The Montreals - Pallab Sarker - Warbly Jets - Niteshifters - DeQn Sue - Shannon Lay

The Montreals - deadheads.

Background - Regarded as one of “the next big things in Australian Music” (5Why), The Montreals, are a slick indie-rock outfit from Adelaide, South Australia. After kicking the door down with their debut EP Indigo Club in late-2016, the band successfully toured nationally and performed in support for internationally successful acts including Alpine, Last Dinosaurs, Andy Bull, Hey Geronimo & Dorsal Fins. Mixed by Magoo (The Jungle Giants, Art vs. Science) and mastered by Steve Smart of Studio 301 (British India, Vance Joy), the 3-track record garnered hundreds of thousands of streams on streaming services worldwide. The highly anticipated release of their first single of 2017, ‘deadheads.’, is the exclamation point on a breakout debutant year. 

In short, ‘deadheads.’ is an ode to Australian youth culture. The penniless slaves to a liquor-fuelled good time, always counting loose change to make rent, but squandering at dingy clubs on weeknights. Sonically, ‘deadheads.’ feels like a finely balanced raw polish of modern SoCal meets the foundational indie rock vibes we all know and love. 

Lyrically, as well as channelling the carelessness of twenty-somethings, this track also explores the negative aspects of this lifestyle, such as the inability to maintain long-term relationships in favour of spontaneity and the ‘now’. Facebook here.

Upbeat and sprightly 'deadheads' is a blast of original & exceptional indie rock, where the vocals and music both compete for attention.

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Pallab Sarker - Not Gonna Fall In Love With You.

Background - Having found success with his debut record, ‘Morning In Brixton’, which was played extensively across the US college underground radio network, earning him a record deal in the US, British Bengali indie-pop singer-songwriter Pallab Sarker is back with his endearing follow up single, ‘Not Gonna Fall In Love With You’.

However, for a long time, Pallab led a seemingly ‘double life’; he was a press adviser to Ministers in the day, including Trade Minister Lord Digby Jones during the last Labour administration, and a musician by night, but on one occasion he merged the two, performing a gig in the atrium of the home office in the name of Children in Need, raising thousands of pounds in the process.

After Pallab’s parents fled from the Bangladesh war of independence in the 70s and raised him in Peterborough, Pallab relocated to London during his early twenties at the peak of the brit-pop explosion. The lively scene that took the music world by storm inspired the budding songwriter who quickly formed a band, ICON, who gigged incessantly across the capital and its lively circuit. Although Pallab is now based in Walthamstow, he has spent a lot of time immersed in the vibrant arts scene of South London, which inspired the single ‘Morning In Brixton’, also taken from his upcoming album, Grey Day.

Since his band days, Pallab has developed his sound as a solo artist and he can now be considered a genuine songbird, whose arresting voice and touching melodies ooze with emotional value, speaking straight to the hearts of his listeners. Within Sarker’s work is a humanizing touch, most clearly exhibited through his kind, clever lyricism and its sonic journey instigating abilities, which can be found on ‘Not Gonna Fall In Love With You’.

Not only this, but Pallab feels strongly about the lack of British Asians being showcased in the indie genre. He points out that British Asians have played a huge role in the development of garage and R&B, but there is little mainstream representation when it comes to the indie singer-songwriter scene: Sarker could well be the poster boy who kicks off a new era for British Asians in this genre. Website here, Facebook here.

Pallab Sarker vocals are likable and feel so genuine. 'Not Gonna Fall In Love With You' clearly demonstrates he also has a knack for writing and delivering really fine indie songs. This one is very catchy.

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Warbly Jets - 4th Coming Bomb.

Background - Ask synth player Julien O'Neill how Warbly Jets fits into LA's music scene and he'll have a simple answer for you: they don't. They exist out there in the ether—caught somewhere in between yesterday and today, where massive rock 'n' roll melodies brush up against skittish breakbeats, swoon-worthy strings, and laser-guided synth lines. Warbly Jets will release its self-titled debut album on October 20 via Rebel Union Recordings and the album is available for pre-order at PledgeMusic and iTunes.
  
"The music mirrors the message," says the band. We’re all trying to live and breathe in this world at the same time, not noticing if we’re hurting or helping one another. It works for now, but might explode at any second." The lyrics were inspired by singer/guitarist Samual Shea's favorite quotes by writer Eugene Bell, "Aspire to inspire before you expire." "This quote alway shaped that way I create music," he says. "I hope that as an artist I can leave a lasting impression and inspire the creatives of our future even after i'm no longer around."

Their synth-driven guitar rock is a genre-bending blend of The Clash punk balladry, Primal Scream’s production infused meltdown, and the unflinching attitude of Oasis at its peak. It has catapulted them to the top of a booming independent movement in LA, where paisley, punk, and electronic influences have melted together in the endemic sunshine to become one of the nation’s most fertile scenes for emerging projects across a variety of disciplines.

