BIG BUSINESS MIND THE DRIFT COMMEMORATIVE CERAMIC COLLECTOR'S PLATE

The Big Business Mind the Drift LP is currently available through us here and here. To mark this glorious occasion, we have produced special BIG BUSINESS MIND THE DRIFT COMMEMORATIVE CERAMIC COLLECTOR'S PLATES, limited to 96. Supposedly they are not for eating on (unlike our Khanate mugs, ISIS pint glasses, or our Harvey Milk Stadium cups) , but they will look smooth on your mantle (just like our ISIS toys, Khanate hunting knife, and Clouds foam finger). So you better grab one soon so you can bring a smooth honey to your home (or place of business) and impress her with your good taste in memorial merchandise.

Stephen Brodsky Featured on Levisbmx.com

http://www.levisbmx.com/

Check out Steve at his upcoming show with Clouds on May 31 in Allston, Massachusetts @ Great Scott

Chel's List #6 Big Business 'Mind the Drift' LP + Biz Bot Remixes

Xasthur: All Reflections Drained CD + Bonus CD Pre-Order

Xasthur's All Reflections Drained CD + Bonus CD comes out next week, making this one of our most abbreviated pre-orders ever. Still, it's a title more than deserving of the pre-order treatment. All Relfections Drained is the first Xasthur release to feature guest vocalist M.H. The included bonus CD features close to an hour's worth of alternate versions, unreleased songs, and covers. All this packaged in a DVD-style digi-pack with art by Tim Lehi and photography from Faith Coloccia. Available separately is a new shirt, which will ship the following week. To check out both click here to visit the Xasthur page at the HydraHeadShop!!

Big Business "Mind The Drift" Vinyl Is In!

Big Business "Mind the Drift" Vinyl LPs have arrived at Hydra HQ. Here are some pics. They're like the CDs, but bigger!

Front and back cover



Inside of jacket



front and back of sleeve



vinyl colors - Black, Cream, Watery Pea Soup and Carrots



We would tell you to buy them, but they are going to go so fast we don't even need to.

Champions of Sound 2008 2x7" finally on its way!

The above image is photographic proof that the much delayed CHAMPIONS OF SOUND 2008 2x7" is finally approaching completion. The fantastic printing job, and art was done by the good people at Liberated Images.  We can't wait to have them in hand, and then in your hands.  

This double 7" features unreleased tracks by Pelican, Kayo Dot, Zozobra and Stove Bredsky (kinda, his track also appears on his Thing or Thong Rider EP).  It is well worth the wait.

Did we mention that Kayo Dot will soon be on tour with Secret Chiefs 3? Here are the dates:

5/26 Northhampton, MA @ Pearl Street
5/27 Portland, ME @ Space 538
5/28 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East

5/29 Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell's
5/30 Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
5/31 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian
6/2 Quebec City, QC @ Le Cercle
6/3 Montreal, QC @ La Salla Rossa
6/4 Toronto, ON @ The Mod Club
6/9 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
6/10 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall 

Did we also mention that Pelican is currently on tour with a little band called ISIS?  well, here are those dates as well:

5/19 Austin, Texas @ Emo’s 
5/ 20 Dallas, Texas @ Granada Theatre 
5/21 Houston, Texas @ Meridian 
5/22 Baton Rouge, Louisiana @ Spanish Moon 
5/23 Birmingham, Alabama @ Bottletree Cafe 
5/ 25 Orlando, Florida @ The Social 
5/ 26 Gainesville, Florida @ Common Grounds 
5/27 Jacksonville, Florida @ Jack Rabbits 
5/28 Atlanta, Georgia @ Earl Restaurant & Lounge 
5/29 Carrboro, North Carolina @ Cats Cradle 
5/ 30 Washington DC @ Black Cat Washington
5/31 Baltimore, Maryland @ Sonar 
6/2 New York, New York @ The Fillmore At Irving Plaza 
6/ 3Philadelphia, Pennsylvania @ Theater of Living Arts 
6/4 Northampton, Massachusetts @ Pearl Street 
6/5 Boston, Massachusetts @ Paradise Rock Club 
6/ 6 Montreal, Quebec @ The National 
6/7 Toronto, Ontario @ Phoenix Concert Theatre 
6/ 9 Cleveland Heights, Ohio @ Grog Shop 
6/10 Cincinnati, Ohio @ 20th Century Theatre 
6/11 Detroit, Michigan @ Small’s 
6/12 Chicago, Illinois @ Bottom Lounge 

