Start The Weekend: The Flavr Blue - Tinted Sun

The Flavr Blue - Supply.

Promo info - In celebration of the release of their EP L​ove Notes and the announcement of their upcoming tour, the Flavr Blue is proud to share "Supply". Coming after the releases of upbeat satin thrill ride "Oxygen" (feat. Jarell Perry) and sensual synth wave "Majesty", "Supply" is another eargasm that showcases the trio's ability to create multi-textured masterpieces rife with beautiful vocal layering and harmony.

After a 2015 of major milestones, including a main stage performance at Seattle’s Capitol Hill Block Party and a sold out performance with Kiesza for Red Bull's 30 Days in LA Festival, Seattle-based trio the Flavr Blue sets out in support of their newest release, the Love Notes EP, a collection that marries the group's crackling energy with a soulful musical wisdom inherited from influences ranging from Cut Copy and Miike Snow to Feist and Sade.

The band's success is driven by the way its members — lead singer Hollis Wong­-Wear, whose voice graced the Billboard Top 20 hit "White Walls" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and singer/producers Lace Cadence and Parker Joe, each with a litany of Seattle hip ­hop and R&B releases under their belts — weave their voices and eclectic experimentalism within a rich electronic landscape. It’s been that way since the beginning, when they first built tracks in a half­ bedroom turned studio in Parker's Beacon Hill townhouse. It grew as they translated the sounds to wild live shows, for crowds both charmed and electrified by their combination of heartfelt soul and energetic electronica. 2016 sees the trio embarking on their first ever national tour, in support of Love Notes.

Tour Dates:
February 11th - Black Cat - Washington DC
February 13th - Mercury Lounge - New York City
February 14th - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia
February 22nd - Virgin Hotel - Chicago
March 4th - Rickshaw Stop - San Francisco
March 5th - Echo - Los Angeles
March 8th - Lowbrau - Sacramento
March 12th - Neumos - Seattle

We featured The Flavr View not that long ago, but this new song was just to good to ignore. We can give their forthcoming tour a quick plug as well and every ones a winner.

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Tinted Sun - Only One.

Those promo words - Toowoomba five piece indie rock band, Tinted Sun are comprised of Lara Hallaran (singer and lyricist), Jamie Sutherland (lead guitar), Callum Oliver (rhythm guitar), Jack Boag (bass guitar), and Joseph Morgan (drums). The band, all 17 years of age and younger, have been performing together in South East Queensland for the last 6 years.

Despite their young age, the band have developed their own identity, through writing original songs that offers a fresh take on familiar sounds. Tinted Sun perform a mixture of indie-punk rock with influences by greats such as Pink Floyd, Nirvana, Bon Jovi and Paramore.

Tinted Sun has been very successful in the Global Battle of the Bands competition winning the Toowoomba section for two consecutive years, placed in the Roma Battle of the Bands competition, and the acoustic section were second in the Valentine’s Day Busk competition in Brisbane in 2014. They continually perform regionally at hotels, restaurants and clubs.

“Only One” showcases the maturity of this young band, not only in the music, but the subject as well. The song explores the post-traumatic stress associated with major life changes and upheaval. The military beating of the drum provides a background for the rock guitar and lyrics, evoking the beat of a heavy heart facing life’s strain.

“Only One” was recorded at Heliport Studios at the Sunshine Coast with the assistance of producer Elliott Heinrich. All photographs of the band were provided by Paul Pugh of Pandom Images.

'Only One' is a melting pot of the bands ideas and some healthy musical influences. The net result is a more indie rock than punk song, a good one nonetheless.

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Four More: CLAVVS - Crystal Cities - SheLoom - Andy Ferro

CLAVVS - Leviathan.

Promo words - Atlanta based duo CLAVVS have just released their stunning new single titled "Leviathan." Filled with stunning vocals from frontwoman Amber Renee, she is accompanied by the intricate instrumentation of Graham Marsh. Together the two bring to the table, an honest, heartfelt, and emotional brand of electro-laced-pop that brings their sound to life. "Leviathan" kicks off 2016, one to be a high-profile year for the group, as their charming, yet haunting sound lingers in your ears; drawing you back in every timeIf not for a chance meeting at a house party in Atlanta one summer night in 2013, Amber Renee might never have met Graham Marsh, and the pair might never have realized their shared love for hip hop and Radiohead. That same love would ultimately evolve into CLAVVS, a musical partnership fronted by Amber and produced by Graham, the four-time Grammy winner behind artists like Gnarls Barkley, Kid Cudi, and T.I.

