Seven On Saturday: Redspencer - Lio Nicol - Imaginary People - Tashaki Miyaki - King Ropes - The Weeks - Hannah Lou Clark

Redspencer - Ride It Out.

Background - Redspencer shares a new music video for "Ride It Out". Despite only having a four-track EP to their name, Redspencer have already garnered avid praise from the likes of NME, CMJ, Triple J, Indie Shuffle, and Time Out New York with ‘Ride It Out’ included at #14 in their Best Songs of 2015.

The four-piece’s eponymous debut EP is a hark back to the band’s humble beginnings, evoking images of balmy, mid-summer drives along the coast with the windows down. The sunny, reverb-swathed guitar- pop of lead single ‘Happy Slow Riverbends’ captures that image to a tee, rousing comparisons to the likes of Spoon and Real Estate.

With festival appearances at Brisbane’s Big Day Out, By The Meadow, Camp Casual, and Laneway Festival’s annual Live Music Safari – not to mention tour supports with Guantanamo Baywatch, The Preatures and Holy Holy – to their name, Redspencer are soon to be firing on all cylinders as they gear up for the release of their keenly anticipated debut album. Facebook here. Amazon mp3 here.

Our second feature for Redspencer this time with the new music video for 'Ride It Out'. Musically this is a bright yet peaceful indie song with a bags of melody, the video reflects all of this with a retro "days gone by" feel.

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Lio Nicol - 1 (EP).

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

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

Lio Nicol has toured and recorded with some of the industry’s top musicians as well as Grammy award-winning producers. She has performed all over North America in a variety of concerts including the Dragon Boat Festival, Durango Expo, House of Blues San Diego, The Mint in Los Angeles and many others. Music fans have recognized her 4-octave range and impressive stage presence and continue to come back to her shows again and again. Website here, Facebook here. Buy EP here.

The new EP simply called '1' features four tracks. We featured the fourth song (Blame) back in early November last year describing the track as "pristine indie pop". Well with another three songs making up the EP, I personally think that was a fair enough observation, with even more variety and style to enjoy.

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Imaginary People - Mr Hesitance.

Background - Imaginary People shares "Mr. Hesitance," a song about an incompetent politician. Following 2014’s critically acclaimed opening volley EP, composed of espionage-themed singles, and their 2015 politically tinged full-length debut Dead Letterbox,  New York’s Imaginary People return with their second full-length release, entitled October Alice, due in April 2017. The album was again produced by Kevin McMahon (Swans, Titus Andronicus, Real Estate), reprising his role from their debut LP.

The band swings for the fences on their sophomore LP, recorded in a barn in upstate NY, via a grittier approach, with an eerie, reverb-laden wall of sound abundant throughout, cannily crafted via the use of a second drum kit inside a silo. It mirrors the morbid subject manner of the album, easily their most disarmingly personal material to date. Imaginary People is Dylan Von Wagner (vocals), Mark Roth (guitar), Justin Repasky (keys), Kolby Wade (drums) and Bryan Percivall (bass). Facebook here.

Once again Imaginary People combine musical power and passionate committed vocals and arrive with so much more. 'Mr Hesitance' is our second song feature for the band and again they impress. Time to check out their back catalogue!

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Tashaki Miyaki - Girls on T.V.

Background - The Los Angeles-based duo Tashaki Miyaki will release their highly anticipated debut album 'The Dream' on April 7 via Metropolis Records. This week the band shares the first taste of the upcoming release with the single "Girls On T.V." "This track emerged out of observing fame culture," Paige Stark explains. "Things like the emergence of reality TV stardom and social media celebrity have elevated fame culture to a new sphere. We are living in Andy Warhol meets Orwellian vision of the future and I find it terrifying. It's all about "likes" and numbers and now our country is being run by a monster who was created by this very machine. The title is playing on the perspective I'm singing from a media brainwashed girl that only wants to be famous like the girls on tv."

The band was born out of a late night jam session in early 2011, when local legend Joel Jerome recorded what would become the band's first original song, "Somethin' is Better Than Nothin" and a cover of the Everly Brothers' classic, "All I have to do is Dream." Within a few weeks of posting the songs to Bandcamp, the band was invited to London where they played their first ever live show to a packed crowd at the legendary 100 Club.

Tashaki Miyaki has spent the past couple years writing and recording their debut LP, The Dream, produced by Singer/Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist Paige Stark and engineered by Dan Horne (Cass McCombs, Allah Las). As a writer for The Fader once observed of the band’s hypnotic sound, “It's so pretty I’m afraid saying anything else might diminish it". Bandcamp here, Facebook here. Pre order album here.

'Girls on T.V.' is a multi layered song that is steeped in richness. With melodic chord changes and a powerful soundtrack, the vocals are kept up enough in the mix to add further feeling to the piece.

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King Ropes - Dirt.

Background - On King Ropes' debut album Dirt, frontman/guitarist Dave Hollier writes deeply expressive songs rooted in the highs and lows of human experience.  Layered with sonic textures and melodic hooks, these songs resonate with hard-won insight and timeless emotional struggles while reflecting life's beauty, terror and complexity.

King Ropes—the name is borrowed from a Wyoming saddlery store, generates musical and emotional fireworks throughout Dirt, with such insistent tunes as "Dogleg Boy," "Lurch on Sister," "International Shortwave" and "Shovel and a Pickaxe" exemplifying Hollier's vivid songwriting and the band's infectious punch, maintaining a gritty, organic vibe that underlines the album's title.

"After years of working with my hands, I was at a place in my life with a severe lack of dirt under my fingernails," Hollier explains.  "So I guess that calling it Dirt is a bit of an incantation, hoping to attract more of it back into my life.  Musically, I felt pretty strongly about balancing out the pretty, sweet elements with the raw, gritty stuff, both in the sounds and the lyrics." Website here, Facebook here. Amazon mp3 (album) here.

The debut album 'Dirt' comprises of ten creative and varied songs. The band pack plenty of natural feeling into their music, whilst taking their core sound in a variety of directions. Sometimes full on rockers, occasionally softer and reflective, they are always consistent in imaginative song writing. A very fine album.

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The Weeks - Talk Like That.

Background - 'Easy', the highly anticipated new album from rising Nashville-via-Mississippi band The Weeks, is set for release April 7th on Lightning Rod Records. The new video for “Talk Like That,” the album’s first track, debuts today featuring live footage shot entirely by the band’s own drummer, Cain Barnes.

The Weeks recorded 'Easy' over the course of two weeks at Memphis, TN’s Ardent Studios with producer Paul Ebersold. The band left Nashville to record in order to disassociate themselves from their everyday routines in the city, and to find a halfway point between their two homes old and new, Mississippi and Nashville. "Memphis has always been the capitol of North Mississippi to us", says guitarist Sam Williams. "We went there to be at Ardent. We knew Paul had learned everything from John Frye and John Hammond so we figured that was the spot. It’s important to keep those historic studios alive and not let them become museums."

Of the record, frontman Cyle Barnes says, "We called it Easy because every time I make music with these guys, it’s easy. It feels good. But the other side of it is there’s nothing easy about being in a band. There’s nothing easy about staying together for ten years and still wanting to make music. We have the hardest and easiest job on the planet. But it works for us." Thematically, Easy explores new ground for the band. Bassist Damien Bone explains, "We just wanted to make a rock record. We weren’t as concerned making it a southern rock record. The southern thing is always going to part of what we do." Pre-order here, Website here, Facebook here. Talk Like That mp3 here.

