Saturday Seven: Snowball II - Kelly Lee Owens - D.A. Stern - Tesla Boy - Port Juvee - Laughed the Boy - Vanbot

Snowball II - Anais & Me.

Background - Los Angeles’ own chameleonic shoegaze, indie rock, and noise collective Snowball II has announced the release of their third full-length album in the first year since the band’s formation. The album is titled Flashes of Quincy.  ­Just as on the first two Snowball II albums, band leader/producer Jackson Wargo took on nearly all instrumental responsibilities on these recordings; although, the album’s first single offers a very rare and special guest appearance by Kurt Heasley—founder and frontman of influential ‘90s shoegaze band Lilys.  The first single—entitled “CR-VUC”—exemplifies yet another unpredictable stylistic departure from Snowball II’s dreamy and acoustic sophomore release Doughnut Holes—which itself was a drastic generic departure from their feedback drenched shoegaze debut album.  Flashes of Quincy is slated for release mid-February 2017.

With this new album, Snowball II has resurrected and revived both the musical spirit and the production vision of classic 1990s indie rock—one is apt to expect Flashes of Quincy to have been recorded not in 2016, but in 1996—when Wargo was a mere four years old.   Keeping a DIY spirit, each of these songs was written, produced, performed, recorded, and mixed by Wargo himself at his personal studio in Southern California called The Doughnut Shop.  Though Wargo has taken on each of the myriad of roles needed to make this unique album, the skill that stands out as strongest is his songwriting.  Flashes of Quincy comprises ten exceptionally catchy songs that are filled with substantive lyrics that are as intricate as they are articulate.

In addition to producing three full-length albums in a single year, Snowball II also wrote and recorded a song for Gavin Weisen’s film The Runaround (to be released 2017), performed a Daytrotter session, contributed two songs to a Lilys tribute album sponsored by The Blog That Celebrates Itself, and contributed a cover of Cloud’s song “Desperation Club” for Practice Room Records’ compilation Secret Admirer. Bandcamp here.

'Anais & Me' is full of vibrant indie rock energy, along with a catchy melodic chorus. For a band that are so productive, they are certainly not compromising on quality.

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Kelly Lee Owens - Anxi. (ft. Jenny Hval).

Background - Kelly Lee Owens announces her self-titled debut album, due March 24th via Smalltown Supersound, and shares lead single, “Anxi" ft. Jenny Hval. It follows the release of her “Oleic” EP, released this past fall. An album that bridges the gaps between cavernous techno, spectral pop, and Krautrock’s mechanical pulse, Kelly Lee Owens brims with exploratory wonder, establishing a personal aesthetic that is as beguiling as it is thrillingly familiar.

Before starting work on the self-produced album, Owens, a 28-year old Londoner, turned her keen ear towards dance music after working in a record store with techno producer Daniel Avery. Her voice and contributions can be heard on Avery’s Drone Logic. Since then, she self-released two white label 12”s, with the “Oleic” EP to follow.

Her debut solo album is first and foremost Owens’ vision, a record that exudes a startling level of intimacy even in its largest-sounding moments - such as “Arthur,” a percolating mixture of looped vocals and rustling rhythms that rides on a perpetual near-crescendo. The song is a tribute to the late iconoclastic musician and kindred spirit Arthur Russell. “He wrote music and stayed true to his vision up until the day he died, ” Owens explains. “He didn’t compromise as an artist, and those are the kind of people I look up to - people who know what they want.” On S/T Owens translates that self-assertiveness into a record that explores a variety of moods - sadness, anxiety, darkly shaded ecstasy - with a trippy-eyed clarity and confidence that only bodes well for the future. Bandcamp here and Facebook here.

 'Anxi' is already gaining a lot of attention and rightly so. This is a delicious dreamy electronic piece where the synths and vocals soar above a superb and trippy rhythm. Album eagerly awaited.

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D.A. Stern - Miami.

Background - D.A. Stern shares his first video from Aloha Hola in the form of this Albert Brooks inspired gem ahead of the records release via Two Syllables on January 27. In D.A. Stern’s own words...

"I am a huge Albert Brooks fan and Real Life might be my favorite of his movies.  It's basically about a filmmaker, played by Brooks, who plans to make a feature out of footage he shoots of a real American family during their day-to-day lives; naturally, everything goes wrong.  The hilarious and beautiful montage that occurs during one of the family's happier spells depicts a typical all-American family living an all-American dream in slow-motion, yet we are aware that this is not the truth.  Beneath all of the smiles, ice cream cones, and board games, this family is being pushed to their limits by a selfish man with a vision.  The idea that not everything is as it seems and that things are different below the surface ties directly into what the song Miami is about." Facebook here.

'Miami' is a beautiful song, a surf meets indie rock piece is how I would describe it. The video may not actually teach the French how to make a proper montage, but it makes a fine support for the storyline of the song, without overwhelming this melodic track.

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Tesla Boy - Avoid.

Background -  "Tesla Boy are huge in their native Russia. Blessed with choruses the size of entire cities and riffs that can stun at a thousand paces, it's little wonder that their homeland has embraced them. The band now have their sights set internationally, spending an increasing amount of time in the United States.

Russian pop music has undeniably come a long way since its shy development over the last 20 years, and has only just started to make waves within the international consciousness. Enter Tesla Boy, a quintessential Synth-pop/New wave project created in 2008 that was not only spawned from an era of hungry youth in ‘80s and ‘90s Moscow that eagerly sought out new and experimental pop music from abroad, but is leading the next generation of Russian electronic artists to take on the global scene with force.

Tesla Boy is charismatic frontman and producer Anton Sevidov, who from an early age learnt to speak the international language of music through his father’s old vinyl collection that included Ray Charles, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Blondie. From here, a clear affinity with ‘80s pop and soul from the US and Britain emerged, and has since played a strong role in crafting the Tesla Boy identity. From their beginnings with the release of debut single Electric Lady and first LP Modern Thrills in 2010, the sounds of Tesla Boy’s global influences are immediate, with their acclaimed follow-up single Split, produced to a high level with deep catchy melodies and disco undertones.

As only a preview to what is to come, it is obvious Tesla Boy are not to be mistaken with passing club trends that have come out of Russia in previous years. Tesla Boy carry a shiny pop sensibility, combined with sleek and sophisticated production that takes their nostalgic synth sound and punching soul hooks into the new wave era of EDM with global appeal. Facebook here.

Tesla Boy really get the balance right with 'Avoid'. Nothing over dominates the track, the synths are crisp, vocals smooth and flowing and the overall production oozes quality. Add in the hooks (as they have) and you are on to a winner, as I expect this may well be.

