Six Of The Best: Ping - Low Island - White Room - The Megaphonic Thrift - Soft Lions - Rosebug

Ping - Something Worth Saving.

Background - Something Worth Saving is the first single from Dublin singer Ping aka Ingrid Madsen.

Whilst the name might be new to people, her voice certainly won’t be. Not long after being a contestant on The Voice of Ireland, Ping was asked to join the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra on a sold out 10 week tour of the USA on their “Women of Ireland” project. Since then she has been performing constantly throughout Ireland enhancing her reputation as one of Ireland’s finest vocalists.

 Written by PictureHouse songwriter Dave Browne with Lasse Anderson and recorded between Dublin and Sweden by Adam Kviman (Eagle Eye Cherry, Jewel, The Wannadies et al) the track will be released via PHRC on November 25th. Facebook here.

'Something Worth Saving' is a pleasing pop ballad that gives Ping the perfect opportunity to showcase her melodic and engaging vocals. For me it's a real sense of emotion that brings the song to life and gives it enough edge to stand out.

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Low Island - Anywhere.

Background - Blending disparate influences such as Arthur Russell, Caribou, Warpaint and Grizzly Bear into a cohesive yet left-of-centre sound, new Oxford quartet Low Island are set to release their self-titled debut EP this January on Kobalt Music.  They preview the EP’s release with their debut London show at The Sebright Arms on November 28th.

Although still in their early twenties, Low Island share a rich and varied musical background which informs their current synthesis of styles. Carlos (vocals/guitar/keys), Jamie (vocals/guitars/keys/electronics) and Jacob (bass/keys) first played in an alt-rock band together in their teens while Carlos and Jamie also embraced dance music with some success: they held a residency at The Warehouse in Leeds; DJed at festivals such as Glade and Gottwood; and their original productions received Radio 1 airplay.

Drummer and percussionist Felix adds another dimension to his bandmates’ background in live bands. In addition to touring with the Grammy-winning jazz/rock/soul fusion collective Snarky Puppy, Felix has also performed with the band’s founding member and pianist, Bill Laurance.

Carlos and Jamie discovered Low Island’s sonic style while working on a score for a play. Together with their long-time collaborators Jacob and Felix, they continued to explore their possibilities in their garage-based studio, a space they have filled with electronic, acoustic and found sounds. This combination of elements provides the foundation for their first EP, which was entirely self-produced. Facebook here.

The gentle and bright vocals fit so well with the developing soundtrack of 'Anywhere'. Melodic, very well crafted and produced, the song builds in power without losing any of the clarity and hooks.

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White Room - Stole The I.V.

Background - White Room have announced the upcoming release of their brand new single ‘Stole The I.V.’, a full throttle, lung-bursting, rock n’ roll anthem that’s sure to propel the Brighton outfit to ever greater heights over the coming months.

With an impressive summer of festival appearances under their belts, including performances at Isle Of Wight, Reading & Leeds and Dot To Dot alongside the likes of Black Honey, The Vryll Society and YAK, the five-piece regrouped in the studio with esteemed producer Adrian Bushby (My Bloody Valentine, Muse, The Maccabees) to record another blistering number that serves as a real statement of intent going into 2017.

The quintet’s rapidly developing live reputation has already earned them plenty of plaudits across the country, and this latest psychedelic-tinged effort showcases frontman Jake Smallwood’s incredible songwriting prowess amongst a sea of soaring guitars and killer riffs that hint further at their exciting potential.

Recorded at Vada Studios and produced and mixed by Adrian Bushby. White Room’s Stole The I.V. is released on 18th November and will be available via Spotify, iTunes and Apple Music. Website here.

Live Dates:
05 Nov – The Lending Room, Leeds*
11 Nov – Sofar Sounds, London
12 Nov – Nambucca, London*
25 Nov – Maze, Nottingham*
*This Feeling Club Night

With a confident and powerful musical opening 'Stole The I.V' comes further to life as the perfectly matched vocals take hold of the song. There is that timeless feel with the track, which indeed does build into something of an anthem as mentioned above. Whats more it's very catchy and should get noticed.

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The Megaphonic Thrift - Pilene.

Background - On 11/11, Bergen, Norway-based band The Megaphonic Thrift will release their album Få meg til verden i tide via Old Flame Records.

Earlier this year, the band won a Spellemann Award (equivelant of a Norwegian GRAMMY Award) for best indie album. Få meg til verden i tide is The Megaphonic Thrift's fourth album, and it's the band's first to feature lyrics in Norwegian. Much less guitar orientated than previous albums, Få meg til verden i tide is filled with synthesizers, and it's their first with new collaborators Njål Paulsberg (neo Tokyo/Young Dreams) and Emil Nikolaisen (Serena-Maneesh).

"The four members in Megaphonic have become more unison for each record we’ve made together," says guitarist and vocalist Richard Myklebust. "After the third record, making new music felt like giving each other a hug. We wanted to bring in someone who had a more radical approach to making music. We needed disagreement, and boy did we get it."

A lot has happened since the summer of 2015 when The Megaphonic Thrift filled a car with synths and boxed wine, isolating themselves in a cabin far up in the Norwegian desolate mountains to write what would become Få meg til verden i tide.

"We thought we were just heading into the studio to make the final adjustments and thought it was going to be easy. All the songs were ready. It didn’t turn out easy at all," says bassist and vocalist Linn Frøkedal. The band describes the studio process as a long road trip, where a new driver can take the wheel at any moment. "Nikolaisen is based in Oslo (on the other side of the mountains), and guitarist Clementsen was on a Japanese tour with his other band Electric Eye, so sketches and new ideas were thrown back and forth on seemingly endless mail threads," says guitarist Njål Clementsen. "This record is proof that it is possible to make a really cool record in a really hard way. It doesn’t have to be easy!" Website here.

'Pilene' is a dreamy indie rock song, where the vocals are smooth and atmospheric (whatever the lyrics might be), and the crisp musical backdrop adds melody and depth. I have heard it said many times, that your native language, is the language of your heart, which might explain the passion and feeling that comes across in this song.

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Soft Lions - Digital Girls.

Background - Soft Lions have shared their new video "Digital Girls". The video was directed by Chris Maroulakos and features appearances by fellow San Diego artists including Dustin Lothspeich (Boy King, Diamond Lakes, Chess Wars, Old Tiger), Brian Reilly (The New Kinetics, The Hiroshima Mockingbirds), and Emily Reilly (Birdy Bardot, The New Kinetics). Soft Lion's new EP, XOXO, is now available.

The San Diego trio Soft Lions was dreamed up by songwriter Megan Liscomb (guitar / vocals) in 2013. She is backed by Jon Bonser (drums) and Ana Ramundo (keys/ vocals). The band has previously been described as post riot-grrl, noise pop, beach grunge, or psychedelic garage rock.  On their latest release XOXO, they lean a bit more into a punk style, while staying true to their weird garage roots. Influenced by bands like Blondie, Modern Lovers, Jesus and Mary Chain, and Alvvays, Soft Lions love blending vintage sounds together to create something fresh.

XOXO was recorded at Tiny Telephone in San Francisco, with John Vanderslice as the producer and engineer. The band met him previously on tour, and knew instantly they wanted to work with him at his all analog studio. The result is a more confident and refined version of what the band did on last years Spellbreaker EP.

The songs are a pathway for Liscomb to lay out lyrics that are both intensely personal and deeply relatable. In these songs, freeways and city streets become surreal emotional dreamscapes set to jangly guitars and keyboards. Tracks on the new EP deal with everything from a friend break-up, objectification and catcalling, coping with depression, and falling in love. Website here.

