Saturday &: Shapes On Tape - Otto Niklasson Elmerås - Night Lights

Shapes On Tape - Personal Enemy #1

Background promo - Shapes on Tape's latest release is a tongue-in-cheek exploration of the merit, or lack thereof, of the quite possibly the most insufferable lawyer in all of New York City. Over a bouncing baseline and neon synths, the duo expounds on the extraordinary suckitude of this profoundly hateful individual. The track is synthy dance rock with a dark edge.

Said the band: "The practice of law can be profoundly frustrating and has required me at times to say things like 'This is the kind of dumb ass pissing contest that makes the practise of law so unpleasant so often. You know that, right,' or 'I have no interest in hackneyed lawyer games. Life is far too short for me to engage in such trivialities. I cordially invite to you refrain from them and I will return the favour.' Sometimes, though, a person--a particular guy in this instance--is just so unpleasant, so incapable of professional courtesy, so inexplicably (and ironically) insulting, that the only way to really show him is by retreating to your bedroom and telling him what's up in the form of song. Yeah, I really showed him. ;) So, yeah, this song is just a very short lived and perhaps just a little bit petty and most certainly very hyperbolic rage fit. But it sure made me feel better at the time."

We featured Shapes On Tapes back in February, and the new song 'Personal Enemy Number 1' is already proving popular judging by the number of listens already. It's another bubbly synth laden song with hooks galore and words that helped their writer get something out of their system.

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Otto Niklasson Elmerås - We Fell Asleep When We Were Young.

Background words - Otto Niklasson Elmerås has been working on his debut EP for 3 years, while promising himself he would finish this project no matter how many times doubt would hit him along the way.

And now we’re finally facing it – four tracks liken a patchwork of the past 10 years of Otto’s life. The songs reflect life itself, pending between depressingly hopeless and euphorically hopefull with a soft soundscape filled with finesse, unique for 2016. From the initial, heavy ”We Fell Asleep When We We’re Young” via the break up in ”Johanna” to the deeply apocalyptic ”When You Drown”.

Otto tells us: ”This song is based on an idea I had of the brain slowing down the perception of time to a level where time appears to cease, while it exhausts its last endorphines in an eternal rush. 

'We Fell Asleep When We Were Young' is a touching song, and one of four really good pieces on the debut EP. It's indicative of how rich and personal all the songs are and how finely developed the soundtracks are.


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Night Lights - Expectations.

Bacvkground promo - Night Lights will be releasing their upcoming EP, Expectations, in June 2016. With members from Mexico, Japan, California, and Norway, Night Lights brings together an eclectic assortment of indie, rock, and soul influenced sounds effortlessly moving the listener in a different state of mind. Like an upbeat lovechild of Coldplay and Keane.

Night Lights is a mixture of "hooky melodies, danceable tunes and intriguing harmonic progressions. With releases like "Childish" and "Gimme," the band has garnered praise from L.A. Weekly to taste makers like Indie Shuffle and Earmilk, and their debut EP, Expectations, prepares to showcase Night Lights own unique styling of indie rock.

The title track 'Expectations' is pretty indicative of what's in store on the six track EP. Musically upbeat and somewhere between power pop and indie rock, the band delivers a tight performance, along with some very catchy songs.

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Genre Wander: The Blackheart Orchestra - BKBirge - George Sarah - Staycations - The Medicine Hat

The Blackheart Orchestra - Keep The Light In.

Background promo - Manchester based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist duo The Blackheart Orchestra bring a heavenly fusion of acoustic folk, progressive pop and modern classical composition with new single “Keep The light In” released Friday 24th June.

Minimalist and fragile, “Keep The Light In” weaves melodies and atmospherics to create an ethereal musical landscape drawing comparisons with the likes of The Cure and London Grammar while Chrissy Mostyn’s captivating vocals soar, reminiscent of Kate Bush. Combining ancient synthesisers and modern songwriting, The Blackheart Orchestra create an enchanting masterpiece leaving the listener with no choice but to cling on to every note through to the track’s rich and rewardingly layered climactic end.

Often mistaken for an 8-piece band on first listen, The Blackheart Orchestra can be found on stage with a multitude of instruments ranging from guitars, piano and electronic beats to vintage synthesisers, omnichord, and flugelhorn. Comprising of long term collaborators Chrissy Mostyn and Richard Pilkington, the duo have seen their 3 previous albums, extensive touring across the UK, Europe and Australia and playing close to 1000 shows amass a large and loyal following ahead of their forth album to be released later this year.

11/06    Hartlebury     Hall
18/06    Colmworh     St Denys Church
25/06    Nantwich     Worleston Hall
13/08    Ravenglass     Muncaster Hall

'Keep The Light In' from The Blackheart Orchestra (Chrissy Mostyn and Richard Pilkington) sees the duo presenting a lighter and quite minimalist song. Melodic and with the vocals well up in the mix, it's a very pleasing song.

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BKBirge - Imagination Town.

Background promo - bkbirge is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience behind and in front of the glass. He has written hundreds of songs, produced for dozens of artists, and performed as a solo artist on several records. He brings an encyclopedic knowledge of musical style to every project while adhering to the “if it sounds good it is good” philosophy of production.

His solo albums “Down The Hole” (2014) and "Imagination Town" (2016) have been released by Nub Country records distributed by The Orchard. They have elements of psychedelia, funk, jazz, and rock; for fans of Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel, Ian Drury, XTC, Bootsy Collins, The Tubes, The Cars, Mike Oldfield, Vangelis, Roxy Music, John Hyatt, Steve Earle, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Meters, Gang of Four, Dwight Yoakam, The Cramps, Bill Laswell, Stump, and Booker T.

As a bass and keyboard player as well as writer he has worked with the influential art rock psychedelic groups the Sealers and the Ex-Sealers. The Sealers single “Wombat Rhythms” was picked for inclusion into the weird-out album “Topped With Fudge” (VA). His brush with greatness came when Frank Zappa heard a Sealers album given to him by his daughter Moon and called up the guitar player to say what a cool record it was. The guitar player thought he was being pranked and told Frank to eff off. He has also worked with Pat Boone and was once uncomfortably touched by Jerry Falwell.

Engineering and production credits include Iggy Pop, North Carolina State Symphony, underground punk pioneers Sloppy Seconds, Grammy winning gospel artist Sandy Patti, Royce Campbell (longtime guitarist for Henry Mancini), upright bass virtuoso Ratzo Harris, and Latin Grammy nominee guitarist Juan Manuel.

I was not sure which song to feature from the album Imagination Town, so I took the easy way out and went with the title track. The album takes the listener in a variety of directions and musical styles, sometimes quite off the wall, but always interesting and sometimes quite stunning.

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George Sarah - Min and Elsa.