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Port Juvee - Crimewave.

Background - Port Juvee have shared a new music video for the title track of their recently released album Crimewave. Vocalist Brett Sandford said of the video: "We wanted to combine some of the inspiration we found in the kitsch of old public access television style telethons with some nods to the underground radio scenes of The Warriors. The entire record was made in a chaotic time in our lives, and the track is about finding opportunities for change in those crazy times where you think everything's gone wrong. All the live footage was shot in our jamspace, this little concrete room in Calgary that's covered with graffiti, which is also where we recorded the Crimewave EP."

Port Juvee may call the plains of Canada home, but they are no stranger to international success. Having played a multitude of festivals including CMJ, Sled Island X-Fest and Rifflandia, the fivesome has also supported DIIV, Titus Andronicus, Twin Peaks, Sticky Fingers, Bleachers and The Orwells on tour. The band slipped into the global spotlight in 2014 when tracks from their Revenge EP were featured in Herschel Supply Company’s Spring ad campaign.

Produced by the band with help from Justin Gerrish (Vampire Weekend “Contra”), third studio album Crimewave moves seamlessly through the lackadaisical punk of "Bleached Out Soda Pop," "Trapped Underwater’s" pounding garage rhythms and the 80’s-inspired escapism of the title track. If you're heading to SXSW in March, you'll be able to catch Port Juvee there. Website here, Facebook here.

Third time in just a few months for Port Juvee on Beehive Candy, and this time it's a new video for the recent album release 'Crimewave'. Once again the distinct vocals and the bands recipe of blended rock styles, makes the song so attractive and re playable.

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Laughed the Boy - Bell Rock.

Background - And the band tell us, "We had been playing shows around the area and while rehearsing we ended up with an album’s worth of fresh material. We headed into the studio soon after to record nine new tracks that will make up our debut full length LP. "Bell Rock" is one of these tracks". This second single is from Laughed the Boy’s forthcoming album “Here is Fine.” "You'll find the dreamy atmosphere of the song is set by hook driven guitar lines and complemented by wistfully moody lyrics".

The track is the follow-up to last year's well-received debut single 'Indifferent'. The single is part of their upcoming 9-track LP, scheduled for a February 10th release.

The record utilizes an honest and unpretentious look at 90s nostalgia, filled with hooky guitars and sing along melodies. Facebook here.

Having listened to the forthcoming album a little earlier today I think it's fair to say that 'Bell Rock' is a very good indicator of the overall sound and quality of what is for me, a fabulous album. As debut full length albums go, the band have struck some gold here, and deserve to be heard.

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Vanbot - Collide (Krasnoyarsk).

Background - Swedes are well known for their forward thinking in design, fashion, healthy living and of course music. Their latest export, in the form of electronic-pop Vanbot, has been the talk of the town already. By distinguishing herself with Ester Ideskog’s hooky melodies, memorable song-writing and striking vocals, Vanbot is all about the highest level of pop craftsmanship.

‘Collide (Krasnoyarsk)’ begins a new chapter in Vanbot’s musical journey by making this record less polished and more expansive on the production front. Whilst being noticeably led with its electronic beat, from the word ‘go’ the song incorporates spacious and brooding undertones in the style of Phantogram. Highlighted with a Poliça-esque electro-noir shade of colour, Vanbot knows just how to add ethereal authority around the edges to its very straight forward Annie and Noonie Bao-like pop structure.

Ester says: “’Collide (Krasnoyarsk)’ was written after four days on the Trans-Siberian Railway, traveling through the deepest parts of Siberia. The temperature was just above zero, it was raining and we were passing through small villages and old industrial communities. It describes the collisions and the attractions in relationships, and having no choice but to accept the raw and un-retouched feelings. You know, it’s like the poem of David Jones: ‘It’s both a blessing and a curse to feel everything so very deeply’.”

Taken from her forth-coming ‘Siberia’ album, ’Collide (Krasnoyarsk)’ was released yesterday and distributed via Sony Music Sweden. Website here and Facebook here.

'Collide' is an imaginative and extremely well produced song. The electronic beat drives the track along in a supportive, rather than overwhelming manner, allowing the creativity of other sounds to blend with the dreamy refined vocals.

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Weekend Wonders: VOWWS - Her Harbour - Kambui Chui-Moore - Lowlands - Tuffet Bunnies - Atticus Chimps

VOWWS - Heartbreaker.

Background - With their new single, “Heartbreaker,” VOWWS veer into the wrong lane - and smash backwards into Pop. The new single was released this week, coinciding with their North American tour in support of British post-punk band White Lies.

A flash-grenade of musical justice, “Heartbreaker” opens with the layered ramblings of a mad man - before exploding into an urgent groove of cascading beats, vertical guitars and a guiding, screaming synth - a musical offering that pummels you over the head with a sick smile on its face.

"We wanted this song to be a window into casual insanity. It's war music for peaceful people cos when everything looks the same, it's harder to choose,” says Matt. Heartbreaker was produced by the duo and Rhys Fulber (Front Line Assembly, Fear Factory, Youth Code). Their second album, the follow up to 2015's 'The Great Sun,' is due mid-2017.

Australian duo VOWWS met while studying music in Western Sydney. They played in multiple prominent experimental rock bands together and quickly became fixtures in Sydney’s underground music scene. It didn't take long for the duo to become restless however, and soon enough they packed up, said goodbye to Australia and moved to Brooklyn NY in 2011 - where where they began writing music together with full focus. Website here and Facebook here.

A thumping rhythm kicks in and 'Heartbreaker' is underway. Dark and moody in part, the song also develops a more melodic feel as it progresses, whilst the vocals are absorbed into the atmosphere.

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Her Harbour - Chime and Knell.

Background - The song comes from her new LP Go Gently Into The Night, which will be released on February 3rd via E-Tron Records.

Gabrielle's thoughts on how the song is filled with the spectre of death, surrounded by the passing winter:

“Chime and Knell” is about the juxtaposition of life and death in the spring. I began writing it in the last stretches of the winter, when the snow was first melting and the dormant land was beginning to thaw. In a season that had always seemed abundant with life, I felt haunted by death; I saw it in the landscape and everything that surrounded me. I ultimately found peace in understanding the importance of loss to life renewing itself and hoped to convey that sentiment with “Chime and Knell”. Website here, Facebook here.

Second time around on Beehive Candy for Her Harbour this time with 'Chime and Knell'. last time we stated "a beautiful and tender song, where Gabrielle Giguère's wonderful vocals are supported by a haunting piano lead background". This is clearly something Her Harbour can deliver over and over as this charming song demonstrates.

