Five For You: Palace - Grieving - Divan - Ofelia K - NervousTwitch

Palace - Have Faith.

Background promo - Palace's latest release ‘Have Faith’ is the second track to be taken from their hugely anticipated debut album ‘So Long Forever’. According to the band the song, “plays with the idea of a kind of self analysis of one's emotional strength, but it's also addressed to someone else. It's that need to find a foundation of confidence and belief so that you can both grow as people - that you need to be strong for each other, and not self sabotage yourself on a daily basis. It's the everyday struggle to find strength based on a lack of faith.”

Palace’s first show of 2016 was at the ICA in June and, just like their show at Scala last October, sold out at speed. They have just announced a November UK tour to coincide with the release of ‘So Long Forever’ on 4th November that includes a London date at Brixton Electric on 23rd November. Full details below. Ahead of this they will be playing Reading & Leeds festivals.

They began writing ‘So Long Forever’ last autumn in The Arch - a creative nerve centre in deepest, darkest Tottenham packed with young artists, designers and musicians. It has been produced by Adam Jaffery (Beach Baby, Dev Hynes, Francis Lung) and mixed by Cenzo Townshend (The Maccabees, Florence + the Machine, Wild Beasts). The album artwork - as with all previous artwork - has been painted by Wilm Danby.

In late 2014 Palace released their debut EP ‘Lost in the Night’, which garnered an overwhelming amount of critical and fan support, with the NME proclaiming, “the award for the fastest rise of 2014 goes to Palace.” 2015 saw them embark on two UK and European tours that book-ended the release of their second EP ‘Chase The Light’, which received continued support from Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and Annie Mac, 6Music’s Steve Lamacq and Radio X’s Georgie Rogers, Maz Tappuni, John Kennedy and Jo Good. They spent last summer in a whirlwind of festival performances including Live at Leeds, The Great Escape, Liverpool Sound City, Blissfields, Kendall Calling, Green Man and Bestival, to name just a few. Palace are Leo Wyndham (guitar, vocals), Rupert Turner (guitar), Will Dorey (bass) and Matt Hodges (drums).

Live Dates:
27th Aug - Reading - Reading Festival
28th Aug - Leeds - Leeds Festival
21st Nov - Brighton - Patterns
22nd Nov - Bristol - Exchange
23rd Nov - London - Brixton Electric
24th Nov - Leeds - Belgrave Music Hall
25th Nov - Manchester - Deaf Institute
26th Nov - Glasgow - King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.

'Have Faith' is an exceptionally refined song. It's melodic, with both the vocals and the bands music, sounding polished and very natural, something quite amazing for a band who only released their debut EP in late 2014. I'm highly impressed.

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

Grieving - Warmest Jets.

Background -  Grieving are a new, unsigned band from Cambridge, playing direct, twisting art-punk. Their first demo was debuted by tastemakers The Fader in March and their second track - the raw, dual vocalled post-hardcore / 90's indie-rock of "Ownership" - saw them pick up their first Radio 1 play from Dan P Carter. Their third track, the more direct and anthemic sounds of "My Friend, The Ghost", saw support from Huw Stephens on Radio 1.

Earlier this month they debuted "Little Armoured", the title inspired by a book of poetry by Rebecca Perry, a leftfield track, off-kilter in places and melodic in others. Showing once more a diverse set of influences at work here, it takes another sharp turn in its final third. Their fifth and final track from “Demonstrations”, the brief, melodic rush of “Warmest Jets” was debuted today on Punktastic.

The band have played their first shows over the last three months, alongside the likes of Tellison, the much buzzed about Muncie Girls and Three Trapped Tigers and have recorded five songs as an EP release, "Demonstrations", on July 29th. They join The New Tusk and Pet Grief for a handful of tour dates in late September and will announce further shows for November in the coming weeks.

In debt to the likes of Les Savy Fav, Television, Spy Versus Spy, Bear vs Shark, Dismemberment Plan, Fugazi and elsewhere the lo-fi pop and fully charged punk of Guided By Voices, Pylon, Samiam, The Lemonheads, Bob Mould etc.

