from a range of artists from different eras including Ray Charles, Matt Corby, Passenger and Bon Iver. 

Mitch grew up in a musical household, listening to his songwriter Dad's classic rock records, before graduating to generation x emo bands. He tried his hand at automotive engineering and industrial design in two different universities before realising he hated physics and maths, and opting for a career in personal training. But with more music than sweat seeping out of his pores, he decided to move to the music capital of the world, London, to seek his fortunes.

Mitch performs regularly in London's singer songwriter clubs at night and makes a mean coffee as a barista in Fitzrovia by day. With songs that are like short poems inspired by life, time and relationships, Mitch sings with a dreamy zeal that goes straight to the heart. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'The Fray' will be followed by another single in November, Mitch Bullen would appear to be in a creative mood. The song gently unfolds with his vocals and a delicate acoustic guitar allowing the track to build, and yes it builds! The vocals are exceptional & the musical arrangement allows them to shine, it's a simple case of more please!

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dreambeaches - El Lago - Line & Circle

dreambeaches - the only reason you want to go to california is that it's the closest thing to heaven in your mind.

Background - Western NY based baroque rock act dreambeaches new single "the only reason you want to go to california is that it's the closest thing to heaven in your mind," is off their new EP Disappearing Act. 

This song is a narrative of a deteriorating mental state. To me, the song is an exploration of what it is to leave a life behind in pursuit of happiness, by way of moving, by way of chasing gold, & even by way of death. The song is set in the Southwest U.S., a place where I’ve spent a lot of time and think about often. There is so much open air and promise. I thought using California as a double entendre for death worked well because they both have a history of attracting those seeking. The main character doesn’t give an explanation on why they left, but they do give every bit of their remaining self to those they’ve surrounded themselves with. I think what I hope to get across to the listener is that the gold in life is what you give and you aren’t going to find it anywhere else.

dreambeaches is an art rock band based in Buffalo, NY consisting of members Corey Bzibziak (lead vocals, guitar), Jacob Peter (bass, vocals), Gabe Wells (drums), & Andrew Kothen (lead guitar, vocals). Since the release of their first EP ‘Habits’ in 2016 the band has been making their way around the Northeastern US and Canada and will be touring to the Southeast this fall in support of ‘Disappearing Act’. dreambeaches comes from an array of influences including Grizzly Bear, Rubblebucket, Hiatus Kaiyote, Pinegrove, Of Montreal, Bombay Bicycle Club & more. FACEBOOK.

OK so the title is quite something, that said 'the only reason you want to go to california is that it's the closest thing to heaven in your mind' is a thoughtful song with an alt rock feel to it. The vocals and harmonies have a west coast vibe, or is that just the title playing tricks with me, either way its a fine track. 

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El Lago - Into The Clearing.

Background - Galveston, Texas might be known as a coastal destination for Texas vacationers, but for the pedal soaked music of El Lago, Galveston is home. Mixing sounds that hint of what would happen if Cocteau Twins and Kate Bush covered the music of Spiritualized, the band has been known to cause a stir with their dreamlike performances. 

The four piece has always crafted plenty of soundscapes to compliment the vocals of lead singer and guitarist Lauren Eddy, and their recent recordings with Austin Sepulvado (Buxton, Dollie Barnes) and Grammy winning engineer Steve Christensen (Robert Ellis, Steve Earle) seem to capture the magic that the band crafts together on what will become their debut full length release.

With the lead single "Into The Clearing," the band gives listeners a glimpse into what's to come from forthcoming debut full length Colors due November 4 from Miss Champagne Records. The band is set to perform and tour in support of the album throughout 2018. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Into The Clearing' is a combination of exquisite & melodic vocals, refined rock music along with alternating time signatures, that add another dimension to the track. It gives some indication of what the album has to offer, however it is only after listening to all the songs that the above comparisons make reasonable sense. Overall we have eight very strong tracks, each of which possibly made choosing the lead single something of a challenge.

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Line & Circle - Man Uncouth.

Background - Line & Circle announces new EP, Vicious Folly, shares first track "Man Uncouth". Ohio-born, Los Angeles-based Line & Circle will follow up their acclaimed singles and debut LP with their new EP Vicious Folly, due Dec. 1 via Grand Gallop. The bulk of the record was tracked live to tape in one day at Los Angeles’ Vox Studios with Michael Harris (Angel Olsen’s My Woman), with additional sessions in various warehouses, bedrooms, and backhouse studios around the band’s Echo Park neighborhood. The project was mixed with frequent collaborator Jonathan Low (The National, The War On Drugs) at Aaron Dessner of The National’s Long Pond studio in Hudson Valley, New York.

At a moment when cultural divisions seem increasingly tense and tribalistic, Vicious Folly explores a belief the Romans held centuries ago: homo homini lupus — man is a wolf to man. Whether the conflicts here are romantic (“Man Uncouth”), ideological (“Vicious Folly”), or familial (“Who Runs Wild”), the songs contemplate the disquieting idea that man himself is his own greatest threat. Vicious Folly brings the resulting emotional complexity to life by expanding on the band’s characteristically moody but vibrant color palette. Interweaving bass clarinet pulses and distorted tape loops move underneath minimalist patterns of chiming guitar and bass melody counterpoint. Singer/guitarist Brian J. Cohen’s dramatic tenor pulls across the songs’ brisk rhythmic foundations, which are more unhinged here than in previous releases.

