Three Good Ones: Room1Fourteen - Novaa - Cocoa Futures

Room1Fourteen - So Cold.

Background promo - Room1Fourteen are an indie rock trio based in-between England and Switzerland. The band is made up William Mayos (vocals / guitar / piano /songwriter), Rob Green (guitar / production) and David Dasenbrook (drums /bass). “So Cold” is their free download single taken from their debut album “Control”, which are both available on 5th September 2016. “So Cold” is a rock n roll song sprinkled with melodic guitar hooks and a driving rhythmic section.

Will’s vocal is seamless and controlled hiding an underlying sense of frustration to whomever it concerns. The single and album are the follow up to the bands debut “Living In Dreams” EP (2015), which received airplay in Europe, U.S.A and Switzerland along with some positive blog support. They are planning to tour the album in the U.K. as lead vocalist Will is English and wishes to play live in his homeland. 

The bands influences are some of our rock n roll greats from Oasis, to Blur, The Smiths and Pink Floyd, which can be heard in their diverse rock output throughout the album. Keeping true too the great’s who paved the way before us the bands name comes from the number of a hotel room where what can only be described as something truly rock n roll occurred … Rock n Roll forever

There is something of a classic indie rock feel with 'So Cold', and enough of the bands own style and composition skills, to make the song extremely likable. Vocals are refined and sit well in the mix above some tight and powerful trio rock musicianship. The above cited influences are just that, this is no copycat band and if this is the benchmark for Septembers debut album, things are looking good.

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Novaa - Hands

Background - Novaa releases new single 'Hands' off her upcoming Stolen Peaches EP. "Hands" is about trying to connect to someone but not being able to get past the physical level. I tried to give it a very hypnotic, trance-like and also dark atmosphere that is meant to reflect that desperate feeling of not being able to see someone fully and clearly behind his/her human layers. During the song the protagonist is constantly questioning the relationship to the other person and tries to build a deeper connection. But as the efforts turn out to be pointless the protagonist tries to get that depth and devotion by destroying the relationship.

Novaa is a singer, songwriter and producer, and at only 19 years old, comparisons have been made to highly significant and creative artists such as Björk and Grimes. Within her unique sound which draws from elements of Electronica, Folk and Pop, Novaa creates an impactful new genre - "Organic Electronic". Belted by her crystal clear vocals, she builds on soundscapes that float above the common ground. Past the depths of everyday things and activity she finds fragile frameworks of sounds and vibrant bass notes, forming her own musical galaxy and creating magical new worlds to explore.

If the name Novaa seems familiar to you, it may just be because we featured her less than a month ago, with the song Rose. 'Hands' continues the trend of thoughtful, intriguing and melodic music indeed the nine track EP is something very special, with an eclectic mixture of electronic music and Novaa's beautiful vocals.

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Cocoa Futures - The Blue.

Background - Composed around an eerie, looped ice cream-van siren and a big dumb bass riff, ‘The Blue’ is sonically fitting for a track concerning the symbiotic relationship of the gleeful and the gloomy. “It’s a good idea to feel sad sometimes,” says Cocoa frontman Greg, “but the things you can do to avoid feeling down can be really, really fun.” It’s a sentiment delivered through a song that’s anchored by a super-fat metronomic midtempo groove that administers dancefloor thrust to melodic trills and percussive interjections while Greg urges us all to “Catch Up”. Characteristically Cocoa Futures, ‘The Blue’ is electro-inspired dance-oriented pop, at once absorbing and accessible but equally as adventurous, revealing new surprises and musically creative tricks with every listen. Fuck art, let’s dance? No need. Cocoa Futures have them both covered. “Our ethos is pretty simple – to be ambitious about making music we’re proud of. And to have a nice time.” Greg, Cocoa Futures

Scotland-bred and London-based, Cocoa Futures are the brainchild of frontman Greg (vocals/bass). They specialise in pristine pop harmonics crossed with a taste for the unexpected. Greg assembled a band including Dave (drums), Zoe (keys) and Jack (guitar) and first came to prominence in 2014 through the self-released upbeat singles ‘Do Something’ and ‘Scotland’, while commanding distinguished reviews for their select live shows, which included the Great Escape and Camden Crawl festivals. This early promise served as a staging post for the band to determine their musical direction and decamp to the studio to write. And write. Crafting and developing manifold demos became a daily pastime for Greg and when he sent a batch of these over to producer Marc Withasee (Micachu & the Shapes), he received a wordless reply that contained an amazing first draft of what would evolve into ‘The Blue’. Withasee and Cocoa Futures bonded over a love of ‘messed up’ pop and the producer was instrumental in setting tempos, tweaking arrangements and bringing out the band’s penchant for building tracks around loops and effects as they collaborated on the four-song ‘Blue’ EP, completed in early 2016. When Greg shared the results with Lost In The Manor Records, the label wasted no time in offering the band a contract and the EP’s release will coincide with a number of key London launch dates. ‘Blue’, mixed by Max Taylor and mastered by Jason Mitchell, is immediate yet intriguing, a collection of fantastic pop moments wrapped up in music of great depth, and its release seems set to propel Cocoa Futures to the frontline of UK pop’s key innovators.

