Frog Eyes - The Rare Occasions - Lavender Child - Moonshine Booze

Frog Eyes - Idea Man.

Background - Frog Eyes are set to release their final album Violet Psalms May 18th on Paper Bag Records. Frog Eyes have announced a North American tour in support of the album. Frog Eyes have made their last album. 17 years after their teetering debut, the Vancouver band unveils Violet Psalms—a giddy lament; a gnashing jubilee; a rain-drenched allocution on hope vs. horror, paradise vs. pride, Marx and Brexit and bad acid trips.

It's an ending like a beginning. "We were trying to pretend it was our first record," Carey Mercer says. This is their final record, Frog Eyes' last gasp—but the art-rockers wanted to capture the energy of a debut, the freedom you feel "when there's no expectation that anyone will actually listen." They made it at home, burrowing under the house where Mercer lives with drummer Melanie Campbell. The goal was to blot out the world, focusing on what they could grow down there, four musicians in a basement. Could they squeeze out ten songs? Was there enough paste in the tube to squeeze out 10? "In the end there was. Which is rad."

No guests, no engineers. A self-invention. Violet Psalms began with its frantic, reverb-drenched guitar, squiggling over a modulation pedal. Next Mercer and Campbell concocted the drum parts—imagining them as onomatopoeia then recording them in fragments, kickdrum by kickdrum, tom by tom, with tailored effects. "The goal was to disorientate," Mercer explains, but also to work by instinct, gut—a cut-up of music and image, songs that coil back and kiss. The band pruned as they went, adding Terri Upton's bass parts, taking other parts away. Whereas past LPs used piano, Shyla Seller worked with shimmering synths—chords like bleeding water colour, shadows casting on a wall. TWITTER. 

Tour Dates:
May 11th, Kamloops, venue TBA*
May 12th, Kelowna, Milkcrate Records*
May 18th, Toronto, Handlebar*
May 19th, Montreal, The Ritz*
May 20th, Ottawa, The Warehouse*
May 21st, Hamilton, Mill's Hardware*
May 25th, Victoria, Copper Owl*
May 26th, Vancouver, China Cloud*
June 29th, Bellingham, Shakedown Tavern*
June 30th, Portland, The Bunk Bar*
July 1st, Seattle, Sunset Tavern*
July 3rd:  LA, The Moroccan Lounge*$
July 5th: SF, Bottom of the Hill*$
July 7th: NYC, Elsewhere: Zone One*#
July 8th: Philadelphia, Johnny Brenda's*
July 9th, Washington DC, DC9 club*
* = With Hello Blue Roses
$ = With Skygreen Leopards
# = With Zachary Cale

The vocals on 'Idea Man' are different in a wonderful way, the music is fresh and vibrant and the art rock direction is refined. In summary, this is one of those songs that impacts hard, it's fabulous.

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The Rare Occasions - Mercy Mercy.

Background - The Rare Occasions have been steadily releasing new music since 2013, but have yet to release full-length album - that news changes now with the announcement of their proper debut Into The Shallows, which comes out May 25th (the renowned Spanish artist David Navas gave them permission to use one of his pieces as the cover art too).

The Rare Occasions originally formed in Providence before migrating west to LA. The band draws inspiration from each successive wave of garage rock, while always putting their own dark spin on it. 

Their sound melds angular guitar riffs with indie pop melodies, evidenced by their previous songs like the blistering psych-anthem “Dysphoric” (from Feelers) to the dreamlike track “Bug Eyes” (from Futureproof). This variability and depth of styles, layered with lyrical themes of existentialism and self-reflection, are what both define them and set them apart.

Primarily recorded in their cramped LA rehearsal space, The Rare Occasions’ debut bring their northeast sensibilities with them to California… the record delves deeper into the musical and lyrical concepts which have come to define the band’s aesthetic. WEBSITE.

Expansive indie rock comes to us in the form of  'Mercy Mercy' packing some slick guitar sounds and vocals that plead for your attention. The band are tight and rhythmic as they slide out some fine hooks with apparent ease.

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Lavender Child - Plutomania.

