Review - Buena Vista Social Club - Chan Chan - Live At Carnegie Hall (Single)

Buena Vista Social Club - Chan Chan - Live At Carnegie Hall (Single)

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7 out of 10

What's this, a new release from Buena Vista Social Club? For those of you who foam at the mouth at the prospect of this, having fallen in love with the band after the world awoke to their enchantment a decade ago, I'm afraid that cup to collect the oozing eager dribbles won't be needed just yet.

This release is new, yes, but it is the digital release of 'Chan Chan' which was recorded live ten years ago at Carnegie Hall, in which the band, or collection of Cuba's most renowned musicians (As they are also known) performed in their original line-up.

While this particular release may produce intrigue it is unlikely to attract swarms of newcomers to the band, and anyone who already swoons to these Latin American sounds and will no doubt own the Buena Vista Social Club's globally applauded 1997 album (Produced by Ry Cooder) and already have the track.

Chan Chan, Live at Carnegie Hall may have emerged in single format due to the 10th Anniversary of this gig but if you listen intently there's atmosphere enough to leave you wanting more, which is good because this release is a teasing taster. In October a double-disc CD set of this show will be released, which will include previously unpublished photographs and a lengthy sleeve note penned by it's producer Ry Cooder. Perhaps a saucer may be sufficient to collect the froth that will be in full flow out of your mouths by now.

Listen: www.worldcircuit.co.uk

Tracklist:
1. Chan Chan - Live At Carnegie Hall

Review - McFly - Lies (Single)

McFly - Lies (Single)

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9 out of 10

What can I say about McFly that I haven't said already on this site (www.dieshellsuit.co.uk/bands_detail.asp?bID=1881)? If you have a read of any of my previous McFly reviews you'll know I have a bit of a soft spot for the band, especially since they release second album "Wonderland", which I maintain is brilliant. Specifically on their 2-part epic track including the instrumental orchestra breakdown, in which they showed why they are kings of pop.

Previous single "One For The Radio" was lifted directly off new album "Radio:ACTIVE" that is getting released as a deluxe edition in late September, but was also given away for free in July through The Mail on Sunday. However although "Lies" is taken from the same album, this is one of three other songs that will be exclusively on the deluxe edition and wasn't included on the previous giveaway copies.

All I can tell you is that "Lies" is McFly at their epic-pop best. This could easily have been on their "Wonderland" album and that's in no way saying they've gone backwards in terms of progress, oh no. The inclusion of some awesome extra musical accompaniments like the brass section is nothing but inspired. The whole track has this funky edge to it, whilst remaining dark in nature and as always ridiculously catchy. If this says anything about the forthcoming album release then I say that it should be their best album to date and any naysayers out there should give them a chance as they are at their peak. Brilliant.

Listen: www.myspace.com/mcfly

Tracklist:
1. Lies

Review - Conor Oberst - Souled Out!!! (Single)

Conor Oberst - Souled Out!!! (Single)

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4 out of 10

This one's for those who like their Beck, but wish he was a bit more, well, normal sometimes. You know, like that Springsteen chap. A boisterous piece of stomping Americana, Souled Out!!! doesn't really go anywhere - if there's a story, it's buried beneath a pile of rambling imagery and overshadowed by the shouty chorus about not getting into Heaven. Heaven's 'souled out', apparently - do you see what he's done, there? Groovy.

The production is just sharp enough to not outshine the nicely-contrived casual feel of the whole song. There's a bit of a vocal cock-up and a giggle, and Oberst coolly asks whether the band ought to 'go for another one' in the time-honoured rock n' roll way. Everyone then wigs out before the brief acoustic guitar coda. So, we're listening to a serious artist letting his hair down. Nothing wrong with that, it's just that the fun they seem to be having in the studio doesn't tickle the listener, which is a pity.

Listen: www.conoroberst.com

Tracklist:
1. Souled Out!!!

Review - Scream! Shout! Say Nothing - The Animals Still Run This City

Scream! Shout! Say Nothing - The Animals Still Run This City

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7 out of 10

'Scream! Shout! Say Nothing' isn't a name I like, maybe this is because I loathe the overuse of exclamation marks - in my opinion commas would have been a more viable option and one exclamation mark at the end would have sufficed.

The album however is presented beautifully and boasts some great packaging. I've also heard bits and piece about these guys and was therefore keen to see what they were all about.

On my very first listen I was reminded immediately of London Hardcore quartet Million Dead. In fact, opening track has a very similar same drum intro as the seminal million dead track 'Breaking The Back', this however is not enough to draw comparison - I mean bands will invariably use the same drums beats as one another. Then, their vocalist begins to sing. Now in fairness to him he's got a great voice - only thing is he sounds an awful lot like ex-Million Dead front-man gone solo, Frank Turner. I could go on, but suffice to say these guys sound quite a bit like Million Dead - from the guitar work to the choir sing-along outros that you find all over, and to a degree identify Million Dead's 'Harmony No Harmony'.

This aside, there are some great piece of music on the record - there's various moments of spatial ambience that, according to their press release are reminiscent to 'Explosions in the Sky' et al. For me this doesn't come across, in fact these ambient moments often feel like filler on what is already a short album. The record sways from heavier moments into these delay drenched lulls, and though they more than serve their purpose I personally feel that the record could have done without them, the band are actually more believable and likeable when they're playing heavy. Fans of Refused, At The Drive In and maybe Thrice will really enjoy this. To Million Dead fans, this could be the band you've been waiting for since your heroes untimely demise in 2005 - then again, maybe not.

It's a decent album, and I will go out of my way to check them out live. The album cuts it, yes but it did leave me wanting more.

Listen: www.myspace.com/screamshoutsaynothing

Tracklist:
1. When It All Goes Dark The Animals Still Run This City
2. Fulfil The Roles Boys.Fulfil The Roles
3. Einstein I Ain't
4. The River
5. Gimme Inner Peace Or I'll Mop The Floor With Ya

Review - LizzySpit - Eggbox

LizzySpit - Eggbox

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7 out of 10

Once in a while, if you search hard enough, you are rewarded with finding a female singer songwriter, who doesn't sound like Kate Nash, or Lily Allen, and who offers something that is a bit of a departure from your everyday MySpace search. The interestingly named Lizzyspit has offered an album, which showcases a lovely voice and has already received some good feedback. The album was recorded and mixer by Lizzy herself, in her bedroom, which does make it slightly questionable in terms of quality. I think her songs could really benefit from some good studio time and maybe some more care could be taken with the recording process. The guitar sound hard to agree with, there are tuning problems and some obvious mistakes, which could be avoided with a bit more care and time. Stand out tracks on the album include 'Little Dan' and 'Laura's Diary'. I am a big fan of acoustic guitar music, but I think this could get tedious to the average listener. What Lizzyspit could benefit from is a good arranger, a good studio and some good musicians. 'Eggbox' contains some musical gems, which are just waiting to be worked on, allowing them to explode on to the music scene, and become firm favourites.

Listen: www.myspace.com/lizzyspit

Tracklist:
1. Not After This
2. Jack Of All Trades
3. I Don't Need A Drummer
4. Little Dan
5. Rollercoaster
6. Eggbox
7. Another Word For A Lie
8. Laura's Diary
9. Stars In The Water
10. World's Apart

Review - Little Jackie - The Stoop

Little Jackie - The Stoop

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8 out of 10

The debut album, 'The Stoop' from Little Jackie is drenched with old school R&B and summery pop vibes. 'The Stoop' (As a track) is made for the summer, with it's soulful mix of hip-hop and pop, with a sound like Corrine Bailey Rae dropping some big beats behind her tracks! '28 Butts' delivers fast paced lyrics against a backdrop of full horns, whereas 'Liked You Better Before' brings in strings, still involving that old-school sound and feel. Other standout tracks include the amusingly names 'LOL' and 'The World Should Revolve Around Me', which has the brilliant lyric - 'What came first? The Chicken Nugget or the Egg McMuffin'.

I was really worried about sticking this CD in my computer - it didn't strike me as being 'my thing' but now I'm worried I won't get it out of the computer!

Listen: www.myspace.com/littlejackiemusic

Tracklist:
1. The Stoop
2. The World Should Revolve Around Me
3. 28 Butts
4. Guys Like When Girls Kiss
5. Liked You Better Before
6. LOL
7. Cryin' For The Queen
8. Black Barbie
9. One Love
10. The Kitchen
11. Go Hard Or Go Home

Review - Nick Harrison - Oi Rude Boy (Single)

Nick Harrison - Oi Rude Boy (Single)

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9 out of 10

'Oi Rude Boy' is the debut single from Folkestone newbie Nick Harrison. The single is washed with ska guitar, splattered harmonies, great drum grooves and a neat, driving bass line. Nick has clearly got an impressive outfit here, it's tight and offers a perfect backdrop to his unique voice - which sits somewhere between Alex Turner and Jack Penate. The upcoming album, to be released in January is produced by none other than Paul Epworth (Bloc Party, Kate Nash) and Salaam Remi. Although this particular track is somewhat a grower, Nick Harrison's unique vocal stylings and classic ska sound will be worth watching out for.

Listen: www.myspace.com/nickharrisonsongs

Tracklist:
1. Oi Rude Boy

Review - Finlay Morton - Back To Basics

Finlay Morton - Back To Basics

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7 out of 10

Back To Basics is drenched in gorgeous Hammond and classic guitar sounds. Finlay Morton has written a collection of agreeable tracks here, which are based around true to life experiences. Some songs are drenched with a feel that is reminiscent of artists like Bob Dylan and Neil Young, and others have a real Lynrd Skynrd, Eagles kind of feel. Standout tracks include 'Real Long Day' which is soaked in emotive lyrics and, 'The Circus', which has a great vibe running through it. The mixes and the production on the album are great as well.

Morton's dedication can't be faulted, after suffering a heart attack; he still endeavoured to finish the album, and came up with something that I'm sure will have a positive impact on many people.

