• We Ruined The Neighborhood out 10/11/11 from Say-10
• Now available digitally / streaming @ Bandcamp
• Video: “I Was Always Good At Lying”
• Free MP3: “Drop The ‘R’“

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We Ruined The Neighborhood, the debut full-length from Challenges (Millbury, MA) is now available for Pre-order from Say-10 (The Riot Before, GDP, Dirty Tactics). The album will see an official street date of October 11th on CD and LP format, with the latter being limited to 300 on green vinyl. These 11 stellar pop-punk gems are also available digitally via iTunes and Bandcamp, where you can also stream the record in its entirety.

To celebrate the upcoming release, Challenges and Say-10 are giving away ultra-rare vinyl test pressings of Neighborhood to two lucky pre-order customers. For more information, go here.

Recorded by Ian Van Opijnen (Born Without Bones, Energy, The Hotel Year) and originally self-released by the band in late 2010, We Ruined The Neighborhood is busting at the seams with passion, buoyant enthusiasm and a truckload of sing-along hooks. There’s no doubt that Challenges is a young band with energy to spare. In that respect, the quintet’s debut follows in the footsteps of contemporaries such as The Wonder Years, Four Year Strong and fellow Bay Staters, Transit. However, Neighborhood is able to harness that electricity and wrap it around engaging song structures and a surprisingly mature grasp of composition, bringing to mind pop-punk forefathers like Blink 182 and New Found Glory.

To download a free mp3 for the song “Drop The ‘R’” go here. Additionally, Challenges recently debuted a video for “I Was Always Good At Lying,” which you can view here.

In related news, Say-10 and Challenges will be teaming up again for a split 7″ with the UK’s Who’s Driving? Bears Driving!. The record will be released on November 22, 2011. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks.

* Premiering exclusively at Alternative Press
* New EP Don’t Bite Your Tongue out now from Pure Noise Records
* On tour with Hawthorne Heights

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HANDGUNS (Harrisburg, PA) has just unveiled a video for “A Year In Review,” the opening track from the band’s newly released EP, Don’t Bite Your Tongue. Head over to Alternative Press to check out the exclusive premier of the video, which was filmed and directed in NYC by Dane Hurt and Eric Dickey.

Recorded by Man Overboard’s Nick Bruzzese and mastered by Jesse Cannon (Saves The Day, Lifetime, Say Anything), this seven-song effort was released by Pure Noise Records on February 22 and is available on both 12″ vinyl and CD formats, as well as digitally from and iTunes and and Bandcamp.

Don’t Bite Your Tongue is rooted in the type of punchy pop punk that bands such New Found Glory and Pennsylvania brethren The Wonder Years have brought to the mainstream in recent years, chock full of starry guitar riffs, chunky rhythms and anthemic choruses. Handguns’ take on the genre is tight, compact and tidily packaged, but don’t let its pristine qualities fool you; the EP’s contents are ready to explode in your face and infect your brain as soon as you take off the lid. This is the sound of a band that has put years into the DIY underground scene but that also writes ultra-catchy, turbo-charged punk rock that has the potential to win over anyone who hears it.

You can stream Don’t Bite Your Tongue in its entirety at Bandcamp or download a free mp3 for “Scream Goodbye” here.

- It’s clear that that Handguns is headed for bigger things … plain and simple, this is an excellent pop-punk album. – Brooklyn Underground
- Fun, well written … Don’t Bite Your Tongue has everything that a good pop-punk record should have – Kill Your Stereo
- Handguns’ bouncy, upbeat, yet rough-around-the-edges take on the genre shines through. – Get an Earection

Finally, Handguns is currently touring the East Coast and Midwest with Hawthorne Heights and After Midnight Project. Dates are below. As always, if you’d like to attend a show or speak with the band, drop me a line here.

TOUR DATES
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APR 13 – New York City, NY @ Studio / Webster Hall w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 14 – South Hackensack, NJ @ School Of Rock w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 15 – Vineland, New Jersey @ Hangar 84 w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 16 – North East, MD @ North East Fire Hall w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 17 – Baltimore, MD @ Recher Theatre w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 19 – Charlotte, NC @ Tremont Music Hall w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 20 – Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligan Music Hall w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 21 – Fayetteville, NC @ The Rock Shop w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 23 – Johnson City, TN @ Spring Street Music Hall w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 26 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 29 – Terre Haute, IN @ The Venue w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
APR 30 – Bloomington, IN @ Rhinos w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
MAY 01 – Kalamazoo, MI @ The Strutt w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
MAY 03 – Parkersburg, WV @ Rader Music Venue w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
MAY 05 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
MAY 06 – Indianapolis, IN @ Rock House Cafe w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
MAY 07 – Lebanon, OH @ The Venue 42 w/ Hawthorne Heights, After Midnight Project
JUN 10 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Barbary

* Many upcoming shows in support of A Short Collection Of Short Songs
* 7-inch / digital now available from Animal Style Records
* New EP Castle Songs up for free download

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Beginning on March 12th MIXTAPES (Cincinnati, OH) will embark on a two week tour of the East Coast / Midwest in support of its latest EP, A Short Collection Of Short Songs.

