Sunday, 25 August 2019

ROCH - Moon Panda - Shhe

We have a brand new track from ROCH entitled I Love To You. With a gentle pace, a soothing atmospheric musical landscape and Roch's beautiful vocals gliding above, this is a wonderful song.

Moon Panda were featured here a couple of times last year and we catch up with them with their latest song 'On The Attack'. This time they have shared a refreshing mixture of indie pop with a few splashes of dream pop and some psychedelic vibes for good measure.

Shhe has shared 'Saint Cyrus' and what a refined and dreamy song it is. It's accompanied by an intriguing video, the track itself was recorded in just one take, impressive to say the least.
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ROCH - I Love To You.

ROCH just released an atmospheric new track, 'I Love To You'. Inspired by a phrase coined by feminist writer Luce Irigiray, in an attempt to rephrase and reposition “I love you” in order to liberate language – 'I Love To You' utilises homemade percussion, analog synths, and eerie atmospherics – standing as another stark and intriguing example of what to expect from her debut full length album due for release early 2020.

"I am interested in relationships, and what language we use to portray the everyday", ROCH explains. "Sometimes you need to reinvent language to capture the essence of the relationship."

Co-produced with Ben Christophers (Bat For Lashes, Nakhane, etc), ROCH's spiralling R&B-tinged pop creations are something completely unique.

Previously supported by the likes of Pigeons & Planes, The Line Of Best Fit, The Sunday Times, The 405 and many more, 24 year old Kate Miller's (aka ROCH) music is like nothing else. Otherworldly, romantic, challenging - her songwriting and production brings together lucid synths, intriguing electronics, reverb-laden drums, and enchanting guitar passages - all complimented beautifully by her chilling vocals.

Inspired by crossovers of space and language; rethinking the “mundane and ubiquitous ideas” found in every day life. The bridging of grand scale and domestic scale is a concept Miller has been exploring in her work since her time studying performance and sculpture at University of the Arts London’s Central Saint Martin’s college, and continues to probe in the impassioned synth pop she makes as ROCH.


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Moon Panda - On The Attack.

The creative vision of Californian songwriter/bass player Maddy Myers and Danish guitarist Gustav Moltke, Moon Panda are a band that create hypnotic, mellow atmospheres with dreamy soundscapes. Their debut single ‘Rabbit’ received a lot of positive attention, reaching #1 on Hype Machine’s Most Popular Chart.

Latest single “On The Attack”, which accompanies the announce of their new EP, Pastel Pools, carries over this wondrous sound, combining soft vocals with slick, sultry guitars.

Recalling the inspiration behind the track, Myers says: “On The Attack is basically an account of my long distance relationship woes. Going back and forth between self-reliance and feeling like an unattached wild animal, chasing affection and adoration.

Waiting for a text back, a call, some proof that I'm missed. Hopefully it outlines that chaos that can happen inside you when you just want that warmth and acceptance.”

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Shhe - Saint Cyrus.

Shhe is the alter-ego of Scottish-Portuguese artist and producer SU Shaw. Shaw wraps carefully constructed electronic soundscapes around delicate yet self-assured vocals, and Saint Cyrus is the next piece of the puzzle introducing the world to the enigmatic Shhe. The artist’s upcoming self-titled debut album tracks a period of intense personal change, due for release 11th October on One Little Indian Records.

The musician only had to release one single, Eyes Shut (which premiered on Dazed), to find herself signing a record deal with One Little Indian Records and opening for Kathryn Joseph on her February UK tour.

“Saint Cyrus is named after the area that I was living in at the time - in the same house that I wrote and recorded the entire record" says SHHE. "The house backed onto a main road so recording during the day wasn’t possible. Most of the vocals were recorded during the night. The synth line which enters half way through the track was also recorded during this time, half awake, half asleep. I only recorded one take, that's the take that you hear on the record.”

She continues; “The track is in constant transition. When I wrote it, I was thinking a lot about identity. How no one is ever complete. Things are added, taken away, obscured, manipulated; certain characteristics, behaviours. In the track there are parts that disintegrate, disappear, are reintroduced elsewhere. But the words stay the same. Living there (in Saint Cyrus) was the only constant when everything else was in transition at the time. I think that environment encouraged a lot of change in my life.”

The outro to 'Saint Cyrus' is made up of layers of disconcerting, visceral movements of sound, tugging the song in multiple directions as synths and drums oscillate between the ears, smothered with lilting melodies that linger long after they are heard. SHHE has found herself on the precipice of unlimited creativity and she’s ready to dive in headfirst. Her debut record is only the beginning of this journey


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Saturday, 24 August 2019

Fletcher Gull - Darrin Bradbury - The Needs - Moddi

Fletcher Gull has shared a beautiful song entitled 'Hypothermia'. A personal account of enduring in sub zero temperatures, if you excuse the well intentioned pun, this song exudes warmth and feeling.

We featured the title track from his forthcoming album earlier this month, however Darrin Bradbury is more than welcome back with another taster called 'Breakfast', where once again his lovable humour and observations are very engaging.

The Needs latest single 'Hey Wake Up' is a smooth and pleasing indie pop track and a fine indicator for their debut album due out early next month.

Our fourth feature for Moddi is the enchanting 'New Dawn'. Moddi produces modern folk of the highest calibre, his passion and commitment is second to none and the beauty of his music is quite stunning.
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Fletcher Gull - Hypothermia.

When one life ends another has already happened. Fletcher Gull has braved through salt and sun and the naked winter to deliver 'Hypothermia', a song that might have saved his life.

Sleeping under canvas in the sub-zero Rocky Mountains of Canada, ’Hypothermia’ sees the Melbourne based musician reflect upon a glacial night where he sought warmth in song writing. “I was so cold I thought I might die, so I had to sit up and try to get my blood flowing any way I could in an attempt to ensure my limbs didn’t fall off." After being pushed to his limits, the result is a song which is a personal account that’s layered with warm, uplifting tones, quirky instrumentation and a dizzying bridge, matched alongside Fletcher Gull's unique vocal qualities to deliver an audacious indie-pop song.

'Hypothermia' was produced and engineered by Gab Strum and Luke Bertoz, mixed by Gab Strum and is from the forthcoming debut EP by Fletcher Gull - Remember That You're Gone.

A residency throughout July at Swamplands in Melbourne and an intimate appearance at Old Bar last night has seen Fletcher Gull and his band debut and refine their live show before an anticipated set of showcases at BIGSOUND in September.

Fletcher Gull's music IS HERE FOR YOU, as you chronicle your way through life and your reasons to get up in the morning. 'Hypothermia' is out everywhere now.


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Darrin Bradbury - Breakfast.

Mixing humor with obvious-once-you-hear-them observations on mundane, everyday life, Darrin Bradbury’s unique wit makes for songs that are instantly relatable; this is evident on “Breakfast,” the second single from his highly-anticipated new album Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs, slated for release on September 20th via ANTI- Records.

