Three More Saturday Songs

Stephen Caulfield - Parkview (album).

Background - Parkview is the debut full length album by Stephen Caulfield. Written, performed and produced entirely by Stephen, Parkview was recorded over a number of years in a self-built studio that looks out over the local park. 

Parkview is an album of 11 songs that showcases Stephen’s ability as a singer-songwriter on piano and guitar, whilst also demonstrating his love of fusing strict electronic music with organic natural sounds using many weird and wonderful instruments and effects that he has collected over the years.

Stephen loves playing with, and altering sounds to create a unique palette of noise, he alters the computer recorded sounds by changing their speed, pitch, timing or dynamics to make new sounds that are then used to make rhythms and melodies. Beneath the production trickery and instrumentation lies a solid foundation of good song writing and Stephen’s solid abilities as a singer. The core component of each song is Stephen’s voice which ranges from lush arrangements of multi tracked harmonies to simple, tender vocals rich with emotion.

The resulting music is a mixture of sounds that include sparse ambient, acoustic guitar and piano, pulsating synthesizers, power driven rock guitar and lush instrumentation. On Parkview, these sounds are brought together to create a diverse album that has a dream like atmosphere from beginning to end. Stephen’s influences include Elbow, Imogen Heap, The Beatles, Thomas Dolby, Kirsty MacColl, Radiohead, Bon Iver, The Blue Nile, Talk Talk, Doves, John Grant, Death Cab For Cutie, The Postal Service, Bombay Bicycle Club, Snow Patrol, New Order and Peter Gabriel.

Considering the time and effort that has gone into this album my expectations were set quite high. I am not disappointed. The quality of the songs and the attention to detail in the production are really good. The featured track is the first on the album and seems a logical starting point.

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Hollow States - Damage I've Done.

Background - The band - Sydney three piece comprised of singer Huck Hastings, guitarist Joel Woolf and keyboardist Hayden Woolf - craft songs that are both heartfelt and intelligent; equal parts haunting and jangly. 'Damage I've Done', which even from the title is emotionally weighted, typifies this approach, offering irresistibly catchy pop hooks wrapped up in darker musical tones. Unmistakable within this sound is Huck's effortless and emotive voice.

When debut EP 'Darkness Is Laughing' was released in January, it was met with favourable reviews that praised the band for their elegant simplicity and their strangely melancholic stirring. Its lead single, 'If I Have To Grow Up', showed an honest lyrical expressiveness, and introduced the band's sound of hypnotic rhythms, almost eerie pop guitars and bitter-sweet melodic hooks. 

Recorded and mixed by Tim Carr (Matt Corby, Urthboy), 'Damage I've Done' is a beautifully-produced slice of indie rock that marries catchy pop smarts with honest, relatable human emotion. Hastings bears his soul on the song, with lyrics like “If I could have ten thousand lovers I would / I'd be understood / I'd never let them down and I'd make them all feel good / I'd give out my love to you” adding sparkles of sunlight to cloudy skies. Openly embracing of their home town scene, Hollow States are set to get busier on the live front in support of Damage I've Done with touring planned for the warmer months ahead.

A fine jangly, indie rock song, Hollow States can clearly cut a track that begs for airplay on any mainstream music radio station. Come on programme controllers, cut the bilge and put bands like this on.

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Damien J Brennan - Shine.

Background - Damien J Brennan was born and raised in County Down, Northern Ireland. He learned to play the guitar and began busking whilst backpacking through Italy and Australia. Shortly after his return home he began song writing and on a limited budget recorded some garage demos. These initial recordings received positive feedback and a glowing review from critically acclaimed mastering engineer Pete Maher (U2, Snow Patrol, Katy Perry, Hudson Taylor).

Damien recorded his first professional tracks in Zero Hour Studios and these songs led to gigs locally and in London. They were also picked up for radio play on Tom Robinson's BBC Radio 6 show and Baylen Leonard and Aaron Philips on Amazing Radio, together with a number of regional UK stations. Tony Moore of Soho Radio invited Damien to sing live on his show and to appear live at London's Bedford this August. The future is looking very promising for this up and coming Irish talent.

Some artists teach themselves how to play an instrument and then cut their teeth busking, travelling and producing their own demos. Its no guarantee of further success, but when artists who have worked hard to be heard, have this amount of natural talent, it's no surprise they are being picked up on. After all it is all about the music.

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Thursday - Cutting To The Chase

Sunshine and The Blue Moon - Buffalo Child.

What they say - I think it's safe to say we're a nostalgic bunch. We get our music on vinyl or tape, we take our photos and shoot home videos on film, we drive around in my big old boat of a car, anything that brings us a little farther away from the pervasive technologies that dog all of our daily lives.

Our new video "Lucy" was directed and shot on super8 film by our best friend and honorary band member Laura-Lynn Petrick (....Mac Demarco, Calvin Love, Michael Rault...) in the heart of winter. We're releasing it now since it seems completely inappropriate. We signed with The Hand Recordings and will be releasing our debut LP this fall.

We had no intention of using this footage for a music video, but it just looked so great we thought might as well use it for something. We put it over a demo recording of an old song that people seem to enjoy, we hope you enjoy it too!

What we say - Keeping on the inappropriate theme, Beehive Candy will feature a different demo and just provide a link to the video (here). Actually it's just a feeble way of featuring two numbers from them, easily spotted eh?

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Berlin Blue - Used To Know.

And the promo says - Berlin Blue is a Sydney-based indie rock band consisting of front man and guitarist Alex Toh, bassist Thomas McGreevy and drummer Gerardo Flores Torres. The band’s music can best be described as indie rock mixing Britpop and alternative rock elements, with The Jam, The Libertines and The Mars Volta being among their key influences. Their frenetic yet polished live performances are matched with an onstage charm and wit that has seen Berlin Blue garner a steady following and turn heads at key Sydney venues such as Oxford Art Factory and The Annandale Hotel.

The recent release of their eponymous debut EP showcases the band’s lead single “Used to Know” - a guitar-oriented track that revels in its sing-a-long hooks and pulsating rhythms, the perfect way to introduce one of the newest bands on the scene. At first listen the song shows its true indie-rock heritage, thanks in no small part to its upbeat tempo and crunchy tone. Any thoughts of imitation are quickly abandoned, with the song’s ear- burningly catchy guitar riff demanding immediate attention and carrying through with the band’s pounding rhythms. Along with all this, Berlin Blue also manage to instil their sense of sarcasm and refined irreverence in the track, a rare accomplishment for any band.

And we say - It's a feisty song reminiscent of new wave first time around. No pretentious indulgence here, just indie rock done well, maybe music wise, that's enough for some of us?

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The Vernons - Snap My Fingers.