Listen: www.myspace.com/finlaymorton

Tracklist:
1. Scary Monsters
2. The Devil (Ain't Getting Hold Of My Soul)
3. Real Long Day
4. Scholey King
5. Hang On To Your Dreams
6. The Circus
7. My Friend
8. Come Along With Me
9. Too Many Hearts
10. Back To The Start

Review - David Holmes - I Heard Wonders (Single)

David Holmes - I Heard Wonders (Single)

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6 out of 10

I Heard Wonders is the electro beat driven new single from David Holmes. The track offers a classic beat, great vocals and a good arrangement. The vocals are washed in reverb, which suits the track really well and the sound FX and synths used in the song fit really well. I Heard Wonders is from Holmes's fourth solo album - The Holy Pictures. It'll be interesting to see how the public receives the song, but by the end of August there will be a clear indication of whether this pushes all the right buttons.

Listen: www.myspace.com/davidholmesofficial

Tracklist:
1. I Heard Wonders

News - BMTH Get In The Mood For The Suicide Season

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Bring Me The Horizon will release their new album "Suicide Season" on the 29th of September through Visible Noise and they will do a UK tour this October/November with support from bands such as Deez Nutz, The Red Shore, The Legacy and Dead Swans. All dates are as below:

16/10/2008: Academy, Newcastle
17/10/2008: Fat Sam’s, Dundee
18/10/2008: Garage, Glasgow
19/10/2008: Sugarmill, Stoke Newington, UK
20/10/2008: Academy, Sheffield
21/10/2008: Academy, Oxford
22/10/2008: Rock City, Nottingham
23/10/2008: Waterfront, Norwich
24/10/2008: Academy, Liverpool
25/10/2008: Central Station, Wrexham
26/10/2008: Concorde 2, Brighton
27/10/2008: Cockpit, Leeds, UK
28/10/2008: Ifwor Bach, Cardiff
29/10/2008: Orange Box, Yeovil
30/10/2008: Academy, Bristol
31/10/2008: Uni of Southampton, Southampton
01/11/2008: Astoria, London
02/11/2008: Academy, Manchester
03/11/2008: Academy, Birmingham

News - Them Is Me (Ex-Reef) Gig Dates

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Them Is Me (Ex-Reef) have their self-titled debut album out now and play these upcoming shows:

30th August YORK, FIBBERS 8pm £6
13th SEPT BIRMINGHAM, BARFLY supporting The Stonegods 8pm £10
20th SEPT CHATHAM, TAP N TIN £8 8pm
27th SEPT BARNSTAPLE, THE INN ON THE SQUARE (The Underground) 8pm £8
11th Oct BURNHAM ON SEA, THE RAILWAY HOTEL
14th Oct BRISTOL, ACADEMY supporting The Subways £12adv 7pm

News - The Hellacopters’ Farewell Tour Reaches The UK

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Submitted: "The Hellacopters will play one last show in London as part of their farewell tour.

MON 29 SEP ENGLAND LONDON LA 2

Nick Royale says:

"I guarantee anybody talkin' about how they saw The Hellacopters back in '97 blah blah blah will be wrecked. Destroyed! This tour will be OFF THE HOOK!"."

News - Andrea McEwan’s Chit Chat

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Andrea McEwan is set to release her debut EP in the UK on October 6th entitled "Candle in a Chatroom" through Dramatico.

Track Listing:

1. Candle In A Chatroom
2. Black Socks In The Wash
3. Fast Train

News - Stigma Tour Cancelled

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Submitted: "Due to headliner Trigger The Bloodshed switching booking agencies, Stigma’s previously announced tour dates as supporting act, has been cancelled. Stigma is currently in the process of booking some replacement dates which will be announced shortly.

Vocalist Vlad comments:

"We’re all extremely bummed about the cancelled TTB tour because we were looking forward to seeing all of you guys out there, but as you have surely guessed this is not our fault, so no drama! On a side note we’re already confirming replacement European gigs for the same period, so hopefully we’ll be able to make it to your country anyway. Please keep your eyes peeled on our Myspace page for further info. For everyone out there who hasn't had the chance to see us live yet we’ve just uploaded a live video for the song 'Silver Bullets And Burning Crosses' so we hope you’ll enjoy it until we come to your town! See you all soon, we’ll shred your souls with our brand new weapons of music destruction, I promise.""

News - The Bigger Doghouse

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The Bigger Lights have signed to Doghouse Records. The label will release "Fiction Fever" their new EP on the 7th of October.

Track Listing:

1. Closer (Time Stops Breathing)
2. Reved and Ready
3. Apocalypse!
4. Romance in a Slow Dance
5. Goldmine Valentine
6. When Did We Lose Ourselves

News - Underoath Full Album Stream

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Underoath are streaming their new album "Lost In The Sound Of Separation" on their MySpace page right now. The CD is released on the 2nd of September.

News - Houston Calls Track Listing Announced

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Houston Calls will be releasing their new album called "The End Of An Error" on the 14th of October.

The track listing is as follows:

1. Modest Manifesto
2. Life Won’t Wait
3. A Shot in the Dark
4. Things are Happening
5. Stay With Me Tonight
6. I Fancy Abroad
7. The Oaks on Prince St.
8. Behind the Gun
9. Nagoya
10. You Can’t Simi
11. Abandone
12. Dork Thinks He’s Gonna Drown

News - We Shot The Moon People Changes

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Paul Wheatly of We Shot The Moon has left the band. Here’s the statement:

"Paul has left WSTM for personal reasons. We will forever remember all the good memories and times we shared the stage together. We wish him nothing but the best in all future endeavours. Paul is one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

We will be finishing out this tour with Nate Miller (a good friend of ours) filling in on "lead guitar".

In Oct. we will be taking off a month to start the writing process of our next CD. We have already started demoing out some new songs on the road and we couldn’t be more excited. Thanks to everyone for your support and we hopefully will be seeing you all a show soon.

Love,

Jonathan, Trevor, Adam, and Jason"

News - Agraceful - In Oceans

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Agraceful have added a new track to their MySpace page in the form of "In Oceans", which is the fifth track from their album "The Great I Am" that was released on the 19th of August 19th through Sumerian Records. The band is currently on tour with Oh, Sleeper in support of their new album.

News - Will Martin: A New World

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New UCJ signing Will Martin will be releasing his debut album "A New World" on the 22nd of September. The album is a collection of modern and classical songs, from Nat King Cole's "Nature Boy" to Dvorak's "New World Symphony".

News - Victory For Your Friend

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Funeral for a Friend have signed with Victory Records. Their new album "Memory And Humanity" will be released on the 28th of October.

News - Quietdrive Get Noisy

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Quietdrive has signed to The Militia Group and their new album "Deliverance" will be released on the 14th of October.

Review - The Hustle - The Hustle

The Hustle - The Hustle

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7 out of 10

The Hustle is a five piece from South Wales. A bunch of lads with an appropriate name, their four track (Self-titled) CD ticks along at a fair pace leaving a good impression, certainly enough of a teaser to follow the MySpace long enough to check out a local gig.

You probably know Snow Patrol's music, these guys remind me of them. My biggest problem with Snow Patrol is the downbeat lyrics and often-predictable style of song; most of their better tunes have rather depressing style that only adds to the monotony of the bus journey to work.

Trust the Welsh to show the Scottish the error of their ways, in this well produced recording The Hustle manage to capture the good elements of Snow Patrol without draining the colour out, and giving a lesson that indie/rock people can be a happy bunch at times, quite an achievement. Other similarities borrowed from the British and American indie scene are carried off by capable musicians.

Vocals are bright and strong, just enough to let the bass and guitar get to work whilst not straying too far from a friendly three and a half minute mark. I like this bass player; he makes the songs stand out, very capable and not scared to bring a different perspective on bass to the tried and trusted Panic At The Disco indie/rock mould. This lets the guitar dive in and out of melodies into some clean picking work. Hanging Round, Slowing Down, is a good example of my thoughts, almost a complete bass lead throughout, great vocals and solid drums boosting the confidence of the guitarist to showcase some nice melody and licks, think Vampire Weekend with an interested singer.

They aren't doing anything new but they have a good grasp on satisfying the listener with well thought out songs. These guys are fresh, full of energy and they work well together, I've no idea if they will go far, they have the tools and what I've heard is rather impressive, it's a great start, long may it continue.

Available on iTunes for less than three quid it's worth checking out even if only to disagree with me but I do think there will be at least one element of this band that you will like.

Listen: www.myspace.com/thehustlerock

Tracklist:
1. These Days
2. Hanging Round, Slowing Down
3. Wish I Had the Time
4. Good Intentions

Review - The Chemists - Something For The Weekend (Single)

The Chemists - Something For The Weekend (Single)

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8 out of 10

If you are a fan of Interpol, The Editors or The Doves read on, this may just interest you enough to spare some time for The Chemists.

Something For The Weekend, the new single from The Chemists is a bass driven indie anthem, traditional Interpol note picking, powerful bass all carried off in the style of Editors/ Doves. It's hard to place the vocals in this one, similar to Eddie Vedder with a good range and style that works well in the mix.

With a production crew that lend a hand to Primal Scream and the Foo's after a few listens it's obvious just what they see in these five lads from Bristol, really good songs. The high quality production has a massive impact on their sound, it's refreshing to hear the drums mix so well with rest of the band and not be so in your face which a lot of indie bands are guilty of these days.

The b-side Tasmanian Devil has an intro that'll tear through you just like the Looney Tunes character before settling into a fantastic song with raspy vocals just short of Michael Stipe's depth. It really is one of those songs you will tell your mates about. Both songs fit together nicely, however I'm hooked on the b-side and looking forward to an album. They are out on tour soon with some dates around the UK, a safe bet not to disappoint I'd imagine.

The Chemists are a fresh band, their style is nothing new but they have made a big effort to make something just as intense as any of the bands above. I really do think these guys have something to offer you and deserve a click through MySpace, so why are you still reading this?

Listen: www.myspace.com/thechemistsuk

Tracklist:
1. Something For The Weekend
2. Tasmanian Devil

Review - Chaos Days - Under The Weather

Chaos Days - Under The Weather

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7 out of 10

Chaos Days from the UK are releasing this their new 5 track EP "Under The Weather" through All Aboard Records. This is a pre-cursor to a debut album being launched in early 2009 and this disk was produced by Jason Wilcock at Stake Out Studios (You Me At Six, Fightstar, We Are The Ocean).

