* UK magazine debuts “Shakencutt”
* Our Own Ghost City streaming exclusively on Punknews.org
* Band seeks new drummer

——————————————————————————————————

Helen Earth Band recently premiered the second video from its critically-acclaimed debut album, Our Own Ghost City. “Shakencutt” was released exclusively on Rock Sound and follows up the band’s first video for “(We All) Talk With Knives.”

The majority of the Shakencutt video was created using still photos – a total of 5,334 – taken with a Canon 5D Mark II and a 35mm prime lens by photographer Phill Tornroth. The video was directed and edited by Helen Earth Band vocalist / guitarist Marc Allen.

You can stream Our Own Ghost City in its entirety exclusively on Punknews.org.

The Southern California outfit is also actively seeking a new drummer. If you are interested in auditioning please contact the band: info@helenearthband.com

Having played in bands ranging from the Jon Rauhouse Sextet to Counterfit to Finch, the members of Helen Earth Band have a vast and varied history. The group is one of those rare entities that appeal to both the musician and the music fan. The band combines powerful melodies with a striking depth, creating songs that are accessible yet tastefully complex. Helen Earth Band chases symmetry and pushes its music to the pinnacle while using space and restraint to broaden the dynamics within each track. The band abounds with complex rhythms, textured guitar, intertwining harmonies and atmospheric undertones. Still, the songs are never betrayed: only enhanced by the band’s ambitious and keen musical ear. Practicing a true independent spirit, Helen Earth Band has blazed its own trail strictly on its own terms.

* Diatribe Or Die! released today
* EP streaming exclusively on Absolute Punk

——————————————————————————————————

Mightier Than Sword recently welcomed Scottsboro, Alabama’s Latin For Truth to its roster. Playing a rad mix of positive pop-punk and hardcore, the band is a perfect fit for the label, which is excited to issue the quintet’s latest digital release, Diatribe Or Die!. The EP is out today and available on all major digital download sites.

You can stream the entire Diatribe Or Die! EP exclusively on Absolute Punk right now.

Forging a new path with Diatribe Or Die!, Latin For Truth finds common ground through punk rock with a conscious. Echoing influences of the past while maintaining a modern feel, the band barrels through six songs that stress making a difference and staying positive. “You can flaunt the flag while we save the ship” might sound like a bold call to arms at first but Latin For Truth backs it up on Diatribe Or Die!.

* Pay what you choose for two weeks ( 08/02-8/16 )
* The Golden Age to be physically released August 24th
* Pre-Order 12″ Vinyl now
* Album streaming exclusively on Punknews.org

——————————————————————————————————

To celebrate the impending release of The Golden Age, the debut full-length from Orlando, FL’s Go Rydell, Black Numbers has made the ten-song album available as a donation-based download until August 16th.

The Golden Age was produced by Roger Lima (Less Than Jake, Rehasher) and mastered by Stephen Egerton (Descendents, All). Fans of Kid Dynamite and Shook Ones should definitely take note.

Go here to grab a digital copy of the record for whatever amount of money you see fit … even if that amount is zero ( you cheap, soul-less bastard ).

Of course, if you appreciate the real deal, you can pre-order the vinyl version of The Golden Age right now, which will see a slightly pushed-back release date of August 24th. The first 12″ pressing will be limited to 500 copies ( 100 Blue, 150 White, 250 Green ) and includes a free digital download which will be sent out at the time of purchase. Additionally, the band pressed limited-edition, hand-screened CDs that you can pre-order as well. Swing on by the Black Numbers webstore and grab your copies now!

The Golden Age is streaming in its entirety exclusively on Punknews.org and you can download to the title track below.

Listen to “The Golden Age” ( free mp3 )

Go Rydell formed in Orlando, Florida in 2009 with sights set on playing a style of music the members grew up on. As a result, there is a certain romanticism and pureness that emanates from the The Golden Age. Mixing heartfelt lyrics with short bursts of punk rock fury to create a fun, positive atmosphere, the band’s dynamic take on melodic hardcore is ripe with conviction and a palpable sincerity. With a raw injection of energy and enthusiasm, Go Rydell push beyond its influences with supreme confidence.

