Alternative Take: Human Movement - Tomas Doncker - Jerome Blazé

Human Movement - Robots Have A Voice.

Background - Last week Australian duo Human Movement, released the first taste of their upcoming debut EP, "Dancing Room," with a one-two audio-visual punch for the title track. Lead single "Dancing Room" reassured eager fans that the 19 and 21-year-old duo still have a Midas touch when it comes to poignant dance floor hits, while the music video granted them a first time look into the Movement. 

Now, after debuts on Anna Lunoe's Apple Music Beats 1 Radio, spins on Triple J Radio, and praise from Insomniac, Stoney Roads, Your EDM, Music Ninja, Next2Shine, and more, Human Movement's Blake Gilray and Edward MacDonald have unveiled their second EP cut, "Robots Have A Voice."  On this track that Nest HQ calls "powerful and dark," Human Movement relish in their trademark sound that fuses menacing rhythms with pulsating kick drums and synth.  

Looking forward to the remainder of the EP, fans can anticipate the debut of two remaining tracks "5:00 AM" and "Better Off Dead," the latter of which features a team-up with hype-worthy Deadmau5 signee Eekkoo.

'Robots Have A Voice' is my personal favourite of the two tracks from the EP shared so far. It's no surprise that the duo Human Movement have gained so much attention, their imaginative music and quality production, makes tracks like this an audiophiles dream.

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Tomas Doncker - Some Ol Dolls.

Background - As a prime mover on New York’s downtown “No Wave” scene in the early 1980s, Tomás Doncker cut his teeth as a guitarist with such genre-busting groups as James Chance & The Contortions, Defunkt, J. Walter Negro & The Loose Jointz and many more. Eventually he went international, touring and recording in Japan with jazz pianist Masabumi Kikuchi, and producing studio and songwriting sessions with Boosty Collins, Yoko Ono, jazz saxophonist Sadao Watanabe and Grammy-winning producer Prince Charles Alexander, to name just a few. Since then, Doncker has continued to work with an A-list of iconic musicians, including Ivan Neville (on his solo album Thanks), Bonnie Raitt, Meshell Ndegeocello, Living Colour lead singer Corey Glover, former P-Funk keyboardist Amp Fiddler…and the list keeps growing. In 2008, he produced and released Inside Out, and followed that with The Mercy Suite, a collaboration with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa.

Power of The Trinity, a meditation on the legacy of Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, features legendary bassist/producer Bill Laswell, Ethiopian singers Ejigayehu “Gigi” Shibabaw and Mahmoud Ahmed, legendary Ethiopian guitar hero Selam Woldemariam (who also served as production consultant for the project) and a host of New York’s finest jazz, funk and rock musicians. Power of The Trinity was released on Mr. Doncker’s True Groove label in June 2012

The summer of 2013 was quite exciting for Tomás. He was invited to perform again at NYC’s Summerstage for 11 shows. He co-wrote and was the musical director for performance artist Marla Mase’s multi-media dance concert, “Speak.” He was also the musical director and a featured performer in “Diablo Love”, a fantastical love story with live music that re-imagined songs made famous by American Blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player, Howlin’ Wolf. He also wrote original compositions for this show with legendary director Alfred Preisser. founder of The Classical Theatre of Harlem and currently the artistic director at Harlem School of the Arts.

The new and extremely potent release inspired by the Charleston Massacre; Tomás Doncker's "The Mess We Made" (released December 8th) is a racially charged epic that shows his unshakeable political views. Doncker is a renowned New York blues/soul artist. On "This Mess We Made" he gives all of us a glimpse into the bitter realities of modern America.

'Some Ol Dolls' is the first song on the new album, and is a clear foretaste of what's to follow. There is a powerful charge to each song, underpinned by a mixture of incredible blues music and the soulful voice of Tomas Doncker. It's music with a message, delivered with feeling, and superb musicianship.

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Jerome Blazé - Lone Pine.

Background - The Battle of Lone Pine is one of the most famous assaults of the Gallipoli campaign, and this was the inspiration for the track from start to finish.

