Jason Herring and the Mystery Plan - M.A.G.S. - Young States - Azraq Sàhara - Georgia June

Jason Herring and the Mystery Plan - Electric Love.

Background - Jason Herring & The Mystery Plan have just released their new album 'Queensland Ballroom' via Ten Millimeter Omega Recordings. With an infectious chilled atmosphere and dreamy female vocals, ‘Electric Love’ is the first single from this release. 

Jason Herring & The Mystery Plan released their new album 'Queensland Ballroom' on September 8 via Ten Millimeter Omega Recordings. With an infectious chilled atmosphere and dreamy female vocals, ‘Electric Love’ is the first single from this release. The accompanying video was directed by Jon Ecklund and Fiona Jones and produced by Dream Out Loud Media.

Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, the band is comprised of Jason Herring, Otis Hughes, Jeff Chester, Amy Herring, Paul Jensen and Patty McLaughlin. This 11-track offering follows the band’s 'Electric Love' EP, released in June of this year.  

Both of these releases involved production by legendary producer John Fryer, one of the most innovative sonic architects of our age. “John Fryer has practically soundtracked your entire life,” says Impose Magazine, with a musical imprint that is massive, having shaped the sound of nearly all early 4AD Records' releases (Cocteau Twins, Lush, Kristin Hersh, Dead Can Dance), as well as bands from Nine Inch Nails and Love and Rockets to HIM and Depeche Mode. He is also one of just two artists behind This Mortal Coil, along with Ivo Watts-Russell, and the mastermind behind his latest project Black Needle Noise. 

Jason Herring met Fryer while visiting Los Angeles, where his studio is currently based. After collaborating on the 'Electric Love' EP, they launched into the new 'Queensland Ballroom' LP, which sees the band take a turn from their trademark psychedelic folk sound to a more electronic downtempo groove. 

After a hiatus of several years, bandmates Jason Herring (The Interstellars, Muchacho, Farfalla) and Paul Jensen (Fetchin' Bones, the Interstellars) began writing songs again.  Soon thereafter, the first album 'The Future Ain't What It Used to Be' was released in 2010, followed by 'Chateau Beaumont' in 2012 and 'Long Shadows' in 2014. Facebook here.

The first of eleven tracks on the 'Queensland Ballroom' album is 'Electric Love'. It typifies the rich synths and and dreamy vocals that are full of fine textures and atmosphere. The collection includes three remixes, including one for the featured song. Overall this is an imaginative collection of material, if you like Electric Love, the album really is a must hear.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

M.A.G.S. - Mexico

Background - Without a doubt, Buffalo's music scene is buzzing about multi-instrumentalist, M.A.G.S. (aka Elliott Douglas). Signed to Admirable Traits Records, M.A.G.S. popularity has been shot out of a cannon since the release of his debut EP Cellophane in 2015 notably due to prominent features in the TV shows Shameless, The Flash, and Famous In Love. M.A.G.S. can best be described to new listeners as Cloud Nothings Attack on Memory re-worked by Lightspeed Champion era Dev Hynes.

The second single from the album, "Mexico," which dropped 9/8/17, is all about figuring out what kind of person you want to be and learning the hard way about how your decision-making will affect you long term. In a nut shell, it's about the perils of growing up and becoming an adult.

All of the instruments are written and mixed by Douglas and recorded by Dave Drago at 1809 Studios in Rochester, NY. The album is out right now via digital, tape, and cassette, which is available for order on M.A.G.S.' bandcamp here, Facebook here.

'Mexico' is an energised, uptempo indie rocker, where the vocals are a driving force for the song, and that's saying something when you consider the potent full on sound the band create.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Young States - Memory.

Background - Young States are pleased to announce their new single 'Memory', taken from the forthcoming EP, 'Past Truths | Present Lies' - out 29th September. Hailing from Norwich, Young States are a four-piece band specialising in energetic and passionate punk rock.

Formed at the end of 2014, the band met at a music school in Norwich. Guitar and vocalist, Libby was on a sound engineering course, the others on music performance courses. Guitarist, Amy got Young States together as she was bored of seeing male band after male band, and wanted to form an all-female group. She approached the others in the corridors of college after seeing them carrying their instruments.

With a love of Brand New, Kids In Glass Houses, Defeater and Mallory Knox, Young States quickly wrote and recorded their debut EP 'Down to You' which saw them receive play from Scuzz TV, BBC Introducing and features in the pages of Kerrang!

New EP “Past Truths | Present Lies” is about personal growth and letting go of the things that have previously caused you pain. Lead singer and bass player Georgia says: “All the tracks on the EP have different meanings to some extent but the common thread between them all is that they're all about my own (not-entirely-happy) feelings I've experienced in the past. The idea for the EP name comes from saying that I experience these exact feelings at the moment wouldn't be true.” Facebook here.

