Vulgarians - The Buoys - The Arthur Brothers

Vulgarians - Dead People Are Easier To Love.

Background - Hull’s Vulgarians are now sharing the Radio 1-supported new single, ‘Dead People Are Easier To Love’. Produced by Alex Greaves (Avalanche Party, The Orielles, Bo Ningen) at The Nave, Leeds, this is the first new music from the band since their 2017 EP, ‘Almost-Instinct, Almost True’. A bullish indicator of what's to come from Vulgarians through 2019, the band will support 'Dead People Are Easier To Love' with a string of dates through autumn 2018, including a stop at The Macbeth, London on September 27 - all tour dates below.

‘Dead People Are Easier To Love’ marks an assertive step forward for the group’s sound, turning to 80s synthesisers and the likes of Cold Cave and John Maus for inspiration. Penned just 72 hours before the band were set to record with Greaves, the new single captures a sonic and lyrical urgency that is hard to counterfeit. Speaking about the single, frontman RW Preen says: “After wandering home from wherever I had been, I noticed a blank billboard, which rather amusingly someone had tagged. I guess we live in a time where culture is so celebrity-driven and popularity accounts for happiness, it’s easy to romanticise that a blank billboard appeals to you. There’s truth and guilt in that we don’t appreciate something or someone until they’re no longer present.”

Since the release of 2016’s ‘Life’s Successful Death’ and 2017’s ‘Almost-Instinct, Almost True’, the Hull quartet have gone on to win support from Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq (performing on Lamacq’s Introducing stage at The Great Escape), as well as touring alongside the likes of fellow Hull band, LIFE (whom they supported throughout June 2018), TRAAMS, The Wytches and Weirds. In addition, they have appeared at 53 Degrees North (Slaves, The Horrors, Dream Wife) and Another Fest (Yassassin, Heavy Lungs), ticked off a headline slot at Humber Street Sesh and secured further spots with HMLTD, Lady Bird and Protomartyr. FACEBOOK.

We have to go back around eighteen months to our only other feature for Vulgarians who impressed us then with their "anxiety and oh so close to the edge, feast of punk panic". The new track 'Dead People Are Easier To Love' is a more cohesive affair with the band producing a tight and more melodic post punk sound. The vocals remain passion filled and a tad manic in a wonderfully addictive kind of way.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Buoys - Arm Wrestle.

Background - Equal parts sweet and savoury, Sydney femme 4-piece The Buoys are gearing up to release their sophomore EP, after their debut Soft Boy received airtime on FBi and Triple J Unearthed, backing up shows with Aussie outfits such as Big White, Pist Idiots, Julia Why?, Georgia June, Breizers, Cakewalk and Tupperware Party.

The Buoys have a lot to send to your ear holes by way of unrelenting fuzzy guitar tones and honest raw lyrics so keep your ears out. Arm Wrestle is their latest single and has already been featured on the likes of Triple J and Fbi Radio.

"Arm Wrestle came to be when I had to address the reality of a situation. I had to explore if my thoughts were rational, or if I was making things up in my head and self sabotaging. It details that inner voice argument of, ‘something really bad is going down’ vs ‘don’t be silly, it’s all in your head, you’re crazy’. It’s an exploration of what it’s like to gaslight yourself really, only to find out your gut was right and you weren’t paranoid after all.” - Zoe

Forged in the flames of a failed tinder date, Sydney femme 4-piece The Buoys came to be when singer Zoe was introduced to drummer Tess, the cousin of said date. Next came Anthea, shredder guitarist sourced from none other than Gumtree. Then comes bassist Ros to complete the family portrait (no sponno to mention here).

Six months later and The Buoys have recorded a sophomore EP Split Lip to follow up the previous line-up’s DIY EP Soft Boy. Inspired by a workplace feud and a tonne of bad dates, Split Lip explores themes of uncertainty, disappointment, curiosity and self love. Described by Zoe as her “diary dumping ground” The Buoys writing style is just an extension of everyday relatable experiences.

