Bear of Bombay - GIUNGLA - Tempesst

Bear of Bombay shares 'Night Tree' the first single excerpt from his 'Something Stranger', debut EP. Lorenzo Parisini has been creating electronic and dream-wave music for sometime and it's good to hear plenty of his originality and vibrancy is still fresh and present. ===== GIUNGLA has just released 'Walk On The Ceiling'. The project of Milan based artist Ema Drei, this is a smooth, rhythmic and striking track. ===== We first featured Tempesst in July 2016 and a number of times since. Taking a little look back at our older features and noticing the number of hits for their new piece 'Walk on the Water' this would appear to be a real and deserved breakthrough song, it's nice to have been a small part of that journey.

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Bear of Bombay - Night Tree.

'Night Tree', is the first single excerpt from 'Something Stranger', debut EP by electronic / dream-wave project Bear of Bombay (Milan-based artist Lorenzo Parisini). 

Active in the Italian underground scene since the 90s and after having played at major festivals, sharing the stage with the likes of Mark Gardener (Ride), Lorenzo Parisini now starts a new course characterized by ethereal electric guitars and synth carpets, rhythmic loops and minimal harmonies, giving birth to a very personal hybrid of psychedelia, electronica, shoegaze and new wave.

The obscure electropop ride 'Night Tree' is the first single excerpt from the EP 'Something Stranger' is now available.

Here and there Bear of Bombay music may remind of bands like LCD Soundsystem, Tame Impala, The Notwist and The Vacant Lots; but at the end of the day, this is an extremely original piece of art, remetabolizing new wave, 90s and 2000s indie-rock, contemporary psych-pop, dreampop, shoegaze and indietronica in a very personal way. 

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GIUNGLA - Walk On The Ceiling.

GIUNGLA is the project of Milan based artist Ema Drei. ‘Giungla’ means ‘jungle’ in Italian and it’s in this sort of tangled-happy-place, where Ema’s minimal pop songs come alive with in your face attitude.

New single, ‘Walk On The Ceiling’, was recorded in 2019 in London with esteemed producer Andrew Savours (My Bloody Valentine, The Kills, Black Country New Road). “Working with Andy in his studio was cool because throughout his career he has worked with some of the musicians who made me fall in love with my instrument (especially Nick Zinner from Yeah Yeah Yeahs)” explains Drei. “We tried to create a sound that was modern but timeless with a main focus on guitar”.

Collaboration is key for GIUNGLA, an artist who likes to take inspiration from other creative mediums and channel it into her own work. Whilst on the hunt for artwork for her forthcoming E.P, thanks to curator Tommaso Speretta, Ema had the pleasure of meeting with Swedish painter Sophie Westerlind at her studio in Venice where she first saw the painting ‘Martina’s Flowers’. A close up from which would go on to become the cover art for new single ‘Walk On The Ceiling’. “I chose this painting because its brushstrokes, full of matter and movement, immediately felt right for my music, but also because of the story behind it” says Ema.

Before experiencing lockdown in Venice, Westerlind had never painted flowers, but due to the new restrictions she found herself yearning for a connection with nature and flowers became a symbol of that. Thanks to a tip-off from a friend, Martina, Westerlind managed to find a woman who sold flowers and met her in an alley behind Campo Santa Margherita to buy a bouquet. “Before giving me the flowers she wanted me to smell the perfume, then she told me to hurry back to Giudecca as if we had just exchanged something forbidden. While I was walking back to my studio a lady in the street saw me and shouted at me 'where did you find those flowers ?!' Painting them felt like doing something very precious and secret” she explained.

‘Walk On The Ceiling’ similarly presents an intimate and delicate dimension, inspired by late nights spent writing notes and thoughts on her phone, head under the covers and the light of the screen in her hands. “I like to think of the phone light as a candle to be protected and given to someone special” says Ema. “The perspective is upside down, as if those who stay awake at night to write were in another reality; it is about the beauty of looking for a bit of mystery and magic even in a protected and domestic environment, trying to be braver than you are during the day”.

GIUNGLA · Walk On The Ceiling

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Tempesst - Walk on the Water.

London via Australia folk/psych rockers Tempesst today announce their new single "Walk on the Water", released alongside a stunning new video shot in the mountains of Snowdonia. "Walk on the Water" is lifted from the band's recently released debut album Must Be A Dream, via their own label Pony Recordings.

Directed by the band's drummer Andy Banjanin, the video places the band in the heights of Snowdonia. Speaking on the video, Banjanin said: "We drove up to Snowdonia just the five of us, to hang out and shoot the video last winter. On the first day after we hiked up the mountain with all of our instruments and filming gear, we finally arrive at this incredibly beautiful lake just under Snowdon and set up ready to shoot the first scene. We were on the side of a mountain and I had a remote for the camera so I could operate it from the drums but it was about 50m away. Over the course of the first take, literally the very first shot, the weather changes from clear at the beginning of the song to full blizzard by the bridge. None of us know what to do so we just keep going until the song finishes before freaking out and packing everything up soaked and freezing. We didn’t get any more filming done that day, but it turned out to be the best shot of the video."

A wide-eyed excursion of folk-tinged psychedelia with nods to Spiritualized, Galaxie 500, the Flaming Lips and the Beach Boys, Must Be A Dream is a dense, sun-kissed record that explores themes of identity, purpose, ageing, love, loss, substance abuse, the death of loved ones and remembering the beauty beneath it all.

Consisting of Sunshine Coast, Australia born twin brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums); the band is rounded out by fellow Australian’s Kane Reynolds (keys) and Blake Misipeka (bass), and Swiss/American guitarist Eric Weber.