The record’s cover images, Peter Flötner’s 16th century hand-painted playing cards from post-Reformation Germany, offer further support. Flötner used his cards to depict and denounce the perceived greed, gluttony, and folly of his time. That the imagery strikes a chord today — as it surely did then — is either deeply comforting, or incredibly disconcerting, depending on your information filter. Perhaps only one thing is certain — we won’t agree on the answer anytime soon. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

The slightly urgent pace of the music on 'Man Uncouth' is set at odds with a more measured vocal delivery. Combined it really works well, a mixture of energy and patience, or mood and excitement.

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Gill Landry - Glances - Woodes

Gill Landry - Denver Girls.

Background - Gill Landry has unveiled a brand new video for ‘Denver Girls’, the second single taken from his latest solo album ‘Love Rides A Dark Horse’. Since making my last record, I destroyed all the pillars of my life intentionally and by accident. I found myself wondering what the hell I was doing, and had to slowly start rebuilding. When you go back to the ground level in any field, with your toes in the dirt, you've got to really want to do it. I already came up through the clubs, playing all the small gigs, busking the streets, and also got the delusions of grandeur that come from playing in much bigger places. When you've been through it and you know how much work it is to start from the bottom, you have to ask yourself if it's truly what you want. Here we are, so I guess the answer is yes.

A little over two short years ago, I was set to be married to a woman I loved very much, had just won my second Grammy with Old Crow Medicine Show, and life was good by all perceivable standards. However, I was deeply unsatisfied artistically and needed to leave the band. After the first year of touring my last album, I swore to myself I wasn’t writing another goddamned broken-hearted love song, but then my lover took flight and I found myself alone, worn out, disillusioned, and heartbroken in a way I hadn’t known before. The future was looking like an exhaustingly long walk through a knee-deep tunnel of shit ending in death, so, it seemed like it wasn’t going to be an overly joyous next record after all. BUT, I wanted to find a light in the darkness. This album is more of ‘a map out of the darkness’ than ‘an invitation to it.’ 

In writing this album, I wanted to paint a vision of the prison of expectations that eat loving relationships at their core and can turn them into a mechanical farce. The premise through most of this album can be summed up by the title “Scripted Love”. The songs reveal characters trapped in scenes they didn’t create as much as rehearsed. Their roles are played through narratives either engrained or sold to them through: Hollywood, social norms, family, fairy tales, etc. Hung up on “what’s supposed to happen” over what’s happening. They find themselves disappointed with the reality of relationships due to their false idealisations. Love becomes a possession rather than a presence. This isn’t to say I don’t think that there aren’t millions of people living in harmonious, real, and loving relationships. I don’t happen to know an overwhelming amount of them, but I know they exist.

'Love Rides A Dark Horse' breaks new ground for Landry with contributions from fiddler Ross Holmes (Mumford & Sons, Bruce Hornsby), keyboard player Skylar Wilson (Andrew Combs, Rayland Baxter), and drummer Logan Matheny (Roman Candle, Rosebuds), the songs explore a more seductive, stripped-down sound built upon a hushed sense of intimacy that calls to mind Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits. The album's tattered narratives cast aside romanticism in favour of reality. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Denver Girls' is the second track we have the pleasure of sharing from the 'Love Rides A Dark Horse’ album. In the previous feature we commented "high class Americana - vocals and harmonies are heartfelt, whilst the music is understated and pristine". 'Denver Girls' is if anything, even more beautiful and the accompanying video is just right for the track.


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Glances - Later Days.

Background - Glances share the second track "Later Days" from their album 'I feel very close to you right now' which was released a couple of days ago.

There’s more to a story. Glances is a recording project out of Chicago, Il. In 2012 Micah Waldron moved into an artist loft in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood where he met Ashley Thompson, cute. About a year later Ashhh spent some time on a farm in Hawaii where she met Christian Whiting (Chin). Through her persuasive nature she convinced Chin to move to Chicago where the three of them started playing music together. Eventually an album started to form. It was an accident.

I feel very close to you right now is a collection of songs that strive to portray the the hidden meaningfulness of impermanence by examining it through the context of a relationship. Before we weren’t close, now we are, soon we will not be. It’s meant to be listened to, preferably together. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Four weeks on & 'Later Days' is our second song share from Glances. This is a group who seem to follow their creative hearts when it comes to writing & delivering music. As mentioned last time around, the album really is worth listening to as a whole, if you like either of the songs we have featured I am more than certain you will love the collection.

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Woodes - Dots.

Background - Acclaimed Melbourne based artist Woodes has released a new single 'Dots'; an anthemic track highlighting why Woodes is one of the most exciting names in Australian indie music. The track is a driving, sonic wonderland highlighted by the incredible vocals by Woodes.

Woodes co-produced the track with Grammy nominated producer Scott Effman, Simon Lam from Kllo and Nearly Ontario worked across the mixing and Grammy nominated Andrei Eremin(Hiatus Coyote) mastered the new single.  

Woodes commented on the writing process. "I wrote this on my first writing week overseas. I was in and out of sessions with new writers and it was a new world to me, working with strangers in another country. This track started with the concept that we’re all connected and quite exposed in our locations through technology. GPS, geo tagging, constantly updating where we are and where we’re going as well as who we’re with. The mystery is taken out. 

