SHEL have today shared the stirring video for 'Rainbow'. It's related to SHEL's desire to help empower the women of Hope Springz and support their craft shelter, that said it's also a wonderful song. === Originally formed in 1979Inferior Complex today release 'Dome' the bands cinematic sounds resonating beautifully on this instrumental piece. === amini have released their third E.P today which is entitled 'When We Were Kids' a collection of four gorgeous and heartfelt indie pop songs. === Seazoo make their fourth appearance on Beehive Candy with the new song 'The Pleasure' accompanied by a video as the Welsh band once again impress us with their distinctive mixture of indie pop and rock.
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SHEL - Rainbow.
Did you know that in some regions of India, when a woman becomes a widow, she becomes a "bad omen," shunned by friends and family? In fact, Vrindavan, India is home to more than 20,000 abandoned and destitute widows who live in forced exile.
But here's the coolest part--there are locally-run craft shelters like Hope Springz (which was featured in award-winning documentary Beyond Karma) who are empowering the women and teaching them how to support themselves by making jewelry (they're making rainbow colored bracelets for this creative campaign). With their beautiful single and gorgeous video "Rainbow," acclaimed folk-pop outfit SHEL wants to further empower the women of Hope Springz by bringing awareness and telling the world about them.
The video features the women of Hope Springz, and the joy on their faces is unforgettable. SHEL’s Eva Holbrook traveled to India to make the music video for "Rainbow" with a focus on raising much-needed awareness for these vulnerable women. SHEL (sisters Sarah, Hannah, Eva, and Liza Holbrook) hope their partnership with Hope Springz will make a lasting impact.
Led by brothers Andrew and Ray Missons, Inferior Complex was originally formed in 1979 . Andrew plays guitar and keyboards and Ray plays bass and is the vocalist. Original drummer Jimmy Faye left the band late 1980 but the band continued with another drummer and later on with a drum machine until the band split in 1983.
The brothers then played in various other bands together until they reformed the group in January 2011 using an online drum machine. In 2015 they added Paul Jenman on drums to complete the current line up.
Their influences are early Factory Records bands including Section 25, A Certain Ratio, The Wake, Joy Division and New Order.
They self released their album “In Your Life” in June 2017 on Bandcamp and hooked up with German Shepherd in July 2017 for wider distribution. A series of singles and EPs followed. We are pleased to announce the launch of a new single called "Dome". An instrumental, this epic track brings a cinematic feel to the bands trademark post punk sound.
Welsh noise-pop experts Seazoo launch newest quirky indie bop ‘The Pleasure’ and announce details around their forthcoming second album ‘JOY’, set for release 3rd April via BIG TERRY.
Following acclaimed lead single ‘Throw It Up’, with its swaggering, anthemic qualities, and sparkling follow-up ‘Heading Out’, the indie five-piece continue to edge further into the spotlight with each offering from their forthcoming record, mixing unbridled positivity with their trademark charisma to sublime effect.
Discussing their forthcoming single, enigmatic frontman Ben Trow explained: “‘The Pleasure’ is about taking time to enjoy small moments that make you happy – I think it’s really important right now as the world goes completely bonkers! For me it’s my love for writing and recording music, something that I never take for granted; but the tune can be about anything really”.
Heavily influenced by the likes of Yo La Tengo, Courtney Barnett and Grandaddy, the fledgling quintet have already attracted significant critical acclaim (Q, NME, DIY, Dork, Clash, The Line Of Best Fit) and widespread airplay (BBC Radio 1, 6 Music), not to mention a glowing live reputation through appearances at SXSW, The Great Escape and Green Man and supports with IDLES, The Lovely Eggs and Circa Waves; with their profile only set to increase further on their April UK tour in support of the album.
Recorded at Big Jelly Studios and produced by Ben Trow and Mike Collins (Girl Ray, Pip Blom), Seazoo’s ‘The Pleasure’ is out now and available via all digital platforms.