Young States are described as a passionate punk rock band. 'Memory' oozes passion, however for me it's more of a feisty alt rocker, however there is no point quibbling over genres, the main thing is this is one natural and catchy rocker, & that's more than enough.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Azraq Sàhara - Bones.

Background - Azraq Sàhara formed in Athens, Greece, in 2013 as the personal project of singer and songwriter Sara D. Satàn. Her first home recordings and early live performances were a lo-fi amalgam of beach pop and surf melodies.

Following a year of writing and experimenting with fellow artists in the Athenian psych scene, the band emerged in 2015 with their 11-track debut album, 'Radamenes', via Athens based TBMR Records.

The album is a continuation of the band's early sound, but dives deeper into their Mediterranean origins, to take you on a journey from the Sahara Desert to the Californian coast. 

When asked to describe their own music they call it ‘Desert Goth’, “it's surf guitars and jungle drums mixed with Mediterranean influences, from folk and Eastern melodies to sea sounds and desert winds.”

Now based in Manchester, UK, Azraq Sàhara are bringing their self-styled "Desert Goth" to British audiences and plan to release a new EP in 2017. 

Now desert goth is a new description for me, however it really does capture the overall feel of 'Bones'. Strong hints of psych rock are there in the under current & the video adds something of a hippy feel to the track. Pretty good going for just one song.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Georgia June - Cool.

Background - Sydney, Australia-based indie pop/rock artist, Geogia June, shares her new video "Cool" via Pilerats. The track was recorded in New York City at Diamond City Studios with Ayad Al Adhamy (Passion Pit, Team Spirit) and Joel Wittenberg (Surf Rock Is Dead). 

Georgia June wrote "Cool" after soberly leaving a party where everyone was under the influence of some form of substance. Observing the facade created by the ridiculously pompous private school boys, Georgia wrote the song as a satire on  her turbulent teenage years. The track asserts that popularity and hipness are contrived labels created by high schoolers, and through her artistic expression, Georgia has been able to move beyond the narrow mindedness of her peers. The song was inspired by Joan Jett, who soundtracked her car ride home from the party, displaying a more aggressive side of Georgia June. The video was directed, produced and edited by James Adams (Delta Riggs, Julia Jacklin). The campy visuals in the video compliment Georgia's kitschy, but still fashion forward style. Her identity, being an artist, scholar and creative, is contrasted from the stuck up, basic private school kids in Sydney that she was forced to grow up with. She also sticks out as a strong front woman, singing in front of her homogenous, male bandmates. 

The song is the first of three tracks that were recorded during Georgia June's visit to New York City at Diamond City Studio. The collection of tracks represent a time of reflection for Georgia, as each track represents an aspect of growing up and schooling. Second single, "Broke," is about being a struggling musician in the city, completely isolated from support networks and being halfway across the world (literally) from friends and family. Third single, "Pressure," is about the expectations from family and superiors to go to university and take a traditional route, having grown up as a self-proclaimed nerd. The collection of tracks tells an endearing story of a girl, growing up as an outsider, and then finding her place in a big city. Through these tracks, Georgia June is finally able to display her cheekiness, quick wit and mature perspective on difficult teen years. Website here, Facebook here.

With a feisty riff and some determined and emotive vocals 'Cool' builds into one very cool (sorry) rocker. Natural and personal, it's a no nonsense song that feels like it comes straight from the heart.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wild Ones - Space4Lease - Solvents - Intergalactic Lovers - Embers - Imitating Aeroplanes - Doralice

Wild Ones - Standing in the Back at Your Show.

Background - Portland, OR's Wild Ones are sharing the second single off their forthcoming album, Mirror Touch, due October 6th via Topshelf Records. "Standing in the Back at Your Show is about young love when it's completely inappropriate and unwieldy.," explains vocalist Danielle Sullivan. "It began as a story about my husband and I, who is also a musician, and morphed into a semi fictional tale of its own."

Mirror Touch, the band’s latest record releasing in October 2017 via Topshelf Records, explores spaces of isolation, loneliness and how it feels when the line between self and other becomes blurred. The record title refers to the condition "Mirror Touch Synesthesia" and the physiological experience of empathy. How can you know yourself, when in public you become everyone else? 

The songs explore the quest to maintain artistic self-integrity in an industry that seeks to homogenize. Solitary in their process of collaboration, Himes and Vicario produce the music, while Sullivan crafts lyrics and melodies, their attempt at self-preservation against the ever-changing expectations of what music should or should not be. Combining their style of upbeat melodies with a backdrop of darker lyrical themes, an inquiry into their artistic process ultimately reflects a balance between earnest head nods to their favorite sounds with a fierce loyalty to their own sense of self. Website here, Facebook here.

