The Heavy Blinkers - Solomon Harper - Tiny Magnetic Pets - The Tearaways - Wild Honey - Playboy Manbaby

The Heavy Blinkers - The Night And I Are Still So Young.

Background - Canada's Label Obscura is proud to announce the upcoming reissue of one of the best independent pop albums of the early 2000s - 'The Night And I Are Still So Young' by The Heavy Blinkers. This is the first time this classic album will be released on vinyl. 

Described by Spin magazine as "one of the greatest bands you've (probably) never heard", The Heavy Blinkers is a five-piece formed in 1998 by Jason Michael MacIsaac and a group of friends, including keyboardist and songwriter Andrew Watt and ethereal vocalist Ruth Minnikin. They are based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

By 2004, the intricate and tightly constructed chamber pop of The Heavy Blinkers had become well known, winning them widespread acclaim, albeit without corresponding commercial success for their self-titled debut release in 2000 and the 'Better Weather' LP in 2002. The band reached a remarkable breakthrough with their fourth album 'The Night and I Are Still So Young' (2004), exhibiting a new maturity in this stunningly orchestrated pop masterpiece.

At the time that 'The Night and I Are Still Young' was recorded, The Heavy Blinkers were comprised of Andrew Watt, Greg Fry, Jason MacIsaac, Ruth Minnikin, and Trevor Forbes. MacIsaac is currently the only remaining original member of the band.

Two years in the making, this album consolidates the nocturnal orchestrations of the Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev and grafts them onto material akin to 70's era Beach Boys, Harry Nilsson or Randy Newman. This has led to the group gathering fans wide and afar, including Sondre Lerche, Van Dyke Parks and The High Llamas.

The luscious pop songmanship of this album has earned The Heavy Blinkers comparisons with Brian Wilson's best work at his peak, as well as international acclaim and devoted fans. The band's sonic landscape is rich with multi-tracked vocals featuring an affecting interplay between Minnikin, Watt and MacIsaac, combined with a virtual enchanted forest of arrangements. Website here, Facebook here, Label Obscura here. 

It's hard to remember just how geographically limited releases could be, in the days before mp3's and the plethora of sites & outlets we have become so accustomed to. 'The Night And I Are Still So Young' certainly came and went without my knowing. Both the title song and the album are just so fabulous, that even if vinyl isn't your thing, go and download and own this work!


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Solomon Harper - Bones.

Background - Sydney based artist Solomon Harper grew up in the central suburbs of Auckland City listening to the innovators of every genre and era, style and swagger. Influences include Alabama Shakes, Ray Charles and Al Green to name but a few. He is the new father of one bonny baby girl and a gut wrenching new EP, All The Things We Made, featuring the single, ‘Bones’, you’ll want to download yesterday.

Solomon’s debut EP, recorded at Linear Recording Studios in the heart of Sydney, sounds like the illegitimate love child of a Soul, Funk and RnB threesome.

Solomon’s musical evolution started young drumming for Punk bands in his teens, belting out Pennywise anthems and NoFX fixtures. Discovering Motown magic and smooth soul in his twenties transformed his style from rough and roll to sultry soul. Song writing skill has developed during the course of Solomon’s real world career in the coal fields of composition, tending bar, construction, kitchen dish bitch and all the highs and lows, loves and losses between.

Working between colonies he has cut his teeth in the real world jamming with rock royalty in clubs and pubs hosting live performances in Sydney, Auckland and anywhere good sounds are appreciated and encouraged. With tours and guest appearances pending Solomon will soon be upstaging established artists in their home territory, whether in Taihape, Towoomba or Timbuktu.

With echoes of Paolo Nutini and shades of Kings of Leon, Solomon delivers an original soul stirring set including ‘Bones’, ‘Devils Son’, ‘Tale of You’, ‘Ghosts’ and ‘All We’ve Got’, all destined to regularly repeat on your MP3 player of choice.

Solomon gives his gat’ a voice carved out of the underbelly of street life, the sweet life and occasional strife experienced on both sides of the ditch. His hard work, dedication and grit are etched into every note with love and lust, sweat and beers. Instagram here.

'Bones' is a classy song, the music is tight, mixing elements of blues, rock and soul, and the vocals are earnest, passionate and just right for this style of music.

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Tiny Magnetic Pets - Semaphore / Seconds From Sleep.

Background - Dublin's Tiny Magnetic Pets release their new album 'Deluxe / Debris'. It's an LP of pop infused Germanic synthpop featuring two collaborations with ex-Kraftwerk member Wolfgang Flür. Named after the collectable Japanese toy, Tiny Magnetic Pets are unusual on the current Irish music scene. Rather than be influenced by singer / songwriters or indie rock, the inspiration behind their music comes from Bowie’s Berlin period, 70’s krautrock, 80’s synthpop and early disco. With the quintessentially pop vocal delivery of Paula Gilmer, it could be said that Tiny Magnetic Pets operate in uncharted musical water, somewhere between Kylie and Kluster.

The band have accrued strong support for their blend of electronic European pop. Ex-Visage member and founder of the Blitz club, Rusty Egan, has been an enthusiastic champion with a remix of their track ‘Control Me’. Another fan is Andy McCluskey from OMD who in 2016 recommended the band “for all lovers of distinctive electronic music”. After opening for NEU! legend Michael Rother at the Electri-City festival in Düsseldorf, they played a blistering show which led to them opening for ex-Kraftwerk member, Wolfgang Flür. That show was a defining moment for Tiny Magnetic Pets, leading to two collaborations with the technopop legend on this new album.

“Deluxe/Debris” is a brilliant encapsulation of what they do best. Drifting effortlessly between blasts of perfect pop with songs like ‘Guiding Light’ to ten minute epics such as live favourite, ‘Semaphore’ with its krautrock beat and swirling electronics. ‘Cold War Neon’ is a moody suspenseful instrumental that ideally would soundtrack series two of cold war thriller Deutschland 83. Never afraid to experiment, there are two versions of ‘Here comes the noise’, part one is atmospheric and reflective in a David Bowie Berlin-period way, with part two is like an infectious Pet Shop Boys hit sung by an exuberant Sarah Cracknell. On top of this are the two collaborations with Wolfgang Flür ‘Radio On’ and ‘Never Alone’ both of which give a Germanic seal of approval to the Irish trio’s thrilling electronic excursions.

With each track seguing into one another, like side two of Abbey Road or Oxygene, and without ruthlessly pushing all the hits to the start of the record for the sake of Spotify streams, “Deluxe/Debris” harks back to a period when albums were listened to from start to finish. Yet it’s breezy, optimistic take on the electronic pop sound, is reassuringly familiar and effortlessly fresh. “Deluxe/Debris” is the perfect soundtrack for complicated times. Order record here, Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

Eleven minutes of synth centred music that just oozes German influences makes 'Semaphore / Seconds From Sleep' a must hear. Dublin's Tiny Magnetic Pet's have delivered a notable new album with 'Deluxe / Debris' featuring ten masterful songs. It's a collection that may well appeal to lovers of Krautrock, synthpop and even classic disco, whilst maintaining originality and creativity that the band can rightly claim as their own.

