Music Under Fire

Nobody has died. To keep this news clean, lets just say that the Brighton, UK outfit of 129 Die in Jet! has just started a new band and they are slowly picking up some speed. So new, they have only played one gig together. No one needs confusion.

129 Die in Jet!, composed of Pete Lambrou (vocals, guitar), Tim Walters (guitar), Luke Alberry (guitar), David Smith (bass) and Andrew McKellar (drums), capture the melodramatic G-spot with an emotional charge reminiscent of a fever during a lightning storm. Courtesy of Lambrou's uniquely lowered voice and the accented electric playing along with him, the sound can send a shiver or a shock down the spine.

With a name based on Andy Warhol's series, Lambrou said, "We just found the simplicity and gut-wrenching of the whole series quite formidable. So in theory the songs are simple, and with a dark tone."

Originally founded by Lambrou and Walters, all of 129 Die in Jets!'s recordings have been done by the pair so far with Lambrou picking up the bass and Walters adding the drums to their repertoire. Lambrou, also the founder of Nice Weather For Airstrikes Records, claims Last Days of Lorca and Monsters Build Mean Robots under his indie label.

According to Lambrou, 129 Die in Jets! already have an EP in the works and anticipate a late year to early '09 release. To catch the group check out their myspace, or if you are in the Brighton area, keep a kean eye out for their shows.

MP3: 129 Die in Jet! - Progression

This weeks's most sought after artist are the one and only The Walkmen, who have done nothing but improve on themselves since their beginnings in 2002. The New York band's melodramatic-pop can be found on their latest, You & Me.

Also this week, check out Great Northwest's psychadelic, down-tempo music with their release of Widespread Reign of the The Great Northwest. Matt Pryor of The New Amsterdams also released his solo album, Confidence Man. This album was inspired by his daughter and recorded in a mere month in his home studio.

Also check out one of our favorite indie acts who are blooming as we speak, Margot and the Nuclear So and So's. Their latest album Animal should be a great album to check out this week.

MP3: The Great Northern - Chief John (buy)
MP3: James Jackson Toth - Look In On Me (buy)

Alice Cooper - Along Came A Spider (Official) (MySpace)
Andre Williams - Can You Deal With It? (Official) (MySpace)
Great Northwest - Widespread Reign of The Great Northwest (Official) (MySpace)
James Jackson Toth - Waiting in Vain (Official) (MySpace)
Javelins - Heavy Meadows (Official) (MySpace)
Margot and the Nuclear So and So's - Animal (Official) (MySpace)
Matt Pryor - Confidence Man (Official) (MySpace)
Neil Halstead - Oh! Mighty Engine (Official) (MySpace)
Richie Havens - Nobody Left to Crown (Official) (MySpace)
Rick Springfield - Venus in Overdrive (Official) (MySpace)
Takka Takka - Migration (Official) (MySpace)
The Radiance Effect - Wake The Forgotten (Official) (MySpace)
The Terrible Twos - Jerzy the Giant (Official) (MySpace)
Walkmen - You & Me (Official) (MySpace)
Wild Sweet Orange - We Have Cause To Be Uneasy (Official) (MySpace)
Zach Gill - Stuff (Official) (MySpace)

The talent-rich duo of Eric Ronick and Than Luu emit quite a sound when their powers are combined. Their metropolitan pop and an emerging UK powerhouse energy pave the road for what is Black Gold. The vanguard song for their efforts, "Detroit", marks their onset into the ever-changing indie landscape.

With Ronick's previous success with Panic at the Disco under his belt and Luu's innovative work alongside him, the chance to get a sneak peak at their upcoming album, Rush, sparked more than just casual curiosity among MUF's finest. To listen to "Detroit" click on the links below or their myspace link and let us know what you think.

WM Hi: http://streaming.bitmax.net/redbull/detroithi.asx
WM Lo: http://streaming.bitmax.net/redbull/detroitlo.asx
Real Hi: http://streaming.bitmax.net/redbull/detroithi.smil
Real Lo: http://streaming.bitmax.net/redbull/detroitlo.smil

Eastern PA's Anthony Green and the fellows from Philly's own Good Old Days must have had a twisted experience at Disneyland during their time in L.A. The video for "Dear Child (I've Been Dying To Reach You)" in anticipation of Green's solo album, Avalon, which will hit stores on August 5th, displays the guys dangling upside down while nuclear-waste deformed animals/harsh cartoons dance in and out of the screen.