Influenced by anything fuzzy, loud and fast, The Buoys have been making noise across Sydney to celebrate the release of their latest single Arm Wrestle. With the release of Split Lip at the end of the year and the inevitable return to the studio, they have plenty to send your way. BANDCAMP.

Musically 'Arm Wrestle' is a solid indie rocker that powers along with swirls of guitar and rhythm. The vocals add some emotion and further strength to this very catchy rocker.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Arthur Brothers - Ninth.

Background - The Arthur Brothers began life as a recording project and quickly grew into an artistic alliance centered around the biological brothers Matt and Danny Arthur and the producer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist J. C. Wright. 

Their music is inspired by a mutual obsession for inventive song-craft and a cross-generational love of classic albums with dramatic, bold and intriguing productions. Driven by a devotion to the recording process and a passionate desire to make a record full of mystery, melody, diversity and depth - the Arthurs and Wright, along with a coterie of talented contributors have been on a long and challenging creative expedition.  

Their first single release, ‘Ninth’, is the opening stage of the nine part musical adventure that will eventually be unveiled as The Arthur Brothers' debut album....Prepare to be transported through a wormhole en-route to a Westworld-style vacation, accompanied by a soundtrack of cold pianos, dark drones, tribal drums and mantra-esque vocal lines. Imagine distant echoes of Ennio Morricone, Peter Gabriel, Tears For Fears and The Velvet Underground holed-up in a prospector’s mineshaft in space, digging for gold..

'Ninth' was released at the end of August and passed me by first time around, so sometimes a follow up "pestering" by the promo agents works. A creative indie song, The Arthur Brothers have a very definitive sound, where the musical arrangement is imaginative and superbly executed, whilst the vocals add even more character and individuality to a very fine first single.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frigga - Dolls

Frigga - Flower Flower.

Background - Frigga the British-Norwegian artist formerly known as Sasha Siem - returns with her most cosmic and sensual single to date, ‘Flower Flower’. Conceived in her home studio in Brooklyn NYC shortly after giving birth to her son, Dylan. The song was recorded in Queens Park, London with the UK producer Danton Supple. 

‘Flower Flower’ is a bold celebration of desire, the human body and the pure pleasure of being alive. With her wizard-like word-play, Frigga courageously leads us into the darkest and most challenging of truths while at the same time being radically celebratory and empowering. 

Using sacred objects - (crystals, runes, tuning forks etc.) - to create unique percussion sounds and beats, the album also marks Frigga’s return to her first instrument - the cello. Recorded at 432 hertz - otherwise known as ‘the Love Frequency’ - the vibrations and sounds of the record are intended to ‘awaken, restore, uplift’.

Frigga studied music and poetry at Cambridge University and Harvard University. She has written music for the London Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Opera House, The London Philharmonic Orchestra and was the youngest person to receive a ‘British Composer Award.  Her first two critically acclaimed albums – ‘Most of the Boys’ and ‘Bird Burning’ - were recorded in Iceland with renowned producer Valgeir Sigurðsson and have been remixed by the likes of  Matthew Herbert, Susanne Sundford, HighasaKite, East India Youth, and Rabit. She has performed at festivals and sold-out shows across Europe and the US, including; The Forum, The Ultima Festival, (Le) Poisson Rouge, Latitude Festival, by:Larm, Barbican & Southbank Centre as well as a special album premier performance at Sadlers Wells this year. WEBSITE.

The musical backdrop is rich with detail and intriguing enough within it's self, however on 'Flower Flower' it's Frigga's vocals that really captivate and standout. Like an additional musical instrument played to perfection her singing is something to behold on this charming track.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dolls - Pink Bones.

Background - Dolls spent the summer working with Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds / Grinderman drummer Jim Sclavunos on their new “Pop The Bubble EP”, having spent the previous year relentlessly gigging in and around the capital, packing out venues and being heavily championed by Radio X & BBC Introducing. The 2-piece, comprising Jade (guitar and vocals) and Bel (drums and vocals), can now reveal new single ‘Pink Bones’.  It builds into a hit of their infectious brand of grunge-punk.

‘Pink Bones’ was one of the first songs they wrote together, when asked about the meaning behind it Bel explains “I believe this song is like one of those abstract paintings, it can mean many different things to whoever listens to it; and we like keeping it that way. Otherwise it ruins how far your imagination can go!”