Produced by Kenneth Pattengale (The Milk Carton Kids), Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs is a collection of songs born from dealing with depression and the pressures of life in the only way Bradbury knows; by poking fun at it. “It’s an album trying to combat depression, to laugh your way out of depression, and to be honest and accurate with that depression,” Bradbury quips. “I try to write things that make me chuckle, and that chuckling is usually making peace with the existential dilemma of both the times and life in general.” Pattengale recounts, “For awhile there Darrin and I would meet about once a week at my neighborhood coffee shop under the guise of me dispensing advice to him, despite repeated warnings that I am NOT in the advice giving business. As these things go, there was not much to say, and not much to learn—just friendly commiseration about the torrential weather bashing at the faces of anyone who dares to attempt a career in music. So maybe it was apt that I took the wheel for Darrin’s album about depression. Captain and co-pilot leading a more diverse Ship of Fools in circles out at sea.”

Described as a “stellar singer and songsmith” by Nashville Scene, Bradbury enlisted the help of only one other writer for the entire album—ANTI- label-mate, friend, and fellow esteemed Nashville musician, Jeremy Ivey. The tracking of Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs was completed in a similarly simple way; using the same combo of musicians for every song on the record. Aside from producer Pattengale’s mellotron and vocal contributions and the aforementioned Ivey’s bass and piano playing, only two extra musicians were called to round out the band; Alex Muñoz on additional guitars and Dillon Napier on drums. The only exception is the lone guest vocalist on the album, modern outlaw country queen and longtime supporter of Bradbury, Margo Price, who adds a somber harmony to a track titled “The Trouble With Time.”

Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs will be Darrin Bradbury’s first release on ANTI- Records. “Darrin possesses a wonderful, darkly sardonic sense of humor and a matter of fact wisdom that reminded me of some of my favorite writers from Chuck Berry to Mose Allison to John Prine,” says ANTI- founder, Andy Kaulkin. “I haven’t heard anyone do this sort of thing on this level for a very long time. His songs keep me on the edge of my seat.”

“When I write, there are things that I want to get away with,” Bradbury says. “I want to get away with the line, ‘I woke up this morning and I got out of bed / Tripped on my pants and fell on my head.’ ” Overall, Talking Dogs & Atom Bombs is a beautifully refined version of Bradbury’s writing; going for broke, connecting the dots, and doing it with blunt honesty that brings it all home. “If I can get you to take that seriously, and not skip a beat when you listen to it, that's what I want.”


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The Needs - Hey Wake Up.

Formed by Kvelertak’s guitarist Maciek Ofstad and two-time Norwegian Grammy winner Bendik Brænne, power pop collective The Needs are releasing their debut album on September 6th 2019 via Jansen Records.

On their latest single ‘Hey Wake Up’, the band experiment with 90’s power-pop. With upbeat melodies, buzzing guitar riffs and a chorus that swells as the song goes along, the track has shades of RIDE and Teenage Fanclub.

The band’s debut is inspired by the adrenaline withdrawal that professional musicians experience between tours - days spent on the beaches, time spent with loyal dogs.

The line-up is completed by Brænne’s older brother and former scientist Mattis, drummer and possessor of the most Norwegian sounding name of all time Nills Jørgen Nilsen, and Knut-Oscar Nymo of punk rockers Oslo Ess. ‘Hey Wake Up’ is available everywhere Friday 23rd August.

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Moddi - New Dawn.

The activist and artist Pål Moddi Knutsen is releasing his brand new single ‘New Dawn’. A song about how we tend to use our language to hide away unpleasant truths. This he’s doing in a duet with Hollow Hearts-vocalist Ida Løvheim, on a bed of strings by Trondheimsolistene.

New Dawn is inspired and is built on real military metaphors which have been used by Norwegian politicians about our participation in the wars in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq. The artwork which is a photo taken by Odd Andersen, illustrates the point; we believe we’re looking at a beautiful sunrise over the town Mosul in Iraq, but in reality we’re looking at a burning oil well after what is left after the US military “Operation New Dawn”.

Moddi, the moniker of 32-year-old Pål Moddi Knudsen from Northern Norway, was an activist before he was a songwriter. This is unmistakably evident in his previous project ‘Unsongs’ - a collection of banned songs across the world, and Moddi continues to defend and advocate for the most important and relevant issues that we’re faced with today.

After touring with his backpack full of forbidden songs for 4 years, Moddi is now ready with new original material. The album Like In 1968 is released 13th of September, and is a celebration of the everyday activism and the hope, in a time many consider as a hopeless time.

New Dawn’ is the third single from the upcoming album ‘Like in 1968’, a celebration of the future hope and everyday activism. Moddi will be embarking on a small Norwegian tour in celebration of his album. This is the preliminary tour list:

LIVE DATES
01.11 - Driv, Tromsø
02.11 - Sinus, Bodø
06.11 - Østre, Bergen
16.11 - Rockefeller, Oslo.

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Friday, 23 August 2019

Peach Pyramid - 5K HD - The Black Watch

Peach Pyramid first single from their 'Bright Blue E.P due in September is 'Wear Sunscreen'. The bands indie pop is fresh, melodic and beautifully arranged.

Austrian experimental pop band 5K HD have shared 'Crazy Talk' the latest single from the album 'High Performer' which is out on September 6th. It's a fine pop song and yes the band do have an element of experimental nature within the piece.

The Black Watch return here after their first feature in June with a taste of 'The Crying All The Time' E.P due for release as a 7" in October, their slick and addictive rock as always engaging, to say the least.
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Peach Pyramid - Wear Sunscreen.

Peach Pyramid are announcing their EP Bright Blue (due out September 20th on Oscar St. Records) with its first single "Wear Sunscreen." Co-produced by and featuring keyboards from Kathryn Calder of The New Pornographers, the track is a gorgeous example of Peach Pyramid's timeless dream pop, matching frontwoman Jen Severston's assured and melodically imaginative songwriting with rich harmonies and layered synth parts, creating a sonic palette that blends a hazy summer psychedelia with a sound that recalls Glaswegian indie greats Camera Obscura and the earlier releases from Severston's fellow Canadian Feist.

Peach Pyramid is the sonic exhale of Jen Severtson, Adrian Heim and Rowan Mackenzie. Weaving shimmering guitars into Severtson’s blooming vocals, the group deliver lush palettes, punctuated by a warm and familiar rhythm section of bass and drums. Based in the rising art capital of Victoria British Columbia, the group integrate the city's foundation of indie rock into Jens narrative and earnest lyricism - drawn from her roots in prairie based Calgary Alberta.

In 2017 Peach Pyramid released their debut LP “Repeating Myself”, on Oscar St Records. The album explores themes of abuse and healing, through sun soaked guitars and smooth vocal climbs. An internalized cry pulled to the surface; transformed and juxtaposed by way of graceful melodies and swirling guitars.

