Dead Naked Hippies - Hero Fisher - Linda Em

Dead Naked Hippies - Rare.

Background - With an angular opening riff that batters its way into your head and stays rattling around in there all day, Rare is the ferocious new offering from Leeds art-rock trio Dead Naked Hippies. Don't be fooled by the initial ferocity, Rare serves to empower others and front woman Lucy Jowett is not holding back:

“It is a song about self love. I think we're quick to judge the term & deem it laughable or irrelevant in fear of being arrogant, or weird. But if you take a hard look at the society we live in, it's clear to see why so many people struggle to feel content in their own minds and their own bodies. I've always struggled with myself and it sickens me to think that so many other people feel the same. It needs to change.”

Expanding more on the band’s mission, and where latest release Rare fits in – Lucy says: “We're used by advertising companies, so they can make money out of our discontentment. Bombarded with images of fake realities, only to make us feel like ours isn't enough. We're made to feel like our creativity and passion will never be as important as serving a functional purpose in society. It's dull, boring and I'm ..king mad about it. Most importantly, I want people to know that they're not alone.”

By creating a vehicle, alongside band mates Joe Clarke (guitar) and Jacob Marston (drums), through which Lucy can express and tackle her own internal issues, Dead Naked Hippies offer a space for others to do the same. Rare is a cathartic rallying call in the form of pounding drums, guttural guitars and righteous vocals. TWITTER.

Following on from the song 'Guillotine' which was our first taste of Dead Naked Hippies back in June we now have the chunky and somewhat rambunctious follow up track 'Rare'. A loud alt rocker that takes no prisoners, it's hard to ignore and easy to embrace.

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Hero Fisher - If I Die and Nothing Happens - (Warning - Flash Video).

Background - With it’s heavy dub bass and raw distorted vocals, the sound of ‘If I Die And Nothing Happens’ belies Hero’s playful lyricism. The dark spectral soundscape she builds evokes a deep volcanic winter as her ambient instrumentation facilitates the telling of a fundamentally human story. Hero’s lyrical quest for light also serves as an affirmation of life, and a recognition of the beauty around us. Moreover, it showcases Hero’s unique dynamism as a songwriter.

There are light moments within the dark, as in her canny layered vocals and the sublime motorik outro. The glacial production style shines with the same vitality that Hero has carried through all her work. Ultimately, ’If I Die And Nothing Happens’ is a heady reminder of the heights of alternative music and its limitless potential to tell new stories and explore new ideas. Hero’s influences are vast, but she distils them into a sound that feels both effortless and rare.

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 get 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 cinematic 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, predator and prey. With Glue Moon previous singles ‘Sylvie’, ‘Push The Boat Out’, ‘I Let Love’ and ‘Lonely’ Hero’s lyrical imagination proved unique and bountiful. ‘If I Die And Nothing Happens’ takes her sound into unchartered territory. It’s a testament to her resplendent artistry, and a display of her limitless potential to find new sonic avenues. WEBSITE. 

'If I Die and Nothing Happens' is our fourth feature for Hero Fisher who continues to impress with her imaginative and intriguing music. There are some clever melodic hooks that contrast well with the dub bass and ambient backdrop, and Hero Fisher's vocals once again are just so engaging, that it leaves me simply wanting to hear more.


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Linda Em - Two Hands.

Background - London-based Irish-born songstress Linda Em presents her new single 'Two Hands' ahead of her ‘London Irish’ EP, to be released on September 21 via Talking Elephant Records. This new single comes on the trail of her blazing ‘Wild Fire’, a sultry earworm of an EP teaser.

This EP is the first step in a different direction for Linda, towards a more atmospheric and spacious sound and vocal performance. It is both poetic and storytelling while still being brutally honest and personal. Her pure and raw vocals beautifully convey a nostalgic lyrical narrative, her warm endearing vocals drawing the listener into her musical story telling.

The ‘London Irish’ EP was recorded, produced and mastered at Orphan Recording, Dublin by Gavin Glass (Paul Brady, John Grant, Lisa Hannigan, Mundy), who is also music director for John Carney's film ‘Sing Street’). It was mixed by Scott Halliday (John Grant, Lisa Hannigan and previously guitar tech for Prince and James Vincent Mcmorrow). 

‘Two Hands’ is about seeking a safe, quiet space in which to gather strength when the trials of your everyday life feel overwhelming. Linda Em co-wrote this song with Ian Montague.

“There was a particular point in my life where I felt very alone just been kicked out of college and my mum and brother were both in hospital. I was the main caregiver. I went into the church at the end of the road and sat asking for something (I didn’t know what). You light a candle and expect god to be at the end of the bed that very night. I used to search for churches in-between the madness” is me reflecting on those moments. When we cannot fix something, we always try to go to a higher place for help and as a young person whose family was not “normal”, I looked for that more often,” says Linda Em.

“As we grow and work on self, we realise that the higher powers we are seeking are not some greater godlike figure but something within ourselves, even if it’s just simple acceptance. That’s why the end of the song refers to that “bitter sweet surrender” of letting go and letting go of ego “humiliate me slowly” of being willingly open to vulnerability and letting go of pride. And also of being reborn spiritually “open me unholy again and again“, each able to become our own superhero.” WEBSITE.

We featured 'Wild Fire' back in the middle of July and the second single from the 'London Irish' E.P. due later this month is 'Two Hands'. It's another gorgeous modern folk song where Linda Em's vocals are so full of emotion and personal feeling. The musical arrangement is sublime giving even more passion to this truly beautiful song.

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Tom Auton - Shane Guerrette - Stonefield

Tom Auton - Stay.

Background - Self taught musician, Tom Auton will be releasing his highly anticipated EP Big Little Glass Bowl on September 14th.

“I spent months hitting my head against the wall. How on earth do you build a colossal fanbase overnight?! Then I realised; it’s useless being a ‘small fish in a big pond’, I need to be a ‘BIG fish in a SMALL pond’. I’m wasting time splashing about, trying to be heard from every single person on the planet, It’s my hometown I need to pour myself back into. A crowd draws a crowd. It’s this new mindset that inspired me to plunge back into Cardiff, put on my first headline show which subsequently sold out at 150 capacity.

Big Little Glass Bowl is for not only my pond, but all the other musicians who are trying to be a small fish.” - Tom Auton.

Influenced by Royal Blood and John Mayer, the singer-songwriter has already made his mark, breaking the top 8 in Fender’s Undiscovered Artist of the Year Award, showcasing himself to an audience of over 5 million. Tom also achieved first place at both Open Mic UK and Future Music Songwriting competition. After supporting the likes of Jack Savoretti and touring with Galaxies Collide, Tom has been highly supported by BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Kent and Radio Cardiff. WEBSITE.

My first impression of 'Stay' is that it exudes confidence, something that comes through with both the distinct vocals and sturdy musical arrangement. There's a little bit of soulfulness, even something of a blues vibe here and there, but it's the whole thing, lyrics, performance and even the flowing video that connect beautifully, it's no wonder Tom Auton is gaining attention on a local level, further afield now beckons.


