The Weak's End is the upcoming debut release from Emery(Tooth and Nail Records); the album is slated for January 27th, 2004, and absolutepunk has an early, early download of 'Walls', from said album. Go listen.
Mae and Something Corporate are set to hit the tour road together; one Canadian date is listed(November 28th at Toronto's House of Blues), and you really should get out to see Mae, who are amazing. Rx Bandits are opening for the entire tour.
New L.A. Symphony e-card! Clicky clicky!!
The Agony Scene are really making a name for themselves. Check who they're playing with in the coming months: Suicide Machines, Avenged Sevenfold, Mushroomhead and the ever-lovin' hardcore LEGENDS Integrity! Daaaaaaaaaaang!
Taken straight from a Solid State Records update email: "DEAD POETIC OUT OF THE STUDIO AND ON TOUR WITH PROJECT 86, HOTWIRE AND OTHERS - Since Dead Poetic left the studio earlier this week we've been listening to a new song from the record and it's possibly the best stuff the band has ever done." I cannot wait.
The new issue of HM magazine is out, with a really good, necessary cover story. (Thanks, hxc)
I'm really excited, because there's a new Smalltown Poets album coming out early next year on BEC Recordings. Solid pop-rock, and I'm a sucker for a great hook. [cmcentral}
This really sucks: Fono(remember them? Great British band) lost everything involved with their musical career(studio, masters for their new album, etc) to the fires presently raging through the southern California area. As a result, they'll be "disappearing" for a while to regroup as a band, which is entirely understandable. Our thoughts and prayers are still with everyone in that region.
Remember Alien Ant Farm? I do, because I just listened to their first album an hour ago. Anyway, they've parted ways with guitarist Terry Corso. As long as they don't lose their bassist, because that guy amuses me. [theprp]
November 26th at Babylon here in Ottawa: Poison the Well with Every Time I Die and Armsbendback. Oh, and This Day Forward, who really impressed me when I saw them a couple months ago.
This year's Take Action Tour brought to us by Hopeless Records(among others) donated just over thirty-seven thousand dollars to the National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE. Great job, everyone involved. [punknews]
How's this for weird: Hazen Street, featuring members of New Found Glory and Madball among others, has signed to D.C. Flag, a record label run by - get this now - the two brothers from Good Charlotte. What the...? To top it off, guess who's producing the first album? That's right: Howard Benson(P.O.D.). Odd.
More punkish news: the video for Rancid's 'Red Hot Moon' was shot recently at NYC's legendary CBGB's, and can viewed right on over here. Knock yourselves out.
Even MORE punk news: the Warped Tour will have two shows in Japan next year. I can hear the Japanese version of Gap kids rejoicing already.
Didn't know about this, but I do now: Ferret Records has a brand-spankin'-new website. Check out the new Ferretstyle, with thanks to pastepunk.
The November issue of Scenezine will be up in a few days, if their news section can be believed. Included will be interviews with As I Lay Dying and Evergreen Terrace.
This is impressive: onegoldenspoon has a brand-new layout, and it's smokin'. As someone has a lot of history with those guys, I'm here to say well done. Check 'em out.
Belated props have to be thrown to Rise Over Run, who may have showed up late for Sunday's show, but wrecked some big ol' stage whence they did materialize. What a show. Since The Flood and If Hope Dies were also out in full effect; too bad nobody else showed up. Sorry, Blake! The show rocked regardless!
The entire length of Payable On Death, the newest from P.O.D., has been streamed and can be had here. (Thanks, rockrebel)
Soulfest 2003 back in June outside Ottawa was an artistic success, if not a commercial one(with acts like Five Iron Frenzy and Sixpence None The Richer, how could it not have been?), but the festival wrote sd.com a couple weeks ago to say they won't be back in Canada in '04; they're aiming for a 2005 edition though. Keep them in your prayers. As well, if you order your four-day ticket for Soulfest at Loon Mountain in 2004 by November 1st, it'll cost you a measly sixty bucks(US). Check out this unconfirmed artist list: "hird Day, Newsboys, Mercy Me, Delirious, Steven Curtis Chapman, Toby Mac, Switchfoot, Superchick, Audio Adrenaline, Jars of Clay, Cross Movement, Jeremy Camp, David Crowder Band, Paul Colman, Jason Upton, John Rueben, Grits, Kutless, Thousand Foot Krutch, Supertones, Relient K, Bleach, Rock and Roll Worship Circus, East West, Bob Rice & the Backyard Galaxy, Jim Trick, Tom Conlin and several others. NOTE these bands are not yet confirmed. We're talking to agents, managers, artists, God, and anyone who has something brilliant to offer SoulFest 2004." Daaaaang.
Anthrax and hardcore legends the Cro-Mags were in Montreal recently and qchc has their review posted for your edification. I'd have to gone to that.
