Friday Five: Jay Pray - Soft Corporate- The Plastic Attraction - Oh Well, Goodbye - The Regrettes

Jay Pray - I'd Go Anywhere (Do Anything).

Background promo - Brooklyn synth-pop artist Jay Pray is set to release his debut self-titled album on October 21 via Think Thought Records. Justin P. Romanos has had a love for music since was he was just old enough to pick up a guitar. Justin was drawn to performance and songwriting at an early age, and growing up became a regular in the DIY music scene around his rural Connecticut hometown. He and his friends had ever evolving musical tastes and learned more about the process of making music by consistently forming new bands and recording in Justin’s makeshift home studio. This landed him a spot at Drexel University’s Music Industry Program. Here he found a home of like­minded peers and gained a lasting nickname, “J Pré”, short for an early band called the Justin P. Romanos Experiment. He honed his craft by continuously writing and spent much of his time in the close­knit Philadelphia basement community where he fronted the indie rock band SHMNS. After graduating college in 2014, it was time to regroup, refocus, and reinvent himself as a musician.

Justin relocated to Brooklyn, NY and began to combine the best of his musical beginnings into his biggest, boldest, and most colourful pop album yet; as the newly reincarnated Jay Pray. Under the polished production of Brandon Bost, Justin’s new album flourishes into a lush landscape of bright tones in which every detail is carefully slotted in place. A strong but subtle beat propels the collection forward as it dips into sultry shadows and bursts into powerful blasts of sunshine. Intricate synth riffs and Justin’s gentle lilt twinkle amongst the swelling wall of sound, transforming love musings into a tropical sonic escape. Jay Pray is a refreshing arrival in a saturated pop scene with a debut worth diving into head first.

'I'd Go Anywhere (Do Anything)' has been gaining attention these last few days. It's a genuine indie pop song with beautiful synths and smooth vocals pairing perfectly and delivering a melodic hooky song.

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Soft Corporate - Slipped (From the EP Good Things Will Happen).

Background - Based in Melbourne,the indie four-piece  Soft Corporate explore the boundaries of pop with their simultaneously anthemic and intricate compositions. Performing for several years under another name the first three members Troy Sheehan, Madeline Booth and Jack Cross invited Reuben Dyer to join their group. As a collective decision they chose their new name Soft Corporate.

Leading the charge with their first offering ‘Boats’, the song is a blend of haunting vocals, evocative melodies and intelligent musicianship. With such depth to their sound, it's hard to believe that their EP Good Things Will Happen is their debut release. The first single 'Boats' is captivating and a highly expressive piece of music.

Discovered early on with the release by the Triple J Unearthed team as part of Triple J Unearthed High, Soft Corporate made it to the finals of the well-known competition under a previous guise. Reminiscent of their melodic indie rock predecessors, Soft Corporate draw inspiration from contemporaries Death Cab for Cutie and Unknown Mortal Orchestra and comparisons could be drawn to Band of Horses, The Shin and Doves with their slow-burning builds and shifting dynamics. Lead vocalist Troy Sheehan’s lyrics centre on deep reflections, moments of clarity, time and trying to survive the metaphorical or literal end of the world. ‘Boats’ is a lush heady mix, Sheehan’s performance is understated with a disarming charm. 

Written in a their rehearsal space in Melbourne, their debut EP Good Things Will Happen came to life over recording sessions with producer Colin Leadbetter (Sarah Blasko, Whitley) in late 2015. Recorded at Sing Sing South, Leadbetter worked closely with the band unpacking their songs and developing their sound as a unit. Throughout the mixing process, the six songs that they took to the studio underwent several experimental shifts as hazy textures were introduced. The reverberant guitars and floating harmonies support and illuminate what is now their debut EP.

Upcoming Show – Good Things Will Happen EP Launch
6 August – The Toff In Town, Melbourne with Manor & Sweet Whirl
Doors from 8pm, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne

'Good Things Will Happen' is a solid six song EP of which 'Slipped' is the fifth track and quite representative of the bands enticing indie rock/pop sound. The band create likable atmospheric music, with plenty of hooks and a lush musical background for the fine vocals and harmonies.

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The Plastic Attraction - Holding You.

