Showing posts with label Company of Thieves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Company of Thieves. Show all posts

Wednesday, 14 February 2018

Company of Thieves - Erin Pellnat - Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics - Karrie Hayward - Oh! Gunquit - Danielle Duval

Company of Thieves - Window.

Background - Fresh off their reunion tour and currently on the road with Walk the Moon, indie group Company of Thieves hare their new song, "Window". "Window" is the second release from their forthcoming EP,  Better Together, due February 23rd.

"Great friends can see something in us that we can’t yet see in ourselves- the ability to make it through, the light at the end of the tunnel. This song is about seeing the best in each other and ourselves, finding windows where there were once only walls" says front woman Genevieve Schatz of their new song, "Window".

10 years proceeding the release of their self released album, Ordinary Riches, Company of Thieves made their comeback in the summer of 2017 with "Treasure".

It was fate that brought two rebellious teenagers together on the train platform at Union Station in Chicago over a decade ago, as Company of Thieves’ founding members, Genevieve Schatz and Marc Walloch sat across from one another and became fast friends over a conversation about The Beatles. With two records, countless headlining tours, a late night television appearance, a charting alternative radio single “Oscar Wilde” and a dream-come-true music biz discovery story under their belt, it seems that fate that has brought the cult band back from hiatus. FACEBOOK.

'Window' is a fine rocker that mixes melodic moments with some more feisty rock & roll, the passion thrives throughout, as do the hooks.

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Erin Pellnat - Do It For Dinero.

Background -  "Do it for Dinero," from Erin Pellnat is a new song that has elements of Americana, ragtime, and samba. 

But ultimately, the song is about the voice and the story she's tellin.

The photo is relevant as Erin tells us "I bike to work every day from Brooklyn (where I live) to Manhattan (where I work) - 15 miles a day round-trip!  You might say I "Do it for Dinero". BANDCAMP.


Our third solo feature for Erin Pellnat, an artist that consistently comes up with highly engaging and imaginative music. 'Do It For Dinero' see her taking yet another musical route, mixing genres with ease and once again her vocals add so much more vitality to the song.

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Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics - Call Out My Name.

Background - Atlanta's Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics are the heirs to the throne of the old schools masters.  But they are much more than just a group of revivalists trying to create a period piece.  Powerhouse singer Velle and her band will settle for nothing less than bringing these classic sounds glimmering into the now with a fresh, new contemporary sheen. 

It's this inviting and accessible bravado that has scored the band critical acclaim from outlets such as The New York Daily News, MTV, Paste, and more. In addition to there critical success, at a time when record sales are at an all time industry low, the completely independent, DIY minded Velle and the Soulphonics sold a quarter-million downloads of their single on iTunes, landing them in the top 30 on Billboard's Heatseeker charts and at a stunning #4 on the iTunes R&B charts.

The group has shared bills with Erykah Badu, the XX, Gary Clark Jr., Animal Collective, Feist, and Kendrick Lamar among others. After an explosive set opening for The Temptations, the band looks towards the release of their new single "Call Out My Name" in winter 2018. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


Old school, classic sounding, and plenty of other labels might be applied to 'Call Out My Name', none of which is that important when the music is as gorgeous as this. The production is modern ensuring every part of the arrangement has it's rightful place and the vocals just do the rest, fabulous!

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Karrie Hayward - Going To The Grave.

Background - When you blend the rich, soulful vocal tones with the vibrant, percussive timbre of a guitar, you get Karrie Hayward - a pop infused, indie-edge, kaleidoscope of melodic colours. Going To The Grave is a facetious, tongue-in-cheek song written about the emotional recovery that occurs at the ending of a relationship. The track unravels through a driving percussion line; a guitar riff conversing with an impelling bamboo groove and the build of gated vocals to layers of dense harmonies.

Growing up in the tropical environment of the Whitsunday’s, this songstress spontaneously decided to find the ultimate ratio of adventure and music by moving further down the coast. Karrie travelled solo, playing shows all the way from Mackay to Byron Bay collecting inspiration all around.

After settling down into the hustle and bustle of Brisbane, Karrie set foot in a Gold Coast studio, (Blind Boy Studios) to record some tracks with producer, engineer and session musician, Brad Hosking. This is where the latest single; Going To The Grave was bought to life.

