Layla Frankel - The Furious Seasons - Scott Ruth - Ayla

Layla Frankel - To Disregard.

Background - Born in Los Angeles and raised in a musical family in Chicago, Folk/Soul songwriter and vocalist Layla Frankel has been delighting audiences of all ages for as long as she can remember. A performer from a young age, she appeared on her father, Joel Frankel’s, children’s records and often joined him on stage.  As a teenager, with her formal training in choirs and range of musical influences, Layla began composing songs and quickly developed her own vocal style.  She later attended the University of Illinois where she started as a jazz studies major with a vocal concentration, but soon realized that her passion lay not only in music, but in songwriting. She began to focus on creative writing and poetry while also singing in big bands and jazz combos - gaining experience as a songwriter and as a band leader. 

Between 2013 to 2015, Layla honed her craft as a songwriter, creating a body of music including the tracks on her debut EP, Tame the Fox. In the fall of 2015, Layla took a backpack and her Little Martin guitar and went sightseeing/volunteering in Europe for four months with the goal of meeting interesting people, experiencing other cultures and exploring new scenery. She spent the spring of 2016 off the grid and thru-hiking for two months on the Israel National Trail, a 600-mile hike.  It was on this trip that she conceived of the vision for Tame the Fox, a title inspired by the book The Little Prince, which she carried with her on the trail. 

Sound engineer Josh Richter recorded Tame the Fox at Victorian Recording in Barrington, IL and Frankel produced and arranged all of the tracks. The EP features multi-instrumentalist Dave Hildebrand on almost all of the guitar tracks as well as bass guitar on the whole record. Robert Rashid handled drums, while Eddie Ganet played keys. Layla played rhythm guitar on the tracks “Tenderly” and “If I Had the Words” and performed all of the vocals, including overdubs and harmonies. 

Layla Frankel performs in Chicago as a solo artist but is often accompanied by her full band consisting of bass, drums, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and backup vocals. Website here, Bandcamp (Tame the Fox) here.

The first song on the new 'Tame The Fox' EP is 'To Disregard' one of six tracks that really do mix folk and soul genres together, with a little blues along the way. This is a fabulous and quite unique collection of songs, where melodic and high quality music is delivered with such beauty. The cover version of The Cures 'Just Like Heaven' is stunning, her own material no lesser, absolutely recommended!

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The Furious Seasons - We All Belong.

Background - The Furious Seasons' new single "We All Belong", is a new entry in the tradition of the protest folk song. The new single from The Furious Seasons, “We All Belong”, is particularly relevant in this divided time. It’s a seemingly simple folk song drawing on the sharp political divides experienced in this country and how the anger and hate should be overcome and that “together we stand strong / we all belong”. 

Having rightfully been compared to Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Jason Isbell, The Furious Seasons continue the tradition of the protest folk song with “We All Belong”. The Furious Seasons are an acoustic trio consisting of David Steinhart (guitar, vocals,) Jeff Steinhart (standup bass) and Paul Nelson (guitar, vocals).

The Steinhart’s have been a staple of the Los Angeles indie pop scene since the 1980s. Their career spans 30 years and over 20 releases. Paul Nelson played professionally in the Santa Barbara area for years and was involved with several other recording projects before joining the Steinhart bothers in The Furious Seasons. The band creates ethereal and lyrical folk pop music with blended harmonies and sophisticated guitar interplay. Website here.

We first featured The Furious Seasons last August and are delighted to share the new song 'We All Belong'. A classic sounding folk protest song, that would be comfortably at home decades ago, albeit it's new and relevant to today.

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Scott Ruth - Are You There.

Background -  LA-based singer-songwriter Scott Ruth has shared his new single "Are You There". Produced by acclaimed indie folk musician Noah Gundersen and recorded at X Studios in Seattle, the track brings a melancholy feel, with Ruth’s rugged vocals ruminating on a void left by a past relationship. "The song is about that feeling you get when someone who was once a huge part of your life, suddenly isn’t there anymore and all the things that go through your head. Wondering what they’re doing, if they’re feeling what you’re feeling," Ruth says of the track.