Background - The Plastic Attraction was hatched in Perth when schoolyard friends – Liam (vocals), Matt (guitar/vocals), Horna (bass/vocals) and Chris (drums/vocals) decided that after many years of talking about it, they would batten down the hatches and write some music, channelling 90s rock with a fresh flavour and less denim. The Plastic Attraction started with a communal sharing of riffs, jamming, experimenting with different sounds and building up a base of demos. Once the band amassed a collection of riffs, ideas and songs, they sifted through them to see what sound worked for the band and which ideas jumped out at them as keepers. Throughout the sorting and sifting process, the band played band nights at pubs and clubs to test their material and hone their live show.

‘Holding You’ is the band's debut single. The track was recorded at Sumo Sound Studios in Perth by Tristan Sturmer (Sparrow, Verge Collection, Make Way For Man) and was mixed by highly acclaimed audio engineer Andy Lawson (Tired Lion, Eskimo Joe). The icing on the sonic cake was the mastering by the inimitable Leon Zervos (Boy & Bear, Art vs Science, Last Dinosaurs).

Lead singer, Liam says, “'Holding You’ was born when Matt and Horna were jamming on some ideas and came up with that opening riff. The whole song stemmed from that intro section and once the drums came in, the song seemed to come together very naturally.” Once you dig beneath the lush harmonies, interwoven bass and guitar and airy-high fidelity sound, you realise that ‘Holding You’ is the classic tale of boy meets girl, girl promises boy everlasting love, boy and girl breakup, boy has extreme difficulty letting go.

Obsession, ego and delusions of grandeur rear their ugly head throughout the song as the lyrics describe the heartbreakee's deeply misguided belief that the ex should have to stick to all those things she said while they were together. “Holding You” will be released 26th of August 2016. 

With a smooth and fast flowing beat, guitars and vocals that glide above, the song 'Holding You' is a breezy blast of melodic charm.

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Oh Well, Goodbye - This City To Yours.

Background - Hailing from Liverpool England, Oh Well Goodbye quietly crept into the UK scene with debut cassette release ‘BG092’ through U.S label Bleeding Gold Records. Beginning as a solo project during down time of his 'dayjob' band People//Talk, Philip Rourke (founder of EDILS records/booking) quickly assembled like minded musicians and played a scattering of shows in London and northern England, as well as a 5 date tour of France in late 2015. Oh Well Goodbye, completed by Sam Banks (bass), Peter Seddon (Guitar) and Andy Fernihough (Drums) have continued to push creatively as a unit while fully maintaining their Lo-Fi DIY approach. Three new EPs will be released before the end of 2017 and each one presents a progressive step showcasing Oh well goodbyes bittersweet musical movements that border the edge of collapse. Post punk is murky ground but oh well goodbye given their northern English heritage slot in and out easily. A lush mix of early 90s styled guitars, dance punk beats and hushed almost spoken vocal ride along effortlessly. As beautiful as it is ugly, the nonchalant display masks the chaos and vulnerability underneath.

The first release of the trilogy is a four track EP entitled ‘Swoon’. A step up from the home recording of Rourkes debut effort, ‘Swoon’ was recorded in a Liverpool studio live by the bands drummer Andy Fernihough. ‘Swoon’ is available on pink and grey 7” as well as digitally from September 16th through Bleeding Gold records.The bands next release quickly follows and coincides with a European tour in October. A five track cassette entitled 'Acquiescence' is a co-release between UK labels Hail Hail and EDILS Records (digitally through Bleeding Gold records) will be available from October 16th. A more experimental and ambient collection compared to its predecessor, 'Acquiescence' see's oh well goodbye use drums loops and keyboards for the first time on half of the tracks while still in touching upon the bands pop sensibilities and downbeat 'post punk' sound. This leads nicely into the final release of the trilogy; 'I Know, I Know, I Know' which is a remix EP comprised of tracks from both 'Swoon' and 'Acquiescence'. Hitting the world wide web on November 11th, again through Bleeding Gold Records the digital only release features remixes by a host of acts including Dignan Porch (Faux Discx/Captured Tracks), Gorgeous Bully (Art Is Hard), Moonlit Sailor (Deep Elm) and new comers such as Dayflower and Grave Diggers Union.

The wonderfully understated vocals on 'This City To Yours' typifies the lo-fi and distinctive sound found on the 'Swoon' EP, with the exception of the third track 'Axe The Bay' which takes on a more ambient direction. With more to come, Oh Well, Goodbye appear to be on a  musical and creative roll.

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The Regrettes - Hey Now.

Background - Perfectly imperfect - that’s one way to describe LA based punk act, The Regrettes. Writing songs that proudly bear a brazen and unabashed attitude in the vein of acts Courtney Barnett or Karen O - with a pop aesthetic reminiscent of 50’s and 60’s acts a la the Temptations or Buddy Holly - the LA based four piece create infectious, punk driven tracks.

