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Yungblud Unleashes “IDOLS” and Announces World Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

Yungblud Unleashes “IDOLS” and Announces World Tour

The fourth studio album by the 27-year-old international creative force Yungblud was announced today, alongside news of his world tour which includes North American dates for this fall.

Yungblud, whose last two albums went to number one in the UK and broke into the Billboard top 100, and whose back catalogue has accumulated an astonishing 6 billion streams globally, has announced that his forthcoming body of work, ‘IDOLS,’ part 1 will be released on June 20 via Locomotion/Capitol Records.

The 13-track offering is Yungblud’s most ambitious yet. Making sure of no distractions, he headed to a location just outside of where he grew up in the north of England with producer Matt Schwartz at the helm, Bob Bradley on additional production, and guitarist Adam Warrington.

On ‘Idols’, Yungblud explores the theme of hero-worship; how we look to others for validation, often putting others’ lives on a pedestal at the expense of the richness of our own experiences. Yungblud says, “We turn to others for an identity before turning to ourselves. Self-belief, self-reclamation, self-evolution and change. As we grow up, we lose our belief in magic and mystery. We begin to rationalize everything; our cage walls build up.” He added, “We compare ourselves to 15 different people before we’ve even had our breakfast”.

IDOLS will be available on June 20 in digital, CD and 4 vinyl variants; standard black vinyl, limited edition signed “Distant Smoke” marble vinyl, indie exclusive signed “Supermoon” silver vinyl, Amazon exclusive “Wishing Well” magenta vinyl and Spotify exclusive “Hell and Back” two color vinyl. Each vinyl includes a 4-page lyric booklet and 1 of 6 collectible double-sided photo lithos – unique to each vinyl variant – designed to form a cross-shaped image when the set is completed.

IDOLS WORLD TOUR:
AUGUST
23 – Los Angeles, CA, Hollywood Palladium
24 – San Diego, CA, The Observatory North Park
26 – Salt Lake City, UT, The Union
28 – Denver, CO, The Mission Ballroom
30 – Austin, TX, ACL Live at the Moody Theatre
31 – Dallas, TX, House of Blues
SEPTEMBER
2 – Atlanta, GA, Tabernacle
6 – Washington, DC, 9.30 Club
9 – Milwaukee, WI, The Rave, Eagles Ballroom
10 – Detroit, MI, The Fillmore
12 – Chicago, IL, Riviera Theatre
14 – Cleveland, OH, Agora Theatre and Ballroom
16 – Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn Paramount
18 – Philadelphia, PA, The Fillmore
19 – Boston, MA, Roadrunner
21 – Toronto, ON, Danforth Music Hall
OCTOBER
4 – Amsterdam, NL, AFAS Live
5 – Brussels, BE, Forest National
7 – Dusseldorf, DE, Mitsubishi Electric Halle
8 – Paris, FR, Adidas Arena
9 – Nantes, FR, Zenith Nantes Metropole
11 – Madrid, ES, Palacio Vistalegre
14 – Munich, DE, Zenith
15 – Zurich, CH, Halle 622
17 – Prague – CZ, Sportovni Hala Fortuna
18 – Warsaw – PL, Torwar Hall
20 – Berlin – DE, Uber Eats Music Hall
22 – Esch-sur-Alzette, LU, Rockhal Main Hall
24 – Copenhagen, DK, KB Hallen
25 – Stockholm, SE, Annexet
27 – Hamburg, DE, Sporthalle
29 – Vienna, AT, Wiener Stadthalle
31 – Bergamo, IT, ChorusLife Arena

5 Surprising Facts About Daft Punk’s ‘Random Access Memories’

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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5 Surprising Facts About Daft Punk’s ‘Random Access Memories’

Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories was the final studio word from the French robots, and a love letter to music itself. Released in 2013, it was a boundary-pushing, disco-soaked masterclass in analog recording, featuring legends like Nile Rodgers, Pharrell Williams, Giorgio Moroder, and Paul Williams. The duo ditched their sampling roots for live instrumentation, but that didn’t mean the album was short on surprises. You might think you know every vocoded flourish and neon-drenched groove on this Grammy-winning LP—but here are five facts even superfans might’ve missed.

