TALMA - Blakk Pearl - Ecstatic Union

TALMA - In Circles.

Background - With its urgent ticking drums and syncopated bass lines, ‘In Circles’ is a canny sleight of hand from London alt-rock band TALMA. Frontman Henry Adams’ vocal line pairs with guitarist James Creed’s lyrics and arrangement to create a tune which effervesces with heady romance and nostalgia. As James explains: "In Circles is about the sense of apathy we can experience when returning to a routine lifestyle after time away from it all - the everyday, the mundane.

Where the loss of rhythm helps us to see what’s before us with renewed perspective, it can ultimately lead us to question it too. We all crave a sense of purpose, but affecting a change towards that offers the unknown. We then have a choice; to resign ourselves to the security of these sleepless cycles or to take a chance, step away from paths well known and chase a new sense of meaning."

The second EP from London based TALMA, Out To Sea sees the alt-rock 5 piece produce some of their most powerful and intricate works to date. Taking inspiration from rock music’s most innovative artists including Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The National and Radiohead, the EP is defined by the dexterity of its guitar led arrangements and a poignant lyrical anxiety regarding the modern world. 

Themes of loneliness, isolation and upheaval are explored with a sense of romantic optimism, showcasing a musical offering that proves that TALMA aren’t just another glib or fanciful indie group. Like their heroes, they’re conscious of the power of rock as an art form primed to tackle timeless concepts and get to the heart of what it means to be alive and to be human. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

We featured 'Lifeline' by TALMA back in December and are pleased to share another track from their 'Out To Sea' EP entitled 'In Circles'. This is another very fine alt rocker, the band are tight and vibrant, the vocals are distinctive giving the song  further individuality & the EP matches the calibre of the tracks we have shared.

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Blakk Pearl - Cowboy.

Background - London born, France resident singer Blakk Pearl released her debut single 'Cowboy' at the end of last year. Sleek and commodious and driven by a subtle backbeat and a warm marimba sound, the track perfectly showcases Blakk Pearl’s haunting, mellifluent tones floating atop a lush and otherworldly dreamscape.

Blakk Pearl has now shared a video for her debut single, a video she has put together herself: "I love 1930's era cut-out animation, and when I came across this clip of these beautiful trio of fairies trying to help a soldier, who had lost his way in the woods, I knew it was the perfect video for 'Cowboy.' It tells the story of 'Cowboy' so beautifully and delicately, and in such a feminine way".

Blakk Pearl grew up in North London and moved to Devon when she was a young teenager, where she would watch her, by now absent, father on US TV shows and hear of his activities in LA as a manager of NWA.

She now lives in a convent just outside Toulouse in France. Having rebuilt it from a ruin, it serves as her creative hub and sanctuary. Blakk Pearl divides her time between Toulouse, London and Paris. WEBSITE.

Soft melodic and captivating vocals make 'Cowboy' attractive from the opening moments. The musical arrangement is subtle and yet detailed, this is a gorgeous debut song.


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Ecstatic Union - Desert Queen.

Background - Ecstatic Union's sound is like a liquid sun-soaked harmony layered psychedelic dance party. Started in 2012 as a kind of solo-spiritual-folk-rock recording project by frontman Rex Costello, after assembling a few core members (including Oliver Hart & recording partner Paul Olsen) the band took on various forms over the years and primarily played as an acoustic folk act. In 2015, while living in his home town on Catalina Island, Costello recorded what would become Ecstatic Union's second full length album (released 2017 on Lolipop Records).

Over the next year he assembled the band into a complete electrifying 5-piece psychedelic-rock outfit in support of the release. The core members include Rex Costello (Guitar/Vocals), Oliver Hart (2nd Guitar/vocals), Solange Kupersmid (Bass/Vocals), & Bradley Cluff (Organ/Synth/Vocals). The band now primarily resides in Los Angeles, CA where they recently recorded the Neurons EP.

Look out for the Neurons EP, set for release early this summer! BANDCAMP, FACEBOOK.

