Alternative Take: Hologram Teen - I Am Karate - WAZA - Kolidescopes

Hologram Teen - Marsangst.

Background promo - Hologram Teen is releasing a 2-track single on 7" vinyl via London's Happy Robots Records. This is the solo electronic motorik disco project of Morgane Lhote, former long-term keyboard player of Stereolab.

Originally from Paris, Morgane moved to London when she was 20 and spent 12 years there. Then she moved to NYC and, nine years later, moved to Los Angeles. Her name is known to many for her work as keyboard player in the seminal indie kosmische act Stereolab, having recorded and performed with the band during their imperial phase between 1995 and 2001, when they released a series of career defining albums including ‘Emperor Tomato Ketchup’ and ‘Dots and Loops’. Fans of Common will also be able to find Morgane on the Sgt Pepper inspired sleeve for his Electric Circus album. She followed her time in Stereolab with a stint in The Projects and, from 2005, played in Garden with members of Simian Mobile Disco before starting the Hologram Teen project.

The Hologram Teen sound, although embracing electronica and pop, does so in a way that is more evocative of a prog rock disco horror soundtrack than the soulless EDM that fills the pop charts. "It's like Fabio Frizzi meets Grandmaster Flash," says Morgane Lhote. Her debut sold-out single 'Post-Apocalypteacakes' was released on London's Deep Distance label and mixed creepy vintage library effects with bouncy dancehall synths and disco beats. Following its release, Pulp's Jarvis Cocker came to be among her many newfound fans.

"With Marsangst, I wanted to write a minimal techno track that still retained groovy, more dance-like elements, with a splash of Krautrock and a futuristic vibe," explains Morgane. "Kyaputen Fyucha is also on the cover, rescuing stranded space explorers one at a time with his magic pink disco vinyl, while Disco Démon gets serenaded by four-eyed cats. Never a dull day in the Hologram Teen galaxy!"

Written by Morgane Lhote and co-produced with Jonathan R. Freihofer, both tracks were mixed by Jonathan R. Freihofer and mastered by Adam Gonsalves at Telegraph Mastering.The single’s glorious sci-fi artwork is by Alex Smith. This single is limited to 300 copies and distributed worldwide by Cargo Records. It is also available direct from the label at www.happyrobots.co.uk

'Marsangst' is a wonderful piece. Have to agree with Morgane's above description of this track, and for me the "splash of Krautrock" is the icing on the cake. Totally addictive music.

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I Am Karate - Bitter (plus Gabriel Gassi Remix).

Background words - DIY duo I Am Karate consists of Erika Soldh and Marta Pettersson, who are known for their contemporary sound of indie electro-pop. Some of their recent success includes a nomination for Best Unsigned in GAFFA along with reaching over 700,000 streams on Spotify. Some of their incredible live performances have led to comparisons to artists including Kloe. The single Bitter has had a very good reaction in their native Sweden, and have already been compared to the likes of The Knife and Young Galaxy.

The two remixers for the track include Gabriel Gassi and Illien, who remixed Mavrick’s single. Both pieces are outstanding examples of the spectrum of sound throughout I Am Karate’s music and prove that the pair can conquer different genres successfully. During both remixes, the melody feels familiar with powerful electronic beats, layering of vocals and a tropical house style; therefore the production has similarities to Jungle and even Major Lazer. Vocally, we can instantly draw comparisons to Purity Ring with a hint of FKA Twigs from the soprano tones. 

Partly to demonstrate just how different and creative the remixes are, I have chosen one remix to compare with original release of 'Bitter' (well that's my excuse for featuring both - nothing to do with just loving them both...). So feast your ears (twice).


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WAZA - Rocks And Bones Feat. Aquila Young.

Background promo - Sydney’s most ambitious beat maker Waza has just premiered single 'Rocks and Bones' over at The Au Review, foreshadowing a spectacular upcoming LP release.

2015 saw Waza's ‘The Art and Techniques Sessions’ come to light, an experimental story told through music in three parts. Such an aspirational project naturally attracted an impressive musical rap sheet, drawing love from all across the nation’s airwaves, with adds and appearances on triple j’s Breakfast Show and The Hip Hop Show, FBi, 2SER, 3RRR and Unearthed.

Shedding his hip-hop roots, “Rocks and Bones” sees Waza getting back to something a little more straight up sonic. Emphasising synth and melody the song is a treasure trove of lush production, polyrhythmic melodies and a massive beat that feels like it’s swinging from a pendulum. The cherry on top comes in the lavish vocals of a dreamy new talent: Aquila Young. “Rocks and Bones” is just a taste of Waza’s upcoming LP Crooked Jaw slated for release in 2016.

'Rocks And Bones' is a creative song with Aquila Young's vocals well up in the mix, where they belong. At times the soundtrack is quite laid back, and seemingly sparse as it teases with the vocals, yet somehow this just seems so right. 

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Kolidescopes - Memory Lane.

Background (brief & to the point) - Kolidescopes is the duo of Dan Dare and Yeah Boy. Dare is a hit producer for the likes of Charlie XCX, Wiley, Juelz Santana and Marina And The Diamonds whilst Yeah Boy hails from Australia and has already seen wild success with Parachute Youth, having reached platinum record sales.

According to Kolidescopes and to quote them "We got all your summer music needs". Well featured song 'Memory Lane' just oozes summer vibes. Hooky, melodic and sun drenched, it's one fine mood shifter, and some...

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A Couple Of Rockers: Gothic Tropic - Self Talk

Gothic Tropic - Stronger.

Background promo - Los Angeles' Gothic Tropic introduces a new brand of female fronted, guitar-driven indie rock. The band will be playing a single release show today May 30th in Los Angeles at Resident.

The brainchild of Cecilia Della Peruti, Gothic Tropic keeps the vibe playful and punchy, bringing audiences into a new era of female rock nobility, nodding to stars like Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. 

Delivering a blend of Richard Lloyd and Nile Rodgers on guitar, Gothic Tropic's Della Peruti has won sponsorships with Fender, and leading pedal manufacturers, and works professionally as a touring and session player for Charli XCX, BØRNS, and more.

'Stronger' has something of a classic indie rock meets power pop, feel to it. Punchy drums and bass lines drive the song forward with pace, and the vocals and guitars dance melodically above. Good song!

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Self Talk - Clean Washing.

Background promo - Surprise! The talk of the town, Melbourne’s Self Talk have dropped a short sharp single 'Clean Washing' ahead of their upcoming debut EP.

The fresh faced five piece had a lot of eyes on them in April when they released single 'Hypocrite'. Drawing praise and high fives from the blogosphere as well as radio lords triple j, not to mention sharing bills with the likes of Luca Brasi and Ceres. On the back of this success the band are pleased to announce their debut EP Seeing What I Want to See due June 18th, with a new single available right now.

'Clean Washing' is Self Talk's catchiest crowd pleaser yet, blending gripping hooks with tight instrumentation and disarmingly honest lyrics. Coming in at a tidy two minutes thirty it's an abrupt mosh anthem set to throw crowds into an joyous uproar at their EP launch on June 18th. 

