Kira May - GRDNS - Kadija Kamara - Band of Gold - Theodore

Kira May - Muscle Memory.

Background from Kira May - I’m an experimental pop artist from Toronto. Back in 2014, I released my debut EP Health, and have since shared stages with the likes of Jean-Michel Blais, Absolutely Free, Diana, Your Boy Tony Braxton, and more. Following Health’s release, I took a step back to focus on treatment for the anxiety and depression that had been holding me back since childhood. During this time I wrote a full-length album as a documentation of that journey. Sense will be released this spring, and I’m thrilled to share the video for its lead single with you today.

“Muscle Memory” explores the ways in which our bodies hold onto our painful histories. This is partially a love song for my body, which continuously strives to protect me and push for my physical and emotional survival, but it is also an exploration of the “letting go” required to move forward. When past traumas are no longer dangerous to us, although well-meaning, our bodies’ attempts to protect us can actually become harmful.

This song looks specifically at the damaging effects of negative interpersonal relationships as a very young person who is still forming. In my case, the response was to retreat so deeply into the safety of my own body that it became difficult to get out. Director Allison Johnston brought the sentiment of the song to life in the video, in which we see past experiences and vulnerabilities emerge from within the body itself. Sense was co-produced, engineered, and mixed by Sandro Perri. FACEBOOK, BANDCAMP.

Swirling synth sounds and a slow beat introduce 'Muscle Memory' a song that mixes Kira May's distinctive & appealing vocals with a remarkable soundtrack that develops layer by layer. The video adds more, making the combination of both a powerful proposition.


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GRDNS - Night Dance.

Background - Neo-psychedelic quartet GRDNS release debut single Night Dance, the first slice of woozy, off-kilter rock taken from their upcoming EP out later this year via Dance To The Radio.

Emerging from the largely forgotten and multi-cultural northern city of Bradford, the desert rockers take the influences of Tame Impala and Humbug-era Arctic Monkeys and create their own blend of psychedelia which has already landed them support slots with acts including Stereo Honey, Sea Girls and The Pale White.

Described by frontman Jacob Lyons as a “tantric tail of a quiet night in with a supernatural poetic cosmic titan of a lover with atomic eyes”, the band (comprised of other two main members Cameron Harrison (bass) and Sam Gledhill (guitar) alongside drummer John Fitzpatrick) support Husky Loops with whenyoung later this month before an April UK tour (TBA) and appearance at Live At Leeds.

Produced by James Kenosha (Pulled Apart By Horses, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Rhodes) GRDNS’ Night Dance is out now and will be available on all platforms. FACEBOOK.

Live Dates:
27 Feb – Chapel, Leeds (w/ Husky Loops & whenyoung)
05 May – Live At Leeds Festival.

From the opening moments of 'Night Dance' there is a delectable psychedelic feel. The music and vocals merge together with more psych vibes flooding through, as the song builds with energy and atmosphere.

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Kadija Kamara - Nothing Left To Lose (EP).

Background - Kadija Kamara takes us into the highways of her expansive imagination on ‘Nothing Left To Lose’, her new EP out now.

Based in London, Kadija Kamara is a singer songwriter who best describes her sound as ‘Alt Soul’. With a love of 60’s and 70’s analogue sounds, Kadija combines her affinity for retro soul music with a host of modern influences. To date, her accomplishments include winning the MTV Iggy Artist Of The Week poll, voted by readers and being awarded funding for her Artist Development Programme by PRS for Music. From collaborations with the likes of Joey Negro, Zeb Bias plus many more, to backing vocals for Zara McFarlane on …Later With Jools Holland.  Kadija has released records under various labels, including Z Records, Defected, and Soul Heaven among others.

Kadija recently curated a night called Lady, which showcases leading female musicians in the underground and commercial music scenes.  She currently holds a residency at the popular Music venue 'The Finsbury', with label/promoters Lost In The Manor.  Its huge running success led to the first Lady Festival at ‘Pop Brixton’ in October last year, marking the first Birthday of LADY & LADY Live Events.

Having had the stunning ‘Eyes On You’ selected by readers for Tom Robinson’s Fresh On The Net’, and with praise from CLASH, The Revue, FAME Magazine, Get In Her Ears, and Hype Machine to name a few, the stage is set for her long-awaited EP Nothing Left To Lose. It’s a diverse set of songs showcasing her broad emotional range and tinderbox potential. Mostly, it’s a clear indicator that Kadija is a free-thinking experimentalist producing work that is totally unique and risque, and that already puts her ahead in the game. FACEBOOK.

Kadija Kamara has delivered a fabulous EP with 'Nothing Left To Lose' a collection of four soulful and creative songs. There is emotion, power, and a gorgeous array of retro meeting today styles, add to this her vocals, which are a perfect match for these genres, and I think we have a winning combination that deserves to heard far and wide.

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Band of Gold - Well Who Am I.

Background - Band Of Gold have premiered the new single 'Well Who Am I' from their forthcoming album 'Where's The Magic'. Nina Mortvedt of Band Of Gold has said "'Well Who Am I' is a quick look at how the brain works when in an obsession, making the smallest of details significant and amazing. It's the yearning and irrational passion that you never get to live out. It makes you numb, feeling like you're in a constant purple sunset. We had such a blast recording this one, and what Nikolai does with his guitar... I'll let that speak for itself."

Band Of Gold are a Norwegian duo consisting of the exceptional songwriter Nina Mortvedt and dynamic musician and producer Nikolai Eilertsen. Eilertsen has been known previously for his stellar bass guitar work with the likes of Todd Terje, Elephant9, and Susanne Sundfør, amongst many others but with the addition of some of Norway’s most creative musicians, they are now crafting their very own brand of skeletal funk, country soul and chamber pop, to create an eclectic, glowing concoction.

The collaboration between Norway’s Nina Mortvedt and Nikolai Hængsle as Band Of Gold, made a splash in 2015 with their self-titled debut being crowned with the Nordic Music Prize against heavy competition such as Bjork and Jenny Hval by the jury of Jeannette Lee (Rough Trade Records), Jude Rogers (The Guardian), Stuart Maconie (BBC) and Jonathan Galkin (DFA Records). This year will see the release of their highly anticipated follow-up album, ‘Where’s The Magic’ on Jansen Records.

Rich bass and drums, silky guitar and dreamy synths courtesy of Hængsle, help guide Mortvedt’s coy vocals, with a twang reminiscent of Natalie Prass, throughout. Hængsle’s tone might be subtle and understated on the latest single from the album ‘I Wanna Dance With You Again’, but her words certainly aren’t. “There’s a hand around my heart and it’s tearing me apart,” she laments. FACEBOOK.

'Well Who Am I' is one very addictive song. The beats and associated music, interact with vocals that just mesmerise and draw the listener in even further.

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Theodore - Towards? (for what is to come).

Background - Multi-instrumentalist and composer Theodore has announced another sterling single ‘Towards? (for what is to come)’ slated for release on 2nd March via United We Fly. The Greek performer has already garnered considerable success with his previous album It Is But Its Not which was co-produced by Clive Martin (Queen, Reef) mixed by Ken Thomas (Sigur Rós, Moby, M83) and performed live at the fabled Studio 2 at Abbey Road Studios. With over 1.7 million Youtube views, he has received radioplay from the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne and French station RadioKC, as well as support from publications such as Tsugi and Szene. Theodore has graced the stages of Live at Heart Festival and Reeperbahn Festival -where he was named Best Performance Of 2017. He supported Sigur Ros and DIIV at Release Festival (Athens) in 2016, has just performed Eurosonic Noorderslag and looks forward to showcasing his talents at this years SXSW Festival.

