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The Big Takeover Issue #92

Dave Franklin

Dave has pretty much worn all the creative hats there are to wear. Musician, promoter, (small) record label boss, festival co-organiser, journalist, reviewer, publicist and everything in between. He now divides his time between writing about music and any number of other subjects from travel to games to social issues. He runs his own new music website and contributes to a number of UK based printed music magazines and a few smaller websites. He has spent the last ten years writing music columns for his regional newspaper though has recently given this up to spend more time with his record collection.

Mirrors On The Moon - Whiskey & Wine (self-released)

24 September 2023

New Jersey band Mirrors On The Moon is set to release their debut EP Whiskey & Wine written, produced, and mixed by Donny Dykowsky and mastered by Joe Lambert on October 6. Mirrors On The Moon is Donny Dykowsky on vocals/guitars, Freddy Pastore on bass (Chesterwhite), John Hummel on drums (Lady Gaga), Dave Archer on keys (UNI and the Urchins) with backing vocals by Emily MacMahon.

Karamelien - Living With The Moon (self-released)

22 September 2023

UK indiepop duo Karamelien presents their new single “Living With The Moon”, the title track from their forthcoming album by the same name.

An upbeat, breezy offering, this is a feel-good guitar-driven anthem that gives the musical finger to the armchair critics. At the same time, it comes to terms with the ongoing struggle with mental health and embraces the lunar flow – the ups and downs and ebbs and flows of life and all its mysteries.

Berkley - Pueblo (Big Secret Records)

21 September 2023

Portland indie pop artist Berkley releases the full-length debut Pueblo album via Oregon label Big Secret Records. Moving towards the full vision of the small world Berkley has built with his singles “Pueblo Nights”, ‘Your Place” and “Fiesta Day”, the songwriter expands personal flashbacks of his youth growing up in Pueblo, Colorado into 10 tracks of gauzy, straight-ahead reflections on how one creates the myths of their life and whether they are worth living or erasing.

Black Rose Burning - Fight (PV Recording Company)

20 September 2023

NYC-based alternative rock outfit Black Rose Burning trails their invigorating third full-length album Ad Astra, mastered by Jason Corbett of ACTORS at Jacknife Sound with the release of the single, “Fight!” Earlier, the band released the singles, ‘Night Terrors’ and ‘Sing to Me (E.L.E.)’.

Rocket Kings - Paving The Way (self-released)

19 September 2023

Reading-based indie pop outfit Rocket Kings present their new full-length Paving The Way album, previewed by the video for the title track. With 12 tracks on offer, this is the band’s sophomore album, full of original songs. Expect top tunes, ukuleles, melodies, harmonies – like a sweet cocktail of The Beautiful South, Belle and Sebastian and The Cranberries.

Sabatta - Get Your Sh-- Together (Blackfriars Entertainment)

18 September 2023

London-based alternative rock artist Sabatta presents his rip-roaring new single “Get Your Sh— Together” as a wake up call to the masses. A funkadelic groove-laden track that is as addictive as it is memorable, this song heralds his forthcoming album How To Get Even.

Para Lia - In Clash With The Zeitgeist (About Us Records)

15 September 2023

Alternative rock / post-punk duo Para Lia present their new album In Clash With The Zeitgeist, an 11-track offering of post-punk and indie rock delight, released via the Berlin label About Us Records.

ON - Gator (Indiestructable Records)

14 September 2023

Toronto-NYC indie rock power trio ON is back to blow our minds with their fresh single ‘Gator”, released via Toronto-based imprint Indiestructable Records. Like a 2000-pound-per-square-inch bite force from an Alligator, this 6/8 groove is a hook-laden rock waltz. It’s a parody and observation about living in a gated community amongst live Alligators roaming free. “Gator”’s meaning is two-fold.

Sky Lions - Inside The Circle (self-released)

13 September 2023

Portland-based music mavericks Sky Lions present their new album Inside The Circle, a nine-track offering that presents a powerful blend of post-punk with alternative and hard rock.

Reaping what you sow. A catch up with Afton Wolfe

12 September 2023

Afton Wolfe is a product of his home, Mississippi. It is the birthplace of at least 2 American art forms: country music and blues music. Meridian is the birthplace of Jimmy Rodgers, while the Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of the blues, and the first rock n’ roll notes ever played, according to some music historians, came from Hattiesburg. Afton also draws much of his style from nearby New Orleans.

Black Market Karma & Sonic Boom - The Sour Truth (Flower Power Records)

12 September 2023

London psychedelic pop artist Black Market Karma presents “The Sour Truth”, their long-awaited collaboration with legendary musician-producer Sonic Boom (aka Pete Kember) of Spacemen 3 and Spectrum fame. This single will be released on 10” vinyl and digitally via London boutique label Flower Power Records.