The story so far - Gold Coast blues-rockers The Vernons are back with an in-your-face hip shakin' number titled Snap My Fingers. The first single from an as yet untitled but soon to be released EP, 'Snap' visits the darker side of the human psyche while belting out a punchy, rockin’ and rollin’ ear-fest. The track's infectious vibe is built on the foundation of a tight riff, great groove and Jonny Nyst's dazzling vocal acrobatics. The super production of the new sessions come courtesy of Brisbane guru engineer Konstantin Kersting (Moses Gunn, Belligerents, Junkyard Diamonds).

Sculpting their sound from long nights out, hung-over days in and their parents’ old vinyl records, The Vernons distil a distinct modern blues-rock sound and have been compared to the classic sounds of The Black Keys, Jack White and Kings of Leon. The band’s recordings so far spread across two EP releases and have been critically applauded around Australia and the United States, where Esquire Magazine insisted to its readers: “Remember, you heard 'em here first.” Quickly becoming renown for their 110% give-it-all live attitude, The Vernons have been headlining tours in support of their releases, while supporting the likes of Hoodoo Gurus, Wolfmother, Seasick Steve, The Rubens, Wolf & Cub, Stonefield, Ash Grunwald and more. The band also have the Big Day Out festival under their belt.

Snap My Fingers is out this Friday August 7 with upcoming EP release and tour details TBA, but in the short term the band will be headlining the Food and Fire Festival in Roma, Queensland on September 12.

Our little story - Almost rockabilly in part, this song is a little bit like The Stray Cats turning the amp up to eleven. Attitude in abundance, your hips never had it so good....

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Wednesdays Triple Play

Fresh Snow - Proper Burial feat. DIANA's Carmen Elle.

Background - Toronto instrumental four-piece Fresh Snow announces their sophomore album 'Won,' out September 11 via Hand Drawn Dracula on vinyl/digital and on limited cassette edition via Reel Cod Records. The album's first single "Proper Burial" features vocals from DIANA's Carmen Elle.

Born in a dive bar on Toronto's Bloor Street in 2010, four friends gathered to make improvisational music based on their love of drones, noise and-less obviously-strongly melodic pop music. Since their first show in 2011, Andy Lloyd (bass, keys) , Brad Davis (guitars, keys), Jon Maki (drums), and Tim Condon (keys, etc) have released a split 7" single with METZ, a full-length album, "I" (Reel Cod Records), and a cover of 'Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle', featuring vocals by Julie Fader on the Nirvana tribute album, Milkin' It (Hand Drawn Dracula).

They have been invited to perform at NXNE, Wavelength, Long Winter, Electric Eclectics, and Arboretum Festival, along with venues throughout Ontario and in Montreal putting on their live show that's featured them in red hoods, wooden masks, and playing inside a pod full of projectors. Primarily an instrumental band with a core line-up augmented by guest horn and string players (including Trent Severn's Laura C. Bates), Fresh Snow is not easy to pigeon hole.

Considering the background info provided, the featured song is a straight forward piece, that keeps things simple and the vocals round out the song, making the forthcoming album of real interest.


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Color Collage - Shareholder.

Color Collage's album 'Pieced Together' is out this Friday (August 7th) on Paper Garden Records. We featured them a few weeks back, however with another song to share and a Brooklyn residency starting tonight, how could I resist another mention. Facebook page (here).

8/5   - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
8/7 - New York, NY @ Fulton Stall Market (207A Front St in South Street Seaport) - Record Release Show with New Myths & Strange Names.
8/12 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
8/19 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)
8/26 - Brooklyn, NY @ Pete's Candy Store (residency)

Described as 'electronic doo wop' all tends to become clearer with this fine song.

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Valdaway - Beautiful View.

Background - Recorded with acclaimed engineer Dave Parkin (Jebediah, Abbe May), 'Beautiful View' is the stellar first single taken from the forthcoming album 'Boom Shake Heartbreak'. The track is a shining example of the band's take on Alt-anthemic rock with a modern sonic palette.

The story of Valdaway begins some ten years ago in an isolated small town in the scenic South West of WA, when three young brothers and a best mate started jamming in the garage of their family home. Honing their craft and developing their chops throughout virtually all of WA's best known pubs, an earlier incarnation of the group saw the release of debut material, but it it wasn't until 2013 that it really felt right to brand the emerging outfit as Valdaway. 'Beautiful View' is out August 7 through all good digital retailers.

Well if this is what Alt-anthemic rock sounds like, then the odd song now and then will do no harm. Seriously, this is well honed no nonsense rock, simple as that really. Facebook (here).

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Genre Wandering Tuesday

FLORALS  - Becalm.

What we are told - Based out of Los Angeles, CA. FLORALS uses a mixture of live instruments, synthesizers, and organic textures to create their own take on electronic music. FLORALS are Ryan Koch (producer), Stephanie Marie Rick (vocals) and Joey Singleton (guitar).​ ​They've been covered by outlets like The Grey Estates​, Darling Magazine​ and Buzzbands LA who praised "the band's gloomy atmospherics" and "Rick's bright, feathery vocals."

I love the expression 'Trio Of Doom' on their Soundcloud page​, it's a little melodramatic and yet does give a hint to the sounds they produce. On that basis I guess 'Becalm' is fairly upbeat, whatever it's a really good song. Facebook (here).

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The Zanders - Until My Body Breaks.

Background words - The Zanders is a project born from the creative mind of Heath Petzold, with the assistance of many friends he has accumulated in the Sydney music scene over his years playing gigs, rock and rolling, and enthusiastically participating in whatever debauchery he could find. Heath is best known for The Cadres a band for which he was the founder and songwriter, and the persona that made their live act unquestionably amazing. The Band first hit the Sydney music scene at the famous Annandale Hotels Uprising competition and finished Runners up in 2009.

Until My Body Breaks is produced by Paul Conrad, who’s most recent single “Records” is achieving great success. Heaths old band mates, Jack Maher and Tim Watt are also very involved in making this project. Their own music knowledge has been invaluable to the creation of “The Zanders” sound.

Passionate vocals guide this anthem of a song, mixing power and refrains to great effect. In other words I like it.


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Mazde - Pitch Black (feat. LissA).

The story so far - Mazde (pron. Maz-Dih) is the brainchild of 21-year old beautiful Bonn born electronic producer Matthias Dierkes. Now based in Berlin, the young gun, who trained in both classical and jazz composition from the age of six, first gained attention with his melodic and bass thumping remix of Disclosure's 'Help Me Lose My Mind'.

Now recently back from a six-date Australian tour and with regular shows across Europe, Mazde is readying himself for the release of his debut EP, with fellow German musician LissA featuring on every track. The singer/songwriter's emotional, sincere lyrics and naturally soft and honest vocals perfectly compliment Mazde's beats and impassioned piano chords. Mazde x LissA EP will be released on 28th August on Stoney Roads Records (the label imprint from the leading Australian electronic music site). With over 20 million plays on his Soundcloud from his originals and remixes and his recent Mix Up Exclusive for Triple J (alongside What So Not, Claude Vonstroke, RL Grime & more), Mazde has forged a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative electronic artists breaking through right now.

