2 by bukowski feat: Kid Moxie - J.D. King - Stag - Evan Klar

2 by bukowski feat. Kid Moxie - Hot Summer.

Background - Let's go back in a time for a bit, before 2 by bukowski had a name, before the Wire Nightmare, before even the infamous “Practice Session 0” at Studio N between George, John and Nik.  

It was sometime in 1996 and a band called Tiger had released a single called "My Puppet Pal". George had just bought the record and brought it over to John's place to listen to. The single came with a sticker of its cover which George gave to John who stuck it on his white Aria bass. For that reason that bass has since been and is still known as The Tiger. At some point, after having used it on several 2bb recordings, John upgraded his bass and gave The Tiger to Achilles who was cheap and would take whatever you gave him.  

A few years down the line Achilles passed The Tiger on to his cousin. The cousin eventually moved to L.A. and became the very keen musician Kid Moxie, all thanks to The Tiger's magical powers. It's Kid Moxie's voice you hear on "Hot Summer". So it goes with full circles and so it goes with magical musical instrument folklore. 

The single “Hot Summer / Beast’s Breath” will be released on 7inch vinyl and digital format via Inner Ear. 2 By Bukowski current members are Achilles Charmpilas and George Malamidis. Hot Summer is performed and produced by 2 by bukowski. Written by 2 by bukowski and April Walz. with vocals by Kid Moxie. Facebook here.

'Hot Summer' is a gorgeous mix of melodic vocals and a multi-layered electronic & guitar soundtrack, the latter adding depth and a level of  fascinating disquiet. Very addictive!


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J.D. King - Midnight Rendezvous.

Background - Essence is what JD King seems to hold in the highest regard as it pertains to the way he interacts with everything. The Los Angeles based musician, songwriter, producer and artist is hypersensitive to aesthetics that surround him from his performances, to his recording techniques, down to the way he dresses. King creates his own world to share with his audiences. This eye for detail also shows up in his highly sought after paintings and illustrations, which are a perfect accompaniment to his music and style. Treat yourself and enter the world of JD King, one of the most original artists to come from this time. 

Starting from an early age, King’s musical background began by learning piano, which would ultimately ignite his music writing. Later, he would transfer this knowledge and skill to a multitude of instruments including saxophone, flute, cello and eventually guitar, where he would ultimately gain his notoriety. As a member of many Southern California bands in his youth, he would discover and cultivate his writing ability during this time. Finally striking out on his own, his first solo album, Here’s JD King, showcased the breadth of his musicianship pairing his ear for classic and beautiful melodies with his virtuosic guitar ability. An avid record collector since he was in grade school, King’s extensive knowledge, and library, of 78, 45 and 33rpm recordings dates back to the turn of the century. This encyclopedic knowledge of analog music shows in his production taste and compositional style.

Following his critically acclaimed project, The Olms, with friend Pete Yorn, King is preparing to release his new highly anticipated solo album titled Moon Gardens. He describes this latest work as a “three year experiment to find the highest level analog sonics, totally original songwriting methods and the most fulfilling creative experience using only biological electromagnetic vibration.” King brought together some of the top musicians in the city to perform with 4-track tape machines, utilizing his collection of extremely high-quality vintage microphones and gear. The album was mixed entirely on a beautiful custom built tube console at his home studio in the Hollywood Hills and delivered to the listener at the highest professional quality. The result is an artistic and original album lovingly written, performed and produced by King. Website here, Facebook here.

A tight rhythm arrangement with some catchy chord changes helps 'Midnight Rendezvous' get noticed from the word go. A subtle melody and engaging vocals does the rest song wise, the video adds additional charm to a fine alt rock track.


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Stag - Pharaoh.

Background - Stag has a riff-centered sound that’s both nostalgic and contemporaneous; equal parts romantic angst and sexual tension; vibrantly commercial yet comfortably in the red.

Most of their new eight song Midtown Sizzler was recorded with John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Hold Steady, Kurt Vile) at Water Studios in Hoboken, NJ. As Mr. Agnello says, “They contacted me and I checked out their music and I loved it! 

