Matt Johnson scores 'Hyena'; preps new The The album

Matt Johnson of The The teamed up with his brother Gerard for a new film titled Hyena. The crime thriller was written and directed by Gerard Johnson, who directed the critically acclaimed Tony in 2009; the score was created by Matt Johnson, who is best known for his work in The The, but of late has been composing scores and soundtracks (not to mention creating the music app Yello). Hyena opens March 6th and the official trailer featuring Johnson's music is available to view below:

Ahead of the film's opening, Johnson revealed some of his philosophy on the relationship between film and music with Filmic 2015:

"What makes a soundtrack great? Well, it’s not just the melodies, rhythms and production quality of the music itself, of course, but fundamentally the way in which it interacts with the cinematography, the dialogue and the performances of the actors. A great soundtrack can create an additional dimension to the experience of watching a film by communicating between the lines of dialogue and the frames of celluloid.

Music possesses a unique power to cut deep into the soul of human beings and consequently imbue a film with an emotional intensity it would otherwise be impossible for it to possess. But, on the other hand, what is the most wonderful soundtrack without a great film to accompany it? The soundtracks I love the most also happen to form part of the films I love the most too."

In celebration of Hyena's release Matt and Gerard selected five films which will be screened on Sundays at a Bristol, U.K. theater. The pair chose Forbidden Planet, Vertigo, Paris Texas, Aguirre Wrath of God, and Midnight Cowboy. For more info on Filmic 2015, visit the official site here.

In more Matt Johnson related news, it turns out that a new The The album is in the works. In an interview with the magazine Uncut Johnson explained that he's currently working on a proper The The album:

"...the important thing is getting yourself in the frame of mind for it...Having been away so long I have almost forgotten who I used to be. I almost forgot I was a songwriter in the first place, which is a horrible thing to say. But if all goes to plan the album will have freshness to it. It'll be a new start for my career."

The full interview with Johnson is in the latest edition of Uncut which is available to purchase here.



Published February 26th, 2015 @ 11:46 AM

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Swervedriver debut "Lone Star" video

Swervedriver is about to release a new studio album I Wasn't Born To Lose You on March 3rd. Today the band debuted the official video for the song "Lone Star" which is posted below. The full album, by the way, is still available to stream over at NPR (stream through March 1st). Pre-order I Wasn't Born To Lose You from iTunes, Amazon, or your favorite record store.



Meanwhile Swervedriver's Adam Franklin was interviewed by Noisey and discussed the new album, shoegaze, and reunions. During the interview Franklin revealed that Swervedriver is hoping to eventually reissue the albums Ejector Seat Reservation (which never saw a North American release) and 99th Dream:

"Though the first three [albums] were re-released on CD, but Ejector Seat still didn’t get released in the US. Sony were like, “Hold off on Ejector Seat.” So, there is a plan to get those two out again. But then 99th Dream is also tied up in ludicrous litigation at the moment...But it is an album we will be re-approaching for release on CD and vinyl. Hopefully in the next 12 months."

Franklin also discussed how back in the day Swervedriver came close to giving their demo tape to J Mascis and Sonic Youth instead of Creation's Alan McGee. Franklin acknowledges that had they given the tape to the more guitar-oriented artists, Swervedriver would have been perceived differently and not be lumped in with other "shoegaze" bands like Creation label mates Ride and My Bloody Valentine:

"It would have been quite a different perception of the band. We wouldn’t have been called shoegaze...But back then we only had a certain number of cassettes, so we stuck to the original plan. It could’ve been quite interesting had they heard it because the perception of the band would’ve been different."

Read the full interview with Adam Franklin here.

