Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Shadowlands - Certain Animals - North America

Ahead of the new album '003' Shadowlands have released a video for 'Low'. The song is a good introduction for the new collection of material and is one of eight consistently impressive tracks where the bands rich mixture of warm layered sounds which span a number of rock genres support the fabulous, emotional and beautiful vocals. If you like 'Low' then next months album release is a must hear.

From Rotterdam we have Certain Animals and 'Strawberry Sunset' which opens as bluesy rocker, before morphing into an old time psychedelic piece where the vocals and harmonies are just wonderful, this is hugely addictive!

North America have just released a new single entitled 'Leave Us To Fate'. Back in August we shared 'My Baby's No One's Girl' describing that song as "a melodic and earnest indie rock song that is lush and just so natural". With the new single they up the stakes even higher, this is just gorgeous.
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Shadowlands - Low.

Shadowlands has announced their new LP entitled "003" and unveiled the first single via the video for "Low."

When Shadowlands’ guitarist of four years announced he was leaving the band for personal reasons, band vocalist and lead songwriter Amy Sabin was grappling with the recent death of a close friend. With the first few songs from third album "003" already underway, she was struggling to find direction with this loss. Enter Amy’s identical twin sister, Angie. Despite performing together as kids, they had never played in a band together, or ever fully considered the idea. Whether through their shared experience, shared DNA, or some other connection, Angie instinctively knew that she was a candidate for the open guitar role. Through a series of late night texts over the vision and shared desire to keep the band alive, Shadowlands was reborn. The band played one of Portland’s most popular venues just one month after Angie joined, followed by their first Treefort Fest Appearance.

Amy’s music explores anxiety, fear, depression, and isolation. Sabin’s songs sometimes contain moments of joy and subtle irony, a reminder that life can be hopeful and at times requires levity to persevere. Warm analog synths, shimmery guitar, and intricate rhythms carry you through these emotions made real by Amy’s dynamic voice and heartbreakingly vulnerable lyrics. The band is rounded out by Amy’s husband Casey Logan on drums and Amy’s “band husband” (she jokes it’s an official title earned after 15+ years playing in bands together), Jesse Elizondo on bass.

Shadowlands will release "003" on November 22nd and the band will celebrate with a release show on November 23rd at the Fixin To in Portland Oregon.


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Certain Animals - Strawberry Sunset.

Rotterdam based trio Certain Animals serves you melodic rock filled with vocal harmonies. The members aren't afraid to show what records they've been listening to. Musical giants from the 60's and 70's are spinning on a daily basis on their turntable. The Beatles, Beach Boys, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Electric Light Orchestra are regular companions in their musical life, but also the fuzzy and phasey sounds of contemporary bands like Tame Impala influence the music of Certain Animals.

Without being stuck in the past and with a critical view on the present, the band brings you their intriguing sound which makes for an energetic live show filled with intimate moments and explosive bursts of energy. In less then three years, the band managed to build a strong live reputation by playing shows on major Dutch festivals in famous venues all over the country. After having played across the border in Belgium, other international gigs in Germany have been confirmed for spring 2020.

While busy touring, band members Thijs van Leeuwen (vocals, guitars), Niels-Jan van Dijk (bass, vocals) and Kees Braam (drums, vocals) managed to build their own recording studio at a former red light district in the port of Rotterdam. At their home base the trio wrtes, produces and mixes thir music single-handedly, working towards the release of their debut album scheduled for spring 2020.

Strawberry Sunset is the first single of the album, which shows the band's new sound. The trio doesn't pretend to be tougher than it is and isn't rougher than what the song demands. The love for music does not only show in the massive record collections of the individual members, but also in their new single. Honesty is shown when it comes to their musical influences.

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North America - Leave Us To Fate.

East London quintet North America release new single ‘Leave Us To Fate’.  A rolling ballad encompassed in ethereal guitar work, the song is a bittersweet reflection on love’s subjugation to fate.

Frontman P.F. Phillip says, “Leave Us To Fate is a bittersweet goodbye to a love now lost, a reminiscence of a romance that inevitably could not be.” Torn apart by separation, the protagonist encourages himself and his former lover to live and carry on, while admitting to a hopeless desire that they meet again in an unknown future.

Written, recorded, produced and released by the band themselves, 'Leave Us To Fate' is a cathartic release of emotion that encapsulates the band's lyrical poeticism and sense of indie grandeur.

