Quality Not Quantity: The Insatiables - Stillwater Giants - ISLES - The Broadcasts

The Insatiables - I Know My Scars.

Background promo - Perth based indie-popsters The Insatiables are gearing up for the May 9 release of their second EP 'Impatient Creatures', with a live launch May 22 at everyone's favourite watering hole The Rosemount Hotel.

Spearheaded by lead single 'I Know My Scars', the six track EP was recorded at Underground Studios with resident producers Mark McEwan and Brody Simpson. 'Impatient Creatures' treads the alternative path, not shy of a trumpet melody or a cinematic sub effect, ultimately providing an expansive landscape. The moodier tracks could sit on a shelf with artists like Lana Del Ray and London Grammar where cyclical guitar and piano riffs swirl around a commanding vocal line.

Following on from their debut 'Let Go of Limbo', which quickly saw the group play the 2013 WAMi Saturday Spectacular showcase, The Insatiables are now armed with an inviting 2016 release that is both lyrically and musically passionate.

'I Know My Scars' is the second of six really good songs on the forthcoming EP. The band have a distinctive indie pop sound that runs through the collection, plenty of melody and well crafted material.

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Stillwater Giants - Montage.

Background bio - Gearing up for the imminent release of their debut album, lovable Perth scamps Stillwater Giants announce the release of 'Montage', the second single from the upcoming LP.

Brotherhood. It’s a word thrown around often, but for Stillwater Giants, it’s now gospel.  These days, two years can seem like a lifetime between new releases. For this Perth four piece it was a necessary hiatus that’s helped to turn them from boys to men, both within their song writing and the mateship that hard times bring. After originally being Unearthed by triple j in 2012 to play the Groovin' the Moofestival, this group of young guns from Margaret River began their steam rolling journey across the country. Swiftly finding themselves warming up the stage for the likes of The Delta Riggs, Birds of Tokyo, Stonefield, Ball Park Music, British India, The Rubens and Regurgitator, they also clocked festival time at Future Music, Parklife, Southbound, St Kilda Festival,as well as heading to US taste maker festival CMJ. The lads were even given the unique pleasure of being the first ever band to perform at the brand new Perth Arena when it opened.

With an intention to head back into the studio for a quick six month follow up to their hugely successful single and EP ‘Fly Under the Radar’, things went slightly awry as they sometimes do. This once cheeky group of musos - who were famous for their happy-go-lucky attitudes and not taking life too seriously -turned. Internal conflicts ensued, university degree debts went up and personal differences almost drove the band apart. Then, something amazing happened. They began recording. The decision to record all parts to their new album live at RADA Studios with Matt Gio (Birds of Tokyo, Katy Steele, San Cisco) presented a chance to bond but also to write new material, together. Inspired by the rawness and evidence of mistakes heard by other artists who recorded live such as Eddy Current Suppression Ring and Parquet Courts, they began.

Continuing to write helped pull the band back from a period of stagnation and the results are stunning. With their fun-loving attitudes back in-tact and a polished new live show,complete with equally polished Dad jokes,this certified party band are finally ready to unleash the very first Stillwater Giants full-length to the world. Long live the Stillwater Giants wolf pack.

Indie rock song 'Montage' is one catchy piece. The band have kept things simple and concentrated on making a foot stomping number, with vocals and harmonies providing as much melody as the perfectly timed chord changes.

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ISLES - The First Act.

Background promo - London-based ISLES are set to release their new single The First Act.


The indie-pop quartet is made up of Goldsmith students: Amber, Luke, Miles and Oliver - a 75% Northern group of friends who now reside in South London.

Taking references from bands such as Orange Juice, Neil Young and REM, the band manage to perfectly blend art school sensitivities with an alternative, bluesy sound. The band spent most of 2015 writing and touring across the UK. Bury Me is their first track of their double A –side single Bury Me / The First Act which will be unleashed on line over the coming month.

Bury Me, the first track to be released, is a soulful song with rugged, dreamy vibes. The melancholy female lead-vocals work perfectly in tune with upbeat guitars, ambient drums and backing vocals from fellow band mates.

Despite being described as indie pop in the press release, ISLES could slip into a number of genres quite comfortably. As regards 'The First Act' vocals are dreamy and delightful, and the music is bright and breezy, almost hinting that summers on it's way. Looking forward to hearing more.

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The Broadcasts - This Is Life.

Background promo - The Broadcasts are a four piece Alt Rock/Acoustic band who are based just outside of Cardiff, South Wales. Previously signed to indie label Right Recordings, the band released a double A side single recorded by legendary producer Stuart Epps (Oasis, Elton John) before leaving their label to pursue an alternative path.

Since forming in 2012 The Broadcasts have played at the BBC Club, London in front of music industry professionals, supported bands like Press To Meco, Dead! and Owen Paul in Cardiff as well as sharing the bill with BBC Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens at Newport Student Union. The boys recorded their debut nine track album in May 2015 at the beautifully scenic Mwnci Studios in Pembrokeshire, embarking on their first UK Tour shortly afterwards. Adam Walton of BBC Radio Wales' Introducing Show, described their music as "Heart on your sleeve, gritty Rock" and that's exactly what to expect from this storming eponymous debut album.

The album is released digitally on June 3rd and will be available on CD from June 17th.

One of nine songs on the new album, 'This Is Life' gives a good flavour of the alt rock side of the album, with super tight musicianship and gutsy vocals. There are some more acoustic based songs that add to the whole in a very positive way,  indeed the band seem quite happy to explore different ideas. It's creative without being pretentious, and there is plenty of good old feisty rock'n'roll.

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Four For Friday: Kid Cupid - The Aves - Winter1982 - AM

Kid Cupid - Siren.

Background promo - After joining forces only a year ago and already being compared to huge acts including London Grammar and Young Galaxy, the London-based indie-electro quartet Kid Cupid are definitely ones to watch in 2016.

Their upcoming new single Siren is the perfect introduction to what’s yet to come. Filled with backing harmonies highlighting the importance of the lyrics and topped with Laura’s incredible vocal delivery instantly draws comparisons to Chvrches’ Lauren Mayberry.

Produced by the band themselves, the track ticks all the right boxes from start to finish. It consist of attention-grabbing lyrics, flowing real-world analogies as well as plenty of space for the listener’s diy interpretation. Their clever use of a broader range of instruments such as the snare drums to add the captivating rolling and additional tribal drum patterns resemble the likes of Jungle as well as Bastille’s hit Pompeii. Siren is the lead track taken from their forth-coming EP, and it will be available for sale and download everywhere 3rd June 2016. 

There's a couple of comparisons in the promo above, both have some credibility. Kid Cupid are not however clones, and a reasonably distinct and attractive sound emerges with the song 'Siren'. With a solid beat and rich background vocals, Laura glides above and hints at what is still to come from the bands eagerly awaited EP.

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The Aves - We Were Young.

