Blushing - Nick Heyward - The Sea Birds

Blushing - Weak.

Background - Blushing is an Austin, TX based dream pop / shoegaze quartet comprised of two husband and wife pairs that originated in the summer of 2015 when Michelle shared a few songs with long time friend Christina that she had been writing on guitar. 

A friendship quickly became a musical partnership as Christina, a classically trained vocalist, picked up a bass and together they evolved those rough songs into fully formed compositions. They then enlisted the talents of their spouses, Jake on drums, Noe on lead guitar and shortly after self-released their debut EP "Tether" in January of 2017.

Energised by positive reception, a growing fan base and a grip of new songs they headed back into the studio as soon as possible. They recorded their follow-up EP “Weak” at Bad Wolf Recordings in Austin, TX. The album encompasses influences from all of the bands they collectively share a deep affection for such as Lush, Cocteau Twins, The Sundays, etc.

“Weak” will be released digitally, on cassette and 12” vinyl January 26th 2018 on Austin Town Hall Records. BANDCAMP, FACEBOOK.

'Weak' opens with a dream pop feel & quickly powers up adding the shoegaze dimension. Melodic and atmospheric, the band have some very fine influences, however they definitely add their own quality and imagination.

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Nick Heyward - Perfect Sunday Sun.

Background - Nick Heyward's has a new video for his upcoming single ‘Perfect Sunday Sun’ out on 17th November via his own label Gladsome Hawk. It's from his critically acclaimed new album ‘Woodland Echoes.’ Nick is also touring the UK ins 2018 starting on 24th May at Concorde in Brighton, taking in 13 dates including 02 Academy Islington in London.

The “idyllic” track, as described by Uncut magazine, focuses on “my interpretation of indecision, idealism and havering - a kind of trilogy, like Krzysztof Kieślowski’s ‘Three Colours’ film series,” explains Nick. Its college rock choruses part away from the bucolic pop of the rest of the album, making the single into the perfect soundtrack of an endless English summer’s afternoon.

Prior to his hugely successful and prolific solo career, Nick came to prominence as the frontman of percolating pop-funk new wave group Haircut 100, a foundational part of the 80s-pop explosion. They released four UK Top 10 hit singles, with their debut album ‘Pelican West’ reaching no. 2 in the UK album charts, no. 31 in USA’s Billboard 200, and ending up being certified platinum by BPI, with Nick gracing the cover of pacesetting style magazine The Face. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

UK Tour 2018:

May - Thurs 24th BRIGHTON - Concorde 2
Fri 25th LONDON - O2 Academy Islington
June - Fri 1st BIRMINGHAM - O2 Academy
Sat 2nd LIVERPOOL - O2 Academy
Thurs 7th GLASGOW - Òran Mór
Fri 8th SHEFFIELD - O2 Academy
Fri 15th OXFORD - O2 Academy
Thurs 21st BATH – Komedia
Fri 29th EASTLEIGH - Concorde Club
July - Fri 6th MILTON KEYNES - The Stables.

'Perfect Sunday Sun' is one of those songs that does exactly what the song title suggests it should do. Add in the opening lyrics & it gets personal for me, having spent some fabulous times in Richmond, it's wonderful park & walking along by the Thames. The video adds some hazy sunny vibes, and the music is further evidence that Nick Heyward still has plenty of creative flair.


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The Sea Birds - Heavenly Skies.

Background - The Sea Birds debut album …blue or grey explores the rich musical soundscape of this Melbourne five-piece from Australia. Following the 2015 release of their EP …a short romance, this album captures the band’s indie pop sensibility with shades of alt rock and lyrical story telling of modern day relationships – intricate, uplifting, hopeful and honest.

From the innocence of early rock’n’roll in Love gets in the way, the evocative and haunting Downtown Waitress and the complexity of Stay, the band’s rich dexterity, strong vocal harmony and nuanced guitar work define its approach to writing music – accessible, yet beautiful and simple melodic pop songs.

The Sea Birds strength lies in the cross over potential to be many things due to the diversity of the group’s influences and members. Comprising dual lead vocalists Lara Wentworth and Loic Mamet, lead guitarist
Michael Amarant and rhythm section, James W. Du Plessis on drums and Lucas Wentworth on bass.

