Bobby Long is currently working on tracks for an EP which is due to come out later in the year.
He has these UK shows lined up:
27 Feb The Brady Arts Centre, East London
14 Mar The Albany London
27 Mar The Brady Centre East London
11 Apr The Albany London
Friday, 27 February 2009
News - Bobby Long EP & Shows
News - Hassle Records Signs Blakfish
Submitted: "Hassle Records (Cancer Bats, Alexisonfire, Propagandhi, Anti Flag, Rolo Tomassi) have signed Birmingham’s punk four-piece Blakfish. The band shall be releasing their debut album, "Champions", this summer on Hassle/Big Scary Monsters."
News - Hatebreed: For The Lions (Covers Album)
Hatebreed will release their new covers album "For The Lions" through Century Media Records in Europe on May the 11th.
Track Listing:
Slayer - Ghosts of War
Cro-Mags - It’s The Limit
Suicidal Tendencies - Suicidal Maniac
Sepultura - Refuse/Resist
Metallica - Escape
Bad Brains - Supertouch/Shitfit
Misfits - Hatebreeders
D.R.I. - Evil Minds
Madball - Set It Off
Sick Of It All - Shut Me Out
Black Flag- Thirsty
Negative Approach - Sick Of Talk
Crowbar - All I Had I Gave
Merauder - Life Is Pain
Agnostic Front - Your Mistake
Judge - Hear Me
Obituary - I’m In Pain
Subzero - Boxed In
Hatebreed have announced the departure of guitar player Sean M. Martin welcoming back to the fold original guitarist Wayne Lozinak.
Front man Jamey Jasta says, "I speak on behalf of all of us and we support Sean’s decision to leave and want him to be happy and successful at everything he does. There are no bad feelings at all and you’ll probably see him hanging on stage at some of our local shows. We’re family and he will be missed but HATEBREED will forge on."
Sean M. Martin comments "After 10 years, I’ve decided to leave HATEBREED. This in no way reflects my personal relationship with Jamey, Chris, Matt and Frank, they’re four of my closest friends and I’ll always love them with all my heart. I want to thank all of the fans as well as the guys in the band and crew, past and present, for giving me some of the best times of my life."
They will be playing at the following European Festivals:
June 20th, Bilbao (Spain) - Kobetasonic Fest
June 21st, Clisson (France) - Hellfest
June 28th, Dessel (Belgium) - Graspop Festival
July 3rd, Munster (Germany) - Vainstream Rockfest
July 4th, Roitzschjora (Germany) - With Full Force
July 6th, Tolmin (Slovenia) - Metalcamp Festival
News - Native To BSM...
Native have signed to Big Scary Monsters Records. Here’s the blog about the signing from the label:
"Anyone who has been reading Blog Scary Monsters for a while now will know that I’ve been banging on about this lot for a very long time, so it’s well overdue that we finally give their amazing ’We Delete; Erase’ EP a UK release. Everyone, please welcome: Native
Hailing from (eerie) Indiana in the US, the guys have recently been picked up by our friends from LA at Sargent House (home to Maps and Atlases, Russian Circles and many more including our very own This Town Needs Guns) and look set for great things this year.
The EP will be released exclusively online and in select independent record shops (details coming soon) on April 20th, which coincides with the band entering the studio to record their debut full-length with Chris Common, the genius who has just produced Blakfish’s incredible record."
News - The Number 12 Looks Like You Pre-Order
The Number 12 Looks Like You will release their new album "Worse Than Alone" on the 10th of March. You can pre-order it here: www.eyeballstore.com/servlet/the-224/Worse-Than-Alone-%5BCD%5D/Detail
News - Trophy Scars: Anna Lucia
Trophy Scars have posted a new song called "Anna Lucia" on their Purevolume page. The track is taken from their album "Bad Luck" that will be out on the 17th of March.
News - Fighting With Sugar!
Fighting With Wire’s new single "Sugar" is released on Monday as a 7" and CD. View the video here: www.dieshellsuit.co.uk/multimedia.asp
News - The Following Announcement Record Again
Submitted: "The Following Announcement are heading back in to the studio to write and record the follow up single to their album ’In Secret Places.’ The single is expected to drop summer 2009."
News - Latitude Festival 2009
Latitude Festival will be on again (returning for the fourth time) this year from the 16th - 19th of July at Henham Park Estate, Southwold, Suffolk. Tickets will go on sale 7pm Monday 23rd March.
Acts will be announced of course, and we’ll keep you posted!
Review - Earth Crisis - To The Death
Earth Crisis - To The Death
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9 out of 10
This band needs no introductions. Famed for their militant stance on the vegan and straight edge lifestyles, Earth Crisis are back and they've definitely got some hefty punches left to be pulled. "To The Death" is the perfect comeback album. Gone are the nu-metal overtones and in their place are the chuggy, mosh filled Earth Crisis riffs everyone loved when the "All Out War" and "Firestorm" EP's were compulsory records that every discerning hardcore fan owned.
Within five seconds of album opener "Against the Current" you will want to take up arms and dispose of anyone who opposes you. The rest of the record follows in a similar fashion. Chugging guitars, hate filled vocals and absolutely pounding drums dominate the mix and by the time you've finished you'll feel as if you've been steam-rollered into oblivion.
"To The Death" is a solid listen straight through and is deserving of many, many repeat visits. Bouncing from track to track with a groove reminiscent of their early years, Mr Buechner and company are going to stoke the embers smouldering under the arses of everyone and make them take the world street by street and block by block.
Listen: www.myspace.com/earthcrisis
Tracklist:
1. Against The Current
2. To Ashes
3. So Others Live
4. Security Threat # 1
5. When Slaves Revolt
6. Plague Bearers
7. Control Through Fear
8. Cities Fall
9. Eye Of Babylon
10. What Horrifies
11. To The Death
Review - Vanna - A New Hope
Vanna - A New Hope
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3 out of 10
This band is apparently tipped as the new stars of "post hardcore" but somehow I don't really get the hype. It's the tried and tested scream/sung verses and choruses with the obligatory chugga chugga break thrown in for good measure. I don't know whether it's ironically done or not, but I don't really want to listen to it again to find out. I'm sure black fringed, black eyed, tight jeaned kids brigade the world over will be lapping this up based on their merch designs alone. Paying no regard to whether or not it's actually listenable...
If this is post hardcore in 2009, then please for the love of everything sacred pass me the Mineral discography and leave me to dwell in my room alone.
Listen: www.myspace.com/vanna
Tracklist:
1. Let’s Have An Earthquake
2. Into Hell’s Mouth We March
3. The Same Graceful Wind
4. Like Changing Seasons
5. Trashmouth
6. Safe To Say
7. We Are Nameless
8. Sleepwalker
9. Where We Are Now
10. Ten Arms
11. Life and Limb
12. The Sun Sets Here
News - The Lights - Low Hundreds / Formerly Yours
The Lights will release new single "Low Hundreds / Formerly Yours" which was produced by Gavin Monaghan (Travis, Kings Of Leon & Editors) on the 11th of May through Crash Records.
News - Black Lips: Short Fuse
Black Lips’ single "Short Fuse" is out on the 9th of March. The track’s from the album "200 Million Thousand" which follows on the 16th of March.
News - Me My Head And Their Single
Me My Head will release their new single "Night Is On Fire" on the 2nd of March through Play To Work Recordings.
UK tour dates:
FEB 27 : LONDON, The Fly
MAR 02: LONDON, Water Rats (w/ Jeffree Star)
MAR 05: WINCHESTER, The Railway
MAR 06: LONDON, XFM First Friday - Islington Academy
MAR 07: GLASGOW, QMU (w/ Twin Atlantic)
MAR 08: NEWCASTLE, o2 Academy 2 (w/ Twin Atlantic)
MAR 09: MANCHESTER, Roadhouse (w/ Twin Atlantic)
MAR 11: BIRMINGHAM, o2 Bar Academy (w/ Twin Atlantic)
MAR 12: CARDIFF, Barfly (w/ Twin Atlantic)
MAR 13: WIMBLEDON, The Watershed
MAR 16: LONDON, Barfly (w/ The Yeah Yous)
MAR 21: BATH, Moles Club
MAR 26: HULL, The Adelphi (w/ Danananakroyd)
MAR 27: COVENTRY, Taylor John’s House (w/ Danananakroyd)
MAR 28: OXFORD, Bullingdon Arms (w/ Danananakroyd)
MAR 29: CARDIFF, Clwb Ifor Bach (w/ Danananakroyd)
MAR 30: BRIGHTON, The Engine Room (w/ Danananakroyd)
MAR 31: CAMBRIDGE, The Portland Arms (w/ Danananakroyd)
APR 01: SHEFFIELD, The Hartley Hotel Bar (w/ Danananakroyd)
APR 07: LONDON, Buffalo Bar
Their debut album "Survival In No Man’s Land" will come out on the 25th of May and was produced by Rich McNamara (Embrace).
News - Meet The Reverend And His Big Damn Band
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band’s new single "Mama's Fried Potatoes" will be released on the 9th of March with album "The Whole Fam Damnily" following a week later. Check out the video through our page here: www.dieshellsuit.co.uk/multimedia.asp
News - P is for Panda Signs Andy Shauf
Hopeless Records imprint P is for Panda has just signed Canadian singer/songwriter Andy Shauf. His new album "Darker Days" will be released on the 19th of May.
Track Listing:
1. Your Heart
2. Crushes
3. In Town
4. Gone
5. The Darker Nights
6. The Greatest Moments
7. Let's Be
8. Were You In Love With Me
9. How Long
10. Give Me Words
11. You Remind Me
News - Doghouse Records To Re-Release Chamberlain
Submitted: "Doghouse Records is proud to announce the re-release of Chamberlain’s definitive 1996 album, Fate’s Got a Driver, in an expanded LP featuring rare and previously unreleased bonus songs, content, and artwork.
The LP is available for pre-order on limited edition (to 500 copies) white vinyl and includes 5 previously unreleased and rare tracks along with the original 8 tracks. A download code will also be included with MP3s of the entire album plus additional MP3 B-Sides and bonus video content.