Background promo - Adelaide's favourite garage kids The Aves have lifted a new single 'We Were Young', a definite highlight from their cracking debut album 'Good News'. Vocalist/guitarist Lucy Campbell says of the track, "For a long time this one was called 'Complicated Chords', because the structure took so long for us to get – the chorus never repeats itself. In the studio we faffed about with it for a long time just to get that rhythm right. The guitar solo had nine takes and Thomas’ hands blistered so much he had to stick them in methylated spirits between takes. Lyrically We Were Young takes cues from Bruce Springsteen, it’s a nostalgic, bitter sweet call back to when I was a teenager. In a lot of ways The Aves have grown up together and this song epitomises all of that energy for me."

With three impressive EP's, a Big Day Out slot thanks to triple j and a stack of touring under their belts that includes Canada's NXNE Festival, New York's River Rocks and Brisbane's Bigsound, The Aves have become known for their high energy live shows, infectious pop-smarts and tongue in cheek lyrics. Initially taking cues from a varied range of the greats like Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, The Kinks and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, 'Good News' is an album that's both energetic and textured - an ode to Adelaide, Hollywood and suburban dreams. 'Good News' is out now through all good digital retailers via Firestarter Distribution and via the band on CD.

How time flies, it was just over five months ago that we featured The Aves for the first time and after a few positive words finished with "more please", so thank you! If anything the band have an even stronger song with 'We Were Young', which besides being extremely catchy, demonstrates a more developed sound, all of which makes the album a must have.


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Winter1982 - Friend.

Background bio - Winter 1982 are Phil Barber (vocals, guitar) and Luke Phillips (piano, bass) from Birmingham. Trampled by their increasingly grey and relentless nine to five existence, they wanted to make music that spoke about their existence, sometimes beautiful, other times desperate and depressing, both knew their experiences could be drawn upon to create haunting alternative folk...  

Phil says "I have always written music, making little acoustic songs and recording them, very roughly. We are a duo so once I have something I like I send it to Luke. If he likes it too we work on it together, building in piano, bass, drums etc. We like songs....or maybe are just compelled to write songs....about life, love, hurt, doubt, mistrust. Basically what it is to be flawed human beings fumbling through life. I think everyone is continuously falling in and out of love, feeling great, hurt, happy, depressed, haunted and we are all trying to deal with that - sometimes privately -  the songs tend to be about those very human experiences. I've always loved soulful music that can be as dark as it is beautiful."

The duo, who have drawn comparisons to Ray Lamontagne and Ben Howard, have had support from both Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing.

Winter1982 are releasing 'Worry' on the 13th May, it's a beautiful song that unfortunately, I cannot feature here at the moment. Having been so impressed by the track, I pretty much wanted to share something, and the song 'Friend' makes for an excellent substitute. The duo create an expansive sound, laden with well crafted music and vocals, and creative song writing.

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AM - Precious Life.

Background promo - "Precious Life", produced with drummer Joey Waronker (Beck, Yeasayer, Atoms For Peace), is the new single from Los Angeles songwriter AM, with the album of the same name following on May 20. Returning from an ultra prolific period with electro-soul partner Shawn Lee (Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra), AM summons a dreamy sound on his new solo outing. With Waronker behind the drums and the board and with AM doing just about everything else on synths, bass, and guitar, the two carefully craft a record that is honest and emotional, yet swings and pulses.

When Joey's name was mentioned as a possible producer I thought 'how crazy would it be to work with one of my favourite drummers'...his work on Beck's "Mutations" and "Sea Change" were a huge influence and still remain some of the best drumming on record to date.  The first day we hooked up we banged out "The World Will Go On Without You", the last track on the record.  It was so effortless and fluent...with me on the bass and Joey on drums...I think we had the whole track done by the end of the day.  I think we both new then we had to make a record together."

The first single "Precious Life" delivers a bare, soulful guitar driven track rotating the question, “Who are you, with your precious life?” which openly critiques social class hierarchies of this time. Music made for the headphones...the big ones that is. Album available in stores on May 20, 2016 on Limited Edition blue vinyl and CD.

This is a really fine song. 'Precious Life' has a classic soul feel to it, and has been produced with care and attention. Musically it's crisp and precise with enough funk and feeling to complement the dreamy soulful vocals, the album sounds very promising.

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Thursday Double Play: Jack Berry - Stone Cold Fox

Jack Berry - Coal.

Background bio - Originally from Reno, Nevada, Berry created his first album for a school project while studying in Los Angeles. After performing along the West Coast in a duo, Berry decided that he was meant for a career in music and relocated to Nashville. After several months of sleeping on a couch and working to catch the attention of the local press, Berry’s “ample supply of good hooks and riffs” (Nashville Scene) eventually gained the praise of critics throughout Nashville and beyond, earning him spots at well- known festivals, including North by Northeast in Toronto, New York City’s CMJ Music Marathon and SXSW’s Red Gorilla Festival.

Since then, Berry has logged dozens of shows from Nashville to New York City. He most recently appeared at No Country For New Nashville’s December showcase in 2015 and earned the runner-up spot in Hard Rock Rising’s Battle of the Bands. Mean Machine is poised to serve as Jack Berry’s breakthrough record, so be sure to stay tuned to the Reno-native’s every move! The new single, "Coal," is from his forthcoming LP, Mean Machine, out May 13th.

The mix of Alt rock and blues is a really good background for Jack Berry's naturally potent vocals. 'Coal' is a bruising rocker of a song with vocals and band delivering a concerted piece of in your face music. The music and harmonies are a mighty powerhouse, and Jack is the vital messenger.

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Stone Cold Fox - Firing Squad.

Background promo - The best kind of road trips are the ones that are spontaneous. You know where you want to go, you have a final destination in mind - you just don’t necessarily know how you’re going to get there. But that’s ok, because it’s all about the journey, right? Brooklyn-based four piece, Stone Cold Fox want to take a road trip with you- they’ll get you to where you want to go, you just gotta let them take the wheel, because in the end whatever will be, will be. And the soundtrack? Their forthcoming EP, Tunnel Vision.

Tunnel Vision is a stunning contradiction- a collection of journeys made up of distorted dance synths that bleed with a rock-heavy heart. Written, recorded and produced over a period of two years, the sound of Tunnel Vision resembles a mindset that is anything but narrow minded- instead, it’s a collection of tracks that skew in every which way, that ultimately steer back to it’s original course to create a wistful, cohesive sound. “Tracks started as total rock songs, then turned into chilled electro songs, eventually finding its way somewhere comfortably in the middle,” explains guitarist and vocalist Kevin. “They find middle ground with a rock core and a dancey pulse,” he adds. So, imagine a world where John Lennon is rose from the dead and conceived a love child with The Strokes while listening to LCD Soundsystem and Beat Connection - that’s the kind of world that Tunnel Vision creates.

A spacey dreamy guitar driven indie song topped with delightful vocals is how I would describe 'Firing Squad'. Sometimes that's enough, Stone Cold Fox add their little twist and it becomes more than enough.

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50 Foot Wave - Bath White.

50 Foot Wave - Bath White.

What The Promo Says: This LA-based power trio formed in 2003 by Kristin Hersh and Bernard Georges of Throwing Muses (with Rob Ahlers on drums), was named after the lowest note audible to human ears. The band was intended as an outlet for the noise/math rock pieces that didn't fit the aesthetic of Throwing Muses or Kristin Hersh's solo work. They are known for pioneering the name-your-own-price movement.

