Droves - Blonde Diamond - White Room - Hilma Nikolaisen

Droves - Time.

Forming a refracted evolution of darkly singed synth-punk, Droves' anti-ethos to contemporary musical embrace is transfixing. After making their debut at this year's sold-out Yours & Owls Festival, the new project, hailing from Wollongong, blooms into an inspired and precise collision of beautifully dark anomalies.

Dominated by a dark, futuristic '80s influence, the Droves portfolio features ambient synth strikes, programmed drums and ugly guitars soaked in reverb. Droves started out with a goal of bringing electronic dance culture to post-punk by singing dark hooks and melodies over quite powerful drums and subs. The group is Phillip Spiteri on vocals and keys, Taylor McAuliffe on guitar and vocals, Jonathan McKenzie on drums, Tiernan Browne on guitar and Luise Martin on bass.

'Time' is Droves' most stark remark to their stylistic and impressionist darkwave. The group's synthetic incarnation of pop, rock and synth precursors all ceremonially melt into one another in an undeniably visceral manner. They hold the tenacious excitement of punk that's sequenced through a greyscale disco ball.

The track tells a story of the working class that become dependant on alcohol as a means of escape. To Spiteri, he's also able to intertwine his own personal thread. "'Time' plays an important part in a time capsule I wrote to my father whose brain is currently stored in a cryogenics program," explains Spiteri. With grace, Droves' debut EP, 'Bloodline'—due early 2019—reflects on the effects of modern cryogenics and navigates what it means to mourn a debut, which due to modern technology, is not set in stone. FACEBOOK.

Contrasting vocals and mixed harmonies intertwine above the musical backdrop on 'Time' a cleverly arranged song that mixes vocal passions against a darker rhythmic sound. Original and lively, this is near impossible to ignore.

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Blonde Diamond - Dark Place.

Blonde Diamond is a Vancouver, Canada based alternative/dream-pop quintet formerly known as Youngblood. What started as a creative outlet for front woman Alexis Young has now begun receiving international recognition for its simultaneously dynamic and ethereal sound, retro-futuristic melodies and bitter-sweet vocals.

‘Dark Place’ is a new single taken from the band’s second EP, ‘Fantasy Love’, which will be released on 2nd November. Slinky and seductive, the song pulses with a simple yet insistent bassline over which guitars and keyboards build to an epic climax as Young sings about the constant search for a love that always seems doomed from the outset, yet ending by expressing that ‘I just want to repeat this.’ A lyric video for ‘Dark Place’ is full of noir-ish imagery that complements the song perfectly.

“‘Dark Place’ speaks to the masochistic tendency of repeatedly making the same mistake and not understanding the compromising effects of that until it’s too late,” explains Young. “Sometimes you really need to have something completely fall apart and be destroyed before you are able to fully understand its value. It is the thrilling allure of pressing the self-sabotage button and watching what unfolds before you.”
           
The new EP contains six songs, including the April 2018 single ’Better When You’re Close’ (released as Youngblood). WEBSITE.

'Dark Place' opens with a pulsating and gliding electro vibe, that suits the melodic yet determined vocals. It's a little bit dream pop meets dance pop, and it's definitely catchy.


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White Room - Shoot.

Brighton indie risers White Room share Shoot, their first release of 2018 and follow-up to 2017 double EP Eight, co-produced by frontman Jake Smallwood and Theo Verney (Fake Laugh, TRAAMS, FUR).

Representing a bold step into a new realm with its tighter, sharper sound, the live bedroom recording captures the band’s performance intensity with their grittier approach suggesting there’s plenty more to come.

Having spent 2017 conquering the festival circuit and receiving widespread acclaim throughout the tastemaker community (DIY, Clash, Dork, Wonderland) and radio airwaves (BBC 6 Music, Radio X), the quintet played their biggest headline shows to date in London (Moth Club) and Brighton (Patterns) this spring, cementing their reputation for visceral, energetic and captivating live performances.

After a summer immersed in writing and developing new material, the five-piece are ready to hit the road again supporting The Blinders on an extensive UK tour alongside the release of Shoot, the first of two follow-up singles to Eight. TWITTER.

'Shoot' is a vibrant and funky indie rocker, that mixes the occasional explosion of power with some hook laden chunky rhythms and deliciously potent vocals.

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Hilma Nikolaisen - Only Me.

Norwegian musician Hilma Nikolaisen shares the video for "Only Me", taken from her album Mjusic out on 30 November. The video features artwork by Vanessa Baird (who also did the cover art for Hilma's debut album Puzzler). Hilma explains further: "I am a big fan of the artist Vanessa Baird. In 2016 I was fortunate to feature her work on the cover art for my debut album Puzzler. Baird’s breathtaking exhibition You Are Something Else was really something else. I’m proud and grateful to have Only Me and You Are Something Else connected in this video."

The video for "Only Me" was premiered by Get In Her Ears, who wrote; "Flowing with scuzzy hooks alongside Nikolaisen’s swooning, languid vocals, ‘Only Me’ oozes shades of the mellow alt-rock of the likes of Courtney Barnett or Pip Blom."