Now all residing in London where debut album Must Be A Dream was written and recorded, Tempesst have become well known for their sweeping, psych-touched indie rock - touring previously with the likes of Pond, The Temper Trap, Albert Hammond Jr, Jet and widely lauded by the likes of Lauren Laverne (BBC 6Music), Jack Saunders (BBC R1), Noisey, DIY Magazine, The Financial Times, Clash Magazine, NME, The Line Of Best Fit, Beats Per Minute and more.

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The Icebergs - Favours - Circus Caravan - Bee Bee Sea - Tempesst

The Icebergs have released their new album today entitled 'Add Vice' and it's an eclectic and highly original collection of songs streaming in full below, if your on the look out for different, but really good different, get stuck in now. === Favours newest song 'Memories' is a fabulous affair, with dual vocals and harmonies, it's easy to understand the interest and hype they have already generated. === Circus Caravan have shared 'Cabo da Roca' the 6th song from the album 'Scattered Sketches' released back in May, the track itself is a mixture of indie styles and upbeat energy.=== Bee Bee Sea return to Beehive Candy with 'Gonna Get Me' and again the Italian garage-psych trio are on top form! === Another band who have impressed us this last year are Tempesst who are back with 'Mushroom Cloud' the second track to be lifted from their upcoming debut album 'Must Be A Dream' and if anything they have upped the expectations of what's to come even further.
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The Icebergs - Add Vice (Album).

There are certain works of art that endure because they offer magic healing powers of compassionate solidarity; they give strength to carry on through the hard parts. Jane LeCroy serves the Poetry Gods and has access to the curious apothecary of literary history. She chooses classic poetry that has worked through the ages against death and the broken heart.  On Add Vice Jane summons will: William Shakespeare, William Ernest Henley, and Willa Cather. She takes their time-honored words and delivers them as her own special concoction.  Collaborating with the dead can be just the right move to persist in life.

Recorded at Birdwatcher studios in Big Indian, NY, Add Vice is the second full-length album by The Icebergs. Half of the material was improvised by Abbs, Rogers-Berry, and Philedelphy; with Jane LeCroy singing words from her notebooks and reciting classical poetry. LeCroy delivers hundreds-years old texts with an urgency seldom attempted when interpreting the cannon.
The other half of the material was developed by the trio of LeCroy, Abbs, and Rogers-Berry, mostly in small venues around Brooklyn and Manhattan. D. Treut takes over drum duties and adds a deadpan vocal style on a couple numbers including the title track, “Add Vice.”

Hailing from NYC, The Icebergs consist of singer-songwriter Jane LeCroy and cellist Tom Abbs who collaborated as a duo called Transmitting for over a decade before adding drummer, David Rogers-Berry, to become the current ensemble. Their live act boasts a minimal palette: pizzicato cello, vocals, and drums. The material is grounded in the lean style of punk and the potent gravitas of northern folk. The new album, Add Vice, features electric guitar by Martin Philadelphy (Switzerland) who also contributed vocals and recorded on spontaneous writing sessions with the band. The Icebergs were also blessed with the studio addition of Brooklyn eccentric, Dave Treut who contributed organ, vocals, percussion, and clarinet on over half of the album.

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Favours - Memories.

"Memories" is intricate and energetic while maintaining a dream-pop feeling crescendoing with a huge chorus.

Lyrically, it's an ode to surviving; the first verse repeats throughout the song, issuing an introspective self-help mantra.  The lyrics are meant to be powerful in their assurance to the listener, that life will get better so long as you keep waking up and pushing forward. "Memoires" will go live July 17th on all digital platforms.  Self Released by Favours.  It is the lead single from our debut LP "Made to Wait" due out August 7th.

We’re Favours, a duo from Toronto made up of Alex and Jacqueline. Our sound is inspired by New Wave and Post Punk A La OMD & John Maus. Our debut EP “Made to Wait” due August 7th was recorded throughout 2019 with production by Josh Korody (Japandroids, Weaves) in Toronto at his studio Candle in early 2019.

Lyrically and sonically we draw influence from our creative space which was a former halfway house that Alex renovated into a DIY art space where we live and practice. In our first year as a band we opened up for many great acts like Sean Nicholas Savage, The Zolas, Calvin Love and many more.  We hope to be playing and touring the EP when it comes out this summer.

Memories follows the release of first three singles which were put out in 2018 to acclaim from multiple blogs including Clash, Earmilk, Asymmetric Mag. We also had a single “Stowaway” featured in a Netflix series “Northern Rescue”.  We look forward to keeping the momentum going with the release of Memories and Made to Wait.

Favours · Memories -

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Circus Caravan - Cabo da Roca.

The inspiration for Cabo da Roca came during our trip to Portugal.

There, at the famous cape, the westernmost point of Europe, we felt far from the everyday life stress of the city (city's lights), the superficial relationships and in general the human activity but, at the same time, close to our truest selves.

Cabo da Roca is the 6th song of the album Scattered Sketches, released on May 14th, 2020.

The video was created by Maria Livana and Alexis Lagkaditis, the singer of Circus Caravan. It was inspired by Vassilis Kyritsis' artwork of the album.

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Bee Bee Sea - Gonna Get Me.

Italian garage-psych trio Bee Bee Sea has released the new single "Gonna Get Me'. The track is included in their upcoming new album 'Dy Ripper', out on 9th October on Wild Honey Records.

In 'Gonna Get Me', one of the poppiest moments on the record, the band combine their trademark upbeat, frenzied tempo with a variety of summery melodies. It is the story of a love triangle that ended badly. Their advice? Avoid at all costs!

