Tuesday 31 December 2013

Christmas Cover of 2013: Frank Hamilton 'Lonely This Christmas'



Guys and girls, we are happy to announce that our favourite Christmas cover song of 2013 goes to Frank Hamilton with his version of Mud's 'Lonely This Christmas'.  The track is available for free download here  and intended as a big thanks from Frank in regards to the massive amount of support he has received over the past couple of years, or in his own words:

“It's nice to give something away at Christmas.  Especially after the last year or so – the kids have been incredible.  I mean, they're not all kids but I hate the word fans and everyone likes to feel young, so...”


Be sure to check out the interview we did with Frank back in June over at our sister site The Sound of Confusion to find out exactly what he's been up to over the past 2 years and we can't wait to see what 2014 will bring for this musical maestro.






Frank Hamilton || Website || Soundcloud || Facebook || Twitter

Sunday 22 December 2013

Stream: Punk Goes Christmas and lyric videos



Following a string of successful 'Punk Goes...' compilation CDs, Fearless Records have put together their first holiday-themed compilation 'Punk Goes Christmas', out now to buy or stream and a must have addition to your alternative rock playlists.

 The 'Punk Goes...' series has garnered over 850,000 albums and 5 million singles in just over a decade. Prior volumes include Punk Goes Pop 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5, Punk Goes Classic Rock, Punk Goes Crunk, Punk Goes Acoustic 1 & 2, and have featured bands such as Sleeping With Sirens, A Day To Remember, The All-American Rejects, Rise Against, Pierce The Veil, All Time Low, Taking Back Sunday, and more.

Below we're sharing the full Spotify stream of the album and lyrics videos for,  New Found Glory - 'Nothing for Christmas', All Time Low -  'Fool's Holiday',  Man Overboard - 'Father Christmas',  Set It Off - 'This Christmas'  and 
Jason Lancaster 'All I Can Give You'.

We wish you a Merry Christmas from all of us at The Music Dungeon :)

    






Punk Goes Christmas is available now via Fearless Records.

Video: Tellison - 'Snow (Don't Tell The Truth This Christmas)' & name-your-price charity download.



For many of us, Christmas is becoming more and more of a chore where sentiment, tradition and generosity is seemingly lost amongst commercialism, materialism and bad temperament. We forget how lucky we are to have what we have, and we become irritated by the joy and cheer of the never-ending overly enthusiastic Christmas songs that bombard us at every opportunity.

West London, indie rock four piece Tellison, on the other hand, have done something selfless, productive and honest in releasing a brand new, albeit sombre, Christmas single 'Snow (Don't Tell The Truth This Christmas)' via their bandcamp page. The track is available to download below at a name-your-price cost (so basically free) with any profits going to the charity The Campaign Against Living Miserably helping to fight suicide amongst young men in the UK.

Inspired in equal parts by Dave Bazan, The Weakerthans and East 17's 'Stay Another Day' (odd mix we know) the song portrays an alternative view of Christmas, acknowledging the value in pretence and focusing more on the sadness and struggle that the festive season brings for many, and the desperate urge in avoiding reality to make it through the Christmas period. Take some time to check out the surreal and thought provoking accompanying video that features a sad cross-dressing Santa too. Nice one Tellison!



Tellison || Website ||  Bandcamp || Facebook || Twitter

Monday 18 November 2013

Free Download: Charlene Soraia - 'Standing Stone'



South London, singer-songwriter, Charlene Soraia may be a name are familiar with but could possibly be scratching your head as to why you know that you know it, but you don't  really know the reason as to why you know it. Her touching vocals, however will most certainly resonate with you on a stronger level, for she is the lady behind the stunning cover of  The Calling's 'Wherever You  Will Go' which featured on the first of  the Twinings animated "Twinings Gets You Back To You" TV adverts.

'Standing Stone' is Charlene's newest single available for free download HERE . Taken from her upcoming album 'Love Is The Law', the song itself is a beauty of a ballad whose lyrics are full of  heart warming hope, expressing the relatable notion that even when times get tough, well - especially when times get tough,  the friendship/relationship/romance between the narrator and the  narratee will still remain strong. It's basically about always having someone to rely on and be strong for you, through thick and thin, and we all need to feel  that  level of loyalty and reassurance sometimes, don't we? Give it a listen below, it's a nice one, that.




Charlene Soraia || Website || Facebook || Twitter

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Video: Marika Hackman - 'Itchy Teeth' (acoustic)


With her 'Sugar Blind' EP release date set for 9 December 2013, Marika Hackman has revealed another intimate performance video of a second track taken from the upcoming EP. Following on from 'Cinnamon' is 'Itchy Teeth' which stripped back is full of sorrow as Marika's vocals reach raw and wailing heights.