Working with Gundersen helped Ruth get a new perspective on "Are You There." His first time not self-producing a project, Ruth was able to relinquish control over to Gundersen and engineer Andy Parks, giving him more creative freedom. As long-time friends with Gundersen, working with him was a comfortable, collaborative experience.

Formerly of LA indie rock outfit The Futures League, Scott Ruth has since put down the bass guitar to further hone his craft as a multi-instrumentalist and producer. He released his hauntingly reflective solo debut The Weight of It All in 2016, and has since been touring extensively, supporting Noah Gundersen as well as headlining tours of his own. All the while, he was still finding time in the studio to be working towards his next release.

Now Ruth has returned with “Are You There," channeling Ruth's love of classic American songwriting and admiration for artists like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. The track is a refreshing song for Ruth that marks a new direction. "I’m now in a different chapter of my life, and I couldn’t be more excited to get the rest of these songs out in the open." Facebook here.

'Are You There' is a mixture of alt rock vibes and some passionate and personal vocals, which combined create a melodic and reflective song. There is a timeless feel to this piece, and the quality of the production is superb.

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Ayla - Shallow End.

Background - Diving into 2017, Brisbane's singer/songwriter Ayla returns with conversation starting single, 'Shallow End', news of a new EP, freshly inked label and booking deals and an East Coast tour.  

Premiering on triple j's Good Nights last night, 'Shallow End' marks the opening track from from the Sunshine Coast songwriter's forthcoming EP to be released later this year. The track sees Ayla flex her growth as a writer in collaboration with co-writer Glenn Sarangapany (Birds of Tokyo) producer Sam Cromack (Ball Park Music) and mixer Ian Pritchett (Boo Seeka, Kim Churchill, Angus & Julia Stone).

Following incredible reception to her singles,  'Like the Other Kids', 'Wish I Was', 'Waiting' and 'When The World Ends', an impressive performance on triple j's Like A Version and an almost sold out EP tour in 2016,  there's been a mountain of support rolling in behind the scenes. Recently partnering with Caroline Australia and Select Music, Ayla now heads out on a national tour, older (now 21) and wiser and with a stock of new songwriting experiences and a stunning new live show in tow. Ayla's single 'Shallow End' is out via Caroline Australia, Friday May 12. Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page.

Ayla's striking and appealing vocals ensure 'Shallow End' is very much, her song. Powerful modern pop, with a whole load of hooks, make this song hard to ignore.


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Kylypso - Brudini - Marlene Enright

Kylypso - Blame Love.

Background - Evolving from a two-piece to a three-piece, East London’s Kylypso are comprised of recent addition Hugh Fothergill, a record producer; Rudi Falla, Ableton set designer; and Tom Greenwood, a session musician. Initially the project started as Rudi and Tom sent ideas back and forth between each other to jam on and flesh out. The resounding success of their collaborations prompted them to form a band. 

Their first track, last year’s 'Means 2 You' was a firm and striking statement of intent, combining pop melodies with a mesmerising production approach that takes in ideas from a broad spectrum of popular music. It caused a respectable ripple in the blogosphere, leaving those in the know with a strong sense that their natural musical chemistry together was something special. Now, with new material like latest single ‘Blame Love’ on the way, Kylypso sound like they’ve already arrived fully formed and leagues apart from the herd without compromising on any of their uniqueness. Central to the construction of their music is a sheer, simple, unabashed love of sweet melody. It’s an approach that will no doubt resonate with people everywhere. All bets on Kylypso to be an undeniably and peerless new sound in the capital. 

‘Blame Love’ is the immersive new single from London three-piece Kylypso. Swelling in with its panoramic synths, it’s a vibrant and multi-tonal affair, traversing a spectrum of different moods. From the glacial sparsity of the intro, it goes through detailed dance segments, warm melodies, and funk guitar lines, all alternating in the blink of an eye. Already virtuosos in production and only at the start of their career together, Kylypso are the new purveyors of smart, slick and considered indie music, a natural progression from the nocturnal sounds of The xx via the meticulous auteurism of Tame Impala and Caribou. ‘Blame Love’ is a song about love, the oldest topic in songwriting, but Kylypso’s unique execution and musical acuity lend it a refreshing new spin. This is a sound for the summer, evoking half-remembered feelings of euphoria, warm nights, and the pervasive feeling of love and all the myriad emotions that go with it. Facebook here.

