LA-based SAM LAPIDES shares hopeful Americana-tinged 'Kisses In My Pocket'

July 22, 2026

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Sam Lapides presents his new Americana-flavored rock ballad 'Kisses In My Pocket', a deeply personal song about longing, connection and the courage to reach outward. Built around Lapides’ weathered, soulful voice and intimate storytelling, the track reflects the emotional honesty that has defined his music for more than four decades.

The colorful video was created by Italian visionary Francesca Bonci, known for her work with Federale (Brian Jonestown Massacre's Collin Hegna), The Dandy Warhols, Pete International Airport and Slowdive's Rachel Goswell, and Tombstones In Their Eyes, among others.

"'Kisses in my Pocket' is a love letter coming from my unconscious. At it’s core, it is a love song, a longing for connection but it’s more hopeful than my previous songs," says Sam Lapides. "I woke up one day with the melody and the chorus in my head, which rarely happens. This is about heart-ache and wanting to reach out, a deep expression of wanting to be there for someone else and also for myself."

With artwork and photography by artist Maureen Maki, this single was produced by Bill Lloyd at Awesomewood Studios in North Hollywood, the recording strips the song down to its emotional core. Lapides’ vocals and guitar are joined by Lloyd’s understated instrumentation and harmonies, creating a timeless ballad that balances vulnerability with warmth.

“When Sam first played ‘Kisses In My Pocket’ for me, I heard a completely different arrangement,” admits Bill Lloyd. “I had imagined a Bakersfield-style shuffle honky-tonk country rock song, but when we returned to the original idea, we found the tenderness of the song. It became a simple, no-frills recording that let the emotion shine through.”

Lapides’ musical journey began on the streets, where he honed his craft in Ann Arbor, Boston, and Venice Beach. That independent spirit carried through his early work with The Folkminers and into Ghosthouse, the folk-rock band he formed with John Thoman of Rain Parade. With multiple albums, label backing, critical acclaim, European tours and notable support slots (including for Wall of Voodoo's Stan Ridgway), Ghosthouse established Lapides as a solid force in the independent music scene.

Along the way, Lapides caught the attention of Steve Wynn of the acclaimed band The Dream Syndicate, who ultimately produced several of his early recordings after hearing Lapides perform one of Wynn’s songs. It was a defining moment in a career built on songwriting, perseverance, and a lifelong connection with audiences.

More than four decades into his musical journey, Lapides continues to write and perform, bringing the same authenticity to his music that has carried him from street corners to international stages. In 2014, he formed Sam Lapides and The Rotten Liars, a band that expanded his musical palette while remaining rooted in the storytelling and emotional honesty that have always guided his work. Lapides also continues to host the weekly live acoustic series 'Saturdays with Sam Lapides'.

'Kisses In My Pocket' marks the latest chapter in Lapides’ ongoing creative journey—an artist still searching, still creating, and still finding new ways to connect. As of July 22, this single is available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Music & Lyrics by Sam Lapides
Sam Lapides - vocals, guitar
Bill Lloyd - backing vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards and drums
Recorded, Mixed, Mastered & Produced by Bill Lloyd
at Awesomewood Studios, North Hollywood, CA
Cover artwork by Maureen Maki
Video by Francesca Bonci
Artists photos by Maureen Maki
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

SOFT SCIENCE reach new heights with new single "Understand", previewing "Sand" album

July 21, 2026

Sacramento outfit Soft Science presents 'Understand', the second offering from their fifth album 'Sand', released via Shelflife Records in North America and Spinout Nuggets in the UK. A reflection on time, memory, and emotional patience, the song drifts through the feeling of carrying someone close even as years pass, holding onto their words like echoes that refuse to fade.

A buoyant track with a glimmer of hope and Lush-infused vibes, at its heart, 'Understand' offers reassurance: when life becomes difficult, return to what is simple and true. Darkness may come, but so will another day—bringing space, breath, and the possibility that one day, everything will make sense.

Soft Science pairs shimmery atmosphere with a sense of restless momentum via their signature blend of dream pop, shoegaze and indie rock. Made up of longtime collaborators Katie Haley (lead vocals, percussion), Matt Levine (lead guitar), Ross Levine (guitar, backing vocals), Tony Cale (drums), Becky Cale (bass, backing vocals), and Hans Munz (atmospheric electronics), they craft immersive music defined by layered guitars, ethereal vocals, synth textures, and postpunk-influenced propulsion.

As of July 21, 'Understand' is available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where 'Spinning' can also be found. The 'Sand' album will be released on CD and vinyl via Shelflife Records (US) and Spinout Nuggets (UK) on September 4.

ALBUM CREDITS
Lyrics written by Katie Haley & Ross Levine
All songs written by Katie Haley, Ross Levine, Matt Levine, Becky Cale & Tony Cale
except 'Thread', 'Without' and 'Sway' are written by
Katie Haley, Ross Levine, Matt Levine, Becky Cale, Tony Cale & Hanz Munz
Katie Haley - vocals, percussion
Ross Levine - backing vocals, synths, additional guitars
Matt Levine - guitar
Becky Cale - bass guitar, backing vocals
Tony Cale - drums
Hans Munz - additional electronics
Recorded at Shattered Records and The Pool House
Engineered by Jack O'Donnell
Additional Engineering by Ross Levine
Mixed by Kev Bolus at OneEleven
Mastered by Antony Ryan at Red Red Paw
Produced by Soft Science
Artwork by John Conley
c @ p Shelflife Records / Spinout Nuggets 2026
Vinyl UPC code 759159696649 / CD UPC code 759159696656
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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The Stevenson Ranch Davidians return with radiant single 'Love, Light, Beauty & Truth'

July 15, 2026

New York-based collective The Stevenson Ranch Davidians embrace hope, resilience and timeless psychedelic soul on their luminous new single 'Love, Light, Beauty & Truth', with accompanying video by Jacob Kedzierski.

Blending the rich traditions of '60s psych, folk and soul, woven with strands of early American roots music, this is a stirring reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit and its endless emanation throughout the ages into the face of an ancient and unrelenting evil.

Steeped in the aura of the perennially mythologized psychedelic culture of Southern California, The Stevenson Ranch Davidians has revealed itself in shifting configurations, their sound balances spiritual yearning with earthy authenticity. While the lineup has continually coalesced around lead singer-songwriter Dwayne Seagraves and bassist Jessica Latiolait, the collective has always had a guiding vision and goal: to create music that seeks to simultaneously demystify and deify the human experience.

The other members bring a range of talent, experience, and inspiration, including producer and longtime Brian Jonestown Massacre member Rob Campanella on guitar and lap steel, British drummer Misha Bullock, and Sara Minsavage on keyboards, shakes and jangles. On the current single, Andy Campanella also contributes background vocals..

"This song is from a collection of material that was recorded in the spring of 2019, just over a year after the release of our last LP, 'Amerikana', and just under a year before the entire world was abruptly thrown into one of its darkest periods in modern history," says Dwayne Seagraves.

"To say that the music felt relevant at the time is an understatement, yet, somehow the time was not quite right for its release. Now here we are some seven years later and the songs’ relevance hasn’t faded. Maybe that makes it timeless. Maybe that’s exactly what we intended it to be."

Jessica Latiolait adds, "We will be releasing a series of brand-new singles over several months, each pulled from sessions we recorded back in 2019s. These songs have been waiting a long time to be heard, and we're excited to finally share them with you. We can't wait for you to hear what we've been holding onto all these years."

Following the release of their acclaimed third album 'Amerikana', the band embarked on two extensive European tours while also recording a full length collection of songs. The band began a monthly residency in the Bay Area until taking indefinite hiatus due to various governmental mandates during the Covid outbreak. In 2024, the band re-emerged to the live music circuit, touring with acts such as Micah Nelson and Particle Kid, Levitation Room and Habibi, while writing new material.

Most recently, The Stevenson Ranch Davidians have wrapped up recording their fourth full-length album at Rick Rubin’s Shangri-La Studio in Malibu, California, with its release planned for early-2027. 2026 also brings a string of performances, including three with Elephant Stone.

As of July 15, 'Love, Light, Beauty & Truth' is available on streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Music and Lyrics written by Dwayne Seagraves
Dwayne Seagraves - vocals, acoustic / rhythm guitar, percussion
Jessica Latiolait - bass guitar
Misha Bullock - drums, percussion & background vocals
Rob Campanella - electric / lead guitar & Hammond B3 organ
Andy Campanella - background vocals
Recorded at Figment Sounds
Produced by Rob Campanella
Mixed & Engineered by Rob Campanella
Mastered by: Dave Collins Mastering
Cover artwork by The Stevenson Ranch Davidians
UPC code: 885000025235 / ISRC code USL4Q2600101
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Video by Jacob Kedzierski

JAH WOBBLE & TIAN QIYI recast 'Strawberry Fields Forever', heralding 'Mystic Liverpool' album

July 14, 2026

Legendary bassist and producer Jah Wobble and Liverpool-based duo Tian Qiyipresent 'Strawberry Fields Forever', ushering in their new album 'Mystic Liverpool: The Beatles' Psychedelic Psongbook', out August 14th via Cherry Red Records and Wobble's label 30 Hertz. Previewed by the lead track 'Tomorrow Never Knows', this is a deeply personal reimagining of The Beatles’ psychedelic period, these songs are framed within a soundscape of Chinese, Mongolian and dub traditions.

These songs may have been penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, but Jah Wobble (aka John Wardle) and his sons John T Wardle and Charlie Wardle (aka Tian Qiyi) have made these songs uniquely their own. 'Mystic Liverpool' draws on Wobble’s signature dub bass, John T’s drums, Chinese percussion and yangqin, and Charlie’s erhu and vocals, while 'Strawberry Fields Forever' sees Charlie play morin khuur with the boys' mother Zi Lan Liao — a Royal Academy of Music–trained harpist and the most recognized gu-zheng performer worldwide — joining on gu-zheng.

Jah Wobble is a founding member of Public Image Ltd (PiL) and formed Invaders of the Heart in 1982. In his 50-year career, he has achieved chart success, a Mercury Music Prize nomination and a rich discography. He has collaborated with Can's Holger Czukay, Jaki Liebezeit, U2's The Edge and producer François Kevorkian, in addition to Sinéad O’Connor, Massive Attack, Ginger Baker, Björk, Brian Eno, Pharoah Sanders and, most recently, Horace Andy on his 'Timeless Roots' album, Ken Boothe on his 'Old Fashioned Ways' album, and Jon Klein on the 'Automated Paradise' album.

