MusicFreaks

Tag: Band News

  • Kneecap open exclusive pop-up merch shop in London ahead of huge Crystal Palace Park show

    Kneecap Prepares for Historic Show with Massive Pop-Up Merch Launch

    Get ready for some serious sonic excitement, as the band Kneecap prepares to hit the stage for what promises to be their biggest headline gig yet at Crystal Palace Park tomorrow, Saturday, June 27th. The anticipation is palpable as the trio gear up for a massive gathering in the capital.

    To celebrate this landmark event and connect with their devoted fanbase, Kneecap has launched an exclusive pop-up merchandise shop. Fans have access to limited edition items right now, including signed gig prints by designer Raissa Pardini, new logo caps, hoodies, and T-shirts.

    The shop is available in the South London area, offering fans a chance to grab memorabilia before the show. In addition to clothing and prints, there are unique items like a signed setlist from their Glastonbury 2025 performance, along with signed seven-inch singles of ‘Better Way To Live‘, featuring Fontaine D.C. and Sub Focus’s ‘No Comment‘.

    The lineup for the main event is stacked with talent, featuring some of Kneecap’s favourite mates and bands, including The Mary Wallopers, Fat Dog, Biig Piig, Gurriers, and Madra Salach. Fans can expect a dynamic day of music spanning multiple hours.

    The schedule is set to kick off at 1pm BST, kicking off with Kneecap, followed by Madra Salach at 2pm, then Gurriers at 3pm, and Biig Piig an hour later. The afternoon heat continues with Fat Dog at 5:15pm, and The Mary Wallopers are set to bring the party from 6:35pm onwards.

    Speaking about the historic nature of the performance, the band expressed pure delight, stating they were “back to the belly of the beast for our biggest ever headline show.” They added that having such a stellar group around them was something they couldn’t wait for.

    Beyond the music, Kneecap has always used their platform to talk about bigger issues. Recently, the trio addressed the intense media focus on artists versus the real origins of what they speak out about. They reflected on the need for sensationalism in headlines, noting that politicians often seek to project outrage without real-world impact.

    In a recent interview with NME, Móglaí Bap pointed out the strange dynamic: “He gets to pretend to be outraged about something that doesn’t really have an impact or any repercussions for him, but it makes him look good. We have this dysfunctional symbiotic relationship with politicians.”

    This nuanced perspective pairs perfectly with their artistry. Their album Fenian was praised for its fearless blend of genres, successfully illuminating hard times by seamlessly hopping between influences like The Prodigy and Burial.

    As Kneecap prepares to rock Crystal Palace Park tomorrow, they are bringing their unique blend of raw energy, sharp wit, and meaningful commentary to an audience eager for a show that truly matters.

    Credit: NME

  • Hew – “Lie In It”

    Houston’s Hew Gets Ready to Deliver: A Dose of Classic Emo

    Houston’s Hew is gearing up to deliver a fresh wave of classic emo energy, promising a sound that hits with genuine emotional impact. This group, featuring members from notable acts like Football, is preparing to release their highly anticipated new album, Your Version, in the coming weeks—a release fans are already clamoring for.

    The anticipation surrounding the new project has been fueled by the tracks they have already made available. Fans are diving into the depths of Hew’s catalog with cuts like the title track and the evocative song Reconciliation, both of which showcase the band’s signature style.

    Adding to the excitement, Hew recently shared another powerful piece with the public: “Lie In It.” This track continues the theme of raw emotion and beautifully captures the intensity that defines their music.

    The band’s recent promotion also included a visual element, offering viewers a glimpse into the artistic world of the group. In a video released alongside the track “Lie In It,” bandleader Lindsay Minton was seen wandering through her hometown, providing an intimate look at the personal landscape reflected in their sound. This visual provided an added layer of depth to the emotional narrative woven throughout their music.

    With the album title and several key tracks already circulating, Hew is setting the stage for a significant musical statement. Prepare yourselves for Your Version, a collection that promises to be an essential listening experience for anyone looking for heartfelt, high-energy emo music.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • Tour news: Nicole Atkins, Hot Mulligan, John C Reilly (Mister Romantic), Frog / Woods, The Snuts, more

    The Road Ahead: A Whirlwind of New Music and Tour Announcements

    The music world is buzzing with movement, marked by major album drops, ambitious tours, and veteran artists hitting the road. From arena-sized acts to beloved indie outfits, a fresh wave of energy is sweeping across North America this fall and summer, promising some truly unforgettable live experiences.

