Beauty Sleep - Carrington MacDuffie - Velvet Flare - The Peace Life - Munroe

Beauty Sleep - All In.

Background - Beauty Sleep are back and have just played their first UK shows at The Great Escape Festival last week. To support, the dream pop 3-piece have a new single ready here called All In.

Turns out the tales are true and one can quite simply never have enough beauty sleep, especially when it’s in the form of a dreamy pop three-piece. Beauty Sleep were born after a bonding session ft. fridge magnets, rude words and a lot of G&T’s (creatives eh) and just one year down the line are giving Belfast another name (on top of Snow Patrol, Two Door Cinema Club and Pleasure Beach) to shout about.

All In when it comes to their upcoming debut EP “Nature Will Eat Me”. “All In” see’s us met straight away with the serene synths we have grown to expect from the trio which, although shockingly somehow manage to seem enough alone, are joined shortly by a pop-meets-indie-and-gets-on-very-well drumbeat and keys. Skip to the chorus and prepare to be hooked, quite literally. With a melody and lyrics highlighting yet again Beauty Sleep’s ‘Sparkling Songwriting’ and guitars reminiscent of Fickle Friends, expect a hook that could challenge even the best of pop ‘hey’s. Facebook here.

'All In' has a vibrant dream pop vibe, where melodies, vocals and harmonies all compete for our attention. For me it's a case of attention gained and I'm loving it!

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Carrington MacDuffie - Rock Me To Mars.

Background - Carrington MacDuffie recently released her latest EP, Rock Me To Mars. The six-tracks were all produced by Rob Halverson, and recorded at his Halversonics studio in Austin. A multi-genre artist, Carrington describes her music “electronic Americana,” while reviewers have called it “alt-cabaret.”

Carrington wrote the songs for Rock Me To Mars on ukulele and keyboards, and plays both acoustic and electric ukulele on the EP. In addition to producing, Rob also plays multiple synths, baritone, bass, guitar, hammered dulcimer, and accordion on the tracks. They were joined on various tracks by Thor Harris on drums, Daniel Jones on drums, and Paul Klemperer on saxophone.

Rock Me To Mars features more electronic influences than her previous recordings, utilizing filters, synths, and voice modulation.

“I’m fascinated with electricity, and how it can be manipulated to make sound,” says Carrington. “I like experimenting with unconventional ways of integrating electronic sounds into my music.”

The title track, “Rock Me to Mars,” is a love letter – of sorts – to a guitarist… but keep in mind Carrington says, “it seems like I always fall in love with every musician I ever played with. It just translates for me that romance and making music are practically interchangeable.” Website here, Facebook here.

'Rock Me To Mars' gives a good feel for the EP. Title track and one of six, it typifies the meeting of natural Americana and electronic sounds, the latter complementing and adding to the songs, rather than dominating. The result is a melodic and desirable EP produced to a high standard.


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Velvet Flare - Ice Age.

Background - Following the release of the singles “6th of June” and “Animal”, Brisbane rock band Velvet Flare announce the release of their latest single “Ice Age” from their forthcoming EP, Archetypes. 

“Ice Age” is a modern tragedy. A girl, who likes her ecstasy, meets a boy whose new drug of choice is crystal meth. In a moment of violence he kills her. The haunting refrain in the outro: “It looks like she showed him now” is pure irony and sadly cynical. “Ice Age” was recorded, mixed and mastered by Slade Gibson at Slade Gibson Music studio, The Gap, Brisbane.

Velvet Flare was formed by Paul English. He writes the music and lyrics, sings vocals, plays the guitars, and some keyboards. Patrick Kennedy plays piano and most keyboard parts. Patrick also provides live Background Vocals. Slade Gibson is a studio only member of Velvet Flare. He has written and played bass, occasional guitar solos and keyboards parts, and has programmed drums. Slade mixed and mastered the songs. 

