Quality Not Quantity: Febria - Moddi - Brother Hawk

Febria - The End Of Something.

Background promo - Febria is a five-piece alternative rock band washed up on the banks of the river Usk. Originally formed in high school in Pontypool, and influenced by everything from prog, metal, grunge, indie and folk, they have recorded several EPs and a full-length live album, and have played many gigs around South Wales and the UK. Their music reflects a wide range of influences, varying from acoustic folk all the way through to dense prog, and they are proud of not easily fitting into one particular genre as a result. Their latest EP, 'The Sea Around Us', is their fifth recording, and they are currently working on their next release.
 
This EP represents an evolution in sound, carrying even further the complexity and rejection of traditional structure already shown in some of their previous releases adding multiple layers of vocals and guitars. One of the approaches to the songs was the idea of writing music which sounds like math/post-rock, but with vocals, focusing on the concept of introducing motifs and melodies in one section which then reappear in another section, over completely different chords - this occurs in every song. Despite all the repeating parts in many of the tracks, very little was looped artificially, but instead was played naturally from start to finish, to try to retain a sense of atmosphere and feel.

'The Sea Around Us' EP has been available on-line for sometime, with Nub Music recently releasing it. The first song and featured track 'The End Of Something' gives a good indication of the reasonably distinct sound the band create. Febria are clearly musically very competent and not afraid to test boundaries and experiment, whats more important is that they are also one very fine listen.

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Moddi - Army Dreamers.

Background details - “What a waste of Army Dreamers” – it’s an anti-war sentiment that was openly echoed through BBC play lists before its systematic suppression more than 10 years after release. Penned by Kate Bush in 1980, the Top 20 single was blacklisted during the Gulf War in 1991 – joining a list of 67 songs simultaneously banned from BBC airplay, including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, ABBA and Queen.

It’s the latest track reworked by Norwegian singer/songwriter Moddi, from forthcoming album ‘Unsongs’ – released Friday, September 16 via Propeller Recordings. The album aims to uncover a collection of 12 songs that have, at one stage or another, been banned or suppressed, with the attempts to silence them as mild as an airplay ban (in the case of ‘Army Dreamers’) and as brutal as a murder. “Army Dreamers became one of Kate Bush’s most popular songs and was widely played on radio and TV until the First Gulf War in 1991, when it suddenly disappeared from all BBC playlists” Moddi explains. Despite on line records and a full list published by New Statesman and Society, in conjunction with Channel 4 [1991], “the BBC has had an absolute no-comment policy on this issue,” he says. “It has been impossible for me to verify that it has even been removed from radio airplay.”

‘Army Dreamers’ follows Moddi’s rework of satirical hymn ‘Punk Prayer’, that had Russian feminist collective Pussy Riot trialled and imprisoned in 2012. Watch it HERE. The track is partnered with news of Moddi’s European Tour to mark the release of ‘Unsongs’, including a one-off London show at St Giles-In-The-Fields on Monday, October 3rd.

I find the idea behind Moddi's planned album extremely appealing, so much so, that had his cover of Kate Bush's 'Army Dreamers' only been average, I would probably have featured it, to highlight this project. As it happens, his version is quite inspiring and also respectful to the original. The link for his Pussy Riot 'Punk Prayer' above is also worth checking. Moddi, is a very talented individual, who creates a beautiful sound both vocally and musically. Definitely an album to keep in mind.

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Brother Hawk - Have Love Will Travel.

Background bio - Brother Hawk puts on its morning jacket, unhitches its crazy horse, and gallops off in the direction of a big pink house somewhere over the hills and faraway. With this much horsepower at your command, why would you need to reinvent the wheel?

The four piece Atlanta band deals in raging riffs and huge hooks. Rhythms pound and pulse as serpentine guitar leads uncoil and slither, spiked with venomous licks that only a forked tongue could produce.

Their blend of Southern fried blues rock is firmly rooted in the earthy tricks traditionally traded for at the red clay crossroads but their live performances convey an electrified ebullience that blasts them into the stratosphere. On stage, they’re riding rockets fueled by a vicious cocktail of sweat and hellfire. An uncut, undeniable purity of purpose is palpable when the band is firing on all cylinders. Brother Hawk’s sound is the sunset that the hero rides into. It’s red hot white light. It’s honest emotion. It’s alive.

