White Room - Ysgol Sul - Death Of Guitar Pop - Trevor Hall - Wild Meadows - ALASKALASKA

White Room - The Blue / Tomorrow Always Knew.

Background - Brighton indie rockers White Room have announced their debut headline UK tour featuring new double EP Eight in its entirety (released on 1st December).

Recent signees to the legendary Liverpool label, White Room’s nod to 60s psychedelic rock alongside more contemporary influences (Pond, Temples, Cage The Elephant) is evident throughout their new record Eight, a collection of songs that interlock conceptually, comprising similar themes such as forward thinking, hope, positivity and escape.

Inspired by the current social and political climate of the world and the uncertainty we all live with, the synergy between the lyrics and themes signified by 8 – the number of infinity – hints at the real depth within Eight, touching on aspects of joy, strength, balance and power in unity.

Discussing the release, the quintet stated: “In Eight we are offering a way to lose yourself; find an escape, and to embrace the intrinsic ability music has to take you away from the harsh realities of life”. Website here, Facebook here, live dates on Beehive Candy's tour news page.

We have two tracks, 'The Blue' and 'Tomorrow Always Knew' and both vie for attention. The sixties psychedelic influences shine through, the second song has more than a little of The Beatles flavour to it. That said the creativity of White Room deserves full recognition, as does the fresh production, and melodic delivery.


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Ysgol Sul - Elsewhere.

Background - West Wales three piece Ysgol Sul will be self-releasing their first collection of English language songs –“Eventide”- on 30/09/17.

Brought together by a mutual love of the 90s underground, Iolo Jones (singer, guitarist), Llew Davies (drummer), Cian Owen (bass guitar), formed Ysgol Sul in 2014. Having released several singles and an EP called “Huno”, the band has managed to earn a cult following within the Welsh language scene.    

“Eventide” is a stark departure from the slacker and languor of their debut EP, and introduces a touch of darkness to the bands dreamy sound. The EP opens with “Silhouette” – a song with a sense of yearning yet one of the band’s jangliest songs to date. 

“Promise Me” sees a return to the trio’s early surfy sound, drenched in reverb. “Elsewhere” is an unholy union of haunting distant sounds and a fierce unrelenting beat. Introverted lyrics coupled with sweet harmonies are brought to the EP by “Dwell”. Krautrock locomotive, “Solitude”, closes the collection. Facebook here.

The Welsh music scene has given us some fine new music this year and Ysgol Sul continue the momentum with 'Elsewhere' a dreamy and expansive rocker. There is plenty to say for singing in the "language of your heart" the switch to English however has not dampened the natural passion & hopefully makes the band more immediately assessable to a larger audience.

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Death Of Guitar Pop - Suburban Ska Club Feat. Neville Staple.

Background - Essex-based Death Of Guitar Pop have announced details of their debut album ’69 Candy Street’ (out November 10th), a new single ‘Suburban Ska Club’ (which features Neville Staple of The Specials), and their debut live show as a 9-piece ska band (taking place at Oslo, Hackney on Friday 1st December). 

Death Of Guitar Pop have been sparking huge interest from over recent months, with The Orginal Rudeboy Neville Staple (The Specials) collaborating on their new single, the Bad Manners horn section (aka The Mafia) throwing their hat into the ring to play on the album (and will play as part of the Death Of Guitar Pop live band playing at Oslo on December 1st), and with the likes of Pauline Black (The Selecter) and Dave Wakeling (The Beat) give the lads big props on social media.

“Suburban Ska Club” is lyrically inspired by the characters that frequent the bands free Ska night “Ska Club Essex", a “no thrills - just tunes” monthly affair at the spit and sawdust boozer The Traitors Gate, deep in the heart of Grays Essex. Facebook here.

OK so I am a sucker for anything Ska and Death Of Guitar Pop's collaboration with Neville Staple on the new song 'Suburban Ska Club' is an absolute delight. The dancing on the video has some classic Two-Tone era moves, what more can I ask for?


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Trevor Hall - What I Know.

Background - Raised on an island in South Carolina, singer/songwriter Trevor Hall realized at a young age that music was more than just a passion - it was, rather, his life’s art. At sixteen, he recorded his first album, soon after which he left South Carolina for Idyllwild Arts Academy in California where he studied classical guitar and was introduced to the practices of yoga and meditation, which would greatly influence his life and his music.

Hall’s music, a blend of roots and folk music, is imbued with a deep love of Eastern Mysticism. This powerful symbiosis fostered a deep connectivity with his growing fan base and Trevor quickly matured into a leader of the burgeoning conscious musical community. Along with numerous pilgrimages to India, he has also completed a series of sold-out tours and collaborations with artists such as Steel Pulse, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Matisyahu, Michael Franti, Xavier Rudd and Nahko & Medicine for the People.

