The Cranberries - Outside The Academy - No Vacation - INHALT - Caravane

The Cranberries - Linger (Acoustic Version).

Background - The Cranberries are set to release Something Else, a new album featuring re-worked renditions of their major hits, as well as brand new material. The album is due out April 28 via BMG on digital and CD formats, and includes seminal Cranberries songs like "Linger," "Zombie," "Dreams," and "Ode To My Family"... re-recorded in orchestral and acoustic arrangements. Something Else celebrates the 25th anniversary of the band. Their first major U.S. hit "Linger" has been re-done acoustically.

On the album concept and choice of "Linger" as the first single, The Cranberries' singer-songwriter Dolores O’Riordan explains, "'Linger' was the first song The Cranberries ever wrote together. I was 17, and the youngest member of the band was 15 at the time. We never imagined it'd be such a big hit, but soon us teenagers found ourselves on our first flight to the United States to shoot the video in Downtown LA. That video would introduce us to American households, in the good old days of MTV! The bittersweet love song still holds all that sentimentality for us personally, which is why we had to include it on this project. Universally, I think its message remains timeless and relevant, never going out of fashion, yet never quite in fashion. It's amazing to have a song hold up 25 years later, and I hope this acoustic version allows our fans to hear a Cranberries classic in a new way."

Last year, over two weeks in the University of Limerick, at the home of the Irish Chamber Orchestra, the band revisited old times; Dolores laid down vocals as small booths were created to record the instruments as if live. She was no longer a child, singing her amazing, mature songs from an inexperienced vantage point but a woman now, with the capacity to throw her life at the music, the benefit of hindsight. "I prefer them like this," she says of the new recordings of old songs, "with a little bit more experience behind them, with a new lease of life. They sound fresh again."

It’s testament to Dolores and Noel’s song-writing prowess that the new additions to the Cranberries cannon sit seamlessly next to the old. When they began finalising details for the record, they decided on Something Else, a nod to the first record’s Everybody Else…, a title neither riven with the promise of future endeavours or locked into the past. 

Tour dates on Beehive Candy Tour Page, Facebook here, pre-order here. 

Those who have been visiting Beehive Candy for some time may well be aware that I am a bit of a fan to say the least, when it comes to The Cranberries music, both recorded and performed live. 'Linger (Acoustic Version)' is the only song I have heard from the forthcoming album and it leaves me rather excited of what's due in April. Production is superb, the new arrangement mixes an acoustic lead with a delicious string arrangement. Vocals are definitely a little more mature in delivery, and if anything carry even more intensity and emotion this time around. Twenty five years on and The Cranberries continue to excite and impress.

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Outside The Academy - Salient - Solutionism.

Background - Hot on the tail of intricate lead single 'Solutionism', Outside the Academy aka Pawel Cholewa (Pa-vell Ho-li-ver) will release his new EP Second-Guessing and next single 'Salient'. Brimming with ambience, glitch, moody dance beats and melodic guitar, Second-Guessing weaves a tangled yet ultimately cathartic web. 

The irony of using technology as a method of production whilst actively criticising it is not lost on Cholewa, who admits the EP is the result of "Second-guessing this relationship, myself, others, my music, yet continuously coming back to these songs as a safety net of (mis)understanding." Entirely self-produced, with mixing from Konstantin Kerstig (The Belligerents, WAAX, Morning Harvey), Second-Guessing offers itself as a touchstone for a culture of ambivalent creatives who are only certain about one thing: creating.

'Salient', the ambient, soaring new single taken from Second-Guessing, is part "traditional break-up song", part contemplation on generational divides and the vast ocean of differing lived experiences between oneself and, for example, one's grandparents. Though Cholewa is the first to admit that the song's title is used in a slightly incorrect context, the song's narrative of frustration and angst brought on by irreparable communication breakdown is cuttingly clear. Facebook here.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to stream both single releases from Outside The Academy so here is 'Salient' and the previous single 'Solutionism'. New single 'Salient' has bright jangly guitars and a solid rock soundtrack that accompany the smooth vocals alongside a marching beat.

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No Vacation - Mind Fields.

Background - No Vacation is an Indie/Dream-Pop collective that combines the novel sounds of college nostalgia and surf-tinged bedroom pop to create an addictive feeling of weightlessness. 

What began as a sunny San Francisco dorm-room duo in early 2015 by frontwoman Sabrina Mai, quickly evolved into a band as Marisa Saunders and Nat Lee entered the fold. Eventually, Harrison Spencer joined and No Vacation migrated from their familiar garage practice spaces to the studio, where they recorded their second release Summer Break Mixtape. This would lead up to their initial break-up later that year. After a year of anticipation, shows under various names, and a few line-up changes, James Shi was added to solidify the official reunion of the 5-piece.

To jumpstart their return, No Vacation have released their new single “Mind Fields” via Topshelf Records. Heavily influenced by the break-up itself, “Mind Fields” highlights the wistful yet buoyant sounds from their upcoming collection, set for release in June 2017. Facebook here.

'Mind Fields' has a gentle surf pop soundtrack and beautiful, genuine vocals, that are delivered with feeling, in what is a melodic and dreamy song. 

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INHALT - Vehicle.

Background - On April 14, dark electronic / minimal synth outfit INHALT will be releasing their new album ‘Part Time Punks Sessions’ via Cleopatra Records, who are giving a taste of the album by presenting the lead single 'Walking on Glass'. Hard-driving, up-tempo, and propelled by German vocals, this and the other tracks offered on this release are sleek, chic and cold, formidably capturing the INHALT sound and ethos.

The 'Part Time Punks Sessions' LP features the best of the band's signature synth-driven dark analog pop. This is both a live and a studio album, having been recorded in real time in collaboration with the Part Time Punks radio show in Los Angeles. This is the band's fourth significant release and final album to be recorded at the band’s homebuilt studio, affectionately called “The Bunker”.

INHALT is German for “content”. This San Francisco-based trio is comprised of Philip Winiger, Matia Simovich, and Steven Campodonico. Winiger, born in Switzerland, visited San Francisco for a year long sabbatical but ended up forming the band with Simovich in 2009. They immediately recognized their mutual philosophy of sonic fidelity and creative integrity, rather than nostalgia.

On the concert circuit, INHALT have a reputation for bringing a tour de force wall of sound with an energetic stage presence. They have played concerts with peers old and new, including Front 242, Clock DVA, Martial Canterel, and High Functioning Flesh. They’ve condensed this raw concert experience into the John Peel-esque Part Time Punks Sessions, to be made available on April 14, both digitally and on CD, via Cleopatra Records with the vinyl release to follow. Website here, Facebook here.

The more I hear from INHALT the more I need to discover more. 'Vehicle' is but a small taste of the band, and the few songs I have heard from the forthcoming 'Part Time Punk Sessions' takes the music a whole lot further.

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Caravane - Boogie Baby.