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Shane Guerrette - Nomadic Soul.

Background - A fresh 21 year old singer/songwriter with big dreams and an ever-expanding fan base, artist Shane Guerrette's future as a performer looks quite promising. 

Drawing influences from the blues/rock genres, Shane is reinventing these sounds into a style uniquely his own.

A blues/rock influenced singer/songwriter based out of New York, has amassing millions of Youtube plays, & gaining nearly 100k subscribers on the platform. 

Shane Guerrette will be releasing his debut self-titled EP, Shane Guerrette, - produced by Bob Cutarella (Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Jeff Beck) - on September 7th.

The first single, Nomadic Soul has now been shared. WEBSITE.

'Nomadic Soul' gently opens with some gorgeous acoustic guitar playing before the layers of blues rock are added. Vocals are rich and full of experience and feeling that belies Shane's age, his guitar work in sublime, collectively this all helps to explain how the listening statistics are all stacking up.


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Stonefield - Through The Storm.

Background - Australian psych band Stonefield -- who released their third LP earlier this year via King Gizzard's Flightless Records -- has announced a North American tour, kicking off on September 20th. It includes a performance at Desert Daze in October, stops at Toronto's Night Owl Fest & Mexico City's Hipnosis Festival, and a 7" release show at NYC's Baby's All Right.

This week, the band shares a video for their song "Through The Storm," which appears on both their latest full-length, Far From Earth, and a new 7" coming out this fall on Greenway Records. The video features footage from Stonefield's previous LA residency at the Bootleg Theater.

Made up of sisters Amy, Hannah, Sarah, and Holly Findlay, Stonefield's sound pays homage to the prog, metal, and psych powerhouses of the '70s while remaining uniquely their own. Their latest album was produced by Stephen McBean (Black Mountain) and features Rob Campanella (Brian Jonestown Massacre) and Gregg Forman (Cat Power.) FACEBOOK.

 Stonefield on Tour:
** with Frankie and the Witch Fingers
9/20 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Griffin**
9/21 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The State Room**
9/22 - Denver, CO @ The Hi-Dive**
9/23 - Lawrence, KS @ Replay Lounge**
9/24 - Davenport, IA @ The Raccoon Motel**
9/25 - Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen**
9/26 - Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop Bar**
9/27 - Detroit, MI @ Deluxx Fluxx**
9/28 - Toronto, ON @ Night Owl Fest**
9/29 - Brooklyn, NY @ Baby's All Right (Greenway 7” release show)**
9/30 - Winooski, VT @ The Monkey House
10/2 - New York, NY @ Berlin
10/3 - New York, NY @ Berlin
10/6 - Mexico City, Mexico @ Hipnosis Festival
10/10- Los Angeles, CA @ Zebulon
10/12-10/14 - Moreno Beach, Lake Perris, CA @ Desert Daze
11/10 - Tijuana, Mexico @ Marko Disko (w/ King Gizzard)

At the end of last year we featured 'Delusion from Stonefield describing that song as a "full on rock & roll song oozing power and passion." Now we have 'Through The Storm' a track that pretty much explains that this is something this potent rock outfit are good at. The concert footage within the video simply ups the desire to see them perform live!


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Foxhole - Vaureen

Foxhole - After The Walk.

Background - “After the Walk” is the soaring second single that Foxhole is sharing ahead of the release of Well Kept Thing, the post-rock band’s first new album since 2006’s Push/Pull EP. Written under one of the live oaks that pepper Austin, TX, album opener “After the Walk” (which was mixed by the Grammy-winner Stephen Roessner and mastered by Bob Weston from Shellac) is an attempt to bring joy and elation to post-rock, a genre not exactly known for its bright side. A close listen reveals coins dropping to the floor as the song empties out, as well as a misplaced chuckle in a guitar mic at the break. It’s a celebration of friendship — the sort of excitement that comes not from swelling cymbals and cinematic guitars, but from being in the same room as old friends, who remember parts of you that you’d nearly forgotten.

Written across 12 years, five states and three countries, Well Kept Thing is a sonic autobiography, telling the story of a band growing up and journeying apart, while fighting against distance and the demands of adulthood to preserve their friendship. It's the culmination of more than a decade of writing, recording, revising and waiting. As members started new careers (as a coffee shop owner, a farmer and commercial fisherman, a creative director, an admission to MIT’s Media Lab), married, had children and continued their nomadic tendencies, with members living around the globe, each change brought a new perspective on a growing repository of ideas.

Slowly, a new writing process emerged, and with it, a new aesthetic. Emails and MP3’s were exchanged with scraps of ideas captured on phones and laptops. As those scraps became songs, they graduated to a server where a version control system tracked every change — syncing them to all five members and bridging disparate locations, time zones and work schedules. It was a rhythm that a different band might have found frustratingly slow, but played to the strengths of a group committed as much to each other as their music. Blistering drums, masterful melodic interplay, dynamic composition and a distinct smattering of brass — these are the defining qualities of Foxhole, a post-rock group of limited output but surprising longevity. And on their third proper album Well Kept Thing, the band builds on their diverse foundation to deliver a (mostly) instrumental album for the ages. WEBSITE.  

The first of eleven tracks on next months album release 'Well Kept Thing' is 'After The Walk'. Foxhole might base themselves on mainly instrumental pieces however there is nothing lacking on this album. As the featured second single demonstrates, the bands ability to develop melodic and epic music focused around a post rock core is something they do with flourishing style. Sometimes it's the momentum and sheer power that stands out, then again it might be the more sensitive and pristine moments that grab you. What is certain is that the level of imagination and musical diversity ensures that with this collection of songs, there is never a dull moment.

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Vaureen - Stare Into The Sun.

Background - Brooklyn trio Vaureen share their new single 'Stare Into The Sun' and announce the new album 'Extraterra' due out 26th October via Rising Pulse Records. Formed in 2011 in Brooklyn, New York, three-piece Vaureen are anything but straight-forward. Combining the off-kilter fuzz of mid-90’s grunge aligned against abreactive passages of noise, left-of-centre shoegaze and the bleak doom of psych-infused stoner rock, Vaureen create a brooding, nihilistic sound, steeped in a raw energy and honesty that could shake even the most apathetic listener. With an acclaimed EP behind them along with a number of US live dates under their belt, the band are now set to release their debut album ‘Extraterra’.

Vaureen’s forthcoming album exhibits their unique brand of ethereal yet intensely foreboding alt-rock, which could be equated to the sound of early-The Breeders meets Fugazi meets Chelsea Wolfe meets The Sword. Tracks such as ‘Stare Into The Sun’ showcase vocalist Andrea Horne’s sonorous and dynamic vocals while stripped back instrumentation seamlessly transforms into atmospheric shoegaze infused post-rock, driven forward by a powerful rhythm section. The entire album is flooded with progressive moments like this with songs evolving at every opportunity. You’d be forgiven for thinking the band might have some affiliation with Sargent House, but despite having these moments of beguiling familiarity their music remains entirely distinctive. Elsewhere, you can hear a much heavier set of influences such as on ‘Forms Beyond My Own’, where fuzz laced guitars descend into doom-inspired riffs, becoming more caustic, whilst also hinting at their more experimental influences.

