Genre Wander: Mercy Weiss - Kim Free - Playboy Manbaby

Mercy Weiss (ft Christopher and Erin Pellnat) - War.

Background - Mercy Weiss is an unsigned singer-songwriter from Brooklyn, who currently lives in Los Angeles.  Her unique songwriting and jazz-influenced vocals can be heard on a variety of collaborations with different musicians and producers.  In 2016, she released the "Mercy EP"  Bandcamp here - a collaboration with Christopher Pellnat, who is also the guitarist in the Poughkeepsie, NY based band, The Warp/The Weft. 

"War" is another collaboration with Christopher Pellnat, with the addition of background vocals by Erin Pellnat, of the Brooklyn band, Caretaker.  Mercy wrote war after talking with two homeless drunk veterans at Union Square Park in NYC one day.

It was in late August last year that we first featured Mercy, and the new song 'War' confirms (if ever it needed confirming) that Mercy Weiss is one very talented song writer and a beautiful singer. It's well worth checking out some of her other material and collaborations here.

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Kim Free - Make Me Yours.

Background - Kim Free, is a violinist/songwriter from Los Angeles. She recently released “Make Me Yours,” the first EP from Slips.

Throughout 2017, she will be releasing several digital EPs in the run-up to the album. This record is produced by Alex DeGroot from Zola Jesus, and features Wavves drummer Brian Hill. 

Kim Free will be playing two shows in LA this spring, at the Smell on January 27, and the Hi-Hat on March 28. Website here, and Facebook here.

The title song and first of three tracks on the EP 'Make Me Yours' is dreamy, melodic and blissful piece. Kim uses the violin in moderation allowing the other musicians space to contribute (Allen Bleyle – bass, Brian Hill – drums, Alex DeGroot – acoustic guitar). The second song 'Maui' continues the style and quality and for violin lovers third track 'River Park' really does showcase Kim Free's notable violin abilities. Looking forward to the next EP already!

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Playboy Manbaby - You Can Be A Fascist Too b/w I'd Like To Meet Your Parents.

Background - Playboy Manbaby is the contradictory soundtrack to the contemporary life experience. Grimly sarcastic yet youthfully nihilistic music that seems to crash into things with a semi-coherent deliberation that can only be generated by a group of frail but over-caffeinated and eternally anxious young adults. Playboy Manbaby is the theme song to the sentiment “what the fuck am I doing with my life?” Indecisive in both message and genre but never lacking in sheer intensity.   

The group hail from Phoenix, Arizona and consist of Robbie Pfeffer (vocals), Chris Hudson (bass), TJ Friga (guitar), David Cosme (trumpet), Chad Dennis (drums), and Austin Rickert (sax). Having been a regional powerhouse for over five years with two previously released cassette albums on their own Rubber Brothers label, these lads have have shared the stage with the likes of: Mike Watt & The Missing Men, King Khan & BBQ Show, King Khan & The Shrines, Rocket From The Crypt, Thee Oh Sees, Cosmonauts, The Spits, Black Flag, The Descendents, The Replacements, The Slackers, Teenage Bottlerocket, among countless others.

They've just wrapped up the mastering of their long overdue new LP "Don't Let It Be" (soon to be co-released by Dirty Water and Lolipop Records ) and these desert area DIY-veterans have just released with Dirty Water Records the first single off the album,"You Can Be A Fascist Too" in the run up to the US presidential inauguration on January 20th. Singer Robbie Pfeffer explains, “So, we weren’t supposed to put this out until February, but in light of recent events we feel like every societal catastrophe deserves a proper theme song." However one might feel about the election result and the seemingly endless division and hostility it has produced the world over, this track is sure to strike an abrasive chord in 2017.

On the B side and in their latest music video “I’d Like To Meet Your Parents", viewers are forced to watch two lovebirds looking to enjoy a night out at a place presumably called Crapriotti’s or La Doo Doo which serves only the best Rasberry Creme Shasta and Spaghetti ala Ketchup.

“We shot this video in my living room and tried to make it a terrible Italian restaurant,” says Pfeffer. “I wanted to make a video where the band is playing but aren’t really an important or central part of it. I didn’t tell the guys what the idea was, I just told them to show up at a certain time and then started yelling at them to paint their faces etc. I’m super glad how it turned out and I think everyone did a great job embracing their characters.” Website here, and Facebook here.

I just have to feature both songs from the new single by Playboy Manbaby. 'You Can Be A Fascist Too' is wonderfully manic with its full on punk desperation. 'I'd Like To Meet Your Parents' really comes to life with the video, the album is eagerly awaited.

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Weekend Wonders: Linah Rocio - Joel Gion - Gentoo - Said The Whale

Linah Rocio - Kill The Monsters.

Background - Linah Rocio is a singer-songwriter whose music - a fervid mix of jazz and indie, soul with hints of avant-pop - is passionate and powerful, intimating all manner of behind-scenes torment and drama. Showcased on her compelling new album Warrior Talk, it is beautifully arranged, with instruments ranging from electric guitar, piano and drums to banjo, trumpet, cello and double-bass. Each musician helped to shape the direction of the songs they performed on, adding to the free form nature of the recordings.

The songs on Warrior Talk are richly detailed yet loosely constructed, with a jazzy spontaneity to match the self-styled diminutive warrior’s appealingly careworn - now caressing, now clamouring - voice, capable of communicating sorrow and despair, ecstasy and desire. There is a hair-trigger quality to her singing and piano-playing, both likely to erupt at any moment, with abrupt changes of tack and pace. There is a rawness and intensity here suggestive of a wild, unpredictable and untrammelled talent, one who operates best with a free rein and over a wide range.

She titled her album Warrior Talk because “it’s like a conversation you had with yourself, where you went through something - like a war,” she explains. “An inner war.” The front cover shows a translucent picture of Linah’s head transposed over an image of the universe: she has travelled through (inner) space to bring you these meditations on emotional collapse and self-cancellation, death and rebirth.

Warrior Talk is an album of extremes, of dynamic melodies reflecting the violent vicissitudes of a life lived on the emotional edge. It’s an album, ultimately, about fighting - with others, with yourself - to assert control of your destiny. Linah’s triumph is to make the carnage accessible to all. She circles back to the matter of the album title. Before you go into battle you have to see what your surroundings are and prepare,” she declares, finally. “Warrior Talk is a talk between me and, well, everyone. Because everyone struggles.” Website here.

From the new Warrior Talk album we have 'Kill The Monsters'. It's typical of the quality of production across the release, but only a small taste of the differing melodies and direction each song takes. Sometimes the music is quite intimate and the lyrics feel very personal, at other moments the energy levels are up taking us somewhere else. As a collection this is a really fine LP, worth checking out in full.

