October releases from Fruits de Mer Records – including The Electric Prunes, The Pretty Things and The Yardbirds

 

1966-1968 : arguably the golden era for music. ‘The Three Seasons‘ is a bit of a tribute to the psychedelic era – the first buds forming in ’66, the summer of love and the comedown in ’68.

Some of Fruits de Mer‘s best-known artists are joined by some new faces and a few who were actually there at the time and were personally responsible for some of the amazing sounds that we’re celebrating in this vinyl love-in.

The Three Seasons has taken rather a long time to grow into the 3 LP set that will be presented for your consideration in early October – although, in the end, some heavy pruning was necessary to fit everything onto six sides (it could so easily have been a 4LP set, but someone had already knicked the ‘four seasons’ title).

The music ranges from pop-psych to acid-folk, heavy rock to prog, from classic songs to the long-lost – the kind of thing Fruits de Mer was designed for.

So, who is responsible for the two hours+ of music between the grooves? Step forward:

side 1

1. The Past Tense – Magic In The Air (originally by The Attack : recorded in 1967)
2. LoveyDove – Bedazzled (originally by Drimble Wedge and the Vegetations : 1967)
3. Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder – Amelia Jane (originally by Made In Sheffield : 1967)
4. Jack Ellister – Aquarius (originally by The Zodiac:Cosmic Sounds : 1967)
5. Rob Gould – Granny Takes A Trip (originally by The Purple Gang : 1967)

side 2

1. Mark McDowell and Friends – Up The Wooden Hills To Bedfordshire (originally by The Small Faces : 1966)
2. Anton Barbeau – Sunshine Superman (originally by Donovan : 1965)
3. The Electric Prunes – 7 and 7 is (originally by Love : 1966)
4. Moonweevil – Child Of The Sky (originally by The Deviants : 1967)
5. Kris Gietkowski – A-Minor Explosion (originally by Don Shinn : 1966)
6. The Yardbirds – Think About It (live in 2016) (originally by The Yardbirds : 1968)

side 3

1. The Locker Room Cowboys – We Love You (originally by The Rolling Stones : 1967)
2. King Penguin – White Bird (written : 1967, released by It’s A Beautiful Day : 1969)
3. Aunt Cynthia’s Cabin – Solitary Man (originally by Neil Diamond : 1966)
4. The Luck Of Eden Hall – Reflected (originally by Alice Cooper : 1968)

side 4

1. The Honey Pot – Kites (written by Hackaday/Pockriss; recorded by The Rooftop Singers / Simon Dupree and the Big Sound : 1967)
2. Cary Grace – 1983 (A Merman I Should Be…) (originally by the Jimi Hendrix Experience : 1968)

side 5

1. Sidewalk Society – A Saying For Today (originally by The Action : 1968)
2. Jay Tausig – Let No Man Steal Your Thyme (trad. recorded by Anne Briggs : 1963 / Pentangle : 1968)
3. Magic Bus – Tribal Gathering (originally by The Byrds : 1967)
4. Proud Peasant – Down At Circe’s Place (originally by Touch : 1968)
5. Icarus Peel – Beck’s Bolero (originally by Jeff Beck Group : 1966)

side 6

1. The Green Ray – Dusty (originally by John Martyn : 1968)
2. Ex-Norwegian – Winter (originally by Family : 1968)
3. Consterdine – Fly (originally by J.K. & Co : 1968)
4. The Gold Needles – The Smell of Incense (originally by West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band : 1967)
5. The Pretty Things – Loneliest Person (live at the Half Moon, 2010) (originally by The Pretty Things : 1968)

The other new vinyl release comes from Kris Gietkowski, who created the wonderfully-mad solo instrumental version of Egg‘s first album last year from FdM. He’s back and it’s as if Egg have never been away – on ‘Symmetric Communication‘, he moves onto their second album with a cover of ‘A Visit To Newport Hospital‘ and then creates two new compositions that are heavily influenced by the band – again it’s all instrumental and the work of one man – and I think it’s damn good (he said modestly).

 

Rude Audio – Rude Redux (Zirkus Records 8 October 2018)

London’s Rude Audio announce ‘Rude Redux’ EP, preview first single ‘To The Sun’

Rude Audio are proud to announce their new ‘Rude Redux’ EP, slated for release on October 8 through Zirkus Records. Featuring five tracks, this new release sees the band refine their trademark sound, and fusing their love of woozy dub with throbbing electronics. Here, house music, flecked with Arab and Indian vibes, also shamelessly cavorts with dub.

Ahead of this release, Rude Audio present the lead track ‘To The Sun’, complete with a new virtual reality-inspired video, directed by Ali Ingle. This week, Andrew Weatherall also just premiered two tracks from the new EP on his radio show.

Rude Audio is a South London-based collective with a history of putting on fantastic underground parties, releasing the occasional dubby Balearic opus, engineering for the disparate likes of Paul Weller, Lemon Jelly and Royal Blood and generally mooching about anywhere that doesn’t have bouncers or operate a dress code.