…blue and grey was recorded with David McCluney at Atlantis Sound and David Warner at Studio One.Be, and produced by David McCluney and The Sea Birds. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Heavenly Skies' is a refined and beautiful indie pop song. Melodic and extremely catchy, as the track develops there are hints of the bands alt rock leanings. I'm left looking forward to hearing the album.


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Arms Akimbo - Earth Girl Helen Brown - A Million Machines - Magic Wands

Arms Akimbo - Parachute.

Background - Arms Akimbo's newest song "Parachute" is a song about "what you get when you have a lot of emotion to funnel through a really small outlet." Arms Akimbo's previous release "Michigan" went viral on Spotify with over 750,000 plays and gained them the opportunity to open for The Animals (Eric Burdon) at The Santa Monica Pier.

Pay-to-play pushed the music scene east and it left the glam of Hollywood behind.  The Hyatt on Sunset is now the Andaz West Hollywood, the Whiskey is pretty much just metal bands, and the House of Blues was torn down to make room for a high rise hotel. 

This paradigm shift led to a new creative identity for L.A. musicians.  Fans became friends. Dive bars became hometown venues. Bands stopped competing and started a community.  They turned their focus to what matters most: good music. This is the L.A. scene that Arms Akimbo comes from.

Arms Akimbo is a 4-piece rock outfit comprised of Peter Schrupp, Christopher Kalil, Matthew Sutton and Colin Boppell; and their story is simple.  After meeting in college, they formed a band inspired by artists like Portugal. The Man, Local Natives, and Manchester Orchestra. FACEBOOK.

'Parachute' is a vibrant indie rock song, the vocals have some gritty edge whereas the harmonies add in a softer element that complements the whole.

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Earth Girl Helen Brown - Chisa Ramopolo.

Background - Empty Cellar Records and the Earth Girl Helen Brown Center for Planetary Intelligence Band (E.G.H.B.C.P.F.I.B.) are pleased to announce this fall installment of the E.G.H.B.C.P.F.I.B. 2017 seasonal series, Saturn.

Featuring Heidi Alexander, Jamin Barton, Aylin Beyce, Emilee Booher, Brad Caulkins, David Cousin, James Finch Jr., Graeme Gibson, Tahlia Harbour, Doug Hillsinger, Warren Huegel, Raven Mahon, Sean Smith, and Enrique Tena, Saturn aspires toward that pan-American afro-Caribbean after dark dance of devotion while considering the topic of communication from both within and without.

Saturn follows Spring and Summer installments Mercury and Mars. Each release benefits a unique set of causes that are dedicated to making the world more healthy, verdant and safe place.

Available from Empty Cellar Records on limited edition 100% post-consumer recycled cassette tape on 11/03, all proceeds benefit organizations committed to the promotion of open and free communication, communicative ingenuity and popular communicative infrastructural development. WEBSITE, BANDCAMP, FACEBOOK.

We featured 'Flowers Of Darkness' from Earth Girl Helen Brown back in July & 'Chisa Ramopolo' makes for a welcome return. Previously we used the word "quirky" & the new song has a definite requirement for us to use it again. I can add, catchy, fabulous and upbeat as well as lovable!


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A Million Machines - Absence Without Leave.

Background -  LA-based synth pop outfit A Million Machines have announced 'Absence Without Leave' as the second single from their first full-length self-titled album, slated for release on November 24, 2017. This follows up the first single ‘Come Tonight’. The video for 'Absence Without Leave' was shot on the Yurikamome train, a driverless, automated transit service, while en route from Shimbashi to Odaiba.

Featuring 11 tracks, this album is a synth pop kaleidoscope, densely layered in clean, modular synthesizers and a heavy melodic aesthetic between light and darkness. The first two singles are pulsating electronic burners echoing Depeche Mode in their technical attack of modular synths, coupled with passionate male vocals.

