Lomelda - Keep Shelly in Athens - Beaches - Jess and the Bandits
Lomelda - Interstate Vision.Background - Lomelda, who toured the UK earlier this year as support to Pinegrove, has released "Interstate Vision," the lead single from her upcoming album, Thx. Hannah Read, who performs under the moniker Lomelda, makes music that is textural and spacious.
Her words are suggestive snapshots of loosely knitted observations, depicting quiet moments between friends and lovers and half-remembered celestial occurrences. In her songs, the memory of the past and glimpses of future stretch out on either side of you, and the present is unsteady and always shifting.
f you were to ask Hannah Read what Lomelda means, you'd probably end up with some kind of non-answer and a new topic. It is a guarded secret reserved for those who really pry. It is a high school attempt at describing something vast and powerful yet uniquely quiet and complex. And it is ever-changing. Lomelda is about memory, intimacy, and the tragedies of distance.
As a band, it has appeared in several forms over the years, but always, to Hannah, Lomelda has been about discovering friendship and connection. Close collaborators have become closer friends. And when you see Lomelda, when you hear it, it is apparent that Hannah cares deeply about the connection made with the people on stage, the connection with you. Facebook here.
The vocals are gentle, a little vulnerable perhaps and beautifully melodic, supported by some fresh, intricate and understated music. 'Interstate Vision' gives us a teaser for the forthcoming album, a remarkably good tease at that.
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Background - Keep Shelly In Athens shares new single, "Seattle". The ethereal and swirling sounds of the ambient-influenced pop of Greece's Keep Shelly in Athens captures the transient feelings of city life and the inevitable passing of time. With lush melodic beats and dreamy vocals Keep Shelly's production is an accessible and lighthearted entry into the world of down-tempo electronica.
With previous releases on labels including Forest Family Records, Transparent Records, Planet Mu, Cascine and Friends of Friends, the duo have already transported their whimsical arrangements and soothing productions across the globe, including performances at Coachella Festival, Parklife Festival, Brighton's The Great Escape Festival and Austin's Fun Fun Fun.
In addition to their own releases they have also done official remixes for Tycho (Ghostly International), Blood Diamonds (4AD), Steve Mason (Domino) and many more...
Their third LP, Philokalia, is coming out on September 29 2017 via their own record label Athenian Aura Recordings with the Aussie award-winning novelist/poet Jessica Bell as their new singer. Website here, Facebook here.
Just a month after the band shared 'Pioneer' ahead of the keenly awaited September album release, we now have another fine song entitled 'Seattle'. Rhythmic Lo-Fi electronica and beautiful melodic vocals again come together and create a very pleasing track.
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Beaches - Void.Background - Iconic Australian psych rock quintet Beaches return with epic double LP Second Of Spring – Chapter Music’s first ever double album by a single artist.
Beaches’ much-loved second album She Beats brought the band international acclaim in 2013. Featuring guest guitar by German motorik hero Michael Rother (Neu, Harmonia), the album earned raves from Pitchfork, Stereogum, Gorilla Vs Bear, Spin and elsewhere.
Now Second Of Spring takes Beaches even further out, to where the pyramid meets the eye – a vast, enveloping sonic landscape, filled with extended instrumentals, overdriven psych-outs and propulsive pop nuggets.
The double album was recorded in Melbourne with engineer/producer John Lee (Totally Mild, Lost Animal) and mastered by David Walker. Artwork is by the band‘s own Ali McCann, with design by renowned artist Darren Sylvester.
Beaches’ self-titled 2008 debut was shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize, and included in glossy coffee table book 100 Best Australian Albums. The band released a standalone 12” on New York label Mexican Summer in 2010. They have toured the US twice, playing SXSW and Austin Psych Fest, and shared stages with Roky Erickson, Deerhunter, The Cult, Thee Oh Sees, Lightning Bolt, Mogwai, Best Coast and more.
Already revered as sprawling, swirling psych overlords, Second Of Spring is Beaches’ undeniable magnum opus. Facebook here.
A keen blast of uptempo psych rock is delivered in the shape of 'Void'. Vocals and harmonies drift around deep in the mix and powerful guitars and a feisty rythmn drive the song forward with intensity and atmospheric vibes.
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Background - The new Jess and the Bandits album, Smoke & Mirrors is out September 15 2017. Jess & The Bandits proved with their critically acclaimed debut album, Here We Go Again, that they were a musical force to be reckoned with. Boasting a rock country sound delivered with raw and real grit and an infectious pop punch, the band have enjoyed the loyal support of BBC Radio and TV.
With lead vocalist Jess the happiest she has ever been, the writing process for upcoming album Smoke & Mirrors saw her in a very different frame of mind to those for the band’s debut. Having been swept off her feet by her Prince Charming, photographer Chris Peavey, Jess is radiating happiness following her engagement earlier this year.
Jess & The Bandits have a busy summer of festivals ahead, and will also be heading out on a headline tour in September to coincide with the release of Smoke & Mirrors, which boasts the rock country edge of their debut while channelling a raw, real Gospel attitude.
Of Smoke & Mirrors, Jess says; “I am so excited about this album. I wanted to make sure that the sound grew and developed, Experimenting a little even. Gospel music is so close to my heart that I knew I needed to bring those elements into this new record. Smoke & Mirrors is a labour of love. A collection of songs that will take the listener on a journey.” Facebook here. Live dates on Beehive Candy's tour news page.
'Kings Of Summer' is a bright country rocker, with Jess and The Bandits sounding as good as ever. The video contrasts with the pace, adding a dreamy retro feel, taking a stomping good song even further.
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