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Rapidly rising pop-rock group The Faim is currently supporting Black Veil Brides’ frontman, Andy Black, on his solo headline run through North America. They recently shared a brand new song,“Amelie,” in anticipation of their forthcoming debut album, which is due in September. On The Faim’s first ever headline tour of Europe and Australia earlier this year, the majority of shows sold out completely or were upgraded due to popular demand.
Burning Hot Events reviewed The Faim’s concert at Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix last December, and to say that we were impressed is an understatement. We popped into their performance in Seattle last Tuesday (photos below), and the band seemed to exude even higher energy and cohesive connection with the crowd than before — promising a killer experience at The Nile Theater in Mesa next Sunday!
Los Angeles, CA — Emerging alt-pop trio, Chase Atlantic, have announced a massive headline tour across North America this summer. Presented by Live Nation’s Ones To Watch and The Noise, the 29-date trek launches in Philadelphia on Friday, June 14 and hits major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and New York before wrapping in Silver Spring, MD on Thursday, July 25. Lauren Sanderson will also provide direct support on all shows. The fan pre-sale commences on Tuesday, April 9 at 10am local time and will conclude on Thursday, April 11 at 10pm local. More information can be found on the band’s website and social media platforms. The general public on-sale begins on Friday, April 12 at 10am local, with tickets available to purchase HERE. The full touring itinerary can be found below as well.
Sophomore Album, Phases, out June 28 via BMG/MDDN
Chase Atlantic is also pleased to announce the release of their highly-anticipated sophomore album, Phases, out Friday, June 28 via BMG/MDDN. The record serves as a follow up to their latest EP, DON’T TRY THIS (Jan. 2019), and their self-titled debut effort (2017).
“We made this album because we wanted to drastically pivot the angle in which pop culture is viewed and ultimately digested,” says lead vocalist, Mitchel Cave.“Throughout our career so far, Chase Atlantic has always been represented as a ‘go to’ for unique and complex music with high sonic value. We’ve been able to fuse genres and aesthetic together to create a defined nocturnal bliss of our own, blending dreamy melodies with moody progressions, all the while touching on subjects from drug abuse to romantic pieces.”
“This album feels as though it is truly a work of astronomical measures,” he adds. “It’s the first time we were able to honestly and openly hone into something so monumentally special and raw without compromising even an inch of our integrity as artists. We’ve developed a completely new sound within a matter of months that has never been tapped into before. Chase Atlantic is now dwelling within a realm of its own; it’s both scarily isolating and blissfully euphoric at the same time. Welcome to a whole new era.”
The official track listing and more details about Chase Atlantic’s forthcoming album will be revealed soon. Stay tuned for more news to come.
Chase Atlantic Headline Tour Dates:
6/14 – Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts 6/15 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theater 6/17 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts 6/18 – Nashville, TN @ Exit / In 6/19 – Charlotte, NC @ The Underground 6/21 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre 6/22 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room 6/24 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues 6/25 – Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn 6/27 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom 6/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Regent Theater 6/29 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades 7/01 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall 7/02 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom 7/03 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre 7/05 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot 7/06 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall 7/08 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom 7/09 – Lawrence, KS @ The Granada 7/11 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room 7/13 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater 7/15 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues 7/16 – Indianapolis, IN @ Deluxe at Old National Centre 7/18 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall 7/19 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall 7/20 – Toronto, ON @ The Opera House 7/22 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club 7/23 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall 7/25 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
About Chase Atlantic:
Chase Atlantic personally write and produce all of their own music, which helped the three-piece build a strong following in Australia during their teenage years. Their stylish, distinctive sound, along with their viral single, “Friends,” captured the attention of Good Charlotte’s Joel and Benji Madden, who subsequently signed them to their esteemed music company, MDDN, in 2015. Since then, the three-piece has seen rapid success – headlining and selling out shows globally, including tours with Blackbear, Sleeping With Sirens, and Lights. Their explosive live performances have also landed slots at notable festivals including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Firefly, Reading & Leeds, and the final run of Vans Warped Tour.
New York-based progressive metal fusion quartet Valence recently announced the release of their upcoming album, Cognitive Dissidents, out April 12, 2019. Expertly fusing genres like metal, rock, jam, classical, jazz, and more, Valence‘s varied, yet cohesive, influences offer every listener a passport to a new state of mind that is cerebral and emotive, while not sacrificing accessibility.
Today, Valence have revealed a third new track from Cognitive Dissidents, entitled “Walrus“, which is available to stream via New Noise MagazineHERE.