Background - Caravane are back with a second single off their new album Fuego. Featuring Marie-Michelle Gariepy-Rusk, the music video for Boogie Baby, directed by Dragos Chiriac, shows us the daily routine of a young janitor who finds an escape in the band's music. She dances like no one's watching during an explosive performance by Caravane in an infamous bar of Quebec City, Le Dauphin.

Caravane est de retour avec un deuxième extrait sexy tiré de Fuego. Mettant en vedette Marie-Michelle Gariepy-Rusk, le vidéo pour Boogie Baby, réalisé par Dragos Chiriac, nous plonge dans le quotidien d'une jeune concierge pour qui la musique est un exutoire. Juxtaposé à ses tâches répétitives sont des images d'un spectacle explosif du groupe au mythique bar de la Vieille Capitale, Le Dauphin.

Live dates on the Beehive Candy tour page. Facebook here.

Nothing wrong with a little bit of the multi lingual detail, and 'Boogie Baby' came with a promo that ensures nothing gets lost in translation. Actually this is quite a catchy song, perhaps in English 'Boogie Baby' might sound a little disco and dated, but hey I can't do the same in French so what right do I have to complain!

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Weekend Wonders: Narrow Waves - Cajsa Siik - The Solars - Sunsquabi - Maggie McClure - Analog Monoxide - Katie Buchanan

Narrow Waves - Hear Me Out.

Background - Boston's Narrow Waves have just released their new single "Hear Me Out". All local city musicians, the sextet came together by two degrees of separation, but at times found each other’s beloved record store days separated by ten years. 

Between the metaphoric lyricism of Morrissey and the stadium-indie flush of Arcade Fire, Narrow Waves found their sound. Through listening to one another they have found their voice.

"Hear Me Out" is from the band's forthcoming debut five-track EP, Letters From Another State, due out in March. The group worked with producer Jeff Lipton on the single, whose past releases include Bon Iver, Ladytron, LCD Soundsystem, The Magnetic Fields, Sebadoh and Soul Asylum. Facebook here.

With such a fine vocal duet and harmonies on 'Hear Me Out' it's easy to forget about the music. The band are tight and drive the rhythm and disciplined enough to allow the natural and refreshing vocals to take the limelight on this song.

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Cajsa Siik - White Noise.

Background - Swedish alt-pop singer Cajsa Siik has a new single up for release next month, taken from her upcoming third album Domino set to drop early summer. Following on from her highly acclaimed 2014 sophomore album ‘Contra’, Swedish-native Cajsa Siik returns with her latest full-length ‘Domino’, due out on the 2nd June via Birds Records, and will include the new singles ‘Talk To Trees’, ‘White Noise’, and ‘Empire Mine’.

Much like her previous releases, Cajsa Siik aims to inject a pop sensibility into an avant-garde and experimental disposition. Giving her a sound that is both accessible and atmospheric in the process. Recorded in Stockholm with producer Rolf Klinth, ‘Domino’ sees the songstress embark on a much bolder direction than in her previous material that still manages to maintain her core sound.

The record’s lead single ‘Talk To Trees’ displays her new intentions perfectly as she uses her collaborations with Thomas Hedlund (Phoenix, Deportees), Rasmus Kellerman (Tiger Lou) and Carl Ekerstam to add texture and depth to the single, making it the perfect introduction to the album ahead. Describing the track as a, “colourful dreamy zone where I felt connected with reasons and beliefs. Like a subconscious talk with nature. Like a blessing or a blind spot.”

Speaking about the record, Cajsa Siik explained that, “Domino can be described in two different ways. First I wanted it to represent the fact that we’re all connected to each other and that we have a responsibility towards each other and this world. To shoulder that responsibility is easier said than done, but we must try. Be aware. Not only mind our own business. I’ve given that a lot of thought lately. Secondly, every song on this album depends and relies on the other. Together they create a unit and the unit is supposed to be diverse. I aimed for creating a dynamic album.” Website here, Facebook here.

A synthy start that develops with layers of musical warmth, provides the backdrop on 'White Noise' for the dreamy and melodic vocals of Cajsa Siik. It's a good enticement for the awaited album, and a test of our patience as it's not out until June!

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The Solars - Potter’s Field / Dockery.

Background - The Solars are thrilled to release their new single, "Potter's Field / Dockery," and announce their East Coast record release tour. "Potter's Field / Dockery" is the second single from The Solars' debut EP Retitled Remastered, available April 21st via independent release. The track is a brooding psych folk track that recognizes the humor in an existential relationship crisis. With traditional folk undertones and modern pop sensibility, "Potter's Field / Dockery" is one part Neil Young, one part The Arcs.

The Solars are Boston's latest up and coming band led by Miles Hewitt and Quetzel Herzig. In December 2016, the indie folk outfit released their debut single "Old K.B." to much local acclaim and quickly found themselves playing to packed rooms along the East Coast. The Solars will be hitting Boston, New York City, and Montreal this April in support of their Retitled Remastered release. Check below for all tour dates!

Still early on the rise, The Solars create a startlingly modern folk sound, melding elements of Brian Wilson post LSD and CSNY's luxurious harmonies with synthesizers and various digital effects. Their forthcoming EP Retitled Remastered is filled with expansive instrumentation, blossoming harmonies, and bottomless layers of old school production trickery. It's clear that The Solars obsessively sweat over every detail of a recording, highlighting their unconventional instrumentation, form, and songwriting. Retitled Remastered EP will be available on Friday, April 21, 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

'Potter’s Field / Dockery' is a fascinating song and a highly likable and listenable one as well. At just under six minutes it's a musical journey of sorts, mixing pysch folk with more traditional moments. Vocals are notable and wonderfully melodic, the music fabulous, the EP a definite must have.

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Sunsquabi - Dexter (feat. Nick Gerlach).

Background - Standing at the forefront of the epicenter of the electro-funk scene, Colorado trio Sunsquabi have championed the thriving genre as one of the culture's integral live acts. In 2016, Sunsquabi took their live show across North America, to festivals from Electric Forest to Camp Bisco, or their local world renowned amphitheater- Red Rocks. Gearing up for a massive 2017, Sunsquabi are kicking off the year with their highly anticipated sophomore EP 'Deluxe' still to come via GRiZ's All Good Records.

Before the full EP drops, the band are giving us another glimpse of the record with EP cut "Dexter" feat. jam scene staple Nick Gerlach out this week Yet another laid-back funk production, "Dexter" sees Sunsquabi fuse both organic and electronic instrumentation through the use of synth, drum kits, keyboard, guitar strums, Gerlach on saxophone, and more. An ample follow up to the EP's thriving first singles "Pygmy Up" Feat. Russ Liquid, and "Cinnamon" Feat. Late Night Radio, "Dexter" will be an insta-favorite among fans of a more classic jam based Sunsquabi sound.

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2017, anticipate additional tracks from the full 'Deluxe' EP prior to the project's full release. In addition, fans will be able to catch the Sunsquabi experience live at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, a return to Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado, Summer Camp Music Festival, and a series of North America tour dates outlined on Beehive Candy's tour page, website here, Facebook here.