His previous full-length album releases, Chapter of the Forest (2014) and KALA (2015), debuted at #3 and #2 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart respectively and were supported by extensive tours around the US and Australia. Beyond his intention to spread love and healing through music, Hall also collects donations to support children’s education in India and has continuously donated to charities and relief funds.

The Fruitful Darkness is Trevor’s first independent release — supported by his fans know as The Villagers — has become the #1 Music campaign of its kind in 2017. “There have been many hurdles and triumphs along the way” Hall reflects, after a decade plus recording for established labels such as Geffen and Vanguard. “This album conveys the deep vulnerability of journeying through the unknown, as opposed to playing it safe.” Besides the change in infrastructure, the album itself explores completely new sonic terrain and is being released unconventionally, in three song installments on specific lunar dates, with the intention to buck the trend of fly-by-night releases and hold the conversation for a whole year. Website here, Facebook here.

When Trevor Hall's vocals kicked in, I just wanted to hear more. 'What I Know' is a fabulously constructed song, the music moves from being understated to a richer, fuller sound, but never loses it's clarity. The harmonies manage to add even more passion and feeling.

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Wild Meadows - Feel The Noise.

Background - Wild Meadows present ‘Feel the Noise’, the lead single from their forthcoming debut self-titled LP. A blend of pulsating noise-pop, psych-rock and shoegaze, the track is the first offering from Wild Meadows with this new lineup, with singer Jessica Lawrence, guitarist Dylan Bird and drummer Simon Gemmill joining original members James Ross (guitar/vocals) and Donovan Pill (bass). 

Hailing from different corners of Australia and the world, the band’s current members came together in mid-2016 and immediately set about writing material for this new album – a follow-up to the band’s 2015 EP.

Recorded, mixed and produced by Paul ‘Woody’ Annison (Black Cab, Rocket Science) and mastered by William Bowden (The Church, Gotye), Wild Meadows’ self-titled LP is set for release in early 2018. Facebook here.

A powerful yet well defined wall of sound ensures the Shoegaze vibe is there right from the start on 'Feel The Noise'. The vocals add some delicacy and additional atmosphere, and as the song develops the track suggests the band are not stuck in any particular rock genre.

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ALASKALASKA - Patience

Background - ALASKALASKA are a London based art-pop 6 piece. Since 2016 they have been busy cultivating a beautiful groove-laden sound, seamlessly blending jazz, disco, funk and R&B into something totally new and unique. Bandleader and vocalist, Lucinda John-Duarte’s ethereal and otherworldly voice twists brooding and introspective lyrics into hypnotic melodies, which play out alongside rich and intricate arrangements - synthetic beats and live drums, shimmering guitars, pulsing bass, with swirling synths and saxophones rounding it all off.

Their brilliant self-titled debut EP is the perfect introduction to their brand of unique off-kilter pop. The four songs - Bitter Winter, Familiar Ways, Patience, This - mark the arrival of a formidable group, reminiscent of Arthur Russell, Talk Talk, Dirty Projectors and Warpaint. They’ve built a cult following and reputation as extraordinary performers through a handful of shows in London and most recently on tour throughout the UK and Europe supporting Alvvays.

'Patience' is inspired by classic 90s film Sliding Doors, and naturally, a love of watermelons, it was filmed around the band’s South East London locale. The song was inspired by the more pop-leaning side of the Tsonga (or Shangaan) disco movement. Its climatic intertwining sax driven finale has become a highlight of their live performances and serves as another taste of their brilliant self-titled debut EP.

ALASKALASKA (EP) is out on 29th September via Marathon Artists’ imprint House Anxiety (the label that introduced the world to King Krule and Courtney Barnett). There is a release party at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club on September 28th, their biggest headline show to date, with support from Sorry and Boniface. Limited ticket and 12” EP bundles are available exclusively from Dice now. Website here, Facebook here.

We featured ALASKALASKA back in May and the latest song 'Patience' is more than welcome. The band have a distinct and pleasing sound, where different musical styles and arrangements emerge within just one song.


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The She's - The County Liners - Valerie Ghent - Ponytails - The Sound of Ghosts - Winter

The She's - Heartache.

Background - With their respective tongues in their respective cheeks, Sami, Hannah, Eva, and Sinclair of The She’s proudly present to you their second LP - "all female rock and roll quartet". This time The She’s are behind the wheel, self-producing this release with counsel and encouragement from tUne-Yards’ Merrill Garbus.