'Talk Like That' is a punchy, full on rocker, with powerful vocals supported by some feisty musicians who clearly want their share in matters. The video kind of underlines all of this, and with some good old rock'n'roll hooks thrown in, I cannot help but like the song.

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Hannah Lou Clark - Don't Sweat It.

Background - Hannah Lou Clark has announced her brand new EP ‘The Heart And All Its Sin’ will be released through Quatre Femmes Records / PIAS on March 24th. Hannah has also unveiled the first single, ‘Don’t Sweat It’, which was premiered on Huw Stephen’s BBC Radio 1 show. 

‘The Heart And All Its Sin’ has been mixed and co-produced by Tarek Musa from Spring King and is a collection of songs exploring the complexities of love and loss. Hannah has laid her soul bare in these songs in a way that others would never do.‘Don’t Sweat It’ bravely addresses the yearnings of the heart in times of turmoil; with lines like “champagne takes the edge off me” she can see that whilst giving into our vices can’t help the heart heal, it can be a welcome distraction.

Recorded in Urchin Studios, ‘The Heart And All Its Sin’, focus has been on giving space to the guitar, creating emotion and drama by exercising restraint. With the encouragement of Tarek and appreciation of artists such as Steve Reich, Hannah has also developed the drum machine side of things, creating her own loops from a variety of recorded sounds.

‘The Heart And All Its Sin’ points to a painful understanding of what drives and degrades real love. Having shared stages in 2016 with the likes of Ezra Furman, Thurston Moore and Gaz Coombes as well as headlining her own tours, Hannah Lou Clark is excited to announce details of her 2017 tour (see our tour page). Facebook here. Amazon mp3 here.

Hannah Lou Clark is another artist receiving a second feature on Beehive Candy this time with the new song 'Don't Sweat It'. Guitars and vocals both pack plenty of energy, each teasing out some more hooks and melody.

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Weekend Wonders: Hunter & The Bear - Craig Finn - Primal Static - Cymbals Eat Guitars - British Sea Power - Laura Jean Anderson - Katie Jay

Hunter & The Bear - You Can Talk.

Background - Hunter & The Bear are pleased to share the video for their latest single 'You Can Talk'. Brought up on a heavy diet of rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd, Hunter & The Bear are equally inspired by modern bands like Biffy Clyro, War On Drugs and Royal Blood and this latest track - and accompanying video - offers a solid insight into their recording process with more than a glimpse into what you can expect from their raucous live shows.

Releasing one video a month until their album release in May, there's a lot more to come from Hunter & The Bear, the UK's most promising rock export. Hunter & The Bear are: Will (lead vocals, guitar), Jimmy (lead guitar, vocals), Gareth (drums, vocals), Chris (bass, vocals). See our Tour page for details. Website here, Facebook here.

'You Can Talk' has a meaty full on rock feel, that is given some edge by the fine vocals and a band that are musically ultra tight. Despite the influences Hunter & The Bear seem comfortable to carve out their own sound and do so with gusto.

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Craig Finn - Preludes.

Background - Craig Finn has announced the release of his eagerly anticipated new solo album. We All Want The Same Things arrives via Partisan Records on Friday, March 24th.

We All Want The Same Things sees Finn exploring themes of love and partnership in the modern world, as ever expressed via finely etched character studies, black humor, and craftily arranged rock ‘n’ roll. Largely recorded last spring at The Clubhouse in Rhinebeck, NY with frequent collaborator Josh Kaufman producing, the album features musical contributions from keyboardist Sam Kassirer (Josh Ritter, Langhorne Slim), former Rainer Maria vocalist Caithlin De Marrais, singer/songwriter Annie Nero, horn master Stuart Bogie (Arcade Fire, Antibalas), and Finn’s longtime partner in The Hold Steady, guitarist Tad Kubler.

“We named this collection We All Want The Same Things after a line in the song ‘God in Chicago,’” Finn says. “It seems like a bit of dark humor in these turbulent political times, but it also rings true: no matter our differences we all have some very basic wants and needs that line up with each other. The characters in these songs are normal people trying to help themselves, trying to move forward, and in some cases trying just to survive. All the while they are negotiating what space the others in their lives can occupy.” Website here, Facebook here.

One of ten tracks on the new album 'We All Want The Same Things' the featured song 'Preludes' is only part of the story. Musically the album is rich in ideas, melodies and musical interpretations. Craig Finn's vocals are natural and passionate. This is one of the first album releases this year, that's headed for my car stereo and a good few extra listens.

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Primal Static - Panstylistic EP.

Background - Primal Static is a two-piece alternative rock act. Their music seduces with the soulful essence of blues, and fearlessly rocks with trance rhythms and beats. Song writer/singer/guitarist, G. T. of Primal Static sings and plays without reservation, dripping with raw emotion. His exquisitely thought provoking lyrics are second to none. Keyboardist/bassist, Houfei brings up the rhythm section with her elastic soulful bass and wonderful classically trained keyboard playing. The band uses innovative trance beats to round out their incredibly unique sound sculpture. Primal Static is the definitive live band, with expert musicianship and charismatic presence. Live shows have been the backbone of the Primal Static experience flooring audiences from all over the country!

G.T. and HouFei are life-long musicians, uniting two very different cultures. G. T. has been steadily working on the creation of a new band. With a strong personality and music to match, his modern, exciting songs and guitar work are winning Primal Static fans worldwide. G.T. became impassioned as a child by rock and blues and picked up the guitar, which allowed his songwriting to soar. He draws his inspiration from many great musicians from primal blues to modern electronic trance. The passion and edge in his musicianship reflects the various worlds he inhabits, from traveling troubadour to isolated composer. HouFei once said, “when I met G.T., he was like a furious wild fire that lit up life and music for me as I had never known before. I called G.T. a couple of days after we met, and got his answering machine. A heart wrenching guitar solo greeted me. Time stood still. I couldn’t even speak when the beep sounded. That was my introduction of G. T. the musician.” Website here, Facebook here.

As a two-piece band Primal Static certainly have a rich and layered sound. The 'Panstylistic EP' gives us four very different songs, all of which are really well structured. With the duo creating their own distinct sound across each track, this is a solid and imaginative collection.

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Cymbals Eat Guitars - 4th of July, Philadelphia (Sandy).

Background - Cymbals Eat Guitars was founded in 2007 by guitarist Joseph D’Agostino and drummer Matthew Miller, who both graduated from Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin in 2006. Neil Berenholz, guitarist Matt Cohen, and keyboardist Daniel Baer joined the band after responding to an ad D'Agostino posted on Craigslist. 90's alternative bands such as Pavement heavily influenced the band's sound. An early version of the song "Share" was released on the Indiecater Vol. 1 compilation in June 2008.

