Categories
Skateboarding News

A4 Distribution Goes Live

Even if we all know who the undisputed champs of internet skate culture is (Uh-hum!), some people are just starting to get with the program.

If you dig any Soletech related product and want to know how it’s getting distributed through the UK, who rides for them and even if they’ve got jobs to offer, check out A4 Distribution’s brand new website: www.afour.co.uk

Categories
Skateboarding News

Brand New Death Shit!

It takes a lot of skulduggery and late nights prowling the leafy North West suburbs of Harrow to get exclusive shit like this!

Crossfire made a pact with the Darkman Nic Zorlac to spread the word on the debut graphics for new Death rider Patrick Melcher.

This alone is good stuff, but with a dirty promise of washing Dibble’s dirty Laundry, the Death Squad let Crossfire peep the Collector Richie Jackson model and new Dan Cates graphics.

Apparently the red paint used to colour Richie’s new deck comes from the blood of a thousand virgins…

Categories
More to Life

Bull In The Heather

Maxwell Woodger Esq.
Thursday, 07 September 2006

What do you do between 8.43 and 10.28 in the morning?

I’m usually in my cotton pyjamas, splitting a grapefruit in half and straining some French Breakfast tea. Five years ago I was chilling in the wilderness with a wide brimmed sun hat and a pool table, potting the stripes as the Experimental Jet Set Trash and No Star played softly out of the stereo. For relaxing times, make it Santorini times, eh?

Where were you?

Over the next few weeks you’ll remember exactly what you were doing, where you were, who you were with and which socks you were wearing. September 11th looms on the horizon like the Four Horsemen and Monday will be the fifth anniversary to a deep rift in society, history and geo-politics. Two planes, Two Towers and thousands of shattered lives.

In one hour and 45 minutes everything changed.

Whilst people suffer and try to find closure, one man won’t let the ashes rest. Like a perverted blessing from the Devil, George W. Bush preaches the worth of such an awful moment in history as something that validates violence, oppression and war. This pseudo political puppet hides the faces of warlords and evangelism as he smokes out the invisible threats of terror. If someone needed the definition of Fear and Loathing (HST R.I.P.), the technique with which the American Government handles business is about as close as you’ll get.

You can enjoy your new season of Lost, or take the kids to the pantomime this weekend, but that won’t rid us of the fact that Iran is waving nuclear weapons in the face of the impotent United Nations; thousands of civilians are dying in Iraq because of a battle for Oil reserves; Lebanese nationals refuse to return home because the war between the Israeli Army and Hezbollah is far from over; the British Prime Minister Tony Blair refuses to give up his position despite public and private outcries of change. He is delusional and dreams of resigning to a fanfare of a golden trumpets and tea with the Queen. His belligerence has taken his country down a dark passage that hasn’t seen so much deceit, death and doom since the dark Ages.

So, five years ago I was bathing in the late summer sun and unwinding to the voice of Kim Gordon. Today I am hunkered down with grey clouds overhead. The 24 Hour news channels prophesize about Peace in the Middle East, whilst unconfirmed sightings of the Four Horsemen on the Western Horizon scroll across the bottom of the screen.

Sorry if this diatribe has brought you down, but times are a-changing. It only took one hour and forty-five minutes for the tables to turn. That’s like stepping into the cinema for the Monday Morning matinee to work your imagination for a couple of hours, except this is reality and no-one knows when the story’s going to end…

Categories
The Pit

The Pit – 11/09/06

When you’ve realised the weekend has flitted past you faster than you could ever have imagined and you can’t face the reality that there are 5 more long, drawn-out days until the next one, what you need is right here. The Pit will give you hope that despite that boring crappy jobs, there is some enjoyment out there. So get reading and get listening to what’s been recommended. On with the show…

Jane Hawkes’ stereo has been making friends with the soundwaves of these chosen few:

AKRON/FAMILY – Meek Warrior
(Young God Records)
www.akronfamily.com/

If you are a fan of the stranger, slightly unhinged side of psychedelic indie such as The Polyphonic Spree and Broken Social Scene then Akron/Family are going to be right up your street. If you are not then be warned, Meek Warrior is some strange shit. Sounding like it’s influenced by a hundred different bands from The Velvet Underground to Pink Floyd with a little Bob Dylan thrown in for good measure, it’s a remarkable and artistically compelling listen and with the ever growing mountain of run of the mill indie-fads churning out the same old shit, that in itself makes Meek Warrior definitely worth a go. It’s possible however that on hearing the album in its entirety, you will sit and wonder whether what you just heard was unintentionally fantastic and a result of pure accident or whether it was simply a conscious endeavour stabbing at unique aspirations. Whatever, every now and then a little mystery is a good thing.

MASTODON – Capillarian Crest
(Warner Bros.)
www.mastodonrocks.com

Melodic, determined and rampant, Atlanta’s finest explode back on to the scene with an absolute ballbreaker of a single. Released on the back of well received appearances at the Carling Reading and Leeds Festival over the bank holiday weekend Capillarian Crest is taken from new album Blood Mountain which incidentally is their Warner Bros debut. Mixing the established Mastodon prog sound with more advanced sounds whilst still remaining tightly bound to their metal flagpole creates an insubordinately hair raising four and a half minutes. Not for the faint of heart.

THE WILDHEARTS – Geordie In Wonderland
(Snapper)
www.thewildhearts.com

The Wildhearts are one of those rare, energizing bands with an original sound executed to perfection. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing the boys live, you’ll know that the afore mentioned statement is right on the money. Now you can re-live the whole live experience once again and marvel at just how bloody good The Wildhearts are regardless of all the problems they have encountered both as a band and in their own lives. Taken from a performance at Scarborough Castle on September 17th 2005 it’s an invigorating run through all their hits. ‘Greetings From Shitsville’, ‘TV Tan’ and fan favourtite ’29 x The Pain‘ all make an appearance and remind you how decadent, sleazy, debauched rock n roll should be played. Stick this on loud and have yourselves a ball.

LESS THAN JAKE – The Rest Of My Life/Don’t Fall Asleep On The Subway
(Warner Bros)
www.lessthanjake.com

As the last festivals of the summer pass by in a combination of cloud and rain (if you live up north anyway), Less Than Jake are the ones to come to the rescue to cheer us all up with two songs from their ‘In With The Out Crowd’ album plus an unreleased B-side. Singing about the last days of summertime in ‘Don’t Fall Asleep On The Subway’, its all very apt and ensues to be a soundtrack to hazy memories of some groovy festival moments even through all the shit weather. ‘The Rest Of My Life’ is perhaps one of the most radio-friendly Less Than Jake tracks to appear in recent years and could actually be mistaken for Good Charlotte/Blink 182/All American Rejects schtick. But don’t let that put you off, that aside it’s an infectious, uplifting slice of pop punk which will warm your cockles even on the cloudiest of days.

YEAH YEAH YEAHS – Cheated Hearts.
(Polydor)
www.yeahyeahyeahs.com

Karen O and her mob are seen to be the essence of cool by thousands of teens, why is anyone’s guess as it feels like an age since they produced anything that rocked like 2002’s self titled. Although 2006’s ‘Show Your Bones’ catapulted them into mainstream, the calibre of songs seem to lack the scuzz and grit of earlier stuff. Cheated Hearts is a prime example; enervating, contrived and damn right odious with wails of “I think I’m bigger than the sound” it seems the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have disappeared right up their own arseholes. Now that kids, is not cool.

Dee Massey has had the following soundtrack on as she cleans up after her new kitten time and time again:

ENTER SHIKARI – Mothership
(Ambush Reality)
www.entershakari.com
www.myspace.com/ambushreality

Take some trance, euro pop synthesizers, some bleeps, adds a healthy does of screamo and kick ass guitars, and the result is a St Albans based four piece, Enter Shikari. Debut download only release ‘Mothership‘ takes you by the throat within seconds, screeching vocals tearing out at you over techno beats, guitars rip into you – it’s both innovative and addictive. Recorded by Justin Lockey (Yourcodenameis:milo) and mixed by Pedro Ferreira (Therapy?) the result is something that’s sparks the imagination, a full throttle glimpse at what these guys can produce. The UK’s indie scene seems to be forever churning out new Libertines-esque acts, so it’s a breathe of fresh air to see the post hardcore/screamo scene is still as vibrant as ever. Enter Shikari have captured the essence of a live show in these few minutes, it’s a shot of adrenaline to the heart – and show great promise of things to come.