Pre-Order Link and Info: www.doghouserecords.com/v11/store/fatesgotadriver/"
News - The Gaslight Anthem Get Festiv(al)
The Gaslight Anthem’s new single "Great Expectations" is coming out on the 23rd of March.
MARCH HEADLINE DATES
2nd Norwich - Waterfront
3rd Nottingham - Rock City
4th Dublin - The Academy
FESTIVAL APPEARANCES
April 19th Coachella (Indio, CA - USA)
May 23rd Sasquatch (George, WA - USA)
June 6th Rock Im Park (Nurburgring, Germany)
June 7th Rock Am Ring (Nuremberg, Germany)
June 13th Rock In Idro (Milan, Italy)
June 19th Nova Rock (Nickelsdorf, Austria)
June 20th Southside (Neuhausen, Germany)
June 21st Hurricane (Schessel, Germany)
June 24th Hove Festival (Hove, Norway)
June 28th Hard Rock Calling (London, UK)
July 3rd Vainstream Festival (Mannheim, Germany)
July 4th Vainstream Festival (Munster, Germany)
July 5th Ruisrock Festival (Turku, Finland)
July 9th BBK Alive (Bilbao, Spain)
July 12th T In The Park (Glasgow, Scotland)
News - NOFX: Coaster/Frisbee
NOFX will release new album "Coaster/Frisbee" on the 24th of April through Fat Wreck Chords.
News - You Me At Six UK Tour Dates/Single
You Me At Six have these upcoming UK tour dates in March:
06 March - 02 Academy - Bristol
07 March - 02 Academy - Birmingham
08 March - Academy - Manchester
09 March - Barrowlands - Glasgow
10 March - 02 Academy - Newcastle
12 March - Pyramids - Portsmouth
13 March - Roundhouse - London
Their new single "Save It For The Bedroom" is out on the 9th of March through Slam Dunk Records.
News - The Plight Support Cancer Bats In The UK
The Plight will suport Cancer Bats on their upcoming UK "Vans Off The Wall" headline dates through April and May:
April
22 Brighton, Engine Rooms
23 Belfast, Spring and Airbrake
24 Ireland, Dublin Academy 2
25 Ireland, Cork Fred Zeppelins
26 Colchester, Arts Centre
27 Oxford, Academy
28 Cardiff, Barfly
29 Glasgow, ABC2
30 Leeds, The Cockpit
May
1 Stoke, Sugarmill
2 Nottingham, Rock City
3 Manchester, Academy 3
4 Birmingham, Academy 2
5 Bristol, Academy 2
6 Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms
7 London, Underworld
News - Burn Down The Brides
Brides will tour the UK in April with support from Burn Down Rome:
10th April - The Ruin, Bury St Edmunds
11th - Satan's Hollow, Manchester
12th- Twisted Metal, glasgow
13th - Dexter's, Dundee
14th- Chinnerys, Southend
15th- Eddie's, Birmingham
16th- The Park, Peterborough
17th- Crauford Arms, Milton Keynes
18th- Yeovil, Orange Box
19th- Engine Rooms, Brighton
20th- South of the Border, London
Their new album "Ocular. Unveil" is due for release through Visible Noise on the 23rd of March.
News - Dir En Grey DVD Release
Dir En Grey will be releasing a new DVD called "TOUR08 THE ROSE TRIMS AGAIN" on the 4th of May through Okami Records.
Kaoru (Guitar) had this to say about the release:
"Through this DVD you will see that Dir en grey is having a pretty solid run with things now. In the concert featured here, we only played a few songs from UROBOROS, but the band already has a firm grasp on the world of UROBOROS. It’ll be an interesting watch.
It’s different from our last DVD "a knot of" so check it out!!"
News - This Is Hell Band Update
This Is Hell have written the following update on the band:
"We are finally home from our 5 week trek with Funeral For A Friend, The Sleeping and Emarosa. We had a good time and got to hang out with a lot of old friends and make some new ones, and some shitty shit happened as well. Your standard TIH tour at this point I suppose, a handful of cool stuff and a nice chunkof bad luck and weird shit. On a positive note we’ve found a new drummer, so please welcome Dennis Wilson to the hell team, who will be replacing Dan Bourke who had been with us for the past five years. Dan is now playing drums for our good friends in Stray From The Path, if you aren’t familiar with them go check them out. We leave or our European tour fairly soon, below are the tour dates,those shows will be Dennis first with the band, so make him feel welcomed. After we get back from Europe we will be playing The New England Hardcore & Metal Fest and The Bamboozle East Fest. After that we will finish writing our new record and head out to California to record it. New merch will be in the web store fairly soon, will let you know when that goes up.... keep ya head up."
April UK tour dates:
05 - Wrexham, Wales - Central Station
06 - Manchester , England - Music Box
07 - Glasgow, Scotland - Ivory Black s
08 - Leeds , England - Rio’s
09 - London, England - The Under world
10 - Luton , England - UBSU
11 - Southampton, England - Joiners
12 - Norwich, England - The Marquee
13 - Dublin, Ireland - Eamon Doran's
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Review - Save Your Breath - Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy
Save Your Breath - Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy
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8 out of 10
Cracking in at just 15:49 this 6 track EP from Newport's (South Wales) Save Your Breath is an enthralling swoop of pop-hardcore (mosh-pop, or whatever we're deciding to call it now!) that takes influence from the likes of Four Year Strong, Set Your Goals, New Found Glory and Crime in Stereo without ever sounding derivative.
Off the back of their split with Fireworks that was released through Zone Records and gave us the marvellous tongue-in-cheek title that is "Bin Laden Saw Your Slogan Shirt And Now He's Got A Rap Career" the band have been steadily building a name for themselves with numerous tours and have now succeeded in getting an American release for this EP on Adeline Records (Green Day's Billie Joel's label). Produced by Romesh Dodangoda (Funeral For A Friend, The Blackout, Fightstar) "Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy" sounds brilliant, the guitars cut through the music with ease yet never sound too prominent when they should be part of the larger ensemble, the vocals sound typically British and sit nicely above the frantic pummelling melody beneath, with the drums and bass nicely cascading at a solid pace throughout all 6 tracks on offer.
There might be an influx of pop-punk meets hardcore bands in the past year or so, but the ones that stick out of the pack are the ones doing it well or doing it slightly differently and fortunately Save Your Breath are one such band. The oddly titled "Rhys-O And The Legend Of Big Phone" that features another home-grown rising star on guest vocals in the form of Aled Phillips of Kids In Glass Houses is probably the poppiest effort off the EP and the most likely to be single-worthy and propel Save Your Breath into the limelight they are ever-increasingly deserving of. That's not to say the other tracks don't have their own merit or lack of a hook themselves, "Holy Shit! Fortune Teller Miracle Fish!" has some Blink 182-esque guitar licks combined with some simple but destructively effective drumming that mesh together to make gang-vocals and breakdowns never seem out of place amongst the more poppy moments.
Many people will tell you that "X band are ones to watch out for in 2009" and I suppose they might be right, but believe me when I tell you that these lads from Newport deserve more attention as I think they could put out a stellar album given the chance. Snap up this EP whilst you can as their split with Fireworks is already sold out (Luckily I have it myself and it's bloody ace too!).
Listen: www.myspace.com/saveyourbreathband
Tracklist:
1. xRYx Almost Died At A Foam Party
2. Holy Shit! Fortune Teller Miracle Fish!
3. Not In The Mood For Kiwi
4. I Am The Ticket
5. You’ve Got Lizard Blood!
6. Rhys-O And The Legend Of Big Phone (feat. Aled Phillips)
Review - VersaEmerge - VersaEmerge
VersaEmerge - VersaEmerge
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6 out of 10
VersaEmerge are a Florida based band who have recorded their new self-titled EP with James Paul Wisner (The Academy Is..., Underoath, Further Seems Forever, Paramore) for release through Fueled By Ramen and have toured with the likes of We The Kings, The Cab, The Maine and There For Tomorrow. Can you guess what they sound like? Well another clue is that their vocalist (female) Sierra Kusterbeck will struggle to avoid comparisons with Hayley Williams of Paramore. That should have the sound almost nailed.
Musically they are a different beast from Paramore, although from the same neck of the woods I'll admit, more rock out of pop-rock than the poppier sound of Paramore. Vocally though the apple really hasn't fallen far from the tree, which is a shame as if you didn't know Paramore had ever existed then VersaEmerge really stand on their own two feet as a well-rounded band.
The production from Paul Wisner is obviously pristine as per usual, with the right amount of sheen and oomph to highlight everything that he should be highlighting. The only thing missing from VersaEmerge as a band is a bit of soul. You can't help but feel that the entire outfit is a bit of a cashcow to chase the dollars. It simply isn't as gritty as it should be.
Taking more from Elliot Minor and touches of prog-rock/gothic guitars than the likes of Fall Out Boy there is a darker edge to the VersaEmerge sound than you might expect, and this is certainly welcome as another sugary-sweet female fronted band in the vein of Rosematter, Paramore, The Breakup, Zolof The Rock and Roll Destroyer, Robots & Butterflies or Medicated Kisses could be overkill. At times though they nudge in to Evanescence territory, which I don't need to tell you is a bad thing.
Overall though VersaEmerge are heading in the right direction and as a teaser for a potential full-length album this does the job (although not quite as well as it could have done) and I'll be keeping my eye on how they develop.
Listen: www.myspace.com/versaemerge
Tracklist:
1. Theatrics
2. The Hider
3. Past Praying For
4. Moments Between Sleep
5. Whisperer
6. Clocks
Review - Alakrity - Whatever Happened To Good TV?
Alakrity - Whatever Happened To Good TV?
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7 out of 10
The word Alakrity is apparently a variation on a traditional English word meaning "cheerful readiness", but I wasn't cheery or ready for what was to come, at first.
Alakrity. Alakrity, who the hell are Alakrity? Well I'm glad you're reading this review as I had no idea either until it arrived on my door step and I gave them a cursory listen. I must admit I wasn't sure at first, the vocals are very homogenous in places and nasally on the odd occasion too, with the music sounding very 90's pop-punk throughout, however after an absolute tonne of listens I have warmed to the band, taking them at face value for what they are I'm now completely loving their pop-punk stylings. What a turn up for the books!
