Alternative Take: Yeomans - Spencer Arbuckle - Yassassin - OhBoy!

Yeomans - My Fish Got Drunk.

Background - Garage rock bands always tend to weigh heavily on the retro vibe and Toronto’s Yeomans are no exception, naming themselves after the hardworking farmers of colonial America. However, their music isn’t quite that ancient. Glimmers of 60s fuzz pedals, melodic surf, psych grooves and reverb soaked vocals haunt the Yeomans’ sound.

The band formed in 2013, during the height of the Rob Ford crack scandal. Guitarist Kieran Heilbron met then Yeomans’ drummer Jocelyn while selling “Rob Ford Smokes Crack” t-shirts to raise money for the Gawker "Crackstarter" campaign. Realizing they were both into psych and both looking for a new project they started jamming and Yeomans was born, joined by Calgarian Ian Kilburn on vocals & guitar.

They do their heroes proud, throwing nods to The Chocolate Watchband, The 13th Floor Elevators and The Masters Apprentices.

Yeomans released their first EP in 2014, recorded in a ghostly church in a small town called Little Britain (not to be confused with the highly entertaining TV show). It has a powerful sound with remnants to an earlier time. Soulful lyrics and reverb-drenched grooves fill the listeners ears with tales of prophets, greek gods and revolutionaries.

“My Fish Got Drunk” is their follow up single, filled with sunshine soaked haze, and the band’s second splash at an instrumental surf ditty, accompanied by an equally playful music video directed by Kieran Heilbron and Dan Lee. Facebook here.

Tour Dates: December 15 - The Piston, Toronto (Record Release Show) w/ Planet Creature & The Lord Almightys.

If the video doesn't leave a little smile on your face, take a well needed holiday. 'My Fish Got Drunk' is a delightful instrumental, with sunny good time vibes embedded deep.

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Spencer Arbuckle - Shelf.

Background - 19 year-old Perth musician, Jack Arbuckle (aka Spencer Arbuckle), is excited to release his debut single ‘Shelf’ through The A&R Department on the 25th of November.

Born to two prominent West Australian musicians, Jack was taken on many of the orchestral tours that his father, violinist Ashley Arbuckle, was involved with. Travelling around Europe as well as at home in Perth as a toddler sitting on his Mother's lap during ballets, operas etc. This upbringing was obviously vital in forming Spencer Arbuckle as a musician himself. This classical upbringing was contrasted alternative, rock, grunge and punk influences resulting from older brothers who were both 90’s kids and grew up listening to the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Motley Crue, Beastie Boys, Genesis and Eurythmics. With other major influence coming from his mother, who lived through the 70’s flower child period, and was always listening to Fleetwood Mac, B-52’s, B.B. King, U2, Simon & Garfunkel, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and David Bowie.

Throughout a rather up and down year for Spencer, 2016 saw him write some of his most unique material, including his upcoming single ‘Shelf’, catching the ears of many of his peers.

“I wrote this song during an extremely tough time early 2016 in which I was losing the most influential person in my life. ‘Shelf’ is an insight into how many different emotions people can experience towards themselves and others when going through tragedy. Love, hate, fear, shock and the insecurity of a possible future without someone that you never envisioned not being there. While at the same time holding onto that slither of hope,” says Jack on writing his debut single. Facebook here.

'Shelf' oozes richness musically with perfectly matched vocals. Gently paced the expansive sound provides a fine background for Spencer's splendid vocals, and with a subtle melody throughout, this is play again material if ever there was.

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Yassassin - Pretty Face.

Background - After coming out swinging with debut dweller ‘Social Politics’, Yassassin spit right through with down-to-the-bone anthem ‘Pretty Face’. The new single from the London via Stockholm/Tuscany/Cambridge/Malmö/Brisbane five-piece explodes with a raw and straight forward message to the conformist and superficial pressures of ‘fitting in’. The foundations of ‘Pretty Face’, built from its murmuring bass line beginnings to the chants of its chorus, allow us to take a step back from our, at times, completely distorted society and embrace ourselves within our own skin. The accompanying video directed by No Tape Inside/T.K (Buzzcocks, Demob Happy, Blaenavon), runs parallel alongside the kaleidoscopic unruliness of Yassassin. Amongst hypnotically choppy editing, Yassassin howl, shriek and scream everything we’re thinking but too scared to say.