Recorded by long-time friend and esteemed producer Aaron Bastinelli (Fun Sound Studio), ‘Extraterra’ sees Vaureen release their most dynamic and consummate material to date. Speaking about the album, Andrea Horne (vocals/guitar) says, “I came to music from an art background and I have a form of synesthesia. For me the album is highly visual. The title comes from my personal interest in spaces beyond direct perception, both within and without… like Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot and Charles & Ray Eames’ Powers Of Ten.”

Debut albums boasting the dexterity of ‘Extraterra’ are extremely rare. Vaureen refuse strict categorisation and in doing so have produced an incredibly textured record, which is all at once dark, pensive, expansive and airy, and will appeal to many both on and beneath the surface. WEBSITE.

'Stare Into The Sun' is dramatic and powerful to start with, it then proceeds to build with potency and intensity to a thunderous finale. A genre shifting rocker that is hard to pigeonhole, Vaureen have something very addictive going on here, I sense that the awaited album might pack some formidable material.

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Mars Motel - Telefones

Mars Motel - Green (The Eclipse Sessions - Live).

Background - Mars Motel is a dream-rock band from Brooklyn, NY presenting an explosive and immersive sound which originates from melodic elements of 1990’s Brit-Pop as well as the raw, driving rhythms of the early 2000’s NYC rock scene.

Well before the official name and creation of Mars Motel, the music began as a series of psychedelic, Brit-Pop-inspired bedroom demos written by singer/guitarist Sarik Kumar during his last year of high school. For almost 10 years, the demos were left on an old computer and almost forgotten until the summer of 2016, when Kumar rediscovered them while visiting his childhood home on Long Island.

After a couple of successful singles being released in the last two years since Mars Motel was formed, including “Green” and “Living in the Moment”, The Eclipse Sessions live EP was released in late July of this year.

Recorded on August 21, 2017 at Mission Sound during the first solar eclipse the contiguous United States saw in 38 years, and released during yet another eclipse this year, the EP features three live tracks from Mars Motel’s first wave of singles, “The Enemy”, “Green”, and “It’s Here Tonight”, as well as two unreleased B -sides (“Hit The Floor” and “City Streets”). FACEBOOK. 

The Eclipse Session live version of 'Green' exudes calmness, quality and charm. The bands dream rock is confidently delivered, the musicianship is totally engaging and the melodic hooks do the rest.   


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Telefones - Castle Factory.

Background - Nashville-based, post-punk band Telefones share their new single, "Castle Factory," the A-Side off their forthcoming 7-inch. Telefones' Castle Factory/Vitamins 7" is due out 9/21 on Banana Tapes & Cold Lunch Recordings.

The 7-inch release is an experiment on the wide spectrum of the punk genre. A-Side, "Castle Factory" adopts more conventional pop/rock ideas, inspired by The Stooges' early work. The track pays homage to the proto-punk era, subverting traditional blues rock sensibilities with distorted guitars, unhinged vocals and raw production. B-Side, "Vitamins," is a more bombastic, noise rock song, with Boredoms-eque repetitive, percussion, driving the song through the fuzzed out, screeching noise and wily vocal performance.

Telefones consists of Wes Salton (Guitar, Vocals), Jason Chiarella (Bass, Synthesizer), Adam Reeve (Drums, Vocals) and Jack Faulkner (Guitar, Synthesizer). They are a post-punk outfit based out of Nashville. The band was formed by longtime grade school friends Wes and Jason when they were in high-school in Atlanta. Later, they relocated to Nashville, where they picked up Jack and Adam to join the group. 

The band makes eclectic punk music, with inspirations ranging from Fugazi to The Modern Lovers and The Buzzcocks. Their heavy energetic set is short, sweet and to the point, with their recorded material attempting to recreate their live, raw sound. BANDCAMP.  

'Castle Factory' opens with some chunky riffs in this cut to the chase rocker. The vocals are deep in the mix, occasionally powering up and demanding to be noticed, as the band just pile on the rock grooves with a sense of angst and urgency.

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Martin Van Ruin - Calvin Johnson - Arthur Nasson

Martin Van Ruin - Current Day (album).

Background - Current Day is the follow-up release to Martin Van Ruin’s critically-acclaimed debut, Every Man a King. A collective project from some familiar Chicago faces (members of Derek Nelson & The Musicians, Jenny Dragon, Planetsexploder).

The seven-piece’s new album sees the group exploring increasingly modern sounds while building upon the ideas that led critic Jessica Hopper to write that their debut was “one of the best local albums of the year; a sprawling folk-rock work with vintage country and chamber elements … an album in a classic sense.”

Also for American Songwriter to say that “fans looking for Chicago’s next Wilco may want to check out Martin Van Ruin,” and for the Chicago Sun-Times to write that “The Bob Dylan and Neil Young comparisons are inescapable for this new folk rock supergroup.” Current Day was recorded over a series of sessions in 2017 at the Music Garage in Chicago and was engineered by Mike Lust (Tight Phantomz).

Martin Van Ruin is: Alex Winter: bass, Brian Sharpe: lead guitars, piano, Cathy Starr: violin, Derek Nelson: vocals, guitars, Sarah Jane Goldstein: vocals, percussion, melodica, Pete Falknor: drums, synth, guitars, Philip Vickers: lap steel, guitars, trumpet. WEBSITE.

The new album 'Current Day' from Chicago band Martin Van Ruin really does deserve to get noticed way beyond the bands home city. Although they have been described as a folk rock band, that for me is too narrow, it's perhaps a starting point, however they morph comfortably beyond that doing so with a consistently engaging sound. The musicianship is high calibre as are the vocals, which add so much feeling and personality to the songs. Others have described the band as a super group, I would rather leave the listener to form opinions around that particular label, that they are musically superb, is something I would comfortably concur with.

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Calvin Johnson - Like You Do.

Background - The new Calvin Johnson album A Wonderful Beast [KLP269] is an experiment in sound. Calvin entered the Audio Eagle Studio in Nashville, TN. using the premise “Rock’n’roll Will Never Die” as a starting point. Working closely with Producer Patrick Carney and Chief Engineer Marc Whitmore, the team tested the resiliency of such time honored materials as the electric guitar, modular synthesizer and trap drum kit, combining them in various ratios with musical elements like chords A, C and Dm. The results are the Frankenstein’s monster of an album, A Wonderful Beast.