Is anyone old enough to remember the heady days of MP3.com which was basically the first form of PureVolume or MySpace for bands? Topping the list of most played bands in the pop-punk genre (of which Alakrity most certainly are, no doubts) was the likes of Lucky 7 and Relient K. Well those bands are definitely the parents of Alakrity, with the lyrics and hooks of Relient K mixed with the Californian summer pop-punk vibe of Lucky 7. Basically Alakrity is low-brow, simple, pop-punk that requires you to leave your intellectual thoughts on the side and embrace their sound. If you can do this then you're in for a treat. Maybe it's me being a touch too melancholy, but Alakrity remind me of a simpler time, college life where you had no real worries. This album is one for the summer, we might not be there yet, but I'd get this album ready in preparation.
To give you a real insight into the band, they have a cover of the theme song from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, I mean, that's all you need to know right there! The production is slick (maybe the cymbals on the drums aren't quite clarified enough) and bar the occasionally slip into ballad territory ("Just Words" I'm looking at you) all of "Whatever Happened To Good TV?" is a fun romp through the past.
If you're looking for something more forward-thinking, if you hate pop-punk, if you hate Christian influenced lyrics, then you won't find what you're looking for, if on the other hand you want something joyful, fun, and unashamedly pop-punk then put a pin in Alakrity as you've found your final destination.
Listen: www.myspace.com/alakrity
Tracklist:
1. Good Luck, We're All Counting On You.
2. Beyond Belief (feat. John Schlitt)
3. A Better Me
4. The Truth Is
5. A Friend's Point Of View
6. Just Words
7. After How Hard I Tried
8. Wait Up
9. Seven Minutes After
10. Abbey's Song
11. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Bonus Track)
Review - PK - Casting Shadows
PK - Casting Shadows
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6 out of 10
The simply named PK don't just have songs called "Saturday" or "The Girl" or something equally innocuous, no instead they opt for titles such as "Rodessia" which I can only assume is a different spelling of Rhodesia, the unrecognised state which is today known as Zimbabwe, or Palimpsest which is a manuscript page from a school or book that has been scraped off and used again.
"Casing Shadows" is the new EP from the Californian 5-piece and combines the vocals of Dashboard Confessional with the music of Circa Survive to create a melodic soundscape for their songs. "See You At The Party, Richter!" named after a quote from Arnold Swarzenegger in Total Recall is a squirming song that sees the rhythm section of the band mix it up no end in a really good show of musicianship. None of the tracks are particularly poppy and as such I can't see PK breaking out from the underground, but that's not to say they aren't a good band.
Who can't love a band that names a track after a quote in Star Wars? "TK-421 Why Aren't You At Your Post?" is a direct quote from the film as TK-421 was the designation of a clone stormtrooper that was stationed aboard the first Death Star. My only criticism would be that the vocals are slightly too similar to Chris Carrabba. A solid EP that shows potential for the future, they just need to cut a few more variations into their sound and tinkle with the vocals to give it that extra edge they need. A nice introduction to PK however.
Listen: www.myspace.com/pk
Tracklist:
1. Rodessia
2. Palimpsest
3. Slow Is The Ascent
4. See You At The Party, Richter!
5. TK-421 Why Aren't You At Your Post?
Friday, 20 February 2009
News - For My Pain UK Re-Issue
For My Pain features Nightwish mainman Tuomas Holopainen on keyboards along with members of Eternal Tears Of Sorrow, Embraze & Reflexion. Spinefarm Records is re-issuing their "Fallen" album from 2003 in the UK.
News - Entwine: Painstained
Entwine will be releasing their latest album "Painstained" in the UK through Spinefarm Records.
News - Threshold Headline Rotherham Rocks!
Threshold will headline the opening day of Rotherham Rocks in Rotherham, England on 8 May 2009.
The festival bill looks like this:
Friday 8 May
Threshold
Haze
Neil Campbell Collective
Beckonsale
Kyrbgrinder
Saturday 9 May
Pendragon
Final Conflict
Abel Ganz
Kramer
The Dreaming Tree
The band have also had to cancel their appearance at the UK’s Metalfest festival in Dudley this September due to unforeseen circumstances. The band would like to apologise to fans who’ve already bought tickets for the show.
News - Adam Freeland Is Under Control
Adam Freeland releases his new single "Under Control" in the form of Freeland, his new band on the 30th of March through Marine Parade. This track is taken from the new album "CopeT" which is being released in June.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Review - Mastodon - Divinations (Single)
Mastodon - Divinations (Single)
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8 out of 10
The first single from highly anticipated new studio album "Crack the Skye"; Mastodon are back with possibly their most accessible single to date. There is no doubt that Divinations is going to fast become, not only a popular Mastodon song, but very possibly their cross-over track.
This really is perfect single material, not too heavy, not too harsh but with all the elements of Mastodon that make them so likeable and appreciated. That said, Divinations is nothing particularly or wonderfully innovative; it's your standard 'metal' verse, chorus, verse situation, but it works. It works well. There is also a menacing, torrid pace to the track which doesn't let up until its punishing end (but not before one hell of a guitar solo*).
Mastodon have, for a long while now been on the precipice; yet have miraculously managed to retain their integrity. I am already aware that Mastodon will be appearing at the major festivals this summer, and I am confident that Mastodon will be a huge hit there, as will this song.
The single is available now.
Buy.
* Seriously.
Listen: www.myspace.com/mastodon
Tracklist:
1. Divinations
Review - Jeniferever - Nangijala EP
Jeniferever - Nangijala EP
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9 out of 10
Sigur Ros get a lot of press, and rightly so - they're an amazing band, producing some beautiful music. Every now and then though, I hear something that makes me thing "Hey! Maybe there's more to Scandinavian post-Mogwai space rock than just Sigur Ros!"
This EP is one of those times. Sure, it's nothing hugely new or groundbreaking, and it treads much the same ground as the aforementioned Icelandic wonders or the Appleseed Cast, for example. It's that blend of sedately paced melody building to a crescendo that we all know and love. But Jeniferever pull it off with much more style than most, making this a must listen if you're an ambient post-rock fan, and easily worth a go if you're not.
Listen: www.myspace.com/jeniferever
Tracklist:
1. Nangijala
2. When Our Hands Clasped
3. Openings to Stories
Review - Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons
Ane Brun - Changing Of The Seasons
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8 out of 10
Lovely stuff. Plain and simple...lovely stuff. Not my words, the words of Shakin Stevens.
Anyway, Ane Brun is a very cute Norwegian girl who has steadily been releasing albums and working at music for the past 5 or so years. Resulting in 2009 with "Changing Of The Seasons" which is a very nice album indeed.
Easiest bracket to put Ane in would be the singer-songwriter/folk tag, which isn’t that far off the mark really, but her music takes in a few more musical points of reference than the tag really gives away. Opener "The Tree house Song" draws on subtle country phrasings while my favourite "The Puzzle" has this Portishead ring to it in places. The album works just as well as a whole as it does as select tracks. Nearly every song from this would work well on its own; "Ten Seconds" carries one of the best choruses I have heard in years.
Her cover of "True Colours" by Cyndi Lauper (as used on some Sky HD advert) is a stand out track as well. Adding a fragility lacking from the original with Ane’s sweet voice.
More than highly recommended.
Listen: www.myspace.com/anebrun
Tracklist:
1. The Tree house Song
2. The Fall
3. The Puzzle
4. My Star
5. Ten Seconds
6. Changing of The Seasons
7. Lullaby For Grown-ups
8. Raise My head
9. Armour
10. Round Table Conference
11. Gillian
12. Don’t Leave
13. Linger With Pleasure
14. True Colours
15. Big In Japan
Review - Various - Cocean / Lines in Sand - Split
Various - Cocean / Lines in Sand - Split
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8 out of 10
Short but sweet this one - one track from each of the bands, and they're both corkers. Cocean are first with Thick as Thieves, which opens with what sounds a bit like a scratchy record and progresses into an American Football style indie song, finishing with some chunky feedback fed riffing. It all fits together well; there's no sense of disjoint, and closes with a fitting crescendo of guitars and drums.
Lines in Sand are next, and what a pleasant sand their track Moving Away to Start Again is. Reminiscent of such luminaries as Rival Schools, At the Drive-In and Sensefield amongst others it's the kind of powerful, driving indie rock you thought the likes of Coldplay had managed to wipe out with their insipid drivel. If they can keep up this standard they'll definitely be a name to watch out for.
Listem: www.myspace.com/linesinsandmusic & www.myspace.com/cocean
Tracklist:
1. Cocean - Thick as Thieves
2. Lines in Sand - Moving Away to Start Again
Review - Los Salvadores - Excerpt From A Ward
Los Salvadores - Excerpt From A Ward
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6 out of 10
None of these tracks hang around, so neither will this review. Los Salvadores appear to come from the foggy strangeness of Kent, bringing with them skapunky metal (Act II), System Of A Toned-Down (Seasons) and a speed boat to Cairo (Still Superstition). You can't argue with the sentiments ('One day we'll die / it's not right'), the energy or the mandolin and live, I'm sure, they'd pop your body into a sweaty blender. Any music accused of having 'too many organs' has to be worth a listen.
Listen: www.myspace.com/lossalvadores
Tracklist:
1. Act II
2. Seasons
3. Still Superstition
Review - Oh Atoms - Sugar Mouse (Single)
Oh Atoms - Sugar Mouse (Single)
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6 out of 10
When listening to this, I think of people I describe as those who are "not of this time" simply because they appear to be trapped within their own personal re-enactment of musical eras they never lived through but are nevertheless nostalgic for. Sugar Mouse is certainly a song which will have most people searching for their old Mama's and Papa's CD's
However derivative it is of that sound it still maintains a certain uniqueness. The part that really stands out for me the most is the hauntingly hollow sounding vocal harmonies. It has a folky feel to it but is just about pop enough to appeal to anyone who owns a Feist or Wannadies album.