The “Pop The Bubble EP”, set for release in September 2018, marked the first time the band have worked with producer Jim Sclavunos whose production credits include The Horrors, The Wytches and Du Blonde. The result is 4 garage-pop anthems with as much sass as they have bite. Duel vocals bounce off each other effortlessly, capturing some of the awesome chemistry these two bring to their raucous live performances.

The "Pop The Bubble EP" will be released by iconic soundtrack labels Mondo/Death Waltz on a beautiful limited edition multi-coloured and etched vinyl LP and digital. The band launch the EP at Rough Trade East with an instore show on Monday 24th September. WEBSITE.

Live Dates:
Sept 24 - Rough Trade East, London
Nov 4 - The Underworld, London.

Last month we featured 'Sugar Free' from Dolls and the follow up 'Pink Bones' is another hook fuelled song from this feisty and energised rock and roll duo, as their brand of grunge-punk sparkles again.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joey Sweeney & The Neon Grease - Carmody

Joey Sweeney & The Neon Grease - On Monday.

Background - The somewhat humourous new video for “On Monday” is one of the stand-out tracks from Joey Sweeney & The Neon Grease’s debut album Catholic School. The album is officially out digitally now through Burnt Toast Vinyl and The Giving Groove, with the vinyl edition to follow in late October/early November.

All releases on The Giving Groove include a charitable component, and the release of Catholic School is no exception… half of all profits from album sales, both digital and physical, will go directly to Rock To The Future, a non-profit organization that provides music education for Philadelphia’s underserved youth, at no cost to them or their families. Sweeney & Co will also be celebrating the album’s release tonight in their native Philadelphia with a proper album release show at Everybody Hits.

Over the past 25 years, Joey Sweeney has become a staple of Philadelphia’s influential songwriting and literary scene… he got his start as a music critic, before eventually fronting acclaimed Philly bands like The Trouble With Sweeney and The Barnabys, as well as recording and performing as a solo artist. Combining AM-friendly classic rock influences with what Bandcamp Daily calls “riotous” and “…jagged-edged, bristling Americana”, Catholic School is album is so steeped in dad-rock influences (and lots of sax) that it’s wearing a Members Only jacket and trying to get a job working for the city.

It’s also an album very much about cities, and the way Sweeney's city or your city is changing. You could say the city is the central character, but there’s also much about hope, falling in and out of love, being with your friends and not being with your friends... all set against the backdrop of looking for some kind of grace, while down the street, they’re tearing down your old church. TWITTER. 

We have already shared a couple of tracks from the brand new 'Catholic School' album and 'On Monday' plus the new video are equally welcome. There is a moody late night groove to the song, some refined melodic vibes and those "oh so" rock and roll vocals. If you like the song check out the previous features and dive right into this amazing album.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carmody - Summer Rain.

Background - A regular guest vocalist for Tom Misch since his debut EP back in 2014, South-London singer-songwriter Carmody has just returned with a second single from her forthcoming solo EP ‘Caching.

The track is a slow-burning tour de force, drawing on deep bass, electronic and R&B influences to explore the ephemeral and incendiary first stages of a relationship. Both haunting and sublimely danceable, ‘Summer Rain’ pairs Carmody’s trademark lyrical skill (“Freefalling through the clouds, you chase a fantasy / I can hear a song in every sigh / Unspoken melodies”)with one of her most powerful choruses to date: a harmony-soaked celebration of love in its purest form, where rain-soaked couples dance and ‘Move unheard / Weaving patterns of light into each day”.

Carmody began writing ‘Summer Rain’ at home in South London and (in stark contrast to the sun-drenched blissfulness of the song itself) completed it with Silverglade in the depths of a freezing cold Chicago winter, surrounded by 10 inches of snow.

About the track Carmody says: “I'm a big romantic when it comes to rain in the summer time. There's something about the heat, coupled with a fleeting downpour of rain, that I love. It's momentary and beautiful. ‘Summer Rain’ is about those ephemeral moments when you fall in love; when there is no doubt - just pure elation - lost in each other's minds and bodies.” TWITTER.