This would comfortably fit into one of our 'Sunday Alternative Take' round ups, however I really don't want to sit on it until the next one. Musically this is just so cool and the vocals wonderful, I think this will be getting a lot of attention.

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Hippo Campus - South.

Background - Hippo Campus return with brand new EP 'South' (produced by Low’s Alan Sparhawk) available 2nd October on Transgressive Records. The EP's title track was premiered by Huw Stephen’s on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show. Hippo Campus are four Minnesotan boys, yet to hit legal drinking age making music that is infectious, joyful, and thematically soaked with the sense of cynicism accompanying the youthful search of self-meaning. On ‘South’ Hippo Campus delve deeper into their transcending journey into adulthood and the playful elasticity of singer Jake Luppen's voice amplifies the bands bright, optimistic, and emotionally resonant sound.

Anyone who spends to much time hanging around Beehive Candy may recall we featured Hippo Campus back in June. Well it's a case of another song, another feature, because this is such an impressive band and superb song, simple as that. Website (here).

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Robyn Hitchcock - Sgt. Pepper - London 2007 (Internet Archive)

This may well prove to be a recording that divides opinion into love, or hate camps, like no other we have featured. From the Internet Archive this is Robyn Hitchcock back on the 1st July 2007, live at the Three Kings Pub in Clerkenwell, London. Why the love or hate thing? Well for some fans of The Beatles, doing a full cover version of the Sgt. Pepper album, and in your own style and interpretation may prove a step to far. I have always admired The Beatles music, however when I came across this, I was fascinated and I have to say incredibly impressed.

For those not familiar with Robyn, this is the introduction from Wikipedia - Robyn Rowan Hitchcock (born 3 March 1953) is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist. While primarily a vocalist and guitarist, he also plays harmonica, piano and bass guitar. Coming to prominence in the late 1970s with The Soft Boys, Hitchcock afterward launched a prolific solo career. His musical and lyrical styles have been influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Syd Barrett. Hitchcock's lyrics tend to include surrealism, comedic elements, characterisations of English eccentrics, and melancholy depictions of everyday life.

He was signed to two major American labels (A&M Records, then Warner Bros.) over the course of the 1980s and 1990s, but mainstream success has been limited. He has earned strong critical reviews over a steady stream of album releases and live performances, and a "cult following" for his songs. More details (here).

Robyn is accompanied by some superb musicians and the approach to the music is both in good humour and yet with a real attempt to make something special with the material. Perhaps it helped performing in a well respected pub, (with a strong tradition for excellent beers) and clearly the audience are loving this performance in what is a small club style environment. I think Robyn's voice just lends itself to the material, the band nail it and morphing into 'The Midnight Hour' during 'Good Morning Good Morning' really is something else.

Recording Details: Source AUD -> Edirol R09 Lineage SP-CMC-2 -> Edirol R09 -> Audition 2.0 -> FLAC.

Sound Quality: Excellent quality audience source, this is clean and crisp throughout.

Set List:

01 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
02 With a Little Help from My Friends
03 Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
04 Getting Better
05 Fixing a Hole
06 She's Leaving Home
07 Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
08 Within You Without You
09 When I'm Sixty-Four
10 Lovely Rita
11 Good Morning Good Morning
12 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
13 A Day in the Life
14 Strawberry Fields Forever
15 Penny Lane
16 Sunny Afternoon
17 Waterloo Sunset
18 Are You Experienced
19 Hey Bulldog
20 Kingdom of Love
21 All You Need Is Love

Comments: This can be obtained in MP3, Flac, and Ogg Vorbis formats over at the Internet Archive (here).

Website: Official (here).

Stream Full Concert Below:

Sundays Alternative Take - Variety & Class

Tongues - Religion.

Background - Meet Tongues, the budding electronic artist out of Glasgow, Scotland. New track, ’Religion’ is his latest slice of storming synthetic pop, full of driving rhythm and modulated vocals, and is a taste of his fantastic debut EP, due September.

Tongues sets the standards very high in this new music round up. Tongues is a class act, sometimes it's just easy to say - "let the music speak for itself". Find out more (here).

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Sharer - Body Tonight

Background - Alongside Nick and JD, the vocals on "Body Tonight" are by Jo Lampert (Tune-Yards, AVAN LAVA) and Xavier Smith. The single will come out on August 21st, with remixes from Midnight Magic and LEFTI.

Here’s what Nick and JD have to say in their own words:
"I used to go see JD simply as a fan while living in London. Her live shows were always absolutely fantastic, leaving me a sweaty mess. When the opportunity arose for me to work with her, I jumped at it. A few months later, here is the beginning of our new friendship. I couldn’t be more excited to share it." - Nick van Hofwegen 

"Nick and I were matched up to write songs for other people, but after about two seconds of sharing, we knew what we had was something completely and utterly ours. Love and respect for your collaborators is so important, and working with Nick is such a beautiful expression of our mutual admiration. I love our process and can’t wait until the world gets to share the joy." - JD Samson.

Funky, soulful and lively. It's a little like a highly electrified Chic, old soul and funk modernised for today's ears.

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Jereco - Too Slow.

Background - Jeremiah Maslin, also known by his stage name Jereco, is a Pop/Electronic music instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer. Born in Wagga Wagga NSW, Jeremiah grew up on a farm outside of a small town called Ardlethan where he still resides.

After being heavily influenced by Punk and Metal music throughout his teenage years, 2015 saw Jeremiah make an unexpected transition from being the drummer in a Punk band, to a producer and vocalist of Pop/Electronic music. The stylistic switch resulted in his first ever original songs being produced that showcase skills far exceeding that of his experience in the genre. His debut single ‘Too Slow’ featuring his own vocals accompanied with his sister’s, was written on guitar before being interpreted using electronic sounds. The single was recorded at home with his father Rod Maslin producing vocals as well as mastering the track.

Massively catchy song, with hooks that get under my skin. Electro Pop debut's of this quality are rare. Love the vocals as well. Facebook (here).

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Flush - Come Back Baby.

Background - From Aeroplane: "Flush is a new project I started in order to release all edits and reworks I do on planes and in airport lounges. It will be focused on House Music from the early days. Often sample-based but not always, it's a mixture of Chicago House and French Touch a la Crydamoure. Initially the plan was to just put these out on the Internet, but the people at Strictly Rhythm thought the first song “Come Back Baby" was good enough to release.

Old school house perhaps, this is full of summer vibes and if you were around in the early days has an element of nostalgia. It's a good one.

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Jodie Aysha - Turn Me Out (Ass Up) Ft. BVRZZ.

Background - We've got big news here from one of the most iconic voices in the Garage & Bassline world as 'Heartbroken' legend Jodie Aysha lets out the first word of her upcoming House release 'Turn Me Out'. Switching up her unforgettable vocals to fit the 2015 sound of House - she's nailed a brilliant single which is coming out 22nd August.