Warbly Jets started in the cramped apartments of New York City and its other limiting environmental factors as the songwriting project of O’Neill and Shea. The two quickly decamped to the sunnier, sprawling climes southern California where they began to flesh out the songs that would eventually give life to their debut. “Los Angeles in my opinion was a much more welcoming city than New York City ever was for us,” Shea remarks about the cross-country switch. O'Neill continues, “The move to Hollywood felt idyllic to us as strangers in a new land. Our influences were all over the ground anywhere we walked.” 

Their look and sound is a pastiche of old and new influences that goes well beyond just music and perhaps perfectly, for its place and time, the Jets have done a little bit of everything. In addition to being named an Artist to Watch by KCRW and earning heavy rotation on SiriusXM's XMU, Warbly Jets has also racked up spins on Beats1 and "The Lowdown" is an Advanced Placement featured track at SiriusXM's Alt Nation. The LA quartet caught the attention of Liam Gallagher's Pretty Green (who used "Alive" as the official song of its SS17 line) and landed slots opening for acts like The Dandy Warhols, The Mystery Lights and Night Beats. 

Warbly Jets just completed their first tour outside of the US after a week-long run in China and play a hometown show tomorrow night at The Roxy in LA. They'll be on the road all summer leading to the release including a London residency in September. A full list of tour dates can be found below with more to be added. Website here, Facebook here.

The laser guided synths signal the start of '4th Coming Bomb' a song that soon develops into a stunning piece with layers of musical delight and some psych orientated vocals. The energy levels rise and stay high throughout, marvellous!

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Niteshifters - Show Me What You've Got.

Background - Hot on the heels of the success of Niteshifters' debut single 'Show Me What You've Got' which received national and international airplay as well as featuring heavily on BBC TV's Wimbledon coverage, the band have revealed details of the new album 'Huge Disco'.

Niteshifters follow the success of their debut single 'Show Me What You’ve Got' with the release of their album 'Huge Disco'. A record that celebrates the joyful sounds of original disco, written with a modern head and a timeless sound.

Blending classic Disco sounds with killer songs and modern live production, Niteshifters provide an escape from the frenetic stresses life, propelling you to glittering new orbits. Featuring nineteen year old rising star Khadija Jajue on lead vocals, with Basement Jaxx’s Andrea Terrano on guitar, Elliot May (Do Your Thing) on backing vocals and lead on ‘She’s The Girl’, 'Huge Disco' is the go to sound of summer 2017. Facebook here.

I gave some thought as to whether to include Niteshifters as disco is not exactly one of those genres I get too excited about. 'Show Me What You've Got' and the new Huge Disco' album is however far to good to ignore. Retro styles and today's production techniques come together and ensure fun, spirit lifting and highly danceable tunes grab hold of and hang on to your attention. Distant memories of the seventies disco sounds are reignited (some good, some best left forgotten, along with the fashion crimes of that era). If disco is your thing, this album will not disappoint, rather it's more likely to astound!

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DeQn Sue - Melanin.

Background - This brand new track from DeQn Sue is called ‘Melanin’. (the pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their colour.) Her new album ‘Juggernaut’ is coming out August 18th 

The track struts with an instantly cool sheen and the lyrics promote race equality: “black, brown, dark and light… don’t matter what you’re like, you are precious in his eye”… “colours, why do they make a difference to you”?, for example.

Deqn Sue is an American alternative pop artist with a sharp edge bursting with message and humour. She has been featured on NPR Tiny Desk and in Netflix original series, Orange is the New Black but is still relatively unknown outside of the US. Spending most of her time between Huntsville, Alabama and L.A. here is a refreshing songmaker whose quick lyrical and sonic turns create constant surprise without ever missing a beat. With hints of Funk, R&B, pop and even vaudeville and EDM, she transcends style, spinning words and sounds and is purely engaged in the now.

Let's start with her name: an amalgam of the character name that her father Rod Perry made famous on the hit 1970s TV series S.W.A.T. - Sgt. David "Deacon" Kay - and her mother's first name. DeQn Sue describes her music as socially conscious, alternative pop. Website here, Facebook here.

'Melanin' is very catchy, indeed it's crammed full of hooks. The songs message is admirable, however foremost this is a fabulous song that deserves to be heard on that merit alone, that you get some common sense as well, is a bonus.

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Shannon Lay - The Moons Detriment.

Background - This week Kevin Morby is officially launching his new label imprint, Mare Records with the signing of Shannon Lay & announcement of her new LP, Living Water. Mare Records will operate as an imprint of the Woodsist label, which also released Morby's first two solo albums.

