The Peppermint Club - Ismay - Katey Brooks - Foreign Architects - Belle Adair

The Peppermint Club - Everything Is Changing.

Background - The Peppermint Club have launched their new single Everything Is Changing.

The Peppermint Club is the pastel-hued pop brainchild of Chris Chen (ex-Rainy Day Women), in collaboration with friends old and new from within Perth's thriving music scene. Like their namesake, the band’s songs are refreshing, a little sweet and fit comfortably in your pocket - refracting nostalgic, golden-age songcraft through layers of summer haze and bittersweet melancholia.

The Peppermint Club's debut single ‘Everything Is Changing’ deploys a pitch-perfect blend of crunchy guitar, mellotron strings, handclaps and sea-breeze vocals to leave the impression of a pensive Perth sunset in under three minutes. Scratching your neo-Beatles, psychedelic soul itch with a just hint of digital-age shimmer, ‘Everything is Changing’ will no doubt appeal to fans of Mild High Club, Connan Mockasin and the Tame Impala diaspora. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Everything Is Changing' is a concoction of lush vocals, harmonies and a musical backdrop that drifts from psychedelic rock through to dream pop.

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Ismay - River of Light (Through the Inland Empire).

Background - Ismay's single "River Of Light" will be featured on her debut EP  'Songs From A River' out 2/9/2018.

Coming from the coastal hills of Northern California, Ismay is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter drawing inspiration from the natural landscape of the American West. With an ear for an old-time aesthetic and artistry of indie folk, Ismay blends inventive songwriting, ethereal vocals, and dynamic fingerpicking on the guitar. When she is not traveling the western states on horseback, Ismay can be found working on her ranch, collecting the sounds and stories of rural California. From this cultural history comes Ismay’s deep-rooted sound of the New American West.

The creation of Ismay’s debut EP began with a river. After dropping out of college, Ismay (Avery Hellman) wandered from California to New Mexico and up through the Pacific Northwest. During this time she sought out a place of natural significance through which to explore her passion for the arts and the environment. Eventually she found herself on the banks of the Klamath River in far Northern California. It was in this country that Ismay became entranced by the intricate cultural landscape of the Klamath. In the following two years, she embarked on a horseback trip to document the river through film, photography and audio recordings.

In addition, she wrote and recorded five original songs, both along the Klamath with an old cassette tape machine and in a studio above the Pacific Ocean. Ismay worked with producer Tim Bluhm (Sarah Lee Guthrie, Johnny Irion, Nicki Bluhm) and engineer Robert Cheek (Band of Horses, Chelsea Wolfe) at Panoramic Studios in Stinson Beach, CA. The field recordings were produced by Eric Drew Feldman (Polyphonic Spree, PJ Harvey), and string arrangements in Nashville with Brad Jones at Alex the Great Recording (Justin Townes Earle, Nancy Griffith, Yo La Tengo). Weaving natural symbolism into this coming-of-age story, Ismay’s EP, Songs from a River, explores the way in which a connection to place shapes and parallels songwriting and recording. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

From the very first notes, the musical arrangement on 'River of Light (Through the Inland Empire)' suggests we are in for a treat. When Ismay begins to sing it ups the deal even more. This is a fabulous indie folk song, with beautiful vocals and a delicately refined backdrop.

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Katey Brooks - Will She.

Background - Singer-songwriter Katey Brooks has a unique sound that epitomises the culturally diverse environment in which she grew up. Born and raised between Bristol, London and Arizona to musical parents, the Indy Music Award finalist has been compared to legendary artists such as Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny  and John Martyn. Among her contemporaries, she can perhaps be described as a female Hozier, with all the haunting intensity and every bit of the soul.

With a ‘voice to melt glaciers’ (Venue magazine), Brooks is at home anywhere she can take her guitar. From Glastonbury to the National Folk Festival in Australia, her devastating vocal talent has gained her admirers across the music industry as well as an adoring public. Her voice has been used on songs that also feature the likes of Paloma Faith and Imelda May, she has appeared on a compilation with Anais Mitchell, Ane Brun and Marissa Nadler, and has shared bills with a wide variety of acts including Newton Faulkner, Ghostpoet, Martin Simpson, Deaf Havana, Lou Rhodes and Mystery Jets.

The haunting, ethereal sound of her 2016 ‘I Fought Lovers’ EP received a warm reception from radio stations around the UK and internationally, including BBC Radio 2 / 6 Music and CBC Canada, and acted as a fitting prelude to the sonic largesse of her forthcoming new album, ‘We The People’.

Brooks is often on the road and has led a fascinating life populated with a vivid cast of characters from whom she has drawn inspiration for her songs. The writing for the album began in the chaos of London life, continued while on tour in the dusty expanse of Australia, before being completed on the side of a beautiful mountain in the Welsh wilderness. WEBSITE.

