SXSW 2k8 Preview: Johnny Foreigner

Myspace // "Champagne Girls I Have Known" [mp3] // "Yes! You Talk Too Fast!" [Video]

If I were to compare Johnny Foreigner to an amusement park ride, it would be the Tilt-A-Whirl. Their songs begin in an orderly fashion, but as they start to ease into a quiet left turn, the entire band jerks in unison by taking the tune into a sharp right down a steep cliff.

This trio hails from Birmingham, which is more or less England's "second city." Their tunes are noisy and unbridled pop for the Ritalin and video game generation, a certain car without brakes on a wonderful joy ride through the hills. The band has a handful of singles out and they will be appearing at this year's SXSW, even playing the Stranded in Stereo (full disclosure: I write for the site) party on Saturday, March 15th at 2 pm! Here are the other dates...

12 Mar 2008 19:00 SXSW-ASCAP showcase@ Dirty Dog Bar
13 Mar 2008 14:00 XFM SXSW acoustic session Austin, Texas


"Sometimes in the Bullring"

The Kooks: New Video!!

Myspace // The Kooks [EPK]

Here's the new video for the "Always Where I Wanted to Be," the infectious first single off of The Kooks' new album Konk. The disc drops on April 15th, followed by a bunch of tour dates in North America. Get psyched!

Foals: "Cassius" Video + Tour Dates!

Myspace // "Cassius" [mp3]

Foals have been busy the last few weeks, gearing up for a world tour, shooting a bizarre video for their single "Cassius," and even getting a couple of nods at the Shockwave NME awards (Best Dance Floor Filler and Best Band Blog). But that's nothing for the band of Oxford overachievers, who even found time to hit the local McDonalds and write up a blog entry endorsing their favorite American political candidate (Obama). I believe that NME got it right when they wrote that Foals would be one of the bands that define 2008, so get psyched for the release of their stellar debut album Antidotes and make sure to catch them when they come to your town.

Tour Dates:
Mar 24 - Royal Albert Hall w/ R.E.M London
Mar 25 - HMV Oxford- Live Set & Signing Oxford
Apr 1 - Sports Bar @ Snowbombing Mayrhoffen, Austria
Apr 3 - 59; 1 Munich
Apr 5 - Visions Mag party Cologne
Apr 6 - Molotov Hamburg
Apr 7 - Postbahnhoff Berlin
Apr 8 - Train Aarhus
Apr 9 - Loppen Copenhagen
Apr 11 - Paradiso Amsterdam
Apr 12 - Motel Mozaique festival Holland
Apr 14 - Rainbow Club Milan
Apr 16 - Trabendo Paris
Apr 17 - Bourges Festival Bourges
Apr 18 - LeNormandy Club St. Lo
Apr 19 - Polsslad @ Ethias Hasselt, Brussells
Apr 20 - Academy Dublin
Apr-22 Philadelphia, PA -- Johnny Brenda's
Apr-23 Washington, DC -- Rock and Roll Hotel
Apr-24 New York, NY -- Bowery Ballroom
Apr-26 Chicago, IL -- Subterranean
Apr-28 Minneapolis, MN -- 7th St Entry
Apr-29 Madison, WI -- High Noon Saloon
May-01 Buffalo, NY -- Big Orbits Sound Lab
May-02 Toronto, ONT -- Lee's Palace
May-03 Montreal, QUE -- Cabaret
May-05 Burlington, VT -- Higher Ground Lounge
May-06 Cambridge, MA -- The Middle East
May-07 Hoboken, NJ -- Maxwell's
May-07 Brooklyn, NY -- Union Hall
May 14 - Club Quattro Osaka
May 15 - Liquid Room Tokyo
May 16 - Bottom Line Nagoya
May-22 San Francisco, CA -- Pop Scene
May-24 Los Angeles, CA -- Troubadour
May-28 Portland, OR -- Doug Fir Lounge
May-29 Vancouver, BC -- Richards on Richards
May-30 Seattle, WA -- Neumo's

What Made Milwaukee Famous "Sultan"

Myspace // WMMF [Ecard]

The new album What Doesn’t Kill Us drops March 4th on Barsuk.

