Essential for today: the new album from Next In Line, called Traffic. It's a definite change of pace from what's all the rage these days, and so much more vital for it. 'Low Tide' is a really good song. And the band's thank-you is actually on the end of the album, instead of the liner notes, which is a first for me. Check out NIL and their companion Indie Vision Music bands right over here.
This just in: 25 Ta Life are indeed hitting Ottawa, contrary to rumours we'd heard that it had fallen through. January 9th at Club SAW with openers Outnumbered and At The Mercy of Inspiration. It'll be a good time. [qchc]
If plans hold, tomorrow night will find yours truly at the lovely home of sweetdisaster web designer Dave Flikkema with his wife Kelly and her maid of honour Natalie ringing in 2004. '03 was a great year, sure, but out with the old, in with the new, I always say. Actually, I never ever say that. Wherever you plan on being, be safe, and if you're in Ottawa, hope that the taxi people don't strike.
Well, how 'bout this: Montreal's A Perfect Murder have signed with Victory Records; the band's label debut will be out in April 2004.
The upcoming third album from Florida's Further Seems Forever is out next July - WHEEEE! The band will once again work with producer James Paul Wisner. [punkhardcore]
From March 17th through April 8th, Thrice are headlining a tour featuring Poison the Well, Darkest Hour and newcomers Moments In Grace. I'd go watch that. Oh man. Fo' sheezy.
Blood & Ink Records' newest signing, The Emergency have had to change their name to 10-33 for legal reasons. Legal schmegal, I always say. Oh wait, I never say that either.
The Weakerthans are gonna be in Australia in February and March, alongside Fueled By Ramen Records' band Blueline Medic. I like the Weakerthans.
If this is the last update of 2003 for us, we wish you and yours a fantastic New Year's Eve. Peace.
This is the 81st news update we've posted since we went live on September 19th, according to the weblog. How 'bout that? We just hope people are reading. 'Cause, you know, if they're not, well then what good are we?
hxcmp3 has exploded, collecting more than two thousand bands since its inception a few weeks ago. That is just fantastic; keep it coming, kids. Oh, and Dave Allen seriously digs the new Shockwave. [hxc]
I was listening to The Fullblast's EP from a little over a year ago the other day and, reading the liner notes where they thank their friends, I noticed the likes of The End, Silverstein, Moneen and Alexisonfire listed, and you know, I've been fans of those bands for a long time, but it just kinda sank in how big a couple of them have gotten, and it makes me wonder how long it'll be before the Fullblast gets theirs. Let's make it happen. *nods decisively*
Essential listening: anything by Public Enemy. Except where sweetdisaster is concerned, don't believe the hype.
If you've seen this record by a band called Pivitplex at your Friendly Local Christian Retailer and wondered who the heck that was, this here should help enlighten you. And when you're through with that, cmcentral's take on the last offering from Five Iron Frenzy will bring a nostalgic tear to your eye - and this band just called it quits last month. Check it out.
2003 was a killer year for holy hiphop(to use the term the industry has coined), and the top twenty downloads at sphereofhiphop should give you a look at the best of the bunch.
Silent Drive, featuring members of Bane and drowningman, have signed with Equal Vision Records; album will be out next year - which of course isn't very far off now. [buzzgrinder]
Uber-indie band-turned-Dreamworks-alum Rye Coalition's major-label debut will be produced by the Man himself: the Foo Fighters's Dave Grohl. Well, I'll be.
Tonight, December 29th, in Washington, D.C. at the 9:30 Club, there's a show. But not just any show. Check this action out: Stretch Arm Strong are the OPENERS. Then there's the likes of Madball, Hatebreed and Sick Of It All. Holy crap. If you're even remotely close, start driving now.
Speaking of Stretch, the band who opened for them a couple months ago, With Honor have a new track up here. See whatcha think. The band's upcoming album is called Heart Is Everything. [lambgoat]
The Ottawa Citizen has put up(over a span of two Saturday papers) their best-of 2003 music thingies, and Ben Harper's masterful album Diamonds On The Inside is on a few of the editors' lists. Deservingly so; what a record.
Grandaddy are on Conan tonight; it's a rerun, so if you missed it like I did, be watching. Oh, and Yellowcard are on Jimmy Kimmel January 2nd. [punknews]
Rent sucks. I know I don't need to explain that to a lot of you reading this. Thanks for making 2003 a great first partial year for us here at sweetdisaster. 2004'll blow ya mind, baby.
Or not.
Did anyone see Brett Favre's performance last week on Monday Night Football? A day after his father suddenly passed away at fifty-eight, my man goes out and throws for three hundred years in the first half. Wound up going 399 yards with FOUR touchdowns. Zero interceptions. This guy played like a man possessed. Amazing to watch.
Decapolis has a bunch of new material up online, including reviews of the new albums from Strike Anywhere, the recently-defunct(again)Integrity and Side Walk Slam. I personally like the new SWS, and not just because I wrote the press bio for it. And We Drive is a solid little speedy pop album.
Essential listening: The Suicide Machines' new slab, called A Match And Some Gasoline. Ska-inflected punk fury in the vein of Goldfinger. I've been a fan of these guys since high school. The bass player really knows what he's doing. Just wanted to let that be known.
Friday, March 19th is the first night of the upcoming Facedown Fest, and also the last show for Erie, PA legends xDisciplex AD. Booo. Sinai Beach and Seventh Star are also headlining that night, and the next night Comeback Kid and Shockwave(playing their first-ever west coast show) are bringing up the fore. Both shows go down at the Glasshouse in Pomona, California. Man, what a lineup Facedown has. [hardcorechristian]
Slick Shoes drummer Joe Nixon was interviewed in F.U.G. magazine a while back; I found it at Chapters amongst the crap mainstream and special-interest mags, and a lot of it deals with the band's long tenure in the "Christian market" and why they'll never lose the "Christian stigma". If you can track it down, give it a read on page thirty-four. Oh, and Miles Between Us have a seven-inch reviewed in the same issue, but they broke up in August already.