Right, that's enough factual information for you for one review. Onto the music and what it's like.

Oddly the band has played with the likes of Gallows, Comeback Kid and Set Your Goals, but that really isn't their sound whatsoever. That brings up connotations of punk rock and/or hardcore right? Well Chaos Days thankfully have their feet plonked down firmly in the more melodic world of pop-punk. Apparently, according to their press release "Chaos Days are breathing new life into the pop punk genre." Well I would take umbrage with that statement as whilst being really good at what they do they are not doing anything original. But as I said, they do do it really well, so we can forgive them.

If you like the likes of Fast Reaction, Paige, Clarkson, Out Of Sight, Fleeing From Finales, The Honeymoon Suite and a number of other promising pop-punk affiliated UK up and coming acts then chances are you'll enjoy Chaos Days. The guitars are nice and choppy, the vocals are distinct and British sounding, the drums roll at a solid pass and the bass gives the low-end the sound needs to keep it cemented and not turn it into a sickly sugary sound.

"The Promise Land" is one of the stand out tracks with the guitar solo adding a much needed break in formula. Nothing ever out stays it's welcome though on this release as at just 15:41 for the whole 5 track EP it all bursts out at you and really does whet your appetite for more. A welcome addition to our already growing superb UK pop-punk scene.

Personal Request Time: Get them on the Ultimate Alliance tour and play Birmingham please.

Listen: www.myspace.com/chaosdays

Tracklist:
1. I'm Yours
2. Pretty Cold
3. Under The Weather
4. The Promise Land
5. Fading To Grey

Review - Pendulum - The Other Side (Single)

Pendulum - The Other Side (Single)

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6 out of 10

Six years on the job and still no-one can work out exactly where to file Pendulum, but this second single from the band's second album, In Silico, contains all the expected and familiar elements, even if you're not sure just where to stick them!

Synth fused heavily layered vocals? Check. Diluted, D n' B beats that would propel any tired feet back to the dance-floor come 3am? Check. Umpteen remixes with only-slight variations, Check. Pendulum will even have you questioning whether Gary Numan and his friends electric, took to the decks for a synth stand-off in the VIP remix of the Other Side. Alas he has not. With their promise to, "Drag you from where you are", the Pendulum boys create a mini sci-fi saga between your ears with their electronic melancholic decadence that will haunt you until your next play of the song, a familiarity that's hard to banish.

Listen: www.myspace.com/officialpendulum

Tracklist:
1. The Other Side (Original Mix)
2. The Other Side (Radio Edit)
3. The Other Side (VIP Mix)
4. The Other Side (Dubstep Mix)

Review - Lustmord - Other

Lustmord - Other

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5 out of 10

If Blade Runner is ever remade as a J-Horror film, this could very well ooze out of the woodwork as the soundtrack. Lustmord has a long history of contributing aural backgrounds to films (The Crow), video games (Assassin's Creed) and adverts (er.Bud Light), so it's perhaps unsurprising that this album seems to be waiting for a suitable set of visuals to wrap its bony arms around. Despite the cadaverous imagery on the packaging and the track titles, as the album plays, the music seems to lack a certain dark something.

Testament and Element are, however, superbly atmospheric openers. The listener is immediately put to wandering deserted, demon-infested tunnels, waiting for Satan to burst through the floor. Incising the album-constant drone are the sounds of demon drills, throat-moans from the crypt and distant artillery explosions. In these two tracks, Lustmord has even managed to make shivers audible. The music plays around your head like shafts of black light, as dark pyramids rise from the earth. Unseen creatures growl. Isis' Aaron Turner adds guitar to the second track, but is completely unrecognisable - so mote it be.

If only the same could be said of the other stellar-name contributions from Tool's Adam Jones and Melvins' King Buzzo. Jones renders the twenty-two minutes of Godeater from what should have been the album's magnum opus, a dark ambient Djed, into the sound of a self-indulgent teenager playing along in his bedroom, stoned out of his face. The wonderful beginning is dissipated utterly by standard 'spooky guitar', making the track about as dark as an episode of Scooby Doo. Buzzo's contribution to Prime (Aversion) is similar - the track also has the disturbing noise of what is probably meant to be blood dripping on bones, but sounds more like someone running their hands over a computer keyboard in a dank cavern. It might give Tool fans nightmares, but everyone else will want to wait for the film. Or the advert.

Listen: www.myspace.com/lustmord

Tracklist:
1. Testament
2. Element
3. Godeater
4. Dark Awakening
5. Ash
6. Of Eons
7. Prime (Aversion)
8. Er Ub Us

Review - Duffy - Stepping Stone (Single)

Duffy - Stepping Stone (Single)

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8 out of 10

'Stepping Stone' is the new single from lush vocalist Duffy. The track is a departure from the usual 60s soaked singles we're used to, but there's still a lot here to like. For one, there are Duffy's remarkable vocals, the great track arrangement and also the provocative lyrics, which are about self-possession. Duffy has already had great success, going gold in fifteen countries and platinum in ten with her debut album 'Rockferry', and this track should allow her success to long continue.

Listen: www.myspace.com/duffymyspace

Tracklist:
1. Stepping Stone

Review - Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst

Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst

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10 out of 10

One of the most distinctive lyricists and vocalists in America today, Conor Oberst is nothing short of a genius. Known to many as the boy behind Bright Eyes, Oberst has grown and developed with time and now writes some of the most impacting folk/indie music of this generation.

Conor Oberst has been writing music for a long time, and it may come as a surprise to many that this is actually his fourth album released under his own name. Before that, he released ten albums under the name of Bright Eyes with Mike Mogis and others, and further releases with other projects he was involved in.

Throughout the whole album, it seems that Conor Oberst is presenting something, which still carries depth and weight, yet feels a bit easier going than his previous works, with less lyrical heaviness. This certainly isn't to say it that it lacks endeavour, far from it. There's a good mix of styles on the album. From the more minimalist 'Cape Canaveral' to 'Sausalito', which is baked in country licks and sounds, and tips its hat to a traditional Bright Eyes sound. 'Get-Well-Cards' wouldn't go unnoticed in a Bob Dylan set, with a catchy 'Dylanesque' chorus and a classic sound. 'Lenders in the Temple' does a good job of stripping the instrumentation back and supports Oberst's voice with nothing but an organ and a guitar. 'Danny Callahan' brings the band back in with a light-hearted feel and a lifting chorus. 'I Don't Wanna Die In a Hosptial' reminds me slightly of 'Travellin' Song' from Bright Eyes release 'I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning', but this is what I love about the whole album, it all feels familiar yet sounds so fresh! 'Eagle on a Pole' simply supports this statement!

'NYC- Gone, Gone' is one minute and twelve seconds of awesome Conor material. Led by a chorus of vocals, foot stamps and an overdriven guitar, it's a small departure from a lot of the acoustic based tracks on the album, but certainly a welcomed addition. 'Moab' has a great chorus that has been stuck in my head for ages!! The fifty second 'Valle Misitco (Ruben's Song)' is simply put - a man blowing a horn. How could this album live without it?!!

'Souled Out!!!" is the single, released on August 25th through Wichita Records. This upbeat, lighter hearted track makes me think that Conor Oberst has found a sound he can call his own and album closer 'Milk Thistle' is a perfect ender, simply a vocal and a guitar, close and intimate, with lyrics that remind us why Conor is considered by many as one of the best songwriters of our generation.

Conor Oberst is always going to struggle to shed the Bright Eyes namesake but this self-titled gem of an album is just the album to have a good go at doing it. In a world of cheap chart songs and over manufactured artists, it gives me great pleasure in listening to an artist like Conor Oberst and reminding myself that there is hope! A special mention should go to the Mystic Valley Band who offers the perfect backing to Conor's songs and very unique voice. This album has clearly been made with love and joy and I hope it gets the exposure it deserves. There's a lot here for Bright Eyes fans, who could buy the album on the strength of one song alone and not be disappointed, but there's also something welcoming here that will make new Conor Oberst listeners question why they hadn't discovered this genius much earlier.

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band are on tour throughout August. Check www.conoroberst.com for details.

Listen: www.myspace.com/conoroberst

Tracklist:
1. Cape Canaveral
2. Sausalito
3. Get-Well-Cards
4. Lenders In The Temple
5. Danny Callahan
6. I Don't Want To Die (In The Hospital)
7. Eagle On A Pole
8. NYC- Gone, Gone
9. Moab
10. Valle Mistico (Ruben's Song)
11. Souled Out!!!
12. Milk Thistle

Review - bendigo - Follow To The End

bendigo - Follow To The End

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8 out of 10

'bendigo' is the alias of Grimsby born David John Gimson. Recorded in Nottingham, where bendigo has created a good following, the album is drenched with beautiful soundscapes, courtesy of a great sounding guitar and a 365 year old cello. The lovely Lucinda Chua, who performs under the pseudonym 'Felix', plays the cello and provides a new level of beauty to the songs. Standout tracks include 'Run Aground', 'Cabron' and the more upbeat 'Rush In The Breeze'.

Follow To The End is a well-crafted collection of developed songs, which deserves some attention. Released on Gimson's label 'Vantage Room', the album will offer a new glimpse of an artist people won't believe they could have gone without for so long.

Listen: www.myspace.com/bendigosong

Tracklist:
1. Run Aground
2. Stand To Lose
3. Rush In The Breeze
4. Call On My Love
5. Cabron
6. Over
7. The Panopticon
8. Leave The Light On
9. If You Say I'm Not What You Expected
10. People Never Change
11. Final Curtain

Review - Severe Zero - Dead Air

Severe Zero - Dead Air

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9 out of 10

First of all - let's have a quick think about that name guys. Severe Zero? Surely, zero is absolute and therefore cannot be severe or anything else. perhaps I have too much time on my hands, but hey, I am on holiday after all. Sounding musically not dissimilar to the mighty Queens of the Stone Age, I have a lot of time for Severe Zero, despite the name. Dead Air features a no end of quirky radio fodder that really showcase the lively nature of the band who also remind me a little of early Feeder. Top track on the album is clearly "The Power It Gives" which unleashes a rifftastic assault the ears that I am happy to repeat time and time again. In fact, the more I listen to the whole album the more I think it is simply great, and despite the fact my mate reckons they are not that good looking, they sure as hell know how to play.

