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.
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.
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.
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.
Electronic duo Amethysts share mellow new offering How It Is, expertly crafting their brand of ambient pop to perfection with a series of awe-inspiring hooks.
Working with esteemed producer Shuta Shinoda (Daughter, Ghostpoet) and taking full advantage of the acclaim edging their way, the East Anglians excel in this latest effort, relying on their masterful pop sensibilities and soothing synths to create an intense, atmospheric experience.
Speaking ahead of its release, the band stated: “‘That’s just how it is’ is a phrase that’s thrown around all too easily. You can’t manifest anything positive with negativity. Everything can be changed, anything can be the way you want it to be, if you truly believe in yourself and do something about it. How It Is explores modern life struggles, stigmas and tackling self doubt”.
Having racked up over a million plays on streaming platforms with their first few releases alongside BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music airplay and sessions with BBC Introducing, the rising pair have already appeared at the likes of Latitude Festival and headlined several sold-out London shows, adding to their growing momentum. WEBSITE.
Smooth ambient pop which adds energy through the rhythmic beats ensures 'How It Is' stands out. Add in the sweet melodic vocals and myriad of hooks and the song tends to explain the attention Amethysts are receiving.
LA born Liverpool based singer/songwriter Mackenzie James Cregan released his new single ‘Woman from the East’ yesterday.
Woman from the East portrays Mackenzie’s influence in 60s psychedelia while simultaneously maintaining a strong songwriting presence. The lyrically dark love song was co-produced by Jim Cregan, the legendary guitarist and producer of the Rod Stewart band and Cockney Rebel.
Mackenzie’s love for music started at a very young age from being brought up in the entertainment capital of the world Los Angeles immersed in a highly creative family. Drawing influence from his father Jim Cregan and a star studded array of other family friends who would visit the house, Mackenzie has always been immersed within an inspirational environment.
Woman from the East is a perfect example of a song that contains a strong essence of his Southern Californian roots, whilst containing various influences that Mackenzie came across in his musical upbringing. After exiting a psychedelic intro the song is driven by a tight rhythm section throughout, the song also includes a jazz inspired sax solo backed by an electric tremolo guitar, along with a gypsy style acoustic rhythm guitar. TWITTER.
Having a well known father from the musical business might get you so far, however Mackenzie James Cregan has plenty of style and talent as demonstrated with the fabulous song 'Woman From The East'. It's clever, pleasing and deliciously danceable.
Mia might not protrude high above the stage floor, but what she’s lacking in centimeters, she makes up for in energy and talent! Only in exceptional cases do you get to experience an artist so energetic and liberating with a stage presence that leaves you spellbound.
The intensity on stage is often expressed through small jumps and kicks with her bare feet. Her voice is strong, delicate and absolutely captivating. The duo Me&Mark is one of those bands that is classic in a new wrapping…meaning that their music will live for generations.
They have a unique sound of pop, folk and full of small clever details leaving a remarkably beautiful and magnificent mark on you. Mia and Mark is not entirely unknown, although they have only released one previous single. Mia, an undisputed talent, grew up in Vimmerby (Astrid Lindgren's city), has been on stage since she was 5 years old and her first lyrics came while in elementary school. She always knew that this is what she should do. Create her own music.
Mark is the bassist and producer of the album and he has a long track record behind him. At a very young age he would listen to a song indefinitely, always finding the small details interesting. He often wondered if he was the only one that felt like music spoke to him. Growing up in Australia, he started to get attention in the business and has collaborated alongside great producers like Malcom Burn, Ethan Eubanks, Rick Will, Naomi Radom, Robbie A.J. Moore, IOTA, Alexander Rybak, Nico & Vince++. He has a reputation of being an excellent engineer in the industry. He has also been on several world tours, playing support for Jason Mraz, Kashmir, The Church, The Thorns,Kiymani Marley, Sonic Boom and the list goes on. SPOTIFY.
A simple driving beat that is gradually joined by some subtle layers of musical sound are all that's needed for the mesmerising and vibrant vocals on 'Drama Queen'. We featured Me & Mark back in May 2016 with 'When Rich Find Gold', I guess put simply, it's been worth the wait...
