Genre Mix: Silver Rose - Leitvox - King Washington - Polly Baker

Silver Rose - Take Me Home.

Background - The genesis of Carla Sariñana’s Silver Rose project originates in Los Angeles in the spring and summer months of 2015. In thrall to shoegaze and dream pop and the iconography of the 1970s, Carla set to work rendering her unique take on these influences through Silver Rose. No veteran to the indie scene, Carla has been playing bass and writing songs for successful all-female Mexican rock band Ruido Rosa since 2005. By playing every battle of the bands competition they could find and every venue that would have them, they grew a loyal fanbase through their raw and energetic live shows. Silver Rose is a way for Carla to express her more vulnerable and romantic side; her songs wear their heart on their sleeve. Birthed out of a love for glamour and melancholy and nostalgia, Silver Rose is an empowering and vital project that resonates with and inspires anyone who laments the faded glamour of rock and roll. Her new material was refined in live performance in various bars around Los Angeles and in Mexico City where she has played El Imperial, and Caradura at Festival Marvin. With Ruido Rosa, she has played the Harvard and Stone, SXSW, ViveLatino, and supported KISS, Maroon 5 and Queens of the Stone Age. Carla’s songwriting is affirmatively old school, and in a pop landscape which often feels lustreless and tacky like cheap perfume, Silver Rose is a fragrant blast of fresh air.

With its swirling ambience, larger than life production and a reverb-heavy wall of sound, ‘Take Me Home’ is a monolithic testament to the gothic pop of yesteryear. The lead track from Silver Rose’s new self-titled EP out now, it’s a disarming showcase of Carla Sariñana’s stupefying abilities as both a singer and a songwriter. Like listening to the doomed romance of The Jesus and Mary Chain filtered through contemporary production values, Sariñana manages a sound that’s both thrillingly immediate and artfully idiosyncratic. With enchanting melodies that Cocteau Twins would doff a hat to, and feral feedback-oriented noise rock dynamics, ‘Take Me Home’ proves to be an irresistibly raw offering from a beguiling new talent. Facebook here.

One of six tracks on the new EP, 'Take Me Home' is fairly representative of the power and energy felt throughout the collection. The songs vary from almost wall of sound shoegaze through to more alt rock tones, the constant fine vocals and passion give a consistent flavour across the EP.

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Leitvox - Two Tribes (Ft Emma Fox & Gavin Clark).

Background - Leitvox presents “Two Tribes”, the latest single from his acclaimed album Floating Promises fetauring the vocals of Emma Fox and Gavin Clark (UNKLE) and the great Ilian Rubin (Nine Inch Nails) on drumms.

With bass laden synths and and lots of cymbals, "Two Tribes" will transport you to another world where trip hop, chillout and electronica meet to create a magical world of sound. The vocals of Emma Fox swirl around creating beautiful melodies and are complemented by Gavin Clark’s melancholic tones.

The track stands out for it’s pristine sound, all elements composing the sound blending seamlessly to create an almost immersive experience for 4 minutes. Bright like the dawn and equally as beautiful, “Two Tribes” is a great example of Leitvox’s skill at pairing and  melding different styles and voices.

Leitvox is a Mexican producer and composer that recently moved to Miami to open his own studio in Wynwood and start promoting his music in the U.S. His first EP, Fall From You, released in 2012, was acclaimed by the press in his country and served as a foundation for its successor Floating Promises, release this year in the US. The album features collaborations with Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails), Gavin Clark and James Griffith (Unkle) Nina Miranda (Smoke City) and Ana Karla Escobar. In addition to the 9 tracks of the album, Floating Promises  has 4 bonus tracks with remixes by Ladytron, GusGus, Son Lux and Nortec. Facebook here. Website here.

Commencing with a rich swirling synth, and quickly followed by defined drums and melodic vocals ensures 'Two Tribes' stands out from the crowd.

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King Washington - My Reflection.

Background - King Washington beautifully blends vocal harmonies, surprising progressions and blues tinted indie rock. Taking influence of 60’s and 70’s California folk, the band successfully adds a modern new rock edge, crafting a flavor all of their own.

King Washington is Tyson Kelly (vocals, guitar, keys), George Krikes (guitar, vocals), Billy Lee (bass, vocals) and David Contreras (drums). United they have a natural grace for connecting with each other, with their deep vocal harmonies, soaring guitars and driving drumbeats. The musical collective delivers an exceptionally polished yet intimate live experience, with LA Weekly voting them as one of the top ten live bands. Audiences continue to laud their tight and dynamic live show.

King Washington’s latest album entitled “Potential”, found inspiration from pain, growth and acceptance. Principle songwriter Kelly confesses how he drew inspiration from “getting caught in something so deep that you shut everything else out and forget how life should be. There is so much beauty missed…you can observe every day without realising that it’s this never ending movie. That you can make any decisions you want at any given time- it’s exciting when you think of it that way”

The band’s highly anticipated new album is the result of their ever evolving sound, Kelly admits "I think we’ve done a good job of simplifying the structures a bit and focusing more on stronger melodies and clearer messages, while still staying true to our signature King Washington sound”. This unique blend of folk, indie rock and 60’s soul, has been described as “The New California Sound”. Their leading single ‘My Reflection’ is evident of this, in it’s cinematic vibes, layered sampled beats and textured soaring harmonies, resulting in flurry of quiet intensity.

’Superman’ showcases the group’s strong influence of the 60’s/70’s, with powerful leading guitar melodies accompanied with building drum rhythms, heightening into a climatic resolution.  While ‘Evelyn’ demonstrates the band’s signature sound of harmonic indie folk rock with a hint of Americana.

King Washington’s successes include notable radio adds, opening slots for Arctic Monkeys, Ambrosia and Collective Soul. Potential will be released January 27 worldwide with an accompanied national tour. Facebook here.

It's the vocals and harmonies that initially stand out on 'My Reflection. That said they have firm musical foundations beneath them and the song all comes together thanks to some well refined production.

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Polly Baker - Wild.

Background -  Rising country pop singer Polly Baker promises a captivating love filled adventure in her stunning sun-splashed video for "Wild". Baker has performed throughout the United States, generating a social media buzz that has garnered her radio airplay, interviews, and showcases. She has been the opening act for Chanel West Coast, W!ldcard, The Afters, and Melissa Manchester. More information on Baker is available on her official website.

The video for “Wild” is a fun and flirty ode to the thrills of young love. Baker’s adopted city of Los Angeles is front and center, as Baker and her beloved stroll the city’s shores and streets. The visuals are warm, vivid, and inviting. According to Baker, the aesthetically pleasing quality of “Wild” is purposely artistic in nature:

“I loved the idea of writing a song that allowed the listener to paint the story within their imagination. From driving along Laurel Canyon with my co-writer and penning the purple skies we saw that sunset as the first lyric of the hook to the red dress I had worn on a rainy day outing to Manhattan Beach...the melody and lyrics are a visual memory for me and I wanted to make sure that the music video captured those moments." Baker recently graduated from Berklee College of Music. She released her self-titled debut EP, produced by Grammy-winner Dave Darling, on June 3, 2016. Facebook here.