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The Tearaways - Bash.

Background - Powerpop records should only be released in the Summer. I’m not kidding. It’s an unequivocal, scientific fact that the kind of jangly noise made by your typical powerpop beat combo is best appreciated between late May and early September. Or in the UK, that weekend in mid-August when the drizzle is slightly warmer than usual. Harmonies, big choruses and songs about unrequited love make way more sense in the sunshine. I blame the Beach Boys.

The Tearaways have got the timing just right. If you’re looking for something to play in the car on that road trip to the coast, then look no further. Backyard BBQ soundtrack? Ditto. Headphone listening on the beach? Do I need to tell you again? “DW Hofner, Martin Gibson, Ludwig Rickenbacker, Earle Hammond & Vox Fender, ESQ”, in spite of its lumpy title, is distilled, bottled sunshine. And it’s OK to apply it liberally.

So, who are the Tearaways? Powerpop royalty, that’s who. They’ve been shaking their Paul McCartney 1966 hairdos since 1981, picking up admirers like Tom Hanks and Rodney Bingenheimer on the way. Even Piers Morgan is a fan. I’m not sure how I feel about that. With all that history they should be damn good, right? They are. And so is this album.

This isn't a two bit affair either. Any band with Clem Burke on drums has to be taken seriously and Earle Mankey is involved in the Production. These guys are serious and what they've produced is a mixture of good time sounds with real melody and they've taken chances. All in all, admirable and refreshing. Bandcamp here, website here.

'Bash' is but a small glimpse and taste of  The Tearaways new exuberant collection of power pop, that comes with a album title that just sticks in your head (DW Hofner, Martin Gibson, Ludwig Rickenbacker, Earle Hammond & Vox Fender, ESQ) if you get my point. This is fun, highly addictive and buoyant music that fires hooks and catchy themes throughout.


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Wild Honey - Break Away.

Background - Fiercely independent and at risk of blowing a fuse, Sydney's Wild Honey come through today with new single 'Break Away', the first track off their upcoming debut full-length album.

Recorded with Jack Moffitt (The Preatures, Mosquito Coast) and mixed by Doug Boehm (Girls, Dune Rats), 'Break Away' serves as an anthemic call to arms for anyone who feels like they are going through the motions. Frontman and songwriter Thom Moore explains “After my Nan died, I just couldn't seem to adjust. I didn't want to spend the rest of my life working in a job that failed to satisfy me, and really only served to cover the rent. I want to believe there is more to life than that, and it’s up to us to go and make that happen”.

And things are definitely happening for the five piece. Emerging with their self-titled debut EP in 2016, Wild Honey's first track 'Eye To Eye' scored solid rotation on triple j and the band hit the road nationally with supports for fellow indie darlings The Belligerents, Hinds and Twin Peaks. Rounding out the year with a performance at Lost Paradise, the band racked up a whopping sixty shows in twelve months. 

Following it's premiere on triple j's Home & Hosed last night, Wild Honey launch the single at Sydney's Landsdowne Hotel on Saturday July 29. The live appearance is Wild Honey's first headliner for 2017 and a chance for fans to hear a stack of unreleased material from the five piece. Twitter here.

If you like a rousing indie rock song then 'Break Away' should meet most of your needs, complete with some very catchy hooks, plus energy and passion. Not bad for just one song.

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Playboy Manbaby - Last One Standing.

Background - "With a name like Playboy Manbaby you’d be forgiven for thinking that these guys had come together solely to soundtrack the current political shitstorm crashing down around our ears from over the pond, but the fact is that they have been rollicking from venue to venue for the best part of a decade. On "Don’t Let It Be"(Lolipop/Dirty Water) however, their third album, they’ve really pushed and refined their modern post-punk-o-rama sound to craft their best record yet.  

Off the back of the album's first single, "You Can Be A Fascist Too, (released freely last November to coincide with the US election) They seem to have really hit the current mood of half the western world with this tongue in cheek take down of narrow-minded lowest common denominator thinkers, taking a clear and direct shot at the traditional and so-called alt-right.

The sparse jittery verses of their latest single and video offering, "Last One Standing" let their mischievous post punk Oingo Boingo stylings jump through to the fore, hammering home that they are no pigeon-holed gabba gabba hey punk band, but rather one with a real playful wit and style that makes Don’t Let It Be an album to keep on coming back to.

When a band writes a record that encapsulates a moment, but with such aplomb that it will outlast the changes hopefully to come, you know it has the potential to catapult the underground into living rooms the world over. Ranting and raving at the state of your rut stuck life has rarely sounded like so much fun.

The band are fleeing their melting ('at least it's a dry heat') habitat of Phoenix, Arizona - which has felt successive weeks of average temperatures of around 110-115 fahrenheit (43-45 celsius) - seeing one day reaching the 120 mark! (49) They will hit the road on Friday for a twelve night, eleven city, relief trip being dubbed "Heat Escape Tour 2017". Pray tell, they don't bring the weather with them... even if they are a shit-hot band; you'd better be cool enough. Live dates on Beehive Candy's tour news page, website here.

It was back in January that we first featured the unique Playboy Manbaby. 'Last One Standing' is accompanied by a video (West Side Story anyone?)  that suitably matches this crazy and massively addictive band.


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Video Premiere: Ben Bostick - The Juggler

Ben Bostick - The Juggler.

Background - Ben Bostick is a Carolina-raised, California-based outsider country songwriter, musician, and busker. His influences range from Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen to Waylon Jennings and The Band. “A little bit outlaw, a lot of heart, and all authentic country” (Smalands Country Club).

Ben Bostick’s debut album has been a long time coming for this 33-year-old. Although his love of music and songwriting started in his early teens, the prospect of making a living from his passion seemed both impossible and sacrilegious. Having grown up off the beaten path in South Carolina, he’d never met a professional musician—plus the thought of desecrating music with money and ambition made him uneasy.

At eighteen he left home for a decade of rambling, writing, and odd jobs—roofing houses, working on ranches, working on movie sets, to name a few. He saw the country, met people from all over the world, and lived in New York, Nevada, Washington, Paris, Providence, and Los Angeles. Then one day in LA, on a whim, he went busking on the Santa Monica Pier. That day changed his life. As he wrapped up three hours of playing his original songs to appreciative audiences, he discovered he had a full tip jar. Busking was everything the dying music industry was not: fun, honest, lucrative, and artistically free. A street performer was born.