Mjusic is Hilma Nikolaisen’s follow-up to her warmly received debut Puzzler (2016). It takes its title from a childhood punk band she started together with her brother Ivar in 1987, at the tender age of five. This time Ivar Nikolaisen (Kvelertak) appears on several of her songs, along with other siblings, and so the mjusic continues. While Puzzler was years in the making, with songs written over a longer stretch of time, Mjusic was conceived in a more spontaneous way. This time Nikolaisen has acted more freely on her intuition and imagination throughout the process. The result is a sparkling album that builds upon her debut, but utterly refined and with more attitude and immediacy.

Hilma played in several significant underground bands during her teens and early adulthood, before she had somewhat of an indie-breakthrough as bass player in her brother Emil’s internationally acclaimed shoegaze outfit Serena Maneesh (4AD). Emil also appears on Mjusic, playing drums on “Only Me” and “Light Shines”. BANDCAMP.

Straight to the point guitar rock and some distinctive and slick vocals make 'Only Me' a very natural rocker. It's warm, uncomplicated and rather moreish.


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Thyla - ARY - Everything by Electricity - Martha Ffion - Corniglia - Samsaruh - White Room

Thyla - Tell Each Other Lies.

Background - You’d be hard pressed to find a city that possesses quite as much exciting emerging talent as Brighton right now, and dream pop outfit Thyla’s new single Tell Each Other Lies suggests it’s time to add another to the growing list.

In their euphoric latest offering, Thyla’s endless potential is laid bare once more with sprawling guitars, intense drum beats and the mesmerising vocal prowess of frontwoman Millie Duthie signalling a damning statement of intent heading into 2018.

Having shared the stage with everyone from Dream Wife and Matt Maltese to Yonaka and Trudy and the Romance over the past twelve months, the band’s fierce live reputation continues to grow at a rapid pace, with support slots for The Wytches scheduled before the year is out.

Discussing their upcoming release, the four-piece stated: “Tell Each Other Lies is about the fear of confrontation; pretending everything’s dandy and skipping through life suppressing how you really feel for the sake of an easy ride. It’s about putting up with your loved one’s worst traits because you love them and you know they’ll never change, and it’s about coming to the realisation you wouldn’t want them to anyway”. FACEBOOK.

I have to agree that Brighton on the south coast of England has given us plenty of fine new artists and music this year. Thyla and their new song 'Tell Each Other Lies' continues the momentum, this time with a lush and buoyant dream pop piece that is instantly lovable.

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ARY - Anymore.

Background - After releasing their debut single "I Think It's You" in September, three months later, the band ARY reveals their newst single "Anymore". "This song is all about overcoming our fears and don't let anyone think they can play us  around or tear us apart." - Erika Martyns.

ARY are a Portuguese Alt. Electro-Rock band from Lisbon formed by members Erika Martyns, Dénis Rhomays, Ziig Mendes and David Rodrigues.

The roots of the project began with Erika (vocals) and Dénis (producer/guitar). A new soundscape was planned, an energetic blend between catchy melodies, hard hitting drums, electronic elements and heavy guitars. Something was still missing. The liveliness of being in a room playing music with more people, the felling of being part of a group...

For these and many other reasons, Ziig (bassist) joined the band. ARY started to make sense and grow as a solid project, but nevertheless, one critical element was still missing. Rhythm. David Rodrigues (drummer), joined the gang and became the missing piece the band was looking for. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Anymore' is a passionate electro rocker, where the positive energy levels are notable across both vocals and the dynamic music.


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Everything by Electricity - Last Day Of The Sun.

Background - “There is a powerful agent, obedient, rapid, easy, which conforms to every use, and reigns supreme on board my ship. Everything is done by means of it. It lights it, warms it, and is the soul of my mechanical vessel. This agent is electricity. Everything by Electricity”. Jules Verne, 20000 leagues under the sea.

Whilst lush pop beats strongly at its heart, dense waves of guitar, reverberating walls of noise and fragile melodies collide amidst sparkling neon-lit synths, dreamy vocals and ghostly shapes via the night sky; anchored tight by pulsing bass, throbbing drums and drum machines.

The band’s sound is littered with the strains of alienation and longing for escape one would expect from childhoods spent gazing across cold barren landscapes deep behind the iron curtain.

On moving from Siberia to London, Yulia (guitar, synths, vocals) quietly crafted a collection of demo material in her bedroom studio and expanded the live line-up with the addition of Daniel (bass guitar, synths) and Manoela (drums, pads). WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Expansive sounding dream pop with melodic hooks galore 'Last Day Of The Sun' is a beautifully atmospheric song.

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Martha Ffion - We Make Do

Background - Irish-born, and now Glasgow based singer-songwriter Martha Ffion announces new album entitled 'Sunday Best’ which will be released on Turnstile in early 2018. To celebrate the news Martha Ffion has also released a track from the album - the wonderful ‘We Make Do’.