‘Ice Age’ is in in Digital Stores now, The Archetypes EP by Velvet Flare will be released 9th of June 2017. Facebook here.

It would be easy to draw comparisons with other artists with Velvet Flare, however for me, at least they are some of the finest. 'Ice Age' is full of hooks and has something of an eighties vibe to it, alongside a more modern, richer production quality.


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The Peace Life - Ethenogen.

Background - The Peace Life are a married couple from Minneapolis, Minnesota who have already established their unique brand of euphoric Folk music through the independent release of two albums and a single.

Their latest album 'Jupiter Beach' features seven original tracks with cover artwork designed and hand-painted by Tessa. Jack plays the majority of instruments on the album, including rhythm and lead guitar, drums, percussion and saxophone.

The Peace Life strive to spread positive and peaceful vibrations through their potent blend of retro Folk Rock, Jazz and World Music with a modern twist. 

With a knack for mind-bending, poetical and meaningful lyrics, O’Connor’s songwriting delves into the mystical cosmos, influenced by the likes of Joni Mitchell, The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, John Lennon, Elliott Smith, King Tubby, Pink Floyd and Radiohead. Facebook here.

From the 'Jupiter Beach' album we have 'Ethenogen'. I love the above description of their music as "euphoric folk" as it has stopped me from trying to come up with a decent enough expression. Take that as their musical anchor point, The Peace Life have a long chain and can drift comfortably into other genres and styles.

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Munroe - Oblivion.

Background - Following her self-titled EP, Munroe has announced the forthcoming release of her debut full length Oblivion - out June 16, 2017. Sonically influenced by spaghetti westerns and 60s film scores, the artist also cites the presence and intimacy of vocalists such as Vashti Bunyan and Angel Olsen as musical inspiration. Along with the announce comes the release of the LP’s title track.

Munroe says of the track, “‘Oblivion’ is a confessional, or an exploration of confession. I'd been thinking about a whack of material that deals with that territory - some kind of rupture in the space between private and public selves.” She cites crime stories such as ‘The Jinx’ and ‘Serial’ as examples. “I think there's something interesting about a kamikaze instinct; the way we get compelled to do things that are identifiably bad. I had this idea of someone pleading a case for their own damnation, listing all the bad things they'd done, bargaining with a void, and the image of that conversation is what I was playing with here.”

Born in Hamilton, ON, the artist now splits her time between Toronto and Los Angeles both acting and making music. Michael Keire (co-producer), Benjamin Munoz , and Anthony Carone (Arkells) were all collaborators on this new record and helped Munroe fully develop her ideas into the final 8 vulnerable and confessional tracks. Facebook here.

Haunting and atmospheric from the beginning, 'Oblivion' is a beautifully crafted song. As a teaser for her debut album, it sets expectations high, that said a song half this good will still be wonderful.

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Emerald Portal - Joseph Eid - Archie and The Bunkers - The Phantom Sound - Beta Days - Natalie Bouloudis - Leather Girls

Emerald Portal - One Hundred Twenty (Radio Edit).

Background - Emerald Portal is the brainchild of Thomas Ouziel and Brad Rundblade, two musicians, who at a young age immersed themselves into all aspects of art. As a sound designer and screenwriter, respectively, their music is heavily influenced by their cinematic backgrounds. Emerald Portal seeks to make engaging music that not only tells stories, but transports listeners.

Born in Europe, Thomas from Paris, France and Brad from Crete, Greece, both grew up learning how to play piano and guitar. They each spent years playing music before entering the film industry. Upon meeting on the set of a music video in Los Angeles, where the duo currently live, they found they had a mutual interest in creating music and began working on a number of songs. After a period of creative activity they had written enough material for an album. Each song on their first LP, Beyond The Edge of Reason, was a glimpse into different worlds and stories that all culminated into a grander, overall universe. Using their background in film, the duo created music videos for six of the songs from the album.

