Ambiere - Praa - Vundabar - Michael Jablonka - Seazoo - Zaritza - Lydian Collective

Ambiere - I See Faces.

Background -  Electronic pop trio Ambiere have announced the release of their brand new single Tree Of Life, capping off an impressive first twelve months for the band with widespread online acclaim greeting their arrival on the indie landscape.

Having drawn encouraging early comparisons to acts including Portishead and The XX, alongside substantial support from BBC Introducing, the Manchester outfit’s ambient, soothing style has already won plenty of admirers following the release of their debut EP earlier this year.

With shows in support of Tree Of Life taking place this week, the three-piece, comprising of Amber Lane-Mcivor, Jake Blythe and Oliver Lamb, will be showcasing their creative live performances to new audiences and looking to further enhance their growing reputation going into 2018.

Discussing the release, the band stated: “The track was written about the feeling of waking up from a nightmare, and the intense panicky feeling you get as you try to separate reality from what’s been going on in your head”. Ambiere’s I See Faces is released on 8th December and will be available on all platforms. FACEBOOK.

Rich dark synth sounds open 'I See Faces' which soon develops an electro pop vibe. The song cleverly switches directions keeping the listener guessing and engrossed.

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Praa - Modeling Clay.

Background - Minimalist, inventive and smooth, Modeling Clay is the perfect introduction to Praa’s French RnB. A distinctive debut track coloured by a voice both ethereal and soulful, assembled diligently by three creative minds: producer Timsters (Manceau, Colorado) and mixed by Robin Florent (Portugal The Man, Dua Lipa) and mastered in Finland by Svante Forsbäck.

Praa espouses a modern soul for generation Y, full of ambition yet sweet and pure in nature. With hints of Jorja Smith, Kehlani and NAO but with a French swagger that brings out something altogether deluxe in the mix. Beyond her artist name, there is an erudite young woman who has a great ability to synthesize all of her influences. As she builds towards a debut LP expect to hear a potent array of tracks traversing RnB to evanescent Trip-Hop and even 90’s New Jack over the coming year. All based around a sparse and minimalist production sound which will inevitably entice each listener with more reward upon each listen as you enter Praa’s absorbing universe textured with rich vocal work and the warmest of melodies.

Praa has signed to fledgling French label Elephant & Castle founded by producer Timsters, and with a compelling video for Modeling Clay on the way and live dates being booked things are set to shine. Big radar act for 2018, certainement. FACEBOOK.

'Modeling Clay' is a stylish rhythmic song with gorgeous vocals and a restrained and beautifully precise musical arrangement.


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Vundabar - Diver.

Background - Boston duo Vundabar have shared an infectious and haunting slacker-pop track, 'Diver', via The Fader today, and announced headline tour dates for Spring 2018.

Talking about the track, vocalist Brandon Hagen said: "Diver' is one of those songs that pours out. I wrote it in about 5 minutes after 2 years of impasse and refusal to giving certain feelings shape or acknowledgement. The levy broke and the song is what came out of it. It's a document of grief, sitting in the wake of loss and taking note of ones location with acceptance but without resolve."

The band is set to release their brand new album Smell Smoke  on February 23rd 2018. The sludge-indie record, which includes single Acetone premiered recently on Noisey, is an exercise in dealing with songwriter Brandon Hagen’s experience of taking care of a loved one who suffered a severe illness.

Vundabar have built a massive following through non-stop touring and their signature brand of jittery, rambunctious post-punk, yet much of their music hints at something darker beneath the surface. The band just wrapped up a two month Autumn/Winter US tour with The Frights and Hockey Dad. Today they announce their Spring North American headline tour with support from Ratboys, which includes a stop through SXSW. FACEBOOK.

A chunky riff and definitive slacker feel launches 'Diver' a song that occasionally ups the power but always allows room for some cool vocals and harmonies.

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Michael Jablonka - I Found You.

Background - With a beauty of a guitar riff that takes up residence in your skull and delivers a spark to your soul, Michael Jablonka’s second single cuts straight to the chase with its fat rootsy-garage-rock swagger and doesn’t even consider letting up till it’s done.

‘I Found You’ was one of the first tunes the Londoner wrote as a solo artist, though it took a while to manifest. “I had writer’s block,” explains Jablonka, “and a chorus with nothing much else. I imagined the verses to be a constant build up and wanted the chorus to be that break-free moment.”

Sonic form to suit the lyrical content, then, as ‘I Found You’ details that feeling when you finally obtain what you’ve been avidly seeking. And on the subject of discovery, Michael Jablonka’s emergence as one of UK most thrilling new singer/guitarists is sure to be further cemented by this fretboard-searing earworm.

