July 2005 News

A7 VS ATREYU: BRING IT!!
Seems all's not well in the O.C., as Warped Tour co-headliners Avenged Sevenfold and Atreyu have been sparring via the U.K.'s rock weekly, KERRANG! A7's M. Shadows claims, "Atreyu are leading the scene that we want to get out of. [...] I wouldn't say we are fucking friends," and accuses Atreyu of ripping off a song intro. KERRANG! gave Atreyu a chance to respond to the allegations with vocalist Alex Varkatzas saying, "As far as we knew we were on good terms with the guys, having toured with them briefly in the past. We were looking forward to seeing them again on the Warped Tour so we're slightly taken aback by all of this. I guess if you're not down with Atreyu, you can go fuck yourself."

SAVE CB'S!!!!
As has been known since earlier this year, CBGB's, punk-rock's birthplace at 315 Bowery, may have to close because of a years-old dispute with Bowery Residents Committee, which holds the lease on the building (owned by SF Associates) and took CBGB's to court in their quest to collect upwards of $300,000 in back rent. So, to help save the club, a Website (www.savecbgb.org) has been set up where you can sign a petition and do your part to salvage this music-venue landmark. It only takes a second. Do it!

THORP SIGNING
THORP RECORDS is stoked to welcome Maine metallic hardcore purveyors On the Outside. They're headed into The Outpost this summer to record their debut full-length. Expect a late fall release.

ALWAYS ORGANIZED AND FAIR, AMERICAN DEMOCRACY AT WORK
On June 10, Rep. Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, led a hearing looking into the renewal of the Patriot Act (which would expire in September). He wasn't happy with the tone of the meeting (where both sides accused each other of being irresponsible and undemocratic), so he walked out with the gavel, but not before he criticized the witnesses (many from Amnesty International USA and others who've questioned the act's constitutionality) who came and gave their testimony to the committee. Once Sensenbrenner left, the microphones were switched on and off while the Democratic members of the committee continued to discuss the renewal of the Patriot Act in this chaotic atmosphere.

TELL US THE TRUTH!
TIMES OF LONDON published a "smoking gun" memo on President Bush's lies leading to the Iraq war. Six months before the invasion the administration admitted to British officials that, contrary to what the American public was told, the White House was determined to go to war and was "fixing" intelligence on WMDs to justify the move. Bush refused to address the evidence in the "Downing Street Memo", but pressure is building from the people and the press. Representative John Conyers launched a citizens petition to demand answers. Once 500,000 people have signed, he will personally deliver your comments to the gates of the White House. Sign at: www.moveonpac.org

BAD RELIGION KICKS
The latest addition to the Vans Band Project Series is the Bad Religion Sk8-Hi. Vans and BR worked together to design and develop this limited edition sneaker, which was made to the band's specifications. Featuring a ripstop upper and black sidestripe, they're available in limited quantities for a limited time in men's sizes up to 13 and in boys' sizes 3.5 to 6.0 on www.vans.com from $50-$55.

BEAT IT
They say money (and fame) can't buy happiness, but freedom? Well, that's another thing. As seen with O.J., Kobe, "Baretta" (Robert Blake), et al, Michael Jackson is a free man and proves Johnny Cochran's statement "The color of justice is green," yet again. Acquitted of all 10 counts in his child molestation case, The King of Pop has been found not guilty, despite some jurors suggesting they suspected he's had a history of pedophilia but didn't believe the accusers in this particular instance.

WHATEVER...
On June 11, CLUELESS actress Alicia Silverstone wed her boyfriend of eight years, S.T.U.N. frontman Christopher Jarecki at Lake Tahoe, exchanging vows barefoot on the beach.

RISKY BUSINESS
In other marriage news, lovestruck Tom Cruise, after displaying disconcertingly psychotic behavior while making the talk-show rounds (most notably on OPRAH...) during his press tour for WAR OF THE WORLDS, has popped the question to DAWSON'S CREEK alum Katie Holmes atop the Eiffel Tower June 17, dispelling many-a-naysayer's belief that the "romance" was all a publicity stunt.

WISE UP
Fifteen-year veteran punk act Pennywise are set to release their eighth studio album, THE FUSE, August 9 on Epitaph. The first single from it will be "Disconnect", which hit the airwaves in June.

WITH HONOR'S REVENGE
Hardcore act With Honor, one of Victory's latest signings, are in the process of recording their debut LP for the label entitled THIS IS OUR REVENGE with Brian McTernan at Maryland's Salad Days studios. The follow-up to 2004's HEART MEANS EVERYTHING, REVENGE is to be released October 18.

ROLLINS WRITINGS
November 16 will see the release of Henry Rollins' latest writing venture, ROMMANITARIAN. The book is divided into three sections, with the first being a poem, the second comprising a number of prose pieces, while the third is made up of ersatz love letters and bears the title "To Ann Hitler with Love".

INNERSTRENGTH SIGNING
Innerstrength Records has just added Wilkes-Barre, PA-based metal four-piece Ethereal Collapse (whose debut full-length is set for a late-summer release) to their ranks. Check out a track from their demo at www.myspace.com/innerstrengthrecords. For more info go to: www.innerstrengthrecords.net.