Emerald Portal works in various artistic fields often collaborating with directors, musicians, and artists to expand their vision and sound. They’ve received numerous awards for their music videos (LAIFFA, Orlando Film Festival, Los Angeles CineFest) and have a new EP, Trouble In Paradise ready for release in 2017. The ambitious band is currently working on three separate concept albums, each another glimpse into the many stories populating the Emerald Portal. Website here.

There are a few artists getting a second feature on Beehive Candy tonight of which Emerald Portal are one. 'One Hundred Twenty' is a slick alt rocker, where the smooth vocals are accompanied by an increasingly powerful and atmospheric soundtrack. If they can continue this momentum, I look forward to featuring them a third time.

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Joseph Eid - Watch It Fall - EP.

Background - Americana-singer/songwriter, Joseph Eid has been writing poetry and dreaming of a career in the arts as long as he can remember. He grew up in the suburbs of New York.  Raised in a strict and traditional home, the arts were only supported as a hobby and never as a career.  During his college years, Eid studied psychology and pre-med.  After his first semester at med school, his dream got too big to hold and Eid made the bold choice of dropping out to move to New York City to pursue music. 

While in New York, Joseph Eid picked up a guitar, joined a band, and the songs poured out of him like rain.  His journey then led to Los Angeles where he started playing regularly at open mic nights and showcases.  Shortly after, he began working with world-renowned guitarist/songwriter, David Lamar, honing his songwriting at weekly showcases at the Stone Bar. This lead him to write over 30 new songs as well as record a debut EP, Cardiac Output, followed by a full-length LP, Human.

Known as a dynamic solo performer, Joseph Eid has brought his one-man live show to many of Los Angeles’ premiere music venues, including stints at Room 5 and El Cid and residencies at The Stone Bar, Crane’s Hollywood Tavern, and Bar Lubitsch. He has also toured the West Coast including a handful of house concerts as a part of the Concerts In Your Home series. 

Since the release of his Human LP, Joseph Eid has been garnering considerable buzz. He has been featured in American Songwriter Magazine’s “Best New Music” column and was recently named as one of the 100 Hottest Live Unsigned Artists by Music Connection Magazine. His latest EP, Watch It Fall, is released today.Website here, Facebook here.

It was a case of which song to feature from Joseph Eid's brand new EP 'Watch It Fall' having carried the title track back in February. Thankfully we can embed tho whole piece which comprises of six Americana meets modern folk material, written and performed to a delightfully high standard throughout.


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Archie and The Bunkers - You're My Pacemaker.

Background - Straight from the city of Cleveland Ohio- the home of The Electric Eels, Albert Ayler, and Screamin' Jay Hawkins- comes the newest sensation in Rock n' Roll. This new sound will make you shake, shiver and smash things up. Teen Punk, by teenagers, for anyone who will listen. This is the real deal, this is HI-FI Organ Punk!

"You're My Pacemaker" is a freshly cut track off Archie and The Bunkers' upcoming new LP set to be released in the fall of 2017, on a record label brand that can't be disclosed at this time. To promote their five week European tour next month, they have decided to give the fans a stunning visual taste of the long awaited follow up of their smashing self-titled debut album, released on Dirty Water Records in late 2015.

Almost overnight, the band hit a fever pitch that immediately propelled them from a local basement band gigging around Cleveland, into National and International Punk superstars. They embarked on their first ever tour last spring in Europe playing six countries in two weeks, played at the exclusive Gonerfest in Memphis, and were also invited to play at Third Man Records in Nashville. ( Which some selected tunes ended up on a live 7" single just released on Jack White's World famous imprint).

The duo will be hitting all the prime Summer festivals and club circuits over the five week journey including appearances at This Is Not A Love Song Festival, Festival Beat, Slap Festival, Relâche Festival, and Eurockéennes Festival. They will be sharing the stage and spotlight with bands such as The Mummies, 5,6,7,8's, The Gories, and even Iggy Pop. Live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page, website here, Facebook here.