Live:
Friday 16 September: Ryan’s Bar, London N16 (‘The Blue’ single launch)
Friday 7 October: Blogtober Festival, The Finsbury, London N4
Saturday 3 December: Sebright Arms, London E2 (‘Blue’ EP launch).

'The Blue' is due for release on 16th September, with the EP following in early December. The single is a wonderfully mixed up pop song, for me it's brings memories of Devo and Talking Heads, whilst in effect sounding like neither. I guess that's the wonder of "messed Up" music, and I just love it!

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Quality Not Quantity: Shannon Söderlund - The smallest Creature - Rachel Mason

Shannon Söderlund - Tomorrow's Only Tuesday.

Background bio - A fresh musical force on the NYC scene, Shannon Söderlund is serving up catchy pop-rock anthems to a hungry city. With driving guitar riffs and punchy rhythms reminiscent of the late 90’s, Shannon’s anthemic music is influenced by the soulfulness of gospel music and the spontaneity of jazz, resulting in a sound that is at once bright, clear, and deep. Her songwriting and performances capture the complexities of life — the highs, the lows, the trials and the joys — while indulging in head-bobbing grooves and infectious lyrics that get lips smiling and toes tapping.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Shannon’s childhood was steeped in music. She spent the entirety of her youth playing and singing with her siblings and parents, who served as musical missionaries in Washington State and beyond. They toured internationally from the late ‘80s to the early 2000s, wandering over the continental United States, Mexico, Great Britain, and Europe, singing in 5-part harmony and generally rocking out.

While Shannon has written songs since the tender age of 7, it wasn’t until her college years that she began to pursue the craft of songwriting in earnest. Studying jazz in Washington and Montana, Shannon’s writing began to draw from the diverse history of american music. In 2012 she moved to New York, where she continued honing her craft while performing around the city. She released her first EP of original music in 2014, the demo Innocent Heart. Her follow-up EP, The Magic, is set to be released in the summer of 2016.

Shannon now lives in the delightful borough of Queens, writing and singing wherever and whenever she can. She spends her free time watching the flow of the East River, drinking local beer, and listening to the beautiful music the city has to offer.

From the four song EP The Magic released a short while ago, we feature the first song in the collection 'Tomorrow's Only Tuesday'. What a refreshing set of songs these are, pop/rock by nature, there is energy and depth within each song. Whether it's the stompy power of the featured track, or the more sultry blues feel within 'Addicted' the quality is constant, and always delivered with real feeling, and superb vocals.

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The smallest Creature - Reboot.

Background - The smallest Creature is the brainchild of Stefanos Marnerides, with the name starting off as an alias around 2007. At the time, Stefanos was composing and performing small gigs in New York, while also putting together demo recordings with the help of Stefan Held in Brooklyn, NY.

In 2011 Stefanos moved to Larnaca and signed up with Fishbone Records, though that collaboration ended peacefully later on. Meanwhile, The smallest Creature turned into a power trio with long standing friends and past bandmates Stephanos Nicolaou on the bass and Iacovos Stylianides on the drums. For a brief period Pavlos Chrysanthou joined as a lead guitarist, while Demetris Marnerides accompanied on the guitar and piano occasionally.

Over several live shows the trio evolved and gave flesh to a number of original songs, which were eventually recorded towards an album release in Fishbone Studios, under the old Barrel House pub, with engineer Marios Hadjikos, a.k.a the Mole. The album is in the final stages of production and it will be released independently soon.

'Reboot' is one of four song's Ive been able to listen to from The smallest Creature, and on the strength of that I have a feeling the promised album will be pretty special. Reboot gives an idea of the thought and creativity found in the bands music, overall I think the alt rock tag is a fitting one, however expect them to explore many different ideas and do them extremely well.

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Rachel Mason - Tigers in the Dark.

Background - Renowned performance artist and musician Rachel Mason, freshly signed to Los Angeles-based Cleopatra Records, has announced her forthcoming single ‘Tigers in the Dark’, along with an accompanying video, directed by Matthew Spiegelman and choreographed by Haylee Nichele. This is the first single from the forthcoming album ‘Das Ram'. The single, which is due out on September 9, will be followed by the 'Das Ram' LP, to be released digitally by Cleopatra Records and on limited edition cassette by Practical Records.

This song is written from the voice of an imaginary animal-human hybrid, who expresses the idea that real life only occurs on the stage, as it represents the creative dimension where everything is possible.

