Introducing: Hana B

Hana B are an Italian London-based band, the members – Fab Vitale (vocals), Valerio Morrone (drums), Francesco Menegat (bass) and Alessandro Ciani (guitars) – met in early 2000 and have recorded three albums since; their latest work Doors is scheduled to be released in September. Their roots spread all over the genres: Radiohead, Neil Young and Leonard Cohen, Bon Iver, Marvin Gaye. And a little bit of Coltrane are the main names in a long list of influences and preferences. Since their first album they have been supported by the Italian independent studio Operà Music.

Their third record sees a prominent electronic vein, a different ethics that led the band to entrust the video of their first single Merry-go-round to their friend Eleonora Mignoli because – as Francesco Menegat explained – they're trying to create a Hana B experience made up by music, words and images. The first single Merry-go-round and its b side Hole in my soul are built on a solid rock base where electronic effects cling on the walls of the songs and pulsed beats, aggressive riffs and a hoarse voice make an exciting preview of what we can expect from the upcoming album.

Checkout their current video Merry-go-round

Watch: The Helmholtz Resonators - Odyssey

If you haven't seen these guys live before they are one of the coolest bands ever to watch..

The new single from the Helmholtz Resonators – ‘Odyssey’ released July 15th 2013 on Genepool Records, from the forthcoming album ‘Mystery Of Woolley Mountain’ coming late 2013.

As you can see via their new video below London based time-travelling audio scientists The Helmholtz Resonators have been hard at work in the lab again, and this time, they’ve certainly put the sun back into summer time! Odyssey, their latest creation, is sure to set dance floors alight in this Bee-Gees-esque manic mega-dance romp classic….

JUNE 2013 - REVIEW PODCAST feat. Dear Pariah

A chance to listen to us and our special guest Dear Pariah reviewing some great new music for our June Podcast. July's edition coming very soon...

June - Lost in the Manor // Music Review Podcast by Lost In The Manor // Podcast on Mixcloud

Zervas & Pepper - Jerome

Childhood - Solemn Skies

Landshapes - Limbo

Zoe Konez - Haley Don't Say Goodbye

Dear Pariah - Interview & Session - Brother

The Veils - Deep Dark Woods

Symphonic Pictures - Backwoods

The Harlequin Dynamite Marching Band - Jonah

To Submit Track for the next podcast email to chris@musicborn.com

Review: Animal Noise + Felix Hagan & The Family - The Finsbury 28/6/13

Time was when the Glastonbury Festival was at the heart of the British counterculture, and time was when The Rolling Stones at least pretended to be. So on a weekend when the two came together for a televised event that was about as insurrectionary as the Jubilee flotilla, it was good to find that rock’n’roll can still be at its edgiest and most electrifying at the roots.

Particularly when the sounds are emanating from a group as lithe as Animal Noise, an Essex trio whose explosive rifforama powered a breathless opening segment of a Finsbury set built on furious chops and brutal beats somewhat comparable to Queens of the Stone Age - and this bunch (blond, basin-haired singer-guitarist; stoner-rock rhythm section) had the musical nous to pull it off. As the set progressed, so did Animal Noise’s flexibility, their influences diversifying as the giant of a bassist strummed, slapped and flicked at his fretboard, while the guitarist switched from chorused finger-picking to uptempo off-beat skank, linking with the tattoo-torsoed sticksman for the kind of intuitive musical interplay that sometimes only stripped-down three-pieces seem able to convey. But among all the stomping grooves and pulsing head-shakers, do the band have the hooks, the pop sensibility to pull out truly enduring tunes? The euphoric ‘Bag Of Bones’ certainly suggested they do. Crafted on to a rhythm so fresh it was verging on hardcore highlife, it was a jaw-dropping finale.

So how do you follow a band like that? Well, how about a tongue-in-cheek, theatrical Rocky Horror-tinged show from a two-tiered septet whose near-anonymous instrumentalists supply the slick foundation for a self-deprecating, classically voiced bandleader to croon operatic innuendo-laden vignettes while assisted by a pair of glamorous gothic sirens who perform melodramatic choreography and instigate audience participation that culminates in jumping into the crowd to initiate a wild, climactic dance-off? Phew. That was how Felix Hagan & The Family chose to do it, anyway. And if their performance art-cum-music-hall-revue-cum-Eric-Idleish-surrealism seemed a little incongruous on the Finsbury stage at times, it was no less entertaining for it. Just the sort of thing you could imagine going down a storm in a marquee at an innovative festival, perhaps. Eat that, Glasto.