If you're planning to have any summertime picnics this year then definitely play this in the car on the way there as it will really put you in the right mood for it!
Listen: www.myspace.com/ohatoms
Tracklist:
1. Sugar Mouse
2. Lets Go Away
Review - Wetnurse - Invisible City
Wetnurse - Invisible City
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7 out of 10
The PR blurb states the wide-ranging set of influences present in New York based collective Wetnurse’s musical landscape. Now in my general experience of reviewing music when the press statement claims it's "new and exciting" I usually cringe and can expect what is to come when I press play. Well it's a pleasant surprise to find that these East Coast noisy bastards are almost on the money with these claims. Almost.
Wetnurse bounce between many different poles of extreme music, essentially it's metal afflicted hardcore at its basest element. But the band are obviously talented musicians and manage to steer well clear of the usual chug, squeak, breakdown mentality that is more present than ever nowadays. Instead they have drawn on the origins of this music. Mixing in death metal, jazz, funk, melodic thrash and a huge dose of that noisy, Amrep "Skronk" that is loved by people (me included). Top this off with the scatter shot vocals of Gene Fowler and you have a diverse, challenging listen.
The band has weaved all these elements into a whole with their somewhat ragged technicality and a very organic production job that allows the playing to shine through.
The only real bad points I can think of are the somewhat generic at times habit of falling into the safety zone of more basic metalcore style sections, but these more than not give way in no time to something more exciting. If you like the styles of Drowningman and Cro-Mags and everything in between then give this a whirl.
Listen: www.myspace.com/wetnursenyc
Tracklist:
1. Conversations With The Moon
2. Not Your Choice
3. Growing Pains
4. Sacred Peel
5. Life At Stake
6. Your Last Flower
7. Missing Lion Returns
8. Slow Your Spell, Miss Hell
Review - Northerner - The Ridings
Northerner - The Ridings
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6 out of 10
Call something 'ambient' and the general impression is one of drifty, insubstantial soundscapes which wouldn't be out of place in the soundtrack to an advertisement for package holidays. The work of Northerner has this tag, yet this, his first album, has far too much happening to be so glibly dismissed. And that, I think, is its problem - there is simply too much going on. The effect is of one trying things out, experimenting. And, as such, it's a bit hit-and-miss.
The hits are tracks such as Fin, with its Stars of the Lid / Twin Peaks mashup, Caroline's acoustic billows and Cull, which seems to be rather a smashed Orb than Labradford and their windy isolationism. The misses are the likes of the overly-busy title track, Cut (which seems to oddly reference the Happy Mondays) and Direction, which grunts to little effect. Northerner looks out onto a wide space, however, and his view is definitely one to watch for the future.
Listen: www.myspace.com/northernermusicuk
Tracklist:
Disc 1:
1. The Ridings
2. Direction
3. Caroline
4. J C de M
5. Cull
6. Lost Logic
7. Fin
8. Titus
9. The Cut
10. Sleep
11. Cull (Reprise)
Disc 2:
1. Cull (Fieldhead Remix)
2. Fin (Bracken Remix)
3. Direction (aus Remix)
4. J C de M (The Declining Winter Remix)
5. Lost Logic (Part Timer Remix)
6. The Cut (Glen Shipley Remix)
7. Sleep (Gareth S Brown Remix)
8. Caroline (Epic45 Remix)
9. The Cut (Portal Remix)
10. The Ridings (Winter North Atlantic Remix)
11. Titus (Yuri Lugovskoy Remix)
Review - Propagandhi - Supporting Caste
Propagandhi - Supporting Caste
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7 out of 10
I have a feeling the purists are going to hate this. There are tunes! There are solos! There is singing! Not necessarily all things one would associate with a Propagandhi album. You know what though? I think this is up there with their best.
I wasn't really a fan until Today's Empires, Tomorrow's Ashes - the band was always a little bit too straightforward and po faced for my liking, and they've stepped further away from that mould with this new album. There are full on thrash punk songs (This is Your Life being a prime example) but most of the album takes a more sedate pace, taking cues from the likes of Latterman and Rise Against with just a hint of Iron Maiden and Rush in some of the riffing. The lyrics are just as straight laced as ever (although do I detect just an iota of humour?) but let's be honest, anything else just wouldn't be Propagandhi.
It's not perfect - at times it veers too far towards mid paced emo metal and suffers accordingly. Some bits are alarmingly close to sounding like Thrice, and it could be argued that the steadier pace does lose some of the immediacy of the full bore earlier material. On the whole though, it's a mature and powerful album from a band that sounds like it's growing up with some grace.
Also, the secret track is AMAZING.
Listen: www.myspace.com/propagandhi
Tracklist:
1. Night Matters
2. Supporting Caste
3. Tertium non Datur
4. Dear Coach's Corner
5. This is Your Life
6. Human(e) Meat
7. Potemkin City Limits
8. Funeral Procession
9. Without Love
10. Incalculatable Effects
11. The Banger's Embrace
12. Last Will and Testament
Review - The King Blues - Save The World, Get The Girl (Single)
The King Blues - Save The World, Get The Girl (Single)
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9 out of 10
I reckon the continuing rise of The King Blues will lead to the ukulele becoming the must-have campsite item for this festival season. Having said that, this track probably won't contribute to that trend, given that the amount of dwarf guitar action on it is barely noticeable. Instead, 'Save The World.' sees the studio version of the King Blues (much more of a 'proper' band, instead of just the core three blokes with battered acoustic guitars) using occasional strings, organ, and studio 'oomph' to augment their ska/punk/pop bounce. Vocalist Itch is on particular form as the lyrics are basically a constant stream of rhyming couplets, and every other one has a joke, pop-culture reference, or a dig at a worthy target ("We put the oops back in troops", "There's girls in labour with Tory boys", "I still can't believe the Terminator's the governor"). It's not a bad pace when you consider most punk bands would go for one target per song, and the unrelenting optimism has to count for a lot given the state of the nation right now.
For some reason, the CD I received doesn't have the single version of the song, but does have both a beeped and an extra clean radio edit. Both are the same length as the album version (it's not like they needed to chop down any self-indulgent guitar solos), and the only difference between them is whether you want to hear a beep or just total silence in the pre-chorus line "And if we lean on you, we are gonna fall, when it's all for one and one for [BLANK]-all!". Now I wonder, whatever could they be saying? I suppose we'll never know.
Despite that puzzle, I'd recommend getting this just for Dan Le Sac & Scroobius Pip's version of What If Punk Never Happened?, which is probably an improvement on the original. Le Sac's computer beeps and beats are a lot more varied than the original basic sample-loop, although Itch's spoken word performance still doesn't quite scan at certain points, and Pip's verse of punk name-dropping which has been added to the end will give you a few wry smiles at the very least, and possibly even make you go back through your old CD collection too.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thekingblues
Tracklist:
1. Save The World, Get The Girl (Beeped Radio Edit)
2. Save The World, Get The Girl (Extra Clean Radio Edit)
3. What If Punk Never Happened? (Dan le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip Radio Mix)
Review - The Firm - Dismal Results (Single)
The Firm - Dismal Results (Single)
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2 out of 10
Rockers of a certain vintage may be forgiven for a touch of excitement but this is, sadly, not Jimmy Page reforming his post-Zeppelin loopygroup. No, it's a quartet of vacant-looking youths from that there London, who have had almost every single 'indie' name thrown at them in a desperate attempt to conjure spirits from nowt. This scribe's ears hear nothing of the Mary Chain, House of Love or Smiths. Rather it is yet another ghastly exhumation of Joy Division and Public Image. And nobody wants that. Do they? Wasn't Interpol enough for you people?
The title track is quite ironic, given the quality on offer. Round The Rim offers slightly more but still ends up sounding like mildly miffed folkies on some bad speed. Everything sounds thin, so if you're in pursuit of 'size zero', this is the music for you.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thefirmband
Tracklist:
1. Dismal Results (Radio Edit)
2. Round The Rim (And Back To Him)
3. Dismal Results (Uncensored)
4. Round The Rim (And Back To Him) (Live at Vada)
Review - Grand Duchy - Lovesick EP
Grand Duchy - Lovesick EP
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7 out of 10
Another triumph, not exactly for Grand Duchy's music, but for Frank Black's writing in the PR blurb, this time entertaining us with a slightly rambling, but very sweet, recollection of how he and his wife, Violet Clark, ended up making music together as Grand Duchy. Well, I say entertaining 'us'. It made me chuckle. I suppose you'll have to make do with the music.
The first two tracks on this EP fit well together as a sort of call and response combination. Lovesick starts us off with Violet singing about missing her man ("You're out of reach, I'm in the USA") over a fairly poppy guitar and synth line. I'm of a mind that it wouldn't sound out of place on a Dandy Warhols phone advert, especially the sampled telephone 'conversation' towards the end, but I don't think that's a particularly good thing. Frank then responds on Vapors by telling us he's still thinking about his lady, though slightly dirtier ("I'm putting you in my favourite scenes of love"). For some reason, he chooses to do this to the accompaniment of processed guitars and a basic drum machine loop which keeps breaking out into some Middle Eastern belly dance disco.
The Timbers is more guitar mixed with programmed beats, and as a mostly instrumental track I suppose it's the obvious way to close the EP. An amusing little curio, which will no doubt be snapped up by Black's more ardent supporters, but probably won't draw in anyone who doesn't already have the album.
Listen: www.myspace.com/grandduchymusic
Tracklist:
1. Lovesick
2. Vapors
3. The Timbers
Review - Victorian Halls - Victorian Halls EP
Victorian Halls - Victorian Halls EP
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6 out of 10
Could sounding like a deranged Panic At The Disco be a good idea? If PATD listened to loads of Blood Brothers and The Locust then Death From Above 1979 held a gun to their heads and forced them to write music relating to the exact situation they were in at that moment then you might end up with this EP by Victorian Halls. Jangle/jarring guitars bang up against shards of piano and electronic bleeps and synth squelches. In fact, Johnny and Billy from Blood Brothers could be the one’s trading the vocals here, so close are Sean and Burns Shotwell (if that’s your real name) playground call and response chants to the much missed 31G lot that you would think at times you were listening to a long lost recording.
