Tunabunny - Ed Prosek - King Washington - Alexa Dark - Carter Lou & The Project

Tunabunny - Blackwater Homes.

Background - Tunabunny release second new track in three years "Blackwater Homes" and announce the pre-order of their 5th album also a double "PCP Presents Alice In Wonderland JR" released June 23rd on HHBTM Records.  

PCPPAIWJR creates a universe of sound, music for the internet age. As our access to music expands, its entire history sits at our fingertips just waiting to be heard.  Just waiting to inspire, this is the future of music—a glorious eclecticism that results in something original and urgently now. You can hear echoes of T Rex, Slits, Electrelane, Chills, Human League, John Cage, John Cale, GBV, Beefheart, Ono, Eno, Fine Young Cannibals, Fleetwood Mac, Luc Ferrari, Bananarama, ? and the Mysterians, Smiths, Syd Barrett, Sun Ra, and on, and on.

You’ll want to know about the title, you’ll have questions about the title. Turn on your TV, open up your laptop, sift through your phone, pay attention to the surreal dystopian nightmare all around us. PCP Presents Alice In Wonderland Jr is quite simply what it means to be alive in 2017. Facebook here.

We featured 'Incinerate' earlier in the month and then along comes 'Blackwater Homes' and a chance to share a second song from the bands forthcoming album. As regards the album we said "The album takes us from psych to indie rock and a whole load of other places. Sometimes it's quite avant garde other times hook laden and sparkling, there is never a dull moment", I think the new song might just reinforce that!

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Ed Prosek - Flesh & Blood.

Background - Californian singer-songwriter Ed Prosek releases new EP Flesh and Blood Part 1.

Recorded in Berlin, the artist has flipped the perspective from his previous work, with his new output yielding a much darker, heavier sound. Prosek brings together his singer songwriter roots and a more complex exploration of raw sound, instrumentation and arrangement, moving away from his folkier roots.

At the end of April he teased with "Tear It All Down", a track inspired, in part, by post-apocalyptic 2009 film, The Road. "Tear It All Down" tells a story of perseverance, but ultimately hopelessness. Borne out through both the lyrical themes and the music itself, it’s as if the very weight of the sound of the chorus is the burden of uncertainty carried by us all, and the emptiness of the verses, the stark and brutal void of the calm before the storm. The fear of the unknown is a palpable presence within the song.

Prosek’s evolution from acoustic singer songwriter to this new direction has been a natural progression through both his personal growth as an artist, and a reflection of a less certain world. Ed Prosek will be on a headline tour throughout Germany and the Netherlands in May, with festival dates and international showcases throughout the summer. Website here, Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page. 

Title track from the EP (Part 1), and 'Flesh & Blood' gently grows into a rich and layered singer, songwriter piece of notable quality. One of three songs it demonstrates well Ed Prosek's ability to turn up the power and emotional feel with great effect.

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King Washington - My Reflection.

Background - LA-based indie rockers King Washington have just released the official music video for their second album single "Superman," from their forthcoming studio album Potential. The album is due out May 19 in digital, CD and LP formats, and is available now for pre-order (here). The Pledge Music pre-order is also live (here), and includes exclusive bundles with signed product. 

"Superman" captures the frustrations of the artist - the feelings of not being good enough despite countless time and effort to improve and succeed. It buddies up to the band's inspiration behind the album title Potential and together, both titles reflect the push-pull of trying to get recognized, while also balancing the need for outside gratification to mark one's assessment of their own talent. The video crystallizes this as the camera follows fine artist Danielle Lee throughout her day as an aspiring artist. Ultimately, as King Washington's Tyson Kelly points out, "There is an underlying message that good things come to those who perservere." 

Drawing from diverse influences such as Grizzly Bear, The Crash Kings, The Talking Heads, The Beatles and Crosby, Stills & Nash, Los Angeles’ own King Washington are in the midst of creating the New California sound. By fusing classic vocal harmonies and lyrical melodies with a contemporary approach to songwriting, the band has created a unique sound that is as creative as it is familiar.

