by summer826

Surf City Gives ‘Kudos’

It has been a long time since a band could combine elements of early ‘80s alternative with the velvety guitar melodies of ‘90s college rock to the poetic lyrics of many indie bands of today, but New Zealand’s Surf City has managed to do all of that and still sound original and on the edge of something truly spectacular.

Surf City was formed by guitar mavens Davin Stoddard and Josh Kennedy. They quickly added Josh’s brother Jamie on bass and Logan Collins on drums and from there the group was complete. Driven with a passion to create some of the best psychedelic pop music around, they sought out Steve Keene who had previously worked with bands Pavement and Silver Jews to produce their self titled EP. Upon the release of their first EP, Surf City immediately gained momentum which did not go unnoticed as they impressed music Web sites Stereogum and All Music.

Surf City released their long awaited debut album Kudos on Fire Records on November 30^th to a lot of buzz with the band being hailed as New Zealand’s most hyped and possibly best indie band to emerge in a very long time. The first two singles, “Crazy Rulers of The World” and “Kudos” have already whet the palettes of music lovers everywhere leaving them all wanting more.

12.06.10

by mcirigliano2

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Release Exclusive iTunes Session

On November 30th, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros released a new iTunes Session- available exclusively through the iTunes store. A six-song collection recorded at EastWest Studio in Los Angeles, the session features reworked, unique versions of some of the band’s most memorable songs found on their debut album, “Up From Below.” The release also includes a previously unrecorded live show favorite, “Fire & Water.”

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros will wrap up 2010 by playing a handful of US shows, including KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas in Los Angeles on December 12th. The band will kick off 2011 with a trip to Australia and New Zealand for Big Day Out.

iTunes Session tracklist and future tour dates for the band below:

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – iTunes Session

1. Up From Below

2. Janglin’

3. 40 Day Dream

4. Fire & Water

5. Brother

6. Desert Song

Upcoming Tour Dates

Dec 12 Gibson Amphitheater Universal City, CA

Jan 21 Big Day Out: Auckland Auckland, NZ

Jan 23 Big Day Out at Gold Coast Parklands Gold Coast, AUS

Jan 26 Big Day Out: Sydney Sydney, AUS

Jan 27 Big Day Out: Sydney Sydney, AUS

Jan 28 The Forum Sydney Moore Park, AUS

Jan 30 Big Day Out: Melbourne Melbourne, AUS

Feb 1 The Forum Melbourne Melbourne, AUS

Feb 4 Big Day Out: Adelaide Adelaide, AUS

Feb 6 Big Day Out: Perth Perth, AUS

12.03.10

by aitorzabalegui

Broken Records Debut “A Darkness Rises Up” with Video

We all know religion (the oldest of all establishments) is the least punk thing you can think of, but for some reason it’s been cool for a while now to perform in a church. Broken Records are doing it. Their newest video for the 6-piece Edinburgh, Scotland group’s newest single, “A Darkness Rises Up” not only has them strumming along amidst a backwash of stained-glass light, but their mom let them wear their Converse inside too. Redefining punk aside — really — “Darkness” simply chugs and pops and does all those anthemic things while having a string section provide the extra bravado you can’t get from guitar and bass. In the video, the lead singer seems tortured enough, and if you’re not convinced, there’s plenty of dilapidated scenery to further commiserate the misery. You can watch the whole thing below and should you like, remember to pick up Let Me Come Home out on 1/11/11 on 4AD.

12.03.10

by summer826

Holcombe Waller Offers Free Download To Celebrate New Album

In preparation for his third album entitled Into the Dark Unknown and set to release February 22, 2011, singer, songwriter, composer and video artist Holcombe Waller is offering his single “Risk of Change” as a free download.

The San Francisco native, began his musical career while attending Yale University studying art. During that time, he produced and mixed two albums for Bryce and Aaron Dessner and Bryan Devendor of The National fame. Returning the favor, the three played on Waller’s debut album Advertising Space released in 1999 on Holcombe’s very own label, Napoleon Records. In 2001, he released his second album, Extravagant Gesture.

In 2005, Waller moved to Portland, Oregon. Over the years, he has stepped outside his box of recorded music and ventured into theater, performance art and video installation. In 2008, he embarked on a new experience performing in “In the Dark Unknown: The Hope of Chest” which toured the U.S. as well as Canada and Croatia. During this time, Waller wrote the songs for his new album which is sure to be a melodic combination of songs and lyrics that will show off his talent as a musician and songwriter.

For more information about Holcombe including album information and tour dates, visit his Web site here.

12.01.10

by aitorzabalegui

Kisses Remix One of Their Songs Called “Kisses”

LA duo Kisses are only a week past the release of their debut LP, The Heart of The Nightlife, but they found some time to remix the first song off the album, “Kisses.” Titled the “Electric Sunset Remix,” the LA band consisting of Zinzi Edmundson and Jesse Kivel have managed to evoke the feeling of Miami Beach while sounding like a younger and more attractive version of Hot Chip. In fact, Zinzi could give any girl in indie a run for the crown. As far as the music goes, “Kisses” flashes bright colors at you, rounded and full, that bounce around and calmly pulsate in an effortless synchronicity. Even with the high hat synth beat driving along, the track is a slow burn that at once can make you tired and dreamy.

Give it a listen below:

11.30.10

by Jane Lambert

Bright Eyes Returns with New Album This Winter!

Conor Oberst fans rejoice! Bright Eyes is BACK! The group will release their newest, and 7th album on February 15, 2011 via Saddle Creek. Titled The People’s Key, will feature ten new tracks from the Oberst, Mike Mogis, Nathaniel Walcott trio.

Additional players on the record include Andy LeMaster, (Now It’s Overhead), Matt Maginn (Cursive), Carla Azar (Autolux), Clark Baechle (The Faint), Shane Aspegren (The Berg Sans Nipple), Laura Burhenn (The Mynabirds) and Denny Brewer (Refried Ice Cream).

What will this sound like you may ask…well we guess it’s too early to tell. The follow-up to Cassadega (Saddle Creek) was a long wait as Oberst dabbled in solo projects and super groups. This could also be the last Bright Eyes record if anyone recalls Conor stating that a few years ago. We will have to wait and see for sure.

Bright Eyes have just announced two shows to get us even more excited about the album release. One at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and the other at Royal Albert Hall in London. You can find the information regarding those shows below. The pre-sales begin TOMORROW, so be sure to have your mouse clicker finger ready.

Take a peek at the show information AND the tracklisting for the new LP. 2011 is already starting off with a bang in indie rock.

Live shows & on sale info:
March 9th New York, NY Radio City Music Hall*
June 23rd London, UK Royal Albert Hall#

*Pre-Sale Begins: December 1 at 12PM EST. Public On-Sale: December 4 at 10AM EST
# Pre-Sale Begins: December 1 at 12PM EST. Public On-Sale: Saturday, December 4 at 9AM

Full track list for The People’s Key
1 Firewall
2 Shell Games
3 Jejune Stars 4 Approximate Sunlight
5 Haile Selassie
6 A Machine Spiritual (In The People’s Key)
7 Triple Spiral
8 Beginner’s Mind
9 Ladder Song
10 One For You, One For Me