The Proper Ornaments - Hermano Stereo - Greta Isaac - Honeymoon Disease - John Andrews & The Yawns - Ultrviolence

The Proper Ornaments - Deep One Perfect Morning.

Background - The Proper Ornaments – the project of James Hoare (Ultimate Painting, Veronica Falls) and Max Oscarnold (Toy) released their sophomore album Foxhole on January 20 via Slumberland Records (US) and Tough Love Records (ROW).

This week the band shares a non-album track; a cover of The Jesus & Mary Chain's "Deep One Perfect Morning,".  Here's a quote from the band about how the track came together: "We've been obsessed with Darklands for a long time now, we just love that record.  

It's difficult to differentiate the songs, it feels like a big long pessimistic one, like existentialist Beach Boys music, where the ocean is polluted and the nice cars have been burned or stolen." Facebook here.

This cover version of 'Deep One Perfect Morning' is well worth a share and mention. We have featured The Proper Ornaments four times now, so clearly something they do appeals, on this occasion it's to put their own style and feelings on a distinct original.

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Hermano Stereo - Pretty Brave.

Background - New Jersey-based Outsider Alt-Pop band, Hermano Stereo release their brand new video for "Pretty Brave". The single is from their debut album, Charmed, I'm Sure, which was self-released on January 4th 2017. 

The band says, '"Pretty Brave" Is about an invertebrate who takes things too far, too often, and gets lost. Wandering through a dense landscape of shuffling rhythms, washed out guitars, and guttural synths, the invertebrate becomes impaled by sharp bass hooks and is reeled into the sky, where he floats away endlessly, never to return home again." The content is inspired by a true story.

Keeping up with the theme of DIY bedroom recordings, Hermano Stereo are currently working on their second album in yet another bedroom. 

It's not often that three enemies come together, but if buffalos can have wings, anything is possible. Singer/guitarist Scott Thomas and bassist Eric Schiwe met in school. Schiwe pulled Thomas' chain wallet, and it broke. The two have hated each other ever since. Singer/keyboardist Montana Loran and Thomas worked together and hated their job, so in turn, they hated each other. The three often played in the same circles, but never together, until 2010. Wanting to test the limits of patience and sanity, the three decided to form a band in the small town of Montclair, New Jersey. Website here, Facebook here.

Alt pop meets art rock with 'Pretty Brave' a delightfully quirky song accompanied by a video that just adds to the whole.

 

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Greta Isaac - You.

Background - Following her acclaimed debut releases ‘Don’t Tell’ and ‘Intro (Creatures of Habit)’ last  year and early this year, emerging artist Greta Isaac beams into 2017 with her most innovative track yet in ‘You’. 

The young welsh artist continues her beguiling mix of inventive, electronic production and acoustic instruments – mandolin, acoustic guitar and double bass are all present here. It’s Greta’s defiant, siren-like vocal however that cuts through, pronouncing her obsession, darkly and sweetly over the track. 

Greta’s off-beat, avant-garde visuals for her previous releases immediately placed her in a category above her contemporaries, and whilst musical references point to Regina Spector or an early Julia Byrne, her imagination when it comes to visual output is excitingly unique.

Speaking on the track, Greta states: “’You' is an exploration into obsession and infatuation… The character is infatuated with another person to such an extreme that she abandons her own identity to embody the other person. She quite literally wants to Become them. It’s about how a simple little obsession can develop into something destructively extreme.” Facebook here, website here.

'You' mixes Greta's attractive vocals with a semi acoustic musical backdrop. Sometimes she rises powerfully above the music and sometimes melts deep into the beat, always she remains engaging.

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Honeymoon Disease - Big Bird.

Background - Honeymoon Disease just released their cover of American soul legend Eddie Floyd’s track 'Big Bird’. The track is the B-side from the bands upcoming 7" releases 'Electric Eel’ that will be released 2nd of May on The Sign Records. The 5th of may the band will kick off their tour of Spain and will later this summer head into the studio to record the follow up album to their debut ”The Transcendence” (Napalm Records). The 'Electric Eel’ 7" will be released the 2nd of May on physical format. 

Honeymoon Disease is a speedy rock’n’roll quartet from Gothenburg, Sweden. With burning guitar riffs and some sweaty 70’s grooves, this band’s high voltage stage performance will give you a colorful punch right in the face – A glowing black eye with a taste of bands like Thin Lizzy, The Hellacopters and Kiss.

Honeymoon Disease was formed 2014 and only one year after the start they released their debut album ‘The Transcendence’ (Napalm Records).  A well acclaimed debut record which put the band on full throttle and they have been rolling and rocking all over Europe – touring and supporting acts like Imperial State Electric, Graveyard, The Shrine, Horisont and The Vintage Caravan. Website here, Facebook here, tour details on Beehive Candy's tour page.

Honeymoon Disease put their powerful mark on the classic song 'Big Bird' with a solid, timeless rock delivery that demands you pay attention.


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John Andrews & The Yawns - Windmill.

Background - John Andrews & The Yawns share their new music video for "Windmill" off their recently released album, Bad Posture.  Bad Posture is out now on Woodsist Records.

The songs were written slowly & quietly throughout the winter, usually late at night next to the wood stove for warmth. It was recorded in his barn with the doors ajar, welcoming the springtime. The humble recording gear invites the outside noises in. You can hear the crickets chirping with the occasional truck driving by. The songs themselves lend their hand like slow backwoods Beatles demos covered in a thin blanket of tape hiss. John’s voice lulls us in an earthy calmness as he sits hunched like a scarecrow over the piano.

Andrews’ band, The Yawns, has been crystallized with staples from the New England freak scene; Rachel Neveu & Lukas Goudreault (MMOSS/Soft Eyes) & Joey Schneider. All of who have been playing up in the free country for many years themselves and all of who call the same farmhouse home. Facebook here.

Our second feature for John Andrews & The Yawns this time with the brand new video for 'Windmill'. It's a hazy, dreamy track with the vocals and music gently taking the listener along, the melodic vibes create a laid back groove, beautiful.


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Ultrviolence - Guillotine.

Background - Canadian post-punk band Ultrviolence (based out of Calgary) has announced their new Forty Knives EP, which will be coming out on May 12th via Northern Light Records. They also just shared the moody first single “Guillotine”.

Produced by Jason Corbett (Actors) at Jacknife Sound, Forty Knives is the follow-up to Ultrviolence’s 2016 Black Sea EP, which builds on the bands’ signature dark wave, shoegazey sound. Jespersen's lyrics resonate as cold and eerie as the landscape of the desolate Alberta prairie on which he was raised, where he spent years teaching himself how to play a multitude of instruments while honing his craft. Forty Knives echoes the dark solitude that arises when one allows themselves to be completely isolated from the world.