This album sees members Tyson Kelly (guitar, keys, vocals), George Krikes (lead guitar, vocals), and Billy Lee (bass, vocals) joined by David Contreras on drums. With two albums behind them, and a tour history that includes playing over 150 shows across the US since 2014 (sharing the stage with the likes of The Artic Monkeys, Collective Soul, and Ambrosia), King Washington plans on continuing the trend of blowing audiences away across the nation... as one of LA Weekly's top live shows in Los Angeles. Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour page. 

The vocals and harmonies stand out on 'My Reflection' an indie rocker that has plenty of melodic hooks, along with a feisty beat that gives the song an additional dimension to the overall piece.


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Alexa Dark - Blur.

Background - Alternative rock songwriter and guitarist, Alexa Dark, announces her debut EP, Empty Drinks/Empty Hearts, due out August 2017. The album was produced by Angelo "Doc" Velasquez (The Weeknd's Trilogy, The Fray, Christina Perri) and mixed by Patrick Kelly. 

Raised between Spain, London and Germany, now based in New York City and London, the songs are inspired by Alexa Dark's transient lifestyle. The songs were written in bedrooms, planes, between drinks outside East London clubs during early  morning hours and on the concrete of various metropolitan cities. Conceived in heartbreak, in transit and from boundless nostalgia, these tracks intertwine cultural and personal narratives, influenced by the Spanish singer songwriters played in her childhood kitchen, in addition to female rock legends such as Patti Smith, Debbie Harry and Kim Gordon. 

Empty Drinks/Empty Hearts is a collection of songs cultivated in the brief moment when the party is over, when the sobriety comes just before the morning does. "Blur" is one of the first songs Alexa wrote and has evolved to cater to many different relationships and situations throughout her life. It's a "fuck it" anthem, of sorts, but still portrays vulnerability, baring her bones. "Nothing More" is an "anti-love" song, about loving but in an untraditional sense. Referring to the EP's title, "Empty Drinks" is a party anthem that encapsulates the sober realization and reflection on the emptiness felt at the end of the night. Website here, Facebook here.

Alexa Dark's vocals are well suited to alt rock, tuneful with just a little rock'n'roll edge. 'Blur' is one very catchy song, the music is a little understated allowing the song both lyrically and through it's fine delivery, to shine through.

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Carter Lou & The Project - Do Or Die.

Background - Lead by Washington, D.C.-based musician Carter Louthian, Carter Lou & the Project's beginnings stem from tragic circumstances. The night before he was set to go to college, Lou snapped: his two best friends had recently killed themselves a day apart, and his girlfriend had just broken his heart. 

Combined with the reality of the packaged post-college suburban life he was heading toward, he felt even more emptiness. He boldly told his parents that he wasn't going to university in the morning and has chosen to pursue music instead. Since then, the band has packed out numerous headlining shows and earning a prestigious endorsement from PRS Guitars. 

"Do Or Die" is the first single from Carter Lou & the Project's forthcoming self-titled album, produced by Mark Williams and Rick Beato (Shinedown, Needtobreathe). The single's lyrical content arises from Lou's past heartbreak and finding the strength and trust to fall back in love again. Facebook here.

'Do Or Die' is a tight, rhythmic rocker that doesn't try to be anything else. Energised music alongside passionately natural vocals makes for a fine personal introduction to the band.

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VŌS - Cajsa Siik - Tunabunny - Flamingods - Rudy Stone - Thieves Like Us

VŌS - Patience.

Background - London-based VŌS will self-release their new single Patience on 10th May.

With their influences sat firmly on the electronic and alt-pop spectrum, Dawn and Palmer of VŌS describe their sound as “somewhere between Banks, Sohn and James Blake”. This new track ‘Patience’ is a really strong slice of electro-pop, mastered by John Davis (Lana Del Rey, FKA Twigs, Royal Blood) and mixed by Julian Kindred (Ellie Goulding, James Blake). The pair first came together at a house party jam where they fumbled through a track by shared inspiration, Lianne La Havas and have now been making music for over a year.

Speaking about the track, the duo say: "Patience is about love’s meanderings, specifically when you’re not moving at the same pace as someone. It’s less of an isolated moment, but a moment you’re in because of both your past experiences with others and the present situation. Like all of VŌS’ songs, it is written from a first hand experience." Facebook here.

