Midweek Muse: Vagabon - GANGLY - Billy Moon - Free Pizza - Max Subar - Ferlein - The Asteroid Shop

Vagabon - The Embers.

Background - At the end of February, Vagabon, the band project of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Laetitia Tamko, released a debut album "Infinite Worlds" to considerable praise internationally.

Significant support has arrived elsewhere, with Jenny Gathright at NPR calling the album "the most powerful meditation on the politics of space I've heard since Solange's A Seat At The Table."

Infinite Worlds is available now via Father/Daughter Records. Vagabon is currently on a full US tour with Allison Crutchfield & The Fizz that includes shows at SXSW.

She heads to the UK and France for the very first time in May, tour dates are on the Beehive Candy tour page. Facebook here.

With some UK tour dates lined up for May, I reckon that's a good enough reason to feature 'The Embers' which is the first of eight songs on the highly recommended 'Infinite Worlds' album. Mixing ideas and genres with a fresh and creative flair the featured song is just a glimpse of something special.

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GANGLY - Whole Again.

Backround - GANGLY signal the arrival of the next great Icelandic band to make a global impact, now set to release their new single ‘Whole Again’.

Having been anointed by the Nordic island’s musical Goddess, Björk, who has said she is ‘obsessed’ with singer Jófríður, ‘Whole Again’ draws you deeper into GANGLY’s delicate, frosted slow jams.

GANGLY are comprised of members from 3 of Iceland’s biggest bands; Sin Fang’s Sindri Már Sigfússon, Samaris’ Jófríður Ákadóttir (who has also just released a solo record as JFDR) and Oyama’s Úlfur Alexander Einarsson.

‘Whole Again’ is released with a hi-definition surreal digital video as all the GANGLY singles so far have had, the perfect visual metaphor for the alienated tales of love told in the song. GANGLY launched the new group with the anonymous released of the epic heavy hitting heart-break anthem ‘fuck with someone else’ on Soundcloud nearly two years ago. Since that time, their tracks have been streamed millions of times. They were the word-of-mouth break out ‘one to watch’ from the Iceland Airwaves Festival in 2016. ‘Whole Again’ reveals more of their soaring, addictive emotional landscape. Website here.

With vocals that whisper and sing and a fabulous musical arrangement that mixes understated moments with occasional bursts of power 'Whole Again' is my introduction to GANGLY and what an intro this is! Bjork comparisons there may be with this song, however as she is reportedly a big fan of the band already, then what's the problem.

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Billy Moon - I W K.

Background from Billy Moon - The concept for 'I Wanna Know' is based on the creative power to imagine and the freedom your mind can have when a game is revolved around fantasizing new rules every ten seconds. When there is no limit on a character's imagination, the freedom can either take you on beautifully creative inspiration or mind-bending insanity.

I wrote this song a while ago while I was still in University. I recorded it with Aron D’Alesio (of Young Rival) in a small studio in Toronto a while ago. It’s great for the song to finally come to light. Funny enough, since that time my friends in Mr. Joy currently rent and operate the studio where we recorded (The Black Lodge). In my life I’ve come across people that are so convinced that they know the answers to things. For example:

People that try to cover up insecurity with unfounded confidence
People that are more concerned with being cool than being authentic
People that refuse to see the world through the eyes of others because that’s just being pessimistic
People that avoid any self reflection and keep blaming others for their problems
People that influence others for the sake of it
People that see life as a game with rules, scores, prizes, winners and losers

Life ain’t like that and I wanna know why they think it is. But maybe you know? - Facebook here.

'I W K' may ask questions and even provide some answers, but regardless of the deeper things of life, it cannot help but be a hook laden and extremely catchy rock'n'roll song. Add in a video that also demands your attention and you have something to play and watch again and quite possibly again.

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Free Pizza - Slipping.

Background - Building upon their love for rock and roll, Free Pizza has cultivated what is considered an off kilter, post-punk, pop country drive that gets you far past the band name and way into something deep and meaningful.  Today on Impose, Free Pizza shares the new music video for "Slipping" off their latest album Berlin, DE.  Order the EP here on BUFU Records.

Free Pizza’s debut LP Boston, MA was released, and sold out shortly after, in the Spring of 2014 on New England’s trademark labels BUFU Records and Feeding Tube Records. Born in South America and raised in Miami, Jesus Vio and Santiago Cardenas have been collaborating together on art and music since high school. However, it wasn’t until the duo moved to Boston to attend art school that Free Pizza was finally formed. Out of the same DIY scene that gave birth to such bands as Quilt, Guerilla Toss, Happy Jawbone Family Band, and more, Free Pizza has a sound that takes influences from their rich surroundings and peers.

Fresh off of a European run and now based in Nashville, Free Pizza have added Rory MacMurdo to their line-up and are gearing up to release a collection of songs written during their recent stay in Berlin. Appropriately titled Berlin, DE, the bands sophomore release trades in the bright melodies and tongue-in-cheek nature of Boston, MA for darker hooks with themes rooted in the concepts of the coming of age, and the process of understanding while still trying to maintain a level of positivity as the years keep piling on.

