Genre Skipping Monday

Honey Ryder - Born In A Bottle (Album).

The Story So Far - Having firmly established themselves within the inner circle of Nashville's elite, UK band Honey Ryder return to spearhead the British country crossover invasion with their third studio album, 'Born In A Bottle'. To celebrate this they have announced a mini tour. 

Honey Ryder have already kicked off a busy festival season of touring with two performances at C2C at the O2 in March, followed by the Isle Of Wight Festival in June. Following this, they will be appearing at Weyfest and Fort San Antone Festival later it the year. The tour kicked off on the 30th July in London and the band will be on the road for the rest of year.

'Drink With Me' is the first single from the album. "We wanted to write a summery feel good song about hanging out with friends and partying, inspired by the bright lights of Downtown Nashville", explains lead singer Lindsay O'Mahony. "We had just come back to our hotel after a fantastic night at a bar called Pucketts, where we feasted on deep fried green beans and drank beer out of jam jars, and felt inspired to write, so we started jamming and within a few hours the song was pretty much finished. We then recorded it a few days later over at Ocean Way".

Honey Ryder sophomore album 'Marley's Chains' was a big hit on Radio 2 and achieved album of the weeks on the likes of Smooth Radio and Music Week. With hits such as 'Fly Away' and 'Marley Chains' the album received huge support all over the world, and 'Born In A Bottle' is sure to share the same success.

Sep 03 The Earl Grey Inn, Leek, United Kingdom
Sep 05 Weyfest, Farnham, United Kingdom
Oct 18 Fort San Antone Festival, Preston, United Kingdom
Oct 25 British Country Music Awards, London, United Kingdom

Honey Ryder clearly have some Nashville influences, however these add to their sound rather than dominate. There is a healthy amount of UK folk and folk rock, that gives them their own sound and styling. A very good album for anyone who likes this cross over country music.

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Eternal Death - Background - Eternal Death consists of Elin Berlin and Johan Angergård. Johan explains how it started - “Eternal Death was a solo project of mine for a month or two. When I had finished what I thought would be the first single it struck me that I didn’t want to play live, I didn’t want to appear in photos, I wasn’t that interested in doing interviews and I wasn’t very keen on singing. I didn’t want to be anything an artist is supposed to be or do anything an artist is supposed to do. I’m a big fan of Elin Berlin’s solo work and we had been in touch for a while. I asked her if she might want to be involved with Eternal Death, and we tried a couple of songs together. It worked out magically.”

Elin Berlin noted, “On my first trip to Stockholm, I really didn’t know what to expect. I had heard one noisy, instrumental song, and I knew that it was supposed to be called “Eternal Death”. But the concept; electronic pop music with lyrics that question our existence, faith and afterlife was very intriguing to me. When we started recording, I lost all that uncertainty. My tender voice in contrast to the harsh, almost industrial music creates a beautiful atmosphere. Anxiety is something I possess in abundance, and I tend to comfort myself with the somewhat cliché-ridden quote, ‘the darkest nights produce the brightest stars’.”

Their debut album, which is simply called, Eternal Death, was released on Labrador Records earlier this year. The reason for featuring them now is to mention their new video for 'Cry' which is featured on our BeeVids page. Also as this was released when Beehive Candy was enjoying it's 'extended siesta', it seems only fair to mention that the music is excellent and worthy of checking out. Another fine song ' Violence' featured below.

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Orange Vision - Dark Around the Eyes (Single).

Background words - 'Dark Around the Eyes' is the latest release from Orange Vision, a band firmly in the ascendant having already enjoyed support from Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1 and Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music as well as earning coveted support slots for Superfood and Honeyblood on the NME New Breed Tour.

The four-piece from Oxford, influenced by post punk, glam and shoegaze, produce reverb drenched, melodic pop anthems with a new wave edge.

