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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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! 

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