The band first gained buzz in 2009 when their self-released debut album Why There Are Mountains was included in Pitchfork Media's "Best New Music", earning 8.3/10 in the website's review. Later that year, Cymbals Eat Guitars went on tour with The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and opened a couple of shows for The Flaming Lips. In addition, the band played at the 2009 College Music Journal festival and the Pitchfork Music Festival. In late 2009, the band was chosen as of one Beyond Race Magazine's "50 Emerging Artists," resulting in a spot in the publication's No. 11 issue (with Bodega Girls and J. Cole on the cover), as well as an exclusive Q&A for the magazine's site.

2009 also saw a change in Cymbals Eat Guitar's lineup. Dan Baer, the band's original keyboardist, left the band due to an illness, while the band's original bassist, Neil Berenholz, left due to his dislike of touring. Baer and Berenholz were replaced by Brian Hamilton and Matthew Whipple respectively.

In March 2011, Cymbals Eat Guitars signed with Barsuk Records to produce a follow-up to Why There Are Mountains.[12] The band released their second album Lenses Alien on August 30, 2011. In May 2014, the band announced that their third studio album LOSE will be released on August 26, 2014. In October 2015, the band released the song "Aerobed" in Kevin Devine’s Devinyl Split series. SPIN gave the song a favorable review, noting its juxtaposition of a quiet acoustic melody and vigorous guitar lines. The band released their fourth studio album Pretty Years on September 16, 2016. Website here, Facebook here, Live tour dates on out tour page.

OK so the song is from last years album, however as the band have announced new tour dates (see our live tour page) it makes as legitimate reason as any, to give '4th of July, Philadelphia (Sandy)' another play!

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British Sea Power - Bad Bohemian.

Background - Acclaimed UK rock outfit British Sea Power are back with the forthcoming LP ‘Let The Dancers Inherit The Party’ out March 31st on Golden Chariot (via Caroline International). Cementing their return is the effervescent lead single “Bad Bohemian”, available now as an instant grat with album pre-order.

An invigorating cut of pulsating rock, “Bad Bohemian” is brought to life in the hyper-kinetic, dadaist video, revealed this week. The brilliantly manic clip – conceived, directed and edited by singer/guitarist Yan Wilkinson - features the song’s lyrics in Dadaist text, frenetic interpretive dancing, meme cats and dying bugs.

The band’s first new material since 2013’s Machineries of Joy, Let The Dancers Inherit The Party is a melodic call to arms, direct and brimming with emotional urgency. It’s an album where rock muscularity joins inseparably with pop immediacy like a crate of bubbly exploding inside a Marshall stack. This new 12-track collection sees the band return to the exhilarating, bright-minded guitar music that earned them their breakout nomination for the 2003 Mercury Music Prize as they cover subject matter ranging from the stars in the night sky to the methodology of media manipulation. Website here, Facebook here.

If 'Bad Bohemian' is typical of British Sea Power's forthcoming album, then oh boy! are we in for a treat. The video is kind of addictive, however the song is vibrant, making this an absolute tease to hear more material.

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Laura Jean Anderson - Wont Give Up On You (Live @ Kingsize Soundlabs).

Background - Laura Jean Anderson blends Americana, garage rock and folk. Originally from Olympia, Washington, and now residing in Los-Angeles, she is an artist with one foot rooted in the American tradition and the other in a world of modern etherealism. Her original music takes a firm twist on old rock n roll roots, offering an opportunity for a new sound, new wave, new time.

She strives to explore the extremes of human emotion and use herself as a vulnerable canvas of her life stories to provoke honesty, empowerment, and change. "In response to what is going on in the political and social climate, I wanted to release 'Won't Give Up On You' as fuel to the belief that you cannot give up on other people just because they give up on you. It's a deeply personal song but I believe more than ever that the personal is political!" Website here, Facebook here.

The new live video for 'Wont Give Up On You' leaves me hoping that Laura Jean Anderson might just consider doing a gig in my hometown, however several thousand miles and an ocean, might make that a little tricky. Everything is going along beautifully and then the band kick in, and take the song even further up into sonic delight.

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Katie Jay - The River.

Background - Katie Jay is a singer and songwriter who is currently based in Cairns, Australia. Music has always played an important role in Katie's life and singing and composing songs is something that she has done from a very young age (often driving her family crazy on long car trips). Katie grew up with inspirational role models in her own family, such as her aunt, Sarah de Jong, composer of music for film and theatre and her uncle, Lucas de Jong, who has sung opera all over the world. With these, and other great examples so close to home it was a natural progression for her to find herself involved in the family business of music.

Katie is excited to officially release her latest single ‘The River’, which has already garnered and outstanding reception since its recording. Her songwriting skills were celebrated when she was awarded the Songwriters' Award at the Tablelands Folk Festival, and also was invited to share ‘The River’ on Balcony TV. Katie gained the attention of The Owsley Stanley Foundation in 2015 when she, along with her band The Code, was invited to perform at The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco for a benefit concert for the foundation.

Living in Melbourne, Katie learnt to perform at countless weddings and corporate functions, singing songs which were crafted by the giants of the industry. When she arrived in Cairns a new chapter began as she began to lovingly create her own songs. Katie Jay's ballads have been described as "very personal" and “heart-rending.”

Most recently, Katie Jay has teamed up with Mark Myers (The Starry Field, The Middle East) as producer at Big Sister Studio (Emma Louise, Leanne Tennant, Brealyn Sheehan) in Cairns to piece together lush recordings of her original songs. ‘The River’ is a song that builds and blossoms telling a story of unrequited love and longing. This is a song that sounds fresh but familiar and will lead you back to Katie Jay’s songs for more. Facebook here.

'The River' is a natural and modern folk orientated song. Katie Jay's vocals are both melodic and committed and the musical arrangement is kept a little understated allowing her to drive the melody and passion along.

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Genre Wander: Rainbrother - Asha - Luxury Mane - American Dreamer - Richard Edwards

Rainbrother - Blue.

Background - After the success of psychedelic folk outfit The Migrant, frontman Bjarke Bendtsen is ready to transcend furthermore into electronic folk-rock territory with the release of his latest project Rainbrother’s debut album Tale From The Drought, out on February 3 via General Bird [pre-order here].

Tales From The Drought is all about making your way whilst on the road, dwelling on memories both beautiful and troublesome and coming to terms with the decisions that have been made. Album opener ‘Riverside’ is a stunning piece of songwriting that carries you away into the abyss and as the album continues, so do your thoughts. Each one a little more comforting than the next. Tales From The Drought invites the listener into a speckled dream, filled with steady beats, wistful Pink Floyd inspired guitar slides and a storytelling charm akin to the likes of Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver.

Rainbrother was formed after Bjarke eventually found his way back to Copenhagen. While touring with The Migrant in Europe, he performed with a group of fellow Danish musicians and after moving back to his home turf, Rainbrother was born. The album was produced by Noah Georgeson (The Strokes, Joanna Newsom, Devendra Banhart) whose flickering elements have been spun into the group’s tight rock sound making Tales From the Drought both an earthy and elevating affair. Facebook here, see Tour Dates page for live details.

Rainbrother's interpretation of electronic folk-rock is sounding extremely good as the new song 'Blue' demonstrates. Rather than throw to many ideas or elements into the genre, this is a smooth flowing song with all the natural vibes you expect from folk and rock. Debut album next week!

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Asha - Drowning.

Background - It is singer/songwriter Asha that you ought to have your eyes and ears alert for. Nearing the release of her debut single ‘Drowning’, Asha anticipates the opportunity that will inevitably open up before her in the Australian music scene.

