Amethysts - Mackenzie James Cregan - Me & Mark - Stephen Michael Murphy - bdrmm - Favours - No Coward Soul

Amethysts - How It Is.

Electronic duo Amethysts share mellow new offering How It Is, expertly crafting their brand of ambient pop to perfection with a series of awe-inspiring hooks.

Working with esteemed producer Shuta Shinoda (Daughter, Ghostpoet) and taking full advantage of the acclaim edging their way, the East Anglians excel in this latest effort, relying on their masterful pop sensibilities and soothing synths to create an intense, atmospheric experience.

Speaking ahead of its release, the band stated: “‘That’s just how it is’ is a phrase that’s thrown around all too easily. You can’t manifest anything positive with negativity. Everything can be changed, anything can be the way you want it to be, if you truly believe in yourself and do something about it. How It Is explores modern life struggles, stigmas and tackling self doubt”.

Having racked up over a million plays on streaming platforms with their first few releases alongside BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music airplay and sessions with BBC Introducing, the rising pair have already appeared at the likes of Latitude Festival and headlined several sold-out London shows, adding to their growing momentum. WEBSITE.

Smooth ambient pop which adds energy through the rhythmic beats ensures 'How It Is' stands out. Add in the sweet melodic vocals and myriad of hooks and the song tends to explain the attention Amethysts are receiving.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mackenzie James Cregan - Woman From The East.

LA born Liverpool based singer/songwriter Mackenzie James Cregan released his new single ‘Woman from the East’ yesterday.

Woman from the East portrays Mackenzie’s influence in 60s psychedelia while simultaneously maintaining a strong songwriting presence. The lyrically dark love song was co-produced by Jim Cregan, the legendary guitarist and producer of the Rod Stewart band and Cockney Rebel.

Mackenzie’s love for music started at a very young age from being brought up in the entertainment capital of the world Los Angeles immersed in a highly creative family. Drawing influence from his father Jim Cregan and a star studded array of other family friends who would visit the house, Mackenzie has always been immersed within an inspirational environment.

Woman from the East is a perfect example of a song that contains a strong essence of his Southern Californian roots, whilst containing various influences that Mackenzie came across in his musical upbringing. After exiting a psychedelic intro the song is driven by a tight rhythm section throughout, the song also includes a jazz inspired sax solo backed by an electric tremolo guitar, along with a gypsy style acoustic rhythm guitar. TWITTER.

Having a well known father from the musical business might get you so far, however Mackenzie James Cregan has plenty of style and talent as demonstrated with the fabulous song 'Woman From The East'. It's clever, pleasing and deliciously danceable.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Me & Mark - Drama Queen.

Mia might not protrude high above the stage floor, but what she’s lacking in centimeters, she makes up for in energy and talent! Only in exceptional cases do you get to experience an artist so energetic and liberating with a stage presence that leaves you spellbound.

The intensity on stage is often expressed through small jumps and kicks with her bare feet. Her voice is strong, delicate and absolutely captivating. The duo Me&Mark is one of those bands that is classic in a new wrapping…meaning that their music will live for generations.

They have a unique sound of pop, folk and full of small clever details leaving a remarkably beautiful and magnificent mark on you. Mia and Mark is not entirely unknown, although they have only released one previous single. Mia, an undisputed talent, grew up in Vimmerby (Astrid Lindgren's city), has been on stage since she was 5 years old and her first lyrics came while in elementary school. She always knew that this is what she should do. Create her own music.

Mark is the bassist and producer of the album and he has a long track record behind him. At a very young age he would listen to a song indefinitely, always finding the small details interesting. He often wondered if he was the only one that felt like music spoke to him. Growing up in Australia, he started to get attention in the business and has collaborated alongside great producers like Malcom Burn, Ethan Eubanks, Rick Will, Naomi Radom, Robbie A.J. Moore, IOTA, Alexander Rybak, Nico & Vince++. He has a reputation of being an excellent engineer in the industry. He has also been on several world tours, playing support for Jason Mraz, Kashmir, The Church, The Thorns,Kiymani Marley, Sonic Boom and the list goes on. SPOTIFY. 

A simple driving beat that is gradually joined by some subtle layers of musical sound are all that's needed for the mesmerising and vibrant vocals on 'Drama Queen'. We featured Me & Mark back in May 2016 with 'When Rich Find Gold', I guess put simply, it's been worth the wait...


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stephen Michael Murphy - Smith Has Struck.

“Smith” is one of my personal favorites off the “Root Down Low” album featuring three awesome musicians, guitarist Alex Metivier, percussionist Larry Salzman and Silvano Pagliuca-Mena on accordion. The accompanying video feels like deja vu with the improved pace and  cool pics from foter,com (creating video came with a learning curve) . In my writing  there’s  a strong visual component that hadn’t been explored until this record. It’s definitely a boon to add a face to the musical voice - Stephen Michael Murphy.

Historically the blacksmith symbolized physical strength, wisdom and compassion as he melted and molded metal to create objects that were essential for agriculture. He was the center of industry in countless rural villages  and was usually held in high esteem. The smithy shaped apparent objects using natures five great elements, air, fire, water, earth and space. The universe itself was formed out of the same five primary building blocks.  Lady Luck is a westernized expression of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck, fortune and fate. 

Lady Luck refers to the concept of not having certainty in a particular outcome and the willingness to take a gamble to achieve desired ends. Woman generally accept life’s capricious nature with the understanding they can initiate actions but are not in charge of the results . The intelligence that knows that the field, with its myriad of variables, determines all outcomes is called Karma Yoga. In this tune the blacksmith symbolizes the creation of an apparent material world while Lady Luck is a metaphor for existing elegantly within it. “Smile on Lady Luck, the Smith has struck” WEBSITE.

Stephen Michael Murphy was the final artist we featured last year and 'Smith Has Struck' is taken from the same album. With a new music video to accompany the song, it's a good reason to remind ourselves of both album and musician and the highly creative music he consistently delivers.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

bdrmm - C.U.

Hull based 5-piece bdrmm return with latest slackery-shoegaze single C.U. Formed in the later hours of 2016, through a haze of party poppers into the early hours of 2017, Ryan Smith took his solo project from bedroom to stage in what feels like an instant. Under the moniker bdrmm the Hull 5-piece cut their teeth across Northern venues, before releasing opening two singles, the twin-paced kare and sprawling anti-epic the way i want.

Those releases caught the attention of numerous tastemakers in MTV, Clash Magazine, DORK, Radio 1 and more, as well as tastemaker London label Permanent Creeps, who are releasing C.U on October 25th. “I wrote C.U during a pretty ‘eventful’ time in my life,” Ryan explains, “a lot of feelings hurt, vivid anxiety and things lost, this track has been a long time coming. This is an ode to 2017.”

Channelling these raw, numb feelings into a perfect cocktail of synth soaked Beach House, jangly slackers DIIV and otherworldly shoe-gazers Slowdive, the group combine a knack for weaving dreamy sonic textures and sentimental personal story-telling together perfectly.

As a fully formed 5-piece, bdrmm have notched up a few enviable achievements. National radio play has come from BBC Radio 1 and Amazing Radio, and shows up and down the country with the likes of Trudy & The Romance, Her’s, FEHM and Horsey, including a capacity show during Tramlines festival, have established the quintet as exciting indie up-and-comers.