More Severe Zero please.

Listen: www.myspace.com/severezero

Tracklist:
1. Weapons Grade
2. Global Disaster
3. Lack Of Trust
4. Falls Away
5. Hostile Takeover
6. Between Two Fires
7. Silence On The Radio
8. Finding Fragments
9. The Power It Gives
10. End Of The Way Forward
11. Reclaimer
12. Cash On Delivery

Review - Jaya The Cat - More Late Night Transmissions With.

Jaya The Cat - More Late Night Transmissions With.

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9 out of 10

Immediately loving the fact that they made their CD look like a small vinyl record with grooves and everything, I got myself ready for a good listen of Jaya The Cat's album. Ninety second instrumental opener "Hold My Beer And Watch This" gave a great sense of what this band would be like live, a musical experience stuffed with party anthems and good times. The album continued with reggae/ska influenced "Blur" and I was already hooked. The album went from strength to strength and by the time I was halfway through at track six, "Mistake", I had become a fan of the band.

There are absolutely no criticisms I can level at this band, and indeed, this album. There is simply nothing wrong with it. Those of us lucky to be living in Newcastle, Glasgow, St Albans and London will also get the chance to see Jaya The Cat live in November on their only UK live dates of the year. If you love the summer sunshine, go and get this album.

Listen: www.myspace.com/jayathecat

Tracklist:
1. Hold My Beer And Watch This
2. Blur
3. Goodmorning
4. Thank You Reggae
5. Hello Hangover
6. Mistake
7. Chemical Salvation
8. Pass The Ammunition
9. Night Bus
10. The Carnival
11. Voice Of The Poor
12. Government Center
13. Closing Time

Review - Guilt-Trip - Suffer In Silence

Guilt-Trip - Suffer In Silence

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6 out of 10

Due for release on the 15th September, the debut album from UK melodic metal-core outfit Guilt Trip is a conundrum indeed. Despite some outstanding musical moments - bone-crushing riffs, pounding bass and drums and some serious head banging on my part, I can't help but feel the record has an unfinished quality to it. The band are already making a name for themselves on the live circuit having supported Devil Sold His Soul, Exit Ten, Sikth and Dopamine among others and are a clear talent. Tracks such as "Short Story Long" and "Failing Expectations" are great examples of Guilt-Trip's diverse and massive sound and there is even the cliché-laden acoustic moment in "Interlude" to wave a mobile phone in the air to. I think the main problem I have with this album is the combination of the two vocal styles, which don't seem to blend well. That aside I have high hopes for these guys - they may not be the new phase of metal in this country but they will keep a lot of folks happy while they batter out their offerings up and down the UK.

Listen: www.myspace.com/ukguilttrip

Tracklist:
1. My Life
2. Short Story Long
3. Trying Words
4. Questions No Answers
5. Suffer In Silence
6. Fallen
7. Interlude
8. Failing Expectations
9. Passion Of Two Minds
10. End Of Days
11. Time Release

Review - Smudge - Stayfeelregret EP

Smudge - Stayfeelregret EP

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7 out of 10

Belting out their brand of emo pop-rock, Smudge (Yes, I know - daft name) look set to join the ranks of British contemporaries Funeral for a Friend with their teen friendly radio sing-along tunes. Catchy, quirky and memorable, Smudge's Stayfeelregret EP is a hint at what is to come from the band who recently signed to The Animal Farm in front of a home crowd of 500 people "up North" in Wigan. Heavily influenced by the three minute guitar pop wonders Blink 182 - Smudge offer up a sound that indicates summer has arrived and will go far.

This band tour a lot too - so go and see them for real and make up your own mind - I will be trotting along to The Shed in Leicester late September myself - see you there.

Listen: www.myspace.com/smudge

Tracklist:
1. Flat-line
2. Stayfeelregret
3. Lock+Load

Review - Dorp - Humans Being

Dorp - Humans Being

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6 out of 10

This is Dorp's sixth LP, but only their fist one to have any singles on it (Four, to be precise). They've travelled a lot of miles and got through a dozen band members to get here, 'here' being London. Originally a ska band from Cape Town, singer Pieter Bez and guitarist Kevin Floyd relocated in 1999; they ditched the brass and hired French DJ Fred Caiou, and the line-up is currently completed by drummer Ricko Walsh. They claim to be genre busters, but in reality are genre mixers, and usually in ways that are more accessible than shocking.

When primitive house suddenly drops into the stoner rock of 'Cops And Robbers' it fits surprisingly well; the occasional campness and flamboyance of Bez's voice - somewhere in between David Bowie and Brandon Boyd - is more likely to take you back. Throbbing electro crops up again on 'NME', which has a dig at bands that change their sound and image to get in the 'New Musical Express' while sounding like something the 'NME' would have liked six years ago (Plus grungy guitars they would have liked eleven years before that). Is that post-modern? Probably not.

Dorp sound like the kind of band that would be popular among the type of people that go festivals and have bad dreadlocks, describe their music collection as "a bit of everything, really" (Expect scary things like gangster rap, screamy metal and mainstream pop) and probably get stoned a fair bit. They'd probably really like 'Extreme', the less sexy brother of 'Supermassive Black Hole'; it's grimy, funky and a little bit Rage-y. They'd like 'London Out There' and 'Simon Says' too, because they sound like Sound Garden playing techno, but not 'Rollercoaster' because that sounds like a nu-metal boyband. They're not as alternative as they like to think they are, a bit like Dorp.

Listen: www.myspace.com/dorp

Tracklist:
1. Cops And Robbers
2. Pigs Do Fly
3. Extreme
4. NME
5. Plug Into The Machine
6. Rollercoaster
7. London Out There
8. Boy/Girl
9. Stand Out
10. Simon Says
11. A List
12. Wait
13. I Got What You Need

Review - Less Than Me - Crawl Walk Party

Less Than Me - Crawl Walk Party

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7 out of 10

With a considerable reputation in the South West of England and especially in their hometown of Plymouth, Less Than Me have a collection of exceptional songs for the debut album. Formed in 2006, their aim was to write melodic songs with strong harmonies and memorable riffs. Well lads, mission accomplished. Sounding akin to Brandon Boyd, Martin Crocker pulls some awesome vocal performances out of the bag on this album alongside some brilliant musicianship from the rest of the Less Than Me crew. Standout tracks on the album include "Camera Shy", "Out Of Love" and "Start It Off".

Influences on this album are abundant and clear - there is a nod towards some sounds of the 1980s ("We Tried To Give It Up") as well as tunes that stand shoulder to shoulder with their contemporary peers ("Start It Off"). All in all, this is a cracking offering - easy on the ear and accessible for all. Buy it from the 27th of October.

Listen: www.myspace.com/lessthanmemusic

Tracklist:
1. Turn To Dust
2. Camera Shy
3. Out Of Love
4. Without You
5. Streamlined And Open Wide
6. I'll Still Be Waiting
7. She's Going To Do It Again
8. We Tried To Give It Up
9. Start It Off
10. I'm Over Our Sound Already

News - Sound & Shape Send In The Engineers

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Engineer Records has signed Sound & Shape. The label will be releasing the band’s "The Love Electric" EP.

News - Bayside: Shudder - The Track Listing

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Bayside’s new album "Shudder" is being released on the 30th of September through Victory Records and has the following trac listing as just officially announced:

1. Boy
2. The Ghost of St Valentine
3. No One Understands
4. What and What Not
5. A Call To Arms
6. I Can’t Go On
7. Demons
8. Have Fun Storming The Castle
9. Howard
10. Roshambo
11. I Think I’ll Be Ok
12. Moceanu

The album was produced by David Schiffman (Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Johnny Cash).

News - Copeland Track Listing

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Copeland’s new album called "You Are My Sunshine" has the following track listing:

1. Should You Return
2. The Grey Man
3. Chin Up
4. Good Morning Fire Eater
5. To Be Happy Now
6. The Day I Lost My Voice (The Suitcase Song)
7. On The Safest Ledge
8. Not Allowed
9. Strange and Unprepared
10. What Do I Know?
11. Not So Tough Found Out

News - The Dangerous Summer Tuneage

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The Dangerous Summer have added a new song to their MySpace page.

News - What’s The Status Of Doghouse Records?

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Doghouse Records have signed The Status. The record label will release the band’s debut full-length called "So This Is Progress" on the 7th of October.

News - We The Kings Of The UK!

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We The Kings’ self-titled album will be released in the UK on the 8th of September.

The band has these UK tour dates supporting The Academy Is.:

Sat 13-Sep Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach
Sun 14-Sep Manchester Academy 3
Mon 15-Sep Glasgow ABC2
Tues 16-Sep Leeds Cockpit
Wed 17-Sep London Islington Academy
Fri 19-Sep Oxford Upstairs at the Academy
Sat 20-Sep Birmingham Academy 2
Sun 21-Sep Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms

News - Slaves To Gravity Tour Update

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On Thursday last week Slaves To Gravity won ’Best British Newcomer’ at this year’s Kerrang Awards and they support Aiden on their headline UK tour in October:

Oct 1 Manchester Academy 3 www.seetickets.com
Oct 2 Sheffield Academy 2 www.seetickets.com
Oct 3 Liverpool Academy 2 www.seetickets.com
Oct 4 London Islington Academy www.seetickets.com
Oct 5 Birmingham Barfly www.seetickets.com
Oct 7 Southamton Brook www.seetickets.com
Oct 8 Yeovil Orange box www.seetickets.com
Oct 9 Cardiff Clwb Ifor Bach www.seetickets.com
Oct 10 Bristol Academy 2 www.seetickets.com
Oct 12 Nottingham Rescue Rooms www.seetickets.com
Oct 13 Nothampton Roadmender www.seetickets.com
Oct 14 Stoke Sugarmill www.thesugarmill.co.uk/tickets.php
Oct 15 Norwich Waterfront www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk

The band can also be seen at the following rescheduled shows with Brigade:

Sept 7 Newcastle Academy 2
Sept 8 Stoke Sugarmill
Sept 9 Cambridge Soul Tree

News - Don’t Save Sing It Loud

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Sing It Loud have added a new song called "Don’t Save Me" to their MySpace page.

