Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 2511
February 18, 2014
Band of Skulls confirm spring North American tour
BAND OF SKULLS CONFIRM SPRING NORTH AMERICAN TOURHIMALAYAN NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER, SET TO BE RELEASED APRIL 1
“pure rock ‘n’ roll”—KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic “In this millennium, there are seldom few ‘rock bands’ creating music with a shelf-life. Band of Skulls appear to be in this game for the long haul.”—Paste
Band of Skulls will embark on an extensive North American tour this spring. Tickets will go on-sale this Friday, February 21. Additionally, in March, the band will perform special shows at SXSW as well as L.A.’s Belasco Theater and Brooklyn’s Warsaw. See below for full details. The North American shows are in celebration of the acclaimed U.K. trio’s forthcoming album, Himalayan , which will be released April 1 and is now available for pre-order (Electric Blues Recordings via Kobalt Label Services).
Already receiving critical acclaim, NME selected the debut single, “Asleep At The Wheel,” as one of their “20 Essential New Tracks,” praising, “Like The Black Keys at their meanest, it stomps away before propelling itself into a riff of Black Sabbath standards…” The official music video for the single can be viewed/embedded here. Additionally, a new video for the album track, “Nightmares,” recently premiered at Vevo.
Produced by Nick Launay (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds), the album was recorded during the summer of 2013 in Richmond, London at State of the Ark studios.
The new album follows 2012’s Sweet Sour, which debuted at #14 on the U.K. album chart and received widespread acclaim—NME praised, “Proficient, precision-executed blues-rock,” while Consequence of Sound praised, “sizzles with muscle-driven, sludgy honest-to-goodness rock.” In the years since, the band has toured alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, The Dead Weather, Queens of the Stone Age and Muse and sold-out two headlining shows at London’s The Roundhouse and Brixton Academy.
BAND OF SKULLS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATESMarch 11-16 Austin, TX SXSW March 18 Los Angeles, CA Belasco Theater (Tickets) March 20 Brooklyn, NY Warsaw (Tickets) April 24 Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert TheatreApril 25 Montreal, QC Corona TheatreApril 26 Philadelphia, PA Union TransferApril 28 Washington, DC 9:30 ClubApril 29 Boston, MA House of BluesMay 1 Pittsburgh, PA Mr. Small’s TheatreMay 3 Tampa, FL Big Guava Music FestivalMay 4 Ft. Lauderdale, FL RevolutionMay 6 Nashville, TN Cannery BallroomMay 7 Carrboro, NC Cat’s CradleMay 9 Atlanta, GA Shaky Knees FestivalMay 12 Austin, TX Emo’s EastMay 13 Houston, TX Warehouse LiveMay 14 Dallas, TX Granada TheaterMay 16 Englewood, CO Gothic TheatreMay 17 Salt Lake City, UT In The VenueMay 19 San Diego, CA House of BluesMay 20 Santa Ana, CA The Observatory OCMay 22 San Francisco, CA The Regency BallroomMay 24 George, WA Sasquatch! FestivalMay 27 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom May 28 Vancouver, BC Commodore BallroomJune 3 Minneapolis, MN First AvenueJune 5 Chicago, IL Park WestJune 6 Detroit, MI St. Andrew’s HallJune 7 Columbus, OH Newport Music HallJune 9 Louisville, KY Headliners Music HallJune 10 Indianapolis, IN The VogueJune 11 Lawrence, KS Granada Theatre
Perfect Pussy Release Video for "I"
PERFECT PUSSYPhoto Credit: Drew Reynolds
Noise-punk outfit Perfect Pussy are one of the most intriguing projects to surface in recent years, garnering widespread critical acclaim following the release of their debut, 4 song EP, titled I have lost all desire for feeling. Almost instantly gaining the reputation as a 'must see' act, frontwoman Meredith Graves has no problem living up to such a bold statement, performing her disarmingly honest and poetic lyrics with a feverish intensity. Today, the band released the video for "I", the first track off the EP, capturing the band in their hometown of Syracuse, NY.It was announced this morning that the five-piece are confirmed to open NPR's SXSW Showcase Party on Wednesday, March 12th, at Stubb's in Austin, TX. This show will be the first of a nonstop week for the emerging project. Full details on their schedule will be released in the coming weeks. The band will be hitting the road this spring with genre-bending, avant garde artists YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN, achieving what is sure to be one of the most electrifying co-headine bills you'll see this year. See below to check out all of Perfect Pussy's upcoming tour dates.
The band are set to release their debut full-length album, Say Yes to Love, on Captured Tracks on March 18th. The first 300 copies of limited-edition vinyl were mixed with the blood of singer Meredith Graves, and sold out in less than an hour following their announcement; for further details, you can read the full story here and pre-order the LP here.
Upcoming Tour Dates /03.04.14 - The Haunt - Ithaca, NY
03.05.14 - Now That's Class - Cleveland, OH03.06.14 - Freakin' Weekend Festival at The End - Nashville, TN =
03.07.14 - Buccaneer - Memphis, TN
03.09.14 - Festival NRML - Monterrey, MX
03.10.14 - Galaxy Z Fair - McAllen, TX
03.11.14 - Mango's - Houston, TX &03.12.14 - Stubb's Outside (NPR Official SXSW Showcase) %
03.14.14 - Red 7 (Chaos in Tejas Official SXSW Showcase) - Austin, TX #
03.16.14 - Padre's (Free Show) - Marfa, TX
03.17.14 - Wall Street - Phoenix, AZ @
03.18.14 - Che Cafe - San Diego, CA03.19.14 - Bootleg Bar - Los Angeles, CA03.20.14 - East 7th St Warehouse - Los Angeles, CA
03.21.14 - Rickshaw Stop - San Francisco, CA
03.22.14 - Slabtown - Portland, OR
03.23.14 - Treefort Music Festival - Boise, ID
03.24.14 - Vera Project - Seattle, WA
03.25.14 - Cobalt - Vancouver, BC
03.27.14 - Tubby Dog - Calgary, AB
03.28.14 - German Club - Regina, SK
03.29.14 - Dead Lobster - Winnipeg, MB
03.30.14 - 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, MN ^
04.01.14 - Township - Chicago, IL
04.02.14 - Ace of Cups - Columbus, OH
04.03.14 - The Shop - Pittsburgh, PA
04.04.14 - Death By Audio - Brooklyn, NY ~
04.05.14 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
04.24.14 - The Middle East (Downstairs) - Boston, MA *
04.25.14 - First Unitarian Church (Basement) - Philadelphia, PA *
04.26.14 - DC9 - Washington, DC *
04.27.14 - Gallery 5 Arts - Richmond, VA *
04.28.14 - King's Barcade - Raleigh, NC *
04.29.14 - Mammal Gallery - Atlanta, GA *
04.30.14 - Bottletree - Birmingham, AL *
05.03.14 - Hotel Vegas - Austin, TX $
05.05.14 - Conservatory - Oklahoma City, OK *
05.07.14 - Sweatshop - Omaha, NE *
05.08.14 - Gabe's Oasis - Iowa City, IA *
05.09.14 - Shakespeare's Lower Level - Kalamazoo, MI $
05.10.14 - Trumbullplex - Detroit, MI *
= w/ Pujol and the Tweens
& w/ Ex Hex and Connections
% w/ Damon Albarn, St. Vincent and Kelis
# w/ Destruction Unit and The Gotobeds@ w/ Gay Kiss
^ w/ Condiminium
~ w/ Total Slacker and Friendless Bummer
w/ Tumul and Green Dreams
* w/ YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN and Green Dreams
$ w/ Green Dreams
Noise-punk outfit Perfect Pussy are one of the most intriguing projects to surface in recent years, garnering widespread critical acclaim following the release of their debut, 4 song EP, titled I have lost all desire for feeling. Almost instantly gaining the reputation as a 'must see' act, frontwoman Meredith Graves has no problem living up to such a bold statement, performing her disarmingly honest and poetic lyrics with a feverish intensity. Today, the band released the video for "I", the first track off the EP, capturing the band in their hometown of Syracuse, NY.It was announced this morning that the five-piece are confirmed to open NPR's SXSW Showcase Party on Wednesday, March 12th, at Stubb's in Austin, TX. This show will be the first of a nonstop week for the emerging project. Full details on their schedule will be released in the coming weeks. The band will be hitting the road this spring with genre-bending, avant garde artists YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN, achieving what is sure to be one of the most electrifying co-headine bills you'll see this year. See below to check out all of Perfect Pussy's upcoming tour dates.