Ditching Ryan’s early phone recordings and exploring a more meaningful sound, bdrmm have enlisted the help of producer , Alex Greaves (Bo Ningen, The Orielles, Heavy Lungs) to bring their self-styled ‘gross dreamy noise’ to life. Joining lead singer and guitarist Ryan Smith in the line-up is brother Jordan Smith (Bass), Joe Vickers (Guitar), Daniel Hull (Synth & Backing Vocals) and Luke Irvin (Drums). TWITTER.

I like the slackery shoegaze description and 'C.U' somehow matches that in a very charming way. The musical backdrop oozes melodic vibes and the vocals are just so appealing and up enough in the mix to take off the sometimes overpowering wall of sound that shoegaze can have.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Favours - Stowaway.

Stowaway evokes a dreamy landscape painted with reverb and layered with vintage synth lines reminiscent of your favourite 80s driving song.  The song is about a love affair and the lyrics urge the listener to move past tired narratives and into a blissful escape. Stowaway was written during a road trip from the gloomy cold Canadian climate while driving south to the enchanted Muscle Shoals. The lyrics and music mirror the longing for something better during the ebb and flow of a relationship - the urge to escape and live only in the sunny moments.

“Stowaway” was filmed during a rainy fall day across multiple locations in the suburbs of Toronto. Ironic yet appropriate to the song, the images are everything but a southern oasis. We can be seen driving a vintage Mercedes and swimming in a pool, although the dismal scenes don’t express a vacation whatsoever. Rather, they show the disillusion of the lyrics– “down south we got it made / living in the sun.”

Using inspiration from the movie Blow Up, we created an intoxicating colourful atmosphere to compliment the song’s melodramatic tones and thematic shifts. The colourful sheets and green fields are reminiscent of our favourite scenes of the movie which highlight the more uplifting parts of “Stowaway.” The gloomy undertones are meant to lay bare a relationships struggle through murky waters – a part of the constant struggle to fight for your relationship. FACEBOOK.  

Beautiful dual vocals and seductive harmonies are just one dimension of 'Stowaway' a dreamy pop meets rock song. The musical backdrop is creative and adds to the mood and feeling. The video takes us into another artistic dimension giving us more to enjoy and contemplate. Our second feature for Favours this year which tends to suggest they have a knack for audio visual combinations.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No Coward Soul - If Only for Tonight.

Americana five-piece No Coward Soul recently released debut album The Almanac on CD and limited edition vinyl this summer, and have announced a London show at Camden’s Green Note on Tuesday 4th December.

Produced by Jamie Evans (Wildwood Kin) and mastered by Grammy Award winner Robin Schmidt, The Almanac is Americana at it’s best, full of classic country flavours and a heavy slice of soul, alongside the bands impressive trademark harmonies. The album contains 13 tracks written by lead singer Brad Schmauss, inspired by both urban folk tales of the vibrant streets of South London and a childhood among the epic landscapes and beauty of the Alaskan woods.

Originally from Alaska, singer Brad Schmauss is a London based artist who’s long time musical partnership with Martin Gray (Piano, guitars, vocals) culminated in the fantastic live band No Coward Soul. Gigging across the UK in recent years, the band has grown from a vocal harmony acoustic set up and now includes a sensational rhythm section featuring the Clement – Smith brothers and glock and mouth organ from Egg. WEBSITE.

We featured No Coward Soul back in June this year and were really impressed with their timeless Americana music. With a London performance date set for December and a new live video for 'If Only for Tonight', they make a welcome return to Beehive Candy.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Annie Dressner - Andy Frasco - Expanda Fuzz - David Allred - deM atlaS - Leem Of Earth - Johnny Mafia - Alien Hand Syndrome

Annie Dressner - Don't Go / Fades Away.

Since moving from her hometown of New York City to the UK seven years ago, singer-songwriter Annie Dressner has received considerable recognition from her live shows, as well as both her debut album, "Strangers Who Knew Each Other's Names" (2011), her EP "East Twenties" (April 2013). Dressner's second in-studio album with producer Nigel Stonier (Thea Gilmore) will be released today 26 October 2018.

Her songs have been played on Radio 2 and 6 music, among other local BBC radio stations and has been frequently played on the Caffe Nero playlist.

Dressner's songs are delivered with a such conversational ease, it often seems as if she is reading from an intimate letter or a book, set to music. Her straightforward lyrical style, sharp ear for wordplay and crisp, lilting vocals offer listeners a front row seat to her stories, as they take shape above the understated music. She has been compared to an up-tempo Mazzy Star 'Fade Into You,' or Jenny Lewis.

While in New York, Annie played a variety of clubs and bars since 2009, including Rockwood Music Hall, The Living Room, The Bitter End and Brooklyn's Jalopy. Since arriving in the UK, Annie has played at Festivals & venues throughout England, such as the Green Man Festival, Secret Garden Party, Cambridge Folk Festival, Cluny2, O2 Academy Islington, Norwich Arts Centre, Night & Day, and has opened for Emily Barker, Simone Felice, Kirsty McGee, Juan Zelada, Lucy Wainwright Roche & Fossil Collective. She is also one half of The Pollyanna Band (the other half is Polly Paulusma). WEBSITE, BANDCAMP.

Annie Dressner's brand new album 'Broken Into Pieces' is released today and we have a couple of fine songs from the new collection to enjoy, along with a Spotify link to hear it all. With the video for 'Don't Go' we hear a fuller band sound, whilst with 'Fades Away' there is a gentler folk / singer songwriter feeling.

The constant throughout Annie's music is her beautiful vocals and their crisp and notable lyrical delivery, making each song feel really personal. The musical arrangement across the album is simply put, superb. Comprising of eleven tracks, each piece is imaginative and so easy to become immersed within. I also recommend checking out the previous material Annie has released, there is a considerable amount of musical treasure to be discovered there.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Andy Frasco - Up/Down.

With a sound described as “rock fueled by reckless abandonment and a disregard for the rules,” Andy Frasco & the U.N. are back with a much-anticipated and highly addictive new single, “Up/Down.”  A blistering three-minute song about relationships,  “Up/Down” grips your attention from the very first second, with Frasco’s pounding piano riff and Andee Avila’s pulsating drumbeat.

“It’s a song about the mountains and valleys of being in love,” says Frasco. “I find that emotionally draining, bipolar-type relationships are fun to write about. That’s where Up/Down came from.” The band had this to say about the new single, “Probably could of done better, but it’ll do.”

Formed in Los Angeles in 2013, Andy Frasco & the U.N. consists of Frasco (lead vocals, piano), Avila (drums), Shawn Eckels (Guitar), Ernie Chang (Saxophone), and Chris Lorentz (Bass). To date, Andy Frasco & the U.N. has released two studio albums Half a Man (2014), and Happy Bastards (2016). Last year, they released their first live album (CD and DVD) entitled "Songs From The Road" which was recorded in August 2016 at the Tucher Festival in Bamberg, Germany.

