by Andrew Sacher

The Front Bottoms at Mercury Lounge in 2011 (more by Chris La Putt)

New Jersey folk punk band The Front Bottoms released their self titled debut LP back in 2011 and they're set to release its followup, The Talon of the Hawk, on May 21 via Bar None Records. On the album's first single, "Twin Size Mattress," you'll hear traces of John K. Samson, Hutch Harris, and John Darnielle in frontman Brian Sella's nasally wordy delivery, which of course doesn't make them the most groundbreaking band, but the familiarity is also exciting. And like those singers, Brian's lyrics make for some pretty good facebook statuses and things to drunkenly yell along with your friends at parties, like "I begged you to stay, you said 'Hey man I love you, but NO FUCKIN' WAY!'" Check out the video for that song below.

The band will be supporting the new album with a US tour that kicks off in their home state on June 1 at Maxwell's with support from Weatherbox. Tickets for that show go on sale Thursday (4/4) at noon. After making their way around the country, they'll return to the NYC area for a show on July 12 at Webster Hall opening for Bad Books (the project of Andy Hull and Kevin Devine, who have covered The Front Bottoms). Tickets for the Webster Hall show are on sale now.

All dates are listed, along with the new video, below...

Continue reading "The Front Bottoms announce new LP and tour (dates, video)"

After teasing us with lineup addictions day by day over the past few days, the full lineup of Austin City Limits 2012 is finally here. Check it out below....

Continue reading "Austin City Limits Festival -- 2012 lineup "

"Now it's cool to have 14 people in your band doing everything but contributing musically, running around with a helmet on your head, hitting it with a drumstick. You gotta look at what you're in this for: the love of music? The fame? You can have all that if you're smart and play your cards right and don't become a dick."
- Kings of Leon's Nathan Followill

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Bad Books photos by Kurt Christensen

Bad Books playing Looney Tunes

"We regret to inform you that Kings of Leon's concert scheduled for Nov 18 at the IZOD Center will be rescheduled for mid to late2011, so that the band can accommodate a video production deadline. Refunds will be given at point of purchase. Credit card purchases (online and telephone) will be credited back to the cards used. Details on are scheduled date will be announced soon. Please note, tickets for Nov 18will not be valid for the rescheduled show. We apologize for the inconvenience."

Manchester Orchestra, whose new side project with Kevin Devine called Bad Books made their debut at Bowery Ballroom during CMJ, open the show. Right after Bowery, Bad Books played an in-store at Looney Tunes in Long Island. Kurt was there and took the pictures you see below...

Continue reading "Kings of Leon cancel NJ show, but play MSG w/ Manchester Orchestra (whose members are in Bad Books -- pics) tonight"

SoSB @ MHOW - CMJ 2009 (more by Vincent Cornelli)


The CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival "has announced its first round of performing artists." The full list, BrooklynVegan showcase semi-included, and more is below.

One of those performing artists is School of Seven Bells who headline the Windish showcase at Santos Party House on Saturday, October 23rd. Tickets are on sale for that (or you can try to get in with your CMJ badge). SoSB played MHOW during CMJ last year.

Meanwhile School of Seven Bells will kick off a tour with Active Child at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg on September 9th. $5.00 tickets are still on sale.

All SoSB dates, the CMJ artist list, Bad Books info and more, below...

Continue reading "CMJ announces initial 2010 lineup (list), School of Seven Bells touring w/ Active Child (dates) ++ "Bad Books" & more"