Versatile get the watch in, Voivod expose an iconspiracy, Asphyx deliver a Botox implosion (not to mention the song title of the week), Rooks dream small, The Beatflux are all wet and more in a relatively quiet Friday Roundup. Like a dollar-store emptying the shelves of Halloween candy for Christmas decorations, the music biz is officially breaking out the holiday singles today. I’m not any happier about it than you are, trust me.
ON REPEAT
1 | Versatile | Flashy Flashy
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Versatile are Ireland’s anti-heroes of hip-hop, having already driven music fans and media alike to despair and delight in equal measure. Now they look to continue their signature lack of subtlety with Flashy Flashy, their new single which, like it or not, will be stuck in your head indefinitely, whether you have a big swinging clock or not! On being asked about the meaning behind Flashy Flashy, the band were quick to respond: “Get the watch in.”
https://youtu.be/k_0j2aFqteE
2 | Voivod | Iconspiracy
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Canadian progressive sci-fi metal innovators Voivod will soon return with Lost Machine – Live, recorded in Québec City during the worldwide touring cycle for the band’s latest studio album The Wake. Iconspiracy is the second single for the No. 27 release. Drummer Michel “Away” Langevin comments: “ Like the video for the first single The Lost Machine, the footage comes from the Montréal Jazz Fest 2019 and the audio is from the Québec City Summer Fest 2019, where the entire live album was recorded. Iconspiracy has become one of our favorite songs to perform on tour since the album The Wake came out in 2018. The video direction is by Felipe Belalcazar and my art was animated by Jaan Silmberg.”
3 | Asphyx | Botox Implosion
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Dutch death doomers Asphyx recently announced their 10th album Necroceros drops Jan. 22. Today, they reveal first single Botox Implosion. Frontman Martin van Drunen says: “ We actually wanted to film this on Sunset Boulevard, where most of the pathetic subjects of this song have their residence, but due to the pandemic it was best not to fly over to the U.S.A. So since it’s a fast shredding and written in the typical humorous death metal gore tradition track, we put a few laughable elements in it. Fortunately good old Turock in Essen was so friendly to let us film there and where we’re usually not that keen on shooting videos, with this one we had quite some fun. Still, it is a helluva brutal tune!”
4 | Rooks | Vagrant Dreams
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Calgary rock trio Rooks release their debut LP The High Road and share a video for the single Vagrant Dreams, an angsty song about the struggles of a working musician. As time passes we grow older but it tends to take a musician’s career longer to come to fruition. These frustrations sometimes inspire the music which those musicians create. This is Rooks letting go of some unneeded anxiety and stress that comes with a fast-moving world.”
5 | The Beatflux | Wet
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Wet is The Beatflux’s new single from the upcoming debut EP State of Mind. It’s a more of a Grunge one with Punk references. Filmed on a skyscraper on a sweltering day in São Paulo, this is the drummer’s song!”
6 | Gaume | You Blacken My Soul
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “In these complicated times of confinement I present You Blacken My Soul, a track from the new album Call It What You Want. The clip was produced in the premises of the Ciné Créatis audiovisual school in Nantes last summer, and we warmly thank them for welcoming us. Without a concert at the moment the only visibility we have is that which you give us! Do not hesitate to share en masse, it helps us a lot and it allows us to continue to exist through you, hoping very much to see you again soon.”
7 | Los Straitjackets | Space Junket
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Grab your surfboard, wrestling mask and space suit, because Los Straitjackets are about to take you out of this world! Surf the cosmic waves on Space Junket, a new tune written by Daddy-O Grande that includes intergalactic Theremin sounds from Dr. Jorge Alderete.”
ALSO ON THE PLAYLIST
8 | Syd Carter West | Cheaters
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Vancouver musician Syd Carter West solved the problem of how to film a music video during a pandemic by making the safe choice to film it outdoors. In early October, West, along with a small cast and crew, travelled to Golden Ears Provincial Park to film the video for her latest single Cheaters. “The video for my tune Cheaters portrays a wicked bonfire setting where a mysterious ghost who died from a broken heart, helps a young woman come to the realization that the relationship she has with herself is more important than the love she has from her cheating partner,” says West. Cheaters is the first single from her self-titled debut EP.”