Since we last heard Ultrviolence, they experienced a lineup change saw members of the Vancouver band ACTORS join forces, with Jespersen remaining the sole original member. With the new lineup, the bands' songs take on a life of their own, staying true to his craft and the sound he’s been cultivating for years, regardless of countless roadblocks and misfortunes that threatened the vitality of the band… if anything, they've only been strengthened. Facebook here.

Post punk with some melodic and quite refined music 'Guillotine' has the vocals spot on, both elegant and natural, as a personal introduction to the band this is a very fine track.


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Marlon Brando Island - Essie - Artificial Pleasure - Jon C Butler - Strange Americans

Marlon Brando Island - A Troubled Past.

Background - The origins of Marlon Brando Island lie in the prolific bedroom recordings and determinedly DIY ethos of vocalist and guitarist Marcus Fulcher, whose up-and-at-’em attitude would soon establish him as a notable presence on London’s solo singer/songwriter circuit. However, it took the muscular contributions of Marco Testa Ryan (drums) and Edward J Thorpe (bass) for Fulcher’s sprawling, widescreen songs to realise their full potential. The London trio’s aggressive, experimental, innovative post-punk output has been variously likened to artists as diverse as Shellac, The National, Cloud Nothings, Talking Heads and Future Islands. 

The glue that binds these disparate influences into a cohesive and intoxicating alt-rock unit is the band’s shared belief that music can be transformational, that it should make such an impression on the listener as to change them for ever. And with a sound as stimulating as Marlon Brando Island’s, that change will only be for the better.

About ‘A Troubled Past’ “When that part of you died, did you feel nothing?” A gritty blast of passionate post-hardcore, where an abrasive six-string arcs across a pounding bass and drum track that strains under its own sense of urgency, ‘A Troubled Past’ delves into themes of apathy and self-righteousness, inspired by frontman Marcus Fulcher’s experiences as a support worker. “I was always appalled but equally fascinated by how inept yet at ease people were in just losing humans between the cracks,” he explains. “It was frightening how that gets rationalised.” The track’s rawness lies in its original conception as a demo, before South London producer Paul of Sound (Goat Girl) turned it into something altogether larger. Yet it retains an exposed feel, leading to an effect both unsettling and ecstatic. ‘A Troubled Past’ makes its mark as an ode to the lost as well as an exhilarating call to arms. Facebook here.

Energy and passion combine with 'A Troubled Past' a sub three minute rocker, that cuts to the chase and left me hitting the replay button straight away.

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Essie - Someone.

Background - Essie is the stage name of alt/rock guitar player and vocalist Essie Laugharne from Perth, Western Australia. Her signature sound is a confident mix of bluesy guitar chops and soaring vocals. 

Essie's debut EP Run Red and single “Sugar Rush” drew on an earthy mix of influences from The Black Keys, U2, and Gin Wigmore, as well as Australian talents Little Birdy and Eskimo Joe. Hailed in press as “Alternative rock with a superb 70s twist”(Fireworks Magazine), the success of these DIY releases prompted Essie to relocate to London in 2015 to pursue a career in music. 

Essie’s new single “Someone” will be released in March 2017 through The A&R Department. This song was written in Essie’s university days, and re-vamped with a fresh set of lyrics during her work with The Animal Farm in 2016. “Someone” was recording at The Animal Farm studios in South London, by Jamie Dodd, with all music and lyrics written by Essie Laugharne and Ben Pohlmann. 

“This song is a typical breakup story, but with gritty undertones of the sorrow and melancholy that can come with the territory.”- Essie 

“Someone” draws influence from the Arctic Monkeys AM album, as well as Band of Skulls, coupled with Essie’s typical Amy Winehouse inspired vocals. It’s as raw as any heartbreak, which suits her trio style performances well: the simplicity of growling guitar riffs, punchy drums, and backbone bass, with vocals soaring overhead.

Performing with her trio, Essie is a regular in the UK capital's clubs, where she is building a devoted fan base enthralled with her raw, confessional songwriting and assertive blues guitar. Her mini EP titled Not Easy was released on The Animal Farm label in September of 2016. Website here, Facebook here.

A little mix of funk and bluesy vocals add to the chemistry as 'Someone' an alt rock song hits the spot, and builds from there.


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Artificial Pleasure - All I Got.

Background - Following their explosive arrival to the scene last year, London quartet Artificial Pleasure have shared their follow up track ‘All I Got’ which has earned the band yet another rush of acclaim. A disco-infused track with shades of Bowie, ‘All I Got’ has been noted for its modern twist that sends an honourable nod to the past.

Now Artificial Pleasure are ready to present a brand new video for their latest single ‘All I Got’. The track is taken off their forthcoming EP ‘Like Never Before’ which follows on April 21st. They band will also play their debut headline show at The Camden Assembly on April 25th.

Directed by the band’s previous collaborator Dylan Holmes Williams (Huntar, O Chapman), the video for ‘All I Got’ moves in surprising directions with a mad chef, camp theatricality and vibrant dance moves all contributing to its surreal visuals. Actor and West End figure Sebastien Torkia (Sweeney Todd, Guys and Dolls, A Streetcar Named Desire) stars as the demented chef who is determined to win over his diner’s date at all costs. Website here, Facebook here.

A fabulous video needs a song to match and 'All I Got' more than achieves that requirement. High Octane rock'n'roll that is delivered in an effortlessly cool manner, and head turning vocals ensure this is a song that will and is getting noticed.


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Jon C Butler - A Little Misunderstanding.

Background - 'There has been a misunderstanding hasn’t there?' laughs Jon C Butler. 'I mean, we all know it isn’t meant to be like this and maybe there should be a reassessment of the deal.

Although we all start out in life with good intentions and kind hearts, things don't always turn out as we hope.

Maybe life has taken us down one too many roads less travelled. Or it’s thrown us a curveball when we needed an easy catch. Or perhaps we flew too close to the sun. Or we made a wrong choice at the crossroads.

We can't go backwards, of course. Carpe Diem! But, sometimes, when we take a quiet moment of reflection to make sense of our life, we're allowed to wonder if perhaps there was a little misunderstanding somewhere along the way.’ A Little Misunderstanding is available from 14 April 2017 on Strataville. Website here.