The core of the collective are Mark Ratcliff (whose releases have been played by the likes of Andrew Weatherall, Laurent Garnier, Kris Needs, Don Letts, Graeme Park and Rob de Bank, as well as BBC Radio 6’s Nemone and Gideon Coe), Owain Lloyd (mixing engineer for everyone from Oakenfold and Weller to Niall Horan) and Dave [The Rave] Brennan (ex The End recordings and key player at tech house dons’ label, Bombis).

The EP represents a progression from Rude Audio’s latest ‘Rudest’ EP. More hooks, more chug, and more Middle Eastern and Indian influences, while retaining an underlying commitment to the dubby end of the spectrum. Inspired by the more open-minded dancefloors proliferating in south and east London, where world music might brush up against techno, dub and indie dance, the ‘Rude Redux’ EP operates between 108 and 120 BPM – fast enough to dance to, slow enough to let the music breathe.

Inspired by the new, eclectic, lower BPM spirit found on more discerning south and east London dancefloors in recent years, the ‘Rude Redux’ EP has allowed Rude Audio to bury into its abiding love of dub, leftfield house and middle eastern sounds and weld everything to a chunky four-to-the-floor anchor.

The Rude Audio sound takes dub and house as its starting point and heads out into analogue electronic waters, where the chuggy, Balearic spirit of early 90s progressive house meets its more modern, low slung counterpart – think A Love From Outer Space, indie dance and nu disco.

“Whenever we are producing and getting excited by our output, we always insist that things sound as good as early Future Sound Of London singles and remixes. More broadly, we continue to be inspired by the more open and eclectic dancefloors of the early 90s and their spiritual counterparts today. Long may the Balearic spirit continue to resonate,” says Mark Ratcliff.

This EP includes a remix by Rich Lane, one of the best underground remixers and producers in the UK electronic music. His tunes are spun by all the key players in the new Balaeric scene – Andrew Weatherall, Sean Johnson, Daniel Avery and Logan Fisher. His sound has spread across dancefloors such as A Love From Outer Space with some of his recent remixes already considered classics.

“Rich Lane’s remix of ‘Steady State‘ is our favourite remix of the last 5 years, and his remix of our own ‘To The Half Moon’ is right up there alongside it, in our humble opinion,” says Ratcliff.

Rude Audio continue their residency at Flaxonptootch in Kentish Town, London, the first Thursday of every month, where art shows mutate into parties later in the evening. He is joined by an extra special guest this September.

Rude Audio will host a launch party for the EP in mid-October supported by some special guests, more detail to follow.

TRACK LIST
1. To The Sun
2. To The Half Moon
3. Rumble on Arab St
4. Pipeline Screaming
5. To The Half Moon (Rich Lane remix)

CREDITS
‘To The Sun’, ‘To The Half Moon’ and ‘Rumble on Arab St’ – written by Mark Ratcliff and Owain Lloyd
‘Pipeline Screaming’ – written by Mark Ratcliff
‘To The Half Moon remix’ – remix by Rich Lane
Produced and arranged by Mark Ratcliff
Mixed by Owain Lloyd
Engineered by Dave Brennan
Cover art by Ralph Dodd
Mastered by Chris at Blacklisted

Keep up with Rude Audio
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Instagram | Spotify | iTunes

 

The Swagger – Heart ‘N’ Soul (31 August 2018)

London’s The Swagger presents bold new single ‘Heart ‘N’ Soul’

London outfit The Swagger presents their bold new single ‘Heart ‘N’ Soul’, which is set for release on August 31. Ahead of this, the band are previewing their new video, which features a surprising story line and unexpected ending, cloaked in dark humour.

‘Heart ‘N’ Soul’ was produced by Mike Bennett (Ian Brown, The Specials, Doctor & The Medics) with Angus Wallace (Wishbone Ash, Spiritualized, The Fall) as sound engineer. It was recorded at Far Heath Studios in Northamptonshire, famed for recordings by The Specials, The Fall and The Prodigy, among others.

This single follows their eponymous debut EP (2016), produced by Graham Bonnar (Swervedriver / The Brian Jonestown Massacre), engineered by Josh Green (Madness, Robbie Williams, Franz Ferdinand), mixed and mastered by Pat Collier (The Vibrators). It was recorded at the renowned Konk Studios in North London, founded by The Kinks’ Ray and Dave Davies.

The Swagger are an indie-alternative, acoustic-pop rock band from Hornsey, North London UK formed in 2011. The band consists of brothers Lee Stevens (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Paul Stevens(lead guitar, backing vocals), together with Will O’Connell (bass guitar). Originally playing small London pubs and clubs as The Mad Hatters UK, The Swagger was born in 2011 when the brothers were joined by their friend Will O’Connell.

‘Heart ‘N’ Soul’ is a confessional love song based on admiring one’s beauty from a far. Here we find an easy-to-catch old school vibe in a melody fitting for the here and now.