The song evolved into a miniature quest, searching for something. When I dream I usually remember narratives from them, for a long time they were presented in a quest format. Most of my favourite films and shows revolve around quests so it made sense to seep into my subconscious. I often feel like things appear like little clues to someone or something. It feels fortuitous when I meet certain people and find out we share common interests and values. When I listen to 'Dots' I see different terrains, different parts of the world. No matter where I am I find little sparks from human connections and landscapes. No matter where I travel to I’m still connected to home."  WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

I remain consistently impressed by the music Woodes creates. 'Dots' is another gorgeous song, where the passionate & dreamy vocals are immersed in a powerful soundtrack. This is our fifth feature for Woodes in under two years, here's looking forward to the next opportunity.

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On The Wane - Indytronics - Marble Mammoth - Hoult - Ali Horn - Gaffa Tape Sandy

On The Wane - Human Race.

Background - Oscillating between dream gaze and power gaze fusion, Ukraine’s On The Wane brings us their new full album 'Schism', slated for release on November 20, preceded by the first single 'Human Race'.

On the Wane is Daria Maksimova (bass, vocals), Anna Lyashok (drums, vocals), Eugene Voitov (guitar, synth), and Eli Demyanenko (guitar). Together, the four-piece have become a smooth cohesive force in the shoegaze, neo-gothic and noise rock realm.

"Mankind as a race is quite an absurd thing. We strive to survive but we are killing ourselves. We're beautiful and ugly,  lovely and cruel but, anyway, we are not infinite," says Daria Maksimova on this lead track.

In early 2017, the band recorded the 10 tracks that would become the full-length album'Schism' at the studio of the Kyiv-based band Sinoptik (winners of the worldwide music competition Global Battle of the Bands 2016) and under the direction of sound engineer Dima Afanasyev-Gladkykh (a.k.a. Sinoptik). 

“For me this album is a transitional state, the first step on the way to something higher. We put a lot of deep thoughts and feelings into this release. A lot of work has been done. This is definitely the best we ever did, and I can only hope that the next release will be even cooler,” says Anna Lyashok. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, BANDCAMP.

On The Wane move with ease across differing genres and styles with the forthcoming album 'Schism'. Therefore 'Human Race' the first single and one of the ten tracks that make up the collection, doesn't tell the whole story. What it does do is give an indication of the bands power and intensity, where atmospheric sounds and potent musicianship are everywhere.

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Indytronics - Alien Sun.

Background - Indytronics - psychedelic / indie 5-piece band from Kiev, Ukraine. The band started playing in 2015, releasing their debut long play ‘Scintilla Wave’. Indytronics played live presentation show in Kiev club ‘Atlas’ and at several Ukrainian festivals: Woodstock Ukraine, Virtuoso Festival, Tattoo Collection, Master Festival and etc.

In 2016 Indytronics won 2 competitions: ‘Battles Of Students Bands’ and ‘Irish True’ by Tullamore Dew, winning the possibility to play concert in Dublin, Ireland. In summer Indytronics went in Ukrainian tour, playing in 6 cities and at two festivals: ‘Woodstock Ukraine’ and ‘Z-Games’.

Indytronics - musical expeditors of the sun and foggy mountains, sand savannas and oceans, who see beautiful in simple things, creating a dazzling mix of psychedelics, indie and electronics.

In April 2017, Indytronics won huge all-Ukrainian competition 'Indie Fields' - conducted by the recording studio 'Istok', Music Hub and Atlas - the group became number 1 among 500 participants from all over the country. Brand new EP is coming out in Autumn 2017. In summer 2017 Indytronics played at the biggest festival in Ukraine - Atlas Weekend. FACEBOOK.

We featured Indytronics back in March & commented then that they are a band worth checking out further. 'Alien Sun' helps us along the way & it is another engaging, melodic indie rocker. The EP is eagerly anticipated.


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Marble Mammoth - Glitter Amongst Gravel.

Background - Swedish, Stockholm based Marble Mammoth wanders seamlessly between classic genres in a dynamic mix of energetic riff based rock and dreamy, melodic psychedelia. A furious rhythm section, screaming organs and fuzzy guitars greets you on the second single ”Glitter Amongst Gravel” – out October 20th, and give you a taste of what’s to come.

The five track self-titled EP immediately draws your mind to the experimental side of early Tame Impala or even classic rock acts like Led Zeppelin, and we find our self as much in the late 60’s as in the present.

"Marble Mammoth is in many ways defined by an endless search. So it only feels natural that the EP sound the way it does. The songs were written in a state of emotional turmoil, and it wasn't until afterward, with some distance, that I really understood what they were all about." – Tobias Bergholm (singer and guitarist)

With band members that have previously played in bands such as The Unisex, that has shared stage with The Libertines, and Dollhouse, that’s been touring the world and done collaborations with Mike Davis (MC5) and Nicke Andersson (The Hellacopters/Imperial State Electric), this is nothing but a pleasant new acquaintance on the Swedish and the international rock scene.

”Glitter Amongst Gravel” is out on all digital platforms yesterday, with the full EP to follow in November. FACEBOOK.