'Blame Love' suggests Kylypso have a considerable amount to offer. Musically the song is refined with clear attention to detail, alongside that are some fabulous vocals and harmonies. Making indie music that stands out is challenging enough these day's, doing so with such unabashed style is something else!

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Brudini - The Nightcrawler.

Background - A unique voice emerging from Soho’s bohemian arts scene, Brudini spent his upbringing in Norway before uprooting himself to settle in London after a nomadic period absorbing the swarming metropolises of Tokyo and Paris. A regular fixture in Soho’s Society Club, Brudini has attracted praise from NYC punk manager legend Danny Fields (The Stooges, MC5, The Ramones) for his erudite approach to music and lyricism. He has also collaborated with Lulu Gainsbourg (son of the famous French legend) and Californian writer Chip Martin. 

A product of both literary modernism and rock and roll, Brudini’s music evokes a wealth of artists and mediums. From Jim Morrison and the chansons moderne of Jacques Brel, to the avant-garde driving beats of Krautrock via the writings of Hamsun, Fante and Sartre, he comes off like a new-age lounge crooner in some smoky existential dream parlour. Wielding a live show that’s psychedelic to the point of being a total sensory experience, Brudini can always be found in that cosmic last chance saloon, uniting wayfarers and music lovers across the void through his cinematic plainsong. 

“'The Nightcrawler' is the tale of a jaded, worn-out character's inevitable march into darkness; briefly overcome by a triumphant moment of warmth and nostalgia, before the night swallows it all.”
An ambitious and beautifully bittersweet debut single from a vital new London sound, Brudini’s ‘The Nightcrawler’ is the odyssean portrayal of a limping vagabond whose nightly descent into darkness is interrupted by a moment of nostalgia and connection to the world that’s ostracised him. Recalling the organic textures of Radiohead’s A Moon Shaped Pool of yesteryear, Brudini builds his own inimitable style with an artful flair for arrangement. Cannily expressionistic in its use of sound to convey story, - an abrupt swell of strings marks the moment his flaneur catches the nauseating light of the setting sun, for instance - Brudini’s ambition transcends the framework of popular music and puts him in a tradition of narrative songwriters like Nick Cave and Scott Walker. Website here, Facebook here.

Intricate beats and atmospheric vocals are there from the opening moments of 'The Nightcrawler'. Layers of music unfold and the graceful vocals ensure your maximum attention. This is one of those songs that has me hooked and wanting to hear more from Brudini, before it's even finished.

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Marlene Enright - Alchemy,

Background - After a busy end to 2016, including an appearance at The Other Voices Festival, Cork based artist Marlene Enright releases her debut solo album, ‘Placemats and Second Cuts’.

Marlene Enright has a charm and an undeniable songwriting talent. Her solo debut showcases her passions and influences. Written and recorded over a year, the result is a melange of the heavy grooves of RnB, the warmth and nostalgia of great folk songs and the richness of thickly layered harmonies of artists such as Bon Iver and Feist. Enright harnesses all of her influences and delivers her own brew of a life being lived and expressed with touching honesty through the gloriously realised medium of her own thoughtfully crafted songs. It is the sound of modern roots music evolved as it has over decades to something that is unmistakably 21st Century, a sound that is infused with contemporary pop while still carrying echoes of the past.
  
The title, ‘Placemats and Second Cuts’, a line from the outro of the album's closing song, is fitting, for this album offers depth and introspection. Says Enright, "Hindsight has made me realise that it's a much more self-reflective album than I initially realised. It speaks of self-doubt, dancing the fine line between feeling comfortable in your own skin and feeling totally lost at sea, indecisiveness, the battle between strength and weakness, passion and apathy, belonging and isolation and self-acceptance."

While Enright has been looking back and self-reflecting, her work urges her forward. The release of 'Placemats and Seconds Cuts' on May 26th follows the success of her previous band The Hard Ground seeing the singer's star steadily rise, as listeners embrace her unfeigned confessional. Website here, Facebook here.

