The Avett Brothers continue to make those perfect songs for me on their latest album, I and Love and You,released in late September.

In their first major studio record,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99046/love99046Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:16:32 +0000 After emerging in a big way last year with their self-titled debut album and a massive single in ‘Blind’ (featuring Antony Hegarty), nu-disco act Hercules & Love Affair have spent 2009 releasing a mix CD and doing lots of touring. And after becoming one of the bands of...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99045/converge99045Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:01:36 +0000Jarring percussion controlled opener, ‘Dark Horse' races off into a melee of metalcore, punk and post hardcore, polished off by the focused, animated and gnarly vocals of Jake Bannon. Now celebrating nineteen years of boundary pushing spleen venting, Boston's bruising alternative pit inspirers, Converge combine their entire genre flitting into...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99044/pornstar99044Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:54:26 +0000It’s been one hell of a week for Amy Meredith. The Sydney quintet performed an energetic set at the Day in the Park festival, and a special secret show for their home-town fans at Cronulla Beach.

The band has worked hard to build up a strong fanbase online, so it...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99043/cold99043Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:35:32 +0000Male Bonding are the Dalston three piece who have just signed to Seattle’s SubPop Records: most appropriate as their lo-fi grunge-pop sounds very American. ‘Stare At My Problems’ (Faux Discx) is staccato and sparse at first and then bursts into fearsome rhythms as if their dentist had just drilled into...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99042/wye_oak99042Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:26:26 +0000"Take It In"from the album The Knot2009iTunesCertain critical terms get taken as pejorative when they're merely descriptive: "Droning," for example, doesn't necessarily mean boring or moribund. When used to describe a sound, "drone" usually means "a low hum," and when employed by a...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99041/jim_jones99041Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:05:22 +0000As those familiar with his Booth history are well aware, Verse Simmonds is a pretty straightforward guy when it comes to the ladies. Whether he’s inviting you to sit on his “magic wand” or propositioning you through an Intoxicated Text, his agenda’s right there in the open. Similarly, when he...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99040/new_pornographers99040Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:16:55 +0000British author and musician John Wesley Harding (Wesley Stace is his real name) has put together a sort of variety show that has been appearing at (le) Poisson Rouge about every month since the spring. Last night was his last one of the year in NYC and he made...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99039/hammer_no_more_the_fingers99039Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:22:24 +0000Anyone who has ever had a foray in music, however brief, will testify that all the grand ideas you have in your head; the catchy hooks, clever lyrics, the brilliant little flourishes and that eye watering middle-eight that came to you in a dream - seldom make it out of...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99038/the_rifles99038Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:12:32 +0000  British 80s power pop lives! You can easily be mistaken into believing that The Rifles' "Great Escape" is some arcane reissue from 1987. Yet this band has only been around for about three years; they have absorbed far more choice rock cuts than their years would suggest.  Herein are...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99037/america99037Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:54:54 +0000SLAVE PIT ARTISTS GO BERSERK IN FRENZY OF CREATIVITY�"HUMAN RACE IN COMPLETE AWE

GWAR’s “AMERICA MUST BE DESTROYED” DELUXE EDITION  WITH “TOUR DE SCUM” AND “PHALLUS IN WONDERLAND” OUT NOW!

You might think that servicing the needs of GWAR in this, the midst of their 25th Anniversary Tour would be a full-time...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99036/passion_pit99036Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:49:38 +0000Unless you've been living in a tree for the past 12 months Passion Pit's rise cannot have gone unnoticed. The electro pop 5-piece release Little Secrets as their latest gem from their much praised debut album Manners. It's inoffensively pretty in sound, simple and to the point but at heart...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99035/passion_pit99035Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:49:22 +0000Unless you've been living in a tree for the past 12 months Passion Pit's rise cannot have gone unnoticed. The electro pop 5-piece release Little Secrets as their latest gem from their much praised debut album Manners. It's inoffensively pretty in sound, simple and to the point but at heart...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99034/girls99034Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:53:21 +0000"Hellhole Ratrace"from the album Album2009iTunesGirls, the San Francisco duo of Christopher Owens and J R White, arrives with shoulders shrugged, head slightly down. Its debut album, titled Album, is a lean ramble, in no way ostentatious. Knowingly or not, Mr. Owens has the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99033/nirvana99033Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:51:26 +0000In the span of about eight hours, split between two lengthy plane rides between Madrid and San Diego, I read the entirety of Chuck Klosterman's tome on '80s glitter metal, "Fargo Rock City." In one of its most fascinating chapters, Chuck draws numerous parallels between Nirvana's Nevermind and Guns `n'...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99032/wale99032Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:51:18 +0000Despite the clever appropriations of things like tofurky, soyrizo and other animal-friendly re-workings, fledgling vegetarians are eventually forced to accept the fact that it's unquestionably impossible--even with advanced gastronomical technology--to make these meat-free substitutions taste identical to the bloody nectar of the cows, pigs and chickens. Two years ago, various...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99031/shadows_fall99031Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:50:10 +0000Thank you for making your wildly generous contribution to SomethingPunk.com�s metal releases of 2009. After one listen to your new album, Retribution, it�s clear that the only repeat offense you guys are guilty of is releasing quality albums. As always, the guitar work is amazing. Tracks like the instrumental opener,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99030/lady_gaga99030Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:49:12 +0000can admit when I'm wrong. On almost every Lady GaGa page on Wikipedia I'm quoted as calling The Fame "drivel," "obscene," or "trash"; I might have even used the word "monster" to describe the lady herself. But thanks to its string of knockout singles, the album turned out to...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99029/manchester_orchestra99029Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:37:26 +0000Atlanta's Manchester Orchestra are a well travelled, finely tuned beast of a live machine and on this single Shake It Out taken from their second album Mean Everything To Nothing, they bring the intensity to the record. Having supported the likes of Brand New, Kings of Leon and most recently...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99028/manchester_orchestra99028Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:37:20 +0000Atlanta's Manchester Orchestra are a well travelled, finely tuned beast of a live machine and on this single Shake It Out taken from their second album Mean Everything To Nothing, they bring the intensity to the record. Having supported the likes of Brand New, Kings of Leon and most recently...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99027/flyleaf99027Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:29:47 +0000Opening track, "Beautiful Bride", is a terrible song to open Memento Mori with. The riffs are boring, the vocals are lackluster, the hook is weak, and the group-singing near the end is awful. If that song was representative of the quality found on this album the band would have been...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99026/kittie99026Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:59:23 +0000The first time I witnessed Kittie was during the Dynamo festival in the year 2000. They had released their first album Spit in 1999 and because they were the only all female metalband at that time they gained a lot of publicity in the male dominated metal world. Back then...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99025/agent99025Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:49:19 +0000Hitting you with a driving sound from the start filled with fat repeating riffs, broken by the deep smooth voice of vocalist James Donaldson as he brings the lyrics in and accompanied by the chunky bass of Matthew Flower, Agent give us a song that grabs your attention.

'Wilt The Garden'...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99024/atreyu99024Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:39:51 +0000To call your band after the character of The Never Ending Story is probably not the most metal thing to do. Certainly when you play a music style that is dominated by angry dudes who just want to smash in ugly faces. On the other hand it would do good...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99023/the_mountain_goats99023Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:56:12 +0000More religious than Songs The Lord Taught Us and halfway towards �No Shit?� CCM territory, The Life Of The World To Come finds John Darnielle tip-toeing around religious topics without letting the gospel touch his pen. This is spiritual music only in the sense that Darnielle is...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99022/stream99022Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:18:20 +0000Surprise Me Mr. Davis has made an album of new material available for free online. (http://surprisememrdavis.com/)The untitled collection of songs is streaming on the band’s newofficial homepage. In addition to band mainstays Nathan Moore and TheSlip, the current incarnation of Mr. Davis includes keyboardist MarcoBenevento. The five musicians will kick...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99020/white_mice99020Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:57:37 +0000  White Mice give the people what they want/what they want to give regardless of the people: collages of noise, found speeches and dank, greasy vibes that force you to redefine the word "enjoyable" while listening. As a result, "Ganjahovajdose" will be seen, depending on your constitution, another glorious peek...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99019/miley_cyrus99019Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:33:30 +0000Miley Cyrus hates the 'Twilight� movies - because she doesn�t believe in vampires.

The 'Hannah Montana� star � who has just signed up with 'Twilight� producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey to star in 'Wings�, a fantasy movie which is similar in plot to the 'Twilight� movies - doesn�t get why...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99018/anvil99018Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:55:58 +0000The rejuvenated Anvil get a good crowd on the main stage and although it might have taken their recent biographical film to bring them back into the limelight, it’s clear that plenty here have delved into the back catalogue or bought the new record.

We’ve seen Anvil before but you still...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99017/senser99017Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:54:23 +0000Senser bring their fusion of metal and rap to headline the Scuzz stage on Saturday at Hellfire Fest, not that you would know it was a headline set from the pathetically small crowd, which only numbers about 20! That they feel somewhat out of place on the bill is evidenced...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99016/capulets99016Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:49:23 +0000Experimental band, Capulets base a lot of their sound around a couple of retro Casio keyboards, and this sounds like a true recipe for disaster…except it works! Like Beastie Boys’ buddy, Keyboard Money Mark, keyboards have never sounded so good! Main man Luke Hebblethwaite sings and plays guitar, whilst Pietro...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99015/slayer99015Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:53:38 +0000MEGADETH and SLAYER have announced that they will co-headline the “American Carnage” tour. TESTAMENT will be opening all date on the tour.