'Glitter Amongst Gravel' has a deep bass groove that along with the feisty drum arrangement drives the song along. The music builds with power into a full on rocker mixing fabulous rock vocals with some definitive guitar licks. Old school classic rock with a refreshingly modern twist.

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Hoult - Pharmacy.

Background - Hoult has the rare knack of sounding both dreamy and sharp at the same time. This, married with vital yet wistful song-writing, concocts his imaginative brand of guitar pop.

‘Pharmacy’ builds from an affecting intimacy into a song with a grand scale possessing folk-tinged anthemic choruses: reminiscent of Bombay Bicycle club and Frightened Rabbit rippling with personal lyrics that tap into wider themes: “Pharmacy summarises the feeling of frustration when you cannot help someone you care about.” Says Hoult “Darker themes run through the veins of this track, yet the energetic and cheerful instrumentation represent the mask a lot of people wear on a daily basis.”

Hoult better known as Sam Fowke is a singer-songwriter / producer from Gloucester, now based in Cardiff.He released one single entitled 'Red Handed’  under his own name last year, it quickly racked up over 7000 plays. He now returns under the new moniker Hoult with his most affecting and ambitious song yet. FACEBOOK.

From the opening chords a dreamy vibe mixes with a determined beat on 'Pharmacy' a song that has a whole load of hooks throughout.

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Ali Horn - Bloom.

Background - Ali Horn releases his new single ‘Bloom’ on November 10th via Liverpool based The Label Recordings.  His second single after the release of ‘Days Like Today’ in February, ‘Bloom’ is 4 minutes of spiralling, psychedelic guitars and echoing vocals from the Strange Collective guitarist.  

"It was the first track that I wrote away from Strange Collective in recent years that I actually thought was any good, first taking form in my basement bedroom come studio the original demo was 9 minutes long” Ali explains.  "This was then shortened for our live shows and then even more for this single version that we did last month in Parr Street Studios."

"I guess in essence it's about loneliness, sitting around out of my head thinking about where all my friends and loved ones were, sending them love and good vibes and hoping they were doing the same" FACEBOOK.

I would have been tempted to feature this song simply because of the promotional photo that accompanied it. However 'Bloom' has no need for any props, it's a gorgeously dreamy and multi layered song that just gets better and better as it builds into something quite special.

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Gaffa Tape Sandy - Beehive.

Background - Garage rockers Gaffa Tape Sandy have announced the release of their brand new single Beehive via Antigen Records, the fittingly triumphant finale of their explosive performance on the BBC Introducing stage at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

Manic, thrilled-packed and seemingly precision-tooled to get crammed in your cranium, Beehive is the sound of every guitar band you’ve ever loved getting hopped-up on mountains of sugary treats, chasing their own shadows down a steep hillside and smashing gleefully into each other.

The Bury St Edmunds outfit’s brand of giddily frantic, high-octane hyper rock ‘n’ roll has already landed them support slots with acts including IDLES, Peace, SuperGlu and Get Inuit, whilst a flurry of upcoming tour dates will see them further establish their burgeoning live reputation.

Produced by George Perks (SuperGlu), Gaffa Tape Sandy’s Beehive was released yesterday via Antigen Records and will be available on all platforms. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Despite sharing half this websites name 'Beehive' is most definitely featured on merit. It's a fabulous melting pot of ideas crammed into three minutes of crazy upbeat music and lyrics that are just amazing. File under Ones To Watch Out For, & do just so.

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Empathy Test - Lusterlit - Mcbaise - Louise Connell - Winter and Trabants - Sophie Morgan

Empathy Test - Everything Will Work Out.

Background - Empathy Test recently shared their latest single "Everything Will Work Out". The track is from their forthcoming EP 'Everything Will Work Out' (out Nov 3rd) and also appears on their new LP 'Safe From Harm' (out Nov 17). The duo explains that their latest single is about "hooking up with your ex and then waking up in the morning and realising you're not going to get back together, but it's okay; it's for the best". On November 17th, the band will be releasing two debut LPs, 'Losing Touch (Remastered)' and 'Safe From Harm', both of which contain remastered versions of previously released material as well as brand new tracks. You can pre-order the EP via iTunes, Amazon and Bandcamp, and pre-order the LPs here.

Empathy Test was formed in 2013 by childhood friends Isaac Howlett and Adam Relf. Sharing a mutual love for all things sci-fi, the London-based duo draw inspiration from ‘80s movie soundtracks, ‘90s guitar bands and underground dance music. Their name, borrowed from Ridley Scott’s 1982 sci-fi masterpiece, Blade Runner, gives a clue to the DNA of a band that, since its conception just three years ago, has self-released a string of meticulously layered, life-affirming Synthpop tracks that have won them both critical acclaim a legion of dedicated fans worldwide.

‘Everything Will Work Out’ represents a bold new sonic statement from Howlett and Relf, who, in a now wholly oversaturated synth scene, have used their considerable talents to form an enthralling, standalone identity. Shedding the dark, melancholy nightscapes of early tracks like their debut, ‘Losing Touch’, which has now had over half a million plays on Spotify, this new single finds the band stepping into the light, rocking the kind of chorus you wouldn’t be surprised to find on a new Haim album. Packed full of hooks and constantly evolving, Everything Will Work Out is the perfect final taster for new LP, ‘Safe From Harm’.

