S Is For: Shirley Said - Seth Bogart

Shirley Said - Crash.

About Shirley Said (and we quote) - Shirley Said’s sophisticated, experimental take on alt.digitalism was born in the town of Latina, near Rome, inspired by artists ranging from Bjork to Portishead, Talk Talk to Sonic Youth, as well as auteur's such as David Lynch and Ingmar Bergman. Originally a four-piece, the band performed at a series of prestigious national festivals and live video-based events, which emphasised their dedication to the visual as well as the aural. Subsequently relocating to London, Shirley Said resized to a two-piece, comprising Giulia Scarantino (lead vocal, synth, piano, fx) and Simone Bozzato (backing vocal, guitars, programming, efx). Their sensual, minimalist techno has sound tracked French docu-dramas, Italian TV series and an exclusive fashion film for Vogue. Earlier in 2015, the band’s double-A sided single, ‘Merry-Go-Round’/’Salvation’ firmly established them as one of the English capital’s most coveted electronica acts – the duo’s atmospheric live performances justifying widespread acclaim from keynote reviewers both on line and in print.

Dreamy vocals above a minimalist and cleverly textured soundtrack, that oozes atmosphere. The sort of track that reduces stress levels and puts a smile on your face.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seth Bogart - Eating Makeup (featuring Kathleen Hanna).

And the promo succinctly says - Madonna isn't the only master of re-invention - Seth Bogart (Hunx & His Punx, Gravy Train !) has a new album coming early next year on Burger Records and it's a whole new look and sound from him - he's gone "pop".  

The first track "Eating Makeup" features the legendary Kathleen Hanna - album has features from Tavi Gevinson, Clem from Cherry Glazerr, Chela and co-written and produced by Cole MGN (Ariel Pink, Julia Holter, Dam Funk etc).

OK this can easily be described as quirky, breezy, fun, a little different, you get the picture. My serious head says, it's not quite Beehive Candy material, however my serious head is wrong. It's just got under my skin, I like it, music is surely about connecting with our emotions and for whatever reason this song has.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paradise Animals - Monday Morning (from the album Day Bed).

Paradise Animals - Monday Morning.

And the band tell us - Appropriately, we're releasing our new single/video "Monday Morning" today. The single is from our LP "Day Bed" it's our very first full length. The album was recorded and produced by the whole band in both Northern Ontario and Toronto.  

Day Bed is the place we go to rest in the daylight. A place where memories wash over us; a place where we pause and think about life. It's a collection of songs that highlights the warmth and happiness of family and childhood, the heartbreak of relationships, and the randomness of social life in the 21st century (album out November 13th).

I listened to the single and thought to myself, that this was 'an absolute must to feature'. I started putting this together, then upon opening both eyes noticed they had also sent a link for the album. So one album listen later, I reckon I have another contender for my top ten favourites of 2015. Seriously if you like the single, the album is a must have. I try to avoid that cliche as much as I can, but hey when something is 'a must have', it's 'a must have'. Understated, intricate music, supports stunning vocals and harmonies, in a collection of superbly crafted songs.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sundays Alternative: Venkman - Eastward - The Beat Corporation

Venkman - Andrew, You're Horizontal Again.

What's the story - Venkman are Kate, James, Tom, Danny & Dave who create off-kilter funk from their hometown of Lichfield, UK, citing influences as diverse as Influenced by Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Prince and Thomas Dolby.

Having already been featured on 6 Music and BBC Radio in England and Scotland, Venkman were responsible for the most watched BBC Introducing session ever with their cover of Michael Jackson's 'Leave Me Alone'. They were also selected to feature in the Best New Music of 2015 on their local Introducing show.
The band, who have already played with the likes of Carina Round, Outfit, Turbowolf and Coasts, next play live on 11th November with Dutch Uncles at The Hare and Hounds in Birmingham.

The release of their EP 'Kakkorhaphiophobia' follows the success of their debut single 'Martial Law' and epitomises Venkman’s quirky brand of melancholic funk with haunting male/female harmonies.

This is a fabulous EP and the featured track really is, just one dimension of four very enjoyable tracks, from this creative band. They could be referenced as quirky, I think it far better to say imaginative, adventurous and unrestrained. Highly recommended!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eastward - Old Green Thumb.

Background - Quickly following his debut single ‘Old Green Thumb’ Melbourne Producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist ‘Eastward’ (Eden Altman) continues to intrigue with one of the most thought provoking and captivating music videos of the year. Made by renowned UK director Ian Gamestar (Kodaline and Scouting for Girls) 
  
Using a fascinating concept, the video is an exercise in morphing the sterile computer world with that of nature in all its organic grit and beauty. Inventing a character for this concept video, Eastward uses eclectic imagery to explore zany experiments of the fictional Dr. E. Kollisch of the ‘Eastward Institute’. Colourful and vibrant, it quickly transitions from shot to shot of organic wildlife, conducted experiments and alarming facts. Bluntly challenging his audience Eastward invites anybody to try eating a digital meal, summarising the concept perfectly.

