Dream Lake - New Music "Introducing"

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Dream Lake's name pretty much gives away what to expect with their music (and you'd be right). A combination of soft, ethereal vocals and luscious soundscapes that fits them in nicely amongst the number of dream-pop bands of today and then if I tell you they are from Scandanavia too, you'd still be getting full marks when expecting to hear a delicious melody and a fresh, alluring voice.

This Stockholm duo deserve their own time though, with the shimmering melody of "In The Lights" taken from their debut self-titled EP serving as an illuminating introduction.

"In The Lights" is beautiful from the get-go with bright piano twinkles complimenting Isabella Svärdstam's breezy vocal whispers and a creeping bass rhythm, it feels instantly refreshing and transports me from a room in an overcast England to the excitement of running through some serene and green landscape. Their Soundcloud gives a handful more tracks to listen to, picking up on a couple of my favourites "I See The Sky" adds in layers of addictive sweetness and nostalgia whilst "Try" is  the catchiest of the lot with an compulsive synth beat and a rich, reliable hook that you'll swear you've heard before.

I couldn't actually track down a link to their EP, I'll update this if I do but suffice to say this, dream-poppers, prepare to full in love.

Hanne Kolstø - One Plus One Makes One Out Of Two

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Although the attached press release to this track by Hanne Kolstø states it's from her third album in as many years, "One Plus One Makes One Out Of Two" serves as my introduction to the Norwegian songstress, a combination of eerie ambient noise, glistening midnight synths and guitar loops which build to the big, booming pop chorus.

It's the repeated cries of the anthemic chorus 'is there anybody out there...'  that you'll have stuck in your head all day, it draws you in and makes you keep coming back to it, that can only be a good thing.

"One Plus One Makes One Out Of Two" is taken from Hanne's album Stillness And Panic which is due for release in the UK on May 7th.

Alice Boman #3 - What

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On 2013's Skisser EP Alice Boman introduced herself as someone to take seriously, armed with a set of bedroom recordings, plaintive piano chords and a beautifully hushed voice she produced one the most beautiful moments of last year with "Waiting". She returned this week with news of her next EP (handily entitled EP II) and the good news is simple for those who fell under her spell (and newcomers too), "What" offers an equally beautiful experience.

The track immediately seduces, a stark and fragile piano-led ballad full of haunting, echoey atmosphere and Alice's sweetly-hushed vocals, the result is an intimate, bare-boned listen capable of bringing you close to tears.

EP II is released June 3rd via Happy Death and there's good news for fellow gig goers too as Alice was announced amongst the latest additions to The Great Escape festival line-up in May. She's on my list of must-sees.

Eliza Shaddad #4 - You For Me

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Last month when I talked about Eliza Shaddad and a live track called "When We" I said this; 'Eliza has perfected this knack of making a beautiful song and singing it beautifully'. There's no further proof of the truth in that statement than this, her new track "You For Me", the first song to be taken from her new EP Waters which is due June 16th via Beatnik Creative on digital/vinyl and is available to pre-order now.

Labelled as a radio edit and yet six minutes in length (that's the same length as Bohemian Rhapsody, a story I'm sure we've all heard) the track epitomises the soft and graceful style of Eliza's music. "You For Me" really is as pretty a moment as I've heard all year, a genuine love song with ringing guitar patterns and a delicate, haunting backdrop which slowly introduces Eliza's stunning vocals, gorgeous and defiant, here coupled with lyrics as optimistic and heartfelt as you're ever likely to hear. "You For Me" is the sort of track that will bring you to a stand still whatever you are doing - simply magical.

Eliza has a couple of gigs in London this very weekend, I'm planning on heading there myself. Details via her Facebook page. The record is super cheap too - you know what to do.

HAERTS #3 - Call My Name

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Time and time again here I've mentioned my love of uber-stylish, sexy-slow jams that could have been released at any point in time since the 80's. Here's another for the collection. The wonderful HAERTS came to my attention in the middle of last year with the stunning "Wings" (if you don't, you really should own their debut EP Hemiplegia) and this track "Call My Name" is taken from their forthcoming (as yet unannounced) debut LP.

The track is instant love, a magical, swooning affair where the gentle pitter-patter of beats and restrained moonlight synths slowly guide Nini Fabi's heart-melting vocals, it makes you want to grab someone you love and hold on tight. Gorgeous.

London Grammar #3 - Devil Inside

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Earlier this week the best TV show on the planet (that's Game of Thrones by the way and will series four please hurry up) unleashed a brand new trailer which closed with the distinctive vocals of Hannah Reid, the track for the uninitiated turned out to be a cover, INXS's "Devil Inside" transformed by the trio London Grammar to a haunting ballad that strips the raw power of the original and in its place added emotion by the truck load.