THE AUTOMATIC – Recover
(B-Unique)
www.theautomatic.co.uk
www.b-uniquerecords.com

The Automatic have captured a sound that is uniquely theirs, you’d never mistake an Automatic track for anyone else. The rasping vocals from Pennie backup the strong levels from frontman Rob, and the bouncing bassline and upbeat guitar sounds, are now familiar, after a summer of ‘ It is a Monster…?‘ being yelled across many a festival. Recover will get you nodding, it’s easy on the ear, and has all the right ingredients – but it’s a little too samey as the last two singles. In producing a signature sound the band seem to be sticking to it, and whilst there’s nothing wrong with it, how long before the audiences get bored with another identikit single?

TO MY BOY – I Am Xray
(Abeano Music)
www.myspace.com/tomyboy
www.myspace.com/abeanomusic

After listening to To My Boy’s debut single, you need to lie down in a darkened room with a couple of nurofen. Robotic vocals over hypnotic disco techno beats, recorded in bedroom sessions wind themselves around you until you’re submerged in neon flashes. This electronic fever is surprisingly addictive, and with Hot Chip paving the way for techno geeks into the mainstream, this glorious introduction to this band is a real treat for the ears. Being a self proclaimed technophobe, it’s exciting to come across a dance act who’ve combined the best of guitar, dance beats, drum machines, pro tools malarkey and the like, and come out with something that really shines through.

THE RAPTURE – Get Myself Into It
(Vertigo)
www.therapturemusic.co.uk
www.vertigorecords.co.uk

I can’t help but think of UB40 for some reason when listening to The Rapture’s first single of their forthcoming album. It’s a commercial, radio friendly ray of sunshine from the dance rockers. They seemed to have gone down a more pop route, with Luke Jenner’s vocals surrounded by a dance beat, sax and a disco throbbing bassline, that’ll find new fans for them, but could alienate others. There’s more than a passing nod to Bloc Party, and it’s no surprise to see that Paul Epworth was on the desk. All in all, this introduction to their forthcoming album ‘Pieces of People We Love’ is funky and shimmering, a laid back summer evening tune, but won’t be everyone’s cup of tea…

THE CRIMEA – Baby Boom
(Warner)
www.thecrimea.net
www.warnerbrosrecords.com

The Crimea have been simmering underneath the radar for a few months, relentlessly touring and working on the new album – but with the release of the atmospheric, multi facetted Baby Boom, they have the weapon with which to really crack into the mainstream. Baby Boom, a mainstay of their stunning live shows, sets your senses alight with twinkling keyboards, soothing bass and wailing, almost crying, guitars combining with Dave MacManus’s edgy and breaking vocals. The lyrics are both comical and tragic ‘we’re just a bunch of buffalos, getting slaughtered’ is closely followed by the wonderfully comic chorus lines of ‘You can call me Fred Flintstone, Tarzan King of The Jungle..’. It’s an inspirational wide sound, every piece of the jigsaw fitting together for a track that is both melancholic but strangely uplifting, a dark sky lit by sparkling stars. The Crimea are one of the hardest working bands out there, and well deserving of success. Baby Boom is a great showcase for them and it’s little wonder it’s been Track of The Week on Radio One – and with their slot at V Festival, here’s hoping they’ve won over the crowds.

PANIC! AT THE DISCO – Lying Is The Most Fun A Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off
(Atlantic)
www.panicatthedisco.com
Once again the Las Vegas scenesters Panic! At The Disco belie their age with a fantastically punchy track that most of us can relate to in one way or another. Ever been screwed over – this is the cathartic little offering for you then. Pinning you to your chair ‘Lying the most Fun..’ is another fast paced, catchy hook laden punky little ditty, the upbeat chorus balancing out the vitriol filled lyrics.

