Quality Not Quantity: Bella Figura - Ainslie Wills - Strange Lot

Bella Figura - Didn't Love You.

Background - London rock trio Bella Figura announce the release of their new single ‘Didn’t Love You’ on 31st March and the launch of new label Tourino Records coinciding with a week of shows in London in benefit of The Youth Music Charity. Bella Figura have built a strong London following with a sound that has cut deeply into the London scene with cerebral poetic lyricism but also has blown away audiences with its sheer raw power.

Recently packing out major London venues and performing at Larmer Tree, 2000 Trees, The Great Escape, Reeperbahn, the Dr. Martens: Stand For Something Tour and the Music Week Radar Showcase, as well as being selected to perform (solo) for the highly respected Coffee House Tour, the band are on an emotionally charged rollercoaster which looks set to continue to bring them critical acclaim and legions of new followers.

New single ‘Didn’t Love You’ taken from the band’s latest EP ‘Forever Lost’ continues to push the American west coast sounds of the 60’s and 70’s forward in a psychedelic blues driven swirl of intoxicating regret and anguish that nourishes as much as it does engage. Powerfully cathartic yet immediately impacting, the track deals with the labyrinth of emotions and the guarding of the self involved in becoming close to someone which is plainly laid bare in the main track hook lyric: “When I said I didn’t love you, I lied”.

The band’s frontman Justin Gartry, who is in one moment a musical monster and in the next has the sentiment of a gentle giant, is set to become the centre of his own musical scene with the launch of this single coinciding with a week of gigs being setup for some very exciting new artists and alter egos and new musical incarnations of Gartry’s as part of the Give-A-Gig week in aid of the Youth Music Charity and coalescing together Gartry’s own new independent record label Tourino Records. Facebook (live info and more) here.

'Didn't Love You' explains the love Bella Figura have been receiving around London and beyond. The band pack energy and emotion into the song, a timeless rock'n'roll piece where the music and vocals take it in turn to dominate, definitely on our radar.

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Ainslie Wills - Constellations (Live at Willow Grove).

Background - Last year was a fantastic year for Ainslie Wills, she travelled to the UK for her first international tour with shows supporting Grouplove , toured with Bernard Fanning, had a successful Bigsound showcase and charted in the European ITunes Charts.

This year she is heading back to the Europe for a 16 date tour supporting Tom Chaplin (Keane) and will be performing at 2,000 cap venues across the UK. She also has upcoming shows in Melbourne on the 18th April and Sydney on the 19th & 20th April supporting UK soul singer Michael Kiwanuka

Ainslie Wills has just released a live video of her song 'Constellations' at Willow Grove, in regional Victoria, Australia the video was filmed and edited by Wilk.

 Genre-bending third record Oh The Gold EP was released last year, a follow-up to 2013’s Australian Music Prize nominated album You Go Your Way, I'll Go Mine. Wills quickly caught the eyes of tastemakers - with lead single Drive being added to full rotation on triple j.

“All the ingredients of mature pop bliss lie in the work of Ainslie Wills,” said The Guardian of an artist who is as diverse and capable as she is true to her own distinctive, progressive pop sound that captures the listener instantly. A hit outside her home country as well, the EP was picked up in the UK, becoming Lauren Laverne’s Track Of The Day on her BBC Radio 6 programme and played twice on Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour, also on BBC6.

Ainslie Wills and Lawrence Folvig set out to create music that is both musically distinct and earnestly delivered; a feat she achieves through unfalteringly strong vocals and quietly profound lyricism matched with complex, thought-provoking melodies. 2016 promises international forays and the release of more material she has tucked up her sleeve – keep your eyes firmly peeled. Live dates on the Beehive Candy tour page, Facebook here, website here.

Exquisite vocals and harmonies, tease the listener into a relaxed state before the band demand your attention. 'Constellations (Live at Willow Grove)' comes into it's own performed live. One of six songs from the 'Oh The Gold' EP, it's a taste of something very good.

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Strange Lot - Have It Your Way.

Background - Strange Lot have shared "Have It Your Way," the title track from their forthcoming LP, out this Friday March 3rd. The track is part of their sophomore record 'Gods & Clods,' coming out this Friday.