Lyrically, The She’s deliver a more mature, grounded, and self-aware album than ever before. Their storytelling is cathartic and relatable. Across twelve tracks, The She’s examine themes of guilt, heartbreak, disappointment, frustration, yearning, and acceptance. The She’s effortlessly balance lyrical sophistication and bluntness, like in “Death Dreams” when Sami plainly asserts, “hate how you treat the air like you’ll find your breath in it somewhere.”

Tonally, "all female rock and roll quartet" strays a bit from earlier releases. Drawing inspiration from Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, Sleater-Kinney, and tUne-Yards, The She’s have officially leveled up in terms of sonic experimentation and eccentricity. From the blown-out wall of blistering guitars in “Ashes”, to the trance-inducing ebb and flow of the rhythm section in “Sorry”, to the spacious, angelic build up of vocal, guitars, and percussion in “Holly”, The She’s second LP offers up a plentiful spread of compelling tones and arrangements for listeners to lose themselves in.

"all female rock and roll quartet" is not what long time fans of The She’s might expect. Some time has passed since their last release, and it seems as though they’ve been through some stuff since then. Sonically raw, this album is a vulnerable and honest depiction of who The She’s are now. "all female rock and roll quartet" boasts a new level of confidence and creativity in their songwriting, storytelling, and musicianship; willingly letting moments go unresolved and letting loose ends hang with intention and certainty. Bandcamp here, Facebook here.

'Heartache' is a beautiful swaggering alt rock song, that has a natural live feel to it. Full of hooks and free of any pretentious moments, it's one fine rocker.

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The County Liners - Love Letter.

Background - The County Liners, Mary Jane Dunphe & Chris McDonnell in the County Liners, release date: Friday, November 17th 2017

The County Liners started in Mary Jane Dunphe and Chris McDonnell's country home in Olympia, WA in the winter of 2016. Longtime friends and collaborators, Chris and Mary Jane began writing 80's/90's inspired country tunes when Mary Jane found herself bedridden with a debilitating ankle injury. 

Adding to the starkly naked approach of the record, the group reinvisioned lyrics from McDonnell's mother, Virginia Maurer, for the single “Love Letter.” Riley Kendig, also living with Dunphe and McDonnell, Mirce Popovic joined the band to help arrange and perform the deeply personal songs for this five song EP. Recorded and mixed by Captain Tripps Ballsington, The County Liners debut is nothing short of heartbreaking. Bandcamp here.

My first impressions were, 'Love Letters' sounds like a late seventies new wave song (maybe Television) performed with more modern Americana vibes. I reckon there are enough complements within that assessment, to leave it just there!

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Valerie Ghent - New York City Streets.

Background - NYC recording artist Valerie Ghent celebrates her newest video, New York City Streets, with a worldwide release on youtube.com/valerieghent and a call for response videos made by anyone who loves New York City. 

A love letter to her native city, the New York City Streets video was shot in all five boroughs of The Big Apple, in dozens of locations, many of personal significance to the enthusiastic and rockin’ NY singer/musician/composer. “New York is a beloved and iconic city for people around the globe”, Valerie says, “Whenever I travel people tell me how much they love NYC! So I’m inviting anyone who loves New York City to make your own video with the song, showcase your favorite parts of New York, and post it on YouTube. Show us your “New York City Streets!” 

Voted #2 Best Song of 2016 by West Coast Music Radio, New York City Streets features rock solid performances by veteran New York musicians who have played on countless hits by world-class artists including Ashford & Simpson, Luther Vandross, Chic, Roberta Flack, Lou Reed, Bruce Springsteen, David Byrne and many more. A free mp3 of the song is available from Valerie’s website, for anyone who wants to make their own version of a New York City Streets video. Website here, Facebook here.

'New York City Streets' took me straight back to The Crusaders & Street Life. It's not a clone of said song, it just has that wonderful vibe and a timeless feel. The video is equally wonderful.


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Ponytails - Ponytails EP.

Background - Ponytails came to fruition in March 2016, spawned from best friends Harvey Merrit (vocals, bass) and Travis Goeres (lead guitar) love of pizza and the theme music of Sylvester Stallone movies. Liam Ness (bass, rhythm guitar, vocals) and Simon Furminger (drums, vocals) joined in late March and in September 2016 started working on their self-titled EP. 

Recorded at Little Red Sounds with Felix Fung And recorded over the course of three long days really pushed the band and producer to their fullest. The band released their first single "Pieces" on October 1st, 2016 followed by a full release of the EP on November 1st. 

