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Bobby Conn announces UK tour dates

Those of you familiar with the beautiful world of Bobby Conn will be stoked to know that he will be touring three dates in the UK in June.

The Chicago legend famous for his quirky musical skills and legendary album Rise Up! is heading our way to play tracks from his latest album Macaroni that was released last year and out now on Fire Records. As usual he will be on the road with his wife and musical partner Monica Boubou regular band The Burglars and playing Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach, Liverpool’s Krunk Fiesta and London’s Lexington venue. Have a free download below.

20.06.2013 UK CARDIFF CLWB IFOR BACH
22.06.2013 UK LIVERPOOL KRUNK FIESTA
23.06.2013 UK LONDON THE LEXINGTON

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Sonic Boom Six unveil new video

Manchester’s Sonic Boom Six have released the video for their latest single ‘Keep On Believing’, which is due to be released February 11. The track is taken from the bands self-titled album, which expresses political views and around the way our world is ran.

Vocalist Laila K said, “Personally this is my favourite song off the album as it reminds me of when I got into music and bands and how passionate and positive music can make you feel.”

The storyline of the video has something to do with the World Darts Championship 2013, not your average punk rock music video, eh?

The female fronted punk band are currently touring with The Blackout, check out where they’re going below:

22 January – Liquid Room, Edinburgh

23 January – HMV Institute Birmingham, Birmingham

25 January – Electric Ballroom, London

26 January – HMV Ritz, Manchester

Sonic Boom Six’s headline tour dates are below:

8 February – Swindon, The Furnace

9 February – Guildford, The Boileroom

10 February – Brighton, Audio

11 February– Sheerness, The Ivy

12 February– Southend, Chinnery’s

13 February- Milton Keynes, The Craufurd Arms

15 February – Rugby, Vault

16 February– Sheffield, Corporation

17 February – Preston, 53 Degrees

19 February – Carlisle, The Brickyard

20 February – Aberdeen, Tunnels

22 February – Belfast, Stiff Kitten

23 February – ROI, Dublin, Fibber Magees

25 February – York, The Duchess

26 February – Scunthorpe, The Baths Hall

27 February – Stoke-on-Trent, The Sugarmill

 

Keep on Believing by Sonic Boom Six

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Peace’d Out

Peace’d Out
Peace’d Out
[Siren Records]
www.facebook.com/peacedoutmusic

Vinnie of The Movielife / I Am The Avalanche fame has unveiled his new project with this first self-titled EP. And it’s an altogether more raucous affair than his past endeavours. With Steve Choi (RX Bandits), Casey Deitz (The Velvet Teen) and Roger Camero (No Motiv) completing the line-up, Peace’d Out unravel in cascading riffs and angry vocal outbursts. There’s barely even a hint of pop punk here as this collection of musicians channel the likes of The Dillinger Escape Plan to create a collection of exciting and unpredictable tracks that appear to almost career out of control whilst actually maintaining a carefully judged tightness of musicianship that’s impressive and admirable.

Far from being merely an intensely noisy affair, Peace’d Out have experimented with sounds making this a far more exciting ride than you initially expect.‘White Pyramid’ alternates simple synth interludes with driving riff-fuelled grittiness. The twists and turns are what really make this debut release.

It’s a five track assault on the ears that announces the band’s arrival in the world with no holds barred. Certainly a thrilling introduction and one which leaves us hoping and praying that this isn’t a fleeting experimental outing into the world of the more noise-filled music for Mr Caruana. Who knew he had that scream in him?

Words: Sarah Maynard

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We Are The Physics


We Are The Physics
Your Friend, The Atom

[This Is Fake DIY Records]

We are the Physics describe their sound as ‘Mutant science punk rock’ and, to be honest, I would’ve put them in a similar category myself. The sound is a vivid mix of genres which create a very exciting and moreish vibe about it.

It’s hard to explain. Like hipsters that found themselves in a studio after mainlining cocaine. The band explain their stance themselves: “Making a fairly derivative sound more interesting.” . Essentially they sound like an indie band (with the temperament of Battles) who have spent a lot of time listening to bands like At the Drive-In. The end result takes mundane ‘indie’ and kicks it into the curb.

