Alpines - K Michelle DuBois - Teenage Wedding

Alpines - Out Of View.

Background - Alpines’ third album Full Bloom is the high watermark of their career so far. It’s the consolidation of years of hard graft, as Bob Matthews and Catherine Pockson’s creative journey finds affirmation in staying true to their musical process. Alpines’ story is one of unwavering determination; after their initial tenure on a major label ended, they persevered to self-release their debut album Oasis, which proved to be a testament to their musical strength and craft. If their enchanting indie follow-up Another River saw the pair finding a new path, new album Full Bloom is a creative blossoming.

While their core influences have always revolved around the music they grew up listening to, Full Bloom is confidently eclectic in its frame of reference and comes across as their most sure-footed work yet. Prince, Aaliyah, Frank Ocean, Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Kelela, ‘90s rave culture and Massive Attack are just some of the muses channelled in this new work. Pockson’s primary lyrical concerns are growth, ecology, and change (as the title suggests), alongside the everyday challenges of love, acceptance and hardship, making for a record that’s braver than its predecessors. Full Bloom is a long and difficult look at the world around us as well as a deep examination of our complex inner lives, and the accompanying insecurities and vulnerabilities.

Each song is built around a minimal piano idea, expanded on in the serenity of their Kingston-Upon-Thames studio:  “There are tracks that lean more towards Catherine’s love of classic singer-songwriters and soul music, and others that are inspired by left-field producers and rap.” Add to the mix a wide variety of non-musical influences – Netflix drama The OA, architect Rachel Whiteread, contemporary fashion and art, – and it’s easy to see why Full Bloom overflows with innovation.

Alpines announce their return with their first single ‘Out Of View’. The track is a bassy saw wave before a breakbeat style rhythm that descends quickly, accompanied by Pockson’s deeply felt vocal.

"Out of View was written in a period of time when we were both feeling very free and wanted to experiment with new sounds and ideas with no pressure or expectation. The weight and grittiness of the beat contrasts to the soaring and anthemic vocal. We wanted this track to have that striking uplifting quality, we were inspired by classic 90s rave anthems and the power of those vocals and lyrics to lift people and transcend them to another place." WEBSITE.

Intricate beats and subtle synths lay a fabulous backdrop on ‘Out Of View' giving the delicious vocals so much room to soar, as they do with notable feeling.


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K Michelle DuBois - Wild Weed.

Background - American singer-songwriter K Michelle DuBois has announced her new 'Harness' LP, slated for release in October. Ahead of that, she presents the lead single 'Wild Weed'. This is DuBois’ third solo release, following up her album ‘Astral Heart’ (2016).

Based in Atlanta, GA, Dubois' counts Blondie’s 'Autoamerican' and Divinyls among her influences, along with Stevie Nicks, Roxy Music, Flaming Lips, Grandaddy, and Fever Ray. DuBois’s live band includes Chandler Rentz (drums), Jim Prible (bass), André Griffin (keys) and Dan Dixon (guitar), who also recorded, produced and mastered this album at RCDC studio in Atlanta.

On ‘Harness’, DuBois balances the experimental with her innate talent for distinctive hooks. This is an indie pop-rock gemthat is sonic, rustic, and strong on harmonies. Although she remains anchored in hook-laden structures, this album pushes the experimental side of her previous work to new heights.

While most of DuBois’ solo output intertwines classic power-pop with 90s college rock, ‘Harness’ boasts a heftier sonic tone than her previous album ‘Astral Heart’ with its bouncy rhythms, jangly guitars and sing-song charm. While 'Harness' will be released across the main online stores and streaming platforms on October 12, the first single ‘Wild Weed’ will be available for streaming already on August 24. WEBSITE.

K Michelle DuBois vocals are palpably distinct and enticing whether she is softly singing or upping the energy levels. With 'Wild Weed' you get to hear her versatility and this rocker is crammed full of hooks that even at five minutes duration it ends to soon.


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Teenage Wedding - Wow! Signal.

Background - Teenage Wedding just released their second album The Sophia of Teenage Wedding, a fun and dreamy pop album with a heavy noise influence, pretty songwriting, memorable lyrics and catchy melodies. 