'Wild' is a melodic unpretentious country pop song. The music video makes a perfect accompaniment, sometimes that's all that is required!

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Weekend Wonders: Mick Clarke - Deltawerk - Andrew Johnston - Slothrust - Wild Domestic

Mick Clarke - Tailgater.

Background -  Two new digital singles from Mick Clarke are now available. Begging Bowl - From the Shake It Up album this  a funkier remix which was done for the 3 CD re-issue, coming soon on BGO Records. Tailgater - Also originally recorded for the Shake It Up album but not included on the final track list - now available as a digital single iTunes etc.

Mick began his career with Killing Floor part of the British blues boom of the late 60s. The band backed Texas blues guitar star Freddie King and toured with legends such as Howlin' Wolf and Otis Spann. In the 70s Mick co-formed Salt, a powerful four piece band which was a big hit on the UK club and college scene, opened for Muddy Waters in London and played at the Reading Festival.

The Mick Clarke Band was formed in the early 80s and Mick has become an established name on the European scene, touring regularly in every country from Finland down to Italy, plus tours in the USA and Asia. Praised for his fiery "straight from the wood" guitar sound, he has appeared on numerous festivals with artists such as Robert Cray, Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher. The Southern California Blues Society called him "one of the finest blues players to come out of England". Mick is the winner of the 2014 "best international act" from artistaloud.com, India.

The album "Ruff'n'Roar - Live at Scratchers" was released in January 2016, and in February 2017 the full trilogy of Ramdango / Crazy Blues / Shake It Up will be released on a double CD by BGO Records. Website here, Facebook here.

If you like some unpretentious blues rock then 'Tailgater' may well tick all your boxes. Mick Clarke is a blues natural. The music may span generations, but tracks like this for me, mean it never grows old.

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Deltawerk - Sample.

Background - Deltawerk is a new collaborative project by Pascal Terstappen (Applescal) & Hessel Stuut (Polynation). The Amsterdam based artists created an audio/visual live set, titled 'Passages', that takes you on a journey through surreal worlds and sounds. Until summer 2017, eight tracks will be released on four different EP’s: Passages EP.1,EP.2, EP.3 & EP.4.

The Deltawerk live performance is projected to three big screens on stage. The side screens are diagonally placed which gives the impression you fly past all kinds of worlds, through passages.

Hessel Stuut is mainly known for his work as Polynation, a music act he's producing together with Stijn Hosman that became #03 'Best New Act' on XLR8R in 2015. He’s also played drums/keys in theater shows, collaborating with musicians from all over the world. Graduated from the University of the Arts (2009) and with a couple of award winning exhibitions under his belt, Hessel is also responsible for lots of Atomnation cover art and visuals for all kinds of commercial purposes.

Pascal Terstappen has been releasing as Applescal for quite a while and is the founding figure of Atomnation, the label responsible for releasing music by Sau Poler, David Douglas, Weval, Gidge, Polynation and Olaf Stuut. With a label nearing 50 releases and an impressive solo discography, Pascal is without doubt one of the most dedicated curators of the electronic music scene. As Deltawerk, Terstappen & Stuut fuse their love for club music and visual art. More here.

Just short of ten minutes the track 'Sample' envelops the listener with spacious melodic synths and a crisp flowing rhythm. The production is superb and despite it's length this has a play it again quality throughout.

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Andrew Johnston - Dictator.

Background from Andrew Johnston - When I first started to work on "Dictator" it was much more of an on-the-nose political type song. That’s a really hard thing to pull off well, and Murray really encouraged me to go back to the drawing board with the lyrics and make them more personal and from the heart. 

As it stands now the track may have been inspired by political stuff but seems to be more about how we can all be our own worst critics. I guess it’s about being your own worst enemy, and trying to free yourself from that.

It's an uptempo track that falls within the tradition of songs that manage to pair dark subject matter within the trappings of a catchy song. It was selected from the Murray Lightburn (The Dears) produced sessions for my next record “The New Great Game”. Facebook here.

Live Dates:
Nov 25th – Toronto – The Central
Nov 26th Wakefield – Kafe 1870
Nov 27st – Ottawa – Shanghai Restaurant

Full of gentle alt rock vibes 'Dictator' is a melodic and addictive song. Musicianship is first class and Andrews vocals are equally pleasing. Looking forward to 'The New Great Game'.

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Slothrust - Rotten Pumpkin.

Background - Slothrust has debuted the video for their most recent single "Rotten Pumpkin". The video channels Britney Spears, includes circus tricks, choreography, a gold lamè onesie, tracks suits and of course, jazz hands! "Rotten Pumpkin" along with their two previous singles "Like A Child..." and "Horseshoe Crab" are all on their recently released album 'Everyone Else' out now on Dangerbird Records.

With their long-awaited third album Everyone Else, Slothrust deliver ten riveting anthems that reward repeated listens. The songs grab the ear and pierce the psyche with complex arrangements and lyrical depth intensified by guitarist/vocalist Leah Wellbaum’s penetrating vocal delivery. 

Slothrust is Wellbaum, Kyle Bann (bass), and Will Gorin (drums). The trio first staked out their unique strain of jazz- and blues-afflicted rock as students at Sarah Lawrence College. The band’s 2012 debut Feels Your Pain, and its successor 2014’s Of Course You Do, established the band as a breed apart, serving up deceptively clever epics that veer satisfyingly between incandescent riffing and pop hooks, winsome anxiety and powerful heft. Facebook here.

We featured Slothrust back in early October and the new video for their recent single 'Rotten Pumkin' is well worth a feature. Musically the band deliver another ear pleasing rocker, and the video is very 'out there' and likable.

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Wild Domestic - Author.

Background - Indie/ alt-rock band, Wild Domestic is the brainchild of Matt Carlson. Born in Paraguay, Carlson moved to Charlotte, North Carolina when he was six months old, and it is where he resides to this day. According to Carlson, he knew from a young age that music was his true calling, and according to his family, he has been singing since before he could talk.

 As a teenager, Carlson began playing an assortment of instruments including guitar, bass, drums and keys, most of which were self-taught. Completely immersed in the arts as a teen, Carlson was involved as an actor in a number of plays and commercials. While attending college, Carlson simultaneously continued his music career. Following stints in several different Charlotte area bands, he made the decision to pursue a solo career and took on the moniker Wild Domestic.

