Five On Thursday: Life in 24 Frames - The Big East - Scotch Hollow - Monet - Hawkmoon

Life in 24 Frames - March (To The World, In Reverse).

Background - It's not easy to understand Life in 24 Frames, but it's hard not to get trapped while trying. Stylistically speaking they appear to be all over the map. The band sounds like a comfortable blend of Pink Floyd's "The Wall", and the Beach Boys "Smile" records while effortlessly sprinkling in influences from modern indie rock contemporaries such as My Morning Jacket and Local Natives. Singer Kris Adams architects deep and thoughtful vocal arrangements on top of beautifully crafted hooky, yet complex and spacey musical arrangements. The band is mature, and the sound is as diverse as the audiences who have already embraced the group as an independent artist.

Life in 24 Frames are comfortable in their own skin. Awkward and different, the group formed in Sacramento, California with one mission - to share the honesty and purity of their musical creations to as many people as possible. Since inception, the band has fulfilled on their initial mission while opening for acts like Band of Horses, Dredg, Geographer, Royal Blood and Cage the Elephant. Also as an artist on Sacramento's 2013 Launch Festival with Imagine Dragons and Minus the Bear.

This group offers a way for listeners to divert from their reality. The opportunity to paint your picture on top of a musical background; personal brushstrokes on a shared canvas. Listening to Life in 24 Frames gives you the chance to write your own story while sharing in theirs. Their records are meant to be experienced as albums, the songs have meaningful depth which reveal new life upon each listen.

With a new record being released on Gold Standard Records on March 3rd 2017, Life in 24 Frames is positioned to take the next step in their journey. Facebook here.

With January (My Condition) and February (Syndicated) already shared through Youtube, I have to say all twelve songs in this collection have a very fine level of quality. 'March (To The World, In Reverse)' is now featured and perhaps a listen to this song alone, may well be enough to have listeners looking forward to the March record release.

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The Big East - The Wild Life.

Background - If the Steve Miller Band met the Flaming Lips and jammed down at the dock by the cottage, odds are it would sound a little like The Big East, who fly under the self-coined banner of ‘cottage rock’, combining elements of mellow gold, timeless rock and indie pop.

They hail from the Lake and Cottage area of North Toronto where the winters are bitter cold but the summer months give birth to a thriving local music scene. Their name is derived from the river that flows through the region where principal members James Jones and Kip Daynard live and their connection to their roots doesn’t end there. Their local community was integral in shaping the sound of their sophomore LP, Hungry Ghosts, which features the many talents of their peers including veteran Canadian producer Andre Wahl.

Hungry Ghosts is a play on the Buddhist saying which refers to human beings who are driven by emotional needs in an animalistic way.  “We applied this concept to our intense need to create music” Jones asserts. And create music they did. Producer Wahl helped the band whittle their 40 demos down to the eleven featured tracks which play to the band’s strengths - rich harmony over tight playing, complete with soaring soft rock hooks. Facebook here, website here.

The second of eleven tracks on the Hungry Ghosts album 'The Wild Life' is a good indicator of the overall style and direction The Big East take. The indie pop and timeless rock description sums up their music extremely well, with melodic hooks everywhere alongside a natural and genuine sound. As a whole, this is a fabulous album that may well appeal to older and younger listeners a like, and across a good range of genres.

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Scotch Hollow - Hocus Pocus.

Background - Scotch Hollow, an acoustic roots band, teams up down-home delta blues with good old-fashioned country twang and silky vocals. Just as the name implies, Scotch Hollow is as smooth as your favorite whiskey.

Scotch Hollow is a roots band that mixes a generous helping of country twang with just enough blues to stir the pot. The group was founded by Mark Verbeck (guitar, songwriter) and vocalist Carly Martin, who met at the Berklee School of Music. Based in Kansas City, MO (after kicking around the Chicago scene for a time), the group now includes JD Linn (bass), Benjamin Scholz (drums, percussion), Brady Buster (harmonica) and Joel Schuman (piano). 

Verbeck wrote all but three songs and those were written by Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf and Blind Willie Johnson. The performances are as solid and spare as one would expect for this style of music. They certainly can raise a little sand in the down-home way. Website here, Facebook here.

