While on their Desert Daze tour last night, Temples, celebrated the release of their sophomore album, Volcano! A combination of their neo-psychedelic riffs and hypnotic visuals, transported the audience back in time to the era that was epitomized by cosmic euphoria. Reminiscent of Pink Floyd, and more recently Tame Impala, Temples still manage to manifest a completely unique body of work among the resurgence of all things 70’s, proven through their stellar live performance.
Emerging brother-sister-duo, Ardyn, have released 2 acclaimed EP’s and are currently working on more material–expanding their organic, while equally melancholic, growing discography. Writer, Corynne Fernandez, had the chance to catch up with the pair in midst of their dedicated studio sessions.
Answers by Rob and Katy.
How are you both doing? Are you excited about your upcoming show at Hoxton Hall after selling out your show back in December?
Very well, thank you. we’re so excited for the show, to be able to play such a beautiful room, well, we can’t ask for more. it should be a wonderful evening!
For those who don’t know, how did you collectively come up the fronting name, ARDYN? What meaning does it hold, if any?
We named the band after our cousin, Ardyn. she’s also an artist. we spent a while looking for a name and this one just made sense to us.
As brother and sister, did you find it natural to partner musically? Is it simpler to communicate where you want to take the group because of the relationship you share?
Yes it did feel quite natural. We’ve always written together, we never really took it that seriously though. It was only when we began performing our own songs live and started getting decent reactions from outside our family unit that we began to take it more seriously. We often check we’re still on the same page when it comes to ambition, sometimes it’s easy to talk about it, sometimes it really isn’t. We’re very good at ignoring each other if we want to, but that’s just siblings, right?
You’ve released two acclaimed EP’s since 2015, are there plans to release a debut album this year?
We’re taking our time to get the right songs and get some more experience as writers and performers, to release an album this year would be amazing.
I read that your latest EP, The Valley, was produced by, James Ford (Florence & The Machine, Arctic Monkeys) and Mike Crossey (Foals, The 1975). Can you describe how it was working with them and how it was you all met?
Working on that particular song, The Valley, was a lot of fun because everything was live, which we like. When it came to recording the song with James Ford we used the demo, it had a great energy that we didn’t think we’d be able to capture again. Mike Crossey mixed that one. The rest of the EP was actually recorded with Rodaidh Mcdonald who did the first EP, Universe.
What were the inspirations behind Universe and The Valley EP’s? How would you say your sound and lyrics have evolved between releases?
The Universe EP came from a very natural place, inspiration came from our surroundings in Gloucestershire. The film Pride and Prejudice inspired me to write The Garden. Call Up was about love and loss. The lyrics especially in songs like Universe and Help Me On My Way are more abstract and inspired by more mysterious and often philosophical feelings about the world and our place in it, I suppose. The Valley EP has a slightly clearer sentiment all the way through. We were still inspired by our surroundings and abstract concepts but this time we tried mixing this with more relatable subjects, I think this method of writing is best shown on our track Shadow Light (live From The Pool). The sound on The Valley EP is more electronic in places however that’s something that excited us and that we intend to explore further for sure.
Katy, you have a haunting vocal delivery, that is equally serene and unique. Do you have anyone that you look to for inspiration, or been compared to anyone?
I would say I’m definitely drawn to artists like Beach House and Kate Bush because of their powerful and instinctive vocal deliveries.
As a band, who are your favorite artists?
We really love Kate Bush because of her total originality. We’re big fans of Kings Of Leon, we’re hoping to see them in July. More recently, Maggie Rogers.
You are also going to be playing Kendall Calling for the first time! Is it nerve-racking knowing you’ll be performing to a larger audience or are you eager to play to a sea of new faces?
We’re really happy to be playing and always excited to play to new people. It’s very rewarding and fun winning people over!
Speaking of festivals, who would make-up your ideal lineup?
Air, Zero 7, Interpol, R.E.M, Coldplay, Kings Of Leon, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Kate Bush, Beach House and The Roots. There are some amazing lineups this summer!