This is just disgusting: Australian straightedge crew Day of Contempt, who came to Canada in August opening for Throwdown and just killed us all, are heading out on tour in Japan with Good Charlotte. No joke. I'm very sad. [noisetheory]
This just in: is it true that Windows media player comes with a Beck song installed? My lovely friend Drea(what up California) says so. Innneresting.
I didn't know this and I live here: Ottawa cab drivers have a set a strike date of midnight New Year's Eve. That's right, kids: there might not be cabs to ferry your drunk behinds home after the obligatory gallivanting. So either stay off the bottle or designate a driver. Please.
The new print issue of Relevant has a cover story with - get this - actor Mel Gibson, as well as David Crowder interviewing Jimmy Eat World's Zach Lind(who produced a track on Crowder's recent album Illuminate. Good thing my parents got me a SUBSCRIPTION for Christmas. God bless them.
Don't show this one to the kids, but here now are the Top Ten Reasons to Shop at Hot Topic, brought to you by the intelligentsia at Bandoppler. Aced as always.
If you aren't Canadian or spend a lot of time watching our television, you'll not have heard of Sportsnet(all four networks from east to western Canada), but know this: the morning broadcast is run by Hazel Mae, and this woman is beyond hot. My heavens.
On that note, I bid you g'bye.
It's Christmas, chilluns.
I hope that wherever you are, whatever you're doing, you take time to realize what is is we're commemorating with this here occasion. The greatest gift mankind ever knew in Jesus Christ, and we're just the lucky recipients. Chew on THAT for a minute.
Seriously, I have to take the time to thank the people who made this space you're enjoying possible: webmaster Dave Flikkema and his wife Kelly, and our two hotshot writers, Josh Chambers and Steph Torrealba. Thanks to all for helping me do this. We're goin' to the top, kids. And there are a lot of people who support us in doing this, too many to list, but they know who they are. Thanks.
Boywunder are a great hardcore band from the east coast somewhere(I think), but quite frankly, when you're this good it don't matter where you're from. Check out some new music from the lads. [hxc]
Stretch Arm Strong are playing with Pennywise from January 21st through the 31st, and then with the Mad Caddies February 17th-29th. Hit it up. What a killer band.
Bruce Springsteen raked in a hundred and fifteen million bucks in concert ticket sales this year, second only to the Stones for top-grossing live concert ever. That is one whole heck of a lotta dough. [buzzgrinder]
Comeback Kid, one of 2003's best new bands hands down, are writing for their next album; as well, Holding On's bassist Sean is filling in with CBK while their search for a permanent replacement. Holding On are on Bridge Nine Records, and I like them a lot. [lambgoat]
Check this out: "Cleveland band Integrity have once again disbanded. The group recently released a new full-length with Deathwish Inc. and had been touring the U.S. before an apparent brawl at a Portland show earlier this month seemed to intensify internal conflicts within the band, prompting band members to go their separate ways. No further information is available at this time." This might explain why my boy Phil's band Rise Over Run drove all the way to Buffalo from Toronto to open for Integrity and the show didn't happen. Innneresting.
New Jersey-based Folly are still the only ska/hardcore band I've ever heard. Odd.
We could waste our time listing all kinds of bands that keep getting added to next summer's Warped tour, but forget that noise; just go here.
Name Taken, who appeared on a Tooth and Nail Records compilation last year, have signed with Fiddler Records(former home of Dashboard Confessional and New Found Glory). The debut album should be out in April 2004. [punknews]
pastepunk has their best-of-2003 feature article up, and not to my surprise, Thrice's The Artist in the Ambulance tops it. Their tastes down there on Strong Island mirror ours to a remarkable degree, considering between their twenty best albums and honourable mentions, I own or one point owned thirteen of them. Go Beloved! Merry Christmas to Jordan and the bunch.
The Scene is new this week. What up, Senor Stephens??
Have a safe and amazing holiday, people of Earth.
If you're bored, and I bet with no school and all your holiday shopping done you're bored right off your duff, go play some ping-pong with John Rueben. [sphereofhiphop]
Hardcore legends Good Clean Fun are back in action after an almost two-year hiatus; they're booking a reunion tour as you read this. [Equal Vision] (Thanks, Josh)
Ohio's Prodigal Zoo, who as we just told you earlier were formerly called Twelve Tribes, have signed with none other than Ferret Records, and you can download some new stuff here and here from their upcoming Ferret debut The Rebirth of Tragedy. Innnneresting. I remember when I missed their show at Babylon a couple years ago because the club wouldn't let people in fast enough. [lambgoat]
Denali recently released The Instinct, their sophomore release on Jade Tree Records. sweetdisaster's own Josh Chambers says this album is one of the best releases by far of 2003, and the female-fronted rock quartet are definitely worth checking out. Look for his review soon.
Be in Farmingdale, NY at The Downtown January 25th to watch Unearth tear the place apart with Nora and Every Time I Die in tow, along with Syracuse band If Hope Dies, who're signed to Unearth's Ironclad Records label. Oh man, I'd love to go that. The show'll be taped for an upcoming Unearth DVD, and the band will more than likely play some new stuff. Ooooo. [theprp]
This has just been handed to me: iced tea rules.
Proving once again how awesome pastepunk are: "Dear Pepperidge Farm: I don't know what it is that you coat your Sesame Snack Sticks with, but do you sell it by the bottle? In prescription form? Perhaps even a patch for my shoulder? I'm not sure how much longer I can go on eating an entire 7 oz box of these things before it truly becomes an unhealthy, but oh so obscenely tasty addiction. HELP ME BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!" Go Jordan.
I was reading the other day that the new structure going up at Ground Zero in New York City will be shorter than Toronto's CN Tower by - get this - half the length of a tennis court. That's what, forty feet or something? They couldn't go all out on this?