Mona Visa have just released their debut song 'Peter Pan' and the brother and sister duo have created a stand out and quite stunning piece. === Chicago post punk band Daymaker have a brand new album 'Let The Sun Fall' comprising of ten tracks, this is natural hook filled and uncompromising material. ===Hurtsfall have shared 'Calling Out' where alt rock and Gothic infused vocals come together wonderfully on this seven minutes of aural bliss. === Seazoo return to Beehive Candy for a third time with 'Heading Out' a bright indie rock song that packs charm and vibrancy. === It's the third appearance this year here from HunBjørn this time with a video for 'Keep Breathing' a synthy and dramatic electro pop song. === We have the latest single from Jaguar Moon entitled 'Bird Song' and we have also included 'Ostrich' both taken from their fabulous alt pop debut E.P. === Brooklyn based trio Wilsen have a new video for 'Ruiner' the title track from next February's new album release, the bands multi genre sound teasing us ahead of the full batch of material.
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Mona Visa - Peter Pan.
Brother and sister Jake and Ashleigh might appear to be the archetypal Australian dream: carefree lives under constant Gold Coast sunshine – sadly, the sunshine has regularly turned to darkness. A life often leading to substance addiction, destitution and chaotic relationships threatened to engulf both their lives before fate intervened and their subsequent rebirth as one of dream-pop’s most exciting talents.
Peter Pan is their debut release, a magnetic whirlpool of imagery, glistening guitars and Ashleigh’s achingly gorgeous vocals. Mona Visa are life affirming and vital in every sense.
Ash is an independent fine artist and fashion curator, Jake a full-time musician. Both are very close and spend every possible breath and second spare working together on their own music with all their energy poured directly into the music. Ashleigh is more the eccentric, anarchic, artist type, whereas Jake is grounded and softer.
Merging their combined experiences, warts and all, and retreating to the seclusion of the Australian bush, their tracks build to molten crescendos, emotionally gut-wrenching and endlessly rewarding. Peter Pan was recorded with ARIA award winning producer Govinda Doyle (Angus & Julia Stone; Big Jet Plane)
Let the Sun Fall by Daymaker is a long gestating collection of songs by the Chicago post-punk band that serves as a celebration of life and a call-to-action.
The album artfully delivers an explosive collage of sound and performances to honor and process the rage and action required in today’s America. Focus tracks "MPC" and "Blood Pressure" function to stir feelings of solidarity to create a more equitable world, while the tracks "Sun Song" and "Mask On" build up the messages of self-love and justice. As a whole, Let the Sun Fall is as much about accepting love as it is about turning our attention outward - to a world that requires holistic action.
Recorded at the Chicago based studio JAMDEK by engineer and producer Doug Malone, the band collaboratively re-shaped their sound into something more grungy and vital that retains the energy and excitement of Daymaker's live performances. The cover photography, which was captured on film without the use of Photoshop, depicts vocalist, Erin Delaney, lying paralyzed surrounded by fruit and dust that appears to be lifted all around her. The image speaks to a moment of stillness among chaos, which is often exactly what music can offer us - affirmation and encouragement while moving through madness.
Daymaker often performs in the Chicago and mid-west region with other notable acts such as Mykele Deville, Deeper, Rich Jones, Blacker Face, Malci, and Ono, among others. Let the Sun Fall comes out November 1st on Diversion Records.
Your new obsession starts here! Hailing from Robin Hood's hometown of Nottingham, Hurtsfall have been steadily building a following, and a reputation for putting on a serious live show!
A post-punk band, with gothic overtones and synth-pop sensibilities; Hurtsfall are unique. Playing (mostly) original material but recalling the essence of your favourites you can be sure to be inspired...
Having already played with Strange Circuits (the first act signed to the legendary industrial label, Wax Trax! Records) you get the feeling Hurtsfall are just getting started.
Established in late 2017, a group of experienced musicians decided to form a new band. Hurtsfall then began searching for a vocalist to complete the line-up. After an exhaustive and lengthy audition process found Sam in January 2018. The rest as they say is history.
