Jana & The Lanterns - The Room in the Wood - Rina Mushonga - Elvyn Rhud - Cape Weather

Jana & The Lanterns - Birdhouse.

London-based singer-songwriter Jana (originally from Slovakia) - a voice reminiscent of Joni Mitchell is self-releasing her debut single ‘Birdhouse’ along with the music video on 16th November 2018. A personal folk-rock anthem of a traveller who finds freedom looking for a ‘piece of home’.

Recorded by Luke Oldfield at Tilehouse Studios, originally built for Mike Oldfield, Jana teamed up with top musicians on London jazz scene. Their versatile musicianship and exceptional craft brought special flavour to the music. Jana & The Lanterns arranged and produced 5 songs for an EP that will be released in 2019. The debut single will be accompanied by a new music video with a hint of 70’s nostalgia.

Jana is a classically trained musician with a wide spectrum of genres. In her native Slovakia she was a member of ‘Persona Grata’ – a band, that was invited to perform at ‘Progressive Nation at Sea 2014’ in Miami, organised by Mike Portnoy (Dream Theatre). In the same year, she moved to London and started writing her own songs.

‘Jana & The Lanterns’ is an eclectic musical experience. Inspiration for this project came from Sting’s music, 70’s folk-rock greats, country and classical – a mix that creates a unique ‘Lanterns’ style. They performed at London’s leading venues like The Troubadour, PizzaExpress Live and The Hospital Club (opening for Gypsyfingers). FACEBOOK.

Both the refined and sophisticated musicianship and gorgeous vocals vie for attention on 'Birdhouse' a song that is hard to put into any specific genre. Whilst the vocals have more than a hint of seventies folk style, they are more than that, and the band go from low key jazz funk through to indie rock, or pop, it's that kind of song, and yet it's coherent, catchy and above all high class.


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The Room in the Wood - Mars (Won't Save Us).

Liverpool-based The Room in the Wood will be releasing their 'The Mars EP' on November 23 digitally and on limited-edition CD. Lead track 'Mars (Won't Save Us)' is a riff-based psyche rocker focused on the foolishness of Elon Musk’s ideas about colonising the Red Planet. We are reminded "Mars won't save us. Mars has no air." It is accompanied by a psychedelic video composition by ex-Send No Flowers and Moongoose collaborator Mark Jordan. 

"We went in the studio to record some tracks and came up with 'Mars (Won’t Save Us)', which was a riffy departure from most of our debut album. Lyrically it’s a flat statement that Mars is not a viable option for emigration," says Dave Jackson.

Released via A Turntable Friend Records, this album follows their debut album 'The Room in the Wood' and the 'Magical Thinking' EP prior to that, both of which were released earlier in 2018.

Band members Paul Cavanagh and Dave Jackson are once again working together after a huge gap since their post-punk band The Room split back in 1985. After reuniting, this past year has seen them write over 30 new songs. TWITTER.

Back in July we featured 'Greedy Stars' describing that track as "a song that straddles genres, doing so with heart and feeling." Now we can share 'Mars (Won't Save Us)' where the vocals are a delight with just a touch of the sinister about them. Backed by some feisty natural rock, this is another superb song form this talented duo.



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Rina Mushonga - Hey Coach.

London-based Dutch-Zimbabwean pop innovator Rina Mushonga reveals details of her new album In A Galaxy – inspired by a year of transformation, the eagerly awaited follow-up to her debut, 2014’s The Wild, The Wilderness.

The twelve-track In A Galaxy is released on February 15th, 2019 through [PIAS] Recordings and today Rina Mushonga shares new track Hey Coach. Written from a personal perspective, this song is about responsibility and ownership and she explains; it’s about motivation, career-wise, no-one’s gonna fight for your ‘art’ as hard as you are ,nobody has invested what you have in the same way  and it’s about self-reliance and getting on with it…even when the odds appear to be stacked against you.”

Having read Metamorphoses for the first time Rina Mushonga’s self-confessed year of transformation ensued drawing upon a myriad of ideas and personal experiences.  Full of reflections on the cosmos and our place within it, In A Galaxy is the musical embodiment of these musings whilst Mushonga also admits there’s more than a passing nod to the opening text on Star Wars, but on the whole refers to how relative space and time are in how we interact – “Earth viewed as part of a galaxy binds us in humanity.”

In A Galaxy  buzzes with an eclecticism that might be traced back to heritage and history of having moving around at various points in her life  - having lived in India, Zimbabwe and the Netherlands before settling in London – her father always proudly referred to their family as “global citizens, we belonged everywhere” she explains, further adding; “I loved and identified with that, and it’s that genre- hopping that best represents me, how I see things and experience the world.”