A change of pace for us here at sweetdisaster: check out this interview with Swollen Members producer/DJ Rob the Viking.
We have a correction for which we humbly apologize: ilubricateyou productions is putting With All Sincerity onstage January 31st, not the 30th as we previously told you. Our bad. Josh, man, I owe you one.
From the old email inbox: "Skeleton Key Publishing is bringing together a lineup of admired writers and musicians for a very personal evening of spoken word and poetry. Joining Mark Salomon(Stavesacre) will be Reese Roper (Five Iron Frenzy, Brave Saint Saturn), Leanor Ortega (Five Iron Frenzy), and Pigeon John (L.A. Symphony). We will have more details as the dates approach, and more information can be found at Skeypub.com.
Junkedcamera has live shots of the Boysnightout/Fullblast show I missed last Thursday. These two dudes are my boys Tom and Ryan(l-r) of local band Is Grace Enough, who put on a beast of a live show; check them out if they hit your area.
Ohio metal band Twelve Tribes(who do a huge cover of Faith No More) have changed their name to - get this - Prodigal Zoo. Yeah, I know. Weird. [aversion]
The big ol' video for As I Lay Dying's '94 Hours' is available online right on over here, so go check that out. Reputable sources say it's pretty good for a 'Christian hardcore video'. *smirks* [hardcorechristian]
Isiah Thomas took over as president of the New York Knicks this weekend; this is the guy who built my hometown Toronto Raptors into a playoff team back in the day, even though they lost to ORLANDO last night. ORLANDO! They've won SEVEN GAMES! Geez. [Relevant]
Check this out. Interesting read about some 'emerging' churches in the Denver, CO area, including Scum of the Earth, founded by our much-missed favourite band, Five Iron Frenzy.
Essential listening for today: Stavesacre's 1997 classic Absolutes. Oh man, what a record.
A year ago yesterday, The Clash's Joe Strummer passed away. Rest in peace.
Today's Statement to Reflect Upon: "Hot Topic expects to earn $42.9 million in 2003 on $545.8 million in sales, proving that punk is profitable as well as prophetic." Hmmm.
After two failed attempts at simply posting some news, I give up. News will be done later today(Saturday) when I'm using a stable computer. *nods* Yes. So stop on by tonight and you'll be happy.
Essential listening today is a band I'm actually hearing right now for the first time: Matchbook Romance. Some trusted sources of mine(I see you, Brian Kidd and Ryan Berthiaume!) are heavily into this band, and based on only one track I'm inclined to agree. The cynics will hate them, but I like this band. Stories And Alibies is the album to buy tomorrow, and 'Promise' is the killer top song of the bunch. What a chorus. This sure doesn't sound like an Epitaph Records band. Well then.
We have here an interesting Zao interview with what looks like a 'zine based outta Belgium, of all places. Guitarist Scott Mellinger has some interesting takes on 'religion' versus 'Christianity'. And did you know drummer Jesse Smith spent some time in Demon Hunter? I sure didn't, and I was also rather taken aback by what he had to say about Solid State Records and head honcho Brandon Ebel. Heavens. [What up hxc for the link]
Hey, remember the breakdown in 'Savannah', from Zao's Liberate Te Ex Inferis record? Man, that breakdown was enormous. *reminisces*
This is from that Zao interview: "Yes, we will record in February actually. It will come out on Ferret Records. But it will be more Liberate-style. More straight-forward, heavier, like real drums, heavy guitars. There might be some aspects of that, but we didn't have time to get into that. But the songs we have until now are more close to the Liberate-album or the Self-titled." WHEEE!
You wanna be in Mattydale, NY for New Year's Eve. Why? Throwdown, Bane, Most Precious Blood, Walls Of Jericho, The Promise, Stabbed By Words, Freya, The Funeral, Final Word, Bolt, A Perfect Murder, Found Dead Hanging, Modern Life Is War and A Murder Of Crows. That's why. Holy crap! For more info hit up Trustkill Records.
Apparently Adam Patterson, former drummer for The Hope Conspiracy and now in the United States Armed Forces, had a role in the capture of Saddam. Innnnereesting. He was interviewed on ABC News tonight(Thursday), if anyone was watching.
First, look at this. Now, the guy on the right, Don Clark by name, also works with Asterik Studio(album art par excellence), AND he and his wife are expecting their first child soon! Wheee! I still don't like his band much, though. Sorry.
Pete Stewart, who's in this new band The Accident Experiment with former P.O.D. guitarist Marcos Curiel, USED to be in a great rock and roll band called Grammatrain. I would highly recommend tracking down their two albums, Lonely House(1995) and Flying(1997). They also put out a live record somewhere around '98, but the sound quality sucked, so avoid that one. Pete's solo album from 1999 is great too. Just a thought with Christmas right around the corner. *smirks*
Stolen lugubriously from buzzgrinder, who stole it from someplace else: this is Juliana Theory vocalist Brett Detar on whassup in their camp. Quote: "I sit here, STEEPED in new TJT songs. I have not left the demo studio in seven days now. I've been working really hard just writing and recording vocals and mixing demos. Maybe my perspective is a bit askew at this point, but I know this much: This is the largest collection of new, finished songs that the band has EVER had going into making a record(and we are not finished writing yet)." End quote. Word.
As if the NFL fined New Orleans receiver Joe Horn thirty grand for pulling out a cellphone after a touchdown pass. What is this, Big Brother Mardi Gras? Geez.
Just a reminder: With All Sincerity are gonna tear it up here in Ottawa at Club SAW January 30th. This'll be the inaugural show for I Lubricate You Productions, and one of our writers also helps run that little popsicle stand, so it all makes sense. Just be at the show.
