Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz might be “splitting up” as reported previously here at Crossfire, but there are plans to go out with a band, with dates being hoped for in Las Vegas. On top of this, a computer game of the animated group is set to be released, as well as their own film and their work on the Chinese opera “Monkey: Journey To The West“.
Damon isn’t the only member of Blur to be involved in animation any longer though as drummer Dave Rowntree has just finished work on an animated comedy show called Empire Square which he helped to direct the voice talent of, and had major input into the creative process of the show, which is due to be aired in the States this month.
www.gorillaz.com as if you didn’t know.
Yep, the UK’s most prolific skater Danny Wainwright has managed to become a Dad for the second time running after his lovely partner gave birth to another baby girl this weekend.
Styles and trends may come and go but good song writing will never go out of fashion. And good song writing is something that Chris Brokaw knows all about. Having recorded a string of acoustic records, ‘Incredible Love’ is his first full band electric release and sees him teaming up with the elite of the American indie underground (including members of Rodan, Karate, Silkworm) for an album of utterly addictive songs full of sublime melodies and quirky structures and sounds.
The Summer Sundae festival, held at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall and Gardens, has confirmed that hyped up-and-comers Guillemots have been added to the bill, alongisde Morning Runner, Gomez, The Boy Least Likely To, 
Oxford based rock trio King Furnace will release their debut single ‘Crash!’ on April 17th 2006 through Akuaba Records.
Old rockers The Who have returned to their Tommy territory by composing a short mini-opera, which is likely to be released prior to the new album this year.
Busta Rhymes, one of the most larger-than-life characters in music, is coming back with a new album entitled The Big Bang, due for release in May.
Manchester’s Jim Noir has teamed up with Adidas for an advert for the upcoming World Cup, after the company chose his Eanie Meany song, taken from the Tower Of Love album. The advert is due to be screen in the run up to the World Cup in Germany and will have loads of big name stars playing football in the street with two kids.
Conor Oberst’s Bright Eyes have gone back into the studio to work on their next album. The album, which doesn’t have a title at the moment, is being lined up for a release in spring of 2007. Reports are that there are around 30 songs to choose from and it is likely that 12 will be the final number on the album.
You never know when you might discover your new favourite band, so try and give support acts a chance. Imagine Bloc Party and the Mars Volta wrestling each other in a pit of post-hardcore filth, and you’ll have a rough idea of what Keiko sound like. Unfortunately, the half-empty venue does their sound few favours; and whilst the band give it their all, the constant echo robs them of their subtle edge. Shame.