Tuesday, 7 November 2017

The Fuzillis - Krief - Nervous Twitch - J Lee and The Hoodoo Skulls

The Fuzillis - UNGAWA!

Background - London's latest and greatest rock'n'roll party band, The Fuzillis, are ready to Blast Off! This non stop, rock’and’roll grind-a-go go machine was formed in London in late 2014 and features the high energy rock and roll twang of guitar player Dan Criscuolo; the sleazy, growly tenor sax-tones of Thomas "T-Mag" Maguire; the thunderous jungle rhythms of Wilco “The Hammer” van Eijk and the low down tones of the boss of the bass, Mr Frankie Fuzilli Sr. (a.k.a. Zig Criscuolo, bass player of MFC Chicken).

They mix up a sleazy atomic age r’n’r cocktail blending Link Wray and the craziest Las Vegas Grind tunes with a large shot of Grady Gaines' Upsetters, a dash of The Fabulous Wailers, a slice of Nick Curran and top it all off with the wildest titty twistin' tunes on the Planet Earth.

Recent live activity includes multiple Spanish tours and two Dutch tours, the Festival del Valle di Tobalina (with Mambo Jambo and The Limboos), headlining The 10th Anniversary Rock and Roll Circus in Amsterdam, Weirdsville (with Big Boss Man and King Salamis), What’s Cookin’, Bule Bule Toga Fest (with Les Grys Grys and Dr Explosion), The New Barcelona Hayride and Funtastic Dracula Carnival, Benidorm (with Guitar Wolf and The Mummies).

2017 has also been incredibly busy with main feature slots at Hipsville (UK), Surforama (Spain), Voodoo Festival (Italy), Montesquiou On The Rocks (France) and The Rockabilly (Rave). In 2016 they released their (now Sold out) debut single Mogul Monster c/w Beavershot on strictly limited 7” vinyl through FOLC Records.

In 2017 they completed the recording of their first LP "Grind A Go Go, Volume 1" at Space Eko East Recording Studios with Alex McGowan (Jim Jones Revue, MFC Chicken, Josh Homme, Oh! Gunquit, Wilco Johnson, Jah Wobble) in the chair. The album features 16 brand new and vintage grind a go go classics. To support the launch of the record, the Fuzillis will be gigging around Europe starting in Nottingham (Blast Off! Festival) followed by Spain (including support slots with Barrence Whitfield and Mambo Jambo), Italy and the UK. They’re also planning a special UK LP London launch show at Weirdsville on Jan 27th, 2018.

The Fuzillis... One word instr-o-mental grind-a-go go party monsters who’ll make you twist till your toes bleed. BAND-PAGE, FACEBOOK.

Tour dates:

10 Nov UK     Nottingham Blast Off Festival
16 Nov Spain     Barcelona  Apolo 2
17 Nov Spain     Castellon Four Seasons
18 Nov Spain     Madrid Funhouse
19 Nov Spain     Segovia Beat Club
20 Nov Spain     R3 Interview Madrid
21 Nov Spain     TV Show Madrid
21 Nov Spain     Valladolid Backstage Bar
22 Nov Spain     Oviedo Lata de Zinc
23 Nov Spain     Burgos Carmen 13
24 Nov Spain     Ubeda La Teteria
25 Nov Spain     Malaga Sala Velvet
26 Nov Spain     Cox TnT Blues
30 Nov Spain     Valencia 16 Toneladas
01 Dec Spain     Zaragoza Casa del loco
02 Dec Spain     Tomelloso Sala Beat
07 Dec Italy     Macerata Terminal
08 Dec Italy     Perugia Urban
09 Dec Italy     Treviso Nasty Boys Saloon           
06 Jan UK     Brixton Stranger Than Paradise
27 Jan UK     London Weirdsville
03 Feb Spain   Torremolinos   


Just one of sixteen wonderful tracks on 'GRIND A GO GO, Volume 1' I have chosen 'UNGAWA!' for you to savour over. I just love this album, as described above the band are "one word instr-o-mental grind-a-go go party monsters." If you are in need of a massive mood lift, or just want to take a discreet and personal cobweb removal session, then The Fuzillis are a remarkable starting point.

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Krief - Ordinary Lies.

Background - Throughout his successful career as the lead guitarist and co-writer of the Canadian indie rock band The Dears, Patrick Krief has been busy, and we mean b u s y. 

Touring with the likes of Midlake, Morrissey, Metric, Broken Social Scene in places like the Wembley Arena, Hyde Park, Electric Ballroom, Koko as well as V Festival, Redding, Leeds, Glastonbury, T in the Park to name (not) a few, we can confidently say that sonically Krief knows his stuff.

Signed to Fierce Panda Records, his upcoming new single “Ordinary Lies” unveils a musician with a true eloquence of expression. The intimate piano-based intro, in the style of Cat Power’s “I Don’t Blame You”, instantly grabs both ears with its authenticity (fyi, sounds incredible on headphones). It hits you from the get-go and you just know that this is going to be good.

Krief’s soul-bearing Jose Gonzalez/ Ray Lamontagne-esque vocals begin singing with the soft Whitley-like harmonies joining soon after. David Schiffman’s production (RHCP, Tom Petty, NIN, Johnny Cash) is impeccably modest in its approach, where each part- from synths through guitar bits to piano plonks (all played by Krief himself)- serves its purpose, holds its depth and builds the arrangement’s thematic expansion.

“Ordinary Lies” is taken from the forth-coming Automanic Red + Automanic Blue albums, which according to Krief, are "autonomous in their flow and not meant to be listened to in one sitting. Although releasing one without the other simply wouldn’t make any sense — the plot truly exists within the invisible line that bonds them." “Ordinary Lies” is out everywhere via Fierce Panda Records Now, with the double album Automanic to follow on the 17th November 2017. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

UK Tour Dates:

18th November - The Swan, Ipswich
21st November- The Wheatsheat- Oxford City Festival
23rd November- Paper Dress Vintage, London
24th November- Sofar Sounds, London
25th November- Factory, Manchester


Personal and gently developing 'Ordinary Lies' is a captivating song, rich with vocal intimacy, alongside a musical arrangement that drifts up and down with layers of gorgeous sounds. 

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Nervous Twitch - She's So Hip.

Background - Nervous Twitch matched twisted rock’n’roll and punk rock on their previous LPs ‘Get Back In Line’ (2015) and ‘Don’t Take My TV’ (2016). With a Marc Riley 6 Music session under the belts the band return with their 3rd LP ‘I Won’t Hide’ – their first as a three piece.

Nervous Twitch take on both personal and universal themes of alienation, anxiety and adversity transform it into 14 tracks of hook filled fuzzy New Wave Pop – sounding more cohesive than ever before.

This new LP expands on their previous releases pushing their arrangements further whilst maintaining their pop sensibilities, with a range of influences from The Swell Maps to The Crystals, Nervous Twitch take you on a trip through the modern world as seen through their eyes. FACEBOOK.

'She's So Hip' is a small glimpse of the fourteen songs that make up 'I Won't Hide' a feisty affair in part, accompanied by some slower paced tracks. That said the potency, passion and energy is clearly trying to burst out from just beneath the surface throughout the album. It's new wave pop with some clear respect for older new wave, if you get my drift.

