New Found Glory – Not Without A Fight

With guitar hooks that you could use to pick up a small animal, New Found Glory still continue to nail their colours ever so proudly to the pop punk mast. Aptly titled opener, ‘Right Where We Left off’ wrestles bouncingly with an oft visited subject matter of theirs, lust as a weapon and the pitfalls attached to feelings of it. The balance between chugging rhythm and the bemused vocal projection of Jordan Pundik, is something that producer Mark Hoppus (Blink 182) has obviously paid some attention to. A more stirring take on punk ‘Listen To Your Friends’, whilst having a typical high school rock theme comes from the school of yearning song building that is synonymous with British punks A. Especially in the more drawn out vocals akin to the style Jason Perry always used to good effect.

It may come as a dose of bitter disappointment to those who have followed these Florida tykes over the past decade and more, but there is an element of maturity to the lyrics and the song style tends to draw out the mood a lot more. ‘Truck Stop Blues’ displays better than most their meaningful lyrical strut, as life on the road is robbed of its glory;

“I’m in a different state every night, we’re kept together by telephone lines.

The mile markers help me count down the next time I’ll be around,

the only thing I rely on is fallen leaves.”

Old skool Rock N’ Roll riffs gives ‘I’ll Never Love Again’ a nostalgic edge and their heavier side is leant on in the metal touching, ‘Reasons’ and continues into the demoralised, ‘Such A Mess’ .

There is a veil of darkness that is beginning to hide some of the frivolity and an emo trickle runs through the album, especially in the lyrics. Every album of this ilk needs a tear jerking power ballad and, in ‘Heartless At Best’ N F G has just this. ‘Don’t Let This Be The End’, is the epitome of the ballsy, pop punk sound that has given this Florida troupe continuing success. It looks like they still have the vigour and rhythm to keep it going for some years yet.

Tara Jane ONeil – Drowning

Tara Jane ONeil signs to K Records, new album on the way. “A Ways Away” is out on May 5th. A Ways Away her fifth album and first for K. The first track available from the record is for download.

Download: Tara Jane ONeil – Drowning

Tapes ‘n Tapes, The Subjects & Wild Light @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC (2/26/09)

I’d like to, first and foremost, give everyone the advice of watching opening acts! I don’t care if it’s not “hip” to be prompt… have a drink, make some friends and see those smaller bands that open gigs. They’re the first thing you hear that night so I give them credit and believe me when I say that credit is aplenty when referring to Wednesday night’s inaugural band The Subjects. This Brooklyn native’s debut CD was released back in ‘07 and they are currently in the midst of recording their second album (which I’m actually looking forward to). They formed in New York City — two were teachers (Dave Sheinkopf, Joe Smith) and two were students (Jimmy Carbonetti, Matt Iwanusa). Crazy, right? Their sound was unique and reminded me a bit of The Strokes (with Pavement influences), and a few songs, such as “The Hounds of War,” encompassed an almost bluesy sound to them that everyone really seemed to get into. Sheinkopf’s vocals cracked at the high notes but were unbreakable with the swelling backing of vocals. Overall, their set was fantastic for a band I have never even heard of. Definitely a band with a lot of potential.

Bring on Wild Light (and skin tight white David Bowie pants). By the time Wild Light graced the stage, Bowery was plentiful in people. They opened their set with “Red House,” but really caught the crowds attention with “New Hampshire.” You know you’re doing something right when you can get a venue (the majority of them who are there to see a band that’s NOT yours) to sing along without even asking them to. Their lyrics are candid and brought back some small-town memories and plenty of New England pride bubbled inside me. One song seemed to flow into the next and I wasn’t sure if this was a good or bad thing, but I felt the crowd dying down and becoming anxious. “The Party OMG” picked up the pace and truly stood out from the rest of the set. It was if they were trying to find their own sound all night and finally hit the right chord with the crowd. Their hit single, “California On My Mind,” brought in a pop feel with some bittersweet lyrics about the west coast (bittersweet being a more gentle term) and they truly won my heart by the end of “Call Home.” Overall the set seemed rather monotone — songs morphed together one right after the other, but the few mentioned above really makes me believe that Wild Light is a band on the rise. Oh… and this native New Hampshire band’s new record is out on Tuesday. So check that out! Live free or die!

I absolutely adore prompt shows. Everything seemed to be on time and it really kept the crowd happy. A few notes about said crowd: eclectic as all hell! Incredibly chill group, minus a few unnecessary drunk ‘bros,’ and it seemed a little female dominated. Go us! For those who were there, the short balding man in the front who could not cease dancing (never mind watching his attempts to dance with others) was a winning moment. For those who weren’t there — be jealous you didn’t get to dance with that hunk of sweet and sassy moves.