The UK was lit up in 2007 when Jodie Aysha’s unforgettable vocal on ‘Heartbroken’ broke
through the underground after years of circulation on the UK Garage and Bassline circuits. Already one of the benchmark releases for a long spell before commercial release – the early hearings blew up in the Garage world and put Jodie in front of a global audience once the rest of the world caught up. 1.5 million UK sales and a U.S Billboard Dance Chart top 10 slot later and the release was cemented into electronic music history forever. Regarded as one of the definitive breakthrough tracks of an era – Jodie’s name was etched amongst the legends that launched the sound of the streets into a global phenomenon.

Another song that has that summer anthem feel to it, those inclined to dance will just love this, those inclined to just listen will be pretty happy as well.


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Beca - Hit To The Head - and Bayonet.

Background - Electro pop artist Beca reveals a fresh, dark, fearless sound that is all her own. Musically gifted at a young age, she graduated from the Juilliard School and traveled the world, performing with an array of artists while developing her own path and voice. Bursting onto the indie pop scene in 2012, her first two EP’s “Let’s Run Wild” and “Born To Fly” were released via UK label, This Is Music Ltd. (Little Boots, Charli XCX).

The breakthrough hits earned praise from Filter Magazine that said “her talent for whimsical sounds and a breezy voice is worth listening to over and over again” and from Stereogum that described her music as “wispy, ethereal electro pop.” Included on the EPs are a number of remixes by notable names, such as Ashley Beedle, Klic, and Madeaux.

Beca has made appearances at CMJ, SXSW, Miami Fashion Week, and NXNE (Red Bull Sound Select Showcase opening for Sleigh Bells). Her song "Enabler" was a Finalist in the 2014 ISC International Songwriting Competition, Electronica/Dance Category. Most recently, Beca finished recording her debut full-length album with producer Morgan Wiley of Midnight Magic, to be released Autumn 2015.

Lot's to like about Beca's music, there are two songs featured below, 'Bayonet' also has a video which you can find on her website (here). 'Hit To The Head' is an intriguing remix that really does have an ethereal feel to it.


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Zenith Myth - Shadow Fortune.

Background - After the crushingly cathartic eponymous debut, Zenith Myth’s sophomore effort "Eclipsed V” has seen the project shift into electronic experimentation mode.  With a metronomic pulse, the record manages to mesh mid tempo arpeggiated synths with intricate drum programming and real drums to bend genres and analog sounds. The guitars are all still in there (6 different guitarists played on the record), but they give way to drones and modulated synthesisers that capture a subtler, more nuanced instrumental dreamscapes this time out. Think eighties synth progressions with classic rock drum fills, alongside waved out guitar loops woven together just enough to bring you in but disorient simultaneously, and you pretty much get the idea of what "Eclipsed V" sounds like. 
Deconstructionist from the start, the record transports you to uncharted territory melding mesmerising bass lines, sampled sounds with dark droned out guitars and synths.There are also acoustic guitar flourishes at times hinting at the rock sounds of a young Fleetwood Mac, with the ambiance of Boards of Canada and some early Cure melancholy thrown in for good measure. 

As with the last record, I reached out to old friend and collaborator Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker The Star), to help capture the feeling and spirit of the sounds that were in my head.

When a promo states that the artist's genres are - Electro, Wave, Synth, Drone Rock, I expect a lot of varying styles and that is what you get with this album. The first track from the album is featured below and if you like it, the album is definitely worth checking out.

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Quality Not Quantity - Three To Enjoy

Totally Mild - Down Time - 'Street Date', August 7th, 2015, Bedroom Suck Records.

Promo words - Totally Mild are a four-piece based in Melbourne, Australia. Fronted by Elizabeth Mitchell, a woman with an exciting tendency to sing in a falsetto not many can match, the band perform absolutely perfect, skewed, disjointed pop music that sounds as though it was handed down from the heavens. Zachary Schneider (Full Ugly, The Great Outdoors) follows close behind on lead guitar, his lines interlocking with Mitchell’s to form a structural frame. This is matched by Lehmann Smith (Kes Band) and Ashley Bundang’s rhythm section, an enigma in itself. The playing is sparse, accentuation perfect. The end result has got us wetting our pants.

Since developing out of Mitchell’s solo project of the same name, Totally Mild have put Melbourne into a spin. They perform to fans who know the words to every song, and have been singled out to support the likes of Real Estate, Laura Jean and The Harpoons. The band also have an armament of Australia’s finest talent behind them, with album artwork courtesy of Darren Sylvester, and music videos produced by Geoffrey O’Connor, Xanthe Dobbie and Nina Renee. Down Time will be Totally Mild’s full-length debut, and is sure to rock the metaphorical boat of Australian music.

The physical release or should I say 'street date' is upon us for the very fine music of Totally Mild. The featured track is first on the album and so let it be our introduction too, lot's to enjoy.

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Jessica Domingo - Masterpiece (EP).

Promo Words - Jessica’s latest single from Masterpiece EP is “Everything Just Wasn’t Enough” and it’s one of her best genre-busting songs (available on iTunes). A vivid mix of passionate left-of-center pop with urban passion and realness, the sweetness and strength of Jessica Domingo freshly redefines the boundaries of commercially-appealing music. 

Jessica’s You Tube channel is extremely popular for a performer in this region, due to her amazing original tracks, as well as a superb Kendrick Lamar Medley, and a cover of Frank Ocean’s “Thinking About You” — which has garnered more than two million views. ‘Masterpiece’ was recorded by multi-platinum Grammy award-winning producer Mikal Blue at Revolver Recordings in Los Angeles. Jessica has also already toured the West Coast to packed houses. While on the road, Jessica was invited to the YouTube Space Headquarters to film, a rare opportunity offered only to the YouTubers who have over 10,000 subscribers. Jessica got qualified and accepted by Vevo to have her own channel now.

On a day when a certain 'new PC operating system' has been trying very hard to ruin it, the soothing passionate voice of Jessica has been calming me down and providing a welcome distraction. 'Everything Just Wasn't Enough' is a beautiful song. Website (here).

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Conor Mulroy - 'The Last Circus Act' - Album.

Promo Words - The Last Circus Act  is a spiritually-led musical  journey in its entirety - one that was prompted by an unexpected, near-death skiing accident that left Conor in an ICU for 5 days and with a broken hip.  This happened in the Beartooth mountains of Montana. He draws the lyrical material on The Last Circus Act from this experience, using a different lens from his well-received 2012 mandolin-focused release “Foxfire.”  

The Last Circus Act features keyboardist Patrick Warren (Bob Dylan, Tom Waits), pedal steel/dobro player Dave Easley (the Brian Blade Fellowship), vocalist Lindsay Paige Garfield and drummer Tom Arey. Feingold also wrote string arrangements for the record. Lewis mixed The Last Circus Act and Lurssen Mastering put the final touches on it. Composer and Multi-Instrumentalist Conor Mulroy is a student and explorer of music since he picked up his first guitar at age 8 and began shredding solos to Metallica’s “Ride The Lightning.”