Since the previous release, Gypsies, which landed in the Top 10 on the ITunes Singer-Songwriter chart, Number 3 on the Triple J Unearthed Pop Chart and Number 6 on the overall Triple J Unearthed charts, Karrie has toured along the east coast playing shows all around from Townsville to the Central Coast. With more national touring in sight for 2018, Karrie experiments with the creativity of song craft to define her own unique sound. ‘Going to the Grave’ will be in Digital Stores on the 16th of February. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


Modern pop can still be very creative and pleasing, case in point being 'Going To The Grave'. Uncomplicated, fresh, and alive with hooks, Karrie's soulful vocals are resplendent and the urge to play it again sets in well before the end.

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Oh! Gunquit - So Long Sucker.

Background - London garage-freak-a-billy fun gang Oh! Gunquit, release their second video single So Long Sucker from sophomore LP 'Lightning Likes Me' - which combines elements of psychedelic surf punk, sci-fi rockabilly, and future rock n roll. The nucleus of the band started in 2010 after Tina (Vocals/Trumpet) & Simon (Guitar/Vocals) became neighbours and frequenting the same sweaty cellar dance nights around town. They formed the band around the idea of creating a vibrant blend of new-wave vicious psych-surf, garage-punk, exotica & rock n roll.

With tracks produced by Detroit Legend Jim Diamond (the Sonics, Dirtbombs, Detroit Cobras, White Stripes etc) & also at London's Space Eko studio by Alex McGowen (Jim Jones, Son of Dave etc) it's a somewhat denser and more experimental feel than their debut and still packed with killer songs with the same Exotic Wild Vicious RnR Music with which they've become known for. Their near-legendary live shows are now going even further interstellar with new full-time member Chuchi Malpersona (Saxophone) & the continuing super tight rhythm section of VV (Bass) Alex De Renzi (Drums).

The band has recorded two live sessions on London's only Arts Radio Station -Resonance FM. Live shows they have played include many events/festivals all over UK such as Field Day, Trip Out, Offset, Hop Farm, Hipsville, Franklin Fest and Farm Festival. They have also performed shows for festivals & events in Europe including Spain's Bule Bule, Fuzz in the City, Munster Raving Loony Party, & Fuzzville Festivals & tours in Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Portugal & Spain. The band have supported other acts such as Fat White Family, Public Service Broadcasting, King Khan & the Shrines (US), Andrew Weatherall, The Pandoras (US), Kinoco Hotel (Japan) & shows at the Danny Boyle curated Shuffle Film Festivals. FACEBOOK.


'So Long Sucker' is one spectacular and potent bout of pure freak-a-billy to use the bands definition. Rock & Roll with edge, drama and fun all combined together and delivered with character and energy.


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Danielle Duval - Whenever You Want It.

Background from Danielle Duval - Super stoked to share “Whenever You Want It” – the lead single and video off my sophomore album, Lose It, which dropped on January 26th. It’s a song about no fear; being open, ready, and up for anything. The quest to find, cash in, and go for what or who you’re after. It’s a song about the recognition of love when it comes, and to go for it no holds barred, no reservations, no apologies.

Sam Roberts, Toronto’s “Synth Twins” Matt & Mark Thibedeau, and Zeus’ Carlin Nicholson & Mike O’Brien all lent their talent to help make this record what it is.

I co-produced Lose It with the inimitable Gus Van Go & Werner F, who have worked with the likes of Arkells, Whitehorse, and Wintersleep. The three of us shared the same vision – taking influence from the effortlessly cool swagger of LCD Soundsystem and Joan Jett, and mixing it with the sound of new wave classics like Blondie and The Cars. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


'Whenever You Want It' is a rhythmic rocker, where the guitars and vocals both vie for and grab our attention, all with just a little attitude and a catchy feel.


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Saturday, 29 July 2017

The Howlin' Souls - Knifey - Company of Thieves - Lillie Mae - Beaches

The Howlin' Souls - Free & Young.

Background - NYC based Rock N Roll band, The Howlin' Souls is releasing their brand new music video, “Free & Young” yesterday. Formed in Downtown Manhattan in 2012, The Howlin' Souls have emerged onto the music scene with a fresh yet classic sound that has been welcomed by critics & fans alike.

Singer-songwriter, Pete Smith has infused his Indiana roots into his songs with raspy and honest vocals and lyrics reminiscent of Petty and Dylan. Pete’s guitar playing is supported by lead guitarist and New York native, Scott Sepe, who lends his nostalgic riffs to the Souls’ sound, pulling from the blues and modern rock standards he mastered as a teenager. The rhythm section is comprised of New England natives, Nate Lang (drums) and Robbie Sokolowsky (bass). Their shared love of classic blues, Motown and R&B offer a humble yet infectious back beat groove.

