Yawners - Laurie Luke - Jackie Charles - I Was a King

There is an international dimension from today's artists. Madrid based Yawners are described as a power pop duo however they can also power rock as demonstrated by the potent & pleasing song 'Please, Please, Please'. Laurie Luke serves up some chunky riffs, emotive vocals and plenty of hooks on 'Seventeen' a feisty rocker. Jackie Charles share a refreshing indie piece with 'Time Travel' ahead of what is a fabulous album with eleven songs, all vying for our attention. Norway's I Was A King round things off with the melodic and catchy 'Hatchet' mixing energy and warm vibes with style.

Yawners - Please, Please, Please.

Yawners are the Madrid-based power pop duo of Elena Nieto and Martin Muñoz. Founded by Nieto in her home town of Salamanca and persisting through a move to Germany before finding its current form with Muñoz in Madrid, Yawners have established themselves at the forefront of the blossoming Spanish guitar pop scene.

Following a series of early singles that have earned critical praise and comparisons to acts like Swearin’, Husker Du, and Blink-182 in their home country, Yawners are preparing to release their debut LP, Just Calm Down. Composed of 10 effortlessly engaging pop songs, the album introduces a promising voice in Nieto, who weaves ‘90s college rock and skate punk influences into collection of nostalgia-inducing, lovelorn tracks that showcase a mix of stunning compositional dexterity and enchanting melodies.

Despite their stripped down line up, Nieto’s deft and inventive guitar parts are layered with her and Munoz’ harmonized vocals to produce a huge sound reminiscent of the early Ric Ocasek-produced Weezer albums, production that is perfectly suited for the immediacy of the material. Nieto, who is a translator and speaks Spanish, German, and English fluently, has a refreshingly direct songwriting approach imbued with playfulness and humor — as on the affectionate kiss off to a stoner ex-boyfriend on buoyant early album stand out “Seaweed” — but with the range to find moments of emotional resonance that would not be out of place beside the band’s emo heroes like The Get Up Kids, American Football, and Tigers Jaw.

Lead single “Please, Please, Please” provides an example of the latter. Utilizing overlapping vocal melodies and a powerful performance from Nieto to elevate the song’s soaring chorus to great effect, it captures a feeling of mingled hope and longing in the face of tragedy. The track is a suitably impressive introduction to a band with a bright future, who appear poised to be the latest Spanish export to garner a global audience in 2019.


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Laurie Luke - Seventeen.

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune often come flying seemingly out of nowhere in your late 20's/early 30's. It’s a scenario that singer-songwriter Laurie Luke has endured and ultimately turned into a creative force on his debut EP, Way Back When.

To turn back the clock for a moment tho - like so many, Laurie was thrilled and inspired by Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles while also growing up on 90's icons like Soundgarden and Tool. He formed SOMA – a heavy, angry, politically-driven prog-rock outfit. He then made his first forays into serious home recording, before forming Heavy Love, a band that was a positive, polar opposite of SOMA and toured around WA before parting ways. Laurie by this point, was recording entire albums at home that were mixed, mastered and stored away.

During this time Laurie was raising a young family at home, and had come to the end of a long marriage. Through that personal turbulence he again turned his time and intensity into music, but on a release that would actually see the light of day.  Way Back When is both the EP and the experience.


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Jackie Charles - Time Travel.

Jackie Charles (the love-child, band and alter ego of Kaja Bremnes) are releasing their debut album Future Fantasies on April 19th 2019. Dividing their time between the rooftop bars of Berlin and a Norwegian fishing boat, the record was recorded in Hannover and mixed / mastered at Oslo’s Propeller Studios.

The band’s songwriting combines the 1980s goth angst of The Cure with the nihilism of Ariel Pink with the heartbreaking vulnerability of Alvvays. A washed out, hallucinogenic quality permeates the album, with brutally honest lyrics concealed beneath sugary sweet melodies. This is a Summer soundtrack for those with more nihilistic tendencies.