If you still think Panic are just another emo boy band, this is the track to change your mind. “I’ve got more wit, a better kiss, a hotter touch, a better fuck, than any boy you’ll ever meet’ Brandon Urie spits out in his now familiar breathy vocals.

But this is no pity party, Urie isn’t about to go cutting up his wrists over this girl, there’s a eerie calmness to the proceedings, a quiet angry resilience balanced by flourishes of guitars, ‘Is it still me who makes you sweat? Am I who you think of in bed? When the lights are dim and your hands are shaking as you’re sliding off your dress? Then think of what you did and how I hope to God he was worth it’.

This is yet another stand alone single taken from their now platinum album, ‘A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out’, and there are plenty more would-be single bursting to be released. With storming tracks like this, its clear that Panic At The Disco are eons ahead of the curve, and with 5 MTV Music Video Award nominations up their sleeve, they’re becoming a force to be reckoned with.

Cathy Reay has been rocking back and forth in an unlit room to these maniacal sounds:

BABYSHAMBLES: BACK TO THE BUS – What Goes On Tour Stays On Tour!
(DMC)
www.backtomine.com

The musical content often overlooked in favour of Pete Doherty’s latest drugged-up, foulmouthed, who’s-that-girl-on-his-arm? nightly shenanigans, it’s easy to forget that Babyshambles are more than just part of the 00’s new wave of shaggy indie bands.

In this release, the group take us through an express train of what they claim to be their ‘on the road’ soundtrack. Featuring classic influences like The Clash, Johnny Thunders, Belle and Sebastian, the Stone Roses and Burt Jansch, amongst others, the songs handpicked cleverly depict a lot of what we imagine Babyshambles’ day-to-day life to be like. The Clash’s ‘Jail Guitar Doors’ is probably the most appropriate- “Let me tell you ’bout Wayne and his deals of cocaine/A little more every day/Holding for a friend til the band do well”- Christ, it’s like it was written purely about Doherty.

Surprisingly the band hasn’t picked the standout tracks from each artist, moreso the ones that relate to the work and life of Babyshambles. Although great that they’ve done that, it does mean that The Cazals, Littlan’s and Esther Phillips are portrayed in a much weaker light than they deserve- and considering that the people that buy this probably won’t know of any of the artists minus The Clash, it’s probably not the greatest selling point for the rest of the record.

Finished version includes an exclusive acoustic track from the shambolic fivesome and backstage video footage.

THE ROGER SISTERS – Why Won’t You
(Too Pure)
www.therogerssisters.com

Cited as having a much more complex sound than that of their primary influences (B-52’s and The Cure), The Rogers Sisters are actually not The Puppini Sisters with a different name (as one might assume), but actually another pretty damn dreary indie band. Oh joy! The swing, swerve and swagger parade kicks a tin trashcan about for a little while before we’re exposed to just exactly what it is that they feel sets them apart from their contemporaries – an iPod (whoops, we mean deeply intricate, layered sonic Zeppelin-style waves). Electro snoozefest heading your way.

‘Why Won’t You’ has received rave reviews across the board despite it’s simple three chord design and lack of any direction worth pursuing. Recently it’s become questionable as to whether NME journos actually use their ears to listen to the music they rave about. They told us The Rogers Sisters would make us want to “party hard!” but all we want to do is turn this shit off so that this pseudo-guitar rock band don’t tarnish the image of our idols any further.

OK GO – Here It Goes Again
(Angel)
www.okgo.net

Superceded by one of the quirkiest music videos to explode Youtube’s trafficking numbers (1.5 million downloads within 24 hours, to be exact), Ok Go are releasing their second single from mediocre hit sophomore album ‘Oh No’. The video concept for ‘Here It Goes Again’ is simple; it features a rather amateur recording of the band performing an elaborate dance routine on treadmills. Perhaps the metaphorical context is written in the machinery used, the odd foursome obviously wanting to convey the monotony of whatever their song blathers on about.