The anticipation of their EP was strengthened by word of mouth from their electric live performances and off stage antics that has garnered attention from the Fox Cabaret, the Biltmore, Roundhouse radio and headlining Beatroute's Rifflandia stage (last minute) at the Copper Owl. 

They have shared the stage with the likes of, Wishkicker, Leisure club, Peach Pit and Dopey's Robe. They returned to the studio this summer to start work on their first full-length LP. Bandcamp here.

With an album on the way the original 'Ponytails EP' is getting a fresh share & is most definitely worth a feature. A collection of fresh indie sounding rock songs, the EP may well be the first step for a good few people to check out what's to follow.

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The Sound of Ghosts - Train To Nowhere.

Background - The Sound of Ghosts are an Americana roots musical collective hailing from Los Angeles, California. The five-piece collective of accomplished musicians have crafted a musical experience unlike any other with their unique arrangements and vast variety of influences. A culmination of traditional front porch Americana, folk-laden melodies and vintage rock’n’roll, The Sound of Ghosts have succeeded in bringing their own edge to this timeless genre of music. 

The Sound of Ghosts are James Orbison (vocals, bass), Anna Orbison (vocals, ukulele), Ernesto Rivas (lead guitar), Phoebe Silva (fiddle) and Jon Sarna (drums). United they have pushed the boundaries of typical Americana and created an ever-evolving sound demonstrating the diversity of each of their own different musical backgrounds. Included in this are elements of classic rock, musical theatre, country and everything in between, Rivas explains “everyone's different perspective is an essential part to the diverse sound we create”. 

The Sound of Ghosts formed in memory of the band’s friend Dave Lamb, who passed away too soon from Leukaemia. Lamb headed an acclaimed band ‘Brown Bird’ with his wife that was named NPR’s folk group of the year. James Orbison was touched and inspired by the impact Lamb had made on not only him, but the community around him. James Orbison fell back into music as a mechanism to cope with his grief, where he consequently rediscovered his passion for writing and playing again. They decided to name their band ‘The Sound of Ghosts’ which was the title of Brown Bird’s first album, as a way to honor Lamb and to be constant reminder of his love for music. 

Their upcoming release entitled Delivery and Departure is filled with diverse soundscapes and a multitude of sonic textures. The new music is set to be an immersive listening experience. Anna Orbison explains, “I hope it inspires people to look at the world in a little different way. Notice the things around you… that’s what we write songs about”. 

Lead single ‘Train to Nowhere’ is an upbeat folky song with driving guitars, catchy hooks and story-telling lyricism. Showcasing the band’s signature sound of fiddle fueled melodies and soaring harmonies, accompanied by a powerful trumpet solo, it is assured to get listeners up and dancing. "This song is a perfect mix of what we do best”, reveals Anna Orbison. Originally inspired after watching two acclaimed Netflix documentaries entitled ‘Big Easy Express’ and ‘Festival Express', the narrative was built around the ideology of escapism and the importance of adventure. The song symbolizes the journey of self discovery and introspection. Website here, Facebook here.

If Americana in any of it's diverse forms is your thing then 'Train To Nowhere' may well ensure another band become firmly stuck on your musical radar. With a tune this good, that would probably apply to lovers of music way beyond just this classic arrangement.

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Winter - Jaded.

Background - LA-based (by way of Brazil) dream-pop band Winter just wrapped up a tour opening for another female-fronted LA act, Cherry Glazerr. The band has added additional fall dates and will be playing the Desert Daze Festival in Joshua Tree in Oct. The new video for their stand-alone single "Jaded" has been released.

Winter is a dreamy indie rock band whose sound was conceived in Boston. The current tour finds Samira Winter backed by Justine Brown, Chelsea Brown, and Anders LaSource of fellow LA band Summer Twins.

The quartet released their first full-length album, Supreme Blue Dream, via Lolipop Records in 2015. The aptly titled album floats on with a youthful sense of nostalgia and romanticized segues into adulthood. Influences include most of the 90s holy grail of grunge/alternative music (Dinosaur Jr., Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Pixies, etc.). Winter aspires to connect others with their inner child by making blissful, beautiful and ethereal pop music. New live dates are listed on Beehive Candy's tour news page, Facebook here.

Dream pop with attitude 'Jaded' is more of a powerful slide towards fresh punk. No wonder considering the bands influences, this is a feisty piece by any measurement.


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Jason Herring and the Mystery Plan - M.A.G.S. - Young States - Azraq Sàhara - Georgia June

Jason Herring and the Mystery Plan - Electric Love.