Four years in the making, In A Galaxy is the result of Mushonga filtering out her distractions and relying/focusing on her own ability and instinct. Mushonga recorded the album in her adopted home in South London’s Peckham with producer Brett Shaw whilst having laid much of the foundations of the tracks together with musical bestie and synth whisperer Frans Verburg in his Rotterdam basement studio. The resultant cornucopia of intelligent, diverse pop that Mushonga herself describes as sounding like “Paul Simon in a sweaty, African dancehall club”  is a welcome introduction to 2019. FACEBOOK.

Rina Mushonga impressed us in a big way back in September and the new song share 'Hey Coach' continues that trend. Last time around we describe her music as "a melting pot of musical styles that are given a cohesive overall sound as they musically morph around". The latest track hopefully makes a little more sense of that statement, whatever I was driving at, it's fabulous and massively addictive.

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Elvyn Rhud - Orange Is For Love.

Trippy neo-psych rockers Elvyn Rhud are the like the french equivalent to The Brian Jonestown Massacre, effortlessly channeling the dark corners of the 60's with songs drenched in jangling guitars, droning vocals, and layers of percussion.

The sepia-colored video for their new single invites the viewer into a dystopian artistic vision that compliments their trance-inducing music. 

Elvyn Rhud is Cassandre Arpin and Léo Puy. "Orange Is For Love" is off a shared 7" split between Elvyn Rhud & Alpha Du Centaure, which has been released by Pyrrhic Victory Records. BANDCAMP.

'Orange Is For Love' opens with plenty of sixties psychedelic overtones, before expanding into a more modern soundscape where the overall feel is hypnotic and beautiful. The video adds to the theme and at less than three minutes duration, listening again is pretty much compulsive.


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Cape Weather - Big Time.

LA-based Cape Weather follows in suit with their nostalgic pop sound on new single "Big Time". The bands first few tracks have done really well being covered by outlets such as NPR Music, The Line of Best Fit and Wonderland while also receiving a huge amount of editorial support from Spotify. Cape Weather is a collaboration between Natalie Smith and Eric Jackowitz.

They’ve both played in bands for years; Eric playing drums for Nick Waterhouse, and Natalie bouncing around the Oakland scene while silently releasing music under solo monikers before moving to Los Angeles. After both feeling like it was time to make something their own, the two best friends who attended Berklee College of Music together decided to start writing songs over the internet while Eric was on tour with Waterhouse and thus Cape Weather was born.

Their live band is a rotating cast and currently, consist of members from M83 and Ryan Adams band. Cape Weather's newest single "Big Time" which is being released via Yes Plz (a new coffee subscription-based service and weekly zine). BANDCAMP.

Dreamy and full of timeless pop sensibilities 'Big Time' is so full of hooks, it's gonna be played a good few times by myself, and I would be so bold to say - plenty of other folk as well.

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Black Cat Biscuit - Jane's Party

Black Cat Biscuit - Parrot Women.

Black Cat Biscuit, no well-trodden paths or worn-out covers, but a surprisingly foxy cocktail of fresh songs, marinated in a special gumbo hot sauce. Five driven musicians, who earned their stripes by playing in different bands over the years, decided to get together in 2015.

The band was selected for the finals of the Belgian Blues Challenge in 2017 and won the Belgian Blues Challenge in 2018. They will represent Belgium on the European Blues Challenge in 2019. This single “Parrot Woman” gives you an idea what to expect on their forthcoming first full album ‘That’s How the Cookie Crumbles’, bound to be released on 22 February 2019.

Influences of West Coast Swing, Shuffle, Jazz, Boogie, raw Slide and Texas Blues to name a few, are definitely present in their music. On top of that, writing and playing honest songs, coming straight from the heart, is the main red thread within Black Cat Biscuit. So strong the audience experiences these energetic vibes. Even if blues ain’t your cup of tea, you will be moved for sure! Now sit tight, hold on to your socks and enjoy! WEBSITE.

Exquisite and timeless blues with a simmering level of  natural rock and roll tension, is having given this some thought regarding 'Parrot Woman', my best attempt at trying to describe this feast of a song. The video captures the mood, I'm new to Black cat Biscuit, however I'm guessing they are superb to see live, and listen to for ages.


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Jane's Party - Wait For You.

Janes Party tell us - “Wait For You” was written in the months following our return from opening Tom Odell’s “No Bad Days” tour in Europe. There’s a real vulnerability in coming home from a huge tour and not knowing what the future has in store. 