'Seeing What I Want to See' EP launch at The Grace Darling Hotel June 18th.

We featured Self Talk not that long ago and then along comes a nice surprise in the shape of  'Clean Washing' the new single. Last time around we said they were “Catchy as hell and buzzing with energy”. This time I would just repeat the diagnosis and add that the band just keep getting better, this is a sparkly no nonsense rock song, just what the doctor ordered...

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Grand Band Names: The Amazing - Iconique

The Amazing - Ambulance.

Background promo - Partisan Records is excited to announce the next album from The Amazing, Ambulance, coming out in the UK on August 5th. On Ambulance, the Swedish band composed of members of Dungen & led by Christoffer Gunrup, continues their journey to a place where music is free of restrictions, offering up another collection of densely concentrated melodies and fractured rhythms. Pitchfork summed their sound up well on their last record, saying "discussion of Picture You can only end up with slack-jawed remarks about how goddamn pretty it is."

Gunrup, the band's lead singer, songwriter and one of three main guitarists, has been playing music all his life. He's a serious musician with a self-effacing demeanor who is known for his reluctance to talk about his process, preferring to let the music speak for itself. He refuses to take part in the promotion of the band, never reveals the lyrics, which are often an impenetrable jumble in the mix, and expresses little satisfaction with any of the music he's recorded.

The Amazing came together a few years after Gunrup's former group, Granada [a renowned Scandinavian pop duo w/ his ex-wife], broke up and he asked Dungen's guitarist and former drummer (Reine Fiske and Fredrik Björling) to join him onstage. After a few personal shifts, the line-up settled down with Fiske on guitar; Fredrik Swahn on guitar and keys; bass player Alexis Benson and drummer Moussa Fadera. The band's previous four records have garnered a loyal following & critical acclaim, landing them on Letterman and on a world tour with Tame Impala.

While Picture You was bright, exploding outward to explore the limits of experience, this next instalment, Ambulance, is more intimate, imploding inward to reconnoitre the uncharted distances that exist between us, even in life's most intimate moments.

'Ambulance' the title track from the forthcoming album, has a hazy, dreamy feel to it. The Amazing are a band who have crafted their skills over time and clearly, have a good ear for excellently produced music. The direction of the forthcoming LP is quite intriguing, and on the strength of this song, could well be a fascinating listen.

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Iconique - Sitting Pretty.

Background promo - How can disco be ethereal? Los Angeles-based trio, Iconique, praised by Gawker Media and  featured  on  Hype Machine, creates something otherworldly with their new single “Sitting Pretty.” The retro-inspired song, second from the group who have been noted as “evoking  memories of disco  icons  like  Sylvester,” by Surviving the Golden Age, is a synthesis of influences like Prince, David  Bowie, and Chic. The band’s previous single, “Step Into The Mood,” boasts over 24,000 plays on  Soundcloud and receives regular radio airplay on KUCI and KCHUNG.

“Sitting Pretty” starts small with a bed of warm synths and drum fills, before bursting into a glistening disco groove. Synthesizer arpeggios and staccato guitar soon give way to frontman Leo Paparella’s knowing speak-sing delivery. The chorus heightens the song’s temperature as Paparella’s vocals take flight—and that’s only the first minute and a half. Even at a brisk four minutes and 22 seconds, “Sitting Pretty” transports you to the back of a dim nightclub circa 1980. Though it may seem like it’s birthed from a bygone era, musically and lyrically, the song is as intriguing now as it would have been then.

Iconique's heavy disco rhythms entwine with silky synth highlights to encapsulate the shimmering grit of the Los Angeles music scene. Self-produced and written, their material lures listeners to the dance floor with a medley of genres ranging from dance to art rock. Formed in 2015, the trio consists of brothers Eric Promani (drums / synths) and Greg Promani (guitar), and frontman Leo Paparella (vocals / synths). 

Live - Labyrinth 30th Anniversary Event @ Central Park, Glendale on June 4th, 2016. 

Iv'e got to be honest Disco was never a big thing for me back in the day. 'Sitting Pretty' however is a song that wanders across genres with a clear disco reference point. Vocals remind me a little of Russell Mael, whilst the harmonies veer towards The Bee Gees circa their disco era. It's a good song, simple as that really & I can tick off a number genre covered by Beehive Candy:)

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Rock'n'Roll Saturday: VanDeRocker - Josh Rawiri - NARCS

VanDeRocker - Fly.

Background bio - VanDeRocker is a Los Angeles based indie-rock project led by lead singer and guitarist, Adrienne VanDeRocker. Raised in Austin, Texas by a family of classical musicians, Adrienne got her start in music playing piano. She was always more captivated by the music of Bowie, Prince and Kate Bush and quickly began writing her own songs on guitar. By the age of 12, she was sneaking in to local bars to perform with her older sister's band and had eventually decided to pursue a music career of her own.

After exploring the performance scene in Seattle and New York City, Adrienne relocated to Los Angeles where she developed the five-piece alternative rock band, VanDeRocker. Recording with talents like Chris Chaney on bass (Jane’s Addiction, Alanis Morissette), Tim Pierce on guitar (Bon Jovi, Rick Springfield), and Jamie Muhoberac on keys (Backstreet Boys, The All-American Rejects, The Rolling Stones), VDR’s latest album, Jupiter's Kiss, has been well received by fans and press alike. The song, “Cupid’s Sting” was recently licensed by AT&T. VDR has played impressive venues on L.A.'s Sunset Strip, including The Roxy, The Viper Room, House of Blues and the band held an extended residency in Silverlake. Jupiter’s Kiss is now available on iTunes and you can learn more about VanDeRocker and their upcoming shows by visiting: VanDeRocker.com.

'Fly' breathes life into indie rock. VanDeRocker delivers a feisty, upbeat and mega tight song with the vocals delivering the melody as much as the band. Short, sharp, in your face and designed to be played again.

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Josh Rawiri - My Call.

Background promo - Years of widespread regional touring have delivered Josh Rawiri’s tunes to stereos across every nook and cranny of the country - his intriguing live performances spilling out of venues and festivals from North to South. Early in his career, Rawiri gained recognition for his heartfelt song writing and powerful live performances – quickly falling into a diligent schedule of national touring. The first two singles from Rawiri’s second album Molecular Teleportation received widespread radio play across Australia (including triple j, ABC, triple R). “Follow the Road” was a #1 Blues AIRIT radio pick and reached #2 on the Great Southern Charts. The highly acclaimed film clips took out five silver Australian music film awards and aired on Rage, Channel V and MusicMax.

In 2013 Josh formed three piece band Moroccan Knights with a sound that ventured between hearty deep south surf rock and electric blues dipped in the 70’s. Moroccan Knights played a packed out debut festival and headliner shows, toured the east coast twice, had music placed exclusively as the soundtrack of 'Riptide' international summer DVD. In 2014, Moroccan Knights released “The One For You” (single). The catchy, retro-laced single received national airplay including triple j and ABC Radio National, as well as picking up numerous international TV placements.

