Quality Not Quantity: Wyatt Blair - Grog - Glider Pilots - Perpacity

Wyatt Blair - Dancing On A Dream.

Background promo - Record label founder. Recording wizard. Power pop maestro. Wyatt Blair is a man of many disciplines. Blair began Lolipop Records out of his parents’ Laguna Beach garage in 2010 with a simple goal of recording his friends and sharing their music with the world. When Wyatt moved the label to Los Angeles in 2012, he inadvertently started a rock ‘n’ roll revolution — spawning an army of sweet-toothed teens with an insatiable appetite for the sugary garage pop sounds of Lolipop bands — most of them discovered by Blair himself.

However, even as he assumed his role as the hardest working man in LA’s flourishing garage rock scene, Blair continued to write, record and produce his own music at a prolific rate. His debut full-length, “Banana Cream Dream,” immortalised his love of all things sweet and solidified his place as one of LA’s top tune-smiths. An infectious blend of anthemic power pop, tongue-in-cheek storytelling and hilarious interludes, the record has seen multiple re-pressings on Lolipop, Burger Records and Resurrection Records. Blair toured tirelessly behind “Banana Cream Dream,” supporting bands such as Broncho, Froth and Corners, and playing popular local festivals like Burgerama, Beach Goth and Desert Daze.

So, where does one go after assuming the throne of dessert-themed rock ‘n’ roll? For Blair, a musical chameleon and pop music Renaissance man, there was only one option. Hang up the banana suit and bust out the hairspray. Blair’s latest LP, ‘Point of No Return’ (out August 5th on Lolipop and Burger Records), is an unabashed love letter to the arena rock, glam and hair metal heroes that he holds so close to his heart. Channelling the soaring, harmonised guitar solos, lovelorn lyricism and workout-ready rhythms, “Point of No Return” plays like a lost gem from the long player generation.

'Dancing On A Dream' is the first of twelve songs on the new album 'Point of No Return'. It's an unashamed collection of arena, hair and glam rock music, that hurtles at the listener in a wonderful blast, indeed it's not until track six 'Patience' that the tempo really drops, and then not for long. Melodies, smooth vocals and loads of guitar driven songs make for a great album. It's a little retro and and yet also fresh and immediate.

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Grog - In Plain Sight.

Background - 'In Plain Sight' is the debut solo single from LA-based singer-songwriter Grog Lisee, aka singer/bass player and face of cult rock band Die So Fluid.

Finding herself in an intensely inspired creative space [‘cut me and music spills out’], Grog has recently been writing & producing material that flows beyond the framework of the classic Die So Fluid rock sound.

Her ever-widening perspective and a desire to share more personal and experimental offerings have led her to this solo project. With her mantra 'no rules, no limits', we can expect the release of more Grog songs over the coming months.

 "As a Brit living in the US, you can't help but notice the abundance of religions and cults here. I became interested and started researching them. I soon discovered the more extreme side of cult behaviour and was moved to write about what I consider its evil nature 'hidden in plain sight'.

The lyrics seem ever more pertinent in the face of escalating global civil unrest, racial disharmony, and terrorist propaganda. This is a time when surely we need to trust our instincts, strive for peace, and refuse to live in fear." – Grog, 2016.

'In Plain Sight' has a rhythmic, synth driven soundtrack, that complement Grog's superbly matched vocals. The song has a message that is delivered powerfully, in a piece that gradually builds into something of an anthem.

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Glider Pilots - Simple Things.

Background - Glider Pilots is an indie-rock/folk duo formed by brother and sister Benjamin and Samantha Hope. Born and raised in far north Queensland, Australia, their music revolves around the use of delicate guitar melodies, breathy vocals, synthesisers and drum machines. They write, record, mix and master themselves. They even do all the artwork and music videos.

Glider Pilots first released their debut EP In Another World in February 2015. They went on to play shows throughout Queensland, releasing new singles ‘Shoe Box’ and ‘Brand New Day’ later in 2015. Their follow up EP Some Where out There premiered through hhhhappy.com in April 5 to wide praise throughout Australia. The duo released a music video for EP track ‘Sleeping Vision’, and launched the EP at The Drift in Cairns later that month to an adoring audience.