There is an enigmatic and open beauty to Marika's music and delivery, that is almost heart wrenching, especially when listened to acoustically. Check it out below.




Live dates

December
Tuesday 10th – The Hope, Brighton
Wednesday 11th – Lexington, London
Thursday 12th – Portland Arms, Cambridge
Friday 13th – Gullivers, Manchester
Saturday 14th – The Birdcage, Bristol


Pre-order 'Sugar Blind' iTunes
Marika Hackman || Website || Facebook || Twitter
 
 
 
 

Thursday 7 November 2013

Video: Ryan Vail - 'Free' ( Directed By Giles Labarbe)


                                        RyanVail

Ryan Vail (Ryan Vail and Katie Cosgrove) are a Dark Melodic Electronica Duo from Derry whose single 'Free' was released on November 8th via Champion Sound Recordings. Combining experimentation and classical musicianship, Ryan Vail are a formidable duo creating ambient electronic at it's most enthralling, so much so that we are championing them as ones to watch for 2014.
 
Below we have the accompanying video to the track, which was shot by Belgian director Giles Labarbe, and  tells  a tale of loneliness and introspection. Enjoy!



Buy || 'Free' || iTunes
Ryan Vail || Website || Facebook || Twitter || Soundcloud

Thursday 31 October 2013

Video: Marika Hackman - 'Cinnamon' (acoustic).

 
In the lead up to her new EP 'Sugar Blind', Marika Hackman has revealed an intimate performance video of the EP's lead track, 'Cinnamon'. Performed under a bridge next to a canal, Marika's vocals are intoxicatingly exposed, only supported by dark and grungy acoustic guitar notes that Nirvana would be proud of.

Ethereal and alluring, we're not quite sure if Marika is aware of the pull of her music, but either way, we are loving what she is doing, how she's doing it and hope you are too.




Live dates

December
Tuesday 10th – The Hope, Brighton
Wednesday 11th – Lexington, London
Thursday 12th – Portland Arms, Cambridge
Friday 13th – Gullivers, Manchester
Saturday 14th – The Birdcage, Bristol


Pre-order 'Sugar Blind' iTunes
Marika Hackman || Website || Facebook || Twitter
 
 
 

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Video: Smallpools perform 'Dreaming' on Jimmy Kimmel Live




Recently signed to RCA Records (also home to the likes of, Kings Of Leon, Everything Everything, Cage The Elephant, Kodaline and Imogen Heap to name but a few) Smallpools are an Indie Rock four-piece, based in LA whose dynamite debut single 'Dreaming' exploded its way to the top of the Hype Machine chart within a matter of hours. A track which may be familiar to you having featured on the FIFA 2014 soundtrack.



Check out the vid below that captures Smallpools making their TV debut performing 'Dreaming' on the Sony Indoor Stage on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'.

.



Smallpools || Website || Facebook || Twitter || Soundcloud

Friday 25 October 2013

Video: Falling Off Maps - 'The Redeemer'



 'The Redeemer' is the second single to be taken from Falling Off Maps' forthcoming debut album 'A Seaside Town In Winter' due for release in January 2014. With a single release date of  November 4th, the guys have unveiled an official video to support 'The Redeemer' which makes up the second part of the storyline in Falling Off Maps' reverse chronology video trilogy. 

Picking up before the events of 'Honest', the intriguing video for 'The Redeemer' again tells its story backwards, asserting questions and culminating interest as the narrative begins to unfold yet leaving you anticipating the next instalment of the story. The video is at once as raw, fragile and as desolate as Dave Wright's vocal performance but in this vulnerability is a real strength.

Falling Off Maps have a coarse, organic, likeable sound whose frailty doesn't mean they will be easily quashed amongst other artists; instead it serves as a sharpness that should cut them a nice clean path through to an ever strengthening fan base. 




Falling Off Maps || Website || Facebook || Twitter

Video: Beautiful Boy 'Begging The Moon' (The Clockwork Owl Sessions)




We decided we liked what Beautiful Boy were all about the second we heard their debut single 'Home' back in August. Our respect for these guys has sky rocketed towards a borderline obsession since we were given a gentle, but more than welcome nudge in the direction of the live recording of their single 'Begging The Moon' filmed for The Clockwork Owl Sessions that you can catch below.