News - Manchester Orchestra New Track Online

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Manchester Orchestra have uploaded a new song called "How I Waited" to their MySpace page. Their new EP/DVD titled "Let My Pride Be What’s Left Behind" will be released on the 14th of October.

Track Listing:

1. I Can Feel A Hot One
2. I Was A Lid
3. Wolves At Night/WBRU
4. Badges And Badges/Daytrotter
5. Sleeper1972/The Loft/Atlanta

News - Dreaming Of Action

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Action Action have added a new song called "Dream Within A Dream" to their MySpace page.

News - Fall Out Boy: Folie A Deux

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Fall Out Boy’s new album that is being released on the 3rd of November is titled "Folie A Deux".

Review - Carla Bruni - Comme Si De Rien N'était (As If Nothing Happened)

Carla Bruni - Comme Si De Rien N'était (As If Nothing Happened)

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8 out of 10

Carla Bruni may be known to many for her modelling career, but in the late 1990s, she embarked on a music career which would offer her some moderate success. Her new album, known in English, as 'As If Nothing Happened' is full of beautifully arranged songs that play background to a beautiful voice and French lyrics. Although I have no idea what she's singing, Carla Bruni still manages to put her emotions across beautifully in her vocal styling! Standout tracks include the string drenched 'L’Amoureuse' and English song 'You Belong To Me'. A departure from the folky blues of previous albums, 'As If Nothing Happened' is much more genre incorporating. There's something here for all sorts of music lovers, and the album is well worth a listen for it's great arrangements and Bruni's beautiful voice.

Listen: www.myspace.com/carlabruni

Tracklist:
1. Ma Jeunesse
2. Possibilité d’Une Île
3. Amoureuse
4. Tu Es Ma Came
5. Salut Marin
6. Ta Tienne
7. Péché d’Envie
8. You Belong To Me
9. Temps Perdu
10. Déranger Les Pierres
11. Je Suis une Enfant (Sur Les Motifs du Lied Robert Schumann)
12. Antilope
13. Notre Grand Amour Est Mort
14. Vecchio E il Bambino

News - Jet Lag Gemini Got Robbed!!!

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Jet Lag Gemini have unfortunately had their van broken into and various things stolen. Read about it here and how you can contribute to help the band get back on their feet: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=9209707&blogID=426806233

News - Luke Dent (Ex-The Dear Hunter)

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From AP.net: "Luke Dent (ex-The Dear Hunter) has joined Wax on Radio. The band is currently working on a new album."

News - Anthony Green DVD Plans...

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Anthony Green is planning to release a DVD of his current tour. Here’s the blog about it that he wrote:

"to everyone who as been attending these shows- i cant thank you all enough for your support- its been overwhelming for me to see so many people showing up and singing there hearts out- you’ve made this experience extraordinarily wonderful and its not half over yet- your eyes,bodies and voices are the life blood of this creative crusade- and the battle ground’s in each of our souls- just having lasted this long is amazing- thank you from the bottom of my heart for paying attention to my music- any and all of it- there is so much more to come

p.s
if your coming to any of the rest of the shows please feel free to record our sets both visual or audio- i plan on releasing a dvd for this tour and we are taping some shows and stuff but i just wanted to encourage you to bootleg for your bootlegging pleasure - the more proof of our existence we can leave behind the merrier
twon"

News - On The Last Day Sign To Torque Records

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On The Last Day has signed to Torque Records and you can read about it here: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=1794179&blogID=426526710

News - Hey Monday + Decaydance

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Hey Monday have signed to Decaydance and an album should be out shortly, in fact according to their blog from the 17th of July it should be out late September.

Review - American Music Club - All The Lost Souls Welcome You To San Francisco (Single)

American Music Club - All The Lost Souls Welcome You To San Francisco (Single)

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8 out of 10

The impressively titled 'All The Lost Souls Welcome You To San Francisco' is the latest work from AMC. The track offers absolutely incredible vocals from Mark Eitzel and a great band sound. The track seeps maturity, as do the two demos included with the single, 'Stars' and 'Who You Are'.

The album 'The Golden Age', released earlier this year was well received by critics, offering a gorgeous wash of sounds that are reminiscent of 70s LA, with bands like Bread and The Hollies.

The band will be touring in September in the UK and will be well worth checking out, playing songs from the new album and their back catalogue.

Listen: www.myspace.com/americanmusicclub

Tracklist:
1. All The Lost Souls Welcome You To San Francisco
2. Stars (Demo)
3. Who You Are (Demo)

Review - Black Tide - Shout (Single)

Black Tide - Shout (Single)

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9 out of 10

Black Tide, a four piece from Miami and formed in 2004, currently signed to Interscope, an album under their belt and several high profile gigs. Not a bad start for a bunch of teenagers. It reads like Guitar Hero came around a little too late for these guys, I'm sure they'll get over that given time.

Interscope has a long history of signing good bands in their infancy (Pun intended). With these guys I'm tempted to wildcard them as no exception to that trend. They bring quite a bit of talent to the record, way beyond their teenage years would suggest.

A lot of today's instrument based music is indie or straight full on metal, classic overdriven rock seems to have fallen off the radar somewhat, Velvet Revolver, Buckcherry, Godsmack, and a few others still carry the flag so it's about time we had bands like Black Tide.

Their song "Shout" has chunky power chords, clean solos, split lead guitar, a snare, two cymbals and a double kick pedal; perfect grounds for good rock music, it's almost as if these guys just stepped off the set of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Timing changes and solos reminiscent of Megadeth or Thin Lizzy, with Sebastian Bach type vocals there is quite a bit going on. It's good to be reminded that you don't need to go back to the 70's for good rock music, late 80's had loads of it and Black Tide have captured every element of it in 2008.

If you're a bit sick of your older brother or friend coming round and telling you that rock music isn't what it used to be, buy them this CD, and when they remind you that Black Tide are not the real deal, remind them that these guys are teenagers!

Listen: www.myspace.com/blacktide

Tracklist:
1. Shout

Review - Johnny Foreigner - Salt, Peppa And Spinderella (Single)

Johnny Foreigner - Salt, Peppa And Spinderella (Single)

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9 out of 10

You know what; I was so ready to be unimpressed with Johnny Foreigner. Seldom is there a band that receives so much hype that isn't somehow a disappointment. JoFo however are an exception to this. There's just something about these guys that makes them special, admittedly they're by no means the world's best singers or musicians but by hell they can turn out a performance and a hook. I've seen them a number of times now and was almost certain that their recorded material wouldn't translate. But, the album 'Waited Up Til' It Was Light' is great, and 'Salt, Peppa And Spinderella' was an obvious choice for the next single. This really is a glorious little song, exactly what a single should be (Proved by it's 14 plays on my iTunes this week). Catch them supporting the single with a tour in September with the awesome Danananakroyd, dates on their MySpace.

Listen: www.myspace.com/johnnyforeigner

Tracklist:
1. Salt, Peppa And Spinderella

Review - Reemer - Rockstar (Single)

Reemer - Rockstar (Single)

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8 out of 10

Guess what? I can rock your arse off.

Well at least that's the threat in the second verse of second single from Manchester based Indie outfit Reemer. This slice of upbeat pop-rock has some quality lyrics actually, a few comedic gems hidden alongside some words that indicate the band's hunger for the big time. Unfortunately, the funnier lines mask the quality and integrity of a band clearly capable of doing really well. Underneath all of that, this is a damn fine radio friendly tune. Track 2 "Words" is a complete change of direction, showcasing the band's ability to write an accomplished ballad - and the string section is a nice touch.

Jo Wiley would love this. And they have nice hair.

Listen: www.myspace.com/reemerband

Tracklist:
1. Rockstar
2. Words

Review - Losing Sun - Perspective

Losing Sun - Perspective

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9 out of 10

Perspective, the second album from Welsh metal crew Losing Sun, is due for release on October 20th and looks set to launch the band onto the mainstream metal circuit. Featuring anthem after anthem, Perspective is a fresh collection of tunes that can re-ignite the hope of the British metal scene. The album kicks off with Memory Run - a tune available for free from GMF records website on September 24th, and by the second track, Jigsaw, I was hooked. This is an awesome offering from a great band. A growing fan base and regular airplay on Scuzz and MTV2 have helped to secure the future of Losing Sun who are also set to embark on a European tour later this year after a handful of UK dates supporting Kittie.

Listen: www.myspace.com/losingsunuk

Tracklist:
1. Memory Run
2. Jigsaw
3. Trigger Finger
4. Battering Ram
5. Perspective
6. Analogous
7. 1994
8. Tantrum
9. Too Many Pieces
10. Classic Art Betrayal
11. Interrogation
12. Roll Credits

Review - Finger Eleven - Them Vs. You Vs. Me

Finger Eleven - Them Vs. You Vs. Me

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10 out of 10

Yes, yes, yes.

What an awesome album this is. The fourth album from Canadian rockers Finger Eleven finally hits the UK on September 15th having already sold more than 500,000 copies in the US. This collection of 11 tunes is the result of more than 100 songs originally penned for the album and as a result the quality is sky high. From rock to country to dance to funk, Them Vs You Vs Me has something for everyone.

Of particular note on this album are "Lost My Way" which is very reminiscent of The Dave Matthews Band and my favourite "Sense Of A Spark" which is frankly, brilliant.

If you're only going to buy one more album this year, you will not go far wrong picking up this gem. It is instantly memorable, uplifting and anthemic. and will be left on repeat in my CD player for a long while to come.