You still need a good song, even if the video is as appealing as the one for 'Alchemy'. In fact it was only when I listened without the images, that I realised just how gorgeous and beguiling 'Alchemy' really is. The soon to be released album 'Placemats and Second Cuts' is definitely on my want list.


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Sugarchild - The Konincks - CREO - Lucy & La Mer

Sugarchild - Offering.

Background - 90s Indie darlings Sugarchild are back with an album of dark, sparkling and utterly contemporary rock songs. The new album Dangerous sees the band delivering on its early promise with themes and tunes for the current age. Dangerous is set to shock and awe with epic guitars and vocals that switch between sweet and menacing.

Sugarchild’s prestigious history dates back to when the band were teenagers in the 1990s. A staple live act of the time, Sugarchild supported Jebediah’s national ‘Animal’ Tour, as well as Pollyanna, Effigy, The Rosemary Beads and many more. The band played at Fremantle’s Millennium concert to 20,000 people. They have received airplay on Triple J, RTRFM, RRR and independent radio around Australia, and been profiled in Rolling Stone and national street press.

In 2016, Sugarchild enlisted drummer Tim Jewell, formerly of Humbug, to record an album with Dave Parkin at Blackbird Studios. Dangerous showcases a band finally delivering on its early potential. With themes running the gamut of the zombie apocalypse, suicide in faraway places, the love-rush of parenthood and racism in Australian society, Dangerous is truly an album for our time, delivered by a band who have waited 20 years to make their masterpiece. Facebook here.

One of ten tracks on the new album 'Dangerous' is 'Offering' a natural and distinct rock song. It is typical of the accomplished music Sugarchild create, music that slips across rock genres with ease and is so engaging and refreshing.


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The Konincks – Staring at Walls.

Background - Looking back Julia, Marc, Mike & Phil played nearly all the stages of their hometown, now  they’re taking over the rest of the world. Richie Kotzen was touring with the four piece around Europe. 

And after having released an EP and an album indie-magazines (Rockstar mag), radios (international airplays) as well as rock origins (Metalhammer) found great interest for these four rednecks. 

It might be because The Konincks dash head on and with a fierce heart in poetry and rhytms, singing guitars and hypnotic compositions like there’s no tomorrow. 

The Konincks originated from old souls, now they contribute greatly to the zeitgeist of our time. Vehement, relentless, dew-fresh, approachable; all of this while remaining subtle. A trait that today’s radio often lacks. Website here, Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page.

We featured the song 'Daytime/Nighttime' by The Konincks back in March describing that track as "a swaggering, bluesy rock'n'roll song" and the new single 'Staring at Walls' is another delicious piece of laid back blues rock where the vocals and the band work hand in hand to deliver some timeless sounds.


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CREO - Give Me Yours.

Background - After a successful 2015 off the back of releases, “Suay” and “Light It Up”, CREO spent majority of 2016 working with long-time friend/producer Nathan Sheehy (Birds of Tokyo, Bluejuice, Dune Rats) on what would become the Sydney quartet’s upcoming EP titled ‘Subtitles for X, Y, Z’, due August 25. 

A record that the four piece say is "not afraid to flirt with nostalgia, whilst establishing the notion of hopefulness for whatever the next chapter may be", we first heard EP opener “Behind The Beat” earlier this year, and now they reveal the first official single “Give Me Yours”.

 "I go through these waves of emotions where I want something so bad I’ll kick everything I know and love to get it.  ‘Give Me Yours’ is all about that undying desperation to achieve, love and be loved or in more general terms; whatever it is you long for that nothing else in the world matters anymore, almost to the point of an unhealthy obsession."  - Jorjee Haman (vocals)

Building a reputation for being an incredible live act, CREO’s ability to translate their meticulously textured indie-rock sound into a ferociously loud and energetic free-for-all is one of the key elements that made people sit up and take notice. After gaining some support from national broadcaster Triple J and countless community stations around the country, CREO toured nationally supporting the likes of British India, Tired Lion, Bad//Dreems, Last Dinosaurs and Spookyland, and sold out all of their respective hometown (Sydney) shows.