Strange Lot's psychedelic sound channels the desert backdrop of their native Arizona. What began in the summer of 2014 as a bedroom solo project for Dominic Mena (guitar/vocals), evolved into a full band, fleshed out by Tim Lormor on drums and David Dennis on bass guitar. Last year, the band supported international acts The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Tijuana Panthers, Night Beats, and Kikagaku Moyo.

Their first full-length 'Another Mind' (2015) reached #73 in the CMJ TOP 200, while The Phoenix New Times named it one of the 20 Best Records of the year. "Hints of early Tame Impala and Mac DeMarco’s nonchalance, the record encapsulates a young band discovering their sound in a pressure-free environment," praised Consequence of Sound.

Drawing upon influences from the bands affinity for Ennio Morricone soundtracks, their upcoming LP, 'Gods & Clods,' touches on the disappearance of middle class in this society. Recorded on an Otari 8-track tape machine, the tracks were mastered by Joe Lambert (Deerhunter, Animal Collective, Washed Out). Facebook here, live dates on the Beehive Candy tour page.

From a simple bass intro 'Have It Your Way' grows into a fabulous psychedelic song, with vocals and music seemingly merging with each other. It took me a couple of listens, however I have to say, this one really has grown on me.

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Monday Mix: Traveller - John Mellencamp - Club Kuru - Elouise - Carl Louis

Traveller - All This Time.

Background - The summer of 2012 saw Gerry Sheridan and Simon Usher begin their songwriting partnership, which progressed to become Traveller in January 2016 when they were joined by Martin Yves on guitar and Brian Socha on bass.

By spring 2016 the band had written and recorded their debut EP at Chamber Studios in Edinburgh. Taking just four days to complete, 'All This Time' enabled Traveller to connect to an ever growing fanbase who are drawn to their Anthemic Rock wall of sound.

"There’s a sonic harmony that is often created by the band during rehearsals and it’s often from this that sparks the imagination to write" explains Simon. "We write about life’s journey, from the people we meet along the way to all the various experiences that we have, both good or bad..." Website here, Facebook here.

Not exactly brand new, however having received a piece on the band, I wanted to give them a feature because the EP that 'All This Time' is taken from, is such a fine collection of alt rock music. Mixing high quality musicianship, natural rock vocals and well written tracks seems more than enough to play a little catch up with the band.

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John Mellencamp - Grandview.

Background - On April 28th, Heartland rocker John Mellencamp will release his 23rd full-length album, Sad Clowns & Hillbillies featuring Carlene Carter, the daughter of June Carter Cash and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash, on Republic Records.  Sad Clowns & Hillbillies returns Mellencamp to the musical eclecticism that is, itself, a reflection of his wide-ranging musings on life. John Mellencamp is an authentic voice of American music and master storyteller with a commitment to creating traditional rock & roll, bittersweet songs of happiness and melancholia, and fervent political dissent. His passions and experiences resonate beautifully in this showcase of his music.  Sad Clowns & Hillbillies is produced by John Mellencamp.

Mellencamp’s new single is “Grandview” featuring Country music star Martina McBride. He released the track, Easy Target in January as a continuation of Mellencamp’s journey to convey the truth through this passionate and plain-spoken song. The video's release occurred on the eve of the inauguration. The song focuses on the Black Lives Matter movement as well as gun violence in America. Fans who pre-order Sad Clowns & Hillbillies will get an instant download of Grandview and Easy Target.

This summer, Mellencamp will tour for 22 stops across North America for his all-new Sad Clowns & Hillbillies tour kicking off on June 5th in Denver, Colorado with special guests, Emmylou Harris, tour-mate Carlene Carter and Lily & Madeleine. Website (including tour and pre-order details)  here.

If John Mellencamp needs any introduction, then you really do have a massive back catalogue of music to work your way through. New song 'Grandview' signals that a new album is on it's way, and the featured track suggests there are still plenty of ideas and thoughts to be shared from one of rock'n'rolls finest.

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Club Kuru - Giving In.

Background - Club Kuru are a British five-piece band, fronted by Laurie Erskine.