1. “Lose Yourself to Dance” Has Billy Squier’s Fingerprints All Over It
While the album avoids traditional sampling, it channels classic breakbeats in spirit. The thunderous claps and stomps on “Lose Yourself to Dance”? That groove owes a debt to Billy Squier’s iconic 1980 track “The Big Beat”—a song famously sampled by everyone from Jay-Z to Alicia Keys. Daft Punk recreated that percussive energy using live drums, multi-tracked claps, and layers of cymbals, giving it a raw, rock-meets-funk intensity that powered one of the album’s deepest cuts.

2. Only One True Sample Was Used, and It’s From Outer Space
While Daft Punk mostly avoided samples, the album’s explosive closer “Contact” makes a rare exception. The opening features a crackling NASA recording from the Apollo 17 mission, with astronaut Eugene Cernan describing a mysterious “bright object.” That cosmic tension builds into the track’s cataclysmic finale—Daft Punk’s subtle nod to how sampling can still elevate a story when used sparingly.

3. “Giorgio by Moroder” Was a Studio Puzzle With No Instructions
Giorgio Moroder’s spoken-word track wasn’t simply placed over a beat. Daft Punk recorded his monologue using three separate microphones—each representing a different era of recording tech—to reflect his journey through music history. Then they stitched together nearly nine minutes of genre-bending sound around it. The track became a production playground: disco, funk, ambient, acid, all orbiting Giorgio’s voice like moons around a retro-futurist planet.

4. The Hidden Chord Progression That Links “Get Lucky” and “Around the World”
Leave it to Daft Punk to sneak in an Easter egg you can feel but not immediately hear. Chilly Gonzales revealed that “Get Lucky” uses a modified version of the same chord progression from their 1997 track “Around the World.” This creates a subconscious thread from their robotic roots to their analog rebirth. A reminder that even as they reinvented themselves, they never fully unplugged from their digital DNA.

5. Most of the Album Was Cut Live in Legendary Studios… But Edited Like a Sample
Despite using tape machines, vintage gear, and some of the world’s best session players, Daft Punk still leaned on their electronic instincts. Every track was also simultaneously recorded into Pro Tools. After each take, they’d compare analog vs. digital and later sliced together sections with surgical precision. Think of it as sampling with human fingers instead of a mouse—chopping, looping, and rearranging live performances like they were vinyl.

Random Access Memories was a manifesto. Daft Punk reminded the world that futuristic music can have a beating human heart. And in true Daft Punk fashion, they proved that sometimes the best way forward is by looking back—preferably through a vocoder.

5 Surprising Facts About Weezer’s Blue Album

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

0

5 Surprising Facts About Weezer’s Blue Album

It’s the album that gave us “Buddy Holly,” “Undone – The Sweater Song,” and “Say It Ain’t So.” It’s the one with the blue background, the awkward stares, and the guitar crunch that made nerd rock feel downright heroic. But behind the clean-cut cover and Ric Ocasek’s pop sheen lies a messy, brilliant story of rebellion, revision, and reinvention. These are five things you might not know about Weezer’s ‘Blue Album’—and if you do, well, you’re one sweater unravel away from becoming the fifth member of the band.

1. They Practiced Barbershop Quartets To Tighten Their Harmonies
Before laying down those massive choruses, Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo and Matt Sharp turned to an unlikely source of inspiration: barbershop quartets. That’s right—tight harmonies didn’t just appear out of nowhere. The band rehearsed a cappella to sharpen their vocal interplay and learn how to blend. Sharp, who’d never sung before joining the band, developed his now-signature falsetto this way. The result? The pristine backing vocals that gave their crunchy power pop its silky finish.