BUSTIN' OUT
California's Bust! Streetwear, a new clothing company that sponsors bands such as Comeback Kid, The Warriors, Champion, Modern Life Is War, Internal Affairs, and With or Without You have some designs up at their Website (www.buststreetwear.com) and will be doing exclusive band shirts and a DVD this year.

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME UPDATES
Between the Buried and Me have finished tracking their new album, ALASKA. The band's latest will be in stores September 6, and in the meantime, they'll be on tour with Sinai Beach, The Acacia Strain, and From A Second Story Window July 7-18; The Acacia Strain, The Red Chord, and From A Second Story Window July 19-31; and The Acacia Strain, The Red Chord, and Premonitions of War August 1-21. Check www.victoryrecords.com or www.betweentheburiedandme.com for all tour dates.

WARRIORS
On June 8 in celebration of THE WARRIOR'S CODE (Hellcat), their fifth studio album, Dropkick Murphys led family, friends, and hometown fans from their album listening party and video premiere at the newly-opened Game On! Sports Cafe inside Fenway Park to a twilight celebration atop the stadium's right field roof. No doubt the reigning kings of fusing traditional Irish folk, punk, and rock 'n' roll will be playing some of these new tunes while out on the Warped Tour this summer.

TEAM IDIOT (?!) DATES
Idiot Pilot will be on tour with Team Sleep in July. Check www.idiotpilot.com for info. While you're there you can sign up for the Idiot Pilot mailing list and get a free remix of "To Buy A Gun".

PREORDER TRAINWRECK
Boys Night Out's sophomore full-length, TRAINWRECK (Ferret Music) is now available for preorder. The album is set for release July 26, but preorders will begin shipping July 21 and include a limited edition signed poster set comprising three 11x17 posters based on the album art. View the posters and preorder the new album at www.ferretstyle.com/store.

SAGE FRANCIS TO ROCK THE BELLS
July 30 marks the return of Sage Francis to Rock The Bells Festival at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA where he'll share the stage with seminal hip-hop acts like NAS, Guru, and Redman. His latest album is A HEALTHY DISTRUST. If he'll perform a song or two in his underwear as was the case last year remains to be seen...

GIRLZ GIRLZ GIRLZ
The Girlz Garage has set up an auction with custom hand-painted slip-ons designed by Dropkick Murphys, Pennywise, Atmosphere, NOFX, Rancid, and Bouncing Souls, to name a few. Proceeds go to Boarding For Breast Cancer and Keep A Breast Foundation. Go to http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZwarpedtour05auction for more.

ASG/RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS
Three new tracks off ASG's upcoming album FEELIN' GOOD IS GOOD ENOUGH (due October 11) appear at www.purevolume.com/asg. Also find three new Riverboat Gamblers demos at www.purevolume.com/riverboatgamblers.

THIS ENGINE IS DOWN
Richmond, VA's Engine Down, who formed in '96 and just released a self-titled album on Lookout! last year, have decided to break up. But before they call it a day, the band are heading out on their final U.S. tour from August 3 to September 4 with Bella Lea and Des_Ark. Check www.enginedown or www.lookoutrecords.com for the specifics.

R.I.P.
Soul Asylum bass player/founding member Karl Mueller died in Minneapolis June 17 at the age of 41 from esophageal cancer. He had been initially diagnosed with the disease in May 2004.

NAPALM DEATH
Only confirmed after the British elections, Defense minister Adam Ingram revealed that 30 MK77 firebombs (an "advancement" of napalm used in Vietnam and Korea) were used against military targets during the Iraq invasion between March 31 and April 2, 2003 by the U.S. In his defense, he said he unintentionally misled Parliament because he'd been misinformed by U.S.officials (who only admitted to using the weapons when the evidence had become unquestionable). There are also rumors the weapons were used last year, but this has not yet been corroborated.

PARTY ANIMALS
Abacus has announced they will be releasing Turbonegro's latest album, PARTY ANIMALS, stateside August 23 and this version of the CD will come with a DVD as well.

LET IT GO ALREADY
A few days following the mid-June postmortem examination of the brain-damaged Terri Schiavo proved no treatment could have helped her before her feeding tube had been removed in March, Florida Governor Jeb Bush has now shamefully decided to keep the case alive even though the whole saga should be done with. He's asked a state prosecutor to investigate the moments after Schiavo's collapse 15 years ago because he's steadfast in his belief that her husband, Michael, delayed calling paramedics once he found her unconscious and for inconsistencies Michael stated in the past of just when he found her. Michael has said he wasn't exactly sure of the time he called for help, but did so immediately.

WHAT A DEPOSED DESPOT WANTS
Featured in July's GQ magazine is a piece on U.S. guards who have spoken with the captive Saddam Hussein. Revealed are some things the dethroned tyrant likes and dislikes. The Iraq ex-ruler has a penchant for "soggy" Doritos, Raisin Bran Crunch, beverages at room temperature, and he is fond of Reagan and Clinton. On the outs with Hussein are Froot Loops, the American Red Cross, and (shock!) Bush father and son. Also of note, he invited the guards back to Iraq for a personal tour once he is(yup( restored to power.