Victorian Halls rely more on the melodic pop element than there noisier fore-fathers. "I’m Gonna Eat Your Brains And Gain Your Knowledge" is the perfect example of this. The vocals are what carry this tune and is without a doubt the highlight of the EP. In fact, I would say it's worth buying just for that song. I would indeed.
Listen: www.myspace.com/victorianhalls
Tracklist:
1. Desperate Storyline
2. Neon Skies Light My Nerves Up
3. It's Not Fad It's Etiquette
4. I’m Gonna Eat Your Brains And Gain Your Knowledge
Review - The Datsuns - So Long (Single)
The Datsuns - So Long (Single)
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10 out of 10
This song is what they should play to kids in musical appreciation classes at school.
Just this one. On repeat. Forever.
It seems we now live in a world where our favourite rock n roll icons are advertising insurance and even butter. A world where winners of TV talent shows are allowed to slaughter classic songs by dead musical geniuses. A world where we may as well give up on wondering who'll make it to Christmas number one because we know without a doubt that it will be whoever won Pop Idol.
Thankfully, The Datsuns are back to remind us what it's all about and as soon as you hit play on this one, it seems to hit you in the face as if to say "THAT'S for listening to nu-rave, you berk!"
Authentic shouty, loud, bass and hook driven rock music that serves to remind you of what a great rock song used to and forever should be. Energy, arrogance and most importantly volume!
I honestly can't think of a negative thing to say about it, it's simply awesome.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thedatsuns
Tracklist:
1. So Long
2. What's Happening To Me?
Review - The Fancy Toys - Gypsy Eyes (Single)
The Fancy Toys - Gypsy Eyes (Single)
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7 out of 10
Whilst studying media and all things television, a phrase that I hear all too often is "consider your target audience" so I'm glad that most who choose to make music never do this.
It is for that reason that occasionally you come across an artist or group of artists who easily appeal to a whole multitude of music fanatics. The Fancy Toys are one such ensemble.
Between the two of them, Mickael and James seem to be able to play any instrument placed in their hands and are influenced by jazz, art, funk, pop and computers. The result of that being that they create music which conjures images of a sedated Gogol Bordello playing songs from Bugsy Malone and Monty Python outside a Parisian café on a sunny afternoon, as a Citroen cruises by with a film crew trailing it.
I realise that's perhaps difficult to imagine so if I just tell you that listening to them will make all the credit crunch worries fritter away for a while leaving you smiling and thinking about how fun the world can be sometimes, that's maybe a more accurate way of describing this joyfully quirky, upbeat and playful musical offering.
Listen: www.myspace.com/thefancytoys
Tracklist:
1. Gypsy Eyes
2. Immoral
3. Fancy Toys
Review - Young Guns - In The Night (Single)
Young Guns - In The Night (Single)
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7 out of 10
Is their name a nod towards the 80s western flicks? A gesture to Bon Jovi, perhaps? Or simply a turn of phrase used to describe youngsters often clichéd to rebellious types or those driven by their angst? Who knows, it matters not once the tremors of Young Gun's hearty stomper gets on track - like the rumblings from the sturdy engine of a truck.er, a shiny new truck ferrying good-looking boys that is. For there's no ignoring the polished appearance that the chaps in this Buckinghamshire five-piece have, although their sound renders this sheen a little ragged around the edges. While the appealing combination of raging riffs and chugging rhythm draws ever-so-slight comparisons with Bullet For My Valentine and even Avenged Sevenfold in parts, the whole package offers more similarities with glam-rock n' rollers, Backyard Babies, and with this look Young Guns may be ideal poster material too.
Listen: www.myspace.com/youngguns
Tracklist:
1. In The Night
News - Kieronononon - Three Man Party EP
Kieronononon release their new EP "Three Man Party" on the 27th of April through Roxxor Records.
News - Valencia B-Side EP
Valencia will be releasing a b-sides EP in the next month. Probably as a digital only release. More info when we have it.
News - Tera Melos: Idioms Vol.1
An update from Tera Melos:
"we are currently living in the sargent house cave in LA working on a new record.
so many friggin shows in march- rx bandits/sxsw/these arms are snakes
we’re repressing drugs to the dear youth on 10" vinyl. remixed and remastered. in addition we’ll be releasing a bundle of the stems from that session. so you can do remixes, or pick apart the sloppy ass guitar playing and figure out how to play 40 rods, or learn to play free jazz drums. you can shove them up your ass for all we care. the bundle will probably set you back about $5.
we’re also pressing Idioms Vol. I on 7" vinyl. technically we can’t sell them, so we’ll be offering a white, 8.5x11" piece of paper for $8. with each piece of paper you buy you get a free copy of Idioms. more info soon on both vinyl releases.
we’re working on a full US tour for april/may. don’t have a lot of info on this right now. more to come.
if you have not yet downloaded Idioms, you can find it at teramelosmusic.com. we were having technical problems with the site recently. i think the kid that used to host the site freaked out when he realized how many people were downloading that fucker. so we’re working on getting it back up. should be back up on ,monday
that’s all for now. thanks to everyone for coming out to our shows last month. they were swell.
more to come."
News - These Arms Are Snakes Go Split Crazy!!!
These Arms Are Snakes have gone split crazy! An update from them as below:
"The split 12" with Russian Circles is sold out.
We just reordered the split 7" with Tropics, but the original pressing of 500 is running out.
The split 10" with Pelican sold like hotcakes, and the CD version just got repressed with new covers.
The split 7" with Minus The Bear will be out whenever they get off their asses and pick a song to cover.
But in the midst of all that, we are pleased to announce another split record!
We are honored to announce that Touch & Go Records is doing a limited split 7" with TAAS and upcoming tour-mates All The Saints.
Our side features the track "Washburn" which was recorded during the TS&D session.
In keeping with our Alicja Trout obsession, she was kind enough to provide the artwork for our side of the record. We’re very excited to collaborate with the boys in All the Saints. Don’t know a whole lot about this Touch & Go label though... I think maybe they put out a Meatmen record years ago?
The split should be out in time for the u.s. tour later this month."
News - The Lights Get Brighter In Birmingham...
The Lights will be performing at The Birmingham Barfly on Monday 9th March, to support the release of their new double A side single "The Low Hundreds / Formerly Yours" produced by Gavin Monaghan on May 11th via Crash Records.
News - Patrick Wolf Album Name Change
Patrick Wolf has announced that the name of his new album has changed from "Battle" to "The Bachelor". It will be released on the 1st of June.
Track Listing:
1. Kriegsspiel (Wargames)
2. Hard Times
3. Oblivion
4. The Bachelor
5. Damaris
6. Thickets
7. Count Of Casualty
8. Who Will?
9. Vulture
10. Blackdown
11. The Sun Is Often Out
12. Theseus
13. Battle
14. The Messenger
He will tour the UK in May.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
News - Anarbor New EP Pre-Order
Anarbor has announced the release of their upcoming EP "Free Your Mind". The seven-track EP will be released on March 10th and is currently available for pre-order online and on tour.
Pre-order Anarbor's New EP, Free Your Mind
http://smartpunk.com/category.php?page=search&any=anarbor&stype=all
News - This Time It’s Grammatical
Grammatics will release new double A-side single "Shadow Committee / Time Capsules And The Greater Truth" on the 16th of March through Dance To The Radio. Their self-titled debut album will follow on the 23rd of March.
Tour dates coming up with Red Light Company:
10 March - Glasgow - Nice’N’Sleazy
11 March - Newcastle - The Cluny
13 March - Sheffield - Leadmill
16 March - Nottingham - Bodega
17 March - Birmingham - 02 Academy 3
18 March - Manchester - Roadhouse
20 March - Southampton - Joiners
21 March - Cheltenham - Frog and Fiddle
22 March - Bristol - Thekla
23 March - Cardiff - Barfly
24 March - London - Borderline
25 March - Norwich - Arts Centre
News - The Children of Opera
Operahouse will release new singl "Genius Child" on the 30th of March through Marrakech Records. Their album "Escape From The Sun" will then follow on the 6th of April.
The band are also headlining the Water Rats in Kings Cross, London on Tuesday 3rd March.
News - Marianne Faithfull Brings Her 22nd Album To Life!
Marianne Faithfull’s 22nd album "Easy Come, Easy Go" will be released on the 16th of March. The album is a collection of 18 songs written by others and interpreted by Marianne.
News - Pole Dance To RedTrack
RedTrack will release their double A-side single "Pole Dancer/Addicted to Lust" on the 6th of April.
They have this show lined up also:
March 27th - Single launch party w/ special guests
Monto Water Rats, 328 Grays Inn Road, WC1X 8BX
0207 8374412
8pm / £5
And these dates too:
March 14 - Wilimington Arms, Angel
June 6 - Cramphorn Theatre, Chelmsford
June 20 - Troops Live Aid 2009 -Wembley Stadium
News - Brigada Mercy Single - Roto Chico
Brigada Mercy release their debut single "Roto Chico" in March. The single will be available exclusively via www.3minutesofmadness.com
News - Scott Gross Project Greenlight
Scott Gross the founding guitarist of From Autumn To Ashes has announced he will enter a recording studio sometime over the next month to begin production on a yet unnamed new project.
Look for studio updates over the next few months followed by the full-length on 567 Records later this year.
News - Twin Atlantic: Demo Uploaded
Twin Atlantic have uploaded a live demo version of "Caribbean War Syndrome" to their MySpace page. The track is taken from recent home demo sessions for the groups forthcoming full-length.
Live dates:
Sat 7th Mar : GLASGOW, QMU
Sun 8th Mar: NEWCASTLE, o2 Academy2
Mon 9th Mar: MANCHESTER, Roadhouse
Wed 11th Mar: BIRMINGHAM, Bar Academy
Thu 12th Mar: CARDIFF, Barfly
Fri 13th Mar: LONDON, ILMC 21 - Barfly
News - In Flames Cancel UK & Ireland Tour
IN FLAMES have posted the following statement:
"We are very sad to announce that the UK & Ireland tour will not happen as planned. As you already know, Jesper is currently at an alcohol rehabilitation clinic and is taking some time off to get better. Peter is about to become a dad. We obviously knew about Peter becoming a dad and originally planned to have a replacement bassist, but with the recent events surrounding Jesper we simply feel that it is not fair on the fans to see a completely different line up, which in our eyes is not In Flames. Again, sorry to make any UK & Irish fans disappointed and we hope to make it up to you very soon!"