2. Jason Cropper Was Fired Mid-Recording—And His Guitar Was Replaced in One Take
Original guitarist Jason Cropper helped write parts of “My Name Is Jonas,” but personal drama—including news of an unexpected pregnancy—led to his erratic behavior during recording. Cuomo made the tough call to fire him before the album dropped, worried he’d jeopardize the band’s chemistry. Ric Ocasek didn’t want to swap out all of Cropper’s guitar tracks—but Rivers did it anyway. In one take. That precision? A peek at the perfectionism driving Weezer’s deceptively simple sound.

3. They Treated Their Guitars and Bass as a Single 10-String Monster
Recording engineer Chris Shaw spilled one of the album’s best production secrets: the band made the guitars and bass play the exact same parts, unison-style, to mimic a single, massive 10-string instrument. That’s why the Blue Album feels like it punches straight through your speakers—it’s not just big distortion; it’s complete sonic alignment. They even banned reverb and demanded all downstrokes. Nothing loose. Nothing accidental. Just precision nerd-rage, executed with mathematical fury.

4. “Undone – The Sweater Song” Was Supposed to Be Sad
Despite its quirky spoken intro and meme-level cultural status, Cuomo originally wrote “Undone” as a genuinely somber track inspired by the Velvet Underground. But with bassist Matt Sharp and Karl Koch riffing through that bizarre, improvised intro, and Cuomo’s deadpan delivery, people found it hilarious instead. Even Cuomo admits it: “It was supposed to be a sad song, but everyone thinks it’s hilarious.” That tension—between sincerity and satire—is part of what makes the Blue Album iconic.

5. The “Buddy Holly” Video Helped Launch Windows 95—Without The Band Even Knowing
Sure, Spike Jonze’s Happy Days-meets-alt-rock mashup won MTV awards and became a defining moment of ’90s music videos. But did you know it was also secretly bundled with Microsoft Windows 95? Geffen struck a deal with Microsoft without telling the band, embedding the “Buddy Holly” video in the OS. None of the band members even owned a computer at the time. “I was furious,” said drummer Pat Wilson—until he realized millions of new PC users had just discovered their music.

Thirty years on, ‘Weezer’ (The Blue Album) hasn’t aged—it’s just gotten more legendary. Whether it’s the guitar tone, the nerd-chic aesthetic, or the bittersweet beauty of “Say It Ain’t So,” it’s the sound of a band finding their identity—and accidentally creating a new genre along the way.

The Blues Brothers Announce Graphic Novel ‘The Escape Of Joliet Jake’ As First Step In Universe Revival

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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The Blues Brothers Announce Graphic Novel ‘The Escape Of Joliet Jake’ As First Step In Universe Revival

The beloved Blues Brothers universe will come roaring back to life over the next few years with forays into television, film, live events, music and much more with the first IP offering being a brand new original Graphic Novel: THE BLUES BROTHERS: THE ESCAPE OF JOLIET JAKE.

Written by Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano and James Werner with artist Felipe Sobriero, The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake is both a love letter and sequel to the original Blues Brothers film. With editorial oversight by Dan Aykroyd, the utmost care has been taken to ensure this new chapter is true to the classic skits, legendary film, and iconic albums.

The result is a wild and entertaining ride for both the longtime fans, and those new to the world of Jake and Elwood Blues. This project was originally conceived with the architect of The Blues Brothers, Judy Belushi Pisano, who sadly passed away during this book’s production.

Luke Pisano shares “The Blues Brothers weren’t just a SNL act or movie, they were real musicians, in awe of the legends who came before them. This book is a continuation of that labor of love. This book is dedicated to my mother, Judy Belushi Pisano – the widow of John Belushi and the fierce, loving steward of the Blues Brothers legacy for over 40 years. After John’s passing, she didn’t just preserve the story-she expanded it. With the team at Z2, and with the talents of Stella and James, we finally found the right partners to make that dream turn reality. I am proud-and humbled-to continue her work in expanding this world of fun, music, and mischievousness.”

