Quality Not Quantity: Nelipot - Lánre - Hanna Bech - Duke Chevalier

Nelipot - Coming Coast.

Background promo - Nelipot are a youthful trio of bare-foot, music enthusiasts from the Central Coast, New South Wales. Brought together on the beach side streets of Terrigal, the lads joined and began busking, to feed their need for grooves and to make some extra cash to supply themselves with kebabs and money for fuel.

Crafting and developing a unique blend of blues and alternate rock compositions, with funk and soul stylings, Nelipot produces distinctive as well as captivating pieces. This year, 2016, the boys have set their sights high and are aiming to increase their following enough to tour interstate, spreading positive vibes and their unforgettable grooves as far as they can possibly take them. Already, they’ve been privileged enough to support and share the stage with exploding national acts, such as: Kingswood, Tired Lion, Bootleg Rascal, Ocean Alley, and many more emerging artists. Yet Jordan, Benny, and Jordyn aim to make 2016 the year of headline shows, and sold out venues, producing the goods for any and everybody to boogie along to.

“Coming Coast”, Nelipot’s latest single, was recorded at ECP studios in Berkley Vale, NSW. Jordan Crotty, a local artist and audio engineer, both recorded and produced the piece.

”’Coming Coast’, highlights the monotony of Coastal Culture, this being expressed both lyrically and instrumentally through structure, melodic contour, and repetitive chordal progression. All of which allude to the tedious, unchangeable cycles in which we have found our families, friends, and ourselves falling into here on the Central Coast.” - Nelipot

The song, “Coming Coast” ̧ is a catchy, alternate rock composition with slight blues & soul superimpositions. Essentially, the piece is about the rut that we, human beings, find ourselves caught up in. This song particularly refers to the home town of the artists, and the monotonous and unbreakable cycle of social norms and droning contemporary culture that has been formed around recreational activities (especially the nightlife) on the Central Coast. “Coming Coast” will be released 6th of May 2016.

Upcoming Shows:
Thur Aril 21st - Bar on the Hill, Newcastle University
Sat May 7th - The Record Crate, Glebe
Fri May 27th - MCA ARTBAR, VIVID, The Rocks
Sat May 28th - The Rhythm Hut, Gosford NSW (Single Launch)

Keep it simple. This is a catchy song with likeable vocals and harmonies, that glide above a gentle funky background and delightful guitars.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lánre - Human.

Background words - Lánre is a British singer-songwriter whose music can be described as acoustic Soul, Folk with captivating storytelling influenced by her Yoruba heritage. Born in Stoke-On-Trent in England, Lánre has spent most of her youth in Nigeria where she started singing and performing live at the age of 8. Soon enough, she started playing guitar and found freedom in her own voice.

In 2002, Lánre embarked herself on a worldwide tour as a member of award-winning UK collective GK REAL. This experience ignited in her the desire to pursue a solo career. Her debut album 'Pen Voyage Chapter One: Singing For Change' was released in 2011 followed by her critically acclaimed EP 'Home' in 2014 (praised by MOBO, MTV UK among others).

Her new EP 'Human' is set to be released on April 29th. This new record is a collection of uplifting songs, which encapsulates the essence and depth of Lánre's artistry. Relating the struggles and celebrations of life, 'Human' is a hopeful hymn to togetherness.

In the meantime, Lánre has recently unveiled the title track 'Human' whose signature phrase 'We're all broken so that light can come in' showcases once again her determination to offer the listener inspiring words to hold on to. 

This is such a fine song. Vocally Lanre and the background singers deliver superbly, accompanied by delicate background music, until the rousing finish.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hanna Bech - ABCs.

Words from Hanna - My new release is coming out shortly, and I'd love to share the first single 'ABCs'!

My favourite artists take their shoes off on stage ­and I'm always striving for that same kind of grounded authenticity in each project I take on.

Naked Bones, is the name of my debut EP. It is a quirky album that is serious about playfully exploring the darkness and hope we have within us. I'd describe 'Naked Bones' like a film score and indie pop going on a first date – dramatic, playful, with a rhythm that carries it forward.

Dealing with health issues and anxiety, I've chosen to create work that helps me cope, making it as fun as possible for myself and hopefully those around me too!

The forthcoming EP comprises of five songs of which 'ABC's is the first track (and single). It's bright, breezy as are the the next two songs on the EP, with the final two a little softer. Overall it is full of hooks, fun and extremely likeable music, where quirky meets quality in a big way.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Duke Chevalier - Carneval.

