RCRDLBL is running a feature on the Norwegian act Lama, not the awesome Finnish hardcore band: http://www.rcrdlbl.com/2008/08/12/oya_festival_download_lama_innocent_bystander
Swedish indiepop act Tower of Foil has a new single called "Everlasting" posted for free download: http://www.toweroffoil.com/
Musique Machine on the Brighter Death Now reissue "Necrose evangelicum": http://www.musiquemachine.com/reviews/reviews_template.php?id=1908
Aftonbladet has the new Hellacopters video for "Darling darling": http://www.aftonbladet.se/webbtv/noje/musikvideor/article3090486.ab
Joel Segerstedt of The Open Up and Bleeds has some new demo tracks up at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/detswedenborgskarummet
MP3: Paavoharju - Kevätrumpu
Paavoharju makes some very interesting sounds, but after giving their new album "Laulu laakson kukista" numerous spins, I have come to the conclusion that it lacks a cohesive narrative, ultimately rendering them forgettable. At first I wondered if maybe I wasn't in the correct damaged state of mind to appreciate their weirdness, but nothing sticks no matter how many times I listen. It's especially disappointing too because, like I said, the actual sounds they create are fascinating. "Kevätrumpu" is a good illustration of my frustration -- the main melody line is established early on and flutters in and out of focus as the piece progresses, yet it never really goes anywhere. It goes from tepid to soft to tepid and then ceases to be altogether. Very disappointing.
Paavoharju - Kevätrumpu
International release dates for Lukestar's excellent album "Lake Toba":
09/19 - Germany/Austria/Switzerland (Riptide Recordings)
09/22 - Denmark (Tuba/Bonnier), UK (Tuba/Backs/Shellshock), France (RocksMyAssRecords), Belgium/Holland (Tuba/Berthus), Spain (Arindelle Records)
Still one of the best releases of 2008. Look for them to tour Europe extensively this coming fall too - dates soon!
The video for The Kid's version of "Mayhem troopers", easily one of the year's best singles, is now on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3mTi3JB2ik
PopMatters reviews The Bridal Shop album "From seas": http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/61672/the-bridal-shop-from-seas
Pain, the pop-metal crossover act of Hypocrisy frontman Peter Tägtgren, will release their new album "Cynic paradise" on October 31. Nightwish vocalist Anette Olzon guests on two tracks.
Fluxblog on the new Marit Larsen single: http://www.fluxblog.org/2008/08/swallow-half-moon.html
Dagens Nyheter reports that a Broder Daniel documentary is in the works: http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=2198&a=814689
Discobelle has a track from Promoe's (Looptroop Rockers) upcoming solo album: http://www.discobelle.net/2008/08/12/den-ljusnande-framtid/
The Skull Defekts will be touring the US East Coast in October with Talk Normal:
10/03 - Death By Audio, Brooklyn, NY w/VAZ, Lary 7
10/04 - tba, Baltimore, MD
10/05 - Sonic Circuits Festival @ Velvet Lounge, Washington DC
10/06 - Eclectic @ Wesylelan University, Middletown, CT
10/07 - AS220, Providence, RI
10/08 - PA's Lounge, Boston, MA
10/10 - Now Thats Class, Cleveland, OH
10/11 - tba, Detroit, MI
10/12 - Prosperity Space, Chicago, IL
10/14 - Skylab, Columbus, OH
10/16 - (R5 Presents) Danger Danger Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
10/17 - Cake Shop, New York, NY
Stream the new Melpo Mene album "Bring the lions out": http://www.myspace.com/melpomenemusic
It comes out on August 27 via Imperial Recordings.