In Flames are working on their next record, the followup to Trigger or whatever their last one was called. It had that great video where they looked just like some Florida band, all t-shirted and dreadlocked and junk. Awesome. Check out their website for all the goodies.
mewithoutYou lost their cat. How sad. Still an amazing band though! [hardcorechristian]
I thought this was funny: "Tickets go onsale November 4th for the pathetic 2-date Australian tour for Radiohead in April 2004.
APRIL 23 - SYDNEY, Entertainment Centre
APRIL 26 - MELBOURNE, Rod Laver Arena"
noisetheory's dry Aussie humour. Gotta love it.
I thought this was not funny, but way cool: "Last week P.O.D. flew to Cologne, Germany for a "guerilla" show at Siegerlandhalle, a 2,000 capacity club. During sound check, a 3' x 3' sections of the ceiling crashed to the stage and floor area, destroying equipment and causing German authorities to cancel the show. The kids revolted and P.O.D. decided to stay in Germany an extra day to make up the show. The show moved to the Oberhausen Arena, and the event turned into a media frenzy—all over TV, radio, and the cover of every newspaper. The next morning, 4,000 tickets moved in one hour and more than 10,000 kids filled the Oberhausen Arena in less than 24 hours ..." My BOYS. [relevant]
NBA regular season kicks off tonight with my T-dot Raptors taking on Jersey at home. Go Raptors! Maybe they won't miss the playoffs this year.
Switchfoot are still rising: The Beautiful Letdown has sold 330,000 copies to date. I own of them, and you should too. [cmcentral]
Burn Beautiful will be the title of the new Zao record; the band has indeed signed with Carl Severson's Ferret Records. Look for the new album next summer. I'm so stoked. [lambgoat]
Dude! Sick Of It All and Most Precious Blood on tour? Together?? Hot diggity! Here are them dates. In related news, MPB drummer Sean McCann has left the band due to a back injury. That sucks. He's a great guy.
Fearless Records' Punk Goes Acoustic album dropped last week; the CD features bands like Thrice, Thursday, Rise Against and Strike Anywhere doing uncharacteristically-acoustic material. I don't know if I wanna hear it. [punknews]
Booyah: 1340mag has a new slew of interviews up, including Arkansas band Spoken, who I'm a big fan of, not that that justifies your clicking on the link or anything, but yeah. We'll have our review of their latest record soon, too, I think. The interview features this line, which I find hysterical: "In the beginning we wanted to use "Kill the Twilight" as the title. When we presented that to the label though they checked with their lawyers and felt that there may be an issue with the Christian market with the word "Kill"." Are you kidding me? Come off it.
I love this west coast band Harkonen, and they have a new EP entitled Dancing that comes out January 20th on Initial Records(this after their debut full-length Shake Harder Boy hit last year on Hydra Head Records). I'll be all over that one. Melodic, artsy aggression. Oh yeah. [pastepunk]
pastepunk shares sd.com's HQ Coffee Addiction. Way to be, Tim Horton's!
Keep an eye on Blackout! Records. They have Ensign on their roster, and that's jolly good enough for me.
The new Hatebreed record drops tomorrow; judging from what we saw and heard when they hit Ottawa last month, it is absolutely immense. No longer a one-dimensional hardcore band. Wow.
Rag Men is a hardcore superband featuring members past and present of Hatebreed, Madball, Merauder and Earth Crisis, and they've signed on Eulogy Records' dotted line; the full-length label debut will hit in February '04. I can't wait. MADBALL, yo! [qchc]
Dashboard Confessional are playing the Napster Re-Appearance party. Also appearing: Ludacris, Interpol and DJ Mello-D(who did a cut on a Sup the Chemist album years ago! Remember that??). [aversion]
I love this post, depressing as it is for the kangaroo: Australia's I Killed The Prom Queen, en route back from opening for Boy Sets Fire in Brisbane, hit a kangaroo. The kicker? This line: "The band have no insurance on their van, so if anyone can help them out, contact..." Am I the only one who finds this funny? They're more concerned about the van! [noisetheory]
Fall Out Boy, a big internet buzz band from the Fueled By Ramen Records camp, have made the jump to Island Records. Innnneresting.
Count the Cost is the new band formed by former Point of Recognition frontman Aaron, and you can get their new EP at givemestrength. Man, PoR were great. [instrife]
Every Tuesday night through November will find The Strokes playing live on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. This is like what they did with The White Stripes six months ago. [relevant]
So two-sixths of sd.com's venerable staff hit the MxPx show in Montreal last night. From what I gather, intrepid reviewer Steph T. had a good time, while the ever-agitating Dave Mac almost got thrown out for some yet-to-be-determined reason. These are the fine folks bringing the ruckus to you, kids. More on this later, I presume.