They have all these wonderful influences of music I love. They write great melodies and they know hooks. It’s a pleasure working with strong characters with strong opinions who are also open to outside ideas.” 

Two songs (pre-single “The Bedazzler” and “Runner”) were recorded with Jack Endino at Soundhouse in Seattle, and mixed by Martin Feveyear on Vashon Island. 

Cover photo by Meryl Meisler from her book Purgatory & Paradise SASSY '70s Suburbia & The City. Official release date is Friday August 4th. All songs written by Ben London, and performed by Stag. Website here, Facebook here.

The first track of eight on 'Midtown Sizzler' is the robust and powerful 'Pharaoh'. This is a slick collection of natural and down to earth rock'n'roll songs. For me it's the sort that, could just play in the background all day, and demand your attention for a proper listen later. Highly recommended.

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Evan Klar - Barefoot.

Background - Trekking into tour mode, Evan Klar today announces new headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne to celebrate the release of his latest single 'Barefoot'. Klar will head line Sydney's Rare Finds on Friday June 30 and perform just over a week later at Yah Yah's in Melbourne. 

There's a percussive grounding which serves as the driving force for Evan Klar's music. It's this uniqueness and almost tribal sonic sphere that has a steady legion of fans crossing his path. Named as one of GQ Magazine's 'Ones to Watch in 2017', the Melbourne based musician's 'Barefoot' premiered on 2017 with Richard Kingsmill, was added to triple j spot rotation and has amassed almost 500,000 plays on Spotify in just two months. He's now well on the way to cracking a million plays online this month with just two tracks released. 

A visual and aural feast, Evan Klar's live show is a high energy, sensory experience. Performing with a double drum kit and bongo drums, Klar's "commanding live vocals lure the listener into his undeniably likeable structure of musical compositions." (The Music). 

Not tip-toeing about on the live front, the half Australian, half German musician has been leaving plenty of footprints on stages in 2017 with performances at festivals The Blurst of Times, The Mountain Goat Valley Crawl and support for Confidence Man at three sold out shows. As he prepares to release his debut album compiled with producer Ash Workman (Metronomy and Christine and The Queens) fans can expect to hear debut offerings 'Barefoot' and 'Sleep' as well as a selection of yet unreleased tracks. Facebook here. 

'Barefoot' is the first song I have heard by Evan Klar. The musical arrangement is both highly professional and contains some original and intriguing ideas. Without getting carried away, this is one of those "breath of fresh air" songs, reminding me that creativity and enjoyment can still work well together.


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Common Tongues - Quiet Hollers - Keep Shelly in Athens

Common Tongues - Pioneer.

Background - Common Tongues have taken a step in a new direction with their upcoming debut album; with their sound extending towards the experimental, by its presence of electronic instrumentation and powerful song progressions. A new life is given to their powerful indie-folk music.

Dancing on the boundary between acoustic and synthetic, Common Tongues  use intricate harmonies, searing violins & bubbling electronics to create absorbing live experiences and records that reveal immersive arrangements and lyrical themes of conflict, decline and rebirth. 

Their newest single ‘Pioneer’ from their upcoming debut album 'Divisions', is their gutsiest release yet. Delving into the tradition of intimate singer-songwriting with deeply personal lyrics, Pioneer also reveals a different personality of underlying electronic swells and arpeggios matched by ornate guitar licks. The band explain more about their upcoming album “With Divisions it felt like we suddenly had a group of songs with a rawer, more insistent new edge to them, threading them together. I would say the sound of the record stems from us exploring the sounds we love in music and the world around us and trying to find a way of expressing them in our own way.” 

Their debut record ‘Divisions’ was recorded with producer Gavin Monaghan (Robert Plant, Kings of Leon, Paulo Nutini, The Editors). It sees the band growing out of their folk roots by experimenting with sound and rhythm whilst keeping the honest poetry of their lyrics and journey-like structures. Facebook here.