Swervedriver North American tour

03/01 -- Costa Mesa, CA @ Maison
03/03 -- Las Vegas, NV @ Bunkhouse Saloon
03/04 -- San Diego, CA @ Casbah
03/05 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Roxy Theatre
03/06 -- San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
03/08 -- Seattle, WA @ Neumo's Crystal Ball
03/09 -- Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
03/12 -- St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
03/13 -- Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
03/14 -- Chicago, IL @ TBA
03/15 -- Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
03/16 -- Cincinnati, OH @ The Woodward Theater
03/17 -- St. Louis, MO @ The Duck Room @ Blueberry
03/19 -- Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
03/20 -- Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/21 -- Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/23 -- Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade - Hell Stage
03/24 -- Durham, NC @ Motorco
03/25 -- Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
03/27 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
03/28 -- Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
03/29 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
03/30 -- New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge

Published February 26th, 2015 @ 10:57 AM

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Darkwave/post-punk bliss: Then Comes Silence preps LP 'Nyctophilian'

Attention fans of Jesus & Mary Chain, Bauhaus, Joy Division, or newer darkwave acts like A Place To Bury Strangers and Crocodiles: Swedish psych-noise-goth-post-punk-darkwave band Then Comes Silence is set to release its third album Nyctophilian on March 13th.  The band just premiered an intense new single titled "She Loves The Night" which is posted below for your listening pleasure.  Take a listen then download the track from iTunes or Amazon, or pre-order the full length album Nyctophilian from bandcamp. For more on Then Comes Silence, visit the band on Facebook.



If you dig "She Loves The Night," stream a few other stellar tracks from Then Comes Silence below:

"Fingers" released on 2013's Then Comes Silence II (Purchase on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon)



"Deepest Darkest" from the band's self-titled debut album (Purchase on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon)



Published February 25th, 2015 @ 8:34 PM

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Stream Noel Gallagher's new LP 'Chasing Yesterday'

Noel Gallagher returns with his new solo album Chasing Yesterday on March 3rd, but wait no longer to hear the new record -- the full album is streaming ahead of its release right now on iTunes. Head here to listen and pre-order the album from iTunes, Amazon, or Noel Gallagher's official store.

Gallagher hits the road in North America in support of the album this spring. Tickets for all the shows are on sale now.



05/03 -- Toronto, ON @ Sony Centre
05/10 -- New Orleans @ Civic Theatre
05/13 -- Houston, TX @ House Of Blues
05/14 -- Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theater
05/16 -- San Diego, CA @ Humphrey's Concert By The Bay
05/18 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
05/20 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Orpheum Theatre
05/22 -- Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint/Hard Rock Hotel
05/29 -- Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theater
05/30 -- Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theatre
05/31 -- Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
06/02 -- Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues
06/04 -- Washington, DC @ Lincoln Theater
06/06 -- Boston, MA @ Opera House
06/07 -- New York, NY @ Governor's Ball Festival

Published February 24th, 2015 @ 5:20 PM

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Stream: Majestic new Swervedriver LP 'I Wasn't Born To Lose You'

Swervedriver return with their first full length record since 1998's 99th Dream next week.  The official release date for I Wasn't Born To Lose You is March 3rd, however the full album is available to stream ahead of its release over at NPR (available to stream through March 1st). Take a listen here and pre-order I Wasn't Born To Lose You from iTunes, Amazon, or your favorite record store.

Don't miss Swervedriver on tour in North America next month. Dates are posted below the previous released tracks/videos from the album







03/01 -- Costa Mesa, CA @ Maison
03/03 -- Las Vegas, NV @ Bunkhouse Saloon
03/04 -- San Diego, CA @ Casbah
03/05 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Roxy Theatre
03/06 -- San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
03/08 -- Seattle, WA @ Neumo's Crystal Ball
03/09 -- Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
03/12 -- St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
03/13 -- Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
03/14 -- Chicago, IL @ TBA
03/15 -- Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
03/16 -- Cincinnati, OH @ The Woodward Theater
03/17 -- St. Louis, MO @ The Duck Room @ Blueberry
03/19 -- Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
03/20 -- Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/21 -- Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/23 -- Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade - Hell Stage
03/24 -- Durham, NC @ Motorco
03/25 -- Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
03/27 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
03/28 -- Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
03/29 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
03/30 -- New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge

Published February 23rd, 2015 @ 8:07 AM

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A Place To Bury Strangers premiere "We've Come So Far"