After spending the last few years writing and performing both locally and nationally, Carlson released his self-titled debut EP, Wild Domestic in 2015. The follow up EP, Singular is slated to be released in early 2017. Wild Domestic’s writing, production and performance is a reflection of Carlson’s personal views and voice. His soulful, honest, and sometimes quirky lyrics are underscored by his strong alternative rock background, which is influenced by bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Talking Heads and Arcade Fire. Wild Domestic connects in a fresh way with a broad and progressive audience. Facebook here.

'Author' is a fresh feeling, alt rocker. Matt Carlson's vocals fit the bill and are immersed in good old full tilt rock'n'roll guitar lead music. It's a punchy honest song and it works.

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Genre Wander: Enemies - War Nurse - Walpurgis Family - Desert Mountain Tribe

Enemies - Glow (feat. Louise Gaffney).

Background - Enemies will release their third and final album entitled Valuables on December 9th via Topshelf Records. Valuables documents a turbulent time for the band — intensive writing, recording and touring, coupled with a lack of shared vision, led to a decision that harmony in ending is ultimately more valuable than discord in continuing. On "Glow," the final single to be released from Valuables, Enemies provide the ethereal backing track for the haunting vocals of guest vocalist Louise Gaffney of Come On Live Long.

Formed in 2007, Enemies, an experimental/indie-rock four-piece from Kilcoole, Ireland, have spent almost a decade writing, recording and producing their own records. Having travelled the world with tours in Asia, North America and Europe, the band has continuously developed their sound, remaining incredibly distinct within Ireland’s experimental music scene. Enemies surprise their listeners with every release by constantly tweaking and perfecting their own brand of intelligent, pop-infused rock. Not content to fit neatly into any particular category or sub-genre, Enemies have continued to evolve their sound into something that goes beyond the labels of math or post-rock.

Enemies' final show will be at Dublin's Vicar Street on December 18th. Facebook here.

'Glow' reminds us of the fine music Enemies have created and the inclusion of Louise Gaffney on vocals just adds vibrancy and added beauty to the song. Far better to go out on a high than drift into obscurity.

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War Nurse - Hounds.

Background - Intrusive painful memories manifest in vacancy. Flashbacks reignite traumatic internalised stimuli once lost, followed by troubled sleep, persistent bad dreams fuelled by guilt about things done or not done, social isolation, withdrawal, and alienation. Jumpiness is a static personality trait featuring startle responses, anxiety, and terminal misconduct. All are Distress Calling.

War Nurse is a union of imagined and real. Festering through psychic cracks, bracing for escape, the band brings struggle to the forefront. Tension is palpable. Rallying behind cries for power, War Nurse brings glory to your feet. Unified delivery ascending and rupturing with no pause. There is no competition, there is no copy, the copy is the dream.

Existing only in planes, embassies of the common, War Nurse is of no fixed address, of no nation, of no material world. A product of Psychic Wounds. A product of Distress Calling. Clarity is illusory, War Nurse defeats illusory, makes meaning of simplicity, reinvents nothing, imagines everything. Together we are a constellation.

The six-song EP is out now on Automatic Memory, Website here. Bandcamp here.

From the new EP 'Distress Calling' we feature the second of six tracks 'Hounds'. War Nurse deliver a powerful wall of sound, where the message in the lyrics is reinforced by the sheer energy of a thundering rock machine. Passionate and determined music, that most definitely blows the cobwebs away. 

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Walpurgis Family - Professor Panda.

Background - We are Walpurgis Family. We live in Dublin, and have been committing musical mischief since 2008. After a hiatus of a few years, we’re proud to release our full length album Live Your Life Around It. This will be our third album, and is the follow-up to our well received album Dawn (2012). This 10-track collection is a journey through emotions, featuring lots of melodic layering, fuzz guitars, cheeky riffs and soft spoken vocals. Live Your Life Around It is an eclectic, energetic and upbeat roller coaster trip through various scenes, all centred around the theme of how mental health is absorbed into everyday life.

The album was recorded by Mark Chester (Ginnels, Grand Pocket Orchestra, Lie Ins, No Monster Club, Paddy Hanna band) in the Pop Inn off Capel Street, Dublin and in various houses. All this will be released on CD in beautiful handmade packaging with a die-cut outer sleeve.

We’re having a release party at 8pm on November 26th in the Workman’s Club, Dublin along with our Popical friends Cryboys & Conor O’Toole. The album will be available for download and streamed from Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, etc., and can be bought on CD from Bandcamp and at selected record stores.

Walpurgis Family are Jeroen Saegeman (guitars, vocals / Groom), Wil McDermott (bass / Groom), Ruan Van Vliet (drums / Groom, Squarehead, Ginnels, Cryboys), Jonny Fun (keys / the … Hesitations, Cave Ghosts, Yeh Deadlies). On Live Your Life Around It we received a helping hand from Neassa Doherty (vocals / Capitol Trid, The Terribles, You Kiss By the Book) and Mark Chester (guitars, recording, mastering). Facebook here.

The second of ten beautifully refined songs on the new 'Live Your Life Around It' album and 'Professor Panda' is a taste of the bands fabulous sound. Predominately upbeat, and lyrically smart, this is my first listen to the band, pretty much ensuring the previous material is now on the must listen list.

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Desert Mountain Tribe - Take A Ride.

Background - London-based psych-rock trio Desert Mountain Tribe unveil the visuals for their upcoming new single ‘Take A Ride’, set for release on 9th December via Membran Entertainment Group.

The video features a chapter from the 1962 cult shockumentary ‘Mondo Cane’. The unconventional, provocative and controversial footage presents taboo subjects in such a way that they would get past the censors and it consists of a series of travelogue vignettes including a dark but entertaining section on pre Beatles’ Reeperbahn area of Hamburg, considered a magnet for those seeking pleasure and distraction from the cares of life.

“Since we are partly German we felt an instant connection to those scenes,” the band explains, “the intimacy of the footage shows the true and raw emotions of people captured by the film makers and conveys an image of purity and innocence in a chaotic and brutally appearing surroundings.”

The cosmopolitan trio formed by Jonty Balls from South London on guitar and vocals and German brothers Felix and Philipp Jahn, on drums and bass respectively, feel there is perhaps a connection between the murky world of mondo movies and the current political situation “not unlike our recent times with Brexit – something close to our hearts as two of us are from mainland Europe living in London - and Trump as a new president in the US. We feel that people want to be able to forget these things for a night and just live. As the song plays with these contradicting spectrums of life, the scenes chosen for the video underline those values and attentions of the song.”

Having recently notched up memorable live performances on their successful European tour; including sell-out shows in London and Rotterdam and recent standout performances at Rockaway Beach and Hackney Wonderland Festival. With their US tour seeing the group support artists like Toy, The Wytches, Damo Suzuki and Ringo Deathstarr - the threepiece has become a formidable and renowned international live act. Facebook here.

Tour Dates:
18/11/16 - Electrowerkz, London
19/11/16 - Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury
24/11/16 - Brudenhall Social Club, Leeds
25/11/16 - The Picturedrome, Holmfirth
26/11/16 - The Engine Shed, Lincoln
08/12/16 - The Assembly, Leamington Spa
09/12/16 - Central Station, Wrexham.