Our second feature for Wild Ones following on from the first single 'Paresthesia' this time we have 'Standing in the Back at Your Show'. This is a slower paced song, however the melody is once again notable alongside the beautiful vocals and finely arranged music.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Space4Lease - I Tried Calling.

Background - Just like the cyclical themes and dreamy harmonies found in many of their songs, Space4Lease have come back around with another stellar single, “I Tried Calling” which was released last Friday.

Intensely personal, the track provides a close scrutiny of the patterned, often repetitive and all-consuming nature of love and relationships. “I Tried Calling” comes as the fifth single from the band, all being released on a new EP Drifting out September 22, 2017; additionally Space4Lease just announced a U.S. tour this fall in support (dates below).

Singer Grayson Hamm provides his insight on the new single, “[I Tried Calling] tells you a story of love and a continuous cycle of emotion – the ups and downs of maintaining a relationship, sometimes even after it’s over. This song is probably the most personal track of the five we have released this summer and I believe it puts an exclamation point on the entire project as a whole.”

He shares that the song was originally written on guitar and came together in the course of a day. “The emotions were there, but it was just a matter of expressing them in the proper way with the right style lyrically. Brandon, Walt and I were up late one night wielding acoustics while sitting on our back porch when I played them the song for the first time. As they played along to me, the song resonated so well with us in a meaningful and emotional sense that it just all came together. We didn’t overthink or spend a lot of time working this song out – the way we played it that first night was the format it kept.”

“I Tried Calling” and other recent singles can be found on the band’s Bandcamp (here) and all major digital platforms now. They will be formally released as a cohesive EP Drifting on September 22, 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

The vocals standout from the start on 'I Tried Calling' a slowly developing alt rocker, where the musicianship and production are of high quality. The subtle melody and constant flow of hooks makes this track stand out.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Solvents - Lips Like a Juggalo.

Background - A message from Jarrrod Bramson, on behalf of the band: "I was on tour in Salt Lake City Utah about ten years ago. I was walking alone. It was hot and I was hungover. From around a corner, these two clowns appeared and were walking towards me. 

I was literally in shock. They were ten times as shocking than any punks I'd ever seen. They walked past me and paid me no mind. I couldn't get them out of my head. What were those kids? 

Around this time my roommate and I started obsessing and sending each other videos of the gathering and all sorts of Juggalo stuff. We were hell bent on figuring out all we could about this fascinating and misunderstood subculture.

In 2015, I tried to write a song called "Teenage Juggalo." I couldn't make it fit right and after awhile, "Lips Like a Juggalo" just kinda popped out of my mouth. Also: Keep yr eyes/ears open for our next record, Memory Shreds, due out someday.

The background to 'Lips Like a Juggalo' is intriguing enough. Thankfully the vibrant indie rock song does justice to the story & the video adds some additional interpretation.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Intergalactic Lovers - River.

Background - Intergalactic Lovers returned with their third album ‘Exhale’ last Friday. ‘Exhale’ is a collection of sky-wide alt-rock songs with melodic pull that echoes the best of PJ Harvey or Cat Power. Elemental singer/songwriter Lara Chedraoui is the emotional center of the band. Hailing from Belgium, they are one of the biggest bands in that country having achieved Gold Status and being awarded ‘Best Breakthrough Band’ at their Music Industry Awards. Now signed to a strong independent they are taking their music international with success at home that equates to someone like Wolf Alice or Honey Blood in the UK. Their new record was produced by the world renowned Gill Norton, the legendary studio man behind amazing albums for The Pixies and Echo & The Bunnymen.

Their forthcoming album ‘Exhale’ is a response to watching their nearest and dearest burn out in many ways. Even the name expresses their exasperation of a time when the chaos of life caused pain to those the love. Lead singer Lara Chedraoui explains the frustration of not knowing how to help.

“This album is an angry reaction to the constant battle of how conformity can ruin peoples state of mind. Perfection is not everything. Exhale is about not knowing how to save everyone; loved ones and those effected by all the horrible things happening in the world.”

The fragility of the album echoes over thunderous guitar riffs keeping the classic band set up together for a modern take on epic rock and roll. Chedraoui’s voice delves from delicate to seductive through out the album. Leading with single ‘Between The Lines’ other strong single contenders include ‘Ego Wars’ a rousing depiction of a faltering relationship and ‘Fears’ an anthem that sounds tailor made for arenas. First album ‘Greetings and Salutations’ received critical acclaim across Europe leading to a signing at Warner Music and to their second album release “Little Heavy Burdens”. Website here, Facebook here.