August 04 London The Lexington w/ Young Legionnaire & USA Nails
August 15 London The Old Blue Last w/ Cassels & So-Crates

September 22 Norwich Gringos w/ The New Tusk, Pet Grief & Algae Bloom
September 23 Cambridge The Blue Moon w/ The New Tusk & Pet Grief
September 24 Brighton The Green Door Store w/ The New Tusk, Munez & Pet Grief
October 30 Norwich Podstock @ The Owl Sanctuary

Grieving have been featured by Beehive Candy twice this year already, so perhaps regular readers may think I have some bias towards the band. Well last time I thought to myself, that's enough for this year, and then they come up with another song, that I cannot help but feature. Obviously there is something that really connects with myself, maybe it's the raw, genuine and passionate feeling, that is just so rock'n'roll.

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

Divan - Shards.

Background - 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 front man 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.

We featured Divan just over a month ago, and so far I have just loved everything I have heard by the band. I guess the Irish musical styling is a key part, however the band put a very definitive slant on their songs, and are happy to test out ideas rather than just take the safe path.

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

Ofelia K - Killing Me.

Background - Ofelia K.’s voice and compelling songs are worn down to perfection and balance wistful maturity with a certain earnest and eternally young expression.  Not quite pop, not quite anything else, the young singer-songwriter showcases her beautiful symmetry with her music somewhere between an unrepressed journal entry, a comforting arm around the shoulder and her smoky, shimmering glare, her eyes so knowingly staring into you. With spins from Annie Mac at BBC Radio 1, over 2 million Spotify plays, and features on multiple television shows, the world heard her starry eyed songs and asked for oh-so-many more. 

With her upcoming single release, "Killing Me," right around the corner this LA songstress once again sets her sights on capturing the public’s heart with her  tunes. As Ofelia herself mentions, “Killing Me is about the strange paradox that those who love you the  most can also hurt you the most. Loving deeply makes you vulnerable and the highs  and lows can be extreme.”  And with Ofelia K, you know that can only result in pure musical bliss.

'Killing Me' is getting considerable attention after just a few days, and that is not surprising, as this is a delightful and massively catchy song. Sometimes that's all that's needed!

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

NervousTwitch - So Rock'n'Roll.

Background - Odd Box Records are re-issuing Nervous Twitch’s incredible LP Don’t Take My TV on vinyl for the first time, with an official release date of August 26th. Nervous Twitch are a Leeds based band who serve up “catchy, effervescent punk-pop” Louder Than War, one that’s angst-ridden and dining on an ode to Riot Grrl, surf and garage-rock.

Don’t Take My TV is the bands second album but comes from a pretty expansive back-catalogue of singles and EPs, one which has seen them acquire significant praise and a recent radio session onMarc Riley’s BBC 6 Music show. The band will be performing at this year’s Indietracks festival.

'So Rock'n'Roll' is the opening song, and one of eleven wonderfully punk pop tracks, on this first time on vinyl release. The featured song reminds me in part of Blondies first album, which remains my favourite, because it had a genuine rough around the edges feel to it. Likewise the Nervous Twitch album 'Dont Take My TV' has that vital ingredient for anything punk orientated, along with alot of enthusiasm and charm. Love It! 

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

Six Of The Best: Dreamers - Blaenavon - CJ Hooper - Places Erupt - Future Generations - Rakunk

Dreamers - Sweet Disaster.

Background promo - Dreamers  first broke out in the scene when their track, "Wolves (You Got Me)" made it's way into the Top 18 - where it stayed there for months! their new single, "Sweet Disaster" has been added to Advance Placement! They have toured with acts like Atlas Genius, Zella Day, Stone Temple Pilots

Dreamers spent nearly two years on the road, touring and near homeless - living out of their practice space. Now, after bouts of vagrancy, nomadism, and vigilant attempts at normalcy, Dreamers calls Los Angeles home, committed to its collective vision of artistry, inclusion, and idealism. Their debut was recorded at the iconic Fairfax Recordings (formerly Sound City) - the same studio artists like Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac have recorded.

'Sweet Disaster' is one of twelve songs from the "This Album Does Not Exist" album, due August 26th via Fairfax Recordings. It's pretty typical of this energised collection of tracks, many carrying enticing hooks along with an overall positive feel. As debut albums go, this is one solid effort, full of good tunes that deserve to get noticed.

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

Blaenavon - Let’s Pray.

Background promo - Transgressive-signed teenagers Blaenavon have unveiled ‘Let’s Pray’ the second track from  their much-anticipated debut album with Grammy-winning producer Jim Abbiss (Arctic Monkeys, Adele, Bombay Bicycle Club, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Bjork), alongside news of their biggest headline show to date, further festival dates, and a lengthy UK support tour.

