The new single from gritty indie pop artist is entitled ‘Gold & Blue’, the single is a story of hope, faith and companionship in a world of turmoil and distractions. Showcasing infectious melodies, soaring gang vocals and driving drums that all build into an anthemic chorus, 'Gold & Blue' fills you with optimism, a fitting yin to the dark first single’s yang.
Van Bellman is the brainchild of Brooklyn-based musician Zac Taylor. You may have seen him playing guitar on TV with multi-platinum band American Authors, or perhaps carrying your luggage at the Gansevoort Hotel on Park Avenue a few years back. And maybe you didn’t hear, but he doesn’t shine shoes anymore. Instead, Taylor has been cultivating this new project and is now ready to present it to the world. An eclectic mix of bluesy rock and indie pop, Van Bellman’s music was written with purpose.
The second single “Gold & Blue” is a story of hope, faith and companionship in a world of turmoil and distractions. "I like that it’s a bit concrete and a bit abstract as far as what the colors or themes could represent,” confides Taylor. "For me, it’s a hopeful message of sticking together through bitter trials and tribulations, cutting through the noise of the modern world to really listen to someone.” Showcasing infectious melodies, soaring gang vocals and driving drums that all build into an anthemic chorus, “Gold & Blue” fills you with optimism, a fitting yin to the dark first single’s yang.
The NYC music scene has shaped Taylor into a respected collaborator, hired gun, and songwriter. Van Bellman is the byproduct of all of these experiences. You have no patience for a whole record. No one does. So the Van Bellman tunes are coming at you one by one. TWITTER.
Striking, melodic and overflowing with resplendent hooks 'Gold & Blue' is an impressive indie pop song, that has one of those sing along choruses that is just so infectious.
Mirny Mine's debut album 'The Other Part' is a cinematic journey into the darker parts of dream pop, which is very suitable now, while the fall begins to get its hooks into us. Annas dark voice leads us through shoegazey bits where you hear both parts of sixties pop and new wave. Sometimes, you get a whiff of a more gothic Lana Del Ray just to be replaced by the spirit of English new wave queen Danielle Dax.
But all with a distinctive own sound and expression. It is not strange that Mirny Mine's music is cinematic because Anna Sundström, the woman behind the name, is already an established photo artist/photographer. And the desolate and barren parts in the music has obviously taken inspiration from Annas home island Gotland.
Beside photography, the multi-instrumentalist Anna (she plays almost everything on this album) has always played music and finally, she had put together a collection of songs that she felt were ready to share with everyone. We are very pleased that she chose Novoton to do it because we have always enjoyed Annas music a lot and are convinced that this is the first step on a long journey with much more amazing music. BANDCAMP.
Two songs from the new Mirny Mine album 'Dream' and the title track 'The Other Part' which between them give a good feel for this intriguing collection of songs. Brooding and expansive the album is a mixture of slow shadowy dream pop that combines with elements of Goth Rock and well crafted and layered sounds. The overall effect is both moving and thought provoking as the music impacts on your own imagination and emotions.
Irish singer-songwriter Rosie Carney’s brand new single, “Zoey” is now available. The song follows the recent release of “Orchid” and “Thousand" (feat. Lisa Hannigan) which have collectively been streamed over 3 million times on Spotify since September. The tracks will appear on Carney’s highly anticipated, deeply personal debut album, Bare, which comes out January 25 via Akira Records.
With her full-length debut still to come, Carney’s music has already been streamed over 18 million times, and she currently has over 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Of “Zoey” specifically, Carney says, “Every time we pulled the project up I would just call it the ‘Zoey Deschanel’ song. It was a joke at first, only because the song painted scenes of a rainy-day romance in my head. I kept seeing the final scenes of 500 Days of Summer in a loop, and I just remember feeling so melancholy, which is a feeling I quite enjoy. I wanted to make it feel like a warm blanket for people to hide under whilst listening.
The long-awaited Bare is the product of personal struggles Carney endured while navigating a rapid rise in the music industry at a young age. Discovered and signed to Universal Music’s Polydor at the age of 16, she fought to assert herself creatively within a large commercial system—facing pressure to co-write and even change her name—while simultaneously grappling with depression, anxiety and an eating disorder borne from personal trauma. By 18 she was dropped by the label without ever releasing a song, and ultimately left the major label system entirely. Throughout it all, the one constant has been her songwriting, which is both cathartic and empowering.
Carney was born in Hampshire, England and at 10 years old moved to Donegal on the northwest coast of Ireland. Inspired by the rugged and picturesque landscapes of her new home, she began writing music. In 2013 she received widespread attention with a performance on Ireland’s leading live music TV series “Other Voices.” That same year she played London’s Bushstock, the first of many high profile festival billings including Latitude in the U.K., Electric Picnic in Ireland, Seven Layers in Amsterdam and SXSW in Austin. She recently supported Haux on a 28-date tour of 12 countries, including the U.S. and Canada, and is currently on tour in the U.K. and Europe. TWITTER.
We are now into double figures in terms of how many times we have featured Rosie Carney on Beehive Candy. 'Zoey' is yet another beautiful song, with a delicate soothing vibe, the occasional background harmonies are sublime, the album is just weeks away.
Following on from last year’s critically praised debut album ‘Purge’, Louise Lemón returns with new single ‘Not Enough’ taken from her highly anticipated new album A Broken Heart Is An Open Heart due for release in March 2019. The Swedish ‘Death gospel’ artist’s jaw-dropping vocals are backed by delicate piano, reverb drenched percussion on the new track, building to a climax with fuzz-drenched guitars and pounding drums. On the subject matter of the song, Louise tells us that "Not Enough is a song about staying in a relationship that you know already ended. When you're in something so destructive but still just can't let go."
Experimenting with instrumentation and production since her last full-length, Lemón is a rejuvenated presence on her new album, taking cues from the 60s and 70s psych-rock and soul era to influence her songwriting, channelling the sultry vibes of the early Fleetwood Mac-era. Louise will showcase the new material live with shows lined up at Eurosonic and Roadburn Festivals, along with a European tour with Sólstafir.
