Alternative Take: Kauf - Juke Jaxon

Kauf - Through The Yard.

Background promo - If you've ever needed a soundtrack to your existential crisis, Kauf has made exactly that.  Who hasn't pondered the existence of God or the meaning of life while going full throttle on the dance floor at Berghain? Kauf has achieved the nearly impossible feat of making music rooted in a dance aesthetic but that is also lyrically deep.  There just aren't that many records out there that could work in a club and also touch on emotional conflicts with your family and society at large.

The project of Ronald Kaufman, Kauf took shape after moving back to his birthplace of Los Angeles.  He self-released his first single in 2011 - "Relocate" b/w "When You're Out," which quickly found its way into the hands of Dan Whitford of Cut Copy who released the "As Much Again" EP on his own Cutters Records.

After the dissolution of his early experimental rock bands spurned the dive into electronic production and synth collecting, he is equal parts studio rat psychedelia obsessive and art-pop traditionalist.  The rhythms, informed mostly by slowed down disco, support simple, emotive chord progressions with a melancholic bent.  Dense layering, his own echo-laden vocals, and a penchant for distorted, imperfect sounds create the dominant motif, where the words sometimes ring out as if emerging
from a barely remembered dream.  

2016 will see the release of his debut full-length LP, Regrowth. The response to the EP was overwhelmingly positive, with press support from NPR, XLR8R, SPIN, KCRW, etc. Kauf was tapped to remix the likes of Poliça, The Big Pink and Public Service Broadcasting, and has toured and performed with the likes of Cut Copy, Maribou State and many more.

His forthcoming Regrowth LP mostly explores the small fractures within his closest relationships. They are the kind that have long been there, but were either willfully ignored or conveniently missed, like a tiny crack in the windshield that slowly creeps across, but eventually demands you take notice and make the repair before it shatters completely.  There is the realization that a relationship with an ex-boyfriend was entirely superficial ("A Ruin") and truly understanding why you're in love ("Through the Yard").  Complicated family issues are the focus on "Turning," "Key to Life" and "Pacify".

As the first single and last track on the forthcoming album, 'Through The Yard' certainly raises my interest in the album. There is an emotional feel throughout the song, the vocals, the intense beats and haunting melody, makes for a very fine track.

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Juke Jaxon - Memory Man.

Background promo - It’s not every day that you come across Indie Soul…

Meeting on the London underground in summer of 2014, Jack Moore and Ben Hawthorne discovered a mutual interest for classic British sounds and the 60’s Motown greats. Then, like many others before, took to bedroom song writing before emerging as Juke Jaxon, now ready to demonstrate their re-imagining of this elusive genre.

Musically the band’s début single ‘Memory Man’ wears its influences clearly on its sleeve, evoking classic elements with an electrifying crunch and soulful swagger. Think Alex Turner a la Last Shadow Puppets with vocal spice from James Blake thrown in and an added touch of Jamie Woon - you’ll see what sort of ballpark we are in here.

‘Memory Man' has the sound that lashes out whilst masking tears. Melodically aggressive; Lyrically sensitive. The song tries to embrace you with one arm, but punches you, winding you, with the other.

Juke Jaxon are fresh from their inaugural sell-out London show in early February, their début single ‘Memory Man’ will be in all the usual places Friday 26th February 2016. Keep an eye on this one…"

This very well may be Indie Soul, however I'm not so sure it needs to much hype and alternative genre placing to get noticed. OK so in today's crowded music market place anything positive helps, so let's just say whatever the genre and influences, this is one very cool song.

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Gentle Friday: Sorority Noise - Those Pretty Wrongs

Sorority Noise - Either Way.

Background promo - Ahead of the band’s first ever UK dates, headlining and in support of Modern Baseball, Sorority Noise announce a new EP for Topshelf Records, “It Kindly Stopped For Me”, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2015 album “Joy, Departed”. The EP was recorded and produced by the band with exclusive artwork from Mitch Wojcik.

The intimate first song from the EP, “Either Way”, is available to stream now. Frontman Cam Boucher said the following of the track: “I wrote this song in our van outside of chain reaction in Anaheim, ca. I had found out I lost another friend a few days previous and was having a difficult time thinking about how I had made positive strides in dealing with my mental health but hadn't been able to help friends around me that I didn't know we're suffering from the same thing.”

'Either Way' is a soft acoustic number with calm vocals and harmonies. Keyboards add to the lilting melody, in what is a very delicate song.

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Those Pretty Wrongs - Ordinary.

Background promo - Those Pretty Wrongs are Jody Stephens and Luther Russell, two old friends and veterans of the music scene in different ways.

Jody-as many people in rock and roll (and beyond) know-was the drummer for the legendary band Big Star. He went on to help run the equally legendary studio Ardent in Memphis and play with the endearing troop Golden Smog. Luther Russell was the leader of seminal roots-rock band The Freewheelers and went on to make several acclaimed solo records, as well as produce many important artists over the years. Together they have forged a sound that is brand new for both, yet begets a strangely familiar feeling...

It was the documentary Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me that brought Jody and Luther together creatively, when Jody asked Luther to join him for some promotional performances. A chemistry was immediately noticed. They began writing songs and performing them whenever possible, soon taking their name from the opening line of Shakespeare Sonnet 41, which they slipped into one of their first collaborations, "Fool Of Myself". A relationship was soon struck up with underground SoCal label (and two-man revolution) Burger Records when the first track they cut in Memphis, "Lucky Guy", was sent to Sean and Lee, who jumped at the chance to release it as a 7", along with the aforementioned "Fool Of Myself" for the flip side. There was an outpouring of support for the new music, which gave Jody and Luther the confidence to move forward. Regarding how this all came together, Jody declares: "In a word...serendipity. So many of the events that brought Luther and me together were just by chance and born out of the Big Star world. I actually thought we might write three or four songs together for an EP but we just kept writing beyond that. 'Another window opened up and through it' we became Those Pretty Wrongs."

Luther lives in Los Angeles and Jody in Memphis, so the commitment had to be strong to persevere in composing these songs and cutting them until they were completely satisfied.

Tour Dates:
Mar-21 - Melbourne, Australia - Melbourne Recital Centre *
Mar-22 - Sydney, Australia - The Factory *
Mar-23 - Sydney, Australia - Petersham Bowling Club
Mar-24 - Melbourne, Australia - The Gasometer
Mar-26 - Tallarook, Australia - Boogie Festival
* = w/ Tweedy.

'Ordinary' has so much going for it. Vocals and harmonies rise above the predominately acoustic soundtrack, as the song gently builds. Melodic and calm and very pleasing.

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Wednesday Double: Jaye Bartell - Mike Hill

Jaye Bartell - Tuesdays.

Background promo - Jaye Bartell's move to Brooklyn, NY in 2013, as well as the work of Spalding Gray and Eileen Myles, heavily influence the content presented on his latest record, Light Enough. In his own words, "Resettlement is an implicit theme in much of the writing, and the process of making the album itself was an act of resettlement, finding out where I lived as a means of coming to live there." 