Ben saved his busking money and recorded his debut EP, My Country (2016). No Depression said, “he comes on like an unholy alliance of George Jones and Merle Haggard,” and Jolene called him “the closest thing to a sure bet that I’ve seen in a new artist.” The My Country EP was nominated for an Independent Music Award in the Roots/Country category and earned Ben a spot in the Songwriter Serenade songwriting competition in Moravia, TX.

Ben Bostick’s self-titled debut LP is set for release today July 7, 2017. A tour will follow in the fall. Until then, you can find him every Sunday night at the Escondite in downtown LA, tearing through a set of barn burners with his band, The Hellfire Club. 

Ben Bostick makes his living (and a good one) as a busker on the Santa Monica Pier. Calling his brand of music ‘outsider country’, Bostick explains how he coined the term. “My music doesn’t quite fit with the outlaw label, nor am I trying to imitate the classic artists and alt-country seems to be a genre with its own set of conventions. “ Website here, Facebook here.

One of ten notable songs on Ben Bostick's debut album 'The Juggler' is a rousing and high spirited piece, with a suitable video to match, complete with some cool juggling skills and a delightful stage setting. Ben's vocals are astonishingly addictive, and surrounded by some high quality musicianship. The album mixes more upbeat "outsider country" alongside some rich & powerful ballads. Country music fans (old & new) should love this, however I reckon Ben Bostick will reach well beyond that, to a much broader audience, and on the strength of this collection of music, he deserves to.


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Astari Nite - Trip to Dover

Astari Nite - The Girl Who Tried.

Background - Astari Nite have released "The Girl Who Tried", the second single from the "Dreams of Majesty" EP out via Cleopatra Records (U.S.) and Danse Macabre Records (Europe). “The Girl Who Tried” is an instant flashback in time, to the late 80’s, early 90’s dark and goth clubs of London and New York. The track is brimming with with the sounds of synths, backed by a steady, upbeat bass and drum line.

While the music of the single is ready to take the dance floors of the world by storm, vocalist Mychael Ghost’s lyrics float eerily over the track, letting the music guide your body while the words speak to the soul. "The Girl Who Tried" is a track heavily inspired by the New Wave dance movement, it's sound being noticeably influenced by acts such as Depeche Mode and New Order.

The track was produced and mixed by Howard Melnick (Guitars/ Programing), and mastered by Rees Bridges, (Dirty Vegas, Pete Doherty and Tears for Fears) who has worked the whole “Dreams of Majesty” EP with the band.

“The Girl Who Tried is a song about regret and closure. It finalises the story that we began in 2015 when we released The Boy Who Tried. When I close my eyes I picture someone praying while saying these words, however I have no clue if these prayers will ever be answered and by whom to say the least.” -M.G.

Astari Nite is continuing their relationship with artist Sandy Holmes (elemental.eyes) for the cover art of the latest EP, which will also embody the ideas expressed by each song on the album. Website here, Facebook here.

We featured Astari Nite three times last year and the new song 'The Girl Who Tried' is certainly worth a share. So far we have stated that the bands music features "tight rhythms and distinct vocals" "high quality post punk or new wave music" and also "layered and refined". So this time lets add, consistently vibrant and good.

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Trip to Dover - Fade Into Gold.

Background - A pianist fell in love with a punk girl. People said it wouldn't last. It did. They got married. Then they started a band... Trip to Dover

This Dutch indie-electro duo creates their own brand of alternative dance without losing the edge of a real indie-rock song - Guitar vs DJ. Man vs. Woman. Analog vs. Digital. Or more poetically: "Dave Grohl's twin sister meets a Chemical Brother at a concert of The Naked and Famous."

Trip to Dover is an alternative indie electro duo from the Netherlands that makes driving, melodic songs with elements of rock, 80’s synthpop and DJ-style electronics.

The band was formed in Brighton (UK) by vocalist/guitarist Olga and synth-player Johannes, who moved there after deciding their careers in architecture and politics were not what they were after. Website here, Facebook here.

Some fine rich synths introduce 'Fade Into Gold' and are soon followed by dreamy melodic vocals, and a boisterous rhythm. Put all together and this song is packed with hooks and beauty.


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Hero Fisher - Reckless Jacks - Fassine

Hero Fisher - Sylvie.

Background - British-born, French-raised and London-based, Hero Fisher (yes, that’s her real name) is returning to release her sophomore LP Glue Moon. Hero’s career has so far seen her collaborate with Alison Mosshart and Boy George in the Mark Ronson-scored ballet Carbon Life, open for The Rolling Stones and Neil Young at Hyde Park, and got shortlisted for the 2014 Glastonbury Emerging Talent Prize. In 2015 she released her debut album, the critically-appraised Delivery which won her fans in The Horrors and Blur. 

By turns a blistering rock and roller in the vein of Patti Smith and PJ Harvey, and an experimental folk storyteller à la Jeff Buckley, Hero Fisher resists easy generic categorisation with her protean and filmic musical storytelling. Able to expertly strike a variety of different narrative poses, she is at once the spurned lover and the fired-up rabble rouser, the predator and the prey. With Glue Moon lead single ‘Sylvie’ straddling the line between being a modern love song or a gothic ghost tale, it’s evident Hero has plenty of yarns left in her yet, and from the apparent ease with which she spins them, she’ll reach many more milestones on her creative journey.  

Shot in the style of found footage movie making like The Blair Witch Project, the video for Hero Fisher’s new single ‘Sylvie’ is a beautifully eerie accompaniment to her tender and emotive songwriting. Together, the audio and visuals tell a spectral love story. Delicate plucked acoustic guitars morph into orchestral soundscapes rich and cinematic in tone, as staggering as the sublime landscapes encountered in the video by Hero and her unseen partner as they roam deeper into the unknown. On ‘Sylvie’ Hero showcases her prodigious talent, led by a canny ear for compelling instrumentation and sophisticated lyricism. It’s a natural progression from the alt-rock/folk hybridisation found on her accomplished debut album Delivery and an exciting new step in her artistic development. Twitter here, Facebook here.

Delicate and melodic vocals that occasionally surge with power give 'Sylvie' a mixture of intimate moments and impassioned ones. They are accompanied by a multi-layered soundtrack that likewise occasionally dominates the piece, or slips away to the background. A fabulous song.


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Reckless Jacks - Alone.

Background - Reckless Jacks is a young indie-pop rock band with an old soul. Before they met, Matt (vocals & guitar), Scotty (lead guitar), Cece (bass) and Dan (drums) sessioned with the best and rocked out on some big stages.

Their strong, introspective music, harks back to an era when songs made you feel and dance. Matt's coarse and powerful vocals will capture your heart. With emotive lyrics that whisk you away on a journey steeped in melody. Songs that sit so comfortably inside you, you’ll think you’ve heard them somewhere before, along with anthemic guitar riffs you’ll be humming for days.

Their first live gig was in front of a packed house at Paris’ Bus Palladium. Taking to the stage where the likes of Hozier, Kasabian and Mick Jagger had gone before them. They went down a storm. 