Powerful and blissfully inspiring vocals need only a simple musical canvas and with 'Will She' that is what we have, all wrapped into one majestic song.


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Foreign Architects - Talk to a Scientist.

Background - Finding the perfect balance between intricate melodies and pop hooks, Foreign Architects have put forward their latest slice of indie rock with single Talk To A Scientist. From their home in the sun-soaked Western Australian capital of Perth, what started out as a project between singer/songwriter Matt Burke and drummer Andrew Barnett has evolved into one of the city's most exciting new bands.

Recorded by The Money War's Dylan Olivierre (a gifted songwriter in his own right) and mixed by uber talented producer Andy Lawson (Eskimo Joe, Tired Lion), Talk To A Scientist is a mesmerising ride of blissful guitar tones and supersized vocal hooks. Both radio-friendly and ready to ignite the stage, Talk To A Scientist is impeccably crafted – balancing the power of the band with the effortless charm of Matt Burke's soulful voice.

Their first single, Poisonous Pill, was met with a warm response and triple j airplay, but as the original duo's songwriting grew in complexity, Foreign Architects felt the need to expand their lineup. Enlisting friends Callum Morrison on bass and Dylan Geileson guitar, Burke and Barnett sculpted a band capable of delivering rich, spirited music with depth and clarity.

 Wasting no time, the newly formed four-piece emerged with Glass, the first single to truly show off their group dynamic – earning them solid reviews, national airplay and coveted support slots in their hometown. And while Glass made it apparent how much Foreign Architects could achieve, Talk To A Scientist is the fulfilment of this promise. Melding gorgeous riffs that ebb and flow into a monster chorus, Talk To A Scientist is the kind of song that radio was made for.

Spurred on by their ability to create songs collectively from the ground up, Foreign Architects have hit a stride of pure inspiration. Having already tasted international touring and festival performance, the band are ambitious and driven for more... and as they work their way towards a debut full-length release, songs like Talk To A Scientist prove beyond doubt that Foreign Architects have a blindingly bright future ahead of them. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Foreign Architects deliver high quality indie rock with the new single 'Talk to a Scientist'. Catchy and powerful the song lifts the spirit, and is the perfect accompaniment on a long road trip.

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Belle Adair - Neptune City.

Background - Muscle Shoals four-piece Belle Adair has unveiled 'Neptune City', the latest from its forthcoming record 'Tuscumbia' (19 January  / Single Lock). The track is a nostalgic reflection on a breezy summer from the distance of a biting winter that, as singer and lyricist Matthew Green puts it, "will be the death of me."

While 'Neptune City' and all of 'Tuscumbia' were recorded at the hallowed FAME Studios in the band's hometown, this music doesn't sound like anything to come out of Muscle Shoals before it. The four-piece collaborated with producer Tom Schick (Wilco, Real Estate, Parquet Courts) to create a blissed-out feel, atmospheric guitars and masterful melodies - putting Belle Adair at the forefront of a new chapter in the Muscle Shoals Sound. Not only is Belle Adair shifting the region's sonic palate, but they're at the nexus of a community of Alabama musicians redefining Muscle Shoals for a new generation.

Groups in Belle Adair's orbit include some of the most exciting acts to come out of Southern independent music in the past decade: Alabama Shakes, John Paul White, St. Paul and The Broken Bones and Dylan LeBlanc, as well as Shoals legends like Donnie Fritts and David Hood. When not working on their own music, Belle Adair serve as something of a house band for this community, just wrapping an international tour with White and backing Fritts on his recent comeback dates. The group shares keyboardist Ben Tanner with Alabama Shakes, and their Single Lock Records is home to a majority of the artists listed above. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

For me there is a sixties surf vibe running through the early part of 'Neptune City'. It then expands way beyond that, adding in more creative and modern twists, whilst retaining a gorgeous atmosphere, full of play again hooks.

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Thyla - ARY - Everything by Electricity - Martha Ffion - Corniglia - Samsaruh - White Room

Thyla - Tell Each Other Lies.

Background - You’d be hard pressed to find a city that possesses quite as much exciting emerging talent as Brighton right now, and dream pop outfit Thyla’s new single Tell Each Other Lies suggests it’s time to add another to the growing list.

In their euphoric latest offering, Thyla’s endless potential is laid bare once more with sprawling guitars, intense drum beats and the mesmerising vocal prowess of frontwoman Millie Duthie signalling a damning statement of intent heading into 2018.

Having shared the stage with everyone from Dream Wife and Matt Maltese to Yonaka and Trudy and the Romance over the past twelve months, the band’s fierce live reputation continues to grow at a rapid pace, with support slots for The Wytches scheduled before the year is out.