"The first time I saw Shannon my heart was broken into a million pieces. I had known her from her wonderful punk band Feels as the lead guitarist who shouted back up, but I wasn't sure what to expect from her performing solo. But there she was - at a small bar in Los Angeles to maybe 15 people watching while she sat in a chair with an electric guitar on her knee, orange hair covering her face and a picture of Bart Simpson projected behind her. She began her set and my heart stopped the moment her voice leaped into the air - and I did what I do in those rare situations - I recorded it. I pulled out my phone, opened up the voice memos and recorded her whole set (the last time I had done this was three years earlier while watching Kris Kristofferson and Harry Dean Stanton do duets set at Cinefamily). 

After her performance I was in complete awe and wasn't sure how to approach her to convey how much I loved it. Suddenly Shannon, an acquaintance from around town, had exposed her super power and I felt instantly star struck in her presence. "I recorded your set so I could listen to it again" I told her, and then to my surprise I found myself saying "let me put out your record" and after convincing Jeremy at Woodsist to do a collaborative release with me, here it is.

Living Water is an instant classic. Recorded by Emmet Kelly (Cairo Gang, Bonnie Prince Billy, Ty Segall) in his Los Angeles home studio, this is an album where you can hear the room reacting to the music taking shape around it. Shannon has a voice that transcends time and space. You can't tell if she's old or new, if she's sitting next to you, on a mountain top, or down in some canyon. Already her second LP to be released in 2017, Shannon is a prolific songwriter, one who lives and breaths melody and with guitar skills to boot. Despite it's 14 tracks, Living Water comes in well under 40 minutes, but like Pink Moon or Just Another Diamond Day before it, this is music so potent it exists outside the realms of time - but in a world specific only to itself and the new feelings it creates.

Shannon has been dominating the local scene in Los Angeles over the past two years, leaving everyone who witnesses completely breathless. Having just finished a tour with Ty Segall, Shannon is set to support Kevin Morby on a national tour this fall." - Kevin Morby, Birmingham, Alabama, June 8th 2017. Facebook here.

Indie folk or singer/song writer, I'm never certain of which description is best, 'The Moons Detriment' is somewhere in that area and is absolutely beautiful. A sensitive musical arrangement alongside Shannon Lay's captivating vocals and a gentle melody is more than enough to put her firmly on my must hear more list.

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Corniglia - Collapsing Scenery - White Reaper - Chris Tavener

Corniglia - I Don't Know What To Say.

Background - After causing a minor buzz amongst the indie music community in late 2016 with their debut single “Oh My Love”, Perth Indie-Pop act, Corniglia, have released their follow up single “I Don't Know What To Say”.

With their dark indie pop being likened to Radiohead, Beach House, Tame Impala, The Sleepy Jackson and Warpaint, the band’s new release (recorded in the Irwin’s home studio and mixed and mastered at Bergerk! Studios) is an infusion of bubbling melody overflowing from underneath it’s lo-fi production. You can almost feel the tension between the introspective chilled delivery and what is trying to burst through between the lines. It is equally looking back at past personal and current world issues with an understanding smile and a muted scream. 

The accompanying stop-motion animated music video, similarly beautiful and well-crafted, gained as much attention as the debut single, so be sure not to miss the follow up animated effort. 

With Happy Mag recently naming Corniglia as one of their five Western Australian bands to watch, keep an eye out for their upcoming full length release and what the rest of 2017 has in store, website here, Facebook here.

Dark indie pop seems a pretty apt description for 'I Don't Know What To Say' which has a haunting feel to it. The melody is seemingly less important, with atmospheric rhythmic vocals driving the song forward above a delicious guitar lead soundtrack.


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Collapsing Scenery - Tired Blood.

Background - Collapsing Scenery shares their new video "Tired Blood" (dir. by Hunter Crowder). The band's Reggie Debris explains that the track is about "the fatigue and exhaustion that can set in after years of activism, when nothing seems to change or things seem to get actively worse." 

Collapsing Scenery’s music and creative process represent the world as the band wishes the world were: playful, polyglot, intense, committed, politically engaged, free, open, and without boundaries or hierarchies.

The band formed in the terrible autumn of 2013, under a pall of paranoia and disgust, as predator missiles rained on Middle Eastern heads and each day brought news of further surveillance of innocents and more aggressive pursuit of those who had the nerve to inform us about it.

Against this backdrop, erstwhile collaborators Don De Vore and Reggie Debris put aside the stringed instruments on which they’d first learned to play music and on which they were comfortable and versed, and assembled an impressive pile of analog electronics: samplers, step sequencers, synths and drum machines, all supplemented by effects pedals usually applied to guitars. 

From the largely improvised sessions, many accompanied by drummer Ryan Rapsys, the seeds of songs began their germination. Lyrics that Debris had been amassing over years of political rage and frustration began to find their homes when paired with ad-libbed instrumentals. Melodies and cadences alchemically emerged as the words settled into their natural rhythmic patterns.

These elements create dizzying music that by turns touches on punk, industrial, techno, hip-hop, free jazz, soul, disco, folk balladry, and whatever other spirits happen to inhabit the recording studio at any given moment. Website here, Facebook here.