Beginning as Erskine's solo project, the current, psychedelic incarnation of Club Kuru developed through the process of him searching for his sound; one which truly incorporated his influences and character. Joining forces with Graham Godfrey (co-producer and drummer) and close friends Fergus Ireland (bass), Laurence Hammerton (guitar) and Jess Berry (vocals), in 2016 the group built their own studio in north east London and began their journey as a songwriting and production tour de force. "We really wanted to do everything ourselves. It was a case of laying it all out on the table and seeing what worked."

Collectively, the band cite influences from modern day artists such as Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala and Connan Mockasin, to classic greats including Shuggie Otis, Vangelis, Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones. There's a summery west coast vibe to their sonic output, mixed with some sleazy Americana, but ultimately the band are spearheading something unique; they're putting their British take on a US heritage sound - and it works. Website here, Facebook here.

We featured Club Kuru last June and new song 'Giving In' is another beautiful and melodic track. Dreamy psych sounds flow and twist around, as the vocals sooth.

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Elouise - Saturn Bar.

Background - An original booze-sodden cry from America’s trailer park soul. Elouise Walker tells us the story of the song.

Saturn Bar is a sonic homage to my favorite dive in the Ninth Ward. I hung out there whenever I found myself in NOLA. It was long before the big flood. I heard about it from a lawyer after our cars collided outside New Orleans. I asked the nice southern gentleman for a good dive bar recommendation. The Saturn Bar came up.

He did not think I should go there alone and said I may not be able to get a cab out. He warned that most cabs didn't go out there late at night because the neighborhood was dangerous after dark. So of course...I went.

My journey began with a cab driver hopped up on speed. He was sweating, jittery and had a loaded gun on the front seat when he picked me up. He told me he was itching to shoot a car jacker that night because it just became legal.

He kept looking back at me and playing with his gun. In a moment that seemed like it would never end, I stared past the windshield at the southern stars and the black night sky on the other side of the tracks as the train rushed in front of us. In an agitated state, he went on and on about his murderous plans. I thought that was it for me, but sure enough, a few minutes later we pulled up to the dingy corner neighborhood establishment. The street was all dark except for a little old flickering sign with the planet Saturn on it. 

In a strangely protective tone, the driver asked me if I wanted him to wait outside. I declined and took my chances with the unknown. I was not sure I was gonna make it out on that one, but I did... and I definitely had earned a few drinks. It was never too crowded when I went there. Just a smattering of local bar flies here and there. O'Neil, the proprietor, was quite the host and would try to get the ladies to try on a pair of pink satin panties he kept behind the bar. He had pictures of past models (I am using that word liberally) that he was more than happy to show to anyone with interest. 

A cat sauntered across the bar rubbing it's fur against the container of straws. A chicken wandered about. A cockroach lay belly up right in front of the women's toilet. The beer was cold and the liquor was cheap but the bar was like nothing I had seen. It was dark, mysterious and a hoarders delight. It was scary. It was friendly. It was a whole other level of reality. It was Heaven. It was Hell.

The place was filled with murals and art and curiosities lit up only by colored neon lights. One of the patrons, Mike Frolich, had painted the murals as a make shift art gallery for the local children since it was a poor neighborhood and there were no museums in that area. Demons being ridden by whores, red skies and ships sailing to the New World.

I had long intoxicating discussions that I don't remember with O'Neil, other patrons and the local city trash collector who gave me a ride home in his '67 Ford. With old 12 inch wooden framed speakers mounted to the backs of the vinyl seats, he drove like a drunk bat out of Hell, blaring distorted music and making great efforts to try and run people down. It was a game he played after closing time. Making people literally jump out of the way of his swerving maniacal Galaxy. The journey was other worldly from start to finish. I looked up the bar after penning the song a few years ago and was sad to see that O'Neil, the owner, had died right after the flood. I am sure it was the ruin of his beloved alternate Universe that killed him.

The bands website is here, plus you can also download the track through Soundcloud. I have spoken highly of Elouise before and the chance to feature another track from their incredible album is an absolute pleasure. Put simply the band are unique, exceptional and should be heard!

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Carl Louis - Come With Me (feat. Frøder).