North America are a London based 5-piece creating viscerally energetic and introspective indie-rock that embodies the anthemic quality of their songwriting. Hailing from São Paulo and California, frontman P.F. Phillip met guitarists Gabe Coulter, Jack Rennie, bassist Sandro Giacometti and drummer Sam Roberts at the world famous Metropolis Studios before forming North America in 2017 over a refined appreciation of trashy American comedies and questionable pizza joints.

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Monday, 14 October 2019

KIM HON - The Belle Curves - Valve - Friendship

KIM HON have released 'Nofio Efo'r Fishis' where the Welsh language band are in genre defying mode, the sweeping musical landscape, gentle pace and assortment of vocal styles are wonderful, this is a really creative song.

We have the new album from The Belle Curves entitled 'Promising Light'. Each song is a new musical journey where Americana, folk, alt rock and whatever else seems to take their fancy ensures the collection exudes variety. The one consistent is Delaney Hafener whose beautiful vocals carry each track even further, the various musicians involved deliver high quality musicianship. In short, this is a stunning debut album.

Valve have just shared 'The Colours' a vibrant alt pop song with plenty of dance along vibes, the tight arrangement is notable, yep it's a fine fresh tune.

From Philadelphia we have Friendship and their gentle song 'You Might Already Know'. It's low key alt country feeling is gorgeous, the vocals are centre stage ensuring the intriguing lyrics are easily consumed, the music restrained yet perfect for the piece. 
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KIM HON - Nofio Efo'r Fishis.

With the release of their debut single ‘Twti Ffrwti’ last May, KIM HON were introduced as a poetic kaleidoscope of bright musical colours. 

Colours the band brashly painted around them to create their unique universe. ‘Twti Ffrwti’ hardly left our airwaves, becoming the song to soundtrack the long summer days and nights with its baggy dance groves and hypnotic lyrics.

Where Next we hear you ask? With Kim Hon possessing SFA pop nomadic wanderlust and LCD Soundsystem post-punk dance smart the band could take us anywhere.....This brings us to ‘Nofio Efo’r Fishis’ a song that refuses to let go, a blanket of stars pulled over our heads, nostalgia, 90s kits TV, everyday banality crumbling under a hurricane of vivid dreams.


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The Belle Curves - Promising Light (Album).

The Belle Curves is lead by Delaney Hafener, formerly of Pandafan, featuring a rotating cast of musicians. They have crafted a unique sound inspired by the many traditions of Americana, complementing introspective lyrics and a songwriting style reminiscent of the Laurel Canyon scene.

Their music touches upon themes of self-doubt, progressive politics, identity, and disaffection, working to craft a distinctly youthful folk aesthetic. The debut full-length album Promising Light came out Friday. These guys are just get started but I think they have a bright future ahead.

She says: "A ribbon of highway means something a bit different to me than it does to Guthrie, I often feel overwhelmed by my want to be somewhere else. There’s a line in this song, 'getting lost in infinity,' that refers to a paralyzing feeling I get when I think about how much possibility there is for my life. The chorus in this song are rather sad, and I wanted the verses to be cheeky in response to that. The last verse especially is a reference to using astrology and new age spiritually as a way to avoid actually talking about one’s feelings."


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Valve - The Colours.

Stockport fivepiece Valve have released their dreamy alt-disco second single The Colours, out now through Someone Great Records/PIAS.

With a sound that is individually modern yet echoes the musical heritage they’ve grown up with, Valve signal a new Manchester sound. Introducing themselves and their alternative jangle-pop sound in 2018 with their debut single Lilac Eyes, they received support from BBC Introducing Manchester, gaining the band tour dates with Blossoms, Courteeners and King No-One and amassing almost 50,000 plays on Spotify.

From its opening riff to the final chords, The Colours begs you to hit repeat and bound onto the dancefloor. A wistful alt-pop track with charming vocals, it builds to an elated chorus backed by crashing 90s guitars and a dose of C86 jangle. Valve say; “It’s about the feeling of not wanting a good time to end and needing an escape from the mundanity of everyday life.”

Born in the same hospital in Stockport between the years of 2000-2002, Valve formed in 2018 when school friends Noah, George and Alex decided to start a band, enlisting the skills of Siobhan and Alfie. The band have been building a local following and honing their live sound ever since, performing sold out headline shows across Manchester and Sheffield, and will be announcing further live dates soon.

