PAINT IT BLACK Details Amnesia EP Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 8, 2009 From the inbox:
PAINT IT BLACK is excited to announce the title and showcase the artwork for their upcoming Bridge Nine release. This 7” EP, titled Amnesia, hits stores on June 16th and was recorded by Kurt Ballou of God City studios. If there's one thing about Paint It Black, it's that they're not only consistent but they keep finding ways to reinvent themselves in the framework of "hardcore" - and Amnesia is no different. At one moment, uncomfortable and angry, the next minute cathartic and energetic, and closing with "Bliss" - the song described by frontman Dan Yemin as "sounding like Fugazi having a three-way with Jawbreaker and Nirvana." We couldn't agree more-except we'd like to add that the Pixies were probably photographing the three way (you'll know when you hear it).
Amnesia's artwork was a joint collaboration between designer Clint Woodside (New Lexicon) and photographer Shawn Brackbill (Q and Not U, Pissed Jeans).
New SPINAL TAP Album Posted by Matt St. John / May 8, 2009 SPINAL TAP has now been on this planet 25 years. Audiences viewing the Mockumentary a quarter century ago were awed by the now infamous stone henge; they were intimidated by the massive cucumber in the bassist's pants, and lulled by the beautiful words "Talk about mud flaps / My girls got 'em."
Well, the guys in the fake band are not about to let this anniversary come and go quickly. SPINAL TAP is reuniting, and releasing a new album due for release next month.
It's titled Back From the Dead, and if you purchase the album, you get an hour-long DVD of the "band members" commenting on the sure-to-be hilarious tracks.
- What's next, a tour? If SPINAL TAP isn't careful, they might become a real band...
James
Paper + Plastick Announces Signing Of THE BLACKLIST ROYALS Posted by James Hepplewhite / May 8, 2009 From the inbox:
Coming out of Nashville with heartfelt punk 'n' roll anthems big in sing-alongs and spiced with a country tinge, Blacklist Royals have played hundreds of shows over the last three years including the entire 2006 and the 2007 Vans Warped Tour, appearances at both The Fest 6 and The Fest 7, the 2008 Heavy Rebel Weekender, and stints on the road with legendary acts like Pennywise, Circle Jerks, and The Queers. Critics and fans alike agree Blacklist Royals are standing proof that the great American rock and roll band is not a thing of the past.
Their unique blend of styles and a strong DIY ethic has generated praise from cornerstones in the punk community such as Maximum Rock And Roll and Razorcake, as well as garnering the attention and acclaimof media-giants like the LA Times, Fuse TV, and even Nashville’'s biggest rock radio station (naming BLR “Top Underground Act” of 2009 at their annual awards).
Blacklist Royals are one of the hardest working bands you will ever find. Overcoming everything from member changes to terminal illness within the band, their musical roots and die hard spirit have helped them create a sound and live show all their own. With a recent signing to Paper And Plastick Records (Vinnie from Fueled By Ramen/Less Than Jake's new label SLEEP IT OFF) and their new album “"Semper Liberi"”(recorded and produced by Matt Drastic) coming out soon. Listen to"American hearts" now.
May 8 2009 8:00P Third Street Dive Louisville, Kentucky
May 9 2009 8:00P Cup & Saucer Cincinnati, Ohio
May 10 2009 8:00P 1511 Indianapolis
May 12 2009 8:00P The Union Athens, Ohio
May 13 2009 8:00P 202 Market Roanoke, Virginia
May 15 2009 8:00P The Camel (w/ Foundation) Richmond, Virginia
May 16 2009 8:00P Winston’s (w/ Foundation) Protsmouth, Virginia
May 17 2009 8:00P The Reservoir Carrboro, North Carolina
May 26 2009 8:00P Rocketown (w/ The Ataris) Nashville, Tennessee
May 28 2009 8:00P Lenny’s Atlanta, Georgia
May 29 2009 8:00P Doozer’s Jacksonville, Florida
May 30 2009 8:00P The Kickstand Gainesville, Florida
May 31 2009 8:00P Dysfunction Junction Panama City Beach, Florida
Jun 1 2009 8:00P The Celtic Pascagoula, Mississippi
Jun 2 2009 8:00P White Water Little Rock, Arkansas
Jun 3 2009 8:00P The Dirty Dog Austin, Texas
Jun 5 2009 8:00P Illegal Tone Recordings St. Louis, Missouri
Jun 6 2009 8:00P The Boiler Room Lexington, Kentucky
Jun 7 2009 8:00P Lanhuck’s Evansville, Indiana
If you can get past the straight-faced use of the phrase 'punk n roll' in the first sentence, "American Hearts" is a really, really good song. It's very much in the new-SPRINGSTEEN vein that's going around, but it sounds sincere, and that's what's important. You can listen to it at the label's website.