It’s perhaps true to say that our relationship with music is steered solely by connection. Sometimes that’s a very direct thing; the words we sing along to relatable to our own desires and experiences.
Occasionally, however, it manifests itself in other ways, a captivation drawn from something we can’t conveniently place or pigeon-hole; songs and sentiments we watch from afar, trying to find a way inside.

Martha Ffion’s work has always flourished within the latter of these two paths. While her Irish roots and current home city of Glasgow have undoubtedly informed her work, so many of her songs resonate all the more for feeling wildly devoid of time and place, an alluring cast of characters drifting in and out of focus, each one examining Ffion’s own thoughts on what it means to be “good” in a society that has such determined expectations.

Initially breaking through with a ‘postcard single’ on Scotland’s flourishing Lost Map label, Ffion’s reputation soared with last year’s ‘Trip’ EP, a swooning five-track collection that was released by Turnstile Music (Cate Le Bon, Gruff Rhys, Charlotte Church, Emmy the Great etc.) and championed by GoldFlakePaint for its “beautifully melodic sway”. Written entirely in Glasgow since her move from a distinct Catholic upbringing in small-town Ireland, and recorded with her full live band by Jamie Savage at Glasgow’s Chem 19 Studio (King Creosote, The Twilight Sad, Emma Pollock).

Ffion’s debut album, ‘Sunday Best’, spans the first songs she properly wrote to her most recent compositions, and is by far her most adventurous and accomplished work to-date, the lush instrumentation bringing her detailed lyrical vision to life through a series of gleaming guitar-pop songs that drift between soft-centred balladry and something altogether more cutting and forceful. FACEBOOK.

'We Make Do' is a gorgeously refined singer-songwriter piece, where the melodic vocals skip and glide above a slightly understated sound track that none the less adds just enough contrast to make this a very catchy track.

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Corniglia - But It Wasn't That Long Ago.

Background - Corniglia is an ethereal, psychedelic duo project from Perth, Australia, comprising Chloe and Matt. Matt, the primary songwriter, works as a physio, where he is privy to the sort of deep self-reflection that people seldom share openly and honestly. He listens to confidences regarding the most fundamental aspects of health, life and the passage of time. In these profound circumstances, to his surprise, some are at peace, but many more are not — the time has gone too quickly, they are not ready, it was not enough and they want more. Matt listens and gives them care.

“This idea that a lot of people aren’t that happy in their later years and watching people dying early does make me question how we live our life.”

There is a dark and somber beauty suffusing all of the art the group produces. It is the layers of sinewy texture overlaying the tracks. It’s in the lyrics that paint abstract portraits of these impressions. It’s in both Chloe and Matt’s voices. Chloe lends her artistic strength, as well as her voice to the band. She was raised to adolescence in Italy, before moving to Australia and continuing her creative studies.

Corniglia is a respite from and a reflection on the very peculiar world of Matt and Chloe. The two do not just write and record all of the music but also make all of the art and all of the videos for the project. It is an endeavour that is entirely DIY, with all of the artistic output, naturally with the help of family and friends who help them realise their vision, made by Matt and Chloe at the home they share. Their new single, "But It Wasn't That Long Ago," is from their upcoming, self-titled debut album. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

The vocals and harmonies have something of a timeless psychedelic vibe to them on 'But It Wasn't That Long Ago' a melodic and beautiful song, that certainly leaves me wanting to hear the forthcoming debut album.

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Samsaruh - Beautiful Killer.

Background - Samsaruh shows no signs of slowing down as she continues an incredible 2017 with the success of her debut single 'Golden to Thrive' - and just releasing her follow up single 'Beautiful Killer'. The Melbourne based 19 year old singer-songwriter's debut release was added to high triple j rotation and triple j unearthed rotation as well as earning her the tile of Feature Artist on triple j unearthed. 

‘Golden To Thrive’ charted in the Spotify Australia Viral Charts Top 30 as well as charting in the Shazam Top 100 Australian Chart for over 6 weeks, with over 25,000 Shazams of the single through radio play. The single was widely loved by media and fan alike, helping Samsaruh recently take out the triple j unearthed Falls Festival competition in Lorne.

Her new single ‘Beautiful Killer’ is a another exploration of Samsaruh as an artist, demanding and powerful - this track shows off why the 19 year old artist has stopped everyone in their tracks. Written by Samsaruh and production team Nightflare, the track was mixed by Tony Buchan who has worked with the likes of Montaigne and The Preatures and mastered by Brian Lucey (Arctic Monkeys, Chet Faker).

On the track Samsaruh said, "When I was writing this track, it was about the kind of people who are alluring, irresistible and sometimes illusional. The kind of person everyone knows, the kind of person that blinds you of the darker side and mostly the kind of person that we allow to deceive us anyway.  We are all beautiful killers, sometimes we don't know it and sometimes we aren't afraid of it. " FACEBOOK.

The soundtrack has a layer of the dramatic, from the opening moments. 'Beautiful Killer' mixes powerful and captivating vocals with a feisty musical arrangement along with masses of hooks.

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White Room - Circles.