Hailing from Castel Goffredo in Lombardy, Italy, Bee Bee Sea formed in 2013 and have since released two albums: the self-titled debut in 2015 and 'Sonic Boomerang' in 2017. They have been consistently touring in Europe, the UK and the US, supporting the likes of Thee Oh Sees, Black Lips and Idles.

Bee Bee Sea · Gonna Get Me

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Tempesst - Mushroom Cloud.

London-based band Tempesst have just released their new single and video “Mushroom Cloud”, the second track to be lifted from upcoming debut album Must Be A Dream, out September 30th via Pony Recordings.

A wide-eyed excursion of folk-tinged psychedelia with nods to Spiritualized, Galaxie 500, the Flaming Lips and the Beach Boys, Must Be A Dream comprises ten tracks of psychedelic pop grandiosity, combining the classic teachings of Laurel Canyon-esque folk harmonisation with bombastic sensibilities found in the works of Love, ELO, Pink Floyd, Wings and more.

New single “Mushroom Cloud” explores regret in the heat of the moment, and why it's those we love who can cause us the deepest pain. Serving as a nod to Jeff Lynne and ELO with a chorus of vocal harmonies, hushed keys, lilting guitars and a swelling backdrop of additional instrumentation, the song tells of a story of the pain of love, tracking the consequences and emotional violence it has wrought.

“‘Mushroom Cloud’ was the first song that we completed on the album and it set the tone for a balance of familiarity, the element of surprise and the weighty dark topics that I wanted to explore,” recalls singer Toma Banjanin. "Mushroom Cloud isn’t my story, though. I found it easier to write this song as a confession from the perspective of the antagonist. It’s equal measures apology, justification and threat, the kind of confusing grey area that only exists within intimate relationships. It’s love that becomes all-consuming and suffocating. It’s that destructive primal default buried deep within each of us. The Saboteur present in every moment of regret...that will do or say anything in an attempt at self preservation.”

Consisting of Sunshine Coast, Australia born twin brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums); the band is rounded out by fellow Australian’s Kane Reynolds (keys) and Blake Misipeka (bass), and Swiss/American guitarist Eric Weber. Now all residing in London where upcoming debut album Must Be A Dream was written and recorded, Tempesst have become well known for their sweeping, psych-touched indie rock.

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Natalie Schlabs - Hannah Georgas - Tempesst

Natalie Schlabs has a new single released today entitled 'Go Outside'. Its one of nine songs on her 'Don't Look Too Close' album due in October and put simply if you like this track you are going to love the album! === Hannah Georgas returns to Beehive Candy three months after we first featured her, this time we have the new single 'Dreams' where a stripped back musical arrangement is just right for her enticing vocals. === Tempesst make their sixth appearance with us and have announced that their debut album 'Must Be A Dream' will be released at the end of September, in the meantime we have the new single 'On The Run' and it's another really fine song from these talented multi genre rockers.
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Natalie Schlabs - Go Outside.

The new single from singer/songwriter Natalie Schlabs "Go Outside" has been released today. Natalie says the song is about "getting off my damn phone and going outside, experiencing the world person-to-person, close up."

It's particularly resonant right now as people are beginning to emerge slowly from quarantine (or if you live where I live, a little too quickly in my opinion haha). Here's to hoping that folks will be encouraged to embrace the world in person and not via screens in the new "normal" we're entering!

"Go Outside" is from Natalie's forthcoming LP Don't Look Too Close, set for release on October 16th.

The songs were all written about the tension/push-pull of close relationships, inspired by reflections during her pregnancy with her first child - would she raise him differently than how she was raised? What would she teach him? How will he handle the knowledge that she's human and makes mistakes? How will she keep that knowledge from hurting him? Each song features her gorgeous voice and lyrical prowess as they tug on heartstrings and offer perspective.

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Hannah Georgas - Dreams.

Earlier this year Toronto's Hannah Georgas shared a pair of singles "That Emotion" and "Same Mistakes," — the first released in early March just before the scale of our pandemic crises had become clear, the second a month ago at the height of quarantine.

The first sampling of a forthcoming collaboration with producer Aaron Dessner of The National, the singles received a rapturous response. Today, Georgas is announcing of her new album All That Emotion, a full length collaboration with Dessner that is due out September 4th on Brassland & Arts & Crafts. and sharing her new single "Dreams."

"I have been thinking about what this album represents to me and it is resilience," says Hannah. "It's about finding hope and a way out the other side of tough situations. The hardships we go through make us grow into stronger people. The album is about healing, self reflection and getting up again at the end of the day."

Of newly released single "Dreams" she writes: "In my past, I have let my insecurities play into relationships and have pushed people away because I have felt like I'm not deserving of love. This song explores the idea of breaking down those barriers of insecurity and being more open."

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Tempesst - On The Run.

London-based indie-rock quintet Tempesst have today announced their debut album Must Be A Dream will be released September 30th, via Pony Recordings. Along with the album announcement, the band are also releasing the album’s first single “On The Run”, out today alongside a candid studio video directed by the band’s very own Andy Banjanin.

A vivid, expansive sample of the band’s upcoming full length; “On The Run” and the forthcoming album follow Tempesst’s two previously released EP’s ‘Adult Wonderland’ and ‘Doomsday’, both widely lauded for their '60s and '70s influenced indie-psych fusion.

On new single "On The Run" the band layer vocal harmonies on top of reverb heavy instrumentation orchestrated far and wide into a massive psychedelic pop exploration.  It’s all brought back to earth by Tempesst vocalist Toma Banjanin’s slithering baritone and stories of death, substance abuse and the loss of innocence forever.