Themes of escapism are explored, for example on ‘Time Travel’, with the band telling us “reality isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and sometimes living in the past is better than being in the present. Haven’t you ever wanted to travel back to a time when things were less complicated and you felt safe?” whilst title track ‘Future Fantasies’ is more grounded, demanding a reality check for the culture of “thinking positive, dreaming big… If you can dream it, then you can do it. Who cares if society is failing and the sea levels are rising? *whispers* -you’re special-”

Having toured Europe extensively, Jackie Charles have built up their reputation among discerning gig goers, with Steve Lamacq regularly championing her on his BBC 6 music show. They will be heading over to our shores for a Parallel Lines show on April 19th at The Islington.

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I Was a King - Hatchet.

Originating from the windswept, moody southwestern coast of Norway, I Was A King are living proof that the sweetest pop songs can be cultivated and thrive in the oddest places.

They have just released 'Hatchet - the second single from upcoming album 'Slow Century'. One of the first songs written for their much-anticipated new album - it was tested out live at an early stage and remained, along with previous single, 'Bubble', one of the key tracks throughout the recording process. Hatchet represents one of those infectious high-energy moments of the album, which is emphasised by Legend Jad Fair (Half Japanese) joining in with a 6 second long guest appearance on his trademark rubber band guitar.

New album Slow Century, out March 8th via Coastal Town Recordings was produced by Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub. Led by singers and guitarists Frode Strømstad and Anne Lise Frøkedal, whose united vocals melt into one extraterrestrial voice, their new album Slow Century is a collection of instantly classic power pop tunes, written, recorded, and pressed to vinyl – all in the picturesque town of Egersund, on the south-west coast of Noway.

 


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Emily Jean Flack - Julia Bardo - And The Kids - IV League

We have two very fine songs from Emily Jean Flack which feature her gorgeous vocals set against some Celtic musical influences, along with some superb electronic touches. Julia Bardo creatively merges elements of folk, rock and classic pop with her splendid vocals adding even more hooks to this charming song. And The Kids were featured around three weeks ago and return with another track just ahead of their album release, a melodic rocker that builds anticipation for 'When This Life Is Over' even more. IV League have some real edge on 'Lose Me' a notable alt rocker with depth and emotional power.

Emily Jean Flack - Another Year Gone By / Tread Softly.

Canadian, Emily Jean Flack’s passion for traditional Irish music has led to her most accomplished work yet, showcasing her gorgeously pure vocals and the Celtic music she has grown up with, whilst injecting uber-cool electronic textures - a genre-spanning mix which defies expectation and delivers on every level.

Throwing Shapes is the forthcoming EP from Emily Jean Flack, five tracks which see her demonstrating her place as one of the artists to watch in 2019. Bridging the traditional sounds of her homeland in Ontario and those of her current home in Limerick, yet still sounding utterly fresh and contemporary.

Vocalist, musician, songwriter and dancer, Emily Jean Flack, has spent her life being surrounded by music and musicians but has always been keen to express her influences in a way which is entirely her own. Honing her craft whilst studying for a Masters in Traditional Irish Music at the University of Limerick, her musical lineage is impeccable, daughter of Denise Flack, member of the ground-breaking Celtic pop band, Leahy.

“Although I come from a traditional instrumental folk background, I’ve always listened to so many other styles of music. And my own music has always been more personal, more modern and more contemporary. Being in Ireland is wonderful in the sense that it’s so culturally rich, but there is a ferocity and sense of independence within the music. It’s not cute or quaint. It’s quite raw and organic. Ireland has offered me an environment to openly make the music that moves me,” - Emily Jean Flack.


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Julia Bardo - Desire.

Singer-songwriter Julia Bardo has released the video for her debut single Desire, which follows the release of the single via Someone Great Records/PIAS last month. Manchester based Julia Bardo is one of a kind. An old soul with a captivating mysterious air, her wistful nostalgia-soaked sound pays homage to the introspective pop and folk of the 1960’s but with contemporary lyrics which stem from her romantic daydreams and poetic visions.

Desire balances feelings of discontent with a cheerful melody and silky vocal, rousing conflicting emotions that keep you coming back for more. With its folk, pop and old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll influences, it’s a modern-day single with a difference.