Having released the album 'Big Medicine' not that long ago Brother Hawk head out on a USA national tour this week (tour dates here). We feature the first track on the album 'Have Love Will Travel' which gives a flavour of their bluesy, soulful 'southern' rock. It's a little like early Black Crowes material, where you sense they are not trapped in any one genre, indeed as the album develops 'alt rock' seems just as appropriate as a description. Timeless and wonderful!

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Genre Wander: A Treehouse Wait - Searls - Basement Revolver - Chelan

A Treehouse Wait - Faith.

Background promo - Jenny Wahlström from A Treehouse Wait grew up with one foot at a country farm in the south of Sweden. She had her other foot in Asia, where her parents worked for several periods of time during her childhood. She has mainly worked as a songwriter in the EDM-stage, co-writing and performing with acts like Martin Garrix (Virus), Shermanology (Stranger) and Ferry Corsten (Many ways).

Realising that it wasn’t just songs that made sense to herself, but the fact that people actually listened when she started singing re-inspired her. After spending a month in the USA, being the opening act for a Swedish folksinger, singer and songwriter Jenny Wahlström plucked up the courage to put the songs down on paper and record the songs she didn’t think she’d ever share with the rest of the world. A Treehouse Wait was born.

The music is mostly inspired by the things one is so familiar with, but mostly would not talk about. Like empty city streets during the summer. Or when anxiety leaves. Giving up your love or the fear of leaving home. It’s not all beautiful, but it’s all life. And sharing that experience, the music suddenly creates a place for you to be, and you know that someone else has been there, too.

Tour:
8-07-2016 Gullbranna Festivalen, Eldsberga, Sweden
07-08-2016  Rörstrands Café, Stockholm, Sweden
13-08-2016 The Brave Festival, Amsterdam, Holland.

Jenny Wahlström delivers a heartfelt song in the form of 'Faith'. Musically it just builds into something quite powerful before a wonderful refrain calms thing's down. It's hard to pigeon hole this song genre wise, which I so often feel is actually the sign of imaginative song writing.

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Searls - Follow (Prod. LJ Looper).

Background promo - The 'Follow' EP is a collaboration between singer/ songwriter Searls and electronic producer LJ Looper.

Searls, originally from Ireland, is a musician who takes older influences from the likes of Brian Eno, Kraftwerk and blends contemporary acts such as James Blake, Jessie Ware, Shura and mixes it all up to create his own sound. Learning his craft as a backing singer, he decided to turn his attentions to songwriting. Last year he released his first single Doing Time and remixes of the track received great attention from the dance community. This summer will see him release his debut-EP.

All of the EP was produced by LJ Looper, a London based Electronic Music Producer & DJ. Looper is mostly known for producing an ‘Electronic Urban’ sound; his future Bass remix of Doing Time was play-listed on Reprezent Radio. In April 2016, Looper was supported by the MOBO Awards for his track ‘Let Me Know’, featuring Keith Sweats’ protege, Jason Little. Regarding his latest collaboration, he says: “Searls’ vocal range was incredible to work with, allowing us to record an intimate lead performance, backed by rich, haunting choral layers. The distinctiveness and heartfelt emotion in his voice is what drew me to working with him in the first place.”

The EP consists of 3 tracks: Demons, Hurricane and Follow. Songs that are heavily infused with haunting Celtic choral backing vocals to Searls’ soulful lead. The songs explore themes such as addiction, sexuality, love and oppression through an electro-ambient RnB lens. Follow will be released on all platforms.

'Follow'gives you a really good feel for the new EP. It's a collection of lush, highly crafted songs and the collaboration has in my opinion really paid off. Here you have three imaginative pieces produced to achieve optimum audio and artistic quality.

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Basement Revolver - Words.

Background from the band - Last week we shared our second single 'Words' off our upcoming EP.

“Words” was written when I was in my last semester of university. I lived downtown and school was up on the mountain and somewhat inaccessible by bus. I was writing my honours psych thesis at the time, as well as many other papers, when it all began to feel meaningless.

