MEN (f/ Le Tigre's JD Samson) to release debut album Feb. 2011, music video

MEN is a queer political-dance pop band from Brooklyn comprised of Le Tigre's JD Samson, Michael O’Neill (Ladybug Transistor, Princess) and Ginger Brooks Takahashi (LTTR, The Ballet). Together they deliver an irresistible sound. They'll release their debut album, Talk About Body on IAMSOUND Feb. 1, 2011. This is music you let loose to. Music that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. Kudos to MEN for discussing important issues and having a good beat at the same, too. Excited for this release.

Speaking to issues such as wartime economies, sexual compromise, and the demand for liberties, the band released their first EP, Limited Edition Demo to widespread acclaim, with the New York Times calling it “full of dreamy post-disco.”  They were lauded for their inventive, high energy live show, which saw them open tours for The Gossip and Peaches in America, in addition to doing their own headlining runs in the U.S. and overseas.  Combining politics with dance parties, art with activism, MEN shows have always reached a fever pitch, treating each show as an art project, sometimes asking local artists to paint a backdrop while they perform, or by using DIY cardboard-and-tippex props, including cut-out fists and banners printed with slogans like “SILENCE=DEATH” and “WHO AM I TO FEEL SO FREE”.

Tracklisting below. 

Zombie Dogs (new LP, shows)

For most of this year Brooklyn feminist hardcore outfit Zombie Dogs have been quiet. I've been waiting to hear anything about new music and shows. Finally that news is here. The band is releasing a new LP in October 2010 on Strength in Numbers, the label's first release.

Over the past two years, all-female hardcore band Zombie Dogs has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the underground punk scene of Brooklyn, NY. Playing hardcore matinees at ABC No Rio, all-day feminist conferences like the Big She-Bang, release parties for the female drummer magazine Tom Tom, and radical d.i.y. feminist spaces such as the Girl Cave in DC and the Ex-Cock/Less Cock House in Philadelphia, Zombie Dogs are known for their commanding, tough, raucous approach to socially-conscious hardcore punk.

For more information and to hear "The Once Over" go here. Also, pre-orders are now up. For $11 you get the LP + a digital download!

Also, band play Oct. 2 in Philly with Trophy Wife and Oct. 15 in Brooklyn with The Measure (SA), Bridge & Tunnel, and Shellshag. See below for tracklisting. 

Azure Ray releasing new album, announce U.S. Tour Dates

Azure Ray are touring this fall to support a new album that comes out on Sept. 14! Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink have had their solo music going on for several years now, but the two have been working together on a new album with their band and are going to perform in New York this fall. Their sound has been classified  as "dream-pop" in the vein of Twin Sister today. On November 13th the pair perform at Mercury Lounge on November 13th. Tickets are on-sale Friday at noon. They also play The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on November 14th. Tickets go on-sale Saturday, July 17th at 10am. Details on the new album below. 

It’s been six years since celebrated female duo Azure Ray released their critically acclaimed album Hold On Love. The highly anticipated new full length from Orenda Fink and Maria Taylor is a sublime future classic titled Drawing Down the Moon, set for release on Saddle Creek on September 14, 2010. The record was produced by Eric Bachmann at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina, mixed by Michael Patterson in Los Angeles, CA, and features guest appearances by Andy LeMaster and Liz Durrett. With three prior full-lengths and an EP, the duo drew fans from around the globe with their transcendent songwriting and stunning vocals, and Drawing Down the Moon is an even more impressive and beguiling delight. Their undeniable talents lie in balladry so breathtakingly visceral that it soars straight through the ears into the veins until it pumps firmly into the heart. Azure Ray are famed for their bittersweet melancholy and Drawing Down the Moon is a perfect ode to their harmonious musical gifts.

Tracklisting and full U.S. Tour date below. 

Communication Redlight to release split w/ Your Favorite Trainwreck (details + release shows)

From one coast to another, New Jersey's Communication Redlight and California's Your Favorite Trainwreck come together to release a rockin' split 7''. It contains 2 songs from each band. 1 original, 1 cover. Your Favorite Tranwreck features members of Farside and Gameface and Communication Redlight features former Delft and Low End Theory members. The result is a quality release. 

Communication Redlight jams out a great rock song with some tingly guitar, melody and catchy pulls with sincere lyrics on "1013/one twenty-three," plus try their hands at a Police cover;while Your Favorite Tranwreck gets an equally nice tune together on "Bounce Back," with a cool Elvis Costello cover. 

The 7'' will be available in glow-in-the-dark and red vinyl for just $5. It's officially out on June 29th! 