These New Puritans Get Remixed

Myspace // "Navigate, Navigate" (The Loving Hand remix by Tim Goldsworthy) [mp3]

Beat Pyramid, the debut album from These New Puritans hits US shelves on March 18th through Domino Records, the week after they play a string of shows at SXSW. Recently band leader Jack Barnett teamed up with Hedi Slimane for a soundtrack suitable for the Autumn '07 Dior Homme collection. The resulting piece is the tune "Navigate, Navigate," a fifteen minute opus that shows just how far the band has evolved over a very short period of time.

The original version and the remix (available above) will be available on a limited edition 12". Enter for a chance to win one here.

Pin Me Down

[Photo Credit: David S. Rubin]

Myspace // "Cryptic" [mp3]

Transatlantic duo Pin Me Down have been around, at least as an idea, since 2004 when Bloc Party's Russell Lissack met Milena Mepris, whose old band Black Moustache had played the support slot that night in New York. They've become best-pen-pals-forever, keeping in touch and making music across the expanse that is the Atlantic Ocean. "Cryptic," which takes on early '90s indie dance in a new and refreshing way, is a guilty pleasure which really shouldn't be so guilty at all.

Destroy Cowboy

Myspace // "1000 Candles" [mp3]

This Birmingham quintet may be the most professional and practiced band that no one has heard yet. Although the word is out in the West Midlands about Destroy Cowboy, they have retained an eerily low profile throughout the rest of their home country, which seems like a calculated move to me. Pairing up the epic rock of Mansun with electronic flourishes, these guys continue to impress with songs that are good, but leave you wondering where they could end up next. This isn't your average group of lads.

Your Vegas

Myspace // "In My Head" [mp3]

Leeds, UK group Your Vegas are set to release their debut album, A Town And Two Cities, on April 22nd with Universal Republic. The band creates instantly likeable sweeping pop in the vein of Coldplay and The Killers. While not anything totally new, the band manages to take the template and make it their own. They just played a handful of dates with The Bravery, and next month they'll be in Mexico.

March 8, 2008 Cabo Wabo Cantina - Cabo San Lucas Baja, CA Sur
March 9, 2008 Mar Nikki Beach (acoustic show) - Cabo San Lucas Baja, CA Sur

The Ting Tings Tour Dates

Myspace // "Great DJ" [Video]

Sorry for the multiple posts on them, but just got these dates today.

3/09 @ Vera Project, Seattle
3/10 @ Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco
3/11 @ rec centre studio, echo park ($10)
3/12 @ KCRW SHOWCASE @ BUFFALO BILLIARDS, AUSTIN
3/18 @ Great Scott, Boston
3/20 @ av-erie, Chicago
3/21 @ le royale, brooklyn, New York

Word up.

The More Assured: New Video

[Photo Credit: Lola Peach]

Myspace // "An Empty Platform" [mp3]

A few Sundays ago, London's The More Assured filmed a new video and although it's not ready yet, I thought it would be cool to take a look at some of the other videos these guys have made. The Kinks-inspired group have been laying a bit low, gig wise, lately, but they will be appearing at 229 in London on March 6th, followed by a new single this spring.


"All in Your Head"


"I Want Your Despair"

The Kooks Hit the US

Myspace // The Kooks [EPK]

Having debuted their new songs at a handful of over-packed, sweaty shows in Los Angeles, Toronto and New York, along with a performance on Conan O' Brien, The Kooks will return to the US this Spring for their biggest U.S. tour to date. Their sophomore album Konk will be out on April 15th through Astralwerks.

Spring 2008 US Tour Dates
May 18th San Diego, CA House of Blues all ages
May 19th Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern all ages
May 22nd San Francisco, CA The Fillmore all ages
May 24th Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom 19 & over
May 26th Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom all ages
May 28th Salt Lake City, UT Avalon Theatre all ages
May 29th Denver, CO Ogden Theatre 16 & over
May 31st Minneapolis, MN Fine Line Music Caf 18 & over
June 1st Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall Ballroom all ages
June 2nd Chicago, IL Vic Theatre all ages
June 4th Toronto, ON Kool Haus 19 & over
June 5th Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore @ TLA all ages
June 6th Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club 18 & over
June 7th Washington, DC 9.30 Club all ages
June 11th New York, NY Terminal 5 all ages

The Ting Tings

Myspace // "Great DJ" [mp3] // "Great DJ" [Video]

The Ting Tings are a Manchester duo made up of guitarist Katie White and drummer Jules De Martino. Not to throw them under the bus they sound like Girls Aloud being reprogrammed by Klaxons, and while the indie cred police might look at me disapprovingly, these guys are pretty swell. They will be in the States for SXSW, as well as a handful of gigs before and after -- check their Myspace for more details. Look for their full-length album in May through Columbia.