The music is punchy psych rock, the vocals take the psychedelic vibes even higher and 'Desert Queen' quickly grabbed my attention, this is a band that deliver potent rock & roll.

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Late TV - PBSM - Sofia Härdig

Late TV - Losin’ It.

Background - Amidst the cultural detritus of television’s after hours rises a freaky new street beat played by London’s Late TV. Culling influences from jazz cats and art rockers, B-movies and trash television, via Lynch and Tarantino, Late TV are the moonlighting house band for a surreal all-night dream club where the intangible dance floor shifts and folds to become the set piece of a talk show beamed onto the farthest reaches of your channel selector. Helmed by Luke J Novak, who hails from the slabbed post-industrial backwater of Kidderminster, Late TV originates from a folk noir group formed by Luke and Richard ‘The Showman’ Bowman, a drummer whose restless search for groove quickly outgrew their genre.

Joined by Chicago’s jazz fusion obsessed Ryan Szanyi on bass, Parisian keyboard maestro Martin Coxall, tenor sax player Evesham Nicholas, and Matthew Halsall (whose bionic heart valve’s separate mic-detectable rhythms occasionally cause problems in the studio), their new outfit Late TV harks back to a time when music was all fearless fusion and intractable improvisation. In the postmodern wastelands of pop they’re the high-brow/low-brow mutant junk dwellers, collecting the shards of our fragmented culture and building something both irresistibly dangerous and dangerously irresistible.

"It came together as an abstract meditation on that element of the human condition that’s always searching for something unattainable, possibly because it doesn’t exist. But we are playing a game, and we are destined to lose it.”

After the triumph of last year’s ‘Citizen’ single, Late TV have crafted a thematic companion of sorts in ‘Losin’ It’. The rhythm section’s grooves will seize your jiving body back into their neon dreamworld, a lurid post-pop-culture dystopia where the fundamental human quest for the ineffable is realised in surrealistic paranoiac lyricism and jazz parlour instrumentation. Sonically, ‘Losin’ It’ can best be described, in the words of the late Bowie, as ‘plastic soul’ - the Thin White Duke’s epithet for the kind of jazzy avant-garde funk & roll of Young Americans. As Late TV’s recent output suggests, there’s still a space for organic ensemble songwriting in a growingly disposable sonic landscape. Maybe that’s their grand irony. Named after the most disposable form of entertainment for the pre-internet generation, they’re here to remind us that everything has the potential to live on indefinitely, whether that’s trash TV, or a song you can really lose it to. FACEBOOK.

A funky riff is quickly followed by additional layers of Jazz rich instrumentation. The vocals liven the song up even further and 'Losin’ It' is quickly pummelling hooks galore into my ears, upbeat and gorgeous hooks.


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PBSM - Dance Floor (feat. Adrianne Haslet).

Background - Danish alt-rock duo PBSM recently dropped their second EP 'Dance Floor' - a five track release that has given them a staunch reputation as a contemporary danceable, dark and cold duo offering a perfect soundtrack for going clubbing incognito. PBSM are now ready to reveal the video for the EP’s title track which features TED Talk star and Boston Marathon survivor, the All-American dancer, Adrianne Haslet. Adrianne perfectly complements the theme of the song that revolves around going to your happy place, and portrays her battle in getting back to the dance floor after losing her left leg in the tragic Boston Marathon bombings in 2013.

The song initially took form in a basement in Kreuzberg, Berlin where the duo had arranged for a jam and recording session with British, drummer Joe Dilworth (Stereolab, Cavern of Anti-matter). Upon returning to Copenhagen PBSM finished up the recordings and further assistance on the drums was provided by Lasse Herbst (Fallulah, Spektr, Choir of Young Believers).

The film production company Mellow CPH got involved and the idea of bringing in a dancer as the main character telling the story of the song was born. PBSM explain, “We reached out to American dancer Adrianne Haslet to hear if she by any chance would consider flying out to star in our music video. Which she did. And since being told that there was a one in a million chance of ever dancing again after she lost her leg in 2013 she has been struggling to get back to the dance floor - determined to beat the odds. Which she did.”

