Weekend Wonders: Rome Is Not A Town - Billy The Zombie Kid - The Velveteins - OhBoy! - Billy T Band - Varick

Rome Is Not A Town - Blood And Secrets.

Background - 4 piece Gothenburg, Sweden unit Rome Is Not A Town released their debut 7” “Stupid” in late 2015. With their noisy postpunk they soon found a special place in the hearts of everyone with a fondness for cracking guitars and some furious drum beating. Swedish media got excited and the biggest ones such as Festivalrykten, Hymn and Gaffa soon compared them Sonic Youth. As a match made in heaven Rome Is Not A Town got the chance to tour a few dates with the Thurston Moore band soon there after.

Since that initial success the band’s been on tour with fellow label mates Tiger Lou in Sweden and Germany as well as recording a new EP, "Careful Like You Cared" with Per Stålberg (Division of Laura Lee) in Welfare Studios, Gothenburg. The EP consists of four brand new tracks, and six minute masterpiece “Blood and Secrets” as a b-side. All released by Startracks – home of Fireside, early Refused and so on. Guitars go in the family, they say. Facebook here.

'Blood And Secrets' rounds off the new EP in style. The four new tracks are consistently good, with a consistent and definitive sound throughout, in what for me is a mixture of alt rock, indie rock and some delightful post punk moments. Good stuff !!!

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Billy The Zombie Kid - Are You Dying Just Like Me?

Background - Billy The Zombie Kid is an alternative pop/rock band from Borlänge, Sweden. Billy the zombie kid started as a no name solo project by lead singer & guitarist Stefan Altzar back in 2013. He had written a bunch of songs containing a unique mix of pop, rock and electronic elements, and to be able to take the songs from digital format out to the live stage, Stefan began putting a real band together. His longtime friend, Janne Korpela, joined the band on guitar.

They had been playing together in several different bands for many years, so it was an easy decision to make. The band also needed someone that could play keys, and that's where Max Björk came to be the perfect fit. Being a diverse musician, Max became a great asset to the band, not only as an instrumentalist, but also as a contributor to the vocal department. Finally, the band needed someone who could bring all of the computer programmed beats to life. Stefan reached out to Fredrik Olsson, who he knew from previous collaborations, and Fredrik was more than happy to join the band as the drummer, and also as a backup vocalist.

Their music was well received by the online community, and during the spring and summer of 2014 the band played several live shows and festivals around their hometown. During the fall of 2014, the idea of creating a full length album occurred, and that became the band's main focus. New songs were composed, and old songs were rearranged, and during the spring of 2015 the recording process began. From September 2015 until april 2016 videos and singles were released and in August the album “We’re always right” was finally released by the label Alternative Alien Baby. Website here and Facebook here.

The video for 'Are You Dying Just Like Me?' is something of a mini epic, which is just right for what is, a very impressive piece. More rock than pop, the band mix strong vocals with soaring guitars and a solid thumping beat that pushes the song along. Ones to watch out for.

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The Velveteins - Don't Yah Feel Better?

Background - The first single off of The Velveteins' debut LP Slow Wave is Don't Yah Feel Better?

Hailing from sunny Edmonton, Canada, The Velveteins are a rock 'n' roll band consisting of primary songwriters Spencer Morphy (vocals, guitar) and Addison Hiller (percussion). Their latest work 'A Hot Second With The Velveteins' was produced by Lincoln Parish (Cage The Elephant) and has been described as "... a collision of the Kinks and the Libertines, rollicking  garage, moody surf [...and] pop classicism with a rough edge". The single is coming ahead of their debut full-length Slow Wave, which they are releasing with Fierce Panda Canada in 2017.

“I had been listening to a lot of traditional Indian music and i think that’s where the guitar melody came from. After the music had appeared so easily I decided to write the lyrics about how everything you need is there, you just have to stop and listen for it.” - The Velveteins. Facebook here.

It was back in May that we first came across The Velveteins, and it is without hesitation that the new song 'Don't Yah Feel Better?' gets a feature! The band craft music that mixes genre styles that makes the most of the rock'n'roll spectrum. Looking forward to the debut album.