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Joel Gion - Tomorrow.

Background - Joel Gion is releasing his new single 'Tomorrow' and it is the psych rock tune we all need to welcome 2017.  Perhaps best known for his long and strange career as the legendary 'Tambourine Man' with The Brian Jonestown Massacre, in recent years, this percussionist has also emerged as a singer-songwriter in his own right. He has released various singles, as well as the well-received full length album 'Apple Bonkers'.

'Tomorrow' is being released ahead of Gion's forthcoming sophomore album, which should be released in early spring 2017. A reflection on the much maligned year that was 2016.

"I wrote and recorded it earlier this year while the Democratic party campaigns were the big topic... So the tune does some BS-calling out of the rising classism in the USA and at the same time sending a message out to not let things get you down too hard – but then nobody in the free-thinking world have ever dreamed things would wind up going this far south in the end," says Joel Gion. "Still, having said that, this is the only life you have, so you have to enjoy it no matter how stupid things get, ‘cause we always have each other and you always have yourself."

The upcoming album was recorded in separate phases between legs of the 2016 Brian Jonestown Massacre world tour. The sessions involved fellow BJM members Collin Hegna, Dan Allaire, Ryan Van Kriedt, and Robert Campanella, as well as other various friends from around the modern psych and indie scene. Website here and Facebook here.

'Tomorrow' packs a bit of a punch, with upfront vocals surrounded by some solid psych rock sounds. As a teaser for the planned new album, it does the job well!

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Gentoo - This is as far as we go.

Background - Gentoo is the brainchild of electronic producer and multi-instrumentalist Damon Kelly. On the new album Structures (release date January 20th 2017), Kelly used live drums, guitar, and bass creating a rich, and enchanting mixture. Structures still embraces Gentoo’s trademark minimalism, slow arching waveforms, and transcendental vocals that invite us to explore our own perceived universe.

With a background in photography and literature, Damon Kelly spends a good deal of time exploring the way we interact with the physical space in our lives, and finding places where we can shield ourselves from the sonic clutter of living in a society of sensory overload. Members/Instruments: ​ Damon Kelly (synths, bass, guitar, programming, photography, design), Jeff Ryan: drums on Listen and Oslo, Aaron White: guitar on Libra. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

Again we have a new album where the featured track 'This is as far as we go' is but a small taste of what's in the collection. Overall it's a collection of ambient music, which flows and veers off in many differing directions. Melodic and often relaxing, it's never boring, more hypnotic and pleasing.

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Said The Whale - Step Into The Darkness.

Background - Following the announcement of their fifth studio album, Vancouver’s Said The Whale has released lead single “Step Into The Darkness”. As Long As Your Eyes Are Wide, out on March 31 via Hidden Pony Records, was recorded during a time of significant change. Previously operating as a five-piece, the current trio - made up of frontmen Tyler Bancroft and Ben Worcester and keyboardist Jaycelyn Brown - entered the studio with no preconceptions and no concrete plan. With the help of We Are The City’s Cayne McKenzie on production duties, the finished product is Said The Whale’s most collaborative, focused album to date. Previous records highlighted the contrast between the two founders’ eclectic rock influences and salt-of-the-earth folksiness. Here, their styles become one.

“Step Into The Darkness” exemplifies this cohesiveness. When writing and demoing the song, Ben limited himself to only a drum loop and bass synth, which left room for creativity in the studio. The song came together organically once the band and producer stepped in. Though finalizing the track was a group effort, it still remains incredibly personal and meaningful to Ben: "Step Into The Darkness" was written after a devastating break-up with my girlfriend of six years. The song is me reaching out to comfort my love, reassuring her that she is safe and despite the immense sadness and feeling of loss, perhaps good things will come. We got back together shortly thereafter.”

A decade since the JUNO Award-winning band’s formation, they have now taken the project back to its freeform roots while simultaneously venturing forward into uncharted art-pop territory. Despite the album’s many adventurous sonic forays, it remains true to the spirit of their classic work. At its core, As Long As Your Eyes Are Wide is a singer-songwriter record, guided by introspective lyrics and alchemical group harmonies from Ben, Tyler and Jaycelyn.

After so much change and uncertainty in recent years, Said The Whale has emerged as a unified force. They’ve evolved, but the DNA is the same, and the group’s musical partnership is more fruitful than ever. Facebook here.

'Step Into The Darkness' is one splendid piece of indie pop. Vocals and the music are bright and melodic, leaving the forthcoming album eagerly awaited.

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Thursdays Two: Deleter - Electric Floor

Deleter - Start To Watch.

Background - Deleter is a punk rock/post-punk group from Minneapolis, MN composed of vocalist/guitarist Knol Tate (Askeleton, Killsadie), bassist/vocalist Travis Collins (Spirit Of 76, We Are The Willows), drummer/percussionist Josh McKay (Farewell Continental, Small Towns Burn A Little Slower) and guitarist Jordan Morantez (Blue Green, The King & The Thief).  

Formed in 2012 as a means to deal with pent up musical and personal frustrations, the band decided to create by not over-thinking or over producing their brand of angular punk, but to keep the urgency and immediacy of their first thoughts and play by instinct. Over their short lifetime they have managed to refine their first creative thoughts to a bold and loud, sometimes obtuse, yet dynamic burst of musical therapy. Tate’s lyrics composed of poetry with classic lyricism create a voice with a unique perspective, while the band thrashes and dashes through songs before you can take the lyrical prowess in. 

After a slew of self-released singles in early 2013 followed by several EPs in the following years, Deleter released their first full length “Oblique Seasons” late in 2015. Deleter’s newest endeavor, the EP “Meaningless Chants,” shows a more manic yet rhythmic side while remaining thoughtful and concise. The songs on “Meaningless Chants” are the most outrightly political work Deleter has put on record, five anthems of the absurd for an absurd time. Bandcamp here and Facebook here.

Full of punk angst 'Start To Watch' is a song that delivers full on rock'n'roll. It's the simple and classic punk era chord changes, that kick in halfway through which seal the song for me, more please!

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Electric Floor - Bluedive.

Background - New wave synth-gaze outfit Electric Floor have announced they will release their forthcoming 'Fader' EP in March via the Vipchoyo Sound Factory label. The Italian trio now presents 'Bluedive', the first single from this album, which exhibits clear underpinnings from Psychedelic Furs, Echo & The Bunnymen and Modern English and will appeal to fans of Interpol, Kasabian and The Wombats. 