“It makes complete sense to me that the new generation of Blues Brothers will begin in comic book form, where the possibilities for destroying police cars is infinite, physics have no bounds, and the potential for jam partners is off the charts.” James Werner points out. “The Blues Brothers universe is full of music and absurdity. Jake and Elwood are FINALLY reuniting , and I am forever grateful that Luke and Stella have asked me to join the band.”

Stella Aykroyd adds “Elwood and Jake are precious to me, in fact, one of them is actually my Dad. I’ve helped him sharpie ELWOOD onto his knuckles before Blues Brothers shows with ‘Brother Zee’, I’ve walked behind him as he’s made his way through a sea of fans dressed as Elwood and Jake all over the world and I’ve been his co-pilot on the road, where he’s explained to me the proper way to T-bone a car. Now, with Elwood, and the one and only ‘Sister Zee’, Judy Belushi’s blessing, Luke, James, and I take the wheel and swerve into the endless possibilities that Z2, Felipe Sobreiro, and the comic book world provide for Jake and Elwood. In many ways the antics we’ve seen from the Blues Brothers have always been perfectly suited for the comic strip; flying cars, supernatural nuns, dusting an entire apartment building worth of bricks off your shoulders, and now Felipe Sobreiro’s illustrations bring them to life once again. Our development process was guided and inspired by the stories and real life occurrences from the lives of Judy, John, and Dan and their process of conception of the Blues Brothers and using it not only for easter eggs but for plot points. I am so excited to share this whole new story with all our music loving anarchists.”

Lastly, Z2 President, Josh Bernstein adds “The Blues Brothers are comedy, pop-culture and musical royalty. Z2 is proud to expand the creative universe built by Dan Akyroyd, John and Judy Belushi-Pisano and welcome new band members: Luke, Stella and James. When you mix their story with the art of Brazilian Blues Brother, Felipe Sobreiro, fans of all ages will be delighted with the epic return of Jake & Elwood Blues. (We apologize in advance to the fine men and women of the Chicago Police Department.)” Pre-order here.

A Place To Bury Strangers Release “Make Me Feel Anything” On Split 7″ With The Mall Ahead Of Synthesizer Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

0

A Place To Bury Strangers Release “Make Me Feel Anything” On Split 7″ With The Mall Ahead Of Synthesizer Tour

A Place to Bury Strangers and St. Louis synth-punk force The Mall unleash a new split 7″ on Dedstrange, out digitally on May 6 and out physically June 20. APTBS brings “Make Me Feel Anything”, a chaotic whirlwind of distortion, feedback, and raw emotion.

On the flip side, The Mall drops “I Need”, a driving, synth-drenched blast of urgent, dystopian punk. Pressed on classic black vinyl, this is a must-have for those who crave new unfiltered, high-voltage energy.

A Place To Bury Strangers are releasing two split 7″ ahead of their Upcoming Synthesizer US Tour featuring their support bands The Serfs and The Mall. 500 Limited Edition Black Vinyl.

In This Moment Release 2025 ‘Hell Hath No Fury’ Tour Dates And Tease New Music

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

0

In This Moment Release 2025 ‘Hell Hath No Fury’ Tour Dates And Tease New Music

In This Moment announced their 2025 Hell Hath No Fury Tour. The 22-city tour kicks off on July 16 at Epic Events Center in Green Bay making stops across the U.S. in Nashville, Memphis, Detroit and more before wrapping up in Atlantic City at Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City on August 16.

In This Moment also recently joined forces with their new label, Better Noise Music, and are working on new music. Follow the band on your favorite platform for new music updates as they are announced.