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Kambui Chui-Moore - Confier.

Background - Kambui Chui-Moore is thrilled to share his debut full length album Confier this week. Confier means “entrust” in French. Kambui delivers heartfelt lyrics covering themes of identity, vulnerability, and the fear of what’s next. Taking cues from James Blake and Kid Cudi, he creates otherworldly beats built on unconventional rhythms, sparse piano riffs, and multilayered vocals to be the emotive backdrop to his message. The production may seem minimal, but upon a repeat listen it’s clear that Kambui provides a nuanced complexity in his music that derives from his love of classical music. As his debut album, it’s clear that he’s holding nothing back.

Kambui Chui-Moore was born in Houston to a pastor and early childhood educator where music was the backdrop of their lives. From James Brown to Mahalia Jackson, music was always playing in their house but he was the only child of three to adapt his parents’ musical talents. Kambui first started playing drums in church when he was 7 and, with the help of his godbrothers, he began performing with local group Eternal Groove and played in his school’s concert and marching bands. Although Kambui came from a place of love and security, he never felt he had his own voice.

Upon new job opportunities, Kambui’s family moved to Detroit in 2001. It was here that he was forced out of his shell and expanded his musical tastes. Acts like Paramore and Evanescence first taught him about alternative song structures and inspired him to look at the science of music. He quickly became unimpressed with the structure of marching band and quit practicing drums throughout high school.

It wasn’t until he was at Michigan State University that Kambui began playing music again. His friends built a makeshift home studio and the group began making beats, recording, and freestyling any chance they got. Recording in that studio was a life changing experience for Kambui. He could take the music anywhere he wanted to with no restrictions. He had found his purpose and his voice. Kambui means “unafraid” in Swahili, and that he is. Facebook here.

'Confier' is one of five tracks I have heard by Kambui Chui-Moore, and on each occasion I have been struck by the intimate nature of the songs, and yet the atmosphere and detailed production adds so much additional depth.

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Lowlands – Floating.

Background - Lowlands is an American bi-coastal music group based in NYC & San Diego, CA. Formed in NYC in 2014 by guitarist T.C. Garcia (of Mrs Magician) and vocalist Gabriel Spatuzzi, Lowlands play slow, dark, minimalist ghost-punk that draws inspiration from the likes of Rowland S. Howard and Ennio Morricone.

Recorded in fits and starts on two different coasts throughout 2014-2015, their debut album 'Lovers Blessings' is characterized by sparse droning arrangements and wistful, mostly ad-libbed lyrics that touch on themes of loneliness, isolation, architecture, sexual frustration & all forms of doubt (religious, self, etc).

Lowlands excellent debut album, Lovers Blessings, is now available on vinyl. This release is very limited (250 white LPs) so get 'em while they're hot here. Facebook here.

'Floating' reminds me in part of The Sisters Of Mercy with the vocals so deeply immersed in the mix. That said the band are no copycats, and this is one hook laden slow rocker, that pleads for another listen.

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Tuffet Bunnies - Everything.

Background - Los Angeles based singer-songwriter Tuffet Bunnies is excited to share the music video for his single "Everything" off his debut release Love Songs For Scarlett EP. The video sees Clem Darling enjoying a day at the park surrounded by loving couples, an acrobat, and a sparkly butterfly. The video perfectly depicts the charming, happy-go-lucky love song.

Tuffet Bunnies is the alias for Clem Darling's musical whims. He's from the American northeast, born in Boston, MA and grew up in Albany, NY. His father is a surgeon. His mother is a therapist. He played music in the northeast for awhile, from ages 10-18, mostly making music reminiscent of Unicorns and Pavement. Clem then moved to Los Angeles to attend film school. After graduating, he moved to Austin, TX and played a lot of live music in garage rock bands. Then, Clem moved back to Los Angeles because he fell in love with an acrobat and burlesque performer who inspired this debut album of love songs.

The quirky nature of the video aside, 'Everything' is one cheerful melodic song that can surely put a smile on your face, with or without a clown juggling!

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Atticus Chimps - Illusion.

Background - Atticus Chimps formed in November 2015. Founding members Theo and Sam are cousins who have played casually as a duo since their teenage years. Kerrod was a friend of Sam’s who had only started playing drums earlier in the year. The band played 3 small gigs together, in front of crowds no bigger than a classroom, before recording a 5 track EP, Hug Me ’Til You Drug Me in July 2016. After recording the EP Kerrod departed the band to move overseas, and Theo and Sam enlisted new member, Jordan, to fill in on drums; he has become an integral part of the group ever since.

The first single from the EP, “Illusion” was recorded at Tall Poppy Productions in July 2016 and was engineered by Nathan Woodrow. After writing several dark and edgy songs, the band started leaning more towards writing a song that was optimistic and uplifting - something that would make people feel good. “Illusion” has all the melodic qualities of a melancholic 90s rock song, while incorporating lyrics that touch on the all too familiar experience of growing up and living in a never ending state of perpetual change and confusion. “Dwell on the past, it only exists in your head.”

The song attempts to sooth anxieties and past regrets, while having a mindset that is happy and content with the present moment. The EP ranges from slow, calm and melodic love songs to angry, progressive, emotionally charged anthems that convey dissatisfaction and alienation from authority, bearing the influence of their Punk roots. Facebook here.

'Illusion' is a refined and smooth flowing alt rock song given some edge by the vocals. The band keep things tight and straight and there are a good few hooks thrown in along the way.

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BeeVids: Christina Rubino - MILCK - Hippo Campus - Crane

Christina Rubino - Down To The Sea.

Background - Brooklyn singer/songwriter Christina Rubino has a new video for a song entitled "Down to the Sea", off her upcoming full length album ''Godspeed and Guns" set for release on Valentines Day -February 14th 2017.

With the release of the Godspeed & Guns album, Christina Rubino brings a new feel to a classic genre. Lush with addictive progressions, soulful vocals, and an alternative edge, the record boasts the aesthetic of indie rock anthems. Though the songs are diverse from one another, there is a glue that holds it all together, much like a concept album would. Most importantly, the record never loses sight of the emotional platform great songs are built from.

In 2008, Rubino joined the all-female group Violator, a NYC based Depeche Mode cover band, as the lead guitarist. Throughout her time with the band, she loved the excitement of travel and live performance, but always longed to return to making original music. 2009 marked the transition by members of Violator to Josephine, an all-female trio in which Rubino, lead vocals and guitars, wrote and collaborated with drummer Tracy Thompkins (Aerial Love Feed, Violator) and bassist Leigh Regan (Violator). After releasing an EP with Josephine in 2009 under Feed that Baby Records, Rubino went on to write and record her debut solo record, Alive From The Scrap Heap in 2014 before returning to the studio for her 2016 Godspeed & Guns release. Facebook here.