    The biggest news often involves massive collaborations and long-awaited debuts. Beabadoobee has announced an upcoming arena tour supporting their fifth album, which features guest contributions from Hayley Williams, Brendan Yates, and Chino Moreno, bringing a dynamic mix of talent to the stage. Meanwhile, the celebrated Russian Circles is dropping their ninth LP, Nine, on August 28th, followed by a fall tour that will feature a collaboration with Pelican and Primitive Man.

    In heavy rotation are artists carving out their own space. Mike D and his band 5D are set to release their debut solo album, Thank You, on August 28th, kicking off an East Coast tour. Similarly, Brandon Flowers of The Killers is gearing up for a fall run in support of his first solo album in over a decade.

    The touring landscape is also being shaped by seasoned talent. Jazz giant Kamasi Washington is taking the stage this summer with select shows, including intimate performances in Brooklyn and NYC. John C Reilly, known from classic comedies, continues his journey as Mister Romantic, touring and adding comic routines to Great American Songbook standards.

    The indie scene is equally vibrant. Hot Mulligan is hitting the road this fall, supported by a stellar undercard featuring One Step Closer, Riley, and Wakelee. The Jayhawks have also announced their 12th album and corresponding tour, continuing their legacy of Americana storytelling.

    A variety of experimental and genre-bending groups are also building momentum. Automatic, the synth/dancerock duo, are embarking on a fall tour featuring Accessory and Donzii, while Milk & Bone will be touring in support of their album A Little Lucky, including a high-profile DJ set at the Sultan Room Rooftop in Brooklyn.

    Further enhancing the tour calendar is the presence of instrumental and experimental acts. Croz Boyce, an instrumental offshoot of Animal Collective featuring Dave Portner and Brian Weitz, is launching a new tour this September. Meanwhile, Frog / Woods are hitting the festival circuit, supporting their album Frog For Sale and lining up appearances with major organizers like Woods in Boston, NYC, and beyond.

    Even established acts are making big moves on the road. The Snuts will be crossing over to play a series of East Coast shows in support of their upcoming record, Joy In Short Moments, hitting cities like DC, Philly, and NYC. And keep an eye out for Nicole Atkins, who is set to launch her new album Drama in September and kick off a tour in October.

    The musical landscape is clearly alive with new sounds and exciting journeys planned, proving that the energy flowing between artists continues to define the rhythm of modern music.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Black Bananas detail first album in 12 years, share “Turkey Burgers”

    After a period of creative gestation, the enigmatic group Black Bananas is ready to share a journey that feels as expansive as the universe itself. Led by Jennifer Herrema of Royal Trux, the trio has officially announced their first album in twelve years, titled Bad Bunch, set for release on September 4th via Fire Records.

    This isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s the result of deep immersion and unique experimentation. The entire project was handled by Herrema alongside new collaborators Brian McKinley and Kurt Midness, who were deeply involved in producing and mixing every note. They describe the process as navigating periods of disconnected time, allowing the musical elements to expand and combine in unexpected ways.

    “Every time we opened the sessions was different and like the universe expanding so did the tracks and the density of the combinations,” Herrema reflects. “We went about constructing over periods of disconnected time—that was the work. We knew it was done when, after shaping it for so long, there was suddenly this completed fully formed record sitting in front of us……it’s totally done when the magic is real.”

    The album features a diverse soundscape, beginning with the standout single, “Turkey Burgers,” a jazzy psychedelic creation that showcases the band’s evolving sonic palette. Herrema notes that this track originated from their earlier studio days but reflects how they have adapted and developed their methods for making music in the modern era.

    The sound of Bad Bunch is a testament to evolution, blending nostalgic influences with fresh, contemporary textures. The ten tracks on the album offer a rich tapestry of moods, ranging from the groovy “Nutrageous & Jam” and the laid-back “All The Way” to the more abstract explorations of “Dust Of Ages” and “Cold Bussin.”

    Other highlights from the release include songs like “Eddie’s Album,” the playful “Tiny Chewbacca,” and the catchy “Good Pass,” all contributing to a cohesive and wonderfully weird experience for listeners. Bad Bunch promises a fully realized, captivating record that captures the magic of their long creative voyage.

    Credit: BrooklynVegan

  • Bad Nerves Batter The Ears On New Single

    There’s a certain kind of static that comes from letting your guard down, and for the Essex-based rock firebrands Bad Nerves, that static is back in full force. They have unveiled “Network,” their newest musical offering since the acclaimed Still Nervous, and it arrives with the heavy, confrontational edge fans expect.

