Free Music Friday! Burning Hearts - "Burn Burn Burn"

Finnish indie pop stalwarts Jessika Rapo (vocalist for Le Futur Pompiste) and Henry Ojala (ex-drummer for Cats on Fire) teamed up to form the shambly, synthy duo Burning Hearts in 2006. Burning Hearts' debut full-length, Aboa Sleeping, was released on Shelflife Records in early 2009. Aboa Sleeping received a warm welcome and was called one of the top albums of 2009 by Eardrums and other like-minded music blogs.

MP3: "Burn Burn Burn" - http://goo.gl/b8PVW
VIDEO: "Into the Wilderness" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXOcOUQIRrk
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/preorder/extinctions/id497105724

After releasing two singles in 2010, Night Animal, featuring "A Peasant's Dream (Jori Hulkkonen Remix)," and a cover of Arthur Russell's "The Letter," the duo decamped to the Finnish countryside in Ostrobothnia and recorded a four song EP, Into the Wilderness, which was issued by Shelflife in June of 2011. The video for title track "Into the Wilderness," based on a documentary about Alaskan grizzly bears, spread quickly over the web and received a most warm welcome. In July, Burning Hearts was signed by Finnish label Solina Records who, together with Shelflife, will release the forthcoming album.

Free Music Friday! Diamond Rugs - "Gimme a Beer"

Partisan Records is very excited about the overwhelmingly hot reaction to Diamond Rugs' new music at strip clubs across America. Before journalists and members of the music industry had the chance to stroke the tantalizing album made by a collaboration between John McCauley (Deer Tick), Robbie Crowell (Deer Tick), Ian Saint Pé (The Black Lips), Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), Hardy Morris (Dead Confederate) and Bryan Dufresne (Six Finger Satellite), employees and patrons of over 50 strip clubs were tipped to the great sounds by being sent three CD singles with one song each from McCauley, Morris and Saint Pé. Poles show that everyone felt the project really has legs and could see the band's career as being long when they hit the road hard.

MP3: "Gimme a Beer" - http://diamondrugs.viinyl.com
VIDEO: "Gimme a Beer" - http://vimeo.com/35893895

Diamond Rugs' debut self-titled record, due to be released April 24, was named Paste magazine's #1 Most Anticipated Record of 2012. The first song, "Christmas In A Chinese Restaurant," was offered as a free holiday download in December. In January, the first single, "Gimme A Beer," was posted and a live video of "Gimme A Beer" from the only show the band has played to date was filmed and edited by Zach Wolfe. The high-energy clip is cut from a multi-camera shoot that took place at The Earl in Atlanta, GA, on December 29, 2011. The elegant chaos depicted only scratches the surface of what the lucky few hundred were privy to during the band's two-hour-long set.

Free Music Friday! Fleming - "Slip"

It’s not often that you find a band comfortable and confident enough in what they do well—in this case, NYC-based three-piece Fleming and their catchy alt-rock and pop—to name themselves after their drummer. Honestly, it just doesn’t happen. But then again, you don’t often meet a guitarist and a bassist who are also surgeons. Talk about docs who rock. And when Erich (guitar, vocals) and Guillem (bass, vocals), who had been playing together in coffee shops and talent shows since their early days at Columbia University, met Andrew Fleming, their sound took on a whole new dimension—as did everything else. Case in point, Fleming (the man and the band) are celebrating the release of their debut EP, Play for Manuel, at the famed L.E.S. staple that has become their stomping ground of late, the Mercury Lounge.

MP3: "Slip" - http://download.themusebox.net/fleming/slip.mp3

After making their debut performance in 2003 at the now defunct ACME Underground, Fleming have since turned heads and enticed a loyal following with crowd-pleasing shows at venues including Bowery Ballroom, Don Hills, the Continental, Luna Lounge, and Knitting Factory. In fact, it is through the strength of their patented high-octane performances that Fleming earned themselves a coveted residency at the Mercury Lounge. With a sound that has drawn comparisons to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Interpol, and Matthew Sweet, they have a penchant for energetic backbeats courtesy of Andrew Fleming’s deft drum attack, while maintaining a certain dark introspection. Listen closely and you’ll hear musical forebears like the Cars and the Police.

Free Music Friday! KNTRLR - "Kursk"

KNTRLR, the psychedelic/electronic rock duo, reminiscent of fellow bands such as Yeasayer, Panda Bear, & Fuck Buttons have burst out from the black hole of creative collaboration with their first single “Kursk.” The buoyant guitar heavy track coupled with haunting vocals and pulsating drums is guaranteed to get a foot or two tapping to the beat of its beguiling sound.

