Veronica Bianqui - Rosie Carney - Koda - ONR - Chances

Veronica Bianqui - Victim.

Background - Garage-pop artist, Veronica Bianqui is releasing a new music video for her single, "Victim". “I wrote this song when I started discovering how being emotionally co-dependent has negatively affected my life by creating a pattern of self-victimization. Now, to me, it represents the hope for addicts to escape from their cycle of addiction. I hope it serves as inspiration for addicts and their loved ones around the world that you can put your foot down and change—that you don’t have to be a victim, like my sister—and so many millions of others—unfortunately have been.”

Veronica Bianqui integrates the raw energy of garage rock with the passion of classic soul and R&B, and the pop sensibilities of 60s girl groups while maintaining an intense yet playful edge. Perhaps it’s her background in musical theatre, jazz, classical, and even Indian classical music, or her mother’s propensity for blasting The Beatles and Joe Cocker around the house, but Bianqui’s tastes and influences cross a wide spectrum of sounds. In her live show, Bianqui and her band consisting of up to 10 members—reminiscent sometimes of a revue– combine classic showmanship with a heartfelt directness that keeps the music intimate.

Before breaking out with her solo material, Bianqui made a name for herself in the LA circuit, performing in bands that toured across the U.S. and Europe. As a current member of 1960’s inspired folk/surf/psych rock outfit The Blank Tapes, she balances the two bands, often collaborating with bandmate and co-producer Matt Adams, including on her debut album that is yet to be released.

Her debut album–recorded with Mark Rains (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Shooter Jennings, Alice Bag, Death Valley Girls)– is nearing completion, and awaits release in 2018. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Sixties tinged garage pop with just a little rock & roll swagger 'Victim' is a gorgeous song, with a positive message, and a whole load of hooks. It's looking good for the debut album.


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Rosie Carney - Winter.

Background - Anyone coming to ‘Winter’ not acquainted with Rosie Carney’s mature-beyond-her-years songwriting would be forgiven for thinking she was some long lost contemporary of Joni Mitchell with decades worth of experiences to relate about life, love and adversity, and not a brilliant newcomer who’s barely left her teens behind.

Produced with her frequent collaborator Orri McBrearty in her hometown of Donegal, ’Winter’ follows on from her highly acclaimed singles ‘Your Moon’ and ‘Awake Me’, singles which, between them, have racked up over six million streams online and received acclaim from NPR, The Line of Best Fit, The Independent, Crack in the Road and Perez Hilton.

With her dulcet tones, organic textures and subtle, nuanced, and dreamlike ambient production ‘Winter’ is Carney at her very best. In her own words she says:

"Winter is a confessional song written about knowing when something is over. It's inspired by the brutally honest truth experienced when realising something is coming to an end regardless of whether or not that's what you want. It captures the true cold essence of winter which can be felt when letting go. It was, of course, written in the winter. The instrumentation and production were very much inspired by the cold and bare landscapes around me. Everything is raw and minimal.”

The song is just another part of her exciting year so far, having played shows supporting Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Saint Sister and Haux, co-headlining dates with Henry Jamison in the UK and Ireland, alongside festival slots at Latitude, Seven Layers, and the Bon Iver, National, and Cillian Murphy curated Sounds From A Safe Harbour. FACEBOOK.

This is the fourth time we have featured Rosie Carney and her music continues to impress me in a big way. 'Winter' is gentle, intimate and just so natural. Conjuring up images of cold, short days in my imagination, her song writing and musical compositions are pristine.

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Koda - Curse.

Background - Koda shares his latest video for new single "Curse". The track is from his forthcoming album 'I Hope This Makes Us Better', which is due out spring 2018.

The grandson of a famous Haitian singer, alternative artist/producer Jordan Sudak (aka Koda) spent the first half of his life as an army brat, being yanked from city to city across the globe. Living in three countries by the age of 15, Jordan watched as his free-spirited parents turned to a radical form of born-again Protestantism, banning contemporary art and burning his Harry Potter books in the process.

After finally settling in Columbia, South Carolina, Jordan's family values took a bizarre turn as his father's close call with a heart attack triggered an 180 degree flip on religion for the entire household. His parents eventually opened for an experimental rock band called The Radar Cinema. His mom claimed Jordan to be a family cousin, and he then became the band's frontman.

Between rehearsals, Jordan would get together with the band's keyboardist to listen to doom metal and sludge records while "circuit-bending," the art of making new instruments through soldering circuit boards from toys like Furbies and Speak 'N' Spells. From there, Jordan made the deep dive into ambient and experimental music, teaching himself QBASE, a popular production software for electronic artists. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Curse' has an multi-layered musical sound where synths and rhythms seem to explore and interchange elements with each other. Add in the smooth vocals and this is an intriguing and pleasing song.