Background promo - Duke Chevalier (Sacramento) is the nom de guerre for the creative output of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Eliot Stern and a loose cast of co-conspirators.  Driven by a desire to make, “meta-modern cosmopolitan pop music,” Duke Chevalier inhabits a Bermuda Triangle of influences where the ghost ships of doo wop, soul music, singer-songwriter, garage rock, electronic, 80’s pop, G funk, and Afro-Caribbean music collide into an eclectic mélange that sounds simultaneously futuristic and primitive, and is imbued with a lyrical depth and identity that transcends the conventions of pop song writing.

 Ace Of Swords is the first record by Duke Chevalier. The songs on Ace Of Swords were written and recorded during sporadic recording sessions at various locations between 2013-2014.  Duke Chevalier says the goal was to record something that “…sounds like music from the Super Sargasso Sea, where space/time boundaries dissolve and everything that ever has or will be exists in this compacted meta-present.”  Whatever that means.

 Sonically, Ace of Swords has a very eclectic “dystopian chic” vibe.  Moog synthesizers growl along with gut string Brazilian folk guitars, and 808 drums dance with cantina horn ensembles.  Great love and affection is shown to the Vibraslap and other Latin percussion instruments.  “We tried really hard to conjure up a sonic space that was like a filthy river after a huge flood,” says Duke Chevalier, “…all these jumbled up influences and ideas bobbing around in this murky trans dimensional bayou.” 

'Carneval' kicks off the five song EP 'Ace of Swords'. It's an incredibly varied collection of songs and defies categorising in any one (or three) genres. I chose to feature the first song as it gives a feel for the richness of the whole EP. Put simply get the EP if you only half like the featured song, it's a good one.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Globe Trotting: Russell Morgan - Elouise - Meter Bridge - Groovy Bones - Seavera

Russell Morgan - You Don't Feel.

Words from Russell - "You Don't Feel" is from my new album "Begin Simple", which will be released, May 13th 2016, by Ray Recordings. Throughout the writing of the new record my songs developed their own magic, to me, they are documents of moments and feeling or things that’d I’d been a part of, or had witnessed.

Sometimes I can struggle with my writing process, I have to be sincere to myself. You don’t feel represents being true to that ideal. Without a passion you don't feel. My songs were recorded and filmed live by Filippo Gaetani at Wilddog Studio.

The production of the album took on a new phase. We introduced clever rhythmical aspects and electronic instruments, adding to my folk roots. Filippo was key in bringing these aspects to life, forming key parts where necessary and being absolute and true to the production. The idea was to get out of the box, creating new dimensions within these stories. It worked.

The album 'Begin Simple' comprises of eleven songs of which 'You Don't Feel' showcases the sincerity that has gone into this musical collection. At the core may be folk roots, however the album builds around this. Sometimes a blues feel is more to the fore, some songs are stripped back, whilst others build around  the precise musicianship and are more energised. It's a really good collection of songs, if you like the featured track, your in for a great album.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elouise - Black Horses.

Background promo - Fuelled by a sordid real-life backdrop of good old fashioned suicides, murders, and alcoholic depravity followed by church on Sunday, Elouise is an eccentric collaboration of Los Angeles-based musicians who came together to create an ominous, raw and cinematic genre of music they identify as Blackgrass. It is the sound of sin and salvation mixed in a dark cocktail with a taste of Bluegrass, a black symphonic sound and weary emotional vocals that tell original tales of struggle and re-imagine songs from our collective Americana consciousness.

Using a mix of Classical and Bluegrass instrumentation combined with an array of eclectic instruments including the marxophone, six-string banjo, bandoneon and harmonium, Elouise layers their sound with dark and beautifully dramatic European strings like the cello and double bass. This idea of low end drone and virtuosic strings combined with sounds from traditional Bluegrass instrumentation is the signature sound of Elouise and Blackgrass. Add in world-weary and guttural vocals paired with instruments like the bandoneon (which produces one of the saddest sounds imaginable) and you get a musical experience that captures a distinctly original, emotionally fraught and unforgettable sound.

