Aviva Yael, the previous fashion editor at Vice magazine, said, “As you can imagine, finding people that hate the same things as you is sort of crucial to living in New York, and I happily found that at Vice.” Her shrewd ability to pen snide one-liners came in handy for No Regrets, a collection of the best absolutely terrible tattoos each presented with a witty one-line explanation on why it was chosen.
I couldn’t believe it: the system actually worked. Not only did they get me hook, line, and sinker, but I loved every minute of it. It started innocently enough—F/X posted some webisodes for their returning series “The Riches” on iTunes. They were 1-2 minute shorts of a father showing his kids some simple short-changing cons (“No, I gave you a twenty!”). Before I knew it, I had consumed the show on nearly every possible platform, and, to my surprise, the digital journey ultimately led me right back to my television.
Russian Circles discusses Chicago’s influence on their music as they experiment across several genres and collaborate with the likes of These Arms Are Snakes‘ Brian Cook.
Anyone who attempts to navigate a crowded street during a downpour knows that umbrellas are as cumbersome as they are convenient. Imagine a stranger walking toward you on a rainy day. As she gets closer, her umbrella contracts like a jellyfish, shrinking from a parasol to a mushroom, then expanding to its full size once you have passed. Ingenious! The umbrella knows its manners. This is the Polite Umbrella, the brainchild of Joo Youn Paek, an interactive technology artist. Paek explained, “It has simple mechanics. You pull on this handle and you can change the shape. This umbrella bows to other people on the street.”
Oakland’s Annihilation Time are a rare, rare find for the aught years—a prodigiously talented and punk-derived guitar band that is familiar with the honest-to-goodness musical language of rock. Their third album, and first release on Tee Pee Records, finds the band stronger than ever, with a crushing rhythmic core and dueling guitar solos that are not only muscular and modest but purposeful.
The experimental noise rockers, Boris, will debut the video for their newest single “Statement” this Saturday on a special addition of MTV 2’s Headbanger’s Ball, hosted by Lamb of God. The video debut will support the Japanese trio as their blistering tour of the Americas continues following the release of their latest record, Smile.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH group exhibition opened over the weekend at Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art. Co-sponsored by ALARM Magazine and Imeem, the exhibition runs though July 20 and features new works by Asbestos, Cherri Wood, The Dark, Kngee and Know Hope. Visiting international artists have also been extending their installation to works in the street to create a colorful urban landscape and striking imagery for passer-by.
Quitzow and Setting Sun have both just released new albums and will be embarking on a joint tour together for the remainder of the summer. Quitzow (aka Erika Quitzow) and the founder/lead-singer of Setting Sun, Gary Levitt, are the masterminds behind running and recording on their label, Young Love Records. The two have assisted each other in recording and are often interchangeable onstage, offering their services to a wide range of instrumentation and voice.
Ulrich Schnauss released a 4-song EP entitled Stars on Domino Records on June 24th, available on iTunes. The Stars EP includes three new versions of the song “Stars” off of Schnauss’ 2007 album Goodbye. MAPS and Andrew Prinz of Mahogany offer remixes. The EP also includes a new version of “Look at the Sky,” from the Quicksand Memory EP. The Stars EP will be available on CD on August 5th. Ulrich Schnauss is also embarking on a short tour.
Other than their insane and angsty lyrics, Paint It Black embraces true punk values by emphasizing DIY and getting in touch with fans with advanced release CDs distributed in person.
If you thought Lollapalooza’s lineup was ridiculous you haven’t seen anything yet. Tomorrow, Glastonbury Festival will begin in Scotland and will carry through the weekend until Sunday, the 29th. The festival will showcase bands from all over the world on 6 different main stages, with 17 other smaller tents and stages for bands and DJs to perform at.
Austin-based band …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead have joined Justice Records in creating a new label imprint, Richter Scale Records. After splitting with their major label, the band signed up with Justice Records to release their sixth, as yet untitled album due for January 2009.