Produced and mixed alongside regular collaborator Randall Dunn (Sunn O)))/Myrkur/Chelsea Wolfe) in Copenhagen and New York, the record was exclusively recorded using vintage microphones and amplifiers to create the most organic sound, with each track recorded live in the studio.
Speaking about the new album, Louise added, “I wanted to make it this album both darker and brighter. We've used far cleaner sounds than ever before, concentrating on creating darkness in new ways. The songwriting has been very focused. I’ve evolved as a woman and with my writing I’ve explored new feelings, going further and deeper in to the ways I’ve felt and the situations life's brought me to. It was such a blessing to be able to work with my band so closely, they are very much a part of the soundscape and we couldn’t be happier to have had Randall Dunn produce it.” WEBSITE.
Following on from the song 'Cross' which we shared back in October Louis Lemon is back with 'Not Enough'. The Death Gospel description remains relevant and saves me from trying to think up another expression for this expansive and alluring music.
Chicago’s The Thin Cherries, which features members of The Luck of Eden Hall, The Streets on Fire, Belmondos and Phenomenal Cat, have dropped their sophomore album On Moose Island.
The Thin Cherries on Moose Island, incorporate elements of baroque rock, synth pop, shoegaze and folk. The Thin Cherries is the newest musical project founded by scene vets Steven Delisi and Mark Lofgren.
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Delisi is a musician with a background in theater and film production. His former band, Phenomenal Cat, blended his pop/punk sensibilities with the folk influences of his band mates. Songwriter/vocalist/bassist Lofgren is one of the founders of psychedelic pop/rock mainstays The Luck of Eden Hall, who have toured Europe and released music on a variety of independent labels, including Headspin Records and Fruits de Mer Records. In 2014 he released his solo debut, The Past Perfect.
The band is rounded out by multi-instrumentalist Darren Shepherd, keyboardist Birdie Soti, drummer Gabriel Palomo and vocalist Sophie Senard. FACEBOOK.
The new 'On Moose Island' album covers a good number of genre styles, doing so with class both musically and through the distinct and highly engaging vocals. It's one of those collections that has a consistent overall sound and yet manages to keep you guessing as to what direction they will take next. From indie rock to more folk orientated numbers, plus some psychedelic flourishes this is an album to hear in full.
Dreamy post-punk rockers Crooked Ghost have announced that their new album 'Skeleton House' will be released on CD on November 23, followed by a limited edition 12" vinyl release in February 2019. Ahead of this, the Asheville, NC outfit presents their 'Sleepwalker' single, accompanied by a video, directed by Rome Widenhouse.
"Skeleton House' is the band's sophomore long-play - a dark and hazy dreamscape of lush and angular melody, with a stark lyrical rawness touching upon such subjects as addiction, trauma, loss, superstition, and everything that gets left behind after a catastrophic event. The album consists of eight tracks, ranging from dreamy and playful to anguished and harrowing. Billowing vocal patterns weave intricate stories between shimmering guitar crescendos, cascading synths and mathematical percussion.
This album follows up their debut LP 'Strange Burial Rituals', released in March 2017. This new offering has two distinct halves: the first is lighter, the second darker. The whole thing plays out like a story, or rather, two opposite stories that are intertwined.
"The song 'Sleepwalker' was one of the first written for the new album, and everything about it just worked. The song itself is in reference to addiction and a dissolution of ones sense of self; self-medicating and numbness. I wanted to bring light to something dark, yet still tell an honest story. Something about this song has always stood out for us, says frontman Ray Clark. FACEBOOK.
If your new to Crooked Ghost then 'Sleepwalker' gives a good indication of the bands overall sound, albeit they can and are sometimes a little more moody and atmospheric and on occasion lyrically quite dark. That they are creative and often intriguing in the direction they take, adds a level of expectation for each track in this collection.
Living Hour - Bottom Step. Winnipeg’s Living Hour recently announced its sophomore LP, Softer Faces, due out March 1 via Kanine Records. A follow-up to their highly-praised 2016 S/T debut, it features the haunting, ethereal vocals of lead singer Sam Sarty accompanied by lush, expansive instrumentation.
The band shared a first taste of their new record with hazy, hypnotic leading single “Bottom Step”, and now they’ve released a lyric video for the track. NPR says "Bottom Step" “softly but assertively navigates the feeling of rejection, accented by delicate synth and brass. The song's accompanying visuals expand upon the protagonist's yearning for solitude, as Sarty enjoys a solo swim.”
The band has announce tour dates for early 2019, including performances in Saskatoon, Calgary, Rossland, and Edmonton before heading to Austin for SXSW. Full tour dates can be found below.
Living Hour has been expanding since their humble basement beginnings in 2015. Now a quintet, rounded out by Gil Carroll (guitar), Adam Soloway (guitar, vocals), Alex Chochinov (drums, trumpet, orangelle), and Brett Ticzon (bass, vocals), Living Hour’s emotive vocals, intricate harmonies, with dreamy washes of guitar, bass, keys, and horns sees the band pulling from many genres to create their own diverse vibe that's intimate, honest, and vulnerable. WEBSITE.
Beautifully dreamy and melodic 'Bottom Step' is awash with emotion and feeling. The layers of sound slowly develop, with a feeling of calmness that comes from the refined arrangement and soothing vocals.
Love Canon - Graceland (Live with Lauren Balthrop).
Continuing to feature selected songs from their Cover Story album, Love Canon releases a live video of "Graceland." Filmed live at Eugenia Hall with the Bluegrass Situation in Nashville, Tennessee, the song features the band along with Lauren Balthrop's accompaniment vocals.
Known for their sophisticated and energetic Grass-infused covers of iconic 80’s-era pop and rock songs, the band backs the smoky vocals of Jesse Harper and Balthrop with the positive bounce of the original song but with the athletic instrumental breaks Love Canon is known for.
Lead singer and guitarist Jesse Harper says, “I have always been a fan of Paul Simon. Graceland is one of those records I have played over and over again. It’s been in heavy rotation on my stereo for at least 20 years. I love the songwriting and the musicianship. I think this tune fits with bluegrass instrumentation particularly well, and it was beyond fun getting to jam with Mike Barnett (fiddle) and Lauren Balthrop (vocals) on this tune.”