Discussing their upcoming release, the four-piece stated: “Tell Each Other Lies is about the fear of confrontation; pretending everything’s dandy and skipping through life suppressing how you really feel for the sake of an easy ride. It’s about putting up with your loved one’s worst traits because you love them and you know they’ll never change, and it’s about coming to the realisation you wouldn’t want them to anyway”. FACEBOOK.

I have to agree that Brighton on the south coast of England has given us plenty of fine new artists and music this year. Thyla and their new song 'Tell Each Other Lies' continues the momentum, this time with a lush and buoyant dream pop piece that is instantly lovable.

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ARY - Anymore.

Background - After releasing their debut single "I Think It's You" in September, three months later, the band ARY reveals their newst single "Anymore". "This song is all about overcoming our fears and don't let anyone think they can play us  around or tear us apart." - Erika Martyns.

ARY are a Portuguese Alt. Electro-Rock band from Lisbon formed by members Erika Martyns, Dénis Rhomays, Ziig Mendes and David Rodrigues.

The roots of the project began with Erika (vocals) and Dénis (producer/guitar). A new soundscape was planned, an energetic blend between catchy melodies, hard hitting drums, electronic elements and heavy guitars. Something was still missing. The liveliness of being in a room playing music with more people, the felling of being part of a group...

For these and many other reasons, Ziig (bassist) joined the band. ARY started to make sense and grow as a solid project, but nevertheless, one critical element was still missing. Rhythm. David Rodrigues (drummer), joined the gang and became the missing piece the band was looking for. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Anymore' is a passionate electro rocker, where the positive energy levels are notable across both vocals and the dynamic music.


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Everything by Electricity - Last Day Of The Sun.

Background - “There is a powerful agent, obedient, rapid, easy, which conforms to every use, and reigns supreme on board my ship. Everything is done by means of it. It lights it, warms it, and is the soul of my mechanical vessel. This agent is electricity. Everything by Electricity”. Jules Verne, 20000 leagues under the sea.

Whilst lush pop beats strongly at its heart, dense waves of guitar, reverberating walls of noise and fragile melodies collide amidst sparkling neon-lit synths, dreamy vocals and ghostly shapes via the night sky; anchored tight by pulsing bass, throbbing drums and drum machines.

The band’s sound is littered with the strains of alienation and longing for escape one would expect from childhoods spent gazing across cold barren landscapes deep behind the iron curtain.

On moving from Siberia to London, Yulia (guitar, synths, vocals) quietly crafted a collection of demo material in her bedroom studio and expanded the live line-up with the addition of Daniel (bass guitar, synths) and Manoela (drums, pads). WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Expansive sounding dream pop with melodic hooks galore 'Last Day Of The Sun' is a beautifully atmospheric song.

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Martha Ffion - We Make Do

Background - Irish-born, and now Glasgow based singer-songwriter Martha Ffion announces new album entitled 'Sunday Best’ which will be released on Turnstile in early 2018. To celebrate the news Martha Ffion has also released a track from the album - the wonderful ‘We Make Do’.

It’s perhaps true to say that our relationship with music is steered solely by connection. Sometimes that’s a very direct thing; the words we sing along to relatable to our own desires and experiences.
Occasionally, however, it manifests itself in other ways, a captivation drawn from something we can’t conveniently place or pigeon-hole; songs and sentiments we watch from afar, trying to find a way inside.

Martha Ffion’s work has always flourished within the latter of these two paths. While her Irish roots and current home city of Glasgow have undoubtedly informed her work, so many of her songs resonate all the more for feeling wildly devoid of time and place, an alluring cast of characters drifting in and out of focus, each one examining Ffion’s own thoughts on what it means to be “good” in a society that has such determined expectations.

Initially breaking through with a ‘postcard single’ on Scotland’s flourishing Lost Map label, Ffion’s reputation soared with last year’s ‘Trip’ EP, a swooning five-track collection that was released by Turnstile Music (Cate Le Bon, Gruff Rhys, Charlotte Church, Emmy the Great etc.) and championed by GoldFlakePaint for its “beautifully melodic sway”. Written entirely in Glasgow since her move from a distinct Catholic upbringing in small-town Ireland, and recorded with her full live band by Jamie Savage at Glasgow’s Chem 19 Studio (King Creosote, The Twilight Sad, Emma Pollock).

Ffion’s debut album, ‘Sunday Best’, spans the first songs she properly wrote to her most recent compositions, and is by far her most adventurous and accomplished work to-date, the lush instrumentation bringing her detailed lyrical vision to life through a series of gleaming guitar-pop songs that drift between soft-centred balladry and something altogether more cutting and forceful. FACEBOOK.

'We Make Do' is a gorgeously refined singer-songwriter piece, where the melodic vocals skip and glide above a slightly understated sound track that none the less adds just enough contrast to make this a very catchy track.

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Corniglia - But It Wasn't That Long Ago.

