Fortnightly News (Feb 26-March 13)

Sorry for the lack of posts recently. I’ve started back at UNSW and COFA for another year, so this blog might not be updated as regularly as it has been over Summer. Anyway, here’s a bunch news from the last two weeks:

• Om will be releasing their follow up to the brilliant Pilgrimage (2007, Southern Lord Records) this September through Drag City Records. A bit of a weird move – Southern Lord are unqeustionable one of the biggest (if not the biggest) drone and doom metal labels whereas Drag City has a bit of a  more “indie-rock” aesthetic. As long as it’s as good as Pilgriamge, I’m not complaining.
• In Southern Lord news, Wolves in the Throne Room have a new record out called Black Cascade and a new 12” EP called Malevolant Gain. I haven’t heard either of them yet, but it’s on the Lord so it should be good.
• Faith No More have been adding more and more European dates to its reunion tour, including Download Festival in the U.K. Bill Gould has created an official Twitter account. Interestingly, he has stated that FNM are thinking about coming out to Australia. Fingers crossed.
• John Zorn is on a run the next couple of months, with some exciting tours including a theatre piece called Astronome: A Night At The Opera, in collaboration with Richard Foreman. Click here for some more info.
• FM3 have developed an iPhone version of their incredible Buddha Box. Available for $4.99, the application is a replica of the music box with high quality audio. Highly recommended!
• Iggy Pop is set to release a new record sometime mid-way through this year. Titled Preliminaries, the record will be a “quieter”, jazzy and ballad-laden album.
• McSweeny’s have been having a huge sale recently. An independent publishing company, McSweeny’s have been responsible for publishing some great books (and some great magazines, including The Believer and Wolphin). Last year they released Dan Neilson’s All Known Heavy Metal Bands, a gorgeous hardcover book with a list of 50 000 metal bands (nothing more). It’s currently on sale for US$5, though with the cost of shipping it’s probably better to pick up a copy from your local bookshop if you’re outside the U.S.
• Isis’ new record is getting released May 5th through Ipecac titled Waving Radiant.
• Yayoi Kusama has an exhibition of works from the 1960s through to the present at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, Australia.
• Varg Vikernes (Burzum) is set to be released from prison soon. More info here. Hopefully he’ll make some good music again!

Filed under: Weekly News

Weekly News (20 – 26 February)

Faith No More has been confirmed to reunite for a few shows in Europe, but not anywhere else, apparently. For more info read the Ipecac press release.

Mike Patton has completed his very first film score for Crank 2, which gets released April 17 in the U.S. and the 20th of August in Australia.

Kaada have a new record coming out called Junkyard Nostalgias. I found out can actually pick up all of Kaada’s records in MP3 for $6 USD through their official site through PayPal. That’s comparatively cheaper than iTunes and 100% of that money will be going towards the artist, not a corporation.

Hydra Head have a couple of awesome new releases. First up is Everylovely Lightningheart’s Sien Weal Tallion Rue 2 x LP limited to 300 pieces. Preorder that here. Second new release is Torche’s Healer/Accross the Shields limited 12” LP and DVD. Go here for more info including a list of preorder links (different colors to choose from).

Umlaut (featuring Clinton “Bar” McKinnon of Mr Bungle) has released their debut self-titled release. Go here for more info.

Heathen Skulls have a lovely 7” etched vinyl limited to 300, consisting of two crust punk covers turned doom by Monarch! who recorded it specifically for their recent Australian tour. Go here to order it.

Big Business will be releasing their new record, Mind the Drift, this April through Hydra Head.

Southern Lord have released Orcustus’ debut CD, which has apparently been years in the making. Head over there to pick up a copy.

This Is Not Art and Electrofringe are now taking proposals for their Newcastle music and arts festival this October.

Dorkbot 2009 is on its way. Keep yourself tuned to this page to be kept in the loop on events and such.

Gigs and tours this March in Australia are shaping up. Keep an eye out for new listings.

Filed under: Weekly News, Big Business, Crank 2, dorkbot, Electronfringe, Everylovely Ligtningheart, Faith No More, Heathen Skulls, Hydra Head, Ipecac, Kaada, Monarch!, Shannon O'Neil, southern lord, This is Not Art, Umlaut