Background - "Virginia Bound" is the new single from the Self-Titled sophomore album by Joseph Childress. Joseph has shared intimate bills with many of folks top acts including Joanna Newsom, Kevin Morby, Little Wings, Devendra Banhart, Vetiver, Richard Buckner and Mount Eerie. His new LP will be out on October 6th of this year on Empty Cellar Records. Presenting Joseph Childress’ second LP release, following his 2013 collection of home recorded demos, The Rebirths. The tracks on this self-titled album are borne from Joseph's adventures throughout the West: working on a cattle ranch in Wyoming, riding trains and living out of his car. His poignant lyrics about loneliness and the western landscape are right at home with a stronger country sound that defines itself on the record's opening track "My Land." Singer-songwriter Joseph Childress started writing and playing music in the mountains of Teller County, Colorado when he was 14 years old. Five years later – inspired by Woody Guthrie’s autobiography Bound For Glory – he strapped his guitar to his back and hopped a freight train. Dubbed a “perennial vagabond” by the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Joseph traveled and toured for two years, hopping trains and living in a van. His wanderings were punctuated only so he could play music, work ranch on the plains of Niobrara County, Wyoming, and rest his head in San Francisco, where he eventually settled down. All the while, his self-released CDr, known to fans as “the Rebirths”, was inspiring devoted listeners around the country. Those recordings were re-mastered and released in 2013 on Empty Cellar Records. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.
'Virginia Bound' is a beautiful and timeless folk song, where Joseph Childress gorgeous vocals are accompanied by an equally refined musical arrangement, where each instrument seemingly has it's moment and does so with accomplished style..
Background - Waves On The Rock is a merry jingle jangle sixties popsong that makes you long for the American West Coast. It is the second single from the Summer EP which was recently released. First single Big Beach did very well and was featured in the Apple US Hot Tracks, got picked up by radiostations from the US to New Zealand and landed on various Spotify Playlists. Julia P. Hersheimer first got noticed in 1991 with her Twin Peaks Forever cassette. Thereafter many albums, EP's and projects followed. She shared the stage with Paul Weller, toured with dEUS and Daryll-Ann amongst other bands, was featured on the internationally acclaimed Eurosonic Noorderslag showcase festival, famous Dutch festivals Crossing Border and Lowlands, and on Dutch national TV. Accompanied by backing band The Hengles, her international sound reminisces artists like Sharon van Etten and Courtney Barnett. Waves On The Rock is released on 14 July 2017. Website here.
It's summer for some and a song like 'Waves On The Rock' is just right to capture some of the more uplifting moods we might associate with this season. Fab vocals and a musical arrangement that grows into something quite special, makes for a fine summer soundtrack.
Background - Lomelda, who toured the UK earlier this year as support to Pinegrove, has released "Interstate Vision," the lead single from her upcoming album, Thx. Hannah Read, who performs under the moniker Lomelda, makes music that is textural and spacious. Her words are suggestive snapshots of loosely knitted observations, depicting quiet moments between friends and lovers and half-remembered celestial occurrences. In her songs, the memory of the past and glimpses of future stretch out on either side of you, and the present is unsteady and always shifting. f you were to ask Hannah Read what Lomelda means, you'd probably end up with some kind of non-answer and a new topic. It is a guarded secret reserved for those who really pry. It is a high school attempt at describing something vast and powerful yet uniquely quiet and complex. And it is ever-changing. Lomelda is about memory, intimacy, and the tragedies of distance. As a band, it has appeared in several forms over the years, but always, to Hannah, Lomelda has been about discovering friendship and connection. Close collaborators have become closer friends. And when you see Lomelda, when you hear it, it is apparent that Hannah cares deeply about the connection made with the people on stage, the connection with you. Facebook here.
The vocals are gentle, a little vulnerable perhaps and beautifully melodic, supported by some fresh, intricate and understated music. 'Interstate Vision' gives us a teaser for the forthcoming album, a remarkably good tease at that.