Double or Nothing Inks NOT WITHOUT RESISTANCE Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 7, 2009 From the inbox:
NOT WITHOUT RESISTANCE has been proven to be a staple part of central Pennsylvania Hardcore throughout their twelve year existence within the scene. This is most evident by their classic brand of hardcore sound that is grass rooted in the late 90’s; as well as their work ethic and principles. Although a few of the members spent time touring the world with other bands such as 25 Ta Life, Integrity, and Wisdom In Chains; NWR have always kept charging forward playing shows in their area as well as branching out for several East Coast tours. After hundreds of shows and a hand full of releases, NWR have joined the Double or Nothing Records family to release a digital full length due out late Summer 2009.
Other bands on the Double or Nothing roster are keeping plenty busy:
- COA has a split with PRODUCT OF WASTE
- POWERTRIP are in the studio recording their upcoming 7"
- CRUCIFIED will be playing RainFest at the end of May.
- CLENCHED FIST will have the new record up for pre-order soon
- MEANTIME have a split with FOUNDATION out on Ghetto Josh Records
MY HEAR TO JOY Posts Four Free MP3s Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 7, 2009 Topshelf Records' post-hardcore/emo artists MY HEART TO JOY have made available four mp3s from their full-length Seasons In Verse. You can grab them here after putting in an email address. The Connecticut-based group is a bit of a genre throwback, taking cues from the harder side of BRAID, as well as GRADE and KING FOR A DAY.
BIG BUSINESS Streams Mind The Drift Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 7, 2009 Hydra Head noise/sludge/progressive metal artists BIG BUSINESS have their latest full-length, Mind The Drift streaming here. As an extra bonus, the band has posted a free download of audio commentary tracking the release, titled "The Criterion" edition. Mind The Drift is out in stores on May 12th.
JEREMY ENIGK Posts Download of "Life's Too Short" Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 6, 2009 Tireless songwriter JEREMY ENIGK is at it again with the upcoming release of his third solo album, OK Bear. In support of the release, Enigk has posted an mp3 of the song "Life's Too Short," here. OK Bear is stripped down, and just a bit louder than Enigk's last solo release, the string-laden World Waits. Two other new songs, "Mind Idea" and "April Storm" can be found on Enigk's MySpace page.
EARLY MAN Singer Launches Metal Blog "Whiplash" Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 6, 2009 Is your life lacking in metal-related snark and band-to-band commentary? Have no fear - EARLY MAN singer Mike Conte has started a blog titled Whiplash, that should have this ground covered far and wide. The first several posts show that Conte has the right stuff to be a compelling blogger, so hopefully he keeps this up (and perhaps considers finding a less ridiculous URL).
MONO Performs With A 23 Piece Orchestra, Friday And Saturday, In New York City Posted by James Hepplewhite / May 6, 2009 It's funny what you can be reminded of cleaning out your room. From the Temporary Residence website:
Due to overwhelming demand, a second and final night has been added! To celebrate their 10-year anniversary as a band, MONO will perform a very special one-off concert backed by a 23-piece orchestra! These concerts are presented by the acclaimed Wordless Music Series, and will take place at The New York Society For Ethical Culture and (Le) Poisson Rouge in New York City. The May 8 show is sold out and the May 9 show is selling fast! Tickets are available now from the Wordless Music website. This will be MONO's ONLY North American performance. They will not be touring otherwise...
THE SHINS come out from hiding Posted by Matt St. John / May 6, 2009 Since THE SHINS scored a number 2 spot on the billboard charts with Wincing the Night Away, news has been scarce on the Albuquerque band's front.
Well, when it rains it pours. According to Pitchforkmedia, THE SHINS have parted ways with both their drummer and keyboardist.
On top of the line-up shift, the remanding members are working on a new album. The album will be released on SHINS front-man's own label Aural Apothecary.
Rehvq.com Puts Over 700 CDs on Sale For $5.00 Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 5, 2009 Yea... what the headline says. I believe the sale is good through all of May. Here are the labels that have participating releases:
6131 Records
Alone Records
Ares Records
Collapse Records
Crisis Records
Dead Truth Recordings
Deathwish, Inc.
Durty Mick Records
Exit/Wreckage
Facedown Records
Ferret Music
Get Outta Town Records
Go Kart Records
Indianola Records
Iodine Recordings
Kid Tested Records
Life Sentence Records
Livewire Records
Lovitt Records
Malfunction Records
Mankind Records
No Sleep Records
OHEV Records
Organized Crime Records
Perfect Victim Records
Pirates Press Records
Pluto Records
Reaper Records
Reflections Records
Requin Records
Revelation Records
Rivalry Records
Sailor's Grave Records
Simba Records
Straight On Records
Strike First Records
Think Fast! Records
Thorp Records
Trustkill Records
Twelve Gauge Records
Words Of War Records
Wreckage
Youngblood Records
A Thousand Words... Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 5, 2009 This photo of TRIAL from the Burning Fight event last weekend, in Chicago (via Bridge Nine board). As someone in the thread said, blow this thing up and sell it as a print!
