Anarbor Posts New Songs

Anarbor have posted 2 new songs called "Right There With You" and "Passion For Publication" on their myspace.

These Arms Are Snakes and Tropics To Release Split 7"

These Arms Are Snakes and Tropics are set to release a limited Split 7" on We-Be Records. The split will feature exclusive tracks from both. TAAS offer up 'Meet Your Mayor', and Tropics 'Future Gets Tense'. It's limited to 500 copies, on heavyweight white vinyl, and was mastered at Abbey Road studios, London.

Both bands are set to tour the UK with Russian Circles

November 14 Brighton Engine Room
November 15 Exeter Cavern Club
November 16 Leeds Brudenell Social Club
November 17 Glasgow Stereo
November 18 Belfast Black Box
November 19 Dublin, Ireland Whelans
November 20 Manchester Star And Garter
November 21 Nottingham Rock City
November 22 London Islington Academy

Capital Lights Release New Video

Oklahoma Powerpop band Capital Lights have released the video for the song "Outrage" here. "Outrage" is taken from the band's current album "This Is An Outrage" which available now on Tooth and Nail Records.

Matador Records Release Free Sampler

Matador Records have released a free sampler which features Lou Reed, Belle and Sebastian, Fucked Up, Pavement and Mogwai. The 13 track sampler can be downloaded here.

Alter The Press Are Now on Myspace

That's right! We now have our own page on myspace. To visit Alter The Press's Myspace click here.

Interview: The Banner - 29/10/08

Matt managed to catch up with a vocalist Joey Southside from The Banner before their set at the Kingston Fighting Cocks.

Joey talks about the UK, the new record, his upcoming comic book with Frank Iero from My Chemical Romance, his passion for hardcore/punk and more.

This could be one of the most in depth interviews we've done.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

The Graduate Cancel Re-Release

The Graduate have cancelled the re-release of "Anhedonia" called "Anhedonia: Revisted". The band's blog stated:

"Sorry, this one was totally out of our control. There WILL not be a re-release of Anhedonia, no DVD extras, no vinyl release.. nothing. We apologize to everyone who was looking forward to this (we were as well.) You can download 2 bonus tracks that were going to be featured on Anhedonia - Revisited on our Myspace player.

We hope you enjoy them. Also, we will not be on the My American Heart west coast tour in December. A couple websites had postings about this, but unfortunately we weren't able to make the dates work. The concerts listed on our page with Ludo will most likely be our last shows of the year, possibly until we finish a new record.

More news (explanation) soon."

Bring Me The Horizon frontman joins PETA2 campaign

Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes is now one of the spokespersons for animal rights organisation, PETA2.

Sykes commented: 'I actually decided to go veggie after I saw a video on PETA2's website, when I saw how animals are tortured on factory farms, I couldn't justify being a part of that cruelty. I thought, 'Imagine if that were me'. Straight away, I said, 'That's it - I'm going vegetarian'.

Sykes' clothing line, 'Drop Dead', had previously released a 'Meat Sucks' slogan shirt, where proceeds went towards to the organisation which raised more than a grand.

http://www.peta2.com

Panic at the Disco release 'Northern Downpour' video

Panic at the Disco have released the video for their new single, 'Northern Downpour'.

The band (who are currently touring the US with Dashboard Confessional, on the Rock Band tour) have also a live cd/dvd release in the works as previously posted as well.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=39vCY8GzNDk

Set Your Goals guitarist rejoins

Set Your Goals have announced that previous guitarist, Dan Coddaire, has rejoined the band who initially left in 2006.

The band are currently writing the follow up to their previous release, Mutiny!

Make sure to catch Set Your Goals on tour throughtout November with New Found Glory across the UK.

Nada Surf release 5-album vinyl boxset

Barsuk Records have announced that all five Nada Surf studio records will be issued on vinyl for the first time ever.

The set will be released on November 25 and will be collected in a limited-edition box. Limited to 1,000 numbered copies, the career-spanning box contains all five studio albums on vinyl, an exclusive repressing of the first 7" single, and full-color 24-page lyric and photo book. It will also include download codes for MP3 versions of The Proximity Effect, Let Go, The Weight Is a Gift, Lucky, and a collection of rare and out-of-print bonus tracks and b-sides.

Stars and Sons to Support Okkervil River

Brighton based Stars and Sons have announced they are to support Okkervil River on the bands UK tour next month.