Fiercely independent, the band remains unsigned, having already turned down their fair share of record deals in favour of crowdfunding their twin debut albums via PledgeMusic. The hugely successful campaign is now 575% funded and counting, showing the huge weight of support they have behind them. Despite the lack of label-backing, they’re also turning in the kind of Spotify streams you would expect from the latest industry-backed buzz band, with their last single Bare My Soul already having racked up 70K+ plays. WEBSITE. FACEBOOK.

The vocals are notable from the beginning as they drift above a rich synth layered musical soundtrack. 'Everything Will Work Out' is a refreshing electro pop song with bags of feeling.

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Lusterlit - Flight.

Background - Lusterlit today share thier new video for the song Flight from the List Of Equipment EP. Directed by Deb Magocsi, it is inspired by The Fortress Of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem and is filled with images that conjure the magic, the Brooklyn, and the altitude of the story, not to mention Ms. Josephine Baker.

Lusterlit is having a video release show today Friday October 20th at 7PM at Communitea (11-18 46th Rd, New York, New York 11101).  They will be sharing the bill with Frank Olson Twins, Neil Kelly and Jheremie Jacque, all of whom will also be premiering new music videos as well as performing. 

With their songs created for Bushwick Book Club, BBC founder, Susan Hwang and BBC contributor and producer, Charlie Nieland, have joined forces to perform as the new, literature-inspired duo—Lusterlit. 

Both vocalists and multi-instrumentalists, Charlie and Susan alternate lead vocals and harmonies while supporting each other on guitar, bass, synth, traditional Korean drum and accordion. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, BANDCAMP.

The brand new music video for 'Flight' adds further character, interest and identity to what is a funky and fabulous song. We featured the EP earlier this year & really recommend a listen at the very least.


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Mcbaise - 610.

Background - "Mcbess is an illlustrator and musician originally from the south of France, living nowadays in London. 

From playing drums, saxophone and percussion in a jazz band in Cannes as a teenager, to being part of multiple rock bands in London, it’s been quite the journey.

During the winter of 2014 Mcbess recorded Seabass in the south of France, between two family dinners, a way to capture the almost post-apocalyptic mood that resides in Cannes during the rest of the year in this dormant resort. 

Giving birth to “mcbaise”, becoming a sandbox to create some smooth tunes with the right amount of 'weird.'" BANDCAMP, FACEBOOK.

There is a gentle and lazy feel to '610', a cool and laid back rocker that mixes melodic hooks with some bluesy vibes. If you like this track then check out the other twelve songs on their album 'Windowsill', I think your in for a very welcome surprise.


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Louise Connell - Ilo.

Background - Louise Connell is a singer-songwriter from Airdrie, near Glasgow. Previously performing and releasing her music under the name Reverieme, she has earned a considerable reputation as an outstanding songwriter, with a particular knack for framing intelligent, literate lyrics in haunting and beautiful melodies, delivered by “a voice that would melt iron” (Ravechild).

Her first studio album, Straw Woman (2016), was released to consistent critical acclaim and overwhelmingly positive reviews, and was the featured Album Of The Week on several BBC Radio Scotland programmes as well as receiving general airplay on Radio 2, Radio 6 (Lauren Laverne’s “Headphone Moment”), Radio 4, Virgin Radio and Amazing Radio. 

Recently, her work has come to the attention of legendary artist and designer James Marsh. Famous for his wonderful illustrations for records by Talk Talk, Jamiroquai and many others, James drew inspiration from Louise’s newest songs to create a series of beautiful designs for her forthcoming releases, which will be the first records released under her own name Louise Connell.

These will be a series of three 6-track EPs, each of which will reflect a slightly different aspect of Louise’s writing and performance. The first EP, Squall will be released on October 20th, with parts 2 and 3 (Echo and Rale) following in January and March 2018 respectively. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

We featured Louise Connell in February last year when she was using the Reverieme moniker & it's a pleasure to share another beautiful song from her with 'Ilo'. Her gorgeous vocals are accompanied by a refined musical arrangement and the good news is that there is plenty more to follow.


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Winter and Trabants - Just Stay.

Background - LA-based (by way of Brazil) dream-pop band Winter recently wrapped up a tour opening for another female-fronted LA act, Cherry Glazerr, a show supporting Colleen Green, and a show at the Desert Daze Festival in Joshua Tree in Oct. Their stand-alone single "Just Stay" featuring Trabants has just been shared.

Winter is a dreamy indie rock band whose sound was conceived in Boston. The current tour finds Samira Winter backed by Justine Brown, Chelsea Brown, and Anders LaSource of fellow LA band Summer Twins.

The quartet released their first full-length album, Supreme Blue Dream, via Lolipop Records in 2015. The aptly titled album floats on with a youthful sense of nostalgia and romanticized segues into adulthood. Influences include most of the 90s holy grail of grunge/alternative music (Dinosaur Jr., Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Pixies, etc.). Winter aspires to connect others with their inner child by making blissful, beautiful and ethereal pop music. FACEBOOK.

'Just Stay' is a soothing and lush dream pop meets indie rock song. Melodic and flowing, it's very catchy and the accompanying old home movie footage (I'm guessing that's what it is) is fabulous.


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Sophie Morgan - Hey Annie.

