The Tigerlilies - Tallies - TALMA

The Tigerlilies - Contact.

Background - The style set forth by the Buzzcocks, Cheap Trick and The Ramones is alive and well in the hands of The Tigerlilies - Cincinnati’s sole practitioners of post punk power pop.

They have played countless shows around Ohio, serving as support for Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, Paul Weller, Guided By Voices and Superchunk, and attaining a sizable and appreciative following along the way. The past decade has seen the release of many singles and albums on independent Midwestern labels such as Atavistic, Violently Hip and Mono-cat 7, chalking up a total of four full lengths which showcase The Tigerlilies economic blend of punk, 60’s soul and garage rock.

Along the way, someone unearthed their debut record, Space Age Love Songs, which was recorded exactly 20 years ago. The LP was a hit at the time, winning album, artist and record of the year at the Cincinnati Music Awards and landing them a showcase at the burgeoning SXSW Festival. But the band had all but forgot about its release after a traumatic accident, involving a drunk driver hitting their tour van, killed their manager and momentarily dashed their dreams.

Listening back, they were all impressed with the timeless nature of the material. Indeed, their knack for sharp and concise rock nuggets left little room for any dated production techniques. They had always correlated its release with the accident, but with the buffer of time, it felt appropriate to orchestrate a re-release, a 20th anniversary addition if you will, with 6 additional unreleased tracks from those sessions. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

We have featured The Tigerlilies a couple of times before, and I really wanted to mention their 20th anniversary addition of Space Age Love Songs that was released just a few days ago. From the re-release we can share 'Contact' a song that typifies the quality of the albums material, and has passed the test of time very well. What is really pleasing is the calibre of the six previously unreleased bonus tracks, it must have been a challenge to choose what to include and what to leave out from those original album sessions, this re-issue uses the expression "bonus tracks" accurately, they are indeed a real bonus!

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Tallies - Mother.

Background - Tallies (formerly Thrifty Kids) is a 4-piece indie pop band from Toronto, Ontario, founded in 2014 by lead singer and guitarist Sarah Cogan and guitarist Dylan Frankland. While studying recording engineering in Ottawa, Cogan and Frankland worked together on a school project for which they formed what was supposed to be a one-time ensemble but turned into a full-time act. After numerous tours to Toronto, the band chose to relocate permanently in 2015 where they moved in together and have been recording and performing steadily ever since.

Frankland initially met drummer Cian O’Neill at “School of Rock Camp” in 2006, where they learned to rock together at the tender ages of thirteen and twelve respectively. Ten years later, O’Neill and Frankland are rocking together on stage again when O’Neill agreed to join the band. Not long after joining the group O’Neill recommended bassist Stephen John Pitman.

Along the Tallies' wave of success they’ve sparked the attention of Bluesfest, CTV, ET Canada, The Edge 102.1, Ottawa Life and many others. Borrowing heavily from previous generations music, specifically 50s doo-wop and 60s harmonies, they have crafted a sound that’s one part modern with a heavy dose of nostalgia.

Whatever they lack in thriftiness they make up for in stealthiness, the way their soothing beach sounds, shimmery guitars and dreamy heartthrob vocals sneak up on you. Frankland now works at Candle Studios with producer Josh Korody (Beliefs, Dilly Dally, Weaves) who is currently in the process of mixing Tallies most recent work. Their newest material features up-beat drum beats, melodic bass riffs, jingly guitar leads, and fluttery lighter-than-air vocals. FACEBOOK.

Tour Dates:
March 01 - The Casbah, Hamilton ON w/ Casper Skulls
March 02 - Baby G, Toronto ON w/Palehound
March 03 - House of TARG, Ottawa ON w/ Weaves
March 04 - Moustache Club, Oshawa ON
March 08 - Windsor Beer Exchange, Windsor ON
March 09 - The Foxx Lounge Rock Bar, Barrie ON
March 10 - House Show, Guelph ON.

With a fresh upbeat tempo and feel 'Mother' is a catchy sixties influenced song, that fires hooks from start to finish. The modern production adds more definition, the gorgeous vibes are timeless.


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TALMA - Out To Sea.

Background - The titular track of TALMA’s second EP release, ‘Out To Sea’ is the bands most ambitious cut to date. A song of two halves, it starts as a poignant and melancholic reflection on the concept of mortality before morphing into a dazzling progressive outro replete with urgent guitars that rush through the mix like the racing of a restless heart. As drummer Johnny Harrison explains: "Many of our artistic influences write about death in their music - The Smiths, Nick Cave, Pink Floyd. In my own writing I sought to approach the subject from a positive viewpoint, or at least a bittersweet one.