Guitarist Geoffrey Schaefer says about the track: “‘Walrus‘ is one of the more eclectic songs on Cognitive Dissidents that really highlights the way we incorporate jam band influences in with the progressive metal. You can really hear this about two and a half minutes into the song, as well as with the section that comes about five minutes in. It’s also one of the longer songs on the album, but one that we don’t think feels long.”
Check out other videos featuring tracks from Cognitive Dissidents :
Cognitive Dissidents, the ambitious follow up to their Independent Music Award-winning 2014 EP, Laser Baron, was recorded and produced at Westfall Studios in Long Island, NY.
Valence wastes no time in launching Cognitive Dissidents intro the stratosphere with lead single “Damnit, Lana!” (linked above), setting the course for what is about to be one hell of a ride. Rock technicality blends into a seductive Latin fusion-inspiredsection driven by multi-talented percussionist Chris Romano, only to finish as an unrelenting metal opus. “II. Calmer Than You Are” shows the softer side of Valence, illustrating a synth-laden soundscape led by bassist Wilhelmus Sapanaro. The band continue to flex their tech-muscles on tracks like “III. Preferred Nomenclature“, in which guitarists Michael Buonanno and Geoffrey Schaefer burn through over five minutes of deft ebb and flow – fluxing between absolute mano-a-mano, battle-like shreddery, deep grooves and classically-influenced passages. “Walrus“, amid its journey, provides an unexpected mid-track jam trip before the album closes with “Red Sky at Morning” – a 14+ minute sonic escapade that can only be described as positively monumental.
Rather than utilizing samples, bassist Wilhelmus Sapanaro performed upright bass and cello and guitarist Michael Buonanno performed violin and viola on Cognitive Dissidents to maintain an organic sound.
1. Damnit, Lana! 2. Prelude: Parlance of Our Time 3. I. If You’re Not into the Whole Brevity Thing 4. II. Calmer Than You Are 5. III. Preferred Nomenclature 6. Walrus 7. Red Sky at Morning
Valence has performed across the eastern United States and Canada with artists like Scale The Summit, Sarah Longfield, Consider The Source, Felix Martin and more, and will soon expand their national footprint later in 2019. In the meantime, Valence has several U.S. performances booked this winter and spring. See below for all confirmed tour dates:
Valence Tour Dates:
4/13 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ Darkside Records – Record Store Day 4/26 – Holbrook, NY @ Rams American Pub 4/28 – Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy 4/29 – Orange, VA @ 3 B’s Bar & Grille 5/1 – Raleigh, NC @ Slims 5/2 – Atlanta, GA @ Smith’s Olde Bar 5/3 – Asheville, NC @ Odditorium 5/24 – Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus w/ Black Crown Initiate // Album Release Show
Visit this Facebook event for a listing of these shows.
“…Valence is a style unto themselves, and listening to them is more about a direct connection to the moment than a study of any genre.” – William Berger, Author, Wagner Without Fear et al.; Producer and Commentator, the Metropolitan Opera
“Ever watch a band enjoy themselves so much while playing live, that their mood becomes Infectious? It’s literally impossible not to smile while these dudes are having the best time on stage. It also helps that they can all super shred on their instruments too.” – Metal Injection
“If you love some of the acrobatic, complex, and heavy material of current acts like Scale the Summit, Between the Buried and Me and Animals as Leaders, this is a band you need to check out.” – Sea of Tranquility
“When we hear prog, we actually expect the music to suck hard like a mouthful of coarse-grade sandpaper, because we know it’s a clever ruse. It’s a way for many failed musicians to pretend they have relevance. Valence, however, have given us more to expect out of this “prog” thing…” – Deaf Sparrow
Valence Is:
Michael Buonanno – Guitar, Violin, Viola Geoffrey Schaefer – Guitar Wilhelmus Sapanaro – Bass, Upright Bass, Cello Chris Romano – Drums
Tempe, AZ — There are very few rock bands that are truly unique, but Queensrÿche has blazed their own trail since their inception in 1980. The media has tried to pigeon-hole their signature style as progressive, hard rock, or even lump them into the derogatory hair-metal category from the 80’s. They stayed true to their sound, and legions of fans showed loyalty even after the heyday of MTV airing the videos that delivered their music to the masses. Fair-weather fans started to fade away once the radio stopped playing their songs, and even some of those who passionately believed that Operation: Mindcrime was one of the greatest albums of all time may not have “checked-in” since the Empire CD was released.
This month, Queensrÿche released their new fifteenth studio album entitled The Verdictand brought the world tour to the Marquee Theatre to show both the die-hard fans and the fans who have been on hiatus that although they never really left, they are back!
Openers
The evening started early with two local bands. It’s very commendable for a headliner to pay-it-forward and give new and upcoming acts such an opportunity.