Stream the record here: http://www.iheartblank.com/communicationredlight/split/

Order here: http://www.devildancerecords.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1

To celebrate the band is performing 3 record release shows. The weekend includes show in New Brunswick, Brooklyn, and Hoboken. Here are the details on the Split Record Release shows: 

  

Friday, June 25th, 2010 [21+]

9:00 PM at The Court Tavern

124 Church Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Cost: $10.00

w/ The Casting Out (ex-Boysetsfire)

Go Falcon! (ex-Delft / Amping Copper)

Saturday, June 26th, 2010 [21+]

9:00 PM at Lulu's

113 Franklin Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Cost: FREE

w/ I Hate Our Freedom (ex-Garrison / Milhouse)

Vs. Antelope (ex-Jets To Brazil)

Sunday, June 27th, 2010 [ALL AGES]

6:00PM @ Maxwells

1039 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030

Cost: $10.00

Bands:

Atlantic/Pacific (ex-Texas Is The Reason)

Go Falcon! (ex-Delft / Amping Copper)

Jimmy Gnecco (of Ours) to release solo album July 20, playing NYC w/ Greg Laswell May 25

Ours frontman, Jimmy Gnecco, who gained critical acclaim for his dynamic vocals and songwriting style, is set to release his self-produced debut solo effort, The Heart, on July 20, 2010.  Graceful, personal and at times hymnal, The Heart, channels Gnecco’s undeniable talent, as he performed every instrument heard on the album (guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums).  But it's his perfectly controlled falsetto, which is established in the album's opener ("Rest Your Soul"), that truly takes center stage and is sustained throughout.
 
Gnecco first made a name for himself in the late 90s, as the lead singer of shape-shifting alternative rock band, Ours.  Dynamic and urgent, Ours signed to Dreamworks in 1997 and released three critically acclaimed records - Distorted Lullabies (2001), Precious (2002) and the Rick Rubin assisted, Mercy (2008).

He's playing a show at Bowery Ballroom in NYC with Greg Laswell and Brian Wright on May 25th. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door. 7:30pm. More info here.

Let Me Run to release new EP on June 15

Let Me Run will release, Broken Strings, its new 6-song EP on June 15 through Paper+Plastick. The EP was recorded by Machine at The Machine Shop in Weehawken, NJ and produced/engineered by Will Putney. The New Brunswick based band who previously released material on XOXO Records, had the following to say: 

P+P has put a lot of faith in us as a band and allowed us to write an EP that we are really happy with,” comments Let Me Run drummer Trevor Reddell. “It's a breath of fresh air to know that there are still labels out there who respect the art and don't try to manipulate it for sales.

The band have two upcoming shows. One is April 24 at The Court Tavern in New Brunswick, NJ with Ex Numbers and Communication Redlight. The other is at NYC's Cake Shop with Small Brown Bike and Bridge and Tunnel.

The Gaslight Anthem post first single

The Gaslight Anthem have posted the first single from their upcoming album of the same name, "American Slang" on their MySpace page. The album will be released on June 15 and feature 10 songs. The band played new song "Bring It On" at their show in Montclair, NJ on Dec. 11, 2009. A review from that show can be read here.

What do you think of the song? Post your thoughts in the comments.

Tracklisting:
1. American Slang
2. Stay Lucky
3. Bring It On
4. The Diamond Church Street Choir
5. The Queen of Lower Chelsea
6. Orphans
7. Boxer
8. Old Haunts
9. The Spirit of Jazz
10. We Did It When We Were Young

Album Review: Bad Mask bring heavy assault on V2

Bad Mask, V2

Medford, NJ

Self-Released

For fans of: The Dillinger Escape Plan, Botch, Coalesce, and Red Light Green Light

Bad Mask provides a relentless metal assault on their second release, V2. The nine songs on this album clock in at less than 30 minutes and are totally in your face and noisy. They have a heavy back and fourth sort of tingly guitar sound reminiscent of Botch. They have hints of Dillinger Escape Plan infused in the music but not quite as innovative. Their sound is heavy, mathy, aggressive, and sporadic.These are not easy to the ears,. At times the vocals are less than stellar but overall captures an emotional vulnerability by singer Don who has two different screaming vocal styles, you have to hear to understand.

The opener “Alleycat Blues” is on of the best. “I'm coming for you” is screamed in such an angry way and the song has all these different parts going on that makes the song interesting. It's an intense song. The way Don repeats “we keep running and running” is compelling. “To get it back, you have to take it back” is a great line. It ends with just guitar before it slowly fads out. In “Gatekeeper” he screams “I've had enough.” I'll fast forward to the last track "Untitled XI" where he screams "Work, work, work, work, play, work, work, work, work, play." The lyrics are worth a closer read. You can get them here. This is a straight up heavy record for someone looking for more than a chug chug riff in their metal.