Valve are Noah Hemingway (vocals), George Edwards (lead guitar), Alex Tollerfield (rhythm guitar), Siobhan Lally (bass) and Alfie Carr (drums).

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Friendship - You Might Already Know.

Philadelphia band Friendship have shared brand new track 'You Might Already Know', taken from their second album to be released 8th November on Owen Ashworth's Orindal Records (Gia Margaret, Claire Cronin, Advance Base).

The contemplative alt-country songs on new album Dreamin’ were recorded to tape in July last year with the help of The Low Anthem’s Jeff Prystowsky, and vocalist Dan Wriggins has shared an essay on his affection for Kath Bloom, and her influence on the new track with The Talkhouse.

"Kath absolutely influenced the songs on Dreamin.’ If I ever write a good, simple love song, I’ll be thanking her. Until then, “You Might Already Know” is the closest I’ve got. I think some of the intervals are lifted from Kath’s vocal world."

Friendship have retained a loyal cult following since their first offering in 2015, You’re Going to Have to Trust Me, which was released on Burst and Bloom Records that year. An EP on Sleeper Records and another record on their current label Orindal Records followed in 2017 – the acclaimed Shock Out of Season, bringing us forward to late 2019; when they will release their wonderful new album Dreamin’ on 8th November again via Orindal Records.

Lauded songwriter Dan Wriggins' lyrics touch on both the smallest and the most significant moments that occur within human interaction. He reflects on those moments with a sharp wit, keenly observing and eloquently putting into words the unimportant twists and turns that over time become important – that become our experiences, our relationships, our lives. Dreamin’ offers hope with one hand and takes it away with the other. Immersed within swathes of lush Americana guitars, keys, soft, expressive drums and the haunting wail of a pedal steel, on Dreamin’, Friendship sounds more like Friendship than ever before.

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Sunday, 13 October 2019

deux furieuses - The Soft Underground - Rocket - CVC

We have carried the previous three singles from the album, now deux furieuses share the fourth 'Let Them Burn' just a few days ahead of the full release. Well the post punk come full throttle rockers once again impress, this is going to be some album.

It's back to July 2018 for our only other feature for The Soft Underground however 'Voicoder' from the art rock duo makes for a creative and pleasing return and a superb teaser for next months 'Anemoia' album release.

LA-based quintet Rocket share 'Giants' and the new Mark Needham Mix. It's feisty and potent pop punk that's packed with hooks, they are apparently quite something to catch live.

CVC are from South Wales and have just released 'Jungle Fever' where the six-piece slacker funk outfit are just superb, their reputation as a live act is spreading fast around Cardiff, this song deserves to get them noticed further afield.
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deux furieuses - Let Them Burn.

Ahead of the release of their second album My War Is Your War on 18th October via Xtra Mile Recordings, London duo deux furieuses share an impactful and searingly poignant fourth album teaser in the form of digital single ‘Let Them Burn.

deux furieuses are known for their politically charged music, with forthcoming album My War is Your War tackling social injustice head-on in a series of songs that present as impassioned calls to arms. The album reaches out to find common cause against a context of increasing right wing populism in Europe, Brexit, a friend's suicide and the #MeToo movement, however it is ‘Let Them Burn’ that stands out as the album’s most emotive and controversial track.

Blending post-punk’s dark shades with exhilarating rock riffs, ‘Let Them Burn’ is a tense supercharged track that recalls early PJ Harvey at her most visceral. deux furieuses describe ‘Let Them Burn’ as "their outraged response to a Government that is prepared to 'let the people burn' as a result of ideologically driven austerity", sung with a chilling chant like refrain.

deux furieuses are Scottish vocalist and guitarist Ros Cairney and London Greek drummer Vas Antoniadou who were raised on a fiery blend of Irish and Greek music, 80’s post-punk and 90’s alt rock, and who bonded over a love of early PJ Harvey and Kate Bush. In 2017 they released their debut album Tracks of Wire to critical acclaim with coverage in Q Magazine, Louder and Louder Than War among many others, and with huge champions in the likes of John Kennedy (Radio X) and Frank Turner who invited the duo to play his Lost Evenings Festival at the Roundhouse, London (2017). ‘Let Them Burn’ was produced by Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey) and mixed by Mark Freegard (The Breeders).


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The Soft Underground - Voicoder.