I received a promo for Archie and The Bunkers a few months back, and am still puzzling as to why I didn't feature them, at that time. This is savagely potent, raw rock'n'roll. Energised and insane 'You're My Pacemaker' is a vibrant modern punk type song, with a timeless feel.


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The Phantom Sound - Voices.

Background - The Phantom Sound is Marisa Schlussel a Los Angeles native and now London based solo artist whose new song 'Voices' has already been championed by the likes of tastemakers 91X FM in San Diego. 

The single will appear on Marisa's upcoming second album which sees her working with her long term collaborator, producer Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, Big Star, and R.E.M.). The album features Dale Crover of The Melvins and Nirvana (Bleach album), and Brian Viglione (The Dresden Dolls and Scarlet Sails) and sees The Phantom Sound moving into a harder, edgier territory. 'Voices' provides the perfect introduction to what promises to be a heartfelt, personal and sometimes politically charged Punk Rock record.

Marisa is a musician that rises to a challenge. After taking some time out from music, she returned to songwriting and recording in an industry that in some ways had changed beyond recognition, but her accomplished musicianship and songwriting ability led her to her working with artists who have not only influenced her own work but who have also shaped the creative output of many others around the world.

On working as The Phantom Sound Marisa says “My interpretation of it is that it’s a sound that you hear within a mix of other sounds. It may not even actually be there, but your brain just hears it, almost like you are hearing voices… But, in the bigger picture, to me, it personally means a new discovery, something that was lost, and is now found, but in a more beautiful and significant way.” Facebook here.

There are layers of refined sound and emotive and passionate vocals as 'Voices' begins to unfold. Then the whole thing kicks into gear and an earnest rock song urgently demands your attention, and certainly got mine.


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Beta Days - Settled for Gold.

Background - Beta Days released their glittery new single, "Settled for Gold", from the upcoming debut album, S.T.T.  Beta Days is the one-man project of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bill Bierce.  The project evolved from Bierce's late night writing sessions that would start around 3 AM, as it was the only time neighboring bands at his practice space weren’t around to drown him out. 

Sadly, Bierce's mother passed away during the album's mixing, while simultaneously his father occupied a long-term hospice stay from a head wound which had left him in a vegetative state a few years prior. Everything was cast into doubt, but Bierce stayed the course and completed the record mid-2016. The end result is a hazy reflection on idealized youth, relationships, isolation, and the drudgery of adult life. All of this is presented through a prism of evasive lyrics and tightly arranged instrumentation, leaving the listener to draw their own meanings from the songs.

Bierce expanded the project into a live band shortly after completing the record, including his ex-Wandas bandmate Keith McEachern on bass. The group has enjoyed the contrast of raw energy with more guitar-oriented live performances. Beta Days debut full-length LP, S.T.T. will be released everywhere June 23rd, 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

'Settled for Gold' is a lo-fi rock song where high calibre musicianship and a sophisticated arrangement, make the perfect backdrop for Bill Bierce's enticing vocals and intriguing lyrics.

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Natalie Bouloudis - Whirlwinds.

Background - Natalie Bouloudis goes beyond heartbreak with the bluesy theatricality of Whirlwinds, a  captivating cut from her Dead Sea Scripts EP . ‘Whirlwinds’ emerged out of a break-up song which I decided to go back and revisit once feelings had subsided.  

I liked the idea of looking back at something which had once felt raw but through time and disassociation I became an editor or an archeologist finding dinosaur bones and putting them back together; never knowing what it really was like when it was alive so it takes on it’s own new story. I also wanted to capture the anger and the crazy storm of heartbreak. The vocals swell into highs and lows like the motion of the howling wind. The song is a heavy blues jam and the most dramatic sounding song on the EP.