The album uses religious mythology, jungian psychology, and science fiction as a source material to express some universal human struggles like abandonment and identity.

The album is mainly inspired by Sonic Youth, Stereolab, Broadcast, Pavement and Victoria pop punk and post punk as well as bubblegum pop like S Club 7, Len, and Sugar Ray. The album is out now on Gary Cassette.

Teenage Wedding do very in Victoria, they have played shows with Wolf Parade, The Courtneys, Bridal Party, Woolworm, Peach Pit and regularly sell out shows across the west coast. FACEBOOK.

'Wow! Signal' is a sprightly indie rocker with plenty of bounce and some very catchy vibes throughout. The video is fun with just a touch of eccentricity, that works so well with this terrific tune.


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Dolls - Scott Lavene - Pure Bathing Culture - Jeen O'Brien - Basement Revolver

Dolls - Sugar Free.

Background - Having spent the last year relentlessly gigging in and around the capital, packing out venues and being heavily championed by Radio X & BBC Introducing, Dolls have spent the summer working with Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds / Grinderman drummer Jim Sclavunos on their new “Pop The Bubble EP”.

The 2-piece, comprising Jade (guitar and vocals) and Bel (drums and vocals), can today reveal lead single “Sugar Free”.  A riotous example of their infectious grunge-punk, it’s a song on the bands views about “the use-and-throwaway society around us today, how superficial people's lives can be, and how rapidly people's values and what's on-trend can change” 

Drummer Bel goes on to further explain, “It was a spontaneous song that came out of Jade's improvised guitar riff. When we were writing lyrics I had a sugar free drink and started thinking how people can get so peed off when they ask for diet coke and get regular. So it represents those kind of first world problems & concerns about how our worst nightmare could be something so shallow that it's just ridiculous”.

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. "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.

Dolls have all the feisty flair a rock duo should have, and with their garage and punk leaning the attitude and determination is also present. So 'Sugar Free' is a two minute blast of expectation, delivered to specification, and some!

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Scott Lavene - My Kinda Girl.

Background - Scott Lavene has released a new single, My Kinda Girl, along with a wonderfully psychedelic video featuring multiple Scott Lavene’s. The single will be out physically 27th September and supported with a 11 date UK tour including a date at The Slaughtered Lamb in London.

In Scott’s own words, “‘My Kinda Girl’ is a song about the early stages of romance when you’re noticing small quirks about each other’s personalities. You think “oh she loves pastries and jeans and so do I. We must be meant for each other.” Love is sick like that.  It’s the most honest love song I’ve ever written.”

Born in Essex, Scott Lavene was raised on power ballads, punk and swearing. In bands since his teens, Scott travelled about, scratching out a living with deadbeat jobs trying to find something to cling to. After couple of years in France and a brief stint in New York, including a playing at the infamous CBGB’s Scott returned to London and came close to a major label deal with his sordid songs.

Instead Scott disappeared on a rusty old boat, a floating shed, for five years. Hiding from the world. Broke and bemused. Solitude and lonely debauchery. After five years of this Scott went kaput, so spent some time in a house for the bewildered where he emerged full of life and songs. A self released album in a band called Big Top Heartbreak led to being signed to Funnel Music as a solo artist. WEBSITE.

For all that Scott Lavene might have been through, he comes across as gregarious and outgoing on 'My Kinda Girl' a lovable song, with just a touch of cheekiness, something the video builds on further.


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Pure Bathing Culture - Downtown Lights.

Background - Pure Bathing Culture have shared “Downtown Lights” (featuring Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard on backup vocals), ahead of a highly anticipated run of West Coast dates. The song comes from their full album cover of The Blue Nile’s Hats, recorded for Turntable Kitchen’s Sounds Delicious vinyl subscription series. OPB praised the new release, calling Pure Bathing Culture “virtually synonymous with glowing and bittersweet romantic songs.” This weeks release follows “Saturday Night,” the only other Hats track available outside the subscription series.

