Sunflower Bean: ‘Twentytwo in Blue’

Posted on March 23, 2018March 24, 2018 by Nate Bramel

To understand just how much that the Brooklyn trio has grown in the past two years, look no further than the cover of the band’s terrific new album, Twentytwo In Blue. The three members of the band are spotlighted in the middle of the picture; a cover that is more confident and much less cluttered than the band’s 2016 debut Human Ceremony. On this record, the band takes tremendous strides towards a truly memorable and distinct sound.

An immediate highlight of the record is lead singer Julia Cumming’s newfound confidence and enhanced role, which puts her commanding yet soothing vocals to the forefront. The delivery of her voice allows the band’s classic rock sound to come off more sincere as seen on the stomping “Puppet Strings” as Cumming elevates the song’s impact.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Jacob Portrait’s crystal clear production gives the band more clarity and greater punch on each track. From the initial moments of album opener “Burn It,” there is a more grandiose and powerful sound. At times on Human Ceremony, Sunflower Bean seemed lost in their own haze and volume. There is great confidence and poise on this new album that sees the band fully aware and in control of how they want to sound.

The album’s change in tone and breezy 40 minute runtime offers a genuine classic folk-rock offering while still feeling fresh. At times, the band’s youth and search for a sound is still evident as seen on the cringe-worthy backing vocals on “Crisis Fest.” In these moments, the band comes off more as imitators rather than the real deal. However, as a whole the band’s shows tremendous promise and leaps towards a refined sound on this record.

Throughout Twentytwo In Blue, Julia Cummings remains fully in control, sounding much wiser than her meager 22 years of life lets on, especially on the title track “Twentytwo.” Cumming’s strong vocals intertwine perfectly with jangling guitars reminiscent of 70’s folk rock, but with a newfound confidence and assurance. Her gorgeous lyrics are also put on display on the sunny “Memoria” as she sings “You are the mother who turns in her sleep.” This shows great attention to detail.

The album closes on a wonderful note with the gorgeous “Oh No, Bye Bye” as Nick Kivlen’s deadpan singing fuses tremendously with Cumming’s sunny vocals. As is seen in the rest of the album as well, this song shows the band’s grand development sonically as the song is bursting with intriguing layers of melody. Although at times Sunflower Bean’s youth is apparent, on Twentytwo in Blue, the band’s development within just one album is both astonishing and triumphant.

8/10

Artists to Watch: Bonnaroo 2016

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Camren Skelton

Once again, Bonnaroo has hit it big with their impressive–and expansive–2016 lineup. With so many artists, deciding what acts to see in between the headliners can be a daunting task. That’s why we created a guide on the best up-and-coming acts to catch on The Farm this year.

1. The Record Company

There’s no mistaking that this trio has a sweet blues sound, but one cannot miss the underlying beats that make them oh so similar to an early rock ‘n’ roll band. Their debut album, Give it Back to You, was released in February and they are currently the #1 Triple A radio artist. We caught their set at Hangout just a few weeks ago and impressive is an understatement. This band is going places and you do not want to miss their performace this weekend.

2. Stokeswood

Atlanta-based Stokeswood will bring an incredibly unique and undeniable energy to the Club Stage. For their debut Bonnaroo performance, it’s a guarantee that the guys will bring pumping synths, dance vibes and powerful vocals. Their dynamic gives them a fierce electronic edge and it will leave you with songs that won’t want to get out of your head.

3. Lawrence

Led by siblings Clyde and Gracie Lawrence, this New York-based soul pop group blends old school and new school vibes to create a sound that will keep you hanging out at the front of the stage. With the release of their debut LP, Breakfast, it’s exciting to see the success this young duo has on the horizon.

4. Joseph

A trio of sisters, Joseph brings beautiful harmonies and earnest lyrics to the stage. Named after a small town in northeast Oregon, the indie folk act hails from Portland. Their debut album was released in 2014 and with the recent release of the upbeat single, “White Flag,” we are excited to see what the band has in store for the future.

5. Civil Twilight

Civil Twilight has a powerful sound that brushes on every corner of human emotion. The delicate lyrics make you think, while the rolling drumbeat and vibrant guitar vamps keep you intrigued. It’s easy to hear the dynamic beats inspired by their native home of South Africa, the connection that keeps the band going while they are far from home.

6. Whitney

With sounds that make you want to roll down your car windows and sing along, Whitney is one act you won’t want to miss at this year’s festival. Their debut album, Light Upon the Lake, was released early this month so the duo is sure to bring an exciting new sound to the stage and a high-energy performance that will keep you singing along.