The band are set to release their debut full-length album, Say Yes to Love, on Captured Tracks on March 18th. The first 300 copies of limited-edition vinyl were mixed with the blood of singer Meredith Graves, and sold out in less than an hour following their announcement; for further details, you can read the full story here and pre-order the LP here.
Upcoming Tour Dates /03.04.14 - The Haunt - Ithaca, NY
03.05.14 - Now That's Class - Cleveland, OH03.06.14 - Freakin' Weekend Festival at The End - Nashville, TN =
03.07.14 - Buccaneer - Memphis, TN
03.09.14 - Festival NRML - Monterrey, MX
03.10.14 - Galaxy Z Fair - McAllen, TX
03.11.14 - Mango's - Houston, TX &03.12.14 - Stubb's Outside (NPR Official SXSW Showcase) %
03.14.14 - Red 7 (Chaos in Tejas Official SXSW Showcase) - Austin, TX #
03.16.14 - Padre's (Free Show) - Marfa, TX
03.17.14 - Wall Street - Phoenix, AZ @
03.18.14 - Che Cafe - San Diego, CA03.19.14 - Bootleg Bar - Los Angeles, CA03.20.14 - East 7th St Warehouse - Los Angeles, CA
03.21.14 - Rickshaw Stop - San Francisco, CA
03.22.14 - Slabtown - Portland, OR
03.23.14 - Treefort Music Festival - Boise, ID
03.24.14 - Vera Project - Seattle, WA
03.25.14 - Cobalt - Vancouver, BC
03.27.14 - Tubby Dog - Calgary, AB
03.28.14 - German Club - Regina, SK
03.29.14 - Dead Lobster - Winnipeg, MB
03.30.14 - 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, MN ^
04.01.14 - Township - Chicago, IL
04.02.14 - Ace of Cups - Columbus, OH
04.03.14 - The Shop - Pittsburgh, PA
04.04.14 - Death By Audio - Brooklyn, NY ~
04.05.14 - Mercury Lounge - New York, NY
04.24.14 - The Middle East (Downstairs) - Boston, MA *
04.25.14 - First Unitarian Church (Basement) - Philadelphia, PA *
04.26.14 - DC9 - Washington, DC *
04.27.14 - Gallery 5 Arts - Richmond, VA *
04.28.14 - King's Barcade - Raleigh, NC *
04.29.14 - Mammal Gallery - Atlanta, GA *
04.30.14 - Bottletree - Birmingham, AL *
05.03.14 - Hotel Vegas - Austin, TX $
05.05.14 - Conservatory - Oklahoma City, OK *
05.07.14 - Sweatshop - Omaha, NE *
05.08.14 - Gabe's Oasis - Iowa City, IA *
05.09.14 - Shakespeare's Lower Level - Kalamazoo, MI $
05.10.14 - Trumbullplex - Detroit, MI *
= w/ Pujol and the Tweens
& w/ Ex Hex and Connections
% w/ Damon Albarn, St. Vincent and Kelis
# w/ Destruction Unit and The Gotobeds@ w/ Gay Kiss
^ w/ Condiminium
~ w/ Total Slacker and Friendless Bummer
w/ Tumul and Green Dreams
* w/ YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN and Green Dreams
$ w/ Green Dreams
RIP Bob Casale of DEVO
All DEVO photos taken by ANGEL CEBALLOS in Seattle.
Maximo Park Announces US Tour
Maximo Park Announces US Tour "Brain Cells" Video Out Now Too Much Information LP Available In The US On April 1st Via Daylighting / [PIAS] America
Tour Dates
05/12/14 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile
05/14/14 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
05/15/14 - San Francisco, CA - Popscene @ Rickshaw
05/16/14 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
05/18/14 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
05/20/14 - Washington, DC - Rock n Roll Hotel
05/21/14 - Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts - Wolf Building
05/23/14 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
05/24/14 - Boston, MA - Boston Calling
Click Here To Watch Video For "Brain Cells"
Maximo Park have announced US tour dates in support of the band's fifth LP, 'Too Much Information', available In The US On April 1st Via Daylighting / [PIAS] America.
'Too Much Information' was recorded and self-produced by the band in Newcastle and Sunderland with additional production duties from The Invisible’s Dave Okumu and from Field Music’s David and Peter Brewis. The album is the follow-up to 2012’s critically acclaimed ‘The National Health’, and sees the band reach new heights in their remarkable songwriting and sonic experimentation.
From the beautiful weirdness of "Brain Cells", to the poetic "Leave This Island" and "Midnight On The Hill," and the refined rock of "Give, Get ,Take", 'Too Much Information' sees the band keen to challenge the listener with some of their most adventurous musical and lyrical work to date.‘Too Much Information’ will be available in the US on vinyl, CD and digitally via all reputable outlets through Daylighting / [PIAS] America.