Over two years later, their music has since been featured on Kings of A&R, Jam in the Van, Largehearted Boy, and Yaqui, among others, and on the air via Album88 and Anti-Robot Radio. CLAVVS will also be featured in the 2016 Atlanta episode of The Music Voyager, a PBS series following the lives of creatives in the city. CLAVVS' first single “Sit You Down” was picked up by Fresh Finds, a Spotify curated playlist boasting 40K+ followers. “Throats,” the follow-up release premiered by Press Play, garnered over ten-thousand plays in its first month.

After a case of mistaken identity, CLAVVS (formerly CLAWS) changed the spelling of their name to distinguish themselves from other groups with the same moniker. But really, it’s their music that sets them apart. If the vibe of their latest singles is any indication, the duo is departing from the mainly organic production of their first album and into a realm of dark, hypnotic alt-pop driven by spacey synths and anthemic drums. Given that half of CLAVVS is Graham Marsh, it makes sense that the duo is navigating more progressive waters. With Amber Renee’s sultry, at times eerie, vocals floating atop the organised chaos, CLAVVS has stumbled upon new terrain that just might catapult them into more mainstream success in 2016.

Definitely atmospheric, however also quite energised, 'Leviathan' is one of those songs, that appears to be going in one direction, then builds in another, with strong vocals and defined music. Can't help but liking this song.

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Crystal Cities - Talking To Myself.

Background promo - Crystal Cities, was born on a balmy January night in the garage of Geoff Rana’s house, in Sydney's Inner West. They were jamming an older original song, and by starting in a different key after a long session, it revealed a chilled, stripped back and eerily, ethereal version of the once energy driven track. This was the new sound that inspired Crystal Cities to become the other-worldly pop band they are today!

Lead singer, Geoff Rana, is a prolific songwriter and a respected part of the Nashville Songwriters association. Geoff was chosen to write with well respected writers at The Writers Den after being spotted performing at the famous 12th And Porter venue as part of the Next BIG Nashville Music Conference.

The band released their debut single “Cut Me Loose” in 2015 to great reviews. The single gained interest across the U.S gaining rotation at radio WEQX in NY, Modern Rock 98.7 in Carolina and 92.9 in California to name a few.

Crystal Cities began working on their follow up single with The A&R Department and Platinum Artist Development in late 2015. After defining their sound with the debut single “Cut Me Loose”, the band headed back into the studio in December 2015 choosing producer Sean Carey at Church Street Studios in Sydney to begin recording their follow up single “Talking To Myself.”

The band is currently writing material for an up coming EP due for release later in 2016.

'Talking To Myself' is a mixture of vocals over a jangle pop type background. Both elements are strengths with this band, the vocal clarity and range demands attention, whilst musically things are beautifully tight and so, so pleasing.

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SheLoom - America On Fire.

From the band - Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker The Star) and  Filippo Gaetani formed a transatlantic pop duo SheLoom back in 2008. I live in Tuscany, and Jordan, lives in Canada. During the winter of 2013, our friend and indie chamber pop pioneer Eric Matthews (Cardinal / Sub Pop) joined the band.

Our first single off our new sophomore "America On Fire" is out this week.

The new album boasts a filmic, art rock bedrock tempered with elements of new wave, 70's rock and orch-pop. Outside of a rushed 10-day recording session, the bulk of this album was recorded separately, with files being sent back and forth over the internet.

The album "The Baron Of The Fjord" is to be released on February 5th 2016 on Ray Recordings. And in March we will do a small documentary of the Making Of "The Baron Of The Fjord".

I have only heard the featured track and like what I hear. 'America On Fire' genuinely has that 'timeless' feel I associate with such well crafted music. Album keenly awaited.

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Andy Ferro - Sugar and Milk.

Promo words - Today we’re thrilled to introduce Andy Ferro to the galaxy, on behalf of Rough Beast Records. Ferro, who was born in London and raised between there and Nashville, will be releasing his debut full-length Muirhead through the label on February 26th. The first single “Sugar and Milk” is perfectly exemplary of the lo-fi psych folk vibe of the album, which was entirely self-recorded on a dusty old tape machine.