Peach Pyramid’s sophomore release “Bright Blue” showcases effervescent pop gems that are anchored by narratives of love and self doubt. Blushing vocal harmonies are backed by a rich foundation of guitars and colourful rhythms leading through the seasons of sparkling spring into a late summer haze. Re-joined by producers Colin Stewart (Dan Mangan, Black Mountain, Destroyer) and Kathryn Calder (The New Pornographers, Frontperson, Immaculate Machine) the EP is a magnificent showcase for one of Canada's most promising new songwriting voices.

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5K HD - Crazy Talk.

Austrian experimental-pop group 5K HD return with new single Crazy Talk, out August 21st. Crazy Talk is the latest single to be taken from new LP High Performer which is out on September 6th.

"As is the case with our new album, 'Crazy Talk' is a criticism of the fast-paced, capitalist world we live in. That’s where the 'High Performer' comes into play again. As if the performer is subject to a force of nature, captured in a daily grind, he continuously pushes himself to unachievable goals and is never satisfied by the results."

Fresh and colourful Austrian avant-garde pop group 5K HD produce expansive, electronic sounding music using traditional instruments. Without ever losing sight of a pop sensibility, 5K HD's music moves fluently through jazz, dubstep, breakbeats, funk and even into a prog rock escalation. Their singer Mira Lu Kovacs is regarded by critics and peers as one of the most expressive voices in the scene.

As five incredibly talented multi-instrumentalists, 5K HD's performances have earned them a reputation as one of Europe's most exciting live acts on both pop festival stages & experimental and jazz line-ups alike.

The band are on tour throughout October, including the following UK dates:
Oct 6th, Brighton - Hope and Ruin
Oct 7th, London - Thousand Island

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The Black Watch - Hypnotic Bridge (7" EP).

Having just released their new album 'Magic Johnson' ever-prolific jangle-pop band, the black watch return with another release to tide fans over until the release of another album called Brilliant Failures out soon, the Santa Barbara outfit have a new vinyl 7′” EP to tide over their fans.

Released by the Hypnotic Bridge label, the three-song offering is called The Crying All The Time EP. Comprised of the title track plus “One Hundred Million Times Around The Sun” and “Much Of A Muchness,” this stopgap release finds the prolific band at the top of their game.

Of the EP, the band’s songwriter John Andrew Fredrick says: “In anticipation of the forthcoming Brilliant Failures LP on A Turntable Friend, we decided to bring out a bit of vinyl on LA psych label, Hypnotic Bridge, who are mad for all things 60’s, musically-speaking.  Stu Pope, who runs Hypnotic, asked us to add some purple granny-glasses and The Monkees-haircuts kinda sounds to some songs we’d done, plus record a b-side, so we rolled out an old mellotron and imaginary sitar and away we went.”

Produced & engineered by Andy Creighton, the new 7″ EP is out October 11.


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Thursday, 22 August 2019

Katrina Parker - Michael Blakeman - SoccerPractise - Brynn Andre

Katrina Parker was featured a couple of times here in July and returns with 'Don't Give It Up' her latest single which is a fabulous mixture of folk & Americana plus, a further taster for the album 'Stars' due out early next month.

From Michael Blakeman we have his brand new E.P 'Future'. This is beautifully textured synth pop that is imaginative, sometimes a little experimental, but never dull.

Just four weeks since we were first introduced to SoccerPractise they are back with 'Younger Looking Skin'. It's a genre defying electronic piece that is atmospheric and understated, it's also very, play me again material.

Minneapolis singer/songwriter Brynn Andre has shared 'Bright Side'. It's a refined modern alt pop song that slowly lets it's hooks dig in.
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Katrina Parker - Don't Give It Up.

Katrina Parker knew from a very young age that music was her calling. Swinging in her backyard in rural North Carolina, belting Patsy Cline at the top of her lungs, she felt connected to the pure joy of expression and knew it was something she was meant to do. “Music was total catharsis. It provided me both a means of escape from the world around me and a way to connect to the people around me - something lifesaving for a painfully shy, awkward kid,” Parker remembers. This love of music carried over into her teenage years and young adulthood.

After a move to LA where she worked on honing her songwriting and playing live whenever and wherever she could, Katrina found herself on Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice where she progressed into the top 8 contestants, gaining thousands of new fans and glowing nods from LA Weekly and Rolling Stone. It was a whirlwind experience that ended abruptly, leaving Parker to check off all the post-reality competition boxes. Red carpets and TV appearances became the norm, but the busier she became ‘maximizing’ her opportunity, the further away she felt from what made her love music in the first place. Her full-length album, In & Out of the Dark, was created in the turbulence of this period. “I was overthinking the entire thing, working from my head instead of my heart and missing the mark,” Parker reflects.

Feeling buried beneath the trappings of post-reality TV, Parker abruptly cut ties and stopped her promotional appearances. Her focus shifted to developing a sense of normalcy and reconnecting to that original spark, taking time to remember why she started singing and writing in the first place. The image she called back was from her childhood - swinging in the backyard, singing her heart out all by her lonesome, bathed in the natural reverb of her rural surroundings, doing exactly what she was born to do. She continued to cultivate that feeling and began writing again, this time with a clear touchstone for why she was making music.

Parker’s new album, Stars, reflects the duality of a childhood spent in rural North Carolina and an adulthood in LA, shifting between sinuous Southern roots and starry Laurel Canyon magic. Parker describes it as “Sparkling Desert Pop/Folk with a lot of warmth, a little bit of magic, and a touch of banjo.” Producer Josh Doyle of 3 Theory Music knew it was important to not overwhelm the songs with ornamentation, leaving Parker’s rich and tender voice front and center. The resulting recordings are clearly made from a place of confidence, channeling the clear-eyed nuance of Gillian Welch, the emotionality of Hozier, and the deep-rooted Americana of Over the Rhine.


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Michael Blakeman - Future (E.P).

Future is the experimental debut EP from Michael Blakeman. The Perth musician has re-directed his progressive energy into the circuits of the analog, the lead single Brazier To The Lake a synthwave revitaliser.

After spending years on various rock and metal projects, the EP is Michael’s first foray into the sounds of the 80s. Self-produced and recorded in his home studio, Future matches revivalist gore with an emphatic melancholic energy. The lead single Brazier to the Lake a dark and brooding march of operaHc drama and retro-futuristic voguing.

Fueled by the complexity and experimentation of metal music, composition and songwriting quickly became a large part of his musical focus. Michael's second love is technology, and it wasn't long before he learned how to combine them by pursuing audio production and sound engineering.

Fast forward to 2019 and Michael has released his first solo EP effort, Future. “This release was a huge step outside of my comfort zone,” says Michael. “I’ve been involved with music for a while, but nearly all of that time was spent playing guitar in various bands. I wanted to push myself by creating something of my own from the ground up. Earlier this year I became enamored with the classic Minimoog synth sound, so I decided to take a deep dive into the sound and aesthetic of the era it inspired.”