The Jorgensens - Americana Soul (Paramour Group)

8 September 2023

Kurt Jorgensen has been a long time band leader, releasing eight albums to date, while receiving the praise of fans and critics alike. The Minnesota Music Awards has presented Kurt with singer of the year, entertainer of the year, songwriter of the year, album of the year, and song of the year. Brianna Tagg-Jorgensen has played in a number of bands due to her multi instrumental talents. Being proficient at piano, guitar, and has been lucky enough to tour nationwide. Brianna has performed multiple times at South by Southwest and was the lead vocal on a track that was nominated for an Independent Music Award.

Clay Joule - Keep On (Truwan Studio)

7 September 2023

Based in the New Jersey town of Secaucus, Clay Joule is a singer-songwriter who makes buoyant and uplifting soft rock music, characterised by his delicate vocal leads and backed up by warm organic instrumentation. His music always carries an important message and his latest release, “Keep On” is no exception – a dialogue and reminder about who is really in charge of our destiny.

Maureen Toth - Chiaroscuro (self-released)

4 September 2023

Chiaroscuro, is the latest EP from Maureen Toth, a collection of songs that live up to the titular idea of artistic use of light and shade. Championed by Women of Substance Radio, the inherent quality in Toth’s forthright material has drawn comparisons to Patty Griffin, Joni Mitchell, and Shelby Lynne.

Afton Wolfe - The Harvest (self-released)

2 September 2023

Afton Wolfe is a product of his home, Mississippi. It is the birthplace of at least 2 American art forms: country music and blues music. Meridian is the birthplace of Jimmy Rodgers, while the Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of the blues, and the first rock n’ roll notes ever played, according to some music historians, came from Hattiesburg. Afton also draws much of his style from nearby New Orleans.

From Brazil to the World: Trippin' with post-Tropicalia psychedelic outfit BIKE

31 August 2023

Brazil-based sonic adventurers BIKE released their new album Arte Bruta earlier this year after a busy start to 2023 – the band has toured extensively, performed live on Seattle’s KEXP, played dozens of shows at SXSW and Treefort Music Fest, in addition to opening for The Brian Jonestown Massacre in their native city of São Paulo. We caught up with these Amazonian sonic ambassadors for a quick catch-up.

Between Ethereality and Aggression: A Candid Chat with Lucy Kruger

31 August 2023

Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys are an art pop/alternative band based in Berlin. The group, fronted by South African born artist, Lucy Kruger, are known for creating music that is full of atmosphere and intensity. Their prolific output and memorable live shows have attracted attention from both audiences and critics alike.

From Shudder To Think to Quiz Show: A Chat with Chris Matthews

31 August 2023

Quiz Show is a continuation. After a quarter-century break, Chris Matthews, a founding member of legendary DC hardcore band Shudder To Think, picked-up his guitar and began to write songs again. Luckily he lives in the same town as Guided By Voices drummer Kevin March, who agreed to jam and write with Chris.

Talking with Teni Rane about old influences and new releases

28 August 2023

With a run of seasonal singles underway and a new album planned, it felt like the perfect time to sit down with Teni Rane again and find out about the new music music, her recent travels and the fascinating journey which has got her to where she is today.

Leslie Vincent - About Last Night (self-released)

25 August 2023

Leslie Vincent is a prolific songwriter and jazz vocalist. Equally at home singing the Great American Songbook, musical theater, and contemporary rock and pop, she has quickly become one of the most notable voices to emerge in the vibrant Minneapolis music scene, being hailed for her joy-filled performances and her “fun, human, beautiful interpretations”

Fred Abong - Fear Pageant (Disc Drive)

23 August 2023

New Orleans-based alternative folk-rock artist Fred Abong presents his new album Fear Pageant – his seventh to date. Released via Seattle label Disc Drive, on this album, Abong upholds his reputation for creating music that is a blend of “ragged Replacements and lyric-driven Bob Dylan” and “Elliott Smith with balls”.

The Room's Dave Jackson Talks Four Decades and The Big Return

22 August 2023

Formed by singer Dave Jackson and bassist Becky Stringer in the golden years of northern English postpunk, the band is now back, joined by their original drummer Clive Thomas, along with guitarist Darren Brown, keyboardist Ethan Kyme.

Octavian Winters - Undertow (Stratis Capta Records)

21 August 2023

San Francisco post-punk outfit Octavian Winters presents their new single ‘Undertow’, a dark propulsive offering underlining an aspect of separation from the world and the darkness that comes out of it – a sort of ominous current capable of pulling someone away from all hope. The accompanying video was directed, filmed, edited and produced by Jay Adams with design by Eric Olson and Steve Devaney.