Stephen Michael Murphy - Smith Has Struck. “Smith” is one of my personal favorites off the “Root Down Low” album featuring three awesome musicians, guitarist Alex Metivier, percussionist Larry Salzman and Silvano Pagliuca-Mena on accordion. The accompanying video feels like deja vu with the improved pace and cool pics from foter,com (creating video came with a learning curve) . In my writing there’s a strong visual component that hadn’t been explored until this record. It’s definitely a boon to add a face to the musical voice - Stephen Michael Murphy.
Historically the blacksmith symbolized physical strength, wisdom and compassion as he melted and molded metal to create objects that were essential for agriculture. He was the center of industry in countless rural villages and was usually held in high esteem. The smithy shaped apparent objects using natures five great elements, air, fire, water, earth and space. The universe itself was formed out of the same five primary building blocks. Lady Luck is a westernized expression of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck, fortune and fate.
Lady Luck refers to the concept of not having certainty in a particular outcome and the willingness to take a gamble to achieve desired ends. Woman generally accept life’s capricious nature with the understanding they can initiate actions but are not in charge of the results . The intelligence that knows that the field, with its myriad of variables, determines all outcomes is called Karma Yoga. In this tune the blacksmith symbolizes the creation of an apparent material world while Lady Luck is a metaphor for existing elegantly within it. “Smile on Lady Luck, the Smith has struck” WEBSITE.
Stephen Michael Murphy was the final artist we featured last year and 'Smith Has Struck' is taken from the same album. With a new music video to accompany the song, it's a good reason to remind ourselves of both album and musician and the highly creative music he consistently delivers.
Hull based 5-piece bdrmm return with latest slackery-shoegaze single C.U. Formed in the later hours of 2016, through a haze of party poppers into the early hours of 2017, Ryan Smith took his solo project from bedroom to stage in what feels like an instant. Under the moniker bdrmm the Hull 5-piece cut their teeth across Northern venues, before releasing opening two singles, the twin-paced kare and sprawling anti-epic the way i want.
Those releases caught the attention of numerous tastemakers in MTV, Clash Magazine, DORK, Radio 1 and more, as well as tastemaker London label Permanent Creeps, who are releasing C.U on October 25th. “I wrote C.U during a pretty ‘eventful’ time in my life,” Ryan explains, “a lot of feelings hurt, vivid anxiety and things lost, this track has been a long time coming. This is an ode to 2017.”
Channelling these raw, numb feelings into a perfect cocktail of synth soaked Beach House, jangly slackers DIIV and otherworldly shoe-gazers Slowdive, the group combine a knack for weaving dreamy sonic textures and sentimental personal story-telling together perfectly.
As a fully formed 5-piece, bdrmm have notched up a few enviable achievements. National radio play has come from BBC Radio 1 and Amazing Radio, and shows up and down the country with the likes of Trudy & The Romance, Her’s, FEHM and Horsey, including a capacity show during Tramlines festival, have established the quintet as exciting indie up-and-comers.
Ditching Ryan’s early phone recordings and exploring a more meaningful sound, bdrmm have enlisted the help of producer , Alex Greaves (Bo Ningen, The Orielles, Heavy Lungs) to bring their self-styled ‘gross dreamy noise’ to life. Joining lead singer and guitarist Ryan Smith in the line-up is brother Jordan Smith (Bass), Joe Vickers (Guitar), Daniel Hull (Synth & Backing Vocals) and Luke Irvin (Drums). TWITTER.
I like the slackery shoegaze description and 'C.U' somehow matches that in a very charming way. The musical backdrop oozes melodic vibes and the vocals are just so appealing and up enough in the mix to take off the sometimes overpowering wall of sound that shoegaze can have.
Stowaway evokes a dreamy landscape painted with reverb and layered with vintage synth lines reminiscent of your favourite 80s driving song. The song is about a love affair and the lyrics urge the listener to move past tired narratives and into a blissful escape. Stowaway was written during a road trip from the gloomy cold Canadian climate while driving south to the enchanted Muscle Shoals. The lyrics and music mirror the longing for something better during the ebb and flow of a relationship - the urge to escape and live only in the sunny moments.
“Stowaway” was filmed during a rainy fall day across multiple locations in the suburbs of Toronto. Ironic yet appropriate to the song, the images are everything but a southern oasis. We can be seen driving a vintage Mercedes and swimming in a pool, although the dismal scenes don’t express a vacation whatsoever. Rather, they show the disillusion of the lyrics– “down south we got it made / living in the sun.”