Dead Poetic(favourites of mine) are opening up for The Revolution Smile, who I think are on Fred Durst's label, but I could be wrong on that, and I'm far too lazy to actually look it up. Either way, our boys are in the big leagues now, and here are some initial tour dates:
January 20th Anaheim, CA - Chain Reaction (Feat. March)
January 22nd Los Angeles, CA - Roxy
January 23rd Sacramento, CA - The Boardwalk
January 24th Palo Alto - The Edge
January 26th San Francisco - Pound Club
[theprp]
He's smarter than most, and that's why I read what he has to say: The Scout's Kevin Carson has put up his best-of-2003 feature right over here. Worthy of your time, especially because of the guests Kev brought on board to contribute. Hint hint.
Know that band Matchbook Romance I was hyping up there somewhere in this post? They're confirmed for Warped next summer. Mmhmm. [punknews]
Two really good bands broke up: As Friends Rust and twothirtyeight(the latter put out a couple records with Tooth and Nail). Now ex-members of both have formed Moments In Grace, and they're already kicking some heinie: opening for Thrice next year? Wow, that was quick. Check this action out for the details.
I caught the new video from Billy Talent on MusiquePlus earlier tonight, and sure enough, it was shot right here in Ottawa at Capital City Music Hall. If you were at the show last month, tape it and freezeframe the crowd shots to find YOU.
The End.
For now. Bwaaaaahahaha. Hey, one more thing: has anyone else seen the new Nelly Furtado video? With the guy in the BEE SUIT on a BIKE? GENIUS!
Essential Listening: Stretch Arm Strong's most recent album, Engage, which I finally got back from my boy Ryan. Incidentally, Ryan's band, Is Grace Enough, opens for Boysnightout and The Fullblast tomorrow night at Club SAW here in Ottawa. Brave the snow and hop on down to catch the Big Rock Show.
A great Lobster Records band from Illinois called Park have just put out their second full-length with Lobster; it's called It Won't Snow Where You're Going, and decapolis has their take on it right over here. Check it out.
This just in: the bassline towards the end of 'Miles Apart' from the previously-mentioned Stretch Arm Strong album is just sick.
Well, isn't this interesting: artist Daniel Martin Diaz, he of the cover art on the new P.O.D. album which has been banned by pretty much all Christian retail outlets in north America, has spoken out. Short, interesting take on the whole situation. [rockrebel]
The Emergency, outta Richmond, VA have signed with Blood & Ink Records; the debut album is called Memoirs, and it'll be in your hot little hands come late March. Booyah!
qchc are back up and running following some technical problems, and their redesign looks pretty swank. Nice job, fellas. Check out QCHC for Quebec City's hardcore pulse.
Behold what bounty we have brought: a review of the massive new project from Burnt By The Sun, who are enormous. More enormous than YOUR sadsack little band, that's fo' sho'.
I don't like this at all: "Slick Shoes is going through some minor member changes as of late. They have lost a bass player, and have been using a new drummer for the moment..." A new drummer? Where's Joe? Is he sick? NO! [hardcorechristian]
Hilarious repartee, brought to us by the lovely folks at Relevant: "Best comeback of 2003: In a northern Iraqi town yesterday about 700 people rallied, chanting, "Saddam is in our hearts, Saddam is in our blood!" U.S. soldiers and Iraqi policemen shouted back: "Saddam is in our jail" ... Oooooh, burn.
Essential listening for today: Underground Rise's Vol. 1: Sunrise/Sunset album. Quality underground hiphop.
Two staffers here at sweetdisaster were set to attend the massive P.O.D./Linkin Park show in Montreal next month, but now it looks as if it won't be happening. Another crushing disappointment, brought to you by the letters 'let down by friend'. Ah well.
Just a heads-up from Solid State Records: albums coming in the next year include a Beloved re-release EP, Haste the Day's debut album, Dead Poetic and Underoath. Oooooh yes.
Following their run with Beloved, Evergreen Terrace and Comeback Kid in the new year, Stretch Arm Strong will be doing a tour with Pennywise and Mad Caddies. For my money, SAS are the most versatile band around.
Bleeding Through managed to walk away from a tremendous road accident that resulted in their van(which they'd borrowed from Sinai Beach to begin with) being totaled. Ergo, the band has had to drop off the As I Lay Dying/Chimaira/Soilwork tour. Bummer! If you're morbid, the wreck footage can be viewed here, but you have to be pretty screwed up to wanna watch that. [hxc]
Another one bites the dust, continuing this unfortunate 2003 trend: the Death Campaign are done.
Ottawa local boy Jesse Palmer played well in his first NFL start at quarterback for the New York Giants over the weekend; he becomes the first Canadian to start a game at QB, and though the Giants were blown out 45-7 by New Orleans and NY's offensive line was crap the entire game, Palmer has been selected as the starter next week in Week 15. I served this guy once years ago; he was drunk and threw a coffee creamer across the restaurant I was working at. Go Jesse go!
Some disappointing retrospective from cmcentral: "At least six major bands threw in the towel in 2003 as well, including the disbandings of Two Thirty Eight, Hangnail, The Benjamin Gate, Earthsuit, Five Iron Frenzy, and According to John." Depressing.
From what I've heard so far, the new John Reuben record, The Professional Rapper, is solid. It sounds different from his last album, which in turn sounded miles different from his debut effort in 2000.
In more hiphop news, check out some new Soup the Chemist right over here. Song's called 'Eargasmic Arrangements'.