"Bluedive is like a surge - it was born during a bad period for us. Initially it was only messy ideas, but we gradually gave it form. The lyrics are suspended between romance and sadness, anger and exhortation," explains Emanuele Chiarelli. "Just like the other songs, our lyrics in this one are very emotional and tidal."

This Cosenza-based trio is comprised of Emanuele Chiarelli (vocals/ guitar), Simone Costantino De Luca (programming/ keys), and Fabio Cosentino (bass). Formed in 2009, the band's concept is based on emotive feelings. 'Fader' will be their third album, following up the self-produced albums '300' and 'Falsità reali' and singles 'Your Blue' and 'My Bloody G'. On this latest release, the band is geared more towards an electronic sound. 

The latest few singles have brought them increased press and radio coverage in numerous countries, but 'Fader' will likely see this attention explode due to the virtually melting pot of synthpop, shoegaze, chillwave and electrogaze presented here. "This selection of songs features tracks closely linked to each other with a common denominator in that they dive into our conscience," explains Emanuele Chiarelli. Facebook here.

'Bluedive' is a bright and vibrant song mixing synths and vocals with the added element of "shoegaze power" for want of a better description. In some ways the track is a little bit retro in sound, however it's done so well that, there's no complaint from me.

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Midweek Muse: Twilight Fields - Lucina Luchii

Twilight Fields - All the Love I Can.

Background - Twilight Fields is from Northern Canada and makes a mixture of atmospheric and psychedelic rock and influences from progressive rock, ambient, dream-pop, psych-folk and shoegaze.

"All the Love I Can" was originally conceived as part of a Beach Boys cover ep of the song "All I Wanna Do" from the "Sunflower" album. When I dropped that idea half finished, I decided I still really liked one of the original compositions I had intended to include, "All the Love I Can", which emphasizes the theme of unconditional love of the original song.

The production pays homage to the wall of sound production style practised by Brian Wilson and Phil Spector. "False Friend" is an old song redone in an ambient pop style and deals with the subject of betrayal. Facebook here.

We are told by Twilight Fields regarding the new song  'All the Love I Can' - "I thought it would be a good way to start the year... it actually has a positive feeling! And I have a feeling that this year we will need those".  'All the Love I Can' may be an expression of positive feelings, I would add it's one very beautiful track (as is it's companion False Friend) and in terms of paying homage, I think it's a case of job done, and very well at that.

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Lucina Luchii - Fly High.

Background - Lucina Luchii pairs up with the high-flying D/A Music Group this winter for the release of ‘Fly High’ – a silky smooth, vocal and keys combo that merges the stunning vocalist’s beautiful aural tones with a clean and reflective instrumental. Rolling along at a steady 74BPM – the production starts out stripped back with just mellow piano chords and Lucina’s voice holding the centre stage. As ‘Fly High’ grows we’re treated to a full course of half-time rhythms, soulful brass glides and subtle low end bass notes which come together to create a reflective backbeat to Lucina’s memorable vocal performance.

Released via the reliable talent stable of D/A Music Group, the collective once again introduce us to a talent that’s capable of garnering international plaudits. High end, modern crossover Pop/Soul/R&B is hard to find outside of the household names which makes D/A’s A&R efforts all the more impressive. If this is a sign of things to come, we can no doubt be looking forward to an exciting year ahead for both the group and Lucina alike. Facebook here.

'Fly High' is a rich and gently building song where the vocals and music are so well matched. Production is sensitive allowing Lucina's vocals to hold centre stage, with the soundtrack adding just enough to ensure the hooks dig in.

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Heat - Overnight (Album release & Tour Dates)

Heat - Lush, (from the album Overnight).

Background - One only needs to take a quick glance at the bands that Montreal quintet Heat have been compared with to get a firm grasp on the visceral, wholesome noise they produce. From the brash pop of Echo and the Bunnymen to the post-punk leanings of Psychedelic Furs, this is a band that proudly take their place in the great alt-rock lineage, delivering rousing, thrilling anthems for the disenfranchised. Initially starting as “as an excuse to get together and drink”, Heat has grown in to something far more significant - and new record Overnight offers their most notable work to-date.

Recorded at Montreal’s Breakglass Studio, the recording process was something of a rocky road for the band but the resulting record is a vehement leap forward, and one that looks set to cement Heat’s status as one of Canada’s most formidable exports. Led by the band’s three founding members, Susil Sharma (Vocals, Guitar, Synth), Matthew Fiorentino (Guitar, Synth), and Raphael Bussieres (Bass),  Overnight feels resolutely solid; old-school aesthetics delivered with a defiantly fresh-faced outlook.

Showcasing the bands shadowy undertones, lead single “Lush” is a heavy-hearted meeting of dark sentiments and inventive instrumentals, while closing track “Chains” offers something altogether more sparkling; a wildly ambitious seven-minute trip that matches Sharma’s slurring, hangover-ridden vocal with colorful washes of spaced-out, guitar-led soundscapes that sits alongside the likes of Preoccupations and DIIV at the forefront of the current alternative scene.

Co-produced by Grammy Award winner Alex Newport, who has worked with the likes of Death Cab and At The Drive In, Overnight is another significant milestone in Heat’s turbulent, tempestuous journey, but it’s a record that sees the band thriving in their current predicament. Ragged, raging, and unrestrained – they’ve simply never sounded better. Overnight will be released on January 20th 2017, via Topshelf Records (US)/The Hand Recordings (CAN)/Rallye Records (JP). Website here, Facebook here.

Tour Dates:
02.02.17 - Montreal, QC @ Ritz PDB
02.04.17 - Quebec, QC @ L’Anti
02.08.17 - Ottawa, ON @ Dominion Tavern
02.09.17 - Toronto, ON @ Baby G
02.10.17 - London, ON @ NZK Palace
02.11.17 - Guelph, ON @ Hillside Inside Festival
02.12.17 - Hamilton, ON @ Casbah
02.24.17 - Sherbrooke, QC @ La Petite Boite Noire
03.04.17 - Saint-Hyacinthe, QC @ Zaricot
03.14.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03.15.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03.16.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03.17.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03.18.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
03.19.17 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
04.18.17 - St John, NB @ Callahans Pub
04.19.17 - Sackville, NB @ Thunder & Lightning
04.20.17 - Halifax, NS @ Seahorse Tavern
04.21.17 - Fredericton, NB @ Flourish Festival
04.22.17 - Moncton, NB @ Claude’s House

Sharing the song 'Lush' as the single and as a taster for the album 'Overnight' may be in part, something of a well considered Chess move. It's a fine alt rock song in it's own right, that said, it's almost an understatement of just whats in store on the album. I guess the move is pretty straight forward, if the song gets your attention, the album will blow you away. So maybe it's a pretty smart move as well. Alt rock that veers towards punk attitude in places and a touch of grunge elsewhere, keeps the whole album interesting and pretty much addictive the whole way through.