Background - Jason Herring & The Mystery Plan have just released their new album 'Queensland Ballroom' via Ten Millimeter Omega Recordings. With an infectious chilled atmosphere and dreamy female vocals, ‘Electric Love’ is the first single from this release. 

Jason Herring & The Mystery Plan released their new album 'Queensland Ballroom' on September 8 via Ten Millimeter Omega Recordings. With an infectious chilled atmosphere and dreamy female vocals, ‘Electric Love’ is the first single from this release. The accompanying video was directed by Jon Ecklund and Fiona Jones and produced by Dream Out Loud Media.

Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, the band is comprised of Jason Herring, Otis Hughes, Jeff Chester, Amy Herring, Paul Jensen and Patty McLaughlin. This 11-track offering follows the band’s 'Electric Love' EP, released in June of this year.  

Both of these releases involved production by legendary producer John Fryer, one of the most innovative sonic architects of our age. “John Fryer has practically soundtracked your entire life,” says Impose Magazine, with a musical imprint that is massive, having shaped the sound of nearly all early 4AD Records' releases (Cocteau Twins, Lush, Kristin Hersh, Dead Can Dance), as well as bands from Nine Inch Nails and Love and Rockets to HIM and Depeche Mode. He is also one of just two artists behind This Mortal Coil, along with Ivo Watts-Russell, and the mastermind behind his latest project Black Needle Noise. 

Jason Herring met Fryer while visiting Los Angeles, where his studio is currently based. After collaborating on the 'Electric Love' EP, they launched into the new 'Queensland Ballroom' LP, which sees the band take a turn from their trademark psychedelic folk sound to a more electronic downtempo groove. 

After a hiatus of several years, bandmates Jason Herring (The Interstellars, Muchacho, Farfalla) and Paul Jensen (Fetchin' Bones, the Interstellars) began writing songs again.  Soon thereafter, the first album 'The Future Ain't What It Used to Be' was released in 2010, followed by 'Chateau Beaumont' in 2012 and 'Long Shadows' in 2014. Facebook here.

The first of eleven tracks on the 'Queensland Ballroom' album is 'Electric Love'. It typifies the rich synths and and dreamy vocals that are full of fine textures and atmosphere. The collection includes three remixes, including one for the featured song. Overall this is an imaginative collection of material, if you like Electric Love, the album really is a must hear.


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M.A.G.S. - Mexico

Background - Without a doubt, Buffalo's music scene is buzzing about multi-instrumentalist, M.A.G.S. (aka Elliott Douglas). Signed to Admirable Traits Records, M.A.G.S. popularity has been shot out of a cannon since the release of his debut EP Cellophane in 2015 notably due to prominent features in the TV shows Shameless, The Flash, and Famous In Love. M.A.G.S. can best be described to new listeners as Cloud Nothings Attack on Memory re-worked by Lightspeed Champion era Dev Hynes.

The second single from the album, "Mexico," which dropped 9/8/17, is all about figuring out what kind of person you want to be and learning the hard way about how your decision-making will affect you long term. In a nut shell, it's about the perils of growing up and becoming an adult.

All of the instruments are written and mixed by Douglas and recorded by Dave Drago at 1809 Studios in Rochester, NY. The album is out right now via digital, tape, and cassette, which is available for order on M.A.G.S.' bandcamp here, Facebook here.

'Mexico' is an energised, uptempo indie rocker, where the vocals are a driving force for the song, and that's saying something when you consider the potent full on sound the band create.

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Young States - Memory.

Background - Young States are pleased to announce their new single 'Memory', taken from the forthcoming EP, 'Past Truths | Present Lies' - out 29th September. Hailing from Norwich, Young States are a four-piece band specialising in energetic and passionate punk rock.

Formed at the end of 2014, the band met at a music school in Norwich. Guitar and vocalist, Libby was on a sound engineering course, the others on music performance courses. Guitarist, Amy got Young States together as she was bored of seeing male band after male band, and wanted to form an all-female group. She approached the others in the corridors of college after seeing them carrying their instruments.

With a love of Brand New, Kids In Glass Houses, Defeater and Mallory Knox, Young States quickly wrote and recorded their debut EP 'Down to You' which saw them receive play from Scuzz TV, BBC Introducing and features in the pages of Kerrang!

New EP “Past Truths | Present Lies” is about personal growth and letting go of the things that have previously caused you pain. Lead singer and bass player Georgia says: “All the tracks on the EP have different meanings to some extent but the common thread between them all is that they're all about my own (not-entirely-happy) feelings I've experienced in the past. The idea for the EP name comes from saying that I experience these exact feelings at the moment wouldn't be true.” Facebook here.