Based in Athens, Theodore's schooling in piano and traditional Greek folk music lead to a professional music career in London, where he studied Music Composition in 2011. Theodore has written music for theatrical pieces such as Matina Megla’s Window, Vladan Nikolic’s film Bourek, and was commissioned to write a new score for Buster Keaton’s classic silent comedy of 1928, The Cameraman. Theodore and his band then performed the score live to the film screening, in the unforgettable setting of the Temple of Zeus in Athens, which he describes as “one of the best moments of my life.” Theodore has gained notoriety for his memorable live performances, dazzling audiences with his mesmerizing stage presence.

Fusing classical composition with electronic elements to create beautiful, atmospheric and often cinematic songs, his sound is characterized by contrasting styles. Citing influences such as Sigur Ros, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Doors, Chatzidakis, Vagelis Papathanasiou, Nils Frahm, The National, Olafur, Arcade Fire, Max Richter, his unique mélange of influences allow a broad scope of movement from ethereal, to melancholic, to classical, to post rock. ‘Towards? (for what is to come)’ is a sonic stream of consciousness, capturing every nuance of Theodore’s technical wizardry. Covering a wide sonic scope, he drowns ethereal melodies in a cauldron of psychedelic sounds.

Speaking of the single Theodore says “Towards? (for what is to come) is going to be the first song of my upcoming album. This is the initial question I will be exploring throughout the album. It is about the two different sides of one’s personality; the conscious and the magical one and inspired by the battle between them.” WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Towards? (for what is to come)' is six minutes of musical creativity. Sometimes haunting, always flowing and richly layered, the song is an epic of sorts, one that builds into a crescendo of flavours and then quickly ebbs away. 

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Company of Thieves - Erin Pellnat - Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics - Karrie Hayward - Oh! Gunquit - Danielle Duval

Company of Thieves - Window.

Background - Fresh off their reunion tour and currently on the road with Walk the Moon, indie group Company of Thieves hare their new song, "Window". "Window" is the second release from their forthcoming EP,  Better Together, due February 23rd.

"Great friends can see something in us that we can’t yet see in ourselves- the ability to make it through, the light at the end of the tunnel. This song is about seeing the best in each other and ourselves, finding windows where there were once only walls" says front woman Genevieve Schatz of their new song, "Window".

10 years proceeding the release of their self released album, Ordinary Riches, Company of Thieves made their comeback in the summer of 2017 with "Treasure".

It was fate that brought two rebellious teenagers together on the train platform at Union Station in Chicago over a decade ago, as Company of Thieves’ founding members, Genevieve Schatz and Marc Walloch sat across from one another and became fast friends over a conversation about The Beatles. With two records, countless headlining tours, a late night television appearance, a charting alternative radio single “Oscar Wilde” and a dream-come-true music biz discovery story under their belt, it seems that fate that has brought the cult band back from hiatus. FACEBOOK.

'Window' is a fine rocker that mixes melodic moments with some more feisty rock & roll, the passion thrives throughout, as do the hooks.

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Erin Pellnat - Do It For Dinero.

Background -  "Do it for Dinero," from Erin Pellnat is a new song that has elements of Americana, ragtime, and samba. 

But ultimately, the song is about the voice and the story she's tellin.

The photo is relevant as Erin tells us "I bike to work every day from Brooklyn (where I live) to Manhattan (where I work) - 15 miles a day round-trip!  You might say I "Do it for Dinero". BANDCAMP.

Our third solo feature for Erin Pellnat, an artist that consistently comes up with highly engaging and imaginative music. 'Do It For Dinero' see her taking yet another musical route, mixing genres with ease and once again her vocals add so much more vitality to the song.

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Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics - Call Out My Name.

Background - Atlanta's Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics are the heirs to the throne of the old schools masters.  But they are much more than just a group of revivalists trying to create a period piece.  Powerhouse singer Velle and her band will settle for nothing less than bringing these classic sounds glimmering into the now with a fresh, new contemporary sheen. 

It's this inviting and accessible bravado that has scored the band critical acclaim from outlets such as The New York Daily News, MTV, Paste, and more. In addition to there critical success, at a time when record sales are at an all time industry low, the completely independent, DIY minded Velle and the Soulphonics sold a quarter-million downloads of their single on iTunes, landing them in the top 30 on Billboard's Heatseeker charts and at a stunning #4 on the iTunes R&B charts.

The group has shared bills with Erykah Badu, the XX, Gary Clark Jr., Animal Collective, Feist, and Kendrick Lamar among others. After an explosive set opening for The Temptations, the band looks towards the release of their new single "Call Out My Name" in winter 2018. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Old school, classic sounding, and plenty of other labels might be applied to 'Call Out My Name', none of which is that important when the music is as gorgeous as this. The production is modern ensuring every part of the arrangement has it's rightful place and the vocals just do the rest, fabulous!

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Karrie Hayward - Going To The Grave.

Background - When you blend the rich, soulful vocal tones with the vibrant, percussive timbre of a guitar, you get Karrie Hayward - a pop infused, indie-edge, kaleidoscope of melodic colours. Going To The Grave is a facetious, tongue-in-cheek song written about the emotional recovery that occurs at the ending of a relationship. The track unravels through a driving percussion line; a guitar riff conversing with an impelling bamboo groove and the build of gated vocals to layers of dense harmonies.

Growing up in the tropical environment of the Whitsunday’s, this songstress spontaneously decided to find the ultimate ratio of adventure and music by moving further down the coast. Karrie travelled solo, playing shows all the way from Mackay to Byron Bay collecting inspiration all around.

After settling down into the hustle and bustle of Brisbane, Karrie set foot in a Gold Coast studio, (Blind Boy Studios) to record some tracks with producer, engineer and session musician, Brad Hosking. This is where the latest single; Going To The Grave was bought to life.

Since the previous release, Gypsies, which landed in the Top 10 on the ITunes Singer-Songwriter chart, Number 3 on the Triple J Unearthed Pop Chart and Number 6 on the overall Triple J Unearthed charts, Karrie has toured along the east coast playing shows all around from Townsville to the Central Coast. With more national touring in sight for 2018, Karrie experiments with the creativity of song craft to define her own unique sound. ‘Going to the Grave’ will be in Digital Stores on the 16th of February. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Modern pop can still be very creative and pleasing, case in point being 'Going To The Grave'. Uncomplicated, fresh, and alive with hooks, Karrie's soulful vocals are resplendent and the urge to play it again sets in well before the end.

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Oh! Gunquit - So Long Sucker.

Background - London garage-freak-a-billy fun gang Oh! Gunquit, release their second video single So Long Sucker from sophomore LP 'Lightning Likes Me' - which combines elements of psychedelic surf punk, sci-fi rockabilly, and future rock n roll. The nucleus of the band started in 2010 after Tina (Vocals/Trumpet) & Simon (Guitar/Vocals) became neighbours and frequenting the same sweaty cellar dance nights around town. They formed the band around the idea of creating a vibrant blend of new-wave vicious psych-surf, garage-punk, exotica & rock n roll.

With tracks produced by Detroit Legend Jim Diamond (the Sonics, Dirtbombs, Detroit Cobras, White Stripes etc) & also at London's Space Eko studio by Alex McGowen (Jim Jones, Son of Dave etc) it's a somewhat denser and more experimental feel than their debut and still packed with killer songs with the same Exotic Wild Vicious RnR Music with which they've become known for. Their near-legendary live shows are now going even further interstellar with new full-time member Chuchi Malpersona (Saxophone) & the continuing super tight rhythm section of VV (Bass) Alex De Renzi (Drums).