MP3: "Kursk" - http://download.themusebox.net/KNTRLR/kursk.mp3

KNTRLR is Charles and Michael—two individuals who came together from opposite worlds. One a former child actor, the other a former fringe Christian on track to attend Seminary School. Charles grew up in the LA area and had a career high in the early 90’s with appearances on popular game shows like “Wild Animal Games with Ryan Seacrest” and made for TV movies. After becoming disenchanted with the Hollywood lifestyle, he focused all of his creativity on music and learned to play the drums - a choice which yielded strange rewards like opening for 80's new wave one-hit wonders Missing Persons and having psychedelic philosophical discussions with Rick James. Michael on the other hand grew up a strict Christian in Oklahoma and was groomed for Seminary School until a change of heart lead him to abandon that path. He has lived in a number of different places around the country and worked a variety of jobs from taxi driver to vineyard worker in California where he learned to play mariachi songs from his guadalajareño co-workers.

On a chance encounter, Charles and Michael met at the ever-popular Russian Bath House in New York City’s East Village and starting playing music together. After initially performing with other bands, the two decided to work together separately and KNTRLR was born.

KNTRLR will partner with The Big Sleep on a 7” split available everywhere April 3rd on Goodnight Records.

Free Music Friday! Teeth & Tongue - "Unfamiliar Skirts"

Melbourne, Australia based artist, Teeth & Tongue, is finally making her U.S. debut just in time for SXSW. Her new single, “Unfamiliar Skirts,” from her second release, Tambourine, exhibits a sultry combination of hypnotic vocals and gentle rhythms, unique to the style of Jess Cornelius-- creator and front woman of Teeth & Tongue.

MP3: "Unfamiliar Skirts" - http://download.themusebox.net/teeth_and_tongue/unfamiliar_skirts.mp3

The conception of “Unfamiliar Skirts” illustrates the fluidity behind the melody. The song was written and arranged in just one evening while making use of an in-home studio, and those first simple demo recordings resulted in Teeth & Tongue’s mesmerizing first single, now nominated for EG Award’s “Song of the Year.”

Starting out playing in full rock bands, musician Jess Cornelius decided to go solo and stock up on some old drum machines, a keyboard and an electric guitar to form Teeth & Tongue. With all the instrumental essentials, the kaleidoscope sounds of mixed genres came nothing but organically to her.

Razor & Tie Signs Emerson, Lake and Palmer

Razor & Tie has signed Emerson, Lake & Palmer to an exclusive new multi-year, multi-rights licensing deal for North America. Razor & Tie will re-issue ELP’s prestigious back catalogue with the first release, The Best Of Emerson Lake & Palmer: Come & See The Show available now for purchase on iTunes and in traditional retail outlets. The best of, 14-track compilation includes some of the band’s most beloved compositions including “Lucky Man,” “From The Beginning,” “I Believe In Father Christmas," and the full 9-minute version of the classic, “Fanfare For The Common Man.”

A full catalog re-issue campaign will kick off later this year with the release of newly expanded, re-mastered, editions of the band’s first six albums: Emerson, Lake and Palmer (1970- Studio Album), Tarkus (1971- Studio Album), Pictures At An Art Exhibition (1971- Live Album), Trilogy (1972- Studio Album), Brain Salad Surgery (1973- Studio Album), and Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends – Ladies & Gentlemen.

Razor & Tie will actively seek licensing opportunities for the catalog and set up a new direct to consumer store which will feature an array of newly created limited-edition items.

"As Emerson, Lake & Palmer remain unique in their categories, it's only fitting that they are now with a record company with a unique name like ‘Razor & Tie,” explains Keith Emerson. He continues “Don't question anything as the music speaks for itself and ‘Razor & Tie’ yells volumes on ELP's behalf." Carl Palmer offers, “The time was right to make this move. It’s a great, enthusiastic music company.” Greg Lake also enthuses, “We are looking forward to a long and productive relationship together.”

Razor & Tie co-owner Cliff Chenfeld adds, “We are very excited and honored to distribute and represent the Emerson Lake and Palmer catalog. ELP helped create prog rock and we will use this opportunity to bring ELP's amazing body of work to an even broader audience and to finally understand what the Tarkus album cover means.”

BRAD Signs with Razor and Tie

Razor & Tie announces the addition of Seattle’s BRAD to its roster for a new North American deal. The long-time Northwest underground favorites features core members Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) on guitar, vocalist/pianist Shawn Smith (Pigeonhed and Satchel), drummer Regan Hagar (Satchel and Malfunkshun), and bass player Keith Lowe (Fiona Apple and David Sylvian).


BRAD has completed work on United We Stand, a brand new studio album set for release on April 24th 2012. Comprised of 10 tracks, longtime fans of the band will find much to love on United We Stand as BRAD’s reflective, unique song writing approach is intact with Shawn Smith’s soaring vocals cascading over songs like “A Reason To Be In My Skin,” “Needle And Thread” and “Bound In Time.”