“I wanted to write a catchy British indie melodic pop tune with great harmonies with a dark edge to it. I rather fancied a girl at the time and wanted to express the way i felt about her. The song pretty much wrote itself. Simplicity was the key. This is a love song with a Kinks and Madness vibe, listening to these bands who have inspired me for many years now,” says Lee Stevens.

With influences including The Beatles, The Kinks, Oasis, The Who, Ocean Colour Scene, and Stereophonics, The Swagger’s music is modern acoustic pop-rock with a catchy yet gritty aesthetic, combining melodic 60’s style harmonies and classic 90’s Britpop indie-alternative.

The band has supported Creation Records’ Hurricane #1, arranged through supporter Alan McGee, as well as Slydigs, in addition to headlining The Cavern Club in Liverpool for the International Pop Festival 2017. Their impressive live show has earned them support from not only McGee, but also John Power (The La’s, Cast).

As of August 31, The Swagger’s new single will be available through online stores and streaming platforms. The band is also offering a free download of the track via Bandcamp or Music Glue.

The Swagger’s single release show will take place on August 24 at London’s 02 Academy Islington (stage time 6:00 pm) as part of ‘Loud in London’ Festival, featuring bands such as Toploader, Republica, Space and EMF, among others. On September 1, they play an unplugged set at The Islington, 1 Tolpuddle Street (stage time 4:30 pm).

CREDITS
Lee Stevens – Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Paul Stevens – Rhythm/Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Roger Malaquias – Drums
Written by Lee Stevens & Paul Stevens
Recorded by The Swagger 2018
Produced by Mike Bennett & The Swagger
Recorded at Far Heath studios, Long Buckby Northamptonshire UK
Engineered, Mixed & Mastered by Angus Wallace
Cover artwork by Lee Stevens

Music video created by Electric Copper Films Ltd
Produced by Tina Emmett
Directed & Editing by Ben Coen

Keep up with The Swagger
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | YouTube | Instagram | ReverbNation

 

The Mutineers – Τhreshold EP (Mutiny Studios 14 September 2018)

The Mutineers to release ‘Threshold EP’, unveil video for ‘Drug For That’

Ahead of a busy 2018 national tour schedule, The Mutineers have announced their new five-track ‘Threshold’ EP, slated for release on September 14. At this time, they present a brand new video for ‘Drug For That’, filmed and directed by California-based photographer and visual artist Clovis IV.  The track, previously released on ‘Live At B-Side’, will be offered as a bonus track on a special Bandcamp edition of the EP.

Based in Portland, Oregon, The Mutineers are a rock n roll husband-wife duo with country leanings and punk rock tendencies. With Brian Mathusek on guitar and Merry Young on drums, the couple share vocal duties. Sounding like a cross between Johnny and June with John Doe and Exene, and a bit of Nick Cave and PJ Harvey, their sound esthetic is influenced by such artists as Bruce Springsteen, X, Nick Cave, Loretta Lynn, and Elvis Presley.

“We wrote ‘Drug For That’ around 2012/13, when I felt there was little to no politics in new music. There wasn’t a lot of angst because things felt sort of under control. We had a willful blindness towards our actions on the world stage. Culturally, there was this worship of gawdy celebrities that was over the top. I wanted to write something that lambasted the idea of American Exceptionalism because none of what I was seeing seemed too exceptional. Musically, the song was inspired by my time in punk and hard core bands in NJ in the 90’s and by The Dead Kennedys,” says Brian Mathusek.

Merry Young explains: “This video was shot in the area surrounding our home in Southeast Washington. It’s a place where decay and growth are intermingled. The beautiful buildings, that must have once held so much promise, are left to rot away. They are the shadows of someone else’s dream. We thought it made for a striking backdrop to this video. This song is for those who haven’t bought into the idea of American Exceptionalism, and to those of you who would like to get back to the basics of life.”

Co-produced alongside Raymond Richards (The Parson Red Heads) at B-Side Recording Studio in Portland, this is the band’s third EP and fifth significant release. Originally founded by Brian Mathusek and Michael Astudillo in 2007 and joined by Merry Young soon afterwards, The Mutineers debuted with their ‘Tidal Wave’ EP in 2008, followed by the ‘Nihilisteria’ EP (2009) and ‘From the Dirge to the Dance’ LP (2011). The new fully-arranged recordings diverge from the duo’s previous release ‘Live at B-Side’ (2016), which was recorded without any overdubs.

With this latest effort, The Mutineers have begun a new chapter, collaborating more closely in their songwriting process. Their latest songs feature characters who are flawed, stubborn and struggling with their demons. They wander confused, obsessed, addicted and envious, through the microcosms of Threshold in search of happiness, understanding and love.

The Mutineers will be touring nationally through the fall. In the past two years, they have given over 120 performances in 30 states. They have shared the stage with such notable artists as The Tallest Man on Earth, Langhorne Slim, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Larry and His Flask, The Devil Makes Three, The White Buffalo, and Murder by Death. When not touring, the couple run a graphic design and screen printing business, Mutiny Studios.