Background - Corniglia is an ethereal, psychedelic duo project from Perth, Australia, comprising Chloe and Matt. Matt, the primary songwriter, works as a physio, where he is privy to the sort of deep self-reflection that people seldom share openly and honestly. He listens to confidences regarding the most fundamental aspects of health, life and the passage of time. In these profound circumstances, to his surprise, some are at peace, but many more are not — the time has gone too quickly, they are not ready, it was not enough and they want more. Matt listens and gives them care.

“This idea that a lot of people aren’t that happy in their later years and watching people dying early does make me question how we live our life.”

There is a dark and somber beauty suffusing all of the art the group produces. It is the layers of sinewy texture overlaying the tracks. It’s in the lyrics that paint abstract portraits of these impressions. It’s in both Chloe and Matt’s voices. Chloe lends her artistic strength, as well as her voice to the band. She was raised to adolescence in Italy, before moving to Australia and continuing her creative studies.

Corniglia is a respite from and a reflection on the very peculiar world of Matt and Chloe. The two do not just write and record all of the music but also make all of the art and all of the videos for the project. It is an endeavour that is entirely DIY, with all of the artistic output, naturally with the help of family and friends who help them realise their vision, made by Matt and Chloe at the home they share. Their new single, "But It Wasn't That Long Ago," is from their upcoming, self-titled debut album. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

The vocals and harmonies have something of a timeless psychedelic vibe to them on 'But It Wasn't That Long Ago' a melodic and beautiful song, that certainly leaves me wanting to hear the forthcoming debut album.

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Samsaruh - Beautiful Killer.

Background - Samsaruh shows no signs of slowing down as she continues an incredible 2017 with the success of her debut single 'Golden to Thrive' - and just releasing her follow up single 'Beautiful Killer'. The Melbourne based 19 year old singer-songwriter's debut release was added to high triple j rotation and triple j unearthed rotation as well as earning her the tile of Feature Artist on triple j unearthed. 

‘Golden To Thrive’ charted in the Spotify Australia Viral Charts Top 30 as well as charting in the Shazam Top 100 Australian Chart for over 6 weeks, with over 25,000 Shazams of the single through radio play. The single was widely loved by media and fan alike, helping Samsaruh recently take out the triple j unearthed Falls Festival competition in Lorne.

Her new single ‘Beautiful Killer’ is a another exploration of Samsaruh as an artist, demanding and powerful - this track shows off why the 19 year old artist has stopped everyone in their tracks. Written by Samsaruh and production team Nightflare, the track was mixed by Tony Buchan who has worked with the likes of Montaigne and The Preatures and mastered by Brian Lucey (Arctic Monkeys, Chet Faker).

On the track Samsaruh said, "When I was writing this track, it was about the kind of people who are alluring, irresistible and sometimes illusional. The kind of person everyone knows, the kind of person that blinds you of the darker side and mostly the kind of person that we allow to deceive us anyway.  We are all beautiful killers, sometimes we don't know it and sometimes we aren't afraid of it. " FACEBOOK.

The soundtrack has a layer of the dramatic, from the opening moments. 'Beautiful Killer' mixes powerful and captivating vocals with a feisty musical arrangement along with masses of hooks.

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White Room - Circles.

Background - White Room have released their double EP Eight (1st December) via Deltasonic Records. Their new record, featuring eight songs that intertwine through their lyrical and sonic themes, has already spawned hit singles ‘Stole The I.V’, ‘Take Me Away’ and ‘Cable-Built Dreamland’ with widespread support throughout the online community (DIY, Clash, Dork, Wonderland) and sell-out shows in London and Brighton on their debut headline UK tour.

The final instalment of Eight, the aptly titled ‘Circles’, denotes a full stop but also infinity with the song itself calling for inclusivity and tolerance, succinctly tying together all the themes in the EP.

Guitars gleam and choruses glide, wedding the transcendental nous of quirky, genre-bending bands such as Talking Heads and The Brian Jonestown Massacre to the heady, insouciant appeal of Primal Scream. Eight was made for now and the current state of affairs that besiege our youth, whilst offering up the chance to escape from them for a moment and embrace all that is still intrinsically beautiful in the world. It’s made for dancing around without a care in the world or for sitting down, headphones in, looking for a new perspective. Either way, it will make you feel something.

Taking inspiration from the current social and political climate of the world and the uncertainty we live with, the synergy between the lyrics and themes signified by 8 – the number of infinity – hints at the real depth within Eight, touching on aspects of joy, strength, balance and power in unity.

Discussing the upcoming release, the band stated: “In Eight we are offering a way to lose yourself from it all and find an escape for a moment from all the horror and pain that is happening all around us. To embrace the ability music has to take you away from the harsh realities of daily life”. FACEBOOK.

We are back to Brighton again, this time for White Room and the track 'Circles' taken from the new double EP 'Eight'. This band never fail to impress me with their imaginative and totally engaging songs. So fourth time around on Beehive Candy and I just have to recommend checking out the new and creative EP!

