Sunday Gems: The Big Bend - Robbie Miller - Naropa

The Big Bend - Celebrate.

Background promo - “Celebrate” is the title track to The Big Bend’s new album that the always-reliable label Misra Records (Phosphorescent, Melaena Cadiz, Destroyer, etc) is putting out on July 22nd. Celebrate is the band's fourth release and has all the hallmarks of a career milestone, calling to mind early-‘70s Neil Young in its songwriting, with vocals reminiscent of The Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle.

The Big Bend is led by Chet Vincent, who's been kicking around Pittsburgh playing in bands since he was a teenager. A regular fixture of the city’s quietly thriving music scene, he's established a reputation as one of the city’s most dedicated figures. Celebrate shows the band’s dynamic range - from the first discordant, psychedelic notes of album opener “The Spins,” through the closing bars of the stripped-down, folky “Su La Ley.”

In between, Vincent’s vocals show range stylistically, from shouts on the rowdier tunes, to lilting crooning reminiscent of The Weakerthans’ John K. Samson on the softer songs. He’s always been a storyteller, weaving characters and situations into songs, but here he takes on social issues, both obliquely and directly, on songs like “Cut Us Down” and Fingertrap.”

A few artist references in the promo above, however I reckon it's fair to say that The Big Bend have enough good attributes of their own as the song 'Celebrate' clearly demonstrates. I have not had a chance to check out any other material by the band yet, however on listening to this again today, that's down to happen pretty soon now.

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Robbie Miller - Road.

Background promo - Robbie Miller continues to forge his own path with new single 'Road', and whispers of a new EP to come later this year.

Keeping busy following the release of triple j favourite, 'The Pain' and 2015 EP The Faster the Blood Slows, the Brisbane based Indigenous artist went straight back into the studio to create a wealth of new tracks. Devised as a collaboration with friend and band mate Nathan Morrison, 'Road' brings more electronic elements to Robbie's folk sound than ever before. Pulsating synths swirl around his signature brooding vocals to create an emotionally powered three and a half minutes. Connecting with listeners already, the track is off to a flying start, added to triple j rotation this week just a day after its debut on Good Nights with Linda Marigliano.

Road-testing the new material with a number of coveted support spots, Robbie recently toured alongside Josh Pyke and will support Dustin Tebbutt on his upcoming First Light album tour in August. He then releases his much anticipated second EP later this year with a few more surprises still to come.

'Road' really does showcase Robbie Miller's wonderful vocals. What's equally fine is the song, melodic, and sensitively layered, it's one of those instant likes for me.

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Naropa - If Only While I'm Sleeping.

Background from the band - We're a band from London called "Naropa". We're University students and have been really busy gigging around London for six months, as well as constantly writing and rehearsing, working on developing our sound and live set.

These demos got us a load of great reviews which you can check out on our website and we ended up getting completely booked up by London promoters four months in advance, as well as getting us some attention and airplay from BBC Introducing and further radio play worldwide in places like Holland, South America and USA. To keep building momentum, we got back into the studio as soon as possible and recorded our new single. The track is called "If Only While I'm Sleeping", and was officially released on all major streaming platforms yesterday, 25th June.

There's bags of passion and energy within the new song 'If Only While I'm Sleeping' from Naropa. It's clear the band have developed their sound through live gigging and plenty of graft, and by the sounds of this I'm not surprised they have been getting attention and performances. Ones to watch out for, I would say.

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Friday Mix: Destrends - Kolumbus - Kid Bloom - Slowcoaching

Destrends - Papa.

Background promo - Outfitted in Dr Martens, tight jeans and glitter, Destrends are a Melbourne based three-piece quickly building a reputation as a distinctly theatrical live band with a sound influenced by early 80s post-punk. Their sound is a unique blend, reminiscent of the new wave sound of the late 70s and early 80s, with a gentle touch of gothic hysteria.

“Papa” is the first offering off Destrends’ forthcoming debut EP, which is set for release in late 2016. The Melbourne post-punk three piece have clocked up a handful of impressive gigs since forming in 2014, including sharing the stage Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age), touring with Stonefield and Apes on their recent national tours, supporting Aussie icons Hoodoo Gurus, and performing at King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s inaugural Dawn of Gizzfest.

Recorded by Finn Keane at Head Gap Studios, “Papa” is loud, fast paced and aggressive whilst maintaining pop sensibilities. The track is characterised by a jagged and catchy guitar hook, and the listener is confronted with deep and compelling vocals. The song narrates an honest guilt and desperate plea for a father’s forgiveness.