Background - Keep Shelly In Athens shares new single, "Seattle". The ethereal and swirling sounds of the ambient-influenced pop of Greece's Keep Shelly in Athens captures the transient feelings of city life and the inevitable passing of time. With lush melodic beats and dreamy vocals Keep Shelly's production is an accessible and lighthearted entry into the world of down-tempo electronica. With previous releases on labels including Forest Family Records, Transparent Records, Planet Mu, Cascine and Friends of Friends, the duo have already transported their whimsical arrangements and soothing productions across the globe, including performances at Coachella Festival, Parklife Festival, Brighton's The Great Escape Festival and Austin's Fun Fun Fun. In addition to their own releases they have also done official remixes for Tycho (Ghostly International), Blood Diamonds (4AD), Steve Mason (Domino) and many more... Their third LP, Philokalia, is coming out on September 29 2017 via their own record label Athenian Aura Recordings with the Aussie award-winning novelist/poet Jessica Bell as their new singer. Website here, Facebook here.
Just a month after the band shared 'Pioneer' ahead of the keenly awaited September album release, we now have another fine song entitled 'Seattle'. Rhythmic Lo-Fi electronica and beautiful melodic vocals again come together and create a very pleasing track.
Background - Iconic Australian psych rock quintet Beaches return with epic double LP Second Of Spring – Chapter Music’s first ever double album by a single artist. Beaches’ much-loved second album She Beats brought the band international acclaim in 2013. Featuring guest guitar by German motorik hero Michael Rother (Neu, Harmonia), the album earned raves from Pitchfork, Stereogum, Gorilla Vs Bear, Spin and elsewhere. Now Second Of Spring takes Beaches even further out, to where the pyramid meets the eye – a vast, enveloping sonic landscape, filled with extended instrumentals, overdriven psych-outs and propulsive pop nuggets. The double album was recorded in Melbourne with engineer/producer John Lee (Totally Mild, Lost Animal) and mastered by David Walker. Artwork is by the band‘s own Ali McCann, with design by renowned artist Darren Sylvester. Beaches’ self-titled 2008 debut was shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize, and included in glossy coffee table book 100 Best Australian Albums. The band released a standalone 12” on New York label Mexican Summer in 2010. They have toured the US twice, playing SXSW and Austin Psych Fest, and shared stages with Roky Erickson, Deerhunter, The Cult, Thee Oh Sees, Lightning Bolt, Mogwai, Best Coast and more. Already revered as sprawling, swirling psych overlords, Second Of Spring is Beaches’ undeniable magnum opus. Facebook here.
A keen blast of uptempo psych rock is delivered in the shape of 'Void'. Vocals and harmonies drift around deep in the mix and powerful guitars and a feisty rythmn drive the song forward with intensity and atmospheric vibes.
Background - The new Jess and the Bandits album, Smoke & Mirrors is out September 15 2017. Jess & The Bandits proved with their critically acclaimed debut album, Here We Go Again, that they were a musical force to be reckoned with. Boasting a rock country sound delivered with raw and real grit and an infectious pop punch, the band have enjoyed the loyal support of BBC Radio and TV. With lead vocalist Jess the happiest she has ever been, the writing process for upcoming album Smoke & Mirrors saw her in a very different frame of mind to those for the band’s debut. Having been swept off her feet by her Prince Charming, photographer Chris Peavey, Jess is radiating happiness following her engagement earlier this year. Jess & The Bandits have a busy summer of festivals ahead, and will also be heading out on a headline tour in September to coincide with the release of Smoke & Mirrors, which boasts the rock country edge of their debut while channelling a raw, real Gospel attitude. Of Smoke & Mirrors, Jess says; “I am so excited about this album. I wanted to make sure that the sound grew and developed, Experimenting a little even. Gospel music is so close to my heart that I knew I needed to bring those elements into this new record. Smoke & Mirrors is a labour of love. A collection of songs that will take the listener on a journey.” Facebook here. Live dates on Beehive Candy's tour news page.
'Kings Of Summer' is a bright country rocker, with Jess and The Bandits sounding as good as ever. The video contrasts with the pace, adding a dreamy retro feel, taking a stomping good song even further.