The retro-tinged grainy video, which features Julia herself singing the track in various locations, is filmed in a Super 8 style by video maker & cinematographer Ed Stone and director Beck Clewlow. Julia says;

“I wanted to make a video that created images for my sound rather than the story behind it – a visual representation of my sound. Me and Beck have very similar taste so it was easy to accomplish my mission”.


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And The Kids - Butterfingers.

And The Kids have shared a new song from their upcoming album When This Life Is Over out February 22 on Signature Sounds (Lake Street Dive, Josh Ritter, Dustbowl Revival).

Known for their scintillating live performances, And The Kids have shared stages with Blondie, Shakey Graves, Lucy Dacus, Caroline Rose, Rubblebucket and more, often times by headliner's personal invitation. The band will embark on a tour with Slothrust this February, followed by a national headlining run in March including two hometown shows in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Today's release follows "Champagne Ladies," an indie rock ode to the impending end of life and "No Way Sit Back," an indie rock attack on the media's effect on minorites.


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IV League - Lose Me.

After smashing airwaves over summer with latest single ‘Lose Me’, Melbourne alt-rock darlings IV League have unleashed an equally badass clip, indulging their penchant for the dramatic and enforcing their reputation for producing “some of the most exciting indie-pop in the country” (Purple Sneakers).

Collaborating with friends to make the clip, the result is an eerie, hypnotic affair that perfectly captures the track's themes of mental warfare and self-identity struggles, while also putting the band's visual aesthetic at the fore.

Front woman Isabella Venutti explains that she fully embraced the chance to take the creative helm - “The inspiration for the music video came from a lot of films dealing with women and the occult such as 'Valerie and Her Week of Wonders' and 'Suspiria' as well as aesthetics that we are drawn to in general.

“We worked in collaboration with two close friends to make the video and I think having creative control was really important as we had a really clear vision for how we wanted the clip to play out. We didn’t focus too much on a narrative arc, we just wanted to play with our aesthetic inspiration and give a sense of emotional turmoil in a theatrical way.


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Katey Brooks - Kap Bambino - Cartoon Lizard - Mags On Earth - Sparkling

We begin with Katey Brooks who is appearing on Beehive Candy for the third time and once again she is mightily impressive with another exceptional song. Kap Bambino's video for 'Erase' has already gained considerable attention as it drives home the sheer energy and vibrancy of this electro punk blast. Cartoon Lizard share a creative song and imaginative video as the band prove hard to categorise with this track, it's rock of some sort and it's rather addictive. Mags on Earth creativity is notable as is the atmosphere and feeling on 'Tulip Stone' a refined and intriguing song. The duo Sparkling keep today's somewhat "alternative" vibe on track with some classy synths and distinct vocals along with some deep hooks.

Katey Brooks - Never Gonna Let Her Go.

Katey Brooks latest single ‘Never Gonna Let Her Go’ is about being true to yourself and rejecting shame. The singer reveals, "We're all going to walk this planet with different scripts in our heads, different upbringings, experiences and beliefs, and if we want to get along and be peaceful we need to accept that.  Hate isn't the answer in any situation - so I believe anyway”. The stunning single exudes soaring vocal harmonies, bluesy guitars and passionate lyrics, essentially becoming a peaceful protest song. Brooks prevails,  "Judge me for my true failings, ask me to change those things that actually effect you, and I'll hear that. But one thing I'll never change, and one thing that is definitely not wrong with me, is my love for women”.

Brooks has found success recording with the likes of Brian May (Queen), Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones) and Paloma Faith at Abbey Road. She has played some of the world’s biggest festivals, as well as having received an enthusiastic reception from radio stations around the UK and internationally.  Brooks has also received acclaim from such prestigious outlets as Billboard, Pride and The Advocate to name a few. Katey Brooks is now ready for the next chapter of her musical journey, with ‘Never Gonna Let Her Go’ out now.

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Kap Bambino - Erase.

French duo Kap Bambino announce their return with new album 'Dust, Fierce, Forever', out on 12th April on Because Music.

Notorious for their uncompromising live performances, Orion and Caroline bring that raw energy to 'Erase', the first single taken from the upcoming album, and to the riveting video that accompanies it.

Their fifth album is an irresistible whirlwind of sounds, in which the most disparate of elements spin together breathlessly. The record's 13 concise, momentous tracks juggle around familiar sounds, suggestions of Eurodance and a hint of hardcore, creating an acrobatic, incongrous mix that never lacks moments of beauty.


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Cartoon Lizard - Lay Of The Land.

Each year, we dedicate months at a time and set aside our lives to write and record music deep in the woods of Cedar, BC. We live at the studio and immerse ourselves in the process of making music. We’re very particular about the fidelity and character of every aspect of a production, sometimes spending days refining individual elements.

The recording of “Lay of the Land,” our new song, was left dormant for a year before being resurrected in 2018 during our tenure at Risque Disque Records where some extra details were added.

It's been hard not to get political lyrically in recent times, and “Lay of the Land” is definitely a product of that. We've all felt the change in climate and have been questioning our beliefs more so than ever. “Lay of the Land” is essentially motivation to never stop questioning yourself. Nobody has the answer, nobody is perfect. That’s something you have to be willing to accept and acknowledge when you're in the wrong - Cartoon Lizard.


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Mags On Earth - Tulip Stone.

Born in Sweden, raised in Germany, and now living between London and Paris, Mags On Earth combines these geographical influences into her wonderfully crafted, dreamily melancholic, electronic-touched pop sounds.

Inspired by the likes of Lana Del Rey and Bat For Lashes, and shaped musically, lyrically and visually by the city sounds she finds herself surrounded by, new single ’Tulip Stone’ was recorded with producer Jose Manuel Cubides in London, and deals with "wondering what else life could be looking like right now, and the pressure of spending your youth in a certain way and how time keeps passing”. 

The single comes backed by a Paris-influenced video that Mags On Earth made herself.  She explains "I spent a month in Paris last October and was so inspired by the atmosphere. Paris has that authentic beauty and elegance that I strive for in my visuals, even in its less pretty parts.  Paris is always Paris. And to me it feels kind of faded in the colours which really works well with the theme behind Tulip Stone”.

‘Tulip Stone’ is taken from her debut EP “Girl in the City” (available to stream here).  The tracks are accompanied by self-produced videos. Talking about the EP, Mags On Earth explains, “I think the whole EP is not about feeling good or bad, it is much more about a mundane in-between-feeling-stuck state of longing for something more, thinking nothing is ever enough maybe. It idealises big metropolis cities as places of potential reinvention and new beginnings.”



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Sparkling - Fractions

Danish duo Sparkling are relishing returning to music after a long break with new single ’Fractions’ which just come out on 4th February following their recent single ’Say Goodbye To The Ragged Tiger’. The latter set blogs and radio stations alight last year and intrigued listeners with its organic yet futuristic sound.

’Fractions’, as the title might suggest is mathy with an electronic basis. However, whilst others may hunt tightness and efficiency - Sparkling insist on exploring the human aspect of synthesizers and machines. Consequently, most of the parts are played by hand and re-amped in the studio to create maximum depth and to bridge naturally to both the vocal and the additional instrumentation.

’Fractions’ is a song about embracing getting older and becoming more aware of your surroundings and inner life. The character in the track is looking back - in fractions he experiences and feels notes from his life. Above all, the track expresses the strong love that transforms someone from a dreamer flying restless in space to a man on earth.

On the recording process, Jens Christian Madsen of the band says “We wrote the song quite fast and laid down the basic tracks in the studio (the dirty intro beat and the synth lead-motif catching up on the choruses are some of the few elements that have ‘survived’ throughout the whole production process). We penned the lyrics in my summerhouse by the northern coast one beautiful late summer evening. And we were so excited and moved by our own words, that we decided to record the vocals immediately; Carsten singing in the open, under the starlit sky at night.”

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Shayfer James - Haint Blue

Shayfer James new E.P comprises of six extremely engaging tracks. The vocals are superb as Shayfer changes styles with ease and distinction. The music is tight and polished adding to the charismatic nature of this addictive material. Hints of Dr John and Nick Cave are present, not copied just referenced to give some guidance, that said it's a whole lot more than that.

