Altsounds

How's My Pop - On the Hop [Album]

Rob H — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:18:00 GMT

How�s My Pop is a four-piece outfit from Lancaster, UK who have just released their debut, �On the Hop� on Barnbox Records. Andrew Raven (vocals/guitar), Tom Diffenthal (keyboards), Matt Canty (bass), and Chris McNeil (drums) spin a variety of grooves but create a sound that lands somewhere between Sondre Lerche and The Arctic Monkeys.

The song-writing displays a maturity one might not expect from a debut release. �On the Hop� opens with the catchy, upbeat 'Soil,' a straight-ahead Pop song that contains few surprises, but is still delivered with a wink and a nod. Don�t get comfortable though! The second track, 'Mr. Sunshine,' has a completely different feel. It is grander and more complex, with sweeping crescendos and quiet sections where they add some strings and horns.

�On the Hop� ranges all over, from the gloomy �Bomber Boy� to the uplifting �Fire in My Soul,� from the introspective, minimalist �Hazel� to the broad and clever �Jack.� How�s My Pop displays a remarkable talent for arrangement. Songs flow nicely and each musician picks moments to add flourishes that sparkle in the moment while setting up the next musical turn of phrase.

The subject matter of the songs add another dimension to the music. No silly songs of benders, fashion, or trawling for women. Instead, we�re treated to examinations of consumerism, crumbling infrastructure, and the search for meaning. Of course, they still write the occasional love song, but the way in which the ideas are expressed is fresh and interesting.

I didn�t like every single song on this �On the Hop.� A couple times I felt they went too far down the rabbit hole and got a little gimmicky. Those tracks were definitely the exception, however. For the most part, How�s My Pop has delivered a debut release of depth and variety that remains engaging throughout. I will be very interested to see where they go from here. The old adage in the music business is you have your whole life to write your first album and six months to write your second. This eclectic mix of grooves and subjects sets the bar pretty high but also shows a great deal of promise for their future.

Alan Pownall - Clara [Single]

Burt — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:12:31 GMT

Here's a single from young London folk-pop fellow Alan Pownall. It's called 'Clara' and skiffles along like sunshine falling on a prancing kitten.

Alan has an expressive voice giving 'Clara' and B side 'The Others' a cozy depth that pulls you along with the trick free tunage. It's classic song writing, especially on 'Clara,' with a familiarity that immediately strikes a chord. Occasionally that can detract from the individuality of a song but Alan has managed to dodge that bullet here.

'The Others' takes a more river side stroll approach as opposed to 'Clara''s bounding along the boardwalk and Alan's voice gets all smoky and wistful, complimenting the nostalgic strings. Oh look! There's Ratty and Mole, let's stop for a picnic.

All in all it's a good release and a nice introduction to a talented chap who could well take off in a Kate Nash way if he's got the hunger for it.

Brakes - Why Tell The Truth (When It's Easier To Lie) [Single]

deadletteroffice — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:01:44 GMT

Brakes are a band known for their loud, ramshackle live shows (their superb live album 'Live is Dodelijk' pays testament to this) but here they show that they are just as adept at the kind of melodic pop-rock Pixies used to be able to churn out in their sleep. 'Why Tell The Truth' is a brisk, hook laden ditty with a striking structure which sees an atmospheric, acoustically tinged verse off-set by a chorus so comparatively loud it almost sounds violent.

The song may be simple at heart (to my ears I'm hearing the whole song as G/D/A with a cheeky E thrown in at the chorus) but the band play off each other wonderfully and there's just enough studio buffery in place to maintain Brakes lo-fi aesthetic whilst retaining some modern clarity. Eamon Hamilton's lyrics too are a thing of sparse beauty, touching on alcoholism and wasted days in a tone and wit not seen since Paul Westerbergs drunken hey-day ("I'm gonna tell you why it is that I drink my days away, It's cause the beer helps the cigarettes go down") and manage to convey a sense of longing without sounding corny or force-fed (no mean feat).

B-Side 'Worry About It Later' is almost as strong, a lovelorn acoustic number that wouldn't sound out of place on a Shins album. It leaves one with the lasting impression that this band can truly do no wrong.

I can name only a handful of modern bands that manage to pull off music this simple without making it sound dumb and Brakes sit comfortably at the top of that list!

Julian Perretta - Wonder Why [Single]

deadletteroffice — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:04:08 GMT

If Mika camped it down JUST a little bit he'd probably arrive at a sound not dissimilar to London born Singer-Songwriter Julian Perretta. What we have here is a polished pomp-pop glitter-ball that ticks as many boxes as humanly possible in the space of 4 minutes.

Beginning with a kazoo hook (you heard that right ) which sounds like the grange hill theme given a Mark Ronson make-over, the song soon settles into a familiar groove. There's much to admire here in the songs smooth verse and virtuoso vocal performance but the chorus is a dramatic let-down. The tension developed in the verse really needed a decent pay-off and the chorus just feels like a damp squib with some questionable lyrics ("Stop, drop, go throw up the letter") and a backing track which shows no definable shift from the verse, either melodically or dynamically. Of course the chorus (or lack thereof) does eventually pay-off in the middle 8 and resolves comfortably by songs end, but I expected more.

It may be a little late in the year for something this unashamedly summery but given the right push I could easily see 'Wonder Why' gracing the top rung of the charts. It's breezy glamour is far from perfect (and I would imagine after 4 or 5 spins even the most forgiving music fan would tire of that intro) but it's pleasant enough fare that should go some way to towards enamouring Julian Perretta to his target market of middle aged women who buys their music at Tescos.

Introducing: Is Tropical

Matt D — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:48:34 GMT

London three - piece IS TROPICAL are set to release their debut single on the fledgling Hitclub Records labelon the 18th of January 2010.

'When O' When', produced and Mixed by Al O'Connell (Klaxons/Big Pink) at Beethoven Street London, comes backed with 'Seasick Mutiny' and is released on limited edition seven inch vinyl and as a digital download. Uniquely varied and disjointed, 'When O' When' rattles through so many different rhythms and styles in a way unlike any other typical 3-and-a-half minute pop formula around right now.

Watch "When O' When" video here:

Formed early this year, the IS TROPICAL line up of Gary Barber (Vocals/Guitars/Keys), Simon Milner (Vocals/Guitars/Keys) and Dominic Apa (Drums/Programming) hit the ground running playing a quick stint of live dates and club nights in and around London. Developing their live show and songs simultaneously, they improvise from scrounged instruments and create a constantly changing soundscape, which sees them effortlessly swoop from raw pop anthems to lo-fi dance songs.

Taking to the stage in their now trademark masks, cloaked by self-made video projections IS TROPICAL are one of the most exciting and mysterious bands in the country. Spontaneous, unindulgent, and instinctively inventive. IS TROPICAL will be playing the following dates in November and December, more live dates to be announced.

LIVE DATES:

NOV 25TH - THE MACBETH - LONDON

NOV 27TH - GOLDSMITH UNIVERSITY- LONDON

DEC 12TH - CARNIVALE (WHITECHAPEL) - LONDON

DEC 15TH - THE LEGION - LONDON

www.hitclubhq.com IS TROPICAL on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

Decapitated announce UK Rebirth tour!

Matt D — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:57:31 GMT

Polish tech death metal masters DECAPITATED are finally back with a vengeance! After the band had to suffer tragic losses during the past two years, the last remaining founding member Vogg managed to put together a whole new line-up that will represent DECAPITATED that will make 2010 as powerful and brutal as they were ever before.

To open that new chapter, DECAPITATED will embark on a co-headlining UK tour with fellow label mates KATAKLYSM in February 2010!

Commented Vogg:

Quote:

Hello, what�s up UK!! I am really happy to announce this short message for all DECAPITATED fans: As you all know, 2 years after the tragedies we had to suffer, I decided to continue the band. There�s no sense in stopping this amazing thing we built up so many years ago together with Witek, Sauron, Martin and Covan. We chose to do our first tour in the UK because we have only good memories from this place and we are sure that you guys will support us� we need you!! I am very pleased to announce the new killer line-up of DECAPITATED: Kerim �Krimh� Lechner on Drums � he�s a new blood, very talented and used to play in bands like THORNS OF IVY and TONE INTIMACY, amazing Rafał Piotrowski comes from bands like KETHA and FORGOTTEN SOULS and will take over vocal duties, where masterous Filip �Heinrich� Hałucha from VESENIA, ROOTWATER, UNSUN and MASACHIST will be destroying the bass!

See you all soon! We honestly can�t wait!

Vogg / DECAPITATED

DECAPITATED / KATAKLYSM
01 Feb - UK - Birmingham - 02 Academy 2
02 Feb - UK - Glasgow - Ivory Blacks
03 Feb - UK - Manchester - Moho Live
04 Feb - UK - Bristol - Blerkeller
05 Feb - UK - Reading - Sub89
06 Feb - UK - Leeds - Rios
07 Feb - UK - Wrexham - Central Station
08 Feb - UK - London - 02 Academy Islington*
* without Kataklysm
DECAPITATED | DECAPITATED on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

Saosin Giveaway

Matt D — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:57:47 GMT

Courtesy of our friends at Total Assault in celebration of Saosin's US tour and Saosin�s recent release, In Search of Solid Ground, the band and Altsounds.com want to hook up one lucky winner with a major prize pack, including a Fender Squire Bass, Ibanez Electric Guitar, Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar, and an Evans Drumhead, all signed and played by the members in the "Changing" music video. Enter now for your chance to win this incredible prize!

Saosin is currently headlining the Pac Sun tour through December. Check out their MySpace Page to find out when they will be in a city near you!

To enter and to win the chance to win a band's dream (getting all the kit you need!) go onto this site and follow the instructions:
Saosin Changing Giveaway - Win All 4 Instruments From The Video

"Get Out of the Garage" Contest Update & Giveaway

Matt D — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:45:23 GMT

Firstly this is a US only competition!

The deadline to submit your song for a chance to play at the Levi's�/FADER Fort is coming up!

2nd Annual Converse "Get Out of the Garage" Music Contest

Submit your song or vote for your favorite song to help the world discover the next great artists. Win a chance for Grand Prize, all expenses trip to Austin, TX in March, 2010 to perform with the Flying Machines at the Levi's�/FADER Fort OR vote for your favorite song for a chance to win an all expenses trip to Austin, TX see the Grand Prize winners perform at the Levi's�/FADER Fort!!!

Converse and Journeys have teamed up to bring the second annual "Get Out of the Garage" music contest. With over 4,000 artists already entered, the deadline for artists to submit songs is November 22, 2009.

Last year, Grand Prize winner Flying Machines won tremendous exposure, which lead to a record deal with EMI. The TWO Grand Prize winners of this year's Get Out of the Garage contest will each win an all expense paid trip to perform with Flying Machines at the Levi's�/FADER Fort in Austin, TX, a $1000 gift card from Guitar Center, a $1000 cash prize provided by OurStage, Converse shoes and Levi's jeans. The remaining 8 finalists will receive gift certificates from Converse and Guitar Center.

Not a musician? Not a problem. All you have to do is judge and you will be eligible to win an all expensed trip to the Levi's�/FADER Fort in Austin, TX to see the Grand Prize winners perform live. As an added bonus, each day during the contest 10 fans who judge in the competition will be picked at random to win a gift certificate from Journeys and will automatically be entered for the chance to see the Grand Prize winners perform at the Levi's�/FADER Fort!!!

Upload your song or vote at www.getoutofthegaragemusiccontest. com

November 22, 2009 - Deadline to submit songs
November 29, 2009 - Online voting ends
December 1, 2009 - Top 10 finalists announced
December 31, 2009 - 2 Grand prize winners announced

For more info about Journeys please go to Journeys Shoes - The Styles You Need, the Brands You Crave

For more info about Guitar Center please go to Guitars, Musical Instruments, and Musical Equipment from Guitar Center

For more info about Converse please go to Converse - Chuck Taylor, Jack Purcell, Basketball Shoes, Design Your Own Converse Shoes

We also have one pair of Converse shoes to give away;

Now in order to enter this s you have to go onto Get Out Of The Garage Music Contest and submit a song by your band!

However to win the pair of Converse trainers you have to answer this question:

What is the name of the festival that takes place yearly in Texas?
A: North By Northwest
B: South By Southwest
C: CMJ

2010 BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL DATES ANNOUNCED

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:12:53 GMT

Superfly Productions and A.C. Entertainment are proud to announce the dates for the ninth annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Confirmed to take place June 10 - 13, 2010, the four-day festival will once again be held at the same beautiful, 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, 60 miles southeast of Nashville. Ticket pre-sales for the festival will begin on November 27, 2009 and will last until 11:59pm eastern on December 31st. Bonnaroo will once again offer general admission tickets for five easy payments of $50 plus applicable fees through the holiday pre-sale. In addition, with each ticket purchase the festival will send a Bonnaroo holiday greeting card featuring a unique, iconic photo from Bonnaroo's colorful past. To get a card, purchasers must place their order by December 16th. A limited edition 2010 Bonnaroo Calendar will also be available during this period. To see a great stop motion video created by Shadow Machine (Robot Chicken, Moral Orel) about the Holiday Pre-Sale, go to Bonnaroo.

Always looking for ways to better the festival each year, Bonnaroo's ninth promises to build on the achievements of the previous eight in all facets of the event. From its music programming to the non-music attractions, activities and art, the promoters are already deep into adding new and exciting elements to create yet another incomparable weekend. Since it's inception in 2002, the festival has evolved into a world-class, multi-faceted entertainment experience, swiftly earning its status as the country's premier music and arts event.

Bonnaroo continues to make a strong impact on the American music industry. The Wall Street Journal called it "one of rock's best festivals," and said that the 2009 lineup "fairly bursts with some of the most gifted acts in rock and pop." The festival has served as a launching pad for such popular artists as Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket, Ray Lamontagne, Matisyahu, Robert Randolph and many others. A creative and cultural mega-success, Bonnaroo has also featured a staggeringly diverse range of world-class acts such as Bob Dylan, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Neil Young, Radiohead, Phish, Willie Nelson, The Police, Pearl Jam, David Byrne, Tom Petty, Tool, Wilco, The Dave Matthews Band, James Brown, The White Stripes, Al Green, Nine Inch Nails, The Dead, Regina Spektor, Widespread Panic, Death Cab For Cutie, Elvis Costello, Ornette Coleman, Amadou and Mariam, Beck, TV on the Radio, Against Me!, Merle Haggard, The Black Crowes, Phoenix, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant, Bright Eyes, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Earle, Jurassic 5, Modest Mouse, The Mars Volta, Common, Burning Spear, the Flaming Lips, among many others.