'Take A Ride' is a blissful piece of full on psych rock, which benefits from the powerful and expansive sounds that rock trio's seem born to create. The video could well double as a reminder for those with alcohol issues, that staying dry has an awful lot of plus points.

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Six Of The Best: Young Robin - Pink Tea - Vermont - Albert Man - IDLES - Allman Brown

Young Robin - Faker Faker.

Background - One of the most beautiful things about being in a band is the mateship that comes with it. From start to finish – top to tail – Perth indie quintet Young Robin typify this universal quantity in every joy-filled note they play. Their friendship is literally fuelling their music.

Following on from the band's first offering 'Ferndully' earlier this year, new single 'Faker Faker' is the perfect case in point, concocting a spiralling whirlwind of dreamy guitar, catchy beats and carefree, effortlessly smooth vocals. It's what music aficionados seek in the perfect pop song: all the hooks and dance floor voodoo you can muster, without any of the cheese. 'Faker Faker' delivers this amazing serotonin injection with a masterful balance of enthusiasm and grace – a testament to the band's natural chemistry.

Having just played this year's WAM Saturday Spectacular Festival, Young Robin are gearing up for their single launch at The Boston in Perth, Saturday December 3. Vocalist Jed Begho says of the new song "It's about getting to know someone only to discover their true colours and intentions and struggling to decide whether it's worth it to keep going because of your history together or cut it off completely."

As a new band, Young Robin have a full tank of youthful energy and an endless highway to explore as they embark upon the wondrous road trip that is being in a band. At the heart of it all are five friends whose paths are intertwined by the music they make and the people they will meet because of it. Only time will tell what twists this journey will take, but without a doubt 'Faker Faker' is the most perfect step forward. Facebook here.

Bright and breezy indie music and equally pleasing vocals ensure 'Faker Faker' grabs our attention from the first chords. It's feisty uncomplicated music, where the energy levels are naturally high.

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Pink Tea - Send Me A Letter.

Background - ‘Send Me A Letter’ is the upcoming single from Pink Tea that was written, recorded and produced in the home bedroom studio of Tom Murphy (Pink Tea) located in Brisbane’s northern suburbs.

Pink Tea has been writing music as a solo artist for nearly 2 years. The goal of the project has always been simple, to create a soul-infused style of alternative rock that will ignite emotion within listeners. Having recorded music solely as both writer and producer, it has always come straight from the heart.

‘Send Me A Letter’ is a hearty rock song, addressing the heartache that comes with losing contact with close friends, family and relations. A chugging bass line and pumping rhythm guitars create the chemistry of the song, and express the frustrations inherent in the lyrics. Underlying is the lead guitar riff, at most times hopeful and vibrant, but also urgent.

Needless to say the song is written and derived from personal experiences that Pink Tea has been through in the last year, the emotional hardships that come with maturing as a mid-20 year old and keeping friendships afloat.

Above all this lies the truly inspiring artists that Pink Tea himself draws motivation from. ‘Send Me A Letter’ was written with a few particular masterful and already well established artists in mind. These artists include Foals (UK) for their brilliance in lead riffs and explosive energy, local Aussie lads Hockey Dad, Harts and Silverchair for their fast paced yet honest rock sounds. There will be plenty soon-to-be-announced live shows on the way for Pink Tea before the end of 2016, with a national tour projected for 2017. Facebook here.

With a nice chunky guitar riff 'Send Me A Letter' starts as it means to go on. Vocals are right for the style and the melody and hooks are there throughout.

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Vermont - Norderney.

Background - Following their much-acclaimed surprise debut album Vermont from 2014, Motor City Drum Ensemble’s Danilo Plessow and Innervisions' Marcus Worgull reunite for more synth daydreaming on the suitably titled “II”. The new outing continues where the first full-length left off, strolling further down the luminous and undulating path that the duo turned into, influenced in equal measures by kosmische, krautrock, minimal wave and synth soundtracks.

This latest batch of instrumental cuts opens with the strictly balearic vibe of Norderney, a softly swinging, light-footed recording with a keen sense for structure. Featuring a guest performance from Robbert Van Der Bildt (aka Kaap) on guitar, it’s a telling starting point for the album that - similar to Vermont’s self-titled debut - successfully navigates between economic, careful studio arrangements and playful, incidental exploration further pushing into jam session territory. Van Der Bildt's guitar returns on the plucky, curious Ufer, where Vermont showcase a renewed sense for jazz-like improvisation - same as on the cuts Dschuna, Chanang and Wenik, which also include contributions from Dermot O'Mahony and Tadhg Murphy on strings. Still, Vermont's synth contraptions remain the album's main attraction, with the extensive array of gear encompassing an entire panopticon of analog bling.

Continually intriguing, immersive and texturally rich, each one of Vermont's new pieces betray the experience, precision and determination of the producers involved - while opening up Worgull and Plessow's vocabulary for patient experimentation and subtle discoveries. A musical treat for synth aficionados - and everyone else, if you ask us. Artist page here.

'Norderney' is a subtle instrumental that gently develops and for me is rather addictive. The promo suggest a Balearic vibe which may be the case, however ironically Norderney is an Island well away from the Balearic Islands but that just me being pedantic (it was also the name of offshore Radio Veronica's vessel & that's me being way to clever). Whatever it's one fine piece of music!

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Albert Man - I Feel Like Dancing.

Background - Albert Man’s second EP ‘Nothing Of Nothing Much’ will be his third release to date, and follows hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed 2016 album ‘Cheap Suit'. Written over the summer of 2016, it was recorded and mixed in record time over just three days on Pete Townshend’s floating recording studio, a 100 year old Dutch barge called the Grand Cru. Producer and guitarist Rhys Downing (Mark Ronson – ‘Uptown Special’) and a bunch of Albert’s musician friends worked tirelessly to get the EP finished on time and before the sea sickness kicked in.

Following in the footsteps of Randy Newman and Billy Joel, Albert Man has created classic, piano-led pop all wrapped up in some self-produced 80s-inspired artwork. The five-track EP shows how he’s developed as a songwriter, creating heartfelt ballads that still retain the slightly quirky lyrical style he is known for, especially in the two upbeat tracks, Shotgun and first single, I Feel Like Dancing.

Helping Albert out on “the boat that rocked” was Collette Williams (Rews, Huw Stephen’s pick for Radio 1's Best of BBC Music Introducing) on drums and backing vocals, delivering an amazing duet with Albert on You Had Me At Hello. Joe Garvey (BoB Unsigned Music Awards Best Male Nominee 2016) adding some backing vocals and Prince-inspired guitar to Diamond In The Rough, a song he helped co-write. Sarah Lynch (performed with Mumford and Sons, Ed Sheeran and The Strokes, to name a few) and Dara Munnis (musician and photographer who has photographed countless bands live on stage, both flew over from Ireland to record violin and piano on some of the tracks with Dara also documenting the whole three-day experience with his camera.