Young States are described as a passionate punk rock band. 'Memory' oozes passion, however for me it's more of a feisty alt rocker, however there is no point quibbling over genres, the main thing is this is one natural and catchy rocker, & that's more than enough.


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Azraq Sàhara - Bones.

Background - Azraq Sàhara formed in Athens, Greece, in 2013 as the personal project of singer and songwriter Sara D. Satàn. Her first home recordings and early live performances were a lo-fi amalgam of beach pop and surf melodies.

Following a year of writing and experimenting with fellow artists in the Athenian psych scene, the band emerged in 2015 with their 11-track debut album, 'Radamenes', via Athens based TBMR Records.

The album is a continuation of the band's early sound, but dives deeper into their Mediterranean origins, to take you on a journey from the Sahara Desert to the Californian coast. 

When asked to describe their own music they call it ‘Desert Goth’, “it's surf guitars and jungle drums mixed with Mediterranean influences, from folk and Eastern melodies to sea sounds and desert winds.”

Now based in Manchester, UK, Azraq Sàhara are bringing their self-styled "Desert Goth" to British audiences and plan to release a new EP in 2017. 

Now desert goth is a new description for me, however it really does capture the overall feel of 'Bones'. Strong hints of psych rock are there in the under current & the video adds something of a hippy feel to the track. Pretty good going for just one song.


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Georgia June - Cool.

Background - Sydney, Australia-based indie pop/rock artist, Geogia June, shares her new video "Cool" via Pilerats. The track was recorded in New York City at Diamond City Studios with Ayad Al Adhamy (Passion Pit, Team Spirit) and Joel Wittenberg (Surf Rock Is Dead). 

Georgia June wrote "Cool" after soberly leaving a party where everyone was under the influence of some form of substance. Observing the facade created by the ridiculously pompous private school boys, Georgia wrote the song as a satire on  her turbulent teenage years. The track asserts that popularity and hipness are contrived labels created by high schoolers, and through her artistic expression, Georgia has been able to move beyond the narrow mindedness of her peers. The song was inspired by Joan Jett, who soundtracked her car ride home from the party, displaying a more aggressive side of Georgia June. The video was directed, produced and edited by James Adams (Delta Riggs, Julia Jacklin). The campy visuals in the video compliment Georgia's kitschy, but still fashion forward style. Her identity, being an artist, scholar and creative, is contrasted from the stuck up, basic private school kids in Sydney that she was forced to grow up with. She also sticks out as a strong front woman, singing in front of her homogenous, male bandmates. 

The song is the first of three tracks that were recorded during Georgia June's visit to New York City at Diamond City Studio. The collection of tracks represent a time of reflection for Georgia, as each track represents an aspect of growing up and schooling. Second single, "Broke," is about being a struggling musician in the city, completely isolated from support networks and being halfway across the world (literally) from friends and family. Third single, "Pressure," is about the expectations from family and superiors to go to university and take a traditional route, having grown up as a self-proclaimed nerd. The collection of tracks tells an endearing story of a girl, growing up as an outsider, and then finding her place in a big city. Through these tracks, Georgia June is finally able to display her cheekiness, quick wit and mature perspective on difficult teen years. Website here, Facebook here.

With a feisty riff and some determined and emotive vocals 'Cool' builds into one very cool (sorry) rocker. Natural and personal, it's a no nonsense song that feels like it comes straight from the heart.


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Wild Ones - Space4Lease - Solvents - Intergalactic Lovers - Embers - Imitating Aeroplanes - Doralice

Wild Ones - Standing in the Back at Your Show.

Background - Portland, OR's Wild Ones are sharing the second single off their forthcoming album, Mirror Touch, due October 6th via Topshelf Records. "Standing in the Back at Your Show is about young love when it's completely inappropriate and unwieldy.," explains vocalist Danielle Sullivan. "It began as a story about my husband and I, who is also a musician, and morphed into a semi fictional tale of its own."

Mirror Touch, the band’s latest record releasing in October 2017 via Topshelf Records, explores spaces of isolation, loneliness and how it feels when the line between self and other becomes blurred. The record title refers to the condition "Mirror Touch Synesthesia" and the physiological experience of empathy. How can you know yourself, when in public you become everyone else? 

The songs explore the quest to maintain artistic self-integrity in an industry that seeks to homogenize. Solitary in their process of collaboration, Himes and Vicario produce the music, while Sullivan crafts lyrics and melodies, their attempt at self-preservation against the ever-changing expectations of what music should or should not be. Combining their style of upbeat melodies with a backdrop of darker lyrical themes, an inquiry into their artistic process ultimately reflects a balance between earnest head nods to their favorite sounds with a fierce loyalty to their own sense of self. Website here, Facebook here.