Bartell spent about a year secluded in his Greenpoint bedroom, piecing together the intricate tunes and gentle melodies that furnish his new record.

Originally from from Massachusetts, Jaye Bartell laid the groundwork for his music career after relocating to Asheville, NC in the early 2000's. During this time, he began to play music among friends, parallel to his poetry and other writing endeavours, which included a reading/performance series and a small magazine. After relocating, again, to Buffalo, NY in 2006, Jaye joined up with the publishing collective House Press and released his first record, Feeling Better, Pilgrim, in the company of Buffalo musicians and writers. The record helped establish Jaye's sound utilising field recordings and manipulated loops, centered on vocal melody.

Upon returning to Asheville in 2009, Jaye released his second record, The Dog's Dinner. This marked Jaye's departure from the self-production of his earlier work, and the beginning of his collaboration with guitarist Shane Parish of Ahleuchatistas, and visual artists Ursula Gullow and Nathanael Roney. The years 2012 and 2013 saw the releases of Elation, an EP recorded with J Seger, and Loyalty, a full-band record featuring Parish, Seger, and Emily Easterly. Followed by a 2014 UK tour with like-minded troubadour, Angel Olsen.

The songs on Light Enough encompass the processes of aspiration, pursuit, and fulfilment, if only to find that "People don't change. They only stand more revealed," as Charles Olson writes in Maximus Poems. In the album opener, "G & Me," Bartell sings of the joyful illusions of escape, "a whole new life" that's recognised, without bitterness as a "whole new lie." "Light Enough" is a declaration of sufficiency, as if to say, Let this be enough then, and if it isn't now, then it never will be: "I'm ready to come down," he sings. The record as a whole takes as a kind of informal credo a line from Eileen Myles' Chelsea Girls: "I have waited all my life for permission. I feel it growing in my breast. A war is storming and it is behind me and I am moving my forces into light."

Tour Dates:
02/25 - Brooklyn, NY - Troost
06/02 - Santa Ana, CA - Constellation Room *
06/03 - Los Angeles, CA - Bootleg Theater *
06/04 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Crepe Place *
06/06 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios *
06/07 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Media Club *
06/08 - Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern *
06/10 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court *
06/11 - Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge *
06/12 - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room *
06/14 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry *
06/15 - Chicago, IL - Schubas *
06/16 - Grand Rapids, MI - Pyramid Scheme *
06/17 - Toronto, Ontario - The Great Hall *
06/19 - Allston, MA - Great Scott *
06/20 - Philadelphia, PA - Boot & Saddle *
06/22 - Brooklyn, NY - Rough Trade NYC *
06/23 - Washington, D.C. - Rock and Roll Hotel *
06/24 - Durham, NC - The Pinhook *
06/25 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl *
* = w/ Kevin Morby

'Tuesdays' is a gentle acoustic song with a soft melody and Jaye's quite individual vocals. There is a little bit of Leonard Cohen about the song, not a copy, or even influence, rather I think it's just the way Jaye sings. Whatever, it's said as a compliment, the album will be a fascinating listen.

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Mike Hill - Look At Me Now feat. Ashely Morgan.

Background promo - Canadian born but now local Southern California artist Mike Hill is taking musical collaboration to new heights with his much anticipated debut album Love & War. Funded entirely by fans via Kickstarter, Love & War features a total of 28 musicians many of whom Hill met while playing in the Mad T Party at Disneyland.

Each song not only features a different group musicians and/or singers, but also highlights different songwriters.

Yesterday's release of "Look At Me Now," features Season eight of The Voice contestant Ashley Morgan on lead vocals, was written by John Flanagan and just, straight up, rocks.

Album, Love & War, Coming Soon.

'Look At Me Now' has some fine vocals from Ashely Morgan, plus some good old full throttle rock'n'roll, supplied by Mike Hill and friends. Full credit to the man for involving so many in the forthcoming album, if this song is anything to go by, there will be a fair number of happy fans.

Quality Not Quantity: Lecia Louise - Stratus - Migrant Kids

Lecia Louise - Shock Me.

Background promo - “Shock Me” is the brand new single from Brisbane’s Lecia Louise,  just released ahead of her east-coast launch shows later this month.

Since her musical beginnings in 2005 with the release of her debut EP ‘Heaven or Hell’, Lecia Louise has been a force to be reckoned with.

Lecia has an impressive touring history that has seen the award-winning guitarist/singer/songwriter travel the four corners of the globe since 2006 performing to audiences throughout The UK, Europe, Abi Dhabi, Dubai, Rome, Singapore, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

On February 19th, Lecia released her first new single in two years titled “Shock Me” which continues to showcase her upbeat guitar laden, rock/pop offering. “The song is about a man who ‘trades in’ his long term girlfriend for an 'updated model, a more edgier version',” says Lecia. “But in the end she doesn't actually make him any happier”.

The track, produced and mixed by Jeff Lovejoy in Blackbox Studio (Powderfinger), is one that’s lifted from Lecia’s forthcoming EP titled ‘Per Te’ due for release later in the year.

Following the release of ‘Heaven or Hell’, in 2009 Lecia released her first full length album titled ‘Into Being’ which garnered radio airplay in Australia, New Zealand and North America. That same year, Lecia was invited to perform with Brian Cadd on his ‘Morning of The Earth tour. 2012 saw the release of the single ‘Individual’ which topped the Triple J Unearthed Charts and the single ‘For You’ released in 2013 – a track that earnt her a top 10 spot at the MusicOz awards.

Touring is second nature to Lecia having supported some of Australia’s greatest in recent years including Jon Stevens, Daryl Braithwaight, Mental as Anything, Shannon Noll, Phil Emmanuel, Killing Heidi and James Morrison. Add to that performances at festivals including Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford’s ‘Dreaming Festival’, Tamworth Country Festival, Blues on Broadbeach and Joyfest. More recently, Lecia was invited to perform at the Mitchell Creek Rock n Blues Festival in September 2015.

Lecia is a multi-talented artist which is evident in her live performance. Don’t miss Lecia perform throughout Queensland on her “Shock Me” launch dates kicking off later this month:

Wednesday, February 27: La Piazza, Labrador, QLD
Saturday, March 5: The Morrison, Brisbane, QLD.

'Shock Me' is a lively, upbeat pop meets rock song. Guitars and rhythm are full on rock'n'roll whilst the vocal juxtapose intriguingly with a seventies pop feel to them. Musically it's full of enticing hooks and can't help but leave you in a better place.

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Stratus - Rêve De Nuages.

Background promo - From Tor’s “Drum Therapy” to Stév’s “Beyond Stolen Notes,” Emancipator’s Loci Records has built a steady reputation as a label unafraid to feature experimental sounds by emerging talent. Honing in on that ideal, the forthcoming album release from Doug Appling’s forward-thinking imprint comes from a relatively unknown talent who goes by the name of Stratus. “Réve De Nuages,” the lead single off “The Diver,” with the full record set to drop on Loci Records February 26th.