7. Sun Club

Hailing from Baltimore, Md., effervescent indie poppers Sun Club put a colorful, punk-infused spin on traditional pop. In October, the band’s first full-length album will be available through ATO Records, making them one up-and-comer you will not want to miss.

8. Sunflower Bean

What do you get when you channel a passion for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Velvets? The sweet sound that is Sunflower Bean. The indie trio hailing from NYC is sure to take the Bonnaroo stage by storm with their rock-influenced vocals and sweet riffs. Their debut album, Human Ceremony, is self-described as a “conflicting interest”—a mixture of dream pop and rock ‘n’ roll. The diversity this group brings to the stage makes them a must-see.

9. Sir the Baptist

Through the combination of pop, hip-hop, R&B and gospel, Sir the Baptist creates a sound that is truly unique and intriguing. With the deep-rooted mission of progressing people past the old ways of religious teachings and being a voice of positivity amongst an often negative landscape, Sir the Baptist not only brings an interesting sound to the stage, but an intriguing social message as well.

10. Grace Mitchell

Young artist Grace Mitchell has a fiery sound that puts an innovative and experimental twist on traditional pop music. The undeniable dance beats will keep you on your toes and her intriguing vocals will pull you to the front of the stage, making this one act you will not want to miss. The catchy single, “White Iversion,” was released earlier this year, paving the way for more exciting work from this artist.

11. Powers

Intimate, rambunctious and heartfelt are just a few adjectives that could be used to describe Powers. The electronic pop duo got their start as songwriters, creating tracks for big names including Selena Gomez, Christina Aguilera, Kylie Minogue and Skylar Gray and Eminem, but got their big break as artists with their debut EP, Legendary, in 2015. The infectious beats and contagious lyrics this duo brings to the stage is one you will want to add to your list.

12. Dylan LeBlanc

The soulful, bluesy vocals and guitar that make up Dylan LeBlanc can only be described as undeniably intriguing. His latest release, Cautionary Tale, highlights the singer’s maturity and obvious talent and takes the listener on a journey of clarity, truthfulness and purity.

13. Firekid

Hailing from Nashville, the indie folk project that is Firekid is shaded in synths and heavily influenced by bluegrass. The hit single, “Lay By Me,” topped the charts and grabbed the attention of indie folk lovers everywhere and there’s no doubt that there are many more exciting things to come from this artist.

14. Oh Wonder

London-based duo Oh Wonder craft mellow, slow-moving, R&B vibes that, although not fast-paced, are upbeat and perfect for the Bonnaroo stage. Their self-titled debut was released in 2015 and we can’t wait to see what exciting sounds this duo will create next.

15. Amasa Hines

With influences from a diverse range of soul, afro-beat, psychedelic, blues, dub and indie rock, the sounds of Arkansas-based Amasa Hines are as large as their wide range of influences. Their debut album was released in 2014 and we can’t wait to see what sweet sounds the band will release next.

16. Bully

The Nashville-based quartet brings a noisy, upbeat sound to the stage that is sure to keep you on your feet. With a sound undeniably influenced by grunge, the band has a unique sound and a raw talent. Their fiery debut album, Feels Like, was written, produced and engineered by lead vocalist Alicia Bognanno.

17. Mail the Horse

This Brooklyn-based quintet has a captivating folk-rock sound. Their newest record joins instrumentation of the late ‘60s with early ‘00s garage rock, making it an act you won’t want to miss.

SXSW 2016: Artists to Watch

Posted on March 13, 2016 by Camren Skelton

With thousands of artists from all over the world traveling to Austin for SXSW, narrowing down who to see can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to make that task a little less daunting. We searched the lineup to find the best up-and-coming artists that could quite possibly be some of your favorite shows of the week.

1. The Accidentals

Billboard’s Breakout Band at SXSW 2015, Winner of the Emerging Artist Series, Winner of WYCE’s Album of the Year 2015—and the list goes on. In just two years, The Accidentals recorded three original albums, scored two films, landed song placements in documentaries, independent films and commercials and played over 700 live shows…and then they graduated high school. The group features an eclectic blend of classical, jazz, bluegrass and indie folk and synthesizes a wide variety of instruments that reflect the group’s impressive orchestral roots.

When to see them:

3/16: 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn (8p.m.)

2. Barns Courtney

With an almost accidental launch into the global mainstream, modern day voice and guitar man Barns Courtney is on an exciting (unexpected) journey. After spending most of his childhood in Seattle, Courtney returned to his native UK, and this change comes across clearly in his eclectic mix of US blues-rock, hip-hop and grunge with British indie melodies and an undeniable US-British twang. Courtney’s first track, “Glitter & Gold” was dropped on Soundcloud in September and quickly racked up over forty thousand plays. Another track—“Fire” made it’s way onto the big screen when it caught the ears of Hollywood mega producer Harvey Weinstein who featured it as the main track on the Bradley Cooper-staring film, “Burnt.” With an already impressive start and a debut EP in the works for early next year, Barns Courtney’s journey is an exciting one to follow.