The Howlin’ Souls’ collective influence includes British rock greats The Rolling Stones, as well as the blues legends that inspired them - Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed and the iconic Howlin’ Wolf (whom they honor in their name).

Fritz Lang, long time engineer with time at CBGBs, Record Plant NYC, Sigma NYC and others as well as touring with Miles Davis, the Stones, Prince and other icons of music, co-produced the record with songwriter, Pete Smith.

Smith and Sokolowsky self-produce the band’s music videos while Lang has been taking roles in front of the camera, most recently as drummer Carl Tanner in the Oscar nominated film Whiplash. In the Fall of 2016, the band released their first single, “Anyway You Take It.” Their debut self titled EP, The Howlin’ Souls was released Spring 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

With a strong rock groove from the opening notes, 'Free & Young' adds in some bluesy vocals and the atmosphere builds. The video adds to the feel on this no nonsense track.


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Knifey - Rio.

Background - The new Knifey single 'Rio' perfectly encapsulates the surf-punk's Modus Operandi; one part wistful longing, a heaping of summertime vibes, all housed at a rawkus red-cup beach party. 

Dripping with summer soaked nostalgia, the track showcases the band's ability to straddle the line between beer induced debauchery and hook-filled singalongs. The song comes from their debut LP, out this September 29th. 

Knifey's thoughts on the song, "Rio is a summer song. It’s a song about romance in an idyllic town, where the the sea is close and where you can’t help but run into old friends at every turn.  Cutting through the song’s bouncy rhythm, the lead guitar is blurred in a reverb haze like summer eyes after a long day in a chlorine pool. 

Descending chromatic runs and a tinge of minor keys give the song that quintessential surf vibe. The song’s essence is the carefree, laid back bliss the seaside evokes in all of us. No schedules, no plans". Facebook here.

Surf punk track 'Rio' has all the vital ingredients with the choruses & guitar licks adding a surf flavour whist the vocals and rhythm add some punk edge.

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Company of Thieves - Treasure.

Background - Fresh off the announce of their reunion tour earlier this month, indie group Company of Thieves have released their new song, "Treasure" - the first new music from the band in 6 years.

The news comes 10 years after their independently recorded and self-released debut record, “Ordinary Riches” was released. The track "Treasure" is a triumphant return for the three-piece, comprised of Genevieve Schatz, Marc Walloch and Chris Faller.

Schatz says the song is “a call-to-arms that was written immediately following the presidential election about being faced with a climate of fear and division and what can happen when you look inside yourself to find freedom and say yes to love.”

She explained further: “When we went to record vocals, our set-up was in Marc’s garage in LA and we were getting so much interference from radio frequencies but we didn’t let that stop us — it was like our Chicago DIY roots all over again. As we turned on the microphone, a man’s voice came on from a political radio station — he was talking about US citizens’ constitutional right to assemble, and how people were coming together to march and protest like they did back in the 60’s. He kept angrily asking, ‘Why are they doing this?’ We found his question to be a great mirror of the cultural divide and why our song was written in the first place, so instead of letting his voice silence us we decided to hit ‘record’ anyway.” Facebook here.

The vocals might be softer and at times a little dreamy, however 'Treasure' packs plenty of energy and emotion, as it builds into a feisty alt rocker.

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Lillie Mae - Wash Me Clean.

Background - Lillie Mae is excited to share the video for "Wash Me Clean" from her recent album Forever And Then Some. 

Lillie Mae also begins a run of headlining North American tour dates next month, which includes a show in Toronto on August 25th at the Velvet Underground.

The full run of dates are available on Beehive Candy's tour new page. Website here, Facebook here.

We featured the audio track for 'Wash Me Clean' back in April, however the opportunity to feature the new video and unashamedly recommend Lillie Mae's latest album, alongside mentioning her forthcoming tour dates, is just to irresistible.


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Beaches - When You're Gone.

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.  Yesterday on Brooklyn Vegan, Beaches shares the second track "When You're Gone" off their upcoming album Second Of Spring.

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. . Click here to pre-order the album, Facebook here.

Following on from the track 'Void' that we featured earlier on this month we now have 'When You're Gone' to share. It's another "blast of uptempo psych rock" the expression we used to describe 'Void', this time the vocals are buried even deeper in the mix, & yet still manage to add atmosphere and melody to a very fine song.

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The Yesters - Steph Cameron - St. Catherine's Child - The Yagas

The Yesters - Billy Blue. Dynamic classic rock duo, The Yesters, has released their latest song and music video titled Billy Blue. This evo...