Here's the initial dates for the previously-reported tour featuring Senses Fail/Moneen/Senses Fail/The Beautiful Mistake:
1/30 Baltimore MD @ Ottobar
1/31 Richmond VA @ Alley Katz
2/1 Carrboro NC @ Room Four
2/3 Jacksonville FL @ Jack Rabbits
2/4 Orlando FL @ The Social
2/6 Spring TX @ Java Jazz
2/7 Dallas TX @ The Door
2/8 Austin TX @ Emo's
2/10 Phoenix AZ @ Mason Jar
2/11 Pomona CA @ The Glass House
2/12 San Francisco CA @ Slim's
2/13 Portland OR @ MeowMeow
2/14 Seattle WA @ Graceland
2/16 St. George UT @ The Electric Theater
2/18 Kansas City MO @ Spitfire
2/19 St. Louis MO @ Creepy Crawl
2/20 Iowa State U. @ The Maintenance Shop
2/21 Minneapolis MN @ Ascot Room (The Quest)
2/22 Chicago IL @ Fireside Bowl
[lambgoat]
New interviews with Thrice and Rise Against are up, brought to us by the lovely Mark Fisher and his crew at 1340mag.com! Happy holidays!
New Jersey kings Ensign are back after three years away from the game with a covers album called Love The Music, Hate The Kids, and pastepunk reviews it right over here. I can't wait til Ensign come back through Ottawa.
The new issue of Hit Parader(man, I remember plastering their posters all over my bedroom in my teens) has features on Beloved guitarist Dusty Redmon as well as the fellas in As I Lay Dying. If you're bored in some store somewhere and they have it, flip through to find them.
Rest assured there will be a news update tomorrow, along with a slew of CD reviews and interviews in the next couple of weeks. Tonight is just insane, and I have way too much on my mind to do news. Sorry 'bout that, kids. Tomorrow!
Slick Shoes have parted ways with bassist Kevin(who apparently lacks a last name...kidding) over 'creative differences', that bastion of Rock Band Excuses. S'long, Kev. Incidentally, he's looking to join another band and continue touring, so if you're looking for a good bassist, email Kevin at hstge1322@hotmail.com. [decapolis]
Buried Inside are playing in Montreal on December 19th alongside Black Cobra and, um, Expectorated Sequence. Niiiice name, that. The show goes down at Inconditionnel(hope I spelled that right); doors at eight, six bucks. Be there. [qchc]
David Bazan has begun work on the next Pedro the Lion album, due tentatively out in spring of 2004. ""No word yet on what exactly this release will be, but Dave Bazan has promised that he has handfuls of new songs written, indicating that a new full-length might be on the way," says Bazan's label, Jade Tree Records. Woohoo! [aversion]
WHEEEE! Living Sacrifice is apparently releasing a best-of album that may or may not include some new tracks. I know this couldn't possibly be more vague, but c'mon, we get our information as it comes. More when WE get more. As it is, that's enough to make my cold, cold Saturday night worthwhile. [hardcorechristian]
I WILL see this show: "MxPx has announced a new tour with Simple Plan, Sugarcult and Billy Talent. This tour is probably the most solid tour of pop-punk coming through the U.S in early 2004. Dates are still being slotted as we speak." I hopehopehope this hits Ottawa, and it just might. This newsbit is dedicated to staffer Josh Chambers, who hates Billy Talent and more than likely Simple Plan too, and maybe even MxPx. *nods*
I was flipping through the new Hit Parader(yeah yeah I know) at work the other night - it was an overnight shift, gimme a break - and the cover artist was our favourite enigmas in Evanescence, and in it vocalist Amy Lee was questioned about the song 'Tourniquet', which was in fact written by drummer Rocky Gray for his former band Soul Embraced. I just thought it was nice that Rocky gets some credit, because that song is amazing(both versions, in fact). If you've seen the new 'My Immortal' video, you've doubtless noticed that Rocky has bulked up. He could break any one of you in half.
If you live anywhere near these Australian locales, you can start getting excited, because here comes the dates for the Thrice/Alkaline Trio/Hot Water Music tour:
FEBRUARY 05 - SYDNEY, NSW University ALL AGES
FEBRUARY 06 - BRISBANE, Arena ALL AGES
FEBRUARY 07 - MELBOURNE, Corner Hotel
FEBRUARY 08 - MELBOURNE, Corner Hotel ALL AGES
You heard it here first, kidlets. [noisetheory]
We've been told by several trusted sources that the new Blink-182 record is amazing. True? Untrue? Time will tell.
Check out the Ottawa Buzz, as seen by chartattack.com's scribes: peep it here.
This is unusual: a Rancid interview with someone other than Tim Armstrong or Lars Frederiksen. Behold this conversation with bassist Matt Freeman.
Blindside spent this week in Romania, of all places, shooting the video for 'All Of Us', the first single from upcoming album About A Burning Fire(out February 24th). I'm predicting that album will make them enormous. [Relevant]
New Norah Jones album to come in February. This makes us happy here. Well, me at least.
The Roots are recording their next album, called The Tipping Point, and video of the sessions has been posted right on over here. I am definitely looking forward to this album, because Phrenology was great.
Tons of new stuff has been posted at Bandoppler, who have returned in very fine form, if we do say so ourselves. Well done.
Ontario's own Hawk Nelson's Tooth and Nail Records debut hits next month. I just found that out today from my boy Andrew Hill. What UP, Andy??
In related news, Barrie, ON band Out of the Monetary(ex-Steadfast) are putting out their Warner Bros. debut next March, called...I can't remember what it's called, but they're a good, good band.
Indie Vision Music is putting out a compilation in March featuring Narcissus, Stephen Christian of Anberlin and the Huntingtons, among others, as well as a new track from the label's flagship band, Dismissed. It'll be priced at six bucks. Can't beat that. 'Course, that's in the U.S. Canada probably won't even see it.
This just in: Emery is pretty good. That's all we're giving away for now. *mysterious look*
Today's essential music: Manafest, a little white boy from Toronto, whose new CD, My Own Thing, is one of the better hiphop records I've heard this year, Christian or not, Canadian or not. Some very hot beats, guest shots and tight, tight lyricism. This guy is only twenty-two? Please. Mixing part of KJ-52 with part of Thousand Foot Krutch's Trevor McNevan's old flow, this kid is one to watch.