"Give Me Yours" will be available to purchase/stream on Apple/Spotify May 12. EP ‘Subtitles in X, Y, Z’ will be out on August 25, 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

'Give Me Yours' is a sprightly, upbeat indie rocker, that just manifests passion and charm, through and through! A definite play me again type of song.

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Lucy & La Mer - Honey, Put Your Weapons Down.

Background - Lucy & La Mer is the stunning musical endeavour of Los Angeles based singer, songwriter and activist Lucy LaForge. Lucy’s sound consists of delicate indie folk melodies, alluring pop layered vocals and her signature baritone ukulele. 

Her latest single “Honey, Put Your Weapons Down” is produced by Grammy Award-winning Jared Lee Gosselin (India Arie, Eminem, Corinne Bailey Rae). Featuring breathy vocals, poignantly honest lyricism and a stunning string instrumentation, “Honey, Put Your Weapons Down” is the perfect indie pop anthem. Lucy & La Mer succeeds in composing music with a direct and clear disquisition. "The central theme for the single is transitioning, most of my songwriting happens when there’s a change occurring in my life” reveals Lucy.  

Lucy describes how the single was created through experimentation and the breaking down of boundaries. Lucy & La Mer aims to be a constant reminder for audiences to learn self-love, to take a break from something that is wearing you down emotionally and to focus on what’s most important. Her music beautifully blends acoustic sounds with a modern indie pop approach. Website here, Facebook here.

If gentle indie pop appeals to you, then 'Honey, Put Your Weapons Down' is more than worth a listen. This is an elegant song with delightful vocals supported by a sophisticated musical arrangement, wonderful.

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Neil - First Blush - Jade Jackson - AyOwA

Neil - Blank Sheet.

Background - Seahorse Recordings presents the sophomore album from Neil, called ‘Black Flowers’. Recorded on the isle of Sicily in southern Italy with renowned producer Paolo Messere (Blessed Child Opera), these 11 tracks showcase songmanship that mix folk with grunge, and vocals with an uncanny resemblance to Gavin Rossdale (of Bush). 

The first single from this album is ‘Blank Sheet’, which deals with writer's block – that moment when the artist is in front of a white sheet and cannot dial into his muse. 

Written and performed by Neil Lucchetta (vocals, guitar, harmonica). This second album offers a more rock-oriented sound than the previous album thanks to the contribution of Andrea Breda on drums and Alessandro "Ake" Donazzon on bass. Now, during live performances, he is accompanied by Andrea Breda and Alex Michielin (bass).

Originating from the Italian city of Pieve di Soligo (Treviso), Neil began his path as a singer-songwriter, having written his first song in English at the age of 14. He’s been composing ever since, his sonic output infused with folk pop, laden with acoustic guitars and dreamy lyrics.

This new album follows up Neil's debut album 'Apart', released in 2013. This new offering takes the listener on an intimate journey through his personal experiences and stories. The unremitting vision permeating his music presents us with great scenery and breathtaking views of the different facets of his life. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

'Blank Sheet' is a good indicator of the style and quality to be found, amongst the eleven tracks that make up the new 'Black Flowers' album. Powerful acoustically lead alt rock music, mixes with more understated pieces where Neil Lucchetta's distinct and full-hearted vocals, are rightly the focal point of each song.


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First Blush - Wouldn't We All?

Background - First Blush is the brainchild of Charles Sekel, a former Julliard pre-college program kid-turned-indie musician. A blissed-out blend of lo-fi rock and dream pop, "Wouldn't We All?" is the first single off his forthcoming Monologic EP, expected out this Spring.

Sekel's music is a reflection of his battle to defeat a continuous cycle of self-destructive behavior stemming back nearly a decade. From his college days as a classical/jazz musician at the Peabody Institute, Sekel struggled with alcohol abuse and panic attacks, and turned to original music to help with his mental health. 

Now completely sober thanks to the help of music, a good therapist and assistance from his girlfriend (now wife,) he was able to pull himself out of addiction and confidently release his solo venture. Website here, Facebook here.

Lush, dreamy and rich synth's act as a prelude for the more paced song that is 'Wouldn't We All?' Lo-Fi rock of sorts that is enriched by the continued use of swirling synths, and flowing vocals that help drive the beat.

