Some bands have such a special sound that it is almost indescribable. We feel beyond blessed to check out Long Island, Ny based and a Whole Kameese favorite, punk duo Bitters and Distractions and their sharp and impressive new single, “The Threads” via Berkeley-based independent label Sell The Heart Records.
You can listen to “The Threads” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
The energy from Long Island acoustic punk duo, Bitters and Distractions ( Jeremy Quitko and Travis Johnides) is more electrifying and vibrant than a thousand piece marching band . As soon as we heard the first chord on “The Threads “ we instantly started singing along and quickly grabbed a pint of our favorite brew.
While the instrumentation may be minimal, the emotional weight is anything but. Punk as Folk described their sound as: “This is punk proper, just done with acoustic guitars.”
guitars.”
“The Threads” captures the tension between striving for a meaningful future and grappling with the fleeting nature of time. The lyrics reflect resilience—“spread our wings and stretch our legs”—while also embracing nostalgia and the imperfections of life, summed up in the refrain: “that’s why we can’t have nice things.” (best freaking line ever)
The duo explains:
“The song is a bittersweet toast to the journey, the struggles, and the moments that define us. It’s about holding onto hope while acknowledging the scars along the way.”
Recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered entirely in the duo’s homes, “The Threads” also features guest backing vocals by Natalia Neal, a former student of Jeremy’s.
Bitters and Distractions began as Jeremy’s personal songwriting outlet, drawing from his formative years in Colorado and the loss of a close friend. The project evolved when Travis began composing music to accompany Jeremy’s words, sparking a creative partnership that resonated with listeners and transformed the duo into a fully realized band.
We fell in love with Bitters and Distractions, the first time we heard them…. And “The Threads” hasn’t changed that one bit.
We have been operating The Whole Kameese, for 5 years, and the number one thing we love about what we do is watching bands evolve and find their groove. This is certainly the case with Indie-pop duo Eighty Ninety, the project of brothers Abner (vocals, production) and Harper (guitar, production)James
Hollywood Dream.” Propelled by pulsing guitars, irresistible hooks, and cinematic production, the track dives into the push and pull of a love that feels straight out of a movie — blurring the line between romantic fantasy and harsh reality.
Hollywood Dream’ is about the thrill and longing that can consume a relationship until you start to wonder if that intensity is love or just addiction,”the duo explain. “It’s about the desire to mythologize your life, to see yourself inside a cinematic story that gives everything meaning — even the pain. But it’s also about how those stories can trap you. And how, even when you know that, part of you still wants to stay inside the dream.”
What we love about Eighty Ninety, is that the way they craft songs is truly art form. Carefully creating breathtaking melodies that are perfectly nestled within flawless vocals . It is a true work of art … and “Hollywood Dream” is the latest in a long line of musical masterpieces.
We recently had the absolute honor to check out the new album, “Impatient For The Dream”, from new synth pop/rock duo Your Future Ghost.The band is the new musical project of Billboard-charting singer/songwriter, musician and actress Kate Voegele and the multifaceted songwriter, producer, composer and actor Michael Grubbs.
You can listen to the wondrous new album, “Impatient For The Dream” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Gere
“Impatient For The Dream”, from Your Future Ghost, is a magnificent collection that offers powerful, vibrant and radiant indie-pop sound that leaves your music loving soul full of musical joy
The duo that is ,Your Future Ghost, first met on the set, acting in the popular CW hit TV series One Tree Hill. Striking up a fast friendship and mutual creative respect, the two began collaborating musically over zoom during the pandemic. After months of studio sessions in Austin, Texas, intermingled with lively backyard taco breaks, Your Future Ghost was born. Kate Voegele reveals the catalyst for their creative fusion, “our voices blended in a way that inspired us both to write in this unique hemisphere of a sound neither of us had ever really explored before in our solo projects.”
The two soon performed their signature dirty indie synth pop at the internationally recognized Art Basel festival in Miami to an overwhelming response affirming their artistic direction.
Their new albumImpatient for the Dream features a collection of joyful, wild and dark pop songs. With a powerful blend of big guitars, thunderous drums, and striking synths, Your Future Ghost has crafted an album inspired by, according to Voegele, “finding the fun, the party, and the refuge in the chaos of a post-apocalyptic world.” She further shares, “This album is that friend who’s kind of a liability, has some bad tattoos and questionable ideas, but always makes every hang unforgettable.” Michael says, “This record is a truly unfiltered version of Kate and me. It’s us at a bar at 1 AM, fearless, drunk on a good time and completely out of f**cks.”
We found ourselves instantly enthralled with “Impatient For The Dream” from Your Future Ghost, right from the first track , “Oh My Ghost” Every song was artfully full of emotion and memorable melodies.
One thing that really stands out to us on “Impatient For The Dream”, is the cinematic/ symphonic vibe of the music . The songs are so well crafted and well shaped , this is front and center on both “We’ve Got Places” and our personal favorite, “The Only One “
Your Future Ghost, prove that they are indie-pop masterminds on track, “I’m Like Money, Pritty, and the impressive and melodically addictive, “ Oh La La ( Animal) “
“Impatient For The Dream” , from Your Future Ghost, is without a doubt the next album you need to fall in love with.
We here at The Whole Kameese, fully believe if your going to put out an album, you should go full tilt , hold absolutely nothing back and deliver an album that you can proudly share with the universe. Royal She , have done that and then some by delivering a positively inspiring and stunning album with , “Befores and Afters”. You can listen to “Befores and Afters” on Spotify Here, Apple Music Here
We first fell in love with the authentic and vibrant sounds of Los Angeles based 2 piece rock band, Royal She ( vocalistAlison Freed and multi -instrumentalistAlexandria Reyes) back last October , with their authentic and honest vibrant single, “My Ex” . Some bands try to get by with smoke and mirrors…. Not Royal She. They are 100 percent the real deal and it show with everything they release. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch them grow their artistry .
We even had the pleasure of interviewing Royal She, back in December, where Alison, shared with us the creative process of RoyalShe, “It’s really a joint effort and a beautiful, connected experience. When writing, Alex started playing a riff and I started singing melodies and lyrics. For the most part Alex writes the music and I write the vocal melodies and lyrics. We both are involved in every step of the production and mixing of each song”
With the arrival of the new album, “Befores and Afters “ what listeners get is an album that shows off a band in Royal She, that is firing on all cylinders and it is breathtakingly brilliant.
Their genre-bending sound blends elements of rock, pop, hip hop, rap, and electronic music, creating a sonic signature that evokes comparisons to PVRIS, Phantogram, Evanescence, and TLC. Produced by Logan Mader (Five Finger Death Punch, Machine Head) and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, David Bendeth, Jay Baumgardner, and Math Bishop, Befores and Afters hits hard as a statement of survival, transformation, and rebirth.
Right from the opening track, “Worth It”, it is crystal clear that this more than just an album but a complete musical experience.
“Silent Killer” and “Karma” are two tracks that show how diverse and fluid the sound of Royal She , can be. So many bands only live solely in one style or genre of music, which is why Royal She, is so refreshing.
We enjoyed “Befores and Afters”,from beginning to end …. But , two tracks really touched our soul. The first one is “Let Her Go” Some songs you fall hopelessly in love with the first time you hear them…. “Let Her Go” is one of those songs . Flawless vocals, perfect melodies this song is an absolute masterpiece.
The second song is “Healing Anthem “ in our opinion this is Royal She at their absolute best . “Healing Anthem “ delivers an important and authentic call for unity and resilience, which is needed more than ever .
With “Befores and Afters” , from RoyalShe , we are treated with a musical work of art full of heart , soul and truth .
We recently had the stellar opportunity, to check out the new single, Howling”, from UK, ambient-indie rock duo KIN TALA. You can listen to “Howling” on Spotify HereApple Music Here
KIN TALA, has an original and authentic sound that once we felt ourselves immediately gravitating towards. “Howling”, is an absolutely amazingly beautiful song.
The ambient and melodic melodies coupled with the breathtakingly haunting vocals , make “Howling” from KIN TALA an unbelievable musical listening experience.
After a sold-out debut show on home turf and with over 250,000 streams across platforms, KIN TALA looks to continue 2025 with new releases, performances and collaborations.
With a grassroots fanbase and a sound that defies convention, KIN TALA is quickly establishing itself as one of the most exciting acts to watch this year.
On new single ‘Howling’, KIN TALA comment:
“The track Howling captures the essence of how I feel about modern life—where there’s a constant worry about what our society is becoming, whether we’re stuck holding down jobs that don’t provide security, or were fabricating our lives and relationships via social media – it all makes me want to go back to the past and live a simpler life. Recorded and mixed independently, we wanted ‘Howling’ to be an experiment of saturated textures and rhythmic energy, conveying that angst and yearning for something easier, simpler and more natural.”
KIN TALA by Mike Mullaney
KIN TALA is the moniker of Dom Rogers and Shee Juma – two producers whose songwriting stretches back to school days. Originally from Blackpool in the North West of England, the boys met at a band practice in college and played music together before exchanging a word. Becoming fast friends soon after, the pair wrote and recorded throughout university, fine-tuning their craft independently and dreaming up big ideas.
“Howling” from KIN TALA is a song that you need to hear.
Upcoming tour dates
Together Again Festival – Cheshire – July 2025 Splendour Festival – Nottingham- July 2025 Lytham Festival – Lancashire – July 2025
We recently got a chance to check out the spectacular debut album from Worcester based alternative duo , Sunday Junkie ( Tom Martin and Shawn Pelkey) You can listen to their debut album, on SpotifyHere, Apple Music Here , Bandcamp Here
Sunday Junkie, has a sound and vibe that is a one of a kind musical experience that is in full effect on their flawless debut.
Photo Credit- Sunday Junkie
It has been an absolute pleasure to listen to the magnificent singles, beginning with last fall’s mesmerizing“Vultures” and last month’s excellent gem “Fever Dream.” that have been released prior to today’s ( May 9th ) release of the debut album.
The result is a stirred Molotov cocktail of noise, a torrent of blissful agitation that corrals digestible genre lanes of post-punk, emo, ‘90s alternative, post-hardcore and whatever else from the duo of multi-instrumentalist and vocalistTom Martin and drummer and percussionistShawn Pelkey, two longtime friends who recently were part of Massachusetts hopefuls Not Bad Not Well.
“Our sound emerged purely unintentionally – it’s just a pretty faithful expression of our influences and where we’re at in terms of writing abilities,” admits Martin. “I’ve never been a fan of trying to sound like xyz, or feel like we need to stay within certain parameters of a genre, but rather letting the songs just happen as they’re meant to.”