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ONR - 5 Years Time.

Background - Scottish artist ONR. started making waves after leaking demos through indie label Leftwing, before swiftly signing to Capitol Records in the US.

His debut single 'Jericho' was released this summer, and has received early support from Spotify, and US stations KCRW, KCSN and Live 105. 

Early reviews have lauded the ‘supreme confidence’ of ONR.’s sound, drawing comparisons to Echo & The Bunnymen, 1975, Depeche Mode, Arcade Fire and David Bowie.

ONR. is currently recording with producers Mark Crew (Bastille, Rag & Bone Man), Doc McKinney (The Weeknd) and legendary mixer Spike Stent. A run of UK dates this December (including three sold-out Scottish shows) leads in to US dates confirmed for next year - including SXSW. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

We featured ONR & the song 'Jericho' less than a month ago and it is a real pleasure to be able to share the brand new song '5 Years Time'. Once again the vocals are distinct and melodic. The music starts out with some delicate synthy sounds before building into a powerful and very catchy piece.

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Chances - Rishikesh.

Background - It was in late 2016, that Montreal-based musicians Chloé Lacasse and Geneviève Toupin, both singer songwriters and pianists, along with drummer Vincent Carré, decided to come together to sketch out a few songs, just to see where uninhibited brainstorming might lead. With two well received singles already released in 2017, 'Rishikesh' is their most experimental and vibrant effort yet.

A world music/electronic music mashup that becomes otherworldly in its atmospheric builds. Catapulting rhythms, syncopated vocals, and bubbling synths envelope around a loop of singers recorded on the banks of the Ganges. Exquisite in the execution, lyrically 'Rishikesh' is all about choice and intention, and musically it's about exploration.

Here are the band's thoughts on the new track: We love this song and feel it has a certain power to it. It's about choice and intention...the intention to trust your instinct, and to align action with thought. The song's driving rhythm continually pushes forward, the vocals play off each other in a sort of call and response, the synths spark up a colourful chaos. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

The song is tagged experimental pop and 'Rishikesh' is all of that. Vocals swirl and intertwine above a vibrant electronic soundtrack. Imaginative and impressive it's also one of those songs that quickly demands another listen.

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Diamond Thug - LUMER - Chances

Diamond Thug - Eclipsed.

Background - In 2016 the South African band, Diamond Thug, recorded their debut EP with the help of Dave Minehan (The Replacements) and released it to waves of support. After significant support from their home country and now at Spotify, where they have had several million plays, and with the wind in their sails, Diamond Thug introduce their music internationally with upcoming single ‘Eclipsed’, an evocative track that takes influence from the likes of Warpaint, Beach House and Vulfpeck.

Since their formation, Diamond Thug have continually evolved, always striving to create a unique sound that’s stay true to their perspective. Their music glides through dream-pop, skittish, off-kilter electronica & psychedelic-rock, creating cosmic-influenced ethereal soundscapes, which swirl below Chantel’s haunting, yet beautiful melodies.

The pursuit of an authentic & honest sound has earned the band various honours in international competitions such as Culture Collide’s pick to perform at SXSW 2017, as well as Converse’s Music Global Takeover and the attention of Grammy Award winner Darryl Torr, who had this to say about the band: "When listening to Diamond Thug, you are taken on a journey.  It’s the effortless vocals, supported by a solid band, that tips you over the edge & pulls you through into their world.  It’s rare to find a voice that can execute such interesting melodies so effortlessly as well as a band that leaves space for the vocals to shine, yet are able to maintain musical integrity." Website here, Facebook here. 

Alternative pop might be something of an oxymoron, however with Diamond Thug and songs like 'Eclipsed' it's pretty much spot on. The track is fabulously original, hard to put in any one genre, and yet the attention this band have received so far, suggests their music is very pop, as in popular.

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LUMER - Gruel.

Background - Hull postpunks LUMER return this Spring with their new standalone single Gruel. With slots at BBC Radio 1 ’s Big Weekend in 2017’s UK City of Culture Hull (the band’s home town) and also Dot to Dot festival in Manchester during the week of release, Gruel takes the band to new heights in their very short life and meteoric rise as “a band to watch out for in 2017/18”.

On Gruel the four-piece have branched out into something borderline schizophrenic, with their twitchy guitar riffs and warped vocals giving way to something softer and more downtempo. To quote the band’s lead vocalist and bass player Alex Evans: “Gruel is about jealousy, anger, and failed attempts at escaping false thoughts. We had a lot of inspirations for Gruel, but mainly it’s a combination of Goth and Post-Punk bands like Bauhaus & Viet Cong (Preoccupations) as well as being inspired by our environment. Practicing in a dark, damp warehouse building in Hull has shaped the dark nature of the song.” This darkness is captured in the single’s somewhat tortured vocal and eerie instrumental middle section.