The opening track on Little Tortuga is 'Hocus Pocus' a vibrant country rocker with a generous helping of blues feeling adding to the vibe. Scotch Hollow deliver roots music with quality, energy and commitment. The band have an overall sound based on some refined musicianship and passionate vocals, that keeps pretty close to country and blues across the album.

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Monet - Nobody's Wrong.

Background - Multi-faceted Brisbane artist, Monet, returns dropping his second single titled “Nobody’s Wrong” – a simple ballad that encapsulates raw emotion and a perfect showcase of Monet’s vocal ability. Having first been introduced to audiences with his debut single release titled ‘You’ in May 2016, Monet has been busy readying a series of new single releases due to drop this year, the first being “Nobody’s Wrong”.

“Nobody’s Wrong” is a track best described by Monet himself: "There are usually 4 types of relationships: co-dependent, counter dependent, independent, and interdependent. We all enjoy the feeling of first falling in love with someone and we wish to stay close forever, however, as relationships develop, we often need space and distance every now and again for our own health, and sometimes we try to escape for a little. We make up lies and excuses to each other to avoid conversations, or we make rules trying to control one another. Sadly, quite a few lovers don’t survive this period, usually the co-dependent and counter dependent. Many relationships die before they could tie the knot. This song is inspired by this situation that most of us have had before, that “bittersweet” time, sometimes we get hurt, and those memories, good or bad, haunt us forever. If we could believe in each other, believe in love; be more honest and brave to each other, we could be happy together. This song is written for those who have had a broken heart, and also for those who are going through the “We don't talk any more, but we still care about each other” phase."

The Brisbane artist, originally hailing from the Chinese town of Wujin which has a rich history that often influences his music, has a fierce and loyal Facebook following of over 14,000. His history in music is short but his passion has been there since the age of five having been introduced to music by performing in his local theatre. Facebook here.

Gentle and melodic, 'Nobody's Wrong' gradually builds with power into an almost symphonic piece, whilst the intimate and personal sounding vocals interact in a delightful manner throughout. My first taste of Monet, and it's enough to have me digging deeper into his music.

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Hawkmoon - Silverline.

Background - Hawkmoon is the collective musical identity of Pat Hehir, Liam Hehir and Reuben Aptroot. Their soon to be released debut album The Saturn Return, was produced to fill a void in the current musical landscape, where distorted guitars, eclectic songwriters and ‘Rock’ have gone underground.

After numerous live gigs, festival appearances and EP releases with earlier incarnations of Hawkmoon and Reuben's Ultrafeedy, the three would be brought together in 2013 under the Hawkmoon banner to create music that was thoughtful, challenging, bold and fresh. The first single from the album is ‘Silverline' which was recorded in Reuben’s home studio and produced by the band. ‘Silverline' is one of the older songs on the album and has been a staple of Hawkmoon’s live sets for many years.

In essence, ‘Silverline' is a garage rock song. It is quick and energetic with the emphasis placed on capturing the sound of a live band rather than the precision of a studio piece. Whilst the song is raw, it could also be called pop rock with its guitar hook-littered verses and sing along chorus.

The song originally started as an idea from Hawkmoon lead singer and guitarist, Pat Hehir. “‘Silverline' came about really quickly and organically”, says Pat. “It felt good from the beginning and had a real energy to it. It’s always lots of fun to play live, so the intent was to capture that burst of energy on the record. Lyrically, the song is about the dismissive nature of the music scene and its pursuit of trends, where inevitably the band of the moment gets cast aside for the next thing.”

Over 2 years in Reuben’s bedroom recording studio, DIY production techniques have allowed the band to fully explore their own sonic palettes, songwriting methods and ultimately capture a group of songs they are extremely proud of. From relentless, energetic rock to atmospheric ballads, hook-driven pop to experimental soundscapes. Look for the release of The Saturn Return later this year. Facebook here.

Time to clear the cobwebs and shake up Beehive Candy courtesy of Hawkmoon and the new song 'Silverline'. Mixing full on guitar rock with enough melody and hooks to make the track stand out, this is one fine rocker.

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Midweek Muse: Linnea Olsson - Blueprint Blue - Tempesst - Astrid Gnosis - Emma Charleston

Linnea Olsson - Hall Of Tragedy

Background - The fantasy pop cellist Linnea Olsson drops her new official video for 2nd EP single 'Hall Of Tragedy' Out Now. Having worked with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Sting, Ane Brun and Maia Hirasawa, Linnea leaves no doubt regarding the high level of her talent and musicianship. 

