Four On Thursday: Bordeen - Minus the Bear - The Darling Buds - The History of Colour TV

Bordeen - Ocean Tide.

Background from Bordeen - We're an Indie Pop band from just north of Toronto. As siblings, we are quite different, but as musicians, we come together forming something original.

This song is about accepting the things in life that are out of your control and being ok with that. There’s a certain melancholy about it, but through surrender, there’s a greater hope. Once you get past certain realities and experiences you can reach a deeper sense of joy.

We’ve decided to call our upcoming album, “Stiver” after the street where we grew up. As a collection of songs it’s a representation of more than just one concentrated writing session. The songs were written over a period of time where we had the chance to come together in a place that had fostered creativity and musical expression for a long period of our lives.

Ocean Tide the video depicts a sense of longing, a hopeful tone, a yearning, a journey of discovery, moving from a place of overwhelm into a moment of solidarity. Facebook here.

A gentle soundtrack that builds enough to give the song a fuller sound, sits behind beautiful vocals that duet and harmonise wonderfully. 'Ocean Tide' is a melodic indie pop song that oozes charm.

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Minus the Bear -  What About the Boat? 

Background - Minus the Bear are eagerly anticipating the release their new album this coming Friday, March 3rd. Voids marks the Seattle band’s first new full-length in five years and is also their return to their original label home, the venerable Suicide Squeeze Records. Fans interested in getting one last preview of the new songs found on the album before its release later this week can stream the song 'What About The Boat'.

For the past 15 years Minus the Bear have made music on their own terms while carving out their own unique musical world, selling over 500k records in the process and playing to countless sold out crowds along the way. This isn’t to say they’re impervious to outside influence. They’ve borrowed components from a wide swath of genres—the brainy clangor of New York’s proto-punk scene, the cerebral buzz of IDM, the poptimist evaluation of hip-hop and R&B, and the grandiose visions of prog rock—but always managed to defy classification.

Minus The Bear is Jake Snider (vocals, guitar), Dave Knudson (guitar), Cory Murchy (bass guitar), and Alex Rose (synthesizers, vocals).

Suicide Squeeze Records is proud to release Voids to the world on March 3rd, 2017 on CD, LP and cassette. The first pressing of the album is available on 1,000 copies of Electric Blue (Minus The Bear exclusive) vinyl, 5,000 copies of splatter colored vinyl and 5,000 copies of 180 gram black vinyl. The LP jacket features PMS inks, a die-cut cover with a printed inner sleeve and contains a download code. The cassette version is limited to 500 copies and also includes a download code. Website here. 

There is a loose and laid back alt rock feel that introduces 'What About the Boat?' The band add some layers of sound whilst the vocals are just right for the song and the style.

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The Darling Buds - Complicated.

Background - The return of The Darling Buds! Odd Box are absolutely delighted to be releasing a brand new EP by The Darling Buds, their first for 25 years! The Evergreen EP will be out on 21st April.

After a few years of occasional gigging just for fun, The Darling Buds are delighted to be releasing a new 4 track ep 'Evergreen' on Odd Box Records. This will be the first new material released by the Buds for over 25 years (back in the day they did 3 session for the much missed DJ John Peel) and these new recordings continue the musical evolution seen by the band from their indie pop debut Pop Said to their last release Erotica.

The EP is being released on 10" vinyl (100 green, 400 black), cassette (100) and digital download. You can pre-order the EP now on our bandcamp. These are already flying off the virtual bandcamp shelves, Bandcamp here.

'Complicated' is one of four songs on the The Darling Buds new EP. Indie pop with a good helping of rock'n'roll gives the featured track, some energy and passionate edge.

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The History of Colour TV - As Gray As Park Can Be.

Background -  Berlin-based trio The History of Colour TV presents ‘As Gray As Park Can Be’, the second single from their forthcoming third LP 'Something Like Eternity', which is slated for release on March 17 via France’s Crane Records.

The back story to this album is inspired by the band’s desire to work with notable producer Peter Deimel (The Wedding Present, Shellac, The Ex), for which they travelled to France in the spring of 2016 to record with him at the legendary Black Box Recording Studio. Days of making music in the French countryside, close to the Loire Valley, saw them depart from their previous sound, instead bringing a raw, minimalist aesthetic to the new release.

This new track follows the first single 'Wreck' from this album. Stylistically, these are both dynamic and open live recordings with minimal overdubs and, in this respect, they represent a snapshot of the album as a whole. Based on narrative themes, these songs blend melodic sensibilities with ragged guitar textures. The first track builds nicely on melancholic arpeggio patterns. Website here, Facebook here.