‘Out To Sea’ is about being comfortable with the concept of mortality, an acceptance that can afford us a sense of opportunity in fleeting moments and a perception of fate that gives rise to purpose. The culmination of the track in the second half instrumental almost expresses the ecstasy that comes with these realisations - we can embrace the absurdity of it all.”

Seamlessly blending alt, classic and art rock, London-based five-piece TALMA command a magnetic sound and presence that comes straight out of the underground scenes of London. TALMA’s raw and unshackled live performances are where they truly run riot. They’ve supported the likes of Queen’s Spike Edney and received acclaim for their intense energy and all-out charisma from London all the way to LA, including praise from industry commentator and author Ari Herstand. Singer Henry Adams captivates attention with a bravado and charm that’s rarely seen among many frontmen, while the telepathic tightness of guitarists Jack Rennie and James Creed, bassist Pete Warren and drummer Jonny Harrison make TALMA an artistic unit to be reckoned with.

Where the band draw direct inspiration from the likes of The Smiths, The War On Drugs and The National, they also incisively employ a musical diversity and dynamic range comparable to the likes of Radiohead and Wolf Alice. The result is a band who operate without creative constraints and who are primed to challenge the seemingly predetermined binaries of modern British rock. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Out To Sea' is our third song from TALMA to be shared on Beehive Candy as the band continue to consistently impress. Another well crafted alt rocker, the distinct and addictive vocals are well up in the mix, the bands smooth and capable delivery is notable, the second EP is calling for attention in a powerful way.

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Genre Wander: The Tigerlilies - Topanga - Sinners & Saints - Bokito

The Tigerlilies - Shipwrecked.

Background - The style set forth by the Buzzcocks, Cheap Trick and The Ramones is alive and well in the hands of The Tigerlilies - Cincinnati’s sole practitioners of post punk power pop. Brothers Pat (vocals, guitar) and Steve (vocals, drums) Hennessy spearhead the band which includes Brian Driscoll (bass) and Brendan Bogosian (lead guitar). Together they have played countless shows around Ohio, serving as support for Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, Paul Weller, Guided By Voices and Superchunk, and attaining a sizable and appreciative following along the way. The past decade has seen the release of many singles and albums on independent Midwestern labels such as Atavistic, Violently Hip and Mono-cat 7, chalking up a total of four full lengths which showcase The Tigerlilies economic blend of punk, 60’s soul and garage rock.

The band is following up their 2016 critically acclaimed 123456 EP with an old fashioned 7-inch single release, “Lovers Du” / “Shipwrecked”, tracked at the historic Herzog Studio Space in Cincinnati. The single will drop digitally and on vinyl early 2017 and will be released on Sir Gregory Records out of Ashville, NC. The label, run by Greg Mills, is known for its deep catalog of US and UK-based psych & garage rock.

Both sides of the 7” deal with the ephemeral nature of love and life, often capturing such weighty subjects through the lens of pop culture. “These things are important to us because they represent a shared human experience” asserts Pat. “Hearing them reflected in song can bring people together, make them feel uplifted, reflective and just better.” This is a sentiment which has been echoed by their fan base who have expressed how The Tigerlilies music has helped them through depressing and even suicidal times. It’s seems the band’s retro, revved up rock, which often comes with a care free veneer, has a deep effect on people’s lives. Website here, Facebook here.

'Shipwrecked' is a powerful guitar rocker where the vocals are loud and ideally matched for what is unpretentious blast of rock'n'roll.

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Topanga - Life's A Coma.

Background - Los Angeles indie pop group Topanga is thrilled to have released their debut EP Midnight Jungle. Titled after the nickname the group bestowed upon LA after dark, the EP was written throughout late 2015 and early 2016, and is inspired by two lifetimes of experience in the strange city. They then brought the EP to their friend Mike Malchicoff (who helped engineer Kanye’s The Life of Pablo) and experimented with the right mix of sounds and synths in order to create the perfect concoction. The final result is a dreamy six-part album that both meditates on fantasies of the past, and navigates the strange realities of the present.

Topanga was started by Derek Brambles and Eric Johnson, former members of the now-defunct group The King’s English. Both these men draw inspiration from a wide variety of musical figures, ranging from Miike Snow and Tame Impala, to Kendrick Lamar and David Bryne; however, they both reserve a special place in their hearts for Paul McCartney’s RAM and David Bowie’s Hunky Dory, going so far as to have “1971” tattooed on them to commemorate their year of release. Website here, Facebook here.

With rhythmic beats at the fore 'Life's A Coma' is a powerful track with the vocals also playing a key part in driving the song along. The 360 video is an additional treat, giving even more potency to a feisty song.