Their upcoming single ‘Simple Things’ was recorded in their own studio and was recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by band member Benjamin. “‘Simple Things’ tells the story of how you get caught in the push and pull of where and who you are and where and who you want to be,” says the band.

Glider Pilots are planning touring throughout Cairns and Queensland this October, with an accompanying music video for the single later this Winter/Spring. “Simple Things” by Glider Pilots will be released 12th of August 2016.

Delightful, gentle vocals and the equally melodic and sensitive musical soundtrack, make 'Simple Things' something quite special. It's one of those songs that leaves me, desirous to checkout far more of their material.

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Perpacity - 9725.

Background - British-Danish synth pop duo Perpacity are releasing '9725', the lead single from their forthcoming second album ‘Arise’, Comprised of 14 tracks, it is scheduled for release in early October, the 14 tracks on this release complement each other well and create a special ambiance. ‘Eternal ft. Nordik Fire’, a track that brings the Celtic element of a violin-charged melody into electronic territory, is being offered as the b-side.

Perpacity is a duo comprised of Ian Harling and Martin Nyrup, who reside in Bristol (UK) and Copenhagen (Denmark) respectively. Their music exhibits a strong command of melody and texture, characterised by unique dark moving electronic soundscapes and vocals to set your heart alight. This is genuine, unconditional love for synthpop or dance-pop.

“When we set out to write the new album we agreed to not try to go for a specific mood, theme or atmosphere - that whether a song or a track made the initial cut depended purely on whether we like it and whether it speaks to us. We purposely allowed other genres to influence what came out of each song,” explains Martin Nyrup. “We get a bit blues-ish here and there, and even go a bit Celtic in one track with an amazing collaboration we had with violinist Bethany Borg of Nordik Fire. We like to think there is something for everybody here.”

“One of the reasons that Martin and I work well together is that we don't have the same tastes in music, often quite the opposite,” says Ian Harling. “The song '9725' was very much like that; it started out as a really gritty instrumental, but every time I listened to it I could hear lyrics and a melody within it. When you work on tracks like that, there’s a feeling that the song is writing itself, and you simply have to help it come out. On the surface it's a standard love song, but there is also a second level of meaning there.”

The ‘Arise’ LP was mastered by Alexander Kretov from renowned dreampop band Ummagma. As of October 7, ‘Arise’ will be released on CD and digital download via the duo’s Bandcamp, Amazon, and elsewhere. It is already available for pre-order on Bandcamp, with immediate download of ‘9725’ and ‘Eternal ft. Nordik Fire’). 

The contrast between the featured song '9725' and ‘Eternal ft. Nordik Fire’ is considerable, and demonstrates that Perpacity can turn their attention to very differing sounds and ideas, making the October album release something to look forward to. '9725' has a timeless electronic feel, with synths and vocals both vying for attention. Comparisons there may be, however I can only think of some very fine ones, so no problems there!

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Genre Wander: The Medicine Hat - Leslie Doll - The Tigerlilies - Gothic Tropic

The Medicine Hat - St. Cecilia.

Background - There's no mistaking Nabi Sue Bersche's unique, raw and emotive vocals. Here's her thoughts on the song:

"St. Cecilia is a song for all the men who have ever harassed me. It's a song for all the long stares and salacious grins, all the licked-lips and hey-sweethearts, all the shadows that walk a little too close behind me. It's about the thick skin I put on when I walk alone or I'm on stage. 

I love the power of that skin, but I hate that I need to be tough to feel safe. Now a brief glance in the mirror turns to a thousand eyes ogling me up and down, unkind hands fussing with my appearance. They impair a kindness I used to carry so easily. St. Cecilia is my constant companion. The patron Saint of music, she's with me in every dark bar, on every walk home. Watching my drink, watching my back, whispering a sweet melody in my ear." 

'St. Cecilia' is the second song we have featured by The Medicine Hat, and it's another gorgeous one. There is a quite intriguing video that has also been produced and can be seen over on our BeeVids page.

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Leslie Doll - Electronic.

Background bio - From the home of innovative pop music - Nub Country Records - comes the new Album from Leslie Doll. Leslie is a versatile producer, musician and songwriter - a passionate and soulful creator and performer who takes listeners on a journey through a musical world where fun and joy balance introspection and sometimes sorrow. His music is a reflection of deep expression and a bit of urban perspective. A member of the Vermont music writer’s society he has performed with a number of bands playing bass and keyboards and has recently received a publishing contract with music delivery in Brazil.