The track 'Dexter' is getting noticed in a big way after just a couple of days and rightly so. It's a feast of funk and rumbling bass vibes. The musical arrangement and musicianship is fabulous and massively addictive, leaving me wanting more, can we do encores with words?

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Maggie McClure - Coming Home.

Background - The Norman, Okla-bred, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter/pianist Maggie McClure has spent a good amount of her career placing her songs on TV shows such as Dr. Phil, Cougar Town, The Real World, The Vineyard, and The Hills, as well as in feature films like Cowgirls N’ Angels. Her smooth, confessional songwriting has made her a natural for these formats. Maggie has performed more than 1000 shows throughout her career in over 40+ states in the U.S. at iconic venues such as The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles to Rockwood Music Hall in NYC, and everywhere in between. Her original piano-driven songs empower and inspire listeners with a positive message of hope, love, and faith.

Maggie’s third and newest album, Time Moves On, produced by Justin Glasco, whose work includes Dan Wilson (songwriter of Adele’s hit “Someone Like You”), Gary Jules, Tyler Hilton, and Cary Brothers – chronicles her move from Oklahoma to L.A. and centers on the mental and physical bravery it takes to push yourself in an unknown city and make people pay attention and convince them to be part of your dream.

'Be Right Here For You' is the leading piano driven single off of Time Moves On and features Maggie McClure's infectious pop vocals and an unforgettable upbeat chorus. While ‘Coming Home’, is a beautiful, nostalgic and uplifting story of returning to a place which is close to your heart. Maggie explains how the song was written in less than half an hour, whilst visiting Oklahoma after being away for a while. “It was most definitely a scenario of a stream of consciousness writing" Maggie confesses. ‘Coming Home’ fuses driving drum beats, catchy vocals and melodic guitar rhythms, creating a happy and endearing song that we can all relate to. ‘Coming Home’ will be featured on the soundtrack to the film ‘A Cowgirl’s Story’, which will be released on April 18th. 'Do It Again'. Website here, Facebook here.

Maggie McClure has warm, melodic vocals that are just so well suited to a song like 'Coming Home'. Full of unpretentious modern folk vibes and a beautiful musical arrangement this is catchy by just about any measurement.

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Analog Monoxide - Playing Tag.

Background - Nestled along the winding west coast of Norway is the small town Ørsta, where multi-instrumentalist Stian Høyberg creates genre-bending electronica under the banner of Analog Monoxide.

​Stian has been in a constant state of creation since he was young, developing his musicality by playing whatever instrument he could get his hands on and taking music classes where ever he could find them. Upon expanding into the realm of electronica, the use of computers opened up a new sonic territory, and evolved into an essential piece of his unique writing process.

His upcoming release, Songs For the Road, is a true hybrid of Jazz improvisation, funk, experimental electronica, and tried and true blues. Falling somewhere between Portishead and Tom Waits, Analog Monoxide could never genuinely be pegged to a specific genre. Stian alone provided keyboards, guitars, drums, drum machines, synths and vocals, and if he wanted to include an instrument he wasn't familiar with, he would practice night and day until he could play it perfectly.

Songs For the Road (due out April 15th) is Analog Monoxide’s second album, but his first to include such heavy diversity. His work is based largely on personal, emotional, and human events. His upcoming single, "I Would Do It All Again" is one of his most personal, and he hopes to help heal his audience the way music has helped heal him. “It’s dark, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel” Stian remarks. “Perhaps I’m communicating from the midpoint…we’re all here sometimes” Website here, Facebook here.

Electronic musical sounds move around each other and the beat and vocals are in unison as 'Playing Tag' unfolds at it's own cool pace. The layers slowly and constantly build, adding atmosphere and a sense of mystery. Hypnotic music that oozes cool.

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Katie Buchanan - Floating.

Background - NYC-based, guitar-driven singer and songwriter, Katie Buchanan, shares "Floating" the first single from her new LP. She is gearing up to release her sophomore album, Who We Are When We're Standing, on June 9, 2017. The record is written and produced by Buchanan, mixed by Doug Schadt (Maggie Rogers, Wet, Emmy the Great) and mastered by Heba Kadry (Neon Indian, The Sea and Cake, The Mars Volta, Trust).

The Kansas-native grew up surrounded by music, having been born into a long line of musicians. With childhood memories of learning the blues around a campfire, you could say that songwriting is in Buchanan’s blood and comes almost as a second nature.

Fans of Katie Buchanan’s ability to seamlessly combine her signature blues-rock style with modern production techniques will not be disappointed by her forthcoming effort, Who We Are When We’re Standing. Her unique style of music also shines through in her live performances.

While listeners are being swept up in the album’s guitar driven pop anthems with that signature electro spin, they can find a message at the core: to stand still and stand tall, Facebook here.

'Floating' mixes upfront vocals and a rhythmic backdrop, that keeps you waiting a short while until the song explodes into a more powerful and driven piece, with some clever tail end electro flavours slipped in.

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WOMPS - Indytronics - Jade Jackson - Hnry Flwr - Nan Kolè

WOMPS - Darling.

Background - WOMPS have shared their new single "Darling". Nihilism and jaded optimism converge as Ewan Grant (guitar, vocals) and Owen Wicksted (drums, bass, synths) meet resulting in angst driven, melodic hook-heavy pop songs with garage sensibilities.

Children of the 90s, inspired by the 80s Glasgow scene, Scottish post-punk/new wave duo WOMPS are carving out a place of their own with their debut LP, "Our Fertile Forever" released on Brooklyn label, Displaced Records. The past year has seen the band playing worldwide showcases at SXSW, CMJ, T in the Park, BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend and London Calling and picking up press from Brooklyn Vegan, Consequence of Sound, Fred Perry, The Guardian, KEXP and many more.

The band take influence from Scottish working class culture, the aftermath of the Thatcher reign and the disappointment of a failed independence referendum and the personal loves and losses entangled within. Website here, Facebook here. Remaining SWSX shows on our tour page.

Expansive sounding and flowing with emotion and commitment 'Darling' is a fabulous song where rock genres are mixed into a smooth and vibrant piece.

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Indytronics - Shark.

Background - The brand new single Shark has now been released. Indytronics is located in Kiev, Ukraine, and consists of four members.

Considering themselves an Indie-Rock and Post-Punk revival band, they found inspiration to start creating music when two of the band members (Danil and Denys) were touring across Europe and happened across street musicians in Stockholm playing with an interesting melodic indie vibe.

They were so impressed after hearing such great music on the streets of Stockholm and decided to create something of their own when they returned to Kiev. This was the start of Indytronics in 2012. The band are: Danil Bogdanenko (guitar, vocals), Vitaliy Koutsiuk (bass), Ruslan Dobrov (drums), Denys Rybchenko (guitar, back vocals). Facbook here.

With distinctive chord changes and a clear refined sound, Indytronics deliver a hook laden indie rock song with 'Shark'. Vocals are smooth and interact well with the music, for me a band worth checking out some more.

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Jade Jackson - Finish Line.