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Hero Fisher - Lauran Hibberd - KYLYPSO - Bartees & The Strange Fruit - Wild Child

Hero Fisher - I Let Love.

Background - "I wanted to write a song where the focus jumped from person to person, like a contagion. The idea was that each verse would be an ordinary “day in the life of” each character, and that whatever was going on was a banal and daily grind. Each character would be possessed with this spirit, making them push on through, and shake off their demons.”

Hero Fisher’s ‘I Let Love’ is a rare and powerful treat of rock and roll swagger and pointed observational songwriting. Her narrative lyricism is bolstered by her effortless feel for melodies and song progression. From the timbres of the toms and the smooth steely chorus-soaked guitars to Fisher’s own vocal line, every element forms a vibrant sonic fabric of unforgettable musical sentiment. It’s about rising above the banalities of quotidian life, escape through desire, and the reflective trappings of nostalgia. The accompanying video runs the gamut of emotions with a stellar performance by its donkey marionette star enjoying a day at the beach and the aquarium. ‘I Let Love’ reveals the tentacular nature of Hero’s songwriting powers, ever extending into new spaces and new ideas.

British-born, French-raised and London-based, Hero Fisher (yes, that’s her real name) is returning to release her sophomore LP Glue Moon. Hero’s career has so far seen her collaborate with Alison Mosshart and Boy George in the Mark Ronson-scored ballet Carbon Life, open for The Rolling Stones and Neil Young at Hyde Park, and get shortlisted for the 2014 Glastonbury Emerging Talent Prize. In 2015 she released her debut album, the critically-appraised Delivery which won her fans in The Horrors and Blur.

By turns a blistering rock and roller in the vein of Patti Smith and PJ Harvey, and an experimental folk storyteller à la Jeff Buckley, Hero Fisher resists easy generic categorisation with her protean and cinematic musical storytelling. Able to expertly strike a variety of different narrative poses, she is at once the spurned lover and the fired-up rabble rouser, predator and prey. With Glue Moon previous singles ‘Sylvie’ and ‘Push The Boat Out’, Hero’s lyrical imagination proved unique and bountiful. Anthemic latest single ‘I Let Love’ is the latest chapter in her development as an artist, and with fuller production and it She’ll reach many more milestones yet on her creative journey. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

We featured Hero Fisher back in July & are now really pleased to share her latest song 'I Let Love'. This is a refreshing and catchy track where her vocals are more energised, whilst the simpler musical backdrop allows her voice to shine through.


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Lauran Hibberd - Hunny Is This What Adults Do?

Background - “Adulting” takes on a new meaning with Lauran Hibberd’s new song, “Hunny Is This What Adults Do.” Lauran’s outside perspective distances herself from friends and peers who are starting families left and right, “dropping like flies.” It’s easy to compare oneself to others in our work, relationships and milestones in life. Lauran prioritizes her musical milestones including performances at Bestival 2017 and earning the support from Clash for her previous track “Eliza.”

In the style of Ingrid Michaelson and A Fine Frenzy, Lauran’s indie tune emphasizes the story of the song through her enchanting vocals. Thematically, it’s another fitting song for Lauran’s coming-of-age indie soundtrack imagined for the film, Juno, which follows the journey of teenage parents. The punctuated guitars and laid back tempo of the song feel like sleeping in on a rainy Sunday and happily spending the whole day indoors. That’s easy to do when you don’t have kids. Maybe around thirty she’ll think about doing what adults do, but until then Lauran will live by her own rules of adulthood.

Lauran says: “The track is coming of age, I think it’s the conversation everyone has to themselves one day, the question ‘am I an adult yet’? This song explores youth, and not wanting to leave it. But realising you don’t have to. It’s fun, brutally honest, and full of teenage fears. If you happen to be at the Isle Of Wight on the 16th December, you can catch Lauran Live at the Strings Bar and Venue. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

It's third time this year for Lauran Hibberd on Beehive Candy and once again the Isle Of Wight based artist continues to impress us in a big way, this time with 'Hunny Is This What Adults Do?' Her upbeat vocals almost dance above the soundtrack and as we have stated twice before this is a "fabulous, vibrant and lovable song"... 

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KYLYPSO - Nights.

Background - Nights is an old KYLYPSO song (one of the very first) that’s finally getting a studio airing. Inspired by the sounds they got out of a freshly purchased 90’s synthesiser, it’s a song about what could have been, set in the daydreams of a person who could have been a lover once but who chose another. Its nocturnal dance grooves lend it a late night show-stopping vibe, and it’s often the song they finish their live sets with, complete with a reverb heavy synth wig-out.