Background promo - George Sarah's new 3-track EP takes the electronic composer in a more mellow West Coast chillwave sound, with three instrumental tracks that are much more dance floor-friendly and optimistic than the at-times harsh onslaught of his previous release Timelapse. Gentle beats, arpeggiated synths, sweeping pads, and piano make for a lovely experience on the title track “Min and Elsa,” while “Reverence and Unknowing” references a bit of Sarah’s dark industrial past. Side two’s extended 11min. track “Forgotten Animals” has a driving, minimal feel evoking early 80’s electronic music.

Electronic composer and multi-instrumentalist George Sarah has been a mainstay on the Los Angeles music scene since 1985. He has achieved critical acclaim for his unique brand of electronic chamber music. Sarah performs his original compositions from a bank of synthesisers and drum machines alongside a trio of live strings, bridging the normally discrete musical worlds of electronic and classical

George Sarah has scored 28 episodes for the Discovery network. In Aug 2008 he composed music for the ceremonies at the 2008 summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. His songs have been featured on the hit CBS shows "CSI", CSI NY, Paul Haggis’s Family Law, the Oprah Winfrey show, HBO’s “Addiction” "History Detectives" on PBS, Chris Rock's "Everybody hates Chris" ‘Everwood’ on WB, scored 1 episode for EWTN and performed his songs on the hit TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Three Episodes), and has had his music played on Buffy spin-off ‘Angel’ as well as in eight feature films and documentary’s including “Bra Boys” narrated by Russell Crowe and “On the line” featuring Susan Sarandon and Martin Sheen. His songs have been licensed to many networks including Style, TLC, and Spike.

'Min And Elsa' is one of three good tracks on the new EP. It's a synth lovers dream, full of good west coast vibes and highly catchy melodies.

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Staycations - The Enemy.

Background promo - Having recently played alongside the likes of Lonely The Brave, High Tyde and playing sets at festivals such as Secret Garden Party and Rhythms of the World, Staycations new material is a statement of intent. Full of racing guitars and strong drumbeats reminiscent of LA-style surf pop, there are also influences of Peace, JAWS and Superfood to be heard here. Staycations music is familiar but it remains individual throughout thanks to the beguiling idiosyncratic vocals from frontman Lewis Hall and the satisfyingly off-kilter guitar riffs and intricate rhythms from the rest of the band.

Speaking about 'The Enemy' the band said: "The Enemy is an anti-love song. It’s about the feeling of an unrequited sense of admiration towards someone you really care about and who you’d do anything for but you know they wouldn’t in return. It’s kind of depressing the more we think about it."

With real heads for song craft on the bodies of such young musicians, their new single perfectly captures the spirit, zeal and electricity of what it is to be young and restless in 2016. As a taster of what’s yet to come ‘The Enemy’ is over before you know it, and is likely to leave listeners and their well-earned fans eager in anticipation for their next release. This is material is completely new territory for Staycations, and it’s one that is likely to please fans and newcomers alike.

'The Enemy' showcases the Staycations' in a very positive light. Hook laden alt or indie rock sounds, the vocals punch above a very tightly delivered soundtrack. It's one of those play it again songs, always a good sign.

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The Medicine Hat - New Survival.

Background promo - The Medicine Hat is a five-piece band from Hamilton, Ontario making experimental pop music. Front woman Nabi Sue Bersche's nimble, raw lyricism is illuminated by a voice like holy fire: blistering and purifying. Focused guitar work dances with the hypnotic timbres and soaring melodies of analog synthesisers.

Deft lines and dangerous grooves are intoned by a disciplined drum & bass combo. Chaos lurks beneath the surface of The Medicine Hat's tight motifs and rhythmic trances, erupting into moments of prophetic ecstasy. Their live performances are wild affairs. Brimstone at their heels, The Medicine Hat's contagious energy turns rooms into reveries.

The Medicine Hat has played festivals and dark rooms across Canada with innumerable class acts. They recently collaborated with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra in an ambitious and innovative performance piece. The Medicine Hat will be debuting songs from their self-titled record in June of 2016.

It's always good to finish off a new music round up with something special and 'New Survival' does the job very well. There is a sense of restrained emotion in the vocals, whilst the music is melodic and so well delivered. More please!

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Triple Play: Verticoli - The Halls - Gregory Alan Isakov

Verticoli - Positions.

Background promo - Hobart's Verticoli have served up new single ‘Positions’, a snarling slice of alt-rock that taps into the vein of some of Australia’s most loved nineties-esque guitar driven bands.

Following on from ‘Punching Bag’, last year’s full length that spawned the singles ‘Happiness’ and ‘Head Things, Verticoli teamed up with producer Rob Long (Shihad, Magic Dirt, Violent Soho) to deliver the brooding and melodious track. Frontman Sam Hunn says of ‘Positions’, “The song is about speaking your mind, even if that might be something people don't necessarily want to hear.”

After supporting the likes of DZ Deathrays, The Delta Riggs, Kingswood and more, the lads will be hitting - The Republic Bar July 2 to support arguably the hardest gigging band in the country, British India (Oztix).

‘Positions’ will be available on a limited edition split 7” vinyl with killer Melbourne rock duo The Hunted Crows, who will be joining Verticoli for a co-headline run this July.

Verticoli treat us to a straight down the line, guitar lead piece of alt rock, with plenty of edge in the vocals. 'Positions' has something of timeless feel to it, as a good old rock'n'roll song so often does.

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The Halls - Lemonade.

Background promo - Introducing The Halls, Brisbane’s freshest musical enigma, and their debut single ‘Lemonade’. Having bid their time since the band's inception with writing, sowing their live oats and recording, the experimental two piece are ready for their music to be brought into the limelight.

A band of contrasts, The Halls are difficult to pigeonhole. Described by one blogger as 'shiver pop', they flit from intricate and delicate, to sparse and epic, to grungy and trashy - sometimes within the same song. 'Lemonade' casts a playful yet critical eye upon Australian environmental issues and first world consumerism. Produced by Konstantin Kersting (The Belligerents, Kingswood) at Powderfinger expat Ian Haug’s Airlock Studios, the track’s dark, nostalgic pop drives relentlessly throughout, finally exploding into a searing yet hopeful reprise.

On Saturday June 11 The Halls will celebrate and launch their single at Brisbane’s coveted arthouse and live venue The New Globe Theatre. Joining them will be Bad Pony,Golden Age of Ballooning and Lulu and the Cutthroats.

As debut singles go 'Lemonade' is one very impressive and powerful song. They may be a little difficult to pigeonhole genre wise, but with a song this good and performed so well, that's the least of the bands worries.

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Gregory Alan Isakov - Master & a Hound.

Background promo - Gregory Alan Isakov is pleased to share the brilliant new single 'Master & A Hound' taken from his forthcoming album (out 10th June) with the brilliant Colorado Symphony.

The beauty of Gregory Alan Isakov’s latest album is realizing how much it surprises and rewards the listener. It burns slowly, not unlike a campfire that blazes one moment and then crackles the next. A song might begin with the barest of bones, with Isakov’s resonant voice closely synched to his acoustic guitar. But then the orchestral layers begin to pile up, transporting the songs to cinematic heights.

Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony marks a milestone for the singer-songwriter, who’s beloved for the spectral intimacy of his recordings and live shows. Set for release on June 10 on Isakov’s own Suitcase Town Music label, the album finds Isakov cracking his catalog wide open to see what else he—and we—can learn about them.

The album features songs from Isakov’s previous three studios releases, along with the debut studio recording of “Liars,” a fan favorite that’s been a staple of his concerts for the past few years. The album will be released on limited-edition LP, CD, and digitally.  

Regular visitors may well remember Gregory Alan Isakov being featured on Beehive Candy just a few weeks back. Well I could not pass up the opportunity to feature another song from his keenly awaited album, Master & a Hound is just beautiful.

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Quality Not Quantity: Novanta - Introflirt

Novanta - Goðafoss.

Background promo - Two years after releasing 'Best-Selling Dreams' to wide acclaim around the world, Novanta will soon release his new album 'Hello We’re Not Enemies' on Seashell Records. The first single from this release is 'Goðafoss'.

Novanta is Manfredi Lamartina, a musician who is originally from Palermo but has been based in Milan for many years now. On this album, Novanta further evolves his sound, falling effortlessly between shoegaze, post-rock and electronica. This release underlines the importance of empathy as its core idea. In a period where human relationships are often based on aggression and on the division between “us” and “them”, here we find that we’re not enemies. This album is also an expression of love towards Iceland, a country where Manfredi Lamartina spent some time traveling last year.

"Goðafoss is about a man who wants to be a god, shaking the world and erasing all the evil. But mankind is indifferent to everything: love, compassion, empathy. 'Hello We’re Not Enemies' is about empathy: we are living in a world where all men are involved in an absurd battle against each other," explains Manfredi Lamartina. "Iceland seems a little piece of paradise, with breathtaking landscapes and a general feeling of wonder. I went to Iceland last year and I really fell in love with that country. “Hello We’re Not Enemies” is deeply influenced by Iceland, which is why the album will be out on June 17th, Icelandic National Day."

The songs featured on 'Hello We’re Not Enemies' involve collaboration with some very talented artists, including Australian Ian Bonnar (In Every Dream A Nightmare Waits), Claudio Cataldi, Fabrizio De Felice (Bialogard), Giuseppe Musto (Il ragazzo del Novantanove), Raniero Federico Neri (Albedo), and Giampiero Riggio (Haas).

"Hello We're Not Enemies" is due for release on June 17 and will be available in digital download and limited edition cassette via Seashell Records' Bandcamp site. The full album will be exclusively streamed via OndaRock on June 13.

'Goðafoss' is the first single and the second track on the forthcoming "Hello We're Not Enemies" release, a collection of seven songs. This is a good and varied collection of material, the differing collaborations perhaps driving the variety of directions taken. The featured track does however provide a good indication of the quality that is found across the album.

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Introflirt - Frozen Lace.

Background promo - As Oakland, California artists Introflirt gear up for the release of their second album ‘Temporary Heaven’, they are teasing their first single ‘Frozen Lace’. Introflirt are Vafa, Ben Benjamin, and Brendan Dreaper.

This album represents the next stage of evolution in their self-described “croonwave” music. Dissolving notions of what electronic music should be into a colorful flurry that pops and sparkles, this albumis threaded together by a velvet voice and candid lyrics that touch on themes of disappointment in people, the fragility of relationships, and the path towards sexual liberation. True to Introflirt form, the songs on ‘Temporary Heaven’ maintain a delicate balance, offering the soundtrack to a life that is introverted while still reaching out.

The album’s first single ‘Frozen Lace’ was inspired by the struggle to overcome sexual repression, which generally goes hand in hand with some religions. It’s buzzing bass and squirming synth represent a tug-of-war between satisfying desires and fearing the potential consequences. Inspired by the concept that deciding between gratification or holding back entails excruciating self-torment, ‘Frozen Lace’ picks up on the lingering trepidation that moral laws often produce.

This was the first song to emerge for Introflirt after releasing their debut album. “This came from the longing to rid myself of guilt and fear of consequences when approaching certain desires,” explains vocalist and lyricist Ben Benjamin. “Growing up in a religious family - although my parents have pretty much been kicked out of every church they ever attended - installed many programs I’ve worked hard to disassemble.”

While Introflirt’s self-titled debut album documented the group testing the Flirty waters, the eight-track ‘Temporary Heaven’ jumps in without inhibition. The album retains the raw, gritty synth pop that endeared so many listeners to their debut release - but adds a seedier, darker, more danceable attitude, taking the Introflirt party from the rooftop to the basement. While ‘Temporary Heaven’ presents Introflirt with a more energetic, modern feel, what stands out most is the transformation of Ben Benjamin’s vocals. After spending countless weekends in piano bars performing jazz standards, Benjamin’s vocal presence enters a similar space inhabited by the lounge singers of the 40s, 50s, and 60s, but set in the hazy, dim light of dance club beats.

Reinventing pop song structures to reflect the unpredictable nature of life’s twists and turns, the songs on this album present a clarity and confidence that’s a little bit dark, a little bit sentimental, and very very flirty.

Live Dates
June 25 - Oakland, CA - Legionnaire Saloon (with ghostplay & VVerevvolf)
July 15 - Sacramento, CA - Ladyfest (with Pink Bandana & Spacewalker)
August 13 - Oakland, CA - Hanging Garden at The Night Light (with Neon Kross & Otzi)
September 28 - San Francisco, CA - Hemlock Tavern - (with Foreign Resort & Nite)
Rich with synth textures and with a rhythmic beat 'Frozen Lace' is enhanced even further by the dramatic vocals. The melody unfolds in a gradual manner as the song continues it's musical journey. And this really is but a taste of what's in store on the album, it's another case of like the single, then you'll love the album.

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Genre Wander: Gileah Taylor - Larry Weiss - The Legends

Gileah Taylor - Tears Of A Spirit.

Background promo - “Tears of a Spirit”, Gileah Taylor’s new single from her upcoming album, hides hopefulness and expectancy just below its melancholy surface. Beautifully orchestrated, the song radiates a sense of innocence, reverie and weightlessness both melodiously and lyrically. Yet it also conveys passion and a certain heaviness of heart—it is pensive without being brooding, contemplative but not overly cautious. And while it could most certainly be a love song, “Tears of a Spirit”showcases Taylor’s poetic approach, making it more open to interpretation. The first single from her upcoming Songs For Late At Night Vol. 2, “Tears of a Spirit” is the perfect sneak peak to what will be an exquisitely tender and brilliant record.

The city of Destin is located in the panhandle of the state of Florida, and it's best known for its beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, spring breaks and warm weather. It's an odd location for the melancholy songstress Gileah Taylor to reside, especially considering her latest record Songs For Late At Night Vol. 2 is about as far away from a beach party as you can get.
 