With acoustic drive, lyric depth and imposing soundscapes, singer/songwriter Asha is making a name for herself beyond her hometown of the Central Coast.

At the age of 18, she has built up skills far beyond her age musically and lyrically. Asha began to blossom after finding an obsession for the acoustic guitar and spending endless hours teaching herself intricate pieces by artists such as Matt Corby, The Paper Kites, and Ben Howard. The convenience of being able to accompany herself so well has led her to recently be playing many solo gigs and shows in Newcastle and Sydney areas, and score great support slots with the likes of Alex Lloyd and Diesel.

The debut single ‘Drowning’ was released on 20th January and is a track that captures the emotional memory of a poisonous relationship. Written by Asha herself and produced by ARIA award winning producer Rod McCormack, they together conjured up a sound that fuses her acoustic background and lyric depth with impressive electronic soundscapes.

“This is the music that I want to keep creating. I’d love to keep evolving within this genre. But at the same time I’m not going to limit myself to anything,” Asha states. “Drowning was a song that I wrote and then forgot about. It wasn't even going to make the EP. One day I was reminded of the song, and we ended up recording it and it even superseded the title track of the EP Illusions, as we chose it to be my debut single.” The release of Asha’s debut EP Illusions will follow shortly after the release of her single ‘Drowning’, on February 3rd. Website here, Facebook here.

'Drowning' is a beautiful song in part because of Asha's delightful vocals but in addition because the music and production adds so much depth. Next weeks EP release is looking real good.

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Luxury Mane - Hard To Be Easy.

Background - Luxury Mane are an American band formed on the southwest coast of Florida. The band consists of Billy Summer ( vox, guitars ), Kyle Lovell ( drums ), and Aaron Nelson ( bass ). These three handsome music makers churn future classics by melding pure id with solid gold song craft.  They are true pioneers of the psych pop explosion in St Petersburg, one of the most vibrant and ambitiously creative music and art scenes at present. Luxury Mane's style is hard to pin down but has been described by fans and critics as Indie Rock, Art Rock, Experimental, and New Wave

Luxury Mane emerged from the remains of Summers' previous group, The Semis, one of Tampa's most influential, genre shrugging and self-destructive outfits. Summer and drummer Lovell have spent the last five years  coming to their senses while writing, creating and recording at their home base studio, Hey! We Put Some Foam Up. Lolling in the St Pete sunshine has proved inspirational for this prolific group who have produced three LP's and one cassette since their inception including 2013's Natural Beauty, 2014's Gold Standard, the 2015 cassette, Isn't This Great?( Wiener Records ), and the 2016 release, Lux Runnin Out.

 Lux Runnin Out was recorded and mixed by Billy Summer and Eric Stamile ( Le Blonde ) and mastered in Portland, OR at Stereophonic Mastering by Timothy Stollenwerk ( YACHT, Tune-Yards, The Oh Sees). Photos and layout were realized by legendary, St Pete, creative giant, Todd Bates, who helped the band capture a bold and minimalist approach to their product, breaking away from overused adjectives like "hazy, swirly, droned, stoned, and shimmery". Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

From the first chords 'Hard To Be Easy' has a sweeping and expansive feel. Laid back vocals and the swirling wall of sound intermingle, in what is a dreamy, pleasing song.

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American Dreamer - All The Time.

Background - American Dreamer, an Austin, TX based orchestral folk ensemble, specializes in approachable, yet sophisticated fretless pop. Their topical and politically driven material is couched in intimate chamber music, sonically falling somewhere between Sufjan Stevens and Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer, and Mark O’Connor’s Goat Rodeo Sessions.

Band spearhead Sasha Klare-Ayvazian first got a taste of the lush combination of folk and classical music when his roommate began playing cello along with his songs during his freshman year at Oberlin College outside of Cleveland, OH. Sasha attempted to capture this sound through multi-tracking American Dreamers’ self-titled EP, released in 2014, and continued ruminating on the power of this tradition until he returned to school to get his master’s degree. There he connected with new friends who turned out to be classically trained string players.

The newly formed line-up released the live EP, Winding up a Dream, in 2015 and began performing across Central Texas, snagging a Global Music Award along the way. As a band with four fretless instruments, the challenges associated with intonation forced the band members to become highly attuned to each other and after a solid year of writing and performing new material, American Dreamer was beginning to realize the sound Sasha had been envisioning for years.

Earlier this year, American Dreamer entered Austin Signal Studios and, with the help of engineer/producer Andrew Oedel, recorded their first LP Restless Nights. “Calling the record Restless Nights is a reference to our band name” Sasha reflects. “The American Dream doesn’t seem to be doing so well at this time, so we wanted to offer a form of respite and spent a lot of time exploring the space we wanted to create.”Website here, Facebook here.

'All The Time' is a stylish mixture of genres, where the 'ensemble' allow each element to come through and have there place. It's also a charming unpretentious pop song that's highly likable.

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Richard Edwards - Disappeared Planets.

Background - On March 31, Richard Edwards will release his debut album Lemon Cotton Candy Sunset on Joyful Noise Recordings. The album was produced by Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Cass McCombs, Beck) in Los Angeles, and features a stellar lineup of musicians including Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello) on drums and guitar work from Mike Bloom (Jenny Lewis).

"'Disappeared Planets' was written in the days following my separation from my wife," explains Edwards. "I woke up on pain medication from an abdominal surgery in a cold sweat with a premonition and the song fell out real fast, within a few minutes, I reckon. It was a real draining thing to write and made me kinda sick to listen to for a long time. Not so much anymore."

Edwards is also announcing his first live performances in over three years, at the first annual Gas Feed & Seed Festival in Davenport, IA and Rough Trade NYC - on sale this Friday, January 27.

In 2014, Richard Edwards (then frontman of Margot & the Nuclear So and So’s) was diagnosed with C. diff - a rare and potentially fatal stomach ailment. Shortly after releasing Margot’s final album he lost over 40 pounds, was to forced to abandoned a near sold out tour, and spent the next couple years recovering and writing a new record about absence. In 2015, after the dissipation of a longtime partnership & marriage, he underwent surgery on his abdomen and re-wrote the record about absence. The result is Lemon Cotton Candy Sunset, Edwards’ first post-Margot solo album. Website here, Facebook here.

As a taste of the forthcoming album 'Disappeared Planets' is a rich and very well produced song. Musicianship is as you might expect from the calibre of people involved, however that still requires a fine song. Richard Edwards does not disappoint, his vocals add character and meaning, the album should be something quite special.

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Midweek Muse: You'll Never Get To Heaven - Blank Range - Common Deer - Shadowqueen - Kairon; IRSE! - PowerSolo

You'll Never Get To Heaven - Images.

Background - Canadian ambient-pop duo You'll Never Get To Heaven have announced the release of their third full-length album, 'Images', on March 24th, 2017. With the announcement they have shared the title-track to the album.

Alice Hansen, a classically trained pianist and violinist, and Chuck Blazevic, a studio-obsessed tone-sculptor and monome performer, combine their disparate perspectives to co-curate every element of YNGTH together as equals. After gaining a groundswell of support from fans and critics all over the globe for their 2012 self-titled debut and 2014's 'Adorn', the group caught the attention of indie upstart Yellow K Records (Japanese Breakfast, Eskimeaux) on the strength of their breakout single "Caught In a Time, So Far Away". 