A Place To Bury Strangers released their stellar new album Transfixiation this week and now they've premiered the official video for "We've Come So Far." The live video was captured on November 22nd, 2014 -- the final show staged at Death By Audio in Brooklyn before the venue was forced to close its doors forever (the band's effect pedal company Death By Audio, which was also housed inside the space is currently in the process of being relocated). Take a look at "We've Come So Far" below:



02/17 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
02/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Black Box
02/19 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery
02/20 – Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
02/21 – Asheville, NC @ New Mountain Theatre
02/22 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
02/23 – Nashville, TN @ The End
02/25 – New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa
02/26 – Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s Downstairs
02/27 – Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
02/28 – Austin, TX @ Red 7
03/06 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sisters
03/07 – El Paso, TX @ Lowbrow Palace
03/09 – Tuscon, AZ @ Hotel Congress
03/10 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
03/11 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
03/12 – Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar
03/14 – San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
03/15 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
03/17 – Portland, OR @ Star Theater
03/18 – Seattle, WA @ Crocodile

Published February 19th, 2015 @ 7:06 PM

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Ride's Mark Gardener & Andy Bell play acoustic gig

Mark Gardener and Andy Bell of Ride performed together for the first time in over 20 years this evening. The two performed a drool-worthy 14 song acoustic set to an intimate and utterly lucky crowd at the 100 Club in London to benefit War Child UK.

The setlist would make any Ride fan swoon -- when Ride announced their reunion last November, the band made clear they were intent upon playing the beloved songs fans want to hear. Tonight Gardener and Bell made good on that promise, for the setlist proved to be the ultimate Ride show, other than perhaps the omission of "Leave Them All Behind," but only a fool would do any complaining at this point.

Take a look at the mesmerizing setlist below via Dean Bromley along with some snippets of video from tonight's show. Check back later for more video -- this post will be updated as more video rolls in. Without question, those who hold tickets to Ride's upcoming spring/summer reunion tour are in for a fantastic gig and will NOT leave disappointed.

UPDATE: THE ENTIRE SHOW IS NOW AVAILABLE TO VIEW! Thanks to Andunemir for uploading.

Credit to @Andunemir for the setlist, great live tweeting tonight from @RideTheNetwork #shoegaze pic.twitter.com/0pjvQKVmcE
— DeanShoegazeBromley (@deanbromley) February 19, 2015

#RIDE #BRITsWeek #WarChild

A photo posted by DawBell (@dawbellpr) on Feb 19, 2015 at 1:27pm PST

Twisterella, and the jacket's off..!

A photo posted by @fielddayfestivals on Feb 19, 2015 at 1:37pm PST

Published February 19th, 2015 @ 6:26 PM

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Blur premiere new single; announce new LP 'The Magic Whip'

Blur surprised fans today by premiering a new song and announcing a new studio album, the band's first in 12 years. The album, The Magic Whip, was produced by Stephen Street and includes material the band recorded -- and scrapped -- in Hong Kong in 2013.  Last spring, guitarist Graham Coxon contacted Damon Albarn last year to discuss whether any of the material could be salvaged for release, and not long afterwards Blur was back in action. Albarn told BBC Radio 1's Zane Lowe that the reason the band stayed quiet about the album was because they didn't finish the record until yesterday:

"We finished mixing last Friday and we literally mastered it yesterday. The reason that we've kept it secret is because we didn't have a record until yesterday!"

The Magic Whip will be released on April 27th and is available to pre-order through Amazon and Blur's official store. Take a look at the official video for the new single "Go Out" below:



Published February 19th, 2015 @ 5:11 PM

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Stream & download 30 song compilation: 'Revolution - The Shoegaze Revival'

Fans of layered, swirling guitars and gorgeous dreamy vocals will want to check out a new 30 song compilation Revolution - The Shoegaze Revival. This sublime collection was curated by two indie labels -- UK's Ear to Ear Records and Indonesia's Gerpfast Kolektif -- and includes mostly newer shoegaze artists from 16 different countries. Stream the full compilation below and download it from Bandcamp as a name-your-own-price release.



