Major Leagues - Swimming Tapes - Tulipomania - Oly Sherman - The Crowleys - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Major Leagues - It Was Always You.

Background - Brisbane garage pop four-piece Major Leagues hae just dropped their debut album 'Good Love'. Already receiving rave reviews 'downunder' the album is now available across all digital platforms worldwide. 

The band have toured relentlessly over the last three years since their debut EP and have played alongside an exceptional lineup of intenrational and local Australian talent including the likes of Alvvays, Beach Fossils, Wild Nothing, Wye Oak, DMA's, The Preatures and San Cisco. Good Love was produced by acclaimed Australian artist Jonathan Boulet.

Lead-singer Anna Davidson explains, “We went into the studio planning on recording 5 or 6 songs and came out with 12, which was weird... but cool. This is definitely the most collaborative thing we've ever done, which I think comes through in the sound of the record. It sounds more natural and cohesive than our previous stuff. Usually Jaimee and I have very separate writing processes (especially after I moved to Melbourne), but with a lot of these songs, we built them from the ground up together.” Bandcamp here.

Garage pop seems to summarise the melodic and varied sound of Major Leagues. 'It Was Always You' provides a good idea of the quality and catchy nature found throughout the new album.


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Swimming Tapes - What's On Your Mind.

Background - London-based indie band Swimming Tapes share their new single "What's On Your Mind". The track is from their forthcoming EP 'Soft Sea Blue' out September 15th. Earlier this Summer, the band released the first single from the EP, "Queen's Parade," which has gained support with spins from KCRW, BBC Radio 1 and Beats 1 from the likes of Matt Wilkinson and Elton John, as well as being added as a "New Name" on the Annie Mac show. 'Soft Sea Blue' is now available for pre-orders here, as well as a limited edition 12" black vinyl here. 

The now London-based five piece arrived in 2016 with a self released demo track, ‘Souvenirs’, which quickly won them acclaim from the blogging world. Follow up tracks ‘Set The Fire’ and ‘Cameos’ saw them reach the top spot on the Hype Machine chart, earned the band their first play from BBC Radio 1, and tipped them well over 2 million track streams on Spotify. Swimming Tapes rounded off the year with the release of their debut EP, named after their first single ‘Souvenirs’, on burgeoning London indie label Hand In Hive, and have firmly cemented themselves as ones to watch for 2017.

"What's On Your Mind" is available digitally now via B3SCI Records (US) and Hand In Hive Records (EU). Facebook here.

We first featured Swimming Tapes back in May describing their music as "Bright indie music with some appealing vocals and harmonies." With the latest single 'What's On Your Mind' it soon becomes apparent that the band have a very special knack for creating this type of song, the September EP release promises to be a good one.

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Tulipomania - Don't Be So Sure (Seahawks Remix).

Background - Philadelphia-based Tulipomania has announced they will release a new single, which includes three tracks. The first single from this collection is the Seahawks Remix of ‘Don't Be So Sure’.

Seahawks is a duo made up of Jon Tye, founder of the legendary Lo Recordings (whose roster includes Grimes, Aphex Twin, Four Tet, Thurston Moore and Astronauts) and Pete Fowler, creator of Monsterism vinyl toys and perhaps most famed as illustrator of oh so many Super Furry Animals album sleeves. The duo are self-described purveyors of “psychedelic yacht rock, deck shoegaze, hazy beach pop vibrations, and marina drone”. 

Tulipomania, whose name was inspired by the 1637 Dutch tulip market collapse, has been categorized as ‘cult synth punks’, ‘glam-leaning’, ‘postpunk’, ‘art rock’, and ‘muscular chamber pop’. Band members Tom Murray (lead vocals, bass, drums, guitar-organ) and Cheryl Gelover (synthesizer, background vocals) were joined by Mitch Smith (guitar, glockenspiel), who also contributed to the band's eponymous first album, Richard Hartline (piano, percussion, engineering and mastering), and Howard Thompson (executive producer).  

The new three-track single will be available via Sursumcorda Recordings on September 15, 2017. It is already available for pre-order from Tulipomania's Bandcamp page here.Website here, Facebook here.

The Seahawks remix for 'Don't Be So Sure' is very impressive, considering just how classy the original version is. The remix adds further depth and atmosphere to the song, whilst maintaining the emotion and passion.

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Oly Sherman - Monument.

Background - After releasing his first single, ’Push Me Down’ in September 2016, Oly Sherman’s flair has become a regular listen on both triple j and triple j Unearthed radio. Sydney has always been a ‘musical smorgasbord’ for new talent in a variety of genres and Oly’s music is no exception to that tradition. Following in the footsteps of Matt Corby, The Paper Kites, and James Blake, Oly’s music reflects the expressive and gentle nature it takes to be a captivating artist.

Oly’s latest offering is ‘Monument’. The new single takes off from where he left off, building on the smoothness of ‘Push Me Down’, into new heights with this driving indie- pop anthem. 

