Midweek Muse: The History Of Colour TV - AyOwA - In Light Of - Childcare

The History Of Colour TV - Wreck.

Background - Berlin-based trio The History of Colour TV is back with new music, presenting 'Wreck', the first single from their forthcoming third album 'Something Like Eternity'. For this, the band travelled to France in the spring of 2016 to record with Peter Deimel (The Wedding Present, Shellac, The Ex) at the legendary Black Box Recording Studio. The result represents a departure from their hallmark sound by bringing a raw, minimalist aesthetic to the new release.

Stylistically, 'Wreck' is a dynamic and open live recording with minimal overdubs and, in this respect, represents a snapshot of the overall album. With an elongated structure and narrative theme, the song itself blends melodic sensibilities with ragged guitar textures. Building on melancholic arpeggio patterns, 'Wreck' unfolds in intensifying sequences, crescendoing in a raging wall-of-sound that engulfs the song in a billowing cloud of guitars.

The History Of Colour TV was founded in Berlin in 2010 by British artist Jaike Stambach, initially conceived as a solo multimedia project involving noisy hypnotic output through audio, video and soundtrack offerings. Over the course of two albums and multiple EPs, released through Bruit Blanc and Saint Marie Records, the band has been unabashedly diverse in their approach, exploring harsh noise, sound collages and reverb-saturated dreampop, to the stripped-down rock of their more recent offerings. They also toured extensively while establishing their notable presence within the Berlin music scene. The current lineup also includes Markus Mocydlarz and Janek Sprachta. 'Wreck' will be released digitally on November 25. Their album 'Something Like Eternity' will be released in early 2017 via French label Cranes Records and the band's own imprint Weird Books. Website here.

'Wreck' has a raw live feel, not surprising as it was pretty much recorded that way. The play between guitar and vocals works well, and the rhythm adds energy and direction.

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AyOwA - Newcross.

Background - The Danish duo AyOwA came out the gates running with wicked hit ‘Sommer’ earlier in 2016 which attracted frequent play across Europe on BBC Radio 1 (Huw Stephens), Radio X, Amazing Radio and Apple’s Beats 1 with heavyrotation on Danish P6Beat. Huffington Post (US), Noisey, Vice and other international sites have taken the band which mark the rare case where Danish language music crosses borders abroad.

Friends Nicolai Kornerup and Hannah Schneider turned their companionship for musical alchemy when they started creating electronic music together as a band AyOwA. The two spent a summer in Valby to experiment with modular synths and old tape machines, and began to make their dark and evocative electronic pop songs.

"On the first floor there is no home. It has not been long." Take a little Underworld, mix it with a little Aphex Twin and sprinkle a bit Cocteau Twins on top and you land somewhere near AyOwA's second single ‘Newcross’. Still sung in Danish, AyOwA travelled through the past of familiar streets in London’s New Cross while looking at the dark windows and abandoned apartments and wondering where everyone went. Facebook here. 

It's been a while since I've been around 'Newcross', a part of London I used to drive through regularly. So it's interesting to hear a song sung in Danish about said place. However this is a superb track with intricate sound mixing with dreamier vocals, the promo description above kind of nails it.

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In Light Of - Bless Your Heart.

Background from Jason & Sandy (In Light Of) - The two of us live in different cities without any mutual connections. We met when Sandy responded to a job posting of mine and quickly bonded over a shared appetite for the kind of boundless sonic exploration found in post-rock (and the like). It's been a long-distance relationship ever since. 

We're truly the perfect pairing. Sandy's known as the idea starter or "vibe setter". He sent me a rough idea that he captured on his iPhone. I took it, developed and finished the track in my studio, and kept many of the original lo-fi recordings in the final mix. This is a song writing formula that works perfectly for both of us. 

Sandy and I have never written a song together. That is together in the same room, or even the same city. Yet, all five songs on this debut EP, Little Treasures, were pieced together from ideas shared from one device to another, many kilometers away. And now for the first time, through the magic of technological advancement, it's in your hands to listen and consume. Facebook here.

'Bless Your Heart' is a soothing and flowing piece,that builds beautifully in all it's ambient glory. It's good to feature instrumental music when we can, with this song its a real pleasure.

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Childcare - Film Club.

Background - 'Film Club', the formidable new single from arch capital-city rockers Childcare, will be released on Lost in the Manor Records on 18 November. Childcare are supporting Bastille on their nationwide arena tour ahead of the release. Channelling post-punk, slacker rock, G-funk and bhangra, ‘Film Club’ – inspired by Childcare singer/songwriter Ed Cares’ trips to cinematic gatherings in order to impress a fellow attendee – evolves from unruly beginnings into a lick-laden dual-person narrative rich in celluloid reference. Set this to a jagged guitar refrain and riotous global beat, and you have a track brimming with killer hooks, cultural nous and compelling wit. One for the canon of intelligent British pop, ‘Film Club’ is a key exemplar of Ed’s smart, skilful songcraft, as well as his band’s singular sensual verve and ear for the cream of new wave.

It's 2014 and Ed Cares sits contemplating the formation of an oxbow lake. Despite being one of west London's most in-demand male nannies, Ed isn't entirely content with his lot. But, overheard humming a song he had written years before, Ed is persuaded by Katie, aged six, to form a band. Josh, eight, boldly proclaims: "You're probably my second favourite artist after Katy Perry." And so, after sourcing some neighbourhood musicians capable of living up to Josh’s heady billing — specifically Emma Topolski (bass), Rich Legate (guitar) and Glyn Daniels (drums) — Ed now had an able band to perform with under the only logical moniker in the circumstances: Childcare.

Enthused with the energy of punk, drenched in the off-kilter pop sensibilities of Missy Elliot, the infectiousness of The Police and a by-numbers approach to songcraft akin to Happiness In Magazines-era Graham Coxon, Childcare played some of their first shows at the Reading and Leeds festivals, and soon released their debut single 'Omega Grey'. The song gained radio play from Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq, was named Track of the Day at Radio X, playlisted at Amazing Radio and garnered extensive blog coverage from the likes of Clash, Indie Shuffle and more. Also paying close attention were Lost In The Manor Records, who, after witnessing Childcare at one of their vivid and visceral live shows, wasted no time in proffering a contract. Facebook here.

Tues 8 November: Birmingham NIA
Sat 12 November: Glasgow SSE Hydro
Sun 13 November: Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Official ‘Film Club’ launch show - Mon 28 November: The Waiting Room, London N16.

'Film Club' is rapidly clocking up the listens, and it's hardly surprising with this feisty and potent song. If the rhythm doesn't get you the upbeat vocals and guitars could well hook your ears!

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Globetrotting: The Wedding Present - Hickory Signals - Snowapple - Songbird

The Wedding Present - Two Bridges.

Background - ‘Going, Going…’ is the title of the widely anticipated ninth studio album from UK indie darlings, The Wedding Present, but, in typical Wedding Present fashion... it’s not a conventional release! Going, Going... is out November 18th in North America on HHBTM Records, the album tells the story of a road trip across the USA, revealed across a collection of twenty ‘linked’ songs, each with an accompanying short film.

Always challenging and experimental, the idea to release the new project in a multi-media format is something that has been marinating with bandleader David Gedge for some time. As he points out, work began soon after the unveiling of The Wedding Present’s 2012 critically acclaimed album ‘Valentina’. “I’d already decided by then that I didn’t want to make the next release just ‘another album’ and so I came up with the idea of twenty ‘interconnected’ pieces of music. Then, in the summer of 2014 I travelled across the USA with photographer Jessica McMillan and we made some atmospheric short films to accompany the tracks. Since then it’s been a case of progressing through the music, trying all sorts of ideas, seeing how they work set against the visuals.”

Recorded at Studios La Fabrique in the south of France and Parr Street Studios in Liverpool with multiple Grammy award winning producer Andrew Scheps (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, Adele) the resulting twenty tracks represent arguably The Wedding Present’s finest work to date, with Gedge, as always, showing himself to be the unrivalled master at observing human relationships from an everyman perspective but with the touch and artistry of a poet.

Formed in 1985, The Wedding Present are one of the UK’s most longstanding and much-loved indie bands with eighteen UK Top 40 hit singles to their name. That’s not bad for a band that has, from its inception, stubbornly refused to play the record industry’s game. The breathtakingly honest love songs immersed in whirlwind guitars quickly caught the attention of the late John Peel, who said: “The boy Gedge has written some of the best love songs of the rock ’n’ roll era. You may dispute this, but I’m right and you’re wrong!” USA vinyl pre-order here.

From gorgeous instrumentals through to more typical Wedding Present fayre such as the featured 'Two Bridges' the new album is, put simply, fabulous! Where to begin with twenty songs (and another eight bonus tracks), I will just say, Wedding Present fans will I reckon be besides themselves, for everyone else, this might just drive you to go through the bands entire back catalogue, enjoy.

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Hickory Signals - Noise Of The Waters.

Background - Brighton, England folk-duo, Hickory Signals are pleased to announce their second EP and new single of the same name 'Noise Of The Waters'.

Inspired by the sea-inspired James Joyce poem of the same name, ‘Noise Of The Waters’ is the second EP from Brighton folk duo, Hickory Signals. Made up of multi-instrumentalists Laura Ward and Adam Ronchetti, the pair combine strong vocal melodies with vibrant guitar, shruti, flute, glockenspiel and pulsing percussion; layering sounds carefully and minimally to create magical and atmospheric folk.

Making melodies reminiscent of music past, their inspiration comes not only from bygone songs and lyrics but also the illustrative world of literature and poetry. When singing ominously about 17th century soldiers burning down fields and stealing grain in ‘Irish Ways’ – the duo conjure up darkened images of Ireland’s past made all the more arresting by the conviction and purity in Ward’s voice. Elsewhere, traditional song, ‘The Unquiet Grave’ echoes Laura Marling’s sing-song, confessional style - with string accents adding a mysterious air to the tale of decaying hearts and lost love.

Title track, ‘Noise Of The Waters’ merges haunting flute lines with cleansing water imagery, offering a redemptive feeling that evokes a by-gone era of ominous storytelling, while ‘Take The Window’ descends into a raging revenge ditty, made all the more piercing by Ward’s clear and meandering vocal style.

Another, ‘Bows and Arrows’, sees the duo explore the mechanics of man-made arrows, traps and fishing lines for catching unattainable birds, deer and fish. The song states that building anything (bridges, schools, tools) requires education “but still there are things we cannot know…”. A cautionary tale that subtly explores the dangers of our human penchant for fixing and often, destroying.

Ward and Ronchetti are joined on this EP by Stick In The Wheel’s Ian Carter, who provides the production, and skilled violinist, Tom Pryor, whose sensitivity and musicality help make the collection an utter joy to listen to. Hickory Signals work stands out here as haunting, cinematic and un-rushed, cementing their careful, timeless sound as one to watch indeed. 'Noise Of The Waters' EP is out December 2, 2016. Website here.

'Noise Of The Waters' is a tender folk song, with a fine and pure traditional feel. The arrangement is crisp and clear as each instrument delicately supports the atmospheric vocals. The duo clearly know their craft and the folk music world is all the better for that.


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Snowapple - Any Way.

Background - Figures stream through the early-morning haze on the platform, or rest in the cozy comfort of a late-night compartment. Some are fleeing the horrible, some steaming toward a lover, a home, a new unknown city. The train cars rock and clack, lull and ache.

Amsterdam’s Snowapple chronicle the romance and alienation, the weird stories and intriguing characters of the trains as they ride the rails for their third album, Tracks (Zip Records; release: October 28, 2016). Along the way, they connect their globally informed, jazz- and improv-inflected home scene with resonant harmonies, clever arrangement, and dreamlike lyrics that span the heartfelt and the playful. Coupling a keen sense of the theatrical with exquisite vocals, the trio has an ongoing collaboration with several Amsterdam fashion designers, most notably Mo Benchellal.

Snowapple is a remarkable band. The three front women come from different backgrounds namely Jazz, Gospel and Opera. In the songs that they describe themselves as fairy-tail folk/pop/opera/impro, the three exceptional individual voices move into majestic harmonies. The girls accompany themselves on multiple instruments such as guitar, mandoline, keys, flute and percussion.

Snowapple released 2 studio albums that both gained international success resulting in releases in Europe (V2 Benelux, Rough Trade), UK (Debt Records) and USA (ZIP Records). Snowapple did multiple international tours in Europe, the UK, the USA and Mexico. Website here.

One of ten songs on the new album, 'Any Way' gives a good flavour of the quality and melodic nature, we find within their third album release. Vocals delight the musical arrangements are consistently good, this is another fine collection of songs.

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Songbird - Street Walker.

Background - Steph Jolly, Songbird, is an emerging Singer-Songwriter based in Adelaide, South Australia. Juggling work, study and having a heightened passion for songwriting has been a challenge, but also extremely rewarding personally, professionally and most pleasingly musically.

‘Street Walker,’ the debut release from Songbird, is an energetic, upbeat track, with plenty of sass and funk to get you grooving. Steph's honest and raw lyrics come straight from the heart and draw on past experiences and innermost thoughts and feelings. They express personal observations of a world sometimes cruel, sometimes beautiful. Live recordings have been utilised to create an upbeat, acoustic feel that excites the ears and reassures the soul.

‘Street Walker’ has received rave reviews locally and has been capturing attention all across the country. This success has also led to regular performances on the contemporary winery circuit, thanks to her gentle yet powerful vocals and warm, inviting presence.

Plying her trade in city bars, Steph has honed her craft by building her confidence and helping her create and develop the stage persona that is Songbird. Combining with the intricate yet melodious style of guitarist and longtime friend Michael Collins, Songbird is one of the freshest acts to come out of Adelaide in a long time. “Street Walker” will be released 11th of November 2016. Facebook here.

A simple stripped back acoustic song, 'Street Walker' is the perfect setting to showcase Steph Jolly's dynamic and melodic vocals. The energy and feeling comes across oh so well, no wonder the local interest, and hopefully wider audience soon.

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Quality Not Quantity: Levy And The Oaks - Feel Freeze

Levy And The Oaks - Slowly In The Water.

Background -   By way of Asbury Park, Levy & The Oaks delivered their 8-song self-titled LP last week for purchase, stream and download here. Delivering a one-two punch of Indie Pop and Grassroots Rock, the collection was written and recorded in their homestate of New Jersey. Today, the record is available on all DSPs.

The four-piece band seamlessly blend clever lyrics, spangled melodies and heady arrangements, while putting a tasteful spin on modern (and not so modern culture). Inspired by Duane's own struggles, the LP is about growing up, finding yourself, and ultimately, personal acceptance.

The debut track off the LP, “Slowly in the Water” set the tone for the album. "In my experience, the best songs are the ones that come organically, explains Okun.“That’s the case with “Slowly in The Water”. The track channels the emotional state of feeling lost, and the journey to self-awareness. "Out Of The Blue" was the motivation behind starting the band and writing the record,"it just comes so naturally to us. As soon as we're in a room together, things just start falling into place. It was time for something new, something fresh. 'Out Of The Blue' is the song that made us realize what the future could hold if we just kept doing what we love to do together", proclaims Lou.

Comprised of Duane Okun (lead singer/rhythm guitar), Lou Panico (bass/backing vocals), Chris Colon (lead guitar/backing vocals) and David O’Neal (drums), members of Levy & The Oaks have played all over the world with acts like Incubus, All American Rejects, Say Anything and many others. Additionally, they performed at CMJ and South by Southwest with a variety of mainstream acts.

“We’ve been in a band with each other since we were 15,” shares Okun.  “My biggest musical influences are these guys. We love to make music, and we’re not concerned about trying to fit in. We never fit in anyway. Website here.

'Slowly In The Water' is a catchy, melodic, laid back rocker. Vocals and harmonies are pristine and the band play with an easy slick manner. The band clearly love their music, and deserve to be heard.

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Feel Freeze - Wet My Tongue.

Background - Danish electro-pop duo going by the name of Feel Freeze are set to break waves in the UK whilst continuing their successful rise back in Denmark. Scandinavian music is a treasure trove for new talent and Feel Freeze are the perfect example of this, following in the footsteps of the likes of The Knife and Lykke Li- there are big things coming for this dreamy pop pair. The duo consisting of Mathias Vinther Liholt and Raymonde Gaunoux have received praise for their memorable live performances, supporting the likes of Thomas Dybdahl and Cymbals Eat Guitars. This included GAFFA raving about the band’s performance, that they deliver “so much musical energy, that they can barely contain it”.

Their latest self produced single, Wet My Tongue, was mixed by Peter Iverson and mastered by Anders Schumann (Medina). The track is very sonically interesting- not only does it have dreamy, electro-pop elements including dry electronic beats of The XX, but the use of an acoustic guitar introduces a folk feel, completely setting it apart from others in its genre. Vocally, we can hear hints of Grouplove, whilst the use of synth gives it a retro feel. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you’ll totally hear the eerie 80’s influence in there.

"Wet My Tongue is a musical journey that takes off in a light acoustic setting, but transforms itself into an eerie melancholic universe with cutting guitars, deep bass-drum and bubbly synthesizers. It takes place in the internet-time where people spend their days looking at pictures of each other on screens. It increases our need for physical contact. A growing desire. A cry for nearness. Wet My Tongue." Explained the band. Wet My Tongue will be released via Swedish label Icons Creating Evil Art. Facebook here.

With flowing vocals and harmonies and a soundtrack that builds beautifully, 'Wet My Tongue' is dreamy and yet quite energised. Feel Freeze put lots into this song, yet its smooth uncluttered and full of hooks.

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Sundays Alternative Take: Christine Leakey - Howlite - Severed Limb - Hail Taxi - So Below - Eat the Apple

Christine Leakey - Je Danse Dans Le Discotheque Avec Toulouse Lautrec.

Background from Christine - I’m thrilled to share my latest self-produced circus inspired single that I recorded in Los Angeles and Canada, *Je Danse Dans La Discotheque Avec Toulouse Lautrec* from my forthcoming second solo album, *Wanderlust Wishing Well*.

The music video by the very talented Sandra Powers features my friends, Timur Bekbosunov (Timur and the Dime Museum and opera singer), Matthew Setzer (Skinny Puppy and he sewed his green gorilla costume), Brett Loudermilk the skeleton (sword swallower with Spiegelworld), Mario Marin as Lautrec, Ghosty the dog and yours truly, the doll.

If you listen closely to the recording, you will hear that I used a vintage foley stage (sounds like stomping and kicking leaves and a pipe around) from the world’s oldest sound studio in Hollywood now called, Winslow Court Studios. The studio has such a rich history – It was built by the owner of the Los Angeles Railway at the turn of the last century and during the 60s and 70s was owned by Liberace. You can feel the history in the room and imagine all the wonderful talent over the decades who have experienced it.

Je Danse Dans La Discotheque Avec Toulouse Lautrec is one of my earliest songs that I wrote prior to an injury that left me unable to play for years. As well, it’s one of the very few pieces I’ve written on a piano. Involved in the recording are my friends Fernando Perdomo and Matt Tecu who are in Jakob Dylan’s band, Echo In The Canyon, Kristian Hoffman (El Vez, Prince Poppycock) and more. Facebook here.

'Je Danse Dans Le Discotheque Avec Toulouse Lautrec' defies genres, however I guess it sits comfortably somewhere between eccentric, lovable and surreal. The video is delicious, as it takes your imagination into a circus of the bizarre and theatrical. Musically it twists and turns with whimsy and engaging effect. Creative and pleasing, the album will be one to look out for.

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Howlite - Storm Chaser.

Background - Howlite is the reincarnation of Melbourne musician and visual artist Alison Thom. The moniker alludes to a mineral, thought to bear properties that calm the wearer and release old pains. In a way the shift is also a catharsis for Thom, who unburdens herself of her name and her folk roots to delve into pop music, a darker territory of layered vocals and synthetic sounds; freed from the past to create anew.

‘Storm Chaser’, the lead single from upcoming EP Reasons, underwent many incarnations prior to its final release, including a session with Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar) and Nick Huggins (Two Bright Lakes), at the latter’s beachside studio, which set Thom down the path of using synthesiser samples and creating loop tracks. Inspiration struck with Melbourne artist and producer Michael Robinson, and the two set about creating a hybrid of sounds, taking elements from Scandinavian pop artists like The Knife and Aurora, the dreamy guitar fuzz and soft harmonies of Daughter and a homage to the grand scale drumming patterns of Florence and the Machine. The goal was to create something bittersweet – uplifting and emotional.

“The whole EP came about as a result of a huge breakdown I had in 2013,” Thom explains. “I basically threw out all my old songs, had a huge crisis of conscience and identity and slowly began to address all the elements of my personality I was unhappy with – depression and anxieties, my behaviour in relationships, my destructive tendencies. ‘Storm Chaser’ was born from that; the constant and seemingly inevitable choice to walk into the worst situations for me, to volunteer myself as martyr or siren – deliberately leading myself or others into danger. I wanted to make a beautiful song about being a terrible person.” Howlite celebrating the release with a launch on November 11, venue soon to be announced. Facebook here.

'Storm Chaser' flows on layers of synthy sounds with the vocals gliding smoothly above. The eruption of guitar sounds as the song suddenly builds takes everything up a notch, in this catchy song.

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Severed Limb - Bela Lugosi.

Background - Drastic Decline Records will release the new single by South London six-piece Severed Limb on Nov 12. To launch the single the band will play a benefit gig for 'Musicians Against Homelessness' at Brixton Windmill on Nov 12.

Since forming in 2009 Severed Limb have become stalwarts of the South London circuit and beyond. They have played numerous BBC sessions including one for Steve Lamacq at the legendary Maida Vale Studios. They have played to a full house at the Royal Albert Hall opening for Imelda May. They have released records with Damaged Goods, Serious Types and more. They were named in Hot Chip's "dream festival line-up" alongside Brian Eno and Aphex Twin. They have busked and gigged around Europe on numerous occasions. Bass player Si Mitchell taught Joe Strummer everything he knew... about backgammon.

Recorded to one-inch tape at the all analogue Chuckalumba Studios in Dorset, 'Bela Lugosi' sees the band move away from the punk skiffle sound they made their own. "We didn't want to be associated with bands at festivals who wear waistcoats, so you mutate and survive". Washboards, accordions and acoustic guitars are replaced with organs, full drum kit, and garage-heavy guitars. "The evolution feels natural. You learn your craft playing roots music in the street and then you plug in and see what happens." Website here.

It's hard for me not to think of Bauhaus (and their song Bela Lugosi's Dead) with the song title 'Bela Lugosi'. However this is a very different song. The band cook up a funky, beefy, rock'n'roll piece, with some retro vibes thrown in for good measure. Rather than giving you the creeps, this one just creeps under your skin, and stays there.

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Hail Taxi - Crystal Clear.

Background - Hailing from the landscapes of Edmonton, Alberta Canada comes a humble story of a solo singer/songwriter and performer - Nathaniel Sutton. While predominantly delivering folk-based indie-rock, you'll discover deeper splashes of alt-country, pop and EDM sensibilities with eclectic influences that parallel elements from artists like Folk Implosion and Beck.

Nathaniel Sutton (aka Hail Taxi) struck some inevitable fate when he was approached by Engineer Records back in 2005 (with him being a huge label fan and buying releases over the years) and was asked to submit some of his own material to their label staff. The intrigue of who took notice to his relentless dedication/purchases as a label fan, soon realised that Nathaniel was a musician himself and developed a bond with the label as an emerging artist. This relationship would eventually lead to the release of his debut album 'Dramatic Scene' in 2005.

Now, being in his early 30's, Nathaniel Sutton returns to Engineer Records under his new moniker, Hail Taxi, and with his appropriately titled EP 'Apart For So Long'. The 5 track offering contains vibes of familiarity yet foreignness and maturity that can only be heard to understand. With the prospect of strong connections, brilliantly written music and strong work ethics, Hail Taxi is a name that is becoming more recognisable by the day; with no intentions of stopping anytime soon. Facebook here.

I actually had to stop watching the video for 'Crystal Clear' just to check out if the song was being enhanced by the wonderful images. The simple answer is no, it's as catchy without the film, together though its a wonderful combination of sight and sound.

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So Below - Hard.

Background - New Zealand's reigning queen of goth pop, So Below (a.k.a Madeline North) releases her brand new single 'Hard', now available to download and stream worldwide.

Produced by Leroy Clampitt (Taste Nasa) and Aaron Short (The Naked And Famous), 'Hard' showcases North’s growing songwriting sophistication, delivering her signature synth sound combined with an undeniable earworm of a pop chorus that will echo in your brain for days. Says North of the new single, "Hard is definitely the most aggressive song I've ever written, with a pretty strong pop element. I love catchy pop melodies, if it doesn't get stuck in your head it didn't do its job!" The music video for 'Hard', directed by Susie Francis will follow in December 2016.

 After leaving her native New Zealand in 2013, Auckland’s Madeline North began exploring her vocal talents, inspired by her new surroundings. Layering heavily processed vocals and harmonies over simple yet dark laptop beats, North began to formulate her style into what would so uniquely become So Below. Wanting to carry on this darker, moodier style of electro-pop, North reached out to fellow Kiwi musicians Aaron Short (The Naked And Famous), Sam McCarthy (Kids Of 88, Boyboy) and Leroy Clampitt (Taste Nasa) to help her produce her demos and ultimately complete what was to become So Below’s debut self-titled EP, released in March 2016. With an immediate debut at #5 on the NZ iTunes Alternative chart, the track ‘Sleep’ earning Top 25 placement in Spotify Canada’s Viral Chart and ‘Far’ peaking at #22 on the Hype Machine chart, this global admiration paved the way towards international collaboration and a Remixed version of the EP followed in September 2016. Facebook here. 

'Hard' is the second song by So Below, we have featured on Beehive Candy. Madeline North continues to produce atmospheric music. and on this occasion, where her vocals drive the melody above a darker synth backdrop.

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Eat the Apple - Houdini.

Background - A Glimmer of Hope or Skin or Light was a dance/theater/cabaret/glam-rock musical created by veteran choreographer/director KT Niehoff. Commissioned by Seattle’s ACT Theatre, the event was performed to sold out houses in 2010 and again in 2015. This soundtrack to that experience, set to be released on December 2, 2016, emerged out of those haunted and humidly elegant performances – a "raucous, daunting thing" dripping with an intense appreciation for the moment.

Creators KT Niehoff and Ivory Smith (AKA) Eat the Apple began collaborating in 2010. They both have a long history of projects across artistic platforms, creating multi-dimensional experimental performance work. They share a similar background and are deeply moved by both the bizarre and traditional.

This soundtrack draws on Smith and Niehoff’s diverse history, creating an end result that is both theatrical and authentic in a raw way, an album that is both all over the map and totally cohesive. It's intended to be consumed in one big bite. Websites - KT Niehoff and Ivory Smith.

'Houdini' only hints at what's in store on the fabulous 'A Glimmer of Hope or Skin or Light' album. The clue is in the description above that is, dance/theatre/cabaret/glam-rock musical. For me once the album commenced with 'Carny' there was no option but to listen to the rest. Recommended for those in search of different.

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Six Of The Best: The Last Exposure - Uncle Lucius - Parlour Tricks - Soft Ledges - Anna Atkinson - Scott Taylor

The Last Exposure - Human.

Background - The Last Exposure releases their brand new single ’Human’, following the success of their debut ‘Echo’, ’Human’ is an uplifting song about not feeling as though one belongs in their body and does not in fact feel human. The Last Exposure offer an early 90’s alternative rock punch fronted by sassy and powerful vocals. They take pride in their performance - its rock, it’s loud and it’s fierce.

The Sydney band has been playing gigs in the city, non-stop since it’s inception in 2015, in that short life span supporting the likes of Hands like Houses, L-Fresh the Lion, Columbus, Camp Cope and Philadelphia’s Cayetana. The band met while studying their music degrees at university, travelling up to two hours each way just to rehearse and write together. With finishing their courses, they decided to take their original material and continue as The Last Exposure.

Chelsea Barnes, singer, says, “It’s a song about getting to the bottom, feeling that low and really hating yourself for it! I wanted the song to be uplifting. I wanted it to say ‘Well hey, you may feel low but you’re not alone and you’re beautiful’.”

The band recorded and produced the single with Australian record producer Lachlan Mitchell at Parliament Studios (formerly Jungle) in Leichhardt, Sydney. Facebook here.

Mixing power and passion 'Human' is a fine rocker of a song. There's a video for it (here), for me however the audio stands on it's own, in a fine alt rock piece.

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Uncle Lucius - Don't Own The Right.

Background - Following the success of their recent single ‘Age of Reason’ and the response to its cinematic video, Uncle Lucius have confirmed the next UK/Europe single from their latest album ‘The Light’ (Boo Clap/Thirty Tigers) as a double A-Side: ‘Don’t Own The Right’/‘Flood Then Fade Away’. The band have also confirmed a full list of European tour dates in October & November including seven UK dates, with support from Curse of Lono:
                                                                       
31st Oct - Greystones, Sheffeld 
1st Nov - Fat Lils, Witney (nr Oxford)
2rd Nov - Maze, Nottingham 
3rd Nov - Academy 2, London
4th Nov - Prince Albert, Brighton
6th Nov - Hug & Pint, Glasgow
7th Nov - Musician, Leicester  

In their own words: “We are beyond psyched about our return to the UK. After touring relentlessly in the states for the better part of a decade, we have become a bit jaded with most of the American audience. It seems the majority of people here have fallen victim to the blatant pandering and watered down lyricism of popular music that has, by design, taken over the mainstream. Our first foray into Europe earlier this year showed us that there is an audience that actually listens to and ‘gets’ our intentions. We are thankful for another opportunity to meet and perform for this crowd.” Website here.

'Don't Own The Right' has a fine if slightly surreal video, but oh boy! I just love the song. Vocals are naturally good and the band just buzzes with raw rock energy!

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Parlour Tricks - (what i think about when i think about) Bodies.

Background - Saying Farewell to Parlour Tricks, NYC act debut final EP: (what I think about when I think about) Bodies.
   
Described as "a sonic fusion of HAIM and Lucius", and with a knack for creating impossibly infectious harmonies layered over building drum lines, Parlour Tricks captured the hearts of audiences in their hometown of New York and beyond.

This week, they arrive with their new EP, (what i think about when i think about) Bodies - a bittersweet collection of tracks that marks the final release for the band who have announced that they will be disbanding.

"I want to tell you about those nights in the studio, in Nashville and in New York, when everything gelled beautifully, when we felt the enormity of making something good.   I want to explain these things, but even then it wouldn’t paint a full picture.  You had to be there. We were lucky enough to be there." - Parlour Tricks frontwoman, Lily Cato. Website here.

So it's a fond farewell to Parlour Tricks, it's been a while since we featured them and you can listen to the full EP below from what is was a consistently good source of beautiful songs. Enjoy '(what i think about when i think about) Bodies'.

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Soft Ledges - Seven Stories.

Background - Chicago's Soft Ledges make dark, angular, delicate music with the belief that the secret to lost is found and the only way in is through. Formed in 2015 by songwriter Shelley Miller (vox/piano/guitar) and Chris Geisler (bass), the band (joined at live shows by drummer Raul Cotaquispe) is set to release their self-titled debut album November 18.

Miller and Geisler, both veterans of the Chicago music scene (Miller as a singer/songwriter, Geisler in the Hamburglars, TAFKAV and several other punk bands), started Soft Ledges with a mission to make brave, honest music beyond the bounds of genre...and to challenge the self-perceived limits of what they were "allowed" to do as musicians and people. 

The result?  Miller's fevered, urgent whispers and screams on La Niña and Seven Stories.  Geisler's bowed electric bass, awash in reverb, on Highlight Reel. Fingerpicking and distortion pedals.  Last call, last chance lullabies.

Soft Ledges recorded their debut album spring 2016 at Kingsize Soundlabs (Chicago, IL) with engineer John Abbey (who also mixed and mastered). On it, Miller sings and plays drums, guitar, piano and several other instruments, while Geisler plays bass, plus guitar and drums on a couple tracks.

'Seven Stories' is just one element of the debut album due soon. Soft Ledges explore different themes, sometimes potent and feisty, sometimes in a more understated manner, with moods shifting from song to song. It's one of those albums where it's hard to predict whats to follow and I like that, especially if the quality is there. In this case it's there in bucket loads.

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Anna Atkinson - Snowshoe.

Background from Anna Atkinson - 'Sky Stacked Full' is an album about possibility. Musings on childhood memories, human connection, anxiety, the joys and perils of solitude, death - what it means to be in the world.

The songs were written over a span of ten years. There is a song I wrote for my father seven years after he died. There is a song I wrote for my mother three years before she died.

I'm fascinated by endeavours that take a long time. Slow moving, sometimes imperceptibly slow. Like quilting, writing a novel, making an album. Things for which there is no virtue in hurrying. Baking bread, snowshoeing up a mountain, knitting, gardening, growing up. In fact, they are processes we cannot hurry, try as we might.

The album was recorded over a period of five months at CBC Studio 211 in Toronto, and features the playing of co-producer and guitarist David Occhipinti. Facebook here.

Earlier this month we featured 'When We Were Young' by Anna Atkinson stating at the time that "the forthcoming album is eagerly awaited".  First track on the album is 'Snowshoe' and it is beautiful, as is the whole collection of songs. Vocals are wonderful, the song arrangements allow every element to shine through, and the creativity is there in each melodic piece. Well worth checking out.

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Scott Taylor - Tennessee.

Background - Born in Washington DC and raised in Virginia, Scott Taylor plays the true blues; stirred up in Motown hot sauce, simmered in funk and seasoned with southern soul.

The singer-songwriter has spent a life entrenched in music. After years spent with his youth choir, Taylor began his professional career backing headlining artists who toured the Northwest and has also collaborated with Cover Girls, Joyce Sims, Little Louie Vega, and Barbara Tucker of Strictly Rhythm Records. He bounced around several notable blues labels as he honed his solo style, finally hitting the UK dance charts with his 1991 single “Not So Far Away” on Back Beat Records.

Most recently Scott has found a home at Fetal Records out of Annapolis where he is putting the finishing touches on his first album for the label, a collection of songs he describes as “unfiltered and strait from the gut”. The bluesman has been laboriously tracking his new material, collaborating with blues guitar virtuoso Tony Fazio with Charlie Sayles playing harmonica on several tracks, while still finding time to play piano at Church on Sundays. Facebook here.

If you like your blues natural and with all the vital roots and passion then 'Tennessee' gives a flavour of what's in store on the first album. Scott Taylor is the real deal, and well worth keeping an ear out for.

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