Martin and Pelkey co-engineered the album, with Martin developing the artwork and the overall aesthetics. The record was then mixed by Jack Shea, and mastered by Jay Frigoletto at Mastersuite in Brookline, New Hampshire.
The amazing energy and creativity that makes Sunday Junkie standout, is over flowing at a fever pitch on every track throughout the album.
The opening track, “Vultures” is an epic example of two like minded musicians making next level music with melodies that impress from note one
“Holy, Holy”, is perhaps our favorite track on the album. As we noted in our original review, ‘Holy, Holy’ from Sunday Junkie is the kind of song that effortlessly finds its way into your soul and stays with you long after the music has faded.”
We loved the hypnotic feel of “Seventeen”, we could easily picture this song on the silver screen.
“For the lyrical themes on this album, I’d say it’s a pretty even split of deeply personal, introspective lyrics and then dealing with discontent in relation to the world at large,” says Martin. “On the more personal, introspective side are songs like ‘Death Defier’ and ‘Fever Dream’ that delve into romantic relationships, and ‘Constellations’ aims to examine the dull ache of nostalgia and fleeting youth. ‘Emergencies’ hits on religious hypocrisy and the mainstream media’s constant cycle of fear often played ad nauseam.”
Sunday Junkie, is a band that take music places that are absolutely otherworldly. Their debut album is an experience that should be on the top of every music lover’s list.
There are songs and then are are cinematic anthems that are layered with meaning and purpose. “Yes We Will(Mob Squad) from alt pop duo RAGS AND RICHES is definitely one of those songs.
You can listen to “Yes We Will(Mob Squad) on Spotify Here and Apple Music Here
RAGS AND RICHES , brothers , Tanner and Peyton Whitt,bring high energy hope to inspire a generation of dreamers.Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, it is crystal clear that RAGS AND RICHES, are creating something special.
Photo Credit: Tate Chmielewski – @tatechmielewski
Every band has its defining moment—a point where they choose to rise or let the weight of the world push them down. For Tanner and Peyton it was when a founding member gave them an ultimatum. They believed they were parting on good terms, but betrayal set in and as their success grew, so did the attacks. The misguided mockery resulted in an attempt to slander their fans, but Tanner and Peyton embraced the moment and what resulted is the now official name of their loyal family, friends and fans, “The Mob Squad.”
Tanner and Peyton say, “What was meant to be a taunt became a banner we proudly wave.” Their latest single, “Yes We Will (Mob Squad)” is not just a song—it’s a movement, a rallying cry for anyone who’s been doubted, underestimated, or faced adversity. It represents resilience, loyalty, and the unwavering spirit of those who stand strong in the face of challenge.
With pounding drums, roaring guitars and a chorus that demands to be shouted from the rooftops, “Yes We Will (Mob Squad)” is an anthem for those who stand together. No matter where you’re from, no matter what battles you’ve faced, The Mob Squad welcomes you. And when it’s all said and done, they will remember our name.
“Yes We Will (Mob Squad)” is off of an upcoming EP which marks a new chapter for RAGS AND RICHES. Unlike anything they’ve written before, their new sound blends hip-hop, pop and alternative into one. Covering themes of controversy, the duo reveal real-life, vulnerable stories, from breakups and affairs, to liars and backstabbers.
“Yes We Will (Mob Squad) is a great song from the phenomenal, RAGS AND RICHES
We first came to know Los Angeles, based indie-electronic duo, last month with their playful single, “Show My Teeth”, now the duo delivers their new album, “Good Dogs”, which is their first after a 4 year hiatus.
Known for their distinctive sound that marries electronic music with raw, emotional indie elements, Michael Nicastro and Matthew Lieberman have been captivating audiences since their formation. Their music, a vibrant mix of synth-driven melodies and bass-heavy rhythms, speaks to the heart of the urban experience, reflecting themes of anxiety, societal observations, and personal introspection.
Crafted remotely via Zoom and home studios, the album explores themes of second chances, loss, love, longing, getting older, pining for youth and trying to find a new normalcy post Covid. The title Good Dogs is a reference to Magic Bronson’s longevity and consistency as a duo over the last decade. With its high-energy sound, blending uptempo drums, throbbing bass, and dynamic vocals, GoodDogs is an anthem of bold living and motivation.
Photographer: Cameron Maier
We absolutely love the synergy generated from Magic Bronson, we especially felt this on “We Use To Settle”
Title-track “Good Dogs” is a playful dance track that speaks to the push and pull of attraction. Lieberman explains, “The verses alternate between who’s in charge or metaphorically on the leash in the sense of who’s controlling the relationship at the moment. Musically it’s a 4 on the floor banger with a throbbing bass line and crunchy vintage synths.”
The playful “Show My Teeth” comes to life through oscillating, kaleidoscopic synths, and a fast-paced, move-inducing beat. Known for their experimental approach, the track keeps listeners on their toes, with unexpected twists and turns, including a second verse that serves as a nod to Paul McCartney’s part in The Beatles’ “A Day In The Life.”
There is not a bad song to be found on “Good Dogs”, “Get’Em Kid”, “Industry Plant” and “Tombstone” are all standouts on “Good Dogs”
Magic Bronson, have created an absolute brilliant collection of songson “Good Dogs” , the songs moved our soul and our feet.
We recently had the excellent opportunity to check out the new single “Holy,Holy” from Worcester, Massachusetts, alternative duo , Sunday Junkie. You can listen to “Holy,Holy” Here
“Holy,Holy”, from Sunday Junkie , is the kind of song that effortlessly finds it’s way into your soul and stay with you long after the music has faded.
Photo credit- Sunday Junkie
Holy, Holy” is the third offering from the duo of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Tom Martin and drummer and percussionist Shawn Pelkey, following the fall release of a pair of striking debut singles in “Vultures” and “Haunted Head.”
Each track will be featured on Sunday Junkie’s forthcoming debut album, due out sometime later this year. But before an overarching storyline emerges, these inaugural Sunday Junkie singles each strike a specific mood. As “Holy, Holy” twists and crawls through a dramatic atmosphere of tension, the duo quickly positions itself as a band with a lot to say and seemingly not a lot of time to say it.
Sunday Junkie, formed last year from the ashes of scene spark plug Not Bad Not Well,
“I had issues with drinking in the past, and the lyrics on ‘Holy, Holy’ pretty heavily revolve around using alcohol as a means of self-medicating and ignoring a larger, underlying issue,” Martin adds. “It can be pretty insidious when it seems to provide relief, but the toll it’s taking is more evident to those around you and they just hope you can eventually see it too. The line ‘Honey on our tongues / Sucking on the rind’ is more of a reference to having everything at your fingertips, not realizing it, and choosing to throw it away instead.”
Familiar but deeply unique at the same time , Sunday Junkie have molded sonic and melodic tones to absolute perfection.
There is this real cinematic tone on “Holy,Holy”, that that really makes the track stand out . Martin and Pelkey have undeniable musical synergy that is front and center on “Holy, Holy”
Close your eyes and open your soul to the mystical soul of “Holy,Holy”
We are beyond excited to report that, rising indie-pop duo The Ivy—comprised of singer/guitaristWyatt Clem and synth player/bassistShawn Abhari—are thrilled to announce their Spring 2025 North American tour.
The Tulsa-based duo will be joined by the captivating LA-based indie-pop singer and songwriter, Lyncs, for the entire tour. Kicking off on March 25th in Albuquerque, the tour will take The Ivy and Lyncs through major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Nashville, before wrapping up in San Antonio on April23rd.
In addition to the tour, The Ivy and Lyncs are excited to unveil their upcoming collaboration, “Don’t Fall Asleep To This,” out February 21st.The track is a poignant anthem that beautifully captures the complexities of long-distance love, blending The Ivy’s signature sound with Lyncs‘ heartfelt lyricism.
The Ivy’s Spring 2025 Tour (with Special Guest Lyncs): March 25 – Albuquerque, NM @ Juno March 26 – Tucson, AZ @ Groundworks March 27 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar March 28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Scribble March 31 – Denver, CO @ Lost Lake April 1 – Lincoln, NE @ Duffys Tavern April 2 – Kansas City, MO @ recordBar April 3 – Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray Arcade April 4 – Indianapolis, IN @ Hoosier Dome April 5 – Chicago, IL @ Subterranean April 6 – Cleveland, OH @ The Foundry April 9 – Montreal, QC @ L’Esco April 11 – Boston, MA @ Rockwell April 12 – Brooklyn, NY @ Alphaville April 14 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie April 15 – Washington D.C. @ Pie Shop April 16 – Richmond, VA @ The Camel April 17 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 April 18 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade April 19 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In April 21 – Tulsa, OK @ The Vanguard April 22 – Dallas, TX @ Ruins April 23 – San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Show My Teeth” from LA duo Magic Bronson. You can listen to “Show My Teeth” Here. You can also check out the short film for “Show My Teeth” below.
“Show My Teeth from Los Angeles, indie-electronic duo Magic Bronson, is fun and playful track that once it washes over you, you can’t help but smile ( and show your teeth)
Photographer: Cameron Maier
“Show My Teeth” is all about the adventure and highs and lows you experience while on tour. The playful track comes to life through oscillating, kaleidoscopic synths, and a fast-paced, move-inducing beat.
Magic Bronson, has carved a unique niche in the music scene with their compelling blend of introspective lyrics and pulsating beats. Known for their distinctive sound that marries electronic music with raw, emotional indie elements, Michael Nicastro and Matthew Lieberman have been captivating audiences since their formation. Their music, a vibrant mix of synth-driven melodies and bass-heavy rhythms, speaks to the heart of the urban experience, reflecting themes of anxiety, societal observations, and personal introspection
Off of their upcoming album, Good Dogs, their latest single “Show My Teeth” is all about the adventure and highs and lows you experience while on tour. Lieberman shares, “It can be super fun and thrilling but also fairly repetitive and exhausting. We wanted to capture that feeling of rolling from one city to another and the excitement but overall blur it can be waking up in a new city everyday and having 24 hours to experience what it has to offer before you have to hit the road again.”
Along with the vibrant single, the duo has also unveiled a fun video to go along with the track . Magic Bronson will be performing at the Moroccan Lounge on January 28th, as well as an album release party at Echo Bend in Atwater Village on the February 8th
We recently caught up with Los Angeles rock duo Royal She to learn more about the band and their new single “Silent Killer.