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OhBoy! - Dirt.

Background - This week Northampton 5-piece OhBoy! released the video for “Dirt” the B-side to a new single. It follows up on "Hey Princess." Both tracks are out now via Canvasclub (US) and Alcopop (UK).

Hailing from "a town that was once known the world over for being the home of British shoe manufacturing (the local football team is still know as The Cobblers),” OhBoy spent much of summer '16 on the road, playing Truck Festival Camden Rocks, The Great Escape, and the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury. Fans include Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens and John Kennedy.

Website here and Facebook here.

'Dirt' is a feisty indie rock song that as B sides go, makes a wonderful A side (if you get my point). I'm not sure about the videos, elephant in the room, but the song is just right.

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Billy T Band - Reckoning

Background - Billy T Band's 4th album "Reckoning" is out on CD, streaming and download (LP in March 2017). It’s filled with more of Billy T’s blues drenched rock ‘n’ soul. According to Billy T himself it’s the band’s best effort yet!

Their 3rd release won the Norwegian Grammy “Spellemannprisen 2012" for the best blues album. ”L.OV.E. (just a silly notion)” (released in 2010) also received Norwegian Grammy “Spellemannprisen 2010" for the best blues album. All of Billy T Band’s releases are filled with songs steeped in Classic American Soul, Blues, R&B and Swamp Rock. It’s a mix of original songs written by Billy T and the band and a few cover versions of obscure nuggets from Billy T’s ”wasted youth” as a hippie in Upstate New York. 

Bill was born and raised in New York City, and played and recorded with Eddie ”Bluesman” Kirkland for 12 years, and the Tom Russell Band for 10 years. Along the way, he worked with such diverse artists as Lightning Hopkins and Nancy Griffith. After moving to Oslo Norway in 1997, Billy T ran the house band at the ”Muddy Waters” blues club for 7 years, helping to launch the young Norwegian talents Amund Maarud and Chris "Kid" Andersen (now with Rick Estrin & the Nightcats). Website here and Facebook here.

Title track and the first of ten on the new album 'Reckoning' is a very good example of the quality you can expect throughout. Melody plays a big part ensuring a whole load of hooks along the way. Mixing guitar driven blues and rock, fine vocals and remarkable harmonies, Billy T is right to be pleased with the result of the obvious effort put into the album, it's a good one and deserves to be noticed when released.

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Varick - Illusions.

Background - Varick has shared a video for his track "Illusions". The video was directed by Shomi Patwary (The Weeknd, Mark Ronson, A$AP Rocky) and stars actress Judy Sabin.

Keith Varick has been interested in ancient spiritual teachings since he was in his youth. These philosophies introduced Varick to meditation, oneness and enlightenment. When Varick started writing songs he found himself writing about these themes subconsciously. Varick began modernizing these ideas, by using his own experiences, to create songs that express the philosophies of non-duality, Hinduism and Advaita. Varick moved to NYC to develop his music and teamed up with producer David Sisko to release his first EP “Boundless”. 

The single “Boundless’ was included in print and online in ‘Under the Radar Magazine’ and also in their quarterly download mixtape. “We All Know the Rest” the second single off the ‘Boundless’ EP was included in CMJ’s monthly mixtape. Varick’s full album ‘Veda I’ is out now, with second album ‘Veda II’ out early next year. Website here and Facebook here.

There is a haunting vibe running through 'Illusions', a song full of atmosphere and depth. The video matches the layered sounds, and highlights the sense of angst and feeling that the song delivers.

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Six Of The Best: Sloucher - Essie - Hawk - The Blue Aeroplanes - Four Star Riot - Sleepytown

Sloucher - Waiting to Start.

Background - Like a lot of bands, Sloucher started off as a relatively unambitious project. After writing a batch of songs on acoustic guitar to sate his downtime as drummer in a couple of revered West Coast bands Cayucas and Hibou. Jay Clancy decided to better harness the melodic thrusts bouncing around his head, eventually recruiting guitarist Kyle Musselwhite (The Globes) and drummer Jack Hamrick to solidify Sloucher as a trio.