Writing the song was a sort of therapy that helped us come to terms with how we were feeling, and turning that into inspiration and excitement for what’s to come. 

The energy that emanates from a packed venue is exhilarating, and the whole tour we wished for something simple to sing at the top of our lungs that could be shouted back, no matter the language barrier.

While driving home from a show one eerie night this past summer, we asked Devon to throw on the Drive soundtrack to help set the mood. Instead, he mistakenly (or with clairvoyance) put on the song "Drive" by Cars. Right away we knew that we had to try recording the song with a dreamy, synthwave inspired feel.

Our friend Kirty agreed to jump on board and instantly brought “Drive” to life, singing lead on the second verse and harmonies on the choruses. FACEBOOK.

'Wait For You' is a breezy and melodic indie rocker that packs plenty of upbeat energy. It's one of those catchy songs that are hard to resist giving a few more (& more) listens...


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LeBarons - Frederick The Younger - YOWL

LeBarons -  Brand New Sound.

With LeBarons debut full-length Summer Of Death, Chris MacDonald dares you to keep your grip or let loose, either way you’re in for a trip. Summer Of Death (2018) is a milestone almost two years in the making. Production started in January, 2017 at John Dinsmore’s Lincoln County Social Club recording studio where previous magic was made by artists like The Strumbellas, Timber Timbre, The Wooden Sky, and Elliott Brood. This unhurried approach allowed the band imbue each song with its own unique character. The result is a rich, complex album that reveals itself with each listen.

Working with two JUNO-nominated and award winning producers John Dinsmore (Timber Timbre, The Strumbellas, PUP, NQ Arbuckle, Donovan Woods, Sarah Harmer); and Jason “Cone” McCaslin (Sun K, Operation MD, The Strumbellas, Sum 41), LeBarons have distilled their sound into a versatile spirit. Accessible, radio-friendly arrangements like “Quiet” and “Brand New Sound” mix seamlessly with moody cocktails like “Waste,” the title track “Summer Of Death,” and the lead single “Long Highway.” Both veteran producers are long-time collaborators with the band and each has carved a unique niche in the band’s sound: Dinsmore, dark and brooding; McCaslin, large and anthemic.

LeBarons are 100% independent and have never been involved with a record label or professional management. Dinsmore and McCaslin are long-time collaborators whose involvement arose from organic relationships and a mutual love of the music being created. Music at its best is a craft of passion.

This is LeBarons’ full-length album and takes the band into new territory as they push the boundaries of alt-country. Chris MacDonald’s lyrical storytelling is still center-stage, but now framed by arrangements soaked in reverb and drenched in feedback. The result is a dynamic album full of visceral emotion and tense with potential energy.

Summer Of Death is the sound of highways at night; passing cars in the rain; the wind blowing past an open window. Summer Of Death is the sound of a song fading out in the distance at the start of a long, strange trip. These are the sounds restless souls hear when everything else grows quiet. BANDCAMP.

'Brand New Sound' is one of eleven tracks on the new 'Summer Of Death' album. The band register somewhere on the Americana scale, with Alt Country being one suggestion. As the featured song demonstrates they can and do up the energy levels on occasion with some vibrant rockers.

The musicianship is superb throughout, and the vocals, dual vocals and harmonies are gorgeous and so in keeping with the genres and styles the band present. You can head over to Bandcamp (link above) for the whole album, it's packed with great tunes and deserves a listen at the very least.

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Frederick The Younger - Everybody Wants To Take You For A Ride.

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, some of Jenni Cochran’s earliest memories are of writing songs. Returning to the USA after working in Vietnam for a few years, she met Aaron Craker (guitar, keys, vocals) who was performing with his band Dr. Vitamin. 

The two immediately bonded over their shared love of Elliott Smith and The Beatles. They formed Frederick The Younger a few years later, releasing their first full length record “Human Child” in 2017.

The band is their bond, formed on groovy garage pop, soulful vocals, a hint of Broadcast and 60s pop with a modern twist. There is an earnestness to their newest songs on a forthcoming EP, due out early 2019, that rings true - the kind of sincerity born from experience. 

These songs feel alive and well-lived, tragic, nostalgic, beautiful, and contemplative, all with a solid hook. “Everybody Wants To Take You For A Ride”, the first track taken from that EP, is a beautifully delivered, moody alt-pop piece that introduces a slower sound aesthetic to what they have to offer - the track is officially out now. TWITTER.

The new song 'Everybody Wants To Take You For A Ride' is our fourth feature for Frederick The Younger as the duo once again impress Beehive Candy. Melodic, atmospheric and moving, this is a beautiful song that simmers with emotion and feeling. 