Background - White Room have released their double EP Eight (1st December) via Deltasonic Records. Their new record, featuring eight songs that intertwine through their lyrical and sonic themes, has already spawned hit singles ‘Stole The I.V’, ‘Take Me Away’ and ‘Cable-Built Dreamland’ with widespread support throughout the online community (DIY, Clash, Dork, Wonderland) and sell-out shows in London and Brighton on their debut headline UK tour.

The final instalment of Eight, the aptly titled ‘Circles’, denotes a full stop but also infinity with the song itself calling for inclusivity and tolerance, succinctly tying together all the themes in the EP.

Guitars gleam and choruses glide, wedding the transcendental nous of quirky, genre-bending bands such as Talking Heads and The Brian Jonestown Massacre to the heady, insouciant appeal of Primal Scream. Eight was made for now and the current state of affairs that besiege our youth, whilst offering up the chance to escape from them for a moment and embrace all that is still intrinsically beautiful in the world. It’s made for dancing around without a care in the world or for sitting down, headphones in, looking for a new perspective. Either way, it will make you feel something.

Taking inspiration from the current social and political climate of the world and the uncertainty we live with, the synergy between the lyrics and themes signified by 8 – the number of infinity – hints at the real depth within Eight, touching on aspects of joy, strength, balance and power in unity.

Discussing the upcoming release, the band stated: “In Eight we are offering a way to lose yourself from it all and find an escape for a moment from all the horror and pain that is happening all around us. To embrace the ability music has to take you away from the harsh realities of daily life”. FACEBOOK.

We are back to Brighton again, this time for White Room and the track 'Circles' taken from the new double EP 'Eight'. This band never fail to impress me with their imaginative and totally engaging songs. So fourth time around on Beehive Candy and I just have to recommend checking out the new and creative EP!

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Simone & Girlfunkle - White Room - Mildlife

Simone & Girlfunkle - Gary Song.

Background - Following on from this year's taster track 'Fight On', North-Perth avant-folk darlings Simone & Girlfunkle are pleased to share their summery new single 'Gary Song'. In celebration of the release, the band will be taking to stages across Perth and Margaret River this month while also showcasing new material from their forthcoming album due out in 2018.

In her ever-so poetic and enthusiastic demeanour, vocalist Bridget Turner says of the new track "Gary Song is inspired by the upbeat-meets-melancholy vibe of bands like Alvvays. It’s an ode to our dead best friends – our pets specifically, one very loving and loved, yet guitar-phobic feline: Gary."

Hailing from the city of lights avant-folk darlings Simone & Girlfunkle were born on one of North Perth’s hazy, sun-drenched afternoons. With a mesmerising combination of three-part female harmonies and delightful arrangements, they produce shimmering, winsome pop-folk perfection that demands attention. FACEBOOK.

We featured Simone & Girlfunkle back in May and it's a pleasure to share the new single 'Gary Song'. It's another top quality indie pop piece, their vocals are gorgeous and the band simmer with musical passion.

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White Room - Cannibal Song.

Background - Brighton indie upstarts White Room have announced the release of psychedelic thriller Cannibal Song, taken from their upcoming double EP Eight out later this year via Deltasonic Records (The Coral, The Vryll Society).

Recent signees to the legendary Liverpool label, White Room’s nod to 60s psychedelic rock alongside more contemporary influences (Pond, Temples, Cage The Elephant) is evident throughout their new record Eight, a collection of songs that interlock conceptually, comprising similar themes such as forward thinking, hope, positivity and escape.

Inspired by the current social and political climate of the world and the uncertainty we all live with, the synergy between the lyrics and themes signified by 8 – the number of infinity – hints at the real depth within Eight, touching on aspects of joy, strength, balance and power in unity.

Discussing the sixth track from their forthcoming double EP, the band stated: ““Cannibal Song has a real childlike playfulness in the music and melody, which complements the more sinister, comedic lyrics. Together it makes a rather pretty little nightmare. For the video we wanted to incorporate inspiration from classic low budget horror films such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre and other 70s slasher movies. The DIY nature of the production and filming process, just us and a few of our mates, really lends itself to that style.”

The band will be heading out on their debut headline UK tour this November, showcasing the record in its entirety as the band envisioned, including new material unreleased at the time of tour. White Room’s Cannibal Song, is out now via Deltasonic Records and available on all platforms. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Debut Headline Tour:

25 Nov – Live At Leeds Big In 2018 Showcase
27 Nov – The Hope & Ruin, Brighton
28 Nov – The Shacklewell Arms, London
29 Nov – Actress & Bishop, Birmingham
30 Nov – The Magnet, Liverpool
02 Dec – The Eagle Inn, Manchester

Third time around for White Room on Beehive Candy this time with 'Cannibal Song' accompanied by a rather darkly humoured  & almost film noir video. The song is melodic indie rock and very catchy, I might just settle for listening to the track in future, less chance of a nightmare that way!


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Mildlife - The Magnificent Moon.