Maximo Park are: Tom English (Drums), Duncan Lloyd (Guitar), Paul Smith (Vocals), Archis Tiku (Bass), Lukas Wooller (Keyboards)
Press Quotes“[Too Much Information] eases up on the gas while deepening their commitment to contemplative songwriting” – Pitchfork"Proves that the standard guitar-bass-drums lineup doesn’t have to be an outdated one, with its emotive Smiths-draped massiveness"
- Alt Sounds“Cleverly maneuvered their way into the slipstream of far cooler Alt.rock pioneers” – NME“Catchy as ever” – The Guardian“Beatific, melancholy-kissed rock that almost no one does well anymore” - Slant
Tour Dates
05/12/14 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile
05/14/14 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
05/15/14 - San Francisco, CA - Popscene @ Rickshaw
05/16/14 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
05/18/14 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
05/20/14 - Washington, DC - Rock n Roll Hotel
05/21/14 - Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts - Wolf Building
05/23/14 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
05/24/14 - Boston, MA - Boston Calling
Click Here To Watch Video For "Brain Cells"
Maximo Park have announced US tour dates in support of the band's fifth LP, 'Too Much Information', available In The US On April 1st Via Daylighting / [PIAS] America.
'Too Much Information' was recorded and self-produced by the band in Newcastle and Sunderland with additional production duties from The Invisible’s Dave Okumu and from Field Music’s David and Peter Brewis. The album is the follow-up to 2012’s critically acclaimed ‘The National Health’, and sees the band reach new heights in their remarkable songwriting and sonic experimentation.
From the beautiful weirdness of "Brain Cells", to the poetic "Leave This Island" and "Midnight On The Hill," and the refined rock of "Give, Get ,Take", 'Too Much Information' sees the band keen to challenge the listener with some of their most adventurous musical and lyrical work to date.‘Too Much Information’ will be available in the US on vinyl, CD and digitally via all reputable outlets through Daylighting / [PIAS] America.
Maximo Park are: Tom English (Drums), Duncan Lloyd (Guitar), Paul Smith (Vocals), Archis Tiku (Bass), Lukas Wooller (Keyboards)
Press Quotes“[Too Much Information] eases up on the gas while deepening their commitment to contemplative songwriting” – Pitchfork"Proves that the standard guitar-bass-drums lineup doesn’t have to be an outdated one, with its emotive Smiths-draped massiveness"
- Alt Sounds“Cleverly maneuvered their way into the slipstream of far cooler Alt.rock pioneers” – NME“Catchy as ever” – The Guardian“Beatific, melancholy-kissed rock that almost no one does well anymore” - Slant
These New Puritans Announce US Tour Dates
THESE NEW PURITANSANNOUNCE SPITTING STARS USA TOUR AND USA RELEASE FOR CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NEW ALBUM FIELD OF REEDS ON MARCH 4TH
These New Puritans today announce a USA release for their latest album Field of Reeds on 2x12" vinyl, CD and digital supplemented by their first US dates since the band shared a bill with Björk at The Hollywood Bowl last year.
WATCH: WATCH:
These New Puritans are a band from Essex, England, comprising of twin brothers Jack and George Barnett, their friend Thomas Hein and the many different collaborators who are drawn into their orbit. Their music is widely lauded as amongst the most original and progressive in the world, having released three unique and critically acclaimed albums that highlight their uncompromising musical vision. The band is anchored by the opposing characters of the Barnett twins: George, extroverted, a violently virtuosic drummer who directs the band's visuals; Jack, obsessively perfectionist, occupying an unusual role somewhere between producer, composer and bandleader. Hein brings equilibrium, multi-instrumentalism, and a certain wryly-amused take on the back and forth between the brothers.]
2010's Hidden was hailed as "the first masterpiece of the twenty-first century" and named NME's album of the year. It is a modern, expansive record that takes in disparate influences to create something rare in music today, something unique. The band recreated the album live with a series of ĦỊĐĐỂŅ LIVE shows, notably at the Barbican and Paris' Pompidou Centre, featuring the Britten Sinfonia, a children's choir, 10ft taiko drums, multiple vibraphonists and live Foley techniques.
New album Field of Reeds brings you closer to These New Puritans, with its highly dynamic, intense and emotive sound that bypasses any fads or fashions in today's music, with Portuguese singer Elisa Rodrigues joining the band as a guest member. "with this album the biggest change has been that i've tried to move away from abstraction... It's like when I was younger. I'd get home from school and write songs on the guitar about how I felt,this album is kind of like that". The album was critically acclaimed across Europe. TNP debuted the album with a series of concerts in Tokyo, Paris, Los Angeles (supporting Björk at Hollywood Bowl) and London, with a new live septet (drums / bass / live electronics / trumpet / french horn / piano / female vocals).
The band will be playing the following dates which will go on sale from Friday 21st February April 30th – New York, NY @ Bowery BallroomMay 2nd – Evanston, IL @ SPACEMay 3rd – Chicago, IL @ Empty BottleMay 5th – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
These New Puritans today announce a USA release for their latest album Field of Reeds on 2x12" vinyl, CD and digital supplemented by their first US dates since the band shared a bill with Björk at The Hollywood Bowl last year.
WATCH: WATCH:
These New Puritans are a band from Essex, England, comprising of twin brothers Jack and George Barnett, their friend Thomas Hein and the many different collaborators who are drawn into their orbit. Their music is widely lauded as amongst the most original and progressive in the world, having released three unique and critically acclaimed albums that highlight their uncompromising musical vision. The band is anchored by the opposing characters of the Barnett twins: George, extroverted, a violently virtuosic drummer who directs the band's visuals; Jack, obsessively perfectionist, occupying an unusual role somewhere between producer, composer and bandleader. Hein brings equilibrium, multi-instrumentalism, and a certain wryly-amused take on the back and forth between the brothers.]
2010's Hidden was hailed as "the first masterpiece of the twenty-first century" and named NME's album of the year. It is a modern, expansive record that takes in disparate influences to create something rare in music today, something unique. The band recreated the album live with a series of ĦỊĐĐỂŅ LIVE shows, notably at the Barbican and Paris' Pompidou Centre, featuring the Britten Sinfonia, a children's choir, 10ft taiko drums, multiple vibraphonists and live Foley techniques.
New album Field of Reeds brings you closer to These New Puritans, with its highly dynamic, intense and emotive sound that bypasses any fads or fashions in today's music, with Portuguese singer Elisa Rodrigues joining the band as a guest member. "with this album the biggest change has been that i've tried to move away from abstraction... It's like when I was younger. I'd get home from school and write songs on the guitar about how I felt,this album is kind of like that". The album was critically acclaimed across Europe. TNP debuted the album with a series of concerts in Tokyo, Paris, Los Angeles (supporting Björk at Hollywood Bowl) and London, with a new live septet (drums / bass / live electronics / trumpet / french horn / piano / female vocals).