Your Friend, The Atom is like the soundings of a group of particle physicists working on the Hadron Collider whilst writing some epic music. The album maintains an obvious, and somewhat expected Scientific feel about it. Robotic sounds and weird electronic tinkering is scattered across the entire album, even shouting science jargon like “Subject vs. Subject”!

The upbeat tunes and strong bass-lines are impressive, and the vocals match in pace. With standout tracks on the album, the heroic and aptly named intro ‘Go Go Nucleo -> For Science‘ and the more relaxed, but incredibly catchy ‘There Is No Cure For The Common Cold So Don’t Expect A Cure For Cancer’; ‘Your Friend, The Atom’ is an excellent scientific discovery.

Words: Arif Noor

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Stream Converge Album In Full

Converge-All-That-You-Leave-Behind-Artwork-CrossfireIn preparation for 2012’s most anticipated metal/hardcore album of the year, Boston’s Converge are streaming their 8th studio album, ‘All We Love We Leave Behind’ in its entirety via Youtube (embedded below).

The album has been spinning on the Crossfire HQ stereo for sometime, and let us tell you now, its intensely heavy. No one quite channels aggression in the same way as Converge. Front man Jacob Bannon comments:

“All of our albums are emotional but I feel this is our most potent album to date… Success to me is creating something that’s moving and fulfilling and I truly feel both of those things when I listen back and experience this album from start to finish.”

All We Love We Leave Behind’ will be released October 8th via Epitaph Records (vinyl on Deathwish). Fans can pre-order the album here. Converge will be performing at the following dates:

NOVEMBER
25th, London @ Koko
26th, Birmingham @ O2 Academy 2
27th, Colchester @ Arts Centre
28th, Glasgow @ Classic Grand
29th, Manchester @ Academy 2
30th, Dublin @ The Button Factory
DECEMBER
1st, Brighton @ Concorde 2

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Basement


Basement
Colourmeinkindness

[Run For Cover Records]

For only their second album, Basement’s ‘Colourmeinkindness’ oozes with maturity and sophistication. After just one play through its timeless nature is overwhelming, you sense you’ve have heard it before, but not in a negative, generic way; more in the sense that it has the overall feel of a classic.

The rasping vocals and chugging riffs of opener ‘Whole’ kick the record off to a great start and what’s most pleasing is that the rest of the album is just as strong. Although ‘Covert’ drops the tempo, the level of emotion rises as surly lyrics drone over the music in an almost Nirvana-esque style. It’d be easy to analyze each track positively, every song on the album is beautiful. But it’s lead single ‘Spoiled’ that sums up ‘Colourmeinkindness’ in all its glory. The engaging vocals delivered in a soothing nature contrast against a guitar tone reminiscent of Sunny Day Real Estate and Silverchair. ‘Spoiled’ and ‘Colourmeinkindness’ as a whole provide a breath-taking juxtaposition between peace and rage.

With Thrice leaving a void that needed to be filled by a modern emo/post-hardcore band, Basement look like the perfect contender. However after announcing a shock indefinite hiatus which will commence after the release of ‘Colourmeinkindness’ we are again left waiting for the next king to take to the genre’s throne.

It’d be fair to say Basement have made an impact on many hearts in a short amount of time. ‘Colourmeinkindess’ sends them out on an undeniable high leaving one to contemplate what great things this band could achieve if a future was still ahead of them.

Words: Emma Wallace

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New Crystal Castles Material

Electronic duo Crystal Castles have announced their next record (III) will receive a global release on November 5th and is the first of their full-lengths to be produced entirely by Ethan Kath. The band have also revealed the album’s artwork.

After performing it live at Reading Festival, new single ‘Wrath of God’ was aired on Radio 1 by Zane Lowe on Wednesday 26th September. ‘Wrath of God’ and ‘PLAGUE’ (both from ‘III’) are now available to stream below and on the band’s Soundcloud.

Make sure you catch Crystal Castle’s dynamic live show as they hit the UK this November.

NOVEMBER
22nd – BIRMINGHAM Institute
23rd – NORWICH Norwich U.E.A.
24th – LONDON Brixton Academy
26th – GLASGOW ABC
27th – LEEDS Academy
28th – MANCHESTER Academy

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As I Lay Dying


As I Lay Dying
‘Awakened’

[Metal Blade]

As far as metalcore is concerned, few have made the impact that As I Lay Dying have achieved. Arguably pioneers of the movement, and still its leaders, ‘Awakened’ is As I Lay Dying‘s 6th studio album. Expectations for the record are high.