Background - In anticipation of her debut album Gilded, produced by Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness and out May 19th, Jade Jackson has released a new video for her song “Finish Line” The intensely personal and beautifully evocative clip, directed by Andrew Van Baal (Mark Lanegan, Eels, Sean Rowe) provides an ideal visual accompaniment for the song.

As Jade explains, “Before we shot the video for “Finish Line”, the director, Andrew Van Baal, came to visit my hometown of Santa Margarita. I was able to show him places that hold value to me, from where we rehearse in my neighbor's garage to my parents' restaurant where I've worked since I was thirteen; literally every detail in the video was directly lifted from my life. I was shocked that Andrew wanted to capture such an authentic representation of my background; from the lyrics of the song to the location of the video, this is 100% autobiographical. What an incredible experience it was to film something in a few days that was 24 years in the making.”

Gilded is unapologetically country rock, merging the heartbreak and resilience of Lucinda Williams with the melodic confidence of Emmylou Harris, yet containing 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. Website here, Facebook here.

'Finish Line' is a song that mixes top class musicianship with Jade Jackson's adorable and natural country rock vocals. Melodic and polished throughout!

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Hnry Flwr - As Above, So Below.

Background - Hnry Flwr is the creator of The Message. In 2014 Hnry Flwr began mixing different length sound waves using ancient synthesizers and a team of musical experts to create a type of music that is 100% earnest. 

Before this Method of sound control, music was an insincere endeavor solely energized by a pure form of propulsion known as Narcissism.

The Hnry Flwr B(r)and was discovered and founded by Hugh "Blaze" Boylan of Blaze B. Mgmt. To sweeten the deal, Hnry Flwr hops on the road for the next month right after SXSW with Elison Jackson & The Ferdy Mayne, starting March 21st.

A potent bass riff, swirling and layered synth driven sounds and vocals that are pretty hard to ignore (in a good way), makes 'As Above, So Below' a stunning introduction to Hnry Flwr.

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Nan Kolè - Bayefal.

Background - Nan Kolé and the new ‘Malumz’ EP (Black Acre) with a release date of 14th April 2017. Nan Kolé, producer, DJ and head of influential label on-the-rise, Gqom Oh!, returns to Black Acre for his debut proper with ‘Malumz’, after first collaborating with Nervous Horizon’s Wallwork on his ‘Facts / Fyah’ 12” at the back end of 2016.

Originally from Rome, although now a resident of London, Nan Kolé has been a major player in the expansion of Durban’s Gqom sound after discovering it in early 2015. Through his label, Gqom Oh!, he honed in on a network of South African producers operating out of Durban, unlocking the keys to a world of music largely untapped by audiences outside of Southern and Western Africa.

’Bayefal’, he explains, was made while still living in Rome and was inspired by a group he formed called PepeSoup, which consisted of an Italo-Liberian singer, Karima 2g, and Senegalese percussionist and singer, Moustapha Mbengue. Facebook here.

Fabulously original and imaginative 'Bayefal' is a fine reminder that there is still plenty of room for taking adventurous ideas and building on them. Put simply, I love this track.

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Midweek Muse: Guided By Voices - Bedroom Eyes - Sweet Gum Tree - Physical - Stutter Steps

Guided By Voices - Dr. Feelgood Falls Off The Ocean.

Background - Guided By Voices August By Cake (April 7, GBV Inc Records) is the 100th studio album that Robert Pollard has released since 1986's Forever Since Breakfast. To put that in perspective, Bob Dylan has released roughly 39 studio albums since 1959. And that includes the Traveling Wilburys. 

A highly anticipated record with the new line-up (returning GBV veterans Doug Gillard and Kevin March, virgins Bobby Bare Jr and Mark Shue) that has been wowing audience in clubs and festivals throughout 2016. It's the most musically adept and versatile line-up Pollard has ever assembled.

With 32 songs, August By Cake is also GBV's first ever double-album, and song contributions from all five bandmembers is additional icing on this particular cake, setting album #100 apart from the previous 99. 

The double album is an important format in Pollard's own musical iconography, and he doesn't take the form lightly -- one reason he's planned and abandoned several would-be GBV double albums in the past is his high regard for foundational works like Quadrophenia, the White Album, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Daydream Nation, Zen Arcade, Double Nickels On the Dime -- "defining records for these bands," says Pollard. It's important to him that August By Cake not just be a double album but that it be a great double album. Spring tour dates are over on Beehive Candy's tour news page. Website here.

Powerful and demanding our attention right from the start 'Dr. Feelgood Falls Off The Ocean' has an urgency and even some roughness about it, easily described as naturally raw rock'n'roll. With a double album on it's way GBV fans should be full of expectation based on this track alone.


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Bedroom Eyes - After I Was A Kid But Before I Grew Up.

Background - The first single out from Bedroom Eyes sophomore album "Greetings From Northern Sweden" (Startracks, May 12th) is the guitar driven, melody tangled and wonderful "After I Was A Kid But Before I Grew Up". Speedy and intriguing indie pop.

With his debut album, released back in 2010, getting raving press from the likes of Rolling Stone ("a strong songwriter"), Vice ("beautiful artist"), Der Spiegel ("marvelous songs blessed with harmony") and Swedish national radio P3 ("next big thing in Swedish pop") there's a lot of anticipation leading up the new release.

"After I Was A Kid But Before I Grew Up" is out now on all digital platforms via Startracks.

'After I Was A Kid But Before I Grew Up' blasts into action with urgent riffs and a blazing rhythm softened only by vocals that are a little more refined. Full on indie rock!

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Sweet Gum Tree - Someday.

Background - Sweet Gum Tree reveals a video for new single 'Someday', taken from his second album 'Sustain The Illusion'. Both a beautiful, romantic adventure and an unnerving trip through a mind crowded with troubled creatures, Sojo’s earnest vocals confirm that he is amongst those who still believe that music and words can touch the soul, by way of sincerity, constant reinvention and fine craftsmanship. 

Minimal drum machines and echo-laden guitars throughout create a state of grace evoking the ethereal new-wave productions of British label 4AD as well as hymns from great pop architects like Talk Talk, Prefab Sprout or Divine Comedy. The album’s electronic rigidity contrasts perfectly with the elegant strings and soaring melodies, while Sojo’s gravelled vocals ensure it remains an outstandingly humane and sensitive collection of tracks.

The album’s title nods to Wes Anderson’s acclaimed, ‘‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’’, which itself was based upon Stefan Zweig’s writings on the rise of Nazism in the mid-30’s. Drawing a parallel with the current fiery state of the world and Anderson’s tale of creating love despite all circumstances, Sojo reflects on the challenge of how one can fulfil the need to dream whilst in such a desperate context.

 The soul in Sojo’s voice is what really drives ‘Sustain The Illusion’, particularly on tracks such as ‘Someday’, ‘Guilt Trip’ and the closing lullaby, ‘Keeper’ that lulls you into a complete sense of security. On the other hand, ‘Burn Your Icons’ is both a thought provoking, sharp and ironic look at the relevant question of how we view our fallen idols that gives a truly unique perspective on our society’s traditions. Website here, Facebook here.