Leslie is a self taught musician and producer, his influences teaching him everything he knows about songwriting  - Mozart The Beatles, Billy Joel, Bach, Beethoven, Henry Mancini, Glen Miller and so many more.  He has written and produced over 150 songs within the past three years in his home studio with no limits in genre as he is comfortable writing in any style of music including classical compositions. What’s next for Leslie? He is looking to write an Opera and more classical pieces as well as more of his own unique beat driven tracks as shown on Durick 104.

 “This is now a passion for me, and will be with me for the rest of my life. Being an artist and writing music is what I am and always will be. This is something I must do and is not simply a hobby, or part-time work. I firmly believe that I have a gift that needs to be worked as best I can and heard by people that enjoy my sounds and new audiences as well”. Leslie Doll. 

Durick 104 is a really adventurous collection of electronic musical compositions, of which 'Electronic' gives a flavour. Melodies and tempos vary considerably, the one constant is the quality.

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The Tigerlilies - Easy As It Seems.

Background - The style set forth by the Buzzcocks, Cheap Trick and The Ramones is alive and well in the hands of The Tigerlilies - Cincinnati’s sole practitioners of post punk power pop.

Brothers Pat (vocals, guitar) and Steve (vocals, drums) Hennessy spearhead the band which includes Brian Driscoll (bass) and Brendan Bogosian (lead guitar). Together they have played countless shows around Ohio, serving as support for Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, Paul Weller, Guided By Voices and Superchunk, and attaining a sizable and appreciative following along the way. The past decade has seen the release of many singles and albums on independent Midwestern labels such as Atavistic, Violently Hip and Mono-cat 7, chalking up a total of four full lengths which showcase The Tigerlilies economic blend of punk, 60’s soul and garage rock.

Holding together the band through the years proved challenging with certain harsh memories developing into positives and others leaving lasting scars. Their practice spaces through the years are often rich with hilarious subterranean anecdotes – from their underground “keg room” which had to be accessed through a grate in the sidewalk to their current vintage junk store which they have lovingly named “the lily pad”. A tour van crash in Dallas years back is a more painful chapter in the bands history; killing their manager, Craig Falbe, and injuring all of the band members. They stayed together, helped each other through and kept on playing.

Resolve seems to be a constant theme in the bands work and has never been more apparent than on their newest EP, 123456, which delves into subject matter as varied as loss, alienation and space travel. It even includes a timely tribute to David Bowie, written a year before the superstar’s death. “These things are important to us because they represent a shared human experience” asserts Pat. “Hearing them reflected in song can bring people together, make them feel uplifted, reflective and just better.” This is a sentiment which has been echoed by their fan base who have expressed how The Tigerlilies music has helped them through depressing and even suicidal times. It’s seems the band’s retro, revved up rock, which often comes with a care free veneer, has a deep effect on people’s lives.

Their newest EP, 123456, is out September 2nd, and the featured song 'Easy As It Seems' kicks the collection of six songs off. It demonstrates the "post punk" side of the band off, however as this collection of songs demonstrates, they are capable of slower and gentler material, giving the listener a well rounded and highly enjoyable collection of tracks.

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Gothic Tropic - How Life Works.

Background - Los Angeles' Gothic Tropic introduces a new brand of female fronted, guitar-driven indie rock. Gothic Tropic have also shared a new track "How Life Works," as they announce the upcoming album 'Fast or Feast' due for release on Old Flame Records with a street date: October 28, 2016.

The brainchild of Cecilia Della Peruti, Gothic Tropic keeps the vibe playful and punchy, bringing audiences into a new era of female rock nobility, nodding to stars like Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. Delivering a blend of Richard Lloyd and Nile Rodgers on guitar, Gothic Tropic's Della Peruti has won sponsorships with Fender, and leading pedal manufacturers, and works professionally as a touring and session player for Charli XCX, BØRNS, and more.

Another act where it's second time around on Beehive Candy this year. 'How Life Works' showcases the quality of their brand of indie rock. Layers of melodic guitar driven music, support the dreamy vocals, on what is a very fine song and taster for the forthcoming album. 

