Principe Valiente - Darling West - Philippa Hanna - Pollens

Principe Valiente - Running Juveniles.

Background - Principe Valiente’s “Running Juveniles” music video is here: a pure celebration of youth and life. The homonymous song is the third single to be released from the band’s most anticipated latest album “Oceans”. Shot around Östermalm in Stockholm, the video was filmed & edited by the Swedish filmmaker Andreas Hillerborg.

After an outstanding self-titled debut album in 2011 and the breathtaking „Choirs Of Blessed Youth“ in 2014, the Swedish post punk / shoegaze band lead by Fernando Honorato, true to their vision, continues to carve out its own unique musical path. Drawing inspiration from ambient experimentalists like Cocteau Twins, 80's sci-fi soundtracks as well as exuberant vocalists like Bowie and Kate Bush, Principe Valiente ventured deeper into the sonic landscapes of their minds.

The intensity of the athmospheric sound and the interplay of melodic guitar strings, the dark drifting drums, rhythmic bass lines and above all the warm, emotional voice of the singer, have remained. The listener is captured in a mixture of longing and loneliness, which is fluently and hypnotically directed. Calm pieces alternate with energetic compositions, such as the recently released single "Strangers In The Night", and give the album a strong note of ambivalence.

With their third work „Oceans“, the band has created another alluring world with "human, all too human" lyrics and phantasmagorical soundscapes. Cool, yet impassioned and loaded with sweet anxiety, Principe Valiente have managed to make an irresistibly beautiful and intense continuation of what was started in the previous two albums.Website here, Facebook here.

We featured Principe Valiente back in April with a previous song share from their 'Oceans' album. Now we have the new video for 'Running Juveniles'. This is a powerful and atmospheric piece which combines a subtle melody delivered with layer upon layer of musical sounds, along with passionate and striking vocals.


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Darling West - Traveller.

Background - Darling West release a video for their new single "Traveller." The last twelve months of Darling West’s musical career can't be described as anything other than fantastic. Since the release of their second album, "Vinyl And A Heartache", they have played concerts all over the world. 

The band have been play-listed on the biggest radio stations in Norway, appeared on the Top 100 Country charts in the US, amassed more than 2.5 million plays on Spotify, been booked for the biggest festivals in Norway, Americanafest in Nashville, and won a Norwegian Grammy.

Despite all this, the band have no plans of resting on their laurels, and now they’re releasing another new track from a new album they plan to release in early 2018. 

This is the sound of a new and revitalised Darling West. The band are still playing their sweet americana / country / folk, but there’s a lot more drive in the music and the melodies are catchier than before. Facebook here.

It's our second feature for Darling West following on from the track 'After My Time' which we carried back in July. We now have the song 'Traveller'. Once again we have a beautifully melodic piece with those Americana musical flavours and gorgeous vocals & harmonies. 


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Philippa Hanna - Off the Wagon.

Background - Philippa Hanna is returning to the spotlight with her brand new album Come Back Fighting. Most of her sixth studio album was written in Nashville, and she has brought together a range of pop, country and gospel influences, assembling an impressive collection of musicians. With features from BBC Radio 2 presenter Paul Jones on harmonica, world-champion banjo player John Dowling and a leading UK gospel choir.

Working with long-term collaborators guitarist Roo Walker and manager Andy Baker, the production has a fresh and unique flavour that won't leave fans disappointed.

The album is set for release on 24th November, amidst Philippa opening a formidable 29 date UK tour for BGT winning vocal group Collabro which will be coming through your way.

From the acoustic-reggae infused Dorothy to the hard hitting bluesy title track Come Back Fighting, listeners can expect to be drawn into the storytelling narrative that has put Hanna on the singer/songwriter map. The album succeeds in catering for an incredibly broad fan-base that has seen the Sheffield singer open tours for the likes of Lionel Richie, Little Mix, Leona Lewis, Anastacia, and Marti Pellow. Website here, Facebook here, tour details on Beehive Candy's tour news page.

'Off The Wagon' mixes traditional country music, gospel style chorus lines, alongside an upbeat modern feel where the pop sensibilities ensure the hooks are sharp and dig in deep. Refreshing and energised if you cannot tap your feet or sing along to this, you might be in need of a holiday.


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Pollens - Words.

Background - Take experimental rock blended with minimalist avant-pop and art-punk elements, and you've got the beginnings of NYC's group Pollens. Quirky, weird, and in a league of their own, they released their first single "Words" today, off their upcoming EP Mister Manufacture. Pollens sound is like no other blending electronic dance beats, ambient noise, and shouting into infectiously catchy and cleverly woven melodies. "Words" is a untraditional yet uniquely hooky tune, building into a steady earworm.