- In Flames
For already purchased tickets please contact your local ticket office/venue.
News - Flobots UK Tour
Flobots will be touring the UK in February and March alongside Rise Against and Anti-Flag. Full dates as below:
22nd February BRISTOL Carling Academy
23rd February LIVERPOOL Carling Academy
24th February LEEDS Metropolitan University
26th February BIRMINGHAM Carling Academy
27th February MANCHESTER University
28th February SHEFFIELD Carling Academy
4th March NORWICH UEA
5th March OXFORD Carling Academy
6th March LONDON The Roundhouse
News - The Ghost Of Epitaph Records
The Ghost Of A Thousand have officially signed to Epitaph Records. Their new album "New Hopes, New Demonstrations" will be released through the label on the 1st of June.
"I’m over the moon to be joining Epitaph," states vocalist Tom Lacey, "it’s a huge deal to be a part of a label that has shaped punk rock in such a massive way, and I feel even better about the fact that our new record has a great home. We’re not resting on our laurels though. The proper hard work starts now. We’ve been welcomed in by the staff like a new family member, so we can’t let our folks down, we’re going to do them proud."
The album was recorded in Stockholm’s Studio Grondahl in the winter of 2008 with Pelle Gunnefeldt (The Hives, Refused).
News - Four Letter Lie Get Cracking!
Four Letter Lie are working on a new upcoming album release. Their blog from MySpace is below:
"What up 4LLer’s! Right now, we are at home working on a new record for you all that will be released sometime later this year!!!
Hope you all are doin well! We love ya and thanks for all the support! 09 is going to be a good one ;)
<3 4LL"
News - All Time Low Hit The Studio
All Time Low are now in the studio with Dave Bendeth recording their new album.
News - Silent Blind Casino Kids
FELLSILENT, The Casino Brawl and Blind Kids See Ghosts will be touring together in April at the following dates:
9 Apr 2009: THE MUSIC BOX, MANCHESTER
10 Apr 2009: CLUB 85, HITCHIN
11 Apr 2009: PURPLE TURTLE, LONDON
12 Apr 2009: THE SHED, LEICESTER
13 Apr 2009: CATHOUSE, GLASGOW
15 Apr 2009: RIOS, LEEDS
16 Apr 2009: THE CROFT, BRISTOL
17 Apr 2009: THE PARK, PETERBOROUGH
18 Apr 2009: THE NAGS HEAD, HIGH WYCOMBE
News - The Secret Handshake: My Name Up in Lights
The Secret Handshake will release a new album called "My Name Up in Lights" on the 21st of April.
News - All Or Nothing / Chaos Days Split CD
All Or Nothing will be releasing a split CD with Chaos Days via All Aboard Records in mid-May.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
News - Introducing...Emma Deigman
Emma Deigman releases her debut single "It Was You" on the 23rd of March and plays at London’s Jazz Café a month earlier on the 23rd of February.
News - Bury Tomorrow Sign To Basick Records
Bury Tomorrow have signed to Basick Records.
Davyd from the band had the following to say about the deal:
"We are delighted to announce that we have signed to the UK's very own Basick Records for the forthcoming release of our Debut album ’Portraits’. We felt that as a band the thing that was most important to us was, working with a label that was as excited about our music as we are, and after speaking with several other labels, Basick’s enthusiasm for what we are trying to achieve shone through. Basick work with some of the most exciting Metal acts in the country providing them with a level of support that is second to none.
We feel that Basick will be a great home for us, giving us the opportunity to grow and bring the public the music we’ve wanted to hear for such a long time."
Basick's very own Mikee Ward had this to say about the recent signing:
"We're absolutely f***ing stoked to welcome BURY TOMORROW into the Basick Family.
We always pride ourselves on signing bands with undoubted passion, talent and enthusiasm; the BT boys tick all these boxes, and then some.
We absolutely cannot wait to release their debut album 'Portraits' later this year."
Their debut album "Portraits" will be released through the label on the 1st of September.
News - New Isis Album Details Revealed...
Isis will be releasing their new album "Wavering Radiant" on the 4th of May through Conspiracy Records.
Track Listing:
1. Hall Of The Dead
2. Ghost Key
3. Hand Of The Host
4. Wavering Radiant
5. Stone To Wake A Serpent
6. 20 Minutes / 40 years
7. Threshold Of
News - And Then There Were None Go To Hospital
And Then There Were None have added their new song "The Hospital" to their MySpace page. The track is from their album "Who Speaks For Planet Earth?" which is being released on the 24th of February through Tooth and Nail Records.
News - Neverender: Children of the Fence Edition DVD/CD Box Sets
Submitted: "NEVERENDER was the landmark event where for the first time ever, Coheed and Cambria performed all four of their concept albums in entirety over four nights. Now for the first time, on March 24th, you can re-witness this incredible journey through an amazing box set containing not only a DVD and audio CD of each night's performance, but also a must-have photobook and documentary DVD that captures the journey leading to this spectacular event. In addition, the limited edition deluxe NEVERENDER: CHILDREN OF THE FENCE EDITION box set also contains a collectible dragonfly.
Good things take time. Originally slated for a March 3rd release, the band was determined to provide their fans with the ultimate package and decided to include additional content to the box set. On March 24th fans will see that it was well worth the wait.
** There are only 15,000 limited box sets available worldwide. **
** Fans can secure their copy now by clicking here: www.coheedandcambria.neverender **"
"NEVERENDER came about because we wanted to celebrate the end of the Coheed and Cambria saga in a special way," says Coheed frontman Claudio Sanchez. "We wanted to come up with an idea that paid proper respect to this phase of our career, while at the same time gave our fans something truly unique and different. Many of these songs have never been played in front of an audience before so I think we're going to be freaking out at the same time our fans are. It's going to be a major challenge. We're psyched our fans have been so loyal and amazing. We figured they deserved this."
News - Karim Fanous - London Gigs
Karim Fanous releases his double A-side single "Drama Queen / Superbug" through KNN Records on the 23rd of February and is playing the following London dates:
Feb 26, 8.30pm, £5
Cross Kings, supporting Rob McCulloch
126 York Way
London
N1 0AX
March 18, 8pm, free
The Regal Room
64 Fulham Palace Road
Hammersmith
London
W6 9PH
News - Trail of Dead Live Video
...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead’s new album "The Century of Self" is coming out on the 23rd of February (a review on DSD will follow) but you can check out a live video by the band in preperation of the release at this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5bD-Aj5r0U
News - The Arusha Accord Record Debut Album
The Arusha Accord are preparing to hit the studio and record their debut, as yet untitled album at Outhouse Studios (Enter Shikari, Funeral for a Friend, Architects) throughout April.
The band is in the final stages of firming up a deal with a European label that will see the record distributed worldwide. The record and supporting video are expected to be released early summer.
News - Sam Isaac News - March Full Band Tour! New Single Too...
Sam Isaac is doing a Co-Headline tour in March with The All New Adventures of Us. Dates below:
Fri 06 Mar - Roadmender, Northampton w/Tanaou
Sat 07 Mar - Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh w/Tanaou
Mon 09 Mar - City Screen Basement, York w/Tanaou
Tue 10 Mar - Old Blue Last, London w/Tanaou
Wed 11 Mar - Louisiana, Bristol w/Tanaou
Thu 12 Mar - The Portland Arms, Cambridge w/Tanaou
Sat 14 Mar - Cockpit 3, Leeds w/Tanaou
Sam also wrote this about his forthcoming new single:
"I’m releasing a brand new single called "Come Back Home Tonight" on March 9th. It’s the first song from my forthcoming debut album "Bears," and was recorded by Dan Swift (Art Burt, Aqualung). Its going to be released on Hear You Me, and will be available on CD and as a download. Both formats feature a brand new song called "July" and also a Rod Thomas remix of the single. The CDs will come in exclusive hand-made, individually numbered packaging created by Two Ducks Disco."
Monday, 16 February 2009
News - Black Sabbath - "Paranoid" - Deluxe Edition
Black Sabbath will be releasing a deluxe expanded edition of their classic album "Paranoid" on the 6th of April through Universal Music.
Press release details: "Paranoid is expanded to a triple-disc containing the extremely rare 1974 Quadraphonic mix of the album. The album also includes deluxe digipak gatefold packaging with expanded booklets containing rare and previously unseen photographs, comprehensive sleeve-notes telling the story behind each album and include images of rare single covers and memorabilia from the period."
Full album track listing:
Disc 1 (Original Album):
1. War Pigs
2. Paranoid
3. Planet Caravan
4. Iron Man
5. Electric Funeral
6. Hand Of Doom
7. Rat Salad
8. Fairies Wear Boots
Disc 2 (1974 Quadrophonic Mix):
1. War Pigs
2. Paranoid
3. Planet Caravan
4. Iron Man
5. Electric Funeral
6. Hand Of Doom
7. Rat Salad
8. Fairies Wear Boots
Disc 3
(Previously Unreleased Bonus Tracks):
(Tracks 1-8 recorded at Regent Sound Studios, 16 & 17/6/70)
1. War Pigs (instrumental)
2. Paranoid (alternative lyrical version)
3. Planet Caravan (alternative lyrical version)
4. Iron Man (instrumental)
5. Electric Funeral (instrumental)
6. Hand Of Doom (instrumental)
7. Rat Salad (instrumental)
8. Fairies Wear Boots (instrumental)
News - All The Roads Lead To The Words!
The Words will release their new EP "All The Roads" on the 13th of April through HLA Music. It will be available via I-Tunes and all major download sites.
They have the following show confirmed also:
6th March - The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, B5 4EG
- 9pm
News - Redjetson Second Album Release
Redjetson will release their second album "Other Arms" through Gizeh Records on the 20th of April. This will be limited to 1000 copies worldwide.