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Five For You: Palace - Grieving - Divan - Ofelia K - NervousTwitch

Palace - Have Faith.

Background promo - Palace's latest release ‘Have Faith’ is the second track to be taken from their hugely anticipated debut album ‘So Long Forever’. According to the band the song, “plays with the idea of a kind of self analysis of one's emotional strength, but it's also addressed to someone else. It's that need to find a foundation of confidence and belief so that you can both grow as people - that you need to be strong for each other, and not self sabotage yourself on a daily basis. It's the everyday struggle to find strength based on a lack of faith.”

Palace’s first show of 2016 was at the ICA in June and, just like their show at Scala last October, sold out at speed. They have just announced a November UK tour to coincide with the release of ‘So Long Forever’ on 4th November that includes a London date at Brixton Electric on 23rd November. Full details below. Ahead of this they will be playing Reading & Leeds festivals.

They began writing ‘So Long Forever’ last autumn in The Arch - a creative nerve centre in deepest, darkest Tottenham packed with young artists, designers and musicians. It has been produced by Adam Jaffery (Beach Baby, Dev Hynes, Francis Lung) and mixed by Cenzo Townshend (The Maccabees, Florence + the Machine, Wild Beasts). The album artwork - as with all previous artwork - has been painted by Wilm Danby.

In late 2014 Palace released their debut EP ‘Lost in the Night’, which garnered an overwhelming amount of critical and fan support, with the NME proclaiming, “the award for the fastest rise of 2014 goes to Palace.” 2015 saw them embark on two UK and European tours that book-ended the release of their second EP ‘Chase The Light’, which received continued support from Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and Annie Mac, 6Music’s Steve Lamacq and Radio X’s Georgie Rogers, Maz Tappuni, John Kennedy and Jo Good. They spent last summer in a whirlwind of festival performances including Live at Leeds, The Great Escape, Liverpool Sound City, Blissfields, Kendall Calling, Green Man and Bestival, to name just a few. Palace are Leo Wyndham (guitar, vocals), Rupert Turner (guitar), Will Dorey (bass) and Matt Hodges (drums).

Live Dates:
27th Aug - Reading - Reading Festival
28th Aug - Leeds - Leeds Festival
21st Nov - Brighton - Patterns
22nd Nov - Bristol - Exchange
23rd Nov - London - Brixton Electric
24th Nov - Leeds - Belgrave Music Hall
25th Nov - Manchester - Deaf Institute
26th Nov - Glasgow - King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.

'Have Faith' is an exceptionally refined song. It's melodic, with both the vocals and the bands music, sounding polished and very natural, something quite amazing for a band who only released their debut EP in late 2014. I'm highly impressed.

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Grieving - Warmest Jets.

Background -  Grieving are a new, unsigned band from Cambridge, playing direct, twisting art-punk. Their first demo was debuted by tastemakers The Fader in March and their second track - the raw, dual vocalled post-hardcore / 90's indie-rock of "Ownership" - saw them pick up their first Radio 1 play from Dan P Carter. Their third track, the more direct and anthemic sounds of "My Friend, The Ghost", saw support from Huw Stephens on Radio 1.

Earlier this month they debuted "Little Armoured", the title inspired by a book of poetry by Rebecca Perry, a leftfield track, off-kilter in places and melodic in others. Showing once more a diverse set of influences at work here, it takes another sharp turn in its final third. Their fifth and final track from “Demonstrations”, the brief, melodic rush of “Warmest Jets” was debuted today on Punktastic.

The band have played their first shows over the last three months, alongside the likes of Tellison, the much buzzed about Muncie Girls and Three Trapped Tigers and have recorded five songs as an EP release, "Demonstrations", on July 29th. They join The New Tusk and Pet Grief for a handful of tour dates in late September and will announce further shows for November in the coming weeks.

In debt to the likes of Les Savy Fav, Television, Spy Versus Spy, Bear vs Shark, Dismemberment Plan, Fugazi and elsewhere the lo-fi pop and fully charged punk of Guided By Voices, Pylon, Samiam, The Lemonheads, Bob Mould etc.