Gileah describes the album as sci-fi inspired, and it's intentionally sparse with soft ambient textures,which all serve as the perfect base for her distinctive vocal and heart breaking melodies. Lyrically the record is driven by Gileah's intense interest in the writer and poet George MacDonald, coupled with her day-to-day life experiences. "The idea was to pick up the listener here on earth, have them hold on,and go somewhere other-worldly." I think it can go without saying that Gileah is a dreamer, and in this collection of songs Gileah reaches out to the listener with the intent of having them join her in these dreams. Songs was recorded in Fort Walton Beach, FL at Printups Studio with producer Jeremy SH Griffith. While there is a small revolving cast of musicians that make up the band live, Gileah and Jeremy are the sole players on Songs. This helped them to focus first on the song, and then on the album-wide soundscape of space and distance.

Tour Dates
6/17 Rosemary Beach, FL @ Amavida Coffee
6/29 Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits

'Tears Of A Spirit' has an expansive, distant and dreamy feel to it. Gileah's vocals glide above the softly melodic soundtrack, and combined they allow the listeners mind and imagination wander. Described as a taster for her forthcoming album, it's certainly gained my attention.

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Larry Weiss - Better By Now.

Background - Larry Weiss was born in 1941 and raised in Queens, New York. When he started writing songs as a teen he says he was merely looking for a way out. “My father ran a textiles business, and I wanted no part of it.” His childhood was filled with music, and eventually found work as a freelance songwriter for Wes "Hang On Sloopy" Farrell.

His first break came in 1963 when Nat "King" Cole recorded a co-write "Mr. Wishing Well". This sparked a run of successes with R & B greats Baby Washington, Chuck Jackson and The Shirelles. In the mid and late 1960s He teamed up with lyricist Scott English for those well loved pop classics as well as "Help Me Girl", a hit for Eric Burdon And The Animals. He also co-wrote, with Jerry Ross, "Mr. Dream Merchant", a hit for Jerry Butler - and later (as "Dream Merchant") for New Birth!

In 1971, he moved to Los Angeles, where he continued to push himself as a songwriter along with a "9 to 5" executive job for Famous Music plugging other people’s songs. Later - Bobby Sherman, Donny Osmond and Lou Rawls discovered His songs and into the charts. After a year he stopped being a ‘suit’ and landed his first recording deal. ‘Black & Blue Suite’, was his first album, released on 20th Century Records. “I was So petrified,” he admits, “I had to enlist hypnosis therapy to stand behind the mike.”

The opening track "Rhinestone Cowboy" went to no.24 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart. Glen Campbell heard and liked the song - recorded it and it became an international hit, topping the charts in the US and several other countries, and reached no.4 in the UK. It was named the Country Music Association's Song of the Year in 1976. Another track from the album "Lay Me Down," was covered by Barry Manilow on his albums "Trying' to Get the Feeling" and "Barry Manilow Live" As well as developing his idea for a musical based around "Rhinestone Cowboy", he is also a talented painter and you can see some of his work on the cover for the single ‘Better By Now’.

“We are all magicians if we have the courage to reach for the magic inside", he says. So if you’ve been given a wonderful vision why not work to reveal it.”

Larry Weiss has been writing superb songs for a very long time. 'Better By Now' is a beautiful pop piece and Larry reminds us, he has been singing them for some time to. Excellent production, the song is simply charming.
 
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The Legends - Summer In The City (Living Is For Somebody Else).

Background promo - One-man-band The Legends (aka Johan Angergård from Acid House Kings, Club 8, Djustin, Eternal Death, Pallers) returned last year with the acclaimed love album "It's Love" on Cascine/Labrador. Now he's back with Summer In The City.

The Legends’ Johan Angergård told SPIN, “My releases are imprints of the particular time in my life when they were recorded. Angergård adds, “If I ever want to find out what my life felt like during a certain year, I’ll just listen to the songs I put out at that time.”Those who have followed The Legends in the past will not be surprised that the one-man band has moved on sound-wise since last year. New life calls for new sounds.
 
The Legends from Stockholm have enjoyed a somewhat accidental career. Beginning with Up Against The Legends, their debut album in 2003, the project was comically assumed to be a 9-piece band due to early shows consisting of friends on stage, drunk and generally winging it. In actuality, The Legends has only ever been a personal outlet for one man, Johan Angergård.  

'Summer In The City (Living Is For Somebody Else)' is a fine electro disco song, with a warm synth vibe running through the track. Vocals morph into the music as the beats gently push the song along.

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Rock'n'Roll Sunday: Field Mouse - Typhoid Rosie - Cool Ghouls

Field Mouse - The Mirror.

Background promo - Field Mouse share new single The Mirror. If 2014's Hold Still Life was the fruition of Field Mouse's evolution from a fiery two-piece into a fully-fledged band, then new album Episodic (August 5, Topshelf Records) is the letting go; the abandonment of past persuasions for something altogether more untamed. Where the band's initial work was self-recorded by founding members Rachel Browne and Andrew Futral, the new record signifies the first time that the quintet has composed an album together from start-to-finish - and the result is a record that feels altogether more defined.

Recorded in Philadelphia with Hop Along's Joe Reinhart, and written through a twelve-month period which delivered sudden family illness and a deteriorating relationship, Episodic is fashioned from ten feverish bouts of guitar-pop; led by Browne's fearsome and fearless vocal and informed by an instrumental backing that underpins the entire record with a vibrant concoction of guitar, drums and keys.

Showcasing the band's ability to switch between mood and tone, the record shifts from the spiky immediacy of tracks such as Accessory and A Widow With A Terrible Secret, to the more spacious moments, such as monumental centre-piece Beacon, without ever losing sight of the scuzzy, melodic pop songs that remain Field Mouse's distinct forte.

Featuring guest turns from Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz), Allison Crutchfield (Swearin', Waxahatchee) and Joseph D'Agostino (Cymbals Eat Guitars), Episodic is the sound of a fully-realized band truly coming in to their own; honest, direct and immensely powerful.

'The Mirror' offers up a glimpse of the bands forthcoming album 'Episodic'. Rachel Browne's lighter vocals juxtapose the fiery punk flavoured music. It's a two and a half minute blast of no nonsense music and it works.

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Typhoid Rosie - Run Along.

Background promo - Hailing from Brooklyn, Typhoid Rosie, offers up a unique blend of sultry Indie-Pop-Rock for your ears. With their newest release in tow, Hearts Bleed Goodbye, the band has been garnering the praise of fans and critics alike. Currently the band is sharing their new single "Run Along," a vibrant and catchy piece that brings their sound to life.

Hearts Bleed Goodbye features 11-powerful tracks which are inspired by love and love lost. The record pays a heartfelt tribute to front-woman Rosie Rebel’s late Mother, who passed away suddenly when she had an aneurysm while driving a car leaving her Grandmother’s wake. Before even having the chance to take off her mourning clothes or bury her Grandmother, Rebel would also unexpectedly and tragically have to say goodbye to the woman she loved most.

