- We’re a few days away from yet another huge release date, primarily from major labels. From the heavy spectrum comes SHADOWS FALL’s Threads Of Life (have you seen the artwork on this sucker…terrrible) and POISON THE WELL’s Versions. Some bands called FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE and KINGS OF LEON also have new ones coming out. However, there’s a more prominent theme running in major label releases from pop bands once on indies. On that note…

- Tuesday marks the release of THE ACADEMY IS…’s new album Santi. While their first single “We’ve Got A Big Mess On Our Hands” is catchy in its own unique way, the other song they’re streaming at their MySpace, “Seed,” is a dud. They will sell a boatload of CDs, but will it be worth it?

- Also out will be the debut from Aaron Gillepsie (UNDEROATH’s drummer) in the form of his band, THE ALMOST. Originally I thought this project was simply something on the side, but Virgin and Tooth And Nail are pushing this thing with full force. On top of that, Gillepsie will be touring a ton in-support of it and pulling double duties this summer on the Warped Tour. THE ALMOST is definitely more accessible than UNDEROATH, and it’ll be interesting to see how the album fares with both the mainstream and underground audiences.

- In other Tooth And Nail news, the label recently announced they’d soon be releasing new albums from THE FOLD and SULLIVAN in May and June, respectively. Both bands put out forgettable albums last year, and with recent Tooth And Nail albums by BROTHERS MARTIN and JOY ELECTRIC already losing promotional steam, I’m not sure new albums will quickly alleviate the problem they face in such a saturated market.

- What is the deal with MUTE MATH? I think they finally have a CD out, but where is it? Where is the hype? What label is it on? The band puts on a great live show, and their songs aren’t bad if groovy, radio-ready pop is your thing. For a taste of MUTE MATH, check out their incredibly cool video for “Typical” at their ‘Space.

- Finally, yet another NCAA championship will be settled between Florida and Ohio State (I picked it right, did you?). While Ohio State were the favorites in the football contest earlier this year, I think it’d be fair to say that Florida has the edge coming into basketball’s version. That said, Mike Conley Jr. and Greg Oden (if he uses his brain) seem like the formidable freshmen force needed to overthrow the reigning champs. Should be a great game!