New Interview with Sean of Coalesce up on Goats of Pandemonium Blog

"How does one describe the music of COALESCE? I think I read someplace that music journalist types were calling them “post hardcore”, whatever the fuck that is suppose to mean. Another place, I read someone saying that COALESCE were “too punk to be metal, too metal to be punk”. Whatever… If I had to place a tag on COALESCE so the uninitiated could put an idea about what the music sounds like in their heads, I guess that tag would be “devastating”. “So, Joker is COALESCE metal, hardcore, what?” My reply would be “They are devastating.” Haha! Perfect description! These guys drop nuclear breakdowns that can leave a room full of broken belongings, or bones depending on your choice of listening venues. The vocals of frontman SEAN INGRAM are a distinct tortured roar, the type that once you’ve heard them, you will recognize them instantly every other time you hear them. Thinking man’s lyrics keep it from being Death Metal and the music, often being like Math Metal covered in one ton of quick drying cement, is too varied to be simple hardcore. COALESCE is one of those bands that changed a genre, are often imitated, and never duplicated.

After a decade of virtually no output, save for 2007’s limited edition two song “Salt and Passage” 7 inch vinyl, released by SECOND NATURE RECORDINGS, COALESCE regrouped for music’s sake to record “OX”, a full-length set to be released June 9^th by RELAPSE RECORDS. I, for one, am so excited about this release that I have been on a COALESCE bender for the last two weeks! I have been spinning the band’s discography with reckless abandon and I’m sure my neighbors are starting to memorize some lyrics. My love for COALESCE is nothing new. I was first turned on to the band when I picked up the NAPALM DEATH/COALESCE split CD “In Tongues We Speak” back in 1997. I came for the NAPALM, but stayed for the COALESCE… it was unlike anything I had ever heard before. During my recent deployment to Iraq for my day job, COALESCE was with me as well. Released in 1999 on HYDRA HEAD, “Nothing New Under the Sun”, an album of strictly LED ZEPPLIN covers was in constant rotation on missions, in the motor pool, or while enjoying what time we did have to relax. I introduced a lot of soldiers to the album’s crushing interpretations of ZEP classics, and it became a large part in the soundtrack to our 15 months in “The Sandbox”. That being said, I am proud as fuck that the debut interview in this second incarnation of GOATS OF PANDEMONIUM is with a band that I often associate with one of the most intense, amazing, and heartbreaking periods of my life: I present to you my interview with SEAN INGRAM, the vocalist of COALESCE!

GOATS: “Ox” is set to drop on June 9th and is COALESCE’s first full length release in 10 years, I believe… what has been going on in the decade between releases?

SEAN: Well, life actually. 12 kids, jobs, school, wives, normal life stuff. A lot of personal growth and understanding. Some of the guys have been involved in some cool bands too. Nate did THE CASKET LOTTERY and ABLE BAKER FOX. ..." Read the rest on Goats of Pandemonium

Chel's List Volume 5: Keelhaul "You Waited Five Years For This?" 7", GREYMACHINE "Vultures Descend" 12" and Torche Tapes Available Now!

Race Cars: Hydra Highlight #107

Big Business Releases "Mind The Drift" Today

After much anticipation, Los Angeles based rock heroes BIG BUSINESS have just released their latest and most epic album to date. Entitled "Mind The Drift," the album is available courtesy of the renowned Hydra Head Records, and was produced by Phil Ek (Built To Spill, Fleet Foxes, The Shins) in his Seattle studio.