In collaboration with Clovis IV, a visual storyteller, The Mutineers have continued exploring the visuals associated with their song themes, helping express their music, in still images and now on music video. Clovis started working in the visual arts in the early 90’s. Connected to the worlds of music and media, he has continued to express the stories of artists & individuals in still and moving images. Be it as a photographer or designer, Clovis has worked with many artists, including New Model Army, Thievery Corporation, Faith and the Muse, Concrete Blonde and Flesh For Lulu.

As of September 14, ‘Threshold’ will be available digitally on all major platforms and as a limited edition hand-printed, numbered and signed CD, available directly from the band at live shows or through their website. Comprised of five tracks, the special Bandcamp edition also features ‘Drug For That’ as a bonus track.

In support of this new release, The Mutineers will be heading out on their extensive U.S. tour, which kicks off on September 13.

TRACK LIST
1. Hard Sell
2. Couldn’t Get Over You
3. Afterthought
4. I’ve Got The Bottle
5. Hourglass
Drug For That (bonus track for Bandcamp edition)

CREDITS
Brian Mathusek – guitar and vocals
Merry Young – drums and vocals
Raymond Richards – electric guitar, baritone guitar, bass guitar, pedal steel and percussion
Produced by The Mutineers and Raymond Richards at B-Side Recording Studio in Portland
Engineering and mixing by Raymond Richards
All photos and video by Clovis IV

PORTLAND TO PORTLAND TOUR DATES
Sept. 13   La Grande, OR – Ten Depot St
Sept. 14   Boise, ID – The Funky Taco for EP RELEASE SHOW
Sept. 15   Salt Lake City, UT – Private Event
Sept. 16   Denver, CO – Lion’s Lair (with The Dollhouse Thieves, D.W.Doucet, Bear & the Beasts)
Sept. 18   Topeka, KS – The Boobie Trap
Sept. 19   Dubuque, IA – The Lift
Sept. 20   Milwaukee, WI – Boone & Crockett
Sept. 21   Hamtramck, MI – The Outer Limits Lounge (with John Salvage)
Sept. 22   Lakewood, OH – The Five O’clock Lounge (with The Del Rios)
Sept. 23   Pittsburgh, PA – Howlers (with The Devil’s Holler)
Sept. 25   Youngstown, OH – Cedars West End
Sept. 26   Rochester, NY – Abilene Bar & Lounge
Sept. 27   Albany, NY – The Low Beat
Sept. 29   Norwood, NJ – Gerry’s Place
Oct. 3   Burlington, VT – Radio Bean
Oct. 4   Portland, ME – Dogfish Bar & Grille
Oct. 6   Becket, MA – Dream Away Lodge
Oct. 9   Jersey City, NJ – Pet Shop
Oct. 17   Harrisonburg, VA – TBD
Oct. 18   Baltimore, MD – Dangerously Delicious Pies
Oct. 19   Washington, DC – The Pie Shop (with Wonky Tonk and The Highballers)
Oct. 20   Staunton, VA – The Pompei Lounge
Oct. 21   Richmond, VA – Carey St. Cafe (with The Atkinsons)
Oct. 25  Chapel Hill, NC – The Cave
Oct. 26  Charlotte, NC – TBD
Oct. 27  Asheville, NC – TBD
Nov. 1   Las Vegas, NV – Double Down Saloon (with The People’s Whiskey)
Nov. 2   Culver City, CA – The Cinema Bar (with Patrolled By Radar)
Nov. 3   Santa Ynez, CA – Maverick Saloon (with Matt Armor)
Nov. 4   Ventura, CA – MadeWest Brewing (with Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress)
Nov. 6   San Luis Obispo, CA – TBD
Nov. 7   Sacramento, CA – TBD
Nov. 8   Blue Lake, CA – Mad River Brewing
Nov. 9   Crescent City, CA – Port O’Pints Brewing
Nov. 10   Portland, OR – TBD

Keep up with The Mutineers
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Keep up with Clovis IV
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | AllMusic | MusicBrainz

 

Beauty in Chaos – Finding Beauty In Chaos (33.3 Music Collective 21 September 2018)

Beauty in Chaos debut LP features members of The Mission, The Cure, Cheap Trick, Ministry. Preview first single ‘Storm’ ft. Ashton Nyte

LA-based Beauty in Chaos has announced the debut album ‘Finding Beauty in Chaos’. Born of frustration and creativity, this is an audio assemblage curated by LA-based guitarist Michael Ciravolo and produced by Michael Rozon. This colossal work is previewed by the lead single ‘Storm’ featuring Ashton Nyte (The Awakening, MGT).