As the house lights flickered back on, several large booking agents approached the band, with talk of potential supports and big festival stages further down the line.  Our boys had work to do. 

Pulling the plug on live performances, they locked themselves away for nearly two years. Honing their songs to perfection, living and breathing artist development and becoming producer-ready. 
As blood, sweat, tears and fortune would have it, their hard work paid off. 

Brit and Grammy award-winning Stereophonics producer, Jim Lowe was hired and an EP recorded at the brand-spanking-new Stereophonics’ studios in London. 

From the word go, Lowe could see something exciting unfold before him and dubbed them a future success story in the making. Loving their unquestionable work ethic and breathless ability to learn on their feet, Lowe was soon busy writing new material with them. 

Maybe it’s the lads’ multi-Euro background or numerous musical influences, but Jim Lowe is adamant that Reckless Jacks have an appeal that stretches way beyond UK waters. With the right guidance and just a little bit of luck, he believes these boys have the potential to go all the way. Website here, Facebook here.

'Alone' is an ardent, earnest rock'n'roll song, where the band are tight and gritty, the rhythm intense, and the vocals standout with heartfelt determination.


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Fassine - Ursa Minor.

Background - Fassine are pleased to share their latest single 'Ursa Minor' taken from their forthcoming second album, 'Gourami' - released 28th July. Fassine say: "'Ursa Minor' is our ode to Bowie's passing. He is one of our great obsessions and we wait for the ache to pass."

The London trio made a name for themselves last year with their icy, cinematic take on electronic music for ‘Dialectik -  a debut album that saw them gain praise & support from the likes of Spin, Q Magazine, The 405, The Guardian, Giles Peterson, BBC 6 Music and more.

Lyrically dark and musically complex, Fassine’s sound has a hint of Trent Reznor’s influence and sits alongside the cinematic, lyrical qualities of Unkle and the minimalistic bend of Berlin-era Bowie. Their aesthetic encompasses the oppressive, cold and austere atmosphere of 1970’s and 80’s British TV drama and dares the listener to enter the group’s stark, cold world.

The band have a keen ear for the cinematic with their songs featuring on the backdrop of high-profile American TV drama’s including Sky Atlantic’s The Following, Fox’s Lucifer, Sony’s The Art Of More and more...
Fassine recently featured on artist Robot Koch’s haunting track, Spine and also re-worked his latest single ‘Heart Is A River’ released on Monkeytown Records. Website here, Facebook here.

'Ursa Minor' has an expansive soundtrack that includes powerful synths and intricate beats. Vocals are emotionally engaging, as they dreamily glide above the superbly lush music.

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Nick Heyward - George Taylor - Raveen - Gestures & Sounds

Nick Heyward - Mountaintop.

Background - Nick Heyward has unveiled his first single in eighteen years, the double A-side ‘Mountaintop’ and ‘Baby Blue Sky’, released via Gladsome Hawk. 

The single is first offering from his eagerly anticipated solo album ‘Woodland Echoes’, due for release on 4th August. A-side ‘Mountaintop’ is inspired by a poignant mountaintop scene in Sam Wood’s 1939 film ‘Goodbye, Mr Chips’, but was written at sea-level and infused with his love for the rootsy sound of Americana. While on the flip side ‘Baby Blue Sky’ The infectiously sunshine-infused 'Baby Blue Sky' is inspired by living and recording on a houseboat in Key West. Featuring ABC guitarist Matt Backer on guitars. Nick describes working with him as a chance to "express their mutual love of the Rubinoos, Big Star and 70’s guitar power pop."

The accompanying video for ‘Baby Blue Sky’ was filmed entirely on Nick and his fiancee's mobile phones. Featuring footage of Nick's American band, it gives us a snapshot of his life in Key West, where he recorded much of the album. "I love the sense of freedom" Nick enthuses, "here we are in 2017 and we can make a video ourselves on our phone and edit it on our computer. I loved the whole process and the lack of rules or formulas." Trained as a commercial artist, Nick's eye for framing an image means he has not only shot much of the video, he has also captured the aesthetic behind the album and single artworks. 

Prior to his hugely successful and prolific solo career, Nick came to prominence as the frontman of percolating pop-funk new wave group Haircut 100, a foundational part of the 80s-pop explosion. They released four UK Top 10 hit singles, with their debut album ‘Pelican West’ reaching no. 2 in the UK album charts, no. 31 in USA’s Billboard 200, and ending up being certified platinum by BPI, with Nick gracing the cover of pace setting style magazine The Face.

His recent solo set at this year’s Great Escape Festival - praised by Drowned in Sound as “one of the finest we heard all weekend, his second coming is imminent” - was just a taste of the upcoming full band headline show at 229 in London on Wednesday 19th July. Nick’s return to the music scene and to the live circuit has already seen support across the board from the likes of Classic Pop magazine and Record Collector, while the single already picked up plays on BBC Radio 2 from Vanessa Feltz, whilst BBC London’s Gary Crowley made ‘Baby Blue Sky’ his ‘Record of the Week’.

Nick Heyward might just be back from a long hiatus, but 'Mountaintop' and ‘Baby Blue Sky’ look to firmly consolidate his songwriting credentials among the greatest, and with a brand-new album ready for pre-order through the direct-to-fan platform PledgeMusic and a tour in Autumn, he is here to stay. Website here, Facebook here.

Musically it's a long way from the days of Haircut 100, and a long time since Nick Heyward has released a single, however 'Mountaintop' suggests it's been worth the wait. Drenched in bright Americana, the rootsy musical feel, is accompanied by vocals that are well up for the task, in this first taste of his current musical direction.


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George Taylor - Ophelia.

Background - The London-based singer/songwriter George Taylor is sharing his glimmering new single ‘Ophelia’, the follow-up to last month’s ‘The Youth’.

Speaking about the song that occupies the same halcyon-spangled pop dimensions as ‘The Youth’ and ‘Give It Up’, George says: “Ophelia is a song I wrote after a girl I knew was very sadly sectioned and had to spend some time in hospital, thankfully she has since fully recovered. After visiting the hospital it was something I felt I had to write about as it gave me a much clearer insight on the issues surrounding mental health, and the stigma that comes with it. "The name ‘Ophelia’ was inspired by Shakespeare's Hamlet.”

George began drawing attention 12 months ago when his steady stream of singles turned heads at Warner Chappell, who quickly presented Taylor with a publishing deal following over 2 millions streams for his single ‘Give It Up’. From here, Taylor continued to generate attention securing a Spotify playlist spot for his Zane Lowe approved single ‘I Hear Your Song, Sweetness’ and an Apple Music placement for ‘The Youth’, naming it in their ‘Best Of The Week’ playlist. Website here, Facebook here.