Background - White Summer have announced their 'Zero In Tennis' single launch shows along with a new video. After securing airplay on Triple M and Triple J off the back of the release of their EP‘ I Know A Place We Can Love’, White Summer gained momentum in the local and national scene and secured support slots with such acts as DMAs and Kingswood.
After two EP’s and Double A-Side releases, the guys have had their eyes set on displaying a complete body of work, their debut album. “Zero In Tennis” is the lead single taken from the bands forthcoming debut album due early 2018 and was recorded at the Grove Studios with acclaimed producer Burke Reid who has worked with the likes of Peter Garrett, Sarah Blasko, Courtney Barnett and DZ Deathrays. Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour news page.
'Zero In Tennis' is a vibrant alt rock type of song, where the energy and melody combine to make a splendid backdrop for some real rock'n'roll vocals, that add another layer of feeling to this piece.
Background - Carter Lou on "Evil Game": "'Evil Game' is about the moment I saw an ex for who they really were, and saw how they truly made me feel: a depressed, insecure and degraded version of myself. They were a person that all of my friends and family always mentioned not being fond of, but I always ignored their warnings. This song is me standing up for myself in a mentally abusive relationship and telling myself that I deserve better." A refresher on Carter Lou & the Project: Lead by Washington, D.C.-based musician Carter Louthian, Cart er Lou & the Project's beginnings stem from tragic circumstances. The night before he was set to go to college, Lou snapped: his two best friends had recently killed themselves a day apart, and his girlfriend had just broken his heart. Combined with the reality of the packaged post-college suburban life he was heading toward, he felt even more emptiness. He boldly told his parents that he wasn't going to university in the morning and has chosen to pursue music instead. Since then, the band has packed out numerous headlining shows and earning a prestigious endorsement from PRS Guitars. Facebook here.
Our second feature for Carter Lou & The Project, back in May we described their music as a tight, rhythmic rocker that doesn't try to be anything else. 'Evil Game' adds some bluesy rock vibes, and a powerful musical arrangement competes with some gritty and passionate vocals.
Background - About ‘Technicolour Native’ “Imagine a jungle so verdant in its wonder that the sharp arrows of hardship can’t reach you through the forest’s fertile thicket. It’s your very own wilderness to ramble through, the noble savage emblazoned in brilliant technicolour. And we’re with you, through adversity and in battle.”
Get lost in the sonic arbours of JR Green with ‘Technicolour Native’, a babbling brook of crystal melodies and pure arpeggios plashing gently against your wearied soul. Buoyed by the birdsong vocals and ensconced in the lap of its silken production, ‘Technicolour Native’ is an aural escape from the quotidian cares of life. It’s a meditation on beauty and retreat delivered artfully into your eardrums by the Green brothers, those Celtic troubadours whose beatific songwriting continues to find new and bigger sonic pastures. Above all, ’Technicolour Native’ is a symbolic saunter to the heart of what it means to be alive and to be human, regardless of time and place. About JR Green, Somewhere between peat-bog and youth culture rises JR Green, brethren progeny of the Pictish heartlands. Hailing from Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point in perfidious Albion, siblings Jacob and Rory Green offer Celtic tradition fused with unyielding, veracious lyricism and thunderous, euphoric songwriting. Balderdash to your Bon Ivers and codswallop to your Mumfords, the brothers Green have lain to rest the epoch of sexless, gritless folk-pop with their atavistic clarion-calling strains. Thanks to 2015’s Bring The Witch Doctor EP, (released via Hits The Fan), and its two irresistible singles - ‘Nigerian Princess’ and ‘First Blood’, JR Green became fixtures on 2016’s ‘Ones To Watch’ lists, receiving plaudits on the wireless all over the BBC from Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart on Radio 1, to airplay on 6Music and BBC Radio Scotland. Highlights from the past year include a live concert for Vic Galloway (alongside C Duncan and Trembling Bells) as part of BBC Music at Celtic Connections, two shows at The Great Escape, performances at LA’s MusExpo and numerous festivals and shows throughout UK and the continent. Their new digital-only single ‘Technicolour Native’ precedes the five-track Flora EP in August, with a string of live dates planned throughout summer including TRNSMT, Belladrum Festival and Colour Television, their very own monthly residence in Glasgow, which starts on the 28th of July. Website here, Facebook here.