Released in late 2010, the 6-song effort is now available on both 7″ vinyl and digital formats from Animal Style Records. The former is limited to a pressing of 500 on three colorways (orange / yellow mix, lime green, electric blue) and comes with a digital download, which includes a bonus cover of Hold Steady’s “Your Little Hoodrat Friend” available only to those who purchase the 7″. For more info go here or grab a copy from the band at a show.

In additional touring news, Mixtapes is currently booking dates for April and beyond, including a two week stint May with Dear Landlord and appearances at Stay Sweet Fest and Pouzza Fest. Confirmed shows are below although you can expect more to be added.

A Short Collection Of Short Songs is arguably Mixtapes’ strongest material to date, featuring six tracks of highly infectious, perfectly blended power pop and gritty punk rock. This tasty slab of plastic offers no shortage of dueling boy / girl vocals, buzzing guitars and sweet harmonies. You can stream all the songs at Bandcamp, or you can grab an mp3 for the song “I’m Like” here.

Finally, the band recently released Castle Songs, a two-track effort that can be downloaded for free from digital label Death To False Hope Records.

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

TOUR
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MAR 06 – Cincinnati, OH @ Fogartys w/ I Call Fives, Rust Belt Lights, Kid Liberty
MAR 12 – Altoona, PA @ Archway w/ Daytrader
MAR 13 – Columbus, OH @ Seven Venue w/ Daytrader
MAR 14 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Dojo w/ Daytrader
MAR 15 – St Louis, MO @ Rue13 w/ Banner Pilot, Humanoids, ShinSplints
MAR 21 – Covington, KY @ Mad Hatter w/ Light Years, All Out Best
MAR 22 – Pittsburgh, PA @ TBA w/ Light Years
MAR 23 – Baltimore, MD @ Charm City Art Space w/ Light Years
MAR 24 – Lancaster, PA @ Plum Shack w/ Light Years
MAR 25 – Wakefield, MA @ The United Unitarian Church w/ Light Years, Late Nite Wars
MAR 26 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fire w/ Laura Stevenson and the Cans
MAR 27 – Albany, NY @ Valentines w/ Light Years, I Was A Hero, Galleries
MAR 28 – Cleveland, OH @ Now That’s Class
MAR 30 – Newport, KY @ The Southgate House w/ The Challenged, Greenland Is Melting, Billy Wallace and the Virginia Blues
APR 10 – Covington, KY @ Mad Hatter w/ The Wonder Years, Fireworks, Such Gold, Make Do and Mend, Living with Lions
APR 15-17 – Richmond, VA @ Stay Sweet Fest / The Camel
APR 18 – Durham, NC @ Motorco Garage
MAY 06 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry w/ Dear Landlord, Banner Pilot, The Manix
MAY 07 – Chicago, IL @ The Beat Kitchen w/ Dear Landlord
MAY 08 – Cleveland, OH @ Now That’s Class w/ Dear Landlord
MAY 09 – Newport, KY @ The Southgate House w/ Dear Landlord
MAY 10 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Garfield Artworks w/ Dear Landlord
MAY 14 – Toronto @ TBA
MAY 15 – St. Catherines @ The Mansion House w/ Beat Noire
MAY 16 – Peterborough @ TBA
MAY 17 – Ottawa @ TBA
MAY 18 – Quebec, QC @ Bar-Coop l’Agitée w/ Dear Landlord
MAY 19 – Rimouski @ Petit Pavillion Agricole w/ Dear Landlord, Maladroit, Inside Riot
MAY 20-22 – Montreal, Canada @ Pouzza Fest
MAY 28 – Indianapolis, IN @ The dojo w/ Dear Landlord, New Creases

- Near-perfect pop-punk … refreshing and really,really f_cking good. – CanYouSeeTheSunset.com
- It’s a safe bet that every one of these songs will end up stuck in your head at some point. – Buzzlegoose.com
- Shockingly polished, surprisingly mature and occasionally brilliant … from a band that literally came out of nowhere. – Punknews.org

* The Plains out June 29, 2010
* Featuring members of Elliott, Falling Forward, Mouthpiece, The Enkindels, Stay Gold
* Full-length CD / LP to be released late 2010 (ARRCO / No Sleep)

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No Sleep Records is pleased to announce that on June 29, 2010, it will release The Plains, the debut 7″ from Frontier(s).