With melt-worthy harmonies, powerfully emotive lyricism, spell binding strings, unobtrusive drum dusting and a strong piano melody, this is the perfect autumn track you should listen to curled up in a blanket, in front of a roaring fire, pondering the strange ways of the human heart. Although there's a lot out there at the moment that is similar in sound; Beautiful Boy are so much more than a bog standard, replica folk/acoustic five piece and if this live session isn't evidence enough in itself; what more could you people possibly want?!

           




Beautiful Boy || Website || Facebook || Twitter

Friday 11 October 2013

Single Review: The Intermission Project - 'Come Away With Me'





The Intermission Project are one of those immediate bands you can't help but have a soft spot for. Not only because they are a hugely talented, young, fresh trio; but because of the initial way we were introduced to them. There is nothing big, brash or boisterous about these guys, whose DIY aproach saw them reaching our radar just before they were due to join forces with The Youth Hostels Association to perform, free, live sessions in youth hostels around England and Wales

Just last month they released their 3-track, debut EP 'Sorry' after having shared two of the three songs ('I've Been Waiting' and 'Sorry') via their Soundcloud page. 11 days ago, The Intermission Project revealed the EPs remaining single, 'Come Away With Me' which might just be a fine example of having saved the best track for last.

Off the back of the EP release I've seen reviewers comparing their sound with that of the likes of Mumford and Sons - some comparisons meant as praise of the standard of their music, whilst others have been describing it as a drawback to the bands individuality. Whilst I'm sure it's very flattering for the band to hear; there's no need for it. The Intermission Project are their own breed of folk pop with a soulful edge and  'Come Away With Me' only serves to highight this.

The Intermission Project || Website || Facebook || Soundcloud
Buy  ||'Sorry' EP


 

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Funeral For A Friend announce re-mastered, remixed & expanded edition of first EP 'Between Order and Motel'


Welsh Post Hardcore five-piece Funeral For A Friend released their debut EP 'Between Order and Model' in 2002 through Mighty Atom Records, probably very unaware of the international mark their music would go on to leave on their fans, and how their music would take on a huge amount of responsibility in reuniting hardcore kids, punks and metalheads ( a scene I personally spent many happy teenage years flittering around).

11 years on, they band have gone full circle and have announced the reissue of the aforementioned debut EP, through End Hits Records / Mighty Atom on 18th November, 2013. The re-release will feature enhanced versions all four original songs, with three rare/unreleased tracks from the same recording session and live versions recorded by the current line-up. It also comes with s 12 page booklet featuring never before seen pictures from the band's archives and liner notes from singer Matt Davies, Josh Latshaw (Boysetsfire) and Oli Sykes (Bring Me The Horizon).

‘Between Order And Model’ will be available as Digi-Pack CD and for the first time ever on vinyl (limited to 1000 coloured copies) and if you pre-order a copy of the EP through THIS link you'll immediately receive an acoustic version of 'Red Is The New Black' in MP3 download format.

Check out the tracklisting, stream rarity ‘Grand Central Station’ and catch the October UK tour dates below.


Tracklisting
1. 10:45 Amsterdam Conversations
2. Juno
3. The Art Of American Football
4. Red Is The New Black
5. Storytelling Pt 2
6. Grand Central Station
7. The Getaway Plan
8. 10:45 Amsterdam Conversations (Live)
9. Juneau/Juno (Live)
10. The Art Of American Football (Live)
11. Red Is The New Black (Live)


Funeral For A Friend || Website
End Hit Records || Website



UK Headline Tour
2nd Oct Cardiff University, The Great Hall 2
3rd Oct London Electric Ballroom
4th Oct Glasgow Garage
5th Oct Manchester Academy 2

Video: LVLS - 'Photographs'


Meet Manchester based guitar-pop quintet LVLS (pronounced 'Loveless') consisting of Jay Gibb (vocals/guitar), Paul James (guitar), Emily Jane Conlon (guitar/vocals), Charlotte Hughes (bass/vocals) and Gaylord Knott (drums).
With a sound strongly influenced by 80's melancholic electro - pop their track 'Photographs' is very Depeche Mode, with a pinch of The Smiths, and a little bit of The Cure thrown into the mix. They've got the image, the breathy, moody lead vocals, angelic female harmonies, classic hooky 80's guitar riffs, and the catchy easy listening lyricism down to a tee on this track. We're digging LVLS a whole lot, how about you?



LVLS || Facebook || Twitter || Soundcloud

Jagga reveals Oxossi remix and Jagga Bad Brains remix of 'Out Of Control'


Good old Jagga seems to be sonically dominating cybersphere as of late and if one version of his babe of a single 'Out Of Control' wasn't enough, the track has now been played around with a fair bit to give us two strong and engaging remixes, one by Oxossi and the other, Jagga himself.

Each remix is completely contradictory to the original and holds stark contrast to one another. Listen to Oxossi's version when you want to re-enact a search for the holy grain in an Indiana Jones setting and then go a bit mental with the joy of successfully obtaining said grail, or Jagga's remix, away from your Mum (as mine just eloquently said, "I don't like that noise it's noisy") and perhaps listen during a spot of lazer quazer. Enjoy!

Oxossi || Facebook || Twitter || Soundcloud
Jagga || Facebook || Twitter || Soundcloud




Video: Dog In The Snow - 'Fire In The Sky'


Brighton experimental, art pop act Dog In The Snow is the startling project of Helen Ganya Brown with support from Marie-Eve de Gaultie. New single 'Fire In The Sky' is an immediate, illusory track that gently tingles its way up your spine and shivers you into existence. The track pulsates, dominates and could quite possibly awaken supernatural life forms.

'Fire In The Snow' is accompanied by a penetratingly memorable, ghostly, video directed and shot by Helen and close friend Esther Springett; the visuals of which add a slightly unnerving element to a captivating, unique song. We're very excited to see what the future will bring for Dog In The Snow and hope you are too.

Dog In The Snow || Facebook || Twitter |||Soundcloud

Sunday 29 September 2013

Band To Check Out: Let's Buy Happiness & 'Run' official music video



Let's Buy Happiness are a five-piece from the North of England (Newcastle) who only recently reached my radar with their single 'Run' which immediately found me making strong comparisons between their haunting, melancholic, dreamy sound and that of two of my favourite English alternative/indie acts; Bat for Lashes and The XX.  Excitingly, the quintet recently announced that their long awaited debut album will go by the name of 'Chants For Friends' and that 'Run' will be the first single released from it on 4th November.

If the quality of 'Run' is anything to go by, we can't wait to get our hands on this record, and lead vocalist Sarah Hall has shared her thoughts on the album; “It’s taken four years to form our music in the way we wanted it to... Its inspirations vary from track to track as my thoughts & opinions have drifted over time, and together it works a collection of moments about a range of topics, from atoms to building a home. Single ‘Run’ was about that person you may know, friend or family, who has an inability to face up to truths and their destructive behaviours. I’ve seen this happen in my life & other peoples relationships but it isn’t about a specific person."


Check out the band's UK October tour dates and the intriguing, stylistically shot, official video for 'Run' below.

Let's Buy Happiness || Website || Facebook || Twitter



Video: Elyas Khan - 'Bells'



Elyas Khan is one of those dapper guys who you look at and instantly think "Damn, he's cool", and we first got a bit swoony over him over at our sister site  The Sound of Confusion when we reviewed his funky, avant garde, soulful single 'Bells'

We've just caught the video for 'Bells' which features Elyas Khan and Romain Vicente on drums , getting their groove on, doing their thing and are completely besotted! After watching the video, it would come as a surprise if you didn't want to be Elyas' friend as much as we do.


Elyas Khan || Website
Buy the single ||Bells

Saturday 28 September 2013

Upcoming benefit compilation CD to feature unreleased tracks by Thee Oh Sees, Cave Singers, Elf Power & more





At three years old, Ryan Benton was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,a degenerative and deadly condition that saw him given a life expectancy of late teens to early twenties at most. In the fall of 2008 he had to make the journey out of the USA to Costa Rica to be treated for the first time with adult stem cells; a natural treatment that then and now is currently banned in the USA. After receiving his first treatment and against the odds, Ryan began gaining back strength and has since gone back on seven separate trips for continued treatment.

With the help of Air House Records, Ryan has put together a second benefit compilation CD 'Coming Together for a cure, Vol 2' to help fund stem cell research and treatment in the US. It features fifteen awesome tracks, including previously unreleased material from Thee Oh Seas, Elf Power, Springs, The Wonder Revolution, Music Wrong, Golden Boots, Sleeping In The Aviary, Sunshine Dreamers, Bellafonte and Cave Singers. Proceeds will go entirely towards helping fund adult stem cell therapy and research in the US and the compilation is due to be released on October 29th.

Below, we have the track listing, a stream of one of our favourite songs from the compilation and a lovely video documenting one of Ryan's trips from Kansas to Panama for treatment. It also features interviews from Ryan, his family and his friends on how this treatment has changed their lives as well as his. Spread the word, support the cause, look out for the CD, help make a difference.