Hilotrons

Myspace // "Dominika" [mp3]

Ottawa grpup Hiltrons will be dropping their new album, Happymatic, on April 1st through Kelp Records. I missed them at Pop Montreal last year and this record is exactly why I regret it -- they mix dance rock with finely-crafted pop on their latest affair. To promote the record, the band will be playing a handful of dates around Ontario and Quebec this April.

April 4 – OTTAWA, ON @ Grad Club
April 8 - HAMILTON, ON @ Casbah w/ Mahogany Frog
April 9 - WATERLOO, ON @ Jane Bond
April 10 - TORONTO, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern w/ Sunparlour Players
April 11 – PETERBOROUGH, ON @ The Montreal House
April 12 - WINDSOR, ON @ Phog Lounge
April 17 - GUELPH, ON @ Ebar w/ The Magic
April 18 – SUDBURY, ON @ Townehouse Tavern
April 19 - MONTREAL, QC @ Club Lambi w/ Woodhands & Mixylodian

Elle Milano "Meanwhile in Hollywood..."

Myspace // "Swearing's For Art Students" [mp3]

The Elles have their debut album dropping on April 14th. It's called Acres of Dead Space Cadets and will be preceded by the single for this track on March 31st. Preorder it here.

Tracklisting:
1. Laughing All The Way To The Plank
2. Meanwhile In Hollywood...
3. My Brother, The Astronaut
4. Stepkids In Love
5. Carousels
6. Curiosity Killed The Popstar
7. Katsuki & The Stilettoed Stranger
8. I Know Its Good But I'm Playing It Down
9. The Nightclub Is Over.
10. Wonderfully Wonderful (All The Time)
11. This Is How It Ends

Kate Nash to Tour the States

Myspace // "Foundations" [mp3]

After a few short stays on this side of the Atlantic, Kate Nash will be doing her first full-fledged tour in the States this spring. Her debut album, Made of Bricks, hit shelves here in early January.

Also, Kate won best female solo artist at the Brit Awards last night.

Tuesday, April 15 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
Wednesday, April 16 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel
Thursday, April 17 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
Friday, April 18 - Baltimore, MD - Recher Theatre
Saturday, April 19 - Philadelphia - Trocadero
Monday, April 21 - Boston, MA - Paradise Rock Club
Wednesday, April 23 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
Saturday, April 26 - Indio, CA - Coachella Music & Arts Festival
Monday, April 28 - Toronto, ON - Phoenix Theatre
Wednesday, April 30 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall
Friday, May 2 - Chicago, IL - The Vic
Saturday, May 3 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
Monday, May 5 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre
Thursday, May 8 - Vancouver, BC - Richard’s on Richards
Friday, May 9 Seattle, WA - Showbox
Sunday, May 11 - Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom
Tuesday, May 13 - San Francisco - The Fillmore

Air Traffic "Come On"

Myspace // "Come On" [mp3]

Here's the brand new video from Air Traffic.

Division Day: Tour DVD

Myspace // "More Than This" [mp3] (Roxy Music cover)

This is the trailer for "60 10 Gabillion 47 10 12 9 Million Gazillion Trillion," the Division Day DVD which is available free with purchase of Beartrap Island at live shows. It features backstage interviews, recording in the studio and some behind the scenes footage from their video shoot for "Tigers." The band will be showcasing various clips on their Youtube page over the next couple of weeks.