Follow Nick Mee on Twitter: @nickjmee

Watch: Cloud Control - Dojo Rising + UK Dates

Originally from Blue Mountains, near Sydney, Cloud Control – made up by Alister Wright, Heidi Lenffer, Ulrich Lenffer and Jeremy Kelshaw – are now residing in the UK. They are currently working on ‘Dream Cave’, their second full length album after ‘Bliss’, which received the Australian Music Prize in 2011.

They are now working with producer and mix engineer Barny Barnicott, whose collaborations include several names of indie rock bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Plan B, Peace and Franz Ferdinand. Their latest single ‘Dojo Rising’ adds to their typical psychedelic touch and harmonies from the West Coast rock/electronics effects. The mix of a pop beat and a feeling of nostalgia will make you feel like one of those days when the sun is out but rain falls down on you and you can't help wondering how a person can feel happy and sad at the same time.

The band will be touring from August in UK and Europe before their Australian tour.

September dates Mon 23 LONDON Xoyo Tue 24 MANCHESTER Deaf Institute Wed 25 GLASGOW King Tuts Thu 26 BIRMINGHAM Hare & Hounds Fri 27 BRISTOL Start The Bus

Checkout their current video Dojo Rising

Introducing: Bird

Singer songwriter Adele Emmas and guitarist Sian Williams met in late 2000 and, over their mutual love for artists such as Leonard Cohen, Kate Bush and The Cocteau Twins a decision was made to found the band Bird. The quartet is completed with drummer Alexis Samta and Mike Bennet at the keyboards.

The band signed with Jack to Phono Records and launched their first EP ‘Shadows’ in 2012. Their second, ‘Ophelia’, was released in February and they're working on their first full length album.

Bird have gained a strong and solid fan-base as well as praise from eminent voices of the music industry. Winning ingredients of their project are Adele's hypnotic voice, dreamlike lyrics and melodies that will capture your heart with their fusion of tribal, folk and classic beat.

Their songs manage to create an atmosphere like a Grimm's tale. You think you're reading an innocent and innocuous bedtime story but a moment later you're shifted in a thick and dark wood. You excitedly feel lost and attracted by the danger hidden in the dark.

Review: Coco & The Butterfields Live - The Finsbury - 23/6/2013

"CoCo And The Butterfields will amaze you with their innovative "Fip Fok"

More often than not music genres cross path and when it happens new genres come to life. Yesterday I was at one of these junctions when, for the first time, I assisted at the CoCo And The Butterfields performance, live at The Finsbury Pub.

The band - made up by five elements but joined on stage by a trombone and a trumpets specially for the occasion – manage to converge several sounds and influences. They all brought their personal experiences (which span country, folk, hip hop, r&b) and gave life to a distinctive sound.

The band opened with a cover of Whitney Houston's 'I will always love you' sung by Dulcima's low and seductive voice; she was gradually joined by the rest of the instruments and when the song got to its zenith, it broke into a fast-pace folk ballad that had the unfortunate side effect of suffocating the female and male vocals.

'Astronaut' was a gentle and delicate love song that kicked in the second half, spiced up with a hint of jazz. 'Scarecrow' came next; the song opened with a raspy violin before bursting into a fast country ballad. The band also presented their latest single 'Warriors' a choral song that resounded epic with trombone and trumpets joining the performance, before closing with a cover of Florida's 'Low' revisited in a reggae key.

On the stage, the band was possessed by the rhythm of the music, dancing and thumping against the floor - the excited crowd couldn't help but clap along.

There is a rough quality about the sound of CoCo And The Butterfields; it's not easy to merge so many different styles, but this band seems to know how to make it work. There are few edges to refine and adjust, but it'll be interesting to watch more closely the evolution of this unique project.

Review: Johnny Parry Chamber Orchestra Live - The Finsbury 9/6/2013

"Johnny Parry nails the perfect symphony, a must see band of 2013"

When Johnny Parry Chamber Orchestra got up on the stage of The Finsbury, they were crammed on a relatively small space. It was eight of them possessing keyboards, violins and double bass to name a few. As Johnny Parry said; it was only the stripped version of the Orchestra that usually counts 30 elements.

The band opened with 'Sweet Nothings' from their second album Song without a purpose; Parry's clear and warm voice led off, accompanied by the astounding voice of the soprano. From there they were slowly joined by all the instruments on hand, being introduced one at a time. When they retracted, the song ended up with a light touch on the keyboard.