Listen: www.myspace.com/fingereleven

Tracklist:
1. Paralyzer
2. Failing On
3. I'll Keep Your Memory Vague
4. Lost My Way
5. So So Suicide
6. Window Song
7. Sense Of A Spark
8. Talking To The Walls
9. Change The World
10. Gather And Give
11. Easy Life

Review - Zebidee - Planet Zebidee

Zebidee - Planet Zebidee

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6 out of 10

When you write a concept album about an outer space explorer's voyage to the fictional Planet Zebidee, you can pretty much guarantee the reviews will be full of references to the otherworldly and have loads of metaphors about planets and stars, and this one is no exception. Mike Nicholls, a session musician and sci-fi fan operating under the guise of Zebidee, has set the tone though, from the sleeve notes to the album's final (And only) words: "Do you come in peace?"

Initially, the tinny beats and industrial squeaks and squelches don't sound too extra terrestrial, but 'Descent' eventually splutters into a Jeff Wayne-inspired disco number that sounds more like taking off than coming in to land. 'Desert Rover' sounds like a reworking of the 'Close Encounters Of The Third Kind' theme tune, but apart from that the unusual sounds used by Nicholls are from this world, even if they appear in odd combinations.

'Submarine's' beat is like a beatboxer eating Pringles at the same time, while later on he samples the sounds of the sea. The gargled drum & bass of 'Beasts' appears to have the sound of a cow mooing, while elsewhere Nicholls draws upon the bounce of early Daft Punk ('Eat My Genes'); the ringing beats of Chris Clark and Aphex Twin ('Radio Hawk', with it's disembodied, wordless voices). The chill out music on 'Glass Forest' has hints of 1960s jazz and Afrobeat, while sinister Eastern sounds, Aboriginal rhythms, festive church bells and big beat feature on 'Sentient?' and 'Hive City'. Maybe not a journey into space then, but certainly an odd one.

Listen: www.myspace.com/planetzebidee

Tracklist:
1. Descent
2. Submarine
3. Radio Hawk
4. Desert Rover
5. Beasts
6. Glass Forest
7. Eat My Genes
8. Mud Fairies
9. Hive City
10. Sentient?

Review - Narration - Not Alone (Single)

Narration - Not Alone (Single)

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5 out of 10

You wouldn't know it from listening to them, but Narration are from London. They sound American, are being marketed with the cutthroat efficiency of an American band (They don't have a permanent label as yet, but they're tailor made for a major to snap them up), and have the online popularity to springboard them to success on either side of the Atlantic. In fact, they've already recorded sessions for East Coast radio and, perhaps most importantly, their sound is sometimes similar to the arena pop-punk of Angels & Airwaves and Fall Out Boy, and we know how fanatic their fans can be.

As well as suggestions towards A&A and FOB, the atmospheric soft rock 'Not Alone' has massive mainstream potential (Think The Script, OneRepublic, Maroon 5). Like the B-side, 'Gentle', its over earnest and their attempts at introspective, poeticism clang, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear them all over Radio 1 next year.

Listen: www.myspace.com/narrationmusic

Tracklist:
1. Not Alone
2. Gentle

Review - Kieronononon - Brutaltechnopunk

Kieronononon - Brutaltechnopunk

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8 out of 10

The most unexpected thing to come out of Hull since Dean Windass' promotion winning volley (Sorry, Bristol City fans), Kieronononon couldn't have got it more right by calling their third EP 'Brutaltechnopunk'. They're how you'd imagine the Mighty Boosh's band to sound, except better and a lot less annoying than Noel Fielding.

The three-piece have taken the delirious energy of techno and the ferocity of hardcore and created something quite unique. 'No One Laughed' combines clattering doom, electro, bad rapping and a story about a girl with giant feet ("like, really big, even if she was a guy"), while the erratic, eclectic hardcore of 'Fishes Lay' (Think Rolo Tomassi, Cutting Pink With Knives and elements of aPAtT) is ravaged by beeps and blips (in every sense of the word) and dark spoken word interludes.

Brutaltechnopunk is an even more accurate description of 'Moral Decay' and 'Roulette In Paris'; the twisted offspring of the B52s, Alec Empire and Gallows, not to mention the booming, firecracker Speak & Spell-core of 'Temporal Conflict'. Brilliantly original.

Listen: www.myspace.com/kieronononon

Tracklist:
1. No One Laughed
2. Fishes Lay
3. Moral Decay
4. Temporal Conflict
5. Roulette In Paris

Review - Dorp - Pigs Do Fly (Single)

Dorp - Pigs Do Fly (Single)

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5 out of 10

Though this is a perfectly listenable three and a half minutes, I can't help but feel Pigs Do Fly is just a little, well, meh. It is well written, well produced and well performed, but does little to inspire me. It is largely best described as harmless pop music and would sound more at place on the soundtrack of a credible independent movie than through the PA of a stadium gig. Hailing from all around the world, the band themselves sound like thoroughly nice chaps, embarking on a tour of schools and colleges in a bid to inspire young musicians all over the UK. For that reason alone, I hope they do well, but in terms of the music itself, I just couldn't get excited. Cops And Robbers is a much stronger tune with an instantly memorable chorus and hook. I hope the album "Humans Being" is more like this when it is released later in the year.

Listen: www.myspace.com/dorp

Tracklist:
1. Pigs Do Fly
2. Cops And Robbers

Review - Dead Letter Office - Chairkickers (Single)

Dead Letter Office - Chairkickers (Single)

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7 out of 10

Midlands rockers Dead Letter Office have the potential to follow near-neighbours Editors into mainstream success. They've already pinched their producer, Gavin Monaghan, and are just as accomplished at soaring choruses and moody moments of reflection.

The uplifting, top of the playlist, stadium indie displayed on 'Chairkickers' is the type of thing that would easily win the favour of Jo Whiley, especially with its cheery use of keyboards that wouldn't sound out of place on a Wombats or Maple State single. Benjamin Hiorns' vocal dexterity and direct, bullet-to-the-heart lyrics, though, are reminiscent of a young James Dean Bradfield. DLO has some of the Manics' fearless, gang mentality too: "If we're going to Hell at least we'll all be there together."

'The Comeback Kid' unfortunately doesn't follow through on 'Chairkickers', instead treading the same gritty ground as many other bands that think music starts with Oasis and ends with Arctic Monkeys, albeit with a few epic trimmings.

Listen: www.myspace.com/deadletterofficeofficial

Tracklist:
1. Chairkickers
2. The Comeback Kid

Review - Tangaroa - One Hand For The Throat, One Hand For The Knife

Tangaroa - One Hand For The Throat, One Hand For The Knife

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8 out of 10

For the majority of people I can imagine Tangaroa is a name you won’t have heard of at all really. But for those who have (And people that have been knocking around Leeds for the past 10 years) the news of a debut album finally is pretty good to hear.

In no way an easy listen. Tangaroa have been ploughing a poly-rhythmic, time signature rutting, dissonance slapping furrow of extreme music for most of their career. Astounding and infuriating audiences in equal measure.

So when "Turn Of The TV..." blasts out of the speakers on a guitar run and blastbeat while vocals howl over the top it gives you a pretty good idea of where this is heading. From here on in the tempo picks up and then suddenly drops out from under you at regular intervals. Guitar necks are ascended and descended on a constant basis. Jerky stop/start riffs are employed to break it up.
The biggest change of all is the introduction of more grooves. It makes the whole experience more listenable and makes the dissonance more jarring when it comes back in.

The only respite comes with "Jupiter Sheep Farm" and its melodic, laid back intro. A nice break before jumping back into the chaos for "Do You Hear That Wolf?".

Finally they have a release that shows their skill and is readily available. Fans of Meshuggah, Into The Moat, DEP and any sort of technical music will most defiantly enjoy this. Good work.

Listen: www.myspace.com/uglypeoplebreedfast

Tracklist:
1. Turn Off The TV, Shut The Magazine
2. One Hand For The Knife, One Hand For The Throat
3. We’ve Got Them Where We Want Them
4. Swimming In The Sea
5. Tick Tock Tick Tock
6. In The Hive Of Complication
7. Jupiter Sheep Farm
8. Do You Hear That Wolf?

Review - Super Sonic Hero - Super Sonic Hero

Super Sonic Hero - Super Sonic Hero

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2 out of 10

Now, I think maybe this bands PR bio got mixed up with some one else’s demo CD on route here. It's not every day you get a glam punk band from Sheffield to review. And after this little waste of time I can just hope it doesn’t happen again for a while.

Super Sonic Hero is just bad, plain awful really. Despite the bassists claim of being in over 30 bands and the guitarist being a competent score arranger and the vocalist singing since he was 10, non of these things add or take away from the fact that they are just a bad band in general.

An under produced, out of tune and key demo band that have no direction.

True story.

Listen: www.myspace.com/thesupersonichero

Tracklist:
1. Crush My Ego
2. My Bad
3. Words And Music

Review - Pilgrimz - Boar Riders

Pilgrimz - Boar Riders

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7 out of 10

Oh god, look at that name. I thought we'd left that kind of comedic misspelling behind when Fred Durst graciously buggered off. And that picture. It's nice, but 'weird attractive cartoon girl' practically screams rap-rock at me. Well, let's get it over with. I wonder what kind of moping down-tuned excretions await me on this shiny piece of shi. Hey, wait a minute. This isn't all that bad. Actually, this is quite good. Hallelujah!

Thankfully, instead of being a po-faced nu-metal band, Pilgrimz are more of a decidedly cheeky 'new'-metal band. Mixed in with some heavy-but-melodic thrashing comes a smattering of sludgy doom (The first minute of the title track), a few decidedly hardcore breakdowns (Particularly during Shake-a-feather and The Artillery), and a big dollop of zeitgeist-surfing rock n' roll groove (Pretty much throughout). Basically, you can imagine most of the band spending quite a bit of time at gigs with one foot on a monitor, riffing for all they're worth and doing that V-shape bobble head-banging move.

The only possible stumbling block I can see is frontman Max Vegas (Really? Dear Lord, why?!) who's near-constant throaty roar occasionally grates when trying for higher pitches. The lyrics, however, might be able to save him, with some nonsensical but downright inspired couplets, including my personal favourite "Send in the artillery! The artillery and a rock n' roll rhythm!"

Yes, Max. Whatever you say.