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J Lee and The Hoodoo Skulls - 2 Bit Lovers.

Background - J Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls are an instantly addictive contemporary blues rock band projecting dirty guitar riffs, stomping swamp percussion, and gut wrenching vocals. The Surrey based band blends Americana with bluesy retro vibes to create their unique brand of urban blues rock. Their unique, innovative sound is typically the stuff of biker rock legend that you'd find somewhere down an American highway, and thus have to pinch yourself to remember that they come from the UK!

Fronted by Jason Lee Barratt of whom has adopted a phenomenal vocal range thanks to the lineage from his father (Shakin Stevens), but also honed his own sound which soars over the driving guitars of Harun Kotch on lead guitar and Luke Sohl Williams on bass, whilst sitting on solid drum grooves by drummer Wayne Riches (has also been the live drummer for Skin- Skunk Anansie amongst others.) Between them, the band have already played on every corner of the globe with international chart success, received national award nominations, and had music used for various advertising campaigns, (including Henri Lloyd and the Mercerdes Petronas F1 Team.)

Off the back of their debut single Woman going viral online and a successful UK tour earlier this year supporting Shakin Stevens, J Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls are now back with their next single 2 Bit Lovers, which is out on Friday 1st December ahead of a debut album release set for Spring next year.

The new video exposes the band members themselves for the first time, performing amidst chunky choppers with gritty smokey surroundings pulling you into their atmosphere of ballsy blues rock! 2 Bit Lovers sits perfectly between a classic vintage sound, and something originally raw...J Lee and the Hoodoo Skulls have smashed it again! WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


'2 Bit Lovers' just gets on with being a blues rock song that we know is new, however could easily pass for something decades old. It's the modern production that gives the game away, apart from that, this is a timeless blast of full on rock & roll, with more to follow.


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Monday, 6 November 2017

Jordan Klassen - Holly Miranda - Geoff Gibbons

Jordan Klassen - Dominika.

Background - Jordan Klassen is thrilled to unveil his new music video for the song, “Dominika.” “Dominkia” is off Klassen’s new studio album, Big Intruder, out now via Nevado Music.

Klassen says, “For the ‘Dominika’ video I wanted to make something that was playful like the song; silly in an honest way. We were inspired by a lot of late 80s/early 90s music videos where it felt like the artist just shot a bunch of footage of them hanging around and lip syncing.”

Big Intruder is an album about growing up and making adult decisions. The eleven tracks, which Jordan Klassen wrote, recorded and produced himself, venture away from the whimsical soundscapes of his past work and exude themes of growth and maturity, both in lyrics and sound. Klassen previously strived for a cinematic sound, avoiding drum kits but tried to embrace the idea of  'band' on this record. Big Intruder speaks to the dilemma of the overwhelming array of choices available in life, and the doubt and caution that become excuses to avoid commitment. The resulting songs are intimate and personal, guided by a sense of honesty and vulnerability.

Jordan Klassen is a decorated songwriter in his own right who has spent more than a decade quietly crafting music that has been deemed 'unsentimentally sincere' and 'whimsically hopeful'. He recently released his EP, Curses, which was an assembly of brooding pop songs that continue in it's predecessor's exploration of mental illness and hushed vulnerability since his 2016 LP, Javelin. Writing about his life experiences is one of the essential elements in Jordan’s creative process – particularly events that he had deemed as his failures. FACEBOOK.


'Dominika' is refined & melodic with a mature indie pop feel to it. The video is an imaginative nod to music promo's from days gone by, even so it's the song that stands out as hook after hook dig in.


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Holly Miranda - Exquisite.

Background - The new single from Holly Miranda entitled "Exquisite" features T.V. On The Radio's Kyp Malone. “I’ve always been a proponent of not making the same record twice,” Holly Miranda says. “Some people find a niche and go with that, but I need to try something different every time.”

That’s more than apparent on “Exquisite” first new material released by Miranda since 2015.  More than just an artistic step forward, it’s a whole new way for her to make music. “This really is the most collaborative record I’ve ever done,” she says. “It’s first time I’ve shared so much of the writing and the production, the meat and bones of making an album.” This song finds Holly bridging the gap between 2010’s experimental synth laden release The Magician’s Private Library and her stripped-back, soulful self-titled record.

Miranda grew up between Detroit and Nashville, two music towns that would influence her own journey in a very profound way. She began playing piano at the age of six, taught her self-guitar at 14 and moved to New York at 16 to start her professional career. For nearly 20 years, she’s been performing, writing and producing with some of the best talent in the business. She has performed with the likes of Karen O, Lou Reed, The XX, and Lesley Gore. She released two records with her band The Jealous Girlfriends and has co-written and produced a mass of other projects. FACEBOOK.


'Exquisite' is a delightful collaboration with Holly Miranda joined by Kyp Malone. The duel vocals are astonishing, the song exudes atmosphere and feeling & the production is of a very high standard.

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Geoff Gibbons - Ain't Goin' Back.

Background - A trip to the cradle of North American music was a signpost of the journey to the Buffalo Hotel. Geoff flew South to the cities of sound: Muscle Shoals, Nashville and Memphis. "When I got back home I wasn't just inspired, I was altered," Geoff remembers. Echoes of this experience permeate the musical tapestry, most pointedly with the harmonies of The Sojourners, a soulful trio of male backing vocalists who impart an ecclesiastical aura of Southern gospel.

Sepia-tinted panoramas and meticulous song craft: Across the breadth of the 12 songs that comprise his latest release Buffalo Hotel, singer-songwriter Geoff Gibbons breathes life into lyrics with facile economy, metaphoric ease and an ear for conversational proximity.

As verses turn the pages of the stories, Gibbons drops the listener directly into the dramas as he silhouettes a vibrant cast of characters in sheer authenticity. Backed by players from a tight community of first call studio musicians, Geoff's soul deep vocals are imbued with experience and empathy. Against the intimate grain of his voice, the players reflect his themes with subtle flourishes and stellar musicianship.

From Vancouver, BC, Canada, Geoff is a full time working musician and a producer-engineer who has lived his life immersed in music. Geoff Gibbons avows that the tales he tells on Buffalo Hotel are based on real stories that he needed to turn into songs. "As writers we have worlds inside of our brains and there's always something we've not experienced. 'What If I had done this? If I was there what would it feel like?' There's an element of that -- like a lush dream that permeated my consciousness. This is who I am. I have always been true to music. I'd like to have this music come out and affect peoples' lives; to haunt them in the best possible way." FACEBOOK.


The opening song on 'Buffalo Hotel is 'Ain't Goin' Back' and it is typical of the wonderful tracks that follow. Soulful Americana might be a starting point, the album explores differing styles, however always present are the natural heartfelt vocals & the influence of musical styles that can be found much further south of Vancouver. A fabulous collection of material, from a genuine and creative music professional.

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Sunday, 5 November 2017

Simone & Girlfunkle - White Room - Mildlife

Simone & Girlfunkle - Gary Song.