KYLYPSO’s debut EP Soon Fun is a celebration of the fact that we can usually find good in a bad situation. It’s a work that expresses lyrical vulnerability and doubt, in relationships and in ourselves, but through the sheer joy of the music and melodies it carries the life-affirming sentiment that the good times are just around the corner. Its slick production, unpretentious execution, and relatable human outpourings make it the kind of EP that speaks to a part of everyone’s experience: the tragedy and the fun of finding ourselves.

With their name inspired by a boat, KYLYPSO are an East London three-piece whose luxurious technicolour psych pop pierces through the dour gloom of autumn with its quirky and vibrant style. It’s the sound of an everlasting summer of hope and heartbreak. The teenage tennis playing lovechild of Tame Impala and Caribou, it’s airy, funky stuff, birthed from their hearts, minds and hard drives in various studios around London. Deceptively simple (it’s easy to listen to, but hard to make), KYLYPSO’s sound is vital and rooted in the deep exploration and cosmic wonder of music. FACEBOOK.

Back in May we featured 'Blame Love' stating then that the song "suggests Kylypso have a considerable amount to offer." Fast forward to the bands 'Soon Fun' EP and we can share the track 'Nights', a smooth flowing indie electronic affair with quite personal vocals and a hook laden melodic vibe.

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Bartees & The Strange Fruit - Going Going Ft. Rachael Balcanoff.

Background - “This song is about growing up in and eventually leaving Oklahoma, and looking back on people in the Black community who taught me key lessons on resilience and faith, and to not be afraid of who might be knocking on the door. The opening verse highlights some of those competing feelings of fear, hopelessness, and defiance, feelings Black people in the South understand very well.

I eventually left Oklahoma and struggled over the years, as I tried to forget about that place. It’s only now that I’m realizing that the lessons I learned there are what make me different. A lot of people who leave home to try new things probably feel this way, too. This song is for them.” — Bartees Cox

Bartees Cox, a songwriter and guitarist based out of Brooklyn, created Bartees & The Strange Fruit as a conduit to surface stories about people of color. The title of the debut album, Magic Boy, (out on December 8, 2017 via Pineapple Record Co.) is inspired by a lyric from the song “Hear My Train A Comin” that goes: “Well, I gotta leave this town, gonna be a Voodoo chile .. and try to be a magic boy.” 

This particular lyric has always resonated with Bartees since he made the decision to leave his home in rural Oklahoma for the East Coast, a change that is looked back on as being a pivotal moment in his life. This record marks Bartees’ obsession with analog recording, tape machines, space echoes, reel-to-reels and a number of other types of hi-fi recording gear. Each song was recorded to tape, or at least mixed to tape, to give it the warmth of a real performance.

“The “Magic Boy” is how my family sees me,” says Bartees. “Their kid that has made it work in New York, chasing a dream.” WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Going Going' is a multi-layered song where the vocals and musical elements swirl around and intermingle with each other. It contrasts well with the other tracks on the album which are in some cases far more stripped back and reliant on Bartees vocal power and acoustic guitar playing. Always present is a simmering emotional feeling, where every note played and word sung, is fully committed.

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Wild Child - Think It Over / Expectations.

Background -  Austin-based band Wild Child have their fourth full-length, Expectations, due out in February 2018 on Dualtone. 

They have just released two singles, "Think It Over" and "Expectations," - a couple of shimmering indie-pop tunes that echo Jenny Lewis' solo work and when she fronted Rilo Kiley. Canadian music fans might hear Feist or the underrated Jenn Grant in there too.

They collaborated with an all-star cast of producer/musicians on this record, including Chris Walla (formerly Death Cab For Cutie), Matthew Logan Vasquez (Delta Spirit), Chris Boosahda (Shakey Graves), and Scott McMicken (Dr. Dog), and recorded in Norway, Philadelphia, and Texas. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Think It Over' is a catchy song where melodic vocals and harmonies are backed up by a lively and equally catchy musical arrangement. 'Expectations' steadies the pace with the bass up in the mix, until the song burst into power and energy levels rise. Indie pop with plenty of rock.

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Sarah Schonert - Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes - The Little Kicks - Half Forward Line

Sarah Schonert - Astound Me.

Background - The full-length release entitled "Penguin Party" from Illinois-based indie singer/songwriter Sarah Schonert will be released on 8th December. 

Her experimental approach should appeal to fans of innovators like Kate Bush and Imogen Heap. Sarah writes and records out of her home studio.

Sarah combines classical-sounding piano with ambient washes, vocoded synths, electronic elements, and layered vocals, and she is not afraid to experiment with vintage instruments as well as new technology to create her sound.

"For "Penguin Party," I chose to stick to the keyboards and loopers to focus on creative a more energetic album that people would want to move to. It also gave me a chance to experiment with some new ideas, such as using vocoder to make a drum track drive a bassline, looping live, and extravagant piano ornaments." WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

I have only heard a couple of tracks from the forthcoming album including the featured song 'Astound Me'. I have to say, I am more than just a little keen on hearing the rest. Sarah's vocals bear some resemblance to one of the above mentioned artists, particularly in her phrasing and delivery. That said this one song is a delicious mixture of musical ideas that are carefully crafted together with plenty of individual uniqueness.