The last 18 months have seen Josh Rawiri touring with an evolving musical mob, turning heads at popular festivals and crafting a handful of new singles for an upcoming album. Rawiri’s new single “My Call” is an alluring blend of sultry vocals and soulful rock sounds-tackling the brooding themes of temptation, trust, infidelity, touring and long-distance relationships.

“I wrote this song driving late at night, after many weeks on the road away from family. No mobile phone, my only point of contact the odd phone booth - so much relies on trust when you live two separate lives, it’s easy to let our vulnerable imaginations run wild,” says Josh on the story of the track. For the latest touring activity in 2016 visit Josh’s Facebook page. “My Call” will be released 3rd of June 2016. 

Josh Rawiri presents a bluesy, soulful song with 'My Call'. From the opening chords I get the feel of a mature well practised musician, and a band who instinctively know just how to deliver any style demanded of them. This is timeless music and when performed with the passion that we have here, will appeal to rock lovers of any age group.

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NARCS - Bullingdon Boys.

Background promo - Pouring fury on driven-alternative-indie noise, Leeds quartet NARCS create a unique blend of passionate lyrical incisiveness with powerful, spine-cracking intensity and the occasional shaman-like rantings of a possessed mad man. Following on from their dark and tense recent single ‘Pig’ the band are now gearing up to release their new album ‘A Thinking Animal’, which will be released via Clue Records (home to the likes of: Allusondrugs and Forever Cult).

Describing their sound as “guitar-centred alt-rock aimed at Tory scum”, ‘A Thinking Animal’ is a visceral attack on political apathy. It’s a passionate yet desolate onslaught on topics such as misogyny, greed, nepotism and self-loathing. However, this shouldn't be taken as en-vogue right-wing sledging or liberalism, the content is both intelligent and sincere. Speaking on the new album Joe (guitarist) said, “This album came out the way it did because we’ve always used music as an outlet for the darker stuff that we needed to vent. At the moment, the way things are, we just got drawn back to the root of our anger and frustration time and time again: the ruling class, the political class, Etonites, whatever you want to call them. In a better time, we’d never have written this album. Hopefully we never need to write another one like it.

Having said that, we are unapologetic about absolutely everything we are saying on this record. We want to see things change, we want people to feel anger instead of apathy; we’re under no illusions of being any kind of revolution leaders but we’re definitely of the opinion that music changes mood and just being able to connect your frustration to that of a band/song/lyric can make sht a bit easier to get through. Ultimately we wanted to aim this at the people who actually deserve it. There’s nothing more pathetic than artists of any type striving to seek popularity through attacking small fry.  Everyone outside of the ruling class is so busy bickering over small details that we’re still stuck in some sort of feudal system that we’ve been duped into thinking is a democracy.

2015 saw the band play Leeds & Reading Festival, Long Division, Tramlines, complete a full UK tour, whilst picking up acclaim from BBC 6 Music, Amazing Radio, Noisey and more. This year has already seen the band play the DIY stage and Live at Leeds, and Leicester’s Handmade Festival, with 2000 Trees, Tramlines and a number of other dates confirmed for later this year. As a whole body of work ‘A Thinking Animal’ is a punishing yet driving album, which mercilessly fires on all targets. It is the product of both dejection, vexation and resentment for the shape of current affairs, and is both a battle-cry and a wake-up call, which urges you to stand up with the band and scream along with them.

'Bullingdon Boys' now who could they be ? (UK folk ought to know for certain). This is gritty, determined music, that cuts out the waffle and gets to the point. Politically charged, the bands frustrations with our 'wonderful' modern society, are at the fore. Perhaps the dumbing down of so many, keeping them preoccupied with drivel, will hit home with a few more bands. Passion and gutsy rock in abundance, it's also a very good song.

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Quality Not Quantity: The Goldhearts - Me & Mark

The Goldhearts - Rise And Fall.

Background promo - If it not for Kenny Rogers advice to bass players to write and sing their own songs, this catchy album of grunge, hooks, harmonies, and twang may never have seen the light of day. With a batch of original songs in hand, Bass Player/Songwriter Margy Joughin (Dream Poppies) gambled on the wisdom of Kenny Rogers, sage to all bass players. Intending to record a few songs, producer Govinda Doyle (Big Jet Plane) gently coaxed Margy across the line from backing to lead vocalist to accidentally record an album. The Goldhearts came to life with with ex-Brisbane mates Tracey Kick, (Dream Poppies) Claire Harris (Razel, Dream Poppies, Godnose, The Shortfall) and Daren Williams (Haba Dudes, Secret Assasins).

The Goldhearts’ debut album, “The Rise and Fall of the Goldhearts” draws inspiration from the female led indie bands of the 90’s, and the melodic traditions of Australian music. The album is tweaked with twang and leaves a tasty grunge hangover. Be warned, legendary DJ, Rodney Bingenheimer on KROQ in LA, won't play those catchy Goldhearts tunes last in his set for long, as they keep him awake at night.

The Goldhearts have been playing for a year and have released 2 singles through The A&R Department, quirky alt-country swagger “On the Run” in April 2015 and straight ahead indie pop/rock infector “Here’s the Thing” in November 2015. Both songs received national and international attention. Reviews and references have been made to PJ Harvey, The Kills, Nirvana, The Breeders, Garbage and The SuperJesus. Released in conjunction with the Album is next single “Rise and Fall”, a sweet anthem of redemption and triumph for the broken, broken hearted or broken up.

Internationally, The Goldhearts’ two digital singles have caught the attention of LA's KROQ being featured regularly on the famous program,Rodney on the ROQ. “On the Run” charted at 20 in the USA Submodern Charts. “Here’s the Thing” earned spins in Tokyo and Spain, charting in Lima, Peru, and the Netherlands. Nationally the band has received regular airplay on community radio, including 4ZZZ, SYN Radio, InnerFm, Coast Fm, Harvey Community Radio (Track of the Week), 2SER, FBi, and Radio Adelaide.

Upcoming Shows:
Sat 28 May - The Bearded Tit, Sydney NSW (4-7pm)
Fri 24 June - The Back Room, Chardons Corner Hotel, Annerley QLD
Sat 25 June - New Tatts Hotel, Lismore NSW
Sun 26 June - The Gap Farmers Market, Brisbane QLD
NightQuarter - Gold Coast QLD (album launch) TBC.

We featured The Goldhearts back in November last year and were impressed on hearing just one song. Fast forward to now and we were right to be so. The debut album “The Rise and Fall of the Goldhearts” from which the featured song 'Rise And Fall' is just one of thirteen tracks, is a real good collection of hooky, guitar driven music, and spot on vocals throughout.

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Me & Mark - When Rich Find Gold.

Backgrond promo - Mia & Mark have a wide range of experiences in music and have grasped a new sound they call "story-pop". All the songs are written by Mia and the stories she tells are all based in real experiences.
  