IN BLOOM
Flowerbooking has announced the (initial) details of Flower 15, a six-night showcase/fundraiser that will celebrate 15 years of independent success, to occur November 8-13 at Chicago's Metro. Expect appearances by Jimmy Eat World, Isis, Ted Leo/Pharmacists, and a reunion of The Promise Ring. The aim is to raise $50,000 (or more) for Possibilities in Life: Art for Youth (P.L.A.Y.) for program expansion to bring art/music classes to abused children in Chicago's foster-care system.

EQUAL VISION SIGNING
Equal Vision has signed hardcore five-piece Versus the Mirror and will be putting out the Tucson band's EP later this year.

ROCKET SUMMER
JamisonParker and The Rocket Summer will be on tour throughout July with Hellogoodbye and Houston Calls. Check www.jamisonparker.com for all dates. The band's new album, SLEEPWALKER, hits stores July 12 on Interscope Records, while The Rocket Summer's HELLO, GOOD FRIEND came out last month on The Militia Group.

PUMPKINS RESURRECTION
Following the release of his solo album, THE FUTURE EMBRACE (Reprise), Billy Corgan has stated his desire to revive alternative favorites Smashing Pumpkins, which broke up in 2000. No word on which former members will be joining the frontman. "I want my band back, and my songs, and my dreams," said Corgan, who also started up his own band Zwan a few years back.

RUFIO'S CALL FOR HELP
Rufio's trailer was stolen after their show in Montreal June 21, in turn losing all their gear, merch, and luggage. On tour with Alkaline Trio in support of THE COMFORT OF HOME (Nitro) before they head off to join up with the Warped Tour, the band has posted that you can help out by sending money to rufio@newnoisemanagement.com through PayPal or to:
Rufio
c/o New Noise Management
207 N. Broadway
Suite I
Santa Ana, CA 92701

TRAPT IN CONTROL
Rock band Trapt are set to release their follow-up to their 2002 self-titled album, SOMEONE IN CONTROL (Warner Bros.) September 13. In the meantime, the first single from the album hit the airwaves July 11.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
As of June 22, Hawthorne Heights were at #62 on Billboard Top 200 with their album THE SILENCE IN BLACK AND WHITE (which has been out for a year and to date has sold 341,771 copies) and won the Pacesetter Award. Congrats.

TOP SECURITY
In the first week of its release, SHADOWS ARE SECURITY (Metal Blade) has skyrocketed As I Lay Dying to #35 on the Billboard Top 200 with 33,224 scanned as of June 22. The band will be promoting the album on this summer's Ozzfest.

WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT: FREEDOM OR THE SYMBOL?
That's the question (once again) being put before the nation's legislature. On June 22, the Republican-led House of Representatives voted 286-130 in favor of a measure to protect the American flag against desecration, in what can be viewed as "a test of patriotism." The measure perhaps won't pass in the Senate (where it's been killed the six previous times it's been up for vote after passing in the House), but still could go Republicans' way. No doubt the issue can negatively affect Democrat chances in the 2006 and '08 elections, what with Republicans never fearful of bringing up 9/11 and "exploiting the attacks," and Democrats more in favor of protecting free-speech rights. But as Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) said, "If the flag needs protection at all, it needs protection from members of Congress who value the symbol more than the freedoms that the flag represents."

YOU'RE FIRED!
Apokalypse Records has decided to part ways with the band Undercover Slut, but will still be distributing their album COMMUNISM IS FASCISM. The picture disc version will be available September 11, but their upcoming split with Rebel Rebel has been cancelled. Still, all is amicable, as the label wishes "the band all the best for the continuation of their career."

END ON END
Dallas, TX's Red Animal War have signed to End Records and are currently finishing up their fourth full-length, SEVEN YEAR WAR. Also, the band welcomed a new drummer to the fold and, with End Records, are making music videos for the release, two of which will be included on the enhanced CD. Also newly signed to End Records is The Mag Seven, an all-instrumental band featuring ex-members of Tsunami Bomb and Slowride, and current members of Hagfish, Armstrong, and Only Crime. The guys are currently writing material for their third LP, which they're set to record in September.

UNDERMINDED ON TOUR
Underminded left for tour at the end of June and will be out crisscrossing the nation through the month of July with Lorene Drive. For all dates, check: http://www.underminded.com/shows.html.

KIDS OF THE BLACK HOLE
In support of O.C. CONFIDENTIAL (their first album of all-new material since 1988's BALBOA FUNZONE), which came out on Finger Records July 12, The Adolescents (who are celebrating their 25th anniversary as well) embarked on a North American tour (their first national jaunt since '89) July 14 in Boston and will be out till August 10 when they'll hit House of Blues(Anaheim. Check www.theadolescents.net for details.

-Janelle Jones

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