Much like it is on the internet, five years is practically a lifetime in hardcore. Louisville, KY post-hardcore quartet Xerxes have been together in some form or fashion since 2009, but the 2014 version is light-years removed (both in sound and in line-up) from their modest high school genus. Taking the future by the throat with little regard for the past, their new sophomore LP, Collision Blonde (No Sleep) is both a throwback to art-damaged DC bands on Dischord Records in the early-to-mid 90s and a forward-thinking miasma of angular post-punk and hazy dream-pop tropes - all held together by a firm, modern hardcore foundation.
Recorded over several weeks this past spring in guitarist Will Allard’s basement studio with co-producer Evan Weiss (You Blew It!, The Jazz June), Collision Blonde avoids the dreaded sophomore curse by balancing creative ambition with solid songwriting values, searing lyrics and a keen sense of music history.
Courage My Love have unfortunately had to cancel their upcoming show in Vancouver, British Columbia for reasons beyond their control. The band will be refunding tickets and have given Canadian fans the option to attend their show in Seattle. You can read their statement below.
Jonny Craig has announced a new collaborative project with Captain Midnite and Kyle Lucas. The trio will be releasing an album on January 25th, with the lead single coming out this Tuesday. Head below to check out the track listing and artwork.
The Summer Set Announce Deluxe Edition of ‘Legendary’
The Summer Set have announced they’ll be releasing a deluxe edition of 2013’s Legendary. The album will feature the original’s track listing, as well as b-sides and an alternative version of “Lightning In A Bottle”. Head below to check out the track listing and artwork.
Anti-Flag’s Justin Sane has written a post regarding Ferguson and the grand jury’s decision not to indict Darren Wilson for the shooting death of Michael Brown. You can read what he had to say below.
The Acacia Strain’s van was hit last night by a drunk driver. Luckily, it was parked and no one in the band or their crew was injured. However, as a result of the crash, the band might have to miss a few of their upcoming tour dates. You can check out some tweets from frontman Vincent Bennett below.
5 Seconds of Summer Win Song Of The Year at ARIA Music Awards
5 Seconds of Summer have won Song Of The Year at this year’s ARIA Music Awards with their single “She Looks So Perfect”. Congrats, guys! You can read what the band had to say about the win below.
Fossil Youth are a pop-punk band from Enid, Oklahoma. The four-piece, who recently signed to Take This To Heart Records, will be releasing their label debut this coming February, and I was able to discuss it and much more with vocalist Scottie Noonan.
How would you describe Fossil Youth to those who have never listened to the band before? Scottie Noonan: We consider ourselves to be pop-punk/emo, but on an even broader scale, we’re just a rock band. We see it as a perfect combination of our different musical influences while still building originality at the forefront. Our upcoming EP is going to be more brash and loud, but we’ve also found ways to mellow out and play with different vibes.
Who would you consider your musical influences? Noonan: Yellowcard, Fall Out Boy, Cartel and Panic! At the Disco.
Derek Neef: (Early) Fall Out Boy, New Found Glory and Brand New.