The band’s live performances have been described as a “The most fun ever had at a concert. It’s an incredible experience where fans can let go and dance like nobody’s watching.” Since their inception, Andy Frasco & the U.N. have toured the U.S., China, and Europe, and performed at a number of popular festivals, including: Electric Forest, Rock im Ring and Rock Am Park, Summer Camp, Mountain Jam, Jam Cruise and Rock Boat. WEBSITE.  

'Up/Down' is one of those likable songs that pretty much registers straight away. Full of good vibes and exuberance, there is a cheeky disregard for sensibilities within the subject matter, but it's fun and as the band says's "it'll do".


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Expanda Fuzz - Cotton Candy Jet Engine (Album).

“It’s like a cotton candy jet engine” - Friend to a friend at Sled Island festival, 2017. First there was the idea to cover a Pink Floyd song. With a female voice. And a lot of layered fuzz distortion. And beats from a sampler. And played at a really, really slow tempo. - That’s how Expanda Fuzz was born.

In the three years since that little brainstorm, the duo has released multiple singles and an EP called ‘Bleuets’, selling out of all vinyl copies. All of their records have been independently released while adhering to a DIY ethic: They write their own songs, record them, shoot/edit their own videos and create stunning artwork for each release. And as you can see on their Bandcamp page, that artwork is like a nightmare wrapped in a pop-art rainbow.

Hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Expanda Fuzz has honed their unique brand of catchy, droney, post-punk songs which has lead to this, their first LP: Cotton Candy Jet Engine. Three tracks have been previously released, but each has been remixed and remastered for the album. Six of the LP tracks are brand new to listeners.

The band has played multiple festivals like Ottawa Explosion, Calgary’s Sled Island, Edmonton’s Up + DT fest, Ottawa’s Megaphono and Halifax’s Pop Explosion. They currently make Ottawa, Ontario, Canada their home base. BANDCAMP.

'Cotton Candy Jet Engine' comprises of nine songs the second of which is 'Ghosts and Flowers' which kicks off in the player below. We've featured Expanda Fuzz a couple of times since their inception, and I have always loved their fuzzy mixture of raw energy and passion. As far as I can tell, their DIY ethic is more about getting it right and having full creative control, that certainly is noticeable with the end result, as is borne out by this fine new album.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

David Allred - The Mirror Of Time.

David Allred shares new song The Mirror of Time from his debut album with Erased Tapes titled The Transition — out November 2. Featuring Peter Broderick's beautiful string arrangements and backing vocals, the new single is a contemplative ballad that finds David reflecting on his life and the inevitability of time passing.

Hailing from Loomis, a small town outside of Sacramento, via Portland, Oregon – David worked as a sound engineer and session musician, featuring on multiple recordings by the likes of Birger Olsen, Brigid Mae Power, Brumes, The Beacon Sound Choir, Chantal Acda, Heather Woods Broderick, Jung Body, Masayoshi Fujita, and many more. He quickly found himself touring Europe with Peter Broderick, following last year's collaborative release Find The Ways, and contributing the arresting voice and double bass piece Ahoy to the Erased Tapes 10th anniversary box set 1+1=X; only to return to where he started, Loomis, and finally write and record The Transition as his first full-length statement in just one month.

With the release of The Transition, David Allred takes his place among the classic American songwriting tradition whilst revealing a peculiarity to his storytelling. Isolated and cut off from the outside world, David began unravelling his life and putting it on record. With a double bass in his bedroom and a piano in a church across the street, the stories started to unfold until a set of ten songs came to life. Vignettes and feelings from his own experiences, as well as characters he met along the way, inspired a rich tapestry of stories and melodies.

Winter will hopefully see David return to European shores in support of The Transition. Until then, this full length released November 2nd is the closest we can get to the curious mind of David Allred. BANDCAMP.

'The Mirror Of Time' opens with a gentle and rich sounding piano piece. David Allred's vocals are in perfect alignment as they soulfully accompany and add richness to the song. Add in the beautiful musical arrangement that builds beneath and this becomes a gorgeous and tender song.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

deM atlaS - Music Man.

When Joshua Turner was a kid growing up in a dysfunctional home in Minneapolis there were two things that he’d turn to for comfort when his parents fought: the Fugees records he’d listen to on a loop to drown out their conflict and the atlas he’d pore over to pretend he was anywhere else. Today Turner’s all grown up, but his sources of childhood refuge continue to play an integral role in his life. In his spare time he draws maps for fun, and, under the name deM atlaS, he’s composing his emotionally complex hip-hop records aimed at listeners out in the world who are in need of some sonic solace of their own.

His new album Bad Actress is only the latest in a string of releases–including the 9-song EP DWNR that, according to Pitchfork, “splits the difference on 'depressed' and 'party mode.’” In some ways the new work feels like a debut, not just because it’s his first proper LP, but because it represents the culmination of a twisting creative path that Turner’s patiently been following since his teens. He was a poet, a painter, and the frontman for a rock band before he found his space in Minneapolis’s prolific rap scene. Once there, a philosophy of saying yes to any opportunity that passed his way quickly led him from playing shows for nugs of weed to a showcase in front of Rhymesayers CEO Siddiq, and a single recording session with Atmosphere beatmaker Ant that kept going until they’d made almost an entire album together.

The title Bad Actress comes from Turner’s inability to hide his true feelings, and he’s packed the album with unguarded emotions centered around a lifetime of unhealthy relationships, struggles with mental illness, and an indomitable drive to overcome them. Musically it draws from every stage of Turner’s young career, from the high school rock singer to the scruffy DIY-er who self-recorded his Charle Brwn EP while figuring out the basics of Garageband to the confident, versatile vocalist he is today, equally at home crooning and screaming as he is rapping over beats by heavy hitters like Ant and MF DOOM.

From the grime-caked beats to the confessional lyrics to the supercharged guitars laced throughout, Bad Actress is an album that’s deeply rooted in Minneapolis’s singular hip-hop scene, where boom-bap never went out of style and raw honesty still beats flashy materialism. Turner’s soulful singing voice, and his ability to navigate from the acidic Sly Stone funk of “Gratitude” to the acoustic balladry of “Music Man” to the purple-tinged minimalist gospel of “Runnin Back” make it clear that he’s one of the young talents who’s going to author the next chapter in the city’s storied musical history. After all, an atlas isn’t only a collection of maps, but a man who’s strong enough to carry the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. TWITTER.

deM atlaS mixes up his musical styles with er, well with style. Whilst Hip Hop might not be my favourite genre, there is considerably more that that with the new album 'Bad Actress'. As is the case with 'Music Man' the soulful singing is superb and the musical vibe just hypnotic.

In fact having listened to the collection, deM atlaS appears to be able to turn his hand to plenty of different genres with his infectious vocals hard to ignore. A lesson for me on this one, see beyond the musical label, or at least listen for a while.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leem Of Earth - The Beech Tree's Song.

The four members of Florida band Leem of Earth deliver an expansive, synth influenced sound on their debut, Chapter One. The three song release is a nod to the vibe of the best nineties bands – part romance, part grunge, with the feel of an indie rock video in black and white 35mm film. 

They cite The Innocence Mission, Radiohead, Belly and Sunny Day Real Estate as some of their favorite bands from this period. LM leads and centers the band with her guitar and keys and soft but not-too-sweet vocals. She and the rest of Leem of Earth all have past and current lives in music, so they decided to go simply by initials in the band. Brothers B and N are on guitar and bass, respectively. E plays drums.