“We’re expected to look, dress and act in a certain way which has been forced into us through society’”, Yassassin explain.“ ’Pretty Face’ talks about the kinds of sexual harassment that a lot of women face every day , there’s still a lot of macho culture lingering on, which is so archaic and frankly unacceptable . The track is inspired about different types of manipulation too - how people can be blindingly manipulative in life, going from abusing someone emotionally and physically behind closed doors to then acting like the nicest person in town in front of a wider group.”
 
“ …What we’re basically trying to say is that if you don't have anything nice to say or do, then just don’t bother because you’re not helping to make the world any better. I may look one way or another, but that's not the whole of me, no one has the right to be so quick to judge.” Facebook here.

Live Dates:
Thursday 1st December - Headline Show, The Lock Tavern
Saturday 31st December - Heavenly Records NYE: The Parrots + Yassassin, The Social.

Passionate, down to earth, primal rock'n'roll, comes our way in the form of  'Pretty Face'. With a message and plenty of attitude to support it, Yassassin deliver a sonic blast of punk/garage orientated sounds, and they do it with great effect!

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OhBoy! - Hey Princess.

Background - “Hey Princess,” is the new single from Northampton 5-piece OhBoy!. Says lead singer Jay Brook: “The song was inspired by the disillusionment I've sometimes felt in certain crowds. It's about the people who put a lot time and energy into cultivating a version of themselves that they project through their clothes, their image, their Instagram feeds, which turns out to be disappointingly false once you attempt to scratch the surface.” The track is out now via Canvasclub (US) and Alcopop (UK), with B-side “Dirt” set to premiere on December 1st.

Hailing from "a town that was once known the world over for being the home of British shoe manufacturing (the local football team is still know as The Cobblers),” OhBoy spent much of summer '16 on the road, playing Truck Festival Camden Rocks, The Great Escape, and the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury. Fans include Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens and John Kennedy.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm no chef, but if OhBoy! were a dessert, the recipe would probably be something like this: 1 x carton of Teenage Fanclub; 2 x large spoonfuls of The Pixies; Just a squeeze of The Lemonheads; Whisk with a fuzz pedal until thick, then sandwich between Pavement and Yo La Tengo. Pop it in the fridge overnight, and serve with just a sprinkle of Britpop." Website here, Facebook here.

'Hey Princess' has a nice edgy rock sound throughout, where the band blast along, and vocals and guitars vie for position. Under all of that is a constant energy level that hooks and re hooks the listener in.

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Genre Mix: Silver Rose - Leitvox - King Washington - Polly Baker

Silver Rose - Take Me Home.

Background - The genesis of Carla Sariñana’s Silver Rose project originates in Los Angeles in the spring and summer months of 2015. In thrall to shoegaze and dream pop and the iconography of the 1970s, Carla set to work rendering her unique take on these influences through Silver Rose. No veteran to the indie scene, Carla has been playing bass and writing songs for successful all-female Mexican rock band Ruido Rosa since 2005. By playing every battle of the bands competition they could find and every venue that would have them, they grew a loyal fanbase through their raw and energetic live shows. Silver Rose is a way for Carla to express her more vulnerable and romantic side; her songs wear their heart on their sleeve. Birthed out of a love for glamour and melancholy and nostalgia, Silver Rose is an empowering and vital project that resonates with and inspires anyone who laments the faded glamour of rock and roll. Her new material was refined in live performance in various bars around Los Angeles and in Mexico City where she has played El Imperial, and Caradura at Festival Marvin. With Ruido Rosa, she has played the Harvard and Stone, SXSW, ViveLatino, and supported KISS, Maroon 5 and Queens of the Stone Age. Carla’s songwriting is affirmatively old school, and in a pop landscape which often feels lustreless and tacky like cheap perfume, Silver Rose is a fragrant blast of fresh air.

