System Corporation - Singer Sargent - No Win - Gothic Tropic - Eileen Carey

System Corporation - Dismal Universal Hiss.

Background - New Zealand’s System Corporation Announce Debut Single 'Dismal Universal Hiss'. New Zealand rock outfit System Corporation are releasing their debut single ‘Dismal Universal Hiss’ well ahead of their debut album ‘Fiction Dept.’, slated for release in late 2017.

System Corporation began in 2011, based on a conversation between Phil Somervell (The Datsuns) and their long standing engineer Scott Newth about swapping demos. The two were sharing a flat in Stockholm while The Datsuns were working on their fifth album ‘Death Rattle Boogie’. 

Scott began work on producing the demos, cutting them up, rearranging them, and adding vocals. They became a trio when they enlisted fellow Datsuns’ bandmate Ben Cole (also from The Joint Chiefs) on drums, and then evolved into a five-piece when Scott started working on his own demos for the project, finally enlisting his brothers and bandmates Andrew and Kent Newth (Rumpus Room) to help flesh them out. However, the original trio ended up collaborating on a number of new songs, giving System Corporation two distinct songwriting avenues.  

The band’s debut single ‘Dismal Universal Hiss’ could easily have been written about the rise of Trump or Brexit. But it wasn’t – it was written at the time of the Occupy Wall Street movement and the rise of the so-called 99%, mass protests, and rallying against a broken system that creates ill-gotten wealth and sucks it into a vacuum unattainable by the mere masses. Dismal Universal Hiss will be released on April 28 and will be made available via usual online platforms, but can already be ordered through the band’s Bandcamp here. Website here, Facebook here.

Powerful full on guitar rock, with vocals that glide sky high above the roar of 'Dismal Universal Hiss' makes for a fabulous anthem like song. The track packs commitment and emotion, this is one top class debut single.


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Singer Sargent - Western Life.

Background - You just know it’s real when you hear his voice, one that comes out of a heart that’s been broken more than once. It’s in the raw soul of a singer with a working man's charm that's not afraid of the fierce intelligence behind life’s pain. Singer/songwriter Tim Sargent’s debut song-cycle is superbly produced by Phillip Peterson (Portugal the Man, Shaprece) and comes out June 2nd on new label House of Breaking Glass. 

Working under the banner of Singer Sargent, the songs from  An Ordinary Life were lovingly woodshedded on an acoustic guitar at open mic's in Seattle, near a campfire on the beach and sometimes in the near dark. 

The songs were then brought to Phillip Peterson. They collaborated and exchanged ideas, tracking and sometimes re-tracking until the groove felt right. Tim played the acoustic and electric guitars. Phillip on bass, cellos, organ, horns & percussion. Andrew Barkau had a beautiful turn at the drums, with the legendary drummer Hal Blaine in the talks leading up to the session. Steve Norman took it in a new direction with his pedal steel, which works deftly on the pop songs. Shane McDonald handled the keys, whose understatements speak volumes. 

First single ”Western Life" is an almost verbatim account of a five year span during his twenties, except there was three boys, not "a boy and a girl." 

The first of thirteen songs that make up 'An Ordinary Life' is the single 'Western Life'. This is an exceptional album that should appeal to lovers of country & country rock, alt rock and Americana for starters. Or if you just like melodic variety, intelligent lyrics and a stylish engaging singer who is surrounded by excellent musicians and vocal harmonies that make you tingle, this might just become your brand new favourite album.

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No Win - Crooked Heart.

Background - No Win shares "Crooked Heart" his latest single which is available via Dangerbird Records. Beer soaked bloody nose broken heart...this is what LA's No Win does best.  The solo project of Musician/Producer/Engineer Danny Nogueiras, is rife with honesty, distortion and great songs!  With a little help from his friends Max Keuhn (Fidlar), Brandon Schwartzel (Fidlar), Marshall Vore (Ryan Adams, Phoebe Bridgers), and David Jerkovich (Kind of Like Spitting).  No Win’s two new singles “Crooked Heart” and “You’ll Be Fine” out via Dangerbird keeps us up to speed with, and wanting more of No Win’s straight up, unapologetic brand of rock and roll. Just imagine if The Replacements got into a bar fight with Teenage Fanclub and somehow Superchunk ends up with the black eye...That’s No Win.