Background - Following on from this year's taster track 'Fight On', North-Perth avant-folk darlings Simone & Girlfunkle are pleased to share their summery new single 'Gary Song'. In celebration of the release, the band will be taking to stages across Perth and Margaret River this month while also showcasing new material from their forthcoming album due out in 2018.

In her ever-so poetic and enthusiastic demeanour, vocalist Bridget Turner says of the new track "Gary Song is inspired by the upbeat-meets-melancholy vibe of bands like Alvvays. It’s an ode to our dead best friends – our pets specifically, one very loving and loved, yet guitar-phobic feline: Gary."

Hailing from the city of lights avant-folk darlings Simone & Girlfunkle were born on one of North Perth’s hazy, sun-drenched afternoons. With a mesmerising combination of three-part female harmonies and delightful arrangements, they produce shimmering, winsome pop-folk perfection that demands attention. FACEBOOK.


We featured Simone & Girlfunkle back in May and it's a pleasure to share the new single 'Gary Song'. It's another top quality indie pop piece, their vocals are gorgeous and the band simmer with musical passion.

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White Room - Cannibal Song.

Background - Brighton indie upstarts White Room have announced the release of psychedelic thriller Cannibal Song, taken from their upcoming double EP Eight out later this year via Deltasonic Records (The Coral, The Vryll Society).

Recent signees to the legendary Liverpool label, White Room’s nod to 60s psychedelic rock alongside more contemporary influences (Pond, Temples, Cage The Elephant) is evident throughout their new record Eight, a collection of songs that interlock conceptually, comprising similar themes such as forward thinking, hope, positivity and escape.

Inspired by the current social and political climate of the world and the uncertainty we all live with, the synergy between the lyrics and themes signified by 8 – the number of infinity – hints at the real depth within Eight, touching on aspects of joy, strength, balance and power in unity.

Discussing the sixth track from their forthcoming double EP, the band stated: ““Cannibal Song has a real childlike playfulness in the music and melody, which complements the more sinister, comedic lyrics. Together it makes a rather pretty little nightmare. For the video we wanted to incorporate inspiration from classic low budget horror films such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre and other 70s slasher movies. The DIY nature of the production and filming process, just us and a few of our mates, really lends itself to that style.”

The band will be heading out on their debut headline UK tour this November, showcasing the record in its entirety as the band envisioned, including new material unreleased at the time of tour. White Room’s Cannibal Song, is out now via Deltasonic Records and available on all platforms. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Debut Headline Tour:

25 Nov – Live At Leeds Big In 2018 Showcase
27 Nov – The Hope & Ruin, Brighton
28 Nov – The Shacklewell Arms, London
29 Nov – Actress & Bishop, Birmingham
30 Nov – The Magnet, Liverpool
02 Dec – The Eagle Inn, Manchester


Third time around for White Room on Beehive Candy this time with 'Cannibal Song' accompanied by a rather darkly humoured  & almost film noir video. The song is melodic indie rock and very catchy, I might just settle for listening to the track in future, less chance of a nightmare that way!


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Mildlife - The Magnificent Moon.

Background - Mildlife have announced their debut album with the premiere of the first song to be taken from it, 'The Magnificent Moon', at Dummy Mag where it was described as a 'masterpiece'. Tom Shanahan of Mildlife has said “The Magnificent Moon feels like the veteran journeyman to the rest of the album. I’m not sure if that’s because it was written first or because it seems to know what it wants and has a more considered direction. It never really second guesses itself except for maybe just before the outro when he realises he may have journeyed too far and his space suit has a hole in it. But then he just jams some gum in the hole and gets on with it anyway.”

Mildlife take the musical canvas, rip the lids off the paint tins, and throw vibrant splashes of colour into kaleidoscopic jams. Old friends, the Australian four-piece bonded over the desire to push musical boundaries, developing tight live shows bolstered by wild improvisation and a debut record that mines jazz, psych and disco for its irresistible groove. A melting pot of musical sensations, Mildlife combine progressive 70s sounds with electronic krautrock, backed by a mixture of rhythmic funk, house, and dream-pop, to create an addictive atmosphere that’s illustrated perfectly by their first single ‘The Magnificent Moon’, out November 3rd via Research Records. The single comes as an introduction to their highly anticipated debut LP due out early next year.

Taking cues from artistic pioneers such as Can and Herbie Hancock, creating a Mildlife song is a constant process of teasing and tugging, expanding and refining. But Mildlife are adamantly not a studio band. Between 2014 and 2015 they took a year off playing shows to figure out how they could produce as much of their music live as they possibly could without losing its complexity. “It makes the performance, the composition, more malleable,” says guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Adam Halliwell. Bassist Tom Shanahan adds “It feels more authentic. The energy can be in the song rather than sitting on top of it. We wanted to leave a lot of room for improvisation.”

On the first single to be released from the upcoming album, bassist Tom Shanahan explains its entrancing grip further, “The Magnificent Moon feels like the veteran journeyman to the rest of the album. I’m not sure if that’s because it was written first or because it seems to know what it wants and has a more considered direction. It never really second guesses itself except for maybe just before the outro when he realises he may have journeyed too far and his space suit has a hole in it. But then he just jams some gum in the hole and gets on with it anyway.” WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


'The Magnificent Moon' is just seconds short of nine minutes duration, and not a moment is wasted. Layers of rich musical sounds twirl & swirl around, as the band morph between genres and create a fabulous sound. The vocals are refined, the rhythm occasionally adding a funk feel, whilst the synths are creatively used. The debut album is eagerly looked forward to.

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Saturday, 4 November 2017

Blushing - Nick Heyward - The Sea Birds

Blushing - Weak.

Background - Blushing is an Austin, TX based dream pop / shoegaze quartet comprised of two husband and wife pairs that originated in the summer of 2015 when Michelle shared a few songs with long time friend Christina that she had been writing on guitar. 

A friendship quickly became a musical partnership as Christina, a classically trained vocalist, picked up a bass and together they evolved those rough songs into fully formed compositions. They then enlisted the talents of their spouses, Jake on drums, Noe on lead guitar and shortly after self-released their debut EP "Tether" in January of 2017.

Energised by positive reception, a growing fan base and a grip of new songs they headed back into the studio as soon as possible. They recorded their follow-up EP “Weak” at Bad Wolf Recordings in Austin, TX. The album encompasses influences from all of the bands they collectively share a deep affection for such as Lush, Cocteau Twins, The Sundays, etc.

“Weak” will be released digitally, on cassette and 12” vinyl January 26th 2018 on Austin Town Hall Records. BANDCAMP, FACEBOOK.


'Weak' opens with a dream pop feel & quickly powers up adding the shoegaze dimension. Melodic and atmospheric, the band have some very fine influences, however they definitely add their own quality and imagination.

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Nick Heyward - Perfect Sunday Sun.

Background - Nick Heyward's has a new video for his upcoming single ‘Perfect Sunday Sun’ out on 17th November via his own label Gladsome Hawk. It's from his critically acclaimed new album ‘Woodland Echoes.’ Nick is also touring the UK ins 2018 starting on 24th May at Concorde in Brighton, taking in 13 dates including 02 Academy Islington in London.