Using inspiration from the movie Blow Up, we created an intoxicating colourful atmosphere to compliment the song’s melodramatic tones and thematic shifts. The colourful sheets and green fields are reminiscent of our favourite scenes of the movie which highlight the more uplifting parts of “Stowaway.” The gloomy undertones are meant to lay bare a relationships struggle through murky waters – a part of the constant struggle to fight for your relationship. FACEBOOK.
Beautiful dual vocals and seductive harmonies are just one dimension of 'Stowaway' a dreamy pop meets rock song. The musical backdrop is creative and adds to the mood and feeling. The video takes us into another artistic dimension giving us more to enjoy and contemplate. Our second feature for Favours this year which tends to suggest they have a knack for audio visual combinations.
Americana five-piece No Coward Soul recently released debut album The Almanac on CD and limited edition vinyl this summer, and have announced a London show at Camden’s Green Note on Tuesday 4th December.
Produced by Jamie Evans (Wildwood Kin) and mastered by Grammy Award winner Robin Schmidt, The Almanac is Americana at it’s best, full of classic country flavours and a heavy slice of soul, alongside the bands impressive trademark harmonies. The album contains 13 tracks written by lead singer Brad Schmauss, inspired by both urban folk tales of the vibrant streets of South London and a childhood among the epic landscapes and beauty of the Alaskan woods.
Originally from Alaska, singer Brad Schmauss is a London based artist who’s long time musical partnership with Martin Gray (Piano, guitars, vocals) culminated in the fantastic live band No Coward Soul. Gigging across the UK in recent years, the band has grown from a vocal harmony acoustic set up and now includes a sensational rhythm section featuring the Clement – Smith brothers and glock and mouth organ from Egg. WEBSITE.
We featured No Coward Soul back in June this year and were really impressed with their timeless Americana music. With a London performance date set for December and a new live video for 'If Only for Tonight', they make a welcome return to Beehive Candy.
Since moving from her hometown of New York City to the UK seven years ago, singer-songwriter Annie Dressner has received considerable recognition from her live shows, as well as both her debut album, "Strangers Who Knew Each Other's Names" (2011), her EP "East Twenties" (April 2013). Dressner's second in-studio album with producer Nigel Stonier (Thea Gilmore) will be released today 26 October 2018.
Her songs have been played on Radio 2 and 6 music, among other local BBC radio stations and has been frequently played on the Caffe Nero playlist.
Dressner's songs are delivered with a such conversational ease, it often seems as if she is reading from an intimate letter or a book, set to music. Her straightforward lyrical style, sharp ear for wordplay and crisp, lilting vocals offer listeners a front row seat to her stories, as they take shape above the understated music. She has been compared to an up-tempo Mazzy Star 'Fade Into You,' or Jenny Lewis.
While in New York, Annie played a variety of clubs and bars since 2009, including Rockwood Music Hall, The Living Room, The Bitter End and Brooklyn's Jalopy. Since arriving in the UK, Annie has played at Festivals & venues throughout England, such as the Green Man Festival, Secret Garden Party, Cambridge Folk Festival, Cluny2, O2 Academy Islington, Norwich Arts Centre, Night & Day, and has opened for Emily Barker, Simone Felice, Kirsty McGee, Juan Zelada, Lucy Wainwright Roche & Fossil Collective. She is also one half of The Pollyanna Band (the other half is Polly Paulusma). WEBSITE, BANDCAMP.
Annie Dressner's brand new album 'Broken Into Pieces' is released today and we have a couple of fine songs from the new collection to enjoy, along with a Spotify link to hear it all. With the video for 'Don't Go' we hear a fuller band sound, whilst with 'Fades Away' there is a gentler folk / singer songwriter feeling.
The constant throughout Annie's music is her beautiful vocals and their crisp and notable lyrical delivery, making each song feel really personal. The musical arrangement across the album is simply put, superb. Comprising of eleven tracks, each piece is imaginative and so easy to become immersed within. I also recommend checking out the previous material Annie has released, there is a considerable amount of musical treasure to be discovered there.
With a sound described as “rock fueled by reckless abandonment and a disregard for the rules,” Andy Frasco & the U.N. are back with a much-anticipated and highly addictive new single, “Up/Down.” A blistering three-minute song about relationships, “Up/Down” grips your attention from the very first second, with Frasco’s pounding piano riff and Andee Avila’s pulsating drumbeat.