Two new releases from Pluto Records are forthcoming: an EP from Thirty Called Arson tentatively titled Anatomy of Electric, as well as a full-length from Beauty to Ashes called The Robotic Conversations. Expect these in the spring. Wheeee! [hxc]
Check out The Procussions, so no one can say you slept on Colorado's up-and-comers. You've been warned.
Quebec's A Perfect Murder are on the road with Bury Your Dead and Between The Buried And Me:
Dec 08th, 2003 Houston, TX Fat Cat: Between The Buried and Me / Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 09th, 2003 Birmingham, AL Cave 9: Between The Buried and Me / Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 10th, 2003 Pensacola , FL: Between The Buried and Me / Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 11th, 2003 Tallahassee, FL Beta Bar: Between The Buried and Me / Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 12th, 2003 Atlanta , GA Swayze's: Between The Buried and Me / Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 13th, 2003 Columbia , SC Uncle Doctors: Between The Buried and Me / Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 14th, 2003 Charlotte , NC The Neighborhood Theater: Between The Buried and Me / Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder
Dec 15th, 2003 Virginia Beach , VA Bubba's Beach House: Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 16th, 2003 Baltimore , MD: Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 17th, 2003 Wilkes-Barre , PA Cafe Metropolis: Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 18th, 2003 South Amboy , NJ Club Krome: Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 19th, 2003 Long Island, NY Club Pure: Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 20th, 2003 Portland , ME The Rochambeau Club: Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 21st, 2003 Springfield, MA Fat Cat: Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
Dec 22nd, 2003 Boston , MA Bill's Bar: Scars Of Tomorrow / A Perfect Murder.
[pastepunk]
The Scene have updated, as can be expected on their weekly basis thing. They're better than us here, that's for sure.
Pretty depressing day here in lovely, scenic suburban Ottawa. No shows that I'm all that excited about; next one is the Boysnightout/Fullblast extravaganza happening December 18th at Club SAW. Is Grace Enough and Hartsfield compose the local opening contingent. It'll be a good show, c'mon out.
And now I'm even more depressed: Embodyment, one of the few bands to do both really nasty metal and really good quasi-heavy-emo, are no more. They've posted an Urgent Message on their website. Man, that sucks. [decapolis]
qchc, as you'll see if you click on that link, is currently minus a host; you can purchase some badass records from Radical Attack Distro to help out the cause and get them boys back on their feet. You know you waaaaanna.
Check it out: a Welcome to 2004 tour with your favourite MxPxers. Too bad they insist on bringing Simple Plan along for the ride.
Facedown Records outta San Diego has signed a band from Finland! Wheee! They're called Immortal Souls, and I've never once heard them in my life, though that will undoubtedly soon change. We'll let you know what the deal is. [hardcorechristian]
In other Facedown news, The Deal(also from California) have a new record out soon, and it is gonna SLAY. Believe it.
Has anyone heard this band Fall Out Boy? They're supposedly hot schtuff. All signin' to Island Records and jazz. How come I haven't heard them yet?
Oh yeah! Strike Anywhere(so good) have a new video online for 'Infrared'; check it on out over here, with much thanks to noisetheory for the heads-up.
We have here for you, right now, James Black of Finger Eleven and his recommended holiday gift guide. And on that note, go read the interview we did with him(up top there).
Stolen direct from Relevant, who are the bearer of glad tidings indeed: "Starflyer 59 just finished mixing their new record, I Am The Portoguese Blues, with Aaron Sprinkle. It should be out in late February." Wheeee!!
In extended new album news, Pedro the Lion are lining up a spring 2004 new album. Mmmmm, Pedro.
P.O.D.'s new(disappointing self-titled record has already sold half a million copies. Geez.
I stole this news because it's so enthralling: "HxC has learned that a tour is in the planning stages for next March with As I Lay Dying, Every Time I Die, Himsa and The Black Dahlia Murder. AILD will headline the west coast, ETID the east coast. Sweet." Holy CRAP I hope this hits Ottawa or at least someplace close. [hxc]
I listened to the three new tracks on the Slick Shoes best-of(Tooth and Nail just put it out) and of the three, 'Spleen Puncher' is the only one that's really catchy. Matter of fact, it's a killer song regardless of context. Go find it.
If you wanna be Comeback Kid's new bassist, email the_comebackkid@hotmail.com(serious inquiries only, obviously). A move to Winnipeg, Manitoba or a nearby U.S. city could be involved. CBK are gonna be hitting the road hard in 2004, so be warned. I would LOVE to be in that band. I don't play anything though, so that's a problem.
METAL!!!!: In Flames' next album is called Soundtrack To Your Escape, and it'll be out March 29th. I for one am stoked. [lambgoat]
Essential recording for the day: Denison Marrs' Then Is The New Now. Find it.
Check out bloodsimple for the simple(natch) reason that it features members of Downset and Vision of Disorder, two amazing bands. Here's the website. [theprp]
There are parts of the new P.O.D. record where the vocals sound eerily like whatshisface from Earthsuit. Innnnneresting.
Interpol are back in the studio. I liked their debut album(Turn On The Bright Lights). [pitchforkmedia]
J. Edward Keyes, who I first read when he did the lengthy liner account in Starflyer 59's 1994-2000 best-of, has an article in the new issue of Exclaim! magazine, detailing the American perception of this year's Canadian-rock explosion(led by more bands than I could possibly mention here). I can't remember what page it's on offhand, but it's probably online somewhere; interesting piece.
In the same magazine, As I Lay Dying are listed at number two on the year's !Earshot Loud charts. How 'bout that?? They beat out some very prominent Euro-metal names to achieve this...I can't remember who beat them out for Numero Uno. Memory of a goldfish.
junkedcamera has live shots of last week's Hey Mercedes/.hopesfall show, along with an entry page featuring Kenny from Moneen leaping in socks!