Albert Man’s ‘Nothing Of Nothing Much’ EP is available for pre-order from the 14th November 2016 on iTunes. All pre-orders come with an instant gratification download of the single I Feel Like Dancing. The EP will be released on the 3rd February 2017 with a launch party being held at St Pancras Old Church in London on the 8th February 2017, support from Joe Garvey and Jake Morrell. Website here, Facebook here.

'I Feel Like Dancing' is a classy piano pop song and Albert Man's vocals are a gift for this type of piece. Melodic and rather catchy (to say the least), yet another collection of songs to look forward to in the new year.

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IDLES - Well Done.

Background - Bristol’s finest post-punk polemics IDLES have announced that they will be embarking on the massive 25 date ‘Brutalism UK Tour’ in March/April 2017. Politically charged, refreshingly confrontational and infectiously volatile, IDLES are a band like no other. Bringing the unsettling reality of the world we live in into their frantic assault on the senses, they are a band that can only be truly understood by witnessing in a live environment. 

The October release of single “Well Done” has seen the band rise to no.1 on Spotify’s Viral Charts & paired with intensive radio support from Huw Stephens, Annie Mac, Steve Lamacq and regular Radio 6 play has brought them to the forefront of ones to watch.

Don’t miss your chance to catch one of the most exciting bands in Britain in their purest form at the dates below. Their much anticipated debut album Brutalism out 10th March. Facebook here.

Full tour dates below:
March 2017
Monday 6th - Cambridge - Portland Arms
Wednesday 8th - Bristol - The Fleece
Thursday 9th - Colchester - Arts Centre
Friday 10th - London - Moth Club
Sunday 12th - Southampton - The Notes Café
Tuesday 14th - Birmingham - The Hare And Hounds
Wednesday 15th - Guildford - Boileroom
Thursday 16th - Brighton - The Prince Albert
Friday 17th - Tunbridge Wells - Forum
Saturday 18th - Bedford - Esquires
Monday 20th - Oxford - The Bullingdon
Tuesday 21st - Sheffield - The Plug
Wednesday 22nd - Newcastle Upon Tyne - Think Tank
Thursday 23rd - Aberdeen - Tunnels
Friday 24th - Dundee - Buskers
Saturday 25th - Edinburgh - Sneaky Pete’s
Monday 27th - York - The Crescent
Tuesday 28th - Hull - The Adelphi
Wednesday 29th - Nottingham - The Bodega
Thursday 30th - Liverpool - O2 Academy 2
Friday 31st - Wakefield - Unity Hall
April 2017
Monday 3rd - Stoke-On-Trent - The Sugarmill
Tuesday 4th - Preston - Guildhall
Wednesday 5th - Cardiff - Clwb Ifor Bach.

The video suggests this is a band to see live, so the above tour dates may well suit quite a few folk. 'Well Done' is a vibrant and massively likable song, the bands attitude pouring out of the speakers beautifully. Ones to watch out for I think.

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Allman Brown - Palms.

Background - “Palms” feat. Liz Lawrence, is the gorgeous first single from Allman Brown's debut full-length 1000 Years, which he’ll be self-releasing on February 10th.

Inspired by fellow ever-changing troubadours like Ryan Adams and Sufjan Stevens and groups like Bombay Bicycle Club and Bon Iver, Brown is never afraid to try new things and incorporate different styles into his music, and his debut album is indicative of this approach. Songs like “Palms” and "Ancient Light” represent a sojourn into the world of soft and subtle electronica, while never losing the emotional punch of the folk-influenced works that set out his stall.

1000 Years was cut with longtime friend and producer Ian Barter (Paloma Faith, Izzy Bizzu). The ten-song record represents an artist exploring his past, present and future with an ever expanding set of musical tools anchored by a beautiful, rich and distinctive voice. “Palms” is Brown’s second collaboration with fellow Londoner Liz Lawrence, following their massive, poignant first single from 2013, “Sons And Daughters”, which has eclipsed over 3.5 million Spotify streams and over half a million YouTube views. Facebook here.

'Palms' is one of two songs that feature Liz Lawrence on next February's collection of eleven tracks that make up '1000 Years'. 'Palms' is indicative of the albums overall quality, where each song is finely crafted and the production really brings out the best. Mixing uptempo songs with more folksier and softer numbers Allman Brown's voice is given the opportunity to shine, and shine it does. One to look forward to.

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Genre Wander: Gramps The Vamp - Tullara - Gitta de Ridder - Mondo Cozmo - Tameca Jones

Gramps The Vamp - Bats!

Background -  Chicago’s Gramps the Vamp mashes up psych, jazz, Afro-funk and horror film soundtracks on their new record, The Cave of 10,000 Eyes.

Arising from a sweat-drenched Halloween house party debut in 2011, the Chicago 7 (sometimes 8 or 9) piece has become equally known for it’s “tight-as-a-rope funk” [My Spilt Milk] as for its dedication to break the funk mold and carve out its own genre. In 2014, a year after being named Best New Band by Chicago Reader, Gramps The Vamp released its first official album produced by Sergio Rios of Orgone. 

The self titled album’s vintage-noir style, which the band half-jokingly calls “Doom Funk,” drew the interest of filmmaker Alaric Rocha, who used over half of the songs as the soundtrack for his 70s inspired horror film “Demonoid (1971)”. In October 2016 the band released its sophomore effort, “The Cave of 10,000 Eyes”, which brings together afrobeat, deep funk, soul, ethio-jazz, and exotica for a further exploration into the dark, wild, and strange side of the funk. Website here. Facebook here.

'Bats!' typifies the wonderfully creative sound Gramps For Vamp create. New album 'The Cave of 10,000 Eyes' has ten gorgeous tracks, that take you on a journey through exotic genres, and if you close your eyes the journey extends as far as your imagination is inspired to take you!

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Tullara - Better Hold On.

Background - 'Better Hold On' is a searing continuation of what Tullara first put in motion with debut single, 'Too Many’. Both a plea for forgiveness, and a stark warning, 'Better Hold On' is a deep and urgent track, and although Tullara's celebrated guitar and earthy vocals are again at the forefront, it also showcases her band at their dark and complex best.

Tullara sings about the mazes of life – the ones we build ourselves, and the ones that trap us unaware. “I didn't want to let you down, I didn't want to steal your fire,” she sings, her voice full of remorse, and we can't help but follow her deeper into the labyrinth.

'Better Hold On' is Tullara’s lead single from her debut EP recorded at Sunshine Recorder Studios, Port Melbourne, with premier female producer and international touring artist Aurora Jane.