Speaking on the new single, singer Toma shared: “‘On The Run’ was written about a close friend who disappeared for a decade and returned as someone completely different, and it’s an ongoing trauma. When I connected the music to the lyrics to try and finish the song, it felt like it had a rolling rhythm, so the chorus fell into place from there. For me, this song carries a lot more emotional weight.”

Consisting of Sunshine Coast, Australia born twin brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums); the band is rounded out by fellow Australian’s Kane Reynolds (keys) and Blake Misipeka (bass), and Swiss/American guitarist Eric Weber. Now all residing in London where upcoming debut album Must Be A Dream was written and recorded, Tempesst have become well known for their sweeping, psych-touched indie rock.

Produced by longstanding collaborator Elliot Heinrich, and mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer (known for his work with Parquet Courts, Temples, Yak, and Sorry), Must Be A Dream came together at the band’s very own Pony Studios, a studio space that Tempesst built themselves in Hackney, East London. A massive step forward from their previous short format releases, Must Be A Dream is a wide-eyed excursion of folk-tinged psychedelia with nods to Spiritualized, Galaxie 500, the Flaming Lips and the Beach Boys.

Ten tracks of psychedelic pop grandiosity, combining the classic teachings of Laurel Canyon-esque folk harmonization with bombastic sensibilities found in the works of Love, ELO, Pink Floyd, Wings and more. Must Be A Dream is a paradox of complexity and musical prowess shrouded beneath deceivingly simple pop melodies, producing a dense, sun-kissed record that explores themes of identity, purpose, ageing, love, loss, substance abuse, the death of loved ones and remembering the beauty beneath it all.

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Drahla - Dylan LeBlanc - Tempesst

A semi-surreal music video accompanies 'Stimulus For Living' from Drahla but it's the bands creative mixture of punk and art rock that makes it's mark in a big way. Dylan LeBlanc's vocals are fabulous and 'Renegade' is one hook filled rocker, ahead of his next album due out in June. Tempesst make a much welcome return to Beehive Candy, their stylish alt rock has a fresher indie feel on 'Is this all that there is?' a catchy and very likable tune.

Drahla - Stimulus For Living.

Leeds-formed three-piece Drahla have announced their highly-anticipated debut album 'Useless Coordinates' will be released via Captured Tracks on May 3rd 2019. The band have shared the arresting first single 'Stimulus for Living' as a taster of the album along with a video.

‘Stimulus For Living’ is the second track taken from ‘Useless Coordinates’ following the release of ‘Twelves Divisions Of The Day’ last summer. The album was recorded in Yorkshire in the second half of 2018, and sees the band’s sound continue to evolve with the addition of saxophonist Chris Duffin across the record. Since finishing ‘Useless Coordinates’ the band have spent their time touring the US and Europe, including stops at Eurosonic and La Route Du Rock this winter.

Blending wiry, dark post-punk with unpredictable art-rock, Drahla have established themselves as a formidable and distinctive band across their three sold out 7” singles and 2017's Third Article EP. Formed in late 2015, Drahla quickly found their identity in Yorkshire’s fertile music scene with their minimal yet robust bass-heavy sound. Their reputation as a fervent live act is ever-growing, with the band being asked to share stages with the likes of Parquet Courts, METZ, Ought, Buzzcocks, The Cribs and multiple festival appearances - including Meltdown at the request of The Cure’s Robert Smith. (Photo - Sam Joyce).


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Dylan LeBlanc - Renegade.

'Renegade', the new album from acclaimed musician Dylan LeBlanc, will be released on 7th June through ATO Records. Produced by Grammy Award-winning Dave Cobb, the album features ten new songs including the first single and title track, which is out now.

Recorded at Cobb’s RCA Studio A in Nashville, the 10-song album features LeBlanc and his longtime band, The Pollies. Of the album, LeBlanc shares, “I wanted to write the same type of songs that matched the atmosphere the band and I were bringing live. So, I started with ‘Renegade,’ which was fitting since I felt myself going in a new, more intense direction with this record. In the studio, I let go almost absolutely and let Dave Cobb do his work. It was a different experience for me—how focused Cobb was and how quickly we would get live takes down. Mostly in one or two takes. Never more than three. It left me spinning at how quickly it all came together. With beautiful gear and a keen ear, it was fun to work with my best friends alongside Cobb. Over the course of ten days 'Renegade' was complete and ready for mastering. And I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.”

Born in Shreveport, LA with time spent in Muscle Shoals, AL, LeBlanc has released three full-length albums including his most recent, 2016’s Cautionary Tale, which featured Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes) and was produced by John Paul White (The Civil Wars) and Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes). Of the music, NPR Music praised, “The third album from the Muscle Shoals singer-songwriter unfolds with the wariness of a social and spiritual outsider who broods his way to graceful defiance,” while No Depression declared, “There’s not a single song that deserves to be skipped on Tale—it’s a near flawless record, cohesive and self-assured.” Since his debut in 2010, LeBlanc has toured extensively worldwide including shows with Bruce Springsteen, First Aid Kit, Drive-By Truckers, Lucinda Williams, Alabama Shakes, Anderson East, The Wood Brothers and many more.


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Tempesst - Is this all that there is?

London-based indie-psych quintet Tempesst have released a new single entitled 'Is this all that there is ?' Recorded in Melbourne, the new single was written whilst frontman Toma was back in Australia in January. "I was at Little Cove, a beach in Noosa," he recalls. "It’s a little stretch of beach near a national park, it was totally filled with people. I just sat there in this ideal setting and realised how strange people are, especially when they’re at the beach. I wrote about what I saw and how it made me feel."