Published February 18th, 2015 @ 4:34 PM

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Stream: Ash premiere new single "Cocoon"

Ash has been back in action working on a brand new album titled Kablammo, which is due to be released later this year. Today (Ash Wednesday of course) the band premiered an explosive new single from the album titled "Cocoon." Take a listen to "Cocoon" below and pre-order Kablammo through Pledge Music.



Published February 18th, 2015 @ 2:47 PM

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R.I.P. Visage frontman, Steve Strange

Legendary Visage frontman and New Romantic pioneer Steve Strange died this morning in Egypt. The news, which was first reported by BBC News, was confirmed by a spokesperson for Visage this afternoon on social media:

"We are extremely saddened to announce that Steve Strange died at 11.15 local time on Thursday 12th February, in Sharm El Sheik International Hospital, Egypt. Steve died in his sleep, of Heart Failure. Steve's family, band members and friends are all distraught at this sudden news of his untimely death. Steve’s family request privacy at this extremely difficult time."

Strange was 55 years old. 



Published February 12th, 2015 @ 8:00 PM

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Stream: Dandy Warhols premiere new single

Dandy Warhols premiered an excellent new track this week titled "Chauncey Pendicott vs All The Girls In London." The single is the first taste of new music since the band's 2012 album This Machine. According to the Dandys, the song will be available to purchase soon as a digital single, but for now stream it in all its glory below.

The Dandy Warhols head back out on the road next month. So far North American dates have not been announced. For more on the Dandys, visit them on their official site.

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Wire announce new LP & bring tour to Detroit

Wire return with a new album, the follow up to 2013's Change Becomes Us, on April 21st in North America (4/13 in Europe/UK). The release is simply titled Wire and according to the band, the album "is full of swooning pop melodies with a 60s tinge and an irresistible, near motorik rhythmic momentum. One can recognise certain melodic inflections, guitar and bass motifs, and drum rhythms from Wire’s idiosyncratic vocabulary but it has a remarkable freshness."

The record is comprised of 11 songs and one of them, the album closer "Harpoon," -- which the band premiered on the live last year -- clocks in at an expansive 8 minutes! April 21st can't come soon enough! For now stream a new track titled "Joust & Jostle" below via Noisey. Pre-order the full album from Wire's official store.



Wire launches a short North American tour in promotion of Wire in May, and the trek includes a Detroit stop on June 9th at the Majestic. Tickets for the Detroit show go on sale through Ticketweb on Friday, February 13th at 10am.  The full tour itinerary is posted below.

Wire -- North American tour

05/27 -– Seattle, WA - Nuemos
05/29 -– San Francisco, CA – Slim’s
05/30 -– Los Angeles, CA – The Echoplex
06/02 -– Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
06/03 -– Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
06/04 -– New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
06/05 -– Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
06/06 -– Washington, DC – Black Cat
06/08 -– Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
06/09 –– Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
06/10 –– Louisville, KY - Headliners

Published February 12th, 2015 @ 5:44 AM

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The Replacements announce North American tour; play Detroit

The Replacements announced details for a short North American tour today. The 'Back By Unpopular Demand' tour kicks off April 9th in Seattle and makes a stop at the Fillmore Detroit on May 3rd. The Live Nation pre-sale for the Detroit show kicks off Thursday, February 19th and the general onsale is Friday, February 20th. The full tour itinerary is posted below:

4/09 -- Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre
4/10 -- Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
4/13 -- San Francisco, CA @ The Masonic (onsale 2/13)
4/16 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium (onsale 2/13)
4/19 -- Denver, CO @ The Fillmore (onsale 2/13)
4/29 -- Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre (onsale 2/20)
4/30 -- Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre (onsale 2/20)
5/02 -- Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
5/03 -- Detroit, MI @ Fillmore Detroit (onsale 2/20)
5/05 -- Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE (onsale 2/20)
5/06 -- Columbus, OH @ LC Pavillion (onsale 2/20)
5/08 -- Washington, DC @ Echostage
5/09 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Festival Pier (onsale 2/20)

Last year the Replacements shared a 24 minute track/jam "Poke Me In My Cage" on Soundcloud. The song is available to stream below:



Published February 9th, 2015 @ 4:32 PM

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Full LP Stream: A Place To Bury Strangers 'Transfixiation'

A Place To Bury Strangers return with their fourth album, titled Transfixiation, on February 17th, which is another stellar addition to the band's noise rock/post-punk catalog.  Over the last couple of months APTBS premiered the singles "Straight" and "We've Come So Far," and now the full 11 track album is streaming ahead of its release. Take a listen to Transfixiation in full over at NPR (stream available through February 15th) and take a look at the official videos for a few tracks below.