“The song is about the time I ruined family Christmas”, said lead singer/bassist Matt Savage. “It’s also about finding your identity and learning when to shut your mouth”. “Papa” will be released 15th of July 2016.

Upcoming Shows:
Fri Aug 5 - Mynt Lounge, Werribee
Sat Aug 6 - The Loft, Warrnambool
Fri Aug 12 - Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Sat Aug 13 - The Evelyn, Melbourne
Fri Aug 19 - Transit Bar, Canberra
Sat Aug 20 - Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
Sun Aug 21 - Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney
Fri Aug 26 - St. Kilda Pier, St. Kilda.

With a strong riff delivering upfront vibes, 'Papa' comes across as a timeless new wave song, with something quite goth like about the vocals. It may have something of a retro feel to it, however it's also fresh and very catchy.

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Kolumbus - I Hope You Find Happiness.

Background promo - Irish singer-songwriter Kolumbus has announced a new single ‘I Hope You Find Happiness’ from his forthcoming debut EP 'Give Them Life' on the back of an enthusiastic reception for the first single 'Leave The Light On'.  Kolumbus is a musical project representing the solo journey of Irish songwriter Mark 'Cappy' Caplice. ‘I Hope You Find Happiness’ was written as a lament regarding the droves of Irish people that left the country to find better lives, while looking forward to happier times. "They had to leave family, friends loved ones behind to fly half way across the world. So many of my own friends and close family were among them and I saw first hand how difficult it is, both for those who leave and those who stay," explains Kolumbus. "I would never hold it against anyone for leaving. Life is too short to dwell on anything."

Earlier, Kolumbus' Christmas single 'You Know It's Christmas' hit the No.1 spot on the Google Play Music Charts and Top 20 on iTunes, ahead of heavy hitters Adele and Justin Bieber, with all proceeds goint to Inner City Helping Homeless and Baltinglass Lions Christmas appeal. That song also features the West Wicklow Voices and Chorus Kids Choir. Born in Kilkenny, Ireland, at a young age Mark Caplice moved to Wicklow, where he still resides. His performance name Kolumbus derives from the fact that he has always had a passion for travel and exploration, even from a young age. The 26-year-old believes life is too short to dwell, so his philosophy is to lead an active life.

Kolumbus was also influenced by artists such as Ben Howard, Elbow and Fleetwood Mac. His output exhibits clever craftsmanship both lyrically and melodically, blending several different styles to create his own unique brand of energetic captivating music. Of course it helps that this track was produced by Gavin Glass, the music director for John Carney's new film "Sing Street", and engineered by Scott Halliday, previously a guitar tech with Prince and James Vincent Mcmorrow. Several other notable musicians make contributions here: drummer Graham Hopkins, who plays with Irish folk legend Glen Hansard, and organist Conor O'Reilly, who has recorded with U2 and has had his music performed in Carnegie Hall.

2016 is proving to be a very busy year for Kolumbus, having already toured through Germany and Austria, travelling over 4000 km on 2 planes, 17 trains and 1 bicycle. This year, Ireland, England, Germany and the U.S.A are all set to figure on his tour schedule.

Well the Irish have always been adventurous in travelling, and settling in far off places, and the song 'I Hope You Find Happiness' is a melodic and sincere song that may have been written as a lament, but Kolumbus has such an infectious voice, it also sounds like an upbeat celebration.

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Kid Bloom - Electric U.

Background promo - “Electric U” may derive its inspiration from the disco days of yore, yet in doing so Kid Bloom creates a thoroughly refreshing entry into the world of contemporary music. With the popular trend of musical sound leaning towards dark electronic trap, the jovial horns and violin strings of “Electric U” remind us that music is at its heart layers of instrumentation, or as the band lovingly calls it, “glittery arrangements.” Kid Bloom (a young quintet) says the new track is incredibly fun to play live -- though such is easily inferred from the infectious groove of the pop/disco blend. “Every time I need my fix, I can get it,” repeats Lennon Kloser through the song’s chorus, a sentiment fans will hope is true for them as well, as they clamour for more material from the promising new band. Kid Bloom's upcoming single, Electric U, will be featured on the soundtrack for Independence Day: Resurgence, the sequel to the 1996 blockbuster starring Will Smith.