'As Gray As Park Can Be' is one of eleven tracks on the bands third album 'Something Like Eternity'. This is the second song we have featured and gives some idea of what to expect. Mixing ambient moments with some fine melodies, alongside some potent rock and walls of sound, your taken in all directions whilst enjoying a consistent ride. Check out the other song we shared and if you half like them both, you will love the whole album.

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Midweek Muse: Odd Couple - Locomotive Ghost - Wren Klauf - Seafoam Green - MOLLYANNA

Odd Couple - Gone Solid.

Background - Alchemically fusing krautrock and hip hop elements, Odd Couple deliver a feral anthem in ‘Gone Solid’ ahead of their album ‘Flügge’ set for release April 21st.

About Odd Couple & ‘Flügge’ (Album) Since arriving in Berlin six years ago to a revolving circus of hepcats, drugs, and trendy hangouts, Odd Couple duo Tammo Dehn and Jascha Kreft, (two kindergarten pals from Ostfriesland), still feel out of place. Perhaps it’s typified in their name - an assertion of strange outsiderness, but together the duo weave a kind of art that dredges up the nuggets of rock’s dinosaur past and infuses it with a thoroughgoing modern approach to recording sound. When the duo started working on their debut It’s A Pressure To Meet You, released two years ago, their style was still very much in its embryonic stages. Now for second album Flügge (meaning “independent” or “to spread one’s wings” in German), the band feel like they’re taking another shot at the start.

Shearing their sultry garage-rock archaisms in favour of a grander, looser, style that takes influence from hip hop and the kosmische musik experimentation of West Germany in the seventies, Flügge is a different beast entirely, and one which Germany, and the wider world, hasn’t heard the likes of yet. A mouthpiece for millennial disaffection, Odd Couple’s new album brims with introspection and self-discovery. It’s a clever dissection of the things making our generation unhappy, and a nod towards the possible solutions in store. Mostly though, it’s a profoundly hard-hitting and deftly-delivered sonic assault that paves the way for a new rock renaissance. Odd Couple are everyman and every woman, living in these dangerous times with the fear of uncertainty, but hell bent on spreading their wings and soaring high. Website here, Facebook here.

Odd Couple have power and creativity as 'Gone Solid' very well demonstrates. The core is a solid rock beat around which vocals and guitars whirl, ensuring your not always sure what is going to happen next.

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Locomotive Ghost - Fool (Radio Edit).

Background - Locomotive Ghost plays their own stories, sharing desperate moments, celebrating mended hearts, and owning up to mistakes. The group’s earnest performance and shared male/female vocals have been likened to The Head and the Heart, while their pop sensibilities have yielded comparisons to acts like Of Monsters and Men and The Lumineers. Locomotive Ghost’s music is “at once artistically expressive, accessible, fun, and full of small surprises” (Avenue Calgary).

Locomotive Ghost recently recorded their fourth full-length release, “Into the Glow”, with award-winning producers Russell Broom and Spencer Cheyne. The group supported the project with a successful crowdfunding campaign in the spring of 2016. In writing their new music, the group intentionally combined each individual’s strengths to create a pool of the most expressive, ardent, and catchy songs from which to choose. “Into the Glow” will be released in early 2017 and will be preceded by the first single, “Fool”.

To date, Locomotive Ghost has released two albums, four EPs, one compilation, and one single. The group gained industry accolades for the ambitious and holistic creative approach to their year-long, self-produced “Seasons” project. In 2015, Locomotive Ghost began their collaboration with producer Spencer Cheyne when they released their single “In The Garden”. Later that year, they became the first contemporary music act to be featured at Calgary’s Bella Concert Hall. Locomotive Ghost has been highlighted on a dozen Canadian radio stations and several international podcasts, including the popular show “This Week In Science”. The group has performed at nearly two hundred events throughout Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan (and, according to Beatroute Alberta, “belongs on any festival stage in Canada”).

Locomotive Ghost was formed by singer Mike Buckley and bassist Ben Nixon while they were attending Selkirk College’s music program in Nelson, BC. They played together off-and-on for nearly a year before focusing on the project and settling on a name (taken from an Allen Ginsberg poem). After graduating from music school, Buckley and Nixon relocated to Calgary, where they eventually added vocalist/pianist Laura Schoenberg and drummer James Bundy. Website here, Facebook here. Tour dates on our tour page.

'Fool'  is one of twelve songs on the new album 'Into The Glow'. The new collection of songs takes the band in differing directions, there is plenty of melodies, alongside high quality musicianship. Vocals and harmonies are notable throughout, and the band are more than capable of changing the moods and emotional feelings, making the whole piece one superb listen.

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Wren Klauf - Gawk.

