Revolver: Harmonies Douces et Amusant Énergique

Revolver: February 26, 2011 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

While my grasp on the French language may be a little rusty, that doesn't detour me from liking music from French artists. One such band is Revolver who were at Mercury Lounge Saturday night. Granted, most of what they did was in English but it really wouldn't have mattered if it hadn't been. The band is in the mist of their debut U.S. tour and judging by the audience response, it won't be their last.

Having only really heard their more acoustic songs, I was pleasantly surprised by their genre hopping show. I'd have to say there was pretty much something for almost everybody. When bands switch between genres live, it doesn't generally work so well. But, Revolver managed to seamlessly slip from indie dance pop to rockabilly to feel good 60's pop to what they called chamber pop, rather effortlessly.

I had been expecting their harmonies, but I was impressed with just how tight they were. In the middle of the set, they did three chamber pop/acoustic songs. It was here where their harmonies really shined. When they finished, I was torn between wanting more of the sweet harmonized acoustic sound or wanting more of the upbeat numbers. Things were a little loud right up front (I don't know what the rest of the room sounded like so that may not have been an issue for others) and that took a little bit away from their sound for me.

Catch them while they're over here. They put on a high energy show that had the audience dancing and singing along.

More photos HERE.

Good Times With JITG

Jump Into The Gospel: February 26, 2011 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY

Saturday night, a dark club, the LES and rock 'n' roll. Yep, sounds about perfect for a romp with my favorite musical prophets, Jump Into The Gospel.

While the night saw a bit of instrument malfunction, difficulties be damned, they still put on a fun show. There were two things I noticed during the set. Frontman Louis Epstein has become a much more animated performer now then he was when I first saw them around this time last year. The other thing I noticed, drummer Chris Stein seemed to have a heavier sound. At one point, the penultimate song I think (I'm old, senile and was too busy having a drummer brain fuck moment to remember), he went hardcore. I'm not one to complain about my mind being molested by enjoyable music.

To enjoy the goodness that is JITG, head on over to Brooklyn Bowl on March 21, where they'll be supporting The London Souls ... that's who they were on the bill with when I first saw them. It's a guaranteed night of bad ass music. It'll cost you $5 and you'll have no regrets.

More photos HERE.

Red Wanting Blue Documented On Film

Ohio rock band, Red Wanting Blue have been around for more than fourteen years. With talent to spare and an amazing drive; they've released eight albums and have built up a loyal fan base. They are quite simply one of those amazing unsigned bands that hasn't let lack of a record deal stop them from doing what they do so well. It has been a long haul and you've got to give mad props to them for not calling it quits. Many bands get tired of chasing the dream after a few years and settle down to a stationary life or they disband and the members move onto other bands.

Director and producer Ken Davenport followed the tenacious band while they made their eighth self-produced album and took to the road. What resulted was These Magnificent Miles: On The Long Road With Red Wanting Blue. Through interviews and never-before-seen concert footage, we get to see the reality of a hard-working indie band. Anyone who has seen the band perform is gifted with a terrific and passionate show. If you've ever had the pleasure to speak with them, even if for just a few moments, you realize instantly that they're down-to-Earth, dedicated and appreciative of their fans. Anyone interested in experiencing the life of a grassroots indie band will surely want to check this documentary out. And if by chance you haven't seen Red Wanting Blue live, do yourself a favor and go see them. You won't regret it.

Check out the trailer below.

Ari Hest Releases New Video

Singer/songwriter Ari Hest is set to release his new album, Sunset Over Hope Street on March 1 via Downtown/Mercer Street Records. This is his first full-length album of new material in four years. To whet your appetite, Hest has released a video for the song "How Would I Know" from the record. It was directed by Josh Franer. Check it out.

Hest is hitting the road. Check below for dates near you.