“It’s a song about the mountains and valleys of being in love,” says Frasco. “I find that emotionally draining, bipolar-type relationships are fun to write about. That’s where Up/Down came from.” The band had this to say about the new single, “Probably could of done better, but it’ll do.”
Formed in Los Angeles in 2013, Andy Frasco & the U.N. consists of Frasco (lead vocals, piano), Avila (drums), Shawn Eckels (Guitar), Ernie Chang (Saxophone), and Chris Lorentz (Bass). To date, Andy Frasco & the U.N. has released two studio albums Half a Man (2014), and Happy Bastards (2016). Last year, they released their first live album (CD and DVD) entitled "Songs From The Road" which was recorded in August 2016 at the Tucher Festival in Bamberg, Germany.
The band’s live performances have been described as a “The most fun ever had at a concert. It’s an incredible experience where fans can let go and dance like nobody’s watching.” Since their inception, Andy Frasco & the U.N. have toured the U.S., China, and Europe, and performed at a number of popular festivals, including: Electric Forest, Rock im Ring and Rock Am Park, Summer Camp, Mountain Jam, Jam Cruise and Rock Boat. WEBSITE.
'Up/Down' is one of those likable songs that pretty much registers straight away. Full of good vibes and exuberance, there is a cheeky disregard for sensibilities within the subject matter, but it's fun and as the band says's "it'll do".
“It’s like a cotton candy jet engine” - Friend to a friend at Sled Island festival, 2017. First there was the idea to cover a Pink Floyd song. With a female voice. And a lot of layered fuzz distortion. And beats from a sampler. And played at a really, really slow tempo. - That’s how Expanda Fuzz was born.
In the three years since that little brainstorm, the duo has released multiple singles and an EP called ‘Bleuets’, selling out of all vinyl copies. All of their records have been independently released while adhering to a DIY ethic: They write their own songs, record them, shoot/edit their own videos and create stunning artwork for each release. And as you can see on their Bandcamp page, that artwork is like a nightmare wrapped in a pop-art rainbow.
Hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Expanda Fuzz has honed their unique brand of catchy, droney, post-punk songs which has lead to this, their first LP: Cotton Candy Jet Engine. Three tracks have been previously released, but each has been remixed and remastered for the album. Six of the LP tracks are brand new to listeners.
The band has played multiple festivals like Ottawa Explosion, Calgary’s Sled Island, Edmonton’s Up + DT fest, Ottawa’s Megaphono and Halifax’s Pop Explosion. They currently make Ottawa, Ontario, Canada their home base. BANDCAMP.
'Cotton Candy Jet Engine' comprises of nine songs the second of which is 'Ghosts and Flowers' which kicks off in the player below. We've featured Expanda Fuzz a couple of times since their inception, and I have always loved their fuzzy mixture of raw energy and passion. As far as I can tell, their DIY ethic is more about getting it right and having full creative control, that certainly is noticeable with the end result, as is borne out by this fine new album.
David Allred shares new song The Mirror of Time from his debut album with Erased Tapes titled The Transition — out November 2. Featuring Peter Broderick's beautiful string arrangements and backing vocals, the new single is a contemplative ballad that finds David reflecting on his life and the inevitability of time passing.
Hailing from Loomis, a small town outside of Sacramento, via Portland, Oregon – David worked as a sound engineer and session musician, featuring on multiple recordings by the likes of Birger Olsen, Brigid Mae Power, Brumes, The Beacon Sound Choir, Chantal Acda, Heather Woods Broderick, Jung Body, Masayoshi Fujita, and many more. He quickly found himself touring Europe with Peter Broderick, following last year's collaborative release Find The Ways, and contributing the arresting voice and double bass piece Ahoy to the Erased Tapes 10th anniversary box set 1+1=X; only to return to where he started, Loomis, and finally write and record The Transition as his first full-length statement in just one month.
With the release of The Transition, David Allred takes his place among the classic American songwriting tradition whilst revealing a peculiarity to his storytelling. Isolated and cut off from the outside world, David began unravelling his life and putting it on record. With a double bass in his bedroom and a piano in a church across the street, the stories started to unfold until a set of ten songs came to life. Vignettes and feelings from his own experiences, as well as characters he met along the way, inspired a rich tapestry of stories and melodies.