Background -  Growing up on the Nordic coastline, producer Carl Louis has spent much of his career broadening his musical horizons with a number of notable credits to his name. Originally a member of electronic duo CLMD, Louis co-produced a number of notable releases including ‘Stockholm Syndrome’, which went multi-platinum in Norway and was also premiered on Pete Tong’s Radio 1 show. Afterward, Louis left the group in 2014 to pursue his own personal ambitions.

Having spent the last few years producing singles for other artists, including ARY’s debut single ‘Higher’, as well as releasing his own mini-album in 2015, Lewis has now returned to deliver his latest full-length ‘Memory Lane’.

While its title may suggest a more nostalgic sound, his latest material is a smorgasbord of contemporary influences and inspirations. With a largely classical direction, the mix of ideas and directions on his latest release are clear throughout.

Its opener and lead single ‘Come With Me’ sees the producer create an uplifting and powerful introduction, which sees him collaborate once again with Spotify Spotlight artist and ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ vocalist Frøder, and was released on the 24th February 2017 via Toothfairy. Facebook here.

A feast of sounds, beautiful vocals and a rhythmic and melodic vibe throughout ensures 'Come With Me' digs it's hooks in deep. Fabulous song.

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Sundays Finest: Sera - Emma Elisabeth - VACAY - Mount Song

Sera - Doctor.

Background - Sera, an alternative pop/rock band from Brisbane, are proud to announce the release of their upcoming EP Call Me Up. The band debuted in February 2016 with their first single “Doubt Around Me”, a swing-pop track that got people singing and earned rotation on 4ZZZ and attention with 96.5FM.

Since their launch, they have released 3 singles and in late 2016 returned to the studio to record their debut EP, Call Me Up. The EP was recorded at Airlock Studios with producer Yanto Browning of The Medics, Kate Miller-Heidke and Art of Sleeping fame and was named for the EP’s focus on confidence and encouraging people to step up and make it happen.

The songs chosen for the EP were their favourites from the newest material, and ‘Doctor’ is the lead single and first taste of the EP. As close friends, they have been playing together for a decade, initially playing a sound resembling Regina Spektor crossed with Paramore. Their songwriting has developed since the band’s inception, and they’ve been able to create a defined pop/rock sound, far removed from where they started. Having played various festivals including the Teneriffe and Caxton Street Food & Wine Festival’s music and performance has become a staple for Sera reaching new audiences. ‘Doctor’ will be in Digital Stores on the 3rd of March Call Me Up EP by Sera will be released 17th of March 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

Fresh and upbeat pop and rock combine to make 'Doctor' stand out in a crowd. The overall production adds depth and detail to the song. It might be a tried and tested musical style, but the band ensure their own personal mark is definitely there, and pretty certain to be noticed.

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Emma Elisabeth - Dying Inside You.

Background - Emma Elisabeth writes effortlessly flowing popmelodies covering them in a jangly, organic sound. Her sound is distinctive and playful with a very classic approach to songwriting. Her heart is beating for fuzzy rock and country, while pop music is pouring out of her soul. Elegantly intoxicated and somewhat channeling elements of 90's melancholia and 70's vocal arrangements. 

Her crush on women like Stevie, Debbie, Dolly, Patti and Marianne is a source of inspiration. As is her fascination with dirty old New York, West Coast Rock and heroes like Lou, Bob and Neil. In a world where everything seems to be so polished and perfect, she's got a thing for imperfections. Because that is what makes someone or something interesting. And why should it be any different in music?

Dying inside you - "To me this song is bittersweet. It's got a smile on it's face but sad eyes, which I guess I had at the time it was written. And it's about not fully being able to understand someone, and getting lost in their beauty, which can quickly turn into a maze which you can't find your way out of. Like a haunted house in an amusement park" Facebook here.

Immediately catchy and with a warm melodic feel throughout 'Dying Inside You' is a pop song with enough rock vibes to give it some additional edge.

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VACAY - Shoes.

Background - The inspiration for “Shoes” came from a girl that I worked with. I had a massive crush on her and we connected really well, but she was getting married. I wrote this song to get the jealousy and pain off of my chest.