The new track 'Pioneer' suggests the bands shift from indie-folk into more experimental and adventurous territories, is quite genuine. It certainly feels that way with this rich and vibrant song, where the vocals are determined and invigorating, and the musical arrangement is expansive. Makes the debut album, all the more intriguing and easily anticipated.

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Quiet Hollers - Funny Ways.

Background -  “Funny Ways” , the excellent new single from Louisville’s revered indie/post-punk group Quiet Hollers. “Funny Ways” is the second official single released from their forthcoming album Amen Breaks, and the song is about criminality and the self-perpetuating prison-industrial complex. 

Have you ever had a friend that just can't seem to stay out of trouble? That's exactly who frontman Shadwick Wilde wrote this song for.

 “Funny Ways” follows on the heels of the album’s powerful lead single “Medicine”, a compelling personal story from frontman Shadwick Wilde about crippling anxiety, depression, existential malaise, and society’s attitudes toward medication and addiction. 

The bands' new album Amen Breaks draws parallels with the cultural crossovers and the anxieties of the 1970's, a decade marred by division, political corruption, and terrorism. Website here, Facebook here.

'Funny Ways' is pretty gentle for a band described as indie/post punk.Whatever, this is a catchy song that is both melodic and superbly arranged, in fact there is a certain irony that a subject matter this deep, is delivered with such beauty.

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Keep Shelly in Athens - Leave In Silence.

Background - Keep Shelly In Athens announces new album, Philokalia, & shares first single, "Leave In Silence". The ethereal and swirling sounds of the ambient-influenced pop of Greece's Keep Shelly in Athens captures the transient feelings of city life and the inevitable passing of time. With lush melodic beats and dreamy vocals Keep Shelly's production is an accessible and lighthearted entry into the world of down-tempo electronica.

With previous releases on labels including Forest Family Records, Transparent Records, Planet Mu, Cascine and Friends of Friends, the duo have already transported their whimsical arrangements and soothing productions across the globe, including performances at Coachella Festival, Parklife Festival, Brighton's The Great Escape Festival and Austin's Fun Fun Fun.

In addition to their own releases they have also done official remixes for Tycho (Ghostly International), Blood Diamonds (4AD), Steve Mason (Domino) and many more...

Their third LP is coming out on September 29 2017 via their own record label Athenian Aura Recordings with the Aussie award-winning novelist/poet Jessica Bell as their new singer. Website here, Facebook here.

Keep Shelly in Athens are a creative band, as 'Leave In Silence' I hope confirms for any listeners new to their music. The arrival of Jessica Bell as the new vocalist, adds to my anticipation and impatient desire to hear the rest of album!


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Eat The Evidence - Be The Bear - City Calm Down

Eat The Evidence - Fruit Of The Loot.

Background - “This song is about how other countries can't be trusted at looking after their own belongings. What better way to express this than using a slide whistle and swear words.” Eat The Evidence

A satirical account of the artistic trappings of the British Empire set to supercharged-ska, ‘Fruit Of The Loot’ is a tongue-in-cheek yet brutally honest address to all those nations, from Greece to Chile and beyond, whose prized cultural artefacts have been pilfered for exhibits in UK museums and galleries. It’s all set to an astonishingly agile brew of agit-ska – all dubby bass, fiesta beats and, yes, that is a slide-whistle solo. The video captures the band dressed as colonialists, visiting the stolen artefacts at the British Museum.

A breathtakingly entertaining hybrid of The Specials, NOFX, Ween and The Streets, Eat The Evidence are led by brothers Jack and Tom Lattimer, skilled musicians whose deceptively dextrous playing demands equivalent levels of expertise from fellow band members Ric Lygo, Joe Bartlett and Michael Saminaden. With an earthy, animated and uninhibited stage presence, the band’s live shows are swiftly becoming London legend, riotous gigs of carnivalesque proportions with not a little audience interaction. Exploding onto the ska-punk and festival circuits in 2014, Eat The Evidence are always the punkest band on a reggae bill, or the reggae'est band on a punk night. Either way, they will always own the room.