With its swirling ambience, larger than life production and a reverb-heavy wall of sound, ‘Take Me Home’ is a monolithic testament to the gothic pop of yesteryear. The lead track from Silver Rose’s new self-titled EP out now, it’s a disarming showcase of Carla Sariñana’s stupefying abilities as both a singer and a songwriter. Like listening to the doomed romance of The Jesus and Mary Chain filtered through contemporary production values, Sariñana manages a sound that’s both thrillingly immediate and artfully idiosyncratic. With enchanting melodies that Cocteau Twins would doff a hat to, and feral feedback-oriented noise rock dynamics, ‘Take Me Home’ proves to be an irresistibly raw offering from a beguiling new talent. Facebook here.

One of six tracks on the new EP, 'Take Me Home' is fairly representative of the power and energy felt throughout the collection. The songs vary from almost wall of sound shoegaze through to more alt rock tones, the constant fine vocals and passion give a consistent flavour across the EP.

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Leitvox - Two Tribes (Ft Emma Fox & Gavin Clark).

Background - Leitvox presents “Two Tribes”, the latest single from his acclaimed album Floating Promises fetauring the vocals of Emma Fox and Gavin Clark (UNKLE) and the great Ilian Rubin (Nine Inch Nails) on drumms.

With bass laden synths and and lots of cymbals, "Two Tribes" will transport you to another world where trip hop, chillout and electronica meet to create a magical world of sound. The vocals of Emma Fox swirl around creating beautiful melodies and are complemented by Gavin Clark’s melancholic tones.

The track stands out for it’s pristine sound, all elements composing the sound blending seamlessly to create an almost immersive experience for 4 minutes. Bright like the dawn and equally as beautiful, “Two Tribes” is a great example of Leitvox’s skill at pairing and  melding different styles and voices.

Leitvox is a Mexican producer and composer that recently moved to Miami to open his own studio in Wynwood and start promoting his music in the U.S. His first EP, Fall From You, released in 2012, was acclaimed by the press in his country and served as a foundation for its successor Floating Promises, release this year in the US. The album features collaborations with Ilan Rubin (Nine Inch Nails), Gavin Clark and James Griffith (Unkle) Nina Miranda (Smoke City) and Ana Karla Escobar. In addition to the 9 tracks of the album, Floating Promises  has 4 bonus tracks with remixes by Ladytron, GusGus, Son Lux and Nortec. Facebook here. Website here.

Commencing with a rich swirling synth, and quickly followed by defined drums and melodic vocals ensures 'Two Tribes' stands out from the crowd.

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King Washington - My Reflection.

Background - King Washington beautifully blends vocal harmonies, surprising progressions and blues tinted indie rock. Taking influence of 60’s and 70’s California folk, the band successfully adds a modern new rock edge, crafting a flavor all of their own.

King Washington is Tyson Kelly (vocals, guitar, keys), George Krikes (guitar, vocals), Billy Lee (bass, vocals) and David Contreras (drums). United they have a natural grace for connecting with each other, with their deep vocal harmonies, soaring guitars and driving drumbeats. The musical collective delivers an exceptionally polished yet intimate live experience, with LA Weekly voting them as one of the top ten live bands. Audiences continue to laud their tight and dynamic live show.

King Washington’s latest album entitled “Potential”, found inspiration from pain, growth and acceptance. Principle songwriter Kelly confesses how he drew inspiration from “getting caught in something so deep that you shut everything else out and forget how life should be. There is so much beauty missed…you can observe every day without realising that it’s this never ending movie. That you can make any decisions you want at any given time- it’s exciting when you think of it that way”

The band’s highly anticipated new album is the result of their ever evolving sound, Kelly admits "I think we’ve done a good job of simplifying the structures a bit and focusing more on stronger melodies and clearer messages, while still staying true to our signature King Washington sound”. This unique blend of folk, indie rock and 60’s soul, has been described as “The New California Sound”. Their leading single ‘My Reflection’ is evident of this, in it’s cinematic vibes, layered sampled beats and textured soaring harmonies, resulting in flurry of quiet intensity.