We have the video for 'Another Year' from Haint Blue, it's the first of twelve songs on 'Overgrown' which is due for release on February 15th. This is a refined collection of Americana and folk music from a band who produce exquisite musicianship and vocals that are natural and a perfect fit for these genres. Consider the rest of the album as at least as good as the featured song, it really is worth hearing in full.

Shayfer James - Hope And A Hand Grenade (E.P).

New Jersey's rock/pop-noir artist Shayfer James has just released a new EP titled Hope And A Hand Grenade. A dramatic and diverse mix of captivating tunes, he seamlessly weaves between soft-spoken ballads and uptempo social anthems. Combining dark, poetic lyrics and swaggering melodies, James enamors audiences in an emotional and moving performance.

Hope And A Hand Grenade comes as Shayfer James' seventh studio release, showcasing his ongoing growth as a singer-songwriter. His music provides a unique blend of catchy unconventionality; bright pop melodies are interwoven with gothic-tinged lyrics and emotive vocals, all delivered with a splash of whiskey humor, smart quip, and air of dark charm. Applauded for his theatrical live performances, James keeps audiences on their feet, with a hint of mystery and surprise.

"I went into the production of this EP with a totally open mind," James shared. "I worked with producer/mixer/engineer and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Gillespie who has been one of my closest friends for ten years. I trust him with all my heart. Jeremy knows me and understands my artistic approach and arrangements in a way that I think a lot of independent artists can only hope for. He also thinks I’m out of my mind, which is a bonus." Known for his masterful piano work, James challenged himself on this latest release.

"I love the piano but it had started to bore me a bit last year so I shifted my focus toward electric guitar. I recruited Corby Hewson on drums (who performed on all my previous recordings) and Caitlin Gray (Hooray For The Riff Raff) on bass as well as T. Fortuna on percussion. Jeremy and I played everything else, other than the viola on "Crack A Bottle, Run A Bath", which was performed by Peter Horn." The EP was mixed and primarily recorded at Mike Ferretti's Self Titled Studios, with additional tracking at Magic Door Recording and Kaleidoscope Sound. It was mastered by Kim Rosen at Knack Mastering. James concluded, "Recording this EP was a wonderful experience made incredible by working with some of the best friends I've ever had."

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Haint Blue - Another Year.

Haint Blue has released a video for "Another Year" - the standout lead track from their new album Overgrown, featuring lush vocal harmonies set against a stark arrangement that shows off singer Mike Cohn's powerful delivery. Cohn had this to say about the song:

Another Year is an interesting one. I started writing the song quite awhile ago, when I was feeling really down on myself on my birthday. I couldn't figure out why I was screwing up every aspect of my life, even though I was getting into a lot of stupid stuff and being a generally selfish person. The song, as a lot of my songs did at that point in my life, lingered unfinished until I picked it back up a few years ago. I was now on the "straight and narrow", so to speak; maintaining healthy relationships, holding onto a job, drinking less, etc. The irony is that I still felt unfulfilled and directionless, for the most part. So the song dances around the same idea, that idea that we disappoint ourselves sometimes, but from two sides of the same coin.

Here are a few lyrics that I think were interesting or meaningful: "and I see growth in all the wrong places/in our guts and in our faces" . It's a tongue in cheek but truthful nod to the simple fact "I ain't getting any younger" while exploring the complacency I have begun to felt as I have aged (but perhaps not necessarily grown). "In the back of my head/an empty space once held the dead/so should I black it out like everyone else?" I think that's one of the funnier lines I've ever written, about going bald and having this back and forth in my head of whether I would do anything about it.

Like I said, the song is interesting to me. There's a lot of rage/frustration in the song, the kind of frustration any adult feels when they grow up and realize that life's not going to be what they thought it would be (and that it has a habit of getting away from you). But there's also this softer, sadder, almost humorously self-aware part of it, too. That's why I like the song so much, it's a great (accidental) allegory to growing up.


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