Tour Dates

• February 26, 2011 -- House Show - Hamden, CT
• February 27, 2011 -- Jammin' Jules - Woolwhich Township, NJ
• March 1, 2011 -- Apple Store on 14th St - New York, NY
• March 2, 2011 -- Club Café - Pittsburgh, PA
• March 3, 2011 -- The Kent Stage - Kent, OH
• March 4, 2011 -- The Ark - Ann Arbor, MI
• March 5, 2011 -- Rumba Cafe - Columbus, OH
• March 6, 2011 -- Garfield House - Northville, MI
• March 8, 2011 -- Radio Radio - Indianapolis, IN
• March 9, 2011 -- Intersection, The Lounge - Grand Rapids, MI
• March 11, 2011 -- Schubas - Chicago, IL (Two shows)
• March 12, 2011 -- Ginos Place - Danville, IL
• March 13, 2011 -- House Show - Monticello, MN
• March 14, 2011 -- Vaudeville Mews - Des Moines, IA
• March 15, 2011 -- The Mill - Iowa City, IA
• March 16, 2011 -- Cedar Valley House Concerts - Cedar Fall, IA
• March 17, 2011 -- House Show - St Louis, MO
• March 19, 2011 -- The Walnut Room - Denver, CO
• March 23, 2011 -- Railway Club - Vancouver, BC
• March 24, 2011 -- Green Frog Acoustic Tavern - Bellingham, WA
• March 25, 2011 -- Tractor Tavern - Seattle, WA
• March 26, 2011 -- The Alberta Rose Theatre - Portland, OR
• March 27, 2011 -- Tsunami Books - Eugene, OR
• March 29, 2011 -- Don Quixote - Felton, CA
• March 30, 2011 - Café DuNord - San Francisco, CA
• March 31, 2011 -- Hotel Café - Los Angeles, CA
• April 1, 2011 -- Lestat’s - San Diego, CA
• April 2, 2011 -- Rancho Manana Golf Course - Cave Creek, AZ
• April 5, 2011 -- The Blue Door - Oklahoma City, OK
• April 6, 2011 -- Swank Presents @ Rock House Films - Dallas, TX
• April 7, 2011 -- Saxon Pub - Austin, TX
• April 10, 2011 -- WorkPlay Theatre - Birmingham, AL
• April 12, 2011 -- 12th & Porter - Nashville, TN
• April 13, 2011 -- Eddie’s Attic - Decatur, GA
• April 14, 2011 -- The Pour House - Raleigh, NC
• April 15, 2011 -- Downstairs Live - North Augusta, SC
• April 16, 2011 -- Evening Muse - Charlotte, NC
• April 20, 2011 -- Jammin’ Java - Vienna, VA
• April 21, 2011 -- Ashland Coffee and Tea - Ashland, VA
• April 22, 2011 -- Kennett Flash - Kennett Square, PA
• April 23, 2011 -- World Café Live – Upstairs - Philadelphia, PA
• April 27, 2011 -- The Rivoli - Toronto, ON
• May 1, 2011 -- The Carleton - Halifax, Nova Scotia/Canada
• May 5, 2011 -- Hiro Ballroom - New York, NY
• May 6, 2011 -- Club Passim - Cambridge, MA (Two shows)
• May 7, 2011 -- New Hope Winery - New Hope, PA
• May 20, 2011 -- Brennan Coffehouse Series - Jersey City, NJ
• June 2, 2011 -- Mountain Jam Festival - Hunter, TX

Until Next Time by user7910988

Track List

• Until Next Time
• How Would I Know
• A Way Back Home
• Business Of America
• One Track Mind
• If I Knew You'd Say Yes
• Sunset OVer Hope Street
• Down The Mountain
• Give It Time
• Swan Song
• A Good Look Around

U.S. Royalty: Loud and Deliciously Decadent

U.S. Royalty: February 22, 2011 @ Mercury Lounge, New York, NY


Holy hell!

On my way home from Mercury Lounge after DC based U.S. Royalty rocked and rolled, I asked myself what I was going to write about the show. All that came to mind was, holy hell.

There have been a few occasions upon seeing a band perform for the first time that I'm left trying to put thought to word. I get that tingly feeling in my stomach, that shivering chill that goes up your spine. You know, the way classic rock 'n' roll is supposed to make you feel. U.S. Royalty gave me that feeling Tuesday night. I got butterfly stomach. I stood there, okay, I wiggled about oddly trying to take some photos while happily remembering why I love loud guitars and decadent frontmen (think young Mick Jagger or Rod Stewart), why I still plant myself up front at shows and why nearly getting whacked with a wayward mic stand is just part of the adventure.

