It's likely this will be the last update until next week, so whassup y'all? Greetings from a rather cold basement in Morrisvegas, Ontario, home of "Upper Canada" Everything, a stretch of the mighty St. Lawrence river, rednecks, hicks, and my lovely parents. We depart in T-minus two hours for my brother Dan's graduation from Redeemer University down in Ancaster, surrounded by swarms of family and friends. Should be a good time.
To the news!! *dramatic music*
Firstly, our traffic here at sd is higher than it's ever been, and we thank you, the readers, for continually coming back for the news - starting next week interviews and CD reviews willl again be a regular feature. Thanks for your patience.
I got a text message the other day with news from Ryan that long-running Calgary punk band Belvedere have suddenly called it quits. It ticks me off that I was only able to see them once(at Carleton U with the Mad Caddies, to this day the only show I've ever been to that was shut down by police). There was no warning of this sad, sad event, just a terse statement, excerpted here: "Due to financial complications and situations arising out of our control, we decided, as a band, it would be better those involved to discontinue the band." Simple as that. RIP Belvedere. [saveyourscene]
Speaking of great punk bands, in a surprising(to some) move, Strike Anywhere have joined the ranks of the Fat Wreck Chords roster; they'll do the Warped Tour this summer, record this winter and release their Fat debut next spring. "I refuse to run/and I/will die before I kneel/IN THIS WAY!!"
...and speaking of the massive Warped tour, I'll be attending my first this summer, God willing, July 29th in Montreal. Here's some bands yours truly will be busting his rear to catch that marvelous afternoon: My Chemical Romance, Strung Out, Relient K, Thrice, MxPx, Mae, Saosin, Emery, .hopesfall, A Wilhelm Scream and Bleed The Dream. Whew!
Even more surprising now is word that NYC hardcore band Sworn Enemy have signed with worldwide metal label Century Media...weird. Why do I get the feeling I'm being toyed with? Anyway, if it's real, SE will start their next record in a couple weeks down in San Diego...where it's sunny and beautiful...as opposed to eastern Ontario...where apparently the memo was missed that it's SPRING. Argh.
Our girl Samantha up in the 819 is putting on a great show in her stomping grounds of Shawville: June 9th at the RA Centre(455 Hillcrest) will see Shotgun Rules(southern Ontario screamo) with The Fully Down, Forty Cent Fix and In Safe Hands. Too bad it's a Thursday night or I'd totally go to this.
If you're into The Used(I'm not, really, but they're a decent rock and roll band), check out Kids In The Way(Flicker Records); their second album Apparitions of Melody dropped a couple weeks ago, and musicrefuge.com interviews them over here.
Tooth and Nail Records' Sullivan are getting ready to record their T&N debut with producer Matt Goldman...wait...hold up here. Who the blazes are Sullivan?? How is it this label consistently signs these bands(Discover America, Waking Ashland, Pivitplex) that I've never even heard of?? Eesh. [indievisionmusic]
Posted by mike at May 27, 2005 10:28 AM