The silver lining to going through pain is what you learn through the situation and of course, the honest songs that come from it. Based on my past experiences, the songs that speak the most to me are the ones that are saying the words I felt but couldn’t find. My hope is that this song will relate to many people’s situations. If they are going through something similar, that they’d find comfort in knowing they are not alone. Facebook here.

It's the vocals that struck me first on 'Shoes'. There is considerable quality within the musicianship, and the melodic feel is quite catchy, however VACAY makes the song, with striking and extremely pleasing vocals.

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Mount Song - Halo.

Background - Jacob Johansson (Det Stora Monstret/The Big Monster) is pleased to share the first single from his new project 'Mount Song' today. Intimate, heavy and explosive, 'Halo' is a dark yet optimistic track that explore the sadness that accompanies dealing with life’s demons. Back in 2014, Sweden's biggest music magazine named the self-titled album of Jacob's previous project Det Stora Monstret, their ”Swedish debut album of the year”. The single ”Kolibrins Vingar” (The Hummingbird's Wings) then went straight into rotation on SR P3 and Det Stora Monstret was nominated for both the Swedish GAFFA-award and the Manifest-prize.

Together with his band, consisting of co-producer Filip Leyman (Anna Von Hausswolff, Albert af Ekenstam, Det Stora Monstret), Karl Vento, Knut Källgren and Lovisa Samuelsson, Jacob's songs describe and question the world we live in with an intensity, sincerity and an urgency so strong, it forces you to stop and listen. Both poetic and political, Jacob's songs have been described as "personal and relevant on a global and common existential scale."

Brought up on grunge, his influences range from Nirvana and Pearl Jam to the psychadelic leanings of bands like Flaming Lips and MGMT and he's  equally inspired by the more sombre likes of Jose Gonzalez, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy' and Jeff Buckley. The forthcoming album offers more than a glimpse of these rich influences and with this first track, comes the promise of great things. 'Mount Song' is due out on May 5th via Suncave Recordings. Facebook here.

'Halo' begins in an understated manner, just vocals and acoustic guitar. In fairness the passion within the vocals and a sprinkling of additional backing music is more than enough to ensure another listen (or several) on my part.

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Saturday Five: Liam Bryant & The Handsome Devils - Foster Olson - Mark Thirkell - La Bête Blooms - The Bats

Liam Bryant & The Handsome Devils - Her Name Means Grace.

Background - Accompanied by his trusty acoustic foot stomp box, “Stompy” and his foot tambourine, “Tamby", Liam recorded his debut album, The Pessimist & The Optimist at Airlock Studios in Samford Valley with Producer Yanto Browning (Art of Sleeping, Kate Miller- Heidke). The album has been mastered by the ARIA winning William Bowden (Gotye).

To complete the album, Liam invited a very talented bunch of musicians named The Handsome Devils who each brought with them their instrument of choice (electric guitar, bass, keys and drums). Their contribution brought great power, dynamic and space to the album recording and has certainly given their live show a devilish amount of depth.

The first single, ‘Her Name Means Grace’ delves into a theme everyone in this world can relate to, love, and so when the time came to storyboard for the animated film clip, Liam knew exactly which story to base the animation on, arguably the greatest and most tragic love story of all time, William Shakespeare’s, Romeo & Juliet.

Inspired by both classical guitar training and a love of progressive rock, Liam brings a new sound to the singer songwriter genre. With his catchy melodies and acoustic and classical guitar stylings it's impossible not to be serenaded and moved by his music. Website here, Facebook here.

Liam Bryant has distinct and pleasing vocals that are sensibly upfront on 'Her Name Means Grace' where his natural ability to play the emotional part within the song is evident. Musically we go from acoustic to full on rock, adding even more to this very fine track.

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Foster Olson - Over Me.

Background - "Over Me came about at a really hard time in my life,” states Foster Olson. A student of music and film at The New School in New York, the half-Australian singer-songwriter with a love for jazz rooted musicians like Billie Holliday, creates a ballad about being in an imperfect situation but knowing that the right person is always over you, waiting. Over Me has drawn comparisons to Florence & The Machine along with contemporaries like Bishop Briggs, as Foster Olson showcases her vocal prowess, hitting soulful notes with confidence and class.