Mia is an amazing talent. Energy to spare and a voice that can only be described as "generational" . She captures your attention with her voice but it is the delicate songwriting that keeps you mesmerised. With experience on the stage, both musically and theatrically, since the age of 5, Mia brings a veteran's poise to everything they do.

Mark Axiak has collaborated with some of the worlds best producers, artists and institutions, including touring the world with world famous bands as a bass guitarist. He also works as a producer at Urban Sound and is looked up on as one of the finest engineers in his field.

This is one fine song. 'When Rich Find Gold' is described by the band as story-pop, which makes sense and adds additional interest to their music. It has all the vital ingredients, melody, hooks, superb vocals and tight exciting music. Another description might be pop music with heart, soul and intelligence.

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Thursday Two: The Iron Horses - Kwesi Foraes

The Iron Horses - Any Other Way.

Background promo - The Iron Horses formed in early 2015 after numerous late night boozy jamming sessions. With a great enthusiasm for cheap bourbon and nothing but time to kill on a Friday night, a group of songs began to emerge. Duncan (vox/rhythm guitar), Ciaran (lead guitar/vox), Raul (Bass) Pete (Drums).

There was no shortage of ideas and the songs came through thick and fast. After months of gigging each and every one of Sydney’s bars, the boys had accumulated enough money to completely fund their debut EP. The energy that hits you is immediately captivating and none of this is by chance. With two albums of balls out Rock & Roll already written within a year, the hardest part was deciding which songs made the cut for the Stop To Start EP.

Each song tells a story, every harmony and riff reverberates inside you. The energy that hits you is immediately captivating and none of this is by chance. With almost two albums worth of material already written, songs were handpicked for the Stop To Start EP. The hardest part was deciding which ones made the cut. The easiest part was “where to record?” and “who with?” The bands second home House Fox Studios was the studio of choice, recording with the owner Ryan Miller. After several recommendations the choice of producer was a no brainer, ex-Thirsty Merc guitarist Sean Carey.

The live performance is a hard hitting, guitar slamming, melodic Rock & Roll spectacle. 2016 looks like it will be a huge year for The Iron Horses.

Fri 27/5 - The Reverence, Melbourne VIC
Fri 3/6 - Oxford Art Factory, Sydney NSW (EP Launch)
Sat 2/7 - The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle NSW
Sun 3/7 - Frankies, Sydney CBD NSW

First of four tracks on the EP, 'Any Other Way' is fully energised, however it's anything but a live jam, where the band started out from. With a good ear for melodies the band deliver exciting well played (and sung) songs. The 'Stop to Start' EP will be released 27th of May 2016.

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Kwesi Foraes - Heroin. 

Background bio - Twenty-three year old Kwesi Foraes, a folk-soul singer-songwriter, grew up in Long Beach California where he submersed himself early into the music scene studying, folk, rock n roll, and blues.  Foraes spent years experimenting with different music styles and bands.  But after a surge of 3 family deaths all within a year, Foraes faced a hard internal battle while struggling to overcome his personal demons that almost took his own life. 

Foraes at a point with few options of release searched for an escape & sense of truth in his music and found it like never before in darkest and most raw pockets of folk, expressing himself at the most vulnerable and visceral levels, embracing all truth and confronting all ills head on.  Writing in trances of personal experiences and vivid encounters with spirits of his past, Foraes dedicated the last 4 years to bringing a perspective that is rooted far beyond just the music.

Kwesi Foraes - 27 EP, Street Date, May 27th, 2016, Self-Released.

I was so blown away by the the song 'Pentacle 13' featured here back in early April, that the opportunity to feature another song from the excellent forthcoming six track EP is irresistible. 'Heroin' demonstrates the exciting talent that Kwesi clearly has. It also shows he is capable of developing and delivering quite inspiring music on more than one occasion. Clearly one person to watch out for.

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Genre Mix: Josh Flagg - Wailing Loons

Josh Flagg - The Floor It Shakes.

Background bio - After two EP’s, 2011’s full-length Devastate Me and relentless touring, New York City’s own Josh Flagg releases Tracing Shapes on June 3, 2016. It’s a record focused on small moments with enormous consequences. Marriage, friends, birth, rebirth, alienation, intimacy, art, compulsion, loneliness and history are themes mined and explored throughout Tracing Shapes ten tracks and they take the listener on a ride not easily forgotten.

Flagg focuses on the humanity of the characters and versions of himself in these songs. He’s looking for the right words, even when he knows they’ll hurt…especially when they hurt. It’s a darker, harder, more complex set of songs featuring a three pronged guitar attack, soaring vocals and asymmetrical songwriting.

Produced by Kieran Kelly (Sufjan Stevens, Better Than Ezra), Tracing Shapes’ sound pulled together as Flagg added a third guitarist to his live show. The three driving guitar lines allowed him to experiment with different rhythms and textures and encouraged him to push lyricism. On “The Floor It Shakes,” Flagg sings about the need to persevere through one’s faults and reoccurring mistakes. The single delivers exactly what Tracing Shapes is about - guitar driven modern rock with catchy hooks and melodies.

Of Josh Flagg's last EP (Lights Out) we said "Lush powerful guitar hooks and an equally powerful voice compete and compliment wonderfully throughout. Indie rock with a punch". The forthcoming full length 'Tracing Shapes' continues in that catchy mode, with ten more modern rock songs all demanding your attention, as they follow on from the potent opener 'The Floor It Shakes'.

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Wailing Loons - Death Canoe.

Background bio -  Wailing Loons create Music for Good, driven by a mission of writing and performing music that reflects and transforms society. The Loons are now six strong, with Dan on guitar and vocals, Emilie on vocals, Casey Pavek on banjo and vocals, Nick Neylon on upright bass, Erin Manlove on viola, and Matthew Marshall on drums.

2016 will be a huge year: in partnership with Eat for Equity and Oxfam America, the band returns to play #MusicForGood on the Solar Powered Stage for two nights of Bonnaroo. The Loons also headline the Wild Springs Festival, immerse in community at MBOTMA Festival, and return to raise money for local YMCA Camps at the 2nd Annual Prairie Burn Festival in Wisconsin.

Wailing Loons just released their debut mini-LP "Fire in the Cold" in April of 2016 after recording with Neil Weir at Old Blackberry Way. Here's to building a stronger community through music together!

Minneapolis based folk/bluegrass/rock band Wailing Loons, released 'Fire In The Cold' a wonderful album last month (April). Featured song 'Death Canoe' was also a single release. This is a band who come across as just loving to play, you can feel it in the songs. Musicianship is top class as are the delightful vocals and harmonies. If you are unsure about folk or bluegrass, tip your toe in the water with this album, there will be no looking back!

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Globetrotting: Elk & Mammoth - Silent Wave - Cairobi

Elk & Mammoth - Shiver.

Background promo - Four-piece indie rock outfit Elk + Mammoth are stoked to announce the release of their debut EP, Culprit, with the single “Shiver” (recorded and produced by James Clark) out now.