There are interesting goings-on at the Smallman Records camp, mainly the continuing breakout success of Brampton, ON's Moneen, currently on tour down in the U.S. with Saves the Day and Taking Back Sunday, promoting their latest album Are We Really Happy With Who We Are Right Now?. How's that for building a rep? Check out the label; they's good people.
Band to check out: from Ste. Catharine's, Ontario, Sleeper Set Sail. Get on it.
All the latest on Jars of Clay's upcoming album and tour with Caedmon's Call can be found right over here.
One of the best hiphop songs this year: Mars Ill's 'Breath Slow'. Hit it up. [sphereofhiphop]
Oh, this is good schtuff: lambgoat has some new tuneage for us from Brooklyn's own Most Precious Blood.
Live At The Grand Olympic Auditorium is the upcoming posthumous album from Rage Against The Machine, one of my favourite bands all-time even if I'm not some super-political activist sort. It hits November 25th through Epic Records. [theprp]
Check out P.O.D.'s video for 'Will You', thanks to the lovely World Wide Web.
Belvedere, one of Canada's best speed-punk bands, are releasing their fourth album next March, and they're also in Ottawa November 18th with Closet Monster. Might wanna hit that. [punknews]
The new Insyderz record, Soundtrack To A Revolution, is possibly the best comeback record I've ever heard. Seriously. Pick it up November 11th when it hits.
The guys at junkedcamera are on their horse; click on the linkitylinkity for pics of the massive Norma Jean show Tuesday. Wow.
Band name of the day: You're Fired. I love it.
Download Freddie Bruno's 'The Next Level' and TELL ME that bass kick isn't ridiculous!
One of my favourite newschool pop punk bands, New Found Glory(and I don't care who hates on me for it!), are in the studio and want you to watch.
Squad 5-0 are reaping the benefits of having signed with Capitol Records earlier this year: the boys are opening for a slew of Social Distortion shows. I'd kill to see that. [hardcorechristian]
This is new and interesting to me: Reeve Oliver is a new band featuring members of one of my all-time favourites, Dogwood. Check out the website for all the dirt.
Small Brown Bike have canceled all upcoming tour dates, leading to the obvious speculation about a breakup, but nothing has been confirmed yet, so don't barrel off to the rumour mill yet. They'll let us know in their own good time, I wager. [punkhardcore]
Whoa! Unearth have signed with Metal Blade Records(home also to As I Lay Dying). Quote: "The guys couldn't be happier about signing to Metal Blade. The entire staff at MB, especially President Mike Faley and Owner Brian Slagel, have made it clear to us that we will get a major push and never be asked to compromise our artistic freedom. Signing this deal will allow us to continue with our vision of bringing real music back to the forefront while sticking with a grass roots label that has done nothing but stand behind heavy music for over 20 years." Hot diggity. [noisetheory]
I love the title of this new Blindside song featuring Billy Corgan: 'Hooray, It's L.A.' Awesome! [relevant]
Tonight is the Tooth and Nail showcase at Downtime in Manhatten, part of the CMJ week proceedings. What I'd give to be there. My friend Emily is, and I'm just about dying of envy over here. If you're going, Watashi Wa had to bail, but Underoath will be taking the stage in their place. A fair trade, I imagine.
Vancouver, pay attention: November 7th is closing in, and you gotta catch Further Seems Forever with the newly-reformed(again) Zao, as well as Armor For Sleep and Beloved.
And SPEAKING of Beloved, my heavens, did they and Norma Jean ever tear the roof off the dump at Babylon last night. The turnout was subpar, but artistically if not commercially, it was a raving success. Keep an eye out for our little chat with members of both bands. At some point.
Dig it: new full-length from The Deal is recorded, titled(Cut Throat) and will be in our hands as soon as Facedown Records can make it happen.
This stuns me, AND it sucks: Josh Niemyjski is leaving Uprok Records in a week or so to pursue other interests. I've had a personal and business relationship with Captain Hiphop for a couple years now, and it's been way fulfilling. God bless, Josh.
Interesting piece on Listener over at sphereofhiphop; run over and check that out. Good, good MC.
Blindside's new record About A Burning Fire hits early next year, and guess who's gonna be on it? None other than Smashing Pumpkins mastermind Billy Corgan. Innnneresting. [buzzgrinder] Oh, and the 'buzz also has an interview up with Symphony In Peril vocalist Shawn Jonas. Whee!
Toronto filmmaker Adam Bialo wants your band's Southern Ontario video shoot to be his work. Check this out for more info. [punknews]
pastepunk: still the best out there. Oh yeah. And they like this band Cauterize from Oshawa, who I've heard are quite the ruckus over at Wind-Up Records(Finger Eleven, etc.)