Being supported by The New York Times as well as The 405, Linnea's sonic journey within the "cello driven fantasy pop" continues. "Hall Of Tragedy" is Linnea's second single, taken from her forth-coming EP called "For Show", and the official video is yet again another creative thing done by Linnea in its entirety. The EP will be coming out 24th February. Facebook here.

Combining Cello and keyboards the opening of 'Hall Of Tragedy' sets the scene for Linnea's distinct and creative vocals, using them to great effect on this atmospheric song.

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Blueprint Blue - You And Me.

Background - Blueprint Blue discovered 'You and Me' and the incredible story behind the song, when Mairead Nash, manager of Florence and the Machine, asked the band to perform at her wedding.

Originally recorded in 1970 by long forgotten soul band Penny and Quarters, 'You and Me' came to prominence in 2010 after an unreleased demo of the song was used in the film 'Blue Valentine' at the request of its star Ryan Gosling. The track, which underpins Gosling's on screen relationship with Michelle Williams, had surfaced after a Chicago based reissue label had unearthed it on cassette at a yard sale.

 Blueprint Blue are ex Scum members Huw Webb (bass) and and Melissa Rigby (drums) who are joined by Elliot Hayward on vocals and guitar. They formed in 2013, united by a love of The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, and Jackson Browne. Having already been championed by Tim Burgess of The Charlatans and James Hoare of Ultimate Painting, as well as receiving UK and international airplay and coverage, the band will be playing this year's SXSW music festival. A Pledge campaign to support their appearance at SXSW has reached 78% of its target. Support here.

The band play London's Lexington on March 9th with support from DJs Rhys Webb (The Horrors) and Bahamian Moor, where they'll be launching their EP 'Flying Machine'. Facebook here.

'You And Me' is a melodic indie pop track with a bright and catchy vibe running throughout, and with a chorus line that just adds so many more hooks.


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Tempesst - Sunflower Lady.

Background - “Hey you, don’t you know who I am?” – it’s a brazen taunt that echoes the boyish fantasies of tempestuous Australian twins Toma and Andy Banjanin, and that of their new single 'Sunflower Lady'. Now based in London - the duo pull together influences from across the board on 'Sunflower Lady'; a kaleidoscopic daydream fusing the psych-rock tendencies of fellow countrymen Tame Impala or King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard, with the wit and humour of folk troubadours like Father John Misty and Matthew E. White.

“Sunflower Lady is about being under the spell of a girl,” explains vocalist Toma Banjanin. “You'd do anything to have her - so I had to write a song about it.” Speaking a little more on the idea behind the video, Andy Banjamin said: "Originally the idea was to feature my cat Riley as the star of the video but he was very unhappy that I took him out of the house. So after hours of chasing him around the studio we ended up only getting one shot with him and then decided to take turns dancing in front of the camera. There you have it."

It’s been a big year for Tempesst – now joined by band of brothers Eric Weber (guitars), Jesse Hutchence (bass) and Kane Reynolds (keys) – including back-to-back showcases (The Great Escape, NME Awards, Live At Leeds), festivals (Bushstock, Southsea Fest, Hackney Wonderland) and live dates alongside Mystery Jets, The Veils, Albert Hammond Jr and GUM (Jay Watson, Tame Impala). Fresh from their biggest London headline to date at The Moth Club, Tempesst saw out 2016 with a sold out December UK Tour in support of The Temper Trap. Tempesst now head out on another UK tour of their own - see our tour page for details. Facebook here.

Last time we featured Tempesst the comment "a little bit of swaggering confidence" felt appropriate and with the music video for 'Sunflower Lady' I reckon it's worth repeating. The band create an expansive and timeless rock sound and a very good one at that.

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Astrid Gnosis - Severe Delays.

Background - Visual and sound artist Astrid Gnosis explores social and emotional collapse through her work — a heady mix of abstract textures, fractured beats, cinematic atmospherics, twisted melodies and off-the-wall vocals.

Now living and working in London, Astrid began writing music when she was just 13 years old. She's crafted sonic installations for exhibitions and art performances, alone and collaborating with other artists. She’s made the soundtracks and sound design for a number of short films, the most recent of which will be shown at the London Short Film Festival 2017.