Well I have had more than a few of these down the years, 'A Little Misunderstanding' is a refined alt rock song with just a hint of Americana about it, and plenty of hooks to pull the listener in.

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Strange Americans - No Punches.

Background - Strange Americans share the video for their track "No Punches". "'No Punches’ explores the relationship between the American Dream and the American Reality," the band explains, "...few of us question the meaning of work, what purpose that work is meant to serve and what direction it will take us in life." The track is from their forthcoming new album, 'Borrow You, Brother,' out later this year. This Saturday April 1st, the band will headline a hometown show at Denver's Hi Dive.

Musically, Strange Americans’ third full-length album, 'Borrow You, Brother' remains committed to the general guitar-driven, blue-collar Americana rock element that permeates their earlier releases. This latest album, however, diverges in subtle ways : from the keys to the drums, bass and guitars, the sounds, tones and parts are more explorative. At times this means dynamic restraint, craft, control and beauty ; at others it means total freedom, chaos and noise.

For the better part of a year, the Denver, CO band made three trips to The Echo Lab in Denton, TX, where they worked with engineer/producer Matt Pence (Centro-matic, Justin Townes Earle). Pence’s penchant for the creative process combined with the band’s original vision for the songs drove the tracking and mixing process and resulted in a unique record that is simultaneously novel but grounded in tradition. Lyrically, the songs tend to explore social themes including income and wealth inequality, individual success and materialism, but also work, travel and happiness.

It’s a little raw, a bit loud, unapologetic and honest. It’s blue-collar rock and roll and it’s something that Denver’s Strange Americans are crafting with both brawn and finesse. Facebook here.

'No Punches' has a well travelled and developed feel, the band are tight and the vocals laid back, however between them the passion and commitment is all apparent, in what is just right rock and roll.


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Midweek Muse: Valley Queen - The Moon Kids - The Austen - Argonaut & Wasp - Imaginary People - The Lunas

Valley Queen - Destroyer EP.

Background - On April 26th, Valley Queen will embark on a spring North American tour, spanning from the west to the east coast. The band will headline seven shows, and support Laura Marling on thirteen dates, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York.

The Los Angeles 4-piece released their first-ever EP, Destroyer, this month. Singer and songwriter Natalie Carol leads a band reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac and My Morning Jacket with vocals evocative of Florence Welch. The band's sound brings to mind the soul of Motown and the power of southern rock. "Carol presides over ambling Americana jams that positively soar,” said NPR Music upon including the EP’s single “Stars Align” in their SXSW Austin 100. Filling out their sound is Neil Wogensen with bass and vocals, Gerry Doot's drums and Shawn Morones on vocals and guitar. Website here, Facebook here, tour dates are on Beehive Candy's tour page.

Adding to the references above, I would also suggest Heart and Jefferson Starship from the Grace Slick years as pointers to the mixture of tracks on the 'Destroyer EP'. What is clear is the band have a clear talent for developing enticing songs that mix melodic rock with a softer more soulful style. As debut EP's go this is strong throughout.

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The Moon Kids - Something Spectacular.

Background - Hitting the sweet spot between The Small Faces, The La’s and Blossoms, Scottish Psych-Pop outfit The Moon Kids are shooting for the stars.

The band’s latest single ‘Forever Blue’ - a sunshine-drenched slice of 21st century Indie attitude - is the latest salvo in a series of white hot releases that began with their acclaimed debut EP. ‘Rollercoaster People’, the lead track from that self-titled EP, was championed by Radcliffe & Maconie on BBC Radio 6 Music. ’Luna Park’, another of the EP’s highlights, was chosen by an all-star judging panel including Tom Waits, Run DMC and London Grammar as one of the finalists in the worldwide Unsigned Only songwriting competition, it was pipped at the post by Vance Joy’s global chart smash Riptide.  

Follow-up single ‘Strange Thoughts On Sunday’ amped-up The Moon Kids’ psychedelic pop credentials, harnessing a tripped-out melody to the band’s trademark chiming guitar sound. Flipside ‘Popcorn Bullshit’ has since become a staple on Japanese radio. The Smiths/Modest Mouse/Electronic mainman Johnny Marr is a fan. 

Formed in Dunfermline, Scotland, by frontman David Barr, The Moon Kids have honed their sound in the studio with producers such as Michael Brennan Jnr (Super Furry Animals, Mogwai), Tony Doogan (Belle & Sebastian, Young Knives) and Rafe McKenna (Comsat Angels, Thrashing Doves). On the road they’ve played alongside the likes of Glasvegas, Tribes, The View, Raglans and up-and-coming northern rockers Neon Waltz, as well as turning in acclaimed performances at festivals such as T In The Park, Wickerman and Stereofunk. Facebook here, website here.

'Something Spectacular' might be something of a boast however it is not without foundation, particularly if you are enjoying the modern wave of psych pop bands. Musically the band are bright giving the vocalist plenty of layers to add his touch, which matches in to the overall good feeling of this song.

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The Austen - The Austen's Groove.

Background - The Austen was founded in 2014 between London and Milan. Its only stable member is Riccardo Barbieri Torriani, founder of the band, songwriter, singer and harmonica player.

The name of the band is dedicated to a group of students at Hult International Business School in London, a gang of seventy-five people who grew up together between 2012 and 2014. The business school used to give each class the name of a famous author. This particular class was called Jane Austen.

The Austen is always seeking for musicians, songwriters and singers who want to collaborate, perform and create new music under its name. The philosophy behind the project is to merge various genres and cultures to break borders and establish new trends. Consequently, The Austen can be well defined as “an open band”.

The Austen’s Groove - written, performed and produced by Riccardo Barbieri Torriani A hymn to special friends all over the world. Those kind of people you may not have the chance to meet for months or even years, but when you finally join them it’s like you’ve always been together. I was lucky enough in my life to know few of them. Quote: “No matter who you are and where you are, there’s always time for another drink.” Sound Engineer for all tracks: Mr. Max MC Costa, who has worked internationally with John McLaughlin, Sting and Bill Evans. He won 2 Grammy Awards! The Austen - The Opus Day was released last week through Nub Music.

Perhaps it's the bands open structure that helps create some fine variety within the collection of songs that make up 'The Opus Day' from which 'The Austen's Groove' is taken, whatever the case The Austen have delivered some highly desirable tunes, and are now firmly on my musical radar.


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Argonaut & Wasp — Paradise.

Background - Argonaut & Wasp is an indie dance band from Brooklyn, NY. Inspired by the sounds of the kick drum, the electric guitar, the bass, and the synthesizer, the group creates fashionable music for fashionable crowds.