Throughout the record Rebel expresses this paralysing loss in her music while also touching upon unrelated themes such as addiction, stalkers, losing yourself in bad company, and the apocalypse.

Typhoid Rosie is led by Rosie Rebel, also known for her pre-Typhoid Rosie work as a long-time comedian which has been talked about on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In the midst of her rise in comedy, Rebel unintentionally discovered her knack for writing music while attending a music class at Columbia University. She later paired up with husband and drummer, Phil Wartell, to begin writing and producing; bringing Typhoid Rosie to life. After suffering the tragic loss of her mother, Rebel started to open her songs up to the world using music as a way to express her deepest emotions.

The album 'Hearts Bleed Goodbye' is a consistently good collection of indie pop and indie rock songs, with the latest single 'Run Along' typifying the more rock orientated side of the band. I have to say there is not one 'filler' song in the collection, indeed the album is a real treat for indie fans.

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Cool Ghouls - Sundial.

Background promo - Cool Ghouls is a rock'n'roll band. A band for playing rock'n'roll - that electric American folk art - without pretense. Think of rock'n'roll less as a genre and more as an action. A ritual performed with electric guitars and a drum kit to conjure a certain youthful spirit.

Inevitably, when listening to Cool Ghouls, you may recall performers of the past, other summoners of this same spirit, whose fingers were also channels through which rock'n'roll was made physical. But this band's purpose is not to reference, fetishize, or even celebrate these incarnations of rock'n'roll that came before them. Their intention is to animate their medium - bring to life the inanimate framework that is rock'n'roll. Get the kids dancing. Get the floor at the house party to cave in. Not to sound like a rock'n'roll band, but to do what a rock'n'roll band does. A band for playing rock'n'roll.

It's something the Ghouls know they have not yet entirely mastered. (How many of the numerous outfits playing these days have?) While they've certainly managed to convince audiences aplenty at home in San Francisco, along the West Coast, even abroad of their prowess, they are ever honing their blade. Refining an approach, learning to listen more keenly, seeing beyond bullsht, really getting at the essence of not only rock'n'roll, but of that which exists between four unique players - it's a task to keep a body busy for a lifetime. A kind of four-way collective self actualization.

You might not hear all of this in a Cool Ghouls track. That might be because there's something about rock'n'roll that you're missing. That might be because there's something about Cool Ghouls that you're missing. Or it might be because the Ghouls have not yet distilled the eternal powers from which they draw into an expression that your ears understand. But make no mistake, this is music about and for the here and now.

Tour dates:
6/16 - San Francisco, CA - Thee Parkside
6/18 - Guerneville, CA - Deathstock II
7/7  - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop
8/11 - San Francisco - The Chapel
8/16 - Los Angeles, CA - TBA
8/19 - Austin, TX - Barracuda
8/20 - San Antonio, TX - Limelight
8/24 - Boise, ID - The Olympic

'Sundial' really does have that classic rock'n'roll feel to it, that initially reminded me of late 1960's west coast bands. It's a really good listen regardless of era's, the vocals drive the melody, whilst the bands harmonies and fine playing, give the song that little something, that makes a song really stand out.

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A Fine Pair: Garden City Movement - Alasdair Roberts

Garden City Movement - She's So Untouchable.

Background promo - Garden City Movement is a Tel Avivian-based electronic music project, their new single is "She's So Untouchable." Signed with BLDG5 records, Garden City Movement first made waves last fall with the release of their debut EP Entertainment, which garnered early press champions as numerous Hype Machine influential blogs, Pitchfork, Clash, The Fader, Stereogum and Fact which featured the band in a short documentary about "The rising stars of Tel Aviv."

With videos reaching 1M hits and screenings at the LA film festival, GCM scored support slots for acts such as Alt-J, Cults, SOHN & Rufus and their debut appearance on Boiler Room. The trio intensively toured Europe and was on festival bills such as Primavera, Pukkelpop, Glastonbury & Fusion festival.

Bengali Cinema, the second EP, continued Entertainment's media praise. They dominated Hype Machine's top 3 for three days straight with "Terracotta," and were named by many as a "band to watch." Radio stations such as BBC6, KEXP & Sirius XM(to name a few) picked up tracks from both EP's as well as reaching #21 on CMJ's RPM chart.

In April, the band has teamed up with The Vinyl Factory and released Modern West, Garden City Movement's 3rd and final EP in the trilogy. The Vinyl Factory encompasses a record label that worked before with artists such as xx, Massive Attack and Roisin Murphy.

'She's So Untouchable' is a cool, smooth and very catchy song. The vocals are so very well delivered and compliment what is a top notch electronic soundtrack. It's a natural listen again piece.

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Alasdair Roberts - Scarce Of Fishing.

Background words - The second track from the 'Refugee' compilation album has surfaced.

'Scarce of Fishing' is the contributed track from Scottish singer/songwriter Alasdair Roberts. The folk artist has had previous support from the likes of Uncut, Pitchfork, BBC, The Observer, The Times, and much more, before joining the 'Refugee' project, spearheaded by fellow musician Robin Adams.

The project got it's first exposure with the first track which dropped a few weeks back - 'Most People' is the contribution from Bonnie 'Prince Billy. Featuring Richard Dawson, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Linda Thompson, Alasdair Roberts, Ricky Ross, BMX Bandits and many more, the 'Refugee' album is a united effort from some of folk’s most esteemed and cult figures, who’ve contributed an original or unreleased song each to the ‘Refugee’ project.

‘Refugee’ (out digitally on July 5th through Brainfog) is a highly significant collaborative recording project which reflects, through song, the issue of the refugee crisis in its many forms, from Syria and beyond. It’s been curated by Scottish folk artist Robin Adams, who called on his close friends and musical colleagues from around the world to contribute to the project.

Each track is an unreleased original song, with contributions from the likes of the above artists. All proceeds go to the MOAS organisation (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) who’ve saved more than 13,000 lives since 2013 in the Mediterranean Sea. Read more on them at www.moas.eu. 

We featured Bonnie Prince Billy's contribution to this charitable fund raiser a few weeks back. It's a pleasure to do the same with this wonderful contribution by Alasdair Roberts. The album 'Refugee' is out July 5th, 2016 via Brainfog Records. 'Scarce Of Fishing' is a wonderful rootsy folk song, the album is shaping up to be something very special.

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Friday Five: Wojtek the bear - Twin Graves - Tiergarten - Brooklyn Doran - Ranch Ghost

Wojtek the bear - Dead from the waist up.

Background promo - Glasgow four piece wojtek the bear release their debut single “dead from the waistup” on 17th June. Their debut offering marries quintessential indie pop songwriting with melodies and hooks as big as mountains.

The single was recorded and produced by Chris McCrory of band catholic action and is accompanied by a video shot in the wilds of South Lanarkshire by Beth Chalmers whose recent clients include Low and Martha Ffion.

The band will be playing a number of shows in the coming months to support the release including a launch gig on 16th June at Govanill Baths in Glasgow and 19th August at DF Concerts catapult showcase at the Record Factory in Glasgow.