The newest vehicle for Elliott / Falling Forward front man Chris Higdon, Frontier(s) also features Matt Wieder (guitar) of Mouthpiece / The Enkindels and drummer Eagle Barber of Stay Gold. The two songs on The Plains were recorded by Elliott / Wax Fang drummer Kevin Ratterman ( Coliseum, Bridge And Tunnel, Breather Resist, Black Cross ) at The Funeral Home in the band’s home town of Louisville, KY.

Limited to a pressing of 1000 on green, white and black colorways, the 7″ will come packaged in a tri-fold letter press jacket and include a free download card. Stay tuned for information regarding the vinyl’s pre-order at the end of April.

In other news, Frontier(s) will be releasing it’s debut full-length, There Will Be No Miracles Here, on Arena Rock Recording Co. in late 2010. No Sleep will be tackling the 12″ LP version while Arctic Rodeo will handle the album’s European release. Currently the band is streaming a track from the record on its Myspace page.

The aforementioned song, “Abul Abbas,” is available in mp3 format as well as part of No Sleep’s most recent free downloadable digital comp, No Sleep Till Death, which also features tracks from The Wonder Years, Balance And Composure, Into It. Over It. and La Dispute.

* No Sleep / Run For Cover to release CD / LP (05/11/10)
* Limited Edition Tees / Prints with art by Daniel Fishel
* New Songs streaming from both bands
* Balance And Composure – on Tour

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No Sleep and Run For Cover Records are pleased to announce that the upcoming split CD / LP between Balance And Composure and Tigers Jaw is now available for Pre-Order from both labels.

Featuring four new tracks from each band, plus a bonus digital-only offering from Balance And Composure, the split was recorded by Vince Ratti (The Wonder Years, Circa Survive, Valencia) and will officially be released on May 11, 2010. Right now you can pre-order the CD version from No Sleep here, while Run For Cover’s 12″ vinyl version (200 green, 300 brown, 500 black) can be secured here.

Additionally, each label is offering exclusive pre-order package deals featuring limited-edition tees and prints with artwork by the amazing Daniel Fishel.

As for the two Pennsylvanian bands, both have debuted more new songs on their respective myspace pages. Go here to listen to “Rope” from Balance And Composure and to stream “Lodging” from Tigers Jaw, click here.

In other news, Balance And Composure will spend much of April and May touring the East Coast and Midwest. As always, if you’d like to attend or speak with the band, drop me a line here.

Balance And Composure – Tour
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APR 16 – Manchester, NH @ Rocko’s w/ A Loss for Words, Man Overboard
APR 17 – Garden City, NY @ The Ethical Humanist Society w/ A Loss for Words, Man Overboard
APR 18 – Pittman, NJ @ The Wounded Healer w/ A Loss for Words, Man Overboard
APR 20 – Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club w/ A Loss for Words, Man Overboard
APR 21 – Zanesville, OH @ The Shotshot w/ A Loss for Words, Man Overboard
APR 22 – Saginaw, MI @ Snuggly Mug w/ A Loss for Words, Man Overboard
APR 23 – Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room w/ A Loss for Words, Man Overboard
APR 24 – Cleveland,OH @ The Rat w/ A Loss for Words, Man Overboard
APR 25 – Cincinnati, OH @ Warsaw Arena w/ A Loss for Words, Man Overboard
APR 26 – Kingston, PA @ The Black Lodge w/ A Loss for Words, Man Overboard
MAY 08 – Baltimore, MD @ Charm City Art Space w/ Everyone Everywhere
MAY 14 – Wilkes Barre, PA @ Cafe Metropolis w/ Tigers Jaw
MAY 15 – Chalfont, PA @ CUMC w/ End of a Year, Tigers Jaw, more
MAY 16 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church w/ The Wonder Years

* Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy Digital EP – out April 13th
* Band now streaming songs on Myspace

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Adeline Records (Green Day, AFI, Broadway Calls) welcomes its newest addition, the UK’s Save Your Breath. Fans of the label’s previous endeavors should fall for Save Your Breath’s brand of ultra melodic pop-punk.