  Trey and I were attending lots of DJ sets at the time (which is one of our favorite evening activities). Anyways, we would show up at all of these hip Brooklyn venues and everyone would be glued to the walls, everyone just standing there - lost in a state of confusion.

We decided to capitalise on this feeling, this need for a rhythm and the need for a beat. We rushed home one of these evenings - grabbed a cowbell, picked up the guitar, and got to work." — Argonaut & Wasp. Facebook here.

'Paradise' is a high-spirited indie dance song, that has a dynamic beat and some crazy vocals that add spice to the whole. Just add some party and cocktails for the full effect!

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Imaginary People - The Pelican Theme.

Background - Imaginary People shares new single "The Pelican Theme" from forthcoming album October Alice

Following 2014’s critically acclaimed opening volley EP, composed of espionage-themed singles, and their 2015 politically tinged full-length debut Dead Letterbox,  New York’s Imaginary People return with their second full-length release, entitled October Alice, due in April 2017. The album was again produced by Kevin McMahon (Swans, Titus Andronicus, Real Estate), reprising his role from their debut LP.

The band swings for the fences on their sophomore LP, recorded in a barn in upstate NY, via a grittier approach, with an eerie, reverb-laden wall of sound abundant throughout, cannily crafted via the use of a second drum kit inside a silo. It mirrors the morbid subject manner of the album, easily their most disarmingly personal material to date. Facebook here.

The third song we have featured from Imaginary People and 'The Pelican Theme' is yet another wonderfully frantic rock'n'roll piece. The album is now a little more than eagerly awaited, to say the least.

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The Lunas - Until I'm Dead.

Background - Indie rock band The Lunas share "Until I'm Dead" the first single off their forthcoming EP A Curious Life.

The Vancouver-based foursome is the brainchild of frontman James Priestner. A former teenage hockey wunderkind en route to the NHL faced a personal and professional dilemma at a young age after discovering a passion for the arts while backpacking through Europe, Thailand, Southeast Asia and Japan. He explains, “Getting out into the world, meeting people, and seeing things firsthand made me realize there was a lot more out there than the rink and stopping hockey pucks."

Since their 2015 formation, the band has toured Canada twice, and shared the stage with JPNSGRLS, Mobina Galore, and Juno-winning artist Barney Bentall, among others. Additionally, The Lunas have been finalist contestants in The Roxy Launch Project in Vancouver BC where the guys won recording time with Tommy Mac from the hit-making pop-rock group Hedley. Facebook here.

A chunky beat and distinct vocals ensure 'Until I'm Dead' is underway and doing it's stuff from the first notes forward. The band can and do turn up the energy on occasion. It's indie rock and it stands out.

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Lunar Twin - No Kill - Jordan Mackampa - Skye Steele

Lunar Twin - Waves.

Background - After much excitement following the release of their single ‘Waves’, Lunar Twin are releasing their new 'Night Tides’ EP through iconic Texas-based dreampop-shoegaze label Moon Sounds Records. 

This is the band’s third significant release, following their debut ‘Lunar Twin EP’ (2014) on Lunar Industry Records, the duo’s own imprint, and ‘Champagne Remixes’ (2015) through German boutique label Emerald & Doreen Records.  

The EP literally flows from beginning to end, taking listeners on a journey through lush downtempo, synth and chill wave, and ultimately to the ocean at night. Tracks ‘Waves’, ‘Coral Sea’ and ‘Blood Moon’ seamlessly blend indie electronica and tropical noir, while synth and chill-wave are at their best on ‘Prayers of Smoke’, ‘Birds of Paradise’, and ‘Night Tides’.

A few years after a chance meeting at the Denver Underground Music festival, Bryce Boudreau and Chris Murphy started working under the Lunar Twin moniker in 2013.  They derived the band’s name from a theory about earth having possibly had a twin moon. Inspired by space and time, as well as nature and culture. Facebook here.

As a taster for the new EP, the single track 'Waves' gives us a firm indication something special is on it's way. Lush and cultivated, the music is beautiful, the vocals emotionally engage, just close your eyes and be taken away.



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No Kill - Tremolo.

Background - No kill are Jamie Cogar - Guitar, Drums, Vocals and Andrew Trouwborst - Guitar, Vocals.

Ramping up to the release of their new album, Gold Chorus, which is due out later this year, Brooklyn's No Kill have released the first single from that album, "Tremolo."

Website here, Facebook here.

Sitting somewhere between dream pop and shoegaze the new song 'Tremelo' has an expansive feel that defies being the work of just two people. The promo and the bands social sites may not give much away regarding No Kill, the music however clearly tells us they have something good going on.


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Jordan Mackampa - Saint.

Background - An old soul, with an enlightened voice, Jordan Mackampa is a huge talent destined for stardom. Originally hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the now Coventry-based singer returns today with his attention-grabbing new single 'Saint'. 

Taken from his forthcoming EP ‘Tales From The Broken’, his infectious, foot-thumping new single is another soul-soaked release that proves Jordan’s undeniable potential. The singer showcases his unique gospel-tinged vocal, paired with irresistible folk-pop instrumentation - delivering a track as delicate as it is powerful and inspiring.

“'Saint' is a song that speaks to a piece of all of us,” Jordan explains. “There isn’t such a thing as good people or bad people in my mind, we’re all complicated and need to accept parts of ourselves that we equally like and dislike. The idea was to draw on the idea of how we are all just trying to figure out a purpose in life and sometimes that leads to something else for guidance.”

Certainly ‘Saint’ has the ability to strike a chord lyrically with most people - who are perhaps haunted by mistakes of bad choices they’ve made in the past - and how we’re all capable of making mistakes. New single 'Saint’ - and the EP from which its lifted is a powerful return, cementing the singer as one of 2017’s most exciting new artists with a blossoming future. Website here, Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page.

I love it when a song comes along such as 'Saint' and you realise your hearing somebody with the ability to massively impact on the music world. I can sit back and let the song do all the work with this one...

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Skye Steele - Back In The Valley.

Background - Skye Steele, is an incredibly talented songwriter and musician who splits his time between Nashville and Brooklyn, with his new album All That Light, coming out on May 26th via HouseTown. He’s also out on the road with his frequent collaborator Vanessa Carlton (Skye is her one-man backing band when she tours), performing with her and opening her shows, before heading out on a string of Midwest dates in May w/ The Minimalists.

