Skratch News: FEBRUARY 2004

It’s a…BAND!
Nitro Records has proudly announced the newest member of this humble family. The excitement level is on the rise as a CD release from A Wilhelm Scream is already planned. "Mute Print" is anything but quite all though you may be speechless when you get your hands on this album in April of this year! This album is sure to set fire to the scene with its blazing progressive hardcore style! Also, the guys are hitting the road for an awesome tour this month and continuing into February. Go to website to you favorites though, so you can keep an eye on what these kick ass guys have in store!
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Friends in high places
The bands of the NEW YORK CITY ROCK N ROLL compilation are making some friends in high places. After rockn’ performances by Queen V, SLUNT, Sex Slaves, Joker Five Speed and Skum at the Slamdance Film Fest opening night bash on January 17 to over 1200 party people in Park City, UT, the NYC bands took off on tour across the West Coast. And as expected, word traveled far and fast amongst the famous faces of America. Drew Carey, Rachel Hunter, Lee Sobieski, Jamie Pressley, Gene Simmons of Kiss were just some rockn’ clebs to check em out! Feeling left out? Don’t be! You still have a chance to catch this insane line up! Over 100 tour dates are planned for 2004, which means soon they'll be playing near you! Check website for the low down!
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Ska is dead? HARDLY!
We’ve all heard it a thousand times, "Ska is dead, no one listens to that anymore", and that may seem the case when people think your swearing at them when you say ska, and get even more offended if you ask them if they know how to skank! But this is far from true, and the "Ska is dead" tour is hear to prove it! All you rudies know what I’m talking about, but for everyone else, this is one tour not to miss this summer. With bands like Big D and the Kids Table, Mustard Plug, Catch 22, and the Planet Smashers, this is your dream come true. That gauntlet has been thrown, and this tour is here to kick the ska world in the ass and we’ve got our chucks laced up and ready to go! For more information on the tour of the year, check out website
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I heard…
The rumor mills wheels were recently working over time as word of a line change up in Dimmu Borgir hit the streets. That band was short and to didn’t try to beat around the bush as the sent out this simple statement regarding the rumors. "Nicholas has been removed from the line up of Dimmu Borgir. A session drummer will be used in the future. Don't waste your time speculating why, we have already moved on. See you on the road very soon!". They have also let us know that this will not keep them from promoting the hell out of their new album or hitting the road! Why not catch one of their shows, and show the new drummer a little love!?
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And the prize goes to…
As if it’s not hard enough to get noticed and gain a reputation in the music business, having two other bands with the same name as you only makes it that much harder! This was the problem San Diego natives "PrizeFight" were having. As a result, they have changed their name to " Comfortable for you". Their debut album will still remain titled "Prizefight" But will be repressed with their new name! Make sure to check them out under their new name on the "San Diego is Burning" compilation due out in April of 2004! (5)
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Take it like a man…
Holland’s favorite rock, Oil has recently posted some new songs on website. These mp3’s are a straight shot of rock with out a chaser, so take it like a man! Also, their latest EP "Electric Tongue" is now out on level-plane. And if your feeling the buzz from all this news, just imagine what you’ll feel like this spring, as they are hitting up the US for a tour! You might want to stock up on the aspirin now!
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Fairy tale or true?
Who ever told you unicorns weren’t real, has obviously never been to Montreal, Canada. The Unicorns may be from Montreal, but they are migrating to the west coast to put on some rockn’ shows in support of their new album "Who Will Cut Our Hair When Were Gone?". With a sound not far from The White Stripes and The Rapture, these guys put on an awesome show, with killer music. You can never know exactly what to expect when it comes to their on stage antics, but you can bank on an awesome set! Check out website for more details!
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Techno + rock = Kick Up Fire
What does techno, indietronica, rock, jazz and thrash with a sense of complete and utter reckless abandon have in common? Don’t have a clue? Then check out The Cooper Temple Clause! This England-based sextet has a lot to offer hungry ears. Hitting stores in the U.S. February 24th is critically-acclaimed Kick Up The Fire, And Let The Flames Break Loose. If you’re lucky enough to call the U.K. your home base maybe you can scrounge up some tickets from scalpers because their whole U.K tour is sold out thanks to their devote following in the U.K!
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And you thought MC Hammer was old school
Old School NYC Punk is being resurrected and slapped onto one CD! 22 bands from the Glam Punk, East Village, Downtown era rip it up with sounds like the New York Dolls, Blondie and others from the Max's Kansas City and CBGB's early punk era. Get more info at website
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I Do.