‘Let’s Pray’ is a massive, emotive and bold statement of intent from the Hampshire three-piece on top of their game, Blaenavon’s dark romanticism exudes lonesome warmth - reminiscent of The Smiths and The Cure - and self-assured, mellifluous tendencies.

Singer Ben Gregory said the following about the new single: "When the best songs have all already been written, order yourself a smile and a steak - equally as rare - chew with your mouth closed and your hands in your pockets and wait... Wait for sanity. She'll settle up."

‘Let’s Pray’ and previous single ‘I Will Be The World’ are the first new tracks from Blaenavon since their acclaimed 2015 "Miss World" EP. ’I Will Be The World’ caught the attention of Zane Lowe at this year’s SXSW, who convinced label Transgressive to let him play an unfinished version of the track on his Beats 1 show and declared them "one of the most talked about, breakthrough bands” playing the festival.
 
Following an epic debut US trip in March, which included a visit to SXSW where the band were tipped by the likes of The Fader, Esquire, NME plus many other taste makers, Blaenavon have announced a run of new festival appearances - including Glastonbury, Latitude Festival, Reading & Leeds, and Electric Picnic. The boys have spent the last four months on the road supporting bands such as Foals, Bloc Party, Sundara Karma and The Sherlocks as well as sell out headline shows at The Lexington, Dingwalls and around the country.

'Let's Pray' is the second song we have featured by Blaenavon, and deservedly so. This is a quality indie rock song, with a smooth flowing feel, it's both melodic and full of great harmonies.

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

CJ Hooper - Need To Know.

Background - Here’s the latest offering from a truly talented songsmith, ‘Need To Know’ is a classic track from CJ Hooper, reminiscent of the singer-songwriter heyday of the 70’s! The new single mixes elements of John Lennon's take on Pop-Rock with CJ Hooper's own lush harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. Piano accompanies a delicate acoustic guitar, guiding the slow build of the track through reflective verses into a captivating chorus bound to absorb the listener.

“I lost my dad a few years back, which made me question many things. A yearning to know what’s ahead of us and reflecting on the reality of still being here is what lead to writing this track,” says CJ Hooper on the genesis of the track.

CJ Hooper’s debut independent single ‘By My Side’ launched him into the radios of Australians everywhere, making its triple j premiere on Roots n’ All with Sarah Howells. ‘Life Feels Good’ followed the success of his debut, releasing earlier this year, and featuring yet again on triple j. It found its way onto playlists at a number of big indie stations across Australia, including 2RRR FM, SYN FM, Pulse Radio, Inner FM, Radio Adelaide, Valley FM, Homebrew Radio, being played amongst the likes of John Butler Trio, The Waifs, Dan Kelly & Nick Cave.

‘Need To Know’ is the latest independent release from the talented CJ Hooper, who’s personal and diverse approach to music is resonating with audiences worldwide. “Need To Know” by CJ Hooper will be released 12th of August 2016.

Another artist featured some time ago on Beehive Candy, CJ Hooper's new song 'Need To Know' is a beautifully delivered piece. I can understand the John Lennon reference in the above promo, it's definitely not a copy, however the songs construction does bare some of Lennon's hallmarks. That said this song stands on it's own merits and really does build into something quite wonderful.

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

Places Erupt - Mayday.

Background from the band - Our latest entitled, 'Mayday' is about the difficulty of shaking things off. It’s also about the desire to compartmentalise things that trouble you and the difficulty of actually accomplishing it.

Lee was experiencing heart palpitations at the time of writing this song and was required to wear a heart monitor for a few days to monitor his heart activity, thus the words: Checking on the pulse/ Beat reporter/ Plastic tentacles/ Reaching in.

A few years ago, Greg and Lee started writing songs in their grimy College Street apartment, with no real vision of creating a full band. Several years later, what was once a casual folk tandem had turned into a quintet.

We're not classical, we're not folk, and not rock but our sound combines all three genres. As a band we've toured extensively throughout Ontario and Eastern Canada, formerly under the name The Benefit of the Free Man. This is our first full length as Places Erupt. Look for the album out August 19th. 