Skye's forged a reputation as a musician's musician over the past decade, performing everywhere from subway platforms in New York to Carnegie Hall, and has shared stages with everyone from Willie Nelson and Vanessa Carlton, to indie darlings like Deer Tick, Jolie Holland (who has a duet on the new album), Shearwater, and even avant-garde jazz legends like Anthony Braxton and Butch Morris.

Skye wrote the album in the Bitterroot Valley in Montana before heading to LA to record, where he teamed up with his long-time friend Cassorla (Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Blitzen Trapper, Taylor Goldsmith), who produced and helped to co-write it. All That Light fuses his signature violin-based folk-art sound with 808's, hyper-satured Moog bass lines, glitchy drum loops and shimmering synths, forming a completely unparalleled sound that's backed by his vivid lyrics. He’s joined on the album by some of his friends and frequent collaborators, including Vanessa Carlton, Jolie Holland and Stevie Weinstein-Foner (aka SWF). Website here, Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page.

There is an instantly catchy vibe with 'Back In The Valley', underpinned by top quality musicianship and Skye Steele's totally engaging and lively vocals.

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Spiral Stairs - Beatrix Players - Broke Royals - Gumshen - Sheepy

Spiral Stairs - Emoshuns.

Background - Spiral Stairs (Pavement's Scott Kannberg) releasesd his second album under that name, Doris and the Daggers, a couple of days ago, on the Nine Mile label in the US,  on Domino in Europe (digital / physical) and on Coolin' By Sound in Australia / New Zealand. He has also shared the official music video for "Emoshuns," directed by Joe Salinas, and also announced a full North American tour. The album features guest appearances from Matt Berninger of The National, Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew and Justin Peroff, Kelley Stoltz and Shudder To Think's Adam Wade.

You can’t hurry genius – not even the genial, unforced and unpretentious genius that has long been Scott’s forte. What’s for sure is his second album as Spiral Stairs, Doris And The Daggers, is worth the wait. It’s some of the best music Scott’s been involved with, and also some of the most personal and emotional music he’s ever written, reflecting the life changes that occurred over those eight years. During that stretch, Scott weathered the loss of friends, treasured the joys of fatherhood, lived life as an Australian and even ate haggis meat – experiences that inform these warm, sweetly melodic and soundly honest songs. Website here, Bandcamp here. Tour details on Beehive Candy's tour page.

'Emoshuns' is the third song we have been able to share from the brand new album 'Doris and the Daggers' and I have to say it's definitely my favourite of the three, helped a little by the video, but even more by the lyrics and their stylish delivery.

 

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Beatrix Players - Rushlight.

Background - All-female trio Beatrix Players have released the new video for track Rushlight taken from upcoming their debut album Magnified (March 31st); through their enchantingly dark and evocative melodies, expansive arrangements and empowerd orchestral sound, Beatrix Players tells stories of real life and fantasy.

Beatrix Players are a London-based all-female trio who make florid, adventurous music that operates at the interface between folk, singer-songwriter acoustica, prog and quasi-classical baroque chamber pop. There is a light, translucent quality to the music, and yet when it is not being hushed and reverent, it has the attack and thrust, the surging dynamism, of rock. It can be soft and intimate, but it can also be fiery and intense, epic and immense. There are tempestuous passages in their music that you can imagine being delivered by traditional rock instrumentation but it is the very absence of guitars and drums that means that there is nobody out there quite like Beatrix Players.

Citing influences as diverse as Michael Nyman and Regina Spektor and drawing comparisons to the likes of Kate Bush and Einaudi Ludovico. In 2015 the band (Amy Birks, Jess Kennedy and Amanda Alvarez) took their unique sound – a beautiful combination of vocals, piano and cello – into the studio to record their self-produced debut album, which has been mixed by two-time BBC Folk Award winner, Jim Moray. Website here.

And it's third time around on Beehive Candy for Beatrix Players and the stunning video for 'Rushlight'. Another fine song from a consistently pleasing album where their exquisite vocals are backed with tender affection by both piano and cello.

 

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Broke Royals - Higher.

Background - Broke Royals are excited to share “Higher,” the first single from their debut self-titled album Broke Royals. Named one of the best up-and-coming DC bands of 2016 by CBS, Broke Royals seamlessly integrate traditional rock with infectious pop hooks and electronic elements to create a richly layered sound that has been praised as “the new American rock.”

Broke Royals wrote "Higher" as an anthem for anyone whose heart has ever gotten ahead of itself. The track tells the story of a man swept up in his idea of love, full of bold promises and big ideas but slightly disconnected from the reality of love and relationships. "Higher" was exclusively premiered yesterday with Pure Volume, who wrote, "the duo is unafraid to soar and experiment with their sound. It's reflected with the build and memorable chorus."

Behind Broke Royals is the team of producer Colin Cross and vocalist Philip Basnight, who have accomplished much since forming in 2014. In just three years they’ve honed a singular sound across three EPs, toured the country opening for the likes of Car Seat Headrest, Real Estate, and Andrew McMahon and even unintentionally fueled a political revolution. In May of 2014, the band's debut single "About Time" went viral in Thailand as the country was in the midst of a military coup, inspiring those who were hearing the track through political ears.

Debut album Broke Royals is a culmination of the duo's journey so far.  For fans of the sophisticated pop rock sound of Future Islands, The 1975, or Bastille, Broke Royals are a band that should be on your radar. Website here, Facebook here.

Some lively alt rock comes along in the shape of 'Higher'. A brisk beat and bright vocals are accompanied by a guitar lead soundtrack that comfortably switches power and pace in this polished introduction to Broke Royals.


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Gumshen - Fallacy.

Background - About "Fallacy" from the band: "The glowing lights on the lead singers chest represent a heart, the organ of the body that provides the engine that sustains life.  The song was written about the arrival of death and the feeling fear and disappointment that one may not have become what they'd hope they would have. That we lie to ourselves that we are worth a damn and then the cold truth reveals that lie. The song was composed entirely by Ron Hippe and what he is trying to express in this music is to communicate a strong and real emotion of regret, defeat and reflection.

We don't know who should be listening to this music other than people who can relate to the deep emotional chasms that we navigate.  Anyone who thinks about the big questions unanswered in a human beings existence. Clearly it is not party music and apparently creepy (feedback from some younger audience) so I guess most people will be unimpressed especially party kids who would rather not be interrupted from their daily lives occupied by smartphones.

We have our own studio called DigiPhobe and we record all the sounds there. Then I mix it but for the upcoming CD release, the final 10% of mixing is being done in Michael Moscozzi's studio, here in Seattle, to give it the most as professional sound as possible. The guest drummer on this song is Greg Gilmore who is well respected in Seattle music circles.