Background - Twenty-year-old singer-songwriter Sophie Morgan released her debut EP Annie recently and the video for lead track Hey Annie is available to watch now. 

Born in Liverpool and raised in Rainhill and Widnes, Sophie began playing piano aged 6 and wrote her first songs aged 9. Brought up on an early musical education of Nick Drake and Van Morrison, and later introduced to Joni Mitchell and Carole King, Sophie released her first single Marionette last year and followed this with Quietly, picking up BBC Introducing and BBC 6Music support along the way.

After a chance meeting with The Verve’s Simon Jones, whilst singing in church at a friend’s wedding, Sophie began recording in Simon’s Chester studio alongside Davide Rossi (Goldfrapp, Coldplay, The Verve) and it was there that the Annie EP was produced. 

Hey Annie is the perfect introduction to the EP. It is a folk-tinged track with a delicate animated melody and a warming honeyed vocal. The EP is shaped by Sophie’s musical influences and is a body of work that is ahead of her young years. The video is a relaxed affair and shows Sophie and her tight-knit group of musician friends performing the track together in retro inspired footage. Sophie says;

“It encapsulates my earliest musical years, marking the end of the first chapter and the beginning of the next. The EP features the playing of all the musical friends I have made so far and is a real family affair recorded between all of our houses. I can feel that warmth and homeliness in the imperfections of the recordings - like the squeaking of my old piano stool or the creaking of the floorboards in my living room.” WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Hey Annie' is a gently melodic song where Sophie Morgan's vocals are full of feeling. The band deliver a superb soundtrack, with high quality musicianship, as can be seen (and heard) on the 'live' music video.


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Akiva - Daniel Carlson - Good Boy - FEVA

Akiva - M.O.D.

Background - A triumphant taste of the heavyweight synth-based electro that marks Akiva’s live sets, ‘M.O.D’ melds a strident musical backing to a fierce polemic on war, all brutal groove, pulsing analogue, fierce guitar licks and anthemic vocal. It is a song written about past events – namely the juxtaposition of the Ministry of Defence’s ‘Be the Best’ recruitment campaign and the funeral cortèges on the streets of Wootton Bassett – but, indicative of this Bedfordshire band’s unflinching take on the state of the world, seems increasingly relevant now, as the clouds of war gather. 

“The lyrics reflect the hypocrisy of the political class sending the soldiers out against the public’s wishes, while simultaneously praising their bravery on national television,” explains frontman Dave MacKenzie. “They also highlight the pointlessness and futility of the deaths and trauma inflicted on so many soldiers.” The stunning video, its narrative arc illustrating those lyrics’ passion and despair, is the work of Berlin-based British animator Wayne McCauslin of the animation group Backyard Society. Wayne has previously worked on music videos for Crystal Fighters, Husky, Morcheeba and CHAMPS.

‘M.O.D.’ itself was recorded in Angelic Studios, Oxfordshire, before the sad death of its owner, and former Jamiroquai keyboardist, Toby Smith, earlier this year. Produced by Jake Gordon (Skepta, Emeli Sandé, Everything Everything), ‘M.O.D’ will be released on 13 October.

Alongside the perhaps anticipated touchstones of pop music excellence – the Stones, Krautrock, Madchester, the rhythmic lyricism of Kendrick Lamar and Courtney Barnett, psychedelia – Akiva are also happy to acknowledge the impact of cultural references less readily associated with rock’n’roll, namely UK current affairs programmes Newsnight and Question Time, and the trusty BBC Radio 4. For here is a band who believe that music is a medium for a message, never more so than in these troubled times. “Our songs tend to have a heavy theme of conflict and aggression running through them lyrically,” says frontman Dave MacKenzie. “Grab a beat, a bassline, add a view of the world, and you’re on the right track.”

Three quarters of Akiva – Malcolm Carter (guitar, vox), Rob Mercel (bass) and Dave Mercel (drums) – have known each other since their schooldays at a Bedfordshire comprehensive, variously soaking up the delights of warehouse raves, classic guitar riffery and grunge. Singer, guitarist and synth programmer Dave MacKenzie then arrived from England’s northwest, bringing with him a passion for breakbeat, the Madchester scene and anything with a bit of groove and swagger. Facebook here.

'M.O.D.' is a ripping mixture of synths, guitar, feisty drums and some impassioned vocals. The music video helps carry the message, this is a full throttle musical blast, that demands to be listened to.


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Daniel Carlson - Problems.

Background - New York / Amsterdam psychedelic master Daniel Carlson’s new album ‘Not A Drawing’ is out November 10th on Folkwit Records. He’s just dropped a superb new video for the slightly off-kilter, floaty, melancholic, ‘Problems’ from it.

In the making of his fourth album ‘Not A Drawing’ and arguably a future classic it is worth noting the thought process behind the making of something that, in an age of very transient and mass produced ‘art’, is a wholly refreshing approach, whereupon every detail is painstakingly managed in accordance with the creation of something valuable to cherish.