Spanning six songs, Future listens through like The Human League have been hacked by Pertubator, Michael Blakeman expands upon the tireless tropes, re-invigorating the textural and rhythmic possibilities with an influx of technical and metal-rooted inspiration. The tweaked instrumentals and warbled odes only deepening Blakeman’s commitment to exploration and electric vibes.

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SoccerPractise - Younger Looking Skin.

New Zealand electronic voyagers SoccerPractise return with the icy and melancholic 'Younger Looking Skin', the latest release from their forthcoming album, Te Pō, due for release October 18, 2019.

Bringing to mind the frozen isolation of New Zealand’s Deep South, new track 'Younger Looking Skin' evokes the feeling of walking home alone on a winter’s night, a tightly wrapped coat the only protection from the biting air.

The song opens with a breathless choir sample and programmed hand-claps which echo with cold indifference before spilling into a deep bass line, garage guitars and a deeply personal lyric exploring the conflicted memories of childhood and loss, enveloped in a frozen choral chamber.

“Hanging pictures on the wall / I was witness to it all / the silence is dull photos are all we have left now”

Although the song brings to mind elements of bands such as The Chills, Joy Division and The Stone Roses, 'Younger Looking Skin' remains suspended within SoccerPractise’s peculiar vision of genre-defying electronic music delivered with an off-kilter, human pulse.

The visual accompaniment, created by Wellington-based visual artist Erica Sklenars, features real footage of faceless students returning from a university toga party on a cold night in Dunedin, a southern New Zealand city with a large student population.  Their faces buried in their phones, the subjects are seemingly oblivious to the cold, to the camera and to their fleeting presence on the landscape itself.


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Brynn Andre - Bright Side.

Brynn Andre is a Minneapolis singer/songwriter. With echoes of Ingrid Michaelson and Sia, her voice conveys heartbreak and hope in equal measure.

Brynn is a vocalist, composer, and pop producer. She believes in combining delicate, sensitive sounds with driving, electronic textures.

Fever is a track about wild love. The kind that will melt you down but feels so good in the process.

It’s anthemic and escapist with a beat that will stay with you. A singer/songwriter feel paired with huge instrumentation. Cinematic and intense.

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Wednesday, 21 August 2019

R.W. Roldan - Misty Blues - Acoustic Black

From R.W. Roldan we have the new album 'Can You Feel This' and what a gorgeous album it is. His mixture of folk and Americana is melodic and produced to a very high standard, however it is the story telling lyrics that make a fabulous difference. They are totally engaging and can't but help draw the listener in, this collection of songs is thoroughly recommended for a listen!

Misty Blues recently released their 8th studio album 'Pickled & Aged. They are a natural blues band who take their music into other musical areas without losing that blues centred feel, they can add in some funk, jazz or whatever, the music remains consistently honest and quite addictive, this is a class act.

We have a music video from Acoustic Black for one of their singles 'Destiny Ride' which is also included on their forthcoming album. The bands mixture of feisty vocals, acoustic and electric rock combination is well demonstrated by the featured song, and overall there is an upbeat vibe at the centre of their music.
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R.W. Roldan - Can You Feel This (Album).

Born to an outlaw biker father and 16 year old mother, R.W. Roldan came of age in the Los Angeles of the 60’s and 70’s. His family spent a few years homeless, prompting him to join the navy at 17. His young life was full of hard circumstances and difficult environments but Roldan always seemed to soften things with his easy knack for storytelling.

Upon returning to California from his time abroad, R.W. worked all around the San Fernando Valley, immersing himself in the blues and Americana scene. He gravitated towards music and poetry, appreciating contemporary wordsmiths like Dylan and Dr. Seuss as much as American treasures such as Yates and began crafting his own indelible blend of country blues folk rock - a sound that lands somewhere between Hank Williams and Cowboy Junkies.

R.W. now splits his time between his house in the Topanga hills and a newly-purchased dwelling that once belonged to Fatty Arbuckle in Silverlake, where he’s building a studio in the basement. It was professed to be haunted for the past 12 years, but R.W. found it a suitably creative environment to craft the songs on his official solo outing, Can You Feel This, due out August 17th.

The new LP puts Roldan's adept storytelling front and center, backed by his easy going guitar, mandolin and dobro chops. Tracks like “Big Skies” and “Falling Star” paint an authentically haunting, nostalgic panorama of Los Angeles, while laidback ballads such as “Lauryn’s Song” reveal a sweeter side to the man. It’s all melted in the sweet butter sauce of producer Max Allyn who recently signed R.W. to his AllsWell Records imprint out of Nashville.

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Misty Blues - Pickled & Aged (Album).

From Gina Coleman - I’m the lead singer of Misty Blues ... 2019 International Blues Challenge Finalists. Misty Blues is a female led band from Berkshire County Massachusetts playing traditional and original blues with a hint of funk, soul, jazz and tent revival gospel since 1999.

The band has recorded and shared the stage with Charles Neville of the Neville Brothers, and opened for contemporary blues artists like Tab Benoit, John Primer, Albert Cummings and Michael Powers.

Misty Blues has toured New England extensively and performed in New York City, Harrisburg, Mishawaka, Knoxville, Birmingham, Memphis and New Orleans.

The band has aired on B.B. King's Bluesville, Ole Harv's Blues Revue and Oogie Richards' Mighty Mouth Blues. The band’s original recordings have hit the airwaves throughout the U.S. and the UK.

We just released our 8th studio album on July 1, 2019 entitled "Pickled & Aged".

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Acoustic Black - Destiny Ride.

What would have happened if Sublime and The Clash had been set up as one band? Maybe it would have sounded something like ACOUSTIC BLACK from Freislassing (Bavaria / Germany). The Band sets up new standards to alternative acoustic-rock and is really freshing up its genre.

Bass and drums deliver an authentic rock sound whilst the special character of the costume guitar, in combination with distinctive lead vocals, form the bands unique sound. Diversifying modern arrangements round up the music and present the genre in a completely new light.

Of course, the album is about sex drugs and rock ’n’ roll but also everyday occurrences such as travelling, wanderlust and enjoying life. Also one and the other taboo subject is thematized in a cheeky and humoristic way. The 11 songs of the album will put you in a good mood straight away and will leave you wanting more.


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Tuesday, 20 August 2019

Aweful - Bjørn Tomren - The Warp/The Weft - Sunscreen - Laid Blak

Aweful released 'Me Me Me' a five song E.P earlier this month. A maelstrom of uncompromising rock and roll the trio deliver hook filled rock that mixes garage basics with more sonically imaginative moments and it's a blast.

A month after featuring Bjørn Tomren for the first time he returns with 'Bad Science Fiction' the title track from his album due next month. His Americana folk style is slowly paced and a little sombre on this atmospheric and beautiful song.

The Warp/The Weft were featured here with 'A Sun Filled Room' at the beginning of June, and they return with the full album (Dead Reckoning) from which that track came. I have to say this is a really good collection of material where the bands progressive folk and psychedelia is notable throughout. If you can, then listen to the whole piece, bands like this deserve to be heard, their imagination and creativity, positively demands it!

