As you know, I’ve been taking a break from IndieUprising.  After much thought I’ve decided not to go on with the show or the website.  This was a tough decision because I have discovered so many incredible bands the past 2 years, and it’s been a lot of fun helping others discover these great bands.

I’ve been running IndieUprising pretty much all by myself.  From the web design, posting stories, screening hundreds of CDs a month, writing reviews (with some help, thanks Allie, Derik, Sarah and Jen!), recording and posting the show, contacting bands, managers, record labels and so much more . . . it’s been a lot of work.  So, with this dreadful economy, my job keeping me extremely busy and family life keeping me even busier, it’s time to make some priority decisions.

I’ll miss doing IndieUprising as it’s been a huge part of my identity these past 2 years.  There are so many great bands starting up and breaking up every day.  I’ll continue to follow and discover all these great bands and hopefully I’ll be able to organize and bring back an even better IndieUprising within the next 2 years.

I’ll keep the website up, so all the shows will still be available.  I just won’t be contributing anything new.  Thanks for listening to the show and supporting Indepenent music! Hopefully I’ll bump into you at a show sometime.

All the best,

Sean Duregger

Daniel Martin Moore will release his new album Stray Age on October 7th 2008.

You’ve never heard of Daniel Martin Moore, from Cold Spring, Kentucky.  That’s okay.  Before we got his unsolicited demo in January 2007, neither had we.  Luckily, he’d heard of us, and contacted us the way people in Cold Spring still do- he sent us a package, just to see what would happen.  In all honesty, his odds were quite slim, but occasionally we’ll take down that “no solicitation” sign on our door.  And in this case, we’re glad we did.

The first thing you’ll notice about his debut, “Stray Age” is its simplicity.  It’s a folk record, evoking certain feelings (as all good records should), but there’s a gentle approach to its sound and the way Moore’s voice phrases his words.  “Stray Age” was recorded in Los Angeles in three different spurts, the first two sessions taking place in October and December of 2007, then the third in February of 2008.  He even got some people you’ve heard of to help him out.  Joe Chiccarelli (The Shins, U2, The White Stripes) took on co-production, recording and mixing duties.  Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, Tori Amos) played upright bass.  Jesca Hoop lent her voice to “The Old Measure” and “Restoration Sketches.”  And Petra Haden (Bill Frisell, Beck) adds violin to “It’s You,” “The Hour Of Sleep,” and “The Old Measure.”

Those reference points are really just that, though.  Moore is most captivating as a singer, one who doesn’t seem concerned with usual folkie fodder.  If you ask him what his music’s about – a legitimate question – he just politely shrugs his shoulders in a way that says, “that’s up to you to figure out.”  But, the insights in “Stray Age” are not secrets and would never hope to be.  Yet as simply as Daniel Martin Moore thinks of “Stray Age,” it’s rich with understated complexities that take you to places that people like Nick Drake and Mojave 3/Slowdive principle Neil Halstead have been cited as doing.  There’s a soft swing in the vocals reminiscent of Chet Baker.  But the one thing with Moore, that we like to think of as separating him from the pack, is he’s looking forward.  He wants to go places, he wants you to come with him, and we’re finding him right in that moment.

NEW!  Mp3 “Stray Age”  http://www.subpop.com/assets/audio/4647.mp3 Give the new kid a try!

Artist Page http://www.subpop.com/artists/daniel_martin_moore

Tour Dates  http://www.subpop.com/tours/daniel_martin_moore

***  FULL ALBUM STREAMING – NOW! on Blitzen Trapper’s MySpace Page: http://www.myspace.com/blitzentrapper *****

Furr is the fourth record by Portland sextet Blitzen Trapper and the follow-up to last year’s highly acclaimed Wild Mountain Nation. Written in the gaps of the group’s frenetic touring schedule and recorded mostly in a hoary old telegraph building close by the Willamette River, the new record refines and expands on the far-ranging yet distinctive songcraft that lies at the heart of Blitzen Trapper’s unique appeal.

Like its predecessor, Furr was made largely in the group’s studio at Sally Mack’s School of Dance, which is housed in the aforementioned telegraph building near downtown Portland. This is a small T-shaped room with high ceilings, a couch, a hot-plate, and a mixing console. During reprieves from tour, songwriter and producer Eric Earley lived furtively in the studio, crashing on the couch, but rising with the sun or staying up into the nether hours when the other bands in the building quit and went home. It was during these quiet times that the new songs took shape, with rhythm sections printed hot to four-track and then layered and embellished and deconstructed or sometimes just left the way they were.

One key to this new material was an ancient, warped piano that appeared in the hallway one day at Sally Mack’s School of Dance and which was subsequently muscled into the group’s studio. Though out of tune and missing teeth, this piano became the warhorse upon which Earley wrote and recorded much of Furr. The beast has gone away to the landfill now, but you can still hear the clacking and clattering of its rickety skeleton in songs like “Not Your Lover” and “Echo.”

Blitzen Trapper is a group of native Northwesterners, most of whom grew up in Salem, Oregon. They have lived and played together in Portland since 2000. Critics and fans have compared their music to just about everything; there have been calls to coin a new genre. After self-releasing Wild Mountain Nation in June of 2007, the group ventured beyond the West Coast for the first time to tour extensively in Europe and North America. Furr is their first Sub Pop release.

Mp3 “Furr” http://www.subpop.com/assets/audio/4591.mp3 There is a new, free mp3 coming soon!

Artist Page  http://www.subpop.com/artists/blitzen_trapper

Tour Dates  http://www.subpop.com/tours/blitzen_trapper

* New 7-inch on Jump Start
* Nine-day tour with American Armada begins today
* Three-week tour in Oct / Nov with Antillectual (Oct 17 – Nov 09)

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ONE WIN CHOICE (Toms River, N.J.) has just announced that their upcoming three-song 7-inch will be released by Jump Start Records in early 2009. The band should have copies in late October though, just in time for their show at The Fest in Gainesville, F.L.

A total of five songs were recorded in September by Mike Rummel at Below Sea Level. Rummel has worked with The Bouncing Souls, Spanish Bombs, Pitch Black Blonde and Gimme Drugs. Three of the tracks will appear on the 7-inch while the remaining two will be available exclusively as digital downloads. Of course, anyone who purchases the vinyl will receive mp3s for all five songs.

The band has also planned a fair share of touring for the next two months, beginning today with a nine-day trip through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana with American Armada.

In October and November, One Win Choice will be hitting the road for three weeks with label mates Antillectual. Jump Start will be releasing the U.S. vinyl version of the Belgium band’s latest full-length, Testimony, on October 21st. More on those dates soon, but as previously mentioned, both bands have been confirmed for The Fest.

TOUR

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SEP 19 – Punxsutawney, PA @ The Rad Tav w/ American Armada
SEP 20 – Akron, OH @ The Mullet House w/ American Armada
SEP 22 – Lansing, MI @ Mac’s Bar w/ w/ American Armada, The Riot Before
SEP 23 – Michigan City, IN @ The Creephole w/ American Armada
SEP 24 – Indianapolis, IN @ 1511 House w/ American Armada
SEP 26 – Athens, OH @ Brown Town w/ American Armada
SEP 27 – Cleveland OH @ The Womb w/ w/ American Armada, Two Hand Fools
SEP 28 – Pittsburgh, PA @ The Smiling Moose w/ American Armada

One Win Choice’s fiery debut full-length, Never Suspend Disbelief, was released by Jump Start Records in December of 2007. Recorded by Nick Rotundo (Paint It Black, None More Black) and produced by Boy Sets Fire’s Josh Latshaw, the album explodes with 12 anthems of raw, uncompromising hardcore punk. It’s impassioned, urgent and uplifting all at once. You can stream a few tracks on the band’s myspace page.

- A crunching, yet tuneful, meaningful onslaught from the heart. – Rock Sound
- An absolute gem…a simply stunning disc that all hardcore fans will love. – Verbicide Magazine
- Each song is a drawn-out thought that is full of substance, heart and inspiration. – MaximumRockNRoll
- Balls-to-the-wall melodic hardcore punk that is easy to love and impossible to ignore. – Can You See The Sunset?
- One Win Choice’s secret weapon is the way it so vividly captures storms of confusion, anger and self-pride. – Jersey Beat
- Never Suspend Disbelief is an unrelenting source of energy, youthful optimism, intelligence and revolutionary ideals. – The Punk Site

Click here to view the embedded video.

Southern California’s I Am Ghost has announced their co-headlining tour with Century Media’s Blessed By A Broken Heart. The band will also play a CD release party on October 12th at the Glass House in Pomona, CA before starting their full European tour.

“It has been nearly two years since the band has been back in the United Kingdom and we could not be happier. This will also be our very first tour ever in continental Europe, so we are extremely excited to see how our music goes over there,” says I Am Ghost front-man Steven Juliano. “It’s like a dream to finally play in all these great places. This is going to be an amazing tour!”

After a two year tour run that saw the band steal the show with jaw dropping live performances alongside Aiden, Escape the Fate, Eyes Set to Kill and the Vans Warped Tour, I Am Ghost has returned with their much anticipated sophomore album, Those We Leave Behind, on October 7th, 2008 through Epitaph Records. Recorded with producer Paul Leavitt (Senses Fail, The Bled, Circa Survive) in Baltimore, MD, “Those We Leave Behind” takes the band’s dark brand of rock and pierces it with sharp metallic riffs and soaring melodic choruses that sweep listeners off their feet in what will be remembered as a career defining release for the band.

“We took everything differently this time,” says the inimitable Juliano. “We didn’t set out to impress anyone this time. We didn’t care what anyone thought of this new record. The entire band just let loose. We didn’t hold back and this time around there weren’t people telling me what I could and could not say in my lyrics. I delved more into my dreams and nightmares and wrote lyrics that meant a lot to me and the band.”

Conceived by former animator/artist Juliano, I Am Ghost was formed in the fall of 2004 in an attempt to create a style of music that not only rocked but also explored the beauty within darkness. After finding fellow musicians who shared his vision, Juliano and crew recorded the group’s “We Are Always Searching” EP and quickly started building a strong following throughout southern California. In 2005 the group signed with punk-rock powerhouse Epitaph Records for the release of their debut full-length “Lovers’ Requiem”, which saw the band develop a national cult following of loyal fans who gobbled up the album.

In the meantime, I Am Ghost has uploaded video footage from the recording of Those We Leave Behind online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGDbZeOt0LA

 I AM GHOST TOUR DATES:

Oct 12 – Pomona, CA –The Glass House

Oct 27- Athens, Greece- Texas Necropolis (w/o BBABH)

Oct 30 – Tilburg, Netherlands – 013

Oct 31 – Antwerp, Belgium – Biebob

Nov 01 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg

Nov 04 – Hamburg, Germany – Logo

Nov 05 – Aarhus, Denmark – Voxhall

Nov 06 – Oslo, Norway – John Dee

Nov 07 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Brewhouse

Nov 08 – Stockholm, Sweden – Klubben

Nov 09 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Vega Jr.

Nov 11 – Berlin, Germany – Kato

Nov 12 – Dresden, Germany – Scheune

Nov 14- Szczecin, Poland- Stara cynkownia

Nov 15- łódź, Poland- Andy Club

Nov 20 – Munich, Germany – 59 to 1

Nov 21 – Dietikon, Switzerland – Sounddock 14

Nov 22 – Milan, Italy – Zoe Club

Nov 24 – Barcelona, Spain – Sala Midnight

Nov 25 – Madrid, Spain – Sala Caracol

Nov 29 – Cologne, Germany – Underground

Nov 30 – Saarbruecken, Germany – Roxy

Dec 01 – Aschaffenburg, Germany – Colos-Saal

Dec 04 – Cardiff, UK – Barfly (with Fei Comodo)

Dec 05 – London, UK – University Of London (with Fei Comodo)

Dec 06 – Plymouth, UK – White Rabbit

Dec 07 – Wrexham, UK – Central Station

Dec 08 – Liverpool, UK – Barfly

Dec 09 – Glasgow, UK – Cathouse

Dec 10 – Birmingham, UK – Barfly

Dec 11 – Nottingham, UK – Rock City

Dec 12 – York, UK – Fibbers Barfly

Dec 13 – Brighton, UK – Concorde 2

Dec 14- Poole, UK- Mr. C’s

* Final song in Evan Weiss’ 52-week recording project posted today
* For a limited time download free MP3s for all 52 tracks
* Songs being remixed / remastered for re-release on iTunes

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Over the course of the past year, INTO IT. OVER IT., the alias and mouthpiece for Philadelphia native Evan Weiss (The Progress / Up Up Down Down), has written and recorded exactly one new song every week for the past 52 weeks.

Last week, the project – or at least the current phase of it – came to an end as the final song has been posted. Check it out here.

And while you’re at it, why don’t you grab the previous 51 offerings as well? They’re all available in MP3 format and will remain on the site as free downloads for the next two weeks. Everything is currently being remixed and remastered by Steve Poponi (Up Up Down Down) and will be re-released via iTunes in October. Weiss is also planning on an eventual Into It. Over It. CD / Vinyl release. If you’re interested in being a part of that, drop him an email.

Into It. Over It. was conceived by Evan Weiss as a means to break free from a musical rut, as well as an autobiographical outlet to document that quickly passing thing we call “life.” The first song was posted on his 23rd birthday (09/27/07) and for each of the following 51 weeks Weiss tackled the ambitious task of writing and recording one new song for the span of a year.

52 weeks = 52 songs: a stat even more impressive considering that nothing was composed in advance, as well as the time constraints involved in such an undertaking. Of course, none of that would matter if the music didn’t hold up. No worries there as there are some really amazing indie rock songs on full display, ranging from tender to tough, sweet to stinging.

Most of the instruments were played by Weiss and the majority of songs were recorded at Gradwell House by Steve Poponi. The last few weeks of music was recorded on the road, however, as Weiss has become the full-time touring bassist for Equal Vision band, Damiera

While this year-long Into It. Over It. project has come to an end, Weiss has no plans on retiring the band. He’ll continue to tour with Damiera and soon he’ll begin a new Into It. Over It. adventure. He’s still not sure what exactly, but check the website in another week; he’ll be posting a wrap up – thoughts and reflections – on the experience, as well as speculation on the future of the band.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are currently on tour.  Here’s their tour schedule.  More info at their website:

www.clapyourhandssayyeah.com

TOUR DATES

09/23/08: Baltimore, MD // 8×10
09/24/08: Washington, DC // DC9
09/30/08: Philadelphia, PA // Barbary
10/07/08: Baltimore, MD // 8×10
10/14/08: Washington, DC // DC9
10/21/08: Pittsburgh, PA // Brillbox

Visit the site for links to tickets.

Chad VanGaalen’s new album Soft Airplane is in stores now!

Chad VanGaalen’s musical roots date back to the first part of the decade, when he made a living busking on the streets of Calgary. He is also an accomplished animator and illustrator whose music is very much informed by his appreciation of visual arts. He has produced a voluminous wealth of material, by himself, at a rate that might best be described as alarming. And whatever his motivation for doing what he does, or creating what he creates, the result is that it is always both genuine and good.

The proof is in the songs themselves. They have heart. They have pain. They have hope. They have humor. And most importantly, they have fun.

Chad VanGaalen’s first two LPs, Infiniheart (2005) and Skelliconnection (2006), were wildly eclectic and ethereal, texturally imaginative, sometimes ambitious and sometimes restrained. Recorded on a Tascam 4-track and other analog devices, using synthesizers, guitars and a collection of his own handmade instruments, Chad created a unique style of pop songcraft, fundamentally experimental, both delicate and soaring, simple and elaborate.

Chad is more confident now, and unlike his previous albums, the songs on Soft Airplane were written and recorded more or less within the same time period, rather than collected from disparate moments and sessions spanning many, many years. As such, it feels more focused, deliberate, thoughtful and centered, both thematically and musically. It’s the sound of someone taking his time and sharpening his focus while opening his mind. At its core, it’s a pop record, one that feels free.

Mp3 “Willow Tree” http://www.subpop.com/assets/audio/4611.mp3

Artist Page http://www.subpop.com/artists/chad_vangaalen

Tour Dates  http://www.subpop.com/tours/chad_vangaalen

Video “Molten Light” http://www.subpop.com/assets/video/4646.mpg

YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/ChadVanG – with all Chad’s videos!

Click here to view the embedded video.

I’m not really a Trapt fan, but this video is pretty funny.  I don’t know what was going on with the cameras…reality show?