Nothing is hidden in this live take of the Paul Simon classic, which allows the nimble dynamics of Love Canon’s playing and singing to shine as it does on the album, released from from Organic Records in July of this year. SPOTIFY, Lauren Balthrop WEBSITE.
We don't often feature cover versions on Beehive Candy however this version of 'Graceland' just has to be shared. An outstanding song is given a refreshing makeover where bluegrass and dual vocals give the piece a pleasing feel, so now I have two splendid versions of a timeless song.
'Valour Valour' is the second single of the Finnish rock n roll band 'Pastis' upcoming debut LP 'Circles' (release 8th February 2019).
It was recorded and co-produced by the award-winning producer Lauri Eloranta, and it also features trumpet virtuoso Antero Priha who has performed with the likes of Ray Charles, Carla Bley and Freddie Hubbard.
The band created great excitement with their first single 'Amazon' (released 13th June 2018) and have established themselves as one the most promising Finnish rock n roll bands to attract an international audience. FACEBOOK.
'Valour Valour' has all the quality and subtly modern musical production techniques allow for, and yet it has sixties pop and rock vibes coursing right through it. Add to that just how very catchy indeed compelling this song is and Pastis new album cannot come soon enough!
Moon Panda, the moniker under which Californian songwriter Maddy Myers and Danish guitarist Gustav Moltke collaborate - have announced a brand new single 'Gun' to follow their critically acclaimed debut track 'Rabbit' released earlier in the year.
The lyrics on new track, 'Gun', outline the darker thoughts within "the capricious human mind", says Myers. 'Gun' was produced by established engineer Tom Biller who has worked on records such as Warpaint’s The Fool and Fiona Apple’s Extraordinary Machine, to Elliott Smith’s From a Basement on a Hill, and Beck’s track Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime from the OST of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
“To help represent the ever-changing, ever-fickle human mind we used a changing time signature - the verse is in 6/8 and the chorus switches to 4/4. It's not incredibly noticeable but I think it disrupts the sway of the song a bit and switches you into a new rhythm," says songwriter Myers.
The sounds of Portishead, Men I Trust, Mitski, Beach House, and Angel Olsen have been key to the formation of Moon Panda, as well as the idea of a "big, lush forest surrounded by the cosmos, filled with giant creatures - a space jungle", which remains a intriguing, evocative image to songwriter Myers.
Animals have always been an important presence in her life, as Myers actually grew up on a ranch, "raising lambs, pigs, steer, horses, etc and I'd always bring my guitar. I definitely spent more of my youth hanging out with animals than with people." WEBSITE.
Back in July we featured 'Rabbit' by Moon Panda and the new single 'Gun' makes for a welcome and pleasing return. The distinct vocals are once again alluring and the music imaginative with plenty of creative thought clearly present.
Together We’re Lost is the third EP release from Brighton singer-songwriter Jacko Hooper. Following a year of writing and taking a step back from performing live, Jacko returns with an EP written and recorded from his bedroom with the help from life long friend and Producer, Josh Trinnaman (Whose mixing credits include Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, RY X and his own Brighton-based IDM/Jazz/Electronic outfit Luo).
With a limited edition run of CDRs being made available via Jacko’s boutique record label and promotions company Folklore Sessions, there will, as always with Hooper’s releases be an opportunity to not just stream the record digitally but get something much more personal which his devoted army of followers will enjoy once again.
Recorded off the back of Folklore Vol.1, a 4-track EP released with fellow musicians and friends Bess Atwell, George Ogilvie & Oktoba, Together We’re Lost tells a story of personifying emotions and situations that Jacko has found himself in, especially over the last year. A constant inner dialogue between his fears, anxieties and ‘logical thinking’ soon turned into words and melody that found themselves needing to be expressed, sticking with what Hooper is most well known for - true emotion and honesty. Essentially, the record covers two primary topics, loneliness and frustration. As ever Jacko’s own brutally honest experiences form the forward drive throughout, however the true purpose of his music isn’t ever his own story but the new ones created from it.
“I don’t feel that the original story of why I wrote the song is necessarily the most important thing, I think the fact people can listen to it and all of a sudden it becomes a different story with a totally different meaning is the best thing of all, to be able to connect to it people need it to be their story, not mine”, Says Jacko. With Together We’re Lost showcasing true emotion and honesty, Jacko Hopes that more stories are created for his very own. TWITTER.
A gentle folk song 'The Long Road' demonstrates that Jacko Hooper can really sing, in this case with notable sensitivity and feeling. Enriched even further by a musical arrangement that develops slowly into something quite special, my only complaint is that this track could have gone on for a whole lot longer.
Just released is a new video for the Doug Schadt-produced song by up and coming singer songwriter Emma Charles. Titled “Comfort in the Chaos,” the new single is the follow up to her recent song “Far From Here” (also produced by Schadt).
The mid-tempo song pairs Charles’ soaring vocals over a sophisticatedly minimal acoustic accompaniment. Emma Charles’ striking vocal clarity and sophisticated songwriting chops pair perfectly with Schadt’s trademark dynamic production. Schadt is best known for his work with rock pop phenom Maggie Rogers.
Emma Charles, a newly relocated resident of Los Angeles, began her career with a slew of well-received singles as Emma Charleston early on as she studied at the Berklee College of Music. Says Atwood Magazine of her 2017 single “Volcano”: “There’s an airy warmth erupting from Emma Charleston’s ‘Volcano,’ its subtle hues and subdued musical flavors gently twisting together as the artist opens her soul and lets words and emotion spill forth.”
Emma Charles recently graduated and is now honing her image and style for a full time music career based out of LA. She’ll continue working with Schadt on new songs in 2019 and will be embarking on a spring tour.
With a sensitive and beautifully arranged musical backdrop Emma Charles vocals have room to shine and they do that with stylish grace on 'Comfort in The Chaos'. A natural pop song that is both catchy and exudes real talent, it's paired with a refined video that does justice to the track.
London-based singer-songwriter Jana (originally from Slovakia) - a voice reminiscent of Joni Mitchell is self-releasing her debut single ‘Birdhouse’ along with the music video on 16th November 2018. A personal folk-rock anthem of a traveller who finds freedom looking for a ‘piece of home’.