First up was Shadow Guilt, a four-piece band from Gilbert, Arizona. The crowd may not have expected a local act to amount to much, but they immediately commanded the stage and proved that they could hang. The songs were reminiscent of early Metallica and singer/guitarist Bryan Reid had a professional presence with a voice that soared from thrash to screamo.
The second Arizona band was Sectas, a three-piece that again surprised everyone with a big wall of sound and driving songs. Christian Lee is a weapon on guitar and sings with controlled mayhem while shredding.
Drummer Brian Regalado was entertaining to watch and seemed to have had the most fun out of any of the musicians all night. He poured his heart into each song until the last one, which was unfortunately cut short due to time constraints.
The third opening act was no stranger to Queensrÿche fans. Fates Warning also launched into progressive rock in the early 80’s and followed a similar trajectory. Their set began with “From the Rooftops” from their latest album, Theories of Flight — released in 2016.
The stage lights had apparently tripped a breaker, and singer Ray Adler said, “How about a little light up here?” into the dark crowd as the band continued to play. An unanticipated moment occurred when a sea of cellphones rose and illuminated the stage until the stage lights reengaged.
Original guitarist Jim Matheos was joined by the new guitar virtuoso Michael Abdow as they dove back in time to 1991’s “Life In Still Water” from the Parallels album and rekindled the audience participation. The band was rounded out with the longtime rhythm section of Joey Vera (bass) and Bobby Jarzombek (drums). One of the highlights of the 10-song set was watching Vera’s emphatic expressions and stage antics in contrast to the somber delivery from the other band members who poured the energy into surgically precise musicianship.
Fates Warning played two more from the new album (“Seven Stars” and “The Light And Shade Of Things”), but went back to the classic Parallels album again to close the set with “The Eleventh Hour,” followed by “Point Of View”. It was a solid outing and they thanked Queensrÿche for the opportunity and Arizona for the support.
It’s only been a couple of months since Queensrÿche was in town in an opening role on the Scorpions “Crazy World Tour”, and Burning Hot Events was there to review that show as well (click here). That night, they performed a 9-song set with the reduced light show and sound afforded to all opening acts, but this night would be different. This time they were the headliner.
Todd La Torre – lead vocals (2012–present), drums (2018 in studio)
Casey Grillo – drums (2017–present)
Before getting into the blow-by-blow, we might as well address the elephant in the room which is the band lineup. This is Queensrÿche led by frontman Todd La Torre, who has firmly planted his flag in the history of the band since 2012 and has now sang on three studio albums. He isn’t Geoff Tate, but he convincingly sings the entire Queensrÿche catalog with respect and command. Fans who can’t accept this change should give a listen to The Verdict to find out that they might be missing out. Guitarist Parker Lundgren, replacing the original guitarist and creative songwriter Chris DeGarmo, seems to be an easier pill to swallow since DeGarmo left willfully around the turn of the century, but this has also upset some purists. The one that may be the strangest now is that original drummer Scott Rockenfield is still the official drummer in the band, but he has been M.I.A. since the 2017 birth of his son. To add further confusion to this story, singer Todd La Torre played drums on the new album and kicked ass capturing the Queensrÿche sound and feel. Casey Grillo, the drummer from the band Kamelot, is the touring drummer, but not the official drummer for the band. It may sound like a dysfunctional family, but original guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson are the patriarch glue that is holding it all together to build a strong new regime.
OK, can we move on into the review finally?…
As the house lights were extinguished, the video screens on stage were ignited. Death, wearing a crimson hooded robe, was bidding the crowd to come forward. He was the “life”-size animation of the character on the new album cover. The anticipation continued to rise with more animated video while the intro music was playing the instrumental soundscape of “Launder the Conscience”. As the song faded, the video screens ushered in the spinning Tri-Ryche logo, and the fans were instantly connected to the hive mind.
Grillo was firmly planted on the drum throne when the band floated in from the wings to center stage. The cheers from the crowd had topped out, and then they were drowned out after a single hit to the snare drum took the night from zero-to-60 in seconds flat with the opening riff for “Blood of the Levant”. The guitarists took to their perches on opposite sides of the stage: Lundgren on the left wearing sleeves of tattoos and a leather vest, playing the white Orbit FX; Wilton on the right wearing a black leather jacket and playing the skull and crossbones limited edition ESP. Jackson joined Lundgen on the left wearing an unassuming black tee and playing a black custom 5-string Mike Lull bass. The sound was full of energy but the expressions and lack of stage antics announced that this band was here to deliver the perfect sonic backdrop for the main event and the freak of nature known as Todd La Torre.