Kid Bloom is a L.A. quintet engaging in lovingly warped, sneaky-smart psych-pop. They’ve recorded an EP’s worth of tunes at an Atwater Village studio that feel like the ’60s and ’70s in a fun house — theirs is an arty approach to composition, deconstructing and reassembling pop elements seemingly on a whim, judiciously subtracting where others might pile on and shifting tempos and moods like jazzmen. The music is the work of singer-guitarist Lennon Kloser, along with singer/guitarist/keyboardist Jesse Perlman and drummer Josh Conway (both of whom played with Dreamers Dose) and Englishmen Will Reynolds (guitar/vocals) and Max Sterling (bass). There’s no tidy genre that fits Kid Bloom, unless you count the category: Now That’s Different, Is There More?

'Electric U' has a gentle funky feel to it, with vocals that echo a calm summers day where laid back moods come into there own. The band have a natural feel, delivering soulful tight music, and yes as hinted at above, slipping in and out of genres at a whim.

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Slowcoaching - Night Fiction.

Background promo - Armed with a newly minted name and an ever so slightly cynical outlook on international copyright claims, Melbourne man about town Slowcoaching (formerly Slowcoach) rivals musical euphoria with impressive results. Recognising his feats, Slowcoaching aims, and invites you, to relax and float away with his music.

New single, 'Night Fiction' has been garnering wide critical acclaim from reviewers and radio hosts around Australia and internationally. Ready and willing to bring 'Night Fiction' to its prime potential, Slowcoaching is pleased to announce a single launch, and consequently, his debut headline show at Melbourne's Boney, Friday 1st July.

Constructed in a perfect dream-pop atmosphere, 'Night Fiction' pairs sweeping melodies and transcendental instrumentation challenging his contemporaries such as DIIV, the War on Drugs and the Strokes. Together, it produces a brilliantly measured track and an intelligent step forward for Slowcoaching (better known as Dean Valentino to his parents).

Joining Slowcoaching for this evening's performance is fellow Melbourne dream boats and sound pioneers, Fountaineer. More guests TBA.

Single launch Show:
JULY 1st Boney, Melbourne, VIC.

If you were asked to define dream pop 'Night Fiction' would lend a mighty hand. It's bright and breezy and awash with dreamy hazy feelings. Melodic, infectious and full of hooks, it's getting well deserved attention..

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Quality Not Quantity: Divan - Earth Heart

Divan - Sale Of Lakes.

Background promo - There's a lot of life in the city. Growing up in the idyllic Irish countryside and finding a place amid the alien, urban sprawl had a huge impact on Divan. Their music; all pulsating rhythm, soaring vocals and oscillating guitars, draws on a rich tapestry of styles and sounds, which evolves into a real statement of intent: the desire to understand art and its relevance in modern life.

 Singer, Jamie Clarke writes: 'I think always having an innate desire to surround yourself with activity & action when all you've known is peace & tranquillity comes out in our music. It draws me to people, and also to the art that I love.'

The lyrical narrative in Modern Knowledge weaves its way through such themes, affecting not just today's artists and creators but everyone that, like Jamie, is drawn to the bustle of something more than what was known... From experimenting with accessible but unusual time signatures in ‘Shards’ to exploring vulnerability both lyrically and vocally in ‘A Clarity Appears’, the heart and soul that runs through this record is achieved via subtle nods to the likes of Radiohead, The National and Richard Hawley, as well as the band’s own profound voice and subject matter.

There are mournful sparks of looped piano from Brent (Knopf) in ‘Darkened Room’ and dark melodies inspired by the encompassing warmth of Sufjan Stevens…while frontman Clarke’s subtly reedy voice is reminiscent of Benjamin Gibbard in his more delicate moments. Major chords are utilised to strengthen the depths alongside jolting, haunted stabs of guitar and the end result is compelling, intense and overwhelmingly thoughtful; demanding repeated listens.

Going by the song 'Sale Of Lakes' the transition from rural to urban life for the band Divan, has at least at a musical level paid off. Having gone in the opposite direction, I personally think both can help with musical creativity, however the urban sprawl does spark passion and reality, the case in point being this really fine song.

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Earth Heart - Homesick.

And the band say - We're a garage/street rock band from Allston, MA. Our influences range from local acts such as Fat History Month and Krill to the Mouldy Peaches, the Melvins, and Cat Power.