The festival is also starting to make quite an impact on the comedy industry as well, as it has featured some of today's best comedians working today. From Chris Rock, Lewis Black, Flight of the Concords, David Cross and Fred Armisen to Jimmy Fallon, Triumph The Insult Comic Dog, Jim Norton, Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis, Louis CK, Janeane Garofalo, Aziz Ansari, John Oliver and Brian Posehn, Bonnaroo is now considered to be an essential play for every comedian both established and on the rise.

The Bonnaro 2010 line up will be announced in late January/early February.

CHARLIE ALEX MARCH TO RELEASE DEBUT "HOME/HIDDEN" ON LO RECORDINGS

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:07:51 GMT

UK artist/composer Charlie Alex March is pleased to announce the release of his debut album, Home/Hidden, with Lo Recordings. Home/Hidden, set for release in the US on February 16, is a wonderfully melodic and satisfying affair, gloriously English in a non-sniffy manner, like tea and crumpets or a stroll on an autumn day.

Remarkably focused and mature, it's eclectic mixture of real strings, treated piano and all manner of electronic keyboards create a surprisingly coherent and comfortable musical vision. Home/Hidden continues Charlie's association with Sean O'Hagan and Dominic Murcott of the High Llamas (string arrangements and vibraphone respectively) and also features the talents of Andy Ramsay of Stereolab on drums, Jo Apps on vocals and Gabriel from Metronomy playing bass guitar.

After two acclaimed EPs, one of which led David Bowie to comment, "it's a beautiful glockenspiel and string-led instrumental that gently comes and goes in under three minutes. Delightful," Charlie is now ready to unfurl his musical banner and let the world know that it's okay to love melody, it's okay to relax, to fall in love, to feel good about yourself.

Like a soft collision between Aphex Twin at his most melodic, Nick Drake at his string-soaked finest, or some hybrid of Steve Reich and Syd Barrett scoring a Tim Burton movie, the music of Charlie March has a lingering, delicate beauty that will be around for a long time.

It can be a grim world full of terror and horror but although sometimes hidden, there is always a place deep within that you can call home and where the golden light of love shines on.

Right on.

Charlie Alex March Home/Hidden Track Listing:

01/ Plan 9
02/ Francisca's Theme
03/ Mao
04/ Cortot No 7
05/ Melodie
06/ Snow Feet
07/ Clouds Over You Again
08/ Telephone Song
09/ Cortot No 6
10/ Kyoko's Broken Piano
11/ The Lost Levels
12/ Son of a Joe

For more info, please visit:
http://www.lorecordings.com
http://www.myspace.com/charliealexmarch

Deftones Charity Auction & Show

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:00:29 GMT

Today begins a charity auction for Chi Cheng, bassist for Deftones. Chi has been in a semi-concious state since being in a horrific accident in November 2008, and his family has accumulated an overwhelming amount of medical bills that insurance does not entirely cover. It is Deftones' mission to raise significant funds to help ensure Chi's recovery by playing two very special benefit shows in Hollywood on 11/19 and 11/20, and also by launching a benefit auction in conjunction with CharityBuzz.com.

The auction launches today and can be found at www.CharityBuzz.com/BenefitforChi

The auction features many special items generously donated by an array of Deftones' friends including Metallica, System of a Down, Blink 182, HIM, Slayer and many more.

Some of the highlights include:
-A day in the studio with Mark Hoppus of Blink 182 to produce a track for your band
-Flyaway to Helsinki, Finland to attend HIM's sold-out New Year's Eve show. Includes meet-and-greet with the band, round-trip flights, and hotel for two nights.
-Signed ESP guitar from Metallica
-John Dolmayan's (System of a Down) personal Tama drum kit, autographed by John
-Signed gear from Deftones
-Signed Slayer motorcycle helmet autographed by members of Slayer
-Pair of three-day general admission and VIP passes to Coachella Festival 2010
-Autographed ESP guitar from My Chemical Romance

Quote:

�Wow, first let me start off saying how amazed I am at the generosity of all the friends and artists who have come forward for this auction. We, Deftones are so very grateful to all for your donations and time you�ve put into making this a success. I myself had no idea it would be this big. Just goes to show how many good friends and good will Chi has made over the last 20 years, just being the good dude he is.

If you were lucky enough to befriend Chi over the last couple decades you would know that there is not a more kind, or more giving person. It�s so great to see it all coming back around for him.

I really want to thank everyone that has kept him in their thoughts, prayers, and kept all the positive energy and love flowing his way. I truly believe he will return to us one day when he is good and rested with a great story to tell in his off the wall Cheng sense of humor. Chi is one tuff �MF� and if anyone can make it through this, it�s gonna be him.

Chi, I miss you and love you and so does the world. Hope to see you soon.�

-Chino.

Quote:

�Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.�

-Deftones.

In addition to the items launched today, another batch of items will launch in one week, next Tuesday Nov 24. The auction can be found at CharityBuzz.com/BenefitforChi and will conclude on Dec 8. For more info stay tuned to Deftones.com.

WIN OVER �1200 OF PRO TOOLS STUDIO EQUIPMENT WITH SANDY RIVERA AND TRAXSOURCE!

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:56:08 GMT

Want to produce like a pro but don�t have the right tools? Well give it up for Sandy Rivera because with his help you could change all that.
Known around the world as one of the most legendary producers of all time, Sandy is behind some of biggest tracks ever to hit the dance floor: Finally, Don�t Stop, Come Into My Room, Lollipop, Persuasion, Escape and Dirty Sax to name just a few.

As prolific as ever with his revitalized Blackwiz imprint, some may be surprised to know that Sandy almost exclusively uses Pro Tools in his home studio.

�It�s got everything I want and it gives me everything I need, from the back-end programs to the plug-ins to mastering the track and bringing live and digital together. It�s slick, quick and easy to master � and it doesn�t cost a fortune,� he said.

Now the Brooklyn-born artist is putting his money where his mouth is, joining forces with Pro Tools and leading download site Traxsource to offer you the chance to snap up over a grand�s worth of home studio equipment � a Pro Tools Digidesign MBox2 Pro Interface, Pro Tools 8 software, Music Production Toolkit2 option with plug-ins, and to top it all off, a pair of M-Audio CX5 monitor speakers.

To win, just put your own twist on one of Sandy�s most recent dance floor destroyers, Persuasion. Featuring Rae on vocals this killer house track has had clubbers and music fans moving for months. Now the parts are exclusively available on Traxsource to remix in this massive competition.

Once you�ve made your edit, log on to Blackwiz - DropBox - SoundCloud and drop off your track in before the closing date of December 16th. Then simply send your name, track mix and a contactable email to blackwiz@mn2s.com. Sandy and his team will listen to all entries submitted and the winner will be notified by December 21st.

Good luck!

Graffiti6 busy in studio preparing for their debut record; due Spring 2010

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:55:34 GMT

The duo collaboration of Jamie Scott and TommyD, known as Graffiti6, have enjoyed a surprising 2009. Keeping their heads down busy in their NW London studio, the singer that is Mr Scott and production wizard Mr D, were caught by surprise when their psychedelic track �Stare Into The Sun� was picked up by The Sun for their Summer TV /Radio campaign.

The Track defined Graffiti6 and gave rise to their unique psychedelic persona.
But of course it was never planned this way�

Musically, Graffiti6 takes you to a dream world filled with familiar yet new sonic senses. With childlike qualities of innocence and euphoria, early demos purvey the lush vocals of Jamie, and the happy melodic textures of Tommy�s unique interpretation of pop all tied up in a Big Beat. Early tipping has already emanated from Music Week, The Hit Sheet and Record Of The Day and even crossed the pond into Billboard.

The collaboration although as unexpected as they come, was also one that was relatively easy. Explains TommyD: "Graffiti6 is so effortlessly natural to me. I�ve seen so many artists fail cos they try to follow the crowd at the expense of what they really love. Jamie and I have a simple agenda. Just make great music and present it with passion"

As a rarity for this industry, the twosome had sense not to rush their record to coincide with the obvious benefits of their major TV sync. For them it�s more for the enjoyment of their craft as opposed to making a quick buck.

As Jamie alludes - "This has given me the chance to indulge myself in ways I never have, whilst making music that has lifted me to new heights. It�s the first time I�ve made records my mates want to party to, that for me is a novelty�.

Signed to Sony/ATV publishing, it is without surprise that the boys are still eyeing their options. What�s the rush? Tommy D has worked with music giants such as Kanye West, KT Tunstall and Janet Jackson. Jamie, who you may remember from Jamie Scott and The Town, has had success across Europe and Asia, working with the likes of Ron Sexsmith, and touring with Alicia Keys amongst other.

The boys remain in the studio but have expanded to a 6 piece hence the name. They are now joined by among others Jimi Crayon whose artwork and design will provide the visual backdrop to the music.
The band will start Gigging soon. As Jamie says � �This has so much energy live that I might need to take several breaks� But as ever with Graffiti6; anything can happen and will happen.

Graffiti6�s debut single will be released Spring 2010 with album to follow in the Summer.

SEE GRAFFITI 6 IN THEIR STUDIO PERFORMING AN ACOUSTIC VERSION OF �STARE INTO THE SUN� AND THE BAND TALKING ABOUT RECORDING THE ALBUM, THE SUN TV AD AND MORE -

Graffiti6 on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

NICE NICE - FREE DIGITAL SINGLE OUT MONDAY OF WARP RECORDS

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:53:16 GMT

Free MP3 / 7" 'One Hit' - 23rd November
7" 'See Waves' - Feb 2010
Album 'Extra Wow' - April 2010

'One Hit' and b-side 'Ark Drum' are available for free download now from Warp!

Welcome to NICE NICE. Already well-known in their hometown of Portland, Oregon as one of the hottest underground bands on the circuit, they've now signing to Warp Records, and the time has come to step it up a gear. Their their first offering 'One Hit', out 23rd of November. By way of introduction the duo - Jason Buehler and Mark Shirazi - will also be coming over to do their first ever European tour with a variety of supports, playing alongside the likes of Wavves,BLK JKS, Battles, Flying Lotus and more, including at the Warp20 and birthday events in London & Berlin this December.

Having spent years building their reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest's most striking live acts, NICE NICE back this up with the senses-shredding flash of psychedelic punk "One Hit". Paired with the krautrock-in-dub riddim "Ark Drum" on the b-side, the 7" gives an inkling of the sonic scope of the long-player as well as their imminent UK & Europe live debut.

"We really wanted to capture/reflect what we do live. We focused on trying to convey elements that we think have generally characterized our live show: high energy explosiveness, bright colorful textures, lots of rhythm, large dynamic movement, willingness to explore new directions." says NICE NICE on the band's Warp debut Extra Wow.

"A big part of what makes our live show engaging is the "freakshow" factor of watching us build the loops live and interact on top, hopefully the intensity of the recorded music compensates for that. We hope people will hear the record and think "that was a trip, I want to experience that live" - and we hope that it will blow a few minds."

Nice Nice's bombastic introduction "One Hit" (and the B-side "Ark Drum") are now available as a free download, preceding a 7" release on November 23rd. Please see Warp for more details.

NICE NICE EUROPEAN LIVE DATES:

Thu 26th Nov/ London / 93 feet east w/ Wavves
Fri 27th Nov/ London / Cargo 'Free Fridays: Adventures in the Beetroot Field presents'
Sat 28th Nov / Utrecht / Le Guess Who Festival
Mon 30th Nov / Gent / Caf� Video
Wed 2nd Dec / Antwerp / De Trix w/ BLK JKS
Fri 4th Dec / Berlin / Berghain Warp20 (Berlin) - w/ Battles
Sat 5th Dec / London / Warp20 (London) Coronet w/ Battles, Broadcast & more
Mon 7th Dec / Manchester / Manchester Academy w/ battles / Flying Lotus
Tue 8th Dec / Paris / Elysee Montmartre w/ Battles, Flying Lotus

WENDY�S / MYSPACE RECORDS �FRESH FACES� CAMPAIGN

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:52:52 GMT

Wendy�s and MySpace Records have teamed up to launch a new Internet series called �Fresh Faces.� Building on Wendy�s motto of �You Know When It�s Real,� the ongoing Web program will include 9 episodes from three different emerging artists showing what a �day in the life� of abudding new artist is like.

Each �Fresh Faces� artist will have its own 3 episodes than can be seen exclusively at MySpace - Wendy's Fresh Faces, in addition to a 3-song EP available for free download on the site. A new episode will debut every Wednesday throughout the series.

The latest episode, featuring LA hip hop artist IamOMNI (IamOMNI on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads) is up now at MySpace - Wendy's Fresh Faces.

Stay tuned for new episodes on future �Fresh Faces� artists, including a Brooklyn based beat-pop band, all handpicked from MySpace Records� Friends and Family, a group of developing artists MySpace Records helps market and promote.

About IamOMNI:

IamOMNI is the microphone at the mouth of today�s young world. He voices their wants: love of self, the love of another; freedom of mind, freedom of lifestyle, the freedom of adventure and discovery; health and wealth, both financial and spiritual. He ponders their issues and anxieties - the paranoia that is a byproduct of this modern life of HIV and closed-circuit camera, the confusion of living in a world overflowing yet somehow empty. He lives their indulgences: weed, alcohol, cigarettes, sex, caffeine, fast food: a life of lows and highs.

He preaches their values: loyalty, independence, dedication, determination. IamOMNI's sound bridges genres from hip-hop to crunk, rock to soul, and his come-one-come-all attitude and embrace of all styles of music gives him an appeal that scores across the board, regardless of your age, ethnicity or musical taste. And even if you can�t understand a word he�s saying, his warm, deep vocal tone and steadfast adherence to the MC�s First Commandment (move the crowd) are guaranteed to keep his tune in your head way after the song�s over.

About MySpace Records Friends & Family:

The Friends & Family Artist Development Program created by MySpace Records, nurtures and promotes some of the best unsigned artists currently on MySpace Music. Along with operating as a fully functioning label, MySpace Records runs the Artist Development initiative to empower artists who are unsigned and self-released, and provide these artists with an extensive set of tools and opportunities to market themselves on MySpace Music.

Currently standing at over 100 artists strong and growing, the Artist Development Program covers a gamut of musical genres including pop, alternative, hip hop and acoustic singer-songwriters, with premier acts including Emily Wells, All Smiles, Mary Magdalan and Kimberly Cole.

Audio-Technica Scoops Audio Pro Customer Service Award

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:50:49 GMT

The inaugural Audio Pro Industry Excellence Awards has seen Audio-Technica collect the award for Best After-Sales Support in the Studio & Broadcast category. Announced in the November issue of the magazine, the Award recognises the effort that Audio-Technica has made in continually improving customer service in 2009.