Michael Jablonka is a musician so prolific that you may think he devotes every waking hour to his art and, if the fantastical nature of many of his songs are anything to go by, several hours of his dreams as well. In addition to performing as Michael Kiwanuka’s chosen guitarist – a role that has found him touring arenas and festivals worldwide this summer – Jablonka has been fine-tuning his own powerful 21st-century take on bluesy alt-funk and soulful indie-rock. Proof that there’s still nothing to tingle the spine like soul-soused mastery of raw electric six-string, Jablonka’s gifted, intricate guitar skills bely the no-frills anthemic intent of his rootsy songcraft – sonic elevation designed to liberate the listener from the confines of their reality.

Born and bred in the capital, 27-year-old Jablonka has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. Those to have enjoyed his dextrous services include Charlie Brown, Stooshe, Shakka and Delta Maid before fellow North Londoner and Brit-soul sensation Michael Kiwanuka came calling. Around the same time, Jablonka decided it was time to blaze his own trail as a bandleader and songwriter, collating a set of crack musicians and intense yet universal alt-rock’n’soul tunes that scream for wider appreciation. FACEBOOK.

Second time on Beehive Candy for Michael Jablonka having been massively impressed first time around. 'I Found You' continues the momentum with another feisty rocker with some fine vocals and superb guitar moments.

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Seazoo - Dig.

Background - Welsh indie pop maestros Seazoo have announced the upcoming release of Dig, the third track taken from their debut album out 26th January 2018.

This latest effervescent number, concerning a re-occurring dream that eventually slips into waking life, sees the quintet showcase their trademark quirky tendencies with driving guitars and infectious vocals unrivalled by many of their peers.

Fresh from supporting psychedelic punk rockers The Lovely Eggs on their UK tour, alongside sharing bills with Peace and IDLES in recent months, the band’s latest release further builds anticipation for their debut record with the influences of acts including Grandaddy, Super Furry Animals and Yo La Tengo shining through once more.

Extensive support across the radio airwaves from Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins, Lauren Laverne and Radcliffe & Maconie (BBC 6 Music), alongside widespread critical acclaim (DIY, The Line Of Best Fit, Q Magazine), leaves the five-piece well-placed going into what promises to be an exciting 2018. FACEBOOK.

'Dig' is a very catchy song, with some melodic guitar work alongside some very likable vocals, and an upbeat vibe throughout.

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Zaritza - Rocket Girl.

Background - "Tsaritza' is the wife of the Tsar and mother of princess Anastasia, and since 'tsaritza' is the Russian word for 'queen', the name pays tribute to my all-time favorite band, Queen. In addition, 'zarya' is the Russian word for sunrise, intense and bright, which always sounded beautiful and resonated with me. So I decided to combine these references to create a name that is appropriate to my personality, music, energy, inspiration and cultural heritage."

Zaritza emigrated to the U.S. in pursuit of greater creative freedom and a career in music. In the years since, Zaritza has performed her original electro-pop/rock music at clubs and other venues around the Northeast, including the Rainbow Room and the Metropolitan Room, as well as releasing her album at Drom in New York City; the Saint in Asbury Park, NJ; the Newport International Film Festival and opening for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on one of their U.S. tour dates.

"Music is my passion ... it's a universal language that connects people and cultures". Zaritza's songs reflect a life between two worlds, as an American who came from Russia, she explores themes that we all can relate to -- love, identity, alienation, dreams, disappointments -- amplified through her experiences, and struggles, as an immigrant.

Zaritza has been making music since she was a small child. She spent her youth in Russia studying, practicing and performing classical piano under an intense curriculum for gifted students. She won numerous regional piano competitions and received awards and a stipend from the government. As a teenager, Zaritza also began to write pop songs and, by the time she was at her university in Russia, she was performing and recording her original music.

Zaritza's musical compositions and production merge the energy and innovation of modern American and British rock/pop with the drama and romance of her traditional roots in Russian and other classical piano. As such, her influences range from Rachmaninoff to Radiohead, from Garbage to Grieg, from Mendelssohn to Massive Attack. FACEBOOK, BANDCAMP.

With eleven songs to choose from I settled for 'Rocket Girl' from the Self-Titled album as I feel it is pretty representative of the whole. Expect plenty of atmospheric and gorgeous vocals across the album along with some fabulously constructed music, and some addictive hooks.

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Lydian Collective - Legend Of Lumbar.

Background - London’s Lydian Collective release their second single Legend Of Lumbar a few days ago, it will be available globally on all streaming and download services.

 The band have already attracted a huge online following – with 1.4 million views for their YouTube channel and a host of solo credits between them (from Roots Manuva to popular iOS game Monument Valley). Their unique combination of accessible melodies, accomplished musicianship, hypnotic rhythms and uplifting music has won fans around the world – before they have even released their highly anticipated debut album.

Thirty-One has had a huge reception on Spotify, attracting playlist additions in its first week putting it in front of over 250,000 users. As we speak, the track has been streamed nearly 70,000 times.