'Mayday' does suggest a band that are comfortable to explore differing genres to deliver the right overall sound. This is a fairly gentle song, that is cleverly layered so that the fine vocals and variety of instruments and sounds all have clarity. The album 'Breathe A Storm' takes their musical ideas even further, in a collection of eight wonderful songs. If you like the single, then I whole heartedly recommend the forthcoming August release.

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

Future Generations - Thunder In The City.

Background - Future Generations will be releasing their self-titled debut album today Friday, July 29 via Frenchkiss Records. In advance of the album's drop the band are sharing “Thunder In The City”, the new single from the record. The band's Eddie Gore says "We are extremely excited to be finally releasing this out to the world. We've grown so much through this process and I have to say that is probably the biggest theme through the whole thing: Growth.”

“Thunder In The City” is one of the last songs written for the record, and it best embodies the band’s feelings about the upcoming release. Eddie adds “I don't want to get too specific about meaning behind the song because it's not supposed to be specific, but it's definitely about being happy in a moment and about looking back and being happy with yourself”.

In the style of MGMT, Friendly Fires and FUN, Future Generations have excellent pop-sensibilities and know just how to draw a listener in. Apart from the hooky vocal and melodic components making “Thunder In The City” a rich sonic experience, they also know how to provide sufficient variety of sounds pulling off the track’s all-important hooks.

On the eve of their debut's release Future Generations will be playing a record release show at NYC's Mercury Lounge (July 29), and it is a great starting point for any NY listeners to check out what all the fuss is about. In addition, they are playing the following dates this summer with more to be announced:

Live Dates:
7/29 - Mercury Lounge - New York NY
8/5 - Tropicalia - Washington, DC
8/12 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
8/18 - Great Scott - Boston, MA
8/26 - Fete Lounge - Providence, RI.

'Thunder In The City' is the tenth and final song on today's album release. As a guide, it gives an absolute flavour of the bands music, which I guess is loosely defined as pop orientated Alt Rock. They can and do mix up the tempo's, and the promotional piece above is pretty much straight down the line. It's looks like some New Yorker's are in for a good gig tonight!

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

Rakunk - Trillionaire.

Background bio - "Just when we thought we knew where we were going / I learned I never had it right," rasps Jonathan McIntire, over staccato guitars and pulsing keys. The opening lyrical salvo to Rakunk's self-titled EP is ironic, however--McIntire and company clearly know exactly where they're going, and have been doing it well since the band's inception.

Formed by McIntire and guitarist Tames McTigue in late 2014, the duo wasted no time recruiting bassist Taylor Briggs and then drummer Thomas Benko, booking shows and recording two demos and an EP, which tracked at the top of Soundcloud's trending sections, drawing the attention of labels and management firms. After a few membership changes (including Tames' departure to move to Qatar), Rakunk's lineup has solidified into McIntire, Briggs, guitarist Mike Maneechotte and drummer Brian Dunk and the four-piece has never sounded bigger.

Augmenting the band's huge, guitar-driven rock sound are elements of hip hop, EDM, hardcore, even some Krautrock, all guided by McIntire's cutting vocal and production work. "I think I write music that has an empowering big sound," he said, "and even though our all of our influences aren't modern in a sense, we are trying to get away from classic/nostalgia/dad-rock that dominates a lot of what you'd call rock."

The new EP highlights that modern edge, bursting out of the gates with "Writing With a Knife," a guitar-and-synth-heavy rocker with the soul of a dancefloor banger. "Wicked Bible" features a sludgey guitar riff dripping swagger, Maneechotte's nimble guitar floating over Dunk's muscular drumming. "Banged Up" is an arena-ready monster of a track, with Briggs' thundering low end dominating the proceedings.

But album closer "About to See the Light" is the real surprise, taking every ounce of inspiring, atmospheric songwriting on display in the other three songs and stripping out the heaviness in favor of acoustic guitars and a heartfelt vocal that would do Oasis proud. "Hey, I know times have been / Like playing the piano with broken hands / It's a night to fail," McIntire intones, his voice imparting more hope to the song than the lyrics might suggest. 

'Trillionaire' is a feisty in your face rock song. The song erupts with a wall of energy both musically and with gritty vocals, so much so, that the short reprise around three quarters of the way through, is quite unexpected, before the songs thunderous end.

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

A Potent Pair: Band Aparte - Locos Por Juana

Band Aparte - Cherry Chapstick.

