tiLLie’s latest single “pray t0 god” now has a rather stunning video to go with it. The video imagery plays with dark fairy tales intertwined with Game Of Thrones-style imagery. The video is entertaining, humourous, and highly original. On top of that the song is an absolutely banging tune which emphasises all of tiLLie‘s talents for razor sharp venomous lyrics and hooks that were crafted in pop heaven. This song contains venom and vengeance in every line. It is definitely one of the best tunes of 2024 so far! tiLLie says of the track “this song is about the internal battle that can happen after someone hurts u – when u start to wonder if you’ve become the villain urself from the hate ur holding. i still don’t have the answer but it felt so cathartic to make this one“. Lyrically it is angry and directs the passion, rage and fury so perfectly it would fly through the eye of a needle and not touch the sides. The perfect example of that lyrical vilence and soreness is encapsulated in “i hate that i have so much hate for you. i hate that i dream of the things that i do. like you falling from a perfect view choking on your favorite food. i think im being pretty nice, considering all the shit youve put us thru“. Get this track in your playlists now!
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Gregory Hoepffner has just released a new single from his forthcoming EP “Why Does Anyone?” He is now recording and releasing under his own “G.H. Francis” nome de plume. It is called “The Only Queer In The Van” and it documents his experience while coming out on tour with a rock band. Hoepffner has toured the world with a diverse range of bands and artists including Almeeva, Sure, Ghoster, Kid North, Time To Burn, and Kabbel. He has also performed with the man who invented the laser harp, Bernard Szajner. The song is a delightful track with some great guitar and some great Pet Shop Boys musical moments with a vocal performance reminiscent of Beck at his finest. The hooks are abundant and bring out the fine melodies and lyrics. The track is ethereal and anthemic with some gorgeous multi-tracked harmonies. I can imagine that Gregory’s experience of coming out in these circumstances was difficult, but that experience has helped give birth to a fabulous song!
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I was initially attracted by the whole concept of the Blackheart Orchestra given the myriad of ways in which they have been described online; acoustically electronic and a duo that sounds like an eight-piece band. I was even more intrigued to discover that this gig was to be a very intimate all-seated show. So, what was the Blackheart Orchestra like? Read on dear readers I need to tell you about the support act first. She is called Autumn Dawn Leader and yes that is her real name. Her music is impassioned, passionate, and emotional electronic folk. Musically, on some songs, I felt a hint of the more ambient elements of ‘Low’ period David Bowie (with Brian Eno). Her more classical piano sound on other songs made me think of Philip Glass. Vocally I felt that Autumn has some Siouxse and Kate Bush vibes. She is a truly original artist with some great songs. I loved the power displayed in “Seaweed Dreams” which, for me, was on a par with Kate Bush in her most “out there” moments. Autumn is also a life model and she has written a gorgeous song, “Living Art”, about that part of her life. “Radioactive” was described by Autumn as a nerdy love song, it certainly is, but it is also a very fine one. She switched to guitar for “What It Is”, a deep, dark ballad, on which the hurt and the anger were almost palpable. She closed with the multi-octave epic “Howl”. It is hard not to love Autumn Dawn Leader. I am now a fan!
The stage set up for the Blackheart orchestra looked like it was set for many more people than just multi-instrumentalists Chrissy Mostyn and Richard Pilkington and I can confirm that they have a sound that is so mighty and potent that they do sound like an eight-piece unit. Their sound is a weird and wonderful mix of Gothish, proggy, and folky electronica. Imagine if you will the Eurhythmics taking their sound back to nature, that is one way that the Blackheart Orchestra made me feel. They are in possession of some stunning songs and heavenly harmonies. There is a rich vein of prog rock running through what they do and apparently, the prog crowd has adopted them. The obvious comparison with Chrissy’s voice is probably Kate Bush, but in her phrasing and projection on some songs I picked up traces of Dolores O’Riordan. The huge range of sound the band hits the audience with is cinematic in scope, vision, and ambition. It is often haunting, always phenomenal, and if music can be described as physically beautiful, pulchritudinous! “A Dangerous Thing” is the perfect example of the band’s enormous soundscape. Why was “Under The Headlights” not a huge hit? It has everything that a perfect rock or pop song needs; hooks, gorgeous melody, and the musicianship and voices are off the scale. In a set full of highlights my favourite moments were “Astronaut” and the majestically epic “The Flood”. The melodic use of the bass guitar is stunning! I also loved the playing the guitar with a bow moment, in homage to the dark master himself, Jimmy Page. The Blackheart Orchestra is an unbelievably classy act, can someone offer them the chance to record a James Bond theme, please? Even their merch is delightfully tasteful. They might have run out of tea towels, but a dedicated fan (a really nice chap) has built a Blackheart Orchestra Bird Box, now that just adds to the magic of this band. If you have not heard them before, start listening now, that is an order!