Don't be confused, this is not disgusting since every animation comes in cleanly and professionally. It is even hard to look away, much like a Modest Mouse clip.

More importantly, Green's alt-indie rock sound comes across so catchy, it mixes a bit with the pop-rock genre. His vocals stretch and don't falter as well. If you sign up for his mailing list here, you can get a free download of "Devils Song", which is off of the new album. Enjoy.

Anthony Green - Dear Child (I've Been Dying To Reach You)

The Denton, Texas fixtures of Centro-matic and South San Gabriel teamed up for their latest recordings, Dual Hawks, and the finished product reflected both a finesse and spunk of a well-oiled machine.

Not coincidentally, four of South San Gabriel's ever-growing numbers include Centro-matic's Will Johnson, Scott Danbom, Mark Hedman and Matt Pence. When the mixed bag of SSG joined Centro-matic, the result was an extension of the groups to their ever-eager fans.

What Centro-matic maps into the equation could be delegated as the alt-indie sector while SSG provides an abundant folk backdrop complete with clarinet, saxophone, cello, violin and trombone to name a few. Needless to say, South San Gabriel's style sways to a more expansive folk rock while Centro-matic puts down a heavier, yet still soft, hammer.

This album should fit into any collector of Division Day, Bell X1 and even perhaps Pela, but more importantly could be that Dual Hawks has two discs of adjoining feels, yet to each goes their own personality.

In anticipation of Will Johnson's solo tour and Centro-matic's West Coast tour, we have provided tour dates below. Also, a few Centro-matic MP3s for your enjoyment have been provided. Muzzle of Bees caught up with Will Johnson from Centro-matic, you can find the interview here.

MP3: Centro-matic - I, The Kite (buy)
MP3: Centro-matic - Quality Strange (buy)
MP3: South San Gabriel - Trust To Lose (buy)

Will Johnson tour dates
7/31 Austin, TX w/ Chris Flemmons of The Baptist Generals
8/1 Denton, TX w/ Chris Flemmons of The Baptist Generals
8/2 Dallas, TX w/ Micah P Hinson

Centro-matic West Coast tour
9/2 Los Angeles, CA w/ Sleepercar & South San Gabriel
9/3 San Francisco, CA w/ Sleepercar & South San Gabriel
9/5 Seattle, WA w/ Sleepercar & South San Gabriel
9/6 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge w/ Bobby Bare Jr.
9/8 Salt Lake City, UT w/ South San Gabriel
9/9 Denver, CO w/ The Broken West & South San Gabriel
9/10 Omaha, NE w/ The Broken West & South San Gabriel
9/11 Iowa City, IA w/ Langhorne Slim & The Broken West
9/12 Madison, WI w/ Langhorne Slim & The Broken West
9/13 Saint Louis, MO (free show)

Every day of life should contain moments as exhilarating as the minutes that pass when Daniel Land & The Modern Painters play. The soul-melting harmonies and spaced-out interludes charmed us so much, they became one of our Bands You Must Know.

The Manchester-based group, formed originally (georgiahomeboy) just out of Daniel Land, Graeme Meikle and Oisin Scarlett, added Marcus Mayes, Jason Magee and Andrew Galpin so they could take the show on the road. The final result of all of these musicians working seamlessly together is a mesmerizing electro-ambient experience. In fact, the world-famous Ulrich Schnauss invited the group to play with him on the Sonic Cathedral tour after hearing their debut release, Voss.

With the upward movement the group has displayed since their release of Voss, the fact that Ulrich Schnauss is helping with the new 7" due out in September adds another dimension of intrigue.

In anticipation of their August 11 release of their Imagining October EP, we have a few mp3s for you to check out.

MP3: Daniel Land & The Modern Painters - Off Your Face Again
MP3: Daniel Land & The Modern Painters - Between The Acts

Everyone must be at the beach this week. There's really no explanation for the scarcity of albums below. However, within our grasp there are a few solid albums groups to delve into. If you think someone should have made the cut who didn't, give us a shout.