‘Das Ram’ is the first complete set of songs written and performed with Mason's longtime creative partner Jeff Hassay. An artist, writer and publisher, who also co-runs an art gallery, Hassay recorded, mixed and produced these tracks at his studio in Los Feliz. He has previously worked with Jonathan Richman (Modern Lovers), Jennifer Herrema (Royal Trux, Black Bananas), Avi Buffalo, Chris Cohen (Deerhoof), and Carolyn Penny Packer (Bouquet).

“Tigers In the Dark is one of those songs that felt like it was already written when I started singing it. Jeff was playing this little guitar riff and I just heard the lyrics and the melody instantly. It felt like it was just handed to me,” explains Rachel Mason. “The voice of the character in the Tigers song feels like it just wanted to exist with or without me. I'm just the vessel that gets to carry it out into the world right now. The video feels like it magically coalesced.”

In scripts, sculpture, rock operas, performances and songs spanning over a decade, Mason has created imagined worlds where animals, objects, mythological creatures and all forms of non-human entities have taken shape through her body and voice. Her shows wrap the audience in fantastical narratives which interweave musical, theatrical and narrative elements into unexpected operatic journeys.

'Tigers in the Dark' has a feisty vibe running through the song. Rachel Mason's vocals demand your attention, as they explore the drama of the music. With a marching beat, the track is something of a mini epic.

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Genre Wander: Yellow Castle - Ethan & The Reformation - MERGES - Edamame

Yellow Castle - Restless Creature.

Background promo - Indie pop duo, Yellow Castle, formed by Peter Money (19) and Emily Matthews (21) from Perth, WA have released their catchy debut single ‘Restless Creature’ into the wild world of music through The A&R Department. Money and Matthews have been in the Perth music scene for a few years recently branching off from Rich King Matthews to become a duo.

Fans of Rich King Matthews, 44th Sunset, Mumford and Sons, The Kooks, Dresses, Slow Club and The Ave: Brothers will remember and enjoy Matthews’ sweet harmonies and jaunty piano riffs combined with Money’s upbeat acoustic guitar and warm vocals.

‘Restless Creature’ speaks of the calm at the end of an anxious spiral, where the “what ifs” and fears that keep you up at night, are dulled by the support of those you love, and who love you. The track was recorded and produced by Sam Wylde at Dalkeith Road School of Music, who says of the pair, “they deliver a really nice blend of catchy hooks, clever lyrics and smooth harmonies, a super exciting new band.”

Fuelled by dreams, camomile tea and backing of the ones who mean most, Yellow Castle’s future plans include an EP and global touring. They have already dipped their toes into the music scene with a handful of shows in their hometown and a taste of interstate touring at The Horse in Surry Hills. August will bring them a month’s residency at The Good Shepherd in Perth, a slot at the Monkey Bar in Mandurah and everything else that they can get their hands on. “Restless Creature” by Yellow Castle will be released 26th of August 2016. 

I'm not sure whether to describe this as indie folk or indie pop, I guess what really matters is how good 'Restless Creature' is, and in my opinion, this is a beautiful song. Yes the modern folk twist is there, along with a feel good, upbeat mixture of singing and playing. Its a definite play again, which perhaps is the best measurement.

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Ethan & The Reformation - Hollandia.

Background - Bury/Manchester based psych-rock quintet Ethan & The Reformation are pleased to announce the release of their debut single ‘Hollandia’ which is out now via Bohemian Sex Club on all good digital platforms. A captivating five piece whose retro pop/rock sound pays homage to the greats of the era including The Doors, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The 13th Floor Elevators, in a comfortably familiar, yet refreshingly new take on psychedelia, souped-up and over-driven for the modern age.

‘Hollandia’ was recorded at Manchester's Vibe studios and was produced by Dean Glover and mastered by Pete Maher, whose impressive roster includes The Rolling Stones, U2, Jack White, Noel Gallagher, The Killers, Beady Eye, Paul Weller and many more. Formed in September 2015 by frontman and rhythm guitarist Ethan Davies, the song writer struck up a friendship with lead guitarist Mick Mac in July 2013, whilst both performing at Wonderwall Festival in Flensburg, Germany on a bill that was topped by Jefferson Airplane. Two years passed before another chance meeting between the pair at Liverpool International Festival of Psychedelia.

A week or so later at Mick's home, they began to develop songs written by Davies, where it quickly became apparent to them that this was something they had to pursue. After a handful of meetings, they had demoed four tracks with which they approached bassist James Cordeiro and drummer Thomas Oliver Gorton. Davies had known both from around Manchester and was immediately struck by their unity as a rhythm section, moving quickly to recruit the pair. The line-up was completed with the addition of Jack Wakeman, nephew of Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, on keys.

With gritty vocals and a mean guitar riff 'Hollandia' notifies the listener in seconds of which direction the song is going. Harmonies add some more colour, whilst everything else unashamedly marches on with real rock'n'roll attitude.

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MERGES - ATL.