 “Music alone is a vessel, it diplomatically drives consciousness into reflection. Words seemed to limit this journey” she continues “but increasingly I felt the urge to narrow my language, and incorporate more violence into music”, she says, “because for me it is vital to speak of the anger and hopes of my generation, and it is now we’re most angry.”

‘Agnosis’, a conceptual six-track EP is about “tacit conflict and subsequent collapse”, painting a greying, dystopian picture of where our futures might be headed. “ Agnosis means ignorance in greek, this EP is the first part of a cognitive map of fear, strength, faith, fate, love and hate.” Astrid Gnosis ‘Agnosis’ (music/is/for/losers) Release Date: 24th February 2017. Bandcamp (pre-order) here.

If your looking for something a little different then 'Severe Delays' could well fit that category. Abstract it may well be, the track develops into a more cohesive piece and for me is another example of music and art combining without any pretentious nonsense. EP eagerly awaited!

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Emma Charleston - Falling.

Background - At a time when seemingly everyone is releasing music online and aspiring to full-time careers in the music industry, even today’s most talented artists consider distinguishing themselves a daunting task. On her new single “Falling,”folk pop singer-songwriter Emma Charleston captures both the angst and the optimism of an extraordinarily gifted musician in an overly saturated market. Based at the prestigious and intensely competitive Berklee College of Music, the multi-instrumentalist Charleston delivers a dreamy ballad of a tune that touches on themes of self-doubt, determination, and individuality. “Falling” will be available digitally on February 17 via iTunes, Spotify and other online sites.

According to Charleston, “Falling” originated in the rough and tumble world of a challenging Berklee classroom: “I wrote this song after an exceptionally difficult day of classes. It was a day that pushed me as both an artist and a person. I went through the day feeling like I had to compare myself to other aspiring artists.” With feelings of self-doubt creeping in, Charleston allowed herself to express her feelings in a way that was both musically and emotionally healing.

However, as the songwriting process evolved, “Falling” turned into a hopeful ode to persistence and self-confidence: “In the end, “Falling” became a song about finding yourself in a world of people just like you. It’s an urgent reminder that you have to retain your individuality and find your own way.” Facebook here.

Emma Charleston has a vibrant and melodic voice that is just so suited to a song like 'Falling'. Folk pop with an acoustic soundtrack, it's Emma's vocals that drive the melody, this is a charming song.

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Genre Wander: The Tigerlilies - Topanga - Sinners & Saints - Bokito

The Tigerlilies - Shipwrecked.

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.

The band is following up their 2016 critically acclaimed 123456 EP with an old fashioned 7-inch single release, “Lovers Du” / “Shipwrecked”, tracked at the historic Herzog Studio Space in Cincinnati. The single will drop digitally and on vinyl early 2017 and will be released on Sir Gregory Records out of Ashville, NC. The label, run by Greg Mills, is known for its deep catalog of US and UK-based psych & garage rock.

Both sides of the 7” deal with the ephemeral nature of love and life, often capturing such weighty subjects through the lens of pop culture. “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. Website here, Facebook here.

'Shipwrecked' is a powerful guitar rocker where the vocals are loud and ideally matched for what is unpretentious blast of rock'n'roll.

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Topanga - Life's A Coma.

Background - Los Angeles indie pop group Topanga is thrilled to have released their debut EP Midnight Jungle. Titled after the nickname the group bestowed upon LA after dark, the EP was written throughout late 2015 and early 2016, and is inspired by two lifetimes of experience in the strange city. They then brought the EP to their friend Mike Malchicoff (who helped engineer Kanye’s The Life of Pablo) and experimented with the right mix of sounds and synths in order to create the perfect concoction. The final result is a dreamy six-part album that both meditates on fantasies of the past, and navigates the strange realities of the present.

Topanga was started by Derek Brambles and Eric Johnson, former members of the now-defunct group The King’s English. Both these men draw inspiration from a wide variety of musical figures, ranging from Miike Snow and Tame Impala, to Kendrick Lamar and David Bryne; however, they both reserve a special place in their hearts for Paul McCartney’s RAM and David Bowie’s Hunky Dory, going so far as to have “1971” tattooed on them to commemorate their year of release. Website here, Facebook here.