Lead by outspoken front woman, Lydia Night, and comprised of Genessa Gariano on guitar, Sage Nicole on bass and drummer Maxx Morando, the group have left the LA rock scene floored, managing to capture the hearts of jaded rock critics while opening for acts like Kate Nash, Jack Off Jill, Bleached, Pins, Deep Vally and more. With nothing but demos available online, the group are already beginning to generate hype, from outlets like NPR, and with Nylon already heralding them them as a “punk act you should be listening to”.

From the opening moments on a track by The Regrettes, we’re greeted with a wall of guitars, infectious melodies and a wistful nostalgia that continues right until the final notes. Taking cues from acts like Hinds and Hole, there’s a wistful sense of youth and vulnerability that lies at the heart of each song. A song by The Regrettes is, essentially, a diary entry into Lydia’s life. “My music is a spectrum of every emotion that I have felt in the last year, and you can hear that when you hear the songs. Everything that is happening in my life influences me. It’s everything from boys, to friends, to being pissed off at people, to being really sad. Just everything.”

The most intoxicating draw of The Regrettes is their bashful, heart-on-your-sleeve temperament - writing urgent and fast-paced pop songs with a punk rock mentality. “The way that we write, it’s all based on honesty,” muses Lydia on the group’s punk aesthetic. “If I finish a song, I’ll just leave it - I won’t really go back to it. I like things to feel in the moment and I don’t want it to be perfect. If I work on something too much I lose it and get bored and I want to do the next one..”

Live Dates:
8/5 Santa Ana, CA - The Observatory - w/ Badlands and King Shelter
8/6 – Los Angeles, CA - Save The Smell Fest at The Smell
8/13 – Los Angeles, CA - Smash Club at Junior High
8/18 – Los Angeles, CA - Echo Park Rising at The Echo
Fri/Nov-11 San Diego, CA North Park Observatory *
Tue/Nov-15 San Francisco, CA The Independent *
Wed/Nov-16 San Francisco, CA The Independent *
Fri/Nov-18 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom *
Sat/Nov-19 Seattle, WA Neumos *
* with Sleigh Bells

'Hey Now' is an explosive and feisty, "get over it" punk song. That said, the song is very catchy and the vocals and soundtrack are edgy whilst leaving enough room for an underlying melody.

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Quality Not Quantity: Happyness - Jake Meadows - The Slang

Happyness - Anna, Lisa Calls.

Background promo - Happyness have announced that a brand new EP, titled Tunnel Vision On Your Part, will be released this September 23rd through Moshi Moshi Records. It can be pre-ordered here. In addition, the forthcoming harmony-packed new single Anna, Lisa Calls appears here as the EP opener, with the band saying; “This is our first phone call song and our 5th song in E major. We wrote it one day in the studio in June and recorded it straight away - I think we were going for a kind of Traveling Wilburys thing. Also we felt like we hadn't put a synth in a song for a while, so there's a synth.”

The EP, which also includes recent single SB’s Truck – a track penned by the band in homage to Samuel Beckett, who famously used to give the beloved, late, 80’s wrestler André The Giant lifts to school in his truck, owing to him being too large for his dad’s car - is announced alongside a run of UK and EU dates in support of Chicago garage-rockers Twin Peaks. Happyness’ last UK stint saw them support The Dandy Warhols up and down the country.

Tunnel Vision On Your Part also provides a rare direct glimpse into the band’s influences as they offer their own interpretation of Club Gaga’s Friend Of The Revolution. Originally featuring on their Suburban Lake album, it’s a record that Happyness hold up as one of their favourites of all time, saying “Most (if not the whole) of the record is findable on YouTube. There were a few different songwriters in the band - but this one's by the great Peter Fancher.”

Prior to the Twin Peaks support dates Happyness have two special EP release shows booked in, the second taking place at London’s Vauxhall City Farm, at which they’ll play a stripped-back set to include tracks from their work-in-progress 2nd album. “Vauxhall City Farm is one of our favourite spots in London & just up the road from where we wrote most of 'Weird Little Birthday'. As part of the release of our new EP, 'Tunnel Vision On Your Part', we're adopting the farm for the evening of October 8th for a stripped back show - playing songs from the EP, and some from our upcoming second album. Tickets are available now exclusively from Music Glue & all come with a download link or limited 12" vinyl of the EP. All Ages Welcome.”