    Released today on June 24 via Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard’s Loosegroove Records, the single immediately serves as the opening salvo for what promises to be an even larger announcement. It is a track that perfectly captures the band’s restless energy and the feeling of manufactured reality they often dissect in their work.

    The visual aesthetic of “Network” hints at this broader conceptual world still unfolding. The artwork, inspired by a scientific illusion encountered during a museum visit in Switzerland, introduces a robotic central figure that perfectly reflects the song’s themes of control, programming, and the manufactured nature of our modern existence.

    Bad Nerves’ ascent over the last two years has been nothing short of seismic. Following the success of Still Nervous, the band engaged in relentless touring, opening for Green Day across South America and Europe and joining Weezer on a European run. They brought their famously chaotic live show to global stages, from Australia and Japan to major festivals like Lollapalooza Chile, Chicago, Rock am Ring, and Rock im Park in Germany.

    The buzz surrounding the band has only intensified, evidenced by high praise from peers. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong famously declared Bad Nerves “the best band in England right now” before inviting them on the road, solidifying their place in the rock landscape.

    Now, with “Network” leading the charge, the band is not slowing down. Much of 2026 is dedicated to road-testing this new material, with an extensive schedule planned across Europe and the U.S. They are set to share stages alongside heavyweights like the Offspring and Die Toten Hosen, in addition to a packed summer festival circuit.

    Frontman Bobby Nerves sums up the relentless pursuit of authenticity: “It feels like this is the main thing we’ll ever do in our lives. If we’re remembered for anything, let it be this.”

    Fans won’t have to wait long to experience this new material live. The touring schedule stretches across continents, hitting major stops from North America through Europe, ensuring that the chaotic energy of Bad Nerves continues to roar.

    Credit: Spin

  • Russian Circles to Bring New Album ‘Nine’ on North American Tour

    Russian Circles Hit the Road with New Album Nine Tour

    The instrumental post-metal trio Russian Circles is gearing up for a major run, bringing their latest work and a compelling tour across North America. Following the release of their new album Nine, the band is embarking on an extensive journey that promises to deliver powerful live performances to fans nationwide.

    The excitement is palpable as the band prepares to hit the road. The trek officially kicks off on September 25 in Whitefish Bay, WA, and the itinerary winds through a diverse landscape of cities and venues. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience as they follow Russian Circles from the Pacific Northwest all the way to Minneapolis.

    Adding to the momentum, the tour features some fantastic support acts. Pelican and Primitive Man will be joining the band for several dates, ensuring that the musical landscape of the tour is rich with compelling new sounds and established talent.

    A key highlight of this leg of the journey is the crossing into Canada. The band will pause their momentum to perform at two notable venues in September: the Opera House in Toronto on September 29, followed by a stop at Club Soda in Montreal on September 30. These stops offer an excellent opportunity for Canadian audiences to experience the power of post-metal live.

    The full itinerary is packed with stops across various states and provinces, including major hubs like Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Nashville, ensuring that the tour reaches a wide audience. The journey will conclude in Minneapolis on November 21, wrapping up an incredible musical experience for fans.

    For those planning to catch these shows, tickets are currently on sale and available starting Friday (June 26) at 10 a.m. local time. Fans interested in the full schedule and more details about the album’s lead single, Empath, can find all the information on Concert Central.

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    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Toronto’s Mad Iris Part Ways with Drummer

    Sometimes, the most dynamic shifts in a musical landscape happen behind closed doors, signaling an evolution that the audience is only just beginning to hear about. For the indie-pop outfit Mad Iris, such a shift recently arrived with the announcement that they are adjusting their lineup.

    The band officially announced that they will be parting ways with longtime drummer Josh Pryce. This decision, shared in an Instagram post on June 22nd, opened the door for the band to take some necessary time to regroup before announcing their future plans.

    Despite the change in personnel, the momentum surrounding Mad Iris remains strong. They have already established a solid foundation with their self-titled debut LP, which arrived last month and has been generating buzz in the music scene.

    The departure of a core member is always a moment ripe with narrative tension for any band. It prompts reflection on creative direction, new sonic territories, and how an ensemble adapts when making big artistic decisions.

    While details about the future remain under wraps, this restructuring underscores the ongoing journey of Mad Iris as they navigate their next chapter. The focus now shifts to how the remaining members will shape the band’s evolving sound and propel their music forward.