Carmody's soulful and intimate vocals are sublimely enticing on 'Summer Rain' a song that oozes class and refinement. The arrangement and production does this piece justice, as all elements shine through and the hooks dig deep.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Caz Gardiner & The Badasonics - Edward and Jane - Audic Empire

Caz Gardiner & The Badasonics - Out Of Time.

Background - The Badasonics mixes soul and funk together with Jamaican riddims and horns with the soulful rock and reggae voice of Caz Gardiner to deliver a pulsating party of soul steady beats.

Caz has performed with the BandHouse Gigs, Newmyer Flyer productions and The Beat Hotel. She was the lead singer for The Ambitions, a 60's influenced soul/ rock band which in 2008 was nominated for a Wammie (Washington Area Music Association) in the best new band category; and the rocksteady / reggae band Caz and The Day Laborers. In 2010, she was nominated for a Wammie in the best traditional blues / RnB vocalist category for her work with Caz and The Commotions.

The Badasonics, consisting of former members of The Moon Invaders & The Caroloregians, were also known as the busiest backing band for Jamaican artists in Europe and have played with Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, Dave & Ansel Collins, Rico Rodriguez, Doreen Shaffer, Pat Kelly, Derrick Harriott & many more.

Caz Gardiner & The Badasonics debut LP will be released this month. WEBSITE.

Whilst the featured song 'Out Of Time' might show off the bands more soulful and funky side, doing so with some high class style I would hasten to add, there is more to them than this. They can and do conjure up some tempting reggae sounds, and jazz things up gorgeously with horns. Overall the feeling is positive and upbeat, and their musical fusion is highly contagious. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edward and Jane - More.

Background - "Americana has become a mainstream staple in music and for the most part, the sound has been watered down throughout the years by corporate America…Edward and Jane though, they’re cut from a different cloth," says Ghettoblaster of the Chattanooga, Tennessee-based folk-rock collective's new tune "More," which it calls an "emotional masterpiece." The song is featured on the band's new EP Too Early To Tell, set for release on September 28th. Edward and Jane will celebrate the album's release with show at The Camp House in Chattanooga on October 13th.

"More," which features the angelic vocals of band co-founder Emilie "Jane" Creutzinger, is a tribute to those who have shaped us into who we have become. "We are who we are because of the people who raised us--the care we received, or lack thereof in our upbringing" says co-founder Timothy "Edward" Carpenter. "However your childhood experience, you are who you are much to the credit of your mother and father. You clench tightly to their best qualities, and avoid their worst, but in my experience the apple never falls far from the tree. Everyone has parents. Everyone can understand this. 'More' is an attempt to show our deep gratitude for those who raised us into the people we are today, for better or worse."

On a mission to cultivate a communal environment at their shows where everyone belongs and feels like a necessary piece of the puzzle, Edward and Jane use their art to take listeners back to a simpler time—a time where music could steal you away from the worries of the world. With the help of Anderson, Indiana-based producer, Jonathan Class, Edward and Jane have found their voice and unique Americana sound. They have toured extensively for the last three years, landed multiple television placements on MTV and A&E, and have shared the stage with the likes of Mandolin Orange, Jon Foreman, Elenowen, Birdtalker, and Aaron Lee Tasjan.

The band’s desire to make true folk-rock music is heard in their honest lyricism and incredible family band instrumentation, all beautifully showcased on Too Early To Tell. The album, which distills influences from Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers-esque classic rock to soul-moving gospel choir harmonies, is a nostalgic journey to freedom that blends the bittersweet pain of departure with the flourishing beauty of independence. WEBSITE.

Gentle and melodic 'More' slowly builds with emotional intensity and feeling. The musical backdrop is sublime, understated at times when additional layers of instrumentation are added they resonate beautifully.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Audic Empire - Turmoil.

