I do not know about you, but I am pretty excited about this.
Chris from No Sleep Records posted this picture on his Facebook today (of course it still needs print and whatnot:
Into It. Over It. Tour Dates:
Oct 17 – Cleveland, OH – Now That’s Class
Oct 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Unitarian Church
Oct 19 – New York, NY – Santos Party House (CMJ)
Oct 20 – Boston, MA – Middle East/Upstairs
Oct 21 – Hartford, CT – Webster Underground
Oct 22 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar
Oct 23 – Richmond, VA – The Camel
Oct 24 – Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern
Oct 25 – Orlando, FL – Will’s Pub
Oct 26 – Gainesville, FL – The Fest
Oct 27 – Gainesville, FL – The Fest
Oct 28 – Gainesville, FL – The Fest
Oct 29 – Atlanta, GA – Vinyl
Oct 30 – Louisville, KY – The Vernon Club
Oct 31 – Chicago, IL – Beat Kitchen
Massachusetts threesome The Fake Boys have somehow taken 90s indie rock and mashed it up with a little DIY pop punk as well as post-hardcore in a good good way on their debut album Pig Factory.
Released by Animal Style Records, Pig Factory was recorded by the great Jay Maas (Title Fight, Transit, Polar Bear Club) and pretty much kicked ass from start to finish. I will admit, I was super hesitant before listening to this album, but am stoked I checked it out.
“This Is Our Band” opened up the album with the lead vocalist having a very Billy Corrigan singing style (as well as a Ravishing Ride Rude resemblance), but not that “despite of my rage I’m still just a rat in my cage” annoyance. “This Is Our Sound” followed making this listener think back to the alternative / grunge days, especially with that J. Mascus-like guitar playing.
The sound kept consistent through and didn’t get old at all. “Don’t Live” might have had some deep lyrics that I could not crack, but the song was great. “You’re A Loser” followed with a perfect grunge to post-hardcore ratio making for an impressive listen.
“Best Post” had this Five Man Electrical Band sound at first that was completely off from the rest of the tracks. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good listen with acoustic guitars and such, but that only lasted a moment as the rest of the band kicked in making for a good ol’ 90s alt-rock listen. I found myself really digging that track a lot.
I really enjoyed the 90s alt-rock-heavy “Hi Friend”. There’s nothing quite like a fun, friendly song that just makes you gently rock your head. Hands down, this was my favorite cut off the release, well at least I thought it was until the next track came on… Just wait till that distorted bass kicks in, and you will most likely agree with me – “Realist World” ruled. Lots of emo and post-hardcore going on the track. I’m sold.
The Fake Boys sounded like a punk rock Smashing Pumpkins with a gracious nod to 90s rock. I caught hints of Jawbreaker, Briad, and even Texas Is The Reason as well as Dinosaur Jr. Spite what I think they sound like, the truth is, this band knows how to deliver their own style and the result is a pretty solid listen. There’s nothing fake about these guys at all and I am sure they are fully aware of that. Do you like 90s rock? Yes? Go listen to The Fake Boys now.
Fat Wreck Chords confirmed the sad news earlier today that Tony Sly has passed away at the age of 41. To say the man was an influence is an understatement. He was an icon, a legend, and will be missed.
I really have nothing else to say about this. I am still in shock.
Growing up, one of my best friend’s little sister was diagnosed with Leukemia. I don’t need to get into exact detail, but I will say she recovered and is living a good life. She was young when she had to go through all the horror of finding out what she had and kept strong while going through treatment. It was an event I will never forget for as long as I live.
St. Louis act Greek Fire is pretty much experiencing the same thing I did years ago. Their drummer, Johnny Venus, was diagnosed with Leukemia. At this moment, he is still fighting to overcome it.
Greek Fire was formed in 2008 by members from Story of the Year and Maybe Today. If I had to describe their sound, I would have to say they resemble Muse and Thirty Seconds to Mars.
Once the band found out their drummer was diagnosed, they stepped up as any family would and devised a way to help pay for the treatment. Recently, the band made a video for their song “If This is the End (The Sound of Belief)” with all proceeds from the track going directly to Johnny’s medical bills. The song is full of hope and not only was created to help fund treatment, but to raise awareness to all who view it.
Over the past four years, Greek Fire has built a wide fan base through word of mouth that has been spreading rapidly in the past few months. The band recently kicked off a tour, with Story of the Year singer Dan Marsala filling in drums for Johnny, to support their album Deus Ex Machina.
From Greek Fire (as found on Johnny’s Tumblr page):
In February 2012, shortly after an amazing tour of Japan, GREEK FIRE drummer and longtime STORY OF THE YEAR drum tech Johnny Venus was diagnosed with Leukemia. As anyone can imagine, this devastating news came as a complete shock and rocked the entire camp to the core. Johnny is fighting the battle of his life, and even in these darkest of times his incredible courage and strength inspired Johnny’s fellow band mates to write a song about this profoundly difficult and emotional journey.
The song, “If this is the End (The Sound of Belief) was utilized for a video GREEK FIRE released via YouTube on May 15th, 2012. The video was made for zero dollars by a group of amazing and selfless individuals that donated their time and talents with no thought of reward or payment, and the result is a heartfelt and emotional offering of hope and support for anyone, anywhere who has experience with cancer. Greek Fire is releasing this video in hopes that it can help people find the courage and strength to fight with all of their heart, and that there are people everywhere in the world fighting with them. That is the mission: HOPE. Please share this video with as many people as you can. Nothing will make Johnny Venus and the band more proud than if it can help someone, somewhere, in some way.
Take a moment to watch the video about the song that surrounds the idea of believing. The ending is sad as hell, but is so real. Trust me on that. Share it too if you so desire.
If you would like to follow Johnny’s progress or end find out how to help, head over to his Tumblr page.
I hope Johnny’s is able to kick this illness and get back behind the drums to continue his dreams.
Once upon a time some guy named Frank Turner met songwriter Emily Barker. They just so happened to share a stage in 2006 and soon became great friends. The two musicians soon toured together in the UK after Turner asked Barker to join him. On that tour, Turner and Barker first performed the amazing duet “Fields Of June.” I know I was not there to see it and honestly, I never knew who Emily Barker was until today when I heard “Fields Of June” for the first time and fell in love with it.
I am thrilled they decided to do this. This was the surprise song of the day for this music lover.
I am not sure I have heard such a great duet since I was a little kid. Turner and Barker both take on strong roles on the song that really is a heart-breaker to absorb. Seriously, this is no love song.
As an added bonus, a silent movie inspired music video was made for the song. Check it out:
Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo are an amazing act to listen to and I am shocked I have been left in the dark about them for so long. I will be looking to check them out in serious detail. This song is available for download and on a 7″ through Xtra Mile Recordings. I am so tempted to order this vinyl as I know it will not be available for much longer.
St. Louis act Greek Fire is pretty much experiencing the same thing I did years ago. Their drummer, Johnny Venus, was diagnosed with Leukemia. At this moment, he is still fighting to overcome it.
Once upon a time some guy named