With rhythmic beats at the fore 'Life's A Coma' is a powerful track with the vocals also playing a key part in driving the song along. The 360 video is an additional treat, giving even more potency to a feisty song.

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Sinners & Saints - Promise Land.

Background - Americana duo Sinners & Saints share their new single "Promise Land," an upbeat track featuring dulcet harmonies, a swinging bass line and bright harmonica. The track comes to us from the duo's forthcoming second full-length album On The Other Side, available March 10th via Silent Uproar.

Sometimes you need a friend to laugh with and sometimes you need a friend to cry with. The two-man band Sinners & Saints, from Charlotte, NC, fits the bill for both. Whether they’re crooning about heartbreak or tearing it up with joyful abandon, you’ll feel happier for having listened. Perry Fowler and Mark Baran infuse their acoustic, country-tinged tunes with compelling harmonies and foot-powered percussion on repurposed drums from an abandoned kit.

Since the band’s formation in 2011, the band has shared the stage up and down the east coast with the likes of Flogging Molly, Shovels and Rope, Robert Earl Keen, Daniel Romano, St Paul & the Broken Bones, SUSTO, Sun Kil Moon, Bombadil, and many others. On The Other Side will be available on March 10th, 2017. Upcoming tour dates on Beehive Candy tour page. Website here, Facebook here.

Americana with a hint of more traditional country vibes, is notable on the featured song 'Promise Land'. The album takes the listener into a varied collection of Americana ideas and tunes, with the duo keeping it interesting and enjoyable with differing styles and plenty of catchy tracks.

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Bokito - Better At Getting Worse.

Background - Peddling an uproarious blend of rock, soca, funk and roots, London-based five-piece Bokito have coined a phrase for their unique genre mashup: tropical indie. Anyone fortunate enough to have witnessed the group’s jaw-dropping live sets, where edgy grooves and unforgettable hooks are delivered as if every show is a sun-baked carnival, would relate to this label. Though much of the attention naturally falls on singer Moses – a man whose extraordinary voice is married to eye-popping stage-front shape-throwing that proves a catalyst for the audience to follow suit – the vice-like tightness and melodious flourishes of the band, comprising Jody (bass), Joe (guitar), Tom (drums) and Sam (keys/percussion), are equally essential. Bokito take inspiration from such diverse sources as J Dilla, Jeff Buckley, Fela Kuti, Justin Timberlake and Queens of the Stone Age to bring a little of the rousing celtic spirit of Moses’ Irish homeland to London’s global soundscape. The thrilling results proved irresistible to Lost In The Manor Records, which added Bokito to its roster as a signing sure to put a rocket under 2017.

Though an unequivocal dancehall classic, a booming amalgam of Afro-funk and indie, ‘Better At Getting Worse’ is something of a cautionary insight to the male psyche. Frontman Moses explains: “The song is primarily aimed at men and their own handling of their emotions... and how useless most of them are at it. But we men are talented at one thing, which is suppressing everything and moulding it into a smile.” Indeed, one listen to ‘Better At Getting Worse’ and it’s hard not to crack a grin the size of an alpine crevasse, right from the song’s swirling organ-and-guitar refrain soaring across an angular calypso rhythm, to its absolutely astral chorus, a spine-tingler of a hook that finds Moses proclaiming “Everyone thinks I’m better but really I’m just getting better… better at getting worse”. Produced by Bradley Spencer and Alex Beitzke in London’s Fish Tank studios, and mastered by legendary Grammy-nominated engineer Greg Calbi, ‘Better At Getting Worse’ is a characteristically compelling first salvo from a band who have a rich seam of ready singles in waiting. Facebook here.

There is a funky upbeat groove right from the very start and singer Moses just rides above the band, delivering delicious vocals throughout 'Better At Getting Worse'.

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Monday Mix: People Flavor - Rousseau - Spiral Stairs

People Flavor - Shake Well.

Background - People Flavor have shared their new track "Shake Well", out now on Dangerbird Records.  "Shake Well" is the first single from People Flavor in Dangerbird's Microdose series.

People Flavor is a four-piece rock band from Montebello, California. While new on the scene, the band can trace its genesis back to a teenaged solo project dreamt up by frontman Fernando Andrade,  along with best bro Byron Turner joining the process soon after. The pair then recruited high school cronies Giovanni Padilla and Andrew Valdez, to become the collaborative effort they are today.   Since rounding out the lineup in 2015,  People Flavor have been busy playing shows at house parties, DIY venues and some of Los Angeles’ most notable musical mainstays such as The Bootleg Theater, CIA, and Los Globos.