Finally some new Crystal Method: in January Legion of Boom(stupid title, but not like I named it) drops, featuring Rahzel and other fine guests, including - get this now - Wes Borland, formerly of Limp Bizkit. Odd. [soundthesirens]
Check this action out; it's a taste of the upcoming Ragmen record; this is a band featuring members of Hatebreed, Earth Crisis and Merauder, among others. Taaaasty. [qchc]
Wouldn't Believe It is the upcoming EP from the Get Up Kids; produced by Ed Rose(natch), it's got an unspecified January release date. So yeah. There. [aversion]
The newly-launched hxcmp3, less than a week after going live on the web, has SEVEN HUNDRED BANDS on board. ALREADY. Holy cow. Can't say we're not dedicated in this little scene, anyway. [hardcorechristian]
There's a great tour in January featuring The Beautiful Mistake alongside Senses Fail(great band) and our very own Moneen. OHHHHHHHHHHH CAAAANADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!! We'll let you know when we get dates and places and such. [punkhardcore]
Australian emo wimps rejoice: Dashboard Confessional will be on your golden, golden shores come February. I wondered how long it would take for them to resist your tractor beam. [noisetheory]
Oooooh yeah: Bandoppler is back and schweet, with a new layout. Oh BRING that ruckus!! Tons of reviews and features. Such goodness.
I'm not quite sure how to put this. Five Iron Frenzy are no more, but their online community of kids and fans thrives on, and last night one of them committed suicide. Like I said, I have no idea how to say this. The press account is here, and while I didn't know Louis, that community is very small, and I've been a part of it for years, and that makes him family. Louis Somrak was eighteen, and...God rest his soul.
Live life to the very fullest. That's the only lesson I can derive here, if there is a lesson to be learned at all.
Listening to: Pelican's self-titled four-song 'EP'. Quotations there because this beast is like still half an hour long. Instrumental, sludgy goodness. So very heavy.
One of South Africa's best metal bands, Neshamah has a new video online for 'The Crying Game'; check it out over here. [hxc]
David Allen of hxc.com, one of the dudes spearheading this new hxcmp3 endeavour, has this to say: "More than 400 bands on board, HXCMP3 has been an overwhelming success. Already we've got a dedicated server coming and the loading/downloading speeds will return to normal. Good times and a lot of love."
Sinai Beach are recording their next album! If it's anywhere near as good as When Breath Escapes, this will be monstrous. I can't wait. *fidgets*
This sucks: Enlow are splitting up come January. The Desperate Letters(Blood and Ink Records) is a solid listen; check it out.
Among the Christian artists nominated for the 46th Grammy Awards are Jars of Clay(always solid), Robert Randolph and his crack Family Band(SO GOOD, kids, seriously) and a bunch of other totally-expected names I don't really care about. As if Petra is nominated. [cmcentral]
The Procussions, up-and-coming hiphop from Los Angeles via Colorado, get a solid review in the new issue of Exclaim! magazine, along with the soon-to-be-large Symphony In Peril album on Facedown Records.
This band City of Caterpillar who I never really dug but a lot of friends mine were huge into have called it quits. They were recently here last month with Strike Anywhere. Oh well. *shrug* [lambgoat]
Holy mother of pearl: Stretch Arm Strong, Comeback Kid, Beloved and Evergreen Terrace are apparently touring TOGETHER January 16th through February 7th. Wow, would that ever be a show and a half.
theprp thinks the new Project 86 record, released independently after their ill-fated major label experiment last year, is pretty good. That badass song 'Spy Hunter' from the third Solid State Records compilation is on this album. Great song.
Wow. Longtime Christian contemporary mainstays Skillet have signed with Lava Records(home to Collective Soul and also Poison the Well). How 'bout that? [thescout]
Check it: Listener's unorthodox hiphop is making its way to the undaground, as evidenced by this pitchfork review. I like Listener a lot and you should too. Oh, and Dust of Mars iLL produced a lot of this album. That's enough for me.
Pastepunk: always, always entertaining.
Essential recording of the day: Ensign's 1999 album Cast The First Stone(Nitro Records). I'm not sure what's up with Ensign these days, but they're vital.
We have a review up of the new Thursday record, so go hit up the Album Reviews section and enjoy Josh Chambers' initial contribution to sweetdisaster. Josh, man, thanks bro.
I was flipping through the new issue of Revolver(with Korn's Jonathan Davis on the cover, big whoop), and some interesting stories caught my eye. On page 40 is a sweet feature on As I Lay Dying(big sweetdisaster faves), as well as a piece on Drive-Thru Records' "heaviest band", Senses Fail. Go find Revolver in whatever store and read those two pieces surreptitiously and then leave.
Helicopter Helicopter played a very solid set last Friday at Zaphod's here in downtown Ottawa; they're on Initial Records and kids, I'm telling you, rock and roll doesn't get much better than these Bostonians. Check out Wild Dogs With X-Ray Eyes for confirmation. Hopefully we'll have an interview with H2 sometime in the future.
decapolis have undergone some changes in terms of web providers and editorial positions, but they're still ever so awesome. If you don't already know, this is the 'zine run by former Ghoti Hook guitarist Conrad. So get over there.
Atreyu's next record, The Curse, drops June 15th, 2004. I can't remember who their label is offhand. Sue me. GGGarth is producing this puppy though, so it'll sound hot.
Check this shizzle wizzle out to see some pictures of last week's Poison the Well show, which I had to miss the business half of in order to go to work. What a tangled web we weave. PtW were detained by our resident Canadian border patrol, so it was an interesting atmosphere, before I had to leave anyway.
Check it out: some love for one of my under-the-radar favourites, Wilshire, and their new record, New Universe. The review is right on over here. [Thanks, rockrebel]
A little late notice(the norm around here), but Switchfoot are rocking El Mocambo in Toronto tomorrow night(Thursday). I'd kill to go to that show.