Here come the brides all dressed in white. Brides Of Destruction is getting ready for their March 9th release "Here Comes The Brides." Filled with sneering, hook-filled gutter pop this album is sure to knock you off your feet right from the first beat. (10)
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brooklyn baby
I spy….Vext! These guys are bringing back hardcore right from the heart of Brooklyn. Break out your hardcore dancing moves and mess up the pit some more at one of their insane shows. Be sure to check these hardcore rockers out if you’re into bands like VOD, Dillinger Escape Plan, Life of Agony, Candiria, and System of a Down. Watch out for their upcoming release "Cast the First Stone" in March on Lakeshore Records.
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BULLETS FLY!
" What More Do You Want?" is out today!!! The BULLET TREATMENT’s new e.p. It’s available on-line at www.interpunk.com, www.revhq.com, and smartpunk.com, or you can get it at your local record store. This new e.p. is getting lots of hype from the media too! So catch it while its red-hot!
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I Heart You
Some call them emo and some them indie but either way you’ll "heart" Bright Eyes. You can catch them on tour this month at one of these east coast or Midwest venues! 2/19/04 Omaha, NE @ Witherspoon Concert Hall, 2/20/04 Minneapolis, MN @ Pantages Theatre, 2/21/04 Chicago, IL @ Vic Theater, 2/22/04 Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Laga, 2/23/04 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero, 2/24/04 Jersey City, NJ @ Loews Theatre, 2/26/04 Northampton, MA @ Pearl St, 2/28/04 Providence, RI @ Lupos at the Strand.
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That family tree is growing…
Drive-Thru Records has just adopted two new California bands to their quickly growing family, Jenoah and Hello Goodbye. In February 2004 both bands will release a FREE digital EP through website…WOOT!. If you can’t wait for the free EP just go download fresh tracks from these bands on the new mp3.com website, website! Also, try adding /jenoah to that address or /hellogoodbye
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A rare sighting…
German Thrash-Death Metallers, Dew Scented, rippled the Metal scene after making a rare U.S. appearance this past November to compliment the release of their latest album Impact. Catch a look at a video clip posted online at website for an inside glimpse of what took place at this years New Jersey Metal Fest! You won’t be disappointed.
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It’s new and improved
Looking for something new and improved in your life? Well check out the new and EXTREMELY improved website from Good life Records! As you browse site’s new very interactive and informative appearance you'll find loads of MP3s, a web radio, a message board, updated info on the bands, contests - WIN the new CONGRESS CD ! , the Good life story and loads and loads more...Sounds like a party. So hit this party up at website
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Follow the tracks
Deerhoof is leaving their mark in the snow this spring with their upcoming album, Milk Man due in stores March 9th, 2004! After the release they’re off to promote it to the max! Catch them touring the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, Japan, and of course the US! Some US dates are as follows. 2-23 - Eureka, CA - Sapphire Rose, 2-24 - Olympia, WA - Eagle Hall, -26 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey, 2-27 - Portland, OR - Meow Meow, 3-4 - Los Angeles, CA - TBA, 3-5 - Santa Cruz, CA - Santa Cruz Teen Center, 3-7 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom Of The Hill, 4-16 - Austin, TX - TBA, 4-28 - Chicago, IL - TBA*, 5-2 - Salt Lake City, UT - TBA
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I’m sorry, could you repeat that?
Franz Ferdina…who? Franz Ferdinand is all your favorite punk rock records from the late 70s, combined with the best of British indie rock from the early 80s and a pinch of party throwing art students! Rising without the help of yeast Franz Ferdinand is growing into a phenomenon here as well as their home the U.K. Watch out for this crazy British rock as they are poised to release their debut full length and self titled album!
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Stuck in the mud
Is spring not muddy enough for you? If not, check out the new release, Mud by Eszter Balint expected out in March of 2004! The very intelligent and artful work of Eszter is sure to please your spring cravings and ease your cram sessions for spring exams. It’ll be out on Bar/None Records and you’ll be sure to find this new release on their site, or maybe even your local record store.
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Cravings…
Swedish Fish! Well, ok not quite. The Swedish rockers Dimension Zero might not satisfy your sweet tooth, but they will satisfy your hunger for thrash aggression and sinister vocals. Their newest offering to the table is a ten-track album oozing with thrash metal filling. Watch out for this release later this year!
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My best friends are….
" My best friends are Metalheads!" Does this cry sound familiar to you? Well it might if your friends are listening to Metal for the Masses II. It’s exclusively located at Hot Topic stores around the nation and includes tons groundbreaking and up coming artists such as Arch Enemy, Diabolic, Dimmu Borgir, Eyes of Fire, Glass Casket, Haste, Shadows Fall and Watch Them Die, among others. Be sure to add over 77 minutes of head banging madness to you and your friends road trip collection.
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Part of a healthy music diet….
A staple of the Boston music scene’s diet has just been added to SideOneDummy Records. Welcome Piebald! This quartet has been ripping up the music scene since the early 90’s and has shared the stage with bands like Dashboard Confessional, The Get Up Kids, New Found Glory, Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday and Thursday. Look for a new CD out in the summer on 2004 with a tour to follow!