“American Carnage” will kick off on January 18 in Seattle, WA for a 26-date trek across North America that will include the six Canadian dates postponed earlier this month....]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99014/showcase99014Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:29:43 +0000Well, the month of July is now in the history books for the year of 2008. It’s hotter than all hell here in the Windy City, but there’s nothing cooler than hanging out in a jazz or blues club and checking out a show. Of course, when looking at the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99013/gwar99013Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:45:29 +0000Korpiklaani and GWAR are the latest bands to be announced for Bloodstock 2010!

Korpiklaani and GWAR join Devin Townsend, Behemoth, Obituary, Leaves Eyes, Cannibal Corpse, Doro Pesch, Ross the Boss, Rage, Andromeda and Suffocation with a whole host of acts still to be confirmed!

As well as this kick-ass announcement, we can...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99012/blueprint99012Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:41:31 +0000Jay-Z has canceled the remaining tour dates for his tour in support of “Blueprint 3″. The rapper is citing scheduling conflicts as the reason for the scrapped gigs.

He was set to perform in Lubbock, Texas, later today, as well as two other shows in Albuquerque, New...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99011/rakim99011Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:37:28 +0000t's sometimes worth remembering that rappers are largely victims of circumstance, forced collaborators incapable of creating a significant portion of their own music. Like strictly vocal lead singers, they're parasites, in the best sense of the word�creative pirates feasting off the material of others. Yet unlike a lead singer, who...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99010/groove_armada99010Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:26:51 +0000Andy Cato and Tom Findlay funkmaster fingertips recreate and continue to stylishly evolve with Groove Armada�s stunning new release 'I Won�t Kneel�. Collaborating with female input from SaintSaviour, whose distinct vocal sound is slightly reminiscent of a young Kate Bush.

The track is crafted to create a unique new sound which...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99009/groove_armada99009Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:26:04 +0000Andy Cato and Tom Findlay funkmaster fingertips recreate and continue to stylishly evolve with Groove Armada�s stunning new release 'I Won�t Kneel�. Collaborating with female input from SaintSaviour, whose distinct vocal sound is slightly reminiscent of a young Kate Bush.

The track is crafted to create a unique new sound which...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99008/low99008Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:23:46 +0000The End of the Road Festival is pleased to announce the first six artists that have been confirmed to appear in 2010.

Wilco can today be confirmed as a headliner. The Mountain Goats, The Low Anthem, Diane Cluck with Anders Griffin and AA Bondy will also be appearing, as will Canadian...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99007/frank_turner99007Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:44:23 +0000With his days as a post-hardcore vocalist far behind him, singer-songwriter Frank Turner continues his reinvention with the release of the title track from his 2009 album, ‘Poetry of the Deed’. Whilst it may struggle to compete with the popularity of his previous release, ‘The Road’, ‘Poetry of the Deed’...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99006/zaza99006Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:39:42 +0000"Sooner or Later"from the EP Cameo2009iTunesYour typical singer that possesses the airy whispery vocal styling tends to take a back seat to the instrumentation that accompanies it, but that is not the case with modern shoegazers Zaza. These mystical, dreamy vocals hold just...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99005/leona_lewis99005Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:59:08 +0000f nothing else, Echo certainly establishes Leona Lewis as a singularly gifted vocalist. Not since Mariah Carey began her full-time residence on Planet Glitter has such a technically capable vocalist been found in the Top 40. Lewis's voice combines Carey's expansive range with a terrific tonal quality�maybe less rich than...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99004/newton_faulkner99004Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:47:37 +0000Over and Out is an odd one. It starts almost awkwardly, featuring a spidery piano sound and drum beat that sounds unconventional for such a single.

However as the lyrics unfold you begin to realise why he has done this, shortly before a massive breakaway chorus rears its head and we...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99003/newton_faulkner99003Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:47:31 +0000Over and Out is an odd one. It starts almost awkwardly, featuring a spidery piano sound and drum beat that sounds unconventional for such a single.

However as the lyrics unfold you begin to realise why he has done this, shortly before a massive breakaway chorus rears its head and we...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99002/gaza99002Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:38:56 +0000It’s hard to imagine a better follow-up album than Gaza’s second full-length, as He is Never Coming Back improves on basically every aspect of its predecessor, and then some. Uncompromisingly heavy, HINCB is a headtrip of riffs and breakdowns, continuing along I Don’t Care Where I Go When I Die’s...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99001/exlovers99001Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:08:26 +0000Having heard a handful of Exlovers recorded material through MySpace and the other usual internet means I was finding it hard to really lay my finger on what space this band was trying to fill. Always frustratingly lo-fi to the point that the music sounds like a flat pancake behind...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/99000/arctic_monkeys99000Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:08:18 +0000The red curtain parted and through the smoke lurked five figures; statuesque to soak the acclaim before they solemnly delved into ‘Dance Little Liar'. Few bands could get away with such a brutally understated start but then there are few bands like Arctic Monkeys and few gigs as anticipated as...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98999/tegan_and_sara98999Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:18:24 +0000Tegan & Sara don�t sound like they�ve lifted a finger during the arrangement process, lending Sainthood to the hands of Chris Walla who uses the same �no Earth tones� mantra in his sonic pallet as Michael Mann used in Miami Vice.

Through gated drums, Greg Hawkes� synthesizers, and Postal...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98998/darwinsbitch98998Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:40:17 +0000Ore, the latest release from Oakland-based composer Marielle Jakobsons's solo project darwinsbitch, evolves in a fashion similar to Darwin�s coral model: it grows in seemingly anarchic ways. Expressionistic brushstrokes paint the solid droning soundscape with violin interpolations and complex, detailed harmonies; but as you look back, the previously obscured hinges...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98997/the_fifth_alliance98997Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:09 +0000The Fifth Alliance from Breda, Netherlands has just released a new EP called Reflections On Consciousness. Their previous release was their demo that resulted in a record contract on Crossfirecult Records. According to their MySpace they sound like a heavy grooving sound of controlled dissonance and rhythmic twists.

On their demo Fear...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98996/caliban98996Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:04 +0000Caliban has been around for over ten years. Within those years Caliban have dealt with a lot of criticism from both critics, fans and former fans. Starting with a powerful sound in 1997 that mixed hardcore and death metal with a touch of emo they conquered the music scene very swiftly....]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98995/revolution_mother98995Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:59:50 +0000The album title makes one think that we’re dealing with hippetie-hop, rap or some other form of what some people describe as music. So put on yer Karl Kani suit and your SeanJohn cap, pull out yo bling and fire up a spliff. Let’s go...

From the very first nanosecond, Revolution...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98994/ruiner98994Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:59:43 +0000Since several years Bridge Nine is the ultimate hardcore label when it comes to great releases. Every release pushes this label further into the direction of a cultlabel if you’d ask me. About two years ago they released the first full-length album of the Baltimore based act Ruiner. Back then...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98993/ninetail98993Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:59:38 +0000Ninetail reigns from York Pennsylvania and have just released their sophomore album. Although I’m unfamiliar with their previous work, the promosheet did raise some expectations. Especially since they're heavily inspired by American Head Charge, Bloodsimple, Pantera and Lamb Of God.

What is it with all those bands nowadays that just want...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98992/abandon98992Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:59:19 +0000This double album of Abandon is probably the hardest album I have ever reviewed. Before the release of the album the vocalist Johan Carlzon died of an overdose at the age of 32. Johan Carlzon is responsible for all the lyrics and the artwork of the album.

Knowing that the vocalist...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98991/say_anything98991Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:48:58 +0000If you hate Say Anything, Say Anything isn’t going to do a Goddamn thing to change that. All the reasons to hate Max Bemis and Co., the self assuredness, the all too self aware irony, the hints of utter douchery, the obnoxious vocals and tacky freak outs are all still...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98990/esoterica98990Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:26:25 +0000Esoterica are flying high at the moment, about to embark on a European tour with Marilyn Manson and with new album ‘The Riddle’ receiving rave reviews it’s been a good year so far.

Esoterica bring something a little different to Hellfire Fest, they are not your average metal band and reside...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98989/gorgoroth98989Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:43:26 +0000Legal disputes around the Gorgoroth name have plagued the band for the past year or so, but now that all is settled (legally anyways), this Norwegian outfit not only bring back a former vocalist (Pest), but also revisit their musical past with Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt. Unlike past efforts,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98988/orianthi98988Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:19:52 +0000Believe in stores now and available via Amazon!

At 24 years old, Orianthi has already experienced what most aspiring musicians only dream of. She’s opened for her hero (Steve Vai), backed an Idol (Carrie Underwood), traded solos with a legend (Carlos Santana) and shared the stage with...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98987/caravan98987Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:35:12 +0000If you can judge a group by its influences, try these out: Django Reinhardt, Vitalic, Cab Calloway, Justice, Lionel Hampton, Daft Punk, Billy Holiday. The Paris-based group has been touring since they broke out at the Django Reinhardt Jazz Festival in 2007. They deliver an old gypsy swing, but through...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98986/sameer98986Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:21:36 +0000The wait is over! Flyleaf have just released their new studio album Memento Mori, the follow up to their platinum selling self titled debut, today! Check out their online listening party here!

The album features the single “Again” and was produced by Howard Benson...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98985/sophie98985Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:13:14 +0000Well this is only the second release form Malta�s fast rising starlet Sophie.

Following on from debut single, a cover of Shirley Ellis� 'The Clapping Song� which hit the top spot in her native Malta K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) followed in its wake also spending 2 weeks at the top.

Already...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98984/sophie98984Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:11:15 +0000Well this is only the second release form Malta�s fast rising starlet Sophie.

Following on from debut single, a cover of Shirley Ellis� 'The Clapping Song� which hit the top spot in her native Malta K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid) followed in its wake also spending 2 weeks at the top.