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It is always an exciting night when a great York band plays at a fabulous local venue in their home city. This time it was Everything After Midnight at the wonderful Crescent in York. But before I tell you about Everything After Midnight I will tell you about the two support acts. First up it was Marnie Glum, known as Charlotte to her folks, she is most certainly not glum. She has a voice stolen from one of the Greek goddesses that entertained the deities of Olympus. Her voice is heavenly and has the pureness and clarity that few singers possess. She could harmonise perfectly with Karen Carpenter and Rumer. Marnie Glum is not just that gorgeous voice though, she is also an incredibly talented songwriter.
Rushbonds from Leeds were next to take the stage. They played some delightful soulful prog-jazz. Vocalist Robyn McLeod could make a living singing pop-styled blue-eyed soul songs but has chosen something far more challenging and so much more beautiful. They have an incredibly sparse drum set up and yet drummer Teruki Chan draws sounds and volume that would have impressed John Bonham. Nika Ticciati on keyboards and synth performed like a young Rick Wakeman or Keith Emerson. “Close But No Cigar” was my highlight of a set full of them. I love a band that defies being easily packaged into a genre box and Rushbonds cannot be pinned down to any one genre!
Finally, it was time to witness the obscenely talented Everything After Midnight. This band is always on fire but tonight it was on a super nova level. Steph gets better as a singer and frontwoman with every show and this gig showcased her at her most captivating and powerful best. I have watched this band grow into something special musically since I first saw them back in February 2022 when they supported Where’s Slater at the Victoria Vaults in York. They are still moving forward and despite how incredible they are I don’t think they have hit their peak. What do they sound like? Think Tori Amos and Wolf Alice backed at times by some really decent prog rock, but a band also well aware of what makes a great pop song. As far as lyrics go then Steph is the Priestess of poetry, her lyrics are not just clever, they are meaningful and add so much to the songs. The highlight for me was probably their new single “Little Hints”. This was a brilliant set which also featured a classy guest appearance from Louise of Pennine Suite. I love this band, and to cap it all they are all wonderful human beings!
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I reviewed “Finally See Me” the stunning new single from Delilah Bon last week. Click here to check out what I thought of it. Yesterday Delilah launched the video to accompany the track and it is very special indeed! Delilah plays her devilish, demonic, bad-ass bitch persona perfectly with controlled anger and confidence. She lays waste to those who bullied her at school and once again gives hope to anyone who has ever been bullied, held back and put down by education or the system in general. This really is a clarion call for all those who might be afraid to be a bit different, or at least lack the confidence to be so. Delilah has got your back and we have got hers, right Bon Bons?
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“Cinderhaze” the new track from ambient genius Stumbleine is a taster for his new studio album, his 8th, ‘Deleted Scene’. It is scheduled for release on 14th June via Monotreme Records. The song bathes you in a gorgeous mix of sound and sonic swirls that swim around your head before taking up residence in your mind. It is emotional, reflecting all sides of the spectrum from happy to sad and back again and again. The vocals and bass synth riff are as close to perfect as it is possible to get. One of the most beautiful tracks I have heard this year so far!
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The new single from Everything After Midnight opens like a more upbeat Cocteau Twins track and then at around 40 seconds in it expands its musical scope into something so much bigger. The guitar chops are as funky as fuck and Steph’s voice is ethereal and soars heavenward with immaculate ease. The band have spoken about the song and said that it “is about the bittersweet feeling of sharing intimacy one last time before parting. The lyrics “dial and comply, recite the cliché, if this is goodbye then that is okay” encapsulates the clichés of break ups, post break up sex, relief, sadness, love, and acceptance.” This tune is a sign of a band being more complete with each release and each gig! Click here to stream “Little Hints” on Spotify.
