Introducing…Boroko

Australian rocker Tim Fontaine, aka Boroko, releases his new single Sing Me Home, off his upcoming sophomore album Western Child. Fontaine has been featured on international radio show Border Crossings on Voice of America, AM-NY’s Hotlist, Pancakes & Whiskey and has been compared to the notable Australian rock band The Church by Joy Of Violent Movement.

The singer/songwriter transitioned from writing poetry to writing music following his move from Australia to NYC. In 2013, Boroko released debut album Almost Human on which Fontaine sang lead vocals and played most of the instruments. Musical Mish Mash raved that Fontaine “…is becoming renowned for his rock styled vocals and the creativity he crushes into each of his tracks.”

Boroko continues to perform at major NYC music venues including future shows at Pianos on October 3.

Ben Howard Announces The Release Date Of His Second Album, I Forget Where We Were

Ben Howard is pleased to announce the details of his eagerly anticipated second album.

I Forget Where We Were is set for release on October 20 2014 through Republic Records. It was produced by drummer Chris Bond at Deep Litter Studios in Devon. The album is available for pre-order now.

Fans can pre-order the physical album and the vinyl (which includes one extra song) via Ben’s website.

To coincide with its announcement, the first single from the album, I Forget Where We Were, is now streaming. You can listen to the official audio below.

The single follows the epic eight minute taster, End Of The Affair, posted online earlier this summer (official audio also below).

I Forget Where We Were follows the release of Ben’s hugely successful debut album, Every Kingdom. Every Kingdom, released in October 2011 sold in excess of one million copies globally, received a Mercury Music Prize nomination and was the catalyst for Ben picking up two Brit Awards in 2012 for British Breakthrough and British Solo Male Artist.

Introducing…Stroamata

With backgrounds in music and performance ranging from self-taught to classical and theater to conservatory training, Stroamata translate their skills into an edgy sound. Stroamata has been coming into their own and absorbing new vibes and inspirations since their start in 2008. Originally backing MCs and performing as a triphop/psychedelic soul band in Boston, MA, Stroamata delved into writing original material with an indie rock edge when Dorothy (Dara) Eagle (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) joined Robert (Rob) Morrison (lead guitar, vocals), Akil Marshall (bass) and Alexander Markowitz (drums/backing vocals).

After releasing their EP The Phoenix in 2010, the quartet made the move to New York in 2011, continuing to gig heavily at notable venues such as The Bowery Electric (NY), TT the Bear’s (Boston) and Church (Boston). Stroamata began releasing monthly singles starting in 2012, catching the attention of fans and press alike, receiving an  Honorable Mention on Adam’s World Blog for “Best Live Band 2013” and taking the title as Harpoon Brewery’s “Best Unfiltered Band.” The future holds an upward trajectory as Stroamata continues to innovate their sound and audiences revel in the band’s newest single, Get You Good.

Apherium To Release New EP, Neoteric

Formed during their college days in 2011 and coming at you from Yeovil, Apherium soon forged a sturdy bond and quickly put out their debut album The Cycle the following year. The album was a steep learning curve for the quartet yet they soon discovered how to better cultivate their sound and reflect on their song writing. The melodic metallers reshaped their set during 2013 and began to spread their wings racking up a series of successful shows in London, Midlands, South Wales and throughout the South West. The band then bunkered down in preparation for their new EP, entitled Neoteric, which is slated for a reboot this September and is rammed with sonic sledgehammer fists-in-the-air choruses and explosive rhythms that promise to melt your ears.

The EP propels to life with the driving opener New Light which boasts duelling guitar lines, magnificently layered vocals and progressive phrasing. The pounding groove and dynamic Silver Tongues then comes over you with soaring riffs and a colossal refrain that will hang in the air for eons. The record soon presses on with Angels Of Our Nature which twists and effortlessly gleams with true potency before the brilliance of their past single Shadows attacks your senses. Lastly, Rise Again closes the EP, balancing melodic hooks with razor sharp riffery, as the cut draws proceedings to a fitting conclusion. With the national launch of the EP lined up for September and the foursome ready to hit the UK with widespread touring, look out for extensive shows soon to be announced for the remainder of the year.

Neoteric is set for release on September 22 2014.

The Bloodpoets Release New Album, The Grand Machine

The cogs have been spinning and turning and now resulting in The Grand Machine being fully operational.

Following on from the success of their first album Polarity and single Borderline, The Bloodpoets released their new album The Grand Machine on August 15. Since its release, the album has reached Number 13 on iTunes Australian Rock Charts.

The Grand Machine was sometime in the making, allowing the band to produce a rawer and high-energy sound to encapsulate the essence of their live show. The songs are a mix of light and shade while still maintaining catchy hooks. The album overall creates a loose story overall that can be enjoyed as a whole or with individual songs.

With the album already containing singles, War, Dance and Ra Ra Ra Ra Riot that have received support from all over the place, including Triple J, Triple J Unearthed, Triple M, Passport Approved, Amazing Radio.

New single, Destroy the Sun, is out now.

The Grand Machine is a punk/pop/rock album where every song is a single (standalone track), however the storyline is carried throughout the album as a whole. In pieces it’s a typical album – as a whole with all the cogs spinning together, it’s art.

The Bloodpoets album The Grand Machine is looking to be the best offering from the band yet.