Already...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98983/geneva98983Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:40:01 +0000For fans of KMFDM, Ministry, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and Rammstein there's a new band on the horizon ! Dutch Industrial/Metal extravaganza DEADCELL is touring Europe with their remarkable live performances since 2006. From London to Barcelona, from Amsterdam to Geneva. DEADCELL release their 3rd studio album 'Black Rooster' on...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98982/hellhammer98982Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:18:48 +0000Former CELTIC FROST and current TRIPTYKON frontman Tom Gabriel Fischer has issued the following update:

"We finished mixing TRIPTYKON's first album at Woodshed Studio in Germany late last week. I have now returned to Switzerland, where we will have it mastered by Walter Schmid at his Oakland Recording studio in Winterthur,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98981/handsome_furs98981Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:14:21 +0000"Radio Kaliningrad"from the album Face Control2009iTunesSimilar to their 2007 debut, Plague Park, the Handsome Furs' sophomore effort is super moody and a little on the brainy side. Named after a practice common to upscale Russian nightclubs in which people are admitted based...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98980/them_crooked_vultures98980Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:21:50 +0000've always refused to entertain the media storm that often surrounds titular supergroups, a term which has been lazily slapped on any band whose members have acquired their fame elsewhere. There's been so much forgettable music from these self-indulgent side projects in recent years that I've come to truly despise...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98979/old_97s98979Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:21:38 +0000efore they began to incorporate some slick pop elements into their ramshackle brand of roadhouse rock, Old 97s were one of the bands at the forefront of the alt-country movement. Some of the finest moments of that phase of their career are collected on Wreck Your Life and Then Some:...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98978/alejandro_escovedo98978Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:20:29 +0000imply one of the finest singer-songwriters of his generation, Alejandro Escovedo's critical cachet has always outstripped his name recognition and commercial impact. His final studio album for Bloodshot Records, 2001's A Man Under the Influence, manages to stand out even within the context of an impossibly deep catalogue. Reissued with...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98977/norah_jones98977Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:16:15 +0000aving been billed as Norah Jones's "guitar album," The Fall comes burdened with some expectations that the vocalist has shaken up her trademark formula of tasteful piano arrangements, light percussion, and effortless vocal turns. The album only intermittently works as a departure for Jones, then, because the lone signature element...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98976/blaze_bayley98976Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:06:28 +0000Our first foray onto the main stage this weekend brings us Blaze Bayley, one time Wolfsbane and Iron Maiden front man who has stepped in to fill the slot vacated by Evile following the tragic death of Mike Alexander. I’ve seen Blaze Bayley before albeit some years ago and I...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98975/new_device98975Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:06:23 +0000After a healthy dose of full on metal during the first part of the day I’m just in the mood for something a little more melodic and thankfully New Device bring it right on cue. Hailing form the South East of England they have already made an impact and are...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98974/hilary_scott98974Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:04:30 +0000Singer/Songwriter and all round cowgirl Hilary Scott has already released ‘Road to Hope’ on Belltown Records but now it’s up to us Brits to decipher its strange, cryptic meanings. For when the dust clouds settle surely, there will be a reason for its re-introduction?

From the very beginning the unmistakable twang...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98973/naked98973Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:04:22 +0000They’ve done it again! Are you ready for another big helping of Scandinavian rock goodness to get your teeth into? Then let me introduce you to Naked...

Naked is a Swedish melodic hard rock band taking its influence from the sleaze rock giants of the 70’s and 80’s. Made up of...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98972/don_broco98972Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:11:59 +0000After a short and cheery bit of a greeting to the crowd Don Broco switched on the vibes and immediately launched in to a set filled with intense energy and heavy beats.

Front man Rob worked the room, his strong presence drawing everyone in and igniting the crowd with his chatter...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98971/drones98971Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:11:55 +0000The sizable crowd at the Shoreditch’s Cargo hums with a noticeable Antipodean twang, which is not surprising given the current lag between The Drones’ profile in their native Australia and their international recognition. Former recipients of the Australian equivalent of the Mercury Music Prize, The Drones released their debut record...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98970/malefice98970Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:11:43 +0000Hard hitting five piece Malefice came out of Reading in 2003 and wasted little time in making a name for themselves with a well received debut album and a heavy touring schedule that included a slot at Download last year.