Lastly, what are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
Christo Bowman (Vocals, Guitar), Gavin Bennett (Bass, Vocals), Miles Morris (Drums), and Ray Libby (Guitar, Vocals) are the members of the California-based indie band Bad Suns. They’ve come far from playing small bars around Los Angeles, currently working on their two upcoming tours; ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘Outskirts of Paradise’ tour (find dates and tickets down below). With producer Eric Palmquist, their sophomore album, Disappear Here was released September of 2016. Bad Suns has surely made their presence known in the music industry. DC Fans lining up at early hours of the morning waiting to get a good spot at one of their shows, shows the dedication their listeners have put into the guys’ musical careers. They have made an impact. Nylon Magazine stating “the band’s sound is the sort of rock that we just never get enough of: anthemic without being soulless, hard-driving while still having a heart.”
Photo by Marisa Shirar
If Bad Suns sounds familiar, you might recall that they were in Lilli’s picks for album of the year!
We were lucky enough to catch Christo during rehearsal and talk about the new album, their Heartbreaker & Outskirts of Paradise tours, and their long awaited Baltimore show.
Nearly two years ago, the Bad Suns show at the Ottobar got cancelled due to the Baltimore Riots. Christo gave us insight on that day, “I can remember being in the room altogether trying to figure out what to do. At the end of the day, it was better to not go through with it. But since then, we’ve been really wanting to come back to Baltimore. We’re really excited to make up for the last time around. The show’s been sold out for a while and it’s gonna be really fun.”
Photo by Eliot Lee Hazel
The new album, Disappear Here was a turning point for the band. Christo said, “We really wanted to sort of push the envelope forward a little bit. We were much more aware of who we were as a band and we felt much stronger in our identity.” With the album, they also wanted to bring their own identity to shows, their glitter zia sun logo is part of the show. “We knew that we wanted to bring the personality and the vibe and the feeling of the album cover and the album itself into each city every night.”
They’re very excited to get back on the road. Lilli asked about the possibility of three songs that were missed on the Disappear Here tour, but we have to wait to find out if they make it on the set! As a closing comment, Christo said, “At the end of the day, I think that’s always the goal. We want everyone that goes home to be like ‘Wow, I don’t wanna leave’ or ‘That was amazing. That was more fun than it could’ve been.’ We just want it to be an experience that sticks out in people’s lives.”
Check to see if they’re coming to see a city near you during their Heartbreaker or Outskirts of Paradise tour! You can buy tickets here.
The surf rock, lo-fi duo coming not too far, from Reno, Nevada released their latest album Nothing Yet last week. There are many bands in the indie lo-fi scene but Surf Curse brings something bigger and better to the table. Their melancholy lyrics and raw energy really tie this whole album together. The second track Doomed Generation really hits home for me, seeing as it reminds me of the pressure my generation carries–especially in this coming 4 years.
Nothing Yet is the perfect album to chill out to, whether it be alone or hanging out with friends. Comparing their previous albums to this one, you can really see the duo’s growth and a more complete body of songs. As I kept listening to this album more and more, I found greater meaning in the lyrics; I’m sure many others feel that way as well. When discovering a soon to be cherished album, poignant lyrics are perhaps the most sought for element; there is a beauty in people latching a variety of meaning to the same set of words. The closing track, Falling Apart, was a natural way to end the album; it leaves an halcyon atmosphere and completeness in its entirety.
Overall, Surf Curse have kicked off the year to a great start. Keep an eye out for some upcoming shows, they are a must see band.
2016 was such a wonderful year for creating, producing, and putting out new music. I was flooded with new albums and singles which made my top two choices for this year quite difficult. I decided that my two favorite albums of 2016 are I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful, Yet So Unaware of It by The 1975 and Disappear Here by Bad Suns.