Formed two years ago when Ed and Matthew bonded over a love of clothes, music and a generally delinquent approach to their depressing surroundings and sapped music scene, they were later joined by Daniel and Jake. The band became a primary focus and what started as a driving growling rock and roll sneer has blossomed into a post punk psychedelic new wave dream.

Edmund Quigley - Lead Vocals/Guitar 
Jacob Mott - Backing Vocals/Drums
Matthew Holford - Lead Guitar
Daniel Jones - Bass Guitar

So many genres mentioned above, it is fair to say they are all in part, applicable to Orange Vision however this band has enough of their own creative drive, for the mention of genres only to be a reference of sorts. There music put simply, is very likeable, the energy addictive.

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Sundays Alternative Globe-Trotting Take

Branko - Let Me Go (feat. Nonku Phiri & Mr. Carmack)

Background - Some freshness from the Mr.Carmack camp- a team up with Branko (Buraka Som Sistema) called "Let Me Go." The track is the debut single of Branko's upcoming LP Atlas, and the perfect example of that tropical/tribal zouk bass vibe he's made famous. 

After spending the day with the talented South African singer Nonku Phiri and L.A.-based producer Mr. Carmack at the Red Bull Studios in Cape Town, South Africa, Branko set out to translate this encounter into a song by pushing the limits of the kizomba offshoot we call zouk bass, introducing some much-needed R&B flavour to this thriving genre.

 The story of this encounter is translated into an instrumental that reveals lush and dreamy synths dancing around a shuffling 90 BPM beat with an organic feel, built on Branko’s wide-ranging global influences and Mr. Carmack’s unique beat making skills, to which Nonku Phiri’s captivating Venda and English vocals add a level of depth and emotion that is further complemented by a bitter sweet string arrangement (recorded at Red Bull Studios in New York) - with positively epic results.

It's everything that's been described above, without exaggeration, the music and the vocals dance around each other with absolute style in abundance.

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Baskerville - Times (MTA - release due 28/8/2015).

Background - Dutch musician Baskerville has signed to London's much-loved label MTA. Baskerville is a one-man operation, helmed by Thijs van der Klugt. Kicking off with 'Times' it's dance music made with a distinct touch of class - high quality, layered productions that demonstrate the wealth of experience he has gained from being so deeply involved with music for such a long time. Splicing elements of the underground with melodies, indie, hip-hop, electro and whatever else he is inspired by when he hits the studio.

Baskerville had previously released on Boyz Noize's BNR Trax and Diplo's Mad Decent. While many of the scene's most respected players have already supported the music including Madeon, Boyz Noize, The Magician, Fake Blood, Tchami, Bart B More, Alex Metric, Erol Alkan, DJ Snake and Fono among others.

A lively piece from Baskerville, which twists and turns around some core vocals, both professionally developed and even more importantly, entertaining.

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High Tides - Psychic Love Damage.

Background - From the coastal shores of the mind, by way of the Midwest, comes High Tides, the hazy synth duo of Warren Kroll (Forrest, Dorosoto) and Steven Lutes (Mall Security, Kontyx). Launched in 2011 as an offshoot of their sleazy, acid-electro collaboration as The Red Falcon Projects, High Tides was born out of daydreams of the lavish shores of Southern California, sun-faded memories of yacht rock and a desire to craft their own signature spin on the genres perfected by the likes of Boards Of Canada, Freescha and others.

Amongst their earliest advocates was Tobacco of Black Moth Super Rainbow, who encouraged the duo to further develop their sound. He commissioned multiple, well received remixes from the pair, as they continued to write original material.

High Tides are set to release their forthcoming debut self-titled album via Tobacco's own label Rad Cult, due July 31. The album features six original songs alongside four re imagined versions of Tobacco/Black Moth Super Rainbow tracks.

Dreamy, drifting, sun-drenched and taking the listener to some far offshore island, cocktails in hand.

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Andrei Eremin - Anhedoniac (lyrics and vocals, Kucka aka Laura Jane Lowther).