The band’s first release for the label will be Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy. The EP includes six songs plus 2 exclusive bonus tracks and hits your favorite digital retailer on April 13th. This marks Save Your Breath’s first US release and is for fans of Motion City Soundtrack, New Found Glory, Set Your Goals and The Wonder Years.

Having already toured with The Wonder Years and recorded a split with Fireworks, Save Your Breath is ready to spread its wings across the fertile grounds of North America. Well-versed in hardcore, the band packs a mighty punch and has quickly made a name for itself in UK pop-punk circles. With a sharp tongue and even sharper wit, Save Your Breath hooks you with short, dynamic bursts of melody. Infused with heart and passion, Save Your Breath is a breath of fresh air in a clouded scene.

The band is currently streaming songs from Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy on its Myspace page.

* In Support of The Upsides (out Jan 26)
* Touring with Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
* Band now streaming 3nd new song, “Logan Circle”
* Other odds and ends – iTunes pre-order / limited edition posters / Kennedy’s departure

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Next Tuesday, Philadelphia’s The Wonder Years kicks off the first of five record release shows celebrating its highly-anticipated sophomore full-length, The Upsides. The album is being released on January 26th by No Sleep Records. There will be a 12″ version from Run For Cover as well.

The Upsides is currently available for pre-order from both labels, as is a digital version from iTunes, which includes an e-booklet featuring exclusive content such as song meanings and stories behind the lyrics.

Additionally, The Wonder Years is now streaming a third track from the record titled “Logan Circle.” To listen, cruise on over to the band’s myspace page where you can also stream the album’s first two singles, “Washington Square Park” and “Melrose Diner.”

It’s worth noting that artist James Heimer has created a series of five amazing posters, each corresponding to one of record release shows. They have been silk screened by hand and will be available in limited quantities of 30 at each show. To view the posters and for additional details, go here.

Immediately proceeding the last release show, the band will embark on a month-long headlining tour of the United States with Therefore I Am and Man Overboard. As always, if you’d like to attend or speak with the band, drop me a line here.

Tour
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JAN 26 – Allston, MA @ ICC / Record Release Show w/ A Loss for Words, Energy, Transit, more
JAN 27 – Canoga Park, CA @ The Cobalt Cafe / Record Release Show w/ Second to Last, The Sheds
JAN 29 – Chalfont, PA @ Chalfont United Methodist Church / Record Release Show w/ Man Overboard, A Loss for Words, Daylight
JAN 30 – Covington, KY @ The Madd Hatter / Record Release Show w/ Small Time Crooks, The Pledge
JAN 31 – Southgate, MI @ The Modern Exchange / Record Release Show w/ Shorelines, The Bravest Kids, Anchors, Slaves to the Pavement
FEB 02 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 03 – Tallahassee, FL @ The Farside w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 04 – Pembroke Pines, FL @ The Talent Farm w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 05 – Panama City, FL @ Beamers w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 06 – AL, MS, LA @ TBA
FEB 07 – Houston, TX @ The Junction w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 08 – San Antonio, TX @ Rock Bottom w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 09 – El Paso, TX @ The Nay Lair w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 10 – Phoenix, AZ @ The PHiX w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 11 – Tuscon, AZ @ TBA w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 12 – Twentynine Palms, CA @ Twentynine Palms Elk Lodge w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 13 – Redding, CA @ TBA w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 14 – Portland, OR @ Satyricon w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 15 – Olympia, WA @ Black Lake Grange w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 16 – Euegene/Bend, OR @ TBA w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 17 – Sacramento, CA @ Branch Street House w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 18 – Oakland, CA @ Oakland Metro w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 19 – Murrieta, CA @ Gilindos w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 20 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Knight Hall w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 21 – Albuquerque, NM @ TBA w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 22 – Midland, TX @ The Ground Floor w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 23 – Dallas, TX @ Fat Daddy Soundshack w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 24 – Kansas City, KS @ Scion Lab w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 25 – Nashville, TN @ Rocketown w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 26 – Cleveland, OH @ Pirates Cover w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 27 – Jermyn, PA @ Elenor Rigby’s w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard
FEB 28 – Albany, NY @ Bogie’s w/ Therefore I Am, Man Overboard

Finally, it is with great sadness that the band says goodbye to longtime drummer, Mike Kennedy, who is leaving to pursue exciting opportunities in higher education. The record release shows will be his last before Nick Steinborn takes over duties behind the kit. To read a statement from the band and Kennedy, go here.