1965 /  by E

The B-side off Zella Day's newly released vinyl offers a stripped down alternative to the bouncy pop beats of "Sweet Ophelia", replacing those heavy chords with nostalgia infused lyrics and a sweetly lilting rhythm that swirls around a soft piano melody.

Swelling strings which pick up the soft melody and urge it forward with a melancholy feel make the song's emotions undeniably strong, but rich vocals which shamelessly plead "I don't belong here... can we go back to the world we had, with a love so sweet it makes me sad... it's the world we've been dreaming of" in contrast to a prominent composition create a compellingly gorgeous track.

Check out the sites below and purchase the tracks now.

"1965" Zella Day

"1965" releases both digitally and on limited edition 7" clear vinyl on April 7, 2014 via B3SCI Records. Pre-order here: http://b3scirecords.bigcartel.com/product/b3sr-006-zella-day-sweet-ophelia-1965 The sound of strumming guitars; the feel of soft, wet clay; the scent of fresh brewed coffee: this was Zella Day’s childhood. Secluded in the quaint mountain town of Pinetop, Arizona, Zella’s creativity flourished with the forest at her doorstep. High above Phoenix Valley, Pinetop holds a population of 7,000, and Zella's family-owned Mor Mor Coffee House was an only sanctuary for artists. Surrounding herself with local musicians, Zella was inspired to pick up the guitar at a young age. Before long, the blossoming chanteuse started performing sets including Bob Dylan and Elvis songs - selections inspired by her coffee house family. The native Arizonan had found a calling in music and used it as a form of self-realization, penning her experiences and discovering herself through the intricacies of song. She drew inspiration from the serene Arizona mountains and turned to Clint Eastwood, old Western films, and cowboy rebel culture to help shape the attitude behind her music. The result is a raw, organic sound unconfined by the boundaries of genre. It effortlessly floats between the tonalities of female frontier-maker Stevie Nicks and art pop songbird Lana Del Rey while invoking imagery painted by Old Arizona and a free-spirited perspective. To date, Zella Day’s music has barely crossed paths with the outside world; however, her short series of self-released demos and collaborations caught fire throughout the indie community. One such supporter of her undeniable talent was the boutique music press outlet B3SCI. Having recently formed a singles record imprint, B3SCI was undoubtedly the natural home for the songwriter's first official offering to the world. The upcoming two-track single leads with “Sweet Ophelia,” a blending of personal encounters in an eerie resemblance to that of Hamlet’s Ophelia. Crunching drum machines and menacing electronics juxtapose Zella’s airy croons as she sings about the sanctity of physical connection, powerfully portraying both the majesty and fragility of letting love consume you. The B-side, “1965,” takes a more straightforward approach, showcasing Zella’s strong voice atop soft, pattering drums and fluttering guitars. The lyrics tell a story about finding a genuine connection among a sea of inauthenticity. Moreover, the track celebrates its title - the year that a generation united despite a delusive society. On April 7th, B3SCI Records will release 'Sweet Ophelia / 1965' on limited edition 7-inch clear vinyl. The tracks were brought to life at Los Angeles's WAX LTD. Studios with the production and mixing prowess of Xandy Barry and Wally Gagel. This debut collection showcases a young songstress’ visceral visions and liberated mentality, while foreshadowing the depth of a long career that's yet to come. Artwork by Brock Lefferts.

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Be Careful /  by E

Lyon Apprentice's "Be Careful" from their debut EP, Be Honest, Be Wild, Be Free, has a refreshingly full composition, warm vocals, and lyrics which make the track so easy to fall for. 

The slightly discordant and echoing piano at the beginning gives way to comfortingly steady chords and a gorgeous melody that's pushed forward by an urgent rhythm and fantastic lyrics like "hold my hand, like it is cold, like it's worth melting" and "there's no way of knowing what.. comes your way, but I'll keep trying".

The track is fantastic enough that I'm tempted to start throwing around superlatives in an effort to adequately describe this superb composition and great lyrics; it's sweet and melancholy with rich vocals and unabashedly honest lyrics that support an amazing piano melody and I can't get enough of these brother's tracks. Get the EP from iTunes now and head to the websites to find out more about the band.  

"Be Careful" Lyon Apprentice

Co-Produced by Mark Myers (The Middle East, Emma Louise) Mixed by Catherine Marks (Foals, Death Cab For Cutie) Mastered by Leon Zervos (Studio 301 - Sydney) Artwork by Ashleigh White & Tanya Lee Fraser Taken off Lyon Apprentice's upcoming debut EP 'Be Honest, Be Wild, Be Free' released on Apr 4th, 2014. Twitter: @LyonApprentice Instagram: @lyon_apprentice www.facebook.com/LyonApprentice

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We've Got Love /  by E

I'm a sucker for songs with happy melodies and unrelentingly honest lyrics and Calan Mai's (stage name of Jordan Lawrence) "We've Got Love" is the first track, in a long while, which I've heard that perfectly captures that oh so gorgeous fusion of sound. 

There is no way to better describe the song than to let it speak for itself, and a verse which states, "well ma's been helping patients but she's running out of patience, 'cause she's waiting for the big one, the one who might just ring to say, 'I'm sorry that I messed up and I know that it's been years', but so far dad don't call / well dad's been turning coins and turning something into nothing, but sometimes that machine it lights up all exciting, and that ding ding ding reminds him of that happy feeling coming, that the night is good for now / but dad's got love... and ma's got love... and me I just hope it's enough" does so eloquently. Mai manages to state harsh facts while still remaining, if slightly doubtful, optimistic, with the track closing out on "I hope it is enough that they've got love... and I've got love... I just hope it's enough".

This track is completely refreshing and kind of superbly amazing, so head to the sites below and check back for new music, because you're going to enjoy being addicted to this. 

"We've Got Love" Calan Mai

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YouTube - Jordan Lawrence          YouTube - Calan Mai