9 | The Barrel Boys | Upgraded Love
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto bluegrass powerhouse The Barrel Boys were unable to tour in support of their album Mainline, but they’re trying to make up for it with a live video for their latest single Upgraded Love. A heartbreaker of a song, Upgraded Love was written by banjo player Rob McLaren, who got the idea from a friend. “A friend of mine went through a breakup a few years ago that left him feeling unsure whether he wanted to continue with where he was living and working,” says Rob. “However, in a short time he had started a new job, met someone new, and bought a house. It’s a happy story, but makes for a sad song, as told from the opposite perspective.”
10 | Honeypot | Over the Line
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “It’s U.S. election week, and everyone’s feeling anxious (deep breaths). A new indie prog-rock band called Honeypot is here with a scathing video for Over the Line, criticizing the whole two-party system and asking people to look beyond the illusion of division and come together as a singular country. Guitarist/vocalist Frank Hartman explains: “The inspiration for the song is the deep divide we have as a country. There is a feeling of ‘us vs. them’ that should not be. It is a false illusion created by a Puppet Master who seeks to control through division. The point of the song is that it’s a false narrative, we are all Americans. We may have a difference of opinions, but our country should always come before the Party.”
11 | Rae Isla | Another Life
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Rae Isla’s latest single, Another Life, falls squarely into an indie pop / folk sensibility. It boasts lots of great guitar work and strong vocals, along with an uplifting personal message about her role in the LGBTQIA+ community.”
12 | Ananya | Everybody’s Lost
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Following the success of her single Let There Be Love, international popstar Ananya has released Everybody’s Lost. “The song is inspired by my own experiences of feeling lost at times and I think everyone can relate to that feeling in some way,” says Ananya. “I wrote it when I had moved to L.A. from India and was feeling really lost in a new big city. I just want people to know that it’s OK to be lost in life sometimes. It’s part of the process and it’s when you start digging deeper into who you are, what you love, that you start to find purpose.”
13 | Jenn Grant | Downtown Christmas Eve
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Following the announcement of her forthcoming holiday record Forever on Christmas Eve, set to drop Nov. 27, Jenn Grant shares the single Downtown Christmas Eve. The track comes alongside a playful and festive video. Forever On Christmas Eve was recorded during last year’s holiday season, and is filled with Patsy Cline-style swagger, showcasing Jenn covering all of the classics, in addition to her own new original.”
14 | Soulburn | Shrines of Apathy
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Dutch blackened death doomers Soulburn release their fourth album Noa’s D’Ark next week. The new single Shrines of Apathy is being released today, along with a video by Maurice Swinkels / Younique Film. Soulburn frontman Twan van Geel commented: “This song might just remind you all of the unstilled hunger of our death magnets! The time is NOW, and however you want to fill this in on your behalf, make it count! Mors Vincit Omnia!”
15 | Dawn of Ashes | Sleep Paralysis
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Los Angeles industrial artists Dawn of Ashes release their new video Sleep Paralysis. While using elements of visual horror reminiscent of HR Giger, Zdzisław Beksiński and Clive Barker, the music video places a spotlight on corruption, police brutality, and human rights. Sleep Paralysis harken back to early ’90s Industrial music, in the same vein as pioneers Ministry and Skinny Puppy. Sleep Paralysis comes from Dawn of Ashes’ new album The Antinomian.”
16 | Witherfall | The Last Scar
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Curse Of Autumn is the upcoming album from L.A.’s finest Witherfall, scheduled for a release in March. Listen to the first song, The Last Scar. Witherfall comments: “This is a nice a happy one… heavily inspired by an evening on tour in the Czech Republic. Quite possibly one of the most aggressive Witherfall songs and certainly a test of stamina for instrumentalists and voices … Like any other Witherfall record this one is quite the storm. This is but the first gust of wind.”
17 | Mauri Dark | Dreams Of A Middle-Aged Man
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “After five albums and hundreds of shows with metal duo Mystons, Mauri Kosonen releases dark folky singer/songwriter music as Mauri Dark. “Dreams Of A Middle-Aged Man is an autobiographical daydream from changing baby diapers to riding a motorcycle in The Lofoten Islands, Norway,” Mauri Dark says. “When you dream, you go to a beautiful place inside your mind, like in the end of that song. Dreaming is a state of mind where you are free.”
18 | Wassailer | 242
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Will, the London-based multi-talented artist behind the pseudonym Wassailer, returns to unveil the atmospheric 242. Named for an East London transit route, it’s the singer’s second outing from his debut full-length i, the bastard which lands Jan. 27. As he explains: “It’s about that post-relationship feeling of deep regrets, heavy guilt, mixed up with melancholia and hope. It’s also about realising how hard it is to be your true self, how easy it is to play a role, to avoid facing the real shit, I suppose.”