Division Day on tour with The A-Sides
FEB 23 - CHICAGO, IL @ SUBTERRANEAN
FEB 24 - AMES, IA @ MAINTENACNE SHOP
FEB 25 - MILWAUKEE, WI @ MAD PLANET
FEB 26 - MINNEAPOLIS, MN @ 7TH STREET ENTRY
FEB 27 - OMAHA, NE @ SLOWDOWN
FEB 28 - LAWRENCE, KS @ REPLAY LOUNGE
FEB 29 - DENVER, CO @ HI DIVE
MAR 01 - SALT LAKE CITY, UT @ KILBY COURT
MAR 03 - SEATTLE, WA @ SUNSET TAVERN
MAR 04 - PORTLAND, OR @ HOLOCENE
MAR 05 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ BOTTOM OF THE HILL
MAR 06 - COSTA MESA, CA @ DETROIT BAR
MAR 07 - LOS ANGELES, CA @ SPACELAND (KCRW Presents)
MAR 08 - UPLAND, CA @ THE WIRE
MAR 09 - PHOENIX, AZ @ RHYTHM ROOM
MAR 10 - TUSCON, AZ @ PLUSH

The Kooks: Live on Conan

Myspace

'For a band composed of guys still in their early 20s they've already shown a considerable knack for classic guitar-pop songwriting. [Their] songs had the crowd excitedly dancing in any space that they could find.' - Filter

The Kooks' new album, Konk, will be out on April 14th in the UK and the following day in the US. Here's the band performing their new single "Always Where I Need To Be" last week on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Pulled Apart By Horses: First Gig Video

Myspace // "The Lighthouse" [mp3] // First Gig (1 of 2) [Video] // First Gig (2 of 2) [Video]

According to James from Pulled Apart By Horses, their first gig last week "was mental," and really, I wish I could have been there. Thanks to the glory of the internet, I can at least pretend I was there as some enterprising soul was kind enough to film the performance and post it to Youtube. For those of us not in West Yorkshire, the band has two tracks on their Myspace page, plus they are playing a handful of dates around England over the next few months.

Mar 7 2008 Leeds, Trash
Apr 18 2008 London, The George Tavern
May 3 2008 Leeds, The Cockpit
May 17 2008 NASTYFEST (Bad Sneakers) Leeds, The Faversham
May 24 2008 Leeds, The Brudenell Social Club

Mobius Band

Myspace // "Love Will Reign Supreme" EP [zip]

Mobius Band also released a little treat for Valentine's Day, an EP of covers called "Love Reigns Supreme." The band decided to forgo the comforts of a cushy studio and recorded the songs during a bit of downtime on their tour in Noam Schatz's hundred year old house in Western Massachusetts, recording keyboards and vocals in an unfinished room with a hole in the ceiling and broken floorboards. The results are fun, fantastic explorations into electronic infused indie rock that are definitely great takes on some old and new classics. Make sure to download the EP, it's available for free off of their website along with artwork and other goodies.

Tracklisting:

1. "Razor Love" (originally by Neil Young)
2. "Baby We'll Be Fine" (The National)
3. "True Love Will Find You In The End" (Daniel Johnston)
4. "Mobius Band In A Green Cotton Sweater" (Casiotone For The Painfully Alone)
5. "I'll Keep It With Mine" (Bob Dylan)
6. "Digital Love" (Daft Punk)

The Cloud Room

Myspace // "February 14" and "Memories" [stream]

The Cloud Room recorded a special Valentine's Day present for everyone. Click over to TheCloudRoom.com/Fake7Inch to listen to two covers recently recorded by New York City band. Side A is their take on Huggy Bear's "February 14," a song brimming with buzzy punk energy mixed with arrogant art house bravado. Side B is an epic rendition of Leonard Cohen's classic "Memories" that's thoroughly enjoyable. Neither song is a classic schmaltzy love song, which is probably why the covers will work for the remaining 300-odd days of the year.

Frightened Rabbit: New Album + SXSW Dates!

[Photo Credit: Dave Gourley]

Myspace // "The Modern Leper" [mp3]

Glasgow's Frightened Rabbit have a new record coming out on April 1 called "The Midnight Organ Fight." Although I haven't been lucky enough to hear the album yet, their press release says that it sounds "grand and large-scale" and shows the continuing development of the band's songwriting skills. If the songs are half as memorable as those on "Sing The Grays," then I'm sure the record will be chock full of killer indie rock gems that fans of Snow Patrol and The Long Winters will totally eat up. Frightened Rabbit will be playing a few dates at SXSW, then should come back to the states for a full tour in the late spring.