They hit the second stage at Hellfire Fest mid afternoon to...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98969/young_republic98969Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:09:22 +0000“Balletesque” is the sophomore full length album from the Tennessee six piece and it’s an intriguing mix of melodic indie, country, blues, jazzy brass (which gives the odd track a ska feel) and classical with a strong string sound. The album fizzles with energy and the influences come thick and...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98968/arch_enemy98968Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:01:59 +0000Since Arch Enemy consists of the stable line up with Angela Gossow as front woman, the band has become more popular with every single release. These new fans aren’t that familiar with the pre-Angela albums, so the band came up with some kind of best off album with only songs...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98967/marduk98967Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:21:37 +0000Wormwood, the latest blistering slab of Scandinavian black metal from Marduk, is another notch in the inverted cross that is the band’s discography. I’ve listened to this disc numerous times now and still can’t choose a single favorite track �" each song is amazing in their own right. Through the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98966/nile98966Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:17:29 +0000Had the success of _Powerslave_ prompted Iron Maiden to shift their creative attentions permanently on composing odes to the Pharaohs, they'd be flying coach like a troupe of everyday assholes today. And as much as a legion of denim-clad die-hards may demand my head skewered on a blunt kitchen utensil...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98965/immortal98965Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:17:23 +0000Considering the sheer volume of creative left turns, misguided attempts at reinvention and plain old wimping out that's gone on amongst black metal's erstwhile elite since the turn of the century, it's comforting to find the first Immortal opus for seven years embracing most of the sonic traits of the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98964/faust98964Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:17:15 +0000Not to be confused with either the legendary individual Bard "Faust" Eithun, late of Emperor, nor any of the myriad groups of the same name that Encyclopaedia Metallum lists (three from Poland alone), Italy's Faust is -- to put it mildly -- a long gestating project from Ancient touring guitarist...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98963/lissy_trullie98963Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:17:08 +0000WEEKEND VIDEO "Ready for the Floor"Self-Taught Learner2009iTunes When it came time to for Lissy Trullie to re-released her debut EP Self-Taught Learner, she could have recorded a few extra songs and turned it into a full album for her new label, Downtown Records....]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98962/owl_city98962Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:17:02 +0000WEEKEND VIDEO "Fireflies"Ocean Eyes2009iTunes Even if his major-label debut, Ocean Eyes, is a bit simplistic and sentimental with lines like, "If the bombs go off, the sun will still be shining," Minnesota native Adam Young, the one-man band behind Owl City, has crafted an...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98961/death_from_above_197998961Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:16:58 +0000A FAVORITE FROM FIVE YEARS AGO"Romantic Rights"from the album You're a Woman, I'm a MachineOriginal release date: October 26, 2004iTunes2004:Death From Above 1979 makes their considerable racket with only bass, drums, and the occasional Moog squelch assist. This isn't a gimmick �" between...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98960/dead_man's_bones98960Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:16:53 +0000"Pa Pa Power"from the album Dead Man's Bones2009iTunesAn award-winning actor, his best friend, and a children's choir in creepy costumes combine to form Dead Man's Bones, a new band that's released its album through record label ANTI- on October 6. Dead Man's Bones,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98959/blk_jks98959Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:16:45 +0000"Molalatladi"from the album After Robots2009iTunesJohannesburg natives BLK JKS (pronounced "black jacks") have been creating stateside buzz since performing at South by Southwest and appearing on the cover of the Fader magazine last year. Produced by Secret Machines' Brandon Curtis, After Robots justifies...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98958/neon_indian98958Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:16:40 +0000"Deadbeat Summer"from the album Psychic Chasms2009iTunesRemember tape cassettes? No, me neither. Not until Alan Palomo's Neon Indian reminded me how it sounded when a tape played so much it unraveled in the deck: twisted, flanging, and misshapen. Still, retro and warped suits the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98957/does_it_offend_you,_yeah?98957Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:16:35 +0000WEEKEND VIDEO "Dawn of the Dead"You Have No Idea WhatYou're Getting Yourself Into2008iTunes Does It Offend You, Yeah? usually come across as a band to let your hair down and rock-out to at the local disco, or the kind of bleepy-gametronics that could only...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98956/nirvana98956Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:16:29 +0000WEEKEND VIDEO / A FAVORITE FROM 15 YEARS AGO "The Man WhoSold the World"MTV Unpluggedin New YorkOriginal release date:November 1, 1994iTunesThe last Nirvana collection recorded before the untimely death of Kurt Cobain, Unplugged caught many by surprise with its stripped down, neo-acoustic offerings with...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98955/kings_of_convenience98955Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:16:23 +0000"Boat Behind"from the album Declaration of Dependence2009iTunesAfter 10 years, Norwegian folk duo Kings of Convenience are making a statement with their third record, Declaration of Dependence �" when it comes down to it, they're not so dependent on each other anymore. The...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98954/silver_starling98954Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:16:17 +0000"Closer"from the album Silver Starling2009iTunesThe small stage of Cake Shop on New York's Lower East Side may have not been the most ideal place for Canadian indie rock quintet Silver Starling to perform their CMJ showcase last month. The stage, which is located...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98953/yeasayer98953Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:15:54 +0000"Ambling Alp"from the album Odd Blood2010iTunesExperimental Brooklyn-based tripsters Yeasayer have released a new song called "Ambling Alp," and if it's any indication of what their forthcoming album Odd Blood will be like, the critics are gonna be cooing over Yeasayer circa February 2010 even...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98952/laarks98952Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:14:12 +0000"All the Words You Can't Say Right"from the album An Exaltation of Laarks2009iTunesContrary to recent mythology, it is not perpetually winter in Eau Claire. The Wisconsin city achieved fame and notoriety due to the musings of a certain troubadour seeking solace there...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98951/the_avett_brothers98951Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:10:39 +0000"I and Love and You"from the album I and Love and You2009iTunesThanks to Rick Rubin's "YouTube research," North Carolina trio Avett Brothers went from finger-pickers in their Concord, North Carolina hometown to the super-producer's new favorite band. The LP Rubin discovered, Emotionalism, wasn't...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98950/arctic_monkeys98950Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:59:56 +0000WEEKEND VIDEO "Cornerstone"Humbug2009iTunes The stage presence and allure of a band's frontman is surely an important ingredient to any musical dynamic. Their captivating movements are usually one of the main components people remember. Enter UK foursome Arctic Monkeys and their latest video, "Cornerstone,"...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98949/veruca_salt98949Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:57:25 +0000WEEKEND VIDEO / A FAVORITE FROM 15 YEARS AGO "Seether"American ThighsOriginal release date:November 8, 1994iTunes1994:With their thin, singsong vocals and fuzzed-out guitars, Veruca Salt may sound like the Breeders and the Pixies, but lack either band's talent for inverting pop conventions or taste for...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98948/kurt_vile98948Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:54:36 +0000"Hunchback"from the album Childish Prodigy2009iTunesWith Childish Prodigy, his debut for indie-juggernaut Matador, Kurt Vile stretches and pulls the increasingly annoying "lo-fi" tag into interesting new shapes, distancing himself from his Woodsist-kin, who seem content to blanket their pop-punk and folk with sheets of...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98947/!!!98947Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:51:47 +0000JERRY FUCHS: 1974-2009"Yadnus"from the album Myth Takes2007iTunesNovember 8, 2009:Gerhardt Fuchs grew up playing the drums in Georgia and went on to perform with bands that toured across the country, but it was in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that he forged his reputation as a dynamic,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98946/solid_gold98946Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:49:33 +0000"Bible Thumper"from the album Bodies of Water2008iTunesEau Claire native Adam Hurlburt says Solid Gold's music translates better overseas, which is partly a reason for recent tour dates in the United Kingdom.But the band's show early this year at First Avenue might have indicated...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98945/the_bravery98945Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:47:30 +0000WEEKEND VIDEO "Slow Poison"Stir the Blood2009iTunes Between prepping the release of their new album, Stir the Blood, and branching out creatively, the Bravery have been busy lately. It's no surprise that the video for their new single, "Slow Poison," is just a bit trippy....]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98944/pelican98944Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:17:58 +0000  Pelican are Pelican, but more. Massive instrumental tracks that build off of a few droning riffs, occasionally more heavy but often more prog-like than the bands they get compared to. "What We All Come To Need" can be ponderous, but it still works. The band's tightly controlled brooding remains...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98943/lucero98943Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:14:13 +0000I was approached to review the new Lucero album and I thought I would give this "new band" a shot. After doing some research on this band I have realized my mistake. This band will probably be one of those "overnight successes" that took 10 years to happen. Yes, they...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98942/398942Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:10:42 +0000Resolve had to happen sooner or later. First and foremost, The Eppard's didn't stop at Josh.  Secondly, and most importantly for Joey, Josh Eppard's (Weerd Science, Coheed and Cambria) brother, an effortless hybrid of Pop Rock/Metal had to come to the surface and invade our ear.  Not to say this is my dig, but...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98941/the_raveonettes98941Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:06:14 +0000Danish electro pop duo The Raveonettes are back with their new studio album In and Out of Control. If you own any of the previous Raveonettes albums you will not be surprised by what you hear. From the opener "Bang" on through we are presented with the pair's typical concoction...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98940/lou_barlow98940Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:01:51 +0000At this stage we've really come to know exactly what to expect when we get a Lou Barlow record. Whether it's his solo material or recording with Sebadoh, Sentridoh, or Folk Implosion, we know the music on the disc will be lo-fi rock that has mucho slacker appeal.So we know...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98939/spiral_stairs98939Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:59:04 +0000With all of the hoopla over the now confirmed 2010 Pavement reunion shows, the release of Spiral Stairs' debut solo album has been quite overshadowed. Stairs, aka Scott Kannberg, has put out material post-Pavement with Preston School of Industry, but The Real Feel is his first under his ahem, own name.Of...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98938/the_flaming_lips98938Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:58:02 +0000I guess I'm just going to have to face it, gone are the days when you could rely on the Flaming Lips to provide you with quirky, humorous pop songs. The new double album, Embryonic, may be the final nail in that coffin.This latest expansion of the Oklahoma group's use...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98937/the_avett_brothers98937Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:57:01 +0000September 29th saw the release of I and Love and You, the new studio album from indie roots band the Avett Brothers. For this album, the North Carolina trio present us with another collection of songs firmly grounded in American roots music.Vocal folk-inspired harmonies greet you with the title track...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98936/built_to_spill98936Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:55:47 +0000When it comes to making his guitar sing Built To Spill's Doug Martsch may be second only to J. Mascis in the indie world. He does nothing but solidify that reputation as the Boise band returns with their seventh proper album There Is No Enemy.The album, the band's first since...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98935/audio98935Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:54:46 +0000As this album starts, there is an immediate assault of what sounds like Talking Heads. It's the same confusing twanging, weird lyrical delivery and deliberate approach. But it soon becomes clear that it's not blatant plagarism, just happenstance - Audio-OK take a lot of the same approach but less of...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98934/thrice98934Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:53:45 +0000Few albums of 2009 have been as hotly anticipated or as rumoured about as this one. Thrice themselves, blogging on studio pages, told the fans that this album would be more energetic than the sleepier Alchemy Indexes III and IV, and we could all be forgiven for imagining a return...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98933/jeff_healy98933Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:52:52 +0000  Loved by blues fans since his 80s debut, Jeff Healy was a pop culture anomaly. He was a blind musician and not very video friendly; he was an ace guitarist who shredded with his instrument resting in his lap-not the cool pose of a typical guitar hero. Still, Healy's...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98932/maria_muldaur98932Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:51:31 +0000  Boomers self-mythologizing has become literally a new industry. Have you seen the commercial where the guy says "in the 60s, I was all about freedom. In my 60s, why stop now?" Of course, this and most such comparisons seem to omit boomers' ultra-materialistic 20s-50s. but hey, what's 40 years...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98931/tune98931Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:49:53 +0000Merrill Garbus, the solo artist behind the tUnE-yArDs moniker, tells us on her MySpace page how "all these songs were recorded through a Sony digital voice recorder and tracked in Audacity. They are created from sounds from my life over the past two years". The resulting album, initially self-released and...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98930/dashboard_confessional98930Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:43:41 +0000f course the words "emo" and "metrosexual" haven't been used in earnest for at least three or four years now, but they still sound fresher than Chris Carrabba's songs. As the frontman for Dashboard Confessional and a vaguely reluctant pinup, Carrabba is almost calculatedly perfect. He's a beautiful man....]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98929/we_all_have_hooks_for_hands98929Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:43:29 +0000f one wasn't paying attention, a cursory listen to We All Have Hooks for Hands's sophomore release The Shape of Energy would lead to all sorts of unsavory conclusions. What with their loose, kicky saunter and howling alterna-swagger, it's easy to assume the South Dakotan septet is a graduate of...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98928/!!!98928Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:34:26 +0000JERRY FUCHS: 1974-2009"Yadnus"from the album Myth Takes2007iTunesNovember 8, 2009:Gerhardt Fuchs grew up playing the drums in Georgia and went on to perform with bands that toured across the country, but it was in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that he forged his reputation as a dynamic,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98927/chroma98927Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:35:07 +0000Cartel was a band that seemed so simple yet I never really got completely. You got a vocalist in Will Pugh who has a voice was made for pop punk, a very good pair of guitarists and a rhythm section that almost outshines the rest of the band. Yet they...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98926/soft_toy_emergency98926Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:47:56 +0000Liverpool's Soft Toy Emergency are creating quite a stir in the electro-pop scene. They have already supported Little Boots, Friendly Fires and N.E.R.D this year and are now carving a name for themselves.

'Critical' is a good electro-pop single although it does seem to lack the punch of say Annie or...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98925/soft_toy_emergency98925Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:47:43 +0000Liverpool's Soft Toy Emergency are creating quite a stir in the electro-pop scene. They have already supported Little Boots, Friendly Fires and N.E.R.D this year and are now carving a name for themselves.