Muirhead is the first release outside of his band Ranch Ghost, and is the product of Ferro’s desire to become faster and more self-sufficient in the process of releasing his music to the public. After buying a tape machine and teaching himself how to use it, the songs of Muirhead quickly began to materialize. As the lead guitar player in Ranch Ghost, Ferro wanted his solo project to feel more stark and close to home, resulting in the stripped-down feel of his new album.

Having put all his efforts that he felt possible into this collection of songs, Ferro gave the tapes to Mitch Jones (Fly Golden Eagle, Thunderbitch, Majestico) a keyboard and sound-effects guru whose playing and atmospheric additions really helped him make it feel like it was finished. Muirhead is the final stage of an artist who has been a keystone in a band, but at the same time, felt he was ready to construct his own musical arch.

'Sugar and Milk' is reasonably indicative of the seven track album. It has a simple low-fi and folk feel, however clearly a considerable amount of love and labour has gone into this work. Very catchy.

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Tuesday Two: Quiet Lights - Merival

Quiet Lights - In The Future.

Background - A long time ago, Beehive Candy featured Quiet Lights. Their new record, In the Future, was out last  Friday, Jan 15th, and it reminded me of just how much I enjoyed their somewhat distant last release.

Recorded over two to three years, In The Future features nine songs and shows Quiet Lights heads down in sound-scapes and uplifting restraint. The band describe the making of this album as "two years of entropy, agony, and ecstasy (but never apathy) of weaving layers to get it completed". You can hear and buy more on Bandcamp (here).

The featured 'title' song from the album, is indicative of the superb atmospheric dream pop Quiet Lights produce with such mastery. It is to all intents artful music, however never pretentious, and just so good for your ears and mind and soul.

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Merival - Kicking You Out.

Introductory words from Merival - Lovers is a collection, my warm debut. The 5-song EP is shaped by relationships and reflection, finding beauty and transformation in heartache.

Since landing in Toronto in 2012, I have been active in the music community, contributing to projects and collaborating with musicians including Ryan Hemsworth (Secret Songs), Torquil Campbell (Stars), Darren Seltmann (The Avalanches), Swim Good (Bedroomer) and fronting my old band First Rate People.

All of the songs on Lovers were written before I was 20. I wrote 'Kicking You Out', the second single, when I was 17 - it's the oldest song on the EP - about someone I'd been in love with for 2 years already. I'd never lived with him so I took some artistic liberties there; the idea of kicking him out was more of a premonition I had, that I would carry him with me for years and years after the fact and would need to be continually kicking him out of my mind. So far it's held true.

Lovers was recorded with my friend Asher Gould-Murtagh and mastered by Glen Watkinson at Sheepdog Studios.

'Kicking You Out' is beautiful, honest and quite charming. Vocally it is quite stunning and the gentle guitar just adds the right amount of support. You can also check out the delightful first single 'A Better Deal' (here).

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Sunday Duo: Slingshot Dakota - Golden Daze

Slingshot Dakota - Paycheck.

Background promo words - Slingshot Dakota is an indie rock band from Bethlehem, PA. Comprised of two people, this band has no shortage of volume, energy and catchy tunes. Carly Comando shreds an 88-key digital piano through multiple effects pedals and provides vocals for the band. Drummer Tom Patterson keeps the beat while energetically crushing his drums, a sight that is both entertaining and inspiring. While Comando and Patterson are influenced by their respective punk and hardcore basement scenes, their music can be described as poppy indie rock. Their live sound is loud, full and raw, but at the root of it all is an addictive rock song.

Over the course of the last three years since Slingshot Dakota's last album, 2012's Dark Hearts (Topshelf), the pair allowed themselves the freedom to write new material at their leisure as well as succumb to the temptation of outside opportunties - Comando, a commercial licensor, earned herself an Emmy Award for her song "Everyday" used in an episode of The Simpsons, Patterson wrote and recorded two albums with his doom metal band, Fog Cult, and what could be their biggest project to date, getting married.