Continually crafted through the writing and recording process, their distinct sound incorporates jazz chords with post and dance-punk elements, delivering it all with 80’s new wave sensibility. The boys are heavily influenced by slinky Spanish rock and the refined cool of British tunes, evoking a likeness to both an Hispanic Duran Duran and early Radiohead. Contrasting with their dance-inducing grooves, the lyrics tend to focus on the more melancholic aspects of life and love, magically manipulating you into feeling good about being sad. Ultimately, People Flavor is a sonic experiment in self-expression geared towards finding yourself in others and finding the others in yourself.

'Shake Well' is a bright indie rock song with jangly guitars, fresh and pleasing vocals alongside a catchy melodic vibe. It's short, sharp and attention grabbing!

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Rousseau - Desert Road.

Background - Following a set of critically acclaimed singles in 2016, New Zealand electro songstress Rousseau keeps the momentum going in 2017, announcing her latest single, “Desert Road,” out now worldwide. The track is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that instantly grabs you from the first listen.

Growing up in Auckland, Rousseau spent hours listening to classical music and opera, or The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel – the only pop music her parents owned. Her relationship with songwriting began when a neighbor introduced her to Lauryn Hill, OutKast, and the acoustic guitar.  In high school she won national recognition for her songwriting and musicianship, before studying economics and philosophy at university.

Since making her debut last year with her single "Petra Says", Rousseau has gained a following in her native New Zealand with over 400K+ streams on Spotify alone in just a few short months, a spot on Spotify Aus/NZ's coveted New Music Friday playlist and music sites and blogs around the world. "Desert Road" marks her latest release building up anticipation for her debut EP "hello, i know you're busy", out April 2017. Described as making "whip-smart...confessional dark pop" by Wonky Sensitive, keep your eye on Rousseau as one of your new favorite discoveries of 2017.

Rousseau declares herself an imperfect everywoman. Her raw honesty and satirical take on working life immediately mark her songwriting out as something special.  This fearlessness, mixed with her pop sensibility and layered, slow-burning production, defines Rousseau. She’s a subversive pop artist, tackling female stereotypes, twenty-something angst and the human condition, sometimes all in the same song. Website here, Facebook here.

Rousseau's vocals can be intimate and personal, however they can also convey a sense of concern and feeling, in a dramatic and engaging manner. 'Desert Road' has a musical soundtrack that mixes low key moments alongside powerful and expansive parts and collectively lead to a superb song.

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Spiral Stairs - Dundee Man.

Background - Spiral Stairs (Pavement's Scott Kannberg) will release his second album under that name, Doris and the Daggers, on March 24 on the Nine Mile label in the US, on Domino in Europe  and on Coolin' By Sound in Australia / New Zealand. He has now shared the second single from the album "Dundee Man".

The album features guest appearances from Matt Berninger of The National, Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew and Justin Peroff, Kelley Stoltz and Shudder To Think's Adam Wade. Spiral Stairs has also launched a Pledge Music campaign where fans will have the option of buying archival Pavement and Preston School of Industry merch and memorabilia (or a DJ set, private show, trip to IKEA or a round of golf with Scott) along with their pre-order of Doris and the Daggers.

The Real Feel – the Pavement guitarist and Preston School Of Industry leader’s 3rd album (and first as Spiral Stairs) – arrived in 2009, just as Pavement were announcing a hugely successful burst of reunion shows through 2010. “Then, after the Pavement shows, I moved with my wife to go live in a house in the country near Brisbane, in Australia,” the amiable Scott remembers, of those years of seeming inactivity. “Then we had a kid, and that sort of got in the way. I tried to do music, but all of a sudden it was two years later and I’m mowing my lawn and tending my garden.” Website here, Bandcamp (pre order) here. Tour dates on Beehive Candy Tour page.

We featured the first single from the forthcoming album last month. 'Dundee Man' is another fine track and more than hints we are in for a good album. With a tight and yet relaxed sound, the musicians are clearly up for delivering some fresh rock vibes, which underpin the vocals, allowing Scott Kannberg to reach out to an audience way beyond Pavements core fans.

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