Background - Nashville alternative artist MERGES makes her debut with the captivating single, "ATL." “ATL” was recorded in Nashville at Glass Onion Recording Studio with co-producers Markus Midkiff (member of Kopecky), and JD Tiner (Erin Rae, Birdtalker). 

MERGES describes the song as “That feeling when you’re in a relationship that’s becoming worse each day, but neither person is breaking it off or even wants to admit it's not good."

Originally from South Dakota, Kelsey Merges moved to Nashville in her teens and has watched Music City evolve from a town known only for country music, to a haven for independent artists pursuing music of all genres. MERGES’ brand of dark-pop draws influence from artists such as Banks and James Blake, and she blends electronic, R&B, and pop melodies on this new project.

Soft melodic vocals drift above a somewhat darker musical soundtrack. 'ATL' is a creative and pretty individual song, that only becomes a little more mainstream with the harmonies. This is a strong and quite powerful debut single, that suggests we really should expect to hear more.

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Edamame - Ochre.

Background - Following the stunning success of his previous full length album releases, Edamame is joining up with experimental/ambient electronic music powerhouse Emancipator for the next release on his Loci Records imprint.  "Ochre" is now out for streaming and purchase.

Ironically enough, the man behind the downtempo "Ochre" album comes from a metal/rock background, having begun the Edamame project after years on the road touring with various bands. "I always had a soft spot for ambient and more chilled out melodic music though, even when I was surrounded by screaming and heavy guitar riffs," he told the Chicago Tribune in an exclusive piece. “Ochre” is his 10th album, a monumental achievement that was inspired by a recent trip to perform at a music festival in Guatemala. Rather than using solely computerised samples, Edamame used naturally derived sounds and field recordings on his phone of organic samples like birds chirping and outside chatter to show off his various inspirations from around the world. For Edamame, music is not merely a hobby, it’s a method of introspection, transformation, and a personal comfort zone in which he can truly express his creativity and vision.

Hailing from Chicago, Edamame is the stage name of 27-year-old ambient electronic music producer Ed Harris. With sounds equally inspired by the great outdoors and the worldís divergent cultures, Ed's productions often teem with organic sonic textures personally field-recorded during his planetary exploration. Edamame has carved out his unique sound by synthesising instrumental hip hop with downtempo melodies further informed by his deep love for world music.

The title track and one of ten on the new album 'Ochre' typifies the ambient and beautifully crafted music within this collection. The intriguing and quite eclectic range of samples and natural sounds are blended together in a superb manner. Moods and tempo shift from track to track, and a pleasing melodic vibe is never far away. Judging by the number of listens on three songs already, I really do hope this is on the way to being noticed far and wide.

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Fridays Alternative Take: The Orb - The Grand Undoing - Tim Muddiman & The Strange - Cubicolor

The Orb - 5th Dimensions.

Background promo - On October 14th Kompakt present The Orb’s 16th album, COW / Chill Out, World!, which marks a creative renewal for the duo. It also features contributions from Youth and Roger Eno, and is encased in minimal ‘ambient cover art’ courtesy of The Designers Republic.

Despite apparently clear connotations to their history, influences and peers (like Alex Paterson’s uncredited role in the KLF’s ‘Chill Out’ album, or the cover cows of Pink Floyds ‘Atom Heart Mother’), the album’s title is actually an instruction, or at least a friendly suggestion. Whilst Alex calls it “a protest album in reverse”, Thomas Fehlmann further explains, “We didn’t intend to rehash old chill out vibes. On the contrary. It’s the 21st century and it seems like a good idea for people to sit back and chill the f out, before continuing to act destructively. To chill out is to act consciously, guided from a calm centre.”

Featuring only the occasional presence of buoyant, gently rhythmic pulses and loops, Alex Paterson describes COW as “Our most ambient album yet”. Sounds bubble, flutter and float through various atmospheres and moods, from bucolic and picturesque, childlike wonderment, the texture of bygone memories, to the universe’s infinite depth.

COW’s creation came together in different circumstances with a different working method to their last album. As 'Moonbuilding 2703 AD' was originally commissioned by the English National Opera, the duo immersed themselves in that new world and maintained a close, continuous dialogue with the opera’s orchestrator and technicians. The production fell through due to budget cuts and the recordings were then adapted for album format, hence its 6 year gestation period.

COW on the other hand, took just 6 months to make. One of main reasons for its speedy completion was Alex’s recording of sounds whilst touring the world, straight to Ableton, using his iPhone. Field recordings were easily captured, whilst the countless hours of ‘downtime’ travelling, or at sound-checks became valuable moments for spontaneous creative laptop productivity.

'5th Dimensions' will be one of ten tracks on the bands sixteenth album, and boy is it a good one. If the album is as ambient and pleasing as this piece of music, I will be one very happy person. If  people can't chill out to this, then they really should pause, for thought!

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The Grand Undoing - Most Of All We Just Go Around.