Quirky and masterful in equal measure, Welsh noise-pop experts Seazoo share effervescent new cut Heading Out, the second offering from the band’s upcoming sophomore album set for release in spring 2020.
Following on from swaggering lead single Throw It Up, the indie outfit’s trademark positivity and unbridled charisma shines through once more in their playful new effort, tapping further into the ideas likely to be explored throughout their second full-length record.
Detailing the upcoming release, frontman Ben Trow stated: “I wanted the album to explore positive things, something I’d never really done before. Honestly, I couldn’t make this one simpler – a sketch of that feeling when you’re about to meet someone that you like very much. Nerves, excitement, yyeeeah!”
Upcoming Danish electro-pop artist HunBjørn’s 3rd single, Keep Breathing is a catchy electro pop song, carried by dreamy vocals, wrapped in a crisp synth production. Typical of HunBjørn she mixes the soft and vulnerable with a more raw and direct approach – her way of embracing the double-sided aspects in life.
Keep Breathing is a heartfelt encouragement to stand by who you are. It’s inspired by the current tendency to display perfect lives on social media platforms and the direct negative impact it has, especially on young girls and boys’ self image and self esteem. It’s a call to pause for a minute and breathe.
“I think everybody compares themselves to others, but if it gets out of hand, If you’re afraid of actually doing things that you love, things that makes you happy, it’s really time to take a deep breath and reconnect with yourself.
Personally, I love meeting people, that have the guts to show who they really are and be vulnerable. I remind myself of that when I’m on stage, or in the process of releasing music. It can be scary to put yourself out there, but it’s also rewarding. To me it’s cool to be courageous enough to share real thoughts and real emotions and not just the glossy picture.”
The video for the single reflects this modern battle with ourselves. We see a girl walking around in a house, trying on clothes, maybe it's hers - maybe it's not... The further we get into the story it shows that something is wrong with her. She's battling something or someone we don't know... At one point we see her or someone else's feet lying on the floor. Is she dead or did she kill someone?...
In the end she chokes herself or the person that she was. Trying to become someone else. It’s all about standing up for your own ways and beliefs and not being afraid of doing whatever it is that you love.
The track comes from HunBjørn’s spellbinding new EP ‘Next Summer’ which has helped her steadily grow a solid fan base all over the world with her reflective songs, beautiful videos and a unique way of interacting with her fans on a personal level. She has received positive press from media in Denmark and airplay on Danish Radio P3 as well as Amazing Radio, Radio Hoxton, Shoreditch Radio, The Soundlab amongst others.
Jaguar Moon are a new project from Denmark’s Bjarke Bendtsen. They’re releasing their latest single ‘Bird Song’, taken from the alternative pop group’s spellbinding debut EP.
Bjarke tells us the new track is about “setting free the ones you love,” a task that is easier said than done. With minimalistic drum loops and guitar textures akin to Spiritualized and early Pixies, the song represents the spectre of sadness that sits on your shoulders after a thorny separation.
He continues “It might be the hardest thing in this world to do. When you take a step back from the relationship and view it subjectively, you're amazed what a hideous creature you’ve created – warping your perception of reality.”
As a collective, Jaguar Moon build on the skeletal versions of Bjarke’s songs, with layers of vintage reverbs and tremolo guitars creating something akin to Phosphorescent and The Shins.
Wilsen, the Brooklyn-based trio of Tamsin Wilson (guitar/vocals), Johnny Simon Jr. (guitar) and Drew Arndt (bass), will release their new album Ruiner on February 21 via Secret City Records / Dalliance Recordings. Today, they shared the album's title track along with an accompanying video directed by Stephen Michael Simon.
"'Ruiner' is about meeting your various inner selves and a promise to be better," explains Tamsin Wilson. "It was written after a moment of self-sabotage and I wanted to address the inner monster who was responsible."