'Critical' is a good electro-pop single although it does seem to lack the punch of say Annie or...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98924/elvis_perkins_in_dearland98924Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:07:38 +0000An opening track called ‘Doomsday’ seemed to set another depressing tone for Elvis Perkins and his ‘The Doomsday EP’ which came after the morose ‘Ash Wednesday’ album. However, these initial concerns were blown away by an opening track which was almost jovial, at times bringing to mind the Beach Boys...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98923/skillet98923Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:38:43 +0000The members of Skillet recently visited MTV to share five facts you never knew about the band.  Check out the video to learn about the ladies in the group, their albums so far, and the two things the band can’t live without.  The band is currently on...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98922/audio98922Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:11:44 +0000As this album starts, there is an immediate assault of what sounds like Talking Heads. It's the same confusing twanging, weird lyrical delivery and deliberate approach. But it soon becomes clear that it's not blatant plagarism, just happenstance - Audio-OK take a lot of the same approach but less of...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98921/kurt_vile98921Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:32:22 +0000"Hunchback"from the album Childish Prodigy2009iTunesWith Childish Prodigy, his debut for indie-juggernaut Matador, Kurt Vile stretches and pulls the increasingly annoying "lo-fi" tag into interesting new shapes, distancing himself from his Woodsist-kin, who seem content to blanket their pop-punk and folk with sheets of...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98920/mudvayne98920Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:28:35 +0000MUDVAYNE have outdone themselves once again with the mind-blowing packaging for the new album.  The new album is revolutionizing album artwork design, as this is the first album to ever use black light reactive ink.  Every bit of art and text in the packaging of the record will be printed on ink...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98919/atreyu98919Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:34:13 +0000I personally have been a hardcore kid for years now and have seen a lot of bands come and go, be awesome and then change what was ever amazing about them and brutal to some soft shit that would be played on an easy rock station with Nickelback and bands...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98918/kill_paradise98918Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:33:20 +0000I remember back in high school, sitting in the parking lot, waiting to go to class with all my friends. That is what came to my mind when I started to listen to Kill Paradise�s new album, The Second Effect. It literally feels like two high school kids talking about...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98917/dizzee_rascal98917Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:25:59 +0000t's probably self-evident, given the cover art's bag-o-crisps font and color scheme, but Tongue N' Cheek is Dizzee Rascal's least ambitious and most successfully tasteless album. I can't imagine many will devour these empty calories (each song is as addictively, forgettably munchie as the last) without belching their discontent, but...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98916/wale98916Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:25:53 +0000ale has been on the brink of a breakthrough for so long now that it's neither far-fetched nor oxymoronic to refer to him as a veteran up-and-comer. Since around 2006 or so, the D.C.-based rapper with roots in the area's local go-go scene has existed as rap's semiofficial next best...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98915/shakira98915Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:25:34 +0000hakira has always been marketed to U.S. audiences as an exotic import, but her second English-language album, Oral Fixation Vol. 2, completely eschewed Latin pop in favor of mainstream pop-rock designed to appeal to middle America. Prior to that album's release, however, the Colombian singer-songwriter's Spanish-language single "La Tortura"...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98914/tara_jane_o'neil98914Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:23:54 +0000ichard Yates called one of his heartbreaking short-story collections Eleven Kinds of Loneliness, and Tara Jane O'Neil's latest album, A Ways Away, is nearly as mournful and plaintive and could bear the subtitle Ten Kinds of Distance. With her songs, O'Neil has distilled a lyrical, musical, and mythical approach to...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98913/norah_jones98913Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:53:02 +0000Norah Jones� new first single from upcoming album 'The Fall� is a short but fantastic song. It brings an immediacy that is not as obvious in some of her previous work; it is at once hypnotic and catchy, occupying an evocative dreamscape of a sleepless night spent distracted by her...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98912/norah_jones98912Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:52:44 +0000Norah Jones� new first single from upcoming album 'The Fall� is a short but fantastic song. It brings an immediacy that is not as obvious in some of her previous work; it is at once hypnotic and catchy, occupying an evocative dreamscape of a sleepless night spent distracted by her...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98911/leona_lewis98911Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:51:47 +0000It's nearly 2 years now since Leona won X-Factor and since then has been number one in 35 countries, so proves she is certainly no flash-in-the-pan TV winner (Leon, Steve Bernstein, Michelle McManus, etc).

This track is the first to be taken from her forthcoming second album (Echo) and tells the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98910/leona_lewis98910Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:50:25 +0000It's nearly 2 years now since Leona won X-Factor and since then has been number one in 35 countries, so proves she is certainly no flash-in-the-pan TV winner (Leon, Steve Bernstein, Michelle McManus, etc).

This track is the first to be taken from her forthcoming second album (Echo) and tells the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98909/w.a.s.p.98909Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:28:42 +0000Babylon was a city-state of ancient Mesopotamia, the remains of which are found in present-day Al Hillah, Babil Province, Iraq, south of Baghdad. It is also believed the origin of the four horsemen as depicted on the cover of the new W.A.S.P. album. For somebody who started his career with...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98908/morrissey98908Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:19:33 +0000Lots of Morrissey drama popping up as of late. The latest is that he was performing only his 2nd song in Liverpool, UK when some ass clown threw his glass bottle at Morrissey. Not sure what’s true or not, but some reports are saying the glass bottle hit his head....]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98907/victorian_english_gentlemens_club98907Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:59:47 +0000Cardiff art-rockers The Victorian English Gentlemens Club have a darkly poppy sound, very lo-fi, very fuzzy but often pretty tuneful and melodic. Their tunes are fun and energetic with a quirky inventive edge and are intentionally gritty and fuzzy ��" they tend to emphasise this through their use of only...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98906/veruca_salt98906Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:49:29 +0000WEEKEND VIDEO / A FAVORITE FROM 15 YEARS AGO "Seether"American ThighsOriginal release date:November 8, 1994iTunes1994:With their thin, singsong vocals and fuzzed-out guitars, Veruca Salt may sound like the Breeders and the Pixies, but lack either band's talent for inverting pop conventions or taste for...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98905/jay-z98905Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:43:08 +0000Yesterday, rap mogul Jay-Z and R&B songstress, Alicia Keys performed their collaborative single together, “Empire State of Mind” at Game 2 of the 2009 World Series. The two of them brought the house down in Yankee Stadium, Hova wearing his New York Yankees hat and jacket.

The performance was great and...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98904/annie98904Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:02:01 +0000here was a bittersweet undercurrent to Annie's Anniemal, largely due to the fact that her boyfriend�DJ Tore "Erot" Kroknes, who co-wrote and produced Annie's debut single, "Greatest Hit"�died of a heart defect two years before she signed her first record deal, but also because of the Norwegian pop singer's...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98903/jason_mraz98903Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:57:38 +0000till riding the momentum of the record-breaking single "I'm Yours," which recently spent 76 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has sold over four million downloads, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz releases his fourth official live album, the clumsily titled Jason Mraz's Beautiful Mess � Live from Earth. Unlike R.E.M.'s...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98902/ian_parker98902Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:23:46 +0000To those of us who have been long term fans of Ian Parker this EP does not come as a massive departure from his usual style but rather it is where he has been heading for some time � and it really is quite superb too.

On paper Parker is a...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98901/ian_parker98901Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:22:23 +0000To those of us who have been long term fans of Ian Parker this EP does not come as a massive departure from his usual style but rather it is where he has been heading for some time � and it really is quite superb too.

On paper Parker is a...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98900/brick98900Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:38:31 +0000This Week's Essential Tracks!THE DEAD WEATHER, I CUT LIKE A BUFFALOJack White could be playing death metal and it’d still have a saucy groove the size of the Grand Canyon. Here he is doing a big, bluesy one and, yep, it’s groovy. Click hereFRANK TURNER, POETRY OF THE...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98899/alice_in_chains98899Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:23:06 +0000After years of listening to Facelift, Dirt, and Alice In Chains, I never thought I�d see the day that the masters of hard rock, Alice In Chains would be back with a new singer and album. Yet, here we are in 2009, and Alice In Chains has welcomed newcomer William...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98898/christina_aguilera98898Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:56:31 +0000Christina Aguilera plans to show her raunchy pop video for 'Dirrty� to her son.

The US singer � who has 21-month-old son Max Liron with her husband Jordan Bratman � said she is looking forward to showing him Max all of her videos, including 'Dirrty� which features her in leather hotpants.

She...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98897/steve_appleton98897Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:14:13 +0000Steve Appleton won over the hearts of many when he introduced himself with his single ‘City Won’t Sleep’. He is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, so when it comes to performing live, you wonder just how this young musician would be able to pull it off.

Appleton stated that he usually...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98896/go_audio98896Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:14:06 +0000It was surprising that a band such as Go Audio has managed to wrangle their way into the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, as is such a large venue. Having been able to fill the majority of the standing and first level areas (taking into consideration that one of the support bands...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98895/tiger_please98895Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:14:00 +0000The fair country of Wales is associated with a number of things, namely leeks, dragons and Tom Jones; and that really isn’t fair. It’s only after looking at this tawdry list of mythical beings, vegetables and old men with incomprehensible amounts of woman’s lingerie that you begin to realise just...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98894/american_steel98894Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:13:54 +0000Even though American Steel were formed back in 1995 in Oakland, California this was their first time in the UK and after this performance, American Steel is welcome back to our shores anytime.