NYC-based art rock duo The Soft Underground have been hailed as modern descendants of the touchstone bands from Seattle’s 90’s alternative scene, garnering strong international press and plays including a buzzy endorsement from Alt Nation.

Spearheaded by Andrew McCarty and Charlie Hickey (both 26-yrs-old), the duo was formed in 2010 when the two musicians met and bonded over their love of the jangly melancholia. Riffing on their love of the The Smashing Pumpkins and other alternative 90’s bands, the two struck up a friendship and eventually began to hone in on a sound that mined deep into 70’s psych rock, falling somewhere between My Bloody Valentine and The Velvet Underground.

Anemoia is the bands third LP, following 2015’s Lost in Translation and 2018’s Morning World. The LP is a clear indication of their intent to constantly reinvent themselves musically, replacing standard guitar rhythms with more exotic instrumentation, implementing flutes, violins, synthesizers and pots and pans. Anemoia was recorded at Andrew’s house in Memphis, TN, affording them the laid-back, off-the-clock vibe they were looking to capture. As usual, the two worked together to craft the arrangements and instrumentals and worked to cast singers for each song - this time working with guest vocalists Sam Reed and Lisa Mac.

“Thematically, it’s a happy album,” McCarty reflects, knowing that their material often boasts an impenetrably moody veneer. “We tried to capture that state of euphoria where you can appreciate all facets of life, including the lows.” Anemoia is due out 11.1.19.

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Rocket - Giants (New Mark Needham Mix).

LA-based quintet Rocket produce high energy pop punk that falls somewhere between Social Distortion and Paramore. They’ve been acclaimed as one of the “Best bands to catch” by CBS Los Angeles with subsequent spins on KROQ 106.7, KLOS 95.5, Indie 103.1, and features in Music Connection. Rocket have recently been featured on the “The Frosty, Heidi & Frank” KLOS morning show segment ‘Stay or Go’ garnering the band a big “Stay.”

Consisting of members Janelle Barreto (Lead Vocals), Eric Wibbelsmann (Guitar), Steve Kilcullen (Guitar), Jordan Lawson (Bass), and Paul DePatie (Drums), ROCKET was conceived as a vehicle to empower, excite and elate. “We all just clicked from the get-go, had similar influences and a singular mindset,” asserts Janelle, referring to their diplomatic approach to songwriting. “We are dedicated to being a voice for those who’ve been told they’re weird, strange or don’t fit in.”

Formed in 2013, the band has honed their live act for years, sharing the stage with Bow Wow Wow, Alien Ant Farm and Puddle of Mudd. They’ve recently committed to releasing their official debut single “Giants” by working with Grammy Award Nominated Producer Mark Needham (Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Pink, Neon Trees) and recording engineer Doug Grean (Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver, Sheryl Crow).

Reflecting on the thematic nature of the single, the band says, “Giants” is about the feeling you get when you accomplish something as a team or with a community. Sure, you’re a bad arse on your own, but sometimes it can be more empowering to recognize that you’re even mightier as a collective.” Rocket is playing the Whisky a Go Go on November 16th, and their single “Giants” will be complemented by a music video later this year.

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CVC - Jungle Fever.

Six-piece slacker funk outfits are very hard to find, especially those hailing from the sleepy, mountain top towns in South Wales.  That was until the birth of slacker funk crew, CVC, affectionately adopting their name from the aforementioned town, Church Village (Crew), boldly emerged. Their debut single 'Jungle Fever' released last week marks the first of two releases produced by Matt Evans (KEYS) supported by the Welsh artist development scheme, Forté Project.

CVC say that "Jungle Fever is a 3-minute distillation of pure energy that should be played as loud as possible, on the fattest speakers you can find or at the very least cranked up through the radio of your mum’s car.” The band continue “Big shout out to ‘The Big Sweep’ aka Matt Evans for helping us create this wild and untameable beast.”

Backed up by hard-head bouncing funk riffs, the song follows themes of love, lust and ultimately being lost in the world. ‘Jungle Fever’ is an obvious choice for a debut single and a well-known crowd favourite.

Whilst life moves along slowly in their hometown, the same can't be said for these infamous crowd-pleasers. Described by Buzz Magazine as "explosive loons" armed with a barrage of various 70's and funk influences, CVC have quickly become a 'go-see' band within the Cardiff music scene.

With a plethora of ear-pleasing riffs and infectious melodies, CVC have been winning crowds over on this year’s festival circuit. Whilst also supporting Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard at their recent single release party and a nomination at the Cardiff Music Awards, it's safe to say, there's been much anticipation building for a CVC debut single.