“The record really started as me testing myself to see if I could actually complete an entire record of my own songs,” explains Clancy, who recorded most of the EP himself. “I had written a batch of songs that were all basically little snapshots of my life from the past few years, and wanted to get involved in a recording project.”

Certainty, the resultant collection of seven songs, deals in the kind of melodic interplay typically found in the more voluminous aural panoramas of Elliott Smith and similarly alchemic songwriters. Clancy’s heart-wrenching diatribes include the moody haze of “Dreams,” a tune resplendent in subtle time changes and plodding pocket-rhythms while Clancy’s voice assumes an apparition’s timbre to fit the vibe of the moony tune.

Perhaps in defiance of the band’s slacker-y moniker (I have questionable posture sitting down,” jokes Clancy), songs like “Certainty” excel in the pop-perfect guitar rock of forebearers like Evan Dando and Jeff Tweedy, with Clancy’s thinly veiled affinity for twangy country riffs rearing its pretty head. The symbiosis of the trio’s talents is most evident here, with Musselwhite’s lead giving wings to a saccharine-sweet love song bursting with mildly distorted guitars, providing a fitting Northwest attitude even when the sentiment is a tad gooey. Facebook here.

The first of seven tracks on the new EP and 'Waiting to Start' immediately signals that some natural and engaging alt rock is on it's way. As a whole its totally unpretentious, occasionally a little gritty, and often melodic, with a few country rock vibes sneaking in here and there.

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Essie - Electric Wires.

Background - Essie is the new dreamy indie/pop solo project from Melbourne based singer/songwriter, Jess Holt. A strong pop sensibility infused with lush, sultry vocals, oodles of shimmering melodic hooks, playful synths and hints of 80’s nostalgia will lure you into a deep ocean of indie-pop soundscape.

The debut track ‘Electric Wires’, reflects on Jess’ frequent travels and desire to always be on the move experiencing new environments and her fascination with meeting new people. It’s about the people you meet on the journey that make you see the world in a different way and keep things new and exciting. Crafted with London-based producer Dan Villalobos, the track is drenched with subtle, spacey electronics, moody synths and layers of luscious ethereal vocals. Elements of sparkly glockenspiel and marimba breathe light into the song and highlight Jess’ enchanting lyrical storytelling.

“When writing, a song usually grabs hold of me and my subconscious takes over. Sometimes it’s a very therapeutic process, other times it can be a little daunting to really address those deepest inner thoughts. I get bored pretty easily so creating something that is unique to each song is really important to me”.

The single artwork was designed by acclaimed singer/songwriter and visual artist, Bertie Blackman. “I was first introduced to Bertie’s artwork at her recent solo exhibition in Melbourne. I fell in love with the way her drawings told such beautiful quirky stories and thought it would act as a nice accompaniment to ‘Electric Wires’. It was the perfect collaboration as Bertie’s exhibition also incorporated a lot of ‘electric’ symbolism,” says Jess on the artistic collaboration.

Having spent much time writing and recording in the UK over the past couple of years, Essie has big plans to release a debut EP in 2017. Essie launches her new project and single ‘Electric Wires’ in Melbourne on Wed 14th Dec at The Grace Darling Hotel. Website here and Facebook here.

'Electric Wires' has an intricate and superbly produced soundtrack, providing a wonderful background for Essie to sing above, something she does with style, adding so much more to an already fine musical arrangement.

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Hawk - Mother Road.

Background - Hawk is a project from David Hawkins who is also known from his other band Be. Hawk has re-released a remastered version of their fantastic album I'm On Fire. The re-release is because the feeling is the album could be a potential future classic, and also that it will continue to find its audience and build further anticipation for what Hawk does next.

In addition to the alt-country, rootsy grit of Be, Hawk heavies up the proceedings by adding in a dose of garage rock (plus shades of classic Rolling Stones and even a bit of early-AC/DC riffage).

Also worth noting, David is in the planning stages of the next Hawk album (which could arrive as early as next year) that is confirmed to feature legendary guests such as Gary Louris of The Jayhawks, Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, R.E.M., Big Star) and longtime Elvis Costello drummer Pete Thomas. Website here. Bandcamp here.