Thursday late night recording sessions with producer Jeremy SH Griffith (Johnnyswim, SUNBEARS!) and engineer Chris Taylor brought songs on Chapter One to life. There are moments inspired by 19th century Scottish novelist George MacDonald, as on “The Beech Tree’s Song”. LM quotes a MacDonald poem, her breathy voice mirroring her piano, while the band builds to a forceful, nearly chaotic ending. Other moments drag you into some of LM’s personal space: “When I wasn’t looking, you turned my heart towards you. I wasn’t thinking of being anybody’s love,” she sings on “Southland”, with a wall of shimmering, reverb guitars behind her.

Chapter One works to captures and keep attention – from the nostalgic opening melody on an old Wurlitzer spinet, to the last uplifting outcry of electric guitars, so much is accomplished in the short time span. We hope you’re left wanting more. WEBSITE.

With a distant and soft opening 'The Beech Tree's Song' slowly swings into view. The band power up taking us into another dimension with some lush rock energy. Then the vocals take us even further with their melodic beauty and the choir like harmonies towards the end make this song something of a mini epic.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johnny Mafia - Ride.

French garage-punk band Johnny Mafia will release its sophomore LP, Princes de l'Amour, on November 9th via Dirty Water Records. Produced by Jim Diamond, its eleven tracks are full of reverb-soaked guitars and a high-octane, grungy low-end, all delivered with a snotty, punk-infused attitude.

The band have just shared the new single "Ride," which features layers of crunchy, fuzzed-out guitars and driving percussion.

Hailing from Sens, France -- a part of the world more known for its wheat and cereal production than in-your-face rock music -- Johnny Mafia draws inspiration from classics like The Ramones, T. Rex, and The Clash as well as contemporary acts like Ty Segall and Wavves. With their explosive sonic attack and ferociously fun energy, they embody a spirit of both the past and present, with a firm foothold in a bright future as a young band ready to conquer the wider world of rock 'n' roll.

The band completed their first-ever North American tour last month, making an appearance at the prestigious FME Festival in Quebec, and has established their reputation as an exciting live band, sharing stages with acts like Parquet Courts, Flat Worms, and Yonatan Gat. BANDCAMP. 

We featured Johnny Mafia back in June and with the new track 'Ride' we are treated to another thunderous punk meets garage blast of rock and roll, to shake some life into us.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alien Hand Syndrome - We Will Never See The Stars.

“Radiohead meets Nick Cave meets Bach – all recovering from a panic attack.” Influenced by existentialist literature and musical styles of all kinds (from the Beatles to Nirvana and Radiohead to classical music) Vienna-based musician and songwriter Clemens Engert alias Alien Hand Syndrome creates songs as small pieces of art somewhere between Alternative/Gothic/Noise Rock, Singer-Songwriter structures and classical cello/piano arrangements. 

The musical spectrum of A.H.S. generally goes from parts of innermost fragility to powerful choruses, beautiful melancholic melodies and chaotic noise orgies. Overall A.H.S. puts the main focus on the intensity of feelings, no matter if the sensation is insecurity, alienation, anxiety, love, hope, sadness or pure anger.

With his previous records Alien Hand Syndrome achieved critical acclaim all over the world as well as massive media coverage and radio airplay (especially all across Europe and in North and South America). The singles “A New Day” (2011), “Daniel And The Lions” (2013) and “Summer Of 1816” (2016) were played on radio stations in more than 30 countries.

For his newest production “Tales Of Waking” (release date November 2nd) Alien Hand Syndrome worked with former Muse producer Paul N. Reeve (also Supergrass, The Beta Band and many more). The 6 songs were recorded, produced and mixed in Reeve’s studio in Cornwall, England, and mastered by John Davis (Lana Del Rey, Joy Division, Morrissey etc.) at legendary Metropolis studios. FACEBOOK.

'We Will Never See The Stars' is a grand and dramatic song, where emotion and passion simmer within the vocals, whilst the musical backdrop is intensely epic in nature.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Voice of Aiko - Anna Pancaldi - Jade The Moon

Voice of Aiko - Prescription Dream.

In collaboration with Voice of Aiko, Arts Council England, and charities REST, MIND & APRIL, Enya Belak Gupta unveils a powerful new film to help tackle the global prescription drug crisis. Prescription Dream is a slick and stylish documentary that illustrates with chilling insight the terrible impact prescription drugs can have. The tense, unnerving tone employed throughout represents the helplessness and confusion of dependency sufferers.

Working with Stakk Media and partner charities, the Prescription Dream will be released with a weekly vlog series sharing people's personal stories of their experiences with prescription drugs. Voice of Aiko are also running musical workshops with those affected as part of the campaign.

Voice of Aiko is a creative collective of musicians, filmmakers and artists joining forces to campaign for real societal change. Aiko’s first project Prescription Dream sees founder Calista Kazuko collaborate with fellow musicians Samim, Miguel Toro and Jack Brown and filmmaker Enya Belak Gupta to spotlight an ongoing global prescription drug epidemic. In England alone there are an estimated 1.5 million people suffering from medically prescribed benzodiazepine dependency, and more than 1 million patients are taking dependence-forming drugs unnecessarily.

Antidepressants are also a major problem, with statistics showing that roughly 50 Americans die from prescription painkiller overdoses every day. In partnership with charities REST, MIND & APRIL, Aiko’s Prescription Dream project will raise awareness and open dialogue on this devastating issue. The campaign includes a series of musical workshops with Let’s All Create which use art to help heal those who have been affected. Voice of Aiko is grateful to be supported with public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. TWITTER.

A creative piece both musically and visually ‘Prescription Dream’ provides an artistic commentary on the ever serious subject unnecessary prescription drug dependency. I wish Voice of Aiko well with this project, wouldn't it be wonderful if the Pharmaceutical industry also genuinely stepped up to the plate on this one, oh well, I won't hold my breath...


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anna Pancaldi - Peace.

International songwriter Anna Pancaldi has a lot to look forward to this Autumn with a new project and a string of tour dates to match.

Over the past few years, Anna has been establishing herself as one of the UK’s most promising new singer-songwriters. Her 2017 ‘Sweet Charity’ EP garnered overwhelming support from BBC 6 Music and Radio 2. Online, the tracks were picked up by Line of Best Fit, and featured on New Music Friday, Coping With Loss as well as a number of other official playlists, resulting in over 1.5 million streams on Spotify last year.  All of this, fanning the flames of a lengthy UK tour including four sold out London shows. She’s also supported Prides, Hooverphonic, Bryde, Seafret, Jake Isaac on his European tour and most recently, John Mayer’s and David Ryan Harris.

Not one to limit her horizons, Anna has enjoyed success in both the UK and US, where she made her US live TV debut on CBS. Her music has also been featured on US show ‘Famous in Love’, a popular drama show on ABC Network. She’s also enjoyed an extended collaboration with Levi’s, for whom she penned a song for their Lot 700 jeans collection and featured in the accompanying advert. The expansion doesn’t stop there though, Anna is also one of few musicians that can boast her own brand of gin.