The intricate musical opening for 'Technicolour Native' attracted my attention. When the vocals kick in the song develops some real edge and emotion. JR Green are getting noticed, and on the strength of this one track, that's hardly surprising.
Background - Grim Streaker's have a new video for the single "Miami Girl", which is featured on their new EP 'Girl Minority'. When talking about the video lead singer Amelia Bushell said,"“I went to Miami with [guitarist] Dan [Peskin] recently, and this man just walked up to him, ripped his shirt off, punched his face and asked him if he wanted to die! The song is inspired by that kind of random, comically dumb violence — it’s a version of someone experiencing Miami to the fullest via some gruesome events. It’s fast-paced, all-out and go.” Grim Streaker plays the kind of loud, fast, abrasive punk that emerged in L.A. and D.C. in the early-80s, mixed with a dose of the snotty, mid-tempo punk of late-70s New York and London. The band’s sound lies somewhere between that of the Adolescents, the Dead Boys, X-Ray Spex and Fugazi, with layers of guitar noise reminiscent of current bands like A Place to Bury Strangers, White Lung and METZ. Singer Amelia Bushell, guitarists Dan Peskin and Micah Weisberg, bassist Bill Dvorak and drummer Piyal Basu formed the band in late 2016. Since then, the group has been making a name for itself in the venues and DIY spaces of Brooklyn, with live shows quickly becoming known for the wild stage antics of Bushell. 'Girl Minority' came out on Friday 7/7. Facebook here.
One and a half minutes of purified punk comes in the form of 'Miami Girl'. Fabulous, timeless and energised, this is a real blast of highly addictive rock.
Background - On her debut album Reverie, Skyler Cocco blends her distinctive sound of effortless and soaring melodies with fuzzy and hook laden guitars in her own unique style of grunge pop. Documenting her formative years of loss, grief, and maturation, Reverie became Skyler's journal and process of growth and healing. In writing and recording her debut album Reverie, Skyler found her own voice as it became a portrait of her struggles with the loss of her father, depression and anxiety, and developed the maturity and skills to cope and share her experiences. The early released singles, "Some Nerve" and "Ordinary Life", solidified her sound with a hybrid of alt-rock, grunge, pop, and electronic elements and dream-like soundscapes and soaring melodies that Pop Matters described as "a unique pop sensibility to heavy, guitar-based rock". Website here, Facebook here. Photo - Joe Carrotta.
Grunge pop is something of a juxtaposition, as on paper they are seemingly diametrically opposed (keep up this is a science lesson) however 'Parasite' confirms the two can be mixed together without concern. Or in other words, it's a fine and dandy rock meets pop song that delights.
Background - ‘Callum Pickard & The Third Look’ is the creation of 21 year old singer-songwriter Callum Pickard - a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and profound son of Coventry who is flourishing in the embers of a once integral music scene. After acquiring a band of very close friends, luminous shows including support slots for Kurt Vile's guitarist Steve Gunn,‘Boogarins’,'Ryley Walker', Devon Sproule’,‘Eliza and The Bear’,‘Sun Club’,’Love Revisited’, ’Andy Shauf’ and‘Quilt’ have seen the young group rise to their peers with confidence and impress crowds around the UK. The band’s enviable fluidity and natural progressions between subtle mood shifts are all a matter of time and inevitability, not overexertion; their tight playing and cohesion a matter of chemistry and obscure maturity, evident whilst watching them play in a live capacity. That unassuming nature, that unhurried essence of intuition is what hails this band a breath of fresh air - relevant, and even subversive, in today’s blanketing musical spheres. The Third Look, Callum’s backing band now consists of six excellent multi instrumentalists: Daniel Murtagh (Lead Guitar), Laurence Pettite (Synths, Acoustic Guitar, Backing vocals), Daniel Duveen (Keyboards, Drums), Mike Webb (Bass), Christopher Lings (Drums) and Jonathan Pudge (Brass). CJ Camerieri played the French Horns and Trumpets for ‘June’. CJ played in Bon Iver’s band in 2011 and has collaborated with the likes of The Staves/Sufjan Stevens/Paul Simon. He’ll be playing with Paul Simon at this years Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and The National’s Aaron Dessner Eaux Claire’s Festival. Brian Joseph record and engineer the drums for ‘June’. He has worked with Sufjan Stevens and The Staves as well as S.Carey, The Fray and mixed and engineered Bon Iver’s second record which won the best Alternative album back at the Grammys in 2011. Facebook here.