The video was recorded at the Market Theatre in historic Pike Place Market.  It is the location of Seattle's longest running show called Theatre Sports presented by Seattle's leading improv comedy theatre Unexpected Productions. Dennis (our drummer) is playing in the video even though Greg played drums." Website here, Facebook here.

With something of a casual pace 'Fallacy' starts to stand out through the vocals and a simple melodic feel. It's one of those songs that takes a little time to develop, however the desire to play it again is well established at midpoint.

 

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Sheepy - Home.

Background - Liverpool pop-punk scoundrels Sheepy have just unveiled the second video from their new album ‘Alarm Bells’ out April 7th. Sheepy are Liverpool schoolfriends Luke Jones (guitar/vox) and Ollie Phillips (drums) aided and abetted by Irishman Villy Raze (bass). To say songwriter Luke was prolific would be an understatement, as his abundant ability to pen short, sharp catchy punk pop in about the time it would take most people to flick through the newspaper on their daily commute is quite incredible. There are in fact plans to enter the World Guiness Book Of Records soon to celebrate the band’s hyper speed pop-writing and recording skills!

Of new single ‘Home’ from the album, singer Luke Jones says “This song is actually about when I was younger and didn't feel like I could stay in Liverpool any longer, itchy feet. It doesn't matter where you are from and I'd hear lots of people talking about where certain of their ancestors were from and on St. Patricks day where everyone "becomes" Irish for the day. Or they were born somewhere but moved when they were 3 months old. Everyone can be where they say they're from, but it comes across that they are just trying to make themselves more interesting when they don't need to.”

Originally discovered by London label Blang playing at a pirate radio festival in Mayo, Ireland. Songwriter Luke had by then already recorded ten solo albums at home. He gave four copies to the label who signed him immediately. Since then he has: made another six home demo albums, formed the band, played around the UK, Ireland and Europe, released one album, five singles and an EP, been played on 6Music by Steve Lamacq (who played ‘Another Day’ single seven times), Tom Robinson and Gideon Coe and on Absolute by Frank Skinner and Dave Gorman. He’s also had two singles used on Sky Sports Soccer AM to soundtrack goal compilations and recorded Sheepy’s second album proper which is soon to be released in April 2017 entitled ‘Alarm Bells’, where it was recorded in Brixton with Jon Clayton (Jim Bob, Monochrome Set, Band Of Holy Joy, Chris T-T). Website here, Facebook here, tour details on Beehive Candy's tour page.

I have to say sometimes music promoters do there work of conjuring up interest with a few well chosen words. Describing Sheepy as "Liverpool pop-punk scoundrels" painted some colourful images in my mind and thankfully both the band and the song 'Home' do the rest of the work just right, and lived up to expectations!


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Those Lavender Whales - Kacey Johansing - 23rd Hour - The Weeks - Heavy Suns

Those Lavender Whales - Lose My Mind.

Background - Columbia, South Carolina indie/psych pop band Those Lavender Whales, are releasing their sophomore record ‘My Bones Are Singing’ via SC label Fork & Spoon 4/7/2016. Written around singer Aaron Graves’ struggle with a rare, life threatening brain tumor in 2014, the tracks on My Bones Are Singing are existential, intricate pop songs that highlight spirituality, growth, family, and hope. 

Throughout the record, in the darkest spots and the brightest moments, though, Graves sticks to the central motif of his oeuvre as Those Lavender Whales, which he started in his college dorm room at the turn of the millennium: striving to be a better person. “I know it really hurts to grow,” Graves concedes on “Open Up,” before offering, “I know you’re taking us through rougher weather.”

My Bones Are Singing marks a considerable growth for Those Lavender Whales, too. Recorded with Chaz Bundick (Toro Y Moi) in Berkeley, California, and at Graves’s home in Columbia, South Carolina, My Bones Are Singing is full of bigger sounds and a broader palette that parallels the way this band’s world expanded suddenly in a period of rough weather with huge amounts of uncertainty and love. The personal songwriting, thoughtful arrangements and delightful quirkiness that Graves established on a handful of EPs and 2012’s Tomahawk of Praise remain, but Bundick’s production gives My Bones Are Singing an airiness imbued by stacks of vintage synthesizers and crisp production.

Indeed, Those Lavender Whales has grown physically as well, not into simply a fleshed-out band, but a full-fledged family. Jessica Bornick, Graves’s wife, plays drums. Multi-instrumentalists Christopher Gardner and Patrick Wall, two of Graves’s longtime friends, round out the band. Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

'Lose My Mind' mixes fuzzy psychedelic sounds, alongside steady rhythmic vocals that seem to rotate around the music creating a hypnotic feel  throughout.
 
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Kacey Johansing - Do You Want Me.

Background - Kacey Johansing announces new album, The Hiding, shares first single "Do You Want Me". “It seems great opportunities come in blessings as well as tragedies,” Kacey Johansing sings on the title track of her third album, The Hiding. After the breakup of her band Yesway, and an abrupt falling out with her closest musical collaborator, Johansing set out to record a new batch of songs that resulted from the sea change in which she had now found herself.

Instead of drawing from her regular band, Johansing pulled from a wider cast of players that she’d come to know in the community of musicians throughout California and the West Coast. The resulting sound is one based wholly and unabashedly in pop. Nods to Christine McVie and Fleetwood Mac can be heard, but Johansing brings these sounds to a modern stage, blending her ethereal vocals with effervescent synthesizer washes and reverberating open-tuned guitar.

Recorded at Panoramic House in Stinson Beach, where Kacey worked as caretaker, as well as at home in Bolinas, on a ridge above the cloud layer in Big Sur, and at a friend’s studio in Portland, the album also serves as a document of Kacey’s time spent traveling in search of the sound she was after. After finishing initial tracking, and still reeling from the heartbreak of losing her musical community, Johansing found a necessary move was in order. Landing somewhat-blindly in Los Angeles, she continued to work on the album and hold it close. The end result is The Hiding, a tone poem about loss, growth and “leaving the insular beauty of a tight-knit community,” as Johansing describes it. The release of The Hiding comes at a time when Johansing is deeply longing to emerge from her extended absence and reconnect with her desire to create and share her music.

“The Hiding” is set for release June 2 on Night Bloom Records, a brand new label Johansing founded with Real Estate’s Alex Bleeker and longtime-friend and songwriter Jeff Manson. Website here, Facebook here.

A vibrant pop vibe is right there from the start on 'Do You Want Me'. It's a song that grows in depth musically, whilst the vocals not only drive the melody, they add additional sonic layers and atmosphere.