They kicked things off with "Monte Carlo" a song reminiscent of Rumors era Fleetwood Mac. A part of me halfway expected to see Stevie Nicks come twirling out. While she didn't, they did cover her "Wild Heart" later in the show. Three songs in, they played blues rock stomper "Hollywood Hollows," my favorite song from their delicious, recently released Mirrors record. At that point, I fell in lust; they could have performed the contents of a takeout menu and I might not have complained. They ended the set with the grandiose "Equestrian" leaving the stage to the rather loud applause of the crowd.

I like being entertained and U.S. Royalty entertained me. And, in the end, that's all that matters.

More photos HERE.

Set List

• Monte Carlo
• Fool To Love (Like I Do)
• Hollywood Hollows
• The Desert Won't Save You
• Wild Heart
• Equestrian

The Romany Rye Offer Free Download + NY Show

The Romany Rye are offering up a new song. "I Hate Myself (For Loving You)," (no, the Joan Jett song) can be downloaded using the handy widget below. They'll be releasing a new record this summer so this is sort of a sneak peak.

Gig Alert! The band will be here in New York (Brooklyn) on March 13 at Public Assembly so head over and check them out. They'll also be heading down to SXSW next month.

I'm sure everyone knows about the big Rolling Stone contest. If not, check it out HERE. The Romany Rye are one of the artists that were chosen to be a part of the contest.

(click the down arrow to the right)

The Romany Rye - I Hate Myself (For Loving You) by Big Hassle Media

Luke Rathborne At Home In The Living Room

Luke Rathborne: February 18, 2011 @ The Living Room, New York, NY

Luke Rathborne recently came onto my radar. He has a double EP I Can Be One / Dog Years scheduled for release on March 8. Having heard some tracks, I really wanted to check him out live.

Rathborne, a wisp of a man who sings with his eyes closed the majority of the time, took the stage at The Living Room kicking things off solo and accompanying himself on the piano. Being a newbie to his work, I don't know the name of the song but it was understated, beautiful, soulful and just simply stunning. A few songs in he was joined by drummer John Eatherly. I'm typically not a fan of the drums but Eatherly was a total wild man back there; he was totally insane. The pair launched into a series of upbeat songs that were reminiscent of jangly Brit pop. Bassist Darren Hayes Will arrived late, towards the end of the set, and kicked the jangly sound up a notch though they tuned it down for the wistful "Dog Years." Rathborne ended the show as he began it, solo at the piano.

I don't know if it had to do with where I was sitting or if it was the sound system, but the music seemed a bit too loud and from my vantage point Rathborne appeared to have to over sing (for lack of a better description) to be heard over the music. He's young. He has the songs and he has the chops. I'm partial to the soulful piano tunes personally. But, there's something special about Rathborne though and I look forward to watching him grow.

More photos HERE.


Songs Played (may not be in order)

• Suntan
• When I Need You
• Don't Wait
• Last Forgiven
• You Let Me In
• Northern Shore
• Why
• Wanna Be You
• Dog Years

Rocky Business Tomorrow, 2/23 @ Mercury Lounge

Rocky Business will be headlining a show at Mercury Lounge tomorrow night, Wednesday, February 23. Doors are at 9:30PM and it will cost you $10. They're celebrating the release of their mixtape White People Are Drug Dealers Too which was released yesterday. During their set, they'll premier their music video for "Rocky's Theme."

Tune into East Village Radio TODAY at 5PM Eastern time. They'll be on Andrew Andrew which airs Tuesdays 4PM - 6PM Eastern.

Katie Costello's Lamplight Out Today + MP3

Singer/songwriter Katie Costello released her second full-length release, Lamplight, today via Tiny Tiny Records. Lamplight takes listeners though a piano laced, melodic romp that will likely have you singing along and tapping your foot. Costello has one of those voices that can leave you entranced and off in your own world. It's also a voice that's sweetly soulful and romantic; perfect for those quiet Sunday mornings. Lamplight is one of those records you will find yourself returning to again and again.