Capturing such visceral energy on tape could have been a challenge, but with the help of Sam Duckworth (aka Get Cape Wear Cape Fly), Jay Malhotra and Rees Broomfield, Eat The Evidence emerged from The Broom Cupboard in Southend-on-Sea brandishing their debut album, ‘Sex, Drugs & Wishy Washy Politics’, which surges from the speakers in a flood of sonic sweat. Eschewing romantic escapism for the distinctly down-to-earth, the album’s subject matter ranges from junkie girlfriends to the post-party comedown to political and existential conundrums, all delivered with biting satirical lyrics, breakneck rhythms and such a liberal approach to instrumentation that accordion, trumpet, ukelele and even slide whistle are thrown into the bass-guitar-drums mix. There’s no pretence, no heeding of passing trends, just the foul-mouthed rejection of societal flaws and a riotous celebration of the good times. Facebook here.

A little bit of humour in this increasingly insane and lost world seems in order, which is partly where 'Fruit Of The Loot' comes in. The other "part" is that, this is a delightfully catchy and enjoyable song. That the message is poignant and steeped in historical facts, should be centre stage, it's just that right now, something to smile about is quite useful.


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Be The Bear - Erupt.

Background - Be The Bear is a one-woman industry – a fiercely independent female artist and producer, writing and recording her own songs in her commercial studio in Gothenburg, home to her own record label Loud Attic Records and publishing company. Be The Bear’s debut single ‘Erupt’ is a spectacular representation of this young gifted Swedish talent, who has the confidence to create music in an uncompromisingly unique way.

The alias Be The Bear derives from Christina’s childhood fear of bears and recurring cold-sweat nightmares. “I used to dream about them every night, chasing me up old wooden staircases. When dreams come back again and again, I think it's because you’re trying to deal with something. I wasn't facing my fears and challenging myself.” Christina adopted the totem of the wild bear, creating a powerful musical persona for herself. When asked about Erupt, Christina states: “Erupt is my ode to new places in life and an invocation to the fearlessness in all of us. It’s about the learning experience of transporting strong emotions into something physical”.

This Norse alt pop epic builds from a whisper into an inspiring vocal performance that is guaranteed to give you goose bumps. Accompanied by a 60-piece string orchestra, Christina’s voice is at once intimate, passionate and cathartic with an honesty reminiscent of Aurora and Emiliana Torrini, rising to an explosive and uplifting Björk and Susanne Sundfør. Christina’s work is in huge demand with music supervisors and sync companies, having already featured in several high profile global ad campaigns.

Erupt is a milestone of an effervescent artist, and will be out on Christina’s label- Loud Attic Records, through Kobalt. It is in all the usual places as of now. Website here, Facebook here.

'Erupt' is beautiful. That there are some similarities to Bjork and others, as mentioned in the promo piece, is better seen as an endorsement of the sheer quality of this song, rather than having any negative connotations. It's a fabulous song from a very talented and creative artist.

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City Calm Down - Blood.

Background - 'Blood' is the new single from Melbourne's City Calm Down it's the first taste of the band's highly anticipated second album. Inspired by a standoff with a former employer, 'Blood' is all formidable, joyful crescendos – the push and pull of a day job versus touring commitments.

"I ended up quitting my job," singer Jack Bourke explains. "My boss was being inflexible but I was also being self absorbed, and the lyrics reflect that. They touch on the grind of work and how easy it is to isolate yourself from the people who matter to you by being too caught up in your own ambition and what you're doing.

"This is a place I feel we ended up towards the end of recording the album," he continues. "We were running late-night recording sessions during the middle of the week when we all had work the following morning, and we were all just emotionally exhausted by the end. Not to let an opportunity go to waste, we really tried to capture that sense of madness in the final chorus."

For album #2 the band are reteaming with producer Malcolm Beasley (who helmed their debut). "The new record feels like a natural progression from 'In A Restless House'" explains Bourke. "There are songs that expand on the themes and songwriting present on that record, and there are songs that mark a clear departure. It also feels much more cohesive… which is probably due to us having a clearer idea of how we wanted the songs to sound before we went into the studio." Website here, Facebook here.