One of six songs on the 'XOXO' EP and 'Digital Girls' gives a good feel for what the collection of songs are all about. Comparisons with early Blondie music is perhaps inevitable, however I think Soft Lions have a more gritty and stripped back, natural feeling going on, in effect blending old and new sounds, as they set out to do.

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Rosebug - I Am The One.

Background - Brooklyn-based punk-pop band Rosebug share their debut single,"I Am the One". Their debut LP, Worst Way out November 11th via Dazzleships Records, is thirty minutes of distress and pretty petulance wrapped up in a bow. The great thing about Rosebug, though? They’re in on the joke. By the time the words find the music, lead singer Becca Chodorkoff is already over it. Or, at the very least, she wants you to think that she is.
 
Worst Way was produced by Miles B.A. Robinson at a Bed-Stuy studio called The CRC. The space is owned by indie darlings, Chairlift, and frequented by the likes of Dev Hynes and MGMT. Rosebug's current line-up consists of Becca Chodorkoff (vocals), Chris Nunez (guitar), Tarra Theissan (bass), and Drew Adler (drums). You’ll want to get to know this band, because, with Rosebug, it’s fun to be sad. Website here.

Live dates:
11.11 - Release Show Part 1. - Barranquilla - Brooklyn, New York
11.12 - Release Show Part 2. - Berlin - New York, New York.

One of nine engaging songs on the forthcoming album and 'I Am The One' is a hint of whats in store. The band mix melody, punkier vibes and some fascinating lyrics. Sometimes a little gentle and occasionally quite potent, the mixture really works. There is no padding with this album, it's thirty minutes of honest music, which does for me!

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Weekend Wonders: Lio Nicol - Shaprece - Adrian J - Venkman - Del Caesar - A Valley Son - Woodes

Lio Nicol - Blame.

Background bio - Lio Nicol is both sage and sass. With honest yet quirky lyrics, she has found a way to reflect her sense of humor while maintaining her grace, setting her apart from other singer-songwriters.

After a few semesters of studying biology at the University of Montana, Nicol left her hometown of Missoula and relocated to California in 2010 to pursue a career in music. A talented pianist and guitarist, Lio Nicol has found her greatest passion lies within songwriting. Inspired by the legendary Diane Warren, Nicol’s songwriting is a reflection of her thoughts, heartbreak, and love. Her powerhouse vocals and catchy indie-pop melodies have led to her being describes as an early Mariah Carey meets Florence and The Machine.

Lio Nicol has toured and recorded with some of the industry’s top musicians as well as Grammy award-winning producers. She has performed all over North America in a variety of concerts including the Dragon Boat Festival, Durango Expo, House of Blues San Diego, The Mint in Los Angeles and many others. Music fans have recognised her 5-octave range and impressive stage presence and continue to come back to her shows again and again. Website here.

Lio Nicol has a very melodic and attractive voice, that is accompanied by a bright and synthy backdrop, making 'Blame' one very catchy song, with hooks here, there, and everywhere. Pristine indie pop!

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Shaprece - How Are You.

Background - Spinning a web of downtempo beats, ethereal orchestration, and a powerfully pure vocal style, Shaprece - flanked by producer IG88 and orchestral arranger Phillip Peterson - has become a recognized name in the recent scene of forward-thinking R&B. She has garnered early support and mentions from KEXP, SPIN, The New York Times, Revolt TV, City Arts Magazine, and many more. Her upcoming debut full length album Coals is set to solidify her as one of the most engaging artists of her genre.

Shaprece's introduction to the world was the 2014 releases of the 'Tell Me // Her Song' split single, and her critically acclaimed 'Molting' EP, which spotlighted her wide range of influences, from Björk to James Blake to FKA Twigs, and laid the foundation for what's to come. 'Coals' is a natural progression but a major step forward in style and substance. The album, which she debuted in full at a live listening with the Seattle Symphony, will feature 11 tracks mixed by Kyle Ross (Kanye West, Zayn Malik, John Legend) including the stand outs "Unwind" and "Send Down Your Love."

Building upon appearances at Capitol Hill Block Party, CMJ, Sasquatch Music Festival, Decibel Festival, Benaroya Hall, and dates with the likes of Bilal, Thievery Corporation, Deltron 3030, The Antlers, SZA, and Daley, Shaprece is more than ready to present a focused and self-reflective body of work. Website here.

Coals is one extremely fine album. 'How Are You' is but a hint of the beautiful and imaginative ten songs that make up the album. Vocals are exquisite and the musical arrangements are sensitively created, as they defy genre identity, and wallow in originality. The songs are awash with imaginative ideas, and  melodic and atmospheric vibes flow throughout. A simple equation: Like featured song = Get The Album (asap).

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Adrian J - The Heartbreaker.

Background - Hot off the heels of his debut single ‘Beautiful’, Adrian J  is back! And he’s bigger and better than before. The drop of his new single ‘The Heartbreaker’ was completely unexpected….but the hype already booming over this new bombshell of a song is smashing through the roof.

Produced, written, and recorded by the man himself, if this is anything to go by, we can be expecting great things from his forthcoming EP release in 2017. With a second single under his belt, scheduling of one-night gigs and performances will be underway, perhaps bringing it home at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney…a fitting tribute to come back to the place where he was born.

Choosing to steer clear of conventional musical writing, both structurally and lyrically…this is ground few dare to tread on. But man does it pay off! And only something that Adrian can pull off, and do it so well.

In today’s music, it’s often hard to really understand the message of the song you’re listening to…if there’s any message at all! But the message in this song is so in your face…it’ll reach out and slap you! My one and only complaint…is we don’t get the girl’s name! Who wouldn’t want to see what The Heartbreaker looks like!?

‘The Heartbreaker’ is an outstanding performance, and wherever Adrian is performing live.. you won’t want to miss it! This is definitely going to be one of the highlight songs of Spring, heading into the Summer. The Heartbreaker’ will be released 11th November 2016. Facebook here.

With distant vocals and a funky emerging beat 'The Heartbreaker' quickly builds into a flowing and powerful indie rock piece. Add in some soaring guitar work, that interchanges with the vocals and the hooks are everywhere!

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Venkman - Thunder Thief.

Background - "A deliciously original 4 piece band from the Midlands combining melodic boy/girl Harmonies to a funky back beat with a hint of Jazz and a small dose of rock and pop. This is exactly what I'm talking about when I say in order to stand out from the rest bands need to push the boundaries and experiment with sounds, textures and genres to create and produce their own individual signature sound and Venkman do this just perfectly" - David Durant, Brooklands Radio.

Midlands four-piece Venkman have appeared on BBC Radio both in England and Scotland. Alongside coveted slots on BBC Introducing, the band has played with Carina Round and caught the ears of several respected music blogs.

Regarding the new songs & according to their Facebook page they have "finally pulled our fingers out and finished our next release split single Thunder Thief / Some Rainbows available to buy on 14th November. Massive thanking yous to all involved. featuring a chorus of Ali Miles, Andy Crowder, Greg Haines, Rob Allen, Rob Taylor and the piany skills of Alan Baker, Trumping by Dave Boraston". Facebook here.

One of two songs due for release 'Thunder Thief' mixes a clever and funky beat, with some wonderful vocals. Put together with the accompanying and feisty 'Some Rainbows', and we have a double helping of wonderfully hypnotic and play again songs.

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Del Caesar - I'll Bet.

