Friday, 27 October 2017

Eli Lev - The Lost Brothers - The Mayhem Lecture Series - Scot Sax - LA River Bend - Two Sets of Eyes

Eli Lev - Go Down.

Background - It's been said that music is a universal language. Nobody understands that more than Washington D.C.-based artist Eli Lev, who crafts potent soundscapes from decades of traveling the world. "When I've been on the road and can't speak the language, I've always been able to play a song and suddenly everyone's singing and dancing. 

There's a connection there, and, in that instant, there is a community," he marvels. Lev's new single "Go Down," off his forthcoming album All Roads East, is inspired by a series of baptisms that he witnessed on the Jordan River. 

Eli has built a robust profile through wowing audiences whenever he picks up a guitar. Select highlights from his national and international performances include appearing at Burning Man in Black Rock City, Nevada; Music on the Mall Festival in Washington DC; Kennedy Center Millennium Stage for the METRO Performs Series; and playing at the US Capitol building at the invitation of DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

A slow funky opening introduces 'Go Down' soon accompanied by Eli's vocals, which maintain the feeling. The groove is beautiful, a bluesy, gentle & funk filled three minutes of natural music.

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The Lost Brothers - Echoes In The Wind.

Background - There is something special about two musicians in unison. Solo artists bear the brunt of pretty much everything – be it success or failure, joy or misery, it is all on their shoulders. Groups, meanwhile, are mostly perceived as ideal examples of democracy, when the reality is that they are governed by a benign dictator (if lucky) or a cruel despot (if not). Duos, on the other hand, are clearly in tune (and harmony) with themselves and each other.

As if proof were needed, take Oisin Leech and Mark McCausland as the perfect example. Having had previous lives in major label rock acts (respectively, The 747s and The Basement), the two Irish songwriters and musicians first met in 2007 after their bands had slowly slipped off the radar. “We both found ourselves at house parties in Liverpool,” recalls Oisin, “and discovered that we had the same musical tastes. We started writing songs together for fun – no strategies, no game plan.”

The musicians’ instinctive gravitational pull presented them with the ‘Lost Brothers’ tag, but the name quickly stuck. Indeed, as the songs began to develop, the name started to make even more sense: the music was knocking on doors looking for a home, while the delivery of the songs was hushed to the point where you had to listen very carefully for the beauty of (and melancholy in) them.

The past ten years of The Lost Brothers has disappeared in the blink of an eyelid. “Many of our albums have been quite desolate,” admits Oisin, “but this one has tiny slivers of hope. We’ve been challenged, and that has made the songs richer. We have definitely polished the gloom a bit! Weirdly, it’s our most forward-thinking record.” Halfway Towards A Healing released 26th January 2018 on Bird Dog Records. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Ten years on & The Lost Brothers give us even more music to love. 'Echoes In The Wind' softly mixes exquisite vocals & harmonies, above an understated musical arrangement, delicious!

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The Mayhem Lecture Series - Intrepid.

Background - The Mayhem Lecture Series 'Structures And Behaviors EPv1' is a collection of experimental tracks, which are part of an ongoing exploration of human structures and behaviors. These compositions lean heavily on appropriated found sound, field recordings, musique concrète, and process oriented experimental forms categorized into various personality traits and disorders. 

The artistic inspiration for this series lies in the deconstruction of spoken word podcasts with their stereotypical approach to production, incorporating myriad vectors of dialogue with foley, background ambient noise, and contextual musical cues.  

The Mayhem Lecture Series is the solo project of Dave Wesley, a veteran experimental dub techno and ambient producer and DJ. Originally from Minneapolis, he is now based in Porto, Portugal.

Apart from The Mayhem Lecture Series, Dave Wesley is known for his adventurous DJ sets, performing regularly in Portugal and Europe. He also produces under several other names: Dave Wesley (ambient dub techno), Existente (ambient), Xerography (dark cinematic techno), as well as teaming up with Casey Borchert under the moniker The Push. As an active DJ and performer, he mixes eclectic deep sets and also performs live space ambient guitar with TV Crush, an experimental and an improvisational chill music ensemble.

'Structures And Behaviors EPv1' will be released on all the major streaming and download sites including iTunes and Spotify, and will also be available on The Mayhem Lecture Series' BANDCAMP, WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Structures And Behaviors EPv1' comprises of three tracks & we can share the first entitled 'Intrepid'. A creative piece of ambient imagination, the track is perhaps the easiest listen, with the two that follow drifting into more deep & artistic territory. That said I am impressed by all the material & personally this is definitely listen again material.