We have in our MP3 Grab at the bottom of the post, the beautiful "Out Of Our Minds" from Lamplight.

Track List

• Cassette Tape
• Ashes Ashes
• After Dark
• No Shelter
• Despite Times
• Out Of Our Minds
• Fading Lately
• Dig A Hole
• Old Owl
• People: A Theory
• The Weirds
• Stranger

MP3 Grab: "Out Of Our Minds" (right click, save)

Revolver To Tour North America & Release EP + MP3

French trio Revolver have a busy spring coming up. The group will be touring North America, their debut US tour, with stops at SXSW and our own lovely city. They'll take the stage here in New York at Mercury Lounge on Saturday, February 26. Click HERE for tickets to their upcoming shows.

Revolver have an EP, Parallel Lives, coming out next Tuesday, February 22. The trio has harmonies that reminds one of Simon & Garfunkel and Crosby, Stills & Nash. They particularly remind me of the latter on "Losing You" from the EP. If you like your music with a folk vibe and enchanting harmonies, they're a band to check out. For a taste of the upcoming record, scroll down to the bottom of the post and get "Parallel Lives" in our MP3 Grab.

Revolver know who they are. Ambroise Willaume (vocals, guitar, piano), Christophe Musset (vocals, guitar) and Jérémie Arcache (cello, vocals) are three early twenty-something Parisians. Frenchmen with an abiding love and understanding of some of classical music's greatest ever Englishmen. They are classically trained too, but also a French band who sings in English, and named after a Beatles album. They've earned a reputation for creating beguiling, beautiful, hypnotic slices of chamber-pop.

The band recently paid a visit to MTV Iggy for a live session that can be found HERE. Check out "Luke, Mike & John" from the session below.

MTV Iggy Live: Revolver -- "Luke, Mike & John"
Revolver

Tour Dates

• Feb-24 -- Washington, DC -- Red Palace
• Feb-25 -- Philadelphia, PA -- Johnny Brenda's
• Feb-26 -- NYC -- Mercury Lounge
• Feb-27 -- Boston, MA -- TT The Bears
• March-01 -- Quebec, QC -- Scanner
• March-02 -- Montreal, QC -- Casa Del Popolo
• March-03 -- Toronto, ON -- Drake
• March-04 -- Cleveland, OH -- Grog Shop
• March-05 -- Chicago, IL -- Schubas Tavern
• March-08 -- Portland, OR -- Doug Fir Lounge
• March-09 -- Seattle, WA -- Chop Suey
• March-11 -- San Francisco, CA -- Rickshaw Stop
• March-12 -- Los Angeles, CA -- Satellite
• March-15-20 -- Austin, TX -- SXSW

MP3 Grab: "Parallel Lives" (right click, save)

Jump Into The Gospel Release EP

If you've been keeping up with my little corner of the blog world, then you'll be familiar with the fact that I like Jump Into The Gospel. Well, great news, they've released a four song self-titled EP! The EP can be downloaded HERE.

The insanely catchy "Humvee Mansion" kicks things off setting things up for a fun but much too quick musical romp. "Photovoltaic," the EP's second track takes me back to the days when I wore fingerless lace gloves and neon colored spandex. While I don't wish to re-live the fashion faux pas' of my youth, I relish the synth pop sound that made and still makes me bop around with my head phones on, music blaring.

Jump Into The Gospel are a fun treat. The band, Ben Vescovi (guitar), Chris Stein (drums) and Erik Tonnesen (keyboards) lay down a precise foundation full of ear pleasing melodies and rhythms to get you up and wiggling your ass. Super skinny, wild haired frontman Louis Epstein rounds things out with hypnotic vocals that are one minute reserved and sometimes mysterious, while the next minute he's a wailing falsetto.

Four tracks isn't nearly enough but, it'll do ... for now.

Gig Alert! They'll be at Mercury Lounge on Saturday, February 26. Doors open at 7:30PM and it'll cost you $10. Swing by and show them some love.

