Orlando-based melodic hardcore band NO HARM DONE have posted a new demo to their MySpace page, titled “Tradition.” (No, it does not appear to be a cover of the song from Fiddler On The Roof). The group recently released an EP titled The Start of Something on Anchorless Records. RIYL: NO USE FOR A NAME, STRIKE ANYWHERE.

Erstwhile indie rock focal point Stephen Malkmus (PAVEMENT) is back with another solo full-length, this time with a backing group named The Jicks. Titled Real Emotional Trash, the release boasts Malkmus’ antsy guitar playing and breezy, Pacific Coast keyboard coolness. You can stream the whole thing on Malkmus’ MySpace page.

Aaron Gillespie has more in common with Daisuke Matsuzaka than he may have ever thought. Both have had success in the past – Gillespie as the drummer of Christian heavyweights UNDEROATH and Matsuzaka as a pitcher for Japan’s Seibu Lions – yet their individual popularity in America had been limited to the relatively small number [...]

764 – number of songs available from this year’s (unofficial) SXSW torrent.

5000 – number of staples I have used at work since I started in September 2005. Clearly, a crowing achievement.

8 – the different variations of colored vinyl offered by Vinyl Collective for the “redux” of ALKALINE TRIO’s classic Goddamnit.

1868 – estimated amount in dollars that I will spend on diapers for my son before he is potty-trained in several years. Shudder.

1331 – estimated amount of dollars that I will likely spend on buying cups of coffee while at work during the same time period that my son is wearing diapers. Yeow!

144 – number of bands/artists that have songs available on eMusic with “Water” in their name.

1 – presumably, the number of metal bands with the wording MESHUGGAH in their name. Speaking of which, you can now stream their upcoming full-length Obzen in its entirety here.

From the inbox:

Anti- Records, home to the most eclectic and innovative artists ever in the history of the world such as Tom Waits, Man Man, Neko Case and Michael Franti, is launching a new blog, and we are inviting you to check us out at antilabelblog.com.

There, you’ll be able to download a free sampler of songs from some of Anti’s new and upcoming releases, including Cadence Weapon, Devotchka, Islands, Tim Fite and Bob Mould, among a zillion others (download here)

We started the blog in the hopes of being able to write about interesting things that might otherwise go unreported, say, for example, when members of a certain Philly outfit shave off their signature supplementary facial hair. Oh, you think we jest? Check out the first entry. Or how about Nick Cave’s trip to the dentist? That might be in there… um, someday. It could happen.

To kick things off, we’ve already posted a ton of new music and a bit of snarkastic commentary. In addition, you will be able to find the whens and wheres of all the Anti artists performing at South By Southwest, including set times (which are always subject to change, natch).

Hope you‚Äôll take a second and stop by. It’s not perfect, and we‚Äôre still making changes, but we‚Äôre trying real hard.

Houston’s THE MONOCLES are a noisy, buzzy garage punk band. The group features drummer Jeff Johnson, formerly of O PIONEERS!!! (and presently of Pigeon Eater Studios), and they have just released their debut three song 7″ titled Outta Yr Mind. The band gets bonus points for having cover art produced by bona punk rock cartoonist, Mitch Clem. You can check out several tunes from the band on their MySpace page.

From the inbox:

DARKEST HOUR regrets that we have to cancel the last remaining days of our Doomsayer’s North American Tour. However, all of the shows will go on as scheduled (with the Red Chord headlining New York City, NY, and Allentown, PA) except for Washington, DC, which has been outright canceled.

The tour has been an amazing time but, guitarist Kris Norris has been summoned home to attend to the early birth of his first little baby.

It is with great joy that we wish Kris and his wife Christina luck with their new addition to the family.

Sometimes when you live out on the road life back home has to be put first. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour package on this tour and our hearts go out to EMMURE, WHITE CHAPEL, and CEPHALIC CARNAGE we only hope to be blessed with their mighty rock again sometime soon.

Utmost, we apologize to all the fans, friends, dudes and dudettes out there in (NY, DC, and PA). We will be back to make it up to you for sure! We will see ya this summer with a surprise that we can’t wait to announce.

Thanks -

Darkest Hour

- From one new Dad to another – congrats on the new arrival!

At the tail-end of a recent press mailout, Epitaph disclosed a few new highly anticipated releases with tentative summer street dates. The most tantalizing here is a “Deluxe Edition” of BAD RELIGION’s 2007 full-length New Maps of Hell. Below is what’s planned:

June & July

Bad Religion – New Maps of Hell (Deluxe Edition)

Rancid – TBD

Street Dogs – TBD

The Sounds of Animals Fighting – TBD

In May, Epitaph will release Machine 15 by Swedish punk rock legends MILLENCOLIN.