CD Review: MiniBoone brings jammy indie-rock on Big Changes

MiniBoone, Big Changes
Brooklyn, NY
Drug Front Records

For fans of: Pavement, Wolf Parade, Q and Not U, and Jukebox the Ghost

Band's should always put their best song first. MiniBoone gets it right with "Summer Jam" from their upcoming 6-song EP called Big Changes. "Tell me why I feel the way I do" goes the song. It continues, "I get chills..." Well, I did. The songs that followed, though, could easily be their best to. But to call something best, is to keep it exclusive. So for this 5-piece it's more, every song rocks. While MiniBoone isn't doing anything inventive, they do add to an ever-growing indie-rock sound that's becoming all the rage in Brooklyn. What's interesting is that three of the members play both guitar and keys, as well as sing. I wonder if they switch off on instruments during their live set.

MiniBoone's songs are jammy, fun, and make you shake you head, clap your hands, and whatever other movements you enjoy doing when you dance. The opening song “Summer Jam,” is a feel good one for all occasions. Craig sings with such passion, “and all this stuff is love,” repeating the line more times than I can count. The line ends the song, then goes nicely into “Cool Kids Cut Out of the Heart Itself.” There's also some auxiliary percussion and what sounds like a xylophone that can be heard throughout the E.P. "Rosaline Must Dance Alone" is about a 22-year old finding love. The song is really sweet and lovely. Finally it's “Funny Money” which finds Craig nearly screaming “don't look down” with a conviction in his voice, while another vocalist sings behind him all while a pair of sick, sounding guitars play. I love that you can hear all the instruments on this release and that no one instrument is more overbearing than another. Listen to some jams for yourself here.

MiniBoone is Craig Barnes, James Keary, and Doug Schrashun
on guitar, keyboard, and vocals; Sam Rich on bass and Taylor Gabriels on drums.

Big Changes will be released on Jan. 26 through Drug Front Records for $6. The band's record release show is Feb. 3 at Glasslands Gallery in Brooklyn, NY.

Big Changes
Tracklisting:
01. Summer Jam
02. Cool Kids Cut Out of the Heart Itself
03. Devil in Your Eyes
04. Rosalina Must Dance Alone
05. I Need
06. Funny Money

Press Photo Credit: Marielle Solan
Album Art Credit: Greatmiddlewest

CD Review: Exit She Calls bring edgy pop/rock on Out of Reach

Exit She Calls, Out of Reach
Bergen County, NJ
Scorpion Records

For fans of: Coheed and Cambria, Paramore, Title Fight, and Lemuria

Bergen County based, Exit She Calls have released, Out of Reach, their 10-song debut with guitar-crunching, catchy songs and a pop-punk feel. The songs truly shine and showcase the bands rockin' sound. Where other bands go wrong sometimes shouting or screaming, this 4-piece does right by having a singer who, well, actually sings. Kristia's soft yet passionate voice brings a good dynamic to the songs. There's also tingly, back and fourth guitar parts that make you want to shake around thanks to Jeff who shreds it up, notably on "Little Things." What's nice is that on most songs there's two different guitar parts going on. The release also features an acoustic song called "Another Growing Uncertainty." Then, there's "You're No Pig Champion" which opens with a stand out bass line. What stands out about Exit She Calls is how the guitar squeals are extended, unlike in most pop/punk songs and the drummer isn't particularly fast while the guitar parts usually are.

Exit She Calls shows that you don’t need screams or insanely technical guitar parts to be a good rock band these days. It’s refreshing to hear a band that doesn't sound like they're trying too hard or one that thinks they need to put on gimmicks. The lyrics seem to realize that things may be hard and we want may want something or someone, but we can be hopeful and we can do it on our own. They remind me of Lemuria and Tokyo Rose, melodic with sweet lyrics and a nice groove. I still contend that Exit She Calls is North Jersey's hope for a great, young pop/rock scene. You can grab a taste of the band's music here.

Ben Franklin release OPTIMIST for FREE// NYC CD Release Show at Piano's Tonight

Tonight is Brooklyn rockers, Ben Franklin's cd release show at Piano's in New York City. The band will have copies of their first full-length "Optimist." The cd's are professionally mastered with screen printed covers and folded booklets. You also get free stickers. For those that can't make it to the show, you can download the album for free here. The 3-piece of Eduardo Garza, William Gray, and Sarah Tomek put the kick back in rock 'n roll with their brand of punk and gives you music to bop around to. Definitely worth the listen.