 The band has partnered with Yellow K for the release of 'Images' in a break from their otherwise staunchly independent ethos. While YNGTH has been reclusive in the past playing only a handful of select festival dates, they are currently planning their first European and North American appearances in support of 'Images' for Spring/Summer 2017. 'Images' will be issued worldwide on Vinyl/Digital via Yellow K and on limited-edition cassette via the band's own Mystic Roses imprint. Website here, Facebook here.

'Images' is a wispy melodic song where the vocals gently float above a rich soundtrack, and the hooks just keep on coming. As a taster for the March album release, this sets expectations high.

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Blank Range - Circumstances.

Background - Late last year, the Nashville-based five-piece Blank Range released their sophomore EP titled Vista Bent on Sturdy Girls Records distributed via Thirty Tigers. Next month, the band will hit the road with The Wild Reeds for an extensive tour through May 2017. Find a full list of tour dates on our new Tour Dates page.

The band's first official music video is for their song "Circumstances." - "This video started when our friend Kyle came along on a run to Savannah, GA and brought his Hi8 camcorder he grew up shooting skate videos on," explains Jonathan Childers. "We loved the quality of the candid footage he was getting and we loved having him along for the ride. Over the next year, he joined us whenever he could and ended up traveling as far as California, and then to Florida with the camcorder in tow. It just so happened he was in the studio filming on the day we recorded 'Circumstances.' When we looked back over the footage, we thought it formed a perfect companion to this song about a relationship growing distant as both parties' lives churned on. Also, we had a shot of San Francisco to use when I say 'California' and I thought that was pretty cool.""

Blank Range is comprised of Grant Gustafson (guitar & vocals), Jonathan Childers(guitar & vocals), Matt Novotny (drums & vocals), Will Brown (keyboards) and Taylor Zachry (bass & vocals). Website here, Facebook here, Amazon (mp3) here.

Alt Rock meets Americana with 'Circumstances' a fine, gritty and at ease song. The video compliments the song giving a fresh and raw feel, that works a treat.

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Common Deer - Confession (I Should Have Known).

Background - Featuring two sets of siblings, several multi-instrumentalists, and a determination to push the boundaries of classical music, Toronto’s Common Deerare not your typical indie pop band. Case in point is their dramatic new single, “Confession (I Should Have Known),”a sweeping orchestral ode to following one’s heart - even if it means leaving someone dear behind. Produced by Laurence Currie (Sloan, Wintersleep), Common Deer’s 2017 debut EP I (release date 1/27), is a testament to the band’s striking musical craft.

With band members born and raised in different cities across Ontario, Common Deer came together despite diverse academic and career pursuits.  The band is comprised of Graham McLaughlin (vocals, violin, guitar), Sheila Hart-Owens (vocals, keys), Adam Hart-Owens (cello, guitar, synth), Liam Farrell (percussion, synth, samples) and Connor Farrell (bass), Common Deer aim to honour their traditional musical training by countering the perception of classical instruments as inaccessible.  They do this by carving a place for them amidst synths, drum machines, and modern riffs.

McLaughlin explains: “Classical music can sometimes come across as intense or rigid, but we’ve put an emphasis on letting go and really enjoying being in the moment.” Adam adds that “it would be great to see more classical musicians not using these instruments as a gimmick to gain popularity, but rather to explore and push the genre’s boundaries.”

With both McLaughlin and Sheila Hart-Owens as the primary lyricists, there exists a perfect balance between light and dark, between optimism and realism. Overall, the band members describe themselves as “post-classical with new wave influences, weaving themes of the natural world with broader issues of modern life.”  The band’s original folk sound quickly - and quite consciously, they insist - became more ambitiously progressive, resulting in the stirring wall of sound heard on I. Facebook here.

Musically the song has class and refinement throughout 'Confession (I Should Have Known)'. It's arrangement is top quality and the real icing on the cake are the vocals, taking both the melody and feel of the song up and up.

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Shadowqueen - Unconditional.

Background - Melbournian rockers Shadowqueen kick off 2017 with a bang by unveiling a brand new single and video for ‘Unconditional’, a second offering that follows on from first taster 'Waiting On You', taken from their forthcoming sophomore album.

The uncompromising three piece consisting of Robbi Zana (vocals/bass), S i Hopman (guitar) and Alex Deegan (drums) have been garnering the support of punters and industry alike since the release of their self-titled album in 2012.

Robbi says of the new track, "I feel the term 'Unconditional Love' is used way too flippantly in our society, so our video for 'Unconditional' is a fun tongue in cheek look at how people can be so frivolous in believing in affection without any limitations on a relationship."

Opening for much loved artists such as Shihad, The Butterfly Effect and King Parrot while receiving attention across radio formats from Unearthed to Triple M to specialist online stations, Shadowqueen are delivering crushing riffs, seismic choruses and undeniable groove with absolute conviction. Website here, and Facebook here.

'Unconditional' is a no nonsense rocker, complete with some spicy guitar riffs and sultry questioning vocals. The video adds in a quirky element, whilst getting the bands message across albeit with a smile.

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Kairon; IRSE! - Sinister Waters II.

Background - Progressive shoegazing? Music of the outer spheres? An irrevocably mentally unstable Gentle Giant and a severely alcoholic Todd Rundgren having a love child which, after being adopted to Russia, finds himself performing a rock opera in the Ural Mountains? It is typical of the human mind to try and classify things, but when confronted with Kairon; IRSE!, many are at a loss for words.

Behind the moniker Kairon; IRSE! there are four inner space travelers from western Finland. Debut album Ujubasajuba already knocked the planet off its orbit, even though it was done as a DIY Bandcamp release. Despite the lack of a physical release the album found itself on many a best albums of the year -list in 2014. Since then the band has performed at various large festivals and meticulously written the new album. Titled ‘Ruination’, the album will be released by Svart Records in February 2017 on CD, double LP and digital.

The band describe their music as an appreciation of the ideas and overall mentality of experimental pop musicians of the 60s and 70s, combined with a modern approach and original musical vision. Whereas the debut album was largely born out of improvisation and jam sessions, Ruination is the fruit of two years of careful composing and arranging work, taking control of the chaos. Though often bundled with the shoegazer movement, Kairon; IRSE!'s music has since the beginning been a rare bird inside the scene: it rings out with a different tone, and already on the first album the influence of classic progressive rock was evident. On Ruination the curiously named quartet heads further, beyond the point of no return, into their own world of sound, where power chords, arpeggios and quirky vocal harmonies flow. Facebook here and Bandcamp here. CD/mp3 Amazon here.

Progressive shoegaze and a thirteen minute track, might not get them much airplay on most FM radio stations however 'Sinister Waters II', is more than welcome here. The promos opening description pretty much covers it, follow that eh?

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PowerSolo - Frantic.

Background - PowerSolo may be a power duo, but in this case, the prog-metal acrobatics of Rush are replaced with something they call "donkey punk." Two tremolo-loving chicken-scratch rail-thin guitarists, Kim Kix and the Atomic Child. It would've been well enough had Powersolo hailed from the Land of NASCAR, but the fact that this exercise in B-movie punk-a-billy is coming from Aarhus, Denmark, adds plenty of delicious cognitive dissonance.