Microdose is a monthly single release and live event series celebrating new music from our neighborhood (LA's Eastside) and beyond. This platform will serve as a launchpad for up-and-coming artists, uniting and expanding our artistic community.  Monthly singles will include an A-side and B-side, and each artist will perform live at Dangerbird's Silver Lake based HQ/event space. "A good old fashioned keg party for the artist, their community and the neighborhood as a whole. Dangerbird Records here.

'Crooked Heart' is one of those songs that just gets a good feeling vibe going, and then digs it's hooks in deep. Likable Alt rock delivered with warmth and feeling.

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Gothic Tropic - Your Soul.

Background - Los Angeles’ Gothic Tropic have shared "Your Soul" the fourth single off the upcoming album 'Fast or Feast' due May 19th on Old Flame Records. 

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

Delivering a blend of Richard Lloyd and Nile Rodgers on guitar, Gothic Tropic’s Della Peruti has won sponsorships with Fender, and leading pedal manufacturers, and works professionally as a touring and session player for Charli XCX, BØRNS, and more. Old Flame records pre-order here. Facebook here.

This is fifth time around on Beehive Candy for Gothic Tropic and the fourth single ahead of May's album release is 'Your Soul'. Clearly their music has won me over, in fact they now hold our House Band status!

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Eileen Carey - Good Bad Girl.

Background - Award-winning singer-songwriter Eileen Carey recently grabbed music industry headlines when New Music Weekly named her its 2017 Crossover Artist of the Year. Gracefully breaking down the barriers between country and pop, Carey is at it once again as she blurs the line between naughty and nice in her flirtatious feel-good new single "Good Bad Girl."

Having recently starred at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, TN, Eileen Carey is also thrilled with both the immediate and possible long-term effects of her NMW award: “This award is particularly satisfying because it reflects the opinions of the radio music directors, programming, and industry folks. They’re the ones who can make a big difference in your career.”

Eileen Carey continues to post in her new blog, The Music Mom. The Music Mom reveals Carey's desire to positively impact others via the sharing of her experiences and wisdom: “The world is filled with ups and downs, so I want to help people see things in a more positive light and find a better place in life.” The Music Mom here, Facebook here.

Another slice of country music full of pop sensibilities is 'Good Bad Girl'. No wonder the award mentioned above, this is straight and honest popular music that has feel good tattooed all over it.

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Quality Not Quantity: PEP - Garrett Pierce - Gothic Tropic

PEP - Get Physical.

Background - PEP is a supremely fitting name for an act who describes its music as “Nu-Wop Dreamsauce.” Their irresistible new single “Get Physical” embodies vintage malt-shop pop with an updated rhythmic twist. Both parody and homage, the track's punchy bass line, sugary sweet vocals, and ironic lyrics deliver on those melodic hooks that are essential to pop music. “Get Physical” is available on all DSPs now.

PEP's dynamic live show has grown into a spirited seven-piece collective comprised of front-woman Karys Rhea, two back-up singers (Ilana Webber and Christina Connerton), and four male accompanists. The band has quickly made a name for itself in New York City with their one-of-a-kind retro sound and choreographed live shows.

“We love synchronized movement,” shares Karys, “So we incorporate classic 60s-soul moves into our performances while occasionally referencing modern forms of dance like hip-hop and jazz."

PEP says they feel musically indebted to the past, drawing inspiration from 60s girl-groups like The Shangri-Las and The Marvelettes, soul artists like Jackie Wilson and Ben E. King, as well as 80s pop acts like Gloria Estefan, Janet Jackson, Madonna and Prince. With the release of “Get Physical” and its highly anticipated debut LP, PEP will continue to record new music and bring its memorable live act to venues across the country. Website here, Facebook here. Get mp3 here.

As genres of music go Nu-Wop Dreamsauce sounds as wonderful as it reads. 'Get Physical' is a totally lovable song, part retro and part modern, put together PEP have created their own sound, and it is an extremely good one!

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Garrett Pierce - Get Me Out Of This Place.

Background - Garrett Pierce shares "Get Me Out Of This Place" a dark, ambitious, work from his forthcoming LP Dusk. Garrett pens songs that are literary in style with well-worked lyrics and a voice that soars over dark, ethereal melodies. He began writing for magazines and playing in rock bands as a teen in Los Angeles before permanently relocating to the Bay Area in the early 2000’s.