Do this right now: hit Unearth's website for a sample of the newest song from Boston's best. *salivates*
I missed it, but Toby Mac had a song featured during a commercial bumper on Monday Night Football the other night. Awesome. We like Toby here. We also wonder when dc Talk are gonna do another album. [sporknews]
Not much of a news update this afternoon, because I'm far too preoccupied with the impending ruckus that will be Norma Jean, Figure Four and Beloved. Many many many thanks go out to Daniel NJ and Emily Orzio for making sweetdisaster a presence at this event. Oh yes. Doors at six tonight(October 21st), thirteen or fifteen dollars, something like that. If there are tickets left. This will be large. Oh, and Forsaken Trust are opening.
There's been a rather large to-do over a former 'zine I spent three years working on and Shawn Scallen, one of Ottawa's foremost promoters/DIYers, if not the foremost. I don't know what to say, so I'm not saying nothing. I just hope the parties involved can reconcile.
*sigh*
Narcissus are a band that had a song on the last Solid State compilation(I think it was volume three) that really impressed me. I heard a long time ago that Relient K's first drummer is now in Narcissus, but who knows if that's true; either way, they've put out a new album on Abacus Recordings(part of the Century Media empire of fine tunes) and decapolis has their take here.
The following was sent to the decapolis kiddies by Ester Drang, courtesy of their label; if you can help, by all means do it. The email is as follows: "Not sure if you heard but Ester Drang was in a real bad van accident late Friday night. Their van, trailer, and all their equipment was totaled/destroyed. They are all fortunately okay. But trying to find transportation to finish the tour they are on with American Analog Set at get to NYC by Friday to play the Jade Tree CMJ Showcase. Was wondering if you knew anyone, friends, family, or friends or family of friends that had a van or some vehicle that would be willing to help them out/drive them around to finish the tour? The tour would end November 15th. Maybe you can do a posting on decapolis.com when you get this to call out to anyone willing to help or lend a hand. Anyone able and willing should email Ester Drang @ esterdrang@hotmail.com. Thanks! Tim"
How can Tyler at junkedcamera have shots up of Most Precious Blood without some pictures of the ever-gorgeous Rachel on guitar? His only excuse is if she wasn't there for whatever reason.
New sd.com partners Side One Dummy Records have signed California band Go Betty Go, despite having kind of a stupid name. I don't mean to pile on a band, but, yeah. Well. New album forthcoming. Any label that releases a killer album like the latest from Slick Shoes will be forgiven anything. [aversion]
Park singer Ladd Mitchell, a class act, recently had surgery to relieve some ravaged vocal cords; he dealt with bad tonsillitis over the band's summer tour. Godspeed your recovery, brah. Park's new record It Won't Snow Where You're Going hits November 4th. Go Chicago, even if the Cubs LOST the pennant. *mutters*
Saves The Day singer Chris Conley has the same last name as my boss. *eerie music*
Found out today that Poison the Well and Every Time I Die are playing here in Ottawa November 26th along with Facedown Records' rising prodigies This Runs Through. Hope I can hit that.
The Quiggles of Erie, PA(notable for xDisciplex A.D.) are at it again, having formed another band called All Sacred. Check out an mp3. Do it. NOW. [hardcorechristian]
At last week's San Diego Music Awards, our boys Switchfoot cleaned up, taking home both Best Pop Album and Album of the Year for The Beautiful Letdown. Also copping a plaque were The Accident Experiment, featuring former P.O.D. guitarist Marcos Curiel alongside Pete Stewart(remember Grammatrain? SUCH a good band). Full list of winners? Right here. [relevant]
Hot diggity: an interview with Converge frontman Jacob Bannon, courtesy of the lovely folks at fineprintmag!
We are seriously(really, we are) working to get the fully-realized sweetdisaster on the web ASAP. Bear with us. I've been saying for a month though; even I'm getting sick of hearing myself say it.
Revelation of the month: the new Thousand Foot Krutch album, entitled Phenomenon. This record fits its moniker far more than I would have expected; I thought I'd grown past Trevor McNevan and Co.'s chosen path, but they've surprised me. Aaron Sprinke produced it, and as my boy Danny Bittle put it last night, he sure did his sprinkling all over this baby. What a sound. Highly recommended.
Some Agony Scene news: I had the chance to catch their video for 'We Bury Our Dead At Dawn' last night at sd.com man Dave Flikkema's house; it's on the brand-new Solid State DVD(buy it Tuesday when it hits stores). This same vid premiered earlier this week on MTV's Extreme Rock show, and it reminded both myself and Flikkema's lovely wife Kelly of an AFI video for some reason. Who knows? [hxc]
November 15th at Babylon here in metro Ottawa: Stretch Arm Strong with Haste and With Honor. Hot diggity. As if that's not enough, SAS are also part of the east-coast run of the Stillborn Fest tour, featuring Hatebreed, Madball, Sick Of It All and Agnostic Front. Hot FRIG! Dates to come on that one.