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Sinners & Saints - Promise Land.

Background - Americana duo Sinners & Saints share their new single "Promise Land," an upbeat track featuring dulcet harmonies, a swinging bass line and bright harmonica. The track comes to us from the duo's forthcoming second full-length album On The Other Side, available March 10th via Silent Uproar.

Sometimes you need a friend to laugh with and sometimes you need a friend to cry with. The two-man band Sinners & Saints, from Charlotte, NC, fits the bill for both. Whether they’re crooning about heartbreak or tearing it up with joyful abandon, you’ll feel happier for having listened. Perry Fowler and Mark Baran infuse their acoustic, country-tinged tunes with compelling harmonies and foot-powered percussion on repurposed drums from an abandoned kit.

Since the band’s formation in 2011, the band has shared the stage up and down the east coast with the likes of Flogging Molly, Shovels and Rope, Robert Earl Keen, Daniel Romano, St Paul & the Broken Bones, SUSTO, Sun Kil Moon, Bombadil, and many others. On The Other Side will be available on March 10th, 2017. Upcoming tour dates on Beehive Candy tour page. Website here, Facebook here.

Americana with a hint of more traditional country vibes, is notable on the featured song 'Promise Land'. The album takes the listener into a varied collection of Americana ideas and tunes, with the duo keeping it interesting and enjoyable with differing styles and plenty of catchy tracks.

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Bokito - Better At Getting Worse.

Background - Peddling an uproarious blend of rock, soca, funk and roots, London-based five-piece Bokito have coined a phrase for their unique genre mashup: tropical indie. Anyone fortunate enough to have witnessed the group’s jaw-dropping live sets, where edgy grooves and unforgettable hooks are delivered as if every show is a sun-baked carnival, would relate to this label. Though much of the attention naturally falls on singer Moses – a man whose extraordinary voice is married to eye-popping stage-front shape-throwing that proves a catalyst for the audience to follow suit – the vice-like tightness and melodious flourishes of the band, comprising Jody (bass), Joe (guitar), Tom (drums) and Sam (keys/percussion), are equally essential. Bokito take inspiration from such diverse sources as J Dilla, Jeff Buckley, Fela Kuti, Justin Timberlake and Queens of the Stone Age to bring a little of the rousing celtic spirit of Moses’ Irish homeland to London’s global soundscape. The thrilling results proved irresistible to Lost In The Manor Records, which added Bokito to its roster as a signing sure to put a rocket under 2017.

Though an unequivocal dancehall classic, a booming amalgam of Afro-funk and indie, ‘Better At Getting Worse’ is something of a cautionary insight to the male psyche. Frontman Moses explains: “The song is primarily aimed at men and their own handling of their emotions... and how useless most of them are at it. But we men are talented at one thing, which is suppressing everything and moulding it into a smile.” Indeed, one listen to ‘Better At Getting Worse’ and it’s hard not to crack a grin the size of an alpine crevasse, right from the song’s swirling organ-and-guitar refrain soaring across an angular calypso rhythm, to its absolutely astral chorus, a spine-tingler of a hook that finds Moses proclaiming “Everyone thinks I’m better but really I’m just getting better… better at getting worse”. Produced by Bradley Spencer and Alex Beitzke in London’s Fish Tank studios, and mastered by legendary Grammy-nominated engineer Greg Calbi, ‘Better At Getting Worse’ is a characteristically compelling first salvo from a band who have a rich seam of ready singles in waiting. Facebook here.

There is a funky upbeat groove right from the very start and singer Moses just rides above the band, delivering delicious vocals throughout 'Better At Getting Worse'.

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Genre Wander: The Medicine Hat - Leslie Doll - The Tigerlilies - Gothic Tropic

The Medicine Hat - St. Cecilia.

Background - There's no mistaking Nabi Sue Bersche's unique, raw and emotive vocals. Here's her thoughts on the song:

"St. Cecilia is a song for all the men who have ever harassed me. It's a song for all the long stares and salacious grins, all the licked-lips and hey-sweethearts, all the shadows that walk a little too close behind me. It's about the thick skin I put on when I walk alone or I'm on stage. 

I love the power of that skin, but I hate that I need to be tough to feel safe. Now a brief glance in the mirror turns to a thousand eyes ogling me up and down, unkind hands fussing with my appearance. They impair a kindness I used to carry so easily. St. Cecilia is my constant companion. The patron Saint of music, she's with me in every dark bar, on every walk home. Watching my drink, watching my back, whispering a sweet melody in my ear." 

'St. Cecilia' is the second song we have featured by The Medicine Hat, and it's another gorgeous one. There is a quite intriguing video that has also been produced and can be seen over on our BeeVids page.