Featuring the ferocious vocals and bass duties of Jared Warren (ex-Karp, Tight Bros From Way Back When), dominating drumming abilities of Coady Willis (also of the newly revived Murder City Devils), and for the first time, guitar madman Toshi Kasai (also a respected producer in his own right), "Mind the Drift" echoes the band's trademark motor-oil thick, thundering sound, and adds to it layers of spaced out effects, making for the band's most dizzying and progressive album yet. Here's what the people have to say:

"Mind the Drift reveals a serious expansion of the Big Business sound: Though each of these tunes is still built atop a lumbering low-end groove, tracks like “Gold and Final” and the nearly 9-minute “Theme from Big Business II” ascend to trippy psych-metal heights any Hawkwind fan could love." - Revolver Magazine

"The trio organizes a head-banging assault, with snarling bass and cymbal smashes underpinning Warren's burly shouts and Kasai's piercing detours into grandiose metal riffs." - Spin.com

"As evidenced by the plundering beats and awe-inspiring riffage, they're dead serious about songwriting. While the tunes on Mind the Drift follow the same chaotic constructs as their first two discs, there's more of an emphasis on guitar, providing more sonic shades for the musicians to trample." - Headbangers Ball Blog

"The sludge and the swagger known as Big Business are hitting the road again; they've got a new album coming out called 'Mind The Drift' on May 12 via Hydrahead Records, and in an exclusive interview with Noisecreep drummer Coady Willis called the album "the most ambitious thing we have tried yet." For those not in the loop, Big Business is no longer a two-some of just drums and bass. Toshi Kasai has been added on guitar and keyboard. 'Mind The Drift' is the first full length that Big Business has shown off this new three-man stoner-esque heaviness for the masses." - AOL Noisecreep

"Big Business bassist Jared Warren and drummer Coady Willis churn up the tonal equivalent of an oil spill, and write songs too violently catchy for the usual “sludge” and “stoner-rock” tags. Their bleak, queasy third album, Mind The Drift, tries to look beyond the euphoric whiplash of 2005's Head For The Shallow and 2007's Here Come The Waterworks, keeping the dense lows while guitarist Toshi Kasai adds squiggly underpinnings and melodic leads." - The Onion AV Club

"Kasai's presence is easily detected via prominent, quasi-clean guitar lines that undulate high above Willis and bassist Jared Warren's familiar murk and mire. Bits of organ and bizarre vocal moments additionally separate Mind the Drift from its predecessors, and purposeful restraint is evident on nearly every track." - Alarm Press

"Kasai's squealing guitar flourishes supplement the boisterous low tones of "I Got It Online," while the staggering energy of "Found Art" shows a cohesive new three-instrument sound." - The Washington Post

* Click below to stream the new album from Big Business, as well as download the audio commentary (aka "Criterion") version, and catch the band live as they continue their ongoing US tour with friends Tweakbird!



* Click here to stream "Mind The Drift" in its entirety!
"Mind The Drift" Tracklist
1. Found Art
2. Gold and Final * Download exclusively @ Spin.com!
3. Cats, Mice
4. I Got It Online
5. The Drift
6. The Ayes Have It
7. Cold Lunch
8. Theme From Big Business II


The Drift * digital single / buy it now @ iTunes!

Big Business US Tour w/ Tweak Bird!
May 12 2009 Middle East Downstairs Boston, Massachusetts
May 13 2009 Grog Shop Cleaveland, Ohio
May 14 2009 The Basement Columbus, Ohio
May 15 2009 Headliners Music Hall Louisville, Kentucky
May 16 2009 Small's Detroit, Michigan
May 17 2009 The Bottom Lounge Chicago, Illinois
May 18 2009 Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 20 2009 Larimer Lounge Denver, Colorado
May 21 2009 Bar Deluxe Salt Lake City, Utah
May 22 2009 Neurolux Boise, Idaho
May 23 2009 Dante's Portland, Oregon
May 24 2009 Neumo's Crystal Ball Reading Room Seattle, Washington
May 25 2009 The Big Room Olympia, Washington
May 27 2009 Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, California
May 28 2009 Detroit Bar Costa Mesa, California
Jun 1 2009 Troubadour Los Angeles, California
Jun 2 2009 Casbah San Diego