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Scot Sax - Wes Montgomery

Background - Grammy winning songwriter, singer, and filmmaker, Scot Sax shares visuals for "Wes Montgomery," a track off his latest album Mr. Chocolate. Speaking on Mr. Chocolate, Sax states, “When my all time favorite artist, David Bowie passed, I decided there is no better time to be as wildly creative as when you’re still alive. I quickly wrote the songs for Mr. Chocolate and I reached out to a couple of neighbors of mine (who happen to be former Wilco drummer Ken Coomer and Bob Dylan’s former guitarist John Jackson) and said ‘we’re sixteen years old.” 

An album of six still-ink-wet songs was recorded in two days in Coomer’s Nashville studio. During the sessions, Coomer asked, “what’s the name of the band?” Sax quickly drew a cartoon of himself as a sixteen year old on a scrap piece of paper and wrote Mr. Chocolate on his nametag. “That’s the band.”

“Anytime my entire life, when a sentence started off with David Bowie it was always the most exciting sentence. It meant David Bowie is going to be on TV Saturday night, David Bowie has a new record coming out. David Bowie on TV was my Beatles on Ed Sullivan. Before I even knew why, I was absolutely entranced. My older brother met him in 1974 checking into a hotel in Philadelphia and got an autograph that said, “love on ya, David Bowie,” Sax explains.

The songs that comprise Mr. Chocolate draw inspiration from David Bowie and Unknown Mortal Orchestra.  Sax incorporates strange synthesizer sounds, big, fuzzy guitars with melodic bass lines and grooving drums on Mr. Chocolate’s debut. Lyrically, his songs touch on fatherhood, “Two Under Two,” lost friendship, “Not Gonna Hate You Anymore” and the current state of the world through the lens of an adolescent with, “The World is a Teenage Bedroom.”   

In the last three years alone, Sax has made the documentary "Platinum Rush," published his children’s book The Mosquito and The Bumble Bee, started a podcast with neighbor and songwriter Steve Poltz, relocated from Philadelphia to Nashville with his singer/cardiologist wife Suzie Brown and become a dad to Josephine and Chloe. BANDCAMP, WEBSITE.

'Wes Montgomery' might be inspired in part by David Bowie or Unknown Mortal Orchestra, however the song belongs to Scot Sax, who channels his inspiration beautifully. As ought to be expected with comparisons like the ones above, the track is imaginative and desirable. On the strength of this number 'Mr Chocolate' deserves a visit.


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LA River Bend - Summer Wind.

Background - Introducing California’s indie, Americana/ folk band LA River Bend. Built upon intricate guitar embelishments, indie-folk facets and poetically pop melodies, LA River Bend have succeeded in creating an album of happy nostalgia. The four-piece, made up of Nate Weiner (Vocals, Guitar), Emily Elkin (Cello, Vocals), Branden Stroup (Bass, Vocals, Guitar) and Jacob Seldes (Drums) have honored traditions of Americana folk, by building the walls of their epic soundscapes, embracing the dynamics and ultimately developing an aesthetic unique to their own. 

The band began life as backing Weiner’s solo album, ‘Ride The Sun’ where the group spent time rehearsing and touring up and down the West Coast. After spending hours recording and mixing tracks for this project, with long time friend Stroup and the addition of Elkin’s string arrangements, LA River Bend was born. With the introduction of their now signature three-part harmonies and Seldes on percussion, the new and improved band mastered their authentically rustic, yet beautifully atmospheric sound. Nate explains, “The addition of Seldes to the band is immeasurable, because I think our sound would have been less dimensional without his style of drumming."

LA River Bend’s upcoming EP entitled Run These Hills was entirely self-recorded by Stroup. Mastered by Grammy award-winning Eric Boulanger (Eric Clapton, Iggy Pop, Green Day), the EP has already received the stamp of approval from industry professionals. Focused thematically on the symbolism of nature based imagery, the tracks on the highly anticipated new music depicts an artfully serene feeling, reaching emotional depths. “The calming influence of nature in LA has been a huge musical inspiration to us”, professes Weiner. 