The goosebumps-inducing power ballad does shine light on a deeper subject. “My dad was diagnosed with cancer and my boyfriend at the time had just moved in with me when I realized he wasn’t the right fit for me. And then I met this other guy who was so perfect for me, but I didn’t know how to get out of the relationship I was currently in,” Olson states. “Over Me” is really about believing the perfect person might be hanging over you somewhere.

And just like the artist she idolized, Billie Holliday showed Foster Olson that it’s okay not to be perfect, and that humans are imperfect. When it comes to music, artists are always on the quest for the perfect performance and every note has to be right. But sometimes every note in life, just isn’t right. Facebook here.

Another song where the vocals instantly demand your attention. 'Over Me' mixes a powerful soundtrack with Foster Olsen's more than capable voice in a dramatic, melodic and very catchy piece.

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Mark Thirkell - Say Goodbye.

Background - ‘In One Sense’ is a four-track EP - the latest project and debut solo release from Indie Electro vocalist Mark Thirkell.

Having drawn inspiration from a number of Indie bands and performers such as Roxy Music, Joy Division, The XX, Chvrches, The Cocteau Twins, John Foxx, Visage, Bauhaus, Goldfrapp, Jean Michel Jarre, The Cure and Interpol, the influence drawn from likes of Interpol and The Cure is notable on ‘In One Sense’.

The entire EP is accentuated by rich and resonant guitar riffs accompanied by melodic synths alongside Thirkell’s haunting lyrics. The first two tracks ‘Athena’ and ‘Say Goodbye’ feature intermittent rhythmic drum patterns from David Shaw, later taken over by Steve Wattis on track three - ‘The Chime’s’, putting his signature on the leading feature on the song. To end the project, Mark Thirkell has reserved ‘When She’s With Me’, a track that is once again heavily led by his unique and striking vocals. The production and components of the EP ensure its place firmly within the Indie genre and make it a record to watch out for this year.

Mark has worked on numerous previous projects, on one of which he was the lead vocalist for the synth pop band Ultra Arcanum for their debut LP ‘The Silence Inside’. Another being a collaboration with Alex Ford on which they formed the alternative/dark wave outfit Red September and recorded two LP’s. Facebook here.

Taken from the 'In One Sense' four song EP we have 'Say Goodbye'. A vibrant and rhythmic soundtrack with sweeping and melodic vibes throughout, it's a good indicator of an equally strong EP.

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La Bête Blooms - Low Hummer.

Background - Hull post-punk five piece La Bête Blooms kick off the year with their 2nd EP I Know It’s Nothing after gained praise for their single (& EP opener) Breaking In which included support from BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, playlist and chart action on Amazing Radio, an Xposure Hot One accolade from Radio X’s John Kennedy and excellent reviews from GigSlutz, UberRock and more.

Produced by Matt Peel (Eagulls, Pulled Apart By Horses), 4-track EP I Know It’s Nothing is rife with lacerating guitar riffs and feedback throughout, while gritty lo-fi vocals, unshakable in their sense of belief and delivery, give the listener a no-nonsense shot in the arm that oozes lo-fi anarchism. Lead singer Daniel Mawer says of the EP that its brutally honest subject matter depicts crippling anxiety and loneliness, tackling the subject matter straight on with defiance and an “us against the world” mentality, fuelled by the bands hometown of Hull.

La Bête Blooms have grown in confidence since their inception, and by merging a wall of noise with a keen ear for melody they have developed from their shoegaze beginnings to become a post-punk powerhouse. The band’s desire to prove their worth with a unique take on life up north echoes their home city Hull’s sentiments as it becomes 2017’s UK City of Culture. Facebook here.

The music and the video for 'Low Hummer' captures the overall feel of the EP in the manner that it is totally unpretentious and cuts to the chase. The attention the band are receiving within the UK is more than merited.

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The Bats - No Trace.

Background - The Bats release their new video for 'No Trace' - the second single off their recent album 'The Deep Set'. Out now one Flying Nun Records. Five years after the release of their last critically acclaimed album, The Bats have returned with album number nine, The Deep Set. A band that continues to defy the odds, allmusic.com recently hailed the band as “one of New Zealand's great treasures... anytime they make a record, especially one as good as The Deep Set, it's an event worth celebrating.”