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For the love of…
Touring solo this month is Asian Man Records own Mike Park. He’ll be making his way up and down California and a few random dates across the U.S. If you haven’t checked out his solo album "for the love of music" I HIGHLY suggest you do so. Even better you can check him out live at one of these shows and pick up the CD! 03.05.04 - CA, Berkeley @ 924 Gliman, all ages, 8pm (plays first, get there early!), 03.06.04 - CA, San Francisco @ Bottom of the Hill, all ages, 8pm (plays first, get there early!, 03.11.04 - CA, Anaheim @ Chain Reaction, all ages, doors at 7:30 (plays @ 8pm, 03.12.04 - CA, Los Angeles @ Troubadour, all ages, doors at 7:30 (plays @ 8pm), 03.14.04 - IN, Indianapolis @ Rehearsal Studios, 3510 S. Keyston Ave, w/ The Lawrence Arms, $8, 7pm, 03.15.04 - MO, St. Louis @ Hi-Pointe, 1001 McCausland, w/ The Lawrence Ams, all ages, $8, 8:30pm
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Fancy a shag?
They’re coming to "Shag" the States, as Cooper Temple Clause’s bassist states. Hitting off their U.S. tour in Washington D.C. March 5th and wrapping it up in Austin,TX March 28! Catch one of these shows before they slip through your fingers! Fri 3/5 Washington, DC 9:30 Club, Sat 3/6 Philadelphia, PA The Khyber, Sun 3/7 Hoboken, NJ Maxwell's, Tue 3/9 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom, Wed 3/10 Boston, MA Paradise, Mon 3/15 Chicago, IL Double Door, Thurs 3/18 Austin, TX Fox & Hound (BPI Showcase @ SXSW), Fri 3/19 Dallas, TX Gypsy Tea Room, Sun 3/21 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge, Wed 3/24 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour, Thurs 3/25 San Francisco, CA The Independent, Sun 3/28 Seattle, WA Crocodile Café.
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That had to hurt..
Crunch! Due to some nasty black ice Regarding was forced to go on hiatus and cancell part of their tour. Total bummer! The band only sufferd a few minor cuts and bruises, but the van didn’t turn out as lucky. It’s being hospitalized and nursed back to health. Watch out for make up releases as soon as their beloved member returns to the roads.
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Stop, drop, and roll.
Pennywise is going to be burning up the East Coast and the Midwest leaving nothing but ashes. From The Ashes, Pennywise’s newest release, has been called the pinnicale of Pennywise’s 15 year career! Catch them play their new songs and beyond on tour this spring with Guttermouth, Bleed The Dream and Stretch Armstrong! 2/18 Washington, DC 930 Club, 2/19 Philadelphia, PA The Trocadero, 2/22 Cleveland, OH Agora Theatre, 2/26 Pontiac, MI Clutch Cargo's, 2/27 Chicago, IL House of Blues, 2/28 Milwaukee, WI The Rave, 2/29 Minneapolis, MN The Quest.
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Well I heard…
Norma Jean would like to clear up the Middle School gossip and clarify that Brad Norris will no longer be singing with the band. There are no hard feelings between the band and Brad. Hooray! The band is still planning on making it to their U.K. tour this month so look out! Cory Putman is the lifesaver who will be filling in as their vocalist for those shows. A full U.S. tour in March/April is also still on the band’s agenda!
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Hittn’ the road
Portuguese goth-metal pioneers Moonspell will embark on a national tour alongside Opeth and Devildriver running through February 28th! Moonspell’s tour is in support of their critically acclaimed new album, The Antidote, heralded as their best offering since the landmark Wolfheart and Irreligious albums.
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Life in the luxury lane..
Living lifestyles of the rich and famous are Benji and Joel Madden, Good Charlotte, launching their new record company, D.C. FLAG RECORDS. The very first thing on their agenda, releasing Lola Ray’s "I Don’t Know You" out April 6th, 2004. Described by Benji "as New York garage rock, but more on the rock side, not as dirty" you sure won’t want to miss this album! (30)
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EVERY OTHER SHOW?
Yet another band is showing off their hard time spent in the studio over winter! The Everyothers are embarking themselves on a U.S. tour for the next few months. Post tour will be the release of their latest self titles work expected to come out March, 29th! If ants are taking over your pants be sure not to miss one of these shows to catch a glimpse of the upcoming rock of The Everyothers: Feb. 18 Echo Lounge Atlanta, GA, Fri, Feb. 20 Walters Houston, TX., Wed, Feb. 25 Plush Tucson, AZ., Fri., Feb. 27 TBD Oakland, Ca., Sat., Feb. 28 TBD San Francisco, Tue., March 2 and more!

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