“This song pretty much represents an operation I had earlier in the year. Yet as undesirable as that sounds, it has actually created some super positive outcomes for me, both as a musician and a human being. The song is a basic reminder to anyone that when things aren’t too crash hot, it comes down to the way you think, and the people you’ve got around you. It’s a pretty powerful one for me.” 

Oly, 22, has been enjoying his music for a long time now, and had begun experimenting with his voice 2 or 3 years ago recording for producers and universities. Oly studies music in Sydney, and has been playing shows in and around for the past two or so years. It wasn’t until he released his debut EP titled Embrace did these shows start to become greater in prominence. 

“I’m not only a fan of the music an artist releases, but the way they create perspective with their art, and specifically their live music. I’ve been singing and playing all kinds of instruments for a long time now, but it wasn’t till I saw some really captivating live shows that I thought to myself, this is on another level, I’m definitely up for that.” Facebook here.

'Monument' is a vibrant & delightful indie pop song, with a high quality musical arrangement. Add in Oly Sherman's incredible vocals and this is one very fine song.

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The Crowleys - L.A Sunset.

Background from the band - We just released our first track “L.A. Sunset” from our upcoming EP. It’s a song we've played live that we finally got around to recording.

We are releasing this as our first single because we believe it encapsulated all of our influences and styles. The intro is a fresher sound for us - more relaxed and poppy - that our local listeners may be surprised to hear. 

The body of the song is our more typical psych-surf style to get new listeners familiar with our sound. While the ending is a drawn-out, heavy psychedelic climax to keep people wanting more. Facebook here.

Fresh vibrant guitars announce the arrival of 'L.A Sunset' ahead of a more psych rock development. Fabulous refrains and beautiful twists and turns, ensured I wanted to hear more, even with a sub six minute song.

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Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - The Punishment of Luxury.

Background - With their 13th studio album ‘The Punishment Of Luxury’ out September 1st via 100% Records, synth-pop pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark release new single and the title track impacting September 1st.

'The Punishment of Luxury’ is written, recorded, produced and mixed by OMD – Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys- pairing crushing electro rhythms with characteristically serene melodies sounding unapologetically electronic.  

The track and album are named after an 1891 painting by the Italian divisionist Giovanni Segantini that caught Andy’s eye. Andy explains, “Most people in the western world are materially better off than their predecessors ever were and yet we are unhappier. Now we have many possessions that we don’t need because we’ve been persuaded to buy. This is the punishment of luxury.”

Having played a triumphant sold out show at the Royal Albert Hall in May last year, OMD head back out on the road again this autumn for a string of must-see shows, including a show at The Roundhouse November 13th. Website (includes tour and ticket details) here, Facebook here.

Oh it's OMD, you don't need me to describe anything surely. Just put their inclusion down to the fact I have been a fan for their music ever since their first 7" single landed on my record deck. 'The Punishment of Luxury' just confirms the band still turn out some fine music.


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Kylie Odetta - Swimming Tapes - Rival Cavves - High Signs - Monogold

Kylie Odetta - Stress.

Background - 19-year-old Kylie Odetta has always been able to access a musical maturity that transcends her age. By 6 she was playing piano fluidly, by 12 she was recording her own material in her own iconic style and, as of 2017, has clocked in hundreds of shows that include opening slots for Gavin DeGraw, Colbie Callait and Mat Kearny. 

The slow-burning R&B that is saturating the mainstream as of late was always in alignment with Odetta’s sensibilities, culminating in 2016’s High Dreamer EP which was a pivotal moment in her musical trajectory, both personally and professionally. Its bluesy ballads accessed the lower register of her sultry voice, drawing comparisons to contemporary soul torchbearers like Yuna, Lianne La Havas and Adele and securing coverage in outlets as varied as Paste and The Music Ninja. 

Odetta’s mellow yet modern aesthetic was molded from a youth spent listening to both top 40 radio while entrenching herself in the pantheon of jazz pianists: Ellington, Monk, Coltrane, etc.… The symbiosis between pop and blues has always been apparent in her unique style and is something she drew on heavily when returning to the studio earlier this year. The name of her newest EP, Undertow, plays on her intention to follow her muse and not defer to mainstream trends - moving in a direction that is different from that of the surface current.

Undertow is due out May 19th, website here, Facebook here.

If I describe 'Stress' as resplendent, beguiling and similar, I might still be accused of understating just how good this song is. Kylie Odetta is young, pretty and can sing, enough these day's to have TV talent shows falling over themselves to hype her up. A closer listen at both her vocals and piano skills, suggests there is some real depth to Kylie's musical interpretation and naturally developed talent. Resplendent, beguiling? go watch and listen (here), and decide for yourself!

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Swimming Tapes - Queen's Parade.

Background - London-based indie band Swimming Tapes share new track "Queen's Parade". The track was produced by Adam Jaffrey (Palace, Gengahr, Leif Erikson). Stay tuned for more details on the new EP which will feature the single, to be announced soon. The band have announced a number of UK tour dates, including stops at The Great Escape and Dot To Dot Festivals, and a headline show at The Lexington.