“Réve De Nuages” fits in perfectly with the traditional Loci style, as delicate guitar plucks, piano keys, and expansive vocal samples weave in and out with the melodic down tempo vibe, leaving the listener in a state of profound reverie. Even as the organic instrumentals in the song shine, the minimal structure of the song allows for a smooth and steady rise in momentum as the core electronic elements come into play. At the root, this is a song and album that has the propensity to inspire and move listeners with its beautiful intricacies.

California-based Stratus, real name Tristan de Liège, began his interests in music in middle school, first playing in indie bands and eventually exploring loop-based electronic music. His sound is inspired by instrumental hip hop, jazz, down tempo artists and also his love of film soundtracks, world music and orchestral arrangements. He constantly seeks to push his sound further, trying new combinations of instruments (most of which he plays himself) and genres.

He has collaborated with several different musicians on a variety of projects, including Thoma (with experimental producer and childhood friend Askanse) and Lost At Sea (a one-off post-rock project with guitarist Ben Formanek). He is looking to further expand his horizons, not only into the realm of more challenging and innovative live performance but also in scoring for film and games.

There is a considerable amount packed into the lead song 'Rêve De Nuages' from the forthcoming album 'The Diver'. However somehow it manages to feel so relaxed and calming. The delicate mixture of sounds and strong melody are topped with just enough vocal sampling to make this an excellent example of how a down tempo song can be so refreshing.

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Migrant Kids - Thread.

Background promo - Cousins Miguel Ojeda and John Zakoor have been playing music together for a decade and a half, dating back to when they lived in Detroit, and their upbeat, post-rock riffing, pop act, Migrant Kids are releasing the precise and most excellent Primordial Soup EP on May 13th on Pure Joy Records. 

Alongside the record announcement, the band have debuted the video for "Thread", a throwback-styled performance video set in the band's home town of Laredo, in which their city's backdrop provides the perfect setting for the arpeggiated hit song, that echoes the finer Bloc Party singles.

The four song extended player swoops in quickly and grabs the listener with such a powerful backbeat immediately, that the top tier hooks almost seem like an afterthought. The chorus guitar and earnest vocal sincerity pile on top of the grooves so perfectly that the juxtaposition of that driving force and saccharine melodies create a brilliant tension you want out of a pop act like Migrant Kids.

'Thread' is one of four really good songs on the forthcoming EP, in fact, such is the quality of the music, it's a wonder they could choose one track to lead with. It's a feast of indie pop & rock music, played with passion and professionalism and a huge chunk of heart, and the video is on our BeeVids page.

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Death Cab for Cutie - Live at Arvikafestivalen 5th July 2008 (IA)

From the Internet Archive (IA) this is Death Cab for Cutie live at the Arvikafestivalen back on the 5th July 2008. Arvika Festival was a music festival that took place in Arvika, Sweden every year from 1992-2010 around mid- July. The event ceased when the organisers went bust.

From the ever 'reasonably' reliable Wikipedia we are told - Death Cab for Cutie is an American alternative rock band, formed in Bellingham, Washington in 1997. The band comprises Ben Gibbard (vocals, guitar, piano), Nick Harmer (bass) and Jason McGerr (drums). In 2014, founding guitarist and producer Chris Walla announced that he would be departing from the band after recording their eighth studio album, Kintsugi.

The band was originally a solo project by Ben Gibbard, when he released the demo album, You Can Play These Songs with Chords, to positive reception. This led to a record deal with Barsuk Records. Gibbard decided to expand the project into a complete band, releasing their debut album Something About Airplanes in 1998, and their second album, We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes, in 2000; both records were positively received in the indie community. Their third album, 2001's The Photo Album, gave the band their first charting single, and the release of the group's fourth album Transatlanticism, in 2003, gained the band mainstream critical and commercial success. After signing with Atlantic Records, Death Cab For Cutie released their fifth album and major-label debut Plans in 2005, which received platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The band released their sixth album Narrow Stairs in 2008, which served as a stylistic departure for the group. Their seventh album, 2011's Codes and Keys, featured the band's first number one single, "You Are a Tourist". Their eighth studio album Kintsugi, the last to feature Walla, was released on March 31, 2015.

Death Cab for Cutie's music has been labeled as indie rock, indie pop, and alternative rock. It is noted for its use of unconventional instrumentation, as well as Gibbard's distinctive voice and unique lyrical style. Since their formation, the band has released eight full-length studio albums, four EPs, two live EPs, one live album, and one demo album.

Source: FM Stereo recording.

Sound Quality: FM>Sony ST-SA3ES>r09>flac and Mp3.

Genre: Alternative Rock.

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

1 Bixby Canyon Bridge - 04:55
2 New Year - 03:23
3 Why You'd Want To Live Here - 05:00
4 Crooked Teeth - 03:33
5 Long Division - 03:42
6 Grapevine Fires - 04:32
7 Title and Registration - 03:52
8 Soul Meets Body - 04:07
9 I Will Follow You Into The Dark - 03:30
10 I Will Possess Your Heart - 07:44
11 Cath - 03:43
12 Sound Of Settling - 02:25
13 Transatlanticism - 06:57

Links: Official site HERE.

Comments: You can stream the concert below. For download files in either FLAC, MP3 or OGG VORBIS format, visit the Internet Archive (here).

Listen:

Sundays Variety Pack: ManaLion - Partisan - Bart - Lower Spectrum

ManaLion - Dirty Roots.

Background promo - Three Kiwi (New Zealanders) brothers (most likely from different mothers) maybe they met in Australia in 2012 on Sydney's Northern Beaches, maybe they met on Mars, maybe they met by a bin fire floating wayward on a raft between the North and South Islands of Aotearoa as the full moon kept us moving... Either way three brothers met, and they met to make music to make you sway and dance and swing and sweat. Music to make love to the mind, soul and ears of your sister, your wife, your mistress, your Nanna, to your sweet baby mama. They met to sing of love and trouble, of leisure and life.

Since their inception ManaLion have shared the stage with the likes of UB40, Sticky Fingers, Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Black Seeds, and Meta & The Cornerstones just to name a few. They’ve played a number of homegrown, hometown gigs around Sydney, building up steam like Peter Gabriel on herbal tea and winning the hearts of Australians everywhere in venues like The Metro in Sydney, The HiFi in Melbourne, the Capitol in Perth.

Their latest single “Dirty Roots” follows up their latest album release Back In The Day, released in September 2015. The debut record features ten tracks that profoundly showcase the bands love for dub, electronic funk, dirty roots and soul music. The release of the album saw the band embark on both an International and National tour in support of Hawaiian reggae heavyweights Rebel Souljahz’s Sept-Oct 2014 Tour.

“If you asked me to describe ManaLion’s sound, I’d say it’s a combination of Dubtronic and Dirty Roots music. If you don’t know what that is, have a listen to our record Back in the Day. Out forth-coming single ‘Dirty Roots’ is no more than a feel good track, which embodies our sound and what we represent through story lining a house party. We like house parties (who doesn’t) and we like them roots you know. Dig.” - vocalist Duan & Only.