Background - Seth Goodman, who records as The Grand Undoing, has two extreme passions in life: drinking sparkling wine and creating psychedelic post-rock Americana confronting alienation and mortality. This strange mix, the bubbly and brooding, has become the stock-in-trade of TGU’s growing catalogue.

An only child, Goodman leaned hard on his record player while coming of age just outside Boston. The area’s free-form college radio and vibrant club scene also had a profound effect. The final piece fell into place later in life when Goodman developed a deep affinity for classic country and roots music. All these influences would swirl and collide with his deeply entrenched outsider's sensibility to form The Grand Undoing’s distinctive sound.

First came 2011’s Appeasing the Sick, then 2014’s White Space Flavors and Parties on TV. Both made bold musical statements that landed in the vicinity of “David Bowie on acid backed by the Swans” (Indie News At Noon.) With his latest release, Sparks Rain Down from the Lights of Love (out on Secret Candy Rock Records), Goodman manages to push his musical boundaries even further. He romps from style to style but never abandons his love of the almighty hook and cohesion – albeit the cohesion of constant upheaval.

When reflecting on the heady topics presented in the new material, Goodman explains that the end result is meant to uplift and inspire. He hopes The Grand Undoing’s music will provide a cinematic escape, make great driving music, or be the perfect accompaniment to a bottle of sparkling wine.

One of ten genre hopping songs 'Most Of All We Just Go Around' is a fine song, however it can only scratch the surface of the music from The Grand Undoing. The one constant is the quality, otherwise this is a little like a restless child who cannot sit still, always off trying something else out. In this at least we are left with great songs and don't have to do much parenting.

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Tim Muddiman & The Strange - Hand And Claws.

Background - Over the last 18 months Tim Muddiman has released, written and produced a vast amount of work. Tim and his band have regularly impressed publications in The UK, USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Mexico, Ireland and Belgium as well as having worldwide radio play and also support from BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6.

Paradise Runs Deeper is a deeply crafted album with songs of survival and healing. Big blues guitar riffs and sometimes dark modern grooves and modern production have brought this album to have its own unique sound and character.

Tim Muddiman and The Strange is best described as a combination of genres and is ultimately unique. It has its own sound that is not immediately categorised. It is fresh and song driving with heavy trem guitar hooks, crafted drum breaks and clever studio programming. Tim Muddiman is also a producer and musician for Gary Numan, Pop Will Eat Itself and various other projects. Influences can heard from Bjork to Fleetwood Mac to Nine Inch Nails and also 80's electro and blues. The band consists of other musicians from a professional touring back ground. If you like good music . You'll like this band.

From the forthcoming album release 'Paradise Runs Deeper' I have chosen the song 'Hand And Claws' that appeared on YouTube back in late April. It really is a challenge to try and describe the overall sound of the album, thirteen songs vie for your attention, each one having its own attributes. I guess the feeling I have is that of something quite deep, powerful and at times emotional, whilst never to dark. There are a few other music videos by Tim Muddiman (here), that give more incite into this creative and intriguing album due for release on September 9th.

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Cubicolor - Dead End Thrills.

Background - Cubicolor present their debut album - ‘Brainsugar’ - to be released on September 16th on Anjunadeep. Cubicolor have emerged as one of the most exciting acts to come through the European underground in recent times. Championed by Pete Tong as one of his artists to watch, praised by Mixmag, Spin, Clash, and DJ Mag, and supported by a host of heavyweight DJs, Cubicolor look set to break through with their anticipated debut LP.

Having launched in 2014 with two members, Dutch producers Ariaan Olieroock and Peter Kriek, Cubicolor now welcome British vocalist , and former Duologue front-man Tim Digby-Bell into the band as their third member, following much loved collaborations on ‘Falling’ and ‘Mirror Play’ over the past 12 months. In his time with Duologue, Tim produced, co-wrote and sang on two records acclaimed by the likes of The Guardian, NME, DIY Mag and The Line Of Best Fit.

On ‘Brainsugar’ we hear an evolution in Cubicolor’s sound across a host of diverse and infectious tracks, combining beautiful songwriting with brilliantly cohesive clarity, echoing their influences; Radiohead, Massive Attack and Moderat to name a few. Tim’s lyrical depth and haunting vocal style shine throughout the album, which features 8 vocal tracks and 4 instrumentals.

Throughout August and September 2016 Cubicolor bring their well-honed electronic sound to venues large and small across North America for a DJ tour, including a string of underground club shows and notable festival performances at Electric Zoo and Nocturnal Wonderland where they perform on Anjunadeep label stages alongside the likes of Âme, George Fitzgerald, Lane 8, HVOB, Henrik Schwarz and Yotto. Cubicolor are currently developing a full live show to be launched later this year.

I can see the freely admitted Radiohead influences in the song 'Dead End Thrills', that said this is a lush and beautiful song that oozes melodic vibes. Add me to the list of those keenly anticipating their debut album.