Background promo - Band Aparte announces debut album. From down the end of Los Angeles, the bare bones gravepunk duo Band Aparte strips down and combines elements of gothic rock, synthpunk, and beachy lo-fi as macabre appreciation simmers in the gut of the city. 

Vocalist Brian Mendoza effortlessly channels Joy Division and Nick Cave, crooning into a death bouquet with his shirt unbuttoned. But he's not doing it to imitate Morrissey's aesthetic --  Band Aparte's shows are fast and fierce, and the crowd works up a sweat at every venue they play.

It's a dangerous mixture that has crushed nights alongside such bands as Cruelty Code, Roses, Ghost Noise, and Terminal A. Memory On Trial [Manifesto] LP, CD, Digital, CS Release Date: August 19, 2016.

Live: September 23-24 - Pioneertown, CA - Desert Stars Festival.

With a funky deep riff 'Cherry Chapstick' calmly and determinedly builds into a uncluttered straight piece of post-punk rock. Vocals standout distinctively above the tight soundtrack, in this no nonsense song.

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

Locos Por Juana - The Cure (ft.Collie Buddz).

Fresh off their triumphant Colombian promotional visit, their first in over three years, Locos por Juana are gearing up to co-headline for The Manifestivus Music Festival on Saturday, July 30 in the woods of Cabot, Vermont. A "local festival with global vibe," The Manifestivus kicked-off in 2002 on 93 acres of breathtaking land and celebrates its 13th anniversary with the aim of promoting personal evolution through music, art and culture.

Set on a gently rolling hillside meadow surrounded by forest, the timber stage creates an unforgettable experience. The lineup, with Locos por Juana's set starting at midnight, includes an array of world music and beloved international and local acts, the likes of Bermuda reggae star, Collie Buddz who paired up with Locos por Juana for their current single "The Cure" recorded between Miami and Bermuda and released in May, 2016 to critical acclaim. Talib Kweli, who has also collaborated with Locos por Juana on their upcoming Caribe release with "For The Ladies," tops the list of guest performers. Past performers include Common, Barrington Levy, John Brown's Body, Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars, Oumou Sangaré, Midnite and Black Sheep.

David Pransky, the band's bass player, who partnered with Carlo Rovetto of Positive Pie, founded "Festivus," as it's been dubbed, in 2002 making it an all-ages gathering that provides on-site camping, medical facilities, vendors of authentic African and Ital food, with Yoga and West African dancing and drumming workshops that round out the cultural experience.

'The Cure' is an extremely powerful reggae song, that mixes classic vibes alongside more modern styles. Laden with hooks and massively danceable, those who are going to hear this live, are in for a real treat.

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

Genre Wander: Velvet Kills - Politburo - Mercury Girls

Velvet Kills - Red Shoes.

Background promo - Paris/Berlin based unsigned electro/punk/dark wave act Velvet Kills is an electropunk/rock duo with Susana Santos on vocals/bass & Harris Iveson on guitar/synths.

Velvet Kills is a thoroughly modern and urban endeavour, speaking directly to today’s society - with all its anxieties, addictions, destructiveness as well as  exhilaration.  You'll find in their driving beats raw emotion, and a terrific darkness. The sound is complex, almost abstract - a combination of cinematic textures, gritty guitars, and potent vocals.

The group's music and attitude, both have  been shaped by the influences of bands and artists like Joy Division, Alan Vega, Malaria!, Kas Product, Iggy Pop, The Clash, and Lou Reed. The group came to life in 2015, beginning with a chance encounter on a trance dance floor where Susana and Harris discovered their mutual love for rock, synths and beige Steinberger guitars. Velvet Kills has since gained a steady following, leading to their debut EP, Memory released in March 2016. 

The EP may have been around for a few months however as the song 'Red Shoes' demonstrates, the duo create some superb if dark music. So apologies for being a little behind the curve with Velvet Kills, you can keep informed and up to date, on their Facebook page here.

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

Politburo - Barrington Way.

Background - Long-running, Manchester psychedelic rock/folk band Politburo are releasing “Barrington Way”, the lead single from sophomore album of the same name, which releases in mid-August via Leonard Skully Records.

Politburo started out as a four-piece, but the line-up has changed over the years. Today the band consists of founding members Nick Alexander (vocals, guitar, tambourine) and Dominic 'Dom' James (drums, percussion, keyboards), as well as John Loveguns (guitar), Phil Meredith (guitar, keyboards), Steven Joseph (bass), and invited guest Chloé Sancho (vocals).