Following in the tradition of such Brill Building songwriting teams as Leiber-Stoller, Greenwich-Barry and Goffin-King, all the songs on A Wonderful Beast are a collaboration between Calvin Johnson and Patrick Carney. Carney, best known for his work as a member of the Akron, OH powerhouse The Black Keys, established Audio Eagle to further exactly this type of rock’n’roll workshopping, allowing the music and songwriting of Now to rocket launch into the Future.

Calvin first met Patrick in 2005 while touring the United States following the release of his second solo album Before the Dream Faded… [KLP170]. The two kept in touch over the years. Patrick suggesting some sort of collaboration; they got together with only the belief that music can ooze from the savage breast, and A Wonderful Beast emerged from the primal dross.

An important element of the sound success of A Wonderful Beast is the contribution of chanteuse Michelle Branch, who provides back-up harmony vocals on three songs. Ms. Branch, who score many hits in the early double-0 decade as a solo artist and as a member of the Wreckers, lives next door to Audio Eagle. Intrigued by the sounds ratcheting forth from the lonesome shack that houses the studio, she walked over to see for herself what all the hubbub was about. Before long she was singing like a bird, in three part harmony (Thanks, Michelle!). TWITTER.

There is something about the video that is strangely addictive, however it's the song that still stands out in a sizable way. 'Like You Do' is just a little "out there" with the vocals demanding your wholesale attention and the vibrant and energetic musical backdrop adding layers of gorgeous sounds. Just one track and the album is calling me for some serious attention.


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Arthur Nasson - Books About It Pt. 2.

Background - Prolific alternative rock artist Arthur Nasson shares "Books About It Pt. 2" off his forthcoming LP Whack Mythology, due out next Friday, August 31st. "The idea that mythology, whether personal or global and the social programming it instills in each of us, drives much about our actions and perception. In holding up this type of mirror both in personal and more broad ways, one can perhaps have a laugh and recognize some shared sense of what we go through in this life."

Whack Mythology will be the 10th full length release for the Arlington, Massachusettes alternative artist. Nasson's determination led him to build a critically acclaimed catalog of recordings starting out largely with one mic and an 8 track cassette deck. Following the release of the LP Nasson will release an additional bonus EP Basement Glitter, due out 9/14.

Speaking on Whack Mythology, Nasson says, "The idea that mythology, whether personal or global and the social programming it instills in each of us, drives much about our actions and perception. In holding up this type of mirror both in personal and more broad ways, one can perhaps have a laugh and recognize some shared sense of what we go through in this life."

Nasson recorded these tracks in his home studio, but the final product feels far from lofi. Nasson handles the songwriting, production, engineering, vocals, piano, guitar, bass, percussion and synthesizers largely on his own, and with assistance from his sons Graham Nasson (drums/rhythm guitar) and Colin Nasson (rhythm guitar/percussion). WEBSITE.

'Books About It Pt. 2' is a melodic alt rocker that has a relaxed swagger to it musically (the piano adding something of a bar room vibe). Arthur Nasson's vocals are a delight and as the song builds into a more strident rocker, he allows the music to carry the day.

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Schmieds Puls - Fightmilk - Fufanu

Schmieds Puls - Don't Love Me Like That.

Background - Schmieds Puls have released new single ‘Don’t Love Me Like That’ taken from upcoming album Manic Acid Love. Fronted by Mira Lu Kovacs, Christian Grobauer (drums) and Walter Singer (bass) – Schmieds Puls are an Austrian outfit who have been making waves in their home territory for some time. Spanning genres, refusing to be pigeonholed and being politically outspoken, particularly regarding Mira’s feminism has cemented them as one of the countries most interesting outputs, earning them prestigious accolades such as the Amadeus Austrian Music Award.

New album Manic Acid Love is a triptych leading us through the spectrum of human emotion, the eleven tracks taking us through unconditional devotion (Manic), the deep vulnerability and pain this dedication precipitates (Acid) and the human power to overcome these hurdles and find peace (Love).

Delicate guitars are paired with staccato vocals that cut right through to the listener, giving you no choice but to stop what you’re doing and take note. Jazz knowledge and influences run through the veins of Schmieds Puls, while the tracks remain instantly catchy and full of pop sensibilities.

Along with anger, subtler emotions are articulated, such as on ‘Don’t Love Me Like That’. Mira explains “with "Don't Love Me Like That", I wanted to try to explain the complexity with that I experience love and relationships. For me nothing; no feeling, no situation, no connection between me and any other person is linear. It is always at least two things. It gets especially difficult when these things are the exact opposite of each other. I can feel drawn to a person as much as I need to be away from them. That can be confusing and exhausting, but that's how I experience it. Oftentimes it enriches my world. Nevertheless it is a love song, a brutally honest and therefore kind one, I want to say.” WEBSITE.

Taken from the forthcoming 'Manic Acid Love' we have the new single 'Don't Love Me Like That'. The band have an intrinsic overall sound that anchors their music, however they do creatively explore differing musical directions and emotions, sometimes subtly, other times with great clarity, and always with beautifully crafted pop sensibilities. 

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Fightmilk - Four Star Hotel.

Background - Harnessing a great catchphrase in to an excellent album title, London four-piece Fightmilk are due to release their debut album Not With That Attitude on 2 November 2018 via Reckless Yes.  Fightmilk are Lily, Alex, Adam, and Nick – a four-piece from London who formed in the wake of broken relationships and an uncomfortable year spent living at home at the age of 25. They create sweaty, loud, shouty pop songs about crushing hard, acting out, and running away to solve crimes in Sweden. Blending acerbic lyrics with riffs galore and the urge to dance when you least expect it, Fightmilk revel in a certain inexplicable 90s nostalgia.

With “Four Star Hotel” Lily and Alex explore the ending of the relationships with their respective long-term partners (which was the catalyst to forming the band). Coincidentally both couples had booked vacations in Amsterdam towards the end and each realised that a holiday will never save a relationship. As Alex explains; “almost every line is based on one of our two true stories, from the shit-eating grins in the holiday photographs to having to push two twin beds together in a hotel room.”

Fightmilk formed in 2015 when lifelong friends Lily Rae and Alex Wisgard were both made romantically redundant at the same time. They realised there was too much angst, too much Kirsty MacColl, and too many drunk nights of making up fake band names for them not to be in a band together. They began writing songs, partly as a way to work out some of their issues and partly so that they could reference It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Moving on from just the two of them and a drum machine called Elton that they couldn’t figure out how to operate, they were joined by Nick Kiddle on drums and Adam Wainwright on bass (who was also handy at piano, cooking dinner and making electronic music in his bedroom under the name of Future Wife).

They released two EPs, the self-releasedThe Curse Of Fightmilk in 2016 and Pity Party via Fierce Panda. As both EPs sold out, they released a compilation of the two, plus two bonus tracks, called Both Types of Hayfever in early 2018. They have shared the stage with Desperate Journalist, Worriers, Dream Nails, Spearmint and Skinny Girl Diet (amongst many others) and toured Germany. Securing radio support from Steve Lamacq on BBC 6Music and John Kennedy on Radio X they also received enthusiastic Twitter reactions from Helen Love and Eddie Argos. In a more unusual booking, they were recently the live support act for a screening of the film 10 Things I Hate About You. BANDCAMP.