The album was produced by Andrew Sarlo, who has been praised for his production work on Big Thief's entire catalog and Bon Iver's i,i, and mastered by Sarah Register who has worked with artists as diverse as Ariana Grande, Protomartyr and U.S. Girls.
Ruiner dissolves both the heavy reverb and ethereal moments found on their first recording by instead letting the band’s essentials – drums, bass, guitar, and vocals – have center stage. In the album’s opening moments, you might hear a knotted wash of guitars and Wilson softly humming, for a very brief moment returning you to their dreamscape but sharply, a driving rock rhythm comes into focus and so too does a revitalized band. While Wilsen have retained elements of their fragility, on Ruiner they use bolder sounds and play with gritty textures and jarring grooves.
"Making this record was somewhat of a coming of age process," Wilson explains. "We're getting older and becoming more deliberate, less precious, less measured. Overthinking less and trusting instincts more."
For Tamsin Wilson, she’s also moving towards self-acceptance. “I have an inherent shyness," she says. "I'm acknowledging and finding a way with it as I get older." Throughout the record, she comes to terms with her many sides, including her introversion and her inner, self-sabotaging monster to which the album title refers. On "Feeling Fancy," with her distinctively hushed vocals overpowering the track’s clamorous instrumentals, Wilson offers listeners a powerful, and celebratory, declaration that "Quiet’s not a fault to weed out."
Ruiner is the follow-up to Wilsen's critically-acclaimed debut album I Go Missing In My Sleep, which UPROXX called "2017's finest folk debut." Stereogum proclaimed, "Wilson is capable of drawing blood with swift lyrical jabs that strike chords you didn’t see coming," while NPR Music said, "[Wilson is] a major revelation: a singer whose moody, calmly dreamy voice would sound amazing in just about any genre or context."
North America have just released 'My Baby's No One's Girl' a melodic and earnest indie rock song that is lush and just so natural.
Seazoo share 'Throw It Up' a feisty indie pop / rock song with a message and bags of hooks along the way.
We featured 'Coming Loose from Llovers back in May and they return with 'Honestly' which is another gorgeous indie rocker.
The Achievers new song 'No One Remembers' is a refreshing and refined roots and blues rock piece with notably fine musicianship, vocals and harmonies.
From Australia we have The Jensens and their brand new album 'Hyacinth Haze' where these genre spanning musicians have created a splendid and varied collection of songs, and really are worth our full attention.
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North America - My Baby's No One's Girl.
East London quintet North America return with their latest offering ‘My Baby’s No One’s Girl’. Written, recorded, produced and released by the band themselves, My Baby’s No One’s Girl encapsulates North America’s infectious energy and charm with its soaring guitar work and lyrical poetics.
Narrated by frontman P.F. Phillip, the song is a candid letter of warning about a lover slipping through your fingers. Describing those intimate moments of a relationship they thought would never end, My Baby’s No One’s Girl is a realisation of being blinded by love as fond memories turn to bittersweet retrospect.
North America are a London based 5-piece creating viscerally energetic and introspective indie-rock that embodies the anthemic quality of their songwriting. Hailing from São Paulo and California, frontman P.F. Phillip met guitarists Gabe Coulter, Jack Rennie, bassist Sandro Giacometti and drummer Sam Roberts at the world famous Metropolis Studios before forming North America in 2017 over a refined appreciation of trashy American comedies and questionable pizza joints.
Fresh from their main stage support for The Lightning Seeds at Create Festival, North America head into the studio to record their debut EP offering.
Welsh noisy indie-pop maestros Seazoo announce their return with swaggering new effort Throw It Up, the lead single from the band’s upcoming sophomore album set for release early next year.
Recorded at Big Jelly Studios with Mike Collins (Girl Ray, Pip Blom), the group’s second full-length effort demonstrates a fresh approach and follows critically acclaimed 2018 debut LP TRUNKS, shortlisted for The Welsh Music Prize alongside acts including Boy Azooga, Gwenno, Gruff Rhys and Manic Street Preachers.