    The story of a successful debut album and the subsequent lineup changes perfectly illustrates that even when foundations shift, the creative energy driving a band often finds new, exciting directions.

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Turnover Book 2026–2027 International Tour

    The sound of Down on Earth is ready for the road, and the band Turnover is gearing up for an ambitious global journey supporting their new album with a massive headlining tour.

    Fans will have their calendars marked, as the adventure kicks off in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 11th. From there, the band will embark on a sweeping trek that will take them across the continent, hitting major cities throughout the United States and Canada before crossing the pond for a sensational European and UK leg of the tour.

    The initial phase of the tour is packed with excitement, starting with stops in key locations like St. Louis, Dallas, Austin, and Houston before heading north to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg. The Canadian dates alone promise an incredible experience, featuring venues such as the Commodore Ballroom and The Palace Theatre.

    The momentum doesn’t stop there. After concluding their Canadian run in Toronto on November 29th, Turnover will return to the US for a few more shows in December before launching into the European tour starting in February 2027. This epic schedule ensures that fans across the globe will have access to the music and the live performance.

    The full itinerary spans diverse landscapes, from the bustling energy of the American Midwest to the cultural centers of Europe and the UK, promising unforgettable musical moments wherever they land. From North America to Europe, the band is setting the stage for a truly worldwide celebration of Down on Earth.

    For those ready to join the journey, presales are now available, starting today at 12 p.m. ET. General sales will commence on Friday, June 26th, at 10 a.m. local time. Prepare for an unforgettable ride!

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • The Schizophonics Announce North American Tour

    Get ready to crank up the volume, because the Schizophonics are hitting the road for an electrifying North American tour this fall! The band has just announced dates that promise a wild ride across the continent, bringing their unique sound to audiences from California all the way to the East Coast.

    The excitement is only growing, fueled by hints of new music and some seriously legendary collaborations. The band recently teased the imminent arrival of a new album, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable musical journey.

    This tour kicks off in their home state of California with a double-header, starting September 17th in Santa Cruz and continuing the next day in Sacramento on September 18th. Kicking off this epic trek, they will be supported by some heavy hitters, including Fever Dog, Descartes A Kant, and Dale Crover from the Melvins, adding an extra layer of raw energy to the experience.

    The journey doesn’t stop at the West Coast. The band is heading east, hitting major cities across the Midwest before making a significant stop in Canada. Fans in Toronto can catch a show at Sound Garage on October 2nd, followed by another night of rock and roll in Montreal at L’Escogriffe on October 3rd.

    The itinerary is packed with energy, bouncing through major hubs like Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Nashville, culminating in a massive run across the United States. The full schedule promises incredible live performances at venues like The Broadway in Brooklyn, New York, and Hotel Vegas in Austin.

    Mark your calendars for these key stops: Santa Cruz (9/17), Sacramento (9/18), Portland (9/19), Seattle (9/20), Boise (9/22), Salt Lake City (9/23), Denver (9/25), Omaha (9/26), Minneapolis (9/27), Chicago (9/30), and Detroit (10/1). The tour continues with high-energy dates through October, including stops in Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and Phoenix.

    For those planning to catch these shows, tickets are available here. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye on Concert Central for more Canadian listings and updates on the upcoming dates.

    Credit: Exclaim!

  • Editors Announce New Album ‘Surface, Echo & Sound’

    The wait is almost over for Editors, as the acclaimed UK band prepares to drop their eighth album, ‘Surface, Echo & Sound’, on October 30th. This new release marks an exciting evolution for the group, signaling a deliberate shift in their creative direction following their previous work.

    Their journey since their debut has been marked by fascinating sonic explorations, and this latest project is positioned as a significant artistic pivot. It’s the first album to signal a departure from the industrial-leaning sound that characterized their 2022 release, ‘EBM’.

    While the previous record benefited from the guidance of electronic maverick Benjamin John Power in its production, this incoming work promises something distinctly new. Instead of dwelling solely on industrial textures, the band is spinning the creative dials on a fresh palette of sound and feeling.

    What can be expected from ‘Surface, Echo & Sound’? Fans are eager to see how the group translates their evolving artistic vision into new compositions. The focus of this forthcoming album suggests a deeper dive into texture, rhythm, and atmosphere, promising an experience that is both familiar yet entirely fresh.

    Mark your calendars for October 30th, and prepare to explore the expanded landscape of Editors. This isn’t just another album; it’s a statement about where the band is heading next in their incredible musical journey.

    Credit: Clash Magazine