Author Archives: Adam Cleverly

Alternative, post-goth pop queen Fable is back with her new single “Human Pretending,” a track written with Paul Hartnoll of Orbital. Fable’s writing is energetic, dark and ever-changing—she’s a modern-day musical chameleon and refuses to walk, sing, or dance to anyone’s beat.

“Human Pretending” is about “the human condition,” explains Fable. “We are all flesh and bone, but we’ve convinced ourselves that intellectually we are part of something far greater, both individually and as a society. There’s a constant battle between our actual being and the personas we’ve created, to the extent we’re losing touch with who and what we really are.”

Fable’s music has a message, she’s more than just an avant-garde artiste, unlike her peers, Fable has something to say. “Human Pretending” is a transcendent experience, delivered with Fable’s signature alt pop flamboyance and a window into her twisted, pop soul.

“Human Pretending” is in stores now via 74 Music.
PHOTO: ©DAVID LEVINE

HAWK’s latest self-titled EP is one of their most exciting releases to date. The EP is the sound of a band who have grown—inspired by their collective experiences, politics, environment, and change.

HAWK’s last EP, “Clock Hands” was only a glimpse into the band’s world as they experimented with noir folk and post-rock. Their latest EP however reveals two distinct sides to HAWK—the first two tracks, singles “Once Told” and “The Hunt”—are epic, sweeping, and cerebral indie rock at its finest.” Once Told” addresses Ireland’s archaic abortion laws and attitudes towards women’s rights, while “Rattle” and “Sleep” take on a more celestial air.

On “Sleep,” Julie Hawk’s voice glides and soars over the music as if being steered by supernatural forces as the band convey the difference between our waking life and our dreams.

The band collaborated with producer Dimitri Tikovoi (The Horrors, Placebo, Marianne Faithful) on “Once Told” and “The Hunt,” with both tracks having been mixed by Catherine Marks, best known for her previous work with Wolf Alice and Howling Bells.

HAWK’s selt-titled EP “HAWK” is out on 15th April 2016 via Veta Records.

German producer and musician Antonio de Spirt, aka La Boum Fatale, will release his debut album Holygram on 8th April 2016, and as a taster of what’s to come he presents his second single, “No Tongue In Cheek,” featuring Asbjorn’s mesmerising vocal performance.

The single will also be accompanied by a remix EP where de Spirt brings together collaborators and friends, old and new, such as 9b0, Matvrak, and Kirrin Island, plus illustrious names like NGHT DRPS, Liam Back, and Austin Edward.

Rather than following the usual release routine, de Spirt—having now moved to Berlin—allowed himself the luxury of experimentation. With an open mind and a willingness to grow, he concentrated on his live shows working with many different set-ups, and challenging his music with a graphic design-like mindset. Partnering with producers like Glenn Astro and Sieren, he created unconventional remixes for bands like Me And My Drummer, Hundreds, and Sizarr.

La Boum Fatale’s “No Tongue In Cheek” is out on 11th March 2016 with debut album Holygram to follow on 8th April 2016, both released via Sinnbus.

Lo-fi electro outfit Warriors of the Dystotheque return with their second EP “Return To Coney,” a 5-track electro odyssey inspired by the cult ’70s film The Warriors.

Title track “Return To Coney” brings deep, dark tones to the mix with electronic beats, sombre strings, and haunting vocals provided by Ella Joy. “Return To Coney” is followed by “Escape From Coney,” a song which is a direct nod to the aforementioned The Warriors original soundtrack, as the Warriors return to Coney Island for the final scene of the film.

This is a more up tempo portrayal of the band’s energy, while still keeping the lo-fi sound that makes to the two tracks flow seamlessly from one to the next. The EP finishes with three separate remixes of “Return To Coney” that all have their own individual flavour, dependent on the listeners current mood.

“Return To Coney” is definitely more progressive than their previous release, “The Future is Ours” EP, and it will be interesting to see whether a debut full length will be in the cards for the near future.

Warriors of the Dystotheque’s “Return To Coney” EP is in stores now via Tigre Fair.

Luke Howard’s array of electronic ambient sweeps and emotive piano set the tone for his new album entitled Two Places. With its cinematic style and emotional grasp, Two Places could easily become the album to kickstart your new adventure.

Australian born classical pianist Luke Howard, with the help of established Australian producer Ben Frost, has decided to take his new album in a much more electronic direction whist keeping his classical roots deeply imbedded within his sombre piano melodies.

The title track from the album, “Two Places” demonstrates this perfectly with the building strings of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the swelling cymbals and guitars that create a wave of musical fusion, appealing to both Classical and Alternative listeners alike.

Luke Howard’s Two Places is out April 22nd 2016 via Lukktone.