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Saturday, 12 October 2019

Dad's Fastest Swimmers - Right Hand Left Hand - Manou - Brooke Bentham - Balsam Range

Dad's Fastest Swimmers have just released their second single 'Scream My Name'. The bands bright indie pop song includes fine vocals and harmonies along with a refreshing vibe throughout.

Opening with a chunky riff Right Hand Left Hand track 'Chacabuco' which features Taliesyn Kallstrom, gradually builds in power and momentum the guitars and breathy chant acting as a prelude to Taliesyn's fabulous vocals that fit perfectly to this creative piece.

Manou shares 'kleines großes Mädchen' a song sung in German, it's gorgeous even if you don't understand a single word, everything from her vocals to the beautifully arranged music just excel.

Brooke Bentham released 'All My Friends Are Drunk' a couple of days ago, described as "a song for lost youth and young adulthood" it still resonates well with the considerably older me, the vocals are sincere and very likable the song is very catchy and Brooke is understandably getting noticed.

We finish with a gorgeous country song from Balsam Range entitled 'Angel Too Soon'. A classic country piece the band give it their own style and feeling, I'm particularly struck by the musicianship, the vocals are on the money as well.
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Dad's Fastest Swimmers - Scream My Name.

Already the ‘fastest’ indie-pop band, Brisbane’s Dad’s Fastest Swimmers are now on track to be the catchiest thanks to their energetic and thought provoking second single ‘Scream My Name’. Paired with the announcement of their debut EP Hard To Swallow and EP launch show, the Brisbane based swimmers have packed up their boardies and picked up their guitars for the Summer to come!

A pool of slick guitar riffs, sharp piano hits and striking basslines, ‘Scream My Name’ is a vivid glimpse into the group’s indie-pop talents. Paired with an array of addicting harmonies, singer Lucky delves into the uncertainties of modern relationships and the mixed emotions one can face.

"'Scream My Name’ is about a friend of mine who was in one of those casual relationships where it was pretty obvious that he wanted more from it,” Lucky explains, “It’s about putting all your cards on the table and questioning whether the person you’re with is there for you or just there for their fix.”

Brisbane's favourite seven-piece band with ‘Dad’ in their name, the septet are still yet to receive any accolades in the swimming pool besides a participation ribbon.  Their debut single 'Mixed Messages' on the other hand has racked up a combined 15,000 streams across the track and music video.

The final taste of their debut EP set for release October 25th, Hard To Swallow builds upon their previous themes of modern dating and hookup culture, voicing the internal thoughts that so many of us experience: the doubts, the emotions and the questions that go unspoken. Celebrating the long awaited launch of the project, Dad's Fastest Swimmers will be taking to The Old Museum on release day to perform all the tracks live!

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Right Hand Left Hand - Chacabuco (feat Taliesyn Kallstrom).

Right Hand Left Hand are back with a brand new album. Following on from their self-titled, Welsh Music Prize-nominated second album, their third offering, ‘Zone Rouge’ released on the 15th of November, tells the story of humanity's contempt for the earth beneath us, the air above us and the people around us.

Our fractured planet lays the groundwork for the 11 new tracks on 'Zone Rouge'. Each referring to a location on Earth where something bad has happened: An act of corruption against the planet, an act of evil against fellow humans and occasionally both.

Recent single 'Chacabuco' features former Estrons front-woman Taliesyn Kallstrom on vocals. A simmering, brooding post-rock dark cloud full a gathering menace, the taut rhythms and an extraordinary vocal performance swirling into explosive crescendos.

Recorded and produced by Charlie Francis (Future of the Left, REM, Robyn Hitchcock) at Cardiff’s Musicbox Studios, Andrew Plain (drums/guitars) and Rhodri Viney (guitars/vocals/ drums) 'Zone Rouge' continues to build and develop their trademark sound: looped and layered guitars and driving powerful drums that are intercut with atmospheric ambience.

'Zone Rouge' is released on the 15th November, 2019. It will be available digitally, on CD, and on limited edition double clear vinyl.  They launch the album with a show at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on the 13th of November.

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Manou - kleines großes Mädchen.

Multi-voice life - this is how Manou describes her music. Having grown up as a musician, she tries out many instruments and almost every style of her life throughout her life, but she finds her true musical home late.