August 04 London The Lexington w/ Young Legionnaire & USA Nails
August 15 London The Old Blue Last w/ Cassels & So-Crates

September 22 Norwich Gringos w/ The New Tusk, Pet Grief & Algae Bloom
September 23 Cambridge The Blue Moon w/ The New Tusk & Pet Grief
September 24 Brighton The Green Door Store w/ The New Tusk, Munez & Pet Grief
October 30 Norwich Podstock @ The Owl Sanctuary

Grieving have been featured by Beehive Candy twice this year already, so perhaps regular readers may think I have some bias towards the band. Well last time I thought to myself, that's enough for this year, and then they come up with another song, that I cannot help but feature. Obviously there is something that really connects with myself, maybe it's the raw, genuine and passionate feeling, that is just so rock'n'roll.

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Divan - Shards.

Background - 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 front man 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.

We featured Divan just over a month ago, and so far I have just loved everything I have heard by the band. I guess the Irish musical styling is a key part, however the band put a very definitive slant on their songs, and are happy to test out ideas rather than just take the safe path.

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Ofelia K - Killing Me.

Background - Ofelia K.’s voice and compelling songs are worn down to perfection and balance wistful maturity with a certain earnest and eternally young expression.  Not quite pop, not quite anything else, the young singer-songwriter showcases her beautiful symmetry with her music somewhere between an unrepressed journal entry, a comforting arm around the shoulder and her smoky, shimmering glare, her eyes so knowingly staring into you. With spins from Annie Mac at BBC Radio 1, over 2 million Spotify plays, and features on multiple television shows, the world heard her starry eyed songs and asked for oh-so-many more. 

With her upcoming single release, "Killing Me," right around the corner this LA songstress once again sets her sights on capturing the public’s heart with her  tunes. As Ofelia herself mentions, “Killing Me is about the strange paradox that those who love you the  most can also hurt you the most. Loving deeply makes you vulnerable and the highs  and lows can be extreme.”  And with Ofelia K, you know that can only result in pure musical bliss.

'Killing Me' is getting considerable attention after just a few days, and that is not surprising, as this is a delightful and massively catchy song. Sometimes that's all that's needed!

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NervousTwitch - So Rock'n'Roll.

Background - Odd Box Records are re-issuing Nervous Twitch’s incredible LP Don’t Take My TV on vinyl for the first time, with an official release date of August 26th. Nervous Twitch are a Leeds based band who serve up “catchy, effervescent punk-pop” Louder Than War, one that’s angst-ridden and dining on an ode to Riot Grrl, surf and garage-rock.

Don’t Take My TV is the bands second album but comes from a pretty expansive back-catalogue of singles and EPs, one which has seen them acquire significant praise and a recent radio session onMarc Riley’s BBC 6 Music show. The band will be performing at this year’s Indietracks festival.

'So Rock'n'Roll' is the opening song, and one of eleven wonderfully punk pop tracks, on this first time on vinyl release. The featured song reminds me in part of Blondies first album, which remains my favourite, because it had a genuine rough around the edges feel to it. Likewise the Nervous Twitch album 'Dont Take My TV' has that vital ingredient for anything punk orientated, along with alot of enthusiasm and charm. Love It! 

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Six Of The Best: Dreamers - Blaenavon - CJ Hooper - Places Erupt - Future Generations - Rakunk

Dreamers - Sweet Disaster.

Background promo - Dreamers  first broke out in the scene when their track, "Wolves (You Got Me)" made it's way into the Top 18 - where it stayed there for months! their new single, "Sweet Disaster" has been added to Advance Placement! They have toured with acts like Atlas Genius, Zella Day, Stone Temple Pilots

Dreamers spent nearly two years on the road, touring and near homeless - living out of their practice space. Now, after bouts of vagrancy, nomadism, and vigilant attempts at normalcy, Dreamers calls Los Angeles home, committed to its collective vision of artistry, inclusion, and idealism. Their debut was recorded at the iconic Fairfax Recordings (formerly Sound City) - the same studio artists like Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac have recorded.

'Sweet Disaster' is one of twelve songs from the "This Album Does Not Exist" album, due August 26th via Fairfax Recordings. It's pretty typical of this energised collection of tracks, many carrying enticing hooks along with an overall positive feel. As debut albums go, this is one solid effort, full of good tunes that deserve to get noticed.

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Blaenavon - Let’s Pray.