This inventive video and single, with its driving rhythm section and shimmering, synthesized melodies is the first taste of Eastward’s ‘Laurie Came Home’ EP, due for release February 4th 2016.

The video is featured now, over on our BeeVids page. I personally think the music stands up in it's own right, however the video actually does add something to 'the story'. Musically for me, 'Old Green Thumb' is imaginative and very pleasing.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Beat Corporation - Slaving For The System (radio edit).

And the promo say's - The Beat Corporation are Manchester duo Jody Spence and Tyler Daly. They came together to create music with no limitations and to share a common goal, to make music with no boundaries. 2014 saw The Beat Corporation have releases on legendary dance label Champion Records (Robin S, Faithless) and they have now teamed up with Supersonic Media to present their “Slaving For The System” EP.

The EP kicks off with the title track “Slaving For The System”, a melodic house meets electro funk tune with a bass cab-busting groove that you want to hear over and over again. This is followed by the piano meets tech house banger “Got That Thing” which is sure to mashup dancefloors globally and is already receiving great early support from the guys at Kiss. “No Pressure” is the third track on the EP and is a soulful tech house tune with a fat techno bassline. “DJ Dealer” rounds up the package with its driving electro/bass that evokes thoughts of Green Velvet producing Mutant Disco.

I have to say there is something quite addictive, regarding the title track on this EP. So much so, that I only listened to the whole EP when I decided to feature it. As their promo states there is plenty of variety in this collection, I'm just struggling to get past the hooks of the first song. The release date is 15th December 2015.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday Pairing: Beliefs - Georgi Kay

Beliefs - Leaper.

What we are told - Toronto shoegaze band Beliefs are set to release their sophomore album 'Leaper' on November 13 via Hand Drawn Dracula. 

Beliefs started abruptly when Josh Korody and Jesse Crowe met at good friend and former Bassist, Patrick McCormack's birthday party and couldn't stop talking about the music of the 90's. Through the love of My Bloody Valentine and Sonic Youth, the memory of reverb and fuzz was revisited and Beliefs was formed.

Since their formation in 2010, Beliefs have released a two song single and b-side (Untitled, 2012 HDD) as well as a full length record (self titled, 2013 HDD, Manimal, No Pain In Pop) and are currently set to release their follow up, Leaper via HDD on November 13. Beliefs have been lucky enough to share the stage with fantastic artists such as; A Place to Bury Strangers, Disappears, The Breeders, Toy, Algiers, Moon Duo, Beach Fossils, and Suuns.

Beliefs are prolific artists and musicians in the Toronto music scene, with Crowe recording in projects Praises and Rolemodel, and Korody as a founding member of Wish and Nailbiter as well as producing countless projects at his Candle Recordings studio. Beliefs are now set to present Leaper at shows and to festivals such as Supercrawl, Pop Montreal, and New York's CMJ along side the Hand Drawn Dracula family.

Straight into a fuzz laden wall of sound, 'Leaper' gradually mellows into a cleaner piece with vocals lifting in the mix. Every part is cleverly layered and the music is at times quite dominant, but very assessable. Shoegaze fans should adore this song.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Georgi Kay - God Of A Girl.

Background words - Perth’s Georgi Kay is a musical chameleon. You may know her dark and brooding song ‘Ipswich’. You may know her from past tours with Alpine, Clubfeet and Ed Sheeran. How about her performance as troubled musician Melissa in Jane Campion’s multi award-winning BBC drama ‘Top of the Lake’? Or maybe you’ve heard her haunting theme for the Netflix series ‘Residue’? Or perhaps you know her from her collaborations with French-noir DJ Brodinski, rapper Bloody Jay or her co-writes with M-Phazes, Mag and Nash Overstreet? Oh, and there’s ‘In My Mind’ - the platinum-selling, ARIA-winning, Grammy-nominated dancefloor anthem recorded with Ivan Gough/Feenixpawl, remixed by Swedish House Mafia’s Axwell.

Whichever version of Georgi Kay brought you to this point, her new EP Origins, due for release in early 2016 brings the strands of her past together, showing a mature artist with a strong commitment to songwriting and a strong sense of her own muse. With her unique and distinctive voice and sound - part Sia, part Massive Attack, part Lorde - Georgi Kay is creating some of the most interesting and intelligent pop music in Australia. 

The first taste of her EP comes in the form of ‘God of a Girl’. The inspiration for the song came from the film adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘Carrie’, exploring reality and fantasy within the psyche of an abuse victim and the mental results of being pushed to breaking point. Released globally on Monoki through Parlophone Records, the track is available for free download for fans from Georgi’s website (HERE). 