‘Come Tonight’ is a pulsating electronic burner that echoes Depeche Mode in its technical attack of modular synths, coupled with passionate male vocals. "This song encourages an awakening to the state of the world. An awakening to prejudice, corruption and human rights. An awakening to a revolution," says vocalist Fate Fatal. BANDCAMP, WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Absence Without Leave' follows on just two months (& one day) from our first feature for A Million Machines, it's the second single from their debut album. This is some top notch synth pop and the video adds to the atmosphere. Check out both songs & if you like, there are another nine desirable tracks on the album that are ready & waiting.


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Magic Wands - Loveline.

Background - Magic Wands are a dream pop duo from Los Angeles, California. They are known for their melodic, catchy songs “Black Magic” and “Teenage Love.” Chris and Dexy Valentine create music that centers on their main influence— the love of all things “magic” “love,” and “dreams". They have recently expanded to a five piece for live. Magic Wands Abracadabra Tour begins this fall in anticipation of their third album ‘ABRAKADABRA' due out early spring 2018.
       
Magic Wands have been remixed by The XX and Crystal Fighters (featured #1 in NME) as well as have toured and shared bills with The Horrors, The Black Keys, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Wombats and The Kills. In 2012 they released their debut album Aloha Moon & performed live on BBC1 Radio and XFM followed by Jupiter in 2016. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

UK & EU Tour Dates:
11.04 - Kasbah Nightclub - Coventry
11.05 - Picture House Social - Sheffield
11.06 - The Lanes - Bristol
11.07 - Duffy's Bar - Leicester
11.08 - The Brewhouse - London
11.09 - Supersonic - Paris
11.10 - The Great Rang Teng Teng - Freiburg
11.11 - Die Kellerperle - Wurzburg
11.12 - Badehaus - Berlin
11.13 - Das Bett - Frankfurt
11.14 - Molotow - Hamburg
11.15 - Druckluft - Oberhausen
11.16 - Coq d'Or - Olten
11.17 - ACU - Utrecht
11.18 - Gebr de Nobel - Leiden

Just a quick mention that from November onwards all tour details will appear with the appropriate feature again as is the case with Magic Wands. As for 'Loveline' it's a well paced dream pop song, with a whole lot of hooks and layers of beautiful sounds.

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Lauren Ruth Ward - SQRD - Wolf & Moon

Lauren Ruth Ward - Well, Hell.

Background - Lauren Ruth Ward's music has spread like wildfire these past two years in LA after leaving her hometown of Baltimore. Her lyrics are secrets to strangers, writing about her life’s trajectory sharing both vulnerability and strength delivered with grit and vibrato. 

Her band re-creates 60's rock and roll nuances, allowing Ward to release a powerhouse of emoting in their live show. Lauren is joined by Eduardo Rivera who is her songwriter partner. Lately Lauren has garnered the support of Spotify’s “Badass Women,” LA Weekly, Galore, Wonderland Magazine, Jam In The Van, and Sofar Sounds. 

"Well Hell is an auto-biographical song that deals with frustrations, both with my upbringing and with society as a whole, that have long been forgiven but not forgotten. Even though it's one of the shorter songs in length on the record, there's a lot that I'm letting off my chest in those three minutes, so much so that I feel the need to thank the listener for allowing me to unload. "  - Lauren Ruth Ward. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'Well, Hell' is already getting noticed and no surprise there, this is a feisty energised rocker with some excellent rock & roll vocals from Lauren Ruth Ward, supported by a band that are spitting musical bullets, wonderful!

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SQRD - Scars.

Background - SQRD is a Swedish-born, Berlin-based lo-fi electronic producer already making waves with his Gold EP (2016) that achieved high praise from The Line Of Best Fit.  This year, his Together EP takes listeners on a memory trip through life changing travel experiences in Japan, Iceland and Lebanon. “Scars” captures the enduring pain of war weary Beirut, where young people strive to build a better future. The heavy topic is offset by airy vocals and synthy bass like Blackbird Blackbird.

In Beirut, SQRD found an enchanting mixture of European and Middle Eastern cultures balancing ancient history and modern nightlife. The young people he met offered inspiring stories about overcoming a violent history and living with the pain. Lyrically, the song could capture any traumatic experience for the listener. “Are you numb to the pain? / Are you finding a way? / The scars will never go away.”