After countless tours of the U.S. and Europe sharing the stage with such bands as The Beets, Colleen Green, Guerilla Toss, and more, Free Pizza continues to attract people to their sound regardless of where they are rooted. A brand new EP and busy tour schedule lay ahead as the band strives to fine its craft and continue spreading their gospel of rock nationally and internationally. Facebook here.

If you feel the need for some upbeat and slightly quirky music then 'Slipping' could well be a remedy. Mixing intriguing vocals with some pop or maybe rock music Free Pizza are as good as their bands name.

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Max Subar - Morning Song.

Background - Chicago based singer-songwriter Max Subar has shared his first official single "Morning Song". When talking about the track Subar explains, “Morning Song" is a reflection on peace and personal awakening after a dark period of time.”  The song will be featured on Max's debut EP 'In A Dream' out 3/31.

Singer/songwriter Max Subar aims to remain bound to his midwestern roots with songs that radiate closeness and warmth. Growing up, his mother’s old nylon guitar became a familiar friend in the wake of moving to Australia and back as well as his parents’ divorce. Max’s grounded relationship to songwriting has helped shed light on his own experiences and struggles; from euphoric intimacy to the isolation of depression and anxiety. His debut EP reflects upon themes of love, loss, and reflection. ‘In a Dream’ is due out in the first quarter of 2017. 'In a Dream' is due out March 31, 2017. Live dates on our tour page, website here, Facebook here.

'Morning Song' quietly comes into being. With a melodic acoustic guitar and gentle vocals the song builds with atmosphere, emotion and content. In fact the shift in emotional feel is quite stunning, in what is a captivating song.

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Ferlein - Among The Roses.

Background - Among the Roses, Forgive Me for Falling and Seduced By a Lie are Ferlein’s debut singles from her upcoming debut album Poetic Mind.

Ferlein is a singer/songwriter with a gift for poetic storytelling.  Her unique contralto voice with lush velvet tones, combined with a mix of delicate and powerful delivery, enables her to tell her stories with genuine passion and emotion. Marcel Yammouni is Ferlein’s music producer and guitarist.  Marcel describes Ferlein's music as fearless and inventive. "Ferlein has a unique sound which I struggle to put in any category, all I know is I love it and am thrilled to be working with her".

Ferlein has a very experienced band including Marcel Yammouni, John Salerno, Paul Cecchinelli, Rod Bustos and Phil Turcio.  They have worked with many top Australian artists including Vanessa Amorosi, Kate Ceberano, Olivia Newton John, Guy Sebastian, John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes, Jessica Mauboy, Em Rusciano and Hugh Jackman.  They have also toured and performed with international artists including Suzi Quattro, K.D Lang, Belinda Carlisle, Sting and Richard Marx.

Ferlein’s first three singles are character-based songs, spanning multiple musical styles as she begins to reveal her fearless, emotionally raw and inventive songwriting. With a Latin Pop influence, Ferlein explores the possibility of “love at first sight” as she is invited to Dance “Among the Roses”. Website here, Facebook here.

We featured Ferlein late last year and had no hesitation in sharing the single 'Among The Roses' from the forthcoming debut album. Once again we are treated to her powerful and highly melodic vocals, this time with a refreshing Latin twist to the music.

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The Asteroid Shop - On The Rise.

Background - Eric Brendo takes The Asteroid Shop into a world full of elegance & pain, of ease and tension all at once.

The band skims through the same vast sea as contemporaries Richard Hawley, Spiritualized and Richard Ashcroft and channeling, at once, the likesof Mazzy Star, early Pink Floyd, The Secret Machines & My Bloody Valentine. The Asteroid Shop is a rare treat for folks who still look for craft in their songs.
 
The track features Norm Block - drums (Jennylee's Warpaint, Mark Lanegan) Todd Dahloff - bass (Devendra Barnhart, Rodrigo Amarante) Eric Brendo --vocals, guitar, synth (Downtown, The Asteroid Shop). On The Rise was recorded and mixed by Norm Block at Happy Ending Studios - Los Angeles, CA and mastered by Rick O' Neil at Turtle Rock Mastering - Sydney AUS. Facebook here.

With deep and distinct vocals, and contrasting lighter harmonies 'On The Rise' is a gorgeous flowing rock song, that has an atmosphere that really engages the listener. Fabulous song.

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Genre Wander: Kingswood - Echo Arcadia - Wild Rivers - Sinners & Saints - Blood and Glass - Sacrifice & Bliss

Kingswood - Golden.

Background - Aria-nominated, Melbourne rockers Kingswood, have released their bold and daring, second album After Hours, Close To Dawn into the world via Dew Process. After selling out their hometown headline show, the band have just announced a second date for 170 Russell on Sunday, March 26, plus added an additional date for Brisbane on Saturday, April 8 at The Triffid. 

Kingswood also announce that they will be heading to your favourite record stores; Red Eye Records in Sydney, Jet Black Cat in Brisbane; Record Paradise in Melbourne this week for a series of in-store signings, meet and greet their friends and fans, and perform some sneaky pop-up acoustic sessions of new music from the record.

After Hours, Close To Dawn was named in Rolling Stone Australia's 50 Most Anticipated Albums of 2017, as well as The Herald Sun's Biggest New Albums in 2017, and sees Kingswood move to the frontline of innovators in Australian music. It mixes compelling R'n'B grooves with soaring rock & roll, garage soul and space-age experimentation. It's an eclectic collection of music, but it's all connected by the defining element that is the trio's creative DNA. No matter what shape they take, these songs are still instantly recognisable as pure Kingswood.