The combination of Christina's soulful vocals and the driving piano on 'Down To The Sea' makes for a very atmospheric anthem. Adding in the supporting arrangement gives the song additional warmth, ensuring this is a memorable track. New album in February!

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MILCK - Quiet.

Background - After MILCK’s first single, “Devil Devil,” hit over 1 million streams on YouTube, landed on multiple TV shows and films including The Royals, Marco Polo, Lucifer, and Pretty Little Liars, and garnered her a spot on Shazam’s Watchlist, the Los Angeles-based artist found that her rebellious voice was gaining momentum. Her next single, “Quiet,” was released via iTunes and Spotify on January 18th, and feels perfectly timed as our newly elected leader has sought to silence any criticism he has faced and his egregious comments about women and minorities continue to circulate.

“Quiet” is a rally cry for men and women to not be afraid of their truth. It is MILCK’s self-proclaimed “thesis,” which she wrote as a rise against her own history of physical and sexual abuse, alongside pressures to fulfill commodified standards of beauty. “With this song, I feel like I'm finally allowing my truest inner self to be expressed," she says. "In this time of fear, propaganda and discrimination, it is critical for our individual and collective voices to be heard. With this song, I’m saying I am NOT the woman who is going to stay quiet where there are figures who promote oppression. I want to encourage others to give a voice to whatever they may have silenced, political or personal.” Facebook here.

'Quiet' is a wonderful song, that builds around a hook laden melody and the passionate and determined vocals of Milck. The piece follows the message of 'Quiet' in as much as, it's anything but, by the end. 

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Hippo Campus - way it goes.

Background - Fresh from a breakthrough 2016 which saw them announce their debut record, ‘landmark’ Hippo Campus have unveiled ‘way it goes’ and its accompanying music video.

The single follows Hippo Campus recent critically acclaimed AA-side release ‘boyish/monsoon’, which marked the band’s first studio recordings in over a year and picked up substantial support from the likes of Annie Mac, Greg James, Huw Stephens, Steve Lamacq, NPR and more, whilst the tracks currently sit on over 1,000,000 combined Spotify streams.

One of the band’s most immediate songs to date, ‘way it goes’ is an exploration of the human condition and self perception, whilst considering the idea that the culture of cool is rapidly becoming something of a religion in its own right.

Discussing the track, Hippo Campus offered the following; "Set in early spring on a frozen lake in Cumberland Wisconsin, "way it goes" was a moment of clarity; a realization that we are comedy. We exist in a world where our main news source is a social media website. Materialism is our dogma. We seek to control the way our peers perceive us. We engage social issues as a backdrop for our personal drama. It’s the rare moments when we can escape from this artificial reality, that really matter." Website here.

Back in October of last year we described a Hippo Campus song as having "charm, energy, melody and enough hooks to explain the bands success so far". The new song 'way it goes' not only endorses that opinion, it moves it on some, with another fabulous and very catchy song.

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Crane - Fast Life.

Background - “For a long time, Crane was just me recording songs in my room,” says the band’s frontman, Bobby Crane, “and it probably would have stayed that way if I hadn’t believed in what I was doing enough to leave my bedroom and get into the studio.”

Crane had it’s genesis in early 2016 at The Abstract Recording Studios in Los Angeles, when Bobby Crane began recording his debut EP with the help of young producers Mark Einhorn (former member of Portugal. The Man) and Jesse Rhodes. The interpersonal and creative synergy between the three was undeniable, and they knew they were on to something worth pursuing. Shortly after, Crane recruited drummer Billy Parks, and the four got to work on their live performance.

Fear of Flight, Crane’s debut EP, has a distinctly recognizable sound while also seamlessly incorporating elements from a wide variety of genres throughout the record, from electronic to hip-hop to punk. The band has been tirelessly working on the record for over a year, and is proud to begin their collective venture into the Los Angeles music scene and beyond.

Get a taste of Bobby Crane's ability to tell a vivid story through his lyrics with "Fast Life," a track that describes the quintessential tale of a girl who moves to Hollywood with stars in her eyes to chase attention and fame. Her life soon takes a grim turn, though, when she finds there is nothing below the glittering, superficial surface of stardom. In our era of obsession with likes and follows, the track can't help but feel relevant. Fear of Flight will be available on March 10th, 2017! Facebook here.

I do enjoy a fine storytelling song and 'Fast Life' is all of that and more. The melody and infectious vocals of Bobby Crane give the song it's edge, the forthcoming EP sounds like a good one.

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The Dream - Get Dreamy (1967 Album Reissue).

The Dream - Get Dreamy (Round 2) 3 March 2017.

Background - From the somewhat sparse, yet unique catalogue of adventurous, high-quality rock music coming out of Scandinavia in the late 60’s, the sole album ‘Get Dreamy’ by The Dream has been one of the most hunted treasures. Originally released in 1967, the album proves that the youth of Norway were just as happy swinging as their Blighty cousins. It also marks the beginning of guitar legend Terje Rypdals journey from beat music and pop into new musical territories, which would ultimately lead him to become a key player in the European jazz world.

Any album that opens with a track (‘Green Things’) describing the heartbreak of aliens abducting your love, is clearly out of this world. But ‘Get Dreamy’ somehow fits there, and it doesn’t feel alarming when it takes you with it. Getting lost in the cosmos and making a great time out of it was the aim in ’67 and The Dream follow the tradition well. Having clear references to The Beach Boys (Driftin’), Floyd (‘Aint No Use) as well as some truly lust-filled riffs that sound like unreleased Hendrix tracks from a lost session, The Dream’s highly personal and almost fearless take on free rock and psychedelia was, actually, the first of its kind in Norway. With elements of jazz, glam horror (Hey Jimi), hazy sounding pop and the occasional whimsical Vaudeville-vibes so typical of 1967, it is a special slice of vinyl from the era.

Round 2 proudly presents this rarity and true Norwegian classic, remastered from the original tapes and with liner notes written by Rypdal aficionado and guitar ace, Reine Fiske (Dungen, The Amazing).