Upcoming Shows 
Mar 4 - El Topo, Bondi NSW
Apr 9 - Manning Bar, Sydney NSW
Aug 21 - Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW

As far as feel good songs go, 'Dirty Roots' most definitely fits the bill. With a funky, reggae vibe and upbeat vocals, the song builds and pleases as it bops along.

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Partisan - Two Lovers.

Background promo - Partisan formed in Manchester, UK early in 2013. As the name implies they are passionate about their mission to position themselves as serious contenders, taking on the music scene with their punchy, bold and unflinching rock anthems.

Stuart Armstrong (lead vocals and guitar) formed Partisan with Dan Albon (bass) and Rob Jones (drums) when his previous band Six10Repeater disbanded in 2012, following a career which saw them earn huge critical acclaim and commercial success.

Six10Repeater were awarded as ‘Best Unsigned Band’ by XFM in 2009. Two tracks 'Hearts and Nails' and 'Today Somehow' featured video game Pro Evolution Soccer and the band earned support slots for the likes of Nine Black Alps, Babyshambles, Status Quo and The Damned as well as being championed by BBC 6 Music's Mark Radcliffe and BBC Introducing.

Stuart sees Partisan as a natural progression from Six10Repeater both in style and spirit - innovators of new rock, Partisan underpin hard hitting lyrics with melodic rifts. The release of new single 'Two Lovers' will be followed by an as yet unnamed EP which they're currently working on with The Charlatans producer Jim Spencer. Undoubtedly Partisan will be a band to keep a close eye on throughout 2016.

I half expected to hear a typical power trio track, before hearing 'Two Lovers'. This is clearly a lot more than that. Vocals and harmonies are well up in the mix and key to the song. Musically of course the energy is there, however this is far more thoughtful, so that when the 'power' arrives, it adds to the whole piece, rather than dominating.

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Bart - On/Off.

Background promo - Toronto's Bart premiere the lead track from their debut album, Holomew set for release on April 8th, 2016 via Idée Fixe Records.

In a recent issue of Toronto's Now magazine, music editor Carla Gillis proclaimed that Bart just may be her favourite new Toronto band. This is not an isolated opinion. Over the course of the past year the band has played to a consistently growing group of converts. Last year when Jim O'Rourke declared prog rock as vital and contemporary as it's ever been we could only nod in approval and it seems others are in the mood for a maximal, musical experience. 

Bart's use of dynamics and harmonics take them places where few contemporaries dare to tread. Triple saxophone breaks, piano ballads and synthetic fades into the centre of a new age all make up the band's debut full length Holomew. Filled with hooks, melodies and meditations on the bigger picture, Bart's Holomew is ambitious in scope and unapologetically progressive.

Tour Dates:
February 26, 2016 - The Garrison, Toronto (Idée Fixe Records 5th Anniversary Party w/ The Highest Order, Mauno, Doc Dunn)
April 08, 2016 - Kazoo! Fest, Guelph.

'On/Off' is full of surprises. It starts off with a laid back feel and enticing vocals and harmonies, before the saxophones arrive and spice things up. It's 'prog' orientated sounds are fine, not indulgent, but actually very pleasing. I look forward to hearing more.

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Lower Spectrum - Masquerade.

Background promo - Hailing from Western Australia, Ned Beckley Aka Lower Spectrum makes ruminative and emotional sounds that have been hailed by Triple J's Head of Programming Richard Kingsmill as "Pure magic".

For those yet to discover the beauty of Lower Spectrum; the talented producer makes immersive, minimalist electronic music in the vein of Nicolas Jaar, Four Tet and Moby. He has continuously weaved his ingredients of vinyl samples, warm textures of analog synths and splintering drums around Australia with sets at St Jerome's Laneway Festival, Brisbane's Bigsound and Melbourne Music Week, scored art-house films and played support slots for international luminaries Jon Hopkins, Pantha Du Prince, Andy Stott, Flako, Onra and Nightmares On Wax. His track 'Klever' has been streamed over 2 millions times.

The 'New Haze' EP offers a defiant new sonic world of monolithic structure. Dynamic cadence, analog emotion and gospel scripture permeate an aural glow, dissolving the boundary between human touch and mechanical precision. The EP concentrates fluctuating rhythms and motifs within beautiful harmony and eerie decay. A deep sense of buckling weight collapses to uncover an inner symmetry of grace and poise. With a true and honest touch to his craft, Lower Spectrum enunciates the microscopic layers within his work and makes delving into his world more rewarding on repeat.

As one commentator on Soundcloud so eloquently put it Lower Spectrum has 'Crushed it with this one bruv'. Indeed this is both creative and at times quite unique. Above all it's one really cool piece of music from start to finish. Vocals are the icing on the cake, love it (bruv).

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Genre Wander: Ben Mauro - Vorsen - Sofia Härdig

Ben Mauro - She's Beautiful.

Background promo - Last year singer, guitarist and songwriter Ben Mauro was part of a major European tour with pop/funk icon Lionel Richie.  It was a two month tour of sold out arenas across Europe. Ben’s extraordinary musical skills and dynamic stage presence has been the reason that he has remained a core member of Lionel Richie’s band for over fifteen years.  Ben has also worked with many other artists including Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Don Felder from The Eagles, John Fogerty, Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton and also worked on projects produced by Peter Frampton and Prince.

But with Ben it’s not just about the music, it’s also about giving back.  On every trip to Syracuse he goes to his old high school (West Genesee HS) and college (Onondaga Community College where he studied classical guitar) to talk with students.  Ben gives them advice on how to have longevity in the music business and gives clinics to teach them the basics of music theory.  In 2014, he started the Ben Mauro Endowment for Music Education at West Genesee; over the next four years he will make a donation to the school’s music department.  He wants every kid to have every advantage to be able to play if that is their passion.  Ben grew up playing the clubs of Syracuse then eventually moved to NYC where he landed the gig with Lionel Richie.  Ben now lives in Los Angeles, California.

Ben Mauro, has a new EP called From NY coming out next Tuesday 23rd February.

'From NY' is a refreshing collection of songs of which 'She's Beautiful' gives just a little hint of what to expect. Some songs are country rock orientated, some quite funky, and some more contemporary pop. All are delivered with style and a real sense of warmth.

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Vorsen - Hurricane.

Background promo - Perth four-piece Vorsen have hit the ground running, entering 2016 with a blistering debut EP in hand after a solid first year of writing and performing under their belt. While single 'Hurricane' is doing the rounds at radio the 'Vorsen EP' is officially out through all digital retailers yesterday Friday 19th.

Initially formed by singer/songwriter Oliver Halvorsen, the scope of Vorsen's music soon grew beyond that of a solo project and led to Halvorsen recruiting three of his fellow WAAPA graduates – guitarist Chris Mackenzie, bassist Brad Roberts and drummer Drew Williamson. As a quartet, the band quickly found their feet, enabling each member to add their own unique touch to the band's highly dexterous musical capabilities.