19 | VYB | Deja Vu
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Atlanta pop-rock band VYB (pronounced vibe) have released their single and video Deja Vu. The band states: “Deja Vu means a lot to us as a band. We feel that the sound of this song was something we’ve been working towards since we formed the band. Not only does Deja Vu mark a new era of our music, but we really feel it’s a representation of how far our music has come.”
20 | Donovan Woods | We Used To
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “A decade into his career, Donovan Woods’ songwriting remains wholly invested in exploring the human condition as he mines small moments to find greater truths. Woods’ new album Without People, is alive with intimacy and connection at a surreal time when we’re all in desperate need of both. Today, he shares a dance interpretation of the song We Used To, conceived and performed by Ariana and the Rose. The video is the most recent addition to the Donovan Woods With People Project, which sees the songwriter supporting independent creators and bridging art and music culture during the pandemic.”
21 | Laila Biali | Both Sides Now
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Following her interpretation of the Leonard Cohen classic Anthem, Laila Biali returns to pay homage to another Canadian icon — Joni Mitchell — with an enchanting cover of Both Sides Now just ahead of the singer-songwriter’s 77th birthday. Watch Biali perform the song, straight from her own living room. “We didn’t realize at the time how this song and its message would take on new meaning in the midst of a global pandemic and a very uncertain U.S. Election Week,” reflects Biali. “It was mostly meant to celebrate Joni’s birthday this coming Saturday. But, as with much of her material, the lyrics remain as relevant to our lives as ever; and in these times, I hope they bring comfort and perspective.”
22 | Cellus Hamilton | Same War (ft. Brittney Carter)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Atlanta meets Chicago in this lyrical duel of wordsmiths. Cellus Hamilton, an Atlanta hip-hop artist, has teamed up with Brittney Carter, a smooth lyricist from Chicago. The smooth track features production from Temper, and serves as a reminder that good music will always ease your soul.”
23 | Lewis Knaggs | Runaway
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Rising alt-rock singer Lewis Knaggs just dropped his new single Runaway. After taking so confidently to the sound with previous releases, Lewis returns bolder than ever with another rolling, guitar-driven number. His raspy trademark vocals light up the production around him, which overall is beautifully interwoven.”
24 | Rave The Reqviem | Holy Homicide
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Sweden’s Rave The Reqviem just released their new video Holy Homicide. The song is the third single taken from their upcoming magnum opus Stigmata Itch (out Dec. 4). Rave The Reqviem stands for a modern hybrid of metal and electronic music, delivered with catchy choruses and majestic symphonies. Stigmata Itch is the first album to feature their new vocalist The Sister Svperior. The sky is the limit, and the band aims for nothing less.”
25 | Short-Haired Domestic | A Song in German Concerning Gardens and Goodbyes
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Trailblazing U.K. producer Tim Friese-Greene presents A Song in German Concerning Gardens and Goodbyes, the latest single for his project Short-Haired Domestic, a collaboration with Lee Friese-Greene of ’90s London band Sidi Bou Said and vocalist / guitarist in Pavlova. “This single is about aging and change, and empty nests, finding that life can take on a different focus and meaning in middle-age; just learning how to sleep, how to sing, how to purr… It’s also about the cat,” says Lee.”
26 | Daniel Donskoy | 24
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “24 introduces a musician without borders: Daniel Donskoy. Starting in Moscow, Daniel’s career has taken him all over the world, from Germany to North America, the Middle East to London and shows no signs of stopping. Today he shares the video for 24. Daniel explains, “We tried to really capture the feeling of being trapped in a High. In a blurred memory of a night. The feeling of constant convulsion between reality and dream. Sensuality meets grit and roughness. Sensuality and human closeness is something we so dearly miss in recent times so I hope this video will make people remember how beautiful a human touch can be.”
27 | Julius Black | Summer
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Julius Black’s new track Summer is a heart-wrenching second chapter to the story that he commenced with his debut. His existential art-pop puts a teenage twist on the reflection of Villagers and the experimental soul of James Blake to create a statement that’s just as powerful. “I was moving cities, and we both knew we’d be leaving behind what we had,” says Julius. “I wanted to see it through, right ‘til the end, even though it was stupidly uncomfortable knowing that we won’t last. Summer is that feeling; a world coming to an end.”