'Four Star Hotel' is a dazzling indie pop/rock song that bursts into life firing musical hooks in all directions. Exciting and passionate if this is 90's nostalgia, then I'm ready for a bus load more of it!

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Fufanu - Dialogue ii.

Background - After the release of their celebrated sophomore LP Sports last year, enigmatic trio Fufanu have dropped the second instalment in The Dialogue Series – Dialogue ii. The band have been releasing a series of EPs throughout the year – each one an exercise in exploring their multiple sonic personalities, from motorik and post-punk to alt-techno, to woozy avant-garde electronica. A full album comes at the end of it - The Dialogue Series is out 19th October on One Little Indian Records.

Lead single taken from the Dialogue ii, Typical Critical, explores the concept of online love vs real life love. “How we not only want to be loved and adored, but we want to feel it as well” says lyricist Kaktus Einarsson. “You want something more than to see it only through social media likes and emoji’s that someone loves you – you want to actually feel it. Feel a more complex love from what the world feeds on. Handmade love vs. mass-produced love.”

Once the band returned to Iceland after a long stint touring, they had a bag of demoes written at different junctures on the road, purposefully created with no regard for a unified sound. They were eager to release the tracks into the world as and when they were written, looking to capture the sense of urgency with which the songs were formed. However, they asked MC, DJ and producer Alap Momin to listen to the demoes and before they knew it, he was on a flight from Harlem to Iceland to work with the band. The result of his input only served to highlight their desire for a distinctive exploration of genres between each record. Kaktus laughs: “Three Icelandic techno-rockers brought the Harlem club scene to their studio in Iceland – it was a life changing week.

“It is a dialogue between musicians with different backgrounds, different approaches and different live styles, but we all have the same excitement about going into a new field of sounds. For example, we did cosmiche / motorik but worked it like hip hop and did pop like it was techno and also the other way around. Musically, the outcome goes from being deep and drugged, to fast and harsh, with heartfelt ballads in the middle. WEBSITE.

With just three tracks 'Dialogue ii' seems to cover so much ground. Both the music and vocals experiment with ideas, no two pieces are the same, and with the imagination each one brings it's hard to even consider picking a favourite, but easy to love each song.


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Rude Audio - Greg Laswell - Glorietta - FEVA - Dave Davies

Rude Audio - To The Sun.

Background - Rude Audio are proud to announce their new 'Rude Redux' EP, slated for release on October 8 through Zirkus Records. Featuring five tracks, this new release sees the band refine their trademark sound, and fusing their love of woozy dub with throbbing electronics. Here, house music, flecked with Arab and Indian vibes, also shamelessly cavorts with dub.

Ahead of this release, Rude Audio present the lead track 'To The Sun', complete with a new virtual reality-inspired video, directed by Ali Ingle. This week, Andrew Weatherall also just premiered two tracks from the new EP on his radio show.

Rude Audio is a South London-based collective with a history of putting on fantastic underground parties, releasing the occasional dubby Balearic opus, engineering for the disparate likes of Paul Weller, Lemon Jelly and Royal Blood and generally mooching about anywhere that doesn’t have bouncers or operate a dress code.

The core of the collective are Mark Ratcliff (whose releases have been played by the likes of Andrew Weatherall, Laurent Garnier, Kris Needs, Don Letts, Graeme Park and Rob de Bank, as well as BBC Radio 6's Nemone and Gideon Coe), Owain Lloyd (mixing engineer for everyone from Oakenfold and Weller to Niall Horan) and Dave [The Rave] Brennan (ex The End recordings and key player at tech house dons' label, Bombis).

The EP represents a progression from Rude Audio's latest 'Rudest' EP. More hooks, more chug, and more Middle Eastern and Indian influences, while retaining an underlying commitment to the dubby end of the spectrum. Inspired by the more open-minded dancefloors proliferating in south and east London, where world music might brush up against techno, dub and indie dance, the 'Rude Redux' EP operates between 108 and 120 BPM – fast enough to dance to, slow enough to let the music breathe. WEBSITE.

The first of five tracks on the 'Rude Redux' E.P. is 'To The Sun' a piece that exemplifies this tastefully refined collection of music. If dub or electronic music in any shape or size is of interest to you, then dive head first into Rude Audio's music, your in for a very pleasant musical journey.


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Greg Laswell - Royal Empress.

Background - Veteran singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Greg Laswell will release his eighth album Next Time on September 21st. Like his previous release, the acclaimed Everyone Thinks I Dodged A Bullet, the new album was entirely written, performed, produced and mixed by Laswell, with mastering by Grammy-winner Gavin Lurssen (Tom Waits, Queens of the Stone Age, Leonard Cohen).

The eleven songs comprising Next Time represent the largest breadth in sound and sentiment of any of Greg’s albums to date. The album is both more revealing and more visionary, a move from emotional crisis to biographical examination. “I feel more in control than I did on my last record,” he says. “Life is the most difficult it has ever been circumstantially, but I'm also kind of okay, even if just for moments, which is all life is anyway. My hope is that’s what came across with these songs.”

In a career of dramatic arcs, Next Time – perhaps a result of the real difficulties of seeing it through – would seem to represent a musical and emotional pinnacle for Greg. Indeed, it’s the album he has surely always meant to make, while life’s little (and sometimes very big) vagaries were getting in the way.

The first single from Next Time is the stunning departure “Royal Empress” which was world premiered by legendary radio DJ Nic Harcourt during his August 14th broadcast on KCSN in Los Angeles. Harcourt praised the song as “Broody and anthemic, pretty great” and added that it “sounded sick on the airwaves”. “Royal Empress” is available now for purchase and streaming. WEBSITE.

Greg Laswell's vocals come in two parts on 'Royal Empress'. Gritty and personal on the verses, melodic, sweeping and powerful on the chorus's, it's a gorgeous combination, accompanied by a similar musical backdrop, the song is enticing on so many levels, leaving album number eight something to keenly anticipate.


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Glorietta - Losers Lament.

Background - Glorietta was born out of a desire to collaborate with friends. Those friends; Noah Gundersen, Kelsey Wilson (Wild Child), David Ramirez, Grammy award winner Adrian Quesada (Brownout, Black Pumas), Jason Robert Blum and Matthew Logan Vasquez came together over the course of nine-day recording session in a rented house in Glorieta, NM - just outside of Santa Fe.

The days were long with the tape running constantly as the players brought ideas for songs in various stages of completion to their new family of collaborators. Mid way through the sessions the group was joined by a guest appearance from Nathaniel Rateliff who drove straight through the night to join the party.