 No matter what I said, in the end, words are just words, they can be stringed together to form something powerful but without context they become as mundane and uncontrollable as one’s commute to and from school. Similarly, a paper is just a paper, a degree is just a degree, and there is so much more to life than the plans and the empires that we build for ourselves.

Second time around on Beehive Candy for Basement Revolver, this time with the a new song 'Words'. I was mightily impressed with the first song 'Johnny' which I'm pleased to say will also be one of the four songs on the forthcoming EP. This band exude wonderful melodies, well written songs, and they put them together with so much heart and feeling. I'm way to old to be a gushing fan of any artists, however this band are testing me on that.

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Chelan - Beams.

Background promo - Its been a busy couple of years for Chelan (sh-lan). The american synth/indie pop band (based out of Joshua Tree CA) immediately started the planning process for their newest album "Vultures" after the early 2015 release of their 4th full length album "Equal Under Pressure." Chelan, who formed in California in 2007, is historically the duo of classical music teacher Jennifer Grady and film/tv music composer Justin Hosford. However, in early 2015 they added a third permanent member, Chad Austinson, to play drums. After a series of live performances and writing sessions, the group spent a year meeting for long periods of time at Hosford's studio in Joshua Tree and producer Matt Drenik's studio in Portland, Oregon. In addition to bringing on Drenik to co-produce the album with Hosford, they linked up with Doug Boehm (Guided by Voices, Girls) to mix a handful of tracks.

Vultures is Chelan's most ambitious studio effort to date but they were also careful to ensure they can replicate the album during live performances. When asked about the writing process for Vultures Hosford says "Its been a fun challenge morphing from the mostly electronic, subdued indie aesthetic of our last couple albums to the wall of sound, big production synth pop thing we went for on this record." The album surrounds layered vocals with lush analog synths, guitar, drums, cello and piano.  Chelan is currently planning a tour in the spring of 2017. Vultures was mastered by Jared Hirshland of Elysian Mastering. Album Artwork by Kime Buzzelli.

'Beams' is the first of nine songs on the new album 'Vultures'. The analog synths add a richness to the beautifully constructed and quite melodic music, and the vocals add even more colour. This is a clear and positive step forward from the previous album suggesting a band that are confident in their musical direction. 

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Sunday Gems: The Big Bend - Robbie Miller - Naropa

The Big Bend - Celebrate.

Background promo - “Celebrate” is the title track to The Big Bend’s new album that the always-reliable label Misra Records (Phosphorescent, Melaena Cadiz, Destroyer, etc) is putting out on July 22nd. Celebrate is the band's fourth release and has all the hallmarks of a career milestone, calling to mind early-‘70s Neil Young in its songwriting, with vocals reminiscent of The Mountain Goats’ John Darnielle.

The Big Bend is led by Chet Vincent, who's been kicking around Pittsburgh playing in bands since he was a teenager. A regular fixture of the city’s quietly thriving music scene, he's established a reputation as one of the city’s most dedicated figures. Celebrate shows the band’s dynamic range - from the first discordant, psychedelic notes of album opener “The Spins,” through the closing bars of the stripped-down, folky “Su La Ley.”

In between, Vincent’s vocals show range stylistically, from shouts on the rowdier tunes, to lilting crooning reminiscent of The Weakerthans’ John K. Samson on the softer songs. He’s always been a storyteller, weaving characters and situations into songs, but here he takes on social issues, both obliquely and directly, on songs like “Cut Us Down” and Fingertrap.”

A few artist references in the promo above, however I reckon it's fair to say that The Big Bend have enough good attributes of their own as the song 'Celebrate' clearly demonstrates. I have not had a chance to check out any other material by the band yet, however on listening to this again today, that's down to happen pretty soon now.

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Robbie Miller - Road.

Background promo - Robbie Miller continues to forge his own path with new single 'Road', and whispers of a new EP to come later this year.