Dates:

November

5th Norwich - Waterfront

6th Manchester - Academy

10th Wolverhampton - Wulfrun

11th London - Shepherds Bush Empire

12th Brighton - Concorde 2

Album Review: Arrows - Modern Art and Politics

Australian band, Arrows latest album shows the band possibly doing two things. They could be refusing to accommodate their sound to the mainstream or they could be taking the listener on a nostalgic trip, to a time when "emo" wasn't about clothes and hair and more importantly to a time where "emo" was about the music.

"Modern Art and Politics" is a quite peculiar record to be released in this day and age, as it very much sounds like an album that belongs in a list of 90's "emo" albums, along with bands such as Mineral and The Appleseed Cast.

Nevertheless the Brisbane four-piece have crafted 10 great songs with songs such as opener "We Only Speak On Weekends" and "Someone You Knew But You've Hardly Met" being fine demonstrations of fine chilled out rock with Ant Morgan's vocals straining softly over tight yet gentle music.

Throughout the album, Arrows showcase they are a close-knit unit with songs such as "Whores Will Have Their Trinkets" and "Clean Sheets Aren't Just For Keepers" showing the band focus more on their music rather then lyrics, as most of the time Scott Merillo 's sweeping guitar and Anders Cairns' drums becomes the centerpiece and the backbone of the record.

It's difficult to pick out a highlight track from the album, as on the whole the record is a soothing and easy listening affair. Nonetheless the closing track, "Pout Me Into A Taxi" is a 6 and half minute steady paced track, that closes the album perfectly.

However some may consider this record a little bit repetitive, in it's song structure but Arrows take you on a musical journey, as the four-piece's gentle and dynamic music, shows they are a band who are striving for attention, however this is done in a subtle matter.

More information about Arrows can be found here.

For fans of: The Appleseed Cast, Mineral

InnerPartySystem announce UK tour

Rock/dance four piece, InnerPartySystem, have announced details of a UK tour next year.

Dates are as follows:



26/01/2009 - CambridgeSoul Tree
27/01/2009 - Brighton Audio
28/01/2009 - Cardiff Barfly
30/01/2009 - Exeter Cavern
31/01/2009 - Birmingham Academy 2
01/02/2009 - Glasgow King Tuts
02/02/2009 - Leeds Cockpit
03/02/2009 - Newcastle Academy 2
04/02/2009 - Manchester Academy 3
05/02/2009 - London Underworld

Shinedown announce first UK headline tour

Floridian five piece, Shinedown, have announced their return to the UK next year.

The band's new single 'Devour' also arrives November 17th via Atlantic Records.

Dates are as follows:

Wed 21 Jan 2009 - London Underworld
Thu 22 Jan 2009 - Manchester Academy
Fri 23 Jan 2009 - Glasgow King Tuts
Sun 25 Jan 2009 - Birmingham Barfly

Fans can stream the video for 'Devour' at the following:

WINDOWS MEDIA
http://streamos.warnermusic.com/wmedia/wmiuk/shinedown/devour_hi.wvx
http://streamos.warnermusic.com/wmedia/wmiuk/shinedown/devour_lo.wvx

QUICKTIME
http://streamos.warnermusic.com/qtime/wmiuk/shinedown/devour_hi.mov
http://streamos.warnermusic.com/qtime/wmiuk/shinedown/devour_lo.mov

YOUTUBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGtg-_ZIESo

REAL PLAYER
http://streamos.warnermusic.com/real/wmiuk/shinedown/devourv_hi.rm http://streamos.warnermusic.com/real/wmiuk/shinedown/devourv_lo.rm

Review: The Banner - Kingston Fighting Cocks - 29/10/08

Its been a two year wait, but The Banner have finally made it back to the UK. Tonight's stop is The Fighting Cocks in Kingston, a small 80 capacity room at the back of a pub. It's small, intimate and the perfect place for a hardcore show.

As soon as The Banner hit the stage with 'Venom and Hope', the New Jersey five piece give it their all. Spending most of the time of their set performing in the crowd, the hardcore kids get completely into it. Despite the fact Joey's voice is going and has busted his lip on the microphone, this doesn't stop him for putting on an incredible live set. We hear a mixture of tracks for all their records, to hear new track 'The Wolf' live is something everyone needs to see for themselves. After a short 25-30 minute set, the band close the set by telling the crowd, 'if you like what you hear, message us and we'll send you all of our albums for free' when launching into 'Funerals'.

The Banner are possibly one of the best hardcore punk bands going. They are not making music to make money or be the biggest band in the world. They are not trying to be huge rock stars, its their life. New Jersey hardcore doesn't get any better then this.

All Time Low release vinyl toys

For the first time ever, All Time Low is making toys in 2" vinyl collectibles. The miniature versions of Alex, Jack, Zack and Rian come as a four-pack in a special edition box.

