Video Violence - Video violence (video)
Look for Video Violence's debut album "Medulla oblongata" to be released soon via /. Direct video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4eWPuyT2ik
Country: Sweden
Svensk Musik, the new sounds of Sweden
Check out Svensk Musik, a new website founded/funded by STIM (the Swedish Performing Rights Society) focusing on new/contemporary Swedish music for an international audience: http://svenskmusik.org/
Numerous essays are already online, as is a feature on their label of the month, .
MP3: Riff Knives - Single
Thrash funk not dead! Seriously, of all the sub-sub-genres to come back around, I figured we'd get a fourth wave of ska or something long before I'd be hearing slap bass again. Normally I'd immediately hit delete on any promo that comes my way with the descriptor "funky" (or any derivative thereof), but I guess I was feeling charitable or something because I decided to check out Riff Knives and was actually kind of impressed. I still wouldn't exactly say this is "good", but I'm glad it exists and I have to say, I really do have a soft spot for this stuff I suppose. After all, my teenage years in the SF Bay Area were ruled by the likes of Primus, Mr. Bungle, Fungo Mungo, Psychefunkapus and tons more 2nd and 3rd rate acts in this mode, not to mention my own (unwise) musical endeavors of the time (recordings exist, but I don't have them). So yeah, I can't talk shit and no matter how contemptible you may feel about the style, these dudes nail it. Look for the band's new EP "Ape flip" to be released on March 9.
Riff Knives - Single
TNO to release Craft?
It's not 100% confirmed and I hope that me posting about it doesn't jinx it, but apparently will be putting out the next Craft LP.
Sounds Like Branding going worldwide
Slightly OT but not really: Jakob Lusensky's book "Sounds like branding" (with design by Robert Samsonowitz, who brews a great beer besides playing in We Live in Trenches) will be getting an international release in July: http://www.soundslikebranding.com/?p=2136
The book's subtitle is "How to use the power of music to turn customers into fans", in case that helps perk your interest.
Ticktock goes the clock
The new Ticktock EP "In the belly of the whale #1" (remember?) is out now and can be previewed at Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/ticktockgoestheclock/sets/ticktock-in-the-belly-of-the-whale-1/
The Sound of Arrows - Nova (video)
Swedish pop duo The Sound of Arrows have a new single: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FHEn8rJ4Vw
It will be officially released on April 25 as a 12" and digital download via .
Scraps of Tape done tracking
Scraps of Tape are done tracking their new album -- read the full studio report: http://scrapsoftape.wordpress.com/2011/02/22/post-recording/
Niels Nielsen, Patrik Torsson to Saint Marie
Niels Nielsen has signed with upstart American label and will be releasing his new album "Welcome to the promising land of hi-5ers and hopeless people" on May 2. Also signed, fellow Swede Patrik Torsson whose new album "At the line of the border" will be out this spring as well. More info: http://www.saintmarierecords.com/
Zero goes paperless
Swedish synth-focused mag Zero Music is going online-only after a 16-year run. Read the editors' statement here: http://www.zeromagazine.nu/nyhet.asp?id=1911 (in Swedish)
The publication will continue on as an online-only venture and as such will be expanding their web offerings in the near future.
Shout Out Louds back on tour
Shout Out Louds are heading back out on the road in late March:
03/28 - La Machine du Moulin Rouge, Paris (FRA)
03/29 - La Nef, Angoulême (FRA)
03/30 - La Vapeur, Dijon (FRA)
03/31 - La Laiterie, Strasbourg (FRA)
04/01 - Centre Culturel Paul B, Massy (FRA)
04/02 - Le Brise Glace, Annecy (FRA)
04/03 - La Salumeria della Musica, Milan (ITA)
04/04 - Bronson, Ravenna (ITA)
04/05 - Cabaret Aleatoire, Marseille (FRA)
04/06 - Apollo, Barcelona (ESP)
04/07 - Sala Heineken,, Madrid (ESP)
04/08 - Santiago Alquimista, Lisbon (POT)
04/09 - Mondo Club, Vigo (ESP)
Hammock Sessions: Folkvang
The latest featured aritst on Umeå's excellent live music site Hammock Sessions is instrumental/folk act Folkvang: http://www.hammocksessions.com/2011/02/19/folkvang-konditori-nybro-umea/
RIYL whistling.
What's up with this?
So does this mean that The Haunted is looking to cash in on Takida fans or what?
Ex-EST drummer Magnus Öström to release album
Ex-Esbjörn Svensson Trio drummer Magnus Öström will be releasing his first album as a bandleader on April 24, "Thread of life", which I guess puts it in direct competition with his old bandmate. Not that the two have beef, Dan Berglund guests on the tribute track "Ballad for E" along with renown guitarist Pat Metheny while the rest of the album features Andreas Hourdakis on guitars, Gustaf Karlöf on keyboards and Thobias Gabrielson on bass. Read more at Magnus' website: http://www.magnusostrom.com/
New Dan Berglund album in late April
has announced that Dan Berglund's new album "Allt är idioternas fel" will be released the week of Easter, which I presume means April 25?