’Superman’ showcases the group’s strong influence of the 60’s/70’s, with powerful leading guitar melodies accompanied with building drum rhythms, heightening into a climatic resolution.  While ‘Evelyn’ demonstrates the band’s signature sound of harmonic indie folk rock with a hint of Americana.

King Washington’s successes include notable radio adds, opening slots for Arctic Monkeys, Ambrosia and Collective Soul. Potential will be released January 27 worldwide with an accompanied national tour. Facebook here.

It's the vocals and harmonies that initially stand out on 'My Reflection. That said they have firm musical foundations beneath them and the song all comes together thanks to some well refined production.

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Polly Baker - Wild.

Background -  Rising country pop singer Polly Baker promises a captivating love filled adventure in her stunning sun-splashed video for "Wild". Baker has performed throughout the United States, generating a social media buzz that has garnered her radio airplay, interviews, and showcases. She has been the opening act for Chanel West Coast, W!ldcard, The Afters, and Melissa Manchester. More information on Baker is available on her official website.

The video for “Wild” is a fun and flirty ode to the thrills of young love. Baker’s adopted city of Los Angeles is front and center, as Baker and her beloved stroll the city’s shores and streets. The visuals are warm, vivid, and inviting. According to Baker, the aesthetically pleasing quality of “Wild” is purposely artistic in nature:

“I loved the idea of writing a song that allowed the listener to paint the story within their imagination. From driving along Laurel Canyon with my co-writer and penning the purple skies we saw that sunset as the first lyric of the hook to the red dress I had worn on a rainy day outing to Manhattan Beach...the melody and lyrics are a visual memory for me and I wanted to make sure that the music video captured those moments." Baker recently graduated from Berklee College of Music. She released her self-titled debut EP, produced by Grammy-winner Dave Darling, on June 3, 2016. Facebook here.

'Wild' is a melodic unpretentious country pop song. The music video makes a perfect accompaniment, sometimes that's all that is required!

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Weekend Wonders: Mick Clarke - Deltawerk - Andrew Johnston - Slothrust - Wild Domestic

Mick Clarke - Tailgater.

Background -  Two new digital singles from Mick Clarke are now available. Begging Bowl - From the Shake It Up album this  a funkier remix which was done for the 3 CD re-issue, coming soon on BGO Records. Tailgater - Also originally recorded for the Shake It Up album but not included on the final track list - now available as a digital single iTunes etc.

Mick began his career with Killing Floor part of the British blues boom of the late 60s. The band backed Texas blues guitar star Freddie King and toured with legends such as Howlin' Wolf and Otis Spann. In the 70s Mick co-formed Salt, a powerful four piece band which was a big hit on the UK club and college scene, opened for Muddy Waters in London and played at the Reading Festival.

The Mick Clarke Band was formed in the early 80s and Mick has become an established name on the European scene, touring regularly in every country from Finland down to Italy, plus tours in the USA and Asia. Praised for his fiery "straight from the wood" guitar sound, he has appeared on numerous festivals with artists such as Robert Cray, Johnny Winter and Rory Gallagher. The Southern California Blues Society called him "one of the finest blues players to come out of England". Mick is the winner of the 2014 "best international act" from artistaloud.com, India.

The album "Ruff'n'Roar - Live at Scratchers" was released in January 2016, and in February 2017 the full trilogy of Ramdango / Crazy Blues / Shake It Up will be released on a double CD by BGO Records. Website here, Facebook here.

If you like some unpretentious blues rock then 'Tailgater' may well tick all your boxes. Mick Clarke is a blues natural. The music may span generations, but tracks like this for me, mean it never grows old.

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Deltawerk - Sample.