Background - Del Caesar’s new single “I’ll Bet” is released ahead of the bands EP 2, that will be coming out on November 11th through their imprint, Reheated Spaghetti (here).

“I’ll Bet” follows the EP 2’s previous two singles, the raucous lead single “Like They Always Say” and its follow-up, “Lie To Me”. Recorded straight to tape, the EP embodies riff-driven, upbeat garage rock, snarling in a way that betrays some swagger, but never hostility.

Del Caesar has mastered the art of writing irresistible hook-laden songs that feature riffs that’ll get stuck in your head for days, and puts them squarely at the forefront of the garage-psych renaissance… any of the songs on EP 2 sound like they could’ve been recorded last month, or in 1965. Facebook here.

The raw and timeless garage rock feeling continues with 'I'll Bet'. Having featured the last song just over a month back, Del Caesar's latest offering is from the imminent EP2 release, comprising of four wonderful rock'n'roll tracks.

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A Valley Son - Lights in the Sky.

Background - A Valley Son, are a great new indie alt-country band based in Brooklyn who will be self-releasing their debut Sunset Park EP on January 27th. To start, they are kicking things off with the EP’s propulsive, harmony-laden lead single “Lights In The Sky”, which'll get stuck in your head in the best possible way.

As a band that is barely a year old, this collection of songs is simply a starting point for A Valley Son (whose name comes from the title of a deep cut from Grandaddy’s catalog), but it’s a strong one. Much like their home base of New York City, the group is an anomaly, comprised of three Southern transplants that grew up on Stax and Motown, and one Yonkers-born Gospel drummer turned bassist.

After seeing a generation of bands seemingly value aesthetics over substance, the four members vowed to make music that strips away all of the unnecessary decoration and puts songwriting, emotion and raw musicianship back at the forefront, and their debut EP Sunset Park does just that. The bands’ Southern gothic-inspired, harmony-laden, soulful rock & roll aims to invoke a Sunday service as much as it does a barroom, and the stories the songs tell are no less truthful and honest than the playing. Facebook here.

One of six songs on the debut EP 'Lights in the Sky' is surrounded by equally strong contenders within the collection. The mixture of alt rock and Americana (via southern rock and everything between!), is delivered with passion and sounds so tight, it's hard to believe they only been together for a year or so.

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Woodes - Rise.

Background - Woodes is the moniker for the 24-year-old Melbourne based producer, singer and songwriter, Elle Graham, whose quick ascension into the limelight has caused many a head to turn.

In 2015 her collaborative project with producer Elkkle, garnered instantaneous praise across the radio and blog-o-sphere in Australia as well as internationally. The singles, 'Muddy', 'Cocoon' and 'Flash Mob' were added to community radio across Australia including triple j, won the coveted title of ‘Unsigned Artist of the Week’ by FBi, as well as being featured by Spotify in their coveted ‘Spotlight Australia and New Zealand Playlist. 'Flash Mob' was revealed as one of the top 25 songs most played songs in 2015 across triple j unearthed radio.

In 2016 Woodes released her debut solo single 'Daggers & Knives' which has over 300,000 total plays and it’s been added to rotation on Australian radio; triple j unearthed, FBi Radio, SYN, profiled on Spotify Australia and added to rotation on various US college radio stations. The track was featured by online tastemakers, including Indie Shuffle, i-d mag, Purple Sneakers and Pilerats.

Her recent single 'The Thaw’; another powerfully beautiful track, which combines her poetic lyrics with a textured production has been added to rotation on radio; triple j unearthed, FBi Radio and profiled on Spotify Australia, Spotify Norway, Spotify Deutschland and Spotify Finland as well as debuting at #12 on the iTunes Norway Alternative Chart. Woodes is currently collaborating with local and international artists including Kilter, Milwaukee Banks, Set Mo, Kintaro, FØRD and Golden Vessel. Website here.

From her recently released EP, latest single 'Rise' is our third song feature for Woodes this year. The understated soundtrack again allows Woodes vocals to carry the melody and atmosphere, something she has now ably demonstrated she can do, and to a very high standard.

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Genre Wander: Matt Tiller - The Franklys - Wrenne - The Pinkerton Raid

Matt Tiller - Flat Packing Anger Management.

Background - Matt Tiller releases new single Flat Packing Anger Management - a melodic indie pop tune about the despair of the emasculated modern man attempting to assemble flat pack furniture while his more competent girlfriend despairs. It’s a duet with singer and actor Diana Vickers who also stars in the video with actor and comedian David Elms. The single is released on all digital outlets and is taken from a short album about stuff.

Matt is a musical comedian (live dates below), writer and television comedy producer behind shows like BBC Two’s Hebburn. He blends musical one-liners, songs and stand up and has won audience appreciation and critical acclaim in clubs and at festivals nationwide, including the Edinburgh Fringe. Website here.

11th Nov: The Hospital Club, Covent Garden London. Album Launch
12th Nov: Sonderfest, Manchester. In the afternoon at Texture
25th Nov Shangri La Cabaret, Prestwich, Manchester.

'Flat Packing Anger Management' is a delightful vocal duet and melodic indie pop tune. Comedic angles aside this is a very likable song. It was many years ago that I swore I would never use flat pack furniture again, still it's interesting to know the domestic angst such products still cause....

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The Franklys - Castaway.

Background - The Franklys play a mixture of garage, heavy rock and punk and provide their audience with an action packed live show full of energy, frenetic guitar riffs and a swarm of blurred hair. Their debut album will hit stores in spring 2017, and until then they are going out to do what they do best, with the promise to those attending the Airbourne dates to “expect some bad neck-pains the day after from waaaay too much headbanging”

To celebrate the tour, The Franklys release the first single from their forthcoming debut album; the frantic and blistering ‘Castaway’.

“We have finally managed to transfer how we sound live on to a record. We have worked with plenty of different engineers and producers in the past, but no one has really been able to capture the rawness from our live show.”  Recorded and mixed with producer Sean Douglas, the result is thrillingly clear and direct. Facebook here.

UK Tour dates:
Mon  - 21st Nov - Birmingham - O2 Institute w/ Airbourne & Crobot
Tue - 22nd Nov - Leeds - O2 Academy w/ Airbourne & Crobot
Wed - 23rd Nov - Newcastle - O2 Academy w/ Airbourne & Crobot      
Thur - 24th Nov - Glasgow - Barrowlands  w/ Airbourne & Crobot
Fri - 26th Nov - Manchester - O2 Ritz  w/ Airbourne & Crobot
Sat - 3rd Dec - London - The Crowndale w/ Puppets of the Supreme Commander.

No nonsense rock'n'roll comes belting your way with 'Castaway'. The Franklys have the chemistry, the melody and the power, all wrapped up in just under three minutes of sonic pleasure.

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Wrenne - Hope.

Background - “ISaidYesToEverything’ is  the debut album from Utah-born, Midlands-based, Post-Mormon-Disney-Punk Wrenne. This highly original UK artist’s first collection is a blend of thoughtful old-skool pop and soaring electronica - a classic voice with a wholly contemporary sound. Collaborators include superstar Idris Elba on “Come Alive” and producers such as Marius de Vries (Björk/“LaLaLand"). 

Wrenne’s featured guests are as diverse as Gary Clark (Danny Wilson/“Sing Street”), Lanterns on the Lake’s Paul Gregory, 5xGrammy-winning vocalists The Swingles and living legend, saxophonist John Altman. She is blessed with some extraordinary friends and fans.