The band has recorded two live sessions on London's only Arts Radio Station -Resonance FM. Live shows they have played include many events/festivals all over UK such as Field Day, Trip Out, Offset, Hop Farm, Hipsville, Franklin Fest and Farm Festival. They have also performed shows for festivals & events in Europe including Spain's Bule Bule, Fuzz in the City, Munster Raving Loony Party, & Fuzzville Festivals & tours in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Portugal & Spain. The band have supported other acts such as Fat White Family, Public Service Broadcasting, King Khan & the Shrines (US), Andrew Weatherall, The Pandoras (US), Kinoco Hotel (Japan) & shows at the Danny Boyle curated Shuffle Film Festivals. FACEBOOK.

'So Long Sucker' is one spectacular and potent bout of pure freak-a-billy to use the bands definition. Rock & Roll with edge, drama and fun all combined together and delivered with character and energy.


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Danielle Duval - Whenever You Want It.

Background from Danielle Duval - Super stoked to share “Whenever You Want It” – the lead single and video off my sophomore album, Lose It, which dropped on January 26th. It’s a song about no fear; being open, ready, and up for anything. The quest to find, cash in, and go for what or who you’re after. It’s a song about the recognition of love when it comes, and to go for it no holds barred, no reservations, no apologies.

Sam Roberts, Toronto’s “Synth Twins” Matt & Mark Thibedeau, and Zeus’ Carlin Nicholson & Mike O’Brien all lent their talent to help make this record what it is.

I co-produced Lose It with the inimitable Gus Van Go & Werner F, who have worked with the likes of Arkells, Whitehorse, and Wintersleep. The three of us shared the same vision – taking influence from the effortlessly cool swagger of LCD Soundsystem and Joan Jett, and mixing it with the sound of new wave classics like Blondie and The Cars. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Whenever You Want It' is a rhythmic rocker, where the guitars and vocals both vie for and grab our attention, all with just a little attitude and a catchy feel.


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Super Hi-Fi - Typhoid Rosie - Nihilist Cheerleader

Super Hi-Fi - Little Black Book.

Background - Leading up to the March 9th release of their fifth studio album Blue and White, Brooklyn's Super Hi-Fi have dropped a quirky video for their first single "Little Black Book". Picking-up where they left off with their 2012 release Dub To The Bone, "Little Black Book" once again showcases the band's dual trombone prowess and penchant for heavy bass lines. However, unlike Dub To The Bone, "Little Black Book" draws influence from west African music and the unmistakable rhythms of Afrobeat. The song is bolstered by drummer Madhu Siddappa's shuffling groove and Jon Lipscomb's hypnotic guitar playing which draws the band away from their traditional, dub-heavy reggae roots and into a west African inspired musical amalgam.

The video was created by musician and visual artist Stefan Zeniuk, whose recent work has been featured in Billboard and NPR Music. Specializing in stop-motion animation, Zeniuk used nearly 2,000 images, with a mix of sculpted clay, broken glass and even tic-tac's to achieve the final result. Having produced videos for bassist and band leader Ezra Gale's side-project The Eargoggle, the collaboration came naturally and Zeniuk's unique, visual interpretation of "Little Black Book" matches the songs rhythmic pace perfectly.

"The rhythm of the fast guitar balanced with the slow and long trombone melodies initially popped into my mind a sense of frenetic and fast moving images, abstract and schizoid, fast enough to actually lull the viewer into a meditative and static state." - Stefan Zeniuk

Gale says that "Little Black Book" is essentially a song about people who work jobs that they're ridiculed or hated for. In this instance the ridicule is aimed at an NYC meter maid who is simply making his rounds with 'his little black book'. Slim Blue which is the name that Zeniuk uses to refer to the clay figure featured in the video, is hated by the people that he issues parking tickets to, yet fulfills his appointed duties and carries on with his life. It's a thankless job but someone has to do it and "Little Black Book" conveys this sense of alienation and misunderstanding both through the music and the accompanying video. Gale says, "I wrote it right after I got a parking ticket and I was really pissed off. I was trying to not be so angry and be more empathetic towards people who have a job that makes them do something everyone else hates, and so makes them hated, which isn't really fair. It worked and I wasn't as angry after writing it...for a little while, anyway!" WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Super Hi-Fi have taken compatible genres and skillfully moulded them into 'Little Black Book' a fabulous and in the real sense of the word, eclectic song, that suggests the album due in March is one to watch out for.


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Typhoid Rosie - Sailing On.

Background - Brooklyn's Typhoid Rosie have announced plans to release their third LP, 'This Is Now,' on March 23. Frontwoman Rosie Rebel explains the song's origins: "It was inspired by Homer's The Odyssey," the singer offers. "Odysseus is faced with every obstacle and temptation but fights as hard as he could to get home. Life is like that: sometimes we have to endure incredible turbulence and storms. I thought about how poor Odysseus had to endure the anger of Poseidon, and all he could do was hold on to a rock while he was being pounded by the waves.

He had no shelter to weather the storm, but his memories somehow carried him through those dark times. So when I wrote this song, I thought about life and all the things in it that are worth fighting for. But more than that, the song is about 'us' and how we should fight for it together. When we work together, there's nothing humanity can't accomplish."

Typhoid Rosie delivers punk/indie grit with pop hooks. They've been featured in HuffPost, Paste Magazine, AXS, Buzzfeed, Baeble Music, Pop Dose, She Knows, The Big Takeover and more. The band's upcoming third LP, This Is Now,' is the follow-up to 2013's 'The Music Album' and 2015's 'Hearts Bleed Goodbye.' WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

It was back in the summer of 2016 that we first featured Typhoid Rosie, it didn't seem that long ago when the new song 'Sailing On' came our way last week. Powerful rock with some punk vibes thrown in, this is catchy and some!


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Nihilist Cheerleader - Drenched In.

Background - Nihilist Cheerleader debut first single "Drenched In" from their upcoming debut album "Riot, Right?".  (Perfect Attendance Records). Nihilist Cheerleader is making a name for themselves in the thriving Athens/ Atlanta music scene with their raw, Riot Grrrl- inspired punk sound. The band formed in 2015 in Athens, Ga, and found early success in a saturated scene with their new take on an established concept of “punk”. The band brings a charged energy to their live and recorded performances that is engaging and refreshing. Nihilist Cheerleader’s sound appropriately reflects the band’s name in it’s duality- both turbulent and controlled, angsty and uplifting, thoughtful and effortless.

What sets them apart from other musicians in their midsts is their story-like songwriting. Like the artists that have inspired them, the band’s music is largely rooted in political and social commentary.  Their lyrics command the listener to take a closer look at social injustices related to gender and power structures, and ones internal dialogue. Rather than aimlessly identify problems they see, the band’s intention is to start a constructive conversation about how we can combat and resolve such issues. Their songs inspire rebellion, self exploration, change, and especially dance.

Following the release of one EP, three singles, and two southeastern tours, the band is releasing  their first full-length album with Perfect Attendance Records spring of 2018, and will be touring the east coast this summer. In the past two years the band has received multiple music awards from a local publication, voted by the public as best startup band, best punk/hard rock band, and best live performance. The members are excited to release their new music, as well as some accompanying music videos, as their project continues to grow and evolve. FACEBOOK.

'Drenched In' is a vibrant rocker with plenty of melodic hooks, both through the splendid vocals and a band that knock out, some refined rock & roll chords, doing so with class.

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The Aces - PJ Harvey & Harry Escott - Mary's flower Superhead - The Prids - Flowertruck

The Aces - Volcanic Love.