Continuing to expand on their '60s and '70s influenced psychedelic rock roots on 'Is this all that there is?' - their expansive instrumentals, sumptuous pop melodies, and progressive songwriting offer a welcoming breath of fresh air to the genre.

"What a bore to be obsessed with dying, like I'm the only one to put up a fight" they pose in the chorus, before questioning "Do I give up? Is this all that there is?". This single follows their widely acclaimed previous EP 'Doomsday' - which covered themes revolving around the band's daily anxieties, as well as the overstimulation and constant temptation that exists when living in a metropolitan city like London.

Originating in Queensland, Australia on the Sunshine Coast, the now London-based outfit – made up of twin brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (vocals, drums), and rounded out by Eric Weber (guitars), Kane Reynolds (keys), and Blake Misipeka (bass) – have been going from strength to strength over the past 12 months.

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Oldermost - Tempesst

Oldermost - Same To Me.

Background - “Same To Me” is the brand-new second single that Philadelphia’s indie rock band Oldermost ahead of the release of their new album How Could You Ever Be The Same? that AntiFragile Music is releasing on Friday, July 13th, following its rollicking lead single "The Danger of Belief”. The introspective song was one of the first written for their new album, and is one of its gorgeous, hazy stand-outs. It’s also frontman Bradford Bucknum’s thesis about love, and how embracing change is a liberating act that permits deeper possibilities of loving someone and loving one’s self. It also highlights the bands’ penchant for creating era-blending Americana-infused rock & roll with a more indie rock vibe in the vein of The War On Drugs (their Philly contemporaries!) or Wilco.

How Could You Ever Be The Same? includes two songs that Oldermost previously released but felt like had a home on the new album, including the undeniable track “Honey With Tea”, and the similarly lush “Finally Unsure”. How Could You Ever Be The Same? also spotlights the bands' evolution into more complex sonic territory, on the heels of the momentum built from the band’s previous releases. Self-produced by the band and mixed by Jeff Zeigler (Kurt Vile, The War on Drugs, Allison Crutchfield) and mastered by Ryan Schwabe (The Districts, Big Thief, Hop Along), the album is an all-star Philadelphia collaboration in the truest sense.

How Could You Ever Be The Same? also highlights the paradoxical blend of neuroticism and mysticism of lead-singer Bradford Bucknum, whose vocal delivery oscillates between semi-theatrical energetic bursts to gentle, sugary crooning. At times, despairing wit and questionable advice buoyantly tumble over a sea of lush strings; at other times, the songs dig their heels in the genre and the classic-rock enthusiasm of Mike Sobel’s guitar, the steady but experimental rhythms of Stephen Robbins’ focused and passionate drumming and Dan Wolgemuth’s unique and melodic bass playing. The music is both familiar, yet fresh - it hints at nostalgia without stumbling into kitsch. At some moments the music sounds urbane, almost high-brow and literary, and at others times, it's wild and unrefined. WEBSITE.

It was back in August 2016 that we first came across Oldermost and for whatever reason we lost track of them pretty much straightaway. It says something for the band that I knew we had featured them before, and so now we can pick things up again with 'Same To Me' their brand new single. It's a cool and calm rocker that drifts towards Americana and is enriched by some gorgeous vocals and melodic hooks.

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Tempesst - A Little Bit Of Trouble.

Background - Tempesst announce the release of their second EP Doomsday - along with the release of new single ‘A Little Bit Of Trouble'. Detailing an ill-fated encounter with some less than courteous Londoners - the new single signals an exciting step up for the Australian, Sunshine Coast born 5-piece. Speaking a little more on the lyrical beginnings of the song, Toma Banjanin said: “The week we started writing the instrumentals for the track we had a bit of an incident at a pub in east London. Some guys were giving Andy (Toma’s brother, and Tempesst drummer) a hard time about his jacket or hat or something and everyone was pretty drunk. The song was written to capture the memory for eternity."

Following the band’s acclaimed, Adult Wonderland EP - both ‘A Little Bit Of Trouble’, and the band’s forthcoming second EP 'Doomsday' stand as impressive steps forward for the band. Sonically they continue to evolve, experimenting with more instruments, layers and sounds; maintaining their classic 60s / 70s influence but, still giving a very welcoming nod to modern psych, folk, and indie.

"I swear to god they are looking at me again / A little bit of trouble at the end of the line" Toma sings in A Little Bit Of Trouble's stomping verse, suggesting a sense of paranoia, or perhaps remorse for a familiar, reoccurring situation. Set to a backdrop of sun-kissed guitar licks and sumptuous string arrangements - 'A Little Bit Of Trouble' is arguably Tempesst strongest and most potent release to date. Closing the song declaring "I'm leaving all my bad behaviour behind" - Toma is on defiant mission to better himself - no matter who or what might stand in his way.

The forthcoming EP, 'Doomsday' touches on a sense of morality within the band, with Toma explaining "I have been caught in a ‘meaning of life’ spiral which I guess is pretty normal in your 20’s. It’s the first time that I’ve felt so aware of my mortality and it probably doesn’t help that the Facebook and Netflix algorithms keep feeding me documentaries on the topic". The band will be extensively touring the Doomsday EP over the summer months, with a headline UK tour, and US support tour set to be announced in the coming weeks. TWITTER.

Tempesst are another band we first discovered back in the summer of 2016, and the new single 'A Little Bit Of Trouble' is our fourth feature for the band. The bands well crafted alt rock might reflect on a less than happy incident in an East London pub, however the track still sounds warm and inviting to listen too, as the strings and guitars intermingle to great effect, behind refined vocals and harmonies.

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Candace - Tempesst - Ned Roberts

Candace - Greys.