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Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes - Four Waters (EP).

Background - Swedish indie/dream pop quartet Steve Buscemi’s Dreamy Eyes have just released their phenomenal debut EP 'Four Waters'. A delectable four track release including acclaimed single 'Swim Deep' - the band are also today announcing their debut London show - headlining The Sebright Arms on February 3rd next year.

Four Waters’ — the band’s debut EP is a hugely striking and diverse 4-track release, one that’s set to propel the band to even greater heights. "Four Waters is about not being enough” the band explain. "The frustration of not being able to do more, or doing something you thought would be the right thing but turned out not to be. Questioning your purpose and meaning and trying to be secure with who you are. It’s about helping each other out when one of you can’t manage and about finding your own ways of dealing with things. Following your intuition and doing what you feel is the right thing to do."

When we think of the songs on the EP we imagine ourselves standing by a dark lake somewhere deep in a forest in Sweden. We see the four songs as different types of water. Still, stormy, deep and obscure. Four different songs with the same wavy sound and feeling. It’s all about water and feeling blue.”

Prior to forming via Twitter, all 4 members of Steve Buscemi’s Dream Eyes had been operating in different small Stockholm bands. It was in the summer of 2015 that Tilde Hansen (bass, vocals) tweeted out a request for fellow musicians to start a new band. A couple of months later, Steve Buscemi’s Dreamy Eyes were formed. FACEBOOK.

We featured the track 'Swim Deep' earlier this month and now we get to share the full EP 'Four Waters'. This is an impressive collection of indie/dream pop, with the band delving into differing directions and styles. One consistent aspect is the melodic hooks, they are everywhere!


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The Little Kicks - Bang the Drum Slowly.

Background - Aberdeen’s The Little Kicks return with their immensely uplifting new single, Bang The Drum Slowly, out 1st December 2017 via Loosen Up Records.

Bang The Drum Slowly is a mightily infectious slice of off-kilter indie pop. It races through with scuzzy hooks, glitchy beats and sweeping harmonies, resulting in a delightfully quirky sound akin to the likes of Hot Hot Heat or OK Go. It's the fourth single to be taken from their latest album, Shake Off Your Troubles. Describing the album, lead singer Steven Milne explains “the themes of the record would be a feeling of happiness, gratitude and to be thankful with what you have and not take things for granted. Furthermore, not to let others get you down or let anyone put you in your place.”

Since forming five years ago, The Little Kicks have received critical acclaim from the likes of NME, Q, Clash and The Skinny to name but a few. They have also received support from BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 1, Radio Scotland and XFM as well as Shake Off Your Troubles being nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year Award. Now, having shared stages with acclaimed bands such as The Maccabees, Maximo Park and White Lies, The Little Kicks hope to continue charming listeners further with the unique, vibrant sounds of Bang The Drum Slowly. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

You can catch The Little Kicks live at the following dates:

December 8th 2017 - Mad Hatters, Inverness
December 14th 2017 - Clarks, Dundee
December 23rd 2017 - The Tunnels, Aberdeen
January 12th 2017 - King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow.

'Bang The Drum Slowly' is an infectious indie pop/rock song that is both vibrant and extremely catchy. Upbeat in nature the bands delivery is high quality and confident, whilst they write and perform material this good, that is hardly surprising.

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Half Forward Line - For Centuries.

Background - Half Forward Line debut first single "Hey, Can I Try on Your Glasses" from their debut album The Back of Mass.

Half Forward Line is the new band from Brian Kelly (So Cow), Niall Murphy (Oh Boland) and drummer/recordist Ciaran o Maoláin. The trio have crafted a short sharp dose of power pop, recorded over two days in the lounge of a derelict rural Irish pub. "The Back Of Mass" takes in tales of wedded bliss, social anxiety and the perils of letting someone try on your glasses. Infused with the pioneering jangling spirit of the Flying Nun roster, along with garage rock sonics and Kelly's inimitable brand of buzzsaw pop and slice-of-life lyrics, Half Forward Line have delivered a half-hour album hallmarked by hook-laden songs.

The back of mass is the rear of the church, near the doors, home of the last people to come in and the first people to leave. There's the whispered running commentary on the ceremony. There is the shifting of weight from foot to foot, counting down the minutes. People who would probably rather not be there, but would rather the insurance when their final day comes. 

Half Forward Line will be releasing their album on cassette on Rusted Rail of Galway, with the CD version on Jigsaw Records of Seattle. FACEBOOK.