“After 20 years as a band, BRAD's brotherhood remains intact and vibrant. I couldn't be more excited about our latest opus,” explains BRAD’s Stone Gossard. He continues, “A year and a half in the making, United We Stand (our fifth record) is our combined and loving collaboration. We hit all the stops, down beat grooves, soaring vocals, and riffs galore. We're in this bad boy for the long haul people. So get ready.”

Shawn Smith adds, “Thankfully, as a band, or more importantly as individuals, we have not lost our spark, our desire to do more than just ‘get er done.’ The new record is a testament to a band in its 20th year, a band that started with three friends getting together one afternoon to jam. The approach was a little bit different than in the past, with plenty of time to try stuff out and then to step away for awhile and return fresh to see what felt good and what didn't. That's the key in my book, how does a song feel? This collection of songs feels really good to me. I expect nothing less.”


In addition to the band’s new album, Razor & Tie has licensed BRAD’s entire back catalog and will re-release the band’s previous studio albums Shame, Interiors, Welcome To Discovery Park, and Best Friends? along with the compilation, Satchel Vs. Brad. The catalogue albums will be re-released in multiple deluxe configurations beginning later this year.

Free Music (Presidents Day Edition)!: Cairo Knife Fight - "Origin of Slaves"

Though New Zealand’s Cairo Knife Fight is only comprised of two men, between the tom-tom attack of drummer/lead vocalist/bass synth man Nick Gaffaney and the blood-drenched axe work of guitarist and loop pedal genius Aaron Tokona this duo deliver a tidal wave of complete sound that is both hallucinatory and imbued with an intense sense of urgency. In a recent interview, Gaffaney likened what they do to guerrilla warfare, turning their weakness into strengths in all respects. We could not agree more. And the proof is in the riff-churned pudding. In this case, their new four-track EP Cairo Knife Fight II, and the first single and accompanying video off the album, “The Origin of Slaves,” which is massive, chest thumping, and blood curdling without losing razor’s edge precision.

MP3: "Origin of Slaves" - http://download.themusebox.net/cairo_knife_fight/the_origin_of_slaves.mp3

This is well-practiced recklessness at it’s best, and Cairo Knife Fight know just how far to push it before reigning in the assault. With a sound replete with metal riffs and prog rock expansiveness that has been likened to elements of Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, and Them Crooked Vultures, Cairo Knife Fight have earned their fair share of admirers.

Free Music (Presidents Day Edition)! Evans the Death - "Telling Lies"

As we await the self-titled debut album from Slumberland's newest signings with baited breath, Evans the Death release the first single from the album, "Telling Lies", on March 6. This comes as a necessary wake-up call, heralding an outstanding new band, bursting with ideas and brimming with talent.

Combining Katherine Whitaker's unique vocals with a gift for melody, the band weave a distinctive magic. "Telling Lies" is an infectious and exhilarating slice of indie-punk-pop.

Stream: "Telling Lies" - http://soundcloud.com/slumberland-records/evans-the-death-telling-lies

Named after the undertaker in Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood, Evans the Death comprise of Dan Moss (guitar, vocals), Katherine Whitaker (vocals, keys), Olly Moss (guitar), Rob Mitson (drums), and newest member Lan McCardle (bass) - original guitarist Matt Gill having left the band following the completion of the album.

The band document and channel the exuberance of youth via the prism of five pop music obsessives, gleaning inspiration from all of the music with which they grew up. They draw as much from the lyrical dexterity of Morrissey and Jarvis Cocker, as from the scuzzed-up melodic exuberance of early My Bloody Valentine and The Pixies.

Evans The Death drops Evans The Death via Slumberland/Fortuna Pop! on April 3.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evansthedeath
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/evansthedeath

Free Music (Presidents Day Edition)! Eli Keszler - "Drums, Crotales, Installed Motors, Micro-Controller Metal Plates"

NNA is very excited to announce a split LP between world-renowned electronic music composer Keith Fullerton Whitman and multi-instrumentalist composer Eli Keszler. This LP is a conversation in sound between two prominent artists, one working in the electronic realm (Whitman), and the other in the world of live acoustics (Keszler). In fact, Whitman's piece was inspired and created as a direct response to Keszler's signature frenzied percussion style. Both sides of the record are full of incredibly detailed nuance-driven music. These artists work with sound on the microscopic level, deliberately placing each individual molecule of sound in it's intended location. Whitman's piece "Occlusion" is automated "machine music" warfare, utilizing rhythm as a textural tool, while Keszler uses live percussion, bowed metal, and other acoustics to act as a humanized response to Whitman's machine-regulated assault, solidifying this record as a fantastic document of Human vs. Machine call and response.

STREAM Eli Keszler -"Drums, Crotales, Installed Motors, Micro-Controller Metal Plates" -
http://soundcloud.com/nnatapes/eli-keszler-drums-crotales

VIDEO - Eli Keszler video - http://vimeo.com/22512629