The Fat Angel Sings

Calgary band Preoccupations understand that as bleak as post-punk styles can be, they are also inherently sexy. While they don’t exactly look the part — aside from drummer Mike Wallace, these are normal looking, normal dressing dudes who would never be confused with Interpol — they imbue their songs with a dark romance that’s hard not to get swept up in. Their fourth studio album finds them restoring their roots with the singular, guitar driven, dissonant yet anthemic washes of intricate noise that has brought them international acclaim since their basement beginnings.

They loosen their collars even further on “Arrangements”, arguably best album. While the tension between the four members remains one of their best qualities, they’ve relaxed just a little, giving the songs room to breathe and slowing tempos enough to take things from rigid to sultry.

Those subtle changes allow for more range in bassist and frontman Matt Flegel’s vocals, and he’s never sounded more natural in the lead role. His gravelly pipes can go from warm and inviting to harrowing and menacing in an instant. It all comes together on tracks like “Riccochet,” one of Preoccupations’ best-ever songs that shines with thrilling guitarwork, Wallace’s monster drumming, and Flegel seething out lines like “Everything tastes like the bitter end.” While that is the high point for the album, “Arrangements” features the band’s best batch of songs to date, with big hooks and burrowing melodies to go along with the always impressive musicianship. They may not have lightened up — Flegel says the album’s about “the world blowing up and no one giving a shit” — but the band are taking it all in style.

The Calgary post-punk band relax just a little for their most effortless, appealing record yet.

released September 9th, 2022

The debut album from London duo Jockstrap Georgia Ellery, also of Black Country, New Road, and Taylor Skye takes all of one minute to announce itself as something remarkable.

The debut album from UK duo Jockstrap is the sound of total freedom. The album opens with a gentle strum of a guitar and singer Georgia Ellery’s breathy vocals. If you’ve never heard them before, you might be expecting a folk album along the lines of Laura Marling but 40 seconds into the song, as Ellery’s voice rises and gains strength, a switch flips and things go into glitchy electronic territory with deep sub synths, “wub wub” dubstep bass, and fizzled circuits.

Opener “Neon” draws you in with sparse acoustic guitar and Ellery’s lithe vocal, only to wallop you with rib cage-rattling bass, a film score-esque theremin sample and a ghostly chorus. It’s the first “holy shit” moment of many on the record, “a collection of Jockstrap tracks that have been three years in the making,” per the duo.

Then the song flips again with distorted drums, a towering fuzzed-out riff and the whole thing sounding like someone dropped the tape into a deep fryer. All while the melody continues, over and done with in less than four minutes. Each turn unexpected and perfect.

Dramatic strings, synths and chanting usher “Concrete Over Water” into EDM banger mode; harp plucks flicker between organic and artificial to introduce “Angst”; closer “50/50” feels like a club anthem for the end of the world. Euphoric and disorienting at once, their deconstructed dance-pop music brings cubist art to mind, assembling familiar shapes into structures that are altogether alien.

Commenting on the impending album release, Jockstrap’s Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye said: “I Love You Jennifer B” is a collection of Jockstrap tracks that have been 3 years in the making. Everything on it is pretty singular sounding so we hope there is a track on there for everyone and something that speaks to you and says ‘I’m a banger.’” Skye added of ‘Glasgow’ (their new single): “‘Glasgow’ is our coming of age, moving forward, long-distance, travelling, beautiful bosk, wonderful thicket song.” And Ellery said of the song’s subject: “Glasgow is a great city, perhaps my favourite in the UK! Only downside is that it’s so damn cold all the time.”

When Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye make music as Jockstrap, the process and result has one definition: pure modern pop alchemy. With their debut album “I Love You Jennifer B”, Jockstrap will cement themselves as one of the most vital young groups to emerge from London’s melting pot of musical cultures in years.

As Jockstrap leave the launchpad, you can either crane your neck at their dizzying ascent, or hold on for dear life and enjoy the ride, wherever it may take you.

We are very pleased to announce the debut album, “Choosing” from our newest signee,

Released this summer via her new home at Bella Union, Sophie Jamieson’s ‘Choosing’ is a strikingly personal document of a journey from a painful rock bottom of self-destruction to a safer place imbued with the faint light of hope. Focusing on the bare bones of each song and taking inspiration from the direct and melodic work of songwriters such as Elena Tonra, Sharon Van Etten, and Scott Hutchison, it’s an album that sings openly of longing and searching, of trying, failing, and trying again – and always and throughout, the strength of love in so many varying forms.

Following on from the pair of EPs she released in 2020, “Choosing” finds its own shape by a subtle reforming of Jamieson’s sound. Where those EPs flirted with playful experimentation, here the overriding sound is both organic and simpler – live drums, bass, cello, and piano are used across the album – allowing space for Sophie’s mesmerising voice to take the spotlight, the songs delivered with the most direct and intimate impact.