As you would expect from WAPPA graduates, the level of musicianship in Vorsen is outstanding, but rather than this being a band of individual virtuosos, everyone's greatest musical strength is their ability to work together. And that's where the true magic of any great band comes from... their chemistry. Already a formidable live ensemble by the time they entered the recording studio, Vorsen's natural chemistry on stage is the backbone of their EP.

Vorsen's four track EP kicks off with the featured track 'Hurricane'. It's a solid blues orientated number, with skillful playing and just the right type of vocals. The band are clearly not a one trick outfit, they can funk up numbers and with the third song you see a softer side.

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Sofia Härdig - Sitting Still.

Background promo - The multi-instrumental Sofia Härdig is the latest example of another world class Scandinavian export that’s been dominating the music scene for a while now. Having worked with household Swedish names like the Grammy Award winners The Hellacopters and Bob Hund, as well as having collaborated with Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon and Pussy Galore’s Julia Crafitz on Free Kitten, she is now ready to expand onto the world with the release of her upcoming new single Sitting Still.

Hailed “the rocktronica queen of experimental music” in her native country, she remains truthful to her artistic vision. "I find beauty in flaws and that which is not perfect is what excites me, I love the unusual, the unexpected, untrained and unplanned… I hope my music portrays that in its sound”. In order to keep the authenticity and imperfection alive, her new 2-part EP collection called The Street Light Leads To The Sea was recorded only in three days with a few musicians specifically known and hand-picked for their improvisational skills. The moment the record button was on, each musician was encouraged to simply go wild and free.

The result comes in the shape of Sitting Still, the Sonic Youth, The Pixies and Le Tigre- inspired track filled with attitude, vibe and raw emotion. It is fast, it is bold and it will be out everywhere 26th February 2016.

'Sitting Still' is a blistering, wall of sound, rock'n'roll, two and a half minute, blow out. Guaranteed to remove the most stubborn cobwebs, if you need a wake up call that works, this is it.

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Quality Not Quantity: Linda Em - Overcoats

Linda Em - Blue Girl (Single edit).

Background promo - With both BBC and Irish radio support for her debut album “Shadow Lands” , new single “Blue Girl” is available on download on 29th February. The single takes you back to the 1960s Phil Spector “Wall of Sound” girl group soul era, with Linda’s pure and raw vocal beautifully intertwining with the soulful backing singers.

Linda’s lyrical narrative has a nostalgic feel to it bringing back the early days of Woodstock, with some saying that she has an old soul for such a young woman. No surprise when she quotes Joan Baez, Carole King and the husky laments of Melanie Safka as her song writing influences. Performing at the credible 100 Club (London) and Ifracombe Folk festival her set up can be acoustic or with her full seven-piece band, which includes soul backing singers and a mandolin/ bodran player bringing the Celtic vibe to the music.

Linda’s clear, warm, sultry vocal draws the listener into her musical story telling throughout her album “Shadow Lands”. What‘s unique is the extraordinary mix of other influences that create Linda’s original Roots sound. There is folk (revisited from a current London / Irish cultural perspective), a bit of rock, Celtic, American blues and even a hint of Ska if you listen closely. The overall production of her songs take you  back to the 60s/ 70s sound pulling you right back to Woodstock  with an overall modern day eclectic feel.

Getting straight to the point, 'Blue Girl' is, in my personal opinion an absolutely stunning song. Vocally it has passion, style and heart. Add in the wonderful harmonies and notably cool music delivery, and you may have spotted that I really like it. The song strides across genres, it's a melting pot of ideas, held in harmony by the clear commitment to deliver a top class piece.

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Overcoats - Nighttime Hunger.

Background promo - New York-based Overcoats’ female duo Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell announces the release of their newest track, “Nighttime Hunger,”. Hana and JJ are also pleased to announce they will be heading to SXSW, where they will be playing in the official showcase.

The new single is a step towards a darker, more ambitious sound. Grounded in the duo’s trademark soulful minimalism, the song is about the fears that subside by day but emerge and consume us by night. Bullett Magazine says “it almost sounds sweet and innocent. But there’s a lot of threat implied in the lyric of their song.”

The girls’ most recently finished their three-month tour overseas in support of their first EP. This tour included notable performances including showcases in London, a headline show at Dublin’s renowned Whelan’s, and a set at Longitude Festival alongside the likes of James Blake, Hozier and Ibeyi. They have since been packing various NYC venues such as Rockwood, Pianos and Mercury Lounge. The girls head down to NPR’s Mountain Stage later this month.

Those who’ve had the pleasure of seeing the girls live know that Overcoats’ is more than a band, it’s an artistic bond whose unique telepathy palpably resonates with their audiences.

Somebody is determined that my weekend gets off to a great start as far as the music goes. 'Nighttime Hunger' charms and delight in equal measures. The minimalist style is apparent within the musical accompaniment, however this unleashes the vocals to interact wonderfully.

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Thursdays Three: Matthew Logan Vasquez - Evol Walks - Von Spar

Matthew Logan Vasquez - Personal.

Background promo - If you happen to like indie rock performed by real bands, and you catch yourself listening to a mixture of The Vaccines, Kasabian, Dead Weather and Arctic Monkeys more often than not, you should keep an ear out for Matthew Logan Vasquez, the front man of Delta Spirit and one-third of the super-group Middle Brother’s upcoming new LP Solicitor Returns.

Inspired by the sonic nonconformity of The Black Keys and The Raconteurs his tracks like Everything I Do Is Out, Personal or Muerte Tranquila showcase the lo-fi rock raver-cum-primal stomp-like energy from start to finish. Compromise- what’s that? Take it easy- what for? No no no, this track is certainly not about keeping anything in, but letting yourself go to the sound of the still much alive rock’n’roll.

The speaker-blowing vocal abilities of Vasquez, hinting slightly at the style of Dan Auerbach and Cold War Kids, are complimented well against his guitar-driven idiosyncratic flourishes… And when he sings, he manages to channel highly addictive levels of drive and determination at the same time.

I Bet It All is a contrast to his high level attitude. It sounds delicate, genuine and filled with beautiful (almost ELO-like) harmonies.

Solicitor Returns is filled with only brilliant tracks, and the album will be out for sale and download on the 19th February via Devil Duck Records.

UK Dates (* with Nathaniel Rateliff):
06.03. London - The Islington
07.03. Brighton - Concorde 2*
09.03. Bristol - O2 Academy*
10.03. Manchester - The Ritz*
11.03. Glasgow - 02 ABC*
12.03. Dublin - Olympia*
13.03. Dublin - Olympia*

Returning in May for The Great Escape

USA Dates - Here.

1-2-3-4 and 'Personal' erupts in your speakers. Slick vocals and wall of sound guitars, soar over a pounding beat in what is a serious dose of 'wake up' rock'n'roll.

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Evol Walks - Without Me.