From the album cover artwork, Daniel explains, “I've been working with well known, in the art world - visual artists for my covers from the start. Thus far, they've all been people who I've gotten to know in NYC. The process is this: I reach out and ask if they'd be interested in doing the art. If they agree, I give them an early version of the (still in-process) record and they're responsible for both the artwork and coming up with a title for the album. The artist this time around is Nayland Blake, whose work has been shown internationally since the 1990s. I've chosen this route because, basically, I think the cover and title - when done well - can really shape how the listener takes in the record. And I think cover art - in general - is mostly a dead art and want to remind people how considered it can be. It's getting to the point where half the reason I'm making the records is to work with these artists whose work I admire so much.”

Regarding Daniel’s always innovative and enjoyable music videos he worked on the last record ‘Me You You Me’ with Belarusian (but Amsterdam-based) video artist Maxim Tyminko, Los Angeles-based photographer and filmmaker Jim Newberry, Tokyo based artist/photographer Ichiyo Ikezaki, and also directs them himself with Daniel’s visual art collaborator Cathleen Owens. Since that record, Cathleen and Daniel have made three official videos for the ten-time Grammy nominee Meshell Ndegeocello (at Meshell's request) for her record ‘Comet Come to Me’. Website here.

We have a very welcome second song and music video from Daniel Carson this time with the track 'Problems'. Musically it is again beautifully arranged and the vocals are as melodic as the soundtrack. The music video adds to the dreamy atmosphere, which is there in abundance.


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Good Boy - Fishing With A Shotgun.

Background - Barely Dressed Records is delighted to welcome fast-rising Brisbane punks Good Boy to their roster for the release of their brilliant impending EP Shirk Life, due November 10. To celebrate the signing, Good Boy have released a strange and wonderful video for first single ‘Fishing With A Shotgun’ and also shared details for their headline Australian tour.

Produced and engineered by Tim Fitz (Middle Kids), and mixed and mastered by Mikey Young (Eddy Current Suppression Ring / Total Control), ‘Fishing With A Shotgun’ is a 2 minute 30 second burst of hyper-intelligent garage punk energy. And now it comes with an equally awesome video.

Created by Australia’s pre-eminent music video auteur SPOD, the video combines 3-D animation taking aim at the absurdity and vulgarity of Pauline Hanson and right-wing politics within Australia. "Fishing With A Shotgun is a dig at the disgusting, spineless leaders that run our country, the dismal state of Australian politics and the gutless idiots too dumb and stupid to say or do anything,” says singer Rian King, “It talks about the helplessness felt by thousands of young Aussies.”

Infused with vitriol and incendiary lyrics, Fishing With A Shotgun is the first single to come from Good Boy’s brand new EP Shirk Life. Shirk Life will also be available on a limited edition 12” vinyl, packaged with their earlier standout EP Plum. You can pre-order the double EP now.

Good Boy have built a reputation for barnstorming live shows and recordings which are whip-smart and raucous. Their live energy recalls the best of Cloud Nothings, Parquet Courts and Australia’s influential Eddy Current Suppression Ring. In the last 12 months alone they have played Falls Festival, Blurst of Times, Splendour in the Grass, and toured with Skeggs, The Creases, Japandroids and Grinspoon. Facebook here.

Persuasive vocals, intriguing lyrics and delectable punk energy & attitude are carved deeply into 'Fishing With A Shotgun'. The video is another creative piece, just about keeping pace with this two & a half minute whirlwind of musical pleasure.


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FEVA - Blind.

Background - Newcastle indie quartet FEVA announce themselves with debut single Blind, a blistering, no-holds-barred introduction to a band who’re already drumming up plenty of attention across the UK.

With a flurry of demos surfacing online in recent months, the Geordie newcomers have been steadily building up their live reputation with appearances at the likes of Neighbourhood Festival, Hit The North and Stockton Calling, alongside support slots with acts including Anteros, Catholic Action and The Pale White.

Early support on the airwaves from Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1) has already sparked substantial interest in the four-piece, comprising of Sam Reynolds (lead vocals, guitar), James Gibbons (lead guitar, vocals), Danny Castro (drums) and Thomas Errington (bass), and with further releases and live shows in the works, FEVA are primed to gain a plethora of new fans. 

FEVA’s Blind is released today 18th October and will be available on all platforms. Facebook here.

The vocals are distinct and powerful giving 'Blind' some real edge from the very beginning. Not to be left out the band deliver some potent & robust rock energy and the harmonies send the song into overdrive.

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Astrid Swan - Lauran Hibberd - Scott Ruthenberg - TYA

Astrid Swan - Dreaming Is Dangerous.

Background - Astrid Swan's latest album From the Bed and Beyond (released early spring 2017 via Soliti) has been a substantial critical and commercial success. It's been further enhanced by successful festival appearances at Flow, Sideways, Provinssi and Tallinn Music Week to name a few. In addition to festivals, a run of special shows has created a deep connection with audiences who have responded deeply to the album's themes and powerful visual presentation. 

From The Bed and Beyond is an album about the aftermath of breast cancer. It is about the body; giving birth, becoming a mother, then becoming a patient – becoming a physical body that is defined by medicine, controlled and intervened, unknown and simultaneously more feeling than ever. It’s a pop record about loss, death, grief and hope.

It's Astrid's most personal and important album of music to date. Shortly after the release of the album Astrid Swan was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, which as well as delivering extra poignancy and emotional pull to the concerts surrounding the album, created different challenges as Swan negotiated treatments and the live-stage. At the time of writing hope wins out. 