The band works with Creative Commons licensing to allow film makers and other artists to use their songs without incurring costs or copyright infringement. Though their records are available for purchase on CD and vinyl, 50 Foot Wave gives away its music free for download and encourages all forms of music sharing. As their records state: "Share This Music - burn it for friends, burn it for enemies - Use It" All those involved with the band donate their time to make this possible. Their most successful and influential release, 2009's Power + Light, is thirty minutes of non-stop music, a barrage of free-form sound that found the band challenging its own complex song structure. 

This year's Bath White is their sixth release. Again, they've chosen to work with Los Angeles producer Mudrock, best known for his work with Godsmack. As Mudrock states, "These are the best musicians I've ever worked with, easily the most facile...they're pros and they're good people. 50FootWave is why I do what I do."

Kristin Hersh on the track "Bath White"
"Swimming in Laguna salt water, coming clean, laughing with the kids, etc., I looked down and saw a pretty big (I wanna say enormous, but I’m not gonna) shark, between my toes and the sand. California will do this to you sometimes; catch your breath between spoiling you and inflicting unspoiled on you. It shrinks you to your appropriate size, an un-mattering. Sharks are the matter that matters in that sun-sparkled world. It’s their ocean, not yours.

Anyway, smart people already know that, but I paddled away, pale and embarrassed. And still, pale and embarrassed, I wander an ocean that isn’t mine. Not a lot of choice, really. Maybe something new is on the other side, but I guess none of us’ll know for sure until we finish piling up the new that keeps getting pitched our way here. Ducking or gathering, depending. New can be hard, but together we move forward, backward and in circles, nudged by these suggestions:
1. Don’t hurt each other. If you can’t help, do nothing.
2. And try not to fall for impure when purity is waiting: a rotten apple can’t feed you, a shadow is'nt a person.
3. When the glare of fluorescent human-ness obscures the light of humanity, let it wake you up a little, help sort out your noisy addictions.

One Bath White butterfly is the oldest pinned entomological specimen, the others fly up and over the Himalayas. I’m not making a judgement call here, just saying. Cuz it doesn’t get any better than high on the ground, in my opinion. We don’t get any better than that. Clumsily, sweetly, we surf the sharks’ ocean, fly the butterflies’ sky, but grounded is pretty great. And it’s the only greatness that’s really asked of us."

The title track and the first of six powerful songs 'Bath White' introduces us to a collection of material that is rich in ideas and sounds. There is a raw, pure rock feel throughout, totally unpretentious, at one level the band are seemingly just getting thoughts and feelings out of their system.  That said, on occasions 50 Foot Wave become more musically intricate and vocally more sensitive, however the underlying passion and belief never goes away. Overall this is a massive blast of fresh dynamic rock'n'roll, with a lot of spark.


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Quality Not Quantity: Nelipot - Lánre - Hanna Bech - Duke Chevalier

Nelipot - Coming Coast.

Background promo - Nelipot are a youthful trio of bare-foot, music enthusiasts from the Central Coast, New South Wales. Brought together on the beach side streets of Terrigal, the lads joined and began busking, to feed their need for grooves and to make some extra cash to supply themselves with kebabs and money for fuel.

Crafting and developing a unique blend of blues and alternate rock compositions, with funk and soul stylings, Nelipot produces distinctive as well as captivating pieces. This year, 2016, the boys have set their sights high and are aiming to increase their following enough to tour interstate, spreading positive vibes and their unforgettable grooves as far as they can possibly take them. Already, they’ve been privileged enough to support and share the stage with exploding national acts, such as: Kingswood, Tired Lion, Bootleg Rascal, Ocean Alley, and many more emerging artists. Yet Jordan, Benny, and Jordyn aim to make 2016 the year of headline shows, and sold out venues, producing the goods for any and everybody to boogie along to.

“Coming Coast”, Nelipot’s latest single, was recorded at ECP studios in Berkley Vale, NSW. Jordan Crotty, a local artist and audio engineer, both recorded and produced the piece.

”’Coming Coast’, highlights the monotony of Coastal Culture, this being expressed both lyrically and instrumentally through structure, melodic contour, and repetitive chordal progression. All of which allude to the tedious, unchangeable cycles in which we have found our families, friends, and ourselves falling into here on the Central Coast.” - Nelipot

The song, “Coming Coast” ̧ is a catchy, alternate rock composition with slight blues & soul superimpositions. Essentially, the piece is about the rut that we, human beings, find ourselves caught up in. This song particularly refers to the home town of the artists, and the monotonous and unbreakable cycle of social norms and droning contemporary culture that has been formed around recreational activities (especially the nightlife) on the Central Coast. “Coming Coast” will be released 6th of May 2016.

Upcoming Shows:
Thur Aril 21st - Bar on the Hill, Newcastle University
Sat May 7th - The Record Crate, Glebe
Fri May 27th - MCA ARTBAR, VIVID, The Rocks
Sat May 28th - The Rhythm Hut, Gosford NSW (Single Launch)

Keep it simple. This is a catchy song with likeable vocals and harmonies, that glide above a gentle funky background and delightful guitars.

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Lánre - Human.

Background words - Lánre is a British singer-songwriter whose music can be described as acoustic Soul, Folk with captivating storytelling influenced by her Yoruba heritage. Born in Stoke-On-Trent in England, Lánre has spent most of her youth in Nigeria where she started singing and performing live at the age of 8. Soon enough, she started playing guitar and found freedom in her own voice.

In 2002, Lánre embarked herself on a worldwide tour as a member of award-winning UK collective GK REAL. This experience ignited in her the desire to pursue a solo career. Her debut album 'Pen Voyage Chapter One: Singing For Change' was released in 2011 followed by her critically acclaimed EP 'Home' in 2014 (praised by MOBO, MTV UK among others).

Her new EP 'Human' is set to be released on April 29th. This new record is a collection of uplifting songs, which encapsulates the essence and depth of Lánre's artistry. Relating the struggles and celebrations of life, 'Human' is a hopeful hymn to togetherness.

In the meantime, Lánre has recently unveiled the title track 'Human' whose signature phrase 'We're all broken so that light can come in' showcases once again her determination to offer the listener inspiring words to hold on to. 

This is such a fine song. Vocally Lanre and the background singers deliver superbly, accompanied by delicate background music, until the rousing finish.

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Hanna Bech - ABCs.

Words from Hanna - My new release is coming out shortly, and I'd love to share the first single 'ABCs'!

My favourite artists take their shoes off on stage ­and I'm always striving for that same kind of grounded authenticity in each project I take on.

Naked Bones, is the name of my debut EP. It is a quirky album that is serious about playfully exploring the darkness and hope we have within us. I'd describe 'Naked Bones' like a film score and indie pop going on a first date – dramatic, playful, with a rhythm that carries it forward.

Dealing with health issues and anxiety, I've chosen to create work that helps me cope, making it as fun as possible for myself and hopefully those around me too!

The forthcoming EP comprises of five songs of which 'ABC's is the first track (and single). It's bright, breezy as are the the next two songs on the EP, with the final two a little softer. Overall it is full of hooks, fun and extremely likeable music, where quirky meets quality in a big way.