The limited edition set (only 1,500 made & hand numbered) depicts the unique personality of the band members.

For more information visit:

http://www.buzznet.com/musicnews/all-time-low-releases-2-j3281781/

The Academy Is... Posts New Video

The Academy Is...'s video for "About A Girl" can be seen here.

Mastodon Announce New Album Details

Mastodon will be releasing their new album, Crack The Skye, early in 2009 via Relapse Records. The seven song, fifty minute album was produced by Brendan O'Brien (Velvet Revolver, Rage Against The Machine, Pearl Jam).


Tracklisting

01. Oblivion
02. Divinations
03. Quintessence
04. The Czar
I. Usurper
II. Escape
III. Martyr
IV. Spiral
05. Ghost of Karelia
06. Crack The Skye
07. The Last Baron

Linkin Park Start Writing Concept Album Soon

Linkin Park's Chester Bennington has said the band's next album will be a concept album and will start recording in early November. Meanwhile in the same month, the band will release a Live CD/DVD set called "Road to Revolution", which documents the band's summer show in Milton Keynes.

Bennington has also said he is nearly finished with his own solo album, which he is producing with Howard Benson and is looking for a spring/summer release next year. He said the record would be "a lot more straightforward rock, with a little bit of an electronic element to it, lots of keys and snyths and stuff like that. And there are a few elements where I think you'll be able to see what my influence on (Linkin Park) is."

Linkin Park's Live CD/DVD set, "Road to Revolution" will be released on November 24th

David Melillo Posts New Demo

David Melillo has posted a new demo called "Sam's Song Part II" here.

The Get Up Kids To Re-Issue Debut On Vinyl

The Get Up Kids are to re-issue their debut album "Four Minute Mile" on limited blue vinyl. The vinyl can be pre-ordered here.

Go:Audio Posts New Music and Release Podcast

Go:Audio have a posted a piano version of "Why" on their myspace. The band have also released a podcast of which details can be found here.

Exclusive: Justin Beck - Off The Record

What I had intended to be a standard interview was a complete misinterpretation. I had managed to contact Justin Beck to see if he would be willing to conduct an e-mail interview with me about the current situation of Glassjaw. However, after being gracious enough to agree, Beck replied saying he would prefer to speak in person, at his office, Merch Direct.

As most Glassjaw fans already know, Beck established Merch Direct from scratch. Through it, he deals with some of the biggest bands around such as Brand New, Taking Back Sunday and of course, Glassjaw. With a new record people all over the world are waiting for, today I find out the truth regarding the current situation of Glassjaw.

Justin greets me at reception and brings me straight into the offices, instantly showing me how Merch Direct is run. Everything is done in house which requires Beck to be very hands on (throughout the day, employees constantly approach him with general enquires and ask for his approval of new designs.)

After a tour, we talk about the question which strikes curiosity amongst many: when is the new Glassjaw record coming out? As far as he is concerned, he has done his part. October 1st 2007, Beck had worked, re-worked and put his life on hold so he could get a new record done. Manuel Carrero (bass) and Durijah Lang (drums) had completed their parts and vocalist, Daryl Palumbo, had been in and recorded his vocals on five songs; the remaining songs are instrumentals. No titles, no names, just tracks. After explaining this, Justin asks me if I was hungry and invites me for a drive down to the local Subway to grab some lunch.

After picking up lunch, we arrive back at Merch Direct where Beck plays me a 13 track CD which could potentially be the new record (none of the tracks are in any intended order, it simply is just a mix of what has been recorded.) The first five tracks, which are yet to be mixed, are: ‘Natural Born Farmer’, ‘Jesus Glue’, ‘You Think You’re John Fucking Lennon’, ‘Star Above My Bed’ and an untitled song, where, I am told, the lyrics were free styled on the spot. These are nothing short of incredible (the instruments and vocals sound spot on!)

The remaining tracks are the instrumentals; my first impression being that this has not been done before. Agreeing with Tommy Carrigan’s (works with Justin, played in Silent Majority) recent statement, the songs do have a very Latin, Spanish feel. Beck goes on to explain that he had a lot of fun recording these instrumentals and feels this is where Glassjaw's music is at today.

After we’ve finished listening to the CD, I can’t help but feel that the first five tracks aren’t in coherence with the rest of the record. Beck informs me that these songs were written a while ago and that he can’t see them being released on the new record. With regards to the possibility of them formulating an EP, he doesn’t think it right to release just these songs, especially after all this time.