28 | Sainted Sinners | Standing On Top
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The fans have been waiting for this for a long time: The first song of the Sainted Sinners with the new lineup around frontman Iacopo “Jack” Meille (Tygers of Pan Tang). The story of the song / video is quickly told: Singer Jack is new to a band, driven by the desire for big stages.”
29 | The Dogs | Welcome To The Revolution
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Dogs are a three-piece proto-punk band formed in Lansing, Michigan in 1968. They are noted for presaging the energy and sound of the punk and hardcore genres. They have released their latest single and video Welcome To The Revolution. “The song was inspired by Michael Des Barres, who came up with the title, and also by a Martin Luther King Jr quote. They both really moved me and lyrically hit a nerve because of the turbulent political landscape and the social injustice & unrest that we are living through today. ”
30 | B Streezy | For The Gram (ft. Juvenile)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Rising R&B artist B Streezy is excited to release his debut single For The Gram, featuring legendary rapper Juvenile. Produced by Jermaine A. Hankston, For The Gram is a classic two-step single that meshes the best of both worlds of R&B and hip-hop. The accompanying video, directed by Dragon, was shot in the Crescent City.”
31 | Chairmen Of The Boards | Moonlight Beach
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Thermal wet suit? Right. Maybe next year. With winter closing in, surf-rock trio Chairmen Of The Boards are here to keep the warm summertime vibes alive on your jukebox. If you appreciate raw rock and roll with a touch of psychedelia, as practiced by the likes of The Sadies, Beachwood Sparks and even The White Stripes, then Surfin’ The Apocalypse will easily fit into your collection or slide onto your favourite playlist.”
32 | Johno Leeroy | Bass Boat
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Anti-Corporate Music presents the third title in their acclaimed new singer/songwriter series The Magnolia Sessions, releasing a new performance by Denver country/folk artist Johno Leeroy. Leeroy calls the session “An intimate musical window into my personal life. All my songs are pretty much about my own downfalls and triumphs. I use songwriting as an escape as well as therapy. People want to see the train wreck. They don’t want to watch you cruise around in a Prius. I would consider it not-so-traditional American songwriting.”
33 | Chris Pierce | American Silence
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “L.A. songwriter Chris Pierce debuts the first single from his upcoming 2021 album, American Silence. The song’s an encouragement to keep fighting and to keep marching, pushing for change and standing up against those trying to push America back to an earlier age of oppression. Pierce channels some of the legendary justice and freedom writers like Richie Havens, The Staple Singers, Bob Dylan and Nina Simone, with sparse instrumentation and soulfully passionate vocals.”
34 | Intervals | String Theory
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Torchbearers of progressive instrumental rock, Intervals debut their third single String Theory from their forthcoming full-length Circadian, out Nov. 13. Marking some of the heaviest yet most memorable pieces of the album, String Theory finds Aaron Marshall delving deep into his influences and coming out the other side with some of his most rewarding material yet. Says Marshall: “Not only have I been itching to compose some more seven-string material for some time now, but this tune features one of my favourite guitarists of all time. Marco is an absolute legend and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to feature him on this track.”
35 | Druon Antigon | Zinloos
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Both the chilling realisation of humankind’s utter insignificance and the calm acceptance of that truth are explored within the vast scope of Druon Antigon’s debut of cosmic black metal, Desontstijging. Far from hopeless, the music of Druon Antigon guides us from delusions of grandeur to the understanding of true possibilities. These songs that balance soul-shredding fear and exhilarating discovery, explore alien extremes and human emotion and walk the hinterlands of both perfect peace and endless war are striving to encompass so much more than we ever stumble across in our blinkered day-to-day existence. Desontstijging is ambitious, challenging, confrontational and also incredibly rewarding.”
36 | James Bourne | Safe Journey Home
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “James Bourne takes another step towards the Nov. 27 release of his debut solo album Safe Journey Home by sharing the title’s track. James explains: “It’s different for everyone. But for me there’s always been an element of not knowing. I’ve got this Transatlantic existence where I’m always going somewhere to do something. I can adapt and adjust.”
37 | Souvlaki | 7Lungs (ft. Slim Gong)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “After his Tracks EP, some singles and collaborations that led the way in his artistic production, Souvlaki announces the release of Continued Survival, his second EP, anticipated by the launch of the single 7Lungs. Slim Gong lends his voice for some top notch hip-hop phrasing in French, adding another layer and a new contamination to a multifaceted and experimental track, which yet gets to sound spontaneous and balanced.”