Background from Lavender Child - I released my debut EP “Reflections” independently this past fall. Yet, I was eager to dig deeper into my artistic vision. I created a collection of videos that premiered in January to a private audience of over 120 people at Ildsjel Collective in Toronto’s east end. Two videos (“Happy Illusions”, “Beautiful Landscapes”) have since been released publicly, with two more to be released in Spring 2018.

Plutomania is the story of a person who has always valued wealth and material possessions over personal relationships. As the person nears the end of their life they reflect on their past and come to the realization of deep loneliness and sorrow. There is an enormous range of dynamics and emotion throughout the song as the narrative moves through the process of realization, denial and acceptance.

The music video features the plutomaniac erotically and ravenously consuming “the fruits of their labors” and in the closing scene these indulgences come to an abrupt end. The production for Plutomania was proudly run by an all female crew, both behind and in front of the lens. With performance by Michaela Woeller, special thanks to Emma Aurelia/ Jessie Gaumond and front-woman Stephanie Traplin directing/filming/editing/ and providing the fashion from her shop Take Time Vintage. TWITTER, BANDCAMP.

With 'Plutomania' we have an intriguing subject, a creative and thought provoking video, however for me, most of all we have a gorgeous song. I thoroughly recommend checking out the full EP, where the vocals are mesmerising, the musical arrangements beautifully crafted and as debut releases go, this one is very special.


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Moonshine Booze - Happy.

Background - Moonshine Booze present 'Happy' as the second single off their debut album 'Desert Road', released via Seahorse Recordings. Along with that they reveal a new surreal video shot against the backdrop of vivid Kafkaesque scenery. Written by Emiliano Zapata and realized with the masterful supervision of videographer Jessica Montebello, who shot and edited the clip, in addition to her tremendous artistic contribution involving certain peculiar characters.

This story juxtaposes the immense landscape of the scorching desert with a smoky and dark journey that projects through an illusory door. Darkness and light, solitude and freedom side-by-side and yet opposite, and the fragile equilibrium of the characters, such as the emblematic clown, obsessed by chronic mood swings. These are allegories of the most arduous and torturing journey the mind can conceive - a journey towards happiness and the demolition of 'social rules' that inevitably tide the mind within stringent tormentuous borders.

Combining grit blues rock with alternative country, Moonshine Booze's music has been described as psychedelic country blues-tinged rock, as well as brazen desert alcoholic acoustic rock. The album's release was preceded by their first single 'The Place', along with a fiery retro-freakish yet humorous video.

Moonshine Booze formed in the summer of 2014 in Teramo, Italy. This trio is comprised of Andrea Manila (vocals), Emiliano Zapata (guitar) and Fabio Manchos (drums). The video for 'The Place' was a collaborative effort between Emiliano Zapata and Josh Heisenberg, with Zapata writing the scenario, Josh handling the filming and editing, and both on direction. Having been active on the music scene for over twenty years in various bands, both in Italy and The USA, the trio has gathered and relaborated experiences from different musical genres, putting them to good use in their new project. BANDCAMP.

Back in February we featured 'The Place' by Moonshine Booze and the second single 'Happy' is a welcome follow up. We considered the album back then and remarked "This is a band that are hard to put into just one genre as is made clear with the above promo piece. That they are highly original, creative, and perhaps just a little crazy should be taken as read, you can add fun and emotive, such is the variety packed into the collection." As 'Happy' demonstrates I feel those comments were valid and if I might be so bold, are now endorsed even further...


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HARE - Jaunt - Bokito - The Black Delta Movement - Chloe Styler - Sharaya Summers - Pale Rivers

HARE - Rolls Along.

Background - HARE is the project of New Jersey based songwriter and musician Sebastien Isaac, accompanied by drummer Michael Santa Cruz, keyboardist Jon Caplan, and guitarists James Licata and Graham Orbe. After honing his songwriting during his time in college, Isaac returned to NJ and began showcasing at open mics around the tri-state area. 

He soon began collaborating with Santa Cruz, Caplan, Licata and Orbe, developing a new unified sound, and set his sights on breaking into the New York City music scene.