Heavily influenced by the likes of Yo La Tengo, Courtney Barnett and Grandaddy, the rousing five-piece have enjoyed significant support throughout the tastemaker community and across the airwaves (BBC Radio 1, 6 Music), with their glowing reputation as an exceptional live act leading to appearances at SXSW, The Great Escape and Green Man and slots with IDLES, The Lovely Eggs and Circa Waves.
Discussing the release, frontman Ben Trow stated: “I see a lot of people rejecting aspects of modern life, like tech, tech platforms, even careers as a way of trying to improve happiness. Some people make extreme lifestyle changes, like moving into a forest, or selling-up and moving into a van. But I also see people getting rid of their smart phones or deleting their social media. So I guess the song’s about making the decision to reject something in an attempt to improve well-being”.
Produced by Ben Trow and Mike Collins, Seazoo’s Throw It Up is out 13th August and will be available via all platforms.
Live Dates (message for press passes)
25 Aug – Golden Lion, Wrexham
01 Sept – End Of The Road
20 Oct – Swn Festival, Cardiff
Further solidifying their fledgling status as one of the North East’s finest emerging acts, Teesside risers Llovers continue their ascent with glistening new effort Honestly, the second track taken from debut EP Things That I Don’t Understand, out 30th October via Think Tank? Records.
Layered with their trademark anthemic overtones, the quintet’s immense potential is demonstrated once more in their latest psych-pop infused single, and follows their thrilling slot on the BBC Introducing stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend alongside Dylan Cartlidge, Slowthai and The Orielles earlier this summer.
Drawing widespread acclaim throughout the online community (NME, DIY, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash, Dork, Wonderland) and across the airwaves (BBC Radio, 1, BBC 6 Music, Radio X) over the last 18 months with a series of early releases, the band have already demonstrated their swaggering live potential supporting acts including Sundara Karma, Dream Wife and VANT and will be heading out on the road this autumn to coincide with their debut EP release.
“Sonically the track is unlike anything we’ve done before”, reveals co-frontman Jack Brooks. “We’re always really excited to show people the breadth of what we can do and Honestly allows us to showcase another side to us that I think is really exciting. It’s about sharing a momentary connection with someone. I get so caught up in these moments myself and often find myself puzzled over how real these connections are, or whether they’re merely driven through circumstance, timing and enough delusion to allow these moments to manifest in a romanticised version of themselves”.
Produced by Chad Male (Cape Cub), Llovers’ Honestly is out 14th August via Think Tank? Records and will be available on all digital platforms.
Live Dates (message for press passes)
17 Aug – Hardwick Live Festival
13 Sept – The Georgian Theatre, Stockton
Innovative Blues band The Achievers are set release their fantastic new album The Lost Arc this September 6th, have just released single No One Remembers.
The Achievers are one of the most talked about and critically new bands on the UK Blues and Roots music scene; with a reputation for innovation and originality, they prove that soul, groove and song craft still matter in the blues.
The bands brand of modern, secular ‘Dancefloor Gospel’ has catapulted them from near complete obscurity to rave reviews and big-stage appearances across Europe.
Following the success of their 2018 debut album, ‘Live at The SVA’ the UK Blues Federation have chosen The Achievers as finalists in this years 6th UK Blues Challenge, seemingly recognising the need to modernise and diversify the genre. With their infectious rhythms, joyful melodies and four-part harmonies The Achievers stand proudly as British Blues & Roots outliers.
It's been over two years in the making, but it's finally here - The Jensens rise to the top with their heavily anticipated debut album Hyacinth Haze.
Having blasted through the cosmos with the effervescent 'Coma', peered through the psychedelic haze of 'Mt. Mura', all before settling down with some soothing sax lines on 'Four Chambers', The Jensens' have taken fans on a rollercoaster of sounds, emotions and sensations across the album's three releases.
The long awaited debut LP is the result of The Jensens locking themselves away in the studio, experimenting and recording for the better part of a year. Pushing the boundaries of their sound like never before, the seven-track album incorporates aspects of prog rock, disco and electronic to the group's signature indie rock sound, a mesmerising mix which keeps things refreshing from start to end.