Slingshot Dakota worked with photographer David Brandon Geeting on the album design. "He has an amazingly eclectic style, and his photos represent his interpretation of our record’s theme," explains Comando. The album cover album is a bouquet of flowers with a broken vase taped together in a sad yet hopeful way, and the back cover is the same concept but with a tree branch and leaves. "There’s something melancholy yet beautiful in his art," Comando says. "The images are bright and colorful, even though they evoke something sad." - Release Date: March 11, 2016. Label: Topshelf Records.

'Paycheck' has a punk feel, with vocals initially buried amongst a potent rock beat and fuzz laden digital piano. It's catchy straight music with a bite.

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Golden Daze - Low.

Background promo - Formed by Ben Schwab and Jacob Loeb, Golden Daze is a collaborative song writing duo. Inspired by 60's melodic rock and contemporaries like Cass Mccombs and Brian Jonestown Massacre, Golden Daze drenches their straightforward earthly pop tunes in ethereal drones and tape flutter.

The duo, originally from the Midwest (Schwab from Ohio and Loeb from Chicago), are based in Los Angeles and will be releasing their self-titled debut LP on Autumn Tone Records on February 19th.

This week the band shares album cut "Low," a track they say is "like our version of 'I Believe I Can Fly'."

'Low' opens as something of an anthem, with the vocals bringing an additional lift. The sixties melodic rock inspiration, is pleasingly evident on this song, giving it a rich overall texture.

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Synth Saturday: Meter Bridge - Pikachunes

Meter Bridge - It Was Nothing.

Background promo - Canadian synthwave duo Meter Bridge are releasing their latest single ‘It Was Nothing’ through WEATNU Records. Comprised of two tracks, this is being offered as a free download via Bandcamp. In this thoughtfully arranged and sparkly composition, moogs whistle and rhythms click into the night, as these two voices blend into a sound that is part Human League, part Blade Runner, and 100% Meter Bridge. 

Meter Bridge, who are Richard Kleef and Jill Beaulieu, have a distinctive and unmistakable sonic identity, unique from anybody else on the current electronica scene. This is led by their trademark multi-layered boy / girl melodic vocals, melded with minimalistic groove-infused alternative dance melodies teetering between retro and futuristic.

"It Was Nothing is about a public figure spreading lies that play on peoples' heartstrings... for the purpose of getting millions of people supporting a false agenda," explained frontwoman Jill Beaulieu. "This kind of hypocrisy is very difficult to expose... because ignorance is bliss."

Based in Nelson, Canada, they have been playing together since 2011, gathering an enthusiastic following amongst music aficionados and lovers of classic and contemporary synthpop. In 2014, they released their eponymous debut EP, following by the 'Slow Motion' LP in 2015, both of them drawing significant attention on the electronica scene internationally and landing them in numerous 'Best of' lists in each of these years. The Record Stache (#8 synthpop album of 2015) says their music is "evocative of Man Machine period Kraftwerk, had the German four piece chosen to invent glitchcore on their way to perfecting technopop".

This B-side for this single features a remix by Rodney Cromwell, whose debut 'Age of Anxiety' LP (2015, Happy Robots Records) introduced electronic pop lovers to some epic retro future synth music.

Distinctive synths and dual vocals, and with hints of Krautrock 'It Was Nothing' is an imaginative hook laden song. The sort that gets me digging deeper on a band.

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Pikachunes - You Are.

Background promo - Melbourne artist, Pikachunes has unveiled the first single from his forthcoming record, Allely. Premiered on Purple Sneakers, ‘You Are’, works Pikachunes’ strong, thematic vocals atop his metallic, dark undertones that he's become renowned for.

‘You Are’ conceptually follows the story of a young boy with a heavy heart, encountering the nerves that we find nestled in the pit of our stomach, to the controlled quiver of talking through our teeth once met with intimidation.

"Featuring some intimate and rather vulnerable lyrics that are quite revealing, but juxtaposed with a huge wall of sound that is his off-kilter brand of electronica, there is just something about this that has got us well and truly hooked!" -  Purple Sneakers

‘You Are’ is the first single taken from Pikachunes’ debut Monday Records album, Allely, to be available in 2016.

Live Gig - Thursday, 21st January @ The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne.

'You Are' opens in pulsating style. Then the story unfolds, there is something as stated above quite 'vulnerable' within the lyrics, whilst musically everything is in control, it's fascinating.


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