38 | Your Paris | Rooms
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Launched at the commencement of 2020, Nick Babcock and Laila Kharouba make up the multi-genre influenced pop duo Your Paris. Rooms is a conflicted plea to ignore the mess in a relationship and just fall into each otherʼs arms — a situation many people know well, but rarely come face-to-face with. This hopeful pop anthem is a chilling blend of acoustic and subtle electro-pop elements that perfectly showcases Your Paris’ ability to move flawlessly between genres while maintaining their notably honest songwriting.”
39 | Coffin Apartment | Hyperphagic Blues
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Coffin Apartment formed in Portland, Oregon in early 2018. Elements of death metal, grind, hardcore punk, sludgy noise rock, and even prog and psychedelia all come together to make a sound unique to themselves. This year the band found themselves recording their debut full-length Full Torso Apparition, right before a global pandemic changed the world. Although the band name is in reference to inadequately sized residential units in China, the effects of the coronavirus on the world have made the band’s name a very unfortunately fitting moniker. Full Torso Apparition will be released on Nov. 20.”
40 | Haley Blais | Auld Lang Syne
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Vancouver singer-songwriter Haley Blais eases us into the holiday season with her beautiful rendition of Auld Lang Syne produced by Sam Tudor. “Change, endings, cheap bottles of champagne and warm beer; these are all things we have to face with the ending of a year and the start of a new one. Change always makes me sad, so, I guess I looked at this song and thought, how can I make it sadder?”
41 | Sealand Airlines | We Have What We Have
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Ukrainian prog-rockers Sealand Airlines are back with their third single We Have What We Have. An upbeat, catchy single with floating, dreamy vocals layered on top of a ’70s-inspired sound that the band have made themselves known for. Singer Artem Bembas’ unique vocals surround the track with a dreamy feel, reminiscent of psychedelic rock and with influences from ’80s synthesizers.”
42 | Saint Mars | Ocean Blues (Juche Remix)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Producer Juche has remixed Ocean Blues, the latest single from Saint Mars. Juche tells us a bit about the creation of the remix: ”I felt the deepness of the vocals and everything became super clear in my mind: I wanted to keep the powerful voice and mix it with thorough pads to give a feeling of lightness. Everything came so well, I enjoyed making it a lot.”
43 | Goan Dogs | Shut Up
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Taken from Bristolian quintet Goan Dogs‘ forthcoming album Call Your Mum, set for release in early 2021, Shut Up utilises dark elements of experimental electronica with warped guitar chords to create the foundation for exquisite indie-pop. The band say: “Shut Up is about trying to silence the negative voices in your head — the ones that tell you you’re not good enough and that you should leave the party, then follow you home and make you wonder why you ever do anything at all. We should all tell that voice to shut up but sometimes it’s impossible, and all you can do is play a slap bass riff over it instead.”
44 | Dutch Criminal Record | 00’s Nostalgia
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Portsmouth indie surf trio Dutch Criminal Record are back with floating new single 00’s Nostalgia. Joe Delaney-Stone explains: “00’s Nostalgia is a desperate cry of sentimentality in the face of existential dread, it’s something everyone has experienced at one point in their lives. I wrote it in deep lockdown around late April when the novelty of being cooped up had well and truly worn off.”
45 | Nick Lowe | A Quiet Place
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Nick Lowe teams up with his masked musician friends Los Straitjackets to record a forgotten gem of the ’60s: A Quiet Place, originally recorded by Garnet Mimms & The Enchanters. Even when Nick performs a cover, his crooning voice and the fierce musicianship of Los Straitjackets turns an old favorite into something completely new.”
46 | Nails | Enemy
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The 10th anniversary edition of Unsilent Death by California’s Nails arrives on Nov. 27, with a new track Enemy available now. The 10th Anniversary version is the original 10-song album released in 2010, with the addition of three songs from their Obscene Humanity 7″ and two songs from the original Unsilent Death sessions which were never released or heard, until now. The five additional songs have been remixed by Kurt Ballou and mastered by Nick Townsend. Nails’ Todd Jones comments, “We’re happy that the record seemingly deserves a celebration for its 10-year anniversary. I hope people enjoy it.”
47 | Josh Rouse | Angels We Have Heard On High
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Josh Rouse revisits holiday music with this version of the classic Angels We Have Heard On High. Rouse turns this traditional hymnal into a breezy folk groove, conjuring memories of Simon & Garfunkel. Recorded in Nashville and produced by long-time partner in vibe Brad Jones, the two have created a new holiday favorite to be enjoyed with a cup of cocoa while gathering around a warm fire.”
