by jill ettinger

New York’s MAKE OUT Is Set To Release Their Debut EP In Early 2011

Drawing on their eclectic backgrounds, the quartet intentionally makes music against the mainstream grain as they see it, eschewing contemporary indie sounds. MAKE OUT plays fast, concentrated pop songs as evident in their first single releasing December 14th, the anthemic, “I Don’t Want Anybody That Wants Me.”

Formed in 2010, MAKE OUT features Leah Hennessey on vocals, former Junior Senior member, Jesper Mortensen on backing vocals and guitar, Anders Christiansen on bass and Olivia Alminiana on drums.

MAKE OUT was excited to work with producer Nicolas Vernhes (Dirty Projectors, Animal Collective, The Fiery Furnaces) at his Rare Book Room studios in Brooklyn, feeling an instant connection and shared vision for what the band should sound like.

Check out the new single available now on Spin.com

11.23.10

by tunmer

Radio Department to Release Singles Compiliation

The Radio Department comes out with a selection of their latest (of the past eight years) and greatest (of those eight years) work: Passive Aggressive: Singles 2002-2010 for release on January 25^th, 2011.

This “best hits” compilation of sorts of at least their time thus far with Labrador Records is complete with a double disk and some B-sides and rarities mixed in. The Swedish indie label is boding this release as a result of the success of their best selling band. Such success does not come without its obstacles, however. The Radio Department are undoubtedly rock stars, but hesitant – or at least coy – ones at that. Considering their popularity, it seems strange that they have consistently been hesitant to sign contracts, expose themselves to the media and generally skeptical of their acceptance by fans, critics and the rest of the musical community they – whether or not they believe they do or should – belong to.

Until their tour of said album, satiate your need for The Radio Department with the dream-pop track “Never Swallow Fruit” off their just released EP, Never Follow Suit, accompanied perhaps by a candle lit room with an uncontrolled drug of the green variety.

Look out for their tour celebrating this album, including the upcoming New York shows on 11/30 and 12/01 at the Knitting Factory and Bowery Ballroom, respectively.

11.23.10

by justgentile

Woodsmen Film Live Performance For Terroreyes TV

Out of Denver, Colorado come Woodsmen, an experimental ambient post-psychedelic (their genre, not mine) quartet. Featuring “totemic percussionists and two sonic animators who employ electric guitars, feedback loops, and recorded samples to build the dreamy astral soundscapes that define Woodsman’s sound.” While traveling up and down the West Coast, Woodsman stopped by Terroreyes TV in Sacramento to perform “Insects” from their upcoming album Rare Forms, out 1/25 via Lefse Records and Fire Talk Records.

Earlier this year Lefse Records released their Mystery Tape EP, and will follow it up in January with their Rare Forms full length from which “Insects” is drawn. Heavily influenced by hazy mountain passes, the cinema of Stan Brakhage, and early 1970’s improvisational recordings by Miles Davis. Woodsman has crafted aural offerings that are uniquely their own. Watch full screen in HD!

http://vimeo.com/16751042

11.19.10

by jill ettinger

Coming February 2011: The Boxer Rebellion Releases “The Cold Still”

Save the Date: February 8th, 2011. You’ll be relieved to find some assistance to help lift you out of the mid-winter blues with the Boxer Rebellion’s forthcoming album, The Cold Still.

Following up to their critically acclaimed 2009 release, Union, this highly anticipated album is poised to please old fans of the Boxer Rebellion and create an army of new listeners.

Their trademark, graceful lyrics and hypnotic melodies met with great assistance on The Cold Still by way of legendary producer, Ethan Johns, best known for his work with Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne and Kings of Leon. The Boxer Rebellion says he is their “dream producer” and his magical skills helped refine the albums natural and evolved sound.

Union reached acclaim for becoming the first self-released album to make it on to Billboard’s top digital sales charts, and the band hopes that The Cold Still, also self-released on Absentee Recordings, will also make it onto the charts. www.theboxerrebellion.com

11.18.10

by cwaleko

The Future Islands And Lonnie Walker Release Split 7 Inch

The Future Islands and Lonnie Walker team up to release a split seven inch from Baltimore’s Friends Records. The single features a new track from both artists and is now available on limited addition peach colored vinyl. Only 1000 copies were made so you better act fast!

Making sense of why these two very different bands have teamed up at first is a little tricky, but the two artists actually have a long history together. In fact they have known each other for most of their lives. Both from coastal North Carolina they at one point played in a band together in college.

The two will also be playing shows together this week.

November 18 Charlotte, NC – The Milestone
November 19 Raleigh, NC – Kings
November 20 Baltimore, MD – Ottobar