'Tired Blood' has a deep beat, synths that tease out swirling sounds alongside a keen rhythm, all of which sits behind some darker vocals and superb samples. At just under three minutes the songs abrupt end surprised me, as I was still trying to figure the video out!


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White Reaper - Judy French.

Background - Following on from the April release of their new album 'The World's Best American Band' on Polyvinyl Records, Louisville indie/garage band White Reaper have announced a short run of EU/UK tour dates for this October.

A new video for the acclaimed single "Judy French" has just emerged too. White Reaper's standout single "Judy French" off their critically acclaimed and overall monster of an album, The World's Best American Band, gets the video treatment it deserves. 

Directed by Brandon Dermer (co-creator and director of the forthcoming Viceland show, What Would Diplo Do?), the video stars actress Alexandra Daddario (True Detective, Baywatch) giving the song her best arena-rock performance.

Live dates are listed on Beehive Candy's tour news page, website here, Facebook here.

Feisty full on rock riffs and some equally strong vocals ensures 'Judy French' arrives in style albeit well and truly in your face. It's a natural punk orientated song, where attitude & power compete for attention (& get it!).


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Chris Tavener - Faking Cool.

Background - Chris Tavener is the satirical, comedy folk act talking about what everybody thinks, but nobody says….a quirky combination of Tim Minchin meets Bob Dylan, or Flight of The Concords meets Paul Simon.

Originally from Northwich in Cheshire, Chris writes storytelling songs about the ironic comedy in everything from drunken romance, celebrity worship, football hooligans and small-town problems. His latest EP “i’m sorrdy bi’m drunnk” was championed by Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music) who aired the tracks four times.. In 2016, he took on two nationwide tours visiting 10 cities over 6 weeks; the success of which led to a stint at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a second nationwide tour; performing a total of 351 gigs. 

His latest single ‘Faking Cool’ sees him throw on some dark shades and plenty of leather (probably fake) in a song that looks at those people in society that are just too-cool-for-school. As the hilariously entertaining music video shows, it’s actually quite hard work being friends with someone who constantly pouts and struts around like they own the place.

What does being ‘cool’ really mean? One man’s cool may be another man’s ‘Faking Cool’. Chris is making an art out of catchy comedic tunes with clever lyrics and it’s no surprise that his popularity is soaring with fans raving about his live shows. Facebook here.

My personal take on comedic songs is that they are either very good and easy to listen to over and over, or one off jokes that are never quite the same on a second listen. OK I know that's a sweeping generalisation and 'Faking Cool' is definitely in the latter camp, more satirical (or tongue in cheek) than full on humour. It's also actually a very catchy song where fine music and attractive vocals are centre stage.


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Murder Murder - Darling West - Men of North Country - A Valley Son

Murder Murder - I've Always Been a Gambler.

Background - Murder Murder is a full string band with suitcase percussion who create a unique blend of bluegrass and outlaw country. 

The new single/video "I've Always Been A Gambler" is the first from their upcoming LP Wicked Lines and Veins which will be released this September.

The track is a fast-paced, dobro-driven song about an angry drifter in a card game who can’t stand the sight of the man across the table from him. While an original tune, it references two classic gambling folk songs - “Jack of Diamonds” and “The Cuckoo”. Facebook here.

Natural "outlaw country" style vocals are supported by some fabulous music on 'I've Always Been a Gambler' a trailblazing song, which as the song title and video pretty much confirms - is about gambling. Even if this type of music isn't usually your "thing", give it a listen just to appreciate the intricate and vibrant musicianship.


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Darling West - After My Time.

Background - The last twelve months of Darling West’s musical career can't be described as anything other than fantastic. Since the release of their second album, "Vinyl and a Heartache", they have played concerts all over the world, been playlisted on the biggest radio stations in Norway, appeared on the Top 100 Country charts in the US, amassed more than 2.5 million plays on Spotify, been booked for the biggest festivals in Norway, Americanafest in Nashville, and won a Norwegian Grammy.

Despite all this, the band have no plans of resting on their laurels, and now they’re releasing two songs from a new album they plan to release in early 2018. "While I Was Asleep" and "After My Time" were recorded with Bård Ingebrigtsen in Amper Tone Studios, Oslo, and were mixed by Marcus Forsgren (Jaga Jazzist).

This is the sound of a new and revitalised Darling West. The band are still playing their sweet americana / country / folk, but there’s a lot more drive in the music and the melodies are catchier than before.

The band said: "After My Time" is one of the few songs we have written in our apartment in Oslo. It does something to you when you read about human destinies and experiences you hardly can imagine. It’s difficult to take in, but at the same time it’s important to not shut it out." Facebook here.

Melodic, inviting vocals and harmonies are at the forefront on 'After My Time' a song that mixes a number of Americana styles and does so with panache.


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Men of North Country - Lost Tobacco Road.