Against this backdrop, we're more than happy to reveal an unreleased track from the album,  'Dreaming Is Dangerous'  – which drops via all digital services on the 20th of October.

"'Dreaming is Dangerous' was recorded for From the Bed and Beyond, but it was left out to make the album more succinct. Here it is now for your autumn evenings. It's a song calling for a better treatment of yourself: take care, dream, live now, be kind to yourself and others –– do not mistake yourself for one moment for a stone, not even rose quartz. With this release, I'd like to say thanks for the year 2017, the amazing support and communication I've had with so many people about life and music. It has been a year of magic and a year of pain." Astrid. Web-blog here, Facebook here.

Astrid Swan's enchanting vocals on 'Dreaming Is Dangerous' dance above a refined piano lead musical arrangement that occasionally bursts with power. Even when that music surges her vocals are equal for the challenge. Anymore unreleased tracks of this calibre will be more than welcome.

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Lauran Hibberd - Eliza.

Background - Earlier this month, Lauran Hibberd performed on the main stage at Bestival 2017. Her newest song, “Eliza” belongs in an indie movie soundtrack for the little voice in your head. In the screen-less moments of our daily routines, our thoughts entertain our busy brains. Without earbuds, you might find yourself chanting “E-L-I-Z-A” and humming the chorus just like you would for the White Stripes’ “Hotel Yorba.”

The energetic guitar riffs, walking organ notes and steady beat complement Lauran’s voice like Zooey Deschanel in She & Him. One can easily imagine the song in a fun coming of age film like 500 Days of Summer that also boasts an impressive soundtrack. In “Eliza,” the lyrics explore a sense of self that comes from the choices we make. Lauran names her conscience Eliza. She wonders what others would think of the girl who lives in the back of her mind. Who is really in control? This song encourages listeners to think about how choices define our character and our relationships.

“For me, Eliza is a soundtrack. It’s the dancing around in your room when your alone, the song you brush your teeth to in the morning. It’s coming of age, it’s fun, it’s young and it’s brash. It’s ignorantly honest, and represents my generation and the world I live in (all of it’s faults included). I wrote the song about the little voice we all have in the back of our minds, and I just happened to name mine Eliza.” Facebook here.

We featured Lauran Hibberd back in August describing the previous track as "one fabulous vibrant and lovable song." With the new share entitled 'Eliza' we have a second "fabulous vibrant and lovable song" and some!

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Scott Ruthenberg - Know You Better (Feat. Grace Canny).

Background - Scott Ruthenberg is a singer/songwriter from the Western Australian suburb of Fremantle. At the ripe age of 28, Scott has finally released his debut single titled 'Know You Better' - a song he initially penned five years ago, in 2012. The single is about being honest and open and those people in life that know you so well that you feel they know you better than you know yourself. 

Through conversation with an ex-workmate came the birth of 'Know You Better'. "I was having a conversation with my workmate at the time who was telling me about how much of a struggle their life had been recently, and the frankness of the conversation really struck me," says Scott. "I appreciated and admired the rawness and honesty of what she had to say because so often we just mask the fact that everything is fine, even when it's not. I empathized with her and gave her some advice and at the end of it she said it was as if I knew her better than she did". 

Scott's soft and silky vocals intertwine effortlessly with the simplistic melody in the track almost as if he has taken a leaf out of James Blunt's book. The instrumentals and composition of this song are beautiful and compliment his vocals creating a soothing, calm, harmonious emotion. Looking ahead and moving to the next phase is Scott's focus with plans for a new single to be released in early 2018 followed by an EP in April and supporting it with some live shows across the country. Facebook here.

'Know You Better' is a delightful pop song with a hint or two of folk vibes along the way. The dual vocals are charming, the music just right & when the string arrangement unfolds, the track becomes complete, completely beautiful that is.

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TYA - Hustle.

Background - TYA effortlessly stand out with their own spin of delicate sensual textures, ambient sounds and cinematic builds, winning the hearts of their followers with their fresh melodies, honest lyrical expressions and the way they engage with their instruments, each other and their audience. 

After finding success in Far North Queensland at a young age; releasing a full-length album featuring other FNQ acts such as Emma Louise & The Medics, supporting and touring with the likes of Wolfmother, Sheppard, Eskimo Joe, Bluejuice, Ball Park Music, The Jungle Giants, The Belligerents and Birds of Tokyo to name a few, the group decided it was time to explore their sound and head south. 

Over the following 12 months, Sony, Casey, Peter and Reece would go through many personal challenges that moulded them into an impassioned, persistent and excellence driven team, evolving their sound and brand into what is now TYA. 

The second single from their debut EP No Money, More Love, only reaffirms TYA's new direction. Hustle eloquently incorporates a delicious concoction of guitar tones, punchy drum sounds and catchy lead vocal melody that is sure to be stuck in the listeners head for days on end. 

Hustle recounts the story of a significant period in every one of the band members lives that occurred during 2016 and tackles strong themes such as drug addiction and self-image. This time brought them closer as a band and friends and shaped their lives dramatically. Facebook here. 

'Hustle' is the second single from the bands 'No Money, More Love' EP. It is typical of the overall quality to be found in this collection of music. The band drift between indie pop and rock with imaginative and finely produced material, where catchy melodic hooks are everywhere.

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