The band breaks down the lyrics, "It's a little anthem for how a monster gets to be a monster.. because we're not listening... especially in the summer, and at any time that precedes kissing. All the tells and omens stack up as promises rather than warnings. And for all the reasons we shouldn't, we must... I could tell you all of this upfront, and instead of being afraid, you'll probably be endeared to my disclosure. It's not a trick, but it is a trap." Written in minimalistic songwriting style, it's an attention grabbing example of "less is more".

"Words" comes as the first single off the group's upcoming EP Mister Manufacture, out October 27. It will be available for free in digital format; with limited edition cassette tapes available from the band at their record release celebration show on November 16 at Secret Project Robot in NYC. They'll be joined by Operator Music Band, Salt People and a special guest (to be announced); full details on Facebook here.

If you are in need of something a little different then 'Words' has plenty of that. This is fabulously quirky, massively addictive and an absolute gem of a song. Lets add in sumptuous and resplendent to make the point!

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The Rhythm Express ft Maiko Watson - Principe Valiente - Naomi Wachira - Max Subar

The Rhythm Express - Jolene ft Maiko Watson.

Background - A few months back I was turned on to a haunting YouTube clip of Dolly Parton singing her most recorded song, “Jolene”. The original 1973 track had been slowed from single format to long playing 33 1/3 speed. That listening experience was both eerie and a revelation. No doubt, Dolly Parton possesses a grand set of pipes. Slowed down it becomes more evident, in that every inflection, bend in a vowel, a word is extraordinary and rocked with emotion. 

With that in mind and captivated by the change of tempo, I began hearing other possibilities. What if this was done with a reggae feel - early Bob Marley and Wailer's rhythm section style and backing vocals reminiscent Marley’s backup singers, the I-Threes. Acutely aware Parton and a cappella sing group Pentatonix just won a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Award with an updated version of ‘Jolene’; the song’s alluring story, sumptuous melody and sweeping beauty was more than the Rhythm Express could resist. 

In fact, we decided to keep the song’s country charm with a guest appearance from guitarist Tim Boviconti of Ron Sexsmith/ Burton Cummings fame. Tim’s lap steel, acoustic and electric guitar keeps our ‘Jolene’ rooted in tradition. Great songs lend themselves to all sorts of interpretation. ‘Jolene’ rocks our world. - Enjoy, Bill King (Jolene 7 Arts/Side Door Records). The Rhythm Express Facebook here, Maiko Watson Facebook here.

Making a cover version of a song as instantly recognisable as 'Jolene' does call for some reinterpretation to make it worthwhile. In this case the reggae meets Americana approach is both respectful and creative. Musically The Rhythm Express add their top quality credentials and provide a superb soundtrack, with Maiko Watson's vocals ensuring the genre crossover works. Fabulous version!

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Principe Valiente - Strangers In The Night.

Background - After an outstanding self-titled debut album in 2011 and the breathtaking „Choirs Of Blessed Youth“ in 2014, the Swedish post punk / shoegaze band lead by Fernando Honorato, true to their vision, continues to carve out its own unique musical path. Drawing inspiration from ambient experimentalists like Cocteau Twins, 80's sci-fi soundtracks as well as exuberant vocalists like Bowie and Kate Bush, Principe Valiente ventured deeper into the sonic landscapes of their minds.

The intensity of the athmospheric sound and the interplay of melodic guitar strings, the dark drifting drums, rhythmic bass lines and above all the warm, emotional voice of the singer, have remained. The listener is captured in a mixture of longing and loneliness, which is fluently and hypnotically directed. Calm pieces alternate with energetic compositions, such as the recently released single "Strangers In The Night", and give the album a strong note of ambivalence. The second single "Wildest Flowers" will follow on 28th of April.

With their third work „Oceans“, the band has created another alluring world with "human, all too human" lyrics and phantasmagorical soundscapes. Cool, yet impassioned and loaded with sweet anxiety, Principe Valiente have managed to make an irresistibly beautiful and intense continuation of what was started in the previous two albums.

„Oceans“ was partly recorded by the producer Martin Ehrencrona (Les Big Byrd), and partly in various basements and art school lobbies around their hometown Stockholm, Sweden. The combination of innovative and inspired material makes for an invigorating listen as it is difficult to pinpoint in regard to genre. „Oceans“ will be released on May 12th, 2017 on CD and as a download by afmusic, and as a limited Vinyl edition by Manic Depression Records. Website here, Facebook here.

'Strangers In The Night' has a dark almost Gothic feel to it. Layered rock music swirls around, whilst the vocals add even more atmosphere. There is enough melody, but only enough, the band ensure the feeling they create as the song builds makes this a hypnotic piece.