Background -  Utah quartet The Aces are excited to announce the release of their much anticipated debut album, When My Heart Felt Volcanic on April 6th. Serving as a follow up to 2017’s critically acclaimed I Don’t Like Being Honest EP, the album is a collection of songs that exhibits confidence and polish that bellies their young years. Today fans can pre-order the album and receive an instant download of the track ‘Volcanic Love.’

‘When My Heart Felt Volcanic is so special to us, a collection of songs about our experiences over the past three years growing up and transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. We can’t wait for our fans to get to know us through them,’ says The Aces.

In celebration of the release of When My Heart Felt Volcanic The Aces are currently on the road with COIN for a full US tour wrapping up on March 17th. After a very short break, The Aces will hop across the pond for a run of headline dates throughout the UK and Europe. A full list of dates can be found below. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

The Aces On Tour:
2/11 Philadelphia PA @ TLA*
2/12 Brooklyn NY @ Billboard Lounge @ The Barclay Center*
2/13 Boston MA @ Paradise Rock Club*
2/16 Toronto Canada @ The Mod Club*
2/17 Detroit MI @ St. Andrews Hall*
2/18 Cleveland OH @ House of Blues*
2/20 Knoxville TN @ The Concourse at The International*
2/22 Columbus OH @ Newport Music Hall*
2/23 Louisvilly KY @ The Mercury Ballroom*
2/24 Chicago IL @ House of Blues*
2/25 Minneapolis MN @ Fine Line Music Café*
2/27 St. Louis MO @ Delmar Hall*
2/28 Kansas City MO @ Truman*
3/02 Dallas TX @ Granada Theatre*
3/03 Houston TX @ White Oak Downstairs*
3/04 Austin TX @ Scoot Inn*
3/06 Phoenix AZ @ The Van Buren*
3/07 La Jolla CA @ The Loft @ UCSD*
3/09 Los Angeles CA @ The Fonda*
3/10 San Francisco CA @ The Fillmore*
3/12 Portland OR @ Wonder Ballroom*
3/13 Vancouver Canada @ Biltmore Cabaret*
3/14 Seattle WA @ Showbox*
3/16 Salt Lake City UT @ The Depot*
3/17 Denver CO @ Gothic*
3/26 Paris France @ Le Pop-Up du Label
3/27 London UK @ Thousand Island
3/29 Berlin Germany @ Musik & Frieden
* w/ COIN

'Volcanic Love' is a melodic indie rocker, that has energy, passion and plenty of emotion. My first listen to the band, this is impressive, and word has it, that this is a band worth catching live.


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 PJ Harvey & Harry Escott - An Acre Of Land.

Background - British composer Harry Escott and artist PJ Harvey have collaborated on An Acre of Land, a new recording that is the theme to Dark River, the latest film by Director Clio Barnard. The entire film is also scored by Escott, who says: ‘recording PJ Harvey’s vocal on “An Acre of Land”, a song we arranged together for Dark River, was a spine-tingling experience.’

An Acre of Land was released on Friday, via independent label Cognitive Shift Recordings - a collaborative label between One Little Indian Records and Manners McDade Publishing.

PJ Harvey is an English composer and artist, the recipient of both the 2001 and 2011 Mercury Prizes, as well as a 2013 MBE for services to music. She has contributed original music to the soundtrack for Mark Cousins’ film, ‘What’s This Film Called Love?’, BBC television series ‘Peaky Blinders’ starring Cillian Murphy, and BBC Radio 4 Drama productions Eurydice and Orpheus by Simon Armitage and Orpheus and Eurydice by Linda Marshall Griffiths, and Nadia Molinari’s On Kosovo Field. 

Theatre score collaborations with director Ian Rickson include, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? (Theatre Royal Haymarket, London), The Nest (Young Vic, London), and Electra (Old Vic, London), Harvey’s latest album The Hope Six Demolition Project, reached #1 in the UK charts and was nominated for a Grammy.

Harry Escott first came to prominence in 2005 with his score to the influential psychological horror film Hard Candy, directed by David Slade. Since then, Harry has worked with such stellar directorial talents as Eran Creevy on both Shifty and Welcome To The Punch; Michael Winterbottom on A Mighty Heart, The Road To Guantanamo, and Face Of An Angel; Clio Barnard on the multi award-winning The Arbor; and The Selfish Giant, a contemporary adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s short story; as well as Nick Broomfield on Ghosts; and perhaps most prominently, on Steve McQueen’s seminal debut film Shame.

Escott describes Dark River as ‘a film that leaves me wanting to take more care of those around me, which is a good thing for a film to leave you with!’ LABEL.

OK I am a massive fan of PJ Harvey's music, an artist that just seems to keep improving and impressing even more, as time goes by. With Harry Escott the pair have created a fabulous song, 'An Acre Of Land' exudes emotion and drama, Polly's vocals are beautiful, and the musical arrangement gentle, layered and a perfect match.

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Mary's flower Superhead - The Fall.

Background - Thessaloniki based post-punk trio Mary's flower Superhead are set to release their full-length fourth album Wealth on February 12th via Inner Ear Records. They dropped the lead single "Tonight We Sail" last Saturday, and almost immediately they share the followup "The Fall". Almost six years after their latest release, Mary's flower Superhead return with their new album titled Wealth.

A six-year period in which they were not idle, but constantly experimented with their sound at Polytropon studio in Thessaloniki, where the band was born and matured. Having rejected much of the material they recorded during this time, they decided to create a record based on the older sounds that brought them together 15 years ago and made them play music in the first place.

After the opening track "Everything Descends", a sample of MfS's previous experiments with synths and psychedelic sound, the nine tracks that follow musically they express the richness of simplicity and raw sound and at the same time lyrically the fragility of human nature and introversion.

Remaining always honest with their audience, MfS present Wealth, an energy-packed album that they will enjoy playing live and that justifies the characterisation power trio group, which was attributed to them from their very first concert in September 2003 and has been following them since. Mary's flower Superhead are Elias Smilios (vocals, guitar), Thanos Kazantzis (drums) and Nick Dimakidis (synths, bass). WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

As post punk bands go 'The Fall' suggests the band are ready and able to expand their sound. Smooth understated vocals and a restrained rock arrangement gives the band some room for melody and hooks of which there are plenty.


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The Prids - Lie Here.

Background - Portland, OR-based, noise pop band, The Prids, share their new video for "Lie Here" off their recently released record. PunkNews exclusively premiered the video, praising it, stating, "In the video for "Lie Here" the band takes a massive, shoegaze base and applies the synth-trappings along the lines of early Cure and Joy Division tunes." Their new LP, Do I Look Like I'm In Love? is out now via This-a-Way Records. The album was recorded and co-produced by Sean Flora (The Shins, The Black Keys, Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks) at Rock 'n' Roll B&B on Sauvie Island, 15 miles north of Portland.

Having spearheaded the Pacific Northwest DIY scene, bassist and vocalist Mistina La Fave, vocalist and guitarist David Frederickson, drummer Gordon Nickel and keyboardist and bassist Tim Yates, The Prids's career has spanned over 20 years. The band has toured alongside Built to Spill, among other notable acts, and Henry Rollins is a long time fan. Having faced a life altering brain hemorrhage in Spring 2015, La Fave and the rest of the band are set to pick up where they left off with this forthcoming release. The album is out on the band's own DIY label, This-a-Way Records, which has been instrumental in the band's culture for the past 20 years.