Background - Mercurial producer Andrei Eremin has announced the release of his new track 'Anhedoniac' (feat. Kučka). 

Established as one of the most credible rising audio engineers in Melbourne, Andrei's commitment to his aural craft as resulted in credits behind the scenes with artists ranging from Chet Faker, Oscar Key Sung, Hiatus Kaiyote, Wafia and many more.

Earlier this year saw the release of 'Recycling 2013-2015', a collection of edits conducted by Andrei including material from Japanese Wallpaper, I'lls, Milwaukee Banks, a bootleg Juicy J rework, plus a collaboration with Fractures, 'Ghosts', remixed by Rat & Co.

'Anhedoniac' is lifted from Andrei's debut EP of original material Pale Blue, due for release this August.

Another splendidly dreamy piece with soothing vocals and a slowly arriving rhythm that allows even more musical diversity.

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Princess Century - Lossy (Paper Bag Records).

Background - Maya Postepski never stops. An active member of the Toronto music scene, she has been making music for over 10 years, currently as part of electronic group Austra (Paper Bag, Domino). She is a prolific remix artist, DJ and she co-wrote and produced TRST with Robert Alfons as Trust (Arts & Crafts).

This project is the outlet for her genre-crossing experiments that take us on a journey through minimalist cosmic disco psychedelia, crossing through glacial poly-rhythmic territories soaked in dark dripping goo.  

Shooting stars and icicles glimmering weave a reflective thread through each track while mechanical pulses ground soaring delicious keyboards that could melt the heart of a cobra. Do not be afraid! Close your eyes and allow the warm synthesizer liquid to seep through your veins and take you into a far away galaxy of love, lust and passion.

Genre defying electronic and audio hypnotic sounds. This is creative, imaginative and highly likeable, even old, old Kraftwerk fans like me can love this.

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JackLNDN - All I See

Background - British producer JackLNDN has made an appearance on Ultra Music, with the silky smooth sounds of ‘All I See.’ Out now, this talented electronic producer is set to dazzle fans with this wonderful single.

Beginning with funky vocals and a steady beat, the main vocal hook comes in, accompanied by euphoric use of piano chords for maximum feel-good vibes. In addition, JackLNDN’s contrasts between the singalong choruses and addictive riffs cleverly balance the tune from start to finish in style.

Light as air but with a strong undercurrent of groove, ‘All I See’ is a beautifully uplifting piece of house music that is guaranteed to flit around festival sets for the remainder of the summer.

Soulful and distinct, what's not to like about this high class track. Vocals that ooze style and a soundtrack that just flows and develops beautifully.

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Three To Please You This Weekend

Moon Types - Know the Reason (Jigsaw).

What we are told - Here's yet another Jigsaw 7" from a new Swedish band, and like our previous one (by Animal Daydream - check 'em out!), this one features a set of easy-going and jangly pop songs in the vein of fellow Jigsawers, the Zebras and Ocean Party, as well as Ladybug Transistor (check out the trumpet in the title track!) and some more hipper bands like Real Estate. Though "Know The Reason" is the obvious hit, due to its instantly catchy melody and bouncy feel, the other two songs are no less dazzling in their own subtle ways, from the descending chord progression in the chorus of "Nothing's Holy" to the haunting feedbacky/ebow-ed guitar melody in "Do It All Over Again".

Jangle pop simple as that, easy on the ear and mind. A catchy song that pleases, more always welcome when they are performed this well.

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Bec Sandridge - In The Fog, In The Flame.

More background details - Possessing an incredible voice and prolific ear for melody, this 24 y/o Aussie native molds raw emotion with sleek production to create a sound that will nestle itself in the forefront of your consciousness. 2015 will see the songstress release a new EP as well as a run of Australian and UK tour dates. More details to be announced soon. She has also supported the likes of Passenger and Half Moon Run.