Conor has traveled the globe leading groups in performance halls and recording sessions with ensembles ranging from solo instruments to orchestras.  He plays the mandolin, guitar, 5-string banjo, piano, and bass, among many other instruments.  He has written music for orchestra, film, the concert hall and ensembles ranging from acoustic to metal and everything in between. Conor also received a master’s degree in music composition at the University of Maine where he studied with Dan Sonenberg. He also owns his own record label, Melmac Records, through which he has independently released four records: Salinger (2009), The Glass Ocean (2010), The Unwinding Path (2011) and Foxfire (2012).

A case of 'better late than never' with this album which has been about since early July. It's to good to miss out, the musicianship is superb, the songs match that craftsmanship both in melody and style. Take a listen to 'In Winters Wind' chosen at random, as the contenders to feature are many. Website (here).

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Thursdays Top Two - Hanna In The Wars & Ilana J

Hannah In The Wars - 'Only Wanna Be'

Background Info - Songwriter Hannah Curwood originates from the stark, remote region of Central Otago in New Zealand. Now based in London, Hannah in the Wars is the result of working alongside Roger O'Donnell of The Cure and a handpicked group of musicians.

Hannah in the Wars' eponymous debut album, released earlier this year, is a collection of beautifully written melodies and emotionally engaging narratives, taking inspiration from life's trials and triumphs and perfectly showcasing Curwood’s distinctive and powerful vocals.

Both 'Only Wanna Be' and B-side 'Sweet Release', lifted from the critically acclaimed album, were written following the breakdown of a relationship and Curwood's decision to move half way around the world to start afresh. Of the songs, she says their creation came easily and, despite the subject matter, they have come to occupy a positive space in her mind, particularly after seeing them so well received by audiences on her recent two month tour across the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Berlin.

I have spent the last few minutes going back through all the new music features since we returned, as I could not understand why I have not featured Hanna In The Wars already. Three times I have been sent info on Hanna since April and finally my ears discover her beautiful music. 'Only Wanna Be' is lifted off of the wonderful debut album, the B-side is equally superb and you can find out more on the Bandcamp page (here). If you like the single, the album is a definite for your collection.

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Ilana J - Free Falling From The Ground Up

Background Info - Ilana J is a British singer songwriter. Having turned down the opportunity to enter the prestigious London College of Music at thirteen in favour of a more traditional academic education, a successful healthcare career followed, but her soul has always craved a more creative outlet.

Following an extended visit to the US in 2008, Ilana made the decision to devote her life to songwriting and recording, diving into intensive musical training on both the guitar and the piano, and immediately writing prolifically, as if the lyrics had always been there just waiting to find their way out.

Ilana J's musical style has evolved naturally, influenced by the likes of Sting, Coldplay and Keane, and although her musical journey has been a solitary one, her passion has brought her to the attention of key people who have worked with her to nurture her talents. A chance meeting with Mark Alexander, ex-keyboard player with Meat Loaf, has resulted in him becoming her producer.

The resulting debut EP 'Free Falling From The Ground Up' is inspired by how she feels now that music is back in her life where it belongs; " I am letting the music and the lyrics 'free fall' out of me and am growing everyday from the 'ground up' which is intensely fulfilling on a whole new level".

The six track record has provided a single which will be released on September 14th 2015. Entitled 'Paper Planes', the track was inspired by her trauma as a teenager when her younger brother tragically died. With the passing of the years the pain has receded and this song is dedicated to his memory with a message of hope and peace. The accompanying video, filmed in New York City, will be released in the first week of September.

Ilana's songs express simple and heartfelt themes of love, joy and real life; influenced by her own life stories and her core values of love and appreciation for the beauty of the world we live in.

I feel like I am being spoilt today. Ilana J just has 'that something' which takes a fine song to a higher level. Well crafted words, a voice that infuses, and music that could not be more complimentary if anyone tried. I may be to old to be a gushing fan, so I will just calmly say, another one for the music collection. Website (here).

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2015 - Out Of Our Inbox - July - Four

Baby In Vain - Muscles - The low down - Copenhagen’s all girl rock trio Baby In Vain recently released  a disorientating blues-sludge and ferocious new single ‘Muscles.’ Despite having an average age of under 20, these three musicians have amassed acclaim across the globe and shared stages with the likes of Ty Segall and Thurston Moore and are about to embark on a two week run opening up for The Kills. They kicked things off in LA a couple of days back and will return to LA for a headline slot at The Echo on August 11. 

‘Muscles’ comes as the band put the finishing touches to their debut album, due for release late 2015. Baby In Vain take the templates laid out by the likes of Black Sabbath, MC5 and The Melvins and skew them with youthful, experimental abandon, to create something completely unique and truly invigorating.  It is filthy rock with dirty guitar riffs, complex and detail rich compositions, ear catching hooks, and screeching callback vocals. Being but 19-21 years of age, the three girls have impressively fast found their own place in a genre most often dominated by middle aged men.

Saturday  August 1- St Andrews Hall, Detroit, MI w/ The Kills
Sunday August 2 - Metro, Chicago, IL w/ The Kills
*OFFICIAL LOLLAPALOOZA AFTER SHOW*
Monday August 3 - First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN w/ The Kills
Wednesday August 5 - Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO w/ The Kills
Friday August 7 - Neurolux, Boise, ID 
Saturday August 8 - Roseland Theatre, Portland, OR w/ The Kills
Monday August 10 - Brick & Mortar, San Francisco, CA
Tuesday August 11 - The Echo, Los Angeles, CA.

You just would not mess with this band. Move aside my aged rocker friends your jobs have been taken. Should The Kills not be opening for Baby In Vain?

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Ethan Tucker - Little Wing (cover) What you need to know - Singer songwriter Ethan Tucker is definitely staying busy as he wrapped up his recent tour with John Butler Trio and prepares to hit the road again starting August 22. With the recent release of his album Misunderstood, Ethan Tucker is receiving accolades for the impressive collection of diverse and well produced songs. Steadily building his fan base Ethan Tucker looks forward to meet his fans and gain new ones while on tour.

Still riding high off his recent performance this past Spring at the Cali Roots Festival with his band, as well as guest appearances on during the sets of Michael Franti, Slightly Stoopid and G-Love, Tucker has garnered a growing fan base, which appreciates his authentic delivery of his songs.

Performing songs from his third studio album, Misunderstood as well as some signature covers, fans can anticipate seeing Tucker strip his performance down to his voice and guitar alone, showcasing his ability to connect with his audience through his music and leaving his heart and soul on stage is an attribute the fans admire and love!

Ethan is looking forward to the collaboration with the legendary Buddy Guy as he opens up for him for the second time this year.  The first stint had Ethan opening for Buddy Guy in the heart of Texas, now on the East Coast Sept 26th - Oct 2nd.