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Jade Jackson - Good Time Gone.

Background - The track, entitled "Good Time Gone” is from Jade Jackson's debut album Gilded, produced by Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness and out May 19th. “Good Time Gone” is a supremely catchy reverb guitar drenched punkabilly anthem loaded with swagger and a sense of crashed out romance.

As Jackson explains, “I came into rehearsal one day with a song I'd written the night before and we started jamming. Tyler upped the tempo, Andrew and Jake added some chords and I messed with the melody. After we found the groove, I realized the lyrics no longer fit. The following weekend, as I stared out the car window on my way to LA it hit me, I had a story I wanted to tell. On an old, dirty envelope I found under my seat and with a half broken pencil, I scribbled down this hero-less tale of two lovers. When Mike (Ness) heard it he said it was "wild" and wanted it on the record. In the studio, Mike added his flare and it came to be. We are all excited to share "Good Time Gone" with you.”

Jackson’s album Gilded is unapologetically country rock, merging the heartbreak and resilience of Lucinda Williams with the melodic confidence of Emmylou Harris, yet containing the emotional presence of a young musician who cherished albums by The Gun Club and Smiths alongside the works of George Jones and Hank Williams. Website here, Facebook here.

Our third feature for Jade Jackson this year, this time with 'Good Time Gone'. The new song is more alt rock than country rock, or quoting from the above piece punkabilly a term that I really like. Fabulous music from an album that meets this calibre, song after song!

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AyOwA - Fri.

Background - Danish duo AyOwA releases the single “Fri” (out May 5th) leading up to Debut EP “Eremit” (out May 19th). Already confirmed for big live shows at Spot and Roskilde Festival, the Danish duo AyOwA are ready to take on the summer. Armed with modular synths, old reel-to-reels, and a haunting voice on top, they create dark and moving electronic pop songs. Sung in Danish, but with a certain universal and dreamy appeal, this band combines noise pop with vapor wave, and melodies with improvisation, in an evocative and playful mix. 

The single “Fri” leads up to their anticipated debut EP “Eremit” that will follow on May 19th. In a more hopeful tone than ever, AyOwA dreams of the simplicity of being ‘free'. With an uplifting catchy chorus and their signature vocal samples, they swim into the summer on a wave of electronic dream-pop.

After a winter of hibernating in their Copenhagen studio, the duo is releasing their 6 track debut EP “Eremit” (means Hermit) on legendary DJ Kenneth Bager’s own label “Music For Dreams". The EP is a soulful search into the depth of electronic music, and the Scandinavian DNA. With many months of darkness and anticipation for a summer that sometimes never comes, the tone is set for melancholy. 

Under the headline "Danish Never Sounded So Sexy" Huffington Post praises AyOwAs sound, and the language’s unique timbre. And although it isn’t commonplace to hear the Danish language mentioned for its beauty, it bears a strange attraction of the incomprehensible and mysterious to listen to. And sexy or melancholic - AyOwA continues to capture the audience with their unique and moving sound. Facebook here.

'Fri' is the third song we have featured by the duo AyOwA as they continue to impress with their superbly crafted genre defying music.

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VŌS - Cajsa Siik - Tunabunny - Flamingods - Rudy Stone - Thieves Like Us

VŌS - Patience.

Background - London-based VŌS will self-release their new single Patience on 10th May.

With their influences sat firmly on the electronic and alt-pop spectrum, Dawn and Palmer of VŌS describe their sound as “somewhere between Banks, Sohn and James Blake”. This new track ‘Patience’ is a really strong slice of electro-pop, mastered by John Davis (Lana Del Rey, FKA Twigs, Royal Blood) and mixed by Julian Kindred (Ellie Goulding, James Blake). The pair first came together at a house party jam where they fumbled through a track by shared inspiration, Lianne La Havas and have now been making music for over a year.

Speaking about the track, the duo say: "Patience is about love’s meanderings, specifically when you’re not moving at the same pace as someone. It’s less of an isolated moment, but a moment you’re in because of both your past experiences with others and the present situation. Like all of VŌS’ songs, it is written from a first hand experience." Facebook here.

