Pocket Of Lollipops - Lenny Bull - The Spring Peaks - Grace Acladna - Jesper Lindell

It was back in 2017 when we first featured Pocket Of Lollipops and 'Non-Friend Friend' is a welcome albeit brief return with a sub two minute addictive rocker. Lenny Bull shares a slick rocker that fires plenty of hooks along the way. The Spring Peaks 'Coming Of Age' is one very catchy rocker, the video adds even more, and the vibe is wonderful. Just over a month since Grace Aclanda first appeared on Beehive Candy she is back with 'Fuming' where once again her vocals are stunning and the musical backdrop imaginative. Jesper Lindell impresses in a big way with 'Stormy Waters' a beautiful song with more than a hint of Van Morrison which can't be bad.

Pocket Of Lollipops - Non-Friend Friend.

A Pocket Of Lollipops has dropped the music video for their song 'Be My Non-Friend Friend', the title track from their upcoming 6th album of the same name. The album is just released, nd comes as a celebration of the band's 10th anniversary of their first ever performance (at Lisa Rockford's AntiValentines Day Party in 2009).

The psychedelic visuals of the video, produced by Michael Goodson, match the band's Avant-guard aesthetic, fully submerging the viewer in mind-altering stimulus. Just as the band's unique sound explodes conventional expectations, so too does their video, as they continue to expand our creative norms and horizons.

"The song is a meditation on releasing oneself from the ego, and self-consciousness and allowing for playfulness. Break down the barriers you put up; sweat on sunny days with no clouds in the sky, riding horseback with both bullies and friendlies. Reshape your relationship to yourself and others" - Pocket of Lollipops.

With the footage recorded at Kendale Lakes Park & HoundsTooth Cottage, the collage of vibrant colors and tropical images drenched in effects almost induces a palpable psychedelic reaction. Let the video draw you into the band's trippy and tropical scape.


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Lenny Bull - Don’t Talk About It.

Sometimes mischievous, sometimes provocative, sometimes humorous. The songs I write dive into relationships, getting over yourself, and not taking any bull. “Don’t Talk About It” is a tongue-in-cheek message to anyone out there who’s spreading rumours or talking trash.

It’s a reminder to not be bothered by what people say or think. The “Don’t Talk About It” video was directed by Zeebrah Media’s Ryan Brough.

It’s a day in the life of a very disgruntled, very lazy office employee, who would rather be anywhere else.

It pokes fun at what we have to do to make ends meet, in order to do what we love. With the release of my debut Sharp Teeth EP on April 25th, my band and I plan on conquering the open road - Lenny Bull.

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The Spring Peaks - Coming Of Age.

Perth's The Spring Peaks return with new single - 'Coming Of Age' - a jangly yet analytical ode to a troubled relationship. It's the title track to the band's forthcoming second EP which they'll imminently celebrate with a trio of regional WA shows next weekend.

"I know we're talking but are we still talking the same." It's not until you dive deeper into the lyrics of The Springs Peaks' latest single that you realise they're not as fun as they sound. 'Coming Of Age' cleverly runs the gamut of a relationship in turmoil - but spoiler alert - our protagonist emerges with the best possible outcome after the heartfelt message in the bridge.

Produced once again with Sam Ford (Pond, Abbe May), the track packs a punch from the get-go, wearing everything that is great and quickly becoming signature for the Western Australian outfit loudly on their sleeve - hooky, honest and clever songwriting, solid lead guitar, a warm rhythm section and a bold Australian twang in the vocals.

They reveal: "The direction came from our fun nature that we share and just our general positive attitude towards life and bands such as The Creases really inspired us to write classic pop melodies with most of the lyrical content based around the general theme of love and love that has been lost."


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Grace Acladna - Fuming.

Hounslow, London based producer + singer Grace Acladna is releasing new single and video 'Fuming' - lifted from her upcoming second EP Phonophobia. Fusing inspiration from a variety of different sounds and genres including nu-house, soca, electronica and dub; 'Fuming' was written during the aftermath of a breakup between her friend, and her friend's ex.