While the company was lauded in an anonymous survey (conducted by Music Tech magazine) for its customer service earlier in the year, Audio-Technica has consistently worked to raise the bar in this area of its business. In response to customer needs, improvements have included extended opening hours for Audio-Technica�s customer service department, opening of the sales office over the Christmas period, the introduction of a lifetime warranty for 40 Series, Artist and Artist Elite microphones and investing in NVQ Customer Service training for all sales staff.

Harvey Roberts, Audio-Technica�s senior UK marketing manager, said, �"We were extremely pleased to learn of Audio-Technica's award for Best After-Sales Support. It's very gratifying to have the effort that we put into staff customer service training noticed and appreciated.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for us in the API Awards, and indeed to the magazine for instigating a well-conceived and meaningful awards competition. We look forward to the challenge of retaining the crown in future."

Photo caption: from left to right: Jeanette Langstaff (Area sales coordinator � Northern England & Scotland), Logan Helps (Training and Product Support Specialist), Adrian Rooke (Managing Director), Claire Timmins (Area sales coordinator � Midlands & Northern Ireland), Sarah Styles (Area sales coordinator � MI & Southern England)

HASTE THE DAY NAMED AS ONE OF TACO BELL� FEED THE BEAT� HOTTEST UP-AND-COMING BANDS

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:48:14 GMT

Today Taco Bell� announced 100 bands that made the 2009 Feed the Beat� lineup, which included Solid State Records� Haste the Day. Celebrating its fourth year, Feed the Beat provides free food and marketing support to America�s up-and-coming rock acts.

This year, in addition to Haste the Day, touring bands from across the nation, including The All-American Rejects, Boys Like Girls, Forever The Sickest Kids, We The Kings, Atreyu, Owl City and more, will receive $500 in Taco Bell Bucks for free Fourthmeal, the late night meal between dinner and breakfast. More than just free food, bands also receive important marketing support for their music. Haste the Day is giving back to their community by donating a portion of their Taco Bell Bucks to a local Indiana non-profit, Wheeler Mission Ministries. For more information on this mission, visit their site Wheeler Mission Ministries.

With their Taco Bell� Bucks in hand, Haste the Day is hitting the road starting on Friday with the Napalm & Noise Tour beginning in Illinois (dates/markets below) with All That Remains, The Devil Wars Prada and Story of the Year. Haste the Day is available for interviews and tour reviews are available upon request and approval. Contact: Lori Mahon for media inquires. For more information and tour locations visit the band�s MySpace (Haste The Day on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads) and Twitter: @hastetheday.

About Feed the Beat�Music fans will be able to discover each Feed the Beat band on Taco Bell�s Virtual Music Festival Web site (Feed the Beat) which showcases their music and exclusive content created for the site. Feed the Beat bands were chosen by a panel of judges based on performance and musicianship, originality and material selection, and overall appeal and personality. Bands also had the opportunity to express their passion for Taco Bell and share stories about eating Fourthmeal while touring.To get the most up-to-date information and announcements, follow @FeedTheBeat on Twitter or go to the Feed The Beat Facebook page.

*All tour dates subject to change
Nov 20 2009 6:00P Elgin, Illinois
Nov 21 2009 6:00P Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nov 22 2009 6:00P Louisville, Kentucky
Nov 23 2009 6:00P Rochester, New York
Nov 24 2009 6:00P Buffalo, New York
Nov 25 2009 6:00P Cincinnati, Ohio
Nov 27 2009 6:00P Columbus, Ohio
Nov 28 2009 6:00P Indianapolis, Indiana
Nov 29 2009 6:00P Des Moines, Iowa
Nov 30 2009 6:00P Omaha, Nebraska
Dec 4 2009 Ennepetal, Germany, Christmas Rock Night

Dec 9 2009 6:00P Anaheim, California
Dec 10 2009 6:00P Ventura, California
Dec 11 2009 6:00P San Diego, California
Dec 12 2009 6:00P Tucson, Arizona
Dec 13 2009 6:00P El Paso, Texas
Dec 15 2009 6:00P Austin, Texas
Dec 16 2009 6:00P Corpus Christi, Texas
Dec 18 2009 6:00P Nashville, Tennessee
Dec 19 2009 6:00P Raleigh, North Carolina
Dec 20 2009 6:00P Norfolk, Virginia
Dec 21 2009 6:00P Allentown, Pennsylvania

Audio-Technica Introduces Ribbon Microphones For First Time

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:47:29 GMT

Audio-Technica has unveiled two exciting new additions � the company�s first ever ribbon microphones � to its popular 40 Series mic range. The AT4080 and AT4081 feature groundbreaking Audio-Technica design, with no less than 18 patents pending on the new models. Created from the ground up, the AT4080 and AT4081 convincingly solve the problems of fragility and low output that have traditionally plagued ribbon mics, in part through the use of a proprietary MicroLinear ribbon imprint for excellent durability.

The AT4080 features dual ribbon construction for pronounced sensitivity, while the single ribbon AT4081 is of a low-profile stick design to allow for flexible positioning options. A significant degree of hand production, including ribbon corrugation, imprint and assembly, is involved in the construction of the new mics.

While ensuring increased ruggedness, the design of the new microphones also retains the sought-after ribbon mic tonal character. Both the AT4080 and AT4081 deliver smooth, articulate tone for recording, broadcast and sound reinforcement applications, with powerful N50 rare-earth neodymium magnets employed for high output. A classic figure-of-eight polar pattern is common to both phantom-powered models, as is the ability to handle high SPL, making them suitable for a wider range of situations than is typical of ribbon microphones.

As part of the 40 Series, the AT4080 and AT4081 are covered by Audio-Technica�s unique Lifetime Warranty, and also qualify for a free two-week trial under the Company�s First Impressions scheme. For details see Audio-Technica - 404

The AT4080 and AT4081 are available from late December with retail prices as follows:

(Euro pricing excludes VAT, GBP pricing includes VAT at 15%)

AT4080: �890 / �890
AT4081: �690 / �690

Model AT4080
Element Ribbon
Polar pattern Figure-of-eight
Frequency response 20-18 000Hz
Impedance 100 ohms
Max input sound level 150dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% THD
Noise 22dB SPL
Dynamic range 128dB, 1kHz at Max SPL
Signal-to-noise ratio 72dB, 1kHz at 1 Pa
Phantom power requirements 48v DC, 3.0mA typical
Weight 474g
Dimensions 177.5mm long, 53.4mm max body diameter
Output connector Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

Accessories furnished AT8449/SV shock mount, microphone dust cover, protective carry case

Model AT4081
Element Ribbon
Polar pattern Figure-of-eight
Frequency response 30-18 000Hz
Impedance 100 ohms
Max input sound level 150dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% THD
Noise 25dB SPL
Dynamic range 125dB, 1kHz at Max SPL
Signal-to-noise ratio 69dB, 1kHz at 1 Pa
Phantom power requirements 48v DC, 3.0mA typical
Weight 152g
Dimensions 155mm long, 21mm max body diameter
Output connector Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

Accessories furnished AT8471 isolation clamp, windscreen, protective carry case

sE Electronics release 4 new products leading up 2010 and their 10th Anniversary

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:42:48 GMT

�After a year of planning and researching the very best competitor deals and bundles, we think we�ve come up with 4, literally unbeatable, products in terms of performance to strategic price points� says MD James Ishmaev-Young

�While other companies scramble to bundle slow selling and overstocked products to bolster ailing sales of their key products, we have deliberately targeted the most important price points for customers and designed and built new products and bundles from scratch which best suit the end-users needs on an increasingly tight budget�

sE X1 � the aptly named X1 large diaphragm condenser is one of the coolest, sexiest new mics for the MI market in years. The mic is hand built in sE�s own facility in Shanghai like all their products, and boasts a 10dB pad and bass cut to add to the hand crafted capsule. There is not another brand on the market today building high quality, hand made mics anywhere near this price point. All are either OEM or mass produced on machines. The X1 is a new benchmark in quality of build and performance estimated to sell at only �99 and shipping in December!

sE Project Studio Reflexion Filter � drawing on the massive success of the industry standard Reflexion Filter, sE have released a new entry level version in response to a raft of cheap and ineffective imitations coming from OEM brands onto the market. None are able to match the performance of the original RF since they have to omit key elements of design which are fundamental to the proper function of the product due to the patents sE have pending on the original RF; in other words they may look similar but that�s where it ends!

sE are not encumbered in the same way, and so have managed to produce a Reflexion Filter, which though cut down from the Pro version, performs far better than the cheap copies, and allows the project studio owner to get closer to the pro performance of the RF, which itself has sold more than 50,000 units in the EU alone since its release!

The Project Studio RF uses the same basic design, omitting the multiple layers and acoustic boundaries of the pro version and replacing them with the same, patented, polyester acoustic board that graces the RF. The new baby RF is then lined with a high grade, high density crystal foam with a unique curved ridge cut which performs far better than standard acoustic foam. The result is a true Reflexion Filter product, designed and built by sE, which does the job and is estimated to hit the streets at a stunning �99 in December

sE are also releasing 2 new Super-bundles:

sE X1 and Project Studio RF bundle at �169 inc vat � a true, hand built, LDC and Reflexion Filter product expected to sell for only �169 including vat; less than key competitors sell a mass produced mic with a pop shield for!

sE2200a and Reflexion Filter Bundle

The No.1 selling mic at its price in the UK, with the best selling portable acoustic product on the market today bundled with the shock mount in one box and expected to sell for under �300. This is a star buy since they are 2 of the best selling products on the market right now which retail at �440 and currently street at about �360 from most UK dealers, meaning this bundle effectively gives the end user a real 20% off the current best selling price! A sure fire winner�

For more information please visit Welcome to sE Electronics

Contact info:
Welcome to sE Electronics

Last November Releases New Single & Announces New EP

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:40:14 GMT

Atlanta-based pop rock band Last November is set to release their brand new EP �tug o� war!� on January 26, 2010. The EP follows up the release of their first single and music video from the new record, �Julie,� which premiered exclusively on iTunes and YouTube on November 10, 2009. �tug o� war!� is currently in production at Southern Tracks Studios in Atlanta, and follows up the band�s hit sophomore album �Over the Top or Under the Weather,� which was released in the spring of 2008. The album featured the single �Seventeen at Three in the Morning� which was dubbed �the teen anthem of 2009� by numerous teen publications, while receiving radio airplay on over 200 radio stations across the nation, with numbers still growing daily.

Lead singer and guitarist Luke Pilgrim edited and directed the music video for �Julie� demonstrating not only his talent in music, but his talent in production as well. While on their summer 2009 tour, the band stumbled upon the little desert town of Ludlow, CA off the Historic Route 66 where on a spur of the moment, they decided to shoot the video.

Of the EP, Luke shares, �I feel like it shows our southern roots a little more than our past records, which I am really happy with. There�s even a song called �Georgia.� Lyrically speaking, this is a very personal record for me. I wrote �Down and Out� during a very dark time in my life, and in contrast there are songs like �Firefly� that was inspired by my new baby nephew, Jack Johnson. The name of the EP seemed fitting for the record, as it refers to how sometimes relationships can seem like a game of �tug o� war.��

Last November is currently wrapping up their west coast tour and is quickly gaining national recognition. In 2009, they secured a spot as one of the Top 20 MySpace Power-Pop bands, and became one of the most watched bands to come out of the south. With the release of �tug o� war!� it looks like 2010 will be an even busier year for Last November.

For more information on the upcoming EP and tour dates, please visit Last November at www.myspace.com/lastnovember or Altsounds.com | Independent Music Journalism - For The People, By The People

Damien* new album "Crippled Cute"

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:37:33 GMT

Recorded at Vacuum Studios in Bologna in June �09, with artistic production by Settlefish�s Bruno Germano (Disco Drive, My Awesome Mixtape, Blake/e/e�) then mastered by Carl Saff in Chicago, "Crippled Cute" it's at first sight a collection of catchy indie pop songs, with a darker side footed in the punk/wave ground, the heart in the �90s (Modest Mouse, Pavement) and the hands in the new century (Klaxons, Foals).

The album is now available by mailorder from the band my space or on Suiteside - record label | booking agency | promotion, in a limited edition of 300 copies packaged in cartoon sleeve + booklet with lyrics.

Reclused in an old country house in the San Leo castle village - near Rimini - Damien* realised a peculiar videoclip for "Confidants", first single from the new album "Crippled Cute".

Directed by Alberto Baldolini of the fellow band General Decay, the video express as many contradictions as the song itself - an apparently happy tune with a disappointment theme inside, a sing-a-long tune broken by a heavy guitar riffs in the coda, slow vs fast, lights vs shades.

The old framed picture you can see in the movie is a portrait of Damiano's (Damien* drummer) grandparents from the 1930's.

The free digital single can be downloaded here
Suiteside - Damien* / "Confidants EP" - SoundCloud
and it features remixes by Not an Exit and Death in Plains.

Not an Exit formed in 2008 as a side project of Fitness Pump and Swim. Rawing from influences of electro, hip hop and rock music, N.a.E. released their first, dark & untitled e.p. in 2009 mixing heavy guitars, shoegaze noises and classic four on the floor kickdrums.

Death in Plains was born as the bedroom diy project of Enrico Boccioletti, Damien*s singer and guitarist. His "mistaken pop songs" found their way to the hearts and playlists of bloggers and new music seekers, and to the ears of the owners of London label Disc Error (Ulterior, Ipso Facto, Romance...) who just released the 7" "Over and Above".

Robot Koch 'Death Star Droid' AOL Spinner Listening Party; New MP3s

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:36:05 GMT

Following the successful 'Aftershocks' EP on his own Robots Don't Sleep label, Robot Koch returns with his long anticipated full length 'Death Star Droid'.

Technically, this is Robot Koch's debut LP but the man is no rookie - 'Death Star Droid' connects the dots between his club project Jahcoozi and his post rock outfit The Tape. He has also made beats and remixes for many international artists including Rustie and Amanda Blank - staple drops in the playlists of bass luminaries such as Mary Anne Hobbs, Gas Lamp Killer and Hudson Mohawke.

'Death Star Droid' is infused with dubstep and wonky hip hop, but the introduction of live acoustic instruments and heartfelt melodies is what sets it apart. The grizzly synths and bass lines on 'While' are supported by a drifting piano. On 'Hard To Find' Robot introduces strings and flutes - the signature use of wobbling Moog and Korg present throughout.

Robot has always drawn inspirations from all ends of the musical spectrum.
Having started out as a drummer in a punk and hardcore band, he found his way into electronic music via hip hop, jazz and DJing. His favourite albums include 'Reign In Blood' by Slayer, 'A Love Supreme' by John Coltrane and '36 Chambers' by Wu-Tang Clan.