The video is a heartwarming Scooby-Doo styled game of hide and seek, following a group of children around a rambling house on a scorching summer’s day. Directed by Andrei Talili and shot by Scott Jackson, the video beautifully visualises the band’s trademark jangle and bounce and charmingly echoes Robert Scott’s lyrics of landscape and longing - ‘lost in the street / trying to meet / someone to try and help me / faces around look to the ground / wondering what might be’. A blend of planned shots and spontaneous following, it’s a romantic walkabout around the Christchurch house sure to evoke a nostalgic fuzz in the most adult of eyes. The video’s youthful talent appear delighted in each other’s company; the game punctuated by joyous air guitar sessions and culminating in a fort hangout worthy of Little Rascals. Website here, Facebook here.

The Bats may well have a considerable back catalogue of material, however as the song 'No Trace' demonstrates, they are still more than able to present fresh, and likable songs. Pretty good for a second single from album number nine!

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Weekend Wonders: Be Like Pablo - Happyness - Mad Ones - Calcedon - Mischief Night - Shane Henry

Be Like Pablo - There She Is.

Background - There She Is is the best Be Like Pablo song to date.” says lead songwriter, Ewen Watson, of the mischievous Scottish band. A bold statement to make for a band with a consistent record of quality music behind them, but not an exaggerated one in this case. With influences like The Rentals, and The Cars, the band’s interest in retro imagery and sounds are prominent in the track, yet their trademark Moog synths, and fuzzy power chords help to underline the narrative that runs throughout ‘There She Is’.

The sleek sweet video, produced by the award-winning company, Freakworks, and starring Jerry-Jane Pears (The Royals, Survivor), depicts a Notting Hill-like tale of celebrity vs ‘normality’ and how images in the media blitz society. Watson explains this further,“There She Is tells the story of a high-school crush who left home and grew up to be the most famous person on earth. When writing the song, I could see a music video in my head from the outset: billboards and magazines spectacularly coming to life with their star – a glamourous model - breaking from her still-image form and reaching out to the real world.” Website here, Facebook here.

There is an upbeat indie rock vibe coursing through 'There She Is'. The melody, music and vocals combine to create one catchy song where the hooks come fast and furious.

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Happyness - Through Windows.

Background - When Happyness first burst into the public conscience with debut single “It’s On You”, their spirited take on US college rock was as big a surprise as it was an instant hit. The resulting full length, “Weird Little Birthday”, went on to feature in many End of Year album lists. Worldwide tours, an NME Award, a re-issue on the much-loved labels Moshi Moshi Recordings (Bar/None in US), and millions of Spotify plays later, it is with some anticipation that the band release new single “Through Windows” from 2nd album “Write In”.

Part-recorded at the band’s own Jelly Boy Studios, then finished with Adam Lasus in LA, Happyness shared some thoughts on the new single: "This started as an instrumental thing on guitar and piano. It was about double the speed. We had to name it immediately to save the Logic file and the name just kind of stuck. The song was written later standing around the piano and the recording was pretty much finished the same day. But the chorus started out as kind of a purposeful mishearing of "Ride Into The Sun" by The Velvet Underground - I used to think it could just as easily be heard as "Right Into...", or "Write In To..." - so maybe it's a song sung to a newspaper, we haven't quite decided yet. About a week after the album was mastered it struck me that the fade out sounds like a car driving into the distance which goes nicely with the words.” Facebook here. Live dates on our tour page.

Our third feature for Happyness and I feel that 'Through Windows' is the best song I have heard from the band so far. Vocals and harmonies are superb, the understated soundtrack is still full of detail, in all, this is a fabulous song.

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Mad Ones - End Of You.

Background from the band - “End Of You” is our new track, the first off our upcoming  full length Regretless, out on March 3.

“End Of You” is an existential meltdown played out over the course of a 3 minute rock song. Initially it was set during the industrial revolution and written from the viewpoint of someone contemplating the value of human life and likely speculating on the existence of an afterlife. 