Comprising of ten tracks the reissue of 'Get Dreamy' takes us back to 1967, a time when a good number of bands were beginning to test the conventional pop music boundaries and psychedelia, was well into its first flourish of experimentation. The Dream however seemed to have already absorbed much of those values which is notable across the album, however the riff driven full on rock adds considerably more to the album. So there were most people in Great Britain thinking the Norwegians were still churning out their Nordic folk music, and it turns out they were having their own little summer of love...

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Midweek Muse: Analog Candle - The Captain's Son - Big Wreck - Alexandria - Low Island

Analog Candle - Trier.

Background - Analog Candle are pleased to share the first single from their upcoming EP. Hailing from New York City via England, Chicago, New Orleans and Boston – Analog Candle is an expressionist, avant-garde dream-pop collective formed by producer and songwriter Callum Plews.

Originally from England, Callum was inspired to create Analog Candle after collaborating with an array of musicians while living in the magic and bustle of New Orleans. The project began over six years ago, after Callum realised he was more comfortable with the concept of others performing and interpreting his creations than he was embodying them completely himself. Bringing together performers from the realms of avant-garde, folk and emo, the initial group began recording at Callum’s bedroom studio, and self-released a number of songs online under the moniker, Analog Candle (a reference to the Arcade Fire album ’Neon Bible’).

Influenced by the early albums of Animal Collective and Broken Social Scene, experimental-pop outfit Xiu Xiu (Callum has worked with Angela Seo in the past), acts like Arcade Fire, Beach House and the surrealist and absurdist creations of literary heavyweights like Haruki Muramaki, Franz Kafka and Sylvia Plath - the ‘art-rock’ collective is also largely dedicated to the hybridization of pop music and production technique. In this way, after settling in NYC, the Winter ’15 EP became the culmination of a variety of cultural and musical viewpoints. Facebook here.

'Trier' is a gentle and very atmospheric song where the vocals and harmonies are a delight. Melodic and soothing, this really is a dreamy and warm song.

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The Captain's Son - Walking Around Purposely.

Background - The Captain’s Son combines indie surf pop, beautiful layered harmonies and classic garage rock n’ roll. Taking influence from 60’s artists and modern indie groups, the band have succeeded in crafting a unique sound all their own.

The Captain’s Son is Paige Byrd, Jarred Hayden and William Hopkins. Together they have the ability to blend catchy warm guitar melodies, laid-back harmonizing vocals and upbeat drum rhythms, reminiscent of early California surf pop. Hailing from Springfield, Missouri, the band formed after Byrd and Hayden started playing together as teens. Hopkins later joined the band and after realizing they shared the same passion for music, it encouraged them to continue their journey together as The Captain’s Son.

The Captain’s Son’s latest self-titled release found inspiration from self-discovery, growth and the realization of having freedom to create your own path even in a time of chaos. Lead vocalist Byrd describes how the music was influenced by time, place and everyday experiences. He confesses, "anything from the culture, the weather, the scenery, or the people you're with will influence what we write”. The laid-back and care free approach to the EP was designed to encourage their fans to feel free, "free to do what you want and be who you want, realizing your mistakes and accomplishments, and embracing all of the ups and downs and uncertainties life brings you”. The group explain how the whole process of recording was a fun and loose-hinged pursuit, during a period where they would listen to underground and analog recordings, which ultimately resulted in the desire to capture that exact sound. Byrd explains, "If there wasn't vinyl on the record player, the radio was on or there was a tape in the tape deck. The warmth of that old analog sound constantly filled the room”.

The leading 'Walking Around Purposely' captures the three-piece’s signature sound with jangling guitars, catchy melodies and upbeat, driving drums. In ‘For Free’ the elements of fuzzed out psych rock are paired perfectly with soul pop harmonies. The Captain's Son self titled EP is set for release March 10th. Website here and Facebook here.

'Walking Around Purposely' is a delightfully uncomplicated track with the band coming across as laid back and comfortable. Well that's the case until around the halfway mark, when the energy levels are stepped up and the bands garage rock capabilities are put squarely in the listeners ears!

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Big Wreck - One Good Piece Of Me.

Background - Multi-platinum selling Canadian rockers Big Wreck are set to return with “Grace Street”, an album that continues to build on the creative momentum of their two previous JUNO-nominated releases, “Ghosts” and “Albatross”. The first single to be taken from the new album is “One Good Piece Of Me”.

Co-produced by Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers), the sonic diversity on “Grace Street” is indeed stunning. Heavy grooving tracks such as the lead-off single “One Good Piece Of Me” and “Digging In” rub shoulders with the atmospheric “A Speedy Recovery” and the epic seven-minute instrumental “Skybunk Marché,” while other tracks feature added touches such as Miles Davis-style muted trumpet, wine glasses, a sample of a child’s heartbeat, and a Leslie speaker guitar solo recorded on a mountainside adjacent to Richardson’s B.C. studio. Facebook here.

Taken from the forthcoming 'Grace Street' album 'One Good Piece Of Me' sees the band demonstrating their rock'n'roll credentials with a mixture of power and melody. The album explores differing ideas with the band testing new boundaries and seemingly stepping up a gear or two on the creative front, and in fairness carrying this off with real style and passion.

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Alexandria - Home.

Background - The Stockholm-based band Alexandria muddling through the post-ironic middle class obstinate age. Their semi-electronic pop weaves together playful groove with muffled rhythms. Out of their combination of intoxicated palm tree sensualism, heard in their previous hit ”Secret Beach”, and melancholy influences from job anxiety arises an exciting harmony.

In short: umbrella drinks meets ”back to the grind”.

The band has found an unconventional and dim world of sound of catchy melancholy, where shimmering synths engulfs the listener in a dream-like state. Alexandria has created their own sound where realism and escapism is in a state of equilibrium.

- "Most good videos we've seen involve dancing in some way, so we figured we should also give it a shot. We told Adam Tonér about the idea and he transformed it into this super nice video."

The single will be followed up by the album ”Bossa” which is their first full-length. ”Bossa” will be released January 26th 2017 on Lab259. After that, the band will embark on a tour of Sweden. Facebook here.

We featured Aexandria last November describing their music as melodic and expansive. 'Home' continues that trend, with some cleverly layered sounds that surround the vocals and drive the melody. 

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Low Island - Recent.

Background - In the space of just three tracks, Oxford quartet Low Island have inspired glowing comparisons with the likes of Caribou and Radiohead, as well as earning Radio 1 airplay courtesy of Huw Stephens and Phil Taggart, and they’ve been added to Spotify UK’s Fresh Finds and New Indie Mix playlists.

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

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

Such reference points operate as a waypoint en route to a richer palette of sounds which encompass electronic and live elements while also balancing raw performances with carefully nuanced productions. Their influences include Arthur Russell, Caribou and Grizzy Bear. Facebook here.