Background - Deltawerk is a new collaborative project by Pascal Terstappen (Applescal) & Hessel Stuut (Polynation). The Amsterdam based artists created an audio/visual live set, titled 'Passages', that takes you on a journey through surreal worlds and sounds. Until summer 2017, eight tracks will be released on four different EP’s: Passages EP.1,EP.2, EP.3 & EP.4.

The Deltawerk live performance is projected to three big screens on stage. The side screens are diagonally placed which gives the impression you fly past all kinds of worlds, through passages.

Hessel Stuut is mainly known for his work as Polynation, a music act he's producing together with Stijn Hosman that became #03 'Best New Act' on XLR8R in 2015. He’s also played drums/keys in theater shows, collaborating with musicians from all over the world. Graduated from the University of the Arts (2009) and with a couple of award winning exhibitions under his belt, Hessel is also responsible for lots of Atomnation cover art and visuals for all kinds of commercial purposes.

Pascal Terstappen has been releasing as Applescal for quite a while and is the founding figure of Atomnation, the label responsible for releasing music by Sau Poler, David Douglas, Weval, Gidge, Polynation and Olaf Stuut. With a label nearing 50 releases and an impressive solo discography, Pascal is without doubt one of the most dedicated curators of the electronic music scene. As Deltawerk, Terstappen & Stuut fuse their love for club music and visual art. More here.

Just short of ten minutes the track 'Sample' envelops the listener with spacious melodic synths and a crisp flowing rhythm. The production is superb and despite it's length this has a play it again quality throughout.

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Andrew Johnston - Dictator.

Background from Andrew Johnston - When I first started to work on "Dictator" it was much more of an on-the-nose political type song. That’s a really hard thing to pull off well, and Murray really encouraged me to go back to the drawing board with the lyrics and make them more personal and from the heart. 

As it stands now the track may have been inspired by political stuff but seems to be more about how we can all be our own worst critics. I guess it’s about being your own worst enemy, and trying to free yourself from that.

It's an uptempo track that falls within the tradition of songs that manage to pair dark subject matter within the trappings of a catchy song. It was selected from the Murray Lightburn (The Dears) produced sessions for my next record “The New Great Game”. Facebook here.

Live Dates:
Nov 25th – Toronto – The Central
Nov 26th Wakefield – Kafe 1870
Nov 27st – Ottawa – Shanghai Restaurant

Full of gentle alt rock vibes 'Dictator' is a melodic and addictive song. Musicianship is first class and Andrews vocals are equally pleasing. Looking forward to 'The New Great Game'.

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Slothrust - Rotten Pumpkin.

Background - Slothrust has debuted the video for their most recent single "Rotten Pumpkin". The video channels Britney Spears, includes circus tricks, choreography, a gold lamè onesie, tracks suits and of course, jazz hands! "Rotten Pumpkin" along with their two previous singles "Like A Child..." and "Horseshoe Crab" are all on their recently released album 'Everyone Else' out now on Dangerbird Records.

With their long-awaited third album Everyone Else, Slothrust deliver ten riveting anthems that reward repeated listens. The songs grab the ear and pierce the psyche with complex arrangements and lyrical depth intensified by guitarist/vocalist Leah Wellbaum’s penetrating vocal delivery. 

Slothrust is Wellbaum, Kyle Bann (bass), and Will Gorin (drums). The trio first staked out their unique strain of jazz- and blues-afflicted rock as students at Sarah Lawrence College. The band’s 2012 debut Feels Your Pain, and its successor 2014’s Of Course You Do, established the band as a breed apart, serving up deceptively clever epics that veer satisfyingly between incandescent riffing and pop hooks, winsome anxiety and powerful heft. Facebook here.

We featured Slothrust back in early October and the new video for their recent single 'Rotten Pumkin' is well worth a feature. Musically the band deliver another ear pleasing rocker, and the video is very 'out there' and likable.

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Wild Domestic - Author.

Background - Indie/ alt-rock band, Wild Domestic is the brainchild of Matt Carlson. Born in Paraguay, Carlson moved to Charlotte, North Carolina when he was six months old, and it is where he resides to this day. According to Carlson, he knew from a young age that music was his true calling, and according to his family, he has been singing since before he could talk.