"Live, Big Business certainly didn't disappoint, serving up a huge, throbbing meatball of fuzzy, thundering rock. A one-man drum corps, Coady Willis plays so hard and fast that he's able to get away with playing in fingerless gloves without looking like a total asshole. More than once I caught myself going up on tiptoes to verify the band wasn't using pre-recorded drums as it sounded like he was hitting every drum and cymbal at once with both hands. Wow. Though it's never suffered from a lack of volume, the addition of session player Toshi Kasai on guitar filled in any possible gaps in the group's wall of sound. As bad as things are for big business these days, Big Business is flourishing." - NY Press

Harvey Milk playing Chaos in Tejas Vol.5

Harvey Milk will be playing this years Chaos in Tejas fest in Austin Texas. They play Red 7 on May 24, with EYEHATEGOD and CRUDE (japan), but you should check out the whole fest and tell Wes how the Nodzzz set was. 

The Austerity Program, Ph.D.

So this here is a photo of Thad Calaleibniz celebrating in a bar after successfully defending his PhD dissertation on Monday. Hey, rock kids, buy this man a drink next time you see his Dr behind because he did a metric double TON of work to enjoy this moment. The next time some snarky Thanksgiving table relative or fey-pop intellectual tells you punk music is for for the safety pin chewing chromosome deficient, feel free to let them know that the tattooed bassist for the Austerity Program handily carries this advanced degree with him to every show before he sets up that 400 watt amp and starts the pounding.

A goddam doctorate. Makes the Talking Heads seem not quite so impressive, eh?

Artie Bucco Loves Big Business

As posted by MetalSucks.net by Gary Suarez

" While headbanging and throwing the horns at an indie metal act along with countless others in a packed crowd, the last person you expect to see rocking out is a dude from The Sopranos. Well, that’s exactly what I spied with my little eye during the Big Business show in New York City last night.

Indeed, John Ventimiglia, the actor best known for his role as restaurateur Artie Bucco on the sadly departed HBO mafia drama, stood grinning mere feet from the admirable pit that erupted during “Hands Up”, one of the finest tracks from Big Business’ impeccable sophomore album Here Come the Waterworks. Even as a devotee of the aforementioned television program, it was hard to keep my eyes off the band, which absolutely fucking ruled Mercury Lounge, one of the last few good rock clubs left in this godforsaken town. As the previously leaked “Gold and Final” suggested, the new tracks played from the imminent Mind The Drift (which was available for sale at the show!) lack the visceral groin-level kick of their earlier songs. The audience definitely seemed to dig these newer, less frenetic tunes, though of course responded to familiar cuts like “Just as the Day was Dawning” with cathartic bodily tremors. Drummer Coady Willis displayed a fascinating rhythmic combination of militancy and avant-aptitude throughout the set, while Jared Warren’s basslines completely overshadowed the less prominent guitar work of new member Toshi Kasai. Though enjoyable as a texture, Kasai’s performance seemed almost superfluous considering the proficiency and sonic dominance of the rhythm section, something rarely noticed at metal shows.

The only letdown of the night was opener Tweak Bird, a scraggly bass-drums duo whose quite likable debut was produced by Kasai and Melvins drummer Dale Crover. I was surprised by just how underwhelming these guys were considering they essentially played material from that one release, and I really hope it was just an off-night for the band since the headliner was well worth showing up for. Anyhow, you can see for yourself as Big Business continues its U.S. tour through the beginning of June."