The band has also announced local supports for their fifteen-date, triple j supported, national headline album tour. Joining Kingswood on the road will be Brisbane vibe-punks WAAX, Tasmanian artist Maddy Jane, with her rollicking, indie-pop as well as Melbourne trash-punk quintet Batz. Tour details on our tour page, Facebook here.

'Golden' exudes quality from the beginning. Pristine and refined music is mixed with smooth and melodic vocals. It's a beautifully crafted song, with some natural emotional feeling throughout.

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Echo Arcadia - Ghosts.

Background - Echo Arcadia's beautiful new album 'Visions of Symmetery' was released last Friday. Echo Arcadia are six piece Indie band from Edinburgh, Scotland who strive to "make music that will break your heart while your foot taps along." Guitars underpinned by thumping drums, thick bass lines and keys with violins that would break a stone heart, all bearing the weight of heartfelt vocals. This isn't conventional Pop music, but Echo Arcadia aren't a conventional band. "There’s no box we fit in" explains vocalist and guitarist Leigh, "unless its dodecahedral with a section for Schrodinger’s cat".

Visions of Symmetry is clearly a fusion of diverse influences as eighties Pop blends seamlessly into alt folk. Leigh's smooth and beautifully toned vocals are complimented perfectly by Kate's harmonies and every song is characterised by infectious melody, exemplary musicianship and intensely personal lyrics.

Leigh says "Visions of symmetry is a journey through a dark time in my life. It deals with loss, depression and the hope that comes with fighting through at the other side. It was described by our long term producer as a more mature and thoughtful album than our previous records, marking our growth in the music we're making. It's cinematic but personal, multi layered like an onion but it probably won't make you cry... it will go well with hotdogs though." Facebook here.

The mixture of refined vocals and delicate harmonies make 'Ghosts' a strong proposition in their own right. Add in the gorgeous music that is both understated and then powerful and this song really digs it's hooks in.

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Wild Rivers - Do Right.

Background from Wild Rivers - Though we only released our debut album 10 months ago, we wanted to release something new to represent our growth and development as people, musicians, and a band. After months of touring our album, we were inspired to explore new areas of our music: developing a larger, richer sound while still focusing on vocal harmonies and thoughtful lyrics.

“Do Right” is a song that displays growth from our folk roots, along with experiences we’ve encountered as a group over the last year. It showcases a refreshing new take on Wild Rivers, featuring more energy than ever before.

We're looking forward to continue exploring this new sound towards uncharted territory. After this release we are playing a string of dates in the US at SXSW followed by Nashville and Chicago. Then we’ll be back in Canada to headline CMW and work on focusing this new direction into an album. Website here, Facebook here.

Upfront and distinct duel vocals are made even more delightful with the accompanying harmonies. 'Do Right' is a crisp and well constructed folk orientated song with some pleasing Americana edge to it.

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Sinners & Saints - Old Bones.

Background - Americana duo Sinners & Saints' share "Old Bones," a rollicking feel good track from their forthcoming album On The Other Side (March 10th). Recalling early Avett Brothers, Sinners & Saints' write acoustic, country-tinged tunes with compelling harmonies, featuring foot-powered percussion on repurposed drums from an abandoned kit.

Sometimes you need a friend to laugh with and sometimes you need a friend to cry with. Perry Fowler and Mark Baran, hailing from Charlotte, NC, fit the bill for both in their two-man band Sinners & Saints. Whether they’re crooning about heartbreak or tearing it up with joyful abandon, you’ll feel happier for having listened.

Since the band’s formation in 2011, the band has shared the stage up and down the east coast with the likes of Flogging Molly, Shovels and Rope, Robert Earl Keen, Daniel Romano, St Paul & the Broken Bones, SUSTO, Sun Kil Moon, Bombadil, and many others. Sinners & Saints has been gathering a following of fans who turn to their whiskey drinking, shit kickin’, sweet loving music for a good time but find something more – an irrepressible optimism even in dark times. We’re all sinners and we’re all saints, and we’re all in it together.

The start of Sinners & Saints' tour across the United States coincides with the release of On The Other Side on March 10th, 2017. Tour dates on the Beehive Candy tour page, website here, Facebook here.

We featured Sinners & Saints in the middle of February and the chance to share another song in the shape of 'Old Bones' was a no brainer. A feisty foot stomper it's another chance to entice you towards what is a fabulous album.

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Blood and Glass - Punk Shadows.

Background - Blood and Glass took shape around singer-songwriter Lisa Moore, after she went to New York City to record demos in 2013. She met Montreal-based musician Morgan Moore,who helped her finish what would become her first EP. The pair began performing as a duo and was soon offered free studio time at Planet Studios. So began the recording of their first album. Robbie Kuster joined the ship and the group started playing concerts all over Quebec, Ontario and Northern United States.

Museum with no Walls, Blood and Glass’ self-produced first effort, was released in October 2014 and gathered passionate reviews worldwide. The band subsequently hit the road and toured with artists such as Montreal’s beloved Patrick Watson and Ariane Moffatt. They then went on to headline 20 concerts across Italy and came back home to play to full houses all over Quebec, Canada and the United States.