Described as like a funky Lynchian dream, Culprit combines sinister staccato vocals and guitar riffs that could have been lifted straight out of the original Twin Peaks soundtrack. The result is both playful and unsettling, but be warned, the groove is infectious and side-effects may include drinking coffee black as midnight on a moonless night.

Since forming in 2014, they have established a herd of followers, performing their signature blend of unpredictable humour, unusual subject matter, and mid-set-on-stage outfit changes at venues all over Melbourne. They have played with artists such as The Pierce Brothers, Slim Jefferies, and Pockets, and gained traction with the release of their single “Fabric”, in 2015.‘Culprit’ EP will be released 3rd of June 2016 and features the single ‘Shiver’.

'Shiver' is one of four songs and the single from soon to be released EP 'Culprit'. What is particularly striking about the release is the bands distinctive sound being taken in a variety of directions. The melody is always there and they are happy to slow things down on a couple of the songs. It's a fine collection that displays musical maturity and creativity.

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Silent Wave - War.

Background bio - Electronic pop trio Silent Wave release their anthemic single "War" as the first offering from Gothenburg-based label Silence Productions, a new extension of Luxury Records focusing on limited vinyl singles

Silent Wave first began as a collaboration between artist Tildeh Hjelm and producer Hans Olsson Brookes. In 2013, Hjelm  approached Brookes with a pair of tracks intended for her solo-project to employ his production expertise. Their straightforward studio sessions began to evolve into something more kinetic. Inspired by the creative energy, Brooke suggested they turn the songs into a new project entirely and so Silent Wave was born.

From its genesis, Silent Wave’s power has been generated by the members’ eclectic backgrounds. An accomplished visual artist and film student, Hjelm not only writes most of the lyrics and melodies but also produces the project’s music videos. Brookes boasts an impressive resume for his work as a producer, engineer and multi-instrumentalist having mixed intentionally renowned Swedish artists like I Break Horses, José González and Junip.

The same can be said of Hjelm and Brookes’ converging musical influences. Hjelm kneels at the alter of RnB and Hip Hip set while Brookes leans more towards electronic-minded artists like Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Kraftwerk and The Cure.

Silent Wave released its debut single “Dream On, Dream On” along with b-side track “Only Love, Nothing More” in November of 2014. The duo followed the tracks with accompanying music videos produced by Hjelm. During the spring of 2015, Silent Wave added member Martin Öhman to the mix, a trained jazz drummer who brings an organic and acoustic, percussive human groove to the electronic beats.

'War' is indeed something of an anthemic piece, but definitely not a wall of sound. It's musically precise allowing space for the melody and instruments to stand out, along with the ideally suited vocals.

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Cairobi - Lupo.

Background promo - Cairobi have announced their new single "Lupo," which will be available on July 1, and debut self-titled album Cairobi which will be released on September 16 through Week of Wonders. They have also announced a headline show at London's Birthdays on July 25.

Cairobi are a headily eclectic globe-crossing four piece of Giorgio Poti (vocals,guitars), Alessandro Marrosu (bass), Salvador Garza (keys) and Aurelien Bernard(drums). Their psych-pop, world music bordering sound reflects their various backgrounds from Italy and Mexico via France, and has received support from the likes of 6Music and Huw Stephens at Radio1. "Lupo" follows the band's 2014 Distant Fire EP and the single "Gristly Words," which is taken from their forthcoming debut record along with EP track Zoraide. Lupo is a hypnotically lush yet despondently exultant track featuring exotic grooves and synth-dappled psychedelic haziness and can be listened to here "Lupo."

Their debut self-produced album was written in Berlin and, fittingly with their diverse nationalities, was recorded between Berlin, London, Rome and New York. Music and this resulting album was Giorgio's means of finding his way through health problems, as after relocating to Berlin, he started to suffer frequent, violent migraines that would incapacitate him for an average of twelve days a month.

"I could either stay still, in silence, eyes shut, or take the medication and hope it worked so I could move on with my day," he recalls. "Even when the medicine worked, it would make me extremely sleepy, so some of the music and lyrics on this record were written in a state of drowsiness. That part wasn't particularly fun, but maybe it helped me get rid of some filters. Luckily, the headaches stopped after about a year." The finished record has an inventive hazy psychedelic sound with gorgeous pop-song structures and experimental arrangements, yet there is also an intriguing,melodious melancholy across the 11-tracks.

Following live dates last year, the band are already confirmed for two UK headline shows in July along with performances at summer festivals. Full lives dates announced so far are as follows:

July:
Sat 23rd Huntingdon Secret Garden Party
Sun 24th Reading Oakford Social Club
Mon 25th London Birthdays
August: - Wed 10th Italy Contronatura Festival
September: - Fri 23rd-Sat 24th Liverpool Psych Fest.

If it's melody and hooks you want 'Lupo' has them in bucket loads. A rich musical texture under scores the dreamy vocals, on what is a highly likeable, play it again type song.

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Singers & Songs: Fleurie - Rachael Sage - Tom Misch

Fleurie - Breathe.

Background Bio - Nashville musician Fleurie has released her latest single, "Breathe," a surging track that builds from sparse piano and breathy vocals to pounding drums and crashing strings. In the past year, Fleurie has released four singles and her EP Arrows, which received widespread recognition.

Growing up in Canton, MI, Lauren studied classical piano from an early age, and later developed her love of music while attending school in Australia. Once she moved to Nashville, her professional career as a songwriter began to take shape. With the help of producer Matt Stanfield, and the mixing work of Dave Schiffman (Haim, Charli XCX, Brandon Flowers), Fleurie's recent Arrows EP came to life. Most recently, Fleurie traveled to Stockholm, Sweden to perform at the Royal Swedish Opera with members of the Stockholm Symphony. The experience blended her classical background, with Fleurie's modern electronic/pop sound.

We featured Fleurie last August, commenting at the time on her delightful vocals. 'Breathe' is where we take up her story again, and it is one impressive song. That the song builds and builds is an understatement, it goes from light to epic and with considerable style.

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Rachael Sage - Loreena (acoustic).

Background promo - Award-winning recording artist Rachael Sage has released her latest full-length studio album, Choreographic (MPress/ILS/Caroline). Self-described as "ballet-pop", Sage delivers a musically ambitious and emotionally accessible tribute to her very first love: Dance. Fresh off the heels of her 16th song placement on Lifetime TV's Dance Moms, Sage and her music have reached an ever-widening audience since her previous release "Blue Roses", amassing over 9.5 million views on YouTube.

Sage has been leading up to the album release with a string of song premieres including "I've Been Waiting", "Heaven (Is A Grocery Clerk)", "Loreena", and "Try Try Try", which is currently at #50 and climbing on the AC Top 200 chart. A soulful vocalist and innovative multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and producer Rachael Sage has become one of the busiest touring artists in independent music, performing 100+ dates a year with her band The Sequins throughout the US, UK, Europe and Asia. She has earned a loyal following for her dynamic piano playing, delicate guitar work, soulful vocals and improvisational audience interaction.