The band began in 1999 when they were teenage dreamers. Inspired by Mancunian legends of yore and a contempt for the dying grandees of Brit Pop. “I was out to try and create great music, but sometimes I guess it was art terrorism,” says Nick Alexander.

“We knew we'd have to create our own different world to inhabit. The idea was that the right people would come to us... we wouldn't have to go to them and force something down their collective throat,” explains Dom James.

As of August 19, the ‘Barrington Way’ LP will be released on 12” vinyl and digital download via Leonard Skully Records. It is already available for pre-order (vinyl) and will be also a free download on Politburo’s Bandcamp site. The band has also announced a U.K. tour, including the following dates:

Live Dates:
August 4 - Bristol, Stag and Hounds
August 7 - Blackpool, Stanley Park
August 12 - Nottingham, Jam Cafe
August 17 - Manchester, Night & Day
August 19 - York, The Basement (with George Boomsma)
August 20 - London, The Betsey Trotwood
August 25 - Glasgow, Nice ‘N’ Sleazy

Title song 'Barrington Way' gives the listener a pretty clear idea of what to expect on the ten song album. It's a wonderful collection of psychedelic songs that transport those of us old enough back to the swinging sixties. The band retain enough modernity to make the songs both relevant and quite timeless. With unashamed nods towards early Pink Floyd and Hippy era Beatles music, this is a "fab, groovy and hip collection of far out" songs (OK so the expressions are well dated). Put simply, I love this album.

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

Mercury Girls - Holly.

Background - Four great bands, two great labels and two continents meet on this stellar mini-LP. Frequent collaborators Slumberland Records and Fortuna POP! team up to bring you 'Continental Drift,' a smashing eight song sampler of some of the finest pop out there in 2016.

Philadelphia's Mercury Girls are one of the most talked-about new bands in ages. Featuring members of Literature, Little Big League and Pet Milk, Mercury Girls have a gorgeous, layered sound that combines post-punk dynamics with soaring/jangling guitars, fantastic melodies and expertly-arranged tunes. Their recent single "Ariana" turned a lot of heads, and their two contributions contained herein should make us all quite excited for their in-progress debut album. Be sure to catch them on tour in October/November with Balance & Composure and Foxing, full list of tour dates below.

Mercury Girls Tour Dates: (All dates w/ Balance & Composure and Foxing)
Thu-Oct-13 - Richmond, VA - - Broadberry
Fri-Oct-14 - Chapel Hill, NC - Cat's Cradle
Sat-Oct-15 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade - Hell
Sun-Oct-16 - Jacksonville, FL - 1904 Music Hall
Tue-Oct-18 - Lake Park, FL - Kelsey Theatre
Wed-Oct-19 - Orlando, FL - The Social
Fri-Oct-21 - Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall
Sat-Oct-22 - Austin, TX - Mohawk
Sun-Oct-23 - Dallas, TX - Club Dada (So What?! Music Festival)
Tue-Oct-25 - Phoenix, AZ - The Nile
Thu-Oct-27 - San Diego, CA - Observatory North Park
Fri-Oct-28 - Los Angeles, CA - Regent
Sat-Oct-29 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst Atrium
Sun-Oct-30 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
Tue-Nov-01 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
Wed-Nov-02 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile
Fri-Nov-04 - Salt Lake City, UT - Complex
Sat-Nov-05 - Denver, CO - Marquis
Sun-Nov-06 - Lawrence, KS - Granada
Thu-Nov-10 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
Fri-Nov-11 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews
Sat-Nov-12 - Toronto, ON - Opera House
Mon-Nov-14 - Boston, MA - Royale
Tue-Nov-15 - Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall
Wed-Nov-16 - New Haven, CT - College Street Music Hall
Thu-Nov-17 - Brooklyn, NY - Warsaw
Fri-Nov-18 - Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
Sat-Nov-19 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage

We have already featured Baltimore's Wildhoney and their contribution to the forthcoming eight song sampler and now it's the turn of The Mercury Girls. 'Holly' is typical of the bands feisty and melodic music. Vocals and harmonies add the melody above wonderfully jangly guitars, whilst the energetic rhythm section positively drives the song!