Elouise deconstructs and re-imagines classic songs like Amazing Grace, I’ll Fly Away and the sweaty revival tent of Fire and Brimstone (which sounds like an old Alan Lomax field recording) shaking these old chestnuts to their bones, revealing an underbelly of the darkness of Americana standards and turning them into a booze-sodden cry from America’s trailer park soul. Shadow of the Pines pays homage to Bluegrass royals, The Carter Family, with a slower tempo and a musically re-envisioned version of the original, mixing traditional Bluegrass instrumentation with the lonely and weary vocals of Elouise Walker, creating a desperate and beautiful love song reminiscent of early Bluegrass anthologies. Silent Night, a single that debuted around the holidays, is an age-old standard transformed into Elouise’s Blackgrass rendition with swirling strings, menacing vocal and six-string banjo topped off with a culmination of wailing hallelujahs that earned the praise of Blurt, Folk Radio U.K. and 50Thirdand3rd. The songs and recitations in Deep Water are haunting and beautiful, deviant and desperate sonic explorations that stretch the boundaries of Americana Music.

'Black Horses' is just a small flavour of the album 'Deep Water'. The album is something of an epic journey into a genre of music they identify as Blackgrass. The album cover somehow hints at what's in store across thirteen songs. If the vocals don't get you, the surreal collection of instruments and the incredible songs most certainly will. It is at times dark, ominous and intriguing. It is also an alternative work of art, file under excellent.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meter Bridge - Filter.

Background promo - On the trail of their recent single 'It Was Nothing', Canadian synthwave duo Meter Bridge have announced they will be releasing their latest maxi-single ‘Filter / Kite’ through WEATNU Records. It includes three tracks - 'Filter', 'Kite' and a Mind Veneration Remix by Mark LaFountain. The two original tracks for this new single feature catchy and crystal clear production with particular attention to the vocals. LaFountain's output is a wicked club mix with a heavy groove, while the original version of 'Kite' features modular synthesis over a minor chord progression, unique quarter time percussion and staccato rhythm. 

Hailing from Nelson, British Columbia, Richard Kleef and Jill Beaulieu have been playing together since 2011, creating a distinctive and unmistakable sonic identity as Meter Bridge, forged of minimalistic groove-infused alternative dance melodies that are seemingly retro and futuristic at the same time. "Our song 'Filter' is a song about persecution and about the complicated process of resistance and assimilation followed by reclamation of spirit and culture," explains Jill Beaulieu. "For the video, film-maker Bryan Webb took our concept of invasion, assimilation and rescue, making it modern and mysterious. It was filmed in studio, as well on location, in several different nearby forests."

"We are very pleased to be involved with Mark Lafountain. He was one of our earliest supporters and we value his work immensely. He added new life into this song, transforming it into something even better than the original," says Jill Beaulieu. Mark LaFountain has been creating and recording electronic music under the alias Mind Veneration since the late 1980’s. Mark's new wave flavored remix of ‘Kite’ was inspired by some of his favorites, including ambient house pioneers The Orb.

“The synth bands of the early 80’s were amazing to me. Howard Jones, Thomas Dolby, Men Without Hats, Soft Cell, Naked Eyes… I couldn’t get enough of that synthetic sound," explains Mark LaFountain. "I eventually stumbled upon the Meter Bridge track ‘Kite’ and I felt as though I were hearing a hidden gem from the likes of The Human League, which I’d never heard before. I played the track relentlessly!”

'Filter' is just half the story, with 'Kite' being the other. Two contrasting songs, the featured track has hallmark synth's and perhaps a respectful nod towards Kraftwerk. The music is expansive, uncluttered and works perfectly for the vocals, which are delightfully 'up' in the mix. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Groovy Bones - Again We Went Astray.

Background promo - Everything starts with that little impulse inside you. Sometimes it’s just because of plain boredom or pure coincidence; very often the need to create something comes from the inner need to express yourself in a brand new way. In case of Groovy and his friend Bones both those things were equally important.

The main part of the Groovy Bones experiment consists of only two members because everything started from their early MIDI projects they were scrupulously storing somewhere on their PC’s about ten years ago. Then one beautiful day they made a decision to take their ideas one step further. Groovy had a flair for composing, producing and mixing music and Bones was completely absorbed with learning how to sing and make his own songs. And so they started – armed with good intentions, youthful naivety and complete lack of money and experience.

Years passed and the project luckily survived all the obstacles on its way. Groovy and Bones changed, got older and wiser, they also acquired some essential knowledge to give their project the form they both expected. Hundreds of hours of basement recordings, bottomless ocean of coffee, one destroyed guitar (in powerless anger) and countless phone calls – begging different people to take part in their project and to help them record something: some guitar tracks, a trumpet solo, a bass lines and all that needed stuff. Moments of plain happiness when the song is finished and moments of pure despair when some of the work is good for nothing and lands in a trash bin.