Sage has shared stages with Sarah McLachlan, A Great Big World, Judy Collins, Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn, Jamie Cullum, The Animals and Ani DiFranco. She has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and received numerous songwriting awards including The John Lennon Songwriting Contest (Grand Prize) and several Independent Music Awards. Her songs have appeared on MTV, HBO, the "Fame" soundtrack, and 16 of her songs have appeared in the last 3 seasons of Lifetime's controversial reality series, "Dance Moms" (including several songs accompanying breakout Sia video star Maddie Ziegler's winning routines). 

Jun 02     How The Light Gets In Festival Hay-On-Wye, UK
Jun 05     Hotel Utah San Francisco, CA
Jun 07     The Hotel Cafe West Hollywood, CA
Jun 09     Uncommon Ground - Edgewater Chicago, IL
Jun 11     The Ark w/ Mary Fahl Ann Arbor, MI
Jun 12     Seven Steps Up Spring Lake, MI
Jun 15     The Ninth Ward at Babeville Buffalo, NY
Jun 24     Stoltz Listening Room Easton, MD
Jul 21     Ladybug Festival - Loma Coffee Wilmington, DE
Jul 24     The Burren Somerville, MA
Sept 10     Shank Hall Milwaukee, WI
Nov 18     Nikolaisaal Potsdam Potsdam, Germany.

'Loreena' is a lovely song and an excellent sampler for the new album 'Choreographic'. The release is made up of twelve self penned titles and personally I think each one is a gem. Described as chamber pop, I think her music goes wider than that, and it's the attention to detail that really gives Rachael Sage considerable edge.

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Tom Misch - Watch Me Dance.

Background promo - Prodigious 21-year old South East Londoner Tom Misch announces his first live EP “Reverie” and that it will be released 15th July through his own label Beyond The Groove. Today he shares the first cut “Watch Me Dance”.

Tom’s new EP is an intrepid and invigorating adventure in sound, bursting with inventiveness. Taking the musical ingredients of J Dilla style beats, John Mayer- esque guitar lines, and free jazz - then putting them all through his very own musical blender. “Reverie” is the most definitive moment of his career to date, foreign and colorful arrangements will entice even the most casual listener. “The reverie EP is a result of me wanting to take slightly more of a role as a songwriter and singer. It's the first release I sing on every track and hopefully indicates the direction I want to go for my debut album,” says Tom about his new EP.

Tom’s success thus far can be partly attributed to the dedicated fan-base he has built single-handedly, evidenced by his 200+k online followers and the frequency with which he reaches the Hype Machine top position. Tom’s previous releases Beat Tape 1 & 2 which he made while still in school are a combination of beats and more fully fledged songs which find the sweet spot between electronica, hip-hop and acoustic. Beat Tape 2 has had over 150 plays on Beats1 and over 10million plays on Spotify continues to find new fans across world and is now available on vinyl. Tracklisting: 1. Crazy Dream feat Loyle Carner, 2. Follow feat Laura Misch, 3. I Wish, 4. Watch Me Dance.

Live dates:
Sunday 29th May – Lincolnshire – Lost Village
Saturday 4th June – Ireland – Forbidden Fruit
Friday 10th June –Paris – Majestic Casual @ YOYO Club
Sunday 26th June – Somerset – Glastonbury
Friday 1st July – Netherlands – Pitch Festival
Saturday 2nd July – Netherlands – Japies Hof Festival
Sunday 28th August – Malta – The Sound You Need Festival.

'Watch Me Dance' has already clocked up thousands of listens in the first few hours. That's hardly surprising given the previous success Tom has enjoyed, however at the end of the day it's about the music, and this is such a delightful and pleasing song. EP eagerly awaited!

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Dreamy Sunday: Pale Dian - A.R.Kane - Puro Instinct

Pale Dian - Evan Evan.

Background promo - Formed in 2015, Austin-based dream pop trio Pale Dian ride the ashes of their previous project, Blackstone Rngrs, into smudgier, esoteric terrains. The debut LP Narrow Birth is set for a June 3rd release via Manifesto Records, the current home of Dead Kennedys, legendary psyche-pop band the Turtles, and modern signees Puro Instinct, Cellars, Band Aparte, and Drinking Flowers. 

The record explores power and weakness, birth and decay, love and abandonment, beauty and abrasiveness. Narrow Birth refers to both the fragility of life and the complete and utter randomness that we, as humans, even exist on this planet in the first place. It exposes the naked realities confronting us all: "here is me, and there is you,  so now what?
LP, CD, Digital, CS Release Date: June 3rd, 2016

06/03 - Austin, TX - Swan Dive *LP Release Party*
06/07 - Albuquerque, NM - The Bungalow (house show)
06/08 - El Paso, TX - Lowbrow Palace
06/09 - Tucson, AZ - The Flycatcher
06/10 - San Diego, CA - Whistle Stop
06/12 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo *Part Time Punks & LP Release*
06/13 - San Francisco, CA - Elbo Room
06/15 - Sacramento, CA - The Starlight
06/16 - Eugene, OR - The Boreal
06/17 - Portland, OR - High Water Mark
06/18 - Seattle, WA - Salmon Town
06/19 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
06/21 - Olympia, WA - Obsidian
06/22 - Spokane, WA - Baby's Bar
06/23 - Missoula, MN - Palace Lounge
06/24 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Borough
06/25 - Grand Junction, CO - The Electric Ballroom
06/26 - Denver, CO - Syntax Physic Opera
06/27 - Omaha, NB - Milk Run
06/28 - Lincoln, NB - Duffy's
06/29 - Des Moines, IA - Vaudeville Mews
06/30 - Minneapolis, MN - Licorice Beach

The song 'Evan Evan' is a mixture of shoegaze and dream pop sounds. It's only one of two songs I have heard from Pale Dian and my initial impression of their music, is one of a band with plenty of original ideas and highly creative music. Similarities may be there, that's a little difficult to avoid in such defined genres, however the band come across with energy and a passion for their craft.

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A.R.Kane - Green Hazed Daze.

Background Info - Not long ago after their reformation, pioneering dream pop outfit and legendary former 4AD artist A.R. Kane have announced they will be playing multiple shows this summer. Coining the term 'dream pop' for the music they make back in the 1980's, the group went on to influence everyone from My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive to Andrew Weatherall - whose long-running night A Love From Outer Space derives its name from their seminal 1989 track, and also were an important progenitor of such genres as shoegaze, trip hop, acid house and post-rock.

They will be playing Soup Kitchen in Manchester on Monday, May 23. This will be the first time an A.R. Kane line-up has played a non-festival headlining show in about 22 years (the last ones being at CBGBs in NYC and at Hammersmith, supporting David Byrne) and their first in Manchester since playing Manchester Boardwalk in 1987. This is also the first live performance this year, arriving ahead of their slot at Primavera Sound Festival in June and The Good Ship in London on July 13.

Last summer, A.R. Kane made several festival appearances with the new line-up featuring original 'Kaners Rudy and Maggie Tambala, as well as a new member - Andy Taylor. In their coming festival repertoire, they will be performing classic A.R. Kane songs, alongside a handful of new songs. Apart from that, they will also be recording new material for release in 2016.