Pure Bathing Culture’s decision to cover The Blue Nile was beyond natural, nearly inevitable. Sarah Versprille and Daniel Hindman attribute their initial infatuation with the Scottish synth-pop heroes to Richard Swift, who produced the Portland duo’s debut EP. Sarah elaborates, “One morning before starting the session he asked us if we had ever heard The Blue Nile and played us a few tracks. We became immediately obsessed with their world of nostalgia and longing and the way the songs were simultaneously extremely sad at times but also intensely romantic and modern. It made us feel like the music we wanted to make was validated in some way by the fact that their music had already existed in the universe.”

Pure Bathing Culture boast a longtime reputation for spellbinding live shows. Sarah and Daniel played in the beloved Pacific Northwest band Vetiver before forming PBC. Since, they've released two full-lengths and toured alongside The Shins, Death Cab for Cutie, Father John Misty, Lucius, CHVRCHES and more. Next week, they’ll bring the infectious performance to the cities listed below, with a live band including Zach Tillman on bass and keys, Chris Icasiano on drums, and Justin Chase on keys. The West Coast shows will feature both Hats highlights and fan favorites from the full PBC catalogue, and hint at brand new, unreleased material. WEBSITE. 

Gently flowing and melodic 'Downtown Lights' is a dreamy song that exudes intimacy and plenty of "late night vibes". The production is superb, this is one of those tracks that just draws you into the emotional feeling and refuses to let you go.

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Jeen O'Brien - Medicate Me.

Background - The track, Medicate Me' is from Jeen's upcoming album titled Gift Shop which is set for release this September.

The LP was produced by Jeen herself and is titled "Gift Shop" because she's coming to terms with the necessity to put herself on display as an artist.

"Medicate Me" was "inspired by medical marijuana and also the fact that I'm pretty antisocial. This can be a challenge in the music industry when the whole point is to put yourself out there, so i guess it’s a bit of an ode to introverts too." - Jeen. TWITTER.

We featured 'Any Moment' by Jeen exactly a month ago to the day. Describing the previous track as a "feisty indie rocker," 'Medicate Me' if anything ups the power even more as it packs in a driving rhythm with the vocals melodically flying above.

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Basement Revolver - Heavy Eyes.

Background - Canadian indie-rock trio Basement Revolver share the title track from their debut album, Heavy Eyes, which encapsulates the air of weariness pervading the band’s sound. The sleepy title “Heavy Eyes” sums up a general exhaustion right down to the bone, as well as hinting at a heavier direction as they deftly merge 90s infused indie rock with fuzzy dreamy pop and poignant, yearning lyrics. As songwriter and singer Chrisy Hurn explains; “Heavy eyes is about feeling really tired. And life is hard when you are really tired.” 

The trio of Chrisy Hurn (vocals, guitar), Nimal Agalawatte (bass, synth) and Brandon Munro (drums) embarked on their first tour of the UK earlier this year, with a tremendous set at The Great Escape Festival. Previous single "Baby" has been made Amazon UK’s Week One, added to Apple’s Nightcap playlist, and Spotify’s Indie Highlights. While "Knocking" was added to New Music Friday Canada, and “New Alternative” and “Melancholy Moods” on Deezer. 

Basement Revolver’s ascent to the spotlight has been a steady trajectory, capitalising on the success of their debut single “Johnny” in 2016. The track garnered endorsements from DIY Magazine and Exclaim! as well as respected tastemakers Gold Flake Paint, who hailed it a “‘favourite song of the year” contender.  They were signed by Memphis Industries’ UK sub-label Fear Of Missing Out, who released their debut self-titled EP in 2016 with “Johnny” and their second single “Words” reaching the higher echelon of the Hype Machine chart and the EP flagged up in several end of year lists. They followed this up with the Agatha EP in 2017 where the single “Bread & Wine” reached the B-list on Radio BBC 6 Music and also garnered support from John Kennedy at Radio X. The band have racked up over one million plays on Spotify across the two EPs.