What starts out as something of a intimate singer/song writer piece soon builds into a powerful alt rock song. 'Ophelia' includes some twists and turns, mixing melodic gentle moments, with passionate full on rock and it's beautiful.

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Raveen - Always.

Background from Raveen - Our debut LP Always is our attempt to tell a story with an ambition and scope greater than any of our previous work. It marks our foray into more subdued and lush songwriting anchored by vulnerable, heartfelt lyrics presented as a cohesive whole.

This track came together immediately after our singer/producer Eric took a long and introspective trip to Europe. 

There’s a lot of love in this song. Thematically, it serves as a good summary of the of rest of the record; themes of loss as it relates lost love but also grief, and the perceived loss of something magic in the early stages of adulthood.

This is also the most collaborative 3 minutes we’ve ever worked on. It features the three of us, plus contributions from ten or more vocalists and four or five string players - some of our best friends among them. Facebook here, Bandcamp (pre-order) here.

'Always' has a lush arrangement, mixing beautiful harmonies, and some exquisite music. The lead vocals convey a personal and heartfelt need to be heard. Collectively this one song has clearly been a labour of love, that deserves to be noticed far and wide.

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Gestures & Sounds - Ass Over Tea Kettle.

Background - LA-based, folk-pop outfit Gestures & Sounds are proud to release their self-produced music video for first single, "Ass Over Tea Kettle"; the lead off track from their upcoming full-length debut, Bill Nye Thinks We're a Band.  To match the upbeat energy of the track, Gestures & Sounds used their video production expertise to craft a product that is full of colourful swirling imagery and pure lyrical passion that even pays homage to the band's childhood hero... Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Gestures & Sounds is a one-stop shop for a great time. Their compositions utilize authenticity and real feelings. Mostly because they don't know how to be any other way. 

Though based in Los Angeles, the band's origins date back to Wisconsin.  After reconnecting once on the west coast, songwriter, Eric Fashingbauer, started introducing songs to the other members and the project evolved from there.  Playing everything from guitar to trumpet to harmonica, Eric and the rest of the band turned acoustic folk songs into full-fledged indie-pop grooves.

Silly and self-aware, the band's debut album Bill Nye Thinks We're a Band takes its inspiration from a speech they saw the famed scientist give on a college campus.  Almost highlighting their future goals, Gestures & Sounds hopes to one day be big enough to attract the attention of their childhood hero.

Blurring the ever-hazing line between visuals and music, they also churn out their own video content. Talented filmmakers as well as musicians, G&S create all of their own music videos from start to finish. They’re in a venture all their own and offering an experience to anyone who appreciates a cut to the beat. 

Gestures & Sounds release their debut full-length, Bill Nye Thinks We're a Band, worldwide on September 15th, 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

'Ass Over Tea Kettle' is a feisty slice of modern folk pop, that is very catchy from the outset. The video adds a further sense of fun, energy and total musical commitment from the band.


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Sarah P. - The Desert - Electric Eye - First Blush - Cody & Danz

Sarah P. - Summer Prince.

Background - Berlin-based solo artist Sarah P. just released a dreamy video for "Summer Prince" following her solo debut album Who Am I. Sarah P. states, "Today I’m sharing with you a very special video for “Summer Prince” from my recently released debut album Who Am I. It’s very candid, like the song itself – very spontaneous, summery and Greek, if you please. It’s filmed in Marathon and features me… basically, being me. I hope that you’ll enjoy watching/listening it and I wish for all of you to get the chance to visit the sea this summer." 

In contrast to all those amazing, big productions that come out every day, we went for spontaneity and let the scenery speak for itself. “Summer Prince” is inspired by summer holidays with my parents, while road tripping across Greece (through Crete, especially), seeing the landscapes changing and waiting for the moment I would sneak a peak of the sea – the place where I wanted to be the most.

“Summer Prince” is also inspired by all those vivid dreams I had as a teenager and young adult. I’ve always been a hopeless romantic and during those sensitive years where unrequited love was one of the greatest themes of my life, I used to spend a lot of time alone, by the sea, contemplating about all those ifs and maybes that would make me able to be loved back. Later on, at night, whilst asleep, a summer prince – my summer prince, would come to find me. He would give me all those things I wished for – romantic strolls at the beach, sweet conversations about nothing. He would look me right in the eyes because I was the only one he saw. Then he would leave me, and I would think that my dreams were more exciting than my actual life. I would wait for him to come back again the next night – sometimes he did, some others not. Website here, Facebook here.

Dreamy synth's flow along to a relaxed rhythmic beat and Sarah P's vocals just blend so perfectly with the music and melody. 'Summer Prince' is accompanied by an appealing video, encouraging me to take a seaside stroll sometime soon.


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The Desert - Just Get High.

Background - The Desert unveil their debut single 'Just Get High', the first track from their forthcoming debut EP called ‘Playing Dead’. The Desert is a collaboration between singer-songwriter Gina Leonard and guitarist & producer Tom Fryer. Tom’s atmospheric production style which plays with big spaces and other worldly sounds, lives in the space between Gina’s honest and poetic lyrics, allowing her songs to shine that little bit brighter. 

The pair first met at the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2014 where Gina played a set for The People’s Front Room, a collective that Tom is a part of. Tom went on to record and produce a few of Gina’s tracks, however it wasn’t until late 2016 that The Desert officially came together to write and record their first collection of songs. 

‘I find it difficult working with other people, it has always just been me and my guitar behind closed doors.’ Gina explains. ‘It was so exciting to find someone I could trust to develop my songs with. We’re pretty different but we work well together’

Lead single 'Just Get High' kicks off with a punchy electro-beat that contrasts with Gina’s reticent vocal delivery. Originally intended to be a demo recorded late one night in Gina's bedroom, Tom time-stretched it into shape and made a kind of down-tempo house beat for it, with a synthesiser part that grows to dominate and take over the whole track. Facebook here.

Gina Leonard's vocals are intimate and reflective and very hypnotic on 'Just Get High' as is the beautifully crafted soundtrack. Combined they create a song that could be late night listening material, provided your energy levels have not sapped completely away.

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Electric Eye - Turn Around, Face The Sun.

Background - We’re at Broen Studio in Bergen. Øystein Braut, Njål Clementsen, Anders Bjelland and Øyvind Hegg-Lunde have locked into a groove that never seems to stop. Their bodies are swaying in time with the music, their heads are eagerly shaking to the song that’s pumping out of the room, and it seems like they’ll never get out of it. Maybe they don’t want to get out?

It’s a little more than one year since Electric Eye released their second album, 'Different Eye', and only eight months since their live album, 'Live at Blå', came out. But now they’re standing here again, ready to pull you into a new whirlwind of psychedelic and hypnotic rhythms.