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A Couple Of Good Ones: Otis English - The Persian Leaps

Otis English - Young Kids, Old Love.

Background promo - Otis English speaks to the darkness within while simultaneously dragging you into the light. With a big voice, beautifully twisted lyrics and a natural storyteller approach to performing, Otis has arrived in time to replenish the current well of truly meaningful artists. If his voice doesn’t break your heart, his lyrics, a window into his strange and nomadic history, definitely will.

Otis’ upbringing was far from ordinary. His history reads more like a chain of mishaps and tragedies than it does the upbringing of a songwriter. From accidentally burning down his childhood home to watching his father’s health drastically deteriorate while living out of his car, Otis doesn't glaze over the negative and the challenging parts of life. Instead, he takes those experiences and makes them bloom into beautiful melodies. With a pen and a guitar, he turns discomfort into something beautiful and relatable.

This wanderer now sets out a bold, new adventure. Otis will be releasing his debut EP in collaboration with indie label Crooked Paintings. This upcoming collection of songs is cinematic, but unapologetically gritty in the best kind of way. It’s catchy, inspired, and exactly what you want to hear from an artist who demands your attention, not with antics, but with honest, insightful stories and an undeniable voice. 

'Young Kids, Old Love' starts out with plenty of energy, and just builds from there. It's a melodic indie style song, with unrestrained commitment and very distinctive vocals, that carry the whole thing off.

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The Persian Leaps - See Me Unaware.

Background - “Your City, Underwater” will be available September 16 on CD and digital, but the single, “See Me Unaware” is now out. “The Persian Leaps” began as a phrase singer/guitarist Drew Forsberg doodled in a notebook margin during a college Greek Archaeology course. He wrote music independently under that name for years, until finally assembling a full band in 2012 to perform and record driving, chiming music influenced by My Bloody Valentine, The Smiths, Guided by Voices and Teenage Fanclub.

The Persian Leaps adhere to a disciplined schedule of concise releases: each fall brings an EP of five songs totalling fifteen minutes or less. In 2013, the Persian Leaps released debut EP Praise Elephants, which NME Magazine described as a “celestial guitar jangle”. The band completed a follow-up EP Drive Drive Delay in 2014, praised by XS Noize for its “instantly catchy melodic harmonies layered on top of droning guitar.” In 2015, the band released High & Vibrate, an EP championed by The Big Takeover for its “big-time hooks, upbeat attitude, classic power-trio punch.”

The band recently completed their 4th EP, Your City, Underwater. The EP features songs about terminal illness, social anxiety, and impending climate doom—leavened with enough hooks, harmony, and distortion to leave you wanting more. Land Ski Records releases Your City, Underwater on September 16, 2016.

There is a full on indie rock, feel to 'See Me Unaware'. Not surprising with a classic power trio delivering the goods. What is a plus is, the fine vocals and harmonies that equally deliver the melody, along with a tight rocking feel. The EP sounds promising.

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Quality Not Quantity: Closer - Born Joy Dead - Oldermost

Modern Inventors - Closer ft. Daru Jones

Background promo - Nashville-based Modern Inventors have released their track "Closer". Featuring drummer Daru Jones (Jack White), as well as bassist Owen Biddle (The Roots).

"After a relationship ends, it's natural to feel guarded, and sometimes when you least expect it, you'll find yourself connecting with another person," the band said of the track. "Maybe it's on a subway, or passing each other on the sidewalk, but you remember the feeling; 'Closer' is a realization that you might be getting closer to allowing yourself to open up again.”

Migrating from Philadelphia to Nashville a year ago, Josh Benus and Matt Kass have expanded on their backgrounds as formally-trained musicians with a sound that’s both unique and powerfully emotional.

After several years of collaborating in a variety of projects, including a soundtrack for the HBO documentary First Comes Love, they solidified their partnership by founding Modern Inventors. Shortly after that, they decided to move to Nashville, where they connected quickly with the city’s vibrant artistic network and — critically important — found the house that functions now as their personal and professional home base.

“Working and living here is great because we can put all of our time into writing and recording,” Josh explains. “We have our hands on every second of these recordings. They are us. And because this house has allowed us to do this, it’s become our signature.”

“For me, the allure of Nashville is, that it’s about the songwriting,” Josh adds. “It’s inspiring living here because everyone’s so passionate about their craft. So in retrospect, this is the probably the best move we could have made.”

With vocals that delight (maybe a little like if the Bee Gees, had taken a funkier, rock'n'roll route) 'Closer' is a melodic and dreamy, genre defying highly like-able song. The production and mix, and the clever use of synths, seemingly take the whole piece up another level.

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Born Joy Dead - Sourdough.

Background - Hot out the oven, Brisbane's Born Joy Dead return today with 'Sourdough', a brand new single for daydreamers and brunch enthusiasts everywhere. There's no mucking about either, they'll take to Black Bear Lodge to launch this freshly baked tune in just under three weeks.