The band will be playing the following dates which will go on sale from Friday 21st February April 30th – New York, NY @ Bowery BallroomMay 2nd – Evanston, IL @ SPACEMay 3rd – Chicago, IL @ Empty BottleMay 5th – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy
Bear Hands' New Album 'Distraction' Out Today
BEAR HANDS'
DISTRACTION
OUT TODAY IN US AND CANADA
STREAMING IN FULL NOW
TOURING WITH MINIATURE TIGERS & TOTAL SLACKER, PLAYING COACHELLA THIS SPRING
STREAM / / EMBED DISTRACTION HERE
"Propulsive post-punk...full of dexterous vocals and glittering guitar work" - The New Yorker
"Bear Hands excel at crafting songs that chug manically under a cloud of reverb or coax wallflowers out onto the dancefloor with an infectious marriage of musical precision and experimental messiness" - Pitchfork
Today, Bear Hands are releasing their sophomore full-length Distraction in US and Canada viaCantora Records. The full album is currently available to stream and embed HERE and is available for purchase on iTunes and at physical retailers. Distraction is already being met with early praise, with Consequence of Sound noting that "no matter the individual song's components...an underlying punk ethos still shines thanks to their insatiable sense of curiosity and their utter creative fearlessness." Death and Taxes said Distraction "blends lush guitar textures with irresistible melodies," while Alternative Press exclaimed "Bear Hands are great... And they're evolving faster than most of the stuff on your hard drive." Billboard also weighed in, suggesting the band could "teach their forerunners a thing or two about the glory of a sticky chorus." Late last year, the band ushered in their new album by releasing the quickly-embraced lead single offDistraction, "Giants." A simultaneously whiplash-inducing and silkily-grooving gem, "Giants" is available for streaming and embed via the official lyric video HERE, and the track is streaming on SoundCloud HERE.
Recently, the band released the video for "Agora," which was directed by Bear Hands guitarist Ted Feldman. The track, which seamlessly weaves the minimal funk of its verse with the massive harmonies of the hook, was premiered by global tastemaker Zane Lowe on his much respected BBC Radio 1 show. The "Agora" video is available for streaming and embed HERE, while the track is streaming on SoundCloud HERE. This winter, Bear Hands are joining forces with fellow Brooklynites Miniature Tigers for a co-headlining tour, with support from Total Slacker. The jaunt begins with a hometown show on February 26th at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn and will be followed up by appearances at South By Southwest, Coachella, Edgefest and Big Guava Music Fest in support of Distraction. Additional festival and tour dates will be announced soon, and current tour dates are below. With Distraction , Bear Hands have shrugged off the notion of second album jitters to create an expansive sound that grew over three long years and thousands of miles on the road. Produced by guitarist Ted Feldman and mixed by James Brown (Nine Inch Nails, Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters), Distraction is a violently self-assured record which sees the quartet of Dylan Rau, TJ Orscher, Val Loper and Feldman distilling their anxieties and pleasures alike into perfectly twisted pop nuggets that demand your attention. Bear Hands tour dates:2/21 - Waiting Room - Buffalo, NY2/22 - The Met - Pawtucket, RI2/26 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY #2/28 - Brighton Music Hall - Allston, MA #3/1 - Boot & Saddle - Philadelphia, PA #3/2 - The Cave - West Haven, CT #3/4 - DC9 - Washington, DC #3/5 - Strange Matter - Richmond, VA #3/6 - Savannah Stopover - Savannah, GA3/7 - Drunken Unicorn - Atlanta, GA #3/8 - Spanish Moon - Baton Rouge, LA #3/9 - Limelight - San Antonio, TX %3/12-3/16 - SXSW - Austin, TX3/17 - The High Watt - Nashville, TN #3/18 - Radio Radio - Indianapolis, IN #3/19 - Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL #3/20 - Blind Pig - Ann Arbor, MI #3/25 - White Heat @ Madame JoJo's - London, UK3/26 - Borderline - London, UK ^3/28 - Koko London (Club NME) - London, UK4/1 - Barboza - Seattle, WA4/3 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, OR4/9 - Assembly - Sacramento, CA4/10 - Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop - San Francisco, CA4/12 & 4/19 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival - Indio, CA4/17 - Backstage Bar & Billiards - Las Vegas, NV4/18 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA4/26 - Edgefest - Frisco, TX5/3 - Big Guava Music Fest - Tampa, FL # - w/ Miniature Tigers, Total Slacker% - w/ Miniature Tigers, GRMLN, Total Slacker^ - w/ Saint Raymond
STREAM / / EMBED DISTRACTION HERE
"Propulsive post-punk...full of dexterous vocals and glittering guitar work" - The New Yorker
"Bear Hands excel at crafting songs that chug manically under a cloud of reverb or coax wallflowers out onto the dancefloor with an infectious marriage of musical precision and experimental messiness" - Pitchfork
Today, Bear Hands are releasing their sophomore full-length Distraction in US and Canada viaCantora Records. The full album is currently available to stream and embed HERE and is available for purchase on iTunes and at physical retailers. Distraction is already being met with early praise, with Consequence of Sound noting that "no matter the individual song's components...an underlying punk ethos still shines thanks to their insatiable sense of curiosity and their utter creative fearlessness." Death and Taxes said Distraction "blends lush guitar textures with irresistible melodies," while Alternative Press exclaimed "Bear Hands are great... And they're evolving faster than most of the stuff on your hard drive." Billboard also weighed in, suggesting the band could "teach their forerunners a thing or two about the glory of a sticky chorus." Late last year, the band ushered in their new album by releasing the quickly-embraced lead single offDistraction, "Giants." A simultaneously whiplash-inducing and silkily-grooving gem, "Giants" is available for streaming and embed via the official lyric video HERE, and the track is streaming on SoundCloud HERE.