As a whole it doesn’t disappoint; laden with meaty riffs and a tried and tested scream and clean vocal pattern, ‘Awakened‘ is quintessentially an As I Lay Dying record. Blasting in with ‘Cauterize‘ (which was offered as a free download in advance), the band’s intent is made clear from the the first note.

Tracks like ‘Resilience‘ show why the band have stayed close to so many hearts over the years; delicious shredding, tight drums, intoxicating melody and powerful vocals. Tim Lambesis is ever the dominant front man, with a scream second to none, his vocals resound over the music full of strength delivered at high intensity.

Despite ‘Awakened‘ having numerous positives, its hard not to compare it to previous full length, ‘The Powerless Rise’ and unfortunately it doesn’t quite match up. However, this isn’t a real criticism as it is hard to compete with the perfection displayed on their 2010 release. Nonetheless, ‘Awakened‘ will go down as one of this years best metal albums.

Words: Emma Wallace

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We Are The Ocean

WE ARE THE OCEAN
Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow

Hassle Records

With ‘Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow’ being the first album to come from British band We Are The Ocean since the slightly controversial departure of unclean vocalist Dan Brown, full attention will be paid to every move the band make on this one by fans and critics alike.

The first – and maybe most obvious thing – to say is that if you’re expecting more Alexisonfire inspired post-hardcore like their earlier releases ‘Cutting Our Teeth’ and ‘Look Alive’ you will be disappointed. Its clear that after Dan’s departure the band have sharpened up their image and gone for a more refined, mainstream sound with Liam Cromby stepping in to the lime light. Interestingly it’s similar process to what once tour partners Deaf Havana went through; who previously were a southern-hardcore inspired quintet lead by aggressive vocalist Ryan Mellor, now a straight-forward (but still bloody good) rock quartet with guitarist/clean-vocalist James Veck-Gilodi at the helm.

Its no surprise that Zane Lowe picked single ‘Bleed’ as his ‘Hottest Record In The World’ as it jumps straight out as the real star of the album. Other highlights include anthemic title-track ‘Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow’, sensitive opener ‘Stanford Rivers’ and ‘Pass Me By’ which has an almost Frank Turner-esque vibe to it.

Despite the album being solid, it may turn off some of their older fan base. With their newfound maturity, We Are The Ocean have lost a bit of charm; the gritty spark that saw them leap out of their local scene to dominate the underground market. The band won’t be too disheartened though as ‘Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow’ will sit comfortably on Radio 1’s playlist and HMV’s shelves, instantly appeal to fans of You Me At Six, Kids In Glass Houses, Lostprophets and (new) Deaf Havana. ‘Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow‘ is an focused and accessible album showcasing whats hot in British rock music right now. Its sure to be a hit and will see the We Are The Ocean boys go far.

Words: Emma Wallace

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Death Grips Announce New Album


Death Grips promised they would release two albums in 2012, and it seems they are sticking to their word… First up was the awesome ‘The Money Store’, next up the experimental unit will be back this autumn with the second installment of ‘Epic Records’ releases, with ‘NO LOVE DEEP WEB‘. Death Grips have released a very matter-of-fact statement about the forthcoming album. Here’s what was said:

The album is titled NO LOVE DEEP WEB.
We are working on 20 tracks and looking to narrow down to 13.
It will be released by epic records in the US and Columbia in the UK.
The release is scheduled for fall 2012. most likely late October.
We are in correspondence with Crispin Glover and working toward a video collaboration with him relating to this album.
We’ve been recording the album primarily in Sacramento , CA. and Oakland , CA. for the past five months.
We will be mixing it in Shanghai , Vhina.
There are no manually programmed drums on this album , the beats are being played live on a roland electronic v-drum set or acoustic drum set by zach. There are no features , guest collabs or outside producers.
The material is cold , bass heavy , minimal , rock & roll influenced and could simultaneously fit into a rave or dance club context.
It is essentially rap and electronic music while at times extremely aggressive.
We plan on supporting this release live internationally.
*the track that comes out sept.10 as part of the adult swim series is a previously unreleased track from the Money Store and is totally unrelated to the new album NO LOVE DEEP WEB.
NO LOVE DEEP WEB is another sound and vibe entirely.
– Death Grips