BLIND CARROT MAGAZINE

Mayhem Does Not Mean Car Insurance

2012-01-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

January 25, 2012

For Immediate Release

The 5th Annual ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL Announces Best Lineup to Date

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINE UP

MAIN STAGE Artists include:

SLIPKNOT

SLAYER

A Very Special Guest to Be Announced on March 5, 2012

And a Rotation of:

AS I LAY DYING

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

ASKING ALEXANDRIA

ANTHRAX WILL HEADLINE THE UPGRADED JAGERMEISTER STAGE

WORLD’S LARGEST TOURING HEAVY MUSIC FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR FIFTH YEAR

GET OFF YOUR ASS PRE-SALE BEGINS FRIDAY, APRIL 6TH

HARD ROCK & METAL FESTIVAL KICKS OFF ON JUNE 30, 2012

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL, the world’s largest touring heavy music festival is back for its fifth year, assaulting the senses of United States heavy metal music fans. The ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL is proud to announce this summer’s artists. The main stage will be our strongest ever with the headlining slot occupied by multi-platinum Iowa legends SLIPKNOT. Next up will be legendary thrash metal kings SLAYER and then a major special guest will be playing in the third slot whom will be announced on March 5^th. The main stage will also spotlight a ferocious mix of today’s best artists in a rotation, including THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING and ASKING ALEXANDRIA. In 2012 the tour has upgraded the production on the festival stage and this year the JAGERMEISTER STAGE will feature a special headline set by metal masters ANTHRAX supported by a rotation of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, AS I LAY DYING and ASKING ALEXANDRIA, along with WHITECHAPEL, HIGH ON FIRE and the JAGERMEISTER opener. Please note that bands may vary per market.

The ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL will make a 26 date trek across the U.S. beginning on June 30th at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California. GET OFF YOUR ASS Pre-sale tickets go on sale Friday the 6^th of April, 2012. Tune in to www.rockstarmayhemfest.com and www.livenation.com for up-to-date ticketing information.

Corey Taylor of Slipknot says “You knew we'd be back. Now, you know we're coming. This will be a tour people will scarcely want to miss. It will definitely be a show to remember. Can't wait to see the states again from behind a mask.”

Slipknot’s, Clown states “Slipknot is headlining this summer’s Mayhem festival and it’s going to be unlike anything you’ve ever felt, sensed, or seen. You miss this, you miss everything. Everyone seems to think that there’s a chance we’re gonna go away. This is the farthest thing from the truth. Stay sic and don’t ever judge us.”

“Mayhem 2012 might just be the last and greatest metal festival before the world ends!! So wreak havoc and go out in style!!” adds Tom Araya of Slayer.

Slayer’s Kerry King comments “ We can't wait to get rolling on Mayhem 2012! Been 3 years since we played it last, and it's gonna be brutal!!! You can't go wrong with Slayer and Slipknot, pure fucking mayhem!!!!

The 5th annual ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL will also feature ROCKSTAR METAL MULISHA JUMP TEAM, on select dates.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL is produced by Rockstar Taste of Chaos organizer John Reese, Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman, Live Nation, and Creative Artists Agency. The team has made the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL a standout on the summer concert circuit by following the proven model of utilizing sponsorship to deliver a lower ticket price and an enhanced concert experience. This year sees them joining forces once again with ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK as the title sponsor.

“Metal is ALIVE and WELL in 2012,” states tour producer John Reese. “The fifth year of Rockstar Mayhem Festival will have a massive lineup that will set heavy music fans ears blazing!”

"Some years it all comes together, from top to bottom and this years ROCKSTAR MAYHEM lineup is going to bring it!" adds tour producer Kevin Lyman.

In 2008, the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL bulldozed onto the scene and quickly made itself known as the preeminent summer destination for the hard rock and metal community. ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL boasts the most powerful artist line-ups in heavy music. Artists who have performed on the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL have included hard music legends SLAYER, SLIPKNOT, KORN, ROB ZOMBIE, DISTURBED, GODSMACK, MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD, MARILYN MANSON, MACHINE HEAD, IN FLAMES, TESTAMENT, HATEBREED, CANNIBAL CORPSE, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, MASTODON, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, KINGDOM OF SORROW, DETHKLOK and many more. All have pummeled the stage, while delivering the intensity and heaviness that fans have grown to expect year after year.

See below for all current tour dates.

ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL 2012 TOUR DATES:

6/30/2012 7/1/2012	San Bernardino, CA	San Manuel Amphitheater Shoreline Amphitheater
6/30/2012 7/1/2012	San Francisco, CA	San Manuel Amphitheater Shoreline Amphitheater
7/3/2012	Seattle, WA	White River Amphitheater
7/4/2012	Boise, ID	Idaho Center Amphitheater
7/6/2012	Phoenix, AZ	Ashley Furniture Home Store Pavilion
7/7/2012	Albuquerque, NM	Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque Presents The Pavilion
7/8/2012	Denver, CO	Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
7/10/2012	Dallas, TX	Gexa Energy Pavilion
7/11/2012	Houston, TX	Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
7/13/2012	Tampa, FL	1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre
7/14/2012	Atlanta, GA	Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
7/15/2012	Indianapolis, IN	Klipsch Music Center
7/18/2012	Oklahoma City, OK	Zoo Amphitheatre
7/20/2012	St. Louis, MO	Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
7/21/2012	Chicago, IL	First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
7/22/2012	Detroit, MI	DTE Energy Music Theatre
7/24/2012	Cincinnati, OH	Riverbend Music Center
7/25/2012	Cleveland, OH	Blossom Music Center
7/27/2012	Philadelphia, PA	Susquehanna Bank Center
7/28/2012	Pittsburgh, PA	First Niagara Pavilion
7/29/2012	Washington, DC	Jiffy Lube Live
7/31/2012	Saratoga Springs, NY	Saratoga Performing Arts Center
8/1/2012	Buffalo, NY	Darien Lake PAC
8/3/2012	Boston, MA	Comcast Center
8/4/2012	Scranton, PA	Toyota Pavilion
8/5/2011	Hartford, CT	The Comcast Theatre

For more information on the ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MAYHEM FESTIVAL, visit www.rockstarmayhemfest.com.

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"Obey Your Master" Art Show Opens To Public on Monday

2012-01-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

Hawthorne Heights Post New Tracks

2012-01-19T22:10:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release

Hawthorne Heights

Post “Stay Awake/Stay Alive” and Live/Acoustic Version Of “Ohio Is For Lovers” On Facebook

Catch Them On Tour Now

Hawthorne Heights’ “Stay Awake/Stay Alive” from the band’s recent HATE EP and a live/acoustic version of “Ohio Is For Lovers” recorded on the 2011 Stripped To The Bone Tour are now available for streaming on the band’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/hawthorneheights).

Hawthorne Heights will be playing “Stay Awake/Stay Alive” on their current tour with Me Talk Pretty, Madina Lake and The Young Electric (see dates below). The band will be announcing tour dates for the 2012 Stripped To The Bone Tour shortly.

Buy Hate here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hate/id456026519.

Tour Dates:

Jan 19 Virginia Beach, VA @ Shaka's
Jan 20 Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall
Jan 21 Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
Jan 22 Orlando, FL @ Back Booth
Jan 23 Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
Jan 25 Ft Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
Jan 26 St Petersburg, FL @ Local 662
Jan 28 Birmingham, AL @ Club Crush
Jan 29 Austin, TX @ Antone's
Jan 30 Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
Feb 2 Dallas, TX @ Trees
Feb 3 Tupelo, MS @ Goodtime Charlie's
Feb 4 Little Rock, AR @ Juanita's
Feb 5 Memphis, TN @ Newby's
Feb 6 Sauget, IL @ Pop's
Feb 7 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection
Feb 8 Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa
Feb 9 Philadelphia, PA @ The Legendary Dobbs
Feb 10 Richmond, VA @ Kingdom
Feb 11 Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
Feb 12 Worcester, MA @ Palladium
Feb 13 Amityville NY @ Ollie's

http://www.hawthorneheights.com
http://www.hawthorneheightsstore.com
http://www.facebook.com/hawthorneheights
http://www.facebook.com/cardboardempire

Tasty News From Candy Hearts

2012-01-17T21:44:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 17, 2012

“Candy Hearts are a great, female-fronted pop-punk band from New York. They are adorable.” - Punknews

“…this is like great modern pop-infused rock music with a timely bounce that makes you feel like you're on a trampoline even when you're standing still.” – AbsolutePunk

CANDY HEARTS
OFFER NEW ACOUSTIC DEMO OF "I WANT YOU"
FOR FREE DOWNLOAD THROUGH BANDCAMP
WINTER US TOUR ANNOUNCED WITH MAN OVERBOARD

CANDY HEARTS
Photo credit: Stephen Yang
Click for hi-res

New York/New Jersey-based pop-punk band CANDY HEARTS are offering a brand-new acoustic demo for FREE download through Bandcamp starting today. Titled "I Want You", the song will be available as a full band track on an upcoming 2012 EP and can be downloaded at http://candyhearts.bandcamp.com/album/demo. Singer Mariel Loveland also did a Nervous Energies session with the song which can be viewed at http://youtu.be/zLwAuHkkCMk. She says of the new track, "It's about that feeling of sitting next to someone you are absolutely crazy about and the only thing you can think about is how much you want them -- nothing else; it's like your mind is blank -- and you can't tell them because you know they don't feel the same way. It just devours you."