Since working with producer Matt Ingram (Florence & The Machine, Lianne La Havas, Laura Marling). This summer, Anna re-launched her music to the public with a new sound and a new approach to her musical alchemy. We’re used to hearing Anna at her soulful, songwriting best on heartfelt anthems like ‘Brother’ or ‘Keep on Keeping On’. Her summer single ‘What I’ve Become’ was a bold, spirited Indie-Rock anthem showcasing her new love for writing with electric strings. ‘Peace’ is the next step in this evolution. Opening with a rousing four to the floor, Anna builds the track to a lo-fi, anthemic piece of indie-rock. On the track Anna states:

“A challenge at first but now an exhilarating awakening having discovered and then explored the electric guitar. ‘Peace’ is my first ‘foot stomper’ track which I think will surprise listeners who’ve been on the journey with me so far. It feels a bold evolution for me so here we go.” - Anna Pancaldi. FACEBOOK.

Fabulously enticing vocals, a simple and engaging musical backdrop and bags of feisty energy ensures that 'Peace' resonates beautifully. It's Pop with some stripped back Rock and it's just so catchy. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jade The Moon - Polaroids And Airplanes.

Jade The Moon tell us "For some, it could be a bike ride through their old neighbourhood; for others, playing in the yard behind their childhood home. While creating “Polaroids and Airplanes,” our new single, we collectively relived our first memorable moments. Early memories of the people closest to us captured on polaroids and VHS tapes were at the heart of the song’s inspiration.

Standing underneath a flight path, watching the planes take off from Toronto's Pearson International Airport is one of Jeremy’s earliest memories with of his dad. There was this great photo that his father took of him sitting on the hood of their car, watching a plane take off overhead. He doesn’t have it anymore, unfortunately, but that image will forever be lodged is his memory. That photo is the main inspiration of the song.

“Polaroids and Airplanes” is the third single to be shared from our sophomore LP, 11:11, set for release this fall. We can’t wait to introduce it to the world". TWITTER. 

'Polaroids And Airplanes' is a hook laden indie pop song, the vocals are melodic and have a level of feeling that adds to piece, and the musical arrangement is tight and vibrant, it's another fine teaser for the album.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Steel Woods - Half Stack

The Steel Woods - Old News.

Old News, the new album from Nashville based southern-inspired rock band The Steel Woods is set for a January 18th release via Woods Music/Thirty Tigers. Centred around the soulful and commanding vocals of lead singer Wes Bayliss and the instrumental prowess of guitarist Jason (Rowdy) Cope, Old News makes a statement in the continuing evolution of The Steel Woods as a unit and the Bayliss/Cope combo as songwriters, something their 2017 debut Straw In The Wind only scratched the surface of. 

Over the last two years The Steel Woods have built a loyal and passionate fan-base through their road warrior touring mentality and extraordinary live shows. Whether headlining or supporting artists such as Dwight Yoakam, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jamey Johnson, Cody Jinks, Miranda Lambert, Blackberry Smoke and many more, The Steel Woods consistently convert audiences with each performance.

The themes reflected on Old News range from perseverance (“Wherever You Are”, “All of These Years”), to unity (“Blind Lover”) to hope and resilience in the stand out title track “Old News”. Their belief in finding common ground through shared life experiences and a musical connection was inspired by the conversations the band had with people they met on the road.  

As with their acclaimed debut album, The Steel Woods again included a Black Sabbath cover (“Changes”), but also felt the need to acknowledge some important artists we have recently lost. The four tribute tracks honour Tom Petty (“Southern Accents”), Merle Haggard (“Are The Good Times Really Over (I Wish A Buck Was Still Silver)”), their dear friend Wayne Mills (“One Of These Days”) and Gregg Allman (“Whipping Post”).

Old News was recorded at Echo Mountain Studio (Asheville, NC) and Blackbird Studio (Nashville, TN) and features band members, Wes Bayliss (guitar/vocals/keys/mandolin/harmonica), Jason Cope (guitars), Johnny Stanton (bass) and Jay Tooke (drums/percussion). 

The Steel Woods are a band steeped in Southern culture with a modern approach and powerful intensity in live performance. Though their style is apologetically Southern Rock and Rock, just pull back the layers to find lyrics that feature passionate storytelling and messages that resonate. TWITTER.

The Steel Woods have shared the title track for 'Old News' with the album due to drop in January 2019. Southern Rock and associated culture might not be for everyone, however I have to say it has always travelled well, with the likes of The Allman Brothers introducing me in part, at Knebworth Park in England back in 1974 (I was very young - honest).

In the less distant past (under 20 years ago) The Black Crowes are another band that have set standards high in terms of expectation for this classic southern music. I mention this (in part because it might make some old rockers a little jealous), but more seriously, due to the fact that The Steel Woods have made this music their own and are just incredible to listen to. There is heart, passion, and depth to this song alone, it's hard not to be stirred a little, because at the core I sense it is genuine, something good Southern rock has always been.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Half Stack - Quitting Time (Album).

Combining outlaw country with sweet 60's psych, Oakland's Half Stack have really hit their sweet spot on Quitting Time, their first LP out this week on taste-making Bay label Processional Cross. Produced by Jay Som's Melina Duterte, the record is simultaneously lo-fi and lush, with slide guitar accents and sparkling leads.

In the past year, Half Stack have played around the Western US, appeared at SXSW, and received a nod from NPR with musical features in its national broadcasts. They're currently riding the waves their new record, Quitting Time, is making, with praise from The FADER, SF Weekly, Bandcamp, Tiny Mix Tapes, and The Deli, among others. Notable performances have included an appearance with Alex Cameron at the Noise Pop Festival in the Bay Area, as well as supporting Chastity Belt, The Garden and many others.

A standout among the flourishing DIY community in Oakland, the five-piece band blends cosmic-Americana with the rough-around-the-edges sound of the East Bay on their debut LP, Quitting Time. Pete Kegler's casual vocals perfectly encapsulate the laid back feel Half Stack cultivates, supported by the pulsing melodies of Callum Beals bass playing and Marley Lix-Jones harmonized, jangly guitar riffs.

All of the groups members have known each other for years, and played in countless bands together. Kegler & Beal spent their college years in the beach town of Santa Cruz, where they first honed their unique talent for surfy twang, and guitarist Oliver Pinnell also tours with Jay Som, who drummer Digger Barrett often tour manages.

On their first full length, Half Stack establish themselves as a fully formed and unique Western outfit, fit for indie rock kids who are ready for something familiar but new. Mostly, they're just here to have a good time. FACEBOOK.

From the opening moments of the first track 'Dually' Half Stack had gained my attention with the musical arrangement, where there is something just a little hypnotic going on behind the carefree vocals and harmonies. Then they change style with 'Quitting Time' a timeless taste of Americana with a loose and enticing feel. From there on the the album 'Quitting Time' continues to work it's charm, twist and turn and impress in a fabulous way. It's all presented below, and well worth a listen.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bessie Turner - Parabola West - Georgie and the Georgettes

Bessie Turner - Nino.

Tackling universal themes with a personal focus, Bessie’s song-writing falls one or two cryptic references short of laying herself totally bare. This mix of openness and obliqueness, alongside a lighter-hearted edge, makes for the beginnings of a captivating collection of releases so far. Her languid garage-rock indebted sound positions her alongside transatlantic artists like Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail or Angel Olsen, with nods to Brooke Bentham and Fenne Lily also.