A good while ago The Specials put Coventry on the map for the UK's ska music fans. Perhaps it's time for Callum Pickard and band to do the same again, albeit for a very different musical genre. 'June' is a likable indie pop song, with talented musicians, and fabulous vocals, that together remind me in part of Simon & Garfunkel, whatever this is one very catchy song, that I hope will travel well beyond it's home city.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Karpinka Brothers - You're Worth It.
Background - Meet Saskatoon's finest -- The Karpinka Brothers. If you're not familiar, The Karpinka Brothers are Canada's prolific folk-rock duo known for their extensive catalog of nostalgic and pastiche songwriting. They are making their return with the first single, "You're Worth It", from their upcoming fourth LP, Talk is Cheap. New LP, Talk Is Cheap, feels like a call to arms. It finds a seemingly impossible balance of sincerity and positivity. When they sing lines like “Where would I be without music in my heart?” You not only believe them, you relate without a trace of irony. The brothers have a longstanding reputation of putting their money where their mouth is, finding a delicate balance between professional musicians and community volunteers. In addition to sharing the stage with influential artists like John K. Samson and Gordon Lightfoot, they’ve played dozens of concerts for residents of a local long-term care residence. Produced and recorded by Grammy nominee Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire, Leonard Cohen, Vic Chestnutt) at his legendary Hotel2Tango in Montréal, Talk Is Cheap is the most realized and expansive Karpinka Brothers album to date. Their eloquent blend of timeless folk and 60s pop songs are complimented by an impressive list of contributing musicians including Mathieu Charbonneau (Timber Timbre) on piano and keys, Jamie Thompson (Unicorns/Islands) on drums and percussion, Sophie Trudeau (Godspeed You! Black Emperor) on violin, Joel Kerr (Sara Slean) on bass, and backing vocals by Krista Muir. Website here, Facebook here.
'You're Worth It' is a feisty folk rocker, that helps explain to a newcomer to The Karpinka Brothers like me, why they get such a positive write up, as in the promo piece above. It would appear that I have a massive back catalogue to work through, not that I am complaining...
Background - Bay Area, electro-rock duo, Native Sons, are excited to release their next single, "Say Nothing", from upcoming EP -- Super American. Perfect for a late night drive, "Say Nothing" features bouncing synth tones and eerie, longing vocals. Native Sons were born out of the ashes of blues rock band The Iron Heart. After making waves and playing 2013 Bottle Rock Music & Arts Festival alongside headliners such as the Black Keys and Kings of Leon, members Thomas and Justin decided it was time to follow a new musical journey.
The Native Sons project took a backseat for the time being but was ever present in the hundreds of songs they wrote together of the next 4 years. It wasn’t until June of 2016 Thomas Fine and Justin Altamura decided to re-think their music trajectory. The duo called on friends and industry contacts to put together a roster of producers.
Native Sons – Super American, their debut release, is a mix of pop, dance, electronic and rock. The 7 song EP take the listener through a journey of their past relationships, adventures and past musical history together in an intimate and emotional way. Super American will available online on all major streaming and download services August 4th. Website here, Facebook here.
Gentle rhythmic, melodic synths sit comfortably with the duo's natural rock instincts on 'Say Nothing', a catchy tune with vocals that could front for a mass of genres.