3/12 - Austin, TX @ Emo's Annex (IODA Party, 2pm)
3/13 - Austin, TX @ WOXY Studios (3pm)
3/14 - Austin, TX @ Emo's Annex (Soundcheck Party, 2pm)
3/14 - Austin, TX @ Latitude 30 (Scottish Arts Council Showcase, 5:30pm)

Kets

Myspace // "Laissez Faire" [mp3]

London group Kets are a bouncy, melodic lot that takes as much from Belle & Sebastian and The Smiths as they do from Modest Mouse. Their sharp, smart songwriting and fluid vocals belie their age, as all the members are in their late teens. The band has just finished a demo, and when they're not in class, they can be found gigging around the city with the likes of Pull in Emergency and Lo-Fi Culture Scene, among others.

Young/Lost Ones: New Songs

Myspace // "Is That a Tank?" [mp3]

It's been awhile since we've written about these guys, so long in fact that they've even changed their name. Los Olvidados is now Young/Lost Ones (if you're interested in knowing why, check their Myspace), but the one thing that has not changed is the workhorse attitude of frontman Alex Jones. He's as prolific as Ryan Adams with a knack for combining pop and alt-country that's only been bettered by Rhett Miller. The band's new demos, up and available on their Myspace, fit nicely next to gems like "Pacifist," "John Cougar, Melancholy" and "You'll Always Find Apples," but show a definite evolution with new structures and themes.

What the fuck is this?


"You'll Always Find Apples"

Forward, Russia!: New Album

Myspace // Life Processes [Video Preview]

Here's the deal on the band's new album:

As you hopefully already now, last summer we recorded our 2nd album Life Processes in Seattle, USA with Matt Bayles.

It has 11 tracks, ordered as such:

1. Welcome To The Moment (The Rest Of Your Life)
2. We Are Grey Matter
3. A Prospector Can Dream
4. Spring Is A Condition
5. Don't Reinvent What You Don't Understand
6. Some Buildings
7. Breaking Standing
8. Gravity & Heat
9. Fosbury In Discontent
10. A Shadow Is A Shadow Is A Shadow
11. Spanish Triangles

Now we are ready to release it.

Life Processes is released in the UK & EIRE on Monday 14th April 2008 through Cooking Vinyl.

A Europe & USA release date are still being confirmed, but Europe should be early May through Cooking Vinyl again, and USA mid-June through Mute N. America.

In the UK, before the album, we are releasing a new single from the album
"Breaking Standing" will be released on Monday 7th April on 2x7", CD and download.

Keep checking our Myspace over the next couple of days, because very soon you will be able to hear "Breaking Standing," and also "We Are Grey Matter" from the album.

And if that isn't enough, keep checking the site, as next week you will be able to download Spanish Triangles exclusively through RCRDLBL.com

Lightspeed Champion

Myspace // "Tell Me What It's Worth" [mp3] // "Galaxy of the Lost" [Video] // "Midnight Surprise" [Video]

There are those bands that you set out to like and those that make you like them, and Lightspeed Champion is definitely the latter as I didn't listen to the album until I got it for someone else. The group centers around Devonte Hynes, formerly of Test Icicles, along with a rotating cast of friends, including Florence of Florence and the Machine, Martin AKA The Train Chronicles and Emmy the Great, as well as Mike Siddell (ex-Hope of the States) on violin and Ryan Barkataki (ex-Snow White) on drums. While the band is just as eclectic as Hynes' previous outfit, the genres he recalls are much more accessible, such as classic pop and swirling pop-rock.

His debut album, Falling Off the Lavender Bridge, was released at the end of January in the UK and will hit the states in March on Domino Records.


"Tell Me What It's Worth"

Gnarls Barkley "Run"

Myspace // "Run" Real Player | Windows

This is the first single off of The Odd Couple, which drops April 15th.