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Naomi Wachira - Beautifully Human.

Background - “I am an African girl, well I know where I’m coming from, and I know who I want to be...”  is the defiant soul-anthem that jumpstarted Afro-Folk Singer/Songwriter Naomi Wachira onto a whole new path and calling. The words from the title track, African Girl, on her first EP release (2012) paved the way for this Kenyan-born, Seattle-based artist, who is determined make a contribution in the world by offering music that is poignant, hopeful and life-giving.   Five years later, with a critically acclaimed self-titled album (2014), an acoustic EP “ I am Because You Are (2015), comes her sophomore album Song of Lament, which she says, ‘was born out the many tragic losses we’ve witnessed globally - ranging from cases of police brutality to the refugee crisis - that made me grieve about who we’ve become, but also burned a desire in me to create art that would serve society at large and hopefully lessen the chaos around us.’    

Song of Lament, which was recorded at historic London Bridge Studio (Seattle, WA) with producer Eric Lilavois (Saint Motel, Atlas Genius, My Chemical Romance), is a testament to Wachira fully embracing her creative power and its ability spread goodness to the world. As the world churns with chaos and self-inflicted woes born out of fear and mistrust of the ‘other’, she hopes the album will be a balm, a beacon of hope, a reminder of both our darkness and light, but also the belief that mindfulness and empathy can serve humanity in much better ways.  The album delves into issues of violence funneled through political ideologies by weaving real life events with thoughtfulness and compassion, while asking questions about how human beings arrive at this place of utter darkness (Heart of a Man). She highlights issues of human equality, especially when it undermines the divine sacredness of those who are different  (Beautifully Human) and longs for a society that truly takes care of each other (I am Because You Are).  

With an uprise in chaos all over the world,  she acknowledges how easy it is to despair on the status of a world that is hell bent on destroying itself (Up in Flames).  She sings a mournful dirge for the countless lives lost at sea while escaping war torn homelands in search of peace and dignity (Farewell) and questions those who perpetuate violence in the name of faithful religious expression (Where is God?).  And with an existential yearning, she wonders why Africa, one of the most resourceful continents in the world, has struggled to find her footing (Song of Lament).  But not all the songs are heavy.  Her first and last tracks (Our Days Are Numbered, Think Twice) are a reminder that while the sun does not discriminate between the good and the bad, fulfillment is found when we spend our days practicing kindness and wisdom and taking account that our actions really do matter, when all's said and done. She joyously blesses her mother and father, with whom she credits for the woman she is today (Mûrathimwo) and encourages all of us who’ve hit rock bottom in life and feel disillusioned, to never give up or look back (Run, Run, Run).

There is no doubt Wachira is determined to create a niche in the world with her uplifting and sombering music and perhaps inch us closer to one another as we remember our shared humanity.  And like the two predecessors she has long admired, Tracy Chapman and Miriam Makeba, she hopes that she can truly make the world a better place.  Asked about what she really hopes to accomplish with this album she says, “if there’s one thing I learned from my parents, it is to try and leave a place better than I found it. My hope is that this album will do just that. I know we are certainly living in dark times, but I hope that we will all find the courage to be light in whatever way we’ve been gifted… that we will seek to understand those who are different from us and find ways to both acknowledge and celebrate our differences and similarities.” Website here, Facebook here.

The leading single 'Beautifully Human' from the sophomore album "Songs of Lament" is quite stunning. Naomi's vocals have melodic power and range, the music leans a little towards a reggae beat and is vibrant throughout. A song with a simple and yet poignant message, leaves me looking forward to the album with both intrigue and some unashamed excitement.

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Max Subar - Balcony.

Background - Chicago-based singer-songwriter Max Subar has shared his third single "Balcony". Prior to this single Max released two other tracks. The first was "Morning Song", which debuted on Impose and the second was "Blue And Green", which premiered on All Things Go. All three songs will be featured on his debut EP 'In A Dream' due out April 28, 2017. 

Singer/songwriter Max Subar aims to remain bound to his midwestern roots with songs that radiate closeness and warmth. Growing up, his mother’s old nylon guitar became a familiar friend in the wake of moving to Australia and back as well as his parents’ divorce. Max’s grounded relationship to songwriting has helped shed light on his own experiences and struggles; from euphoric intimacy to the isolation of depression and anxiety. His debut EP reflects upon themes of love, loss, and reflection. Website here, Facebook here.

'Balcony' is our second feature for Max Subar, we shared 'Morning Song' a few weeks back. The vocals are again quite intimate and grow in power as the song unfolds, whilst the music is a work of quality and craftsmanship.

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