'Patience' is a pleasing and smooth electro pop song where the music is distinct and produced with clarity, allowing the flowing vocals to standout, above the refined soundtrack.

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Cajsa Siik - Empire Mine.

Background - Following on from her highly acclaimed 2014 sophomore album ‘Contra’, Swedish-native Cajsa Siik returns with her latest full-length ‘Domino’, due out on the 2nd June via Birds Records, and will include the new singles ‘Talk To Trees’, ‘White Noise’, and ‘Empire Mine’.

Much like her previous releases, Cajsa Siik aims to inject a pop sensibility into an avant-garde and experimental disposition. Giving her a sound that is both accessible and atmospheric in the process. Recorded in Stockholm with producer Rolf Klinth, ‘Domino’ sees the songstress embark on a much bolder direction than in her previous material that still manages to maintain her core sound.

The record’s lead single ‘Talk To Trees’ displays her new intentions perfectly as she uses her collaborations with Thomas Hedlund (Phoenix, Deportees), Rasmus Kellerman (Tiger Lou) and Carl Ekerstam to add texture and depth to the single, making it the perfect introduction to the album ahead. Describing the track as a, “colourful dreamy zone where I felt connected with reasons and beliefs. Like a subconscious talk with nature. Like a blessing or a blind spot.”

Speaking about the record, Cajsa Siik explained that, “Domino can be described in two different ways. First I wanted it to represent the fact that we’re all connected to each other and that we have a responsibility towards each other and this world. To shoulder that responsibility is easier said than done, but we must try. Be aware. Not only mind our own business. I’ve given that a lot of thought lately. Secondly, every song on this album depends and relies on the other. Together they create a unit and the unit is supposed to be diverse. I aimed for creating a dynamic album.” Website here, Facebook here, live dates are on Beehive Candy's tour page.

'Empire Mine' is the third single from the forthcoming album and the second track we have featured from the June album release. Once again we are treated to Cajsa's engaging vocals that are supported by a sprightly, rhythmic musical arrangement, that develops into a catchy, danceable groove.

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Tunabunny - Incinerate.

Background - Tunabunny release first new track in three years "Incinerate" and announce the release of their 5th album also a double "PCP Presents Alice In Wonderland JR" released June 23rd on HHBTM Records.  

A 75-minute double-vinyl masterpiece, PCP Presents Alice In Wonderland Jr, the fifth album from Athens, Georgia’s Tunabunny, is the most creatively ambitious album in the band’s history. Featuring singles like ‘Incinerate,’ ‘The Rest of Us,’ and ‘Nevermind the Cobblestones,’ the band takes their experimental rock into a place that is both stranger and more accessible than anything they’ve done before. It’s ferocious, passionate, smart. political, desperate, feminist, and alive. Every song is important. Every song goes someplace the others don’t. There are no accidents; there is no filler.

28 songs structured as a song-by-song response to The Beatles’ White Album (there’s even an experimental track called ‘Revolution None’), PCPPAIWJR is packed w/hits, and packed w/originality. On PCPPAIWJR, Tunabunny proves they can do anything. It takes the sonic breakthroughs of 2014’s Kingdom Technology to a place that’s less claustrophobic and more open. Songs about surveillance, songs about futility; songs about alchemy & winter, metamorphosis & anger. Side Four features a twisting song cycle about motherhood—from pregnancy to birth, through postpartum emotional desolation, to the rebirth of self. Facebook here.

If 'Incinerate' appeals to you, then I reckon you are going to love the cosmic journey that is PCP Presents Alice In Wonderland Jr. The album takes us from psych to indie rock and a whole load of other places. Sometimes it's quite avant garde other times hook laden and sparkling, there is never a dull moment, that's for sure.

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Flamingods - Mixed Blessings.

Background - Flamingods’ art is rooted in a love for the spaces between cultures. They’re cross-cultural magpies, absorbing styles and instruments from the world over into their mesmerising sound. Latest single Mixed Blessings from their new Kewali EP is an atavistic trip through classic psych territory with all the bells and whistles of clever contemporary production.