Robot's mixtapes have what could be easily called a cult following on the net. The blogosphere is jam packed with these gems. What sets these mixes apart from the next man's is the liberty that they exhibited in defying genre based music by combining and clashing a broad spectrum of sound. Flying Lotus recently asked him to contribute a mixtape for the brainfeeder podcast. The mix featured West African folk and rare jazz oddities. Fly Lo had told Robot: "We gotta feed the kids more than just beats." It's clear that the man listened.

'Death Star Droid' is far more than just a producer album with a selection of up to date beats. It's a sincere musical statement. Expect to be surprised - this is music made for true music lovers.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robot Koch
'Death Star Droid'
Out NOW
(Robot's Don't Sleep)

TRACKLIST:

01 Death Star Droid
02 Away From
03 Hard to Find
04 Love & the Machine
05 People are Strange ft. Grace
06 While ft. Manya
07Heaven is my Real Estate
08 Memories
09 Gorom Sen
10 A Song Formerly Known As Tooth

Pre-Order include RDS SUNGLASSES!

http://www.hhv.de/index.php?action=advSearch&ban dname=Robot%20Koch

http://www.robotsdontsleep.com/

The Antlers Premiere New Version Of Sylvia On NPR

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:32:26 GMT

Sometimes you have to put yourself first, no matter how difficult that notion seems; no matter how much time and effort you�ve already put into this one person�the person who�s reduced your very being to its absolute core. Just ask Peter Silberman, the string-pulling founder of The Antlers, a solo project that suddenly went widescreen on the self-released Hospice LP (now receiving a proper widespread pressing through Frenchkiss). The first Antlers effort to feature two key permanent players�powerhouse drummer Michael Lerner and the layer-lathering multi-instrumentalist Darby Cicci�it�s an album with a sound that�s actually as ambitious as its concept.

�Hospice came from the idea of caring for a terminal patient who�s mentally abusive to you,� says Silberman. �You don�t have the right to argue with them, either, because they�re the one who�s dying here; they�re the one that�s been dealt a wrong hand. So you take it, but you can only take so much. Eventually, you realize that this person is just destroying you.�

Appropriately enough, Hospice�s 10 distinct chapters resonate on debilitating sonic and lyrical levels, from the hypnotic harp and tension-ratcheting build of �Two� to the sing-or-sink choruses of �Bear� and the speaker-rattling peaks of �Sylvia,� easily one of the year�s most immediate epics. It�s here, amidst contrasting shards of ambient noise, sweeping strings and smoky horns, where The Antlers truly transcend Silberman�s singer-songwriter beginnings�a striking escalation of expectations first hinted at on 2008�s New York Hospitals EP. The progression doesn�t end there, either. In a move that could be taken as the riff-raking extension of his thorough guitar training (from the age of 6 �til right before college), �Atrophy� and �Wake� delve into sheets of distortion, subtle shades of soul, cicada-like effects and enough movements to fill an entire EP.

�We were going for something that�d be dense but not too complicated,� explains Silberman. �I hate the word �lush,� but I guess that�s the best way of describing it. The structures are like pop songs�verse/chorus, verse/chorus�but the sound is a little more shoegaze-y or post-rocky.�

It�s about to get even more complicated, too, as The Antlers� Technicolor-tinged trio take all of Hospice�s songs�and three previous releases�in a completely different direction, jettisoning a note-for-note rendition of the record for �a massive sound� doused in delay, reverb and unrehearsed chaos. And to think Cicci was a stage actor with a desire to drop it all for music just a few years ago.

�Hospice was the clear indication that this isn�t a singer-songwriter thing at all,� says Silberman. �Whatever we record next is going to define the three of us as a �band.�

He continues, �I always figured I�d be the �shredder� in a group� But things somehow ended up this way.�

We wouldn�t have it any other way, either.

US Date

12/15 - Bowery Ballroom W/ Uninhabitable Mansions & Sharron Van Etten - New York NY

Click Here To Listen To New Version Of Sylvia On NPR

THE ANTLERS on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads
THE ANTLERS

Holly Miranda

Sonic Boom Six - Back 2 Skool [Single]

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:21:10 GMT

Assuming that Paramore were out of the picture totally Sonic Boom Six could well take their place in the industry as female fronted rock bands that never seem to go un-missed. As it stands though there is already a better female fronted band of this exact ilk out there which might see Sonic Boom Six getting left by the wayside. I had the chance of checking out the harder, Ska punk sound of Sonic Boom Six with their newest single 'Back 2 School.'

It's easy to see Sonic Boom Six creating a comfortable name for themselves with their genre bending material. There is a comfortable Reel Big Fish influence stuck in there which is blending into a reggae vibe reminiscent of Mouthwash. In fact Sonic Boom Six is pretty much Mouthwash with a female lead singer. Yet they still hold onto a strong Ska sound.

Jamie T seems to appear on the track during the random reggae rap thing they have going on. It's all very well putting something like this together but you have to be sure it works. 'Back 2 School' does in a few ways but disappointingly and quite uncomfortably. Nothing sits out and punches you in the face with 'Back 2 School' which is what punk, pop-punk or ska should do.

There is even a hint of Hadouken through the record minus the synthesizers and clean-cut polished pop shit. Lalia K's vocals are very disappointing, at moments cringe-worthy. She just sounds like a chipmunk on speed. Or somehow the producer has sped her voice up during mixing or something because it just doesn't sit right within the whole wall of sound well. She swings so many different ways its untrue, she sometimes even sounds like Misteeq with her attitude, it's quite disconcerting.

The acoustic track 'Floating Away' does nothing to compliment Lalia's voice either, as it sounds like that episode of Family Guy where Peter and his wife get really high and try to make a song.

There's no Sonic Boom here just a ska punk rocker in drag.

Altsounds TV Video

Richard Christy's Charred Walls Of The Damned release track listing to self-titled

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:20:02 GMT

OFFICIAL CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED MYSPACE PAGE LIVE!

As CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED prepare for their self-titled, first-ever album out February 2nd 2010 � the group is gearing up for their official release by announcing the track listing and unleashing the album's artwork upon the metal world. The self-titled debut by CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED. contains 9 tracks, a bonus DVD: The Making of Charred Walls of the Damned, and comes in a Digipak.

CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED
1. Ghost Town
2. From The Abyss
3. Creating Our Machine
4. Blood on Wood
5. In a World So Cruel
6. Manifestations
7. Voices Within the Walls
8. The Darkest Eyes
9. Fear in the Sky
*Bonus DVD The Making of Charred Walls of the Damned

CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED was produced by Jason Suecof and recorded at his Orlando, FL based studio, Audiohammer Studios, and boasts an all-star lineup consisting of some of metal's most talented musicians. Richard Christy, former drummer for Death and Iced Earth, comedian, and radio personality on the legendary Howard Stern Show on Sirius-XM Satellite Radio, on drums. Famed producer Jason Suecof who has produced and/or mixed some of the most prominent albums from metal's leading bands, including: Trivium, All That Remains, The Black Dahlia Murder, Chimaira, DevilDriver and many, many more, on guitars. Tim "Ripper" Owens, who fronted heavy metal legends Judas Priest from 1996 to 2002, performed alongside Richard in Iced Earth from 2003 to 2004, and currently performs with Beyond Fear and Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force, on vocals. And one of metal's most heralded bassists, Steve Digiorgio, who played alongside Richard in the bands Control Denied and Iced Earth, and has also performed with Death, Autopsy, Testament, Vintersorg, and is a founding member of technical thrash pioneers Sadus.

Be sure to keep an eye on the band's official MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/CharredWallsoftheDamned for an audio clip created by Richard Christy, which is a throwback to radio commercials for metal concerts of days past. The streaming �commercial' features snippets of the first single �Ghost Town,� which will be available on iTunes 12/1. Pre-order information on CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED's Metal Blade Records debut and live shows will be announced over the coming months so be sure add the band as your friend on MySpace for further details.

http://www.myspace.com/CharredWallsoftheDamned

Wesley Willis's Joy Rides Comes To DVD on December 8

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:18:15 GMT

A portrait of the self proclaimed rock 'n' roll star and "Chicago City Artist", Wesley Willis
Eyeosaur and MVD Visual are proud to announce the DVD release of Wesley Willis's Joy Rides on December 8, 2009.

An underground rock icon and revered artist, the late, great Wesley Willis attracted and offended people the world over. Wesley Willis's Joy Rides follows the life of the prolific and controversial artist on his journey from obscurity to fame.

A Chicago native, Wesley Willis became an underground rock icon, revered artist and hero to many before his untimely death in 2003. Termed by some as an "outsider artist" due to his schizophrenia, the film examines Wesley's ability to draw people in despite his intimidating facade.

Through his force of personality and his artistic talents, Wesley's music and art attracted people from all walks of life. Greeting people with a headbutt and a request to say "rah" and "roh", Wesley quickly stood out in a crowd. Through interviews with friends and footage from the last four years of Wesley's life, a portrait emerges of a man whose day-to-day existence was wrought with pain and joy. Although his life was troubled, Wesley never stopped creating. He continued to draw pictures and write songs up until his death.

Wesley Willis's Joy Rides won the Gold Hugo for the Chicago Award at the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival. It premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in January 2008, and has since been shown at Noise Pop Film Festival, Hot Docs, SXSW, and The Starz Denver Film Festival.

The following city premieres will take place in conjunction with the DVD release:

PHILADELPHIA - Monday Nov 30 - FREE!
The Continuing Story of the Outsider (fest)
Midnight Screening of Wesley Willis's Joy Rides

National Mechanics Bar & Restaurant Old City Philadelphia
22 S 3rd St - Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 701-4883
www.nationalmechanics.com

With music by Bobo, Personae Joe Melchiorre, Technophobes, and more!

CHICAGO - Sunday, December 6th at 7pm - FREE!
The Empty Bottle
1035 N Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
www.emptybottle.com

With music following the screening.

BROOKLYN - Monday, December 7th at 8pm- FREE!
Glasslands Gallery
289 Kent Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
www.glasslands.com

With music by Teenage Prayers and Eric Lindley

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6hooh03doE

Lazarus A.D. issues update from Ensiferum/Blackguard tour

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:13:58 GMT

Quote:

�What's good dwellers of the Lazarus legion?!? Giving you a quick update from the road on our last-second venture with Ensiferum and Blackguard. Shit has been pretty awesome thus far. We left late Friday night, after the guys went and saw Job for a Cowboy, Gwar, and LoG in our hometown, the show was pretty fucking sick, headed off to Allentown, PA where the infamous Croc Rock pizza awaited�it wasn't so hot haha! We really had no idea what to expect as this tour as it's a little bit different genre-wise. It's been hit or miss, but for the most part I think it's getting through. Hopefully Peter and Alexi can get into the country asap so Hypocrisy can start tearing it up every night as well! The second night we played at Volume 11 in Raleigh, NC�and we have a little history there. As our previous three visits we laid a goose egg on merch every time, this time through, we finally got some good merch sales and had some very generous friends smoke us out, which meant our perception of Volume 11 did a huge 180! We grilled out that night with the guys from Blackguard (totally awesome brothers and an amazing band, definitely check them out!) shared a bottle of Jay-mo and woke to the sound of angry businessmen telling us to move our vehicle from their parking lot. We obviously denied the mess of beer cans strewn about the outside of the bus haha, but hey, I didn't know anything about that!! After Atlanta we drove straight to Jacksonville, FL where some friends of ours reside, just dodging Ida on the way, very lucky there, our bus and trailer don't mix with tropical storms. Our show was cancelled in Ft. Lauderdale which totally blew cuz we all were really looking forward to heading to the beach down south. SO, we made up for it and spent the day at Universal Studios, and needless to say, it was fucking awesome. Most of us had never been there before and it's easily one of the most fun parks I've ever been to. It was a pretty cloudy day so NOBODY was there; we went on everything multiple times through. We shared some drinks and lunch at the Hard Rock (we saw Dime's Crown Royal Guitar and Vinnie's full Pearl set used at the show where Dime was shot, pretty intense shit). Met up with the guys from Blackguard and hit some coasters with them. We grabbed a hotel and passed the fuck out as I had been up for 36 hours straight ensuring we could make this awesome day happen in time. Last night was Orlando, FUCK downtown Orlando parking. We had to park a mile away after we unloaded, after we played had to come back again, and then there was some confusion with payment as we were playing this Anti Pop festival, which had a million shows going on, the city was fucking packed, so we sat double parked on a one way street in front of the venue until payment was received haha�and it was. Long drive ahead to Texas and then to CALI!! Can't fucking wait, I'll be throwing some more updates at ya next week, until then spread the word that we are on �The Tour from Afar� with Ensiferum, Hypocrisy, and Blackguard, then hopping on with Vader and Warbringer for a couple weeks, see all you fucks on the road!!! Oh and there's a video coming soon of what we do most while on the road�COD�constantly haha! Light em up and drink em down!�

Lazarus A.D. post live videos for �Who I Really Am� and �Revolution�

Lazarus A.D. has posted live videos filmed at The Rave in Milwaukee from their show with Gojira on October 7th. Fans can check out raw footage of both songs and get a preview Lazarus A.D.'s live intensity!

You can check out both videos on youtube.com/lazarusadband.

The band has also uploaded a series of photos from the Loud Park '09 festival from Japan on their facebook page HERE.

LAZARUS A.D.
Tour w/ Ensiferum, Hypocrisy, Blackguard, Swashbuckle
11/19 San Francisco, CA DNA Lounge
11/20 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre
11/21 Seattle, WA Studio Seven
11/22 Vancouver, BC Rickshaw Theatre
11/23 Calgary, AB The Warehouse
11/24 Edmonton, AB Starlite
Tour w/ Vader
11/27 San Marcos, CA Jumping Turtle
11/28 Anaheim, CA Chain Reaction
11/29 Los Angeles, CA Key Club
11/30 Mesa, AZ U.B.'s Bar
12/01 Tucson, AZ The Rock
12/02 Farmington, NM Gator's
12/03 Salt Lake City, UT Club Vegas
12/04 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
12/05 Tulsa, OK Marquee
12/06 San Antonio, TX Scout Bar
12/07 Houston, TX Scout Bar

http://www.myspace.com/lazarus1

Be Humour - One More Drink [Single]

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:47:37 GMT

It's extremely rare that a band like Be Humour release a single with a B-side that is stronger on every level than it's A-side. Genuinely this is hard to believe, but then again after a few listens you can see what they are after.