First of twelve tracks on the album 'Mother Road' typifies the rock'n'roll swagger and blistering guitar playing on the remastered 'I'm On Fire' album. Vocals are energised and work well with this genre. Whether this is a "potential future classic" who knows, it is however most definitely a decent rootsy collection of rock songs, delivered with passion.

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The Blue Aeroplanes - Here Is The Heart Of All Wild Things.

Background - The Blue Aeroplanes' unique amalgam of rock, folk, poetry, punk, dance and art has been an acknowledged influence on a wide range of bands including REM and Radiohead. Combining pop smarts with serious weirdness, they have released almost thirty albums on various labels, several of which have charted in the UK Top 40 and the US Alternative Top 10.

Their new album 'Welcome Stranger' is out January 6th 2017 and now you can check out their new video below. Website here.

The Blue Aeroplanes are also setting out on tour in January 2017, traveling across the UK. View the full dates below:

Liverpool O2 Academy 2 Liverpool Wed, 11/01/17
Manchester Manchester Ruby Lounge Thu, 12/01/17
Newcastle O2 Academy 2 Newcastle Fri, 13/01/17
Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms Sat, 14/01/17
Glasgow Stereo, Glasgow Sun, 15/01/17
Nottingham Nottingham Rescue Rooms Wed, 18/01/17
London O2 Academy Islington Sat, 21/01/17
Oxford The Cellar Wed, 25/01/17
Sheffield Sheffield Leadmill Thu, 26/01/17
Norwich Norwich Arts Centre Fri, 27/01/17
Brighton Patterns Sat, 28/01/17
Exeter The Cavern, Exeter Sun, 29/01/17

With a new album just a month away, The Blue Aeroplanes are back, and the featured song 'Here Is The Heart Of All Wild Things' suggests the band are on form and still creating top notch music. I love the vocals and harmonies, and the crisp musical delivery is spot on!

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Four Star Riot - Empty Space.

Background - Four Star Riot shares a new video this week for the song "Empty Space". It's an animated tongue-in-cheek trip through space, as surreal as real life in 2016. Last month, the band released a beautifully cinematic and vivid short for the track "So Far."

It’s been a landmark year for the Tampa Bay rockers; on the heels of their hit single “Something So Right" landing a spot in the box office hit Deadpool, they released the full length album Waves on September 2nd, 2016 via Vital Records (digital/CD). Over the course of multiple releases, Four Star Riot has consistently delivered stick-in-your-head pop/rock choruses and Waves is by far their strongest effort to date.

Website here and Facebook page here.

'Empty Space' has a chunky and  funky feel to it, right from the beginning. Add in the guitar and vocal mix and we have another great song from the bands recent release.

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Sleepytown - Balloon.

Background - Sleepytown is the moniker of Ryan Van Der Woude, and a cruisey-nostalgic fusion of echoing guitars with a warm acoustic rhythm undertone, which flow from a plateau for literary anecdotes. Ryan is a songwriter who has travelled through all the east coast collecting visual novels, before settling in Sydney. His songs have bloomed from the wake of hinterland cruises, towering cities, cutting through mountain-ranges in a train, laying under snowy pines, warm sandy shores and treks into the deep, eerie woods.

‘Balloon’ is the latest offering from Sleepytown. ‘Balloon’ has a simple ideology attached to it; it’s a breakup song about two individuals who have an amalgamated feeling to depart each other in a non-destructive sense (as easy as letting go of a balloon). “The season of late winter and a transition into spring is the essence I tried to blend into the song and it’s the feeling I get when I listen back to it,” says Ryan on writing the new single. “‘Balloon’ was a very easy song to write as it literally just fell out of my brain in such a short space of time. I wrote and recorded most of Balloon in the same day, in the late winter season.”

‘Balloon’ was recorded in Ryan’s apartment in Lane Cove, Sydney; in his bedroom recording studio. Ryan recorded all instruments and tracks himself and mixed the tracks himself.