The group was voted among the top three best live shows at the FME by influential music website Consequence of Sound. One of their performances at the Silver Sound Showdown in New York City even landed them the prize of a free music video. Now signed to Simone Records, Blood and Glass are gearing up to release their sophomore album, 'Punk Shadows'.

As Lisa Moore puts it: The ultimate goal behind each of our recordings is derived from an advice from Jean Leloup: "Quand c’est le fun, c’est le fun...et quand c’est pas le fun, c’est pas bon." [When it’s fun, it’s fun...when it’s not...it's not good]. And that’s the very spirit that has allowed Blood and Glass to maintain their artistic freedom. 'Punk Shadows' is due on March 24, on Simone Records. Website here, Facebook here.

Right from the start  'Punk Shadows' presents itself as a vibrant and original song. Blood and Glass have a definitely gained my attention with the title track for the forthcoming album, if the rest is in this class we have something to be excited about.

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Sacrifice & Bliss - Kyrie.

Background - Infectiously catchy experimental Rock duo, Sacrifice & Bliss release their outrageously good new single “Kyrie”, out Friday 28th April 2017. The Electro-Rock innovators from London are set to hit the ground running this spring, touring alongside fellow Indie-Rock tastemakers and Hugh Stephens’ “Track Of The Week”, Dantevilles.

Inventive and enigmatic, all instruments spike excitingly throughout “Kyrie” providing a glorious tickle on the balls of your eardrum (yes, they exist – it’s science). This huge synth-laden Rock banger combines light and darkness to great effect with medieval & gothic influences triumphantly merged with rampantly upbeat electro synths. Unbelievably, with such a vast array of influences from Sly and The Family Stone to Radiohead, Sacrifice & Bliss have created something truly original whilst providing a curiously fulfilling helping of familiarity.

“Kyrie” is packed full of the now trademarked and contagiously addictive riffs that fans have come to expect from guitar genius John K Lucy. Adapted from a Gregorian chant and with lyrics throughout “Kyrie” sung in part Greek, part Italian and part English, the distinctive vocals of co-songwriter and bassist Roger Hany put him as the front-runner for your new favourite frontman with soaring highs that Matt Bellamy of Muse would be jealous of. Frontman Roger Hany explains that “Kyrie” was written about “the giving of yourself to that which is bigger or greater than yourself”.

Capturing the attention of the masses with sold out shows supporting the likes of 90’s Brit Pop icons My Life Story, 60’s Rock icon Arthur Brown and Folk Rock favourite’s Blackbeard’s Tea Party, it’s no wonder the duo have already been picked up by BBC Introducing and 6 Music with previous single “Hit Me” achieving multiple track of the week status’ across the 40+ radio stations already spinning the band.

Narrowly avoiding a health warning for its highly addictive content, “Kyrie” is released Friday 28th April and taken from their Self-Titled debut EP out later in the year. Website here, Facebook here.

The calm start doesn't last to long before we are into some wild and dramatic music. Vocals are absolutely wonderful if not borderline insane and the music isn't far behind either. 'Kyrie' is a must listen.

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Quality Not Quantity: Reflecktor - Close Talker - Diet Cig

Reflecktor - Mirrors.

Background - Reflecktor formed in 2014 and are based in Sheffield and London. Reflecktor are Felicity Crook, John Kubicki, Jon Gray and Pete Marett, a collective of musicians, dj’s and producers creating their own brand of psychedelic indie electronica. Reflecktor aim to fuse their diverse influences from many musical genres and eras.

What started out as a dancefloor based writing project, between long time label mates Jon Gray (producer/mixer) and Pete Marett (drummer/producer), soon grew out of control when they asked vocalist and guitarist John Kubicki to get involved. Kubicki added his tripped out lyrical and melodic ideas to the mix but something was still missing; a feminine touch? Enter vocalist/DJ Felicity Crook, whom John had recently met during a recording session in Sheffield. The line-up was now complete and the unusual blend of John and Felicity’s lead vocals were the last piece of the sonic puzzle, an integral part of what makes Reflecktor’s sound unique.

Other collaborators on the forthcoming album include UK rapper Same Old Sean who delivers an angry funk fuelled vocal on Dog Fight and the amazing Brighton based singer Fable opening the massive Nobody Gets Out Alive with lyrics “ Spoon-fed bullshit master plan “……..

Outside Reflecktor, previous projects include recording and touring with The Coral, The Zutons, Editors, Bedrock, Reverend and the makers, The Ruts DC, Talvin Singh, On U sound system, Chk Chk Chk and Terminalhead to name a few. Facebook here.

'Mirrors' has a powerful electronic potency right from the beginning. Layers of dynamic sounds and vocals that exude psych rock atmosphere and blend with the music make this a dramatic and hypnotic musical feast.

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Close Talker - Okay Hollywood.

Background - Every body knows a ‘close talker’ in life, right? Not just because of the infamous Seinfeld episode, but maybe a work colleague, a family member or a drinking buddy; there’s always one that gets too close for comfort. Close Talker the band, are now a three-piece alternative indie rock band from the western Canadian province of Saskatchewan with members Will Quiring (Vox), Matt Kopperud (Guitar) and Chris Morien (Drums) making up the numbers.