Interview: Elle Milano

Myspace // "Swearing's for Art Students" [mp3] // "Smack That" [Video]

Interviews are back at Exitfare, let's get excited. To welcome back this feature, we talked to Brighton, UK based Elle Milano, a band we've been excited about for quite some time. James and I talked about the band's upcoming debut album (out April 14th, pre-orders here), tabloids and the brilliant noise that is Scouting for Girls. The band will be touring the UK in April.

Exitfare: Tell me about the band, like how it formed and all of that stuff. Where are you based?

James: We are Elle Milano and we formed because a fortune cookie told us to. It said "try something new and you will be rewarded," so we decided to start a band then and there. Me and Adam met at college back in 2004 and then picked up Chloe at University so we could start playing live shows. We are now based in Brighton because we all love the sea so much.

E: You guys are about to put out your first album. Tell us a bit about it. It seems like it took a long time to come together.

J: Well the album is called Acres Of Dead Space Cadets and packs more hits than a "Phil Collins- Best Of." It was recorded in a little cottage in Kent which we invaded for three weeks nearly two years ago and is self-produced. It took so long to come together as we've had to do everything ourselves... there's been no major label money or help along the way. We've also been finishing off degrees which has further held things back. Despite all this, it's ready to go now and our next single will be "Meanwhile In Hollywood..." for which we are shooting a video next weekend. That's gonna be released in a couple of months and has a full scale orchestra so what could possibly go wrong?



E: Who are some of your favorite bands to play with? Do you think any of them will take over the world?

J: We're playing with fellow Brighton bands Maths Class and Heels Catch Fire tomorrow which is always a joy. I think they have the potential to "get big" real soon. Both bands have got a real intensity in their live shows which always compelling to watch and are releasing EPs later this year so watch out for that. I saw The Ghost Frequency live last week and although we haven't played with them, think they could go on to bigger better things... or maybe that was the alcohol enhancing my perception of their performance. Either way, I enjoyed it.

E: If any member of Elle Milano were on the cover of a tabloid, who would it be and why?

J: It would have to be our secret, silent fourth member 'Bono,' as he is the most famous of us all and it would probably be because he was purchasing a new pair of sunglasses.

E: When family ask you what your band sounds like, what do you tell them?

J: Well I normally tell them something different each time to keep it interesting. My cousin thinks our sound encompasses the the raw power of a tidal wave and and the magic of Disney on ice... my Dad on the other hand knows exactly what we sound like as he can't escape our basement rehearsals that penetrate the whole house and surrounding neighborhood.



E: What's the best thing about being in Elle Milano? The worst?

J: I would say all the traveling around the world and visiting pastures was the best thing, but we haven't done any of that yet. I shall therefore put "being denied world travel" in the 'worst' category. The best thing is simply the unadulterated joy of playing music onstage with my friends; it might seem obvious but the best gigs are definitely the ones where the crowd are clearly enjoying it. I think there's probably some sort of energy exchange between the audience and us on stage that really enhances our performance. Deep, man.

E: If you were given the power to break up one chart band, who would it be and why?

J: Scouting For Girls because I just don't get it and think it's shallow. They are however selling lots and lots of albums so they'll be having the last laugh. My new goal is to sell more albums than Scouting For Girls. Get on that.

E: Besides the album, what does 2008 have in store for you? Charity work? Dance parties with the queen?

J: Yeah you guessed it, lots of charity work. I'll be finding homes for homeless cats while Adam and Chloe are being drafted to a small village Africa to help build a well that will provide fresh water for years to come. True story.

Robbers on High Street "Crown Victoria"

Myspace

Cool video, this is the band's latest off of Grand Animals, which is available now on New Line Records.

Wintermute: New Single

[Photo Credit: Nikki Radford]

Myspace // "Danny Likes Scene Girls" [mp3]

While Wintermute aren't blazing any new trails musically, they sure know how to make a good thing better. I suppose when you find a sound that you like, you sort of stick with it, right? This Leeds quartert doesn't drift far from the herky jerky stylings of Dartz! and The Futureheads, but with a bit more of a roller coaster journey. Each single sees the band growing bit by bit with tighter and more awe-inspiring songs, moving them from a band that wears their influences on their sleeves to a unit that is cocksure and blazing their own path.