Continuing this trend is new single Nino, which was produced by Richard Woodcraft, who won a Grammy for his work on Radiohead’s iconic album In Rainbows.

It’s an exploration of anxiety, and the value of having people around you to lean on, to push and pull at the right moments. “'Nino' is something my boyfriend calls me when I say I can't do something,” Bessie explains, “like if I am feeling unconfident about a performance, or something else that I totally have the ability to do, but I feel like I'm not able to, purely because of my own brain.

“The song has some well disguised personal references that relate to me...body image, boredom, sex, and that feeling like you want to go into self-destruct mode because of it all. Life can overwhelm and consume everybody and having someone there to give you a push or a boost is sometimes all it takes.”

Artists are often both a product of, and reaction to, their spatial surroundings. Bessie has lived her whole life in the countryside, and its eerie sparseness, punctuated by points of natural beauty, seeps into her artistic endeavour. Tackling the juxtapositions in both her thematic self-analysis and sonic textures can partially be attributed to the contrasts inherent in the environment that has shaped her. TWITTER.

Bessie Turner delivers gorgeous and sparkling vocals on 'Nino' an uncomplicated mixture of indie pop and rock (with some garage rock styling for good measure), where the hooks dig in early doors and don't budge.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parabola West - Calling Your Name.

Parabola West is back with her new single 'Calling Your Name'. The artist persona of New Zealand-based American singer and songwriter Amy Tucker West. Drawing inspiration from Celtic and Nordic folk roots, electronica, and organic sounds, Parabola West's music is a lush soundscape of layered melodies.

This new release follows up Parabola West's 2017 EP 'Purity of Weakness' and lead single 'Fire', which was released both digitally and on CD. Her debut EP 'Did You Hear?' was released in 2014. Often piano-driven, her music is laced with hints of Celtic and Scandinavian influences and a dash of fantasy. 

Originally from Springfield, MA (near Boston) on the U.S. east coast and currently based in Raglan, New Zealand, Amy began songwriting on piano as a teenager and, at age 21, she was recruited into the London-based trip-hop band Dreamfield during their recording sessions in Boston. With two critically acclaimed releases to their credit, the band split in 2003 and West relocated to New Zealand.

The self-confessed ‘math & science nerd’ then took a 10-year break from the music industry to work in IT and engineering recruitment, returning to her musical roots in 2013 as solo artist Parabola West. 

“I came to a point where I needed to fully immerse myself again in the creative,” says Amy Tucker West. To achieve that she took the extreme step of moving completely off-the-grid to a rural spot on New Zealand’s rugged West Coast. West has since released two successful EPs and continues to call Raglan home.

"Calling Your Name' expresses the torment of loving someone who has become emotionally numb. Ask anyone on a significant dose of anti-depressants and they'll tell you about the numbing - that slow, subtle nothingness that keeps life ticking over without incident but turns down all the colour," says West. WEBSITE.

'Calling Your Name' is beautiful and has an expansive feel, as both the melodic and captivating vocals and more electronic musical backdrop complement each other wonderfully. Add to that a subtle Celtic feeling, that gives this piece a little extra feeling and warmth, and this certainly is one imaginative song.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Georgie and the Georgettes - Shaloomalooma!.

American singer-songwriter Georgie Cooper and Nub recording artist George Royale have got together to write and record four spanking new songs.

Combining their love of Rockabilly…Doo Wop…1960s Girl Groups…Country and Americana on this Extra Pleasurable Expertly Produced EP Entitled Pertinently…Shaloomalooma! Nub Music - FACEBOOK.

Comprising of four songs, the opener being the vibrant 'Shaloomalooma!' there is not a lot more I can tell you about those behind it, namely Georgie and the Georgettes.

The E.P. itself travels through classic genres in a breathless and totally lovable way. It's a little bit like a retro short, sharp, shock, that demands you stand up, pay attention and then throw yourself around the room in wild dancing abandon!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Venice May - Palberta - Ganser

Venice May - Hiding Place (Video) and the album - Illusion Is Inevitable.

Venice May is a project founded in 2013 by Natalia and Vincent, a couple both on and off stage. Their first common effort, "Illusion is inevitable was released in September 2018. Fundamentally rock, full of melodic  entanglements and ethereal atmospheres, their music also incorporates elements from post-rock. 

They do not like to cite influences, the desire and the ambition to deliver a unique sound being too strong. Listening to them, however, it is difficult to deny their affiliation with PJ Harvey, Sigur Ros, Portishead, A Perfect Circle, Brand New or Radiohead. 

Natalia was born in Ukraine and moved to France at the age of 25, Vincent was born and raised in France. The band is a duo that is accompanied by other musicians for their live performances. The songs were written and  produced by Vincent and Natalia and then mixed and mastered by Alexey Stetsyuk at Grave Town Production. No synths were used, all the soundscapes were created using guitar effects. WEBSITE.

'Hiding Place' is taken from Venice May's new album 'Illusion Is Inevitable' and as we have the option to share both, it a pleasure to do just that. Despite their desire not to cite influences (something their PR couldn't resist above), it's always easy to look for other bands as a reference point. Venice May have an eclectic mixture of musical ideas going on within the album, and central to this is the fabulous vocals and the bands more organic style as they resist the need to use synths.

The result is a gorgeous album where warmth, creativity and a treasure trove of musical hooks, ensure every track is a new adventure. So with or without comparisons Natalia and Vincent have something quite special going on here, so much so that I just hope they reach a wider audience, they are going to appeal to a lot of different musical genre fans, and their originality and fine musical art, deserves some widespread recognition.  


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Palberta - Sound of the Beat (Live at Look to Listen Studios).

Palberta's fall tour dates with Porches, Girlpool and Speedy Ortiz, are accompanied by a new music video for their single "Sound of the Beat," performed live at Look to Listen Studios in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. 

After releasing Roach Goin' Down earlier this year, Palberta continue to bring their hypermelodic brand of experimental pop to hardcore fans and new converts alike. Palberta's Record LABEL.

Palberta Fall Tour Dates and Shows:

10/25 - Boston, MA @ Somerville Theatre #
10/26 - Montreal, Quebec @ Bar Le Ritz PDB $
10/27 - Toronto, Ontario @ The Rec Room $
10/28 - Detroit, MI @ El Club #
10/29 - Toledo, OH @ Culture Clash Records w/ Harmony Tividad (Girlpool)
10/30 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge #
10/31 - Grinnell, IA @ Grinnell College #
11/1 - St. Louis, MO @ Ready Room #
11/2 - Nashville, KY @ Mercy Lounge #
11/3 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade #
11/4 - Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle #
11/5 - College Park, MD @ Milkboy ArtHouse #
11/6 - Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer #
11/27 - Boston, MA @ Sinlair *
11/28 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church *
 # w/ Porches & Girlpool
$ w/ Porches
* w/ Speedy Ortiz

A new live studio video for 'Sound of the Beat' (and imminent tour dates) are worth a mention and a share, as Palberta delight us with this feisty and lovable song version. At less than two minutes it's also something of a tease to see them live or check out 'Roach Goin' Down' released earlier this year.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ganser - Pastel.