What do you think of when you hear the name "PowerSolo"? 'Round Denmark way, the moniker apparently conjures the trash-rock psychobilly legacy of Hasil Adkins, the Cramps, and Southern Culture on the Skids So far they have been the masterminds behind five albums, a soundtrack, a 10”-split with Heavy Trash, two 7”-singles and several contributions to compilations. They are hardworking and dedicated people who wake up every morning just to play music. Maybe that’s why PowerSolo never stop touring but always have a new gig planned somewhere in the world.

PowerSolo are two tremolo-loving chicken-scratch rail-thin guitarists, Kim Kix and the Atomic Child, who hail from the Danish town of Arhus and conjure up the trash-rock psychobilly legacy of Hasil Adkins, the Cramps, and Southern Culture on the Skids, delivering a string of catchy tunes with crazy lyrical hooks that could have been one hit wonder seven-inchers back in the 1950s, ’60s or even the ’70s. They are the type ofype of songs that could be found on the Las Vegas Grind and Nuggets compilations, music you can dance to, prance to, rock and roll (in the biblical sense) to, and get into some serious trouble to, celebrating a time when music had a sense of fun, sex and danger to it. Bandcamp here, Vinyl/CD/mp3 (Amazon) here.

We have some new tour news over on our new page, which makes a fine excuse to feature 'Frantic' from the amazing and quite epic PowerSolo.

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Genre Wander: Niterunner - Gary Denty - Jade Jackson - Austin McDermott - Divisionists

Niterunner - Out Of Your Hands

Background - Niterunner is a brother sister duo based in Byron Bay/Brisbane. Formed in 2014, their early single releases and debut EP Anonymous has gained interest online and gathered a following for its soulful electronic pop production and sweet melodic vocal hooks.

Their new single, ‘Out Of Your Hands’ was recorded in their family’s home studio in the hills behind Byron Bay, and was produced by 1⁄2 of Niterunner & Dansuede, Daniel Suesskow.

Already having received glowing reviews on triple j unearthed, ’Out Of Your Hands’ is a rework of one of Niterunner’s earlier tracks. It was one of the first songs they uploaded, which quickly gained momentum online, reaching 16K views. Niterunner has been featured on multiple online music blogs, including Acid Stag and I Heart Moosiq. Their first release, ‘Toska’, was featured on the Contiki Road Trip Asia Series 2015, and their recently collaborated song ‘What a Waste’ was put into rotation on triple j Unearthed Radio.

‘Out Of Your Hands’ is an upbeat summer vibe track that draws on nostalgic dreamy soundscapes and soulful vocals. Its lyrics reflect on moments of symmetry, a singular way of thought and reaction, a cycle of repetition, and a struggle to cope. It’s a moment of self realisation and reprieve, learning how to counterbalance that internal process and the way it impacts your life, realising that there is only so much you can control, and all we can do is try to let go of the things that are out of our hands. Facebook here.

'Out Of Your Hands' is a flowing electro pop song where the synths are gentle and allow plenty of space for the delightful and dreamy vocals to deliver more of the melody.

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Gary Denty - Keep The Flame Burning.

Background - Gary Denty is a Singer Songwriter born in Enfield, North London. He has been inspired through his career by Jazz, Swing, Soul, Blues and R&B. After singing cover versions of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra he moved on to sing covers of Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith from more recent times. 

Not wanting to be one dimensional as a cover artist he decided he wanted to write and record his own songs that people could relate to both young and old, and with a record collection that includes hits such as ‘No Time Like The Present, he is certainly on a rise to the top.

‘Keep The Flame Burning’ is the second release from Gary and it certainly does not disappoint. Infectious guitars riffs, mind-blowing drums, layered with Gary’s iconic vocals, make up this music lover’s dream so make sure you grab your copy quick. ‘Keep The Flame Burning’ is out now! Available on Amazon here.

There is an understated and almost blues feel to the music, whilst Gary Denty's vocals on 'Keep The Flame Burning' are just right for what is a fabulous song.

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Jade Jackson - Motorcycle.

Background - Anti- is thrilled to announce the signing of Jade Jackson. A highly prolific and supremely talented young singer-songwriter, Jackson creates a sound that is simultaneously new and old, merging a youthful spiritedness with a weary storyteller’s perspective usually reserved for veteran artists. Stylistically the sound is unapologetically country rock. It merges the heartbreak and resilience of Lucinda Williams with the melodic confidence of Emmylou Harris, yet contains the emotional presence of a young musician who cherished albums by The Gun Club and Smiths alongside the works of George Jones and Hank Williams.

Hailing from the tiny town of Santa Margarita in central California, Jade Jackson began playing guitar and writing songs at 13. By the time she had entered high school she had attracted a growing fan base with local performances and estimates that she had written over 300 songs before she graduated.

Since then Jade Jackson formed a tight knit band and together they have shared stages with such iconic artists as Merle Haggard, Rosie Flores and Dwight Yoakam. Along the way, Jade attracted the admiration of renowned Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness, who produced her debut album.

Now Jade Jackson has just released a video for the track “Motorcycle,” a song that channels a tough girl swagger and reluctant vulnerability set to a haunting post-punk Western sound. “I was driving and it was dark and I just started singing the lyrics," Jackson says. “It’s about feeling independent and capable and restless. I pulled the car over and recorded myself singing. When I got home I picked up my guitar and already knew the chords. At first it was this intricate finger picking and then Mike envisioned it more as a western ballad. He put a spin on it for sure and I think it sounds awesome.”

Jade Jackson will be touring with Social Distortion in the US in March and April this year (details here.). Website here and Facebook here. Amazon here.

'Motorcycle' is a pristine country rock song, where the musical soundtrack does everything with understated style and Jade Jackson effortlessly and beautifully sings with warmth and appeal.

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Austin McDermott - All Of My Time's Shot Through With Your Love.

Background - We are delighted to present the latest release from Austin McDermott called ‘All Of My Time’s Shot Through With Your Love’, which is now available via D/A Music Group. 

Austin McDermott’s musical journey began at a young age after he discovered Elvis Presley, who’s albums he received as Christmas gifts. He listened to the records over and over again and from that moment, he knew he wanted to be a singer for the rest of his live. Believing that singing is a soul thing, his main passion is Blues and Soul Records, but he has a wide-ranging musical taste and is versatile at singing all musical genres.

‘All Of My Time’s Shot Through With Your Love’ is the latest record to be added to his ever-expanding release catalogue so make sure you grab your copy of this infectious his quickly before it flies off the shelves, a must have for any music lover’s record collection. Amazon here.

'All Of My Time's Shot Through With Your Love' is a really catchy song that I would describe as contemporary rock for want of a better description. It catchy, and energised, with just a little rock'n'roll roughness that gives the piece some edge.

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Divisionists - Say Can You.

Background - London-based psych power pop outfit Divisionists have announced they will be releasing their debut LP ‘Daybreak’ on March 17 and present the first single ‘Say Can You’ as a teaser. This album will be released digitally and on vinyl via Mount Watatic Records.