With their scuzzy and feverish grunge riffs LUMER are fast becoming a manic force to be reckoned with. Recently likened to acts such as Yak, King Nun and Black Flag, LUMER have bloomed out of Hull’s thriving
alternative music scene, holding the garagepunk torch aloft and lighting the way for the angry and the disenfranchised. Formed in the wintery beginnings of 2016, LUMER have develop their cryptic post-punk sound and have gone on to play high-octane shows supporting Life on their UK tour, Weirds and Vulgarians on their Manchester dates plus a performance at the prestigious Rough Trade Nottingham. Facebook here.

'Gruel' is one of those "cut to the chase" pieces. Post punk, ploughs straight into some alt rock, full of attitude, angst and passion. The resulting explosion of incredibly fresh music, gives hope to first generation punks. Those who remain in search of a refill of those years of the youthful vigour. Something only punk genres can deliver.

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Chances - Leave The Light On.

Background from Chances - We are excited to be releasing our new single after our debut single received so much support from listeners and taste makers like you. 

The song is about trusting that you’ve got some things to learn along the way from the connections in life that may be fleeting yet beautiful. It describes going ahead with something or someone, even when you know right from the start that it may not take you all the way to the finish line.

Musically, the song features a rhythmic counter-play between the melody and percussion. We wanted the vocals to be uplifting - infused with a feeling of hope and possibility. Near the end of the song you can hear some french lyrics weaved into the line; reflecting our roots.

We came together in Montreal in 2016 to sketch out a few songs, just to see where uninhibited brainstorming might lead us. New rules brought new possibilities, one person’s writer’s block became another’s building block. Website here, Facebook here.

And if alternative pop is not enough 'Leave The Light On' takes us into the wonderland of experimental pop, and by it's very credentials establishes such a place exists. With this song, it is also clearly thriving.

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Midweek Muse: Francobollo - Chances - Childcare - You'll Never Get To Heaven - Christine Leakey

Francobollo - Good Times.

Background - Francobollo announce UK tour with The Big Moon plus new single ‘Good Times’ is out now. Following the release of their acclaimed ‘Wonderful’ EP in late 2016, Sweden’s Francobollo return this week with a new single - ‘Good Times’. Possessing an irresistible charm, an undeniable wit - and an infectious personality - these three elements shine through in their schizophrenic, adventurous brand of indie rock.

Once again, esteemed producer Charlie Andrew (Alt-J, Marika Hackman, Benjamin Francis Leftwich etc) is at the helm - with Francobollo’s debut album set for release later this year on Andrew's new label Square Leg Records. "Good Times is a serenade to the bad times in life. The feeling you get when you forget how good things can be.” - the band explains. Quintessential alternative rock that's instantly identifiable as Francobollo - with this new single, the quartet are evidently in fine songwriting form. Hinting at inspiration from the likes of Pavement, Built To Spill, and Cap’n Jazz - they’re at their exhilarating best - sounding more energised than ever before.

The band head out on a run of UK/EU dates this Spring, including support slots with the likes of Cymbals Eat Guitars and Johnossi - (and a full UK tour with The Big Moon) with a special headline single release party at The Battersea Barge on March 10th - and if the band’s previous headline shows are anything to go by - will sell out very quickly. ‘Good Times’ is out now via Square Leg Records. Tour details on our tour page, website here, Facebook here.

'Good Times' stands out with distinct vocals and musicians who can mix elements of full on rock, with more refined and understated interludes. The above noted charm and wit, does somehow slowly become apparent, particularly as the song seemingly falls apart and grinds to a halt, before relaunching, and it's done so well.

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Chances - Shine.

Background - This week Chances released their debut single “Shine”.

The song is a mix of pop, electro, and a touch of world music, with Ojibwe lyrics over an Indian Raga in the choruses. 

There's a ceremonial energy to the vocals, almost prayer-like in the way they weave in and out of each other and in the harmonic intervals, layered overtop a more pop/upbeat arrangement that we feel captures the essence of Chances.

Chances came together in Montreal in 2016 to sketch out a few songs, just to see where uninhibited brainstorming might lead us. New rules brought new possibilities. One person’s writer’s block became another’s building block. Dead ends became playgrounds. Website here, Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

Mixing electro pop with more than a hint of global and traditional flavours gives the song 'Shine' an impressive amount of originality. More importantly the overall feel is both cohesive and flowing, and perhaps most importantly superb to listen to.

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Childcare - Kiss?