Tucked away in the picturesque Southern Highlands of New South Wales in Australia, Jerome Blaze began writing and producing music in a self-made studio when he was only 14, where he continues to hone his creative talent today. Gifted with a producers ear, an intrinsic ability to cohesively fit sounds together, along with the love of poetry and literature which is evident in his lyrics Jerome creates music which is relatable and conjures a vast array of emotions, unique for every listener.

'Lone Pine' is one of those refreshing surprises. Jerome Blaze creates a vast landscape of sound, that builds into a synth laden fast paced piece. Vocals are sensitive and kept to a minimum, as the music production increasingly demands your attention.


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Genre Mix: Citizen Of The World - Animal Daydream - The Aquadolls

Citizen Of The World - Setting Out.

Background - Citizen of the World has built on the success of the foot stomping folk-rock genre, popularised by the likes of Mumford & Sons, to carve a new genre described by one competition judge as “epic folk”. The band successfully combines the unique sound of the saxophone with acoustic folk and traditional rock to have you reflecting on the stories that shape your life. Since forming in 2012, the band has played at various venues and band competitions around Sydney, toured India, released their first EP and is now releasing their third music video. 

Their new song ‘Setting Out’ fits directly into their signature genre of epic folk, combining contemplative verses with a powerful chorus lifted up by a strong drums and horns section. The song tackles the strong feelings associated with new beginnings, new projects, and new perspectives. The kick carries the song through soft verses and strong choruses, and tries to harness a multitude of emotions into one piece. 

The song was recorded and mixed in Gerrit’s living room in Coogee (affectionately known as Bay Street Records). 

Described as part of the modern folk-rock genre, Citizen Of the World stand out to me, as a band to take note of, in an increasingly crowded music style. 'Setting Out' is the first song I have heard by the band, it's not overly produced and sounds very natural, so that it is 'epic' without becoming pretentious and artificial, something I find a little to often in this musical genre. I look forward to hearing more from them.

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Animal Daydream - Citrus.

Background - In early 2015, Animal Daydream appeared on the scene and took the indiepop world by storm, garnering positive press from Austin Town Hall, Back Seat Mafia, Big Takeover, Collapse Board, Examiner, Get It On Vinyl, Magnet, Vinyl District, When You Motor Away, and Whispering' & Hollering' just to name a few outlets - pretty impressive for a new, enigmatic duo from Gothenburg, Sweden. 

Now, just over one year after the release of their debut single, we are proud to present another small batch of songs that will just melt away in your ears. Not too far off from what they gave us the first time, these songs are reminiscent of later Teenage Fanclub and Fleet Foxes, but also borrow liberally from the sound of '70s soft rock, particularly Fleetwood Mac and CSNY, with their strong vocal harmonies and overall smooth, almost slick production. And once again, all four tracks are pure gold, solid gold. Now if they would only follow up with that full length they might rule the world.

'Citrus' has that classic jangly guitar sound that I associate so often with indie pop, however the vocals and harmonies really do take it into the realms of 1970's soft rock. The overall effect is something quite timeless, so that the name checked references above really do hold water.

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The Aquadolls - Girl Riot.

Background - Formed by the lead singer and writer of the band, Melissa Brooks and bred out of the Southern California, Orange County do-it-yourself garage scene.

Melissa Brooks and The Aquadolls put forth a trip out, pop punk vibe as they discuss love, opening your mind and hating being a teenager.  

OC based indie label Burger Records released their debut album Stoked On You in December 2014, which peaked at #10 nationally on the US CMJ chart.  

“Girl Riot” is an anthem celebrating the strength and courage of any woman having to fight against what society expects you to accept, whether it be wage inequality or double standard social norms."  -Melissa Brooks.

The Aquadolls in part, recreate the sound of seventies punk, whilst sounding modern and relevant. Part pop, part punk, 'Girl Riot' has the energy, attitude, and message, you would expect from this type of music, and enough heart and sincerity to carry it off.