"The songwriting is more complex, there's more mature lyrical themes and more experimental production too" guitarist and vocalist Nathan Kendall explains, "It was written and recorded during a time in our lives where we questioned everything we were doing, as musicians, as friends, as lovers, as human beings and as a band. The album is a relinquishing of the naivety of youth and an acceptance of reality and the world around you."
The quintet are still pinching themselves from their Splendour In The Grass debut, not to mention their wins at the prestigious QUBE Effect, taking home the 'Telstra Innovation' and 'JMC Best Original Song' awards the weeks prior. Prior singles 'Coma' and 'Mt. Mura' saw spins on triple j and triple j Unearthed, racking up over 30,000 streams between them, having landed in Apple Music's 'The New Rock' playlist along with Spotify's 'New Music Friday AU & NZ', 'Indie Arrivals' and 'Chords + Cardigans' playlists.
With two EP's already released, the youthful Everybody Talks (2016) and the melancholic Sexless (2017), The Jensens have since gone on to share the stage with the likes of The Vaccines, Last Dinosaurs, Spiderbait and Twin Peaks. Adept festival stage rockers too, The Jensens have performed at tastemaker events such as Splendour In The Grass, The Blurst of Times, Mountain Goat Valley Crawl, Valley Fiesta, Jungle Love, Grampians Music Festival.
Background - Electronic pop trio Ambiere have announced the release of their brand new single Tree Of Life, capping off an impressive first twelve months for the band with widespread online acclaim greeting their arrival on the indie landscape.
Having drawn encouraging early comparisons to acts including Portishead and The XX, alongside substantial support from BBC Introducing, the Manchester outfit’s ambient, soothing style has already won plenty of admirers following the release of their debut EP earlier this year.
With shows in support of Tree Of Life taking place this week, the three-piece, comprising of Amber Lane-Mcivor, Jake Blythe and Oliver Lamb, will be showcasing their creative live performances to new audiences and looking to further enhance their growing reputation going into 2018.
Discussing the release, the band stated: “The track was written about the feeling of waking up from a nightmare, and the intense panicky feeling you get as you try to separate reality from what’s been going on in your head”. Ambiere’s I See Faces is released on 8th December and will be available on all platforms. FACEBOOK.
Rich dark synth sounds open 'I See Faces' which soon develops an electro pop vibe. The song cleverly switches directions keeping the listener guessing and engrossed.
Background - Minimalist, inventive and smooth, Modeling Clay is the perfect introduction to Praa’s French RnB. A distinctive debut track coloured by a voice both ethereal and soulful, assembled diligently by three creative minds: producer Timsters (Manceau, Colorado) and mixed by Robin Florent (Portugal The Man, Dua Lipa) and mastered in Finland by Svante Forsbäck.
Praa espouses a modern soul for generation Y, full of ambition yet sweet and pure in nature. With hints of Jorja Smith, Kehlani and NAO but with a French swagger that brings out something altogether deluxe in the mix. Beyond her artist name, there is an erudite young woman who has a great ability to synthesize all of her influences. As she builds towards a debut LP expect to hear a potent array of tracks traversing RnB to evanescent Trip-Hop and even 90’s New Jack over the coming year. All based around a sparse and minimalist production sound which will inevitably entice each listener with more reward upon each listen as you enter Praa’s absorbing universe textured with rich vocal work and the warmest of melodies.
Praa has signed to fledgling French label Elephant & Castle founded by producer Timsters, and with a compelling video for Modeling Clay on the way and live dates being booked things are set to shine. Big radar act for 2018, certainement. FACEBOOK.
'Modeling Clay' is a stylish rhythmic song with gorgeous vocals and a restrained and beautifully precise musical arrangement.
Background - Boston duo Vundabar have shared an infectious and haunting slacker-pop track, 'Diver', via The Fader today, and announced headline tour dates for Spring 2018.