Unfortunately for them, the track itself is quite mundane and repetitive-a few chords, some upfront chanting and the usual brash guitar work and occasional thump of the kick drum- although over so quickly that you barely have time or patience to notice. But somehow the fact that the video is so weird and the band is so garish makes their music more worthy of a smile. And if you can’t smile at the hilarity of their freaky moves in the video, you’re probably better off reading Aiden reviews anyway…

Alex Gosman has been recovering from Reading Festival flu with this musical equivalent of chicken soup:

THE DRAFT – In A Million Pieces
(Epitaph)
www.thedraftband.com

Given that The Draft are made up of three former members of Hot Water Music (plus a new guitarist), it’s no surprise that ‘In A Million Pieces’ is often reminiscent of the much-missed post-hardcore legends. However, whilst singer/guitarist Chris Wollard’s ragged tones remain familiar, The Draft are musically a folk-tinged and (gasp!) more polished affair. Quite simply, this is a record bursting with great tunes; proudly anthemic songs that could sound great on the radio, but retain a raw edge and variety that HWM fans are sure to love. You’ll be singing along to ‘Lo Zee Rose’, ‘Alive Or Dead’ and ‘Wired’ before you know it.

GALLOWS – Orchestra Of Wolves
(In At The Deep End)
www.myspace.com/burnthegallows

On the evidence of their debut album, you wouldn’t want to meet Gallows late at night in a dark alley. ‘Orchestra Of Wolves’ is a brilliantly twisted hybrid of hardcore energy, metallic bludgeon and all-out noise warfare, topped off with vocalist Frank Carter’s deranged howl. The band overcame countless mishaps to make this album; and this is reflected in every track, with the likes of ‘Abandon Ship’ and ‘Six Years’ infused with a sense of urgency and malevolent rage. All you oh-so-trendy metalcore types take note: bands like Gallows will eventually destroy you. One of the best debuts of 2006, no less.

LAMB OF GOD – Sacrament
(Epic)
www.lamb-of-god.com

Arguably one of the finest American metal bands of recent times, ‘Sacrament’ could well see Lamb Of God replicating their homeland success worldwide. This is the band’s most coherent and savagely confident work to date; a feast of thunderously heavy Pantera-esque grooves offset by razor-sharp guitar work, with bonafide anthems of aggression in songs like ‘Foot To The Throat’ and recent single ‘Redneck’. There’s also a devilish sense of humour at work here: “The only catchy hook I’ve got/Is the one in my bleeding gut!” roars frontman Randy Blythe on ‘Forgotten (Lost Angels)‘. Pure American metal doesn’t get much better than this.

SET YOUR GOALS – Mutiny!
(Alveran)
www.setyourgoals.net

Allegedly named after the debut album from NYC hardcore crew CIV, Set Your Goals feature two vocalists and deal in a melodic but robust brand of hardcore punk. Sounding not unlike New Found Glory might if they’d been brought up listening to Gorilla Biscuits and drinking their own body weight in Red Bull, ‘Mutiny!’ is relentlessly upbeat, with catchy tunes and shout-along choruses in abundance. Sure, it’s a little cheesy and over-polished in places, but that title-track riff alone is almost guaranteed to make you bounce. So turn this one up loud, and embrace the positivity.

YOU, ME AND THE ATOM BOMB – Shake Up
(Household Name)
www.youmeandtheatombomb.com

The Sussex/Hampshire area of the south coast has become somthing of a breeding ground for DIY punk/hardcore scenes in recent times, and Portsmouth trio You, Me And The Atom Bomb are a ‘shore’ bet for success (sorry, I couldn’t resist it). Seriously, though…this band play speedy, melodic hardcore with a raw edge, in the vein of bands like Avail and Hot Water Music, and they do it very well. Songs like ‘Proud To Say’ and ‘No Surprises’ are rough diamonds that will work their way into your brain within a couple of listens, and there’s no let up in passion or energy throughout the record. They’re probably playing near you soon, so go and sea them…

Ryan Bird has been backing Oxford United’s promotion push with this catalogue of thrash goodness:

SLAYER – Reign In Blood (1986)
(American)
www.slayer.net

While Metallica were raising the stakes in thrash technicality and Dave Mustaine prepared to unleash Megadeth on a global scale, it was this now classic cut that would steal the show in 1986. Short, sharp and furious in its delivery, it succeeded in producing a longer lasting impression in just 29 minutes than many could ever have thought possible.