You’ll hear why on ‘ISaidYesToEverything,’ released on November 11th via LoEx Music and Believe Digital, which also contains a thrilling update of Joan Armatrading’s classic “Love and Affection.” Facebook here.

'Hope' is built around Wrenne's melodic vocals and a smooth and slowly developing electronic soundtrack. Just as I think that's about it, the vocals go somewhere wonderful and the song explodes onto another level, superb.

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The Pinkerton Raid - Ghost In My Bed.

Background - The Pinkerton Raid has just released their gorgeous new track, "Ghost In My Bed," from their upcoming record due out in early 2017 titled Tolerence Ends, Love Begins. The group totes rich harmonies and textured instrumental arrangements, with stunning, intricately crafted pieces. They’ve played festivals across the Eastern and Midwest US and have shared stages with David Wimbish & The Collection, Lowland Hum, Noah Gunderson, Denison Witmer and The Soil & The Sun. With two critically acclaimed records in tow, the band is set to take the world by storm on their upcoming release.

Siblings and co-lead singers Jesse and Katie DeConto are deeply involved in Durham, N.C. Jesse is an author, songwriter, and founder of Durham County Beer & Hymns at Fullsteam Brewery. Katie nurtures creatives as co-founder of Mercury Studio and The Makery.

Recorded with Mark Simonsen (The Old Ceremony, Dead Tongues) and Thom Canova at Mitch Easter's Fidelitorium and at Studio M in the spring of 2016, Tolerance Ends, Love Begins is a story of broken love and resurrection, their most hopeful collection to date. Bandcamp here.

Tour Dates:
11/10 - The Garage - Winston-Salem, NC
11/18 - Schoolkids Records - Raleigh, NC 
12/3 - The Kraken Bar - Chapel Hill, NC
12/4 Mercury Studio - Durham, NC
2/10 - Motorco Music Hall - Durham, NC

Something of a simmering power permeates through the beginning of 'Ghost In My Bed'. The musical arrangement is top quality allowing both vocals, harmonies and instruments to come together with clarity. It's also a restrained anthem of sorts, again where melodies and textures, are allowed to shine through.

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Midweek Muse: The History Of Colour TV - AyOwA - In Light Of - Childcare

The History Of Colour TV - Wreck.

Background - Berlin-based trio The History of Colour TV is back with new music, presenting 'Wreck', the first single from their forthcoming third album 'Something Like Eternity'. For this, the band travelled to France in the spring of 2016 to record with Peter Deimel (The Wedding Present, Shellac, The Ex) at the legendary Black Box Recording Studio. The result represents a departure from their hallmark sound by bringing a raw, minimalist aesthetic to the new release.

Stylistically, 'Wreck' is a dynamic and open live recording with minimal overdubs and, in this respect, represents a snapshot of the overall album. With an elongated structure and narrative theme, the song itself blends melodic sensibilities with ragged guitar textures. Building on melancholic arpeggio patterns, 'Wreck' unfolds in intensifying sequences, crescendoing in a raging wall-of-sound that engulfs the song in a billowing cloud of guitars.

The History Of Colour TV was founded in Berlin in 2010 by British artist Jaike Stambach, initially conceived as a solo multimedia project involving noisy hypnotic output through audio, video and soundtrack offerings. Over the course of two albums and multiple EPs, released through Bruit Blanc and Saint Marie Records, the band has been unabashedly diverse in their approach, exploring harsh noise, sound collages and reverb-saturated dreampop, to the stripped-down rock of their more recent offerings. They also toured extensively while establishing their notable presence within the Berlin music scene. The current lineup also includes Markus Mocydlarz and Janek Sprachta. 'Wreck' will be released digitally on November 25. Their album 'Something Like Eternity' will be released in early 2017 via French label Cranes Records and the band's own imprint Weird Books. Website here.

'Wreck' has a raw live feel, not surprising as it was pretty much recorded that way. The play between guitar and vocals works well, and the rhythm adds energy and direction.

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AyOwA - Newcross.

Background - The Danish duo AyOwA came out the gates running with wicked hit ‘Sommer’ earlier in 2016 which attracted frequent play across Europe on BBC Radio 1 (Huw Stephens), Radio X, Amazing Radio and Apple’s Beats 1 with heavyrotation on Danish P6Beat. Huffington Post (US), Noisey, Vice and other international sites have taken the band which mark the rare case where Danish language music crosses borders abroad.

Friends Nicolai Kornerup and Hannah Schneider turned their companionship for musical alchemy when they started creating electronic music together as a band AyOwA. The two spent a summer in Valby to experiment with modular synths and old tape machines, and began to make their dark and evocative electronic pop songs.

"On the first floor there is no home. It has not been long." Take a little Underworld, mix it with a little Aphex Twin and sprinkle a bit Cocteau Twins on top and you land somewhere near AyOwA's second single ‘Newcross’. Still sung in Danish, AyOwA travelled through the past of familiar streets in London’s New Cross while looking at the dark windows and abandoned apartments and wondering where everyone went. Facebook here. 

It's been a while since I've been around 'Newcross', a part of London I used to drive through regularly. So it's interesting to hear a song sung in Danish about said place. However this is a superb track with intricate sound mixing with dreamier vocals, the promo description above kind of nails it.

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In Light Of - Bless Your Heart.

Background from Jason & Sandy (In Light Of) - The two of us live in different cities without any mutual connections. We met when Sandy responded to a job posting of mine and quickly bonded over a shared appetite for the kind of boundless sonic exploration found in post-rock (and the like). It's been a long-distance relationship ever since. 

We're truly the perfect pairing. Sandy's known as the idea starter or "vibe setter". He sent me a rough idea that he captured on his iPhone. I took it, developed and finished the track in my studio, and kept many of the original lo-fi recordings in the final mix. This is a song writing formula that works perfectly for both of us. 

Sandy and I have never written a song together. That is together in the same room, or even the same city. Yet, all five songs on this debut EP, Little Treasures, were pieced together from ideas shared from one device to another, many kilometers away. And now for the first time, through the magic of technological advancement, it's in your hands to listen and consume. Facebook here.

'Bless Your Heart' is a soothing and flowing piece,that builds beautifully in all it's ambient glory. It's good to feature instrumental music when we can, with this song its a real pleasure.

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Childcare - Film Club.

Background - 'Film Club', the formidable new single from arch capital-city rockers Childcare, will be released on Lost in the Manor Records on 18 November. Childcare are supporting Bastille on their nationwide arena tour ahead of the release. Channelling post-punk, slacker rock, G-funk and bhangra, ‘Film Club’ – inspired by Childcare singer/songwriter Ed Cares’ trips to cinematic gatherings in order to impress a fellow attendee – evolves from unruly beginnings into a lick-laden dual-person narrative rich in celluloid reference. Set this to a jagged guitar refrain and riotous global beat, and you have a track brimming with killer hooks, cultural nous and compelling wit. One for the canon of intelligent British pop, ‘Film Club’ is a key exemplar of Ed’s smart, skilful songcraft, as well as his band’s singular sensual verve and ear for the cream of new wave.

It's 2014 and Ed Cares sits contemplating the formation of an oxbow lake. Despite being one of west London's most in-demand male nannies, Ed isn't entirely content with his lot. But, overheard humming a song he had written years before, Ed is persuaded by Katie, aged six, to form a band. Josh, eight, boldly proclaims: "You're probably my second favourite artist after Katy Perry." And so, after sourcing some neighbourhood musicians capable of living up to Josh’s heady billing — specifically Emma Topolski (bass), Rich Legate (guitar) and Glyn Daniels (drums) — Ed now had an able band to perform with under the only logical moniker in the circumstances: Childcare.