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Leslie Doll - Electronic.

Background bio - From the home of innovative pop music - Nub Country Records - comes the new Album from Leslie Doll. Leslie is a versatile producer, musician and songwriter - a passionate and soulful creator and performer who takes listeners on a journey through a musical world where fun and joy balance introspection and sometimes sorrow. His music is a reflection of deep expression and a bit of urban perspective. A member of the Vermont music writer’s society he has performed with a number of bands playing bass and keyboards and has recently received a publishing contract with music delivery in Brazil.

Leslie is a self taught musician and producer, his influences teaching him everything he knows about songwriting  - Mozart The Beatles, Billy Joel, Bach, Beethoven, Henry Mancini, Glen Miller and so many more.  He has written and produced over 150 songs within the past three years in his home studio with no limits in genre as he is comfortable writing in any style of music including classical compositions. What’s next for Leslie? He is looking to write an Opera and more classical pieces as well as more of his own unique beat driven tracks as shown on Durick 104.

 “This is now a passion for me, and will be with me for the rest of my life. Being an artist and writing music is what I am and always will be. This is something I must do and is not simply a hobby, or part-time work. I firmly believe that I have a gift that needs to be worked as best I can and heard by people that enjoy my sounds and new audiences as well”. Leslie Doll. 

Durick 104 is a really adventurous collection of electronic musical compositions, of which 'Electronic' gives a flavour. Melodies and tempos vary considerably, the one constant is the quality.

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The Tigerlilies - Easy As It Seems.

Background - The style set forth by the Buzzcocks, Cheap Trick and The Ramones is alive and well in the hands of The Tigerlilies - Cincinnati’s sole practitioners of post punk power pop.

Brothers Pat (vocals, guitar) and Steve (vocals, drums) Hennessy spearhead the band which includes Brian Driscoll (bass) and Brendan Bogosian (lead guitar). Together they have played countless shows around Ohio, serving as support for Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, Paul Weller, Guided By Voices and Superchunk, and attaining a sizable and appreciative following along the way. The past decade has seen the release of many singles and albums on independent Midwestern labels such as Atavistic, Violently Hip and Mono-cat 7, chalking up a total of four full lengths which showcase The Tigerlilies economic blend of punk, 60’s soul and garage rock.

Holding together the band through the years proved challenging with certain harsh memories developing into positives and others leaving lasting scars. Their practice spaces through the years are often rich with hilarious subterranean anecdotes – from their underground “keg room” which had to be accessed through a grate in the sidewalk to their current vintage junk store which they have lovingly named “the lily pad”. A tour van crash in Dallas years back is a more painful chapter in the bands history; killing their manager, Craig Falbe, and injuring all of the band members. They stayed together, helped each other through and kept on playing.

Resolve seems to be a constant theme in the bands work and has never been more apparent than on their newest EP, 123456, which delves into subject matter as varied as loss, alienation and space travel. It even includes a timely tribute to David Bowie, written a year before the superstar’s death. “These things are important to us because they represent a shared human experience” asserts Pat. “Hearing them reflected in song can bring people together, make them feel uplifted, reflective and just better.” This is a sentiment which has been echoed by their fan base who have expressed how The Tigerlilies music has helped them through depressing and even suicidal times. It’s seems the band’s retro, revved up rock, which often comes with a care free veneer, has a deep effect on people’s lives.

Their newest EP, 123456, is out September 2nd, and the featured song 'Easy As It Seems' kicks the collection of six songs off. It demonstrates the "post punk" side of the band off, however as this collection of songs demonstrates, they are capable of slower and gentler material, giving the listener a well rounded and highly enjoyable collection of tracks.

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Gothic Tropic - How Life Works.

Background - Los Angeles' Gothic Tropic introduces a new brand of female fronted, guitar-driven indie rock. Gothic Tropic have also shared a new track "How Life Works," as they announce the upcoming album 'Fast or Feast' due for release on Old Flame Records with a street date: October 28, 2016.

The brainchild of Cecilia Della Peruti, Gothic Tropic keeps the vibe playful and punchy, bringing audiences into a new era of female rock nobility, nodding to stars like Debbie Harry, and Chrissie Hynde. Delivering a blend of Richard Lloyd and Nile Rodgers on guitar, Gothic Tropic's Della Peruti has won sponsorships with Fender, and leading pedal manufacturers, and works professionally as a touring and session player for Charli XCX, BØRNS, and more.

Another act where it's second time around on Beehive Candy this year. 'How Life Works' showcases the quality of their brand of indie rock. Layers of melodic guitar driven music, support the dreamy vocals, on what is a very fine song and taster for the forthcoming album. 

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