Where to see him:

3/16: Lamberts (10 p.m.)

3/18: Stubb’s (10:40 p.m.)

3/19: Latitude 30 (11 p.m.)

3. Beach Slang

In just two short years, Beach Slang have proved themselves as a band that can write memorable songs and create a devoted fan base. With the release of their first full-length album, The Things We Do to Find People Who Feel Like Us, in November, the band crossed off their only missing element. The group’s tireless love for music and life shines through in the part punk, part pop sound. With youth and vulnerability at the core of each intriguing live show, Beach Slang brings a sound that will stay with you long after they leave the stage.

Where to see them:

3/16: Cheer Up Charlie’s (10:30 p.m)

3/18: The Sidewinder Outside (1 a.m.)

3/18: SXSW Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird (6 p.m.)

4. Cicada Rhythm

What happens when you combine articulate guitar picking with Julliard-trained bass lines? Chilling harmonies, unbridled passion and sincere enthusiasm—a sound that basically sums up Cicada Rhythm. The Georgia-raised duo meanders through the fields of folk, rock and Americana, modernizing each to a chilling degree. Reminiscent and filled with imagery, the lyrics this act brings to the stage tell an invigorating story. Cicada Rhythm has the ability to captivate listeners with the first pick of the guitar.

Where to see them:

3/16: The Velveeta Room (10 p.m.)

5. Dilly Dally

Like the eclectic city they live in, Toronto four-piece band Dilly Dally cannot be defined by just one thing. The band has a mutual appreciation for slurred poetry, pop ballads and grunge-heavy guitars, and these elements are evident in each and every song. Dilly Dally has made a name for themselves amongst Toronto’s noise-punk scene and there’s no doubt they will bring the same energy and overall awesomeness to the SXSW stage.

Where to see them:

3/17: Hype Hotel (10 p.m.)

6. DMA’s

On the heels of their debut album, Hills End, DMA’s are only at the beginning of a promising journey. The Australian rockers epitomize the laid-back lifestyle of their home country and have a sound that is too inviting to be ignored. The record combines each individual’s own influences—folk artists like Bob Dylan, American guitar bands from the 90s, and English bands like The Stone Roses and The La’s—into one enormous sound. Although only just beginning, DMA’s are on the brink of a successful journey to success.

Where to see them:

3/17: Radio Day Stage (5 p.m.)

3/17: Parish (1 a.m.)

3/18: Stubb’s (8 p.m.)

7. Japanese Breakfast

A side project from her work as front woman of indie punk band Little Big League, Michelle Zauner released a tape in 2013 under the name Japanese Breakfast. The solo project showcases Zauner’s dark lyrics and unique vocals—a stark contrast to the guitar-based indie rock of Little Big League. Now, Japanese Breakfast is in full-force with the LP and vinyl release of Psychopomp. The album explores new interests, hosts a variety of sounds and chilling new vocals, making it one to watch out for at this year’s festival.

Where to see them:

3/17: Barracuda Backyard (8 p.m.)

8. The Kickback

The modern indie rock group gathered praise from a number of publications including Rolling Stone, SPIN and Chicago Sun Times after the release of a few EPs. With the release of their debut album, Sorry All Over the Place, the group has garnered even more prominence, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW. The band is influenced by a broad array of cultural references, often referencing the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, David Foster Wallace and David Lynch, and their songs are filled with references and revelations. With their focus on contrast and a fascination with juxtaposition, there’s no doubt that The Kickback will put on a raw and memorable performance.

Where to see them:

3/16: Speakeasy (12 a.m.)

9. Marlon Williams

New Zealand solo artist Marlon Williams brings a sound to the stage that combines folk, country, soul, bluegrass and the blues. Williams first made a name for himself as front-man of The Unfaithful Ways, but has started a successful journey with his solo career. Williams brings an upbeat and sincere vibe to the stage earning him a spot as an artist to watch at this year’s festival.

Where to see him:

3/16: 3TEN Austin City Limits Live (9 p.m.)

3/17: Barracuda (11:15 p.m.)

3/18: Central Presbyterian Church (11 p.m.)