Enthused with the energy of punk, drenched in the off-kilter pop sensibilities of Missy Elliot, the infectiousness of The Police and a by-numbers approach to songcraft akin to Happiness In Magazines-era Graham Coxon, Childcare played some of their first shows at the Reading and Leeds festivals, and soon released their debut single 'Omega Grey'. The song gained radio play from Annie Mac, Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq, was named Track of the Day at Radio X, playlisted at Amazing Radio and garnered extensive blog coverage from the likes of Clash, Indie Shuffle and more. Also paying close attention were Lost In The Manor Records, who, after witnessing Childcare at one of their vivid and visceral live shows, wasted no time in proffering a contract. Facebook here.

Tues 8 November: Birmingham NIA
Sat 12 November: Glasgow SSE Hydro
Sun 13 November: Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Official ‘Film Club’ launch show - Mon 28 November: The Waiting Room, London N16.

'Film Club' is rapidly clocking up the listens, and it's hardly surprising with this feisty and potent song. If the rhythm doesn't get you the upbeat vocals and guitars could well hook your ears!

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Globetrotting: The Wedding Present - Hickory Signals - Snowapple - Songbird

The Wedding Present - Two Bridges.

Background - ‘Going, Going…’ is the title of the widely anticipated ninth studio album from UK indie darlings, The Wedding Present, but, in typical Wedding Present fashion... it’s not a conventional release! Going, Going... is out November 18th in North America on HHBTM Records, the album tells the story of a road trip across the USA, revealed across a collection of twenty ‘linked’ songs, each with an accompanying short film.

Always challenging and experimental, the idea to release the new project in a multi-media format is something that has been marinating with bandleader David Gedge for some time. As he points out, work began soon after the unveiling of The Wedding Present’s 2012 critically acclaimed album ‘Valentina’. “I’d already decided by then that I didn’t want to make the next release just ‘another album’ and so I came up with the idea of twenty ‘interconnected’ pieces of music. Then, in the summer of 2014 I travelled across the USA with photographer Jessica McMillan and we made some atmospheric short films to accompany the tracks. Since then it’s been a case of progressing through the music, trying all sorts of ideas, seeing how they work set against the visuals.”

Recorded at Studios La Fabrique in the south of France and Parr Street Studios in Liverpool with multiple Grammy award winning producer Andrew Scheps (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath, Adele) the resulting twenty tracks represent arguably The Wedding Present’s finest work to date, with Gedge, as always, showing himself to be the unrivalled master at observing human relationships from an everyman perspective but with the touch and artistry of a poet.

Formed in 1985, The Wedding Present are one of the UK’s most longstanding and much-loved indie bands with eighteen UK Top 40 hit singles to their name. That’s not bad for a band that has, from its inception, stubbornly refused to play the record industry’s game. The breathtakingly honest love songs immersed in whirlwind guitars quickly caught the attention of the late John Peel, who said: “The boy Gedge has written some of the best love songs of the rock ’n’ roll era. You may dispute this, but I’m right and you’re wrong!” USA vinyl pre-order here.

From gorgeous instrumentals through to more typical Wedding Present fayre such as the featured 'Two Bridges' the new album is, put simply, fabulous! Where to begin with twenty songs (and another eight bonus tracks), I will just say, Wedding Present fans will I reckon be besides themselves, for everyone else, this might just drive you to go through the bands entire back catalogue, enjoy.

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Hickory Signals - Noise Of The Waters.

Background - Brighton, England folk-duo, Hickory Signals are pleased to announce their second EP and new single of the same name 'Noise Of The Waters'.

Inspired by the sea-inspired James Joyce poem of the same name, ‘Noise Of The Waters’ is the second EP from Brighton folk duo, Hickory Signals. Made up of multi-instrumentalists Laura Ward and Adam Ronchetti, the pair combine strong vocal melodies with vibrant guitar, shruti, flute, glockenspiel and pulsing percussion; layering sounds carefully and minimally to create magical and atmospheric folk.

Making melodies reminiscent of music past, their inspiration comes not only from bygone songs and lyrics but also the illustrative world of literature and poetry. When singing ominously about 17th century soldiers burning down fields and stealing grain in ‘Irish Ways’ – the duo conjure up darkened images of Ireland’s past made all the more arresting by the conviction and purity in Ward’s voice. Elsewhere, traditional song, ‘The Unquiet Grave’ echoes Laura Marling’s sing-song, confessional style - with string accents adding a mysterious air to the tale of decaying hearts and lost love.

Title track, ‘Noise Of The Waters’ merges haunting flute lines with cleansing water imagery, offering a redemptive feeling that evokes a by-gone era of ominous storytelling, while ‘Take The Window’ descends into a raging revenge ditty, made all the more piercing by Ward’s clear and meandering vocal style.

Another, ‘Bows and Arrows’, sees the duo explore the mechanics of man-made arrows, traps and fishing lines for catching unattainable birds, deer and fish. The song states that building anything (bridges, schools, tools) requires education “but still there are things we cannot know…”. A cautionary tale that subtly explores the dangers of our human penchant for fixing and often, destroying.

Ward and Ronchetti are joined on this EP by Stick In The Wheel’s Ian Carter, who provides the production, and skilled violinist, Tom Pryor, whose sensitivity and musicality help make the collection an utter joy to listen to. Hickory Signals work stands out here as haunting, cinematic and un-rushed, cementing their careful, timeless sound as one to watch indeed. 'Noise Of The Waters' EP is out December 2, 2016. Website here.

'Noise Of The Waters' is a tender folk song, with a fine and pure traditional feel. The arrangement is crisp and clear as each instrument delicately supports the atmospheric vocals. The duo clearly know their craft and the folk music world is all the better for that.


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Snowapple - Any Way.

Background - Figures stream through the early-morning haze on the platform, or rest in the cozy comfort of a late-night compartment. Some are fleeing the horrible, some steaming toward a lover, a home, a new unknown city. The train cars rock and clack, lull and ache.

Amsterdam’s Snowapple chronicle the romance and alienation, the weird stories and intriguing characters of the trains as they ride the rails for their third album, Tracks (Zip Records; release: October 28, 2016). Along the way, they connect their globally informed, jazz- and improv-inflected home scene with resonant harmonies, clever arrangement, and dreamlike lyrics that span the heartfelt and the playful. Coupling a keen sense of the theatrical with exquisite vocals, the trio has an ongoing collaboration with several Amsterdam fashion designers, most notably Mo Benchellal.

Snowapple is a remarkable band. The three front women come from different backgrounds namely Jazz, Gospel and Opera. In the songs that they describe themselves as fairy-tail folk/pop/opera/impro, the three exceptional individual voices move into majestic harmonies. The girls accompany themselves on multiple instruments such as guitar, mandoline, keys, flute and percussion.

Snowapple released 2 studio albums that both gained international success resulting in releases in Europe (V2 Benelux, Rough Trade), UK (Debt Records) and USA (ZIP Records). Snowapple did multiple international tours in Europe, the UK, the USA and Mexico. Website here.

One of ten songs on the new album, 'Any Way' gives a good flavour of the quality and melodic nature, we find within their third album release. Vocals delight the musical arrangements are consistently good, this is another fine collection of songs.

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Songbird - Street Walker.

Background - Steph Jolly, Songbird, is an emerging Singer-Songwriter based in Adelaide, South Australia. Juggling work, study and having a heightened passion for songwriting has been a challenge, but also extremely rewarding personally, professionally and most pleasingly musically.

