I was reading rock sound magazine, out of the UK, and it turns out this band Funeral For A Friend were raised in Christian homes, even if the paragraph immediately beforehand detailed vocalist Matt Davies' exploits at a strip club. Didn't Ferret Records release this band's debut album in north America? I think so. Interesting.
We think it's mad cold here in Ottawa, peep this: New England hit MINUS SEVENTY DEGREES Celsius. That's minus with a big 7-0 for those keeping score at home. That is ungodly.
The Christian music scene has its own Jack Johnson, and his name is Paul Wright. Competent, catchy little fluffs of songs with some sun and surf. Not entirely loathesome, I guess. Check out Gotee Records if this is your bag.
The new four-song EP from One Cross is just like their full-length from a couple years ago: thoroughly competent. Some decent riffs here and there, but there's something missing, and I'm at a loss for what it is. The kids love them; they've played tons of festivals and radio gigs and stuff, but...I don't know. Good band, but missing something vital.
I read Ryan Clark(Focal Point, Training For Utopia, Demon Hunter)'s story in the liner for the Zao best-of Solid State Records put out; fascinating glimpse into what it was like to be involved with the Christian hardcore movement of the mid- to late-'90s. I missed that particular boat, unfortunately. And Zao, love 'em or love to hate 'em, were and are a phenomenal metal band.
Josh Chambers has some big ol' news: try Fear Before the March of Flames playing live here in Cap City February 3rd? As if that isn't enough, local upstarts Is Grace Enough are headlining. Other bands include Salt the Earth and Trials of Judea(side project of Fifth Grade Hero). Club SAW, eight bucks, six pm.
In related news, District 7 are playing SAW tonight, January 17th. Be there.
Born-again Christian Dave Mustaine collaborated recently with Pillar, a band I don't much like, but that's not the point. Mustaine was a founding member of Metallica waaay back, but made his name as the leader of another Bay Area metal band called Megadeth. This is, um, unusual. [rockrebel]
Online store Smartpunk.com will have their very own stage at this year's Warped Tour, and check out who's playing on it: Over It, Saosin and the metal beasts As I Lay Dying, among others. Good debut for a stage, I daresay. [soundthesirens]
Australian film company Conglomerate Films has made a short documentary on the Juliana Theory's tour of the land down under with One Dollar Short in tow. Download it here if you're interested. [noisetheory]
Bad Religion will be rereleasing their back catalogue later in the spring. Well then!
Finger Eleven are playing at Ottawa University next Friday, January 23rd. I just found out 'bout this last night, but I have a prior commitment(I think) which could preclude me from attending. Either way, they're great guys. Go check 'em out.