To record their debut full-length, the band returned to local studio TAPE where they had recorded both their EPs. They had build up a solid relationship with producers Adam Bentley and Jordan Mitchell, as they continued to hone their signature sound. It’s really the songwriting that makes Basement Revolver stand out from the rest. Assured yet open, beguiling yet honest, heartfelt yet playful. Unable to disguise the emotion in her voice, songwriter Chrisy Hurn shares intimate stories and personal wounds from her past. TWITTER.

The title track from the forthcoming album 'Heavy Eyes' is a solid rocker, with an aural assault that is the most powerful I have heard from Basement Revolver. Even with all of that the vocals manage to convey emotion and feeling.

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Moderate Rebels - The Rad Trads

Moderate Rebels - I Love Today.

Background - London-based collective Moderate Rebels release ‘I Love Today’, streaming from 8th August, from their second album ‘Shared Values’, which will be out 30th November on Everyday Life Recordings.

Unlike previous single ‘Beyond Hidden Words’, which can be heard as a defiant, repetitive yet hopeful chant, ‘I Love Today’ is a shift in style. It has some verses, choruses and even a middle eight section… And Moderate Rebels say they "still don’t know if this song is optimistic or not”.

Moderate Rebels: “Both ‘I Love Today’ and ‘Beyond Hidden Words’ were made without us knowing what musically they exactly are… Or even letting that particular question really get involved in their making. We’re quite comfortable saying that we didn’t know what we were doing.”

“To our ears , ‘I Love Today’ is chaotic, falling apart, off at a tangent and nearly glam. Perhaps set in an old fashioned social club. A faint trace of The Equals, The Foundations, Edison Lighthouse etc… An attempt at a big singalong number, but heard through broken, smudged windows and with a sense of tension. But we’re mostly guessing to be honest – there was no conscious intention of any of that by us.”

“The lyrics could be about appreciating and living in the moment, about not being told what you personally should be worrying about by anybody else, and about how you can just about always find chaos and disaster in the world to look at – if that’s what you are looking for. Or not. We really don’t know whether it’s an optimistic song or not, and that’s interesting enough for us, and hopefully others”.

“Some London gigs and a UK tour in November are being planned. We may play ‘I Love Today’ and other new songs for the whole 45 minutes at some shows. We’ve done it before with [MR’s first single] ‘God Sent Us’ and enjoyed it very much… None of us knew what was going on or what would happen. Once you get a taste for that kind of chaotic night… It’s addictive.” TWITTER.

We featured ‘Beyond Hidden Words’ in early July and now we have our second taster for the bands November album release. With an imposing, marching beat 'I Love Today' arrives in a dramatic manner, the spoken vocals are irresistible (and this time around we get a lot more lyrics), this is hypnotic and contagious material. Ever the optimist I am looking forward (hopefully) to a further glimpse of what's on the album ahead of the release date.

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The Rad Trads - Wishing Well.

Background - New York City-based band, The Rad Trads, share the official music video for their new single "Wishing Well." The band just finished up the first leg of their extensive US run, which included select shows with Lake Street Dive, and they'll kick off the next run of national dates,  throughout September and early October, with their On Tap LP release show on Friday, September 14th at Mercury Lounge. In mid-October, the band heads to Spain, for a run of 10 dates throughout the country. See below for details on their tour. On Tap LP is due out September 14th (pre-order here).

On Tap serves as the world's introduction to the diverse possibilities The Rad Trads have to offer from the studio. Revered for their live shows, On Tap sees the five songwriters pull back the curtain on their passion for arrangement and orchestration, introducing a sea of horns, harmonies, gritty grooves, and psychedelic guitar textures.

Songs like "Thumbtack" and "The Little Pie Blues" share a nod towards their playful use of acoustic instruments while powerhouses "Good Luck Unto Ya" and "Wishing Well" make for unbridled bookends. "My Place" and "Key Club" highlight the diverse sonic pallet the band has grown to embrace. The band's contagious fun-loving nature shines throughout, a feeling that their fans will find familiar. WEBSITE.