Leading single, 'Summer Wind’ is the ultimate feel-good love song. Highlighting the band’s approach of exploring the new So Cal ethereal sound, the single emits a sense of ebb and flow, similar to the motion of waves crashing and sweeping against the beach. With stunning three-part harmonies, driving drum beats and catchy Californian melodies, the song builds into a fast paced, toe-tapping anthemic chorus, where you’ll find yourself incapable of keeping still. FACEBOOK.

Bright opening harmonies and vocals put the summer into 'Summer Wind' immediately. Catchy and upbeat vibes are everywhere, why over complicate things when you can deliver a refreshing hook laden song like this.

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Two Sets of Eyes - For The Last Time.

Background - Chicago’s Two Sets of Eyes, featuring members of The Phantom Broadcast, Splor and Groove Cartel.

In the midst of a sonic landscape between the floods and fires of Earth, a trio of friends and musicians come together to express their most prominent thoughts and feelings in song.

After an extensive year of writing and recording their self-titled debut, Chicago natives Evan Opitz (of The Phantom Broadcast, Anti/Beyond, Rebecca Rego & The Trainmen), Joel Janchenko (of Splor), and Conor Roe (of DaSHtone, Groove Cartel) bring you Two Sets Of Eyes. A progressive blend of Post Punk, Hip Hop, Pop, and Jazz. FACEBOOK.

I am always up for artists who are ready to mix the genres. 'For The Last Time' certainly does that and what's more the trio do so with a whole load of hooks and a beautiful song.

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Thursday, 26 October 2017

Mr. Yolk - Beto Hale - Kan Wakan - Panteon

Mr. Yolk - Star Light Head Light.

Background - Mr Yolk is the project of 22-year-old designer and songwriter Samuel Jones accompanied by band mates Enzo Lauvergne, Charlie Carmichael, Antoine Jauneau and Rich Chapman.

It is the solid foundation of previously being the songwriter of two well supported bands, that allows Jones to take this step up as Mr Yolk. His songwriting talents in Velvet Morning and Rocket Ship TV, have had significant attention from the likes of NME, DIY, Noisey and more, but Jones looks away from these with the intent of a more concise, focused set of songs for the upcoming album ‘Self-Portrait’.  In Samuel’s words, “when I started recording, I made the conscious decision to use fewer effects than I have done in other bands prior to this one. I wanted to make something that was a bit more concise in its rhythm and hiding behind less of those effects. When you have complete control during the construction of a song and your thoughts get re-affirmed through it, it is a really cool feeling.”

After fine tuning his skills in the world of psychedelia to a tee, he now looks to develop these ideas further, using more industrial sounds from influences such as Wire, The Fall, White Fence, The Make Up and Country Teasers. The resulting creation intertwines both fields to create a style not quite definable except that it contains Jones’ idiosyncratic songwriting flairs. “I recorded Self Portrait basically travelling up to Peckham and back constantly throughout the year on my own. A few members of my band would pop in occasionally but in a recording environment, I prefer to be alone. It is a personal thing for me ya know. My own sense of humour and views and in some cases vulnerability are on display. I don’t see how you can express those things in a completely diplomatic or democratic way you know?”.

Mr Yolk was born out of a frustrated maker and his intent to represent the importance of humour and art in music without restriction. Whether he is projecting dance, psychedelia, raw rock’n’roll or pure sexuality…he is happy to be the provocateur. In a partnership with their beloved label, Southend Records, Mr Yolk will release ‘Self-Portrait’ on the 27th of October 2017. FACEBOOK.


A woozy guitar intro is followed by subdued harmonies & vocals on 'Star Light Head Light', a beautifully laid back affair. Mr Yolk oozes cool, consider the featured song as a fine taste of the originality, varied & seductive music, that is the new album 'Self Portrait'.

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Beto Hale - Orbs Of Light.

Background - Beto Hale has just released a video for his single “Orbs of Light” featuring NASA footage. The story behind “Orbs Of Light” revolves around the separation and yet ethereal connection of two human beings. One is tasked with taking the seed of life into the future the other with its pending demise, reflecting each other perfectly throughout the narrative.

It’s a visual journey of epic proportions designed to take us on a voyage reflected in the lyrics- a metaphor for the love of ourselves and mother Earth, a connection carved in stone.From Plural Films, who produced video: "The film is an epic nomadic voyage with a SciFi twist, fused with Beto's upbeat and inspirational song "Orbs of Light." Thanks again to our outstanding  actresses, to NASA for its archive video, Lorocrom for some incredible animations and a talented production team for making this video possible."