The song has a peaceful and melodic soundtrack that suggests plenty of attention to detail, whilst keeping an understated vibe, with just a small surge of power towards the end. The vocals have emotion and the lyrics are intelligent and delivered almost as a plea on occasions. 'Someday' is a wonderful song.

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Physical - Islands.

Background - Physical are Wellington, New Zealand based duo Julia Parr (Black City Lights), and Nik Brinkman (Junica, Over the Atlantic). They met in a karaoke bar in Chinatown, New York in 2013: They sang ‘Drive’ by The Cars.

In 2015, Nik approached Julia to write together as a contribution to his project Ghostwriters Collective. Twelve months and 8 tracks later, they had written and recorded their debut album, an unapologetically upbeat but dramatic pop record – ‘Ride it Out,’ out later this year (release date TBD). The record is about emotional survival for lovers and staying up late; a shout out to their deep mutual love for future R&B and synth pop.

Today the band shares the album's latest single "Islands." "I guess I’ve never really poured my own relationships into my songs before, but this album includes some of the most personal songs I’ve written," Julia Parr explains. "Islands is about someone I met on her travels through New Zealand. We went on a lush island getaway together but when we settled back into real life I started to feel like I was tying her down to one place. Nik wanted to write a song about ‘paradise’ and the song Islands just fell into place. We wanted the track to evoke that floating feeling of being in paradise but with an unsteadiness; the feeling in the pit of your stomach that something isn’t right." Instagram here.

'Islands' is a highly crafted indie pop song, where the vocals and synthy music contrast with each other adding to the overall style and quality. Add in some passion and gentle melody and you have one impressive and catchy song.

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Stutter Steps - Floored.

Background - Stutter Steps debut new track 'Floored' from their upcoming 12" Floored on Blue Arrow Records. Stutter Steps released their debut album on Wild Kindness records at the end of 2015. Group mastermind Ben Harrison, a curator at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, and collaborator with Dean Wareham (Galaxie 500/Luna/etc.), crafted one of the bittersweetest indiepop debuts in years. 

Critics who took the time to listen were stunned. With its jangling guitars and plaintive organ, its literate heartfelt lyrics and the skip in its step, Stutter Steps sounds like the missing link between early Flying Nun and the Go-Betweens (geographically, this would put then in the middle of the Tasman Sea and I hope they’ve got a boat).

They return now with a new six-song EP, Floored, on Blue Arrow Records, home of Jonathan Richman among others, that expands on the promise of the debut. Harrison has the rare ability to combine emotions in a song, so ‘Encino,’ with its wistful chords and lyrics of regret, becomes greater than the sum of its parts. The organ on ‘Weak Restraint’ makes you dance (Stutter Steps has never sounded more like The Clean than they do here) while the words make you weep. It would take a heart of orange granite not to be moved.

Stutter Steps make music for grown-ups, the grown-ups who haven’t forgotten what it feels like to be a kid. Facebook here.

Guitars and drums set a fairly intense pace for 'Floored', which contrasts beautifully with the seemingly less urgent, yet melodic vocals and gorgeous harmonies which all put together, make this such a fine and addictive song.

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Department S - Kim Free - David Philips - Lonely The Brave

Department S - When All Is Said And All Is Done.

Background - Nub Music are proud to announce that Department S will release their first album since 2011, When All Is Said and All Is Done. This 10 track full length album will be released in April 2017 in digital and CD formats, with a limited edition vinyl release. Department S will be touring extensively through 2017 to promote the album. Recorded in London through 2015, the album has been produced and mixed by Pete Jones (former PiL bassist).

Department Sare a London based post-punk/new wave band originally formed in 1980. The band, featuring vocalist Vaughn Toulouse, keyboard player Eddie Roxy and guitarist Mike Herbage, released three singles and recorded one album, Sub-Stance. Debut single Is Vic There? charted in the UK at number 22 and saw the band make 3 appearances on Top Of The Pops. Subsequent Stiff Records single Going Left Right also charted, while 3rd single I Want was a hit in many European countries. The band split in 1982.

Department S reconvened in 2006, with Eddie taking vocal duties following the untimely death of Vaughn Toulouse in 1991. In February 2007 the band recorded their first new single for twenty-six years, a cover version of Alvin Stardust's 1973 hit My Coo-Ca-Choo. This was followed later that year by the critically acclaimed live in the studio LP Mr Nutley’s Strange Delusionarium.

Department S have built up a reputation as being a must-see live band and have subsequently played festival dates across Europe, including Glastonbury, Benicassim, Rebellion, Rewind, Great British Alternative Music Festival and Sinner’s Day. Website here.

Department S still produce music with the vigour and immediacy of their debut single 'Is Vic There?'. Yes the band have matured, resulting in the musicianship becoming tight and polished and the overall production benefits from three decades of recording progress. Featured song 'When All Is Said And All Is Done' gives the listener a feel for what to expect across the ten track album, the passion and gutsy commitment remains, the songwriting is impressive, and there is plenty more on the bands website to discover.

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Kim Free - Destiny.

Background - Kim Free is the best kind of artist. She’s a classically trained violinist whose love of popular music has compelled her to compose, record and perform the enchanting bewitching music that’s uniquely her sound.

Toward the end of the first decade of the new millennium, she embarked on a her first recording project, under the name ‘Black Church’. These avant-goth cassette-only releases and the performances that went with them gave her a small but dedicated cult following. In 2012, she shed her pseudonym and released Angel Shadow as Kim Free. It was followed a year later by Nevermind the Blue Skies, a 14-song collection of dreamy pop.

Now Kim continues her evolution with her most ambitious project yet - Slips. Slips sees Kim reunited with producer Alex De Groot, who she first worked with while playing violin for the Zola Jesus world tour. For Slips, Kim has recorded several songs with a full rock band - a first for her. She navigates the delicate balance between these songs and her more familiar violin-based numbers with aplomb.

The Slips project will initially be presented to the public through a series of digital EPs. The first, Make Me Yours, was released in December 2016. The second, Malibu, will be released March 2017. [The complete Black Church catalog was recently released on limited edition CD for the first time on the UK-based Reverb Worship. The Kim Free records are available digitally and on vinyl from LA’s Fine Records.] Facebook here.

Our second feature for Kim Free, this time with the engaging and dreamy song 'Destiny'. Musically the track gradually builds from a light beginning into a broader and expansive soundtrack with the violin adding some extra flavour to the piece, however it's the wispy and personal vocals that make this such a pleasing and intimate song.

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David Philips - Home.

Background - November 2016 to March 2017 David Philips locked himself in his studio and spent the winter months writing and recording new material. Harking back to the  full band sound of his debut album, but with more grit, more electric guitar, more to say and a clearer idea of how to say it.

Very much the studio loner David recorded and produced the whole record himself, playing all instruments and also designing the artwork. “Home” is the upbeat new single from this collection of recordings entitled simply “Winter” due out late March/early April 2017 on Black and Tan Records.