Recorded by Luke Oldfield at Tilehouse Studios, originally built for Mike Oldfield, Jana teamed up with top musicians on London jazz scene. Their versatile musicianship and exceptional craft brought special flavour to the music. Jana & The Lanterns arranged and produced 5 songs for an EP that will be released in 2019. The debut single will be accompanied by a new music video with a hint of 70’s nostalgia.
Jana is a classically trained musician with a wide spectrum of genres. In her native Slovakia she was a member of ‘Persona Grata’ – a band, that was invited to perform at ‘Progressive Nation at Sea 2014’ in Miami, organised by Mike Portnoy (Dream Theatre). In the same year, she moved to London and started writing her own songs.
‘Jana & The Lanterns’ is an eclectic musical experience. Inspiration for this project came from Sting’s music, 70’s folk-rock greats, country and classical – a mix that creates a unique ‘Lanterns’ style. They performed at London’s leading venues like The Troubadour, PizzaExpress Live and The Hospital Club (opening for Gypsyfingers). FACEBOOK.
Both the refined and sophisticated musicianship and gorgeous vocals vie for attention on 'Birdhouse' a song that is hard to put into any specific genre. Whilst the vocals have more than a hint of seventies folk style, they are more than that, and the band go from low key jazz funk through to indie rock, or pop, it's that kind of song, and yet it's coherent, catchy and above all high class.
Liverpool-based The Room in the Wood will be releasing their 'The Mars EP' on November 23 digitally and on limited-edition CD. Lead track 'Mars (Won't Save Us)' is a riff-based psyche rocker focused on the foolishness of Elon Musk’s ideas about colonising the Red Planet. We are reminded "Mars won't save us. Mars has no air." It is accompanied by a psychedelic video composition by ex-Send No Flowers and Moongoose collaborator Mark Jordan.
"We went in the studio to record some tracks and came up with 'Mars (Won’t Save Us)', which was a riffy departure from most of our debut album. Lyrically it’s a flat statement that Mars is not a viable option for emigration," says Dave Jackson.
Released via A Turntable Friend Records, this album follows their debut album 'The Room in the Wood' and the 'Magical Thinking' EP prior to that, both of which were released earlier in 2018.
Band members Paul Cavanagh and Dave Jackson are once again working together after a huge gap since their post-punk band The Room split back in 1985. After reuniting, this past year has seen them write over 30 new songs. TWITTER.
Back in July we featured 'Greedy Stars' describing that track as "a song that straddles genres, doing so with heart and feeling." Now we can share 'Mars (Won't Save Us)' where the vocals are a delight with just a touch of the sinister about them. Backed by some feisty natural rock, this is another superb song form this talented duo.
London-based Dutch-Zimbabwean pop innovator Rina Mushonga reveals details of her new album In A Galaxy – inspired by a year of transformation, the eagerly awaited follow-up to her debut, 2014’s The Wild, The Wilderness.
The twelve-track In A Galaxy is released on February 15th, 2019 through [PIAS] Recordings and today Rina Mushonga shares new track Hey Coach. Written from a personal perspective, this song is about responsibility and ownership and she explains; it’s about motivation, career-wise, no-one’s gonna fight for your ‘art’ as hard as you are ,nobody has invested what you have in the same way and it’s about self-reliance and getting on with it…even when the odds appear to be stacked against you.”
Having read Metamorphoses for the first time Rina Mushonga’s self-confessed year of transformation ensued drawing upon a myriad of ideas and personal experiences. Full of reflections on the cosmos and our place within it, In A Galaxy is the musical embodiment of these musings whilst Mushonga also admits there’s more than a passing nod to the opening text on Star Wars, but on the whole refers to how relative space and time are in how we interact – “Earth viewed as part of a galaxy binds us in humanity.”
In A Galaxy buzzes with an eclecticism that might be traced back to heritage and history of having moving around at various points in her life - having lived in India, Zimbabwe and the Netherlands before settling in London – her father always proudly referred to their family as “global citizens, we belonged everywhere” she explains, further adding; “I loved and identified with that, and it’s that genre- hopping that best represents me, how I see things and experience the world.”
Four years in the making, In A Galaxy is the result of Mushonga filtering out her distractions and relying/focusing on her own ability and instinct. Mushonga recorded the album in her adopted home in South London’s Peckham with producer Brett Shaw whilst having laid much of the foundations of the tracks together with musical bestie and synth whisperer Frans Verburg in his Rotterdam basement studio. The resultant cornucopia of intelligent, diverse pop that Mushonga herself describes as sounding like “Paul Simon in a sweaty, African dancehall club” is a welcome introduction to 2019. FACEBOOK.
Rina Mushonga impressed us in a big way back in September and the new song share 'Hey Coach' continues that trend. Last time around we describe her music as "a melting pot of musical styles that are given a cohesive overall sound as they musically morph around". The latest track hopefully makes a little more sense of that statement, whatever I was driving at, it's fabulous and massively addictive.
Trippy neo-psych rockers Elvyn Rhud are the like the french equivalent to The Brian Jonestown Massacre, effortlessly channeling the dark corners of the 60's with songs drenched in jangling guitars, droning vocals, and layers of percussion.
The sepia-colored video for their new single invites the viewer into a dystopian artistic vision that compliments their trance-inducing music.
Elvyn Rhud is Cassandre Arpin and Léo Puy. "Orange Is For Love" is off a shared 7" split between Elvyn Rhud & Alpha Du Centaure, which has been released by Pyrrhic Victory Records. BANDCAMP.
'Orange Is For Love' opens with plenty of sixties psychedelic overtones, before expanding into a more modern soundscape where the overall feel is hypnotic and beautiful. The video adds to the theme and at less than three minutes duration, listening again is pretty much compulsive.
LA-based Cape Weather follows in suit with their nostalgic pop sound on new single "Big Time". The bands first few tracks have done really well being covered by outlets such as NPR Music, The Line of Best Fit and Wonderland while also receiving a huge amount of editorial support from Spotify. Cape Weather is a collaboration between Natalie Smith and Eric Jackowitz. They’ve both played in bands for years; Eric playing drums for Nick Waterhouse, and Natalie bouncing around the Oakland scene while silently releasing music under solo monikers before moving to Los Angeles. After both feeling like it was time to make something their own, the two best friends who attended Berklee College of Music together decided to start writing songs over the internet while Eric was on tour with Waterhouse and thus Cape Weather was born. Their live band is a rotating cast and currently, consist of members from M83 and Ryan Adams band. Cape Weather's newest single "Big Time" which is being released via Yes Plz (a new coffee subscription-based service and weekly zine). BANDCAMP.