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

The Low Countries - Corbu - Four Star Riot

The Low Countries - The Invisible Ray.

Background promo - The Low Countries, until 2013 an indie-folk duo, are now resurrected as a five piece band. They've just released the brilliant ‘An Extended Play EP’ following up the Libera Awards nominated 'Sun Street (2015)'. It’s a kind of comeback for Nigel and his songs, Six Of The Best from the Low Countries – songs re-imagined and given the full band experience recorded in a pro studio assisted by a band of great musicians, people and friends.

The band came together to help Nigel and Els perform at the launch of their final album 'The Invisible Ray' (2013). This proved to be so enjoyable they found they couldn't stop. Nigel, feeling 'songed out' and a bit mental at the time, was then persuaded by the rest of the band to enter the studio and record six of the best. A last hurrah that sounds amazing...

Nigel and Els formed the Low Countries in 2007 and they've released 8 or so albums and other sundry songs, often to immense (is that the right word?) critical acclaim. The Low Countries - An Extended Play EP, Nub Music, 24th July 2016.

The second of the six excellent indie folk songs on the 'An Extended Play' EP, 'The Invisible Ray' highlights the overall quality of this fine collection of songs. For me the often vibrant indie folk genre, does at times see the media focus in on a current "flavour of the month", in turn creating a wave of copycat acts. The Low Countries have always been far more than a short term focal point, creating blissfully wonderful music, along with a few influences for others to aspire to. As "last hurrah's" go, this EP is quite special.

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

Corbu - Better Better Off.

Background - Ahead of the release of their soaring debut album Crayon Soul, New York’s Corbu are streaming the new single ‘Better Better Off’. A swirling anthem, ‘Better Better Off’ perfectly balances trippy desert rock with glacial stargazing. Corbu’s Crayon Soul is released August 5th via 3Beat (EU) & Big Picnic (US).

The band recently gave an insight into their vivid and fully realised world with the animated video to the track ‘Battles’. The video hints at the narrative that began to unfold as front man Jonathan Graves was writing the record. Each track tells a different part of the story, taking the listener on a true journey through Corbu’s vibrant imagination. Despite taking inspiration from science fiction and psychedelia, the album also pulls from the band’s real life experiences to create a body of work that is both otherworldly and deeply personal.

Crayon Soul is produced by Corbu and mixed by Dave Fridmann (Tame Impala, MGMT, The Flaming Lips). It follows two acclaimed EPs, We Are Sound and Everything You Imagine Is Real, which garnered praise from the likes of Nylon, Stereogum, The Guardian, NME and more, as well as capturing the attention of Jessie Ware, who personally requested the band to remix her song ‘You & I (Forever)’.

Tour Dates:
Aug 1st Philadelphia: Black Box
Aug 2nd Washington DC: DC9
Aug 3rd Pittsburgh: Brillobox
Aug 5th New York: Mercury Lounge - Album release show.
Sept 30th Austin: Austin City Limits Festival.

Second time around on Beehive Candy for Corbu, this time with the new song 'Better Better Off'. The rhythmic, semi psychedelic sounds, swirl along with the vocals, before taking centre stage and becoming delightfully hypnotic. All bodes well for the new album in August.

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

Four Star Riot - Torn & Tattered.

Background bio - Over the course of multiple releases, Tampa Bay's Four Star Riot has consistently delivered stick-in-your-head pop/rock choruses. Now the band is preparing to release its strongest effort to date, a full-length offering Waves due out at the end of Summer 2016. The first single "Waves" has gained steam with a soft release in January including a DIY video in time for spring break.

Four Star Riot has opened for national acts such as Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Train, Lit, Living Colour, Eve6, Jimmy Eat World, among many others. The band’s songs have been featured in television and film, including ESPN, MTV, and the record-breaking film Deadpool in 2016!

In past years, they have performed at SXSW, 97X Next Big Thing, 98Rock Livestock, as well as the Atlantis Music Fest and the Florida Music Festival. The group has also garnered multiple awards and kudos from the hometown press, and national ink in outlets like Music Connection and Relix.

'Torn & Tattered' was I am told, written while the band waited out a record-breaking 22 continuous days of storm last year. It provides a good flavour of what to expect from the forthcoming ten track album. Overall it more rock than pop, but that does not stop the band, putting some serious hooks and choruses in. I would say it's a fine song from an equally good album.

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