Background - Candace (formerly known as Is/Is) can be traced back to the summer of 2009 when Sarah Rose (guitar/bass/vocals), Sarah Nienaber (guitar/bass/vocals), and Mara Appel DesLauriers (drums/vocals) came up with the great idea to make music together. 

The band released the This Happening EP (2010), the “Vowel Movements/Blackest Beat” 7” (2011), their full-length debut, III, in 2012, Is/Is (2014), and a number of single before announcing their name change to Candace in 2016. New Future, the band’s first official release under the new name, was produced, recorded, and mixed by Neil Weir and Candace at Jackpot! Recording Studio in Portland, Oregon, where the band all lives.

Writing momentum stayed steady following the release of New Future so the band took a trip to Iowa just a few days after Trump was elected to work on some new material. Working with long-time collaborator Neil Weir, at Flat Black Studios, built in an old barn in the middle of nowhere outside of Iowa City, surrounded by corn fields and nothing else, they ate frozen pizza, track for 12-hours a day, and then pass out in a loft sleeping area above the studio. Once the songs were done, the band handed the finished material off to Larry Crane at Jackpot! for mixing.

On November 24, 2017 Candace will release a new 7″ called “Horizons b/w Greys” followed by their highly awaited full-length, New Ruins, in early 2018. Both collections of new material will highlight a sound that is introspective, dreamy, and expansive. Reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine, Warpaint, and Beach House, Candace adds an element all their own that can only be described as “hopefully crisp.” Listening to these new songs is akin to waking up on a sweltering day and plunging your face into a bowl of ice water. Wakes you up, gets the blood moving, and adds a little thrill to your day. Facebook here.

Rich and expansive dream pop with a musical arrangement that hints towards shoegaze 'Greys' is a beautiful song where the distant melodic vocals draw the listener in. As a foretaste of the 2018 album that's scheduled, it suggests something pretty special is on it's way.


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Tempesst - Waiheke.

Background - London based 4-piece Tempesst are announcing the release of their much-anticipated debut EP Adult Wonderland, by sharing new single ‘Waiheke’. Speaking on the lyrical inspiration behind the track, Toma Banjanin of the band said: "My girlfriend Summer and I were travelling around New Zealand in a van last summer and ended up staying at her Auntie's 'Bach' (beach cabin) in Waiheke, an island off Auckland. Summer's Dad stayed with us too and gave me my first Tarot reading and I wrote this song about that conversation”.

A new chapter in the Tempesst story, the Adult Wonderland EP marks a confident stride forward for the band, with ‘Waiheke’ standing tall as an apt first taster. Guitars lilt delicately amidst the swaying rhythm section, as Toma sings of the… “first light in the morning” and “sugar coated later days". The push and pull of the expansive vocal harmonies and soothing instrumentals give the track an extremely pleasing dreamy, psychedelic quality; clearly a songwriting process carefully prepared and planned by the quartet.

It’s been a big 12 months or so for Tempesst – led by brothers Toma (vocals, guitars) and Andy Banjanin (drums), and joined  by Eric Weber (guitars) and Kane Reynolds (keys) – the band’s back-to-back showcases (The Great Escape, NME Awards, Live At Leeds), festivals (Bushstock, Southsea Fest, Hackney Wonderland) and live dates alongside Mystery Jets, The Veils, Albert Hammond Jr and GUM (Jay Watson, Tame Impala) have propelled them into the spotlight. Fresh from their biggest London headline to date at The Moth Club, Tempesst saw out 2016 with a UK Tour in support of The Temper Trap.

Now the band are preparing to release their much-anticipated debut EP ‘Adult Wonderland’, set for self-release on October 27th, along with a string of UK dates in December. Facebook here.

London alt rockers Tempesst have given us a splendid new single with 'Waiheke'. Atmospheric vocals & harmonies glide above a wonderfully constructed rock soundtrack where all elements intertwine with melodic combinations. The song sets expectations high for the EP!

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Ned Roberts - Angel Station.

Background - Following the release of album Outside My Mind earlier in the year on Aveline Records, hotly tipped, London-based musician Ned Roberts has announced new single Angel Station for release on October 20th with a single launch to be held at London’s Green Note on Tuesday 19th September.

Having drawn comparisons with the likes of James Taylor and Bob Dylan (Mojo); Ned has a timeless quality to his sound, a poetic turn of phrase, excellent musicianship and a perfectly judged vocal sensibility. His songs sit comfortably amongst the classics of the Laurel Canyon era.

First single Lights On The River video premiered with the Independent, whilst Gideon Coe championed the album on his BBC 6 Music show. New single Angel Station had its first spin on BBC Radio Scotland’s Roddy Hart show, who subsequently invited Ned in for a session. "A wry song about standing in the rain waiting for a girl. She arrives and tells the singer to pull himself together.” Ned Roberts on Angel Station. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

With the above James Taylor and Bob Dylan comparisons noted 'Angel Station' rises to the occasion and Ned Roberts deserves full credit in his own right. Many years back London's Angel Station was a daily part of my travels so the video resonates personally, it's the song however that really stands out.


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Midweek Muse: Linnea Olsson - Blueprint Blue - Tempesst - Astrid Gnosis - Emma Charleston

Linnea Olsson - Hall Of Tragedy

Background - The fantasy pop cellist Linnea Olsson drops her new official video for 2nd EP single 'Hall Of Tragedy' Out Now. Having worked with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Sting, Ane Brun and Maia Hirasawa, Linnea leaves no doubt regarding the high level of her talent and musicianship. 