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with The Whole Kameese. The first question is a two part question. Could you introduce yourselves and tell us how you came to be Royal She?
Hi, I’m Alison– the singer for Royal She. We were both in a band prior to this one called My Elysian, and this is our second band together.
I’m Alex, the guitarist. Royal She originally started as Alison’s solo project, but then I joined full-time
2- When listening to Royal She, we hear so many different styles that make up the sound of Royal She. Can you tell us what are your main influences and how would you describe the sound of Royal She .
Alison: Our main influences are all over the place from TLC to Alanis Morrisette to Evanescence, Portishead, Phantogram and the Deftones. We’re both huge music lovers and all the different genres of music that we love have influenced us, so our sound really is a blend of everything we love. I guess if I had to try to label it I would say it’s rock, pop, hip hop, alt, and electronic.
Alex: A polygamous marriage to all our musical influences described by Alison.
3- If Royal She could tour with anyone, who would it be ? and why?
Alison:I would so love to tour with Linkin Park, especially now that Emily is singing with them. But there are so many bands we’d love to tour with like Garbage, Alanis, Paramore, PVRIS, No Doubt.
Alex: I would love to tour with a bad ass female lineup. Pretty much all the artists and bands that Alison mentioned along with up-and-coming artists as well! Actually, that would be an epic festival.
4- How did you come up with the name Royal She?
Alison: We wanted a name that really represented us, our ideals, and the power of women. This name really just hit all of that for us. It’s about connecting to the power of the divine feminine after the world has lived under Patriarchy for so long.
5- Can You talk about the creative process? Does one person come up with the music and or lyrics or is it a joint effort?
Alison: It’s really a joint effort and a beautiful, connected experience. When writing, Alex started playing a riff and I started singing melodies and lyrics. For the most part Alex writes the music and I write the vocal melodies and lyrics. We both are involved in every step of the production and mixing of each song.
6-What is the first record that you bought ?
Alison: TLC Crazy, Sexy, Cool.
Alex: Crazy Sexy Cool was the first CD I bought too!
7- How did the latest single , “Silent Killer “ come to be?
Alison: “SIlent Killer” was one of three or four songs we wrote in one writing session. I was laying on the ground and Alex was playing the guitar on the couch as protools recorded. She started playing a riff and I started singing a siren type melody. From there, the concept of writing a song about a woman that is siren-like became the topic. From there, lyrics flowed and we had a fun little bop.
Alex: After writing some depressing songs, we wanted to liven up the mood and write a dancey tune. Silent Killer is uplifting even though we’re essentially speaking about a woman who eats you up and spits you out, but we kinda like it. Haha. It’s a masochist approach but you can’t help but dance to the beat.
8- The music of Royal She is authentic and honest. What advice would you give to new musicians just starting out ?
Alison: Be authentic to yourself. Say what you need to say and sing and don’t think about how anyone will receive it. This is your art, it has to be for you and your soul.
Alex:Play as much as you can, create, and experiment. Don’t get too drawn to outside critics, especially your own criticism. It’s all a process that’s leading you to authentically express yourself, even if at times you think your music sucks. It’s about being true to yourself and your craft one paint stroke at a time.
9- What is your go to beverage of choice?
Alison: If we’re talking alcohol, I love a good bourbon. If we’re not talking alcohol, I love a strawberry bubbly 🙂
Alex: I have an obsession with kombucha.
10- What can we expect from Royal She in 2025?
Alison: We are releasing songs every 6 weeks until we release our album “Befores and Afters” and playing a big CD release show. Hopefully after that, we go on a summer tour!
Alex: Eat, Love, Play.
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us . We hope you have an amazing 2025 .
Royal She: Thank you so much, and right back at ya!
We recently had the absolute honor to check out the new single “Anna Save A Life” from Boston and Phoenix melodic noise-rock duo, Canyons and Locusts. You can listen to the glorious new single “Anna Save A Life” Here
From the moment we heard the first note on “Anna Save A Life”, from Canyons and Locusts, we knew we were listening to pure melodic greatness. Everything about this song is drop dead perfect.
“Anna Save A Life” , is the first dose of new music from the Boston and Phoenix melodic noise-rock duo since March’s The Red Angel EP, a record dedicated to late Red on Red Records founder Justine Covault that earned mentions in Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, and elsewhere. And it’s the attention-grabbing inaugural blast from vocalist, guitarist, and bassistJustin Keane and drummerAmy Young’s forthcoming concept album, The Goal Gigolo, surfacing sometime in the early stages of 2025.
Courtesy Of The Band
To understand the unfolding world of The Goal Gigolo, a discordant, anti-hero record that draws together several storytelling narrators underneath Canyons and Locusts’ unhinged wall of fuzzed-out rock and roll, one must first embrace Anna. Even if our central eponymous character doesn’t quite understand who she may be or how she plays into this universe.
“Anna Save A Life” is a song from the vantage of a guy looking at the pit,” Keane says. “The line at the beginning of the song – ‘neon lights and empty nights, my disgrace’ – is the rosetta stone for this one. This album is the story of a pretty flawed protagonist, himself The Goal Gigolo, who’s made some bad decisions and has gotten himself into trouble trying to help people in his new location. He’s got to go through some shit to get back on his feet again, and he’s looking at that pit he’s about to jump into, but at that same time he’s got enough gallows humor to imagine writing a letter to someone named Anna who might very well save someone’s life – a life, not necessarily his.”
Produced by Keane and Ethan Dussault, and recorded and mixed by Dussault at New Alliance Studio in Somerville, MA, with mastering by Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East earlier this year, “Anna Save A Life” is a tale of desperation. It’s also the first Canyons and Locusts track to feature bass guitar, adding a low-end thunder to the band’s chaotic cacophony of sound.
There is beautiful fiber of kinetic energy that flows effortlessly throughout “Anna Save A Life” It’s a familiar and relatable feeling that lives within all of us and Canyons and Locusts beautifully and loudly bring it to life .
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new video for “Your Small Army” from Philadelphia dream pop and alternative duo Soft Skies Inc. you can listen to “Your Small Army“ on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here and you can watch the video below.
The Philadelphia alternative and dream-pop duo teams with English filmmaker and video artist Sapphire Goss to bring this expression fully to the screen through a kaleidoscopic and vibrant new video for “Your Small Army.”
Photo credit- sapphire Goss
Your Small Army” rekindles Soft Skies Inc’s shimmering luminosity, and plays with our notions of chromesthesia as Goss‘ visuals come to kaleidoscopic life. The video finds the Brothers Rex, known for their work in Boston’s ‘90s space rock band Lockgroove, dipping into their musical vault to develop a visual accompaniment to the lush and bittersweet track, bringing back into focus an exploration of a faded relationship and the mental gymnastics we endure to ignore its reality.
“I always want people to find their own meaning in the songs, so I don’t want to go too in-depth, but to me this is a relationship song,”Ryan Rex admits. “It’s about that point in a relationship where some of the luster has worn off, and you know you are probably not with the right person, but you’re still holding on to that heady and magical feeling of attraction and connection that brought you together in the first place, all while not wanting to admit the truth that things are starting to disintegrate.”
The visual for “Your Small Army” from Soft Skies Inc. is a lush and dream like experience that, we absolutely couldn’t not take our eyes off of. The collaboration between the brothers Rex and Sapphire Goss is a stroke of artistic genius.
“Your Small Army” was written and arranged by the brothers, with Ryan Rex on vocals, guitar, bass guitar, and keyboards; and Martin Rex on drums, percussion, backing vocals, and keyboards. It was recorded by Chris McLaughlin at 1867 Recording Studio in Boston, co-produced by the trio, and mastered by Heba Kadry at Timeless Mastering in Brooklyn.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the blazing debut single “Let it Loose” from Liverpool duo THE WOOD, made up of vocalist ALEX EVANS and producer / multi-instrumentalist STEVE POWELL. You can listen to “The Wood” Here You can check out the video for “Let it Loose “ below “Let It Loose” will be on the upcoming record “Days” which will be released November 15th via Riverdream Records
The debut single “Let it Loose” from The Wood is literally one of the coolest tunes we have heard in quite some time. “Let it Loose” has this cool retro vibe that is off the charts .
When asked about “Let it Loose” the duo commented “Let It Loose’ is a song about not giving in. The everyday pressures of situations, relationships, ambitions, life’s occasional curveballs, and eventual optimism and hope.”
Photo credit- Alex Evans/The Wood
With rock solid grooves, they create melodies full of beauty, passion, pain and the power of real soul. Filmed in Liverpool, the surreal DYLAN COX-produced video features boxer Jake Harrison, along with a host of other shady characters.
As a producer and owner of Ark Recording Studios, Steve Powell is an expert at unearthing sonic magic, having worked with many notable artists, including Michael Head and The Strands, John Power, def.fo, The Stairs,Ella Guru and Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band. This debut album also features contributions by several other artists, including Jake Howden-Woodward (NOVA TWINS) on drums and Martin Smith and Simon James (THE CORAL, SHACK) on brass
We are all in on The Wood and their amazing debut single “Let it Loose” So if music is your thing then you need to check it out.
We recently had the spectacular opportunity to check out the new single “My Ex” from Los Angeles-based rock duo Royal She. You can listen to “My Ex”on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Photo credit – Nick Fancher
Comprised of vocalist Alison Freed and multi-instrumentalist Alexandria Reyes, Royal She first caught attention with their inventive Billie Eilish cover, “My Girl”, and has since built momentum with their original hit “Rollercoaster” (co-written by Freed and Adaline) a track that was notably synced for a major motion picture and released as an official remix by Mojave Phone Booth. Their dynamic sound echos the energy of bands like PVRIS and Paramour, delivering a distinctive fusion of rock, pop, and electronic influences.
We are absolutely in love with “My Ex” from Royal She. There is something very special and unique about this track , the melody and vocals are absolutely magnificently magical. The vocals have this old time feel to them that give the song a totally new dimension that we positively love.
“My Ex” serves as a precursor to their highly anticipated album, “Befores and Afters”, set for release in early 2025. Produced by Logan Mader and mixed by the renowned Chris Lord-Alge, it blends their signature genre-spanning style with an edgy storytelling dynamic. The biting break-up anthem is a searing response to a toxic ex with high-octane pop melodies, a propulsive rock beat, and an irresistible forward motion, culminating in the powerful rap-inspired bridge that hammers the message home. As the harmony-laced vocals deliver the ultimate message, “‘I’ve never hated anyone / anyone, anyone / and then there was you,” a necessary but explosive energy reverberates until the very last chord fades. Check out Royal She’s new single, “My Ex,” it’s an epic musical experience that will warm any music loving heart
We recently had the opportunity to check out California based experimental electronic duo WORK and their new single “Islands” You can listen to “Islands” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
WORK consists of Julio Tavarez and Joe Zizzo who also make up the rhythm section of the grammy award winning band Bob Moses. Their sound is a bombastic collage of various influences including dance music, punk and indie rock.
“Islands” from WORK is an absolutely captivating and electrifying track that not only makes you want to move your feet but it also moves your soul long after the music stops
Originally from New York both Joe and Julio have had decade long careers in the early 2000’s with their own respective bands. Joe with The Sleeping, a post punk rock band. And Julio with As Tall As Lions, a melodic indie rock quartet. Since then they have toured the world time and time again playing for other artists. Finally, they have decided to showcase their own unique blend of influence and allow everyone else into the world of WORK.
“Islands” is a sensational piece of musical greatness from WORK . So go find your favorite place to listen to music and get familiar with “Islands” from WORK.
We recently had the golden opportunity to check out the new single “Country” from critically acclaimed Austin, Texas indie folk duo, Penny & Sparrow.(Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke)“Country” is the third single following “Ketamine “ featuring Tobe Nwigwe and “Mattering Ram” all three tracks will be included on Penny & Sparrow’s upcoming album Lefty to be released January 31, 2025. Catch the band at Austin City Limits on October 4.
Penny & Sparrow have a unique one of a kind sound that warms the soul.”Country” from Penny & Sparrow feels like absolute breath of fresh air.
Penny & Sparrow produced the entire record with few songs co-produced by their dear friend, Jonathan Oliphant.
The band says, “We made Lefty 20 tracks long and gave ourselves acreage of song space to experiment. We wanted to record a double album for the challenge of it, and also for the chance to be sonically rangy and eccentric. The idea of offering all sorts of sounds, structures, melodies, and lyrical approaches in 20 songs was creatively exciting to us, so we did it. We helped build a recording studio in a buddy’s old toolshed and we made most of the record inside it. There were a few field trips to bigger studios in Florence, AL (Portside & SunDrop) but most of Lefty came from that retrofitted garden shed. We wanted to hold genre lightly and take a less curated approach to Lefty, so we followed our noses and made every song we wanted to along the way.”
The album highlights the duo’s ability to craft a distinctive “indie acoustic” sound while seamlessly blending elements from various genres due to their and their exceptional songwriting skills.
Take the single “Country,” for example—it initially comes across as pure country. However, with Penny & Sparrow’s unique touch, it seamlessly merges with indie folk influences. This track is just a glimpse of what fans can anticipate from the full album when it’s released.
We have fallen deep for “Country” from Penny & Sparrow. We are awash in the big beautiful, sweeping melodies and we can’t get enough . Do yourself a favor and go to your favorite music listening spot and get lost in the beauty of “Country” from Penny&Sparrow
You can Check Out Penny&Sparrow on Instagram Here and on Facebook Here
We recently got the chance to check out the stunningly brilliant new single “Bitter” from KTJ & CARLY . You can listen to “Bitter” Here
We feel with every new piece of music from Writer, producer, and musician duo, KTJ & CARLY, we get to see another layer/side of their ever evolving sound and their latest “Bitter” is no exception.
Bitter,” drops today , in advance of their debut album “Forever Young” to follow on September 26th. And you can catch them on tour this fall.
We have always loved the pure genius of KTJ&CARLY’s lyrics and undeniably catchy hooks but… “Bitter” takes it to a whole new level.
Upon the first listen to “Bitter,” you’d never realize the bold and uproarious new single from KTJ & CARLY is rife with youthful frustration and bitter feelings about the world. Reverberating with a dynamic hip-hop-influenced rhythm, it’s the kind of track that shakes you to your core instrumentally and lyrically. As they bemoan, “I’ve only been awake for one / fraction of a minute / it was fucking nice forgetting / the laundry list I should get done,” the burgeoning beat booms beneath stacked vocals and vibrant sonic energy. It builds to a climactic and unforgettable chorus that pounds home the message of resentment. Wrapped in a pristine pop package, ripe with their immaculate phrasing and warm, full-throttled vocals, KTJ& CARLY express anger and hope in one fell swoop. We may be bitter, but between the soaring vocals and undeniably repeatable chorus, KTJ & CARLY give us a two-minute musical reprieve from the chaos
We recommend finding the perfect listening spot and getting lost in the irresistible vibe that is “Bitter” from KTJ & CARLY
Certain songs have a way of really getting into the deep recesses of your mind and sparking a feeling or thought from the past. We most certainly felt this with “Reckless Heart” from Arrows Of Athena .
Photo- Karla Lopresti
“Reckless Heart” sets the stage perfectly for the Boston duo’s forthcoming debut album The Ghost Archives, arriving April 26 via the band’s own Belhaven Records.
A pandemic project that found its two main players – multi-instrumentalist and producer Scott Lerner and vocalist and lyricist Jac-Lyn Gibson – reuniting after the latter spent some time away from music, Arrows of Athena are crafting a distinct sound on their own terms, bridging usually disparate ends of the pop and rock spectrum for an illuminated sound of big dance beats, heavy riffs, and melodic intensity. And while they quietly dropped debut single “Fade Away” early last year, their firebrand single “Reckless Heart” serves as a proper introduction to their new world.
“‘Reckless Heart’ is just the kind of song that no matter what genre you’re into, it just pulls you in right from the beginning,” says Gibson. “It has some rock, a little pop, and I’m obsessed with the overall ‘90s throwback sound of it. I’m a ‘90s girl at heart, and appreciate that Scott’s riffs are a nod to that time in my life. He has really embraced my love for a great pop backbeat while staying true to his own rock music background. I can’t lie, I am really digging the dance beats and synths he used on this album and can’t wait to share more.”
Gibson and Lerner have been sharing a musical vision since the early 2000s, when they both were in Boston rock band PureFiction. Lerner went on to play in indie stalwarts The Crushing Low, while Gibson relocated to New Jersey with her immediate family. But during the pandemic, Lerner began building a home studio, compiling demos that felt slightly outside his usual creative circles. Hearing that Gibson returned to Boston after a few years away, he reached out to see if she wanted to lay down some vocals on a new project.
We were simply mesmerized by “Reckless Heart “ , the opening riff really caught our ears , and once the vocals and melody came together, we were absolutely hooked – brilliant.
Do yourself a favor and check out “Reckless Heart” from Arrows Of Athena it’s an absolute can’t miss.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single / video “Bullet In Disguise “ from California rock ‘n’ roll sister duo Dog Party .
You can listen to “Bullet In Disguise “ Here You can also check out the video below
We are 1000 percent over the moon about Dog Party’s new single and video for “Bullet In Disguise” The vibe and sound , everything is just absolutely electric.
Also, not to be lost in the shadow of an awesome new single… Dog Party , announced their seventh studio album Dangerous, which will be out digitally and on vinyl on May 17 via the newly formed Sneak Dog Records (founded by Dog Party and Lizzie Killian ( Teens In Trouble)
Loaded with raw emotion, “Bullet in Disguise” packs a mean punch, galloping over Western-tinged dark twang undertones. Vocalist/drummerLucy Giles takes the listener through the twisted torment of a deceitful romance as she chants, “Your love was nothin’ / your love was nothin’…” before wailing the chorus with vocalist/guitarist Gwendolyn Giles. The single is accompanied by a music video directed by Aja Pop (SOUL GLO, Teens in Trouble).
“It made sense for us to lead with “Bullet In Disguise” because it showcases the true Dog Party sound – catchy riffs, bombastic drums, and emotive belting,” said Lucy Giles. “‘Bullet In Disguise’ also gives the listener a glimpse of the elevated production of the album! It is a nice little teaser for what’s to come!”
Dangerous is coming to digital streaming platforms and on vinyl. Pre-save here and pre-order on dogpartylive.com.
Dog Party also announced the US West Coast leg of their Dangerous tour with an album release show at The Starlet Room in Sacramento on May 17. The tour dates are listed below, with more to be announced.
Dog Party Tour Dates
Apr 9 – San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside
Apr 18 – El Cerrito, CA @ Little Hill Lounge
Apr 20 – Reno, NV @ Reno Punk Rock Flea Market
May 17 – Sacramento, CA @ The Starlet Room
May 23 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Red Dwarf *
May 24 – San Pedro, CA @ The Sardine *
May 26 – Chino, CA @ Rat Nest *
May 29 – Los Angeles, CA @ Redwood Bar x Grill *
May 30 – Morro Bay, CA @ The Siren ^
May 31 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Moth Fest at Moe’s Alley
Jun 14-16 – Davis, CA @ Davis Music Fest
Jun 26 – Eugene, OR @ Old Nick’s Pub ^
Jun 27 – Portland, OR @ The Big Legrowlsk ^
Jun 28 – Seattle, WA @ The Vera Project ^
Jun 29 – Spokane, WA @ Mootsy’s ^
*with Sweet Gloom
^with Pancho and the Wizards
So much awesome stuff coming from Dog Party …. We Can’t Wait
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single “Falling onto You” from pop powerhouse duo KTJ&CARLY who , team up with Laprete on the simply amazing new track. You can listen to “Falling onto You Here
Photo credit -Joseph Lee
We have made no secret here at The Whole Kameese about how we feel a KTJ&CARLY, and after listening to “Falling onto You “ with who they team up with Laprete – Our feelings have not changed. “Falling onto You” has all the brilliant qualities that we have grown to love from KTJ&CARLY. The vocals on “Falling onto You “ are both commanding and mesmerizing. And … the song is even sweeter with Laprete along for the ride.
On their new track with Laprete, “Falling onto You,” they explore the rollercoaster ride of a toxic relationship that keeps them trapped in a never-ending cycle of discord. The juxtaposition between the duo’s honeyed vocals and Laprete’s deep, reverberating baritone forges an atmosphere of tension. That push and pull finds itself woven into the sonic narrative as well, equal parts taut synth, yielding vocalizations, and explosive punctuatory cracks and breaks. Caught between a sizzling calm verse just waiting for a spark and a rhythmic tug-o-war chorus, this is one track that truly captures a sense of being both trapped in love and desperate for a happy ending.
“Falling onto You” is an absolute pop music work of art . KTJ&CARLY and Laprete have absolutely hit it out of the park!
We recently had the opportunity to check out the amazing Americana/Rock duo Wayland and their highly awaited full-length album, “On The Way,” now available.
The album boasts three previously released singles – “Way Back When,” “Other End,” and “Waters” – each spotlighting the band’s distinctive fusion of Americana and Rock influences. “’Way Back When’ marked the beginning of this musical journey, premiering live on the renowned radio show, Cumulus Picklejar’s “Up All Night,” on Friday, November 17. Serving as a cornerstone for Wayland, the track solidified their standing in the Country Rock scene. This momentum carried forward with “Other End,” a poignant reflection on personal growth and struggle, released on January 26, 2023. The third single, “Waters,” emerged from a magical moment at a desert party in Joshua Tree on February 23, capturing the fleeting connections that define the band’s essence. March 16 signifies the apex of Wayland’s musical odyssey with the official release of “On The Way.” The album embodies the duo’s crossover appeal, seamlessly blending Heartland Rock and contemporary Country sounds. Featuring a diverse tracklist, from the introspective “Vancouver” to the energetic “Getting Higher,”“On The Way” promises an immersive experience for listeners in both the Country, Rock and Americana genres.
We have been absolutely loving “On The Way” from Wayland, it is one of those special records that every song is down right amazing.
So Do yourself a favor and get lost in the magic of “On The Way” from Wayland. You will be glad you did .
We are not going to lie, we have had today (March,15th) circled on our calendar for quite some time. We have been anxiously awaiting the sophomore LP “FACILITIES” from indie rock duo Friendof a Friend. And…. It is amazing.
Friend of a Friend ( Claire Molek, JasonSavsani) have such unique and beautiful sound and vibe and it is on full display on “FACILITIES” Duo Friend of a Friend formed in the summer of 2020 after a lifetime just missing one another, and years of interacting with one another having no idea the other was a musician. The duo describes the process as an almost supernatural experience. “It’s difficult to remember life before the band,” notes Molek, “the opportunity to make music together has completely changed how we relate to ourselves and the world around us.” FOAF has toured extensively through the US and Europe since the release of their debut album In Arms in 2022, an intimate blend of folk, post and art rock, recorded on tape in Nashville. They are celebrated for their cinematic, fiercely experiential performance that incorporates a distorted Flamenco guitar, a midi controller and intense physicality. The strength of FOAF’s connection is apparent in the music just as much as it is on stage, the performance giving “Led Zeppelin meets the year 2050.Their sophomore LP, FACILITIES, was recorded in-studio in Joshua Tree, California with Jordan Lawlor (M83, J. Laser). Influences include “Portishead, M83, The Kills & Jose Gonzalez had a baby in the desert during the end of your favorite movie.”
We are simply captivated beyond words with musical triumph that is “FACILITIES” from Friend of a Friend.
A beautiful well orchestrated collection of stunningly brilliant well crafted songs . “FACILITIES” without a doubt is a can’t miss from Friend of Friend .
Ellen May was formed early 2022 in Perth, Western Australia, when Matt Matusik and vocalistMatt Branton connected via a local networking group. Demos and ideas were pinged back and forth, a friendship was made, and a musical bond was forged.
Ellen May’s debut EP ‘A Lonely Way To Go‘ is a 4 song collection of songs themed around the fact that we all die alone, even when surrounded by various relationships.
All 4 tracks on “A Lonely Way To Go” are well crafted songs with strong and catchy melodies coupled with memorable and perfectly placed vocals .
Opening track “How It Came To This” really peaked our interest, as it has an indie rock feel at the start . But, it developed into a stunning well crafted power pop gem . “Misconstrued “ shows of the great chemistry between Matusik and Branton. “Hawthorne” has a sad boy pop feel that the duo flawlessly executes . We had “Hawthorne” on endless repeat . Our favorite track is the closing track “Back To The Start” It is the kind of song that stays with you long after the music stops . We absolutely loved it .
Stunning melodies and brilliant lyrics make “A Lonely Way To Go “ from Ellen May an EP that you owe it to your ears to check out.
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the final single “everyplane” from cinematic indie future art pop duo Friend of a Friend. You can listen to “Everyplane” Here
“everyplane” is from their eagerly anticipated sophomore album, FACILITIES.It was produced in-studio with Jordan Lawlor (M83) in his Joshua Tree studio.
Influences include “Portishead, M83, The Kills & Jose Gonzalez had a baby in the desert during the end of your favorite movie.”
Friend Of A Friend is the definition of brilliant thought provoking music that has otherworldly melodies and beats. “everyplane” is music perfection in every possible way.
FACILITIES drops March, 15, 2024. FOAF is currently on tour in the United States. They play Rockwood Music Hall in Boston, then New Colossus Festival in NYC for multiple shows at the Rockwood, Pianos, and the Knitting Factory with Jordan Lawlor (M83) and drummerJessica Bordeaux (Covet). They then play Austin for multiple showcases during SXSW.
Captivating, melodically pleasing and with perfect vocals . And…. That’s all within the first 40 seconds of the song . Midwest bred Americana rock duo Wayland , is doing everything right with their latest single “Waters”
You can listen to “Waters” on Spotify Here and on Apple MusicHere
“Waters” is the third single from their highly anticipated album On the Way, set to drop on March 15. “Waters” is a single that immediately captivates with its poetic lyrics and soul-stirring melody.
Written by lead singer Mitch Arnold and leadguitaristPhillip Vilenski during an inspired session in Joshua Tree, California, “Waters” emerged from a moment of transcendence at a local desert party.
The song tells the story of a chance encounter, painting a vivid picture of fleeting connections and the magic of being under the stars in Joshua Tree that night. Mitch Arnold, reflecting on the inspiration behind the single, remarked, “something changed inside of me that night, watching her pour a drink next to the sunset. ‘Waters’ is about capturing those moments that stay with you forever.”
Phillip Vilenski, the mastermind behind the production, crafted the track in Wayland’s home studio in Joshua Tree, ensuring the essence of the magical moment was preserved in the music
The result is a composition that seamlessly blends the band’s signature heartland rock and roll sound with a poetic and mysterious lyrical narrative. The lyrics of “Waters” invite listeners into a dreamlike state, with lines weaving a spellbinding tale of love and exploration. The song’s introspective and enigmatic nature encourages fans to delve into their own emotions, creating a profound connection between the band and their audience.
“Waters” is the absolute perfect song to get ready for “On The Way” …. We can’t wait.
New EP ‘The Red Angel’ is dedicated to Justine Covault and set for March release
We recently fell head over heels for the new single “Love Goes Down The Drain from Boston and Phoenix based melodic , noise rock duo Canyons And Locusts.
You can listen to “Love Goes Down The Drain” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here.
Canyons And Locusts greet the holiday of love , with one big shrug and one even bigger punch. “Love Goes Down The Drain “ delivers quite the sonic punch, clocking in at a 1:44 runtime, it’s gritty and to the point, and unlike a thoughtless Valentine’s Day gift, doesn’t overstay its welcome. vocalist and guitaristJustin Keane and drummerAmy Young offer up a solidarity shrug to all who just roll with love’s freewheeling punches.
“Honestly, it’s pretty simple and the first two lines of the song say it all – ‘sometimes it’s out of reach, that’s why love goes down the drain’. Sometimes shit just falls apart and you can’t find the center anymore and that’s when things – relationships, friendships, fandoms, anything – get flushed down the toilet,” admits Keane.
“Underneath the title, there’s the message that sometimes it’s out of our control and at the end of the day, that’s okay if you did everything you could,”Keane adds. “I hate hearing people feeling badly on Valentine’s Day and while I don’t begrudge the holiday or a great love song, I also kinda… eh. Sometimes it’s out of reach… that’s ok. You’re ok.”
Canyons And Locusts have a genuine and authentic sound that is a beautifully woven gift of musical energy that will warm your music loving soul. “Love Goes Down The Drain “ is the latest melodic, noise rock masterpieces that is museum worthy.
We are so excited to bring you our 3rd ArtistOf The Day for 2024 – Nashville based indie rock duo Friendship Commanders, they have recently released epic concept record “Mass” .
We recently caught up with the duo ( Buick Adura, songwriter, vocalist and drummer/bassist Jerry Roe to talk about all things Friendship Commanders and of course all about “Mass” You can listen to “Mass”Here
The Whole Kameese: First off, we are so excited to get the chance to talk about your wonderful album “MASS.”
Buick Audra: Thank you so much! We appreciate you taking the time to talk about our new work!
The Whole Kameese: Can you introduce yourselves and your roles in the band?
Buick Audra: Hello, I’m Buick Audra, the vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter in Friendship Commanders.
Jerry Roe: Jerry Roe, and I play drums! I also play bass on our recordings.
The Whole Kameese: Your latest album “MASS” is a well-written and beautifully crafted body of work. Can you talk about the concept of the album?
Buick Audra: Thank you! The album is about my time as a teen and younger adult living in the Boston area. I had some experiences there during that timeframe that were intense and formative, but after I moved away from the area, I packed those memories up and put them away for a long time. When my friend Marc Orleans died, I started to remember my time there. He and I became friends when we were both part of the extended Boston music community and then we remained in touch after we both left. But his suicide took me right back to those days, and when I reviewed my experiences there through my current lens, they looked wild. So, I wrote a whole album about it. Ultimately, the record is about returning to what once almost took you down and being able to name the things that happened. Bullying, abuse, silence, complicity, loss, etc. I felt strongly about opening the album with BLUE because it has a message of hope, of survival, of living to tell. I think the thesis of the album is contained within the lyrical phrase, “If you don’t yet have the language for what you want to say, you will.”
The Whole Kameese: How was the writing process for “MASS”? Did it take a lot of time, or did it quickly come together?
Buick Audra: So, the first two songs I wrote for the record were A RETRACTION and FAIL, and they each unfolded kind of slowly, like over a couple of weeks. I tend to be a quick songwriter, usually completing a song in one sitting, so for it to take multiple days or weeks is uncommon. But those two songs took a while, and as they were coming to me, I became aware that I was writing about my time in Massachusetts. I leaned into that, and the rest of the album was written over a very short period of time. Less than two months total. The process involved a lot of listening to myself; remembering things I had long forgotten; grieving people, places, and things; and letting the music be whatever it wanted to be at first. Also, I tuned my guitars to four different tunings to give my ear some different options and not be stuck in riff or progression ruts. That benefited the writing process greatly.
The Whole Kameese: The album was recorded at God City in Salem, MA (which is right down the street from us) with Kurt Ballou. What was it like working with Kurt at God City in Salem?
Buick Audra: It was productive and fun! We had worked with Kurt as a mix engineer on several projects before we went up to Salem and tracked MASS with him, so we already had some professional and personal camaraderie. But the workflow was good, the vibe was easy, and we were thrilled with the results. He’s the dude.
Jerry Roe: Truly, it was fun, comfortable, and honestly very easy! He created an environment in which we could work with ease and challenged us in all the right ways. I greatly appreciated how much he cared about exploring tones and making sure we were getting all the sounds exactly right and how they should be. That doesn’t tend to happen all the time, and I feel like that’s one of the primary reasons why you’d ever want to record with someone else (versus doing it yourself). He’s the best at it, I think.
The Whole Kameese: Did the city of Salem influence the record at all?
Buick Audra: Not really, but it was a peaceful, safe place to make the record for sure. None of my history with Massachusetts took place in Salem, so it was a respite of sorts. Neutral ground. Loved it, can’t wait to return!
The Whole Kameese: For someone who has never heardFriendship Commanders, how would you describe your sound?
Buick Audra: I tend to say we make melodic heavy music, but if I were to put a finer point on it, I’d say it’s very heavy grunge with pop sensibilities and soulful vocals.
Jerry Roe: I guess I would say we’re sort of a sludgy doom grunge rock band with a big emphasis on songs and song structure.
The Whole Kameese: The album is accompanied by a memoir. Did the memoir come first or was it something that developed while recording?
Buick Audra: I wrote the album first, and then the memoir. The book is there to expand on the story contained within the music.Because the album is autobiographical, it seemed like a natural thing to go into more detail in prose. It was a lot of work to render both, but I’m so glad they exist as a set.
The Whole Kameese: How has it been playing the songs from “MASS” live? Is there a particular song that really stands out when playing live?
Buick Audra: I’ve loved playing the new work live; we toured for almost two months after the album came out last year, and it was so refreshing and empowering to perform the new songs I love all of them, but FAIL is intense for me to play because I wrote it about the death of my friend Marc. Musically, it’s a beast to pull off, but emotionally, it holds so much sentiment and truth for me. And every time we play it, I get to say, “For Marc Orleans.” Feels good to say his name. BLUE is a gift every night, no question.
Jerry Roe: BLUE really feels like an important stake in the ground, and a mission statement of sorts. We’ve been closing our shows with it, and it feels triumphant and heavy as hell all at the same time. Kind of like a big reward at the end of a 45-minute marathon. It’s wonderful to play.
Photo credit- Anna Haas
The Whole Kameese: What is next for Friendship Commanders in 2024???
Buick Audra: We’re doing some more touring on MASS, we’re working on some new work that I’ve been writing, and we’re working toward getting the next body of songs together!
The Whole Kameese: Thank you so much for talking with us at The Whole Kameese, today. We hope that 2024 is an amazing year for Friendship Commanders.
Buick Audra: Thank you! Really appreciate your time and attention. Hope your year kicks ass
We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Clean Cut” from Australian folk-drenched indie popsisterduo Charm of Finches.
You can listen to “Clean Cut” Here . You can also watch the video below.
There is this beautiful and authentic feel that surrounds “Clean Cut” , that we absolutely adore. Flawless vocals coupled with a mystical melody and a hypnotic beat , “Clean Cut” from Charm Of Finches is an absolute can’t miss .
“Clean Cut”, the duo confide, “Going away on tour served as the catalyst for a break-up and Clean Cut is some self-advice. We stayed with a lovely lady in Oslo, Norway who let us play her gorgeous grand piano and the first part of Clean Cut was penned. We created a music video for this song with the help of lots of friends who were willing to dress up as dolls and clowns. This was a huge 22 hour shoot in a warehouse in Melbourne creating the world of a mysterious haunted doll museum.”
Charm of Finches have received acclaim from the likes of NPR as well as being added to Spotify’s coveted playlists Lush + Ethereal, Infinite Acoustic and Fresh Folk among others. “Clean Cut” is the second single off of their highly anticipated upcoming album Marlinchen in the Snow, which is set for release April 19th via SPUNK! Records AU/NZ. The duo are also set to embark on a UK tour May-August. You can check details below
Tour
5/22 Glad Café, Glasgow
5/23-5/26 Orkney Folk Festival
6/6 St Mary’s, Chester
6/7 Live Room, Saltaire
6/8 The Greystones, Sheffield
6/9 The Hive, Shrewsbury
6/10 Temperance, Leamington Spa (sold out)
6/11 Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath
6/13 Exeter Phoenix, Exeter
6/14 Bristol Folkhouse, Bristol
6/17 Whitstable Sessions, Whitstable
6/18 The Fleece Inn Barn, Evesham
6/19 King’s Arm, Manchester
6/20 The Lexington, London
6/21 Ace Space, Newbury
6/22 Pound Arts, Corsham
6/23 The Folklore Rooms, Brighton
7/4-7/7 Gate To Southwell Festival, Nottinghamshire
We recently had the opportunity to check out the new single and video for “Other End” from heartland, country-rock duo hailing from the town of the same name in West Michigan.
You can listen to “Other End” on Spotify Here . You can also check out the video below
FrontmanMitchel Arnold and lead guitarplayerPhillip Vilenski met when touring the world teaching children music with Bill and Robyn Brawley of Heart Global. They left the UK with their first batch of songs and set off to build a fanbase that nobody could take away from them.
They toured the country independently for seven years selling out venues as a headliner all over the midwest, opening for crossover acts like Shinedown, Lifehouse, Colt Ford, Blackberry Smoke, and Buckcherry, securing slots on major, national rock festivals, and building relationships with radio stations all over the country by singing three part harmony at seven am live on air on radio and television. The band won two official Sixthman Cruise competitions which landed them slots on the Kiss Kruise and Bon Jovi Cruise.
Crafted in the seclusion of a Michigan cabin, “Other End” stands as a testament to Wayland’s evolution amid personal growth, catalyzed by Phillip’s (lead guitar player) transformative journey following a poignant divorce. The serene Michigan woods provided the backdrop for Phillip’s introspection, influencing the emotionally charged single. Returning to Joshua Tree, CA, and collaborating with Mitch, (lead singer) the duo birthed a song capturing the raw essence of personal struggle and growth—a visceral response to seven years of relentless touring, experiencing the toll on hearts and the band itself.
A milestone in Wayland’s career, “Other End” marks the first release solely produced by Phillip. The creative process unfolded in Joshua Tree, California, where the band pushed beyond their comfort zone, seamlessly blending rock, country, and bluegrass influences.
“Other End” from Wayland feels like a perfectly crafted bottle of fine whiskey, carefully constructed and nurtured to give the listener a full and authentic musical experience that they soon won’t forget.
Do yourself a favor and find a comfortable spot and enjoy “Other End” from Wayland , you won’t regret it.
One of the things that makes “ETERNALISM” so epic , music lovers from spanning MyChemical Romance’s early 2000s emo era to classic rock fans who seek music influenced by The Beatles’ White Album will find something to love amongst the varied tracklist
The piece combines vivacious theatrical rock and influences from rock n roll’s past icons with poignant lyrics exploring the depths of consciousness, the universe, and lifeforms beyond Earth.
Beyond the out-of-this-world themes, the band maintains their humanity with songs about loss, mental health, and the challenges of life. The band continues to weave masterful storytelling and thought-provoking philosophy into everything they do, with this album being their most ambitious themed record yet.
Eternalism is a theory that proposes that the past, present, and future are all equally real and all happening simultaneously. Subject matter revolving around this theory is the main thread of this album. We touch on ideas involving ghosts and how they could be glitches in the timeline, as well as UFO’s, which I suggest may be piloted by dead or future humans who are no longer tethered to linear time and as such can now travel across the entire expanse of existence freely. Ghosts and UFOs will also be the main visual aesthetic, as seen on the front cover art by Caitlyn Grabenstein (@cult.class) and the back cover art by Danielle Marshall (edit by Nate Baer). Mental health and depression are other prominent themes on this album, on display in songs like ‘Stick Around’ and ‘Who Will Find My Body?’. The creative process is therapy and that catharsis is the driving force behind our compulsion to create. Sonically, we scaled back the production and went for a more raw approach than our previous works. Throughout the recording process, our reference points were Nirvana’s In Utero, The Beatles’ White Album, and Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures. This album feels haunted.” – Derek Henry, Observe The 93rd
Alternative rock band Observe The 93rd was voted the best rock band of 2021 by the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards and for good reason. The name, ‘Observe the 93rd,’ is a reference to the Observable Universe, which is 93 billion lightyears in diameter and constantly expanding, and a Da Vinci quote, “Observation is the key to understanding.” As time passes, more light is able to reach us and more of the universe is revealed to us. This sentiment poetically intertwines with their musical and personal mission statement to collect experiences that broaden our perspectives and allow us to better understand ourselves as time passes, just like the universe.
Each raw, visceral track is guided by feelings, experiences, failures, triumphs, suffering, joy, and any other abstract internal entity that yearns to be expressed through melody. With every Observe The 93rd release comes a new puzzle piece in their musical galaxy that is intertwined with easter eggs and secret hints that tie all of their releases into one expansive story about life. Vocalist/guitaristDerek Henry and drummerDylan Zepp created more than just a band, it’s a universe for fans to dive into.
Observe The 93rd have given the universe and music lovers everywhere, an absolute gift in the form of their last masterpiece “ETERNALISM” Every track feels like an experience you soon won’t forget.
If we are being honest we will probably remember 2023 as the year we fell in love with punk rock band The Dollyrots . We have always been into their music but, this year we have come to appreciate their boundless energy (It’s not easy to be a parent and.. rock out but the husband and wife duo (Kelly Ogden , bass and vocals and Luis Cabezas ) do it with style,grace, positivity and fun
We have been wearing out their latest album “Night Owls” which you can stream Here
The Dollyrots, Kelly Ogden (bass and vocals), Luis Cabezas (guitar and vocals), with Simon Hancock as their current touring drummer are ready to kick 2024 into high gear as they announce a January tour run with Bowling For Soup and Lit, tickets available now at Tour — THE DOLLYROTS. In March the band will tour with Gymshorts as support, tickets go on sale on December 8. Full list of dates is below.
But….. Before we say goodbye to 2023 the band has released their punked up yet sentimental version of the NYE classic “Auld Lang Syne” out now on Wicked Cool Records. The song is already on tap to be The Coolest Song In The World on Sirius XM’s Underground Garage the last week of 2023.
We absolutely love this rocking version of “Auld Lang Syne” The Dollyrots make the song 100% their own as well as getting some help from their kids – We love it
New single from the Boston + Phoenix noise-rock band raises a glass to the late radio host and simpler times today (Friday, December 8)
We love music here at The Whole Kameese it is quite literally what keeps us going … When we heard “To Art Bell,” from Boston and Phoenix duo Canyons And Locusts it felt like a musical awakening. To hear music and melodies orchestrated like they are presented on “To Art Bell” was absolute magic .
You can listen to “To Art Bell” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here.
, “To Art Bell” is a noisy, fuzzed-out ruckus of a tune, and the latest from the band’s forthcoming 2024 EP The Red Angel,dedicated to the late radio host and raising a glass to simpler times,.
Clocking in at an economical 134 seconds, “To Art Bell” is a melodic statement of musical thunder
The upcoming EP is dedicated to the late Justine Covault, a staunch supporter of the duo whose label Red on Red Records previously released last year’s Roll The Dice album.
Canyons and Locusts were in the midst of recording the tracks on The Red Angel over the summer when Covault unexpectedly passed away. Left without a label home, Justin Keane (vocals and guitar) and Amy Young (drums and backing vocals) trudged forward, unleashing their new music with the guidance and enthusiasm Covault passed along before leaving us.
Picking up where October’s furious “Buck Dharma’s Eyes” left off, “To Art Bell” is a hazy fever of gritty alt-rock and Midwestern college rock that clocks in at just over two minutes in runtime. And it’s not lost on the band that this chaotic and noisy tune is inspired, in part, by a radio host whose timbre and cadence helped put listeners at ease.
“Somewhere in the late ‘90s when we were all scared of Y2K and the end of the world and there was just that energy – especially in NYC where Amy and I both lived at the time – I discovered Art Bell’s show and would usually listen to that late at night and on into the early AM,” saysKeane. “It was this glorious mishmash of chupacabra and Bigfoot and reverse speech and exorcism and not anything like what we think of as ‘conspiracy theory’ today. And his voice was just perfect for the middle of the night.”
Young adds: “I got turned on to Art Bell back in my 20s when I was doing a lot of subcultural exploration and it was among the interesting landscapes to wander. What’s interesting to me is Justin and I having these same thoughts and it being something we never talked about.”
We are absolutely enthralled with the musical brilliance of “To Art Bell” We can not wait for more music from Canyons And Locusts
We recently had the absolute privilege to check out the latest single “Overexposure” from New Jersey indie-pop duo SOHMA.
You can listen to “Overexposure” on Spotify Here and on AppleMusic Here
You can also check out the visual for “Overexposure “ below
SOHMA is the love child of best buds and long-time collaborators Jess Kenny and Mike Baron. Lifelong musicians, Jess and Mike have been through a lot of ups and downs in their artistic journey. But adversity has fostered a powerful friendship built on self-expression and connecting with people across the world through music.
“Overexposure” is one those songs that you just can shake . We can neither confirm or deny if we have sang along while waiting in the bank line . (But we can confirm that this song is off the charts)
Vocalist Jess Kenny explains about the shimmery track, “’Overexposure’ is a song that talks about the reality of going through the heavy things life throws at you while trying to remain open and soft towards the world, a scary and vulnerable reality.”
Overexposure” is SOHMA’s first single debut, via 7hz Recordings. The track is paired with a video of the duo in their home studio performing the floating bubbly track. SOHMA is fused with similar sounds of The Sundays’ ethereal shimmer and Belle & Sebastian’s bright pop hooks. The duo is planning on releasing more music in 2024!
We recently had the opportunity to check out the brand new single “Sundays” from pop duo KTJ&CARLY. You can listen to “Sundays” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here The single is out today (December,7th ) On “Sundays” KTJ&CARLY explore relearning yourself after the end of a relationship
It is no secret that we are big fans of KTJ&CARLY. So we heard that they had a new single “Sundays”, we couldn’t wait to give it a listen. The songwriting/musician duo are well known for crafting addictive and dynamic tracks like “In My Ways” and “Shitty People.” Their knack for honest storytelling has garnered them a dedicated fan base and a host of accolades and peer recognition.
Photo Credit- Lauren Nieves
KTJ&CARLY have a high sense of detail when they craft a song . On “Sundays” the brilliantly crafted melancholic melody is reminiscent of that Sunday evening feeling we call the “Sunday Scaries,” when the day has been free and soft but morphs into frustrated anxiety. Featuring acclaimed guitarist ZaneCarney (John Mayer, Thundercat, EVAN + ZANE), the wistful ballad begins with a soft acoustic guitar riff that billows beneath quiet, warm, and whispering vocals. The blooming piano creeps under the surface until the slyly psychedelic arrangement bursts into a frustrated, painful howl. It’s a bleak storyline about relearning yourself when you’ve lost the one thing that brought you comfort, and as the elegant, winding melody meanders through to the finale, listeners can feel the stinging hope and desperate grabs for normalcy.
KTJ&CARLY are like a pair of best selling authors as each song feels like a page turning novel that we can’t resist and , “Sundays” is no exception.
Do yourself and check out the latest gem “Sundays” from KTJ&CARLY, you will be glad you did .
Recently we had the opportunity to check out the new single “Runnin” from San Diego, CAreggae/rock/soul duo The Goodies.
You can listen to “Runnin” on Spotify Here and On Apple Music Here
The Goodies,founded by Justin Goodman (“Goodie”) and Zan, have given us an amazing new single with “Runnin” which, will appear on their upcoming 6-song debut EP , due out in January 2024 .
The track is the follow-up to their recent singles “The Maze,” and “Around The World.”
“Runnin” from The Goodies is a well crafted song that you simply can’t resist, Zan’s performance is absolutely phenomenal.We love the vibe and sound of “Runnin” –Bravo!
“Runnin” was recorded at 17th Street Recording Studio on Costa Mesa with Lewis Richards (The Dirty Heads, Micah Brown, Seedless)
Of the latest single, the band says, ““Runnin” is the story of Zan, who like many young people at 18, found herself entangled in a bunch of bad situations she needed to break free from! It tells her journey of doing what needed to be done at any cost and summoning the courage to leave! Well…. She did, in her 1973 VW bus, to San Francisco, where she managed to make a fresh beginning, rise above, and set out on a new path in life.”
The Goodies have spent the last several months engaging with fans via a well-received series of videos featuring the duo putting their own spin on classic songs by the likes of Nirvana, Bob Dylan, Guns N Roses, Willie Nelson, Queen, and many more (these covers are absolute fire, you need to check them out .
Watch The Goodies’ cover song video series here:Here
The duo says, “As we started introducing all the new original music we have been working on, we felt like releasing this series of covers would give the listeners more context into where some of our inspiration comes from. Our love for music is very diverse and we draw inspiration from so many different places, we wanted to put our abilities to the test and we really had fun exploring these amazing songs in a Reggae style.”
The Goodies have this unbelievable energy with their music. We can’t wait for more music from The Goodies, they make music that will put a smile on your face and touch your soul.
Indie-pop duo Eighty Ninety announce their self-titled debut album, out December 15th, and share the album’s opening track, “Ruins,” out on all streaming platforms today ( Friday,November, 17th)
Following a slew of singles – “The Hard Way,” “Face Like a Sunset,” “Stay Alive,” and “2 Carat” – “Ruins” arrives as the final single from the band’s highly-anticipated self-titled album. It’s a classic Eighty Ninety song, overflowing with raw emotion, textured indie-pop production, and Abner’s hauntingly beautiful vocals.
“‘Ruins’’ is a reflection the past, the choices we didn’t make and the ‘what ifs’’that still linger,” the duo explain. “We wanted to capture the ache of those missed opportunities and unspoken words, and to reflect on our youth and the ruins we all carry with us. The rest of the album also explores how we shape our lives on the foundations of those ruins and their enduring impact on who we become.”
Eighty Ninety is the project of Brooklyn-based brothers Abner(vocals, production) and Harper (guitar, production)James. They fuse intimate storytelling, sticky melodies, and minimalist pop productions built on acoustic instruments and electronic sounds in a style they call “808s and telecasters” — a shorthand for both their music and their anything-goes mentality in the studio.
We have said it again , we think it is next to impossible to listen to Eighty Ninety and not come away a fan . As we patiently wait for music from Eighty Ninety, do yourself a favor and get lost unforgettable vibe of “Ruins”
We recently got a chance to check out the debut single “Wake The Dead” from indie duo Mighty One .
You can listen to “Wake The Dead” on Spotify Here and on Apple MusicHere
We are absolutely mesmerized by “Wake The Dead” from impressive indie duo Mighty One
Formed in 2020, Mighty One are songwriting duo Emma Kingston and Mark Stidson. The band blend 90’s inspired guitars and electronics, ambient soundscapes and emotive vocals which have earned them comparisons to Yeah Yeah Yeahs,The National and Phoebe Bridgers. Individually they’ve played alongside the likes of Johnny Marr, Bright Eyes and Alberta Cross and have recently supported both Tom Meighan and The Chesterfields at the prestigious Cheese and Grain in Frome.
Wake The Dead was co-produced by the band and Mercury Prize winning producer Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey, Placebo, Torres), engineered by Dom Monk (Big Thief, Laura Marling, Nick Cave), mixed by TJ Allen (Portishead, Anna Calvi, Bat For Lashes) and mastered by Guy Davie (Björk, Circa Waves, Foals).
Reflecting on the single the band state: “Wake The Dead centres itself around the notions of regret, and all of the emotions that come with it. Sharon Van Etten meets The National, it’s a bittersweet yet uplifting anthem.”
“Wake The Dead” is vocally stunning with smart lyrics woven together with an infectious melody and a back beat that properly announces that duo MightyOne are a musical force that are ready for the spotlight.
We recently had the opportunity to check out the amazing new single “Lost” from powerhouse electronic duo PINES.
You can listen to “Lost” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here.
PINES are thrilled to announce their sophomore album Life As We Know Itwill be out January 19th. In support of the album, PINES releases the new single “Lost,” a bass-driven track that captures emotion with their singular blend of synths, drums, and bass with a vocal hook that keeps you wanting more.
We were instantly hook on “Lost” , perfect haunting vocals mixed with a hypnotic rhythm that we could not shake .
With over 30 million streams in their pocket, the Australian duo released their debut album in the spring of 2020, followed by a Grouplove remix and a slew of festivals including Ultra Music Festival, SXSW, Castaway, Reeperbahn, and Electric Forest. On the horizon, PINES will perform songs from the new album on their debut US tour, starting in LA on February 6th.