Originally a four-piece, Close Talker’s last 18 months touring have been spent with just the three members mentioned since losing their bassist in 2015. This presented difficult challenges to deliver the material from the bands sophomore record, 2014’s Flux, in a live environment. Never a band to be put off by a music challenge, the guys responded and doubled the workload of each limb. Will took on a synth, Chris a drum pad and Matt, perhaps most impressively of all, organ pedals for humble bass lines, ensuring the show went on. Matt states ‘Although we’re only three people now, the live show always has at least nine limbs working full time to accurately portray the record live.’ In a musical landscape of electronic music and death-by-sampling, it’s a very fitting response to losing a founding member, an often band-breaking situation. ‘We’re not a ‘hit space bar’ band or sample driven band and hope to never become one as we truly love playing our instruments.’

Okay Hollywood is self-admittedly 'a sarcastic anthem poking fun at people's tendencies (ourselves included) to take themselves and their own agenda’s too seriously’. Everyone has his or her own disposition and subconscious strategy to gain self worth. ‘We think the most common mistake is imposing the importance of yourself and your victories onto others.’ In a world of ‘one uppers’ and ‘people pleasers’, where the loudest opinions get the most headlines, this standout track is a light hearted reality-check, a sober reminder to be grounded and above all else, remain authentic. Lens will be available in all the usual places Friday 12th May 2017 via Nevado Music. Close Talker will play the notorious Old Blue Last in London shortly after with more European tour dates to follow soon, welcoming you to the conversation. Website here, Facebook here. Live dates on our tour page.

'Okay Hollywood' has an appealing and intricate rhythm and a soundtrack that builds into a melodic and layered piece. Vocals add both emotion and energy, in what is an imaginative and catchy song.

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Diet Cig - Barf Day.

Background - Diet Cig will be releasing their debut album Swear I'm Good At This on April 7th (Frenchkiss) and in advance of its' release they share a new single in album highlight "Barf Day." Swear I'm Good At This is now available to pre-order - it includes an instant grat of "Tummy Ache" and tomorrow will also include "Barf Day."  Further, Diet Cig will be collaborating with Tuesday Bassen on limited-edition pink silk bomber jackets only available in the preorder bundles. Artist Faye Orlove has designed the tee & sticker sheet that's is available with the preorder as well.

The band, who are well-known for their energetic and bombastic live shows, will be touring the world in support of Swear I'm Good At This.  They will have Girl's Rock Camp affiliated camp bands and other young musicians joining them to open a handful of shows. "We're super excited to announce these shows in collaboration with Girl's Rock Camps across the US! we believe that supporting these young musicians is crucial to the future of rock, and we're so excited to share our stage with them."

The complete list of dates is on the Beehive Candy tour page, including the first round of Girl's Rock Camp affiliated bands. Website here, Facebook here.

Vibrant indie rock with notable and pleasing vocals make 'Barf Day' both lively and fun. As the energy builds the songs hooks dig in deep.

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Saturday Seven: KingIV - Preampcity - Dolce - Strange Americans - Desert Mountain Tribe - ACES - Hundreds

KingIV - Like I'm Back.

Background - After rousing industry attention with her debut single 'No. One', Melbourne artist KingIV makes a heady return with 'Like I'm Back', and was officially released yesterday.

'Like I'm Back' heralds a more intricate approach for KingIV, whose bold previous single 'No. One' was spun on triple j's Good Nights. Intoxicating and breathless, but never falling too far into its own darkness, KingIV's latest offering delicately spins a world shaped by obsession.

Synths undulate and warp in a fitting mimicry of disorienting internal tension; testament to KingIV's innate ability to capture honest human emotion with electronic sound. Equal parts push and pull, inky and exhilarant, 'Like I'm Back' ultimately speaks from a platform of strength and self-possession. Facebook here.

The vocals provide the melody and the soundtrack adds rhythm and atmosphere making 'Like I'm Back' a very fine electro pop song, that's full of hooks.

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Preampcity - Mon Amie.

Background - Pre Amp City are a joyful and unexpected conundrum. A band that are difficult to define or pigeon-hole, much to their delight. Featuring incredibly talented artists and musicians from across Europe, their combined musical style is a venn diagram of genres and experiences, but each song contains hooks and instrumentalism that would make any pop/rock writer and producer sizzle with envy. The new single “Mon Amie” (out 22/02) is a light-hearted, sunshine pop number with ambient echoes of 80s influence in its delivery. It is melodic pop that lifts your spirits in every way and turns the corners of your mouth upwards. It only takes two listens and you are well and truly hooked.
 
Pre Amp City consists of musicians from Wales, Ireland, France, Spain, Germany and England. Their debut album “Escape” will be released in the spring, combined with the release of another single. Their debut single “No More” received critical acclaim, due to its poignant lyrics and evocative, no-holds-barred, politically influenced video. Band members include Fischer Z (John Watts), Pete Delgado, Katy Dann and John Constantine, all of which are the crème de la crème of bespoke artists and sessions musicians across the continent. This pool of talent has created a sound and production that is second to none. Facebook here.