"There was something quite sinister about the whole thing. This song is my portrait of her - the verses portray the cool subdued exterior and the choruses reveal a pain stricken heart that cloaks itself in fear, rage and envy."  Grace said. "She had this aura of contempt and angst that followed her everywhere she went. It was almost like you could smell the smoke coming off her,"

Carefully developing her vibrant experimental pop sound since her last release - ’Phonophobia’ - due for release this Spring via Hometown Records, takes the listener on a journey through the universal themes of love, loss and longing. From the euphoria of the first encounter; the genesis of desire and yearning, the heartbreak of rejection, to the dark abyss of loneliness, sensuously revealed above techno-house-pop rhythms.

The video for 'Fuming' was co-directed by Grace, and her friend C.O.M.M - and was inspired by an un-released Henri George Clouzot film called 'Inferno'. Speaking a little more on the inspiration behind the video Grace said: "He [Clouzot] did endless test shoots using kinetic art to find new ways of portraying character's emotions, playing with light and different filters to show the actor's descent into delusion. The film is about a man who is convinced that his wife is cheating on him, which sends him spiralling into envy induced madness. Not only is it visually beautiful but the theme of the film had similarities to the sentiment of the song - which is also why it inspired my vision for the video."


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Jesper Lindell - Stormy Waters.

Jesper Lindell debuted with the EP ”Little Less Blue” which contained the hit single ”Moving Slow” featuring the Swedish sister-duo First Aid Kit.

The EP was produced by the duo’s father Benkt Söderberg and was well received by music media. ”Mowing Slow” was featured on multiple Spotify-playlists and has today streamed over 3,1 million times.

2019 he is back with his first full-length album. In the coming weeks, three singles will be released before the album reaches the listeners in May. The first single "Stormy Waters" from Lindells debut album is out today.

“It has been a long process. My first EP took almost two weeks to record. This time, I really wanted to spend time in the studio - to experiment and develop" - Jesper Lindell.


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Pocket Of Lollipops - RJ Thompson - Marble Mammoth - 1971

Pocket Of Lollipops - Ever Needles.

Background - Official video for Ever Needles by Pocket Of Lollipops pays homage to people saying women are weak because they cry. Studies show that when men cry, they are viewed sympathetically, while women are often labeled dramatic, irrational, or manipulative if they turn on the faucet. Crying is a natural healing system.  It's time we reclaim our right to cry, since we have tons of suppressed feelings that are now being voiced by celebrities.

For example treatment of women on social media, sparked by the uproar over actress Rose McGowan's or from Pussy Riot, Nadya Tolokonnikova saying “It’s important not to say to yourself, ‘Oh, it’s O.K..  This video is Pocket Of Lollipops  response to it all, sexual, political, economical; Maitejosune has made her self seem vulnerable for the cameras but the truth is she has healed, and now the viewer has to experience the pain that we constantly hide.

For the Video Ever Needles, Maitejosune took all her angst, tears for the last 2 years and refused to comment on things or even talk about any situation that was confrontational. She held it all in, sometimes she was ill because of it, but she saved those tears for film. She kept telling Tony (husband and drummer of Pocket Of Lollipops) I will let them out soon just have the camera ready. So the band created a "Crying Corner". This past May she texted Tony "I'm on may home, I'm ready for the crying corner." Once she came in she told Tony don't ask questions just tape," I told him to ignore what I was saying,".

Even when Tony watched the footage during editing he would erk at the visual of Maite. Maite's whole goal was to show we all cry. I could be upset about the current political turmoil, a death, the jerks who cut me off. The idea of holding all that tension is what she wanted to release on camera. She worked with Jacqiline Soire to create the other footage. Jacquline had not seen the crying corner footage but Maite did mention they would be combined some how. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Concentrating on the song 'Ever Needles' first, its a creative and absorbing piece which mixes voices and distant vocals above an addictive soundtrack. The video makes sense thanks to the background details above. It is of course quite personal as tears always are.


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RJ Thompson - Blackout Windows.

Background - RJ Thompson has built a name for himself in recent months as one of the countries strongest up and coming singer-songwriters. His poignant lyrics perfectly capture the mood of the past 12 months, with songs that won’t fail to resonate, and all are set against a colourful (and at times nostalgic) soundscape that goes far beyond modern-day singer-songwriter stereotypes.

RJ is an artist who’s had to graft for every great opportunity that’s come his way, getting his big break through consistently playing grass-roots music venues, pubs and clubs in his native North-East. It was a night in Hartlepool where the work paid off. A sound engineer at an open mic night was working with Live Aid organiser and Ultravox frontman Midge Ure. The engineer submitted RJ as a support act, leading to more than 30 shows touring the UK and Europe. Support shows with Gabrielle Aplin, Deacon Blue and Jools Holland (including a performance at the Royal Albert Hall) soon followed as well as several EPs and a live album.