August 22 - Tacoma, WA - Jazzbones
August 26 - Salt Lake City, UT - Complex
August 27 - Boise, ID - The Reef
August 28 - Ketchum, ID - Whiskey Jacques
September 19 - Lincoln, CA - Thunder Vibes Fest - w/Michael Franti, Soja
September 26 - Virginia Beach, VA - Sandler Center for Performing Arts - w/Buddy Guy
September 30 - New Brunswick, NJ - State Theater - w/Buddy Guy
October 1 - Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Beach Casino - w/Buddy Guy
October 2 - Wilmington, DE - Wilmington Opera House - w/Buddy Guy
October 10 - Portland, OR - World Forestry Center - ACUF Benefit
October 24 - Milledgeville, GA - Deep Roots Festival.

If you are going to do a cover of a Jimi Hendrix anthem then learn from Ethan. Start with respect and then put your own stamp on it. This has been around for a while but the tour news makes a great excuse to feature.

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Wickerbird - Bugbear (From the forthcoming album  'The Leaf Maker') - Background words - The Cascadian region of the Pacific Northwest is a special place in America, a fact known well by Wickerbird AKA Blake Cowan. When writing the follow up to 2012's The Crow Mother and 2013's The Westering, Cowan secluded himself in a trailer on Washington's Mount Rainier and found inspiration in the forest and even recorded some of nature's own notes, recording them and featuring them on his new album, The Leaf Maker, out September 18th.

Wickerbird is Blake Cowan. Homesick and disillusioned by his impending transition to mature society, he concluded his sophomore year of college in New York City and returned to his native Washington State. There, in a borrowed trailer, buried among the foothills of Mt. Rainier, he found respite. It was in this time of stasis and lucidity that he resigned himself at last to open his consciousness, confront the haunting truths surrounding life and to draw his own answers from the unanswerable.

The sounds of Wickerbird are the manifested revelations and madness begotten in his mountainside reveries. More, they are the hymns of the mountain itself, sonnets from the wooded deep to the fill the silence, soaking into the cracks and crevices. His second full-length record, “The Leaf Maker” finds its lead character in the forest--the bird calls and pattering rain and snapping fire all as crucial and telling as the whispers and guitar that surround them.

Somehow Wickerbird manages to transport me into some far off woodland, where the peace is gently accompanied by this dreamy music. Something special going on here.

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Zombi - Pillars of the Dawn (from 'Shape Shift' coming October 16, 2015) - and we are told - The prolific instrumental duo of Steve Moore and A.E. Paterra, known as Zombi, have announced a long awaited new album Shape Shift, due via longtime label Relapse Records on October 16. The album marks a return to the group's prog-inclined rock roots after a detour into electronic textures on previous albums, a path that had been informed by pursuing the group as a long-distance studio project following their withdrawal from live performance in 2007. Energised by their return to the touring circuit in 2013 (supporting Italian horror soundtrack legends Goblin), the band resumed regular rehearsals to compose as a unit. The resulting album is their most cohesive and representative to date, nine songs brimming with head nodding beats and hypnotic keyboard runs. Moore commented on the new material: "It's a rock record - think of it as a follow-up to Surface To Air. There are no techno jams or symphonic prog fantasies. No solo track interludes. We have officially moved from 'studio project' mode back into 'live band' mode."

It would be neither difficult nor unfair to cite Zombi as a catalyst for the multitudes of soundtrack-oriented synth acts in their wake and the recent surge in reissues of original horror and sci-fi soundtracks. Formed in Pittsburgh in 2001, Paterra and Moore bonded over shared love of the soundtrack works of Fabio Frizzi, Goblin, and John Carpenter, choosing a moniker that evoked the work of the Iron City's premier horror auteur George Romero (Zombi was the title of the Italian release of Dawn of the Dead). Creating a signature sound out of bass guitar, drums, and analog synthesisers - and demonstrating how to play them all simultaneously in the live setting - their taut musicianship and sterling arrangements create an unmistakable atmosphere, unifying fans of metal, indie rock, horror soundtracks, new age, and dance music, with their prog-minded brethren across the aisle. Zombi have made an indelible mark on several marginalised forms of music, a mark which will deepen even further with the release of Shape Shift.

A long, long time ago in a Galaxy far, far away I used to indulge in privately listening to Prog Rock. Then punk came along and we all had to pretend that prog was history and this was just what we had been waiting for. But prog was made of sterner stuff and Zombi go full on, blazing along. Still all the same best keep my old listening habits between ourselves - thanks.


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Little Feat - Richards, Atlanta 1973 (Internet Archive)

We first featured this recording in December 2009. We have now replaced this with a vastly improved audio version from the Internet Archive which also includes the full set.

This is Little Feat in concert at Richards, Atlanta, Georgia, USA back on the 17th September 1973. The bands first two albums, 'Little Feat' and 'Sailin' Shoes', received nearly universal critical acclaim, and Lowell George's song 'Willin' became a standard, subsequently popularized by its inclusion on Linda Ronstadt's album Heart Like a Wheel.

Lack of commercial success led, however, to the band splitting up, with Roy Estrada leaving to join Captain Beefheart's Magic Band. In 1972 Little Feat reformed, with bassist Kenny Gradney replacing Roy Estrada. The band also added a second guitarist, Paul Barrere, who had known Lowell George since they attended Hollywood High School in California, and percussionist Sam Clayton. Both Barrere and Clayton added vocals on many songs, although all the band members provided backing vocals in various tunes.

This new lineup radically altered the band's sound, leaning toward New Orleans funk, musical influences and styles. The group went on to record 'Dixie Chicken' which was promoted on the tour that included this gig, and went on to be one of the band's most popular albums.

Source: Soundboard

Sound Quality: (From the Internet archive) - Just to set the record straight, this recording is in fact a live board mix. It was recorded onto a cassette master, using a Stevenson Interface sixteen channel console (where only fifteen channels were working).

The drop outs and missing parts are due to years of playing the master cassette on substandard tape decks, and getting chewed up in the process. The engineer is Mike Hatchett, who worked there until joining Little Feat on the road. He has two album credits. One is on "The Last Record Album", and the second is on "Hoy, Hoy".

Considering the lower quality recording devices used, it still is one of the best live/Lowell George recordings out there. The Mel Blanc and "China White" recordings came from Mike Hatchett's personal collection of recordings.

Genre: Rock, Country rock, Funk, Blues.

Set: Full set.