The music video carries a story with a twist and the song 'River' needed to be strong and catchy to remain relevant. In fact it's a fabulous track that might be described as melodic alt rock that truly resonates.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Embers - Until The Dawn (Live).

Background - Manchester ‘Neu Cinematic’ four-piece Embers have announced the release of new single Until The Dawn through AWAL. The band have also announced two live dates at London’s Tooting Tram & Social on 3rd November and a hometown show in Manchester on 4th November at Soup Kitchen.

Inspired by the cinematic, including composer John Murphy and artists such as Radiohead, Run The Jewels and Sigur Ros, Embers merge their influences together to create a sound filled with grandeur and urgency.

Following previous singles The Bitten Tongue and the double A-side release of Signs/Unbound earlier this year, Until The Dawn perfectly evokes Embers striking and unique sound. Potent and moving, the track builds in intensity both vocally and musically throughout to a powerful chorus.

The live video, which is the first part of two live performances filmed at Manchester’s spectacular Albert Hall, gives an insight into the scale of the band’s sound and how captivating their live performance really is. Embers say; “We knew with this release we had to do something that could show the scale of songs we were putting together. We wanted to create something immersive, bold and ambitious - something that captured who we are, the live band behind it all.” “Until the Dawn is that feeling of leaving nothing behind. The darkest hour, the silver lining."

Embers are George Agan, Will Clutton, Dan Houghton and Steven McInerney. Facebook here.

Well regulars might know my passion for live music. Despite the lack of an audience 'Until The Dawn' has everything a monumental performance needs. The song is both memorable and carries an extra level of energy that only live music can provide.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Imitating Aeroplanes - H.I.T.S.

Background - Norwegian duo Imitating Aeroplanes have released their third single 'H.I.T.S.' - a psychedelic, proggy trip through expansive alternative indie-pop. On paper, it’s an impressive pairing, but this is one partnership more destined — than designed. Imitating Aeroplanes is the new project of Tord Øverland Knudsen (The Wombats) and Marius Drogsås Hagen (Team Me) – a collective output tallying five albums, multi-million sales and streams, repeat Billboard charts, international play-listing and widespread acclaim, including a Norwegian Grammy Award and multiple NME / MTV Award nominations.

The duo's forthcoming debut album ‘Planet Language’ was entirely self-produced, with recording alternating between Marius’ home studio and Oslo’s Metronomicon and Stable Studios. Its analogue approach and vintage mantra is seemingly at odds with the more interstellar nature of tracks like newly released single ‘H.I.T.S.’ – which according to Tord is, “the most futuristic sounding song sonically” on the album.

An acronym for Head In The Sand - Tord explained a little about the new single: "‘H.I.T.S.’ is probably the most straight-up track on the album. It’s not at all metaphorical as a concept, it’s about avoiding confrontation and just burying your head in the sand."

Marius and Tord have been playing and writing music together since childhood, recording their first demos to cassette circa ’96. The pair grew up in small Norwegian town Elverum before embarking respective international careers, with their latest planetary pursuit landing in Tokyo – the cultural heartland of forthcoming album Planet Language. Facebook here.

Synthy and flowing 'H.I.T.S.' takes indie pop into more expansive territories and does so with style and plenty of energy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Doralice - Vespertina.

Background - Bay area acoustic, gypsy jazz duo, Doralice, has just released their single "Vespertina." Performing cinematic chamber pieces inspired by film scores and modern acoustic music, Doralice, incorporates elements of both Americana, gypsy, Spanish & tango music. 

The group, consisting of Rima Ash on violin and Yates Brown on guitar, has performed alongside indie, folk, post-rock, metal & noise bands as often as chamber, jazz, and world artists, in settings ranging from punk clubs to classical house concerts. 

Their 2013 debut album became the #1 acoustic album on Bandcamp, and a subsequent EP and video of reinterpretations of classical metal went viral on Youtube in 2015.

The band has recently completed their second full length, which was recorded by Scott Evans (Kowloon Walled City), mixed by Ian Pellicci (Deerhoof, Haushcka, Dodos, Book of Knots), mastered by Bob Weston (Shellac, Mission of Burma), and featuring guests including Sam Bass (Les Claypool, Mr. Bungle). Website here, Facebook here.

I have said it before & here goes again, there are just not enough instrumental only singles released. 'Vespertina' is a fine display of musical dexterity, where the instruments can and do deliver passion, feeling and emotion.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesse Jo Stark - Daniel Carlson - Autobahn - Slothrust - Joey Sweeney & The Neon Grease - Belle Miners

Jesse Jo Stark - Deadly Doll.