David Philips is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from the UK. His work as a solo artist and session guitar player has taken him around the world playing venues and festivals such as Montreaux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Marciac Jazz Festival (France) Delhi Jazz Festival (India), Woodford Folk Festival (Australia), Blue Balls Festival (Switzerland), Mare De Agosto Festival (Azores Islands), Blues Aan Zee Festival (Holland). Website here.

There is a robust level of energy within the new song 'Home' right from the very start. Vocals are committed and impassioned, supported by a punchy musical arrangement. It's might be described as folk rock or Americana, whatever label we attach, it's one fine song and sets expectation high for the album.

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Lonely The Brave - The Rat.

Background - After a great 2016 for the band that included a no.1 album on the rock chart, a sell-out headline tour and a hugely successful European tour in support of Biffy Clyro, Lonely The Brave continue their prolific streak as songwriters by releasing a second song from their upcoming EP, a cover of long-time band favourite "The Rat".

As a band known for picking covers that perhaps people wouldn’t expect from them – Cyndi Lauper, Bjork, Pink Floyd and Antony & The Johnsons some of their previous conquests – “The Rat” is a leftfield take on an already wonderful song by The Walkmen, one that showcases David Jakes’ peerless vocals and one that will hopefully introduce the song to a whole new audience.

Alongside the new EP, coming March 24th through Hassle Records, Lonely The Brave will be supporting British alt-rockers Mallory Knox on their UK tour spanning March and April 2017, featuring dates in Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Bristol and both Mallory Knox and the band’s hometown of Cambridge.

Known for their uplifting, atmospheric and anthemic songs, Lonely The Brave are joined on the line-up by their old friends and tour partners, the Glasgow three-piece, Fatherson. Website here, Facebook here, tour details on our tour page.

If you have a taste for atmospheric music that slowly unfolds into something quite beautiful and then takes off, 'The Rat' should pretty much tick all your boxes, If you feel the need to provide a cover version, then this band make a good reference point to proceed from.

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Blonde Redhead - Jessie Early - Aubergine MACHINE

Blonde Redhead - Golden Light.

Background - Not many bands make it through extended careers with constant evolution and experimentation and a general willingness to change things up. Blonde Redhead deserves a place in this category. Over the course of nearly 25 years, the acclaimed New York-based trio went from the noise rock of the early years to the refined dream pop of Misery Is A Butterfly, before reaching the sensual electronic textures of the studio album, Barragán which was released in 2014.

Now it's time to make a step forward once again, or a sidestep, because, despite the variety of styles, the band has always been able to keep a personality and a unique identity that's easily recognizable. Fresh from the box set Masculin Féminin (September 2016) and the remix "Freedom of Expression on Barragan Hard" (March 2016) releases, Japanese Kazu Makino and twin Italian-Americans Amedeo and Simone Pace return with a new EP 3 O'Clock, out today on the band's own label Asa Wa Kuru Records.

Four songs, two of them sung by charming Kazu while the other two by guitarist and second voice of the band, Amedeo, which still mark once again the willingness to broaden their musical horizons. Facebook here.

As a long time fan of Blonde Redhead's music, for me, it has always been a case of expect the unexpected. 'Golden Light' one of four songs on the new EP is a long journey from the early days of the band. Currently they have arrived in an exquisite and dreamy place, the video is artistic, the music high class, not a bad location to be in right now.

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Jessie Early - Body Can't Hold.

Background - Nashville indie-pop artist Jessie Early has released her latest single, "Body Can't Hold," making the track available at all digital outlets. "Body Can't Hold" is the third single from Early's upcoming debut EP, Wild Honey, out March 31.

Jessie sheds some light on this single saying, "Body Can’t Hold' is one of the tracks on Wild Honey that came together with the help of my co-producer Jeremy Larson. I was having so much trouble with this song and was ready to scrap it. Jeremy, my husband Aaron, and I worked on the programming together and Jeremy added a gorgeous strings sample. Everything really fell into place. To me, this song is one of the most lyrically complex. But at its heart, it's about vulnerability and letting yourself experience the full spectrum of emotions."

Wild Honey is a project years in the making, with many of the songs tracing their roots back to early Garage Band vocals and beats. Two years into the recording process, Jessie felt unsettled with the direction of the songs. She reached out to producer/artist Jeremy Larson (Violents) to help track strings. Jeremy had an immediate impact on the tracks, so Jessie enlisted him to co-produce, mix, and master Wild Honey. Her husband, Aaron Early (Apache Relay), played drums on the EP, bringing the snares and Rototoms to life on this project.

Coming up on April 15, Jessie will perform in Nashville at The High Watt on a bill with fellow Nashville artists Daniella Mason and EZA. Website here, Facebook here.

'Body Can't Hold' is a melodic indie pop song, where Jessie Early sings with a mixture of emotion and quality, that combined give a very catchy song, some real depth.

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Aubergine MACHINE - U People.

Background - Aubergine MACHINE is excited to release their latest single "U People" off the upcoming WildLife EP. Lead by simmering synths and Shanti's crisp, but mystical, vocals, the track explodes into a dystopian synth-pop anthem, transporting listeners to a remote wooded landscape where anything seems possible. "U People" closely follows the release of their completely addicting singles "Trains" and "Only."

Aubergine MACHINE is made up of multi-platinum selling producer Ian Carey and newcomer Shanti Ellis. The duo connected in 2012, but have since relocated their studio to the middle of an obscure island, literally. Throwing all cultural conventions to the wayside, Ian pulls from his '90s hip hop obsessions and pop sensibilities to perfectly complement Shanti's smoldering vocals. WildLife creates visions of a dystopian rebellion sprinkled with a little stardust. Facebook here.

So this is what dystopian pop sounds like. 'U People' has a mixture of vibrant synths sounds, vocals that gently glide above the music and a level of power that adds some edge to the whole.

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Six On Sunday: Carly Thomas - R. Missing - oddnesse - MOOON - Kristeen Young - Purmamarca

Carly Thomas - The Montreal Train Song.

Background - Born in Thailand and raised in Argentina, France, and various parts of North America, singer songwriter Carly Thomas can trace her insatiable wanderlust to a childhood in which she never lived anywhere longer than three years. Having attended four different high schools in three different countries, Carly is more skilled in the art of goodbye than most, channelling her experiences of change, loss and longing into heartfelt lyrics and beautiful acoustic guitar lines to create songs that have won over audiences from Paris to Manhattan.

With a strong, clear voice, thick with emotion, Carly's skillfully crafted Indie Folk songs are underpinned with a sincerity and truth that enthralls, she grabs listeners’ attention with gutsy stories of love and witty onstage banter, yet Carly isn’t afraid to expose her heart in order to help her listeners mend theirs. 

Latest EP 'Explode' was written in friends’ living rooms, on an 18-wheeler delivering bubble-gum, on transcontinental flights and beaches. These songs were written where Carly is most at home, on the road. Website here, Facebook here.

'The Montreal Train Song' is an up tempo indie folk song. It provides listeners with a good idea of the melodic and genuine music and feelings, that shine through in Carly's music.