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2017 and the beat goes on: Vaudevileins - Melanie Crew

2017 and the beat goes on, musically it's a little quiet on the new material front, how long for we shall see....

Vaudevileins - Sea Anemone.

Background - Chicago’s Vaudevileins released their new LP Magician on vinyl, CD, and digital download back on Nov. 18, 2016. Along with Jeff Julian (vox/guitar), Brennen Chouinard (drums/vox), and Bill Aldridge (bass), Evan Mohler joins Vaudevileins on lead guitar for the band’s second full-length recording, which will be their first release on vinyl.

The 10-song album is the culmination of a multi-year songwriting and recording effort at Aldridge’s Third City Sound in Joliet, Illinois. Bill engineered the project, and the band worked with their long-time collaborator Jeff Halland, who mixed and mastered Magician for digital and vinyl at his home studio in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

“We are really excited to finish Magician and have people hear it,” said Julian. “We think these are our best songs to date and we’re really proud of the production and the finished product.” Website here, Facebook here and Bandcamp here.

OK so we are still doing a little catching up on recent releases, this time with Vaudevileins and we feature the opening song 'Sea Anemone' which typifies the bands no nonsense, indie rock music. Fresh and powerful, I get the sense this is a band that just loves to perform.

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Melanie Crew - Parade.

Background - Melanie Crew is a London based singer and musician writing gentle acoustic music with soulful melodies.  Her second EP, Further Away, was released in October 2016, following the release of her first EP, Until the End, in August 2015. Melanie has received radio play from BBC 6 Music and BBC Kent, as well as numerous local stations.

​Born in West London, and now living in East London, Melanie's music is influenced by favourite artists including Elliott Smith, Roddy Woomble, Neko Case, Hem, and Kathryn Williams.

​Melanie is also interested in writing and photography, and her website includes favourite blogs and photos. Bandcamp here, Website here and Facebook here.

From the second EP 'Further Away' we feature the second track 'Parade'. Melanie Crew writes and performs melodic and gentle acoustic based songs with her beautiful vocals making all the difference. It's good to see she is getting some UK radio attention, with songs this good, that's well deserved.

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Tea Leaf Green - Live at Sierra Vista January 2004

It's been a while since we have featured a live concert and so to end the year, here is a very good recording of a band  some will know, and hopefully many more will get to hear, know and enjoy...

From the Internet Archive (IA) this is Tea Leaf Green live at Sierra Vista on the 9th January 2004. Tea Leaf Green (TLG) is a five-piece jam band from San Francisco Bay Area, comprising Josh Clark (guitar and vocals), Trevor Garrod (keyboards, vocals, guitar, and harmonica), Scott Rager (drums and percussion), Cochrane McMillan (percussion), and Eric DiBerardino.

Tea Leaf Green began in the fall of 1996, when Scott Rager met Ben Chambers on the campus of San Francisco State University (SFSU). Chambers was the group's original bass player but left in 2007; he is featured on the band's first four albums. Rager and Chambers began playing together, practicing in Chambers's bedroom in a back house off Church Street in San Francisco's Castro District. In early 1997, Clark, a childhood friend of Rager, moved from the Los Angeles area to San Francisco and became the third member of the band. Garrod, also a SFSU student, joined soon after.

In the late 1990s, Tea Leaf Green began gigging throughout San Francisco, becoming the de facto house band at the Elbo Room for a period in 1999. The band's first album, eponymously titled, was released that same year and featured twelve original compositions, included songs such as "Professor's Blues," "Asphalt Funk," and "California," all of which remained part of the band's live repertoire for years. Over time, the band pared down the all-inclusive sound featured on the first release and formed a more focused style of songwriting inspired by Garrod's Dylanesque musings and Clark's unabashed, frenetic soloing.

Tea Leaf Green continues to maintain a steady, if often arduous, schedule, playing clubs and other assorted venues across the country. Known for extended psychedelic, rowdy, and exploratory live shows. Other unofficial, but sanctioned, performances are available through archive.org. The group, independent and often on the periphery of the mainstream music industry, continues to rely on grassroots expansion of its music through the diligence of its fanbase, community forums, and web-based music avenues such as jambase.com.

Source: Soundboard.

Sound Quality: Very Good - Full stereo (SBD + 2(Oktava012(Card)) > MOTU828 > Apple iBookG3 Taped by Steven Fabing).

Genre: Rock (in many forms).

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

Hot Dog >
Kali-Yuga
Bootlegger
Vote on Tuesday
Reservoir
Papa's in the Backroom
Precious Stone
Freedom
Been So Long
Who Am I (What's My Name)?1,2
My Bastard Brother
The Invasion
The Garden (Part II)
Professor's Blues
Earth and Sky
Warmup
Loony Bin
Snoop
Tequila
Killing in the Name3
Baseball Jam

Links: Official site here.

Comments: You can stream the concert below. For download files in either FLAC, MP3 or OGG VORBIS format, visit the Internet Archive (here).

Listen:

Weekend Rockers: Fox Medicine - Blonde Summer

Fox Medicine - Financial Elevator.

Background - We are told that Nee rides broomsticks and likes to gypsy around. Vanny likes to tinker and get stuff done. The pair met at a Melvins show in Chicago, and describe their sound is heavy glittery noise. They go on - "We like secluded areas and are rarely social. Our influences are stoner rock, doom metal, post punk, peanut butter and good beer. PS. Reject reality and live life as art".

The most recent release Noise Nurse is a compilation album of songs written by Nee while living in Toronto, Canada in the time frame between 2008-2011. She worked at a psyche/dementia ward as a nurse during the time of those songs, and drew a lot of influence from her surroundings.

Most of the songs were written for projects like My Flea Circus + Goldie Luxx, etc, however little promotional effort was used, as they were mostly just for fun + for friends and were performed at local clubs and venues in Toronto's thriving music scene at the time. Nee's writing style is evident in Fox Medicine and throughout the former projects, but continues to be curiously unique and peculiar. This section is an homage to that timeframe and songwriting phase and comes with visuals + vids! Website here. Bandcamp here.

I have chosen to feature 'Financial Elevator' from Fox Medicine's 'Based on Need' EP, for the simple reason it's my favourite track. Probably the noisiest duo we have featured this year, that's heavy glittery noise for you!
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Blonde Summer - Beer On Ice.