Since the last time they’ve travelled the world and visited countries like USA, UK, Japan, Italy, Germany, Denmark and many more. They’ve been everywhere to play concerts, which is where you really want to experience Electric Eye. Now they’ve brought all of their concerts into the studio, together with all of their experiences and a bunch of new songs. 

We’re back in Broen Studio, and it’s difficult not to be fascinated. The band will release their third album in November 2017, and now they’re ploughing through their new single, 'Turn Around, Face the Sun'. It sounds like a soundtrack to a movie that hasn’t been made yet, it’s villainy acid prog, it’s ethno jazz, it’s old school hip hop grooves mixed with the easily recognisable Electric Eye sound. Website here, Facebook here.

New single 'Turn Around, Face The Sun' slowly comes into being, with immediate hints of psychedelic vibes, that increase as the vocals begin and the music builds. Electric Eye would appear to be, on something of a creative roll right now!

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First Blush - Before & After.

Background - First Blush on "Before & After": "Before & After is the oldest track on my forthcoming album Monologic and was the song that ended up setting the tone for the whole album. As the title suggests, I think it evokes a sense of transition and flux, the feeling of standing sideways across the threshold of a door and looking in both directions before taking the next step. Sonically, Before & After also influenced the rest of the album with distorted synth bells and pads taking center stage and guitars being used more for accents and atmosphere."

A refresher on First Blush: First Blush is the brainchild of Charles Sekel, a former Julliard pre-college program kid-turned-indie musician. Sekel's music is a reflection of his battle to defeat a continuous cycle of self-destructive behaviour stemming back nearly a decade. From his college days as a classical/jazz musician at the Peabody Institute, Sekel struggled with alcohol abuse and panic attacks, and turned to original music to help with his mental health. Now completely sober thanks to the help of music, a good therapist and assistance from his girlfriend (now wife,) he was able to pull himself out of addiction and confidently release his solo venture.

"Before & After" follows First Blush's previous releases, the single "Wouldn't We All?" and trippy, gif-inspired music video for their track "Gold." Facebook here.

'Before & After' is our second song feature for First Blush this year. Vocals are centre stage as the song starts, and remain a focal point, as the music erupts into a powerfully layered soundtrack. Having only heard two songs from First Blush's forthcoming album, things are looking pretty promising.

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Cody & Danz - Make it in America.

Background - Cody & Danz are teaming up to release their debut EP, Only The Hits, on July 14th via Channel 9 Records in the USA and Tugboat Records in Japan. They have now shared their first video, "Make it in America.

The two artists both have burgeoning solo projects: Cody Crump and Computer Magic. Cody lives in LA and Danz lives in NYC. The two artists both have burgeoning solo projects: Cody Crump and Computer Magic. Cody lives in LA and Danz lives in NYC. Consequence of Sound says, "Though about 3,000 miles separate these two musicians, their minds meet on one project, their collaborative debut EP, Only The Hits." 

After playing many of LA’s staple venues - from Soho House to The Roxy to The Standard, Cody Crump has plans to tour in the very near future. His music will be featured in the upcoming film “The List.” He has had music featured on HBO's "Leftovers," Showtime's "Penny Dreadful, and most recently his song "Burn" was in ABC's "How To Get Away With Murder."

Danz has toured North America multiple times with acts such as Neon Indian, Ladyhawke and Chad Valley. She’s played the Primavera Festival in Spain, Martini Art Love Festival in Moscow,  and has toured Japan multiple times. She has many shows locally in LA and New York City, so stay tuned for upcoming dates for Computer Magic, Cody Crump and Cody & Danz. Facebook here.

Our second feature for the debut EP, this time with the new music video for 'Make it in America'. It's already gained plenty of attention, and as vibrant indie rock songs go, I reckon this one will ensure the EP, also gets plenty of attention.

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Quiet Hollers - Juanita Stein - Lone Kodiak - Altar Eagles - Sam Carmody

Quiet Hollers - Wheel.

Background - “Wheel” is one of the more raw, atmospheric songs on Amen Breaks (out on July 7th via sonaBLAST!), and one of the bands' first to feature a Roland CR-78 drum machine, their tribute to Roland’s Ikutaro Kakehashi. It also delves into the anxious existential theme that life can change in an instant, centered around frontman Shadwick Wilde’s quasi-phobia of car crashes (which he’s seen many of in his years of touring). 

“Wheel” follows Amen Breaks’ previously released stand-out single “Medicine”, a powerful track about crippling anxiety, depression, existential malaise, and society’s attitudes toward medication and addiction, along with “Funny Ways”, a song about criminality and the self-perpetuating prison-industrial complex. Both follow the album’s core themes that draw parallels with the cultural crossovers of the 1970's, a decade marred by division, political corruption, and terrorism… issues we can all relate to these days.

Expanding their shape-shifting palate to include vintage drum machines and samples, on Amen Breaks, Quiet Hollers raise questions of spirituality, sexuality, and mental illness to its new audience in tones that range from the cinematic to the psychedelic. Website here, Facebook here.

We featured 'Funny Ways' just a couple of weeks back however 'Amen Breaks' is such an impressive album that I could not resist the opportunity to now share 'Wheel'. Despite the initially stripped back nature of the track, the richness and charm remains, with this engaging and atmospheric song.

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Juanita Stein - I'll Cry.

Background - Juanita Stein has just announced a full UK and Ireland tour to follow the release of her brilliant debut solo record, 'America', on 28th July (Nude Records).  

Juanita Stein had already announced UK festival dates this summer, including with Tom Petty in Hyde Park and at Cambridge Folk Festival, ahead of a brace of headline shows - in her adopted hometown of Brighton and in London - the week the album is released. Tickets for her new September/October headline tour dates will go on sale this Friday (30th June). See below for all upcoming dates.

The newest single to be taken from her album, which was recorded in Los Angeles with the producer Gus Seyffert (Beck, Ryan Adams), 'I’ll Cry' is available now to stream and as a free download for fans pre-ordering the album ahead of its release.

Says Stein: "'I'll Cry' is a musical ode to the all-American greats I took my cues from as a budding songwriter. Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline and the work of Phil Spector, all of whom made a significant imprint on my heart, I’m  forever  channeling that soulful sadness. I’ll Cry is a song that speaks of an impossible love, his resistance, her infatuation. Never a happy ending.” Website here, Facebook here, UK tour details on Beehive Candy's tour news page.

'I'll Cry' is melodic, gentle and very beautiful. If your going to write and perform a musical ode to some of popular musics all time greats, then it ought to be something quite special, and yes, this song is all of that.


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Lone Kodiak - Calm Down.

Background - Produced by Johnny What (BRÅVES, Nikki Reed) and mastered by Grammy Award winning, John Greenham (Ice Cube, Bastille, Katy Perry, Sam Smith), “Calm Down” is the first single from the band’s forthcoming debut double EP “Feet in the Water.” Featuring exuberant strings, driving piano, eloquent acoustic guitar which offsets the energizing electric guitars, pep rally claps, both male and female vocals, and a distinctive hook, all in a hard-to-resist 3/4 time signature. The band have dubbed the sound “campfire rock," as it is intimate and honest enough to be a bedside lullaby while yearning to be an arena smash.