Atmosphere, energy and commitment combine to create 'Blood' a passionate alt rocker, where the lyrics, and their determined delivery, are backed by some equally powerful music. If the rest of the album is on a par with this, I reckon there will be, a considerable number of very satisfied listeners, a little later this year.


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Caretaker - Little Mammoths - Jim Lauderdale - People Like You - MAP

Caretaker - Swallow.

Background - Caretaker are a rock band from Brooklyn that formed from the ashes of several other popular Brooklyn bands. They deliver high-energy rock songs that make you want to dance just as much as they make you want to punch a hole in your wall. 

Long after you’ve left the venue, their melodies will get stuck in your head and their memory will be burned in your mind. They are fronted by a real-life nanny. Members: Erin Pellnat, Eva Lawitts, Alex Pulakos, Damian Sim, and Chris Krasnow.

“Swallow” is a song about being trapped in a relationship (or any situation, really) where someone is successful in convincing you that you are constantly wrong. This gets to the point where you believe everything they say, gladly taking punishment and abuse from them and wrongfully accepting that you deserve it. So you just cut ties and set yourself free. Website here, Facebook here.

There is a vibrant pace and feel to 'Swallow,' where feisty vocals compete with an ultra tight musical arrangement, accompanied by some robust synths, that add even more colour to this very catchy song.

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Little Mammoths - Hungover In New York.

Background - Little Mammoths are a London-based Rock’n’Roll Bar Band formed in 2014, that continue charging down the vein of The Hold Steady, Drive-by Truckers and Wilco. Comprised of Matt Owens (ex-Noah & The Whale) and some of his oldest friends, Olly Cox on bass and James Besley on drums, now neatly rounded off by renowned pedal steel player Joe Harvey-Whyte, this band have the sort of chemistry most can only dream of. 

Their debut album ‘Phantom Dreams’ was recently released on vinyl in the Spring of 2017, featuring a set of raucous songs about nightly lock-ins the band were privy to over three years of touring the West Coast of Ireland and The Scottish Highlands.  Their raw energy prompted Texan legend Ray Wylie Hubbard to declare: “If your ears dig gnawing on the gritty sounds from a young, dirty, cool rock band, I just found Little Mammoths who satisfy the craving…”

The quartet’s constant gigging and tireless work ethic often result in straight sets in excess of four hours, and has seen their road-hardened material performed to ecstatic crowds alongside Mumford & Sons, Fat White Family and Bahamas and at international festivals including Wilderness, Loopallu and The Clonakilty Guitar Festival.

Little Mammoths will release their eagerly anticipated second album ‘Cargo for The Road’ this summer (23 June), with pedal steel player Joe Harvey-Whyte now firmly in the fold and backed by a 3-piece horn section. The band are set promote the record through 2017 with extensive touring around Europe, and a full UK festival run, including Glastonbury. Website here, Facebook here.

If The Pogues/Kirsty MacColl had ever needed a sequel for their fabulous 'Fairytale of New York' song, then Little Mammoths 'Hungover In New York' would be in my opinion the contender. The obvious link is in the song title, however the emotion, spirit, heart and atmosphere, draws these two very different pieces together, all for the better as far as I'm concerned.

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Jim Lauderdale - You Came To Get Me.

Background - Award winning singer and master songwriter Jim Lauderdale embarks on a UK tour in July in the company of My Darling Clementine, Sam Outlaw, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Angaleena Presley, Nick Lowe and Red Sky July. 

To coincide with the tour, Proper Records will release a new single, ‘You Came To Get Me,’ from Jim’s acclaimed new ‘London Southern’ album.  Recorded in London at Goldtop studios and produced by the recently departed Neil Brockbank along with Robert Trehern, London Southern features co-writes with Dan Penn, Joan Oates, Odie Blackmon and Kendell Marvell alongside six Lauderdale solo compositions and a host of celebrated guest musicians. 