Less than a fortnight since we shared 'Good Luck Unto Ya' from The Rad Trads, they are back with a new music video for 'Wishing Well'. Opening in a slow soulful manner accompanied with some classic blues feeling, the song veers towards southern rock at times, and the magnificent horns, do their stuff in style and even the drummer gets his moment in the spotlight. Two contrasting songs in, and I am very impressed by this band, make that very, very impressed.


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Paper Cameras - Louise Marshall

Paper Cameras - Speed of Wine.

Background - The Painted Light LP from Paper Cameras has been a long time coming and well worth the wait. The lo-fi polyphonic soundscape is full of ethereal harmonies reminiscent of the 90’s garage influenced rock scene that veteran Portland musician Michael Carothers helped form. The history of Paper Cameras began in 2005, when Carothers (Spectator Pump/All The Dead Horses/The Glib) conceived the project and began writing songs. Three years later, the E.P. Lost Weekend was born. The E.P. was recorded with longtime friend, Nashville’s Jerry Wayne Campbell (Spider Virus/Millionaire Magicians) and producer Sean Flora (Black Keys/Shins/Stephen Malkmus).

The following years Carothers took a brief hiatus from songwriting to open the successful Japanese restaurant, Miho Izakaya and spent the next half decade keeping sake flowing and quietly writing songs in his few spare hours. In 2014, with a renewed musical focus he sold his stake in Miho Izakaya and bought a Tascam 8 track cassette recorder and began new material with longtime friend, Portland musician Nathan Junior(Dandy Warhols, The Early Stuff, M. Ward, Duover, Sea Wolf) and artist and taxidermist Little Debbie Bartling sharing time behind the mic with Nathan Junior. The result was The Easy Wolves Sessions, a lo-fi mix of bubblegum psych pop. Later, in 2016 Nathan Junior and Carothers recorded the E.P. Mars Was Yesterday with producer Adam Selzer (Decemberists/Peter Buck/M. Ward/ Fleet Foxes) at Type Foundry Studios where Carothers’ vision began to take on an identity reflective of the kind of alchemy that comes from friendships and like minded musicians, highlighting the strength and creativity of each member.

Carothers, a native Tennessean, had known Tripp Lamkins (The Grifters/Dragoon) since the early days of famed the Memphis band The Grifters. Upon hearing about the Paper Cameras project, Tripp made his way to Portland, OR to record at Jackpot Studio with Tape Op founder Larry Crane (Elliott Smith/Sleater Kinney/ Go-Betweens/Thermals). They began tracking with no band rehearsal and recorded the record in just only two days. With rhythmic complexity and blended harmonies, the outcome is reminiscent of a lower-fi New Pornographers, Wedding Present, with hints of later Royal Trux. Larry Crane’s honest straight-ahead production style anchors the songs and would easily be in step with fans of Summer Cannibals.

This collaboration of veteran musicians came together more smoothly than they ever could have imagined. After the songs were instrumentally framed, Carothers brought painter Michelle Anne Muldrow to sing with Nathan Junior. The result became the EP Painted Light, due out in the fall of 2018 on No Night Travel. Painted Light floats within sonic range between 90’s garage influenced rock and inventive, harmony-laden 80’s power pop. BANDCAMP.

After a brief choral opening the band decide to crack on and 'Speed of Wine' explodes into life. The gorgeous harmonies are ever present on this first rate alt rocker, the music has it's own melodic twists, based on just this track the E.P. sounds very promising.

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Louise Marshall - Ocean.

Background - Louise Marshall is an alternative indie artist based in Adelaide, South Australia. Louise had begun her music journey at fifteen, song-writing obsessively. Not longer after she took up the guitar, further developing an appreciation for experimental rock, pop and alternative indie.

Juvenile is Louise's first studio EP, released in November 2017. Ocean is the featured single from the EP. Juvenile is an EP that explores experiences that had personal effects on Louise, while pondering the idea of ‘what if’. The EP was written during Louise's emotional dark age. Juvenile was was mixed, mastered and produced by Cezary Konarski of Datafire Audio.