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23rd Hour - Hypothetically.

Background - 23rd Hour are currently sharing their video for "Hypothetically" from their upcoming record Perfect Strangers out this month.

23rd Hour was created after a chance meeting at a coffee house transformed unlikely bedfellows Sherry-Lynn Lee and George Paolini into sympathetic artistic souls. They come from different backgrounds, genres and eras, but when their individual aesthetics intertwine, they hit that sweet spot of subtle adventurousness epitomized by artists such as James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, and The Civil Wars.

Sherry and George creatively interlace as songwriters, singers, and instrumentalists. Songs on Perfect Strangers fluidly shift from Sherry at the center, with George on background vocals, to tunes led by George with Sherry providing support. George sings in an understated baritone, and Sherry possesses a versatile mezzo-soprano. Often their vocals blend in tight, flowing harmonies. Both are gifted instrumentalists, proficient on guitar, piano, mandolin, harmonica. And they dabble in cello, clarinet, ukulele and percussion.

Their debut album Perfect Strangers wraps visceral stories with clever wordplay and elements of jazz, classical, rock, folk and pop. Their sound is notably organic, employing acoustic instruments and, when electric, a very clean, unprocessed tone. Facebook here.

Both gentle and sensitive 'Hypothetically' mixes a beautiful duet alongside intricately delivered music, that adds to the intimate mood of this delightful song.

 

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The Weeks - Start It Up.

Background - The new single from Easy, the highly anticipated new album from rising band The Weeks, has now been shared. The Weeks is twin brothers Cyle (vocals) and Cain (drums), Sam Williams (guitar/vocals) and Damien Bone (bass). Formed when its members were in high school in Jackson, Mississippi, the band self-released its debut EP Dog Days. 

More than ten years and a handful of critically acclaimed albums later, the band has relocated to Nashville and toured extensively worldwide with Kings Of Leon and the band liked them so much, they set up their own label – Serpents & Snakes – to put out their record. But their influences run deeper than that, and the grittiness and authenticity of their sound has seen them tour with the likes of both Meat Puppets and Local H in the past.

Of the record, frontman Cyle Barnes says, “We called it Easy because every time I make music with these guys, it’s easy. It feels good. But the other side of it is there’s nothing easy about being in a band. There’s nothing easy about staying together for ten years and still wanting to make music. We have the hardest and easiest job on the planet. But it works for us.” Thematically, Easy explores new ground for the band. Bassist Damien Bone explains, “We just wanted to make a rock record. We weren’t as concerned making it a southern rock record. The southern thing is always going to part of what we do. ” Facebook here.

Our second feature for The Weeks and 'Start It Up' is another powerful rocker, with vocals and musicians competing for their own personal share in the action. Collectively they deliver a bluesy and punchy rock'n'roll delight.

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Heavy Suns - Hide.

Background - There is a thumping psyche-rock single with swagger, attitude and meaning coming out on April 14th from Barnsley (UK) based Heavy Suns. When it comes down to it, who doesn’t have a love for The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin?

It sounds cliché that South Yorkshire’s newest and most exciting export Heavy Suns take influence from those classic bands as well as recent incarnations of the psyche-rock genres but with the dark, thumping new single ‘Hide’ the five-piece are doing things with these roots that are seriously worthy of note.

Exciting as much as it is familiar, the single is the result of years of honing the band after originating as a three piece and the current line-up finally coalescing together in 2015. “Being born and raised in a town like Barnsley you always have some sort of awareness of anybody around you that is involved in music and I think that was the case with the five of us. Travis, Tom and Luke all being in different bands at the same time around 2009. Callan later joining Travis's band and Ross working as a local gig promoter & DJ,” explains lead vocalist and guitarist Travis Glen Eaton.

Having recently sold out shows in Sheffield and Leeds, the buzz around this band is really taking hold locally across Yorkshire and title ‘Hide’ is an oxymoron for the band’s plans with its release. The in your face fuzzy riffs and psych atmospheres swallow whole all exposed to it in a gloriously free floating tsunami of hypersonic sound. Facebook here.

'Hide' cuts to the chase as a formidable, dominant rock track. The music is tight and menacing, the vocals add the swagger and psych, and the band deliver with aplomb.

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The Bad Signs - Bordeen - The Konincks - Julian Jasper - Kudu Blue - Dion Lunadon

The Bad Signs - Blue Love

Background - Like the soundtrack to a cult film that doesn’t exist, The Bad Signs are three acclaimed artists’ ode to all that is cool.

Brainchild of guitarist Nat Rufus, The Bad Signs are a seedy tribute to the fringe culture of 1960’s America – the beatniks, the beehives, the bikers, the whole scene.  After ten years touring with twin brother and songwriting partner Rob Rufus in the punk rock band Blacklist Royals, inspiration struck as Rob took time off the road to edit his memoir, Die Young With Me (Simon & Schuster).

“I got the idea from this old black and white photograph,” says Nat.  “It was from ’67, just two teenagers on a motorcycle, but I wanted to start a band that sounded the way that photo looked, you know?  Like vintage rebel youth.”  The twins enlisted alt-country mainstay Samantha Harlow on lead vocals, roundly praised by Rolling Stone, CMT, and America Songwriter – her haunting performances brought something unique and critical to the group.  “She has a fragility to her voice that creates a sense of captivated unease… it’s like the sound of another time.”

So put on your shades, zip up your leather, and let your love light shine – because square is nowhere, and this is it.

The Bad Signs’ new EP, Black Magic Moments, was named an “official release” of Record Store Day 2017 – these exclusive 12” vinyl are backmasked with subliminal messages that conjure spirits when the album is spun backward.  Rob’s book, now a bestseller, recently won a 2017 National ALA Award and will out in paperback this spring. Facebook here. Tour dates on Beehive Candy's tour page.

Powerfully nostalgic sixties music vibes make 'Blue Love' just so lovable. There is all the trauma and emotion so often found on the fringes of that musical era, and the video captures some of that, however the song is just so fine in it's own right, love it!


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Bordeen - Trouble Making.

Background - Second single 'Trouble Making' talks about someone who is always creating problems in every situation they enter, leaving a trail of chaos all around them. Using only film photos, the chaotic elements of this video are meant to be a visual representation of what that destruction feels like.

Having grown up as siblings, Bordeen's understanding of harmonies and playing to each others best musical abilities has propelled them through their career as a band that receives recognition and great press for each additional show and festival they are a part of. 