Tian Qiyi takes their name from John T Wardle and Charlie Wardle's Chinese middle names, Tian Qi and Tian Yi. Meshing British, Chinese, Mongolian and dub traditions, their music bridges cultures to forge a sound that also weaves in post-punk and experimental production, their sound imbued with magnetic tension between ancient tradition and dub futurism, East and West, land and spirit.

"This is the one that started everything for me — the song that opened my psyche as a small boy in the East End. So it was always going to be the centrepiece of this record. It’s a family track in every sense with Charlie on erhu, morin khuur and vocals, John T on drums and yangqin, and Zi Lan on guzheng," says Jah Wobble.

"The dub sensibility runs right through it — there’s a lot of space in the mix, a lot of trust in the listener. I don’t think we’ve tried to compete with the original. What we’ve done, I hope, is honour the mystery of it — let it breathe in a slightly different room, with different instruments, and see what happens. It still feels like more than music to me."

Adrian Crowley & Bring Your Own Hammer resurrect the past on 'Quinn The Adventurer' single

July 12, 2026

Bring Your Own Hammer (BYOH) in partnership with Dimple Discs, continues its acclaimed Music and History Series with the release of "Quinn the Adventurer", a compelling new single performed by celebrated Irish songwriter Adrian Crowley that stands as another striking chapter in this series, bringing an extraordinary true story from Ireland's past vividly into the present through song.

This previews "From the Tombs", This barnstorming 21-song double album is a journey through the history of crime, law and order in Ireland and among the Irish Diaspora in the 19th century.

This is the second BYOH album following "My Grief on the Sea", a collection of songs about the sea, maritime voyages, and migration to and from Ireland during the 1800s, dedicated to Cathal Coughlan (Microdisney, Fatima Mansions), one of Ireland’s most revered artists, who was also involved in this project.

A musical portrait of one of the most remarkable true stories to emerge from the Irish diaspora, "Quinn the Adventurer" tells the extraordinary tale of James Quinn (a.k.a. Tim O'Brien), a young Irish Catholic who left Belfast in 1920 to embark on an astonishing journey across North and South America. By 1924, Quinn had arrived in Hollywood, where he worked as an extra in silent films alongside Charlie Chaplin.

Quinn's adventure took an unexpected turn when L.A. newspapers reported his arrest upon exhibiting a collection of Amazonian shrunken heads at the Long Beach Pike amusement park. Charged with the theft of the collection (valued at $25,000), Quinn was convicted of first-degree burglary and sentenced to San Quentin State Prison. Yet, thanks to the extraordinary twists of his life, he never served his sentence, instead skipping bail before resurfacing in Panama, on his way to Havana, Cuba.

Adrian Crowley's rich, unmistakable voice and masterful storytelling transform Quinn's remarkable journey into an evocative ballad that captures the spirit of adventure, reinvention and myth. The song invites listeners to imagine themselves crossing the Caribbean alongside Quinn, hearing first-hand the stories of a life lived on the edge of history.

One of Ireland's most distinctive musical voices, Crowley has spent more than two decades crafting music celebrated for its poetic depth, haunting narratives and resonant baritone. An award-winning songwriter, singer and composer, his most recent album "Measure of Joy", produced by the acclaimed John Parish, received widespread critical praise and radio support.

Bring Your Own Hammer is a masterclass in collaborative artistry that unites historical scholarship and contemporary composition. Curated by Dr. Richard Mc Mahon(lecturer in History at MIC, Limerick and currently a visiting fellow at the Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge), BYOH explores forms of invented history, rooted in historical sources from Ireland and overseas, with support from Dr. Niall Whelehan(senior lecturer at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, who has written widely on the history of modern Ireland and the Irish diaspora with a focus on the 19th century).

Bringing some of Ireland’s and Britain’s finest songwriters together with historians to create new and original song cycles based on historical sources and to interpret song material rooted in the history of 19th-century Ireland and of the Irish Diaspora. Not a band, nor an ensemble or even a collective, Bring Your Own Hammer is a faction - one that is armed with voices and instruments and dedicated to re-interpreting historical material in song form.

Other contributors to this landmark album include Sean O’Hagan (Microdisney, Stereolab, High Llamas), Audrey Riley, Cian Nugent, Linda Buckley, Tony Higgins, SJ McArdle, Michael Walsh, Lisa Lambe, Luke Haines (The Auteurs, Baader Meinhof), Miriam Ingram, Hugh Bunker (Fatima Mansions), Damian O'Neill (The Undertones), Brigid Mae Power, Anne Gilpin (Morton Valence), Lavinia Blackwall (Trembling Bells), Inni-K, NQL. Kelsey Michael, Neil Farrell (Toasted Heretic) and Michael J. Sheehy.

As of July 10, "Quinn The Adventurer" is out on digital platforms, such as Apple Music, Spotify. and Bandcamp, where 'My Grief On The Sea' is also available on CD and imited Edition vinyl.

CREDITS
Written Adrian Crowley
Adrian Crowley - vocals, guitars, mellotron
Mixed by maxo
Mastered by Seán Mac Erlaine
Produced by Adrian Crowley
Publishing: Domino Publishing Co. Ltd.
Cover design by Paul Callanan & Richard Mc Mahon
Released by Bring Your Own Hammer & Dimple Discs
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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New Jersey's Deardarkhead presents 'The Pendulum Swings', their first album in 26 years

July 9, 2026

New Jersey alternative rock outfit Deardarkhead is set to release 'The Pendulum Swings', their first album in 25 years and the second full-length record released via their own imprint Fertile Crescent Records. These ten tracks capture an ever-evolving band, refining their voice through texture, atmosphere, and emotional momentum.

Recorded at Miner Street Recordings in Philadelphia, this album was produced, engineered and mixed by Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey (The War on Drugs, Kurt Vile, Sharon Van Etten) and mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Joe Lambert (Animal Collective, Blonde Redhead, Beach House, M83, Wild Nothing).

Formed in 1988 in Atlantic City, NJ, Deardarkhead is made up of guitarist Kevin Harrington, drummer Robert Weiss and bassist James Malizia, who recently replacedBrandon Howard following the recording of this album. Deardarkhead has built a distinctive identity since the departure of vocalist Michael Amper in 2009, shifting fully into melodic texture-rich instrumental composition.

The record moves through shifting moods ranging from soaring, psychedelic-tinged guitar anthems to driving post-punk rhythms and more ambient, abstract passages. The result is a dynamic and cohesive work that highlights the band’s signature blend of shimmering guitars, pulsing bass, and powerful percussion. The band pushes the envelope with their instrumental approach, using drum loops, unusual time signatures, ebow, bass VI, and expanded guitar layering.

"'The Pendulum Swings' is a collection of both older and newer material that we are very proud of. Each song has its own distinct vibe, but they collectively make up the DDH sound. This was the second time we recorded at Miner Street Recordings and we focused on trying new things with drum loops, different time signatures, backing keyboard tracks, using an ebow and bass VI, plus more guitar tracks than ever," says Robert Weiss.

"The album's final and title track 'The Pendulum Swings' is one of our newer songs, but emotionally and thematically, it perfectly summed up everything the band has been through over the years and it felt like a statement."

Deardarkhead earlier shared the lead track 'Letting Go', a collaboration with keyboardist Joe McGinty, known for his work with The Psychedelic Furs, Nada Surf, Ryan Adams and Deborah Harry, who added additional layers of atmosphere and texture. A song about growth and change, it espouses releasing old patterns and embracing new directions.

'In Another Life' followed, built around soaring guitar leads and melodic bass hooks. Balancing tension between crystalline guitar arpeggios, fuzzed out tremolo, and melodic baselines, here the band concocts an introspective atmosphere about what could have been. For this track, drummer Robert Weiss was also particularly inspired by sitar music for the rhythmic droning lead sections.

Taking their name from the 1867 Irish poem “Cean Dubh Dilis” by Samuel Ferguson -- a work about a beautiful dark-haired girl, Deardarkhead's identity is rooted as much in mood as in melody. Their music blends atmospheric dreampop, shoegaze shimmer and ethereal rock, unfolding as an original, guitar-driven psychedelic tightrope walk balancing moody textures and shimmering melodies.

Over nearly four decades, Deardarkhead have had many notable milestones, including shows with Supergrass, The Psychedelic Furs, Everclear, Nothing and The Lilys. They released five recordings via Fertile Crescent Records, debuting with the 1998 album 'Unlock the Valves of Feeling', they also featured on numerous US and Japanese compilations. In 2011, Captured Tracks released 'Oceanside: 1991-1993', a retrospective of their early material (and second release in their Shoegaze Archives series). They joined Saint Marie Records to release their acclaimed 'Strange Weather' EP in 2016.

As of July 10, 'The Pendulum Swings' is available from music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. It is now available for pre-order on CD, digitally, and on 180-gram vinyl. On July 16, Deardarkhead performs at the Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City, NJ for their record release show, supported by Bitter Bitter Weeks, The Falling Out and DJ Bob Portella.

CREDITS
Written by Robert Weiss & Kevin Harrington
Kevin Harrington - guitars (all tracks) and bass VI, ebow & bass (track 10)
Robert Weiss - drums & percussion
Brandon Howard - bass (tracks 1-9)
Joe McGinty - keyboards (track 6)
Recorded at Miner Street Recordings, Philadelphia, PA
Produced, engineered & mixed by Brian McTear & Amy Morrissey
Mastered by Joe Lambert
Cover photography & design by Robert Weiss
Video directed and edited by William Murray
Band photos by Mike Maney & Rob Weiss
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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The Joy Thieves rip it with 'I'll Be Your Hammer' from 'Apocalypse Pending' feat. Chris Connelly - soundtracking the end of the world as we know it

July 7, 2026

Chicago-based industrial-rock-punk-experimental supergroup The Joy Thievespresents 'I’ll Be Your Hammer' from their full-length album 'Apocalypse Pending', released via Armalyte Industries. As with the album's lead singles 'No Anchor' and ‘The Wrong End of Your Rifle’, the accompanying video was created by Lumbra Productions.

A rallying cry to inspire people to stand up to fascism as it quickly spreads around the globe, the song’s title is a direct response to ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’ by The Velvet Underground, and also alludes to the quote “Art is not a mirror, it’s a hammer” by the trailblazing Scottish documentarian John Grierson.

Many instantly recognize the iconic voice of Chris Connelly (Fini Tribe, Revolting Cocks, Ministry, Pigface), who shares, “While ‘I’ll Be Your Mirror’ by The Velvet Underground is an introspective plea from one lover to another, ‘I’ll Be Your Hammer’ is written from the perspective of an individual standing up to a fascist regime. The more you suppress our rights, the stronger I get”.