Background - Dangerbird Records announces Microdose, a monthly single release and live event series celebrating new music from our neighborhood (LA's Eastside) and beyond. This platform will serve as a launchpad for up-and-coming artists, uniting and expanding our artistic community.  Monthly singles will include an A-side and B-side, and each artist will perform live at Dangerbird's Silver Lake based HQ/event space.

The series will launch on Jan. 12, 2017 with a release of a new single from Blonde Summer and live show that same night at Dangerbird Records. “Beer On Ice” was the last single from LA’s sun-bleached slacker-rock outfit Blonde Summer, released via Dangerbird Records back in November.

The A Side “Beer On Ice” and B Side “Sha La La” are both returns to what Chris Pope, the band’s mastermind, does best. Telling stories thru fuzzed out vocals, of Lazy Days, Wanderlust and Liquor Store Romances.  The band’s stripped down approach to the Beer On Ice single is a departure from last years electronic infused Paradise e.p., resulting in a truer brand of rock that Blonde Summer fans have come to love over the bands 6 year, 4 e.p. career.

Blonde Summer’s Chirs Pope admits “there was a bit of hibernation” following the Paradise e.p. A necessary period where the band could get back to their roots. Hang out with their girlfriends, find jobs, quit jobs and get lost.

'Beer On Ice' has a cool almost lazy laid back rock'n'roll feel, that occasionally likes to pack a riff or two of full on energy into your ears.

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Midweek Muse: Peter Joly - Indigo

Peter Joly - Till They Go.

Background - Singer-songwriter Peter Joly was born in Buffalo, moved on to New York and began writing and performing whilst keeping his head above water working as a cab driver. Since the early 90's he has performed in and around Chicago and gaining attention for his work with the bands Big Breakfast and For Pilots.

Peter Joly, released his self titled album in October 2016, an album that features contributions from top local musicians, including Jon Williams, Josh Piet (The Hoyle Brothers), Ryley Walker contributor Charles Rumback, Joe Adamik (Iron & Wine) and Gerald Dowd (Frisbie).

All the songs were written by Peter in the summer of 2016 before recording them at various locations including MINBAL and Strobe Recording in Chicago, and Elecric Lady in New York (All the songs were mixed and mastered by Phil Joly in Brooklyn, NYC). Peter celebrated the release with a packed house at Chicago’s famous Hideout Inn, back in November 2016. Facebook here.

There are some really special and genuine Americana songs on the recently released self titled album from Peter Joly. 'Till They Go' is but a glimpse of the quality to be found across all eleven tracks. Listen to some more here.

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Indigo - Deluge.

Background - Right from the very first listen of opening track and single 'Deluge', you can tell how much love and painstaking detail Perth's Indigo have put into creating their second EP, 'Kumiho'. From its sonic sculpturing of rich, mellow tones, to the band's effortlessly breezy songwriting; 'Kumiho' captures something special.

In their first couple of years Indigo released their first EP, earned their first support slots, entered (and won) the Ampfest and Stagebound competitions, were invited to the Southbound and State Of The Art festivals, played their first live radio set, and found the start of their fanbase beyond their own friends.

Now as they've become more accomplished as a band (recently supporting Tired Lion and The Jungle Giants) and as players, their music is becoming more sophisticated and subtle. A thoughtful approach to writing and recording resulted in Indigo teaming up with fastidious engineer Matt Gio (San Cisco, Abbe May) - putting one of Perth's most promising bands in the hands of one of its most successful producers.

Guitarist Dylan Keirnan explains “We were extremely picky with this one, having quite a few of our past tracks almost fall into different genres, it took us a whole year to find the sound we were searching for, we even completely scrapped two songs on it, and right on the very last track, we sat back in the studio after recording the first few parts and thought, this is the sound we want, so we went back over all the other tracks and changed them to suit.”

'Kumiho' is simply a pleasure to listen to. The sound is layered and detailed, but still easy on the ears. The music is fun, but still carries a bitter-sweet emotion. Due for release at the very start of 2017, Kumiho is perfectly timed for summer, and will kick off a year of touring for Indigo as they steadily work towards the next milestone of releasing their debut album. 'Kumiho' featuring the single 'Deluge' is out January 1, 2017 on CD and via all good digital retailers. Facebook here.

'Deluge' is the single and the first of four very fine songs on the forthcoming EP release. It's refined alt rock that mixes melodies alongside a subtle and developed sound, that said, if the band feel the need to turn things up, they can pack a punch to.

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Quality Not Quantity: Jess and the Bandits - Astari Nite

Jess and the Bandits - I Don't Dance.

Background - When she agreed to open for Boyzone on their BZ20 tour at the close of 2013, Texan singer Jess Clemmons didn’t realise she was about to embark on the tour that would start the next chapter of her career. Taking her new EP, What If, on the road, she bonded with her backing band and by the end of the tour knew that her music career was not going to be continued as a solo artist. Jess and the Bandits was born.

In January 2014, her single Single Tonight broke onto the to Radio 2 playlist and Jess found herself a loyal, dedicated fan in Sir Terry Wogan, who invited her in for her first Radio 2 session. Covering Glen Campbell’s Wichita Lineman, her rich vocal prompted Sir Terry to state, ‘that was the most fabulous song that I’ve ever heard’.

Taking time to focus on writing and recording the band’s debut album, Here We Go Again, Jess focused her efforts on her regular column for Female First. When the band returned in September 2014 with the single My Name Is Trouble, The Daily Mail praised her as ‘the most powerful voice this side of Adele.’

By the launch of Here We Go Again in April 2015, the band had sold out their debut headline show at Little Rabbit Barn and blown the audiences away at Country2Country. The album stormed to #6 in the Official Country Charts. With the album’s lead single You Can’t Stop Me once again on the Radio 2 playlist, Jess had teamed up with Evans to front their #StyleHasNoSize campaign. Recording the music video to Nitty Gritty, the campaign’s official anthem, Jess revelled in following in Beth Ditto and Chaka Khan’s footsteps as an ambassador for the brand.

2016 also marked the band’s debut headline tour, another summer of festival appearances and the release of a deluxe edition of their debut album, which once again entered the Official Country Charts Top 20, while The Boot and Spotify championed the band’s single Ready Set. Website here.

We have featured Jess and the Bandits a couple of times previously on Beehive Candy, the last time was way back in March. The brand new lyric video for 'I Don't Dance' seems like a good enough reason for another mention, needless to say it's of the fine calibre a growing number of folk are getting use to by the band.

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Astari Nite - Lovesick.

Background - Like every year, Astari Nite continues its tradition of releasing new music for the holidays. It is a custom dear to the band and fans alike. This year the band presents “Lovesick” a clean sounding flashback to the celebrated love songs of the new wave and post punk era. The lyrics remind one of The Cure, New Order, while the music is more energetic, with old school guitars and moderns synths.