News - You Me At Six: Save It For The Bedroom
You Me At Six will release their next single called "Save It For The Bedroom" on the 9th of March 9 through Slam Dunk Records.
News - Sleepingdog March UK Tour
Sleepingdog have the following UK tour dates:
March
14th Chichester - The Hope
15th Brighton - Prince Albert
17th London - Macbeth
18th Leeds - House Show
19th Newcastle - Arts Centre
20th Edinburgh - Wee Red Bar
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Review - Lloyd (UK) - Pain of Life
Lloyd (UK) - Pain of Life
View The Review
10 out of 10
Singer-songwriters, not so long ago they were ten a penny in the chart, all the rage and most of them came from the folk school of thought. Katie Melua, KT Tunstall, Nora Jones, Laura Viers and (I kid you not) Minnie Driver. Oh and a lot of them were women as well. In my view it's about time we saw some male artists in this category come to the fore and being honest, I think Lloyd could be the man to unleash such a wave.
There are five tracks that comprise this release, each of them significantly different from the last (unlike a lot of releases) ensuring you don't get bored. At near enough 25 minutes this is a brief EP; however the diversity in the music ensures that you can stick it on repeat for a few hours. So what are you in for? Well a beautiful blend of soul, funk, and melodic pop and light rock. Good examples would be 'Red Blood Sky', oozing cool with rock riffs and infectious funk fueled bass lines and 'Sundown' which comes across with slow country edged pop, not to distant from some of David Gray's stuff. And that's before we get to the Procol Harum & Hollies tinted pining of 'Not Now'. This may sound like it's a bit strung out and badly drawn together, trying to show a wide and varied influence. You'd be wrong; Lloyd has evidently spent his time wisely honing his craft and pulls off this release with an ease that only the best can.
Gripes? I've a couple. The first is that no one has signed this guy yet, I want to know why not, and this is certainly going to get airplay if it gets to the right channels. Secondly this release is short and yet it begs to be longer by a good ten minutes. On the other hand it certainly wets my appetite for the next release.
It's very rare I give a top score, if I ever have but I have to say that if you never buy another release as long as you live; make sure you get this because it's sublime.
Listen: www.myspace.com/lloydmusic
Tracklist:
1. Red Blood Sky
2. Sundown
3. Pain Of Life
4. Not Now
5. Border
Review - Fighting With Wire - Manchester Roadhouse, Saturday 31st January 2009
Fighting With Wire - Manchester Roadhouse, Saturday 31st January 2009
View The Review
8 out of 10
It's a cold Saturday night and the streets of Manchester are filled with students frittering away their loans amongst the many bars of the Northern Quarter and I expect to see a similar crowd when I enter The Roadhouse except tonight, it's brimming with only a sense of apathy amongst the predominately black t shirted mix of old and young. It doesn't really fill me with confidence for what I am about to witness.
Nevertheless, as the audience grows, the temperature steadily rises and there's a noticeable buzz in the room as the support band depart and the stage empties of gear. So much so that the only indication the main band is about to play is the eager crowd starting to slowly squash forward, cameras poised, plaid shirts tied around their waist anticipating the inevitable sweat fest.
Having never seen them before, I presumed from listening to Fighting With Wire that there would be a pedal board the size of a railway platform and an Ayers Rock sized drum kit so I was surprised by the minimal set up. However, they waste no time in attempting to make rib cages rattle, ear drums bleed and when looking at front man, Cahir; it's hard to believe that such a delightful roar could come from a guy who looks charming enough to take home to meet your grandma without fear of frightening her to death.
Before we're even a minute into the second song, he's jumping onto the makeshift "barrier" at the front of the stage, which he continues to do throughout the gig, leaning into the crowd as a sea of camera phone wielding arms reach up to try and get the closest picture possible of what can suitably be described as a bona fide rock star, proving that you don't have to be hanging off the arm of Amy Winehouse to accurately live up to the title.
After some playful banter where Cahir invites a cheeky member of the crowd to come up onstage and plant a big kiss on his face, which seems to be met with both laughter and bewilderment (but no kiss), we're treated to "Long Distance." It's grungey and bass heavy and gets a great singalong reaction from those at the front. The less lyrically knowledgeable nod their heads and stomp their feet approvingly.
They seem to also be playing a lot of new material tonight which adds a certain spirited feel to the performance but the most impressive thing I noticed is that very few bands who display as much energy as Fighting With Wire manage to sustain it for the entire duration of the gig. Less ambitious bands break it up with a few slightly mellower songs but these guys are relentless.
The only noticeable breaks come in the form of occasional guitar tuning and a well received tirade about Iggy Pop's recent insurance advert which Cahir (and nearly everyone else in the room) seems disappointed with.
It's not surprising that they've been compared with bands like Biffy Clyro and At The Drive In because of this relentless energy and probably also because of the way in which the crisp unadulterated guitar sounds really stand out amongst a characteristically heavy bass line not to mention the frenzied (and massively impressive) drumming to give it that extra adrenaline kick.
It's also great to see a band who keep it simple by not feeling the need to use dozens of different instruments, FX pedals or similar, yet still managing to make an enormous sound, all the while still emphasising the all important minor details in the music.
This was the first gig of 2009 for me, but it's definitely one which set the bar pretty high for everything else I'll see this year to be compared against.
Listen: www.myspace.com/fightingwithwire
Tracklist:
Review - Jyager - Encrypted Scriptures
Jyager - Encrypted Scriptures
View The Review
7 out of 10
Born and raised in the sunny climes of Portugal, the now UK resident Jyager looks set to be the next relative unknown to climb out of the darkness of the UK streets thanks to the heads over at VNR Records. Encrypted Scriptures is the perfect mixture of dark bass laden beats laid down entirely by VNR's very own CEE WHY and poetic, yet grim as the north east lyrics with that distinctive southern twang.
Like any good hip hop joint this record isn't short of guest emcees. Bars come courtesy of Foreign Beggars, Kashmere (Frozen In The Night), Verb T and Kyza (Seconds, Hours and Minutes); as to be expected, the track with the Jehst bars (The Session) is the stand out of the album. Both emcees have a style and flow that seems to complement each other more so than the others on here and is one hundred percent head nod potion.
Good words aside, this album does drag on a little and you'll probably find it better put to use in a mix playlist than a full on, track after track listen.
Listen: www.myspace.com/jyagermak
Tracklist:
1. Eyes Open
2. Somewhere In Paradise
3. Frozen In The Night
4. Yellow Brick Road
5. Tipsey Silent Monkey Man
6. Actors In The Frame
7. Crystal Mirrors
8. The Session
9. Never Gonna Bring Me Down
10. See It To Believe It
11. Seconds, Hours and Minutes
12. Didn't Wanna Have To Do It
Review - Eslam Jawaad - Rewind DJ (ft De La Soul) (Single)
Eslam Jawaad - Rewind DJ (ft De La Soul) (Single)
View The Review
9 out of 10
Eslam is an Arabian American emcee and has toured the world with some of hip hops greats (Wu Tang Clan) so it's no surprise that he's worked with some of the biggest names ever on this single. De La Soul lends their hand to Rewind DJ and make it something special. If you know De La Soul, you know roughly what to expect. DJ Format styled, bouncy and ultimately FUN beats. This record has Top 10 written all over it. It's absolutely brilliant and will surely have heads nodding all summer.
Listen: www.myspace.com/eslamjawaad
Tracklist:
1. Rewind DJ ft De La Soul
Review - Chaoswave - Dead Eye Dreaming
Chaoswave - Dead Eye Dreaming
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10 out of 10
The latest release from Germany's newest and clearly busiest metal label Silverwolf Productions, is Chaoswave's Dead Eye Dreaming and it could well be the best one yet.
The album shreds it way through colossal anthems which should only be played at the highest volume, with debut single '10 Years of Denial' at the top of the play list. For the most part this is a total metalfest with tinges of other Euro metal acts Lacuna Coil and Deadlock evident in style and form.
Stand out tracks include Blind Eye Focus, Picture Perfect and bonus track From the Stare to the Storm and you don't need much imagination to realise that these guys will start fires across European metal festival stages this summer.
It's time to ride the (Chaos)wave!
Listen: www.myspace.com/chaoswave
Tracklist:
1. 10 Years of Denial
2. Fork Tongues and Foul Times
3. How to Define a Race
4. A March for the Dying
5. Another Lie to Live in Vain
6. Blind Eye Focus
7. Dead Eye Dream
8. Rise
9. Picture Perfect
10. Two Shadows
11. The Evident
12. From the Stare to the Storm
Review - Xykogen - Terminology
Xykogen - Terminology
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2 out of 10
Aaaaaaaaaaaarggggh! Another band stuffed full of weird names for the sake of it.
London based techno-industrial band Xykogen are frankly, very, very dull, but the kind of stuff cyberpunks entirely lust over. Mindless beat follows mindless beat and the whole mass is covered with some Enya-esque vocal warbling that, I presume, is supposed to be some kind of haunting reminder of the pointlessness of the human spirit.
Maybe I simply don't understand, and therefore am simply flipping Xykogen aside without truly attempting to engage in their message, but if I didn't get it in 41 minutes, I probably would never get it at all.
Listen: www.myspace.com/xykogen
Tracklist:
1. Metallaxis
2. No Heaven
3. Terminology
4. My Unquiet Mind
5. As If By Magick
6. Evolve
7. Hashishin
8. An Die Freude
9. Terminology (Reprise)
Review - Shinedown - Sound of Madness (Single)
Shinedown - Sound of Madness (Single)
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9 out of 10
Raining down beats like some kind of rock monster, Shinedown go from strength to strength with new single - Sound of Madness.
Following hard on the heels of awesome anthem 'Devour', 'Sound of Madness', is one of those tunes that is so stuffed full of hooks, memorable lyrics and balls-out guitar lines, that at times it seems like it'll just burst.
Already two albums into their careers in the States, Shinedown look set to be this year's Nickelback in terms of their well deserved UK breakthrough, and just a glance at their mental schedule tells you these guys could well be the hardest working band in the world right now.