* In Support of An Evening Of Bad Decisions – out this now.
* New songs streaming on myspace

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Static Radio NJ (New Brunswick, N.J.) kicks off a tour of the East Coast today in support of their debut full-length, An Evening Of Bad Decisions. The album was released earlier this week – September 9th – via Black Numbers.

To coincide with the release and tour, the band has posted two new songs on their myspace page for your streaming pleasure. Check it here. Additionally, the record continues to stream in its entirety at Punknews.org.

This current tour will take Static Radio NJ up and down the East Coast for the next month, playing shows with Polar Bear Club, O Pioneers!!! and Smoke or Fire among others. They’re currently booking additional East Coast dates in October, as well as a few Canadian and Midwest shows with The Ergs on their way to Riot Fest in Chicago and…what else? The Fest in Gainesville, F.L., of course.

TOUR

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SEP 20 – Wilmington, NC – NEED HELP!
SEP 21 – Chattanooga, TN @ JJ’s Bohemia w/ O Pioneers!
SEP 22 – Louisville, KY @ Skull Alley w/ Polar Bear Club
SEP 23 – Charlotte, NC @ Lunchbox Records
SEP 24 – Atlanta, GA @ TBA w/ Polar Bear Club
SEP 25 – Tallahassee, FL @ The Shed w/ DEA
SEP 26 – Tampa, FL @ Springs Theatre w/ Gatorface
SEP 27 – Orlando, FL @ Black Box Colletive w/ Gatorface
SEP 29 – Gainesville, FL @ 1982 w/ Gatorface, Dirty Money
SEP 30 – South Carolina – NEED HELP!
OCT 01 – Danville, VA @ The Tesla
OCT 02 – Newark, DE @ Ewing Room – Perkins Student Center
OCT 03 – Philidelphia, PA @ The Fire w/ Smoke Or Fire
OCT 04 – Wilkes-Barre, PA @ Cafe Metropolis
OCT 05 – Rahway, NJ @ Rahway Stage and Cafe w/ I Am The Avalanche, Sakes Alive
OCT 06 – Albany, NY @ Valetines w/ After The Fall
OCT 07 – Rochester, NY @ TBA
OCT 08 – Albany, NY @ TBA
OCT 09 – Montreal, Quebec @ TBA w/ The Ergs!
OCT 10 – Toronto, Ontario @ TBA w/ The Ergs!
OCT 11 – Michigan @ TBA w/ The Ergs!
OCT 12 – Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater / RIOT FEST
OCT 13 – Columbus, OH @ TBA w/ The Ergs!
OCT 14 – Louisville, KY – NEED HELP!
OCT 15 – Columbus, OH – NEED HELP!
OCT 16 – Western PA – NEED HELP!
OCT 17 – Toms River, NJ @ The Shed w/ Antillectual, One Win Choice
OCT 31 – NOV 02 – Gainesville, FL @ The Fest

- Punk rock record of the year? Most definitely! – Mutiny
- This might be the closest thing to a perfect CD I’ve heard so far this year. – AMP Magazine
- Holy sh_t, this album is definitely one of the best releases of 2008. – Battle of the Midwestern Housewives
- All you lucky bastards going to The Fest – make sure you give these guys the chance they deserve. – Punktastic
- Great, dynamic, uber-melodic hardcore punk that borrows a bit from Lifetime. – Read Junk
- A definite immediate contender for “year end” lists. – Sound As Language
- More punk rock needs to be like this. – New-Noise.net

Portugal. The Man have released their new album Censored Colors.  And let me tell you…it’s their best yet.  Here’s a message from the band:

First off, big thanks for all the support we have gotten from you in response to the new record.

 

It is a relief to finally have people hearing it. We know you all know how to get the record for free so it does really mean a lot when you buy it.

 

WIth that in mind we have put together special packages that give you added value and exclusive items (for instance the shirt that comes with the record will only available as a package with the record). Here is the link to the store…

 

portugaltheman.merchnow.com/

 

There are only a handful of the top tier package still available (this is the one that includes the signed and numbered painting) so get an order in if you want one. There will only be 100 of these available ever.

 

We appreciate your support and appreciate you signing on to the mailing list. We will not solicit you often out of respect. We have many tour dates scheduled and we really look forward to seeing you.

 

Love

 

P.TM

The Dark Romantics‘ sizzlin’ new record, Heartbreaker is out NOW! Pitchfork called it “sleek dance rock.” The Dark Romantics are one talented crew of husband and wife action, sister action, and best friend action. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out their bio here.

And while you’re there, take a listen to and/or download Let’s Ride and Hush Your Mouth.

Buy Heartbreaker on iTunes!

Buy a physical copy of Heartbreaker in the Lujo Merchline-powered Webstore!

See them on tour!

09/20/08 Ybor City, FL @ New World Brewery
09/25/08 Pensacola, FL @ Sluggos w/Mouse Fire, Dignan
09/26/08 Cincinnati, OH @ Midpoint Music Festival @ Blue Wisp
Lujo Records Showcase w/ Pomegranates, Baby Teeth, Cool Hand Luke, Look Mexico, and Mouse Fire
09/27/08 Louisville, KY @ Brick House/Noize Collective w/Mouse Fire, Dignan
09/28/08 Atlanta, GA @ The Drunken Unicorn
10/16/08 Charleston, NC @ Tin Roof w/Mouse Fire, Dignan
10/17/08 Ashville, NC @ The New French Bar w/Look Mexico
11/06/08 Marietta, GA @ Swayze’s
11/07/08 Athen’s, GA @ Flicker Theatre
11/08/08 Columbus, GA @ Soho

Click here to view the embedded video.

Denver, CO’s FEAR BEFORE THE MARCH OF FLAMES has become FEAR BEFORE and will release a self-titled album on October 28th. FEAR BEFORE was recorded with producer Casey Bates in Seattle, WA this past summer. Bates also produced the band’s 2006 release, The Always Open Mouth, as well as label-mates’ CHIODOS’ Bone Palace Ballet.

Regarding the name change, guitarist ADAM FISHER jokes, “It gets so tiring repeating ‘Fear Before The March Of Flames’ over and over again to old lady gas station attendants in Nebraska” but adds, “Mostly because in so many ways, we’re a new band.” Bassist Mike Madruga explains the long version of the name was a personal challenge to the members. Now that they feel they’ve met the challenge, it’s time to get down to the roots of the band. “The long version of the name was good for us in the beginning because it was interesting and stood out. It paralleled our mentality of playing the music we were writing because we told ourselves, ‘If we can pull off having this name, we had better be able to pull off the music we were writing.’ The new album is 10 strong songs, no fillers or tag-ons… and we want the band name to replicate that.”

The decision for a self-titled album seemed like a no-brainer. “It is essentially the same reasons as the name change. We want it to be identified by its songs,” says Madruga. The songs certainly do reflect the new FEAR BEFORE. “Lyrically, this record is the most positive material we have done. It is a written history of all the emotions we have experienced through the course of the band’s 6 years.” Fisher adds, “A lot of it has to do with sticking around through all the hard times we’ve endured as a band. It’s about growth and making mistakes but dealing with them instead of dwelling on them.”

Musically, FEAR BEFORE stays to their claim that they will never make the same record twice. “It’s more concise, a hard hitter. It’s still dark like Mouth and cynical like Art Damage but it takes different elements from both and expands on them.” One of the most noticeable differences on FEAR BEFORE is the vocals. “I don’t know how it happened or when he decided he can sing, but he can and quite well,” Fisher jokes of vocalist, David Marion. However, Marion’s voice isn’t the only one on the record: guest vocals include The Fall Of Troy, Heavy Heavy Low Low and Portugal. The Man.

During their current headlining tour, attendees will be able to purchase a pre-order coupon at the shows. For fans not able to make it out to a show, several pre-order packages will soon be available at MerchNow.com

The band has posted a video from their time in the studio where fans can hear two clips of new music on their website, www.fearbefore.net

Track List:

1. Treeman

2. I’m Fine Today
3. Fear Before Doesn’t Listen To People Who Don’t Like Them
4. Get Your Life Together
5. Jabberwocky
6. Everything’s Not Shitty
7. Tycho
8. Bad Days
9. Stay Weird
10. Review Our Lives (Epic)

Tour Dates

w/I Am The Ocean (& Damiera through 9/30; Exotic Animal Petting Zoo 10/1 – 10/28)

09/09 Minot, ND – The Red Carpet

09/10 Fargo, ND – The Aquarium
09/11 Sioux Falls, SX – Nutty’s North
09/12 Omaha, NE – Saddle Creek Bar
09/13 Lawrence, KS – Jackpot
09/14 Springfield, MO – The Vault
09/15 Iowa City, IA – Picador
09/16 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
09/17 La Crosse, WI – The Warehouse
09/18 Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen
09/19 Pontiac, MI – The Eagle Theatre
09/20 Cleveland, OH – The Agora
09/21 Covington, KY – Mad Hatter
09/22 Buffalo, NY – The SoundLab
09/24 Danbury, CT – Heirloom Arts Theatre
09/25 Allston, MA – ICC Church
09/26 Maplewood, NJ – Garden State Music Factory
09/27 Watertown, NY – Velocity
09/29 Lancaster, PA – Chameleon Club
09/30 Richmond, VA – The Canal Club
10/01 Charlestown, SC – Oasis
10/02 Atlanta, GA – TBA
10/03 Little Rock, AR – The Village
10/04 Tulsa, OK – The Marquee
10/05 Houston, TX – Walters
10/06 Austin, TX – Red 7
10/07 Dallas, TX – The Door
10/08 Amarillo, TX – The War Legion Hall
10/09 Albuquerque, NM – Telos House
10/10 Tucson, AZ – The Rock
10/11 Tempe, AZ – The Sets
10/13 Victorville, CA – Karma
10/15 Anaheim, CA – Chain Reaction
10/16 Bakersfield, CA – Studio 99
10/17 Santa Cruz, CA – 418 Project
10/18 Modesto, CA – Sidelines
10/20 Roseburg, OR – Riversdale Grange
10/21 Portland, OR – Satyricon
10/22 Longview, WA – Reid’s Pit Stop
10/23 Seattle, WA – King Cobra
10/24 Richland, WA – Ray’s Golden Lion
10/25 Spokane, WA – Big Dipper
10/26 Missoula, MT – Union Hall
10/27 Bozeman, MT – The Underground
10/28 Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue

Links

 EqualVision.com

I’m going to take some time off from IndieUprising.  As you know, I do 95% of this by myself.  With my new job, family and the general business of life, I’m “trimming the fat” and scaling back for a while.

While I love doing the show & keeping indieuprising.net running, I’m getting a little burnt out doing all this myself.  I’m going to take some time of to regroup and see what happens.

I hope all of you are doing well & I’ll talk to you in November!

.sean

The Indie Review

By Allie Berg
September 14, 2008

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Note: There is an email link embedded within this post, please visit this post to email it. Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it.

 
Despite the not-so-serious name, the boys of 2*Sweet and their music is no joke. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, this is a band that shouldn’t be overlooked. Their debut full length, Sleep Without Dreams, is phenomenal. If their was a category of music called, “dance-theatrical, more than using just 3 power chords, pop punk”, these guys would dominate.

 
The first track, Dreamcatcher, really sets the tone for the rest of the album. With its theatrical musical and vocal introduction, it provides the listener to get ready for a “musical play”. The album consists of upbeat, fun poppy songs along with darker, deep tracks. While some tracks have more theatrical music than vocals, and vice verse, each track somehow finds a perfect balance.

 
While all music is emotional, I wouldn’t necessarily lump 2*Sweet into the category of “emo”. The song, Miss You, is a beautiful track, musically and lyrically, heartfelt, but not depressing. The singer has a distinct voice and his passion about music is apparent through the lyrics and delivery.

My favorite track on the entire album by far is Rested Eyes Tell No Lie. The album is limited in “filler” tracks with all of the songs having hit potential. Rested Eyes Tell No Lie is incredibly catchy and has all of the ingredients to become a radio favorite. This song single handedly will give Panic! At the Disco fans a new favorite artist.

 
The combination of musical talent and dramatic effect make these guys stand out among others. If 2*Sweet’s live performance is only half as good as Sleep Without Dreams, these guys are worth checking out.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Rested Eyes Tell No Lies”

“Miss You”

“Bury Me in the Lovers Graveyard”

Featured Band: Colour Academy.  Interview with Vocalist/Guitarist Cliff Sims.

Music By: Finch, Capital Lights, Ivoryline, Balance Problems, Natasha Borzilova, Braindead, Sever Your Ties, Colour Academy, Robot Love Story

Show Notes

• Download the Fuel/Tooth & Nail Sampler HERE! (You have until September 15th 2008, so hurry!
• This is an extremely important year to get involved and vote.  You can register to vote at:

  

  

   

(This story comes to you via my favorite Movie Website: SlashFilm)

Michael Moore’s latest film, Slacker Uprising, will be made available for free download on the internet for a period of three weeks beginning September 23. The film documents Moore’s attempts at rallying young voters during the 2004 Election. The film was never intended to be released for theaters despite the commercial success of Moore’s previous documentaries, Sicko, Fahrenheit 9/11, and Bowling for Columbine(not to mention the fact that Slacker Uprising itself cost about $2 million to make). According to Moore:

“This is being done entirely as a gift to my fans. The only return any of us are hoping for is the largest turnout of young voters ever at the polls in November. I think Slacker Uprising will inspire (millions) to get off the couch and give voting a chance.”

 

The download will be made available on BlipTV. After three weeks, a DVD of the film will be made available on Amazon and Netflix.

This is an extremely important year to get involved and vote.  You can register to vote at:

Anti-Flag had a busy week with traveling to Bumbershoot which you can view a killer photo here: http://www.spin.com/images/anti-flag-bumbershoot-08-0.

Also, they are to perform two shows at the RNC which you can read a full account of their experience on their brand new blog here:

http://www.nowarwithoutwarriors.blogspot.com/
 

Malus Clothing Presents The One Moment Tour Featuring Before Their Eyes With Special Guests Eyes Set To Kill, LoveHateHero, A Kiss For Jersey, Oceana and Ice Nine Kills.

Malus Clothing proudly presents the One Moment Tour featuring Before Their Eyes with special guests Eyes Set To Kill, LoveHateHero, A Kiss For Jersey, Oceana and Ice Nine Kills. The tour will kick off in Toledo, OH on October 14th 2008 and will run through late November. The tour will also be sponsored by Alternative Press Magazine, Hot Topic, Buzznet.com, Dj Rossstar Radio Show and AbsolutePunk.net.

“Since we started this company we’ve never had the opportunity to present something like this”, says One Moment co-owner, Lance Brown. “I am very excited to see the future in rock music all be involved on our first tour as a management company.”

Before Their Eyes, five piece Christian hardcore band from Findlay, OH, are gearing up for the October 28th release of their sophomore effort The Dawn Of My Death through Rise Records. The band took the screamo world by storm with their self-titled debut, which combined ear-catching melodies with introspective lyrics. The album quickly became a hit with fans of Drop Dead, Gorgeous, A Day To Remember, and Finch.

Eyes Set To Kill have been trampling everything in their path since the release of their self-titled debut album. The band debuted at #29 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Charts and #77 on Billboard’s Independent Music charts and turned the buzz to deafening levels with tours supporting Otep, Human Abstract and I Am Ghost. The band’s dual vocalists deliver sparkling melodies and neck-breaking aggression that has stolen fans from Paramore, In This Moment and Escape The Fate.

LoveHateHero’s new album “White Lies” is a combination of pop-sensibility and stylistic toughness that results in an entirely memorable album, with songs you will find stuck in your head for days. Outburn Magazine proclaimed that LoveHateHero’s “Melodic mix of hardcore, screamo and metal is perfect for mass consumption.” The band’s relentless tour schedule has saw them tour alongside Chiodos, Funeral for A Friend, He is Legend, and Calico System.