Background - Mildlife have announced their debut album with the premiere of the first song to be taken from it, 'The Magnificent Moon', at Dummy Mag where it was described as a 'masterpiece'. Tom Shanahan of Mildlife has said “The Magnificent Moon feels like the veteran journeyman to the rest of the album. I’m not sure if that’s because it was written first or because it seems to know what it wants and has a more considered direction. It never really second guesses itself except for maybe just before the outro when he realises he may have journeyed too far and his space suit has a hole in it. But then he just jams some gum in the hole and gets on with it anyway.”

Mildlife take the musical canvas, rip the lids off the paint tins, and throw vibrant splashes of colour into kaleidoscopic jams. Old friends, the Australian four-piece bonded over the desire to push musical boundaries, developing tight live shows bolstered by wild improvisation and a debut record that mines jazz, psych and disco for its irresistible groove. A melting pot of musical sensations, Mildlife combine progressive 70s sounds with electronic krautrock, backed by a mixture of rhythmic funk, house, and dream-pop, to create an addictive atmosphere that’s illustrated perfectly by their first single ‘The Magnificent Moon’, out November 3rd via Research Records. The single comes as an introduction to their highly anticipated debut LP due out early next year.

Taking cues from artistic pioneers such as Can and Herbie Hancock, creating a Mildlife song is a constant process of teasing and tugging, expanding and refining. But Mildlife are adamantly not a studio band. Between 2014 and 2015 they took a year off playing shows to figure out how they could produce as much of their music live as they possibly could without losing its complexity. “It makes the performance, the composition, more malleable,” says guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Adam Halliwell. Bassist Tom Shanahan adds “It feels more authentic. The energy can be in the song rather than sitting on top of it. We wanted to leave a lot of room for improvisation.”

On the first single to be released from the upcoming album, bassist Tom Shanahan explains its entrancing grip further, “The Magnificent Moon feels like the veteran journeyman to the rest of the album. I’m not sure if that’s because it was written first or because it seems to know what it wants and has a more considered direction. It never really second guesses itself except for maybe just before the outro when he realises he may have journeyed too far and his space suit has a hole in it. But then he just jams some gum in the hole and gets on with it anyway.” WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'The Magnificent Moon' is just seconds short of nine minutes duration, and not a moment is wasted. Layers of rich musical sounds twirl & swirl around, as the band morph between genres and create a fabulous sound. The vocals are refined, the rhythm occasionally adding a funk feel, whilst the synths are creatively used. The debut album is eagerly looked forward to.

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White Room - Ysgol Sul - Death Of Guitar Pop - Trevor Hall - Wild Meadows - ALASKALASKA

White Room - The Blue / Tomorrow Always Knew.

Background - Brighton indie rockers White Room have announced their debut headline UK tour featuring new double EP Eight in its entirety (released on 1st December).

Recent signees to the legendary Liverpool label, White Room’s nod to 60s psychedelic rock alongside more contemporary influences (Pond, Temples, Cage The Elephant) is evident throughout their new record Eight, a collection of songs that interlock conceptually, comprising similar themes such as forward thinking, hope, positivity and escape.

Inspired by the current social and political climate of the world and the uncertainty we all live with, the synergy between the lyrics and themes signified by 8 – the number of infinity – hints at the real depth within Eight, touching on aspects of joy, strength, balance and power in unity.

Discussing the release, the quintet stated: “In Eight we are offering a way to lose yourself; find an escape, and to embrace the intrinsic ability music has to take you away from the harsh realities of life”. Website here, Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour news page.

We have two tracks, 'The Blue' and 'Tomorrow Always Knew' and both vie for attention. The sixties psychedelic influences shine through, the second song has more than a little of The Beatles flavour to it. That said the creativity of White Room deserves full recognition, as does the fresh production, and melodic delivery.


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Ysgol Sul - Elsewhere.

Background - West Wales three piece Ysgol Sul will be self-releasing their first collection of English language songs –“Eventide”- on 30/09/17.

Brought together by a mutual love of the 90s underground, Iolo Jones (singer, guitarist), Llew Davies (drummer), Cian Owen (bass guitar), formed Ysgol Sul in 2014. Having released several singles and an EP called “Huno”, the band has managed to earn a cult following within the Welsh language scene.    

“Eventide” is a stark departure from the slacker and languor of their debut EP, and introduces a touch of darkness to the bands dreamy sound. The EP opens with “Silhouette” – a song with a sense of yearning yet one of the band’s jangliest songs to date. 

“Promise Me” sees a return to the trio’s early surfy sound, drenched in reverb. “Elsewhere” is an unholy union of haunting distant sounds and a fierce unrelenting beat. Introverted lyrics coupled with sweet harmonies are brought to the EP by “Dwell”. Krautrock locomotive, “Solitude”, closes the collection. Facebook here.

The Welsh music scene has given us some fine new music this year and Ysgol Sul continue the momentum with 'Elsewhere' a dreamy and expansive rocker. There is plenty to say for singing in the "language of your heart" the switch to English however has not dampened the natural passion & hopefully makes the band more immediately assessable to a larger audience.

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Death Of Guitar Pop - Suburban Ska Club Feat. Neville Staple.