Bordeen have worked with Graham Wright from Tokyo Police Club, and they’ve been featured on CBC Radio One’s Here and Now, as well as The Edge 102.1 Jingle Bell Concert Series. Their last year has included launching their Single 'Broken Bones' across radio in Canada, playing the Rockwood in NYC, CMW, Indie Week, CMJ, a Canadian Tour from Ontario to BC and back, as well as numerous shows around the GTA. Facebook here.

Our second feature for Bordeen, this time with the new single 'Trouble Making'. It's a melodic indie pop song where once again both vocals and music are pristine, and the atmosphere is tangible giving the track even further edge.


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The Konincks – Daytime/Nighttime.

Background - Singer Julia belts out the first phrase, fragments of melodies follow, restless grooves complement the whole spectrum of their colours. The Konincks unleash primal forces with their new track Daytime/Nighttime. Jack White is grinning 'round the corner and Ritchie Blackmore would give his blessing. The musical way the four-piece chose is distinct and evident: They expand their psychedlic blues to a vibrantly grasping contemporary blues rock. Time flies when you do what you love.

Looking back Julia, Marc, Mike & Phil played nearly all the stages of their hometown, now  they’re taking over the rest of the world. Richie Kotzen was touring with the four piece around Europe. And after having released an EP and an album indie-magazines (Rockstar mag), radios (international airplays) as well as rock origins (Metalhammer) found great interest for these four rednecks. It might be because The Konincks dash head on and with a fierce heart in poetry and rhytms, singing guitars and hypnotic compositions like there’s no tomorrow.

Though, looking forward, the world comes into being: 2017 starts with the new single Daytime/Nightime; a taste of the upcoming EP (graphically designed by New-York-Artist Noemi Manser). Julias emphatic voice won't indulge in Patti Smith comparisons, instead she evolves an intense indepentence, which grounds and stimulates the listener at the same time. Two years ago the music of The Konincks origanted from old souls, now they contribute greatly to the Zeitgeist of our time. Vehement, relentless, dew-fresh, approachable; and this despite their subtlety which today's radio often lack. This spring there is no way around The Konincks pending between illusion and reality, will and ability. Facebook here, website here.

'Daytime/Nighttime' is a swaggering, bluesy rock'n'roll song. The band are gutsy, the vocals energised and soulful, the whole thing is fabulous, play it loud!

 
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Julian Jasper - 2AM, Chinatown / I Don't Mind.

Background - Born in San Diego and currently based in LA, Julian Jasper is a Steely Dan for the 21st century, or maybe a lapsed Rundgren after he crossed paths with Ariel Pink. “2AM, Chinatown” sounds like Boz Scaggs on a dopamine bender, with Jasper distractedly strutting and bouncing from one disused phone booth to another looking for a connection.

“I Don’t Mind” effortlessly evokes an early morning in a beach town: the deserted streets, the closed-up burrito stands, the marine layer and its endless overcast coastal skies, terraces of bougainvillea, rhododendrons, and ice plant.

His debut EP is the sound of someone talking to themselves, which is appropriate, because at the heart of the California dream is a sense of loneliness, an ugly isolation, an iron fist behind a sunny smile. Misra Records is gearing up to release his debut EP 2AM, Chinatown/I Don't Mind (Expanded Edition) on May 5th. Facebook here.

I remember seeing Steely Dan at London's legendary Rainbow Theatre back in the day (I was very young of course :). The above reference has some mileage musically, as does the mention of Boz Scaggs. That said  '2AM, Chinatown' and 'I Don't Mind' have enough of their own stuff going on and Julian Jasper's vocals give the material definition with his own style. Both songs are refined as should be expected when running the previously mentioned comparisons, looking forward to the expanded edition.


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Kudu Blue - Sugar Lemz.

Background - Brighton based quartet Kudu Blue announce their debut EP ‘Shaded’ and share the new single ‘Sugar Lemz’. Written, recorded, and produced entirely by the band in their home studio in Brighton, ‘Sugar Lemz’ incorporates a diverse set of influences to create something that sounds both timeless, yet refreshingly modern.

"Sugar Lemz is probably our favourite track from the new EP” - the band proclaim. “It's intentionally something a bit different from the other music we have put out. We wanted to make a chilled track that you could put on in the living room at 5am after a heavy night.” 

Chilled out the track certainly is - without taking away from its immediate appeal. Kudu Blue are incredibly smart in the way they unite electronically tinged instrumentals and intricate production flourishes, with singer Clementine Douglas’ soulful jazz-inflected vocal lines. Not only do Kudu Blue create intriguing sonic soundscapes with their songwriting, but they also have an innate ability to deliver on the live front. Combining their collective musical talents on the stage - they’re a force to be reckoned with, and are sure to be in for a fruitful year ahead. 

Selling out their debut London headline show towards the end of 2016, they’re today announcing their next headline show at London’s Camden Assembly, along with an appearance at The Great Escape Festival in May, dates of which can be found below. Kudu Blue’s debut EP ‘Shaded’ is out April 28th, 2017. Facebook here.

Oh this is good! 'Sugar Lemz' mixes dreamy soulful vocals with some original synthy sounds. The track drifts and gently twists around a core feeling of calmness and serenity, beautiful.

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Dion Lunadon - Fire.

Background - Following the release of his single "Fire" last month, Dion Lunadon (of A Place To Bury Strangers / The D4) returns with a brand new video. The song is from his forthcoming debut solo album, which was recorded over a three-month period in Brooklyn, NY. The album features Robi Gonzalez (APTBS) on drums and Blaze Bateh from Bambara on select tracks including "Fire".

"With "Fire" I wanted wild and heavy guitars with heavy sentiment in the first vocal line to match. Something that grabs you and demands attention. Not background music," Lunadon explains of the track. The album also features mixing by Chris Woodhouse (Mayyors, Ty Segall, The Intelligence, Thee Oh Sees) on select tracks including "Com/Broke". 

During a short break in touring with APTBS, Lunadon had a rush of inspiration in the form of a creative spasm — a neurotic impulse to make a batch of songs and do it right then and right there.

What resulted is quite a jump away from his work in APTBS and draws more influence from bands like Toy Love and The Gun Club, as well as New Zealand unknowns such as Gestalt and Supercar. Dion Lunadon’s debut Self-Titled album is set for release on June 9th via Agitated Records. Pre-order through Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

Packing power and intrigue from the word go 'Fire' is an aural assault of musical noise and emotion. Vocals scream from somewhere in the midst of the track, as emotions run high. The accompanying video is a blast in it's own right, play even louder and shake away every last cobweb!!


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