Leeds spastic noise-rockers Pulled Apart By Horses have just revealed a new song, all for free, from their upcoming debut album. The record, which was produced/recorded by James Kenosha and mastered at Abbey road by Alex Wharton, will be released very early next year.
If you haven't had a chance to see this band, you need to do it now. Absolutely amazing gigs. If you're in the UK, now's your chance - the band is on the road with Biffy Clyro. Check their website for full details.
On November 10, Vagrant Records will be releasing Tonight Is The Ghost digitally, the debut album from Brooklyn-based Hurricane Bells. This is a new project from Longwave frontman Steve Schiltz, the singer and guitarist for the band for over ten years.
While the band remains intact, this album came about in the last year when Schiltz recorded the songs on his MacBook in his basement, literally by himself. Some songs were fully crafted within the past 18 months, while others are newly architected from pieces written throughout his years as a songwriter.
While the record may be more chill than you'd expect from Schiltz's other work, many of these songs contain much of the feedback and reverb you've come to expect from Longwave.
Track listing for Tonight Is The Ghost: 1. This Year 2. This Is A Test 3. I Can't Remember 4. Tonight I'm Going To Be Like A Shooting Star 5. Darkness Is So Deep 6. Crocodile 7. Freezing Rain 8. The Winters In New York 9. The Cold Has Killed Us 10. Tenterhooks
San Diego indie rockers Hotel St. George are the type of band that we love. They're exciting, they play fun music, and they doing it all on their own terms. The band's third album in the past two years, City Boy Lemon, is their best yet. Not ones to rest on their laurels, they haven't stopped writing and are already formulating ideas for their fourth album, which should be ready to go for early next year.
The band has been mostly playing around their hometown as of late, but expect to see big things from them very soon.
While we featured "Flyers" from London-based Bodies of Work on our most recent digital compilation, we wanted to talk about this great video and song as well, which was released as a single back in May. Those of you following UK music might recognize this band under their former name, the Far Cries, but under this new guise, they move into darker territory, not unlike the Fear of Flying to White Lies transition. This is yet another band that is due for a meteoric rise.
A special edition RUMBLE: BROOKLYN goes down tonight @ Southpaw as we weave our madness into CMJ 2009. The line up is stellar.....take a look. Text stolen from the Future Sounds blog.
PAUL + THE PATIENTS (830-9)
"just damn addictive... psychedelic-based songs, the tracks consistently hook in your head" rcrdlbl.com
"I am exploding with the need to talk about a band I am fucking obsessed with right now: Paul and The Patients" ultragrrrl.blogspot.com
'Musically, this is the kind of band that the major labels try their best to create artificially. Catchy hooks abound, comfy atmospheres dominate, intelligent lyrics surprise, and it’s all easily accessible with a capital ‘A’." breakthruradio
"So many bands play hard and fast but very few are smart enough to create songs that stay with you after the amps are turned down... It is this dedication to lyrics combined with amazing hooks and bruising garage rock-soul that make this album truly special." knocksfromtheunderground.com
"Holmes’ knack for writing catchy songs. His vocals loom large over the music on the tracks—it’s mostly smooth, but at points is pushed to a perfect, raspy howl." New York Press
CLASS ACTRESS (9:15-9:45)
“We’ve gone on record repeatedly about how much we love Elizabeth Harper, and we stand by our assertion that she’s fronting one of the most promising bands in New York City.” – L Magazine
Elizabeth Harper is a Class Actress, that being the name of her musical solo-project-cum-band, an electro-pop outfit sonically not to far afield of their Brooklyn neighbors Chairlift. Unlike their peers, however, Class Actress substitute an Apple endorsement for a stack of interesting, well-composed retro new wave, and the exuberant drum-machine beat and Tears for Fears synths on "All the Saints" are tied together with Harper's romantically smoky vocal performance. - PITCHFORK FORKCAST
Once the solo project of singer Elizabeth Harper, Class Actress is now a fully-formed band, hustling around Brooklyn's preening, synth-obsessed pop scene like Chairlift's alien-abducted step siblings. "Careful What You Say" gets its kicks from ballooning square waves much like the aforementioned trio, only instead of grabbing for the hook they're content to float amongst their own self-created fog. - RCRDLBL