#1: I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful, Yet So Unaware of It by The 1975
I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful, Yet So Unaware of It is an album compiled of 18 songs. It’s quite a different sound than their debut album. The song has some upbeat songs with lots of instrumentals and songs that tell new stories. Matty Healy, lead singer and writer, has a spectacular vocabulary that creates a picturesque scene for the listener as the music itself creates the atmosphere. The album goes deeper into the writer’s life with his mother’s postpartum depression and questioning his identity, etc. Thanks to the language he uses and innovative uses of instruments, the songs take you to place where he is and puts you in the writer’s position. I find the album to be enticing from beginning to end especially with the way he takes you into his world. One of my all-time favorite songs, Loving Someone is featured on this album. It has become the anthem for the LBGT community, which is quite close to my heart. The song portrays a message that has the entire crowd at a show, screaming the lyrics. I was lucky enough to be one of the people screaming in the crowd after a heavy event in the United States. Hearing these songs live was something I was expecting to be quite similar to the studio album. Since The 1975 use a lot of beats and sounds from computers, I expected that sort of experience. It surely changed my world to hear it live. They created that strong atmosphere on stage which was brilliant to witness. It is an album that truly got me to fall in love with The 1975 and is now one of my favorite albums.
#2: Disappear Here by Bad Suns
Disappear Here by Bad Suns also reigns in my top two albums for 2016. As a sophomore album, some artists tend to change their sound and venuture more. They definitely experimented a bit more, but they were still able to capture the same sound and excitement that the first album, Language and Perspective had. Bad Suns music is perfect for jamming with your friends, your windows down, and the wind flying through your hair. This album kept that liberating feeling that I got with the first album. Disappear Here was the first single released off the album and definitely brought in a new crowd. It also brought such highanticipation for the release of the full album.There is not a single song off the album that I skip or wait for it to end. I was lucky enough to see 10 of the new songs on their Disappear Here tour. I am quite in love with Daft Pretty Boys, Love Like Revenge and Maybe We’re Meant to Be Alone. I was able to ask Christo, the lead singer and writer, about MWMTBA after the show. I grew even more of a love for the song. I hope to hear Love Like Revenge live when they go on their Heartbreaker Tour (there will be a gallery or review for that so stay tuned!). Ihighly recommend giving this album a listen and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Emerging artist, Phoebe Green, hailing all the way from Manchester, is currently prepping for her very first show. We had the chance to catch up with Phoebe and talk about what inspired her to be a musician and the ins and outs of the making of her debut album, 02:00 AM.
Lucid Dreams: Hi Phoebe! Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Phoebe Green: I’m 19 and I’m from a small seaside town called Lytham, but I live in Manchester at the moment and go to music school there. I have a mum and a dad, two sisters (the younger is 15 and plays synth for me) and my nan lives with me and is my best mate.
LD: When making your debut album, ’02:00 AM,’ what was the process like? Did you have any doubts along the way or did it come naturally?
PG: The process was dead fast but also excruciatingly slow! I write songs in about half an hour; it’s a pretty natural thing to me as my songs are heavily based on experiences and people I know, so I don’t have to spend ages thinking of concepts. The thing that takes time is recording and producing and mastering the songs. I had quite a few doubts to be honest. As soon as I wrote a new song I would hate the previous one, I change my mind so often about things, and I’m so opposed to cheesiness that I always feel that my older songs are cheesy because I wrote them when I was younger (even by a month or something). It took me a while to be completely happy with the album because I kept re-writing lyrics, but at this point I have no doubts.
LD: Being that this is your first album, what made you want to pursue music?
PG: Oh God, the dreaded question. It was actually the Jonas Brothers! When I was little I was obsessed, I read everything about them and when they discussed songwriting I was completely fixated with this idea of putting my thoughts and feelings to music. I was always an attention-seeking kid though, always wanted to be in the spotlight, I’ve wanted to be a performer for as long as I can remember, so a fusion of those two factors is what encouraged me to try writing and performing my own stuff.
LD: Out of all the tracks, what would you say is your favorite and why?
PG: Jesus, what a tough one. Literally the most intense ones: Maniac, Pure Blue, High and A Phonecall. And Nosebleed. And Watercolour Envy…
LD: How did the album artwork and title come about?
PG: The artwork was created by a good friend of mine, Amy. We met in a concert queue and have been friends since then. I named the album ’02:00 AM’ because I always think a lot when I can’t sleep, and so I would always record voice notes on my phone around the 02:00 AM mark and then write them in the morning. I wanted a cover that reflected insomnia and fatigue at the same time, so I sent Amy a picture of me rolling my eyes back, asking for it in watercolour (because of Watercolour Envy) and she created that!