Out of the gate, La Torre was like a raging bull exploring the stage, bracing for attack, and then allowing that Queensrÿche sound to emanate from his soul. If there was any doubt when you walked in, there was no doubt now that this band has reached a new pinnacle and the chemistry was working. This was a strong opening song and there was no need for comparisons… This was the lineup that played the song on the album (well, except for Grillo, since La Torre did the drums on the album). La Torre even took a few moments during the middle-8 to play some percussion and give a glimpse of his prowess with drumsticks.
The setlist was an interesting mix of songs from all eras of the band’s history, but there was some emphasis on songs from The Verdict. “You can’t create new classics,” said La Torre, “if you don’t play the new shit, right?”
Their second song from The Verdict was “Man the Machine” but before that they inserted two songs for the die-hard fans with “I Am I” from Promised Landand way back to 1984 for “NM 156” from The Warning. “Condition Hüman” is a beautifully crafted song and the performance was moving, but a look around the crowd told the story that very few knew the songs from this 2015 album.
Before the wind could completely leave the crowd’s sails, Michael “Whip” Wilton took center stage and laid into “Queen of the Reich,” and suddenly the fists were in the air. (Author’s Note – I still have my vinyl copy of this EP and this song still gives me chills.) This would be the proving grounds for La Torre with the elder statesman in the Queensrÿche army. Can he hit that note, hold it, turn on the vibrato, and own it? Yes, he did.
The follow up song was something completely different, and one that everyone knew from the first three notes. It was the iconic ballad “Silent Lucidity,” written by founding member Chris DeGarmo. This was one of the few songs that didn’t shy away from using backing tracks in lieu of bringing an orchestral ensemble.
The next set of four songs seemed like the breath in before the big finale. All good songs, but lesser known to the masses. La Torre introduced “Open Road” as one of the first songs he wrote with the band, and that was followed by two more from The Verdict; “Propaganda Fashion” and “Light-Years.” Then it was back to 1986 for “Screaming in Digital” from Rage For Order.
Those old enough to remember the song “Take Hold of the Flame” when it was in rotation can probably remember where they were when they first heard it. It’s that kind of song. The best way to hear the flanged guitars on the intro is to listen with headphones, but a close second way is to hear the duo of Wilton and Lundgren play it live. Journey found the needle in a haystack when Arnel Pineda replaced the “irreplaceable” Steve Perry, and Queensrÿche followed suit when they found Todd La Torre to replace Geoff Tate.
It’s important to mention the incredible songwriting talent that DeGarmo and Tate contributed to the legacy of Queensrÿche. “Take Hold of the Flame” is a perfect example, but perhaps some of their best collaborations can be heard on the Operation: Mindcrime album. Tate is now the only one that can perform this album in its entirety after the legal battle, but it is surprising that the the setlist only included one song from this album. They ended the set with the classic that brings back memories of the music video that documented the album’s concept – “Eyes of a Stranger”. It. Was. Awesome.
Eddie Jackson was flawless all evening, but it seemed he quite often slipped into the shadows and let the limelight fall on his bandmates. However, as the band returned to the stage for the encore, Jackson laid claim to center stage and delivered the legendary bass intro to “Jet City Woman” from the 1990 Empire album and the crowd went nuts (another gift from the DeGarmo and Tate songwriting team). La Torre returned to the stage sporting sunglasses and led the audience in the sing-along to this song which is ingrained in our collective memory.
Alas, it was time for the final song of the evening which would be the title track from the Empire album. This song featured Wilton on lead guitar and left fans satiated. The music industry has changed so much but through the years Queensrÿche has followed their muse and continued creating great music. The night was not only a trip down memory lane to get reacquainted with the songs of our youth, but also an invitation to reconnect with an old “friend” who is thriving with a new album and an incredibly talented line up. Check out The Verdict and find out what your verdict is! View Setlist
Cast for the Evening
Michael Wilton – lead guitar (1980–present)
Eddie Jackson – bass, backing vocals (1980–present)
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Suldusk – a new project led by other-worldly front woman Emily Highfield – weaves acoustic tones of dark folk with elements of doom, atmospheric black metal and post rock. Suldusk will release their debut full-length album, entitled Lunar Falls, on April 12, 2019. The album is available for pre-order now via Bandcamp.
As an early gift to listeners, Suldusk is streaming their entire new album a full two weeks early! Stream it now via Decibel MagazineHERE.
Emily Highfield says, “It is very exciting to finally release Lunar Falls, the first Suldusk album. It has realized my vision of fusing acoustic elements with post rock and metal influences.”