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Duke Chevalier - Carneval.

Background promo - Duke Chevalier (Sacramento) is the nom de guerre for the creative output of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Eliot Stern and a loose cast of co-conspirators.  Driven by a desire to make, “meta-modern cosmopolitan pop music,” Duke Chevalier inhabits a Bermuda Triangle of influences where the ghost ships of doo wop, soul music, singer-songwriter, garage rock, electronic, 80’s pop, G funk, and Afro-Caribbean music collide into an eclectic mélange that sounds simultaneously futuristic and primitive, and is imbued with a lyrical depth and identity that transcends the conventions of pop song writing.

 Ace Of Swords is the first record by Duke Chevalier. The songs on Ace Of Swords were written and recorded during sporadic recording sessions at various locations between 2013-2014.  Duke Chevalier says the goal was to record something that “…sounds like music from the Super Sargasso Sea, where space/time boundaries dissolve and everything that ever has or will be exists in this compacted meta-present.”  Whatever that means.

 Sonically, Ace of Swords has a very eclectic “dystopian chic” vibe.  Moog synthesizers growl along with gut string Brazilian folk guitars, and 808 drums dance with cantina horn ensembles.  Great love and affection is shown to the Vibraslap and other Latin percussion instruments.  “We tried really hard to conjure up a sonic space that was like a filthy river after a huge flood,” says Duke Chevalier, “…all these jumbled up influences and ideas bobbing around in this murky trans dimensional bayou.” 

'Carneval' kicks off the five song EP 'Ace of Swords'. It's an incredibly varied collection of songs and defies categorising in any one (or three) genres. I chose to feature the first song as it gives a feel for the richness of the whole EP. Put simply get the EP if you only half like the featured song, it's a good one.

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Globe Trotting: Russell Morgan - Elouise - Meter Bridge - Groovy Bones - Seavera

Russell Morgan - You Don't Feel.

Words from Russell - "You Don't Feel" is from my new album "Begin Simple", which will be released, May 13th 2016, by Ray Recordings. Throughout the writing of the new record my songs developed their own magic, to me, they are documents of moments and feeling or things that’d I’d been a part of, or had witnessed.

Sometimes I can struggle with my writing process, I have to be sincere to myself. You don’t feel represents being true to that ideal. Without a passion you don't feel. My songs were recorded and filmed live by Filippo Gaetani at Wilddog Studio.

The production of the album took on a new phase. We introduced clever rhythmical aspects and electronic instruments, adding to my folk roots. Filippo was key in bringing these aspects to life, forming key parts where necessary and being absolute and true to the production. The idea was to get out of the box, creating new dimensions within these stories. It worked.

The album 'Begin Simple' comprises of eleven songs of which 'You Don't Feel' showcases the sincerity that has gone into this musical collection. At the core may be folk roots, however the album builds around this. Sometimes a blues feel is more to the fore, some songs are stripped back, whilst others build around  the precise musicianship and are more energised. It's a really good collection of songs, if you like the featured track, your in for a great album.

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Elouise - Black Horses.

Background promo - Fuelled by a sordid real-life backdrop of good old fashioned suicides, murders, and alcoholic depravity followed by church on Sunday, Elouise is an eccentric collaboration of Los Angeles-based musicians who came together to create an ominous, raw and cinematic genre of music they identify as Blackgrass. It is the sound of sin and salvation mixed in a dark cocktail with a taste of Bluegrass, a black symphonic sound and weary emotional vocals that tell original tales of struggle and re-imagine songs from our collective Americana consciousness.

Using a mix of Classical and Bluegrass instrumentation combined with an array of eclectic instruments including the marxophone, six-string banjo, bandoneon and harmonium, Elouise layers their sound with dark and beautifully dramatic European strings like the cello and double bass. This idea of low end drone and virtuosic strings combined with sounds from traditional Bluegrass instrumentation is the signature sound of Elouise and Blackgrass. Add in world-weary and guttural vocals paired with instruments like the bandoneon (which produces one of the saddest sounds imaginable) and you get a musical experience that captures a distinctly original, emotionally fraught and unforgettable sound.

Elouise deconstructs and re-imagines classic songs like Amazing Grace, I’ll Fly Away and the sweaty revival tent of Fire and Brimstone (which sounds like an old Alan Lomax field recording) shaking these old chestnuts to their bones, revealing an underbelly of the darkness of Americana standards and turning them into a booze-sodden cry from America’s trailer park soul. Shadow of the Pines pays homage to Bluegrass royals, The Carter Family, with a slower tempo and a musically re-envisioned version of the original, mixing traditional Bluegrass instrumentation with the lonely and weary vocals of Elouise Walker, creating a desperate and beautiful love song reminiscent of early Bluegrass anthologies. Silent Night, a single that debuted around the holidays, is an age-old standard transformed into Elouise’s Blackgrass rendition with swirling strings, menacing vocal and six-string banjo topped off with a culmination of wailing hallelujahs that earned the praise of Blurt, Folk Radio U.K. and 50Thirdand3rd. The songs and recitations in Deep Water are haunting and beautiful, deviant and desperate sonic explorations that stretch the boundaries of Americana Music.

'Black Horses' is just a small flavour of the album 'Deep Water'. The album is something of an epic journey into a genre of music they identify as Blackgrass. The album cover somehow hints at what's in store across thirteen songs. If the vocals don't get you, the surreal collection of instruments and the incredible songs most certainly will. It is at times dark, ominous and intriguing. It is also an alternative work of art, file under excellent.


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Meter Bridge - Filter.

Background promo - On the trail of their recent single 'It Was Nothing', Canadian synthwave duo Meter Bridge have announced they will be releasing their latest maxi-single ‘Filter / Kite’ through WEATNU Records. It includes three tracks - 'Filter', 'Kite' and a Mind Veneration Remix by Mark LaFountain. The two original tracks for this new single feature catchy and crystal clear production with particular attention to the vocals. LaFountain's output is a wicked club mix with a heavy groove, while the original version of 'Kite' features modular synthesis over a minor chord progression, unique quarter time percussion and staccato rhythm. 

Hailing from Nelson, British Columbia, Richard Kleef and Jill Beaulieu have been playing together since 2011, creating a distinctive and unmistakable sonic identity as Meter Bridge, forged of minimalistic groove-infused alternative dance melodies that are seemingly retro and futuristic at the same time. "Our song 'Filter' is a song about persecution and about the complicated process of resistance and assimilation followed by reclamation of spirit and culture," explains Jill Beaulieu. "For the video, film-maker Bryan Webb took our concept of invasion, assimilation and rescue, making it modern and mysterious. It was filmed in studio, as well on location, in several different nearby forests."

"We are very pleased to be involved with Mark Lafountain. He was one of our earliest supporters and we value his work immensely. He added new life into this song, transforming it into something even better than the original," says Jill Beaulieu. Mark LaFountain has been creating and recording electronic music under the alias Mind Veneration since the late 1980’s. Mark's new wave flavored remix of ‘Kite’ was inspired by some of his favorites, including ambient house pioneers The Orb.