"Harper is a beauty with a voice like a sleepy winter afternoon. Alternately playful and melancholy, Harper’s songwriting is reminiscent of the Smiths.” – TimeOutNY
“A patch of green, Anglophilic moss thriving in the shade of the monolith that is Brooklyn’s music scene. With Harper rightfully compared to a female version of the beloved Mozzer, it’s no wonder she was first signed overseas by London’s Angular Records. Impeccable in both presentation (her demo's wax-paper packaging was covered in black-ink calligraphy) and performance, her songs recall Orange Juice, Aztec Camera, and New Order at their most tasteful." – Flavorpill
CASXIO (10:00 - 10:35)
Casxio (Ca-See-Oh) are a refreshing divine fusion of disco, funk and rock n’ roll. Reminiscent of a sound that first infiltrated our airwaves over a quarter of a century ago,Casxio is what happens when Prince, the Talking Heads, and Sly Stone all get their hearts broken by the same girl .
About to head to the East Coast for select tour dates this October, including CMJ '09 (to coincide with their forthcoming EP 'Seventeen'). We are more than proud to introduce a band certain to generate a buzz from their unique 70's inspired sound and top notch live delivery.
Indeed, you may not have heard of this Los Angeles based quartet Casxio until now, however it’s a matter of time before they are on everyone’s radar and playlists this summer and beyond. Since their inception in 2007, Casxio has developed an impressive retinue, hailed by critics and garnering a loyal following of revelers, (including cohorts Sam Sparro, Yelle and Datarock).
Inspired by the soulful falsetto balladry of classic icons as diverse as Curtis Mayfield, and Hall & Oates, Casxio’s aim is to "be more than just a friend to you” -Bringing the intensity and emotion back into a world where pop has become stagnant and disposable, this West Coast four-piece revives the timeless soul and funk feeling we've been long since waiting for.
Check out video for new catchy single "Seventeen"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07zMjzAeJ5Q
AEROPLANE PAGEANT (10:45-11:15)
"Somewhere between Of Montreal and MGMT, you’ll find New York’s Aeroplane Pageant. 2007’s Wave To The MoonEven The Kids Don’t Believe Me. earned the four childhood friends a spot onstage with Vampire Weekend, the Hold Steady and Dr. Dog; “Stars Still Pretty” is the first video from the dreamy new album" MAGNET
“It’s a fucking weird album! I like it! I have to listen some more, because it has that Fiery Furnaces thing about it: DEEP, REQUIRES EFFORT. But I was very surprised in good ways at the bizarre arrangements and the way the melodies don’t follow and stuff. My kind of thing, in fact. Consider me a fan, and put me on the mailing list, and all that sort of thing.” -Rick Moody
TEENAGE PRAYERS (11:30-12:05)
"Tim Adams inflects his voice with some of the soul of a Nathan Willett and a Jim James when he sings about sex as well as escape and being lost in the cluster, and his band mates help to create a sound that is rambunctious in its meaning and energy, giving off sparks and the kind of cleansing, sweaty movement that all good days should have at least a little bit of or they’ve been wasted. The Teenage Prayers makes sure that theirs – the prayers and all of the things that actually did happen – weren’t in vain. DAYTROTTER.COM:
Everyone Thinks You're the Best is a rocking good time, executed with soul and conviction, and ultimately a wonderful endorsement for a band that must be a blast in a live setting. ALL MUSIC GUIDE
"If you’ve bounced from Marah to the Hold Steady to Art Brut looking to recapture the high you get from discovering fresh, 24-karat rock ’n’ roll, you need to freebase New York’s Teenage Prayers… this Steve Wynn-produced follow-up clobbers cool and catchy with maniacal rock brilliance." BOSTON HERALD: “A” -
"Bucking the "nostalgia band" trend by being authentically nostalgic, the Teenage Prayers cause you to give blessings to that raw, purely enthusiastic adolescent music fan in all of us." POPMATTERS.COM
THE RUMBLE CMJ @ SOUTHPAW WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 8PM DOORS / 83O START
CMJ is going to prove to be a busy time for Philadelphia's Sure Juror, who after two wonderful albums remain under the radar. On the heels of their new 7", the band is doing two gigs today in NY, the first at Piano's at 2.30pm and the other at 2am at the Cake Shop, venues which are right next to each other on the Lower East Side. These guys play a fucking great show, so definitely come out to see them and buy the new 7".