IN THIS MOMENT 2025 – HELL HATH NO FURY TOUR DATES:
Wed Jul 16 – Green Bay, WI – Epic Events Center
Fri Jul 18 – Cadott, WI – Rock Fest +
Sat Jul 19 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater
Sun Jul 20 – Mansfield, OH – Inkcarceration Festival +
Tue Jul 22 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
Wed Jul 23 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
Thu Jul 24 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
Sat Jul 26 – Council Bluffs, IA – Harrah’s Stir Cove
Sun Jul 27 – Denver, CO – Unhinged Fest +
Tue Jul 29 – Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre
Wed Jul 30 – Memphis, TN – Graceland Sound Stage
Fri Aug 01 – Dubuque, IA – Q Casino – Back Waters Stage
Sat Aug 02 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Sun Aug 03 – Wheeling, WV – Capitol Theatre
Tue Aug 05 – Rochester, NY – Kodak Center Theater
Wed Aug 06 – Schenectady, NY – Proctors Theatre
Fri Aug 08 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre
Sat Aug 09 – Hammond, IN – The Venue at Horseshoe
Sun Aug 10 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
Tue Aug 12 – Richmond, VA – The National
Thu Aug 14 – Worcester, MA – Palladium
Fri Aug 15 – Hanover, MD – The Hall at Live!
Sat Aug 16 – Atlantic City, NJ – Tropicana Showroom at Tropicana Atlantic City
+Festival Date

Vaping at Music Festivals in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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By Mitch Rice

Music festivals remain one of the most exhilarating parts of the cultural calendar in 2025, drawing crowds from across the UK and beyond to celebrate sound, freedom, and self-expression. For vapers, festivals offer a chance to enjoy their favorite devices and flavors in the company of fellow enthusiasts. But with evolving rules and increasing environmental awareness, it’s important to vape responsibly—and smartly.

Know the Rules Before You Go

Before packing your vape, check the official policies of your chosen festival. Many UK festivals have banned disposable vapes due to environmental concerns, while others have designated vape-friendly areas to maintain safety and crowd comfort. A quick visit to the festival’s FAQ page or a message to the organisers can help you avoid surprises at the gate.

Choosing the Right Gear for the Festival Scene

When you’re on your feet all day and dancing through the night, portability matters. Compact pod kits are the top choice for festivalgoers—they’re lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to use. Opt for a refillable pod system to stay eco-friendly and compliant with venue rules.

Battery life is another must-consider factor. Choose devices with 800mAh or higher for all-day usage, and look for Type-C charging to make the most of any power bank or charging station you can access.

Match the Music with the Right Flavor

Festival vibes are all about atmosphere—and your e-liquid can enhance that. Whether you’re jamming in the sunshine or cooling off under the stars, flavor sets the mood:

Tropical fruits for daytime sets
Cool menthols for evening refreshment
Dessert blends for late-night chill zones

Nicotine salt e-liquids offer a smooth, satisfying throat hit, ideal for extended sessions without harshness.

Vape Forest Has You Covered

From zesty citrus to indulgent cream blends, Vape Forest offers a wide selection of festival-ready e-liquids. Whether you’re looking for versatility, flavor power, or eco-conscious packaging, you’ll find something that fits your festival flow.

Etiquette and Awareness Go a Long Way

Being a considerate vaper is key to ensuring everyone enjoys the festival. Follow these tips:

Avoid blowing large clouds in crowded areas
Stick to designated vaping zones
Don’t vape in queues or enclosed spaces
Respect non-vapers nearby

Responsible behavior helps normalize vaping in public spaces and keeps it welcome at future events.

Reflecting the Trends of 2025

The shift toward sustainability has hit the vape industry, and festivalgoers are leading the charge. More vapers are choosing reusable devices, recyclable packaging, and sustainably produced e-liquids. Brands are stepping up with greener options, helping vapers reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying the full flavor experience.

Tips for First-Time Festival Vapers

If you’re new to vaping at festivals, here’s what you need:

A compact, refillable pod kit
A couple of versatile e-liquids (fruit + menthol combos work great)
A portable charger
Spare pods or coils

Being prepared ensures you don’t miss a beat—or a puff—throughout the weekend.

Music festivals are all about freedom, connection, and unforgettable moments. With the right vape gear and some advance planning, you can enhance the experience without hassle. Explore Vape Forest’s curated selection of festival-friendly e-liquids and devices to vape smart, stay charged, and enjoy every second of the music.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Marianas Trench Release ‘Force Of Nature’ Tour Dates With The Summer Set And Senses

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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Marianas Trench Release ‘Force Of Nature’ Tour Dates With The Summer Set And Senses

Multi-platinum-selling Canadian pop-rock band Marianas Trench is thrilled to announce the continuation of their ‘Force of Nature’ Tour featuring special guests The Summer Set and senses.