Like I need to promote this one: next Tuesday, you had better be at Babylon to see Norma Jean with Figure Four and Beloved. I'm scheduled to work that night, but you can bet I'll fake sick or outright quit for this show.
Copped from a Solid State email:
SOLID STATE CMJ SHOWCASE, OCTOBER 22 IN NYC!
"For those coming out to NYC for the CMJ Fest this year, don’t miss the chance to come out to the Solid State showcase at club Downtime. Solid State artists
performing are The Agony Scene and Norma Jean along with Tooth and Nail artists Anberlin, mewithoutYou, Watashi WA and Emery. Upstairs will be Ferret and Trustkill artists Nora, Every Time I Die and more. Check out http://www.cmj.com for up-to-the-minute information." What I would give to BE THERE.
Taking a sharp turn away from the heavy side of the spectrum, this news excites me: Jars of Clay's sixth record Who We Are Instead is being prepared for a November 4th release. Thirteen tracks of self-produced JOC goodness. Mmhmm. Oh, and a couple studio guests include Ben Mize(Counting Crows) and Ken Coomer(Wilco). Impressive. [cmcentral]
Hello: Chris Staples(formerly of twothirtyeight) has replaced Nic Tse in Unwed Sailor. Innnnneresting. [buzzgrinder]
Blink 182 and Bubba Sparxxx touring together? It's true. Heavens. [theprp]
Finger Eleven are hitting the tour road with Evanescence soon. Good on the Burlington lads. Keep an eye out for an interview we did with 'em a while back.
From Ten Foot Pole's website: ""This week, we checked into Clearlake Audio in North Hollywood to begin recording the initial tracks for our upcoming album, due at the end of March. Our tentative title is Subliminable Messages(inspired by our president's passion for words that don't actually exist). We're thrilled to have Ryan Greene (NOFX, Propagandhi, Lagwagon, b>No Use for a Name, etc.) in the producer's chair again. Things are off to a great start! Expect updates in the coming weeks." [punknews]
New Glisten album, Looking Back On All Of This, is hot.
Check out some new music from Park right over here. I'm a big fan.
pastepunk: they're so friggin' good over there, we'll link to them as long as we and they exist. A happy union forged from rock and roll.
A picture of the cover of P.O.D.'s new single, 'Will You'. Look at it and then tell me it doesn't look like some oldschool Jade Tree album cover.
The first-ever Tooth and Nail Tour starts next February and goes for five weeks coast-to-coast. No word on whether Canada is included - particularly Ottawa, let's face it - but a tour featuring Further Seems Forever, Anberlin and mewithoutYou had better stop by.
bedlamsociety has tons going on, including an Atticus contest, a bus run heading to the November 27th Deftones/Thursday/Thrice show in Mississauga, and lots lots lots more. Hit it up.
Florida's Until The End are heading into the studio this winter to record their fourth album with producer Jeremy Staska. It'll hit stores next spring through Eulogy Records. [qchc]
This JUST in: singing 'Take Me Out To The Ballgame' during Game 7 of the Cubs-Marlins series? None other than ex-Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. Good on him! "Let's get some RUNS!", indeed. As I write this, it's 9-5 Florida. C'mon Cubbies!
Like it wasn't hard enough for American bands to tour Canada before: a cancelled Exploited show in Montreal last night wound up in a riot. Nice, kids. Real nice. Read all about it.
The Agony Scene has a new bassist in time for their hotshot CMJ performance. His name is Steven Kaye and he's a lucky twerp. *smirks* [hardcorechristian]
The Scene: it's new(premiered October 1st), it's well-done, and they have pieces on As I Lay Dying, Figure Four and friggin' Pigeon John for crying out loud! What're you still here for??
Winnipeg's Burn The 8-Track have signed with Abacus Recordings(home also to the amazing Narcissus); they're in the studio as we speak with producer Justin Koop(he's worked with lots and lots of bands, none of which I feel like listing here; go read for yourself for once) and aiming for a spring '04 release. Innnnneresting. [punkhardcore]
Band name of the day: Captain Organ Transplant. Oh yeah.
A band I may never have posted about in my entire life, but still like: The Tea Party's Jeff Burrows(drums) apparently mooched a lotta drumsticks from his timekeeping compatriots at July's SARSfest in Toronto(Rolling Stones, et al.) and will be auctioning them off, with proceeds going to Transition 2 Betterness, a nonprofit cancer charity. Good on him. [chartattack]
Sackcloth Fashion put out a record way back in '99 that blew me away, but their new one, The Lone Flower was a disappointment to me. Relevant mag, however, disagrees.
Bandoppler is having a bit of a hard time getting Issue Numero Dos out to subscribers - something to do with a deranged old Korean lady. Read their Insular News section.