* Of Gold 12″ LP to be released by Friction Records ( 08/24/10 )
* Download 1st single, “The Hustle” ( free mp3 )
* Release Show: Sept 11 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Founders

——————————————————————————–

Of Gold, the debut full-length from Bars Of Gold, is now available for pre-order. The 12″ LP marks the 50th release for Friction Records and will see an official street date of August 24th from the venerable Michigan label.

If you’re in or near the Grand Rapids, MI area, there will be a release show on September 11th. For more info go here.

Featuring former Bear Vs Shark front man Marc Paffi, as well as original BvS drummer Brandon Moss and members of instrumental noise outfit Wildcatting, Bars Of Gold’s overall sound doesn’t fall far from its punk roots. Still, the outfit explores wonderfully uncharted territories, embracing elements of soul, garage rock and Americana.

Currently the band is streaming three brand new songs from the album on its myspace page, including “The Hustle,” which you can also download at the link below.

Listen to “The Hustle” (free mp3)

Undoubtedly one of 2010’s most anticipated releases, Of Gold is limited to a pressing of 500 on translucent orange and translucent green vinyl. It features artwork by Paffi and each copy will come with an mp3 download code for all the songs.

Bars Of Gold embodies both reckless abandon and creative inspiration, and it wraps it all in bouncy, pop-tinged bursts of sonic goodness. You won’t just hear these songs in your head – you’ll feel them in the pit of your stomach as the chaotic rumble gives way to a creaky banjo or whirling synths. These are gritty rock anthems for adults: a welcome, rollicking respite from juvenile themes and uninspired songwriting. Don’t miss out on this one, folks.

- Bars of God is a religious experience and the reason I find myself falling in love with music over and over again. – The Sunday Idiom
- If Fugazi had David Yow as a front man, but played like they lived off a steady diet of funk and MC5 records they’d sound a lot like this. Wow. – Metro Times
- Melodic and raspy ( think MC5 if sung by a highly caffeinated Tom Waits ) with complex, often jarring instrumentation, abrupt breaks and tons of fiery energy. – One Thirty BPM

* You Will Not Survive out September 21st
* Pre-order 12″ LP now
* First track leaked

——————————————————————————————————

Fresh off yet another successful European tour, The Saddest Landscape is proud to announce its first full-length release in seven years. Entitled You Will Not Survive, the record is set for a release date of September 21st, 2010.

You can check out the first song from You Will Not Survive, “Declaring War On Nostalgia,” as well as pre-order the 12″ LP here.

You might not know who The Saddest Landscape is, but you should. Originally formed in 2002, the band made a name for itself in the screamo underground with multiple releases and splits with genre greats such as The Pine and Funeral Diner. After being dormant for 2006 and 2007, the band reconvened to play a few European shows in 2008. Those shows lead to The Saddest Landscape’s reemergence in 2009 and thus You Will Not Survive, the band’s first full-length release since 2003.

Haunting and massive in its scope, You Will Not Survive echoes a maelstrom of emotions while retaining a staggering poise and precision. Rarely does a record push you so close to the edge only to save you at its dying breath. The Saddest Landscape provides cathartic therapy for desperate and dark matters of the heart. With passionate vocals and pummeling, powerful instrumentation, the band never relents and continues to redefine listeners’ expectations. You Will Not Survive reestablishes The Saddest Landscape within the scene and firmly entrenches the band as a pioneer in the ever-evolving screamo genre.

* Diatribe Or Die! to be released August 3rd
* Band leaks first track on Myspace
* Full-length recording plans

——————————————————————————————————

Mightier Than Sword is stoked to welcome Scottsboro, Alabama’s Latin For Truth to its growing roster. The label will be issuing the band’s newest digital release, Diatribe Or Die!, on August 3rd, 2010.

Check out “Mexicaine De Perforation,” the first song from the EP, on the band’s Myspace page.