Seb, admittedly, doesn't have all the answers. The NYC based pop-rock artist understands that his journey, up till now, has all the benchmarks of many millennial coming-of-age stories: a passion placed on the back burner, pursuing a pricey degree, accumulation of debt, a transitional period of stasis, and, finally, lifting the passion off the back burner in spite of all the raised eyebrows. 

He knows that happiness may just be a fool’s errand, but that’s what makes his devoted search for it on his debut release so seductive. Even though immensely personal, he hopes that his music will be a place where others will be able to place their own agitation, insecurity, and confusion as well. TWITTER.

There is a warm relaxed vibe that flows through 'Rolls Along' a gorgeous alt rocker, which gradually adds layers of refined sound, providing an imaginative backdrop for the enticing vocals and harmonies that make this one very catchy song.

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Jaunt - Faster Interactions.

Background from Jaunt - We’re very pleased to announce our forthcoming EP, Cue, out on April 13th. The yin to Chat’s yang, it moves away from our previous light-hearted tendencies to something a little deeper and darker. Featuring vocals from Caitlin Woelfle-O’Brien (AKA Blunt Chunks) and Eliza Niemi of Mauno, Cue also finds the five of us collaborating more than ever before. The songs end up evolving into something we never could have imagined from their starting point.

“Faster Interactions” is probably our zaniest track to date! It was one of the first written for Cue, but also took the longest to complete. We quickly knew that it would be a single, and playing it repeatedly live has helped us finesse it’s nuances. Caitlin and Eliza really helped bring a new energy and dynamic, ultimately making the song more joyous. We’re also trying very hard to bring back the sound of cheap keyboard orchestra hits in pop music. :)

The video for “Faster Interactions” is a bit goofy. It’s a bit disturbing. The idea was born out of wanting to create something that complimented the unhinged nature of the song, while not taking ourselves too seriously. We had a lot of fun with the body-cam shots. TWITTER.

Aside from the intriguing video for 'Faster Interactions' we are treated to a fabulous tune that is different in a good sort of way. The band describe the track as zany, and yes there is that to it, it's also mightily addictive, keeping me coming back for more.


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Bokito - Love Gotten.

Background - Fusing angular art rock and lilting high-life melodies into their uniquely danceable tropical indie sonics, ‘Love Gotten’ finds Bokito in a reflective mood, lyrically at least. The song is, explains singer Moses, “about desperately rushing into a new relationship when your heart has in no way healed. And the true selfishness that goes with hurting good people as a result.”

Such an honest confessional doesn’t stop the band’s third single from being another that could prise the most reluctant wallflower from the back of the party, however, as the fat contrapuntal groove of ‘Love Gotten’ cuts a hip-swaying swathe beneath Moses’ crisscrossing soprano vocal until the whole band combine as one to elevate the slamming chorus. It almost goes without saying for a Bokito release, but ‘Love Gotten’ is a blast from first note to last.  

Having signed to Lost In The Manor Records in early 2017, Bokito’s first two singles, ‘Better at Getting Worse’ and ‘Aloof’ took plaudits and radio plays in plentiful measure, while the band’s jaw-dropping live sets included rousing the rabble in front of a feverish full house at Brighton’s Great Escape, a clamorous full field at LeeFest and a psyched-up capacity crowd at Dublin’s Hard Working-Class Heroes showcase when the band, London-based but largely Irish-bred, voyaged across the Irish Sea.

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

'Love Gotten' is a melting pot of musical styles that come together and gel quite spectacularly. Vibrant, energised and full of good vibes, the band are refined musicians and the vocals add so much more to what is already a terrific tune.

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The Black Delta Movement - King Mosquito.

Background - Explosive live sounds from a dynamite band, this outfit pack a mighty punch with a heady mix of garage rock and psychedelia. Formed in 2010 by Matt Burr and Dom Abbott and with heavy rhythm and a crushing beat, The Black Delta Movement’s swathes of sound and texture wash over you providing a vibrant soundscape taking you right back to early Stooges, MC5 and Sonics.