Thursday September 3rd, 9pm CD Release @ Pianos, $8 and free cd and stickers. 158 Ludlow Street, New York City. 21 and over.

Tracklisting below.


Been Franklin OPTIMIST tracklisting:

1. Tell Us How You Really Feel
2. Drink to Forget
3. Ghosts
4. Montclair
5. The Face of Proposition 8
6. Catalyst
7. Credit Default Swap Bop
8. Timmeh
9. Had it Comin'
10. You Is Me
11. Fren Banklin

Upcoming Ben Franklin Shows:
9/3 @ Pianos, NYC (cd release)
9/16 @ Public Assembly, Brooklyn, NY

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Cheap Girls announce new album details and post 2 new songs

Michigan's Cheap Girls have announced a tentative Oct. 6 release for their second full length "My Roaring 20's." The album features 10 songs coming in at less than 30 minutes on Paper + Plastick Records. The band posted a two new songs "Hey Hey, I'm Worn Out" and "Ft. Lauderdale" on their myspace. The band tour the west coast next month, then play the Fest in Gainseville, FL over Halloween weekend.

Here's a statement from the band on the release:

We began recording the record with Rick Johnson (as always) at the end of February, 2009 just before we left for a tour. We were able to record all of the drums and bass in a few days and then we had to leave for 3 and a half weeks before we could do any more. Once we were home, we finished it in Ben's basement, Rick's apartment and Rick's new studio. A couple weeks later, we re-finished the record at Rick's studio. After that, he mixed it about 6 times. Some could say we were a bit "prissy" on this one. Either way, we're incredibly happy with how this record turned out and I think all 4 of us involved really kind of surprised ourselves. That's a good thing, right? Right! Thanks, Rick. You're a great sport and we can't wait to make another one.

After all of that was wrapped up, Jeff Rosenstock did the artwork (he did our first LP as well). We mailed him a shit ton of pictures we found in my parents basement, including my parents' pre-children German Sheppard named Biff posed in funny situations and my father dressed as Gene Simmons for Halloween '77. He did a great job. You'll see.

Tracklisting below.


My Roaring 20's Tracklisting:

1. Sunnyside
2. Ft. Lauderdale
3. Hey Hey, I'm Worn Out
4. I Had A Motorcycle
5. Sleeping Weather
6. Something That I Need
7. Modern Faces
8. Lab Technicians
9. All My Clean Friends
10. One & Four

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Tegan & Sara post "Sainthood" tracklisting & artwork plus announce 2 NYC shows

Indie/pop folk duo Tegan and Sara have posted the artwork (see above) and tracklisting (see below) for their new album, "Sainthood" out on Oct. 27. It's the Canadian twins sixth full length studio album. They also posted some initial tour dates. They'll be at New York City's Town Hall on Oct. 30 and 31st. Tickets are on-sale Aug. 28 at 10am EST at ticketmaster.com

Sainthood Tracklisting:
1. Arrow
2. Don't Rush
3. Hell
4. On Directing
5. Red Belt
6. The Cure
7. Northshore
8. Night Watch
9. Alligator
10. Paperback Head
11. The Ocean
12. Sentimental Tune
13. Someday

West Gate to release new album on June 23rd

Hardrock act West Gate have set June 23rd as the release date for their new album, Daylight. A clip of the new album is available at WestGateBand.com They recently announced new guitarist Alex Goldenthal to the line-up. You can see him, Pete, George, Rob, and Kurt when they perform in NYC on June 26. Check out the "read more" for additional tour dates.

West Gate
Daylight

1. Bleeding Out
2. Daylight
3. Ordinary
4. Want it All
5. Way Out
6. Gaslight
7. Soul Searching
8. Kiss From a Rose
9. Alive Again
10. With Time
11. Fiction
12. Rebirth


West Gate Tour Dates:

6/26 @ Ace of Clubs, NYC
8/13 @ The Black Flower, Raleigh, NC
8/14 @ The Rock Shop, Fayetteville, NC
8/15 @ Luna Bean, Wilson, NC
8/17 @ Springwater, Nashville, TN
8/18 @ Ten High Club, Atlanta, GE
8/22 @ The Elbo Room, Chiago, IL
8/27 @ The Smiling Moose, Pittsburg, PA
8/29 @ Dr. Watsons Pub, Philadelphia, PA