Keeping busy following the release of triple j favourite, 'The Pain' and 2015 EP The Faster the Blood Slows, the Brisbane based Indigenous artist went straight back into the studio to create a wealth of new tracks. Devised as a collaboration with friend and band mate Nathan Morrison, 'Road' brings more electronic elements to Robbie's folk sound than ever before. Pulsating synths swirl around his signature brooding vocals to create an emotionally powered three and a half minutes. Connecting with listeners already, the track is off to a flying start, added to triple j rotation this week just a day after its debut on Good Nights with Linda Marigliano.

Road-testing the new material with a number of coveted support spots, Robbie recently toured alongside Josh Pyke and will support Dustin Tebbutt on his upcoming First Light album tour in August. He then releases his much anticipated second EP later this year with a few more surprises still to come.

'Road' really does showcase Robbie Miller's wonderful vocals. What's equally fine is the song, melodic, and sensitively layered, it's one of those instant likes for me.

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Naropa - If Only While I'm Sleeping.

Background from the band - We're a band from London called "Naropa". We're University students and have been really busy gigging around London for six months, as well as constantly writing and rehearsing, working on developing our sound and live set.

These demos got us a load of great reviews which you can check out on our website and we ended up getting completely booked up by London promoters four months in advance, as well as getting us some attention and airplay from BBC Introducing and further radio play worldwide in places like Holland, South America and USA. To keep building momentum, we got back into the studio as soon as possible and recorded our new single. The track is called "If Only While I'm Sleeping", and was officially released on all major streaming platforms yesterday, 25th June.

There's bags of passion and energy within the new song 'If Only While I'm Sleeping' from Naropa. It's clear the band have developed their sound through live gigging and plenty of graft, and by the sounds of this I'm not surprised they have been getting attention and performances. Ones to watch out for, I would say.

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Friday Mix: Destrends - Kolumbus - Kid Bloom - Slowcoaching

Destrends - Papa.

Background promo - Outfitted in Dr Martens, tight jeans and glitter, Destrends are a Melbourne based three-piece quickly building a reputation as a distinctly theatrical live band with a sound influenced by early 80s post-punk. Their sound is a unique blend, reminiscent of the new wave sound of the late 70s and early 80s, with a gentle touch of gothic hysteria.

“Papa” is the first offering off Destrends’ forthcoming debut EP, which is set for release in late 2016. The Melbourne post-punk three piece have clocked up a handful of impressive gigs since forming in 2014, including sharing the stage Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age), touring with Stonefield and Apes on their recent national tours, supporting Aussie icons Hoodoo Gurus, and performing at King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s inaugural Dawn of Gizzfest.

Recorded by Finn Keane at Head Gap Studios, “Papa” is loud, fast paced and aggressive whilst maintaining pop sensibilities. The track is characterised by a jagged and catchy guitar hook, and the listener is confronted with deep and compelling vocals. The song narrates an honest guilt and desperate plea for a father’s forgiveness.

“The song is about the time I ruined family Christmas”, said lead singer/bassist Matt Savage. “It’s also about finding your identity and learning when to shut your mouth”. “Papa” will be released 15th of July 2016.

Upcoming Shows:
Fri Aug 5 - Mynt Lounge, Werribee
Sat Aug 6 - The Loft, Warrnambool
Fri Aug 12 - Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Sat Aug 13 - The Evelyn, Melbourne
Fri Aug 19 - Transit Bar, Canberra
Sat Aug 20 - Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
Sun Aug 21 - Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney
Fri Aug 26 - St. Kilda Pier, St. Kilda.

With a strong riff delivering upfront vibes, 'Papa' comes across as a timeless new wave song, with something quite goth like about the vocals. It may have something of a retro feel to it, however it's also fresh and very catchy.

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Kolumbus - I Hope You Find Happiness.

Background promo - Irish singer-songwriter Kolumbus has announced a new single ‘I Hope You Find Happiness’ from his forthcoming debut EP 'Give Them Life' on the back of an enthusiastic reception for the first single 'Leave The Light On'.  Kolumbus is a musical project representing the solo journey of Irish songwriter Mark 'Cappy' Caplice. ‘I Hope You Find Happiness’ was written as a lament regarding the droves of Irish people that left the country to find better lives, while looking forward to happier times. "They had to leave family, friends loved ones behind to fly half way across the world. So many of my own friends and close family were among them and I saw first hand how difficult it is, both for those who leave and those who stay," explains Kolumbus. "I would never hold it against anyone for leaving. Life is too short to dwell on anything."