Check them out now, because soon you won't stand a chance at getting a ticket for less than 30 quid.
Listen: www.myspace.com/shinedown
Tracklist:
1. Sound of Madness
Review - Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things (Re-Release)
Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things (Re-Release)
View The Review-cd.jpg)
10 out of 10
Having shifted one million units in the States, and with forthcoming single "I'm Yours" dominating global airwaves, Mraz's 'We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things' is a 21st century masterpiece. Tune after tune is simply perfect - a picture of everything that is great about summer, relationships, people, place and situations.
Top of the list is probably former Radio 1's Scott Mills' record of the week "I'm Yours" which can't help but draw comparisons between Mraz and acoustic contemporaries like Jack Johnson. It's a delicate bounce through a blossoming relationship that you cannot help but tap your feet and sing along to.
Grab this CD today - you can't help but fall in love both to it and with it.
Listen: www.myspace.com/jasonmraz
Tracklist:
1. Make It Mine
2. I’m Yours
3. Lucky
4. Butterfly
5. Live High
6. Love For A Child
7. Details In The Fabric
8. Coyotes
9. Only Human
10. The Dynamo Of Volition
11. If It Kills Me
12. A Beautiful Mess
Review - Argon 40 - When The Words Don't Come (Single)
Argon 40 - When The Words Don't Come (Single)
View The Review
3 out of 10
To be honest, when I realised Argon 40 was a collaboration between a former Powerman 5000 band member and a singer/songwriter from Scotland, I was expecting more. This is most definitely not 'When Worlds Collide', which is shame, because instead we are presented with some massively diluted and uninteresting. Throughout the whole time I was expecting a break, something to reach and grab me by the ears.
Unfortunately, what I got instead was a girl who sounds like so many, supported by a dude with a casio keyboard drum machine with some widdly noises in the background.
This defines missed opportunity. Don't worry though; I imagine it will be huge.
Listen: www.myspace.com/argon40
Tracklist:
1. When The Words Don't Come
2. 44.66 Days
Review - Everett - Storyteller
Everett - Storyteller
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8 out of 10
Hailing from just down the road from me I was surprised that I'd never heard of Everett prior to their simply, yet nicely packaged EP coming through my letter box. What surprised me further was how much I'm enjoying it - you see I fear that no matter what Everett do they're always going to be compared to Coldplay. That's not to say that they sound the same, they just use a lot of the same ingredients.
The result is a record that is melodic, atmospheric and above all else easy to listen to; ideal for perhaps having a bath too or maybe when having a nice old fashioned sit down. At times the record really is achingly sweet, and dare I say it.beautiful?
The EP, though short, gives a very strong indication of Everett's sound. Try if you can to put aside the obvious comparisons to Coldplay.
Well worth checking out.
Listen: www.myspace.com/everettuk
Tracklist:
1. Prologue
2. Where Loyalties Lie
3. The Reform
4. Siren
5. Epilogue
News - This Smudge Is A Live One...
Smudge have the following live dates coming up:
17th Feb - The Music Box with Reemer - Manchester
20th Feb - Matrix Club - Grimsby
3rd March - The Shed - Leicester
7th March - The Box - Crewe
10th March - Retro Bar - Manchester
News - The Scratch V.S Goldblade
The Scratch will be supporting Goldblade at the following show:
27th March 21:30 - The Horn - Supporting GOLDBLADE
Victoria Street, St.Albans, London and South East AL1
News - T.I. Single Release
T.I. releases his new single "Dead and Gone" featuring Justin Timberlake on the 9th of March.
News - Argon 40 - When The Words Don’t Come / 44.66 Days
Argon 40 will release their debut double A side single "When the Words Don't Come / 44.66 Days" on March the 2nd. (Available via I-Tunes)
News - Copyright Extended To 95 Years
Submitted: "Today is a historic for the music industry after the European Parliament's legal affairs committee moved to extend the copyright term for recordings from 50 to 95 years.
The move could signal the end of a seven year fight by music industry professionals to see performers and writers treated equally.
The Council of Ministers still need to vote on the move, but music industry insiders are hopeful of a positive outcome."
News - FACT To Release Their Self-Titled US Debut
FACT from Japan will release their self-titled US debut on April the 14th through Vagrant/Maximum 10.
Track Listing:
1. Paradox
2. Los Angeles
3. A Fact of Life
4. Chain
5. Reborn
6. Purple Eyes
7. Lights of Vein
8. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence [original by Ryuichi Sakamoto]
9. CO3
10. Snow
11. Stretch My Arms
12. 45 Days
13. Why...
14. 1-2
15. Rise
16. A Fact of Life (Boom Boom Satellites remix)
Thursday, 12 February 2009
News - Thursday Album Stream
You can stream Thursday’s new album "Common Existence" in its entirety at their MySpace page now.
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
News - Mono: Hymn To The Immortal Wind
Mono’s new album "Hymn To The Immortal Wind" is set to be released on the 30th of March through Conspiracy Records.
Track Listing:
1. Ashes in the Snow
2. Burial at Sea
3. Silent Flight, Sleeping Dawn
4. Pure as Snow (Trails of the Winter Storm)
5. Follow the Map
6. The Battle to Heaven
7. Everlasting Light
News - Attack! Attack! + Twin Atlantic : Live Dates
Attack! Attack! (www.myspace.com/attackattackband)
FEB 21: NEWCASTLE Academy 2
FEB 22: LEEDS Cockpit
FEB 23: NORWICH Waterfront
FEB 24: LIVERPOOL Academy 2
FEB 25: MANCHESTER Academy 3
FEB 26: LONDON Islington Bar Academy
FEB 27: BRISTOL Academy 2
FEB 28: SOUTHAMPTON Talking Heads
Twin Atlantic (www.myspace.com/twinatlantic)
MAR 7th: GLASGOW, QMU
MAR 8th: NEWCASTLE, o2 Academy 2
MAR 9th: MANCHESTER, Roadhouse
MAR 11th: BIRMINGHAM, Bar Academy
MAR 12th: CARDIFF, Barfly
Both bands are heading to SXSW this year, following these tours.
News - The Maybes? Single & Co-Headline Tour
The Maybes? next single will be "Trick Of The Light", which will be released digitally on the 23rd of March through Xtra Mile Recordings.
Co-Headline tour with Club Smith:
MARCH
26 Glasgow King Tuts
28 Whitley Bay, Trojan Rooms
31 Manchester Ruby Lounge
APRIL
01 Leeds Cockpit
02 Derby, The Royal
03 Liverpool, Academy 2
04 Portsmouth Cellars
06 Southampton Hamptons
07 Brighton Freebutt
08 Birmingham Hare & Hounds
09 Nottingham Bodega
10 London Borderline
Tickets are £6
Except Liverpool which is £7
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
News - The Prolific Man That Is Chris T-T
Chris T-T is busy writing lyrics and demoing music for his sixth and seventh studio albums. This comes in the form of material with his band The Hoodrats as well as an acoustic solo album.
March tour dates:
5 Derry Masons (solo)
6 Belfast Auntie Annies (solo)
7 Douglas, Isle Of Man
8 Port Erin, Isle Of Man
14 San Diego, The Habitat
15 San Francisco, Hotel Utah
18-22 SXSW 2009 in Austin Texas
21 Austin, Stephen F's
23 Phoenix, Yucca Tap Room
24 Tucson, Dry River
27 Santa Barbara, Muddy Waters
28/29 Los Angeles, venue tbc (with Learning Music)
News - Steven Wilson Destroys iPods
Submitted: "Steven Wilson is releasing his new album "Insurgentes" on March 9th and in the build up to the release, he is putting out a series of videos, one a week, of himself destroying iPods in a manner of different ways. In his own words, he is doing this because:
"My fear is that the current generation of kids who’re being born into this information revolution, growing up with the Internet, cell phones, iPods, this download culture, ’American Idol,’ reality TV, prescription drugs, PlayStations - all of these things kind of distract people from what’s important about life, which is to develop a sense of curiosity about what’s out there."
Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=06JWDLTx4l0
News - Paradise Lost: In The Studio
Paradise Lost are currently recording their new album at Fascination Studios in Örebro (Sweden) with producer Jens Bogren (Katatonia, Amon Amarth, Opeth).
Here’s some studio video updates:
#1 www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBEFhQ4gWeI&feature=channel_page
#2 www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWOG6wgDoLI&feature=channel_page
Jens Bogren states:
"It’s going to be a great album, like the good old days, if I may say so! Intense, diverse riffing with wild drumming, and great songs."
Expect the album in September through Century Media Records.
News - The Gaslight Anthem Support The Boss
The Gaslight Anthem will be supporting Bruce Springsteen at this year's Hard Rock Calling event in London's Hyde Park on June 28th.
Singer Brian Fallon says: "Obviously it’s been a dream of mine to play with Bruce and the E Street Band. It’s truly an honour, and on top of that for it to be in London, one of my favourite cities anywhere, it’s a dream. Plus, it’s two Jersey shore locals playing some rock and roll."
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 13th February.
Ticket Price - £45 + Booking Fee
Box Office Number - 0844 847 2502 (24 hours).
Their new single "Great Expectations" is released through SideOneDummy records on March 16th.
News - Bring Me The Horizon Headline October Tour
Submitted: "Bring Me The Horizon have announced their biggest UK headline tour to date. Dates as follows:
Thursday 22nd October GLASGOW Barrowland
Friday 23rd October MANCHESTER Academy
Saturday 24th October BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy
Sunday 25th October LONDON Roundhouse
Monday 26th October NORWICH UEA
The London show will be particularly significant after BMTH and the rest of the Kerrang Tour bands were forced to cancel their recent Brixton Academy show due to power failures in the area. Vocalist Oli Sykes recently expressed his disappointment at the cancellation of the show:
"People of London! We were tremendously gutted Friday night. We were so excited to play, as the rest of the Kerrang tour was f**king amazing for us. We hope that somehow we can make it up to you. For anyone who really wanted to see us, we’ll be back in the UK this October on our biggest headline tour to date... so come see us there!""
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