They need a pop template to get the followers in then they start making good music. As with a lot of acts you need a couple of pop easy to listen to songs and then some "album tracks." For Be Humour 'One More Drink' does absolutely nothing for them apart from import a hatred from all angles of the music listener catalogue. 'One More Drink' is blatantly an easy going pop song to get air play, and it sucks ass. Even the production is like a small stilton slice being spread across the mixing desk. In fact I would probably trust a piece of brie to do better with this record.

Unbelievably Be Humour completely mix it up with 'Stronger Without You' - proving that they are not just a pussy wannabe band. The intro kicks off with a guitar effect reminiscent of Angels and Airwaves and follows up with a 30 Second To Mars melodic bridge section. Complete with the "waaaooohhh" layered over the top. It's such a shame the production isn't stronger as this could be a really powerful contender. Vocally the lead singer still isn't quite strong enough to pull off such status as Jared Leto, but there is potential there.

Be Humour need to write this single release off completely and focus on their more progressive melodic side in order to win a decent fan base.

Altsounds TV Video

The Monstrous Rolling Stones "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" Giveaway

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:34:51 GMT

NOTE: OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY

ONLY TWO WEEKS TO ENTER!

Oh wow how lucky are we? We have teamed up with The Rolling Stones to put together a MASSIVE giveaway surrounding the 40th anniversary re-release of their acclaimed album "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out." It's actually hard to believe how lucky the winner of this prizing is going to be. Here is a list if what they will be able to get their grubby little hands on:

A Gretsch Drumkit
A Super Deluxe "Get Yer Ya-Yas Out" Boxset
Much, much more

TO ENTER CLICK HERE

Video Clips of Unreleased tracks:

Gotta Move:

Prodigal Son:

Satisfaction:

Under My Thumb:

Buy link for boxset:

Amazon.com: Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! The Rolling Stones In Concert [40th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set] [3 CDs + 1 DVD]: The Rolling Stones: Music

GET YER YA-YA�S OUT! THE ROLLING STONES IN CONCERT 40TH ANNIVERSARY SUPER DELUXE LP BOX EDITION

Features three 180 gram audiophile quality vinyl LPs (one side of which features an etched replica of the album's key art, with signatures from Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor), 3 CDs that mirror the exact content on the LPs, 1 DVD, a 12 X 12/56-page Collector�s Book and a 12 X 12 replica of the original 1969 tour poster by Grammy Award� winning artist David Byrd, whose works include the commemorative poster from the original Woodstock Festival and the historic Fillmore East posters from 1968 to1971.

The first LP is a newly remastered version of the original GET YER YA-YA�S OUT! release. The second LP features 5 unreleased tracks by The Rolling Stones culled from the November 27 & 28, 1969 Madison Square Garden concert master tapes. The third LP features 12 never before released tracks by opening acts B.B. King and Ike & Tina Turner. The DVD features performances by The Rolling Stones from their 2 night concert at Madison Square Garden, backstage footage, scenes of Keith Richards in the studio and footage of the GET YER YA-YA�S OUT! album cover shoot, all shot by Albert and David Maysles. The 56-page Collector�s Book includes photos and an essay by acclaimed photographer Ethan Russell, an original article by Lester Bangs from Rolling Stone magazine and remembrances from concert-goers. A limited number of the SUPER DELUXE BOX SETS will also contain an insert with a code to download �I�m Free (Live)� for Guitar Hero 5.

Track Listing:

ORIGINAL RELEASE REMASTERED
Jumpin' Jack Flash
Carol
Stray Cat Blues
Love In Vain
Midnight Rambler
Sympathy For The Devil
Live With Me
Little Queenie
Honky Tonk Women
Street Fighting Man

UNRELEASED TRACKS
Prodigal Son
You Gotta Move
Under My Thumb
I�m Free
(I Can�t Get No) Satisfaction

B.B.KING and IKE & TINA TURNER SETS
Everyday I Have The Blues
How Blue Can You Get
That�s Wrong Little Mama
Why I Sing The Blues
Please Accept My Love
Gimme Some Loving
Sweet Soul Music
Son Of A Preacher Man
Proud Mary
I've Been Loving You Too Long
Come Together
Land Of 1000 Dances
Tracks 1 through 5- B.B. King Tracks 6 through 12- Ike & Tina Turner

BONUS DVD
Prodigal Son
You Gotta Move
Under My Thumb
I�m Free
(I Can�t Get No) Satisfaction

The A Train - Don't Have Far To Go [Single]

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:09:20 GMT

They do always say "never judge a book by it's cover" - and that is definitely the case with The A Train. A completely unexpected sound seemed to hum through the air as expectancies of death metal where to be soley shunted by tree melody forest pop. It's almost as if Fleet Foxes embedded themselves onto 'Don't Have Far To Go.' A layed back warm approach to vocal delivery - although at times it does sound like your dad has grabbed the mic at the local stress clinic (public house).

It has "ooooh's," repetition and simple songwriting written all over it. Nothing special at all conventionally, but The A Train do have a niche charm tucked away in there somewhere. The vocal talent of Dan Mckean is very doubtful at times, but he somehow wins you back with his charm. Some helpful harmonies give your ears a run for your money throughout 'Don't Have Far To Go.'

A lot of work needs to be put into The A Train before anything special happens for them, but the important thing to note is they do actually have some talent buried in there somewhere. Obviously you have to note that the BBC have already put their muddy paws all over them tagging them with the introducing stamp... how lame.

LA-based Jason Karaban Releases New Single, "Succeed 101", Out Now On iTunes

altsounds — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:57:05 GMT

With three critically acclaimed records under his belt over the past three years and boasting an impressive lineup of contributing artists -including Ani DiFranco, Glen Phillips, Dave Pirner and Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello), Jason Karaban reveals new single, "Succeed 101," out now courtesy of New Model Music.

Described by Karaban as "a 3 1/2 minute manic episode that covers extreme lows, apathy, soaring highs and a Tony Robbins sort of mantra thrown in for good measure," the latest track from the LA-based singer/songwriter is a promising preview of Karaban's upcoming EP Just Enough, Just In Case, offering offbeat instrumentation courtesy of brass instruments, handclaps and foot stomps.

RECOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE:
Jason Collett (from Broken Social Scene), Brendon Benson, Laura Jansen, Rob Giles and David Mead

Download "Succeed 101" MP3:

http://www.filter-mag.com/getmusic/d...ceed+ 101.mp3

Pick up "Succeed 101" via iTunes:

Succeed 101 - Single by Jason Karaban - Download Succeed 101 - Single on iTunes

For more info, visit:

Jason Karaban on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

Le Corps Mince de Fran�oise - SOMETHING GOLDEN

jack s — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:37:44 GMT

Altsounds TV Video

The Toxic Avenger - Toxic is Dead

jack s — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:17:53 GMT

Altsounds TV Video

The Bravery - Sugar Pill

jack s — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:13:27 GMT

Altsounds TV Video

The Candle Thieves - The Sunshine Song [EP]

the_archivist — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:07:08 GMT

This debut release from the Peterborough duo The Candle Thieves could either infectiously get your toes tapping - or painfully make your toes curl. One person�s heart-warming, is another�s stomach-churning. Cutesy song titles on this four track EP include �My Love Will Clap Its Hands For You� and �Lonely Lonely Lonely.� The opening lines of lead song �The Sunshine Song� are �I would buy you a rainbow / I would put it in a stream / If I sail it down the river / would you send it back to me?� Death metal it ain�t.

What it is instead is unashamed twinkly indie-drip music - but I mean that as a compliment. �The Sunshine Song� opens with drum machine patter, toy piano and the thin, characterless vocals of Scott McEwan. Yes he is declaring his love but he does sound like he is mumbling an apology for an overdue library book. However one minute and ten seconds in, with a trumpet flourish, the sunshine comes out and this demure opening turns into a day-glo, mini-symphony of loveliness, complete with booming voice and chirpy handclaps. The sheer sunny charm and heart-on-cardigan-sleeve declarations of affection win me over and leave a daft smile on my face.

Imagine Mark Everett of Eels in a cheerful frame of mind, relocated to the cosy suburbia of the Cambridgeshire Fens, and dreaming of better times - that�s what �My Love Will Clap Its Hands For You� sounds like. A sombre misfit ode to not leaving the house for a day (�The State That I�m In�) and pained godless piano ballad (�Lonely Lonely Lonely�) complete the EP.

This four tracker is more radio-friendly than it sounds but struggles to escape the lightweight daintiness of its arrangements and its delivery. It will be too much flower-picking tweeness for some to stomach but where they are appreciated, The Candle Thieves are sure to steal hearts.

PR and their funny ways

Mitch de Faria — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:34:09 GMT

There has been a few comments about lousy PRs doing the rounds over the past week or two. Thought y'all might appreciate the following from the Star Suckers website;

"Journalists know (or should know) that paid sources are prone to gild the lilly with their stories to push up the price. The celebrity world is riddled with flakes, bullshitters, alcoholics, layabouts, coke heads, speed freaks, acid baskets and - worst of all - PR's. The basic fee for a celebrity tip in a nightclub is �50, which is co-incidentally the going rate for a gram of cocaine. Celebrity journalists know this more than anyone, so they are supposed to check the veracity of their sources before they print anything. So if you had tried to flog a paper your McFly story, it would be extremely simple for the newspaper to check it out by calling up McFly�s people: �Hello, this is The Sun newsdesk. We�re looking at a story about your client skipping out of a black cab in a pink tutu singing show tunes� what? He�s in Paris? Oh, right, sorry to disturb.� Simple. But in reality this often doesn�t happen as the journalists are too overworked to perform this basic check, or they couldn�t care less."

If you want to see more including great footage of PR guru Max Clifford revealing how he hides the activities of his more deviant clients, check the Starsuckers website for screenings info or see 'How to Sell a Fake News Story'.
Read and chortle.
Mitch x

The Lowdown: Jeremy of The Very Most

jack s — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:24:44 GMT

[Altsounds.com] What does Christmas mean to you?

[Jeremy] To me, Christmas means some time off to spend more time with family. For me, it's also a time to reflect on the role that Jesus Christ plays in my life.

Are you buying your band mates presents this year?

Probably not. I don't really buy Christmas presents for anyone outside my family. That's bad, isn't it?

So a Spring EP, Summer EP, Autumn EP and now a Christmas one, what now?

Well, we're combining all the EPs onto one disc along with a bonus track. That's being released in late January. Then we'll begin work on our next release on Indiecater.

You could title your album "Seasons", that sound good? I want credit for that.

That's a good title. The CD will be called "A Year With The Very Most" though. That name was decided on months ago.

Jeremy what equipment did you have when you had your home studio? Was it fully pimped out?

I'd say it's mildly pimped out. I have some decent mics, guitars, amps, a Fender Rhodes, some awesome soft synths. It's hard for me to complain at this point. I have everything I need and then some. I'm especially fond these days of my Fender Baja Tele guitar. So sweet! I'm also pretty enamored with the Native Instruments stuff like the B4 organ plugin and Guitar Rig guitar processing plugin.

You have had quite a few line-up changes, has this disrupted the progression of The Very Most, or made it stronger?

Well, our current line-up is definitely the strongest line-up. We're really gelling live. More so than any other band I've been a part of. So, while there is an initial time investment in getting new members up to speed, it's more than worth it.

Was it easy to find new members?

It wasn't too rough. Things happened pretty organically.

"The Very Most" - how has this band name come about?

Hmmm. To tell you the truth, I just had a brainstorming session and picked the least dumb name on the list. I needed a band name quick because our first record was coming out soon.

Did you always want to become a musician and release records?

I'd say since the time I was 10 or so. I'd draw pictures of me in a band, though I think the name of my imaginary band in 1986 was "Bad Dudes" or something equally horrible.

What's the worst job you have had?

Washing dishes and putting food on the trays at a hospital. I'd have to be to work at 5:30 in the morning, work as fast as possible, and dodge the occasional syringe on the trays coming back from the rooms. Not fun. Coincidentally enough, my wife had the exact same job that I did three years before I did and she hated it too.

You released a remixes of the spring EP, will you be doing it for the other EP's?

There's no plans to do any more remixes. The Spring ones were fun, but it gets to be a little costly to pay remixers for every EP.

How do you choose them? Just your favourite ones?

I think for the most part the remixers choose the tracks they'd like to do.

Anything you would like to say?

I hope you enjoy our records! We had a lot of fun making them. If you're anywhere near Dublin in December, come see us on the 12th!

Indiecater Records � The Very Most � Winter ~ Quality Indie Music Downloads ~

Catriona Irving - Sitting On The Shelf [EP]

Burt — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:17:48 GMT

Now here's a lady who likes keeping things simple and to the point. There's only one song on this EP that strays over three minutes - and that's a remix - so there's no waffle, no guitar solos and no grandstanding. There aren't many instruments on show either. Catriona (nice name) manages just fine with a finger picked acoustic guitar, her velvet voice and not a lot else.

'Measurements' is like having cotton wool softly pushed into your ears, Catriona's voice is that squoochy. This is pant moistening stuff for ad execs looking for a new unit shifter and at just a minute and six seconds long they'll barely even have to cut it down. Talk about your gifts from God!

Then there's 'Untitled' where the understatement continues with some gently complimentary strings that don't impose themselves, merely add a little extra interest and melody - good detailing cleverly executed. �ber personal lyrics by the sound of it but you know, chat about love and all that stuff relates right back to the listener's own experience anyway so we all take something slightly different away with us.

The (semi) title track itself is a bitter sweet affair that's bound to strike a chord with quite a few people out there but remains tuneful and cryptic enough not to be lost on people who just want something to tap along to. The Plaisir De France Remix takes the song down a more electronic path with vocal echoes and a more insistent beat and proves a welcome addition to the EP showing that if Irving should so choose a foray into the burgeoning world of female equirktro pop chart busting would not be out of the question.

There are a bunch of easy comparisons that could be made here but really what's the point in banging out a roll call of artists who deal in acoustic folk pop? This is a well produced, delicate EP that has charm and distinct repeat playability.

ALICE IN CHAINS ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

jack s — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:12:45 GMT

ALICE IN CHAINS have announced dates for a North American tour set to kick off at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver on February 2nd. Tickets go on sale December 4th and 5th � fans can get more info at
www.aliceinchains.com.

The band is touring in support of its critically acclaimed new album BLACK GIVES WAY TO BLUE (Virgin/EMI), which entered Billboard�s Top 200 Albums Chart at No. 5, with first-week sales exceeding 126,000 copies.The band�s electrifying set list will spotlight classic hits and new favorites, including new single "Your Decision," which impacts radio on December 7th. The band recently shot a video for the song with director Stephen Schuster, who they previously worked with on the video for "A Looking In View."