Background - Mod-soul band Men Of North Country release their new single Lost Tobacco Road, taken from their second full length record This City (Acid Jazz Records) on August 11th. It's a Bondian horn-driven affair of a winding adventure gone sour.

Emerging from the small soul scene of Tel Aviv, Israel, Men Of North Country bring a fresh approach to creating the perfect three-minute soul nugget. Originally started by chance when soul DJ Yashiv Cohen was overheard singing along to the 45’s he was spinning; the band have now released two full length albums on Acid Jazz Records - The North (2012) and This City (2016) - garnering glowing reviews along the way. 

The band featured live in session on the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC 6 Music (also heard on Lauren Laverne’s ‘Best Live Music on BBC6 2016’ show). Website here, Facebook here.

'Lost Tobacco Road' is a powerful, funky song that has some realistic sixties UK Mod vibes, alongside top quality musicianship in the shape of rhythm driven horns, and a band that are energised and passionate.


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A Valley Son - The World, It Moves.

Background - “The World, It Moves”, the second new single from A Valley Son’s debut full-length But The World Moves (out September 8th). The song is a careening track from the soulful Southern-gothic rock crew that recounts frontman Trey Powell’s days of growing up in the rural tidal plains of Virginia and staving off boredom by whatever means necessary. The song follows the album’s raucous lead single “Leaving Is Easy.”

But The World Moves is the follow-up to A Valley Son’s critically-acclaimed debut Sunset Park EP, that came out in January, solidifying the band as one that puts songwriting, emotion and musicianship back at the forefront. With three of the four members growing up in the South and eventually migrating to New York City, the songs are heavily influenced by the experiences gained after their arrival. The record attempts to reconcile the world of one's youth with the one we call home as adults, all while dealing with what it means for the people we become. The core question being, does anyone ever really get away?

These are not a collection of somber acoustic ruminations, but raucous songs that pull heavily from the Southern soul, rock and gospel tradition that each of the members grew up on. Just like with their captivating live performances, the band (Trey Powell, Seth Nicholson, Steve Bowen and Nate Osborne) sets a tone from the first track that tries to transport the listener back and forth between the past and the present seamlessly, in the hopes that the line between memory and reality are blurred. Facebook here.

Our second feature for A Valley Son in a matter of weeks, this time with the latest offering from the forthcoming album, the second single 'The World, It Moves'. It's another example of just how good the album is, where southern rock & soulful grooves are delivered with commitment and heartfelt determination. The album should and deserves to have wide appeal, highly recommended to lovers of these genres.

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Common Deer - Stereo Specter - Illyin Pipes - The Max Tribe

Common Deer - Wait!

Background - Some artists want to shine a light in the darkness. Common Deer come bearing an arsenal of floodlights.  The band’s stirring new single “Wait!”is proof that the powerful Toronto quintet stand apart as a vessel of uplift, a call for camaraderie, and an act of resistance against jaded nihilism. The song is the first off their second EP “II” which lands on September 8, 2017.

With two sets of siblings, several multi-instrumentalists, and a determination to push the boundaries of classical music, Common Deer offer a glimpse of hope in a world overwhelmed by complex issues and insecurities. Vocalist Graham McLaughlin describes “WAIT!” as “an awakening to a social climate we didn't anticipate, a recognition that strength is in numbers and ideas only if they are inspired and connected.” He adds that “the song urges people to confront ignorance. We really feel like there's no time to waste.”

The lyrics of vocalists McLaughlin (guitar, violin, vocals) and Sheila Hart-Owens (keyboards, vocals) reflect the zeitgeist: the anxiety of the modern age is met with a crying out for a sense of connection. “Trying to create light in the darkness; it’s a mentality we share,” says Graham. Nevertheless, Common Deer are not blind optimists peddling escapism; their live shows are joyous, celebratory affairs, rich with rousing, orchestral pop sound built for festival stages. The line-up is rounded out by Adam Hart-Owens (cello, guitar, synth), Liam Farrell (percussion, synth, samples) and Connor Farrell (bass).

Featuring synths, drum machines, and modern riffs, Common Deer took nearly three years to prepare their 2017 debut EP, I, produced by Laurence Currie (Hey Rosetta!, Wintersleep). The band’s follow-up EP, II, came together much more quickly. Recorded in Brooklyn, NY with lauded Producer Gus Van Go (Arkells, Whitehorse), II balances the energy of Common Deer’s infectious live shows with electronic percussion,  layered strings, and an increased synth presence. Website here.

'Wait!' is vigorous and sparkling right from the opening moments. Music and vocals are dynamically crafted, and above all else the song is massively catchy.



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Stereo Specter - Animal.

Background - The Nashville alt rock outfit drops a new sci-fi inspired track ahead of their debut record, Eidolon, out this fall. The brainchild of producer and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Dean, Stereo Specter is the culmination of Dean's time spent chasing the pavement as a staff songwriter on Music Row coupled with his lifelong passion for all things vintage sci-fi.