When everything is complete will the new record be released physically or digitally, he doesn’t know. What he does know is that it will almost certainly be released through Warner, despite Beck’s preference to release the record himself.

Why won’t he upload just one song online, to keep everyone happy? It wouldn’t be fair to the fans. It works both ways, sure it would please a lot of people, but after all this time to have one song; a lot of people would be disappointed (and have issues with the fact that it has taken years for them to have just the one song available.)

The last time Glassjaw performed was earlier this year at the Give It A Name Festival (in conjunction with this they also did two shows in Cardiff and Dublin.) Those shows will be the only ones this year, with no plans of future dates yet.

Pictures emerged of the band in a Cardiff recording studio but they were just there to practice, nothing was recorded. Anything new was recorded in Beck’s studio at his house. Oh, and the mystery where they keep their gear? All at Merch Direct.

When walking back into the Merch Direct boardroom, we speak about Glassjaw’s previous material. Why do they not play songs such as ‘Ry Ry’s song’? Simple, they don’t like to play them. How do they come up with their set list? It’s all done on the spot. Beck also reveals his two favourite released Glassjaw songs are ‘Two Tabs of Mescaline’ and ‘The Gillette Cavalcade of Sports’ (both taken from ‘Worship and Tribute’, which is his favourite of the two records). When touching on the supposed re-mastered release of ‘Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence’, Roadrunner had approached him and said they wanted to re-release the record but in the end, the two had disagreements and nothing at this stage will be released. Will any Glassjaw albums be released on vinyl (especially considering the cover for ‘Worship and Tribute’ is the record being played on vinyl,) no discussions have been made.

Beck, at this point, shows me his office; complete with fish tank and a few boxes of Glassjaw signature Nike Blazers. After answering a phone call, Beck pulls out a box of old mementos from his past. He shows me old pictures, including one of him at a day camp when he was younger (where he met Daryl) and lots of old flyers from previous hardcore shows. The box also contains old Glassjaw stickers, various pieces he made up at Kinko’s when younger and old fanzines he ran. One folder even contains an old track listing for ‘The Impossible Shot’ demo. Unlike Glassjaw fans, who try and attain whatever Glassjaw memorabilia is available, Beck doesn’t own (or feel the need to own) everything produced with their name on it; it is Daryl who keeps everything.

After this, Beck shows me the new line of Glassjaw merchandise due to be released soon; which sticks to the basketball, varsity motive – Est. 1993 New York etc. I notice that whatever he produces, Beck is always original. Testament to this are the New Era Glassjaw caps, which other bands are starting to produce, the sticker on the cap even states, ‘Providing Bands With Original Ideas since 1993.’ The reoccurring ‘88’ pattern, which is printed on various items, is not a reference to Hitler, regardless of an interview from years ago where he stated it meant ‘Heil Hitler’. Beck tells me that Daryl was always obsessed with the number 8 for example; if they were driving and saw the number on a licence plate, he would say it.

After spotting cases of various band DVD’s, I ask if there are plans of a Glassjaw DVD release. Nothing has been recorded except their Give It A Name appearance from this year, which he is trying to get hold of.

Once we walk back into the office, I wonder how Beck doesn’t let the little things, stopping the record coming out, get to him. From spending time with him, and as Beck himself has said before, I am aware that Glassjaw is a hobby; it is not his life. He is not a rock star; he doesn’t wake up every morning and hope that today is the day Daryl will call. In fact, Beck is the complete opposite to the whole ‘rock star’ stereotype. He runs his own successful business, is happily married with a child on the way, and acknowledges that when the new record happens, it happens; at this point in time nobody knows when anything is coming out. As far as he’s concerned, there is no reason why there shouldn’t be a release by the end of the year; regardless of the fact we are approaching November.

Beck has cleaned his side of the room, so has Manny and Durijah. People can point fingers and assume whatever they want but it’s not going to accomplish anything. It’s now, pure and simply, just a waiting game.

Photos of Justin Beck at Merch Direct can be found here.

- Jon Ableson

EatMeWhileImHot Posts New Songs

Hardcore band EatMeWhileImHot featuring Christofer Drew of NeverShoutNever! have posted 2 new songs on the bands Purevolume.

Butch Walker to Release New Album

Butch Walker will be releasing his new album, "Sycamore Meadows", on November 11th. A video for the single “Ships In A Bottle” can be seen here.

The Ataris Set to Start Recording

The Ataris are set to record their sixth full-length in December. In a interview with buzznet, Kris Roe said "We are recording a new album in December in Arizona. The songs are coming together great. Pretty much, hyper, fast, hook-filled powerpop songs, with big catchy choruses ala early Replacements, Jawbreaker, Green Day ... etc,".