 As a teenager, Carlson began playing an assortment of instruments including guitar, bass, drums and keys, most of which were self-taught. Completely immersed in the arts as a teen, Carlson was involved as an actor in a number of plays and commercials. While attending college, Carlson simultaneously continued his music career. Following stints in several different Charlotte area bands, he made the decision to pursue a solo career and took on the moniker Wild Domestic.

After spending the last few years writing and performing both locally and nationally, Carlson released his self-titled debut EP, Wild Domestic in 2015. The follow up EP, Singular is slated to be released in early 2017. Wild Domestic’s writing, production and performance is a reflection of Carlson’s personal views and voice. His soulful, honest, and sometimes quirky lyrics are underscored by his strong alternative rock background, which is influenced by bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Talking Heads and Arcade Fire. Wild Domestic connects in a fresh way with a broad and progressive audience. Facebook here.

'Author' is a fresh feeling, alt rocker. Matt Carlson's vocals fit the bill and are immersed in good old full tilt rock'n'roll guitar lead music. It's a punchy honest song and it works.

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Genre Wander: Enemies - War Nurse - Walpurgis Family - Desert Mountain Tribe

Enemies - Glow (feat. Louise Gaffney).

Background - Enemies will release their third and final album entitled Valuables on December 9th via Topshelf Records. Valuables documents a turbulent time for the band — intensive writing, recording and touring, coupled with a lack of shared vision, led to a decision that harmony in ending is ultimately more valuable than discord in continuing. On "Glow," the final single to be released from Valuables, Enemies provide the ethereal backing track for the haunting vocals of guest vocalist Louise Gaffney of Come On Live Long.

Formed in 2007, Enemies, an experimental/indie-rock four-piece from Kilcoole, Ireland, have spent almost a decade writing, recording and producing their own records. Having travelled the world with tours in Asia, North America and Europe, the band has continuously developed their sound, remaining incredibly distinct within Ireland’s experimental music scene. Enemies surprise their listeners with every release by constantly tweaking and perfecting their own brand of intelligent, pop-infused rock. Not content to fit neatly into any particular category or sub-genre, Enemies have continued to evolve their sound into something that goes beyond the labels of math or post-rock.

Enemies' final show will be at Dublin's Vicar Street on December 18th. Facebook here.

'Glow' reminds us of the fine music Enemies have created and the inclusion of Louise Gaffney on vocals just adds vibrancy and added beauty to the song. Far better to go out on a high than drift into obscurity.

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War Nurse - Hounds.

Background - Intrusive painful memories manifest in vacancy. Flashbacks reignite traumatic internalised stimuli once lost, followed by troubled sleep, persistent bad dreams fuelled by guilt about things done or not done, social isolation, withdrawal, and alienation. Jumpiness is a static personality trait featuring startle responses, anxiety, and terminal misconduct. All are Distress Calling.

War Nurse is a union of imagined and real. Festering through psychic cracks, bracing for escape, the band brings struggle to the forefront. Tension is palpable. Rallying behind cries for power, War Nurse brings glory to your feet. Unified delivery ascending and rupturing with no pause. There is no competition, there is no copy, the copy is the dream.

Existing only in planes, embassies of the common, War Nurse is of no fixed address, of no nation, of no material world. A product of Psychic Wounds. A product of Distress Calling. Clarity is illusory, War Nurse defeats illusory, makes meaning of simplicity, reinvents nothing, imagines everything. Together we are a constellation.

The six-song EP is out now on Automatic Memory, Website here. Bandcamp here.

From the new EP 'Distress Calling' we feature the second of six tracks 'Hounds'. War Nurse deliver a powerful wall of sound, where the message in the lyrics is reinforced by the sheer energy of a thundering rock machine. Passionate and determined music, that most definitely blows the cobwebs away. 

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Walpurgis Family - Professor Panda.