Recently, the band released the video for "Agora," which was directed by Bear Hands guitarist Ted Feldman. The track, which seamlessly weaves the minimal funk of its verse with the massive harmonies of the hook, was premiered by global tastemaker Zane Lowe on his much respected BBC Radio 1 show. The "Agora" video is available for streaming and embed HERE, while the track is streaming on SoundCloud HERE. This winter, Bear Hands are joining forces with fellow Brooklynites Miniature Tigers for a co-headlining tour, with support from Total Slacker. The jaunt begins with a hometown show on February 26th at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn and will be followed up by appearances at South By Southwest, Coachella, Edgefest and Big Guava Music Fest in support of Distraction. Additional festival and tour dates will be announced soon, and current tour dates are below. With Distraction , Bear Hands have shrugged off the notion of second album jitters to create an expansive sound that grew over three long years and thousands of miles on the road. Produced by guitarist Ted Feldman and mixed by James Brown (Nine Inch Nails, Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters), Distraction is a violently self-assured record which sees the quartet of Dylan Rau, TJ Orscher, Val Loper and Feldman distilling their anxieties and pleasures alike into perfectly twisted pop nuggets that demand your attention. Bear Hands tour dates:2/21 - Waiting Room - Buffalo, NY2/22 - The Met - Pawtucket, RI2/26 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY #2/28 - Brighton Music Hall - Allston, MA #3/1 - Boot & Saddle - Philadelphia, PA #3/2 - The Cave - West Haven, CT #3/4 - DC9 - Washington, DC #3/5 - Strange Matter - Richmond, VA #3/6 - Savannah Stopover - Savannah, GA3/7 - Drunken Unicorn - Atlanta, GA #3/8 - Spanish Moon - Baton Rouge, LA #3/9 - Limelight - San Antonio, TX %3/12-3/16 - SXSW - Austin, TX3/17 - The High Watt - Nashville, TN #3/18 - Radio Radio - Indianapolis, IN #3/19 - Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL #3/20 - Blind Pig - Ann Arbor, MI #3/25 - White Heat @ Madame JoJo's - London, UK3/26 - Borderline - London, UK ^3/28 - Koko London (Club NME) - London, UK4/1 - Barboza - Seattle, WA4/3 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland, OR4/9 - Assembly - Sacramento, CA4/10 - Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop - San Francisco, CA4/12 & 4/19 - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival - Indio, CA4/17 - Backstage Bar & Billiards - Las Vegas, NV4/18 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA4/26 - Edgefest - Frisco, TX5/3 - Big Guava Music Fest - Tampa, FL # - w/ Miniature Tigers, Total Slacker% - w/ Miniature Tigers, GRMLN, Total Slacker^ - w/ Saint Raymond
Prides "The Seeds You Sow" 7" & Digital Single On March 18
Prides "The Seeds You Sow" 7" & Digital Single On March 18Release "The Seeds You Sow" Video Spring Tour Dates Including SXSW Announced 
'Prides have an out-of-the-box arena-ready quality to them' - Neon Gold Records
'The Glasweigans have kicked it up a gear under the Prides banner and look set to take a seat next to their fellow Scots at the great pop feast' - The Line Of Best Fit
'Scottish soul trio whose passion-drenched songs are ready-made for arenas' - The Guardian
Watch: "The Seeds You Sow" video via YouTube Listen: "The Seeds You Sow" via Line Of Best Fit or Soundcloud
Innovative and infectious synthpop trio, Prides, will release "The Seeds You Sow" 7" and digital single on March 18 in the U.S. The band just released a new video for "The Seeds You Sow" which is available to post and share via YouTube. Earlier this month, The Line Of Best Fit premiered the track, which is also available to stream via SoundCloud. Prides just announced a spring tour which will include performances at the SXSW Music Festival as well as major U.S. cities including New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C. All shows are listed below. The Glasgow based band of three, Prides, formed in 2013 out of the ashes of several local bands. They premiered on the internet last summer with their track "Out of the Blue" which lived on the top five of the Hype Machine. The bands unique sound attracted the attention of Island Records in the UK and Virgin Records in the US, who signed them to the labels. Stewart Brock sings and plays keyboards, Callum Wiseman is lead guitarist, plays keys and sings and Lewis Gardiner plays drums and is the bands producer. "The Seeds You Sow" is an anthemic feel-good track with tumbling drums and repetitive chant-like vocals.
Stewart says, "'The Seeds You Sow' is about realizing that the things that happen around you are a result of your own actions. It's about realizing that the one you're with isn't the one, and the consequences that go with it. We wanted to make sure that it was loud, brave, and would grab people as soon as they heard it. The vocal hook is all about letting go, losing yourself, shouting as loud as you can, caution to the wind."
An addictive, dazzling track, electrifying live shows and a band with a voice, Prides are clearly a force to be reckoned with.
Prides Upcoming Tour Dates
03.11 - 03.15 - Austin, TX @ SXSW03.16 - Dallas, TX @ Prophet Bar *03.18 - Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West *03.19 - Chapel Hill, NC @ Cat's Cradle *03.20 - Washington DC @ 9:30 Club *03.21 - Boston, MA @ Sinclair *03.23 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Church *03.24 - Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade * 03.25 - New York City, NY @ Webster Hall *
*With RAC
'Prides have an out-of-the-box arena-ready quality to them' - Neon Gold Records
'The Glasweigans have kicked it up a gear under the Prides banner and look set to take a seat next to their fellow Scots at the great pop feast' - The Line Of Best Fit
'Scottish soul trio whose passion-drenched songs are ready-made for arenas' - The Guardian
Watch: "The Seeds You Sow" video via YouTube Listen: "The Seeds You Sow" via Line Of Best Fit or Soundcloud
Innovative and infectious synthpop trio, Prides, will release "The Seeds You Sow" 7" and digital single on March 18 in the U.S. The band just released a new video for "The Seeds You Sow" which is available to post and share via YouTube. Earlier this month, The Line Of Best Fit premiered the track, which is also available to stream via SoundCloud. Prides just announced a spring tour which will include performances at the SXSW Music Festival as well as major U.S. cities including New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C. All shows are listed below. The Glasgow based band of three, Prides, formed in 2013 out of the ashes of several local bands. They premiered on the internet last summer with their track "Out of the Blue" which lived on the top five of the Hype Machine. The bands unique sound attracted the attention of Island Records in the UK and Virgin Records in the US, who signed them to the labels. Stewart Brock sings and plays keyboards, Callum Wiseman is lead guitarist, plays keys and sings and Lewis Gardiner plays drums and is the bands producer. "The Seeds You Sow" is an anthemic feel-good track with tumbling drums and repetitive chant-like vocals.
Stewart says, "'The Seeds You Sow' is about realizing that the things that happen around you are a result of your own actions. It's about realizing that the one you're with isn't the one, and the consequences that go with it. We wanted to make sure that it was loud, brave, and would grab people as soon as they heard it. The vocal hook is all about letting go, losing yourself, shouting as loud as you can, caution to the wind."
An addictive, dazzling track, electrifying live shows and a band with a voice, Prides are clearly a force to be reckoned with.