Partnering with co-producer Allen Parker (Dan Auerbach, J Roddy Walston), Dean plays every instrument (minus drums) and writes every song found on Eidolon.

"When I hear what’s going on in music nowadays, it seems like people are worrying more about production and less about creating a memorable song that you can play on a guitar or a piano that people will want to listen to in five years," 

Dean muses. "I’m trying to write stand alone songs first and then produce them uniquely. It was also really important to me that I played every note on the EP myself. I just wanted it to be the purest expression of me, you know? I’ve worked with other producers and writers... I've been dressed up by stylists, but I've never been satisfied with all that. This time around, I decided to take matters into my own hands and just become what I wanted... and that's Stereo Specter." Website here, Facebook here.

With vintage sci-fi slowly giving way to a more powerful musical soundtrack 'Animal' starts on a high and keeps up the momentum allowing the vocals to emerge and develop from deep in the mix.

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Illyin Pipes - Waking Up.

Background - Waking Up is a nostalgic look at a carefree summer, but the sunshine is enveloped with a dark undertone. 

It filmed the video while the band was touring in England and it hints at the EP’s theme as a whole. 

“I was struggling with a few things while trying to maintain an illusion of positivity and balance.

The dichotomy of stability and disorder is present in ‘Waking Up’ as well as the remainder of the EP’s songs, even if that wasn't intentional when we wrote them.” - Jill (vocalist of Illyin Pipes). Facebook here.

Rich, sprightly synths launch 'Waking Up'. Distant dreamy vocals gently ebb their way into the atmospheric song, with the video adding some further expression to a very fine song.


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The Max Tribe - Hello.

Background - Boston-based indie psych rock outfit The Max Tribe are excited to share "Hello," the first single from their forthcoming LP Retrofit. Vocalist Austin Max describes the meaning behind the track: “It started as a love song, but towards the end of the writing process it turned into a breakup song surrounding an affair. It's somewhat dark, yet has a bright chorus that reflects how the antagonists bad choices are clear and transparent.”

The Tribe was born in 2013 when Nashville native Austin Max (Guitar/Vox) united with Northern Virginia Native Conner Kessler (Drums) at music school in Boston. For a year they developed a psych sound playing around New England. Their debut single, “Tape Machine” was featured on Sound of Boston as one of the top 5 releases of 2015. Max, Kessler linked up with Noah Lubert (Keys/Vox) and Rafael Minerbo (Bass) in 2016. Noah and Rafa contributed to form the intertwined charisma that became the group's signature psych sound. 

Over the course of 15 months, the Tribe wrote and recorded their debut LP Retrofit at 1867 studios due August 2017. In January of 2017, they embarked on a winter tour covering the North and Southeast. They are currently gearing up for their LP release and summer tour of the record. Together, the Tribe creates a unique blend of psych rock with influences stemming from The White Stripes, The Beatles, The Doors, The Black Keys, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, and Cage The Elephant.

The release of Retrofit on August 11th coincides with the start of the band's U.S. tour. Website here, Facebook here.

A funky riff and some tight and refined musicianship allows 'Hello' to build into a very engaging alt rock song. The vocals are just right for the music, this is a first rate teaser for the forthcoming album.

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Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire - Ian Randall Thornton - Paperhaus - Ninth Of May - Brass Phantoms - Jaws of Love - Sleepy Limbs

Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire - Sliding.

Background - Scottish 7-piece Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire's new single ’Sliding’ evokes the epic, driving americana you’d associate with such noteworthy artists. If the Scots slang – which gives Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire’s “Swithering” its name – suggests any sort of indecisiveness at play, then it’s one that the band whole-heartedly embraced to help push the boundaries of what it felt capable of creating.  From the very beginning, this was a group of players eager to change how they approached making a record.  Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, the band (Scott Clark, Roddy Hart, Andy Lucas, Scott Mackay, John Martin, Geoff Martyn, and Gordon Turner) formed naturally over a number of years as Hart’s own evolution as an artist and songwriter progressed.  

Their first studio album-proper, 2013’s “Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire”, was critically hailed for its distinctively dark and atmospheric sound and led to a nomination on the fiercely contested long list for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award.  Notably, the record also caught the attention of prime time US TV host Craig Ferguson who invited the band to perform on The Late Late Show for CBS that same year, leading to a 5-night residency that played out to a combined audience of over 12 million viewers.  A Scottish Variety Award for International Breakthrough Artist of The Year followed, as did a nomination for Best Band at the Spirit of Scotland Awards, and performances at the opening party for the Commonwealth Games and a celebrated show with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra only served to bolster their reputation as a formidable live band; cemented by the huge popularity of their self-curated and much loved “Roaming Roots Revue” for Celtic Connections each year.

The new album “Swithering” is due for release on all formats – including limited edition 180g vinyl – on Middle of Nowhere Recordings, with tour dates to follow. Website here, Facebook here.