The “idyllic” track, as described by Uncut magazine, focuses on “my interpretation of indecision, idealism and havering - a kind of trilogy, like Krzysztof Kieślowski’s ‘Three Colours’ film series,” explains Nick. Its college rock choruses part away from the bucolic pop of the rest of the album, making the single into the perfect soundtrack of an endless English summer’s afternoon.

Prior to his hugely successful and prolific solo career, Nick came to prominence as the frontman of percolating pop-funk new wave group Haircut 100, a foundational part of the 80s-pop explosion. They released four UK Top 10 hit singles, with their debut album ‘Pelican West’ reaching no. 2 in the UK album charts, no. 31 in USA’s Billboard 200, and ending up being certified platinum by BPI, with Nick gracing the cover of pacesetting style magazine The Face. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

UK Tour 2018:

May - Thurs 24th BRIGHTON - Concorde 2
Fri 25th LONDON - O2 Academy Islington
June - Fri 1st BIRMINGHAM - O2 Academy
Sat 2nd LIVERPOOL - O2 Academy
Thurs 7th GLASGOW - Òran Mór
Fri 8th SHEFFIELD - O2 Academy
Fri 15th OXFORD - O2 Academy
Thurs 21st BATH – Komedia
Fri 29th EASTLEIGH - Concorde Club
July - Fri 6th MILTON KEYNES - The Stables.

'Perfect Sunday Sun' is one of those songs that does exactly what the song title suggests it should do. Add in the opening lyrics & it gets personal for me, having spent some fabulous times in Richmond, it's wonderful park & walking along by the Thames. The video adds some hazy sunny vibes, and the music is further evidence that Nick Heyward still has plenty of creative flair.


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The Sea Birds - Heavenly Skies.

Background - The Sea Birds debut album …blue or grey explores the rich musical soundscape of this Melbourne five-piece from Australia. Following the 2015 release of their EP …a short romance, this album captures the band’s indie pop sensibility with shades of alt rock and lyrical story telling of modern day relationships – intricate, uplifting, hopeful and honest.

From the innocence of early rock’n’roll in Love gets in the way, the evocative and haunting Downtown Waitress and the complexity of Stay, the band’s rich dexterity, strong vocal harmony and nuanced guitar work define its approach to writing music – accessible, yet beautiful and simple melodic pop songs.

The Sea Birds strength lies in the cross over potential to be many things due to the diversity of the group’s influences and members. Comprising dual lead vocalists Lara Wentworth and Loic Mamet, lead guitarist
Michael Amarant and rhythm section, James W. Du Plessis on drums and Lucas Wentworth on bass.

…blue and grey was recorded with David McCluney at Atlantis Sound and David Warner at Studio One.Be, and produced by David McCluney and The Sea Birds. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


'Heavenly Skies' is a refined and beautiful indie pop song. Melodic and extremely catchy, as the track develops there are hints of the bands alt rock leanings. I'm left looking forward to hearing the album.


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Friday, 3 November 2017

Arms Akimbo - Earth Girl Helen Brown - A Million Machines - Magic Wands

Arms Akimbo - Parachute.

Background - Arms Akimbo's newest song "Parachute" is a song about "what you get when you have a lot of emotion to funnel through a really small outlet." Arms Akimbo's previous release "Michigan" went viral on Spotify with over 750,000 plays and gained them the opportunity to open for The Animals (Eric Burdon) at The Santa Monica Pier.

Pay-to-play pushed the music scene east and it left the glam of Hollywood behind.  The Hyatt on Sunset is now the Andaz West Hollywood, the Whiskey is pretty much just metal bands, and the House of Blues was torn down to make room for a high rise hotel. 

This paradigm shift led to a new creative identity for L.A. musicians.  Fans became friends. Dive bars became hometown venues. Bands stopped competing and started a community.  They turned their focus to what matters most: good music. This is the L.A. scene that Arms Akimbo comes from.

Arms Akimbo is a 4-piece rock outfit comprised of Peter Schrupp, Christopher Kalil, Matthew Sutton and Colin Boppell; and their story is simple.  After meeting in college, they formed a band inspired by artists like Portugal. The Man, Local Natives, and Manchester Orchestra. FACEBOOK.


'Parachute' is a vibrant indie rock song, the vocals have some gritty edge whereas the harmonies add in a softer element that complements the whole.

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Earth Girl Helen Brown - Chisa Ramopolo.

Background - Empty Cellar Records and the Earth Girl Helen Brown Center for Planetary Intelligence Band (E.G.H.B.C.P.F.I.B.) are pleased to announce this fall installment of the E.G.H.B.C.P.F.I.B. 2017 seasonal series, Saturn.

Featuring Heidi Alexander, Jamin Barton, Aylin Beyce, Emilee Booher, Brad Caulkins, David Cousin, James Finch Jr., Graeme Gibson, Tahlia Harbour, Doug Hillsinger, Warren Huegel, Raven Mahon, Sean Smith, and Enrique Tena, Saturn aspires toward that pan-American afro-Caribbean after dark dance of devotion while considering the topic of communication from both within and without.

Saturn follows Spring and Summer installments Mercury and Mars. Each release benefits a unique set of causes that are dedicated to making the world more healthy, verdant and safe place.

Available from Empty Cellar Records on limited edition 100% post-consumer recycled cassette tape on 11/03, all proceeds benefit organizations committed to the promotion of open and free communication, communicative ingenuity and popular communicative infrastructural development. WEBSITE, BANDCAMP, FACEBOOK.


We featured 'Flowers Of Darkness' from Earth Girl Helen Brown back in July & 'Chisa Ramopolo' makes for a welcome return. Previously we used the word "quirky" & the new song has a definite requirement for us to use it again. I can add, catchy, fabulous and upbeat as well as lovable!


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A Million Machines - Absence Without Leave.

Background -  LA-based synth pop outfit A Million Machines have announced 'Absence Without Leave' as the second single from their first full-length self-titled album, slated for release on November 24, 2017. This follows up the first single ‘Come Tonight’. The video for 'Absence Without Leave' was shot on the Yurikamome train, a driverless, automated transit service, while en route from Shimbashi to Odaiba.

Featuring 11 tracks, this album is a synth pop kaleidoscope, densely layered in clean, modular synthesizers and a heavy melodic aesthetic between light and darkness. The first two singles are pulsating electronic burners echoing Depeche Mode in their technical attack of modular synths, coupled with passionate male vocals.

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


'Absence Without Leave' follows on just two months (& one day) from our first feature for A Million Machines, it's the second single from their debut album. This is some top notch synth pop and the video adds to the atmosphere. Check out both songs & if you like, there are another nine desirable tracks on the album that are ready & waiting.


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Magic Wands - Loveline.

Background - Magic Wands are a dream pop duo from Los Angeles, California. They are known for their melodic, catchy songs “Black Magic” and “Teenage Love.” Chris and Dexy Valentine create music that centers on their main influence— the love of all things “magic” “love,” and “dreams". They have recently expanded to a five piece for live. Magic Wands Abracadabra Tour begins this fall in anticipation of their third album ‘ABRAKADABRA' due out early spring 2018.
       