We formed in February 2013 when Katie and Matt met at the old All Asia Cafe in Central Square, Cambridge. She was working on a solo project at the time, as she didn't have a band. She mentioned she needed a drummer and Matt volunteered without having heard her songs. We played a show the next day without rehearsing and have been playing together ever since. We continued as a duo (guitar and drums), playing extensively in the Boston area at venues such as TT The Bears Place, Middle East upstairs, O'Briens, Out Of The Blue Gallery and Zuzu, as well as a handful of basement shows in Manchester NH.

We self-recorded and -released five EPs along the way, and completed our first full-length, professionally recorded album in January 2016 with Shaun Curran at Napoleon Complex in Somerville, MA. The following month (January 2016) we were joined by Natan Keyes on bass. Our plans are to continue playing locally and tour for the first time this summer. 

'Homesick' is a little bit punky and garage, and a whole lot raw unrefined energy. It's good old rock'n'roll with attitude, and it never ceases to please.

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Midweek Double: Ghost Wave - Pip Blom

Ghost Wave - All U Do Is Kill.

Background promo - New Zealand’s Ghost Wave return with their sophomore album Radio Norfolk. Following on from 2013’s Ages the latest album sees the duo explore deeper into their psychedelic sound, while adding a more electronic focus to their sunny warped songs.

From the opening track onwards Radio Norfolk is a series of trippy, psych hooks filled with clashes of keys, organs, and percussion. Taking minimal cues from their previous work, Radio Norfolk’s songs dance through a colourful, hyperactive rhythm sets (All U Do Is Kill), dazed, dub-laden melodies (Honeypunch, Blues Signal ’79), 70s jangle gems (Don’t Ask Why, Slow Cone Descent), the album offers no limit to the duo’s vision.  It’s the album they started a band to make, in the first place. On top of this, they aptly brought on the talents of Spaceman 3’s Sonic Boom to master the record.

With a less serious, yet more focused, approach to their craft and seeking good times only, they created  individual production personas (Malcolm S/ Dr Billy) and huddled up for a year in their Auckland studio, Breeze N Soul (named after the Kool & The Gang song). 

Ghost Wave started life in 2012 as the brainchild of Matt Paul (Vocals, Guitar). What was a initially a project relegated to a small room in Auckland, New Zealand over time the sonic chemistry he was cooking up caught the attention of fellow music maker and soon-to-be collaborator Eammon Logan (Drums). Together they self-recorded what came to be their self- titled EP and followed this up with debut album Ages.

Inspired by skate vids, Persian rugs and the music of Little Richard, you could simply characterise Ghost Wave by jangly guitars underpinned by motor-style rhythms and a unique melodic sensibility. Yet, with Radio Norfolk they have gone further than that, creating something even more captivating and intriguing. In their own words it’s “ ...the countdown to the meltdown.” Radio Norfolk is out in New Zealand on 8th of July and worldwide on 5th of August. The next single Honeypunch drops on 24th of June.

Ghost Wave play their album release show on 8th of July at the Las Vegas Strip Club Auckland - with special guest Peach Milk.

Second time around on Beehive Candy for Ghost Wave this time featuring the song 'All U Do Is Kill'. It's one of ten tracks on the soon to drop album 'Radio Norfolk'. It's worth reading the second paragraph of the promo description above (and it saves me repeating much of it), this is a band who create fine songs, test the boundaries and can musically charm your socks off.

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Pip Blom - Hours.

Background promo - Pip Blom has released her new track ’Hours’ online. Pip Blom is a 19 year old artist from Amsterdam. DIY is in her genes. She writes, records and releases her own indie pop tunes with a twist. Although she just started releasing her material in 2016, her rough diamonds with catchy melodies have already found their way to an international audience. The songs have been featured on influential Spotify play lists with more than 150.000 plays.

When she was 15 years old, Pip started playing a three-string Loog guitar and in a month she wrote 13 songs, recorded them and released them under the name Short Stories. With the album, Pip ended up on the front page of worldwide tech website ’TechCrunch’ as they did a feature of Loog guitars. She writes and records everything on her own but she brings her songs live as a four piece band. Tours in the Netherlands and England are scheduled for the band in the near future for her and the three other Amsterdam youngsters; Tender Blom, Bowie Thörig and Berend Kok, who accompany her on stage.

Two of Pip’s songs, Hours and Truth will be released on a limited edition 7” single via the Norwich based Grunt Grunt A Go Go label on the 1st of July. Hours is now available on all platforms.

'Hours' is just so delightful. Musically it's a stripped back piece, that gently grows as the melody supports her hypnotic vocals. Wonderful!

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