Lapko will be back in Germany in March:
03/27 - Magnet Club, Berlin
03/28 - Backstage Werk, Munich
03/29 - Keller Club, Stuttgart
03/30 - Waschhaus, Potsdam
03/31 - Hafenklang, Hamburg
04/01 - Underground (Kleiner Club), Cologne
04/02 - Club Zooma, Plauen
A brand new video from Danish act Sleep Party People. Direct link: https://vimeo.com/19699921
Check out some new sound clips from Swedish electro act Hal's Tablet: https://halstablet.bandcamp.com/
Look for the debut EP "Note to self" to be released on March 14 via , a new sister label to . will also be releasing new material from Stygg, Pekker and Lucy and the Teenage Monster later this spring.
David Sandström + Adam Tensta? Really? Did he get to keep the Respect My Hustle jacket?
In case you were curious as to what Erik Aalto's upcoming "Antidote" performance will consist of (I was), here's a preview: https://www.magasin3.com/picksandreveals/reveals/performancexhibition-spring-2011-antidote-erik-aalto/
Swedesplease has the new Mire Kay single "Sea monster", which is of course very recommended: https://www.swedesplease.net/2011/02/09/mire-kay-sea-monster/
The Avant-garde Metal webzine attempts to interview Lifelover mainman Kim Carlsson: https://www.avantgarde-metal.com/content/stories2.php?id=204
Nothing makes me feel old and out of touch like this sort of modern emo/pop-punk/hardcore. The whole visual/fashion aspect of it is one thing, but like I've said before (more or less), getting angry about it is like screaming at a cloud. As for the music, it's not too hard to trace it back to something that was once kind of good and honestly, this song really isn't that bad as far as vapid mallpunk goes. It's got a hook at least, though that doesn't excuse the terrible name or the drama-club murder-revenge fantasy. Then again, it could be so much worse. There's so many things in that 2nd clip that make my mind reel. Anyhow, I think the thing that really bugs me about this stuff is that it seems so completely divorced from the DIY punk/hardcore scene I know. Like, do these kinds of acts exist outside of battle-of-the-band competitions and Warped Tour? If they do, I am blissfully ignorant because I never see flyers for this sort of stuff anywhere. That's not to say there aren't plenty of terrible bands playing basements, rental halls and other underground venues, but you gotta wonder if these youngins kids are even aware of Black Flag, let alone "Get in the van". Then there's also stuff like this -- $3k for a 7"? Seriously? I don't fucking get it.
Not officially out until March 1, but the new Kids single "Christine" is already up for download/streaming via along with the accompanying video clip: https://www.1980records.se/
Aversionline recommends the new 7" EP "Adult situations" from Finnish heavy noiserockers Throat: https://www.aversionline.com/blahg/2011/02/09/throat-adult-situations-7/
I randomly downloaded the band's earlier cassette release (available here) after seeing them listed on some shows with Hebosagil and was likewise stoked on the band. Judging by that short sample, I'd wager the new 7" is a serious bruiser and would love to get my hands on a copy.
Pitchfork has a new mp3 from The Raveonettes: https://pitchfork.com/news/41510-the-raveonettes-announce-new-album-iraven-in-the-gravei-schedule-tour-share-new-song/
Another new track from Set Fire Run, probably one of my favorites so far. Still no clue when they'll have an official release, but I'll be sure to keep you posted.
Swedish goth-rockers Principe Valiente are streaming a new track at myspace: https://www.myspace.com/principevaliente
Look for the band's self-titled debut album to be released on February 23 via .
A Swarm of the SunThis full-length from the Swedish duo of Jakob Berglund and Erik Nilsson is one that should appeal to fans of the post-rock/metal style employed by the likes of Isis, Red Sparowes and fellow countrymen Cult of Luna. However, they're slightly more subdued than the aforementioned artists for the most part and, one could say, altogether more darkly ethereal in outlook. Tracks such as "The stand" and "Repeater" display their penchant for slow, trawling, disturbing passages, while "The worms are out" reveals the band's more caustic side -- a side that should really have been explored to greater depths in this album. The problem is that they've gone for the lethargic, almost depressive approach throughout "Zenith" and have left very little room for the abrasive elements in their sound. And, while they do depressive to perfection, they really do shine brighter when they come out with guitars and vocals blazing. It's not to say that the entire album should be full-on metal mayhem; rather a few more parts here and there to stave off the inevitable boredom that comes with sitting through so much inertia. So much potential, yet sadly wasted.
- John Norby
Swedish hip-hop act Movits! have confirmed that their new album "Ut ur min skalle" will be released on March 23 in Sweden via with a US release to follow on April 5. The first single "Sammy Davis Jr." is out now.