Prides Upcoming Tour Dates
03.11 - 03.15 - Austin, TX @ SXSW03.16 - Dallas, TX @ Prophet Bar *03.18 - Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West *03.19 - Chapel Hill, NC @ Cat's Cradle *03.20 - Washington DC @ 9:30 Club *03.21 - Boston, MA @ Sinclair *03.23 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Church *03.24 - Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade * 03.25 - New York City, NY @ Webster Hall *
*With RAC
The Afghan Whigs: 'Do to the Beast' Release Details
The Afghan Whigs ReleaseNew Single & Video For “Algiers”
YouTube (Official Video): http://bit.ly/AWAlgiersVideo
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/subpop/the-afghan-whigs-algiersDo to the Beast To Be Released Worldwide On April 14th & 15th
New Tour Dates Announced – Tickets On Sale This Week
Do to the Beast, the first new album from The Afghan Whigs in 16 years, will be released worldwide via Sub Pop Records on April 14th in Europe and April 15th in North America. The album features the lead single “Algiers.” You can now watch the official video for “Algiers,” directed by Phil Harder on location in Agua Dulce, just northeast of Santa Clarita, California. Please find a complete album tracklist below (see Pitchfork News Story February 18th).
The Afghan Whigs will perform at the annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, CA on Friday April 11th & Friday April 18th. On April 10th the band will headline an official Pre-Coachella show in Pioneertown, CA at Pappy & Harriet’s with Brody Dalle as special guest.
The band will also perform a small number of headline shows in April and May in North America in Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Brooklyn, Boston and Baltimore. There will be a special fan pre-sale beginning Tuesday, February 18th, with tickets available to the general public later in the week. For more additional information on tickets visit theafghanwhigs.com.
Pre-orders of Do to the Beast at iTunes will receive a download of “Algiers” immediately. Pre-orders ofDo to the Beast on CD and LP are now available at subpop.com. LP buyers at subpop.com will receive the limited “Loser Edition” of the album on colored vinyl while supplies last.
In related news, Greg Dulli spoke with Entertainment Weekly about Do to the Beast (see EW.com Q&A February 18th). And later today, fans can also tune into SiriusXMU today at 5pm ET to hear “Algiers” and listen to an interview with Dulli about the new album.
The Afghan Whigs
Do to the Beast
Tracklisting
01. Parked Outside
02. Matamoros
03. It Kills
04. Algiers
05. Lost in the Woods
06. The Lottery
07. Can Rova
08. Royal Cream
09. I Am Fire
10. These Sticks
Tour Dates
Apr. 10 - Pioneertown, CA - Pappy & Harriet’s (Pre-sale: Feb. 18; Public: Feb. 20 / buy tix)
Apr. 11 - Indio, CA - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (SOLD OUT)
Apr. 14 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir (Pre-sale: Feb. 18; Public: Feb. 21 / buy tix)
Apr. 15 - Seattle, WA - Showbox Market (Pre-sale: Feb. 18; Public: Feb. 21 / buy tix)
Apr. 17 - San Francisco, CA - Slim’s (Pre-sale: Feb. 19; Public: Feb. 23 / buy tix)
Apr. 18 - Indio, CA - Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (SOLD OUT)
May 15 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl (Pre-sale: Feb. 19; Public: Feb. 21 / buy tix)
May 16 - Boston, MA - Paradise (Pre-sale: Feb. 18; Public: Feb. 21 / buy tix)
May 17 - Baltimore, MD - Otto Bar (Pre-sale: Feb. 18; Public: Feb. 21 / buy tix)
For more information on tickets please visit theafghanwhigs.com
New video: DAVIDGE (Massive Attack) feat. CATE LE BON
[image error]
Davidge featuring Cate Le Bon
Single: Gallant FoxesReleased: March 31st 2014Label: 7Hz Productions
YouTube
Vevo
· First single from ‘Slo Light’ - the debut album by Davidge featuring Sandie Shaw, Cate Le Bon, Karima Francis and more.
‘Slo Light’ follows Neil Davidge’s work as co writer and producer for Massive Attack, David Bowie, Snoop Dog, Damon Albarn, Primal Scream and Mos Def.
On March 31st 2014, 7Hz Productions proudly present ’Gallant Foxes’ - the first single taken from ‘Slo Light’ - the stunning debut album (out 24 March) by Davidge, AKA award winning producer/musician Neil Davidge.
‘Gallant Foxes’ features a guest vocal performance from the critically-acclaimed Welsh artist Cate Le Bon, whose distinctive voice is found here on fine form - seductively adorning Davidge’s unique, leftfield yet catchy cosmic-motoric-freak-pop.
Davidge is renowned previously for his record-breaking score to the Halo 4 soundtrack, plus his work either co-writing, producing or sonically-sculpting music for Massive Attack, David Bowie, Snoop Dog, Damon Albarn, Primal Scream, Elizabeth Fraser and Mos Def.
Neil Davidge is a record producer, songwriter, film score composer, musician and occasional backing vocalist. Working in close collaboration with Massive’s Robert Del Naja (3D), he had a key hand in shaping the sound of the band’s third album, 1998’s Q Award-winning ‘Mezzanine’. As with ‘Mezzanine’, Massive Attack’s fourth album ‘100th Window’ was largely piloted by Davidge and Robert Del Naja. ‘Heligoland’ - the fifth studio album by Massive Attack, was co-produced by Davidge and 3D, with additional production by Tim Goldsworthy. Davidge co-wrote 8 tracks (and produced/mixed the airplay hit ‘Paradise Circus’) as well as playing keyboards, bass and guitar.
In 2004 Davidge and Robert Del Naja scored the Luc Besson movie ‘Danny The Dog’, later renamed ‘Unleashed’. This was followed by Davidge’s solo scores for ‘Bullet Boy’, ‘Battle In Seattle’, the Paul McGuigan directed ‘Push’, plus ‘Trouble the Water’, which received an Oscar nomination for its score and won ‘Best Documentary’ at the ‘08 Sundance Film Festival. Working with Snoop Dogg, Neil scored the music for ‘In Prison My Whole Life’. He also provided additional music to the Warner Brothers blockbuster ‘Clash of the Titans’.
2012 saw the release of the Halo 4 soundtrack of which Davidge composed, arranged and produced. Davidge’s critically-acclaimed soundtrack went on to set the official record as the highest-charting video game soundtrack ever, having reached #50 in the Billboard Chart, #10 in the Independent Album Billboard chart and #3 the National Soundtrack Chart.
Neil recently composed the soundtrack for the film Citizen Koch, directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, and premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
He is presently scoring the new “Good People” movie starring James Franco and Kate Hudson and due for release in 2014.
Pre-order link:
Davidge featuring Cate Le Bon
Single: Gallant FoxesReleased: March 31st 2014Label: 7Hz Productions
YouTube
Vevo
· First single from ‘Slo Light’ - the debut album by Davidge featuring Sandie Shaw, Cate Le Bon, Karima Francis and more.
‘Slo Light’ follows Neil Davidge’s work as co writer and producer for Massive Attack, David Bowie, Snoop Dog, Damon Albarn, Primal Scream and Mos Def.