Do I Look Like I’m In Love? illustrates the Portland dark pop band’s mettle through keen lyrical observations, but also in its attention to sonic detail and song craft—this record couldn’t have been made by any other band at any other time. “Do I Look Like I’m In Love?” and “The Shape” both swirl and build like dreams filled with grey skies and the flickering faces of past friends and lovers. These songs nudge up against the air-brushed punk of “Lie Here” and the bass-driven “Colliding,” which recalls the dazed jangle of early R.E.M. More than two decades in, The Prids have made the best and most cohesive album of their career. FACEBOOK.

The Prids have consistently impressed me and the song 'Lie Here' and the accompanying video ensures that trend continues. It's another gorgeous noise pop song where the energy and pace is notable and the catchy musical nature of the band is ever present. 


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Flowertruck - Enough For Now.

Background - Without dipping a toe in trepidation, but rather jumping headfirst into the deep end, Flowertruck splash around in the nostalgic, technicolour, sonic joy in single 'Enough For Now' alongside the announcement of their debut LP Mostly Sunny, and an April headline tour.

Known for their upbeat melodies decorated with hooky guitar runs and vocalist Charles Rushforth's quintessential Aussie twang, new single 'Enough For Now' is everything fans have come to love from Sydney's Inner West sweethearts. The single is a a sun drenched, summer slow burner - swirling synth and melancholy lyrics are complimented perfectly by fuzzy, early 90's inspired visuals. Showcasing an array of inconveniences only mild enough to induce an eye roll (burning the toast, a broken thong and rickety chairs) the four piece tackle the everyday annoyances with charm and ingenuity, like a team of super heroes in socks and sandals.  

Recorded at The Grove with Richard Belkner (PVT, Bertie Blackman, Brendan Maclean), mixed by Matt Voigt (Big Scary, Twerps, Cat Power) and mastered by John Lee (Lost Animal, Emma Russack, Totally Mild, Ocean Party). The new album anecdotally examines the unease and hesitation of growing up, falling in love and in its most universal sense, change.

A linear continuation from their EP, and born of living in each other's pockets, Hamish Dobinson (Guitar) explains the new record Mostly Sunny as "kind of our coming of age as a band and signals a new era in Flowertruck. Our EP was our adolescence not only as a band but also as musicians. Flowertruck's debut LP Mostly Sunny out on Spunk Records on Friday March 16. Album PRE-ORDER, FACEBOOK.

The video is smile inducing and musically 'Enough For Now' is one lovable festival are melodic hooks, wonderful vocals, that collectively should brighten up any ones day.


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Rich Girls - The Nadas - Quicksilver Daydream - The fin.

Rich Girls - Hit.

Background - Garage/art rock trio Rich Girls share their new track, "Hit," the first single off their forthcoming debut full-length release, Black City. The album was recorded by Travis Harrison at Serious Business, Brooklyn and Sean Beresford at Blighty Sound, San Francisco. It was mastered by John Greenham at Infrasonic. Black City is due out April 6th on Tricycle Records.

Rich Girls return with a heady new pop sound and nine songs that pull their minimal garage into ambitious new territory. Songwriter Luisa Black unveils a new sonic toolkit, adding vintage synths, dark marimbas and ambitious melodies to the trademark Rich Girls verbed-out sound. The songs are awash in contrasts, veering between aggresssion and tenderness with lyrics about insurrection (“In the Street”), a power ballad about post-addiction love (“Wayne”) and the band’s biggest departure yet, a slurry synth-driven track set to a motorik beat (“Hit”). Black channels the zeitgeist of heartbreak in “Blood Brother,” a garage rock obit for America. Since their early releases, Rich Girls have pushed against genre, taking a raw garage sound and pulling it into art pop territory. Here Luisa Black’s complex sensibilities are on full display, with an album that swings hard between pop melody and punk rage. Black City is the first full-length from the NYC trio.

Rich Girls combine the polish of British art rock with the primitive energy of American garage. Dark, melodic, raw by design, the band began as the solo recording project of Luisa Black after the breakup of her San Francisco garage band The Blacks and evolved around a series of dark pop demos Black wrote while living in London. A steady stream of EPs cemented the Rich Girls high/low sound and found a small following in unexpected outposts across the UK and Europe. Often a trio, sometimes a duo, Rich Girls live create a big, urgent sound out of minimal elements. The band is based in NYC. Black City, their first full-length release, is out in April 2018 on Tricycle Records. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

The vocals have a distant and dreamy atmospheric feel on 'Hit' whilst the music gradually adds some layers. Engaging, minimal and smooth flowing, this is a real tease for the album.

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The Nadas - Roses.

Background - 2018 will mark the 25th year of The Nadas, who just received the news that they will be inducted into the Iowa Music Hall of Fame this summer! ​They're back and better than ever.

T​he Nadas describe themselves perfectly:​ "Yes, they have been around long enough that if they were a car you would keep them covered in your garage except for sunny weekend cruising. But that isn't what is important about their story. What is important is that they make music that makes you feel things. Happy, sad, nostalgic, optimistic, energized, curious, inspired, and confused".

"The important part is that it makes you want to listen, and sometimes dance. 2018 will mark the 25th year of The Nadas. They just released their new album, the 11th studio record entitled "One Louder". At a stage where most bands would be resting on their laurels and letting others do the heavy lifting, The Nadas are out there swinging for the fences, driving the van and carrying their own instruments.​"​FACEBOOK.

The musical arrangement on 'Roses' has some gentle Americana vibes and the vocals add some passion and depth to the song. One of ten tracks on the new album this is certainly a fine indicator of the bands refined quality, they can and do, up the energy levels or take things further down tempo, collectively the music is fresh and full of hooks, pretty good for an eleventh studio album.

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Quicksilver Daydream - A Thousand Shadows, A Single Flame (EP).

Background - Quicksilver Daydream is an experimental psychedelic-folk band led by Adam Lytle. Their recordings combine brooding, surrealistic lyrics with a nebulous mix of mellotron strings, woozy synthesizers, soaring guitars, and reverberating vocals. The band draws from a deep pool of influences, owing as much to early psychedelic pioneers Pearls Before Swine and The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, as they do to the compositions of Ennio Morricone and Baudelaire.

Like the true innovators of Psychedelia, Quicksilver Daydream looks beyond tradition, creating a modern sound awash in electronic oscillations and rhythmic evocations. Employing both the mechanical and mythical, the band paints sweeping, symbolic landscapes, conjuring worlds that vibrate between the hallucinatory and nostalgic.

Formed in 2016 as a DIY recording project, the Brooklyn-based band released their debut LP Echoing Halls in June 2017. When it came to interpreting the songs live, Lytle enlisted long-time collaborators, Brett Banks (Bass), Cole Emoff (Drums), and Joey Deady (Lead Guitar). Having cut their teeth together in the band Wild Leaves, their sound crystallized immediately. Tough, tight and together.

In the fall of 2017, Quicksilver Daydream announced the follow-up EP, A Thousand Shadows, A Single Flame (released yesterday). Five-songs recorded live to tape using Lytle’s Tascam 388. Joining them along the way was synth wizard, Glenn Forsythe (Dark North). The record was mixed by Lytle and Mastered by TW Walsh (Foxygen, Damien Jurado).

Where their debut examined the inner workings of the psyche, A Thousand Shadows, A Single Flame is consumed with what lies beyond. From the expanded sonic palette, incorporating drum machines and analog synthesizers, to the energy conveyed via musicians performing live, it’s clear the band has directed its magnetic gaze outward, exploding the concept of their previous recordings on their journey towards a new horizon. It’s a step through the looking glass, a transcendental experience of the world viewed not as it is, but as it feels to be. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

The new EP 'A Thousand Shadows, A Single Flame' comprises of five songs all of which are presented below. Psychedelic folk they claim, and in fairness that's a good a description, I might just make it folk rock as some of the music has that additional intensity.