In 2016 Beto completed the construction of a gorgeous state-of-the-art facility, Los Olivos Recording Studios. The facility, designed and built by Kaufman and Associates, is a dream come true. This is where Beto will record all his new music, collaborating with LA's -and the world's- top songwriting, performing, and producing talent. The studio will also cater to an exclusive clientele in the music, film, TV and Web-streaming industries.

His latest album, “Orbs of Light” was released on 9/15/2017 to incredible critical reception. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


The video for 'Orbs Of Light' is an intriguing piece of art in it's own right, that said the song is what garnered my attention. I can think of some very positive comparisons, but lets not allow that to distract, this is a spirited & forceful track, that engages the listener from the opening beats.


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 Kan Wakan - Tuesday.

Background - "Tuesday" is the newest single by producer and multi-instrumentalist Kan Wakan, featuring Rachel Fannan and Avi Buffalo.  Tuesday is a folk-tinged lullaby with a sweet orchestral background, ideal to welcome both the autumn and the sweater weather.

Named in the LA Weekly as "one of the top 10 young songwriters in Los Angeles", Kan Wakan is Gueorgui Linev: producer, film composer, songwriter, and multi instrumentalist. Linev has produced and worked with the likes of Moses Sumney, Thundercat and Tosin Abasi. With triple LP "Phantasmagoria" soon on the way, Kan Wakan’s upcoming work incorporates guest vocalists and collaborations into an immersive melding of organic and electronic production mixed in with the orchestral flourishes of the Sofia Philharmonic orchestra.

2017 will mark a new chapter for the LA-based Bulgarian-born musician who was recently named in the LA Weekly as "one of the top 10 young songwriters in Los Angeles".  Having produced and worked with the likes of Moses Sumney, Thundercat, Tosin Abasi, and scored critically acclaimed feature film “Dead Draw”, it was time to incorporate a few collaborations of his own. With triple LP ‘Phantasmagoria’ soon on the way, Kan Wakan’s upcoming work incorporates guest vocalists and collaborations into an immersive melding of organic and electronic production mixed in with the orchestral flourishes of the Sofia Philharmonic orchestra. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


'Tuesday' mixes dreamy yet unfaltering vocals above a layered soundtrack where acoustic, orchestral and synth sounds collide together. Melodic & atmospheric this is a beautifully addictive song.

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Panteon - White Jaguar.

Background - Brooklyn-based indie-folk singer songwriter, Panteon announces the January 19th release of her debut EP, Travel Log 1. Today, The lead single and music video, is titled "White Jaguar." Curated, written, produced and performed by Yvonne Ambrée, the debut EP is inspired by travels across Europe and The Americas, each composition serving as an ode to the experience of a specific locale. True to its name, the 6 tracks are a charmed soundscape built for going down the road, through the sea, and into the sky.

An accomplished vocalist, songwriter and musician, Ambrée has traveled the world touring and working with a wide range of artists, such as Sleigh Bells, Little Boots, Lulu Gainsbourg, Eli “Paperboy” Reed and legendary soul singers, such as Syl Johnson, Ann Sexton and Gwen McCrae. She is also one-half of the critically acclaimed duo Take Berlin (who's debut EP, Lionize, was named “Top 10 Ep’s of 2013” by The Huffington Post, UK).

Recorded in Berlin, Brooklyn (Crown Heights, Bunker Studios) and the legendary Sear Sound in Manhattan (John Lennon, David Bowie, Fleet Foxes), Panteon’s impeccably composed brand of folk-pop showcases masterful storytelling marked by striking melodies. Mixed by Canadian producer Howie Beck (Feist, Jamie Lidell, Chilly Gonzales), Ambrée’s sonic precision was paramount while building the EP. Ambrée enlisted some of NY’s most notable session musicians, including Snarky Puppy’s Jay Jennings on flugelhorn (“Ballyvaughan”) and bass player Grant Zubritsky (Chet Faker/Nick Murphy, MS MR) on “White Jaguar."

The six tracks - four songs and two interludes - weave narratives of identity and discovery. "January Keeper" began while walking over the Charles Bridge in Prague and was recorded in Berlin while in temporary exile from the US. "White Jaguar" is an ode to the Kogi of Colombia, an indigenous civilization, who still live the same way they did 400 years ago, and consider themselves as the guardians of the earth. "Ballyvaughan" evokes the rugged natural terrain of western Ireland, rocky with the unyielding presence of the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, "Hudson" describes a life in isolation and rebellion in upstate NY. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.