For a support act they were able to do their job and warm up the crowd and they...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98893/idlewild98893Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:12:53 +0000Every scene has its also-rans, its runners up, its second placers and post Britpop indie is no exception. Now, these monickers may seem harsh at first, however, if you think of all the bands that don't even qualify as also-rans, the forgotten contenders of a time gone by, then finishing...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98892/spiral_stairs98892Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:12:02 +0000Pavement are one of those bands that only people of a certain musical disposition are aware of, and if one is aware of Pavement, then it is impossible not to have a fairly strong opinion about them. Fans of the early nineties alt. rock group will argue to the death...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98891/slayer98891Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:00:48 +0000No need to introduce these lads or their reputation. Slayer has been a dominant metal force since metal became really cool and they will remain so until they pull the plug. They have a new album, something nobody expected because usually they take five years to release a new one....]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98890/skeletonwitch98890Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:33:03 +0000Ohio’s SKELETONWITCH will bring their brand of “blackened thrash” to NYC’s acclaimed “BLACKENED MUSIC SERIES” on November 14. The show will take place at Brooklyn’s Union Pool and will also feature Relapse’s BLACK ANVIL and is part of “THE BLACKENED WEEKEND,” which will also...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98889/arctic_monkeys98889Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:21:18 +0000WEEKEND VIDEO "Cornerstone"Humbug2009iTunes The stage presence and allure of a band's frontman is surely an important ingredient to any musical dynamic. Their captivating movements are usually one of the main components people remember. Enter UK foursome Arctic Monkeys and their latest video, "Cornerstone,"...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98888/carrie_underwood98888Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:22:11 +0000onsidering her ongoing, uninterrupted awards show dominance, her string of singles that never peak lower than #2 on the country charts, her strong album sales, and the lunatic silence-all-detractors devotion of her batshit insane fan club, there are serious reasons to wonder if country-pop superstar Carrie Underwood has any real...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98887/imogen_heap98887Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:10:46 +0000Imogen Heap has taken 'heaps� of praise (I know, even The Sun would wince at that one!) overseas recently with a healthy spattering of airplay on shows like The O.C as well as appearances on Jay Leno�s Tonight Show since the release of her last album 'Speak For Yourself�. Things...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98886/imogen_heap98886Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:10:17 +0000Imogen Heap has taken 'heaps� of praise (I know, even The Sun would wince at that one!) overseas recently with a healthy spattering of airplay on shows like The O.C as well as appearances on Jay Leno�s Tonight Show since the release of her last album 'Speak For Yourself�. Things...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98885/fu_manchu98885Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:31:45 +0000Fu Manchu have been on the circuit for a long time now (since 1985!?) and have had a familiar career arc to many bands who have had a touch of success in heavy music. They came up through eighties punk and that scene’s individualist ethics then got saddled with a...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98884/age98884Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:31:40 +0000Midlands based (unsigned) five piece Age have some cracking tunes on their EP “Useless Souvenirs”, opening track ‘Battery’ has a great melody, the sound lying somewhere between the slightly punky raw catchiness of Jetplane Landing and the melodic rock of Gratitude. The record continues to impress quietly, title track ‘Useless...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98883/orange98883Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:31:33 +0000Orange are one of those bands that I want to like. Their debut album was a fresh slice of Punk Rock from a band still in their mid-teens, however whilst that was packed with anthems, that had a nice naïve twist, the band’s follow up album 2007’s, ‘Escape From LA’,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98882/skindred98882Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:30:50 +0000Skindred released their third outing ‘Shark Bites and Dog Fights’ to coincide with a sell out tour and a firm affirmation of their status as one of the leading bands on the circuit. Having built up a real head of steam with the reissue of ‘Babylon’ and subsequent follow up...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98881/diablo_swing_orchestra98881Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:21:13 +0000Hailing from Sweden is one of the most weird of all metal related acts; Diablo Swing Orchestra. Their first full length The Butcher’s Ballroom already kicked up dust, displaying some interesting avant-garde metal that the band itself calls riot-opera. Now they return to shock the world with Sing-Along Songs For...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98880/lewd_acts98880Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:21:04 +0000Somewhere in San Diego, California (home of anchorman Ron Burgundy) roams a hardcore act by the name of Lewd Acts. After having released several seven inches, the band now brings us their debut full length Black Eye Blues, which was engineered bu Kurt Ballou (Converge).

When looking at the package the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98879/tenet98879Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:20:16 +0000Within the music business it often occurs that besides a great band, a side project evolves. Well in a nutshell this is the story of Tenet. The band, which was founded in 1996 by Jed Simon (Strapping Young Lad, Zimmershole), never really resulted in serious work and only resulted in...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98878/the_raveonettes98878Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:42:17 +0000MP3: The Raveonettes - "The Chosen One" from the bonus disc to In And Out Of Control.

This was originally provided to Record Store Day retailers, but now everybody gets to hear it. By my count, this is the third track from In And Out Of Control that...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98877/the_avett_brothers98877Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:16:24 +0000"I and Love and You"from the album I and Love and You2009iTunesThanks to Rick Rubin's "YouTube research," North Carolina trio Avett Brothers went from finger-pickers in their Concord, North Carolina hometown to the super-producer's new favorite band. The LP Rubin discovered, Emotionalism, wasn't...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98876/american_idol98876Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:57:06 +0000With his out-of-this-world vocal range and unique musical style, Adam Lambert is the ultra-glam, rock superstar that has America hooked. On Monday, Nov 23, Adam will unleash one of the most highly anticipated debut albums, “For Your Entertainment,” on 19 Recordings/RCA. The record garnered contributions from such innovative artists...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98875/the_avett_brothers98875Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:27:58 +0000September 29th saw the release of I and Love and You, the new studio album from indie roots band the Avett Brothers. For this album, the North Carolina trio present us with another collection of songs firmly grounded in American roots music.Vocal folk-inspired harmonies greet you with the title track...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98874/built_to_spill98874Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:27:44 +0000When it comes to making his guitar sing Built To Spill's Doug Martsch may be second only to J. Mascis in the indie world. He does nothing but solidify that reputation as the Boise band returns with their seventh proper album There Is No Enemy.The album, the band's first since...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98873/little_feat98873Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:55:25 +0000So, picture this: the thinking person's Southern rock band that combine the funk of New Orleans, the musical skills of jazz fusion pioneers Weather Report and the sweetest singing and songwriting this side of Lucinda Williams. Well, that about sums up Little Feat, circa 1977, when this concert was filmed...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98872/spiral_stairs98872Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:55:10 +0000With all of the hoopla over the now confirmed 2010 Pavement reunion shows, the release of Spiral Stairs' debut solo album has been quite overshadowed. Stairs, aka Scott Kannberg, has put out material post-Pavement with Preston School of Industry, but The Real Feel is his first under his ahem, own name.Of...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98871/the_flaming_lips98871Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:54:34 +0000I guess I'm just going to have to face it, gone are the days when you could rely on the Flaming Lips to provide you with quirky, humorous pop songs. The new double album, Embryonic, may be the final nail in that coffin.This latest expansion of the Oklahoma group's use...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98870/foo_fighters98870Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:52:02 +0000The Chemists have been confirmed as special guests of the recently reformed Brit - Rockers Skunk Anansie on their forthcoming European tour. This will coincide with the release of The Chemists debut album 'Theories of Dr Lovelock, which is released on November 2nd, through Distiller Records. The album features fourteen...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98869/take_that98869Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:03:35 +0000It looks as though the Robbie Williams/Take That reunion is an unstoppable force building more momentum by the day. Robbie has now confirmed he and the group have met up and recorded together again for the first time since he left in 1995. It’s now more a question of http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98868/iq98868Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:16:53 +0000IQ have always attracted comparisons to the heavyweights of 1970s and early '80s progressive rock, and not simply because of similarities in sound, but because they've always had the chops to truly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their peers. A persistent career spanning more than a quarter of a century, spent chiefly...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98867/callisto98867Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:16:41 +0000Repeating music seems to be such an alien idea to Callisto. While the adventurous explorations they endeavored on _Noir_ garnered them such high acclaim amongst the very small circles in which they are known, the development achieved on _Providence_ is a shining evidence of this group's consistent maturity and search...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98866/warbringer98866Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:16:36 +0000If you're one of the skeptics who still think that all those new thrash bands are just rehashing ideas from the '80s and are not making something on their own, then you've probably been asleep for the last eight years. Of course there are a few bands that just substitute...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98865/obscurity98865Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:16:31 +0000This incarnation of Obscurity involves Germans who take up dramatic black metal names to play their brand of Amon Amarth-styled Viking metal. At first glance, the major musical elements appear to be favorably coalescing, from the conviction of Agalaz' vocals to the raucous and relentlessly paced guitars, yet you'll be...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98864/korpiklaani98864Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:16:25 +0000_Karkelo_ is a beefy 'Klaan release, not quite up to the boisterousness of _Tales Along This Road_, but undoubtedly a safe venture for fans who still prefer the strong influence of conventional rock elements. No amount of foresight could give us a glimpse into what _Karkelo_ would have to offer...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98863/alamaailman_vasarat98863Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:16:15 +0000What's all this about, then? Avant-garde progressive Finnish folk, you say? On a metal website? Do me a lemon, pal. I've got a stack of records taller than you to get through, all full of shouting white men fumbling away at many guitars.

In retort, dear reader, I humbly submit that,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98862/laarks98862Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:15:55 +0000"All the Words You Can't Say Right"from the album An Exaltation of Laarks2009iTunesContrary to recent mythology, it is not perpetually winter in Eau Claire. The Wisconsin city achieved fame and notoriety due to the musings of a certain troubadour seeking solace there...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98861/jay-z98861Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:56 +0000Anthony Mandler, the director of Jay-Z's "D.O.A" video, is teaming up again with the Brooklyn rapper for another video.Mandler revealed via his twitter that he will be linking up with Jay-Z to shoot the video for the song "Forever Young" which features Kanye West's protégé, Mr. Hudson."On my way to...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98860/nirvana98860Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:23:09 +0000hen journalist Everett True escorted Nirvana's frontman onto the stage in a wheelchair before the band's headlining slot at the 1992 Reading Festival, Kurt Cobain's adoring public believed this an affidavit of circling cancellation rumors on account of his spending the weekend on a rampant drug-fuelled binge. After indulging in...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98859/ut98859Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:57:04 +0000Last week, Tegan and Sara’s sixth full length studio album, “Sainthood”, dropped with tons of praise from both critics and fans alike. Upbeat and catchy it’s nearly impossible not to like the Canadian twins, and I’m sure Conan loved them last night when the girls stopped by and played the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98858/devendra_banhart98858Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:50:38 +0000Before listening to this latest album, I had developed a semi-irrational fear/hatred of Devendra Banhart which had led me to avoid his more recent output. There were several reasons for this. Firstly, there is the fact that he looks a lot like Charles Manson. Secondly, his early work sounds not...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98857/the_raveonettes98857Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:13:32 +0000Danish electro pop duo The Raveonettes are back with their new studio album In and Out of Control. If you own any of the previous Raveonettes albums you will not be surprised by what you hear. From the opener "Bang" on through we are presented with the pair's typical concoction...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98856/lou_barlow98856Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:10:28 +0000At this stage we've really come to know exactly what to expect when we get a Lou Barlow record. Whether it's his solo material or recording with Sebadoh, Sentridoh, or Folk Implosion, we know the music on the disc will be lo-fi rock that has mucho slacker appeal.So we know...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98855/beck98855Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:05:20 +0000Norah Jones is going for a new sound with her new music. Beck, Beastie Boys and Santigold have done remixes.