Earlier, Kolumbus' Christmas single 'You Know It's Christmas' hit the No.1 spot on the Google Play Music Charts and Top 20 on iTunes, ahead of heavy hitters Adele and Justin Bieber, with all proceeds goint to Inner City Helping Homeless and Baltinglass Lions Christmas appeal. That song also features the West Wicklow Voices and Chorus Kids Choir. Born in Kilkenny, Ireland, at a young age Mark Caplice moved to Wicklow, where he still resides. His performance name Kolumbus derives from the fact that he has always had a passion for travel and exploration, even from a young age. The 26-year-old believes life is too short to dwell, so his philosophy is to lead an active life.

Kolumbus was also influenced by artists such as Ben Howard, Elbow and Fleetwood Mac. His output exhibits clever craftsmanship both lyrically and melodically, blending several different styles to create his own unique brand of energetic captivating music. Of course it helps that this track was produced by Gavin Glass, the music director for John Carney's new film "Sing Street", and engineered by Scott Halliday, previously a guitar tech with Prince and James Vincent Mcmorrow. Several other notable musicians make contributions here: drummer Graham Hopkins, who plays with Irish folk legend Glen Hansard, and organist Conor O'Reilly, who has recorded with U2 and has had his music performed in Carnegie Hall.

2016 is proving to be a very busy year for Kolumbus, having already toured through Germany and Austria, travelling over 4000 km on 2 planes, 17 trains and 1 bicycle. This year, Ireland, England, Germany and the U.S.A are all set to figure on his tour schedule.

Well the Irish have always been adventurous in travelling, and settling in far off places, and the song 'I Hope You Find Happiness' is a melodic and sincere song that may have been written as a lament, but Kolumbus has such an infectious voice, it also sounds like an upbeat celebration.

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Kid Bloom - Electric U.

Background promo - “Electric U” may derive its inspiration from the disco days of yore, yet in doing so Kid Bloom creates a thoroughly refreshing entry into the world of contemporary music. With the popular trend of musical sound leaning towards dark electronic trap, the jovial horns and violin strings of “Electric U” remind us that music is at its heart layers of instrumentation, or as the band lovingly calls it, “glittery arrangements.” Kid Bloom (a young quintet) says the new track is incredibly fun to play live -- though such is easily inferred from the infectious groove of the pop/disco blend. “Every time I need my fix, I can get it,” repeats Lennon Kloser through the song’s chorus, a sentiment fans will hope is true for them as well, as they clamour for more material from the promising new band. Kid Bloom's upcoming single, Electric U, will be featured on the soundtrack for Independence Day: Resurgence, the sequel to the 1996 blockbuster starring Will Smith.

Kid Bloom is a L.A. quintet engaging in lovingly warped, sneaky-smart psych-pop. They’ve recorded an EP’s worth of tunes at an Atwater Village studio that feel like the ’60s and ’70s in a fun house — theirs is an arty approach to composition, deconstructing and reassembling pop elements seemingly on a whim, judiciously subtracting where others might pile on and shifting tempos and moods like jazzmen. The music is the work of singer-guitarist Lennon Kloser, along with singer/guitarist/keyboardist Jesse Perlman and drummer Josh Conway (both of whom played with Dreamers Dose) and Englishmen Will Reynolds (guitar/vocals) and Max Sterling (bass). There’s no tidy genre that fits Kid Bloom, unless you count the category: Now That’s Different, Is There More?

'Electric U' has a gentle funky feel to it, with vocals that echo a calm summers day where laid back moods come into there own. The band have a natural feel, delivering soulful tight music, and yes as hinted at above, slipping in and out of genres at a whim.

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Slowcoaching - Night Fiction.

Background promo - Armed with a newly minted name and an ever so slightly cynical outlook on international copyright claims, Melbourne man about town Slowcoaching (formerly Slowcoach) rivals musical euphoria with impressive results. Recognising his feats, Slowcoaching aims, and invites you, to relax and float away with his music.