Do yourself a favor and allow yourself to get lost with PINES and their epic new single “Lost”
We are absolutely over the moon that we finally get to check out the new album “Golden “ from UK indie folk brother and sister duo Cattle & Cane . (Spoiler Alert: “Golden” is pure perfection.
You can you listen to “Golden” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Having previously self-released three albums, as well as a mini album of covers, siblings Joe and Helen Hammill have cultivated a successful cottage industry with a passionate core fanbase.
Their new album was initially slated for 2022, but Helen and Joe stepped away from music last year to focus on life away from the band – without going into details, it’s fair to say that life can be tough at times.
With that in mind, it’s perhaps befitting that hope is a theme that reoccurs throughout the new record, and that the importance of family is also integral to the album – which is reflected in the artwork for the campaign being built around childhood photos of Joe and Helen.
“Golden” is one of those special albums that you can hit play and simply walk away there is not a bad track to be found on this stunning collection of songs.
From the first note of the title track “Golden” you can sense that Cattle&Cane have recorded more than just an album but, they have given the listener a true musical experience.
On the second track “IOU” you can’t help but want to clap along .
One of our favorite tracks on “Golden” is “Whatever Happens Here” It is such a well written song and the vocals are simply extraordinary.
Other standouts on “Golden” include “Icarus” , “Dancing” and RoomIn A Heart”
Produced by long-time collaborator and the band’s live bassist Luke Elgie, Helen and Joe recorded their parts at home in Teesside and then Luke brought it all together at his studio in Newcastle.
If your looking for some amazing music look no further than Cattle & Cane and their spectacular new album “Golden”
We recently checked out the latest single “HLS” from American duo Friend of a Friend (Claire Molek, Jason Savsani)
You can listen to “HLS” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
There is something absolutely magical about Friend Of A Friend. They delicately craft a unique blend of music that is part art , part folk and it is absolutely mesmerizing.
Friend Of A Friend’s latest single “HLS” is a rhythmic dream .We found ourselves blissfully getting lost in the endless wonderment of “HLS”
Friend Of A Friend have toured relentlessly throughout Europe and North America, and have gained over 2 million streams on their debut release. The duo is celebrated for their cinematic, fiercely experiential performance that incorporates a distorted Flamenco guitar, a midi controller and intense physicality. The strength of the duo’s bond is apparent in the music just as much as it is on stage, the performance giving “Led Zeppelin meets the year 2050.” Influences include “Portishead, M83, The Kills & Jose Gonzalez had a baby in the desert during the end of your favorite movie.” The duo explores a wide breadth of styles throughout the 12 tracks – notes of trip hop, indie rock, classic rock, noise rock, house music – but whatever genre this is anything and everything, something nostalgic and entirely new all at once.
We believe that “HLS” from Friend Of A Friend is an excellent way to spend 3 minutes and 28 seconds of your day.
We were recently blessed to check the amazing new single “Danced Alone ( Who I am When I’m In Love” from Bath-based contemporary folk duo Humm
You can listen to “Danced Alone (Who I am When I’m In Love” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here and on AmazonMusic Here
Often when discussing music people comment that band or singer has “It”. Hard to describe exactly what “It” is but, when you hear “It “ … You know it immediately.
Humm (Arty Jackson and Carys Lewin) have crafted an absolutely stunningly beautiful musical composition that should shared and heard by all .
Since 2018, Humm have been captivating audiences with their deadly combination of melodic finger-style guitar, lush, ethereal vocals and rich harmonium drones, creating genre-defining tracks that are mellifluous yet anthemic, capturing nature, folklore and Cornish fairytale in every song. They were recently chosen from hundreds as one of four acts to visit, write and perform at Sir Paul & Mike McCartney’s childhood home, 20 Forthlin Road in Liverpool as part of The Forthlin Sessions.
Following up on their recent single MotherNature’s Lost Love, their new single Danced Alone (who I am when I’m in love), produced, mixed and mastered with Josh Clark at Get Real Audio, blends gorgeous harmonies, delicate, driving guitar lines and poignant lyrics to explore self love, reflection and appreciation for the hard lessons you learn after a complicated relationship.
It is a love letter to the newly lonely, exploring the difficulties of losing yourself within a relationship and finding yourself in the aftermath. This song is a reminder for you to love and appreciate yourself and the beautiful world around you”, the band state.
We are absolutely smitten with Humm and brilliant new single “ Danced Alone ( Who I am When I’m In Love” This is one you can’t miss.
We recently had the distinct honor of checking out American duo Friend Of A Friend ( ClaireMolek, Jason Savsani) and their otherworldly new single “Always On Time”
You can listen to “Always OnTime” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here .
Friend Of A Friend formed in the summer of 2020, after a lifetime just missing one another.
The band describes the process as an almost supernatural experience. FOAF’s debut album In Arms, an intimate blend of folk, post and art rock, recorded on tape in Nashville, was independently released in late May of 2022.
Since then, they’ve toured relentlessly throughout Europe and North America, and have gained over 2 million streams on their debut release. The duo is celebrated for their cinematic, fiercely experiential performance that incorporates a distorted Flamenco guitar, a midi controller and intense physicality. The strength of the duo’s bond is apparent in the music just as much as it is on stage, the performance giving “Led Zeppelin meets theyear 2050.” Influences include “Portishead, M83, The Kills & Jose Gonzalez had a baby in the desert during the end of your favorite movie.”
The duo’s latest single “Always On Time “ is one of most beautiful vocal performances we have heard in a long time. Listening to “Always On Time “ from Friend Of A Friend “ feels like reliving the best moment of your life, set to the most perfect melody you have ever heard “
Friend Of A Friend has such an original sound and vibe that you just can’t help but fall hopelessly in love with .
If you love music then you owe to your music loving soul to check out “Always On Time” from Friend Of A Friend .
We are over the moon excited to check out the latest single “Bitter” from L.A. based pop duo All Day Sucker ( Morty Coyle & Jordan Summers )
You can listen to “Bitter” on Spotify Here and on Apple MusicHere
We first had the absolute pleasure listening to All Day Sucker back in August, when they released the melodically perfect single “I’m Not Tired . Then last month we had the pleasure of checking out their latest single “Fathers Of Daughters” ( being a father of a daughter we really felt this one, we may or may not have shed a few tears. )
Well we don’t know what we did to be so lucky but…. Today, we got to check out the brand new single “Bitter” from All Day Sucker ( and we are happy to report it did not disappoint)
“Bitter” is full of beautiful sweet melodies and harmonies and vocals that are beyond spectacular. You can’t help but want to sing along to “Bitter” even after only hearing it once . All Day Sucker has out done themselves once again.
We said it before and , we think it bears repeating. All Day Sucker write big beautiful pop songs that have this amazing cinematic/ show stopping appeal that you just can’t ignore .
Find your favorite music listening spot and experience the beauty of “Bitter” from All Day Sucker
We recently had the distinct honor to check out the latest single “Icarus” from UK indie-folk duo brother and sister Joe and Helen Hammill .
You can listen to “Icarus” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
Having previously self-released three albums, as well as a mini album of covers, Joe and his sister Helen have cultivated a successful cottage industry with a passionate core fanbase in their native UK. Their new album ‘Golden’, releases on November 17th 2023, sees the Hammills display a confidence and maturity that brings their soaring sibling harmonies and timeless songwriting front and center.
Tours with the likes of The Head & The Heart and Half Moon Run, as well as support slots with Brian Wilson, Tom Odell and Lewis Capaldi, have helped Cattle & Cane establish a reputation as a truly magical live act – which anybody who caught their sets at CanadianMusic Week in Toronto, Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg or BBC Radio 2 Live In Hyde Park in London can attest to.
“Icarus” is the kind of song that you will remember long after the music has faded .”Icarus “ is an absolutely beautiful melody with flawless vocals. Cattle & Cane are a duo that we think is just getting warmed up .
With editorial support on playlists such as Very Nearly Nashville, Folk Pop, FeelgoodPop, Your Coffee Break, Fresh Folk, Laidback Acoustic, Feelgood Indie and New Music Fridays in multiple countries, Cattle & Cane have accumulated almost 30m Spotify streams. Over on radio, they’ve picked up praise from legendary tastemakers including Elton John, Dermot O’Leary and Steve Lamacq. Their new album was initially slated for 2022, but Helen and Joe stepped away from music last year to focus on life away from music – without going into details, it’s fair to say that life can be tough at times. With that in mind, it’s perhaps befitting that hope is a theme that reoccurs throughout the new record, and that the importance of family is also integral to the album – which is reflected in the artwork for the campaign being built around childhood photos of Joe and Helen.
We recently checked the absolutely amazing and incredibly addictive new single “Geronimo” from Bristol (UK) -based rock outfit Little Thief. (Charlie Fitzgerald,guitar,vocals and Rhii Williams,drums)
You can listen to “Geronimo”on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here
The energy from little Thief on their latest masterpiece “Geronimo “ is positively electrifying. In all seriousness Little Thief has crafted an absolute anthem. We challenge anyone to listen to this song and not get pumped up!
“Geronimo” was produced and mixed by Ali Staton at Crossleaze Studio, was written about camaraderie in the face of adversity, inspired by old war films and team sports. The addictively frenetic new single combines thunderous drums, groove-laden basslines and sing-along anthemic choruses, a true crowd pleaser out just in time for the festival season.
Speaking of festival season… Little Thief have slots at Isle Of Wright, Kendal Calling, Greenman, and Shambala festivals.
Discussing the single, vocalist and lyricistCharlie Fitzgerald states: “People do incredible things when up against it and true colours often show when everything falls apart. For me, it signifies sticking together through good times and bad”
Charlie continues: “We spent a few days in the basement of our place on Albany road in Bristol working together on a bunch of new tracks and Geronimo came from that batch. It was one of the first tunes where the music came first and the lyrics followed. I really enjoyed writing the words for this as they are a bit cheesy, fun and simple with a very repetitive nature. We had the demo banging around for ages and really enjoyed playing it live.”
Bands like Little Thief are exactly why we love music so much , they approach music with a fire and passion that is undeniable.
We are so excited for more music from Little Thief .In the mean time , we will continue to bounce around the room listening to “Geronimo”
TOUR DATES
Greenman Festival – 17th August 2023 Shambala Festival – 26th August 2023 October 9th-21st – UK tour TBA
The Whole Kameese 