'Patience' is a pleasing and smooth electro pop song where the music is distinct and produced with clarity, allowing the flowing vocals to standout, above the refined soundtrack.

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Cajsa Siik - Empire Mine.

Background - Following on from her highly acclaimed 2014 sophomore album ‘Contra’, Swedish-native Cajsa Siik returns with her latest full-length ‘Domino’, due out on the 2nd June via Birds Records, and will include the new singles ‘Talk To Trees’, ‘White Noise’, and ‘Empire Mine’.

Much like her previous releases, Cajsa Siik aims to inject a pop sensibility into an avant-garde and experimental disposition. Giving her a sound that is both accessible and atmospheric in the process. Recorded in Stockholm with producer Rolf Klinth, ‘Domino’ sees the songstress embark on a much bolder direction than in her previous material that still manages to maintain her core sound.

The record’s lead single ‘Talk To Trees’ displays her new intentions perfectly as she uses her collaborations with Thomas Hedlund (Phoenix, Deportees), Rasmus Kellerman (Tiger Lou) and Carl Ekerstam to add texture and depth to the single, making it the perfect introduction to the album ahead. Describing the track as a, “colourful dreamy zone where I felt connected with reasons and beliefs. Like a subconscious talk with nature. Like a blessing or a blind spot.”

Speaking about the record, Cajsa Siik explained that, “Domino can be described in two different ways. First I wanted it to represent the fact that we’re all connected to each other and that we have a responsibility towards each other and this world. To shoulder that responsibility is easier said than done, but we must try. Be aware. Not only mind our own business. I’ve given that a lot of thought lately. Secondly, every song on this album depends and relies on the other. Together they create a unit and the unit is supposed to be diverse. I aimed for creating a dynamic album.” Website here, Facebook here, live dates are on Beehive Candy's tour page.

'Empire Mine' is the third single from the forthcoming album and the second track we have featured from the June album release. Once again we are treated to Cajsa's engaging vocals that are supported by a sprightly, rhythmic musical arrangement, that develops into a catchy, danceable groove.

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Tunabunny - Incinerate.

Background - Tunabunny release first new track in three years "Incinerate" and announce the release of their 5th album also a double "PCP Presents Alice In Wonderland JR" released June 23rd on HHBTM Records.  

A 75-minute double-vinyl masterpiece, PCP Presents Alice In Wonderland Jr, the fifth album from Athens, Georgia’s Tunabunny, is the most creatively ambitious album in the band’s history. Featuring singles like ‘Incinerate,’ ‘The Rest of Us,’ and ‘Nevermind the Cobblestones,’ the band takes their experimental rock into a place that is both stranger and more accessible than anything they’ve done before. It’s ferocious, passionate, smart. political, desperate, feminist, and alive. Every song is important. Every song goes someplace the others don’t. There are no accidents; there is no filler.

28 songs structured as a song-by-song response to The Beatles’ White Album (there’s even an experimental track called ‘Revolution None’), PCPPAIWJR is packed w/hits, and packed w/originality. On PCPPAIWJR, Tunabunny proves they can do anything. It takes the sonic breakthroughs of 2014’s Kingdom Technology to a place that’s less claustrophobic and more open. Songs about surveillance, songs about futility; songs about alchemy & winter, metamorphosis & anger. Side Four features a twisting song cycle about motherhood—from pregnancy to birth, through postpartum emotional desolation, to the rebirth of self. Facebook here.

If 'Incinerate' appeals to you, then I reckon you are going to love the cosmic journey that is PCP Presents Alice In Wonderland Jr. The album takes us from psych to indie rock and a whole load of other places. Sometimes it's quite avant garde other times hook laden and sparkling, there is never a dull moment, that's for sure.

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Flamingods - Mixed Blessings.

Background - Flamingods’ art is rooted in a love for the spaces between cultures. They’re cross-cultural magpies, absorbing styles and instruments from the world over into their mesmerising sound. Latest single Mixed Blessings from their new Kewali EP is an atavistic trip through classic psych territory with all the bells and whistles of clever contemporary production.