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R. Missing - Kelly Was a Philistine.

Background - New York-based artist R. Missing have released their brand new EP Unsummering. The video for the first single “Kelly Was a Philistine” has been described as having a David Lynch-like feel. It highlights a complex relationship with the surrounding world, encapsulated by the chorus lyric, “Kelly was a philistine the last time we met, so why are we getting along?” You won’t find love songs here. You’ll find unloved songs. You won’t find summer, you’ll find Unsummering.

Unsummering, the first release under their new moniker R. Missing, expands on The Ropes’ previous palette of Morrissey tinged lyrics and darkwave. Unsummering manages to be even more isolated lyrically than their famously nihilistic previous work, fully embracing complete detachment. Musically, fraught guitar and synth textures paint an image of an unstable world, held together only by tightly quantized electronic drum beats. Website here, Facebook here.

The second of six songs on the new EP 'Kelly Was a Philistine' typifies the sound and darker atmospheric feel to be found across the collection. The synth textures and driving rhythm work well with the sometimes remote vocals in what is a quite addictive collection of songs.

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oddnesse - Scream.

Background - oddnesse is heavy hazy groovy classic. Over the weekend LA-based Oddnesse dropped her new single "Scream".

"Scream" marks the final track in a series of four that makes up Oddnesse's debut. 

Her first few songs have had strong support from Spotify - "Somewhere Somehow" making both the 'Fresh Finds' and 'New Indie' (1mil subscribers) Playlists and is averaging 7k streams/day since last week. 

Website here, Facebook here.

We featured the previous song 'Incoming Call' describing that as "a swirling, layered and creative feast of sounds". New track 'Scream' is a slower, more dreamy piece where the vocals add melody, whilst the soundtrack is at times powerful and yet never overwhelming. Putting all four songs together results in a very good and contrasting collection of material, no wonder we see the numbers cited above.

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MOOON - Mary You Wanna.

Background - Word around the corridors is that 2017 will be the year for the blues to burgeon once more. Be that as it may, that’s not what motivates MOOON, a young trio hailing from the placid town of Aarle-Rixtel. This band’s fire is lit by the works of preeminent deities like Blood, Sweat and Tears, Led Zeppelin, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Santana and Rory Gallagher.

Like these aforementioned artists, blues forms a vital cornerstone for MOOON, a fertile root from which to draw the ilk of psychedelics and garage rock. Tom de Jong, Gijs de Jong and Timo van Lierop may not have been part of the sixties and seventies – the decades when rock ‘n’ roll enjoyed its conception and tight-fisted reign – but their music is proof that its spirit remains an undying wellspring for expression.

MOOON will embark on a set of dates opening up for The Black Marble Selection and trot the festival circuit with slots at Here Comes The Summer and Tweetakt. Their debut LP Brew will be released at Excelsior Recordings this fall, with Mary You Wanna offering the first exciting glimpse of what’s to come. Website here, Facebook here.

If you had told me 'Mary You Wanna' was from the late sixties, I would be puzzling as to who the band was, and why I had never heard the song. MOOON capture a bygone era and bring it up to date with their energy and excitement. The video is both fab and groovy man, in fact it's way out.

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Kristeen Young - Nice.

Background - Kristeen Young Releases "Nice" Video plus SXSW Shows and a NYC Residency. Look out for a new LP this year. Originally from St. Louis, MO., Kristeen Young are a New York City based keys, bass, and drums (zeppelin-heavy, avant garde, piano-bash rock) trio.

Kristeen Young is also the front person, keyboard player and songwriter for the band, Sylvia Black plays bass, and Jefferson (Baby Jef) Wayne White is the drummer. Their sound has been described as prunk (prog/punk) but mixing in other genres at times, too, with Young singing operatically at times. They have toured extensively as support band for Morrissey, played (for their last album release) on the Late Late show with Craig Ferguson, and recorded a (Kristeen Young written) duet with David Bowie.

Kristeen Young have a (Tony Visconti co-produced) new album coming out in 2017 called Live at the Witch’s Tit on which Nick Zinner, of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, plays guitar on a few songs. Other guest guitarists include Vernon Reid (Living Colour) Sarah Register (Talk Normal), and John LaMacchia (Candiria). Website here, Facebook here, live dates on our tour page.

'Nice' is a refreshing blast of frenzied keyboard fronted rock'n'roll. From new wave to punk the song dips and swerves between genres whilst the vocals delight and to a degree hold everything together. Fabulous!!

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Purmamarca - Everything Under the Sun.

Background - Purmamarca is big on the numerical symbolism and appreciation for the fans who have been chompin' at the bit for this new record. So, this past Tuesday, Ryan Henry unleashed Bring Up the Soft Dreams to the world - exactly three years and three days of work later, as an act of love to the band's collaborators and contributors.

Streaming exclusively on Bandcamp, the band's first studio album, Bring Up the Soft Dreams, is now streaming in full. Bandcamp was a specific choice, as Purmamarca was part of the February 3rd ACLU fundraising frenzy on Bandcamp, offering previously unreleased song "Reservoir" to fans. For 24 hours, the band doubled down on Bandcamp's efforts and sent a portion of proceeds to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and the Sierra Club to help support the greater good.

Sometimes when we take risks and act bravely enough to say “goodbye,” we get a better chance to say “hello” to what we want. That’s exactly what happened when Ryan Henry from Purmamarca moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. For the first time since the band’s incarnation in 2012, the core members don’t exist within the same state borders. It’s an interesting time to release their debut, studio album, which is completely produced by Patrick Hyland, who works with Mitski. On March 7th 2017, the entire album, Bring Up the Soft Dreams, became available on all digital platforms. Facebook here.

We feature 'Everything Under the Sun' the first song on 'Bring Up the Soft Dreams'. Mixing layers of sound, melody and atmospheric vocals, all nine songs test out differing directions, whilst a constant vibe of dreamy ambient feeling is never far off.

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Eureka California - Low Roar - A Different Thread - Anna Coogan - Mike Adams At His Honest Weight

Eureka California - Only Birds No Feathers.

Background - Eureka California announce SXSW dates and debut new track 'Only Birds No Feathers' from their new 7". In just under a year since releasing their last album “Versus,” Eureka California are back with a new single,  “Wigwam.”

The band had a set plan in mind when going into the studio: get in and knock it out and release a single to hold over ‘til recording the next full length. With “Versus” they went overseas to the UK and recorded with MJ at Suburban Home, but for “Wigwam” they decided to record here in their hometown of Athens, Georgia, with Dave Barbe (Sugar / Mercyland / Dave Barbe & the Quick Hooks) at his Chase Park Transduction Studio. 

Wasting no time, they recorded and mixed the single in one afternoon. A single on a tight budget, three tracks in under 8 minutes, hand-decorated sleeves -- everything about this is economical. Facebook here, tour dates on our tour page.

Fast paced beats and a guitar riff in full control, gives 'Only Birds No Feathers' a short, sharp, shock, feel and at just over two minutes long, you can catch your breath and dive back in.