Being supported by The New York Times as well as The 405, Linnea's sonic journey within the "cello driven fantasy pop" continues. "Hall Of Tragedy" is Linnea's second single, taken from her forth-coming EP called "For Show", and the official video is yet again another creative thing done by Linnea in its entirety. The EP will be coming out 24th February. Facebook here.

Combining Cello and keyboards the opening of 'Hall Of Tragedy' sets the scene for Linnea's distinct and creative vocals, using them to great effect on this atmospheric song.

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Blueprint Blue - You And Me.

Background - Blueprint Blue discovered 'You and Me' and the incredible story behind the song, when Mairead Nash, manager of Florence and the Machine, asked the band to perform at her wedding.

Originally recorded in 1970 by long forgotten soul band Penny and Quarters, 'You and Me' came to prominence in 2010 after an unreleased demo of the song was used in the film 'Blue Valentine' at the request of its star Ryan Gosling. The track, which underpins Gosling's on screen relationship with Michelle Williams, had surfaced after a Chicago based reissue label had unearthed it on cassette at a yard sale.

 Blueprint Blue are ex Scum members Huw Webb (bass) and and Melissa Rigby (drums) who are joined by Elliot Hayward on vocals and guitar. They formed in 2013, united by a love of The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, and Jackson Browne. Having already been championed by Tim Burgess of The Charlatans and James Hoare of Ultimate Painting, as well as receiving UK and international airplay and coverage, the band will be playing this year's SXSW music festival. A Pledge campaign to support their appearance at SXSW has reached 78% of its target. Support here.

The band play London's Lexington on March 9th with support from DJs Rhys Webb (The Horrors) and Bahamian Moor, where they'll be launching their EP 'Flying Machine'. Facebook here.

'You And Me' is a melodic indie pop track with a bright and catchy vibe running throughout, and with a chorus line that just adds so many more hooks.


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Tempesst - Sunflower Lady.

Background - “Hey you, don’t you know who I am?” – it’s a brazen taunt that echoes the boyish fantasies of tempestuous Australian twins Toma and Andy Banjanin, and that of their new single 'Sunflower Lady'. Now based in London - the duo pull together influences from across the board on 'Sunflower Lady'; a kaleidoscopic daydream fusing the psych-rock tendencies of fellow countrymen Tame Impala or King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard, with the wit and humour of folk troubadours like Father John Misty and Matthew E. White.

“Sunflower Lady is about being under the spell of a girl,” explains vocalist Toma Banjanin. “You'd do anything to have her - so I had to write a song about it.” Speaking a little more on the idea behind the video, Andy Banjamin said: "Originally the idea was to feature my cat Riley as the star of the video but he was very unhappy that I took him out of the house. So after hours of chasing him around the studio we ended up only getting one shot with him and then decided to take turns dancing in front of the camera. There you have it."

It’s been a big year for Tempesst – now joined by band of brothers Eric Weber (guitars), Jesse Hutchence (bass) and Kane Reynolds (keys) – including back-to-back showcases (The Great Escape, NME Awards, Live At Leeds), festivals (Bushstock, Southsea Fest, Hackney Wonderland) and live dates alongside Mystery Jets, The Veils, Albert Hammond Jr and GUM (Jay Watson, Tame Impala). Fresh from their biggest London headline to date at The Moth Club, Tempesst saw out 2016 with a sold out December UK Tour in support of The Temper Trap. Tempesst now head out on another UK tour of their own - see our tour page for details. Facebook here.

Last time we featured Tempesst the comment "a little bit of swaggering confidence" felt appropriate and with the music video for 'Sunflower Lady' I reckon it's worth repeating. The band create an expansive and timeless rock sound and a very good one at that.

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Astrid Gnosis - Severe Delays.

Background - Visual and sound artist Astrid Gnosis explores social and emotional collapse through her work — a heady mix of abstract textures, fractured beats, cinematic atmospherics, twisted melodies and off-the-wall vocals.

Now living and working in London, Astrid began writing music when she was just 13 years old. She's crafted sonic installations for exhibitions and art performances, alone and collaborating with other artists. She’s made the soundtracks and sound design for a number of short films, the most recent of which will be shown at the London Short Film Festival 2017.

 “Music alone is a vessel, it diplomatically drives consciousness into reflection. Words seemed to limit this journey” she continues “but increasingly I felt the urge to narrow my language, and incorporate more violence into music”, she says, “because for me it is vital to speak of the anger and hopes of my generation, and it is now we’re most angry.”

‘Agnosis’, a conceptual six-track EP is about “tacit conflict and subsequent collapse”, painting a greying, dystopian picture of where our futures might be headed. “ Agnosis means ignorance in greek, this EP is the first part of a cognitive map of fear, strength, faith, fate, love and hate.” Astrid Gnosis ‘Agnosis’ (music/is/for/losers) Release Date: 24th February 2017. Bandcamp (pre-order) here.

If your looking for something a little different then 'Severe Delays' could well fit that category. Abstract it may well be, the track develops into a more cohesive piece and for me is another example of music and art combining without any pretentious nonsense. EP eagerly awaited!

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Emma Charleston - Falling.

Background - At a time when seemingly everyone is releasing music online and aspiring to full-time careers in the music industry, even today’s most talented artists consider distinguishing themselves a daunting task. On her new single “Falling,”folk pop singer-songwriter Emma Charleston captures both the angst and the optimism of an extraordinarily gifted musician in an overly saturated market. Based at the prestigious and intensely competitive Berklee College of Music, the multi-instrumentalist Charleston delivers a dreamy ballad of a tune that touches on themes of self-doubt, determination, and individuality. “Falling” will be available digitally on February 17 via iTunes, Spotify and other online sites.