Track List:

01 Walking All Night
02 Two Trains
03 Got No Shadow
04 The Fan
05 On Your Way Down
06 Rock & Roll Doctor
07 Oh Atlanta
08 Skin It Back
09 Fat Man in the Bathtub
10 Sailin' Shoes
11 Cold Cold Cold (brief cut at 2:42 a whole second missing)
12 Dixie Chicken
13 Tripe Face Boogie
14 Bag of Reds
15 Tripe Face Boogie (Reprise)
16 China White<
17 Mel Blanc

Band Line Up: * Lowell George - vocals, guitar, harmonica * Bill Payne - vocals, keyboards * Paul Barrere - vocals, guitar * Kenny Gradney - bass * Richie Hayward - drums, backing vocals * Sam Clayton - congas, vocals, percussion

Official - band website HERE

Comments: From wikipedia a reasonable summary of the influence of Little Feat - Some of the prominent musicians and bands to play and record the music of Little Feat include The Black Crowes, The Byrds, The Bridge, Garth Brooks, Jackson Browne, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Taylor Hicks, Ron Holloway, Keisuke Kuwata, Nicolette Larson, Randy Newman, Robert Palmer, The Radiators, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, John Sebastian, Carly Simon, Mick Taylor, Van Halen, Joe Walsh, Phish, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Sam Bush, Coco Montoya, Vince Herman, Inara George, Stephen Bruton and Jimmy Buffett.

Internet Archive Stream - Archive site with mp3, OGG V and flac options (here).

Genre Skipping Monday

Honey Ryder - Born In A Bottle (Album).

The Story So Far - Having firmly established themselves within the inner circle of Nashville's elite, UK band Honey Ryder return to spearhead the British country crossover invasion with their third studio album, 'Born In A Bottle'. To celebrate this they have announced a mini tour. 

Honey Ryder have already kicked off a busy festival season of touring with two performances at C2C at the O2 in March, followed by the Isle Of Wight Festival in June. Following this, they will be appearing at Weyfest and Fort San Antone Festival later it the year. The tour kicked off on the 30th July in London and the band will be on the road for the rest of year.

'Drink With Me' is the first single from the album. "We wanted to write a summery feel good song about hanging out with friends and partying, inspired by the bright lights of Downtown Nashville", explains lead singer Lindsay O'Mahony. "We had just come back to our hotel after a fantastic night at a bar called Pucketts, where we feasted on deep fried green beans and drank beer out of jam jars, and felt inspired to write, so we started jamming and within a few hours the song was pretty much finished. We then recorded it a few days later over at Ocean Way".

Honey Ryder sophomore album 'Marley's Chains' was a big hit on Radio 2 and achieved album of the weeks on the likes of Smooth Radio and Music Week. With hits such as 'Fly Away' and 'Marley Chains' the album received huge support all over the world, and 'Born In A Bottle' is sure to share the same success.

Sep 03 The Earl Grey Inn, Leek, United Kingdom
Sep 05 Weyfest, Farnham, United Kingdom
Oct 18 Fort San Antone Festival, Preston, United Kingdom
Oct 25 British Country Music Awards, London, United Kingdom

Honey Ryder clearly have some Nashville influences, however these add to their sound rather than dominate. There is a healthy amount of UK folk and folk rock, that gives them their own sound and styling. A very good album for anyone who likes this cross over country music.

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Eternal Death - Background - Eternal Death consists of Elin Berlin and Johan Angergård. Johan explains how it started - “Eternal Death was a solo project of mine for a month or two. When I had finished what I thought would be the first single it struck me that I didn’t want to play live, I didn’t want to appear in photos, I wasn’t that interested in doing interviews and I wasn’t very keen on singing. I didn’t want to be anything an artist is supposed to be or do anything an artist is supposed to do. I’m a big fan of Elin Berlin’s solo work and we had been in touch for a while. I asked her if she might want to be involved with Eternal Death, and we tried a couple of songs together. It worked out magically.”

Elin Berlin noted, “On my first trip to Stockholm, I really didn’t know what to expect. I had heard one noisy, instrumental song, and I knew that it was supposed to be called “Eternal Death”. But the concept; electronic pop music with lyrics that question our existence, faith and afterlife was very intriguing to me. When we started recording, I lost all that uncertainty. My tender voice in contrast to the harsh, almost industrial music creates a beautiful atmosphere. Anxiety is something I possess in abundance, and I tend to comfort myself with the somewhat cliché-ridden quote, ‘the darkest nights produce the brightest stars’.”

Their debut album, which is simply called, Eternal Death, was released on Labrador Records earlier this year. The reason for featuring them now is to mention their new video for 'Cry' which is featured on our BeeVids page. Also as this was released when Beehive Candy was enjoying it's 'extended siesta', it seems only fair to mention that the music is excellent and worthy of checking out. Another fine song ' Violence' featured below.

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Orange Vision - Dark Around the Eyes (Single).

Background words - 'Dark Around the Eyes' is the latest release from Orange Vision, a band firmly in the ascendant having already enjoyed support from Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 1 and Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music as well as earning coveted support slots for Superfood and Honeyblood on the NME New Breed Tour.

The four-piece from Oxford, influenced by post punk, glam and shoegaze, produce reverb drenched, melodic pop anthems with a new wave edge.

Formed two years ago when Ed and Matthew bonded over a love of clothes, music and a generally delinquent approach to their depressing surroundings and sapped music scene, they were later joined by Daniel and Jake. The band became a primary focus and what started as a driving growling rock and roll sneer has blossomed into a post punk psychedelic new wave dream.

Edmund Quigley - Lead Vocals/Guitar 
Jacob Mott - Backing Vocals/Drums
Matthew Holford - Lead Guitar
Daniel Jones - Bass Guitar

So many genres mentioned above, it is fair to say they are all in part, applicable to Orange Vision however this band has enough of their own creative drive, for the mention of genres only to be a reference of sorts. There music put simply, is very likeable, the energy addictive.

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Sundays Alternative Globe-Trotting Take

Branko - Let Me Go (feat. Nonku Phiri & Mr. Carmack)

Background - Some freshness from the Mr.Carmack camp- a team up with Branko (Buraka Som Sistema) called "Let Me Go." The track is the debut single of Branko's upcoming LP Atlas, and the perfect example of that tropical/tribal zouk bass vibe he's made famous. 

After spending the day with the talented South African singer Nonku Phiri and L.A.-based producer Mr. Carmack at the Red Bull Studios in Cape Town, South Africa, Branko set out to translate this encounter into a song by pushing the limits of the kizomba offshoot we call zouk bass, introducing some much-needed R&B flavour to this thriving genre.

 The story of this encounter is translated into an instrumental that reveals lush and dreamy synths dancing around a shuffling 90 BPM beat with an organic feel, built on Branko’s wide-ranging global influences and Mr. Carmack’s unique beat making skills, to which Nonku Phiri’s captivating Venda and English vocals add a level of depth and emotion that is further complemented by a bitter sweet string arrangement (recorded at Red Bull Studios in New York) - with positively epic results.

It's everything that's been described above, without exaggeration, the music and the vocals dance around each other with absolute style in abundance.

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Baskerville - Times (MTA - release due 28/8/2015).