Roe also mentioned that he is set to tour the UK acoustically in January, where he is to play expected songs from "Blue Skies, Broken Hearts ... Next 12 Exits", "End Is Forever" and "So Long, Astoria."

The full interview can be read here.

Thursday/Envy Split EP Now Streaming

Thursday's Split EP with Japanese band, Envy is now streaming here. The split is being released as a vinyl+CD combination by Temporary Residence.

Ted Leo Cancels Tour with Against Me!

Ted Leo has cancelled the rest of his tour with Against Me! due to a personal emergency.

Against Me! in Bus Accident

Against Me! were in a bus accident on their current US tour last week. Drummer Warren Oakes' mother said

"At about 6am, Wyoming time, while everyone was safely tucked in their bunks, the bus hit a patch of ice just outside Rawlins, Wyoming and slid - ending up facing the reverse direction in the median.

The trailer, containing all the gear and supplies wobbled and bounced out of control - landing sideways in a snowy ditch. The trailer doors had ripped open, so all around the site of their accident the ground was covered with equipment cases, CDs, boxes of T-shirts, etc."

As a result of the accident the band cancelled the show in Salt Lake City.

Comeback Kid Get Robbed

Comeback Kid were robbed in Montreal last week.

The following statement was released:

""On the morning of October 23rd our van and trailer, containing all of our merchandise, gear and some personal belongings was stolen in Montreal. We're currently working with police and the powers that be to see what can be done, but as of right now it looks like everything vanished into thin air. We WILL be finishing the rest of this tour and all the rest of the dates we have booked for 2008 and beyond.

It's been a nightmare but everyone is in really high spirits and we can't say 'thank you' enough to everyone involved with this tour. There was never a thought of missing a show and that was largely made possible by our brothers in Gravemaker, Outbreak, Shai Hulud, Bane and Misery Signals. When we were left with literally nothing but the clothes we were wearing at the time, there was wasn't a second of hesitation in any of the other bands to lend us gear and clothing.

This has been an amazing tour to be a part of and we're excited to finish it. We're not taking any donations or anything but appreciate your support. We'd like to remind everyone that Grave Maker suffered a serious van accident at the beginning of this tour, and any support financial or otherwise that can be sent their way would be seriously appreciated by everyone in the CBK camp.

Thanks also to all of our friends and family that have sent words of encouragement. We'll see you all for the remainder of the shows."

Poison The Well Stream New Song

Poison The Wellare streaming a new song called "Purple Sabbath" on their myspace. The song is taken from the band's forthcoming 7 inch called "I / III", which is released on November 11th.

Rob Zombie Streams New Song

Rob Zombie's new song "Warzone" taken from the forthcoming "Punisher: Warzone Soundtrack" is now streaming here.

Scott Weiland Releases New Video

Ex-Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver singer, Scott Weiland has released the video for "Paralysis" and is taken from the forthcoming double concept album, "Happy in Galoshes", which is released on November 25th.

The video for "Paralysis" can be seen here.

Puscifer Release Remix Album and New Video

Puscifer, Maynard James Keenan of Tool and A Perfect Circle's side project have released a 9-song remix collection called "D is For Dubby" and can be download at http://www.puscifer.com/.

The video for "Momma Sed" is streaming here.

The Promise Hero Release Debut and Download Free Song

The Promise Hero have released their debut album "Wait For The Sun" and have made the title track available for download on the band's myspace.

Dan Black To Release Debut Single

London solo artist Dan Black is set to release his first single, "Yours" on December 1st, which has been described as a propulsive, electro anti-love song.

The video for "Yours" is directed by Paris-based Chic Et Artistic and can be seen here.

Dan Black will release a debut early next year and a track called "HYPNTZ" can be downloaded here.

This Time Next Year Look For Help

California Pop-Punk band This Time Next Year are asking for help. The band are currently stuck in a small town called New Florance in southern Missouri after they lost the transmisson in their van and now they are looking for donations.

The band released the following statement:

"Last night we lost the transmission in our van, spent the night in the 24 degree weather, spent the day at the mechanic and now we are in a small town called New Florance in southern Missouri. Luckily everything can be fixed within a few days but, now we are stuck with a huge mechanic bill.

We are asking for donations to help us through this. If you can spare any money - please send it via paypal to thistimenextyearmusic@gmail.com - If you are not able to do that please head over to Taco Bell's http://www.feedthebeat.com/ and vote for us. That will at least save us money on food and right now we need all the help we can get.