Israel's Hadag Nahash Returns To US For Spring Tour

Israel's Hadag Nahash will return to the States for a tour in March. If you haven't heard them, they're seriously funky. Check out the video below for their song "I Believe." I'm totally diggin' this one. Their most recent album, 6, has gone gold in Israel and will be released in the US later this year.

The band will be at SXSW and they'll make a stop in our lovely city. They'll be at City Winery on March 19. A list of confirmed dates are below.

With six gold albums in their homeland, the band has been making headway in the U.S. of late including their music’s major inclusion (4 Songs) in the Adam Sandler motion picture You Don’t Mess With The Zohan. Hadag Nahash’s music has also appeared on the prime time TV show NCIS and most recently they have licensed their hit "Lo Maspik" on the world-famous game The Sims 3.

While the music is uplifting and dance ready, the band works in messages of social and political issue into their songs. Early in their career, Hadag Nahash managed to walk the fine line between popularity and social agenda. Known for their feverish agenda, they’ve become moral critics of Israeli society. Their songs promote equality and civil rights, and create a soundtrack to the local struggle against racism and corruption. This unique perspective made them the center of attention, both locally and internationally. An example of this is on the band’s 2004 hit "Shirat Ha’ Sticker (The Sticker Song)" which was actually a song containing lyrics entirely pulled from the slogans of 54 bumper stickers that Israeli author David Grossman observed on cars in Israel. The song was a HUGE hit almost reaching platinum status is Israel and came to the attention of international media including The NY Times who wrote a feature on the phenomenon titled “Honk If You Love Bumper Stickers” that said of the song “Imagine the dazzling unlikeliness of Russell Banks having collaborated with Mos Def or Chuck D on a chart topper.”

Tour Dates

• March 10 - UC San Diego, CA (Porter's Pub)
• March 12 - Redwood City, CA (San Francisco area) (Carrington Hall @Sequoia High School)
• March 13- Houston, Texas
• March 14-19 - Austin (South by Southwest)
• March 19 - New York (City Winery)

U.S. Royalty Releases New Video + MP3

U.S. Royalty have released a new video for their song "Equestrian." The song is from their recently released album, Mirrors. Check out the video below. And, if that wasn't enough, scroll down to the bottom of the post and grab the Flosstradamus remix of "Equestrian."

Gig Alert! The band will be on the LES at Mercury Lounge on Tuesday, February 22. Doors are at 7PM and it'll cost you $10 in advance/$12 at the door. Head on down and check them out.

MP3 Grab: "Equestrian (Flosstradamus remix)" (right click, save as)

Lelia Broussard Selected For Rolling Stone Contest

Singer/songwriter Lelia Broussard has been selected by Rolling Stone for their Do You Wanna Be A Rock & Roll Star contest. It was announced last night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon that sixteen unsigned artists have been chosen by Rolling Stone editors to be a part of the contest. To vote and find out more info click HERE. In the final round two artists will compete on stage at Bonnaroo with the winner being the first unsigned act ever to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone and receive a recording contract from Atlantic Records.

We know my opinion, Broussard is a QNYC fave. But what with the whole democracy thing, I can't tell people how to vote. Head on over, check out the artists and show your support.

Broussard has been supporting her fourth independently released record, Masquerade (released digitally November 2010), with recent shows in NYC and LA. She's a heck of a performer ... effervescent, infectious and irresistible. A deluxe CD version of Masquerade with bonus tracks will be available April 5 via indie record shops and online retailers in the US. Head down to the bottom of the post to our MP3 Grab for "Alone On A Train," a previously unreleased song that Broussard is offering as a free download.

MP3 Grab: "Alone On A Train" (right click, save as)

The Raveonettes To Release New Album In April + MP3

Sharin Foo and Sune Rose Wagner, better known as The Raveonettes, have announced that their new record. Raven In The Grave will be released on April 5 via Vice Records. To get a taste of what's to come, check out the new song "Forget That You're Young" at the bottom of the post in our MP3 Grab.

The Raveonettes will be hitting the road and they'll be making a stop in our lovely city. They will be at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn on April 20 and April 21. Check below for a full list of dates.