She told Entertainment Weekly that the different versions of the songs are to give the album the widest possible exposure. "With the way things are now in the record business, every...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98854/asobi_seksu98854Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:34:29 +0000espite an irreverent name that roughly translates to "casual sex" in Japanese, Asobi Seksu is hardly some flip indie-pop outfit. Fortunate enough to be led by the near-mystical, weightless voice of Yuki Chikudate, the New York-based quartet's music is an unapologetic throwback to the star-gazing art rock of the '90s:...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98853/yeasayer98853Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:30:23 +0000"Ambling Alp"from the album Odd Blood2010iTunesExperimental Brooklyn-based tripsters Yeasayer have released a new song called "Ambling Alp," and if it's any indication of what their forthcoming album Odd Blood will be like, the critics are gonna be cooing over Yeasayer circa February 2010 even...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98852/cannibal_corpse98852Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:43:27 +0000The legendary death metallers are the latest band to confirm for next year’s Bloodstock festival!

Fresh off of the back of a triumphant slot at London Koko last week, Cannibal Corpse are the latest band to confirm they will be part of next year’s Bloodstock festival!

Cannibal Corpse join Devin Townsend, Behemoth,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98851/miley_cyrus98851Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:29:16 +0000Miley Cyrus continues her quest to transform from Hannah Montana into Miley. Her 'Breakout' album started to develop her true rock chick persona, and now in advance of her December arena tour, she has released the first track from her forthcoming The Time Of Our Lives mini album.

Party in the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98850/miley_cyrus98850Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:26:12 +0000Miley Cyrus continues her quest to transform from Hannah Montana into Miley. Her 'Breakout' album started to develop her true rock chick persona, and now in advance of her December arena tour, she has released the first track from her forthcoming The Time Of Our Lives mini album.

Party in the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98849/beyonce98849Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:22:49 +0000Single number 5 (?) from Beyonce's 'I Am ... Sasha Fierce' album sees her deliver a powerful Leona-esque ballad. It is a strong track, and is somewhat surprising it has not been released before. This piano led track is beautiful produced and performed, again highlighting Beyonce's strong vocals.

Club mixes have...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98848/beyonce98848Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:20:28 +0000Single number 5 (?) from Beyonce's 'I Am ... Sasha Fierce' album sees her deliver a powerful Leona-esque ballad. It is a strong track, and is somewhat surprising it has not been released before. This piano led track is beautiful produced and performed, again highlighting Beyonce's strong vocals.

Club mixes have...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98847/lucero98847Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:00:11 +0000I was approached to review the new Lucero album and I thought I would give this "new band" a shot. After doing some research on this band I have realized my mistake. This band will probably be one of those "overnight successes" that took 10 years to happen. Yes, they...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98846/398846Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:57:36 +0000Resolve had to happen sooner or later. First and foremost, The Eppard's didn't stop at Josh.  Secondly, and most importantly for Joey, Josh Eppard's (Weerd Science, Coheed and Cambria) brother, an effortless hybrid of Pop Rock/Metal had to come to the surface and invade our ear.  Not to say this is my dig, but...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98845/calvin_harris98845Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:11:38 +0000Calvin Harris continues his take over of the charts with his latest release from his 'Ready for The Weekend' album.

'Flashback' seems to take its lead from Armand van Heldon with a powerful opening leading into another commercial hands-in-the-air dance track that sounds great on the radio, but seamlessly migrates across...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98844/calvin_harris98844Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:11:32 +0000Calvin Harris continues his take over of the charts with his latest release from his 'Ready for The Weekend' album.

'Flashback' seems to take its lead from Armand van Heldon with a powerful opening leading into another commercial hands-in-the-air dance track that sounds great on the radio, but seamlessly migrates across...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98843/jonathan_jeremiah98843Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:11:27 +0000You want to listen to Groove Armada but you wouldn�t mind putting on White Ladder by David Gray because (in a Dido-less world) its still what all your banker friends like to listen to. You can�t think what to do.

Jonathan Jeremiah�s major contribution to the human race, by bringing together...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98842/jonathan_jeremiah98842Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:11:21 +0000You want to listen to Groove Armada but you wouldn�t mind putting on White Ladder by David Gray because (in a Dido-less world) its still what all your banker friends like to listen to. You can�t think what to do.

Jonathan Jeremiah�s major contribution to the human race, by bringing together...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98841/local_natives98841Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:11:08 +0000Camera Talk is the kind of song which makes you think, for the first six or so plays-through, that you are about to fall in love with it. This Local Natives single has everything, from the charming organ staccato to the subtle harmonies and incessant drum rolls.

I�m tempted to use...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98840/local_natives98840Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:10:21 +0000Camera Talk is the kind of song which makes you think, for the first six or so plays-through, that you are about to fall in love with it. This Local Natives single has everything, from the charming organ staccato to the subtle harmonies and incessant drum rolls.

I�m tempted to use...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98839/franz_nicolay98839Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:57:57 +0000Franz Nicolay, the quirky keyboardist/accordion player of The Hold Steady and punk cabaret collective Word/Inferno Friendship Society launches his new solo EP this month. He does have more than a little help from his friends, with the first song, a Jonathan Richman cover, ‘New England’ opening with a debate between...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98838/levellers98838Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:56:43 +0000Reaching the age of 21 is a truly momentous occasion and what better way to celebrate than to record a live album at the glorious Royal Albert Hall! With over two decades of history to their name, The Levellers continue to widely tour Europe, including highlights such as this London...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98837/diablo_swing_orchestra98837Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:55:56 +0000Hammer studios are once again producing films, Tim Burton’s more in demand than ever, and the Diablo Swing Orchestra return with their second album; the world is slowly returning to it’s true gothic heart. Firstly, yes, we are talking about a true swing band here. And they keep their swing...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98836/max_richter98836Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:38:13 +0000riginally released in 2002, Max Richter's out-of-print debut, Memoryhouse, gets a long overdue re-release, shedding light on a blank spot in the composer's career. The album is a formative, somewhat derivative experience, one filled with half-formed ideas and moments of exquisite beauty, a clear omen of the better work to...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98835/alec_ounsworth98835Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:34:29 +0000New Orleans. Exquisite, old-fashioned. A great place to live vicariously�Great place to be intimate or do nothing. A place to come and hope you'll get smart�to feed pigeons looking for handouts. A great place to record. It has to be�or so I thought." � Bob Dylan, Chronicles, Vol. 1

On Mo...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98834/low98834Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:33:32 +0000Despite all the rumors - and actual onstage announcements - it appears that Shawnna, the female head of the DTP family, has not left Ludacris’ label to become one of T-Pain’s Nappy Boys, in fact she’s proceeding as scheduled with the release of her upcoming collaborative album with Luda, The...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98833/tune98833Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:53:47 +0000tUnE-yArDs �" aka a haunting lo-fi pots-and-pans ensemble �" is the creation of Merrill Garbus (also of Sister Suvi): Canada’s answer to a question never asked. As expected with lo-fi, Garbus’ debut, BiRd-BrAiNs, is full of hauntingly underplayed vocals and a rag-tag assortment of instruments, lead by Garbus’ own ukulele....]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98832/within_temptation98832Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:47:09 +0000Here's our BIGGEST exclusive in quite some time...We are the ONLY SITE IN THE UK to be showcasing the brand new WITHIN TEMPTATION album 'Utopia' Out TODAY!http://www.roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/w...on/theatre/uk/The glorious symphonic rock of Within Temptation, crowned by the voice of stunning singer Sharon den Adel, has brought this remarkable band...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98831/pelican98831Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:53:35 +0000  Pelican are Pelican, but more. Massive instrumental tracks that build off of a few droning riffs, occasionally more heavy but often more prog-like than the bands they get compared to. "What We All Come To Need" can be ponderous, but it still works. The band's tightly controlled brooding remains...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98830/opeth98830Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:20:59 +0000Swedish metallers SOILWORK will enter the studio in January to begin recording their new album for a late spring release via Nuclear Blast Records. The long-awaited follow-up to 2007's "Sworn To A Great Divide" will be produced by guitarist Peter Wichers and mixed by Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, PARADISE LOST,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98829/kings_of_convenience98829Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:09:18 +0000"Boat Behind"from the album Declaration of Dependence2009iTunesAfter 10 years, Norwegian folk duo Kings of Convenience are making a statement with their third record, Declaration of Dependence �" when it comes down to it, they're not so dependent on each other anymore. The...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98828/lil_wayne98828Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:43:27 +0000I think we all saw this coming. After Gucci Mane’s ode to alcoholism Wasted blew up like Kanye at an awards show, thanks to an infectious beat and a very chantable chorus, it was only a matter of time before the official remix hit our ears. Well that day has...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98827/the_rolling_stones98827Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:57:03 +0000On Halloween, Phish choose a classic album to cover live if they have a gig. This year, they covered The Rolling Stones `Exile On Main Street`.