Additionally Candy Hearts have announced a string of February tour dates with Man Overboard which run February 15-26 (tour dates below). If you haven't caught them on the road before, make sure not to miss your chance as they come through your town! "On this tour in particular, we've arranged a few of our slower and acoustic songs to be faster and louder so there's never a moment where anyone feels tired and people can't mope around," states Loveland. With irresistibly catchy vocals, infectious hooks, and a ton of energy, the band makes live shows feel like one gigantic party sing-along for everyone in the crowd.

Candy Hearts latest full-length, 2011's Everything's Amazing & Nobody's Happy on Kind of Like Records received rave reviews. Alternative Press said of it, "From the first notes of opener 'Tongue Tied,' they manage to get under the listener's skin thanks to minimal, crisp production that sounds effortless and clean, allowing the simple, honest quality of the performances to shine through." Bring on Mixed Reviews called the album "very fun and liberating", while Alter the Press! remarked that it was "brimming with positivity and heavy on the hits."

Candy Hearts is Mariel Loveland (vocals, guitar), Kris Hayes (guitar), Christian Stefos Migliorese (bass), and Christina Picciano (drums).

Candy Hearts tour dates w/ Man Overboard
Feb 15 - Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar Feb 16 - Richmond, VA @ Kingdom Feb 17 - Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern Feb 18 - Savannah, GA @ Sweet Melissa's Basement Feb 19 - Tampa, FL @ Transitions Feb 20 - Jacksonville, FL @ The Pit	Feb 21 - Pembroke Pines, FL @ The Talent Farm Feb 22 - Winter Park, FL @ The Haven Feb 24 - Houston, TX @ Walter's Feb 25 - Dallas, TX @ Cambridge Room Feb 26 - Midland, TX @ Pine Box

www.facebook.com/candyhearts
www.candyheartsband.tumblr.com

Young London News Tidbits

2012-01-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

Young London Release Music Video For “Celebrity”

Self-Titled Debut Album out Now on Fugitive Recordings

Electro Pop Duo Featured on Cover of

Boston Phoenix and Named One of ‘Boston’s Best New Bands’

Boston-based electro-pop duo Young London has unveiled a new music video for the track “Celebrity” which appears on their just released self-titled debut on Fugitive Recordings.

Check out the clip here: http://www.vevo.com/watch/young-london/celebrity/USTN11100409.

The duo is currently featured on the cover of the Boston Phoenix alternative weekly, where they were called one of ‘Boston’s 12 Best New Bands.’ You can check out the feature here:

http://thephoenix.com/boston/music/132059-class-of-2012/?page=13#TOPCONTENT.

Matt Rhoades and Sarah Graziani began writing music together in 2011. They quickly realized that their writing styles combined to form a unique, catchy, dance-inducing style. After their explosive debut at South by Southwest, and a subsequent tour this past summer, they headed into the studio to start working on their first full-length album.

With the direction of producer Mark Maxwell (Blake Lewis, Boys Like Girls), Young London completed their self-titled debut, which was released on January 10 via Fugitive Recordings. The songs could be described as 90's throwback--as if Danny Tanner invited Daft Punk over for dinner, or as the Phoenix describes it, “Euro-thumping, anthemic techno-pop…dance music with a bull's-eye on the back of the Top 40…”

Young London’s new album is now available on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/young-london/id482310150.

Upcoming dates:
          Jan 14          The Sad Café w/ The JEALOUS Sea Plaistow, NH
          Jan 17          The Middle East      Cambridge, MA
          Jan 19          The Grand    Manchester, NH
          Jan 20          Bayside Bowl Portland, ME
          Jan 28          Middle East Upstairs          Cambridge, MA
Young London- Self Titled (cover art):

Track Listing:

1. New Reputation

2. Let Me Go

3. Celebrity

4. Be My Radio

5. Dangerous

6. Whipped

7. The Good Stuff

8. Trippin’ Up

9. Summer Valentine

10. U Got Me

To sample tunes and video, visit:

www.facebook.com/younglondonmusic
http://younglondon.net

http://fugitiverecordings.com

Jimmy At The Prom Makes a Run at So Cal

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Midwest Modern Rockers Jimmy At The Prom to Debut Their Live Show to Southern California This Month

Newly-formed modern rock band Jimmy At The Prom will play three shows in Southern California this month, beginning on January 19 in Anaheim at The Doll Hut. The band takes the stage at 11:00 PM there. They also play the following night on January 20 at Amplyfi in Hollywood at 9:30 PM and at The Down & Out Bar in downtown Los Angeles on January 22 at 11:15 PM. For up-to-the-minute details and ticket prices, contact the clubs directly.

