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Bad Mannequins release EP ‘Deny Til U Die – Part I’!



For fans of... Japandroids, Electric Six, The Hives, The Strokes


“...tongue-in-cheek songwriting with a garage-punk guitar tone which would've made The Strokes proud.” - Team Rock



"... fiery garage-rock filled with blistering guitar riffs and ground-shaking percussion..." - The Revue



"Across the four tracks, Bad Mannequins

display their tireless swagger..."
- Gigslutz



Channelling the late 70s CBGB’s era of New York city’s punk rock scene, Glasgow two-piece Bad Mannequins have released Deny Til U Die – Part I, the first instalment in a trilogy of EPs. The EP is out now via Triple Denim and is available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.

Deny Til U Die – Part I was exclusively premiered on Gigslutz and this followed on from the previously released single I Hate You, encapsulating everything that Bad Mannequins have to offer: killer riffs are accented by metronomic, pounding drum beats, fuzz-filled vocals are delivered at break neck speed and all rounded off neatly with the obligatory hand clap. The video premiered on Team Rock and is now available to watch on the Bad Mannequins YouTube channel.



The audio for the single premiered on Punk Rock Theory and is now available to stream via the band's Soundcloud page. The first track to be released from the EP Buzz Killer Skinny Gene, which premiered on The Revue, is also available to stream via the band's Soundcloud.

The first of a three part EP trilogy, Deny Til U Die Part I contains radio friendly tunes combined with a garage rock attitude, as Bad Mannequins press their steel toe capped boots firmly on the throats of modern music; melding an in your face punk rock sound with tongue in cheek lyrics, creating a fun, hook-laden four track record. Semi-autobiographical and aiming barbs at the music scene in general, Deny Til U Die Part I gives the sense of a band who don’t take themselves too seriously, without losing their ability to create highly technical garage rock tunes.

Comprised of Ross Hamilton (lead vocals, guitar) and Jamie McGrory (drums, vocals), the duo formed after having been in a previous band together. Combining their efforts to write songs collaboratively, they realised they were creating something that was a huge departure from what they had been used to, and they loved it. Taking inspiration from the likes of Electric Six, The Hives, Television, Ramones and B-52s, the second song they ever wrote was immediately picked up by US TV show Limitless with their track ‘No Easy Way Out’ being used in the opening moments of the first episode. Since then, the band have written a trilogy of EP’s, which they will release over the course of this year, with a number of gigs planned to coincide with each release.

Deny Til U Die – Part I is out now and available to to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify via Triple Denim.

If you'd like to find out more about Bad Mannequins or A Badge of Friendship's PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Mon, 05 Jun 2017 in Bad Mannequins

Marnie’s album ‘Strange Words and Weird Wars’ is out now!



"...it might be build from retro bricks, but Marnie's as cutting edge as ever.” - The Line Of Best Fit


“…crushing percussion outlined by the neon pattering of synthesizers. " - Consequence of Sound


“…upbeat, melodic modern pop..." - Playboy


“…this really is an an incredibly impressive album that deserves a lot of attention." - Popjustice


Ladytron's Marnie has released her sophomore album Strange Words And Weird Wars, out now via Disco Piñata and available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.

Marnie's cutting edge sound has gained support from some of the most important tastemakers in the industry with the likes of Pop Justice premiering first single 'Alphabet Block', Consequence of Sound unveiling the unashamedly melodic Lost Maps culminating in The Line Of best Fit premiering the audio for latest single Electric Youth with the video appearing first on OUT .



The stunning video for Lost Maps premiered on Playboy is now available to watch on the Marnie YouTube channel.



Comprised of ten pulsating tracks, Strange Words And Weird Wars showcases the most impressive elements of Marnie’s incarnation as a solo artist along with those that made her band, Ladytron, one of the most respected pioneers in electronic music; soul crushing synths are wonderfully accented by hook-laden choruses as Marnie boldly explores up-tempo electro dream-pop.

Marnie's ability to effortlessly play with genres becomes more and more apparent as you work your way through what is such a sonically impressive record. Tracks such as ‘Girls’ expertly draws parallels with some of the most gifted female contemporary electro artists, while introspection comes in the form of the shoegaze-inspired ‘A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night’, giving the air of an unreleased b-side from a cult vampire movie.

After moving back to Glasgow in September 2012, after many years living in London, Marnie continued to write music following the success of her solo project and subsequent album release in 2013. Influenced by life, love, loss, politics and all things 80’s pop, Marnie has created an album that has an intelligence and a depth behind what, on the surface, is a melodic modern pop record. Further support has come from the likes of The 405, Filter, BBC Radio Scotland and A.V. Club. Marnie will be supporting the release of the album with a perforce at Oslo in London on June 9th 2017.

Strange Words And Weird Wars, out now via Disco Piñata and available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.

If you'd like to find out more about Marnie or A Badge of Friendship's PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Fri, 02 Jun 2017 in Marnie

Introducing… Circe’s Diner!



For fans of... Regina Spektor, The Be Good Tanyas, Kate Nash, This Is The Kit

Having formed back in 2014 whilst studying at BIMM Bristol, Circe's Diner - aka Rosina Buck and Bronte Shande - are now set to release their brand new single Who Dares on 16th June 2017 via Rough Kitchen Records.