Background - Essex-based Death Of Guitar Pop have announced details of their debut album ’69 Candy Street’ (out November 10th), a new single ‘Suburban Ska Club’ (which features Neville Staple of The Specials), and their debut live show as a 9-piece ska band (taking place at Oslo, Hackney on Friday 1st December). 

Death Of Guitar Pop have been sparking huge interest from over recent months, with The Orginal Rudeboy Neville Staple (The Specials) collaborating on their new single, the Bad Manners horn section (aka The Mafia) throwing their hat into the ring to play on the album (and will play as part of the Death Of Guitar Pop live band playing at Oslo on December 1st), and with the likes of Pauline Black (The Selecter) and Dave Wakeling (The Beat) give the lads big props on social media.

“Suburban Ska Club” is lyrically inspired by the characters that frequent the bands free Ska night “Ska Club Essex", a “no thrills - just tunes” monthly affair at the spit and sawdust boozer The Traitors Gate, deep in the heart of Grays Essex. Facebook here.

OK so I am a sucker for anything Ska and Death Of Guitar Pop's collaboration with Neville Staple on the new song 'Suburban Ska Club' is an absolute delight. The dancing on the video has some classic Two-Tone era moves, what more can I ask for?


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Trevor Hall - What I Know.

Background - Raised on an island in South Carolina, singer/songwriter Trevor Hall realized at a young age that music was more than just a passion - it was, rather, his life’s art. At sixteen, he recorded his first album, soon after which he left South Carolina for Idyllwild Arts Academy in California where he studied classical guitar and was introduced to the practices of yoga and meditation, which would greatly influence his life and his music.

Hall’s music, a blend of roots and folk music, is imbued with a deep love of Eastern Mysticism. This powerful symbiosis fostered a deep connectivity with his growing fan base and Trevor quickly matured into a leader of the burgeoning conscious musical community. Along with numerous pilgrimages to India, he has also completed a series of sold-out tours and collaborations with artists such as Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Matisyahu, Michael Franti, Xavier Rudd and Nahko & Medicine for the People.

His previous full-length album releases, Chapter of the Forest (2014) and KALA (2015), debuted at #3 and #2 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart respectively and were supported by extensive tours around the US and Australia. Beyond his intention to spread love and healing through music, Hall also collects donations to support children’s education in India and has continuously donated to charities and relief funds.

The Fruitful Darkness is Trevor’s first independent release — supported by his fans know as The Villagers — has become the #1 Music campaign of its kind in 2017. “There have been many hurdles and triumphs along the way” Hall reflects, after a decade plus recording for established labels such as Geffen and Vanguard. “This album conveys the deep vulnerability of journeying through the unknown, as opposed to playing it safe.” Besides the change in infrastructure, the album itself explores completely new sonic terrain and is being released unconventionally, in three song installments on specific lunar dates, with the intention to buck the trend of fly-by-night releases and hold the conversation for a whole year. Website here, Facebook here.

When Trevor Hall's vocals kicked in, I just wanted to hear more. 'What I Know' is a fabulously constructed song, the music moves from being understated to a richer, fuller sound, but never loses it's clarity. The harmonies manage to add even more passion and feeling.

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Wild Meadows - Feel The Noise.

Background - Wild Meadows present ‘Feel the Noise’, the lead single from their forthcoming debut self-titled LP. A blend of pulsating noise-pop, psych-rock and shoegaze, the track is the first offering from Wild Meadows with this new lineup, with singer Jessica Lawrence, guitarist Dylan Bird and drummer Simon Gemmill joining original members James Ross (guitar/vocals) and Donovan Pill (bass). 

Hailing from different corners of Australia and the world, the band’s current members came together in mid-2016 and immediately set about writing material for this new album – a follow-up to the band’s 2015 EP.

Recorded, mixed and produced by Paul ‘Woody’ Annison (Black Cab, Rocket Science) and mastered by William Bowden (The Church, Gotye), Wild Meadows’ self-titled LP is set for release in early 2018. Facebook here.

A powerful yet well defined wall of sound ensures the Shoegaze vibe is there right from the start on 'Feel The Noise'. The vocals add some delicacy and additional atmosphere, and as the song develops the track suggests the band are not stuck in any particular rock genre.

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ALASKALASKA - Patience

Background - ALASKALASKA are a London based art-pop 6 piece. Since 2016 they have been busy cultivating a beautiful groove-laden sound, seamlessly blending jazz, disco, funk and R&B into something totally new and unique. Bandleader and vocalist, Lucinda John-Duarte’s ethereal and otherworldly voice twists brooding and introspective lyrics into hypnotic melodies, which play out alongside rich and intricate arrangements - synthetic beats and live drums, shimmering guitars, pulsing bass, with swirling synths and saxophones rounding it all off.

Their brilliant self-titled debut EP is the perfect introduction to their brand of unique off-kilter pop. The four songs - Bitter Winter, Familiar Ways, Patience, This - mark the arrival of a formidable group, reminiscent of Arthur Russell, Talk Talk, Dirty Projectors and Warpaint. They’ve built a cult following and reputation as extraordinary performers through a handful of shows in London and most recently on tour throughout the UK and Europe supporting Alvvays.