We appreciate any and all support. See you soon. <3>

Rivers Cuomo Announces 2nd Solo Record

Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo is to release his second solo album, "Alone II: The Home Recordings Of Rivers Cuomo" which will be released through Geffen on November 25th.

A song called "I Want To Take You Home Tonight" can be heared here.

Enter Shikari Cover Faithless

Enter Shikari have covered Faithless's "Insomnia" as a B-Side for it's forthcoming single, "Can Breathe In Space, They Just Don't Want Us To Escape" which is released on November 3rd through the band's own Ambush Reality label.

A video of the band performing "Insomnia" live at Brixton Academy last November can be seen here.

"Can Breathe In Space, They Don't Want Us To Escape" is to be released on four different formats:

#1 - A coloured vinyl 7" featuring as its B-side a cover of Faithless' 'Insomnia' which was recorded live in front of a sold out crowd at London's Brixton Academy on the Autumn tour 2007.
#2 - A remix 7" featuring 'We Can Breathe In Space' and smash hit 'Sorry You're Not A Winner', both remixed by Enter Shikari singer / elecronicist Rou under his dubstep / d'n'b side-project moniker of 'Rout'.
#3 - A 4-track mail order only CDEP of all 4 tracks
#4 - The now standard 'digital downloads' a highly "bangin'" Andy Gray remix of 'We Can Breathe...' will also be released as a digital exclusive alongside the aforementioned tracks).

The band have also said that "Can Breathe In Space, They Don't Want Us To Escape" will not be on the band's next album, which is due to begin recording after the band's current UK tour.

Remaining Enter Shikari UK Dates:

OCTOBER

27 Bournemouth- Solent Hall
29 Exeter - Great hall
30 Southampton - Guildhall
31 Folkestone - Leas Cliff Hall

NOVEMBER
02 London - Astoria 2 - SOLD OUT
03 London - Astoria 2
04 London - Astoria 2

American Rag Launch New Ragged Road Web Documentary Series

Macy's lifestlye brand, American Rag have launced a new music-based web documentary, which gives five ambitious students the opportunity to cross America and explore their dream of making it into the music industry.

The Ragged Road tour kicks off at the Experience Music Project in Seattle before traveling to other legendary cities that have cultivated the sounds of popular music—San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, New Orleans, Miami, Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and New York. In each city, students will visit with an assortment of people that may include artists, producers, promoters, DJs, writers, talent scouts, managers, or label executives who will share their thoughts and offer advice.

The tour is in New York at the moment with Good Charlotte.

More information can be found here.

Poison The Well To Enter Studio

Poison The Well are to record their fifth full-length album with producer J Robbins, with recording to start in November. In the past Robbins has produced bands such as Against Me!, Clutch, Paint it Black, Modern Life is War and Murder By Death.

Poison The Well have also added an extra date to their UK tour with 36 Crazyfists. The band will play Wrexham Central Station on March 5th.

5th WREXHAM – Central Station

6th OXFORD – Zodiac

7th COLCHESTER – Arts Centre

8th NORWICH – Waterfront

9th WOLVERHAMPTON – Wolfrun Hall

Wretched Sign To Victory

North Carolina Death Metal band Wretched have signed to Victory Records.

Saosin Announce Producer For Album No. 2

Saosin have chosen Butch Walker to produce the band's 2nd full length. In the past Walker has produced bands such as The Automatic, Midtown, The Academy Is..., The All-American Rejects and Simple Plan.

Red Car Wire Cover Katy Perry

Texas Pop-Punk band Red Car Wire have done a cover of Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl", which can be found here.

Rise Against Move London Date Venue

Rise Against have changed their March 6th London Astoria date to London Roundhouse, due to the closure of London Astoria early next year.

The Fall Of Troy Announce Tour-only EP

The Fall Of Troy have announced they are to release a tour-only EP called "the Ghostship demos AKA Phantoms On The Horizon".

The band's myspace bulletin said:

"Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have finished "Phantom On The Horizon". (A.K.A. "Ghostship")

We will be releasing it for our tour starting November 28th w/ The # 12 Looks Like You, Warship, and Black Houses...

We will be doing the west coast 1st, playing the whole record, the whole way through, and doing the east coast soon to follow.

We have spent the last 4 and a 1/2 years on this record, it's a step up from anything we felt we've ever done. And we hope to give back to everyone who's been waiting so long to hear this song(s) for so long as we have.

We love you, and need you all. Mad respect, this one's for all of you guys who have been around for it all, and waited for it as well.

Let's show the rock n' roll industry it's not all about singles and good looks, it's about vision, integrity, time, and patience.