To witness a Black Delta Movement concert is less a performance and more a spiritual affair, wrapping crowds within their plated gown of volume, depth and incessant groove, the group do not ask for your attention but command it and you can do nothing but fall at their feet. Their music draws eclectically from contemporary artists and those of yesteryear from both sides of the pond, confidently ranging from The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Black Angels and The Small Faces. It’s abrasive, raucous and rattles you down to your bones.

They have recorded an extensive list of EPs and singles over the years, each one demonstrating an different period in their time as a band; the sounds range from the far-flung psychedelia of 2011’s Peach Flavoured Hand Grenade through to the garage stomp of 2016’s Seven Circles via the darkness of Ghost Dance and Lavender House along the way. Soaring riffs loom over like fighter jets whilst pummelling rhythm sections possess the potential to bring down the Colosseum of Rome. Their latest offering, a cover of Kim Fowley’s ‘The Trip’ has seen them paint an original with their signature captivating groove, making the song become their own and a staple point of live sets. 

The last Seven Circles EP recorded at Magic Garden Studio with Gavin Monaghan (Ocean Colour Scene, Editors) gives a taster of what we can expect from the band, as we wait for the latest ep to be recorded. It is sure to knock you over, watch you struggle and simply carry on with the same ferocity whilst you look around in daze. Fresh from a successful UK and European Tour, travelling over 6,500 miles and visiting 8 countries, The Black Delta Movement came full circle and returned to headline their own sold out show, it was a fitting sign off for that chapter of their story and now they sit gritting their teeth with the wide eyed anticipation of wolves, waiting to see what 2017 will bring.

2018 will welcome the bands first album, ‘Preservation’ recorded in London with Little Barrie collaborator Mike Burnham and mastered by Pete Mayer. UK and European tours beckon in what will be an exciting year for the band. WEBSITE.

One of ten tracks on the bands album 'King Mosquito' is just one dimension of this powerful collection of music. Sometimes full on garage rock, other times timeless psychedelic grooves, more often a mixture of both, the bands flowing psyched out vocals and potent guitar driven rock, is highly contagious.

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Chloe Styler - Storm Chaser

Background - Born and bred on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Chloe Styler isn’t your typical Country artist. The 20-year-old has been influenced by the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell and Kacey Musgraves to become the artist she is today. In September 2016, Chloe travelled to the Central Coast of NSW to record her debut EP with Simon Johnson from Hillbilly Hut Recording Studios. Chloe is thrilled to have co-written a song with Lyn Bowtell titled Storm Chaser, which is featured on the record.

Chloe Styler’s self-titled debut EP showcases six original songs. Her lyrics are unashamedly real and open to her experiences in love, life and loss, which undoubtedly draws audiences in and keeps them craving more. Chloe took the idea for Storm Chaser to a song writing session with Lyn Bowtell in mid 2016 and was over the moon with the final product.

Co-written with six-time Golden Guitar winner, Lyn Bowtell, Storm Chaser was inspired by a toxic friendship that Styler endured for 10 years too long. It describes how individuals must take control of their life and their friendships within it in order to feel like themselves again. In January 2017, one week after Chloe released her debut EP, Australian Country Music singer Lee Kernaghan shared a post on his Facebook page congratulating the “rising star on the release of her brilliant debut EP.”

Her unique, youthful and captivating voice has attracted a variety of loyal followers. 2017 was an incredible year for Chloe, as she performed as an opening act for Lee Kernaghan in Shepparton, Frankston, Toowoomba and Twin Towns, as well as at the Big Red Bash in Birdsville. Chloe’s original song My Heart Is Yours was ranked number seven on the International Mainstream Country Music Top 40 Singles Chart during the first week of March. Furthermore, she was personally ranked number 36 on the IMCM Top 200 Artists Chart for that same week.

This year, Chloe was a Grand Finalist in the 39th Annual Toyota Star Maker competition and performed on James Blundell, Troy Cassar-Daley and Lee Kernaghan’s TCMF shows. During the TCMF 2018, Chloe was awarded the TSA Songwriters Salute Award for ‘Contemporary Song of the Year’ for her original Control. Chloe has high hopes for the future; already planning a trip to Nashville where she will continue songwriting for her debut album which she hopes to release within the next two years. WEBSITE.