Dreamy and full of timeless pop sensibilities 'Big Time' is so full of hooks, it's gonna be played a good few times by myself, and I would be so bold to say - plenty of other folk as well.
Black Cat Biscuit, no well-trodden paths or worn-out covers, but a surprisingly foxy cocktail of fresh songs, marinated in a special gumbo hot sauce. Five driven musicians, who earned their stripes by playing in different bands over the years, decided to get together in 2015. The band was selected for the finals of the Belgian Blues Challenge in 2017 and won the Belgian Blues Challenge in 2018. They will represent Belgium on the European Blues Challenge in 2019. This single “Parrot Woman” gives you an idea what to expect on their forthcoming first full album ‘That’s How the Cookie Crumbles’, bound to be released on 22 February 2019. Influences of West Coast Swing, Shuffle, Jazz, Boogie, raw Slide and Texas Blues to name a few, are definitely present in their music. On top of that, writing and playing honest songs, coming straight from the heart, is the main red thread within Black Cat Biscuit. So strong the audience experiences these energetic vibes. Even if blues ain’t your cup of tea, you will be moved for sure! Now sit tight, hold on to your socks and enjoy! WEBSITE.
Exquisite and timeless blues with a simmering level of natural rock and roll tension, is having given this some thought regarding 'Parrot Woman', my best attempt at trying to describe this feast of a song. The video captures the mood, I'm new to Black cat Biscuit, however I'm guessing they are superb to see live, and listen to for ages.
Jane's Party - Wait For You. Janes Party tell us - “Wait For You” was written in the months following our return from opening Tom Odell’s “No Bad Days” tour in Europe. There’s a real vulnerability in coming home from a huge tour and not knowing what the future has in store.
Writing the song was a sort of therapy that helped us come to terms with how we were feeling, and turning that into inspiration and excitement for what’s to come.
The energy that emanates from a packed venue is exhilarating, and the whole tour we wished for something simple to sing at the top of our lungs that could be shouted back, no matter the language barrier.
While driving home from a show one eerie night this past summer, we asked Devon to throw on the Drive soundtrack to help set the mood. Instead, he mistakenly (or with clairvoyance) put on the song "Drive" by Cars. Right away we knew that we had to try recording the song with a dreamy, synthwave inspired feel.
Our friend Kirty agreed to jump on board and instantly brought “Drive” to life, singing lead on the second verse and harmonies on the choruses. FACEBOOK.
'Wait For You' is a breezy and melodic indie rocker that packs plenty of upbeat energy. It's one of those catchy songs that are hard to resist giving a few more (& more) listens...
With LeBarons debut full-length Summer Of Death, Chris MacDonald dares you to keep your grip or let loose, either way you’re in for a trip. Summer Of Death (2018) is a milestone almost two years in the making. Production started in January, 2017 at John Dinsmore’s Lincoln County Social Club recording studio where previous magic was made by artists like The Strumbellas, Timber Timbre, The Wooden Sky, and Elliott Brood. This unhurried approach allowed the band imbue each song with its own unique character. The result is a rich, complex album that reveals itself with each listen.
Working with two JUNO-nominated and award winning producers John Dinsmore (Timber Timbre, The Strumbellas, PUP, NQ Arbuckle, Donovan Woods, Sarah Harmer); and Jason “Cone” McCaslin (Sun K, Operation MD, The Strumbellas, Sum 41), LeBarons have distilled their sound into a versatile spirit. Accessible, radio-friendly arrangements like “Quiet” and “Brand New Sound” mix seamlessly with moody cocktails like “Waste,” the title track “Summer Of Death,” and the lead single “Long Highway.” Both veteran producers are long-time collaborators with the band and each has carved a unique niche in the band’s sound: Dinsmore, dark and brooding; McCaslin, large and anthemic.
LeBarons are 100% independent and have never been involved with a record label or professional management. Dinsmore and McCaslin are long-time collaborators whose involvement arose from organic relationships and a mutual love of the music being created. Music at its best is a craft of passion.
This is LeBarons’ full-length album and takes the band into new territory as they push the boundaries of alt-country. Chris MacDonald’s lyrical storytelling is still center-stage, but now framed by arrangements soaked in reverb and drenched in feedback. The result is a dynamic album full of visceral emotion and tense with potential energy.
Summer Of Death is the sound of highways at night; passing cars in the rain; the wind blowing past an open window. Summer Of Death is the sound of a song fading out in the distance at the start of a long, strange trip. These are the sounds restless souls hear when everything else grows quiet. BANDCAMP.
'Brand New Sound' is one of eleven tracks on the new 'Summer Of Death' album. The band register somewhere on the Americana scale, with Alt Country being one suggestion. As the featured song demonstrates they can and do up the energy levels on occasion with some vibrant rockers.
The musicianship is superb throughout, and the vocals, dual vocals and harmonies are gorgeous and so in keeping with the genres and styles the band present. You can head over to Bandcamp (link above) for the whole album, it's packed with great tunes and deserves a listen at the very least.
Frederick The Younger - Everybody Wants To Take You For A Ride.
Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, some of Jenni Cochran’s earliest memories are of writing songs. Returning to the USA after working in Vietnam for a few years, she met Aaron Craker (guitar, keys, vocals) who was performing with his band Dr. Vitamin.
The two immediately bonded over their shared love of Elliott Smith and The Beatles. They formed Frederick The Younger a few years later, releasing their first full length record “Human Child” in 2017.
The band is their bond, formed on groovy garage pop, soulful vocals, a hint of Broadcast and 60s pop with a modern twist. There is an earnestness to their newest songs on a forthcoming EP, due out early 2019, that rings true - the kind of sincerity born from experience.