A.R.Kane are featured primarily as they have live dates coming up ( including Manchester tomorrow), and it's a good enough reason listen to one of their fine songs. Featured track 'Green Hazed Daze' does exactly what it says on the label, it's dreamy, hazed and kind of dazed.

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Puro Instinct - Tell Me.

Background promo - Autodrama sees Puro Instinct return to their roots, telling the story of a youth spent in the decay of Hollywood. “The infrastructure of Hollywood that people have known for years is this inflated egotistical, hedonistic wasteland,” says Piper. “There’s an awareness of our responsibility to create more meaningful works of art that don’t satisfy the immediate thirst of Hollywood popcorn. Lyrically, one of my goals is to get into that psychology, to push myself to talk about all the things that hurt me about living in Hollywood. I’ve never allowed myself to play along because of my values, for better or for worse. What we’re going for is pop music to not be about vanity and wealth, but still pop music nonetheless.”

For Skylar, the album’s recording coincided with her graduation from LACHSA. “As soon as I was out of school, I found that I was inspired by sound in an entirely new way,” Skylar says. “We decided to spearhead the production of the record ourselves and it was interesting how the arrangements helped convey aspects of ourselves that weren’t easily expressed through language. I was drawn to the spatial relationships between the sounds, the warped rhythms, the melody ideas. It was important to produce everything in a way that felt allencompassing, like peering into a diamond of our truths, recollections, worries, fantasies.”

The results are a purified, more self-assured Puro Instinct. Featuring instrumental performances by Ariel Pink, Franco Falsini of Sensations Fix, and Richard “Sax” Ross, Autodrama is not only lush, but danceable. Skylar’s guitar skills have been given the room they need to create the shimmering planes and ringing angelic textures they always needed. “Six of Swords” is spacious, space-age pop, like Kylie Minogue in zero gravity—but with cryptic, vulnerable lyrics not usually imbued in pop music. “We’re using the vernacular of pop,” Piper says, “but with our values and our soul.”

Tour Dates:
06/30 – Washington, DC – DC9 *
07/01 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s *
07/02 – New York, NY – The Bowery Ballroom *
07/03 – Allston, MA – Great Scott *
07/05 – Montreal, QC – Bar Le “Ritz” P.D.B. *
07/06 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison *
07/08 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern *
07/09 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry *
07/12 – Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern *
07/13 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios *
07/15 – San Francisco, CA – Swedish American Hall *
07/17 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo *
07/19 – San Diego, CA – The Hideout *
07/20 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar *
07/22 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada *
07/23 – Austin, TX – Barracuda *
07/25 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade *
07/26 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle *
07/27 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar *
* = w/Fear of Men

'Tell Me' is a taster for the forthcoming album 'Autodrama' and a chance to announce that Puro Instinct will be opening for Fear of Men on tour this Summer (dates above). The song is catchy and melodic and a fine tease for the album due in late June.

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Saturday &: Heliotropes - Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal - Fieu - Hockey Dad

Heliotropes - Normandy.

Background promo - Brooklyn-based Heliotropes have released the official audio for 'Normandy,' the second track from their upcoming album Over There That Way, out July 15 via The End Records. Heliotropes is comprised of founding member/songwriter/vocalist Jessica Numsuwankijkul, along with a rotating cast of collaborators, including drummer Gregg Giuffré, bassist Richard Thomas, and guitarist Ricci Swift, who are all featured on the band's upcoming album.

The band's first recorded offering came with 2012's Ribbons 7", followed the next year by their debut LP entitled A Constant Sea, which was named by Mother Jones as one of the 10 Best Albums Of 2013. Since then, the band has performed on the road with Esben And The Witch and toured nationally with stops at South By Southwest, Firefly and Culture Collide, sharing the stage with a far-reaching variety of bands including Thurston Moore, The Geto Boys, Matt and Kim, Kurt Vile, Parquet Courts, The Black Angels and The Raveonettes.

 6/16 - New York, NY - Palisades

Heliotropes have a lush flowing sound within the song 'Normandy' drawn along by soft captivating vocals and a strong melodic line. It compares well with previous offering 'Easy' and suggests we are in for a diverse and pleasing album this coming July.

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Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal - Natural.

Background promo - Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal’s combination of soul, funk and R&B is in a word, electric. Best displayed in their high-energy live show, the blend of Hoyer’s honest lyrics and his soulful (sometimes in-your-face) vocals merge with his top-notch band to create an undeniable chemistry.

The magic of their live show caught the attention of producer Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo), who joined with the band to record their third full-length album. Their most ambitious project to date, Running From Love was recorded at Nashville’s historic Sound Emporium, and once again features Hoyer’s trademark vocals and the band’s signature groove. The album was released on April 8, 2016, on Silver Street Records, on vinyl, CD and digital formats.

The hard working band completed several national tours in 2015, playing more than 150 shows in 32 states, including opening for R&B legends George Clinton/Funkadelic and Booker T Jones.

The band is supporting the release of the new album with tours through the Midwest and Southern markets, including Omaha, Denver, Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis, Chicago, St Louis, Indianapolis, and Nashville, among others.

They have been described as "Authentic Soul/Funk with a punch...", and I cannot argue with that. 'Natural' is one of ten potent songs on what is a exceptional collection of tracks. Josh Hoyer has the power and energy a vocalist needs to surround himself with such excellent musicians, especially when they seem hell bent on bringing the roof down.

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Fieu - Impossible.

Background promo - Harnessing her widespread musical ability to embrace a new and refined sonic direction, Queensland alt-pop revelation Fieu (Emily Brewis) brings absolute fire in new single ‘Impossible’.

Since releasing a debut EP in 2014, she has topped Triple J Unearthed charts, gained national radio play, and been recognised for her writing with "Honourable Mentions" in the International Songwriting Competition and QMusic Awards. With a growing CV of support credentials for artists including Woodlock, Montaigne and Ayl a, Fieu is a fresh face that is swiftly becoming a familiar one.

'Impossible' may as well refer to Emily’s vocal prowess, which while being absolutely stunning, is perfectly showcased in this single. This was achieved with the help of Aria award winning producer Joel Quatermain (Meg Mac, Eskimo Jo e, Little Birdy) who has strengthened her ability to layer detailed instrumentation under soaring vocals. Being the first of many releases prepared for 2016, ‘Impossible’ is the perfect intro to the new Fieu. Impossible single launch at Brisbane's The Zoo, June 2nd.

'Impossible' is a really good example of how pop music can still be fresh and pleasing. Fieu has a fine voice, and with such a well constructed song and soundtrack, it allows her to shine.

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Hockey Dad - So Tired.

Background bio - Australian duo and Leisure Coast legends Hockey Dad are set to release their debut album Boronia on August 12th via Brooklyn indie label Kanine Records. Their story is simple: best mates first, band second, and their music flows from their surroundings: sunny and jangly guitar driven rock complete with anthemic choruses. Yet please do not mistake their laid back vibes for anything but tight execution and a drive to share their good times with the world.