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Weekend Wonders: Daniel Amedee - Great Lakes - Crossroad Y

Daniel Amedee - Everything Will Change.

Background - Daniel Amedee is living proof that a musician can be from New Orleans, but not necessarily be of New Orleans, a distinction that courses through his quirky, eccentric songwriting style, informed by a haunting bluesy vocalese that scratches the soul somewhere between Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart, and certainly belies Daniel’s 28 years. In fact, he’s been at it – writing and producing his own music (and getting by with a little help from his friends) since age 14. Which prompts the question: How and where did this unassuming bundle of talent come to be inhabited by the avant garde spirits of progressive rock and guerrilla classical that suffuse his debut CD, Themes From (ExPat Records, 2011) and it’s follow-up Climbing (Arabella Music, 2013).

After the release of Climbing in 2013, Daniel has spent the last two years touring the United States and Canada. He’s performed from LA to New York, from Vancouver to Montreal, and everywhere in between. He was joined for a period by vocalist SE and the duo released a live record Soul With A Body in July 2014 of a concert at HotSpot in Waynesboro, VA.

Everything Will Change is the title track off the New Orleans singer-songwriter's Everything Will Change EP, due out February 2nd, 2016. The single mixes meditative beats and haunting, blues vocals to create an urban folk anthem. Tackling themes of love and human consciousness, Amedee croons, “when you see love instead of hate, when you see freedom instead of fear, and when you see truth…everything will change.”

I think it's probably the music that made me play this song for a second time. Its just got that little something extra to it, that made me really take note. Daniels vocals just add some more, they feel natural and at the same time a little less mainstream. Put together you get a fine song, one of five good ones, on the EP.

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Great Lakes - Swim The River.

Background - Great Lakes formed in 1996 in Athens, Georgia and has been based in Brooklyn, NY since 2002. The band has released 4 albums. A 5th record called Wild Vision will come out in January 2016 on the band’s own label, Loose Trucks. For this new album singer-songwriter-guitarist Ben Crum reconvened the same lineup of musicians who helped him make 2010's Ways of Escape: vocalist Suzanne Nienaber, drummer Kevin Shea, bassist David Lerner and keyboardist Joe McGinty. 

While Great Lakes' early records traded in a whimsical, light-hearted psychedelia, with their 3rd and 4th albums, 2006's Diamond Times and 2010's Ways of Escape, the band gradually gravitated toward more personal songs, with a darker tone. That pattern continues with Wild Vision. Of the band's musical evolution, Crum explains, "I feel like I'm past the point of citing influences, or of discussing what happened that made me go from writing carefree psych-pop to this much darker, weightier music I'm making now. What I can say is that I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and every album I've done has been a carefully deliberate artistic statement, for better or worse."

Put simply if you like 'Swim The River' the new album is a must have. It's packed with high quality songs and musical craftsmanship, from a band that have clearly honed their individual and collective talent. If I write any more it could get 'slushy', so just give them a listen.

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Crossroad Y - Summer Days.

Background - Indie pop gem, Crossroad Y from Sydney, Australia, invites you to indulge in the catchy and uplifting sounds of their new single ‘Summer Days’ from their first EP out on the 30th December 2015. 

The song is a hopeful anthem about breaking away from things that have been holding you back. “It’s about acknowledging that your past is in the past and finding the strength within you to pull through the tough times to see the better day” says vocalist Joanna. The track features Fabian and Joanna’s voices standing out as lead vocals as well as intertwined in beautiful harmonies. The bright layered guitars, punchy yet warm drum beat and airy bass guitar encourage the listener to lose themselves in the story. 

“We wanted to write an encouraging tune to help those struggling with different things in life to see the light and know the bad moments will pass, to breathe in the fresh air and not fear the occasional rain, for it can wash you clean” says Joanna. ‘Summer Days’ was composed by John, written by Joanna, John and Fabian, produced by multi-award winning songwriter, composer and producer Jeff Cripps (The Vines, The Atlantics) and mastered by Don Bartley (Abba, Cold Chisel, INXS, Sex Pistols, David Bowie, Duran Duran). 