“We chose Santa Fe because it was isolated enough to where it would feel like we were at camp” said Vasquez, “the only requirements were that the house had vaulted ceilings and a Jacuzzi.” The players were all connected in one-way or another to Matthew Logan Vasquez (Delta Spirit) some of them old friends, some of them meeting for the first time when they arrived.  

The result is a their self-titled debut record; a beautiful mix of voices from six band leaders that fit perfectly together like a low-fidelity puzzle. Their self-titled album is now available digitally, and on CD / Vinyl in the UK via Bread & Butter Music, WEBSITE.

Musically 'Losers Lament' is a gutsy no nonsense rocker, add in the vocals and harmonies and it upgrades to impressive to say the least. This is one rather splendid collaboration by friends and musicians.

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FEVA - Uneasy.

Background - Rising alt-rockers FEVA storm back into the limelight with gripping new single Uneasy, furthering their reputation as one of the North East’s biggest emerging indie talents.

With a seemingly endless production line of ready-made anthems, the Newcastle quartet continue to impress with their heaviest release to date, a relentless onslaught of noise that draws welcome comparisons to the likes of Sundara Karma and The Amazons.

“It’s not as much of a story but more of a statement”, the four-piece reiterated. “The expectations of life can often leave us well and truly out of our comfort zone, torn between yesterday and tomorrow. Uneasy is a punk song at heart, simple and very, very angry. Forget yesterday, forget tomorrow, you’ll get it right eventually”.

Having already clocked up impressive supports alongside Anteros, Baby Strange and The Pale White in recent months, demonstrating their fierce live reputation in the process, the band’s widespread tastemaker approval and radio airplay (BBC Radio 1) leaves them well-placed to make their mark ahead of a busy autumn. FACEBOOK.

Alt rock with plenty of fire and passion 'Uneasy' is a mixture of superb and imaginative vocals rubbing shoulders with some sharp and potent guitar lead rock and roll.

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Dave Davies - Cradle to the Grave.

Background - Founding member of The Kinks Dave Davies has announced the upcoming release of Decade, a new collection of unreleased songs recorded in the 1970's. Davies has also shared the lead track from the record, "Cradle To The Grave," which was recorded in 1973. Decade will be released on October 12th via Red River Entertainment and Green Amp Records, and Davies will be on tour in early 2019.

In what may be considered the sequel to 2011’s Hidden Treasures, which chronicled Davies' solo recordings from the 1960's, Decade pulls back the curtain on the legendary guitarist and songwriter's unreleased works spanning 1971 to 1979. Davies writes, "I am so pleased that after all this time these tracks are being released to see the light of day. These songs have been silently nagging at me to be recognised all these years. At last I can proudly present this album Decade to the world. I do hope you all enjoy the music."

Years prior to the issue of his first “proper” solo album, 1980’s AFL1-3603, Davies was working on the fascinating tracks that make up Decade. The tapes were unearthed by his sons Simon and Martin from “under beds, in attics, in storage,” and properly mixed and mastered in a way that lets these songs shimmer and shine even brighter than they did at inception. Any album recorded over the span of 10 years runs the risk of ending up wildly erratic in tone and style, and yet, Dave’s Decade is surprisingly cohesive, the songs working together beautifully as songs on albums do.

The period 1973 to 1975 saw The Kinks make the move into their own recording studio, Konk, which Davies took a major role in setting up and developing. “I’m always really into the sound, and the mixes, and gadgets..." writes Davies. "I was able to go in, and make what I thought were demos—these recordings."

Listening to the contemporary, FM radio-friendly quality of these songs, it’s hard to fathom that these solo tracks remained under wraps, particularly as these were born in the aftermath of clear Dave Davies triumphs such as “Strangers” and “You Don’t Know My Name,” change-of-pace songs that added considerable value to the early ‘70s Kinks albums they appeared on. But with brother Ray deep into the creation of a series of high-concept albums on which Dave’s songs had no apparent place, these Dave Davies gems remained unissued on both the solo and band fronts. WEBSITE.

Yes that Dave Davis! That songs like 'Cradle to the Grave' have remained on the shelf for so long is explained above, that they are now getting a proper airing is very welcome.


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Joy Autumn - Billy Wylder - Stumps - The Swagger

Joy Autumn - Go.

Background -  Singer-songwriter, Joy Autumn, explores this declaration in depth in her latest music video for her single, Go, a music video she created with an all female production team. “I’m fascinated with the idea that our past can be even more present than what’s happening in the current moment,” she explains.

Go brings you back to that desperate feeling, with haunting images of an ex lover being projected onto a blank canvas as well as Autumn’s own body throughout the video. She can’t seem to escape this person and the memories and presence of her past is palpable, oftentimes engulfing her.

“In that moment,  I realized that I had to pick my own well-being, even though the distorted reality is that I perhaps loved this person even more than I did myself.” The song is a part of Joy Autumn’s upcoming EP, Midnight, which drops today Friday, August 24th, and is an atmospheric indie-pop record about the dark side of making it as an artist in Hollywood.

Joy Autumn, a singer-songwriter originally from the small town of Olympia, Washington shines light as bright as the Hollywood sign itself onto the dark side of making it as an artist in her new atmospheric pop E.P., Midnight. Finding herself broke, depressed and eating canned food in a 400 square foot apartment, the glitter of Hollywood quickly faded away. 

While waiting for calls that never came, Autumn discovered an underbelly of the city that consists of late night and early morning partying, drinking, drugs, sleeping in until 4 p.m., and dating all of the wrong men. Joy describes it as a sort of after party culture in which trust-fund babies, the offspring of celebrities, and wealthy industry men would get together to prey upon female Hollywood hopefuls. Despite the fact that she was out with all of these gorgeous models and actors, Joy states in a matter-of-fact manner, “No one who is out at 4 a.m. on a Tuesday is happy” - herself included.

 Midnight is the result of Autumn’s loneliness and the search for herself amidst what she calls the “Hollywood hypocrisy.” “I was so busy not making it in Hollywood that I forgot the reason why I created music in the first place,” Joy explains. She took her challenges and co-produced Midnight, a moody and cinematic pop record, with the support of producer, Bill Lefler (Ingrid Michaelson). There were days when she couldn’t get out of bed and that’s when she re-discovered her love of utilizing songwriting as a form of therapy. Music became her reason to stay in Los Angeles and continue to chase her dreams, despite incredible odds and obstacles. TWITTER.

The brand new video for 'Go' coincides with today's 'Midnight' E.P. release. It's one of five songs on the new E.P. (six if you include the acoustic version of the opening track), and we featured another song from the collection 'Brave' earlier this month. What strikes me having listened to all the material, is the intense sincerity that Joy Autumn conveys in her vocals, a sense that it's important that you hear what she has to say. Add to that the melodic nature both vocally and musically of the material, accompanied with some exquisite musical arrangements and we arrive with an E.P. that is touching, passionate and highly desirable.


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Billy Wylder - Roar of the Wild.