Background promo - Fronted by Leah Martin-Brown, Evol Walks are loud, electronic Rock & Roll band with attitude During 2015, Evol Walks put in the hard yards, touring three continents and sharing the stage with some of the world’s biggest acts including Dream Theatre and Black Label Society

Evol Walks performed a slot on the main stage at the Polish Woodstock, playing in front of over 250,000 people “Without Me” was written by Leah Martin-Brown and features the iconic drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, Paul McCartney).

So there I was expecting 'Without Me' to be a major assault on my ears and it turns out to be a ballad. I suppose the song is a little bit classic rock meets stadium rock, however it's very, very catchy. Nothing wrong with the occasional rock ballad, and if it's this good, make it a regular event.

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Von Spar - Chain Of Command.

Background promo - Precarious born vivants, gifted musicians, radical guys – Von Spar are many things, but above all they are one of the most amazing bands in the realm of what the British music press once baptized as Krautrock. Sebastian Blume, Jan Philipp Janzen, Christopher Marquez and Philip Tielsch have in the past been praised even more than the revenants of the genre (in 2012, together with Stephen Malkmus, before the watering eyes of Can founding members Irmin Schmidt and Jaki Liebezeit, they provided a reinterpretation of the album “Ege Bamyasi” at the Cologne Weekend Festival) – even if the four were equally inspired by techno, synth-pop, noise, post-punk and new music.

“The concept of the collective Von Spar seems to be to torpedo listeners’ expectations from album to album”, wrote German newspaper Taz about their last album “Foreigner”. And once again, much is new on “Streetlife”. Four of the eight pieces were recorded with Canadian singer Chris Cummings, aka Marker Starling (formerly Mantler), who has worked with Junior Boys and Owen Pallett in recent times, and whose fragile voice at moments recalls that of the great communist and musician Robert Wyatt. Other pieces feature the voice of Ada (Pampa Records) and of Scout Niblett (Drag City), for whom Jan Philipp Janzen has played drums on various tours (as he has for the likes of Owen Pallett and The Field).

“Streetlife” has emerged as a heterogeneous album ranging from melodic piano disco (“Chain Of Command”), to tripped out soundscapes (“Hearts Fear”), to grandiose soft rock (“Try Though We Might”). One might call it music for a better world, if that didn’t sound so lofty. Yet Von Spar are not at all lofty, they are wide awake. This is not escapism, but life in the streets. And that’s how they live it.

'Chain Of Command' is a melodic piano lead piece. Vocally it's soothingly gentle and very appealing. It's not until nearly three minutes in, that I got the Krautrock references, however they are quite organic rather than contrived, (not sure if that makes any sense, however it's the best I can put it). The outcome for me is simple, I want to hear more.

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Genre Wander: Shapes On Tape- Lake Jons

Shapes On Tape - My One and Only True Love.

Background promo - "My One and Only True Love' is actually about my one and only true love. It's about my girlfriend. It is a factual account of just a few of the things that make her a marvel of nature. She was a ballerina but should have been a drummer in a riot grrl band--or perhaps both. She did go to space camp two years in a row, as well as art school. There's no question that she is the smartest, funniest and best woman to ever be able to put up with me. Also, it explores a Faulknerian inspired notion that the very specific actually creates and ironic sense of the universal, but that is very much secondary."

Shapes on Tape was an arranged marriage. In 2012, Jason Matuskiewicz left behind a reasonably decent job as a young litigator in a relatively secure law firm to move to New York City and "make it" with his band. A solid career move to be sure. His famous last words were, "If I had known it was going to be this easy, I would have moved to New York a long time ago." Hilarious. Spoken like a true fool. As the labels and other industry types began to gather, and various kinds of deals were offered, the band did what many bands do under pressure of any kind. It completely imploded.

Having nearly attained his wild dreams only to have them snatched away did not affect Jason in the least of little bits. Or so he told everybody. His girlfriend, however, did not believe him, and to this day claims evidence to the contrary. She demanded that her friend, genre-hopping producer/multi-instrumentalist and 90’s groovebox enthusiast, Adam Kruckenberg, play music with her mopey boyfriend, in order to snap him out of his interminable funk. And guess what? It worked. The duo hit on a collaborative process that highlighted both of their strengths. They soon took Jason’s effortless punk-tinged folk songs in a far more electronic direction.

Matuskiewicz’s lyrics and straightforward style always flirt with the relationship between high and low concept, taking on complex social and emotional issues with an abrupt three chord frankness that never takes itself seriously, while Kruckenberg’s synthetic re imaginings take the songs into lush and dynamic sound that is simultaneously unusual and instantly accessible. The Deli has described the band as "effortlessly transitioning between laid back dream pop and rock infused dance anthems," which is about as good a description as possible.

'My One and Only True Love' musically reminds me a little of New Order, however vocally it's far to upbeat and then the comparisons fade as Shapes On Tapes stamp their own mark on the song. Anyone with a sense of rhythm may find dancing unavoidable, enjoy!

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Lake Jons - My Friend.

Background promo - Lake Jons is a finnish trio, formed by a happy accident in 2014. Singer-guitarist Jooel Jons got accompanied by guitarist Jaska Stenroth and drummer Mikko Pennanen while performing his songs at their friend’s graduation party.

The trio started working together as Lake Jons, creating their beautiful folk sound at a garage somewhere in Helsinki. Since then Lake Jons have played loads of live shows and charmed people with their music which combines the spirit of dusty garages, rumbling canyons and Nordic woods. Gorgeous vocal harmonies and moods referring to Bon Iver, Josh T. Pearson and Beck are in the center of it all.

Their new EP 'Explore' contains 6 songs. EP was on power play at the Finnish national youth Radio YleX. 

'My Friend' is the first of six songs on the 'Explore' EP, and it really is, only one sixth of the whole. The band explore (sorry) differing styles and pace throughout the EP, however the quality and sheer craftsmanship of this collection is constantly apparent.

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Dreampop Double: The High Violets - Postiljonen

The High Violets - Bells.

Background promo - The High Violets "Heroes and Halos" (Saint Marie Records) Release date: April 1st, 2016.

Heroes and Halos opens with two sharp hits on the snare, like two quick blows to the head, and then you’re inside and it’s happening all around you. ‘How I Love (Everything About You)’ stops you in your tracks. The High Violets make you put down that chocolate chip muffin and listen.

These dream pop vets sound like a delirious mix of Lush and Slowdive, and their fifth album finds them looking to the skies, a cathedral of colour, a stadium of sound. Listen to the way the chorus in ‘Long Last Night’ keeps climbing and climbing until your agoraphobia kicks in and you have to grab onto something to keep from falling out of your chair. Then there’s the sinister groove of ‘Longitude,’ the majestic bliss of ‘Ease On,’ one great song after another, all awash in hooks that swoon and dive.

The album ends with the sparse burned-out waltz of ‘Hearts In Our Throats.’ Kaitlyn ni Donovan’s vocals accompanied by a hollow drum machine—it sounds like the sun coming up after a night of sensory overload, when all you want to do is sleep but your brain won’t stop spinning and so there’s nothing to do but look out the window and contemplate the future, your breath forming patterns against the glass, as another morning arrives.