Highly influenced by the hip hop music production techniques of the 80’s and early 90’s, 'Apocalypse Pending' finds the Joy Thieves Productions team of Dan Milligan and James Scott redefining themselves by utilizing a sample-heavy production to forge elements of industrial, rock, experimental, punk, hip hop, metal, and freeform jazz. But instead of sampling the music of others, they draw inspiration in the talents of the band’s 80+ other members, resulting in an incendiary sound all their own.

While The Joy Thieves combine a wide array of musicians in order to craft their signature sound, 'Apocalypse Pending' stretches this concept to its limits, turning their entire song-creation process upside down. Instead of members contributing songs, as before, they meticulously gathered hundreds of unrelated recorded musical fragments from their fellow Joy Thieves, then painstakingly reconstructed brand new pieces of music from these fragments, ultimately creating a fresh and innovative sound.

'Apocalypse Pending' captures the zeitgeist with such precision while touching on the decay of the individual and exploring the isolation of our modern world. Seething with frustration and rage at one moment, and coolly delivering beat poetry the next, this album uses a densely layered, sonic collage as the perfect vehicle to deliver the band’s violently anti-fascist sentiments.  

“’I’ll Be Your Hammer’ takes root in the soil laid down by our punk and industrial ancestors. More than any other song on the record, it deviates from the break beat inspired backbone and into somewhat more accessible, albeit aggressive and discordant territory. We crafted this song to relentlessly hit the listener in the face with punk rock attitude and providing a recklessly speeding vehicle for Chris Connelly’s brilliant, seething lyrics," says James Scott.

The Joy Thieves includes current, former, and touring members of Ministry, Stabbing Westward, The Rollins Band, Killing Joke, Pigface, RevCo, PIG, David Bowie, Blue October, Machines of Loving Grace, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, Naked Raygun, Foetus, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Pegboy, Nitzer Ebb, Die Krupps and more.

The band crafts their cohesive signature sound from the contributions of its ever-growing 80+ roster of members, drawn from a diverse range of genres, including industrial, rock, punk, darkwave, hip hop and experimental music. Created by “all of us, and yet, none of us”, this is a sound all their own, their music aggressive, yet precise; confrontational, but refined; and harsh, yet melodic.

'Apocalypse Pending' is out now, available on Digipack CD and digitally everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Track 1 written by Dan Milligan, DJ Darryl Hell
Tracks 2, 4, 7, 10,11 written by Chris Connelly & Dan Milligan
Track 3 written by Chris Connelly, Jeff Harris, Dan Milligan
Track 5 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Derek Christopher, Dee J Nelson
Track 6 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Derek Christopher, Jeff Harris
Track 8 written by Chris Connelly, Dee J Nelson, Dan Milligan
Track 9 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Jane Jensen
Track 12 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, James Scott
Track 13 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Dee J Nelson Nelson, Jeff Harris, Steven Archer
Produced, engineered & mixed by Joy Thieves Productions
at Populist Recording + Mastering, Wheaton, IL
Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording + Mastering
Additional production by:
Derek Christopher at Penfield Studios, Mark Pistel at Room 5 Studios, Jeff Harris at JH Studios
Steven Archer at House of Wolves, Dee J Nelson at DJN Music Studio, Jane Jensen at Autozen Music, and DJ Darryl Hell at HellLab Studios
Art direction by Destiny Justic Scott for Destiny Scott Design
Original artwork by Charlie Athanas for Burning City
Videos by Joel Lopez by Lumbra Productions

Released via Armalyte Industries

Joan As Police Woman strips down 'Real Life' for 'Real Life Evolution' album, marking 20 years of 'Real Life' via Reveal Records

July 5, 2026

Hot on the trail of her 'Real Life Evolution' album, released early this month by iconic NYC artist Joan As Police Woman via UK independent Reveal Records., she presents an intimate performance of the title track - the 'Real Life (Real Life Anniversary Sessions)'. This is the latest offering from this video series, recorded by Adam Sachs at The Owl Music Parlor in Brooklyn and filmed by Ehud Lazin. Also as part of the 20th year anniversary of her debut album 'Real Life', she earlier shared stripped-down trio-format versions of 'Eternal Flame', 'Flushed Chest', 'The Ride','Anyone' and 'I Defy'.

Joan Wasser, known as Joan As Police Woman since 2004, is a critically acclaimed musician and producer, and a sought-after collaborator, dubbed “the coolest woman in pop” (The Times) and “one of the 21st century’s best musicians” (The Economist). As a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, her music defies easy categorization, crafting her own sound that blends various genres.

Joan confesses, “I wrote this song to romance a man. We met once for 3 minutes and I had decided he was The One. Bear in mind, this is ages ago. Conveniently, we lived 6000 miles apart. We were pen pals. It felt like high romance. He was brilliant actually - perhaps too smart. He was intractable and of course that drove me mad. The song describes the walk to the post office with the love letter - in this case, the cassette recording - and imagines the moment it lands in his hands. I brazenly put his name in the song. Unsurprisingly it didn’t work out between us. But the song did."

Unveiled exactly 20 years from her debut's release, Joan As Police Woman has reimagined her 'Real Life' album with numerous guests. Through countless performances, these renditions are brought to life by the brilliance of the players who helped define their sound. The result is ten stunning tracks with varied flavours and collaborators.

“People ask me all the time: “Do you ever get tired of playing your old songs?” The answer is an unequivocal no. And if I ever did, I’d reinvent them until the joy came back — not as an act of revision, but of rediscovery. Songs live beyond their creators. Like us, they settle into themselves over time, finding their own equilibrium. That spirit is the pulse of this new album — ten reimagined versions of every song from the original 'Real Life'. Some transformations are subtle. Others are seismic. All of them were made with an entirely new cast of collaborators," says Joan Wasser.

"Among them are two extraordinary vocalists. The inimitable Iggy Pop — whose band I’ve had the privilege of touring with, playing keys and singing — recorded a stunning version of 'Save Me' while we were on the road in New Zealand. We had to work around the birds outside, who apparently had strong opinions about the session. Then there’s Krystle Warren, a true original and one of my favorite singers alive. Her voice is so deeply soulful that 'I Defy' feels like it thoroughly enjoyed easily slipping into its brand new groove."

Joan As Police Woman has released ten albums of original material, two cover albums, and an anthology. She has recorded and performed with hundreds of artists, including Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, Lou Reed, Anohni & The Johnsons, Meshell Ndegeocello, Rufus Wainwright, John Cale, David Byrne, Dave Okumu, Chris Dowd, Lau, Scissor Sisters, Sparklehorse, Beck, Laurie Anderson, Lloyd Cole, Afel Bocoum, Dave Gahan, Tanya Donelly, Damon Albarn and Gorillaz.

Joan adds, "From my current touring trio, Will Graefe brings his emotionally masterful guitar work and Jeremy Gustin his remarkable rhythmic sensibility to several tracks. Parker Kindred’s inventive drum creations were the spark behind others. Thomas Bartlett unlocked a new dimension of the title track — honoring its original feeling while casting it in a warmer, amber light — and added Rhodes bass throughout. This album gave me the chance to reunite, decades on, with upright bassist Tony Scherr, guitarist Oren Bloedow, and funk bassist Danny Blume — musicians whose artistry has only deepened with time. I’m so glad to share this with you. I’m Real Life. You’re Real Life. We’re Real Life.”

The 'Real Life Evolution' album is out now, available everywhere digitally and also on CD and Limited Edition exclusive red marble vinyl from Bandcamp. Later this year, Joan embarks on her Real Life 20th Anniversary Tour, performing the 'Real Life' album as a trio, plus singles from her catalogue, fan favourites, deep cuts and many surprises! Tour tickets can be ordered at www.joanaspolicewoman.com/tour.

CREDITS
All songs written by Joan Wasser
Published by Fists of Fury (BMI / Domino Publishing),
except “I Defy” written by Joan Wasser & Anohni (Rebis Music (ASCAP))
Produced by Joan Wasser except “I Defy”, “We Don’t Own It” and “Feed The Light” produced by Joan Wasser & Parker Kindred
Mixed by Patrick Dillett at Reservoir Studios
Mastered by Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound
Joan Wasser - vocals, piano, Wurlitzer, strings
Krystle Warren - vocals
Will Graefe - acoustic guitar
Oren Bloedow - electric guitar
Danny Blume - electric bass
Parker Kindred - drums
Krystal Warren - vocals on 'I Defy'
Iggy Pop - vocals on 'Save Me'
Album package concept & design by Judi Rosen
(p) & (c) 2026 Sweet Police LLC under exclusive licence to Reveal Records
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

REAL LIFE ANNIVERSARY TOUR 2026
NOV 5 London, UK - Union Chapel
NOV 6 London, UK - Union Chapel
NOV 7 Manchester, UK - RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music)
NOV 9 Glasgow, UK - Oran Mor
NOV 11 Brugge, Belgium - Cactus Club
NOV 12 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Zonnehuis (sold out)
NOV 13 Hamburg, Germany - Mojo Club
NOV 15 Aarhus, Denmark - Train
NOV 16 Copenhagen, Denmark - DR Concert Hall
NOV 18 Budapest, Hungary - House of Music Hungary
NOV 20 Roma, Italy - Angelo Mai
NOV 22 Berlin, Germany - Haus des Rundfunks & Großer Sendesaal

NYC art-rock mavericks ECCE SHNAK present vivacious single 'Eddie, Legalistic Homeslice'

July 1, 2026

NYC art-rockers Ecce Shnak present 'Eddie, Legalistic Homeslice', the second single from their full-length album “Dandy Variances", anticipated later this year via Records, Man Records. Recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci, this single was mixed by Grammy award-winning producer Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Prince, Nine Inch Nails, Julian Lennon),

Formed in the mid-noughties and forged in NYC's experimental scene, Ecce Shnak (pronounced Eh-kay sh-knock) is made up of David Roush (composer, bassist and baritone vocalist), Bella Komodromos (vocals), Chris Krasnow (guitar), Gannon Ferrell (guitar), and Henry Buchanan-Vaughn (drums).

"Like 'Larry, Sleepover Friend' from our 2019 'Joke Oso' EP, our new song is a garage-rock homage to a beloved friend of mine. Like 'Larry', 'Eddie' explores big themes in great friendships: their gnarly ambivalences, their absurd misunderstandings, their inside-jokes, and their contradictory mix of irreverence with utmost care," says David Roush.

'Eddie' reaches its lyrical denouement with what is said to be the “oldest prayer of friendship,” and also sounds like a throwaway Rivers Cuomo line: “I pray you don’t be a rat in a rat-suit! Pray you don’t be a rat in a rat-costume!”