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Low Roar - Bones (feat. Jófríõur Ákadóttir).

Background - Low Roar - the name under which Ryan Karazija records and performs - is excited to announce the upcoming release of a new album. Once In A Long, Long While… will be released via Nevado Music on May 5th.

Recorded in London with longtime collaborator Mike Lindsay (Tunng), Once In A Long, Long While… is the follow up to 2014's 0, which earned Karazija a large new audience after his music was discovered by iconic Japanese video game creator Hideo Kojima. Kojima used Low Roar's "I'll Keep Coming" and "Easy Way Out" on two high-profile trailers in 2016 for his Death Stranding video game starring Norman Reedus, Mads Mikkelsen, and director Guillermo del Toro.

Born in the San Francisco Bay Area to a mother of Mexican descent and a Lithuanian father, the frontman spent his formative years playing in bands around Northern California before relocating to Iceland in 2010 where he recorded Low Roar’s self-titled debut in his Reykjavik kitchen. Quietly building buzz, he cut the critically acclaimed follow-up, 0, in a converted garage in 2014 before going on to grace the stages of ATP, Eurosonic, Airwaves France, The Great Escape, Lowlands, Iceland Airwaves, and beyond.

After touring the world in support of 0, Karazija spent most of 2016 as a solo traveller, visiting everywhere from Iceland, Sweden, and Poland, to the Bay Area, and Mexico before settling permanently in Warsaw. During this time, he carefully assembled his third full-length record.Website here, Facebook here, tour dates on our tour page.

Already getting noticed the song 'Bones' is a lo-fi tune where the vocals are seemingly discreet and merge beautifully with the gentle soundtrack.

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A Different Thread - Big Crane.

Background - Travelling singer and songwriter Robert Jackson and versatile classical cellist Isaac Collier combine with stunning effect to create their own unique blend of Brit Folk/Americana for the debut EP from A Different Thread, ‘Home From Home’, released 15th April 2017. Jackson’s distinctively soulful voice, vibrato harmonica and driving acoustic guitar combines with Collier’s enchanting and often improvised playing to give ‘Home From Home’ a refreshing and impulsive edge. Together they create something special, raw and cultured with their songwriting summoning imagery of adventure, bitter romance and synchronicity.

A Different Thread first met whilst busking a mere matter of months ago with the culmination of their talents making an immediate impact with BBC Bristol instantly snapping the pair up for 2 live sessions. Since their inception, the duo have been on an upward rise, attracting the attention of international musicians, Brum & Scilly Radio, BBC 6 Music and BBC Introducing.

The captivating ‘Home From Home’ EP features a host of internationally renowned musicians based in Bristol including guitarist and singer/songwriter Lewis Creaven, vocalist and singer/songwriter Ruth Royall, Andrew Hughes (Drummer of BBC2 featured Johnny Cage and the Voodoo Groove) and Alicia Best, Appalachian Folk singer/songwriter from North Carolina. The Folk/Blues/Country blend in the debut EP from the innovative pair includes tones from early Bob Dylan, David Grey, Robert Johnson and Joni Mitchell. Songwriters Willy Mason and Evan Dando are also evident, as well as more contemporary influences such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Felice Brothers and Old Crow Medicine Show. Facebook here, website here.

The first of four songs on their debut EP is 'Big Crane'. It's an easy going modern folk song, where the music unfolds and builds at a delightful pace, whilst the highly engaging vocals and harmonies add melody and feeling. The EP is a must.

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Anna Coogan - Collateral.

Background - Ahead of the album the new single Collateral has now been released. Anna Coogan has been preparing for this moment her whole life, ever since she was a girl growing up in Boston, influenced by her classical opera training and her father’s protest albums by Phil Ochs and Bob Dylan. After several efforts with her Pacific Northwest-based alt-country band north 19, a pair of well-received indie solo releases and a collaboration with producer JD Foster (2014’s Birth of the Stars), Coogan’s latest is a stylistic breakthrough. Anna Coogan will release The Lonely Cry of Space & Time on April 28.

The album, a virtual two-person effort which features Willie B (Brian Wilson) on drums and Moog bass, combines Coogan’s three-octave soprano vocals, electric guitar soundscapes and pointed social commentary into a fierce cohesive piece which combines the personal and the political, in a musical hybrid of rock, country, pop and classical opera into a unique whole.

There have been many attempts at rock opera in the past, but The Lonely Cry of Space & Time is something different.  Call it operatic rock, a genre previously explored by the likes of Kate Bush, Jane Siberry, Lene Lovich, Yoko Ono and Freddie Mercury, among others. Coogan studied opera at the prestigious Mozarteum University of Salzburg in Austria, before moving to Seattle, where she worked as a fisheries biologist in Washington State and Alaska, which goes a long way to explaining her frequent use of water as a metaphor.  In fact, a drought in the Finger Lakes region of New York where she lived in part was a factor in the immediacy she brought to the new album. Website here, Facebook here. 

At it's heart 'Collateral' is a stripped back and straight to the chase rock song. Add in Anna's vocals and the track expands with melody and passion, demanding the music steps up to the pace, resulting in a powerful and heady response.

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Mike Adams At His Honest Weight - The Lucky One.

Background - Mike Adams At His Honest Weight shares the video for "The Lucky One" a new track distributed by Joyful Noise Recordings. When talking about the track Mike says, "Our video for "The Lucky One", is a hardcore tribute to a portion of Zbignew Rybczynski's 1990 experimental masterwork, "Orkiestra". My day job is at a community television station, and I happened to catch the "Funeral March" segment of Zbig's film on our channel as I passed by. It was beautiful and hypnotizing, and I immediately wondered how it was made. So, having the advantage of cheap and powerful technology at our disposal, Zac (Canale) and I set out to dissect the original and make this shoestring-budget tribute version by guessing and stabbing at that "how" question. Meanwhile, twisting it into shape with our own symbolism and metaphor. The themes of the song and the video have to do with luck and superstition, uncontrollable other factors and circumstances."

Mike Adams At His Honest Weight is the flagship recording project of Mike Adams (duh). Musician, writer, TV host, parent, humorist, friend, nimble agitator, these are all adjectives that describe Mike Adams, the man. But, in another realm, he's a complex mixture of Star-stuff, somehow equally at home whether he's at home, or performing for a captivated drooling audience.

For the most part, these songs are written and recorded by Mike, alone, in his room before they're handed off to friend and trusted confidant, Adam Jessup, for further production and polishing-off. I suppose Mike sees the arranging and writing process as an escape fantasy into his own mind where he's safe and in control. Of course, he's wrong about that. What he's really doing is flipping himself inside out; internalising his experience and exposing his veiled vulnerability in a grotesque public evolutionary process for the whole world to see. Obviously. But, he's a sensitive guy, so if you don't tell him, neither will we. Facebook here, tour dates on our tour page.

What's not to love with 'The Lucky One'. The video put an immediate smile on my face, the music is feel good and natural. Add in a fascinating mood switch half way through and this becomes one gem of a song.

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