The band's debut single "Gambling or Playing Cards?/Ask A Stupid Question" is out now as a limited edition clear 7" on Children No More Records.

Air Traffic: Album Out Today (US)

Myspace // "Come On" [mp3] // "Charlotte" [Video] // "Shooting Star" [Video] // "No More Running Away" [Video]

While Air Traffic's sound, driving piano-led rock and introspective vocals, might be falling out of favor in their homeland, it seems that these are the UK bands that do the best here in the States -- just look at the album sales of Coldplay, Keane and Snow Patrol. Coming from the small seaside town of Bournemouth, the band eschewed any pressures that a local scene might thrust upon them and the band was able to develop their own style. Says lead singer Chris Wall, "There are no music venues, and absolutely no pressure to sound like anyone else. So you have the potential to develop your own style."

Fractured Life is out today on Astralwerks.

Pulled Apart By Horses

Myspace // "High Five Swan Dive Nose Dive" [mp3]

I haven't heard one song from Pulled Apart By Horses. They just recorded their first songs on Saturday.

Maybe I'll end up not even liking these guys, but based on their past work (ex-members of Mother Vulpine and It Takes Bridges), this band has a ton of potential. Their first gig will be in Leeds on Feb. 12th, a secret, text-invite only affair. It's so secret that those who are confirmed will only receive the address and time the day before the show!

We'll have music for you soon, and on top of that, we'll have video to post a day or two after the show. There's a ton of promise here, so I am excited to hear what the results will be. Their bio describes them as "disco rock hammering with a large dose of hard-riffing and yelping vocalities."

We'll just wait and see.

EDIT 02/07/08: The band's first track is up and available for downloading. It's bonkers.

Sky Larkin "Molten"

Myspace // "Somersault Notes" [mp3]

Sure to be one of 2008's breakout bands, Leeds' Sky Larkin have just dropped their new video, which was expertly put together by Matthew Maude. Look for an album from them later this year.

I Concur

[Photo Credit: Kevin Petch]

Myspace // "Oblige" [mp3]

It seems as though our new music radar has been focused a bit too much on Leeds as of late, but it's not that we are too lazy to look elsewhere, as more that we're sort of like kids in a candy store. There's quite the music renaissance going on in West Yorkshire, and better yet, it's not confined to just one genre or scene.

I Concur formed at the end of 2006 in order to have an outlet to rally around their love of American indie groups like The National and Wilco, as well as slowcore stars like Low and Mogwai. Defying scenes or genres, the band makes Americana with cosmic aspirations. Look for their new single "Build Around Me/Lucky Jack", which is out in March on Brew Records.

Lo-Fi Culture Scene

Myspace // "Fast Forward" [mp3]

England has seen a glut of impressive teenage bands surface in the past year, like Pull in Emergency, These New Puritans, the FortyFives and Kets. North London's Lo-Fi Culture Scene might be the most impressive of all because no one in this quintet is older than 14 -- and they're quite good, obviously having spent plenty of time studying the works of heroes The Libertines, Bloc Party and Good Shoes. They've done quite a bit of gigging as well, sharing the stage with Foals, Sky Larkin, Look See Proof and quite a few others. They succinctly sum up their journey (of the last year) on their Myspace page -- "(We) have gone from playing the Park Avenue South Street Party to supporting Bloc Party at Concorde 2."

Expect a single later this year, which according to the band, will probably be "Abstract," backed by a new version of "Take It Or Leave It."

The Duke Spirit: New Album

Myspace // Neptune [Album Stream]

The Duke Spirit's sophomore album, Neptune, hits iTunes worldwide on February 5th, while the official release will not be until April 8th through Shangri-La Music. Unlike many UK bands, we were able to catch the band numerous times while they were touring on their first album, showcasing the amazing talents of lead singer Leila Moss. The band, always hard to pin down, does not fit neatly in any corner of indie rock and their new album continues that trend.

Look for the band to play a handful of dates on this side of the Atlantic this month and during SXSW. Neptune is available to preview above.

2/12 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg (w/ The Kooks)
2/13 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
2/14 New York, NY - Union Hall, Brooklyn
3/5 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo
3/7 & 3/8 – Toronto, - Venue TBD
3/12 SXSW Austin - KCRW showcase