Background promo - Transgressive-signed teenagers Blaenavon have unveiled ‘Let’s Pray’ the second track from  their much-anticipated debut album with Grammy-winning producer Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Bombay Bicycle Club, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Bjork), alongside news of their biggest headline show to date, further festival dates, and a lengthy UK support tour.

‘Let’s Pray’ is a massive, emotive and bold statement of intent from the Hampshire three-piece on top of their game, Blaenavon’s dark romanticism exudes lonesome warmth - reminiscent of The Smiths and The Cure - and self-assured, mellifluous tendencies.

Singer Ben Gregory said the following about the new single: "When the best songs have all already been written, order yourself a smile and a steak - equally as rare - chew with your mouth closed and your hands in your pockets and wait... Wait for sanity. She'll settle up."

‘Let’s Pray’ and previous single ‘I Will Be The World’ are the first new tracks from Blaenavon since their acclaimed 2015 "Miss World" EP. ’I Will Be The World’ caught the attention of Zane Lowe at this year’s SXSW, who convinced label Transgressive to let him play an unfinished version of the track on his Beats 1 show and declared them "one of the most talked about, breakthrough bands” playing the festival.
 
Following an epic debut US trip in March, which included a visit to SXSW where the band were tipped by the likes of The Fader, Esquire, NME plus many other taste makers, Blaenavon have announced a run of new festival appearances - including Glastonbury, Latitude Festival, Reading & Leeds, and Electric Picnic. The boys have spent the last four months on the road supporting bands such as Foals, Bloc Party, Sundara Karma and The Sherlocks as well as sell out headline shows at The Lexington, Dingwalls and around the country.

'Let's Pray' is the second song we have featured by Blaenavon, and deservedly so. This is a quality indie rock song, with a smooth flowing feel, it's both melodic and full of great harmonies.

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CJ Hooper - Need To Know.

Background - Here’s the latest offering from a truly talented songsmith, ‘Need To Know’ is a classic track from CJ Hooper, reminiscent of the singer-songwriter heyday of the 70’s! The new single mixes elements of John Lennon's take on Pop-Rock with CJ Hooper's own lush harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. Piano accompanies a delicate acoustic guitar, guiding the slow build of the track through reflective verses into a captivating chorus bound to absorb the listener.

“I lost my dad a few years back, which made me question many things. A yearning to know what’s ahead of us and reflecting on the reality of still being here is what lead to writing this track,” says CJ Hooper on the genesis of the track.

CJ Hooper’s debut independent single ‘By My Side’ launched him into the radios of Australians everywhere, making its triple j premiere on Roots n’ All with Sarah Howells. ‘Life Feels Good’ followed the success of his debut, releasing earlier this year, and featuring yet again on triple j. It found its way onto playlists at a number of big indie stations across Australia, including 2RRR FM, SYN FM, Pulse Radio, Inner FM, Radio Adelaide, Valley FM, Homebrew Radio, being played amongst the likes of John Butler Trio, The Waifs, Dan Kelly & Nick Cave.

‘Need To Know’ is the latest independent release from the talented CJ Hooper, who’s personal and diverse approach to music is resonating with audiences worldwide. “Need To Know” by CJ Hooper will be released 12th of August 2016.

Another artist featured some time ago on Beehive Candy, CJ Hooper's new song 'Need To Know' is a beautifully delivered piece. I can understand the John Lennon reference in the above promo, it's definitely not a copy, however the songs construction does bare some of Lennon's hallmarks. That said this song stands on it's own merits and really does build into something quite wonderful.

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Places Erupt - Mayday.

Background from the band - Our latest entitled, 'Mayday' is about the difficulty of shaking things off. It’s also about the desire to compartmentalise things that trouble you and the difficulty of actually accomplishing it.

Lee was experiencing heart palpitations at the time of writing this song and was required to wear a heart monitor for a few days to monitor his heart activity, thus the words: Checking on the pulse/ Beat reporter/ Plastic tentacles/ Reaching in.

A few years ago, Greg and Lee started writing songs in their grimy College Street apartment, with no real vision of creating a full band. Several years later, what was once a casual folk tandem had turned into a quintet.

We're not classical, we're not folk, and not rock but our sound combines all three genres. As a band we've toured extensively throughout Ontario and Eastern Canada, formerly under the name The Benefit of the Free Man. This is our first full length as Places Erupt. Look for the album out August 19th. 