Magic Wands have been remixed by The XX and Crystal Fighters (featured #1 in NME) as well as have toured and shared bills with The Horrors, The Black Keys, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Wombats and The Kills. In 2012 they released their debut album Aloha Moon & performed live on BBC1 Radio and XFM followed by Jupiter in 2016. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


UK & EU Tour Dates:
11.04 - Kasbah Nightclub - Coventry
11.05 - Picture House Social - Sheffield
11.06 - The Lanes - Bristol
11.07 - Duffy's Bar - Leicester
11.08 - The Brewhouse - London
11.09 - Supersonic - Paris
11.10 - The Great Rang Teng Teng - Freiburg
11.11 - Die Kellerperle - Wurzburg
11.12 - Badehaus - Berlin
11.13 - Das Bett - Frankfurt
11.14 - Molotow - Hamburg
11.15 - Druckluft - Oberhausen
11.16 - Coq d'Or - Olten
11.17 - ACU - Utrecht
11.18 - Gebr de Nobel - Leiden


Just a quick mention that from November onwards all tour details will appear with the appropriate feature again as is the case with Magic Wands. As for 'Loveline' it's a well paced dream pop song, with a whole lot of hooks and layers of beautiful sounds.

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Thursday, 2 November 2017

Lauren Ruth Ward - SQRD - Wolf & Moon

Lauren Ruth Ward - Well, Hell.

Background - Lauren Ruth Ward's music has spread like wildfire these past two years in LA after leaving her hometown of Baltimore. Her lyrics are secrets to strangers, writing about her life’s trajectory sharing both vulnerability and strength delivered with grit and vibrato. 

Her band re-creates 60's rock and roll nuances, allowing Ward to release a powerhouse of emoting in their live show. Lauren is joined by Eduardo Rivera who is her songwriter partner. Lately Lauren has garnered the support of Spotify’s “Badass Women,” LA Weekly, Galore, Wonderland Magazine, Jam In The Van, and Sofar Sounds. 

"Well Hell is an auto-biographical song that deals with frustrations, both with my upbringing and with society as a whole, that have long been forgiven but not forgotten. Even though it's one of the shorter songs in length on the record, there's a lot that I'm letting off my chest in those three minutes, so much so that I feel the need to thank the listener for allowing me to unload. "  - Lauren Ruth Ward. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


'Well, Hell' is already getting noticed and no surprise there, this is a feisty energised rocker with some excellent rock & roll vocals from Lauren Ruth Ward, supported by a band that are spitting musical bullets, wonderful!

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SQRD - Scars.

Background - SQRD is a Swedish-born, Berlin-based lo-fi electronic producer already making waves with his Gold EP (2016) that achieved high praise from The Line Of Best Fit.  This year, his Together EP takes listeners on a memory trip through life changing travel experiences in Japan, Iceland and Lebanon. “Scars” captures the enduring pain of war weary Beirut, where young people strive to build a better future. The heavy topic is offset by airy vocals and synthy bass like Blackbird Blackbird.

In Beirut, SQRD found an enchanting mixture of European and Middle Eastern cultures balancing ancient history and modern nightlife. The young people he met offered inspiring stories about overcoming a violent history and living with the pain. Lyrically, the song could capture any traumatic experience for the listener. “Are you numb to the pain? / Are you finding a way? / The scars will never go away.”

SQRD’s soulful and atmospheric music is reminiscent of early James Blake and SBTRKT that is the result of calculated and efficient production. In SQRD’s isolation he is left to his own thoughts and devices to create music that comes from experiences shared with others.

“The lyrics are an expression of how young people in the country felt. They survived war and cruelty and somehow at the same time find a way to deal with it all.” Once the Scars single is now out, the Together EP will be released 24th November on Swedish Tastemaker label Sommarhjärta. FACEBOOK.


With 'Scars', the vocals are atmospheric and original, however paying closer attention to the musical arrangement helped me appreciate that Lo-Fi can also be intricate. Catchy and rhythmic, this is a real grower.

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Wolf & Moon - Home to Me.

Background - "Home to Me" is an intimate look into Wolf & Moon's dreamlike wedding weekend and the first single from the duo's forthcoming EP, Frames. Although this becomes a vulnerable offering to glance into their lives, anonymity still plays a significant role. The band states, "one can never really be sure who the Wolf is and who the Moon."

Wolf & Moon represent many things missing from the sonic landscape: enigmatic charm, lyrical poetry through ethereal vocal harmonies and just the right amount of melancholia.

Wolf & Moon are Stefany and Dennis, a nomadic duo who met by chance at a house party in the Netherlands. Shortly after meeting, Stefany and Dennis journeyed across the US on a full tour with only a small traveling guitar and a casio keyboard.

Continuing to release cinematic and emotive visuals along with their music, "Home To Me" is the first single from their upcoming EP, Frames. Wolf & Moon are now based in the international atmosphere and chaotically creative city of Berlin. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


I am really impressed with 'Home To Me' a catchy duel vocal led affair, with plenty of hooks and a unique music video to accompany this delicious song.


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Wednesday, 1 November 2017

Alana Henderson - The Trongone Band - FXRRVST - herMajesty

Alana Henderson - Let This Remain.

Background - Alana Henderson is a cellist and singer-songwriter from Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland.  Her self-released Wax and Wane EP (2014) drew solid comparisons to Joanna Newsome and Fiona Apple. Shortly thereafter she stepped up to accompany Hozier on cello and supporting vocals. Between 2014-2015 she played over 300 headline shows with Hozier’s band, including notable performances at Glastonbury, Saturday Night Live, Jools Holland and the Grammy’s with Annie Lennox. Her new single, “Let This Remain,” is an icy and unforgiving anti-ballad, fusing an electronic undercurrent to her darkly organic indie-folk.

Alana’s mastery of the cello is a highlight of the track, showcasing her dynamic techniques that are looped and overlapped to create a dramatic atmosphere; expertly balancing an arrangement that is both haunting and beautiful.  Written in L.A. near the end of that massive tour, the lyrics reflect on the transient nature of relationships on the road and the emotional detachment that ensues.  When no relationship is expected to last, she jabs, “you could be the one I don’t regret…yet.”

“After a period of post-tour decompression it was recorded at a friend’s isolated Irish cottage with the help of Belfast-based musician/producer Alan Haslam and using only the most rudimentary equipment; my cello, a Roland Juno-106 synthesiser and a TR-808 drum machine, along with some improvised acoustic percussion (we snapped a pair of shoe trees together for the snare sound).” FACEBOOK.


Alana Henderson's vocals are both melodic & a little menacing on 'Let This Remain'. The music adds to the atmosphere, it's stripped back enough for the cello to work it's magic, and the synthesiser is used sensitively. More please!

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The Trongone Band - Blind.

Background - Fresh off of their critically acclaimed debut release, Keys to the House, Richmond, Virginia's The Trongone Band shares their video for "Blind." Speaking on the video, Andrew Trongone tells The Bluegrass Situation, "we wanted the video to have a piece of our home, so we shot it in downtown RVA, right on the canal, surrounded by various murals done by local artists (one including Wolfe’s cousin, Chris Milk). The song suggests classic themes of love and peace of mind, so we went with a classic music video style. Simple, live, outdoors. Was a lot of fun for us to shoot."