One of the most popular groups on this list (as far as the East Coast goes) are our Rockville, MD friends O.A.R. Maybe you're eardrums have been pounded to "That Was A Crazy Game Of Poker" a million times over, but those times have run dry and now with the group back in action after a breif hiatus since their Boys and Girls in America album back in 2006, their latest album, Stay Positive should bring some more grizzle folk rock to your mp3 player.

You'll also notice two seasoned veterans are here this week with Nas and John Mellencamp releasing this umpteenth album respectively.

A few pop / punk bands to look at are A Coastline Ending, who are a bit grizzlier than your average pop and The Mile After who released their third album Armada.

Lastly, be sure to check out The Hold Steady, whose latest album Stay Positive, got a rave review (8.4) from Pitchfork.

MP3: Dr. Dog - The Old Days (buy)
MP3: Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - Slow Motion Tag Team (buy)
MP3: Sunset - When Perfect Flames Expire (buy)

A Coastline Ending - In The Name Of Progression (Official) (MySpace)
Ace Young - Ace Young (Official) (MySpace)
Blackmore's Night - Secret Voyage (Official) (MySpace)
Circus Circus - Brooklyn Nightlife (Official) (MySpace)
Delta Goodrem - Delta (Official) (MySpace)
Bajofondo - Mar Dulce (Official) (MySpace)
Dr. Dog - (Official) (Myspace)
Elisa - Dancing (Official) (MySpace)
Hans-Joachim Roedelius/ Tim Story - Inlandish (Official) (MySpace)
The Hold Steady - Stay Positive (Official) (MySpace)
John Mellencamp - Life, Death, Love and Freedom (Official)
Nas - Untitled (Official) (MySpace)
North - What You Were (MySpace)
O.A.R. - All Sides (Official) (MySpace)
The Mile After - Armada (MySpace)
Wire - Object 47 (Official) (MySpace)

Stars and Sons struck us a bunch of months back. After listening to The Goat Show EP we soon conducted an interview with Mike Lord from the group. Now, months later, Stars and Sons returns.

In anticipation of their new single, the group teamed up with film maker Matthew Anstee to create a comical low-budget video for "In the Ocean". The result is below but the sound can't be denied. Pop this rock 'til your limbs fall off. Enjoy.

Death Cab For Cutie's "Cath..." video is now out.

One of the marquee songs off of their Narrow Stairs album, to me "Cath..." personally works well without any video. Unlike many videos out there DCFC match the lyrics of the song with what was in the video.

I can't say enough how much this group amazes me at their every turn. Enjoy, and if you haven't picked up the album, jump on it.



That guy in the back of the church was a child actor in some scary movie but I can't remember since it was so long ago. If you know who he is, please leave a comment.

Time to pick things back up this week with some great albums we are once again excited to get our noggins into. First and foremost, one of MUFs favorite artists, Beck is out with his much anticipated Modern Guilt album. After experimenting with each album, Beck's latest is infused with a mix across the board of pop classicism, humorous lyrics, and intertwined experimentation. Be sure to check it out.

Also this week, we recommend supporting The Black Ghosts, our UK pick of the week. If you're looking for some pop-punk to sooth your soul, listen to The Maine. We mentioned them a few months ago with their redone version of "I Wanna Love You". They're well on their way into the ipods of the world.

A few quirky picks for the week: Check out Sunny Day Sets Fire or The Melvins (out of LA). Me First and the Gimme Gimmes are out with Have Another Ball. The band is well-known for covering anything under the sun from Willie Nelson to Elton John. We also have a feeling about OH!3. Check out their site to find out what they heck they are through the links we provided below.

MP3: Beck - Modern Guilt (buy)
MP3: Me First and the Gimme Gimmies - The Boxer (buy)

3OH!3 - Want (MySpace)
Age of Rockets - Hannah (Official) (MySpace)
Albert Hammond Jr. - Como Te Llama (Official) (MySpace)
Bad Religion - Maps of Hell (Deluxe Edition) (Official) (MySpace)
Beck - Modern Guilt (Official) (MySpace)
Capital Lights - This is An Outrage (MySpace)
Danger Radio - Used and Abused (Official) (MySpace)
Emarosa - Relativity (MySpace)
Have Heart - Songs To Scream at the Sun (Official) (MySpace)
Hit the Lights - Skip School, Start Fights (MySpace)
Lower Definition - The Greatest of All Lost Arts (MySpace)
Me First and the Gimme Gimmies - Have Another Ball (Official) (MySpace)
Ron Sexsmith - Exit Strategy of the Soul (Official) (MySpace)
Street Dogs - State of Grace (Official) (MySpace)
STS9 - Peaceblaster (Official) (MySpace)
Sunny Day Sets Fire - Summer Palace (Official) (MySpace)
The Black Ghosts - The Black Ghosts (Official) (MySpace)
The Maine - Can't Stop, Won't Stop (Official) (MySpace)
The Melvins - Nude With Boots (Official) (MySpace)
Thieves and Villains - Movement (Official) (MySpace)
Tickle Me Pink - Madeline (Official) (MySpace)
Totimoshi - Milagrosa (Official) (MySpace)