Ganser is a Chicago-based band equal parts Space Odyssey and Ghost World that embraces a post-punk ethos with early synth music’s minimal intimacy, formed in 2014 by Nadia Garofalo and Alicia Gaines. Drawing inspiration from visual language commonly associated with film and their shared art backgrounds, the band was joined in the Fall of 2015 by drummer Brian Cundiff and guitarist Charlie Landsman.

This Spring saw Ganser’s debut LP Odd Talk exploring communication breakdown, both in “frayed nerves” (New York Times) and “smothered in anxiety” (Billboard). With their new single “Pastel,” released through No Trend Records, the Chicago post-punk band explores the sticky-sweet, repulsive need for attention.

In a world of parasocial relationships and illusions of intimacy, there is the nagging sense that no one is watching you shout into the void. “Pastel” dances with that particular anxious itch, with Alicia Gaines (bass, vox) and Nadia Garofalo (keys, vox) sharing vocals alongside Charlie Landsman’s angular guitar and Brian Cundiff propulsive drums. Pastel is a true hip-swinging panic dance.

Half boasting (“My blood’s thicker, redder than yours”), half frightened (“Hungry to show anyone anything at all”) the song details the collective consumption of self when everyone is an audience, and everyone a performer. Everything is happening all the time, and isn’t that terrifying?

The band toured the East Coast and South in support of the album, as well as playing multiple festivals this year (Do Division, Athens Popfest, Cold Waves). The foursome has had the pleasure of playing with artists like Modern English, Thee Oh Sees, Ought, Micachu and the Shapes, Cheatahs, Wax Idols and King Woman. Ganser continues to make bright black music for space transmissions and panic attacks. They are currently working on their second album. BANDCAMP.

Ganser Tour Dates
10.31 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall (Halloween Bomb Bash)
11.17 & 11.18 - Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen *
* with Daughters.

Ganser's new video for their brand new single 'Pastel' is our third feature for the band this year and once again we are treated to a retro video accompaniment to immerse ourselves in. Ganser's loose and potent rock and roll is as delicious as ever, and for reasons I am still to work out, both images and music when combined seem to resonate a whole lot more.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Haiku Garden - Curtsy

Haiku Garden - Catch My Breath.

Hailing from Ljubliana, Slovenia's flagbearers of muddy guitar noise and dreamy vocals Haiku Garden proudly present their highly anticipated debut full-length effort. They play noisy, guitar-driven music, interlaced with poppy vocal harmonies. Shoegaze, dreampop, neo-psych and noise rock are all thrown into the equation.

Since their debut EP Waver in 2016, with single “Rosetta” winning Song of the Day honors on KEXP, the band has run a long way: they already toured Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania and Austria, playing festivals all over Europe and opening for the likes of The Jesus & Mary Chain and SUUNS in 2017.

Where If Not Now sounds very much like a cinematic experience, marking the sound of a fully fleshed-out band exploring, disintegrating and advancing their shoegaze foundation with abrasive, experimental, and even melodic approaches, imbuing their sound with a distinctive sonic signature.

Nine songs, filled with yearning, a sense of abandon and longing for things new, unexplored and unknown, unfold like a rainbow of endless colours and feelings, inviting you to escape. Where If Not Now does sound like a film, a film for dreamers with a runtime that always seems too short. During performances, the band is draped in visuals (courtesy of 5th member Kristina), which makes the experience even more mind altering. BANDCAMP.

'Catch My Breath' is the first of nine tracks on Haiku Garden's brand new debut album, showing off the more powerful Shoegaze side of their music. The band are not cornered into any one specific style, the album mixes lighter, melodic songs (coupled with some fine musicianship) alongside some creative explorations where psych, dream pop and good old rockers compete for attention. As debut albums go, there are plenty of hooks and variety and a sense that this band doesn't care to play safe, rather there is a leaning towards experimentation that is both refreshing and highly listenable.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Curtsy - Vista Del Mar.

Curtsy is an indie-rock five piece consisting of Austin Knecht, Crystal Napoles, Kai Dodson, Tamara Simons, and Jonathan Palmquist. Curtsy was formed when Austin Knecht (vocals, guitar) auditioned as a lap steel player for a country-folk band fronted by Crystal Napoles (vocals, keys). After bonding over their mutual love of 80s pop and 90s shoegaze, the pair began writing together. Jonathan Palmquist (drums), Kai Dodson (bass), and Tamara Simons (guitar) joined the pair along the way, forming a completive, rich rhythm section. Their sound incorporates lush indie pop with dreamy guitars over driving rhythms and haunting boy/girl harmonies wrapped around perfect pop hooks—a sound that creates something both familiar and unique.

“Vista Del Mar” is about a talented musician that had the tendency to act out of control, black out, be overcome with madness, and wander into house parties that they weren’t invited to. One night, they lit their mother’s bed on fire while being in a blacked out state of mind. They ended up in Aurora Vista Del Mar Hospital, a mental institution that burned down in the Ventura fire last year.

Three years ago, indie-rock quintet Curtsy identified with the luscious soundscapes and pleasant harmonies of love-sick dreampop. Although elements of dreampop and shoegaze still season the backbone of their sound, personal and historic undoings have given Curtsy something to say, and savory sonics are no longer enough. Tell Me How This Ends brandishes relentless drumbeats, propulsive bass lines, and distinctive guitar layers behind cascading lyrics typified by self-destruction, apprehension, cognitive dissonance, and an ever-present lack of control. 

Within song-structures and harmonious melodies that pay homage to Curtsy’s dreampop roots, the seamless unification of Tell Me How This Ends’ instrumentation and biting vocals creates a sound that is both nostalgic and innovative. Tell Me How This Ends is the devastation of unmitigated reality wrapped in a shining bow. It's five people who are in love with music but fed up with its euphemisms. What does angry dreampop sound like? It sounds like this. TWITTER.

The tenth and final track on the bands 'Tell Me How This Ends' album is 'Vista Del Mar'. If this is angry dream pop then it's not short on catchy and very likable songs. In actual fact the band produce a mixture of styles with alt & indie rock overtones never far away. There is an overall polished and tight sound, plenty of natural feeling, and that vital element of emotion that ensures the material registers personally.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chorusgirl - Lowland Hum - BLOW 3.0 - Twain - Faux Co.

Chorusgirl - In Dreams.

London band Chorusgirl reveal their stunning new animated collage video for "In Dreams", which was created by renowned animator Ruth Barrett. The track is taken from Chorusgirl's forthcoming second album Shimmer and Spin due out on 16 November via Reckless Yes. The band will be heading out on the road in November.

The handmade stop motion video for "In Dreams" consists of an impressive 2500 manually cut out paper prints filmed using the strata stencil technique, an animation technique invented by Javan Ivey, and a further progression of the complicated strata cut technique first used by David Daniels. The video uses the red colour scheme of the album art for Shimmer and Spin and was inspired by the reverb-heavy shimmer of the band’s sound, rollercoaster rides, fireworks, dreams and all things spinning.

"In Dreams" is a song about feeling out of place. It’s a coming-of-age anthem about dreaming yourself out of the small town you grew up in; the place you never fit in. It is also the much more dreamy companion piece to the rather angry "This Town Kills" from the debut album, and describes someone who lives mostly in their dreams, day and night. It is about growing up, feeling unconnected and patiently waiting and vividly dreaming for your turn.