The debut album ‘Finding Beauty in Chaos’ features numerous luminaries in the music world, both as co-writers and performers. Apart from Ashton Nyte, these include Wayne Hussey (The Mission), Simon Gallup (The Cure), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Al Jourgensen(Ministry), Pete Parada (The Offspring), dUg Pinnick (Kings X), ICE-T(Body Count), Michael Aston (Gene Loves Jezebel), Michael Anthony (Van Halen), Dirk Doucette (Gene Loves Jezebel), Pando (A Flock of Seagulls), Evi Vine (Evi Vine), Betsy Martin (Caterwaul / Purr Machine), Marc Danzeisen (The Riverdogs), Kevin Kipnis (Purr Machine / Kommunity FK), Rudy Matchinga (Red Scare), Johnny Indovina (Human Drama), and Tish Ciravolo (Stun Gun).

“I look at this as an evolving entity that I am the ‘curator’. For this album, ‘Finding Beauty in Chaos’, I am the only guitarist and no keyboards are used, but you will hear loads of textures created from guitars and effect pedals. This is a convergence of textures and styles that I envisioned blossoming,” says Michael Ciravolo.

“Assembling, or in some cases, disassembling beautiful soundscapes, melodies and chords, while injecting harsh bursts of sonics … or visa versa.  Light in the dark, dark in the light is the contrast that helps in realizing the goal of creating something musical that is also very visual and cinematic.”

Originally from New Orleans and now based in Los Angeles, Michael Ciravolo has played guitar in Human Drama for the past 30 years, most recently on ‘Broken Songs for Broken People’ (2017). Perhaps best known as President of Schecter Guitar Research, he has also played live and recorded with Michael Ashton’s Gene Loves Jezebel since 1998, along with Tish Ciravolo (wife and founder of Daisy Rock Guitars).

The lead track ‘Storm’ was co-written with and features vocals by Ashton Nyte, who also collaborates on another two tracks on this album. This, like many of the tracks on this album, features layers of alternative rock bliss, crowned by powerful and penetrating vocals.

‘Storm’ is about seeking a light in the proverbial dark, destructive and tediously distracting world we find ourselves in. “And the storm can wait, wait outside for another sacrifice”.

“I sat down with the intent to write something that would encompass all elements of what I wanted this record to be … a mixture of beauty via chords and textures with an interjection of a little chaos and brashness,” says Ciravolo.

Originally from South Africa, Ashton Nyte is a pioneer of alternative music in his home country. The frontman of The Awakening, he recently collaborated with Mark Gemini Thwaite (Peter Murphy, The Mission) on MGT’s debut solo album, not a surprising collaboration considering The Awakening’s extensive touring experience with The Mission.

“Storm is the first song Michael and I wrote together and it happened rather effortlessly. Musically and lyrically, the artistic synergy was perfect… it felt like it was made for my voice and instantly inspired lyrics and vocal melodies we are both proud of. Michael has a wonderful sense of mood and melody and his songs are a lush landscape for me to add what I do best, in a very fluid, natural way,” says Ashton Nyte.

This record was mostly recorded and fully mixed at Ciravolo’s SAINTinLA Studio by Michael Rozon, who Ciravolo says “is a world-class engineer, mixer, producer and musician, who pushed me to give my better-than-best on every note. A true sound alchemist, he encouraged me to explore the sounds and textures in my mind.”

In addition to the full version of ‘Storm’, which is now available in streaming, excerpts from three tracks off the album can already be previewed on the Beauty in Chaos website. These include ‘Man of Faith’ (featuring Wayne Hussey and Simon Gallup), ‘Finding Beauty in Chaos’ (featuring Ashton Nyte), and ‘I Will Follow You’ (featuring Evi Vine).

‘Finding Beauty in Chaos’ will be released on September 21. It will be available on vinyl via 33.3 Records and digitally across online stores and streaming platforms. It can already be pre-ordered via Bandcamp.

SINGLE CREDITS
Ashton Nyte – vocals
Michael Ciravolo – guitars, electric bass
Michael Rozon – drum programming, electric bass
Dirk Doucette – live drums
Recorded, mixed and produced by Michael Rozon
Additional recording by Ashton Nyte

Keep up with Beauty in Chaos
Website | Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | Bandcamp

 

Kommunity FK 40th Anniversary

California, here they come!

Via Patrik Mata of Kommunity FK:

“Here we come…..so you come, too. Let’s come 2gether & party like it’s Kommunity FK’s 40th year anniversary, & it most definitely is!
Blessed Be.”

How cool is that. 🙂  Grab your boots… the party’s just getting started!  Keep up to date with all the latest (and check back on some of the past on tribe4mian) through the official links below.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

KOMMUNITY FK at FACEBOOK

LINKS TO PRIOR KOMMUNITY FK at TRIBE4MIAN

And don’t forget, send us your event pictures and we’ll be sure to shine a light on YOU and your captured images.

 

K Michelle Dubois – Wild Weed (12 October 2018)

Based in Atlanta, GA, Dubois’ counts Blondie’s ‘Autoamerican’ and Divinyls among her influences, along with Stevie Nicks, Roxy Music, Flaming Lips, Grandaddy, and Fever Ray. DuBois’s live band includes Chandler Rentz (drums), Jim Prible (bass), André Griffin (keys) and Dan Dixon (guitar), who also recorded, produced and mastered this album at RCDC studio in Atlanta.