The single was produced by Rees Bridges who has worked with Dirty Vegas, Pete Doherty and Tears for Fears. The mastering was done by Emily Lazar whose stellar work trajectory includes David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Foo Fighters and Sonic Youth to name a few. "Lovesick is about rejoicing in the memory of those who have passed on in our lives, whether it is someone we know and or admire. I'd like to think of it as a Eulogy or an anthem for saying goodbye." - Mychael Ghost

Formed in 2008, the group consists of Mychael Ghost (lead vocals), Illia Tulloch (Drums), M. Sallons (Bass), Michael Setton (Guitar), and Howard Melnick (Guitar). Signed to (Danse Macabre Records).

Astari Nite has headlined numerous shows, as well as opened up for many national acts such as Peter Murphy, The Psychedelic Furs, ColdCave, She Wants Revenge, Assemblage 23, VOWWS, Modern English, Andy Rourke of The Smiths among many others.

Since forming they have put out five releases; their self-titled Astari Nite (2010), Requiem Mass (2011)Stereo Waltz LP (2014) featuring the singles "Pyramids" and "I.O. 1987", Anonymous (2015) featuring the single "The Boy Who Tried" and Until the end of the Moon LP (2016)

2016 Highlights - The single "Always Like Yesterday" was included in Spotify's Fresh Finds playlist (January). Released a music video for the single "Always Like Yesterday." Released second LP titled Until the end of the Moon (May). Toured the U.S East Coast in support of the album (May). Opened for She Wants Revenge (June). Single "The Boy Who Tried" featured in Everglades Killing Movie. Facebook here, and Website here.

Third time around this year on Beehive Candy for a band who seem to impress me further, with every new song and 'Lovesick' is no exception. Astari Nite again mix tight rhythms and distinct vocals with a simmering power throughout the track.

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Double Delights: Youngsmith - ElectroBluesSociety

Youngsmith - I Will Not Forget.

Background - Otherwise branded as Youngsmith, Dan Smith is usually a man with a guitar and a bunch of ballads. A veteran of the Brisbane local live music scene.

He opened up his latest Australian Tour in August with a show at Brisbane’s Bearded Lady with tracks off his Light EP as well as new tracks ‘Wither’ and big-hitter ‘Red’ — the latter a sweet ditty about his auburn girlfriend which, after its May release date, took on a life of its own on the national radio circuit reaching the US through KPFK 90.7 in Los Angeles, San Diego, Ridgecrest and Santa Barbara, California.

After the tour launch, Smith played all over the country also garnering airplay from national community radio and Triple J’s Root ’N’ All program. New single “I Will Not Forget” for the first time leans Smith towards stadium rock territory, like ‘When I Grow Up’ by Garbage or ‘Everlong’ by Foo Fighters. Catchy hooks and beats surround lyrics speaking of personal demons and learning from your missteps along the way.

“I wrote about half this track a few years back but the main hook and chorus lyrics have always stayed with me. The starting lyrics ‘My demons, are chasing me, it takes all my will to keep my feet’ always felt like a metaphor for life. Everyone has something that bothers them and it takes effort not to lose your way. The more I remember both the good and the bad, the more I can be grateful for the moment.” - Youngsmith

Smith has worked among the Brisbane music scene for over a decade in various forms, providing an important part to the songwriter and band landscape. Recently working with producers Bryce Moorhead (Violent Soho) and Timothy Carr (Matt Corby) has given Smith a wider audience through singles ‘Red’ and now the latest release. Recording in his home studio and collaborating with producers both locally and interstate allows Smith to progress from singer-songwriter to more catchy territory. Website here and Facebook here.

'I Will Not Forget' is a crisp indie rocker, where the song builds into a powerful almost anthem like piece, with hooks galore running right through it!

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ElectroBluesSociety - Duck.

Background - Two guys and a bunch of junk with a broad taste and an open mind mixing the old with the new. Modern technologies and 30+ years of live stage experience and the musical input ranges from Alan Lomax to Roxy Music and from Charlie Parker to Led Zeppelin. On stage you will find computers, a double bass, foot pedals, vintage amps, midi controllers, an old drumkit and lots of cables. All of this handled by the two band members.

Jasper Mortier – drums, bass, mainly known as bass player but lately he found a new passion: playing drums. Over the last ten years Jasper worked with numerous great artists like Preston Shannon, ‘Sax’ Gordon Beadle, Monti Amundson, Philip Walker, Candye Kane, Melvin Taylor, Sherman Robertson, Terry Evans, Long John Hunter, Eddy Clearwater, Toni Lynn Washington, Paul Oscher, Doug Jay, Boo Boo Davis, Byther Smith, Boyd Small, and many others. Right now is is the bass player of the Jimmy Reiter Band.

Jan Mittendorp – guitar, buttons. Since 1993 touring Europe with USA artists like:  Percy Strother, Smokey Wilson , Byther Smith, Burton Gaar, Roy Roberts, Larry Garner, Boo Boo Davis, Erskine Oglesby, Jody Williams, Roscoe Chenier, Clara McDaniel, Boyd Small, Billy Jones, Hosea Leavy, Percy Strother, Harrison Kennedy and many others.  In 2009 with Boo Boo Davis among others at Montreux Jazz Festival and Peer Bluesfestival. Website here, and Facebook here.

'Duck' is one very addictive track. It is a fabulous blues instrumental that as mentioned above, mixes old and new together, and let me add - the duo do it seamlessly and beautifully.

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BeeVids: Rachel Mason - James Kruman

Rachel Mason - Roses.

Background - Rachel Mason presents the new 'Roses' video from new 'Das Ram' LP. Performance artist Rachel Mason presents the video for 'Roses', a track from her new album ‘Das Ram' LP, co-released by Los Angeles-based Cleopatra Records and artist-run cassette label Practical Records present  new album ‘Das Ram'LP. Comprised of eight tracks, this album conveys the stories of specific characters, who define and delight in their own realities and cosmologies, and individuals who create their own world views, their own religions, and fantasy lives.

'Das Ram' is an inversion of the name of renowned healer Ram Dass, and also a play on Mason's own initials, Rachel Ann Mason. The track “Roses”, produced and co-written by Jeff Hassay, is a powerful anthem with Mason's crisp sonorous vocals and positively loaded drive.