Deep rich vocals are accompanied by a stripped back and potent rhythmic rock soundtrack. 'Recent' has the sound and calibre I would expect from a more seasoned band, it would seem fair to state that Low Island are ahead of the game in that respect!

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Quality Not Quantity: Freedom Fry - Gillies Daddy - Lesley Barth

Freedom Fry - Awake.

Background - Freedom Fry is about to release a ton of great new music to follow up last year’s “Shaky Ground” single which is approaching 6M plays on Spotify, leading up to their debut album, and here’s the first single of the year. Prior to the release, “Awake” has been synced already in a handful of places including the Netflix show “Love” and the film “Baby Baby Baby.”

The name “Freedom Fry” – a satire on French/US relations during the Iraq war. The French & American duo have racked up over 40 appearances on the music blog aggregator, including SEVEN Top 10s and TWO #1s. While independent, they’ve amassed over 20-million combined streams on Spotify & SoundCloud and received support across airwaves from radio tastemakers KCRW, KEXP, BBC Radio 2, Radio 6, SIRIUS XM, WXPN, RTL2, and beyond.

Freedom Fry’s music, which heavily bleeds the warmth and sunshine of their home state of California, skirts the lines between pop, folk and indie rock – always blended with danceable rhythms and a sing-a-long chorus. Website here, Facebook here.

There is nothing like a well produced bright and breezy indie pop song to lift the spirit and 'Awake' does that in style. Delicious harmonies and vocals and a hook laden melody makes this song really stand out.


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Gillies Daddy - Mr. Robertson.

Background -  Straight from the frozen tundra of Winnipeg, Manitoba, to the sunlit shores of Los Angeles, California, came the two Canadians. They met in the confines of a summer session at United College, due to an aversion to math. They soon discovered an equally shared love of music.

Over the years the two have worked as songwriters, musicians and producers in both the film and music business. Through it all they have maintained their passion for melodic pop music. Culminating in this latest endeavour "Delusions of Grandeur", reflections of both writers weave in and out of the CD. John the optimistic, methodical one and Graham the moody, contemplative one- blended in more or less equal parts.

Hope is a necessary ingredient for any artist, and speaking as an emissary for the team, we hope that some part of this latest project touches you in some small way.

Delusions of Grandeur  is our 21st century evocation of the golden age of pop music , mainly the 60’s with an emphasis on the wonderful productions of the Beatles and George Martin though the influence of the Who , the Beach Boys , the Zombies and others can be heard throughout. It is designed to be listened in it’s entirety , complete with segues and transition pieces, That is perhaps a bit of an archaic concept in and of itself in this age of single downloads but we had a great time doing them nonetheless. Website here.

Although 'Delusions of Grandeur' has been around for a little while now, Nub Music have picked up on the duo and hopefully their wonderful music will reach a wider audience.  'Mr. Robertson' is typical of the wonderfully creative re imagining of all that was good about sixties pop music. Love it!

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Lesley Barth - Just Like Summer.

Background - New York-based singer-songwriter Lesley Barth is a master of fusion.  The daughter of an opera singer and an actress, she grew up in a very musical and creative household, studying classical piano, devouring Romantic poetry, and swimming in 60s/70s pop, rock, and soul. Following a few years of teaching music in Philadelphia, Barth moved to New York City 5 years ago and has been consistently building a name for herself.

After performing around top NYC singer/songwriter venues for a few years and capturing audiences with her strong voice and compelling lyrics, she released her debut EP, “Good Like This,” as a surprise to her supporters on her 28th birthday in summer of 2015, quickly building a loyal and devoted fanbase off of its warm reception.  Only several months later, in partnership with OvationTV and Rockethub as part of their first “Creative Studio” of artists, she was able to crowdfund her first full-length album from the growing number of supporters who were hungry for more from Barth.

The album “Green Hearts,” out January 27th, 2017, was made at Brooklyn’s Mission Sound, where Barth recorded her debut EP in 2014.  Elements from disco, folk, country, blues, and retro pop have been woven together by themes of longing, soul-searching, and young love in her first full-length album. Website here and Facebook here.

The new album 'Green Hearts' is packed with melodic and creatively varied songs that are produced to a very high standard. 'Just Like Summer' showcases Lesley Barth's superb vocals with one of the more uptempo tracks in this high quality collection.

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Monday Mix: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - The Raveonettes - Sarah Beatty - The New Respects

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Down (is Where I Want To Be).

Background - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, heads into its twelfth year and the release of its fifth album, The Tourist. Like previous Clap Your Hands Say Yeah records, The Tourist nods to Alec Ounsworth’s musical heroes—a group that includes artists such as John Cale, Robert Wyatt, Tom Waits and Nick Cave. However, this album also shows a natural progression from previous records. “Better Off” and “The Vanity Of Trying” are lush, keyboard-augmented songs, while “A Chance To Cure” and “Ambulance Chaser” are rhythmically askew, and the sighing “Loose Ends” is delicate, acoustic-based folk-rock.

Ounsworth spent about a week recording The Tourist at Dr. Dog’s Philadelphia-based studio with a drummer and bassist. After that, he and engineer Nick Krill spent a few months “tidying things up” and recording additional embellishments: backup vocals, keyboards, guitars and more percussion. That gives The Tourist more of a band feel than the last album, and contributes to why the record possesses a musical lightness. The dreamy opening track “The Pilot” especially has a lilting edge, courtesy of Smiths-reminiscent acoustic guitars strums and Ounsworth’s hiccupping, conspiratorial vocals.

The Tourist was then mixed by Dave Fridmann, who also worked on two previous Clap Your Hands Say Yeah albums, 2007’s Some Loud Thunder and 2014’s Only Run. Ounsworth says he and Fridmann are on the same musical wavelength, which makes their long-time working relationship an anchor of sorts.  “Dave and I don’t necessarily stick with what’s easiest which is fine and anxiety-inducing, in a good way,” he says. “He challenges me to do something a little bit different.” Website here, Facebook here.

The new single release 'Down (is Where I Want To Be)' is taken from 'The Tourist' album, due out on February 24th. We featured the first single (Fireproof) last month, and our enthusiasm for the forthcoming album remains buoyant with this powerful and pleasing song.

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The Raveonettes - Pendejo.

Background - The Raveonettes have completed their Rave-Sound-Of-The-Month series with December's release of the final track "Pendejo." The full digital album will be available February 17th, with the CD out April 21st & Vinyl release set for Record Store Day on April 22nd via Beat Dies Records.