Talking about the track, vocalist Brandon Hagen said: "Diver' is one of those songs that pours out. I wrote it in about 5 minutes after 2 years of impasse and refusal to giving certain feelings shape or acknowledgement. The levy broke and the song is what came out of it. It's a document of grief, sitting in the wake of loss and taking note of ones location with acceptance but without resolve."
The band is set to release their brand new album Smell Smoke on February 23rd 2018. The sludge-indie record, which includes single Acetone premiered recently on Noisey, is an exercise in dealing with songwriter Brandon Hagen’s experience of taking care of a loved one who suffered a severe illness.
Vundabar have built a massive following through non-stop touring and their signature brand of jittery, rambunctious post-punk, yet much of their music hints at something darker beneath the surface. The band just wrapped up a two month Autumn/Winter US tour with The Frights and Hockey Dad. Today they announce their Spring North American headline tour with support from Ratboys, which includes a stop through SXSW. FACEBOOK.
A chunky riff and definitive slacker feel launches 'Diver' a song that occasionally ups the power but always allows room for some cool vocals and harmonies.
Background - With a beauty of a guitar riff that takes up residence in your skull and delivers a spark to your soul, Michael Jablonka’s second single cuts straight to the chase with its fat rootsy-garage-rock swagger and doesn’t even consider letting up till it’s done.
‘I Found You’ was one of the first tunes the Londoner wrote as a solo artist, though it took a while to manifest. “I had writer’s block,” explains Jablonka, “and a chorus with nothing much else. I imagined the verses to be a constant build up and wanted the chorus to be that break-free moment.”
Sonic form to suit the lyrical content, then, as ‘I Found You’ details that feeling when you finally obtain what you’ve been avidly seeking. And on the subject of discovery, Michael Jablonka’s emergence as one of UK most thrilling new singer/guitarists is sure to be further cemented by this fretboard-searing earworm.
Michael Jablonka is a musician so prolific that you may think he devotes every waking hour to his art and, if the fantastical nature of many of his songs are anything to go by, several hours of his dreams as well. In addition to performing as Michael Kiwanuka’s chosen guitarist – a role that has found him touring arenas and festivals worldwide this summer – Jablonka has been fine-tuning his own powerful 21st-century take on bluesy alt-funk and soulful indie-rock. Proof that there’s still nothing to tingle the spine like soul-soused mastery of raw electric six-string, Jablonka’s gifted, intricate guitar skills bely the no-frills anthemic intent of his rootsy songcraft – sonic elevation designed to liberate the listener from the confines of their reality.
Born and bred in the capital, 27-year-old Jablonka has been gigging since the tender age of 14 as an in-demand guitarist for hire. Those to have enjoyed his dextrous services include Charlie Brown, Stooshe, Shakka and Delta Maid before fellow North Londoner and Brit-soul sensation Michael Kiwanuka came calling. Around the same time, Jablonka decided it was time to blaze his own trail as a bandleader and songwriter, collating a set of crack musicians and intense yet universal alt-rock’n’soul tunes that scream for wider appreciation. FACEBOOK.
Second time on Beehive Candy for Michael Jablonka having been massively impressed first time around. 'I Found You' continues the momentum with another feisty rocker with some fine vocals and superb guitar moments.
Background - Welsh indie pop maestros Seazoo have announced the upcoming release of Dig, the third track taken from their debut album out 26th January 2018.
This latest effervescent number, concerning a re-occurring dream that eventually slips into waking life, sees the quintet showcase their trademark quirky tendencies with driving guitars and infectious vocals unrivalled by many of their peers.
Fresh from supporting psychedelic punk rockers The Lovely Eggs on their UK tour, alongside sharing bills with Peace and IDLES in recent months, the band’s latest release further builds anticipation for their debut record with the influences of acts including Grandaddy, Super Furry Animals and Yo La Tengo shining through once more.