'Patience' is inspired by classic 90s film Sliding Doors, and naturally, a love of watermelons, it was filmed around the band’s South East London locale. The song was inspired by the more pop-leaning side of the Tsonga (or Shangaan) disco movement. Its climatic intertwining sax driven finale has become a highlight of their live performances and serves as another taste of their brilliant self-titled debut EP.

ALASKALASKA (EP) is out on 29th September via Marathon Artists’ imprint House Anxiety (the label that introduced the world to King Krule and Courtney Barnett). There is a release party at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club on September 28th, their biggest headline show to date, with support from Sorry and Boniface. Limited ticket and 12” EP bundles are available exclusively from Dice now. Website here, Facebook here.

We featured ALASKALASKA back in May and the latest song 'Patience' is more than welcome. The band have a distinct and pleasing sound, where different musical styles and arrangements emerge within just one song.


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Six Of The Best: Ping - Low Island - White Room - The Megaphonic Thrift - Soft Lions - Rosebug

Ping - Something Worth Saving.

Background - Something Worth Saving is the first single from Dublin singer Ping aka Ingrid Madsen.

Whilst the name might be new to people, her voice certainly won’t be. Not long after being a contestant on The Voice of Ireland, Ping was asked to join the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra on a sold out 10 week tour of the USA on their “Women of Ireland” project. Since then she has been performing constantly throughout Ireland enhancing her reputation as one of Ireland’s finest vocalists.

 Written by PictureHouse songwriter Dave Browne with Lasse Anderson and recorded between Dublin and Sweden by Adam Kviman (Eagle Eye Cherry, Jewel, The Wannadies et al) the track will be released via PHRC on November 25th. Facebook here.

'Something Worth Saving' is a pleasing pop ballad that gives Ping the perfect opportunity to showcase her melodic and engaging vocals. For me it's a real sense of emotion that brings the song to life and gives it enough edge to stand out.

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Low Island - Anywhere.

Background - Blending disparate influences such as Arthur Russell, Caribou, Warpaint and Grizzly Bear into a cohesive yet left-of-centre sound, new Oxford quartet Low Island are set to release their self-titled debut EP this January on Kobalt Music.  They preview the EP’s release with their debut London show at The Sebright Arms on November 28th.

Although still in their early twenties, Low Island share a rich and varied musical background which informs their current synthesis of styles. Carlos (vocals/guitar/keys), Jamie (vocals/guitars/keys/electronics) and Jacob (bass/keys) first played in an alt-rock band together in their teens while Carlos and Jamie also embraced dance music with some success: they held a residency at The Warehouse in Leeds; DJed at festivals such as Glade and Gottwood; and their original productions received Radio 1 airplay.

Drummer and percussionist Felix adds another dimension to his bandmates’ background in live bands. In addition to touring with the Grammy-winning jazz/rock/soul fusion collective Snarky Puppy, Felix has also performed with the band’s founding member and pianist, Bill Laurance.

Carlos and Jamie discovered Low Island’s sonic style while working on a score for a play. Together with their long-time collaborators Jacob and Felix, they continued to explore their possibilities in their garage-based studio, a space they have filled with electronic, acoustic and found sounds. This combination of elements provides the foundation for their first EP, which was entirely self-produced. Facebook here.

The gentle and bright vocals fit so well with the developing soundtrack of 'Anywhere'. Melodic, very well crafted and produced, the song builds in power without losing any of the clarity and hooks.

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White Room - Stole The I.V.

Background - White Room have announced the upcoming release of their brand new single ‘Stole The I.V.’, a full throttle, lung-bursting, rock n’ roll anthem that’s sure to propel the Brighton outfit to ever greater heights over the coming months.

With an impressive summer of festival appearances under their belts, including performances at Isle Of Wight, Reading & Leeds and Dot To Dot alongside the likes of Black Honey, The Vryll Society and YAK, the five-piece regrouped in the studio with esteemed producer Adrian Bushby (My Bloody Valentine, Muse, The Maccabees) to record another blistering number that serves as a real statement of intent going into 2017.

The quintet’s rapidly developing live reputation has already earned them plenty of plaudits across the country, and this latest psychedelic-tinged effort showcases frontman Jake Smallwood’s incredible songwriting prowess amongst a sea of soaring guitars and killer riffs that hint further at their exciting potential.

Recorded at Vada Studios and produced and mixed by Adrian Bushby. White Room’s Stole The I.V. is released on 18th November and will be available via Spotify, iTunes and Apple Music. Website here.

Live Dates:
05 Nov – The Lending Room, Leeds*
11 Nov – Sofar Sounds, London
12 Nov – Nambucca, London*
25 Nov – Maze, Nottingham*
*This Feeling Club Night

With a confident and powerful musical opening 'Stole The I.V' comes further to life as the perfectly matched vocals take hold of the song. There is that timeless feel with the track, which indeed does build into something of an anthem as mentioned above. Whats more it's very catchy and should get noticed.

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The Megaphonic Thrift - Pilene.

Background - On 11/11, Bergen, Norway-based band The Megaphonic Thrift will release their album Få meg til verden i tide via Old Flame Records.