The Rave-Sound-Of-The-Month playlist began at the start of 2016 where the band would upload a freshly recorded track on the last Friday of every month throughout the year. The 'anti-album' features a collection of new tracks that aren't bound by the constraints of the format.

The Raveonettes also continue their new Pledge Music Campaign where fans can pledge for the CD and vinyl of the forthcoming new album. Sign up for the Pledge Music Campaign here. Website here and Facebook here.

We featured Octobers song release (This Is Where It Ends) and thought it a good thing to dip back into the series of music, with the last one 'Pendejo'. Atmospheric, vibrant and something of an epic piece at twelve minutes long, The Raveonettes complete their Rave-Sound-Of-The-Month series in epic style.

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Sarah Beatty - Bandit Queen (Acoustic).

Background - Out on February 3, Bandit Queen is a folk fabled concept album that began with a 19th century horse thief named Belle Starr. The title track “Bandit Queen” documents the creative transition from concision, which was central to Sarah Beatty's first album Black Gramophone, towards a supersonic mythological expansion that happens in the new album. There are all kinds of mythologies telling people who they are and who they aren’t. "With this song, I wanted to invite the dark parts into the storyline and inspire listeners to be their whole, real, bodacious, outlawed selves".

Bandit Queen really came into existence in the 19th century through the historical account of an exceptional and flawed woman. Sarah Beatty says When I read about Belle Starr, the fabled bank heist mastermind turned horse thief, she grabbed my attention immediately. And from that original inspiration, I began imagining and contemplating all kinds of stories that rarely get told about women, even in the 21st century. Each of the songs on this record tells a different story, and as a collection they become the spine of a whole other adventure. Website here and Facebook here.

Sarah Beatty has created one very fine album that takes the listener on a musical journey that mixes Americana with Folk Rock, Blues and pretty much every genre in between. Final song is the acoustic version of the title track 'Bandit Queen' and is one of thirteen fabulous tracks. This is one of those albums that deserves to be heard, and hopefully many will do just that.

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The New Respects - Money.

Background - Nashville's The New Respects has returned with a new single, "Money," releasing the track today at all digital music services. 2017 is shaping up to be a breakout year for The New Respects, having recently signed with Credential Recordings and music distributor Caroline. 

“'Money' was written while we were in college, when we didn’t have much,” reflects the band's bassist Alexis Fitzgerald. “The chorus says 'life ain’t about money,' and that’s true; we found happiness at a time when money was tight, and we wanted to share that sentiment with our fans. Our producer, Jeremy Lutito, helped us create a fun chorus and rhythm that would allow our audience to let loose and enjoy life in the moment."
It was a chance meeting in Nashville that brought The New Respects together with producer/drummer Jeremy Lutito (of rock group Leagues). Lutito took an immediate liking to The New Respects' soul/rock sound, and produced this single along with the group's previous two tracks, "Trouble" and "Hey," which landed on Spotify's U.S. Viral 50 Chart.

The New Respects is a family affair, made up of three siblings, twins Alexis (bass) and Zandy Fitzgerald (guitar), along with their brother Darius (drums), and cousin Jasmine Mullen (vocals/guitar). The group is heavily influenced by the gospel music they were surrounded by growing up in Nashville, which extends to artists including Aretha Franklin, Alabama Shakes, and John Mayer. Looking ahead, The New Respects will showcase as an official artist at this year's SXSW in Austin, TX. Website here, Facebook here.

Second time around on Beehive Candy for The New Respects this time with the funky and feisty 'Money'. The band are energised, the song is full of hooks, the chorus says 'life ain’t about money,' and we agree. 

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And The Beat Goes On: Brandon Krebs - Diet Cig - Long Distance Relationship - The William Shakes - Johnny Flynn

Brandon Krebs - Alarm Pheromones.

Background - “Avant-garde pop for everybody, filled with romantically gloomy soul voyages” is the best way to shorthand the windswept ache of Brandon Krebs’ widescreen rock. “Making records for me is a therapeutic process almost,” Seattle songwriter/musician/producer Brandon Krebs explains. “It's my favorite thing in the world.”

Krebs has decided to go with creating under his own name for new album Refuge In Exile, due out in mid-March. A deliberate change up from the heavy guitar-rock of his last release Tethered to A Piece of Falling Sky (recorded under previous moniker Stranded Sullivan), Refuge In Exile’s instantly breathtaking sweep and rhythmically undulating hooks challenge its title’s reveal of how it was made intimately and mindfully in an uncertain two-year period of the artist’s life.

The nine-song full-length will be released both digitally and on vinyl. Krebs says it comes from an urgently transitional period in which he did a lot of soul-searching and self-reflecting. “I have moved every December for four years and it has definitely shaped this record.” There are themes varying from the struggle of such change, being thrust into awkward situations; feeling self-imprisonment and then having to move on; grappling with technology the way we all are these days. “I guess I would say Refuge in Exile is about the struggle to be myself and live the life I want to live instead of one you’re taught to want and pursue and its inherent struggles and loses and or compromises.” Bandcamp here and facebook here.

'Alarm Pheromones' gives some idea of what the album is about, but only some. Brandon Krebs explores different musical approaches and packs in some considerable variety across the nine songs. Keeping the listener in expectation of what's next is fine, as long as the quality is there, and with this album that's a positive yes.

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Diet Cig - Tummy Ache.

Background - Diet Cig are happy to announce the forthcoming release of their hugely anticipated debut album. Entitled Swear I'm Good At This the album will be released on April 7th via Frenchkiss Records. On Friday the band shared the first single off the album - the highly infectious "Tummy Ache."

The band, who are well-known for their energetic and bombastic live shows, will be touring the world in support of Swear I'm Good At This and the first tour is announced today as well.  It kicks off April 5 in New Haven, CT at Bar and concludes May 8 at The Catalyst Atrium in Santa Cruz, CA.  Diet Cig will play two shows in one night at Brooklyn's Baby's All Right on April 7 and The Echo in Los Angeles, on May 4. Further, the band will play a handful of pre-release dates including at set at this year's Noise Pop Festival in San Francisco on February 22 and shows during SXSW. The complete list of dates below and tickets go on sale tomorrow, January 13.

Diet Cig is Alex Luciano (guitar and vocals) and Noah Bowman (drums).  The two have been playing music together ever since Luciano interrupted the set of Bowman's other band for a lighter. The New York duo have since released the infectious, 2015 Over Easy EP that introduced consistent sing-a-long lyrics with thrashing drums and strums that never held back.