They’re from Portland, Oregon. They’ve been doing this for years. They know where all your buttons are and exactly how to push them. Like an open-mouth kiss, an unexpected present from a secret admirer, Heroes and Halos makes your ears ring with joy and your heart thump with wonder. It’s the greatest moment in a career of great moments. It’s The High Violets. It’s happening.

The featured track 'Bells' is the fifth of ten tracks on the album 'Heroes and Halos'. In fairness the song descriptions that are in the above promo are pretty much on the ball. 'Bells' gives you some insight into the album, it's very well crafted dream pop that dips towards shoegaze on some songs, overall it's a highly likeable album from a band that clearly know what they are all about.

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Postiljonen - How Can Our Love Be Blind.

Background promo - Following the success of their debut album Skyer, Postiljonen escaped to the valleys of Dalarna in rural Sweden. Over the course of a year the band spent one week a month in a small house, far away from everything, where they focused on what they loved. What happened there was Reverie.

The border-crossing dream pop trio Postiljonen, with members from Norway and Sweden, have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Mia Brox’s soaring vocals and the deft production of Daniel Sjörs and Joel Nyström Holm combine to create music full of heartache and nostalgia. Inspired by grainy old black-and-white films and the sleepless nights of summertime, Postiljonen’s music is a manifestation of their daydreams coming to life.

In 2013 the band released their debut album Skyer. Praised by critics both at home and internationally, it was picked out as one of Gorilla vs. Bear's best albums of 2013 and was also nominated for Pop Album of the Year at the Swedish P3 Guld Awards. After songs from Skyer were used in the HBO's ’Looking’ and the Fox series ’The Following’, the band were invited by respected music supervisor Gary Calamar (Six Feet Under, House, True Blood, Dexter etc) to perform at the prestigious Mimosa Sessions in Los Angeles. Expanding to a five-piece on the live stage, the band recently sold out their third consecutive date in London, have completed three successful tours of Asia and are regulars on the Scandinavian summer festival circuit  - winning over new fans at every turn.

During the early summer of 2015 Postiljonen released a first taste from the follow-up to their acclaimed debut album - the painfully beautiful ‘Wait’. Inspired by Californian winds, Chinese gardens, late Lost in Translation nights in Tokyo; and of course their part-time life in the woods of Dalarna, Postiljonen continue their experiments with sweet eighties references and dreamy sounds. ‘Wait’ was followed by the singles ’GO!’ and ’The Open Road’, which Simon Raymonde (Bella Union / Cocteau Twins) named as his favourite song of 2015.

Reverie is due on February 19 via Best Fit Recordings. A perfect soundtrack to hazy sunny days and starry nights.The band will be playing a headline London show and The Great Escape in Brighton, UK this May.

May 18 - The Shacklewell Arms, London
May 19 - The Great Escape, Brighton.

'How Can Our Love Be Blind' has a really lush feel to it, right from the very start. Vocally it's beautiful and the melody and music just add to what is a really pleasing song. It does in part remind me of the Cocteau Twins, however see that as a massive compliment on my part, considering how defensive I am of said band.

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The Bohos - Leaders Don't Love You.

The Bohos - Leaders Don't Love You.

Background Promo - The distinct sound of The Boho’s new single represents the essence of the band, their trademark sound refined and re-packaged into one exciting, unique statement of intent.  A band with a message engrossed in the current movement of disbelief and disenchantment with today’s leaders.

Smashing out raucous passionate sets throughout a string of sell out shows and parties bursting at the seams amongst the like minded of Bath and Bristol.  The South West-based band have always proved difficult to pigeon-hole – moving quickly and swiftly between genres, gaining a significant cult following for their bold inability to settle into typecast while ploughing rich pop furrows

Fiercely independent and at the forefront of the collaboration of four hot UK bands teaming up to co-headline a 4 date tour across the UK this March, The Boho’s will headline their home town show in Bath, amongst shows in Sheffield, Brighton and London.  They will also head to Scotland to support 4AD indie darlings Broken Records in April.

Listening to the new single from the soon to be released debut album it is hard to believe it has been recorded in one room by lead singer Ben Angel. The new single ‘Leaders Don’t Love You’ will be released on Monday 14th March.

17/03  Brighton, The Prince Albert - With Ellekaye, Golding, Gramercy Park
18/03  Bath, The Nest - With Ellekaye, Golding, Gramercy Park
19/03  London, The Garage (Upstairs) - With Ellekaye, Golding, Gramercy Park
20/03 Sheffield, The Greystones - With Ellekaye, Golding, Gramercy Park
08/04 Edinburgh, The Caves (Supporting Broken Records)
09/04 Glasgow, The Glad Café (Supporting Broken Records).

Alternative rock with the emphasis most definitely on alternative, The Bohos refreshingly defy being easy to define, whilst knocking out exceptional songs such as 'Leaders Don't Love You'. Unless you are on extremely heavy medication, hopefully you are up to speed with the songs message, delivered within a really addictive and highly pleasing song.

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Laura Jean Anderson - Righteous Girl (EP).

Laura Jean Anderson - It Won't Be Long.

Background promo - As young as she may look, Laura Jean Anderson is filled with the spirit of wisdom, amassed through years of travelling, busking, hitchhiking, touring and old time religion--just the kind of learning a prolific songwriter would need.

You can hear it in her voice and lyrics on her latest EP, Righteous Girl in which she evokes the ghosts of Janis Joplin and modern influences of Lucius, St. Vincent and Alabama Shakes, “I feel like these songs reflect that feeling you get when you get one glimmer of hope, of sunshine in the midst of a deep depression. I would go on long walks barefoot with my guitar in the neighbourhoods of LA--I felt super out of place doing that but for some reason, it put things into perspective,” Anderson says wistful.

“Take Me In” opens up the EP and Anderson gently pulls the listener into her world, her soothing voice (reminiscent of June Carter) ebbs and flows along with the electric piano rolls. However, the title track “Righteous Girl,” is a whole ‘nother beast. Crashing distorted drums clue us to a shift in tone but Anderson’s voice and guitar are there to ground the whole affair: Her haunting voice swells then dips back into a lullaby then before we know it, she belts out another howl--she's always in control, it seems to say.

Anderson’s unique sound is a direct creation of the combination of growing up in a conservative environment with years of church singing and roots music education contradicting the grunge and punk elements of growing up in liberal Washington. You can hear this in her music, soulful vocals and well crafted story lines with elements of chaotic rock n' roll and garage rock at its best. Then a stint in the mountain town of Huaraz, Peru where, with all her money stolen, she spent hours a day busking in the plaza until she made enough money to get a ticket home. “It was then and there that I realised I was put on this earth to make music,” Anderson says. “Alone in Peru, I was able to make it out just through music . . . I knew I had to come back to the States and pursue music full-heartedly.”