'Sliding' is a slick, vibrant and massively likable alt rocker. There is a sense of urgency that eases with the refrain before the energy kicks back in. The music video catches the feeling of the song beautifully.


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Ian Randall Thornton - Do You Rise.

Background - Virginia songwriter Ian Randall Thornton, released his lush, atmospheric second single “Do You Rise” a couple of days ago. "Do You Rise” is about the search for spirituality, and the elusive nature of such a mystical relationship. It helps balance out the listening experience on Lineage by creating a brief moment of rest and contemplation, in the midst of a dense concept album about family and heritage. 

Sparks of world influence and folk traditions light up different tracks throughout the album, such as the African influences heard in the fretless banjo dancing through “Philadelphia,” and distinctly Appalachian influences mixed with sounds of hope and history in “Dance Upon the Tables.” With “See You Through,” an ode written from a father to his daughter, the album comes to a crescendo of three part harmonies and a unique combination of Asian and Appalachian melodic influences.

Ian Randall Thornton’s sound resides in a delicate balance between Americana, timeless folk, and progressive post-rock. His sound provides a unique tension: the balance of remembering the past and hoping unabashedly for the future. One could see Lineage as a soundtrack to the film of Thornton’s life experiences, carrying secrets of friendship, made from family and for family. Its concept carries a definitive story of the golden threads of family history. In this Thornton finds purpose, writing odes to generations past, with songs such as “See You Through” serving as a guidepost for generations to come. Website here, Facebook here.

The fifth of eleven tracks on the superb 'Linage' album is 'Do You Rise'. We featured the first single 'Who Are We' at the end of June and stated then "I have to say they are all at least as good as the featured song, with a few real gems along the way." Upon reflection, that is something of an understatement, give both featured songs a listen, the rest are all equally superb!


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Paperhaus - Go Cozy.

Background - Washington, DC-based, psychedelic rock band, Paperhaus, announce their new LP, Are These The Questions That We Need To Ask?, due out October 6th via Misra Records. Their first single from the new record is "Go Cozy". The forthcoming album was recorded at co-producer and mixer Peter Larkin's studio, The Lighthouse, in Alexandria, VA. The record was mastered by Sarah Register. 

Following up on their debut self-titled LP, Are These The Questions That We Need To Ask?  marks a turning point for Paperhaus. The album is very deliberately titled, urging listeners to ask questions about the surrounding world, rather than offering listeners the answers. It explores many thematic elements relevant to our modern life, including our reliance on technology, a craving for nature, the increasing rise of more authoritarian ideas along with the division it creates among people around the world, and most importantly what all this means for our relationships with each other. Lead single, "Go Cozy," is a song about friendship and community, specifically built off their experience in the DC DIY music community. Go Cozy, another active band in the DC scene and housemates of Paperhaus, inspired the track through their open-mindedness and collaborative process in the tight knit music community. 

The band previously released 5 EPs, with their 2011 self-titled EP representing the band's new lineup, consisting of founding member Alex Tebeleff (vocals/synth/guitar), and current members Matt Dowling (vocals/bass), Rick Irby (guitar) and Danny Bentley (drums). The band is inspired by a wide variety of artists, ranging from tastemakers and legends like Bowie and  Kraftwerk, to D' Angelo and LCD Soundsystem. In 2013, the band went on a 2 month national tour in support of LoHiLo EP, which received traction from NPR and Washington Post. In 2015, the band debuted their first full length release on NPR First Listen, headlined 9:30 Club for their album release and performed in official SXSW showcases. Website here, Facebook here.

Fifty years on from the "summer of love" and there are plenty of bands currently building on some of those distant original psychedelic days. Paperhaus are one of the best I have heard so far with 'Go Cozy' a dreamy, atmospheric song that is imaginative and refined.


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Ninth Of May - Bend.

Background - Ninth Of May the completely independent, powerhouse Brisbane 5-piece are back doing what they do best with the release of their new single, and corresponding film clip, ‘Bend’. Whilst it is a slight deviation from their previous endeavours, the super heavy guitars, pounding drums, hooky vocals and synth bass of ‘Bend’ are all undeniably “Ninth Of May”. One listen through will reinforce the fact that ‘Bend’ really is a dichotomy, beautiful yet heavy as F! Recorded and produced 100% in-house, ‘Bend’ is an example of a band truly defining their sound and doing things purely on their own terms. Playing to their strengths and relying solely on their own instincts and experience, ‘Bend’ is possibly the strongest release from Ninth Of May to date. As guitarist Ian Jones explains, “We’re pretty good, ay”. 

The accompanying clip for ‘Bend’ sees the band reunite with Blueroom Productions, the producer of their previous clip ‘Ramen’, to create a visually spectacular performance clip the likes of which have never been seen before. Some have described it as the perfect blend of predator, a kick ass rock show and hell itself. Other guitarist Matt Wardle agreed adding, “I agree”. 