In the Spring of 2016 I built a studio at the back of my house in Sonoma, CA (with the help of engineer Eric Ruud) and over the next six months, played and recorded the album on my own. As the record found it’s final form, long-time collaborators Timothy James Wright and Payam Bavafa added instrumentation to select tracks.

He tells us "Dusk is a collection of stories that span a lifetime. It’s a travelogue from my younger years - nostalgic episodes of seasick fishing boats, suffocating poverty, and first loves. It’s a road trip soundtrack from the desert to the coastal forests, stopping at every sh-tty Greyhound bus station along the way. It’s the purples and grays that conclude another day; another phase of my life". Facebook here. Get mp3 here.

One of ten songs on the 'Dusk' album 'Get Me Out Of This Place' gives a flavour of this new collection of music. There is a personal and sometimes quite intimate feel to the piece, not surprising for a collection of life's stories. Musically the production is very refined and the vocals work well with the melodies within the soundtrack. This is a consistently pleasing album.

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Gothic Tropic - How Life Works.

Background - Los Angeles’ Gothic Tropic introduces a new brand of female fronted, guitar-driven indie rock. The new music video for "How Life Works" is off their upcoming album due May 19th on Old Flame Records.

The brainchild of Cecilia Della Peruti, Gothic Tropic keeps the vibe playful and punchy, bringing audiences into a new era of female rock nobility, nodding to stars like Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. Delivering a blend of Richard Lloyd and Nile Rodgers on guitar, Gothic Tropic’s Della Peruti has won sponsorships with Fender, and leading pedal manufacturers, and works professionally as a touring and session player for Charli XCX, BØRNS, and more. Facebook here. Get mp3 here.

'How Life Works' showcases the quality of their brand of indie rock. Layers of melodic guitar driven music, support the dreamy vocals, on what is a very fine song and taster for the forthcoming album. Well that's what we said last August when we featured the soundtrack for this song, however as an unashamed fan of the Gothic Tropic's  music, the new video provides a perfect reason to feature them again.

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Globetrotting Tuesday: The Magnettes - Jenny Gabrielsson Mare - Gudrun Von Laxenburg - Gothic Tropic

The Magnettes - Hollywood.

Background promo - Swedish pop trio The Magnettes have returned with their new single, “Hollywood,” out today on all digital retailers via Nashville-based label DigSin. The track highlights the band’s signature sound: unfiltered and unapologetic views paired with sugary sweet, infectious beats. To coincide with the release of “Hollywood,” The Magnettes have also announced that they are putting the finishing touches on their debut full-length to be released later this year and will return to the U.S. this fall for a string of tour dates; these U.S. shows will be the first of this year. The Magnettes performed at both SXSW and CMJ Music Marathon in 2015 and Canadian Music Week in Spring 2016.

The seeds of rebellion first became planted when co-vocalists Rebecka Digervall and Sanna Kalla met at 6-years-old in their small town Pajala in Sweden. The Magnettes fondly call this city of 2,000 home and it’s the birthplace of their infectious and inimitable glitter punk pop sound. By age 14, Rebecka had written a plethora of songs for them as a duo and in 2012, they released their first official song, “Paper Cut,” and began performing across Europe and Russia. They’ve performed at several festivals overseas, as well as Canadian Music Week and SXSW and CMJ here in the States. The band is rounded out with guitarist, keyboardist, and producer Tomas Bäcklund Thuneström.

With stand out harmonies 'Hollywood' is a feisty punk pop song that just blasts along. The pop hooks grab you, whilst the punk overtones give the song some real edge. All of which makes the debut album something to look forward to.

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Jenny Gabrielsson Mare - Wolves.

Background - A new solo album is due on November 4. September 10 a first single will be released: Wolves. Based on piano, cello and Jenny’s voice the song creates a dark forest where you are the hunter or the hunted.

In the fall of 2014 Jenny Gabrielsson Mare spent a month alone in Brooklyn writing songs for a new album. The result is Comb the Wicked – an album inspired by the atmosphere in Brooklyn; from industrial noise to soul and gospel. The songs are based on voice, piano, organ and percussion and she has collaborated with legendary percussionist Michael Blair who has played with some of the greatest like Tom Waits and Lou Reed.