On March 31st 2014, 7Hz Productions proudly present ’Gallant Foxes’ - the first single taken from ‘Slo Light’ - the stunning debut album (out 24 March) by Davidge, AKA award winning producer/musician Neil Davidge.
‘Gallant Foxes’ features a guest vocal performance from the critically-acclaimed Welsh artist Cate Le Bon, whose distinctive voice is found here on fine form - seductively adorning Davidge’s unique, leftfield yet catchy cosmic-motoric-freak-pop.
Davidge is renowned previously for his record-breaking score to the Halo 4 soundtrack, plus his work either co-writing, producing or sonically-sculpting music for Massive Attack, David Bowie, Snoop Dog, Damon Albarn, Primal Scream, Elizabeth Fraser and Mos Def.
Neil Davidge is a record producer, songwriter, film score composer, musician and occasional backing vocalist. Working in close collaboration with Massive’s Robert Del Naja (3D), he had a key hand in shaping the sound of the band’s third album, 1998’s Q Award-winning ‘Mezzanine’. As with ‘Mezzanine’, Massive Attack’s fourth album ‘100th Window’ was largely piloted by Davidge and Robert Del Naja. ‘Heligoland’ - the fifth studio album by Massive Attack, was co-produced by Davidge and 3D, with additional production by Tim Goldsworthy. Davidge co-wrote 8 tracks (and produced/mixed the airplay hit ‘Paradise Circus’) as well as playing keyboards, bass and guitar.
In 2004 Davidge and Robert Del Naja scored the Luc Besson movie ‘Danny The Dog’, later renamed ‘Unleashed’. This was followed by Davidge’s solo scores for ‘Bullet Boy’, ‘Battle In Seattle’, the Paul McGuigan directed ‘Push’, plus ‘Trouble the Water’, which received an Oscar nomination for its score and won ‘Best Documentary’ at the ‘08 Sundance Film Festival. Working with Snoop Dogg, Neil scored the music for ‘In Prison My Whole Life’. He also provided additional music to the Warner Brothers blockbuster ‘Clash of the Titans’.
2012 saw the release of the Halo 4 soundtrack of which Davidge composed, arranged and produced. Davidge’s critically-acclaimed soundtrack went on to set the official record as the highest-charting video game soundtrack ever, having reached #50 in the Billboard Chart, #10 in the Independent Album Billboard chart and #3 the National Soundtrack Chart.
Neil recently composed the soundtrack for the film Citizen Koch, directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, and premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
He is presently scoring the new “Good People” movie starring James Franco and Kate Hudson and due for release in 2014.
Pre-order link:
Stream Tacocat's NVM, out 2/25/14
TACOCAT SHARES FULL ALBUM STREAM OF THEIR NEW ALBUM NVM
FULL ALBUM STREAM
VIDEO - "Crimson Wave" [dir. Marcy Stone-Francois]
MP3 - "Crimson Wave"
MP3 - "Bridge to Hawaii"
Starting today, you can stream all thirteen tracks on Tacocat's infectious new album NVM via The AV Club (U.S.) and Exclaim! (Canada). The Seattle pop-punk outfit's second LP (and first for Hardly Art) is already being praised as “full of hilarious jokes, ferocious tambourines, and pop hooks galore" (BUST), and Alternative Press describes NVM as "essentially LOL-worthy GIFs set to speedy three-chord bursts” that will stay “wedged in your brain for hours.” Next month, the band will set out on a massive nationwide tour, including showcases at SXSW. See below for a full list of dates.
NVM is out Tuesday, February 25th.
About the record:
Like a fluorescent-lit snack-aisle oasis in some desolate interstate road stop, brimming with Skittles and limited-edition Sno Balls, Tacocat's Easter-egg-hued pop-punk-pop is bubblegum-sticky with hooks, bound to brighten up the most drab stretch of bummer backroad.
The band's four-person, seven-layer-burrito came together organically: Lelah Maupin (drums) and Eric Randall (guitar) met in their native Longview, WA—two hours south of Seattle, the very town that Green Day named their breakout debut single after. Lelah's family room was wallpapered with framed Magic Eye posters, hence "Stereogram," the cross-eyed love letter to that bizarre ‘90s optical fad. She met lanky Eric while both worked at Safeway, wearing the chain's distinctive navy aprons before breaking north to Seattle. Eric's band The Trashies practiced and played in the basement of the 24/7 House in the Central District, where Long Beach, CA native Bree McKenna (bass) was living, amongst the dust, boxes, and spiders. Lelah met Butte, MT native Emily Nokes (voice, tambourine) in one excruciatingly early/boring graphic design class, slipping her a doodled-upon note; she soon noticed Emily's big voice while she sang along with R. Kelly on the radio. Emily and Bree hit it off one sloshy night at the Comet. Eric impressed Emily with his reenactments of scenes from Anaconda. Sometime around 2007, via countless raucous house party shows, the legend of Tacocat was born.
The foursome would quickly make a name for themselves with their simply energizing power pop, drawing on classic Northwest energy with an uncommonly upbeat, surfy swag that could only come from gray skies and hydroponic sunshine. Their sly and unabashed ‘90s revivalism has, in the past, found the band pondering Evan Dando and Waterworld—and Bree herself explains finding about riot grrrl via Napster and Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You. They've described themselves variously as "Feminist sci-fi" and "Equal parts Kurt and Courtney"; oh well, whatever…NVM
Press quotes:
"We like you guys because your name has taco in it twice."
-- Taco Time
"Full of hilarious jokes, ferocious tambourines, and pop hooks galore." 4/5 -- BUST Magazine
"[Tacocat] have a lyrical knack for balancing the fun parts of life, like eating Peeps, with its less-rad moments, like getting a urinary tract infection." -- Rookie Magazine
Tour dates:
02.22.14 - Seattle, WA - LIVE on KEXP, 6:30pm PST
02.25.14 - Seattle, WA - FREE, all-ages in-store at Sonic Boom, 6pm
03.06.14 - Portland, OR - East End
03.07.14 - Oakland, CA - Butter Dungeon
03.09.14 - Los Angeles, CA - The Church on York !