UNHOLY Streams New Life Behind Closed Eyes Via Lambgoat Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 5, 2009 Syracuse, New York metal/hardcore band UNHOLY have their upcoming second full-length, New Life Behind Closed Eyes streaming on the almighty Lambgoat.com. This is the band's first release for Prosthetic Records, which hits stores on May 12th.
INCENDIARY Streaming Crusade @ The 'Org Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 4, 2009 Long Island hardcore band INCENDIARY has their debut full-length streaming on the band's Punknews.org Profile. The release, titled Crusade will be digital/vinyl only, and is backed by Eternal Hope Records.
- In prior mentions that I have made on this band, I have saddled them with the expectations of being the second coming of STRIFE's indelible mid-90s sound. Crusade slightly backs off that track for something a little bit more flexible, but you can still tell that this band's musical heart is firmly planted in the mid-90s, and I seriously can't get enough of this stuff.
IN DEFENCE Debut New Songs Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 4, 2009 Minnesota's frozen, cartoony thrashers IN DEFENCE have added several new songs to their MySpace page. It's not clear what releases these three songs will appear on, so we'll just have to wait and find out. IN DEFENCE put their full-length Don't Know How to Breakdance in late 2007 on Get Outta Town Records.
I Scream To Reissue STIGMATA Releases Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 4, 2009 From the inbox:
I Scream Records is releasing The Wounds That Never Heal, a re-issue of the STIGMATA albums Hymns For An Unknown God and Do Unto Others, on June 9th 2009, the year Stigmata is doing a few reunion shows to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The band officially stopped performing in 2001 (although doing 2 exclusive shows in 2005 and 1 in 2008) and Stigmata alumni have gone on to make big musical waves with the likes of SHADOWS FALL, MURDERERS ROW, GREAT DAY FOR UP, DEAD RABBITS, and CRISIS, to name a few.
This is a collection of two hardcore legacy, hard to find albums with a total of 20 solid, in-your-face, no-holds-barred hardcore tracks, and 1 extra bonus track, all for the price of one CD!
Stigmata ruled the Upstate New York hardcore and metal scene with their street smart, musical urban warfare and have developed a strong and loyal following in the underground hard music scene.
This is without a doubt THE album that can get the job done if you are in need of a heavy music fix with attitude!!
- Do Unto Others was released by Victory in the US in 2000 and I Scream in Europe, while Hymns came out in 1997 on Too Damn Hype. Both are seriously loud and heaaaaavy.
Suburban Home Streaming MIKE HALE's Lives Like Mine Posted by Jordan A. Baker / May 4, 2009 Suburban Home/Vinyl Collective is showing their snazzy new embeddable music player, and the first release to be featured is MIKE HALE's superb full-length, Lives Like Mine. Check it out below...
BAD BRAINS Documentary Teaser Trailer Posted by Matt St. John / May 4, 2009 The post below explains how BAD BRAINS are rad enough to inspire the likes of Buddhist Gurus in Los Angeles. So when I stumbled on upon these clips from a BAD BRAINS documentary, despite the fact that they were released back in January, I couldn't help but post the video. Check out this teaser from a film on legendary D.C. punkers BAD BRAINS:
Head on over to the film's Myspace page for a closer look at the project.
Punk Rock Meditation Posted by Matt St. John / May 4, 2009 There is an interesting piece in the LA Times about a Buddhist and his love for punk rock. According to the article, Noah Levine leads a group he coins "Dharma Punx," which mixes radical notions from hardcore and punk with the practice of mediation.
Levine isn't just trying to reach out to punk rock youth as a gimic. According to Levine, both practices share an anti-establishment ethos based on dissatisfaction with the direction of society.
How cool would it be to become aware of your breathing in the presence of a leader wearing a BAD BRAINS t-shirt?
"I Am Listening To These CDs While I Finish My Finals" Playlist Posted by James Hepplewhite / May 3, 2009 LAST LIGHTS-No Past, No Present, No Future
WE ARE THE UNION-The Gun Show Must Go On EP
ACE ENDERS AND A MILLION OTHER PEOPLE-When I Hit the Ground
BANDITS OF THE ACOUSTIC REVOLUTION-A Call To Arms EP
THE BOUNCING SOULS-Live
P.O.S.-Audition
- Expect a review of LAST LIGHTS shortly. It's a vicious little monster and especially considering the death of the vocalist, its most tragic quality is the possibility carried in it.