Drawing inspiration from Jazz, Electronica, World Music and Film, the band have had early support from key UK tastemakers like Nick Luscombe at Flomotion/BBC Radio 3 – and have played at major Central London venues such as the Royal Festival Hall Clore Ballroom.

Legend Of Lumbar is the second single from the debut album ‘Adventure’ (set for release in early 2018), and it shows off the band’s manifesto. The band take more of a groove-based approach than they did on Thirty-One, with inspiration from Aaron Wheeler’s electronica alter-ego Laszlo. 

The killer rhythm team of Ida Hollis and Sophie Alloway lead the way, with another killer melody from Aaron Wheeler and Todd Baker (keys & guitar). Todd was the brains behind the soundtrack for the recent iOS game Monument Valley – and you can hear hints of this in the new single. Look out for another single which will drop early January, before the flawless debut LP ‘Adventure’ is set free. FACEBOOK.

'Legend Of Lumbar' helps explain the amount of attention Lydian Collective have been getting. Vibrant and dynamic music that reaches across Jazz and Blues genres (& a few others) this is superbly crafted musicianship.

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Paul Mosley and The Red Meat Orchestra - JZMN JYN

Paul Mosley and The Red Meat Orchestra - Wintertide.

Background - Composer Paul Mosley presents his new EP of ghostly, junk orchestra, folk-pop stories 'Wintertide'.

'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. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Just over a week ago we featured 'Wintersun' and commented regarding that particular song from the EP "(Wintersun) has a timeless folk feel to it. Gently melodic the vocals and harmonies are natural and pleasing."   'Wintertide' the title track was the song I most wanted to feature from the EP however it was not available. Happily now it is, along with a fabulous video, enjoy!


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JZMN JYN - Going Under.

Background - JZMN JYN (pronounced Jazmine Jane) is singer/songwriter based in Sydney, Australia. JZMN has spent the last 3 years traveling the world, writing and recording her experiences into musical works.

Inspired by the lyrical story telling of females songwriters such as Alanis Morissette & Stevie Nicks and the performance of hard rockers such as Courtney Love & Joan Jett. JZMN JYN presents as a 90’s punk/rock front woman promoting girl power and unapologetic self expression. Her catchy hooks, poetic lyrics and classic rock n roll sound tell the stories of her personal tragedies and triumphs. JZMN JYN’s sonic creations are bound to connect & empower.

Going Under fixates on the final moments of a relationship, it's about the moment you realise enough is enough. Drawing from personal experience JZMN JYN explores feelings of anger, heartache and ultimately self-worth. JZMN JYN’s hearty words are served over anthem-like melodies, funky bass line and euphoric guitars that will make you want to dance and sing until your lungs give out.

After taking the song into multiple co-writing sessions, JZMN JYN stepped into the rehearsal studio with her band mates, bringing them nothing but a chorus and a verse. “ I sang the chorus a few times and one by one the boys came in with what they thought might fit. It just happened to be exactly what i was envisioning. It came to together like magic” .

The song was then recorded at A-Sharp Studios, a professional recording studio tucked away in the south-western suburbs of Sydney. JZMN JYN looked to producer Nathan Sheehy (Birds of Tokyo, Dune Rats, Bluejuice) to lend his artist flare and produce the track.

“The song was just a chorus for almost a year. I wrote it whilst on a 24 hour boat ride in the middle of the Adriatic sea heading from Italy to Greece. The view of an endless ocean was an exact metaphor of how I felt in my life and relationship at the time which inspired me to put pen to paper” - JZMN JYN. Upcoming Shows: Going Under Launch Show - 21 December, Brighton Up Bar, Sydney. FACEBOOK.

'Going Under' is a potent rocker where the bass, drums and lead guitar all fight for attention. It's JZMN's vocals that rise above all of that with some feisty and notable singing, this is raw rock & roll with some real character.

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Cavalry - Paris Youth Foundation - Lauren Ray - The Darts

Cavalry - A Little Rough.

Background - Following on from the success of lead singles Heresy and Black, with both having attracted widespread acclaim throughout the online community, the band unveil the final two heartfelt and emotive tracks on the record (Cabin and A Little Rough), further showcasing their hallmark sound and songwriting prowess.

Discussing the EP release, the band stated: “We had a bittersweet run of singles last year with Fierce Panda - some really positive acclaim and some major radio airplay, but also some background missteps. We were restless to release more and resolved to cut our teeth on a larger project. And after months of tireless writing, recording up and down the country, ‘See The Night Perform’ is the first emblem of that period.

The EP title comes from the refrain at the end of ‘Black’, and typifies the loose concept, which is all about foraging intensely within to find hope and wonder in the cynical cycles of the modern age. But we're not ones to tell stories with our songs - if we're fortunate to have people listen, and listen deeply, we want them to import their own meanings. If there's one sign of music showing its power, it's that.