“'Better Hold On' for me is a song about making choices and dealing with the consequences. It's the ultimatums we face everyday that form who we are,” says Tullara on the creation of the track. Title Track ”Better Hold On” by Tullara is available in Digital Stores. The debut EP Better Hold On will be released 25th of November 2016. Facebook here.

Better Hold On Release Tour:
16 Nov - Byron, The Rails
18-20 Nov - Mullumbimby Music Festival
25 Nov - Melbourne, The Wesley Anne
26-27 Nov - Queenscliff Music Festival
30 Nov - Canberra, Smiths Alternative
1 Dec - Sydney, Leadbelly
8 Dec - Brisbane, The Milk Factory
9 Dec - Yamba, Leche Cafe
10 Dec - Sawtell, 63 First Ave
11 Dec - Newcastle, Stag & Hunter
Dec 26 - Jan 1st - Woodford Folk Festival.

'Better Hold On' mixes intricate acoustic guitar playing and the distinct and captivating vocals of Tullara. Melodic and rhythmic this is one very notable indie folk song.

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Gitta de Ridder - Wanderer.

Background - Singer-songwriter Gitta De Ridder has just released her brand new video for Wanderer taken from her recently released album Feathers. The video features footage shot by Gitta over the time she made the album travelling between Devon, London and the Dutch countryside and depicts the of journeys Gitta's life creating the album.

Originally growing up in the Netherlands, Gitta taught herself to write and play songs on the guitar from a young age, and cites modern folk artists such as Anais Mitchell as her inspiration. Gitta's folkpop songs, with beautifully poetic but also conversational lyrics, go straight to the heart and are performed on a bed of warm fingerpicked guitar.

Feathers is an album which follows a true creative vision, focused on the words that make stories come to life, it explores relationships, romance, family and cities, and all that makes us human. Recorded mostly in Gitta's London home-studio with one-take vocals and guitar recordings layered with children's toy instruments, cello's and other sounds; Feathers was created intuitively, realising the treasures are in that what comes naturally. Website here, Facebook here.

We featured the song 'Even If' back in early September and said of the new album at the time, "Melodic through out, each song has an individual feel to it, with Gitta's vocals just right for the piece. This is one very fine album". The new video for the track 'Wanderer' is equally delightful, and why not, it's from a consistently splendid album.

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Mondo Cozmo - Shine.

Background - After receiving rave reviews from his first official LA show Mondo Cozmo has announced a handful of new dates including his first ever shows in New York & Philadelphia in January of 2017 where he’ll be performing with the backing band, Illinois.

Earlier this month at his first official LA show for acclaimed weekly showcase, It's A School Night, Dan Wilson (who's written songs for Adele, Dixie Chicks, etc) was in attendance and tweeted a photo of Mondo's performance saying “…we were there and one day everyone will say they were there. An amazing show.”

In these times of change, fans have been finding solace in the hopeful chorus that “everything will be alright if you let it go.” Radio stations have latching on to the hopeful and uplifting song, as it’s becoming an immediate hit at AAA – shooting instantly into the Top 20, while key Alternative stations across the country have started to play the song, including Live 105, Sirius “Alt Nation,” WEQX, WWCD and more

Mondo Cozmo is…..Dylan fronting Oasis with Beck making the beats. Mondo Cozmo has the attitude of the Manchester bands of the 90s… Working class, honest, inspirational, cautiously hopeful, and socially observational.  It is a bold statement demanding attention. Coachella headliners the crowd is singing with while the sun is going down. A scene-changing alternative band that has the ability to cross over to many formats. Facebook here.

Mondo Cozmo Upcoming Shows:
November 30th - Hotel Café Los Angeles, CA          
January 30th - Baby’s All Right (School Night) Brooklyn, NY           
January 31st - Mercury Lounge New York, NY             
February 1st - Boot & Saddle Philadelphia, PA.

Mondo Cozmo has been getting considerable attention in the USA both on radio and on-line. The song 'Shine' I guess explains that very clearly. It's a stunning piece, if you heard him first through Beehive Candy, then tell your friends to get over here and listen... (it'll give us some street cred)...

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Tameca Jones - Sandman.

Background - When local Austin, TX native Tameca Jones opens her mouth and sings, jaws hit ground. Her honeyed and powerful vocals have been captivating her hometown for a little over ten years. She began melting faces in 2005 when she joined Austin based band 8 Million Stories as the group’s lead singer and songwriter. The band made a name for itself playing in and around Austin and got a publishing deal with Riptide Publishing. Tameca was a part of the band for 2 1/2 years before the band called it quits. This left her without someone to help her create original music. So, she turned to covers to continue playing, grow her audience, and pay the bills.

Tameca spent years skillfully and tastefully breathing new life into the music of others. She made a name for herself as the “Queen of Austin Soul,” blowing minds with her tasteful and vibrant interpretations of a diverse list of artists that include Tina Turner, Nirvana, Elton John, Jimi Hendrix, and more. The Austin Chronicle called her interpretations “sonic pretzels” that “juxtapose(s) crunchy jaggedness with her infectious, honeyed voice.” Her WTF ability to go from soulful wailing to silky coos has won her devoted fans, accolades, and some high profile situations opening for Austin super stars Gary Clark Jr., Max Frost, Bob Schneider and other big touring acts. She received major love from Billboard Magazine for her white hot performance at the 2015 Austin Music Awards, where she paid tribute to late beloved musician Ian McLagan alongside legends like Steven Van Zandt, Charlie Sexton, Alejandro Escovedo, and Patty Griffin. Billboard said she “raised the roof,” while The Austin Chronicle called her performance “showstopping.”

Guitar deity and fellow Austinite Gary Clark Jr., who faithfully attended Tameca’s shows whenever he was in town, asked her to sing on the song “Wings” for his latest album, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim. Rolling Stone called the song a “slinky duet,” while Andy Langer for Esquire Magazine called the song one of the best songs in the month of September and noted that “the tweaky processing of Austin soul starlet Tameca Jones’ voice adds an early-Parliament-like trippiness.” Facebook here.

From the debut 'Naked' EP, I have chosen to feature 'Sandman' simply because it's my favourite track. I just love the beautiful soulful music and of course Tameca's phenomenal vocals. She can do powerful full throttle songs alongside slower pieces, and give each track some very real edge. Highly recommend.

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Quality Not Quantity: Kate Nash - Topanga - Vorsen

Kate Nash - My Little Alien.

Background - Multi-talented, award-winning artist, actress and activist Kate Nash has released a brand new track and official video titled “My Little Alien.” Shot in the Californian desert and staring her very own pet pooch Stella, “My Little Alien” is a loving tribute to her rescued “fur-baby” and as the holiday season approaches, comes with a friendly reminder to “adopt not shop” when it comes to rescuing a four legged friend.