“The synth bands of the early 80’s were amazing to me. Howard Jones, Thomas Dolby, Men Without Hats, Soft Cell, Naked Eyes… I couldn’t get enough of that synthetic sound," explains Mark LaFountain. "I eventually stumbled upon the Meter Bridge track ‘Kite’ and I felt as though I were hearing a hidden gem from the likes of The Human League, which I’d never heard before. I played the track relentlessly!”

'Filter' is just half the story, with 'Kite' being the other. Two contrasting songs, the featured track has hallmark synth's and perhaps a respectful nod towards Kraftwerk. The music is expansive, uncluttered and works perfectly for the vocals, which are delightfully 'up' in the mix. 

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Groovy Bones - Again We Went Astray.

Background promo - Everything starts with that little impulse inside you. Sometimes it’s just because of plain boredom or pure coincidence; very often the need to create something comes from the inner need to express yourself in a brand new way. In case of Groovy and his friend Bones both those things were equally important.

The main part of the Groovy Bones experiment consists of only two members because everything started from their early MIDI projects they were scrupulously storing somewhere on their PC’s about ten years ago. Then one beautiful day they made a decision to take their ideas one step further. Groovy had a flair for composing, producing and mixing music and Bones was completely absorbed with learning how to sing and make his own songs. And so they started – armed with good intentions, youthful naivety and complete lack of money and experience.

Years passed and the project luckily survived all the obstacles on its way. Groovy and Bones changed, got older and wiser, they also acquired some essential knowledge to give their project the form they both expected. Hundreds of hours of basement recordings, bottomless ocean of coffee, one destroyed guitar (in powerless anger) and countless phone calls – begging different people to take part in their project and to help them record something: some guitar tracks, a trumpet solo, a bass lines and all that needed stuff. Moments of plain happiness when the song is finished and moments of pure despair when some of the work is good for nothing and lands in a trash bin.

Its time to say goodbye to making the Groovy Bones: Experiment GB1 and to say hello to creating completely new GB2 material but with Your help there is a chance for our loooong work to finally see the daylight, Groovy Bones and many other people involved are convinced it’s worth it.

Twelve beautiful songs, mixing blues, jazz and even a little soul, in a variety of tempos and arrangements. That it took considerable effort and time to arrive with this collection, may be a pertinent issue for Groovy Bones, as a listener, what can I say other than to echo the sentiment that it was and remains worth it.

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Seavera - Caving.

Background promo - After living in three states, seven bedrooms, and accumulating almost two years of song writing under her belt, 21 year old Tori Zietsch decided she was ready to embark on a musical project under the moniker Seavera.

Consisting of her own brand of lo-fi beats, sparkly layers, honeyed vocals, and heavyweight emotions, “Caving” is saturated in honesty, laden with intimacy, and stirred by darkness.

Exploring the fear of being exposed, a violent plea to a lover to be cut open, the debut single “Caving” was recorded across spaces throughout Northern NSW and the quiet suburban streets of Melbourne’s Fitzroy North, and mixed by Grammy Award nominated engineer Andrei Eremin (Chet Faker, Hiatus Haiyote, Montgomery, The Harpoons, Wafia, Banoffee).

'Caving' sets the bar high for Seavera. Intimate and emotionally powerful, this is such a beautifully layered song, that halfway through the first listen, you know your going to have to play it again.

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Genre Wander: ElleKaye - Blaak Heat - Esma Project - Astorian

ElleKaye - Di Caprio.

Background promo - Unsurprisingly, the track has recently grabbed the attention of BBC Introducing London who recently named the south coast four-piece their featured artist. Absolutely soaked in catchy hooks, the new single “Di Caprio by Ellekaye has managed to turn heads and perk ears in the Brighton music scene. In a town where “anything goes” it’s often hard to get noticed but raised on a diet of 90’s dynamos such as Blur, Supergrass and Suede, Ellekaye’s sound is one of true distinct diversity and is a clear niche heard amongst today’s sounds.

You can’t help but admire the nonchalant, defiant attitude from these newcomers as they effortlessly bridge the gap from retro to modern with their sound. “Di Caprio”, the new single from the young quartet released this week boasts infectious guitar lines and vocals that are both familiar and unique making this track rise above the numerous in-vogue bands from their trendy home town. The track has subtle moments of humour reminiscent of Pulp mixed with the intelligence of artists such as Talking Heads and David Bowie. Dress sense and lyrics as sharp as a cat’s claw, singer (Lewis Kane) reminds you of a Morrissey you could have a pint with.

"Ever been dumped, of course you have. Ever been dumped for a better looking boy or girl, of course you have - Di Caprio is a bitter sweet story of love, betrayal and Hollywood" - Ellekaye

Before the band were even a year old they had recorded with producer Ken Paul (David Bowie) and headlined the Camden Roundhouse for the Annual Farah Fridays. Since then, the group have been on a non-stop upwards rise joining the Ordinary Boys for sold out shows, a UK tour with 90’s Brit-Pop icons My Life Story and main stage appearances at ‘Brownstock Fesitval’ and the award-winning ‘Y Not Festival’.  Along with backing from BBC Introducing, it’s no wonder the band have been chosen to perform at this year’s Great Escape Festival in Brighton (20th May).

It took a while to edit the above promo into some kind of sense (someone copied and pasted the original in the dark, I think). It was worth it though as this is such a good song, and it can be downloaded free, which is quite a gift for something this fine. Excellent vocals, smart band, I suspect they will get noticed.


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Blaak Heat - Mola Mamad Djan.

Bakgronud promo - Blaak Heat, the Parisian-American psych/stoner/eastern rock trio, have shared their new track 'Mola Mamad Djan'. Out May 13th on Svart (Oranssi Pazuzu, Beastmilk, Opium Warlords), the track is the second single from the 'Shifting Mirrors' album.

Originally performed as a traditional Middle Eastern folk song throughout the years (With versions by Farida Mahwash, Abdul Rahim Sarban and many others), this track celebrates its Afghan and Persian origins in a heavier, modernist fashion.

The track is ritualistic, drone infused, and laden with groove; it seamlessly merges fuzz drenched stoner-rock riffs whilst resting upon a rich history of musical tradition, drawing from the Middle East as naturally as from California’s deserts and beaches. The end-result is a timeless, vivid blend of thundering psychedelic rock and Arabian tonalities, an altar to heavy riffage, mind expansion, and social insurgencies.

I sometimes wonder how ideas like this come to be. Mixing up genres and styles is one thing, but "lets do a psych come stoner type middle eastern folk instrumental" well that's a little different. It is however, superb and addictive. More please!


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Esma Project - Happiness is Free.

Background promo - Esma Project is the ever evolving and versatile outfit for chief songwriter, producer and instrumentalist Erik Esma. A DIY approach has seen Esma Project busk the streets and play venues in the United Kingdom, France, Russia, the Netherlands and Erik’s native Italy. Now calling Fremantle home, Esma Project have been embracing the streets and stages, soaking up all the famous port has to offer.