In addition to the digital version, Lunar Falls will also be released as a Collector’s Edition Digipack-CD (first press, limited to 1000 copies) and LP (limited colored vinyl with poster) via the Northern Silence ProductionsWebshop or Bandcamp page. The black/white half-and-half edition of the vinyl, which is limited to only 99 copies, is only available via the NSP webshop while stock lasts.
Check out Suldusk‘s latest music video for the track “Aphasia” here:
Lunar Falls‘ undercurrent theme is about living on the margins, and the intolerable suffering and sacrifice in the quest for identity. Nature provides much of the lyrical inspiration as the source of refuge and guidance throughout this quest. Lunar Falls is dedicated to the memory of late singer-songwriter Aleah Starbridge (Trees of Eternity).
With Lunar Falls, Emily Highfield explains that she wants to convey an escape to a soothing and real place. Her organic, earthly approach to music creates an immersive soundscape – a powerful panorama of shimmering guitars, haunting melodies and atmospheric density.
Highfield says, “Lunar Falls is a sonic midnight forest trek – at times beguiling and soothing, and at once harsh and raw. Like nature itself. Bands that inspire me are immersive, honest and risk takers. I’m inspired by and love acoustic-driven and atmospheric/depressive metal – like Agalloch, Opeth, Saor, Unreqvited, Heretoir and Trees of Eternity.”
Suldusk first turned heads a few years ago after front woman and then-solo artist Emily Highfield uploaded some of her compositions to Soundcloud. When the melancholic black metal-infused acoustic track “Drogue” ended up reaching over 10,000 plays in less than a month, Highfield knew she was onto something great. This inspired Highfield to create the live and current incarnation of Suldusk – a chamber metal ensemble which has since been embraced by audiences and underground musicians alike.
Lunar Falls was engineered, mixed and produced by Mark Kelson, with additional engineering by Jesse Oberin. The album was mastered by Joseph Carra at Crystal Mastering.
Suldusk “Lunar Falls” Album Art by Aki Pitkänen, Narikka Photography
Lunar Falls track listing:
1. Eleos 2. Solus Ipse 3. The Elm 4. Aphasia 5. Three Rivers 6. Autumnal Resolve 7. Catacombs 8. Nazaré 9. Drogue 10. Sovran Shrines
“Emily Highfield, the sole creator of Suldusk, has succeeded in creating thoroughly entrancing musical experiences through seamless juxtapositions of contrasting musical styles. Even her vocals are representative of those contrasts – both caustic in their acidity and beautifully ethereal in their clarity.” — No Clean Singing
“Mysterious, hypnotic, compelling songwriting. Haunting and beautiful, very original – gentle, soothing, and then at times unexpectedly powerful when it conjures other-worldly dark screams from the collective sub-conscious – like Mother Nature venting her fury!” — David Hirschfelder, Internationally award-winning soundtrack composer
“Varyingly described as acoustic Black Metal, Blackgaze or Doom Folk, Suldusk have a sound that is entirely their own and utterly captivating… While no comparison can truly capture the magic of Suldusk, fans of Opeth‘s ‘Damnation‘ album are likely to be impressed.” — Overdrive Magazine
Los Angeles, CA —The Faim have shared another brand new song,“Amelie,” in anticipation of their forthcoming debut album, which is due in September. “Amelie” is an explosive pop-rock anthem that follows the release of “Fire,” the first track from the record that dropped in January. “Fire” received critical acclaim in the press and landed on notable playlists including Spotify’s New Noise and Pop Rock Shot, as well as Apple Music’s Breaking Alternative in 40 countries worldwide.
According to frontman Josh Raven, “The concept behind Amelie draws on the idea that everyone is born the same, but we become the people we are due to the influence of our surroundings. These influences can affect us both positively and negatively, but only we control the way we react to them.” Stream and download “Amelie” on all digital platforms HERE.
The official music video for “Amelie” is also out today, which captures The Faim on their first ever headline tour of Europe and Australia, where the majority of shows sold out completely or were upgraded due to popular demand. This achievement marks a huge milestone in the group’s career, considering they played their first live shows just over a year ago. Watch the new video HERE.
North American Tour Dates With Andy Black Kick Off Sunday, April 7 in Sacramento
The Faim will be heading back to North American in April and May for their massive tour supporting Black Veil Brides’ frontman, Andy Black, on his solo headline run. The 28-date trek launches on Sunday, April 7 in Sacramento and concludes in Virginia Beach on Friday, May 17. The band will also play in major cities and venues along the tour includingThe El Rey in Los Angeles, The Gramercy Theatre in New York City, and Metro in Chicago. The four-piece was also just confirmed to play Reading & Leeds Festivals in the U.K. for the second year in a row, sharing the BBC Radio 1 Stage with Bastille, CHVRCHES, The Story So Far, and more. A full list of dates can be found below, and all tickets are available to purchase HERE.