Also joining the tour will be A Kiss For Jersey, Oceana and Ice Nine Kills.  For tickets, videos and blogs fans can head on over to www.buymalus.com/onemoment and for exclusive fan photos head on over to the One Moment Tour Community at 
www.buzznet.com/concerts/theonemomenttour 

THE ONE MOMENT TOUR DATES:

 10/10-Toledo, OH @ Club Bijou 
 10/11-Dayton, OH @ The Attic 
 10/12-Buffalo, NY @ Xtreme Wheels 
 10/13-Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance 
 10/15-Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock 
 10/17-Wilmington, DE @ Harmony Grange 
 10/18-Sayreville, NJ @ Goodtimez 
 10/19-Springfield, VA @ Jaxx 
 10/21-Wilmington, NC @ The Soapbox 
 10/22-Augusta, GA @ Sector 7G 
 10/23-Douglasville, GA @ The 7 Venue 
 10/24-Orlando, FL @ Island Oasis 
 10/26-Pensacola, FL @ The Red Door 
 10/29-San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit 
 10/31-Plano, TX @ Event Center 
 11/01-Houston, TX @ Java Jazz 
 11/02-Tulsa, OK @ King Clubs
 11/08-Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction 
 11/11-San Jose, CA @ San Jose Skate 
 11/13-Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven 
 11/14-Boise, ID @ The Venue 
 11/21-Louisville, KY @ Bulldog Cafe 
 11/22-Detroit, MI @ Skateland 
 11/23 – Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s

Southern California rockers Unwritten Law have posted the cover art for the group’s upcoming live CD/DVD, “Live & Lawless”, as well as a live version of the track “Shoulda Known Better” online at the following location www.myspace.com/unwrittenlaw. Unwritten Law’s “Live & Lawless” is scheduled to hit stores on September 30^th, 2008 through Suburban Noize Records.

With nearly 2 million album sold, 5 top 20 singles – 3 of which hit top 10, and one #1, you don’t know Unwritten Law until you’ve seen them live. The band captured one of their trademark killer live performances at the Key Club on Sunset Strip last March for the release of their first ever live album and DVD release, “Live & Lawless”. The album showcases the band live in their element performing such power-packed rock hits as “Up All Night,” “Save Me (Wake Up Call)” and the #1 smash “Seein’ Red” as well as a five-song acoustic set in the middle of the performance.

“This will be our first performance DVD since the ‘Music in High Places’ video,” says Unwritten Law bassist PK. “What makes this DVD so great is that it is our first performance DVD the way we play best; with our guitars plugged into our amps and cranked to as loud as they can go!”

Catch Unwritten Law LIVE (and Lawless):

September 6th Mission Beach, CA @ Wavehouse

September 12 Anaheim CA@HOB

September 13th Salt Lake City Utah @In the Venue

September 19th Hollywood, CA @ Key Club

SLINGSHOT DAKOTA - Fall Tour Update 
——————————————————-

* U.S. Tour begins today 
* First two shows = Street Smart Cyclist’s last two shows EVER

——————————————————-

Today and tomorrow, Brooklyn, N.Y. / Easton, P.A. duo Slingshot Dakota kicks off a two-month tour of the U.S. in style, playing what is sure to be two amazing shows with Street Smart Cyclist .

Of course, the news is a tad bittersweet as the Street Smart Cyclist boys have decided to call it a day. The festivities at tonight’s show in Brooklyn – as well as tomorrow’s Allentown, P.A. gig – will be the band’s last. It’s a shame too; Street Smart Cyclist’s sound combined jazzy, intricate emo and joyful punk rock abandon in a way that always evoked a warm feeling of nostalgia for bands like Cap’n Jazz while also pointing toward new ideas and a progression of their sound.

They leave us with an acoustic tour EP and a three-song seven inch…one of the first releases I ever worked for Beartrap and which remains a favorite to this day. Rumor has it that the band’s last few songs will eventually be released on vinyl and cd format. It’s a silver lining, I suppose.

Back to happier thoughts, namely Slingshot Dakota on tour. Most of September and October is booked / being booked, but there are a few shows that the band is trying to nail down. If you can help out, drop me a line or send an email directly to Tom and Carly atslingshotdakota@hotmail.com.

Tour
——————————————————- 
AUG 29 – Brooklyn, NY @ The Silent Barn w/ Street Smart Cyclist (2nd to Last Show!), Small Arms Dealer 
AUG 31 – Allentown, PA @ Jan’s Room w/ Street Smart Cyclist (LAST SHOW), Yo Man Go (Last show as well – wtf?) 
SEP 05 – East Stroudsburg, PA @ East Stroudsburg University 
SEP 06 – Baltimore, MD @ Frisbee House 
SEP 07 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Model Home 
SEP 08 – Washington, DC @ The Girl Cave 
SEP 09 – Richmond, VA @House show! – 418 W. Marshall 
SEP 10 – Raleigh, NC @ TBA – being booked 
SEP 11 – Greensboro, NC @ Nate’s Place 
SEP 12 – Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern 
SEP 13 – Charleston, SC @ House show!!! 
SEP 21 – St. Augustine, FL @ TBA – being booked 
SEP 23 – Orlando, FL @ The Blackbox Collective 
SEP 24 – Tampa, FL @ Transitions Skate Gallery 
SEP 25 – Gainesville, FL @ Wayward Council 
SEP 26 – Tallahassee, FL @ TBA – HELP NEEDED 
SEP 27 – Pensacola, FL @ Sluggo’s 
SEP 28 – New Orleans / Baton Rouge, LA @ TBA – HELP NEEDED 
SEP 29 – Austin / Houston, TX @ TBA – HELP NEEDED 
SEP 30 – Ft Worth, TX @ 1919 Hemphill 
OCT 01 – Oklahoma / Kansas @ TBA – HELP NEEDED 
OCT 02 – St Louis, MO @ House Show 
OCT 03 – Bloomington, IN @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 04 – Lexington, KY @ The Shrieking Shack 
OCT 05 – Louisville, KY @ Skull Alley 
OCT 06 – Cincinnati, OH @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 07 – Northwestern IN @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 08 – Grand Rapids, MI @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 09 – Somewhere, MI @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 10 – Columbus, OH @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 11 – Kent, OH @ The Vineyard w/ Lemuria 
OCT 12 – Cleveland, OH @ The Soggy Dog – Afternoon show w/ Lemuria, Sidekicks 
OCT 12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 13 – Buffalo, NY @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 14 – Rochester, NY @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 15 – Oswego, NY @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 16 – Syracuse, NY @ Women’s Info Center 
OCT 17 – Plattsburgh, NY @ Koinonio Center 
OCT 18 – Winooski, VT @ The Monkey House 
OCT 19 – Boston, MA @ TBA – being booked 
OCT 29 – Richmond, VA @ TBA 
OCT 30 – North Carolina @ TBA – HELP NEEDED 
OCT 31 – NOV 02 – Gainesville, FL @ THE FEST 7

Slingshot Dakota’s latest full-length, Their Dreams Are Dead, But Ours Are The Golden Ghost was released in early 2008. Throughout the record, fuzzy, nimble keys collide with expolosive drum work, triggering heartfelt songs about friendship, community, living on the road and ultimately, following your dreams. Golden Ghost is a unique mix of sweet indie-pop melodies and DIY-inspired enthusiasm, and Slingshot Dakota’s music has never felt so honest and moving. Recorded by Latterman’s Phil Douglas, you can order a copy directly from the band via theirmyspace page or pick one up at a show.

Listen to Ohio! and the appropriately named Tour Song (Free MP3s)!

- A duo that makes duos exciting again. - Absolutepunk.net 
- Golden Ghost might be one of 2008’s best hidden secrets. - New-Noise 
- Golden Ghost was my first introduction to the band, and one I doubt I’ll soon forget. - The Punk Site 
- Wow. Like seriously, wow. Simple and heartwrenchingly honest in all the right places. - Late Night Wallflower 
- A refreshingly strong emotionally honest album filled with compelling indie-pop anthems. - DryveTymeOnlyne 
- In the case of Slingshot Dakota, less is definitely more; this duo is overflowing with substance. - Pastepunk

Orange County, CA melodic hardcore act, MIKOTO, have announced today a deal with Torque Records who will release their debut full length, WE ARE THE ARCHITECTS, on October 14th.  The band – Ray Harkins (vocals), Matt Moody (guitar/vocals), Martin Diaz (guitar), Kelly Orr (bass), and Max Cuzor (drums) – have posted two songs from the forthcoming album on their MySpace.

MIKOTO has built a fervent buzz since their inception in late 2004 with relentless touring alongside Horse The Band, Misery Signals, Saosin and Chiodos to name a few.  In 2005, the band released a self-titled EP via Level Plane garnering positive critical acclaim from outlets such as Decibel (”…the band’s sound, while employing popular elements like singing and screaming, defies categorization”), Alternative Press (”Not only are their hearts in the right place, but so is their musical ability… refreshing in a scene that’s become watered down”) and Punknews.org (4 out of 5, “Mikoto rips through these 5 songs with the ferocity of a rabid lion loose on an antelope farm”).  The band didn’t stray too far from their sound on the EP when it came time to write WE ARE THE ARCHITECTS.  “It’s an obvious extension of what the band was doing on our EP,” said Harkins.  “It is pretty similar, but with this record we have definitely utilized Matt’s clean vocals a lot more.  These songs still represent the same kind of ’sound’ we’ve had, just a bit more well structured,” added Diaz.

The five-piece recorded WE ARE THE ARCHITECTS in just 25 days with producer & Saosin guitarist, Beau Burchell (The Bronx, Name Taken, The Bled) amidst his busy touring schedule.  “We would send him demo recordings online and he would listen to them on tour and give us his feedback,” Harkins described the process.  “Beau was instrumental in the process of getting this record together.  The record would have sounded drastically different if we recorded with anyone else.”  In agreement, Diaz expressed, “Beau helped us look at each song as a whole and not the parts individually.”

More than just an album title, Harkins elaborated, “WE ARE THE ARCHITECTS was inspired by the idea that we as individuals build, create and attempt to mold our lives into better versions of what they used to be. We wanted to visually capture the idea of each person being an ?architect? and creating their own future and destiny.”  Through their lyrics, the band addresses the current music scene and how it has affected them.  “There are those who really are passionate about what this music scene is about and should not let the bad things outweigh the positive aspects.”

Even with MIKOTO’s many options for releasing WE ARE THE ARCHITECTS, Harkins explained, “Torque was really supportive and above all enthusiastic about our band and releasing the record. They really just want to spread our name in a very organic manner.”
Sharing the love, Torque Records owner, Kevin Gales, stated, “Mikoto is a world-class band who has created an unforgettable record.  The guys had a bunch of options open to them and we?re far beyond fortunate for this opportunity.”

IndieUprising will be back next Tuesday.  Talk to you then!

-Sean

Music By: Norma Jean, Secret & Whisper, Breathe Carolina, MayOrWest, Blameshift, iuengliss, Owen, The Classic Crime, The Windupdeads, Chad VanGaalen, Blitzen Trapper, Children 18:3, October Nites

Show Notes

• Download the Fuel/Tooth & Nail Sampler HERE! (You have until September 15th 2008, so hurry!
• I prounounced iuengliss wrong.  I said luengliss.  So, to set the record straight…it’s “eye-wen-gliss.”
• I was a little harsh on Breathe Carolina.  Sampled more songs from the album….it’s suprisingly good. (I do, however, stand behind my criticism of Metro Station.  Yuck.)
• I still think Secret & Whisper still sound like Saosin’s long lost brother.  (Though rumor has it Charles Furney can pull off the vocals live.  Unlike Saosin.) Discuss.

The Sound of Animals Fighting will release their third album—The Ocean and the Sun—on September 9, 2008 through Epitaph Records.

Characterized by their experimental mashing and molding of musical form, style and genre, the members of The Sound of Animals Fighting—known only by their zoological pseudonyms—have sought to redefine the process and reception of music using whatever tools they can get their hands on; whatever methods, science or alchemy.

The Walrus, the Skunk, the Lynx, and the Nightingale return, delivering the latest piecemeal collaboration as both an album aimed at redefining the structure and style of modern music, as well as telling a story of the raw, awe-inspiring power of nature, and how we can so easily forget it. The record, like the ones that preceded it, was assembled over gaps of geography and time, coalescing as a hand-crafted object from percussion up, passing from one animal to another as a story and aesthetic formed beneath and around it.

At the core of the album is the cornerstone song in four tracks: “I, The Swan”, “Another Leather Lung”, “Cellophane” and “The Heraldic Beak of the Manufacturer’s Medallion.” Collectively, they form the crux of the story of the record around-which the other tracks act as a frame and context.

The nine-track epic from the fringe musician collective embodies the group’s earlier endeavors while simultaneously rocketing into unexplored regions, giving new and old fans alike an aural, operatic feast.

Watch the brand new album teaser here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8867ILQ1g0

THE OCEAN AND THE SUN TRACKLISTING:

The Ocean And The Sun
I, The Swan
Another Leather Lung
Cellophane
The Heraldic Beak of the Manufacturer’s Medallion
Uzbekistan
Blessings Be Yours Mister V.
Ahab
On the Occasion Of Wet Snow

For More Information:

www.Epitaph.com
www.myspace.com/thesoundofanimalsfighting
www.thesoundofanimalsfighting.com

The long awaited Dillinger Four record is finally done, and the release date is set for my birthday!!! October 14th, 2008. It is called C I V I L W A R.  More information & MP3s will be sent in soon from Fat Wreck Chords.

Don’t forget to check out their tour dates with NOFX this fall.

As the first band to sign to Fat Wreck Chords and the label’s flagship since its inception, Lagwagon continues to forge a unique path through today’s complex musical landscape. The band maintains a sense of humor about their enviable longevity with the title of their latest offering, but the content of the album is anything but laughable. The new 7-song EP, I Think My Older Brother Used To Listen To Lagwagon, is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed full length, Resolve, released in 2005. They will tour the U.S. & Canada with MXPX, Only Crime, and TAT beginning next week:

09/15/08 Allston, MA at Harpers Ferry
09/16/08 Philadelphia, PA at The Fillmore at the Theatre of Living
09/17/08 New York, NY at BB King’s
09/19/08 Detroit, MI at St. Andrews Hall
09/20/08 Chicago, IL at Metro
09/21/08 St. Paul, MN at Station 4
09/23/08 Sauget, IL at Pop’s
09/25/08 Denver, CO at Ogden Theatre
09/26/08 Salt Lake City, UT at In The Venue
09/27/08 Las Vegas, NV at Jillian’s/Neonopolis
09/28/08 West Hollywood, CA at House of Blues
09/30/08 Tempe, AZ at The Clubhouse
10/01/08 San Diego, CA at House of Blues
10/03/08 Anaheim, CA at House of Blues
10/04/08 Petaluma, CA at Phoenix Theatre
10/05/08 San Francisco, CA at Thee Parkside

 
Buy the new CD here (vinyl coming soon).

 
Purchase show tickets here.
Download an MP3 of “Memoirs and Landmines” here.
Buy a ring tone here.

Anti-Flag will be playing Bumbershoot in Seattle and some important shows in the coming weeks.  First, on August 30th, they will be at the famous Bumpershoot in Seattle, WA.  Be sure to go to the Washington Bus booth for the Anti-Flag signing, exact time TBA.  And while you’re there you can register to vote if you’re a Washingtonian!  Check out their website at www.washingtonbus.org.

On September 2nd, Anti-Flag will be playing in St. Paul, Minnesota on the Capital Lawn!  Other artists will include Michael Franti & Spearhead, Dead Prez, Wookiefoot w/ Matisyahu, I Self Devine, and many more.  This event, dubbed Ripple Effect, was organized by Substance, a non-profit begun by three activists under the age of 23 all determined to break down issue and generational barriers, while addressing pertinent environmental and social justice topics.  For more info visit www.livewithsubstance.org.

The next day, September 3rd, Anti-Flag will be playing with the legendary political rock band Rage Against The Machine in Minneapolis as part of  a protest show organized to take place at the same time as the Republican National Convention.  You can buy your tickets here.  Read more about the event here and here.

Pygmalion Music Festival will take Champaign-Urbana, Ill. by storm again this fall. Now in its fourth year and taking place over the course of four days, September 17-20, Nicodemus Agency has again partnered with Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and Polyvinyl Record Co. to present twenty different shows in 9  different venues. Confirmed artists include everyone from Yo La Tengo and Dan Deacon to High Places and Black Mountain to Asobi Seksu and Times New Viking.

2008 marks a decidedly different approach to the festival, as a great majority of the venues are located within a few minutes walk from each other. The festival will be centered around staple venues The Canopy Club and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, as well as neighborhood additions, Krannert Art Museum and Red Herring.

New to the festival this year as well is the premiere of day parties and pre-parties. Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the festival, venues will be showcasing some of the best up and coming local talent that Champaign-Urbana has brewing, crossing genre lines and mixing it up along the way. And in the weeks leading up the festival, Pygmalion will partner with sponsor Urban Outfitters to present four pre-parties, including a performance from Polyvinyl and Nicodemus roster artist, Headlights, who are local to Champaign-Urbana .