Hailing from Richmond, VA and formed by brothers Andrew and Johnny, The Trongone Band draws from americana and Southern rock. The quartet is rounded out by keyboardist Ben "Wolfe" White and award-winning bassist Todd Herrington.

Primed for the festival circuit, the band has graced the stages of Virginia’s Roosterwalk, Tennessee’s Riverbend Music Festival, Florida’s Slide Into Spring Festival, The Allman Brothers’ Peach Festival in Pennsylvania, and West Virginia’s Deep Mountain Roots Revival.

This family affair recording process helped the band grow "so much on a personal and musical level, and listening back and dissecting these tracks helped us learn so much about each other’s playing.” WEBSITE, FACEBOOK. 


With all the swagger and cool of The Black Crowes in their heyday, The Trongone Band serve up a superb piece of natural rock & roll with 'Blind'. Southern rock to the core with all the panache that goes with a classy rocker.


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FXRRVST - Tidal Wave.

Background - If mixing business with pleasure is a recipe for trouble, someone forgot to tell FXRRVST (pronounced forest), the fast-emerging Toronto-based duo of Holly Forrest and Matthew Fuentes, whose devotion to each other is seconded only by their shared commitment to crafting ridiculously catchy, super-emotive alt-rock. Also to saving the planet. But more on that later.

Like the music of their wildly divergent heroes — Tegan and Sara for Forrest, who digs the lyrics and unconventional song structures, Fleetwood Mac for Funetes, who digs the guitar and vibes — FXRRVST songs are at once instantly accessible yet utterly unique.

Witness May XXVI, their dazzling debut and as confident a step towards world domination as can be expected from two people who have only been playing together (literally and figuratively) since 2015 following a momentous meeting slyly denoted by the Roman Numerals X and V in FXRRVST, which also echoes Forrest’s surname, and serves as an SEO dream. Sonically and emotionally, May XXVI has it all.

First single “Tidal Wave” pitches Forrest’s iridescent voice against a strummy guitar line that builds into a massive, cascading run (think of the final bars of U2’s iconic “Where The Streets Have No Name”) backed by ethereal “oohs” and “ahhs.”

Elsewhere, the shimmering, slow-burning, and aptly named “Lovely” raises gooseflesh while offering a scorching guitar solo at the bridge. Forrest’s richly evocative lyrics are present throughout, perhaps most notably in “Safe House,” an acoustic sort-of ballad with palpable regret seared into each verse and chorus. It’s no wonder that FXRRVST snagged a 2017 Toronto Independent Music Award nomination for Best Indie act. The wider pop/rock world is already on high alert. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


Taken from the 'May XXVI' album 'Tidal Wave' is one of nine songs in the collection and gives a good feel of what to expect. Melodic and full of catchy indie pop/rock tracks, this is a gorgeous collection of uncomplicated and very pleasing music. 


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herMajesty - I Saw The Dog.

Background - Current chaotic geopolitical events combined with Bowie's passing and the release of  Lazarus  in 2016 continue to impact generations of artists and musicians. NYC's art rock project herMajesty continue to feel that impact too, except they have an even more direct connection to the Thin White Duke.

Their new single "I Saw The Dog," releases on 7" vinyl November 2, 2017 through Northeast label Midday Records and features Henry Hey and Chris McQueen who were involved with the development and execution of  Lazarus, Bowie's immortalized musical.

Pre-production for "I Saw The Dog" began in the fall of 2016. Grammy-winner Nic Hard, who has been working with herMajesty since 2010, suggested herMajesty work with Henry Hey (keyboard player The Next Day, Lazarus ) and Chris McQueen (guitarist for Lazarus and Snarky Puppy) on the song.    

The idea turned into a wonderful, collaborative experience in the studio. McQueen's dystopian reverb and guitar howls blaze an infernal backdrop to Henry Hey's lush keyboards and JP's intimate, and at times, poignant political observations.

New Wave, Glam, Post-Punk, Indie, Art ... herMajesty's rock music scales thematic preoccupations of love, loss, surrender, chaos, and hope, over a brooding wall of sound. Their proclivities are well-captured on record and pack a wallop in their live performances. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'I Saw The Dog' is not a Bowie copycat affair, for me it's more a creative piece that in part shows respect for the afore mentioned and then builds with herMajesty's imagination and desire to produce a fabulous song. If that is the case, then it's job done, & done to a very high standard.


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Tuesday, 31 October 2017

Caleb Clardy - Lauren Lakis - The Decrees

Caleb Clardy - Keep Up.

Background - Over the past decade or so, Brooklyn-based songwriter Caleb Clardy has co-written and collaborated with many artists, most notably with Zach Williams from The Lone Bellow. After years of developing as a writer, Clardy is set to share his debut record Invincible Things, (available October 13th) and aiming take listeners on a lyrically-driven, modern Americana journey.

The release of Invincible Things was made possible through impromptu writing sessions with Jonny Aherne, bassist for The Temper Trap. Aherne offered some help and encouragement that ultimately led Clardy to move forward as a solo artist. Aherne says of the project, “Sometimes it takes a very long time for things to happen suddenly. After many nights of jamming, I realized Caleb had ten years of writing and it got me. There were these poetic ramblings and straight up heart poured in.”

Demos for Invincible Things were graciously recorded by Amy Lee of Evanescence at her home studio in Brooklyn. The irony of a veritable “queen of rock” helping the self-described “Ned Flanders singer-songwriter” was not lost on either of them. The final recordings were produced by Jonathan Seale and tracked at Mason Jar Music in Bed-Stuy.

Drawing from admiration for songwriters such as Bob Dylan, James Mercer, Jeff Tweedy, and Conor Oberst, the twelve songs that make up Invincible Things trace a line over the stark contours of change in Caleb Clardy’s life that have spanned the decade.

Clardy’s first single, “Keep Up” echos mid-2000s indie bands such as Cold War Kids, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Modest Mouse. Meanwhile, the jangly call and response chorus in “Stoic World” exudes a spirit often found throughout the history of Americana-folk music. In his own words, Clardy says, “These songs have been spots to put a lot of the unresolved mixture of stuff that comes with people dying, or moving, or seeing your work change shape after 10 years, or confusion at how our country got where it is, or being generationally downstream from some real pain and dysfunction while still being somewhere upstream from where it all ends.” WEBSITE.


Caleb Clardy's distinct and vibrant vocals give 'Keep Up' some real edge, supported by some polished music that is broadly alt rock, with a loose melodic vibe.

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Lauren Lakis - Mourn The Dead.

Background - Electric doom-folk artist Lauren Lakis has released her latest track "Mourn The Dead" in advance of her debut solo album Ferocious in Early 2018. 

“Mourn The Dead" was one of the last songs I wrote for the album, when I was beginning to reclaim my life post-trauma. As I was tapping into my own anger, I was thinking a lot about the systematic repression of emotions in men, and how it ends up usually only being expressed as anger. I make reference to it via the line, "All the words that we swallow, all the walls that you hit" - Lauren Lakis.

