It's Chalksounds day here at It's a trap! Not only did I get a new shipment of new CDs from them for the mailorder department (including the new Ellis the Vacuumchild CD and restocks of The End Will Be Kicks and Carpet People), but I also got a new mp3 from Convoj. The debut EP from these guys is absolutely guaranteed to blow people away, it's just so good. They continue the fine Swedish indierock tradition pioneered by the likes of Bear Quartet, but with a rejuvenated sense of determination and vigor. Crashing guitars, impassioned vocals and chiming, twisting melodies - all the necessary ingredients required to achieve greatness are here. I've been listening to it non-stop ever since I got it. An instant classic.
Blabbermouth has published a translation of Anders Jakobson from Nasum's comments to Close-Up regarding the disappearance of Mieszko Talarczyk: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=32750
David Fridlund will be doing two videos for his next single "White van". The first one will be animated and it comes from director Peter Johansson, who previously worked with David (and the Citizens) on the clip for "Song against Life". The second is by Anders Weberg (D&tC, The Mo, Niccokick) from Recycled Studio and was recorded at fellow Swedish act Thirdimension's rehearsal space. The release date for the single is February 21.
The Curtain has their entire last live show available for download in video form: http://www.woorecords.se/curtain/media.htm
Shoot Charlie recently recorded five new songs with the talented Björn Yttling (Peter, Bjorn and John) and should be getting them mixed and ready for some sort of release soon.
Check out a video interview with Mr. Tiger Lou himself, the always charming Rasmus Kellerman: http://www.faceculture.nl/tiger/index.htm
Groover Recordings has signed Lasse Lindh and The Martial Arts. More info about upcoming releases coming soon.
Norway's Kaospilot reports that they will be entering the studio with Carl Wikmann in April to record their next full-length album. They will also be touring Japan from July 28 through August 10 and possibly returning to the US east coast in 2006. Dates soon?
Aftonbladet says that this year's ExMS US showcase with The Ark, Moneybrother, Melody Club, Deportees and The Caesars will hit NYC on March 21 at CBGBs.
Splendid reviews Laakso: http://www.splendidmagazine.com/review.html?reviewid=1106565760831696