Another song that sinks its hooks into you and demands your attention. Melody, rhythm, and Bec's emotive vocals work wonders.


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Tin Lion - Whatever Works.

All you need to know - Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Jesse Fultone has had a lifelong love of music. Having played in numerous bands over the years (Flux Capacitor, Bobby Blackbird and the Bluejays, The Maples) and supported acts as varied as Sharon Jones, The Black Keys, Jamiroquai and Ugly Duckling, Jesse now produces and performs under the name Tin Lion. Influenced by acts such as Talking Heads, LCD Soundsystem, The Meters and Prince amongst, basically, anything with a good beat, Tin Lion’s music is a swirling mix of big drums, spacey synths, heavy bass and percussive guitar. Music as much for your head as for your feet.

On top of a new single and record, Jesse has just launched the new, all live four-piece Tin Lion live show. Drums, bass, guitar and full time percussion twist up and recreate the Tin Lion sound in a distinctly ‘dance punk’ way. Paradoxically loose and funky, whilst still being tight as a drum.

An infectious beat, rhythmic vocals, and synths combating for their place against some slick guitar work, not that the bass isn't stomping along. Go on, play it again..

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August & September Releases - A Taste Of Something Special

Connie Constance - debut EP "In The Grass" released 25th September 2015 on Black Acre.

Some background words provided - Connie danced from a young age, having left school at 16, she moved to Hoxton where she began working professionally as a dancer, further opening her mind and soul to music through movement.

In 2015 a friend introduced Connie to UK musician Blue Daisy, their friendship was instant and Blue swiftly became her producer and mentor. Together they set about carving a uniquely tripped-out sound. Wild dreams punctuated by stark reality.

Speaking of her collaboration with Kwesi Darko AKA Blue Daisy Connie says; “Imagine your uncle is god and he only let's the people who enter his heaven know who he really is. (His heaven being a dark and cave like studio filled with stories of the utmost enjoyment of solitude). That's what working with Blue is like.”

At just 20 years of age, Connie’s aura surpasses the time she’s been on this planet. She wanted to create music for her generation that breathes escapism from the cuts and bruises of young British life, penning lyrics on buses and trains. Her poetic words capture snapshots of modern living awash with shades of Erykah Badu. Growing up Connie listened to a lot of London born and bred artists like The Jam, The Libertines and Amy Winehouse, and you can hear echoes of their sound in her rich writing world.

The featured song 'Stars' is an incredible debut for Connie Constance. The vocals, music and production seemingly scream style and class. A touching song delivered with heart and natural soul, I just want to hear more.

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The Frightnrs - EP, "Inna Lovers Quarrel", coming via Diplo's Mad Decent on August 28th.

Background info provided - New York four-piece ensemble The Frightnrs have announced their latest EP, Inna Lovers Quarrel, coming via Diplo's Mad Decent on August 28th. The band takes inspiration from vintage Jamaican rocksteady combined with 80s rub-a-dub, plus a touch of ska and punk influence for a unique sound that redefines what reggae sounds like in 2015. 

They had recent success with their soaring cover of Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind" on New York's renowned Daptone Records, as well as airplay from reggae radio legend David "Ram Jam" Roddigan. The Frightnrs have made a real deal reggae record, polished by veteran NYC producer Victor "Ticklah" Axelrod. In Diplo's own words, "close your eyes and get transported to Kingston, Jamaica, 1981."

Catch The Frightnrs performing at Pioneer Works in Red Hook, Brooklyn on August 16th.

Any band that takes inspiration from Jamaican 'Rocksteady' tends to achieve two things with me, both get noticed and remind me just how old I am getting. With a song of this class I guess it's worth it, in fact no doubt about that, if you are going to do rocksteady, reggae, or ska, then check this band out as a benchmark on how to do the said genres.



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Quality Not Quantity - And We Mean It

Ancient River - Keeper of the Dawn.