Almost four years have passed since her last album The Ritual and during this time she has mostly been seen as one half of the indie-electronica-duo White Birches who’s debut album Dark Waters was nominated in the category “Synth” at the Swedish “indie-Grammy” Manifestgalan 2015.

'Wolves' has a haunting and dramatic feel right from the start. The video builds on this adding glimpses of the wolves on the night of a full moon. Drama aside this is a musically atmospheric piece, that slowly draws the listener in (well it did for me).

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Gudrun Von Laxenburg - Revolution.

Background - Friends since their teens, July, Christoph and Daniel: A jazz-trained drummer, a classically trained violinist and hard rock guitarist respectively, there was never any question that the Viennese trio wouldn’t enjoy a life in music... Although they didn’t think it would be done with such a happy accident.

“It all started out as a joke. We never sat down and said ‘right let’s make a serious hard-hitting band’ Even our name is a joke: we just took the street names we lived on and made an aristocratic name out of them. The joke is a big part of our live shows. We’re not cool kids all dressed in black or covered in bling, we’re there in costume, making noises and having a good time with the audience.” – Daniel

Their debut show, performed for a film director friend’s movie launch, formed everything you need to know about Gudrun von Laxenburg: their roots and spirit are 100 percent live...  A full steam genre-defying fusion surcharged with raw drum power and synths and a sound that sits somewhere between Daft Punk, Digitalism, Justice, The Prodigy and the Chemical Brothers. For their debut performance, in true punk spirit, they collected a bunch of samples and just jammed out. No click track, no backing tracks: rave done in the most rock ‘n’ roll way possible... And delivered in pristine overalls that have since been developed into the space-age LED tailored suits you seen on stage today.

Nearly seven years after their debut live show taking the art of fun very seriously, the trio have spent years refining and honing their sound so what you hear on their album ‘PANIC!’ is an honest reaction of what you’ll experience when you see them live. Signed and due for release this year on Skint Records.

The video for 'Revolution' is something of a futuristic and epic piece in it's own right. It might take a couple of minutes until the music fully kicks in, however it's worth the wait even if the visual storyline has not already grabbed your attention. Powerful synth sounds compete head on with the superb rhythm driven by intense drum beats. Having already described the video as an epic piece I ought to add, so is the music.

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Gothic Tropic - Don't Give Me Up.

Background - Gothic Tropic have shared their new track "Don't Give Me Up" off their upcoming album. The brainchild of Cecilia Della Peruti, Gothic Tropic keeps the vibe playful and punchy, bringing audiences into a new era of female rock nobility, nodding to stars like Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. 

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

Gothic Tropic album, Fast or Feast  is due out on Old Flame Records with a street Date: October 28, 2016.

'Don't Give Me Up' is our third share from Gothic Tropic ahead of the album. If anything this is for me the best song so far. It's a little more soulful and the musicianship is first rate, with the vocals making a fine match.

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Genre Wander: The Medicine Hat - Leslie Doll - The Tigerlilies - Gothic Tropic

The Medicine Hat - St. Cecilia.

Background - There's no mistaking Nabi Sue Bersche's unique, raw and emotive vocals. Here's her thoughts on the song:

"St. Cecilia is a song for all the men who have ever harassed me. It's a song for all the long stares and salacious grins, all the licked-lips and hey-sweethearts, all the shadows that walk a little too close behind me. It's about the thick skin I put on when I walk alone or I'm on stage. 

I love the power of that skin, but I hate that I need to be tough to feel safe. Now a brief glance in the mirror turns to a thousand eyes ogling me up and down, unkind hands fussing with my appearance. They impair a kindness I used to carry so easily. St. Cecilia is my constant companion. The patron Saint of music, she's with me in every dark bar, on every walk home. Watching my drink, watching my back, whispering a sweet melody in my ear." 

'St. Cecilia' is the second song we have featured by The Medicine Hat, and it's another gorgeous one. There is a quite intriguing video that has also been produced and can be seen over on our BeeVids page.

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Leslie Doll - Electronic.

Background bio - From the home of innovative pop music - Nub Country Records - comes the new Album from Leslie Doll. Leslie is a versatile producer, musician and songwriter - a passionate and soulful creator and performer who takes listeners on a journey through a musical world where fun and joy balance introspection and sometimes sorrow. His music is a reflection of deep expression and a bit of urban perspective. A member of the Vermont music writer’s society he has performed with a number of bands playing bass and keyboards and has recently received a publishing contract with music delivery in Brazil.