So she did. She went back to LA to finish school and record “Righteous Girl.” The EP was produced by Anderson and Theo Karon and recorded mostly at Kingsize Soundlabs in Eagle Rock.

'It Won't Be Long' is the single release from the new four track EP. It gives a good taste of what is a fine collection of songs. Mixing her soulful voice with more edgy garage rock moments seems to work without to much effort. I get the feeling Laura Jean does indeed have a little of the Janis Joplin in her musically, so who can be quite certain what gems might follow.

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Saturday Four: Candi's Dog - Ellie Dorman - Salt Cathedral - Witching Waves

Candi's Dog - I Couldn't Ask For More.

Background promo - Tyneside trio Candi's Dog specialise in acoustic folk-pop, combining inventive structures with ludicrously catchy melodies. The result is a mash-up akin to the likes of Bright Eyes and the lyrical quality of Ed Sheeran. Creativity isn’t something that’s hard to come by for the innovative threesome who can regularly be seen sporting Melodicas, Kazoos and a homemade Acoustic Bass.

Not content with leaving the ear candy duties to their primary instruments alone (consisting of guitar, bass and percussion), Candi’s Dog add delicious, rich vocal harmonies to their audio arsenal, echoing the melodic vocal prowess of the Beach Boys and Crowded House. The satisfying suggestion of pop along with their folksy-rock feel results in their sound igniting a feast of welcomed familiarity, allowing the band to become part of your inner soundtrack with obliging ease.

Favouring the DIY approach, Candi’s Dog have not only opted to make their own instruments but after being left with underwhelming results at the hands of recording studios, the band have taken to home recording. The decision has clearly paid off with the brilliantly catchy single “I Couldn’t Ask For More” fresh off the production line, showcasing the song craft of twin brothers, Matthew and Daniel Slee, and Stephen Justice. Set for release on Monday 29th Feb the upbeat “I Couldn’t Ask For More” is taken from the band’s debut album out later this year.

There is no shortage of folksy music these days. With 'I Couldn't Ask For More' the emphasis is towards pop, with a natural acoustic feel and some very good harmonies. Whether it's reminiscent of others is pretty much irrelevant, in part it has to be, what matters is that this is a great song, both in substance and performance.

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Ellie Dorman - October.

Background promo - Music has always been a big part of my life and impossible to ignore; from a young age experiencing folk festivals to classical music at college to working with bands in clubs and venues across Europe and beyond.

Being constantly surrounded by musical influences I've always felt driven to write my own songs, from experimenting with my own adapted versions of classic folk songs on the piano to playing around with drum and bass beats on logic.

Eventually full of inspiration and broad collection of sounds, I became more serious about wanting to produce a sound that people will appreciate and like as art sharing my experiences of life through my own music.

'October' is the first of four songs on the debut EP from South East London based Singer Songwriter - Ellie Dorman. Talk about setting the bar high, this is a rich and vibrant collection of songs. Musically we are spoilt with an eclectic choice of sounds and instruments whilst vocally Ellie's singing and interpretation pulls everything smoothly together.

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Salt Cathedral - No Ordinary Man.

Background promo - “No Ordinary Man” is the new single from New York-based Colombian producers Nicolas Losada and Juliana Ronderos as Salt Cathedral. Coming in advance of their full-length debut, and following on the heels of "Holy Soul," lead track off 2014’s Oom Velt EP, No Ordinary Man is a hip-hop and soul influenced ballad that speaks about love, the need for reassurance, the fear of letting go and the desire to be extraordinary.

Recorded in Williamsburg’s Bunker Studio, Salt Cathedral’s plaintive new single signals the continued development of th electronic tenor and danceable eclecticism that has defined their sonic trajectory. Through their collaborations with producer/musician John Davis (Jojo Mayer’s Nerve) they achieve a recording where every detail of the sparse arrangement pulses with heart rending clarity. Understated and achingly beautiful, “No Ordinary Man” is the duo’s most mature and affecting song to date, as well as a bold & sure footed précis for 2016, their forthcoming full length, and the remarkable evolution of their new meaningful sounds.

Salt Cathedral is the electronic project of New York based Colombian musicians Juliana Ronderos and Nicolas Losada. Their music combines elements of trip-hop and ambient genres with folkloric influences from many cultures. The band's most recent record, Oom Velt, was released in 2014. "Oom Velt," makes reference to the individuality of experience – the discrete "worlds" as they are experienced by different organisms. Guardian UK, in their coverage of the EP's lead single "Holy Soul," describes Salt Cathedral as "purveyors of breezy electronic pop with lightly tropical rhythms and deathlessly pretty vocals’’.

'No Ordinary Man' is a soothingly good electro pop song, with a huge helping of soulfulness. It's no wonder they have been noticed both sides of the Atlantic, with music and singing this well crafted, it's a simple case of 'more please'.

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Witching Waves - Pitiless.

Background promo - The winners want us to believe the world is beautiful, but Witching Waves has seen the world and knows this is a lie—that everything is lost and nothing is to be trusted. We (HHBTM Records) saw them open for Eureka California in the UK in late 2014 and could not get the songs out of our head so we’ve jumped on the second album.

Emma Wigham, Mark Jasper, and Ed Shellard are Witching Waves, and they sound like exiles in their own country. And like all exiles, they know the only safety is in numbers, and the only comfort is in friends. Witching Waves come from a world of DIY and co-operation. Mark Jasper works at Sound Savers recording studio, a love of labour turned into a labour of love in one of the rapidly vanishing not-so-nice parts of London.

Every window is filled with witnesses. We watch the world go by, each of us observing and observed. You can hear them switching instruments, trying out roles. Watching the world fall apart all around them, Witching Waves knows that being right is pointless—the television tells a hundred lies in the time it takes you to speak a single truth, and for every book you read, your neighbour reads none—but the only alternative is to participate in the slow silent psychic death that is mainstream 21st century life.

When ‘Seeing Double’ breaks down towards the end and Jasper starts screaming: See them on the street you ask them why / See them in the car you ask them why / See them on the stairs you say to them / What are you doing here why won’t you leave me alone? You know he’s not going to get any answers, but he isn’t there for answers he’s there for the screaming.

Because this music is rooted in UK DIY and the only alternative to the clean smiles of 21st century surface life is dirty frowns, you might hear the fuzz, the flattened shouts, and think you’ve heard it before, but then you notice the guitars at the end of ‘Red Light,’ how they swell & buzz like an attack of locusts, and the oceanic rise & fall of album closer ‘Flowers’ and you realize that in their endless explorations of black & white, WW has created a universe of infinite textures and shade.

Witching Waves "Crystal Cafe" (HHBTM USA / Soft Power UK) - Release date: February 26th, 2016.

Taken from the forthcoming 'Crystal Cafe' album, 'Pitiless' is one of those cut to the chase songs, that sets out it's agenda within seconds. The song has an instant punk feel to it, although it is far more than that. Vocals are buried in the mix, occasionally rising and pulsating along with the instruments. It's a contradiction, both raw and yet refined.

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