Coming Together For A Cure, Vol. 2 Tracklist:
01. Miracle Days – 'Miracle Days' 
02. Springs – 'Waste My Time' 
03. Thee Oh Sees – 'The Factory Reacts'
04. The Wonder Revolution – 'Cloud Wonder Sky'
05. Music Wrong – 'Clyde' 
06. Student Film – 'Facts and Values'
07. Shine Brothers – 'So Many People'
08. Elf Power – '1494'
09. Cave Singers – 'Ohio Nights'
10. Golden Boots – 'Be My Champ'
11. Gentle Ghost – 'Oblivion Tide'
12. Sleeping in the Aviary – 'Long Gone'
13. Sunshine Dreamers – 'Empty Nest'
14. Bellafonte – 'Sea of Trees'
15. Beau Jennings & the Tigers – 'Sweet Action'




Friday 27 September 2013

Video: goodbyemotel - 'Set It Off'



We were introduced to alternating Australian/New York based indie-rock quartet, goodbyemotel almost a year ago when we shared our opinion of their EP 'People' over at our sister site, The Sound Of Confusion. One track taken from the EP has made a considerable mark on the Southern Hemisphere, and that's 'Set It Off' which has featured on the soundtrack of a Chrysler 300 TV advert aired in Australia as well as countless radio plays.

'Set It Off'  is a hooky,  anthemic, cinematic single that comes with an official music video directed and shot by Nicebike Productions. It features a simple, fun, natural set of clips following the band and their surroundings. Can we, in the UK, see goodbyemotel reaching mainstream, world domination? Hell yeah! Sit back and enjoy the vid below.

goodbyemotel || Website || Facebook || Twitter


Tuesday 24 September 2013

Black Light Dinner Party stream debut album 'Sons & Lovers' on official release date



                                                     




NYC electro quartet Black Light Dinner Party are comprised of Jack Côté, (vocals, guitar), Zach Lipkins (drums), Joel Friedman (keys) and Dan Stevens - (vocals/ bass) and today has been an important day for them. Why? It marks the official release date of their much awaited debut album 'Sons & Lovers'. What's more, they've made the album available for streaming in its entirety via Soundcloud and you can get your dark and twisty groove on to it below.

Listen. Like it? Buy it! || iTunes

 
  




                                                                                                                 
 

The Intermission Project release 'Sorry' EP




If you've been following us you'll know that we've shared news on The Intermission Project a couple of times this year (if you're new to us, check our archives). Therefore, we are really pleased to hear that yesterday (Monday 23rd September) saw the release of The Intermission Project's debut EP 'Sorry'.

The EP features three remarkable songs, two of which have already received incredibly positive responses online.  Check out the title track 'Sorry' and follow up track 'I've Been Waiting' below and if you like what you're hearing, be sure to buy the EP through the purchase link! 

Buy || 'Sorry' EP || bandcamp

The Intermission Project || Website || Facebook || Soundcloud




Tour Dates
16th November Revelation St Mary's Ashford

Monday 23 September 2013

Video: MyLyricalMind - 'Drop Me A Line'





MyLyricalMind is the wonderful solo project of Manchester based, acoustic/melodic /atmospheric/ nu folk/ who-cares-about-genres-anymore, artist Matthew Wood and lately we've been chilling out to his simplistic,nature-based, official video for his single 'Drop Me a Line'.

The track is taken from MyLyricalMind's forthcoming second EP 'A Quiet Hurricane' where his laid back acoustic sound, peculiar, husky vocals, and emotive strings makes for a delicately enjoyable listen. In terms of relatable contemporaries, MyLyricalMind will appeal in abudance to fans of the likes of Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Ben Howard, and fellow rising star Josh Record and we expect to be hearing a whole lot more from this soothing songster in times to come.



MyLyricalMind || Website || Facebook || Twitter
Buy || Single || 'Drop Me A Line' || iTunes

Video: Bwani Junction: 'Borneo'




Scottish indie pop band, Bwani Junction, will be releasing their infectious, anthemic, new single 'Borneo' on 4th November. 'Borneo' is the third single taken from their forthcoming second album, produced by Paul Savage (Mogwai, Franz Ferdinand, Delgados, Deacon Blue) and due to be released on Aksatak label.

We caught up with Bwani Junction via an email Q&A back in July here over at our sister site, The Sound of Confusion where the band informed us that autumn would see a busy few months ahead of them, but secretively couldn't tell us us about their tour plans at that time.

We now know they recently supported French superstar Matthieu Chedid on a series of arena shows in France and Belgium, culminating in a performance at the Strasbourg Zenith Arena. Currently, the guys are gearing up to headline City of Stars festival in Malawi (South East Africa) this weekend  before heading off for more international dates in Vietnam, with November shows in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Created by Kier Siewert of Breaking Point Flix, check out the accompanying tongue in cheek video to 'Borneo' below, that sees the guys taken captive, an escape, a recapture and  just for good luck, they've chucked in a very modern day, heartbreaking  love story of sorts (if you can even call it that). Enjoy!





Bwani Junction || Facebook || Twitter

Friday 20 September 2013

Single Review: Jagga - 'Hold Me'



After releasing his single 'Out Of Control' at the start of the month, Jagga's already coming at us with his beastly new track, 'Hold Me'. Darker and more insistent than it's predecessor, Jagga's vocals plead emotion, fury and intensity amongst a powerful backdrop of noise that sounds a bit like Jagga's recorded the track clanking around chained up in a dungeon some place. Creatively and sonically speaking though, it's very good but has left us with only one parting question; What secrets are next to be revealed lurking beneath Jagga's luscious locks? Only time will tell.
 

For a better look at Jagga's hair please refer to the kaleidoscopic, animated video for 'Out of Control' below.



Jagga || Facebook || Twitter || Soundcloud

Video: Watch Nirvana play 'Scentless Apprentice' Live





Do you have documented footage of what you were doing on 13th December 1993? No? Neither do I. Either way, it probably wasn't as exciting as the live performance footage we have below of Nirvana playing ‘Scentless Apprentice’ originally recorded on that exact date that was released online yesterday. The band’s Live And Loud show recorded at Seattle's Pier 48 venue features the final touring line up of Cobain, Novoselic, Grohl, and Pat Smear in their prime, playing to a packed house.

This footage alongside several never-before-released bonus performances,(and The Directors Cut of the 'Heart Shaped Box' video) will be released in the super deluxe boxset and separately as a standalone DVD and digital download marking the 20th Anniversary of Nirvana’s polarizing third album 'In Utero'. Look out for the 20th Anniversary re-mastered re-issue featuring an all-new 2013 mix of the album alongside the classic 1993 version, plus bonus demos, B-Sides, previously unheard material and incredible live performances set for release on 23rd September via UMC.


 Pre-Order UK ||'In Utero' 20th Anniversary Edition  || Nirvana UK Store || Amazon
Pre-Order US|| Nirvana Website




Band To Check Out: Talk In Colour & 'Rushes' EP stream



London 'cinematic future pop' quintet Talk In Colour consist of (Kat Arney - Harp, Chris Bangs Cellist/Producer/vox,Mary Erksine - Vox and Keys, Dave Oliver- Drums and Nick Siddall: Guitar). After their critically acclaimed 2012 album 'ColliderScope', Talk In Colour got back into the studio to create their next EP 'Rushes' "more stripped-back, raw sound, melding together their trademark delicate vocal and harp melodies with glitchy electronics, off-kilter percussion and distorted guitar."

Catch what we made of the 'Rushes' EP and what we thought when we saw Talk In Colour live at Charlie Wright's Music Lounge earlier this month, over at our sister site, The Sound of Confusion. Meanwhile, the EP is available to stream below on a try before you buy basis! Enjoy.


Buy 'Rushes' EP || iTunes || Bandcamp || Amazon
Talk In Colour || Website || Facebook || Twitter ||



Psapp announces details of new LP 'What Makes You Glow' & 'Everything Belongs To The Sun' single stream.



I was first wowed by off-the-wall,  London-based, experimental/electronica duo Psapp, back in 2006 when I stumbled across their fabulously quirky track 'Hi', whose animated accompanying video is in my top 10 list of music videos you have to see at least once in your life!


 Psapp recently unveiled their new, highly energising, hand clappy, mummery, cat meowing, baby crying, tribal themed single 'Everything Belongs To The Sun'  with the announcement of soon-to-be confirmed details of their new album 'What Makes Us Glow'.  



Well chaps, 'What Makes Us Glow' is Psapp’s fourth full-length record and will be released through The state51 Conspiracy on November 11th. What can you expect to hear? In true Psapp style, "a vast hyper-colour psychedelic whirl of an album, with intricate orchestration, layered vocals and a pioneering spirit. These songs thrum, buzz and of course, glow." We can't wait to get our hands on it.

Tracklisting:

1. Life Hums
2. Wet Salt
3. The Cruel, The Kind, The Bad
4. Seven
5. That’s The Spirit
6. In The Black
7. Everything Belongs To The Sun
8. Bone Marrow
9. Your Hot Knife
10. The Well and The Wall
11. What Makes Us Glow
12. In and Out


Psapp || Website || Facebook ||Youtube || Twitter

Video: Steel Cranes - 'Moving On'





On the 24th September, California-based rock duo Amanda Schukle (drums) and Tracy Shapiro (guitar/vocals) of Steel Cranes will release their lively debut album, 'Ouroboros'. 'Moving On' is the super noisy, sonically scuzzy duo's "heavy as shit" second single taken from the album and has had us caught in a bad as, whirlwind of punky pleasure since our first listen. It's more than just boisterous noise though, as band member Tracy Shapiro gives her take saying; “To me, this song is about shedding. Shedding the beliefs and stories that one accumulates and uses to self-medicate. It’s about reaching a critical mass where these beliefs and stories can no longer sustain... 'Moving On’ was the Steel Cranes song where I knew that we had found our sound. That nasty bending-note guitar riff intro just kicks it off.” A guitar riff that Amanda Schukle agrees “That nasty bendy note makes me happy. Very happy.”

The track comes with a video shot in various locations around Berkley and Oakland (California). Big fans of the East Bay, Steel Cranes chose recognizable locations and those familiar with the area will notice an industrial stretch of 2nd Street, a piece of the San Francisco Bay Trail that crosses over Highway 80 and a scene set in front of downtown Oakland's Paramount Theater. In the ladies own words, "The video kicks off at the Albany Bulb, an odd place on the edge of the Bay where lots of people live in tents among graffiti-covered sculptures, structures, and huts. This appropriately strange place is where clip’s main character first wakes up and we see her covered in paper scraps.... They represent the various beliefs she has accumulated that are no longer relevant in helping her move forward... She begins a journey toward shedding them, but holds on to the one that’s actually important." Abtract, colourful and slightly dizzying, the video's a great watch to accompany a fierce song. Check the vid and Steel Cranes US fall tour dates below!

Steel Cranes || Website || Facebook || Twitter || Youtube || Bandcamp



Steel Cranes US Fall Tour 2013

09/20 Oakland, CA @ The Night Light Record Release Show
09/25 Sacramento, CA @ The Press Club w/ Musical Charis, Fudi
09/26 Eugene, OR @ Luckey’s w/ Small Joys, Paper Foxes, and Radion
09/27 Portland, OR @ Slabtown w/ The Greencarts
09/28 Seattle, WA @ Comet Tavern w/ Redwood Plan, Panama Gold
09/29 Olympia, WA @ Le Voyeur w/ The Redwood Plan, Full Moon Radio
10/01 Spokane, WA @ Baby Bar
10/02 Bozeman, MT @ Haufbrau w/ The Electric Sundays
10/04 Denver, CO @ Lost Lake Lounge w/ DCTV, C’est Tra La
10/06 Manhattan, KS @ Auntie Mae’s w/ Couches
10/07 Kansas City, MO @ Czar Bar w/ Fake Fancy
10/08 Des Moines, IA @ The Gas Lamp w/ Rumble Seat Riot, Satellite State
10/10 Chicago, IL @ The Burlington w/ Eiffel Tower
10/11 Milwaukee, WI @ Frank’s Power Plant w/ Playdate, Forgotten Species
10/12 Madison, WI @ Mickey’s Tavern w/ Cribshitter
10/16 Detroit, MI @ PJ’s Lager House w/ All the Wild Children, The Walking Beat
10/18 Akron, OH @ Buzzbin Art & Music Shop
10/20 Providence, RI @ Dusk
10/23 Allston, MA @ O’Brians w/ Today Junior, Ghosts of Sailors at Sea, Idiot Genes
10/24 Brooklyn, NY @ Spike Hill w/ Highway, Son Boom, Caitling Mahoney
10/26 Philadelphia, PA @ Kung-Fu Necktie w/ John Wesley Coleman, Traumahelikopter
10/27 Washington, DC @ The Black Squirrel w/ Company Calls
11/05 Dallas, TX @ Bryan Street Tavern
11/06 Austin, TX @ The Parish Underground w/ The Dead Space, The Harms, Rescue Mission
11/08 Albuquerque, NM @ Burt’s Tiki Lounge w/ The Klondykes, St. Wolf, Port Alice
11/09 Santa Fe, NM @ Molly’s Kitchen
11/13 Phoenix, AZ @ The Trunk Space
11/15 San Diego, CA @ Merrowin w/ East of Sweden
11/17 Los Angeles, CA @ Origami Vinyl In-Store, 7PM
11/18 Los Angeles, CA @ The Redwood Bar w/ EZ Tiger

Thursday 19 September 2013

Art Brut announce line up change just days before UK tour


Who is in the picture you might ask? Well, it's the new line up for Art Brut of course! With only five days to go until the Berlin-based English and German indie rockers begin their UK tour, they've just announced a change in line up with drummer Mikey Breyer and guitarist Jasper Future respectively retiring from the band.
But, as the old saying goes, "as one door closes, another one opens" and the band have welcomed Toby Macfarlaine (guitar) and Stephen Gilchrist (drums) into the fold to restore the band back to its original five-piece line up.

In regards to the changes, frontman Eddie Argos has said : "Being a classic rock band isn't all just laps of honour round the World, and photo shoots in Rolling Stone, it also involves personnel changes. So after 10 years and 8 years of playing with them respectively we say goodbye to Mike and Jasper. Press releases are not the best place for fond farewells but it's been a blast and we'll miss them...... It's now time for Art Brut Mk III. Hello to Toby and Stephen. Lets start ROCKING THE FUCK OUT. See you in September!"

Fancy seeing Art Brut live? Catch them at venue near you via the UK tour dates below:

UK TOUR DATES
September

Tues 24 Manchester Academy 3


Wed 25 Glasgow Broadcast 


Thur 26 Newcastle Think Tank 


Fri 27 Wakefield The Hop 



Sat 28 Hebden Bridge Trades Club 


Sun 29 Hull Adelphi 


Mon 3 Nottingham Bodega 




October

Tue 01 Coventry Kasbah 


Wed 02 O Gloucester Guildhall 




November

Sun 03 Bristol Fleece 


Mon 04 Tunbridge Wells Forum


Tue 05 London Village Underground w/ special guests Blast Unit Moscow 


Wed 06 St Albans The Horn 


Thu 07 Bedford Esquires 



Single Review: Gavin James - 'Remember Me'



Gavin James is already an exciting, well established, up-and-coming talent in Ireland whose debut EP 'Say Hello' (released only in Ireland) entered the Irish iTunes album charts at No.1, which then saw the title track of the EP go on to win Gavin the Choice Meteor Award (the Irish Mercury Prize) this year for Song Of The Year.
We discovered Gavin back in April and instantly impressed, made him one of our Artist's To Check Out over at our sister site The Sound Of Confusion. Won over by a combination of his exceptional, goosebump-invoking vocals and poignantly mature song writing skills in particular, we're counting down the days until the 21st October when we can get our hands on Gavin's UK debut 4-track EP 'Remember Me'. 

This month, Gavin unveiled the title track of the EP on Soundcloud for everyone's listening pleasure. It's a beautiful, uplifting, melodic track that has simple, yet catchy, guitar riffs, and brilliantly warming lyrics that linger long after the sound has stopped. If you're looking for wholesome, organic folk/acoustic music with heart, get to know Gavin James, you won't be disappointed.

Gavin James || Website || Facebook |
Pre- Order || 'Remember Me EP' || iTunes




Gavin James will be supporting Ryan Keen throughout the UK in October. Catch the live dates below:

 UK Ryan Keen Support Tour

5th October Plymouth University
6th October Brighton, The Concorde 2
8th October Preston, 53 Degrees Club
9th October Manchester, Academy 3
10th October Leeds, Cockpit
12th October Birmingham, Institute Temple
13th October Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
15th October Bristol, Fleece
16th October Swansea, Sin City
17th October Norwich, Waterfront 
18th October Southampton, Joiners
21st October London, Scala22nd October Guildford, Boileroom
24th October Stoke on Trent, Sugarmill
25th October Newcastle, Academy 2
26th October Glasgow, The Garage 2
28th October York, The Duchess
29th October Hull, Adelphi





Tuesday 17 September 2013

Free Download: Sundays - 'Forces'


Vancouver based, experimental soul/electronic, singer-songwriter and producer Sundays is a new and exciting, enigmatic artist whose current single 'Forces' has got us very interested to see what wonderful things the future may hold for her.

The second single to be taken from her upcoming EP 'Of Eros and I' (due for release in October)  'Forces' is a down-tempo, minimalistic track with spooky synths, seductive vocals, smooth, spacious hip-hop beats, and lazy tribal percussion. The track  kisses and caresses like a slow, teasing, lover. We are absolutely enthralled by this single, and can't wait to get down and dirty with the EP.




Sundays || Website || Facebook || Twitter || Soundcloud