Right from the opening moments 'Mon Amie' signals your in for some vibrant upbeat music, that is delivered with style. Vocals are enticing, the music playful and the overall feeling is wonderful.

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Dolce - Vänder Vrider.

Background - Umeå (Sweden) based Dolce has only existed as a band for about 2 years but has already been hailed in Swedish and international media, such as NME, Noisey, Festivalrykten (SWE) och Swedish radio. The Debut EP ”Gröna Höjder” (Green Heights) showed a naked, unadorned sound and Dolce hit the roads with the EP in the trunk. They toured with Amason, played SXSW in the US, Way Out West in Gothenburg, Sweden amongst many other praised concerts in Sweden. 

Next up was studio time with the producer Mattias Glavå (Dungen, Håkan Hellström i.a.) to record their debut album ”Av Liv och Grönska” (of Life and Greenery). Now, several months later, we get the first taste of a playful and incredibly beautiful album

The single ”Vänder, vrider" is the second single from the upcoming album "Av liv och grönska" Facebook here.

'Vänder Vrider' is a rich indie pop song, where the distinct and tempting vocals are supported by an increasingly expansive swirling musical soundtrack.

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Strange Americans - Big Black Car.

Background - Strange Americans release the first single from their upcoming third full length album 'Borrow You, Brother. The new track, "Big Black Car" is presented with a Bonnie & Clyde inspired video which Atwood said "captur[es] the voice of those who live for tomorrow and aspire for a better life."

"Set to a somewhat more lighthearted-but-still-rock, sometimes noisey soundscape, "Big Black Car" takes a joking-but-serious, pointed perspective on income inequality." explains singer Matt Hoffman, "A street-dwelling homeless person dreams up manufacturing a successful appearance and identity, occasionally slipping in and out of reality and the headaches of poverty."

Musically, Strange Americans’ third full-length album, 'Borrow You, Brother' remains committed to the general guitar-driven, blue-collar Americana rock element that permeates their earlier releases. This latest album, however, diverges in subtle ways : from the keys to the drums, bass and guitars, the sounds, tones and parts are more explorative. At times this means dynamic restraint, craft, control and beauty ; at others it means total freedom, chaos and noise.

Strange Americans will tour this month, with dates in Austin during SXSW, (see Beehive Candys tour page). Facebook here.

The music is slick, the vocals even slicker as 'Big Black Car' confidently strides along. Americana rock, there is enough edge to the track to give it a natural and addictive feel throughout.

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Desert Mountain Tribe - Enos In Space (Top Of The World) Youth Mix.

Background - London based psych rock trio Desert Mountain Tribe are releasing a new single. ‘Enos In Space (Top Of The World)’ has been mixed by multiple award winning producer Youth and heralds the start of a hectic release and international touring schedule for the band.

The original version of ‘Enos In Space’ was included on DMT’s debut album, ‘Either That Or The Moon’, which was released in March 2016 to excellent reviews. This new version is available digitally now, but also included on an EP, ‘Live At St Pancras Old Church’, which features live versions of four other album songs recorded at a recent show at that London venue. The EP is out digitally on 17th March, coinciding with a US tour that takes in several slots at the annual SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.

Upon their return from the US, DMT will play April dates in mainland Europe. A brand new four song studio EP, ‘If You Don’t Know Can You Don’t Know Köln’, will be released digitally on 14th April and as a limited gatefold 2x12” vinyl that incorporates the live EP. Facebook here.

'Enos In Space (Top Of The World)' is a powerful psych rocker, with bags of energy and a band that have clearly refined their sound. It's also exceptionally catchy.

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ACES - Baby, I Don’t Mean To Ignore.

Background - ACES new single is “Baby, I Don’t Mean To Ignore” and her debut Stranger EP, is coming out April 21st.

ACES’ new Stranger EP follows on the heels of her critically-acclaimed series of singles from the past two years, all of which are streaming in full via Spotify. ACES is pop music on muscle relaxers… it’s the bassy backing track with sparse beats that take a back seat to Stewart’s daydreaming vocals. But to really define ACES, we need to go outside the idiom: ACES is a muted light, a French new wave film projected at half speed, a night in with a few friends and heady cocktails.

ACES, too, is defined as Alex Stewart: the Canadian born, Brooklyn artist is the voice and direction of the project, which takes its name from her initials. A globe-trotting film editor who often works alongside her filmmaker husband, Stewart borrows as much from the vocabulary and structure of that art as she does traditional songwriting. As a writer and musician, Stewart may be seen as a master of stagecraft as much as songcraft. It’s more than a technique; it’s a manifestation of the world she’s creating around her. She builds ACES for herself, but invites the rest of us in. Website here, Facebook here.

We first featured ACES last November describing her vocals then as distinct, haunting and striking. New song 'Baby, I Don’t Mean To Ignore' ensures we can add melodic to our description, as this lo-fi electro song more than capably demonstrates.

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Hundreds - Un-Unify.

Background - After releasing critically acclaimed album Wilderness last year, German electro-pop duo Hundreds are back with visuals for the stunning "Un-Unify". Deeply submerged in the electronic sound world, the Hundreds siblings replace conventional pop music structures with flowing arrangements and unusual beats.