It's foulmouthed, but it's the funniest thing I've read in a long time: fineprintmag's take on the new Take Action double-CD album. Read and howl.
I did a very long, nice news update, but then Microsoft's engineering department displayed their brilliance again, so all was lost. So I'm doing it over.
Check out two new Zao tracks with new vocalist Josh Ashworth(formerly of Society's Finest) right on over here. [hxc]
Relient K are releasing a Christmas album called Deck The Halls, Bruise Your Hand. I won't be buying it. [cmcentral]
Billy Talent are playing Ottawa's brand-new Capital Music Hall November 16th. This'll make up for when they skipped out on the Alexisonfire show a while back. Skipped or couldn't make, who knows. I like them, and everyone who says I suck can bite me.
Rob Froese of 1340mag.com did a really good interview with Jonah Matranga, aka Onelinedrawing. They get into God, religion, music and important things in a way that didn't bore me to read. Check it out.
For my money, pastepunk is the best frigging 'zine on the web. Smart, openminded and hilarious. And they're five years old! Woohoo! Check them out.
'Turn' by the Paul Colman Trio was selected by the Dr. Phil show to promote the new season. How odd/disturbing. [sporknews]
decapolis.com's final interview with Five Iron Frenzy is an absolute gem. Read it right now.
Well.
I just posted a very large update...and you're not reading it. You're reading this. There's a very good reason my email address is an acronym for I Think All Computers Suck.
They do.
We'll try again later. Like maybe when we're working on a computer with post-1985 software.
Michigan is pretty in mid-October.
Greetings from the northern shores of Gun Lake, 'bout thirty minutes outside Grand Rapids, Michigan. Now that the grandparents' 50th anniversary has been duly feted(that was Saturday night) I can simply get back to being on vacation. Therefore, there will be NO news or fun stuff posted right now, because I don't feel like it. No, that can wait til tonight. G'day, kids.
Live from Ancaster, ON, this is editor-boy at sd.com. I'm allegedly on vacation, but this site is my baby in a way, so it's not like I'm gonna ignore it til next weekend. Tomorrow: Michigan to celebrate the grandparents' 50th anniversary. I even bought a card so as not to be mercilessly cut out of the will. Kidding! Music news some other time. Go read all the other 'zines we're connected with.
"The Dying Art of Life" is new from Fighting Jacks on Tooth and Nail Records, and I've never heard it. BUT! There's no reason YOU can't. Hit it up right on over here. Diggity. Speaking of T&N, they have their own showcase at CMJ this year in New York City at place called Downtime. October 22nd will see performances there from Anberlin, Emery(never heard them either, mewithoutYou and Watashi Wa.
Heavens: The Agony Scene and Beloved are doing a split 7-inch of Misfits covers. Weird? Yes. Will I buy it? Probably not. Have I ever even heard a Misfits song? No. [hardcorechristian]
Thrice and Thursday blow my mind; I don't care what anyone says. I just bought War All The Time today and it's gonna floor me, I just know it. I'll have plenty of time in a van en route to Michigan to listen to it, too. Rock.
Call it: Thrice/Thursday Canadian tour hitting Ottawa? Who knows? *prays fervently*
Heads up, Australia: MxPx are headed to your golden shores -
NOVEMBER 22 - BRISBANE, The Arena ALL AGES
NOVEMBER 23 - SYDNEY, UNSW Roundhouse ALL AGES
NOVEMBER 25 - MELBOURNE, Hi-Fi Bar OVER 18
NOVEMBER 26 - MELBOURNE, Hi-Fi Bar UNDER 18
NOVEMBER 28 - ADELAIDE, Adelaide Unibar ALL AGES
Get on it, kids. [noisetheory]
Stolen without remorse from relevant: John Reuben's third album drops December 2nd, entitled Professional Rapper. I for one will own it. My dear friend Amy Clark in Seattle, however, will NOT, for reasons that make no sense. Yeah, Clark, I'm talking to YOU! Why woncha show Reu some love??
fineprintmag, one of sd.com's chief inspirations, is back on the web, and you seriously(like, really) need to go hit them up.
The Terminator is now California's governor. Comedians and late-night talk show hosts everywhere are rejoicing right now.
The ever-classy Sixpence None the Richer are joining the likes of Dave Matthews and Avril Lavigne on an upcoming Christmas album entitled Maybe This Is Christmas Too?. Release date is November 4th. [rockrebel]
The September 23rd issue of throughtheseeyes is now up in their archives section, with features on Lawrence Arms, Integrity and All Out War, who have a new record out on Victory...either already or upcoming, I can't remember. Either way, check it out right over here.
From two separate sources(hxc and qchc) comes word of two new Ferret Records signings: Misery Signals and - steady - Zao, who just will not give it up. Awesome.