"We are also overjoyed to feature two great friends as the co-stars of the music video, the preposterously funny and talented comedic duo Syd and Olivia! I was lucky to have met these two pugnaciously podcasting, thoughtfully Thespian, joke-slinging YouTube yokels on a fantastic journey to the Greek island of Crete two years ago, and the rest was thirst’ory," says David Roush.

Vocalist Bella Komodromos adds, "They absolutely kicked butt at their roles (as Eddie and Davey respectively) in this Wes-Anderson-hued buddy-comedy music video, directed and produced by DJay Brawner, famed for his work with Foo Fighters, Sum41, Panic! At The Disco, Ed Sheeran, Melanie Martinez and Lupe Fiasco. It is our ardent hope that all fans of Ecce Shnak and Syd and Olivia alike can shart out with their hearts out to this badass collaboration!"

Apart from directing and editing the new video with Brooks Jones, Beth Narducci and David Roush, Brawner also worked on the video for the album's lead track 'Vincent', an homage to superb music videos of yesteryear - for Meshuggah’s “Bleed” and 311's “Down”. Here, operatic trills collide with frantic rock energy in a high-decibel takedown ofa formulaic antagonist through the power of one's own voice.

With a reputation for astounding performances, Ecce Shnak's music a volatile yet meticulously crafted ecosystem, where technical precision meets inspired mayhem. Their 2025 'Shadows Grow Fangs' EP was recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci, mixed by Nicholas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, Wild Nothing, War on Drugs) and mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, The Weeknd, Foo Fighters, Vampire Weekend).

Ecce Shnak recently wrapped up their UK tour with EMF, not long after Ecce Shnak featured on EMF's stellar track 'LGBTQ+ Lover' with both Davey and Bella contributing vocals. The accompanying video was filmed during their joint West coast tour in 2025 tour, along with Spacehog. EMF and Ecce Shnak once again hit the East coast and Midwest together this past spring,

As of July 1st, 'Eddie, Legalistic Homeslice'isavailable from digital music platforms, includingSpotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Ecce Shnak performs next on July 12th at New York's Cassette, along with DHÄRÄ, Jawaun Neal and Backflips. Starting at 7:30pm, this is a 21+ event.

CREDITS

Music written / composed by David Roush
David Roush - vocals/bass
Isabella Komodromos - vocals

Gannon Ferrell - guitar
Chris Krasnow - guitar
Henry Vaughn - drums

Recorded and produced by Jeff Lucci
Mixed by Mario McNulty
Video directed & edited by DJay Brawner, Brooks Jones, Beth Narducci, & David Roush

Starring Syd and Olivia
Single released by Records, Man Records
A&R: Beth Narducci for You + Me Entertainment
Publicity by Shauna McLarnon for Shameless Promotion PR

Indie rocker JONNY COUCH presents 'Where The Sidewalk Ends' from first album in 7 years

June 30, 2026

U.S. indie rocker Jonny Couch presents 'Where The Sidewalk Ends', his second single from his full-length record by the same name. The 'Where The Sidewalk Ends' album is Couch's first in seven years and his most ambitious work to date. This 10-track rock and roll journey features such fan favorites as 'Sweet Charlene' and more recent compositions, expanding on the melodic craftsmanship and emotional honesty that have become hallmarks of his songwriting,

Drawing inspiration from the 1950 film noir “Where the Sidewalk Ends”, this song channels its sense of mystery and shadowy city streets. its verses carrying a subtle detective-like atmosphere, the lyrics follow a lone figure moving through cold nights in search of connection and resolution.

As the track builds, it transforms into a driving, danceable chorus influenced by Giorgio Moroder and his work with Donna Summer, blending 70s-inspired disco synths with modern new wave production. The result is a cinematic hybrid—part noir, part euphoric release. Couch shares, "The tune has a bit of a detective feel in the verse, but then turns into quite a dance number. You can hear some 70's swirling disco synths on the track, mixed in with the more modern new wave production."

Between infectious rockers and ballads, Couch's music draws its origins directly from the power pop and new wave greats of the late '70s and early '80s. Now, back with renewed focus and a collection of songs rooted in timeless songwriting, strong melodies and rock-and-roll energy.

"This single has everything to do with healing. It's about the pain that eats away at us when a relationship is damaged. It's also about desire—the desire to repair that broken bond and finally find a place of peace with someone you still love. But does that person share the same desire to mend old wounds?” asks Jonny Couch.

“The process of forgiveness is always filled with tension because you never know whether the other person is willing to meet you halfway. You don't know if they'll make the same journey toward reconciliation. For me, that's what getting to the end of the sidewalk means: reaching that place where healing becomes possible."

Recorded at Mr. Pink Records in Bastrop, TX, this single was engineered, mixed, produced and mastered by Jonas Wilson (The Black Angels, Heartless Bastards, Sumbuck, Urban Heat), one of four accomplished producers involved in this album, each bringing their own talents to the sessions.

The first single, 'Overwhelmed', is fuelled by jangling guitars, a propulsive rhythm section, and an undeniable melodic hook, its lyrics exploring the frustrations of a relationship coming apart. Recorded at Landline Recording in Hoboken, NJ, it was engineered, mixed and produced by Jon Chinn (Wild Child, Lomelda, David Ramirez, Gina Chavez). The album's other two producers are Peter Mavrogeorgis (The National, Boy Harsher, Grinderman, Sharon Van Etten, Bootblacks) and Dan Haag(The Astrojet and The Black Swans, both fronted by Fountains of Wayne's Jody Porter.

A staple on the New York and New Jersey music scene, Couch was a NYC rock drummer before going solo in 2016. His acclaimed 'Animal Instinct' EP earned praise for its blend of soulful pop and rock sensibilities, with Louder Than War dubbing him "a Bryan Ferry pop crooner" and High Times calling his work "charming". 2019's debut 'Mystery Man' further solidified his reputation as a gifted songwriter with recognition in Bandcamp Daily's "Unsung Power Pop Gems From All Eras" feature and more.

Building a following through energetic performances and sharp songwriting, Couch has performed alongside The Fleshtones, Josie Cotton, The Nude Party, Paul Collins Beat, and The Plimsouls, and also at the Savannah Stopover Music Festival, Hoboken Arts & Music Festival, Jersey City's Lo-Fi Fest, and WFMU FM. He regularly appears on stage at NYC venues such as Sleepwalk, Bowery Palace and TV Eye, as well as Pet Shop in Jersey City, NJ.

The 'Where The Sidewalk Ends' album features cover artwork by renowned NYC artist Anne Muntges, known for her highly detailed drawings, prints, and installations. Exhibiting nationally and internationally, her work featured in the book "Women Who Rock: Bessie to Beyoncé, Girl Groups to Riot Grrrl".

As of June 30th, 'When The Sidewalk Ends will be available from digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album -- now available for pre-order -- will be released on July 24th. The album release show takes place that evening at Brooklyn's Sleepwalk with other live dates in New Jersey, Georgia, New York and Illinois happening, along with a series of UK dates in August.

SINGLE CREDITS
Written by Jonny Couch a.k.a. Jonathan Edward Couch (BMI)
Jonny Couch - Vocals, Drums, Synths
Jonas Wilson - All Guitars, Bass, Additional Synths
Produced, Engineered & Mixed by Jonas Wilson
Recorded at Mr. Pink Records, Bastrop TX

Mastered By Jonas Wilson at Mr. Pink Records in Bastrop, TX

Album cover artwork by Anne Muntges
Video written and directed by Richard Jordan
Director of Photography & Editing by Charles Colfer
Starring Alexander Saris as "Guy" & Jonny Couch
Jonny Couch photos by Sumner Dilworth
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

LIVE DATES
JUNE 05 Jersey City, NJ @ Groove On Grove (free outdoor show) - Grove Street Path Plaza
JUNE 19 Savannah, GA @ The Wormhole (with Peter Dark Mav and Hale The Wolfe)
JULY 04 Brooklyn, NY @ Mama Tried (with Mighty Fine and 45 Adapters)
JULY 24 Brooklyn, NY @ Sleepwalk - Album Release Show (with Status Set / Jewel Thief)
AUG 03 Asbury Park, NJ @ Wonder Bar - for the 'Happy Mondays' series
AUG 11 Nottingham, UK @ Billy Bootleggers - for the "Ruby Tuesdays" series
AUG 12 Hastings, UK @ Jenny Lind Inn
AUG 13 London, UK @ Dublin Castle
AUG 16 Brighton, UK @ Daltons (with The DSM IV and Francis Pig)
SEPT 05 Chicago, IL @ The Cubby Bear (with Kicked By A Hand)

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Single Gun Theory / Delerium vocalist Jacqui Hunt unleashes ethereal masterpiece 'Desiderium'

June 26, 2026

Iconic Australian indie-pop singer-songwriter Jacqui Hunt has officially released her deeply anticipated "Desiderium" album with focus track "Cape of Light". Marking a profound artistic milestone, the album is a superb collection that moves through deeply personal reflections on grief, loss, healing and love. Released through her independent label QUSP alongside musical collaborator and husband Brian Conolly, "Desiderium" beautifully pairs sonically abstract, smooth synths with raw, organic pop structures—resulting in a cinematic body of work fused together by the ethereal thread of Jacqui’s poetic radiance.

Best known as the iconic vocalist and co-writer for electronic pioneers Single Gun Theory and a prominent guest vocalist for dreampop trailblazers Delerium, Hunt makes a triumphant return to center stage with this solo record. Merging elements of Kate Bush, Tori Amos, and Beth Gibbons, she describes the sonic landscape of the album as "like stepping out of your body for a while and grounding back to earth — floating on a synth wave while holding the raw reality of a simple piano. The bones that connect to the human voice like a string of air as it floats to the ether and returns to base."

Her first album in 18 years, "Desiderium" serves as both an ending and a beginning, deeply rooted in the circle of life and the passage of time. Named after the Latin noun for a profound yearning for something lost that cannot be replaced, this record reflects the emotional weight Hunt felt when unexpectedly losing both of her parents within a two-year span. With an overarching theme of longing and devotion, Hunt explores the desire to reconnect with what is now absent, delivering a poignant reminder to embrace one's authenticity and honour the "inheritance" of life.

The album's focus tracks showcase this striking versatility. "Planet" is an electro-ethereal soundscape building to a rhythmic frequency of dreamy vocals that merge into space, initially born from a poem sent by Conolly from overseas and transformed spontaneously by Hunt into a long-distance love song. Conversely, "Cycles" presents a raw, melancholic piano ballad of heartfelt simplicity. Enveloped in powerful symmetry, its music video was created by Kade Stenders, a young filmmaker whose parents (famed film director Kriv Stenders and photographer Lisa Stonham) directed several videos for Hunt's pioneering electronic band, Single Gun Theory, decades prior.