New music from The Faim is on the way, with more details about their debut album to be revealed soon. Stay tuned and keep up with the band on social media below.
The Faim Tour Dates Supporting Andy Black:
4/7/19 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades 4/9/19 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon 4/10/19 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre 4/12/19 – Las Vegas, NV @ Vinyl 4/13/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre 4/14/19 – Mesa, AZ @ The Nile Theatre 4/16/19 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot 4/17/19 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre 4/19/19 – Dallas, TX @ Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill 4/20/19 – San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box 4/22/19 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade 4/23/19 – Orlando, FL @ The Plaza Live 4/25/19 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts 4/26/19 – Greensboro, NC @ The Blind Tiger 4/29/19 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theatre 4/30/19 – Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage 5/1/19 – New York, NY @ The Gramercy Theatre 5/3/19 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium 5/4/19 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Asbury Lanes 5/6/19 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Elevation 5/7/19 – Chicago, IL @ Metro 5/8/19 – Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater 5/10/19 – Cleveland, OH @ Phantasy Nightclub 5/11/19 – Detroit, MI @ The Majestic 5/13/19 – Toronto, ON @ The Opera House 5/15/19 – Montreal, QC @ L’Astral 5/16/19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts 5/17/19 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Elevation 27
Festival Appearances:
8/17/19 – St. Polten, Austria @ FM4 Frequency Festival 8/23/19 – Leeds, U.K. @ Leeds Festival (BBC Radio 1 Stage) 8/25/19 – Reading, U.K. @ Reading Festival (BBC Radio 1 Stage)
The Faim Is:
Josh Raven / Lead vocals Sam Tye / Guitar Stephen Beerkens / Bass, keyboard Linden Marissen / Drums, percussion
PHOENIX — Holy Fawn, the Phoenix-based band who describe themselves as “four creatures making loud heavy pretty noises, release a video for “Dark Stone” as the band’s buzzed about under-the-radar album, Death Spells, gets a proper release via Triple Crown Records (home to Caspian and Covet).
“This record came out of nowhere and absolutely knocked me on my ass. I knew nothing of it, had zero idea what to expect and literally had goosebumps for a majority of my first listen.” – Riley Breckenridge (Thrice)
Death Spells initially received a DIY, regional release in 2018, with the band’s friend putting out the 10-song album via his label, Whelmed Records. Word about the young band began to grow out of the Southwest with fans and friends sharing the songs and “Drag Me Into The Woods” video via social media, eventually tipping off a handful of in-the-know writers and musicians.
Stereogum proclaimed it as one of the “Top 50 Records of 2018,” New Noisedubbed it a “sonic adventure,” and Heavy Blog Is Heavy/Arctic Drones’ writer David Zeidler saying, “a little-known indie band from Arizona being touted as the next big thing by respected musicians isn’t something I’m likely to gloss over lightly… I was sufficiently impressed, but it wasn’t until the band released the first single from Death Spells, ‘Arrows’… that I fully realized how exciting and potentially important this band could be.” Thrice’s Riley Breckenridge said he “literally had goosebumps for a majority of my first listen” and Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe offered, “listening from top-to-bottom will take you on a trance-inducing journey.”
“The album is beautiful, heavy, & hypnotizing- listening from top to bottom will take you on a trance-inducing journey” – Randy Blythe (Lamb Of God)
Holy Fawn kicks off a western U.S. tour this evening at Club Congress in Tucson. Dates are:
March 28 Tucson, AZ Club Congress March 29 Tempe, AZ Yucca Tap Room March 30 San Diego, CA Space March 31 Los Angeles, CA The Echo April 3 San Jose, CA Ritz April 4 Oakland, CA Elbo Room April 5 Eugene, OR HiFi Music Hall April 6 Portland, OR High Water April 7 Seattle, WA Vera Project April 9 Salt Lake City, UT Diabolical Records April 10 Las Vegas, NV Shawteau
Oregon – YOB, who kick off a new round of North American tour dates on Tuesday, share a recently taped Amoeba Green Room session. The session was filmed during the band’s previous national tour and features the songs “The Lie That is Sin,” “Breathing from the Shallows,” and “Our Raw Heart,” the title track from the band’s critically-acclaimed 2018 album. View the session HERE.
Born in Berkeley, CA in 1990, Amoeba Music Hollywood is the world’s largest independent record store. Nestled deep inside Amoeba Hollywood is its Green Room, home for each of its visiting artists and an intimate performance space. Amoeba’s Green Room Sessions have featured stripped down, acoustic performances by Julien Baker, First Aid Kit, and Father John Misty, as well as full-throttle, powerhouse electric sets from Youth Code, U.S. Girls, and The Heavy.