On ‘Harness’, DuBois balances the experimental with her innate talent for distinctive hooks. This is an indie pop-rock gemthat is sonic, rustic, and strong on harmonies. Although she remains anchored in hook-laden structures, this album pushes the experimental side of her previous work to new heights.

While most of DuBois’ solo output intertwines classic power-pop with 90s college rock, ‘Harness’ boasts a heftier sonic tone than her previous album ‘Astral Heart’ with its bouncy rhythms, jangly guitars and sing-song charm.

“To me, ‘Harness’ is not about taming; it’s about recognizing and utilizing all this amazing energy that is radiating. I’ve been deeply feeling my hippie roots and, at the same time, intrigued by advances in technology. I’m inspired by such stories as Ex Machina and West Word, which both invigorate and produce intense melancholy in me,” says K Michelle Dubois.

“Much of this album is like one big pep talk for the ladies (myself included). Even for the A.I. characters – finally finding their freedom, It’s like a party, but still there’s an underlying sadness. Throughout Harness there’s a strong suggestion to celebrate magic, whenever possible.”

K Michelle DuBois first got into music very young, building harmonies to pass the time during the family’s frequent road trips. DuBois began writing her own material as a teenager in Nashville after receiving a bass guitar for Christmas. She crafted her early songs on bass, a Yamaha synthesizer and a drum machine in her parents’ four-track studio, but a flood of creative possibilities came upon discovering open-tuning on acoustic guitar, thereafter solidifying her commitment to songwriting.

After forming her first band Ultrababyfat and releasing ‘Silver Tones Smile’ (1998), the group’s infectious pop-punk sound garnered national attention, leading to opening slots for numerous noteworthy acts Pavement and PJ Harvey, and a 2001 stint on The Warped Tour as one of the few female-led bands showcased in the festival’s lineup.

After the band disbanded in 2005, DuBois formed Luigi to explore her more progressive, art-rock leanings. After seven years together and ample critical acclaim, she re-emerged as a solo artist under the tempered guidance of producer Ben Price at Studilaroche, releasing her debut album ‘Lux Capone’ in 2012. DuBois also contributes vocals for Atlanta-based dream-gaze collective Parsons Rocket Project.

While ‘Harness’ will be released across the main online stores and streaming platforms on October 12, the first single ‘Wild Weed’ will be available for streaming already on August 24. The full album can already be pre-pre-ordered via Bandcamp.

CREDITS 
All songs written by K Michelle DuBois.
Recorded, produced and mastered by Dan Dixon at RCDC studio in Atlanta, GA.
Dan Dixon – guitars, keys, backing vocals and percussion
K Michelle Dubois – vocals, guitar, keys and percussion
Chandler Rentz – drums

Keep up with K Michelle Dubois
Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Shop | Spotify | iTunes | Press contact

 

Cocksure – Be Rich (Metropolis Records 7 September 2018)

Once again, Chris Connelly‘s howling bark meets Jason Novak‘s bone crushing rhythmic bite as Cocksure, bridging the gap between waxtrax! era industrial & futuristic sounds of mass corruption.

FROM DISCOGS: “Cocksure is a Revolting Cocks spin-off with long time Revolting Cocks/Ministry collaborator/composer/singer Christopher J. Connelly at the steer, together with Acumen Nation front man Jason C. Novak.”

Be Rich is Cocksure’s best – an amorous, amoral nod to the duos pasts in Revolting Cocks & Acumen Nation, irreverently, vehemently crotch-punched into the cutting edge of today’s underground industrial.

You can pre-order it from: Bandcamp

Find them on Facebook HERE

I found this interview they gave about a year ago on Loop Magazine…

 

David J – Crocodile Tears and The Velvet Cosh (Glass Modern 7 September 2018)

Bauhaus’ David J re-releases pivotal ‘Crocodile Tears and The Velvet Cosh’ LP on Glass Modern

It’s been a long time coming, but David J (Haskins) is returning to his roots.40 years since the formation of Bauhaus, he has announced two one-off solo UK concerts in between festival dates with Bauhaus vocalist Peter Murphy and their newly-announced world tour, including‘ Back to Beck, a historic intimate event at the studio in Wellingborough, England where ‘Bela Lugosi’s Dead’ was recorded. Released on August 6, 1979 by Small Wonder Records, this is considered the first gothic rock release. Featuring lyrics composed by David J, this massively significant single led to a John Peel session, two years of charting in the British independent charts, and being signed to 4AD Records and, later, Beggar’s Banquet.

David J is also returning to his roots in another way, reissuing his solo album ‘Crocodile Tears and The Velvet Cosh’ LP on September 7. This was his second solo release after Bauhaus’ disbanding. Released on Glass Records in 1985, the label’s new incarnation, Glass Modern Records, will release this remastered David J classic on 180-gram heavyweight clear vinyl with inner bag featuring all the lyrics, plus new sleeve-notes by David Barker of Glass Records.