SQRD’s soulful and atmospheric music is reminiscent of early James Blake and SBTRKT that is the result of calculated and efficient production. In SQRD’s isolation he is left to his own thoughts and devices to create music that comes from experiences shared with others.

“The lyrics are an expression of how young people in the country felt. They survived war and cruelty and somehow at the same time find a way to deal with it all.” Once the Scars single is now out, the Together EP will be released 24th November on Swedish Tastemaker label Sommarhjärta. FACEBOOK.

With 'Scars', the vocals are atmospheric and original, however paying closer attention to the musical arrangement helped me appreciate that Lo-Fi can also be intricate. Catchy and rhythmic, this is a real grower.

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Wolf & Moon - Home to Me.

Background - "Home to Me" is an intimate look into Wolf & Moon's dreamlike wedding weekend and the first single from the duo's forthcoming EP, Frames. Although this becomes a vulnerable offering to glance into their lives, anonymity still plays a significant role. The band states, "one can never really be sure who the Wolf is and who the Moon."

Wolf & Moon represent many things missing from the sonic landscape: enigmatic charm, lyrical poetry through ethereal vocal harmonies and just the right amount of melancholia.

Wolf & Moon are Stefany and Dennis, a nomadic duo who met by chance at a house party in the Netherlands. Shortly after meeting, Stefany and Dennis journeyed across the US on a full tour with only a small traveling guitar and a casio keyboard.

Continuing to release cinematic and emotive visuals along with their music, "Home To Me" is the first single from their upcoming EP, Frames. Wolf & Moon are now based in the international atmosphere and chaotically creative city of Berlin. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

I am really impressed with 'Home To Me' a catchy duel vocal led affair, with plenty of hooks and a unique music video to accompany this delicious song.


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Alana Henderson - The Trongone Band - FXRRVST - herMajesty

Alana Henderson - Let This Remain.

Background - Alana Henderson is a cellist and singer-songwriter from Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland.  Her self-released Wax and Wane EP (2014) drew solid comparisons to Joanna Newsome and Fiona Apple. Shortly thereafter she stepped up to accompany Hozier on cello and supporting vocals. Between 2014-2015 she played over 300 headline shows with Hozier’s band, including notable performances at Glastonbury, Saturday Night Live, Jools Holland and the Grammy’s with Annie Lennox. Her new single, “Let This Remain,” is an icy and unforgiving anti-ballad, fusing an electronic undercurrent to her darkly organic indie-folk.

Alana’s mastery of the cello is a highlight of the track, showcasing her dynamic techniques that are looped and overlapped to create a dramatic atmosphere; expertly balancing an arrangement that is both haunting and beautiful.  Written in L.A. near the end of that massive tour, the lyrics reflect on the transient nature of relationships on the road and the emotional detachment that ensues.  When no relationship is expected to last, she jabs, “you could be the one I don’t regret…yet.”

“After a period of post-tour decompression it was recorded at a friend’s isolated Irish cottage with the help of Belfast-based musician/producer Alan Haslam and using only the most rudimentary equipment; my cello, a Roland Juno-106 synthesiser and a TR-808 drum machine, along with some improvised acoustic percussion (we snapped a pair of shoe trees together for the snare sound).” FACEBOOK.

Alana Henderson's vocals are both melodic & a little menacing on 'Let This Remain'. The music adds to the atmosphere, it's stripped back enough for the cello to work it's magic, and the synthesiser is used sensitively. More please!

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The Trongone Band - Blind.

Background - Fresh off of their critically acclaimed debut release, Keys to the House, Richmond, Virginia's The Trongone Band shares their video for "Blind." Speaking on the video, Andrew Trongone tells The Bluegrass Situation, "we wanted the video to have a piece of our home, so we shot it in downtown RVA, right on the canal, surrounded by various murals done by local artists (one including Wolfe’s cousin, Chris Milk). The song suggests classic themes of love and peace of mind, so we went with a classic music video style. Simple, live, outdoors. Was a lot of fun for us to shoot."

Hailing from Richmond, VA and formed by brothers Andrew and Johnny, The Trongone Band draws from americana and Southern rock. The quartet is rounded out by keyboardist Ben "Wolfe" White and award-winning bassist Todd Herrington.