In 2015, Adrianne danced the foxtrot on the Boston Marathon finish line, in 2016 she crossed that finish line as a runner, and now she appears in PBSM’s music video for their new single “Dance Floor.” In the video, Adrianne shows off her talent, but doesn’t shy away from the difficult (but necessary) parts of healing. When sharing her story, Adrianne is very open about her struggles with the anger and depression that come along with the grieving process, along with her constant striving for progress. These themes come across clearly and poetically in the video as we see Adrianne’s low points intersperse her beautiful, graceful movements. FACEBOOK.

There is an inspiring story line that accompanies 'Dance Floor,' so much so that, the song and video are intrinsically linked. The music is refined and flowing in it's own right, the vocals add additional feel, collectively this deserves to be seen and heard.


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Sofia Härdig - Illuminate.

Background - Sofia Härdig’s radiant new single, “Illuminate,” is a fitting addition to the 80’s-themed Drive soundtrack.  Deep glowing synths and echoing vocals take the wheel on a late-night cruise. The track builds with subtle guitar rhythms that scream at times like screeching tyres. Lyrically, the song explores loneliness and a seemingly endless search for “another heart”. Driving through the night, she looks skyward to navigate the road to a new love. It’s a contemplative rocktronica song that demonstrates Sofia’s tight control over her craft.

Sofia Härdig lives up to her “rocktronica” reputation with her new single, “Illuminate”. Championed by Belle and Sebastian’s Stevie Jackson, she has worked with major Swedish artists including Grammy Award winners The Hellacopters and bob hund. Furthermore, she has collaborated with Yoshimi from Japanese noise-rockers Boredoms and the alternative indie band Free Kitten. Sofia’s experimental nature shines through with her new material that blends rock and electronic influences.

“I worked with the song Illuminate alone in my studio for many long, lonesome nights. It was just the studio, the stars and I, while I played all the instruments, made the soundscape and recorded the single in solitude. Later, I invited over some friends to improvise over the track. Guitarist John Essing and bass player Mats Hellquist, both from the band ‘bob hund’, but also a classical pianist and cellist respectively, added parts to the soundscape of Illuminate. I brought all the new recordings back into the studio - tore them apart, rebuilt them and made arrangements, as if I was a mad scientist in my lab. I then brought in Jari Haapalainen to produce the songs. The solitary fashion in which Illuminate was crafted reflects the mood of the single.” – Sofia Härdig. FACEBOOK.

We featured Sofia Härdig a couple of times back in 2016 and she makes a welcome return with  'Illuminate'. Powerful synths and a determined beat make a gorgeous backdrop for her intoxicating vocals, as the song merges elements of rock with swathes of electronica.

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The Golgis - Sol Heilo

The Golgis - Mr Fisher.

Background - The Golgis, an Alternative Folk band from the Worthing/Brighton area of the south of England, release their debut single 'Mr Fisher' on 9th March 2018. This debut single from the band is a quintessentially English slice of quirky Jazz Folk replete with saxophone solo and melody horn parts. The song is an infectious and accessible introduction to the band's sound ahead of the release of their album, which is slated for release in early summer.

Mr Fisher was written by The Golgis' Tony Whiting about a work colleague. Whiting cites The Beatles as the reason he first picked up a guitar and began to write songs. "Lindisfarne, Caravan, Syd Barrett and the Barrettless Pink Floyd had a lot to do with it as well" he explains.

Ade Fettucini also writes songs for The Golgis, characterised by weird time signatures and unlikely key changes. "I always think he is the Lennon to my McCartney" says Whiting. "We help each other out with harmony vocals on each others songs. He can play a lot more instruments than me, such as flute, bagpipes, recorders, and teapot, all of which we experiment with. He can also juggle while riding a unicycle. I think musically we are quite different, which is probably why it works so well."

Saxophonist Richard Mullin hails from Yorkshire. Classically trained and a jazz lover, the band say Richard is the most naturally gifted saxophone player any of them have seen. Richard has been known to sing and is normally seen with two saxophones and a melodica around his neck when The Golgis play live.

