Category Archives: Music News

The Riot Before Down Two…

The Riot Before announced on their Tumblr page the other day that bassist Cory Manning and drummer Freddy Clarke have decided to part ways.

From their post:

The decisions were made about a month ago, both independently and amicably. There was a no big fight or incident that led to them choosing to leave, rather the culprit was exhaustion. The truth of being in The Riot Before, and I’m sure this is the same for a whole host of other small touring acts out there, is that you can either be in the band or have a life. It’s almost entirely one or the other. The jobs you work when home, the hours you work those jobs, the places you live, the tenuous relationships you hang onto, they all are governed by your involvement in this band. And about a month ago, Freddy and Cory decided it was time to focus on the rest of their lives. It’s a decision that I don’t at all fault them for making.

Jon and [Brett] are as committed to the band as ever, and personally I’m excited every day for what the upcoming months and years hold in store for this band.

According to PunkNews.Org, the band will still play live shows as bass duty has been temporarily taken over by Dan Zimmerman of Dirty Tactics and the band is currently searching for a new drummer.

The Riot Before will be touring this summer with Off With Their Heads and Dead To Me.  Let’s hope they can regroup and continue on as they are one hell of an act.

Download This!: Minus The Bear – Hold Me Down EP

One of my favorite indie/rock/happy bands, Minus The Bear, have decided to post their new EP titled Hold Me Down for free download (see below for link). 

The EP features the title track (off of OMNI), three live tracks recorded at the Dangerbird Records studios, a b-side titled “Broken China” and a “My Time” remix.

Did I mention it is free? I think I did. You know what to do…

The Menzingers Sign With Epitaph!

Your friends and mine, The Menzingers, are probably doing a happy dance today as they were just signed to Epitaph Records.  Congrats guys.  You deserve it.

This Scranton, PA band impressed me with their release last year entitled Chamberlain Waits as well as blew me away when I saw them live when they opened for Swingin’ Utters last summer.

I’m looking forward to what happens next for this young, amazing punk rock foursome.

A word from Epitaph about the news:

Epitaph Records is thrilled to announce the signing of up and coming Scranton raised, Philadelphia based punk rock outfit The Menzingers.The band’s fiery early releases and dynamic crowd pleasing live performances on tours supporting Anti Flag and Against Me! have created a serious buzz and landed the group on several best of lists. Their high energy sound features crashing power chords, rock steady drumming and anthemic sing-along choruses alongside poetic salt of the earth lyrics in the vein of Against Me! and Gaslight Anthem.
 
Epitaph Founder and President Brett Gurewitz proclaims, “These guys play the kind of pure punk rock that I grew up with. They are seriously talented songwriters and I’m happy to welcome them to the Epitaph family. I think the band is a great fit here.”
 

Stay tuned to www.epitaph.comfor upcoming news and futher details.

Lollapalooza Line-Up = Holy Hell!

Yesterday I mentioned the NXNE line-up and said I was impressed. 

Today I see the Lollapalooza 2011 Line-Up and am beyond thrilled.  I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way.

20-years ago the festival started. It was not consistent of course with the festival ending in 1997 only to be renewed in 2003.  These days the festival no longer tours the states, but year after year they always have a great line-up. This year I am really thinking about going.

I was supposed to go in 2009 but plans fell through and I had to cancel my trip.  This might be the year that is happens.

Perry Ferrel has stated the festival is going to be a little more retro this year.  Jim Rose Circus sideshow anyone?

Yes, there are the big names like Eminem, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, and Muse that would be all cool to see, but there are other bands in their line-up that have me itching to get to Chicago this summer.

Bands like Deftones, Ween, The Cars, City & Colour, Rival Schools, Cee-Lo Green, My Morning Jacket and Cold War Kids tickle my fancy, but Big Audio Dynamite??? Awesome. 

Girl Talk too…yes, I admit it,  want to see Girl Talk live.  J. Roddy Walston, Explosions In The Sky, Black Lips, Atmosphere, Kid Cudi, Ryan Binham & The Dead Horses…man I can just keep going. 

I’ll stop now.  Let’s see if I make it out to Chicago in August.  Me thinks it would be a good idea.

Lollapalooza 2011 from Lollapalooza on Vimeo.