The song is also appropriately suited to the recent rise of right wing populism in the US, the strength of the opposition to it and the sinking feeling we are, as a species, doomed to repeat our mistakes.

In the beginning, the band started out as a duo and we put out our first three records that way. We toured our last album as a trio and it worked out so well that we decided to go into the studio together, Regretless being the result. Website here, Facebook here, tour dates on our tour page.

The band are ultra tight and smooth, the vocals blend in beautifully making 'End Of You' one addictive rock song. Music with a message, delivered in three minutes, and not a moment wasted!

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Calcedon - Sparrow.

Background - Calcedon means "a faulted vein which runs through a gemstone" -- a truth at the heart of humanity, perhaps. Precious as a gemstone, with a fatal flaw running through.

'Sparrow' is the first single from the upcoming album, which you can hear in full on  March 25, 2017. The tracks on this album straddle the line between experimental and mainstream, progressive and popular. Avant-garde and pop sensibilities collide in this first track.

Moments of simple poignancy and beauty exist alongside those meant to push the listener out of their comfort zone to elicit the question, "Why?" 

Ultimately, Calcedon's music is not meant to be easy listening. Instead, it asks the listener to sit with it, trust it, and engage the dissonance. Facebook here.

The vocals are bright and melodic, the soundtrack is a feast of musical sounds that at times seemingly spar with each other, making 'Sparrow' both original and creative whilst remaining highly assessable and most definitely enjoyable.

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Mischief Night - With Me, Now!

Background - Marcus Kitchen formed the psych rock group "Mischief Night" with his partner Mallory after several years of performing in Philadelphia and a relocation to Brooklyn, NY.  

Together, they craft a unique blend of rock, blues, motown, classical, and psychedelia into strong compositions rich with instrumental and vocal layers. 

Their first EP, "Baby Toes" was released in May of 2016 while forming the structure for an upcoming full length political album titled "The Great American Worm," due out in early April 2017.  Mischief Night is also embarking on a week long tour of the northeast and Canada at the end of March.

Often compared with rock bands Neutral Milk Hotel or Elliot Smith, Mischief Night has been working and grinding in the NYC music scene for the past couple years with a growing fan base. They are set to release a full length album in the coming months. Bandcamp here.

If I was to describe 'With Me, Now!' as a wine, I would definitely have to say it's full bodied. Actually the song goes way beyond that, with a superb musical arrangement and wonderful vocals and that extra something that has made it an instant favourite. The video is equal to the task of matching the song, what a treat!

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Shane Henry - Save Me.

Background - Save Me is the new single from acclaimed rock blues infused artist Shane Henry. Henry has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments opening for such artists as BB King, Etta James, Buddy Guy, Edwin McCain and the Destroyers.  His new album is produced in part by in part by David Ryan Harris (John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Santana) and Justin Glasco (The Lone Bellow).  Henry's music has been heard on NBC, CBS, Discovery Channel, Hallmark Channel, and the E! Television network.

Passion and purpose tend to go hand in hand, so it’s little wonder that in the case of Shane Henry there’s an indelible bond that fuses his music to his message. One is intrinsically linked to the other. As a singer, songwriter and guitarist, he’s made it his mission to impart the emotion and inspiration he’s accumulated through the sum total of his life experiences.

Henry’s stunning new album, Light in the Dark (due for release April 28), conveys that intent without hesitation. Over the course of its eleven songs, it seals the divide between blues and pop, resulting in a sound that boasts elements of both, while also retaining a freshness, spontaneity, and yes, an instantly infectious and accessible sound that expands his boundaries as both a songwriter and a musician. It brings his career to new heights, the accrued accomplishment derived from a fifteen year journey that spans six previous independent releases -- You’re Comin’ Home (2000), Deliverance (2004), The Love EP (2007), Beauty in the Struggle (2011), and a pair of holiday EPs with Maggie McClure, First Thing on My Christmas List (2012) and Happiest of Holidays (2015) -- a steady diet of touring and solo performances, and continuing praise from his peers. Website here, Facebook here.

Shane Henry creates and performs music that has a pedigree you would expect from an artist with a roll call like the one above. 'Save Me' is powerful, passionate and natural. Rock and blues fans should be more than satisfied with this potent new track.

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