'God loves me' hit the crowd like a punch, unlike the other songs that started slow and then built up, this one started at full voice. There was a nice contrast between Parry's deep voice, and the soprano warbling in the back.

Throughout the whole performance there was a strict link between the song played and the images being projected on the screen behind the band. When the orchestra played 'Rebuild It Piece By Piece', images taken from comic books worked as captions relevant to the song and, inside the balloons, it was possible to read the lyrics. Parry's mesmerizing voice was the main character of the performance, with the instruments building around him and originating a sense of grandeur.

Johnny Parry Chamber Orchestra closed with another tune from Song without a purpose; 'Love Song'. As the title suggested it was indeed a song about love but not in a traditional way. The grandeur of the music left place to lyrics that were an ode to life and love. Love for the countryside, for home, for personal ghosts, demons, love for God. In the end the song reached its zenith and I couldn't help feeling I was watching live - for the first time - the execution of a symphony.

Watch: Local Natives - You & I + October Tour Dates

The Local Natives first record - 'Gorilla Manor' - was such a strong debut, it concerned me how the band would set about making a follow-up. I kept thinking to myself; how on earth can you beat this record! Truth be told, with my first listen to new album 'Hummingbird', I wasn't sure what to think. Although, as the sound waves started to penetrate, it didn't take long before Local Natives started to work their magic on me. Their brave statement with their new sound shone through as expected.

You can catch Local Natives at tons of UK festivals this year along with a host of headline shows. After seeing them as Field Day's secret guests, I cannot recommend buying a ticket as fast as possible or making sure you are in the best position possible if you're at one of the lucky festivals.

June Fri 28 - Glastonbury - Festival

July 15 - Nottingham - Rescue Rooms 16 - Brighton - Concorde 2 20 - Longitude - Festival 21 - Latitude - Festival

August 17 - Beacons - Festival 18 - Green Man - Festival

October 15 - Cambridge - Junction 16 - Norwich - Waterfront 17 - London - Brixton Academy 20 - Newcastle - Sage 2 21 - Glasgow - Arches 22 - Belfast - Limelight 24 - Dublin - Olympia 25 - Sheffield - Leadmill 26 - Manchester - Ritz 27 - Bristol - Academy 29 - Southampton - University

Check out Local Natives outstanding new video 'You & I'

Brothers Rasputin // The 150 Friends Club - The Finsbury - 13/6/13

Sporting a pork-pie hat and precision moustache, Brothers Rasputin’s hyperactive frontman left his memorably psychotic mark on the Finsbury’s front-of-house last Thursday. Often employing a vocal upper-register that bordered on a squeal, any conventional pop prose was interspersed with morally questionable hooks like ‘I’m gonna make your fuckin’ nose bleed’. This bipolar Bee-Gee ensnared members of the audience as he swang from lover (pointing and gyrating in one woman’s direction) to fighter (leaping off stage mid-song to scream in another’s face). It was, of course, extremely funny, although his coiled unpredictability held the crowd in a certain uneasy flux. None of it would have worked if the band couldn’t hold their own, but Brothers Rasputin are as slick a funk-rock trio as you could wish for - sharing some space and feel with the likes of Cake - their sound fleshed out not by horns and percussion but by our man’s judicious use of a loop pedal on both his versatile voice and guitar. Ticking the box for genuine comedic and musical entertainment in one ain’t easy, but Brothers Rasputin pull it off. Go see – just be a little careful where you stand.

150 Friends Club also appeared to be having plenty of fun, and were certainly exploring some rarely chartered territory. Their stunning dexterity facilitated a fusion of original time signatures, key changes and rhythmic patterns. Accents and stresses were placed where least expected, sometimes losing the listener amid a forest of musical smarts, only to deliver them, blinking, back to a comfortably familiar refrain by song’s end. A mid-set lull established that the lyrical plot-lines were as clever-clever as the rest of the band’s contributions, but it was during the more dynamic tunes that you could really  appreciate how good the quartet were, driven by a belter of a drummer and peaking on the bouncing jazz-rock-prog of ‘Hoonanaparka’. A little self-indulgent, perhaps? Sure, but the group’s obvious enjoyment of their craft was infectious and they went down a storm.

Listen: Ajimal - This Human Joy

Clearly one of the best voices I've heard this year!

