New UK dates for Lykke Li:
09/29 - The Plug, Sheffield
10/01 - Scala, London
10/02 - Concorde 2, Brighton
10/05 - Glee Club, Birmingham
10/06 - Thekla, Bristol
10/08 - Academy 2, Liverpool
10/09 - Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh
10/10 - The Duchess, York
The Silent Ballet reviews the new Cult of Luna album "Eternal kingdom": http://thesilentballet.com/dnn/Home/tabid/36/ctl/Details/mid/384/ItemID/1570/Default.aspx
Opeth has confirmed fall dates for North America: http://www.lambgoat.com/news/view.aspx?id=11022
The new Volbeat album "Guitar gangsters & cadillac blood" has been confirmed for release on September 1. Look for the first single "Maybelenne I Hofteholder" in early August.
Nebraska-based indie label Series Two has released a new CD from Swedish act Klas today called "To sleep and love". Samples at myspace: http://www.myspace.com/klas1
This track is all about the wordless refrain. It sucks you in on the first listen, at least that's the way it worked on me when I heard it live. The persistence of the melody burrows it deep inside my skull, though none of the transmutations every match the quiet beauty of the solo voice. On the other hand, the majesty of the full band carrying the line at the song's peak is quite powerful as well. Finally, David Lehnberg has achieved the epic sound he's been searching for! Ariel Kill Him came close, but was bogged down by trying too hard, trying to do too much. The Deer Tracks hold more back and thus are able to go further. Still, as much as I enjoy "Aurora", the record doesn't match the band's live performance. They blew me away at Hultsfred, but they aren't nearly as dynamic or powerful here. I remain a fan, but my enthusiasm has waned ever so slightly.
Hear more/pre-order the album: http://www.myspace.com/thedeertracks
The Deer Tracks - Slow collision
Pitchfork finally gets around to reviewing the latest Vapnet record "Döda fallet": http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/51505-vapnet-dda-fallet
Also covered, the new Blackstrap album "Steal my horses and run": http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/51498-blackstrap-steal-my-horses-and-run
Yet another new track from Wired for Mono is posted for free download: http://www.wiredformono.com/
Download the new Timbuktu track "Det här är ditt land": http://www.zshare.net/audio/14681476107b3e67/
Yes, it is a cover.
Firefox AK has signed with Universal in Spain and will be releasing her latest single "Once I was like you" over there soon.
The new Dungen album "4" is confirmed for a fall release via Kemado. Expect a 12" EP for first single "Sätt att se" a bit earlier via Mexican Summer/Subliminal Sounds.
Biker Boy's new single for July is out now: http://hybrism.blogspot.com/2008/07/biker-boy-chanson-de-juillet-free.html