Background - Austin, TX based Alternative Rock/Reggae Band Audic Empire has released the official music video for their single "Turmoil," the second single from the their upcoming LP, Indica Nights. Written by Ronnie Bowen and produced by James Wisner (Silverback Records), "Turmoil" drops September 10th

Audic Empire has been turning heads in the Austin, TX music scene with their psychedelic, reggae/rock and feel good tunes. They have a high intensity performance and an astonishing sound with the contrast of two singers Ronnie Bowen & James Tobias, their red hot solo guitarist Travis Brown, psychedelic keys from Carver Ripley and rock solid rhythm section Jess Leonard.

Audic Empire has played with numerous great artists and festivals. Audic’s first album Sativa Sunrise was released in 2015. They have 6 singles that have been released over the past 4 years, which are available on all online platforms. 

Currently the band has finished and about to release their 2nd full length album Indica Nights with producers James Wisner and Miles Brown. With the rapid growth of their reggae/rock sound, Audic Empire is on the rise with their journey to produce a unifying sound wave of love and music. TWITTER.

Audic Empire have something very special going on here. The bands mixture of alt rock and reggae is seamless and highly up skilled. 'Turmoil' demonstrates this with style and the vocals are in total alignment as the band traverse between genres. This is very impressive and totally engaging music.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lung - Velvet Flare - Johnny Payne - Value Void

Lung - Butcher.

Background - 'All the King’s Horses' marks a shift from Lung’s first album, Bottom of the Barrel. The content was largely influenced by the band’s experiences from their national tours. “We’re excited that it [the new album] is going to be out of our heads and into the world.” Wakefield explains, “The album reflects what we (Daisy, Rachelle, and me) have experienced as a band touring around this confusing and awesome country. It is a snapshot of what we have seen, lived-through, and what’s been shared with us. The record aims to take you on a journey of personal and shared struggles and goes to some pretty vulnerable places. I hope that people listening to the record get some sort of cathartic release by the end of it.”

Sonically the album has a dark, biting edge. Kate Wakefield (vocals, cello) and Daisy Caplan (drums) have developed a powerful, sinister sound created from total immersion into music culture and life on the road. Thematically, the record has a wide range, with songs directly confronting issues of consent such as “Brock” and “All the King’s Horses” in addition to more fantastical narratives of reality as in “Spiders” and a few pointed anti-love songs.  The art for Lung directly reflects these intense experiences. Their artist, Rachelle Caplan, interprets the music visually in real-time as songs are being written and consistently tours with the band.

Lung, which formed in April of 2016 and includes Daisy Caplan on drums, has played over 250 shows to date. Known for their live shows, they are looking forward to returning to the West Coast, hitting spots old and new. “I’m excited to play places we’ve never been before, to see every part of this country,” says Daisy. The two are not new to the road. Both have performed in multiple touring projects. Kate has been writing and performing solo since 2014. Daisy was a core member of the prolific rock band, Foxy Shazam and feminist punk band, Babe Rage.

When asked about what we can expect for the next record, Wakefield hinted at heavier thematic material. “This next record is going to bring something different. A lot has happened in the world since our first release (Bottom of the Barrel, Spring 2017) and this album reflects that intensity.” Tracks from All the King’s Horses show a maturation in the band’s songwriting and an evolution in content. There is a more demanding and provocative edge to the record that illustrates undeniable feelings of paranoia and unease with the onset of the Trump presidency. “We were in Texas during the election. Nobody could believe it. We were playing small towns and big cities alike. The feeling was intense; a new ‘uncomfortable normal’ began to take over,” said Wakefield on the experience. WEBSITE.

Taken from the duos brand new 'All The Kings Horses' album released this week we have 'Butcher'. Lung are a potent musical pairing, the instrumental choice adding natural individuality, and the vocals delivering plenty of attitude and emotion, this is passionate and feisty.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Velvet Flare - My Femme Fatale.

Background - Following the release of their first album Worlds Apart in 2017, Velvet Flare announce the release of their second album Despair and Desire, which includes the latest single My Femme Fatale.

My Femme Fatale is inspired by classic 1940s/50s Film Noir. A seductive woman persuades her new lover to kill her husband for financial gain, but she ultimately betrays that lover. This dark theme is punctuated by humour with lyrics such as: “Got you what you wanted - Got his money and a room with a view - I lost my moral compass - When you asked if I could ‘just shoot him too’ - Shoot him too? Well, what else could I do?”