SLAYER – South Of Heaven (1988)
(American)
www.slayer.net

The follow-up to ‘Reign In Blood’ may have seen Slayer take their foot off the gas where sheer pace alone was concerned, but there was enough groove-laden heaviness and deeply sinister poetry packed into its ten tracks to ensure that they lost none of their now unstoppable momentum.

SLAYER – Seasons In The Abyss (1990)
(American)
www.slayer.net

Just 12 months after release, drummer Dave Lombardo would leave the band for the next ten years, opting to spend more time with his wife than touring the globe. While cracks were beginning to show behind the scenes, ‘Seasons…’ remained a typically relentless affair, rightfully earning its spot in the band’s definitive ‘Big 3’.

SLAYER – God Hates Us All (2001)
(American)
www.slayer.net

Undoubtedly their best and most snarling effort in over a decade, it also arrived with typical Slayer-like controversy. In a cruel twist of fate, label chief and production guru Rick Rubin had the album’s release pushed back several months in July of 2001, with a revised date of September 11th taking its place.

SLAYER – Christ Illusion (2006)
(American/Warners)
www.slayer.net

With Lombardo behind the kit once more and Rubin taking a back seat from production duties, Slayer return in August sounding bigger and badder than ever. If ever there were an album worthy of occupying the slot directly below that of the Reign/South/Seasons pyramid, this would undoubtedly be it.

Categories
Live Reviews

Silver Bullet Tour

It’s been a while since I have been excited about a Metalcore show. Now don’t get me wrong; I enjoy a wide variety of metal to hardcore. It’s my head banging, air guitar squealing, driving-while-double-kicking, throat callusing, wish-I-was-a-rock star music. But I’m not going to lie when I say that lately I have enjoyed getting back to my metal roots by listening to everything from Iron Maiden to Guns & Roses.

I have also been listening to some new indie projects that are combining much of melody I love with the technicality I crave. All that to say it had been far too long since I had the chance to shake my hips in the pit. Upon hearing about the SolidState/Ferret Music Silver Bullet Tour at the Key Club on Sunset in Hollywood , I was nothing short of excited.

Just when you thought there couldn’t be another great metalcore band on the scene, along came Destroy The Runner. Hailing from San Diego , California , this five piece power house was recently signed to Solid-State records. They meld technical guitars with powerful breakdowns, burly growls with high screams, and melodic vocals over a tight rhythm section. Make sure to arrive in time to see these guys. Their stage presence accompanied by their palpable love for what they do will make you and your friends kick of the show on the right foot. Keep an eye out for these guys as their first album drops on September 12th.

Next up was Ferret’s Legeia out of Massachusetts . To be fair, let me preface this by saying that its been a while since I have really liked a new hardcore band. So my first reaction was that of disappointment in their sound as they seemed like organized noise in strange time signatures, which is not usually my preferred cup of tea. Nevertheless as their set continued I was able to break down the barriers I put up (especially the reinforced concrete barricade that was constructed upon first glance of the lead singer’s backwards Boston Red Sox hat and inked biceps that would crush my head) and was able to enjoy their stop and start song layouts with their naughty breakdowns. Add a little stage presence and I didn’t doubt that their hometown shows throw down. Ultimately I was able to be challenged by the bands ambiance and reminded why hardcore exists. Legeia is a solid east coast hardcore band pretending to be nothing else, and that, above all, deserves your respect.

The venue had filled to near capacity and it was now a struggle to maintain your square foot of standing space as August Burns Red took the stage. Talk about an unassuming group of guys, dressed in shorts, loose jeans, and flip flops they definitely let their music speak for itself. From extremely technical guitars and bass following suit to the powerful break downs and blood curdling screams, I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys recorded their CD in one take. Their overall showmanship coupled with the smiles and genuine good time feel was definitely positively experienced by the crowd. If you like your metal tough and your breakdowns rough, ABR got more than enough.