Our second feature for Wild Ones following on from the first single 'Paresthesia' this time we have 'Standing in the Back at Your Show'. This is a slower paced song, however the melody is once again notable alongside the beautiful vocals and finely arranged music.

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Space4Lease - I Tried Calling.

Background - Just like the cyclical themes and dreamy harmonies found in many of their songs, Space4Lease have come back around with another stellar single, “I Tried Calling” which was released last Friday.

Intensely personal, the track provides a close scrutiny of the patterned, often repetitive and all-consuming nature of love and relationships. “I Tried Calling” comes as the fifth single from the band, all being released on a new EP Drifting out September 22, 2017; additionally Space4Lease just announced a U.S. tour this fall in support (dates below).

Singer Grayson Hamm provides his insight on the new single, “[I Tried Calling] tells you a story of love and a continuous cycle of emotion – the ups and downs of maintaining a relationship, sometimes even after it’s over. This song is probably the most personal track of the five we have released this summer and I believe it puts an exclamation point on the entire project as a whole.”

He shares that the song was originally written on guitar and came together in the course of a day. “The emotions were there, but it was just a matter of expressing them in the proper way with the right style lyrically. Brandon, Walt and I were up late one night wielding acoustics while sitting on our back porch when I played them the song for the first time. As they played along to me, the song resonated so well with us in a meaningful and emotional sense that it just all came together. We didn’t overthink or spend a lot of time working this song out – the way we played it that first night was the format it kept.”

“I Tried Calling” and other recent singles can be found on the band’s Bandcamp (here) and all major digital platforms now. They will be formally released as a cohesive EP Drifting on September 22, 2017. Website here, Facebook here.

The vocals standout from the start on 'I Tried Calling' a slowly developing alt rocker, where the musicianship and production are of high quality. The subtle melody and constant flow of hooks makes this track stand out.


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Solvents - Lips Like a Juggalo.

Background - A message from Jarrrod Bramson, on behalf of the band: "I was on tour in Salt Lake City Utah about ten years ago. I was walking alone. It was hot and I was hungover. From around a corner, these two clowns appeared and were walking towards me. 

I was literally in shock. They were ten times as shocking than any punks I'd ever seen. They walked past me and paid me no mind. I couldn't get them out of my head. What were those kids? 

Around this time my roommate and I started obsessing and sending each other videos of the gathering and all sorts of Juggalo stuff. We were hell bent on figuring out all we could about this fascinating and misunderstood subculture.

In 2015, I tried to write a song called "Teenage Juggalo." I couldn't make it fit right and after awhile, "Lips Like a Juggalo" just kinda popped out of my mouth. Also: Keep yr eyes/ears open for our next record, Memory Shreds, due out someday.

The background to 'Lips Like a Juggalo' is intriguing enough. Thankfully the vibrant indie rock song does justice to the story & the video adds some additional interpretation.


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Intergalactic Lovers - River.

Background - Intergalactic Lovers returned with their third album ‘Exhale’ last Friday. ‘Exhale’ is a collection of sky-wide alt-rock songs with melodic pull that echoes the best of PJ Harvey or Cat Power. Elemental singer/songwriter Lara Chedraoui is the emotional center of the band. Hailing from Belgium, they are one of the biggest bands in that country having achieved Gold Status and being awarded ‘Best Breakthrough Band’ at their Music Industry Awards. Now signed to a strong independent they are taking their music international with success at home that equates to someone like Wolf Alice or Honey Blood in the UK. Their new record was produced by the world renowned Gill Norton, the legendary studio man behind amazing albums for The Pixies and Echo & The Bunnymen.

Their forthcoming album ‘Exhale’ is a response to watching their nearest and dearest burn out in many ways. Even the name expresses their exasperation of a time when the chaos of life caused pain to those the love. Lead singer Lara Chedraoui explains the frustration of not knowing how to help.

“This album is an angry reaction to the constant battle of how conformity can ruin peoples state of mind. Perfection is not everything. Exhale is about not knowing how to save everyone; loved ones and those effected by all the horrible things happening in the world.”

The fragility of the album echoes over thunderous guitar riffs keeping the classic band set up together for a modern take on epic rock and roll. Chedraoui’s voice delves from delicate to seductive through out the album. Leading with single ‘Between The Lines’ other strong single contenders include ‘Ego Wars’ a rousing depiction of a faltering relationship and ‘Fears’ an anthem that sounds tailor made for arenas. First album ‘Greetings and Salutations’ received critical acclaim across Europe leading to a signing at Warner Music and to their second album release “Little Heavy Burdens”. Website here, Facebook here.