'Mayday' does suggest a band that are comfortable to explore differing genres to deliver the right overall sound. This is a fairly gentle song, that is cleverly layered so that the fine vocals and variety of instruments and sounds all have clarity. The album 'Breathe A Storm' takes their musical ideas even further, in a collection of eight wonderful songs. If you like the single, then I whole heartedly recommend the forthcoming August release.

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Future Generations - Thunder In The City.

Background - Future Generations will be releasing their self-titled debut album today Friday, July 29 via Frenchkiss Records. In advance of the album's drop the band are sharing “Thunder In The City”, the new single from the record. The band's Eddie Gore says "We are extremely excited to be finally releasing this out to the world. We've grown so much through this process and I have to say that is probably the biggest theme through the whole thing: Growth.”

“Thunder In The City” is one of the last songs written for the record, and it best embodies the band’s feelings about the upcoming release. Eddie adds “I don't want to get too specific about meaning behind the song because it's not supposed to be specific, but it's definitely about being happy in a moment and about looking back and being happy with yourself”.

In the style of MGMT, Friendly Fires and FUN, Future Generations have excellent pop-sensibilities and know just how to draw a listener in. Apart from the hooky vocal and melodic components making “Thunder In The City” a rich sonic experience, they also know how to provide sufficient variety of sounds pulling off the track’s all-important hooks.

On the eve of their debut's release Future Generations will be playing a record release show at NYC's Mercury Lounge (July 29), and it is a great starting point for any NY listeners to check out what all the fuss is about. In addition, they are playing the following dates this summer with more to be announced:

Live Dates:
7/29 - Mercury Lounge - New York NY
8/5 - Tropicalia - Washington, DC
8/12 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
8/18 - Great Scott - Boston, MA
8/26 - Fete Lounge - Providence, RI.

'Thunder In The City' is the tenth and final song on today's album release. As a guide, it gives an absolute flavour of the bands music, which I guess is loosely defined as pop orientated Alt Rock. They can and do mix up the tempo's, and the promotional piece above is pretty much straight down the line. It's looks like some New Yorker's are in for a good gig tonight!

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Rakunk - Trillionaire.

Background bio - "Just when we thought we knew where we were going / I learned I never had it right," rasps Jonathan McIntire, over staccato guitars and pulsing keys. The opening lyrical salvo to Rakunk's self-titled EP is ironic, however--McIntire and company clearly know exactly where they're going, and have been doing it well since the band's inception.

Formed by McIntire and guitarist Tames McTigue in late 2014, the duo wasted no time recruiting bassist Taylor Briggs and then drummer Thomas Benko, booking shows and recording two demos and an EP, which tracked at the top of Soundcloud's trending sections, drawing the attention of labels and management firms. After a few membership changes (including Tames' departure to move to Qatar), Rakunk's lineup has solidified into McIntire, Briggs, guitarist Mike Maneechotte and drummer Brian Dunk and the four-piece has never sounded bigger.

Augmenting the band's huge, guitar-driven rock sound are elements of hip hop, EDM, hardcore, even some Krautrock, all guided by McIntire's cutting vocal and production work. "I think I write music that has an empowering big sound," he said, "and even though our all of our influences aren't modern in a sense, we are trying to get away from classic/nostalgia/dad-rock that dominates a lot of what you'd call rock."

The new EP highlights that modern edge, bursting out of the gates with "Writing With a Knife," a guitar-and-synth-heavy rocker with the soul of a dancefloor banger. "Wicked Bible" features a sludgey guitar riff dripping swagger, Maneechotte's nimble guitar floating over Dunk's muscular drumming. "Banged Up" is an arena-ready monster of a track, with Briggs' thundering low end dominating the proceedings.

But album closer "About to See the Light" is the real surprise, taking every ounce of inspiring, atmospheric songwriting on display in the other three songs and stripping out the heaviness in favor of acoustic guitars and a heartfelt vocal that would do Oasis proud. "Hey, I know times have been / Like playing the piano with broken hands / It's a night to fail," McIntire intones, his voice imparting more hope to the song than the lyrics might suggest. 

'Trillionaire' is a feisty in your face rock song. The song erupts with a wall of energy both musically and with gritty vocals, so much so, that the short reprise around three quarters of the way through, is quite unexpected, before the songs thunderous end.

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