Shimmer and Spin by Chorusgirl is the album that overcame the odds. Their second full-length chronicles a tense year, created during a period of crippling anxiety and a relentless string of bad luck and bad news. On first listen these tensions are not immediately apparent but beyond the bright sparkling melodies there are beautifully crafted yet deceptively sharp icebergs lying in wait. WEBSITE.

We first featured Chorusgirl last month with their first single 'No Goodbye' and 'In Dreams' is also taken from their 'Shimmer and Spin' album set for release next month. Once again the melodic vocals are splendid as the bands distinctive indie rock sound hits the spot with plenty of refined hooks.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lowland Hum - Salzburg Summer.

Lowland Hum have debuted a new song and video and announced their fourth full-length album Glyphonic to be released February 22. The music video was created in collaboration with Pando Creative Co. and shot in the countryside near Charlottesville, VA, where the band is based. The band tell us "This song is in part an exploration of vanity, youthful frivolity, and femininity as it was internalized by Lauren’s pre-teen mind."

Lowland Hum are an art-folk duo composed of husband and wife, Daniel and Lauren Goans. Over their young but prolific musical career, the band have garnered critical acclaim from NPR, The Washington Post, The LA Times, Huffington Post, American Songwriter and more, their lyrics noted as poetic and evocative, their arrangements praised as minimal but dynamic. Creators of the #SupportQuietMusic movement, the band maintain that in an increasingly polarized and noisy cultural moment, vulnerability is a powerful offering and restraint stands in welcome contrast to new, bombastic norms. New album Glyphonic is the purest distillation of this thesis to date, a masterful exploration of stillness in rising chaos.

Lowland Hum are a dedicated touring act, existing on the road nearly 200 days out of the year. The pair just completed an East Coast run with Horse Feathers and in recent years, have played alongside the likes of Josh Ritter, The Oh Hellos, Jesca Hoop and more. They are known for cultivating meaningful connections with fans, crafting customized-to-order "songlets" through their own Send-A-Song service, passing out handmade lyric booklets at shows, and engaging audiences in unconventional Q&As. In every part of their art, these indie pioneers are committed to the human touch. Full headline tour to be announced. WEBSITE.

'Salzburg Summer' opens with a soothing and natural folk feel, the vocals are tender and pleasing and the understated yet catchy musical backdrop gradually adds depth creating a rather addictive vibe.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BLOW 3.0 - Stella.

Belgium-based acoustic-electronic BLOW 3.0 just released their new single Stella. The track announces the mysterious three piece's upcoming second album, scheduled for release early 2019. Over the last two years the band has grown from a busking sensation to a true live-on-stage band that bursts with positive energy.

The masked musicians - two saxophone players and a drummer - started playing on the streets in Ghent, Belgium in 2011. Soon after, some of their videos went viral on social media and soon the three-piece was playing the streets of just about every city in Europe and eventualy, stages of Jazz- & Worldmusic festivals.

The two saxophones roar like guitars and pump like synths supported by a mesmerizing, groovy drum beat, creating the vintage BLOW 3.0-sound. Stella is now available on all streaming- and download services. The album will be released early 2019 via Dox Records. FACEBOOK.

'Stella' has plenty of unique attributes and it's not short on power or intensity. The musical arrangement is fabulous as the band defy any one genre categorisation, on this sublime instrumental piece that just begs for a second play.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twain - Young God (gotta lotta feeling).

Twain has released their first new music since 2017's critically-lauded Rare Feeling. Twain's singer and songwriter Mt. Davidson tells us "This song is about the freedom-feeling of allowing Love its natural Death." NPR All Songs Considered premiered "Young God (gotta lotta feeling)" this week, noting "Twain songs retain a live energy with little editing. Like an old cassette, the sounds on these records are limited to a mild and pleasant midrange and swathed in a lisping hiss. Even as "Young God" rises from its quiet, glimmering opening to a thumping, full band apotheosis, the coloring of that sound frames it like a photo in an album."

With the song, Twain announced a 12" double EP to be released January 25 on Keeled Scales. Titled 2 E.P.s, the 14-track collection represents two distinct moments in the artist's recording history. Side A is New Miami Sound, unreleased material from the Rare Feeling album sessions. Side B is Alternator, an intimate recording of Davidson performing a selection of his songs in a van; it is the first fully solo Twain music to be released on vinyl. The painting ("Margie") featured on the album jacket was made by the group's drummer, Peter Pezzimenti (@friendthathelps).

Over the course of a young but eventful career, Davidson has contributed his virtuoso musicianship to the likes of The Low Anthem, Spirit Family Reunion, Deslondes and more. He spent 2018 on the road, touring as Twain alongside Langhorne Slim, Horse Feathers and Buck Meek among others and making his Newport Folk Festival debut. Demand for his devastatingly raw stage presence continues to build nationwide. He'll begin another run through the South next month. BANDCAMP.

Live Dates:
November 24 | New Orleans, LA @ house show (w. Julie Odell)
November 26 | Gainesville, FL @ Limin Room
November 27 | Orlando, FL @ Gallery Space Called Home
November 28 | St. Augustine, FL @ Sarbez
November 29 | Atlanta, GA @ house show
November 30 | Athens, GA @ Flicker Theatre
December 05 | High Point, NC @ Centennial Station Arts Center.

There is something quite captivating about 'Young God (gotta lotta feeling)' a song that is winsome, creative and very catchy. It's also one of those songs that seems to just build and build and still manages to keep the same personable and beautiful vibe throughout.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Faux Co. - Set The Record Straight.

Chicago’s Faux Co. is the brainchild of songwriter Ben Mackey. Originally from Santa Rosa, California, Mackey has been writing 60's influenced Indie pop songs for a decade. After stints in the bands the Subtitles and Silver Ships, Ben moved to Chicago in 2012. He formed the Red Threads shortly after with Anna Holmquist (the Curls, Ester), Claire Wellin, Ben James and Jason Homyak. Trevor Pritchett (Lucille Furs) joined the band shortly thereafter and the group played around Chicago for a few years.

In 2015 The Red Threads disbanded as Ben decided to start a new group. Pritchett joined on lead guitar with local DIY legend Chris Lee (Beastii, Bloodhype) on drums and Faux Co. was born. The group played shows locally for a few years, crafting all the layers to Ben's melodic pop songs.

In 2016 the group headed to Downbeat Studios and Minbal Studios and recorded their debut album. Sean Mcconnell and Chris Lee split the engineering and producing duties and the group made a solid record reminiscent of classic 60's pop. After recording sessions spread throughout 2016 with notable guest appearances by Holmquist and Danny Cohen (Terriers), the group spent the next half year mixing and mastering (w/ Mike Hagler of Kingsize Soundlabs) the record. “Set the Record Straight” b/w “Prozac Spacemen” is the first single from the debut (release date TBD). FACEBOOK.

'Set The Record Straight' is a potent rocker, where everything feels energised and yet the musical arrangement leaves room for every musical and vocal element to have clarity. I guess it's a case of modern mixing techniques meet timeless rock and roll ideas, and combine to make some splendid music.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------