The line up is completed by Wolf Stanley, the newest member of The Golgis. He came in to play some bass guitar and percussion, of which he has a large collection of unusual items. He has been known to perform vocals, and sounds very much like Lee Marvin singing Wandering Star. Idiosyncratic time signatures and key changes, quirky Jazz Folk and a band unafraid to celebrate the eccentric aspects of everyday life. 2018 is the year of The Golgis! FACEBOOK.

Alt Folk or Jazz Folk I will leave that to the genre purists, wherever 'Mr Fisher' lands it's a intrinsically English affair. Echoes of the past are brought right up to date in a lovable and slightly eccentric manner, this is just fabulous.

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Sol Heilo - London Is Trouble.

Background - Following a successful career in Norwegian folk-tet Katzenjammer, today sees Sol Heilo announce her new single 'London Is Trouble - lifted from her debut LP ‘Skinhorse Playground’ – out now via Propeller Recordings. ‘London Is Trouble’ trails the downside of life on the road. It took shape at London’s iconic, but now defunct, 12 Bar Club, following a bout of retail therapy on Denmark Street. “I remember I was in the bar and had just bought myself a new guitar – a 1961 Gibson LG-0 – almost to fill my soul with something,” she says. “It’s about how grey and dull London can be when you have no joy in your heart, and the ever-fleeting glow of late nights and early mornings."

Showcasing her illustrative talents, the video was created, cut and directed by Sol Heilo herself, providing a wonderfully accurate representation of Sol's DIY-approach to her creative craft. On both 'London Is Trouble' and her acclaimed debut album 'Skinhorse Playground' Sol is writing and performing with no boundaries, no expectations - and she sounds more liberated than ever. Grandiose strings swirl around the folk-tinged pop instrumentation, sprinkled with delicate piano turns, with Sol’s hushed Norwegian tone tip-toeing between the breaks.

‘Skinhorse Playground’, produced by Hasse Rosbach, was penned during a time of personal unrest that, rather ironically, paralleled the peak of Katzenjammer’s career – a twelve-year pursuit culminating in three albums, multi-million streams, tours spanning Austin to Australia, and praise from the likes of The Guardian, The Quietus and BBC Radio 6Music, alongside personal plaudits from David Byrne and Steve Lamacq. The band earned bonafide export status, with an enamoured international fanbase driving sales in excess of 500,000 and hitting Certified Gold status in Germany with sophomore release ‘A Kiss Before You Go’.

“In the beginning, there are no consequences. You’re unaware of the boundaries, and you have nothing to lose” Sol muses. In many ways, Skinhorse Playground is a chance at just that – a new start, and a renaissance made all the richer for the experiences that shaped a brighter, braver Sol Heilo. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'London Is Trouble' is gorgeous. A gentle acoustic and string lead backdrop is the perfect canvas for some personal, melodic and captivating vocals with this timeless, beautiful song. 


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Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir - Las Rosas - Honey Child

Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir - Stop Shakin'.

Background - Denver-based group Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir shares the first track "Stop Shakin'" off their debut LP Long Way Home. "Stop Shakin'" is about living in the moment, standing up for yourself and moving on no matter how terrifying the situation may seem. 

Frontman Blake Brown says of the track, “Please Stop Shake, Shake, Shakin', 'cause it's break, break, breakin' me down." It's almost as if the chorus of the song is to remind myself that we all face those situations and demons. The trick is finding a way to navigate through it and being ok with the result. Possibly admitting defeat, or at least acknowledging that an honest try was given. We have to take chances and hopefully we’re better off for doing so; even if it does rattle us."

Blake Brown & The American Dust Choir is made up of frontman Blake Brown (vocals/guitar), Tiffany Brown (keys/vocals), Adam Blake (drums), Jason Legler (bass), and Trent Nelson (guitar).