Opening with some refined acoustic guitar chords 'Storm Chaser' is quickly joined by Chloe Styler's melodic and gorgeous vocals. Natural and with hints of modern folk, the song suggests the EP may well be something quite special, as this track certainly is.

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Sharaya Summers - Easy Life.

Background - Portland native, Sharaya Summers, eventually landed in Echo Park after a short stint of honing her craft in Nashville. 

Her drowsy Laurel Canyon songwriting rings nostalgic , yet so pertinent to today.

Sharaya Summers tells a story of disillusionment, dysfunction and discovery. As her debut single ‘Light of the Moon’ rapidly gained over half a million streams on Spotify, she prepares to release her full EP in mid 2018.

Now we have the new song 'Easy Life' released this week. TWITTER.

Our second feature for Sharaya Summers this year as 'Easy Life' gently drifts into view and deserves to be heard. Dreamy, melodic and full of atmosphere, it's easy on the ears as the hooks slowly draw you in.

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Pale Rivers - Montparnasse.

Background - Based out of Cork and Tipperary, and having supported Teleman, British Sea Power and The Wedding Present in recent months, Pale Rivers new single ‘Montparnasse’ is available now.  

Their sound sees electric guitars, drum machines, atmospheric synths and group vocals combining to create a distinctive, ambient sound. TWITTER.

Tour dates (+ The Shaker Hymn):

April 19 – The Roisin Dubh, Galway
April 20 – Bello Bar, Dublin
April 27 – Gleesons, Clonmel
May 4 – The Roundy, Cork
May 5 – Connolly’s of Leap.

'Montparnasse' mixes ambient musical swirls of sounds alongside some enticing vocals as the song slowly unfolds. Then the band take us a journey that is both passionate and creative, they are definitely worth checking out on some more.


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Vamos - You Are Wolf - Em Joy

Vamos - Outsiders.

Background - After a nearly three-year wait, Chicago garage punks Vamos are about to drop their sophomore LP, 1~2~3, via Maximum Pelt, a Windy City-based, small batch cassette and record label that specializes in punk, garage, psych, noise and experimental music.

Vamos (Ryan Murphy-guitar/vocals, Will Wood-bass, Josh Lambert-drums) formed during Chicago’s epic blizzard of 2011 and began playing the city’s thriving DIY scene, quickly garnering the attention of local blogs, including Chicagoist, who described the trio as having “a potent and turbulent energy both live and in their recorded material.” On the live front, Vamos graduated from playing shows at local underground venues, including Wally World and Animal Kingdom, to touring nationally, with show and festival appearances on both coasts, in Austin, Texas during SXSW and in their hometown for Riot Fest.

Vamos released the Heatwave EP in spring of 2013 and followed up quickly that winter with the EP Midwaste. The band’s 2015 debut LP Spiderbait (Maximum Pelt) was named one of Chicago’s best rock records of the year by the Chicago Reader and the single “Outsiders” (which appears on 1~2~3) was released in summer, 2016.

Vamos completed the recording of 1~2~3 in November, 2016 with the intention of releasing the LP and touring to support it from January of that year through February of 2017. Those plans were put on hold when, on December 30th, Murphy was hit by a car while riding his bike and broke both his arms. Having bounced back from his injuries, Murphy is ready to unleash 1~2~3, a record that he, Wood and Lambert describe as “a controlled descent into madness and mayhem [where] ghostly echoes and reverberations chase edgy, unforgettable melodies.” FACEBOOK.

Typifying the rumbustious nature of Vamos and their finally released 1-2-3 album we feature 'Outsiders' the second track of fourteen in this mesmerising collection of Garage, Grunge and purified Rock & Roll. Don't get me wrong there are more sedate moments of power pop, however at the core the band are high octane and empowered rockers of class.

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You Are Wolf - Breathe In Breathe Out.