Forging a new path with Diatribe Or Die!, Latin For Truth finds common ground through punk rock with a conscious. Echoing influences of the past while maintaining a modern feel, Latin For Truth barrels through six songs that stress making a difference and staying positive. “You can flaunt the flag while we save the ship” might sound like a bold call to arms at first but the band backs it up on Diatribe Or Die!.

In related news, Latin For Truth will head into the studio to begin recording its first full-length for Mightier Than Sword in the coming months. Look for the record late 2010 / early 2011.

* Nothing Is Fucked Here out August 1st
* This Is Our Concern, Dude. 7″ available now on Black Numbers
* Stream This Is Our Concern, Dude. on Punknews

——————————————————————————————————

Coffeebreath And Heartache is proud to announce a very special record from Jersey City’s Banquets. The German label will be issuing the first European release from the band, entitled Nothing Is Fucked Here.

Last Month, Banquets released its debut, This Is Our Concern, Dude., on Black Numbers. The 7″ featured four songs with a title paying homage to The Big Lebowski. Now German label Coffeebreath and Heartache is following with Nothing Is Fucked Here!. The release contains the 4 songs off the debut 7“ plus two exclusive tracks that have not been released anywhere else. The six songs come on a one-sided 12“ LP with a handscreend B-side and is strictly limited to 200 copies (100 on mintgreen 180 gram wax, 100 on clear wax).

Check out a song from the releases below or you can stream This Is Our Concern, Dude. in its entirety on Punknews.

Listen to “Eleanor, I Need a Garden” (mp3)

Banquets approach to punk rock is a breath of fresh air in a crowded scene. While admittedly the band was originally formed for fun by a group of friends, Banquets’ debut 7-inch, This Is Our Concern, Dude., flashes some impressive songwriting. That should come as little surprise though given the band’s pedigree. These guys have paid their dues in previous bands. Banquets lead singer Travis Omilian was the original singer for the Let Me Run and others have played in bands such as Static Radio, The Stand In and The Banner. Those past experiences have obviously served them well as the band’s rustic brand of anthemic and melodic punk rock should have fans of The Gaslight Anthem and The Loved Ones drooling for more.

* In support of new Self-Titled full-length – out July 20th
* Pre-Order LP / CD now from Run For Cover
* Stream entire album @ Punknews.org

——————————————————————————————————

Beginning next Tuesday, Wallingford, Connecticut’s Hostage Calm will embark on a month-long tour of the United States in support of its upcoming Self-Titled full-length, which is due out from Run For Cover Records on July 20, 2010.

The band will be joined by fellow Constitution Staters and recent Paper + Plastick signees, Make Do And Mend, for about half the shows.

Engineered and co-produced by Greg Thomas at Silver Bullet Studios ( Ambitions, Shai Hulud, Life In Your Way ) Hostage Calm’s highly anticipated sophomore effort – pressed on both 12″ LP and CD formats – is currently available for pre-order from Run For Cover. You can secure your copy from the up-and-coming Boston label here or snag one from the band at shows.

And if you’re the cautious, “try before you buy” type, Punknews.org has just launched an exclusive stream of the entire record here.

With an in-depth understanding of Silent Majority, Turning Point and Quicksand, Hostage Calm’s 2008 debut, Lens, was a comprehensive lesson on how punk / hardcore should sound. Riding that creative momentum, the quintet took a year to write and a year to record its Self-Titled follow up … and it’s safe to say that the band’s knack for composing intelligent tunes is matched only by the its musical ambition. While hints of those Dag Nasty arpeggios and the skipping Descendents-esque beats remain, they’re cradled by the lush layers of jangling acoustic guitars, quick tambourine hits and resonating piano accompaniments. Think The Smiths’ The Queen is Dead, with its blending of styles into one cohesive, all encompassing indie / pop album. Hostage Calm never compromises its energy, but touches lightly on everything from doo wop and new wave to Latin and power pop. Truly a singular effort, there’s a bit of something for every notch in the music-fan spectrum. Still, Hostage Calm never completely strays from the scene responsible for its inception.

