Holy Milk - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook

Holy Milk came to my attention because they are about to support blog favourites Blessa in London (November 12th at The Tipsy Bar). I can't make the gig, I'll be seeing that little known band called Arcade Fire on the same evening but their only track (thus far) introduces this devastating sound with a bewitching, calming quality to it that can do nothing but suck you in...

The track, "Confusing the Wind" combines minimal, electronic glitches with a whole host of random but subtle noises to create an icy, ambient platform for the honey-sweet vocal of Lucinda John-Duarte to transfix, maintaining your attention throughout until the repeated, final cries of "be my only saviour and give me your kiss" send chills right through your body, an eerily beautiful and compelling release from a young band to keep an eye on.

Megan Bonnell - New Music "Introducing

Facebook / meganbonnell.ca

I'd not heard of Megan Bonnell until last night, that's the magic of the Internet, there are so many (too many perhaps) artists to discover. I can vaguely remember the 'old' days where if you heard a track you liked you had to memorise a line of the words and then hope the guys in your local record shop had heard of it, or listen to the radio all day in the hope it was played again. Today though, you just look on your computer or point your smartphone at a speaker. It kind of remove some of the thrill and romance I think...

The reason I waffled on there is simple, if I was out and about fifteen years ago and heard Megan's track "Hunt and Chase", it'd would've introduced a voice that would have had me desperate to seek it out further.

I'll start by saying that "Hunt and Chase" is a little bit bonkers, it definitely is. Bristling with life amongst an ever-changing melody and theatrical instrumentation that skitters and flourishes with shimmering, illuminating brilliance. Megan has this striking, earthly voice which fits perfectly with the tracks accompanying video, a chase through a misty wood, it's Alice in Wonderland, compelling and fantastic.

Her album of the same name is out now in the US, us Brits will have to wait until early next year though, for now we've some more tracks to listen to on YouTube. My favourite of which is a live version of a track from the album "We Are Strangers Now". A track full of haunting emotion delivered with devastating intimacy as restrained instrumentation and Megan's heartfelt vocals sooth with blissful, thoughtful beauty. Don't miss out.

Gulp - New Music "Introducing"

Facebook / gulpgulp.co.uk

I've been swamped for a few weeks now and have had this post waiting to write up for too long, a cancelled badminton game tonight gives me an unexpected hour to write a couple of blogs and where better to start than this...

Gulp is the new project from Super Furry Animals’ bassist Guto Prycere and Lindsay Leven and the track below "Play", is their first single, released back in July (with an album promised for early next year).

Belatedly perhaps, you too can full for this swirling, psychedelic beauty, which combines the irresistibly sumptuous vocals of Lindsay with a teasing, summertime melody (what timing hey, as I'm writing about it on perhaps the chilliest night of the impending Winter!) and a tingling of cinematic, spookiness which keeps you on the edge.

Flip side "Hot Water" removes all that suspense for a full on nostalgia blast, oozing with syrupy goodness and wide-eyed smiles, if you want to reminisce about all those (???) romantic days spent idling by the beach / lake / park then take a listen below. If you didn't lead the life of a Hollywood rom-com, still take a listen below, this might just have you swooning all the way to Match.com (or another perfectly adequate dating website, I'm not on commission!).

The tracks are available to download and on limited edition 7" via Bandcamp now.

Be Forest #3 - Captured Heart

Facebook / beforestofficial.com

It's been a while since we've heard from Be Forest, their 2011 debut Cold is one I still find myself listening to now, an album full of icy guitar howls, dark, brooding atmosphere with threatening rhythms combining with gorgeous ethereal vocals. It featured in my albums of the year posts and if you missed it then, I recommend catching it now.

Last week Be Forest announced their return as a quartet with "Captured Heart", the first track taken from their follow up full-length Earthbeat (due Feb 4th next year via We Were Never Being Boring).

The album title is an accurate description of the track too, where the overlying feeling from Cold was this chilly, mysterious mood "Captured Heart" is full of life with tribal drum beats catapulting shimmering guitars and dreamy vocal harmonies - it's fresher, warmer and distinctly beautiful - I'm all for that.

Besides one gig in Liverpool a couple of years back, I don't think the band have played in the UK. Let's make that change please.

Lyla Foy #4 - Easy

Facebook / lylafoy.com

I've mentioned Lyla Foy here a few times before as WALL, seemingly a name dispute (or perhaps deciding the name was a little too un-Google friendly) means Lyla has dropped the moniker and has adopted the use of her real name, a technicality which comes coupled with the much more exciting news of a Sub Pop signing and a new song "Easy"...

The track is easily Lyla's best yet, building from the hushed, intimate debut EP Shoestring with the most expansive sound we've heard from Lyla to date, don't worry though, it still retains those earlier characteristics in all their glory. "Easy" is a soft, wounded beauty that sweeps you off your feet with an impeccably haunting vocal and enchanting instrumentation, luxurious and chilly, it almost makes you want to welcome the impending winter months ahead.

Easy is released on 18th November and the limited 7" can be pre-ordered now via Rough Trade. Lyla Foy headlines The Lexington on December 10th.

Veronica Falls #12 - Need You Around

Facebook / veronicafalls.com

It was only a few weeks ago when I last mentioned Veronica Falls and like all good buses, after a while of waiting, two new tracks arrive almost at once.

Following from the wonderful "Nobody There" is "Need You Around", the flip side to the double-a side tour single of the same name. Where the former was full of the usual Veronica Falls darkly enthusiasm and jangle this is softer and dreamier with a chugging bass-line leading Roxanne's sweetly vocals. Soon trademark harmonies and guitars fill the air and carry you to pastures full of a lovely thoughts and more-ish beauty - Veronica Falls remain a band who show no sign of losing their killer knack of writing perfect pop tracks.

The release is due on December 9th, limited to just 300 worldwide with some available to pre-order now via the bands Big Cartel - I wouldn't hang around.