I am looking forward to hearing “Little Hints” live at the Crescent in York tomorrow, Friday,
April 19th 🙂
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It is official, I have now seen Avalanche Party more than any other act. Frank Turner is a close second with David Bowie just behind him! I haven’t been to gigs at Oporto very often, the last one was an acoustic set from the Murder Capital back in 2022. But before I tell you about the mighty Avalanche Party I need to fill you in about the two support bands that played in this intimate, sweaty Leeds venue on Friday. First up was another band with party in their name, Freeparty. They play souped-up, dark indie pop with a smattering of punky overtones that reminded me at times (no pun intended) of the Undertones. Some of their songs were like shoegaze on speed and I do mean that in a good way. The song that they closed with was epic. Almost Pink Floydish with a pinch of Libertines added to spice it up. This bunch is very good!
Next, it was the turn of Bansley’s Everglades to take to the stage. This music is drone-driven, slow, moody 21st-century stoner blues. Musically Everglades were in perfect form. The moment where the frontman kneeled in front of the bass player was a very Bowie Ronson moment, although they didn’t go for the full-on guitar fellatio money shot. This band has some hugely talented musicians. I want to give a thunderous shout to the guitarist and co-vocalist whose playing was stupendous and made me think of Earl Slick!
Finally, it was time for Avalanche Party, this was the 15th time that I had seen them live. Let’s face it, there ain’t no party like an Avalanche party, right? Their blend of psychedelia, garage, punk, glam, indie and so much more is unparalleled among their peers. I believe that they are the finest British band of their generation and that they will continue to get better with each gig and every release. This was yet another classic Avalanche Party set. The new stuff sounds incredible and bodes well for the sophomore album which will hit the streets later this year. The band was on fire tonight and generated more heat than the core of a star, so around 100 billion degrees Celsius! If a band can thrill the crowd so much in a tiny venue like Oporto, then they can probably do the same for arena or academy crowds too. Let’s hope that they get the opportunity to do that! Kane’s drumming was louder than and more powerful than the big-bang and Joe’s bass might have registered on the Richter scale. Glen’s work on the keys tonight was magical as was Jared’s guitar riffs and fills. But high praise goes to a frontman who performs like he was made for the job, Jordan. His thousand-yard stare oozes that perfect rock god attitude and style and his voice and axe playing was sublime. There were many highlights in this set. The two biggest for me were “Solid Gold” and a magical, magnificent “Rebel Forever”. This band deserves to be huge, let’s make it so! There are a few more gigs on this tour, get along to one of them if you can.
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Carol Hodge’s new single has a magnificent heavy and dark feel with some incredible and relentless guitar riffs that are impossible to ignore and I believe made by Dave Draper. I love the way she uses the organ sound briefly at times during the song. Her voice oozes passion, and anger in equal amounts. Is there some sarcasm in there too? I was reminded of Toyah, Siousxe, and Amy Lee (Evanescence) Carol has a fine canon of songs and this sits up there with some of her best, I bloody love it! The video was filmed and edited by Rob Heilig and made on location at Nathans Cottages, Huddersfield. It is delightfully dark and disturbing. This is the first single from Carol’s next album, ‘EffortLess InSecurity’ which is planned for September 2024.
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From the fly buzzing sound that introduces this song to the weird horror vibe of the music to the deeply personal and inspirational lyrics, “Finally See Me” is Delilah Bon at her best. The song deals with Delilah/ Lauren being bullied at school and appears to be a paen of her triumphing over those who bullied her by becoming the incredibly talented artist that she now is. She passionately stands up for the bullied, the misfits, and the outcasts and she deserves huge respect for that. With this latest release, another precursor to her forthcoming album things bode incredibly well for the continued rise of Delilah Bon. Musically she is starting to cipher as well, if not better than, Eminem. Meanwhile, this track has a feel of Jonathan Davis, Korn frontman about it. In my opinion, Delilah Bon is now one of the most talented and passionate musical artists on the planet.
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