The first official Australian single has arrived in the form of ’Happiness is Free’ taken from the forthcoming album ‘Surf the Change’. Erik explains the reasoning behind penning a track like ‘Happiness Is Free’,“Happiness gives you the brush for painting all the concrete canvases around you. It gives you the power to be as fresh as the water of the ocean, cleaning the mud of habit from your daily life.”

As if in an almost modus operandi for Esma Project, Erik adds “In almost every single moment you can choose to smile. Happiness is your choice and happiness is free so waste it wisely.” ‘Happiness is Free’ is out now via all good digital retailers.

'Happiness Is Free' revolves around upbeat vocals and sharp funky guitar lead music. It exudes energy and fresh vibes, you just have to enjoy this one.


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Astorian - Night Flight.

Background promo - Based in Switzerland, Astorian are a four-piece lead by Alexandra Schmidt (lead vocal), Olivier Bruchez (guitar,) Luis Alameda (bass, synthesiser, B.V) and Pascal Evard (drums).

Night Flight is their debut six track EP, a musically cohesive offering of melodic spatial indie pop with undeniable rock energy and new wave undertones. Lead track Night Flight is available for free download via soundcloud on April 25th.

Alexandra’s vocal has crystal clarity, strong and with a unique rock edge she is a front-woman who brings real depth to Astorian. The music is bursting with catchy guitar riffs; spatial melodies, chasing drums and beautiful harmonies and throughout dark atmospherics they still manage to sound uplifting too. Their music is influenced by 90’s Brit Pop melodies and the romanticism of New Wave, citing bands such as Oasis, The Cure, Pixies and The Jesus & Mary Chain as inspirations.

Astorian however are very much on their own path finding a new way of mixing both nostalgia and current sounds with musical hope.  Astorian have already been well received by their home country Switzerland with numerous airplays across national radio stations including Couleur 3 and Retetre.

The band are currently touring the Night Flight EP in Switzerland and Europe with plans to bring their emotive live show with striking audio visuals to the UK later in the year. They have previously supported Motorama and Girls Names amongst others and for full upcoming gig listings check here.

This is a really pleasing EP with six fine songs included. Featured and title track 'Night Flight' pretty much typifies what's in store in terms of quality. The band also mix things up with some creative ideas, in what is broadly indie pop and rock.

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Saturday Specials: Feral Love - Mercury Girls - Close Lobsters

Feral Love - Like The Wind.

Background words - Feral Love formed when Adele Emmas and Christian Sandford emerged from the ashes of Bird, a band who were on the cusp of success having played BBC Radio 6 Music's festival alongside Damon Albarn and Haim, were championed extensively by the UK music press and had their music featured on TV's Sky Sports, The Killing and The Messengers.

When Bird suddenly disappeared, Emmas and Sanford spent a year in a damp, windowless basement studio writing, emerging only when they knew they'd arrived at the sound they'd been striving for.

Recorded at Parr Street Studios with Chris Taylor (Hooton Tennis Club, Bill Ryder-Jones), 'Like the Wind' is Feral Love's debut single and is released on Edge Hill University's The Label Recordings.

Live Dates:
1st May - FESTEVOL, Camp and Furnace, Liverpool (W Steve Mason and Juliette and The Licks)
5th May - The Bedroom Bar, London
18th May - Heavenly Social, London
29th May - Sound City, Liverpool  

'Like The Wind' is melodic, full of hooks and so well put together. Loosely labelled as electronic, it's more of an anthem and a reminder of just how good pop music still can be.

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Mercury Girls - Ariana.

Background promo - Philadelphia, PA’s Mercury Girls features Sarah Schimineck, Kevin Attics, Andrew Hagiwara, Chris Schackerman, and Kevin O'Halloran. Schimineck, formerly of NYC Popfest alums Pet Milk is flanked by the shimmery and adventurous guitar interplay of Attics (Literature, former Pitchfork Media) and O'Halloran (of indie heroes Little Big League, Run For Cover Records). Hagiwara and Schackerman provide a sturdy rhythmic base, creating a sound that's equally lush and driving, using Sarah Records-inspired pop as a basis for  savvy de-/reconstruction and sonic experimentation. Despite having only started in March of 2015, the group has achieved a lot. They've collected many endorsements, including those from Chickfactor Magazine, Pains of Being Pure at Heart's Kip Berman and NPR,  they've shared the stage with bands such as Expert Alterati ons, Joanna Gruesome, Beverly, TEEN, Eternal Summers, and their 2016 SxSW visit was a head-turning, mind-melting blast.

Now they cap of their first year with the release of their debut single, Ariana.  While their sound uses classic indiepop as a jumping-off point, there are bits of shoegaze, post-punk and DIY punk in the mix that recall like-minded bands like Veronica Falls, Makthaverskan, Fear of Men and Frankie Rose. "Ariana" is gorgeous tangle of chorused, jangling guitars and Sarah's dreamlike vocals. A marvelous two and a half minutes of perfect, forward-thinking pop. On the flip, "All That Heaven Allows" leans more on the band's post-punk inspirations, marked by a careening rhythm and a huge chorus that will stick in your head for days.

Ariana is out May 20th, just in time for the band's engagement at NYC Popfest alongside legends The Primitives and The Chesterfields. The spring is looking to be fully scheduled with shows up and down the east coast, keeping the band busy while they write and record their highly-anticipated debut album. (Pre order Here).

Upcoming shows:
04/29 – Bethlehem, PA – Ice House (w/ Brother JT)
05/12 – Philadelphia, PA – PhilaMOCA (DJ Set w/ Radiator Hospital, Spook School, Bent Shapes, + Littler)
05/15 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts (w/ King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
05/20 – Philadelphia, PA – Space 1026 (Steve Keene Art Gala w/ The Snow Fairies, My Favorite)
05/21 – NYC – Knitting Factory (NYC Popfest w/ The Primitives, The Chesterfields, + more)
06/11 – NYC – Cake Shop (Slumberland/Kanine Records/Culture Collide Showcase w/ Flowers, Expert Alterations, + more)
06/14 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brendas (w/Flowers, Beverly).

There's a little bit of genre hopping on this pleasing debut single 'Ariana'. At it's core I guess is indie pop, however as it rightly indicates above the band are not glued to just that. With a song that comes in at two and a half minutes Mercury Girls have made sure every second counts.

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Close Lobsters - Under London Skies.

Background promo - It's been nearly two years since Shelflife has had the pleasure of putting out new music from the eternal Close Lobsters, and we're proud to say that this will be changing shortly. On June 2, we are extremely excited to be releasing the Scottish band's new EP featuring "Under London Skies" b/w "Wander Epic Part II" on limited gold 7" vinyl with download and digital formats. The digital download also features "Wander Epic Parts I & II" and "Wander Epic Part III" as well as an alternate mix of "Under London Skies".

These self-proclaimed "Post-Neo-Anti-Close Lobsters" are back in a big way, and with these two tracks you'll be quickly convinced of that. The A-side, "Under London Skies," serves as both a lament and ode for London- the radical London of The Clash, the Rock London of The Only Ones and Flesh for Lulu, and the Libertarian London of The Mob and the June Brides. There's a lot of history (both musical and otherwise) tied closely with London, and if any band is gonna do justice to that fact it's undoubtedly our trusted Close Lobsters. If that sounds like a big subject to tackle, the single's B-side "Wander Epic Part II" will make you think again. Calling the song an epic is no exaggeration; the band has described it as a yearning for the vast and endless sea. The song is both a wanderlust and a pilgrimage, designed to take the listener on a journey as huge as the subject matter they're tackling.