Accompanying the single is an animated video by Alpaca Animations. It’s a rich dreamscape of primitive artwork that feels like an animated cave painting or the reverie of a brain-fried DMT tripper. In creative protest against the xenophobia which abounds in international politics right now, the video centres around an intrepid explorer on a quest for enlightenment. The narrative takes a nightmarish turn when he encounters strange and terrible looking beasts. When they throw a big party for him, he realises the illusory nature of his judgements. They’re not so bad after all.

Through fearless invention and heady creative abandon in all aspects of their artistry, from recording and composition, to their notorious live show, and their recent surreal Kewali interactive video game, Flamingods have become one of the most exciting outfits in the music scene today. 

Having started as the bedroom project of multi-instrumentalist and singer Kamal Rasool, Flamingods' second incarnation as a cult psych band sprang out of a freeform eight hour jam at ATP six years ago. Now they’re a fully fledged and feral tour-de-force, a well-oiled machine attracting praise throughout the press, festival circuit and airwaves for their peerlessly expansive approach to music. 

Mixed Blessings is further proof that Flamingods’ modus operandi with regards to their art is both fun and thoughtful. Resisting the cliches of political music, Flamingods are intent to show, rather than tell. The engaging imaginative world they build is one of peace and spirituality, eroding the pernicious and constructed prejudice around us to remind us what a joy it is to be alive and to be human. Facebook here, live dates are on Beehive Candy's tour page.

A vigorous beat and some funky bass lines ensure 'Mixed Blessings' hits the ground running. The layers of musical energy, satisfying vocals and overall upbeat nature of this song, gives us a fine track alone, the video really is the icing on the cake!


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Rudy Stone - Rudy's Dream.

Background - Nola by way of Brooklyn band Rudy Stone are releasing their debut full-length on June 16 and have shared  the video for the first single, "Rudy's Dream." 

"Entitled The Blinking Light/Peace on Earth and recorded “in fits and starts over the course of a year” at The Bunker back in Williamsburg, this new missive of good vibes is split into two distinct sides — with the A-side (The Blinking Light) devoted to a “seamless collection of songs showcasing his slice-of-life observations and advice to himself about how to be the best person he can be”.

The B-side is Peace on Earth consisting of one “side-long instrumental” that explores his “long time interest in analog synthesizers, echo devices, and drones.” (It should therefore offer a pretty handy accompaniment to kicking-back with your “recreational relaxer” of choice and giving yourself a nice pep-talk on life, and then wordlessly reflecting back on it for a while.) And don’t worry; you won’t have to wait too long to get your hands on it, either, as this wonderful self-help aid will be available in cassette and digital formats on June 16. Facebook here.

'Rudy's Dream' has a measured pace that is quite hypnotic and catchy. The power and layers of sound slowly build reaching a zenith that at first was quite unexpected, however most definitely welcome.


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Thieves Like Us - Dani.

Background - After a four-year hiatus, Thieves Like Us have returned with their fifth eponymously titled record. The Swedish/American band, named after a New Order song, tracked and produced the new record in late 2015. The new self-titled record reinvents the band's cosmic song based aesthetic with the introduction of live bass (Thomas Franklin) and drums (Tore Knipping), steering its songs into more spirited waters.

The first song on the record, Dani, explores the recurring Thieves Like Us theme of seeking completion, affirmation, or distraction "after hours". Dani is a fictitious character -- young, and inexperienced. She lacks co-ordinates to navigate safely through the evening storm. All of her interactions with other people (friendships and relationships) are based on pleasure. She will always fall victim to vampires and vice. Be it drugs, or a love affair. All attempts to escape lead nowhere and only bring her right back to the beginning of the maze. She can never escape herself. She should be locked away in a reading room and simply learn to be (alone). There is a little bit of Dani in all of us.

The new full-length album is out now worldwide via Seayou Records/Rough Trade. The artwork depicts a re-enactment of Hans Conrad Schumann’s iconic jump from communist German Democratic Republic to freedom; by a woman of colour wearing the same pilot suit that singer Andy Grier’s father wore in Vietnam. We leave its interpretation to the listener. Facebook here.

Rich vibrant synths and beautifully contrasting vocals make 'Dani' a scrumptious and moreish song within moments. The retro video contrasts even further, clearly the four year break has done no harm to the creativity of Thieves Like Us.


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