Winter will hopefully see David return to European shores in support of The Transition. Until then, this full length released November 2nd is the closest we can get to the curious mind of David Allred. BANDCAMP.
'The Mirror Of Time' opens with a gentle and rich sounding piano piece. David Allred's vocals are in perfect alignment as they soulfully accompany and add richness to the song. Add in the beautiful musical arrangement that builds beneath and this becomes a gorgeous and tender song.
deM atlaS - Music Man. When Joshua Turner was a kid growing up in a dysfunctional home in Minneapolis there were two things that he’d turn to for comfort when his parents fought: the Fugees records he’d listen to on a loop to drown out their conflict and the atlas he’d pore over to pretend he was anywhere else. Today Turner’s all grown up, but his sources of childhood refuge continue to play an integral role in his life. In his spare time he draws maps for fun, and, under the name deM atlaS, he’s composing his emotionally complex hip-hop records aimed at listeners out in the world who are in need of some sonic solace of their own.
His new album Bad Actress is only the latest in a string of releases–including the 9-song EP DWNR that, according to Pitchfork, “splits the difference on 'depressed' and 'party mode.’” In some ways the new work feels like a debut, not just because it’s his first proper LP, but because it represents the culmination of a twisting creative path that Turner’s patiently been following since his teens. He was a poet, a painter, and the frontman for a rock band before he found his space in Minneapolis’s prolific rap scene. Once there, a philosophy of saying yes to any opportunity that passed his way quickly led him from playing shows for nugs of weed to a showcase in front of Rhymesayers CEO Siddiq, and a single recording session with Atmosphere beatmaker Ant that kept going until they’d made almost an entire album together.
The title Bad Actress comes from Turner’s inability to hide his true feelings, and he’s packed the album with unguarded emotions centered around a lifetime of unhealthy relationships, struggles with mental illness, and an indomitable drive to overcome them. Musically it draws from every stage of Turner’s young career, from the high school rock singer to the scruffy DIY-er who self-recorded his Charle Brwn EP while figuring out the basics of Garageband to the confident, versatile vocalist he is today, equally at home crooning and screaming as he is rapping over beats by heavy hitters like Ant and MF DOOM.
From the grime-caked beats to the confessional lyrics to the supercharged guitars laced throughout, Bad Actress is an album that’s deeply rooted in Minneapolis’s singular hip-hop scene, where boom-bap never went out of style and raw honesty still beats flashy materialism. Turner’s soulful singing voice, and his ability to navigate from the acidic Sly Stone funk of “Gratitude” to the acoustic balladry of “Music Man” to the purple-tinged minimalist gospel of “Runnin Back” make it clear that he’s one of the young talents who’s going to author the next chapter in the city’s storied musical history. After all, an atlas isn’t only a collection of maps, but a man who’s strong enough to carry the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. TWITTER.
deM atlaS mixes up his musical styles with er, well with style. Whilst Hip Hop might not be my favourite genre, there is considerably more that that with the new album 'Bad Actress'. As is the case with 'Music Man' the soulful singing is superb and the musical vibe just hypnotic.
In fact having listened to the collection, deM atlaS appears to be able to turn his hand to plenty of different genres with his infectious vocals hard to ignore. A lesson for me on this one, see beyond the musical label, or at least listen for a while.
The four members of Florida band Leem of Earth deliver an expansive, synth influenced sound on their debut, Chapter One. The three song release is a nod to the vibe of the best nineties bands – part romance, part grunge, with the feel of an indie rock video in black and white 35mm film.
They cite The Innocence Mission, Radiohead, Belly and Sunny Day Real Estate as some of their favorite bands from this period. LM leads and centers the band with her guitar and keys and soft but not-too-sweet vocals. She and the rest of Leem of Earth all have past and current lives in music, so they decided to go simply by initials in the band. Brothers B and N are on guitar and bass, respectively. E plays drums.
Thursday late night recording sessions with producer Jeremy SH Griffith (Johnnyswim, SUNBEARS!) and engineer Chris Taylor brought songs on Chapter One to life. There are moments inspired by 19th century Scottish novelist George MacDonald, as on “The Beech Tree’s Song”. LM quotes a MacDonald poem, her breathy voice mirroring her piano, while the band builds to a forceful, nearly chaotic ending. Other moments drag you into some of LM’s personal space: “When I wasn’t looking, you turned my heart towards you. I wasn’t thinking of being anybody’s love,” she sings on “Southland”, with a wall of shimmering, reverb guitars behind her.