"I think we have finally hit on something quite important and different for this album," explains Sune. "This is the first Raveonettes album we've done which doesn't feature the signature Raveonettes surf drumbeat. None of the tunes have any real sunshine to them. It's all very un-Rave." "It has a mood of ethereal defiance," Sharin adds. "It's dark but not bleak, like the single minded determination caused by crisis that is not quite hope but just as powerful. It's the perfect winter soundtrack just in time for spring".

Tour Dates

• March 30th -- Theatre of the Living Arts -- Philadelphia, PA
• March 31st -- Paradise Rock Club -- Boston, MA
• April 1st -- La Tulipe -- Montreal, QC
• April 2nd -- Phoenix Concert Theatre -- Toronto, ON
• April 3rd -- Magic Stick -- Detroit, MI
• April 5th -- Southgate House -- Newport, KY
• April 6th -- Lincoln Hall -- Chicago, IL
• April 7th -- Fine Line Music Café -- Minneapolis, MN
• April 8th -- The Firebird -- St. Louis, MO
• April 9th -- The Record Bar -- Kansas City, MO
• April 11th -- Granada Theater -- Dallas, TX
• April 12th -- Emo's Alt Lounging (Outdoor) -- Austin, TX
• April 13th -- Fitzgerald's -- Houston, TX
• April 15th -- The Masquerade -- Atlanta, GA
• April 16th -- Cat's Cradle -- Carrboro, NC
• April 17th -- Black Cat -- Washington, DC
• April 18th -- Pearl Street -- Northampton, MA
• April 20th -- Music Hall of Williamsburg -- Brooklyn, NY
• April 21st -- Music Hall of Williamsburg -- Brooklyn, NY
• May 4th -- Glasshouse -- Pomona, CA
• May 5th -- The Troubadour -- Los Angeles, CA
• May 6th -- The Troubadour -- Los Angeles, CA
• May 7th -- Belly Up Tavern -- San Diego, CA
• May 9th -- The Detroit Bar -- Costa Mesa, CA
• May 10th -- Bimbo's 365 Club -- San Francisco, CA
• May 12th -- Wonder Ballroom -- Portland, OR
• May 13th -- Neumos -- Seattle, WA
• May 14th -- The Venue -- Vancouver, BC

MP3 Grab: "Forget That You're Young" (right click, save)

Whitesnake Releases New Video

Ah, it smells like love is in the air or perhaps it's the new Whitesnake video! The classic rockin' band has unveiled a video for "Love Will Set You Free," the lead single from their upcoming album Forevermore. The video was directed by Devin DeHaven/Fortress Entertainment. While I rather like the song, I could have done without the stripper dangling off the pole. That's so passé, so 80's. But, since I like The Coverdale, I'll forgive it.

Forevermore is scheduled for release March 29 in North America while my European friends can get their happy little hands on it March 25. The digital album is available for pre-order via the Whitesnake.com today and you'll get an instant download of "Love Will Set You Free" with your order. Pre-orders from other digital outlets will begin on February 21.

Those of you in the US and Canada, check out the video below. International friends, click HERE to check out the video.

Upcoming: Norman Vladimir To Play The Living Room

Soul/pop musician Norman Vladimir will be starting a residency at The Living Room tomorrow night. Head on down to the LES and check him out the next three Monday's, February 14, February 21 and February 28 at 8PM. For those who aren't familiar with Vladimir, check out his video for the "120 Volts" directed by Mary Anderson Casavant below.

Video: The Kills - "Satellite"

The Kills released their new single "Satellite" a couple of weeks ago. Last week they released the official video directed by Sophie Muller. The single is from their upcoming album Blood Pressures. Check out the video below.

Video: Gaz Ellis - "English Gentleman"

That delightful lad, singer/songwriter Gaz Ellis has released an official video for his song "English Gentleman." The video was directed by Roger Sewhcomar of Limey Films. The video has a charming, fun, old school vibe to it. I'd describe it as a cross between the cute and cuddly A Hard Days Night era Beatles and Charlie Chaplin. This is the kind of clip that if I were twenty-five years younger, would make me tack a photo up my wall and declare him dreamy. Hm, maybe we'd better make that thirty, you know, pre-heavy metal era me! Check out the video below.