Accompanying the single is an animated video by Alpaca Animations. It’s a rich dreamscape of primitive artwork that feels like an animated cave painting or the reverie of a brain-fried DMT tripper. In creative protest against the xenophobia which abounds in international politics right now, the video centres around an intrepid explorer on a quest for enlightenment. The narrative takes a nightmarish turn when he encounters strange and terrible looking beasts. When they throw a big party for him, he realises the illusory nature of his judgements. They’re not so bad after all.

Through fearless invention and heady creative abandon in all aspects of their artistry, from recording and composition, to their notorious live show, and their recent surreal Kewali interactive video game, Flamingods have become one of the most exciting outfits in the music scene today. 

Having started as the bedroom project of multi-instrumentalist and singer Kamal Rasool, Flamingods' second incarnation as a cult psych band sprang out of a freeform eight hour jam at ATP six years ago. Now they’re a fully fledged and feral tour-de-force, a well-oiled machine attracting praise throughout the press, festival circuit and airwaves for their peerlessly expansive approach to music. 

Mixed Blessings is further proof that Flamingods’ modus operandi with regards to their art is both fun and thoughtful. Resisting the cliches of political music, Flamingods are intent to show, rather than tell. The engaging imaginative world they build is one of peace and spirituality, eroding the pernicious and constructed prejudice around us to remind us what a joy it is to be alive and to be human. Facebook here, live dates are on Beehive Candy's tour page.

A vigorous beat and some funky bass lines ensure 'Mixed Blessings' hits the ground running. The layers of musical energy, satisfying vocals and overall upbeat nature of this song, gives us a fine track alone, the video really is the icing on the cake!


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Rudy Stone - Rudy's Dream.

Background - Nola by way of Brooklyn band Rudy Stone are releasing their debut full-length on June 16 and have shared  the video for the first single, "Rudy's Dream." 

"Entitled The Blinking Light/Peace on Earth and recorded “in fits and starts over the course of a year” at The Bunker back in Williamsburg, this new missive of good vibes is split into two distinct sides — with the A-side (The Blinking Light) devoted to a “seamless collection of songs showcasing his slice-of-life observations and advice to himself about how to be the best person he can be”.

The B-side is Peace on Earth consisting of one “side-long instrumental” that explores his “long time interest in analog synthesizers, echo devices, and drones.” (It should therefore offer a pretty handy accompaniment to kicking-back with your “recreational relaxer” of choice and giving yourself a nice pep-talk on life, and then wordlessly reflecting back on it for a while.) And don’t worry; you won’t have to wait too long to get your hands on it, either, as this wonderful self-help aid will be available in cassette and digital formats on June 16. Facebook here.

'Rudy's Dream' has a measured pace that is quite hypnotic and catchy. The power and layers of sound slowly build reaching a zenith that at first was quite unexpected, however most definitely welcome.


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Thieves Like Us - Dani.

Background - After a four-year hiatus, Thieves Like Us have returned with their fifth eponymously titled record. The Swedish/American band, named after a New Order song, tracked and produced the new record in late 2015. The new self-titled record reinvents the band's cosmic song based aesthetic with the introduction of live bass (Thomas Franklin) and drums (Tore Knipping), steering its songs into more spirited waters.

The first song on the record, Dani, explores the recurring Thieves Like Us theme of seeking completion, affirmation, or distraction "after hours". Dani is a fictitious character -- young, and inexperienced. She lacks co-ordinates to navigate safely through the evening storm. All of her interactions with other people (friendships and relationships) are based on pleasure. She will always fall victim to vampires and vice. Be it drugs, or a love affair. All attempts to escape lead nowhere and only bring her right back to the beginning of the maze. She can never escape herself. She should be locked away in a reading room and simply learn to be (alone). There is a little bit of Dani in all of us.

The new full-length album is out now worldwide via Seayou Records/Rough Trade. The artwork depicts a re-enactment of Hans Conrad Schumann’s iconic jump from communist German Democratic Republic to freedom; by a woman of colour wearing the same pilot suit that singer Andy Grier’s father wore in Vietnam. We leave its interpretation to the listener. Facebook here.

Rich vibrant synths and beautifully contrasting vocals make 'Dani' a scrumptious and moreish song within moments. The retro video contrasts even further, clearly the four year break has done no harm to the creativity of Thieves Like Us.


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