Primed for the festival circuit, the band has graced the stages of Virginia’s Roosterwalk, Tennessee’s Riverbend Music Festival, Florida’s Slide Into Spring Festival, The Allman Brothers’ Peach Festival in Pennsylvania, and West Virginia’s Deep Mountain Roots Revival.

This family affair recording process helped the band grow "so much on a personal and musical level, and listening back and dissecting these tracks helped us learn so much about each other’s playing.” WEBSITE, FACEBOOK. 

With all the swagger and cool of The Black Crowes in their heyday, The Trongone Band serve up a superb piece of natural rock & roll with 'Blind'. Southern rock to the core with all the panache that goes with a classy rocker.


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FXRRVST - Tidal Wave.

Background - If mixing business with pleasure is a recipe for trouble, someone forgot to tell FXRRVST (pronounced forest), the fast-emerging Toronto-based duo of Holly Forrest and Matthew Fuentes, whose devotion to each other is seconded only by their shared commitment to crafting ridiculously catchy, super-emotive alt-rock. Also to saving the planet. But more on that later.

Like the music of their wildly divergent heroes — Tegan and Sara for Forrest, who digs the lyrics and unconventional song structures, Fleetwood Mac for Funetes, who digs the guitar and vibes — FXRRVST songs are at once instantly accessible yet utterly unique.

Witness May XXVI, their dazzling debut and as confident a step towards world domination as can be expected from two people who have only been playing together (literally and figuratively) since 2015 following a momentous meeting slyly denoted by the Roman Numerals X and V in FXRRVST, which also echoes Forrest’s surname, and serves as an SEO dream. Sonically and emotionally, May XXVI has it all.

First single “Tidal Wave” pitches Forrest’s iridescent voice against a strummy guitar line that builds into a massive, cascading run (think of the final bars of U2’s iconic “Where The Streets Have No Name”) backed by ethereal “oohs” and “ahhs.”

Elsewhere, the shimmering, slow-burning, and aptly named “Lovely” raises gooseflesh while offering a scorching guitar solo at the bridge. Forrest’s richly evocative lyrics are present throughout, perhaps most notably in “Safe House,” an acoustic sort-of ballad with palpable regret seared into each verse and chorus. It’s no wonder that FXRRVST snagged a 2017 Toronto Independent Music Award nomination for Best Indie act. The wider pop/rock world is already on high alert. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

Taken from the 'May XXVI' album 'Tidal Wave' is one of nine songs in the collection and gives a good feel of what to expect. Melodic and full of catchy indie pop/rock tracks, this is a gorgeous collection of uncomplicated and very pleasing music. 


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herMajesty - I Saw The Dog.

Background - Current chaotic geopolitical events combined with Bowie's passing and the release of  Lazarus  in 2016 continue to impact generations of artists and musicians. NYC's art rock project herMajesty continue to feel that impact too, except they have an even more direct connection to the Thin White Duke.

Their new single "I Saw The Dog," releases on 7" vinyl November 2, 2017 through Northeast label Midday Records and features Henry Hey and Chris McQueen who were involved with the development and execution of  Lazarus, Bowie's immortalized musical.

Pre-production for "I Saw The Dog" began in the fall of 2016. Grammy-winner Nic Hard, who has been working with herMajesty since 2010, suggested herMajesty work with Henry Hey (keyboard player The Next Day, Lazarus ) and Chris McQueen (guitarist for Lazarus and Snarky Puppy) on the song.    

The idea turned into a wonderful, collaborative experience in the studio. McQueen's dystopian reverb and guitar howls blaze an infernal backdrop to Henry Hey's lush keyboards and JP's intimate, and at times, poignant political observations.

New Wave, Glam, Post-Punk, Indie, Art ... herMajesty's rock music scales thematic preoccupations of love, loss, surrender, chaos, and hope, over a brooding wall of sound. Their proclivities are well-captured on record and pack a wallop in their live performances. WEBSITE, FACEBOOK.

'I Saw The Dog' is not a Bowie copycat affair, for me it's more a creative piece that in part shows respect for the afore mentioned and then builds with herMajesty's imagination and desire to produce a fabulous song. If that is the case, then it's job done, & done to a very high standard.


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