Adam Stafford - Taser Revelations

Adam Stafford - Atheist Money.

Background promo - Adam Stafford returns with his first album in nearly three years following the widely acclaimed Imaginary Walls Collapse in 2013. 

Taser Revelations was recorded at The Happiness Hotel, Song by Toad's newly aquired warehouse recording space. Utilising the warehouse's natural room reverb to great effect, the album features producer and multi-instrumentalist Robbie Lesiuk performing a variety of instruments including steel drums, organ and piano. Greggor Douglas plays the Roland Juno/omnichord and ex-Maple Leaves Anna Miles provides harmony vocals. 

Continuing Stafford's trajectory into electrified alternative pop, Taser Revelations begins with some of the most melodically catchy songs he has ever written, before taking a swerve down a dark alley midway through the album, venturing into industrial syncopation, samurai-guitar attacks and some unsettling, vivid imagery. Album available (here).

'Atheist Money' makes a good introduction to Adam Stafford's new album 'Taser Revelations'. If this is electrified alternative pop, then for me, the key word is alternative. Full of ideas and unafraid to take less pop orientated directions, the nine song album has plenty of imagination and enough hooks to keep the listener engaged throughout. Assessable, curious and yes catchy, this is a very pleasing album.

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Two For The Weekend: The Wealthy West - Eileen Carey

The Wealthy West - I've Got To Go.

Background bio - Brandon Kinder may not be a household name but there's a good chance you've heard his songs or voice somewhere over the past few years as front man for Austins anthemic rock group The Rocketboys.  As a solo singer under his own name and his Wealthy West moniker Brandon's music has been used in an enormous array of TV shows, indie movies and commercials. 

On 'Long Play' his debut LP as The Wealthy West he lets his fancy fly free and sets of on a grand journey. Themes of travelling, searching and seeking, tie many of the songs together. The Wealthy West becomes a character looking for something he may never find... or has already found and has to convince himself of that. Ultimately there is an honesty to the music. There are no wasted lyrics to fill space. Where The Wealthy West is clear on his road there is a sense of joy. Where he's confused or foundering there's a feeling of hope and experience to get through it all.

'Iv'e Got To Go' is the first of eleven songs on the album 'Long Play' (due for release on February 9th). The album is full of melodic, thoughtful songs. As I read the bio above, I thought it may be at the least, a little fanciful. Having heard the album if anything the words are understated, regarding what is a very good album.  


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Eileen Carey - Faith.

Background promo - The endlessly versatile vocalist Eileen Carey and her latest single, “Faith,” roar in the new year with an astounding eight cross-format award consideration nominations from New Music Weekly. The single has also just hit the #1 spot on Both New Music Weekly Country Charts. Talk about Faith paying off!!

Moreover, Carey’s YouTube channel has been garnering new and repeat viewers by the thousands, and her heightened prominence has earned her an upcoming guest appearance on “The Weekend Morning Show” on KCAL-TV, the CBS powerhouse in Los Angeles.

Carey is up for a nomination consideration for Female Artist of the Year, Best New AC/Hot AC Artist and Breakthrough Artist of the Year in New Music Weekly’s AC/Hot AC category.  In the Country division, she’s in the running for Female Artist and Breakthrough Artist of the Year.  And to tie it all up in a bow, she’s also contending for the Crossover Artist of the Year trophy. “Faith,” which she co-wrote with Kathryn Grimm, is vying for both AC/Hot AC and Country Single of the Year honours.

At last count, Carey’s popular YouTube channel had racked up more than 100,000 views and was still growing.  She will doubtlessly expand her fan base Sunday, Jan. 10, when she brings her musical magic to “The Weekend Morning Show” on KCAL-TV.  Carey is back in the studio this month recording her next album in Los Angeles.

I received the above promo and nearly ignored it. Plugging a TV appearance in Los Angeles didn't seem a very good fit for Beehive Candy. Anyhow cutting to the chase, I listened to 'Faith', thought to myself, this is good, so you get the song to listen to, and Los Angeles readers get a free TV reminder.

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My Darling Fury - Satisfied

My Fury Darling - Satisfied.

Background & promo words - There is a bruised elegance, razor­sharp wit, and quirky theatricality about the music of Richmond, Virginia-based band My Darling Fury. With a name that evokes thoughts of vulnerability wrapping its arms around unbridled rage, the indie pop trio of Todd Matthews, Joel Hollister and charismatic frontman Danny Reyes, defies genre limitations with songs that celebrate the unpredictability of life and love. Following the release of their debut album Licking Wounds in 2013, the band returns with A/O/K, out this Winter; a record that continues to push their singular aesthetic in new and exciting directions.

My Darling Fury’s affinity for complex rhythmic structures, operatic­-sized dramatics, and chamber music intimacy should surprise no one, considering that Reyes and Matthews both come from classically trained backgrounds. With a pliant, strikingly beautiful voice that recalls Freddie Mercury, Andrew Bird and even Nate Reuss of fun., Cuban-­American singer Danny Reyes conveys poignant lyrics in both English and Spanish, through songs that devastate and inspire. Looping and layering his acrobatic vocals with the assistance of an effects processor, he infuses the band’s sound with Afro-­Cuban rhythms and harmonizes with himself in real time.

Bassist and sound engineer Todd Matthews integrates cutting edge music software and subtle electronic textures into the fabric of the band's ever­fluctuating song structures. While manipulating the sounds of electric and bowed upright bass, he continues to experiment and develop new and innovative dialects for his instrument. Together with drummer Joel Hollister, whose atmospheric dynamics and percussive strokes elicit more remarkable sounds out of a sampler and a traditional drum kit than predictably expected, the band continues to evolve. Defending the dark horse, embracing optimism, and staring into the eyes of adversity, My Darling Fury invite you to rewrite their future and yours. -Ryan Lathan (Pop Matters, Sonic Hive).

I find it difficult to know what to add to the fine words above. 'Satisfied' is my personal introduction to the band and the song sends goosebumps right through me. A quick search and I found a couple more older songs (here) and straight away, there's two more albums on my 2016 wish list. Six days in and this could be an expensive year..

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Third Ear - The Ghost Road.

Third Ear - The Ghost Road.

Promo words - Third Ear engage the senses and offer an exquisite arrangement of themes and mood, designed to gently guide you as you embark upon a shared journey. Sometimes breezy, laid back and cool, sometimes taut, explosive and rollicking, Third Ear’s musical works are textured throughout with depth, imaginative flair and a soulfulness that seeks the heart. 

Having well served their “live music apprenticeship” by travelling and performing extensively across the country supporting various headliners, Sunshine Coast based act Third Ear have released their debut single “The Ghost Road.” Produced by Mark Paltridge and recorded at Spark 1 Studio’s Maleny, The Ghost Road displays a captivating mix of classic American 60’s surf beat and Jim Morrison style dark lyrics and overtones reminiscent of The Doors. 

According to Third Ear, “‘The Ghost Road’ is written from the perspective of a person attempting to conquer psychological torment, depression, guilt and anxiety, as it treks through wastelands of fear, turmoil and inner despair.” Deep rich vocals, a “killer riff”, and a hauntingly effective undertone graphically illustrate the subject matter with drive, purpose and gusto.

This is one of those songs that I will play far to much. Vocals are wonderful and the no nonsense musical soundtrack is just right. For me it's a little bit like a brighter version of the Sisters Of Mercy and maybe The Doors, but hey, what a mix to be likened to.


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