Buy Festival Passes: http://ev9.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS:IBM:08-09:PYGM:&linkID=kcpa&shopperContext
=&caller=&appCode

Pygmalion 2008 Website: http://2008.pygmalionmusicfestival.com/

SCHEDULE

URBAN OUTFITTERS PRE-PARTIES

August 24 – Elsinore
August 29 – Headlights
September 5 – Tall Tale
September 12 – World’s First Flying Machine

Wednesday Sept 17th

The Canopy Club

10:30 – Common Loon
11:00 – Mute Era
11:30 – Elsinore
12:00- Coco Coca
12:30 – Decibully
1:00 – Times New Viking

Thursday Sept 18th

DAY PARTIES

BLUES

12:00 – Carl Hauck
12:45 – Ryan Groff

THE CANOPY CLUB – VOID ROOM

12:30 – Checkerboard Stalemate
1:30 -  Eureka Sky
2:30 -  Everthus the Deadbeats
3:30 – The Brother Whys
4:30 – Underpaid Packy

FESTIVAL SHOWS

THE CANOPY CLUB – SMALL HALL

9:30 – Robots Counterfeiting Money
10:30 – Monotonix
11:30 – Dark Meat
12:30 – Dan Deacon

COURTYARD CAFÉ

7:00 – Jonathan Childers
8:00 – Pontiak
9:00 – Wye Oak
10:00 – The Forms
11:00 – Butterfly Assassins

KRANNERT ART MUSEUM

6:15 – Oceans
7:15 – Catfish Haven
8:15 – Oxford Collapse
9:15 – Evangelicals
10:15 – Murder By Death

Friday Sept 19th

DAY PARTIES

BLUES

12:00 – Good Night and Good Morning
12:45 – Final Pygmalion Effect

THE CANOPY CLUB – VOID ROOM

12:30 – The Ruckus
1:30 – Loaded
2:30 – Post-Historic
3:30 – Zmick
4:30 – Sunset Stallion
5:30 – Girls Next Door

FESTIVAL SHOWS

THE CANOPY CLUB – VOID ROOM / SMALL HALL

7:00 – The Lonely Hearts
7:45 – World’s First Flying Machine
8:30 – The Foundry Field Recordings
9:30 – The Living Blue
10:15 – Pattern is Movement
11:00 – Titus Andronicus
12:00 – Black Mountain
1:00 – The Hood Internet

RED HERRING

6:45 – Jared Bartman
7:45 – Kid, You’ll Move Mountains
8:45 – Gentlemen Auction House
9:45 – Tall Tale
10:45 – Dr. Manhattan

KRANNERT ART MUSEUM

6:15 – Casados
7:15 – Caleb Engstrom
8:15 – Owen
9:15 – Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
10:15 – Santa

Saturday Sept 20th

DAY PARTIES

EXILE ON MAIN ST.

2:00 – Lucky Mulholland
3:00 – Santa
4:00 – Snowsera
5:00 – The Living Blue
6:00 – Sangamon

JENNIFER NORTH

1:30 – Michael Kammin
2:30 – Brian Esmao
3:30 – Peter Piek
4:30 – Hathaways

FESTIVAL SHOWS

THE CANOPY CLUB

Parasol Records Umbrella Showcase

5:00 – Angie Heaton
5:40 – Beaujolais
6:20 – New Ruins

Yo La Tengo Pre-Party

7:10 – Centaur

Polyvinyl Records Showcase

10:45 – The M’s
11:45 – Headlights
12:45 – Asobi Seksu

RED HERRING

9:45 – AMS
10:45 – Animate Objects
11:45 – Krukid
12:45 – Treologic

MIKE N’ MOLLY’S

9:30 – Rod and Martha Stewart
10:30 – Hot Cops
11:30 – The Number One Sons
12:30 – Tractor Kings

KRANNERT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS – TYRON FESTIVAL THEATRE

7:30 – Jesse Sykes and The Sweet Hereafter
8:30 – Yo La Tengo

KRANNERT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS – STAGE 5

9:30: PWFRL Power
10:15: Grampall Jookabox
11:00: High Places

——————————————————-

Philly’s Jena Berlin has just announced that their upcoming 7-inch, This Is Yours As Much As It Is Mine, is now available for pre-order from Jump Start.

Limited to 300 copies, pressed on red vinyl with hand-printed sleeves and inserts, the 7-inch contains two brand new songs as well as a digital download coupon for both, plus two additional tracks not included on the vinyl. The four songs were recorded by Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer’s Vince Ratti, who has also worked with Circa Survive, None More Black, Valencia and Achilles. You can currently stream “The Great Plains” on the band’s myspace page. You can also stream “Foolish Optimism” at Jump Start’s myspace page.

Also, for anyone pre-ordering the 7-inch, you can pick up Jena Berlin’s two long players, Passion Waits As The Program Keeps Going and Quo Vadimus, for a mere five bucks each.

Speaking of Quo Vadimus, Jena Berlin’s amazing 2007 sophomore full-length will also be receiving the vinyl treatment from Ass-Card Records in Europe.  More details soon on how you can pick that up, but it should be available for their upcoming European tour.

Before their trek overseas, the boys will be leaving next Wednesday for a short five-day tour with Scream Hello. They’ll be joined by Static Radio NJ on a few of those dates, as well as cast of amazing bands: Bridge And Tunnel, One Win Choice, The Ergs, Sakes Alive and Nakatomi Plaza.

The August 29th show (see below) in the bands’ shared hometown of New Brunswick will serve as the record release for both albums. Additionally, SRNJ will have another all-ages release show in New Brunswick on the 31st at The Loft with Seasick and Rapid Cities.

Jena Berlin – Tour w/ Scream Hello
——————————————————-
AUG 27 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Asbury Lanes w/ Scream Hello, Bridge and Tunnel, One Win Choice, more
AUG 28 – Philadelphia, PA @ Party Mansion w/ Scream Hello, Bridge and Tunnel, Algernon Cadwallader
AUG 29 – New Brunswick, NJ @ Court Tavern (Scream Hello / Static Radio NJ Record Release show!) w/ The Ergs, Spanish Bombs
AUG 30 – New York, NY @ ABC No Rio (early show – 3pm) w/ Scream Hello, Static Radio NJ, Nakatomi Plaza
AUG 30 – Brooklyn, NY @ Lost and Found Bar w/ Scream Hello, Nakatomi Plaza, Stay Alive
AUG 31 – Syracuse, NY @ Westcott Community Center w/ The Knockdown, Sakes Alive, more

As previously mentioned, after their short run with Scream Hello, Jena Berlin will be leaving for a three week tour of Europe with label mates Antillectual. Jump Start will be releasing the U.S. vinyl version of the Belgium band’s latest full-length, Testimony, on September 23rd.

European Tour w/ Antillectual
——————————————————-
SEP 05 – Oostende, Belgium @ OHK
SEP 06 – Le Havre, France @ Le Kingstown
SEP 07 – France @ TBA
SEP 08 – France @ TBA
SEP 09 – Toulouse, France @ Caravanserail
SEP 10 – Lyon, France @ Sonic on tour
SEP 11 – Vimercate, Milano, Italy @ Acropolis
SEP 12 – Weiner Neustadt, Austria @ Triebwerk
SEP 13 – Salzburg, Austria @ Zone 11
SEP 14 – Vicenza, Italy @ TBA
SEP 15 – Ljubljana, Slovenia @ Tovarna Rog
SEP 16 – Regensburg, Germany @ Punkhouse
SEP 17 – Munich, Germany @ Sunny Red
SEP 18 – Germany @ TBA
SEP 19 – Celle, Germany @ Buntes Haus
SEP 20 – Nijmegen, Netherlands @ Merelyn
SEP 21 – Mechelen, Belgium @ JC. Metteko

Equal Vision Records has announce the latest addition to their roster: Boston, MA’s Therefore I Am. The five-piece is set to record their debut full length later this year at Strangeways Recording studio in Providence, RI with producer and ex-Hot Rod Circuit drummer Michael Poorman (Piebald, Tsunami Bomb, Paulson) for a Spring 2009 release. Poorman also produced the band’s 2007 EP, Escape. 

Since Therefore I Am’s formation in 2004, they’ve self-released 3 EP’s and toured the U.S. many times over with the likes of Vanna, Endwell, The Dear Hunter, and The Receiving End Of Sirens. The band – Alex Correia (Vocals), Brian Marquis (Guitar/Vocals), Travis Alexander (Guitar), James Creighton (Bass), and Chris Fernandes (Drums) – plan to get back on the road once they are finished recording, tentatively in February ‘09.

About their decision to sign with Equal Vision, Marquis explains, “EVR’s past and current roster boasts bands that have fought the same battles that we face today being thrown between many different genres. Growing up with many of those bands and seeing their success, and more importantly their impact, in underground and popular music is what gives us the reassurance that we’re working with the right team.”

The band has prepared a video announcing the signing at AbsolutePunk and can be viewed here: http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=488541

NOFX are headlining the opening of the Democratic National Convention at Red Rocks in Denver, Colorado this Friday, August 22nd. To celebrate Barack “Punk Rock” Obama’s nomination, NOFX will perform Punk in Drublic in its entirety and in order.

Buy your tickets right now, right here.

Emerald Honor has made tons of changes to their myspace site: New Myspace look, Cover song, Promo pics, Merch…

Check it out!

http://www.myspace.com/emeraldhonor

Featured Band: Sky Eats Airplane. Interview with Lee Duck.

Music By: Portugal, The Man. Dear and the Headlights. Take the Crown. Emarosa. They Mean Us. Cineplexx. Oxford Collapse. Sky Eats Airplane. Death Vessel. Soldiers.

31Knots Worried Well (Polyvinyl)

Canon Alive (One Eleven)

Death Vessel Nothing Is Precious Enough For Us (Sub Pop)

Family Force Five Dance Or Die (Tooth & Nail)

 
Heavy Heavy Low Low Turtle Nipple And The Toxic Shock (Ferrett)

 
Human Highway Moody Motorcycle (Suicide Squeeze)

Jaguar Love Take Me To The Sea (Matador)

One For The Team Build It Up (The Militia Group)

Ra Ra Riot The Rhumb Line (Barsuk)

The Gaslight Anthem The ‘59 Sound (SideOneDummy)

 
The Human Abstract Midheaven (Hopeless)

 
The Showdown Back Breaker (Solid State)

 
The Summer Set …In Color EP (The Militia Group)

The Windupdeads The Windupdeads (One Eleven)

Long-running, long-named indie outfit Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start will be playing their last show ever tomorrow night at The Auction House in Audubon, NJ.

For all you wimps and sensitive types – or for that matter, anyone who can’t make it to Saturday’s festivities – the band will also be playing an acoustic pre-last-show show tonight at Tunes in Marlton, NJ.

Joining Up Up Down Down for both performances will be Lincoln, Nebraska’s Tie These Hands.

While Up Up Down Down’s touring schedule has been admittedly light over the past couple years, the early part of their career found them traveling the country at a time when indie meant independent and emo had nothing to do with jabbing yourself in the arm with your dad’s rusty screwdriver. That is what kids are doing these days, right?

According to front man Steve Poponi, “We have been doing this band with various line-ups for about 10 years, and after making Worst Band Name Ever, I am happy to go out on a good note and pursue other fun stuff (fatherhood, golf, taste testing).”

The last decade has blessed us with some amazing music from Up Up Down Down: the seminal debut full-length And Nothing Is #1, the equally impressive follow-up EP, Perris, CA, and their last release, the aforementioned Worst Band Name Ever. They were also one of the first bands to dive into the realm of free music (waaaay back in 2005) with The Internet EP and the Girls Names EP. Both are still available for download, as are additional releases, videos and other odds and ends. Check it here.

Music By: Dance Gavin Dance. The Ghost Inside. Embrace the End. Sound the City. Just Like Always. The Ms. 31Knots. Girl Talk. 2AM Club. Polaroid. Son, Ambulance. Lynus. Makeout Party. This Is Hell.

Show Notes

• Pay what you want for Girl Talk’s new album Feed The Animals, click HERE!
• I said during the beginning of the show that no notable CDs are out today.  I was WRONG! The Gallery have released their new album , If You Know What I Mean today.  Listen to a preview stream at AbsolutePunk.com HERE.

Alaskan indie/alternative group Portugal. The Man will be releasing their third album, Censored Colors, on September 16th.

Today the band is launching pre-order packages through their official webstore, so you can secure a copy of Censored Colors before it hits stores.

Purchase any of the Censored Colors pre-order packages and get a free MP3 download of the entire album on September 1st (over two weeks before street date)!

Package #1 – CD
Everyone who preorders the CD will aso receive a free MP3 download of Censored Colors on September 1st!

Package #2 – CD & T-shirt
By ordering this presale package, you will receive the Censored Colors CD, MP3 download on September 1st, and the Censored Colors T-Shirt.

Package #3 – LP & T-shirt
By ordering this presale package, you will receive the Censored Colors Double Gatefold Colored Vinyl LP with Die-cut cover (special edition), MP3 download on September 1st, and the Censored Colors T-Shirt.

Package #4 – CD, LP, & T-shirt
By ordering this presale package, you will receive the Censored Colors CD, MP3 download on September 1st, the Censored Colors Double Gatefold Colored Vinyl LP with Die-cut cover (special edition), and the Censored Colors T-Shirt.

Package #5 – Mega Package – CD, LP, Lithograph
By ordering this presale package, you will receive the Censored Colors CD, MP3 download on September 1st, the Censored Colors Double Gatefold Colored Vinyl LP with Die-cut cover (special edition), the Censored Colors T-Shirt, and a Portugal. The Man Lithograph Poster (hand-numbered and signed by John Gourley and limited to 100).

Photographer RYAN RUSSELL recently posted a large update of 161 new photos on his infinitely browsable website.

No joke…you could literally spend hours combing through some truly amazing live, press and off-the-cuff shots of bands like These Arms Are Snakes, Minus The Bear, Russian Circles, Taking Back Sunday, Ted Leo, Fugazi and The Melvins, not to mention some great candid photos of comedians David Cross and Sarah Silverman, actor John Krasinski, Chunklet’s Henry Owings and producer Steve Albini, just to name a few.

Russell’s latest update includes terrific new pics of Death Cab For Cutie, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World, Torche, Fake Problems, Harvey Milk, Pelican, My Chemical Romance, The Color Fred, Vampire Weekend and Henry Rollins among others. Oh…and some dudes in a band called Look Mexico. I hear they’re okay.

The Birmingham, Alabama native also hitched a ride with the boys in Against Me! for a week on this summer’s Warped Tour. Lots of never-before-seen candid shots of backstage shenanigans, autograph sessions and of course, the band live on stage. Go here for your viewing pleasure.

Additionally, the update contains photos of Paramore on the set of their video shoot for “That’s What You Get,” as well as a sampling of Underoath studio pictures Russell took for a book documenting the recording process that will be included in the deluxe edition of their upcoming album Lost In The Sound of Separation.

Again, if you’re not familiar with Ryan Russell, go here and introduce yourself to one of the most talented, hardest working photographers in indie rock. The scope of his amazing work spans everything from New Found Glory to New Mexican Disaster Squad. You may have seen his photos in Rolling Stone, Spin, Alternative Press, New York Times, Rock Sound and Playboy Magazine, and his pictures have been used in album art for Hot Rod Circuit, Black Cross and Patton Oswalt’s Werewolves & Lollipops.

Of course, it’s not just the quality of his shots that’s so impressive but also his ability to capture more than the simple live shot or the typical press photo. Russell has shared a tour bus with Ben Gibbard, David Bazan, the aforementioned Against Me!, Paramore and Taking Back Sunday. He’s captured rehearsal sessions for Converge, Death Cab and Minus The Bear, and he has photographed Mastodon’s video shoot for “Colony of Birchmen” and “The Wolf Is Loose.”

Featured Band: The Lives of Famous Men.  Interview with guitarist Ari Katcher.

Music By: The Sound of Animals Fighting. Monument, Monument. Harrison Hudson. Divided By Friday. War Tapes. The Lives of Famous Men. Annabel. Cheap Girls. Tu Fawning. Anthony Green.