Extensive support across the radio airwaves from Huw Stephens (BBC Radio 1), Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins, Lauren Laverne and Radcliffe & Maconie (BBC 6 Music), alongside widespread critical acclaim (DIY, The Line Of Best Fit, Q Magazine), leaves the five-piece well-placed going into what promises to be an exciting 2018. FACEBOOK.
'Dig' is a very catchy song, with some melodic guitar work alongside some very likable vocals, and an upbeat vibe throughout.
Background - "Tsaritza' is the wife of the Tsar and mother of princess Anastasia, and since 'tsaritza' is the Russian word for 'queen', the name pays tribute to my all-time favorite band, Queen. In addition, 'zarya' is the Russian word for sunrise, intense and bright, which always sounded beautiful and resonated with me. So I decided to combine these references to create a name that is appropriate to my personality, music, energy, inspiration and cultural heritage."
Zaritza emigrated to the U.S. in pursuit of greater creative freedom and a career in music. In the years since, Zaritza has performed her original electro-pop/rock music at clubs and other venues around the Northeast, including the Rainbow Room and the Metropolitan Room, as well as releasing her album at Drom in New York City; the Saint in Asbury Park, NJ; the Newport International Film Festival and opening for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on one of their U.S. tour dates.
"Music is my passion ... it's a universal language that connects people and cultures". Zaritza's songs reflect a life between two worlds, as an American who came from Russia, she explores themes that we all can relate to -- love, identity, alienation, dreams, disappointments -- amplified through her experiences, and struggles, as an immigrant.
Zaritza has been making music since she was a small child. She spent her youth in Russia studying, practicing and performing classical piano under an intense curriculum for gifted students. She won numerous regional piano competitions and received awards and a stipend from the government. As a teenager, Zaritza also began to write pop songs and, by the time she was at her university in Russia, she was performing and recording her original music.
Zaritza's musical compositions and production merge the energy and innovation of modern American and British rock/pop with the drama and romance of her traditional roots in Russian and other classical piano. As such, her influences range from Rachmaninoff to Radiohead, from Garbage to Grieg, from Mendelssohn to Massive Attack. FACEBOOK, BANDCAMP.
With eleven songs to choose from I settled for 'Rocket Girl' from the Self-Titled album as I feel it is pretty representative of the whole. Expect plenty of atmospheric and gorgeous vocals across the album along with some fabulously constructed music, and some addictive hooks.
Background - London’s Lydian Collective release their second single Legend Of Lumbar a few days ago, it will be available globally on all streaming and download services.
The band have already attracted a huge online following – with 1.4 million views for their YouTube channel and a host of solo credits between them (from Roots Manuva to popular iOS game Monument Valley). Their unique combination of accessible melodies, accomplished musicianship, hypnotic rhythms and uplifting music has won fans around the world – before they have even released their highly anticipated debut album.
Thirty-One has had a huge reception on Spotify, attracting playlist additions in its first week putting it in front of over 250,000 users. As we speak, the track has been streamed nearly 70,000 times.
Drawing inspiration from Jazz, Electronica, World Music and Film, the band have had early support from key UK tastemakers like Nick Luscombe at Flomotion/BBC Radio 3 – and have played at major Central London venues such as the Royal Festival Hall Clore Ballroom.
Legend Of Lumbar is the second single from the debut album ‘Adventure’ (set for release in early 2018), and it shows off the band’s manifesto. The band take more of a groove-based approach than they did on Thirty-One, with inspiration from Aaron Wheeler’s electronica alter-ego Laszlo.
The killer rhythm team of Ida Hollis and Sophie Alloway lead the way, with another killer melody from Aaron Wheeler and Todd Baker (keys & guitar). Todd was the brains behind the soundtrack for the recent iOS game Monument Valley – and you can hear hints of this in the new single. Look out for another single which will drop early January, before the flawless debut LP ‘Adventure’ is set free. FACEBOOK.
'Legend Of Lumbar' helps explain the amount of attention Lydian Collective have been getting. Vibrant and dynamic music that reaches across Jazz and Blues genres (& a few others) this is superbly crafted musicianship.