38 years after the debut of Single Gun Theory's landmark release "Exorcise This Wasteland", the band's timeless relevance was highlighted just recently when their music was featured on the Paris runway for French fashion house Chloé’s Winter 2026 parade. Hunt also achieved global recognition 29 years ago through her pivotal involvement with Delerium, collaborating as songwriter and vocalist on "Euphoria (Firefly)" for the seminal "Karma" album.

Jacqui Hunt’s stellar trajectory stands as a testament to her enduring impact across the global independent landscape. Her diverse solo and collaborative catalog includes her 2008 debut album "Auraphonic"—featuring the film-licensed track "Calisthenics" —and creative pursuits like the design duo CiiVE, alongside standout vocal contributions for Paul Mac, Vision Four 5, and David McClymont of seminal post-punk band Orange Juice.

'Desiderium' is out June 26th on CD and limited edition vinyl. Also available digitally,the album experience is complemented by the "Alice Magic (K.I.M Remix)", a re-envisioning of the original track by K.I.M (Kim Moyes) of legendary Australian electronic duo The Presets. All of this music is available across digital platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

CREDITS
Jacqui Hunt - vocals, keys, production
Brian Conolly - synth, bass, guitar, production
Laurence Pike - drums (‘Cecilia,’ ‘Cycles,’ ‘This Love,’ ‘Temple Of Illumination’)
Daniel Denholm - zither and strings on ‘Cecilia,’ cello solo on ‘Follow Me Here’
Lyrics by Jacqui Hunt, except ‘Planet’ - lyrics by Brian Conolly
Music written by Jacqui Hunt & Brian Conolly
Except ‘Cycles’ and ‘This Love’, written by Jacqui Hunt
and ‘Cecilia’, written by Jacqui Hunt & Daniel Denholm
Recorded at QUSP Studios in Sydney, Australia
Engineered by Brian Conolly
Mixed by Daniel Denholm
Mastered by Michael Lynch
Cover artwork by Qusp Studios
Album released by QUSP. UPC #9324690436552
Copyright 2026 Qusp Pty Ltd. Publishing 2026 Sony/ATV
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Artist photos by Brian Conolly
Planet video original graphics by Brian Conolly. Directed by Jacqui Hunt
'Cycles' video directed & edited by Kade Stenders

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California dreampop outfit Soft Science return with 'Spinning', heralding novel 'Sand' album

June 23, 2026

Sacramento-based outfit Soft Science presents 'Spinning', a propulsive and emotionally charged track and the first offering from their fifth album 'Sand', scheduled for release on September 4th via Shelflife Records in North America and Spinout Nuggets in the UK. The accompanying video was created by directed and edited by Matthew Maxwell.

Building on the band’s signature blend of dream pop, shoegaze and indie rock, ‘Spinning’ captures the dizzying frustration of being caught in an emotional loop—repeating the same conversations, hoping to be heard, and wondering if anything is finally getting through. Pairing shimmery atmosphere with a sense of restless momentum, the band manage to turn relationship fatigue into something hypnotic, melodic, and deeply relatable.

Comprised of longtime collaborators Katie Haley (lead vocals, percussion), Matt Levine(lead guitar), Ross Levine (guitar, backing vocals), Tony Cale (drums), Becky Cale (bass, backing vocals), and Hans Munz (atmospheric electronics), Soft Science crafts immersive dream pop defined by layered guitars, ethereal vocals, synth textures, and post-punk-influenced propulsion.

"Spinning is one of my favorite songs on 'Sand' - It has such strong energy. It’s the kind of song that is catchy and you can’t help moving to it, but it also has a lot of tension, which fits so well with the lyrics. Matt’s guitar work really adds to the mood and tension felt in the song," says Katie Haley.

"We had the melody and the idea of “Round and Round” and then Ross came up with the chorus lyrics “You got me spinning round, am I getting through now.” I loved it and felt inspired immediately to come up with the verses. Generally, I find ruminating on things, talking about the same issue over and over with no resolution, and prolonged indecision really irritating and I was dealing with a couple situations with these themes at that time. Once Ross set the chorus the rest of the words poured out."

With ethereal vocals, twin 12-string guitars, bass, drums, and synthesizers, the band layers luminous melodies, celestial harmonies, and propulsive rhythms into lush, transportive songs. As showcased via KEXP sessions and noted by critics, Soft Science pairs a bright melodic sensibility with a melancholy undertow, creating music that is both immediate and deeply atmospheric.

"I've always loved using straightforward driving guitars with a looping hook on the bass to create a constant sense of propulsion. On 'Spinning', I was looking for that energy. Katie's soft, flowing melody, aginst that really brought it together. The last thing we recorded was the chorus harmony she came up with - it really kicked it up a level. The missing link it needed, lifting the whole track," says Ross Levine.

Highlighting the track’s experimental approach, Matt Levine shares, "Spinning is really special. We were talking about doing backwards guitar leads, which, in a way, seemed easy, but how do you make it feel intentional? So I started high and descended with the general idea that I wanted the lead to do the opposite. To my amazement, the result of the first take was amazing. The next challenge was how to play a backwards lead forward live, something I've never had to work through before."

Across the ten tracks on 'Sand', Soft Science expand their sound while retaining the melodic clarity and emotional resonance that define their work. The album explores impermanence—how love, memory, and identity shift under pressure—and what it means to keep choosing connection in a world with no guarantees. Across ten tracks, the band balances shimmering atmosphere with urgency and movement, shaping one of their most immersive and emotionally direct releases to date.

Soft Science's latest album was 'Lines' (2023), preceded by 'Maps' (2018), 'Detour' (2013), and 'Highs and Lows' (2011), along with singles including a split 7” with The Luxembourg Signal (2015), and The House of Lovecover ‘I Don’t Know Why I Love You’and their rendition of Northern Picture Library's ‘Paris’ (both 2018).

Having earned critical acclaim over the years, Soft Science has done live sessions at KEXP, WFMU, and Part-Time Punks in Los Angeles, and has performed at New York Popfest, Paris Popfest, The Big Takeover’s 35th Anniversary show, Schellraiser Festival, Tremolo Fest and Dreamgaze PDX, apart from select US and European shows.

As of June 23, 'Spinning' available digitally everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The 'Sand' album will be released via Shelflife Records (US) and Spinout Nuggets (UK) - on both CD and vinyl - on September 4th.

ALBUM CREDITS
Lyrics written by Katie Haley & Ross Levine
All songs written by Katie Haley, Ross Levine, Matt Levine, Becky Cale & Tony Cale
except 'Thread', 'Without' and 'Sway' are written by
Katie Haley, Ross Levine, Matt Levine, Becky Cale, Tony Cale & Hanz Munz
Katie Haley - vocals, percussion
Ross Levine - backing vocals, synths, additional guitars
Matt Levine - guitar
Becky Cale - bass guitar, backing vocals
Tony Cale - drums
Hans Munz - additional electronics
Recorded at Shattered Records and The Pool House
Engineered by Jack O'Donnell
Additional Engineering by Ross Levine
Mixed by Kev Bolus at OneEleven
Mastered by Antony Ryan at Red Red Paw
Produced by Soft Science
Artwork by John Conley
c @ p Shelflife Records / Spinout Nuggets 2026
UPC code for the vinyl LP - 759159696649
UPC code for the CD - 759159696656

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Jah Wobble & Tian Qiyi unleash psychedelic Beatles reimagining with 'Tomorrow Never Knows', first glimpse of 'Mystic Liverpool' album

June 16, 2026

East London bassist and producer Jah Wobble and Liverpool-based ethno-psychedelic duo Tian Qiyi present their new single 'Tomorrow Never Knows', the first offering from the forthcoming album 'Mystic Liverpool: The Beatles' Psychedelic Psongbook', out August 14th via Cherry Red Records and Wobble's label 30 Hertz. A deeply personal reimagining of The Beatles’ psychedelic period, these songs are framed within a soundscape of Chinese, Mongolian and dub traditions.

'Tomorrow Never Knows' - the closing track on The Beatles' 1966 album 'Revolver' - may have been penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney (with title lifted from a phrase coined by Ringo Starr), but Jah Wobble (aka John Wardle) and his sons John T Wardle and Charlie Wardle (aka Tian Qiyi) have made this song uniquely their own.

Jah Wobble is a founding member of Public Image Ltd (PiL) and formed Invaders of the Heart in 1982. In his 50-year career, he has achieved chart success, a Mercury Music Prize nomination and a rich discography. He has collaborated with Can's Holger Czukay, Jaki Liebezeit, U2's The Edge and producer François Kevorkian, in addition to Sinéad O’Connor, Massive Attack, Ginger Baker, Björk, Brian Eno, Pharoah Sanders and, most recently, Horace Andy on his 'Timeless Roots' album, Ken Boothe on his 'Old Fashioned Ways' album, and Jon Klein on the 'Automated Paradise' album.

Tian Qiyi takes their name from John T Wardle and Charlie Wardle's Chinese middle names, Tian Qi and Tian Yi. Meshing British, Chinese, Mongolian and dub traditions, their music bridges cultures to forge a sound that also weaves in post-punk and experimental production, their sound imbued with magnetic tension between ancient tradition and dub futurism, East and West, land and spirit.

The album draws largely on Jah Wobble’s signature dub bass, John T’s drums, Chinese percussion and yangqin, and Charlie’s erhu and vocals. Their clever rendition of “Strawberry Fields Forever” also sees Charlie playing morin khuur with the boys' mother Zi Lan Liao — a Royal Academy of Music–trained harpist and the most recognized gu-zheng performer worldwide — joining on gu-zheng.

Jointly produced by Jah Wobble, John T and Charlie, this album was recorded and mixed by John T at Pagoda Studios in Liverpool, where Tian Qiyi is now based.

But the Liverpool connection runs even deeper through their family. Zi Lan’s father, Mr K.H. Li (Liao Gui Xiong), arrived from Guangzhou in 1981 as Chinese Cultural Officer at the Pagoda and went on to establish the Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra — the ensemble Zi Lan (now also director of Pagoda Arts Centre) runs and that both her sons grew up playing in from the age of three. The record is dedicated to him; a lifelong Beatles fan, he owned everything they ever released on vinyl.

“The track that flipped it for me as a kid was ‘Strawberry Fields Forever,’” says Jah Wobble. “I didn’t have the language for what was going on in that song — I just knew it was more than music. The words you’d reach for are the ones people use about psychedelia: ego dissolution, a sense of unity, cosmic connection. I consider dub music to fit into the psychedelia genre, and John T grew up listening to dub, so Mystic Liverpool was always going to have that sensibility.”