Happyness EP release shows:
Sept 30 Happyness EP release show, The Finsbury, London, UK *
Oct 8 Happyness EP release show, Vauxhall City Farm, London, UK *
Happyness tour support with Twin Peaks dates in full:
Oct 19 Le Point Ephemere, Paris FR
Oct 20 Patterns, Brighton UK [buy tickets]
Oct 21 All Years Leaving Festival, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham UK
Oct 23 Bungalows & Beats, Sheffield UK * - Free Show
Oct 24 Brudenell Social Club, Leeds UK
Oct 25 Sound Control, Manchester UK
Oct 26 Scala, London UK
Oct 28 Botanique, Brussells BE
Oct 30 Merleyn, Nijmegen NE
Oct 31 DBs, Utrecht NE *
Nov 01 Vera, Groningen NE
* = Happyness headline show

'Anna, Lisa Calls' has the feeling of a spontaneous song, that is full of fresh bright vibes. The band reference The Travelling Wilburys as an influence for the direction of this track, however there is no missing the extra energy Happyness bring with them.

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Jake Meadows - Lost Entitlement, featuring Daniel Johns.

Background - Jake Meadows is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, and harpist from Sydney, Australia who recently released his debut EP Good Company featuring vocals and production from Silverchair's Daniel Johns on every track. Good Company showcases Meadows' signature sound which has been built from years of experimenting with classical harp, modern electronic techniques, and rich harmonious layers.

Written and recorded in studios across Sydney and Tasmania and a shed on the north coast of Australia, Good Company is a creative collaboration between two old friends, Jake Meadows and Daniel Johns. Meadows returned home from an inspiring trip to Spain and Ibiza to show Johns early versions of what would become a stunning debut release. "Daniel and I have been friends for years and he's always helped me find inspiration. We've always worked well together, on different projects, and this collaboration happened really organically. I showed him the tracks I had been working on for the EP and he offered to produce and be a part of the project, and we just went for it," says Meadows.

Good Company oozes with a hazy tranquility, as mellow electronic production pulses against warm, reassuring vocals and the ethereal sounds of Meadows's harp. Reminiscent of Rhye or Unknown Mortal Orchestra, "Lost Entitlement" showcases Meadows and Johns's ability to combine intricate rhythms, striking melodies, and unconventional instrumentation to deliver a celestial sound that's comfortable on the dance floor. Lead single, "Echo of Tomorrow" is a haunting and foreboding track that captures a sense of bittersweet grace not heard elsewhere on the EP. Good Company is only a small, yet outstanding, taste of what we can expect to hear from Jake Meadows in the future.

We featured Jake Meadows back in March, and did not hesitate to do so again, with the opportunity to share another song, this time 'Lost Entitlement'. This is an upbeat and danceable track, that really does boast an eclectic mix of sounds, welded together beautifully.

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The Slang - Ballad Of Everything.

Background - The Slang is an alternative/rock band consisting of duo John Bobo and John Newsome.  Their musical talents have earned them invitations to several premier music conferences including MPMF, NXNE, and CMJ.  In addition, the sounds of The Slang have been used in various mainstream outlets including HBO, USA network, and Troma Films.

The Slang’s path is anything other than typical for a rock band.  Lead Singer John Bobo turned down becoming an FBI Special Agent in order to focus on music and record the bands debut EP.  The success of that record led to more touring and a desire to record another album.  The follow-up EP’s title (Night and Day) refers to a number of differences the band experienced since the debut EP was recorded.  The band went from a three-piece to a duo and decided to change the scenery from the hustle of NYC to the more relaxed atmosphere of Nashville, TN.  In addition, they used a number of well-known Nashville session players to fill out the more layered sound of the new EP.

The band is set to release the Night and Day EP in the summer of 2016.  Recorded at the Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, TN, it highlights the talents of songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist John Bobo and Bassist John Newsome.  The album is produced by Russ Long (Wilco, Sixpence None the Richer). The Slang will be on tour in support of the Night and Day EP starting in the fall of 2016.

'Ballad Of Everything' is one fine alt rock song. With a powerful and superbly mixed soundtrack the vocals glide effortlessly above, with enough grit to provide that full alt rock sound.

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Spoilt For Choice: Harts - Pete Gardiner - Oh My Love - Yishay

Harts - Power.

Background promo - With a strutting bass line, velvety vocals and thunderous guitar riffs, the three-and-a-half minute epic sounds like it was written and recorded with the sole intention of being blasted from stadium speakers. The track premiered on triple j’s Good Nights With Linda Marigliano show and has since been added to high rotation on triple j. 'Power' is the first single Harts has released since partnering with Dew Process / UMA last month.