Quartet San Francisco, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band and Take 6 - Raymond Scott Reimagined (Violinjazz Recordings)

21 August 2023

Violinjazz Recordings, the label of acclaimed Grammy-nominated musician Jeremy Cohen, principal violinist and founder of Classical Crossover specialists Quartet San Francisco, has released Raymond Scott Reimagined, an unprecedented new collaboration teaming Quartet San Francisco with accomplished Grammy/Emmy Award-winning composer/producer/arranger Gordon Goodwin and revered Grammy-winning a cappella group Take 6.

The International Treasures - Together, We Are The International Treasures (self-released)

19 August 2023

Tugging on heartstrings and bringing smiles to faces since 2020, your Minnesota neighbors, The International Treasures have been captivating audiences throughout the Midwest with their charismatic storytelling, sweet harmonies, and transcendent songs about the universal human condition

Harry Stafford and Marco Butcher - Walk Among The Spectres (Black Lagoon Records)

16 August 2023

Manchester underground music icon Harry Stafford (Inca Babies) and US-based trash blues guitarist Marco Butcher present ‘Walk Among The Spectres’, the loaded first shot from their forthcoming album We Are The Perilous Men, coming this autumn via Black Lagoon Records.

Teni Rane - The Goldenrod Singles (self released)

16 August 2023

Teni Rane is a Chattanooga, TN native. She grew up singing in the backseat of the car on the way to Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse. Her lyrics capture common experiences and her vocal performance captivates people in every age range.

Her latest EP, Goldenrod is being released as a series of singles before being released next month.

Girl Talk: A chat with Gregory Jacobsen of Lovely Little Girls

15 August 2023

Lovely Little Girls is an avant-rock band directed by artist Gregory Jacobsen and bassist Alex Perkolup. The new album Effusive Supreme is out August 18th on SKiN GRAFT Records with a tour planned for October 2023.

Jody and the Jerms - Liberation (JATJ Records)

14 August 2023

Oxford indie pop-rock outfit Jody and the Jerms have a summer surprise for the world – their new single ‘Liberation’, which was produced, mixed and mastered by Ride frontman Mark Gardener at his OX4 Sound studio near Oxford.

Bumpin Uglies - Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions (Controlled Substance Sound Labs)

14 August 2023

Bumpin Uglies is an American punk reggae band from Annapolis, Maryland whose music fas a blend of melody-driven, free-spirited blend of ska, reggae, and punk with a strong focus on lyrics and crowd-pleasing grooves. The new album Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions frames the band in a more stripped back but no less ferocious light.

Tantrum Zentrum - Don't Be A Fascist (Teknostan Records)

11 August 2023

British / North American post-punk outfit Tantrum Zentrum present their new single ‘Don’t Be A Fascist’, along with a new video that offers both clever animation, lyrics and flashes of despots, such as Mussolini, Nigel Farage and Vladimir Putin.

Well-timed and thematic given the crazy state of affairs in the world at the moment, this is the most unlikely love story ever – a song about falling head over heels… with a fascist!

ON - Make Me ( Indiestructable Records)

10 August 2023

With one foot in Toronto and the other in NYC8, indie rock power trio *ON is back with the new single ‘Make Me’, a song of frustration and wanting to recapture that euphoria. This is a cry for what once was… and then resolution and a peaceful acceptance of what is.

Released via Toronto-based imprint Indiestructable Records, this single sees the trio carry on the legacy of the band from which they were formed – 90’s Sire Records band Acid Test.

Mae Simpson - Chandelier & Bloom (self-released)

10 August 2023

Mae Simpson has been shaking up the Minneapolis music scene ever since her band formed in 2017, performing on larger and larger stages to a growing base of loyal fans across the Midwest. Led by her powerful vocals, the seven-piece band brings audiences to their feet with driving horns and a drum and percussion duo

Pearls of Wisdom - talking nature, jewellery, music and beyond with Joanna Pearl

30 July 2023

Joanna Pearl is a singer/songwriter with an undeniable passion for music that reflects in her dynamic vocal strength. Her true-to-life songwriting portrays the heart of a woman ranging from independence to vulnerability.

Guitarmy of One - Soylent Seafoam Green (EA Recordings)

30 July 2023

Guitarmy of One presents his latest adventurous offering ‘Soylent Seafoam Green’, the third single from his forthcoming crowdfunded album The Wave Files’. With the title and mood inspired by the 1970s cult sci-fi movie Soylent Green, this song mixes dark ominous guitar riffing with surf guitar swells and foreboding reverb drenched melodies.