Sunscreen return for a second time this year with 'Think About You'. last time we commented that "the bands alt rock style is uncluttered, each instrument has it's space, with the vocals adding further melodic vibes". That's something they clearly have the knack for, this is fabulous song.

From Bristol (England) we have Laid Blak and their second full album 'About Time'. Fans of reggae from any era should absolutely love this band and their oh, so, fabulous music. File under "sublime".
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Aweful - Me Me Me (E.P).

Chicago’s Aweful, which features Traci Trouble (HotLips Messiah), Lucy Dekay (Mystery Actions) and Izzy Price (Velcro Lewis Group), released their debut vinyl EP 'ME ME ME' via BeerCan Records on Friday, August 2. The band celebrated the release with a show at The Empty Bottle in Chicago and played gigs in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin the weekend of the release.

"Traci Trouble is back with a brand new three-piece combo called AWEFUL, and it’s a sweeping new sound you might not expect. Joining up with Lucy Dekay (Mystery Actions) and Izzy Price (Velcro Lewis Group), this new project juts forth with a streamlined, layered vocal and a wiry guitar tone; it’s a new direction; a subdued sonic approach with slithering dynamics and cavernous depth.

Echoing solid 80’s Gun Club and Fur Bible’s chorus pedal-soaked vibes with a wall of dripping female vocals cascading over what sounds like a primitive and ominous lost Love and Rockets outtake, AWEFUL are a welcome new breath of fresh air to Chicago’s underground sounds.

Stepping aside from pandering to the pedantic tropes of endless post-punk operatives, AWEFUL draw out a more luscious and moaning fuzzed-out experience, drilling their sticky repetition into your cortex with songs that pull you in immediately. Fans of Grass Widow, Wax Idols, and The Breeders take note; this band is turning those same corners and will soon turn those same heads.” -Todd Killings 2018.


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Bjørn Tomren - Bad Science Fiction.

Bjørn Tomren releases the title track from his upcoming album ‘Bad Science Fiction’, which is due for release on 20th September via Norwegian powerhouse Propeller Recordings.

The modest yet mesmerising Americana-Folk track 'Bad Science Fiction' captures a delicate Johnny Cash-esque, while maintaining Tomren's poetry-like, enigmatic storytelling.

Inspired by an article he came across, Bjørn says of the track “I wrote the song after having read an article on truth-out.org about depressed climate-scientists grieving the human caused climate changes and the impact it has on the planet and its species. Through a blog they find some comfort in sharing their mourning's. Even though it’s quite a concrete inspiration it´s not as obvious in the lyrics."

Tomren hadn't intended it to take this long before releasing his debut but life got in the way.  ‘Life’ included navigating his native Norway from South to North numerous times – on skis, in a rowboat, walking – resulting in the world record for such crossings and a career path that includes studying Psychology, Greek and Philosophy, working in a mental hospital and working as a clown in a small family circus.

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The Warp/The Weft - Dead Reckoning (Album).

The Warp/The Weft, active since 2012 in and beyond New York's Hudson River Valley, has earned praise for its uniqueness and song-crafting from casual and devoted listeners alike.

Blending traditional and avant-garde styles, the warmth of a good wool sweater and the sometimes-bleak cold of an upstate winter, the progressive folk and psychedelia that the band brings to bear is propelled by poetic lyrics and a "spirit-conjuring" lilting tenor that prompted psych-folk legend Tom Rapp (of Pearls Before Swine) to ask, "Can I have your voice when you're through with it?"

The band will release its third LP, DEAD  RECKONING, in August 2019. Trevor Larcheveque: Bass/Vocals, Christian Lark: Drums, Shane Murphy: Vocals/Guitar
Chris Pellnat: Lead Guitar.


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Sunscreen - Think About You.

Ahead of the release of their highly anticipated Falling In An Elevator EP this Friday via Spunk! Records, Sunscreen announce they will be hitting the road on an East Coast tour next month. Recently joining the New World Artists family, Sunscreen will embark of on a string of live dates, visiting Wollongong, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, kicking off Thursday 29 September.

Produced by Simon ‘Berkfinger’ Berkelman (Philadelphia Grand Jury, Art Vs. Science), Falling In An Elevator exudes a beautiful toughness across its five tracks. Reflecting the psyche of a romantically confused young person trying to survive in the big city, the EP was written over the course of years, and explores concepts like romantic idealisation, heartache and self-possession with frank, powerful vulnerability.

Following the release of 'High Over Love', a slice of dynamic, hook-driven rock, and latest propulsive and romantically charged single, 'Think About You', Falling In An Elevator sees the band find their lush, indie-rock sound informed by a new-found confidence and lucidity. The previous singles received strong online and radio support with adds to Fbi Radio rotation, triple j play, adds to Spotify's Broad Chords and Chords + Cardigans, and the accompanying music video for 'High Over Love' added to rage.

Having recently supported the likes of DMAs, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Jen Cloher and Ali Barter on tour and taking stage at Farmer & the Owl and Grampians Music Festival, Sunscreen hit the road last month in support of 'High Over Love', performing to packed out venues in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Sunscreen prepare to do it all again, with their captivating performance and unheard new material in tow.

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Laid Blak - About Time (Album).

Bristol’s Laid Blak have trailed a unique path through the music jungle and picked up influential friends on the way. They don’t come much bigger these days than this key ally – Ed Sheeran. The red-haired one is a big fan, so much so that he used a section of the band’s earlier signature tune, ‘My Eyes Are Red’( 3.6 million views on You Tube) in one of his own album chart busting songs and to close his shows.

It’s a useful thing to have in the creative locker, but Laid Blak’s new second full album, ‘About Time’, more than stands on its’ own merits. Core members, DJ Bunjy and MC Joe Peng, easily use every strand of elements that turn their ears and make a musical cocktail that is heady and delicious. There’s something for everyone, regardless of age or musical taste on ‘About Time’. It comfortably straddles styles that cover a range of bases in contemporary reggae music. And most of the time it’s anything but laid back!

Sure, the breezy album opener ‘Cool Dude’ is more low-key, the band taking the brave step of introducing themselves here with a track that is programmed riddims, rattling percussion, piano, keyboards and restrained, jazzy, minimal bass! It’s – well – cool, but filled with humour, whistling, street observed lyrics, scatter-fire vocals and am easy confidence that radiates. But after that the fare on offer heats up, seeing a glorious classic dancehall style tussle on ‘Mic Man’ with the fabulously UPFUL and agile vocals from Tita Lau adding a winning dimension. The guest female singers – Tita and the equally dextrous Tanya Lacey – add a soulful and playful dimension to other up-tempo blasters like ‘It’s A Pity’( the first single), ‘Hold On’, and ‘Serious’ which head out into anything from lovers rock to a sleng teng, old school step it, rub a dub, wrap it up, mash it groove with fat horns, melodica, wailing guitar, sound system busting bass and kicking rhythms.