Background - A rustle of atmospheric guitar emits a slight twang as her airy delivery casts an unshakable spell. Produced by Jason Lytle [Grandaddy, Band of Horses] and co-written with Chris Garcia [Lana Del Rey, Demi Lovato], the songstress plucked the title from a personal book of phrases she carries around with her. 

Ultimately, this lithe and lush ballad showcases both her pen prowess and powerhouse voice. For the uninitiated, picture a Quentin Tarantino- created femme fatale crooning in a natural-lit seventies Laurel Canyon haunt, and you’ll be halfway there. 

“At the time, I felt like ‘Deadly Doll’ was my alter ego. It still is, depending on my mood. Lyrically, you can interpret it many different ways. I love combining these spooky elements and soft, eerie country tones into a beautiful anthem. The song got me through a tough time. I hope it does the same for listeners.” - Jesse Jo Stark. Facebook here.

The music opens with a dark and moody feel and Jesse Jo Stark's vocals are suitably matched. 'Deadly Doll' is a brooding and atmospheric song which becomes more expansive as it develops.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daniel Carlson - Cloudy People.

Background - Daniel Carlson is one of those artists that you can’t help but recognise as a truly creative artist. In the making of his fourth album ‘Not A Drawing’ and arguably a future classic it is worth noting the thought process behind the making of something that, in an age of very transient and mass produced ‘art’, is a wholly refreshing approach, whereupon every detail is painstakingly managed in accordance with the creation of something valuable to cherish.

From the album cover artwork, Daniel explains, “I've been working with well known, in the art world - visual artists for my covers from the start. Thus far, they've all been people who I've gotten to know in NYC. The process is this: I reach out and ask if they'd be interested in doing the art. If they agree, I give them an early version of the (still in-process) record and they're responsible for both the artwork and coming up with a title for the album. The artist this time around is Nayland Blake, whose work has been shown internationally since the 1990s. I've chosen this route because, basically, I think the cover and title - when done well - can really shape how the listener takes in the record. And I think cover art - in general - is mostly a dead art and want to remind people how considered it can be. It's getting to the point where half the reason I'm making the records is to work with these artists whose work I admire so much.”

On the recording side Daniel says, “Initially, I was going to work with the same crew as "Me You You Me" (all L.A. session dudes - all amazing musicians). But, once I got done with what I thought were the demos, it was clear to me that they had a feel that was worth keeping. So then I thought that maybe I'd go out to L.A. and do some overdub sessions with those guys, but by the time I had time to do it, the songs had evolved even further. At that point, I decided that I'd finish it up in NYC and reached out to famed producer Michael Leonhart to see about him helping me finish, but it didn't look like he'd have time in the near future. However, we did spend an afternoon listening to what I had and he had a key piece of advice: "less Paul McCartney, more Pink Floyd," which was where I'd wanted to go anyway (more synths, more dreaminess).” Website here.

'Cloudy People' is a soothing and timeless sounding track. Gentle, lush and sincere, the musical arrangement is rich & yet a little understated. The vocals are a delight and the video adds some further intrigue.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Autobahn - Future.

Background - Leeds post-punk quintet Autobahn have just shared their excellent new single "Future", a standout from their upcoming second album "The Moral Crossing". Frontman Craig Johnson says of their latest cut:

"The song is about looking forward and supporting one another through darker times. It’s an attempt to be positive.

This is probably the closest we’ve got to a pop song, there’s definitely influence from the likes of Human League and Gary Numan in there. I remember trying to work out how to structure this type of song, so we leaned on the Wham! classic Club Tropicana for a leg up."

The album will be released by Tough Love Records on a selection of physical formats – including CD, a red vinyl pressing for indie stores, 100 red vinyl pressing with a poster available exclusively through Bandcamp / Tough Love Records and, finally, a 100 grey vinyl pressing only available for their hometown through Leeds record stores. Facebook here.

It's just over a month since we first featured Autobahn and the new single 'Future' is more than worthy of a share. Smooth flowing, rhythmic and again with just a hint of Krautrock vibes, it's another superb tease for the forthcoming album.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slothrust - Sex And Candy.

Background - Slothrust's cover of Marcy Playground's hit single "Sex And Candy" hass been shared. The song will be featured on the band's new covers EP entitled 'Show Me How You Want It To Be' out 11/10 on Dangerbird Records.