‘Say Can You’ is a refreshing and upbeat track with hints of early Teenage Fanclub, The Lemonheads, Matthew Sweet and Bob Mould (including his project Sugar), albeit with softer vocals and much less feedback.

"We are very excited by how well 'Daybreak' came together as an album. For me, I'm lucky to be in such an great band: Mark, Rob, Mike and I have fantastic synergy to explore new territory, yet also the intense (obsessive!) perseverance to "get it right". Musicians always say a record is a labor of love -- in this case, it's really been true. We've put the very best of us into this recording, to create an interpersonal and cultural snapshot of blood, sweat, tears, late nights at the pub, the whole works -- and we believe we've made something cool," says Divisionists’ frontman Brendan Quinn.

The forthcoming album follows their debut EP “we play rock music…” (2011). Comprised of 12 tracks, this new offering features guest appearances by saxophonist Brian Idd and vocals from both Gwen Knighton and Lisa Makros. Website here, Facebook here and Bandcamp (pre-order LP) here.

I would describe 'Say You Can' as far more of a alt rock track as opposed to the bands "psych power pop" label in the above promo. The band are tight and polished, vocals smooth and fine, and on this specific track they are just plain brilliant!

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Monday Mix: Harmonee - Thieves Like Us - BlueJaye

Harmonee - Slip Away.

Background - The latest release from Harmonee called ‘Slip Away’, is now available via D/A Music Group. Harmonee, a unique 3-piece girl group combine their passion of Rock and Pop music to create something entirely original. 

The group comprise of three girls from Liverpool, Sophie Glover, Maria Donovan, and Rebecca Scott who formed together in the Summer 2012.

They have already gained recognition in their hometown of Liverpool, being played on BBC Radio Merseyside, alongside this they have performed live around the UK.

The group love to give energetic performances every weekend playing Classic Pop and Motown Records to get weekend partiers dancing. However, they are currently focused creating their own music. ‘Slip Away’ is their first of many potential hits to come. Facebook here.

With confident vocals and harmonies and a fine pop meets rock beat 'Slip Away' is one very solid and pleasing song. The original feel the band are looking for, may well be achieved, by keeping the vocal/harmony arrangement nearer to rock than pop, as is the case with this track. Looking forward to hearing more from Harmonee!

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Thieves Like Us – Broken Mirrors.

Background - Swedish/American trio Thieves Like Us have just dropped their new video, in support of the band’s latest album coming out soon (album release date is 7th April 2017 via Seayou Records/Rough Trade Distribution).

After a four-year hiatus, Thieves Like Us return with their fifth eponymously titled record. The Swedish/American band, named after a New Order song, tracked and produced the new record in late 2015. The new self-titled record reinvents the band's cosmic song based aesthetic with the introduction of live bass (Thomas Franklin) and drums (Tore Knipping), steering its songs into more spirited waters.

Guitarist Chris Wackrow and his Felt-like guitar overdubs delicately fill out the rhythmic spaces with many a subtle and sparkling riff. Backing singers Martine Duverglas, Mia Von Matt, and Monika Martinez substantiate Andy Grier's frail and airy vocals elevating the music to a more adult modern rock sound similar to the complimentary vocals of Metronomy. The end result is an intricate, accessible pop record and a natural progression of the band's previous record Bleed Bleed Bleed.

While the new album does feature upbeat light pop movers like Dani and E-Problems, Thieves Like Us also holds its share of melancholic, introspective and socio-political tunes (Jennifer, Broken Mirror, Israel). As always, the band cites economic peril, over-militarization and technology as some of the albums cheerier themes. And again -- maybe the band possess just enough world perspective to unify us all in dancing to the bad news.

Thieves Like Us is based in Berlin, but comprised of musicians from all over the world. Starting out as DJs, the band soon evolved into a full band that blends electronic, rock, and pop music. Effortlessly they take from (italo) disco, glam, and punk to create their own distinctive sound that has garnered comparisons to numerous dance-pop acts of the early 2000s, such as Metronomy, Hot Chip and Crystal Castles. Facebook here.

From the forthcoming album by Thieves Like Us we have 'Broken Mirrors' a rhythmic and flowing electro rock song. The video works with the track adding in some angst and story like imagery, however the girl at the end really should wrap up warmer on these cold winter days (hmmm).

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BlueJaye - The Catalyst.

Background from the band - We started as a home recording project between school friends Dan and I. Our first 2 songs we released were mainly recorded in Australia where I lived for a year, with Dan sending parts he recorded on bass and me doing the rest of the recording and production. 

After getting a few songs done we decided the next logical step was to start a band and start playing live. We are now a 5 piece band from South London (and one from Wales) 4 of us went to school together and 3 of us currently work in schools teaching music of some kind. Our influences include Tame Impala, Arctic Monkeys, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Syd Arthur and White Denim.

We recently played The Bedford in Balham and attracted over 100 people to the night which was organised by myself for OxJam; raising over £500 for the charity. We have most recently just headlined a night at Proud Camden. We are due to play at The Good Ship in Kilburn on 27th January and Tooting Tram and Social early March. Facebook here.

I love it when a band or artist gets in touch and then presents music of the calibre that 'The Catalyst' presents. Influences there may be, but with original songs like this, I am mightily impressed!

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And The Beat Goes On: Soulin Wild - Sorority Noise - SPC ECO - Heavy Tiger - Tall Tall Trees - Hajk

Soulin Wild - Instinctive Echoes.

Background - Soulin Wild began as an outlet of musical expression for Dan Gunn and Matt Bracknell and has now grown into a collective of gifted musicians and talented artists with over eight years of musical experience together.

Soulin Wild are excited to share their first single, ‘Instinctive Echoes’, from their album Balance. Produced and recorded by Soulin Wild at Womb Language Studio on the banks of the Kalgan River, WA, ‘Instinctive Echoes’ is a song that expresses and evokes intrigue into the mystery and magic of instinct, intuition and other unconscious elements that reside beyond the thinking mind. The track moves through light and heavy sounds with vastly contrasting sections, yet remains fluid, held together with solid grooves, fat guitar riffs and lush euphoric vocals.

Embracing the technical facets of recording and music production, Soulin Wild built a bedroom studio on the banks of the Kalgan River in Albany, WA. Four years later, their self produced album Balance was complete. Mixed by Tim Morris and mastered by Dick Beetham, Balance is “a sensory journey through our creative soul expression. Each of the twelve tracks is sort of stitched together to create one long musical piece,” says Matt Bracknell.

On stage, Soulin Wild create alluring rhythms and intricate instrumentation whilst sharing lush harmonies and swapping instruments. Intertwining music with elements of live visual art, they align in intuitive expression to present a performance of highly concentrated creativity.

Currently performing shows with live Fremantle visual artist Jess Richards along the West Australian coast, Soulin Wild aim to share their soulful sounds with ear canals and open hearts in their community, Australia and eventually the world. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

The richness of the music on 'Instinctive Echoes' is superb. Mixing detailed rhythms, calm soring vocals (reminded me a little of Grant Lee), and the occasional explosion of guitar riffs, I can't help but just love this song.

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Sorority Noise - No Halo.