Album Success
Our Raw Heart surfaced on a wide range of best of 2018 lists, nabbing the #1 spot in Decibel Magazine’s extensive year-end issue, as well as receiving nods from NPR, Rolling Stone, ArtForum, Mashable, New York Magazine’s Vulture, Noisey, Treble and more.
Consequence of Sound’s Heavy Consequence said of the album that they placed at the top of their 2018 countdown: “Our Raw Heart… possesses a serene almost uplifting quality,” while PopMatters, who also placed the release at the top of their Best Metal of 2018 list, said “… true art… offers us an insight into the most frightening of human emotions. Our Raw Heart acts as a portal to another’s pain…”
“YOB‘s eighth album, Our Raw Heart, is a riveting document of Scheidt‘s year,” said Rolling Stone in an online feature. “A gauntlet of sickness and health, clarity and confusion, the record wrestles with mortality and ultimately perseveres.”Decibel Magazine, in their July cover story said “one of the byproducts” of Scheidt’sillness “is a brilliant new album that takes the YOB blueprint of punishingly heavy, delightfully angular doom/sludge into unexplored areas of heart-breaking melody and triumphant resolve.” The album has won accolades from the Associated Press (“Yob… swing effortlessly between menacing distortion and hushed reverie”), NPR (“…the group’s sprawling gravity and thunderous majesty have taken an introspective turn…”), Pitchfork (“…metal that sounds sensuous, bellicose, and jubilant all at once”).
North American Tour
Tickets, as well as exclusive ticket and merch bundles, are on-sale now. The bundles, which can be found via YOB‘s website, include an entry ticket, an exclusive t-shirt as well as the option of vinyl or CD versions of Our Raw Heart.
YOB Tour Dates:
(All dates with Voivod and Amenra except where noted)
March 26 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line March 27 Chicago, IL Thalia Hall March 28 Columbus, OH Ace of Cups SOLD OUT March 29 Cleveland, OH Grog Shop March 30 Toronto, ON Phoenix March 31 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom April 2 Portland, ME Geno’s SOLD OUT April 3 Boston, MA Royale April 4 Brooklyn, NY Warsaw April 5 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer April 6 Richmond, VA Broadberry April 7 Raleigh, NC Kings April 9 Knoxville, TN Concourse April 10 Atlanta, GA Masquerade (Hell) April 11 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jack’s April 12 Houston, TX Warehouse April 13 Austin, TX Barracuda April 14 Dallas, TX Gas Monkey April 16 Denver, CO Marquis Theater * April 18 Phoenix, AZ Club Red + April 19 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick + SOLD OUT
* – No Voivod + – YOB only
YOB Is:
Travis Foster (drums) Aaron Rieseberg (bass) Mike Scheidt (vocals/guitar)
Spotlights premiere new song, “The Particle Noise,” via Kerrang! magazine. The song is from the band’s forthcoming album, Love & Decay (April 26, Ipecac Recordings). Listen via Kerrang!HERE.
Guitar player/singer Mario Quintero talks about the meaning behind the track, “’The Particle Noise’ is a multi-dimensional song. Mainly being a love story about the beginning of the universe. A moment so intense that it encapsulates what it means to exist. This all being a metaphor for this person’s infatuation with another, so strong it tears them to pieces and reforms them over and over.”
About the record, Mario continues “It’s intangible, It’s intense. It’s beautiful. There’s an impending darkness underneath everything and a sense of unease, but it’s also honest and vulnerable. It’s just really important to us. Regardless of why anyone might react, that’s why we do it.”
Mario handled the production work on the eight-song album, which was recorded in he and bass player/singer Sarah Quintero’s basement. Love & Decay also finds the band officially grow to a trio, with touring drummer Chris Enriquez becoming a full-time member.
The physical version of Love & Decay features a bonus track: “Sleepwalker.” Album pre-orders including a mauve-colored 2LP set, are available now with digital pre-orders including an instant download of “The Particle Noise” and the previously released song, “The Age of Decay”. Pre-order Love & DecayHERE.