Slothrust is Leah Wellbaum (Vocals,Guitars), Kyle Bann (bass), and Will Gorin (drums). The trio first staked out their unique strain of jazz- and blues-afflicted rock as students at Sarah Lawrence College. The band’s 2012 debut Feels Your Pain, and its successor 2014’s Of Course You Do, established the band as a breed apart, serving up deceptively clever epics that veer satisfyingly between incandescent riffing and pop hooks, winsome anxiety and powerful heft.

“People have always had trouble comparing us to other bands, but someone recently described us as Nirvana meets Wynton Marsalis, and I loved that,” says Wellbaum. Even the band’s name inspires a beat of thoughtful consideration as the eyes take in the letters and the brain makes its snap judgement: Slo Thrust? Slot Rust? Slo Trust?  Sloth-Rust. 

We all studied jazz and blues, so I often use chords and voicings that aren’t quite as conventional for contemporary rock,” she continues. “Certain harmonic movement can get stale, so I try to incorporate colorful notes to give it more depth. The improvisational spirit of blues music is also something we try to always keep with us, even in more composed playing. I am drawn to musicians a bit further outside of the rock tradition, such as John Fahey, Elizabeth Cotten, D'Angelo, and Portishead. Growing up I listened to a lot of R&B and classical music. And musicals." Facebook here.

Slothrust have put their own style and feel to their cover of 'Sex And Candy'. Potent and determined the song has some real rock'n'roll swagger at times, alongside a good few hooks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joey Sweeney & The Neon Grease - Digital Light.

Background - “Digital Ice” is the newest offering from Joey Sweeney & The Neon Grease's forthcoming project. Although Sweeney is a jack of many trades and quite technologically savvy (he's the publisher of Philly cityblog Philebrity, co-curator of the literary fest The 215 Festival, and a creative director at Quaker City Mercantile), he penned this song about the druggy kind of relinquishment that we all have with our respective screens, and about how in those moments, the sadness of this reality is reflected in the light those devices throw right back at us. 

Joey Sweeney is a long-established fixture of the Philadelphia songwriting scene dating back to the early 90’s, having previously fronted the influential Philly bands The Trouble With Sweeney and The Barnabys. “Digital Light” follows The Neon Grease's first two debut singles: the awesomely fun, rollicking first single “Baptized In Vibe”and the second offering “Black Ice”, which features back-up vocals from Renée LoBue, the singer from Elk City. 

Sweeney's hard at work on the debut album from The Neon Grease, whose new songs draw inspiration from sources as disparate as 1970s Philly nightlife folklore and Denis Johnson’s The Incognito Lounge. In their new songs, chiming guitars, classic rock sax solos and rainy bedroom Velvet Underground listening sessions all blend together. In these songs are little stories of triumph over dirty circumstance and grace under pressure, with the friendship of an urban family “street band” woven throughout. Facebook here.

'Digital Light' is our second feature for Joey Sweeney following on from 'Black Ice' which we covered in August. I would describe this track as alt rock with some Americana undertones. It's also a musical delight and suggests the new album will be worth the wait.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Belle Miners - Fall In Love With Me.

Background - With dense vocal harmonies, clever lyrics and a liberating, joyous sound, Canadian/Australian trio Belle Miners celebrate love and equality in 'Fall in Love with Me', the lead single from their forthcoming debut album Powerful Owl. The song is the true story of a poet who travelled four days to express her love to guitarist and vocalist Marina Avros. 

Amidst the intense local debate on marriage equality in Australia, Marina says "It’s really interesting to see the positive role music has in the debate on same sex marriage. We meet lots of people on tour who love the song and it doesn’t matter who they are. They just say how great it is, to have someone express themselves as gay and to sing about it. That means a lot to me”.

“But the love people express”, says Marina, “is universal and that’s what the band is for. We formed the year Jaime got married and Felicia is about to. Why shouldn’t we all be able to? No-one should be afraid to be in love, in the same way you shouldn’t be afraid to have your heart broken. Everyone is the same in that sense”.

'Fall in Love with Me' was the first song Belle Miners sang together and was the seed for everything they've done since.

Life-long friends, Belle Miners are Canadian musicians Felicia Harding and Marina Avros, and Australian-based Jaime Jackett. The trio formed in Australia in 2015 and have performed three national tours since. Their name was inspired by the rhythmical intonation of Bell Miners in the Australian bush, following a night of stealth camping near Mullumbimby when "the otherworldly sound of these vagabond birds, like hundreds of bells, filled the air" says Felicia. Powerful Owl will be released on Friday 3 November 2017 via MGM Distribution. Website here, Facebook here.