'For Centuries' cuts to the chase in an energised musical manner, with the vocals adding some melody above a feisty guitar driven musical soundtrack. Power pop with a pleasing and healthy element of natural rock & roll.

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Nocturnal Animals - Paul Mosley and The Red Meat Orchestra - October's Child - ORFILA

Nocturnal Animals - Dark Lit Places.

Background - Atlanta alternative/indie rock group Nocturnal Animals new EP is entitled "Dark Lit Places."

Nocturnal Animals is an American Alternative band from Atlanta, GA. The group consists of Mason Jones, Will Bennett, Derrick Stephen, and Dawson Tucker. Formerly known as "Rude!", Nocturnal Animals revamped themselves and have caught attention with their brand new debut EP of the name "Dark Lit Places".

"This band is very talented and promising. The vocals are charismatic and relateable, reminding me of the Arctic Monkeys with a dash of Billie Joe from Green Day. The production is stellar, as is the songwriting. This really makes alternative rock sound big and relevant again. Just beautiful arrangements and a unique dynamic/mixture of rock styles."

The band are - Mason Jones: Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Will Bennett: Lead Guitar, Dawson Tucker: Bass, Derrick Stephen: Drums, FACEBOOK.

The new EP 'Dark Lit Places' comprises of four tracks which test the spectrum of indie & alt rock. A mixture of feisty rock & roll alongside less intense melodic moments ensures variety is a key ingredient of this fine EP.


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Paul Mosley and The Red Meat Orchestra - Wintersun.

Background - The beautiful new single ‘Wintersun’ by Paul Mosley & the Red Meat Orchestra comes in light of the release of their ghostly new EP ‘Wintertide’ due 1st December. 'Wintertide.'

The epic title track updates the classic English Folk Carol 'I Saw Three Ships'... casting Red Meat Orchestra regulars Jack Harris, Esther Dee and Josienne Clarke as the three ships’ captains, stranded when the wintertide freezes, trapping their ships in the ice.

'Wintersun' -  described by Mosley as 'An exercise in smart-arse time signatures' but in fact a tale of the unkindness of unrequited love. The warm acoustics, layered harmonies and sky scraping saxophone bring to mind West Coast Americana and hazy, dreamy 70's folk pop. 

Having received astounding praise from press such as The Quietus, Q Magazine and R2 in the past, Paul Mosely has a reputation for turning heads and this new single is going to be no different. WEBSITE.

'Wintersun' has a timeless folk feel to it. Gently melodic the vocals and harmonies are natural and pleasing. The music gradually develops into a beautiful arrangement, it's a clever tease for the EP.

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October's Child - Orion.

Background - Songstress Britt Warner and producer Jordan Waré are October's Child. Britt and Jordan are both October babies, though they're opposites—she's a self-proclaimed "death-obsessed" lady, growing up in Los Angeles she used to write songs to help soothe her anxiety about mortality. 

On the other hand, Waré thinks of himself as an in the moment type of person, borrowing his musical sensibilities from something a bit more silent: meditation. What an interesting mix, right? Their debut album "As You Go" is coming up, but while we're waiting for this release you can check out their first single, "Orion".

Orion is a haunting yet upbeat track featuring Warner’s angelic range soaring over a seamless blend of orchestral and electronic. The instrumental framework for this leading single was written following Britt’s father’s death, and is wrapped up in the absence she felt during “his” holiday, Thanksgiving. 

"The lyrics wrote themselves", says Warner, "I'd fallen for someone who, due to life's circumstances, was unattainable, but there was this undeniable, torturous mutual spark. Orion is that person you click with immediately but are forever after left to wonder what might have been, if only…” FACEBOOK.

Britt Warner's gorgeous vocals are accompanied by a thoughtful and sensitive musical setting on 'Orion' a lush and soothing song. Jordan Waré's attention to detail ensures everything comes together with considerable beauty.

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ORFILA - Snow, Rain and A Hurricane.

Background - “Build With A Dreamer’s Hand” is the upcoming EP by sibling country music trio ORFILA to celebrate their five year anniversary. An anniversary that has allowed the trio to nostalgically reminisce about how far they have come together as a band, and grown together in that time. 

As they release what is without doubt their strongest material to date, the trio can proudly recall performing alongside a diverse collection of artists including Alvin Stardust, Dodgy, Beverley Craven, 911 and the legendary Albert Hammond.

"The EP is definitely a reflection of where we are as a band at this moment in time. When we recorded our second album we felt that we had found our sound and we wanted to continue down this route for this EP. 

We all contributed to the writing process and we had a small band behind us who we had worked with before and who were friends of ours which made it such a fun, laid back experience. The three tracks are three of the strongest tracks we have ever written and we hope people enjoy listening to them as much as we enjoyed making them." WEBSITE.

'Snow, Rain and A Hurricane' is an energised country song, where the vocals and musical arrangement compete for attention and both easily win through, in this upbeat affair. 


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