Upcoming: Luke Rathborne + MP3

Singer/songwriter Luke Rathborne will release his double EP I Can Be One / Dog Years on March 8 via Dilettante. Rathborne is simply beautiful and haunting. You can hear for yourself in the MP3 Grab at the bottom of the post.

Rathborne has a couple of gigs coming up this week in NYC. He'll be on the LES TOMORROW, Monday, February 14 at Cake Shop at 9PM and if you can't make that or want double the pleasure, he'll be at The Living Room on Friday, February 18 at 7PM.

Dog Years embraces Rathborne's more pop aesthetic - not shinny, happy pop, but effervescent, melancholic pop. The title title track offers a cynical poke to not letting the "dog years" pass you by. If you hear a bit of Dylan in the New Yorker's tone, you aren't mistaken. He also cites a lot of '60s and '70s music like The Kinks and The Beatles as impacting those early tracks, written as a teenager in Maine.

The material from the second set, I Can Be One, was penned following Rathborne's move to New York City after high school and completed with members of Antony and the Johnsons contributing to the arrangements. Big Star and Lou Reed's Berlin enter the realm of influences, and the material takes on a somber, darker hue. It's title track, "I Can Be One," is one of the tracks that led Devendra Banhart to invite Luke on tour and exclaim, "I love this young dude," in a recent Magnet piece.

But while the tones change, the inspiration is largely the same. "All of the songs - on both EPs - are about being afraid of connecting, because connections open up the possibility of being harmed...It's interesting that they intersect here, because I'd been playing with the idea of putting them together and seeing how they mix, but this seems a lot more pure - this is my music, this is what I want to say, and this is how I want to say it," Luke explains.

MP3 Grab: "Dog Years" (right click, save)

Klaxons Announce Spring Tour

Klaxons who recently released a new record, Surfing The Void, announced their plans for a spring tour. The tour kicks off in Orlando, FL and ends at the Coachella Festival. They of course will be coming to our lovely city. Klaxons will be playing Webster Hall on March 29. Tickets go on-sale this Friday, February 4 at Noon. Word on the street is, one of our favorite band of locals, A Million Years, will be one of the bands supporting them at that show. A complete list of dates are below.

Tour Dates

• Fri/Mar-25 ~ Orlando, FL ~ The Social
• Sat/Mar-26 ~ Miami, FL ~ Ultra Music Festival
• Mon/Mar-28 ~ Boston, MA ~ Paradise Rock Club
• Tue/Mar-29 ~ New York, NY ~ Webster Hall
• Wed/Mar-30 ~ Baltimore, MD ~ Ottobar
• Fri/Apr-01 ~ Columbus, OH ~ The Basement
• Sat/Apr-02 ~ Chicago, IL ~ Metro
• Sun/Apr-03 ~ Madison, WI ~ High Noon Saloon
• Tue/Apr-05 ~ Denver, CO ~ Larimer Lounge
• Wed/Apr-06 ~ Salt Lake City, UT ~ Urban Lounge
• Fri/Apr-08 ~ Vancouver, BC ~ Venue
• Sat/Apr-09 ~ Seattle, WA ~ Chop Suey
• Sun/Apr-10 ~ Portland, OR ~ Doug Fir Lounge
• Tue/Apr-12 ~ San Francisco, CA ~ The Fillmore
• Fri/Apr-15 ~ Indio, CA ~ Coachella Festival

Deep Dark Robot To Release New Album In March

Deep Dark Robot, the brainchild of Linda Perry and Tony Tornay, will release their debut album, 8 Songs About A Girl on March 22 via Custard Records. You can listen to the single, "Won't You Be My Girl?," below using the handy widget. The song is also being offered on Windows Media Guide (HERE) for free. I don't know how long that offer will last so grab it while you can. The song will however be released properly on February 22.

Gig alert! Deep Dark Robot will be hitting the road beginning in March. They'll be paying a visit to our fair city taking the stage at the Studio at Webster Hall on March 25. Tickets will cost you $15.