Pre-order Transfixiation through iTunes and Amazon, and the band's webstore. The webstore is selling a bundle with limited edition pink/blue vinyl, plus a standard version on black vinyl is also available.





North American tour (more dates TBA)

02/17 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
02/18 – Philadelphia, PA @ Black Box
02/19 – Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery
02/20 – Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
02/21 – Asheville, NC @ New Mountain Theatre
02/22 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
02/23 – Nashville, TN @ The End
02/25 – New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa
02/26 – Houston, TX @ Fitzgerald’s Downstairs
02/27 – Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
02/28 – Austin, TX @ Red 7
03/06 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sisters
03/07 – El Paso, TX @ Lowbrow Palace
03/09 – Tuscon, AZ @ Hotel Congress
03/10 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
03/11 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
03/12 – Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar
03/14 – San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
03/15 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
03/17 – Portland, OR @ Star Theater
03/18 – Seattle, WA @ Crocodile

Published February 9th, 2015 @ 5:14 AM

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Video: Bob Mould delivers blistering performance on Letterman

Bob Mould appeared on Letterman last night and delivered a blistering performance of two songs from his latest album Beauty & Ruin. Brace yourself and prepare for awesomeness -- watch Mould kick ass and take names during his performance of "Tomorrow Morning" and "Kid With A Crooked Face" below:



Published February 7th, 2015 @ 7:13 PM

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Makthaverskan channels Siouxsie Sioux on new single "Witness"

Swedish five piece Makthaverskan return with a new single next month titled "Witness." The band's previous material walks the line between indie pop and noise-pop, but the new single, "Witness" is an all-out post-punk bloody smackdown, with vocals that channel Siouxsie Sioux. The track will be released as a digital single on March 3rd and as a physical 7" single on April 18th. Stream the stunning "Witness" below. For more on Makthaverskan visit the band's Facebook page.



Published February 5th, 2015 @ 6:15 PM

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Video: J Masics covers Mazzy Star on Seth Meyers

J Mascis appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers last night for a rocking two-song performance. Watch Mascis cover Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You," plus "Every Morning" from his solo album Tied To A Star:

Published February 5th, 2015 @ 12:03 PM

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Swervedriver premiere brilliant new track "Autodidact"

Swervedriver premiered another new track from their forthcoming album I Wasn't Born To Lose You. Stream the album's brilliant opener, "Autodidact" in full below. I Wasn't Born To Lose You from Swervedriver will be released on March 3rd.





Don't miss Swervedriver on the road in North America. Dates are posted below.  For more on Swervedriver, visit the official site here.

03/01 -- Costa Mesa, CA @ Maison
03/03 -- Las Vegas, NV @ Bunkhouse Saloon
03/04 -- San Diego, CA @ Casbah
03/05 -- Los Angeles, CA @ Roxy Theatre
03/06 -- San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
03/08 -- Seattle, WA @ Neumo's Crystal Ball
03/09 -- Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
03/12 -- St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
03/13 -- Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
03/14 -- Chicago, IL @ TBA
03/15 -- Grand Rapids, MI @ Pyramid Scheme
03/16 -- Cincinnati, OH @ The Woodward Theater
03/17 -- St. Louis, MO @ The Duck Room @ Blueberry
03/19 -- Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
03/20 -- Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/21 -- Austin, TX @ SXSW
03/23 -- Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade - Hell Stage
03/24 -- Durham, NC @ Motorco
03/25 -- Washington, DC @ Rock & Roll Hotel
03/27 -- Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
03/28 -- Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
03/29 -- Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
03/30 -- New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge

Published February 4th, 2015 @ 8:37 PM

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