Listen: www.myspace.com/pilgrimz

Tracklist:
1. Jimmy's Castle
2. Shake-A-Feather
3. Boar Riders
4. The Flick
5. Drama King & Drama Queen
6. King Or A Fool
7. Prima Donnie
8. Paramount
9. The Caravan Was Only Bait
10. The Artillery

News - These Arms Are Snakes Album Track

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These Arms Are Snakes have "Red Line Season" from their new album up on their MySpace page now or you can download it from here: www.spinner.com/2008/08/22/these-arms-are-snakes-red-line-season-free-mp3-of-the-day/

News - I Surrender Records Welcomes To The Family...

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I Surrender Records has signed a new band, but don’t want to tell us who quite yet:

"I Surrender Records has opened its loving arms and signed a new band, one that has got us tapping our toes and shaking our asses. Naturally, we can’t just give away the secret this easily. Oh no, we’re going to make you antsy first! Stay tuned for when we announce the newest member of our family on AUGUST 28TH!"

News - An Odd Midtown Bulletin...

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From a Midtown bulletin:

"Subject: what if this is all over for us? - will they be okay?

Body: -is this the end or just the beginning?"

News - Memphis May Fire Need A New Vocalist!

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Memphis May Fire’s singer Chase Ryan has left the band and they are now looking for a replacement. Here’s the statement:

"Due to personal reasons, our vocalist Chase Ryan has decided to leave the band. Chase is about to have a child, and has revaluated his priorities. There are no hard feelings and we wish him the best of luck.

Now, we are in the process of looking for a new singer. We will be holding open auditions through MySpace. We have posted an instrumental version of one of our new songs "Decade". If you think you have what it takes, then go ahead and download the track and lay down some vocals. When you have completed the track, you can send the finals version of the song to memphismayfire@gmail.com. We are excited to hear what you all have to offer.

We have recorded our new record all ready with Casey Bates (Chiodos, Portugal The Man). All we need is to record the vocals and the new record will be ready.

Thanks Everyone, and we can’t wait to find our next lead singer!"

News - Copeland Album Release Date

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Copeland are going to release their new album "You Are My Sunshine" on the 14th of October through Tooth & Nail Records.

News - The Way Out is Broken

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Armor For Sleep have added their new song "The Way Out is Broken" to their MySpace page.

Review - Kid Rock - Rock 'n' Roll Jesus

Kid Rock - Rock 'n' Roll Jesus

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2 out of 10

How did this happen? Somehow, 18 years into his career, Robert James Ritchie (AKA Kid Rock, self-proclaimed "rock 'n' roll Jesus") from Detroit is enjoying unprecedented success. Produced by Green Day producer Rob Cavallo, 'Rock 'n' Roll Jesus' went to number one in the album charts in the US; he's been on the cover of 'Rolling Stone'; and 'All Summer Long' (More on that monstrosity later) was a number one single all over Europe. He's gone from supporting Ice Cube to singing with Sheryl Crow and it seems that the Southern Rock and country direction he took up in 2003 is paying dividends, although a return to his rap-rock roots is promised for his next LP. Great.

Here, the one-time American Badass is trying to appeal directly to the sinister heartland of America, although I'm not sure the evangelical community will approve of him saying he'll save our souls by sounding like Lenny Kravits. In the world of 'Rock 'n' Roll Jesus' soldiers are unquestionable good and lawyers are bad, and "our race relations got me feeling guilty of being white" (He sings on 'Amen'). It's cringing to listen to, especially in the context of Rock's other proclamations on race, like on the nu-metal 'Sugar': "I got lots of cash/But I'm not Jewish.If you have to ask/You can kiss my Anglo-Saxon ass". Despite his proclamations that he, "ain't no Nazi", and threats to "fuck U in the nose", Kid Rock views on race come across as backward to say the least. Later, he says he "makes black music for the white man" ('Lowlife'), but it doesn't sound like the clever self-criticism Eminem shows on 'Without Me'.

Kid Rock's longing for the good ole days of the Deep South reaches its peak on 'All Summer Long', but it's hard to believe that a millionaire who was married to Pamela Anderson; appeared in 'The Simpsons'; toured the world; and stood in as lead singer for Metallica really longs for the days when sat round a campfire with no money. Just like it's hard to take the reflection on 'Roll On' seriously ("I turned myself around"), when four minutes later on 'So Hott' he wants to get stoned with a women who "smells like sex" and then "fuck her like I'm never gonna see you again".

The soul searching on 'Blue Jeans And A Rosary' feels equally insincere, and then there's the weird blues of 'New Orleans' and the stabs at country on 'Half Your Age' and 'Lowlife (Living The Highlife)'. Kid Rock isn't American Badass, just bad.

Listen: www.myspace.com/kidrock

Tracklist:
1. Rock 'n' Roll Jesus
2. Amen
3. All Summer Long
4. Roll On
5. So Hott
6. Sugar
7. When U Love Someone
8. New Orleans
9. Don't Tell Me U Love Me
10. Blue Jeans And A Rosary
11. Half Your Age
12. Lowlife (Living The Highlife)

Review - Fightstar - Alternate Endings

Fightstar - Alternate Endings

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8 out of 10

Dear Charlie Simpson,

Congratulations on your new album, I am sure you are very happy with it. I have been with you from the start, well, not when you were Charlie out of Busted, but at least since the EP that introduced us to Palahniuk’s Laughter and your awesome appearance as the house band on The Friday Night Project on Channel 4. I paid good money to see your band three times - once on the second stage at Download 2006, then on the Kerrang Tour with Coheed and Cambria and finally on the main stage this year at Download. I even stood next to you at the bar and thought about offering you a beer. "Deathcar" is about as amazing a metal tune as I have ever heard. So with that all said, why, why, why not give us a brand new album - as good as the other two and a half, instead of this collection of bizarrely chosen versions that aren't quite as good as they are in the flesh?

I appreciate you have just finished a big fat sell out tour and a ton of festival appearances, but please don't put out more in this vein - concentrate on what you are good at. The fans will always acquire the B-sides and live tunes by other means anyway - give us more anthems!

Yours sincerely,

Gray Thomas

PS. Close one, I nearly didn't like you anymore. Nearly. ;)

Listen: www.myspace.com/fightstar

Tracklist:
1. Floods
2. Where's The Money Lebowski
3. Waitin' For A Superman
4. Amethyst
5. 99
6. In Between Days
7. Shinji Lkari
8. Dark Star
9. Gracious
10. Fight For Us
11. Hold Out Your Arms
12. Nerv/seele
13. Zihuatanejo
14. Breaking The Law
15. Minerva

Review - Exit Ten - Warriors (Single)

Exit Ten - Warriors (Single)

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8 out of 10

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from Exit Ten, but I was pleasantly surprised that despite the name, they weren't another angst ridden emo rock wannabe band. In fact, "Warriors" is pretty damn good. The opening riff sticks nicely in the mind and I could feel some sneaky air guitar coming on once I had heard it a few times. Vaguely reminiscent of an early era Incubus, the song's melody, vocals, drums and swirling guitars come together in a spectacular expression of musical excellence. Frankly, I am very impressed - Exit Ten are a band to watch out for.

Listen: www.myspace.com/exitten

Tracklist:
1. Warriors

Review - Various - 2000 Trees Festival Presents Cider Smiles Vol. 1

Various - 2000 Trees Festival Presents Cider Smiles Vol. 1

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7 out of 10

The 2000 Trees Festival, held near Cheltenham for the second time this July, is one of the few genuinely 'small' festivals. There are only 2,000 tickets (See what they did there?), at £39 a pop, and it's very, very environmentally friendly (Lots of recycling, organic food, biodegradable cups and plates, renewable energy sources). It's the like the spirit of old Glastonbury and Latitude distilled and made tangible.

Most the of the best known artists from this year's line-up don't feature here (Art Brut, Eighties Matchbox, Johnny Foreigner, Chris T-T, Ghost Of A Thousand), and the better known names on 'Cider Smiles' are dealt with in one fell swoop: a familiar highlight from Frank Turner's last album; an old song from Tubelord that shows their early promise but is no 'Feed Me A Box Of Words'; the metallic, popping, post-new rave of These New Puritans; and Future Of The Left's crusty, angry as ever punk rock. It's as dark as you'd expect a song called 'Small Bones, Small Bodies' to be. There might be something buried under their patio.

The large bulk of this collection is made up of new folk artists, most of them highly promising. James Yuill is a highly rated folktronica singer and remixer, but the dreamy 'Breathing In' doesn't set your imagine alight. Unlike Dom Coyote, whose mixture of pretty, acoustic intricacies, a drum machine and rapping sounds like it was made by gangsta fairies. No other song here will make you want to hug people as much as 'One For The Passenger'.

One a more traditional tip, Kat Flint's dramatic Scottish brogue is one of the most powerful voices on this collection, rivalled only by Little Lost David. Half of 'Devil Don't Mind' is performed a cappella, while the other half builds to it's thrilling gothic climax; it's a stunning performance. A rare non-folk entry is Imperial Leisure's hyperactive, hugely enjoyable skacore. It makes you wish you'd been there.

Listen: www.myspace.com/twothousandtreesfestival

Tracklist:
1. Frank Turner - Photosynthesis
2. Future Of The Left - Small Bones, Small Bodies
3. Tubelord - Propeller
4. These New Puritans - Colour
5. The Anomalies - Bamboo Beats
6. Dom Coyote - One For The Passenger
7. James Yuill - Breathing In
8. Kat Flint - Ohio
9. Jim Lockey - Coloured Cats
10. Little Lost David - Devil Don't Mind
11. Captain Black - The Singer Is Dead
12. Imperial Leisure - The Beast
13. Souljacker - Naked
14. Danny & The Champions Of The World - These Days
15. Josh Bray - Take Me To The River

Review - Maths Class - Now This Will Take Two Hands

Maths Class - Now This Will Take Two Hands

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7 out of 10

Arithmetic might be boring but, after playing their hometown almost constantly, Maths Class has become one of Brighton's most enticing bands. In the next month they take their clinical, clipped, sparse but occasionally ferocious songs to Japan and will support indie legend Stephen Malkmus.