These songs feel alive and well-lived, tragic, nostalgic, beautiful, and contemplative, all with a solid hook. “Everybody Wants To Take You For A Ride”, the first track taken from that EP, is a beautifully delivered, moody alt-pop piece that introduces a slower sound aesthetic to what they have to offer - the track is officially out now. TWITTER.
The new song 'Everybody Wants To Take You For A Ride' is our fourth feature for Frederick The Younger as the duo once again impress Beehive Candy. Melodic, atmospheric and moving, this is a beautiful song that simmers with emotion and feeling.
YOWL - John the Collector. Peckham five-piece YOWL have announced their new single 'John the Collector'. The single follows the release of YOWL's third single for ‘Warm (In The Soft White Fire Of Modern Living)’ and is being released with DIY for Jäger Curtain Call ahead of their headline show, which will be taking place on 15th November at The Lexington, London (with support from Sister Talk and Lumer).
The single was recorded at London’s Tileyard Education Studios. Speaking about the single, singer Gabriel Byrde says: “It’s a loose delve into the male psyche. It’s about a guy who tries to open up a little more and realises the only way he can do that is to murder his friends and stick their faces onto his walls so he has someone to talk to at all times.”
Following Jäger Curtain Call the band have two more shows lined up for 2018 including a show at Rough Trade Bristol on 8th December alongside Hotel Lux, Squid and more, as well as a sold-out end of year IDLES AF Gang Xmas party at Record Junkee in Sheffield on 15th December with John, Heavy Lungs and an IDLES DJ set from Joe Talbot.
'John The Collector' serves as a taster for what's to come from the YOWL in 2019, FACEBOOK.
Now this really is something to write home about! 'John the Collector' is the second song we have shared from YOWL (you have to go back to April for the other one), and it's a sublime, feisty and massively catchy affair. The vocals are phenomenal, the band are tight and funky, it's a little like Talking Heads merged with Devo, and the South London boys have done themselves proud with this song.
Norwegian 21-year-old Amanda Tenfjord releases her debut EP ‘First Impression’, unveiling brand new track ‘Pick a Card’.
After phenomenally received first three singles, ‘First Impression’, ‘No Thanks’, and ‘Let Me Think’, Amanda has gained a reputation for herself as a bit of a sass-pot. From calling out shallow personalities on ‘First Impression’, (with lines such as) “I like you better out of site ‘cos you’re a social parasite”, to saying ‘No Thanks’ to time-wasters, Amanda’s not afraid of making a statement. Her third single ‘Let Me Think’, about taking a minute to stop and evaluate how happy you are with a situation, continues to exhibit her playful nature and her ability to create pop bangers. Her final track from the EP, ‘Pick a Card’ rounds off the EP with a slower melody showcasing Amanda’s outstanding vocals, while covering the deeper subject of making choices.
First Impression EP is “a very special ride” Amanda says. “I have gotten to know myself in a different way musically - more playful and fun than in my previous work - which has been really interesting”. Regarding the final unreleased track, ‘Pick A Card’ was another song co-written with Askjell, one of Norway’s hottest writers.
“It's been great working with Askjell. ‘Pick a Card’ is a very personal song, about making choices in life - something I'm very bad at, and it felt really good to put that into words. It's been exciting to work on this EP, but I can't wait to start working on the next one.” TWITTER.
The 'First Impression' E.P. comprises of four tracks. It's gorgeous uncomplicated pop that's crammed full of hooks. Add in the intelligent lyrics and an individual style that sets Amanda Tenfjord so apart from, the artificial sounding production line chart music of today, and you have a really impressive collection of material.
Mel Parsons has been at the forefront of the indie-folk movement in New Zealand, forging her own path as an independent, self-managed artist. Coming off the new album Glass Heart, "Just ‘Cause You Don’t Want Me" is a break-up song that cuts through with hard-hitting lyrics but deceptive sonic simplicity, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. Alternating between both heartbreaking and triumphant, "Just ‘Cause You Don’t Want Me" sees Parsons opening up about the end of a relationship through sweeping big drums and upbeat, catchy melodies.
With a stunningly simplistic and crisp video to match, Mel Parsons is entering the competitive realm of indie-twinged folk with guns blazing, establishing herself not only as an expert songwriter and performer, but as a person with a genuine story to share.
Mel Parsons, on her upcoming album Glass Heart: "It was a particularly fertile writing period... songs were falling out all over the place, and I have learnt over the years that when that feeling of inspiration comes knocking you really have to drop everything and get that shit down.”
Glass Heart is an extension of Parsons’ previous work, while still retaining her trademark poignant storytelling. Parsons takes on a with bigger and fuller sound with a darker vibe under the guidance of legendary American producer Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Suzanne Vega, Elvis Costello, Missy Higgins, Randy Newman, Lindsay Buckingham/Christine McVie) and a talented cast of musicians. They include bass player Kaveh Rastegar (John Legend, Sia), guitarist Adam Levy (Norah Jones), drummer Ted Poor (Andrew Bird) along-side Froom on keyboards. WEBSITE.
The video is clever, that said, the song 'Just 'Cause You Don't Want Me' is fabulous. Indie folk meets indie rock on this extremely catchy track, where Mel Parson's vocals are perfect for the style.
'Robot' is the second single to be taken from the eagerly anticipated debut album by Cardiff's Post-Punk / New Wave trailblazers Silent Forum.
Robot is a jittering, adrenaline fuelled shot of energy. The song speaks from the perspective of a jaded and stressed office employee against an unlikely dance punk backdrop. "I feel a shortage of high pressure in my life/ I need the office chair/ I need spreadsheets I hold dear/ I love coffee, I hate beer".
“Robot is a fun character piece. The world already has enough breakup songs, or songs about partying - I thought it'd be funny to write something about a disgruntled office worker. Its not a song about me - I have a far more positive outlook than whoever this song is about.” Richard, singer of Silent Forum. BANDCAMP.
Back in July we featured 'How I Faked The Moon Landing' from Silent Forum (it didn't seem that long ago) and the new song 'Robot' is another fine song, in fact last time around we said that the band has "one engaging and resplendent sound", I think this new piece pretty much proves we were not exaggerating.
With honest, heartfelt songwriting and an unmistakable sound, Asheville-based Tellico has crafted Woven Waters, an album that blends the group’s bluegrass sensibilities with British Isles influences, creating an eclectic collection of poignant folk songs. The album is available now from Organic Records.