Show Notes:

• Download Monument, Monument’s EP: Sleep Well When You Get There
• Download Harrison Hudson’s Album: Blood, Sweat, and Sweat
• Download Cheap Girls’ Album: Find Me a Drink Home

An article on FT.com regarding a recent study held by the MCPS-PRS Alliance (which represents music rights holders) and Big Champagne (an online media measurement company), suggested that Illegal Downloading could be a positive thing and should be embraced.

From the article:

“Rights-holders should be aware that these non-traditional venues are stubbornly entrenched, incredibly popular and will never go away,” said Eric Garland, co-author of the study, which concluded there was strong brand loyalty to controversial “torrent” and peer-to-peer services.

Read the Full Article HERE.

Equal Vision and Rise Records have teamed up to offer a split CD sampler showcasing six bands from each label. For the last few weeks, the sampler was only available at Warped Tour dates, but now they’re giving it away as a free download!

Tracklisting:

1. Chiodos – “I Didn’t Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was A Wizard”

2. The Devil Wears Prada – “HTML Rulez D00d”

3. Damiera – “Quiet Mouth Loud Hands”

4. Dance Gavin Dance – “The Robot With Human Hair Pt. 3″

5. Sky Eats Airplane – “Long Walks on Short Bridges”

6. Emarosa – “Heads or Tails Real or Not”

7. The Color Fred – “Minnesota”

8. Take The Crown – “Ride Or Die”

9. Pierce The Veil – “Yeah Boy and Doll Face”

10. Breathe Carolina – “Gossip”

11. Cinematic Sunrise – “Pulling A Piano From A Pond”

12. Oceana – “The Tide”

Download 12-Song Sampler (70.8mb)

July 30, 2008 – As the music industry continues to adapt to allow artists to be more involved in their careers – an act that was perhaps accelerated by Radiohead’s most recent release – and the band’s desire to cater more to their fans, Portugal. The Man and their label and publishing company, Approaching AIRBalloons, and Equal Vision Records have inked a unique agreement, it has been announced. The first release under this exceptional deal will be P.TM’s third full-length CD, Censored Colors, set for a September 16, 2008 release.

One of the factors that makes this partnership so unique is that the members of Portugal. The Man will share in the risk as well as in the rewards with Equal Vision, something that is easier for a Platinum act (like Radiohead) than a developing artist. Having self-financed the Censored Colors album, and while they had other label options, P.TM welcomed the idea of having an “open canvas” with Equal Vision, where they could work at their own pace and be intimately involved in all factors of their recording career.

Under the mainstream radar, Portugal. The Man has garnered an incredible buzz with the release of two earlier full-length CDs, 2006’s Walter: “You Vultures!” and 2007’s Church Mouth (the latter of which debuted on the Billboard Top Alternative New Artists chart at luck #13), and three EPs, The Pines, the Devil (2006), Devil Say I, I Say Air (digital EP, 2006), and It’s Complicated Being a Wizard (2007). They have amassed kudos from an array of media outlets like Filter (”Portugal. The Man hasn’t merely evolved from the avant-garde, neo-soul that shaped their earliest works, they’ve transcended it”) and Alternative Press (”…it’s the songs that truly set this band apart”).

Portugal. The Man’s unique sound has its roots firmly in front man/songwriter John Baldwin Gourley’s abstract vision and unique upbringing. Gourley was raised in a remote log cabin on the outskirts of Wasilla, Alaska that was powered by a generator and had no phone. His mom and dad doubled as a team of dog sled musher’s. Add in an extended period of homelessness, a love of science fiction and a desire to make music that does not sound like every other band, and the genesis of Portugal. The Man was formed. Gourley and childhood friend Zachary Scott Carothers formed P.TM in 2003 with Portland, OR’s Jason Sechrist joining in 2005. To this day, PTM employs a rotating cast of guest musicians outside of the core four. Gourley is also an accomplished visual artist having created the stunning artwork for the “Censored Colors” package as well as P.TM’s previous releases, tour posters, t-shirts and other items.)

The band intends to tour extensively in support of Censored Colors. P.TM – guitarist/singer/songwriter Gourley, bassist/singer Carothers, newest full-time member keyboardist/singer Ryan Neighbors, and drummer Garrett Lunceford (who replaces Jason Sechrist) – is currently on the road supporting RX Bandits for six-weeks worth of U.S. dates, will then headline a European tour from September 10 to October 4, then, beginning October 14, will headline their own 38-city U.S. tour (initial dates below). Support for this tour will be Earl Greyhound and Wintersleep.

Portugal. The Man’s current U.S. dates with RX Bandits, and initial dates for the band’s Fall headline tour are as follows:

(with RX Bandits)
JULY
30 The Fillmore @ The TLA, Philadelphia, PA
31 School of Rock, S. Hackensack, NJ

AUGUST
1 Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
2 Harper’s Ferry, Boston, MA
4 The Club at Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY
5 Grog Shop, Cleveland Heights, OH
6 Magic Stick, Detroit, MI
7 Metro, Chicago, IL
8 2 Cents Plain, St. Louis, MO
9 The Bottleneck, Lawrence, KS
10 Waiting Room, Omaha, NE
12 Marquis Theatre, Portland, OR
13 Avalon Theatre, Salt Lake City, UT
15 El Corazon, Seattle, WA
16 Hawthorne Theatre, Portland, OR
17 The Boardwalk, Orangevale, CA
18 Slim’s, San Francisco, CA
22 The Glass House, Pomona, CA
23 Jillian’s, Las Vegas, NV
27 The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
28 The Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
30 SOMA, San Diego, CA
31 The Clubhouse, Tempe, AZ

SEPTEMBER
1 The Clubhouse, Tempe, AZ
(September 10 – October 4 – European Tour)

 
(U.S. Fall headline tour)
OCTOBER
14 The Exit, Fresno, CA
15 Clubhouse, Phoenix, AZ
17 Rock Bottom, San Antonio, TX
18 Emo’s, Austin, TX
19 Meridian, Houston, TX
20 House of Blues/Parish Room, New Orleans, LA
22 State Theatre, Tampa, FL
23 The Social, Orlando, FL
24 Jack Rabbits, Jacksonville, FL
25 The 7 Venue, Douglasville, GA
26 The Brewery, Raleigh, NC
27 Canal Club, Richmond VA
29 Rock and Roll Hotel, Washington, DC
30 Philadelphia, PA
31 Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

NOVEMBER
1 School of Rock, S. Hackensack, NJ
2 Harper’s Ferry, Boston, MA

(more dates TBA)

Music By: Scream Hello. Sky Eats Airplane. Greeley Estates. Used For Glue. Quincy Mumford. Ace Enders. Unwed Sailor. The Wedding. Lydia. Progress In Color. Stepsonday. Baumer. Followed By Ghosts. One Small Step For Landmines.

Show Notes:

• Get Baumer’s FREE album HERE
• Upcoming Featured Bands: The Lives of Famous Men, Sky Eats Airplane, Rediscover, The Wedding, Deas Vail.  I’m really looking forward to interviewing these bands!

CraveOnline Soundcheck

Crave Online’s Soundcheck (presented by AT&T) have posted a video from Pierce The Veil where they show you – the unknowing fan – some of the dark and dirty secrets of how they acquire their roadies.

Watch Pierce The Veil kidnap immigrants and put them to work as roadies!

A physical release of Nine Inch Nails‘ The Slip will be available worldwide in the upcoming days as a limited edition CD with bonus DVD through the Null Corporation label.  Release dates as follows…

Australia: July 19
Europe: July 21
US: July 22
Canada: July 22
Japan: July 22
UK: July 28

http://theslip.nin.com/physical

This CD with bonus DVD edition will be a one time only worldwide run of 250,000 individually numbered digipacks.  Each digipack features a six-panel layout, 24 page booklet and an exclusive three sticker set.  Art direction by Rob Sheridan.

The bonus DVD includes 5 live performances filmed during rehearsals for Nine Inch Nails’ upcoming tour, including album tracks Echoplex, 1,000,000 and Letting You.

A gatefold vinyl version of The Slip which contains one 180gm vinyl LP and a 24-page booklet will also be released in the US and Canada on August 12 and in the UK on August 18.

The Slip, written and performed by Trent Reznor, with Josh Freese, Robin Finck and Alessandro Cortini, has been downloaded 1.6 million times worldwide since its online release on May 5, 2008.

NIN’s Lights in the Sky Tour opens in Pemberton, Canada on July 25, 2008 with support slots from Crystal Castles, Deerhunter, Does it Offend You, Yeah and A Place To Bury Strangers.  Visit http://tour.nin.com/ for the latest tour information.

Owen, aka Mike Kinsella, is heading out west for the first time in two years to open shows for Rocky Votolato.  Owen has been recording a follow up to 2006’s At Home With Owen in between tours over the past year.  The final product will see the light of day in early 2009 on Polyvinyl Record Co.

Tour Dates
7/23 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah*
7/24 Pomona, CA @ Glasshouse*
7/25 West Hollywood, CA @ Troubadour*
7/26 San Luis Obispo, CA @ Downtown Brew*
7/29 San Francisco, CA     @ Bottom of the Hill*
7/31 Portland, OR @ Berbati’s Pan*
8/01 Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s*

* w/ Rocky Votolato

Beginning today, ANNABEL (Kent, OH) is hitting the road for a little southern lovin’ in support of its well-received debut EP Now That We’re Alive.

Playing an infectious brand of indie pop laced with feverish melodies, Annabel balances it all with post-punk dynamics that convey a heightened sense of urgency. The trio takes the best from several different genres, forging their own unique path as Now That We’re Alive shines a bright light on the band’s future.

Check out a free mp3s for the song “Boquet Mines.”

You can also watch Annabel’s Pink Couch Session where they perform a great acoustic version of “Parade Rest.” The video comes courtesy of the always entertaining and endlessly explorable If You Make It.

TOUR

——————————————————-
JUL 23 – Durham, NC @ Bull City Headquarters w/ Delay, Friendly Fire, Resist Not
JUL 24 – Saint Augustine, FL @ Nobby’s Sports Bar w/ Delay, The Winslows, Cough, Dark Castle
JUL 25 – Jacksonville, FL @ Shanty Town Pub w/ Delay, Monikers
JUL 26 – Orlando, FL @ The Black Box Collective w/ Delay, Monikers
JUL 27 – Naples, FL @ TBA w/ Delay
JUL 28 – Tampa, FL @ Skate Park of Tampa w/ The Tim Version, New Bruises, Inertia!, Crow’s Path
JUL 29 – Gainesville, FL @ Wayward Council w/ Jammy Dodgers
JUL 30 – Tallahassee, FL @ Oafhouse
JUL 31 – Pensacola, FL @ Sluggo’s w/ Delay
AUG 01 – Atlanta, GA @ 141 Moreland w/ Delay, Shang-A-Lang, Jonsin’
AUG 02 – Athens, GA @ The Hangar w/ Delay, Nana Grizol

A collection of infectious indie pop tunes with sharp melodies, released just in time to serve as the soundtrack for the spring and summer months. – Absolutepunk
Packing in driving, spiraling shoegaze guitars with the vocals hidden behind the ever so pleasant sounds they deliver. Highly recommended! – Collective Zine
Songs explode with lush layers of harmony vocals that take your breath away. This is a record you should own. – Jersey Beat
Annabel have the cojones to stand with some of the powerhouses in indie and post-rock. – Pastepunk

Featured Band: Here I Come Falling.  Interview with Isaac Neale.

Music By: Less Than Jake. I Saw a Ghost. Kill Your Ex. The Scenic. The City and Skyway. Your Hero. The Dear Hunter. Here I Come Falling. American Steel. The Messenger. Brightwood.

Playlist:

Less Than Jake: Does the Lion City Still Roar? - GNV FLA

I Saw a Ghost: Showcase Showdown - I Saw a Ghost EP

Kill Your Ex: Hades and Demeter - From Words to Motion

The Scenic: The American Way - Find Yourself Here

The City and Skyway: Waiting – Compose Yourself

Your Hero: Laying Perfectly - Chronicles of a Real World

The Dear Hunter: The Oracles On The Delphi Express – Act II: The Meaning Of, And All Things Regarding Ms. Leading

Here I Come Falling: Bad Company Ruins Good Manners – Oh Grave, Where Is Thy Victory

Here I Come Falling: The Beast From The East - Oh Grave, Where Is Thy Victory

American Steel: Dead And Gone - Destroy Their Future

The Messenger: A Gondola Ride In Paris - Let’s Get Dangerous

Brightwood: Swan Song - Wake

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
July 22, 2008

Artist: Damiera
Album: Quiet Mouth Loud Hands
Label: Equal Vision
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Note: There is an email link embedded within this post, please visit this post to email it. Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it.

After releasing their self produced and much praised debut M(US)IC on Equal Vision Records, Damiera was plagued with trying to stay afloat as a band.  After an extensive tour to support their debut, Damiera announced in April of 2007 that they were on haitus.  A phrase that spells out the impending doom of a band.

However, vocalist David Raymond couldn’t let the project die, and in June of 2007 it was announced that the band had re-formed around David.  Making up the new Damiera was guitarist Steve Downs, drummer Josh Sparks, and bassist Jayson Dezuzio (who had produced M(US)IC and worked with bands such as Coheed and Cambria and My Chemical Romance.  It was later announced that they would jump back into the studio to start work on the much anticipated follow up album, Quiet Mouth Loud Hands.

While there are some similarities to M(US)IC , Quiet Mouth Loud Hands is a different animal than the debut.  Of course this is expected due to a flood of new creativity that co-incides with an new line up like this.  The album mildly suffers with an identity crisis.  Think Experimental Rock meets Paula Abdul or Maroon 5.  I had a puzzled “Oh no, they didn’t . . .” look on my face a couple times during my first listen.  Although, once past the initial shock, I think the sprinkling of Pop elements add to the appeal of Quiet Mouth Loud Hands. 

Damiera have offered up a strong release with Quiet Mouth Loud Hands.  Was it a little over-hyped? Yes.  Did it hold up to expectations? Mostly.  I think with the member issues, Damiera is commended for putting out such a strong album.  There are a few wrinkles that need to be ironed out with Quiet Mouth Loud Hands  (David’s vocals are not on par with the vocals on M(US)IC and the aformentioned minor identity crisis) , but over all this is a respected release. 

While not perfect, Quiet Mouth Loud Hands is a great transitional album and I’m sure the next effort has the potential to be even stronger. 

Stand Out Tracks:

“Devices”

“The Flood”

“A Tree and it’s Fruit”

One Small Step For Landmines (Tallahassee, F.L.) has just released a digital EP for the single Good Men Die Young And I’m Not Feeling Well.

In total, the EP contains the title track, a cover version of Good Men Die Young by Jim Ward (Sparta / Sleepercar) and an unreleased B-side from the band’s 2007 Self-titled full-length which features guest vocals from Look Mexico’s Matt Agrella.

For pure downloading rapture, click here.

Additionally, you can check out a video of Good Men Die Young here. It was conceived and directed by Jerrod Landon Porter, who also also designed the art for the EP.

There are plans for a seven-inch version of the EP later this year as well. It will feature a bonus fourth track – a cover of “Girlfriend In A Coma” by the Smiths.

In other news, front man Kevin Allen recently recorded a few new songs in Los Angeles with drummer Tony Hajjar (Sparta, At The Drive In) and Sol Snyder (Year of the Rabbit) on bass duty. More news on the future of those tracks soon…

One Small Step For Landmines‘ Self-titled debut full-length was released in September of 2007 by Doghouse imprint Civil Defense League. Angular-yet-driving rock built around unforgettable melodies, massively catchy songs and a propulsive rhythm section, this Florida three piece is dynamically compelling as they are unpredictable and explosive.

Free mp3: “Take Me, Seriously“

SKY EATS AIRPLANE have posted the single track, “Numbers”, from their self-titled full length in stores TOMORROW (July 22nd). Physical copies of the CD come with a unique code with access to a members-only site. By purchasing the CD, you’ll get exclusive video messages from the band, behind the scenes footage from their recent video shoot, contests, and more!

Speaking of numbers… the band is giving out their phone number: 817-271-5626
Leave messages telling the band what you think about the new album, a show you attended, or whatever you want to say. The band will be updating their voice mail from the road and calling a few lucky fans back while they’re on tour.