A native of East Sussex, Natalie Bouloudis first got her musical education in childhood, having played clarinet in jazz bands and had a few guitar lessons at school. From the age of seven she started writing her own music and has been (till recently) a secret songwriter ever since. Having lived in London for the better part of the last decade, she decided three years ago to launch her music into the public sphere under the name Aurora Harbinger. She soon played venues like Servant Jazz Quarters and The Victoria in Dalston, quickly building a loyal fan base that enabled her to successfully crowd fund her debut record. 

For Natalie, playing live is an important consideration in the songwriting process, a process which focuses centrally on generating atmosphere and intimacy. Her debut EP is her first proper recording and it was all recorded live at Wax Studios in London and produced by Robert Strauss. For Natalie, getting the EP right was dependent on how precisely she could evoke the feelings she had in mind. Though armed with encyclopaedic knowledge of narrative songwriters across the spectrum of folk, rock and jazz, Natalie brings to the table her own brand of atmospheric storytelling. It’s folky in its arrangements, but in terms of sheer vocal delivery she’s a soulful rock and roller, at times calling to mind the visceral and lurching tones of Patti Smith or Etta James. ‘Burning Pier’ may only be her first single, but already it reveals an artist in the classic sense: thoughtful, precise, and led by instinct and imagination. Facebook here.

Third time around on Beehive Candy for Natalie Bouloudis this time with the bluesy 'Whirlwinds' a fabulously passionate and rhythmic piece. It's a little like Natalie Merchant with the energy levels turned up, however having heard her other material this Natalie is definitely carving out her own beautiful sounds.

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Leather Girls - Arabian Daze.

Background - Leather Girls first unleashed their ferocious style of garage rock upon their hometown of Austin, Texas in 2015 after Erik Camacho (guitar/lead vox) and Mike Garrido (guitar/vox) bonded over their shared affinity for Tropicália, Los Dug Dugs, and Billy Childish. Dillon Fernandez soon got added into the mix (drums) shortly followed by Deborah White (bass/vox).

Once a fully gelled unit, they quickly garnered a reputation for their high energy live show and blistering fuzz accentuated with a hint of Texas twang - sharing bills with legends like Holly Golightly, The Dictators, Mr. Airplane Man and becoming a favorite show partner with local heavy hitters Ringo Deathstarr and Holy Wave.

Their highly anticipated self titled debut album will be released on June 2nd via Yippee Ki Yay Records, and delivers a range of raw, airy, raucous, high energy rock sounds - much like a brick of $8 firecrackers set off in a metal trash can and then shoved in the trunk of a Chevy Nova that had to be saved up for. Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page.

One of thirteen tracks on the forthcoming album and 'Arabian Daze' signals ahead that you shouldn't expect to sleep any time through the collection. Besides the energy levels, the band create some catchy hook laden songs, in a natural, unpretentious and very addictive manner.

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Everything Turned To Color - Ian Hunter - Husky - Bloody Your Hands

Everything Turned To Color - Everything Turned To Color.

Background - This week Everything Turned to Color share their fourth single, "Everything Turned to Color". The band's forthcoming, debut album, Life Imagined, is due out June 23rd 2017. The 11-track LP was recorded, mixed and mastered by Blake Morgan at ECR Music Studios in NYC.

Everything Turned To Color includes brothers Bryan and Kyle Weber, two ex-alt-rock bandmates who co-own DIY tour booking website IndieOnTheMove.com (which services nearly 100K members) and their classically trained neighbor, Neha Jiwrajka, who left a tech job at Google to pursue a Masters in Jazz and vocal performance (her mother is a classically trained Hindustani singer). Starting March 25th, the trio will hit the road for a 24-date tour through NY, CA, PA, VT, MA, ME, CT and NJ. 

Inspired largely in part by Bryan and Kyle's foray into parenthood, Life Imagined plays heavily on the bittersweet dualities of life and the big questions we all must ask. While much of the music exudes a whimsical lightheartedness in mood and melody, the lyrics dive deep into the fragility and innocence of childhood, the significance of enduring friendship, and the inevitable moments of love and loss that haunt us all. Website here, Facebook here.