The 'Roses' video was produced and directed by Los Angeles-based artist team BeckandCol. They also contribute costumes and choreography, while Mason created the masks, one of the hallmark features of her live shows. In their work, BeckandCol use humor and chaos to investigate the crisis of human exceptionalism.  “Their work explores alternate universes populated with monsters, who obsess over humanity and emulate its dominant attributes," says Rachel Mason. "Their monsters resist any classification built on hierarchy or a merely binary opposition and instead exposes hierarchical behaviors as absurdities, forcing a rethinking of social and cultural norms.” Website here, Facebook here.

The first of eight songs on the 'Das Ram' album, and the second one featured on Beehive Candy is 'Roses'. Das Ram is a really fine album that I feel deserves a second mention by ourselves. Beyond the visual performance art, musically Rachel delivers some intriguing and very appealing songs, definitely worth checking out.

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James Kruman - Country Sigh.

Background - Manchester (UK) based lo-fi alternative folk inspired artist 'James Kruman' announces the release of his 10 track album 'Twitch'.

Available in digital download or CD format from his Bandcamp page, the collection of tracks forming this independent release is a journey from the sonically bizarre to mournfully beautiful.  Radiating with the subdued vocal-tone delivery of Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, Lou Reed and Ian Curtis (Joy Division), the home recorded efforts of Kruman show the artist at is his most stark, humble and organic. Natural performances with an attitude to embrace nuances and imperfections. Lo-fi and minimalist.

Originally hailing from Middlesbrough (UK) James has stood out from the regional music scene as an unpredictable and unique songwriter evolving his own recognisable voice and the 'Twitch' album flows with fascinating and unpredictable directions from trippy 60's psych rock experiments to folk/country blues tinged parodies and new wave electronica. The inability to classify Kruman's music as any specific genre, has led him to share stages with everyone from folk songstress Bella Hardy to indie legend Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets). Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

James Kruman's distinctive vocals and the fabulous music of 'Country Sigh' are a wonderful match. This for me is a very addictive song, and the lo-fi alt folk description above saves me from having to work out how best to describe the track. Time to get over to Bandcamp and indulge in more!

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Weekend Wonders: Rosebug - Vertigo

Rosebug - He Doesn't Know.

Background - Rosebug is yet another punk band from Brooklyn, and they want you to hear their album. Perhaps they don't have the most original origin story, but that doesn't mean they're not worth listening to. Their debut LP, Worst Way was released in November through 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. Currently the band is sharing their buzzworthy new single, "He Doesn't Know," the follow-up to the critically acclaimed piece, "I Am The One."

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. Facebook here and Website here.

This is the second song from the band on Beehive Candy, following on from our early November feature and this time we have 'He Doesn't Know'. This track is a little more alt rock than punk, and once again positions the band firmly on our radar.

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Vertigo - Get Away.

Background - ‘Get Away’, the debut single for Brisbane band Vertigo, is a spirited song driven by a dynamic bass line, sharp stabbing guitar riffs, powerful drums and an intense vocal line. The layers of guitar create a punchy and atmospheric sound, and the up-tempo beat captures the energy of the band.

The song’s lyrics, written as a group during one of the band’s first formal rehearsals, are a reflection of watching a friend hold onto a poisonous relationship. Referencing The Beach Boys, and teenage love, the song is a plea to leave negative relationships behind.

Vertigo’s music came to life under the guidance of Yanto Browning whilst recording at Airlock Studios over an intense four-day period, where the band recorded numerous songs, but identified ‘Get Away’ as the most appropriate debut. Playing living rooms, backyards and small Brisbane Fortitude Valley stages, progressively growing crowds have come to enjoy the band’s raw love of playing music together and entertaining people of varying musical tastes.

Vertigo are currently writing and playing as much music as they possibly can and are hoping to release more music soon. “Get Away” by Vertigo is available now via digital stores. Facebook here.

With a tight rhythm and lively and fresh soundtrack 'Get Away' has the foundations in place for some fine and feisty rock'n'roll complete with urgent and passionate vocals.

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Friday's Alternative Take: Ezrato - Max Cooper - Totally Dubwise

Ezrato - Noir (ft. Stella Rhymes).

Background - ‘Noir’ is an upbeat jazz/house hybrid track from the young Australian producer Ezrato. Incorporating musical elements inspired from the neo-noir film genre, the song revolves around the dangers of having an addiction to a person one admires and the grave consequences that can occur when things don’t work out. Ezrato (born Eric Christopher) begun his musical journey through taking up piano at age 4.

After developing an interest in electronic music during his teenage years, Christopher grew a passion for producing covers of popular EDM tracks, recreating the sound design elements from scratch and collaborating with local vocalists. The young producer also gained an online following through regularly posting self-arranged piano tutorials for popular new music on YouTube.

Growing up in a family of musicians, Christopher later decided to utilize his musical experience as a pianist and producer to write his own original compositions. ‘Noir’ is an original track by Ezrato featuring vocals from Australian singer, StellaRhymes. Production first started towards the beginning of 2016 in Tasmania, Australia and after being developed intermittently for almost a year, the track was released in December 2016.

“‘Noir’ is a combination of two of my favourite music genres - jazz and house. The idea came to me when watching one of my favourite TV series - Gotham. Centering around a detective assigned to dispel crime from an anarchic city, I was transfixed by the edgy, Chandler-esque and slightly anachronistic atmosphere of the show’s setting. This inspired me to try and embody this neo-noir film approach in a song. Lyrically, I drew from my own experience of addiction with both love and lust. To create cryptic layers and fit with the neo-noir theme, I utilised metaphors using terminology often found in the murder-mystery genre of film and other media. The result is an ambitious and somewhat sultry jazz/house hybrid that sets a very specific atmosphere,” says Christopher on the inspiration of the track. Facebook here.

The introduction of the above promo piece possibly says it all by stating "Noir - is an upbeat jazz/house hybrid track". Well maybe everything, I would add that, the song really does mix these genres and very cleverly, as if both styles have been put in blender and perfectly mixed together, vocally and musically.

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Max Cooper - Order From Chaos.

Background - Emergence is an epic, operatic, ambitious amalgamation between audio-visual show, scientific research project, art installation and IDM record, the debut release on Max Cooper’s Mesh label and his second full-length release.

The record was conceived as a soundtrack to a new series of 11 pieces of video art, each exploring a different facet of the concept of ‘emergence’. The full A/V live show will premiere on the road with the Autumn dates below, including Mutek in Japan. Together the work is a marriage between the cosmic awe of a Carl Sagan film and the musical wonderment of Sigur Ros, made for meditating on the mystery of our emotional connection to fundamental natural form.