10. Mothers

Originating from Athens, GA as the solo project of Kristine Leschper, Mothers quickly emerged into a full-fledged band, on tour alongside of Montreal, and supporting Unknown Mortal Orchestra. They made the leap to headlining sets in a matter of months and in February, released their debut album, When You Walk a Long Distance You Are Tired, with Drew Vandenberg (of Montreal, Deerhunter). Now, the indie-folk outfit is taking on SXSW. If the vulnerability and raw emotion displayed in their album are any indication of their performance, then Mothers are definitely an act to watch out for.

Where to see them:

3/16: Clive Bar (9 p.m.)

3/18: Mohawk Outdoor (10 p.m.)

11. Moving Panoramas

Hailing from Austin, the all-girl trio that makes up Moving Panoramas will return to their hometown roots for SXSW. The name itself paints a perfect picture of the band’s sound—it’s indie guitar music at its’ finest, and the vocals have a dreamy, ethereal air about them. Each heartfelt lyric envelopes you into the songwriter’s story, making them one you will not want to miss at this year’s festival.

Where to see them:

3/15: The Sidewinder Inside (12 a.m.)

3/16: ScratcHouse Backyard (11 p.m.)

12. Roomsounds

Self-described as a “modern day Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers,” Roomsounds bring an eclectic mix of genres to the stage, making them an act to add to your list. Combine vivid song writing with versatile vocals and you have a group that gets as much out of playing a live show as they do creating a brilliant song. If you don’t know much about the band before seeing them live, you will leave eager to find out more.

Where to see them:

3/17: Lucky Lounge (9 p.m.)

13. Sunflower Bean

What do you get when you channel a passion for Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Velvets? The sweet sound that is Sunflower Bean. The indie trio hailing from NYC is sure to take the SXSW stage by storm with their rock-influenced vocals and sweet riffs. Their debut album, Human Ceremony, is self-described as a “conflicting interest”—a mixture of dream pop and rock ‘n’ roll. The diversity this group brings to the stage makes them a must-see.

Where to see them:

3/17: Radio Day Stage (3 p.m.)

3/17: Stubb’s (9:25 p.m.)

3/18: Parish (1 a.m.)

3/19: Hype Hotel (8 p.m.)

14. Sweet Spirit

The country/rock band hailing from Austin brings a different, but nonetheless charismatic and vibrant energy to the stage. Ironically, the nine-piece act started as the solo project of Sabrina Ellis, but new members were quickly added. The group began putting out songs at a breakneck speed, and the confident blend of genres that defines Sweet Spirit was born.

Where to see them:

3/19: Parish (10 p.m.)

15. Saint Pé

After 10 years of recording and touring with Black Lips, Ian Saint Pé decided it was time for a change. His solo act—Saint Pé—was born. If you love Black Lips, then hopping on board with Saint Pé will be an easy feat. It has the same garage flavor and rock ‘n’ roll sound but with a sunnier, more pop-influenced side. Saint Pé brings a sound to the stage that is refreshingly upbeat and will leave you wanting more.

Where to see him:

3/18: Valhalla (1 a.m.)

16. Spookyland

The 4-piece act from Sydney received both local and international praise from the likes of NME, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork with their debut EP, ‘Rock and Roll Weakling.’ In 2015, an appearance at Lollapolooza landed them a spot in Consequence of Sound’s Top Ten acts not to miss. The band has a knack for delivering raw, emotional music that sticks with you long after they leave the stage. With their debut album, Beauty Already Beautiful, set to release in May 2016, Spookyland is well on their way to garnering even more prominence and prestige, making them a must-see at this year’s SXSW.

Where to see them:

3/16: Buffalo Billiards (9 p.m.)

3/17: Latitude 30 (12 a.m.)

17. T. Hardy Morris

For 10 years, T. Hardy Morris has explored the parallels between grunge and Southern rock with his band Dead Confederate. His first solo effort was 2013’s Audition Tapes, a relatively melancholy, confessional work likes so many of the records out of Nashville. His latest release, Drownin on a Mountaintop, is the complete opposite. Unsentimental, enthusiastic and rowdy, the album gives Morris’s voice ample space to roam and cut loose. Although Morris is not new to the music scene, his work as a solo act is well worth talking about.

Where to see him:

3/19: Parish (12 a.m.)

18. Tedo Stone

Garage/psych-rocker Tedo Stone forged a love for music at an early age, forming his first band at the age of 12. While living in the musically rich town of Athens, GA, Stone dove further into the music scene and his sound took on a noisier, carefree character that caught the attention of producer Drew Vandenberg (Deerhunter, of Montreal). After pairing up with him, Stone released a follow-up to his 2013 debut. 2015’s Marshes is decidedly grittier in comparison to his debut, Good Go Bad, and is definitely one to watch out for as it garners a larger fan base.

Where to see him:

3/17: Yard Dog (1 p.m.)