1. Here’s something out of left-field: according to Alternative Press, pop-rock band RUNNER RUNNER (members of RUFIO and OVER IT), are the first band signed to David Letterman’s new EMI affiliated label C.E. Music. An interview about the signing and the label set up is here. There’s some information about the state of OVER IT in the interview as well.

2. Tim Barry will be supporting THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM in July in the band’s first tour for American Slang. Sounds like a perfect match to me, and another touring step-up for Barry. Anyone else thinking a split 7″ between the two would be total gravy?

3. Solid State’s TO SPEAK OF WOLVES have added a third new song to their MySpace from their upcoming full-length Myself <Letting Go. The post-hardcore/metal band has drawn comparisons to bands like BELOVED and TWELVE TRIBES. I’ve been rockin’ this one pretty often lately – it’s a good mix of heaviness and melody without being too harsh on the ears.

4. Volume III of the “Enough Is Enough” donation-based MP3 compilation is now available and features  new songs from: Hostage Calm, Debaser, Borderland, Forming, Blocked Out, Skyscraper, Mountain Asleep, and Paul Blest. There is also material from from Touche Amore, Transit, Ambush!, Unrestrained, and Remission. Check it all out of the compilation’s Bandcamp page, which is streaming the songs as well.

5. Release of the Day: WALTER SCHREIFELS – An Open Letter To The Scene (Big Scary Monsters). I was kind of leery of this at first as Walter’s solo material has never knocked me down, but after a few listens, so far so good. If you try really hard, you can just convince yourself that it’s a quieter RIVAL SCHOOLS recording. Hey – when’s that RS full-length coming out anyway?