The single premiered on Folk Radio UK and is available to stream via the band's Soundcloud page now.


An uplifting track about being brave, despite all the sorrows of life that can make us dysfunctional, Who Dares is a truly magical slice of alt-folk. Filled with the intricate harmonies of Buck and Shande flowing perfectly with each other alongside delicate, twinkling melodies, it’s an empowering creation reassuring the listener that there’s still hope for love. Of the song, the duo explain: “Our timing and phrasing is a key part of the sound and is our way of keeping the audience encapsulated in the stories we tell, we have a bond and energy between us that reflects the madness we sometimes feel and takes our audience on a journey.”

With performances at Glastonbury and Boomtown festivals, and support slots with the likes of Let’s Eat Grandma and Oh Pep! already under their belts, Circe's Diner look set to draw in listeners worldwide with their enchanting harmonies and endearingly honest lyrics that will resonate with anyone who’s had a broken heart.

Who Dares by Circe's Diner is out on 16th June 2017 via Rough Kitchen Records.

If you'd like to find out more about Circe's Diner or A Badge of Friendship's PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Wed, 31 May 2017 in Circe’s Diner

Emily Magpie releases new single ‘The Witching Hour’!



For fans of... Lykke Li, Maggie Rogers, Regina Spektor, Tei Shi

"Swooping, creepy swirls

of electronics..."


- DIY


Having released her debut EP Same Stuff last year, Bristol-based artist Emily Magpie has now released her new single The Witching Hour.

The single premiered on DIY and is also available to stream via Emily's Soundcloud page.


Emily has also shared a video for The Witching Hour which premiered on Clash and is available to watch now via Emily's YouTube channel.


The Witching Hour is inspired by the power of feminine energy, written after reading a book about the witch trials; “it’s a song about claiming your own power deep from within you”. Soaring with the rich passion of Magpie’s smooth, distinctive vocals alongside glitchy, pulsating beats, the single is an eerily majestic creation. It flows effortlessly with twinkling ukulele melodies juxtaposed against a soaring electronic soundscape, creating a dreamy, ambient insight into what Magpie is capable of. Fans of Tei Shi and Maggie Rogers will feel at home here.

Whilst travelling in South America last year, Emily enjoyed chance encounters with people such as Grammy and MTV Award winning artist Diego Ubierna (Adammo). As a result, Magpie was inspired to write a collection of captivating tracks filled with transcendental lyrics accompanying her unique, ethereal sound.

Emily Magpie has received acclaim from well-regarded publications such as Gigslutz, as well as performing a live session for Sofar Sounds. She is currently putting the finishing touches on her forthcoming EP, with help from Anuj Robin.

You can also catch Emily live at the following dates:

2nd June - St James Wine Vaults - Bath
10th June Home Farm Festival - Somerset

The Witching Hour is out now.

If you'd like to find out more about Emily Magpie or A Badge of Friendship's PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Wed, 31 May 2017 in Emily Magpie

The Nickajack Men share new video for ‘Running’!



For fans of... Band of Horses, Dawes, Alabama Shakes

"...think Alabama Shakes with a

Scottish soul."


- The List


"...a perfect blend of bass, shakers, and twangy-toned guitars..."
- Impose Magazine


Falkirk-based four piece The Nickajack Men have revealed the video for their new single Running, out now via NJM Records. The single is taken from their debut EP Wasting Away and is available to stream on Spotify and buy on iTunes.

The video premiered on The List and is also available to watch via The Nickajack Men's YouTube channel now.



The single originally premiered on Impose Magazine and is also available to stream via The Nickajack Men's Soundcloud page now.


The theme of the EP explores the difficulties and frustrations experienced by aspiring young musicians as they try to break free from the environment they have grown up in, preparing to take their first steps into a larger, daunting world. From the first note of the opening track Running, the momentum builds slowly with lead singer Lewis White’s country-tinged vocal style taking centre stage. Skilfully supported by a dynamic band who’s instrumentation is expertly delivered, The Nickajack Men’s ability to write emotive, heartfelt music comes to the fore; producing a captivating, anthemic sound in the spirit of contemporary stalwarts such as Band of Horses.

Each song offers something different from the last, without losing the band’s americana and indie-rock roots, as the listener works their way through an eclectic mix of sounds and rich textures. ‘Marilyn’ is instantly catchy; a combination of 90’s style brit pop fused with traditional country flavours, while ‘Erb’ effectively incorporates elements of gospel and blues. Closing track ‘When The Winter Comes’ showcases the full repertoire of a band in their element culminating in a climactic, classic rock outro that would do Bruce Springsteen proud.

Having formed in 2014, the quartet have been building their name on the Scottish live circuit for the past few years. A sold out show at King Tuts was followed by the ‘Best Newcomers’ 2015, ’Best Single’ and ‘Best Alternative/Indie Band’ 2016 at the Alternative Music in Falkirk Awards. They have also received support from the likes of Gigslutz and Amazing Radio.

With the release of their debut Wasting Away, The Nickajack Men want introduce the rest of the world to their undeniable energy and authentic approach to alt-country rock.

Wasting Away is out now via NJM Records and available to stream on Spotify and buy on iTunes now.

If you'd like to find out more about The Nickajack Men or A Badge of Friendship's PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.
Posted Tue, 30 May 2017 in The Nickajack Men