Despair and Desire includes the previously released single Ms Fox, which was reviewed by Beehive Candy: “.... ‘Ms Fox’ is another very impressive song. Mixing pop and indie rock vibes, the production is distinct and the gentle melody is full of hooks, in what is a top quality piece”. Ms Fox is the personification of Fox Glacier, NZ and the song is a lament for global warming.

Despair and Desire is primarily a collection of songs about relationships in various states of disintegration or buoyant aspiration. The album was recorded and engineered by Slade Gibson at Slade Gibson Audio, The Gap, Brisbane.

The release of their first album Worlds Apart in 2017 included the singles 6th of June, Animal (Arun Kendall in Backseatmafia: “Straight out of Brisbane and seemingly via the tenements of London comes Velvet Flare with Animal, a visceral, angry stab of glam rock that has all the hallmarks of an Antipodean Suede. Singer Paul English has a soaring voice, complete with eviscerating lyrics, that moves effortlessly into a falsetto…… a refreshing blast of unadorned indie guitar music with all the necessary posturing and sneer any good rock song should have”.) and Ice Age (which was No. 22 in Tomatrax Top 100 Songs of 2017). These singles and the album track The Brightest Light have all had airplay in Australia, England and Europe, and the USA. FACEBOOK.

Our third musical share for Velvet Flare comes in the form of their latest single 'My Femme Fatale'. The duel vocals really work well on this song, at times almost duelling rather than harmonising, doing so above a vibrant rocking backdrop.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johnny Payne - Never Stop Learning To Love.

Background - I began writing Never Stop Learning To Love on an escalator in a mall in Spain. The mall had about ten floors and by the time I got to the top I had a verse and a chorus. All that was at the top was a restaurant so I went back down.

The song is a reminder to myself to always practice tolerance and acceptance amidst chaos, the way children do. It’s about as psychedelic as I get in my writing. Not the Jimi Hendrix, Sgt Pepper version of Psychedelia, but the Brian Wilson, Disney version.

I always subscribed more to that: The idea that psychedelia isn’t entirely about drugs, but rather about a return to childlike innocence through purity of mind and a reverence for the natural world. For this reason, we felt it appropriate to shoot the video on the same beach where I spent so much time as a kid, just running around with a dog. It seemed to say everything about the song.

I recorded my upcoming solo EP with Tennis at their home studio in Denver and recruited Beach House drummer James Barone for the studio sessions. TWITTER.

Our second song from Johnny Payne is the gorgeous 'Never Stop Learning To Love'. Understated psychedelic vibes pour out, with some timeless sixties charm and fabulous hooks, this is instant replay material, and some.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Value Void - Teen For Him.

Background - London trio Value Void share the third single, "Teen For Him", from their debut album Sentimental, due out on 26 October via Tough Love, released on limited edition green vinyl, CD and download. Last week the band played their first ever BBC6 Music session for Tom Ravenscroft. They will play an album launch show at The Stag's Head in London on 1 November.

Marta Zabala from the band explains more about the "'Teen for Him' was written in Buenos Aires ages ago, probably 2015 whilst Paz and I were working as assistants in a Social Gaming Company. It's a childish song about those moments when someone is having a personal crisis and are overcome by some weird infatuation, where the object of their desire has nothing to do with them. Like filling a gap."

This follows the singles "Babeland" and "Back In The Day." The album is instantly affecting, with an ease and clarity that suits the elegance of the lyrics: coded love songs and cool reflections on life which are all the more vulnerable and touching sung in Paz Maddio's lilting, ultrachromatic voice - a ceramic-sharp diagonal transatlantic on a pure open tone, with subtle waves of vibrato at its top end. It's a particular heart breaker on tracks such as “Babeland” and “Dead Ladies Lament”. BANDCAMP.

Having already featured the first two singles from Value Void 'Teen For Him' makes it three and does so with class. The bands individual and delectable sound is all apparent, the vocals slipping into pure London accent at times is charming, the album 'Sentimental' is now a must hear asap!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------