Featured single Ocean was written during a time of experiencing a depression and self destruction, the song was about being in the trenches of helplessness. The use of body parts 'veins' and references to 'mad house and ' is it fine to be me' are nightmarish references linked to the reality Louise was experiencing at the time. The use of synth pads and strings combined, gives a calming and haunting mood. The chorus is anticlimactic and doesn't lift the songs tone. It relies on nothing, just the reminder of Louise’s experience.

The creation of the music vide for Ocean was made possible with the help of Made Adelaide film production. MadeAdelaide held the script of Ocean as a high priority, capturing it's meaning's and concept. The video for Ocean presents the dark, subconscious elements of Louise's mind. This is portrayed through the unsettling extras and powerful symbolism of vulnerability and power struggles. The video presents below the surface issues and how these issues can manifests themselves in life.

Each song has a unique sound but carries the same dark tone and signifies a transition to eventually accepting the current state. Blue is vocally dominate and contains a mourning feeling. The Beast holds a sense of anticipation from transitions to the chorus and verse. Dignity is a simple song, primarily a 'what if' song. Dignity is about feeling helpless and was inspired by an aged care facility. Ocean was is the most emotional track on the EP. Ocean is about seeing the dark and bare parts of the mind and releasing the fear of it. Chlorine is the last track of the EP and is the lightest. Chlorine is the completion song that gives birth to new ideas and removes the cold callous perspective of perceiving life. WEBSITE.

There is a sense of the dramatic with 'Ocean' along with some simmering tension and earnest passion. The video adds even more emotion and a layer of vulnerability, this is one of those songs to immerse yourself in, as it feeds your imagination and heart.


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Dear Willow - Klammer - Nicholas Krgovich

Dear Willow - I Was Young.

Background - Following on from the cautionary lament of Hold, Dear Willow is pleased to announce the arrival of new single I Was Young, taken from her forthcoming EP Hold Yourself Down (out September 14). Beckoning tales from the past, I Was Young explores feelings of being trapped within situations similar to that of a somewhat manic pixie dream girl character. It bares the raw truth of consequences when breaking down that bubble.

Dear Willow is the creative voice of Sunshine Coast based artist Em-J Dau. Since 2012 Dear Willow has transformed from poet to a solo acoustic act and embraced her sound through a full band. A testament to its creator's talent, Dear Willow is both Em-J's nom de plume and her persona artistica: a vessel that can change shape and direction, allowing her to truly explore her creativity.

Dear Willow's first single, Father's House (2015) introduced Em-J’s uniquely smoky voice to the big wide world, capturing a beautiful sense of yearning that is often present in her lyrics. As her song writing developed, flourishes of indie-rock and post-grunge began to infiltrate her earthy tones. Upbeat and optimistic, yet delicate and vulnerable, Dear Willow's next single When It Burns (2016) proved that Em-J's songs had translated well and realised new heights as a full-band sound. It was time to hit the studio...

Through the evolution of her band building to a four piece, the upcoming songs marry Em-J’s sophisticated lyrics and signature sound with punchy guitars and solid groove. Dear Willow introduces a further refined style, staying true to the frankness and honesty that is present throughout much of her music but emerges a confident and demanding front woman with tales to tell and is supported by her fellow creatives Callan Holstein (drums), Melinda Huurdman (lead guitar) and Dean Genge (bass). FACEBOOK.

'I Was Young' has a melodic and easy going indie rock vibe with just a hint of modern folk sensibilities along the way. It's sincere and catchy, with the refined production gives the song additional depth and feeling.

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Klammer - Spiral Girl.

Background - Post-punk quartet Klammer are releasing their new album ‘You Have Been Processed’ on vinyl, CD and digitally through Under Dogz Records. Formed by UK Producer Steve Whitfield (The Cure, The Mission, Terrorvision, Jane Weaver) in 2014, Klammer's sound does thrive in the same ballpark as these particular bands.

Not long ago, the band unveiled their video for 'Spiral Girl', the second single from the album. Earlier, the band introduced us to ‘Modern God’ - both accompanying videos were directed by Steve Dutton.