"My Little Alien" was written after a trip to Rachel, Nevada, where I saw a UFO for the first time.” Explains Nash. “I took my rescue pup on the trip and I realized she is my best friend and although I have never met an alien she is like my little alien in a way. When I rescued her from a man in a coffee shop who wanted 20 bucks to get off drugs, she saved me at a time when I needed it most. Sometimes it feels like we're both from another planet. This song is about loving the strange.”

On the video, directed by Tyler Monsein, Nash continues. “We wanted to recreate the feeling of being the nomads that we are. Neither of us quite fit into the boxes we should but when we are together it makes sense. So we got back on the road in a vintage Chinook and drove to Area 51!'” 

In other news, Kate Nash has been confirmed to play Rhonda is the upcoming Netflix Original series “G.L.O.W.” Produced by award winning Jenji Kohan (Weeds, Orange is the new Black), “G.L.O.W” (aka Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) was created by Liz Flahive (Homeland) and Carly Mensch (Orange Is The New Black) and is a 10-episode comedy inspired by the real story of the 1980s female wrestling league. Amongst filming her Netflix Original debut in Los Angeles Kate Nash is also busy working on new music, set for release in 2017. Facebook here.

UK Live Dates:
6 Feb - Oran Mor - Glasgow
7 Feb - Gorilla Manchester -  Manchester
8 Feb - Leeds University Union Building - Leeds
9 Feb - The Leadmill - Sheffield
11 Feb - Nottingham Rescue Rooms - Nottingham
12 Feb - O2 Institute 3 Birmingham - Birmingham
13 Feb - O2 Academy Oxford - Oxford
16 Feb - Exeter Phoenix - Exeter
17 Feb - Wedgewood Rooms - Portsmouth
18 Feb - The Haunt Brighton - Brighton
20 Feb - Village Underground - London

What a nice surprise to find the above promo in our inbox today! I just love Kate Nash's music and the new song and video 'My Little Alien' is no exception. Bright and sparkly, and full of good fun, it's a fine way to start a new week.

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Topanga - Shadows.

Background - Los Angeles indie-rock group Topanga have just released their debut single “Shadows”, a pulsing, toe-tapping electro funk tune that combines wistful contemplation, with the energetic spirit of the city. The song began life as a melody for a commercial spot that vocalist and keyboardist Derek Brambles was working on; however, he fell so in love with the tune that he knew he had to keep it for himself. Inspired by early childhood memories, the song blends dreamy synths, and deeply introspective lyrics that question what it means to let go of one’s memories as a means of living within the present.

Topanga was started by Derek Brambles and Eric Johnson, former members of the now-defunct group The King’s English. Both these men draw inspiration from a wide variety of musical figures, ranging from Miike Snow and Tame Impala, to Kendrick Lamar and David Bryne; however, they both reserve a special place in their hearts for Paul McCartney’s RAM and David Bowie’s Hunky Dory, going so far as to have “1971” tattoed on them to commemorate their year of release.

On February 3rd, the band is set to release their first EP, Midnight Jungle. Titled after the nickname Derek and Eric bestowed upon LA after dark, the EP was written throughout late 2015 and early 2016, and inspired by two lifetimes of experience in the strange city. They then brought the EP to their friend Mike Malchicoff (who helped engineer Kanye’s The Life of Pablo) and experimented with the right mix of sounds and synths in order to create the perfect concoction. The final result is a dreamy six-part album that both meditates on fantasies of the past, and a navigates the strange realities of the present. Facebook here.

If you're in Los Angeles, don't miss Topanga at El Cid on Friday, December 2nd at 9PM.

Rich sounding synths and a solid electro beat are at the heart of 'Shadows', however for me it's the vibrant vocals that add enough extra colour to ensure this song stands out!

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Vorsen - It Takes Years.

Background - Vorsen launch moving new single 'It Takes Years' From rich soulful tones to powerful blues-soaked choruses delivered via bold and devoted performances, Vorsen are fast becoming a fixture on Perth’s diverse and fruitful scene. The four-piece combine warm smokey vocals with intimate melodies to create heart-on-your-sleeve tracks to the likening of acts such as Jeff Buckley, Matt Corby and Meg Mac.

As a band that emerged just last year, Vorsen hit the ground running with the elegantly smooth track ‘Live a Little Lie’, followed by singles ‘Hurricane’ from their debut EP which reached the top 5 on triple j’s Unearthed Roots chart for multiple weeks and amassed airplay from community radio nationwide. Now on the eve of Summer comes the bands most soulful offering yet with the powerful new single ‘It Takes Years’.
Play ‘It Takes Years’

Injected with a late 60’s feel, ‘It Takes Years’ is a blend of floating keys, dreamy guitars, punchy drums and huge gospel-esque vocals. Lyrically, the heartfelt song is a glimpse into the world of an anxious and uncertain mindset, something that people need to open up about. 'It Takes Years' also provides a stunning insight into the direction of the bands sound heading into 2017. ‘It Takes Years’ is out via all good digital retailers. Facebook here.

Single Launch: Saturday November 26 - Jimmy’s Den, 69 James St, Northbridge w/ Boykie, Demon Days.

'It Takes Years' really has captured the feel of classic sixties soul. Musically Vorsen have created a smooth and soulful soundtrack and the vocals and choir like harmonies are spot on. All of that said, there is also a freshness to the song, I use the term timeless perhaps a little to much, this track deserves that recognition.

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Globetrotting: Billy Momo - Aquila Young - Johnny Dread - The Hourglass Cats - Her Harbour

Billy Momo - Drive.

Background - A Swedish 7-piece band with a distinctive sound, their musical roots running deep in the soil of the rural American South as well as cruising the big city streets, combining bluesy feel with gritty sounds and greasy grooves, yet also loaded with highly polished pop hooks. Billy Momo's third album 'Seven Rivers Wild' takes the band to new, dazzling heights with soaring choruses and powerful music. In concert, a Billy Momo performance is a joyous experience, energetic, personable and unforgettable.

Not all that long ago two weathered musicians, Tomas Juto and Oskar Hovell, decided to leave the comforts and tribulations of their previous music endeavors. They went into the Swedish woods to collaborate and eventually give birth to an idea that would become Billy Momo.

Billy Momo has matured and expanded since its beginnings. Two talented and eager men have become seven independent but like minded souls on a journey that has led Billy Momo into uncharted and exciting music landscapes. Brilliant music videos, as well as being featured in the international TV sensation Better Call Saul and now a brand new best-to-date album; Seven Rivers Wild.

Coming into your own, confidence in freedom to expand and explore is human nature. The experiences life affords the seekers of honesty is never complete but groundwork for stages in eras we all thrive in. Billy Momo have completed their most achieved work to date with their new album Seven Rivers Wild.

Blazon roots rock, timeless pop in a one-of-kind sound that travels genres while staying true to the 7 piece band’s core sound. Seven Rivers Wild showcases solidly that Billy Momo have come into their own, not afraid to reach further into unexplored depths not touched on with their previous two releases. Using real life experiences to write stories we instantly relate to. Website here, Facebook here.