While undertaking music studies in Brisbane, Ryan has been involved in various bands and music projects. Sleepytown started while Ryan moved back to the Sunshine Coast after his studies in Brisbane and evolved from the laid back beach town lifestyle in that area. After meeting various people and moving to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane – Ryan landed in Sydney to take the project seriously and begin working on developing the sound into something much bigger.

Look out for new Sleepytown shows throughout Sydney announced to-be-announced in early-2017. “Balloon” will be released 9th of December 2016. Facebook here.

'Balloon' is one of those songs that just builds and builds. Vocals are pretty dominant and delightfully melodic, however the stripped back acoustic accompaniment keeps driving the song along, until a more rounded soundtrack unfolds making this one stand out song.

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Genre Wander: Cairobi - Daniel Wiggins - Sounds of Sputnik - Surf Rock is Dead

Cairobi - Saint.

Background - Cairobi are a headily eclectic globe-crossing fourpiece of Giorgio Poti (vocals, guitars), Alessandro Marrosu (bass), Salvador Garza (keys) and Aurelien Bernard (drums). Their sound reflects their various backgrounds with a unique multi-cultural twist.

Their debut self-produced album was written in Berlin and, fittingly with their diverse nationalities, was recorded between Berlin, London, Rome and New York. Music and this resulting album was Giorgio’s means of finding his way through health problems, as after relocating to Berlin, he started to suffer frequent, violent migraines that would incapacitate him for an average of twelve days a month.

“I could either stay still, in silence, eyes shut, or take the medication and hope it worked so I could move on with my day,” he recalls. “Even when the medicine worked, it would make me extremely sleepy, so some of the music and lyrics on this record were written in a state of drowsiness. That part wasn’t particularly fun, but maybe it helped me get rid of some filters. Luckily, the headaches stopped after about a year.” Website here and Facebook here.

Swirling guitars and chanting vocals are surrounded by some kind of oriental psychedelic blanket, making 'Saint' a very unique and rather addictive song.

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Daniel Wiggins - Summer Rain.

Background - Daniel Wiggins is a guitarist, vocalist, composer and producer from Perth, Western Australia. With an eclectic musical taste and background, Daniel’s music draws influence from progressive rock, pop, folk and jazz. His repertoire includes both vocally driven and instrumental pieces, specialising in the atmospheric and the visually evocative. Wiggins’ music has often been described as having a cinematic quality and a sense of narrative.

Daniel Wiggins’ first single ‘Summer Rain’ features long-time collaborator, Drew James Griffiths (Ur Draugr, Asphodel Creative) on backing vocals, as well as mixing and mastering duties. Ben Mazzarol (Chaos Divine) lends his impeccable drumming, while Daniel’s father, Mark Wiggins (Dilip ‘n the Davs) supplies the bass guitar. It was recorded primarily in home studios, with the drums being recorded by Brody Simpson at Underground Studios in Perth.

“I have been incredibly fortunate in being able to work with some astounding talent on this track, and the EP as a whole. ‘Summer Rain’ might be the best representation of my intent as an artist – an amalgamation of many influences and experiences that have shaped me since birth. I feel incredibly blessed that people now have the opportunity to hear the music that has been echoing within my bedroom walls for some time, and perhaps someone will enjoy it!”

‘Summer Rain’ demonstrates Wiggins’ effortless melding of melancholic balladry with progressive rock sophistication. Driven by the rich chords of the acoustic guitar, as well as Daniel’s characteristically soulful vocal delivery, the track is a rich tapestry of texture and melody. Its narrative follows the deterioration of a personal relationship, a longing for the changing season and the embracing of the self. “Summer Rain” will be released 9th of December 2016. Facebook here.

Daniel Wiggins gentle and soothing vocal delivery is just right for a song like 'Summer Rain'. One of those songs that builds as it goes, the instrumentation is very well crafted, it's just the genre that's hard to pin down. Folk, alt rock and everywhere in between I suppose.

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Sounds of Sputnik - New Born Remixed.