LD: What or who were the inspirations for your album?
PG: People and experiences. I’m not very good at writing about things I can’t completely analyse and go into masses of detail about. I like to create imagery with my lyrics and make people see and feel what I saw and felt in those moments. I really like capturing memories in that way and I guess the album is just a diary of the past couple of years, which have simultaneously been the best and worst of my life. Very dramatic!
LD: Given Manchester’s history and its reputation in the music scene (Producing the likes of The Smiths, Oasis, The Stone Roses etc.), would you say you have been shaped by those acts and aspired similar success?
PG: Oh, definitely! I love good old British indie bands. Manchester is so culturally rich when it comes to music and art, it’s incredible. Yeah, I definitely hope to reach their level of influence on the music industry.
LD: One word to sum up your record?
PG: Honest.
LD: Your album release show is approaching, have you done any preparation? What are you most looking forward to?
PG: Soooo much preparation, mostly in the last week! I’m mostly excited for all of my friends and family to have a few drinks and celebrate with me, all my mates are home for Christmas and I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks of the album in person. I’m so excited.
LD: A personal favorite of ours at Lucid Dreams Magazine is, ‘Isobel’. What was the musical and lyrical process like, and was it a conscious decision put that song as the final track of the album?
PG: My best mate is called Isobel, and she was just having one of those nights, so I wrote her a song. She’s honestly one of the most fascinating, beautiful people I have ever known and we have shaped each other as people so much. It was written before we moved away to uni, and the “don’t forget about me” was because I was terrified that things wouldn’t be the same when we saw each other again. Nothing has changed though, thank god! I put it as the last track because I’ve always thought it sounded like the bittersweet ending of a film. I just think it fits perfectly at the end.
LD: If you had the chance to create your dream festival lineup, who would be your 3 headliners?
PG: Shirley Temple aged 5, Catfish and the Bottlemen and HAIM.
LD: What artist or album changed the way you thought about music and impacted you in an exponential way?
PG: A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out by Panic! At the Disco. That is one of the most incredibly written albums I have ever heard in my life; the lyrics are so complex and poetic and subtly vulgar, it’s absolutely mental. Absolutely nothing is sugar-coated and yet it sounds so beautifully poetic. I cannot praise Ryan Ross’ ability to write songs enough. He truly is a genius.
LD: What do you want your fans and new listeners to take away from your album?
PG: I think we need to really engage with people and moments and appreciate people for their intriguing mannerisms and flaws. I don’t know if that’s something that comes across in my songs or not but I’m literally always drawn to weirdos! Appreciate peoples’ differences, people are art! Haha, that’s all.
Recently, I’ve felt a void in my music world. I hadn’t discovered a band that truly struck a chord with me in a few weeks… that was until I heard the Illuminauty EP by Dream Girl. Within the first few seconds of “Stranger Feelings” I was hooked. The sextet from St. Joseph, Missouri have put a new twist on your typical lo-fi tunes. The first few adjectives that came to my head after listening to this whole EP through were bluesy and whimsical. However, songs like “Sweet Thang” and “Pretty Sexual” give off a fun and sensual vibe because of the traditional jazz instruments used… interesting combo, I know. Honestly, there is something for everyone on this EP. 10/10 would recommend giving it a listen.
“Teenage Blue” is a song that I was the most drawn to. The lead vocalist has a very sweet and relaxed tone that pairs perfectly with traditional lo-fi instrumentals. Similar to Lana Del Rey, the lead singer has such a peaceful and angelic voice, yet still delivers such an emotionally heavy performance that leaves a lasting impression on listeners. The last minute of the track consists of the most powerful vocal performance on the EP. The lead singer cries out: “All that I’d ever see all that I’d ever believe is through All that I’d ever see all that I’d ever be is blue”. This track really is noteworthy and because it moved me so much with only one listen, it is my favorite track on the EP.