Starting as the mean to go on, opener 'Nerves' falls somewhere in between Franz Ferdinand and The Blood Brothers, with additional Devo craziness which only increases as we work our way towards 'Replays Of Relays' at the end. Their songs are tightly knotted together, synths, bass and guitar riffs looping round together ("Everything in circles, repeating, repeating", they sing on 'Deutsche'. It's an astute piece of self-awareness), but electro-emocore hybrid 'Deutsche' still has mass appeal, as do the scrambled pop melodies and polished harmonies of 'Branches'.

Like Foals, Maths Class occasionally dabble in math-rock, and like Foals they tend to focus on sounds and repetition rather than lyrics; that the rapid fire multi-vocal deliveries on 'Jonny Got The Jawline' and 'Replays Of Relays' are indecipherable doesn't take anything away from the songs. They're also further evidence that Foals' early singles and 'Mirrored' by Battles are proving influential already. With some revision, Maths Class could one day be influential all by themselves.

Listen: www.myspace.com/mathsclass

Tracklist:
1. Nerves
2. Deutsche
3. Jonny Got The Jawline
4. Branches
5. Replays Of Relays

Review - Carlotti - Your Guess Ain’t As Good As Mine (Single)

Carlotti - Your Guess Ain’t As Good As Mine (Single)

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8 out of 10

Music should be fun for the listener and I must admit, in a world where bands form aiming to sound like X/Y/Z band and production line manufactured artists get churned out ten to the dozen and with labels picking up the first thing that happens to sound like the latest big thing I’m finding it increasingly hard to find music that’s released because someone actually thought it was good, not because it sells. As a result it’s a good thing to find that bands and labels that counter this way of thinking exist, Carlotti being one of them.

Rather than aiming to sound like the bands that came before they’re content to take a few genres, look at the way the music works and form their music from that. And what a way to work, the bands have crafted two fine tracks. Country influence? Sure, but it isn’t Country. Blues influence? Sure, but it isn’t Blues. Rock and Roll influence? Sure, but it isn’t Rock and Roll. Like wise I could say they sound like the Coral, Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones, but that would only be due to genre. They don’t actually sound like those bands. Though they do. Though they don’t. Though they...oh god, we’ll be here all night! To be slightly more serious, this is a great fusion of Blues, Country and Rock and Roll influence. There’s a standard mix of instruments in guitar, bass, drum, keyboard and vocal coming together to form an upbeat swinging quality blend that you can certainly dance along too.

If you’ve got a couple of spare quid then hop on over to iTunes and pick it up because it’s well worth it.

Listen: www.myspace.com/carlottiband

Tracklist:
1. Your Guess Ain’t As Good As Mine
2. The Count

Review - Walls Of Jericho - The American Dream

Walls Of Jericho - The American Dream

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7 out of 10

Motor City, the murder capital of America, home of Axel Foley. Detroit is well known for quite a few things. For most people in the metal/hardcore underground/scene etc then it's the home ground of Walls Of Jericho. A band that has been gradually building up their fan base for years, through an endless touring schedule and constantly releasing albums. In fact they have seen more than enough trends come and go and stuck to their guns through the musical climate.

"The American Dream" is the latest addition to their musical catalogue, and if you're familiar with WOJ then you will know what to expect already. In no way deviating from their tried and tested musical path but still managing to write music that doesn’t sound derivative or like it's going through the motions. And there is WOJ’s skill; taking the highly confined metalcore sound and keeping it sounding vital.

Opener "The New Ministry" explodes out of a melodic intro and sets up the rest of the album in pretty obvious style, but then they know how to write a quality breakdown and "II The Prey" follows on with this in mind. Breaking down into a chugging monster of a riff that will obviously destroy live. The album follows this musical route, switching between breakdown, up-tempo riffing and double bass back and forth until the albums surprising conclusion with "The Slaughter Begins", a piano and acoustic ballad of sorts showcasing the softer voice of Candace.

All in all it's WOJ with some new songs. But then that’s a lot better than most bands these days isn’t it. A solid and heavy effort.

Listen: www.myspace.com/wallsofjericho

Tracklist:
1. The New Ministry
2. II The prey
3. The American Dream
4. Feeding Frenzy
5. I The Hunter
6. Famous Last Words
7. A Long Walk Home
8. III Shock Of The Century
9. Discovery Of Jones
10. Standing On Paper Stilts
11. Night Of A Thousand Torches
12. The Slaughter Begins

News - Spectrum 7 Love Black

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Spectrum 7 will release their debut EP "Fade To Black And Back Again" on the 29th of September.

Track Listing:

1. Serafin
2. Trading Water
3. Piano
4. Panic

Tour dates:

6th September - Lexapalooza - Nambucca supporting Frank Turner SOLD OUT!
7th Sepptember - Cellar Bar, Bracknell
24th October - Jericho Tavern, Oxford

News - Metallica Unleash Themselves On The UK...

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Here’s a new press release regarding upcoming Metallica stuff in the UK:

"Metallica have officially announced that they will be playing the 02 World in Berlin and 02 Arena in London on September 12th and 15th 2008 respectively. The shows are only available to the band's fan club members, and those people who subscribe to http://www.missionmetallica.com. Tickets are £5 and all ticket proceeds will be donated to various charities, which the band will be revealing over the next two weeks.
And, for those of you that simply can't wait Metallica have put a few small excerpts from their forthcoming album, Death Magnetic, on their sites www.metallica.com, www.missionmetallica.com and www.metclub.com

There will be more excerpts coming soon so please keep your eyes peeled in the meantime..

The band will be making the first single "The Day That Never Comes" available online from August 22nd, and as a physical release sometime in September. The video for the track was filmed in the desert outside L.A with director Thomas Vinterberg. UK fans will be able to hear it exclusively as Zane Lowe's Hottest track on Radio 1 tonight - 21st August, between 7 - 8 p.m. BBC2's The Culture Show will be airing a 30 minute Metallica special on 31st August at 11.20 pm.

Metallica headline Reading and Leeds festivals this coming weekend (Leeds on Friday 22nd Aug and Reading on Sunday 24th Aug) in addition to the O2 shows in Berlin and London."

News - Envy On The Coast Support Underoath

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Submitted: "Envy On The Coast are returning to the UK in September for a full UK tour with Underoath. The band will also be releasing their debut full-length album "Lucy Gray" on the 22nd of September through Verse One/Photo Finish Records.

Tour dates:

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 6 Academy 3 Manchester 0161832111
Sunday 7 Garage Glasgow 08444999990
Monday 8 Academy 2 Birmingham 08444772000
Wednesday 10 University Solus Cardiff 02920781458
Thursday 11 Waterfront Norwich 01603508050
Friday 12 Astoria 2 London 08712310821
Saturday 13 Cockpit Leeds 01132455570
Sunday 14 Wedgewood Rooms Portsmouth 02392863911

Tickets are £11 in advance except London £12.50. Doors 7pm.
www.ticketmaster.co.uk"

News - Bring Me The Horizon Play Reading/Leeds

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Submitted: "Bring Me The Horizon have just been confirmed last minute to open the main stage at Reading and Leeds on the same day as the mighty Metallica!!!

The band will play Leeds on Friday 22nd and Reading on Sunday 24th of August - stage time is 12pm for both."

News - Attack! Attack!

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Attack! Attack! release their self-titled debut album on Monday the 3rd of November through Rock Ridge Music / ADA Global.

Upcoming UK Dates:

21 AUG : Pontypridd, Muni (w/ The Automatic)
23 AUG : Reading Festival (BBC Introducing Stage)
24 AUG : Leeds Festival (BBC Introducing Stage)
25 AUG : Newcastle, Academy 2 (w/ Go Audio)

UK Tour supporting FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND
14 OCT : Dublin, Academy
15 OCT : Belfast, Spring & Airbrake
16 OCT : Inverness, Ironworks
18 OCT : Glasgow, ABC
19 OCT : Leeds, Met University
20 OCT : Hull, University
22 OCT : Preston, 53 Degrees
23 OCT : Whitehaven, Civic Hall
24 OCT : Manchester, Academy 2
26 OCT : Birmingham, Academy
27 OCT : Coventry, Kasbah
28 OCT : Nottingham, Rock City
30 OCT : Exeter, Lemon Grove
01 NOV : Oxford, Academy
03 NOV : Norwich, Waterfront
04 NOV : London, Forum

UK Headline Tour
21 NOV : Aberdeen, Moshulu
22 NOV : Dundee, Doghouse
23 NOV : Falkirk, Metro
24 NOV : Edinburgh, Cabaret Voltaire
26 NOV : Newcastle, Academy 2
27 NOV : Leeds, Cockpit
28 NOV : Nottingham, Rock City
29 NOV : Manchester, Roadhouse
30 NOV : Birmingham, Bar Academy
01 DEC : Northampton, Roadmender
02 DEC : Hertford, Marquee
03 DEC : London, Barfly
04 DEC : Yeovil, Orange Box
05 DEC : Brighton, Freebut
06 DEC : Southampton, Joiners

Welsh Tour supporting FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND
09 DEC : Tenby, De Valance Pavillion
10 DEC : Swansea, Sin City
12 DEC : Cardiff, University
13 DEC : Wrexham, Central Station
14 DEC : Aberystwyth, Arts Centre
20 DEC : Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach

News - The Lazarus Plot Next Single

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The Lazarus Plot release their new single "Do You Want to be Someone?" on the 22nd of September. The band play a single launch that night at Dublin Castle, London.

News - Joining The Doghouse Stable Is...

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Lights has signed to Doghouse Records. The press release is below from the label:

"Doghouse Records is proud to announce that it will release the debut 6-song EP from Toronto artist LIGHTS on September 23. LIGHTS is a self-made young multi-instrumentalist who has drawn comparisons to Bjork and Gwen Stefani. She writes, performs and co-produces all of her music. She has had over 3 million unique hits on Myspace and has sold over 100,000 song downloads in the US with no label and having never played in America until recently. In the Spring, her music was the focus of a 4 part series of commercial spots for OLD NAVY. Shortly after the release of the EP, LIGHTS will join Boys Like Girls and Cute is What We Aim For on the Verizon Campus Tour. A full length album will follow in 2009."