Background - Moscow’s Sounds of Sputnik has announced they will release their new ‘New Born Remixed’ EP via Emerald & Doreen Recordings. Surrounding tracks co-written, produced, and recorded by Canadian-Ukrainian dreampop duo Ummagma, these tracks also feature stellar vocals from Ummagma’s Shauna McLarnon and Alexander Kretov.

Rooted in a shared love of melodic dream pop and shoegaze with a taste of the 80s-90s, Sounds of Sputnik has teamed up with the German label to bring the bands' influences – from Lush, Curve, Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine, Jesus & Mary Chain – into familiar Emerald & Doreen disco & synth wave territory. The result is an unlikely, unfathomable but always brilliant “dream house disco noise experience" for the more adventurous listener.

Earlier this year, Sounds of Sputnik re-released their debut LP 'New Born' feat. Ummagma through hallmark U.S. shoegaze label Moon Sounds Records. Showcasing a palette of clever guitar lines, powerful drums, lush bass and gossamer female vocals, it also features Graham Bonnar (Swervedriver/ Brian Jonestown Massacre), psych rock producer Fran Ashcroft (Damon Albarn, Lords of Acid), Russian producers Morozov and Oleg Mezherovsky, and Brazil’s Mind Movies.

Fronted by Roman Kalitkin, Sounds of Sputnik now includes Oleg Mezherovsky, Oleg Luzhetsky, Dmitriy Bobrinev, Anastasia Berezovskaya, and Almaz Gaifutdinov. Now based in Canada, Ummagma collaborated with Kalitkin while living in Moscow circa 2004 and reunited with him after a decade of living in Ukraine. Their collaborative project went into overtime when military conflicts began between the two countries, as a decisive and loud symbolic act of cross-border comradeship.

In 2014, Sounds of Sputnik received a Jagermeister Indie Music Award, the highest music prize in Russia, and claimed Best East European Video at the 2014 Independent Music Video Awards in Australia. 'New Born' also remained in CMJ's American College Radio Charts for a massive 7 weeks, the first time this has been achieved by a Russian indie artist.

'New Born Remixed' will be released digitally on December 9 by Emerald & Doreen Recordings, which is run by avid audiophile vinyl-loving DJs and whose motto is "we release nice songs and great remixers. Genres do not matter, only awe-inspringity counts". Bandcamp here and Facebook here.

'New Born Remixed' is a fabulous collection of music, redefined and artistically reworked, just dive in and enjoy an incredible audio feast.

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Surf Rock is Dead - In Between.

Background - "Hailing from Chicago and Australia and currently on tour with Jezabels, Kevin Pariso and Joel Witenberg -- who go by the band name Surf Rock Is Dead -- are set to make a splash with new single "In Between".

“It’s a song about going back to where you’re from and not feeling like you belong anymore yet not feeling perfectly in place where you currently are," says Pariso.

With it's high-reverb guitar riffs that resemble the rolling waves and a sad undertone to the lyrics, "In Between" embodies the beachiness of their namesake's genre through a new-wave filter. Website here and Facebook here.

Upcoming Tour Dates w/ The Jezebels:
Dec 01 @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg - Brooklyn NY
Dec 03 @ World Cafe Live - Philadelphia, PA
Dec 05 @ Rock & Roll Hotel - Washington, DC.

'In Between' is a silky flowing and beautiful surf pop meets shoegaze piece, that is most insistent on being played again.

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Midweek Muse: Super Paradise - Beatrix Players - Stella Rio - Golden Daze

Super Paradise - The F.C.

Background - Born in Milan, and now based in London, Super Paradise have just burst onto the garage scene in the UK with their debut album Quencebo: twenty minutes of high-octane rotary psych, both frenetic and melodious fusing the genres of garage, synth pop and psychedelia.

Originally written and recorded by lead singer and guitarist Francesco Roma in his hometown, Milan, the record sees the collaboration of Nico Spreafico on backing vocals and now as guitarist in the live line-up. Since moving to the UK, they inspired keyboardist Juliet Styles and drummer Bradley Smith to join to create the full line up.

Building on the edgy energy of Thee Oh Sees, the rough sounds of Parquet Courts and the soundscapes of New Order, the result is a hypnotic amphetamine rush with dizzying catchy melodies.