Also, if you like the song below, there are more free downloads on their website.
Everyone's in NY for CMJ this week. Well, except for me - I am sitting this year out. This volume of Stranded in Stereo came together quicker than any other issue, and although there are no BIG NAMES, we're confident that at least half of these will be the toast of the town by next year.
Again, we're pleased with how this issue came together. Not to pick favorites, but there are some real quality bands including some that are making their debuts here. Our mailing list gets it tomorrow, but you get it today.
AUDIO Amusement Parks on Fire “In Our Eyes” http://www.amusementparksonfire.com/ Keaton Collective “Trucker’s Wife” http://www.myspace.com/younglostones Manicure “Another Girl” http://www.myspace.com/manicuremoscow Bodies of Work “Flyers” http://www.myspace.com/bodiesofworkuk Ken Flagg “Pieces” http://www.myspace.com/kenflagg Bermuda Bonnie “Houseboat” http://www.myspace.com/bermudabonnie Emeen Zarookian “My Imagination” http://www.myspace.com/emeenz AM “Grand Opinion” http://www.amsounds.com The Subjects “Winter Vacation” http://www.myspace.com/thesubjects them:youth “Bow and Arrows” http://www.myspace.com/themyouth All Wrong and the Plans Change “I Get Down” http://www.myspace.com/allwrongandtheplanschange Cancel the Astronauts “Intervention” http://www.myspace.com/canceltheastronauts Night of Sevens “Dirge For An Angel” http://www.myspace.com/musicofsevens Worship “In Our Blood” http://www.myspace.com/worshipuk Hotel St. George “Island Man” http://www.myspace.com/hotelstgeorge Static of the Gods “White Flag” http://www.myspace.com/staticofthegods Download Here: AUDIO
VIDEO Astrid Swan “2000-2010 (I’m Not Even 30)” http://www.myspace.com/astridswan them:youth “Bows +Arrows” http://www.myspace.com/themyouth Locksley “Darling, It’s True” http://www.myspace.com/locksley Fred “Skyscrapers” http://www.myspace.com/fredtheband All Wrong and the Plans Chgange “Hey Hey” http://www.myspace.com/allwrongandtheplanschange Bodies of Work “Flyers” http://www.myspace.com/bodiesofworkuk Quixote “Wide Awake Half Alive” http://www.myspace.com/wearequixote Download Here: VIDEO
Danish band Mew are set to return to the US later this year with a string of tour dates, mostly on the coasts. These gigs include a Dec. 1st opening slot with the Pixies.
Also, the band will be giving local acts in 8 different markets on their upcoming headlining tour this fall (see asterisked dates below) an opportunity to submit themselves to be chosen as direct support. Check back here for details on how local bands can enter to win in select markets: http://www.mewsite.com/openformew/
The band's latest album No More Stories, Are Told Today, I’m Sorry, They Washed Away, No More Stories The World Is Grey, I’m Tired, Let’s Wash Away is out now.