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The fin. - Snow (again).

Background - “This one is about my weaknesses, solitude, pain and defencelessness which get revealed by winter.” In ‘Snow (again)’ Yuto Uchino proves himself to be a landscape painter whose medium is sound. The eerie cold synth lines evoke the feeling of snow on a heavy heart as Uchino’s tender melancholic voice coos through the mix like winter wind through the trees. When the beat drops it’s a moment of catharsis and self-realisation; a kaleidoscopic light shining through the desolate snow-covered earth; a moment of internal epiphany made external through Yuto’s expressionistic production nous. In two minutes Yuto conveys the dichotomous effect of external beauty on a weary and vulnerable soul, making for a poignant and clever piece of music that befits its creator’s ever expanding artistry.

The fin. are a group comprised of Yuto Uchino (vocals and synths), Ryosuke Odagaki (guitar), and Kaoru Nakazawa (drums / bass). To date, they’ve performed to thousands of rapturous fans worldwide at major festivals including Fuji Rock, SXSW and The Great Escape. In 2015, they released their debut UK EP Night Time through Lost In The Manor. Last year’s Through The Deep EP was a cleverly refined follow-up and it prefaced their decision to move to London that autumn. 

Their tenure here has seen them develop themselves artistically through collaborations writing, recording, and touring with a wealth of British artists and producers like Brad Spence, All We Are, Circa Waves, Last Shadow Puppets, Petite Noir and many more. Praise has built quickly around the group and they’ve achieved over two million Spotify plays for their stylish Europhile blend of synth-pop, chillwave and dream-pop, complete with English lyrics addressing universal themes of everyday uncertainties. The Pale Blue/Afterglow vinyl was released on September 2017. FACEBOOK.

The third appearance on Beehive Candy for The fin. albeit over a couple of years, anyhow we now have 'Snow (again)' and the band are certainly maintaining their standards. Somewhere between dream pop and very mellow shoegaze, this is a gorgeous and addictive song that ends to soon!

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Kidsmoke - Reichelt - And Then Came Fall - Darlingside - Fever High - Sharaya Summers

Kidsmoke - Sister Sadness.

Background - Dreamy Welsh indie outfit Kidsmoke present their latest melodic number Sister Sadness, blending hazy soundscapes with crisp, jangly guitar tones and hushed vocals to perfection in their first release of 2018. Taking a wistful journey through a somewhat dystopian scene, Sister Sadness draws feelings of melancholy and heartache, whilst holding on to a dreamy sense of optimism that resonates within the band’s trademark sound.

Notably incorporating the influences of Bill Ryder Jones’ Two To Birkenhead and Snail Mail’s Thinning, the quartet’s latest delicious slice of indie pop follows on from their 2017 EP Save Your Sorrow and further hints at their raw potential.

With backing on the airwaves from Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music Recommends Track Of The Week) alongside widespread approval from the online community (and a sync in Netflix’s Black Mirror), Kidsmoke are primed for the spotlight in the coming months with tour dates dotted across the UK. Produced by Russ Hayes (Orange Sound Recording Studio, Penmaenmawr), Kidsmoke’s Sister Sadness is released on 9th February and will be available on all digital platforms. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Live Dates:
16 March – William Aston Hall, Wrexham (supporting Sweet)
30 March – Telford’s Warehouse, Chester
06 April – The Finsbury, London (w/ Seazoo)
07 April – Night & Day, Manchester
25 April – Clwb lfor Bach, Cardiff (w/ Bryde)
11 May – Focus Wales, Wrexham.

There have been some fine artists and new material coming out of Wales this last year or so and Kidsmoke are no exception. 'Sister Sadness' is a charming indie song that mixes melody and feeling beautifully.

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Reichelt - Seduced By The Light Side.

Background - Reichelt is an Australian solo artist, producer & multi-instrumentalist. He’s been writing, recording and performing fiercely original songs for over 15 years. Described as ‘quirky, eclectic and emotive’ Reichelt’s music tugs at the heart, with hand-crafted arrangements and addictive melodies.

The new record Seduced by the Light Side was produced by Luke Reichelt and Guy Cooper at Serotonin Studios on the Gold Coast. Featuring the angelic vocals of Sammy Griffin, keyboards and other instruments by Ian Peres, drums from Jeff Paton and a host of Reichelt's other musical collaborators. Seduced by the Light Side is the first single off the album of the same name. The track tells of a tale of the reluctance to do the right thing. Featuring big choruses and chilled out verses, it’s sure to get stuck in your head.

“I put the album together over about a year. I’d record everything the best I could playing all the instruments and then call amazing friends in to replace bits and help me develop it.”
- Luke Reichelt. The album features a range of sounds and styles, the golden thread being a story told of self exploration.

Reichelt's work consistently articulates complex feelings effortlessly and with lyrical wit. Hopeful and in despair, each album is a mixed bag of lollies. His career has taken him around Australia and Japan and won international song writing awards. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Some powerful guitar licks introduce 'Seduced By The Light Side' before the song eases into a flowing beat and more refined music, the choruses occasionally ramping up the power and emotion.


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And Then Came Fall - Gambler.

Background - And Then Came Fall sounds like a crushing heat that is blown away by a deep sigh. Annelies Tanghe’s lyrics cut, carve, and scratch their way through your soul, but when wrapped up in Sam Pieter Janssens’ musical cloak, they are distilled into pure beauty. Nothing more, nothing less. About life, about love. A musical statement, eschewing all trends and hypes. 

A melancholy autumn journey that leaves you wanting more. Last, but certainly not least, there is hope here, which slowly nestles deep into your heart. This fresh start by Tanghe and Janssens has definitely given sparkle to their oeuvre. After Iza and ZeeSter, they are adding a mature chapter to their stories with And Then Came Fall.

And Then Came Fall is the musical creation of Annelies Tanghe (Iza, ZeeSter) and Sam Pieter Janssens (a.k.a. Klankman), born in Leuven (Belgium). The project was launched last summer, with four demo recordings blossoming from this. The feel was good and the numbers deserved the best framework possible. Which is why they recorded the full album in 2017 in that faithful, old tradition: live, spontaneous, and full of soul. 

Together with Koen Gisen (An Pierlé, Bony King, Sarah Ferri, and more), Steven Van Gelder on drums (Lady Linn, Tout va bien, and more), and Jasper Hautekiet on bass (The Rhythm Junks, Admiral Freebee, and more), they immortalised the songs on tape in the legendary La Patrie Studio in Ghent. Pieter Van Dessel (Marble Sounds) and An Pierlé also contributed their vocal virtuosity to the project. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

I think it fair to say if the album is just half as good as 'Gambler' then it's gonna be a good one. The only track I have heard, this is a fresh, melodic and very pleasing indie pop of sorts.


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Darlingside - Futures.

Background - After a flying visit to the UK last week playing a sold out album launch show at The Courtyard Theatre in London, and appearing at the AMAUK (The Americana Music Associated UK) conference alongside Frank Turner, alt-folk quartet Darlingside have announced details of a new single ‘Futures’ plus a handful of UK dates for May 2018.  They’ll also release their music anticipated second album ‘Extralife' via More Doug Records/Thirty Tigers on February 23rd.