Jimmy At The Prom formed a little over a year ago and self-released their self-titled debut album via their own Gorp Records in late 2011. They count themselves among a burgeoning underground rock movement that's not afraid of employing a little production on their recordings and insist on turning up the volume levels. Playing well is also important to this band. Their audience can be sure that Jimmy At The Prom won't hold anything back from them either. These are all criteria for a proper rock band and that is who Jimmy at Prom is.

Their sound leaves heavily towards prog, arena rock and metal. Think Radiohead meets Black Sabbath. It's a sound as recently described by the Onion that “stakes a claim in the hard-rock racket, borrowing liberally from the guitar-god acts of the late ’70s and early ’80s but retaining just enough ’90s revivalism to keep things from getting too retro. It’s an intriguing—if sometimes confounding—mix, and a solid slab of deeply unironic rock ’n’ roll.”

Watch the video for the single “Made of Wax” here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKkUNwLU28o

Hands Like Houses Reveal Release Info

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hands Like Houses Reveal Cover Art, Track Listing and Release Date for Rise Records Debut

Ground Dweller Available March 13, 2012

Check Out The Album Teaser Video

Hands Like Houses have revealed the album title, cover art and track listing for their Rise Records debut, Ground Dweller, due out March 13, 2012.

Hailing from Canberra, Australia, the band has also posted an album teaser video on Rise Records’ official YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=18vN_iGp-ko.

Pre-orders launch on January 19th, 2012, along with a lyric video for the new song "Antarctica." The track will also be available as an instant download with the album pre-order.

Ground Dweller was recorded at Chango Studios w/ Cameron Mizell (Sleeping with Sirens, Woe Is Me).

The band’s song “Lion Skin” (featuring guest vocals from Jonny Craig and Tyler Carter) debuted online last week.

Hands Like Houses are expected to tour the US this spring.

Ground Dweller Track Listing:

1. Antarctica
2. Don't Look Now, Im Being Followed. Act Normal.
3. This Ain't No Place For Animals
4. Spineless Crow
5. Starving to Death In the Belly of a Whale
6. A Clown and His Pipe
7. The Definition of Not Leaving
8. Lion Skin
9. One Hundred
10. Watchmaker
11. The Sower

Anthony Raneri to release Solo EP on 1/17

2012-01-10T21:35:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 10, 2012

ANTHONY RANERI Builds New Cathedrals
Solo EP Ready for 1/17 Release
Guests Include Members of RX Bandits, Beat Union, My Chemical Romance
First Track "Sandra Partial" Debuts on AltPress.com Now!

Anthony Raneri
Photo credit: Michael Scott Slosar
Click for hi-res

NEW YORK, NY – "The songs I’ve been recording are songs that I have written over the course of the last few years that I filed away in my memory under 'Cool song, not a Bayside song, maybe people will hear it one day'," says ANTHONY RANERI, vocalist of the aforementioned band Bayside. Luckily, fans don't have to wait very long for that one day to come. On January 17, 2012, Anthony will be releasing his solo debut EP NEW CATHEDRALS wholly independently on his newly-minted label, Gumshoe Records, just in time for his annual Where's The Band? Tour with Ace Enders (Early November), Chris Conley (Saves The Day), Evan Weiss (Into It. Over It.), and Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids) along for the ride.

"I listen to a wide variety of music and I have always wanted to experiment with writing in genres such as country, reggae, ska and folk," he explains, encapsulating the surprising diversity that is found in the five-track EP. Released physically via his website and merchandise table on tour and digitally via outlets such as iTunes and Amazon.com, the pre-orders for the EP will begin today (January 10th) at www.anthonyraneri.com, and a special CD bundle will be available for $20 including a t-shirt, CD, a sticker and signed poster.

New Cathedrals artwork
Click for hi-res
Track Listing
1. Sandra Partial
2. Charleston
3. The Ballad of Bill the Saint
4. Lead, Follow, Fall
5. Please Don't Leave

From the Americana-tinged country of lead track "Sandra Partial" which premiered on Altpress.com this morning at: http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/premiere_anthony_raneri_sandra_partial_bayside, to the reggae of the closing track "Please Don't Leave", it's quite apparent that this EP is no Bayside record. "First and foremost, it should be made clear that Bayside is not only still a band but will always be my priority," he explains. "I have been playing solo shows for a few years now and I’m finally going to release some music that way for two reasons. The first being that Bayside has time off between tours and releases, and I don’t like to have time off. So doing solo tours and writing more music lets me constantly play music without having to take breaks. The second reason is that I love the sound that we have crafted in Bayside and I think that our fans do also, and sometimes I write songs that I don’t think sound like Bayside songs but I really like them. So rather than change the sound of the band that we have come to love, I figured I would release them under a different name." Among the guests who appear on the recording are Steve Choi (RX Bandits), Davey Warsop (Beat Union) and Jarrod Alexander (My Chemical Romance, Dead Country).