Background - Sorority Noise have just released "No Halo", the first single off of their new full length record You're Not As _____ As You Think. You're Not As _____ As You Think is the follow up to 2015's critically acclaimed Joy, Departed. The new album us set to be released on March 17th via Big Scary Monsters. Pre-orders are available now here. A quote from singer/guitarist Cam Boucher on the story behind the song can be found below.

"This song is about having a friend pass away and still keeping them fondly in your mind to the point where you show up to their house forgetting that they're no longer there. It's about struggling to keep up with the people you love when you're away and how to be/how it feels to not be there for them when they need you most." - Cam Boucher

Sorority Noise have also recently announced they will be touring this March with Modern Baseball, Kevin Devine and The Obsessives. Website here, Facebook here. (Tour details via tab at the top).

The new song 'No Halo' is really getting some attention. It's a tight indie rocker with a chorus so full of hooks, that it is potentially going to be huge!

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SPC ECO - Under My Skin (EP).

Background - Electronic dream pop duo SPC ECO present their single ‘Under My Skin’, which also just featured in Series 6 Episode 7 of the MTV series 'Teen Wolf'.

"It was fantastic to wake up and hear what had happened with the Teen Wolf sync. Under My Skin is very close to both mine and dad’s hearts so it couldn't have been a better track for something like this to happen to," says SPC ECO vocalist Rose Berlin.

SPC ECO is comprised of alternative electronic maverick producer Dean Garcia, the musical mastermind behind seminal alternative rock band Curve, and his daughter Rose Berlin.

Rose is a Sound and Light artist, having graduated from Camberwell College of Arts in 2013 with a first class honours degree. She experiments with the potential for sound and light to be used as atmospheric mediums, intent on bridging the gap between art and music. She has exhibited her work in various shows around London and, in 2015, was selected to showcase her work as part of the Venice Biennale. Rose is currently making artwork for a show in London.

For his whole life, Dean Garcia has been sculpting sound to create alternate-universe pop hits that simultaneously straddle several genres. Apart from a decade with SPC ECO and nearly 15 years with Curve, Garcia has also toured the world several times and recorded multiple albums with such established artists as Eurythmics, Mick Jagger, Jeff Beck, Bryan Ferry, Sinead O'Connor and Ian Dury. Website here, Facebook here.

Title track of the new EP 'Under My Skin' is a sweeping and majestic piece, where the lush musical sound scape provides a wonderful background for Rose Berlin's sweet and ethereal vocals. As for the other tracks, expect an aural feast of quality.

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Heavy Tiger - Saigon Kiss.

Background - Thanks to their involvement in TUI's new commercial and the success of the song "Let The Sunshine In" (in writing at top 10 on ITunes Scandinavia Rock section) Heavy Tiger is at the moment receiving a great deal of attention as well as a lot of new fans. They plan extensive touring in Europe spring/summer 2017.

It's been a busy time for Heavy Tiger, spending the two past years constantly on the road. The Stockholm trio has been touring all over Europe, making national television and even playing in Japan as well as Vietnam to the delight of their ever-growing fan base. However, after completing another European stint last spring together with Backyard Babies, it was finally time to exit the tour bus and record a new album.

Glitter, the band's sophomore effort and the logical sequel to their debut Saigon Kiss is now ready to be launched to an unexpected crowd! The album was produced by Rikard Löfgren with Gustav Ydenius handling the recording duties at Leon Music Studios (Mustasch, Sparzanza, Sister Sin).

So, what can one expect from the Stockholm rockers? The first single, entitled Devil May Care was written for the band by singer Ola Salo of the Swedish pop/rock-phenomenon The Ark. With Devil May Care, this little Adam Ant-scented pop song is no exception. The single was the band's first release on Wild Kingdom Records. The new Heavy Tiger album Glitter - Release Date: 24 March 2017 - Label: Wild Kingdom. Facebook here.

Title track of their previous album 'Saigon Kiss' is shared as a substitute at the moment. It's a little frustrating having a copy of the forthcoming release but nothing to feature, hopefully that will change soon, however to be ahead of the game, here is a taste of this feisty trio, for your listening pleasure. As for the new album 'Glitter', it's eleven thumping, raucous, rockers and everyone of them are fabulous!

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Tall Tall Trees - Free Days.

Background - To say that Mike Savino is an innovator would be an understatement. Touring under the moniker Tall Tall Trees, the banjo-wielding bard has reshaped the landscape of what is possible with the instrument. On stage and in studio, Savino breaks down the banjo into its most basic iteration, reminding audiences that the banjo is, at root, a drum. Coupled with his mastery of electronic effects, loops, toy ray guns, and heaps of spontaneous creativity, Tall Tall Trees has been encapsulating audience members worldwide with his mystifying solo shows, as well as playing alongside fellow innovator Kishi Bashi.

His latest album ‘Freedays’ is, in a way, his debut album. Having recorded two previous albums in a traditional collaborative band setting, ‘Freedays’ is the first album Savino wrote and recorded as a solo project. Beginning in 2015, Savino took a much-needed respite from New York City, where he had spent a decade and a half honing his craft, and assumed the role of sole caretaker at an abandoned health retreat nestled in the green mountains of northern Georgia. The Bird’s Nest, as it was called, completely surrounded by national forest, provided the freedom and space to work without time constraints or interruption.

Composed and recorded over a period of eight months, ‘Freedays’ tells the story of a man in transition and documents an artist alone at the crossroads of the life he has and the one he wants. The album begins with “Backroads”, which drops the listener into a darkened forest amidst a chorus of wailing coyotes and quickly takes off on a midnight drive. Tracks like “Being There”, “A Place to Call Your Own”, and “CLC” provide an honest look into the author’s thought process and decision making. Although it’s often hard to imagine, most of the sounds on the album are experiments with the banjo, and they all reflect the innovative musings of one of the freshest sounds to come out of the Appalachians in decades. Facebook here. (Tour details via tab at the top).

Banjo and musical innovation aside Mike Savino is one fine singer as well. 'Free Days' is lush, powerful, highly melodic and layered beautifully, to allow every sonic inclusion to stand out.

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Hajk - Best Friend.

Background - Hajk's new single 'Best Friend' is now out on all streaming services. Their previous single 'Magazine' received plenty of support on line. Both tracks are taken from Hajk's self titled, highly anticipated, debut album due to be released early this Spring. Hajk’s debut album is being released by Jansen Plateproduksjon.

The band said of the track: "This is an in-your-face little pop-tune. We wanted it to sound modern and tight, but also with a little '80s vibe, referring to our childhood music. This is a song about close friends who might expect too much of each other and get to the point where it finally falls apart - just like it did for me in my late teens, for better or worse."

Hajk are fronted by Preben Sælid Andersen and Sigrid Aase, who share the vocals, while Johan Nord (drums), Knut Olav Buverud Sandvik (bass) og Einar Næss Haugeth (keys) completes the backbone of the band . Musically, Hajk are situated in a modern pop/rock landscape, with an emphasis on very strong melodies. The band are influenced by artists like Dirty Projectors, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Amason, but still they stand firmly on their own feet, with an original sound that also challenges the genre they belong to. Facebook here.

'Best Friend' is another fine tease for the forthcoming debut album. With a well structured indie pop soundtrack, it's the vocals and harmonies that standout at first. However paying attention to the instruments, Hajk can and do deliver some funky tight sounds that just add to the overall flavour.

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