Psycho Death Punk - I Guess (self-released)

30 July 2023

Blending everything from punk to grunge to rock to doomy metal, Psycho Death Punk’s return with a new single “I Guess”

Lusitanian Ghosts - Got Enough (European Phonographic)

28 July 2023

Trans-Atlantic alternative neo-folk collective Lusitanian Ghosts presents their new single ‘Got Enough’. This is the third single from the chordophone collective, which is more of a world-music tinged mantra relative to their usual rock n roll alt-folk fare.

Stephen Jacques - Groove Atlantic-O (self-released)

28 July 2023

Groove Atlantic-O the new album from Stephen Jacques was engineered by Steve Albini (Nirvana, PJ Harvey, The Pixies) and Jason Narducy played Bass, Acoustic & Electric Guitars (Bob Mould, Superchunk, Robert Pollard, The Pretenders.) It’s compilation of love songs which salute the Atlantic or at least “look” to it for love and romance energy. “Dreams on Fire,” “Slept on a Ridge,” and “Queen Bee Gone” are just a smattering of the subjects Stephen takes on with gentle yet humorous care.

From Vienna to Reno via Minneapolis with Hannah Connolly

27 July 2023

Hannah Connolly is a singer-songwriter originally from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, now living in Los Angeles, California. Her debut album From Where You Are was released in 2020, soon to be followed by her forthcoming second record, Shadowboxing.

Slighter x Craig Joseph Huxtable - Pulling Me Under (Brutal Resonance / Confusion Inc.)

27 July 2023

Alternative-electronic artist Slighter presents his new album This Futile Engine, released via Brutal Resonance Records and Confusion Inc and to pave the way has dropped a second single from it, “Pulling Me Under.”

Elk City - Strong (You're Not Alone) (Magic Door Records)

26 July 2023

New Jersey art-rock collective Elk City announces that they will release their seventh album Undertow on September 22. Ahead of that, they present the voluminous consciousness-building lead track “Strong (You’re Not Alone)” , a swirling neo-psychedelic folk song baked in cult obsessiveness.

I Am a Rocketship - Gravity (My Long Wknd)

26 July 2023

As Atlanta indie pop duo I Am a Rocketship move closer to the release of their new La Cruella album, they present the second single from this 10-track collection. “Gravity” is a breezy pop number that offers a more bare-bones sound than the band’s usual sample-driven and atmospheric-heavy style.

E.G. Phillips - It Ain't Good To Be in Love With You (Ducks With Pants Records)

26 July 2023

San Francisco-based artist E.G. Phillips presents the single ‘It Ain’t Good to Be in Love With You’, a jazzy affair that showcases the Tom Waits meets Nick Cave-esque facets of his confessional songwriting. This is the first taste of Phillips’ forthcoming ‘Outlaw The Dead’ EP, which was mixed by Chris McGrew and Billboard-charting producer Jaimeson Durr (Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Hope Sandoval).

Elisa Mammoliti - Ricordi (Truwan Studio)

25 July 2023

Elisa Mammoliti is a singer with a soprano voice specializing in Musical Theatre, Pop, Jazz and Operetta. She speaks English, Italian and French.

Para Lia - Yellow Rose (About Us Records)

25 July 2023

Alternative rock / post-punk duo Para Lia once again please our earbuds with their new single ‘Yellow Rose’, along with its new video. Reflecting reverence of life, this melodic dreamy rock composition is the second taste of their album In Clash With The Zeitgeist, which is slated for release on August 25 via the Berlin label About Us Records.

Alien Gothic - In The Night (Latenight Weeknight Records)

25 July 2023

Colorado-based artist Alien Gothic present their debut single ‘In The Night’, a song that stretches cosmic goth music into a whole new realm, combining all the elements the duo has been striving to integrate into the project in the four years since their inception.

CR & the Nones - The Long Game (Magic Door Records)

24 July 2023

New Jersey-based collective CR and The Nones presents ‘The Long Game’, the first single from The Ghosts Are Coming Home, the band’s second album and the first to be released via the Magic Door Record Label.

Berkley - Pueblo Nights (Big Secret Records)

24 July 2023

Oregon-based Colorado-raised artist Berkley presents “Pueblo Nights”, the first single from his debut full-length album Pueblo, forthcoming via Big Secret Records. Making sense of what remains of youth in adulthood – opportunity, regret, and empathy – is where Berkley stakes his claim among current Portland songwriters.

Mike Gale - Summer Be Gone (self-released)

24 July 2023

British indie pop artist Mike Gale presents his new single ‘Summer Be Gone’, the first offering from his forthcoming album Thanks for Always Waving (out September 8). Not your typical summer anthem, but a great offering of world / folk-inspired indie pop. The accompanying video was filmed in Suzhou, China by Matt Wallwork and features the artist Kimvi.