Chapter One works to captures and keep attention – from the nostalgic opening melody on an old Wurlitzer spinet, to the last uplifting outcry of electric guitars, so much is accomplished in the short time span. We hope you’re left wanting more. WEBSITE.
With a distant and soft opening 'The Beech Tree's Song' slowly swings into view. The band power up taking us into another dimension with some lush rock energy. Then the vocals take us even further with their melodic beauty and the choir like harmonies towards the end make this song something of a mini epic.
French garage-punk band Johnny Mafia will release its sophomore LP, Princes de l'Amour, on November 9th via Dirty Water Records. Produced by Jim Diamond, its eleven tracks are full of reverb-soaked guitars and a high-octane, grungy low-end, all delivered with a snotty, punk-infused attitude.
The band have just shared the new single "Ride," which features layers of crunchy, fuzzed-out guitars and driving percussion. Hailing from Sens, France -- a part of the world more known for its wheat and cereal production than in-your-face rock music -- Johnny Mafia draws inspiration from classics like The Ramones, T. Rex, and The Clash as well as contemporary acts like Ty Segall and Wavves. With their explosive sonic attack and ferociously fun energy, they embody a spirit of both the past and present, with a firm foothold in a bright future as a young band ready to conquer the wider world of rock 'n' roll.
The band completed their first-ever North American tour last month, making an appearance at the prestigious FME Festival in Quebec, and has established their reputation as an exciting live band, sharing stages with acts like Parquet Courts, Flat Worms, and Yonatan Gat. BANDCAMP.
We featured Johnny Mafia back in June and with the new track 'Ride' we are treated to another thunderous punk meets garage blast of rock and roll, to shake some life into us.
Alien Hand Syndrome - We Will Never See The Stars.
“Radiohead meets Nick Cave meets Bach – all recovering from a panic attack.” Influenced by existentialist literature and musical styles of all kinds (from the Beatles to Nirvana and Radiohead to classical music) Vienna-based musician and songwriter Clemens Engert alias Alien Hand Syndrome creates songs as small pieces of art somewhere between Alternative/Gothic/Noise Rock, Singer-Songwriter structures and classical cello/piano arrangements. The musical spectrum of A.H.S. generally goes from parts of innermost fragility to powerful choruses, beautiful melancholic melodies and chaotic noise orgies. Overall A.H.S. puts the main focus on the intensity of feelings, no matter if the sensation is insecurity, alienation, anxiety, love, hope, sadness or pure anger.
With his previous records Alien Hand Syndrome achieved critical acclaim all over the world as well as massive media coverage and radio airplay (especially all across Europe and in North and South America). The singles “A New Day” (2011), “Daniel And The Lions” (2013) and “Summer Of 1816” (2016) were played on radio stations in more than 30 countries.
For his newest production “Tales Of Waking” (release date November 2nd) Alien Hand Syndrome worked with former Muse producer Paul N. Reeve (also Supergrass, The Beta Band and many more). The 6 songs were recorded, produced and mixed in Reeve’s studio in Cornwall, England, and mastered by John Davis (Lana Del Rey, Joy Division, Morrissey etc.) at legendary Metropolis studios. FACEBOOK.
'We Will Never See The Stars' is a grand and dramatic song, where emotion and passion simmer within the vocals, whilst the musical backdrop is intensely epic in nature.
In collaboration with Voice of Aiko, Arts Council England, and charities REST, MIND & APRIL, Enya Belak Gupta unveils a powerful new film to help tackle the global prescription drug crisis. Prescription Dream is a slick and stylish documentary that illustrates with chilling insight the terrible impact prescription drugs can have. The tense, unnerving tone employed throughout represents the helplessness and confusion of dependency sufferers. Working with Stakk Media and partner charities, the Prescription Dream will be released with a weekly vlog series sharing people's personal stories of their experiences with prescription drugs. Voice of Aiko are also running musical workshops with those affected as part of the campaign.