Ancient River, the sonic brainchild of singer/songwriter James Barreto, is an ever-evolving source of rock n’ roll and psychedelia, its influences flowing from the swampy roots of the American south to the far reaches of space.

The band's origins can be traced back the music scene in Gainesville, Florida and its thriving home grown DIY scene. Barreto began recording local bands, producing several albums as well as creating music for local independent films. His house soon grew into a fully-fledged home studio/rehearsal space, where like-minded musicians could be found tirelessly sharpening their wide range of sounds, encapsulating everything from noisy shoegaze and psychedelia to classic Americana.

Locked away in the pursuit of his sonic vision, it took two years for Barreto to take Ancient River to the stage, emerging with an unmistakable space-rock guitar sound and creating a captivating live show accompanied by entrancing psychedelic visuals.

Keeper Of The Dawn is the albums title track, an album that anyone from a sixties Doors fan through to a modern day psych rock music lover via early Floyd and so many other bands, will find absorbing. Individual in style and remarkably varied in pace and instrumental dominance this is one for any alternative playlist. Website (here).

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Monk Parker - How The Spark Loves The Tinder.

On August 28th, 2015, Monk Parker releases his debut solo record on the Bronze Rat label (London/Berlin). "How The Spark Loves The Tinder" was written during the breakup of Parker's band The Low Lows & his relocation from New York City back home to Texas. There, over the following three years, hundreds of hours of music were recorded with over 30 musicians (including members of Okkervil River and The Polyphonic Spree), largely in the welding shed of the family farm outside Austin.

Here Parker serves up a funereal but majestic alt­Americana, in which stately, dreamlike waltzes build to explosive, gospel ­tinged climaxes. Revolving around a slew of steel guitars, vintage organs and brass, the intricately orchestrated songs evoke Stax/Volt balladry and a woozy Phosphorescent-­style country narcosis. Alternating with a cacophony of buried noise melodies, this is the bed on which his damning, redemptive stories of carnality & affection lie (“Sadly yes I know just where to go, where to go / Sadly yes we can all three see the bright writing on the marquee”, goes the first line on the record, from a song about a love triangle gone inexplicably right).

Alt-Americana at it's best. I love it when an album arrives and has such a positive impact, stirring the emotions and pleading to be listened to again. Does not happen often, thank you Monk for making it happen here.

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Dusty Boots - Rebel On A Rainbow.

Sydney musician and adventurer Dusty Boots has released his latest single, the slow, atmospheric and folky Rebel On A Rainbow. The title track from his 5 track EP, the single is about slowing down in life to enjoy the important things such as nature, relationships, and adventure. 

Created with the help of his friends, Dusty Boots takes a natural and organic approach to his music, resulting with a collaboration of like-minded music lovers. In 2012, husband and wife team Jess and Jonny Dustow created lifestyle and adventure blog Rebel On A Rainbow. Sick of society's expectations of buying a home, having a full time job, and living a life focused on money, they decided to find a lifestyle that allowed them to focus on what they found important, and encompass their sense of adventure.

The title track is a soft gentle journey of a song, beautifully building and so, so atmospheric. Alt music meets alt lifestyle.

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Little Fox - Edits.

Little Fox (Simone Macarounas) forays back into the fray with new single 'Edits'; a follow up to her debut EP 'Warrior'. 

Instantly captivating with a glitchy, eerie intro, ‘Edits’ moves away from Little Fox’s more earthy fuzzy tones with a cleaner sound. Still revealing her subtle darker side, it’s a song that is a soundtrack to a very obvious breakdown, highlighting the destruction of other people’s opinions and commentary about a person’s life. This is just the first in a string of singles set for release this year and a follow up EP due late 2015.

If only Top 40 Radio in my part of the world was full of songs of this calibre, rather than the factory produced, 'target market aged 9-12 bilge', that seems to dominate. Looking forward to hearing more.

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