The vocals on 'White Jaguar' are gorgeous, personal, and drift off in differing melodic directions. The music slowly builds, transforming the song into a more expansive piece, wonderful!


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Wednesday, 25 October 2017

May Roosevelt - New Luna - Bee Bee Sea - Mo Kenney

May Roosevelt - Air.

Background - So far, May Roosevelt is best known as a thereminist. She has already performed in cities such as Barcelona, Berlin, London, Istanbul, and she has collaborated with artists ranging from Tijuana groovy band Los Macuanos to Tel Aviv multi-talented artist Kutiman. Despite her collaborations, May has got three releases to her name so far, including 2011's self released Haunted, eight musical compositions included the zeibekiko dance rhythm in "The Unicorn Died", which was composed and presented for the first time in London at the Red Bull Music Academy in February 2010. 

May Roosevelt marks her return in 2017 with her new album titled "Junea", just released on October 23th via Inner Ear. It's her first release for the label. Junea is a heroine of the modern digital world, where reality meets fiction through bridges made of electronic sounds and pixels. Musically, it could be said that she is an alter ego of May Roosevelt, adding new qualities to the artist's existing musical identity.

In the world of Junea synthesizers rule, creating a multi-layered sound environment of crystal sounds and rhythmic beats. Ethereal vocals and encrypted lyrics lead to a parallel dreamy, three-dimensional universe that mirrors the artist's exploration into new musical coordinates.

"My intention when composing the music of Junea was to create bright sonic environments and upbeat atmospheres, to shape imaginary spaces of transformation, reinvention and discovery."  May Roosevelt. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

From the brand new album 'Junea' we can share 'Air' one of eight songs that make up the collection. If you will excuse the pun, I found the album a genuine breathe of fresh air. The musical production is fabulous, where her dreamy vocals are immersed in layers of synthy sounds. Sometimes the songs are more rhythmic, other times the melody is key to the piece, always present is imaginative & creative music. If you like the featured song, go and dive into the album, it is quite special.


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New Luna - Opinionated.

Background - Manchester alternative outfit New Luna have announced the forthcoming release of their latest single Opinionated, further establishing themselves as an act pushing modern dream pop and post-indie in a forward direction.

Drawing early comparisons to the likes of Radiohead, Mogwai and The Twilight Sad, the quartet’s innovative songwriting and expressive live performances have already landed them support slots with acts including Happiness, Sløtface and Trudy and the Romance, as well as appearances at Y Not Festival and The Great Escape.

Discussing their upcoming release, the band stated: “As per with us, Opinionated’s become more extreme and elaborate each time we’ve played it, starting off as a low-key krautrock tune and now being a full on heavy dream pop jam/social mediation. Ultimately with this release, we wanted to make a simple but direct social statement and be as musically free as possible, letting the noise do the rest.” FACEBOOK.

Kicking off with a feisty rhythm that is soon followed by some impassioned vocals 'Opinionated' is soon in full stride. As the full band kick in the songs potency grows even further. More post punk than indie, this is a blast of raw energy and commitment, surely that's enough for one track.

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Bee Bee Sea - D.I. Why Why Why.

Background - Bee Bee Sea is a three piece band from an industrial town in Northern Italy, with garage-psych songs and a punk attitude. In 2015, they released their self-titled debut album (first pressing is now sold out) via Glory Records, the band’s own label. 

During that year, they started working with Rome-based booking agency Asap Arts and toured Italy, Switzerland, France and Germany, supporting Thee Oh Sees, Black Lips, The Night Beats and King Khan & the Shrines. 

In 2016, Bee Bee Sea released a 3 song EP Jacques Dutronc  Glory Records), on digital and cassette. Tracks were soon featured in major commercial campaigns including ads by Fiat, DC Skateboarding, New Balance and DMAX. In April 2017, the band recorded their most recent full-length, Sonic Boomerang, live at Tup Studio in Brescia (IT) with producers Bruno Barcella and Alessio Lonati. The record will be released on Nov. 17, 2017, by Dirty Water Records USA (cassette, digital) and Wild Honey Records (vinyl).