Its time to say goodbye to making the Groovy Bones: Experiment GB1 and to say hello to creating completely new GB2 material but with Your help there is a chance for our loooong work to finally see the daylight, Groovy Bones and many other people involved are convinced it’s worth it.

Twelve beautiful songs, mixing blues, jazz and even a little soul, in a variety of tempos and arrangements. That it took considerable effort and time to arrive with this collection, may be a pertinent issue for Groovy Bones, as a listener, what can I say other than to echo the sentiment that it was and remains worth it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seavera - Caving.

Background promo - After living in three states, seven bedrooms, and accumulating almost two years of song writing under her belt, 21 year old Tori Zietsch decided she was ready to embark on a musical project under the moniker Seavera.

Consisting of her own brand of lo-fi beats, sparkly layers, honeyed vocals, and heavyweight emotions, “Caving” is saturated in honesty, laden with intimacy, and stirred by darkness.

Exploring the fear of being exposed, a violent plea to a lover to be cut open, the debut single “Caving” was recorded across spaces throughout Northern NSW and the quiet suburban streets of Melbourne’s Fitzroy North, and mixed by Grammy Award nominated engineer Andrei Eremin (Chet Faker, Hiatus Haiyote, Montgomery, The Harpoons, Wafia, Banoffee).

'Caving' sets the bar high for Seavera. Intimate and emotionally powerful, this is such a beautifully layered song, that halfway through the first listen, you know your going to have to play it again.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Genre Wander: ElleKaye - Blaak Heat - Esma Project - Astorian

ElleKaye - Di Caprio.

Background promo - Unsurprisingly, the track has recently grabbed the attention of BBC Introducing London who recently named the south coast four-piece their featured artist. Absolutely soaked in catchy hooks, the new single “Di Caprio by Ellekaye has managed to turn heads and perk ears in the Brighton music scene. In a town where “anything goes” it’s often hard to get noticed but raised on a diet of 90’s dynamos such as Blur, Supergrass and Suede, Ellekaye’s sound is one of true distinct diversity and is a clear niche heard amongst today’s sounds.

You can’t help but admire the nonchalant, defiant attitude from these newcomers as they effortlessly bridge the gap from retro to modern with their sound. “Di Caprio”, the new single from the young quartet released this week boasts infectious guitar lines and vocals that are both familiar and unique making this track rise above the numerous in-vogue bands from their trendy home town. The track has subtle moments of humour reminiscent of Pulp mixed with the intelligence of artists such as Talking Heads and David Bowie. Dress sense and lyrics as sharp as a cat’s claw, singer (Lewis Kane) reminds you of a Morrissey you could have a pint with.

"Ever been dumped, of course you have. Ever been dumped for a better looking boy or girl, of course you have - Di Caprio is a bitter sweet story of love, betrayal and Hollywood" - Ellekaye

Before the band were even a year old they had recorded with producer Ken Paul (David Bowie) and headlined the Camden Roundhouse for the Annual Farah Fridays. Since then, the group have been on a non-stop upwards rise joining the Ordinary Boys for sold out shows, a UK tour with 90’s Brit-Pop icons My Life Story and main stage appearances at ‘Brownstock Fesitval’ and the award-winning ‘Y Not Festival’.  Along with backing from BBC Introducing, it’s no wonder the band have been chosen to perform at this year’s Great Escape Festival in Brighton (20th May).

It took a while to edit the above promo into some kind of sense (someone copied and pasted the original in the dark, I think). It was worth it though as this is such a good song, and it can be downloaded free, which is quite a gift for something this fine. Excellent vocals, smart band, I suspect they will get noticed.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blaak Heat - Mola Mamad Djan.

Bakgronud promo - Blaak Heat, the Parisian-American psych/stoner/eastern rock trio, have shared their new track 'Mola Mamad Djan'. Out May 13th on Svart (Oranssi Pazuzu, Beastmilk, Opium Warlords), the track is the second single from the 'Shifting Mirrors' album.

Originally performed as a traditional Middle Eastern folk song throughout the years (With versions by Farida Mahwash, Abdul Rahim Sarban and many others), this track celebrates its Afghan and Persian origins in a heavier, modernist fashion.