Produced by Live Nation, the 20-city tour kicks off on September 21 at Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre in Indianapolis making stops across the U.S. in Detroit, Portland, Houston and more before wrapping up in Santa Cruz at The Catalyst on October 22.

“There is no greater feeling than the thunderous roar of thousands of Trenchers permeating our eardrums when we set foot on stage to perform,” said Matt Webb of Marianas Trench. “We have longed for this feeling, dearly, over the last few years, and are f&*king thrilled to be back with the Force of Nature tour, coming to a city near you soon!”

In addition to the tour, the band recently released their undeniably catchy new radio single “Lightning And Thunder’ available now via 604 Records / Warner Music Canada and all streaming platforms. The uplifting anthem showcases vocalist Josh Ramsay’s outstanding vocal range and the band’s signature theatrical pop-rock style that is guaranteed to leave a lasting mark on listeners.

Written and produced by Marianas Trench frontman Josh Ramsay, he shares the inspiration behind the single, “Every story begins with a call to adventure. “Lightning and Thunder” is about finding out my partner and I were going to have our first child, which is probably the biggest call to adventure I’m ever going to experience.”

This track follows the band’s surprise DSP release of “A Normal Life” a track about feeling like you don’t belong in your place in life and knowing you were meant for something more. The song was the band’s first new studio release since their acclaimed 2019 album, Phantoms. Both new tracks will appear on the band’s highly-anticipated forthcoming album, which is slated to be released later this summer.

Since their 2006 debut album, Fix Me, Marianas Trench have consistently raised the musical bar both in the studio and with their explosive live shows around the globe. Amongst their many accomplishments, the Vancouver-based four-piece band composed of Josh Ramsay, Matt Webb, Mike Ayley and Ian Casselman, has earned two certified double-platinum records, one platinum record, a certified gold-selling record and triple-platinum digital singles. They have also been awarded the 2013 JUNO Award for Group of the Year and achieved several chart-topping radio hits including “Stutter,” “Fallout,” and “Who Do You Love.”
FORCE OF NATURE 2025 TOUR DATES:
Sun Sep 21 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room @ Old National Centre
Tue Sep 23 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Thu Sep 25 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Fri Sep 26 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
Sun Sep 28 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo RiverWorks
Tue Sep 30 – Albany, NY – Empire Live%
Wed Oct 01 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
Fri Oct 03 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Sat Oct 04 – Portland, ME – Aura
Sun Oct 05 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater
Tue Oct 07 – Allentown, PA – Archer Music Hall
Thu Oct 09 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
Fri Oct 10 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE%
Sat Oct 11 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
Mon Oct 13 – Houston, TX – House of Blues Houston
Wed Oct 15 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues Dallas
Fri Oct 17 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre%
Sun Oct 19 – San Diego, CA – SOMA*
Tue Oct 21 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
Wed Oct 22 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst%
* – without The Summer Se

KMFDM Release 20th Anniversary Remix Of “HAU RUCK” Ahead Of Album Reissue

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

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KMFDM Release 20th Anniversary Remix Of “HAU RUCK” Ahead Of Album Reissue

‘HAU RUCK 2025’ is a 20th anniversary remixed edition of the classic album ‘HAU RUCK’, the fourteenth album by celebrated industrial rock band KMFDM. The original record had been recorded in Seattle and issued via Metropolis Records in September 2005. The reissue will be released on May 23rd.

While touring in support of its 2003 predecessor ‘WWIII’, band leader Sascha Konietzko had discussed the group’s plans for their next album: “What we can all agree on, and I’m not saying we disagree on any other things, but everybody was pointing out that it should be really different. There are terms floating around such as, ‘More noisy, more dance-y, more electronic and less butt rock.”