The follow-up to 2007’s Small Steps, Heavy Hooves, has already been named one of the Most Anticipated of 2008 by Alternative Press and DEAR AND THE HEADLIGHTS is certainly not going to disappoint. The album’s opener, “I’m Not Crying. You’re Not Crying, Are You?” may hint at another slow album starter (see: Small Steps, Heavy Hooves’ “Oh No”) but quickly picks the listener up in the band’s familiar piano & tambourine infused pop/indie-rock sound with comparisons to The Flaming Lips. The album’s middle and bridge is “Saintly Rows (Oh Oh)”, a haunting affair channeling Bob Dylan as each line of vocalist Ian Metzger’s lyrics trail off in a sad tone, but ultimately the song builds up to frantic piano lines and a chaotic ending. The theme of the record is most prevalent on the album’s closer, “I Know”: smooth transitions between slowed down, soulful ballads to good old fashioned rock n’ roll.

The 12-track set was recorded with producer and friend, Bob Hoag (The Format, Limbeck), at Flying Blanket Recording in their hometown earlier this summer. “Bob has been pretty influential in the overall sound and to some degree the arrangements on this record, like he was on the last record. He kind of becomes the sixth member in the studio and that works well because we trust him and he hears things the same way we do,” described guitarist, PJ Waxman.

In 2007, the band logged 162 shows on tour with the likes of Circa Survive, Straylight Run, and many more diverse artists. This past Spring, the five-piece spent just over a month opening for emo/indie powerhouses and fellow Arizonians, Jimmy Eat World. During their current headlining trek, DEAR AND THE HEADLIGHTS took the stage with Jimmy Eat World again in a support slot for 5 shows between July 15^th and 20^th. This fall, the band will hit the road with Minneapolis pop-rock quintet, Motion City Soundtrack, and indie/folk Indianapolis natives, Margot And The Nuclear So & So’s, for The Left Handed Forms Of Human Endeavor tour. Further touring is planned through the end of the year.

Track Listing

1. I’m Not Crying. You’re Not Crying, Are You?

2. Bad News

3. Carl Solomon Blues

4. Willetta

5. Talk About

6. Saintly Rows (Oh Oh)

7. Flowers For My Brain

8. Now It’s Over

9. Parallel Lines

10. If Not For My Glasses

11. Try

12. I Know

Tour Dates

w/What Laura Says (Thinks And Feels)

07/25 Tucson, AZ – Club Congress

07/26 Las Cruces, NM – Code Red Cafe

07/28 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live

07/29 Austin, TX – Stubb’s BBQ

07/30 Dallas, TX – House of Blues

07/31 San Antonio, TX – Rock Bottom

w/Motion City Soundtrack

09/06 Allentown, PA – Crocodile Rock Café

09/07 Atlantic City, NJ – House of Blues

09/08 Towson, MD – Recher Theatre

09/10 Ashville, NC – The Orange Peel

09/11 Charleston, SC – Music Farm

09/12 Athens, GA – 40 Watt Club

09/13 Gainesville, FL – Alachua County Fairgrounds

09/15 New Orleans, LA – House of Blues

09/17 Urbana, IL – The Canopy Club

09/18 Columbia, MO – The Blue Note

09/19 Lawrence, KS – Liberty Hall

Links

• Myspace.com/DearAndTheHeadlights
• EqualVision.com

Featured Band: Into It. Over It.  Interview with Evan Weiss.

Music By: The Smoking Popes. Russian Circles. Beast From Sea. Dearestazazel. Stick To Your Guns. Februa. Into It Over It. Festa d’Estate. Scarlet Symphony. Rediscover.

Playlist

The Smoking Popes: If You Don’t Care – Stay Down

Russian Circles: Harper Lewis – Station

Beast From Sea: Tree Climber – What Your Children Dream Of EP

Dearestazazel: Lovely Lovely – Be Mine

Stick to Your Guns: We’re What Separates the Heart from the Heartless – Comes From the Heart

Februa: Voices to Echoes – This Time it Won’t be Forever

Into It Over It: Next Stop The Olympics – 52  Songs in 52 Weeks

Into It Over it: …And I Bite My Nails - 52 Songs in 52 Weeks

Festa d’Estate: The Mechanical Function of the Heart – 7″

Scarlet Symphony: Your Blood is Mine – At the Base of the Metropolis

Rediscover: Say It Like You Mean It – Sleepless Nights

Show Notes

——————————————————- 
* Find Me A Drink Home now available from donation-based label 
* CD / Vinyl available from Bermuda Mohawk Productions / Los Diaper Records

Find Me A Drink Home, the fantastic debut full-length from power pop rockers Cheap Girls (Lansing, MI) is getting the digital treatment from donation-based labelQuote Unquote Records.

That’s right…just click here and you can download all eleven songs for free, no strings attached! Of course, donations are encouraged; help the bands and label continue to record and release great music. While you’re at it, check out other Quote Unquote releases from Bomb The Music Industry!, We Versus The Shark andThe Riot Before.

Produced by Rick Johnson of Mustard Plug and the aforementioned Bomb the Music Industry!, Find Me A Drink Home was released in CD format by Bermuda Mohawk Productions in April while Los Diaper Records released the vinyl version last month. Both are still available from the labels…and if you ever pine for a totally awesome throwback to 90’s melodic guitar rock (think Smoking Popes meets Dinosaur Jr.) you should definitely pick this up in one of its many available incarnations.

Find Me A Drink Home is one hell of a debut that has taken my heart hostage. - What We Hate 
Fantastic guitar driven power-pop…like Sugar, this trio layers great hooks and crunchy rhythms that manage to gloss over some dark lyrics. - Pocket Full of Chump Change 

Cheap Girls pay homage to bands like Lemonheads, Nada Surf and Superdrag, and despite their reference points being somewhat obvious, the record is an extremely fresh listen. - Punknews.org

The Gallery is releasing their debut full length If You Know What I Mean on Blue Duck Records on August 12th. Currently they have 3 songs off that album at www.myspace.com/thegalleryrock .

Track Listing:
1. Drift
2. Consider This
3. Where We Began
4. Kingdoms
5. The Introduction
6. Surroundings
7. My Rhythm
8. Circus Song
9. The Lonely Disease
10. If You Know What I Mean

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sub Pop Records artist, CSS have released a new video.  Check it out!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sub Pop Records artist, Fleet Foxes have released a new video.  Check it out!

Featured Band: Dropout Year.  Interview with Steve Reter.

Music By: Here I Come Falling. Dear Tonight. Cute Is What We Aim For. Brass. Amnion. Sparks in Stereo. The Hint. Dropout Year. Nevershoutnever!. The Loved Ones. Kill the Frontman.

Show Notes:

• Just found out Dear Tonight broke up.  Dammit.
• Download Kill the Frontman’s Full Album: HERE!
• I think exclamation points in band names and album titles is LAME! So, bands…stop it.

There have been some additional Less Than Jake in-store appearances
added recently.  All are listed below:
 
July 9th – 1pm
Sunrise Records – Toronto
336 Yonge Street
Toronto, Canada m5b 1r8
416-498-6601
 
July 13th – 4pm
House Of Guitars
645 Titus Ave.
Rochester, NY 14617
585-544-9928
 
July 17- 6pm
Cactus Houston
2110 Portsmouth
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 526-9272
 
July 18- 6pm
Good Records- Dallas
1808 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 752-4663
 
July 21st – 6pm -SIGNING ONLY
FYE
5546 S Redwood Rd
Salt Lake City, Utah 84123
 
August 2 – 6PM
Encore- Austin
1745 West Anderson Lane
Austin, TX  78757
512-451-8111

The Indie Review
By Allie Berg
July 8, 2008

Artist: Quincy Mumford
Album: Quincy Mumford
Label: Unsigned

Jack Johnson might lose some sleep after listening to Quincy Mumford’s Self-Titled debut album. This sixteen year old is going to give a few singer/songwriters a run for their money. While he’s not even old enough to drive legally in New Jersey, he does have the talent to drive young girls and boys crazy for him. Whether it be at a coffee shop, a sold out venue, or a street corner in New York, Quincy has the ability to attract all ages with his voice and guitar. The music on this album is phenomenal.

It is also refreshing to hear that lyrics are also age appropriate. So many child stars perform songs that were not written by them and include topics way too mature for them to be singing about. Themes of sex and drugs are not a part of this album, but that doesn’t mean Quincy’s lyrics are babyish or immature. In fact, he proves that sex and drugs don’t need to be included in an album to be a success. It is obvious to see that Quincy Mumford has a good head on his shoulders. With themes such as being grateful and the feeling of being home, the first track, My Town, discusses how nothing compares to where you are from.

Well I went down the road to see my Uncle Sal // He said, “Son, I’m moving straight out of town” // And he said, “Do you want to come with me? // I said, No, Sir, I’m gonna stand right where I be.

This is my town and I’ll never leave // This is my favorite place can’t you see? // This is where I was born and bread // This is where my first words were sad.

Aside from his natural talent on guitar, his voice is nearly flawless. This debut self-titled album from Quincy Mumford is a surefire summer favorite and should be the soundtrack to many parties and barbeques. This sixteen year old is going to do big things. And who knows what will come first, a worldwide tour or prom?

Stand Out Tracks:

My Town
Grateful
Dock on a Bay

STATIC RADIO NJ (New Brunswick, N.J.) is hitting the road today for an East Coast tour with Chicago’s Shot Baker. The band is also booking an August tour with Let Me Run (XOXO Records).

Both tours are in support of Static Radio NJ’s debut full-length An Evening Of Bad Decisions, out later this summer on Black Numbers. You can pre-order the record hereor pick up a copy from the band at shows.

An Evening Of Bad Decisions was recorded in Hoboken, New Jersey with acclaimed production company The Machine Shop (Armor For Sleep, Boys Night Out, Every Time I Die). Not only does the album deliver on the foundation laid down by the band’s terrific debut EP,One for the Good Guys, it builds a towering skyscraper of soaring melodic punk rock anthems squarely on top of it.

Check out two free mp3s for the songs “Marc” and “Places.”

TOUR w/ Shot Baker
——————————————————- 
JUL 02 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Volume Records 
JUL 03 – Richmond, VA @ Ramakins 
JUL 04 – Charlestown, WV @ Jumpin Java Cafe 
JUL 05 – Newark, DE @ The East End Cafe 
JUL 06 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Asbury Lanes w/ Dead Tired, Tommy Brunett 
JUL 07 – New Brunswick, NJ @ Court Tavern (upstairs show!) w/ Chokepoint 
JUL 08 – Manchester, NJ @ Ridgeway Firehall 
JUL 09 – Providence, RI @ TBA 
JUL 10 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Loft

TOUR w/ Let Me Run
——————————————————- 
AUG 09 – Locustdale, PA @ Locust Dale Firehall 
AUG 10 – Blairsville, PA @ The Corner Pocket 
AUG 11 – New York @ TBA 
AUG 12 – New York @ TBA 
AUG 13 – Massachusetts @ TBA 
AUG 14 – Vermont @ TBA 
AUG 15 – Dover, NH @ The Aviary 
AUG 16 – Maine @ TBA 
AUG 17 – Rhode Island @ TBA 
AUG 18 – Connecticut @ TBA 
AUG 19 – Greenpoint (Brooklyn), NY @ The Lost and Found Bar w/ The Reveling

Dear and the Headlights just completed recording their follow-up to 2007’s Small Steps Heavy Hooves at Flying Blanket Studios in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona.

Wasting no time, Dear and the Headlights are hitting the road this weekend to begin their month-long headlining tour with fellow Arizona band What Laura Says. They’ve also scheduled a handful of shows opening for Jimmy Eat World along the way!

w/ What Laura Says
7/5 – Los Angeles, CA @ Knitting Factory Buy Tickets
7/6 – Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
7/9 – Modesto, CA @ Sidelines
7/10 – Reno, NV @ Tonic Bar
7/11 – Boise, ID @ The Venue Buy Tickets
7/12 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Avalon Theatre Buy Tickets
7/13 – Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre Buy Tickets

w/ Jimmy Eat World
7/15 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox Buy Tickets
7/16 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Buy Tickets
7/18 – San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore *SOLD OUT*
7/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Avalon *SOLD OUT*
7/20 – Los Angeles, CA @ Avalon *SOLD OUT*

w/ What Laura Says
7/25 – Tucson, AZ @ Club Congress
7/28 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live Buy Tickets
7/29 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ Buy Tickets
7/30 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Buy Tickets
7/31 – San Antonio, TX @ Rock Bottom

Look for the new album to be released in September on Equal Vision Records.

On July 12th 2008, Gainesville, Florida ska pop punk band LESS THAN JAKE will be broadcasting their concert live on Woozyfly.com from The Chance in Poughkeepsie, New York. The evening promises a whirlwind of activity, from fan interviews, to backstage shenanigans, exclusive band interviews and finally the rocking live performance from LESS THAN JAKE.

Woozyfly.com is a music media and networking website that specializes in live broadcasting and allows users to create their own profile to broadcast their own live Internet show. Woozyfly will broadcast live the LESS THAN JAKE concert so the band can connect to their fans like never before. The live broadcast will run from 8PM to Midnight EST.

Fans can tune in and watch live all the unexpected surprises at this link: www.woozyfly.com/lessthanjake

As LESS THAN JAKE’s new release on Sleep It Off Records,  ‘GNV FLA’ is more than appropriately titled as it references the band’s college town of Gainesville, Florida where they first got their start. The album, too, is a throwback to the earlier days with the raw sound and energy that first gained attention over a decade ago. The current Shout It Loud Tour will feature the live debut of the new songs from ‘GNV FLA’ and the set will undoubtedly be speckled with older hits.

The Smoking Popes triumphantly return to the music scene with Stay Down – their first studio album in 9 years.  Since their humble beginnings in their hometown of Chicago in 1991, The Smoking Popes have been breaking ground with their signature pop-punk style.  Songs like Pretty Pathetic, Brand New Hairstyle, and Need You Around became part of the soundtracks of summer, and a favorite for fans and radio programmers alike.  After the band’s untimely breakup in 1999, the Popes have been on the sidelines, until now.

Now, the Caterer brothers (Josh, Matt and Eli) along with friend and fellow Chicagoan Neil Hennessy, have started the next chapter of their story. Stay Down puts the band back on the map, with 12 songs that continue the Popes calling to create great pop-punk songs that will keep everyone singing along.

Stay Down will be in stores tomorrow, July 8 through the Appeal Records label or on .

Upcoming Tourdates
July 1 – Toledo, OH – Frankies
July 2 – Washington DC – DC9
July 3 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
July 5 – New York, NY – Blender Theater at Gramercy
July 6 – Allston, MA – Harpers Ferry
July 26 – Bedford Park, IL – Buzzbomb Club
Aug 2 – Chicago, IL
Aug 10 – Kansas City, MO – Record Bar
Aug 11 – Dallas, TX – Loft at Palladium Ballroom
Aug 12 – Austin, TX – The Mohawk
Aug 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room
Aug 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Knitting Factory
Aug 16 – San Francisco, CA – Slims

For the last couple of weeks, Fear Before The March of Flames have been in Seattle, WA recording their fourth album with producer Casey Bates (Chiodos, Portugal The Man). The new album will serve as the follow-up to 2006’s incredibly diverse and experimental release, The Always Open Mouth .

The band is filming their adventures and just posted their newest webisode where you can hear some rough recordings.

For continuing updates, visit Fear Before on MySpace.

Featured Band: Gillmor. Interview with Tyler Thompson (Piano/Keys) and Jimmy Marvich (Bass).

Music By: Hot Water Music. Edison Glass. Nakatomi Plaza. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltson. Adam Panic. Gillmor. Dropout Year. Kinch. We Are Bears. Oceana.

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
June 28, 2008

Artist: Sigur Ros
Album: Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust
Label: XL Recordings
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Sigur Ros is probably one of the most unconventional and innovative bands working today. Rather than being driven by styles and trends, Sigur Ros is a true example of true art and music colliding. Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust (translated: “With a Buzz in Our Ears We Play Endlessly”) is the culmonation of Sigur Ros‘ amazing previous work, taking their sound to more of a well rounded blend of beautiful, slow and haunting melodies combined with a more organic lively sound.

It seems Sigur Ros have embraced more of an organic sound lately. First with the release of Sigur Ros‘ “Rock” album Takk, then with their DVD release Heima and the subsiquent CD release of B-Sides and live studio versions of some of their favorite songs. Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust takes the best moments from these albums and is Sigur Ros‘ strongest album to date.

As an album as a whole, there is a lot more variety to work with here. Gobbligook can be justified as Sigur Ros‘ first successful single and stands alone as a great song. The rest of the album is as innovative with impeccable production; crisp and organic, with less distortion and echo than the previous albums. Adding to the layers of each song are various levels of strings and piano.