Background - Fresh from taking out WAM’s Blues Song of the Year for his track The Prince (an ode to everyone’s favourite watering hole in Bunbury), Dan Howls has put forward another blistering offering with new single Big Blue Eyes. Dan says of the track “Big Blue Eyes is a song about friends moving away from the wild life you grew up together in. It’s dark but has some cheeky overtones." Making his live debut just last year at W.A’s Nannup Music Festival, Dan performed solo with nothing more than an electric guitar and a stomp on his foot, impressing enough to take away the event’s audience voted Emerging Artist Award. The prize included studio time with James Newhouse (Ash Grunwald, The Kill Devil Hills) which resulted in his first EP’s worth of material. After playing relentlessly throughout Perth and Fremantle for the rest of 2016, Dan headed to Germany to play the first official Kornern Festival as well as nailing a filmed performance for the famed online Cardinal Sessions. Upon his return to Australia Dan launched his ‘Howler’ EP to a sold out crowd at Mojos Bar, with the addition of an explosive backing band made up of Josh Cutler, Callum Sealamb and Julia Weller. Dan Howl’s dark and gritty voice recalls shades of Tom Waits and when on fire with the band also hovers around the territory of Gary Clarke Jr., The Black Keys and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, setting the stage for one of the most menacing and ecstatic live shows going around. With a debut album set to drop this year and plans for national touring underway, Big Blue Eyes will feature amongst other new material being showcased as Dan Howls and his band continue to exorcise one stage at a time. Facebook here.
Some raw and ready rock'n'roll music ensures this song thunders into your life. Add in the gritty vocals and soothing harmonies and 'Big Blue Eyes' immediately registers. Fabulously natural alt rock.
Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real - Three New Songs.
Background - Since their formation as teenagers 10 years ago, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real have quietly developed into one of America’s most dazzling new live acts, playing hundreds of shows and major festivals all over the world, attracting a deeply devoted underground following. Still, with a bounty of invaluable experience under their belts, nothing foretold the artistic leap of Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real their new, self-titled album, a mesmerizing, emotionally genuine, endlessly rewarding work of cosmic country soul set for release on August 25th, 2017 via Fantasy Records. The band has shared three new tracks from the album, “Find Yourself,” “Forget About Georgia,” and “Set Me Down On A Cloud”. The new album includes 12 Lukas Nelson originals that draw on his country and rock lineage including literate Texas songsmiths like his father and ‘uncles’ Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings, along with the enduring influence of J.J. Cale, The Band, Clapton-era Delaney & Bonnie and of course, his mentor Neil Young.
Young, an essential member of the POTR family, met the band after he caught them at Farm Aid several years back. “Neil got in touch after that, and we started talking by email,” Lukas recounts. “Eventually, he asked us to record with him. We fell in love with each other musically, one thing led to another and we became Neil’s band.” Currently on tour with Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real will be burning up stages throughout 2017 including multiple Outlaw Music Festival dates (with Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, My Morning Jacket, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and Margo Price), Austin City Limits Festival, Farm Aid and Milwaukee’s SummerFest. The band is also set for shows alongside Gary Clark Jr. and Nicki Bluhm. Additionally, Lukas Nelson & Promise will headline the Bowery Ballroom in New York City on September 5th. Website here.
Three songs, “Find Yourself,” “Forget About Georgia,” and “Set Me Down On A Cloud” and each one, more than just a little bit special. The new album is a must for me!
Background - New singles label Highland Park, first ever release, is from Brooklyn-based band Plastic Picnic. The label have re-released their killer summer jam, 'Miss It Still', along with a brand new music video. Plastic Picnic is a Brooklyn based band comprised of four Pacific Northwest transplants. The duos – Lute and Panerio, and Hunt and Taylor – developed their styles playing in separate Seattle projects. It wasn’t until moving east that the pairs were brought together by a mutual friend. Instantly compatible, the group shared a taste for lyrically forthright indie rock paired with driving 80's rhythms, sweetly spun melodies and atmospheric synth and guitar work. Website here, Facebook here, Highland Park Records website here.
'Miss It Still' is a breezy indie rocker, that's catchy. pleasing and just right for a warm summers evening, as is the case for me right now, oh for a swim in the sea..
Joseph Childress - Virginia Bound.