Melodic and with delicious vocals and harmonies 'Fall In Love With Me' is an upbeat and charming song. The production is superb, if Powerful Owl is half this good, then we are in for a treat.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blitzen Trapper - Flora Cash - Velvet Volume - Veronica Bianqui - To Kill A King

Having just returned from a week away, yesterday I opened the Beehive Candy inbox, where hundreds (& I mean hundreds) of messages expectantly awaited our attention. As editor (well it sounds good) I had hoped to get a couple of updates out last week, but heroically failed to set up any Internet connection in West Cornwall, or take along the various passwords required for others to assist. So a week in a remote wonderful timber chalet in the middle of a beautiful woodland setting, far from any mobile connection, was just right for me, not so for Beehive Candy. That said it really is worth getting totally off the grid and as much as I love music, I would do it again tomorrow if I could. Anyhow let the catch up commence....

Blitzen Trapper - Rebel.

Background - Earlier this year, the Portland, OR-based Blitzen Trapper accomplished a unique feat for a rock band who has been releasing albums and touring for the better part of two decades: a staged musical titled Wild & Reckless that ran for 28 performances at Portland Center Stage. The band is announcing a new album of the same title that was born from the stage production and as a companion to their 2008 breakthrough album Furr.

"'Rebel' is a song about a guy who for the love of a girl follows in his father's footsteps only to find it to be a scam," explains principal and frontman Eric Earley. "After several tries at the American dream he ends up selling cocaine to blue bloods in the Hollywood hills. Something of a lost Raymond Carver story with shambling near-country soundtrack."

The album Wild & Reckless was born from the stage production that the band spent the better part of a year producing. The half musical, half rock-opera dealt with heroin abuse, desperation, true love and western power structures. The story evoked a bygone era of Portland with this sci-fi love story, featuring a rock-and-roll score that paired unreleased songs with favorites from the band’s catalog.

Following the success of the production, the band took 7 original songs from the production and developed the theme further into the 12 songs that comprise the new album Wild & Reckless.

Frontman Eric Earley also sees the record as a companion and extention of their 2008 album Furr. "Wild and Reckless” is something like a cross-eyed stepchild to Furr, in that it chronicles the darker dystopian stories of rural and suburban west coast death-drive via a riffing psychedelic landscape. Ten years after Furr with all its talk of murder and the end of the western world, it seems there's more to tell."

Blitzen Trapper is Eric Earley (songwriter/singer), Erik Menteer (guitar, keyboard), Brian Adrian Koch (drums, vocals), Michael Van Pelt (bass) and Marty Marquis (keyboard, vocals). Wild & Reckless was produced by Eric Earley and Michael Van Pelt and was recorded by Gregg Williams at The Trench, in Portland, Oregon.  It was mixed by James Brown (Foo Fighters, Kings Of Leon, Blitzen Trapper's All Across This Land) at The Union. Website here, Facebook here.

'Rebel' is a fine alt rocker with more than a hint of Americana about it. Getting on for two decades of recording & touring, Blitzen Trapper can clearly still pen and produce some catchy and high quality music.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Flora Cash - Roses On Your Dress + You Are Healing.

Background - Flora Cash is a Swedish/American couple who formed through a collaboration on Soundcloud. Shpresa Lleshaj and Cole Randall’s shared passion for music fosters their creativity, inspiring them to musically explore the complexity of relationships in their music.

In short, Shpresa Lleshaj and Cole Randall’s shared passion for music fosters their creativity, inspiring them to musically explore the complexity of relationships in their album. The darker side of love is a theme demonstrated in the tone of the “Roses On Your Dress” music video and the lyrical desperation to understand your lover. Listeners will recognize the cinematic qualities of a melancholic Lana Del Rey ballad, accompanied by Cole’s brooding male vocals.  

The music video takes place at a fabulous mansion, where the lovers inhabit two worlds: the modern middle class living outside, and the wealthy aristocracy living inside. The couple only interacts inside the mansion, showing affection until the relationship takes a turn for the worst. The wealthy couple fights as the middle class couple calmly watches them. In the end, the relationship falls apart because money cannot sustain happiness.  But that’s okay, because nothing lasts forever (and it’s fine). They have each other and that’s all that really matters.

“Roses On Your Dress is a track about individuality, struggling to make a distinctive mark upon the world and the ways in which that struggle affects each of us. It also touches on the challenges of being marginalized; an “outsider” …and the brutality with which different societies, including our own, work to shame and strip us of the uniqueness which contributes to our own inimitable vantage points.” - Flora Cash The album is out everywhere now via the Swedish label Icons Creating Evil Art. Website here.

Two songs to share 'Roses On Your Dress' and 'You Are Healing' and both are powerful and imaginative tracks. Flora Cash deliver an expansive, lush sound where emotions simmer and the music adds to the beautiful feeling they create.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Velvet Volume - Look Look Look!