About a month ago, I received a copy of Priscilla Ahn's debut album, A Good Day. Needless to say, I was playing "Wallflower" and "Astronaut" until the lyrics and melodies hummed in my dreams at night. After some added research I found out Ms. Ahn grew up in the same city as myself (Reading, PA) before pursuing her lifelong dream as an artist.

MusicUnderFire thanks Priscilla for the opportunity to ask her a few questions amid her blossoming dream.


Your new album is titled A Good Day. Where did you came up with such a positive sound while your life has been so hectic?

Priscilla Ahn: Well, fortunately, my life up until June 10th, has been pretty quiet and chill. I thought I'd name the album A Good Day after the last track on the album. While we were recording it, I loved it so much, and I also love the positive message it gives, that I just sort of yelled out --"this is gonna be the title of the album!" Whenever I think of a good day, in the past, or having one, I feel a little happier.


You have mentioned that your song "Wallflower" refers to you generally being alone at parties when you first arrived in L.A. Now that you have settled in, how have you adjusted to your new life in the city?

Priscilla: Yes, I have. Also, I don't go to those kinds of parties anymore. And if I do, I'm usually with really good friends, or my boyfriend, so I'm never really alone anyway. The social things I'll go to now are either shows, or dinner parties with close friends. it took me a few years to find these people though. They are what make L.A. home to me now. I'm very lucky to have them.


When away from the crowds and the bright lights, what do you do to stay sane?

Priscilla: I love my "alone" time. After I play a show, I need to chill out for a minute. Even though my shows are pretty mellow, I find myself being exhausted after playing. It's a lot of standing, and also, a lot of energy I'm giving out to the audience. So afterwards, I like to sit by myself and take a few deep breaths, and sometimes write in my journal. Then I'm re energized to go back out there and sign CDs or whatever. Also before shows, there's usually a lot of down time, so I like to walk around whatever city I'm in, and maybe get something to eat. It's very peaceful.


I'm particularly fond of your song "Astronaut". To me this is a dreamier song than "Dream" or "Lullaby". What is your favorite song on your album and why?

Priscilla: Thank you! That's very cool. I think my favorite song is "A Good Day". I love the sound of it. It's very simple, but at the same time, sort of not simple. We threw the song into reverse, and put pieces of it in backwards, here and there, which gives it that backwards effect.


Going along with the theme of dreams, if you had any other career besides a music artist, what could you see yourself doing?

Priscilla: Maybe being a therapist, or a school guidance counselor. I think people are very fascinating. Other than that, I could see myself traveling a lot, having kids, painting or something.


What is up next for Priscilla Ahn and where can fans catch her this summer?

Priscilla: I'm about to do a show here in West Virginia in about 20 minutes, opening up for Jakob Dylan. And then I'm gonna hit the road in a few weeks, doing some of my own shows, and then some opening up for Amos Lee and Willie Nelson, which I'm pretty stoked about! I think I'm doing a show at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia very soon too! I hope you can come!


Thanks a ton again, Priscilla.

On her website, Priscilla Ahn's tour dates, blog, store, music and other neat features can be found. If you like what you hear support her by buying A Good Day.

After Polygon Palace ran into me the other day, I quickly checked out their version of Cut Copy's "Hearts on Fire". Even though this song happens to have gone remix crazy across the web, their efforts did more than the others out there.

The Australian duo of Adam Ferns and Gabriel Crossan didn't just put in a super-heavy bass into their songs and call it quits. Winding multiple layers of out of the box clips and lyrics "about partying, job interviews, time machines, vampires... all the usual things" further distances them from watered-down techno.

With that said, check out their songs below as well as their myspace.

MP3: