Unkle Bob returns with a brand new EP, Songs for Others, released on 19th August 2013 via JustMe. Previously gaining support from Q Magazine and described by The Times as “a master of the lovelorn, desperate lyric”, Songs For Others amalgamates influences old and new on this latest easy-to-adore four track EP. 

With Unkle Bob pulling comparisons ranging from Fables of the Reconstruction-era REM and Aztec Camera to the likes of Nick Drake, Songs for Others continues to explore a more up-tempo path. Largely recorded in a Scottish bedroom, singer-songwriter Rick took inspiration from artists like R Stevie Moore, Nick Cave, Grizzly Bear and The Smiths, moving away from a purely acoustic sound to experiment with electric guitars, distortion pedals and looping effects.

The EP embodies Unkle Bob’s ability to create catchy hooks, enhanced by echoing, overlapping vocals and cathartic lyrics that explore love and loss. Opening track, and forthcoming single Brother, is a downpour of reverberant, harmonised melodies, and the chorus evokes the spirit of Neil Young, as Rick sings “Forever I’ll be your Brother...”. The second track ‘Change’ immediately picks up the pace, building swiftly into a blissful, crisp pop ballad befitting acclaimed bands like Doves. The EP’s glorious closer ‘Home’ enjoys the lyric “Home is where the heart is, and you still have a heart...” and sounds as if such a simple sentiment has never been said before.

Songs for Others follows the critically lauded albums Sugar and Spite (2006), and Shockwaves (2010), records that made the band something of a cult phenomenon in the US. Their songs were the sound-track to countless US dramas  (spawning well over 100,000 downloads in the process) whilst the song ‘Swans’ was featured in the climax to a Grey’s Anatomy storyline. This record was funded through PledgeMusic. Using the idea of a ‘Song for You’ option, Unkle Bob gave fans the opportunity to buy a song written about their lives. Rick entered into dialogue with the fans about lyrics and the general style of the track, giving birth to the single Brother and EP track ‘Home’.

Songs for Others EP continues Unkle Bob’s hectic 2013 schedule. Having returned with the Letters EP on Christmas Day last year, following the death and resurrection of the band itself, Unkle Bob have gone onto play 3 festival in Changsha (China) in front of 20,000 people, will be shooting a video for the single Brother, before releasing Songs For Others in August.

Songs for Others is out on 19th August 2013 via JustMe.

Unkle Bob - Brother

Full info here:

http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/the-lunchtime-sardine-club

--

Brighton based artist The Luchtime Sardine Club aka Oliver Newton (Yndi Halda / Bermuda Ern / St. Coltrane) introduces his unique brew of ‘ lo-fi psych-folk’ with his debut album Icecapades, on August 12th 2013 via Sonic Anhedonic Recording Co. 

The album is a collection of short stories, such as the death of a boxer, the sleepy sickness epidemic of the 1920s, the mysterious disappearance of three lighthouse keepers, an old woman’s embalming and murderous distortion.

“Charon and the Boxer” opens the album gently crescendoing into a cacophony of guitars and violins, however, straight into “I’m... Jesuschristmaam”, here Newton hones a sound akin to American artists such as Sufjan Stevens and Bowerbirds. Although there’s a quiet joyfulness underlying each track, some take on a more atmospheric, introspective feeling as heard on “Quesadillas” and “Old Truths, Rare Grooves”, which would not be out of place on an Andrew Bird record. As the record comes to a close, the music slowly transforms into Midlake-esuqe vintage soundscapes. Icecapades is a truly wonderful, organic musical journey.

The Lunchtime Sardine Club recently grabbed the attention of Amazing Radio with the first single “Rumours” and also featured on a Big Scary Monsters best of... compilation earlier this year. With the sound branded as “a happier Elliott Smith circa 1998” by Brighton Noise, The Lunchtime Sardine Club’s Icecapades is the perfect concoction of Elliott Smith’s storytelling style and Grizzly Bear’s lo-fi folk.

The Lunchtime Sardine Club’s Icecapades will be released on August 12th 2013 via Sonic Anhedonic Recording Co.

The Lunchtime Sardine Club - I'm… Jesuschristmaam

Oxford based four-piece, Gunning For Tamar formed in early 2010. While they may not have been around for very long, they've still managed to make a significant dent in the UK's music scene. The lads have already been featured on XFM and BBC Introducing, played a number of festivals over the summer (including Guilfest) and have even picked up the much coveted Breakthrough Track Of The Week over on NME, for "The Organs", taken from their debut split single. 

“Fair play to them for not just playing the usual crap.” – NME

Never ones to shy away from hard work, Joe Wallis (lead vox/guitar), Dan Pollard (guitar/keyboards/vox), D’Arcy King (drums) and Ben Green (bass) are now ready to take on 2011, as they release their new EP Deaf Cow Motel.

"German Treasure Island" provides an explosive opening for the EP, with the raw punch of drums and guitar setting the tone perfectly. Joe's vocals float over the top of this sonic battle, providing a melodious contrast that builds up into an impressive climax. "Running With Scissors" and "God Made Colours" showcase the band's technical skills masterfully, with layers of guitar really coming to the forefront of the tracks. 

It's clear that this is a band who are extremely focused, having spent 2010 learning to read each other like it's second nature, as the sound they have created leaves no room for complacency. Closing with "Bonfires", the band proves they are capable of creating a dynamic and experimental sound that offset's the other three tracks on the EP. It's an ambitious track that really pays off, showing that this four piece are more than comfortable crossing boundaries and defying the listener's expectations.

Deaf Cow Motel will be released via Walnut Tree Records and will be available to buy on CD and Download 30th May 2011.

Gunning For Tamar - German Treasure Island

Edinburgh-based collective @weareatomeyes slow things down with new single You Do You, due for release on 6th May 2022.

Featuring Moonchild’s Andris Mattson on trumpet, You Do You is a soothing slice of jazz-tinged neo-soul about not being so hard on yourself. Lissa Chen Robertson’s stunningly soulful vocals are at the forefront, backed by award-winning jazz pianist Alan Benzie, guitarist Fraser Christie, drummer Scott Jamieson and bassist Tom Wilkinson. Talking about the single, Lissa elaborates, “at times I feel overwhelmed, frozen and unable to function properly and I think everyone can feel like this at times. I think this comes as a result of constantly being there for friends, family and absorbing and dealing with all of their emotions whilst disregarding your own. It's so important to be there for your friends and family, but it's also important to be there for yourself and it's okay to take a step back from time to time. It's the most downtempo track we have written, but also one of the most uplifting. Also, Andris Mattson has written and performed trumpet on this track and we were so honoured to work with him.”

Atom Eyes first formed in 2017 when Lissa and Fraser starting writing together after a chance meeting at an Edinburgh flat party. Lissa had worked with Scott and Alan prior to this and invited them to join the project. Scott knew Tom from many a late-night Jazz Bar gig and thus, Atom Eyes was formed. The quintet have previously played at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival and have already been supported by the likes of BBC Radio Scotland, Amazing Radio’s Jim Gellatly, Songwriting Magazine and Tenement TV.

You Do You is the third single to be taken from their upcoming debut album Blue Into Gold, due for release on 3rd June 2022. This has been supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund.

You Do You is out on 6th May 2022.

Atom Eyes - You Do You

New York Pavements prepare to release their visceral new single Slam The Door on 15th August 2022.

Known for taking the swagger of the nineties, the energy of Brit Pop and feeding it through a thoroughly modern filter, New York Pavements bring a fresh energy to the classic rock world. Slam The Door combines elements of indie, rock, funk and soul in order to create a sound that is oozing with energy. It captures the instinctive emotion of a fractured relationship with biting in-your-face lyrics depicting a couple’s fierce argument. This is the first single to be released from New York Pavements’ upcoming album, introducing the story of protagonist Jack and the deterioration of his mental health.

Hailing from West London, New York Pavements are Paul Brooking (producer) and Matt Bond (lead vocals). They will be releasing eight singles in total - an initial series of covers followed by five originals building up to the debut album Outside The Glasshouse in 2023. The whole project includes an award-winning (Cannes Shorts, Overcome Festival, London Independent Film Festival) short film written and directed by Paul Brooking (Plan B, Viola Beach, Family Jools, LAPP), with the cast appearing in both the videos, cover art and in a photographic essay.  The aim of the album and film is to raise awareness of the hugely important condition of men's mental health in their forties and fifties, and New York Pavements will be working with a leading mental health charity on the project (to be announced shortly).

Slam The Door is out on 15th August 2022.

New York Pavements - Slam The Door

New York Pavements shine a light on World Mental Health Day with the release of their upcoming single Never Get The Better, out 10th October 2022.

Never Get The Better is about the pain and bitterness of losing your job and the effect it can have on your mental health. Released to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10th October, the song is a key part of the forthcoming concept album and short film Outside The Glasshouse (from which the video is taken). The lead character Jack is tipped into confusion, his mind full of all the people in his life that he feels estranged from. It leads him to a very dark place. Influenced by the likes of The Kinks and Arctic Monkeys, Never Get The Better is oozing with sixties swagger from the offset, with Matt Bond’s distinctive vocal style complimenting the alt-rock soundscapes effortlessly.

Hailing from West London, New York Pavements are Paul Brooking (producer) and Matt Bond (lead vocals). They will be releasing eight singles in total - an initial series of covers followed by five originals building up to the debut album Outside The Glasshouse in 2023. The whole project includes an award-winning (Cannes Shorts, Overcome Festival, London Independent Film Festival) short film written and directed by Paul Brooking (Plan B, Viola Beach, Family Jools, LAPP), with the cast appearing in both the videos, cover art and in a photographic essay. The aim of the album and film is to raise awareness of the hugely important condition of men's mental health in their forties and fifties, and New York Pavements will be working with a leading mental health charity on the project (to be announced shortly).

Never Get The Better is out 10th October 2022.

New York Pavements - Never Get The Better

After playing a vital part in the release of Leaders Of The Starry Skies: A Tribute To Tim Smith, Knifeworld return with their new EP, the progressive masterpiece Dear Lord, No Deal.

Knifeworld is the vehicle for Kavus Torabi's unique and progressive psychedelic songwriting. Torabi, former frontman for The Monsoon Bassoon and guitarist in Cardiacs and Guapo, initially conceived Knifeworld as a solo outing but following the critically acclaimed 2009 release of debut album Buried Alone: Tales Of Crushing Defeat, he expanded the project into a full six piece band. Featuring renowned Iraqi oud player Khyam Allami (drums), North Sea Radio Orchestra mastermind Craig Fortnam (bass), Chrome Hoof members Emmett Elvin and Chloe Herrington (keyboards and Sax/bassoon respectively) and former Cardiacs vocalist Melanie Woods (vox), this EP is the first recording of the full band line up. 

Explosive opening track "Pilot Her" marries the opposing forces of breakneck punk rock with a blend of farfisa, rhodes, saxophone and bassoon in an urgent, melodic paeon to music. Soaring bittersweet vocal harmonies and knotty rhythms collide in Knifeworld's most direct and immediate song thus far. Dear Lord, No Deal, the EP's title track, and crams more ideas into two minutes than most bands can muster on a whole album, with its lolloping pace and summery melancholia. The track is all lysergic sonics and giddy kitchen sink production; it's a beautiful Syd Barrett-esque pop tune that demands repeat listens. Closing track "HMS Washout", is a nautical epic, and is easily Knifeworld's most ambitious song to date. This fourteen minute psychedelic tour de force is a kaleidoscopic journey into rock's outer reaches showcasing a band that are comfortable enough to experiment with contrasting sounds, while pursuing a greater musical truth. 

Dear Lord, No Deal is due to be released digitally on 4th July 2011, via Believers Roast.


Knifeworld - Pilot Her

So Many Animal Calls will be releasing official single 'From The Sick Bed' on June 9th 2014 with the track available to buy from the band's official Bandcamp, iTunes and Amazon. The single is taken from their second EP, Burden, due for release via Bloc+Music on 26th May 2014. 

‘From The Sick Bed’ illustrates So Many Animal Calls ability to write solid, sing-along pop-rock songs encased within a song structure that edges towards prog territory. Emotionally charged lead vocals are intensified by relentless drumming and chiming guitars as the track undulates between the quiet/loud dynamic to great effect. The video for the single was exclusively released on Artrocker and is now widely available.

Burden sees the Glasgow based four-piece make a welcome return after the release of their 2011 debut EP, Eulogy. While Eulogy highlighted the raw, visceral skills of a young talented band, on Burden we see a marked progression in their sound - a more mature sound mixing abrasive alternative rock with layered moments of technical excellence.

As wells official single 'From The Sick Bed', tracks such as ’My Blood’s Not Mine’ showcase everything that is good about So Many Animal Calls - technical guitar pieces, dreamy vocals and time changes galore display an impressive depth to a band who offer far more than the sum of their parts.

The Glaswegian foursome, consisting of Sean McKenna (vocals, guitar), Ross Stewart (guitar, vocals), Ross Coll (bass) and new member Sam Leighton (drums) with previous drummer Martin Johnston featuring on the EP, recorded Burden with producer Bruce Rintoul (Twin Atlantic, We Were Promised Jetpacks) and the EP was mastered by Carl Saff (Joanna Gruesome, Braid, Speedy Ortiz). Drawing on influences that range from The Cure to Motion City Soundtrack, the band have produced a record that would legitimately sit alongside contemporaries like The Get Up Kids, The Promise Ring and Death Cab For Cutie.

Their dynamic sound has also seen the band gain support from the likes of Artrocker, Drowned In Sound, Jim Gellatly, The Herald and Huw Stephens as well as picking up support slots with the likes of Little Comets and The Xcerts and sharing a stage at Rockness with Friendly Fires.

'From The Sick Bed' is available to buy from June 9th and is taken from the EP Burden which is due for release on 26th May 2014 via Bloc+Music.

http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/so-many-animal-calls

So Many Animal Calls - From The Sick Bed

“… music that is brave enough to leap the gap between genres…” 
- The Herald

“… this is truly cracking stuff…” - Rock N Reel

Dante are pleased to announce the free download of their single, Wake, out now via Stitch Records.

Wake is the title track from the critically acclaimed album of the same name released earlier this year, and showcases the band’s ability to instinctively span genres with a flair and panache that many of their contemporaries would be proud of. On Wake the band illustrate their capacity to create traditional Celtic tunes that fit into a modern landscape. Beautifully picked guitars are complemented by the sweeping sound of fiddle and a snappy drum beat, all brought together seamlessly by stirring harmonies as the track builds to a thunderous conclusion.

Wake, which was produced and recorded by Frightened Rabbit’s Andy Monaghan, was Dante’s first full length album, picking up wide ranging support from the likes of Beat Surrender, Artrocker Magazine, God Is In The TV, The Scottish Sun, Rock N Reel and was named in The Herald’s Top 50 Albums of 2013. 

The release of Wake coincides with a number of impressive local and festival live dates for Dante over the coming month as they are due to embark on a Scottish tour which includes a Radio Rapal Session, as well as appearances at the Hebridean Celtic Festival, Belladrum Festival, Edinburgh Festival and Jocktoberfest.

Wake is available to download now via Stitch Records.

Dante -  Wake

Hyena’s debut single Mental Home is teeming with visceral energy. It’s the ultimate high of 2014, a year that has seen the return of rock. 

Royal Blood producer Tom Dalgety produced the single, which combines brutal, heavy Queens of the Stone Age-esque riffs and the quirky rock melodies of Pulled Apart By Horses. Hyena are bringing a fresh new edge to the genre, much like their contemporaries Darlia and Drenge.

The single itself is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the fact that nowhere is normal and everywhere is strange. The band are asking us to question what 'normal' means. Frontman Jacob says, "the song is basically saying 'what are you going to tell me is good for me next and where else are you going to tell me to go?' - it’s all the same, everywhere."

Rising from the ashes of Weatherbird, all four members (Jacob Ball, Joshua Taylor, Dom Farley and Reuben Gwilliam) decided to reinvent themselves as Hyena. The band had been playing as Weatherbird since they were 13-years-old and it was time for a new direction. With Tom Dalgety on board as producer and the single being mastered by John Davis (Led Zeppelin, Wolf Alice), Hyena are definitely off to a good start.

Being from Telford, the boys have fought to create their own scene. With not much going on in their hometown, they’ve carved their own space, built their own ladder and they’re attempting to climb it all the way to the top.

Mental Home will be released via Red Venom Records on 17th November 2014.

Hyena - Mental Home

The enchanting nineteen year old Cara Mitchell is back with her breath taking latest EP, Afraid of The Dark, out on 11th November 2014 via AGP.

Originally from Aberdeen in Scotland, Cara has been honing her skills for the past two years to create something even more flawless than her debut EP Have You Ever Wondered. Cara’s unique vocal tone is just the beginning of her talents, with her charming lyrics and beautifully arranged harmonies bringing each song together beautifully.

The five track EP opens with 'Dust to Dust', which immediately introduces the listener to Cara’s gorgeous tone. The track builds with the drums a driving force to a beat that you can’t help but tap your foot to. As you move through the EP, the tracks soften slightly with Cara’s vocals taking centre stage in 'Suspended Motion', with her incredible ability to bend notes in an almost Blues like fashion. The EP ends on 'This Human' which delicately allies Cara’s soft vocals and the strummed acoustic guitar, making you wish you were cuddled up close to someone by the fire.

In the last two years Cara has supported the likes of Emeli Sande, Rachel Sermanni, Simone Felice and Emily & The Woods. She has also performed a televised session for BBC Scotland as well as picking up support from the likes of Jim Gellatly, BBC Radio 1, The Scotsman and For Folks Sake. Her sharp rise in Scotland saw her gain a nomination for Best Acoustic Act at the 2013 and 2014 Scottish Alternative Music Awards.

Afraid of The Dark is due for release on 11th November 2014 via AGP.

http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/cara-mitchell

Cara Mitchell - Suspended Motion

Sorren Maclean is pleased to announce his forthcoming EP, Way Back Home, released 9th March 2015 via Middle Of Nowhere Recordings.

Sorren’s delicate indie folk sound perfectly captures the desolate beauty of his homeland on the Isle Of Mull. There’s a warmth to his voice and guitar playing that gives the listener a feeling of closeness. This is none more
apparent on EP track ‘If Not For You’, where one feels that Sorren could almost be in the room with you. While the title track Way Back Home portrays the longing desperation of life on the road, and the bittersweet homecoming that follows upon the journey back to a more sedate normality. There is a definitive and accomplished quality to Sorren’s sound that allows his voice and guitar to share the spotlight simultaneously.

Growing up on the Isle of Mull, Sorren began playing in bands from age 11. He recorded his debut album, Island, with Colin MacIntyre of Mull Historical Society, which led on to Idlewild singer Roddy Woomble inviting Sorren to co-write his second solo album, The Impossible Song and Other Songs, and they’ve been working together ever since.

As well as playing and touring with Roddy and Mull Historical Society, Sorren also plays in a duo with virtuoso guitarist Finlay Wells. He also produced the EP Echoes by singer Laurie Cameron, which was used in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks and his songs have appeared in E4's Beaver Falls.  Sorren regularly works and records with composer Donald Shaw of Capercaillie, creating music for the soundtracks to BBC Two’s acclaimed Hebrides series and the award winning childrens tv show Katie Morag, as well as many BBC documentaries including McQueen of Scots.

Sorren’s undoubted talent has seen him transcend his own musical projects, having performed on over 20 albums, including upcoming releases from Nashville singer Eliza Lynn and one of Scotlands finest exports, King Creosote whom he is supporting currently on tour.

With new album Winter Stay Autumn due before the summer and a support tour with Idlewild in March, 2015 looks set to be one of his busiest years yet.

Sorren Maclean - Rows & Rows Of Boxes (Acoustic)

Following on from her free download track 'Talk', Best Girl Athlete, aka 15 year old Katie Buchan, reveals yet another free offering with the release of 'He's Calling Me Over', taken from her debut album Carve Every Word, available on 2nd March 2015 via Fitlike Records.

'He's Calling Me Over' is further proof of Best Girl Athlete's unique talents. Producing another highly accomplished song, Katie's warm vocals take centre stage here, as strings dance elegantly in the background, creating a beautiful dream-like track. With talent in abundance it's easy to see why Best Girl Athlete has already picked up support from the likes of BBC Radio Scotland, Artrocker Magazine, Women In Music and Insomnia Radio.

Like any other teenager Katie has the usual dreams, but possesses a talent far beyond her tender years. The songbird, who resides in Aberdeen Scotland, exhibits an effortless yet enchanting voice aligned to a burgeoning talent for song writing which elevates her natural potential to even greater heights.

Not content to simply sing her musician father Charley Buchan’s songs, Katie has begun to establish herself as a mature singer-songwriter in her own right. Katie possesses a voice which sounds wise beyond its years as her earthy, ethereal tone flows beautifully from the speakers warmly enveloping the listener. Her vocals are accomplished to the point that they could easily sit alongside seasoned singer songwriters such as Aimee Mann, Laura Marling and Feist, as she constructs emotional vignettes with a laid back and elegant Americana edge. Where most artists use their debut album to fine tune their sound, Katie has produced something special on her first attempt - an art that can take many of her contemporaries years to hone. 

The tender vocals and whimsical music is no more apparent on album tracks such as ‘Leave It All Behind’ and ‘All That’ where Best Girl Athlete produces some of her most exquisite work as the chorus is left floating around your head for days. While the aforementioned ‘Talk’ is so well written it could easily be mistaken for an Ellie Goulding single - Katie’s vocals radiate and her lyrics impress, as soothing strings and piano elevate the music to new levels.

Carve Every Word is an emotionally charged and accomplished debut that finds Best Girl Athlete imposing herself as a serious talent. Released in the United States under the Minty Fresh label and with a forthcoming American tour in support, the album will have its UK release via Fitlike Records on 2nd March 2015.

Best Girl Athlete - He's Calling Me Over

Siv Jakobsen releases her second single Dark via Nordic Mellow Records on 13th April 2015.

A follow up to the intimate How We Used To Love, Dark explores themes of mortality, loneliness and existential angst. A deeply sad, yet beautiful song, Siv’s ability to capture and convey emotion with her voice, combined with heart piercing lyrics, demonstrate once again that she is a songwriter who, one day, could stand proudly beside inspirational artists such as Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, as well as her contemporaries Ane Brun and Laura Marling.

Siv has been performing in Europe and the US since 2011, creating emotive music that embraces the themes of melancholy and sadness. However, there is a distinct contrast between her music and stage persona, as Siv's naturally sunny personality juxtaposes beautifully with her brooding music, making it all the more effective in a live setting. She honed her talent while living in a tiny apartment in Brooklyn which she describes as “a door with a bed”, firmly immersing herself into the world of the struggling artist and challenging herself to reach greater heights.

With an EP planned for the summer, and support for her previous single from the likes of The Line Of Best Fit and Folk Radio UK, 2015 looks set to be Siv’s biggest year yet. 

Dark is released 13th April 2015 via Nordic Mellow Records.

For more info visit Siv Jakobsen's profile: http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/siv-jakobsen

Siv Jakobsen - Dark

Free B-side to @BeachFatigue's latest single 'Drunken Grrrls' out October 30th via Kool Girl Records.

For more info - www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/beach-fatigue


Beach Fatigue - Deathproof

Freja is a young singer-songwriter who creates delicately minimalist music with a beautiful story behind it. Her debut EP Ghosts is a celebration of Freja’s youth, covering themes of love, loss and life mixed with folklore and elements of gothic romance.

Freja’s vocals feel effortless, authentic and completely controlled throughout with a hint of her London accent coming through, particularly on songs such as ‘Foggy Days’ and ‘Without You’, not unlike artists such as Lauren Aquilina. With delicate vocals and beautiful piano led melodies entwined, the EP gives listeners an intimate insight into Freja’s inner workings and stunning ability as a songwriter.

Freja first started writing songs at the age of nine with dreams of starting a rock band and becoming the next big thing. As time passed, Freja decided she didn’t need a band behind her and ended up with a collection of sincere songs which she can now use at her disposal.

At only 20 years old, Ghosts is an ode to her coming of age. For the EP, Freja chose her four favourite songs she’d written as a teenager, old friends that she’s ready to introduce to the world on her debut release.

Ghosts is out on November 27th 2015 via ShimmerSun Music.

Freja - Ghosts In The Snow

Armed with a surf rock vibe, and a dark predilection for all things gothic, The Van T’s have created a 50s jukebox sound packaged in a 90s style John Hughes movie, as every note slickly pours from your stereo raising the hairs on the back of your neck.

Twin sisters Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson’s debut EP Laguna Babe is a collection of vignettes covering the highs and lows of their life. The two front women create songs that are both personal and quirky as they document the positive and negative experiences of dealing with their late teens, no subject too risqué, as they approach their twenties. The EP’s title track is a no nonsense garage rock number, with a heavy reverb sound giving it an other worldly feel, as grunge-inspired guitar licks and Karen O style vocal delivery captivates you, as their no-frills, high energy sound grips you and doesn't want to let go. This sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come on the EP, with tracks such as ‘Growler’ channeling the surf rock sounds of Hinds and Dum Dum Girls, while providing bassist Joanne Forbes and drummer Shaun Hood an outlet to compete with the twisted synchronicity of dual-leads Hannah and Chloe.

The Van T’s have already graced the stage of T In The Park and Electric Fields as well as recently supporting the brilliant Honeyblood. They plan to spend the rest of they year touring Scotland and beyond as the band begin to break out from their hometown in the west of Scotland, ready to take on the rest of the world.

Laguna Babe is released via Bloc+ Music on 13th November 2015.

http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/the-van-ts

The Van T's - Growler

'Utopia' is a single taken from Idlewild's latest album 'Everything Ever Written'. The single will be released via Empty Words on November 27th 2015.

For more information please visit:

www.abadgeoffriendship.com

Idlewild - Utopia

Bringing together the best of grunge and Britpop, Sam Gillbanks aka GILLBANKS releases his EP Lend Me Your Skin on November 27th 2015 via Tusk Records.

Opening with single Anxious?, the EP begins with a powerful blast of distorted riffs and pounding drums akin to the jagged indie sound of the Pixies. Counterposed, tracks like ‘Loosen Up’ and ‘Tiffany’ are more tranquil and introspect with layered melodies and warm vocals drawing influence from artists like Nick Mulvey. Throughout the EP, GILLBANKS' skilled musicianship and entitled passion are clearly evident and exemplary within these five tracks.

Lend Me Your Skin is a coming of age record about identity and self-acceptance. With lyrics like 'over-tired and underworked, it's always on my mind, I'm just trying to be a man' it's not difficult to see where in his life Sam started writing music. He quickly found a release for his creative ideas and frustration to form Lend Me Your Skin as an EP that is both ferocious and beautiful, whilst also maintaining lyrical depth.

Originally from Falmouth, GILLBANKS now resides in London where he continues to play the London circuit on a regular basis with live band members Hugo Heaverman (drums), Henry Nicholson (guitar, vocals) and Joe Morris (bass). GILLBANKS has already received praise from the likes of XFM, Little Indie Blogs and The Revue.

Lend me Your Skin is out on November 27th 2015 via Tusk Records.

More info - http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/gillbanks

GILLBANKS - Tiffany

Sam Brockington’s latest single Follow, out on December 7th 2015, is a testament to his skilled songwriting and huge vocals that emanate range and warmth. Drawing influences from folk, blues and soul, on Follow, he's blended these genres into his own unique, fresh style.

Follow is a memorable track that captures the struggle between friendship and individuality. Sam’s intricate guitars and delicate vocals build into layers of beautiful melodies and effortless harmonies - fans of Nick Mulvey and Matt Corby will feel at home here.

Having moved to London at the age of 18, Sam began to explore the live circuit before eventually craving a change and moving to Melbourne. Here, he was able to develop his sound in a new environment - sunshine and good vibes. Now based in Bristol, Sam continues to hone his individual blend of alternative indie-folk and impressing the likes of 6music and BBC Introducing. Sam has also been smashing the festival circuit this year, performing at Glastonbury, Leeds Festival, Y Not Festival and 2000trees to name a few.

Follow is out on December 7th 2015 via Prospect 21.

More info - http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/sam-brockington

Sam Brockington - Follow

Enchanting, power-pop five piece Universal Thee return with their sophomore album, All Watched Over By Machines of Loving Grace, the follow up to the critically lauded debut Back To Earth. The album is due for release on 19th February 2016 via Eventual Heirs Records.

All Watched Over By Machines of Loving Grace sees the band make a natural progression in their sound, with a more focused, more intense record evolving throughout the recording process as Universal Thee embrace the nuances of a bigger polished production as well as an increased level of complexity to their songwriting.

The result is a record that captures all of their most positive skills as a band, constructing songs with an immediacy which is difficult to achieve, as contagious harmonies are married with memorable melodies and wonderfully crafted musicianship. Album opener ‘Why’ leads from the front, setting the tone for an album that contains ten tracks of glowing, uplifting alt-pop. Harnessing the influences of bands such as Teenage Fanclub, Pixies and current favourites Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, ‘Why’ features the band’s compelling guitar licks, boy/girl harmonies and ear-worm like choruses. ‘Xang’ and ‘Sail Away’ exhibit a grittier side to their songwriting, while forthcoming single Speaker has the potential to capture the imagination of a much wider audience.

Having all studied at Dundee University, James Russell (guitar & vocals), Lisa Russell (vocals), Robin Spivey (guitar) Andrew Perrie (bass) formed the band in Edinburgh, with Matt Grieve (drums) a recent addition. Universal Thee have been building their name north of the border playing a number of shows supporting the likes of Ded Rabbit as well as an appearance on the pyramid stage at the Kelburn Garden Party Festival. With more tours planned over the coming months, a debut London show in the works and the forthcoming release of their rand new album, 2016 is looking like a year where Universal Thee will spread their wings even further afield.

All Watched Over By Machines of Loving Grace by Universal Thee is out 19th February 2016 via Eventual Heirs Records.

http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/universal-thee

Universal Thee - Hounds

Channelling the spirit of the post-rock scene of the mid to late 90’s, Right Hand Left Hand are due to release their sophomore self-titled album on 12th February 2016 via Jealous Lovers Club.

Despite the obvious post-rock influences, Right Hand Left Hand are much, much more than an experimental instrumental band. Intense, powerful yet melodic, Right Hand Left Hand defy the confines of one specific genre as they embrace elements of Krautrock, space-rock and electronica, as well as innovatively incorporating live loops and vocals to great effect. 

The result is an immersive, technically brilliant record filled with layer upon layer of riffs that subvert the quiet/loud dynamic of post-rock into a loud/louder burst of action. Album opener, and forthcoming official single Seat 18c, kicks off proceedings beautifully and lays the cards on the table for what to expect throughout the 11 track album, as the expertly picked guitar pieces trade punches with meaty riffs, augmented by metronomic drumming. ‘Nightmares In The Afternoon’ illustrate the bands unpredictable nature as the brooding, unnerving track builds slowly, incorporating vocals alongside their customary love of powerful riffs. While the relentless riffs of ‘Tarts and Darts’ and ‘Cliff Young Shuffle’ would make the likes of the Fucking Champs nod in appreciation.

Despite their unerring ability to sonically pulverise your eardrums, Right Hand Left Hand are in fact a two-piece band. Comprising Andrew Plain (drums/guitars) and Rhodri Viney (guitars/ vocals/ drums) and hailing from Cardiff Wales, the duo played in a number of Cardiff based bands over the years. Having played a show with one of their former bands in a club in Groningen, Netherlands the pair, having heard Trans Am played by the DJ, were inspired to break out on their own, embracing an experimental set up of two members playing guitar, two drum kits, centred around a loop station, incorporating instrument swaps and all the while attempting to find out how heavy is too heavy.

Their decision to do so was inspired and has seen the band headline Swn Festival as well support the likes of Dead Meadow, Errors, The Mahjonng, The Mae Shi, Future Of The Left, Super Furry Animals, Funeral For A Friend and Los Campesinos. 

Right Hand Left Hand is release on 12th February 2016 via Jealous Lovers Club.

http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/right-hand-left-hand

Right Hand Left Hand - Tarts and Darts

AmatrArt are due to release the double a-side single Mirror/Soft Skin on 8th April 2016 via Bloc+ Music. Subversively playing with the indie/electro dynamic, the band have carefully constructed a sound that embraces the immediacy of indie-pop, allied to a distinctively high brow ambient sound, all unified by the dreamy Mark Hollis (Talk Talk) style vocals produced by Jonathan Mullen. 

Mirror, which opens with a sweeping synth and heavily reverbed guitar, is a song of self-reflection with the protagonist questioning his decisions, before summing up with the line “where did I go wrong?” A rasping guitar riff emanates throughout the chorus followed by a searing solo, as the song builds and builds before coming to a crashing end.

Not to be outdone, Soft Skin offers another example of the talent AmatrArt possess despite their young age. Encapsulating the electronica intricacies of Kid A era Radiohead, Soft Skin kicks off with the alluring sounds of synth straddling chiming guitar, while singer Mullen shows off his vocal range, the verses delivered flawlessly, as the mix between his and the rest of the bands punctuated choral vocals help to create an almost overwhelming effect.

Having known each other and played music together from a young age Jonathan Mullen (Vocals & Guitar), Josh McGeechan (Guitar) and Niall Jootun (Bass) formed AmatrArt after a series of jams and bedroom recordings. Completing the line up with Niall Morris (Samples/Synths) and Lewis Orr (Drums) the band have gone onto produce as sound that sits somewhere between contemporary acts such as alt-J, Dutch Uncles and Nothing But Thieves. Having already played the T Break Stage at T in the Park last year as well as picking up support from the likes of BBC Radio Scotland, the Scotland on Sunday and The Herald, AmatrArt are eager to share their sound with a wider audience throughout 2016.

Mirror/Soft Skin is out 8th April 2016 via Bloc+ Music.

AmatrArt - Mirror

Fame is just so fucking futile. That's the thing about being an outsider. You accept your fate. You know that 50 years from now a bank won't be butchering your work to flog mortgages to suckers. You make your noise and you watch it echo for a bit then dissipate. Like our protagonist, Walter Peck, your ashes are gradually diluted by a planet of dirt and your music even more rapidly subsumed by the white noise of the world.

In many ways, Outlbinker owes it's existence to Walter and certainly this EP would never have been recorded or co-written with Ben Power (Blanck Mass/ Fuck Buttons) were it not for Mr Peck's unifying influence. His friendships, a chance meeting, a jar of human remains and a table of beers. It's a long story. Suffice to say he'd suggest we enjoy it while it lasts.

The product of a musical pilgrimage to record in a medieval church on a remote island in Orkney, these three songs are a precursor to Outblinker's debut album (due October 2016) and a tribute to the transitory, fleeting nature of everything we seek to build and accomplish. All the beauty, all the greed, all the pride and all the fucking politics. Given long enough, none of it will last. And thank fuck for that.

When the lights across the planet finally go out for the last time and all the MP3s evaporate in microscopic puffs of electrons and all the CD's lie scattered across the land like the scales of some huge, extinct fish: what then for all these idiotic fucking pop songs? And what then for the Bach and Simone, Mercury and Mingus?

Nothing. That's what. Sweet anonymity. Sheer oblivion.

And as time marches on ceaselessly into that eerie, silent new era, none of those chart anthems will mean any more than the centuries of forgotten folk music, decades of shitty demo tapes or the deluge of vacuous, ironic, indie shit currently sloshing around. How will Virgin, Warner, Universal and Sony trick kids into buying their cynical, hollow bullshit then? Especially when there are no kids left to fleece.

Art is for now so eat your fill. You're not taking it with you and ultimately there's no point leaving it here. Walter Peck taught us that much.

The Remains of Water Peck by Outblinker is released on 6th May 2016 via Stabbed In The Back Records.

http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/outblinker

Outblinker - Farrokh Bulsara

Fame is just so fucking futile. That's the thing about being an outsider. You accept your fate. You know that 50 years from now a bank won't be butchering your work to flog mortgages to suckers. You make your noise and you watch it echo for a bit then dissipate. Like our protagonist, Walter Peck, your ashes are gradually diluted by a planet of dirt and your music even more rapidly subsumed by the white noise of the world.

