I got a 3-song promo from the new Beyond Dawn album "Frysh" yesterday and it's pretty darn good. As I was just saying over on indieworkshop.com, it's like they've combined the best elements of their last two releases. "Electric Sulking Machine"'s brooding pop mixed with a healthy infusion of synth ala "In Reverie". I really dig some of the more vintage-esque tones they use, too. I guess The Knife could be a point of reference, but it's not really accurate. Oh, and some great pedal-steel work also - that was something I really didn't expect. Anyhow, I've asked permission to put up an mp3, but we'll have to wait and see what they say. Otherwise, wait until May for it to hit stores.
Here's a feature article on the interesting Norweigan label Rune Grammofon from Dusted Magazine.
Don't forget about The Soundtrack of Our Lives on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno tonight.
Opeth's next record "Damnation" may have been pushed back to May, but that doesn't mean you can't read a review already. This is another record that I'm very excited to hear and judging from this review, I won't be let down.
Silence will release Ulf Sturesons' third album "Hjärtat fullt" in April. The label will also put out the new First Floor Power EP "Happy Endings" in March.
Aftonbladet has posted some pictures from yesterday's Grammis here and here.
Both Division of Laura Lee and The Soundtrack of Our Lives have now been confirmed for the upcoming Coachella Fest which is scheduled to take place in Indio, California on April 26 and 27.
JuJu Records reports that PSTQ is busy in his home studio for a new album to be released in the fall. They say it's "some neo gothenburg ill shit like you never heard before." Dig it. JuJu also reports that Sam's new album "Being Under The Influence" has been delayed. No word on the new date, but they're working to get it out ASAP. And lastly, be sure to check out Chords and Timbuktu as they tour Europe supporting Loop Troop:
2/21 - Lasarte (E)- Zulo
2/22 - Madrid (E)- Aqualung
2/23 - Barcelona (E)- Apolo
2/24 - Barcelona (E)- Instore at Discos Tesla
2/25 - Milano (I)- 111 Cocktail Bar
2/26 - Lausanne (CH)- Casino De Montbenon
2/27 - Basel (CH)- Kaserne
2/28 - Wil (CH)- Remise
3/01 - Biel (CH)- La Coupole
3/02 - Linz (A)- Kapu
3/03 - Wien (A)- B72
3/04 - Bratislava (CS)- Bajkal
3/05 - Prague (CS)- Rock Café
3/06 - München (D)- Backstage
3/08 - Bremen (D)- Moments
Norway's Jazzland Records will be doing a showcase at London's Cargo Club on March 8. Scheduled to perform are Beady Belle and Eivind Aarset´s Electronique Noire Band. For more info, check the Jazzland or Cargo homepages. The label focuses on all types of jazz, often including electronic elements.