A delicious, chewy 'F' to the daily grind, 'Sourdough' is a unique result for the band who recently changed up their writing style, demoing together as a group for the first time. "The band is taking on a more organic songwriting method now and as a result it feels as though we've created something really special and more personal to us all," says front man (and former Hungry Kids of Hungary member) Ben Dalton.

Springing onto the airwaves in 2015 with single's 'Hey Blood', 'Stones in My Shoe' and 'Chains On You', Born Joy Dead have been building their chops among the local scene. Supporting the likes of Ball Park Music, Bad//Dreems, Hey Geronimo, Babaganouj and My Own Pet Radio they've also impressed at a stack of headline shows including a packed debut EP launch. Add a recent signing to Mucho Bravado management, an upcoming second EP and a September single launch. Bake at 180 degrees for best results.

Single Launch - Thursday Sep 01 Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, w/ Muddy Chanter & guests. 

'Sourdough' has a funky rhythmic beat, that underscores the layered vocals and harmonies. Add in the melody and an intriguing stereo mix and we arrive with a superb ultra tight song, with lyrics ideal for those who suffer the daily treadmill of work.

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Oldermost - Honey With Tea.

Background - “Honey with Tea” highlights the paradoxical blend of neuroticism and mysticism of Oldermost's lead singer Bradford Bucknum, whose vocal delivery oscillates between semi-theatrical energetic bursts to gentle, sugary crooning. The inclusion of the up-and-coming Philadelphia singer-songwriter Rosali adds a welcomed vocal element to the song too.

The song’s despairing wit and questionable advice buoyantly tumbles over a sea of lush strings provided by the classically trained yet pop-obsessed compositional asset to the band, David Richard. Mike Sobel’s guitar work slides in and out of the steady rhythms of Stephen Robbins’ focused and passionate drumming, and Dan Wolgemuth’s unique and melodic bass playing.

The sounds of Sobel’s lap steel provides a unique foundation of sonic texture, so that the song can remain innovative but still represent the band’s affinity for popular song construction… and if his playing sounds familiar, it’s because Sobel can be heard on the song “Eyes to the Wind” from The War on Drugs exceptional 2014 release, Lost in the Dream.

This really is a fine song. 'Honey With Tea' works on so many levels, whether it's the vocals and harmonies, the cool, easy rocking music, or the melodic vibes that just hook into my ears. This is the bands first single this year, what a song!

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Monday Mix: Idle Fret - His Clancyness - Chelan - Diana Ebe

Idle Fret - Reborn.

Background promo - Albury/Wodonga's Idle Fret are in the business of making explosive, no-bs rock'n'roll, as spelled out in black and white on their knockout debut album, 'Reborn'. Ticking all the right boxes – great band, great singer, great songs – 'Reborn' perfectly captures everything high-octane rock fans live for... the must-have blend of thundering drums, wall of guitar and soaring, melt-your-face-off vocals that make up one of the most enduring and exciting genres of music.

Taking the best aspects of the best bands spanning three decades, even some 20 years after most of the genre's legends have come and gone, Idle Fret manage to make the music relevant and fresh, while keeping the traditions of the niche alive and well. They are a band literally made up of the same devout rock fans they appeal to.

From front to back, Idle Fret have armed themselves to the teeth. Drummer Ryan Nicholson and bassist James McRorie give the band a colossal sonic heaviness and relentless push forward, leaving the higher frequencies open for the dual assault of rhythm guitarist Daniel Edwards and lead guitarist Shaun Webb, who are able to switch from a wall of rhythm to blitzkrieg solos with sheer precision. At the apex of the band's mountainous sound is frontman Hayden Edwards, whose versatile voice can reach all of the dramatic highs of the genre, but has an even more impressive default setting that is an explosive mix of power and control.

Capturing the band at their best, the brilliant production of Rickie Rae approaches the genre with a stunning attention to detail, giving Idle Fret the larger-than-life fidelity and arena-ready hugeness that all of the great bands must have. And although Idle Fret are a new, young band, 'Reborn' shows an ambition to make the biggest impact they can. 'Reborn' is available on CD and via all good digital retailers Friday August 26

'Reborn' Album Launch - Saturday August 27 SS&A, Albury w/ Midnight Alibi, Doors open 9pm.

It's been a while since we have featured some full on rock'n'roll, well 'Reborn' fixes that issue. Resplendent with all the vital ingredients, massive riffs, drums that can kill, and a bass line that thunders away. Add in the almost "off the shelf" classic rock vocals, and all that's left to do, is to turn up the volume!

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His Clancyness - Isolation Culture.