Swear I'm Good At This accumulates Diet Cig's tenacity for crafting life-affirming, relatable tales with a gutsy heart at their core. Luciano has the ability to write lyrics that are both vulnerable and badass, perfecting a storm of emotive reflection that creates a vision of a sweaty, pumped-up room screaming these lines in unison. Diet Cig make it okay to be the hot mess that you are. Website here and Facebook here.

'Tummy Ache' mixes melodic vocals with some powerful rock, that at times is a wall of potent sound. The song is catchy whilst retaining some natural raw energy throughout. 

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Long Distance Relationship - Wanting To Fly.

Background - From the home of innovative new sounds - Nub Music comes the new album by 'The Long Distance Relationship'.  The long Distance Relationship was born as a concept right after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Designed as a musical collective to record the songs of New Orleanian Dave Baker, the group pulls from former bandmates and many other talented musicians from far and wide. Dave culled together a lifetime’s worth of songs to become the self-titled, ten song debut album. Loss, death, optimism, infidelity, love, inevitability, emotional numbness: These are all themes that surface on this collection of songs. 

A multi-instrumentalist, Dave plays bass, keys, accordion, and guitar. A musical jack-of-all-trades and a master of none, these performances by him and others serve the song to their psychedelic-tinged, drone-ish, harmony-laden, hooked end. When fellow musicians are discussing the songs, performers such as Beck, Beach Boys, Elliott Smith, XTC, Kinks, Hollies, early Pink Floyd/Syd Barrett, Yardbirds, Jefferson Airplane and others get thrown around in casual conversation.

Dave played with multiple bands since landing in Asheville, NC. Most notably, The Steves and Pick Your Switch. He currently plays bass and sings in Fritz Beer and The Crooked Beat. The Album release will include guest musicians Chris Carter (Alarm Clock Conspiracy), Dorsey Parker (Dorsey’s Big Benefit Band, Velvet Truckstop, Artimus Pyle Band), Bill Kopp (Orgatroid, Glampas), Ken Jones (Fifty Year Flood, Mountain Song Guitars) and Louly Peacock. Facebook here.

One of my favourite songs from the album 'Wanting To Fly' certainly has some psychedelic vibes from times gone by, coupled with plenty of fresh originality. In fact despite the above cited musical references, the album has plenty of it's own originality and I would suggest the comparisons really should be seen as a compliment for a fine collection of songs.

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The William Shakes - The Fault.

Background - The William Shakes is as much a concept project as it is a band. Written, produced, and fronted by Mark McGettrick, The William Shakes decontextualizes Shakespearean prose to the tune of alternative indie pop. The debut release How Goes The Night? EP explores five Shakespearean characters: Banquo (MacBeth), Helena (All’s Well That Ends Well), Horatio (Hamlet), Cordelia (King Lear), and Cassius (Julius Caesar).

Inspired by David Bowie’s use of the “cut-up” technique for writing lyrics, McGettrick thought it would be fun to test the method on Shakespeare’s words and characters. His “cut-up” process was as follows: Select the character, Isolate their lines, Randomize their lines, Curate into new lyrics, and Compose an original melody. The songs were originally conceived as an acoustic project for the February 2016 RPM Challenge, but he quickly realized they needed the weighty production of a full band.

The William Shakes are thrilled to release their debut single "The Fault" off their upcoming How Goes The Night? EP. "The Fault" is based on the words of Cassius from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Lyrically, McGettrick explores the relationships between fathers and sons and the responsibility they hold to one another regardless of the hand fate deals us.

Completely self-composed and produced, Mark proudly performs guitar, bass VI, bass, percussion, and vocals throughout the How Goes The Night? EP. It also features musical collaborations with New York, Boston, and Los Angeles artists Carrie Ingber, Rob Sistare, Matt Diekmann, and Jason Dunn.

Beyond The William Shakes, Mark McGettrick is a staple artist in Boston’s thriving music scene. Most recently, he was featured playing drums and backing vocals on The Luxury’s 2015 album Bones and Beaten Heart. He has also performed with Seven Sunless Days, Sugarshaped, Chromavoid, and Fade. How Goes The Night? EP is McGettrick’s debut project as The Williams Shakes and is thrilled to see where it takes him. Website here and Facebook here.

'The Fault' typifies the music found on the upcoming EP. It's a mixture of indie pop and rock with the emphasis perhaps on rock, that is uncomplicated and sincere in sound.

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Johnny Flynn - Raising The Dead.

Background - Johnny Flynn has shared news of his long awaited fourth album, ‘Sillion’, alongside first single ‘Raising the Dead’. ‘Sillion’ will be released 24th March through Transgressive Records.

‘Sillion’ has grown episodically between Flynn’s commitments to acting, composing, and his young family. It’s an album about the sacredness of man’s endeavour to connect with the earth while separated from it. It’s the sound of Flynn breathing in and breathing out. The titles of Flynn’s records have become a talismanic focus for him over the years, and ‘Sillion’ rings out like a bell, converging unlikely forces — friendship, politics, poetry – to capture the album’s colour and mood as a measure of its times.

‘Sillion’ sees Flynn reunited with David Beauchamp (drums), Adam Beach (bass), Joe Zeitlin (cello), sister Lillie Flynn & Holly Holden (vocals), with guests Cosmo Sheldrake (electronics) and Dave Tattersall on lead guitar for ‘The Landlord’. First single ‘Raising the Dead’, tells of Flynn getting to know his newborn daughter. “My Dad died when I was 18, and that was quite a galvanising experience,” Flynn says, “and there’s often an element of that in anything I’m writing; every big loss that you suffer in life, I think everything comes through the conduit of that. I had a really strong sense of my daughter having elements of my Dad when she came along, and it made me kind of laugh - that cyclical sense, of thinking of my daughter as my Dad.”

A March headline UK tour with his band The Sussex Wit has also been announced, plus solo appearances at the SXSW Conference in Austin, Texas. Tickets for the UK tour go on sale Wednesday 18th January at 9am. Website here and Facebook here.

Johnny Flynn Live Dates
Tues 14th March-Sat 18th March: SXSW - Austin, Texas
Fri 24th March: Brighton St George’s Church
Sat 25th March: Leeds Church
Sun 26th March: Manchester Gorilla
Mon 27th March: Edinburgh Caves
Tues 28th March: Birmingham O2 Academy 2
Wed 29th March: Bristol Trinity
Fri 31st March: London St John’s Hackney.

It was the intriguing non folksy first few seconds that threw me. 'Raising The Dead' then veers into a beautiful chunky folk song where the vocals and harmonies are eclectic and oh, so moving. Put simply, I love this song.

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