Background - Childcare finished 2016 playing their biggest shows to date – in front of thousands as part of Bastille’s nationwide arena tour. This came hot on the heels of the band releasing killer single ‘Film Club’ to comprehensive acclaim. ‘Film Club’ was the first taster of a new EP that also features the stellar ‘Kiss?’ and represents an emphatic statement sure to cement the adoration of all those newly turned on to the London quartet courtesy of that tour.
 
It all started when Ed Cares, one of west London's most in-demand male nannies, was overheard humming a song he had written, by Katie, aged six, who persuaded him to form a band. Josh, eight, boldly proclaimed: "You're probably my second favourite artist after Katy Perry."  And so, after sourcing some neighbourhood musicians capable of living up to Josh’s heady billing — specifically Emma Topolski (bass), Rich Legate (guitar) and Glyn Daniels (drums) — Ed soon had an able band to perform with under the only logical moniker in the circumstances: Childcare. Having honed their vivid and visceral live show on stages including Reading and Leeds festivals and now some of the land’s major concert venues, Childcare have released two singles to date, 'Omega Grey' and ‘Film Club’, earning extensive national radio play and enthusiastic coverage from key online tastemakers.

“While waiting at the school gates to pick up the child I look after, I went to say hi to a couple of the mums I knew in the playground. I went to kiss one on the cheek just as she leant forward to pick something up from her bag on the ground. This left me hovering mid-air above her for a few seconds, at which point instead of returning to my natural standing position, I decided to draw her attention to my predicament by posing the question: ‘Kiss?’ She rose, we greeted, I blushed." Ed Cares, Childcare frontman (and male nanny). Facebook here.

The vocals and supporting vocal arrangements immediately grabbed my attention. 'Kiss?' builds into something a little more powerful than initially expected, where vocals and music compete for your attention, and Childcare demonstrate they have something pretty special going on here.

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You'll Never Get To Heaven - To Be Fair.

Background - This week, Canadian ambient-pop duo You'll Never Get To Heaven have shared the second track "To Be Fair" from their upcoming album. 'Images', their third full-length album is due on March 24th, 2017. 

Alice Hansen, a classically trained pianist and violinist, and Chuck Blazevic, a studio-obsessed tone-sculptor and monome performer, combine their disparate perspectives to co-curate every element of YNGTH together as equals. After gaining a groundswell of support from fans and critics all over the globe for their 2012 self-titled debut and 2014's 'Adorn', the group caught the attention of indie upstart Yellow K Records (Japanese Breakfast, Eskimeaux) on the strength of their breakout single "Caught In a Time, So Far Away". 

The band has partnered with Yellow K for the release of 'Images' in a break from their otherwise staunchly independent ethos. While YNGTH has been reclusive in the past playing only a handful of select festival dates, they are currently planning their first European and North American appearances in support of 'Images' for Spring/Summer 2017. 'Images' will be issued worldwide on Vinyl/Digital via Yellow K and on limited-edition cassette via the band's own Mystic Roses imprint. Website here, Facebook here.

It's less than a month since we first covered this fine duo and the first taste of their new album 'Images'. Last time round we described the track as "a wispy melodic song where the vocals gently float above a rich soundtrack". I think it reasonable with the latest song 'To Be Fair' to make a similar observation. You'll Never Get To Heaven, clearly have the knack for creating ambient, layered and flowing music that really appeals and delights.

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Christine Leakey - Walks Like An Angel (feat. Linda Perhacs).

Background from Christine - The video for Walks Like An Angel was shot mostly underwater in the heart of the 1000 Islands where I grew up. I used simple techniques starting with the use of a GoPro on a selfie stick for the scenes of me sitting in the weeds, and the rest of the video was shot with the help of a friend. The scenery of Linda Perhacs was done in Agoura Canyon by one of her friends for me.

The currents were strong during several takes on one side of the island which made it a little difficult and so we moved to the opposite side which I feel made something that fits with the music well. By the end of the shoot, I was freezing. My lips were blue and I was shaking in the shots of me singing in the water. It was the first day of autumn.

The song was inspired by a friend who lost both his parents within a year apart and features Linda Perhacs on vocals. My second solo record entitled, Wanderlust Wishing Well is due out March 3rd. Website here, Facebook here, pre-order the album on Bandcamp here.

This is our third feature for Christine Leakey (our first was a year ago this month) and once again it's an absolute pleasure to have some new music to share. 'Walks Like An Angel' from next months album release 'Wanderlust Wishing Well', is a lush, gentle and melodic piece, drenched (video pun intended) in beauty and imagination. The video is another creative piece in it's own right, with Christine demonstrating just how much she will invest in her art. The album is a must listen as far as I am concerned.

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