5/12 Boston MA @ Middle East Downstairs
5/13 Cleveland OH @ Grog Shop
5/14 Columbus OH @The Basement
5/15 Louisville KY @ Headliners Music Hall
5/16 Detroit, MI @ Small’s
5/17 Chicago IL @The Bottom Lounge
5/18 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
5/20 Denver CO @ Larimer Lounge
5/21 Salt Lake City UT @ Bar Deluxe
5/22 Boise ID @ Neurolux
5/23 Portland OR @ Dante’s
5/25 Seattle WA @ Neumo’s Crystal Ball Reading Room
5/27 San Francisco CA @Bottom of the Hill
5/28 Costa Mesa CA @ Detroit Bar
6/1 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
6/2 San Diego CA @ Casbah
8/5 Hollywood, CA @Knitting Factory w/ Torche

"Mind The Drift" is available now on CD in the Hydra Head Shop . Keep your eyes peeled for "Mind The Drift" vinyl out later this month.

TORCHE: California Tour 2009 Begins

We figure that they just HAD to be high as kites when they came up with the idea to spend two full weeks touring CA.  But since they're the hired help on this jaunt, its more likely that their tour mates, Dredg, were the lit ones scheming up shit like this.  We ain't complaining at all, not one single bit...in fact, were fucking psyched to have the crew living in Los Angeles for two weeks.  They'll be all up in Mark's pad stinking up the joint, sleeping in his bed, eating his food, not cleaning up their garbage...well, truth be told that's more like the old days, but its still gonna be an enjoyable blur, no doubt. 

So, without further ado, we bring the official reminder that Torche are about to tour California for the next two weeks!  We still think they should have made a "CA Tour 2009" shirt....

CALIFORNIA TOUR 2009

5/08 Pomona CA @Glasshouse
5/09 Santa Barbara CA @Velvet Jones
5/10 San Diego CA @House of Blues
5/12 Fresno CA @Starline
5/13 San Luis Obispo CA @Downtown Brew
5/15 Reno NV @The Underground
5/16 Chico CA @Senator Theatre
5/19 San Francisco CA @Great American Music Hall
5/20 San Francisco CA @Bimbo's 365 Club
5/21 Santa Cruz CA @The Catalyst
5/22 West Hollywood CA @Troubadour
5/23 West Hollywood CA @Troubadour

GREYMACHINE "Vultures Descend" 12" AVAILABLE NOW

Back in September of last year we nearly has a seizure upon hearing "Vultures Descend" for the first time.  Its fucking HARSH and, although it sounds sorta weird to say about something like this, its also totally refreshing.  Hearing it launched one of those moments where Mark fires of emails to Justin and Aaron chugging cock telling them how great they are and what great work they've done, and how he'll pretty much die if GREYMACHINE was not to be released on Hydra Head.  No worries there though, it all worked out as you can well see here...  This 12" is the precursor to the full length "Disconnected" which drops on CD July 21st and on 2xLP somewhere before or after depending on how the production gods are feeling.   We did 600 copies of the 12" on black vinyl with white labels.  Each are in a DJ style sleeve (center hole punched out) with a sticker in the upper right hand corner.  We like to think the whole thing looks like something we've have found in the racks of our college radio station back in the 80's and 90's...back when bands, like Godflesh, would have singles n' whatnot issued on promo 12"s in support of whatever full length they were promoting.  Anyway, its simple as all hell, but we're shockingly giddy about it....hopefully you dig it as much as we do.  The AA Side is a remix of a track that is on the full length....that remix, and others, may just appear down the road somewhere if we're all well behaved...but that's up to JKB to decide.

If yr on Chel's List then you've probably already reserved yr copy...otherwise our store at BCD will have stock next week as well as some select retail locations the week after.  

Here's the vitals:

Interview with Stephen Brodsky on The Bostonist - Cave In Ends Hiatus

"Metalheads, punks, and Boston music fans rejoiced last week at the announcement that local metalcore quartet Cave In are ending their hiatus with a new EP and a little gig at Great Scott on July 19th. Word quickly spread throughout the Internets about the "reunion" [as an aside, Bostonist would like to note that the band never broke up, and reunions are usually the result of a break up], and the band issued a little statement on their Myspace:

"After 3 1/2 long years, Cave In has decided to end its hiatus. Please join us for an EP release show at Great Scott's (1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA) on Sunday, July 19th @ 9PM. Also playing will be our friends Disappearer and Phantom Glue. Copies of the "Planets Of Old" limited 12" (recorded by Adam Taylor, Alex Hartman & Johnny Northrup @ Camp St. Studio) from Hydra Head Records will be available that night."