03.09.14 - Los Angeles, CA - FREE, all-ages in-store at Origami Vinyl, 5pm
03.10.14 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar
03.11.14 - Tucson, AZ - 191 Toole
03.13.14 - Austin, TX - SXSW
03.14.14 - Austin, TX - SXSW
03.15.14 - Austin, TX - SXSW
03.16.14 - New Orleans, LA - Saturn Bar #
03.18.14 - Birmingham, AL - Spring St. Firehouse
03.19.14 - Atlanta, GA - 529
03.20.14 - Huntsville, AL - Copper Top
03.21.14 - Nashville, TN - The Stone Fox
03.22.14 - Charlotte, NC - Roux
03.23.14 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
03.24.14 - Richmond, VA - Strange Matter
03.25.14 - Washington, DC - TBC
03.26.14 - Baltimore, MD - TBC
03.27.14 - New Brunswick, NJ - TBC
03.28.14 - Philadelphia, PA - Golden Tea House #
03.29.14 - Brooklyn, NY - Death By Audio
03.30.14 - Boston, MA - House show
03.31.14 - New York, NY - Hunter College
04.01.14 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Roboto Project
04.02.14 - Columbus, OH - Carabar
04.03.14 - Detroit, MI - Elijah’s
04.04.14 - Milwaukee, WI - Center St. Free Space
04.05.14 - Madison, WI - Rathskellar (U of W campus)
04.06.14 - Chicago, IL - The Township
04.07.14 - Omaha, NE - Middle Haus
04.09.14 - Denver, CO - Rhinoceropolis *
04.10.14 - Salt Lake City, UT - Diabolical Records
04.11.14 - Boise, ID - The Crux
04.12.14 - Seattle, WA - ‘Mo Wave
05.25.14 - George, WA - Sasquatch Festival
! - w/ Dead Ghosts, Adult Books, Gangrene Gang, Mujeres
# - w/ Peach Kelli Pop
* - w/ Lisa Prank
FULL ALBUM STREAM
VIDEO - "Crimson Wave" [dir. Marcy Stone-Francois]
MP3 - "Crimson Wave"
MP3 - "Bridge to Hawaii"
Starting today, you can stream all thirteen tracks on Tacocat's infectious new album NVM via The AV Club (U.S.) and Exclaim! (Canada). The Seattle pop-punk outfit's second LP (and first for Hardly Art) is already being praised as “full of hilarious jokes, ferocious tambourines, and pop hooks galore" (BUST), and Alternative Press describes NVM as "essentially LOL-worthy GIFs set to speedy three-chord bursts” that will stay “wedged in your brain for hours.” Next month, the band will set out on a massive nationwide tour, including showcases at SXSW. See below for a full list of dates.
NVM is out Tuesday, February 25th.
About the record:
Like a fluorescent-lit snack-aisle oasis in some desolate interstate road stop, brimming with Skittles and limited-edition Sno Balls, Tacocat's Easter-egg-hued pop-punk-pop is bubblegum-sticky with hooks, bound to brighten up the most drab stretch of bummer backroad.
The band's four-person, seven-layer-burrito came together organically: Lelah Maupin (drums) and Eric Randall (guitar) met in their native Longview, WA—two hours south of Seattle, the very town that Green Day named their breakout debut single after. Lelah's family room was wallpapered with framed Magic Eye posters, hence "Stereogram," the cross-eyed love letter to that bizarre ‘90s optical fad. She met lanky Eric while both worked at Safeway, wearing the chain's distinctive navy aprons before breaking north to Seattle. Eric's band The Trashies practiced and played in the basement of the 24/7 House in the Central District, where Long Beach, CA native Bree McKenna (bass) was living, amongst the dust, boxes, and spiders. Lelah met Butte, MT native Emily Nokes (voice, tambourine) in one excruciatingly early/boring graphic design class, slipping her a doodled-upon note; she soon noticed Emily's big voice while she sang along with R. Kelly on the radio. Emily and Bree hit it off one sloshy night at the Comet. Eric impressed Emily with his reenactments of scenes from Anaconda. Sometime around 2007, via countless raucous house party shows, the legend of Tacocat was born.
The foursome would quickly make a name for themselves with their simply energizing power pop, drawing on classic Northwest energy with an uncommonly upbeat, surfy swag that could only come from gray skies and hydroponic sunshine. Their sly and unabashed ‘90s revivalism has, in the past, found the band pondering Evan Dando and Waterworld—and Bree herself explains finding about riot grrrl via Napster and Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You. They've described themselves variously as "Feminist sci-fi" and "Equal parts Kurt and Courtney"; oh well, whatever…NVM
Press quotes:
"We like you guys because your name has taco in it twice."
-- Taco Time
"Full of hilarious jokes, ferocious tambourines, and pop hooks galore." 4/5 -- BUST Magazine
"[Tacocat] have a lyrical knack for balancing the fun parts of life, like eating Peeps, with its less-rad moments, like getting a urinary tract infection." -- Rookie Magazine
Tour dates:
02.22.14 - Seattle, WA - LIVE on KEXP, 6:30pm PST
02.25.14 - Seattle, WA - FREE, all-ages in-store at Sonic Boom, 6pm
03.06.14 - Portland, OR - East End
03.07.14 - Oakland, CA - Butter Dungeon
03.09.14 - Los Angeles, CA - The Church on York !
03.09.14 - Los Angeles, CA - FREE, all-ages in-store at Origami Vinyl, 5pm
03.10.14 - San Diego, CA - Soda Bar
03.11.14 - Tucson, AZ - 191 Toole
03.13.14 - Austin, TX - SXSW
03.14.14 - Austin, TX - SXSW
03.15.14 - Austin, TX - SXSW
03.16.14 - New Orleans, LA - Saturn Bar #
03.18.14 - Birmingham, AL - Spring St. Firehouse
03.19.14 - Atlanta, GA - 529
03.20.14 - Huntsville, AL - Copper Top
03.21.14 - Nashville, TN - The Stone Fox
03.22.14 - Charlotte, NC - Roux
03.23.14 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
03.24.14 - Richmond, VA - Strange Matter
03.25.14 - Washington, DC - TBC
03.26.14 - Baltimore, MD - TBC
03.27.14 - New Brunswick, NJ - TBC
03.28.14 - Philadelphia, PA - Golden Tea House #
03.29.14 - Brooklyn, NY - Death By Audio
03.30.14 - Boston, MA - House show
03.31.14 - New York, NY - Hunter College
04.01.14 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Roboto Project
04.02.14 - Columbus, OH - Carabar
04.03.14 - Detroit, MI - Elijah’s
04.04.14 - Milwaukee, WI - Center St. Free Space
04.05.14 - Madison, WI - Rathskellar (U of W campus)
04.06.14 - Chicago, IL - The Township
04.07.14 - Omaha, NE - Middle Haus
04.09.14 - Denver, CO - Rhinoceropolis *
04.10.14 - Salt Lake City, UT - Diabolical Records
04.11.14 - Boise, ID - The Crux
04.12.14 - Seattle, WA - ‘Mo Wave
05.25.14 - George, WA - Sasquatch Festival
! - w/ Dead Ghosts, Adult Books, Gangrene Gang, Mujeres
# - w/ Peach Kelli Pop
* - w/ Lisa Prank