Los Angeles-based AIC fans can catch the band performing at the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas show at the Gibson Amphitheatre on December 12. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, November 21 and proceeds will benefit two local charities, Para Los Ninos and the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center. On November 24th, the band will also perform three songs acoustically for a special Yahoo! Maximum Performance, which can be seen on Yahoo! Music. In other news, Alice In Chains recently released a Black Gives Way To Blue iPhone app, which features full songs from the album, music videos, news, photos, social networking and much more. The app separates itself from the pack with an impressive level of interactivity; its custom-built functionality allows fans to interact with each of the album�s 11 tracks via a touch, drag and hold feature that reveals hidden visual gems. A demo of the app (which was designed and developed by Mobile Roadie, Streetwise Concepts & Culture (Home :: StreetWise Concepts + Culture) and EMI Music) can be viewed by clicking here:

http://bit.ly/1VWXWZ

The band (guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell, guitarist/vocalist William DuVall, drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Inez) is currently touring Europe and recently performed on the UK television show "Later ... With Jools Holland." The international dates followed a sold-out U.S. buzz tour and performances on "The Tonight Show with Conan O�Brien" and back-to-back nights on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." All three shows saw AIC perform chart-topping lead single "Check My Brain," which hit No. 1 on the Modern, Active and Rock formats and was hailed by Spin magazine as "one of the catchiest songs of Alice In Chains' history."

Don�t miss your chance to catch Alice In Chains live. Tour dates are as follows:

Date City Venue

Nov. 20 Antwerp, Belgium Trix Zaal
Nov. 21 Weisbaden, Germany Schlachthof
Nov. 23 Dortmund, Germany FZW
Nov. 24 Prague, Czech Rep. Lucerna
Nov. 25 Warsaw, Poland Stodola
Nov. 27 Budapest, Hungary Petofi Csarnok
Nov. 29 Vienna, Austria Gasometer
Nov. 30 Munich, Germany Thearterfabrick
Dec. 2 Milan, Italy Alcatraz
Dec. 3 Fribourg, Switzerland Fri-Son
Dec. 4 Paris, France Bataclan
Dec. 6 Nottingham, UK Rock City
Dec. 7 London, UK Brixton Academy
Dec. 11 Las Vegas, NV The Joint (KXTE radio show)
Dec. 12 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheatre (KROQ Acoustic Xmas)
Feb. 2 Vancouver, BC Orpheum Theatre
Feb. 4 Seattle, WA Paramount Theatre
Feb. 6 Salem, OR Salem Armory
Feb. 11 Oakland, CA Fox Theatre
Feb. 17 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
Feb. 19 Denver, CO Fillmore
Feb. 21 Kansas City, MO Midland
Feb. 22 St. Louis, MO Pageant
Feb. 23 Louisville, KY Louisville Palace
Feb. 25 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
Feb. 27 Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
Mar 1 Nashville, TN Municipal Auditorium
Mar 2 Charlotte, NC Fillmore
Mar 3 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall
Mar 5 Richmond, VA The National
Mar 6 Mashantucket, CT Foxwoods
Mar 8 New York, NY Terminal 5
Mar 12 Atlantic, City, NJ Borgata
Mar 13 Philadelphia, PA Tower Theatre
Mar 14 Boston, MA Orpheum
Mar 16 Montreal, QC Metropolis
Mar 17 Toronto, ONT Sound Academy
Mar 19 Detroit, MI Fillmore State Theatre
Mar 20 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom
Mar 21 St. Paul, MN Roy Wilkens Auditorium

Alice In Chains

Frank Turner - Poetry Of The Deed [ Single]

mark191082 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:12:37 GMT

Frank Turner's latest release has just recently been lauded by this very site and rightly so as it's a captivating album that serves to enhance the growing reputation of the troubadour-esque Turner. The single release of the same name 'Poetry Of The Deed' channels the spirit of Robert Smith and The Cure at their poppy finest into a track that overflows with Turner's eloquence "Life is to short to live without poetry/If you've got soul darling now come on and show it me".

Opening with some Weller-lite guitar licks that morph into something resembling New Order strangely whilst Turner lilts over the top about being a "Poet Of The Deed" and whatever that may be I'm inclined to believe him as he weaves lyrical nods to modern life in Britain. 'Poetry Of The Deed' evokes an upwelling inside of some sort of misplaced patriotism to a country that does not exist but that Turner envisages where we are all free to speak out minds and be our very own Poets.

Frank Turner is already there he's just waiting for the rest of us to join him and more importantly waiting for the country itself to wake up and join the band.

www.frank-turner.com
Frank Turner on MySpace Music
Photo by Greg Nolan - http://www.gregorynolan.com

Frightened Rabbit - Swim Until You Can't See Land [Single]

deadletteroffice — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:47:52 GMT

Selkirk's Frightened Rabbit are an outfit who have been touring the indie circuit for a few years now, making the most of their friendship with fellow scots Biffy Clyro and their second album's widespread critical acclaim. Taken from their forthcoming album "The Winter of Mixed Drinks," 'Swim Until You Can't See Land' rests a lilting guitar line over subtle percussion and a gorgeous melody. Anyone familiar with Bright Eyes more alt-country tinged efforts should be right at home here. Singer Scott Hutchinson's thick Scottish brogue lends the song an even deeper resonance that helps ground the cryptic lyrics.

The chorus is uplifting and deflating in equal measure and throughout the whole song there's a gentle swell in instrumentation that builds to a climax at the final chorus with horns, strings and a massed choir seeing the song to it's conclusion. It's just a lovely little song, it doesn't profess to re-write the rule book and unless some forward thinking advertising company decides to use the song to sell mobile phones (stranger things have happened) it's not like it'll be storming the charts, but since when has that been a mark of quality?

The B-Side (tentatively titled 'Fun Stuff') pares things back slightly with Hutchinson taking the reigns alone with just an acoustic guitar for the first minute before an ambient choir of instruments fades into focus. It's a softly melancholic song seemingly about disappointing sex ("there's nothing sadder than sad sad sex") which wouldn't have sounded out of place on Sigur Ros's last record and shows a more esoteric side to the band that I'd love to see more of on the album when it drops next year.

All in all an impressive release and another winner from Fat-Cat records!

We Were Promised Jetpacks - It's Thunder And It's Lightning [Single]

mark191082 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:46:25 GMT

Having already released what is arguably one of the best debut albums of 2009 "These Four Walls," We Were Promised Jetpacks are ending the year with the release of Double A-Side 'It's Thunder And It's Lightning/Ships With Holes Will Sink,' two tracks that really open up what We Were Promised Jetpacks are about, showing their growing potential and the undeniable passion and ferocity with which they attack their craft.

Album opener 'It's Thunder And It's Lightning' shows a deftness and the sleight of hand that We Were Promised Jetpacks often use to their advantage throughout their debut album. Calmly chiming in with little guitar licks that gently have the track built around them with a ratcheted guitar, flicked xylophone, and vocalist Adam Thompson's raw Scottish throttle screaming "Your Body was Black and Blue - I have to say goodnight / I'm leaving before your punching out my lights" as the drums crash in around everything before settling back into an almost dystopian groove; a groove which We Were Promised Jetpacks will continue to unleash at unexpected intervals.

Photo courtesy of Neil Thomas Douglas

'Ships With Holes Will Sink' again goes for the slow burn method that inevitably leads to something a lot more explosive with Thompson wailing "I think I died this time" creating the cheeriness! But the track really does have a tempo to it that resembles something of the 80's Postcard scene if it were savaged repeatedly by Stuart Braithwaite and Co. It's infectious like everything We Were Promised Jetpacks do.

Track-listing:
1. It's Thunder And It's Lightning
2. Ships With Holes Will Sink

We Were Promised Jetpacks on MySpace Music
FatCat Records : Home

Airbourne forced to delay UK tour

Matt D — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:07:42 GMT

Rowdy Aussie rogues Airbourne reluctantly have to announce that their intended February UK headline tour has been delayed due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict. Originally at the start of a full European tour, the UK dates will move to the end, and kick off in the UK instead now from March 29. All tickets bought for the original No Guts, No Glory dates remain valid and the band will still be performing in all previously announced towns.

Bound to be boisterous, the full list of dates is as follows:
Mon 29 Mar - Portsmouth Guildhalll
Tue 30 Mar - Bristol Colston Hall
Thu 1 Apr - London Hammersmith Apollo
Fri 2 Apr - Liverpool O2 Academy
Sat 3 Apr - Manchester Apollo
Mon 5 Apr - Edinburgh Picture House
Tue 6 Apr - Glasgow O2 Academy
Wed 7 Apr - Leeds O2 Academy
Thu 8 Apr - Newcastle O2 Academy
Sat 10 Apr - Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Sun 11 Apr - Nottingham Rock City
Tue 13 Apr � Belfast Mandela Hall
Wed 14 Apr � Dublin Academy

Tickets are on sale now priced �15 regionally, �17 London, and � 19.50 for Dublin (subject to a booking fee) and are available from all usual box offices and online at Concert Tickets and Tour Dates | Live Nation Live Nation UK. There is also a 24hr credit card hotline on 0844 576 5483. All dates are all ages though under 14�s must be accompanied by an adult.

The band�s second album No Guts, No Glory is due for release on February 22. It was written in a disused Antipodean pub that the band all used to work in and had their first gig at. Recording took place in Chicago with Johnny K at the production helm and the result is currently being mixed by Mike Fraser at Warehouse Studios in Vancouver. When asked what the record is about, Joel O�Keefe, the band�s gregarious frontman, laughs.

Quote:

It�s about rock �n� roll, women, fighting, and drinking!

New Xiu Xiu record details!

Heron — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:53:24 GMT

Read almost any piece about Xiu Xiu and you'll see words like 'harsh' or 'brutal' � the same words that appear before 'truth' when an unwavering eye is turned on any intimate detail of our lives. Fair descriptions of the themes central to the music, they sit incongruous to the refined, intricate, and beautiful approach taken in crafting the twelve tracks on Xiu Xiu's new album Dear God, I Hate Myself.

The two biggest constants throughout Xiu Xiu's catalog are honesty and evolution. This remains true with Dear God, I Hate Myself as it delivers a look at responsibility, fear, healing, and societal roles wrapped in rich gothic pop music. The sound is still distinctly Xiu Xiu, but Jamie Stewart's vocals are finally effortless paired with vibrant melodies full of subtlety and the distinct sonic accents expected of this anticipated Xiu Xiu release. The result is a record that proves that art can be pop and pop can challenge you to look inside yourself.

Stewart is joined by new full-time band member Angela Seo on piano, synth, and drum programming; with production handled by Jamie and Deerhoof'sGreg Saunier. Together they've crafted a fully grown sound for Dear God, I Hate Myself with elements from goth and pop that are expertly performed by a crop of brilliant musicians. Saunier himself plays on much of the record as does Ches Smith (John Zorn, Terry Riley, Marc Ribot) who supplies timpani, conga and moog along with a broad range of other instrumentation. Deerhoof's John Dieterich is all over a rendition of the traditional folk song �Cumberland Gap� and Xiu Xiu is even joined by the Immaculata Catholic School Orchestra in Stewart's ode to heartbreak and healing, �This Too Shall Pass Away (for Freddy).� The title track, one of four songs done primarily on a Nintendo DS, explores the relationship between faith and despair with a layer of commentary provided by the bizarre sounds of the music itself.

Each new Xiu Xiu release has evolved alongside the lives of Jamie Stewart and company. On this record you'll find more intensity and introspection than ever before, but sonically and lyrically it continues to move forward with a subtly new perspective � hyper-focussed yet aware of a larger, external picture unfolding. The pace of the record grips you, the music offers layers of detail, and the themes focus on not just the past or stark present but hint towards vespers of the future as well. Dear God, I Hate Myself will challenge you and force you to look inside yourself, but only after you get lost in the music. It's passionate, it's energetic, and it affects you.

Dear God, I Hate Myself is a beautiful piece of humanist art. It's an important addition to the growing body of intelligent music from Xiu Xiu. And it's a brilliant gothic pop record that can stand next to anything.

Xiu Xiu
Dear God, I Hate Myself
(Kill Rock Stars)
Release date: February 23, 2010

Track list:

1. Gray Death
2. Chocolate Makes You Happy
3. Apple for a Brain
4. House Sparrow
5. Hyunhye�s Theme
6. Dear God, I Hate Myself
7. Secret Motel
8. Falkland Rd.
9. The Fabrizio Palumbo Retaliation
10. Cumberland Gap
11. This Too Shall Pass Away (for Freddy)
12. Impossible Feeling

The Album Leaf: New album and confirmed UK Dates 2010

Heron — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:49:43 GMT

The new Album Leaf album A Chorus of Storytellers, marks the first decade for the group led by Jimmy LaValle. In those 10 years, LaValle has gone from initial improvised home recordings to five complete studio albums, from opening slots to leading an incredible world-touring band to the stage at Red Rocks, headlining festivals and performing at the Hollywood Bowl with the Incredible String Band. LaValle�s well-earned reputation as a crafter of impeccable sonic imagery even led to a critically-acclaimed show at the Seattle International Film Festival where The Album Leaf performed a live score for the 1927 silent film Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans.
A Chorus of Storytellers is the perfect showcase for LaValle's skill as a recording artist. The album's 11 tracks are crisp, clean, flowing and beautifully complex. The album does something even bolder than his previous albums; LaValle's distinctive, dreamy, cinematic soundscapes are often jarred out of reverie, particularly on �We Are�: with its skidding beat moving under LaValle's bounding Moog line and insistent vocals, it�s the closest thing to a pop song The Album Leaf has ever produced.

A Chorus of Storytellers was recorded by Ryan Hadlock in the frosty month of February 2009 at Bear Creek Studio just outside of Seattle. It was mixed in the decidedly warmer month of June in Reykjavik, Iceland by Jon Birgisson (of Sigur Ros). Those paying attention will notice that this is nearly the same way their last album Into the Blue Again (2006) was recorded. There is, however, one fundamental difference between this and every other album The Album Leaf has ever recorded. For the first time in five albums, The Album Leaf recorded with his entire touring band.

In the past, almost every instrument was performed by LaValle. This time the whole band - multi-instrumentalist Matthew Resovich, guitarist Drew Andrews, drummer Timothy Reece, bassist Luis Hermosillo, an Icelandic horn section and a few symphony players were invited to participate allowing Lavelle to act more like a conductor. The result? A feeling of unity and shared purpose, as well as an expanded sonic breadth which is expressed in the album title. "I wanted to name it according to what happened with the whole process," he explains. "It took two-and-a-half, close to three years to make. There were so many different things that went into it and there�s a lot of storytelling behind it."

LaValle has been able to craft an album that ventures into new, at times beat-intensive, territory. Chillingly delicate and more pop-based than ever before, �In a Safe Place� masterfully negotiates the spaces between minimal electronic music and melancholy instrumental neo-rock. The inclusion of vocals from The Black Heart Procession�s Pall Jenkins, Sigur Ros� Jon Birgisson, and LaValle himself is one of the striking results from this newly collaborative process. �If I wasn�t in that environment, I sure wouldn�t have sung,� he marvels. We�re glad he did, and you will be, too.

Looking back on the past decade, LaValle recognizes his distance from the bedroom recordings of his early days. "If I were making the same records now that I was making ten years ago, then I'd obviously not be doing something right," he asserts. "But I think back over the work and everything I've done over the ten years and it feels pretty good. I'm still doing it, and I'm making a living at it. It's cool to think of it in that way; I went for it and worked for it and here I am."

A Chorus of Storytellers - their best record yet � is released on February 1st 2010 via Sub Pop

Release Date: 1st February 2010
Label: Sub Pop
Web: The Album Leaf on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

UK HEADLINE DATES: MARCH 2010

21-Mar Bristol, Thekla
22-Mar Manchester, The Deaf Institute
23-Mar London. Bush Hall

The Effras LIVE Sat 28th Nov @ Crystal Palace Triangle Xmas Festival!

Heron — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:43:56 GMT

SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2009
CRYSTAL PALACE, LONDON SE19

The successful and innovative Crystal Palace Festival will be returning to the Triangle in a festive form on Saturday 28th November, offering a fresh mix of music,food,film and fun. Visitors and locals are invited to enjoy a full program of entertainment and fun. It's going to be no small feat to top the last festival in July, but you can be sure it will do.

Set up by Andy Bambino The Crystal Palace Triangle Free Festivals have grown organically with more and more traders, pubs and restaurants joining in the fun.

The event is underpinned by the brilliant selection of live music in the Triangle�s many pubs and the three interesting markets selling antiques/retro/food/craft/books and records. People are invited to set up street stalls selling home-made produce and bric-a-brac.
There's still much more to be announced, though expect many festive additions in the coming weeks!

The names below include links to related websites / e-mails

Here's your equilateral guide to the events so far:

Venues (more to be confirmed):

The White Hart - 96 Church Road

The Scissors Paper Rock Craft Market returns featuring some of the most exciting and compelling arts and crafts for sale in London. Expect Jewellery, Clothes, Stationery, Arts, Hats, Games and lots more lovely unique work just in time for Christmas!
Live music from:
South London Jazz Orchestra

The Effras

Plus Activities including:
Patrick�s Bingo Bonanza
There will also be fantastic DJ's after the bands
Contact Will at the White Hart: thewhitehartcrystalpalace@goog lemail.com
Contact Woody for all Craft Stall Queries: woody@hermana.co.uk

The Salvation Army - Westow Street Outside Blockbusters !NEW!
2 pm - 3 pm
The Salvation Army will be setting up and perfoming outside Blockbusters to celebrate this festive occasion!

The Endurance Steel Orchestra - Westow Street outside Blockbusters
11 am - 2pm
Come and see the Endurance steel orchestra blow your minds with their 10 piece steel section.

The Grape and Grain - Anerley Hill
Brazil
4pm - 7pm
Bossa, Salsa, Latin, Jazz
Mid-life Crisis
9pm - 12am
Blues, Rock
Contact Rick grapegrain@aol.com

Antenna Studios - Haynes Lane
�Art Show and Stuff�

The Library - 39-41 Westow Hill
2.00 pm "The Collie Wobbles Magic Show"
This is a mixture of fast moving and colourful comedy entertainment that's jam packed from start to finish with audience participation and laughter. Discover the magical story of Collie Wobbles and the amazing adventures that follow after losing his dear friend Titch the rabbit. During the show, the children get to meet George the dove and Freddy the fish as Collie Wobbles continues to search for poor lost Titch..........

3.00 - 3.45 'The Night Christmas was Cancelled'
Whippersnappers' present this seasonal show for the whole family.
'Katherine is due for another hot Caribbean Christmas. But this year she's dreaming of a white Christmas, sleighs, toboggans and snowmen. With calypso style Christmas songs, a Christmas cape, boots and gloves Santa sends her a magic sleigh that transports her to France. Things aren�t as festive as she had hoped they would be in the Alps. The King is lonely and miserable and decides to cancel Christmas. How can Katherine cheer him up and get Christmas back on again?'

3:45 - 4:30pm "Cinderella and the Stinky Slipper"
a seasonal family show presented by the Barking Dog Theatre Company. The actors use puppets, audience participation, lots of action and songs so that children of all ages can can join in with all the time-honoured pantomime traditions.

4.30 - 5.15 'Death of the Palace.'
The story of the catastrophic fire that destroyed South London's glass palace in 1936. Presented by local historian John Greatrex.

The Alma - 95 Church Road
The Alma Garden Market featuring Santa's Grotto
The Hipster Ray Live from 8:30pm
Stall Enquiries contact Liz on 07727 053772 or 0208 771 1882

Living Waters Community Caf� - Westow Street
&
Vien vintage clothing - 87 Church Rd.
Fashion show in the evening organised by Vien at the Living Waters Community Cafe, Vien will also be running Fashion events in the shop throughout the day.

Cinema for Crystal Palace Campaign - Outside Sainsbury�s
As always the much loved Cinema for Crystal Palace campaign stall will be outside sainsbury�s on the day of the fest. Pop by and see them / buy a t shirt etc.

Phoenix Centre Frost Fayre - Westow Street
11 am - 5pm - Popular Frost Fayre and themed market for essential gifts and Christmas treats. 2009 is extra special, as the Centre will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary, serving the local community, an hourly Champagne Raffle Prize, will be drawn, for lucky entrance ticket holders. This year the Phoenix Community Centre will support the London Air Ambulance Service and aim to improve on the stellar �800 raised at last years event for St. Christopher�s Hospice. Refreshments available for weary shoppers and those waiting for the hourly champagne raffle to be drawn!
For further information contact: Phoenix Community Centre Kathryn Bonds or Bruce Diamond

Phoenix Community Centre Association

The Royal Albert - 42 Westow Hill

The 2nd Croydon (1st Crystal Palace Patrol) Scouts will be selling home made sweets. There will also feature a fantastic funfair styl barrel organ.
------------
Markets:

Haynes Lane Market - Haynes Lane
In a tiny little "no through" road called Haynes Lane, Crystal Palace, London SE19 there sits two floors of charmingly
strangely random indoor market.
Two Floors Of Vintage, Retro and Designer:
Clothing, Shoes, Hats, Accessories, Gifts, Art, Books, Candles, China, Glass, Ceramics, Furniture, Kitchenalia, Records, CDs, DVDs, Collectibles, Ornaments and more

Jasper Road Antiques Market - Jasper Road off Westow Hill
4 floors of antiques, furniture and other fascinating bits and bobs.

Church Road Street Market - From Bambino's to eternity
Rocket Ride�s for the under 5s / Craft Stalls / Food / Workshops and many other surprises throughout the day
11am - 6pm

http://www.myspace.com/crystalpalacetrianglefest

http://twitter.com/CPalaceFestival

GWAR AND KORPIKLAANI CONFIRMED FOR EXCLUSIVE APPEARANCES AT BOA 2010

Matt D — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:52:32 GMT

BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR has confirmed a further two acts for next year�s festival. After being forced to pull out in 2009, it is with great honour, anticipation and a touch of nerves that we can confirm GWAR�s EXCLUSIVE return to the UK. The Grammy-nominated Scumdogs Of The Universe will be flying in from Antarctica to unleash hell on all in attendance. Frontmonster Oderus Urungus warns us of the impending orgy of bodily fluids, nuclear waste and all manner of murder and vulgarity.

Quote:

Greetings people of Earth, it is I, ODERUS URUNGUS, lead singer of the BLOODIEST band in metal history, the mighty GWAR! And it is with a sense of toe-curling delight and impending DOOM that I announce the addition of the GWAR to the mammoth BLOODSTOCK Open Air Metal Festival to be held this summer in England. That�s right, from the frozen depths of Antarctica, GWAR brings what BLOODSTOCK needs...BLOOD! Prepare yourself for the most colossal, disgusting, and completely politically incorrect show in metal history! We'll bring the swords, you bring the bodies, and together we shall turn the slam-pit into a seething mass of DEATH not seen in Europe since the fall of Berlin! GWAR is playing BLOODSTOCK...and may the Pope choke on it!

Next up, Finnish folk-metal heroes KORPIKLAANI will be bringing their band of merry metal to Derby this summer for their only UK appearance of 2010. With a repertoire of upbeat songs, mostly about alcohol and partying, KORPIKLAANI are the perfect band to raise your tankards to while enjoying the festival sunshine. The band are eagerly anticipating their return to the Bloodstock stage:

Quote:

We are very glad to get a chance to play in Bloodstock Open Air again after a few years. Last time was our first festival in England and the audience was wild and good as always there. We are looking forward to the festival very much already, and we hope there is enough cold beer like the last time.

The BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR METAL FESTIVAL 2010 will take place at Catton Hall, Derbyshire from 13th � 15th August.

Limited tickets are on sale now until Xmas at the discounted price of �85 for the whole weekend at Bloodstock Heavy Metal festivals - UK's largest Independent Heavy Metal Festivals

BAND LINE UP SO FAR
OBITUARY : ROSS THE BOSS : RAGE : ANDROMEDA : BEHEMOTH : DEVIN TOWNSEND : DORO : LEAVES EYES : SUFFOCATION : DREAM EVIL : CANNIBAL CORPSE : KORPIKLAANI : GWAR

Bloodstock Heavy Metal festivals - UK's largest Independent Heavy Metal Festivals

SYLOSIS in the studio!

Matt D — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:37:59 GMT

Reading based modern thrashers SYLOSIS entered the studio last Friday to record the follow up to 2008s successfull debut �Conclusion Of An Age�.

The band is working with Scott Atkins who worked on the predecessor.

Commented mainman Josh Middleton:

Quote:

We're ridiculously excited about starting work on the next album. We're definitely progressing as a band, incorporating some new influences to make an album that's more mature, darker and generally a lot heavier. I've been writing riffs thinking things like �what if (TOOL guitarist) Adam Jones played guitar in DEATH� haha. The songs are a little longer this time around and a bit more complex and technical which is something that's just happened naturally.

We're just about to start tracking the drums for ten days with producer Scott Atkins. We contemplated using other producers but we all really enjoyed working with Scott and we were really happy with the production on the last album. He really pushes for tightness and understands where we're coming from musically. In terms of the production, this time we're going to aim for a much more organic, raw sound. Rob 's really progressed as a drummer in the last year so I can't wait to hear him lay this stuff down in the studio. Once the drums are complete we head off on tour with DRAGONFORCE so we wont end up recording the guitars, bass and vocals etc until January.

Watch Rob hitting his drums real hard while recording for the upcoming album at:

The band take a break and today kick off their tour with DRAGONFORCE, before returning to London for a headline show and resuming recordings. Catch Sylosis on tour with Dragonforce at the following shows:

SYLOSIS
19.11 Folkestone - Leas Cliff Hall
20.11 Reading - Hexagon
21.11 Southend - Cliffs
23.11 Southampton -Guildhall
24.11 Truro � Hall for Cornwall
25.11 Bristol - University
26.11 Wolverhampton � Wulfrun Hall
28.11 Preston � 53 Degrees
29.11 Bradford � St. Georges Hall
30.11 Sheffield - Academy
01.12 Hanley � Victoria Hall
03.12 Glasgow - Barrowlands
04.12 Dundee � Fat Sam's
05.12 Inverness � Iron Works
07.12 Middlesborough - Empire
08.12 Cambridge � Corn Exchange
10.12 Lincoln � Engine Shed
11.12 Manchester - Academy
12.12 Liverpool � Academy

Sylosis headline the London Garage on December 16th.

SYLOSIS on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

Young And lost Club giveaway!

Matt D — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:23:34 GMT

We have a bunch of prizes to win in this giveaway for 3 lucky people.

This is open to everyone worldwide.

The prizes for this are: a copy of Everything Everything's new single on 7" vinyl (of which there are only 500 copies) called 'My Keys, Your Boyfriend', the single also contains a remix of the song by Delphic!

Backed by the gloriously expansive �NASA Is On Your Side� on the flip, �My Keys, Your Boyfriend� perfectly illustrates Jonathan & Co�s knack at penning an almighty tune that not only lifts the spirits but challenges the listener at every turn � it shouldn�t work but it does.

You can also win copies of the new Swanton Bombs and Magic Wands singles, you can also win some nice and shiny badges courtesy of our friends at the Young And Lost Club label!

In order to win the limited edition singles and shiny badges answer this question:

Where are Everything Everything based in?
A: Newcastle
B: Manchester
C: Stoke

A Tale Of Junk Culture Part 3

Andrew_Culture — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:56:31 GMT

In previous episodes of this historical tale we�ve talked about Junk Culture the �early days,� in fact the days were so early they were before Junk Culture formed. We examined the motivation behind a young lad with the world ahead of him, a head of fluffy blonde hair and a keen interest in female anatomy (studied in mail order catalogues) throwing his life away playing in bands. So now we�re going to look into why I made it further than 99% of bedroom dreamers and actually played a show, and why I made it further than 80% of the 1% remainder from the above statistic and actually went on to play a second show, and ultimately we shall get an insight into why I am still dumb enough to still be one of the 0.1% of the aforementioned 1% still playing shows so many summers later. That is it for the math in this part, you can put down your pens and pencils; there will be no test afterwards (although the prose may be testing in itself).

Having spent what was probably more than a year practising several times a week in the vicarage, a first gig still eluded the members of NICE. Matt, Dan, Tom and I had tried everything we could to step up to the musical mantel, step onto the first rung of the ladder of fame and step out into the wide world of rock and roll. Our metaphors were getting thin and our desperation for stardom only grew stronger, along with a growing fascination with steps. I was buoyed up by the fact I now knew the fat string at the top of the guitar was referred to as the bottom string, and the recent purchase of an electronic tuner and a plectrum brought a certain professionalism to my performances during practices in the dinning room of the vicarage. But baring the chance a world famous record producer walking his dog down the muddy footpath behind our �rehearsal rooms� would discover us we knew we had little chance of bothering the charts unless we got proactive, and maybe bought a step ladder.

We considered ourselves musically ready; we had a collection of ten or 11 songs together. Titles were taken from the contents of a book case in the dinning room where we rehearsed, themes were inspired by burgeoning teenage crushes. With song titles like �Making clothes for children� and �Journey� (probably more a homage to Jules Verne than an ode to psychedelic drugs) we felt sure we were on the right tracks. We even had a lament to languid lustful longings and teenage temptresses called �Caroline� (bare in mind we were teenagers ourselves at the time and you will realise that is nowhere as creepy as it sounds). We were EMO before EMO existed, but with some loose fitting trousers and without the lank hair. I have no idea where our lyrical inspiration came from; none of us had so much as snogged a girl, let alone suffered the hellish machinations of a heart crushed by the disinterest of the opposite sex. We hadn�t even playfully cupped a breast in jest. Tom had bought the aforementioned Caroline an Easter egg and with no concept of the true meaning of the record had played her �Come Together� by Primal Scream down the telephone line. Possibly slightly confused and concerned by a 13 year old (Tom was Matt�s younger brother) being so suggestive she hung up the phone and Tom decided to eat the egg himself. Such is the complexity of the heart and soul - we all yearn and suffer the torments of desire; the surety that the only way our burning soul can be saved is by the tender affections of those we try to assert our ardour on, but more often than not said fevered feelings can be quelled by eating half of a kilo of reasonably priced chocolate. Watching that delightful 80�s slice of Antipodean oddness �Round the Twist� also helps, although results may vary according to the age of the viewer, and the decade in which the heart is wounded.

After several more aimless crushes the distractions of trying to �get off� with girls appeared to abate briefly, and as if revealed through a clearing in patchy fog we reset our sights on our goal. We decided that if promoters refused to ring and offer us a support slot at Wembley Stadium we would have to take matters into our own hands. Being south of 16 years old - and not having the first idea of the complexities of live music promotion - we went with the only idea our intuition offered us and cobbled together a series of hand made felt tip decorated posters declaring our imminent appearance at Otley village hall.

If you�re reading this and haven�t enjoyed an upbringing in rural England then I�d best briefly explain what a village hall is. It�s a hall in a village. To be more precise it�s a small (usually wooden) hut built around one or other of the Queen�s jubilees, or at the time of her coronation. Often the construction involves a more than advisable amount of asbestos (I.E. �some�). For some reasons I�ve never figured out they almost always seem to be perched perilously on many small piles of bricks, giving them the appearance that they used to be great land ships until some bugger nicked their wheels, forever stranding them by a B road. Village Halls are usually used as the village cr�che for young mums and as a meeting place for the old folk of the village to congregate, play cards and complain about the young mums of today. These two disparate user groups give each village hall a unique smell that you can�t find anywhere else - and heaven only knows why you would seek to � of nappies and stale baked goods, augmented with the tang of fusty air and rotting woodwork. They are truly unique and wonderful places and should be celebrated by all, albeit with a raised eyebrow and a peg to the nose.

I still don�t know why Matt chose a village about ten miles from our own homes in Wickham Market. I have no idea why he chose a parish where we knew nobody and had no way of getting ourselves to, but he seemed sure of his choice in a sort of �build it and they will come� way. We didn�t include a date on the poster, or details of door charges and concession rates. The poster featured as its focal point just our band name and the location of the happening. Underneath we made the bold claim that we were �as good as they say they are,� and offered the opening time for the event as �dusk� (an obscure homage to the recent Stone Roses gig at Spike Island). None of us thought to actually contact the caretakers of Otley Village Hall, book a PA system or even tell our parents about the gig. It wasn�t that we considered these mere details below the radar of our rock god status; we just didn�t consider them at all. We felt much the same way I did when I tried to find a doorway to Narnia in the back of my wardrobe a few years previously; we had a goal in our sights and were more blinkered than a pervert at a peep show.

With exuberant enthusiasm and an unshakeable belief that a life of stadium rock and solid gold toilets would be ours if we just put in a little graft we filled out pockets with drawing pins, hopped on our bikes and set forth to decorate the church notice boards and telegraph poles of the surrounding villages. By the time we reached Ufford (about a mile away) we realised what a mistake we had made in trying to cycle burdened with home made bill posters and pockets full of drawing pins. Wishing to avoid further perforations to our still developing genitalia we elected to put all the posters up outside Ufford Church and headed home confident in the knowledge we had done a good job.

You may have guessed already, but having decided on a gig miles from home, neglecting to actually book the venue and running a poster campaign within the confines of a single church notice board in a village with less than a hundred residents didn�t result in instant stardom. I�d love to be able to give you a fairytale ending to this part of the story whereby a kindly well wisher took us under their wing and pulled a few strings here and there but it just didn�t happen. Damned cruel world this can be sometimes, a boy makes misguided minimal effort and what happens? Nothing. Cruel and bastard-harsh world.

The non existent gig at Otley Village Hall didn�t so much pass by as drift from our collective consciousness, a bit like when you try not to think of a drunken mistake you�ve made, or try to ignore a large crack appearing in your bedroom ceiling above your pillow. Sure the plaster might come crashing down on your face while you sleep permanently scarring you so badly even your mother would struggle to love you, but on the other hand it might not.

Our dreams of world tours were replaced with a simple desire just to play anywhere, to anyone anyway we could. We wanted exposure with a greater swiftness and intensity than a flasher in a black leather raincoat outside a fast food restaurant during an unbearably hot day in August. A brief performance sonically violating the bemused local Christian youth group in the church hall realigned our desires, and we aimed just a little higher. I took it upon myself to book us a proper gig, with a crowd that actually wanted to be present rather than one that (based purely on the sounds they were being exposed to) were starting to question their faith.

With linear logic and an attention to detail that has probably never graced me since I took it on myself to organise our first concert. I chose Hatcheston Village Hall as the venue; it had the advantage of being about a mile away from our home Village and was therefore less likely to attract the local undesirables. These undesirables being the large gang of youths that spent their time outside the men�s public conveniences in the centre of the village yelling homophobic abuse at passers by. Many years later one of these delightful fellows gave me the opportunity to use the best comeback I have ever offered up to such abuse; when one particularly low fore headed boz-eyed specimen bellowed the accusation that I enjoyed partaking in fellatio in front of a large group of onlookers I retorted that he still owed me a tenner for performance of said pole polishing duties!

I contacted the caretaker of Hatcheston Village Hall who seemed to have no problem with a child hiring a building she was responsible for, it was either that or she was trying to get fired or get revenge on a fellow member of the parish council. The cost of hire was ten pounds a night and however many fifty pence pieces we needed for the electric meter.

I chose a date, photocopied some tickets and posters, and began the hard sell. As it turned out a great number of kids at my comprehensive school in Framlingham and the private school my band mates attended in Woodbridge were more than willing to part with a quid in exchange for a badly drawn paper ticket that promised them a night of entertainment from a band that were �as good as they say they are.� At the time I was amazed that our fame had spread so fast. In retrospect I assume these kids relished the idea of spending a night without adult supervision at an event that looked just about passable as a properly organised concert. By the night of the gig we had sold a staggering one hundred tickets and about another fifty kids would show up on the door chancing their arm that they�d get into what was looking like the social event of the decade, and at that age we only had one and a half decades worth of experience to go on.

I was feeling like quite the successful business man, I had even booked a support band in the shape of our friend�s punk band �Ken Liver� to kick off proceedings and to offer the punters more bang for their buck. Ken Liver told me they were a punk band, a phrase that meant nothing to me at all; I think I assumed it was some sort of dance routine.

For reasons I still don�t understand, a music shop in Ipswich called Sounds Plus offered me the use of a rudimentary PA rig for free, and in exchange we offered them advertising in the form of a plastic bag pinned to the wall of the small foyer of the venue. On the morning of the gig we fetched the PA from Ipswich (over an hour away on the bus) and somehow talked a parent into helping us lug it to Hatcheston.

Ever the voice of reason and calm logic my dad pointed out the night before the big gig that we could probably do with some insurance in the shape of someone who had already passed through puberty wandering around to make sure the place didn�t get destroyed. While my dad may have boyish looks he also has an enormous soup strainer moustache that makes it clear to all he finished his �special journey� several decades ago. His concerns weren�t as mad as they may sound, my dad has been heavily involved in youth work for as long as I�ve been alive and was all to aware of what unruly teenagers are capable of. Unconvinced that my burly school friend Leighton (who offered to work the door in exchange for a box of penny chews) would be the only necessary muscle ying to my dad�s security yang. He roped in the Terry the Loss Adjustor (who lived next door) to help out, probably hoping his skills as a Insurance Loss Adjustor wouldn�t become a large part of his role for the night. Kindly Terry�s daughter Clare-Marie and her mate Lucy offered to run the merchandise stall, the merchandise consisting entirely of peppermint cr�mes with our band name NICE etched onto the surface. Naturally they sold out in minutes, I had deliberately chosen a village with no pub so the kids had nowhere else to go, and those not old or wise enough to bring booze needed some kid of mild altering hit.

By the time we were putting this gig on we had been to a few �proper� gigs at the students union at the UEA (the University in Norwich) and at Colchester Uni (where I saw Damon Albarn throwing up behind a bus) and felt sure we knew how to create a realistic and electrifying rock concert. Our plan was a simple one; we shut all the curtains and borrowed a four bulb row of disco lights and a strobe light large enough to take down light aircraft. The rest of the stage effects would be covered by our mate Tim blowing cigar smoke into an empty pop bottle and squeezing it back out from stage left in the vague direction of our feet. The University gigs we had been to were stiflingly hot and sweaty, to mirror this at our own concert we turned all the blow heaters on full blast for the entire afternoon before the doors opened. Everyone must have been wilting as they crammed into the hall around PM, not that we could see them, we had turned the lights off because gigs are always, yer know, kinda dark and hot.

We felt a little deflated by the fact the stage at Hatcheston Village Hall was only ten centimetres high so we formed a barricade in front of the stage by placing the huge fold out trestle tables (of the type you only find in Village Halls) on their sides with the tops facing the audience. The drum riser was made by piling up folded up tables and precariously placing Tom�s drum kit on the top.

As Ken Liver played through a set of what in retrospect were pretty decent punk covers � augmented only by my dad yelling at them for swearing on stage � and we hid away in the kitchen waiting for our big moment. The kitchen was behind the stage and a heavy red velvet curtain gave us the perfect opportunity to make a grand entrance when Tim played the intro music that would signal that our time had come. There were two other doors leading from the kitchen; one led to the outside world where (and I kid you not) screaming girls banged their fists on the door, wanting a piece of our singer Dan. This not entirely unwanted attention forced him to use the cupboard behind the other door as a makeshift toilet and he was forced to use a gossamer thin plastic cup as a makeshift urinal. His emergence from the aforementioned call of nature avec cup is quite wonderfully captured on the video Dan�s dad made of the evening. Nothing would make those baying girls go away; we tried everything, by which I mean we tried opening the door and frisbeeing a surprising number of plastic trays at them.

Ken Liver finished their set and our roadie/ stage manager/ provider of teenage smoke Tim prepared the stage by walking around it and pretending to play Matt�s guitar, we know he did this because not only were we peeping through the curtain but it�s also captured on the video of the night. We went on to bewilderingly rapturous applause considering nobody in the room had ever seen or heard us before, and most of those present had quite probably never even been to a gig before. Maybe we created such a magnificent scene of pure throbbing sexiness on that stage the girls just lost control? Perhaps everyone in the room was dangerously dehydrated from the sweltering heat? Just maybe they screamed due to the fact that half the fuse board had blown out when we took to the stage, meaning the only light in the room was a pulsating strobe light so piercing in its brightness you could see the thoughts of the person in front of you each time it flashed? I�m pretty sure it was the sexy thing though.

We hammered through our set and much to my hormonal joy my performance had the complete attention of a very attractive girl in the front row. I learnt an important lesson on stage that night in Hatcheston; it�s always more important to look like you know what you�re doing with a bass guitar then it is to actually know what you�re doing with a bass guitar. Considering I hadn�t gone to the trouble of actually learning a couple of the songs we played that night and played the remainder with a cavalier attitude to key, tempo and putting the notes in the right places I still managed to earn the fluttering eyelids of a handful of girls. I peered out from behind my stupid floppy fringe (it looked like a comb-over that had been turned ninety degrees and blown dried in a candyfloss machine) at the swooning girls as they turned their attention equally to each band member and I knew with a grave certainty that this lark of being in a band was something I wanted to do a whole lot more of.

It wasn�t like we knew nothing about girls, I had a plethora of girls who claimed taking things further would �ruin our friendship� and we had a particularly special friend called Hester who demystified the opposite sex in the most innocent ways possible. I greatly preferred her explanations of the ways birds and bees have sex with each other than I did the wolf skull diagrams employed by our school RE teacher during sex education. Like most internal organs the ovaries look pretty terrifying out of context, and �out of context� is a way of viewing our organs none of us wish to experience � preferring them to remain safely tucked away actually inside our bodies.

So while the fleeting affections of several girls was great and all, it was the focussed attention of one particular girl called Laura (who had made her way to stand right in front of me) that really caught my attention. In fact on the video of the night you can see me trying to wave to her whilst playing; I may have found out that playing in a band can go some way to attracting female attention, I was yet to figure out how to make the next romantic move. As it turns out Laura took care of that aspect a week later when she kicked shut her bedroom door, pinned me to it and proceeded to carefully examine every aspect of my dental hygiene with her talented tongue. Oh yes, being in a band had got me my first proper snog, and it was with a groupie. There are certain things in life you only get to do once, and the memory and anecdotal armoury of such events stay with you for life. I will always be eternally grateful to Laura for giving me the coolest first kiss of anyone I know. It�s just a shame I made a noise like a pantomime dame when she surprised me with her affections in the way she did. She dumped me a few weeks later because I told her I thought Guns and Roses were shit.

Musically my first ever gig ended in the coolest way possible � we were back stage (by which I mean the kitchen) when my dad bounded through the curtain holding a smashed vodka bottle as evidence that the crowd wanted more. I don�t think anything I�ll experience for as long as I live will be as rock and roll as that moment right there.

NICE continued to play the occasional gig, make the occasional short film (seriously) and build an underground base (no kidding) for the next few years. We changed our name periodically (Morris 1000, The Benaults, The Listeners and probably more) and sadly it would be many years before I played another show to so many people. My cut of the profit that night was �15, it would also be many more years before I would make as much money as that from playing a gig. As my bandmates started to take school seriously and knuckled down to the prospect of having "careers," band practices (or �bandies� as we called them) became less frequent and musical directions more bizarre and challenging. Had it not been for a chance meeting with an extremely drunk young punk in the smoking area of Suffolk College around the same time I dare say NICE may have been my last musical adventure.