Background - Wren Klauf is the alluring, collaborative musical and visual project brought together by Sam Faulkner in early 2014 on the Gold Coast. Beginning as a solo venture, now backed by Bradyn Caneris (guitar), Steven Dalamaras (bass) and Niall McDicken (drums), the concept's design slowly, but surely, developed into something quite audacious and far more colourful.

Wren Klauf are proud as punch to today release their second EP into the world. After making a global impact with their previous single, 'Spellbound', "Gawk" is out now via GD FRNDS. Hand crafted with love embrued into every stitch, lyric and musical lick, "Gawk" is every bit of an AV experience as possible. Composed as an audio, visual and wearable collaboration between eccentric rock-pop musical outfit Wren Klauf and bubble-gum pop visual artist and designer, Kiah the Label (KTL).

Using the crunchy psych aural backdrop of Wren Klauf, the lucid and airy designs of KTL and vice versa, "Gawk" was conceived out of the two creative factions' love of art and music. Now in its fully wicked and realised format, "Gawk" is a true trial against experi-pop and math-rock. First single, 'Spellbound' is Wren Klauf's foray into powerful '90s guitar sounds while 'Okay' sees Faulkner (vocals, guitar) take full power of his wild lyricism and ambiguous vocal prowess. Facebook here.

Four quite individual songs ensure 'Gawk' is a highly likable collection of tracks, where the bands core sound, dives off into different ideas and makes for some feisty and pleasing music.

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Seafoam Green - Down The River.

Background - The genesis of Seafoam Green followed a chance meeting with Rich Robinson during recording sessions in Nashville. O’Grady was invited by Robinson to open his US and European tour dates and soon the pair began writing and recording in earnest, leading to their collaboration on the stunning debut album.

Debut album ‘Topanga Mansion’ was recorded at 4th Street Recording in Santa Monica, California and is a fine collection of melodic folk and rock jam Americana with an all round warm sound that invites the listener into its intricacies. Encompassing O’Grady’s varied influences from Creedence Clearwater Revival to Aslan and Christy Moore, the sounds of Nashville, Irish storytelling and more recently the sounds of Liverpool where O’Grady currently resides, it’s a mansion in itself of extravagant beautiful musical décor.

“The first time I heard John Fogerty sing I was like “what is that!!?? and how do I do it?” says O’Grady and in tracks like ‘Down The River’ we can hear footprints of CCR as the track explodes with a whiskey-soaked, gospel-harmony, truck-driving classic rock power that’s just plain awesome. More melodic moments like ‘Celtic Wonderings’ shows another side with its contemplative accomplished folk finger-picking stylings and beautiful backdrop of pedal steel and strings and O’Gradys’ hushed well-worn voice rising above in a haze of wondering. “The thing I love about Irish folk music is the story telling, the poetic phrasing that passes through verses live waves over sand or stones, no two verses are the same as they are telling a different part of the story and project a different image.” Adds O’Grady.

2017 is shaping up to be a year of playing, travelling and meeting people for Seafoam Green and with Topanga Mansion coming out on double vinyl on Liverpool’s Mellowtone Records, O’Grady is coming out of the shadows with a quality of songwriting and music that will no doubt place him at the top of the UK’s Americana, folk and indie scenes. Topanga Mansion has been supported by Merseyside Arts Foundation using funding from PRS for Music Foundation. Tour dates on our tour page, website here, Facebook here.

The very mention of Rich Robinson immediately had me intrigued. 'Down The River' clearly has a sprinkling of his influence, however Seafoam Green have delivered one stunning rock piece here with all the flavour and vibes a classic southern rock song should have. Having looked at the other influences and styles cited above, I think this is another must hear and have album on it's way.

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MOLLYANNA - Louder.

Background - Raw, distorted guitars meet gritty synth and powerful vocals - MOLLYANNA are dark, dramatic and uncompromising. Their heavy sound and energetic performances make for an unforgettable live show. MOLLYANNA have supported Joseph on their UK tour, and Kate Jackson, (formerly of The Long Blondes), appeared at Tramlines and won the 2016 SYFN award for Best Song in their annual music video awards.

 “Louder,” is a flawless track which we have really high hopes for. Everything from the effortless vocals to the overall composition of the song is perfect and we are excited to see it grow.

To celebrate the official release of the track on 18th March, MOLLYANNA have recently announced that they will be playing a special show at a secret location in Sheffield. If you pay £1 at the door of the venue, you will get a free download code for the track as well as the chance to see the group perform it live. Find out more on their Facebook page here. Website here.

A slow rhythm, alongside developing music and melody underpin some very fine vocals. 'Louder' builds into a powerful, epic rock song, awash with drama and emotion.

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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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