According to Charleston, “Falling” originated in the rough and tumble world of a challenging Berklee classroom: “I wrote this song after an exceptionally difficult day of classes. It was a day that pushed me as both an artist and a person. I went through the day feeling like I had to compare myself to other aspiring artists.” With feelings of self-doubt creeping in, Charleston allowed herself to express her feelings in a way that was both musically and emotionally healing.

However, as the songwriting process evolved, “Falling” turned into a hopeful ode to persistence and self-confidence: “In the end, “Falling” became a song about finding yourself in a world of people just like you. It’s an urgent reminder that you have to retain your individuality and find your own way.” Facebook here.

Emma Charleston has a vibrant and melodic voice that is just so suited to a song like 'Falling'. Folk pop with an acoustic soundtrack, it's Emma's vocals that drive the melody, this is a charming song.

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Genre Wander: Giant Head Collective - Emma Cook - Tempesst

Giant Head Collective - This Time I'll Fight.

Background - Giant Head Collective are a group of musicians who have come together to write and perform a unique crossover style of music.  We blend Americana and Rock with a Celtic undertone. Our philosophy is, that no matter what we do, it has to have a strong sense of melody.  

One minute you could close your eyes and think you are in Seattle, and then travelling via the Appalachian Mountains across the Atlantic to Scotland.  If you love to listen to music that takes you on a musical journey, then please check us out. 

Our journey is a long one and we would love your company along the way! Members: Mark Breingan - Guitar, Brian Robinson - Pipes & Mandolin, Colin Rodger - Vocals, Allister Weir - Bass, Scott Dawson - Drums. Bands Website Here.

From the bands latest album 9 Tales (released last month), we feature the song 'This Time I'll Fight'. This is such a fine album comprising of course of nine songs, that the band describe as, a blend of Americana, Seattle Rock and Celtic Rock. The band have clearly worked hard in developing their sound which really does defy categorising, however one things for sure, they create consistently good music, as the album ably demonstrates.

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Emma Cook - Sixteen.

Background bio - Emma Cook knows what it means to struggle. The Toronto indie-folk singer was well on her way to making a name for herself before a falling tree branch caused a serious head injury and forced her to take a hiatus from music to focus on recovery. After a three year battle with Post-Concussive Syndrome, Emma is releasing a two-part EP this summer and fall of 2016. The first installment, Counting Sheep, showcases Emma’s storytelling ability and beautifully expressive voice. Produced by Mitch Girio (Emma-Lee’s Never Just a Dream) and supported by amazing guest musicians Gary Craig (Kathleen Edwards, Jann Arden), Christine Bougie (Justin Rutledge) and Bryden Baird (Feist), the EP leaves us wanting more, so it’s a good thing that the 2nd installment will be available in a few months. The cover of Counting Sheep, in stores now, shows a single tree branch, an ode to the artists ongoing fight to recover from her injuries and the power of music to get us through the hardest of times.

Before her injury, Emma had logged over 100 shows across Canada, the US and the UK and had official showcases at NXNE, CMW & Indie Week. She was a 2008 Toronto Independent Music Awards nominee and received an Ontario Arts Council grant to record her second album “Hit & Run.” Written and co-produced by Emma, both of her albums have garnered fantastic reviews and sought the attention of campus radio, CBC and the Verge on XM Satellite Radio. The Ontario Arts Council again backed the young artist, awarding her an International touring grant which took her from Toronto down to Mississippi and back in Feb and March 2009, with stops at SXSW, and NYC’s famed Bitter End.

In early 2016 Emma began writing songs again. “They just started pouring out of me” she said, “I am channeling all of my loss and frustration, all of the pain and hardship of the last few years.” Emma will be going into the studio to record later this year and hopes to release her third full length album in 2017. Bandcamp page Here.

The EP 'Counting Sheep' opens with the beautiful song 'Sixteen'.  Emma has an infectious voice and pens thoughtful and engaging lyrics. Musically the songs just glide along, in part because of the skilled musicians and also the terrific production. As a foretaste of what might be on her third album, this is a teasingly good collection of songs.

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Tempesst - Broke Down Blues.

Background promo - Far from the poor man blues such title would suggest, Tempesst approach their latest with reckless abandon and full-bodied revelry. Following back-to-back #bangers, ‘Tidal Wave’ and ‘Too Slow’, new single ‘Broke Down Blues’ celebrates the strange euphoria encountered at breaking point, or somewhere thereafter. Down and out, but richer for it.

“It’s an ode of sorts,” explains vocalist Toma Banjanin. “It’s meant to feel more liberated and triumphant than a whining, entitled artist crying about not having any money. It doesn't represent breaking point, it's celebrating what's already broken.” Since ‘breaking’ onto the scene mid–2015, Tempesst have worked their way up the proverbial ladder; hotly tipped, ones-to-watch-listed and publicly adored by the likes of Noisey/VICE, DIY, NME, Drowned In Sound, BBC Radio 6 Music (Lauren Laverne), Radio X (Maz Tappuni, Communion Presents) and triple j.

Fresh from The Great Escape, NME Awards 2016, Live At Leeds, Liverpool Sound City, Bushstock Festival and recent tours with Albert Hammond Jr and Gary Clark Jr, Tempesst announce a new London headline at Moth Club on September 29. It follows two sold out shows (their first ever headlines), the latest of which called on support from Tame Impala’s Jay Watson under his solo moniker GUM.

There is a little bit of swaggering confidence with the song 'Broke Down Blues', and that's understandable as it's got so much going for it. Melody and hooks galore and a chorus line that just takes it all up another level, and a massive feel good factor makes for one very good song.

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