Hailing from Leeds, Klammer draws from the members' shared love for all things angular, dark, loud and melodic. Previously described as the love child of XTC and Gang Of Four, Klammer offer an enticing twist on the post-punk attitude, blending in elements of goth rock, punk rock and dark wave, all with dark pop sensibilities. Here you'll find plenty of hooks and a dark and edgy broodiness coursing through their sound.

‘You Have Been Processed’ will be the band's third album, following up 'Auslane' and 'Klammer',  both released two albums via Under Dogz Records, and their debut 7” single 'Everything Depends Upon The King'.

Championed by Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music, Klammer’s music continues to excite with their dark themes allied to catchy riffs and anthemic choruses. Klammer have been consolidating their position as one of the country’s finest live post-punk acts, consistently playing up and down the country, both as a headliner and supporting other notable artists, including The Skids, The Undertones, Richie Ramone, Penetration and The Membranes. They've also played Rebellion Festival several times, including this year, as well as The Great British Alternative festival. WEBSITE.

Whilst we are a little late in featuring the music video for 'Spiral Girl' it's still appropriate as the bands new album 'You Have Been Processed' was released just a couple of days ago. One of twelve tracks on the new album, this is a consistently solid collection of songs, the bands post punk centred music occasionally drifts into bordering areas, the energy levels are sustained throughout, without ever overpowering the listener. Klammer carve out their own distinct sound, the vocals and instruments finely tuned together, and the constant flow of musical hooks gives them plenty of edge.


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Nicholas Krgovich - Rosemary.

Background - Vancouver artist Nicholas Krgovich possesses an unswerving back catalogue of sleek ‘future-pop’ releases. His solo work has seen him collaborate with the likes of Mount Eerie, Nite Jewel, Amber Coffman (Dirty Projectors) and Dear Nora, and his wildly diverse discography shows an unmistakable and deep commitment to exploring the endless possibilities of pop. On Krgovich’s new record however, after experiencing heart-break for the first time at 35, all goes out the window. What is left is a vivid and candid account of love gone sideways and the songs that poured out, all written and recorded out of necessity before anything else. Announced last Friday, “OUCH” is released on 26th October via revered indie label Tin Angel Records.

The first single from the stunning new album, melancholy ballad Rosemary. The lyrics describe the scent of Rosemary in the air and the winter sun “beating down peversely” whilst Nicholas walks past his recent ex’s house, having a realisation of powerlessness in that moment. “Trying to handle new love with white gloves / Is as reckless and foolhardy as anything / Anything, anything new / It’s just gonna do what it’s gonna do / And decisions might be made that don’t include you.”

Talking about the new album, Krgovich explains; “I didn't mean to write songs, I just started hearing them, and I couldn't stop. I wasn't even thinking while I was doing it. The tap turned on. I'm sure that happens to a bunch of people, but that's never happened to me in this particular way before.”

He continues; “I got dumped in the spring of 2017, in a way that made the whole, brief but potent relationship all of a sudden seem like a bit of a joke.  But then some deep churning and real feelings started to happen, and life became hilariously heavy and impossible feeling.  The next morning, I remember waking myself up before my alarm sobbing and wailing.  I was in hell but was also somewhere rolling my eyes at the absurdity of how “on the nose” all this was.  I couldn’t help it.  It was also interesting having to grapple with these primal, teenager-y feelings as a person in their mid 30s!  A person that in many ways knows who they are!  A person that’s already had their Saturn Return!  All of it! 

“Thinking about it now the whole thing was a pretty damn heartening experience.  Having this recording project haphazardly happen out of necessity, constantly doing, not really thinking, spacing out, having friends pop over to sing and play and drink gin and bring their gentle wisdom while I whined about my feelings.  I felt very loved and supported during a time where I could not have been harder on myself or felt more grotesque or impossibly unlovable.  Making this album in a way was a vessel for everything, it gave shape to a life event that just felt like this big sad unanswerable blob." TWITTER.

With a simple and pleasing melody 'Rosemary' is one of those songs that quickly works it's way into your life. Whilst the subject matter might not put you in a party mood, this is no bout of "poor me" or self pity, rather a reflective and moving track that relaxes and moves the listener rather than descend into an abyss.

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