There is some serious business attended to in ‘Changing’, which illustrates how priorities change in life, and how in ‘No Way Out’ and the darker, more militant Aswad era take in ‘I Feel It’, that life isn’t easy. But that period of reflection is a temporary break as it’s always the contrast of celebrating life in the cheeky, chatty Smiley Culture vibe of ‘Little Bit of This’, and the Mediterranean holiday romance possibilities in ‘Fatal Attraction’. Fresh, fun and fabulous while flowing with great tunes, this is an irresistible album of the band’s distinctive brand of street soul. It’s so powerful that the band felt the need to do a rush release of it! This is music that just can’t be contained or limited. Laid Blak don’t fail in their objective to bring ‘a fun filled sunshine dance music that keeps your feet moving and your face smiling.’ So, bang on cue, spring and summer is a’ coming, and about time too! Fire up the barbeque, slap on the jerk chicken to the flames, grab an ice cold Red Stripe and put on ‘About Time’! Let the party begin!

“About Time” is released by Sugar Shack Records on Strictly Limited (500 copies) Clear Vinyl on 16th August 2019 distributed by Shellshock and available from good retailers worldwide.

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Sunday, 18 August 2019

Hayley Marsten - Reina del Cid - Miriam Clancy - Sarah Jane Scouten

Hayley Marsten new single 'Red Wine, White Dress' is a refined country rocker that exudes quality and feeling and is a very good indicator for her forthcoming debut album.

Reina del Cid has released 'Bernadette' the first song from her 'Morse Code' due out in October. This is my first listen to Reina and clearly I am a little late to the party, nonetheless what a pleasure it's going to be playing catch up.

Miriam Clancy has shared 'The Bells' the lead off single from 'Astronomy', her first album in nine years and it's a gorgeous rocker where the solid soundtrack and her gliding melodic vocals although seemingly opposites work fabulously together.

Sarah Jane Scouten striking new song 'Ballad of a Southern Midwife' mixes folk, country and rock together which is rather good in it's own right, however it's the determined passionate vocals that really stand out.
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Hayley Marsten - Red Wine, White Dress.

Hayley Marsten has just released her new single ‘Red Wine, White Dress’ and its accompanying video.  The release comes off the back of ‘Wendy’, Marsten’s most successful single to date, which received widespread airplay across Australia and peaked at #25 on the CMC charts. It was added to both ABC Local and  ABC Country playlists and has received over 185,000 plays on Spotify.  That’s the past and the future is ‘Red Wine, White Dress’ as well as Marsten’s upcoming debut album Spectacular Heartbreak, set for release on 30th August – pre order here.

Marsten co-wrote ‘Red Wine, White Dress’ with Brad Butcher, a Golden Guitar and QMA winner.  She’d fostered the idea for a long time to describe how someone can stain your life or make you feel a little ruined – the red wine on a white dress. ‘It wasn’t until I was going through a break-up that it felt like the relationship had stained Brisbane for me in a way that meant I could write it,’ said Marsten. ‘I felt like there was nowhere we didn’t go, nowhere I could escape the grief and confusion, and it brought up all my most suppressed fears.’

‘It was incredibly confronting to record,’ said Marsten, ‘but I feel like it embodies what the album is about, the strength to show your vulnerabilities. Luckily time is the best kind of emotional wine stain removal.’ The track was recorded in LoveHZ Studios in Sydney with Matt Fell, an ARIA and Golden Guitar winning producer, while the video was shot in Brisbane with Duncan Toombs from The Filmery.

Speaking about the video, Marsten said ‘I really wanted to shoot it in Brisbane because the city is so tied up in the song. Duncan and I wanted to keep the video dreamlike to represent the haze of a confused relationship, while we focused on the two sides represented in the song: the vulnerability of the white dress and the anger of the red wine.’ It was filmed at Can You Keep a Secret, a bar in South Brisbane. ‘It was the perfect backdrop because it literally looks like it’s stuck in time,’ said Marsten, ‘and instead of heading for the obvious visual of red wine on a white dress we wanted the video to be tinged red like a stain on my mind.’

The release comes just two weeks before Marsten releases her debut album, after which she’ll embark on her first headline tour while also supporting artists including Troy Cassar-Daley and Fanny Lumsden.  The tour will take her through Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania and with the new album under her belt, it’s sure to be a tour that fans will long remember.


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Reina del Cid - Bernadette.

Celebrated Minneapolis singer/songwriter Reina Del Cid has released "Bernadette," the first song from her new album MORSE CODE out October 4. Reina Del Cid's storytelling prowess shines on the song, which appears to feature a visitor from the artist's past. "It feels like I lost a friend, I find myself wondering, will she haunt my home again, oh my Bernadette."

Reina Del Cid notes that she was finishing up the album and the melody for "Bernadette" came to her and wouldn't leave her alone. "It was almost like a ghost named Bernadette was tapping me on the shoulder and demanding that her story be told.  So I booked an extra day in the studio, brough the band back in, and we recorded this one on the fly with no rehearsals."

MORSE CODE was recorded at The Library recording studio in Minneaplis with frequent collaborator Toni Lindgren (guitar), Andy Mark (bass), Nate Babbs (drums) and Matt Patrick (organ), who also serves as producer. Reina Del Cid has amassed a devoted and engaged fan base with her Youtube channel, Sunday Mornings with Reina Del Cid, which began in 2017. She has amassed over 30 million views and over 127,000 subscribers. Fans eagerly await her posts on Sunday mornings, which range from folk standards to obscure tracks to originals. Those fans turn out to catch her live as well as she performs in the US and abroad. A full list of tour dates is below, and additional shows will be announced soon.

Long before she adopted the moniker Reina del Cid and developed a music career online, Rachelle Cordova was a quiet bookish kid from Fargo, ND. In the summers she tended sugar beet crops with her dad, writing down lyrics and poems in a notebook on the long drives out to beet fields scattereed across North Dakota and Minnesota. As an honors student at University of Minnesota, she met Toni Lindgren, a skilled guitarist from Fond du lac, WI, and the two formed a musical bond that has spanned eight years, four studio albums, countless tours, and over a hundred Sunday Mornings videos.


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Miriam Clancy - The Bells.

New York and Pennsylvania-based, New Zealand-bred singer/songwriter Miriam Clancy returned earlier today with "The Bells," the leadoff single from Astronomy, her first album in nine years.

"With an evocative title like 'The Bells,' Miriam Clancy announces her return with noise and urgency," High Clouds editor Arnaud Marty wrote on "The Bells". "Sounding as a reintroduction and a reinvention... there’s both an evanescent beauty and a dose of strength and self-confidence to the track, a combo that makes it assuredly magic and elusive."

Although Astronomy is Clancy's first official full-length album stateside, the album will assuredly land as a reintroduction and a reinvention to her predominantly New Zealander fanbase. Its ten songs represent a cathartic fork in the road borne out of existential crisis, including moving her and her four children to the US earlier this decade.