‘Extralife' finds Darlingside looking to the future, mourning the loss of our world with an almost post-apocalyptic view. While the subject matter may seem bleak, ‘Extralife' is not without an underlying sense of hope and optimism.  New single ‘Futures’ find the band look forward; While the future might be undefined, depending on what we do right now everything shifts. We have the ability to change the scenes that are ahead of us, for better or for worse, by acting now. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

UK Dates:
May 11th - Manchester Night & Day Cafe
May 13th - The Hubs, Sheffield. 

Darlingside are one very polished band. The music is tight and refined on 'Futures' and the vocals and harmonies just add that extra special vibe or feeling, that makes a song standout.


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Fever High - Good Advice ft. Jeff Goldblum.

Background - Brooklyn's Fever High released their video for "Good Advice (ft. Jeff Goldblum)." The duo are multi-instrumentalists Reni Lane and Anna Nordeen.

Reni explains of the Jeff Goldblum connection, “I knew Jeff through our mutual friend Vincent D’Onofrio. We bonded over our mutual love of jazz piano and stayed in touch. When we sent him ‘Good Advice’ and asked him to improvise something, to my delight he sent us an 8 minute rant of hilarious anecdotes about bad advice he’d been given in his career.”

FHNY continues the band's collaboration with Adam Schlesinger (Fountains Of Wayne, Ivy) who also produced their debut EP All Work. Reni says, "After releasing All Work, we entered a new stage where we really honed our sound, lyrics, and mood... the new batch of songs takes everything to the next level." Adds Anna, "We want to sing about things we really feel and have fun at the same time."

After releasing the All Work EP, Fever High began to play live, with Adam and drummer Brad Wentworth joining Anna and Reni onstage for a run of club shows, as well as a string of dates supporting synthpop pioneers Book Of Love. They found radio support from influential stations like Los Angeles' KCRW and Austin's KUTX, and their songs showed up in numerous films and TV shows, including the CW comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Netflix’s To The Bone, and three songs in the 2017 film Fun Mom Dinner. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Fever High impressed us back in November with 'Casting My Spell' a song we commented on with the statement "The production quality gives away that this is a more recent song, the style however is timeless & gorgeous". With the new video for 'Good Advice' it's more of the same, which will do for me!


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Sharaya Summers - Wonder.

Background - Portland native, Sharaya Summers, tells a story of disillusionment, dysfunction and discovery. As her debut single ‘Light of the Moon’ rapidly gained over half a million streams on Spotify, she prepares to release her full EP in mid 2018.

She's kicked off the new year with a sold-out show opening for Jaws of Love (Local Natives), a feature interview in OC Weekly and a premiere of her lead single "Wonder" on BIRP.FM! FACEBOOK.

From the opening moments 'Wonder' has a gorgeously seductive feel to it, with a level of emotion and sentiment that exudes warmth and feels just so personal, this just begs for another listen...

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Varvara - Martha Ffion - Amaroun - Berries

Varvara - Anxiety.

Background - Varvara have released their new single 'Anxiety' and announce the new album 'Go'. Varvara from Hamina, South-East Finland have come a long way since the release of their debut album back in 2011. Varvara was originally formed by main songwriter and guitarist-vocalist Mikko Kiri in 2007 when moving back to his old childhood neighborhood after studies around Finland. Mikko wanted to start a band that would locate in Hamina and gather its’ influences from the late 90s and early 2000s; a period he had first gotten actively involved in music.

Soon Mikko found himself among friends and decided to name the band after a statue they used to gather round before nights of misbehaving. Varvara Schantin (1870-1941), the hometown hero who that statue represents, was born in Russia but became an important figure in the small town of Hamina. Schantin handed out food and refreshments to soldiers as they were preparing for war and their possible date with destiny. Varvara's beginnings were humble, but the band quickly became more than a friendly pastime as demo releases became picked up on by various sections of the Finnish music media. With the help of an old friend Tommi Muhli, Varvara helped establish Haminian Sounds, a collective of musicians which releases music from local acts including Varvara and organizes events to cheer up the small town’s nightlife.

Since then Varvara's output, three albums and an EP, has slowly been recognized as a distinctive collection that harnesses diverse influences into a unique sound. The 2016 album ”Death Defying Tricks” was the bands first release actively promoted outside Finland. The album represented a self-confident band with an exceptional sense of melody amongst a series of quirky details. Combining off kilter rock shapes to straight-up rock, Death Defying Tricks collected nothing but praise in domestic and international rock media. Following the release the band also made their first shows outside the Finnish borders.

Now Varvara is ready to unleash their upcoming fourth full-length album ”GO” to be released February 2018 under their own Haminian Sounds imprint. The new album ”GO” as a whole is about that moment when summer turns into autumn. This reality hits you right in the face reminding that the calm and relaxation of summer is over. From time to time there is a strong contrast between energetic rock tracks and gloomy lyrics. Produced and mostly recorded by the band themselves ”GO” offers an intriguing mix of aggressive garage and melodic rock sounds. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

We have featured Varvara once before getting on for a year ago, and now we have a foretaste of the bands new 'Go' album with the single 'Anxiety'. This is one of those songs that is energised and addictive from the opening moments, alt rock in nature and with some edge, the album is looking good.

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Martha Ffion - Take Your Name.

Background - Irish-born, and now Glasgow based singer-songwriter Martha Ffion has announced her eagerly anticipated debut LP entitled 'Sunday Best’ which is released 9th March 2018 on Turnstile Music. 'Take Your Name' is the first single to be announced from 'Sunday Best'.

'Sunday Best' is by far her most adventurous and accomplished work to-date, the lush instrumentation bringing her detailed lyrical vision to life. Through a series of gleaming guitar-pop songs that drift between soft-centered balladry and something altogether more cutting and forceful. It’s perhaps true to say that our relationship with music is steered solely by connection. Sometimes that’s a very direct thing; the words we sing along to relatable to our own desires and experiences. Occasionally, however, it manifests itself in other ways, a captivation drawn from something we can’t conveniently place or pigeon-hole; songs and sentiments we watch from afar, trying to find a way inside.

Martha Ffion’s work has always flourished within the latter of these two paths. While her Irish roots and current home city of Glasgow have undoubtedly informed her work, so many of her songs resonate all the more for feeling wildly devoid of time and place, an alluring cast of characters drifting in and out of focus, each one examining Ffion’s own thoughts on what it means to be “good” in a society that has such determined expectations.

Her debut album, ‘Sunday Best’, spans the first songs she properly wrote to her most recent compositions, and is by far her most adventurous and accomplished work to-date, the lush instrumentation bringing her detailed lyrical vision to life through a series of gleaming guitar-pop songs that drift between soft-centred balladry and something altogether more cutting and forceful. Recalling the work of Sharon Van Etten and Jenny Lewis, while still sounding thrillingly distinct, ‘Sunday Best’ is a formidable coming-of-age record, and one that stands as a truly accomplished debut. FACEBOOK.

Live Dates - March 2018
Wednesday 7th - Cardiff - Clwb Ifor Bach
Thursday 8th - London - The Waiting Room
Friday 9th - Edinburgh - Sneaky Pete's
Saturday 10th - Glasgow - Mono
Sunday 11th - Newcastle - Think Tank.

It's a very welcome second feature for Martha Ffion and another fabulous taster for her forthcoming 'Sunday Best' album, this time with 'Take Your Name'. Melodic dream pop, with a timeless feel that could be decades old and yet it's fresh and beautiful, love it!


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Amaroun - Made A Fire.

Background - Peckham, London newcomer Amaroun's new single is a slice of soul infused indie-pop titled ‘Make A Fire’. Amaroun (singer-songwriter Jay Brown) joined the highly acclaimed Communion Presents stable of artists in December – a natural fit for her unique brand of electronic soul-tinged guitar pop.