One more quick note: the members of Hostage Calm will be updating the world on their cross country adventures via Plug In Music’s new Musician Blog feature. If you’d like to keep tabs on the debauchery, go here.

As always, if you’d like to attend a show or speak with the band, drop me a line here.

TOUR
——————————————————————————————————

JUL 06 – Baltimore, MD @ Charm City Art Space w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 07 – Richmond, VA @ Tight!House w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 08 – High Point, NC @ Arts By Alexander w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 09 – Johnson City, TN @ The Hideaway w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 10 – Charlotte, NC @ Lunchbox Records w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 11 – Charleston, SC @ The Summerville Legion w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 12 – Griffin, GA @ 124 Oak Street w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 13 – Birmingham, AL @ The Firehouse w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 14 – Nashville, TN @ Rocketown w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 15 – St. Louis, MO @ Fubar w/ Make Do And Mend, Heartsounds, This Is Hell
JUL 16 – Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot
JUL 17 – Denver, CO @ Blast O Mat w/ This Is Hell
JUL 18 – Albuquerque, NM @ TBA
JUL 19 – Mesa, AZ @ The Underground w/ Teenage Bottlerocket, Banner Pilot
JUL 21 – Los Angeles, CA @ TBA
JUL 22 – Canoga Park, CA @ Cobalt Cafe
JUL 23 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Sound and Fury Festival
JUL 24 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Sound and Fury Festival
JUL 25 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Sound and Fury Festival
JUL 26 – Fresno, CA @ The CYC w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 28 – San Francisco, CA @ Sub-Mission
JUL 29 – Olympia, WA @ Black Lake Grange w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 30 – Bremerton, WA @ AFU Hall w/ Make Do And Mend
JUL 31 – Tacoma, WA @ The Viaduct w/ Make Do And Mend, Shook Ones
AUG 03 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Beat
AUG 04 – Cedar Falls, IA @ 1108 House
AUG 05 – Indianapolis, IN @ Dojo
AUG 06 – Ann Arbor, MI @ Metal Frat
AUG 07 – Romeo, MI @ Static Age
AUG 08 – Cleveland, OH @ Now That’s Class

* Of Gold 12″ / Digital out August 24, 2010
* Featuring members of Bear Vs Shark, Wildcatting
* 1st single, “The Hustle,” available on iTunes
* 3 new songs streaming on myspace

——————————————————————————–

Friction Records is pleased to announce that on August 24th, 2010, it will release Of Gold, the debut 12″ from Bars Of Gold.

Featuring former Bear Vs Shark front man Marc Paffi, as well as original BvS drummer Brandon Moss and members of instrumental noise outfit Wildcatting, Bars Of Gold’s overall sound doesn’t fall far from its punk roots. Still, the Michigan five piece manages to branch out into wonderfully uncharted territories, embracing elements of pulsing soul, dirty garage rock and dusty americana.

Regarding a recent Bars Of Gold performance, Detroit’s Metro Times proclaimed, “If Fugazi had David Yow as a front man, but played like they lived off a steady diet of funk and MC5 records they’d sound a lot like this. Wow.”

That’s not a statement to be taken lightly, but then again, neither is Of Gold, which is all at once explosive, contemplative, unpredictable, smooth-yet-caustic and, perhaps just as importantly, downright fun. Limited to a pressing of 500 on opaque orange and translucent green vinyl, this brilliant 12″ features artwork by Paffi and will come with a free download code for all the songs. Pre-orders are scheduled to start at the beginning of August. More details forthcoming, but for now you can grab the album’s first single, “The Hustle,” from iTunes.

The band is currently streaming “The Hustle” and two other new songs on its myspace page as well.

Undoubtedly one of 2010’s most anticipated releases, Of Gold is reckless abandon and creative inspiration wrapped in bouncy, pop-tinged bursts of sonic goodness. It’s fist pumping energy tossed against hip-shaking grooves, tempered by warmly rustic passages and wide open spaces. You won’t just hear these songs in your head – you’ll feel them in the pit of your stomach as the chaotic rumble gives way to a creaky banjo or whirling synths. These are gritty rock anthems for adults; a welcome, rollicking respite from juvenile themes and uninspired songwriting. Don’t miss out on this one, folks.