A stroke of fate finally brings them to transform their lives into their own tunes and experiences of any kind in their own songs with German lyrics. From sarcastic to wistful, from exhilarating to moving, she takes her audience eloquently on a journey of her own.

Career and life in the dutiful mode of functioning and at some point sitting, looking back on his life and wondering where all the dreams and desires of that time have remained. Those little moments full of naive eternities, in which Mommy's blow could heal all wounds.

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Brooke Bentham - All My Friends Are Drunk.

Brooke Bentham releases a new single, ‘All My Friends Are Drunk’ - a song for lost youth and young adulthood and the second with Bill Ryder-Jones. It follows two EPs of music shored up by intense reflection which has earned the 23 year old many admirers and a rapidly growing fanbase. The young singer/songwriter writes sharp and eloquent songs about her experiences as she understands them, using words and music to resolve and record the tensions of young adulthood.

New single ‘All My Friends Are Drunk’ captures “that wishful longing for what was” in the self-destructivity of her and her peers, and is an exemplary display of Brooke’s talents. Creamy overdriven guitars combine with driving rhythms, giving it a Sonic Youth-esque feel.

"I wrote the lyrics about growing older, and growing apart, and learning about yourself”, Brooke says. “I was one year out of university and a lot of the lyrics on the album sound a bit lost because I realise I am so existential every day, and I’m so constantly aware of myself.” All My Friends starts by talking about your “Sunday self” which is “kind of this state where you float around and nothing is too heavy, but it quickly descends into this like... train of thought: what happened? When did that happen? You know?"

So impressed was Ryder-Jones with Brooke’s observational lyricism that he said: "I've worked with some amazing songwriters in my career. I think Brooke at 23 is well on her way to being up there with Alex (Turner), Saint Savoir, Mick (Head) and James (Skelly). Her lyric writing will be overlooked because of her voice but it is her words that will set her apart from others.”

Brooke’s raw and emotive sound has already gained her serious plaudits from the press. NME and Loud & Quiet were early champions whilst The Times calls her music “austerely beautiful” and DIY Magazine “bewitching”. She has recently been announced as the main support on Sam Fender’s sold out tour, with Bill joining her live band.

Brooke has been working on a full body of new music with Bill Ryder-Jones who she is touring the UK with as main support across the next few weeks. ‘All My Friends Are Drunk’ is the first taster of that, a looser indie rock sound pitches somewhere between Mazzy Star, Yo La Tengo, Sparklehorse and early Angel Olsen. Her music shines a light through the mistier parts of youth and identity.

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Balsam Range - Angel Too Soon.

With a hauntingly restrained, delicately soulful performance, Balsam Range expresses the sorrow and regret felt after the death of a child in their latest single, “Angel Too Soon.” The lyrics of the song, written by William M. Maddox and Paul Thorn, tell of two parents’ trying to move on after the death of their daughter and the void her loss created. Her room still looks the same with “heart throb posters on the wall and a Barbie make-up case,” but she’s “a pretty flower that never bloomed.”

“Angel Too Soon” challenges listeners’ hearts with the hardest of subjects, but is cathartic, relating that believing in life after death can bring relief.

Balsam Range vocalist and fiddler Buddy Melton remembers the first time he heard this song. “I was at Darren Nicholson’s house and we were listening to music in search of potential material for Balsam Range. When Darren played Paul’s version of this song, it hit me hard,” says Melton. “Being a father of a young girl, I could not get home fast enough. It was late and my daughter was in bed asleep. I went into her room and sat on the edge of her bed and as I watched her sleeping and peacefully dreaming, I thanked God for my blessings and prayed that he would help me be the best father I could be. I prayed he would watch over her and walk beside her every day. Life is unpredictable and all too often we are faced with unexplainable circumstances, for life has no guarantees. In time God’s plan is revealed.”

As this song can reach deep into listeners’ souls and touch calloused emotions, Melton hopes it will help open hearts and minds and lead people to view life as a gift though it is fragile. Said legendary songwriter Kris Kristofferson when he first heard it, “‘Angel Too Soon’ is either the saddest pretty song or the prettiest sad song I ever heard,” and now Balsam Range’s glistening rendition will have listeners wondering which it is themselves.

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Anna Smyrk - ZOCO - Howling Bells - TCBYML

Photo - Michelle Grace Hunder Anna Smyrk - This is a Drill . Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Anna Smyrk shares a poignant moment o...