Background - You Are Wolf is the alt-folk project of award-winning composer and vocalist Kerry Andrew. Releasing her second album KELD in March, it is the follow-up to her 2014 debut Hawk To The Hunting Gone, a record that explored British birds and folklore. Now working as a trio with multi-instrumentalist Sam Hall and percussionist Peter Ashwell, KELD - an old Northern English word meaning “the deep, still, smooth part of a river” – is an album that explores and develops the theme of freshwater. Wild swimming is a key passion and inspiration of hers, and she can often be found dipping into lochs, lakes, rivers and the sea in all weathers. Though there are countless traditional songs about the sea, there are less about our inland waterways, and Kerry decided to use this as a challenge: to source traditional material and write originals all inspired by freshwater folklore.

It was an aim of Kerry’s to find songs that featured an array of strong female characters, and KELD includes traditional songs about waterfall banshees, killer female water sprites, drowning boys and powerful witches. Original songs are inspired by wild swimming, vengeful rivers, nymphs and naiads, and even an Anglo-Saxon charm. You Are Wolf brings these ancient songs and stories into the present, with bold arrangements inspired by leftfield pop, new classical music and electronica.

The album is produced by MaJiker, best known for his work on French alt-pop queen Camille’s Victoire-winning albums. He has also remixed / worked with Fever Ray, Nitin Sahwney and Gaggle, and brings an experimental pop sensibility to the album. Where Hawk To The Hunting Gone was heavily vocal, with lots of vocal looping - inspired by the likes of Camille, Bobby Mcferrin, Meredith Monk and tUnE-yArDs – KELD is more expansive. With a wider palate of sounds including drums, ‘cello, vibraphone, trumpet, found sounds and field recordings, it’s an album that not only draws from innovative contemporary folk artists including Lisa Knapp (who features here on “The Weeper”), Sam Lee and The Unthanks, but also by music outside the folk sphere: everything from minimalist composer Steve Reich to PJ Harvey, traditional Central African Pygmy music and Julia Holter. The brilliant poet Robin Robertson also appears. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Breathe In Breathe Out' for me is one of those songs that grow on you step by step. Not that it took that long, by the time the track had reached the end it was down to be featured. Creative and just a tiny bit experimental, it's also subtly catchy and hard to resist another listen.


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Em Joy - The Feast.

Background - “I just can’t sing if I don’t have sunshine in my soul” - Em Joy. Behind the feel good vibes and cute voice, Em Joy’s music is a deep reflection of her colourful and sometimes chaotic life, having been in exile from Zimbabwe as a child, this joyful soul has seen the world through many different perspectives and has come out the other side with an important message for all of us.

Em Joy sounds like a mix between Colbie Caillat, Missy Higgins and Passenger with a dash of quirky Norah Jones along with some lighthearted but thoughtful musings similar to Jack Johnson. The music ranges from leaving you feeling happy and lighthearted to contemplating the deeper questions of life and love. It’s altogether ‘human’ - earnest, honest, vulnerable and true. Em Joy has shared the stage supporting many acts such as The Waifs, Matt McHugh and has been lucky enough to work with other artists such as Billy Otto and written and recorded music for Sony EMI. Her music has been featured in many advertisements and she has also had her voice featured on various TV shows including The Mustangs now showing in Australia.

“The Wanderings” is Em Joy’s latest 8 track album recorded in Perth, Western Australia at O2 studios at the culmination of her year travelling Australia in a custom made van. The album deals with many aspects of love, life and the wild dynamics of travel (due out on the 30th March 2018).

Em Joy was born in Zimbabwe, Africa. She grew up on a farm, riding elephants and learning about the wild African wilderness from a young age. Em Joy was known for whistling happy tunes from a young age her family often joked that her constant whistling might be due to her eating bird seed. She grew up listening to classical music and only when the family was forced to leave their farm due to political issues in Zimbabwe did she start listening to more contemporary music. Her musical career really started when she met a producer from Australia, Billy Otto, who heard her songs and suggested she should record them. Soon after her music was featured in TV advertisements around Australia. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

If you enjoy 'The Feast' then I am certain the other seven tracks on 'The Wanderings' will not disappoint, in fact lets turn that around to a positive, they are gorgeous and will delight you. Em Joy's sensitive and melodic singer-songwriter material is captivating and just so pleasing...