In many ways, Outblinker owes it's existence to Walter and certainly this EP would never have been recorded or co-written with Ben Power (Blanck Mass/ Fuck Buttons) were it not for Mr Peck's unifying influence. His friendships, a chance meeting, a jar of human remains and a table of beers. It's a long story. Suffice to say he'd suggest we enjoy it while it lasts.

The product of a musical pilgrimage to record in a medieval church on a remote island in Orkney, these three songs are a precursor to Outblinker's debut album (due October 2016) and a tribute to the transitory, fleeting nature of everything we seek to build and accomplish. All the beauty, all the greed, all the pride and all the fucking politics. Given long enough, none of it will last. And thank fuck for that.

When the lights across the planet finally go out for the last time and all the MP3s evaporate in microscopic puffs of electrons and all the CD's lie scattered across the land like the scales of some huge, extinct fish: what then for all these idiotic fucking pop songs? And what then for the Bach and Simone, Mercury and Mingus?

Nothing. That's what. Sweet anonymity. Sheer oblivion.

And as time marches on ceaselessly into that eerie, silent new era, none of those chart anthems will mean any more than the centuries of forgotten folk music, decades of shitty demo tapes or the deluge of vacuous, ironic, indie shit currently sloshing around. How will Virgin, Warner, Universal and Sony trick kids into buying their cynical, hollow bullshit then? Especially when there are no kids left to fleece.

Art is for now so eat your fill. You're not taking it with you and ultimately there's no point leaving it here. Walter Peck taught us that much.

The Remains of Water Peck by Outblinker is released on 6th May 2016 via Stabbed In The Back Records.

http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/outblinker

3 Outblinker - Ernest Becker

Multi-instrumentalist Jack Ellis is set to release his new single The Storm out July 1st 2016 via District South Records.

Held together beautifully by Jack’s wonderful guitar playing and emotive vocals The Storm is a song that tackles themes of love and loss, as snapshots in our life strip us bare, leaving us afraid of allowing ourselves to love again. While growing up Jack was influenced by the likes of Jeff Buckley and REM and has taken on board their unerring ability to write and producing relatable yet emotional music, something which impressively shines through in the passion he puts into his music.

After playing in bands for several years, Jack took the decision to go solo in 2014 in order to focus on his songwriting and develop his own distinctive sound. The opportunity to play bass, guitar, piano and sing has allowed Jack to really stretch his creative muscles and, with the success of previous singles Pocket of Lint and Stepping Stones, it is clear that Jack’s music is making an impact on the wider music world.

Jack was voted Best Breakthrough Act 2015 and was nominated for Best Live Act at The Cardiff Music Awards and has also received radio plays from BBC Wales as well as receiving significant support from the likes of Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2, including being invited to perform live in the studio. This has culminated in Jack becoming one of the rising stars of Welsh music, an artist who looks set to continue his growth through the release of his latest single.

The Storm is out on 1st July 2016 via District South Records. 

More info at - http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/jack-ellis

Jack Ellis - Pocket Of Lint

"Talisman" is taken from the Moulettes self-titled album out August 16th 2010.

Talisman

Formed in 2010, Hartlepool band The Jar Family is a collective of singer-songwriters Max Bianco, Dali, Al Devon, Richie Docherty, Chris Hooks and former Squeeze bassist, Keith Wilkinson. After busily releasing and touring last year, the boys are preparing to release the free download track "Getting Better", followed by brand new single Broken Minded and their second album shortly after. 

Providing an escape from the backdrop of their hometown’s economic hardships, and driven by a collective will to succeed, The Jar Family have forged a distinctive style of north-east blues & roots, uniquely coined as 'Industrial folk rock', which, following a series of sell-out acoustic shows, and the July 2010 release of their now highly collectable Livingston Studio EP, the band quickly built a loyal fan-base.

So far this year they have opened for Ocean Colour Scene’s Steve Craddock, followed by a run of tour dates and festival appearances across the UK, including slots opening for The Charlatans and Babyshambles, Ren Harvieu, The Sunshine Underground, King Charles, Jake Bugg etc., as they prepare for the release of their new single, Broken Minded on August 6th.

Having amassed a sizeable collection of songs, the band decamped to the seminal Sawmill Studio in Cornwall, to record The Jar Family Album in June 2011, but not before adding the in-demand Kerry 'jubjub' Edwards on Cajon to complete the 7-piece line-up. Produced by Keith Wilkinson, the album was then mixed by the legendary John Cornfield (Muse, Supergrass, Razorlight, Oasis, Athlete).

In addition to being very well received by the press, their debut single, Poolie Strut became the most requested song in Radio Hartlepool’s history and has since been played at all of Hartlepool United’s home matches, leading to the home faithful chanting the song on the terraces.

November 2011 then saw the release of The Jar Family’s second single In For A Penny which preceded the band’s first ever UK tour, supporting the infamous Alabama 3, gaining them many new fans as they further enhanced their reputation as the north-east’s buzz band.

Having spent the last few years building a loyal fan base live, the band are ready to present their unique blend of whimsical off-kilter folk rock to the masses.

The Jar Family - Getting Better

'The Nowhere Team feat. Annie Dressner' is a track taken from Saturday Night Gym Club's second EP of the same name, out June 10th 2013.

For full information, please visit:

http://www.abadgeoffriendship.com/artists/saturday-night-gym-club

Saturday Night Gym Club - The Nowhere Team feat. Annie Dressner

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