‘Street Walker,’ the debut release from Songbird, is an energetic, upbeat track, with plenty of sass and funk to get you grooving. Steph's honest and raw lyrics come straight from the heart and draw on past experiences and innermost thoughts and feelings. They express personal observations of a world sometimes cruel, sometimes beautiful. Live recordings have been utilised to create an upbeat, acoustic feel that excites the ears and reassures the soul.

‘Street Walker’ has received rave reviews locally and has been capturing attention all across the country. This success has also led to regular performances on the contemporary winery circuit, thanks to her gentle yet powerful vocals and warm, inviting presence.

Plying her trade in city bars, Steph has honed her craft by building her confidence and helping her create and develop the stage persona that is Songbird. Combining with the intricate yet melodious style of guitarist and longtime friend Michael Collins, Songbird is one of the freshest acts to come out of Adelaide in a long time. “Street Walker” will be released 11th of November 2016. Facebook here.

A simple stripped back acoustic song, 'Street Walker' is the perfect setting to showcase Steph Jolly's dynamic and melodic vocals. The energy and feeling comes across oh so well, no wonder the local interest, and hopefully wider audience soon.

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Quality Not Quantity: Levy And The Oaks - Feel Freeze

Levy And The Oaks - Slowly In The Water.

Background -   By way of Asbury Park, Levy & The Oaks delivered their 8-song self-titled LP last week for purchase, stream and download here. Delivering a one-two punch of Indie Pop and Grassroots Rock, the collection was written and recorded in their homestate of New Jersey. Today, the record is available on all DSPs.

The four-piece band seamlessly blend clever lyrics, spangled melodies and heady arrangements, while putting a tasteful spin on modern (and not so modern culture). Inspired by Duane's own struggles, the LP is about growing up, finding yourself, and ultimately, personal acceptance.

The debut track off the LP, “Slowly in the Water” set the tone for the album. "In my experience, the best songs are the ones that come organically, explains Okun.“That’s the case with “Slowly in The Water”. The track channels the emotional state of feeling lost, and the journey to self-awareness. "Out Of The Blue" was the motivation behind starting the band and writing the record,"it just comes so naturally to us. As soon as we're in a room together, things just start falling into place. It was time for something new, something fresh. 'Out Of The Blue' is the song that made us realize what the future could hold if we just kept doing what we love to do together", proclaims Lou.

Comprised of Duane Okun (lead singer/rhythm guitar), Lou Panico (bass/backing vocals), Chris Colon (lead guitar/backing vocals) and David O’Neal (drums), members of Levy & The Oaks have played all over the world with acts like Incubus, All American Rejects, Say Anything and many others. Additionally, they performed at CMJ and South by Southwest with a variety of mainstream acts.

“We’ve been in a band with each other since we were 15,” shares Okun.  “My biggest musical influences are these guys. We love to make music, and we’re not concerned about trying to fit in. We never fit in anyway. Website here.

'Slowly In The Water' is a catchy, melodic, laid back rocker. Vocals and harmonies are pristine and the band play with an easy slick manner. The band clearly love their music, and deserve to be heard.

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Feel Freeze - Wet My Tongue.

Background - Danish electro-pop duo going by the name of Feel Freeze are set to break waves in the UK whilst continuing their successful rise back in Denmark. Scandinavian music is a treasure trove for new talent and Feel Freeze are the perfect example of this, following in the footsteps of the likes of The Knife and Lykke Li- there are big things coming for this dreamy pop pair. The duo consisting of Mathias Vinther Liholt and Raymonde Gaunoux have received praise for their memorable live performances, supporting the likes of Thomas Dybdahl and Cymbals Eat Guitars. This included GAFFA raving about the band’s performance, that they deliver “so much musical energy, that they can barely contain it”.

Their latest self produced single, Wet My Tongue, was mixed by Peter Iverson and mastered by Anders Schumann (Medina). The track is very sonically interesting- not only does it have dreamy, electro-pop elements including dry electronic beats of The XX, but the use of an acoustic guitar introduces a folk feel, completely setting it apart from others in its genre. Vocally, we can hear hints of Grouplove, whilst the use of synth gives it a retro feel. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you’ll totally hear the eerie 80’s influence in there.

"Wet My Tongue is a musical journey that takes off in a light acoustic setting, but transforms itself into an eerie melancholic universe with cutting guitars, deep bass-drum and bubbly synthesizers. It takes place in the internet-time where people spend their days looking at pictures of each other on screens. It increases our need for physical contact. A growing desire. A cry for nearness. Wet My Tongue." Explained the band. Wet My Tongue will be released via Swedish label Icons Creating Evil Art. Facebook here.

With flowing vocals and harmonies and a soundtrack that builds beautifully, 'Wet My Tongue' is dreamy and yet quite energised. Feel Freeze put lots into this song, yet its smooth uncluttered and full of hooks.

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Sundays Alternative Take: Christine Leakey - Howlite - Severed Limb - Hail Taxi - So Below - Eat the Apple

Christine Leakey - Je Danse Dans Le Discotheque Avec Toulouse Lautrec.

Background from Christine - I’m thrilled to share my latest self-produced circus inspired single that I recorded in Los Angeles and Canada, *Je Danse Dans La Discotheque Avec Toulouse Lautrec* from my forthcoming second solo album, *Wanderlust Wishing Well*.

The music video by the very talented Sandra Powers features my friends, Timur Bekbosunov (Timur and the Dime Museum and opera singer), Matthew Setzer (Skinny Puppy and he sewed his green gorilla costume), Brett Loudermilk the skeleton (sword swallower with Spiegelworld), Mario Marin as Lautrec, Ghosty the dog and yours truly, the doll.

If you listen closely to the recording, you will hear that I used a vintage foley stage (sounds like stomping and kicking leaves and a pipe around) from the world’s oldest sound studio in Hollywood now called, Winslow Court Studios. The studio has such a rich history – It was built by the owner of the Los Angeles Railway at the turn of the last century and during the 60s and 70s was owned by Liberace. You can feel the history in the room and imagine all the wonderful talent over the decades who have experienced it.

Je Danse Dans La Discotheque Avec Toulouse Lautrec is one of my earliest songs that I wrote prior to an injury that left me unable to play for years. As well, it’s one of the very few pieces I’ve written on a piano. Involved in the recording are my friends Fernando Perdomo and Matt Tecu who are in Jakob Dylan’s band, Echo In The Canyon, Kristian Hoffman (El Vez, Prince Poppycock) and more. Facebook here.

'Je Danse Dans Le Discotheque Avec Toulouse Lautrec' defies genres, however I guess it sits comfortably somewhere between eccentric, lovable and surreal. The video is delicious, as it takes your imagination into a circus of the bizarre and theatrical. Musically it twists and turns with whimsy and engaging effect. Creative and pleasing, the album will be one to look out for.

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Howlite - Storm Chaser.

Background - Howlite is the reincarnation of Melbourne musician and visual artist Alison Thom. The moniker alludes to a mineral, thought to bear properties that calm the wearer and release old pains. In a way the shift is also a catharsis for Thom, who unburdens herself of her name and her folk roots to delve into pop music, a darker territory of layered vocals and synthetic sounds; freed from the past to create anew.