Earlier this year, the band won a Spellemann Award (equivelant of a Norwegian GRAMMY Award) for best indie album. Få meg til verden i tide is The Megaphonic Thrift's fourth album, and it's the band's first to feature lyrics in Norwegian. Much less guitar orientated than previous albums, Få meg til verden i tide is filled with synthesizers, and it's their first with new collaborators Njål Paulsberg (neo Tokyo/Young Dreams) and Emil Nikolaisen (Serena-Maneesh).

"The four members in Megaphonic have become more unison for each record we’ve made together," says guitarist and vocalist Richard Myklebust. "After the third record, making new music felt like giving each other a hug. We wanted to bring in someone who had a more radical approach to making music. We needed disagreement, and boy did we get it."

A lot has happened since the summer of 2015 when The Megaphonic Thrift filled a car with synths and boxed wine, isolating themselves in a cabin far up in the Norwegian desolate mountains to write what would become Få meg til verden i tide.

"We thought we were just heading into the studio to make the final adjustments and thought it was going to be easy. All the songs were ready. It didn’t turn out easy at all," says bassist and vocalist Linn Frøkedal. The band describes the studio process as a long road trip, where a new driver can take the wheel at any moment. "Nikolaisen is based in Oslo (on the other side of the mountains), and guitarist Clementsen was on a Japanese tour with his other band Electric Eye, so sketches and new ideas were thrown back and forth on seemingly endless mail threads," says guitarist Njål Clementsen. "This record is proof that it is possible to make a really cool record in a really hard way. It doesn’t have to be easy!" Website here.

'Pilene' is a dreamy indie rock song, where the vocals are smooth and atmospheric (whatever the lyrics might be), and the crisp musical backdrop adds melody and depth. I have heard it said many times, that your native language, is the language of your heart, which might explain the passion and feeling that comes across in this song.

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Soft Lions - Digital Girls.

Background - Soft Lions have shared their new video "Digital Girls". The video was directed by Chris Maroulakos and features appearances by fellow San Diego artists including Dustin Lothspeich (Boy King, Diamond Lakes, Chess Wars, Old Tiger), Brian Reilly (The New Kinetics, The Hiroshima Mockingbirds), and Emily Reilly (Birdy Bardot, The New Kinetics). Soft Lion's new EP, XOXO, is now available.

The San Diego trio Soft Lions was dreamed up by songwriter Megan Liscomb (guitar / vocals) in 2013. She is backed by Jon Bonser (drums) and Ana Ramundo (keys/ vocals). The band has previously been described as post riot-grrl, noise pop, beach grunge, or psychedelic garage rock.  On their latest release XOXO, they lean a bit more into a punk style, while staying true to their weird garage roots. Influenced by bands like Blondie, Modern Lovers, Jesus and Mary Chain, and Alvvays, Soft Lions love blending vintage sounds together to create something fresh.

XOXO was recorded at Tiny Telephone in San Francisco, with John Vanderslice as the producer and engineer. The band met him previously on tour, and knew instantly they wanted to work with him at his all analog studio. The result is a more confident and refined version of what the band did on last years Spellbreaker EP.

The songs are a pathway for Liscomb to lay out lyrics that are both intensely personal and deeply relatable. In these songs, freeways and city streets become surreal emotional dreamscapes set to jangly guitars and keyboards. Tracks on the new EP deal with everything from a friend break-up, objectification and catcalling, coping with depression, and falling in love. Website here.

One of six songs on the 'XOXO' EP and 'Digital Girls' gives a good feel for what the collection of songs are all about. Comparisons with early Blondie music is perhaps inevitable, however I think Soft Lions have a more gritty and stripped back, natural feeling going on, in effect blending old and new sounds, as they set out to do.

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Rosebug - I Am The One.

Background - Brooklyn-based punk-pop band Rosebug share their debut single,"I Am the One". Their debut LP, Worst Way out November 11th via Dazzleships Records, is thirty minutes of distress and pretty petulance wrapped up in a bow. The great thing about Rosebug, though? They’re in on the joke. By the time the words find the music, lead singer Becca Chodorkoff is already over it. Or, at the very least, she wants you to think that she is.
 
Worst Way was produced by Miles B.A. Robinson at a Bed-Stuy studio called The CRC. The space is owned by indie darlings, Chairlift, and frequented by the likes of Dev Hynes and MGMT. Rosebug's current line-up consists of Becca Chodorkoff (vocals), Chris Nunez (guitar), Tarra Theissan (bass), and Drew Adler (drums). You’ll want to get to know this band, because, with Rosebug, it’s fun to be sad. Website here.

Live dates:
11.11 - Release Show Part 1. - Barranquilla - Brooklyn, New York
11.12 - Release Show Part 2. - Berlin - New York, New York.

One of nine engaging songs on the forthcoming album and 'I Am The One' is a hint of whats in store. The band mix melody, punkier vibes and some fascinating lyrics. Sometimes a little gentle and occasionally quite potent, the mixture really works. There is no padding with this album, it's thirty minutes of honest music, which does for me!

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