Voice of Aiko is a creative collective of musicians, filmmakers and artists joining forces to campaign for real societal change. Aiko’s first project Prescription Dream sees founder Calista Kazuko collaborate with fellow musicians Samim, Miguel Toro and Jack Brown and filmmaker Enya Belak Gupta to spotlight an ongoing global prescription drug epidemic. In England alone there are an estimated 1.5 million people suffering from medically prescribed benzodiazepine dependency, and more than 1 million patients are taking dependence-forming drugs unnecessarily.
Antidepressants are also a major problem, with statistics showing that roughly 50 Americans die from prescription painkiller overdoses every day. In partnership with charities REST, MIND & APRIL, Aiko’s Prescription Dream project will raise awareness and open dialogue on this devastating issue. The campaign includes a series of musical workshops with Let’s All Create which use art to help heal those who have been affected. Voice of Aiko is grateful to be supported with public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. TWITTER.
A creative piece both musically and visually ‘Prescription Dream’ provides an artistic commentary on the ever serious subject unnecessary prescription drug dependency. I wish Voice of Aiko well with this project, wouldn't it be wonderful if the Pharmaceutical industry also genuinely stepped up to the plate on this one, oh well, I won't hold my breath...
International songwriter Anna Pancaldi has a lot to look forward to this Autumn with a new project and a string of tour dates to match.
Over the past few years, Anna has been establishing herself as one of the UK’s most promising new singer-songwriters. Her 2017 ‘Sweet Charity’ EP garnered overwhelming support from BBC 6 Music and Radio 2. Online, the tracks were picked up by Line of Best Fit, and featured on New Music Friday, Coping With Loss as well as a number of other official playlists, resulting in over 1.5 million streams on Spotify last year. All of this, fanning the flames of a lengthy UK tour including four sold out London shows. She’s also supported Prides, Hooverphonic, Bryde, Seafret, Jake Isaac on his European tour and most recently, John Mayer’s and David Ryan Harris.
Not one to limit her horizons, Anna has enjoyed success in both the UK and US, where she made her US live TV debut on CBS. Her music has also been featured on US show ‘Famous in Love’, a popular drama show on ABC Network. She’s also enjoyed an extended collaboration with Levi’s, for whom she penned a song for their Lot 700 jeans collection and featured in the accompanying advert. The expansion doesn’t stop there though, Anna is also one of few musicians that can boast her own brand of gin.
Since working with producer Matt Ingram (Florence & The Machine, Lianne La Havas, Laura Marling). This summer, Anna re-launched her music to the public with a new sound and a new approach to her musical alchemy. We’re used to hearing Anna at her soulful, songwriting best on heartfelt anthems like ‘Brother’ or ‘Keep on Keeping On’. Her summer single ‘What I’ve Become’ was a bold, spirited Indie-Rock anthem showcasing her new love for writing with electric strings. ‘Peace’ is the next step in this evolution. Opening with a rousing four to the floor, Anna builds the track to a lo-fi, anthemic piece of indie-rock. On the track Anna states:
“A challenge at first but now an exhilarating awakening having discovered and then explored the electric guitar. ‘Peace’ is my first ‘foot stomper’ track which I think will surprise listeners who’ve been on the journey with me so far. It feels a bold evolution for me so here we go.” - Anna Pancaldi. FACEBOOK.
Fabulously enticing vocals, a simple and engaging musical backdrop and bags of feisty energy ensures that 'Peace' resonates beautifully. It's Pop with some stripped back Rock and it's just so catchy.
Jade The Moon tell us "For some, it could be a bike ride through their old neighbourhood; for others, playing in the yard behind their childhood home. While creating “Polaroids and Airplanes,” our new single, we collectively relived our first memorable moments. Early memories of the people closest to us captured on polaroids and VHS tapes were at the heart of the song’s inspiration.
Standing underneath a flight path, watching the planes take off from Toronto's Pearson International Airport is one of Jeremy’s earliest memories with of his dad. There was this great photo that his father took of him sitting on the hood of their car, watching a plane take off overhead. He doesn’t have it anymore, unfortunately, but that image will forever be lodged is his memory. That photo is the main inspiration of the song.
“Polaroids and Airplanes” is the third single to be shared from our sophomore LP, 11:11, set for release this fall. We can’t wait to introduce it to the world". TWITTER.
'Polaroids And Airplanes' is a hook laden indie pop song, the vocals are melodic and have a level of feeling that adds to piece, and the musical arrangement is tight and vibrant, it's another fine teaser for the album.