“The right hand piano part is where this one started,” explains Parker. “I was goofing around, playing an old news bulletin pattern, when I almost accidentally added the 3 left hand chords." 

“Calm Down” features the graceful, transcendent voice of Alex Rhodes. “The second I heard her voice come in on ‘Astronaut’ [one of Rhodes' singles], I knew she was the one," Parker said, "there is a emotionally devastating tenderness to her voice that we instantly fell in love with.” Lone Kodiak asked her to sing on the entire EP as well as the B-side, "Living Room Editions." LA violinist, Stephan Hovsepian, provided the captivating real strings just two days before the mix was due for mastering.

The debut single embraces light and life with a gang-chant melody that will stick with listeners for days. The effervescent rhythms, compelling guitar, bouncy choruses and a brooding breakdown are a potent recipe. Lone Kodiak isn't too bashful to be catchy nor too pop to forgo meaningful lyricism. "Calm Down" captures an intoxicating moment that sets the bar high or this new trio. Facebook here.

'Calm Down' is available as a free download (just click on the Soundcloud link below), and considering the calibre of this song, that's pretty generous. I like the bands "campfire rock" description for the song, which has power and yet is intimate or perhaps personal in feel.

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Altar Eagles - Dead Letters.

Background - Altar Eagles debut E.P. is titled in eponymous fashion--"Altar Eagles." It's a nice gooey psychedelic affair, with real sentiments and emotions, excellently written songs, ear worms and hooks galore. 

Erik Alcock has been a professional songwriter since he was 17 years old.  He talked his way into a live audition with EMI Canada in his native Toronto and then proceeded to cut himself on his guitar, bled all over the auditioning executive’s office, and played terribly. He was signed on the spot. 

After getting signed Erik left home and school and spent the next two years living in a jam space.  While the experience was not all that conducive to his songwriting, Erik was able to develop his chops by playing constantly. 

His quality of life improved substantially when he joined a band and spent the next few years on tour. When the band broke up he started working with DJ Khalil, Chin Injeti and Liz Rodrigues, forming The New Royales. Since then they've written songs for  Eminem, Kanye West, Pink and a host of others, which led to several Grammy wins, having the theme for  Mission Impossible 4, the Call of Duty video game, and Jake Gyllenhall’s movie “Southpaw.” Facebook here.

'Dead Letters' is the second of seven tracks on the debut EP. We first featured Altar Eagles back in February, and having now heard the EP in full, I am impressed equally by the variety of musical themes and the overall quality of production. At the very least check the previous feature, however if you like this song go check out the EP, it's a good one.

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Sam Carmody - The Sea Has Risen.

Background - Stepping out for his debut solo release, Sam Carmody is pleased to share ‘The Sea Has Risen’, a wonderfully crafted song that tells a moving tale of love against a backdrop of mesmerising melodies. Carmody’s visceral lyrics and emotive delivery are accompanied by eddying synths and jangling guitars, recalling the experimental Antipodean pop of Nick Cave, The Go-Betweens and Crowded House.

Born in Geraldton, drawn to Perth and now based in Darwin, Sam Carmody has been active as a writer for several years across various projects. In 2012 he won a WAMi Song of the Year award for his work with Perth four-piece Warning Birds. Just last year Carmody released his first novel 'The Windy Season' and was shortlisted for the Vogel’s Award - Australia’s most prestigious literary prize for young writers. For now though Sam’s creative focus lies in his solo musical output and his desire to getting back on stage.

Co-produced by former Warning Birds bandmate Bensen Thomas, ‘The Sea Has Risen’ is the first official single taken from Carmody’s forthcoming EP ‘Shadow in the Dream’ and will be launched live with a six-piece band at Music NT’s Song of the Year Awards, for which the track is nominated in the Pop category.

Sam Carmody possesses a gifted talent that will continue to bloom as he readies his new material for a 2017 release. Facebook here.

That Sam Carmody can really sing, is conclusively answered by just this one track 'The Sea Has Risen'. The musical production is melodic and superb, however it's Sam's vocals that make this a very special song.

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Tastes Like Chicken - A Valley Son - Moses Guest - San Mei - Ian Randall Thornton - Basement Revolver

Tastes Like Chicken - Bottle In My Hand.

Background - With America’s dependency on alcohol and opioids at an alarming all-time high, few artists have dared to address the complicated issue. South Carolina’s Tastes Like Chickenhave bravely attempted to fill that void with the release of their poignant and soulful new single “Bottle in My Hand. Recently voted Best Band in the Pee Dee by the readers of Florence’s The Morning News, “Bottle in My Hand” is proof that Tastes Like Chicken know firsthand the struggles associated with the destructive cycle of dependency.

According to songwriter Lance Shirley, “Bottle in My Hand” laments the dependent relationship people often form with alcohol: “The song is about drinking to make your problems go away. Although it may be a temporary fix, it usually ends up compounding the problem or bringing about new problems.”

“Bottle in My Hand” is told from the perspective of someone who is going through this vicious cycle. It could be wrecking their relationship, career, or something else, but they keep coming back to it. Shirley knew the dangerous cycle of alcohol dependency well enough that he quit drinking two years ago. Founded by brothers Lance and Chad Shirley, Tastes Like Chicken feature tight musicianship, pristine vocal harmonies, and an eclectic sound that is heavily influenced by a myriad genres of music, including jazz, R&B, country, soul, and gospel.

Since forming in Florence, Tastes Like Chicken have become a fixture on the regional music scene by playing over 200 shows and festivals a year. The band’s 2012 debut Don’t Tempt Me remains a hot commodity among their dedicated fanbase. Tastes Like Chicken have shared the stage with Sister Hazel, Lee Brice, and Edwin McCain. The band is set to release their new album Heartaches and Hangovers today June 30. Website here, Facebook here. 

There is a country rock feel to 'Bottle In My Hand' a meaningful song that I'm sure will resonate with those who have had a battle with the bottle at some point in their life. Beyond that it's also a beautifully crafted song with high quality musicianship and vocals, that are delivered with passion and feeling.

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A Valley Son - Leaving Is Easy.

Background - Brooklyn’s soulful Southern rockers A Valley Son, have announced their debut full-length But The World Moves (out September 8th), along with sharing the fiery lead single “Leaving Is Easy.” 

But The World Moves is the follow-up to A Valley Son’s critically-acclaimed debut Sunset Park EP that came out in January, solidifying the band as one that puts songwriting, emotion and musicianship back at the forefront. The band’s new album reflects on frontman Trey Powell's childhood growing up in the rural tidal plains of eastern Virginia, where he was surrounded by little more than farmland and the two rivers that carved out the Middle Peninsula. Powell felt shut in, restless, reckless… with such little outside cultural or mental stimulation things felt grim, and he responded accordingly, and, often, destructively. 