A truly personal labor of love, Anthony will be in charge of all aspects of the release. "I’ve decided to make this a truly DIY solo project," he explains. "I’m going to be self-releasing all of my solo stuff as Gumshoe Records... from funding everything to having CDs pressed to selling them online and at shows. Any page you see, whether it is my blog, Twitter, Facebook, Bandcamp or anything on iTunes was completely started and is run by me. No label, no management, no employees."

"I have been blessed with the most amazing fans who have supported our band and my songs for over a decade. I wanted to prove that music, musicians and fans are all that matters - not labels and suits. I’m doing this on my own because I know that when a musician makes good music and fans support it, you don’t need anything else."

Where's The Band? Tour kicks off January 19th at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA (dates can be found at the tour's Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/wherestheband).

# # #

www.anthonyraneri.com

NOH8 Campaign Comes to Anaheim This July 22nd

2012-01-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

On Sunday July 22nd, The Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort will host a So Cal stop of the NOH8 Campaign. No reservations are required. Shooting will take place between 2:00pm and 5:00pm. Photographer and NOH8 co-founder Adam Bouska plans to shoot between 5-10 images of each individual or group. The costs of a NOH8 portrait are as follows:

Solo: $50.00

Couple/Group: $25.00 per person

Be sure to wear a plain white shirt. For more details, check out the NOH8 Facebook page.

Best Albums of 2011

2011-12-31T18:37:00.000-08:00

Some are famous, some are less so, but together these ten entries represent what we at Blind Carrot Magazine found to be the most interesting work produced in 2011. Purchase links to some of them are included at the bottom, and those that were not included we mean no disrespect, but it is New Year's Eve, and time to get offline now. Here's to 2012.

Frank Turner "England Keep My Bones"
Jack's Mannequin "People and Things"
Foo Fighters "Wasting Light"
Unquiet Nights "21st Century Redemption Songs"
The Decemberists "The King Is Dead"
Social Distortion "Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes"
Cold War Kids "Mine Is Yours"
M83 " Hurry Up, We're Dreaming"
The Black Keys "El Camino"
The Horrible Crowes "Elsie"

Best of 2011: Jack's Mannequin "People and Things"

2011-12-27T20:02:00.000-08:00

Today we return from Christmas break to announce the first entry in our Best of 2011 list:
Jack's Mannequin "People and Things" along with a new series of photos shot at the recent Fox Theater Pomona show.
photos by Preston McClusky

Nada Surf Coming to 4th and B

2011-12-23T07:38:00.000-08:00

Let's do this! Tickets available now at 4th and B.

Skrillex Comes to LA in January

2011-12-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

He may still be Sonny Moore to me, but to much of the world he is known by his new moniker, Skrillex, and he is headed to LA for a series of small venue shows in January. Due to his gigantic burst of popularity over the last year, you had best hop to it if you want to secure tickets for these shows.

Tue 01/24/12 Hollywood, Dim Mak Studios

Wed 01/25/12 Los Angeles, Echoplex

Fri 01/27/12 Los Angeles, The Avalon/Bardot

Sat 01/28/12 Hollywood, The Palladium

Sun 01/29/12 Los Angeles, The Event Deck at LA Live

Silverstein Kicks off New Year With A Tour

2011-12-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 21, 2011

SILVERSTEIN Kicks Off New Year
With A Tour And Short Songs

SILVERSTEIN
Photo Credit: Brooks Reynolds
Click for hi-res

While the rest of the industry settles down for the holiday, Toronto-based post-hardcore veterans SILVERSTEIN are not only preparing for the release of SHORT SONGS on February 7, 2012, they're also getting their tour shoes laced up and ready to run. Preparing for a national tour supporting August Burns Red (additional support from Texas In July with Letlive and I The Breather on assorted dates), the eight week US and Canadian trek kicks off on January 13th at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ and circles around North America, wrapping up in Philadelphia at the TLA on March 3rd.

Short Songs Artwork
Click for hi-res

Short Songs is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed fifth studio album Rescue, which debuted at #37 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart. Produced by John Valeriote, who produced both Rescue and the Transitions EP, the two-sided release consists of 22 tracks comprised of brand new originals and seminal punk covers - all of which are under 90 seconds. Some of the covers include "Coffee Mug" (originally by Descendents), "Destination: Blood!" (Orchid), "Scenes From Parisian Life" (The Promise Ring), and "The Ballad of Wilhelm Fink" (Green Day). Responding to a thread on Punknews.org, the band had some fun and re-recorded NOFX's "It's My Job To Keep Punk Rock Elite" and changing the lyrics to reflect their reply to some of the comments on the post. The result was a tongue-in-cheek non-album track exclusively streamed at http://www.punknews.org/bands/silverstein titled "It's Your Job To Keep Punk News Elite."