Leslie is a self taught musician and producer, his influences teaching him everything he knows about songwriting  - Mozart The Beatles, Billy Joel, Bach, Beethoven, Henry Mancini, Glen Miller and so many more.  He has written and produced over 150 songs within the past three years in his home studio with no limits in genre as he is comfortable writing in any style of music including classical compositions. What’s next for Leslie? He is looking to write an Opera and more classical pieces as well as more of his own unique beat driven tracks as shown on Durick 104.

 “This is now a passion for me, and will be with me for the rest of my life. Being an artist and writing music is what I am and always will be. This is something I must do and is not simply a hobby, or part-time work. I firmly believe that I have a gift that needs to be worked as best I can and heard by people that enjoy my sounds and new audiences as well”. Leslie Doll. 

Durick 104 is a really adventurous collection of electronic musical compositions, of which 'Electronic' gives a flavour. Melodies and tempos vary considerably, the one constant is the quality.

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The Tigerlilies - Easy As It Seems.

Background - The style set forth by the Buzzcocks, Cheap Trick and The Ramones is alive and well in the hands of The Tigerlilies - Cincinnati’s sole practitioners of post punk power pop.

Brothers Pat (vocals, guitar) and Steve (vocals, drums) Hennessy spearhead the band which includes Brian Driscoll (bass) and Brendan Bogosian (lead guitar). Together they have played countless shows around Ohio, serving as support for Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, Paul Weller, Guided By Voices and Superchunk, and attaining a sizable and appreciative following along the way. The past decade has seen the release of many singles and albums on independent Midwestern labels such as Atavistic, Violently Hip and Mono-cat 7, chalking up a total of four full lengths which showcase The Tigerlilies economic blend of punk, 60’s soul and garage rock.

Holding together the band through the years proved challenging with certain harsh memories developing into positives and others leaving lasting scars. Their practice spaces through the years are often rich with hilarious subterranean anecdotes – from their underground “keg room” which had to be accessed through a grate in the sidewalk to their current vintage junk store which they have lovingly named “the lily pad”. A tour van crash in Dallas years back is a more painful chapter in the bands history; killing their manager, Craig Falbe, and injuring all of the band members. They stayed together, helped each other through and kept on playing.

Resolve seems to be a constant theme in the bands work and has never been more apparent than on their newest EP, 123456, which delves into subject matter as varied as loss, alienation and space travel. It even includes a timely tribute to David Bowie, written a year before the superstar’s death. “These things are important to us because they represent a shared human experience” asserts Pat. “Hearing them reflected in song can bring people together, make them feel uplifted, reflective and just better.” This is a sentiment which has been echoed by their fan base who have expressed how The Tigerlilies music has helped them through depressing and even suicidal times. It’s seems the band’s retro, revved up rock, which often comes with a care free veneer, has a deep effect on people’s lives.

Their newest EP, 123456, is out September 2nd, and the featured song 'Easy As It Seems' kicks the collection of six songs off. It demonstrates the "post punk" side of the band off, however as this collection of songs demonstrates, they are capable of slower and gentler material, giving the listener a well rounded and highly enjoyable collection of tracks.

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Gothic Tropic - How Life Works.

Background - Los Angeles' Gothic Tropic introduces a new brand of female fronted, guitar-driven indie rock. Gothic Tropic have also shared a new track "How Life Works," as they announce the upcoming album 'Fast or Feast' due for release on Old Flame Records with a street date: October 28, 2016.

The brainchild of Cecilia Della Peruti, Gothic Tropic keeps the vibe playful and punchy, bringing audiences into a new era of female rock nobility, nodding to stars like Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. Delivering a blend of Richard Lloyd and Nile Rodgers on guitar, Gothic Tropic's Della Peruti has won sponsorships with Fender, and leading pedal manufacturers, and works professionally as a touring and session player for Charli XCX, BØRNS, and more.

Another act where it's second time around on Beehive Candy this year. 'How Life Works' showcases the quality of their brand of indie rock. Layers of melodic guitar driven music, support the dreamy vocals, on what is a very fine song and taster for the forthcoming album. 

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A Couple Of Rockers: Gothic Tropic - Self Talk

Gothic Tropic - Stronger.

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

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

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

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

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Self Talk - Clean Washing.

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

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

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

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

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

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