Praise For Seismic:
“Seismic is also imbued with an almost celestial warmth. After all, if you’re going to shoegaze, why not do so from way up in the stars.” – RECORD COLLECTOR
“Seismic…both sharpens up the guitar and intensifies the somnambulist sheen…they are at their best when strands of guitar and synthesizer tangle and weave, producing something akin to a lullaby, albeit one that’s far from sleep-inducing…it is nimble and concise, thoughtful and focused – a sideways take on the genre and a refreshing change from the downbeat onslaught of their nearest contemporaries.” – THE WIRE
“With vast soundscapes under heavy skies and tinged with a noir 80s nuance that elevates Spotlights‘ stylishly forward-thinking atmospheric bludgeon.” – METAL HAMMER
“… the Quinteros make some truly huge-sounding music, much of it crushing. There’s an ethereality and grace about it, however, which makes the ambitious expanse of Seismic consistently interesting throughout its hour-plus runtime.” – TREBLE ZINE
“They avoid many of the common pitfalls associated with some shoegaze or sludge artists in that the album never feels like it drags. Sometimes doomy, sometimes romantic, it’s as heavy as it is beautiful.” – GHETTOBLASTER
About Spotlights
Spotlights‘ story happens void of spectacle, show, or tableau. However, in this day and age, that might be why their story feels so serendipitous and strange, if not utterly surprising. This story also instantly appealed to some rather influential peers who lent an early endorsement. Two musicians – a husband-and-wife duo, Mario [guitar, synths, vocals] and Sarah [bass, guitar, vocals] – simply pick up their instruments and mainline dense distortion, spacey soundscapes, and unnervingly serene vocal transmissions directly from the heart. This unpredictable, yet unassuming sound quietly heralded their arrival in 2016 on the DIY debut album, Tidals.
Brooklyn Vegan stumbled upon the project and streamed “Walls.” The song eventually entranced musician and producer Aaron Harris (ISIS/Palms) who shared it with Palms’ singer, and Deftones frontman, Chino Moreno. An invite to open the Deftones summer tour soon followed and kickstarted an envious touring resume, with the band having been picked to open for the Melvins, Quicksand, Hum, Glassjaw, Pelican and Pallbearer. Ipecac Recordings co-founders Mike Patton and Greg Werckman fell under the band’s spell and signed them. Spotlights’ Ipecac Recordings’ debut, Seismic, arrived in in the Autumn of 2017. During the following months, Spotlights also recorded an Audiotree session and released the Hanging By Faith EP.
Spotlights Is:
Mario Quintero – Guitar/singer Sarah Quintero – Bass/singer Chris Enriquez – Drums
PHOENIX — Long-time American songwriter Laura Pergolizzi, also known as LP, brought raw energy and charisma to Phoenix. Originally booked at the Crescent Ballroom, LP sold out the 550 capacity room, forcing the show to move to The Van Buren’s 1800 capacity venue. The bold move proved beneficial as LP sold out the Van Buren, with fans still hoping to score tickets at the box office before the show.
LP may be news to the majority, but she has been gracing the music industry with her songwriting since the late 90’s, writing songs for artists like the Backstreet Boys and Christina Aguilera. Her hard work and consistency paid off big time when she released her first studio album, Heart Shaped Scar, in 2001.
It was clear within the first few moments of the show why LP and her band have fans scrambling for tickets, and promoters moving her show to venues three times the size originally booked. The simple explanation: she’s a star. She has a commanding presence, and the moment she lets that first note slip between her lips, you’re sold. In that moment, you know you’re watching someone born to be on stage.
Taking her time to walk out on the stage, lights dimmed as the band came out, the music began with a slow build creating tension in each eager audience member waiting to see LP and hear her bold voice. The intensity of the crowd matched the tension built from the music until the moment LP came out, and then it’s on. Beginning the show with “Dreamcatcher,” the first track off her latest album, Heart to Mouth, she quickly captured attention from all in attendance.
She gracefully glided across the stage, singing with her incredible range and compelling the crowd to move with her. The music flowed into an explosion of sound and dance. Her writing has an incredible balance of emotion and freedom from your former lover, while at times you can feel her broken heart as if it were yours.
It may take seeing the show live to understand the passion each song has to offer. The show takes each person through a story of heartbreak and raw, pure feelings with songs such as, “I Gave You the Great Unknown,” and her second hit single “Recovery. ” Her lyrics ask honest questions like, “Did you let me go?“, and make real statements like, “I can’t stop sleeping in your clothes.” Her powerful voice soars through the crowd, piercing through each member of the audience. The dynamic vocals are accompanied by a slight quiver in her voice that drives home that heartbreak.
LP not only has the songs to remind you of the love you lost, but she has the ability to get you dancing to the same heartbreak. Along with her great presence is a solid, passionate, and exhilarating band. The dynamism and musicianship they bring to the show support LP with a humility that reflects that they believe in the music they are playing and know they are in the right place.
If there is one takeaway for LP when she leaves the Valley, it’s that Phoenix wants her back, and it would be no surprise to see her in an arena when she returns. This is a show made for everyone: the broken-hearted, the healed, the happy, the lonely, the dancer, the dreamer — LP has something for you.