It was a nice change of pace when Scary Kids Scaring Kids out of Phoenix, AZ took the stage. They are a high energy band with a live show to reckon with. Picture this: a keyboardist running around stage pounding his chest to the beat of their anthemic post-hardcore songs while the drummer kicks out his left foot when keeping the high hat open as both guitarists shred while exchanging back-up vocal parts and the lead singer shakes from side to side with his eyes close. Probably not doing their live show justice but may be worth picturing while listening on their Purevolume page. With harmonious vocals you can understand and the cherry on top of a powerful scream, this was a band that has mastered a very full sound while not sounding too crowded. Their set went a little long but by and large won me over.

By now it was late and I was tired of fighting the crowd. As the lights went black I knew the time had come for the main event. Not a soul had left the room. With a mellow blacked out intro, the tours headliner Haste The Day took the stage. The long time favorites in the Hardcore/Metal community know how to get the job done. Due to the dancey breakdowns and catchy lead and backup vocals, these guys exuded a confidence a passion for what they do. With the high energy stage presence and some amazing, dare I say perfect, musical performance they stole the hearts of every Metal lover in the crowd.

They even played my favorite song, “Blue” off their first disc released on Solid-State titled “Burning Bridges.” Most notably was the bands ability to sound near album quality. Haste the Day has been doing it strong for Solid-State and, by the looks of it, will continue to do so for a long time. This was the best show I have seen in ages. If you like metal check out The Silver Bullet Tour on www.solidstaterecords.com and check these bands out.

Words and photos by Shayne Garcia
www.shaynegarciaphoto.com

Categories
Music News

Sage Hosts Juggaknots New Single

Sage Francis has premiered the new Juggaknots single on his own Strange Famous website.

You can download the track and get excited for the upcoming album Use Your Confusion which will drop on October 31st. Big ups to Sage for the hosting!

Point your browsers to the Strange Famous site to hear the track.

Categories
Music News

Chocolates And Cigarettes Incoming

Angus and Julia Stone will be releasing their debut EP, Chocolates And Cigarettes, on October 2nd. The Australian siblings will showcase their ability over six songs, and they will be visiting the UK for a tour in September. The tour dates, where they will support Ben Taylor, are:

September

13th– London, Betsey Trotwood
14th – London, Enterprise
18th – London, Enterprise
20th – London, Betsey Trotwood
27th – London, Betsey Trotwood

You can view the band’s video for Paper Aeroplane,which was directed and shot by them, on their myspace page.

Categories
Music News

Styles P Album Incoming

D-Block and Lox member Styles P is to release his new album, Time Is Money, in November, it has been announced.

The album will feature guest appearances from Lil Jon, Jadakiss and Talib Kweli and will feature production from Havoc, Swizz Beats and Alchemist. You can check out the single, Who Wanna Problem, and another album track, I’m Black, by clicking a link below:

Who Wanna Problem

Windows Media
Real Player

I’m Black

Windows Media
Real Player

www.stylesp.net

Categories
Music News

Danger Mouse Helped Punk Paris

Producer of the moment Danger Mouse was the man behind the remixes of Paris Hilton’s music that Banksy placed in stores nationwide.

The tracks, including Why Am I Famous? and What Am I For?, were confirmed by Danger Mouse himself and when asked about the challenge of making an album to replace Hilton’s CD, he said “It’s hard to improve on perfection, but we had to try”. What a legend.

Categories
Skateboarding News

Wenning Moves To Plan B

Brian Wenning blew onto our screens with one of the most stand-out video parts ever for an amateur in the Alien Workshop video Photosyntheis.

Instant stardom drew the shy East Coast rider in to the limelight and established professional status for his skills. Despite the immense fanbase, Brian shied away from the attention and has since resurfaced as Plan B’s newest pro.

An exclusive promo entitled Life after Death featuring Brian and his new team mates will premiere on the Plan B website on Friday, 15th September.