Background - From the front-lines at Standing Rock to the archaic streets of Jerusalem, the Sahel Desert to Carnegie Hall, music has been the source of strength for Billy Wylder. The band features Avi Salloway (Bombino/Hey Mama/Avi & Celia) joined by an inspired cast of singular artists who have performed across five continents including concerts at the Coachella Music & Arts Festival, Newport Folk Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Montreal Jazz Fest, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. From 2013-16, Salloway toured the globe with Bombino, the Tuareg guitar hero from Niger, Africa. While on the journey and since returning, Salloway wrote a collection of new material that will be released on the band’s forthcoming album, Strike the Match (Sand & Gold Records) on September 7, 2018.

Salloway has been bringing these songs to life with the Wylder Family, a group of dear friends and musical kindred spirits. In between shows, the band spent ten days recording at Eyeland Studio in the Columbus Theatre, home of The Low Anthem. The music weaves together American folk and rock with sensibilities from the Sahara Desert: think Andrew Bird meets Ali Farka Toure, Pete Seeger and Talking Heads. Strike the Match expands on American musical traditions, building a bridge to their African roots and coloring the songs with experimental art-rock textures: gilded string lines, synthesizers, and angular guitars. Mother Earth is at its center, surrounded by stories of love, conflict, change and dreams.

Salloway shares, “This album is a reflection of the world we’ve been born into, one filled with supernatural beauty and incomprehensible struggle. My social and environmental activism work has taken me to territories that have been colonized and occupied in the Middle East, North and West Africa, the South Pacific and Standing Rock, here at home. I have experienced the creative spirit rise up in the face of darkness and adversity and it is the most life-affirming feeling I have witnessed. This record has become the artifact at the intersection of these moving events in my life.”

On Strike the Match, Billy Wylder grapples with some of the most pressing questions of our time. How can we reorient ourselves to nature as a source of strength for resistance to the forces that seek to destroy and profit from it? How can we use music to move beyond capitalism and nationalism to a global society for the benefit of the earth and all living beings? How can we reconcile our painful history with hope and optimism for the future? The album calls the listener to engage with these questions and illuminates the path towards participating in the creation of a more just and sustainable world. WEBSITE.

'Roar of the Wild' is the first single from the forthcoming 'Strike The Match' album. I'd love to say that it's typical of the album, but that's pretty difficult considering the differing directions and ideas that this fine band explore and embark on. The melting pot of Americana, rock, and folk ensures every song is a new journey, perhaps the featured song is best used to demonstrate the overall quality and refinement that Billy Wylder create, one that's intriguing, fabulous and very creative.

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Stumps - Conversation, Conversations.

Background - The chatter has begun. "The pressure is on." Stumps return this week with a punchy take on overheard interactions with 'Conversation, Conversations'. Inspired by throw-away conversations overheard in the current dating climate, the band has reflected on this accidental survey and transformed it into a lyrical stab at masculinity and the often pointless attempt people make at impressing others.

'Conversations, Conversations' kicks in with a distinct, deliberate and powerful drive that carries throughout, championed by singer Kyle Fisher's distinctive baritone vocal. It's an indie rock vs brit-pop mish-mash party tune and one that is sure to get arena dance floors moving when Stumps head out on tour nationally with Trophy Eyes, Maddy Jane and Dear Seattle this October.

Stumps work fast. This latest single is out just after their debut EP Just Another Stay at Home Son hit virtual shelves in March. It's an evolutionary step for the young band who only formed just over a year ago on Sydney's Northern Beaches. In their short lifespan they've already achieved triple j Unearthed rotation and airplay on 'Piggyback', 'This Home is Mine' and 'We'll Do it Anyway' - all from their debut EP. Last year Stumps went on tour with mates Dear Seattle and this year hit the road with Maddy Jane. A sold out Sydney headliner followed, solidifying their live presence further with packed out crowds at their Brisbane and Melbourne shows. TWITTER.

Feisty and driving indie rock track 'Conversation, Conversations' is given considerable edge by Kyle Fisher's delicious baritone vocals and there melodic capabilities. Understandably the band are keen not to left behind and deliver a ultra tight rock and roll backdrop, keeping the singer equally on his toes.

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The Swagger - Heart 'N' Soul.

Background - London outfit The Swagger presents their bold new single 'Heart 'N' Soul', which is set for release on August 31. Ahead of this, the band are previewing their new video, which features a surprising story line and unexpected ending, cloaked in dark humour.

'Heart 'N' Soul' was produced by Mike Bennett (Ian Brown, The Specials, Doctor & The Medics) with Angus Wallace (Wishbone Ash, Spiritualized, The Fall) as sound engineer. It was recorded at Far Heath Studios in Northamptonshire, famed for recordings by The Specials, The Fall and The Prodigy, among others.

This single follows their eponymous debut EP (2016), produced by Graham Bonnar (Swervedriver / The Brian Jonestown Massacre), engineered by Josh Green (Madness, Robbie Williams, Franz Ferdinand), mixed and mastered by Pat Collier (The Vibrators). It was recorded at the renowned Konk Studios in North London, founded by The Kinks' Ray and Dave Davies.

The Swagger are an indie-alternative, acoustic-pop rock band from Hornsey, North London UK formed in 2011. The band consists of brothers Lee Stevens (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Paul Stevens (lead guitar, backing vocals), together with Will O’Connell (bass Originally playing small London pubs and clubs as The Mad Hatters UK, The Swagger was born in 2011 when the brothers were joined by their friend Will O’Connell.

'Heart 'N' Soul' is a confessional love song based on admiring one's beauty from a far. Here we find an easy-to-catch old school vibe in a melody fitting for the here and now. TWITTER.

'Heart 'N' Soul' is a quickly pleasing rocker where the vocals carry the melody and the music rocks along in a playful manner. Add the story telling video complete with dark humour and the combination makes for something just a little different...


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Mustered Courage - Brooks Thomas

Mustered Courage - When We Played With Fire.

Background - Melbourne four-piece, Mustered Courage, have positioned themselves in the forefront of Australia's bluegrass genre. The Golden Guitar Award winning and ARIA nominated band are set to release their fourth studio album, and first new album since 2015 titled "We Played With Fire" due for release on in September. The single "When We Played With Fire" leads the album's release and is available for download now.

Remember back in the day? The old gang? Some of those memories are a bit hazy to say the least. Washed out in a combination of time and tonic. These days, with social media, it's easier than ever to do your own Where Are They Now segment on your old high school friends. Yet for some, no profile pic is necessary and the memory today is as vivid as it ever was. This is a song to one of those people. Those that we've loved and lost and the memories that remain. Young love and crazy teenagers and reminiscing on everything in between.

Having signed many record deals for their previous releases, Mustered Courage decided to stay independent with this album and were keen to involve fans in their recording venture, running a crowd funding campaign that raised over $15,000. "We are very proud to be independent again and more excited about our new album than ever before," says Guitarist Julian Abrahams.

Known for their energetic live shows, Mustered Courage will hit the road for a series of national tour dates to support the album's release from October 2018. WEBSITE.