We are so proud of this record, so come out to the tour and get ur copy while we have them.

We love the hell out of you all.

XOXO

Thomas

Frank

Andrew"

Forgive Durden Stream New Album

Forgive Durden's new album "Razia's Shadow - A Musical" is being streamed here. The album features guest appearences from Max Bemis of Say Anything, Danny Stevens (TheAuditon), Brandon Urie (Panic At The Disco) and Chris Conley (Saves The Day).

"Razia's Shadow - A Musical" is availble from this week through Fueled By Ramen.

Free 34-song Fest 7 compilation Released

No Idea Records, Imprint Indie Printing, Southern Lovin’ PR and The Fest 7 have joined together to release a free 34 song compilation, made up of bands playing the 3 day festival in Gainsville, Florida this coming weekend.

The compilation includes bands such as Stressface, Hometeam, Assholeparade and Good Luck.

Click here to download the Fest 7 Compilation.

Interview: Underoath - 26/10/08

Just before they hit the stage, we managed to catch up with Underoath's keyboardist Chris Dudley. We touched on their current UK tour, 'Lost In The Sound Of Separation', what the future holds and more. 

Alter The Press: Thank you for joining me Chris, you play keyboards for Underoath, and how long have you been in the band, since 2000?

Chris Dudley: Uh, pretty much, yeah. Late '99, 2000, I think?

ATP: So, you've just come back from the UK, how was that for you?

CD: It was amazing, it was our fourth/fifth time, but it was by far the best time we had been there. We played four shows, Birmingham, Manchester, London, one or two more but they were all just amazing. 

ATP: Best night?

CD: London by far, at the Astoria was insane. 

ATP: You know its shutting down next year.

CD: Really? I'm so glad we got to play there then. 

ATP: Just touching on the new record, 'Lost In The Sound Of Seperation', it follows on from 'Define The Great Line', its definitely a heavier record, was there a decision to change the style?

CD: I don't think there was a decision per-say, you know, to make it heavier, it wasn't like we sat down before and said we want to make this one heavier and go. It was just like the songs were written over a wide period of time, songs we'd been working on for a year and a half, two years, some came together in one practise. It was pretty natural. We'd all get together and if we felt to write something heavy, something chill, experimental, we'd go from that. 

ATP: The first single 'Desperate Times', was there a reason why you chose that for the first single, did you or the label?

CD: That's definitely not any of our favorite songs on the record but if that was a song what the record sounded like, it would be the 'single'. Singles are weird, you know, like MTV stuff, if its too weird they're not gonna play it, they wont play it for us anyway as were a heavy band, we don't get a lot of choice. It was our choice, at the end of the day the label are going to do whatever we want, for the sake of a single, its to get people to go 'oh well I'll listen to this' and this was the first song we thought of so.

ATP: You shot a video for it as well, who came up the concept?

CD: The directors, with us and videos, we usually don't have anything to do with concept or shooting as we are not very talented in that area. We go on tour, play music and when it comes to video stuff we wait for someone to present us with a cool idea and these dudes from California said we have this idea, what do you think of it and we were like oh sweet. So, we went and shot it.

ATP: What is your favourite song to play live?

CD: I would have think right now, its a weird thing because we use our working titles for our songs, cuz usually Spencer usually names the songs right at the end of recording and we've been writing them for a long time and I have trouble remembering the actual name. Track four off the new record (Emergency Broadcast: The End Is Near). I call it 'Elephant Stampede' because we've been playing it for nearly a year and 'Breathing In A New Mentality', I really like that song.

ATP: On your setlist, when they go down on stage, does it say 'Elephant Stampede' on there?

CD: Yes, it's when we first wrote it, the beginning of the track is just heavy drums, bass and vocals and distorted. Someone made a joke that it sounds like a bunch of elephants stampeding through a valley. So on our setlist it says 'Elephant'. Its funny because kids ask for a setlist when done playing and nobody knows what it means. Its just random words. 

ATP: Regards to writing process, we can tell 'Desolate Earth: The End Is Here' is all you. Do you get free reign to write what you want or do you all come up with ideas and put them together at the end?

CD: It changes song by song, that song in particular, I wrote half that song on a plane, from London to New York one time, and the rest came out when in the studio but usually what happens is there will be an idea for a song and i'll usually put my headphones on and start messin' with different sounds or get together with Tim but usually for every part that I have, there are usually ten different parts I had an idea for but didn't end up working out. Sometimes I call Spencer, Tim and be like, 'I have this idea, what do you think?' and they go 'Oh, thats cool, thats cooler', but I will not really have a whole lot till we get in the studio then I bring the whole lot, like the protools session on the computer in and take out drums, guitars here and add stuff, so its completely different for each song.