Cooper collaborated with film composer Tom Hodge and vocalist Kathrin deBoer to put together a rich piece of music that incorporates post-rock, Warp-y brain-dance, hi-def digital techno and shimmering neo-classical.  Few musicians are as qualified as Max to tackle as profound an idea as ‘emergence’ through electronic music. Emergence is the story of the development of the universe, the way in which, very complex things like human beings where created from the immaterial by the action of simple laws.

Max received a Ph.D in computational biology in 2008 with research on the evolution of gene regulatory networks and was a geneticist at UCL before he switched to music. To this end he collaborated with artists Andy Lomas, Nick Cobby and Henning M Lederer plus mathematician Dugan Hammock from the University of Massachusetts. In each chapter of the AV, the focus is on the beauty of the natural laws and processes in operation, with a mixture of real data visualisation and films. It interprets the deep structures and principles that give rise to the familiar physical universe, such as symmetries, the distribution of the primes, waves, spatial dimensionality, and the action of the physical forces on matter. Later films tackle the emergence of biological forms, thought and eventually a darker turn into the structures and systems of human civilisation.

Max has synthesised his skill as a producer and his deep interests in science to create a Hadron Collider-grade ambient techno world, in the lineage of The Future Sounds of London’s ‘Lifeforms’ for 2016. It’s also one of the most beautiful records you’ll hear all year. Website here.

With 'Order From Chaos' we get a fabulous video that matches the intricate and beautiful music. One of the best examples of music and art (and more) coming together, that I have seen and heard this year. Emergence has become a must have for me.

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Totally Dubwise - "Riddim Up-Rewind & Come Again" (Label: Totally Dubwise).

Skarra Mucci, Sugar Minott, Mr Williamz, Clinton Sly, FleCK, Marcus Visionary, Tippa Irie and more.

Background - With the amazing response we had to "Riddim Up" last year we decided it would only be fitting to sign the year off with another heavy weight LP!

The release features music both old and new as well as a few new remixes of our back catalogue.

Featuring a wicked selection of Producers & Artists from up & comers to straight veterans, making for a refreshing mix of sounds and perspectives on the Roots sound we all love. Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

'Riddim Up-Rewind & Come Again' is a melting pot of  reggae and dub styles and ideas, that lovers of these genres really should check out. To help, you can get a taster of each song and the new remixes below, enjoy!


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BeeVids: David Luning - Bloom Twins

David Luning - Gonna Forget About You.

Background - David Luning was studying film scoring at the Berklee College of Music when he first heard the music of John Prine. As Luning recalls, "A couple of friends invited me over to share some songs at their apartment, and that was the first time I'd ever really listened to Americana music or folk or country or whatever you want to call it. They showed me John Prine, and it just resonated with me so much. I was like, 'Oh my god, this is what I have to do with my life.' I just figured it out in that moment." He subsequently dropped out of school and took to the road as a troubadour, performing at open mics and eventually opening for Dave and Phil Alvin, Jackie Greene and other artists.

Says Luning, "Originally, this song was actually going to be a happy party song... 'Gonna shine my shoes and go out on the town'... But I never finished it in that vein. A little while later, when I was in a low place, I revisited this song and rewrote it from the perspective of a man who is trying to convince himself that he is moving on, though it is clear that he hasn't."

John Prine forced David Luning to drop out of college. Not at gunpoint or anything-the two had never even met-but the effect of hearing the songwriting legend's music for the first time had an equally compelling effect on Luning, who was studying film scoring at the Berklee College of Music in Boston at the time. Now an accomplished artist in his own right, Luning is preparing to release his most dynamic and gripping collection to date, 'Restless,' and he can trace it all back to one fateful night that changed everything.

"A couple of friends invited me over to share some songs at their apartment, and that was the first time I'd ever really listened to Americana music or folk or country or whatever you want to call it," remembers Luning. "They showed me John Prine, and it just resonated with me so much. I was like, 'Oh my god, this is what I have to do with my life.' I just figured it out in that moment."

His self-released debut album, 'Just Drop On By,' garnered acclaim from both critics and fellow musicians alike, with country megastar Keith Urban hailing Luning's "staunch originality." Songs from the album landed numerous film and TV placements, most recently on NBC's 'Grimm,' and Luning's reputation for exhilarating live performances earned him dates with luminaries like Jackie Greene, Dave and Phil Alvin, and Elvin Bishop, along with a slew of festival performances up and down the West Coast. Website here.

With the John Prine references in the above promo, I hoped David Luning would live up to expectations and with 'Gonna Forget About You' I reckon he does. His vocals are just so right for Americana type music and the soundtrack is gentle and understated making this a very addictive song.

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Bloom Twins - Set Us Free.

Background - Born and raised in a small town outside of Kiev in the Ukraine, 20-year-old identical twins, Sonia and Anna Kuprienko, were both classically trained. After releasing their debut track ‘Fahrenheit’ in 2013 Bloom Twins had a double impact on both music and fashion, opening the doors to profile pieces in publications such as Vogue, i-D, Wonderland, Hunger, The Guardian, Daily Mail, and The Sunday Times.

Over the last two years, Bloom Twins have continued to build their global presence in both music and fashion, playing live shows around the world and releasing a number of tracks – the most recent of which, ‘Amnesia’ was championed by The Independent. Bloom Twins also completed arena tours of both the UK and Italy with Duran Duran in 2015 and 2016 respectively, and – newly signed with Models1 – they have just returned from Tokyo where they completed fashion shoots for Vogue, Elle, Harpers Bazaar and Numero Japan.

The exciting plot, which takes the viewer through a series of breathtaking extreme sports scenarios, features Go-Pro headcam footage from skiing, bungee jumping, scuba-diving and zip-wiring to name a few, and was shot in several countires around the world including the USA, UK, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Poland, the Maldives and of course, Ukraine.

20-year-old identical twins, Sonia and Anna Kuprienko co-wrote this track with talented Fiona Bevan and Max McElligott, then handed it over to Greg Fitzgerald for some production magic. It was the first track they wrote after returning from Ukraine where they got stuck for half a year during the uprise. The track is not political at all, rather a call for freedom, but it was certainly influenced by everything that was happening in Ukraine and the fact that they couldn't return to their new home - London.

On the making and narrative behind the video, Bloom Twins say; "We tend to forget about the simple pleasures in life that make us happy. The world is our oyster. It’s only needed to be prized open to be enjoyed, with the pearl as the prize. Life should be about love, peace, happiness and freedom, and a home for it all is our beautiful planet.”

Their debut album, which has been recorded and produced by Duran Duran’s Nick Rhodes, will be out in 2017. Facebook here.

'Set Us Free' is a fine electro pop song that like the twins, is already getting a lot of attention. Vocals are good, however for me it's the soundtrack that makes the track a little more special and worth a share (honest!).

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