Get a taste of what’s to come with the mesmerising first single “Sink”

Sophie describes the songs on those two EPs as “black holes” and while “Choosing” covers similar ground it never takes its eye away from what lies beyond, never fully releases its grip even when everything is telling her to let go. “The title of this album is so important,” Sophie explains. “Without it, this might sound like another record about self-destruction and pain, but at heart, it’s about hope, and finding strength. It’s about finding the light at the end of the tunnel, and crawling towards it.”

“Choosing” is out a week today.

It’s felt increasingly strange to be faced with an album that I recorded almost 2 years ago and wrote 2-4 years ago. It’s not a comfortable feeling, seeing some of these songs being heard, even if they connect. The sensation of nakedness, exposure, and the necessity to disconnect from the subject matter and anyone’s response or opinion of it has become very real.

This is such an odd thing to be doing, really. Making music that may not honestly represent you later. It takes a lot of trust in your past self, in her honesty, in her need for release, in the pain she said she was in. There is a strong instinct to deny, to make light of, to laugh at, to shrug off.

This is an odd practise in believing somebody I once was, accepting her as part of my fabric, and allowing her voice to come through. Even if it doesn’t feel like mine anymore… I guess some of it still is.

released 2nd December 2022 via Bella Union Records:

When it comes to Alex G, you never know quite what you’re going to get. Whether it’s the soft-spoken Brooklyn basement show-esque acoustics or the experimental hypnosis of his single, “Blessing” he likes to keep listeners guessing. The Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter will be releasing his latest album, “God Save the Animals”, on September 23rd. As seen on singles ranging from the guitar-centric “Runner” to the distorted deluge of “Cross the Sea” he collages together an album that will keep you on your toes. Toying with religious motifs and constructing his own ideas on the divine, Alex G affirms his place as the patron saint of indie rock.

Alex G was the musical guest on last night’s episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He played a faithful rendition of his single “Runner.” It marked Alex G’s first major late-night TV set, as his only previous appearance was on Last Call With Carson Daly way back in 2017. Watch the “Runner” performance below.

The new song appears on “God Save the Animals”, which is out September 23rd via Domino Recordings. The follow-up to 2019’s album “House of Sugar” also includes the previously released single “Blessing.” The album was co-produced by Jacob Portrait and features guitarist Sam Acchione, keyboardist Molly Germer, bassist John Heywood, and drummer Tom Kelly.

the forthcoming album ‘God Save The Animals’ out 23rd September 2022 on Domino Recordings

Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. in partnership with Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, is releasing “The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Los Angeles Forum: April 26, 1969” this November 18th on 2LP vinyl, CD and all digital platforms.

Recorded in the spring of 1969 before a raucous, sold-out audience, the captivating performance of the original line-up (singer/guitarist Jimi Hendrix, drummer Mitch Mitchell, bassist Noel Redding) has never before been released in its entirety. This album comes out in time for the 80th anniversary of Jimi Hendrix’s birth (November 27th).

This pristine recording—available in its entirety for the very first time—newly mixed by Hendrix’s longtime engineer Eddie Kramer, captures the original Jimi Hendrix Experience in their unrivalled, peak form and is sourced directly from the original eight-track master tapes.

The accompanying illustrated booklet (24-pages in the CD release and 12-pages in the 2LP release) features liner notes from ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons plus LA Times music critic Randy Lewis who both witnessed the show first-hand.

The deluxe 2LP vinyl release is packaged in a lavish gatefold jacket and is pressed on 150 gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings’ (QRP) legendary Salina, Kansas facility.

Also coming out during the month of Hendrix’s 80th birthday is the book JIMI. Published by Chronicle Books imprint Chroma for a November 15th release, this comprehensive visual celebration is an official collaboration with Janie Hendrix and John McDermott. JIMI significantly expands on the authors’ previously published titles, including An Illustrated Experience, and features a new introduction by Janie, extensive biographical texts, and a trove of lesser known and never-before-published photographs, personal memorabilia, lyrics, and more. Additionally, JIMI includes quotations by legendary musicians such as Paul McCartney, Ron Wood, Jeff Beck, Lenny Kravitz, Eric Clapton, Drake, Dave Grohl and others who have spoken about Hendrix’s lasting influence.

Asheville, NC’s Wednesday have signed to Dead Oceans and shared a video for their angsty new single “Bull Believer.” This song is an excuse for me to scream on stage, an outlet for the anger and sadness that has been collected by the current and past versions of myself,” says Karly Hartzman. “An offering to myself of a brief moment of release from being tolerant of the cruelty of life: feels like cutting my hair to let go of the history it holds.”

The band’s fall tour with Truth Club kicks off on September 21st in Greensboro, NC and wraps with a hometown show in Asheville on October 6th. Highlights include stops in Brooklyn, Chicago, DC and Philadelphia. 

We also have a new video for the song out too by Josh Finck w/ help from Colin Miller. 

Bull Believer (our big new song) is out now (on the label Dead Oceans) it is loud (and long and fun).

Alex G has shared a new song off his upcoming album “God Save the Animals”. “Miracles” follows the previously released tracks “Runner,” “Blessing,” and “Cross the Sea.” 

God Save the Animals is out September 23rd via Domino Recordings. Listen to “Miracles,” which features Molly Germer on strings, below.