Background - With their youthful candor, it didn’t take the three rock sisters long to play themselves into the hearts of rock fans everywhere. Even though the latest single Look Look Look! relates to growing up, there is nothing slowing the three Danes down.

The onrushing sisters sing about loafing about and the bad habits. That comes with not yet having figured out how to structure your life. “This track was written at a point in our lives, where we all had to get used to time with restlessness and insecurity” says Noa Lachmi.

In the almost Sofia Coppolan music video directed by Daniel Aude, viewers are invited into the dream world of a young woman holding onto unaccountable playfulness, while also exploring her own true self. The restlessness is so thick you could cut through it with a knife, while sisterhood and self-absorption is embraced wearing shiny whigs. The single Look Look Look! is a taste of the upcoming debut album, which will be released on October 6th. Facebook here.

Some feisty no nonsense rock comes along in the shape of 'Look Look Look!' The three sisters might be wearing shiny Whigs in the video, however the energy & attitude suggests this is all part of the game, not a front to hide behind.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Veronica Bianqui - Victim.

Background - Vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Veronica Bianqui integrates the raw energy of garage rock with the passion of classic soul and R&B, and the pop sensibilities of 60s girl groups while maintaining an intense yet playful edge. Perhaps it’s her background in musical theatre, jazz, classical, and even Indian classical music, or her mother’s propensity for blasting The Beatles and Joe Cocker around the house, but Bianqui’s tastes and influences cross a wide spectrum of sounds. In her live show, Bianqui and her band consisting of up to 10 members—reminiscent sometimes of a revue– combine classic showmanship with a heartfelt directness that keeps the music intimate.

Before breaking out with her solo material, Bianqui made a name for herself in the LA circuit, performing in bands that toured across the U.S. and Europe. As a current member of 1960’s inspired folk/surf/psych rock outfit The Blank Tapes, she balances the two bands, often collaborating with bandmate and co-producer Matt Adams, including on her debut album that is yet to be released.

Bianqui’s past gigs include the main stage at Echo Park Rising 2017, headlining slots at The Hi Hat and The Bootleg, a popular residency at Hollywood’s Harvard & Stone, shared bills with Mikal Cronin, The Coathangers, Dead Sara, Cosmonauts, Capital Cities, and more. She has self-booked multiple UK & European tours, and was hand-picked by bookers to play iconic Los Angeles venue The Echo’s 15 year anniversary party in December 2016. In light of this history behind her, it is easy to see why people are coming out in droves to see the young songstress live.

Her debut album–recorded with Mark Rains (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Shooter Jennings, Alice Bag, Death Valley Girls)– is nearing completion, and awaits release in 2018. Website here, Facebook here.

Veronica Bianqui appears to have found a way to merge decades and genres together, the song 'Victim' being a case in point. Hints of differing styles and era's are succinctly put together resulting in one very catchy, timeless song.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To Kill A King - Spiritual Dark Age.

Background - To Kill A King have today released their new single ‘Spiritual Dark Age’ and announced a headline tour for January 2018. Described by singer Ralph Pelleymounter as "a bit of comfort for the long dark night of the soul," ‘Spiritual Dark Age’ is To Kill A King at their irrepressible best. Marrying memorable, thought-provoking lyrics with dynamic production and outrageously catchy hooks, ‘Spiritual Dark Age’ grabs from the off and never lets up. ‘Spiritual Dark Age’ and recent single ‘‘The Good Old Days’ will feature on the To Kill A King’s third album due early 2018.

The band’s twelve-date UK tour starts at Sheffield Plug on January 11th and will culminate at Islington Assembly Hall on January 27th. "We are so excited to get back on the road and play for you all, it’s been too long since we’ve seen a lot of these parts,” says Ralph. “Roll on 2018!" 

Earlier this year To Kill A King played three consecutive London headline dates (at The Borderline, Oslo, and Omeara), and this week they return to their DIY roots with a European ‘Living Room Tour.’

After releasing two acclaimed albums, 2013’s ‘Cannibals With Cutlery’ and 2015’s self-titled follow-up ‘To Kill A King’, and touring incessantly since 2010, To Kill a King took a well deserved break in 2016, Ralph using the time to write with Rag’n’ Bone Man and Zibra, while keyboardist Ben Jackson produced albums for Childcare and Little White Things. To Kill A King: Ralph Pelleymounter (vocals, guitar), James Ball (bass), Ben Jackson (keyboards), Grant McNeill (guitar), and Josh Taffel (drums), website here, Facebook here.

‘Spiritual Dark Age’ has lyrics that really are food for thought. They are delivered with a tight and punctuated delivery, as the band kick out a fast flowing feast of pleasing music.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------