The album was originally going to be titled ‘FUBAR’ in reference to the military acronym ‘F***ed Up Beyond All Recognition/Repair’. However, that was abandoned in favour of ‘HAU RUCK’, which is German for ‘heave-ho’.

‘HAU RUCK’ includes perennial fan favourite songs such as ‘Professional Killer’, ‘Ready To Blow’, ‘Free Your Hate’ and the title track.

Duncan Lloyd Releases “Laugh So Loud” Ahead Of New Album ‘Unwound’ Featuring Joe Boyer

Music

Eric Alper

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May 7, 2025

0

Duncan Lloyd Releases “Laugh So Loud” Ahead Of New Album ‘Unwound’ Featuring Joe Boyer

English songwriter-guitarist Duncan Lloyd presents his invigorating single ‘Laugh So Loud’, the first taste from his new ‘Unwound’ album, forthcoming via Reveal Records.

Featuring a guest appearance by Joe Boyer (Cloud Nothings, Autopolitan) and accompanied by an adrenaline-rush of a video, this song is about self-doubt and passing things off as being fine.

A critically acclaimed solo artist, Lloyd is the primary musician behind internationally renowned art-rockers Maximo Park and also a member and co-writer (with Sarah Suri) in the indie band Nano Kino. Through a career spanning over two decades, Duncan Lloyd is a Mercury Music Prize nominee, has won an NME award, had A-listed singles at BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music (including lyric of the year), and has seen success with worldwide platinum and gold selling records. His songs have featured on eight hit albums with Maximo Park, consistently charting in the Top 10 U.K.

“I wanted to hear something urgent yet melodic. Lyrically, it is about doubt. There is a lot of pretending things are fine and hiding from the reality of the world outside or not discussing the real problems publically for fear of reprisal, so itʼs a reaction to the sedentary state of mind,” says Duncan Lloyd.

“In public, all your secrets go to sleep etc. I lent my guitar to a friend and found it plugged into an old VOX amp one morning at the rehearsal room, the amp sounded so good that the song materialised as I played through it. It has a certain spirit akin to the early 90’s, heavy then it drops with a vocal on the bridge reminiscent of Midwest bands from a similar period. Featuring Joe Boyer (ex- Cloud Nothings / Autopolitan) on the other guitar.”

Duncan Lloyd’s new 12-track album ‘Unwound’ is the first studio album of new material that Lloyd is releasing via Reveal Records, his previous albums having been released by Warp Records and also independently. With cover artwork derived from Lloyd’s own paintings, this record weaves a unique musical maze of free and varied personal expression, deep and transient, spare, intense and urgent with a balance of grit, beauty and melody.

Partly recorded by Julie McLarnon (The Vaselines, Lankum, King Creosote, Jeffrey Lewis, Brigid Mae Power) at Analogue Catalogue Studios in Ireland and by Lloyd himself at his studio in Newcastle Upon Tyne, this album also features contributions by Maximo Park keyboardist Jemma Freese and drummer Tom English.

Writing, recording (and painting) under his own name over the last decade, the Derby-born songwriter received an enthusiastic message from UK indie label/manager Tom Rose of Reveal Records in 2019, suggesting a future collaboration on his solo works (Rose had been listening to Lloyd’s 2019 album ‘Outside Notion’ whilst on tour with now label-mate Joan As Police Woman). Requesting Duncan sent everything he’d recorded to date in whatever form, reissues of Lloyd’s early solo albums followed. The colossal 31-track selected works collection ‘Green Grows Devotion’ came out in 2022, followed by ‘Fun City’, a trilogy of three EPs recorded in succession throughout 2024.

While ‘Unwound’ is very much an album with Duncan Lloyd stepping front and centre, his career is dotted with collaboration with various musicians and producers, including Paul Epworth (Bloc Party, Glass Animals, Rihanna), Gil Norton (The Pixies, Echo & The Bunnymen), Nick Launay (Nick Cave, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Ben Allen (Gnarls Barclay, Deerhunter), Rudimental, Dave Okumu, Batida and as part of Africa Express with legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen.