Genre Wander: Tammy - Seldom Few - James Sayer - Ivey - Linnea Olsson

Tammy - Doing Something Right.

Background - Indie-folk duo Tammy share their newest tune, "Doing Something Right". The irresistible track is off Tammy's upcoming LP titled This set for release December 16, 2016.

"We had grown accustomed to writing songs about breakups and unrequited love and after a while, realized that we should write about the other side of love, the good side of it I guess...it's a song about appreciating a new love and that feeling of trusting that it's gonna last. We went a little further in the country direction than we usually do with this one. That vibe seemed to suit the lyrics. We recorded it with Andrew Oedel at Connecticut College where we held the sessions for the whole record. They had an upright bass and this song is the only one we did with that bass," says Tammy of "Doing Something Right".

2016 has been an exciting year for Tammy. "Hated It (With You)", the lead single off This was given high praise from notable music site, Consequence of Sound: "Vocalist Brooke's smoky voice plays off her bandmate Aaron's arpeggiated chords to form a seductive one-two punch that plenty of listeners will be powerless to resist." Their follow-up single titled "Away For The Weekend" exclusively premiered with Pancakes & Whiskey who wrote, "This gorgeous song premiere by TAMMY immediately entrances us with hushed guitar and the line -'Traveled on horseback to get, under your skin.' That line, while striking, is just the beginning of a four-minute adventure of love, loss and the need to get away from it all. The lyrics that are sung beautifully, wash over us like a warm blanket on a stormy night while the soothing guitar and minimal percussion is like a big inviting mug of Hot Toddy."

Tammy has announced a New York City show date on December 7th, 2016 at hotspot Berlin. Tammy's This LP will be available to stream and download on December 16, 2016. Website here, Facebook here.

Third time around on Beehive Candy this year for Tammy and this time with 'Doing Something Right'. Once again the gentle acoustic back drop makes a splendid foundation for the vocals and consistently pleasing melodies and harmonies. There are some more goodies on the forthcoming album!

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

Seldom Few - Barely A Moon.

Background from one of the band (and a short and sweet one at that) - My name is Ali Murray. I am a songwriter/musician from the isle of Lewis in Scotland.

I currently play in a band called Seldom Few. We are an atmospheric rock trio from the western isles of Scotland. We just recently released our self-titled debut album. 

Musically it's kind of a mix of post-hardcore, dreampop, gothic post-punk and shoegaze. We just called it atmospheric rock to keeps things simple, and because I hate describing my own sound haha. Facebook here.

Well I guess one effect of receiving a minimalist email is I get straight on the listening! 'Barely A Moon' is the first of eight tracks on the bands debut album, and highlights the meaty, expansive sound the trio produce. They comfortably drift between genres, however Seldom Few retain a consistent sound throughout and it's perhaps the change in tempo's rather than a wholesale change of direction between songs, that makes the album really work.

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

James Sayer - Sweet Baby Jane.

Background - James Sayer is a singer-songwriter, known throughout London for his session work & shows at the capital’s swankiest piano bars.

Hailing from Birmingham, James’ fascination and love of music began at a very young age when he learnt all things Rock n Roll through artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Elton John and Billy Joel. James moved to London in 2012 where he became a gigging musician, performing almost every night in piano bars, clubs and pubs. Eventually James met American producer, Alan Glass (Mis-Teeq, Kenny G), and they began working on James’ debut material. By early 2015, James had recorded an album's worth of demo recordings, and they were passed on to five time Grammy winner and former member of The Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald.

Blown away by his music, Michael then contacted James with the opportunity for a U.S. tour with BBC Radio 1 breakthrough act Ruen Brothers. During which time they supported George Ezra, played Coachella, and even snagged a live recording session with legendary producer Rick Rubin.

Later that year, James finished his first piece of solo work - ‘Taking Back My Love’. A pure representation of what James’ sound embodies - musicianship, passion & a bit of danceability! The Follow-Up Sweet Baby Jane, see’s James at his vintage best. Influences range from the big band sound, to jazz & all out feel-good pop. The stand-out feature is James’ musical flair & love of songwriting. It’s a track that will leave the listener with a smile, as well as appealing to an audience of elitist music fans. Facebook here.

Live London Dates:
The Savoy, Beaufort Bar - 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 30th December
Charing Cross Theatre, Players Bar - 3rd, 10th, 17th Decenber
The Ritz - New Year's Day.

'Sweet Baby Jane' is a vibrant, punchy song, with piano, rhythm and horns providing a potent backdrop for James Sayer's superb vocals. Add in the background harmonies, and this is one floor filling danceable upbeat and fun fuelled song!

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

Ivey - Last Week.

Background - Simultaneously hitting the books, either at high school or university, and playing packed-out shows to adoring fans, Ivey craft indie-pop that's primed for dance floor shenanigans. Tightening the screws since appearing on the scene in 2013, the Gold Coast quartet exude boundless charisma and magnetism with their music.

Premiered by Music Feeds, Ivey are brimming with delight to today release their new single into the world. After ceaselessly kicking goals with their previous single, 'All Things Good', new track, 'Last Week', is out today via Gd Frnds.

Unabashedly fronted by Millie, (16) Lachlan (19) and backed by Matthew (17) and Dante (20) filling out the rhythm, Ivey hit home with their passionate pursuit for danceable indie tunes. The young purveyors of songwriting craft sounds that far exceeds their aptitude and 'Last Week' is no different.

Highly infectious and executed so effortlessly, 'Last Week' is a massive, mature leap in terms of resonance for the group. Once again produced by George Carpenter (Waxhead, Jimmy the Saint & the Sinners, Karl S. Williams), acts as a quip to anyone who's fallen in love in mere hours. Shimmering guitars, hooks-a-plenty and the distinctive duo harmonies of Millie and Lachlan power this song through its breezy four minutes.

Ivey are not only maturing as musicians, but are doing it with style and ease. Continuing to further their gleaming, indie-pop sound that fans have come to adore just reaffirms the group's much deserved, unremitting success. Facebook here.

Back in July when we featured the band for the first time we said "Ivey runs the risk of too many age related comments, because it's such an excellent and well developed song". Well they clearly have the knack for doing so over and over as new song 'Last Week' well demonstrates. Less beach pop and more indie rock, the band have clearly an ear for hooks and a talent for developing really fine songs.

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

Linnea Olsson - Weekend.

Background - The fantasy pop cellist Linnea Olsson drops her new single 'Weekend'.
   
Having worked with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Sting, Ane Brun and Maia Hirasawa, Linnea leaves no doubt regarding the high level of her talent and musicianship.

Being supported by The New York Times, Linnea's sonic journey within the "cello driven fantasy pop" continues. The beautiful, soft and enchanting new single "Weekend" is out now!

Website here and Facebook here.

OK, so not much is being given away regarding Linnea Olsson except as far as I can establish the words above. Well I guess when a song is as good as 'Weekend' teasing those in the dark might as well be accepted, let the music do the talking and so forth. In fairness it does more than talk, it's a beautiful piece where vocals and cello merge in wonderful harmony. Superb!

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

Monday Marvels: Firebug - Thom Worth - Allo Darlin'

Firebug - Strange Days.

Background - More than ever, Americans are searching for the type of escapism that can rescue them from the polarising economic, political, and social chaos of today’s world. Luckily, New Orleans psychedelic indie rockers Firebug have provided a most welcome refuge with their optimistic and soaring new single “Strange Days.”Set for a December 2 release, “Strange Days” is the third song taken from Firebug’s upcoming full-length album, Homeostasis. Co-produced by Chris Goss (Queens of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys), Homeostasis is set for a late December release. More information on Homeostasis and Firebug is available on the band’s official website here.
 
Frontwoman Juliette Tworsey describes “Strange Days” as “the perspective of an onlooker who has a strong desire for escapism from the daily woes and struggles of the average person.” The song is a “step back from a world that appears, on the surface, to be increasingly polarized.” With typical Firebug optimism, Tworsey also notes that “Strange Days” encourages listeners to “push on and do the best we can.”

Fueled by Tworsey and multi-instrumentalist Jules Shapiro, Firebug embrace a variety of musical genres, including soul, ’60s/’70s rock, ’90s alternative, and modern rock. Tworsey’s charismatic presence helps the outspoken singer stand out, earning her comparisons to rock icons Chrissie Hynde and Grace Slick.

Based in New Orleans, Tworsey and Shapiro are inspired by the city itself and its rich musical history. Upon their arrival in New Orleans from Los Angeles, the duo performed as street musicians in the French Quarter. “We met so many talented musicians on the street,” Shapiro remembers. “It was a real awakening for us. New Orleans has inspired new ideas that we’ve incorporated into our sound and our songwriting.” Bandcamp here and Facebook here.

'Strange Days' is a good blast of rock energy, with Juliette Tworsey's bluesy vocals giving the piece some real feeling. Whether it's enough to escape from today's mad world is open for debate, however for just under four minutes you can get your 'air' guitar out and lay downs some riffs....

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

Thom Worth - Oh! Lucinda.

Background - With it’s floaty slacker riffs and sugar sweet melodies, Thom Worth’s new single ‘Oh! Lucinda’ is three minutes of finely crafted pop perfection. Essentially exploring the age-old tension between the hot-flushes of a new relationship and the cyclical melancholic torment of heartbreak, ‘Oh! Lucinda’ is both a celebration of young love and a lament on the deceptiveness of it. Worth’s falsetto, doo-wop backing, and angelic chorus-soaked guitars make for an immediately gratifying listen. The composition originally began shortly after Worth returned from working abroad in 2015, and he wrote it with a view to making the most infectious song he could. Recorded live with members of London-based band The Lodgers, it was produced by Worth himself and Dan Joseph Clarke. It’s an incredibly accomplished single from the young melody maker with the sort of effortless zest for songwriting that recalls heroes like Paul McCartney and Morrissey. “My music is inspired by many of the great melody makers from the from the past 5 decades, rich and instant in melody and colourful in progression. I like to get into people’s heads”

An encounter with an amateur local musical was to be a formative experience for the ten-year-old south-west Londoner Thom Worth. The show instilled in him a love for performance and a desire to take to the stage himself. His mother eventually secured an audition for him with the theatre company and through that Worth took his first tentative steps into performance, spending many years performing in a variety of different lead roles. After training as an actor, Worth then became an autodidactic musician - teaching himself guitar, drums, bass and piano along the way. By age 16 Thom was writing music and consuming it voraciously as he made for himself a kind of curriculum of popular music.

Locking himself in his room to sing along to the back-catalogues of artists like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Smiths, The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, The Chili Peppers, Manic Street Preachers, Radiohead, Leonard Cohen, and Elbow, Thom developed himself as an artist to the point where he felt comfortable to launch his career. Still only at the start, Thom has nevertheless played at the IOW, Green Man and Victorious festivals. After collaborating with engineer and producer James Welch of Masterlink Productions, Thom released his first EP on March 2014 to a sold-out show at The Half Moon in Putney. Now Thom is poised for acclaim, his latest single ‘Oh! Lucinda’ is a pop masterstroke, and the sound of an artist reaching the height of their craft. With infectious writing like Thom’s there’s no doubt he cuts one of the more invigorating paths on the indie circuit today.

Live: Saturday 10th December, The Finsbury. Website here, Facebook here.

Thom Worth has a very natural singing voice, one that retains a little roughness, which in turn adds edge and commitment, something that really lights up a melodic song like 'Oh! Lucinda'.

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

Allo Darlin' - Hymn On The 45.

Background - Allo Darlin’ are all set to release a final single to coincide with their sold out farewell shows in December. Comprised of two brand new recordings by the band, “Hymn On The 45” and "Wanderlust", it's due out as a limited edition gold vinyl 7” on the 12th December via Fortuna POP! and The Hangover Lounge, and will be available exclusively at the sold-out London gigs on the 10th December at Moth Club and the 11th December at Scala. The tracks will also be available to purchase digitally via the band's Bandcamp.

The A-side “Hymn On The 45”, weaves Elizabeth Morris’ heartfelt lyrics about starting afresh in a new city with guitarist Paul Rain’s signature stylings, ending with a heartwarming sing-a-long. The B-side “Wanderlust”, about missing people and places whilst embarking on your own adventures, is classic Allo Darlin’ fare, blending poignant melancholia with bright and sunny pop melodies.

The band have also announced the supports for their three sold out London farewell shows: Night Flowers play the all-ages matinee show at Moth Club on the 10th December, with The Hayman Kupa Band supporting at the same venue in the evening, while Allo Darlin' bassist Bill Botting and his band of indie allstars The Two Drink Minimums open at Scala on Sunday 11th December, with the main support being comedian Josie Long. Facebook here.

Another band who have chosen to go out on a high with the wonderful new song 'Hymn On The 45'. It's a delightful indie pop track that oozes melody and hooks both musically and with the so fine vocals and harmonies, love it!

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

Quality And Quantity: Torgeir Waldemars - Highasakite - The Little Kicks - Fleurie

Torgeir Waldemars - Sylvia (Southern People).

Background - Torgeir Waldemar took the Norwegian people and music press by surprise with his eponymous debut album in 2014. Who had thought that the black-clad, long-haired and bearded man would deliver an album that captivated and moved us as much as it did. An acoustic masterpiece that sounded like it came straight from the rehearsal room of a young troubadour from Laurel Canyon in the seventies.

While his previous album cultivated a pure, acoustic sound, we get more rock music this time, and for Torgeir Waldemar nothing is more natural. With his background as a guitar hero in various rock bands, it was only a question of time before distorted tones would assert themselves in his solo career. No Offending Borders is a gloriously composite work with both dead honest acoustic laments and grandiose rock songs.

But the record is so much more than that, and for Torgeir this is a document that shows the seriousness we meet in our everyday lives. Both on the personal level, with relationships that falls apart and the loss of loved ones, but also on a national and global level, with refugee crises, suicide statistics and the weakest members of our society. You may have guessed it already, but this is a solemn record.

If you’re afraid that Torgeir Waldemar has turned away from what he presented on his debut album, you can relax. Here we get acoustic folk songs like Falling Rain (Link Wray), Island Bliss and Souls On A String, but the album also contains more intense rock songs like Summer In Toulouse, Sylvia (Southern People) and Among The Low.

Aesthetically, it’s also consistent from beginning to end - nothing at all is done by chance here. The historical lines that are drawn in the cover design, are also meant to point back to ourselves and to make us conscious of our past, so that we won’t make the same mistakes again.  Website here, and Facebook here.

I suppose technically 'Sylvia (Southern People)' is the B-Side to 'Summer In Toulouse' and that's a really fine song in it's own right, but I'm editor here and I get to choose my favourite! I just love this song, there's a little Neil Young and Crazy Horse about it, but so what, it's just so, so good...

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

Highasakite - Golden Ticket and Samuri Swords (Acoustic Versions).

Background - Norway’s Highasakite’s release their superb ‘Acoustic Versions’ last Friday via Propeller Recordings - with the four track release showcasing their undeniable pop sensibilities, whilst specifically highlighting Ingrid Helene Håvik’s instantly recognisable, and immaculately presented vocal talents.

A stark, spellbinding release - the four tracks encompass a broad spectrum of sound palettes. Sweeping piano turns and a gloriously high reaching vocal performance stand out on EP opener ‘Samurai Swords’; elegantly swerving into the hushed beauty of the ‘Golden Ticket’ acoustic rendition - featuring Ingrid’s sumptuous zither work in its rousing chorus. Highasakite’s darker tendencies shine through on ‘Since Last Wednesday’ - with the EP culminating in a euphoric, otherworldly interpretation of ‘Leaving No Traces’ - once again presented with a backdrop of intricate piano work.

 Stripped of the multi-layered synths on sophomore album ‘Camp Echo’ - with a poignancy bereft of the dark and pummelling perplexities displayed on their usual output - Highasakite return to their more organic roots with the ‘Acoustic Versions’ EP. Featuring sprawling arrangements from accomplished pianist and band member Marte Eberson – Bachelor of Jazz, The Grieg Academy (2007-2011), Sund Folkehøgskole (2006-2007) and Foss Videregående Skole (2003-2006) – alongside the signature vocal of Ingrid Helene Håvik, a graduate of Trondheim Jazz Conservatory in her own right.


 
Recorded live from Propeller Studios in Oslo, all within a few hours, the EP calls on a selection of analogue equipment and pianos, including an Ed Seiler upright, tack piano, Bechstein Grand, pump-organ and zither. Highasakite have gone from strength-to-strength in 2016. Since its release in May, 'Camp Echo' has surpassed 13 million streams on Spotify alone and motioned a busy live schedule, including main stage headlines at Norway's five biggest festivals, alongside international routing via Glastonbury, Latitude, Hurricane and Roskilde. Website here and Facebook here.

The acoustic version of 'Golden Ticket' is accompanied by the above video which adds some real insight into the acoustic sessions. We featured the original version of 'Samuri Swords' earlier this year. I have to say all four new versions on the EP are a delight to listen to. Somehow they have managed to add depth and power, creating beautifully crafted music alongside the incredible vocals.

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

The Little Kicks - Goodbye Enemies, Hello Friends.

Background - The Little Kicks have shared a video for their new single "Goodbye Enemies, Hello Friends" and announced a new album "Shake Off Your Troubles" due for release on March 3rd 2017 through Loosen Up Records.

The Little Kicks first emerged around five years ago, a young Aberdeen band with the wind in their sails. A crisp, upbeat debut album followed, laced with off-kilter indie pop worthy of comparison to early Franz Ferdinand, The Long Blondes, or even Sparks. Then, the band took some time off to reassess, re-jig their personnel, and are now ready to stake their return...

Through 2016’s political upheavals, and the loss of many a music icon, it’s been a year that many will be keen to see the back of, so it is perhaps with some foresight that The Little Kicks choose to name their 2017 album Shake Off Your Troubles. New single Goodbye Enemies, Hello Friends is in itself a nod to appreciating what you have in life, as singer Steven Milne elaborates;

“Lyrically this was the first song I wrote for the new album so it was the starting point and template for our new record in many ways. It's generally a song about being happy with your lot and appreciating what you have, and not letting anything get you down or get the better of you.  The overall sentiment is that things are going to be okay. This is echoed and in line with the title of our new record "Shake Off Your Troubles". There is a totally intentional Beatles vibe which you could say comes largely due to the name-check (and drum fill) in the last verse but I feel their influence was a natural reference point in the studio that suited the song.  The simplicity of having a heavy backbeat with melody moving on top and the drums not really changing is solid Ringo Starr. Of all the genres they covered they never really flirted with disco - so the brief sort of became “what if the Beatles went disco?” Website here and Facebook here.

If the melody, hooks and superb production don't get you with 'Goodbye Enemies, Hello Friends' then either your in the wrong place, or I had better start featuring North Korean nose flutes. This is for me, simply put, one charming indie pop song, and that's more than enough!

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

Fleurie - Fire In My Bones.

Background - Nashville artist Fleurie has unveiled her music video for "Fire In My Bones," the fourth video released from her critically acclaimed EP, Arrows. "'Fire In My Bones' is a song about the inner battle for control that stems from unresolved or buried pain and shame," explains Fleurie. "This video tells the story of the little girl still alive in me, wanting acceptance for her failures, and the woman I am today fighting to reign victorious, to believe I am in control.”

Released back in September of 2015, Arrows proved to be a launching pad for the electronically-laced, cinematic, dreamy pop sound that has come to be synonymous with Fleurie. Nylon Magazine originally premiered "Fire In My Bones," citing her ability to meld a singer/songwriter approach with electronica. NPR Music highlighted the EP's second single, "Still Your Girl," saying, "...Fleurie uses heavy, jarring electronica to turn an airy pop song into something dark and downright luscious."

2016 saw the release of Fleurie's cinematic album, Love and War, which featured many songs that have received prominent placements in TV and film. "Soldier" was used in the international film trailer for Concussion starring Will Smith, "Hurts Like Hell" can be heard in MTV's Scream, and she's had multiple placements on CW's The Originals with "Breathe" and "Sirens." On top of that, she recently wrapped up a national U.S. tour alongside hip-hop artist NF.

In-between releasing Arrows, Love and War, writing for TV/film, and touring the U.S., Fleurie has begun writing and preparing for her next full-length release. Website here and Facebook here.

Third time feature this year for Fleurie on Beehive Candy, so I think it's safe to assume she ticks plenty of musical boxes for me. 'Fire In My Bones' demonstrates her creative and imaginative talent in copious amounts. The video is a fine uncluttered affair that adds some storyline to the song, however it's the music once again, that grabs and holds my attention.

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

Weekend Wonders: Rome Is Not A Town - Billy The Zombie Kid - The Velveteins - OhBoy! - Billy T Band - Varick

Rome Is Not A Town - Blood And Secrets.

Background - 4 piece Gothenburg, Sweden unit Rome Is Not A Town released their debut 7” “Stupid” in late 2015. With their noisy postpunk they soon found a special place in the hearts of everyone with a fondness for cracking guitars and some furious drum beating. Swedish media got excited and the biggest ones such as Festivalrykten, Hymn and Gaffa soon compared them Sonic Youth. As a match made in heaven Rome Is Not A Town got the chance to tour a few dates with the Thurston Moore band soon there after.

Since that initial success the band’s been on tour with fellow label mates Tiger Lou in Sweden and Germany as well as recording a new EP, "Careful Like You Cared" with Per Stålberg (Division of Laura Lee) in Welfare Studios, Gothenburg. The EP consists of four brand new tracks, and six minute masterpiece “Blood and Secrets” as a b-side. All released by Startracks – home of Fireside, early Refused and so on. Guitars go in the family, they say. Facebook here.

'Blood And Secrets' rounds off the new EP in style. The four new tracks are consistently good, with a consistent and definitive sound throughout, in what for me is a mixture of alt rock, indie rock and some delightful post punk moments. Good stuff !!!

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

Billy The Zombie Kid - Are You Dying Just Like Me?

Background - Billy The Zombie Kid is an alternative pop/rock band from Borlänge, Sweden. Billy the zombie kid started as a no name solo project by lead singer & guitarist Stefan Altzar back in 2013. He had written a bunch of songs containing a unique mix of pop, rock and electronic elements, and to be able to take the songs from digital format out to the live stage, Stefan began putting a real band together. His longtime friend, Janne Korpela, joined the band on guitar.

They had been playing together in several different bands for many years, so it was an easy decision to make. The band also needed someone that could play keys, and that's where Max Björk came to be the perfect fit. Being a diverse musician, Max became a great asset to the band, not only as an instrumentalist, but also as a contributor to the vocal department. Finally, the band needed someone who could bring all of the computer programmed beats to life. Stefan reached out to Fredrik Olsson, who he knew from previous collaborations, and Fredrik was more than happy to join the band as the drummer, and also as a backup vocalist.

Their music was well received by the online community, and during the spring and summer of 2014 the band played several live shows and festivals around their hometown. During the fall of 2014, the idea of creating a full length album occurred, and that became the band's main focus. New songs were composed, and old songs were rearranged, and during the spring of 2015 the recording process began. From September 2015 until april 2016 videos and singles were released and in August the album “We’re always right” was finally released by the label Alternative Alien Baby. Website here and Facebook here.

The video for 'Are You Dying Just Like Me?' is something of a mini epic, which is just right for what is, a very impressive piece. More rock than pop, the band mix strong vocals with soaring guitars and a solid thumping beat that pushes the song along. Ones to watch out for.

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

The Velveteins - Don't Yah Feel Better?

Background - The first single off of The Velveteins' debut LP Slow Wave is Don't Yah Feel Better?

Hailing from sunny Edmonton, Canada, The Velveteins are a rock 'n' roll band consisting of primary songwriters Spencer Morphy (vocals, guitar) and Addison Hiller (percussion). Their latest work 'A Hot Second With The Velveteins' was produced by Lincoln Parish (Cage The Elephant) and has been described as "... a collision of the Kinks and the Libertines, rollicking  garage, moody surf [...and] pop classicism with a rough edge". The single is coming ahead of their debut full-length Slow Wave, which they are releasing with Fierce Panda Canada in 2017.

“I had been listening to a lot of traditional Indian music and i think that’s where the guitar melody came from. After the music had appeared so easily I decided to write the lyrics about how everything you need is there, you just have to stop and listen for it.” - The Velveteins. Facebook here.

It was back in May that we first came across The Velveteins, and it is without hesitation that the new song 'Don't Yah Feel Better?' gets a feature! The band craft music that mixes genre styles that makes the most of the rock'n'roll spectrum. Looking forward to the debut album.

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

OhBoy! - Dirt.

Background - This week Northampton 5-piece OhBoy! released the video for “Dirt” the B-side to a new single. It follows up on "Hey Princess." Both tracks are out now via Canvasclub (US) and Alcopop (UK).

Hailing from "a town that was once known the world over for being the home of British shoe manufacturing (the local football team is still know as The Cobblers),” OhBoy spent much of summer '16 on the road, playing Truck Festival Camden Rocks, The Great Escape, and the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury. Fans include Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens and John Kennedy.

Website here and Facebook here.

'Dirt' is a feisty indie rock song that as B sides go, makes a wonderful A side (if you get my point). I'm not sure about the videos, elephant in the room, but the song is just right.

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

Billy T Band - Reckoning

Background - Billy T Band's 4th album "Reckoning" is out on CD, streaming and download (LP in March 2017). It’s filled with more of Billy T’s blues drenched rock ‘n’ soul. According to Billy T himself it’s the band’s best effort yet!

Their 3rd release won the Norwegian Grammy “Spellemannprisen 2012" for the best blues album. ”L.OV.E. (just a silly notion)” (released in 2010) also received Norwegian Grammy “Spellemannprisen 2010" for the best blues album. All of Billy T Band’s releases are filled with songs steeped in Classic American Soul, Blues, R&B and Swamp Rock. It’s a mix of original songs written by Billy T and the band and a few cover versions of obscure nuggets from Billy T’s ”wasted youth” as a hippie in Upstate New York. 

Bill was born and raised in New York City, and played and recorded with Eddie ”Bluesman” Kirkland for 12 years, and the Tom Russell Band for 10 years. Along the way, he worked with such diverse artists as Lightning Hopkins and Nancy Griffith. After moving to Oslo Norway in 1997, Billy T ran the house band at the ”Muddy Waters” blues club for 7 years, helping to launch the young Norwegian talents Amund Maarud and Chris "Kid" Andersen (now with Rick Estrin & the Nightcats). Website here and Facebook here.

Title track and the first of ten on the new album 'Reckoning' is a very good example of the quality you can expect throughout. Melody plays a big part ensuring a whole load of hooks along the way. Mixing guitar driven blues and rock, fine vocals and remarkable harmonies, Billy T is right to be pleased with the result of the obvious effort put into the album, it's a good one and deserves to be noticed when released.

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

Varick - Illusions.

Background - Varick has shared a video for his track "Illusions". The video was directed by Shomi Patwary (The Weeknd, Mark Ronson, A$AP Rocky) and stars actress Judy Sabin.

Keith Varick has been interested in ancient spiritual teachings since he was in his youth. These philosophies introduced Varick to meditation, oneness and enlightenment. When Varick started writing songs he found himself writing about these themes subconsciously. Varick began modernizing these ideas, by using his own experiences, to create songs that express the philosophies of non-duality, Hinduism and Advaita. Varick moved to NYC to develop his music and teamed up with producer David Sisko to release his first EP “Boundless”. 

The single “Boundless’ was included in print and online in ‘Under the Radar Magazine’ and also in their quarterly download mixtape. “We All Know the Rest” the second single off the ‘Boundless’ EP was included in CMJ’s monthly mixtape. Varick’s full album ‘Veda I’ is out now, with second album ‘Veda II’ out early next year. Website here and Facebook here.

There is a haunting vibe running through 'Illusions', a song full of atmosphere and depth. The video matches the layered sounds, and highlights the sense of angst and feeling that the song delivers.

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

Six Of The Best: Sloucher - Essie - Hawk - The Blue Aeroplanes - Four Star Riot - Sleepytown

Sloucher - Waiting to Start.

Background - Like a lot of bands, Sloucher started off as a relatively unambitious project. After writing a batch of songs on acoustic guitar to sate his downtime as drummer in a couple of revered West Coast bands Cayucas and Hibou. Jay Clancy decided to better harness the melodic thrusts bouncing around his head, eventually recruiting guitarist Kyle Musselwhite (The Globes) and drummer Jack Hamrick to solidify Sloucher as a trio.

“The record really started as me testing myself to see if I could actually complete an entire record of my own songs,” explains Clancy, who recorded most of the EP himself. “I had written a batch of songs that were all basically little snapshots of my life from the past few years, and wanted to get involved in a recording project.”

Certainty, the resultant collection of seven songs, deals in the kind of melodic interplay typically found in the more voluminous aural panoramas of Elliott Smith and similarly alchemic songwriters. Clancy’s heart-wrenching diatribes include the moody haze of “Dreams,” a tune resplendent in subtle time changes and plodding pocket-rhythms while Clancy’s voice assumes an apparition’s timbre to fit the vibe of the moony tune.

Perhaps in defiance of the band’s slacker-y moniker (I have questionable posture sitting down,” jokes Clancy), songs like “Certainty” excel in the pop-perfect guitar rock of forebearers like Evan Dando and Jeff Tweedy, with Clancy’s thinly veiled affinity for twangy country riffs rearing its pretty head. The symbiosis of the trio’s talents is most evident here, with Musselwhite’s lead giving wings to a saccharine-sweet love song bursting with mildly distorted guitars, providing a fitting Northwest attitude even when the sentiment is a tad gooey. Facebook here.

The first of seven tracks on the new EP and 'Waiting to Start' immediately signals that some natural and engaging alt rock is on it's way. As a whole its totally unpretentious, occasionally a little gritty, and often melodic, with a few country rock vibes sneaking in here and there.

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

Essie - Electric Wires.

Background - Essie is the new dreamy indie/pop solo project from Melbourne based singer/songwriter, Jess Holt. A strong pop sensibility infused with lush, sultry vocals, oodles of shimmering melodic hooks, playful synths and hints of 80’s nostalgia will lure you into a deep ocean of indie-pop soundscape.

The debut track ‘Electric Wires’, reflects on Jess’ frequent travels and desire to always be on the move experiencing new environments and her fascination with meeting new people. It’s about the people you meet on the journey that make you see the world in a different way and keep things new and exciting. Crafted with London-based producer Dan Villalobos, the track is drenched with subtle, spacey electronics, moody synths and layers of luscious ethereal vocals. Elements of sparkly glockenspiel and marimba breathe light into the song and highlight Jess’ enchanting lyrical storytelling.

“When writing, a song usually grabs hold of me and my subconscious takes over. Sometimes it’s a very therapeutic process, other times it can be a little daunting to really address those deepest inner thoughts. I get bored pretty easily so creating something that is unique to each song is really important to me”.

The single artwork was designed by acclaimed singer/songwriter and visual artist, Bertie Blackman. “I was first introduced to Bertie’s artwork at her recent solo exhibition in Melbourne. I fell in love with the way her drawings told such beautiful quirky stories and thought it would act as a nice accompaniment to ‘Electric Wires’. It was the perfect collaboration as Bertie’s exhibition also incorporated a lot of ‘electric’ symbolism,” says Jess on the artistic collaboration.

Having spent much time writing and recording in the UK over the past couple of years, Essie has big plans to release a debut EP in 2017. Essie launches her new project and single ‘Electric Wires’ in Melbourne on Wed 14th Dec at The Grace Darling Hotel. Website here and Facebook here.

'Electric Wires' has an intricate and superbly produced soundtrack, providing a wonderful background for Essie to sing above, something she does with style, adding so much more to an already fine musical arrangement.

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

Hawk - Mother Road.

Background - Hawk is a project from David Hawkins who is also known from his other band Be. Hawk has re-released a remastered version of their fantastic album I'm On Fire. The re-release is because the feeling is the album could be a potential future classic, and also that it will continue to find its audience and build further anticipation for what Hawk does next.

In addition to the alt-country, rootsy grit of Be, Hawk heavies up the proceedings by adding in a dose of garage rock (plus shades of classic Rolling Stones and even a bit of early-AC/DC riffage).

Also worth noting, David is in the planning stages of the next Hawk album (which could arrive as early as next year) that is confirmed to feature legendary guests such as Gary Louris of The Jayhawks, Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, R.E.M., Big Star) and longtime Elvis Costello drummer Pete Thomas. Website here. Bandcamp here.

First of twelve tracks on the album 'Mother Road' typifies the rock'n'roll swagger and blistering guitar playing on the remastered 'I'm On Fire' album. Vocals are energised and work well with this genre. Whether this is a "potential future classic" who knows, it is however most definitely a decent rootsy collection of rock songs, delivered with passion.

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

The Blue Aeroplanes - Here Is The Heart Of All Wild Things.

Background - The Blue Aeroplanes' unique amalgam of rock, folk, poetry, punk, dance and art has been an acknowledged influence on a wide range of bands including REM and Radiohead. Combining pop smarts with serious weirdness, they have released almost thirty albums on various labels, several of which have charted in the UK Top 40 and the US Alternative Top 10.

Their new album 'Welcome Stranger' is out January 6th 2017 and now you can check out their new video below. Website here.

The Blue Aeroplanes are also setting out on tour in January 2017, traveling across the UK. View the full dates below:

Liverpool O2 Academy 2 Liverpool Wed, 11/01/17
Manchester Manchester Ruby Lounge Thu, 12/01/17
Newcastle O2 Academy 2 Newcastle Fri, 13/01/17
Edinburgh Voodoo Rooms Sat, 14/01/17
Glasgow Stereo, Glasgow Sun, 15/01/17
Nottingham Nottingham Rescue Rooms Wed, 18/01/17
London O2 Academy Islington Sat, 21/01/17
Oxford The Cellar Wed, 25/01/17
Sheffield Sheffield Leadmill Thu, 26/01/17
Norwich Norwich Arts Centre Fri, 27/01/17
Brighton Patterns Sat, 28/01/17
Exeter The Cavern, Exeter Sun, 29/01/17

With a new album just a month away, The Blue Aeroplanes are back, and the featured song 'Here Is The Heart Of All Wild Things' suggests the band are on form and still creating top notch music. I love the vocals and harmonies, and the crisp musical delivery is spot on!

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

Four Star Riot - Empty Space.

Background - Four Star Riot shares a new video this week for the song "Empty Space". It's an animated tongue-in-cheek trip through space, as surreal as real life in 2016. Last month, the band released a beautifully cinematic and vivid short for the track "So Far."

It’s been a landmark year for the Tampa Bay rockers; on the heels of their hit single “Something So Right" landing a spot in the box office hit Deadpool, they released the full length album Waves on September 2nd, 2016 via Vital Records (digital/CD). Over the course of multiple releases, Four Star Riot has consistently delivered stick-in-your-head pop/rock choruses and Waves is by far their strongest effort to date.

Website here and Facebook page here.

'Empty Space' has a chunky and  funky feel to it, right from the beginning. Add in the guitar and vocal mix and we have another great song from the bands recent release.

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

Sleepytown - Balloon.

Background - Sleepytown is the moniker of Ryan Van Der Woude, and a cruisey-nostalgic fusion of echoing guitars with a warm acoustic rhythm undertone, which flow from a plateau for literary anecdotes. Ryan is a songwriter who has travelled through all the east coast collecting visual novels, before settling in Sydney. His songs have bloomed from the wake of hinterland cruises, towering cities, cutting through mountain-ranges in a train, laying under snowy pines, warm sandy shores and treks into the deep, eerie woods.

‘Balloon’ is the latest offering from Sleepytown. ‘Balloon’ has a simple ideology attached to it; it’s a breakup song about two individuals who have an amalgamated feeling to depart each other in a non-destructive sense (as easy as letting go of a balloon). “The season of late winter and a transition into spring is the essence I tried to blend into the song and it’s the feeling I get when I listen back to it,” says Ryan on writing the new single. “‘Balloon’ was a very easy song to write as it literally just fell out of my brain in such a short space of time. I wrote and recorded most of Balloon in the same day, in the late winter season.”

‘Balloon’ was recorded in Ryan’s apartment in Lane Cove, Sydney; in his bedroom recording studio. Ryan recorded all instruments and tracks himself and mixed the tracks himself.

While undertaking music studies in Brisbane, Ryan has been involved in various bands and music projects. Sleepytown started while Ryan moved back to the Sunshine Coast after his studies in Brisbane and evolved from the laid back beach town lifestyle in that area. After meeting various people and moving to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane – Ryan landed in Sydney to take the project seriously and begin working on developing the sound into something much bigger.

Look out for new Sleepytown shows throughout Sydney announced to-be-announced in early-2017. “Balloon” will be released 9th of December 2016. Facebook here.

'Balloon' is one of those songs that just builds and builds. Vocals are pretty dominant and delightfully melodic, however the stripped back acoustic accompaniment keeps driving the song along, until a more rounded soundtrack unfolds making this one stand out song.

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