“God Save the Animals” was co-produced and mixed by Jacob Portrait. His most recent LP, “House of Sugar,” arrived in 2019. Earlier this year, Alex G released his score for Jane Schoenbrun’s coming-of-age horror film We’re All Going to the World’s Fair. In October, Alex G is heading out on a North American tour.

Alex G – “Miracles” from the forthcoming album ‘God Save The Animals’ out 23rd September 2022 on Domino Recordings.

Purple Pyramid Records, focusing on progressive rock as well as psychedelic music, has been long-time home to releases by Yes, Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, Santana, Amon Düül II, Nektar, Brainticket, Tangerine Dream, and Quicksilver Messenger Service. A division of Cleopatra Records, Inc.

A very special limited edition reissue of the monumental tribute to Roger Waters’ artrock opera, Pink Floyd’s The Wall, performed by the biggest stars of progressive rock music!

A multitude of classic rockers/prog rockers have united to cover “The Wall” in it’s entirety, under the title “Back Against the Wall“. Led by producer Billy Sherwood, a rotating case of musicians was assembled to make anyone with a well-worn copy of Tales of Topographic Oceans drool with excitement – Yes’ Rick Wakeman, Chris Squire, Alan White, and Geoffrey Downes; King Crimson’s Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and John Wetton; Styx’s Tommy Shaw; ELP’s Keith Emerson, and Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, among countless others. Interestingly though, it can be argued that “The Wall” was Pink Floyd’s least “progressive” album, as the group focused on tight song structures – obviously inspired by the then burgeoning new wave and punk movements. The performances are expectedly spot-on (and it’s quite impressive how they re-created all the sound effects/spoken word bits so precisely), and stick very close to the originals – except for a Chris Squire-led take of “Comfortably Numb,” which adds a few extra bits. Ian Anderson Flute, Guest Artist, Vocals Rob Aubrey Engineer Adrian Belew Guest Artist, Guitar (Acoustic), Vocals Jordan Berliant Guitar (Acoustic) Gregg Bissonette Drums Vinnie Colaiuta Drums Geoffrey Downes Keyboards Aynsley Dunbar Drums Elliot Easton Guitar Keith Emerson Guest Artist, Keyboards, Organ Larry Fast Keyboards Mark Fergesen Technician Tony Franklin Bass John Giblin Bass Gary Green Guitar, Guitar (Electric) Steve Howe Guitar (Acoustic) Eric Jordan Engineer Tony Kaye Keyboards Robby Krieger Guitar Bob Kulick Guitar (Electric),

Tony Levin Bass, Stick Alex Ligertwood Vocals (Background) Steve Lukather Guitar, Vocals Malcolm McDowell Vocals Ronnie Montrose Guitar Steve Morse Guest Artist, Guitar Del Palmer Bass Mike Porcaro Bass Steve Porcaro Keyboards Jay Schellen Drums, Drums (Snare), Percussion, Vocals, Vocals (Background) Tommy Shaw Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Vocals Billy Sherwood Bass, Engineer, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Keyboards, Mixing, Orchestral Keyboards, Piano, Producer, Vocals, Vocals (Background) Michael Sherwood Vocals, Vocals (Background) Chris Squire Bass, Guest Artist, Vocals Rick Wakeman Guest Artist, Piano Fee Waybill Vocals John Wetton Bass, Vocals Dweezil Zappa Guitar.

Features performances by members of King Crimson (Adrian Belew, Tony Levin), ELP (Keith Emerson), The Doors (Robby Krieger), Jethro Tull (Ian Anderson), Yes (Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, Alan White, Tony Kaye) Deep Purple (Glenn Hughes, Steve Morse), Styx (Tommy Shaw) & Toto (Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro), PLUS award-winning actor Malcolm McDowell and many more!

released August 19th, 2022

As a surprise for Bandcamp Friday, and up on our website afterwards- pre-orders are live on a new 7″ all sung by Bella! “If Only” and a Lucinda Williams cover as the B-Side! . Also we finally put up bundles if you are wanting all the records or a big bag of merch for cheapers before we head overseas!

Sam, Bella, Michael and Holly are Quivers, a band making cathartic guitar pop that jangles and shimmers with a lyrical directness not many bands commit to. With two albums now under their name, the grief-made “We’ll Go Riding on the Hearses” (Pink Lake Records) and the wide-eyed harmonic pop of “Golden Doubt” (Ba Da Bing!, Bobo Integral and Spunk Records), Quivers have found a rich vein of music and have just started digging. Musically you might hear the ghosts of early to mid-R.E.M., Echo and the Bunnymen, Teenage Fanclub or The Chills (et al) if these bands weren’t so dominated by stinky boys. By now, Quivers are their own thing; a kind of choose your own adventure. They leave space for guitars to climb over each other and drums and bass to tumble as four distinct voices sing or shout.

Bella Quinlan – sings, bass.
Sam Nicholson – guitar, sings
Michael Panton – guitar, tape loops
Holly Thomas – drums, percussion, sings

Releases September 9th, 2022