A child of Baltimore, Lauren grew to embrace the fatalistic spirit of the city with an ever-present & fearless approach to her work & art. The hand-crafted rawness of her sound bellows deep & true, unscathed by the prevailing winds of today's polite rock. Lauren's persistence & growth in the Los Angeles scene can be attributed to her previous bands Hobart W Fink (vocals), Slow Coda (vocals & keys) and LA Nova (vocals, keys, bass, programming). She's performed in such LA staples as The Echo, The Satellite, & The Mint; as well as Echo Park Rising & Make Music Pasadena. Most recently, Lauren mounted a solo-performance in a 2017 SXSW showcase in Austin, TX.

Ferocious, her first full-length solo album, is a product of passion & experience folded with a recent personal tragedy. In collaboration with her Producer-Engineer Billy Burke, Lauren explores the full spectrum of the grieving process against a backdrop of shoe-gaze inspired guitars, haunting synth swells, deep-driving beats, & lyrics imparted with true candor. All instrumentals were written & performed by Lauren with the exception of AJ Brown on drums & additional guitars by Chris Garcia. Mixing tasked to the talented Chris Kasitch (Adele [Grammy-winning], Phantogram, Cee Lo Green). FACEBOOK.


Electric doom folk is a specific enough sounding genre and 'Mourn The Dead' makes sense of the description. The track is actually quite rocky in nature and Lauren Lakis vocals are melodic and dreamy, the doom element is less dark than I expected, this is quite a catchy song.

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The Decrees - Sons of Rage / West Sierra.

Background - Scotland's The Decrees have released 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. BANDCAMP, FACEBOOK.


'Sons of Rage' is a stomping rocker & 'West Sierra' ups the energy and buzz even further. The vocals have a determined feel to them as they compete with the band to ensure they share equal presence.

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Monday, 30 October 2017

Document - The Blood Moon Howlers - Gasoline Lollipops - Jonny Taylor

Document - Hustle.

Background - A brooding, slinky affair, Hustle showcases a new side to scuzzy Tel Aviv quartet Document. Understated, but bristling with the same electric energy as previous single Habit, it’s a swampy call to arms for disaffected youth. Vocalist Nir Ben Jacob explains:

"’Hustle’ revolves around themes of digital addiction - spending hours online and having nothing to show for it, wasting time scrolling and swiping, while not being able to stop. The screen has become an extension of the self. Humans have now become more like plants - they need to be interconnected and depend on technology. Phones are the roots that allow us to be connected to everything else. We‘ve rooted ourselves in our modernity. Our identities can change online. We project what we want others to see. The screen has become a mirror. The phone takes away the ability to be intimate, and you are left alone with a distortion of reality. There’s the addiction of immediate gratification, the online approvals are ‘pseudo-pleasure’. This has all led to pointless compulsive behaviour."

In 2008, after finishing university, Nir moved back to Tel Aviv and started hanging out with his cousin and a couple of his friends.  As bored 20-somethings, and the only people around who listened to 80's post-punk or art punk like Wire, The Fall and ‘90s bands like Fugazi and Dinosaur Jr. they decided to play together and start a band.

Their tracks explore themes of dis-connectivity and digital addiction, the individual dealing with bureaucracy, corruption and the repeating void of the modern life, oscillating between moments of anxiety and outrage to moments of hope and ecstasy. Yanniv Brenner (Guitar), Amit David (Bass) and Amir Reich (Drums) complete the line-up.

Hustle is taken from forthcoming album The Void Repeats, out November 9th.  The album was recorded at The Junk in Tel Aviv and was mixed by Bill Skibbe of Key Club Recording (The Black Keys, Protomartyr, Blonde Redhead and The Kills among others). WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


A simple & catchy riff allows 'Hustle' to resonate from the start. As layers of sound are added and the punchy vocals add further energy to the track, the song is pretty much demanding a second listen.

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The Blood Moon Howlers - Motor Mouth Mission.

Background - Neo-psych rock band The Blood Moon Howlers released a video for their brand new single "Motor Mouth Mission" today, showcasing clips of the band performing live and in studio. The single leans heavily into the band's hard rock, stoner rock, and punk influences, showcasing a darker and heavier version of their sound.

Jumping straight into heavy power-chords, tastefully distorted guitar, and a driving beat, "Motor Mouth Mission" demands your attention and builds into a powerful force. "It's compiled of "making of" studio footage and different gigs played in 2017. We like doing videos like this because we like to show the recording process and various locations used to make each recording," shared the band. "We feel it's the most genuine way to show who we are as musicians and people. The main shots were filmed at Ultimate Studios Inc. where we also recorded the drums to "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree". We had a great experience at that studio and want to work there much more in the future so we wanted it to be featured. We also show shots of our gig at Kulak's Woodshed from September 24, 2017 where we played "Motor Mouth Mission" for the first time. We wanted to include footage from there because we filmed/recorded a live album which we are planning to release in January of 2018."

"Motor Mouth Mission" was released today in conjunction with a B-side cover of "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree", originally by KT Tunstall. "We thought a cover of "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" would be a fun B-side to the single because we've played that song for a long time acoustically and the idea came up to make it rockin' after Matt got ahold of a Fender Bass Vi!"

Both songs were recorded between Artisan Road Studio and Ultimate Studios Inc., then mixed by Mike Bear of Artisan Road Studio and mastered by Hans DeKline. They are now available for purchase on Bandcamp, Itunes and all major digital retailers, as well as streaming on Spotify. The band recently recorded a live album, which is scheduled for release in January 2018. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


Potent and energised and with a timeless feel to it 'Motor Mouth Mission' is a straight out of the box blast of fuzzy psychedelic rock & roll.


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Gasoline Lollipops - Soul Mine.

Background - Colorado-based band Gasoline Lollipops recently shared new single "Soul Mine". The song is the title track and first single from the Boulder group's forthcoming album, Soul Mine, out December 16. Gasoline Lollipops singer-songwriter Clay Rose explains that the song "reflects all these trials and tribulations with an intensity usually reserved for the angst of youth and heartbroken lovers."

Gasoline Lollipops is a Colorado band that combines the sincerity of dirt-floor folk with the energy and rebelliousness of punk. It's an all-new incarnation of alt-country that’s both high-energy and heartfelt, like the American highway's soundtrack. This year marked the release of the GasPops' debut full-length album, Resurrection, and the band’s first-ever vinyl release, Soul Mine, will be celebrated at the Fox Theatre in Boulder on Saturday, December 16.

Colorado Daily readers voted Gasoline Lollipops "Best Local Musician/Group" for 2017, and in 2016, Denver Westword named Gasoline Lollipops Colorado's Best Country Artist. 2014 and 2015 brought multiple awards and accolades to the Gasoline Lollipops, including being selected to play six showcases in Austin during SXSW 2014; getting voted "Best Local Musician/Group" in the Colorado Daily's 2014 and 2015 polls; being selected as one of only six bands across Colorado for the highly coveted SpokesBUZZ Emerging Artists Incubator program; and winning the Oskar Blues Battle of the Bands in 2015. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


A little bit funky, maybe even bluesy at the beginning 'Soul Mine' gradually morphs into a folk rock song, where the music is delicious and the deep vocals and pleasing harmonies, make this a fabulous tease for the new album due in December.