The album moves through The Beatles’ psychedelic-era songbook with Chinese instrumentation and dub-inflected mixing, treating the material as the genuinely mystical music it always was rather than as nostalgic covers. As listeners will be pleased to discover, "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Magical Mystery Tour" are particular touchstones.

'Tomorrow Never Knows' will be available from digital music platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. On August 14th, the 'Mystic Liverpool' album - now available for pre-order - will be released digitally and as a CD Digipack.

Tian Qiyi (with guest Jah Wobble) performs in Todmorden on June 18th at The Golden Lion in Fielden Square. Jah Wobble is touring the UK throughout 2026 with The Invaders Of The Heart, with tickets available at https://jahwobble.com/#live

Pittsburgh's LOWSUNDAY continues 25-year comeback with ‘You’re So Wired’ and acclaimed ‘Black EP’

June 15, 2026

On the trail of the 'Low Sunday Ghost Machine - Black EP', newly released via Projekt Records, Pittsburgh darkwave-shoegaze pioneers Lowsunday present 'You’re So Wired', with the video produced by Jer Herring. Capturing the roller-coaster experience of being drawn to a highly energetic, erratic individual, who blurs the line between imagination and everyday life, this song channels a vibrant, alternative rock spirit that ultimately celebrates breaking free into a state of liberated peace.

Formed in 1994, Lowsunday (initially Low Sunday Ghost Machine) emerged as a "retro-futurist" pioneer, blending darkwave and shoegaze long before the genres saw their modern revival. The 'Black EP' is their second release of all-new material released since 1999, previewed by the darkly fascinating lead track 'This Is Not Heaven' and focus track 'Shattered'.

Their legacy was cemented with their 1996 debut album 'Low Sunday Ghost Machine'and the 1999 masterpiece 'Elesgiem', both with extended re-releases out via Projekt Records in the past 18 months (for the 30th and 25th anniversaries, respectively). With a cult reputation for mercurial sounds and blistering guitar work, their music set the stage for subsequent generations of alternative artists. Following a nearly 25-year hiatus, the band resurfaced as the duo of original member Shane Sahene (vocals, guitar, synth, bass, drums) and Bobby Spell (bass, guitar, drums).

At the end of 2025, Lowsunday released their ‘Low Sunday Ghost Machine - White EP', ranked second among Post-Punk.com's Best EPs of 2025, and showcased by the singles 'Love Language', 'Soft Capture' and 'Nevver'. Both a reflection and a resurgence, Lowsunday's two new EPs usher in a welcome return, marked by superb production and a renewed creative clarity, bridging three decades of distinct sonic legacy with balanced doses of escapism, dreamlike sounds, drones and feedback.

With a sound defined by atmosphere, precision, and heartfelt shadow and depths, Lowsunday is now asserting their presence with new strength. While the 'White EP'explored light and texture, the 'Black EP' is the darker counterpart and definitive statement. Shadow and intensity, layered guitars, tight rhythms, and austere synths, this new EP' distills the duo's vision into a sharper, more potent form — a bold declaration of their enduring artistic power.

"'You’re So Wired' is a song that touches on a manic type of experience. It also touches on the classic Chuang Tzu question, after having had a vivid dream: "am I man dreaming I am a butterfly or am I a butterfly dreaming I am a man?" -- The experience of not knowing if you’re awake or dreaming. In this case, the rapid eye movements shown in the video capture both dreaming and erratic behavior, making it hard to interpret which is which," says Shane Sahene.

"In the video, I love the way Jer shows the subject looking through a camera - like a search for honesty or an altered reality. It relates to the song like a form of detachment - just one step removed. Ultimately it’s the experience with this type of person - that when they’re gone, you miss the excitement they create and when you're together, the unpredictably can feel overwhelming. I enjoy the idea of being in a permanent dream state, like an overlay to reality, where one is only stabilized by their dreams. The beauty of the video comes when the escape has been made - just as the song opens up in the bridge - it captures a freedom that had been searched for and finally found."

Lowsunday's music blends glittering, pristine textures with infectious choruses, creating an evocative aura that feels both classic and perfectly suited for the modern era. Representing a daring progression toward deeper, echoing auditory environments, they alternate between steady beats, turbulent noise and delicate, ghostly movements. Exploring dark, expansive sonic territories, they seamlessly transition from harsh, grating feedback to fragile, dream-pop-inspired instances of deep yearning.

"For me, our 'Black EP' is deceptive, opening with energetic and wistful 'You’re So Wired' but followed by songs that are melancholy and introspective. These are the strongest songs we’ve yet done. With strong and memorable melodies, they invoke feelings of isolation and sadness, but in a way that feels familiar instead of depressing, leaving a sense of hope, " says Bobby Spell.

"And this video for 'You're So Wired' perfectly reflects the energy of this song - it feels light and energetic. It’s whimsical, a bit punk rock and a little bit dreamy escapism. Visually the video expresses this feeling with the primary character being a somewhat chaotic but interesting and enigmatic person."

The 'Low Sunday Ghost Machine - Black EP' is out now, available across digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the limited edition 7" of 'Static / Besides', can also be ordered. The vinyl edition of the album (limited to 200 copies), released on May 29th, can be pre-ordered via Bandcamp and the Projekt Records website.

CREDITS
Lyrics by Shane Sahene
Music written by Shane Sahene & Bobby Spell
Shane Sahene - vocals, guitar, synth, bass, drums
Bobby Spell - bass, guitar, drums
Recorded, Mixed, Mastered & Produced by Shane Sahene & Bobby Spell
EP cover photo by Shane Sahene. Layout by Christina Sahene
Digital Cover edit by Sam Rosenthal
Band photos by Christina Sahene
Videos by Jer Herring
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

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Portland's Wooden Overcoat shares "I Knew You Would', showcasing debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP

June 15, 2026

Portland psychedelic indie-pop outfit Wooden Overcoat unveils 'I Knew You Would' with its garage-meets-grunge sound, complete with a haunted vocal harmony you didn’t know you needed. The video was created by Italian multi-arts visionary Francesca Bonci, well known for her work with The Dandy Warhols, Tombstones In Their Eyes, Federale (The Brian Jonestown Massacre's Collin Hegna), Pete International Airport and Slowdive's Rachel Goswell.

Wooden Overcoat's recently released debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP is a sweet spot where lo-fi garage psych meets 90s shoegaze, anchored by layered harmonies and an evocatively intimate vocal delivery. Exploring vivid, emotionally resonant themes, this vibrant four-track collection presents a fantastic dreamlike environment for lovers of life.

The sonic brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Brant Hajek, Wooden Overcoat took its name from an old Americana euphemism for a coffin. Hajek’s creative process is personal, having returned to music after a hiatus. What started as a practice in self-production transformed into a deep creative obsession with soundscapes and gear. Recording in a rented basement, Hajek crafted this EP through spontaneous experimentation, propelled forward by sudden bursts of inspiration.

"The lyrics to ‘I Knew You Would’ are more about transcribing emotional impact than saying something meaningful. I wrote it when I was feeling a lot of grief, very uneasy, and it’s about the isolation you can feel going through bouts of depression, even when you have someone very close to you. Thinking about it in hindsight, I feel like I was writing about myself, hurling accusations for not being better, or finding the ability to improve things about myself or the way I was handling stress and grief," says Brant Hajek.

"Recording this EP almost ruined my life, and I hope it sounds like it. Each song is its own little world, in which I lost myself. With childlike wonder, exploring concepts and sounds, I was inspired to make something new each time just to keep the wheel turning. I loved the feeling of momentum, knowing I was creating something out of thin air and maybe grabbing ahold of something slippery and evasive.."

Hajek’s creative process is a deeply personal, layered journey towards the spark that turns an emotionally restless melodies into finished pieces. While he himself performed every instrument on thise EP, Wooden Overcoat is now a full band, bringing these tunes to the stage. With Hajek on guitar and lead vocals, he is joined by bassist Dillon Glusker, guitarist Mac and drummer Brian Levin.

Earlier, Wooden Overcoat released the shimmering lead track "Home" - a reverb-drenched sanctuary, blending in sun-drenched textures and a wash of tape echo and reverb, and "Finally Arrived" with its viscous guitars, slow thudding drums, rhythmic trance-like pulse and dreamy soundscape. Between mourning and romantic friction, it examines the delicate nature of human connection and tendency to view individuals as replaceable assets. "Heaven Right Now" is a reverb-soaked psych-rock track about hidden emotional fractures, shared suffering, and how people quietly break under pressure.

"This EP was written at a dark time in my life. My mother was diagnosed with cancer, the world was flipped on its head and never really recovered, political turmoil and conflicts overseas dominated the collective conscious, and it profoundly affected me. My relationship was suffering from cumulative stress and I can now see how it came through in what I created. Themes of beauty that doesn’t last, self-sabotage, dissociation, cynicism, and desire for connection but feeling removed from it," says Hajek.

The "Hello Sunbeam" EP is out now, available on digital platforms everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Written, recorded, mixed and mastered by Brant Hajek
Performed by Brant Hajek
Recorded in a house in Portland, Oregon
Only humans made this art
Cover art + photo by Brant Hajek
Band photos by Brett Chauncey
Videos by Francesca Bonci
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

New Jersey's DEARDARKHEAD reveals 'In Another Life', previewing first album in 26 years

June 9, 2026

New Jersey alternative rock outfit Deardarkhead presents 'In Another Life', their second offering from 'The Pendulum Swings', - their first full-length album in 25 years. Balancing tension between crystalline guitar arpeggios, a wall of fuzzed out tremolo, and melodic baselines, the band concocts an introspective atmosphere about what could have been.

Built around soaring guitar leads and melodic bass hooks, this follows the lead track 'Letting Go'. A song about growth and change, centered on releasing old patterns and embracing new directions, this track features keyboardist Joe McGinty, known for his work with The Psychedelic Furs, Nada Surf, Ryan Adams and Deborah Harry, adding additional layers of atmosphere and texture.

Now made up of guitarist Kevin Harrington, drummer Robert Weiss and bassist James Malizia, who recently replaced Brandon Howard following the recording of this album. Deardarkhead has built a distinctive identity since the departure of vocalist-bassist Michael Amper in 2009, shifting fully into instrumental composition where melody and texture take the place of vocals.

With many notable milestones over their nearly four decades, including shows with the likes of Supergrass, The Psychedelic Furs, Everclear, Nothing and The Lilys, the new album captures an ever-evolving band, refining their voice through texture, atmosphere, and emotional momentum.

Taking their name from the 1867 Irish poem “Cean Dubh Dilis” by Samuel Ferguson -- a work about a beautiful dark-haired girl -- Deardarkhead was formed in 1988 in the Atlantic City, New Jersey area. Their identity rooted as much in mood as in melody, their music blends atmospheric dreampop, shoegaze shimmer and ethereal rock, unfolding as an original, guitar-driven psychedelic tightrope walk balancing moody textures and shimmering melodies.