'Dead from the waist up' is my introduction to Wojtek The Bear. It's a breezy indie pop song and for me it's just a delight. Catchy and with lyrics worth taking in, it's a fine way to get to know a bands music.

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Twin Graves - Strife.

Background promo - After emerging last year with debut EP ‘Walk In Circles’ and singles ‘Love You To Death’ & ‘No Future’, Irish/Blackpool duo Twin Graves return with brand new single ‘Strife’ which will impact 17th June.

‘Strife’ is taken from the bands forthcoming second EP ‘Exiled’, produced by Matt Peel (Eagulls, Bad Breeding) and recorded at The Nave studios in Leeds. ‘Strife’ is about reaching a crossroad in life and questioning the choices in front of you but ultimately following your heart rather than head. ‘Strife’ captures the post punk attitude of previous releases but also nods to the avant-garde pop sounds of bands such as Talking Heads.

Twin Graves are: Jeremy Aris Polychronopoulos (vocals/guitar) Zarah Lawless (vocals/bass/synth).

The duo Twin Graves create quite a powerful sound with the new song 'Strife'. Vocals are really good and a key feature, as the song develops they are slowly engulfed by the ever growing soundtrack.

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Tiergarten - Der Zorn Gottes.

Background promo - It was late 2013, when Mats Rybø, a songwriter for the girls in the famous band Katzenjammer started to get serious attention for forming the band Tiergarten. His delicate vocals may garner much of the attention but the electronic sound wrapped in an effortless power-perormance is what unifies the sound's entirety.

Tiergarten has refined and perfected their style into a new sound that they feel encapsulates the essence of pop music with a rock dynamic, alternating between moments full of drama and a delightful energy. The Oslo based band members are: Mats Rybø, Anne Marit Bergheim, Odd Kristian Svedal, Stian Sveen and Trine Skullestad Hølland.

The first single, "Der Zorn Gottes", is driven by the two lead vocals and its perfectly balanced synths. The topic concerns megalomaniacs, the driven and twisted individuals who think they act on behalf of higher powers. It fuels a passion within the person that is simultaneously righteous and reviled, a dangerous dichotomy that plays perfectly into the strengths on display within the song.

According to the band 'Der Zorn Gottes' "concerns the megalomaniacs, the angry and twisted avengers who think they act on behalf of higher powers". They then add that "catchy synth pop" follows. Well I completely agree with the song being catchy, in fact it's something of an epic. Very impressive!

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Brooklyn Doran - Paper Wings.

Background from Brooklyn - “Paper Wings” is the first single from my forthcoming album “These Paper Wings”. The song began as a poem that I wrote several years ago, that I revisited when writing for the album.

The single and the album were recorded over 2015 and 2016 at Catherine North Studios in Hamilton Ontario. Produced, mixed and recorded by Dan Hosh (City and Colour, Arkells, Rose Cousins) and mastered by Elliott Brood's Stephen Pitkin at Modest Heights Recording. 

The track tells the story of Icarus, but is told from the perspective of the sun. I feel like this song, while still in the realm of indie-folk is a truer representation of where I feel I am musically right now.

A big part of the process for me is creating a conversation through music. And it's something I am incredibly interested in. It's one of the main reasons that I make music and put it out into the world. 'These Paper Wings' is set for release in September 2016.

'Paper Wings' is a gentle song, that demonstrates just what a really fine voice Brooklyn Doran has. Musically it's a quite laid back, acoustic piece, just right and in all a delightful song.

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Ranch Ghost - Ragged Mile.

Background promo - Lookin was recorded almost entirely live and produced by Mitch Jones (Fly Golden Eagle, Thunderbitch, Majestico) at his studio in East Nashville. This album was Ranch Ghost's first endeavor into recording the sonic incarnation of each of its member's thoughts, inspirations, and creative energy. The band has been audibly molded by the vibrations of Link Wray and Captain Beefheart's Magic Band, while the influence of Nina Simone, Hank Williams, and Miles Davis remains slightly obscured underneath the murky surface.

Jones helped bring forth into the world a musical apparition, simultaneously bearing the primal growl of The Velvet Underground and the punctured speaker cones of The Kinks. Deliberately injected within this chaos, there lies the necessary space for singer Joshua Meador’s prose to be able to stand comfortably, but with canines bared.

Upcoming Ranch Ghost Tour Dates:

6/18 - Nashville, TN - The East Room (album release show, w/ Clear Plastic Masks and Sun Seeker)
7/15 - Memphis, TN - Mud Island Amphitheater (w/ Alabama Shakes).

There's plenty of energy and rock'n'roll vibes in 'Ragged Mile' a song that thumps along, taking the listener with it. The band do indeed have a live feel about them, and the music is all the richer for that.

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Quality Not Quantity: Em George - Brooklyn Michelle

Em George - Blues Lady.

Background bio - Em George is a singer-songwriter from Sydney. Em began to be interested in songwriting after discovering the sounds of Carole King, Lou Reed, The Beatles and Leonard Cohen.

Teaching herself the guitar, Em began to play around with melodies and sounds, combining her love of poetry and writing with music.

Writing about personal experience, or about the absurdities and observances of life, Em’s songs display an introspective quality that is unique to her as an artist. Drawing from influences of all genres of music, her melodies help to express the true meaning of the lyrics. Her first single Murderers On The Inside was released in 2013 and was played on FBi radio, Triple J Unearthed and Home Brew Radio. The single was featured on blogs such as Mad Mackerel and Made Static. In November 2013, Murderers On The Inside was optioned by HBO for use in film and television. This was followed by the track being remixed by L.A based producer Stephen Kozmeniuk (Madonna, Kayne West).

In June 2014, Em released Truth which received airplay on radio across the country such as FBi, Inner FM (Melbourne) and reached gold rotation on digital station, Traxx. It was also featured on Mood Media. The track was also featured on several blogs such as Mistree Magazine (U.K) and the United States, drawing comparisons to Regina Spektor and Beth Orton. In 2015, Truth was featured in the soundtrack of Unplanned America season two which premiered on SBS 2.

Em was featured in The Music Network alongside artists such as C.W Stoneking, after her third single Paper Hearts, released in early 2015, spent two weeks in the AMRAP Metro and Regional charts reaching number three. It was featured on Triple J Unearthed, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Mood Media and was SYN Radio’s track of the week alongside Aerial Love by Daniel Johns (Silverchair). It was also released to radio in the United States, achieving airplay in New York, California and Texas. She was also selected for industry judging in the second round of the APRA Professional Development Awards 2015.

“Blues Lady” is the second release from Em’s debut self-titled EP. The song was written about Billie Holiday and was selected as a semi-finalist for the International Songwriting Competition 2015. "Em George" EP will be released 27th of May 2016.