Thursday October 11 2018 - Lefty's Old Time Music Hall - BRISBANE, QLD
Friday October 12 2018 - Bison Bar - NAMBOUR, QLD
Saturday October 13 2018 - Dusty Day Out - DUSTY HILL VINEYARD, QLD
Friday October 19 2018 - Wesley Anne - NORTHCOTE, VIC
Thursday October 25 2018 - The Newsagency - SYDNEY, NSW
Friday October 26 2018 - Smith's Alternative - CANBERRA, ACT
Wednesday November 7 2018 - Creatures Next Door - FREMANTLE, WA
Thursday November 8 2018 - Settler's Tavern - MARGARET RIVER, WA
Wednesday January 23 2019 - Tamworth Hotel - TAMWORTH, NSW
Thursday January 24 2019 - Tamworth Hotel - TAMWORTH, NSW
Friday January 25 2019 - Tamworth Hotel - TAMWORTH, NSW

Back in May we featured the track 'Run To Paradise' commenting that "this feisty and vibrant piece mixes some superb musicianship with natural sing along vocals, in a word, class." With the bands new music and video share for  'When We Played With Fire' they continue to impress. Sophisticated musicianship is clearly a hallmark of their sound, the vocals matching naturally, and the video confirming the commitment of Mustered Courage to produce superb music.


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Brooks Thomas - Gravity.

Background - “Gravity” is the second single that the Bronx-based experimental pop band Brooks Thomas are sharing ahead of the release of their new album Poison (out September 21st). “Gravity” is an emotional track about being stuck in a place that seems impossible to transcend, mentally or physically. In conjunction with the new single, the band has also announced their hometown album release show, which is taking place at Mercury Lounge on September 22nd (w/ support from Oliver Kennan, Pueblo and Miserable Chillers).

Brooks Thomas concocts unconventional hazy electronic R&B that's inspired by classic soul and artists like Dirty Projectors and Miguel - disparate influences that share a common thread: intensity of feeling. Exploring new ways to reach those emotional heights, producer Danny McDonald began programming beats and pushing their bassist Rocky Russo towards experimenting with pedals to change the textures, along with having their dual singers Colleen Cadogan and Arianne Lombardi create three-part harmonies that deviate from the standard 1-3-5.

What they recorded at home became a script for their live performances, where fresh colors and depths would be discovered as they translated the digital maelstrom into an organic setting. Those recordings would then get re-digitized, spliced together and warped as Danny reworked the production. Poison's opener "Fade In" for example, features the live recording of an old song Colleen wrote about Danny played backwards over a reversed saxophone sample. It ends with harmonies pulled from the penultimate song, "Gravity", unintelligible in their manipulations. All of it lives as a creative feedback loop, the recordings affecting the live show affecting the recordings.

Life was affecting the music too, of course, but not in a way Danny nor Colleen were conscious of. Though they weren't aware of it yet, these songs were about the end of their romantic relationship. Drugs and alcohol mixed with denial to shield the musicians from the truth of their own work. However, getting to share that dissolution with their bandmates in such intimate fashion has only strengthened them as a band. Together, Brooks Thomas has taken everything from their uptown world -- their helter-skelter neighborhood, the flowing alcohol, their sundry influences, the prolonged heartbreak -- and distilled it into Poison. WEBSITE.

'Gravity' opens with some understated synths, a varying beat and upfront vocals that are soon accompanied by complimentary harmonies. The song might not pick up pace, but the atmospheric vibes slowly unfold, and a brief refrain signals the moment for energy levels to up the mood and feeling.


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Far Caspian - Ricky Lewis

Far Caspian - The Place.

Background - Emerging Leeds outfit Far Caspian deliver atmospheric pop offering The Place, the next single taken from their upcoming debut EP, out via UK label Dance To The Radio this autumn.

Staking their claim as one of Yorkshire’s hottest new indie prospects, the band’s latest hazy anthem sees the influences of Real Estate, Grizzly Bear and Band Of Horses seep into their sound, combining to dreamy effect and likely to draw further acclaim throughout the online community.

Lead by frontman and guitarist Joel Johnston, the Irishman now residing in Leeds alongside fellow band members Jof Cabedo (drums and vocals) and Alessio Scozarro (bass and vocals), Far Caspian’s infectious songwriting approach explores his transition to life in the UK and the upheaval that ensues.

“We wanted to have a track on the EP that was based more on intricate rhythms but instead we went for a pretty stripped back arrangement so it made sense alongside our other tracks”, the trio stated. “The song itself is about overthinking things in social situations and feeling like you aren’t contributing enough to conversation because you’re feeling awkward”.

With recent singles Holding On and Let’s Go Outside blowing up online, the three-piece are firmly establishing themselves within the indie landscape - support slots alongside Her’s, Indoor Pets and when young in the autumn following their debut appearance at Leeds Festival later this month. FACEBOOK.

Despite the stripped back nature of 'The Place' there is a richness to the song. It's tuneful and the laid back indie vibes are abundant, with the clever rhythm arrangement adding a further dimension to this piece.

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Ricky Lewis - TV On A Tiny Screen.

Background - Ricky Lewis shares the second track "TV on a Tiny Screen" from his upcoming album. Ricky Lewis has always been a sucker for romanticism and nostalgia. Maybe it has something to do with being raised by the television. A latch key kid of the 90s. John Hughes movies over microwave dinners. Mythical levels of youthful melodrama, its hope and its agony, blaring over car speakers on stoned summer nights in the middle of nowhere New England. The kind of town you either never leave or escape while you can. There was nothing to do but move to New York City.

Lewis dabbled in odd jobs all the while documenting this new life with an almost nightly ritual of songwriting, something he had stumbled upon as a teenager when his uncle gave him a cheap guitar and showed him a G chord. Burrowed in Astoria, what might as well have been a continent away from downtown, the solace songwriting provided felt like enough to get by, but eventually the swiftly gentrifying city caught up with him. Waiting tables wasn't cutting it and Ricky came close to having to pick it all up and move back home.

He was pretty much packing his bags when, like an apparition, a young woman he could have sworn he'd met before came into his life. Within weeks she suggested he move in to her Astor Place loft overlooking Broadway and 8th Street. Herself a burgeoning visual artist, the two kindred spirits had found in each other a muse. Somebody to bounce ideas off of, to challenge, to impress. There was a brand new city opening before Rickyʼs eyes.

Time passed, bands were started and ended, gallery shows opened and closed, small artistic victories came with setbacks- bigger bills to be paid, aging family members to take care of. The couple that had once shared a quickly worn and earmarked copy of Patti Smith's Just Kids grew apart as personal projects took on more weight. This was a breakup, and it hurt. WEBSITE.

Ricky Lewis has distinct and likable vocals that give 'TV On A Tiny Screen' something of a head start in their own right. It's something of a singer / songwriter track immersed in alt rock clothing, and it subtly works it's way into your life.

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