Bandcamp here, and Facebook here.

Taken from the debut release 'Quencebo' we have chosen to feature the first track 'The F.C.' The song is a fine example of what is a creative and varied range of tracks. Musically they mix pace and melody with some blistering moments and the occasional pause for reflection. Ones to watch I reckon.

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Beatrix Players - Lady of the Lake.

Background - London-trio Beatrix Players have just released their new single 'Lady Of The Lake' taken from their upcoming debut album (due in 2017).

When choosing a suitable name for their band this London based trio certainly gave themselves something to live up to. Beatrix, from the Latin Viatrix, is a name that in its various forms has been previously bestowed upon self-sacrificing martyrs and self-denying mystics, royal consorts and Holy Roman empresses, Balzac heroines and Tarantino assassins. No small irony then, that a name so often chosen by tragedians for their characters literally means "she who makes happy".

Through their enchantingly dark and evocative melodies, expansive arrangements and empowered orchestral sound Beatrix Players tell stories of real life and fantasy. Citing influences as diverse as Michael Nyman and Regina Spektor and drawing comparisons to the likes of Kate Bush and Einaudi Ludovico; this London-based, all female trio combine elements of Folk, Jazz, Progressive and Classical music. In 2015 the band (Amy Birks, Jess Kennedy and Amanda Alvarez) took their unique sound – a beautiful combination of vocals, piano and cello – into the studio to record their self-produced debut album, which has been mixed by two-time BBC Folk Award winner, Jim Moray. That album, titled Magnified, is scheduled for release in 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

If your one for classic vocals, mixed with a timeless piano and cello combination, then 'Lady of the Lake' suggests that you (and I) may well be in store for a magnificent album next year. Supported by an imaginative video this is one mightily impressive and beautiful song.

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Stella Rio - Don't Go Away.

Background from Stella - I've finally had a chance to work on my own material after being consumed by other projects for the past while.

You'll notice the song is about meeting that special person and feeling that you’re connected on a deeper level and never wanting to let that feeling go. I think most people can relate because deep down most people chase that kind of love.

In addition to my own music I've been working on Canadian DJ's DVBBS latest Wicked Ways EP, which just came out. I've also been writing for the new Little Mix album Glory Days. The album dropped on November 18. You'll definitely want to go support their great work as well! Facebook here.

With distinctive and absolutely charming vocals, Stella Rio has given us the splendid 'Don't Go Away'. Melodic and catchy, combines with expansive and dreamy, a perfect recipe for a superb song if ever there was one.

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Golden Daze - Ghost.

Background - Formed by Ben Schwab and Jacob Loeb, Golden Daze is a collaborative songwriting duo. Inspired by 60's melodic rock and contemporaries like Cass Mccombs and Brian Jonestown Massacre, Golden Daze drenches their straightforward earthly pop tunes in ethereal drones and tape flutter. The duo, originally from the Midwest (Schwab from Ohio and Loeb from Chicago), are based in Los Angeles and recently released their self-titled debut LP on Autumn Tone Records.

This week the band shares the surreal video for "Ghost." The video serves as a tribute to the band member's mothers, and tells the story of a mother psychically channeling the spirits of her sons. Catch the band on tour now with together PANGEA and Twin Peaks.

Tour Dates:
11/28 - Denver CO- Moon Room*
11/29 - Lawrence KS- Bottleneck*
11/30 – Columbia, MO – Cafe Berlin*
12/01 – Detroit, MI – El Club^
12/02 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop^
12/03 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace^
12/05 – Burlington, VT – Signal Kitchen^
12/06 – Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall^
12/07 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair^
12/08 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer^
12/09 – New York, NY – Webster Hall^
12/10 – Richmond, VA – Strange Matter^
12/13 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5^
12/14 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In^
12/16 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall^
12/17 – Chicago, IL – Metro^
* with together PANGEA
^ with together PANGEA and Twin Peaks

Atmospheric and sometimes seemingly distant vocals and harmonies drift above the rich textured sounds making 'Ghost' a very hypnotic and pleasing song. Slowly building in energy this is one really fine track.

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