'Drive' typifies the quality the band consistently deliver with the new album. So whats a Swedish band doing, creating high quality Americana rock? Your guess is as good as mine, but boy, does it work. Like song equals love album.

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Aquila Young - Crimson Criminal.

Background - A fleeting moment, a fleeting high. From conversation to temptation. From temptation to intoxication. Crimson Criminal is the intoxicating new song from Aquila Young. It’s smooth and spine-tingling, infusing deep washes of synths into lucid dreaming.

With the tension of seduction and the chase of desire, Crimson Criminal brings a new twist with an evocative notoriety. It’s a delicate cry of vulnerability and a vulnerable plea towards the unrequited love, torn in corrupted game, dancing between danger and desire. Last year the songstress made waves with debut EP Distance Echoes, gaining airplay from Triple J as well as US and UK radio. Her debut single Vagabond gathered substantial following and landed placement in Spotify’s official playlisting.

Following on from a successful year Aquila Young has been establishing a local following captivating live audiences with her alluring presence and electric energy. She shared stages with the likes of Boo Seeka, MT Warning and Airling alongside boutique festival appearances including Bleach, GLOW and 2High. With electrical performances capturing onlookers both locally and nationally, and an increasing support and following for the artist, she followed on to a highly coveted live showcase at this year’s Bigsound Live.

A brazen world of isolated mystique and curiosity surrounds the artist known as Aquila Young. Her influence exudes a warmth and charisma that is both fearless and fearsome. An unwavering charm artfully provoking the senses: igniting the flame, playing with fire. Crimson Criminal will be available on iTunes and all other digital outlets on Friday 18th November. Facebook here.

Live:
Nov 25-26 - Jungle Love Festival - Sunshine Coast 
Dec 31 - NightQuarter - Gold Coast

'Crimson Criminal' is a mixture of Aquila Young's passionate and atmospheric vocals, alongside an equally dreamy and synthy soundtrack. The song builds and grows into something quite powerful, I reckon this track will get noticed far and wide.

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Johnny Dread - Full Circle.

Background - Cuban-American reggae ambassador, Johnny Dread, has released the video for his single "Full Circle". Off of his album Full Circle available on iTunes and on all major global digital formats, the title track "Full Circle" infuses Caribbean beats and was written by Dread, produced by Stephen Lashley and David Simmons for Heddrokk Productions and recorded at HeddRockk Studios in Miami, FL. The video, directed by Christian Brayant of Positive Studio, was shot in the cities of Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo in Costa Rica.

Submerged into the Rasta music community in the late 80's Dread formed the group Copacetic alongside Anthony Booker (Bob Marley's step brother), Ras Bagga, and recorded the album Ghetto Rock which peaked to #7 on the Billboard Reggae Charts in 1990. Shortly after, he embarked on a solo career and travelled to Jamaica to record his first solo album, Scarecrow (1997), with internationally acclaimed drummer/producer, Wilburn Squidly Cole, of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. In 2000, Dread released Chapter One, his second solo album and the first one of the seven Revelations, a series of seven albums that includes thus far the sophomore release, Magnificent People (2003) and his current album, Full Circle.

Twenty-five years of touring like a true troubadour, Dread is gearing up for his November performances as part of the Corona Reggae Rock Fest in Puerto Rico and a special performance on December 10 at Cuba Ocho in Miami, FL. Facebook here.

There is a wonderfully classic reggae feel going on with 'Full Circle', that it could be mistaken as a homage to Bob Marley. This is more than that, the odd twist of a more modern vibe, is mixed in with traditional reggae, and Johnny Dread adds the energy and passion. Love it!

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The Hourglass Cats - Bailar Para Mi.

Background - The Hourglass Cats are a Desert Reggae & RockNRoll collective based out of Phoenix, AZ. Formed in 2011 by frontman Cori Rios and drummer “Hot” Karl Maier. The Hourglass Cats consist of Chaz Fertal (Saxophone), Lisa Lizanec (Trombone), Seth Gory (Bass), Jesse Morrrison (Keys/Vox),  Enrique Naranjo (Drums) and Cori Rios (Guitar/Vox). The aforementioned Rios, whom Jeff Moses of Phoenix New times referred to as a “Bona-fide Rock Star” at last years Apache Lake Music Festival where they performed an “unforgettable” set, has been writing his own music since he was 16 years old.

2016 saw the release of Portraits of Cats, THC’s second and most diverse album to date. Recorded and produced by their very own Jesse Morrison of Studio at The Farm. “Portraits of Cats will take you on a musical journey of THC’s influences”. From the “intoxicating reggae pop” of the opening track, Rainchecks, to the Latin inspired Bailar Para Mi, which will “transport you south of the border for a few minutes of fantasy,” all the way to the “prowling, growling, edgy Garage-Rock sound of Downtown Funk,” you will get a sample of their wide range of influences.

The Hourglass Cats are on their way to becoming one of Phoenix’s premiere bands. Having most recently performed on the Main Stage at Mcdowell Mountain Music Festival, The Hourglass Cats have toured the west coast and southwest regions including California, Texas, and even as far south as parts of Mexico. They have twice headlined an AZ showcase at SXSW and have shared bills with Passion Pit, Portugal The Man, Thievery Corporation, Slightly Stoopid, Kongos, STRFKR, Allen Stone, Dispatch, Tribal Seeds, and more! Website here.

Released earlier this year 'Bailar Para Mi' came my way from the band, after we featured music from a good friend of theirs. Mixing genres and styles and creating a wonderful sound, the music is fabulous and so, so catchy. Trying to pin the band to any one, two or even more genres, is a non starter, the sheer ability, energy and commitment appears to ensure whatever direction they take, they do it in style.

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Her Harbour - Hewing Crowns.

Background from Her Harbour (Gabrielle Giguère) - “Hewing Crowns” is the first single from my sophomore release, and is the oldest song on the album. I chose it as the opening track and first release as I felt it introduced the space from which I started writing Go Gently Into the Night and that it could serve as a preface to the demons I attempted to quell in making the album.

Out on February 3, 2017 with E-Tron Records, 'Go Gently Into the Night' is about cycles. I wrote the songs at a time where death felt omnipresent. This album has been my attempt at making peace with death as a character of growing importance in my life.

Edited by Mike Dubue, the video is made up of found footage from the 1966 short film “Silent Snow, Secret Snow” by Conrad Aiken. I wrote and produced the album in Ottawa and recorded with Dave Draves at Little Bullhorn Studio. Facebook here.

'Hewing Crowns' is a beautiful and tender song, where Gabrielle Giguère's wonderful vocals are supported by a haunting piano lead background, that develops slowly through the song. The video is edited with imagination, giving the song another storyline. I'm looking forward to the album.

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