Zach Stephenson (guitars/vocals) and Billy Fleming (drums) have been best friends since age 4. Living two doors down on Boronia Street in the small Australian coastal town of Windang, it was around 13 when they discovered Zach's Dad's old gear in his garage and about 15 when they started sneaking into local music venue RAD BAR and playing other bands' instruments while they were not around. By 18, they were touring Australia under the name Hockey Dad, which was gleaned from a Simpsons episode. The duo brings an incredible energy and youth to their warm and jangly guitar tones, telling tales of beaches and babes.

The past year has seen the duo move from aspiring garage band to Australian indie pop stars. After releasing their debut EP Dreamin' on local Aussie label Farmer and the Owl, Hockey Dad won Triple J's Unearthed Fall Festival Competition in 2014 gaining them national radio play and sold out shows across Australia. With headlining festival appearances in their hometown under their belt, in 2015 they headed stateside for CMJ where they met up with Brooklyn indie Kanine Records (Surfer Blood, Splashh, Beverly) and cemented a deal to release their debut album in the US.

Boronia is 11 tracks of pure unadulterated fun that comes straight out of the surf and skate culture surrounding them in their native Wollongong. "As a kid growing up, it was inevitable that we'd be picking up boards and hitting the waves, as we're only a couple minutes walk away from the beach. The video for 'I Need A Woman' serves as a dedication to our childhood, just hanging around the beach and having sick fun." But skating and surfing wasn't enough to fill up their days, Billy grew up on his older brother's stash of 90's punk, while Zach grew up with his dad's collection of Aussie Gold records. "It's funny because one minute we'll be throwing bones to Parkway Drive, and next thing we're sobbing to Aretha Franklin."

Their debut album Boronia is a testament of the good times that the boys have pouring out of them. And now they want to share those good times with the world.

'So Tired' has already received plenty of plays and no wonder, the duo's brand of indie pop is just so bright and smile inducing. They deliver an expansive sound, with uncomplicated themes and so much dynamic energy. They have seemingly captured sun and surf and converted it to music, last band to do that so naturally well may have been The Beach Boys!

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Friday Four: Bin Juice - The Vacationists - John Jefferson - Corbu

Bin Juice - Astro Surf.

Background Info - We are delighted to share the news of Sydney 5 piece Bin Juice signing to Monday Records, and announcing the recording of their debut studio EP.

Bin Juice is just the right dose of Funk, Psych and a live set that leaves every punter talking for days. Their signature song-writing centres around their love of jamming, organically spurting out addictive melodies they then turn into songs.

Described as “a force to be reckoned with”, Bin Juice ticks all the right boxes, from clever lyrics to electrifying riffs. The boys have developed a seasoned reputation for high-energy performances and drawing a pumping crowd wherever they play.

Bin Juice has played alongside bands such as: Flowertruck, Winston Surfshirt, Capital Coast, Raindrop, Salvador Dali Llama, White Blanks, Powla, Bad Valley and Phantastic Ferniture.

'Astro Surf' has a eclectic mixture of sounds and just the right vocal styling to match the music. It's funky, different and rich in ideas and sound. The EP should be a fascinating listen.

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 The Vacationists - It Could Be Much, Much Worse.

Background promo - Sydney band The Vacationists, return with their bouncy and shimmery indiepop single “It Could Be Much, Much Worse”, which will be launched on May 21st at Brighton Up Bar.

The Vacationists first made some noise on the local indie radio scene in late 2014 with infectious single “Smile, you’re in Kensington”. They specialise in energetic tunes with playful song structures as filtered through layers of hazy guitars and keyboards. They call Sydney’s inner west home, but their unique indie-pop sound hails from all over the world.

The band has in the past brought their loud and fun shows to Oxford Art Factory,  Annandale Hotel, Lazybones Lounge, FBi Social, Petersham Bowling Club, and many others. This new single sounds like something The Smiths and The Jesus and Mary Chain might have penned on a bender after an early 90s hiphop gig. The Vacationists release ‘It Could Be Much, Much Worse’ today Friday 20th May 2016.

Saturday 21st May 2016
Brighton Up Bar (single launch) Sydney NSW

The song 'It Could Be Much, Much Worse' is melodic, refreshing and delivered with quality musicianship and superb vocals. Upbeat and extremely catchy, the band deserves to be heard.

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 John Jefferson - Fool's Paradise.

Background promo - John Jefferson is set to release his debut EP Helmsman, on the 24th of June 2016.

Jefferson wrote the tracks on a narrow-boat while travelling through the Hertfordshire countryside last summer. He then recorded the tracks on a ship called Lightship95 at the London docklands last Christmas. The nautical theme to the production of this EP inspired Jefferson to name it Helmsman.
Jefferson’s is a multi-instrumentalist with influences mostly American from the 60's/70's and artists such as: Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, Blaze Foley and The Doors. Inspiration which can be seen perfectly on Helmsman.

The 5 track-EP, is an ethereal, bluesy, Americana infused affair. Most of the instrumentation on the EP is Jefferson’s bar the drums.   From one masterpiece to the next, Jefferson has managed to create a beautiful sound which will remind you of a Californian beach drive.

Jefferson will be playing the live circuit with his band over the summer including: 21/06 Victoria in Dalston.

There is something of a laid back Americana feel to 'Fool's Paradise' and the theme continues on the forthcoming EP. Well structured songs full of melodic hooks and in some cases a little more energised, as debut releases go, this one is notable and sets standards very high.

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Corbu - Through Emptiness.

Background promo - Taken from their recently announced debut album Crayon Soul, the dream-like ‘Through Emptiness’ floats on its spaced-out synths carried by its blissful yet haunting melody.

Much of the debut album was inspired by the intense dreams front man Jonathan Graves has experienced since childhood. ‘Through Emptiness’ traverses the contrasting emotions during and after dreams; experiencing joy in an unknown place where anything is possible, yet knowing that the dream will end. Jonathan says: “Dreams can be beautiful and cruel at the same time. People you've lost flicker back into existence for a moment, and then they're gone again. There's a tremendous comfort in knowing those spaces exist, even if just in your mind, mixed with the sadness of being dropped into them randomly and then having them ripped away."

Crayon Soul is released on 5 August 2016 via 3 Beat (EU) & Big Picnic (US). Mixed by Dave Fridmann (The Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, Mercury Rev),  the album was announced recently along with ‘Polygon Forest’, which received praise from the likes of Stereogum, DIY and Clash.

Crayon Soul follows two acclaimed EPs, We Are Sound and Everything You Imagine Is Real, which garnered praise from the likes of Nylon, Stereogum, The Guardian, NME and more, as well as capturing the attention of Jessie Ware, who personally requested the band to remix her song ‘You & I (Forever)’.

Deep synthy sounds introduce 'Through Emptiness'. It's a song that slowly gathers momentum as the melody establishes itself and dreamy vocals glide gently above a lush soundscape. It's both music and well crafted art, no wonder the amount of attention the band have already received.

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