11/30 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero* 12/1 Washington, DC Constitution Hall **w/ The Pixies 12/2 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club* 12/4 New York, NY Webster Hall* 12/5 Montreal, QC Carbaret Du Musee Juste Pour Rire 12/6 Toronto, ON Mod Club 12/7 Chicago, IL Metro* 12/10 Seattle, WA Neumos Crystal Ball Room* 12/11 Vancouver, BC Venue 12/12 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre* 12/13 San Francisco, CA Mezzanine* 12/14 Los Angeles, CA Henry Fonda* *Denotes Local Band Contest Market
It's a new Florence + the Machine video, from the Lungs album, which is quickly becoming one of my favorites of 2009.
The band will be making their way to the US this month for very select dates, just in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Good for me, but bad for most others.
Oct 27 2009 Bowery Ballroom New York Oct 30 2009 Troubadour Los Angeles Nov 2 2009 Mod Club Toronto
Leeds band Grammatics have been steadily growing their fanbase over the past few years, and this year has been the most exciting one for them yet. They've released a brilliant debut LP on Dance to the Radio, and with their constant touring, they were able to nab the opening slot of the current Bloc Party tour, which is already a few dates in.
Also, the band has a brand new single out called "Double Negative." The b-side is a cover of The Good Life track "Notes in his Pockets," and it's available now on iTunes and physically on 26 October. Buy it here.
14th October - Victoria Hall, Stoke (w/ Bloc Party) 15th October - Academy, Birmingham (w/ Bloc Party) 16th October - Centre, Newport (w/ Bloc Party) 18th October - Arena, Llandudno (w/ Bloc Party) 19th October - University, Liverpool (w/ Bloc Party) 20th October - Academy, Bristol (w/ Bloc Party) 22nd October - Hall For Cornwall, Truro (w/ Bloc Party) 23rd October - Pavilion, Plymouth (w/ Bloc Party) 24th October - Centre, Brighton (w/ Bloc Party) 26th October - Cliffs Pavilion, Southend (w/ Bloc Party) 27th October - Corn Exchange, Cambridge (w/ Bloc Party) 28th October - Rock City, Nottingham (w/ Bloc Party) 30th October - Rivermead, Reading (w/ Bloc Party) 31st October - BIC, Bournemouth (w/ Bloc Party)
Brooklyn band Neon Indian still remain a mystery to me. They were borne out of a hazy winter gathering in Texas, the mastermind of composer Alan Palomo. Their music falls somewhere between dreampop and psychedelia, mixing in field recordings, record samplings, and bizarre synth sounds. The band's debut album, Psychic Chasms, is out tomorrow via Lefse Records.
I've been banging on about Keaton Collective (formerly Young/Lost Ones) for a few years now, but I am still waiting for the rest of the world to wake up and listen. The formerly SoCal-based (now in Bellingham, WA) band, led by Alex Jones, produces music at will, recording and releasing music once an idea as finished percolating. It has led to a string of official and internet only releases that is the new generation of Americana. Jones has the skill and voice to give Tom Petty a run for his money, but everyone just needs to wake up and pay attention.
These guys are still the country's best unsigned band - catch them on tour throughout October and November.