We're proud of the EP and the songs within, but proudest of the hallmark sound we've developed even more - simple, dark pop songs with a guitar-driven indie edge, an alt-folk heart, and post-rock drama and atmosphere". FACEBOOK.

The new 'See The Night Perform EP' really is a compelling collection of material. 'A Little Rough' is perhaps the gentlest song of the four, none the less the simmering emotion is just beneath the surface and the bands ability to ply the listener with melodic hooks is again clearly apparent.

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Paris Youth Foundation - London.

Background - Liverpool’s newest up and coming guitar dreamers unleash new anthem London, an ode to heartache in the big smoke and laced with a glistening of glockenspiel. Following on from singles ‘Lost Cause and ‘Missing the Mark’, new track London juxtaposes a dark and despondent yearning love with an upbeat song structure that loops and woops it’s way through choruses with flourishing abandon. Potter’s lyrics yet again unveil a deep romanticism and vulnerability, a secret emotional weapon hidden behind bouncing melody and giving Paris Youth Foundation’s songs graspable depth and colour.

Following their debut show at Last year’s Reading Festival which had gained them the respects of Huw Stephens, the band has gone on to play all the major new music festivals including Hit The North, Live At Leeds, The Great Escape and Liverpool Sound City. They’ve not stopped throughout 2017, touring alongside Transgressive trio Blaenavon. Brighton’s indie rockers The Magic Gang, and hotly tipped grunge rockers Inheaven.

‘London’ was recorded and produced in its namesake by British producer Charlie Hugall who has previously worked on records for the likes of Florence and the Machine, Ed Sheeran and Lucy Rose. Lead singer Kevin Potter said, "London is a song that means an awful lot to me. It's the story of a long-distance breakup and is probably as personal as I've ever been. It's a song that wears its heart on its sleeve. The song was built around the line 'Does London love you as much as I do'. That line is the reason this song exists."

Since their debut play by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, the band has been championed by Phil Taggart, Steve Lamacq, BBC Introducing, Abbie McCarthy, Alice Levine and John Kennedy.  They now wrap up a massive year with a sold out headline show at Liverpool’s Buyers Club on December 16th. Paris Youth Foundation is Kevin Potter (vocals), Jamie Hives (guitar), Tom Morris Jones (guitar), Paul Bates (bass) and Jonny Alderton (drums). FACEBOOK.

With a band name like Paris Youth Foundation I didn't know quite what to expect and the vibrant new song 'London' certainly exceeded any preconceived expectations. Gorgeous alt rock where every component part is performed with passion the band have something special going on here.

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Lauren Ray - Two Days.

Background -  British Singer Songwriter Lauren Ray’s brand new single ‘’Two Days’ showcases her sweetly soulful vocals and touching lyrics. 

Stepping away briefly from her usual piano led sound to lean into her Nashville/Americana influences such as Alison Krauss she confidently ticks all the right boxes for fans of classic singer songwriters.

Co-written with Martin Sutton (LeAnn Rimes, Pixie Lott), ‘Two Days’ is a beautifully written track about the two important days in everyone’s life; the day you are born and the day you know why – with a romantic twist to knowing why. 

‘Two Days’ is laced with wintery and romantic touches and is a perfect early (8th) December release. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

The Nashville/Americana influences are more than welcome if the resulting effect is a song like 'Two Days.'  A light melodic musical setting with top musicianship provides a refined backdrop for Lauren Ray's equally melodic and gorgeous vocals.


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The Darts (US) - Gonna Make You Love.

Background - The Darts recently released their debut LP, Me.Ow, via Dirty Water Records. A follow up to two well-received EPs, it features sludgy guitars, fuzz-soaked vocals, and a healthy dose of menacing organ and was described by Bandcamp as "grinding garage that sounds like a rock show at a haunted mansion."

The LA and Phoenix-based band -- which is made up of Nicole Laurenne (The Love Me Nots, Motobunny, Zero Zero), Rikki Styxx (The Dollyrots, The Two Tens, Thee Outta Sites), Christina Nunez (The Love Me Nots, Casual Encounters, The Madcaps) and Michelle Balderrama (Brainspoon) -- has now shared a video for album track "Gonna Make You Love," which features trippy visuals interspersed with live footage of the band commanding various stages.

Though they've only been playing together for a year, The Darts have already toured the US and Europe, been named "Best Local Band" by the Phoenix New Times, and made fans around the world, including Jello Biafra. They just wrapped up a US tour in support of their new release and plan to head back to Europe in the Spring/Summer of 2018 before releasing another full-length album later in the year. BANDCAMP, FACEBOOK.

The Darts were regular attendees on Beehive Candy earlier this year and the new music video for 'Gonna Make You Love' is more than enough reason to welcome them back. As per usual turn the volume up loud!!


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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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