Long Way Home is a collection of songs that represent different periods and experiences in Brown's life. Heartbreak, healing, deception, reflection, growing up, and everything in between. Produced and engineered by Joe Richmond and mastered at Lurssen Mastering by Reuben Cohen, Long Way Home is due out March 9, 2018 on We Believers Music. It will be available on CD and vinyl direct through the website, and available for pre-order on all digital outlets on March 2, 2018. The first time they will be performing the record live will be at SXSW 2018, in an official showcase to be announced. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Tour Dates:
03/09 - Hi Dive - Denver, CO.
03/tbc - SXSW Official Showcase TBA - Austin, TX.

'Stop Shakin' has an alt rock feel to it, with some vibrant music and slick vocals. The pace gives the song an upbeat lilt, one that has road trip music coursing right through it.

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Las Rosas - Christa / Lost Cat.

Background - Brooklyn's Las Rosas will release their Christa 7" this Friday (2/2) via Greenway Records. It's currently available for pre-order on pink vinyl, limited to 200 copies.

The 7" pairs title track "Christa" -- the lead single from the band's upcoming sophomore LP, due out this spring on Greenway -- with exclusive b-side "Lost Cat." Both tracks feature the band's catchy, psych-tinged brand of garage rock.

Las Rosas will play a 7" release show at Brooklyn's Baby's All Right this Thursday (2/1) with The Nude Party & Glove and they open for Dirty Fences at Rough Trade on 2/15. PRE-ORDER.

Two songs & whilst 'Christa' might be the A side on the 7" release 'Lost Cat' is one very fine B side. Alt rock with some energy and plenty of those play me again hooks running through both songs, this is good music regardless of the colour of the vinyl!


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Honey Child - Gotta Wait Another Night.

Background - Los Angeles-based Chamber Pop choir Honey Child will release their self-titled debut on February 9th through Aeronaut Records. The 9-song album was recorded at the legendary EastWest Studios in the famed Studio 3 where The Beach Boys helmed their storied Pet Sounds. The album is available now for pre-order digitally from iTunes, digital and vinyl from Amazon, and is set to hit all major streaming services.

Opera singer bandleader Claire McKeown recruited six other female vocalists to build the band, and conducted and arranged most of the album as well as co-producing it. She also enlisted some amazing instrumental contributors including Sasami Ashworth (Cherry Glazerr) on French horn, Anna Bulbrook (The Airborne Toxic Event) and Dre Babinski (Steady Holiday) on violins, Daniel Brummel (Nada Surf, Weezer) on double bass, and acoustic guitar from Rolfe Kent, composer of many Alexander Payne films including Sideways and Downsizing. The final product is an album that combines majestic, lavish harmonies with a flair for the surreal.

Conducted and arranged by McKeown – with the exception of “She Calls His Name” which was arranged by Ethan Walter, who also co-produced the album with her – Honey Child’s self-titled debut was recorded at EastWest Studios in the famed Studio 3 where The Beach Boys’ storied Pet Sounds, a major influence here, was laid down. According to McKeown, “The goal of the album was to celebrate musicians sharing time and space. We set up for three days and tried to capture as much magic as possible honoring the authenticity of our sound and ability to record live performances. For me, the orchestrations and vocal arrangements of The Beach Boys and The Beatles were huge inspirations for the album along with the vocal delivery of Harry Nilsson, Dusty Springfield, and the dramatic honesty of opera singer Maria Callas." Recording at EastWest adds McKeown, “allowed for a wonderland of toys to play with. We used ribbon microphones, echo chamber, Hammond organ, Steinway grand piano, tracked the orchestra live, added a heavenly string section, even ran the lead vocals through a Leslie.”

The incredibly versatile McKeown is also a sought after voice teacher and vocal coach, composer, vocal arranger, and has contributed her voice to films including the Spike Jonze adaptation of Where The Wild Things Are, and many television commercials. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Chamber pop with considerable character and individual charm comes our way in the form of 'Gotta Wait Another Night'. There are a couple more songs from the forthcoming album on Aeronaut Records Soundcloud page (here), that collectively suggest something pretty special is on it's way.


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