Needless to say, the show is sold out. Though Cave In were never on the cover of Rolling Stone or seen carrying loads of Grammys in their first go-around, in the few years that they've been hiatus their fan-base has only grown as blogs, magazines, and inspired musicians across the world have dedicated wistful words in the group's honor.

Still, it's all a bit of a surprise for the band, as frontman Stephen Brodsky tells Bostonist. In an exclusive interview, Brodsky answers a few questions that have been on Bostonist's mind since last weeks announcement.

Bostonist: What was the key element that's ended the Cave In hiatus? Did the four of you guys decide to start practicing together again, or was it one person's persistence, or something else?..."

Click here to read the full interview on the Bostonist.

Big Business/Keelhaul flyer for Cleveland show

Brock from Keelhaul just passed this along...artwork by a local cleveland artist named John G.

Big Business Lay the Snackdown

We thought Decibel only had a blog until the Solid PR guys forwarded this Big Business interview to us today.  Cheese puffs are gateway snacks....classic!

Eugene Robinson at Roadburn 2009

EUGENE ROBINSON + BLACK SUN live ROADBURN 2009 TILBURG performing Black Sun song 'Tabula Rasa'

Big Business "kind of like a pre-order but not really" Pre-Order

These items will be available in the Hydra Head Shop after the pre-order is over. Still, you should buy them now. Click here to order
We decided to try something a little different for this pre-order. The extras, rather than being attached here, are their own products. We've had a lot of requests in the past from people just wanting to buy the pre-order shirt, or just the CD, so we thought we'd just split it all up and see if that works better for everyone. There's a link to the new Big Business "Mind The Drift" CD below. Note: this shirt will be a permanent shirt in the store after the pre-order.

Click here for a sizing chart. Printed on American Apparel style 2001 men's/unisex t-shirts.

• * Big Business "Mind The Drift" CD
  Add to Cart | View Details

*PRE-ORDER CUSTOMERS: Orders are expected to begin shipping during the week of May 12th, 2009. Orders are not promised to be in hand by the release date. Any items purchased with your pre-order will not ship until the week of May 12th, 2009 as well. If you place multiple pre-orders in one order they will ship together, on the date of the latest shipping pre-order. All items shown are mock ups and the final product may vary slightly in size, placement, and/or color.

Torche Video Premiere on Myspace Today

Across The Shields

The video for "Across The Shields" premiered on Myspace today. It's featured on the Myspace Music page and on the Myspace Music Video page. (see links below) Next up is a premiere for "Healer" on MTV!

NEW TORCHE/HARVEY MILK DATES

7/11 Miami FL @ Chruchill's Pub
7/12 Gainesville FL @ Common Grounds
7/13 Birmingham AL @ Bottletree Cafe
7/14 Memphis TN @ Hi Tone Cafe
7/16 Nashville TN @ Exit/IN
7/17 Indianapolis IN @ Emerson Theatre
7/18 Chicago IL @ Subterranean
7/19 Columbus OH @ Ravari Room
7/20 Cleveland Heights OH @ Grog Shop
7/21 Buffalo NY @ Tralf Music Hall
7/23 Toronto ON @ Lee's Palace
7/24 Montreal QC @ La Sala Rossa
7/25 Cambridge MA @ Middle East Downstairs
7/26 Brooklyn NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
7/27 Philadelphia PA @ First Unitarian Church
7/28 Washington DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel
7/30 Charlotte NC @ Milestone
7/31 Atlanta GA @ EARL
8/1 Athens GA @ 40 Watt Club
8/2 Tampa FL @ Czar (Just Torche)

Amazing

Rachael tried to attach a 7 gigabyte file to an email.