'Summer Days' is indie pop at it's finest. A good song, uplifting vocals and harmonies, and a musical soundtrack that just gets on and provides the foundation for great pop music. Play it and try not to smile!

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Two More On Wednesday: The Altered Hours - Field Music

The Altered Hours - Silver Leather.

Background - Following the organic buzz that arose from “Way Of Sorrow”, the Altered Hours are set to make a further mark on the flourishing psych-rock scene with the direct, sultry follow-up “Silver Leather”.

The band, whose sound has been continually honed over the last few years, have been building a solid identity that will be truly apparent from their upcoming debut. Already a real prospect live, their shows are known for their intensity and the band's ability to envelope both themselves and the crowd in their sound – but where so many focus on the textures, The Altered Hours set themselves apart with as much a focus on the songs themselves. The group have toured Ireland, the UK and Europe and have won critical acclaim along the way.

The group have released another 7'' – Dig Early – on Irish label Art For Blind since and their full length, In Heat Not Sorry, will finally see the light of day this coming January (29th). Part of a burgeoning Irish scene that continues to spawn young and seemingly brilliant, vital bands, Altered Hours will take their place on a wider scale with this record. Melodic, abrasive, dual girl-boy vocals, a Sonic Youth and ‘White Heat’-era Velvets approach to atmospherics, guitar tone and crashing feedback, and the indefinable that is all of their own making - this band’s sounds are surely destined to travel.

Whereas 'Way Of Sorrow' for me, had a punk feel to it (a little like early Banshees material), 'Silver Leather' is definitely more psych-rock orientated. Slower, clearer, with each instrument and the vocals clearly defined, the band put a lot of work into their material, and it works, case in point being this taster for the new album.

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Field Music - The Noisy Days Are Over (Single Version).

Background - Field Music recently announced its return with a new 14 track album Commontime, set to be released on February 5th, 2016 via Memphis Industries. 

The first song to be taken from the album is 'The Noisy Days Are Over', an insistent, sax-punctuated groove and a conversation between two friends struggling to say farewell to the bad old boozy days, when they should "get to bed like everyone else" -- yesterday they shared the video for the track, directed by Andy Martin.

Over the past four years, North-East siblings Peter and David Brewis have threaded their way through one extra-curricular project after another but were inevitably drawn back to working together on their own songs. "As much fun as we might have had on our own or collaborating, we missed just spending time in the studio, the two of us, trying things out and playing together." explains David. The space that Field Music vacated in those four years still appears to be empty. No one else really does what Field Music do: the interweaving vocals, the rhythmic gear changes, the slightly off-chords, but with the sensibility that keeps them within touching distance of pop music. But with Commontime, Field Music show off their unashamed love of choruses in a way they've only hinted at before.

Written and recorded in spontaneous bursts over six months in their Wearside studio, Commontime is built around the brothers playing and singing together again, but also features a wider array of players, including original Field Music keyboardist Andrew Moore, Peter's wife Jennie Brewis and new member of the live band Liz Corney on vocals, plus a panoply of other players. "We wanted to embrace being a duo and, perversely, that made us feel more comfortable about all of those conspicuous cameos" reveals David.  Over the fourteen songs of Commontime, real life conversations are replayed, acquaintances come and go, hard won friendships are left to drift and diffuse snap shots of the everyday are pulled together into what must rank amongst Field Music's best works to date. 

Commontime is available to pre-order (here) on limited edition 2 x 180gram green vinyl + download code, CD, and download. The first 250 physical orders include an exclusive signed print.   The album is also available to pre-order on iTunes with an instant download of 'The Noisy Days Are Over.'

The new video is viewable on our BeeVids page. 'The Noisy Days Are Over' has been around for a little while, it's just steeped in class, and is massively catchy. In terms of building up anticipation for the new album, the video is a (highly enjoyable) reminder, to make a note of the release date, for this extremely talented band.

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