Oh, bring the ruckus: For My Enemies, the new track from the massive Madball. They played this new track on their Canadian dates, one of which I was lucky enough to catch. Amazing band.
sd.com web guru Travis Lee "hates work, school and girls". But aside from all that jazz, his band, Wisconsin's Sky Trees In The Greenery Scene has a new website for you to check out, and on TOP of that, they're opening for Sinai Beach in the near future. Kudos to Trav.
aversion have outdone themselves, with a new feature article on NYHC legends Sick Of It All, which you can read by your very own self here. Really interesting read about one of the best bands ever. Seriously.
If you didn't get your tickets to see Rufio here in Ottawa tomorrow night(Wednesday), you're screwed: this puppy be sold out, and no tickets will be available at the door. Too bad, so sad. I'll be working, so my going was never an issue.
Thursday is a big day. October 9th. Why? Because that's when tickets go on sale for - grab some furniture for support here - Boys Night Out, Slick Shoes and Catch 22, who will destroy Babylon November 23rd. Get your tickets ASAP, because this will sell out. I think I'm gonna die from happiness. Much props to Scallen and the crew at punkottawa for the listings.
Roger Miret of Agnostic Front will be opening for the big Rancid show with his band The Disasters. Impressive lineup.
Behold: dates on the happening-as-you-read-this Everybody Wants to Rule The World tour, featuring headliners Relient K with support from various acts including Anberlin, Don't Look Down and Number One Gun. Clicky clicky! [sporknews]
October 28th and 29th in Montreal and Toronto respectively will see Unearth(such a great band) playing on the Headbanger's Ball tour alongside Killswitch Engage and Lamb of God. I'd kill to see that show. [decapolis]
Not to be outdone by an interview I did with them a while back, decapolis.com have slapped up a Nate Bailey interview with Nodes of Ranvier, perhaps Facedown Records' most interesting band.
Some new live shots at junkedcamera, featuring The Reason, Every Time I Die and Ottawa boys The Transit, who I miss terribly - until they get home from their tour.
Here at sd.com we're still working on templates and stylesheets and all that web-design stuff I know nothing about. We want to bring you CD reviews and live reviews and interviews, and we are going to do so just as soon as we get our act together. Bear with us here.
Half of sd.com's Ottawa-based staff(that makes a whole two of us) picked up our copies of the new Slick Shoes album, Far From Nowhere, which blazes; you should probably be dashing out the door at this point to secure yours too.
From punknews: Go-Kart Records recently posted a link to a rather lengthy interview conducted with label head Greg Ross. In the interview, Ross discusses his feelings towards major labels, the RIAA, and MP3 technology in general. Ross also discusses the premise behind the label's upcoming Go-Kart MP300 Raceway double disc compilation, coming out on November 4th. To read the interview, click here.
The Reason have a new video on the web for their track 'Tortoise'; you can view it here, and the band is heading across Canada with their new lineup as you read this. If they stop in your town, you owe it to yourself to see the live show.
There's this crazy ska/hardcore band from Jersey called Folly, who blew my mind with their mix of third-wave ska and nasty hardcore riffery. Anyway, all that to say they've signed with Triple Crown Records; they've begun recording their label debut in Joizey.
1340mag have outdone themselves with this interview with rising hiphop sensation Jedi Mind Tricks. Read. Now.
Tons of new reviews up at pastepunk, including Stretch Arm Strong, Rancid and Strike Anywhere. Speaking of Strike Anywhere, did you know that I've spent the last two weeks scouring Ottawa record shops for Exit English and I can't find it? Unbelievable!
There's this crazy lady here in the Emerald Plaza branch of the Ottawa Public Library who has just now issued a complaint - seriously - against two members of sd.com's staff. She will be duly taken care of.
We're going to Wendy's. Drinks on us.
I spent some quality time at my Friendly Local Christian Retailer this afternoon to hear with my own ears the new records from Slick Shoes and One-21. The verdict is in: both bands have surpassed their previous efforts; Slick Shoes with a dynamite record of very fast, technical, awesome-breakdown-infested new-school punk ruckus entitled Far From Nowhere, and Philadelphia's One-21 with a record that blows my mind with how varied, honest and downright singalongable it is - Grenade. Highly recommended songs to download from each band: 'Always There'(Slick) and 'Communion'(One-21). You heard it here first. And check out this review of Far From Nowhere. I don't agree with it, but that's neither here nor there.
MuchMusic is doing this giant send-you-to-some-huge-show-somewhere deal featuring Evanescene and Burlington, ON natives Finger Eleven, and here's the kicker: we have absolutely nothing to do with MuchMusic or Evanescence, but we did score an interview with Rick and James of F11 this past June while the band was opening Canada-wide for Ozzy. We'll have that beast up soon.