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YOWL - John the Collector.

Peckham five-piece YOWL have announced their new single 'John the Collector'. The single follows the release of YOWL's third single for ‘Warm (In The Soft White Fire Of Modern Living)’ and is being released with DIY for Jäger Curtain Call ahead of their headline show, which will be taking place on 15th November at The Lexington, London (with support from Sister Talk and Lumer).

The single was recorded at London’s Tileyard Education Studios. Speaking about the single, singer Gabriel Byrde says: “It’s a loose delve into the male psyche. It’s about a guy who tries to open up a little more and realises the only way he can do that is to murder his friends and stick their faces onto his walls so he has someone to talk to at all times.”

Following Jäger Curtain Call the band have two more shows lined up for 2018 including a show at Rough Trade Bristol on 8th December alongside Hotel Lux, Squid and more, as well as a sold-out end of year IDLES AF Gang Xmas party at Record Junkee in Sheffield on 15th December with John, Heavy Lungs and an IDLES DJ set from Joe Talbot.

'John The Collector' serves as a taster for what's to come from the YOWL in 2019, FACEBOOK.

Now this really is something to write home about! 'John the Collector' is the second song we have shared from YOWL (you have to go back to April for the other one), and it's a sublime, feisty and massively catchy affair. The vocals are phenomenal, the band are tight and funky, it's a little like Talking Heads merged with Devo, and the South London boys have done themselves proud with this song.

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Amanda Tenfjord - Mel Parsons - Silent Forum - Tellico - Deanna Petcoff

Amanda Tenfjord - First Impression EP.

Norwegian 21-year-old Amanda Tenfjord releases her debut EP ‘First Impression’, unveiling brand new track ‘Pick a Card’.

After phenomenally received first three singles, ‘First Impression’, ‘No Thanks’, and ‘Let Me Think’, Amanda has gained a reputation for herself as a bit of a sass-pot. From calling out shallow personalities on ‘First Impression’, (with lines such as) “I like you better out of site ‘cos you’re a social parasite”, to saying ‘No Thanks’ to time-wasters, Amanda’s not afraid of making a statement. Her third single ‘Let Me Think’, about taking a minute to stop and evaluate how happy you are with a situation, continues to exhibit her playful nature and her ability to create pop bangers. Her final track from the EP, ‘Pick a Card’ rounds off the EP with a slower melody showcasing Amanda’s outstanding vocals, while covering the deeper subject of making choices.

First Impression EP is “a very special ride” Amanda says. “I have gotten to know myself in a different way musically - more playful and fun than in my previous work - which has been really interesting”.  Regarding the final unreleased track, ‘Pick A Card’ was another song co-written with Askjell, one of Norway’s hottest writers. 

“It's been great working with Askjell. ‘Pick a Card’ is a very personal song, about making choices in life - something I'm very bad at, and it felt really good to put that into words. It's been exciting to work on this EP, but I can't wait to start working on the next one.” TWITTER.

The 'First Impression' E.P. comprises of four tracks. It's gorgeous uncomplicated pop that's crammed full of hooks. Add in the intelligent lyrics and an individual style that sets Amanda Tenfjord so apart from, the artificial sounding production line chart music of today, and you have a really impressive collection of material.


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Mel Parsons - Just 'Cause You Don't Want Me.

Mel Parsons has been at the forefront of the indie-folk movement in New Zealand, forging her own path as an independent, self-managed artist. Coming off the new album Glass Heart, "Just ‘Cause You Don’t Want Me" is a break-up song that cuts through with hard-hitting lyrics but deceptive sonic simplicity, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. Alternating between both heartbreaking and triumphant, "Just ‘Cause You Don’t Want Me" sees Parsons opening up about the end of a relationship through sweeping big drums and upbeat, catchy melodies.

With a stunningly simplistic and crisp video to match, Mel Parsons is entering the competitive realm of indie-twinged folk with guns blazing, establishing herself not only as an expert songwriter and performer, but as a person with a genuine story to share.

Mel Parsons, on her upcoming album Glass Heart: "It was a particularly fertile writing period... songs were falling out all over the place, and I have learnt over the years that when that feeling of inspiration comes knocking you really have to drop everything and get that shit down.”

Glass Heart is an extension of Parsons’ previous work, while still retaining her trademark poignant storytelling. Parsons takes on a with bigger and fuller sound with a darker vibe under the guidance of legendary American producer Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Suzanne Vega, Elvis Costello, Missy Higgins, Randy Newman, Lindsay Buckingham/Christine McVie) and a talented cast of musicians. They include bass player Kaveh Rastegar (John Legend, Sia), guitarist Adam Levy (Norah Jones), drummer Ted Poor (Andrew Bird) along-side Froom on keyboards. WEBSITE.

