by Andrew Sacher

DOWNLOAD: The Front Bottoms - "Skeleton" (MP3)

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

As mentioned, New Jersey's The Front Bottoms are releasing their new nasally folk punk record, Talon of the Hawk, on May 21 via Bar None Records. You've already heard the first single, "Twin Size Mattress," and the duo are now unleashing another track from the album, "Skeleton." This song's one of the more power pop cuts from the album, and like the last single, it's biggest strengths are in the conversational lyrics. "I got so stoned, I fell asleep in the front seat. I never sleep in the front seat -- I'm too tall, but I got so stoned," Brian Sella sings in the song's pre-chorus. It sounds more like a next-morning story than a summer anthem, but effectively works as both. You can download that track above, or stream it below.

As discussed, the band will be supporting the new album on a tour which hits the NYC area for a now-sold-out show on June 1 at Maxwell's. Since we last spoke, the band added another date happening at the same venue a day earlier (5/31), but that one is sold out too. They also open for Bad Books at Webster Hall on July 12, and you can still get tickets to that one.

Updated dates are listed, along with the new song stream, below...

Continue reading "download a new Front Bottoms MP3 +++ updated dates"

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)"

Hoboken Arts & Music Festival
Sunday, May 6, 2012
11am to 6pm

takes place on Washington St. between Observer Highway to 7th St.

Over 300 Artists, Crafters, Photographers, Sculptors, Local Businesses, Restaurants, Food Vendors, local non-profits & more
Rain or shine - Admission is Free

Continue reading "2012 Hoboken Arts & Music Festival is Sunday (schedule)"

The Fest is back for round 11 (!) adding bands from across the spectrum of punk rock for the multi-day Gainesville, Florida extravaganza. The Fest announced its initial lineup earlier this month but has doubled that number, bringing the total tally to a whopping 217, and there are more to go! The lineup includes Lagwagon, Naked Raygun, Baroness, Red Fang, Off with Their Heads, Torche, Valient Thorr, 7 Seconds, F.Y.P., Braid, Titus Andronicus, Toys That Kill, Underground Railroad to Candyland, Frank Turner and many more (see below). Tickets are now on sale (and sold out quick last year).

Full lineup is below, expect to see some surprises at The Fest as well; Sleepytime Trio reunited there last year.

Continue reading "The Fest returns to Gainesville in 2012 --- lineup & tickets"

photos by Chris La Putt

Princeton played mostly new songs at Mercury Lounge last night (2/24), their first of three NYC shows this weekend. Before the show they had a very non-vegan meal next door at Katz's Deli with Chris La Putt who photographed them there and at the show. All of those pictures, including one of their setlist, are in this post.

NJ's The Front Bottoms, who had to cut their set a bit short due to a broken guitar string, opened the gig. You can also catch them Saturday night in Manville with Titus Andronicus and at other upcoming NJ shows which are listed at their MySpace.

Porcelain Raft (and Aislyn) played the late show in the same venue last night. Chris didn't stay for it though, so maybe he'll catch 'em tonight (2/25) at Glasslands.

Princeton's next shows are at Cameo tonight (2/25) and at Union Hall on Saturday (2/26), both with Bell and Erika Spring of Au Revoir Simone. Takka Takka also plays the show tonight. More pictures and a video from Mercury Lounge (and of pastrami...), below...

Continue reading "Princeton played Mercury Lounge w/ the Front Bottoms, ate at Katz's (pics), play 2 more NYC shows (Cameo tonight)"