Beehive Candy included Em George a few months back and the new single from her self titled EP is well worth another feature. 'Blues Lady' continues the intimate modern folk feel. As singer song writers go Em George has certainly struck a chord with me, to the point where I genuinely check her new material out with a fair amount of excitement, and certainty that I'm going to at the very least, appreciate it.

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Brooklyn Michelle - Stick Up.

Background bio - Brooklyn Michelle is an artist and music producer from San Antonio, Texas. Brooklyn's greatest childhood hero and role model is her "Paw Paw", who gave her the endless desire to create something extraordinary from scratch all by herself, just as he could. His ability to build or fix practically anything alone from cars to entire houses amazed Brooklyn and set an example of what hard work really looked like. Her grandfather, Rodney L Kirk, also shared Brooklyn's love for music with her. He was very persistent in keeping up with their after dinner guitar sessions, always demanding to hear the new songs she had learned or written. Brooklyn's Paw Paw is without a doubt her biggest fan and the sole purpose in dedication to her music career. At 13 years old Brooklyn went through her first heartbreak when she lost that number 1 fan to Pancreatic Cancer. She has chosen to revolve everything she does in her life around and her guardian angel's passion to create.

 Now involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Brooklyn holds the position of PurpleLight Chair for the San Antonio Affiliate. This meaning she hosts this Affiliates annual ceremony, PurpleLight, "An evening to honor and remember those affected by Pancreatic Cancer". Brooklyn has exciting long-term plans of turning the local event into an annual music festival in San Antonio with the proceeds going towards the cause. An impressive artist line-up along with the sundown ceremony remaining the main event (and more spectacular at that) could lead to a significant increase in awareness to the disease and people wanting to get involved.  Brooklyn aims to use her and her grandfather's passion for music to draw the enormous amounts of attention the deadly disease demands towards San Antonio's PurpleLight and ultimately skyrocket funds to fight it. For Brooklyn to build something so simple into the extraordinary, for this cause especially will be her Paw Paw's ultimate creation.

Stick Up is the single off of San Antonio artist, Brooklyn Michelle's upcoming album, Lithium. This witty song is for all of those who have been stood up before and wish to seek revenge. Lithium is an original alternative hip hop LP written and produced by Brooklyn Michelle. Each song tells a story from a past experience that may contrast in mood from one song to the next, hence the reference to the bipolar medication, Lithium. The album is to be released worldwide fall of 2016.

'Stick Up' has been around for a little while and remains an enticing teaser for the keenly awaited album 'Lithium'. Brooklyn Michelle delivers a highly accessible alternative hip hop style, that should appeal well beyond the core genre's audience. This is creative and for me quite original material, I look forward to hearing more this autumn/fall.

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Alternative Take: Hologram Teen - I Am Karate - WAZA - Kolidescopes

Hologram Teen - Marsangst.

Background promo - Hologram Teen is releasing a 2-track single on 7" vinyl via London's Happy Robots Records. This is the solo electronic motorik disco project of Morgane Lhote, former long-term keyboard player of Stereolab.

Originally from Paris, Morgane moved to London when she was 20 and spent 12 years there. Then she moved to NYC and, nine years later, moved to Los Angeles. Her name is known to many for her work as keyboard player in the seminal indie kosmische act Stereolab, having recorded and performed with the band during their imperial phase between 1995 and 2001, when they released a series of career defining albums including ‘Emperor Tomato Ketchup’ and ‘Dots and Loops’. Fans of Common will also be able to find Morgane on the Sgt Pepper inspired sleeve for his Electric Circus album. She followed her time in Stereolab with a stint in The Projects and, from 2005, played in Garden with members of Simian Mobile Disco before starting the Hologram Teen project.

The Hologram Teen sound, although embracing electronica and pop, does so in a way that is more evocative of a prog rock disco horror soundtrack than the soulless EDM that fills the pop charts. "It's like Fabio Frizzi meets Grandmaster Flash," says Morgane Lhote. Her debut sold-out single 'Post-Apocalypteacakes' was released on London's Deep Distance label and mixed creepy vintage library effects with bouncy dancehall synths and disco beats. Following its release, Pulp's Jarvis Cocker came to be among her many newfound fans.

"With Marsangst, I wanted to write a minimal techno track that still retained groovy, more dance-like elements, with a splash of Krautrock and a futuristic vibe," explains Morgane. "Kyaputen Fyucha is also on the cover, rescuing stranded space explorers one at a time with his magic pink disco vinyl, while Disco Démon gets serenaded by four-eyed cats. Never a dull day in the Hologram Teen galaxy!"

Written by Morgane Lhote and co-produced with Jonathan R. Freihofer, both tracks were mixed by Jonathan R. Freihofer and mastered by Adam Gonsalves at Telegraph Mastering.The single’s glorious sci-fi artwork is by Alex Smith. This single is limited to 300 copies and distributed worldwide by Cargo Records. It is also available direct from the label at www.happyrobots.co.uk

'Marsangst' is a wonderful piece. Have to agree with Morgane's above description of this track, and for me the "splash of Krautrock" is the icing on the cake. Totally addictive music.

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I Am Karate - Bitter (plus Gabriel Gassi Remix).

Background words - DIY duo I Am Karate consists of Erika Soldh and Marta Pettersson, who are known for their contemporary sound of indie electro-pop. Some of their recent success includes a nomination for Best Unsigned in GAFFA along with reaching over 700,000 streams on Spotify. Some of their incredible live performances have led to comparisons to artists including Kloe. The single Bitter has had a very good reaction in their native Sweden, and have already been compared to the likes of The Knife and Young Galaxy.

The two remixers for the track include Gabriel Gassi and Illien, who remixed Mavrick’s single. Both pieces are outstanding examples of the spectrum of sound throughout I Am Karate’s music and prove that the pair can conquer different genres successfully. During both remixes, the melody feels familiar with powerful electronic beats, layering of vocals and a tropical house style; therefore the production has similarities to Jungle and even Major Lazer. Vocally, we can instantly draw comparisons to Purity Ring with a hint of FKA Twigs from the soprano tones. 

Partly to demonstrate just how different and creative the remixes are, I have chosen one remix to compare with original release of 'Bitter' (well that's my excuse for featuring both - nothing to do with just loving them both...). So feast your ears (twice).


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WAZA - Rocks And Bones Feat. Aquila Young.

Background promo - Sydney’s most ambitious beat maker Waza has just premiered single 'Rocks and Bones' over at The Au Review, foreshadowing a spectacular upcoming LP release.

2015 saw Waza's ‘The Art and Techniques Sessions’ come to light, an experimental story told through music in three parts. Such an aspirational project naturally attracted an impressive musical rap sheet, drawing love from all across the nation’s airwaves, with adds and appearances on triple j’s Breakfast Show and The Hip Hop Show, FBi, 2SER, 3RRR and Unearthed.