Harts – the brainchild of musical polymath Darren Hart – has already had a huge year following the release of his latest single ‘Peculiar’, which has ruled the airwaves over at triple j and been on regular rotation since its release in March. He has since been touring non-stop both locally and internationally, recently returning from a successful tour of the UK and Europe, including a slot on the Pink Pop Festival in the Netherlands.

In Australia, his outstanding live reputation is already cemented, having wowed the audiences of Splendour In The Grass, Groovin’ The Moo, Byron Bay Bluesfest, and Falls Festival to name just a few, and he returned to the main stage at Splendour last month. 'Power' is available to buy/stream now via Dew Process / UMA.

'Power' has a funky feel, driven by a potent bass line and a rich musical soundtrack. Add Darren Harts really cool vocals and you have one superb funky rock song.

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Pete Gardiner - Pretty Smiles.

Background -  Irish singer songwriter Pete Gardiner unveils his new single ‘Pretty Smiles’  along with a cinematic video inspired by 50’s Film Noir, set for release via NUA Entertainment on 2nd September. The visuals are the testament to the young artist’s love for retro, shot in a 1920’s bar in Manchester by award-winning video director Alex Taylor, the video narrates the story of a young bartender who falls in love with a ghost. Resembling a young James Dean, Pete Gardiner shows off his acting and dancing skills in what is his first professional shooting experience.

Fresh  from  the  success  of his debut single ‘All These Things’  - released earlier this year and supported by the likes of Robert Elms and Radio 2’s Janice Long, and crowned with a ‘Track Of The Day’ feature on Record Of The Day, the talented songsmith has been building a steady following of fans by performing his music across the country.

Pete Gardiner’s recent collaboration with Pól Brennan of Clannad, saw the young artist performing the theme music for the Irish movie ‘Property of The State’ alongside the legendary Irish composer. A powerful drama based on a true event that shocked Ireland in the 1990’s, the film tells the story from the eyes of the sister of a young man who committed murder and deals with the devastating effects of mental illness and domestic abuse. Pól Brennan composed the full score while the lyrics for the closing theme, ‘From Over The River,’ were written and performed by Pete.

‘Pretty Smiles’ is taken from Pete’s forthcoming debut album produced by Mercury Prize winner Tommy McLaughlin from Villagers. The album is due for release later this year and mixed by hit maker Ash Howes - who worked on singles for Ellie Goulding, One Direction, Kylie Minogue and Dido. With a debut album in the pipeline for the end of the year, ‘Pretty Smiles’ continues to cement Pete Gardiner’s position as a bonafide songwriting talent.

'Pretty Smiles is a powerful and beautifully produced song, from singer songwriter Pete Gardiner. There is a maturity and level of quality here, that I would expect from someone with a much longer track record in the music business. The forthcoming album is definitely on the "must listen list".

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Oh My Love - ChaChaCha.

Background - Oh My Love is an Electronic Pop duo out of Madison, WI comprised of Hannah Luree and Christian Lisser. Oh My Love’s sound is driven by powerful vocals, glistening melodies, driving synth, and heavy-hitting, electronic beats.

After two years of writing and performing music together, the electronic pop duo Oh My Love is releasing their debut album “Ghosts & Bubblegum” on May 6th for the world to hear. The 11-track album was written, recorded, and produced by Oh My Love in their home studio and mixed by Joe Mabbott (known for his work with Atmosphere, Doomtree, and Brother Ali). Ghosts & Bubblegum is representative of the idea that yin and yang, or two opposites can attract and become one whole entity. The duality of the album touches on humanity’s struggles with happiness and sadness, dark and light, and death and life. Without one, you wouldn’t have the other.

'ChaChaCha' really makes good use of the synths, with some meaty, deep vibes, that contrast and juxtapose with Hannah Luree's crystal and beautiful vocals. Electronic music fans really should check this song out.

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Yishay - Night Games.

Background - Gritty South Central LA artist Yishay finds beauty in the dirt and darkness on his second release, Trinity Tapes II. Layering live rock instruments and passionate vocal melodies over tight hip hop drums and electronic production, he has etched his way in bridging the gap of organic and electronic.

Spiritual questions and scientific insights are explored in clever wordplay throughout as exemplified on the opening track "Friend Of Mine," which takes lessons from the tale of psychology poster child Phineas Gage.