The music video carries a story with a twist and the song 'River' needed to be strong and catchy to remain relevant. In fact it's a fabulous track that might be described as melodic alt rock that truly resonates.


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Embers - Until The Dawn (Live).

Background - Manchester ‘Neu Cinematic’ four-piece Embers have announced the release of new single Until The Dawn through AWAL. The band have also announced two live dates at London’s Tooting Tram & Social on 3rd November and a hometown show in Manchester on 4th November at Soup Kitchen.

Inspired by the cinematic, including composer John Murphy and artists such as Radiohead, Run The Jewels and Sigur Ros, Embers merge their influences together to create a sound filled with grandeur and urgency.

Following previous singles The Bitten Tongue and the double A-side release of Signs/Unbound earlier this year, Until The Dawn perfectly evokes Embers striking and unique sound. Potent and moving, the track builds in intensity both vocally and musically throughout to a powerful chorus.

The live video, which is the first part of two live performances filmed at Manchester’s spectacular Albert Hall, gives an insight into the scale of the band’s sound and how captivating their live performance really is. Embers say; “We knew with this release we had to do something that could show the scale of songs we were putting together. We wanted to create something immersive, bold and ambitious - something that captured who we are, the live band behind it all.” “Until the Dawn is that feeling of leaving nothing behind. The darkest hour, the silver lining."

Embers are George Agan, Will Clutton, Dan Houghton and Steven McInerney. Facebook here.

Well regulars might know my passion for live music. Despite the lack of an audience 'Until The Dawn' has everything a monumental performance needs. The song is both memorable and carries an extra level of energy that only live music can provide.


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Imitating Aeroplanes - H.I.T.S.

Background - Norwegian duo Imitating Aeroplanes have released their third single 'H.I.T.S.' - a psychedelic, proggy trip through expansive alternative indie-pop. On paper, it’s an impressive pairing, but this is one partnership more destined — than designed. Imitating Aeroplanes is the new project of Tord Øverland Knudsen (The Wombats) and Marius Drogsås Hagen (Team Me) – a collective output tallying five albums, multi-million sales and streams, repeat Billboard charts, international play-listing and widespread acclaim, including a Norwegian Grammy Award and multiple NME / MTV Award nominations.

The duo's forthcoming debut album ‘Planet Language’ was entirely self-produced, with recording alternating between Marius’ home studio and Oslo’s Metronomicon and Stable Studios. Its analogue approach and vintage mantra is seemingly at odds with the more interstellar nature of tracks like newly released single ‘H.I.T.S.’ – which according to Tord is, “the most futuristic sounding song sonically” on the album.

An acronym for Head In The Sand - Tord explained a little about the new single: "‘H.I.T.S.’ is probably the most straight-up track on the album. It’s not at all metaphorical as a concept, it’s about avoiding confrontation and just burying your head in the sand."

Marius and Tord have been playing and writing music together since childhood, recording their first demos to cassette circa ’96. The pair grew up in small Norwegian town Elverum before embarking respective international careers, with their latest planetary pursuit landing in Tokyo – the cultural heartland of forthcoming album Planet Language. Facebook here.

Synthy and flowing 'H.I.T.S.' takes indie pop into more expansive territories and does so with style and plenty of energy.

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Doralice - Vespertina.

Background - Bay area acoustic, gypsy jazz duo, Doralice, has just released their single "Vespertina." Performing cinematic chamber pieces inspired by film scores and modern acoustic music, Doralice, incorporates elements of both Americana, gypsy, Spanish & tango music. 

The group, consisting of Rima Ash on violin and Yates Brown on guitar, has performed alongside indie, folk, post-rock, metal & noise bands as often as chamber, jazz, and world artists, in settings ranging from punk clubs to classical house concerts. 

Their 2013 debut album became the #1 acoustic album on Bandcamp, and a subsequent EP and video of reinterpretations of classical metal went viral on Youtube in 2015.

The band has recently completed their second full length, which was recorded by Scott Evans (Kowloon Walled City), mixed by Ian Pellicci (Deerhoof, Haushcka, Dodos, Book of Knots), mastered by Bob Weston (Shellac, Mission of Burma), and featuring guests including Sam Bass (Les Claypool, Mr. Bungle). Website here, Facebook here.

I have said it before & here goes again, there are just not enough instrumental only singles released. 'Vespertina' is a fine display of musical dexterity, where the instruments can and do deliver passion, feeling and emotion.

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