Background - Dutch musician Baskerville has signed to London's much-loved label MTA. Baskerville is a one-man operation, helmed by Thijs van der Klugt. Kicking off with 'Times' it's dance music made with a distinct touch of class - high quality, layered productions that demonstrate the wealth of experience he has gained from being so deeply involved with music for such a long time. Splicing elements of the underground with melodies, indie, hip-hop, electro and whatever else he is inspired by when he hits the studio.

Baskerville had previously released on Boyz Noize's BNR Trax and Diplo's Mad Decent. While many of the scene's most respected players have already supported the music including Madeon, Boyz Noize, The Magician, Fake Blood, Tchami, Bart B More, Alex Metric, Erol Alkan, DJ Snake and Fono among others.

A lively piece from Baskerville, which twists and turns around some core vocals, both professionally developed and even more importantly, entertaining.

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High Tides - Psychic Love Damage.

Background - From the coastal shores of the mind, by way of the Midwest, comes High Tides, the hazy synth duo of Warren Kroll (Forrest, Dorosoto) and Steven Lutes (Mall Security, Kontyx). Launched in 2011 as an offshoot of their sleazy, acid-electro collaboration as The Red Falcon Projects, High Tides was born out of daydreams of the lavish shores of Southern California, sun-faded memories of yacht rock and a desire to craft their own signature spin on the genres perfected by the likes of Boards Of Canada, Freescha and others.

Amongst their earliest advocates was Tobacco of Black Moth Super Rainbow, who encouraged the duo to further develop their sound. He commissioned multiple, well received remixes from the pair, as they continued to write original material.

High Tides are set to release their forthcoming debut self-titled album via Tobacco's own label Rad Cult, due July 31. The album features six original songs alongside four re imagined versions of Tobacco/Black Moth Super Rainbow tracks.

Dreamy, drifting, sun-drenched and taking the listener to some far offshore island, cocktails in hand.

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Andrei Eremin - Anhedoniac (lyrics and vocals, Kucka aka Laura Jane Lowther).

Background - Mercurial producer Andrei Eremin has announced the release of his new track 'Anhedoniac' (feat. Kučka). 

Established as one of the most credible rising audio engineers in Melbourne, Andrei's commitment to his aural craft as resulted in credits behind the scenes with artists ranging from Chet Faker, Oscar Key Sung, Hiatus Kaiyote, Wafia and many more.

Earlier this year saw the release of 'Recycling 2013-2015', a collection of edits conducted by Andrei including material from Japanese Wallpaper, I'lls, Milwaukee Banks, a bootleg Juicy J rework, plus a collaboration with Fractures, 'Ghosts', remixed by Rat & Co.

'Anhedoniac' is lifted from Andrei's debut EP of original material Pale Blue, due for release this August.

Another splendidly dreamy piece with soothing vocals and a slowly arriving rhythm that allows even more musical diversity.

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Princess Century - Lossy (Paper Bag Records).

Background - Maya Postepski never stops. An active member of the Toronto music scene, she has been making music for over 10 years, currently as part of electronic group Austra (Paper Bag, Domino). She is a prolific remix artist, DJ and she co-wrote and produced TRST with Robert Alfons as Trust (Arts & Crafts).

This project is the outlet for her genre-crossing experiments that take us on a journey through minimalist cosmic disco psychedelia, crossing through glacial poly-rhythmic territories soaked in dark dripping goo.  

Shooting stars and icicles glimmering weave a reflective thread through each track while mechanical pulses ground soaring delicious keyboards that could melt the heart of a cobra. Do not be afraid! Close your eyes and allow the warm synthesizer liquid to seep through your veins and take you into a far away galaxy of love, lust and passion.

Genre defying electronic and audio hypnotic sounds. This is creative, imaginative and highly likeable, even old, old Kraftwerk fans like me can love this.

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JackLNDN - All I See

Background - British producer JackLNDN has made an appearance on Ultra Music, with the silky smooth sounds of ‘All I See.’ Out now, this talented electronic producer is set to dazzle fans with this wonderful single.

Beginning with funky vocals and a steady beat, the main vocal hook comes in, accompanied by euphoric use of piano chords for maximum feel-good vibes. In addition, JackLNDN’s contrasts between the singalong choruses and addictive riffs cleverly balance the tune from start to finish in style.

Light as air but with a strong undercurrent of groove, ‘All I See’ is a beautifully uplifting piece of house music that is guaranteed to flit around festival sets for the remainder of the summer.

Soulful and distinct, what's not to like about this high class track. Vocals that ooze style and a soundtrack that just flows and develops beautifully.

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Three To Please You This Weekend

Moon Types - Know the Reason (Jigsaw).

What we are told - Here's yet another Jigsaw 7" from a new Swedish band, and like our previous one (by Animal Daydream - check 'em out!), this one features a set of easy-going and jangly pop songs in the vein of fellow Jigsawers, the Zebras and Ocean Party, as well as Ladybug Transistor (check out the trumpet in the title track!) and some more hipper bands like Real Estate. Though "Know The Reason" is the obvious hit, due to its instantly catchy melody and bouncy feel, the other two songs are no less dazzling in their own subtle ways, from the descending chord progression in the chorus of "Nothing's Holy" to the haunting feedbacky/ebow-ed guitar melody in "Do It All Over Again".

Jangle pop simple as that, easy on the ear and mind. A catchy song that pleases, more always welcome when they are performed this well.

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Bec Sandridge - In The Fog, In The Flame.

More background details - Possessing an incredible voice and prolific ear for melody, this 24 y/o Aussie native molds raw emotion with sleek production to create a sound that will nestle itself in the forefront of your consciousness. 2015 will see the songstress release a new EP as well as a run of Australian and UK tour dates. More details to be announced soon. She has also supported the likes of Passenger and Half Moon Run.

Another song that sinks its hooks into you and demands your attention. Melody, rhythm, and Bec's emotive vocals work wonders.


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Tin Lion - Whatever Works.

All you need to know - Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Jesse Fultone has had a lifelong love of music. Having played in numerous bands over the years (Flux Capacitor, Bobby Blackbird and the Bluejays, The Maples) and supported acts as varied as Sharon Jones, The Black Keys, Jamiroquai and Ugly Duckling, Jesse now produces and performs under the name Tin Lion. Influenced by acts such as Talking Heads, LCD Soundsystem, The Meters and Prince amongst, basically, anything with a good beat, Tin Lion’s music is a swirling mix of big drums, spacey synths, heavy bass and percussive guitar. Music as much for your head as for your feet.

On top of a new single and record, Jesse has just launched the new, all live four-piece Tin Lion live show. Drums, bass, guitar and full time percussion twist up and recreate the Tin Lion sound in a distinctly ‘dance punk’ way. Paradoxically loose and funky, whilst still being tight as a drum.

An infectious beat, rhythmic vocals, and synths combating for their place against some slick guitar work, not that the bass isn't stomping along. Go on, play it again..

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