New single, 'Night Fiction' has been garnering wide critical acclaim from reviewers and radio hosts around Australia and internationally. Ready and willing to bring 'Night Fiction' to its prime potential, Slowcoaching is pleased to announce a single launch, and consequently, his debut headline show at Melbourne's Boney, Friday 1st July.

Constructed in a perfect dream-pop atmosphere, 'Night Fiction' pairs sweeping melodies and transcendental instrumentation challenging his contemporaries such as DIIV, the War on Drugs and the Strokes. Together, it produces a brilliantly measured track and an intelligent step forward for Slowcoaching (better known as Dean Valentino to his parents).

Joining Slowcoaching for this evening's performance is fellow Melbourne dream boats and sound pioneers, Fountaineer. More guests TBA.

Single launch Show:
JULY 1st Boney, Melbourne, VIC.

If you were asked to define dream pop 'Night Fiction' would lend a mighty hand. It's bright and breezy and awash with dreamy hazy feelings. Melodic, infectious and full of hooks, it's getting well deserved attention..

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Quality Not Quantity: Divan - Earth Heart

Divan - Sale Of Lakes.

Background promo - There's a lot of life in the city. Growing up in the idyllic Irish countryside and finding a place amid the alien, urban sprawl had a huge impact on Divan. Their music; all pulsating rhythm, soaring vocals and oscillating guitars, draws on a rich tapestry of styles and sounds, which evolves into a real statement of intent: the desire to understand art and its relevance in modern life.

 Singer, Jamie Clarke writes: 'I think always having an innate desire to surround yourself with activity & action when all you've known is peace & tranquillity comes out in our music. It draws me to people, and also to the art that I love.'

The lyrical narrative in Modern Knowledge weaves its way through such themes, affecting not just today's artists and creators but everyone that, like Jamie, is drawn to the bustle of something more than what was known... From experimenting with accessible but unusual time signatures in ‘Shards’ to exploring vulnerability both lyrically and vocally in ‘A Clarity Appears’, the heart and soul that runs through this record is achieved via subtle nods to the likes of Radiohead, The National and Richard Hawley, as well as the band’s own profound voice and subject matter.

There are mournful sparks of looped piano from Brent (Knopf) in ‘Darkened Room’ and dark melodies inspired by the encompassing warmth of Sufjan Stevens…while frontman Clarke’s subtly reedy voice is reminiscent of Benjamin Gibbard in his more delicate moments. Major chords are utilised to strengthen the depths alongside jolting, haunted stabs of guitar and the end result is compelling, intense and overwhelmingly thoughtful; demanding repeated listens.

Going by the song 'Sale Of Lakes' the transition from rural to urban life for the band Divan, has at least at a musical level paid off. Having gone in the opposite direction, I personally think both can help with musical creativity, however the urban sprawl does spark passion and reality, the case in point being this really fine song.

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Earth Heart - Homesick.

And the band say - We're a garage/street rock band from Allston, MA. Our influences range from local acts such as Fat History Month and Krill to the Mouldy Peaches, the Melvins, and Cat Power.

We formed in February 2013 when Katie and Matt met at the old All Asia Cafe in Central Square, Cambridge. She was working on a solo project at the time, as she didn't have a band. She mentioned she needed a drummer and Matt volunteered without having heard her songs. We played a show the next day without rehearsing and have been playing together ever since. We continued as a duo (guitar and drums), playing extensively in the Boston area at venues such as TT The Bears Place, Middle East upstairs, O'Briens, Out Of The Blue Gallery and Zuzu, as well as a handful of basement shows in Manchester NH.

We self-recorded and -released five EPs along the way, and completed our first full-length, professionally recorded album in January 2016 with Shaun Curran at Napoleon Complex in Somerville, MA. The following month (January 2016) we were joined by Natan Keyes on bass. Our plans are to continue playing locally and tour for the first time this summer. 

'Homesick' is a little bit punky and garage, and a whole lot raw unrefined energy. It's good old rock'n'roll with attitude, and it never ceases to please.

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