'This Human Joy' is a hopeful song about finding peace in the beauty of small and simple things, when often it's easy to slip into feeling frustrated or irritated by the world, routine and to stop taking chances and risks. It's about accepting the fact that we can't always know where we're going or what will happen to us and embracing those mysteries.

What the press say

"Setting a new benchmark for sensitive pop in 2013" THE LINE OF BEST FIT

“Soporific, pianistic folk…displaying a charmingly earnest approach.” THE FLY

“Touches of Bon Iver and Jeff Buckley ring true, however Ajimal sculpts an illimitable soundscape that is entirely his own.” CRACK IN THE ROAD

“An unearthly, eerie and incredibly beautiful set of sounds that will capture the imagination of a much wider listening public before long.” DROWNED IN SOUND

“Remarkably beautiful.” FLYING WITH ANNA

Introducing: Go Tell The Eskimo

Catch Go Tell the Eskimo on July 19th for Lost In The Manor at The Finsbury. Full Bill - Folie Ordinaire, Go Tell The Eskimo, Bat & Ball, DJ Bon Bonnie. Free entry

Although London based the band's international membership hails from England, Ireland and Chile. Their initial demos were recorded simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic in a 24 hour cycle between London and California.

The band kicked off the New Year in California, USA with shows across the west coast and to complete the recording of their first full length album "Life among Wolves" (set for release Summer 2013), followed by headline shows and various tours and festival appearances across the US, UK and Ireland.

Here's what the press have to say

"Go Tell The Eskimo creates totally magical indie pop that will make your ears rejoice" Tobi Lynn 98.7 Los Angeles

Armed with articulate analogue sounds and upbeat indie anthems, GTTE comfortably blend exciting rock & roll elements with a pop-centric demeanour that can only be described as Go Tell The Eskimo! This can be heard throughout their EP and in the début single “When The Lights Go Out” (officially released November 20th 2012). Along with the local support from the BBC and national Radio the band is catching the attention of audiences across their native UK thanks to their unique brand of eccentric indie rock.

"Smoke Signals" the EP, recorded and produced between Los Angeles and London, was released through Red Parade Music owned by producer Jim Roach (The Young Romans, Skyler Stonestreet, Jesse Thomas).

"The entire three song EP called "Smoke Signals" is beautifully layered - from gritty garage rock to jangly 60's inspired orchestral pop - these songs will become the soundtrack to your happiest daydreams!" Tob Lynn on-air personality and live performance host at 98.7FM-LA

Introducing: 150 Friends Club

The 150 Friends Club is the latest project from David Goo - his 'second feature' so to speak - and could be described as the Variety Band's uglier and more peculiar sister. Based on the Dunbar Theory that society works best in numbers of 150, the band plays what they call 'intimate, intense rock things' designed for no more and no less than a hundred and fifty people at a time.

Their first recording is their answer to the sixties song 'I Know Something About Love' and was recorded at Intimate Studios, live in the same room, second take, with overdubs. Mixed by Oliver Price at his home and mastered by Tim Debney at Fluid Mastering.

Mariya Brachkova - vocals Charlie Coulson Smith - Bass Oliver Dacombe - Drums David Goo - Vocals/guitars

Check out their current single I Know Nothing (About Love)

MAY 2013 - REVIEW PODCAST feat. James & The Peach

Here is your second chance to listen back to our Lost in the Manor Review Podcast for May. Recorded at The Finsbury and previously aired on Shoreditch radio May 26th. Our June Podcast will be aired on Sunday June 30th

May - Lost in the Manor // Music Review Podcast by Lost In The Manor // Podcast on Mixcloud

Featured tracks - May Podcast

The Slow Revolt - This dark matter

Buzzard Lope - Millstone

Sea Stacks - The high tide

More Like Trees - Once

Interview/Live Session - James & The Peach - Don't leave me now

Modest Ike - Cold blooded killer

Dear Pariah - So close the divide

The Shallows - Thieves

Buzzard Lope Free Download Millstone

Buzzard Lope describe themselves as “an alternative trio from London, Birmingham and Brazil, hammering against ivories and catgut and rawhide.”

Millstone is a taster from their forthcoming album Pyrrhic Victories, which will be out later this year, accompanied by a full UK tour.

The track won the recent Audition poll on Amazing Radio by a narrow margin to take pride of place on the Amazing Radio playlist.