The video is clever, that said, the song 'Just 'Cause You Don't Want Me' is fabulous. Indie folk meets indie rock on this extremely catchy track, where Mel Parson's vocals are perfect for the style.


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Silent Forum - Robot

'Robot' is the second single to be taken from the eagerly anticipated debut album by Cardiff's Post-Punk / New Wave trailblazers Silent Forum.

Robot is a jittering, adrenaline fuelled shot of energy. The song speaks from the perspective of a jaded and stressed office employee against an unlikely dance punk backdrop. "I feel a shortage of high pressure in my life/ I need the office chair/ I need spreadsheets I hold dear/ I love coffee, I hate beer".

“Robot is a fun character piece. The world already has enough breakup songs, or songs about partying - I thought it'd be funny to write something about a disgruntled office worker. Its not a song about me - I have a far more positive outlook than whoever  this song is about.” Richard, singer of Silent Forum. BANDCAMP.

Back in July we featured 'How I Faked The Moon Landing' from Silent Forum (it didn't seem that long ago) and the new song 'Robot' is another fine song, in fact last time around we said that the band has "one engaging and resplendent sound", I think this new piece pretty much proves we were not exaggerating.

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Tellico -  Woven Waters (album).

With honest, heartfelt songwriting and an unmistakable sound, Asheville-based Tellico has crafted Woven Waters, an album that blends the group’s bluegrass sensibilities with British Isles influences, creating an eclectic collection of poignant folk songs. The album is available now from Organic Records.

The group worked with noted Irish musician and producer John Doyle and Grammy-nominated engineer David Arnold, to record Woven Waters in Johnson City, Tennessee. With Doyle’s guidance, Tellico created and recorded arrangements in the studio. The practice brought the group to open, uncharted territory in their musical landscape. There, they built on their distinctive core sound and found a new level of awareness to texture and melody. Augmented by Doyle’s contribution on bouzouki, the chord choices and rhythmic dynamics intertwine to create a sense of weaving the natural flow of each song’s intent, inspiring the album’s title. 

Tellico’s members Anya Hinkle on vocals, guitar and fiddle; Greg “Stig” Stiglets on vocals, upright bass and harmonica; Aaron Ballance on dobro and lap steel guitar; and Jed Willis on mandolin and telecaster, were also joined by drummer David Brewer. The effect of this studio line up offers a sound that is Appalachian Americana.

At Tellico’s core is the voice and guitar of Anya Hinkle, evoking tones of Gillian Welch. Her sound is rooted in the mountains of her native southwestern Virginia, but seasoned by travels across the world. With arresting honesty, her singing and songwriting comes from the heart. The foil to Hinkle can be found in fellow songwriter, vocalist, bass and harmonica player, Greg “Stig” Stiglets. Inspired from the stories and events of daily life, his attention to melody and groove help to further showcase the instrumental prowess of the band. WEBSITE.

The new 'Woven Waters' album is worthy of a listen by anyone who has a liking for modern bluegrass, British or Irish folk music and all stops in between. Excellently crafted music and enticing vocals, are just a part of Tellico's beauty, the lyrics are thoughtful and the bands natural sound transcends genres, pulling the varying styles together, in a talented and desirable manner.

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Deanna Petcoff - Stress.

Deanna Petcoff tells us - My new single “Stress” is about frustration, loss of hope and acceptance of a situation that will never be fixed. 

The unbearable weight of not feeling good enough for the person you want; thinking they might want you back but can’t follow through with their flirtatious actions is a common feeling. I wanted to encapsulate the frustration that accompanies this.

Way too often, I find that feeling is described by leaning heavily on the sadness that it comes with, ignoring all of the anger in it, as well. I wanted to show the range of emotions women feel with the loss of love that aren’t just the sadness of heartbreak.

Ultimately, in the end of “Stress,” she’s done playing with this person and wants the situation to be over so they can both get on with their lives. Making the decision to be done with that kind of situation is difficult but often necessary. I decided it was worthy of a song. TWITTER. 

It's apparently part of modern life to experience 'Stress' and although I am told that positive stress is good for us, I still can't help feeling that none at all would be just fine. Anyhow I guess this song is dealing with emotional stress and all that goes with it, particularly from a female perspective. From a male perspective I will just say it's one very fine song, that will be getting a good few more listens on my part.

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