Background - We are Walpurgis Family. We live in Dublin, and have been committing musical mischief since 2008. After a hiatus of a few years, we’re proud to release our full length album Live Your Life Around It. This will be our third album, and is the follow-up to our well received album Dawn (2012). This 10-track collection is a journey through emotions, featuring lots of melodic layering, fuzz guitars, cheeky riffs and soft spoken vocals. Live Your Life Around It is an eclectic, energetic and upbeat roller coaster trip through various scenes, all centred around the theme of how mental health is absorbed into everyday life.

The album was recorded by Mark Chester (Ginnels, Grand Pocket Orchestra, Lie Ins, No Monster Club, Paddy Hanna band) in the Pop Inn off Capel Street, Dublin and in various houses. All this will be released on CD in beautiful handmade packaging with a die-cut outer sleeve.

We’re having a release party at 8pm on November 26th in the Workman’s Club, Dublin along with our Popical friends Cryboys & Conor O’Toole. The album will be available for download and streamed from Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, etc., and can be bought on CD from Bandcamp and at selected record stores.

Walpurgis Family are Jeroen Saegeman (guitars, vocals / Groom), Wil McDermott (bass / Groom), Ruan Van Vliet (drums / Groom, Squarehead, Ginnels, Cryboys), Jonny Fun (keys / the … Hesitations, Cave Ghosts, Yeh Deadlies). On Live Your Life Around It we received a helping hand from Neassa Doherty (vocals / Capitol Trid, The Terribles, You Kiss By the Book) and Mark Chester (guitars, recording, mastering). Facebook here.

The second of ten beautifully refined songs on the new 'Live Your Life Around It' album and 'Professor Panda' is a taste of the bands fabulous sound. Predominately upbeat, and lyrically smart, this is my first listen to the band, pretty much ensuring the previous material is now on the must listen list.

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Desert Mountain Tribe - Take A Ride.

Background - London-based psych-rock trio Desert Mountain Tribe unveil the visuals for their upcoming new single ‘Take A Ride’, set for release on 9th December via Membran Entertainment Group.

The video features a chapter from the 1962 cult shockumentary ‘Mondo Cane’. The unconventional, provocative and controversial footage presents taboo subjects in such a way that they would get past the censors and it consists of a series of travelogue vignettes including a dark but entertaining section on pre Beatles’ Reeperbahn area of Hamburg, considered a magnet for those seeking pleasure and distraction from the cares of life.

“Since we are partly German we felt an instant connection to those scenes,” the band explains, “the intimacy of the footage shows the true and raw emotions of people captured by the film makers and conveys an image of purity and innocence in a chaotic and brutally appearing surroundings.”

The cosmopolitan trio formed by Jonty Balls from South London on guitar and vocals and German brothers Felix and Philipp Jahn, on drums and bass respectively, feel there is perhaps a connection between the murky world of mondo movies and the current political situation “not unlike our recent times with Brexit – something close to our hearts as two of us are from mainland Europe living in London - and Trump as a new president in the US. We feel that people want to be able to forget these things for a night and just live. As the song plays with these contradicting spectrums of life, the scenes chosen for the video underline those values and attentions of the song.”

Having recently notched up memorable live performances on their successful European tour; including sell-out shows in London and Rotterdam and recent standout performances at Rockaway Beach and Hackney Wonderland Festival. With their US tour seeing the group support artists like Toy, The Wytches, Damo Suzuki and Ringo Deathstarr - the threepiece has become a formidable and renowned international live act. Facebook here.

Tour Dates:
18/11/16 - Electrowerkz, London
19/11/16 - Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury
24/11/16 - Brudenhall Social Club, Leeds
25/11/16 - The Picturedrome, Holmfirth
26/11/16 - The Engine Shed, Lincoln
08/12/16 - The Assembly, Leamington Spa
09/12/16 - Central Station, Wrexham.

'Take A Ride' is a blissful piece of full on psych rock, which benefits from the powerful and expansive sounds that rock trio's seem born to create. The video could well double as a reminder for those with alcohol issues, that staying dry has an awful lot of plus points.

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