The group worked with noted Irish musician and producer John Doyle and Grammy-nominated engineer David Arnold, to record Woven Waters in Johnson City, Tennessee. With Doyle’s guidance, Tellico created and recorded arrangements in the studio. The practice brought the group to open, uncharted territory in their musical landscape. There, they built on their distinctive core sound and found a new level of awareness to texture and melody. Augmented by Doyle’s contribution on bouzouki, the chord choices and rhythmic dynamics intertwine to create a sense of weaving the natural flow of each song’s intent, inspiring the album’s title.
Tellico’s members Anya Hinkle on vocals, guitar and fiddle; Greg “Stig” Stiglets on vocals, upright bass and harmonica; Aaron Ballance on dobro and lap steel guitar; and Jed Willis on mandolin and telecaster, were also joined by drummer David Brewer. The effect of this studio line up offers a sound that is Appalachian Americana.
At Tellico’s core is the voice and guitar of Anya Hinkle, evoking tones of Gillian Welch. Her sound is rooted in the mountains of her native southwestern Virginia, but seasoned by travels across the world. With arresting honesty, her singing and songwriting comes from the heart. The foil to Hinkle can be found in fellow songwriter, vocalist, bass and harmonica player, Greg “Stig” Stiglets. Inspired from the stories and events of daily life, his attention to melody and groove help to further showcase the instrumental prowess of the band. WEBSITE.
The new 'Woven Waters' album is worthy of a listen by anyone who has a liking for modern bluegrass, British or Irish folk music and all stops in between. Excellently crafted music and enticing vocals, are just a part of Tellico's beauty, the lyrics are thoughtful and the bands natural sound transcends genres, pulling the varying styles together, in a talented and desirable manner.
Deanna Petcoff tells us - My new single “Stress” is about frustration, loss of hope and acceptance of a situation that will never be fixed.
The unbearable weight of not feeling good enough for the person you want; thinking they might want you back but can’t follow through with their flirtatious actions is a common feeling. I wanted to encapsulate the frustration that accompanies this.
Way too often, I find that feeling is described by leaning heavily on the sadness that it comes with, ignoring all of the anger in it, as well. I wanted to show the range of emotions women feel with the loss of love that aren’t just the sadness of heartbreak.
Ultimately, in the end of “Stress,” she’s done playing with this person and wants the situation to be over so they can both get on with their lives. Making the decision to be done with that kind of situation is difficult but often necessary. I decided it was worthy of a song. TWITTER.
It's apparently part of modern life to experience 'Stress' and although I am told that positive stress is good for us, I still can't help feeling that none at all would be just fine. Anyhow I guess this song is dealing with emotional stress and all that goes with it, particularly from a female perspective. From a male perspective I will just say it's one very fine song, that will be getting a good few more listens on my part.
Molly Hanmer & The Midnight Tokers - Fool's Run (Different Song).
Stuck in a Daydream, the debut album from Los Angeles based quartet Molly Hanmer & The Midnight Tokers, might be labeled Americana, and accurately so, but throughout are hints of blues, rock and roll, folk, psychedelia, even Bossa-Nova that makes it a unique sound in its own right.
Unlike albums where every track sounds the same, Stuck In A Daydream switches it up, making you stamp your boots on the floorboards and clap along on one track; and weep, pull out your journal and express bottled up feelings on the next.
The album is the product of Hanmer teaming with two industry pros who share her musical views, producer Marvin Etzioni (co-founder of Lone Justice) and engineer Sheldon Gomberg, a two-time Grammy winner, along with her talented band, The Midnight Tokers. BANDCAMP.
The first track I listened to on the new 'Stuck In A Daydream' album was 'Fool's Run (Different Song)'. It's the third of twelve songs in this collection (the rest should also play thereafter, if not the link above will do the trick).
Anyhow, it's a fine song to say the least, and one that provides a fairly representative feel for the album (in terms of quality and imagination), that said expect variety as the band comfortably settle into different genres, doing so with an eclectic mixture of emotions and styles.
The Triple J-tipped, Sydney-based atmospheric-pop duo, Micra, just shared their soaring new single, ‘Child Grows Old’. Following support in their home country based upon debut performances and early demos, the band, comprised of Bulgarian born and raised singer-guitarist, Ivana Kay and Australian multi-instrumentalist, Robbie Cain will support the string of single releases with debut performances in the UK and US in 2019.
Co-produced by the band alongside emerging Sydney producer/mixer, James Christowski, the reflective ‘Child Grows Old’ draws on influences ranging from Ariel Pink through to Beach House and Zero 7, working with glittering soundscapes and rich atmospherics. Speaking about the new single, Cain says: “The song explores a time in life which felt like nothing had changed for too long. Waiting around for something to happen without knowing where to begin. It's an internal conversation about forcing yourself to jump into the next phase of life and facing the obstacles that come out of that.”
The pair initially met - as if by serendipitous fortune - when were coincidentally sat beside each other at an Unknown Mortal Orchestra show after both arriving alone. That chance encounter would blossom into a musical alliance that culminated in the formation of Micra in early 2018. FACEBOOK.
Last month we featured 'Plastic' from Micra describing that track as "a dream pop song which occasionally moves towards shoegaze." They have quickly followed up with 'Child Grows Old' and it's another imaginative song. There's less shoegaze and a more feisty rhythm resulting in a catchy, electro rocker, with the vocals adding melody, clearly Micra are capable of differing styles and plenty of gorgeous hooks.
Evi Vine - Sabbath (single edit) - Featuring Simon Gallup.
Ethereal alt-rock outfit Evi Vine presents 'Sabbath', a sweet and heavy preview of their long-awaited long-play 'Black Light White Dark', due out in early 2019 on vinyl and CD, as well as digitally. This powerhouse track features Evi Vine's gossamer vocals and precise orchestration, cleverly woven together with bass guitar by Simon Gallup of The Cure and guitar by Peter Yates of Fields of the Nephilim.