Perfect for (but not limited to) running, riding, skating, walking, sitting, standing and especially lovemaking, ‘Bend’ is the ideal addition to your playlist. So make room and hold on, coz you’re about to be rocked! Facebook here.

If you are up for a blast of raw rock'n'roll then 'Bend' has all of that. Powerful and emotive, the musicianship is polished the vocals expressive. I've jumped the gun with this song & hopefully can swap from the audio track to the music video in a day or so.

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Brass Phantoms - City Of Wolves.

Background - Irish fourpiece Brass Phantoms have announced the release of new single City Of Wolves released last Friday. Following on from recent single Waiting Up, which received Irish radio airplay and secured features on Spotify Discover Weekly and BBC 6 Music, City Of Wolves is the latest offering from the Dublin band.

It is a track that further cements Brass Phantoms as one of the most exciting new bands in Ireland and is an indie anthem in the making with its intriguing drum intro, captivating guitar riff, distinct gravelly vocal and soaring pop chorus. The band say;

"City Of Wolves is the track that has enabled us to pinpoint a sound we want to move forward with. It possesses what we strive towards bringing out in our music, and there is a lot of power when we play it live. We hope it's a track that can help us to grow, because we have a lot to come".

Having played headline shows in their home city along with performing at festivals such as Other Voices, Brass Phantoms will be announcing their debut UK headline tour soon. The band will also be performing at Indiependence festival this August. Twitter here.

The quality of musicianship is notable from the opening chord onwards. 'City Of Wolves' is very catchy the vocals & harmonies add some additional edge, I have a feeling we will be hearing more from this band.

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Jaws of Love - Jaws of Love.

Background - Local Natives’ songwriter, vocalist and pianist Kelcey Ayer announces his solo debut as Jaws of Love., ‘Tasha Sits Close to the Piano’, set for release via House Arrest digitally on September 22nd, with its gatefold coloured vinyl release available in the UK on 3rd November. The first single and opening track on the album ‘Jaws of Love.’ is available now.

The first solo project born out of the acclaimed Los Angeles band, sees Ayer hone in on his master craft: the emotive piano ballad as highlighted on the five-piece critically acclaimed second album ‘Hummingbird’. Kelcey Ayer, the creative force behind Jaws of Love., has always been an ace at writing a good love song - he just didn’t always know it. “I used to think that to write about love, something had to be wrong”, he says. “I often got my material from pain, or insecurity, or problems - I thought I couldn’t write a good love song because I am in love and it’s going so well. But I’ve grown to realise that even in the most amazing relationships there are turbulent times and misunderstandings that are unavoidable. And that doesn’t mean that anything is doomed, but love is such a complicated thing. The idea of ‘jaws of love’ felt so perfect for this project because it’s all about love’s trials and tribulations.”

Recorded as Local Natives geared up to release their third album last summer, when Ayer booked time in the same LA studio, Electro-Vox, where the band had recorded ‘Sunlit Youth’, and in a three-day burst he recorded a handful of his own songs with the help of engineer Michael Harris and mixer Cian Riordan. Without any intention of releasing the tracks initially, Ayer allowed his emotional intuition to lead the way in the process. This ultimately yielded powerful results and was an exhilarating experience that led Ayer to decide to continue writing. He returned to the studio later in the year, and - aided by the studio’s myriad synthesizers, antique equipment, preamps, and outboard gear, in addition to drums recorded by Local Natives’ drummer Matt Frazier - Ayer completed his gorgeous solo debut. Website here, Facebook here.

Kelcey Ayer (aka Jaws of Love) first single also entitled 'Jaws of Love' is a majestic piano lead song that clearly has been a labour of love in it's making. The vocals are wonderful, the musical arrangement pristine and the passion and heart conveyed throughout.

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Sleepy Limbs - Sweet And Sour.

Background - Know Hope Records is thrilled to announce the debut EP from Sleepy Limbs. The self-titled EP will be released on September 22, 2017. Sleepy Limbs, hailing from Lancaster, PA, is Ben Roth, Kory Gable, and Joe Fuscia. All three were previously members of You, Me, and Everyone We Know (South By Sea Records). Sleepy Limbs was formed following the demise of YMAEWK.

“This project was started as You, Me, and Everyone We Know came to an end. Around that same time, Kory and Joe were learning/relearning some of my old songs to play a full band show and we started working on new song ideas I had floating around” Roth said. “The more we worked on new material we started to notice a chemistry between us as a three piece and just kind of went with it and started playing shows and writing more songs, and Sleepy Limbs was born.”

The band will be embarking on an East Coast tour to celebrate the release in September. Dates will be announced shortly. Finally, a message from Ben, Kory and Joe: “Love, time, attention and intention were put into these songs. We hope you feel it, enjoy it and listen loudly.” Facebook here.

'Sweet And Sour' is a fine rocker of a song, with bags of passion, and vocals that seemingly swirl around immersed in the music, yet coherent enough to convey their desire to be heard.



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