This is one really superb song and it's not alone, the EP is exceptional. Close Lobsters create a passionate, natural and earnest sound and then deliver songs so catchy, that hitting the replay button becomes compulsive.

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Down Under Triple Play: Elli Schoen - Babaganouj - Kinsky

Elli Schoen - Hard Heart.

Background promo - With immediate spins from Triple J's Home and Hosed and Unearthed Radio, 'Hard Heart' is quickly resonating with critics and listeners alike for its stripped-back honesty and throat-catching emotion. The track features exquisite layered harmonies, frank lyrics, and tender melodies - but the true star is Schoen’s voice that soars with remarkable expression. She answers the unmet expectations of a disappointing boyfriend with an indie-folk tale that’s equal parts sorrowful and empowering, sassy and wise. Just think of it as the most redemptive break-up song you’ve ever heard.

"Hard Heart is about when someone hurts you and you never truly regain that vulnerability," says Schoen. "But it has an uplifting feel and energy towards it, it's a break-up song that isn't depressing." The song was produced by pop heavyweight Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe, Meg Mac) who has a knack for nosing out bangers and polishing hidden gems. Joel says of the sessions, "Elli's performance on Hard Heart is arresting and more than a little heartbreaking. I was kinda blown away when she did this vocal, it hits you right between the eyes."

Recently supporting Gang of Youths, Abbe May and Katy Steele, Schoen is set to take her live show around the country (details TBA), while also putting the finishing touches on her new material. "I'm so excited to launch onto the national music scene and release
an album. It hasn't been a quick shoot to stardom, it’s been a slow burning journey but it's worth the wait," she explains. "I’ve learnt a lot and grown a lot - both as an artist and a person. The time is now right."

'Hard Heart' demonstrates clearly the superb vocals of Elli Schoen. The song is a little reminiscent of First Aid Kit material, nothing wrong with that, this is high quality indie folk and it's no surprise that Elli is getting noticed.

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Babaganouj - Do Rite With Me Tonite.

Background promo - Drenched in Brisbane pride, power pop-rock outfit Babaganouj have grown a legion of fans since their 2011 inception. While keeping with their distinctly Australian style, The Nouj’s sound is reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, and Yuck, taking inspiration from Creation Records and Flying Nun classics.

In 2014, the band gained serious radio attention with their releases ‘Too Late For Love’ and ‘Bluff’. This success took them on a number of headlining tours, as well as each leg of the Blurst of Times festival tour. Along with frontman Charles Sale’s signature on-stage power lunges, the Triple J Unearthed favourites have supported the likes of The Preatures, Smudge, Veruca Salt, The Lemonheads, Northeast Party House and The Creases.

Continuing their powerhouse rise, 2015 saw Babaganouj play at the inaugural Mates festival in Sydney, Brisbane’s Bigsound conference, and come in as finalists for Qmusic’s Billy Thorpe scholarship. They also released their singles ‘Can’t Stop’ and ‘Hit Song’ to a head-boppingly enthusiastic reception.

Looking forward, the trio of writers is set to record three EPs in 2016, showcasing each member’s vocal talents. As well as their own headline tours, they’ll continue to spread their sound through festivals and international supports throughout the east coast. In everything ‘Nouj produces are infectious lyrics, intense riffs and unreal magnetism.

Babaganouj 'Pillar Of Light’ Tour

Friday 22nd April 2016 - Waywards, Sydney NSW - Babaganouj takeover night
Saturday 23rd April 2016 - The Toff In Town, Melbourne VIC
Sunday 24th April 2016 - Spotted Cow, Toowoomba QLD w/ Good Boy
Friday 29th April 2016 - The Helm, Sunshine Coast QLD w/ Good Boy
Saturday 30th April 2016 - Minimum Wage Club, Shark Bar, Gold Coast QLD w/ Good Boy
Friday 6th May 2016 - Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane QLD

We featured Babaganouj back in September 2015, and along comes another EP that's just to good to pass up on. With energy and spark the band deliver up some more power pop and rock, full of hooks and charm.

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Kinsky - I Am The Mountain.

Background promo - After their critically acclaimed 2013 debut album Sunset On The Good Fight, Sydney soul roots band Kinsky are back with a new 6 track EP The Edge Of The Wine-Dark Sea slated for release in 2016. The band is excited to announce the lead single off the EP “I Am The Mountain”. 

In the past 2 years the 9-piece have shared the stage with international acts such as The Skatalites, Groundation and Balkan Beat Box as well as top Australian acts such as Dubmarine and Kingfisha to name a few, quickly becoming prominent faces in the Australian roots music scene, commanding legions of fans along the way. 

Songwriter and lead singer Ernie Garland teamed up once again with legendary Catalan studio engineer Enric Carbonell in Tokyo to mix the new tracks at the esteemed Volta Studios resulting in their biggest, warmest, jumping-out-of-the-speakers-sounding record to date. A swinging reggae groove with a punchy, horn-laden hook, “I Am The Mountain” is a big-sounding, emotive take on the power of collective change when the wellbeing of current and future generations is under threat from greedy, short-sighted, big-moneyed agendas. 

“We’re seeing it locally in Australia where there’s a constant struggle, a constant push-back by people who will be directly or indirectly affected by a government’s poorly thought policy to hand over prime agricultural lands to big miners. It’s insane. If big miners are allowed to go in unchecked to dig up our food bowls then we will be left with nothing but slag-piles and ugly holes in the ground and a permanently damaged water table. To secure our future we must manage the land sustainably and respectfully. It shouldn’t be a hard concept to grasp.” 

Upcoming Shows 
Sat 23rd April - Venue 505, Surry Hills NSW
Fri 6th May - Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW 

Kinsky deliver up a potent and powerful reggae vibe with 'I Am The Mountain'. The song is beautifully produced and strikes a really good balance both musically and vocally, so that every part stands out with sonic clarity. Wonderful!


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Friday Five: TH'FIKA - Hemingway - Júníus Meyvant - Colorworks - Mokita x Kaptan

TH'FIKA - Stranger.

Background promo - ‘Stranger’ is the debut single from upcoming Gold Coast band TH’FIKA. The track as the name suggests, talks about the emotions related to becoming a ‘stranger’ in somebody else's eyes. ‘Stranger’ is a creative response of disappointment and anger to a one sided relationship. Originally It was never meant to be a song for the band but an emotional vent to gain closure. When Michael heard Lily sing stranger in its raw essence he could feel her pain. They re-wrote the song from two perspectives; a back and forth argumentative song. This being one out of the two Alt/Rock songs on their EP, it really came together when drummer Mitch Clark got involved. Stranger is the harsh reality of growing apart which you get to hear from the vulnerable exchange of vocals.