First the bad: With All Sincerity vocalist Adolf Acosta has parted ways with the band. Now for the good! Longtime friend Zach Marcotte is taking over the mic; his first show with his new gang will be October 10th in San Antonio, TX - opening for From Autumn to Ashes and Every Time I Die. Heady company for a debut performance. [hxc]
For all thy hiphop needs(we cover a lot of musical bases around here, if you haven't picked up on that), check out sphereofhiphop. Oh yes.
Last week I dropped almost thirty bucks for my very own copy of Living Sacrifice's 1997 classic Reborn. It was worth it. What a record. Every metal fan should own it, and it should be selling for massive amounts of dollars thanks to their recent *sob* breakup.
A band that blew me away my first time ever hearing them a couple weeks ago has a new track posted online: the mighty NYC act Madball. Truly oldschool NYHC. Coincidentally, the song is taken from a new EP entitled NYHC. Funny how these things work out. [lambgoat]
AFI and Poison the Well are touring through western Canada later this month; check their respective websites for the dates. [theprp]
Unsung: The Very Best of Helmet 1991-1997 will hit January 27th, 2004 on Interscope Records. I for one will be purchasing this collection of the best BY one of the best.
Today brings to my inbox the latest from the Pigeon John universe, namely this: the Calicom tour featuring His Royal Featherness, Abstract Rude and Ugly Duckling will be hitting the US(and some Canadian dates, hopefully Ottawa) from Oct. 16th through Nov. 26th. As well, Juan's latest, Pigeon John Is Dating Your Sister has been picked up for distribution to the biggies by Sony/Red, so go pick that mess up ASAP when it hits nationwide Oct. 21st.
Evergreen Terrace(featuring members of oldschool way-fast-punk band Lugnut!!!) are putting out an album of covers originally done by the likes of Op Ivy, NOFX and Offspring. This should be, um, interesting. This will hit in early 2004 on Eulogy Records. [punkhardcore]
ANOTHER one buys the dirt farm: reports are circulating that H20 have split up. What is going on around here??
Revelation Records' Since By Man have lost guitarist Justin Kay, for the ubiquitous 'personal reasons'. The band is not breaking up, and that makes them a rarity this week.
Keep an eye on this here site for an upcoming mp3 from Australia up-and-comers Antiskeptic. It'll be up within a week or so. [noisetheory]
Hanson(remember them? I wish I didn't either) are starting - get steady now - an indie rock label. Good heavens. [chartattack]
New song from Delirious? right on over here! (Thanks to relevant.)
I will definitely wanna be watching King of the Hill Nov. 9th; Sum 41 are guesting, playing - and I swear I am not making this up - a group of 'Christian punks'. Awesome.
Get this: the upcoming P.O.D. record will be a combined music CD/Playstation 2 game! This is an industry first. "The first one million copies of the album will include an exclusive bonus PlayStation2 DVD containing a videogame track from Amplitude, featuring a newly recorded, non-album P.O.D. track, 'Space'."
I like this band Armor For Sleep, and you can read a review by knowledgeable folks by clicking right...over....there!
Right now, as I type this daily newsbit thing, I'm listening to Bebo Norman, who is among the most CCM of all CCM artists. Does that make me weak? I think not. If I listened to Hatebreed and the like all day long I'd be crazy in the head.
Even rock stars have lives: Chevelle frontman Pete Loeffler was called for jury duty last month, delaying work on the Chicago band's upcoming third album. "We really believe that it's our responsibility to do jury duty. I did it before and so did [our brother/bassist] Joe. You have real life sometimes, and that's just a part of it," drummer Sam Loeffler said. The band's upcoming album is in the process of being influenced by fellow OzzFest veterans like Apex Theory and Montreal's Pulse Ultra. [rockrebel]
Found out last week at CD Exchange(what up, Andy Riptide? I see you!) that Quebec's Forsaken Trust are tapped to open the monstrous Norma Jean/Figure Four/Beloved show October 21st. This will be legendary. I will quit whatever jobs I have to in order to be there for this one.
qchc has a new interview up with Walls of Jericho, alongside a wack of new reviews including the likes of Horse the Band and With All Sincerity, both being members of the Pluto Records roster. Hot diggity!
Another one bites the dust: Fairweather, who Ottawa saw recently opening up for Shai Hulud has followed the Florida band's example and decided to split up. They'll play their remaining shows, and then it's kaput. *sigh* [aversion]
Sir Jorge Culver of hardcorechristian notoriety is an even better news copywriter than I am. I have no problem bowing to Sir Jorge. Go read their news every day; it's way better than ours. Props, Sir Jorge. You're hilarious.
Guess who's dropping a new CD after years off the radar? Insyderz! Yeah! Floodgate Records, November 11th. Pick that mess up.
Check this action out: a song from Stereo Tragedy, a side project of the massive Falling Cycle. Makes me wish I had a computer of my own that didn't suck.