‘Storm Chaser’, the lead single from upcoming EP Reasons, underwent many incarnations prior to its final release, including a session with Mark Lang (Skipping Girl Vinegar) and Nick Huggins (Two Bright Lakes), at the latter’s beachside studio, which set Thom down the path of using synthesiser samples and creating loop tracks. Inspiration struck with Melbourne artist and producer Michael Robinson, and the two set about creating a hybrid of sounds, taking elements from Scandinavian pop artists like The Knife and Aurora, the dreamy guitar fuzz and soft harmonies of Daughter and a homage to the grand scale drumming patterns of Florence and the Machine. The goal was to create something bittersweet – uplifting and emotional.

“The whole EP came about as a result of a huge breakdown I had in 2013,” Thom explains. “I basically threw out all my old songs, had a huge crisis of conscience and identity and slowly began to address all the elements of my personality I was unhappy with – depression and anxieties, my behaviour in relationships, my destructive tendencies. ‘Storm Chaser’ was born from that; the constant and seemingly inevitable choice to walk into the worst situations for me, to volunteer myself as martyr or siren – deliberately leading myself or others into danger. I wanted to make a beautiful song about being a terrible person.” Howlite celebrating the release with a launch on November 11, venue soon to be announced. Facebook here.

'Storm Chaser' flows on layers of synthy sounds with the vocals gliding smoothly above. The eruption of guitar sounds as the song suddenly builds takes everything up a notch, in this catchy song.

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Severed Limb - Bela Lugosi.

Background - Drastic Decline Records will release the new single by South London six-piece Severed Limb on Nov 12. To launch the single the band will play a benefit gig for 'Musicians Against Homelessness' at Brixton Windmill on Nov 12.

Since forming in 2009 Severed Limb have become stalwarts of the South London circuit and beyond. They have played numerous BBC sessions including one for Steve Lamacq at the legendary Maida Vale Studios. They have played to a full house at the Royal Albert Hall opening for Imelda May. They have released records with Damaged Goods, Serious Types and more. They were named in Hot Chip's "dream festival line-up" alongside Brian Eno and Aphex Twin. They have busked and gigged around Europe on numerous occasions. Bass player Si Mitchell taught Joe Strummer everything he knew... about backgammon.

Recorded to one-inch tape at the all analogue Chuckalumba Studios in Dorset, 'Bela Lugosi' sees the band move away from the punk skiffle sound they made their own. "We didn't want to be associated with bands at festivals who wear waistcoats, so you mutate and survive". Washboards, accordions and acoustic guitars are replaced with organs, full drum kit, and garage-heavy guitars. "The evolution feels natural. You learn your craft playing roots music in the street and then you plug in and see what happens." Website here.

It's hard for me not to think of Bauhaus (and their song Bela Lugosi's Dead) with the song title 'Bela Lugosi'. However this is a very different song. The band cook up a funky, beefy, rock'n'roll piece, with some retro vibes thrown in for good measure. Rather than giving you the creeps, this one just creeps under your skin, and stays there.

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Hail Taxi - Crystal Clear.

Background - Hailing from the landscapes of Edmonton, Alberta Canada comes a humble story of a solo singer/songwriter and performer - Nathaniel Sutton. While predominantly delivering folk-based indie-rock, you'll discover deeper splashes of alt-country, pop and EDM sensibilities with eclectic influences that parallel elements from artists like Folk Implosion and Beck.

Nathaniel Sutton (aka Hail Taxi) struck some inevitable fate when he was approached by Engineer Records back in 2005 (with him being a huge label fan and buying releases over the years) and was asked to submit some of his own material to their label staff. The intrigue of who took notice to his relentless dedication/purchases as a label fan, soon realised that Nathaniel was a musician himself and developed a bond with the label as an emerging artist. This relationship would eventually lead to the release of his debut album 'Dramatic Scene' in 2005.

Now, being in his early 30's, Nathaniel Sutton returns to Engineer Records under his new moniker, Hail Taxi, and with his appropriately titled EP 'Apart For So Long'. The 5 track offering contains vibes of familiarity yet foreignness and maturity that can only be heard to understand. With the prospect of strong connections, brilliantly written music and strong work ethics, Hail Taxi is a name that is becoming more recognisable by the day; with no intentions of stopping anytime soon. Facebook here.

I actually had to stop watching the video for 'Crystal Clear' just to check out if the song was being enhanced by the wonderful images. The simple answer is no, it's as catchy without the film, together though its a wonderful combination of sight and sound.

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So Below - Hard.

Background - New Zealand's reigning queen of goth pop, So Below (a.k.a Madeline North) releases her brand new single 'Hard', now available to download and stream worldwide.

Produced by Leroy Clampitt (Taste Nasa) and Aaron Short (The Naked And Famous), 'Hard' showcases North’s growing songwriting sophistication, delivering her signature synth sound combined with an undeniable earworm of a pop chorus that will echo in your brain for days. Says North of the new single, "Hard is definitely the most aggressive song I've ever written, with a pretty strong pop element. I love catchy pop melodies, if it doesn't get stuck in your head it didn't do its job!" The music video for 'Hard', directed by Susie Francis will follow in December 2016.

 After leaving her native New Zealand in 2013, Auckland’s Madeline North began exploring her vocal talents, inspired by her new surroundings. Layering heavily processed vocals and harmonies over simple yet dark laptop beats, North began to formulate her style into what would so uniquely become So Below. Wanting to carry on this darker, moodier style of electro-pop, North reached out to fellow Kiwi musicians Aaron Short (The Naked And Famous), Sam McCarthy (Kids Of 88, Boyboy) and Leroy Clampitt (Taste Nasa) to help her produce her demos and ultimately complete what was to become So Below’s debut self-titled EP, released in March 2016. With an immediate debut at #5 on the NZ iTunes Alternative chart, the track ‘Sleep’ earning Top 25 placement in Spotify Canada’s Viral Chart and ‘Far’ peaking at #22 on the Hype Machine chart, this global admiration paved the way towards international collaboration and a Remixed version of the EP followed in September 2016. Facebook here. 

'Hard' is the second song by So Below, we have featured on Beehive Candy. Madeline North continues to produce atmospheric music. and on this occasion, where her vocals drive the melody above a darker synth backdrop.

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Eat the Apple - Houdini.

Background - A Glimmer of Hope or Skin or Light was a dance/theater/cabaret/glam-rock musical created by veteran choreographer/director KT Niehoff. Commissioned by Seattle’s ACT Theatre, the event was performed to sold out houses in 2010 and again in 2015. This soundtrack to that experience, set to be released on December 2, 2016, emerged out of those haunted and humidly elegant performances – a "raucous, daunting thing" dripping with an intense appreciation for the moment.

Creators KT Niehoff and Ivory Smith (AKA) Eat the Apple began collaborating in 2010. They both have a long history of projects across artistic platforms, creating multi-dimensional experimental performance work. They share a similar background and are deeply moved by both the bizarre and traditional.

This soundtrack draws on Smith and Niehoff’s diverse history, creating an end result that is both theatrical and authentic in a raw way, an album that is both all over the map and totally cohesive. It's intended to be consumed in one big bite. Websites - KT Niehoff and Ivory Smith.

'Houdini' only hints at what's in store on the fabulous 'A Glimmer of Hope or Skin or Light' album. The clue is in the description above that is, dance/theatre/cabaret/glam-rock musical. For me once the album commenced with 'Carny' there was no option but to listen to the rest. Recommended for those in search of different.

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Six Of The Best: The Last Exposure - Uncle Lucius - Parlour Tricks - Soft Ledges - Anna Atkinson - Scott Taylor

The Last Exposure - Human.