Darkness and light. Organic and electronic. Spirit and science. It seems Yishay is bent on unearthing the pole that pierces through polar opposites.

Trinity Tapes II continues his three-song-free-mixtape series that demands a public eye to uncover it from the underground. Yishay seeks to overthrow genre limitations by asking listeners to avoid labels and simply see things as they are. Here's hoping we find what's really there.

Yishay tells Beehive Candy "I am a new, unknown artist so there is no point in writing up some bio - I believe the music speaks for itself". Fair enough, and as it happens the featured song 'Night Games' speaks volumes, as do the other two tracks on Trinity Tapes II. This is a mixture of genre defying, creative music, with a sense of urgency and real passion. I can't help but like all of that!

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Quality Not Quantity: Wyatt Blair - Grog - Glider Pilots - Perpacity

Wyatt Blair - Dancing On A Dream.

Background promo - Record label founder. Recording wizard. Power pop maestro. Wyatt Blair is a man of many disciplines. Blair began Lolipop Records out of his parents’ Laguna Beach garage in 2010 with a simple goal of recording his friends and sharing their music with the world. When Wyatt moved the label to Los Angeles in 2012, he inadvertently started a rock ‘n’ roll revolution — spawning an army of sweet-toothed teens with an insatiable appetite for the sugary garage pop sounds of Lolipop bands — most of them discovered by Blair himself.

However, even as he assumed his role as the hardest working man in LA’s flourishing garage rock scene, Blair continued to write, record and produce his own music at a prolific rate. His debut full-length, “Banana Cream Dream,” immortalised his love of all things sweet and solidified his place as one of LA’s top tune-smiths. An infectious blend of anthemic power pop, tongue-in-cheek storytelling and hilarious interludes, the record has seen multiple re-pressings on Lolipop, Burger Records and Resurrection Records. Blair toured tirelessly behind “Banana Cream Dream,” supporting bands such as Broncho, Froth and Corners, and playing popular local festivals like Burgerama, Beach Goth and Desert Daze.

So, where does one go after assuming the throne of dessert-themed rock ‘n’ roll? For Blair, a musical chameleon and pop music Renaissance man, there was only one option. Hang up the banana suit and bust out the hairspray. Blair’s latest LP, ‘Point of No Return’ (out August 5th on Lolipop and Burger Records), is an unabashed love letter to the arena rock, glam and hair metal heroes that he holds so close to his heart. Channelling the soaring, harmonised guitar solos, lovelorn lyricism and workout-ready rhythms, “Point of No Return” plays like a lost gem from the long player generation.

'Dancing On A Dream' is the first of twelve songs on the new album 'Point of No Return'. It's an unashamed collection of arena, hair and glam rock music, that hurtles at the listener in a wonderful blast, indeed it's not until track six 'Patience' that the tempo really drops, and then not for long. Melodies, smooth vocals and loads of guitar driven songs make for a great album. It's a little retro and and yet also fresh and immediate.

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Grog - In Plain Sight.

Background - 'In Plain Sight' is the debut solo single from LA-based singer-songwriter Grog Lisee, aka singer/bass player and face of cult rock band Die So Fluid.

Finding herself in an intensely inspired creative space [‘cut me and music spills out’], Grog has recently been writing & producing material that flows beyond the framework of the classic Die So Fluid rock sound.

Her ever-widening perspective and a desire to share more personal and experimental offerings have led her to this solo project. With her mantra 'no rules, no limits', we can expect the release of more Grog songs over the coming months.

 "As a Brit living in the US, you can't help but notice the abundance of religions and cults here. I became interested and started researching them. I soon discovered the more extreme side of cult behaviour and was moved to write about what I consider its evil nature 'hidden in plain sight'.

The lyrics seem ever more pertinent in the face of escalating global civil unrest, racial disharmony, and terrorist propaganda. This is a time when surely we need to trust our instincts, strive for peace, and refuse to live in fear." – Grog, 2016.

'In Plain Sight' has a rhythmic, synth driven soundtrack, that complement Grog's superbly matched vocals. The song has a message that is delivered powerfully, in a piece that gradually builds into something of an anthem.

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Glider Pilots - Simple Things.

Background - Glider Pilots is an indie-rock/folk duo formed by brother and sister Benjamin and Samantha Hope. Born and raised in far north Queensland, Australia, their music revolves around the use of delicate guitar melodies, breathy vocals, synthesisers and drum machines. They write, record, mix and master themselves. They even do all the artwork and music videos.