Emotion is something London Grammar have made their own since the came to the fore in late 2012 and their interpretation of "Devil Inside" is no different, starting serene and restrained with plaintive keys the sole accompaniment for Hannah's haunting vocals, before soon creeping guitars are introduced and the track builds and builds to typically a soaring, dynamic finale. It's bound to be divisive amongst late 80's rockers but I find this to be quite exquisite, a bare and beautiful version capable of touching deep inside. Listen below:

IYES - Breathe

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One of my 'tips for 2014' returned late last week with their second single "Breathe". The Brighton based duo Iyes enchanted followers with their debut single "'Til Infinity" (a track which now has over 300 thousand plays on soundcloud) and now the smouldering, alluring beauty of "Breathe" is guaranteed to only add to their flock...

The track combines sprawling, ambient electronics, one minute restrained and gorgeous, the next euphoric pop anthem with the duo's sexy, smooth vocal interplay and lyrics that are guaranteed to make you go all hot under the collar. The result is simply phwoar.

"Breathe" is released via Duly Noted Records (a new start-up label which also has The Night VI amongst their number - quite the start).

Rae Morris #4 - Do You Even Know?

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Back in early January Blackpool's Rae Morris was responsible for one of the first, great tracks of 2014. "Skin" did exactly that, crawled into your body and mind and left you breathless and desperate for more.

Rae now returns with "Do You Even Know?" and for the first ten seconds you feel like you've been transported back to a mid 90's club as the track is propelled by a propulsive dance-floor beat. Rae's typically elegant, haunting vocals soon draw you out from that but despite the tracks lyrics being drenched in a cold sense of loneliness this is Rae's most upbeat track to date with sparkling pop arrangements highlighting a progression from the plaintive piano led tracks which first introduced Rae to the scene. I like it.

"Do You Even Know"?" is released May 6th - a digital pre-order is available now via iTunes.

Ocean Calling - New Music "Introducing"

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Ocean Calling is the performing name of Sophie Wilkie and her track "Desert Sky Scarlet" has really captured my imagination today, on searching for the usual information about her like location / previous releases etc (which I mostly failed to find) I discovered an interview with Sophie where she describes her sound as 'sparkling songs for adventure, love, and light' and in a nutshell, she is spot on.

"Desert Sky Scarlet" instantly makes you feel like you're a teenager heading off on your first journey without your family or friends, a bubbling, heady mixture of excitement, nostalgia and emotion, the track is propelled by bright, shimmering synths and Sophie's airy vocals and immediately fills you with a warming glow that makes you wish you were about to join Sophie on her adventures. If only. I find listening to your headphones on the way to the office daydreaming works almost as well.

The track is available to buy via Bandcamp now.

Audio Fauna - New Music "Introducing"

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I don't know how many people who read this will know how I'm feeling right now but today I ran 21 miles. My final long training run before my next marathon in two weeks time, the run itself was a bit of a confident boost after a couple of poor attempts the past couple of weeks. Now though, some seven hours later (I'm writing Monday's blog on Sunday night, as I normally do) I'm overwhelmed, every inch of me is shattered and the leg that's been causing me a few problems is throbbing like it's about to explode. The perfect antidote to that feeling is probably sleep yet here I am listening to some new and some recently new music (I'm still obsessed with "Sienna" by The Night VI) to relax a little bit first and then I make a brand new discovery to make it all worth while...

Audio Fauna are the Swedish duo of Johanna Kalén (formerly of Husky Rescue) and Mari Kronlund and to be honest their titles do a better job to describe their debut two tracks "In To The Light" and "Silent Peace" than I will... Both are gorgeous.

"In To The Light" starts with the words "tired bones" and I already know it's what I need right now, combining the gentle pitter-patter of tom beats with light, airy guitar textures and soft, enchanting vocals. Johanna's utterly beautiful, fragile lead blends around subtle backing harmonies and the resulting dreamlike, calming atmosphere is the ideal supplement for my current state of body and mind. "Silent Peace" is similarly serene and intriguing, built around a soothing bed of acoustic plucks and luscious instrumentation that create a soundscape that perfectly captures the fresh optimism that a relaxing walk around a forest can bring.

Fall under Audio Fauna's intoxicating spell with a press on play below, you won't regret it.

Dark Horses #2 - Live On Hunger

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Dark Horses are a band I've only featured here once before (back in May 2012) but I could easily have posted a half dozen times or so time permitting (time is rarely permitting in this game). I return to the Brighton group with "Live on Hunger", the first track taken from their forthcoming second album Hail Lucid State (undated but due via Last Gang Records).

The track recalls the heady rhythmic pulse and droning psyche buzz of their earlier work but sounds altogether bigger and bolder too, with swarming guitars and pounding drums colliding amongst the imposing vocal of Lisa Elle's, here more brooding and macabre than ever, "Live on Hunger" delivers the bands most urgent, thrilling moment to date and is here to literally knock your socks off.

Dark Horses shortly embark on a lengthy European tour which hits London's Hoxton Square Bar on March 31st - tickets.

Powder Blue #2 - Run

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A quick return for Powder Blue on the blog after an 'Introducing' post last month, the reason is the normal one; great bloody music."Run" is a brand new track which for now seems serves as a standalone single and a taster of what to expect when the Canadian quartet hit these shores in May. It's sure to perk the curiosity of many Great Escape attendees too with a simmering psyche soundscapes and dark, ethereal atmosphere that firmly expands on those early Warpaint comparisons...

In fact it does more than perk my curiosity, "Run" is majestic. It sounds ten times bigger than anything on the aforementioned EP with buzz saw guitar riffs and big, doom-laden drums instantly adding a fiery bite and controlled aggression to the circling rhythms and swirling synth melody, building and building the eerie atmospheric textures that blend perfectly with hazy vocal harmonies to a searing climax of feedback and noise. Exceptional is this. Listen below and see you at the front come what May...

The Night VI #2 - Sienna

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Six months ago when I first talked about The Night VI I thought the band would soon follow the likes of London Grammar in making it big within mainstream audiences and whilst the London based sextet have certainly managed to garner some pretty impressive attention online and have a spectacular EP Still Thinking Of You under their belt (I recommend you order the vinyl asap) they've not quite escalated the way I expect them too. If there's any justice, latest single "Sienna" will provide the catalyst to do just that.

"Sienna" is simply magnificent, built around the crystal clear voice of Sophie-Rose, here filled with more heartache and emotion that you could bottle, the track will connect with anyone whose ever let someone they love slip through their fingers (pretty sure that's most of us) and supported by spacious, blissed-out instrumentation it provides an irresistible listen from its first to last moment.

"Sienna" is available now via iTunes.

Holly Miranda #9 - Everlasting / Desert Call

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In 2011 I went a little OTT with my postings of Holly Miranda, numerous exquisite live session videos and her gorgeous full length The Magician's Private Library had me spellbound and hooked on a ferocious talent armed with a unique and potent voice.

Since it's been quiet, too quiet, with no shows or tracks shared for a good couple of years until finally two tracks showed up on Holly's Soundcloud page last week (although it appears they were released towards the end of 2013) and finally, it seems we're beginning to gear up the anticipation for the follow up. The two tracks "Desert Call" and "Everlasting" already have me smitten...

"Desert Call" will be instantly familiar to fans of her debut, a swooning blend of honey-toned vocals and languid, shimmering instrumentation that drifts with a woozy, hypnotic sense of luxurious beauty and leaves you somewhere between waking and dreaming and the other, "Everlasting" is similarly rich and magical with Holly's vocals floating across an intricate backdrop of swirling piano chords and buzzing guitars, three years may have passed but Holly Miranda remains just as intoxicating.

Can the album please hurry up and be ready (and supporting UK shows too of course, I might as well be greedy whilst I'm here).

Elastic Sleep - New Music "Introducing"

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Ah Shoegaze, it's been a while... here's me focusing on alternative folk and jangle-pop for far too long and potentially missing things as good as this. Cork's Elastic Sleep, who come to my attention with "Leave You", the lead single from their debut six track EP due next month on 10" vinyl (via Fifa Records and Big Tea Records).

The track starts as it continues, a luscious blend of intoxicating fuzz guitars and delicious, ethereal vocals that could have been made at any point over the past twenty years, it's simple down-on-your-luck lyrics and sweetly sung choruses immediately enter in your head and sound almost as catchy as the soaring lead guitar riff and then via Bandcamp I discover a fantastic version of Nancy Sinatra's "You Only Live Twice", morphed into a spaced-out, languid maze of haunting, dreamy bliss that would suit an Alien film far more than James Bond. Lovely.

Fear of Men #10 - Outrun Me

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Fear of Men continue to spoil us with the latest in a line of new tracks, "Outrun Me" is the flip side to the forthcoming single "Luna" (due April 7th released as a limited flexi disc and zine via Art is Hard Records) and comes a week before the release of the bands debut full-length Loom on Kanine Records.

The track combines a lingering melancholy with the sweetness of Jessica's vocals, where deliciously plaintive guitar chimes and languid machine gun drums combine throughout to create a melody as longing and devastating as the repeated use of the words "the past does not come easily".

I've somehow managed to miss seeing the band at each and every one of a recent series of London shows, something I'll be trying to put right when the band play an album release show on Wednesday April 16th at Birthdays.

Lykke Li #5 – No Rest For The Wicked

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A couple of weeks back when I talked about "Love Me Like I'm Not Made Of Stone", the first taster of Lykke Li's forthcoming third album I Never Learn I mentioned a track I'd earlier heard live at the BBC 6Music Festival "No Rest For The Wicked" and talked about it as a 'big, dramatic 80's influenced power ballad'.

Yesterday we were treated to the studio version of the track and you might be wondering what I was listening too, here the track builds with typically Lykke Li style heartache and slow-burn beauty with space and cavernous drums taking centre stage ahead of the raw, forceful power of the live counterpart and here the track's piano chords emit the same sense of melancholy and emotion as the lyrics "Lonely I, I'm so alone now". Beautiful.

I Never Learn is due May 5th. I think you'll be hearing me talk about it again.

Zella Day - New Music "Introducing"

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I'd not heard of Zella Day, an Arizona native now based in Los Angeles until the other day when an email dropped into my inbox, with over ten thousand fans on her Facebook page already I'm guessing I'm pretty slow on the uptake but perhaps not too slow as her debut single "Sweet Ophelia" is only due for release next month, on April 7th via B3SCI.

The lead track combines big, crunching electro-pop rhythms with an even bigger chorus amongst a strong, dramatic vocal that instantly brings the likes of LDR or Marina Diamandis to mind. After a handful of listens "Sweet Ophelia" has already embedded itself within my brain and is a clear anthem in the making with huge crossover potential.

Yet it's the flip side to the release I'm swooning all over, the slow-motion beauty of the ballad "1965". Armed with Zella's knock-out breathy vocals and some luscious, cinematic strings the western roots of Zella upbringing are firmly on display throughout but it's her startling, shiver-inducing delivery and the rich, mysterious melody that keep making me press the play button.

A fine introduction from a lady I expect to hear much more from in the months to follow.

White Fever - New Music "Introducing"

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Rising from the ashes of We Walk on Ice comes Ida Jacobsson's new project White Fever, a trio (though some live pictures tend to lean towards a quartet) based in London whom take the haunting, cinematic aspects of the former and add in a healthy dose of shimmering guitars and brooding melodrama.

I've heard two tracks so far and both impress, "Skeleton Disease" finds the perfect balance of Ida's ethereal vocals and richly layered instrumentation, drifting from languid dream-pop soundscapes to a chorus of machine gun percussion and sultry vocals whilst the romantic mood of "Daisy Drown" takes that further, with a sea of sweeping, rhythmic melody rising to a glorious crescendo that matches the intensity of the chiming guitars. Listen to both below, I'm kind like that...

Oh Odessa #2 - Pages

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A year or so I ran a typically superlative filled introducing blog on Brooklyn quartet Oh Odessa and their debut full length album. A record that blurred moments of Sharon Van Etten style beauty with the eccentricity and fury of St Vincent, wounded, haunting and electric (you can still stream/buy via bandcamp).

The band return this week with a new single "Pages" and I'm instantly pulled in all over again, a drip feed of emotions from the get-go the track slowly builds around jagged guitars and drum patterns with Jeni Magana's brooding vocals firmly at the fore. Eerie, compelling, assured, I'm not quite sure of the best word to describe the track is but what I can 100% say is that Oh Odessa deserve a few zero's on the end of their current 229 count of 'fans' on Facebook. Sort that out people.

Smoke Fairies #5 - We've Seen Birds

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Released earlier today "We've Seen Birds" is the second taster from Smoke Fairies third self-titled album (due next month via Full Time Hobby) and finds itself half way between the duo's familiar sound of old and the newer, minimalist approach taken on "Eclipse Them All".

The familiarity of ringing guitars and punching drum beats will be instantly comforting to long-term fans of the duo, crossing the mood, atmosphere and delicious harmonies that brought Smoke Fairies to the attention of many all those years ago (well five or six perhaps?) with the subtle, simpler arrangements and synth heartbeat that promises to bring in a whole new audience. I like the video too.

Smoke Fairies head out tour in support of the album in late May / early June with a date at London's XOYO planned for June 2nd. Tickets.

Varg #2 - While I'm Carrying Your Skin

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Almost a year ago now I posted a introducing blog on Swedish trio Varg and their debut EP North, a calming, beautiful release I compared to the softness and natural beauty of Bon Iver. They return now with "While I'm Carrying Your Skin", the lead track from their full length Embroidery (released today via Jämmerdosa) and things have seemingly developed since...

Where North was a lesson on restrained melancholy "While I'm Carrying Your Skin" instantly feels darker, bolder and more dramatic (perhaps the tracks title gives that away!) with tribal percussion and orchestral nuances instantly at the fore. The haunting, hymnal tones brings immediate comparisons to the exceptional Bird to mind, blending the eerie, spiritual side of Chelsea Wolfe with graceful, beguiling vocal harmonies.

The album goes straight onto my 'to listen to asap' list. It should yours too. Embroidery is available now via iTunes.

Grace Banks - Innocent When You Dream

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From a song called "Grace" to an artist... I'm pretty sure I've talked about Grace Banks here before but I couldn't find any proof of it so I apologise for my delay in sharing another wonderful London based talent with you (all?).

Grace came to my attention via Sophie Jamieson I think a good year or so ago, a cursed/failed gig attempt and since time meant it took an email about a new live session to re-jog my increasingly poor memory. The video in question by The Crypt Sessions (re)introduces a beguiling voice and a calming antidote from the hectic week I've endured. This is no bells and whistle performance either, there's little more than subtle acoustic fingerplucks and a naturally toned vocal here (oh, and candles) and it's all the better for it too. The track "Innocent When You Dream" is taken from an EP which seems to have been released online towards the end of 2012 and it fully deserves to capture your attention for its four minute length, sparse, soulful, genuine and completely bewitching to boot.

Make sure you immerse yourself in the similarly strong songcraft of "I Think I Caught a Glimpse of God" too. and then you'll probably want to head to soundcloud to listen to a handful more tracks by Grace.

Casi Wyn - New Music "Introducing"

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The entire media world focusing on SXSW this week has meant for a welcome calm for my inbox (after an abundance of unneeded invites) and the relentless cycle of new music that appears (fear not, it'll be back to normal next week). It's given me chance to be busy with other things (primarily finishing Almost Human and Bates Motel) and to catch-up on a few posts I've been meaning to do for a while now, the next of which is Casi Wyn, Welsh but now based in London who came to my attention with her perfectly titled single "Grace".

The track is both beautiful and interesting and Casi's voice the same, a marriage of restrained, flickering 80's electro pop which allows Casi's alluring, accented vocals to perfectly blossom throughout. I particularly like the change half way through when the track gathers momentum thanks to some stirling guitar before parting to end on the most gorgeous of notes.

The single is available now digitally via iTunes.

Gazelle Twin #4 - The Belly of the Beast

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It's time for a long overdue catch-up with Gazelle Twin, one of my favourite discoveries of 2010/11. After her spellbinding debut The Entire City transfixed with dark, chilly yet deeply beautiful soundscapes Elizabeth Walling returns with the first track from her second full-length Unflesh (as yet undated but marked for a 2014 release).

The first thing to note about the track "Belly of the Beast" is its directness, the overriding mood throughout The Entire City was atmosphere, there brooding, ominous and mysterious, it always teetered on the edge of your emotions. Here though, undulating rhythms and pulsing electronics introduce a nightmarish, industrial intensity that never falters and is sure to have you running for your life around the repeated lyrics of "I'll take it like milk from a baby"... Add to that a video that will make you never want to step foot in a supermarket again and about the only thing I can up with is yikes!

Swaying Wires - Fear of Flying

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Long-time readers of this blog will probably have a good idea of the sort of music I enjoy, there's a few different types from dark, brooding noise to fuzzy garage pop to the sort of music I'm posting here, bewitching, ambient folk.

The band responsible are Swaying Wires, an alternative-folk quartet who hail from Finland. They are led by the captivating voice of Tina Kärkinen and recently shared "Fear of Flying", the first track from their forthcoming debut album Some Blue Sky, out next week via Battle and is available to order here.

I'm immediately pulled in by the hypnotic acoustic melody and rich, atmospheric arrangements, haunting yet delicate and beautiful in their simplicity but it's Tina's folk-noir vocals that steals the show, her voice softly serenading you amongst sombre and reflective songcraft. One thing is for certain, it's all very lovely indeed.

Sun Up - New Music "Introducing"

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Sun Up are a newly formed Norwegian/British band now based in East London, they come to my timely attention thanks to a belated browse through my inbox and are guaranteed a play with the use of the words 'Scandinavian dreamy pop/rock band with female vocals' in the subject. It's true and I'm immediately impressed...

As well as their name, debut track "Machines" comes at an appropriate time with the seeming arrival of Spring, combining a sweet melody of bright, kaleidoscopic guitar shimmers, sparse beats and a truly startling voice. It belong to Frøydis (I'm sure she has a surname but I do not, so for now she can be like Prince), her assented tones connect instantly whether it's her swooning harmonies or powerful choruses, you're left hanging on her every word as the track flies through with twinkling, uplifting pop joy. Quite the debut guys.

La Sera #3 - Losing to the Dark

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La Sera's second full length Sees The Light was one I loved, full of addictive, vibrant pop tunes that made you want to come back to it time and time again. See the super-charged fuzz pop of the sing-along hit "Please Be My Third Eye" and the similarly radio friendly single "Break My Heart" for proof.

With Vivian Girls now over Katy Goodman returns her focus completely to the next La Sera album Hour of the Dawn out May 13 via Hardly Art and the lead track "Losing to the Dark" gives us a compelling introduction. Combining those bubblegum pop choruses with super-charged guitar riffs which are so intense they can melt your face off. The subject matter is as bittersweet and direct as ever but there's not a trace of melancholy here, just a blistering, no-holds barred shredder with some great lyrics too 'how about you write another song about how fun you are to drink with at the bar'....

"Losing to the Dark" is available as a free download from the soundcloud link below. La Sera embark on a European including a date at London's Hoxton Bar & Grill on May 23rd.

Esben and the Witch #9 - No Dog

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Right, I'm cutting straight to the chase here. That's as someone who has loved Esben and the Witch since the very beginning (with a hard copy of their debut EP '33 sitting in my collection to back that up). This song is their best ever. Yes, better than "Marching Song" better than "Argyria", "Chorea", "Corridors", "Lucia", the lot.

"No Dog" is taken from a forthcoming split release with Thought Forms and is quite simply incredible. The track waste no time letting you know what's in store for you, the aural storm of noise kicks off  immediately as pummeling drums and a frenetic swam of bass is unleashed on the perhaps unsuspecting listening, this brutal, powerful intro lasts for some 90 seconds before parting to with clearer, ambient skies in which Rachel Davies' typically haunting vocals enter, lulling you into a false, hypnotic state of security before soon enough those storm return, begging you into submission with wave after wave of increased force and screams. Mesmerising.

The Esben and the Witch / Thought Forms 12" split (both sides run for sixteen minutes yet the number of tracks on the release reads two for Esben and four for TF's). Quantity never beats quality, and certainly not when the taster is this good. The split is available on limited 12" vinyl via Invada Records April 7th with pre-orders available now.

The band are currently in the middle of a Pledge Music campaign to record and release their third LP, with the prospect of a limited, exclusive EP and more for the money rich, it's something you'll probably want to get involved with too. Head here for more on that.

Faye Rogers - New Music "Introducing"

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It's getting to the stage now (quite frequently) where there are young, talent artists coming along who are pretty much half my age, so as well as receiving visits from the green eyed monster and complaining at both my lack of talent and impending grey hairs, I'm coming to terms with seeing pubs and gigs full of people who weren't even born when I started .

The latest beguiling young talent to cross my path is Faye Rogers, a singer-songwriter from Swindon who released an EP Thunder last month (available on CD - remember those! - via Secret Chord Records). Her style of minimal acoustic folk isn't something you won't have heard before, let's face it every pub in every town has an acoustic night these days but instantly Faye stands out from the crowd. It's immediately apparent why, armed with a pure, crystal clear voice and lyrics with depth and scope for surpassing her teenage years.

The delicate and spare arrangements that propel "Thunder" allow that enchanting voice to shine through, simmering with honesty and charisma, it serves as a fine introduction to the release. Yet it's the next track that completely pulls me in, "Gathering Dust" recalls Daughter-esque intimacy, a heart-on-the-sleeve lament "how can you so easily dispose of me, now I'm left gathering dust" around carefully constructed acoustic guitar finger-picking, twinkling piano keys and cello. Similar comments could be said for the EP's stunning closing track "Canal Boats", combining layers of serene instrumentation with lyrics of great beauty that connect emotionally deep and remain with you long after your first play "remember all those years ago when I thought that you might be mine".

Faye's potential is confirmed with a handful of live recordings found online, I've posted a couple of tracks that aren't on the EP below, "Clutter" from a recent BBC session and "Forever" from a Sofar Sounds gig last year (two indications that word is spreading), her sweetly swooning vocals radiating like dew on a spring morning. Damn you talented kids!

Bed - New Music "Introducing"

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Portland duo Alex Haager and Sierra Frost formed Bed in late 2013 and this track "Bother" is the first from their forthcoming debut EP (due 18th of March via their own Breakup Records).