Drummer, Robert Weiss was particularly inspired by sitar music for the rhythmic droning lead sections while writing the song. He shares, "'In Another Life' is about the choices you didn’t make which still haunt you to some degree. The what ifs we all think about, but ultimately have no real impact. There’s no way of knowing where a different path would have lead, so you can’t be too bothered about it. One must live in the present."

Deardarkhead's sixth recording and second full-length album, 'The Pendulum Swings' captures a period of renewed experimentation and refinement. Recorded at Miner Street Recordings in Philadelphia, they worked with producers Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey (The War on Drugs, Kurt Vile, Sharon Van Etten) and Grammy-nominated mastering engineer Joe Lambert (Animal Collective, Blonde Redhead, Beach House, M83, Wild Nothing).

Across ten instrumental tracks, the record moves through shifting moods ranging from soaring, psychedelic-tinged guitar anthems to driving post-punk rhythms and more ambient, abstract passages. The result is a dynamic and cohesive work that highlights the band’s signature blend of shimmering guitars, pulsing bass, and powerful percussion. The band pushes the envelope with their instrumental approach, using drum loops, unusual time signatures, ebow, bass VI, and expanded guitar layering.

Deardarkhead has released five recordings via Fertile Crescent Records, beginning with their 1998 debut album 'Unlock the Valves of Feeling', and featured on numerous US and Japanese indie compilations. In 2011, Captured Tracks released 'Oceanside: 1991-1993', a retrospective of their early material (and second released in their Shoegaze Archives series). They then joined iconic label Saint Marie Records in 2015, releasing their critically-acclaimed 'Strange Weather' EP with them in 2016.

As of June 9, 'In Another Life' is available from music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Now available for pre-order, 'The Pendulum Swings' album will be released on CD, digitally, and on 180-gram vinyl on July 10.

CREDITS
Written by Robert Weiss & Kevin Harrington
Kevin Harrington - guitars (all tracks) and bass VI, ebow & bass (track 10)
Robert Weiss - drums & percussion
Brandon Howard - bass (tracks 1-9)
Joe McGinty - keyboards (track 6)
Recorded at Miner Street Recordings, Philadelphia, PA
Produced, engineered & mixed by Brian McTear & Amy Morrissey
Mastered by Joe Lambert
Cover photography & design by Robert Weiss
Video directed and edited by William Murray
Band photos by Mike Maney & Rob Weiss
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

Keep up with Deardarkhead
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

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The Joy Thieves unleash 'Apocalypse Pending' album with video for 'No Anchor' & focus track 'Ambush Vinez'

June 3, 2026

Chicago-based alternative collective The Joy Thieves release their full-length album 'Apocalypse Pending' on June 5th via Armalyte Industries. While the industrial-rock-punk-experimental supergroup known has always combined a wide array of musicians together in order to craft their signature sound, they stretch this concept to its very limits with this record.

Highly influenced by the hip hop music production techniques of the 80’s and early 90’s, 'Apocalypse Pending' finds the Joy Thieves Productions team of Dan Milligan and James Scott redefining themselves by utilizing a sample-heavy production to forge elements of industrial, rock, experimental, punk, hip hop, metal, and freeform jazz. But instead of sampling the music of others, they found inspiration in the talents of the band’s 80+ other members, resulting in an incendiary sound all their own.

Anxious to explore new musical territory, they challenged themselves by turning the entire song-creation process upside down. Instead of relying on members to contribute already-written songs, as they’d done in the past, they meticulously gathered hundreds of unrelated recorded musical fragments from their fellow Joy Thieves, then painstakingly reconstructed brand new pieces of music from these fragments, ultimately creating a fresh and innovative sound.

Longtime fans of the band will instantly recognize the iconic voice of Chris Connelly (Fini Tribe, Revolting Cocks, Ministry, Pigface). Seething with frustration and rage at one moment, and coolly delivering beat poetry the next, 'Apocalypse Pending' finds the multi-talented Connelly in his element; using the album’s densely layered, sonic collage as the perfect vehicle to deliver the band’s violently anti-fascist sentiments.  

The Joy Thieves have also shared videos for 'No Anchor' and ‘The Wrong End of Your Rifle’, created by Lumbra Productions. Eyeing the edge of collapse, capturing the zeitgeist with such precision, they touch on the decay of the individual, exploring the isolation of our modern world.

“These days, the process of simply writing and recording an album no longer seems to be enough for me. In order to feel fully engaged, I need new and exciting musical challenges - preferably ones that make me start wondering if I just might be in waaaay over my head. Once I get that feeling, there’s absolutely no question I’m on the right track," says Dan Milligan.

" In the case of 'Apocalypse Pending', that challenge began as a question - What kind of music would RZA or The Bomb Squad make if they had been raised on a steady diet of Gang of 4, The Jesus Lizard, and Ministry?"

Chris Connelly adds, “At their core, the lyrics for 'Apocalypse Pending' are violently anti-fascist. It’s funny how worked up and angry I get when I talk about these songs. But I’m finding I simply can’t hold back anymore; and it feels so good to lyrically address every aspect of this current horror show. I’m so glad we have a creative outlet to express these thoughts. At least until we all get Pussy Riot-ed into prison."

Since signing with London alternative-industrial label Armalyte Industries in 2018, The Joy Thieves have delivered 11 critically-acclaimed releases. 'Apocalypse Pending' is the latest -- produced, engineered and mixed by Joy Thieves Productions at Populist Recording + Mastering.

The Joy Thieves includes current, former, and touring members of Ministry, Stabbing Westward, The Rollins Band, Killing Joke, Pigface, RevCo, PIG, David Bowie, Blue October, Machines of Loving Grace, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, Naked Raygun, Foetus, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Pegboy, Nitzer Ebb, Die Krupps and more.

The band crafts their cohesive signature sound from the contributions of its ever-growing 80+ roster of members, drawn from a diverse range of genres, including industrial, rock, punk, darkwave, hip hop and experimental music. Created by “all of us, and yet, none of us”, this is a sound all their own, their music aggressive, yet precise; confrontational, but refined; and harsh, yet melodic.

On June 5th, 'Apocalypse Pending' will be available on Digipack CD and across music platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

CREDITS
Track 1 written by Dan Milligan, DJ Darryl Hell
Tracks 2, 4, 7, 10,11 written by Chris Connelly & Dan Milligan
Track 3 written by Chris Connelly, Jeff Harris, Dan Milligan
Track 5 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Derek Christopher, Dee J Nelson
Track 6 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Derek Christopher, Jeff Harris
Track 8 written by Chris Connelly, Dee J Nelson, Dan Milligan
Track 9 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Jane Jensen
Track 12 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, James Scott
Track 13 written by Chris Connelly, Dan Milligan, Dee J Nelson Nelson, Jeff Harris, Steven Archer
Produced, engineered & mixed by Joy Thieves Productions
at Populist Recording + Mastering, Wheaton, IL
Mastered by James Scott at Populist Recording + Mastering
Additional production by:
Derek Christopher at Penfield Studios, Mark Pistel at Room 5 Studios, Jeff Harris at JH Studios
Steven Archer at House of Wolves, Dee J Nelson at DJN Music Studio, Jane Jensen at Autozen Music, and DJ Darryl Hell at HellLab Studios
Art direction by Destiny Justic Scott
Original artwork by Charlie Athanas for Burning City
Videos by Joel Lopez by Lumbra Productions

Released via Armalyte Industries

Portland's Wooden Overcoat serves potent psych-pop on debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP

May 31, 2026

Portland dreampop outfit Wooden Overcoat presents their debut "Hello Sunbeam" EP, a sweet spot where lo-fi garage psych meets 90s shoegaze, all anchored by layered harmonies and an evocatively intimate vocal delivery. The focus track "Heaven Right Now" is a reverb-soaked desert psych-rock track about hidden emotional fractures, shared suffering, and how people quietly break under pressure.

Wooden Overcoat is the sonic brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Brant Hajek, having returned to music after a hiatus, recording songs he'd written in his late teens. What started as a practice in self-production transformed into a deep creative obsession with soundscapes and gear. Recording in a rented basement, Hajek built the foundation of the EP through spontaneous experimentation—often veering away from planned sessions to follow sudden bursts of inspiration.

"Recording this EP almost ruined my life, and I hope it sounds like it. Each song is its own little world, in which I lost myself. With childlike wonder, exploring concepts and sounds, I was inspired to make something new each time just to keep the wheel turning. I loved the feeling of momentum, knowing I was creating something out of thin air and maybe grabbing ahold of something slippery and evasive. There’s a feeling of satisfaction I can’t compare to anything else that I get when listening back to something fresh," says Brant Hajek.

"Over countless hours tinkering away with mics, pedals, amps, preamps, and the overall process of tracking and layering guitars, I wanted to make something that sounds old but fresh. I want something that sounds warm and dense, but somehow also airy. I think I achieved that. The curse of any recording artist is wishing you could go back and do it all differently. But instead of beating it to death, I want people to hear the rawness of the result of someone finally figuring out how to a make a record."

Hajek’s creative process is a deeply personal, layered journey towards the spark that turns an emotionally restless melodies into finished pieces. While he himself performed every instrument on thise EP, Wooden Overcoat is now a full band, bringing these tunes to the stage. With Hajek on guitar and lead vocals, he is joined by bassist Dillon Glusker, guitarist Mac and drummer Brian Levin.

The band debuted with the shimmering single "Home", enveloping the senses in a reverb-drenched sanctuary, blending in sun-drenched textures and a wash of tape echo and reverb, followed by "Finally Arrived" with its viscous guitars, slow thudding drums, rhythmic trance-like pulse and dreamy soundscape. A tapestry of personal mourning and romantic friction, at its core, it examines the delicate nature of human connection, lamenting a cultural tendency to view individuals as replaceable assets.

The video for both singles were created by Italian multi-arts visionary Francesca Bonci, well known for her work with The Dandy Warhols, Pete International Airport and Slowdive's Rachel Goswell, LA's Tombstones In Their Eyes, Federale (The Brian Jonestown Massacre's Collin Hegna), post-rock outfit The Quality of Mercury, and iconic British bard Philip Parfitt.

"This EP was written at a dark time in my life. My mother was diagnosed with cancer, the world was flipped on its head and never really recovered, political turmoil and conflicts overseas dominated the collective conscious, and it profoundly affected me. My relationship was suffering from cumulative stress and I can now see how it came through in what I created. Themes of beauty that doesn’t last, self-sabotage, dissociation, cynicism, and desire for connection but feeling removed from it," says Hajek.