Un-Unify is a word created by the band, embodying a call for freedom in musical form. Danceable, lightfooted, and energy laden, the video for Un-Unify was shot by Gotta Love (the production team behind Small Sessions) in the legendary Funkhaus Berlin, the former seat of the DDR (East German) state radio.

The lyrics in Un-Unify encapsulate the singer's longing to learn how to fight, and untie from her union with one man. The video maps her journey of learning to fight - from meeting the dancers, who integrate her and help her grow stronger, to them helping her shift from one place to another, where the man she is longing for is waiting. After the successful album release and sold out release tour, the band will be back on tour in March 2017. 

Siblings Eva and Philipp Milner catapulted to internet success after releasing self-titled debut album, Hundreds, in 2010. Despite having no budget or radio airplay, the pair became one of the greatest German indie pop stories in recent times. Website here, Facebook here.

'Un-Unify' is a rhythmic and addictive electro pop song combining intricately crafted music and fabulous vocals. The video adds a further artistic dimension, Hundreds have produced another imaginative and pleasing song.

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Weekend Wonders: JFDR - Tow'rs - Lusterlit - The Dream Eaters - STACEY - Paloma - Laura & Greg

JFDR - Instant Patience.

Background - JFDR has released the video for "Instant Patience", directed by Samantha Shay and filmed/edited by Victoria Sendra. "Instant Patience" is the fourth video from JFDR's debut album 'Brazil'. Prior videos were Airborne, White Sun and Wires. When talking about the track/video JFDR stated, "Instant patience was written trying to channel my inner triangle - making a song out of three chords in a loop.

The lyrics are taken from love letters i received a long time ago. It's about randomness, connecting with someone, knowing you'll see them again.but that's the idea of instant patience- it's really a paradox, taking all meaning from the word patience and leaving the listener quite confused. The arrangement and production was stitched together by Shahzad Ismaily and composer Úlfur Hansson, who produced electronics on top. The music video was this complete trust exercise.

I went into the desert with wonderful creatives I had never met before. they asked me to trace the stark landscape with my hands, eyes, nose and elbows. they asked me to jump into the ocean when I didn't know how to beat the current. I asked them to make it black and white, so nobody could know the colours but us." Brazil will be released on March 17, 2017.

JFDR, the latest project from Iceland's Jófríður Ákadóttir (Samaris, Pascal Pinon, Gangly), is a blend of cyclical guitar parts, soft minimal soundscapes, and poetic wanderings of a journey that ends where it began. Drawing from classical, folk, and electronic backgrounds, JFDR amalgamates the sounds of changing seasons, her voice a current that moves through rough seas to smooth waters. But perhaps JFDR shines the most in her capacity as a wordsmith, employing rich imagery to evoke the subtle emotions embedded in each song. Facebook here.

Delicate and minimalist it may be however 'Instant Patience' is heavy on atmosphere and beauty. Another song where art and music combine, something that is increasingly a hallmark of Icelandic artists. Please feel free to join me in checking out all of JFDR's other material.

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Tow'rs - Helm.

Background - The grey inconclusive nature of life felt paralysing at times this year. In the midst of liminal spaces, fidelity was a reoccurring hope where there weren’t conclusions. 

And though we often operated out of a grey area of knowledge, it became an ongoing observation that fidelity to hope seemed more important than having answers. Fidelity to our marriages seemed more important than being right or getting our way. Fidelity to vulnerability seemed more important than protecting ourselves from the inevitable pain of community. Fidelity to social justice and human rights seemed more important than protecting our image or privilege.

Our hope for these songs is to invite you not into certainty, but into devotion to hope. A place we tried to operate in despite not being able to know or see the full outcome of that devotion. These are the poems of our year of “Grey Fidelity”. Facebook here.

Whilst I have nothing currently available to share from the new album, rather than tease you by saying just how wonderful all eleven songs are (and they are) I thought I would share a more recent video from Tow'rs in the shape of 'Helm'. At least this way you get an idea of just how good their songs really are.

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Lusterlit - Ceremony.

Background - Charlie Nieland tells us "I'm in a duo called Lusterlit with Susan Hwang.  We are part of Bushwick Book Club, in Brooklyn, a rotating group of songwriters and performers of all kinds putting on regular shows featuring new music, art and snacks inspired by a chosen work of literature. Susan founded it in 2009 and I've been a participant since 2013. Susan and I have been playing and recording together for several years and we released a couple of albums that I produced in the fall (Hopeful Monsters and  Everything Is Sateen: Five songs inspired by Vonnegut) and formed Lusterlit to perform our songs about books. We alternate lead vocals and harmonies while supporting each other on guitar, bass, synth, traditional Korean drum, accordion and more. Lusterlit toured the West Coast in November from Seattle to LA playing book related events and regular sets along the way.

Now we've completed or first EP as Lusterlit called List Of Equipment. Bringing our songs written for Bushwick Book Club to full technicolor life in these widescreen productions, Susan and I have made some studio magic with music ranging from indie rock to soul to shoegaze, reminiscent of PJ Harvey, Nick Cave and more. They're inspired by the books: Mastering The Art Of French Cooking - Julia Child, Blood Meridian - Cormac McCarthy, The Fortress Of Solitude - Jonathan Lethem and The Day Of The Triffids - John Wyndham.