Of ‘Made A Fire’, Jay says: “The song was written in a heightened state, in the aftermath of my coming out. It’s a narrative progression from my previous single ‘Bed Bugs’, where I was deep in confusion, distraction and escapism. In ‘Made A Fire’ I’ve found clarity in the thrill of meeting someone new. When you find that person and there’s this instant connection you can’t deny, it’s something that’s hard to describe. This song is simply gratitude in musical form for that person and that feeling.

Currently working with artists including Charles Watson (Slow Club), LA Salami, Adam French, Fyfe Dangerfield (Guillemots) and Francobollo on a forthcoming recording project, Amaroun headlines Archspace in London on March 6th and is confirmed for this year’s Liverpool Sound City festival. FACEBOOK.

'Made Of Fire' is immediately catchy indie pop infused with melodic hooks and plenty of soulful feeling. One of those songs that would make any music radio play-list all the better for it's inclusion.


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Berries - Faults.

Background - Berries’ new single “Faults” is the second single from their much-anticipated upcoming EP. ‘Faults’ showcases the fresh, surprising alt-rock sound that they have become well known for. Laced with Holly’s brooding vocals and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, Faults is both relatable and unexpected and sarcastically plays with those all-too-familiar battles of independence, responsibility and unrealistic expectations.

Berries are an alt/rock trio known for their energetic shows and original take on riff-driven rock. Their upbeat melodies and cool guitar riffs, powerful bass lines and distinct drum beats have earned them regular support from Tom Robinson at BBC 6 Music, John Kennedy at Radio X, Jim Gellatly and Shell Zenner at Amazing Radio and Gary Crowley at BBC London Intro where they were recently featured guests. They have also been selected by Fender as one of their top ten favourite new acts and have been picked up by Fred Perry Subculture, Record Collector Magazine and most recently Lock Magazine. Berries spent the past year travelling the UK playing various shows and festivals including a sold-out show in Manchester for Scruff of The Neck, Tramlines Fringe, Head For The Hills, Camden Rocks Festival and Kazoopa and ended the year with a sold out headline show in London.

Holly from the band explains, “Faults is the latest release from our second EP. We feel this track showcases a different side to us, we have taken our sound in a different direction. We always aim to write music that is exciting live, which means our set is full of very diverse songs that try to keep the audience on their toes! Faults still has all the energy and breakdowns that we love but with an added eerie, bluesy element in the verses”. FACEBOOK.

Upcoming Tour Dates
March 2nd – Liverpool, Popped Music Presents, Sound
March 3rd – Manchester, Scruff of The Neck Presents, Aatma
March 16th – London, Camden Assembly Scruff of The Neck Presents
March 23rd – Brighton, Scruff of The Neck Presents, Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar
April 11th – London, Mark Beaumont Presents at The Monarch
May 12th – Hanwell Hootie Festival.

Alt rock with a few other similar genres circling around, Berries are refreshing to hear and 'Faults' is a natural and unpretentious rocker, one that makes the upcoming EP a very attractive prospect.

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Michelle Mandico - Therese Lithner - Croatia

Michelle Mandico - Ptarmigan.

Background - Nashville singer-songwriter Michelle Mandico has a new single entitled “Ptarmigan” (named for a northern grouse of mountainous and Arctic regions, with feathered legs and feet and plumage that typically changes to white in winter) which was released recently.

Colorado native Michelle Mandico traded in snowy slopes as a ski instructor for the warm sounds of Nashville to deepen her career as a writer and musician. Encouraged by a musical family, Michelle grew up singing with her sisters before learning to play piano at age five and she began songwriting shortly after. Her music is comparable to contemporary artists like Ingrid Michaelson and true classics such as Joni Mitchell.

Mandico’s onstage charisma blossomed in Denver's live music scene and she has headlined notable venues, including Los Angeles' Hotel Cafe, Denver's Lost Lake and The Basement in Nashville. In 2015 Michelle released Half Captive , a piano-pop EP produced by Jacob Schrodt. The EP’s second track, “Give It Up,” was featured on Nashville Indie Spotlight 2017. In April 2017 her song “Name Game” (an soul pop duet with Drew Southwell of Trove) aired on Bravo's Imposters. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

The song opens with a gentle acoustic arrangement and Michelle Mandico's sensitive and personal vocals just shine on 'Ptarmigan'. The soundtrack builds a little, however it's the fetching vocals that rightly retain centre stage.

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Therese Lithner - Drown.

Background - With a past in bands like Vaken and My Sound Of Silence, Therese Lithner was an active part of Umeå's flourishing music scene in the early 2010's. To begin writing songs for a solo project wasn't an obvious choice or any direct plan but fell more like a coincidence. 

It was during a session in the rehearsal room, when it suddenly was as the 90s shined through and old childhood idols got free play. With reverb on vocals and guitar, Therese began improvising material, wrote three songs on pure inspiration and recorded them on her mobile phone. Somehow they felt different and the idea of ​​a solo project began to take shape.

After Therese moved down to Stockholm, she started playing with Andreas Sandberg (Magic Potion) in a rehearsal space south of the city. Together with co-producer Linus Johansson (Folkvang, Earthquake, Nightcraft, Old Amica, etc.), the work started with the material that now has resulted in an EP, set for release this spring via Lazy Octopus Records. First single 'Drown' has now been released. The song is a journey through a relationship, it's about the feeling of first wanting to hug the breath out of everything thats beautiful and then let it fall apart. FACEBOOK.

There is a positive and engaging rhythmic musical vibe that underpins 'Drown', an indie rock track that provides plenty of room for Therese Lithner's vocals, to glide and add some melodic and soothing vibes.

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Croatia - Make Circles.

Background from Croatia - We’re Croatia, a synth-pop group from Victoria, British Columbia. Taking heavy influence from the revolutionary sounds of 80’s era pop and electronic groups, we aim to create our own meaningful - and at times darker - alternative to conventional pop music. We’re excited to share with you the video for our new single, “Make Circles”. The first track off of our forthcoming Half Dreams EP set to be released this spring, and the first to be released with our new vocalist.

“Make Circles” is a song celebrating the ridiculous and cliché moments of intimacy that we often end up in despite our best efforts, and the potentially beautiful outcomes that they might offer. We wanted to reflect those themes in the video as simply as possible, while keeping each scene and visual engaging. Rob Willey at Tall Grass Films understood our vision from the very beginning, and really encouraged us to run with the idea.

“The band first approached me with the idea of the opening shot: a cigarette burning in a kind of David Lynch style motel room. The original plan was to simply shoot various hands picking up the cigarette. We'd also shoot a few different images to overlay, including one of the band in the pink/blue light that I had set up. As soon as I saw the band in the light I became really excited about how vibrant it looked. We came up with a variety of ideas for shots on the fly as we were filming. During the editing process I wanted to cut and overlay the images together in a way that would really enhance the moodiness of the song.” - Rob Willey (Tall Grass Film)

The writing and recording process behind “Make Circles” was a quick and natural one for us, along with our decision to release the song alongside it’s visuals. The theme of last minute decision making, and trust in how things will actualize, truly runs throughout the entirety of the song. Whether it’s trusting that a new relationship is worth pursuing, or that 4 hours with a group of strangers, cheap cigarettes, and a small garage in the peak of summer will result in something worth sharing with people. FACEBOOK.

Some potent synths open 'Make Circles' before the beats quickly kick in. The vocals are charismatic and give the song some added edge, and then we have the video that gives a further dimension to the piece, ensuring collectively it's a winner.


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