Easily the most accessible Sigur Ros album, Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust still maintains the integrity that comes with all Sigur Ros albums. Extremely artistic and not guided by a corporate label, Sigur Ros exists to create works of art with each album. With Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust, Sigur Ros have added yet another masterpiece.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Gobbligook
“Inní mér syngur vitleysingur”
“Vid spilum endalaust”

Noise For The Needy, a Seattle-based non profit organization whose goal is to raise money for charitable causes through the production of live music shows, is proud to announce that it has raised over $33,000 for Urban Rest Stop during this year’s fest—which included shows from Talib Kweli, Matt and Kim, Two Gallants, Black Angels and scores of other amazing musicians and bands.

Urban Rest Stop provides a clean, safe and welcoming facility where homeless individuals and families can come and use restrooms, shower and laundry facilities at no cost. The organization’s program manager, Ronni Gilboa, explains where the money is going: “The Urban Rest Stop will use this most generous gift to assist in covering the increased daily operating costs caused by our facility expansion. With the addition of a Women’s restroom , doubling our laundry capacity and waiting room space and the coming provision of on-site nursing services (in cooperation with Harborview Hospital), the Urban Rest Stop has experienced an 75% increase in service delivery. Funds will be used to pay for the increased utility, cleaning and hygiene supplies, repairs and other related costs. During the summer, the Urban Rest Stop experiences a daily foot traffic of 800 individuals , provides 225 showers, 150 laundry loads and 500 restroom uses daily.”

Noise For The Needy and Urban Rest Stop would love to thank everyone who attended, performed at or volunteered for this year’s festival, and wish to encourage those who haven’t to visit the organizations’ websites, www.noisefortheneedy.org and www.urbanreststop.org –both sites feature information on how to donate, volunteer and more.

INTO IT. OVER IT., the latest vehicle for Philadelphia native Evan Weiss, has posted its most recent offering titled …And I Bite My Nails. You can grab a free mp3 here.

While you’re at it, download the previous 39 songs as well…and feel free to re-post and share with your friends!

…And I Bite My Nails is the 40th track in an ongoing series which finds Weiss tackling the creation of one new song every week for the span of a year. That’s 52 songs in 52 weeks: an impressive feat, especially considering that nothing has been composed in advance – not to mention the time constraints involved in writing a song in the span of seven days (52 times in a row).

Weiss, who is also a member of The Progress and has played with Up Up Down Down and It’s A King Thing, conceived Into It. Over It. as a way to break free from a musical rut and as an autobiographical means to document that quickly passing thing we call “life.” The first song was posted on his 23rd birthday (09/27/07) and the last will go up on October 2nd, 2008. Most of the instruments are played by Weiss and the majority of songs are recorded at Gradwell House by Steve Poponi.

Again, everything from the past 40 weeks is available for free downloading and sharing. The easiest way to get all the songs – plus the next 12 as they’re released – is via iTunes podcast. Simply go to the podcast section of your iTunes store and search for “Into It Over It.” Subscribe and you’ll have everything that has been posted thus far. Plus, you’ll get each new track as they’re released on Thursday. As previously mentioned, you can visit the website, browse each song page and download them individually. Of course there’s myspace as well, where you can stream a random sampling of tracks.

Music By: Good Riddance. The Gaslight Anthem. Things That Fly. A Skylit Drive. My Hero Is Me. Crash Coordinates. Joan of Arc. Furlough. The Morning Of. Scene in Stereo. Colors in the Air. Emerald Honor. Cranes & Crows.

The Indie Review
By Allie Berg
June 24, 2008

Artist: Colors in the Air
Album: On the Inside
Label: Leakmob Records

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

From the cold temperatures of Buffalo, New York comes a band who is really heating things up. Colors in the Air is a band certainly on the rise. What is different about this band from others you might ask? Genuine talent. These guys aren’t just playing the same three chords over and over again. The musical introductions and perfectly planned harmonies are simply on point.

Instead of completely filling the songs with lyrics, Colors in the Air focuses more on the power of actual music and showcasing their talent on their debut album On the Inside. In the first track; Maybe Tonight, it takes a small while for lyrics to kick in, but when they do, they come in at exactly the right time. Singer, Brian Miller sounds as if he has been doing this for years and years and has phenomenal vocal ability. At times it reminds me a little bit of Adam Levine (Maroon 5) and Chris Martin (Coldplay). Although it is the singer that stands out to me, each band member plays a crucial role in the outcome of On the Inside.

On the Inside as a whole is extremely well put together and sounds extremely professional. These guys are trying to bring back what music should sound like. The pop punk trend has gone on for way too long and its refreshing to see a new band straying away from that trend. If you like music, and talent, Colors in the Air will be touring this summer so give them a listen and check them out live!

Stand Out Tracks:

“Maybe Tonight”
“Echoes”
“Raindrops”

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
June 24, 2008

Artist: Socratic
Album: Spread the Rumors
Label: Drive Thru Records
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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From my experience, there are 2 types of bands putting out music today.  First, are the bands who are creating music to push boundaries and further their artistic, moral or political expression creatively.  On the other hand, are bands who are writing for the status quo to build fans and are comfortable writing generic and accessible music.  While their music doesn’t totally suck, they’re not doing anything exciting or new either.

Socratic, with their newest release Spread the Rumors is a band that reminds me of that second example of bands.  Here we have sugar soaked, pop infused indie rock.  Just enough depth below the surface to rise above The Jonas Brothers, but barely.  There is nothing new here that demands our attention.  You’ve heard one band like this, you’ve heard them all.

The songs here are fun and poppy.  I can see why the average 13 year old girl would love these guys.  And I was on board with accepting Socratic for what they were until I heard the song Long Distance Calls.  It shares the exact melody in the chorus as the chorus of Boy in a Magazine.  Seriously, how did this slip by the producer? Listen to the songs back to back, your jaw will hit the floor.  This is the kind of laziness that comes through the album as a whole and while not a total piece of crap, I can’t enthusiastically recommend Spread the Rumors to anyone.

With lackluster vocals, poor production value and boring, predictable songwriting, Socratic have failed to impress with their highly anticipated album Spread the Rumors.  With the amount of hype surrounding Socratic, I expected more.  However, what we were given was a major disappointment.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Devices”

“The Flood”

“A Tree and it’s Fruit”

Music By: Me First & The Gimme Gimmees. 2*Sweet. CSS. Anniversaire. A Great Big Pile of Leaves. Jadiid. Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate). Wide Eyed Kid. I Married My Highschool Sweetheart. Blackstrap. Astpai. Wolf Parade. The Goodnight Anthem. Hello Tokyo. Earwig.

Show Notes:

• Failed to mention that the Me First & the Gimme Gimme’s track is a cover of Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
• Most likely goofed up the pronunciation of Astpai and Jadiid.  Let me know how I did!
• Big Thank You to The Days The Nights for letting me use Her Name is Alice as the show’s theme song.  I keep forgetting to give them props…..sorry!

Legendary Effects artist Stan Winston died over the weekend.  He’s done the effects in most of my favorite movies, including the Terminator and Alien franchises.  Stan Winston was a pioneer of visual effects and will be greatly missed.  However, the legacy he has left us will continue to be enjoyed for years and decades to come.  Read the full story HERE.

From now until June 23rd, DAMIERA is giving away their first album, M(US)IC, to anyone who signs up for their email newsletter.

The signup form can be found on Myspace.com/damiera and Damiera.com

Quiet Mouth, Loud Hands is in stores JUNE 24TH.

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
June 16, 2008

Artist: We Are The Arsenal
Album: The Trees E.P.
Label: Unsigned
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Orange County, CA has the same problem most Southern Calfornia cities have: an over saturation of bands trying to get their voice heard. Rising above the ever increasing Scene bands, We Are The Arsenal attempt to showcase that they not only have style, but originality and substance as well. With The Trees E.P., We Are The Arsenal give us melodic rock and roll with a modern spin and connect 5 songs together in a mini-concept album that leaves us wanting a bit more.

My only problem with The Trees E.P. is that it’s not a full length. EPs are always tricky. There are 3 very good tracks here, with 2 mediocre offerings. As a whole, though, We Are The Arsenal show great depth in their lyrics and song writing. We Are The Arsenal are not your average predictable rock band, and show us there’s more beneath the surface.

The Trees E.P. is a great teaser for what we can expect for future We Are The Arsenal releases. This is strong EP that even in its shortcomings, is head and shoulders above most everything else the genre has offered us lately.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Sound the Alarms”

“So Long”

“Skeletons

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
June 15, 2008

Artist: Foals
Album: Antidotes
Label: Sub Pop
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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With their home base in Oxford, England, Foals have no trouble with being different. With their quirky blend of dance, rock, and punk Foals remain unclassifiable. With their Sub Pop release, Antidotes, Foals are quick to prove that you don’t have to stick to formula or genres to gain following. They let the music do that for them.

Antidotes is one of the most enjoyable discoveries I’ve had in music so far this year. Songs laden with disco dance beats, yet with an indie-rock sensibility, Foals are one of the most interesting bands out right now. The opening song The French Open blends seamlessly into one of my favorite tracks Cassius, I originally thought it was all one song. Antidotes takes you on a journey and doesn’t let you out of the world it creates until the last track is over.

One of the of the biggest advantages that Foals have over comparable artists (Cobra Starship, Men Women and Children, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) is the production. So many dance influenced rock acts rely too heavily on synth or reverb. Also, many indie/garage rock bands don’t give enough thought to their production, making their albums sounding too raw. Foals have struck production gold with Antidotes and have found the perfect balance of sound for what their pulling off here.

Ditching any formula that a lot of band rely on, Foals have given us a fun and grounded album that deserves multiple revisits. Innovative yet accessible, Antidotes is a memorable album that is sure to place Foals into our collective conscience.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Cassius”

“Red Socks Pugie”

“Electric Bloom”

The Indie Review

By Sarah Frank
June 15, 2008

Artist: Barcelona
Album: Absolutes
Label: Unsigned
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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“It’s about time” is right for up-and-coming band Barcelona. Mostly from the Seattle area, Barcelona’s tear-jerking, passion-driven lyrics will fill your heart, break it, and patch it up again in all of two minutes.

Stand Out Tracks:

“It’s About Time”

“Numb”

“Response”

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
June 14, 2008

Artist: No Use For A Name
Album: The Feel Good Record of the Year
Label: Fat Wreck Chords

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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No Use For A Name are one of the few major contributors to the 90s punk rock scene still churning out records and touring. With their 9th studio album, The Feel Good Record of the Year, No Use For A Name are showing no signs of slowing down and show us that consistancy can be a good thing. You won’t find any outrageous experimentation or anyone trying to re-define the band. Although there are moments where NUFAN dabble in some mellower territory, The Feel Good Record of the Year is a solid album that gives us a little more diversity, without sacrificing everything we love about NUFAN.

The Feel Good Record of the Year shows NUFAN dabbling in the more mellow side of things, which comes out as a mixed bag and occasionally stalls the momentum of the album. While I enjoy this direction, I feel the album could have gone without the song Kill the Rich which just doesn’t feel like a NUFAN song. Also, being the second to last song, kills the momentum of the album as a whole. That being said, Sleeping Between Trucks is a heartfelt and honest song about the cost of touring; and Ontario offers a nice quiet moment to the album.

No Use For A Name take all the elements that have worked for them throughout their career and molded a satisfying album. Opening with the song Biggest Lie, NUFAN showcase the aggression of earlier albums crossed with the melodies of recent albums. Like most NUFAN albums, it’s hard to single out the great songs on the album. There are so many memorable moments, with each song offering something interesting.

The Feel Good Record of the Year is a great album and holds up along side NUFAN’s impressive career. While some moments work better than others, it’s great to see No Use For A Name branching out and trying new things. Overall, after not hearing anything new from NUFAN for 3 years, The Feel Good Record of the Year is greeted by this reviewer with an enthusiastic “welcome back” and with no signs of slowing down any time soon, I’m looking forward to the next effort already.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Biggest Lie”

“I Want to be Wrong”

“Night of the Living Living”

Stream “Quiet Mouth Loud Hands”.

The album Quiet Mouth Loud Hands will be available in stores and online Tuesday, June 24th, but you can pre-order now from the Equal Vision web store!

CD & Hoodie – $28

CD & Wallet – $11.99

CD & Limited Silkscreened Poster – $11.99

CD – $8.99

Music By: Sigur Ros. No Use For A Name. No Age. Empires. Jason Yudoff. Thebrotheregg. Gillmor. This Century. One Star Story. Destiny or Design. Damiera. Love&Reverie. U.S. Royalty. Ingrid Michaelson. A Moment’s Worth.

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
June 8, 2008

Artist: AKissForJersey
Album: Victims
Label: Tragic Hero Records
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Tragic Hero Records recording artist, AKissForJersey have had a busy couple of years. First with the release of their debut album, Keep Your Head Above Water in August of 2006, then with the re-release of their debut with added acoustic tracks in late 2007. The re-release is an impressive feat for such a young band. While I wasn’t impressed with Keep Your Head Above Water as a whole, I did notice some promise in AKissForJersey’s potential. In 2008 we are rewarded with AKissForJersey’s sophomore release, Victims. An album that builds upon the memorable moments of their debut, but then goes above and beyond to become one of the best post-hardcore releases of 2008 so far.

Victims is an impressive release, not only because of how it builds and improves on Keep Your Head Above Water, but because it showcases one of the best rock voices I’ve heard in recent years. Zach’s vocals are so impressive, I’m willing to put him on my list next to Craig Owens and Anthony Green. Not many vocalists in today’s scene can showcase the range and distinct tone that Zach’s vocals bring to the table here. Also, Zach’s lyrics should be noted as well. They are bold, yet poetic and never come across as shallow or preachy. He really has a way with words and lays his faith in God out in the open in a completely intimate and honest fashion.

Musically, Victims is a more complete sounding album. Listening to the album straight through, you feel like you have been taken through a story, or an experience. Everything flows together very nicely. It doesn’t feel like a collection of songs were just through together. Halfway through the album is a nice interlude where a preacher is reading a passage from Matthew 7:14 – 7:27 set to some haunting, yet powerful music. This interlude is both powerful and thought provoking.

A gigantic step of from their debut, AKissForJersey have released one of the great rock albums of 2008. This is a band that is gaining momentum and is a band to watch. With the release of Victims, AKissForJersey have placed themselves firmly on the map. Things can only get better from here.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Devices”

“The Flood”

“A Tree and it’s Fruit”

• THE COLOR FRED, PIERCE THE VEIL ON ENTIRE TOUR

• SKY EATS AIRPLANE, CINEMATIC SUNRISE JOIN LATER

• CHIODOS TO PERFORM AT DETROIT DATE

JUN 6 – Equal Vision Records is proud to present THE COLOR FRED, PIERCE THE VEIL, SKY EATS AIRPLANE, CINEMATIC SUNRISE, and CHIODOS on the 2008 Vans Warped Tour, kicking off in two weeks!

THE COLOR FRED – the brainchild of Fred Mascherino, known for his work as lead guitarist and co-songwriter for Taking Back Sunday – will appear on the entire summer tour for their first time. Mascherino made his Warped Tour debut with his former band in 2003. “Warped’s connection to the punk and skateboarding culture, going back to the first tour, put it ahead of it’s time,” Mascherino recently told Alternative Press Magazine. “For my band and I, playing Warped Tour will be the highlight of the year.”

In agreement with Mascherino that this will be the highlight of the year, PIERCE THE VEIL is also making their Warped Tour debut on the Hurley Stage for the summer. Although brothers Vic and Mike Fuentes played a short stint of Warped as BEFORE TODAY, the band is ready for the full experience. “I am so excited to play and to see all of our friends play too,” says frontman Vic Fuentes. “It will be the most energetic and fun performances we’ve ever put together.” The band is currently supporting their 2007 release, A Flair For The Dramatic, but plans to write new material immediately after Warped Tour. PIERCE THE VEIL is also playing 2 off-dates during the summer in Las Vegas, NV on June 24^th and Syracuse, NY on July 21^st.

Equal Vision’s latest signees, SKY EATS AIRPLANE have had a busy year already and will add a 3 week stint on Warped Tour to their schedule. Fresh off of a 6 week tour with Alesana, the band is hitting the road on a 4 week co-headlining tour with A Skylit Drive in late June-July in support of their Equal Vision self-titled debut set for a July 24^th release. SEA then head straight into Warped beginning July 27^th in Scranton, PA. Additional tour plans find the band on the road through November.