The show in Indio, California featured a special guest appearance from Sharon Jones and three horn players from the Dap Kings featured on ‘Sweet Black...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98826/perfect98826Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:01:57 +0000Still somehow managing to keep their heads above water despite not releasing anything genuinely compelling since at least…well…ever really, Chicago crew Soil return with another generic slab of grungey metal drudgery. It seems unnecessarily harsh to criticise a band that have done admittedly well to ride out the...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98825/eve98825Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:15:20 +0000Here is is straight from the pages of the Festival 8 Express. Why don't you print it out and give it a go? Then when you're ready to see the solution, stop by Jambands.com (http://www.jambands.com/features/2009/11/01/phish-the-crossword-experience-the-solution/). ACROSS 1 Ben Hunter's nickname 6 "Reba" lyricist 10 Word formed...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98824/mono98824Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:45:48 +0000Oh yes, I’m a believer. But oh! I can hear the cries already, from both sides, religious and musical; One, I’m defiling scripture, Two, Do Make Say Think are not the best post rock band ever. I’d beg to differ on both counts: One, If DMST is in fact, god...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98823/fomento98823Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:38:33 +0000Not much to say about this Italian band so far, since Fomento is still relatively young; they debuted with their first live gig in Rome at 06/06/06 and Either Caesars or Nothing is their first full-length album. Since they say to represent thrash death core, I was very interested in...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98822/tori_amos98822Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:20:07 +0000or an artist who's made a career out of subverting Christian imagery, Tori Amos comes off surprisingly reverent on Midwinter Graces, her first holiday album. The singer-songwriter is pictured on the cover art ascending into the clouds with arms outstretched, like Christ resurrected, but even this visual is tame in...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98821/atlas_sound98821Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:47:22 +0000Logos, the album that may have never been; on August 16th, 2008, Atlas Sound front man Bradford Cox mistakenly leaked the unmastered demos of this mysterious album on his Mediafire account. Since then, this incomplete work has been circulating the internet, masquerading as the aforementioned album. Bradford Cox, in a...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98820/exile98820Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:58:25 +0000Smith (trombone), Tony Jarvis (saxguitar) and Saundra Williams (vocals) will support the group during itsset. Phish fans should be familiar with the Stones’ doubleLP, as the band has covered the album’s ninth track, “Loving Cup,”since the 1990s. The Phishbill comes complete with an essay on Exile on Main Streetwritten by...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98819/does_it_offend_you,_yeah?98819Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:56:00 +0000WEEKEND VIDEO "Dawn of the Dead"You Have No Idea WhatYou're Getting Yourself Into2008iTunes Does It Offend You, Yeah? usually come across as a band to let your hair down and rock-out to at the local disco, or the kind of bleepy-gametronics that could only...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98818/bowling_for_soup98818Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:02:21 +0000To celebrate 15 years as a band is a significant achievement in itself. Not only have Bowling for Soup accomplished this in 2009, but the year also marks the release of their tenth album, ‘Sorry for Partyin’.

For those familiar with Bowling for Soup’s punk-rock nature, the title of their opening...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98817/obscura98817Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:05:50 +0000Obscura bassist Jeroen Paul Thesseling has rejoined resurrected late '80s/early '90s death metallers Pestilence after a 15-year break. Thesseling, known for his six-string fretless signature, played on Pestilence's fourth album, "Spheres".

"After such a long period of time it's great to be part of Pestilence again," Jeroen says in a statement....]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98816/elvis_perkins_in_dearland98816Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:10:00 +0000With such impressive lineage in his genes, it�s easy to question the legitimacy of someone like Elvis Perkins. Growing up the son of actor Anthony Perkins, he surely must have been afforded the luxuries that many of us couldn�t attain, so why believe that someone like him would be able...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98815/do_make_say_think98815Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:33:10 +0000Sitting in a Toronto coffee shop the week before the release of Little Girls' debut album, 20-year-old Josh McIntyre is a little worried. After an opening slot for crazed Israeli rockers Monotonix the previous night, the band's guitarist had his guitar amp repossessed. "He had it for a little longer...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98814/animal_hospital98814Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:05:11 +0000Kevin Micka is the one man multi-instrumental wizard Animal Hospital. The Boston based musician is currently on an extensive European tour and he headlines The Macbeth in London on 3rd November. I manage to steal a few moments of Kevin's time in France to ask him some questions:

SoundsXP: How does...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98813/converge98813Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:54:16 +0000"For people to trust you and believe you, they have to see you a little bit. I'm not afraid to expose myself in that way," says Sara Quin, of sibling duo Tegan and Sara. The petite brunette has just led me into the heart of the east Vancouver jam space...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98812/lil_wayne98812Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:50:26 +0000Why the hell did Lil Wayne plead guilty to the weapons charge? At first I thought that they were trying to pin a illegal weapons charge on him like T.I. but it seems that he plead guilty to just a “attempted possession of an illegal weapons” charge.

Oct. 21, 2009 -...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98811/oasis98811Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:09:23 +0000Leicester indie giants Kasabian have been added to the bill for the forthcoming T4 Stars Of 2009 show.

With Oasis out of action, many British bands are stepping forward to take their throne. As former touring partners with the Manchester giants Kasabian seem to be the obvious candidates to become...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98810/love98810Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:45:28 +0000Peace And Love, Juliana Hatfield’s latest album, will be released on February 16, 2010 on Ye Olde Records. Hatfield, of course, has a long history of DIY endeavors �" from her trailblazing days with Boston indie band the Blake Babies to her recent releases on Ye Olde Records, the label...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98809/health98809Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:37 +0000Los Angeles quartet HEALTH have taken a radical new change of direction, producing an album of lovelorn, acoustic ballads that should soon see them share stadium stages with the likes of Coldplay and David Gray. Actually, that’s a complete lie. In fact Get Color is, much like 2007’s self-titled debut,...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98808/julian_marley98808Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:51:27 +0000I always approach the Marley family albums with some reservation. How can any of Bob Marley's kids ever hold a candle to their father? Bob paved the path not only for Reggae to reach the masses but pretty much guaranteed that any of his kids who picked up the mic...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98807/camera_obscura98807Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:32:20 +0000The Norwich Waterfront is not the kind of place that anyone would choose to enjoy the delights of Camera Obscura. It’s small low blackened ceilings and greasy walls do nothing to enhance the bounding delights that Glasgow six-piece hug their audience with night on night. This music would be better...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98806/lp98806Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:47:45 +0000This morning RJD2 took to his website to announce that he will be giving away free records, MP3s, and more each Monday from now through the release of his forthcoming full length, The Colossus, on January 19th, 2010. It all kicks off with a giveaway of a super rare vinyl...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98805/low98805Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:12:36 +0000Paddy Considine is quoted as saying “this isn’t some half-arsed actor wanking off in a band” and the EP suggests he’s telling the truth. He was first in a band in Burton-on-Trent with the Leisure Society’s Nick Hemming, Shane Matthews and Rich Eaton and now he and Eaton are two-fifths...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98804/stage98804Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:01:35 +0000The King Blues, Arrows Of Love, Gaggle, The Homosexuals, Pocket Lips and many more acts have been confirmed to perform at F.A.K.E., the first of a brand new series of live music nights at the Brixton Fridge on Friday November 13th.

Andrew Czezowski and Susan Carrington, who founded the legendary punk...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98803/the_avett_brothers98803Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:37:34 +0000Commercial potential? The Avetts have it in spades, so don't be surprised if this disc blows up big. After building a grassroots following independently, the North Carolina trio signed to Rick Rubin's American label, and the man himself produced this, their fifth album. It's ready for primetime, as Rubin has...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98802/zakk_wylde98802Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:18:41 +0000Zakk Wylde's wife Barbaranne revealed in a Twitter update that the Black Label Society frontman has been 63 days sober as of Wednesday, October 28.

Wylde is reportedly suffering from "a rare genetic clotting disorder" for which he is currently receiving treatment in California.

In a recent radio interview, Wylde's former Ozzy...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98801/heavy98801Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:39:44 +0000PAPA ROACH PARTNERS WITH WHY (WORLD HUNGER YEAR) TO ACTIVATE FANS TO SUPPORT AN END TO HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESSFormerly Homeless Frontman Has “Had Enough”

BAND CONTINUES HEAVY HEADLINING SCHEDULE WITH BIGGEST BANDS IN ROCKSHOWS INCLUDE PERFORMANCES WITH JET, SHINEDOWN, BREAKING BENJAMIN,SICK PUPPIES AND MORE

Multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Papa Roach have partnered with...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98800/jamaica98800Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:27:37 +0000On Friday October 23, a workshop will be held at International University of the Caribbean, which will be the final event in the year long Children Must Be Seen and Heard Educulture .

75 Jamaicans will participate in the workshop which would be addressed by the exceptional teen motivational speaker from...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98799/the_dead_weather98799Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:54:37 +0000The Dead Weather announced today that they will be playing a FREE short all ages concert at the Third Man Records temporary store in London this Saturday, Halloween night at 8pm.

The shop is located at Shoreditch Church in East London, on Shoreditch High Street E1 6NJ.

The London Store we will...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98798/lostprophets98798Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:14:17 +0000The room was filled with anxious fans, keyed up by the support acts The New 1920s and The Blackout and doing their best to stay pumped while being inundated with dancey pop music during the break. The tension and anticipation was palpable as everyone waited for the band they'd come...]]>http://www.idiomag.com/peek/98797/porcupine_tree98797Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:55:14 +0000Steven Wilson (along with Mike Portnoy) is probably the busiest bloke in the rock world. Hot on the tails of his own release, the remixed INSURGENTES, and remastering King Crimsons back catalogue, THE INCIDENT is Porcupine tree’s 10th studio album. As is typical now of Mr. Wilson & Co, they...]]>