Silverstein is Shane Told (Vocals / Guitar), Neil Boshart (Guitar), Josh Bradford (Guitar), Billy Hamilton (Bass), and Paul Koehler (Drums). Silverstein will be releasing Short Songs via Hopeless Records on February 7, 2012 and touring extensively throughout North America and Europe in 2012.

SILVERSTEIN on tour with August Burns Red

w/ August Burns Red, Letlive, Texas In July
Jan 13 Starland Ballroom Sayreville, NJ
Jan 14 Sonar Baltimore, MD
Jan 15 Amos’ Southend Charlotte, NC
Jan 17 The Music Farm Charleston, SC
Jan 18 Rocketown Nashville, TN
Jan 19 The Masquerade Atlanta, GA
Jan 20 House Of Blues Lake Buena Vista, FL
Jan 21 Revolution Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Jan 22 The Ritz Ybor Tampa, FL
Jan 23 Freebird Live Jacksonville, FL
Jan 25 House Of Blues Houston, TX
Jan 26 Diamond Ballroom Oklahoma City, OK
Jan 27 House Of Blues Dallas, TX
Jan 28 Emo’s East Austin, TX
Jan 29 White Rabbit San Antonio, TX

w/ August Burns Red, Texas In July, I The Breather
Jan 31 Rialto Theatre Tucson, AZ
Feb 01 House Of Blues Las Vegas, NV
Feb 02 House Of Blues Los Angeles, CA
Feb 03 House Of Blues San Diego, CA
Feb 04 House Of Blues Anaheim, CA

Feb 05 Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA
Feb 07 The Summit Music Hall Denver, CO
Feb 08 The Complex Salt Lake City, UT
Feb 09 Knitting Factory Boise, ID
Feb 10 Hawthorne Theatre Portland, OR
Feb 11 El Corazon Seattle, WA
Feb 13 MacEwan Hall Calgary, AB
Feb 14 The Starlite Room Edmonton, AB
Feb 15 Louis’ Pub Saskatoon, SAS
Feb 16 The Garrick Winnipeg, MB
Feb 17 The Cabooze Minneapolis, MN
Feb 18 House Of Blues Chicago, IL
Feb 21 Bogart’s Cincinnati, OH
Feb 22 House Of Blues Cleveland, OH
Feb 23 St. Andrews Hall Detroit, MI
Feb 24 University of Guelph Guelph, ON
Feb 25 The Sound Academy Toronto, ON
Feb 26 Metropolis Montreal, QC
Feb 27 Northern Lights Clifton Park, NY
Feb 29 House Of Blues Boston, MA
Mar 01 Irving Plaza New York, NY
Mar 03 Theatre of Living Arts Philadelphia, PA

# # #

http://twitter.com/silverstein
http://www.silversteinmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/silverstein
http://www.facebook.com/#!/silversteinmusic

Hey LA....3 Street Drum Corps Performances in January

2011-12-20T21:56:00.000-08:00

Hey, hey LA....three chances to catch our boys in Street Drum Corps in January.

photo by Preston McClusky

Saturday January 7, 2012 Dim Mak Studios
1643 Cosmo St
Hollywood, CA 90028
http://www.facebook.com/DimMakStudios
*Free Show (21 + Over)

Saturday January 14, 2012 Guitar Center Drum Off
Club Nokia
800 West Olympic Blvd #335
Los Angeles, CA 90015
http://gc.guitarcenter.com/drum-off-2011/
*Special Free Pre Show Street Performance (At the outside entrance)

Saturday January 28, 2012 Bar Sinister 1652 N. Cherokee Ave
Hollywood, CA
http://www.barsinister.net/
18 + Over show!

Mabbitt and Thrasher Release Cover of "Making Christmas"

2011-12-19T20:13:00.000-08:00

Craig Mabbitt has released a really cool cover of Danny Elfman's "Making Christmas" from "Nightmare Before Christmas". The stellar guitar work is thanks to guitar-god-in-the-making Kevin "Thrasher" Gruft who has been playing with Escape the Fate of late (though you may know him better from his time with lovehatehero). Check it out HERE.

photo by Ashlei Brittany

Enter Shikari to Release "A Flash Flood of Colour" in January

2011-12-16T21:55:00.000-08:00

ENTER SHIKARI
A Flash Flood Of Colour released January 17, 2012
on Hopeless Records

