I’m melting. Well I was until earlier today. After one week in the hottest Canarian August in 23 years, my quintessentially English temperature gauge and complexion were pining for a bit of cloud control and a drop in temperature. It was, as I thought, a week spent in whatever shade I could find, book in one hand, Mr Sangria in the other. Large hat and … Continue reading Mrs Mackerel’s TFI Friday (31st August)
Jethro Fox is a Biblically named singer from a family of atheists who has become a central character in a once-again thriving music scene in Liverpool. As a multi-instrumentalist, he has played in most of the new bands in the area, which is centered on the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. Jethro’s music is characterised by his distinctive golden harmonies, and the echo of school halls … Continue reading Introducing >>> Jethro Fox
The first thing you notice about Bobtown is the harmonies. Then the songwriting. And finally, the body count. Tales of ghosts, outlaws and working-class struggles permeate the world of this unique, badlands folk band who are just at home with sparse, puritan ballads as they are full-on washboard stomp ‘n’ holler. Trouble I Wrought is the band’s second release, and we have a couple of pretty … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends…Bobtown
Inspired by the murders and murderers depicted in Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, Boston quintet, Jaggery has created Private Violence, a haunting EP that specifically draws close to misunderstood murderer Perry Smith. Frontwoman, pianist and songwriter Singer Mali explores what it’s like to identify with “someone who did something terrible” with her powerful voice and an intoxicating blend of darkwave, jazz, classical, ethereal avant-rock, and … Continue reading Introducing >>> Jaggery
Andy Ellison (a member of The Plastic Traps who we’ve featured before), dropped us a line to tell us he has a new folky, acoustic solo guitar/vocals project called Elk Rhythms (which clearly is a most excellent name!). He has a couple of EPs up for free download on his Bandcamp page, both of which are well worth investigating. For proof, just listen/download the upbeat … Continue reading Introducing >>> Elk Rhythms
LA quartet Nacosta deal in hazy folk acoustics and swirling psych-rock, expertly weaving sinewy guitar lines around reflective lyrics to create a hypnotic and colourful whole. To date they have self released two EPs, Wilderness City and Liquor Eyes. Currently they are in preproduction for their debut full length album which is planned for release later this year. Until then, lie back and immerse yourself … Continue reading Introducing >>> Nacosta
Vagabondage and The Sweet Trade are two San Francisco Bay Area bands who met in 2009 and have played several shows together over the years. Always enjoying each others music and company, they finally decided to consummate their musical affair with an expression of their love of murder balladry, and recorded their own take on the song Henry Lee. Henry Lee may be the quintessential … Continue reading Vagabondage & The Sweet Trade’s Perfect Murder Ballad