Glider Pilots first released their debut EP In Another World in February 2015. They went on to play shows throughout Queensland, releasing new singles ‘Shoe Box’ and ‘Brand New Day’ later in 2015. Their follow up EP Some Where out There premiered through hhhhappy.com in April 5 to wide praise throughout Australia. The duo released a music video for EP track ‘Sleeping Vision’, and launched the EP at The Drift in Cairns later that month to an adoring audience.

Their upcoming single ‘Simple Things’ was recorded in their own studio and was recorded, mixed, mastered and produced by band member Benjamin. “‘Simple Things’ tells the story of how you get caught in the push and pull of where and who you are and where and who you want to be,” says the band.

Glider Pilots are planning touring throughout Cairns and Queensland this October, with an accompanying music video for the single later this Winter/Spring. “Simple Things” by Glider Pilots will be released 12th of August 2016.

Delightful, gentle vocals and the equally melodic and sensitive musical soundtrack, make 'Simple Things' something quite special. It's one of those songs that leaves me, desirous to checkout far more of their material.

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Perpacity - 9725.

Background - British-Danish synth pop duo Perpacity are releasing '9725', the lead single from their forthcoming second album ‘Arise’, Comprised of 14 tracks, it is scheduled for release in early October, the 14 tracks on this release complement each other well and create a special ambiance. ‘Eternal ft. Nordik Fire’, a track that brings the Celtic element of a violin-charged melody into electronic territory, is being offered as the b-side.

Perpacity is a duo comprised of Ian Harling and Martin Nyrup, who reside in Bristol (UK) and Copenhagen (Denmark) respectively. Their music exhibits a strong command of melody and texture, characterised by unique dark moving electronic soundscapes and vocals to set your heart alight. This is genuine, unconditional love for synthpop or dance-pop.

“When we set out to write the new album we agreed to not try to go for a specific mood, theme or atmosphere - that whether a song or a track made the initial cut depended purely on whether we like it and whether it speaks to us. We purposely allowed other genres to influence what came out of each song,” explains Martin Nyrup. “We get a bit blues-ish here and there, and even go a bit Celtic in one track with an amazing collaboration we had with violinist Bethany Borg of Nordik Fire. We like to think there is something for everybody here.”

“One of the reasons that Martin and I work well together is that we don't have the same tastes in music, often quite the opposite,” says Ian Harling. “The song '9725' was very much like that; it started out as a really gritty instrumental, but every time I listened to it I could hear lyrics and a melody within it. When you work on tracks like that, there’s a feeling that the song is writing itself, and you simply have to help it come out. On the surface it's a standard love song, but there is also a second level of meaning there.”

The ‘Arise’ LP was mastered by Alexander Kretov from renowned dreampop band Ummagma. As of October 7, ‘Arise’ will be released on CD and digital download via the duo’s Bandcamp, Amazon, and elsewhere. It is already available for pre-order on Bandcamp, with immediate download of ‘9725’ and ‘Eternal ft. Nordik Fire’). 

The contrast between the featured song '9725' and ‘Eternal ft. Nordik Fire’ is considerable, and demonstrates that Perpacity can turn their attention to very differing sounds and ideas, making the October album release something to look forward to. '9725' has a timeless electronic feel, with synths and vocals both vying for attention. Comparisons there may be, however I can only think of some very fine ones, so no problems there!

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Genre Wander: The Medicine Hat - Leslie Doll - The Tigerlilies - Gothic Tropic

The Medicine Hat - St. Cecilia.

Background - There's no mistaking Nabi Sue Bersche's unique, raw and emotive vocals. Here's her thoughts on the song:

"St. Cecilia is a song for all the men who have ever harassed me. It's a song for all the long stares and salacious grins, all the licked-lips and hey-sweethearts, all the shadows that walk a little too close behind me. It's about the thick skin I put on when I walk alone or I'm on stage. 

I love the power of that skin, but I hate that I need to be tough to feel safe. Now a brief glance in the mirror turns to a thousand eyes ogling me up and down, unkind hands fussing with my appearance. They impair a kindness I used to carry so easily. St. Cecilia is my constant companion. The patron Saint of music, she's with me in every dark bar, on every walk home. Watching my drink, watching my back, whispering a sweet melody in my ear." 

'St. Cecilia' is the second song we have featured by The Medicine Hat, and it's another gorgeous one. There is a quite intriguing video that has also been produced and can be seen over on our BeeVids page.

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Leslie Doll - Electronic.