ENTER SHIKARI
Photo credit: JOE DILWORTH
Click for hi-res

NEW YORK, NY – "Our music will always be written as a response to the world around us," says vocalist Rou Reynolds of UK-based electro-punk-rockers ENTER SHIKARI. "As the music is incredibly passionate, I find it hard to write about frivolous subjects because it'd feel extremely fake if I was running about a stage every night shouting my head off about some girl, or something else as equally mind numbing for the listener." Proof is in the pudding, as they say, with the release of their new album A FLASH FLOOD OF COLOUR on January 17, 2012 via Hopeless Records. An urgent state-of-the-world address, their third album is an impassioned call to arms, an empowering liberation transmission aimed at the head, heart and hips. It’s an album about community, about love and friendship, about self-determination and self-respect. And if we might be so bold, in simple terms, it’s the first great album of 2012.

Co-produced by the band and Dan Weller (Young Guns, Gallows) in Bang Saray, Thailand and London, England during May/June 2011, and mixed in Vancouver, Canada by Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica, Biffy Clyro), A Flash Flood Of Colour is Enter Shikari's follow-up to 2009’s acclaimed Common Dreads. An incandescent snapshot of the modern age – of globalization and recession, repression and protest, commerce and control, activism and engagement – it’s music for a newly jolted generation, a soundtrack for the mosh-pit, the dance floor and the front lines. "The record is a collection of very individual songs, written over the last few years really," he explains. "They all do share a common theme though, well at least I think so - that of looking at things objectively and scientifically and the sense of empowerment for us all that comes out of that. We feel we simply have to speak out for what is actually important and relevant when surrounded by such a large percentage of art that has condensed itself into soulless, pointless muck, whether it's glorifying violence or propping up a culture of over-consumption and greed."

A Flash Flood of Colour
album art
click for hi-res

While politics and world events seem to have a large stake in the make-up of Enter Shikari, it's important to note that first and foremost, the music is what takes centerstage. A Flash Flood Of Colour is 11 tracks of adrenalized, beats-heavy punkrockdubstephardcoremetalambienttechnonoisecore, custom-built to shake foundations. Preceded by first single "Sssnakepit," a mind-melding amalgam of old school drum and bass and thrillingly propulsive distortopunk riffing which legendary BBC DJ Zane Lowe immediately hailed as his "Hottest Record" upon its September release, it's an album which distills the sound and fury of the modern world into a compelling, unified, slamming and utterly vital whole. "There's so much raw emotion on this record," Rou continues. "'Constellations' contains such an appreciative and sympathetic zest and a basic admiration for life, love and the universe. I believe this is something we've never come close to broadcasting before, at least on such an immediate level. At the other end of the spectrum, 'Pack of Thieves' is lyrically rather bitter and realistic. But it turns that into such excitement and empowerment in terms of what can be achieved as we move out of this era. And the music is some of the most positive sounding we've ever made."

From the stirring wake-up call of opening track "System…" ('Our generation's got to fight to survive...') through to the atmospheric, emotive kiss-off of the aforementioned "Constellations" (both an optimistic signpost to a brighter tomorrow and Rou’s open-hearted ‘thank you’ to the people, books, records and films that have shaped and guided Shikari on their journey thus far), A Flash Flood Of Colour throws up a dizzying, kaleidoscopic range of moods, tones and hues. "With this record we never sat down and consciously thought about what our intent might be," he says. "As with most things in this band, we just took each day as it came without any specific goals. We're happy with what we were creating so just let it happen and continued from where we left off on Common Dreads. We're a disorganised bunch really, and musically speaking, anything that we manage to pull off, is largely down to luck. Ha!"

Looking forward to next year, Rou concludes, "2012 will mark our first proper headline tour in the U.S. This will be your first proper chance to devour Shikari with all the condiments and fancy cutlery. Indulge!"

Enter Shikari is Rou Reynolds (vocals / electronics), Rory Clewlow (guitar / backing vocals), Chris Batten (bass / vocals), and Rob Rolfe (drums). A Flash Flood of Colour will be released on January 17, 2012 via Hopeless Records.

www.entershikari.com
www.facebook.com/entershikari

Like Moths to Flames Contest

2011-12-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

Check out this link for details on Like Moths to Flames’ vocal cover contest and how you can win some awesome prizes!

www.riserecords.com/lmtfvocalcontest

www.facebook.com/likemoths?ref=ts

www.riserecords.com

Music Saves Lives Comedy Benefit Dec 15th in Los Angeles

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Talk In The Static at 4th and B

2011-12-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

Opening for The Motels last Saturday night at 4th and B was San Diego locals The Talk In The Static. This band came highly recommended from 4th and B talent buyer Ashlei Brittany, and with good reason. The band turned up with amazingly infectious energy and a sizable crowd that had clearly turned out special to support them. Frontman Nate Cangemi has not only a strong voice and multi-instrumental prowess, but some mad dancing skills too.He was a bundle of energy and very entertaining to watch. With two other members taking lead on different songs as well as changing up instruments from song to song there was a great deal of variation in the set, showcasing the best of their respective skills. San Diegans have long been known for supporting their locals so it was great to see this band garner so much affection from the crowd. This band is definitely one to watch.