I think you'll love the cinematic first track "Ceremony", inspired by Blood Meridian, which we wrote for the Seattle chapter of Bushwick Book Club when we were touring. Or the fierce, funny and dark "List Of Equipment". Or the 90's inspired alt of "Genius Of Love". Bandcamp here. Facebook here.

Charlie Nieland and Susan Hwang (Lusterlit) may be a duo, however they create expansive music that is beautifully layered as the melodic song 'Ceremony' demonstrates. The first EP comprises of five very individual and diverse tracks, sometimes more energised or a little darker in tone, but always intriguing.

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The Dream Eaters - We Are A Curse (Forthcoming Album).

Background - The Dream Eaters bring skin-tingling harmonies together as a dream-pop duo like no other. Blending the vocals of Jake Zavracky and Elizabeth LeBaron, their music will envelop and transform you. Formerly known as simply Jake and Elizabeth, the duo’s sound has evolved from classic shoe-gaze roots to a stripped down, dreamy and ethereal vocal focus. While they draw from a number of influences including dream pop, psychedelic, folk and rock genres, their sound stands in a category of its own, focused around the core of harmonious and haunting melodies.

The Dream Eaters story originated in 2015. After playing clubs with various projects and toiling in obscurity for years in his hometown of Boston and later New York City, Zavracky decided to give up the musicians dream and stop performing completely. Then, while working as a bartender at a dive bar in Brooklyn he met LeBaron, another bartender who had just relocated from Vancouver Island, BC. Discovering that they were fellow musicians, they began to collaborate and found an instant connection. As a composer and producer, Zavracky began writing songs for LeBaron to sing alone but soon found their voices blended together in harmony to create a wholly unique sound. With friends and a growing fanbase providing support, they released a number of EP’s and performed live as “Jake And Elizabeth.” As they began to further define their sound, they began performing under the name “The Dream Eaters.”

Their self-produced debut EP, Five Little Pills was released on June 23, 2016, as the first official release under their new band name. A bare-bones production that they self-recorded and released, it provided the precursor of solidifying their new sound and establishing the process they would use to record their first full-length debut album, We Are A Curse. The album is slated for release in late spring (April 14th). Website here, Facebook here.

Again at this moment I can only tell you how fabulous The Dream Eaters forthcoming album is, however I can share their debut EP from last year. Taking nothing away from their first release, the new album seemingly upgrades every aspect of their music, in part because of the stunning production. As demonstrated by the EP, melodies, vocals and harmonies are the cornerstone of the music. Everything has a natural and sometimes quite personal feel running through the songs, where dreamy vocals are never far away.

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STACEY - First Move.

Background and we quote - it breathes
like the character of its narrative;
with hesitation
& warm swells of choral pleasures

a magnification of before-moments
seconds that simmer in undecided air
love not yet unrequited nor confirmed
elusive

delivered via silk vocals & synth plumes
style borrowed from a cocktail of decades

laced with casual persuasion
laid-back urgency
& unabashed confession

oftentimes unresolved
we relinquish

Written by Stacey, produced by Derek Hoffman & Alan Day. Website here, Facebook here.

'First Move' is a slow melodic pop song with masses of feeling. A minute or so in to the track and the words above begin to make sense and poetically describe the musical journey you are on.

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Paloma - Touch.

Background - Paloma have shared new track "Touch". "It's about a diamond in the rough," the band explains, "Somewhat of a tramp. A certain someone who didn't quite know how to believe in them self. Until he meets this princess of sorts that did. When they both turn to real life, he's banking on the idea that we're only half way through the film. That the story isn't finished yet." It's the first song released from their upcoming debut EP, Luna, out this April 28th

Paloma was born of the struggle to navigate the harrowing societal construct typical of suburban Los Angeles. It is the answer for learning to balance the need to make ends meet while expressing the irrepressible creativity brooding inside. The band officially began in a small bedroom studio with several ideas being deconstructed over and over again as every artist can relate to. It wasn’t until Nick and Victor invited the masterful keyboardist and local legend Steven Doman to the studio that the band finally grasped the scope of their newly created sound. In a place where one’s inherent value is often picked apart according to attributes of wealth and beauty, Paloma is truly an escapist’s musical paradise. Paloma is Victor Martinez, Steven Doman, and Nick Mariotti. Facebook here.

A smooth flowing alt rock feel with hints of psychedelic influence make 'Touch' a captivating song right from the word go. Vocals drift above the soundtrack adding some melody and even more feeling, in this blissful piece.

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Laura & Greg - Muscle Memory.

Background - New York City based band, Laura & Greg make catchy pop songs, blending influences from 60's pop, garage and folk with close harmonies and introspective lyrics.

Originally self-released a couple years ago, Paper Garden is excited to announce the re-issue of the album, "Forever For Sure," this coming Friday, March 3rd. 

To coincide with the release, Laura & Greg will be performing a free show at Chelsea Market in NYC as their official record release show - in conjunction with our ongoing "Chelsea Nights" concert series. Facebook here.

'Muscle Memory' is the first of eleven tracks on the bands 'Forever For Sure' album. Re-issued today by Paper Garden Records, a label that has a knack for finding some vibrant artists, I'm glad they did with Laura and Greg as this is a dazzling selection of songs, as the featured track demonstrates.

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