Bee Bee Sea: Wilson Wilson - vox, guitar Giacomo Parisio - bass, backing vocals Andrea Onofrio - drums, backing vocals, FACEBOOK.

'D.I. Why Why Why' is a no nonsense garage rocker, where the vocals drop some melodic hooks in & the music which begins at fever pitch, refuses to settle down until a catchy guitar break midway through.

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Mo Kenney - On The Roof.

Background - This is the year that Mo Kenney plugs in, quite literally. Known for her smooth vocals and fearless lyrics, the Canadian singer releases the fast-paced On The Roof, due December 8th, & taken from new album The Details.

Mo has released two records with long-time producer and Canadian rock mentor Joel Plaskett since 2012. With her third album, Mo comes fully and completely into her own as an artist; she swaps her trademark acoustic guitar for a Fender Mustang, tracing her own strange, devastating, and ultimately hopeful trip through the trials and tribulations of booze-fuelled breakdowns, clouds of depression, and disintegrating relationships.

"I began writing "On The Roof" during a solo tour in the US. I had a day off in Syracuse, NY, and wrote the chorus for the song that day. When I sit and think of all the negative things in the world it can get me down, because there's a lot of it. I go down that wormhole often, as I'm sure a lot of people do. The song is about being in that mindset and not being able to shake it. " Mo Kenney

On each of The Details' 14 tracks Mo unflinchingly confronts her annihilation and eventual redemption, leaving nothing out. Combining elements of bruising rock ’n’ roll, vivid psychedelia, and haunting, left-of-the-dial pop, Kenney navigates the darkest waters in her life with self deprecation, genuine soul baring, and typical black humour.

Before and during writing the album, Kenney was enroute to rock bottom: depressed with dark blues and drinking like a fish, unable to hold herself or her relationships together, alienating the people she loves, and living hell-bent on oblivion. It’s a journey, thankfully, that finds Kenney sailing to calmer seas, closing gently on the sparse, clear-minded “Feelin’ Good.” But the storms weathered to get there are the kind that leaves scars.

The self-destructive drive of “On The Roof” explodes out of the gate with blistering intensity. “June 3rd” channels the late Elliott Smith with spectral atmospheres as Kenney comes to terms with her alienating behaviour. And the vicious, rollicking “If You’re Not Dead” shows her playing mind games over feral guitar solos and biting hooks. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

We featured Mo Kenney back in August and are pleased to be able to feature another track from her new album in the shape of 'On The Roof'. This time we have an energised rocker with some fine hooks, that brighten up the somewhat darker lyrics.

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Tuesday, 24 October 2017

The Luck - Radio Drive - They Might Be Giants - Mitch Bullen

The Luck - Rise and Shine.

Background - London indie folk duo The Luck have premiered the video for their new single Rise and Shine, which is out now through Common Market Music. The Luck are Max and Esmay Luck, a brother and sister duo whose indie folk sound is influenced by their childhood musical heritage, from Fleetwood Mac and Simon & Garfunkel to Joni Mitchell and The Eagles. Singing in choirs and learning to play an array of instruments, including cello, harp, piano, guitar and bass, from an early age, they finally formed a band together in 2011.

Residing in Los Angeles over the past year, the pair have been working with Paul Broucek, President of Music at Warner Brothers Pictures, and three-time Grammy Award-winning engineer/mixer Ed Cherney (The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt), and with over a million Spotify streams to their name, they will be announcing their debut album soon.

New single Rise and Shine follows their True North EP released last year and is a dramatic and emotive track with melodic vocal harmonies that build to a catchy and powerful chorus. The video was filmed in LA and directed by Jeff Thomas and the band say;

"We wanted to show the inner workings of someone’s mind when they’re trying to take themselves out of a bad situation. Jeff Thomas, the DP and director found the perfect actors, Jenna and John, to help us tell the story, captured against that technicolour light that is so unique to LA." WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Rise and Shine' is a richly layered indie folk or perhaps folk rock song (it seems to veer between both). The production is very high quality, the hooks are consistent through out, and with a polished video in support, I hope this piece gets the attention it deserves.


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Radio Drive - Borders.

Background - Radio Drive is an Alternative Pop Rock band featuring Kevin Gullickson. As the engine behind Radio Drive, Kevin has won international awards and nominations for his songs and music videos. The music of Radio Drive is being aired on radio around the world alongside major artists and is receiving rave reviews by music critics. He has been featured on web zines and radio shows in Europe, Canada and the USA.