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Gris-de-Lin - Archie and The Bunkers - Tremends

Gris-de-Lin - Muhammad Ali.

Background - Gris about the song: "Inspired by a true story – a patient escaped from a local hospital and broke into my old flat overnight, leaving behind a pile of clothes and a nametag that read ‘Muhammad Ali’. This got me thinking about incarceration, whether physical or mental, and the idea that ‘whatever you do to me I will still have freedom of thought’."

Gris-de-Lin is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Dorset. Her music is a heady mix of post-rock, blues and alt-folk peppered with warped electronics. Her debut album, Sprung, comes out on BB*Island in April 2018. The album was recorded in a nursery school and saw her playing virtually all of the instruments herself — from guitars and synths to drums and saxophone. Working with producer/engineer Chris Hamilton (Torres/Kite Base), she also drafted in Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey/Anna Calvi) to play drums on several tracks. Alongside her solo projects, Gris-de-Lin has worked with a number of other artists, including Jim Sclavunos (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds), Joe Gideon, The Duke Spirit, Tunng and Gemma Ray.

“Gris-de-Lin blends alt-rock, folk, world rhythms, skronky jazz and glitchy esoterica into a beguiling whole on her debut album, balancing strong melody with consistently inventive sonic texture. 8/10.” Graeme Thomson, Uncut Magazine. FACEBOOK.

It's two years and a few days since we featured Gris-de-Lin. I was pretty certain we had, however time flies and I didn't realise just how long ago it was. Anyhow 'Muhammad Ali' was/is more than worth the wait for a second share, as we are treated to some robust post rock of sorts, that cries out for attention, and attention I am most happy to provide, ahead of her much anticipated debut album.


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Archie and The Bunkers - Laura.

Background - Archie and The Bunkers share their new single "Laura,"Songs From The Lodge Out 4/20 on Dirty Water Records. Cleveland's Archie and The Bunkers -- made up of brothers Emmett and Cullen O’Connor -- play "hi-fi organ punk," drawing influence from jazz organ greats like Jimmy Smith and Richard “Groove” Holmes and punk icons like The Stooges and The Screamers.

Since forming in 2013, the duo has shared stages with everyone from Iggy Pop, The Sonics, and Echo and the Bunnymen to Black Lips and Thee Oh Sees, and they've released music on Norton Records, In The Red, and Jack White's Third Man Records.

The band will release their sophomore LP, Songs From The Lodge, on April 20th via Dirty Water Records. Today, they share lead single "Laura," which features Cullen’s whirring, over driven organ wailing above the driving beat of Emmett’s four-piece drum kit. WEBSITE.

I am so enjoying Archie and The Bunkers a duo who never cease to delight with their raw energised and stupendous musical assault. 'Laura' is our third song feature and once again the power, speed and sheer vibrancy is here in abundance!

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Tremends - Hands On The Wheel.

Background - "Hands On The Wheel" is the latest effort by the Miami rockers. The single is now available through Gummdrops Records.

The track is a gentle, piano based song, distancing itself in style from the normal Tremends sound of indie/brit rock. The vocals and piano are performed in their majority by Alejo Rozas (drums), with band members Juan Rozas and Alex Posada providing more of a backing role. The end result is a beautiful and relaxing track to enjoy on a Miami evening.

The video accompanying the track sees the return of double exposures and starts off with footage of the Florida Tri-Rail to then move on to Alejo singing and playing the guitar and piano.  The colors of the video are soft and relaxing like the track itself, and remind one of sunset. 

"After some time apart anticipation grows,driving back all night towards the dawn of a haunting en counter becomes poetry.Are they coming home to fall in on their arms again? Or is it only the craving of a hopeful dream? Love may be gold but sometimes distance brings despair." - Alejo Rosas. FACEBOOK.

'Hands On The Wheel' is a gently paced song, that is smoothly melodic and full of gorgeous vibes. The piano, vocals and remaining musical parts are perfectly in sync as the tracks restful nature spills out.


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