These are not a collection of somber acoustic ruminations, but raucous, rowdy, careening tunes that pull heavily from the Southern soul, rock and gospel tradition that each of the members grew up on. Just like with their electric, freewheeling live performances, the band sets a tone from the first track that tries to transport the listener back and forth between the past and the present seamlessly, in the hopes that the line between memory and reality are blurred. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

If you like your rock'n'roll natural, energised and gritty then 'Leaving Is Easy' is all of that. It's Southern rock, Brooklyn style and it works!

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Moses Guest - Light.

Background - Frontman Graham Guest states of the new single "I wrote "Light" in Summer/Fall 2015.  It came to me right along with "Black Road."  My daughter, Edie (9 years old) helped me with it a lot, telling me to keep certain parts and get rid of others.  It's about the all-too-common (at least for me) experience of being really excited about something or someone, then thinking that thing or person is maybe not cool at all, and finally thinking there just no way to be sure."

Moses Guest has been creating quite a name for themselves in recent years. They have shared the stage with several high-profile acts including Moe., Steve Miller Band, JGB, Willie Nelson, Los Lobos, Leftover Salmon, String Cheese Incident, Robert Bradley’s Blackwater Surprise, Jayhawks, Lisa Loeb, Colonel Bruce Hampton & the Fiji Mariners to name a few.

For Light, the studio focus is evident. The record marks the line-up’s twentieth anniversary and is their first album release since 2007’s Best Laid Plans. The super-tight, super-polished performances and arrangements hearken back to Moses Guest’s 2002 self-titled release. Website here, Facebook here.

'Light' is a feast of rhythmic, tight and super refined rock, with hints of blues and jazz. Professional and polished it certainly is, however there is enough feeling and heart to give it some edge.

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San Mei - Necessary.

Background - San Mei shares the stunning title-track from her forthcoming debut EP, 'Necessary'. Following the success of previous single releases, 'Rewind', and 'Until You Feel Good', a music video and an east coast tour, the Gold Coast multi-instrumentalist is has been gathering some serious momentum. 

'Necessary' takes San Mei's electric vocals and sculpts them into harmonic arrangements, layered against fuzzy guitar riffs. The track grooves its way into a soaring alt-rock ballad of eclectic instrumental arrangements and enchanting vocal orchestration. The track revolves lyrical around the need to treat those around you with kindness - in San Mei's own words: 'Everyone has stuff going on - happy, sad, trying. The song is about acknowledging that and just trying to be good to other people, because you don't know always know where they're at.'

San Mei has shared stages with Evar Klar, Polish Club, Elliphant and performed at the The Mountain Goat Valley Crawl just in the last six months. Adding to her growth the 'Until You Feel Good' east coast tour witnessed a solid progression of in San Mei's development as an artist.  She's also received props from the likes of  NME, Indie Shuffle, Nylon Mag and triple j - where she also gained spot rotation for previous single 'Rewind'. 'Necessary' single and EP is out July 14th. Facebook here.

Third time around on Beehive Candy for San Mei, who continues to impress, this time with 'Necessary'. Last time we said of her music, "Beautiful dreamy and sweeping vocals are supported by a rhythmic indie pop soundtrack." With the latest song I might switch pop over to rock, beyond that it's another delicious song.

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Ian Randall Thornton - Who Are We.

Background - Songwriter Ian Randall Thornton, is gearing up to release his proper debut album Lineage (due August 25th). “Who Are We” is an apt first offering from Lineage, in that it plunges straight into the theme of the record, while simultaneously representing its diverse musical scope. This track, much like the album itself, is about family and heritage, and the tension between honoring the past and embracing the future. So much of who we are is directly influenced by our inherited family culture, for better or for worse. Family teaches us how to walk, eat, judge, behave, and how to perceive and communicate with the world around us. "Who Are We" delves into the process of valuing what is beautiful in our family and cultural inheritance, while weeding out the aspects that can hold us back from growth and progress; in hopes to bestow an even greater inheritance to future generations.

Ian Randall Thornton’s sound echoes with a history beyond his years. At age 7, Thornton delved into classical music, and through his adolescence expanded his palate through involvement in different types of bands in his hometown of Norfolk, VA, from thrash punk to folk to post-rock. His current musical expression resides in a delicate balance between Americana, timeless folk, and progressive post-rock. His sound provides a unique tension: the balance of remembering the past and hoping unabashedly for the future. Each song on Lineage flows from one to the next like movements in a symphony, ideas weaving incandescently throughout. 

Sparks of world influence and folk traditions light up different tracks, such as the African influences heard in the fretless banjo dancing through “Philadelphia,” and distinctly Appalachian influences mixed with sounds of hope and history in “Dance Upon the Tables.” With “See You Through,” an ode written from a father to his daughter, the album comes to a crescendo of three part harmonies and a unique combination of Asian and Appalachian melodic influences. One could see this as a soundtrack to the film of Thornton’s life experiences, carrying secrets of friendship, made from family and for family. Its concept carries a definitive story of the golden threads of family history. In this Thornton finds purpose, writing odes to generations past, with songs such as “See You Through” serving as a guidepost for generations to come. Website here, Facebook here.

Some delicate acoustic guitar playing provides a fine backdrop for Ian Randell Thornton's notable vocals on 'Who We Are'. As the rhythm kicks in the song moves up a notch and some fine melodic vibes unfold. It's one of eleven tracks on the new album, and I have to say they are all at least as good as the featured song, with a few real gems along the way.

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Basement Revolver - Tree Trunks.

Background - 'Tree Trunks' follows the success of last year's EP and debut single 'Johnny'. Their new EP 'Agatha' is out July 21st on on Yellow K Records (U.S.) and fear of missing out records (U.K.).

The EP has had a lasting impact, racking up over 800,000+ plays on Spotify and nearly 100,000 plays on SoundCloud. ‘Johnny’ and their second single ‘Words’ reached the higher echelon of the Hype Machine chart, while the EP has made various ‘best of 2016’ listings around the blogger community. 

Lead singer Chrisy Hurn on the new single: "Tree trunks was written when I started experiencing panic attacks for the first time, and my increasing need to find a professional who could help me to find better ways to cope. It also tries to mirror how I imagine the environment feels sometimes - and how the environment is tied to many people's mental health. I was very fortunate to find the help that I needed and I would encourage everyone to go after the mental health resources that are available to them." Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

Last years debut single 'Johnny' really did standout from the crowd, since then we have featured Basement Revolver a couple of more time and now we have 'Tree Trunks' to share. This is a band that can consistently deliver beautiful, melodic, emotional songs with incredibly large hooks, fabulous!

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