Crafted over several years of sessions in New York City with producer Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Astronomy brings massive changes to Clancy's sound, specifically swooning electric guitars, wurlitzers, early 90’s drum machines and analogue synths.


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Sarah Jane Scouten - Ballad of a Southern Midwife.

Steeped in North American and British Folk music, Sarah Jane's music delivers a signature mix of vintage folk and country, with modern sounds and subjects.

Originally written for Sarah Jane's first album 10 years ago, Ballad of a Southern Midwife comes from the imagination of a young and naïve songwriter, cured with age, and once again released with more hell-fire than ever.

Raised in a musical family on Bowen Island BC, where harmony singing was more common than watching television, Sarah Jane commits to her roots, using her warbling voice and knack for storytelling to captivate and transport her audiences. Her songs run the emotional gamut, creating a world of characters who come alive in her often haunting and equally whimsical ballads.

Her upcoming fourth album "Confessions", recorded in Toronto with veteran producer Andre Wahl (Light Organ Records), is a further exploration of Americana sounds and song forms. It is a collection of revelatory songs -- a series of confessions -- which valorize, condemn and eulogize the most important relationships of her life to new harrowing heights.

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Saturday, 17 August 2019

Annabel Allum - Shadowlark

We are unashamedly fans of the music that Annabel Allum consistently creates and 'Alter To Alter' just reinforces that. This time we have a powerful alt rocker that is packed with genuine emotion and supported by a fabulous musical arrangement.

Leeds (England) three piece Shadowlark have shared their new single 'Bleed My Heart' where synths glide within an indie pop / rock style and the  atmospheric vocals develop into a dreamy chorus. 
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Annabel Allum - Alter To Alter.

Slacker-pop sensation Annabel Allum’s startling development continues to gather pace with the arrival of rousing new single Altar to Alter, taken from new EP Gravel Not The Grave, set for release 13th September via cult London label Killing Moon.

Swapping shows at local pubs in her hometown six nights a week for acclaimed performances around the world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the rise of the emerging songwriter. Her glaring potential continues to show few boundaries, with the Guildford native’s fierce indie licks scrawled across an expanding punk repertoire of vital, snarling songs that resonate deeply throughout her growing fan base.

"Altar to Alter is my protest song, and I’m super proud of how it turned out”, Annabel revealed. “It’s all about saying what you mean to say and standing up for what you believe in. In my head there’s an altar in everyone’s mind where they go and choose what they wanna change, and how they’re gonna change it. Lyrically the song has a lot of religious themes running through, because we are our own religion and our own God. We forget to respect ourselves and our own powerful abilities to change things”.

Long marked out as one to watch, the swell of praise for Annabel Allum from all corners is resounding. Long-time championed by BBC Radio 1 (Huw Stephens, Jack Saunders), she’s hit the daytime playlist, performed a live session at the iconic Maida Vale studios and featured on their SXSW stage, a festival she’s now taken by storm twice. Other notable shows include a dream-come-true emotional performance at Reading festival, as well as The Great Escape & Live At Leeds; tours with Nadine Shah, Alex Lahey and Beth Ditto have been the perfect way to cut her teeth in the presence of esteemed artists with several more opportunities lined up this autumn.

Beyond music Annabel keeps a well maintained, genuine aesthetic – this has lead to deals with indie clothing companies Bastien Classics and Cheap Monday. She has also had acoustic tracks included in feature film Spaceship (BFI, BBC).

Altar to Alter is the third single taken from the punkster’s new six-track EP (pre-order here), set for release 13th September. Recorded with Adrian Hall (Goldfrapp, Anna Calvi, Du Blonde), it promises to be the most comprehensive example of her sound and style to date. In support of the release Annabel will be taking in various festivals as well as her own headline tour this autumn.

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Shadowlark - Bleed My Heart.

Leeds threepiece Shadowlark have announced new single Bleed My Heart which will be released on 15th August.

Forming in the halls of their local college in their hometown of Leeds, Shadowlark first introduced themselves in 2017 with debut single Do Your Worst. After gaining support from BBC 6 Music and Radio X, they secured a publishing deal with Warner Chappell, and over the last two years, have performed shows at the likes of Glastonbury and Live At Leeds, alongside support shows with George Ezra and Dylan Le Blanc.

Influenced by artists such as Portishead, War on Drugs and Bat For Lashes, Shadowlark are proud of their Northern roots and wear their hearts on their sleeves through their introspective and emotive alt-pop sound, which is a portrayal of real-life experiences and genuine everyday reality. As the band say; “we write real songs about real things that happen, and we play them to real people who care and will connect with them because these things happen to them too.”

Following on from last year’s single Hunger, new single Bleed My Heart, produced and mixed by long-term collaborator Dan Austin (Massive Attack, Biffy Clyro, Doves), continues the band’s ethereal and poignant sound. Opening delicately with atmospheric synths and rich yet haunting vocals, the song builds to a dramatic chorus, showcasing the significant meaning about the power of talking to one another in an upbeat and mesmerizing way. Lead singer Ellen says;

“Although this song was obviously originally written about a break-up, the message really is - talk.It's not always easy, but it always helps. Anything good takes time and work, don't be afraid to talk. ‘When trouble's never spoken, no questions ever asked, nothing comes of hoping, you've got to work to make things last.’ A lot of people can relate to that in different ways, I'm sure.”

Alongside Bleed My Heart, the band also have two standalone tracks featured on Take Us Home: Leeds United, an exclusive Amazon Prime documentary about Leeds United, which has been narrated by Russell Crowe and is released on Friday. They include The Way It Falls and a cover of Marching On Together. Ellen has also re-recorded the team’s official song, which is the first time it has featured a female vocal.


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Friday, 16 August 2019

North America - Seazoo - Llovers - The Achievers - The Jensens

North America have just released 'My Baby's No One's Girl' a melodic and earnest indie rock song that is lush and just so natural.

Seazoo share 'Throw It Up' a feisty indie pop / rock song with a message and bags of hooks along the way.

We featured 'Coming Loose from Llovers back in May and they return with 'Honestly' which is another gorgeous indie rocker.

The Achievers new song 'No One Remembers' is a refreshing  and refined roots and blues rock piece with notably fine musicianship, vocals and harmonies. 

From Australia we have The Jensens and their brand new album 'Hyacinth Haze' where these genre spanning musicians have created a splendid and varied collection of songs, and really are worth our full attention.
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North America - My Baby's No One's Girl.

East London quintet North America return with their latest offering ‘My Baby’s No One’s Girl’. Written, recorded, produced and released by the band themselves, My Baby’s No One’s Girl encapsulates North America’s infectious energy and charm with its soaring guitar work and lyrical poetics.

Narrated by frontman P.F. Phillip, the song is a candid letter of warning about a lover slipping through your fingers. Describing those intimate moments of a relationship they thought would never end, My Baby’s No One’s Girl is a realisation of being blinded by love as fond memories turn to bittersweet retrospect.