Earlier this month we featured 'Invisibility' from this fine trio describing that piece as "an elegant and cultivated modern folk orientated song, where graceful vocals are accompanied by some delicate and exquisite music and subtle harmonies" The self titled 'Everything Turned To Color' pretty much confirms, they have the knack for penning and performing some fabulous music.

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Ian Hunter - Ghosts.

Background - Ian Hunter & The Rant Band announce new single ‘Ghosts’ plus June / July UK tour dates. Following on from last year’s fond tribute to David Bowie, ‘Dandy,’ Ian Hunter releases a second cut from his widely acclaimed new solo album, ‘Fingers Crossed.’  A vivacious stomper, recorded at HOBO Studios in New Jersey, and co-produced by Hunter and Andy York, ‘Ghosts’ was inspired by a 2014 visit to Union Avenue in Memphis where Ian and the Rant Band were invited to jam in rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Sam Phillips’ legendary Sun Studio. 

“I’m like some kid in a candy store – always been a fan
It’s all still here – the atmosphere – it’s where it all began”

As leader of ‘70s British rock legends Mott the Hoople and as a hugely influential solo artist, Ian Hunter is widely revered as one of rock’n’roll’s most compelling performers and one of its most articulate songwriters. As author of such immortal anthems as, “All The Way From Memphis”, “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” and “Cleveland Rocks” and the voice of such landmark albums as, “All The Young Dudes”, “Mott”, “Ian Hunter” and “You’re Never Alone With A Schizophrenic”, he remains a hero to fellow musicians and fans around the world.

‘Ghosts’ will be released on 9th June 2017 on Proper Records. Live dates are on Beehive Candy's tour page, website here.

Ian Hunter could probably sing my local Indian Restaurants menu and still make it sound gritty and rock'n'roll. 'Ghosts' has a little bit of a blues feel at times, alongside the natural rock vibes and distinct and timeless vocals. Magnificent!


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Husky - Splinters In The Fire (Live Session).

Background - Two weeks before the release of the long-awaited album Punchbuzz, Husky release another gorgeous single, with summer hit "Splinters In The Fire" - one of their catchiest songs yet.

Starting out a guitar riff that had been looping in Husky's head for weeks, the line "Splinters in the fire" kept making its way into the songs he was writing. "Something about the ruthlessness of fire - and time", says Husky. "Splinters in the fire, summer days in the smoke"

The pair have released a live video for the single, shot in the gardens of an old mansion not far from where they live in Melbourne - a big, rambling place which perfectly suits their warm, yet forlorn sound.

"Splinters In The Fire" is part of their upcoming Punchbuzz album, due out on 2nd of June via Embassy of Music. Website here, Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page.

The live session version of 'Splinters In The Fire' is refined, melodic and refreshing. Subtle hooks are everywhere and the band are musically tight and natural.


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Bloody Your Hands - Wandering Home.

Background - Brooklyn-based trio Bloody Your Hands have shared new track "Wandering Home". Describing the track as the centerpiece of the album, the band explains it's about "chasing ghosts and dreams from one edge of the country to the other and back again only to realize that you can never really escape yourself." The song is the second single to be released from the bands forthcoming new album, Monsters Never Die, out July 7th.

Described as "a rattling frenzy of irresistible power" and "a multi-faceted canvas of all that is likable about twenty-first century indie rock", NYC-based Bloody Your Hands combines solid pop hooks, 90's alt rock instrumentation and driving garage rock - all with an explosive live show.

Formed in NYC in 2015, the band features members of The Nightlights and I Am The Heat, and draws from a wide range of influences including The Pixies, Nirvana, Superchunk, Archers of Loaf, Television, The Hold Steady, Wavves and Surfer Blood. They released their debut full-length in 2015 and are currently working on their sophomore release.