Jim Lauderdale is both a ‘songwriter’s songwriter’, who has written/co-written many modern classics for iconic artists, as well as an intuitive sideman who has enhanced the music of a bevy of esteemed musicians. As a solo artist, he has created a critically acclaimed body of work spanning nearly 30 albums of imaginative roots music, encompassing country, bluegrass, soul, R&B and rock.

Throughout his three-decade career, Lauderdale has helped pave the way for the current Americana movement, recording albums and writing songs that cross genres from country, rock, folk and bluegrass. Jim has written many classic songs for iconic artists and worked with some of the finest performers in traditional and modern music, including Robert Hunter, Ralph Stanley, Elvis Costello, George Strait, Buddy Miller, Lucinda Williams, John Oates, Solomon Burke, Lee Ann Womack, Old Crow Medicine Show, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Blake Shelton, the Dixie Chicks, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, and Gary Allan among many, many others. He co-hosts a weekly radio show on SiriusXM with Buddy Miller, "The Buddy & Jim Show," and is also co-host of Music City Roots, the weekly live and radio, podcast and PBS series.

Jim has won two Grammys and been honoured with the SESAC Inspiration Award, the prestigious American Eagle Award from the National Music Council along with Kris Kristofferson and in 2016, the aforementioned US Americana Music Association’s Wagonmaster Award. Tour dates on Beehive Candy's tour news page, website here.

'You Came To Get Me' oozes the class and sophistication, that an artist of Jim Lauderdale's calibre might be expected to constantly deliver. This is a beautifully constructed song, the arrangement is slightly understated, making room for feeling and personality to shine through. Whatever a persons track record might be, songs like this should never be taken for granted.


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People Like You - Variations on an Aria.

Background - People Like You will release their sophomore album entitled Verse on July 28 via Topshelf Records. Yesterday they shared the lead single "Variations on an Aria".

The five-piece Boston-based band, People Like You, formed in 2014 from the short-lived emo/math punk band, I Kill Giants, which included guitarist/vocalist Chris Lee-Rodriguez and drummer Sander Bryce. After the release of their first record, This is what you learned. on Broken World Media, People Like You expanded to include longtime collaborator and trumpet player Matt Hull, as well as vocalist/pianist Michi Tassey, and Animal Flag’s Sai Boddupalli on bass.

After several years of making a name for themselves in the small DIY house show circuit in the Northeast, the indie jazz outfit will release their sophomore album, Verse on Topshelf Records. Incorporating improvisation, classical guitar, breakbeats, a punk ethos, literary references, and beautiful pop melodies, People Like You has developed a sound that they can truly call their own. Facebook here, Topshelf Records here.

'Variations on an Aria' is a fabulous genre defying song, that pretty much confirms the above promo to be spot on. Whats more it is addictive, and ensures their sophomore album 'Verse' is a must hear for me.

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MAP - Skills To Rebuild.

Background - Los Angeles-based MAP will be releasing his new EP 'Hello Singularity (Writer's Block Part One)' on Velvet Blue Music, June 16th. The EP was mixed by Ken Ramos and mastered by Jason Martin of Starflyer 59.

Inspired by being paralyzed by the neck down from the West Nile Virus in 2014 and influenced by bands like The Smiths, Stereolab, Beach House and Future Islands, the new EP and its lead single "Skills To Rebuild" present a pensive yet joyful outlook on life.

The lyrics were inspired by my own recovery from the hospital and the simultaneous loss of my best friend Rene' from a genetic kidney disease and how it taught me fear in general is pointless. Fear can't keep your friends alive, fear won't keep someone from leaving you. I should take a chance and open myself up to the possibility of hurt and disappointment in life because whatever happens, I now have the skills to rebuild.

Basically life is too short to be afraid of heartbreak or of how people may feel about your art so get out of the house make art, kiss people, take risks, be present. If you can walk in sunshine with friends and family you are filthy rich and if someone breaks your heart don't worry you'll be fine you might even get a new song or two out of it. Website here.

There is a refreshing feel to 'Skills To Rebuild' as soon as the song begins. The background above establishes the context of the song, it's admirable that the track achieves and conveys so much more. That it's catchy, and such a well produced track, almost seems a bonus.

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