Rewind to 2010, two high school students, having never met before are auditioning to study music at university. They meet, they sing together, they bond over mutual influences and both leave the audition without nothing other than the exchange of first names. A few months on with both of them being accepted into their degree, they look over mid lecture and spot each other. That’s when Lily and Michael officially became friends, not long between that time did they start writing music together.

Fast forward to the end of 2013. The pair take a contract to perform in Japan for 4 months, it is then where the first idea of TH’FIKA (fee-ka) was born. Over the winter season in Japan's busiest ski village, the duo took to writing in their breaks (~Fika; Swedish for coffee break) and finding a sound of their own in between performing 6 nights a week. Becoming socialites amongst the lifestyle and intake of travellers from around the world, working as paid musicians, the duo found themselves living in nothing other than a surreal 4 months…in the village that never slept.

Drawing influences from such artists as The XX, London Grammar, The Naked and Famous and The Temper Trap. Alternative indie rock band TH’FIKA eagerly await their debut release and the future sounds to come.

Now, 2016. With the arrival of drummer Mitch Clarke, the trio are set to release their debut EP later this year, with their ‘Stranger’ single to drop April 15th.

'Stranger' may have some similarities with the above mentioned artist's, however it stands on it's own as a fine and refined song, with bags of melody and atmosphere.

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Hemingway - Unified.

Background promo - Popular Brisbane band Hemingway will release their new single “Unified” on May 6th through The A&R Department shortly before taking off on an Australian headline tour in July.

Brothers Brad and Christian Hemingway have been making music together since they could hold an instrument, a “do or die” pact to make a career out of the music they love to write. Sourcing bassist Cheyne Starkie and drummer Brad “Animal” Williams from their circle of friends to form Brisbane four-piece Hemingway, a unique blend of Alternative-Rock, Funk and Reggae in January 2015.

“Unified” was recorded locally at the Tanuki Lounge studio in Brisbane’s West End, co-produced with and mixed by Paulie B, mastered by Jack The Bear Deluxe Mastering in Melbourne.

“I don’t think we have had an easier time in the studio than we did recording this song, all the tracks seemed to be done in one or two takes and the vibe of the song was just there from the start. Paulie really helped us spill everything onto the page with this song and capture the essence of our sound.” – Brad Hemingway, lead vocals & rhythm guitar.

The first release of their upcoming EP in 2017, “Unified” is a bold new release with a strong political message questioning negative propaganda being fed to the public through the media. The lyrics are a message directed at the growing number of individuals recognising the issue and uniting against fear to choose positivity and compassion. “Unified” by Hemingway will be released 6th of May 2016.

With a funky reggae feel 'Unified' mixes up the styles and with bold dynamic vocals, can't help but be noticed. That it has a message as well, just feels right.


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Júníus Meyvant - Neon Experience.

Background promo - Westman Islands singer-songwriter Júníus Meyvant has recently caused big waves in Scandinavia after being the star of the Icelandic Music Awards-winning Best Newcomer and Best Song as well as being nominated for Best Male Singer and Best Song this year.

From relentlessly touring and selling out halls and venues across Europe, Júníus has been receiving a lot of recognition from his unique soulful folk-pop sound. This lead to plays on Radio X, BBC Radio London and Amazing Radio. Impressively, his debut single Color Decay caused quite a stir in his homeland-reaching number 1 on National Radio and then being chosen by KEXP’s Programming Director Kevin Cole as Song Of The Year. Moreover, Júníus’ fascinating guitar playing has left him compared to the talented Ben Howard.

Júníus Meyvant is back with his new single Neon Experience. By incorporating various fragments of soul, folk, pop and indie together, the result presents his creative abilities of the highest order. There’s depth, there’s feeling and intricacy, which the listener can wrap their ears in. The Aloe Blacc-style vocal performance with the Graffiti6-esque hooks, despite being 6 minutes long, can be heard repeatedly whilst retaining its magic. Oh, and there’s a mid-tempo sonic surprise in the middle…

Neon Experience is now available, very much increasing the appetite for the LP Floating Harmonies, out 8th July.

Musically 'Neon Experience' is crisp, soulful and precise, providing just the right backdrop for Junius Meyvant's super cool vocals. There is a classic soul feel running through the song, that magnetically pulls you into the groove.

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Colorworks - Daydreams.

Background promo - Colorworks intuitively indite hyper-melodic pop creations driven by swooning harmonies and sun-chiming guitar orchestration. With shrewd co-action, the quartet features the impressive skills of songwriters and vocal duo Bret Dylan (guitar) and Nick Myette (bass) alongside percussionist Andrew Ginn and guitarist/keyboardist David Easton.

The band has made many elated live new music fans in the NW with its high-voltage shows in support of their 2015 debut Joyla Red EP, looking forward to their upcoming 2016 releases. At their fun and generous shows, their sound is so powerful they add to their ear-popping originals cover medleys featuring the zest of the Zombies, the tonality of the Byrds, and the retro kick of the Kinks.

The new double A-side release Dreams of Mangoes features two super-tasty brand new songs, “Daydreams” and “Pears and Mangoes.” These are vivid meditations on riding bikes, daydreaming, and buying fruit from the farmer’s market — reflecting the joyous thrills of the band. Two older fan favourites round out the EP as well. Videos are finished for three of the tracks, to be released over the coming weeks. Stay tuned, in full color, of course.

Upcoming Live Shows:
4/21 @ The Central with Echo Ravine and Fian
4/23 @ The Rendezvous with P.S. and Plaza
Presented by PAC NW - Colorworks are going to film and multitrack this show.
4/30 @ The Metta Room in Port Angeles with Bryan John Appleby and Goldbones.
This is the second instalment of Metta Madness; Colorworks’ monthly Port Angeles residency/Seattle showcase.
5/6  @ Blue Moon w/ Pastel Motel and Heptagon
5/7 @ 107.7 The End's Taco Truck Challenge w/ New Beat Fund (Southern Cali) and Naked Giants

The new double A side single includes the featured track 'Daydreams', and an equally pleasing 'Pears and Mangoes'. It's upbeat feel good vibes can't help but get under the skin, if melodic pop is your thing, then Colorworks are well worth checking out.


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Mokita x Kaptan - Dreamer.

Background promo - There exists a clear distinction between a musician and an artist. Take one listen to producer Mokita and you are introduced to the difference. A true triple threat, the multi-instrumentalist who plays from the heart has a gift for capturing melody, channeling ambience, telling compelling stories, and putting his brooding pop touch on each song that you’ll soon recognize as signature. 

Further demonstrating Mokita’s boundless ability to draw upon ‘near to the bone’ emotions and wrap them perfectly in an infectious indie-pop sheen, Dreamer brings fellow Nashville producer and singer-songwriter Kaptan’s pop sensibilities to the forefront. The result is pacifying to the ears.

“I’ve played some shows with Kaptan earlier this year and we've talked about doing a collaboration for a while. The idea of the song is pretty simple. It's just call to keep going no matter what the circumstances. There are so many elements in life that can easily drag you down, but you just have to dig deep and keep on keeping on.” - Mokita.

This is a great melodic song. Mixing genres a little adds to the interest and the overall production is spot on. Vocals really are the icing on the cake!

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