Buzzard Lope - Live Review 9th June (AAAMUSIC.co.uk)

Review by Monica Guerrasio (AAAMUSIC.co.uk) Sunday June 9th 2013

Writing a review is more complicated than it looks like; it’s basically translating music and feeling into words. A writer will find bands along the way that will make the task easier or more difficult. But personally I think the best bands are those that leave me speechless, and trust me it’s not an easy job. This happened last Sunday at The Finsbury Pub when Buzzard Lope got on the stage.

They played several tracks from the upcoming album Pyrrhic Victories, due in November. The trio was joined on stage by Gill Sandell playing the accordion.

The band opened with ‘Peak of Evolution‘ from the upcoming album, a rhythmic tune, fusion of jazz and blues accompanied by Sandell‘s accordion that gave the song a touch of folk.

‘Walk Don't Run‘ hits by surprise, you couldn’t see that coming. Roger Illingworth, the singer and main composer of the band, went up and down with his voices reaching high pitches and then going to a lower and deeper tone. Illingworth didn’t only play with his voice, he was possessed by the music; he literally bounced up and down on his stool behind the keyboard, his leg thumped against the floor following the beat of the song and his eyes were closed. He released all his energy which came out unleashed and pure. He looked completely submerged in the world created by the music and the lyrics.

The band went back to slower and evocative tunes like ‘Union‘ and ‘East by East‘, songs that surprised you at the last minute growing into two orchestral pieces.

Trying to draw a pattern of this gig was almost impossible; Buzzard Lope were all over the map with their songs: a mix of pure jazz, soul and pop.

The crowd was completely taken by the magical and dramatic atmosphere created by the band, awaken only when the music finished; always ready to burst in loud applause.

Animal Noise - June 28th / The Finsbury

Check out the video of this crazy bunch called Animal Noise who we have confirmed for our 'Lost in the Manor Club Night' on June 28th. They call their music "Tribal sex mess"

Full bill for the 28th June // Felix Hagen & The Family (Live), Animal Noise (Live), The Lad The Others (Live), Bon Bonnie (DJ)

Watch: Zervas & Pepper - JEROME

Video Exclusive Zervas & Pepper

The curiously titled 'Jerome' tells of a father's warning to his son to abandon the now dilapidated and deserted ghost town they call home for bigger and better things. A powerful flute and string ensemble provide the 'Bonanza-esque' instrumentation for this epic sonic-voyage westbound.

After such great radio support, the band have this year been booked to play the coveted Glastonbury Festival in June

Gigs Sat 28th September 2013- Cornucopia Festival Sat 17 August 2013 - Green Man Festival Sat10 August, 2013 - Croissant Neuf Summer Party Thurs 25 July Secret Show Cardiff Weds 24 July St Pancras Old Church London Sat 20 July 2013- Deer Shed Festival Sun 30th June, 2013 - Glastonbury-Croissant Neuf Stage Sat 22 June 2013 GoldCoast Oceanfest

Watch: Childhood - Solemn Skies + UK Tour

New Single from Childhood  ‘Solemn Skies’ b/w ‘Semester’ Out 10th June + UK Tour Announced

Following the release of their critically acclaimed debut single ‘Blue Velvet’ last November, London four-piece Childhood will release their new double a-side single ‘Solemn Skies’ / ‘Semester’ digitally and on 10-inch vinyl on 10th June 2013 on House Anxiety/Marathon Artists. The two tracks were produced by Rory Attwell, formerly of Test Icicles. The release will include a remix of ‘Solemn Skies’ by ex-Spacemen 3 man Sonic Boom, who says of the band: 'Childhood’s psych-piercing volcanic fury is the sort of thing you come across only once in a summer of balmy blue moons.'

Childhood formed at Nottingham University in early 2011, originally as a two-piece making bedroom demos. The founders Ben Romans-Hopcraft (vocals/guitar) and Leo Dobsen (guitar) initially came together over a shared love for psychedelic and guitar music, later bringing in Daniel Salamons on bass and Johnny Williams on drums.

Tracklisting: A: Solemn Skies AA: Semester B: Solemn Skies (Sonic Boom Remix)

In support of the release Childhood will be playing the following UK dates:

Sat 06 July – Academy, Liverpool Fri 12 July – 2000 Trees Festival Sat 20 July – Benicàssim Festival Fri 16 July – Secret Garden Party Sat 10 Aug – Visions Festival Fri 16 Aug – Beacons Festival

The Guardian: ‘Undeniably exciting and relevant’ NME: ‘Some of the finest slices of lo-fi indie pop and god-given guitar lines you’ll hear all year’ The Fly: ‘Deep, lush kaleidoscopic guitar pop that might just melt your heart’