TRACK LIST
——————————————————————————–

01. Boss Level
02. Heaven Has A Heater
03. Birds
04. The Hustle
05. ……….
06. Doctors & Lawyers
07. Up, Up, Up
08. Cannibals

* The Golden Age to be released July 27th
* Pre-Order 12″ Vinyl now
* Tour with Nightlights starts today ( 06/22 – 07/13 )

——————————————————————————————————

BLACK NUMBERS welcomes Orlando, FL’s GO RYDELL to its expanding roster. On July 27th, the New Jersey label will be issuing the band’s debut full-length, The Golden Age, on 12-inch vinyl and is now taking Pre-Orders for the LP.

Produced by Roger Lima ( Less Than Jake, Rehasher ) and mastered by Stephen Egerton ( Descendents ), the first pressing will be limited to 500 copies ( 100 Blue, 150 White, 250 Green ) and includes a free digital download. Swing on by the Black Numbers webstore now and grab your copy.

Listen to “The Golden Age” (mp3)

Go Rydell formed in Orlando, Florida in 2009 with sights set on playing a style of music the members grew up on. As a result, there is a certain romanticism and pureness that emanates from the The Golden Age. Mixing heartfelt lyrics with short bursts of punk rock fury to create a fun, positive atmosphere, the band’s dynamic take on melodic hardcore is ripe with conviction and a palpable sincerity. With a raw injection of energy and enthusiasm, Go Rydell push beyond its influences with supreme confidence. Fans of Kid Dynamite and Shook Ones should take note!

Go Rydell is set to embark on a sweet East Coast tour with the equally rad Nightlights. The tour will see them playing with awesome bands such as label-mates Banquets, as well as Maker, Spraynard, Touch Amore, Late Nite Wars, Bearings and The Motorcycle Industry. You can check out the tour poster here and the dates below.

As always, if you’d like to attend a show or speak with the band, drop me a line here.

TOUR
——————————————————————————————————

JUN 22 – Gainesville, FL @ 1982 w/ Maker, Late Nite Wars, Battle!
JUN 23 – Pembroke Pines, FL @ The Talent Farm w/ Touche Amore
JUN 24 – Orlando, FL @ Hoops Tavern w/ Touche Amore, Maker, Late Nite Wars, Nightlights, Battle
JUN 25 – Atlanta, GA @ PS Warehouse w/ Nightlights, Maker, Late Nite Wars
JUN 26 – Greenville, SC @ The Channel w/ Nightlights
JUN 27 – Greensboro, NC @ Arts By Alexander w/ Nightlights, Late Night Wars
JUN 29 – Richmond, VA @ The Camel w/ Nightlights
JUN 30 – Philadelphia, PA @ The OX w/ Nightlights
JUL 01 – Nanuet, NY @ Le Garage w/ Nightlights, Motorcycle Industry
JUL 02 – Mendon, MA @ RAD Skatepark w/ Nightlights
JUL 03 – Garden City, NY @ EHS w/ Nightlights
JUL 04 – Happauge, NY @ House Show w/ Nightlights, Ink and Lead
JUL 05 – Hackettstown, NJ @ House Show w/ Nightlights, Banquets
JUL 06 – Wester Chester, PA @ Basement Show w/ Nightlights, Bearings, Spraynard
JUL 07 – York, PA @ The Skid Row Garage w/ Nightlights
JUL 08 – Bethlehem, PA @ Secret Art Space w/ Nightlights
JUL 09 – Baltimore, MD @ Charm City Art Space w/ Nightlights
JUL 11 – Savannah, GA @ Sweet Mellisa’s Pizza Place w/ Nightlights
JUL 13 – Pembroke Pines, FL @ The Talent Farm w/ Nightlights, Featherweight