The first track on Illuminaughty “Acid Wash Ocean” gave me an Alvvays “Marry Me Archie” vibe almost immediately. Alvvays lead vocalist Molly Rankin has the same moody tone as Dream Girl’s lead. I think this resurgence of front women powered lo-fi bands is absolutely incredible and exactly what we needed.
Based on comments on Dream Girl’s bandcamp a full length LP is in the works….You best believe I’ll be the first one raving over it when it finally is released!
I’m currently working my way down the /mu/core essentials listening list – it’s a mighty task, but I’m enjoying it. I’ve discovered some great new favourites, given some obscure albums a go and found a fair few hidden gems among genres I’d usually ignore. Recently I’ve been feeling awful and fighting off a cold, and whilst I love discovering new music from this list, there are days that I just don’t want to put up with Brian Wilson, Joy Division or even Bjork. When I feel like crap I need music that is comforting; I need music to warm my heart and drive out the winter blues.
So here’s some recommendations for background music for your sick day. I’m not a doctor, but music is certainly good for the soul. Put on a record and rejoice in music’s ability to transform you.
All of my album choices will warm you up from the inside out. Recommended intake would be with a good book to read, lots and lots of layers and a big fuzzy blanket to cuddle up with. Maybe even throw in some snacks and a hot chocolate for good measure.
A WALK ACROSS ROOFTOPS // THE BLUE NILE
The Blue Nile are a Scottish band whose genre falls between the broad horizons of folk and pop. My first recommendation is their debut album. Released in 1984, this is their most critically acclaimed release and whilst largely ambient it carries with it plenty of 80s charm (which is totally what you need for a pick-me-up). The album uses your mind as a canvas, building up a beautiful nighttime city-scape among it’s typical of the decade synths and Paul Buchanan’s crooning vocals (‘I am in love… I am in love with you’). The highlight is, undoubtedly, ‘Tinseltown in the Rain’, which shines with optimism of a new life for old lovers. The bass line is infectious and carries the dark mood through unsuspectingly catchy instrumental breaks. At 38 minutes, this album is short yet carries with it plenty of emotion. It’s subtly romantic, eerily beautiful and moments away from being the soundtrack to a John Green movie. You’ll listen to this album once and forget about it.. shortly before coming back to it when you need a good cry.
Everyone knows this album, or if they don’t it seems to suddenly come back to them when prompted with the standout track ‘One Day Like This’ or ‘Grounds for Divorce’ (which, I swear to God, is the music for every video game trailer going). Most music fans will know Elbow is sort of ‘The Northern Radiohead’ which is mildly true if you’re into the simplistic pop rock of ‘Creep’. The Seldom Seen Kid is perfect for those who enjoy the softer side of alternative rock – it won’t stick in your head as much as Imagine Dragons or Foster the People but it will impress you in its cleverly crafted, witty ways. Ultimately it can be a tad boring and edges a wee bit too much on the safe side, but it’ll also grow on you with each listen and has moments with incredible vigor to get you off your feet and tapping your toes.
Much like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, Death Cab for Cutie’s latest release is a triumph for the days when you need to put yourself back together. Ben Gibbard and co. truly crafted medicine for the soul with this release, and if you weren’t persuaded by the hype when this album first came out I hope I can persuade you now! At its core, Kintsugi is a rock album but this doesn’t equate to it being void of charm. The album is pretty and sweet but also packs a punch with plenty of power chords.
This album will spark your creativity and get you ready to go back to work or school. It’ll remind you that whilst you might feel like hell, there are musicians out there creating music so wonderful that it adds a bit more meaning into your weary, run-down life.
King Charles writes funny and lovely songs about the funny and lovely women you wish you could be like. There’s bouncy piano, cute snippets of guitar riffs and lots and LOTS of hand clapping. To put a King Charles song on is like injecting pure sunlight into a room. Like a modern day Adam Ant, King Charles has plenty of originality (and not just in his music – he looks pretty out there, too).
