An Albatross: Kinetic, Epic Psych-Grind

In addition to adding psychedelic and poetic passages, An Albatross has finally captured its powerful live performances with its newest full-length, An Albatross Family Album.

Weekly Music News Roundup

It’s a rough week for independent music as Touch and Go cuts manufacturing and distribution services for 20 labels, Daptone‘s studio is robbed, and An Albatross still needs a touring guitarist.

In better news, Sunn O))) and Dave Douglas announce new albums, Farmers Market will perform with a symphony, and Ed Gein is playing together again.

ALARM’s Top 10 Albums of 2008

Our list of favorites from last year includes devastating dub metal, organ-fueled psychedelic grind, a re-released classic-rock gem from nearly four decades ago, an international assemblage of punk-infused field recordings, and an Indian/surf/metal take on John Zorn‘s Masada material.

Weekly Music News Roundup

Details emerge about new albums from Isis, Tortoise, Akron/Family, and Stinking Lizaveta; Zu announces some dates for a world tour (a pair of which are with Mike Patton); Dark Meat will go on tour with its 17 members; the Scion Rock Fest hosts a spate of crushing metal bands in Atlanta on February 28.

Keep readin’…

DIY Venue Spotlight: 1919 Hemphill

According to 1919 Hemphill’s website guy, Al, the venue is a “volunteer-run community and performance space that follows the DIY ethic. We have shows of all kinds; a free store; a book, zine and music library; and we offer an alcohol- and smoke-free environment for all kinds of events and meetings.”

What We’re Doing This Weekend

Shining (Norway)

CMJ in New York, Voodoo Experience in New Orleans, four great nights at Chicago’s Hideout, — this weekend is packed. Shudder to Think, Shining, Coliseum, Fucked Up, The Eternals, sBACH, Deacon John, and Pillars and Tongues are all among our recommendations to catch live.

What We’re Doing This Weekend

Tim Fite
Tim Fite

There’s a lot of excellent bands coming through Chicago this weekend, and the ALARM editors will be seeing the likes of Tim Fite, An Albatross, Man Man, and Genghis Tron…when one of said editors isn’t attending his 10-year high-school reunion.

Pop Montreal Weekend Preview

Spread over five days and dozens of venues, the Pop Montreal music and art festival continues this weekend with seemingly limitless options. If you caught its first two days of great shows and need more, here are our picks for the weekend.

An Albatross Unleashes Tune Off New Album

Wilkes-Barre, PA’s An Albatross has leaked their latest single “Floodgates Released,” off of their upcoming second album, An Albatross Family Album, out October 21 Via Eyeball Records. The five-piece has developed a steadily growing following due to their incendiary live shows and for their penchant for twisting noise-rock, punk, and jazz into a glittery, psychedelic circus. Check out the link below, or hear it in the always fabulous ALARM Magazine Playlist.