The track is ritualistic, drone infused, and laden with groove; it seamlessly merges fuzz drenched stoner-rock riffs whilst resting upon a rich history of musical tradition, drawing from the Middle East as naturally as from California’s deserts and beaches. The end-result is a timeless, vivid blend of thundering psychedelic rock and Arabian tonalities, an altar to heavy riffage, mind expansion, and social insurgencies.

I sometimes wonder how ideas like this come to be. Mixing up genres and styles is one thing, but "lets do a psych come stoner type middle eastern folk instrumental" well that's a little different. It is however, superb and addictive. More please!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Esma Project - Happiness is Free.

Background promo - Esma Project is the ever evolving and versatile outfit for chief songwriter, producer and instrumentalist Erik Esma. A DIY approach has seen Esma Project busk the streets and play venues in the United Kingdom, France, Russia, the Netherlands and Erik’s native Italy. Now calling Fremantle home, Esma Project have been embracing the streets and stages, soaking up all the famous port has to offer.

The first official Australian single has arrived in the form of ’Happiness is Free’ taken from the forthcoming album ‘Surf the Change’. Erik explains the reasoning behind penning a track like ‘Happiness Is Free’,“Happiness gives you the brush for painting all the concrete canvases around you. It gives you the power to be as fresh as the water of the ocean, cleaning the mud of habit from your daily life.”

As if in an almost modus operandi for Esma Project, Erik adds “In almost every single moment you can choose to smile. Happiness is your choice and happiness is free so waste it wisely.” ‘Happiness is Free’ is out now via all good digital retailers.

'Happiness Is Free' revolves around upbeat vocals and sharp funky guitar lead music. It exudes energy and fresh vibes, you just have to enjoy this one.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Astorian - Night Flight.

Background promo - Based in Switzerland, Astorian are a four-piece lead by Alexandra Schmidt (lead vocal), Olivier Bruchez (guitar,) Luis Alameda (bass, synthesiser, B.V) and Pascal Evard (drums).

Night Flight is their debut six track EP, a musically cohesive offering of melodic spatial indie pop with undeniable rock energy and new wave undertones. Lead track Night Flight is available for free download via soundcloud on April 25th.

Alexandra’s vocal has crystal clarity, strong and with a unique rock edge she is a front-woman who brings real depth to Astorian. The music is bursting with catchy guitar riffs; spatial melodies, chasing drums and beautiful harmonies and throughout dark atmospherics they still manage to sound uplifting too. Their music is influenced by 90’s Brit Pop melodies and the romanticism of New Wave, citing bands such as Oasis, The Cure, Pixies and The Jesus & Mary Chain as inspirations.

Astorian however are very much on their own path finding a new way of mixing both nostalgia and current sounds with musical hope.  Astorian have already been well received by their home country Switzerland with numerous airplays across national radio stations including Couleur 3 and Retetre.

The band are currently touring the Night Flight EP in Switzerland and Europe with plans to bring their emotive live show with striking audio visuals to the UK later in the year. They have previously supported Motorama and Girls Names amongst others and for full upcoming gig listings check here.

This is a really pleasing EP with six fine songs included. Featured and title track 'Night Flight' pretty much typifies what's in store in terms of quality. The band also mix things up with some creative ideas, in what is broadly indie pop and rock.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday Specials: Feral Love - Mercury Girls - Close Lobsters

Feral Love - Like The Wind.

Background words - Feral Love formed when Adele Emmas and Christian Sandford emerged from the ashes of Bird, a band who were on the cusp of success having played BBC Radio 6 Music's festival alongside Damon Albarn and Haim, were championed extensively by the UK music press and had their music featured on TV's Sky Sports, The Killing and The Messengers.

When Bird suddenly disappeared, Emmas and Sanford spent a year in a damp, windowless basement studio writing, emerging only when they knew they'd arrived at the sound they'd been striving for.

Recorded at Parr Street Studios with Chris Taylor (Hooton Tennis Club, Bill Ryder-Jones), 'Like the Wind' is Feral Love's debut single and is released on Edge Hill University's The Label Recordings.

Live Dates:
1st May - FESTEVOL, Camp and Furnace, Liverpool (W Steve Mason and Juliette and The Licks)
5th May - The Bedroom Bar, London
18th May - Heavenly Social, London
29th May - Sound City, Liverpool  

'Like The Wind' is melodic, full of hooks and so well put together. Loosely labelled as electronic, it's more of an anthem and a reminder of just how good pop music still can be.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mercury Girls - Ariana.