The band closed their encore set (which was a true encore as demanded by the crowd and not a pre-planned affectation as they so often are) with a high energy cover of "Wake Up" by Arcade Fire that unfortunately didn't seem to entice as much crowd participation as one would have hoped, but was a great effort by the band and an excellent choice of encore.
Here's hoping 4th and B brings them back real soon.

Anthony Raneri to release Solo EP

2011-12-12T23:18:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 12, 2011

BAYSIDE'S ANTHONY RANERI
TO RELEASE SOLO EP
Guests Include Members of RX Bandits, Beat Union, My Chemical Romance

Anthony Raneri
Photo credit: Michael Scott Slosar
Click for hi-res

NEW YORK, NY – "This has been a long time in the making," says ANTHONY RANERI, lead vocalist/guitarist for BAYSIDE, about his upcoming solo EP. "I'm going to go into the studio and record four or five unreleased songs that I have written over the last three years. I always wanted these songs to see the light of day but I knew they wouldn't work for Bayside."

Breaking the news on Gumshoe Radio (the weekly idobi Radio-featured show that he and Bayside bassist Nick Ghanbarian host), the as-yet-untitled project will begin the recording process on December 13, 2011 at Hurley Studios in Costa Mesa, CA. Among the guests planned for the recording are Steve Choi (RX Bandits), Davey Warsop (Beat Union) and Jarrod Alexander (My Chemical Romance, Dead Country). "I basically wanted to create an awesome environment in the studio with a couple of good songwriting minds and really good vibes, stir it up and see what comes out," he says about his collaborators. An in-depth announcement with Anthony appears at Altpress.com here: www.altpress.com/features/entry/anthony_raneri_bayside_solo_wheres_the_band_tour.

A companion piece of sorts to his Where's the Band? Tour (an annual live package which features acoustic sets by frontmen of likeminded bands), this release is scheduled to coincide with the 2012 tour which, aside from himself, includes Ace Enders (Early November), Chris Conley (Saves the Day), Evan Weiss (Into It. Over It.), and Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids). "I have been playing solo acoustic shows for about four years now. I always toyed with the idea of actually releasing some music but never really had the time. It seems like people that have been coming to the solo shows are really interested in a release, so I figured I'd give it a shot."

Stylistically different from Bayside, the songs don't adhere to a single style or genre. "As an artist, I wanted to try and challenge myself with some other kind of styles," he explains. "There is some alt-country style songs, some reggae songs... just some cool music. I have really eclectic musical tastes, so this is my chance to explore creating songs in other styles."

The release of the EP is planned for release around mid-January and the Where's the Band? Tour kicks off January 19th at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA (dates can be found at the tour's Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/wherestheband). "I'm really looking forward to the recording process," says Anthony. "It's going to be very interesting."

COME SEE THE MOTELS: 4TH AND B TONIGHT

2011-12-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

If you are anywhere near San Diego, you all need to get down to 4th and B right now. The Motels just finished soundcheck, and I must say that Martha Davis sounds just as amazing now as she did in the 80's. There are tickets available at the door so dump whatever you are doing and get here NOW!

Brand New Head to The UK

2011-12-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

Just a quick heads up for our UK friends. Brand New will be playing a series of dates in February of the coming year. Only a couple of them are sold out at this point which still gives you the opportunity to catch this amazing band live. Check out the dates on their Facebook page.

photo by Preston McClusky

Pentimento Announce Winter Tour

2011-12-09T22:21:00.001-08:00

Jack and White: Gemini EP

2011-12-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

It only takes one look at the press surrounding Jack and White to discover that most people are approaching this project through the lens of Brooke White and her experience with American Idol. I, however, approach this project through checking up on what Jack Matranga has been up to since the dissolution of Self Against City. It doesn't really matter what brings you to this project as much as it matters that you do take time to check it out. In listening to this EP you will immediately grasp the delicious jangly feel of the 70's "California Sound". There is something deliberately peculiar about the dynamic between these two musicians that is strongly reminiscent of the connection between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. It's that odd sense through their music that they are finishing each other's sentences and thoughts. Really the only complaint would be a heartfelt desire to see Jack take the lead occasionally.

Track Listing:
Gemini
Double Trouble
Inside Outside
Telephone Games
Smoke and Mirrors
Feathers