Background - His Clancyness have announced their new album Isolation Culture (Tannen Records / Maple Death Records / Hand Drawn Dracula) with a release date of October 14th, 2016. His Clancyness’ sophomore album and follow-up to Vicious, their debut on England’s seminal FatCat Records. Vicious saw the band blaze a relentless trail across Europe and the US, hitting well over 150 cities across multiple tours before setting their sites on writing LP number 2.

The band began life as the solo project of singer/guitarist Jonathan Clancy but has since found a new form inspired by the camaraderie of life on the road. The group has evolved into a collaborative tour-hardened minimal noise-pop machine that features Jacopo Beta’s propulsive drumming, Giulia Mazza’s alien synthesisers, the commanding low thump of Nico Pasquini’s bass playing along with Clancy’s trademark fidgeting guitar work and his usual stirring lyrical resolve.

Over the last two years the band have retired to their Bologna basement HQ, Strange City Studios to put to use the newly-honed aesthetic and write a new clutch of anti-hits. Here they conducted late-night 4track experiments, embarked upon curious sonic investigations, threw the odd party and emerged with fistfuls of inspired compositions that make up their compelling new album.

Isolation Culture is a record from another place. It could be a recording snatched from a wormhole to a parallel universe where weathered Bowie statues pepper the abandoned city streets and Swell Maps’ music is piped into empty runaway subway cars. Maybe it’s the final psychedelic transmission from a radio station in flames or maybe it turned up on your lawn, delivered by an overnight tornado from somewhere that no longer exists. But what if Isolation Culture is part of the evidence that suggests that there are bands making records just like this one hidden in all the shadows in all the cities in the world? We can only hope that there are. 

Tour Dates:
22/09 Montreal, Canada @ Pop Montreal
01/10 Munich, Germany @ Glockenbachwerkstatt
02/10 Berlin, Germany @ ACUD
03/10 Hamburg, Germany @ Club!heim im Schanzenpark
04/10 Rotterdam, Netherlands @ Wunderbar
05/10 London, UK @ The Waiting Room
06/10 Sheffield, UK @ Bungalows & Bears
07/10 Liverpool, UK @ The Shipping Forecast
08/10 Brighton, UK @ Stiky Mike's Frog Bar
09/10 Paris, France @ Point Ephemere
10/10 Nantes France @ Madame Rêve
11/10 Lille, France @ La Peniche
12/10 Luxembourg @ De Gudden Wellen

'Isolation Culture' will be one of twelve songs on the October release, it's the only song I have heard so far, and it's a good one. It's an addictive, alt rock piece that slowly builds layer upon layer of sonic delight, in what is a superbly produced and mixed track.

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Chelan - Won't Break.

Background Regarding the forthcoming album - Vultures is Chelan's most ambitious studio effort to date but they were also careful to ensure they can replicate the album during live performances. 

When asked about the writing process for Vultures Hosford says "Its been a fun challenge morphing from the mostly electronic, subdued indie aesthetic of our last couple albums to the wall of sound, big production synth pop thing we went for on this record." 

The album surrounds layered vocals with lush analog synths, guitar, drums, cello and piano.  Chelan is currently planning a tour in the spring of 2017. Vultures was mastered by Jared Hirshland of Elysian Mastering. Album Artwork by Kime Buzzelli.  

We featured the first single (Beams) from Chelan's soon to be released Vultures album not that long ago, and are pleased to be able to share the second single 'Won't Break'. This is another highly crafted song, the vocals dreamily rise above the melodic synth driven soundtrack as the hooks gently dig in, album eagerly awaited.

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Diana Ebe - Chasing.

Background - Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, Diana Ebe was introduced to music at a young age, beginning piano lessons at four and starting to sing soon after. By fourteen, Ebe had begun vocal lessons and classical training with the esteemed Swedish musical theatre performer and producer, Andreas Eldeen. Vocally, Ebe draws from her training to create soaring melodies.

In 2013, Diana decided to pursue her lifelong dream of being a full-time musician and moved to Los Angeles. Beginning with piano, and by layering atmospheric production over pounding percussion, Ebe produces her own songs with the pop sensibility of artists like Lorde and Lykke Li.

Diana Ebe’s introspective lyrics and haunting melodies create a feel that has already caught the attention of notable musicians including The Doors’ guitarist, Robby Krieger. Ebe describes her work as expressing the “lonely and longing feeling of love and life,” drawing inspiration from nature’s power, daydreams, lust, and love.

In June 2016, Diana Ebe released her new EP, Elusive Pleasure, featuring the singles, "Bold" and "Elusive Pleasure". Crafting tracks filled with emotional resonance and ambient styling, Ebe leaves her fans teeming with anticipation for what's next. Visit DianaEbe.com for more information.

'Chasing' is also from the 'Elusive Pleasure' EP released in June. The EP is a collection of seven beautifully written and produced songs. Diana Ebe delivers passionate and intense vocals, that are wonderfully melodic, and these are complimented by the distinctive musical soundtracks. It's intelligent pop music, with a whole lot of heart. 

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