“I’ve been working hard, experimenting and collaborating with some talented people who have helped influence and inspire me to create a body of work that best represents me as an artist. I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks of the EP,” said Georgi. “It’s also really important for me to share ‘God of A Girl’ - a song that represents me in my purest form, with all the fans and supporters who have been with me on my journey over the past few years. It’s the shape of things to come.”

The deep synth sound and slow beat that introduces this song, have a strong hypnotic feel. Then add Georgi Kay's vocals and the song really does move up to something quite special. Music and vocals are perfect for each other in what is a powerful and intriguing song.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday Three: Kissing Party - Private Island - The Salt Riot

Kissing Party - Trash. (from the album - 'Looking back it was romantic but at the time i was suffocating).

Background - Getting it's release on Hot Congress Records on the 2nd November 2015, just some of the comments made about Kissing Party include - Tired of Ty Segal? Bored with Beck? Wanna slit your wrists at the thought of another Jack White album... From the Mile High City comes Kissing Party, your new favourite band whether you like it or not. - This Is Indie Slop...

How much emotional weight can one impart in a two minute pop rock structure? Such is the game Kissing Party plays, as sampled on their new album "Looking back it was romantic but at the time i was suffocating'. At the forefront of the 'Slop Pop' movement, Kissing Party is the sound of debt, regret, heartbreak, hair dye & Pennsylvania. This is the band's second release on Denver's Hot Congress Records (Denver, USA) available on CD, Vinyl, Cassette and download. Kissing Party has nearly perfected what it was already doing best: making straight ahead, two-minute pop songs that stick to the mind like glue."  - The Onion A.V. Club

"Kissing Party encourage even the wallflowers amongst us to take to the dance floor, or at least give us a reason to drink up."  - Three Imaginary Girls

"Pure among douchebags and fashion victims." - Jason Heller (NPR, Pitchfork).

So the band and the music has been around for a while, still better late than never regarding Kissing Party. One commentator put as 'early nineties indie with a twist'. Can't disagree with that, there is something annoyingly good going on musically, slop pop they call it, and I am loving slop pop. Facebook (here).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Private Island - Enough.

Background - If you can’t purchase your own private island, listening to the band may just be the next best thing. And, if you haven’t yet fallen for the band, now is the perfect time to pop in those earbuds, get comfortable and soak up some sweet, musical sunshine.

Private Island, the Southern California-based sextet is gearing up for the release of their newest single, “Enough.”  Featuring snaky guitar licks, memorable lyrics and a spacy synth interlude, “Enough” perfectly exhibits the band’s remarkable ability to blend alternative rock, retro funk and that unmistakable California sound.

“Enough,” was recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Bob Curtain at The Alamo, “Enough” is the first single off of Private Island’s highly anticipated sophomore EP, ‘Sunbreak’ which drops in the first half of 2016.

Comprised of Christian Lum, Michelle Guerrero, Tommy Nickerson, Roger Mawer, Tim Barbour & Cameron Anderson, Private Island has drawn much-deserved comparisons to acts like Kings of Leon and Young the Giant. In the Fall of 2014, Private Island released their debut EP A Good Look, which set the Internet positively abuzz, garnering nearly half a million streams in the first year.

This song mixes genres into one compelling sound. Musically it stands out as a superbly crafted song, whilst the energy and upbeat vibes come crashing through, giving the song a distinct and highly enjoyable edge.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Salt Riot - Boom. (from the album 'Dead Star').

Background - The Salt Riot is a passion trio that comes on strong and as big as stadium rock, that is somehow as intimate as a favorite LP from your childhood heroes. Pre-release single “Boom” has already gotten lots of YouTube love as the band has been playing oodles of shows in the Emerald City and elsewhere.

The band blend an eclectic mix of creative influences into the engaging, driving alternative rock sound known as The Salt Riot. Their first full length Dead Star was recorded and produced with innovative veteran David Miner at Chartreuse Muffin Studios. (Three songs, “Would You Walk?”, "Nameless" and “Giver” were recorded and produced with Jack Machin at Mighty Maverick Studios). They had worked with Miner on an earlier EP, and say that sculpting their first full length there felt like creating “in their second home.”

What is Dead Star about? “Soooo many things,” Julia says. “But most importantly its name derives from perception. A ‘dead star’ is still seen millions of miles away but it is actually gone. It only lives in our perception. I like the duo translation of the fallen rock star, fallen icon, the results of the fallen ego. Once on top of the world, burnt to a crisp. The album is released on 20th November.

The album I guess sits somewhere between Alt Rock & Indie. It's engaging and 'Boom' is a reasonable indicator of what to expect. They have the ability to sound pretty stripped back, so that each instrument & the vocals are distinct, and stand out, and yet the power is always simmering away. It's got passion and has that something, that draws me back for another listen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------