North America are a London based 5-piece creating viscerally energetic and introspective indie-rock that embodies the anthemic quality of their songwriting. Hailing from São Paulo and California, frontman P.F. Phillip met guitarists Gabe Coulter, Jack Rennie, bassist Sandro Giacometti and drummer Sam Roberts at the world famous Metropolis Studios before forming North America in 2017 over a refined appreciation of trashy American comedies and questionable pizza joints.

Fresh from their main stage support for The Lightning Seeds at Create Festival, North America head into the studio to record their debut EP offering.

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Seazoo - Throw It Up.

Welsh noisy indie-pop maestros Seazoo announce their return with swaggering new effort Throw It Up, the lead single from the band’s upcoming sophomore album set for release early next year.

Recorded at Big Jelly Studios with Mike Collins (Girl Ray, Pip Blom), the group’s second full-length effort demonstrates a fresh approach and follows critically acclaimed 2018 debut LP TRUNKS, shortlisted for The Welsh Music Prize alongside acts including Boy Azooga, Gwenno, Gruff Rhys and Manic Street Preachers.

Heavily influenced by the likes of Yo La Tengo, Courtney Barnett and Grandaddy, the rousing five-piece have enjoyed significant support throughout the tastemaker community and across the airwaves (BBC Radio 1, 6 Music), with their glowing reputation as an exceptional live act leading to appearances at SXSW, The Great Escape and Green Man and slots with IDLES, The Lovely Eggs and Circa Waves.

Discussing the release, frontman Ben Trow stated: “I see a lot of people rejecting aspects of modern life, like tech, tech platforms, even careers as a way of trying to improve happiness. Some people make extreme lifestyle changes, like moving into a forest, or selling-up and moving into a van. But I also see people getting rid of their smart phones or deleting their social media. So I guess the song’s about making the decision to reject something in an attempt to improve well-being”.

Produced by Ben Trow and Mike Collins, Seazoo’s Throw It Up is out 13th August and will be available via all platforms.

Live Dates (message for press passes)
25 Aug – Golden Lion, Wrexham
01 Sept – End Of The Road
20 Oct – Swn Festival, Cardiff

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Llovers - Honestly.

Further solidifying their fledgling status as one of the North East’s finest emerging acts, Teesside risers Llovers continue their ascent with glistening new effort Honestly, the second track taken from debut EP Things That I Don’t Understand, out 30th October via Think Tank? Records.

Layered with their trademark anthemic overtones, the quintet’s immense potential is demonstrated once more in their latest psych-pop infused single, and follows their thrilling slot on the BBC Introducing stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend alongside Dylan Cartlidge, Slowthai and The Orielles earlier this summer.

Drawing widespread acclaim throughout the online community (NME, DIY, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash, Dork, Wonderland) and across the airwaves (BBC Radio, 1, BBC 6 Music, Radio X) over the last 18 months with a series of early releases, the band have already demonstrated their swaggering live potential supporting acts including Sundara Karma, Dream Wife and VANT and will be heading out on the road this autumn to coincide with their debut EP release.

“Sonically the track is unlike anything we’ve done before”, reveals co-frontman Jack Brooks. “We’re always really excited to show people the breadth of what we can do and Honestly allows us to showcase another side to us that I think is really exciting. It’s about sharing a momentary connection with someone. I get so caught up in these moments myself and often find myself puzzled over how real these connections are, or whether they’re merely driven through circumstance, timing and enough delusion to allow these moments to manifest in a romanticised version of themselves”.

Produced by Chad Male (Cape Cub), Llovers’ Honestly is out 14th August via Think Tank? Records and will be available on all digital platforms.

Live Dates (message for press passes)
17 Aug – Hardwick Live Festival
13 Sept – The Georgian Theatre, Stockton

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The Achievers - No One Remembers.

Innovative Blues band The Achievers are set release their fantastic new album The Lost Arc this September 6th, have just released single No One Remembers.

The Achievers are one of the most talked about and critically new bands on the UK Blues and Roots music scene; with a reputation for innovation and originality, they prove that soul, groove and song craft still matter in the blues.

The bands brand of modern, secular ‘Dancefloor Gospel’ has catapulted them from near complete obscurity to rave reviews and big-stage appearances across Europe.

Following the success of their 2018 debut album, ‘Live at The SVA’ the UK Blues Federation have chosen The Achievers as finalists in this years 6th UK Blues Challenge, seemingly recognising the need to modernise and diversify the genre. With their infectious rhythms, joyful melodies and four-part harmonies The Achievers stand proudly as British Blues & Roots outliers.


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The Jensens - Hyacinth Haze (Album).

It's been over two years in the making, but it's finally here - The Jensens rise to the top with their heavily anticipated debut album Hyacinth Haze.

Having blasted through the cosmos with the effervescent 'Coma', peered through the psychedelic haze of 'Mt. Mura', all before settling down with some soothing sax lines on 'Four Chambers', The Jensens' have taken fans on a rollercoaster of sounds, emotions and sensations across the album's three releases.

The long awaited debut LP is the result of The Jensens locking themselves away in the studio, experimenting and recording for the better part of a year. Pushing the boundaries of their sound like never before, the seven-track album incorporates aspects of prog rock, disco and electronic to the group's signature indie rock sound, a mesmerising mix which keeps things refreshing from start to end.

"The songwriting is more complex, there's more mature lyrical themes and more experimental production too" guitarist and vocalist Nathan Kendall explains, "It was written and recorded during a time in our lives where we questioned everything we were doing, as musicians, as friends, as lovers, as human beings and as a band. The album is a relinquishing of the naivety of youth and an acceptance of reality and the world around you."

The quintet are still pinching themselves from their Splendour In The Grass debut, not to mention their wins at the prestigious QUBE Effect, taking home the 'Telstra Innovation' and 'JMC Best Original Song' awards the weeks prior. Prior singles 'Coma' and 'Mt. Mura' saw spins on triple j and triple j Unearthed, racking up over 30,000 streams between them, having landed in Apple Music's 'The New Rock' playlist along with Spotify's 'New Music Friday AU & NZ', 'Indie Arrivals' and 'Chords + Cardigans' playlists.

With two EP's already released, the youthful Everybody Talks (2016) and the melancholic Sexless (2017), The Jensens have since gone on to share the stage with the likes of The Vaccines, Last Dinosaurs, Spiderbait and Twin Peaks. Adept festival stage rockers too, The Jensens have performed at tastemaker events such as Splendour In The Grass, The Blurst of Times, Mountain Goat Valley Crawl, Valley Fiesta, Jungle Love, Grampians Music Festival.

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Greta Gaines - Pharmacists - Nelson Bragg

Photo - Stacie Huckeba Greta Gaines - Coming to Fruition. Greta Gaines is excited to announce the August 29th release of her new album. Bird...