Honeyblood’s acclaimed self-titled debut album was released a decade ago in July 2014. We’re delighted to announce a 10th Anniversary Edition has been issued on translucent red vinyl with an expanded digital version including tracks from 'The Old Mill Session Recordings’ (Strathaven, 2013). A UK album tour has been announced and starts in May.‘Honeyblood’ was laid down in just 10 days with producer Peter Katis in Connecticut. Despite their fledgling status, the songs came fully formed and perfectly assured. With nothing extraneous, the music is driven through tightly-bound instrumentals laced with the sheer strength and beauty of Stina's voice. The songs resonate with deep melodic hooks, and an uncomplicated charm that drew comparisons with The Dum Dum Girls and the strident delivery of Jenny Lewis.
From the urgent guitar and dive-bomb drums of opener 'Fall Forever', the album twists through the gutsy punk of 'Killer Bangs' to reveal discordant anthems like 'Super Rat'. It has pared-down, alt pop gems in the likes of 'Biro' and 'No Spare Key', but also more country influenced moments like, '(I'd Rather Be) Anywhere But Here', 'Braid Burn Valley' and 'Bud'. 'Honeyblood' pulls in elements of lo-fi punk rock, unfettered indie pop and a deep seated passion for classic rootsy song crafting that helps give the album something of an undeniable feel.
Now a solo-project for Stina Tweeddale, Honeyblood was then a two piece with Shona McVicar on drums and Stina on vocals and guitar. From humble DIY beginnings, organising guerrilla shows in Glasgow, Honeyblood quickly ingrained themselves into the bustling Glaswegian scene, fast becoming one of its most talked about names and going on to play festivals including the SXSW, T in The Park, The Great Escape, Wide Days in Edinburgh. They played showcases for The Skinny and Vice and toured extensively supporting acts including Foo Fighters, Palma Violets, Sleigh Bells, Deap Vally, Courtney Barnett, We Were Promised Jetpacks, and Superfood.
"If you're looking for some sugary crunch to your day, 'Killer Bangs' is the ticket, with rolling drums providing the backbone for toothache-inducing guitars and one hell of a central hook.'' – Pitchfork
''Sparkling harmonies from Honeyblood are helping me bid farewell to summer. This week I've been digging the first single from the Scottish duo, which boasts a spare-but-infectious pop sound.'' – USA Today's Pop Candy
"There are a tonne of wicked reference points to get excited about – a vague hint of The Vaselines, nice touch of Velvets two-chord simplicity and even bit of Moz (solo, circa 'Viva Hate') chucked in for good measure in the melody" – NME
"sounding like something from a California dream." The Fader“achieves special merit points, not just for its irresistibly perky two-minute popsmarts but for productively moving the post-White Stripes formula on in a way that many have tried and many more have failed to do.” MOJO
‘Honeyblood 10th Anniversary Edition’ is available now and available across major streaming platforms here.
Jun 21
