New mp3 today from Closer, an up-and-coming Stockholm-based act that I think sounds like a darker, more melodic version of At the Drive In. Or maybe imagine a prog-ier version of Khoma/Koma. It's heavy, but not exactly what I'd consider metal. I immediately knew these guys were something special when I downloaded a song from their website and listening to all four tracks from their as-yet-unreleased "Tokpela" EP only confirms my gut feeling was 100% on-point. The band has a very clear intent and vision to what they want to do and it's surprising that no label has snapped them up yet, but I can't imagine that the situation will last too much longer. The world needs more intelligent rock bands like Closer and they're simply too good to ignore. Heck, if I wasn't so strapped for cash I'd pony up the money myself. Spread the word: this is a band to watch.
Today's ton ten is from my good friend Magnus, head of soon-to-be-gone label Chalksounds and also the newly founded (It's the method of) Nomethod. He just released the amazing self-titled debut album from The End Will Be Kicks and has a ton of great stuff planned for 2006, so stay tuned!
In Flames will tour Europe beginning in March with Sepultura as support:
03/12 - Rockefeller, Oslo
03/14 - Pakkahoune, Tampere
03/15 - House of culture, Helsinki
03/17 - Arenan, Stockholm
03/18 - Lisebergshallen, Gothenburg
03/19 - Columbiahalle, Berlin
03/20 - E-werk, Cologne
03/21 - Effenar, Eindoven
03/22 - Forum, London
03/23 - Academy, Manchester
03/24 - Brrowlands, Glasgow
03/25 - Corperstion, Sheffield
03/26 - Academy, Birmingham
03/28 - Ambassador, Dublin
03/29 - Academy, Liverpool
03/30 - Coal Exchange, Cardiff
03/31 - Pyramis Centre, Portsmouth
04/01 - Hof-ter-lo, Antwerp
04/02 - Elysee-Montmartre, Paris
04/04 - Razzmatazz, Barcelona
04/05 - La Riviera, Madrid
04/06 - Sala Jam, Bergara
04/09 - Estragon, Bologna
04/00 - Arena, Vienna
04/11 - Posthof, Linz
04/12 - Georg-Elser-Halle, Munich
04/13 - Filharmonie, Stuttgart
Check out the top thirty tracks for National Danish Radio's alternative hitlist: http://www.dr.dk/skum/barometer/debplay_181205.asp
Download a new track from Shooting John: http://www.marilynrecords.se/listento/ShootingJohn/drunk_and_astray.mp3
Kristofer Åström has a new alternative version of the song "Empty hands" available for streaming via myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kastrom
Psilodump has a new release available for free download from the Candy Mind netlabel: http://www.archive.org/details/CANDY017
Swedish postrockers Jeniferever have completed work on their debut as-yet-untitled full-length album and it will be released on March 13 via UK label Drowned in Sound. The first single will be released as a 7" on February 13 and will feature the song "From across the sea" b/w the exclusive track "Closing in". A video for the a-side will be made by Rikkard Häggbom in early January. For samples and tourdates, check out their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/jeniferever (Note: they are playing Tack! Tack! Tack! in February)
In other Jeniferever news, the band will also be releasing a split 7" with friends Vague Angels in early January. That record will feature the song "Magdeleno" which happens to feature guest vocals from Chris Leo of Vague Angels.
The Grizzly Twister will be releasing a split 7" with UK act The Plague Sermon this coming March. It will be handled as a cooperative effort between UK-based label MidMarch Records and Germany's My Favourite Toy Records. Look for a UK tour with the two bands to follow.
Firefox AK reports that the final song on her new album was mixed yesterday. Looking forward to hearing it!
Download a track from Syracus: http://www.duplicate-records.com/mp3/web_mp3/Syracus%20-%20I,%20Narcissus.mp3
The band's debut EP "Sleeping thermostats" is out now on Duplicate Records.