It's a track which has already found them some praise and rightly so with fuzzed up grunge guitar riffs slowed down amongst rumbling drums and soft, melancholic vocals, the repeated cries of "I can't help you out again" ringing in your ears like a bittersweet goodbye.

"Bother" is available now via Bandcamp with the EP no doubt to follow shortly.




bed. - "Bother" from Breakup Records on Vimeo.

Lykke Li #4 - Love Me Like I'm Not Made Of Stone

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I was lucky enough to be in Manchester last Saturday for the BBC 6Music Festival at Victoria Warehouse, playing at around 7pm in what I believe was her first show in a good year or two was Lykke Li, she played an eight song set, the first five all taken from 2011's wonderful Wounded Rhymes and the last three all new ones taken from her forthcoming (final?) LP I Never Learn which is due for release May 5th.

Those three tracks highlighted something slightly different to the track I'm writing about today, the first official track shared from the release "Love Me Like I'm Not Made Of Stone". Where "Never Gonna Love Again" and "No Rest For The Wicked" highlight a big, dramatic 80's power ballad sound "Love Me Like I'm Not Made Of Stone" is a continuation of the heartbreak from Wounded Rhymes, sounding like a long lost cousin of "I Know Places", the track is sparse and confessional with languid, haunting acoustic echoes the sole accompaniment for Lykke's devastating delivery, you can tangibly feel her emotion throughout - what a beauty.

Lykke Li has announced two London shows for May 8th/9th at Village Underground. Normally I'd be happy but I can't make it because it clashes with The Great Escape. If you're still in the Capital, you won't great the decision. The live set the other day was bigger and bolder than anytime I'd previously seen her.

Glastonbury Emerging Talent Contest 2014

glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

A few hours ago Glastonbury Festival announced the long-list for this years Emerging Talent Contest, the longstanding competition for a band to win a slot on a main-stage at the festival. I was involved last year and was delighted to be asked again this year. The contest sees 40 of the UK's 'finest' blogs (their words, not mine!) each given a long, long list of acts who had previously submitted their details to the festival with the relatively straight-forward (but incredibly difficult) job of whittling that number down to just three acts each.

Each bloggers three acts then form the long-list of 120 acts which you can see now on the Glastonbury website. From these lists, a panel of Glastonbury judges (including Emily & Michael Eavis) will pick eight acts (just eight from many thousands of entrants) who will play at a live final in Pilton in April on which the winner then finds their way onto the Glastonbury line-up alongside Arcade Fire, Dolly Parton and many, many more (to be confirmed, unfortunately I don't have any say in that!!).

Of my entire long-list just one act had been previously covered here. A singular statement that goes to highlight the breadth of talent in the UK - Glastonbury ETC was UK artists only - whilst naturally the list was a bit of a mixed bag in terms on my own particular taste there were a great number of exciting acts to discover.

Last year I posted a list of acts I discovered thanks to my long-list prior to the results coming out and I did intend to again this but time around but time, as ever, has found me out and instead here I am posting in retrospect which means rather than a 'have a look at what you could have won' style post I'm focusing purely on the acts I've put through.

I also formed part of Bloggers Utd to further judge some acts after a couple of bloggers pulled out from the competition so in total I put through five acts to the long-list. Each of which is detailed below.

The Cadbury Sisters - Facebook

"The trio blend their vocals around exquisite fingerplucked acoustic melodies and the result is simply beautiful."

Leisure - Facebook 

"Sexy-smooth electro-pop rhythms which stand out thanks to a super slick melody and a deviliously gorgeous 90's inspired soul vocal"

Georgia and the Dales - Facebook

"I instantly fell in love with "Dark Age",  a beautiful, atmospheric traditional folk number with soft harmonies set amongst rich, quick-paced instrumentation".

Only Girl - Facebook

""Bittersweet" swoons around your heart with sparse, early 90's r&b grooves and a ghostly sweet vocal".

Empress Nights - Facebook

"Otherworldly, haunting soundscapes with passionate vocals against a backdrop of shimmering guitars and soft, restrained piano twinkles, the result is as bold as it is beautiful."

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart #4 - Simple and Sure

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The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have always been one of my go-to artists on my iPod, usually in the gym when looking for some fast-paced, high energy inspiration whilst running. Their 2009 debut and follow-up Belong being exactly that, toe-tapping carefree goodness (the only problems tend to be when you start singing along with people running either side of you).

Kip Berman and gang now return with "Simple and Sure", the first track to be taken from their forthcoming third album Days of Abandon and indie-poppers fear not, you'll be glad to know it's a return full of pure-pop wonder.

The title is perfect too, summing up the tracks intentions immediately, a slice of magical, up-lifting pop heaven with jangly guitars, sprightly drums and perhaps more obvious here, shining keys combining to melodious and delightful results, going straight for the jugular, if "Simple and Sure" doesn't have you dancing all around your room then nothing will.

Days of Abandon is due for release in the US April 22nd with a tour alongside the equally great Fear of Men. I'll update this with a UK release (and hopefully tour dates) when I find them.

Sharon Van Etten #6 - Taking Chances

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I'm not quite sure when Sharon Van Etten stepped up from quietly adored (I remember seeing her perform at a Sunday night show at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen) to universally acclaimed (her next show is at Koko on June 5th - details - some seven times the size). There probably wasn't a singular event that caused it, more likely a slow drip-feed of converts. It was somewhere after 2010's Epic and most likely with 2012's Tramp, both records of great depth which hit the listener heart almost unbearable levels of emotion and heartbreak.

Last week Sharon announced her fourth LP Are We There due May 26th via Jagjaguwar (there's a nice US only deluxe bundle here) and yesterday shared it's first single "Taking Chances"...

The track is both a change and a continuation, the lyrics remain as direct and straight from the heart as ever, Sharon's luxurious voice again connects with places inside you forgot you had but it also introduces a more smoldering, rhythmic melody with echoey, slow motion bass and languid beats forming much of the groove whilst organ and guitar shimmers textures add a veneer of gloss. "Taking "Chances" is a pounding, romantic pop song with a superb vocal, the world's love with Sharon is about to be rekindled.

Young Romance #4 - Break My Heart By Morning

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Young Romance build up to the release of their debut single "Pale" (out next week via Banquet Records) with the stream of the flip side "Break My Heart By Morning". It's a new/old song which deserves it's own moment in the spotlight based purely on the fact that it's an absolute belter...

The track begins with a melodic bass solo before Claire's astonishing, bittersweet vocals fill the air around racing guitar shimmers and driving beats, soon morphing into an urgent, dynamic indie-pop beauty "Break My Heart By Morning" is the sort of track the nation should be waking up to on every radio station. Even in this fucked up world of talentless 'superstars' and manufactured clones it still can be, go and listen below:

Marika Hackman #5 - Deep Green

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Get ready for some more overused coinage here! Marika Hackman returns (well, I'm not sure she was ever actually away) with "Deep Green", the first track taken from her third EP Deaf Heat which is planned for release April 14th via Dirty Hit, a track which may well be (here we go) her finest, most accomplished to date.

Marika is known for combining eerie, choral instrumentation with a soft, haunted vocal and of course that is the case again with "Deep Green", as natural and elegant as its title with a powerful tribal beat forming its heart-beat around electronic nuances and a scatchy, creeping melody. As ever, the result sees otherworldly atmosphere and alluring beauty collide as Marika pulls you into her rich, intense world. It's one that pains you to leave.

The EP is preceded by a small UK tour which kicks off next week (dates).

There's Talk - The Salt

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There's Talk, a trio from San Francisco led by songwriter / vocalist Olivia Lee, might have released this track towards the end of last Summer but it's so bloody lovely that I have to feature it now, upon my late discovery...

"The Salt" is the rare type of slow-burning, introspective beauty that immediately makes you want to grab those next to you and have a long, warming embrace. Amongst the repeated twinkling of piano chords and the most minimal amount of restrained electronic beats is Olivia's softly, haunting vocals, her intimate, emotionally powerful words instantly connect and open up healed wounds.

The track comes backed with a video that's equally impressive with otherworldly visuals only adding to atmosphere and is taken from There's Talk's debut EP Tiny Strands, available now via Bandcamp. I've only listened through once so far but am instantly struck by the closing song, the title track, which weaves similarly melancholic plains with a sparse acoustic melody carrying the fragile, winsome melody to a devastating conclusion. Tissues may be needed.

Fear of Men #9 - Luna

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I was already pretty excited about the forthcoming debut from Brighton's wonderful Fear of Men  (entitled Loom and due for release on April 21st via Kanine Records) but latest taster "Luna" is here to increase that even further....

Following swiftly from the streams of the releases opening tracks "Alta/Waterfall", "Luna" instantly introduces itself as a stronger, illuminating beauty that combines Jessica Weiss' effortlessly melodic voice with soaring, kaleidoscopic guitars, surging drums and throbbing bass patterns. The result, as ever with this band, bedazzles, although after more than a couple of tries deciphering the lyrics I'm still unsure whether I should be swooning "I want you more than this" or running away "I tried my best to destroy you" / "you are unbearable memories"...

"Luna" will also be available via a special edition flexi-zine, that's a flexi disc and 20 page 'zine, release by the ever tasty Art is Hard records on April 7th - pre-order.