The now London-based five piece arrived in 2016 with a self released demo track, ‘Souvenirs’, which quickly won them acclaim from the blogging world. Follow up tracks ‘Set The Fire’ and ‘Cameos’ saw them reach the top spot on the Hype Machine chart, earned the band their first play from BBC Radio 1, and tipped them well over 1 million track streams on Spotify. Swimming Tapes rounded off the year with the release of their debut EP, named after their first single ‘Souvenirs’, on burgeoning London indie label Hand In Hive, and have firmly cemented themselves as ones to watch for 2017.

"Queen's Parade" is available digitally now via B3SCI Records (US) and Hand In Hive Records (UK). Swimming Tapes are Robbie Reid (guitar + vocals), Louis Price (guitar + vocals), Jason Hawthorne (guitar), Paddy Conn (bass), and Andrew Evans (drums). Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page.

Swimming Tapes clearly have an ear for a fine melody and 'Queen's Parade' is no exception. Bright indie music with some appealing vocals and harmonies, backed by some glittering guitar lead music makes for a very catchy track.

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Rival Cavves - Creep.

Background - Marissa Longstreet and Matthew Lieberman first encountered one another in 2012. An LA native, Lieberman's new group Magic Bronson was looking for a rehearsal/studio space and had stumbled upon a warehouse in the San Fernando Valley that seemed to fit what they wanted. Upon arrival, Lieberman met the owner's sister who happened to be Longstreet. 

Having recently moved to LA from upstate New York, Longstreet was fronting an indie dance band and just getting her feet wet in the LA music scene. Over the next 3 years Lieberman and Longstreet found themselves playing multiple shows together with their respective bands.

Fast forward to 2015 when Lieberman moved into the same North Hollywood neighborhood as Longstreet. They began to hang out more frequently and spent a lot of late nights listening to Lieberman's record collection and showing each other new music and bands. Using his vintage Roland Juno-106 Synthesizer, Lieberman began making beats influenced by these hangouts and started giving them to Longstreet. 

Armed with a mic and laptop she began putting Lieberman's beats into garage band and tracking vocal ideas. Within a few weeks they had a number of songs and Rival Cavves was officially born. The duo debuted in June ’16 with the buzzed single “EZ Way Out” which Indie Shuffle called "a dream/synth-pop electronic jam that exudes LA vibes and LA swag.”  Their 7 song self-titled debut expands on their unique ability to fuse dream & electro-pop in the best possible way. Lieberman’s array of glitchy synths and sweeping soundscapes provide the perfect springboard for Longstreet’s bouncy, poetic and hypnotic vocals. Facebook here.

'Creep' builds around a focused synthy rhythm and some understated and yet menacing and plaintive vocals, now there's a juxtaposition. Or in English, it's a fabulous electo song.

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High Signs - A Much Larger Ocean.

Background from High Signs - We just released our new single “A Much Larger Ocean”. It’s a song about the struggle to remain positive without clinging to empty hope or unfounded optimism.

Staying present, grounded, and connected to what and who we care about is more of an action than a desire, but it is one that needs to constantly be teased out. Even if we can find this piece of mind for just a moment, it is something we can hold onto and continue to find strength in. If nothing else, it is a mindset to aspire to.

After forming in the basement of a DIY venue in Toronto, we reset our approach to music in 2016, focusing on writing songs that are honest and simple. “A Much Larger Ocean” exemplifies our process, and acts as an introduction to our full-length debut “If So, Then What?”.  Recorded by Collin Young at B-Town Sound, and mixed by Jesse Gander (Japandroids, White Lung), the album will be released this summer. Facebook here.

'A Much Larger Ocean' launches itself like a whirlwind going at breakneck speed and refuses to ease off. Two and a half minutes of perfect rock uproar, now that's enough to wake a good few listeners.

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Monogold - Naked.

Background - Brooklyn-based Monogold have just shared their artistic new video for "Naked," taken off of their latest release, Yolk, out now via Chill Mega Chill Records.

Since the release of 2015's Good Heavens, which was Monogold's acoustic-based effort, they have torn down any preconceived notions that they or anyone else had of them. After completely stripping down their sound for Good Heavens, the Monogold boys took this new foundation of simplicity and started building with their signature, catchy power-trio melodies and hooks. They still like to go deep on the lush soundscapes, but their songs have become a bit more focused and driven by the instrumentation and the vocals. 

With their new EP in hand titled, Yolk (Chill Mega Chill Records) out now, Kelly, Apuzzo, and Falotico are giving the world a small taste of what is to come in the future of the band. The four song EP is a prelude to another full-length record which is in the process of being mixed right now. As with their new found musical simplicity, the lyrical content will tackle the simple things: breastfeeding, giving birth, being born, sex, bugs, and more.

There's about two albums worth of songs written, and Monogold couldn't bear to keep them to themselves anymore. Facebook here, Bandcamp here.

An intriguing music video that's charming in it's own right, just happens to be accompanied by a fabulous and equally artistic song that is 'Naked'. Warning this is exceptionally catchy!


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