Produced by Dave Izumi (Nordic Giants, Ed Harcourt, Magic Numbers) and mixed by Phill Brown (Talk Talk, Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, John Martyn, Robert Palmer), this album also features contributions from several other celebrated artists. Apart from Simon Gallup (The Cure), this album also involves Martyn Barker (Shriekback, Billy Bragg, Marianne Faithfull, Goldfrapp), Peter Yates (Fields of the Nephilim), and Geraldine Swayne (Faust).
As a group, Evi Vine is joined by Steven Hill, Matt Tye and David 'GB' Smith. Their music explores the dark elemental nature of the human heart, as well as environmental and post-apocalyptic themes. Evi Vine’s sound is both sublime and haunting. Creating a unique and uncompromising atmosphere, the effect is reverential, physical music, evoking a rare experience that is beautiful, sparse and deeply intimate.
“I know a lot of people are being shaped by experiences in our lives, ghosts of childhood, self-destructive pain and sorrow, all our personal struggles, doubt, and change. I can feel the earth dying and it makes me so sad. We write reflective songs about the circular patterns of man, and reflecting beauty and violence in the world,” says Evi Vine.
“We recorded live for the first time, which meant we were perhaps able to express the energy in the room together, vibing off one another and experimenting with new sounds, in a new space. Writing in the room was a new experience for us. Its the first time we’ve gone in with no finished songs. We had a few ideas and riffs but took the time to let them breath and worked on them until we felt we had captured a special moment. After producing two albums essentially at home, this feels like a re-birth for the band.” WEBSITE.
'Sabbath' opens with a wall of sound as fuzzy guitars and a powerful rhythm compete with each other. The music drops the energy and some atmospheric vocals enter the piece, but not for long as the music powers up again on this epic roller-coaster of an alt rock ride.
From the opening electronic bass hook, moving on to the epic chorus, and ending with the mesmerizing new wave ending, Sparkling emphasize their ability to write catchy and mature pop tunes set in a cool and powerful production.
The single is from their forthcoming album Felonious (coming in 2019). It’s a song about letting go of old demons - and most of all a song about the knots and beauty of life.
While working on the album the last couple of years, Sparkling have teamed up with renowned film festival CPH:PIX who has used excerpts from the duo’s cinematic pop music in the festival trailers screening in movie theaters all over Copenhagen.
They have toured intensively in Denmark incl. SPOT and Skanderborg Festivals, been artist of the week on Hitquarters.com, and collaborated with producer/remixer Dave ‘Rave’ Ogilvie (Bowie, N:I:N...).
On the forthcoming album, Sparkling have made new allied from the sparkling (pun intended) Copenhagen music scene. Besides Oliver Hoiness and Peter Buch, there are musical contributions from jazz saxophonist Jesper Løvdal, guitarist Anders Mathiasen (Murder, Vessel, etc.), guitarist David Rosenkilde, pianist Steen Rasmussen, and Benjamin Vinding on berimbau. FACEBOOK.
The vocals are distinctive and engaging on 'Say Goodbye to the Ragged Tiger' and when the chorus kicks in they are gorgeous. A refined electro pop song that is beautifully layered, this is extremely catchy.
Hayes & Y have returned with a brand new single, 'Blue'. It follows recent track 'Always So Simple, Always So Cold' which was featured on Spotify's UK Viral Top 50 chart. Already picking up plays at BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music, the group adds a little more insight into their latest creation;
"Blue is the first in a series of songs we've named after colours. It is about loneliness, insanity and imaginary friends. "Blue" is a song about longing, masquerading as a dance track. The most ambitious work we've done so far, challenging ourselves and hopefully, our audience."
With band members that hail from as far afield as Bulgaria and Finland before settling in Manchester, Hayes & Y collect their influences to create their very own sound. Their strong chemistry and rich musicality are manifest in their effortlessly sleek, immediate and addictive brand of pop - which has been compared to the likes of Jungle and Nile Rogers - with CLASH going on to comment on their "infectious funky yacht pop, their bleached out sound recalls everyone from Jungle to Kool & The Gang. 'Blue' will only serve to increase the hype around the quartet, an irresistible new single from the group." TWITTER.
Exuding style and sophistication 'Blue' refuses to sit in any one genre, as moments of funk, hints of stylish pop and a slick dance groove, come together and deliver a fresh, hook laden song.
Saint Clair is today sharing the live video for recent single ‘I’ll Stay’, directed by her sister, Tamsin Topolski. The new live clip trails the five-track EP, ‘D2’ - out now via her own Dearly Beloved imprint which takes its logo from a drawing sketched by her grandfather, the artist Feliks Topolski.
“‘I’ll Stay’ is a particularly dark, emotional song that I was keen to reimagine with my live band, especially with the addition of string players,” explains Saint Clair, “I enlisted the help of my sister Tam as director who has an amazing eye and knew exactly how to encapsulate the epic yet intimate nature of the song.” Speaking about the live video, director Tamsin says: “We wanted to expose and highlight the raw emotion at the core of this live version of the song. We wanted the music and the visual movements to build cohesively to a climax, moving out of darkness into hope and finally relief.”
Saint Clair - named after her mother’s Scottish ancestry - is the alias of French-speaking North Londoner Emma Topolski. The first in a family of painters, actors and journalists to pursue music, her professional trajectory began as a gigging jazz singer, as she puts it, “Playing three or four times a week, getting ignored in the corner of a five-star hotel”. A testing stint, it now more than repays itself in Saint Clair’s easy integration of a love for old standards, soul (Stevie Wonder) and classic rock (The Beatles), with her affinity for the electronica-rooted modern soul of the likes of Son Lux and James Blake.
‘D2 follows Saint Clair’s 2017 debut EP ‘D1’, and arrives alongside wilder collaborative projects which have taken her on the road as a backing vocalist for long-time friend Laura Marling (in whose Reversal Of The Muse project she also participated, alongside HAIM, Dolly Parton and Marika Hackman), and seen her sing BVs for Ghostpoet and Dua Lipa. Emma is also bassist and singer for infectious London 4-piece Childcare. FACEBOOK.
The new live version of 'I'll Stay' is beautifully performed. With a sparsely furnished room and light flooding into through the windows, the video puts the focus on the performers who are engrossed in this tender and passionate song, where quality and atmosphere smoothly rub shoulders.