Bloody Your Hands is Jameson Edwards (vocals, guitar), Henry Joseph (guitar, bass, vocals) and Mike Horaz (drums, vocals), Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

The band pack some power with 'Wandering Home' a song that veers towards garage rock but with enough pop sensibilities to ensure it's one catchy and play me again, type track.

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Penny Police - ALASKALASKA

Penny Police - Fool Like Me.

Background - Having been nominated for Denmark’s prestigious Gaffa award for Best Female Artist twice in three years in 2012 and 2014; and having been the recipient of the Bands of Tomorrow ‘Pop Artist Of The Year’ award in 2013, Penny Police’s releases to date have been showered with four and five star reviews across the board that laud her musicality, and her ability to conjure melodies so light, pure and delicately delivered as though they were made from the hydrogen atoms teased from a teardrop.

With her personalised brand of poetic and ambient art-pop, Marie Fjeldsted (aka Penny Police) is an artist so steeped in empathy, warmth and humanity you’d be forgiven for thinking she’d seen the inside of your private journal. Her warm, almost whispery voice gently guides the listener through her ballads, songs which are often based on found footage: conversations overheard, television clips - pieces otherwise forgotten.

While quick to profess her love for the music of Ane Brun, and coming from an imaginary family tree that might also include Susanne Sundfør and Lydmor at their most intimate, Marie has always drawn inspiration more from her own life than any heroes. She has a unique ability to distil a rainbow of emotions into a few lines, and an uncanny knack for writing songs that cut through the static of life and hit you beneath the ribcage. Writing primarily around the keyboard, that combination of pure voice and lyrical clarity, blended with her own musical eccentricities, keeps on making her new fans. Following one London show last year the NSPCC adopted ‘I Do Care’ as the anthem for their ‘Safe and Sound’ campaign online, and on TV across the UK.

New single ‘Fool Like Me’ is a gem of minimal electronics meeting orchestral sounds in a very beautiful mid-point with vocal similarities to Lana Del Ray and follows ‘No Horizon’ which has been gaining P6 plays in Denmark and praiseworthy quotes from the likes of The Line Of Best Fit and Amazing Radio in the UK. Both are taken from the forthcoming highly anticipated ‘Penny Police’ EP due out later this year. Website here, Facebook here.

'Fool Like Me' is a delicious ambient pop song. Melodic vocals float above a layered synth backdrop, and a gentle rhythm is all that is required to ensure Penny Police is fully on our radar.

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ALASKALASKA - Bitter Winter / Familiar Ways.

Background - ALASKALASKA are an art-pop 6-piece from London. They make beautiful, groove-laden music that seamlessly blends jazz, disco, funk and R&B into a bold and playful sound uniquely their own; synthetic beats play alongside live drums, delayed guitars and shimmering saxophones to create something musically rich and delightfully intricate.

Band leader and principle vocalist Lucinda twists brooding and introspective lyrics - akin to the words of Arthur Russell - into infectious melodies reminiscent of Warpaint, Dirty Projectors or Talk Talk, which demand repeat listens and could as easily soundtrack a wistful evening alone as they could a party. They’ve built a cult following and reputation as extraordinary performers through a handful of low-key London shows.

'Bitter Winter', the lead track from their debut EP, and 'Familiar Ways', are the perfect introduction to their brand of off-kilter pop. ‘Bitter Winter / Familiar Ways’ is released via House Anxiety/ Marathon Artists on Monday 22nd May - full EP coming summer 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

The two tracks 'Bitter Winter / Familiar Ways' are my personal introduction to the band. On Bitter Winter it's the vocals that I noticed first, followed by a lush and understated (yet quite intricate) musical arrangement. Familiar Ways is a smoother piece where the vocals and music glide along with each other, until the energy builds and the band demonstrate a more powerful side.


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