Background promo - Philadelphia, PA’s Mercury Girls features Sarah Schimineck, Kevin Attics, Andrew Hagiwara, Chris Schackerman, and Kevin O'Halloran. Schimineck, formerly of NYC Popfest alums Pet Milk is flanked by the shimmery and adventurous guitar interplay of Attics (Literature, former Pitchfork Media) and O'Halloran (of indie heroes Little Big League, Run For Cover Records). Hagiwara and Schackerman provide a sturdy rhythmic base, creating a sound that's equally lush and driving, using Sarah Records-inspired pop as a basis for  savvy de-/reconstruction and sonic experimentation. Despite having only started in March of 2015, the group has achieved a lot. They've collected many endorsements, including those from Chickfactor Magazine, Pains of Being Pure at Heart's Kip Berman and NPR,  they've shared the stage with bands such as Expert Alterati ons, Joanna Gruesome, Beverly, TEEN, Eternal Summers, and their 2016 SxSW visit was a head-turning, mind-melting blast.

Now they cap of their first year with the release of their debut single, Ariana.  While their sound uses classic indiepop as a jumping-off point, there are bits of shoegaze, post-punk and DIY punk in the mix that recall like-minded bands like Veronica Falls, Makthaverskan, Fear of Men and Frankie Rose. "Ariana" is gorgeous tangle of chorused, jangling guitars and Sarah's dreamlike vocals. A marvelous two and a half minutes of perfect, forward-thinking pop. On the flip, "All That Heaven Allows" leans more on the band's post-punk inspirations, marked by a careening rhythm and a huge chorus that will stick in your head for days.

Ariana is out May 20th, just in time for the band's engagement at NYC Popfest alongside legends The Primitives and The Chesterfields. The spring is looking to be fully scheduled with shows up and down the east coast, keeping the band busy while they write and record their highly-anticipated debut album. (Pre order Here).

Upcoming shows:
04/29 – Bethlehem, PA – Ice House (w/ Brother JT)
05/12 – Philadelphia, PA – PhilaMOCA (DJ Set w/ Radiator Hospital, Spook School, Bent Shapes, + Littler)
05/15 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts (w/ King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
05/20 – Philadelphia, PA – Space 1026 (Steve Keene Art Gala w/ The Snow Fairies, My Favorite)
05/21 – NYC – Knitting Factory (NYC Popfest w/ The Primitives, The Chesterfields, + more)
06/11 – NYC – Cake Shop (Slumberland/Kanine Records/Culture Collide Showcase w/ Flowers, Expert Alterations, + more)
06/14 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brendas (w/Flowers, Beverly).

There's a little bit of genre hopping on this pleasing debut single 'Ariana'. At it's core I guess is indie pop, however as it rightly indicates above the band are not glued to just that. With a song that comes in at two and a half minutes Mercury Girls have made sure every second counts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Close Lobsters - Under London Skies.

Background promo - It's been nearly two years since Shelflife has had the pleasure of putting out new music from the eternal Close Lobsters, and we're proud to say that this will be changing shortly. On June 2, we are extremely excited to be releasing the Scottish band's new EP featuring "Under London Skies" b/w "Wander Epic Part II" on limited gold 7" vinyl with download and digital formats. The digital download also features "Wander Epic Parts I & II" and "Wander Epic Part III" as well as an alternate mix of "Under London Skies".

These self-proclaimed "Post-Neo-Anti-Close Lobsters" are back in a big way, and with these two tracks you'll be quickly convinced of that. The A-side, "Under London Skies," serves as both a lament and ode for London- the radical London of The Clash, the Rock London of The Only Ones and Flesh for Lulu, and the Libertarian London of The Mob and the June Brides. There's a lot of history (both musical and otherwise) tied closely with London, and if any band is gonna do justice to that fact it's undoubtedly our trusted Close Lobsters. If that sounds like a big subject to tackle, the single's B-side "Wander Epic Part II" will make you think again. Calling the song an epic is no exaggeration; the band has described it as a yearning for the vast and endless sea. The song is both a wanderlust and a pilgrimage, designed to take the listener on a journey as huge as the subject matter they're tackling.

This is one really superb song and it's not alone, the EP is exceptional. Close Lobsters create a passionate, natural and earnest sound and then deliver songs so catchy, that hitting the replay button becomes compulsive.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------