Shedding his hip-hop roots, “Rocks and Bones” sees Waza getting back to something a little more straight up sonic. Emphasising synth and melody the song is a treasure trove of lush production, polyrhythmic melodies and a massive beat that feels like it’s swinging from a pendulum. The cherry on top comes in the lavish vocals of a dreamy new talent: Aquila Young. “Rocks and Bones” is just a taste of Waza’s upcoming LP Crooked Jaw slated for release in 2016.

'Rocks And Bones' is a creative song with Aquila Young's vocals well up in the mix, where they belong. At times the soundtrack is quite laid back, and seemingly sparse as it teases with the vocals, yet somehow this just seems so right. 

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Kolidescopes - Memory Lane.

Background (brief & to the point) - Kolidescopes is the duo of Dan Dare and Yeah Boy. Dare is a hit producer for the likes of Charlie XCX, Wiley, Juelz Santana and Marina And The Diamonds whilst Yeah Boy hails from Australia and has already seen wild success with Parachute Youth, having reached platinum record sales.

According to Kolidescopes and to quote them "We got all your summer music needs". Well featured song 'Memory Lane' just oozes summer vibes. Hooky, melodic and sun drenched, it's one fine mood shifter, and some...

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A Couple Of Rockers: Gothic Tropic - Self Talk

Gothic Tropic - Stronger.

Background promo - Los Angeles' Gothic Tropic introduces a new brand of female fronted, guitar-driven indie rock. The band will be playing a single release show today May 30th in Los Angeles at Resident.

The brainchild of Cecilia Della Peruti, Gothic Tropic keeps the vibe playful and punchy, bringing audiences into a new era of female rock nobility, nodding to stars like Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. 

Delivering a blend of Richard Lloyd and Nile Rodgers on guitar, Gothic Tropic's Della Peruti has won sponsorships with Fender, and leading pedal manufacturers, and works professionally as a touring and session player for Charli XCX, BØRNS, and more.

'Stronger' has something of a classic indie rock meets power pop, feel to it. Punchy drums and bass lines drive the song forward with pace, and the vocals and guitars dance melodically above. Good song!

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Self Talk - Clean Washing.

Background promo - Surprise! The talk of the town, Melbourne’s Self Talk have dropped a short sharp single 'Clean Washing' ahead of their upcoming debut EP.

The fresh faced five piece had a lot of eyes on them in April when they released single 'Hypocrite'. Drawing praise and high fives from the blogosphere as well as radio lords triple j, not to mention sharing bills with the likes of Luca Brasi and Ceres. On the back of this success the band are pleased to announce their debut EP Seeing What I Want to See due June 18th, with a new single available right now.

'Clean Washing' is Self Talk's catchiest crowd pleaser yet, blending gripping hooks with tight instrumentation and disarmingly honest lyrics. Coming in at a tidy two minutes thirty it's an abrupt mosh anthem set to throw crowds into an joyous uproar at their EP launch on June 18th. 

'Seeing What I Want to See' EP launch at The Grace Darling Hotel June 18th.

We featured Self Talk not that long ago and then along comes a nice surprise in the shape of  'Clean Washing' the new single. Last time around we said they were “Catchy as hell and buzzing with energy”. This time I would just repeat the diagnosis and add that the band just keep getting better, this is a sparkly no nonsense rock song, just what the doctor ordered...

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Grand Band Names: The Amazing - Iconique

The Amazing - Ambulance.

Background promo - Partisan Records is excited to announce the next album from The Amazing, Ambulance, coming out in the UK on August 5th. On Ambulance, the Swedish band composed of members of Dungen & led by Christoffer Gunrup, continues their journey to a place where music is free of restrictions, offering up another collection of densely concentrated melodies and fractured rhythms. Pitchfork summed their sound up well on their last record, saying "discussion of Picture You can only end up with slack-jawed remarks about how goddamn pretty it is."

Gunrup, the band's lead singer, songwriter and one of three main guitarists, has been playing music all his life. He's a serious musician with a self-effacing demeanor who is known for his reluctance to talk about his process, preferring to let the music speak for itself. He refuses to take part in the promotion of the band, never reveals the lyrics, which are often an impenetrable jumble in the mix, and expresses little satisfaction with any of the music he's recorded.

The Amazing came together a few years after Gunrup's former group, Granada [a renowned Scandinavian pop duo w/ his ex-wife], broke up and he asked Dungen's guitarist and former drummer (Reine Fiske and Fredrik Björling) to join him onstage. After a few personal shifts, the line-up settled down with Fiske on guitar; Fredrik Swahn on guitar and keys; bass player Alexis Benson and drummer Moussa Fadera. The band's previous four records have garnered a loyal following & critical acclaim, landing them on Letterman and on a world tour with Tame Impala.

While Picture You was bright, exploding outward to explore the limits of experience, this next instalment, Ambulance, is more intimate, imploding inward to reconnoitre the uncharted distances that exist between us, even in life's most intimate moments.

'Ambulance' the title track from the forthcoming album, has a hazy, dreamy feel to it. The Amazing are a band who have crafted their skills over time and clearly, have a good ear for excellently produced music. The direction of the forthcoming LP is quite intriguing, and on the strength of this song, could well be a fascinating listen.

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Iconique - Sitting Pretty.

Background promo - How can disco be ethereal? Los Angeles-based trio, Iconique, praised by Gawker Media and  featured  on  Hype Machine, creates something otherworldly with their new single “Sitting Pretty.” The retro-inspired song, second from the group who have been noted as “evoking  memories of disco  icons  like  Sylvester,” by Surviving the Golden Age, is a synthesis of influences like Prince, David  Bowie, and Chic. The band’s previous single, “Step Into The Mood,” boasts over 24,000 plays on  Soundcloud and receives regular radio airplay on KUCI and KCHUNG.

“Sitting Pretty” starts small with a bed of warm synths and drum fills, before bursting into a glistening disco groove. Synthesizer arpeggios and staccato guitar soon give way to frontman Leo Paparella’s knowing speak-sing delivery. The chorus heightens the song’s temperature as Paparella’s vocals take flight—and that’s only the first minute and a half. Even at a brisk four minutes and 22 seconds, “Sitting Pretty” transports you to the back of a dim nightclub circa 1980. Though it may seem like it’s birthed from a bygone era, musically and lyrically, the song is as intriguing now as it would have been then.

Iconique's heavy disco rhythms entwine with silky synth highlights to encapsulate the shimmering grit of the Los Angeles music scene. Self-produced and written, their material lures listeners to the dance floor with a medley of genres ranging from dance to art rock. Formed in 2015, the trio consists of brothers Eric Promani (drums / synths) and Greg Promani (guitar), and frontman Leo Paparella (vocals / synths). 

Live - Labyrinth 30th Anniversary Event @ Central Park, Glendale on June 4th, 2016. 

Iv'e got to be honest Disco was never a big thing for me back in the day. 'Sitting Pretty' however is a song that wanders across genres with a clear disco reference point. Vocals remind me a little of Russell Mael, whilst the harmonies veer towards The Bee Gees circa their disco era. It's a good song, simple as that really & I can tick off a number genre covered by Beehive Candy:)

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