This album was recorded at Beck Studios, as many other Bauhaus and David J releases. Between Bauhaus’ end and the formation of Love and Rockets, David J recorded 5 singles and 1 LP for Glass Records, and also played on 2 albums by The Jazz Butcher. ‘Crocodile Tears and The Velvet Cosh’ is one of the crowning glories of the original Glass label.

David J says, “This is a personal pastoral favourite and the album that really set the tone for all of my future solo endeavors. Now it is being re-released as a limited edition on beautiful high quality 180 g clear vinyl by the newly rebooted Glass Modern label. ‘Feels like coming home!”

Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction once described David J as the Avant of the Avant-garde, with good reason. Since Bauhaus disbanded in 1983, David has enjoyed a long and varied solo career. The first of Bauhaus’ members to actively step outside of the comfort zone of his original band, he released his debut album ‘Etiquette of Violence’ that same year and has since released numerous solo albums, founded the hugely successful Love and Rocketd, produced and played bass with The Jazz Butcher, and joined the reformed Bauhaus again twice for world tours.

Following a performance at London’s The Islington on Saturday, August 25, David J will play a special live acoustic concert for a small crowd on Sunday, August 26 at Beck Studios. This will be David’s first time in the studio since recording his ‘Blue Moods Turning Tail’ EP in 1984. This special limited capacity show features music originally recorded there, as well as songs spanning his career.

As part of this rare event, Andrew Brooksbank, author of ‘Bauhaus – Beneath The Mask’, will conduct an interview with David, followed by a Q&A with the audience. This historic concert is not to be missed and will be both recorded and filmed for later release.

From there David J will join Peter Murphy for a 40-year Bauhaus anniversary tour across the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, for which they will play their full debut LP ‘In The Flat Field’. Bauhaus released 4 groundbreaking albums, cementing their place in music history. Considered one of the most influential bands since The Velvet Underground, Bauhaus spearheaded the post-punk alternative music scene of the early ‘80’s, defining a style that is feasibly the pinnacle of the gothic scene. Late 2018 will bring a series of coloured vinyl Bauhaus reissues and more tour dates are expected later.

Order ‘Crocodile Tears And The Velvet Cosh’ via Bandcamp and ‘Who Killed Mr. Moonlight’, his book on his Bauhaus years, via David’s website. His latest album  ‘Vagabond Songs’ (2017) can be ordered here. Tickets for David J solo UK dates are available here and Peter Murphy-David J tour tickets can be ordered here.

TRACKLIST
1. Crocodile Tears And The Velvet Cosh
2. Too Clever By Half
3. The First Incision
4. Imitation Pearls
5. Light And Shade
6. René
7. Stop This City
8. Justine
9. The Ballad Of Cain
10. The Vandal And The Saint
11. Boats
12. Slip The Rope
13. Greener

TOUR DATES (all dates with Peter Murphy except Aug. 25-26)
Aug 15 – Kluisbergen, Belgium @ W Fest
Aug 17 – Taranto, Italy @ Cinzella Festival
Aug 23 – Vilar de Mouros, Portugal – Vilar de Mouros Festival
Aug 25 – London, UK @ The Islington **David J solo show**
Aug 26 – Wellingborough, UK @ Beck Studios **David J solo show**
Oct 18 – Wellington, New Zealand @ San Fran
Oct 19 – Christchurch, New Zealand @ Foundry
Oct 20 – Auckland, New Zealand @ Powerstation
Oct 22 – Adelaide, Australia @ Governor Hindmarsh
Oct 25 – Brisbane, Australia @ The Zoo
Oct 26 – Melbourne, Australia @ Max Watts
Oct 27 – Sydney, Australia @ The Factory
Oct 28 – Perth, Australia @ The Capitol Theatre
Nov 6 – St. Petersburg, Russia @ Aurora Hall
Nov 7 – Moscow, Russia @ Glavclub
Nov 9 – Belgrade, Serbia @ Dom Omladine Beograda
Nov 10 – Frankfurt, Germany @ Das Bett
Nov 12 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Mascotte
Nov 14 – Paris, France @ Bataclan
Nov 18 – Madrid, Spain @ La Riviera
Nov 19 – Barcelona, Spain @ Razzmataz
Nov 21 – Rome, Italy @ Orion Live Club
Nov 22 – Milan, Italy @ Fabrique
Nov 23 – Munich, Germany @ Ampere
Nov 24 – Bochum, Germany @ Christuskirche
Nov 26 – Wroclaw, Poland @ A2
Nov 27 – Berlin, Germany @ Columbia Theater
Nov 28 – Hamburg, Germany @ Knust
Dec 4 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Ritz
Dec 5 – Glasgow, UK @ SWG3
Dec 6 – Northampton, UK @ Roadmender
Dec 8 – Leeds, UK @ Leeds Beckett SU
Dec 9 – London, UK @ O2 Forum Kentish Town
Dec 11 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Store Vega
Dec 12 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Nalen
Dec 14 – Athens, Greece @ Gazi Music Hall
Dec 15 – Thessaloniki, Greece @ Principal Club Theater