Background bio - From the home of innovative pop music - Nub Country Records - comes the new Album from Leslie Doll. Leslie is a versatile producer, musician and songwriter - a passionate and soulful creator and performer who takes listeners on a journey through a musical world where fun and joy balance introspection and sometimes sorrow. His music is a reflection of deep expression and a bit of urban perspective. A member of the Vermont music writer’s society he has performed with a number of bands playing bass and keyboards and has recently received a publishing contract with music delivery in Brazil.

Leslie is a self taught musician and producer, his influences teaching him everything he knows about songwriting  - Mozart The Beatles, Billy Joel, Bach, Beethoven, Henry Mancini, Glen Miller and so many more.  He has written and produced over 150 songs within the past three years in his home studio with no limits in genre as he is comfortable writing in any style of music including classical compositions. What’s next for Leslie? He is looking to write an Opera and more classical pieces as well as more of his own unique beat driven tracks as shown on Durick 104.

 “This is now a passion for me, and will be with me for the rest of my life. Being an artist and writing music is what I am and always will be. This is something I must do and is not simply a hobby, or part-time work. I firmly believe that I have a gift that needs to be worked as best I can and heard by people that enjoy my sounds and new audiences as well”. Leslie Doll. 

Durick 104 is a really adventurous collection of electronic musical compositions, of which 'Electronic' gives a flavour. Melodies and tempos vary considerably, the one constant is the quality.

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The Tigerlilies - Easy As It Seems.

Background - The style set forth by the Buzzcocks, Cheap Trick and The Ramones is alive and well in the hands of The Tigerlilies - Cincinnati’s sole practitioners of post punk power pop.

Brothers Pat (vocals, guitar) and Steve (vocals, drums) Hennessy spearhead the band which includes Brian Driscoll (bass) and Brendan Bogosian (lead guitar). Together they have played countless shows around Ohio, serving as support for Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, Paul Weller, Guided By Voices and Superchunk, and attaining a sizable and appreciative following along the way. The past decade has seen the release of many singles and albums on independent Midwestern labels such as Atavistic, Violently Hip and Mono-cat 7, chalking up a total of four full lengths which showcase The Tigerlilies economic blend of punk, 60’s soul and garage rock.

Holding together the band through the years proved challenging with certain harsh memories developing into positives and others leaving lasting scars. Their practice spaces through the years are often rich with hilarious subterranean anecdotes – from their underground “keg room” which had to be accessed through a grate in the sidewalk to their current vintage junk store which they have lovingly named “the lily pad”. A tour van crash in Dallas years back is a more painful chapter in the bands history; killing their manager, Craig Falbe, and injuring all of the band members. They stayed together, helped each other through and kept on playing.

Resolve seems to be a constant theme in the bands work and has never been more apparent than on their newest EP, 123456, which delves into subject matter as varied as loss, alienation and space travel. It even includes a timely tribute to David Bowie, written a year before the superstar’s death. “These things are important to us because they represent a shared human experience” asserts Pat. “Hearing them reflected in song can bring people together, make them feel uplifted, reflective and just better.” This is a sentiment which has been echoed by their fan base who have expressed how The Tigerlilies music has helped them through depressing and even suicidal times. It’s seems the band’s retro, revved up rock, which often comes with a care free veneer, has a deep effect on people’s lives.

Their newest EP, 123456, is out September 2nd, and the featured song 'Easy As It Seems' kicks the collection of six songs off. It demonstrates the "post punk" side of the band off, however as this collection of songs demonstrates, they are capable of slower and gentler material, giving the listener a well rounded and highly enjoyable collection of tracks.

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Gothic Tropic - How Life Works.

Background - Los Angeles' Gothic Tropic introduces a new brand of female fronted, guitar-driven indie rock. Gothic Tropic have also shared a new track "How Life Works," as they announce the upcoming album 'Fast or Feast' due for release on Old Flame Records with a street date: October 28, 2016.

The brainchild of Cecilia Della Peruti, Gothic Tropic keeps the vibe playful and punchy, bringing audiences into a new era of female rock nobility, nodding to stars like Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. Delivering a blend of Richard Lloyd and Nile Rodgers on guitar, Gothic Tropic's Della Peruti has won sponsorships with Fender, and leading pedal manufacturers, and works professionally as a touring and session player for Charli XCX, BØRNS, and more.

Another act where it's second time around on Beehive Candy this year. 'How Life Works' showcases the quality of their brand of indie rock. Layers of melodic guitar driven music, support the dreamy vocals, on what is a very fine song and taster for the forthcoming album. 

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