Okay, so I’m totally biased with this choice, but every list I write has to have at least one shout out to my faves. OK Computer is a classic 90s album that doesn’t mean to parade around its excellence but totally does and, in my humble opinion, is the quintessential feeling down-in-the-dumps album. This is not because it’s overly happy or poppy, but because I first listened to this album when I was 13, and it’s since quickly become my go-to comfort album. With each listen I discover something new to love about it among the tight knit production and, my favourite part, the traces of a dystopian concept. To me, it’s ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars’ for a new generation. Whilst you’re taking sometime to rest and relax, treat yourself to what is sure to become a new favourite. And don’t just take my word for it. Seriously, listen to it.
Hopefully these albums will help to brighten your day and put some pep in your step. If not, try anything by The Beach Boys – cause if that doesn’t make you feel brighter, I don’t think anything will.
Hoops, a four piece lo-fi and shoegaze outfit hailing from the midwest, released an EP in August that has definitely sparked my interest. Hoops was initially guitarist Drew Ausherman’s solo project, but that didn’t last very long. Kevin Krauter, Keagan Beresford, and James Harris ended up joining Drew, completing the newfound quartet. After bursting into the scene in late 2015/early 2016 with their first two tapes, Hoops gained a bit of traction by receiving attention from NME and other music publications. This lead them to eventually getting signed to and releasing their debut EP with Fat Possum.
Their dreamy and fuzzy instrumentals reminds me quite a bit of DIIV and also give off a Mac Demarco circa his “2” album vibe. Songs like Cool 2 and Gemini portray the ambiance of a lazy summer day to a T. The heavy use of reverb throughout the EP but especially in the song Give It Time (my favorite track on the EP), creates a very relaxed atmosphere. The drums seem to just hang in the background, giving the guitars the forefront, thus making a magical aura. For being such a new band, Hoops definitely have mastered their sound and have phenomenal live shows. Check out their “Hoops on Audiotree Live” compilation on Spotify!
Is it us, or has the year gone by incredibly fast? This year has boasted an abundance of incredible new musicians and material, prompting us to pick out some of our favorites. While there have been several talented artists in recent months, Declan McKenna and Banes World have made such an impression here at Lucid Dreams. Hopefully you give these musicians some love and enjoy them as much as we do.
Read below for more info on the artists. 1. Declan McKenna
Singer/songwriter, Declan McKenna, is a Hertfordshire native, with musical abilities well above his ripe age of 17. You may recognize McKenna’s upbeat indie banger, Brazil, which has amassed to somewhat of a summer anthem due to an incredible amount of radio play. More recently, Declan released a new single titled, Isombard, which touches on US law and order during the age of the #blacklivesmovement. It is refreshing seeing young artists, such as Declan McKenna, who aren’t afraid to speak about today’s issues. Not only do his songs reveal poignant messages, but they are blissfully accompanied by lively composition. Isombard, for us particularly, has subtle Wes Anderson film vibes brought to you by a welcomed ping pong match between keys ands guitar. Being a musician is hard enough, but McKenna, who mind you is ONLY 17, has the extraordinary capability to relay a story along with seamless sounds. If we haven’t convinced you enough already to listen to this guy, give him the old follow on Twitter; his humor alone, will make you a fan!
Shane Blanchard, rather known as, Banes World, hails from Long Beach, California. Anyone who is a sucker for soft hazy tunes to accompany woeful nights, is bound to be smitten by Shane’s music; he epitomizes the essence of dreamy synth. A personal fave of ours is Valentine’s Curse, but we would highly recommend you start off with Still Lovelyand float through the rest of his discography.With his uniquely composed synth pop tunes, there isn’t anyone in the game quite like Banes World. What makes the wistful songs even better are the endearing lyrics, and their notion to pull you in with a faint whisper. If you’re anything like us, and have a soft spot for the hopeless romantics, you most likely will find solace in his song, Gorgeous, in which he collaborated with artist,Temporex. In terms of similar sound, it is like if Mac Demarco and Blood Orange had procreated, and he was their infamous love child. We COULD NOT go this whole post without being a little punny and also summing up how we feel about Blanchard, so here it is folks, “BANE’S WORLD. PARTY ON. EXCELLENT!”
afterlifemagazine.com 