"To me this album is about romanticism vs. reality. “Hello Sunbeam” is something I might say to myself when I’m having a bad day, joking about how grumpy I’m being. But it’s also something I might say when I look outside to see the clouds are parting for a bit and maybe things don’t have to be so dreary."

The name Wooden Overcoat—an old Americana euphemism for a coffin—hints at the project’s core philosophy: a playful balance of moody, mystical imagery with light-hearted humor. Hajek’s creative process is personal, the rough versions eventually coalescing into vivid, emotionally resonant themes. In contrast, this music is vibrant, creating a fantastic dreamlike environment for lovers of life.

The "Hello Sunbeam" EP is available from digital platforms everywhere, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

Iconic indiepop songstress Jacqui Hunt presents 'Desiderium' album with 2 sublime videos

May 27, 2026

Iconic Australian indie pop artist Jacqui Hunt presents her new album 'Desiderium' — out on CD & vinyl on June 26th — marking 40 years since launching pioneering electronic band Single Gun Theory. This superb collection moves through personal reflections on grief, loss, healing and love, it is released by her independent label QUSP with musical collaborator and husband Brian Conolly, previewed two superb videos — 'Planet', directed by Hunt with original graphics by Brian Conolly, and 'Cycles', which conveys an equally personal story.

Sonically abstract, smooth synths are intermittently spaced between organic pop structures. Songs that levitate, then ground, are fused together by the ethereal thread of Jacqui’s poetic radiance. Merging elements of Kate Bush, Tori Amos and Beth Gibbons, Hunt describes the feeling of this album "Like stepping out of your body for a while and grounding back to earth — floating on a synth wave while holding the raw reality of a simple piano. The bones that connect to the human voice like a string of air as it floats to the ether and returns to base."

"'Planet' is an electro-ethereal soundscape building to a rhythmic frequency of dreamy vocals that merge into the ether and dissipate into space. Initially a poem sent to me by Brian from overseas; I spontaneously turned it into a demo and sent it back to him from Sydney. He received it in a transit lounge in Kuala Lumpur. It conveyed so much to one another with so little. It is a love song; the poem stretches back through time and distance," says Jacqui Hunt.

'Cycles' presents a completely different landscape. A raw, melancholic piano ballad of heartfelt simplicity, it serves as a reflective turning point of grief, longing, and gratitude for a great love transitioned. Enveloped in powerful, multigenerational symmetry, this music video was created by Kade Stenders, a budding teenage filmmaker whose parents, famed film director Kriv Stenders and photographer Lisa Stonham, had previously directed several Single Gun Theory videos.

Jacqui shares, "There was a cyclic symbolism to this process, which was very fitting to the track and one that appealed to me, since 'Cycles' is very caught up in the life and death of my own father, who also directed theatre. The symbolic layers were of great importance to me, representing a huge turning point in my own life."

Primarily known as frontwoman of Single Gun Theory, formed in 1986, Hunt’s stellar artistic trajectory stands as a testament to her versatility and enduring impact across the global independent and electronic music landscape. As a powerhouse vocalist and intuitive co-writer, Hunt etched her name into Australian music history through her pivotal contributions to numerous projects.

Releasing three albums from 1987–1994, Single Gun Theory gained a steady international following, an ARIA nomination in the electronic dance category, and charted in Spain with ‘Exorcise This Wasteland’. With extensive placement in television and film, their music was most recently heard on the Paris runway for French label Chloé for their Winter 2026 parade.

Signed to Nettwerk Records, the band toured North America with Sarah McLachlanon her ‘Fumbling Towards Ecstasy’ tour, followed by a series of U.S. headline shows that gained them a loyal following. Releasing music in Australia through the cult label Volition, Single Gun Theory never officially broke up, but never toured again. Their latest release was the soundtrack for the film ‘The Monkey's Mask’ in 2001.

In the late 1990s, Hunt achieved global recognition through involvement with dreampop trailblazers Delerium, collaborated with Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber as songwriter and vocalist on ‘Euphoria (Firefly)’ for the ‘Karma’ album, the Rabbit In The Moon remix of that song receiving a Juno Award.

Jacqui's solo career took center stage with her 2008 debut album ‘Auraphonic’, featuring the track ‘Calisthenics’ - licensed for the feature film ’Adore’ starring Naomi Watts. Expanding this independent creative footprint, 2017 also saw the debut album by her innovative design duo CiiVE.

A sought-after collaborator, Hunt co-wrote and voiced standout tracks like ‘Stay’ on Paul Mac’s Gold-certified debut album ‘3000 Feet High’, teamed with Volition label mates Vision Four 5 for their 2017 retrospective album ‘Cloud’, and crossed genres in 2022 to feature on ‘Centuries’, the solo album by David McClymont of seminal Scottish post-punk band Orange Juice. These diverse milestones highlight Hunt’s rare chameleon-like ability to seamlessly shift between genres and collaborative works.

Out now digitally, the 'Desiderium' album will be released on CD and limited edition vinyl on June 26th. The remix of the 'Alice Magic' by K.I.M, one half of the Australian charting band The Presets, is also available across digital platforms such as Spotifyand Apple Music.

Joan As Police Woman shares 'I Defy' feat. Krystle Warren, final single from 'Real Life Evolution' album (out June 12th)

May 26, 2026

n the home-stretch towards her “Real Life Evolution' album, out June 12th via UK independent Reveal Records, trailblazing NYC artist Joan As Police Womanpresents 'I Defy' feat. Krystle Warren. Co-written and originally performed with Anohni, this infectious version previews a stunning collection of new arrangements of the songs from her debut album 'Real Life'.

Joan is also sharing a live rendition of 'I Defy', accompanied by Will Graefe and Jeremy Gustin, as part of 'The Real Life Anniversary Sessions', following earlier videos for 'Eternal Flame', 'Flushed Chest', 'The Ride' and 'Anyone'. The entire series was recorded by Adam Sachs at The Owl Music Parlor in Brooklyn and filmed by Ehud Lazin.

Exactly 20 years since releasing 'Real Life', Joan has reimagined and re-recorded the album in full with numerous guests, including Iggy Pop, Will Graefe, Jeremy Gustin, Tony Scherr, Parker Kindred, Danny Blume, Oren Bloedow and Thomas Bartlett. Developed through countless performances, these renditions are brought to life by the brilliance of the players who helped define their sound.

“This song is dear to my heart. Anohni and I wrote it mid-conversation in her tiny apt on 15th St. “I defy, I love your way”. It’s a declaration, an insistent act of love. Finding the right voice for Anohni’s part in 'I Defy' required someone truly special. I’ve long considered Krystle Warren one of the finest singers alive, and when I reached out to her, she sent her vocals back within a day. When I heard them, I nearly fell over,” says Joan Wasser.

"When playing live with Will and Jeremy, we took it down, softened the edges and warmed it with some muted sunshine. Will’s voice has a warmth you could describe as tawny. Jeremy’s drumming glows."

Joan Wasser, known professionally as Joan As Police Woman since 2004, is a critically acclaimed musician and producer, and a sought-after collaborator, dubbed “the coolest woman in pop” (The Times) and “one of the 21st century’s best musicians” (The Economist). As a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, her music defies easy categorization, crafting her own sound that blends various genres. She has released ten albums of original material, two cover albums, and an anthology.

Joan As Police Woman has recorded and performed with hundreds of artists, including Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, Lou Reed, Anohni & The Johnsons, Meshell Ndegeocello, Rufus Wainwright, John Cale, David Byrne, Dave Okumu, Chris Dowd, Lau, Scissor Sisters, Sparklehorse, Beck, Laurie Anderson, Lloyd Cole, Afel Bocoum, Dave Gahan, Tanya Donelly, David Sylvian, Steve Jansen and Damon Albarn (who collaborated with Joan on her song 'Get My Bearings' and on Gorillaz' 'Song Machine' album). She also a member of Iggy Pop's touring band (on keys and vocals).

As of May 26, 'I Defy' is available digitally everywhere. The 'Real Life Evolution' album will be released on June 12th. Now available for pre-order on Bandcamp, it is available on CD, digitally, and Limited Edition exclusive red marble vinyl.

Later this year, Joan embarks on her Real Life 20th Anniversary Tour, performing the 'Real Life' album as a trio, plus singles from her catalogue, fan favourites, deep cuts, reworked covers and some surprises! Ahead of June's sold-out NYC shows at Joe's Pub, she has a free show at Bryant Park on June 18. Tour tickets can be ordered at https://linktr.ee/japw or www.joanaspolicewoman.com/tour.

CREDITS
Lyrics & Music written by Joan Wasser & Anohni
Published by Fists of Fury (BMI) / Rebis Music (ASCAP)
Joan Wasser - vocals, piano, Wurlitzer, strings
Krystle Warren - vocals
Will Graefe - acoustic guitar
Oren Bloedow - electric guitar
Danny Blume - electric bass
Parker Kindred - drums
Produced by Joan Wasser
Recorded by Danny Blume at Hidden Quarry Studios, Bearsville, NY
Mixed by Patrick Dillett at Reservoir Studios
Mastered by Chris Gehringer at Sterling Sound
Video recorded live at The Owl Music Parlor, Brooklyn, NYC
Adam Sachs - audio recording engineer & mixer
Ehud Lazin - videographer
Album cover photo by Judi Rosen
P & (C) 2026 Sweet Police LLC under exclusive licence to Reveal Records
Joan As Police Woman photos by Judi Rosen
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR

NEW YORK PERFORMANCES
JUNE 18 New York, 7pm - Bryant Park (FREE SHOW)
JUNE 20 New York, NY, 7pm - Joe's Pub (SOLD OUT)
JUNE 20 New York, NY, 9pm - Joe's Pub (SOLD OUT)
JUNE 21 New York, NY, 6pm - Joe's Pub (SOLD OUT)

REAL LIFE ANNIVERSARY TOUR 2026
NOV 5 London, UK - Union Chapel
NOV 6 London, UK - Union Chapel
NOV 7 Manchester, UK - RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music)
NOV 9 Glasgow, UK - Oran Mor
NOV 11 Brugge, Belgium - Cactus Club
NOV 12 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Zonnehuis (sold out)
NOV 13 Hamburg, Germany - Mojo Club
NOV 15 Aarhus, Denmark - Train
NOV 16 Copenhagen, Denmark - DR Concert Hall
NOV 18 Budapest, Hungary - House of Music Hungary
NOV 20 Roma, Italy - Angelo Mai
NOV 22 Berlin, Germany - Haus des Rundfunks & Großer Sendesaal

Keep up with Joan As Police Woman
Website | LinkTree | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | BandsInTown | Joanthology Podcast | Press contact

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