ATP: Your back on the road, are you happy to be back on the road?

CD: Very much so. We had time off before we recorded, to write but we were on the road for a long time so we had a few months to relax, and recorded the record. We just did a world tour, now doing this US tour and its awesome. All the shows have been, for the most part, have been sold out, so far which is great. I can't complain.

ATP: Regards, being signed to Tooth and Nail. You've been with them for a while. You guys are such an established band, you must of had major labels throwing contracts at you left, right and centre? Was there a particular reason you chose to stay with them?

CD: Yeah. A few reasons. The main thing is that the business end of the music industry works if your on a major label, your whole business is up in the air. You hear about everyday about this label fired this many people and moving everything around, its such a unstable environment and for the most part those types of labels, if you sell a certain amount of records for the most part, have a hand in the creative control of what you doing, not just, 'We're going to put your record out, we're going to give the money to record', there going to be like 'Send us songs and we'll tell you if their okay to put out' and thats one thing Tooth and Nail has never done. They are like, 'Where do you want to record?', 'How much money do you need to record?', 'Give us the record when its done'. It's never been a question of them telling us what to do. There place of what they do, is what every labels place should be. Leave the music to the bands, and the label takes care of the label stuff. So many people at the label believe in what we do, its not a suit sitting in an office somewhere looking for someone to sell a million records, they just want us to do what we're gonna do and at the end of the day, we're not gonna turn in something thats garbage. That's a really comfortable spot to be in and even though we could go to a major label and get a big check, at the end of the day, we're not going to be as comfortable doing that as we are being on a label such as Tooth and Nail and doing what we've always done.

ATP: What does the future hold for Underoath?

CD: Touring. Lots of it. We're doing this tour, a couple weeks off, South America, couple weeks off then we go to Australia for a week and a half, back in the UK sometime. We're doing a b-market US tour and then taking a couple months off, as me and my wife are having a baby then i'm pretty sure we're doing Warped Tour in the US then a support tour in the fall in 2009 then that takes us up to Christmas, so we're pretty booked already.

ATP: I hear in the grapevine, you are playing Give It A Name 2009, any truth in that?

CD: I've heard different things. I'm fairly sure we are but I haven't heard 100% if we are.

ATP: Any rumours or any ideas who's playing?

CD: I haven't heard a thing. I haven't spoken to any of my friends who have said they are playing. Someone said there was some weird band who was headlining, someone huge. Something bigger than they have ever done. 

ATP: You mean Fall Out Boy big?

CD: No, bigger. I can't remember it being a scene band, but someone off the wall, like 'Wow, how did they get them there?' I can't remember who it was. It will be cool, I hope we're playing because last time we played, it was amazing. Great hang time, a lot of our friends were playing we hadn't seen in a long time.

ATP: Finally, what are you listening to at the moment. Recommendations? 

CD: New Coldplay, its great. I just bought the new Emily Haines EP which is amazing. Nothing else new, just same stuff. Tom Petty, Pantera. Same old. 

Review: Underoath - Terminal 5 - 26/10/08

The line up tonight makes the statement, 'only in America' only more true. Tonight we have The Devil Wears Prada, Saosin and Underoath. You know your getting your moneys worth tonight.

When The Devil Wears Prada hit the stage, it felt like the same song over and over. Breakdown after breakdown. They are talented musicians but very repetitive. Saosin on the other hand, have the crowd eating out of the palm of their hand as soon as they hit the stage. On this trip they are selling, for this tour only, a new EP, in which we are treated to in hearing, which goes down well but it all goes wild when the band launch into '7 years' where Terminal 5 turns into one giant circle pit. 

When the lights go down, the crowd are deafening for when Underoath hit the stage. Launching into amazing album opener, 'Breathing In A New Mentality', the crowd surfers go wild. Frontman, Spencer Chamberlain, is Moses. The circle pits open like when Moses parted the red sea. We are treated to songs old and new. Just to hear 'A Boy Brushed Red' live can give the newest of Underoath fans goosebumps. New songs such as 'Desperate Times' sound nothing but incredible live. They keep the banter short and let the music do the talking, and in the space of an hour, you only feel wanting more. 

Underoath are a band where you have to see it to believe it. The music speaks for itself but its the live experience you need to see which can only make you think that they couldn't get any better. They have a new album under their belts, so these guys are going to be on the road for quite sometime. The only question fans leave tonight asking is, 'When are they next coming to town?'