photos by Greg Cristman

Diamond Rings at BV-SXSW 2013

As discussed, OMD are embarking on a spring North American tour in support of their forthcoming LP, English Electric (steam it HERE). They were originally going to play Metro on July 9 but that show has since been rescheduled for July 23. All tickets for the original show will be honored, and more are on-sale now.

Diamond Rings will join the British synthpop veterans for many of their North American tour dates, including the Chicago show. Last month, down at SXSW in Austin, TX, Diamond Rings played a BrooklynVegan day party. We've got more pictures of their set in this post.

All OMD // Diamond Rings tour dates and more pictures from BV-SXSW are below...

Continue reading "Diamond Rings played BV-SXSW (pics), touring to Chicago w/ OMD (updated dates)"

OMD @ NYC's Terminal 5, March 2011 (more by Chris La Putt)

Longstanding British synthpop outfit OMD are set to release the follow-up to 2010's History of Modern, titled English Electric, on April 9 via BMG. You can check out the video for the short album track "Decimal" at the bottom of this post. English Electric's cover art and tracklisting are also below.

OMD will head to North America this spring for a short string of dates surrounding their performances at Coachella 2013. They'll return to North America this summer for a slightly more extensive run, which includes a performance at Metro on July 9. Ticketing information for the Chicago show is forthcoming, but check Metro's concert calendar for updates.

All OMD tour dates, a video for "Decimal," and English Electric's cover art // tracklisting are below...

Continue reading "OMD releasing 'English Electric,' playing Metro on tour"

Kindest Lines

New Orleans trio Kindest Lines are in the midst of a string of dates opening up for Xiu Xiu, and will soon split off on their own for a run of headlining dates. They'll hit Chicago's brand new Ultra Lounge this Friday (9/23) with Golden Birthday, MR 666, and DJ Beau Wanzer. Tickets are sill available.

BV's own Bill Pearis compares the band to New Order:

While Kindest Lines certainly appeal to Wierd's black-clad demographic, I think the band's debut, Covered in Dust, could be the label's breakout hit. There's your requesite minor key synth rock, but Kindest Lines also allow more than a few rays of sunshine inbetween the clouds. They've also studied up on how to meld vintage synths with guitars -- New Order's 1984 classic Low Life is an obvious touchstone here. It's a solid record.

Speaking of New Order, they've planned some reunion shows WITHOUT Peter Hook who meanwhile is currently on tour with his own band The Light playing the Joy Division catalog - a controversial move to to say the least. Peter Hook plays Metro Friday.

And speaking of new wave bands who've had at least one release on Factory Records, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) are playing on Saturday (9/24) at the Vic. Check out pictures from their show in NYC last night HERE.

Kindest Lines tour dates are listed below....

Continue reading "Kindest Lines touring (playing Ultra Lounge Friday), Peter Hook & OMD are here this weekend too"

Okkervil River @ Terminal 5 in June (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Stiff Little Fingers are playing the Double Door on August 17th.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, at 10AM CST.

Blondie are playing the House of Blues on September 7th.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at 10AM CST.

Kevin Devine is playing the Bottom Lounge on September 9th.
Tickets are on sale now.

The Jim Jones Revue, and Kid Congo + The Pink Money Birds are playing Schubas on September 14th. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at noon CST.

Okkervil River are playing the Vic on September 22nd.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, at 10AM CST.

OMD, and Washington are playing the Vic on September 24th.
Presale tickets will be available from 10AM to 10PM CST tomorrow.
Password: ifyouleave
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday, at 10AM CST.

Chromeo are playing the House of Blues on September 30th.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, at 10AM CST.

Ladytron, and Sonoio are playing the Vic on October 4th.
Tickets go on sale Saturday, at 10AM CST.