Ulver says that they are done with the film business for now. Their latest soundtrack project "Uno" has been quite successful in Norway with over 200k visitors in the firth month and a prize at the EuropaCinema festival in Italy. Bonnier Amigo Music Norway has released a soundtrack album, but the group's own label Jester will be putting out their own eventually as well. Coming out next will be the soundtrack to "Blood Inside" which features guest guitar work from Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa) and various instrumentation and improv work from UK singer/songwriter Tom McRae and band. Their own words: "It is running cold and the brain is receiving it and interpreting and transmitting again and again and again. It is making us sick. A baroque thing, beyond all good taste."
But that's not all! Ulver has also completed a collaboration with Stephen O'Malley and SUNN O))) that they describe as "a 15 min. epic with Julian Cope speaking out of the dark." Swedish radio has commisioned the piece for broadcast and it will also be released on the SUNN O))) "White" 4xLP box set scheduled for release this spring. Lastly, Ulver has recorded a downtempo version of "Strange Ways" for an upcoming Norwegian Kiss tribute entitled "Gods of Thunder". Other acts set to appear on the album are Turbonegro and Gluecifer (of course) and it will be released sometime next year by VME in cooperation with the Norwegian Kiss Army.
PopMatters reviews Baby Woodrose: http://popmatters.com/music/reviews/b/babywoodrose-dropout.shtml
Erebus Odora has announced that Sophia's seventh album "Deconstruction Of The World" is finally ready on CD after much delay. The disc includes the previously unreleased track "Depravity" along with its accompanying video. As for the sound, they say "Peter Bjärgö has ... joined forces with long time friend and Arcana collaborateur Stefan Eriksson to deliver an outstanding piece of sonic grandeur. Keeping with the latest elements of the Sophia sound and bringing back some of the early martial elements with predominant drumming and the addition of commanding vocal parts, this album is definitely one step above it's predecessors and reconfirms Sophia's uniqueness."
The lineup for this year's Tinitus Festival on November 6 in Stockholm has been announced: VNV Nation, Alphaville, Fixmer McCarthy, Portion Control, A Split Second, Legowelt, Xotox and Nebelwerfer. Full details: http://www.tinitus.com/
Well look at that - another day and another brand new exclusive track from Peter, Bjorn and John off of their brand new album "Falling out". Today's song is called "Money" and features Ellekari Larson from The Tiny on guest vocals. Miss yesterday's song? You can get it here, but not for long. Tomorrow it will be gone.
And in other news, it's now been confirmed that the album will be released on limited edition gatefold vinyl via Hotstuff sometime in November. 500 copies, so be sure to act fast if you want it. The band has also been confirmed for the upcoming Access All Areas Fest in Stockholm on November 24-25. Other acts confirmed for the 2nd annual industry shindig include Weeping Willows, Bergman Rock and CDOASS. And lastly, be sure to head on over to the newly redesigned PB&J website: http://www.peterbjornandjohn.com/
Swedish punks Voice of a Generation will be doing some shows around Scandinavia this winter, starting with Denmark:
12/09 - Stengade 30, Copenhagen (DK)
12/10 - Imperiet, Herning (DK)
Denmark's Larsen and Furious Jane finally have a website: http://www.larsenandfuriousjane.com/
After they finish up their final US date in LA tomorrow, the next step for The Concretes will be a short UK tour with The Thrills. Dates:
11/16 - Hop & Grape, Manchester
11/17 - Northumbria Uni, Newcastle w/The Thrills
11/18 - Academy, Glasgow w/The Thrills
11/20 - Octagon, Sheffield w/The Thrills
11/21 - Academy, Bristol w/The Thrills
11/22 - University Great Hall, Exeter w/The Thrills
11/24 - Brixton Academy, London w/The Thrills
11/25 - The Legion, London ('One Month before Christmas' acoustic special)
Check out the video for "Two-Timing Touch And Broken Bones" from The Hives: http://www.bandbuilder.com/hives/player.php
Finland's Disco Ensemble will be recording a new album in November at Facination Street in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Borgen. The expected release date is February 2005 and the band plans to tour Europe in support.
Black Balloon has announced the signing of Norwegian extreme metal band Insense. The band's second album "Soothing Torture" isn't due out until early next year, but here's mp3s for two tracks:
In other Black Balloon news, the label has parted ways with Camaros. Look for them to announce a new label soon.
Bootleg Booze has announced that the debut full-length album "Long Hard Nights" from classic rockers The Deadbeats will be released on November 26. I thought their first 7" sounded awfully similar to The Hellacopters, but that's not necessarily such as a bad thing. Check out the track "Mr. Brokenhearted" right here: http://www.bootlegbooze.com/sounds/booze014/deadbeats_mr_brokenhearted.mp3
Here's this week's MTV Up North Nordic video chart:
01. HIM - And Love Said No
02. Snook - Mister Cool
03. Bomfunk MC's - No Way In Hell
04. Sugarplum Fairy - Sweet Jackie
05. Annie - Chewing Gum
06. Ana - We Are
07. Christian Walz - Wonderchild
08. Mando Diao - Clean Town
09. Lazyboy - Facts Of Life
10. Blacknuss - All Your Lovin'
11. Erik Faber - Yesterday´s Call
12. Private Line - 1-800-Out Of Nowhere
13. Maria Mena - Just A Little Bit
14. Tigerbombs - 1000 Sparks
15. Ayesha - Fire
16. Petter - Tidens tempo/Prolog
17. Strip Music - Never Die
18. Soundtrack of Our Lives - Bigtime
19. Saybia - Brilliant Sky
20. The Concretes - Seems Fine
Challengers:
01. Cirera - Fake Vegetarian Ex Girlfriend
02. Masayah - Felicia
03. Dhani - Girl Talk
04. Blue Foundation - Save This Town
05. Beats And Styles - Renegades
06. Hanna Pakarinen - How Can I Miss You
Go to the MTVE.com site to watch and vote for your favorite.
Splendid reviews John Alexander Ericson: http://www.splendidezine.com/review.html?reviewid=1097231214924109