Biohazard have begun writing their next record, tentatively due out early in 2004. Let's hope they keep it oldschool. [qchc]
L.A. Symphony's The End Is Near hit the streets yesterday; do yourself a favour and pick it up for some quality, quality hiphop.
hxcmp3 is on the web. Hit it up.
According to Sir Jorge of Culver at hardcorechristian, New Found Glory have started up their own record label, and the first band is called Breakdance Vietnam, who have jumped from Scott Siletta's Vanishing Point Records camp. Scott was the mastermind behind Plankeye back in the day, if you were unaware. And I bet you were.
From Australia come live shots of Los Angeles wreckers Terror playing with Aussie hxc crew Day of Contempt(who slay). Good show. There's also a review of the new Strike Anywhere with which I tend to agree: Change Is A Sound IS a better record. [noisetheory]
Finis.
Firstly, much love to Kelly B. for letting me use her computer for this lovely, scenic update.
Secondly, go read the interviews we have posted with Lucerin Blue and Finger Eleven. More of that rock action where that came from, too.
So according to the latest mass email from P.O.D.'s people, their new self-titled(disappointing) album will not be carried in ninety-five percent of Christian bookstores. How they tabulated such a statistic already is beyond me, but I know that my local Friendly Christian Retailer does not have the new record on the shelf. However, it took them several months to stock the last two P.O.D. albums, so who knows. Behind the times, perhaps.
So if anyone was at the big ol' .hopesfall/Hey Mercedes show tonight, email me at itacs@hotmail.com and lemme know how it was. Not only am I terribly broke, but I was also at work at the grocery store during said rock and roll extravaganza. How'd it go? Anyone?
The December issue of The Scene is online, mah babies! Check out interviews with Sinai Beach and On Broken Wings as well as reviews of the new slabs from Most Precious Blood, Sick Of It All and Throwdown. And there are loads of live pictures and show reviews from all over the musical spectrum. These guys take journalism by the throat and throttle it. Well done. That 'mah babies' crack I stole from Conan O'Brien.
Something I stole from the aforementioned SceneZine: a One-21 side project called The Pumps is apparently surfacing sometime, featuring an ex-member of Pink Daffodils to boot. Innnneresting.
Nodes of Ranvier have found themselves tapped to open the remainder of the ongoing Integrity/On Broken Wings tour, having replaced The Agony Scene(who rule).
Tonight, December 3rd, is probably a good day to be in Denver, Colorado at a place called Cervantes. Why? Silly question. To see two bands that have to be be the nicest in hardcore: Stretch Arm Strong(keep an eye out for sweetdisaster's interview with SAS plugplugplug) and the soon-to-be-defunct This Day Forward. Such a good band, TDF are. So if you're in or near Denver, get your heinie on over to Cervantes.
The debut album from Sintaxtheterrific, entitled Simple Moves, arrived at sweetdisaster HQ today, and I like it. There's all kinds of sonic experimentation, Sintax's steady flow, and while this isn't exceptional, really, it's pretty solid. Recommended. The last track, 'Money Back Guarantee', is hysterical.
Lifted from the good folks at pastepunk:
Eight and a half hours stuck in traffic playlist:
1. BRAND NEW - Deja Entendu
2. DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL - A Mark, A Brand, A Mission, A Scar
3. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE - Justified (the fiancee's choice)
4. THE AKA's - White Doves & Smoking Guns
5. Me, cursing all of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and a good 40 miles of northeastern Maryland.
#5 is why Jordan is the bomb.
Revered artist Dave Quiggle(also of xDisciplex AD) has a brand-new website up featuring all his hardcore goodies. Check it.
bedlamsociety is back with more news and reviews and videos, including reels from The Shins, Constantines, Most Precious Blood and Rage Against the Machine(whose live album just came out last week; anyone got their two cents? itacs@hotmail.com). The bedlam crew also has a new feature concerning Jude the Obscure, who're here in Ottawa tomorrow night(Tuesday) with .hopesfall and Hey Mercedes.
Things are settling down after the move: the folks at sphereofhiphop are still in business, so support and listen to the real hiphop.
This came across the wire from Floodgate Records last night: "Floodgate Records is proud to announce the signing of Mourning September to their growing roster. The two-year-old band has been creating a stir in their regional scene in and around Oklahoma, playing with bands as diverse as Blindside, Bowling for Soup, Five Iron Frenzy and the Juliana Theory. "They're just a solid rock band, and we kept hearing their name from other artists that had done shows with them," states Tim Taber, president of Floodgate Records. "Since we are a small label, we need bands that are committed to working hard and being on the road. Mourning September has more than proven themselves with how much success they have achieved around their local area." Drummer Dave Walker states, "Floodgate had been on our hearts from the beginning, and we've been fans of all the bands on the label. We are looking forward to good times in the future."
Floodgate Records is based in Tustin, CA and is distributed through Word Entertainment / WEA. Mourning September will begin recording their untitled debut album in January, and will release the project in the spring of 2004."
So there you have it. (Thanks for the heads-up, Lori!)
Keep an eye and an ear open for The Procussions.
Rumour has it that the recently-departed Shai Hulud will release an odds-and-sods collection next year entitled A Comprehensive Retrospective Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Release Bad And Useless Recordings. This is rumour, kids, so don't get all in a dither about it just yet. [lambgoat]
Eighteen Visions' new record will be called Obsessions, hitting stores next April.
Good news for fans of Chicago band Dead to Fall: they're baaaack.
I devoutly hope the Tooth and Nail Tour early next year comes to Ottawa. Just a thought. A yearning, if you will.
There won't be a news thingy today, simply because I'm not up to the task this morning. I do have this to say, though: regardless of who you are reading this right now, where you are, what your circumstances are, get this: God really is real. We're Christians running this magazine(such as it is), but often we don't come off as such, and from this day forward, speaking for myself, that's gonna change. And as a direct result, this space will become better.
Rent's due today. Wish me luck.