The Measure [SA] Sing About People & Fruit & Shit, 2 Acoustic Shows

The Measure (SA) "Drunk By Noon" @ Maxwell's, Hoboken, NJ 2/7/09

New Brunswick’s The Measure [SA] reminds us of the true meaning of inspiration with their new 12” EP Songs About People…and Fruit N’ Shit. An incredible listen, Songs About People…and Fruit N’ Shit captures the essence of the band with driving riffs, memorable melodies, and sing-a-longs fit for the basement nearest you. Songs like “Revisionist” and “Hello Bastards” exemplify what punk rock should be—raw, powerful, and unyielding. Meanwhile, “How To Steal a Million” manages to steal your heart, embracing desperation, tenderness, and, above all, passion. Recorded at Technical Ecstasy Studios by Chris Pierce, Songs About People…and Fruit N’ Shit will become a staple in your collection next to Milo Goes to College and My Brain Hurts.

They will also be playing two acoustic shows.

The Measure (SA)Tour Dates:

March 11 @ Meat Town USA, New Brunswick, NJ (acoustic w/Emilyn Brodsky, Spoonboy)
March 16 @ The Parlor, New Brunswick, NJ (acoustic w/ Paul Baribeau)

Read more for ep tracklisting.

Track Listing:
1. Drunk By Noon
2. Drama-Free Youth
3. Revisionist
4. How To Steal a Million
5. Singles Series Number Zero
6. Roof Beers
7. Hello Bastards
8. Practice Jam

Hesta Prynn to perform in NYC on April 15, 5-song EP available

photo by Marisa Manning
















Hesta Prynn and Chuck Brody in the studio

Hesta Prynn, one-third of the New York hip hop outfit Northern State will be performing at Mercury Lounge on Wednesday, April 15. Also on the bill is Bird of Youth, Awesome New Republic, and Rumspringa. Doors are at 7:30. $10. 21+. Tickets are on sale this Friday at noon.

Prynn delivers a pop/electro sound that is sure to have you moving and singing along. Her 5-song ep, Civil Shepherd is available here. Every copy is personally signed.

Civil Shepherd EP

1. Seven Sisters
2. Close to You
3. An Ocean Came
4. Le Coq Aux Folles
5. Whoa Whoa

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone: 2 Shows, 2 Release

White Corolla- Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, New Video


Chicago’s Casiotone for the Painfully Alone have announced two all ages shows, a free Manhattan show on Feb. 12 at the Kimmel Center and a hometown show at Subterranean on Feb. 27.CFTPA will also release two full length albums this spring. The first, Advance Base Battery Life, the singles and rarities compilation comes out early March. The second, Vs. Children, the new album with new songs comes out in early April. Spearheaded by Owen Ashworth, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone thrives on a minimalist lo-fi sound.

Ashworth says:

There will be a big Europe/UK tour in April & May in support of both of these releases. In the spirit of duality, I will be performing both a solo electronic set & a full band set at all shows. Concern will support all dates, along with some other extra special guests along the way. Hopefully I'll have those dates for you soon, so keep an eye on that fabulous, fabulous SHOWS page.

Feb. 12 @ NYU’S Kimmel Center, Manhattan, NY w/ Rings ("First Nation"), Festival
(60 Washington Sq. South, Rm. 802)
7:30pm. Free. All ages.
Must have valid, gov't-issued ID for entry. Entry is free but space is limited to first 150 entrants.

Feb. 27 @ Subterranean, Chicago, IL w/ Yoomd Jeremy Cox
(2011 North Ave)
7:30pm doors/8pm show / $10 / All ages

Check the “read more” for tracklisting and cover art.


Cover art for Vs. Children by Heidi Andersons's:


Tracklisting:
1. Casiotone for the Painfully Alone vs. Children
2. Tom Justice, The Choir Boy Robber, Apprehended at Ace Hardware in Libertyville, IL
3. Optimist vs. The Silent Alarm (When The Saints Go Marching In)
4. Natural Light
5. Traveling Salesman's Young Wife Home Alone on Christmas in Montpelier, VT
6. Man O' War
7. Northfield, MN
8. Killers
9. Harsh The Herald Angels Sing
10. You Were Alone
11. White Jetta

Cover Art for Advance Base Battery Life

Tracklisting:
1. Old Panda Days (w/ Nick Krgovich)
2. Lesley Gore on the T.A.M.I. Show (version)
3. White Corolla
4. White on White
5. Holly Hobby
6. Lonesome New Mexican Nights
7. The Only Way To Cry
8. It's A Crime
9. Missoula
10. Hot Boyz (w/ Dear Nora)
11. Born in the U.S.A. (w/ Concern)
12. Streets of Philadelphia (w/ Concern)
13. Graceland
14. Sunday St
15. Voice of the Hospital