Just off of their first-ever headlining tour, CINEMATIC SUNRISE – featuring Craig Owens and Bradley Bell of CHIODOS – will join a weeks worth of dates on Warped Tour beginning July 10th in Orlando, FL. The band will be playing songs from the just-released debut EP, A Coloring Storybook And Long Playing Record, as well as new songs from the forthcoming full length that is scheduled for a Spring 2009 release.

CHIODOS will make an appearance in their hometown of Detroit on July 18^th. Earlier this year, the band opened for Linkin Park and saw their first single “Lexington (Joey Pea-Pot With A Monkey Face)” hit radio airwaves. After headlining the Warped Tour last year, the band is spending this summer overseas at Download Festival in London, Rock AM Ring in Germany, and other dates in the UK and Europe.

Tour Dates

06/20 Pomona, CA – Fairplex Park

06/21 San Francisco, CA – Pier 30/32

06/22 Ventura, CA – Seaside Park

06/24 Las Vegas, NV – Jillians*

06/25 Phoenix, AZ – Cricket Wireless Pavilion

06/26 Las Cruces, NM – NMSU Intramural Field

06/28 Salt Lake City, UT – Utah State Fair

06/29 Denver, CO – Invesco Field at Mile High

07/01 Maryland Heights, MO – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

07/02 Bonner Springs, KS – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

07/03 Dallas, TX – Superpages.com Center

07/05 Selma, TX – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

07/06 Houston, TX – Sam Houston Race Park

07/09 Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Exhibition Center

07/10 Orlando, FL – Central Florida Fairgrounds

07/11 St. Petersburg, FL – Vinoy Park

07/12 Miami, FL – Bicentennial Park

07/13 Elkton, FL – St. Johns County Fairgrounds

07/14 Charlotte, NC – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

07/15 Virginia Beach, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

07/16 Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion

07/17 Cleveland, OH – Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City

07/18 Detroit, MI – Comerica Park

07/19 Toronto, ON – Downsview Park Allen Road

07/20 Montreal, QC – Park Jean Drapeau

07/21 Syracuse, NY – Lost Horizon*

07/23 Mansfield, MN – Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts

07/24 Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake P.A.C.

07/25 Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center

07/26 Uniondale, NY – Nassau Coliseum

07/27 Scranton, PA – Toyota Pavilion at Montage MTN

07/28 Englishtown, NJ – Old Bridge Township Raceway Park

07/29 Burgettstown, PA – Post Gazette Pavilion

07/30 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

07/31 Noblesville, IN – Verizon Wireless Music Center

08/01 Milwaukee, WI – Marcus Amphitheater

08/02 Tinley Park, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheater

08/03 Shakopee, MN – Canterbury Park

08/05 Saskatoon, SK – Saskatoon Credit Union Centre

08/06 Calgary, AB – Race City Speedway

08/08 Nampa, ID – Idaho Center Amphitheatre

08/09 George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre

08/10 St. Helens, OR – Columbia Meadows

08/13 Fresno, CA – Savemart Center

08/14 Chula Vista, CA – Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

08/15 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

08/16 Marysville, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre Lot

08/17 Carson, CA – Home Depot Center

* – Warped Tour off-date, Pierce The Veil only

Links

• WarpedTour.com
• EqualVision.com
• Myspace.com/Chiodos
• Myspace.com/Cinematic Sunrise
• Myspace.com/TheColorFred
• Myspace.com/PierceTheVeil
• Myspace.com/SkyEatsAirplane

Featured Band: AKissForJersey. Interview with Tyler Lucas (Bass).

Music By: Lukestar. Barcelona. A Midday Atlantic. Get Young. Planes Crash. AKissForJersey. Penguins Know Why. Search/Rescue. Easton Legacy. Running Red Lights. De La Hoya.

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
June 1, 2008

Artist: Jason Yudoff
Album: Tragic Hero
Label: Scratched Vinyl

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Let’s set the record straight. I’m not a huge fan of pop rock. You know, the guy “trying” to be rock and roll, but perfectly groomed and surrounded by supermodels. That’s just not the image nor the musical style I gravitate toward. That being said, I approached Jason Yudoff’s new album, Tragic Hero with upmost objectivity. It’s an easy album for a guy like to to write off after the first listen, but if you’re someone who likes things a little more “mainstream” sounding, Tragic Hero is a better choice than most of your choices. At least he doesn’t sound like Nickelback.

Jason Yudoff draws from influences such as funk, jazz and pop. His piano driven, sugar soaked pop songs have more meat on them than most of what I’ve heard from the genre. Lyrically, the album’s themes are the generic love songs you hear on radio or TV today. Nothing too deep, but relationships are something we all can connect with. This isn’t an album trying to be provocative or deep in any way. It’s goal is to reach the broadest audience possible, and I think it succeeds on that level.

There is an honesty to Jason’s songwriting that I see translating well to a live show. Each song has a piano driven backbone, and prove to be songs that can be stripped down and performed. Also, the Funk/Jazz element needs to be addressed. I think it’s the element that works the best and brings a freshness to each song. There is an underlying groove to some the up-tempo songs that can get your head bobbing no matter how cynical of a listener you may be.

Ultimately, Tragic Hero is a mixed bag. There are elements that were surprisingly good (the piano and funk elements), but there are also many cheesy cringe-inducing elements (some of the lyrics are unintentionally hysterical, check out Side By Side). Jason Yudoff is an artist worth checking out if your into the genre categories he fits in, but as a whole, Tragic Hero is a semi-solid effort with nothing really new or compelling being offered up.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Good Enough”

“Get Up”

“You Should Be My Girl”

Sigur Ros announced their new album. It is called Me_ su_ í eyrum vi_ spilum endalaust. Check out the artwork. Also, they released a free mp3 download & video of the song Gobbledigook.

Click HERE. (Warning: The video has extreme nudity, NOT SAFE FOR WORK)

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
May 29, 2008

Artist: Chris Garneau
Album: Music For Tourists
Label: Absolutely Kosher

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Many singer/songwriters are hit or miss, and I feel like I’m not seeing eye to eye with a lot of my trendier friends. Sufjan Stevens is great, but get’s a bit boring for me. Damien Jurado doesn’t get many re-visits from me and Damien Rice has some gold tracks, but the albums have always felt lacking to me. With all that said, I do have some love set aside for singer/songwriters. In fact Denison Witmer is constantly playing on my iPod.

With all that said, I recently discovered a singer/songwriter with an album that has earned multiple listens and appreciation from myself before sitting down to write this review. Chris Garneau is fairly new on the scene and his debut full length, Music For Tourists, is an album that deserves to be more known than it is at this moment.

What makes Music For Tourists so interesting is not necessarily the style. We’ve all heard this style before in many variations. The songwriting is solid and, in most cases, better than a lot of his contemporaries. What Chris Garneau brings to the table that pushes Music For Tourists above the usual fare is his unique vocals and sometimes phrasing. It’s hard to put down in words, and is almost something you have to hear for yourself. Chris has a unique, hushed singing voice that sometimes will dip to a whisper. This makes for an interesting and relaxing listen. Coupled together with various Cello and Piano arrangements, Chris Garneau has created an extremely distinctive sound. Something some of these other singer/songwriters haven’t done. When you hear Chris Garneau, you know it’s Chris Garneau.

Released in early 2007, I’m a bit late in getting this review out, but Music For Tourists is an album that will continue to get repeat listens from me. It is a refreshing and rich album that will hopefully be a defining album in Chris Garneau’s budding career.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Relief”

“Baby’s Romance”

“We Don’t Try

Deep Elm is doing another contest and giveaway, you can win 23 Deep Elm releases!! This time to celebrate the release of Moving Mountain’s Pnuema.

The Indie Review
By Allie Berg
May 29, 2008

Artist: Running Red Lights
Album: Enter the Tide
Label: Unsigned
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Back in 2005 a band formed in Trenton (yay Jersey!) with little written material, equipment, or instruments. Three years later, Mike Lemezis, Anthony Gagliano,Brian Peak, and Greg Townsend, better know as Running Red Lights, released their first full length album, Enter the Tide.

After listening to Enter the Tide, something completely stood out to me. Running Red Lights reminds me of a little black dress. While other trends and styles may come and go; whether it be music or fashion, there are some things that are just classic and don’t go out of style. The music heard in Enter the Tide sounds classic to me. Regardless of what you’re in the mood to listen to; fast or slow, heavy instruments or smart lyrics, there is a track on here for you.

Enter the Tide remains consistent throughout the entire album; not once did it get boring. A perfect balance was achieved in planning the order of the tracks. The smart, mature lyrics provided a sense of maturity among the band. The track entitled, “Addiction”, deals with a sensitive, emotional topic. Written about a friend who passed away from a drug problem, Running Red Lights turns their thoughts and feelings into lyrics.

Besides their moving lyrics, Enter the Tide is filled with stellar guitar riffs. Guitarists Mike Lemezis and Greg Townsend have true talents. It’s refreshing to hear music that isn’t just the same three chords repeated. So if you’re into music that’s not just the flavor of the week, you’ll really dig this.

Stand Out Tracks:

Last Call

Someday

Addiction

Featured Band: 1997. Interview with Alida Marroni.

Music By: Mad Caddies. The Years Gone By. Static Radio NJ. Band of Horses. Delta Spirit. Amue. The Record Winter. 1997. Action Item. The Race. Cloak/Daggar. The Battle Royale.

Chicago based band Empires released their new album, Howl for FREE. Get yours today!

www.weareempires.com

The Militia Group offers up new music for $5.99! Check out the links below!

Cast your vote for Socratic to play this year’s Lollapalooza in Chicago! All it takes is one click HERE.

Also check out their video for “Boy In A Magazine” on mtv.com! Rate and comment their video to get them played on MTV!

Every vote and play counts! Tell all your friends!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sub Pop Records artist, Band of Horses have released a new video. Enjoy!

They’re also gearing up for a Summer Tour.

www.bandofhorses.com

www.myspace.com/bandofhorses

Featured Band: Parade the Day. Interview with Nick (Guitars), Blair (Guitars), and Manny (Bass).

Music By: Two Shots of Rye. Cinematic Sunrise. The Express Local. We Shot the Moon. David Ford. Parade the Day. The Cast Before the Break. Driver F. Westpoint. My Fashion Love. The Saintz (Pierce the Veil & Mayday Parade).

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
May 20, 2008

Artist: Bomb the Music Industry
Album: Get Warmer
Label: Asian Man Records/Quote Unquote Records

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

FREE DOWNLOAD (Or support the band by purchasing it, see links below)

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Bomb the Music Industry is one of the most interesting music projects out today. Formed by chief songwriter Jeff Rosenstock (The Arrogant Sons of Bitches) in 2004, Bomb the Music Industry has released 4 DIY albums. Each album has been (and still is) FREE with the option to donate to the band. Another interesting factor is Jeff is joined on each album by a staggering number of collaborators, making Bomb the Music Industry more of a “Musical Collective” than an actual band. Kind of like a harmless musical version of The Borg.

The latest release, Get Warmer shows that free albums don’t mean shitty albums. With a proper CD pressing by Asian Man Records and the free (donations welcomed) digital release by Bomb the Music Industry’s own label, Quote Unquote Records , Get Warmer is an album that needs to be heard and is an album worth owning in the tangible form.

Bomb the Music Industry is a band that understands the DIY ethic. Get Warmer is an album produced without investors or record labels getting in the way of the creative process. These are 12 songs of straight Punk Rock energy and attitude with a tinge of Ska (yes, ska is not dead). What makes this album work, is the rawness and the fact that each song stands on it’s own. The combination of guitars, 100-mile-minute drums, frantic bass lines, keys and horns make Get Warmer one of the most fun listens I’ve had this year.

My only regret is not discovering Bomb the Music Industry sooner. Get Warmer was released in 2007, and I’m looking forward what 2008 has to bring.

Stand Out Tracks:

“Unlimited Breadsticks, Soup and Salad Days”

“Depression is No Fun”

“Never Trust a Man Without a Horribly Embarassing Secret”

MAY 20 – Fort Worth, TX natives, SKY EATS AIRPLANE, and Equal Vision Records have set a July 22, 2008 release date for their self-titled full length album. The 11-track set was recorded at the beginning of the year with producer, Brian McTernan (Circa Survive, Hot Water Music) at his studio in Baltimore.

“Brian helped us out with a lot of great vocal ideas and definitely opened up new pathways we can take,” says guitarist, Lee Duck, of the experience. “We are still a very new band – our first show as a full band was March 2007. It was amazing to work with someone who could help us find our sound without trying to make us someone we weren’t.”

The band also had some assistance in designing artwork for the self-titled release: Evan Leake of Palebird Studios (The Academy Is Almost Here, Classic Case Losing At Life). “He specializes in incorporating real pictures with complex artwork,” explains Duck on the decision to have Leake design the artwork for the forthcoming full-length. “We were having a hard time thinking of what album art would fit for an album self titled as ”Sky Eats Airplane”. And of course, the obvious imagery comes to mind of a cheesy sky eating an airplane, or something that makes this album seem more of a square children’s book than an actual record,” Duck adds. “We have always been talking about a concept idea for our album with essentially something organic evolving into something mechanical, but we didn’t realize how much that fits for this release.”

The band will on the road in the month surrounding the album release. As previously announced, the band will join the final three weeks of the 2008 Vans Warped Tour and has now also added a co-headliner to their schedule with A Skylit Drive (Tragic Hero) kicking off June 26 in Las Vegas, NC. The tour will keep the band on the road through the end of July and features Breathe Carolina (Rise) and Memphis May Fire (Trustkill) for support.

This past March marked the one year anniversary of the band as a five-piece. In discussing the band’s progression over the past year Duck states, “Music wise, we were a band who came from heavily mechanical roots, and to come from that to now, it is almost as if something born one thing has turned into a totally different animal. Most bands will say they have matured, but we have been born.”

Track List

1. Introduction

2. Long Walks on Short Bridges

3. Transparent

4. Numbers

5. World Between Us

6. Photographic Memory

7. In Retrospect

8. The Artificial

9. Disconnected

10. Machines

11. Alias

Tour Dates

w/A Skylit Drive, Breathe Carolina, Memphis May Fire

06/26 Las Vegas, NV – Jillian’s / Neonopolis

06/28 St. George, UT – Electric Theater

06/29 Salt Lake City, UT – The Ritz

06/30 Grand Junction, CO – VFW Hall

07/01 Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep

07/02 Wichita, KS – Eagles Lodge

07/03 Tulsa, OK – The Crush Lounge

07/05 Austin, TX – Emo’s

07/06 McAllen, TX – South Texas College

07/08 Mobile, AL – The Sound Room

07/09 Pensacola, FL – American Legion Post 33

07/10 Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits

07/11 Douglasville, GA – The Venue 7

07/12 Wilmington, NC – Soapbox Laundrolounge

07/13 Raleigh, NC – Brewery

07/15 South Hackensack, NJ – School of Rock

07/16 Danbury, CT – Bill Baloney’s

07/17 Buffalo, NY – Xtreme Wheelz

07/18 Syracuse, NY – Lost Horizon

07/19 Pontiac, MI – Eagle Theater @ The Crofoot Ballroom

07/20 Highland, IN – Bean Counters

07/22 Evansville, IN – Boney Junes

07/23 Joplin, MO – Foundry Music Theatre

w/Vans Warped Tour

07/27 Scranton, PA – Toyota Pavilion at Montage MTN

07/28 Englishtown, NJ – Old Bridge Township Raceway Park

07/29 Burgettstown, PA – Post Gazette Pavilion

07/30 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center

07/31 Noblesville, IN – Verizon Wireless Music Center

08/01 Milwaukee, WI – Marcus Amphitheater

08/02 Tinley Park, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheater

08/03 Shakopee, MN – Canterbury Park

08/05 Saskatoon, SK – Saskatoon Credit Union Centre

08/06 Calgary, AB – Race City Speedway

08/08 Nampa, ID – Idaho Center Amphitheatre

08/09 George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre

08/10 St. Helens, OR – Columbia Meadows

08/13 Fresno, CA – Savemart Center

08/14 Chula Vista, CA – Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre

08/15 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

08/16 Marysville, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre Lot

08/17 Carson, CA – Home Depot Center

Links

• Myspace.com/SkyEatsAirplane
• EqualVision.com