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Jonny Taylor - Better Day.

Background - Jonny Taylor's new album 'Dig Deep' is due out November 17; with the new single 'Better Day' out now. Caught in the whirlwind, it seems like only yesterday that West Australian based singer songwriter Jonny Taylor signed his first record deal with label Red Rebel Music. In fact for new album Dig Deep it has been two months of intense planning in support of its November 17 release date that is now almost upon us. To thank his loyal supporters over the years, a unique album promotion is currently on offer with all pre-sale purchases giving one lucky punter the chance to win three nights away with flights included to Jonny’s hometown of Dumbleyung, with Jonny as your host!

Described as a fortuitous mix of Pearl Jam and Keith Urban, Taylor fuses rocky riffs and poignant lyrics with clever melodies. Dig Deep has been four years in the making since Jonny’s debut album Something to Say landed in the ARIA  charts in 2013. An emotionally charged musician who doesn't set out to sound like anybody in particular, Jonny lets his love of grunge and rock music fuse seamlessly with his passion for a meaningful story.

Taylor says it took time to accept his position in the music scene, exploring how an artist could sit on the fringe of many genres, to focus on his roots and create a record that made him proud. “I spent a couple of years wondering how I can tailor my sounds to fit in one spot or another. I was scared of falling in a void between genres. Karen Waters (head of Red Rebel Music) heard the album, rang me up and said “Mate, this is a great album!” It was exciting to have a label hear my work and understand who I am as an artist.  I’ve finally worked up the courage to just do what comes naturally and make a record that blends all my influences, without necessarily being influenced by any one particular thing.”

With new single Better Day currently scoring airplay around the country, launch dates (with full band) for WA already announced, a national tour set to include various festival slots planned for early 2018, it’s no surprise Jonny is nominated for Regional Act of the Year at the upcoming WAM Awards. The timing couldn’t be better for Dig Deep to cement Jonny Taylor as one the brightest
​prospects Australia has to offer. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


'Better Day' is a confident rocker, with Jonny Taylor's refined vocals driving this catchy and classic sounding song forward. All the vital ingredients are there, this is perfect music for a road trip.

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Sunday, 29 October 2017

Terra Lightfoot - Sam Valdez - ONR

Terra Lightfoot - Norma Gale.

Background - The new single from Canadian roots-rocker Terra Lightfoot - Norma Gale is taken from the new album New Mistakes. Terra explains - "I was inspired to write this song after meeting a Canadian woman named Norma Gale who was a near-famous country star in the 1970s. She played all over the world but specifically had a great following in Nashville, played with Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty. This song is one of my first songwriter songs, I'd say. It chronicles the life of Norma as a musician in the ’70s, and trying to bring up her young son while she's gunning for sustainable success. I kept in touch with Norma and her son and let them know when I finally made it to Nashville to do some writing, but unfortunately she had passed away two weeks earlier."

Following the release of Every Time My Mind Runs Wild in the UK last year, Hamilton’s Terra Lightfoot back with a brand new album New Mistakes available now on Sonic Unyon Records, with UK tour dates to be announced soon.

With New Mistakes, Canada’s Lightfoot offers up something rare: the kind of genuine document that can only come from a road-tested breed of songwriter and performer. Shot through with the guitarist-vocalist’s powerful, bluesy soul, vivid lyrics and ferocious six-string virtuosity, it’s an unforgettable album that will have you hooked in seconds.

From the ground-shaking stomp of first single “Paradise” about and the wild-eyed  energy of “Pinball King” that open the album, to the psychedelic, gospel-tinged album closer “Lonesome Eyes,” the steel town native’s third record distills her masterful talent to its electrifying essence. FACEBOOK.


Fourth time around on Beehive Candy for Terra Lightfoot with the new single 'Norma Gale' taken from the equally new album 'New Mistakes'. I am well aware that Terra Lightfoot can deliver some full on & foot stomping rockers, this shows another side of her music, with a more measured rock ballad, which mixes emotion & melodic power with considerable style.

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Sam Valdez - It's Alright.

Background - Sam Valdez is a Los Angeles based singer-songwriter, whose music is built upon the fusion of shoegaze and vintage Americana indie folk. Embodying the best of both genres, Valdez has created dreamy, yet haunting atmospheric soundscapes that resonate with her listeners.

Valdez grew up at the edge of the Nevada desert, in Las Vegas and credits the desert as a major influence in her writing and composing. The vastness and solitude of desert life is apparent throughout her writing, with cinematic resonance and euphoric arrangements. 

After performing in numerous bands, she found the essence of her solo sound and decided to run with it, indulging in her own creative process and ultimately developing a sound that is true to her own. As a classically trained violinist, Valdez has a sense of musical maturity within her songs, adding technicalities that bring her to the forefront of her genre.

Lead single, ‘Its Alright’ oozes beauty and grace through it’s forthright lyrics. Featuring fuzzy 90’s shoegaze melodies, wistfully innocent vocals and driving drum rhythms, it’s a melancholic tale of both love and loss. ‘Its Alright’ thematically focuses on coping with the disillusion that comes with relationships. Valdez reveals, “I wrote this song in a dream-like state of mind”.

Valdez has seen success with her previous release ‘Hours’ receiving acclaim from prestigious media outlets including Black Book.  She has also performed at high profile venues throughout Los Angeles. FACEBOOK.


I was fascinated by the above promos description "(her) music is built upon the fusion of shoegaze and vintage Americana indie folk". That's quite a stretch however 'It's Alright' suggests it's a pretty apt description, where the delights of these differing genres combine to create a fabulous sound. It's worth mentioning that the song is also a very good composition, where melodic hooks and atmospheric vibes add even more!

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ONR - Jericho.

Background - Scottish artist ONR. (aka Robert Shields) started making waves after leaking some demos via indie label Leftwing, then was swiftly signed to Capitol Records in the US. Debut single “Jericho” was released this summer, and has received early support from LA stations KCRW and KCSN. 

Early reviews have lauded the ‘supreme confidence’ of ONR.’s sound, drawing comparisons to Echo & The Bunnymen, Depeche Mode, Arcade Fire and David Bowie.

"I'm delighted to release the official video to debut track Jericho," says ONR. "We’ve really tried to capture those first few months of our beginnings -- so like the track itself, it’s a bit of where we’re from, a bit of who we are, a bit of what we do. The response to Jericho has been just incredible, I cannot thank everyone enough for their support. And this is is only the start."

ONR. recently performed on the main stage at Electric Fields Festival in his hometown of Dumfries & Galloway, and was one of the first artists announced to perform at the 2018 SXSW Music Festival. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


'Jericho' has a natural & almost live feel to it particularly towards the beginning. Beautifully layered, the song builds with power and passion, ONR are definitely on our 'watch out for' list.


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Splitsville - Amanda DeBoer Bartlett - Tooth Gore - Heavenly - At Baron Lane

Splitsville - Beth Steel. “They're burning down the empire, but the trains still run on time”: that's the brash opening couplet on ...