“Up here in the North East there is a saying… “shy bairns get nowt”. You’ve got to put yourself out there, asking and doing, if you want to make any progress. So that’s what I did throughout my early years. I got out and posted my demos to all the local promoters, played at the grassroots venues, the local festivals, and any community event going - even those that had absolutely nothing to do with music!. Every single show has taught me something.”

Now, RJ is stepping out with his first full studio LP “Echo Chamber”. The album features guest appearances from John Waugh, saxophone player for The 1975, and ex-Bellowhead cellist Rachael McShane and serves as a sonic departure from RJ’s traditional singer-songwriter background. After a few tracks, a love for analogue synthesizers and strong electronic-pop production becomes evident. With tracks like ‘The Girl & The Gunman’, ‘Echo Chamber’ and ‘Think About You’, we can hear distinctive retro arpeggios and lush synth chords - perfected with a contemporary mixdown and epic production standard. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

The second of nine songs on the 'Echo Chamber' album is 'Blackout Windows' our featured track. It's is typical of the high quality production that is present throughout the collection. Musically and vocally RJ Thompson can and does vary the style, his songwriting is notable as is the quality of musicianship, overall this is a timeless sounding collection of contemporary pop if you will excuse the possible juxtaposition with that description.


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Marble Mammoth - The Girl Of A 1000 Thrills.

Background - Swedish, Stockholm based Marble Mammoth wanders seamlessly between classic genres in a dynamic mix of energetic riff based rock and dreamy, melodic psychedelia. A furious rhythm section, screaming organs and fuzzy guitars greets you on their latest single ”The Girl of a 1000 Thrills”, and give you a taste of what’s to come.

The five track self-titled EP immediately draws your mind to the experimental side of early Tame Impala or even classic rock acts like Led Zeppelin, and we find our self as much in the late 60’s as in the present.

"Marble Mammoth is in many ways defined by an endless search. So it only feels natural that the EP sound the way it does. The songs were written in a state of emotional turmoil, and it wasn't until afterward, with some distance, that I really understood what they were all about." – Tobias Bergholm (singer and guitarist)

With band members that have previously played in bands such as The Unisex, that has shared stage with The Libertines, and Dollhouse, that’s been touring the world and done collaborations with Mike Davis (MC5) and Nicke Andersson (The Hellacopters/Imperial State Electric), this is nothing but a pleasant new acquaintance on the Swedish and the international rock scene.

”The Girl of a 1000 Thrills” is out on all digital platforms on November 17th with the full EP to follow on November 24th. FACEBOOK.

A month to the day since we first featured Marble Mammoth they make a welcome return with 'The Girl Of A 1000 Thrills'. Last month we commented "Old school classic rock with a refreshingly modern twist," this time the alt rock vibes are clearer, the power is if anything even more intense, as is the vocal passion.

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1971 - Anxiety (In the Depths of Northwestern Ontario).

Background from 1971 - In February 2017 our bassist, founding member, and friend Cameron Glen Cranston suddenly passed away in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center. He was 25 years old.

We as a band decided to not continue without our brother. Now we’re releasing our last existing recordings with Cameron; two demos we recorded for a grant we received and one of his songs.

The first track “Anxiety (In the Depths of Northwestern Ontario)” was written for Cam in 2016 during a really difficult period while Cam was still around. We’re glad we have “his” song, even though it’s hard to listen to sometimes.

We’ll be releasing this song as well as two others on cassette and 7” vinyl via Art of the Uncarved Block this December 1st. The EP is called No Matter Where You Go, There You Are. We really hope this release properly puts this band to rest and we hope it touches some people who might have experienced something similar to what we went through. Cameron was a great musician and an inspiration to a lot of people he knew. He deserves to be heard and remembered. FACEBOOK.

With the sad passing of band member Cameron Glen Cranston, 1971 understandably have decided to conclude proceedings. All of which makes 'Anxiety (In the Depths of Northwestern Ontario)' a more poignant song. It is also a beautiful track and a stunning tribute of sorts, to a clearly missed young man. In any other setting I would be calling for more.


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