Tapes ‘n Tapes has a knack for definitely drawing in an interesting crowd and for the first time in my life i witnessed a hipster moshpit. “George Michael” truly encompassed it’s own sound and “Hang Them All” really displayed a polished live sound that included some serious sing-along action. The head-bobbing, toe-tapping and full out hipster-moshing slowed down a bit with the first half of “Manitoba,” but with their dynamic and aggressive sound picked right back up at the end and created a fully-loaded rock out session that got everyone’s blood flowing. Almost every song began with the whooping cheers of approval — The opening line of “Headshock” causing a surge in applause: “I was hitting and sowing the tide/For the waiting until you were mine.” “Demon Apple” brought back the hipster-pit of jumping/dancing/giggling/hugging/slight shoving. It was almost obnoxious to watch, but not one body stood still for “Conquest” (and if you say you were still, you are a liar!) If the little balding man in front was rocking out as hard as he was, you had to at least be wiggling your big toe to that catchy gem.

What I find great about Tapes ‘n Tapes is simply their sound. They can take a song, start it off incredibly mellow (almost bluesy at times), bump it up to a more dance/pop beat and then bash it over your face and rock. Aside from the mic being sporadically low, everything else blended perfectly. Kudos to the sound tech! Throw in a handful of new songs and you have yourself an overall fantastic show. The moment that won my heart was “Insistor.” Catchy riffs, fantastic lyrics (“And don’t be terse and don’t be shy/Just hug my lips and say good lies/And know that I will be your bail bond”) and a disco ball. Although the crowd began to clear out around 11:45, Tapes ‘n Tapes still had a few in ‘em and ended with “Just Drums,” but it was the crowd echoing a soccer chant that enticed their return to the stage for an encore that included “Omaha.”

The Prodigy Invaders Must Die Deal

We don’t post deals that often but this is to good to miss. The Prodigy’s newest release, Invaders Must Die, is set to be Amazon’s “MP3 Daily Deal” on Monday, March 2nd. The album download will be priced at $1.99 exclusively for this day. Invaders Must Die will be released in the US on Tuesday, March 3rd.

Chairlift sign to Columbia reissue album

Chairlift recently signed to Columbia Records. Chairlift plans to re-release Does You Inspire You through their new label home on April 21st. Full details below

Does You Inspire You track listing:
1. Garbage
2. Planet Health
3. Earwig Town
4. Bruises
5. Somewhere Around Here
6. Evident Utensil
7. Territory
8. Le Flying Saucer Hat
9. Make Your Mind Up
10. Dixie Gypsy
11. Don’t Give A Damn
12. Chameleon Closet
13. Ceiling Wax

SXSW DATES:

Thurs. 3/19 Other Music Showcase @ Red 7 – 12AM

Thurs. 3/19 Gigotron/Videothing Showcase @ Club 1808

Fri. 3/20 Urban Outfitters Party – 5PM

Fri. 3/20 Under the Radar Party @ Flamingo Cantina – 3:15PM

Sat. 3/21 Filter Magazine Party@ Cedar Street Cafe 1PM

Sat. 3/21 This Side Up Sounds Party @ Red Eyed Fly

Additional Dates with YACHT, Sebastian Tellier and Peter, Bjorn & John:

Chairlift Only

03/07/09 NEW YORK, NY- SANTO’S PARTY HOUSE

With Yacht

03/13/09 CLEVELAND, OH -GROG SHOP

03/14/09 CHICAGO, IL -SCHUBAS TAVERN

03/16/09 ST. LOUIS, MO-THE GARGOYLE

03/17/09 LAWRENCE, KS -JACKPOT

03/18/09 NORMAN, OK -OPOLIS PRODUCTION

With Yacht

03/22/09 DALLAS-FT. WORTH, TX -HOUSE OF BLUES-DALLAS

03/23/09 HOUSTON, TX -WAREHOUSE LIVE

03/24/09 BATON ROUGE, LA -SPANISH MOON

03/25/09 NEW ORLEANS, LA – HOUSE OF BLUES

03/26/09 TALLAHASSEE, FL- FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, CLUB DOWNUNDER

03/27/09 ATHENS, GA -40 WATT CLUB

Chairlift Only

03/28/09 NASHVILLE, TN- EXIT/ IN

With Sebastien Tellier

04/13/09 SEATTLE, WA -CHOP SUEY

04/14/09 VANCOUVER, BC- RICHARD’S ON RICHARD’S

04/15/09 PORTLAND, OR -DOUG FIR LOUNGE

04/17/09 SAN FRANCISCO, CA -THE INDEPENDENT

Chairlift Only

04/19/09 DENVER, CO- BLUEBIRD THEATRE

Supporting Peter Bjorn and John

04/21/09 MINNEAPOLIS, MN -FINE LINE MUSIC CAFE

04/22/09 MILWAUKEE, WI -PABST THEATRE

04/23/09 CHICAGO, IL -METRO

04/24/09 NEWPORT, KY -SOUTHGATE HOUSE

04/25/09 TORONTO, ON- PHOENIX THEATRE

04/26/09 OTTAWA, ON- CAPITAL MUSIC HALL

04/27/09 MONTREAL, QC- LE NATIONAL

04/28/09 BOSTON, MA -PARADISE ROCK CLUB

04/29/09 NEW YORK, NY -WEBSTER HALL

04/30/09 WILLIAMSBURG, NY -MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG

05/01/09 PHILADELPHIA, PA -WORLD CAFE

05/02/09 WASHINGTON, DC -9:30 CLUB

BONNAROO Festival

06/11/09 MANCHESTER, TN- BONNAROO

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band tour and album details

Seattle quintet Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band is set to release its self titled, debut full – length, available worldwide March 10, 2009 on Dead Oceans. The album was co-produced by the band and Scott Colburn (Animal Collective, Arcade Fire).

MSHVB will kick off its first major U.S. tour, tonight, Thu. Feb. 26 in San Francisco, CA at the Noise Pop Festival. From Mar. 12 through Apr. 5, the band will team up with Dead Oceans label mates Bishop Allen. There will also be a series of festival appearances, including SXSW and Sasquatch! Music Festival. Full tour and album details below.

MSHVB Tour Dates:
2/26 — San Francisco, CA — Rickshaw Shop
2/28 — Salem, OR — Ike Box
3/6 — Seattle, WA — Neumo’s*
3/12 — Philadelphia, PA–First Unitarian Church^
3/13 — Washington, DC– Black Cat^
3/14 — Chapel Hill, NC — Local 506^
3/15 — Asheville, NC — Rocket Club^
3/16 — Memphis, TN — Hi-Tone^
3/17 — Little Rock, AR — Sticky Fingerz^
3/18 — Denton, TX — Hailey’s^
3/19 — Austin, TX — SXSW / WOXY In Studio Appearance
3/19 — Austin, TX — SXSW / Mohawk – Dead Oceans/Secretly Canadian/Jagjaguar Showcase
3/20 — Austin, TX — SXSW/ Urban Outfitters Instore Day Party
3/20 — Austin, TX — SXSW / Planetary & Sonicbids Day Party
3/20 — Austin, TX — SXSW / Austin Convention Center at Sesac Day Stage
3/21 — Austin, TX — SXSW / SXSeattle Day Party
3/21 — Austin, TX — SXSW / Homeslice Pizza Day Party
3/23 — Los Angeles, CA — Troubadour^
3/24 — San Francisco, CA — Rickshaw Stop^
3/26 — Salt Lake City, UT — Kilby Court^
3/27 — Provo, UT — Velour ^
3/28 — Denver, CO — Hi-Dive^
3/29 — Lawrence, KS –Jackpot^
3/30 — St. Louis, MO — Off Broadway
3/31 — Chicago, IL — Subterrean^
4/1 — Grantham, PA — Messiah College^
4/2 — Northampton, MA — Iron Horse^
4/3 — Boston, MA — Middle East^
4/4 — Brooklyn, NY — Music Hall of Williamsburg^
4/5 — New York, NY — Bowery Ballroom^
4/7 — Pittsburgh, PA — Brillobox
4/8 — Bloomington, IN — Bear’s Place
4/9 — Urbana, IL — Courtyard Café
4/12 — Minneapolis, MN — 7th Street Entry
4/13 — Fargo, ND — The Aquarium
4/15 — Missoula, MT — The Badlander
4/16 — Spokane, WA — Empyrean Coffee House
4/18 — Portland, OR — Doug Fir**
* with Say Hi, Visqueen
^ with Bishop Allen
**w/ War on Drugs

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band Tracklisting:
1. Who’s Asking
2. Masquerade
3. Cheer For Fate
4. Anchors Dropped
5. Going On A Hunt
6. A Year Or Two
7. Albatross Albatross Albatross
8. Dull Reason
9. Little Red Shoes
10. En Fuego
11. On The Collar

Me My Head – Night Is On Fire

Video to the latest single “Night Is On Fire” by the band ME MY HEAD

Human Highway – The Sound

Director: Olivier Groulx
Suicide Squeeze Records 2009

Lady Sovereign – So Human

The single “So Human” is out in the UK on 30th March.

It’s taken from the album “Jigsaw” which is out on 13th April.

Dananananaykroyd debut album details

Dananananaykroyd release their debut album “Hey Everyone” on April 6th. The twelve track record will be released via Best Before. The full details below

Tracklisting

1. Hey Everyone
2. Watch This
3. The Greater Than Symbol & The Hash
4. Black Wax
5. Totally Bone
6. Pink Sabbath
7. Infinity Milk
8. One Chance
9. Some Dresses
10. 1993
11. Hey James
12. Song One Puzzle

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