SAT OCT 10 GROUND ZERO BELLEVUE WA W/ KAY KAY AND HIS WEATHERED UNDERGROUND THU OCT 15 WHAAM BELLINGHAM WA W/ FINN RIGGINS, ROOFTOPS & COUNCIL OF LIONS FRI OCT 16 CAFE VENUS/MARS BAR SEATTLE WA W/ BRYN LUMSDEN SAT OCT 17 CATERINA WINERY SPOKANE WA SUN OCT 18 LIQUID LYRICS LA GRANDE OR W/ AT LAST AN ATLAS FROM IRELAND MON OCT 19 HIJINX BOISE ID TUE OCT 20 THE DEERHUNTER PUB SPANISH FORK UT WED OCT 21 YELLOW SNOW ICE PARK CITY UT THU OCT 22 LIONS LAIR DENVER CO FRI OCT 23 SHWERVERS BAR DENVER CO SAT OCT 24 ATOMIC CANTINA ALBUQUERUE NM SUN OCT 25 EQUINOX LAS CRUCES NM W/ DANIEL MORIN, JUSTIN MCDOWELL MON OCT 26 THE SAIL INN TEMPE AZ TUE OCT 27 RUBY ROOM PHOENIX AZ WED OCT 28 BLUE CAFE HUNTINGTON BEACH CA W/ SHAPE OF THE EARTH, DYING IN DIGITAL, POCKET ROCKET THU OCT 29 GUITAR MERCHANT CANOGA PARK CA FRI OCT 30 URBAN OUTFITTERS VENTURA CA AFTERNOON SHOW FRI OCT 30 JECKYLL N HYDE'S (HALLOWEEN PARTY 1) MOORPARK CA SAT OCT 31 HALLOWEEN PARTY 2 SIMI VALLEY CA MON NOV 02 BILLY OS VENTURA CA W/ FRANKLIN FOR SHORT TUE NOV 03 STORK CLUB OAKLAND CA W/ DIRTY BOOTS WED NOV 04 KIMOS SAN FRANCISCO CA W/ DIRTY BOOTS FRI NOV 06 CREPE PLACE SANTA CRUZ CA W/ JOHN CRAIGIE, EMILY MOLDY TUE NOV 10 MISSISSIPPI PIZZA PORTLAND OR WED NOV 11 HIGH DIVE SEATTLE SAT NOV 14 THE ROGUE HERO HOME FROM TOUR SHOW BELLINGHAM WA
The Rumble comes home tonight, the city where it's based with a fucking awesome lineup. The Blakes open the night, and when a band of this caliber is opening, you know that shit's gotta be good. Our middle child of the night is northern soul meets garage act Lady Dottie + the Diamonds who have the potential to get real big, real quick. Although I am not a fan of their more garage numbers, but when they turn up the soul, they have few peers.
Closing the night is the exploding like a rocket Fitz + the Tantrums, who just got off a support tour with Flogging Molly. They're doing all of the Rumbles for us out west this month, and they're bringing a cadre of new fans home with them. The too small room at 3 Clubs should be packed to the gills before they go on. Get there for the fun early - it's free as always.
It might be political and economic strife or it just may be a good time to be a musician, but it seems as though Mexico is going through a musical renaissance with a host of unique new groups popping up all over the country.
Hailing from Mexico City, three-piece Hello Seahorse! have been playing out for a few years and already have several releases under their belts, and they have played north of the border as well. This year's Bestia is their finest work yet, and shows that the group has a knack for crafting catchy, laid back electronic pop tunes. Just saw them a couple weeks ago in LA and they were brilliant.
Most bands lose the plot - it's bound to happen in a long career. When I listen to Matt Pond PA's later material, it's apparent that they've gone off course, but that's fine. Like baseball players, you can't rely on the same methods day-in and day-out - you need to constantly reinvent yourself, and up until '04, MPPA did just that.
Listening to the new Ken Flagg album, I am reminded of those sweet, finely crafted pop songs that Matt Pond PA was able to create so efficiently. While the album is not flawless, it's full of bright spots, like the not that depressing "Funeral" and album opener "Pieces."
Philadelphia is the best place on Earth. I am not even kidding. It's the greatest city with the greatest people and it always warms my heart when I hear exciting new music from the City of Brotherly Love.
On first look, Bermuda Bonnie may seem like a group hailing from the tropics, but their look is merely an homage to those lazy days sipping Coronas and listening to the waves hitting the beach. On the band's debut album, which is free to download (but cooler looking if you actually buy it), the band take the weird electronic side of Metronomy, and add a nice clear sheen to it, creating a collection of undeniably catchy tunes.
Download Audio/Video Tracklisting
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