48 | Maxine Linehan | This Time of Year
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Singer, writer, producer, and actress Maxine Linehan is an interpretive artist that uses popular songbooks and theatrical presentations to share intimate truths and build communal bonds. The Irish performer’s masterful productions reimagine beloved music catalogs with courageous and emotive storylines, and immersive experiences. In doing this, she enriches our bonds with our favorite music. Within any musical setting, Maxine’s sensually emotive vocals shine through.”
49 | The Bonnie Doons | The Betweeners
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Bonnie Doons have enraptured their native Australia and are now setting their sights on introducing the rest of the world to their thrillingly addictive sound, a combination of styles which sees them zipping from alternative ’90s to rap and pop. Teasing the release of their EP, The Bonnie Doons have just release title track The Betweeners, an explosive cut which gives us a sense of what epic jams we’re in for. The track effortlessly blends multiple genres; funk, indie, soul and hip-hop.”
50 | Iskwē & Tom Wilson | Blue Moon Drive (ft. Chuck Copenace)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Iskwē and Tom Wilson release their new single Blue Moon Drive, featuring trumpeter Chuck Copenace. “We happened to be asked to perform together at the Indspire Awards in Ottawa,” says Wilson. “We had never sung together so until we actually stepped up to the microphone and started to sing we didn’t know that we had a little bit of magic going on between us. We are able to now share that magic with you.”
51 | Darling Boy | Golden Number
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Conjuring more indie alchemy before 2020 is out, Darling Boy is back with his irresistible Golden Number. It finds the alias of actor, writer, and musician Alexander Gold applying his Midas touch to lustrous harmonies and vintage guitar tones… With a little help from XTC legend Andy Partridge. Inspired by a tale of fate, changing fortunes and finding yourself at a time when the odds are seemingly stacked against you, Golden Number is a song about luck, just when it feels like it’s all running out…”
52 | My Octopus Mind | Hindenburg
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Prior to the upcoming release of their second studio album Faulty At Source, Bristol experimental trio My Octopus Mind have just released their track Hindenburg. The intro contains samples from the live radio broadcast of the disaster. Churning from the depths, Hindenburg climaxes with a raucous and silly ending, giving it a strong sense of Led Zeppelin and Tera Melos with a heavy dose of All Them Witches.”
53 | Joss Jaffe | Promises (ft. Mykal Rose)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Promises by Joss Jaffe features Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae singer Mykal Rose, formerly of Black Uhuru. Promises speaks to the ever-divisive political climate in the United States, with a message universal enough to be relevant to political struggles world wide, with lyrics like, “Leaders of the world, get them out. Old time pharaoh, your time has run out. King and tyrant your reign has come to an end. Your false promise can’t ever touch us again.”
54 | Ancient Astronauts | Tebamanyi (ft. MoRoots)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “DJ and production duo Ancient Astronauts released their latest single Tebamanyi feat. MoRoots, from their album Zik Zak, due Jan. 22. Ancient Astronauts tell us a little about the joys of working with MoRoots: “She has such an amazing voice and her lyrics are just pure honesty, nothing played or acted. She is just being herself. None of that fake artist character created for the world of Instagram and such, she is pure artistry and a phenomenal voice in one person.”
55 | Andrew Hyatt | Put A Bow On It
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “With a mixture of rebellion and respect for tradition, Sudbury native Andrew Hyatt delivered his latest single Neverland on Sept. 18. The third release and title-track from his new EP, Neverland follows the previously released Stuck, self-penned by Hyatt alongside Ben Stennis and Robert “Dwave” Thomson. Today he follows them up with a new holiday single.”
56 | Lazer Owl | Treason
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Electronic producer Lazer Owl just released his album Set Fire to the Night, which includes the highlight Treason. Lazer Owl (the moniker of Anthony Lazaro) gives us a rundown: “This is a collection of songs to get you back into the groove in three moves: First the dance beats will have you shaking, then the mellow ones will have you gently melting, and finally the darker tunes will wake you up again and send some electricity your way.”
57 | Come At The King | In My Place
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Following a strong 2019, London rock trio Come at The King are due to release their second EP Take To The Streets on Nov. 13. First comes their single In My Place. Come At The King draw their influences from the blues-infused sounds of the early ’00s garage-rock revival, blended with the big riffs, hooking choruses and swagger of the mid ’90s Britpop scene.”