Background - The Last Exposure releases their brand new single ’Human’, following the success of their debut ‘Echo’, ’Human’ is an uplifting song about not feeling as though one belongs in their body and does not in fact feel human. The Last Exposure offer an early 90’s alternative rock punch fronted by sassy and powerful vocals. They take pride in their performance - its rock, it’s loud and it’s fierce.

The Sydney band has been playing gigs in the city, non-stop since it’s inception in 2015, in that short life span supporting the likes of Hands like Houses, L-Fresh the Lion, Columbus, Camp Cope and Philadelphia’s Cayetana. The band met while studying their music degrees at university, travelling up to two hours each way just to rehearse and write together. With finishing their courses, they decided to take their original material and continue as The Last Exposure.

Chelsea Barnes, singer, says, “It’s a song about getting to the bottom, feeling that low and really hating yourself for it! I wanted the song to be uplifting. I wanted it to say ‘Well hey, you may feel low but you’re not alone and you’re beautiful’.”

The band recorded and produced the single with Australian record producer Lachlan Mitchell at Parliament Studios (formerly Jungle) in Leichhardt, Sydney. Facebook here.

Mixing power and passion 'Human' is a fine rocker of a song. There's a video for it (here), for me however the audio stands on it's own, in a fine alt rock piece.

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Uncle Lucius - Don't Own The Right.

Background - Following the success of their recent single ‘Age of Reason’ and the response to its cinematic video, Uncle Lucius have confirmed the next UK/Europe single from their latest album ‘The Light’ (Boo Clap/Thirty Tigers) as a double A-Side: ‘Don’t Own The Right’/‘Flood Then Fade Away’. The band have also confirmed a full list of European tour dates in October & November including seven UK dates, with support from Curse of Lono:
                                                                       
31st Oct - Greystones, Sheffeld 
1st Nov - Fat Lils, Witney (nr Oxford)
2rd Nov - Maze, Nottingham 
3rd Nov - Academy 2, London
4th Nov - Prince Albert, Brighton
6th Nov - Hug & Pint, Glasgow
7th Nov - Musician, Leicester  

In their own words: “We are beyond psyched about our return to the UK. After touring relentlessly in the states for the better part of a decade, we have become a bit jaded with most of the American audience. It seems the majority of people here have fallen victim to the blatant pandering and watered down lyricism of popular music that has, by design, taken over the mainstream. Our first foray into Europe earlier this year showed us that there is an audience that actually listens to and ‘gets’ our intentions. We are thankful for another opportunity to meet and perform for this crowd.” Website here.

'Don't Own The Right' has a fine if slightly surreal video, but oh boy! I just love the song. Vocals are naturally good and the band just buzzes with raw rock energy!

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Parlour Tricks - (what i think about when i think about) Bodies.

Background - Saying Farewell to Parlour Tricks, NYC act debut final EP: (what I think about when I think about) Bodies.
   
Described as "a sonic fusion of HAIM and Lucius", and with a knack for creating impossibly infectious harmonies layered over building drum lines, Parlour Tricks captured the hearts of audiences in their hometown of New York and beyond.

This week, they arrive with their new EP, (what i think about when i think about) Bodies - a bittersweet collection of tracks that marks the final release for the band who have announced that they will be disbanding.

"I want to tell you about those nights in the studio, in Nashville and in New York, when everything gelled beautifully, when we felt the enormity of making something good.   I want to explain these things, but even then it wouldn’t paint a full picture.  You had to be there. We were lucky enough to be there." - Parlour Tricks frontwoman, Lily Cato. Website here.

So it's a fond farewell to Parlour Tricks, it's been a while since we featured them and you can listen to the full EP below from what is was a consistently good source of beautiful songs. Enjoy '(what i think about when i think about) Bodies'.

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Soft Ledges - Seven Stories.

Background - Chicago's Soft Ledges make dark, angular, delicate music with the belief that the secret to lost is found and the only way in is through. Formed in 2015 by songwriter Shelley Miller (vox/piano/guitar) and Chris Geisler (bass), the band (joined at live shows by drummer Raul Cotaquispe) is set to release their self-titled debut album November 18.

Miller and Geisler, both veterans of the Chicago music scene (Miller as a singer/songwriter, Geisler in the Hamburglars, TAFKAV and several other punk bands), started Soft Ledges with a mission to make brave, honest music beyond the bounds of genre...and to challenge the self-perceived limits of what they were "allowed" to do as musicians and people. 

The result?  Miller's fevered, urgent whispers and screams on La Niña and Seven Stories.  Geisler's bowed electric bass, awash in reverb, on Highlight Reel. Fingerpicking and distortion pedals.  Last call, last chance lullabies.

Soft Ledges recorded their debut album spring 2016 at Kingsize Soundlabs (Chicago, IL) with engineer John Abbey (who also mixed and mastered). On it, Miller sings and plays drums, guitar, piano and several other instruments, while Geisler plays bass, plus guitar and drums on a couple tracks.

'Seven Stories' is just one element of the debut album due soon. Soft Ledges explore different themes, sometimes potent and feisty, sometimes in a more understated manner, with moods shifting from song to song. It's one of those albums where it's hard to predict whats to follow and I like that, especially if the quality is there. In this case it's there in bucket loads.

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Anna Atkinson - Snowshoe.

Background from Anna Atkinson - 'Sky Stacked Full' is an album about possibility. Musings on childhood memories, human connection, anxiety, the joys and perils of solitude, death - what it means to be in the world.

The songs were written over a span of ten years. There is a song I wrote for my father seven years after he died. There is a song I wrote for my mother three years before she died.

I'm fascinated by endeavours that take a long time. Slow moving, sometimes imperceptibly slow. Like quilting, writing a novel, making an album. Things for which there is no virtue in hurrying. Baking bread, snowshoeing up a mountain, knitting, gardening, growing up. In fact, they are processes we cannot hurry, try as we might.

The album was recorded over a period of five months at CBC Studio 211 in Toronto, and features the playing of co-producer and guitarist David Occhipinti. Facebook here.

Earlier this month we featured 'When We Were Young' by Anna Atkinson stating at the time that "the forthcoming album is eagerly awaited".  First track on the album is 'Snowshoe' and it is beautiful, as is the whole collection of songs. Vocals are wonderful, the song arrangements allow every element to shine through, and the creativity is there in each melodic piece. Well worth checking out.

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Scott Taylor - Tennessee.

Background - Born in Washington DC and raised in Virginia, Scott Taylor plays the true blues; stirred up in Motown hot sauce, simmered in funk and seasoned with southern soul.

The singer-songwriter has spent a life entrenched in music. After years spent with his youth choir, Taylor began his professional career backing headlining artists who toured the Northwest and has also collaborated with Cover Girls, Joyce Sims, Little Louie Vega, and Barbara Tucker of Strictly Rhythm Records. He bounced around several notable blues labels as he honed his solo style, finally hitting the UK dance charts with his 1991 single “Not So Far Away” on Back Beat Records.

Most recently Scott has found a home at Fetal Records out of Annapolis where he is putting the finishing touches on his first album for the label, a collection of songs he describes as “unfiltered and strait from the gut”. The bluesman has been laboriously tracking his new material, collaborating with blues guitar virtuoso Tony Fazio with Charlie Sayles playing harmonica on several tracks, while still finding time to play piano at Church on Sundays. Facebook here.

If you like your blues natural and with all the vital roots and passion then 'Tennessee' gives a flavour of what's in store on the first album. Scott Taylor is the real deal, and well worth keeping an ear out for.

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