Kevin’s music has landed on charts on indie stations around the world, including Canada, Germany, the UK and the South Pacific. His music has been used on shows airing on Animal Planet, National Geographic and Discovery Channel and other TV programs around the world. In 2014 Kevin released his single "A Taste of Heaven", produced by Chris Garcia (credits include Celin Dion, Adele and Katy Perry), which was an instant hit on indie stations around the world and is still getting massive airplay and rave reviews.

In mid August 2015 Kevin finished a project with internationally recognized producer, Stuart Epps. Stuart has worked with some of the most influential artists in music, in cluding George Harrison, Bill Wyman, Jimmy Page, Oasis and more. Kevin now has the honor of being listed among the artists Stuart has worked with. The result is a magnificent song entitled “Humanity”. Late 2016 Kevin released a music video for
"Humanity".

In 2017 Kevin was chosen by BEM Wireless to endorse their products. Currently Kevin has engaged in a European radio campaign and is receiving extensive radio play of his music and in September and October has been in the Top 20 on the Top Indécouvertes, Official European Independent Music Chart and in October has landed at #8. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

I had a few tracks to choose from and each one was in contention. 'Borders' is more alt rock than pop, it does however show off the distinct & fine vocals that are a hallmark of Radio Drives music. Some tracks are more melodic, however I'm in the mood for some unpretentious rock & roll which is taken care of in style with this song.

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They Might Be Giants - I Left My Body.

Background - Why is the world in love again? They Might Be Giants has announced the release of I Like Fun, a remarkable 15-track album to be available physically and digitally on 19th January 2018.

I Like Fun jumps with surprises, vitality, and the startling point of view of these Brooklyn originals. Over a year in the making, songwriters and band founders John Linnell and John Flansburgh draw on themes of dread, death, and disappointment and set them to their driving, hyper-melodic music. The results will leave even the most heavy-hearted among us with a renewed sense of wonder. Fresh and sonically adventurous, the band’s command of the studio and the song is in rare form from beginning to end.

On I Like Fun, the spotlight is also on the band’s formidable long-standing live lineup; drummer Marty Beller, bassist Danny Weinkauf and lead guitarist Dan Miller. While the group enjoys a reputation for delivering one of the liveliest shows around, the album accomplishes the rare feat of capturing that ecstatic intensity on disc. Co-produced with and mixed by Patrick Dillett (St. Vincent, Donald Fagen, The National, Mary J. Blige), the album was tracked and mixed at the brand-new Reservoir Studios—site of the legendary Skyline Studios where TMBG recorded their platinum-selling album Flood.

2018 will also see the return of TMBG's Dial-A-Song service, with weekly instalments toll free at www.dialasong.com, and on streaming sites everywhere, featuring new music all year long! WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

It's been a long while since They Might Be Giants first appeared on my musical radar and the new song 'I Left My Body' is going to get me digging out some of their old albums. They can certainly still turn out a pleasing song, this one being a case in point, it's catchy, powerful and uniquely their sound.


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Mitch Bullen - The Fray.

Background - Mitch Bullen is a London based singer songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. His gentle, acoustic guitar finger picking and beautifully soaring vocals draw inspiration from a range of artists from different eras including Ray Charles, Matt Corby, Passenger and Bon Iver. 

Mitch grew up in a musical household, listening to his songwriter Dad's classic rock records, before graduating to generation x emo bands. He tried his hand at automotive engineering and industrial design in two different universities before realising he hated physics and maths, and opting for a career in personal training. But with more music than sweat seeping out of his pores, he decided to move to the music capital of the world, London, to seek his fortunes.

Mitch performs regularly in London's singer songwriter clubs at night and makes a mean coffee as a barista in Fitzrovia by day. With songs that are like short poems inspired by life, time and relationships, Mitch sings with a dreamy zeal that goes straight to the heart. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'The Fray' will be followed by another single in November, Mitch Bullen would appear to be in a creative mood. The song gently unfolds with his vocals and a delicate acoustic guitar allowing the track to build, and yes it builds! The vocals are exceptional & the musical arrangement allows them to shine, it's a simple case of more please!

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Emily B - aibai & vinny - Echo Valley - Alice Phoebe Lou

Emily B - Got To Get Your Own. Got To Get Your Own is an beautiful song that's hard to place in any one specific genre, it's a bit ...