Keep up with David J
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bandcamp | YouTube | Patreon | Spotify | iTunes

 

PILES – Una Volta (Aagoo Records / REV. Lab Records 21 September 2018)

Aagoo Records announces ‘Una Volta’ LP from experimental outfit PILES, previews ‘Drones and Piles’

Aagoo Records has announced they will release the debut album from experimental outfit PILES in cooperation with Amsterdam label REV. Lab Records. The album ‘Una Volta’ will be released as a CD with accompanying art book. Ahead of that release, PILES is previewing the lead track ‘Drones and Piles’.

‘Drones and Piles’ emerged as a reinterpreted live version #13 of a composition from ‘Drones and Drolls’, with 12 previous versions first appearing on the concept album ‘Le Batteur Est Le Meilleur Ami Du Musicien’ by PILES drummer Guigou Chevenier.

Based in the French cities of Nancy and Avignon, PILES is comprised of Guigou Chevenier (Etron Fou Leloublan, Volapük), Anthony Laguerre (Filiamotsa, Club Cactus, Myotis), and Michel Deltruc (Isle-Adam 95, NAJA Nancy Jazz Action). In 2016, Chevenier had the idea for PILES to continue his musical work with experimental trio ‘Les Batteries’ between 1985 and 2000. This drum trio also involved British drummer Charles Hayward and American drummer Rick Brown. PILES’ three drummers have long and rich careers.

‘Una Volta’ is a knock-out record of eight drum sound compositions, revealing secrets of the universe that are written in light. Abstract instrumental, this collection of tracks was created by three friends who teamed up especially for this recording.

PILES’ sound is a free fall into the universe of energetic beats, rhythm, dynamics, repetition of the unexpected. It is an adventure that reveals the hidden depths of their sound spectrum of acoustic drums.

PILES’ drumming is shaped by their individual musical roads by life, architecture, landscapes, nature, politics, film, art, dance and theater. By seeing and hearing the rhythm in all that surrounds us. Taking inspiration from kraut rock, free jazz and improv, they are also influenced by Can, Dave Grohl, Arvo Part, Drumbo (of Captain Beefheart), Robert Wyatt, Abe Cunningham, Jimmy Chamberlain, Jon Theodore, Joe Baron and many others.

PILES ‘Una Volta’ CD is accompanied by a 32-page booklet based on the graphic stop-motion video ‘Drones and Piles’, created by graphic artist Bas Mantel. The visuals were created to the music in the same way the scenes of Eisenstein’s1938 film ‘Alexandre Nevski’ was directed totally based on the rhythm of the music of Sergei Prokofiev.

The rhythmic and fragmentary style of the black and white images exposes the art of dance with Lettraset, dots-dots-dots, molecules transmitting life and death, cells constructing shapes and graphic radiowaves translated into frequencies and velocity, repetition in electro magnetic patterns, and the isolation of getting lost in outer space.

Like PILES’ drum-based sound, these graphic designs are frightening, direct, loud/quiet, raw, layered, fragmentary, abstract and experimental. REV. Lab founder Bas Mantel felt PILES would be a perfect fit for the REV. Lab. series, released jointly with Aagoo Records.

REV. Lab is a small independent music label, whose sound and tone is rooted in electronic, ambient, experimental, cinematic and abstract soundscapes. This series investigates the relation between the graphic translation of the music and its physical output.

Aagoo Records is home to vinyl releases by Xiu Xiu, Phillip Petit, Eraldo Bernocchi & Chihei Hatakeyama, Lucky Dragons, Darto, CUP, connect_icut, and The Use.

‘Una Volta’ is a limited release of 300 copies, including a CD with book carefully packed in a semi-transparent glassine bag. As of September 21, it will be available via online stores and streaming platforms, but can already be ordered from Aagoo Records’ website and digitally via Bandcamp.

TRACK LIST
1. Drones and Piles 03:21
2. Decay 03:14
3. Ulrik 01:49
4. Mort aux cons 02:31
5. Kraut and Piles 09:04
6. Materials in US 09:08
7. Chambre d’echo 03:58
8. Marie 09:17

CREDITS
Anthony Laguerre [drums + keys + guitar] + Guigou Chenevier [drums] + Michel Deltruc [drums]
Produced by Anthony Laguerre at the Shadyn Studio (Nancy, France)
Recorded at Les Hauts Plateaux | Mix at the Shadyn Studio with the assistance of Emmanuel Gilot
Mastered by Jean Francois Hustin at Organic Studio in Liege
Concept & graphic art/design by Bas Mantel [revlaboratories.com]
‘Drones and Piles message text’ by Morgan Enos

Keep up with PILES / REV. Lab Records
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Vimeo | YouTube

Aagoo Records
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | Instagram