The first US Hot Snakes tour in six years happens November 8th-18th, 2017; Fan pre-sales begin TODAY at hotsnakes.shofetti.com.
[Photo Credit: Rick Froberg]
We’re incredibly excited to share the news that Hot Snakes – the band comprised of Rick Froberg, Jason Kourkounis, John Reis, Mario Rubalcaba, and Gar Wood – have signed to Sub Pop for the world! We will release the group’s first new album since 2004’s Audit in Progress, as well as reissue their exceptional catalog – Audit…, Suicide Invoice and Automatic Midnight – in the Spring of 2018.
These influential post-hardcore all-stars – boasting members of Pitchfork, Rocket From the Crypt, Drive Like Jehu, Earthless, Obits, Burning Brides, OFF!, The Delta 72, and more – have released three of our favorite rock records of the past 20 years. And soon enough that’ll be four…
While we wait for new tunes, Hot Snakes have just scheduled headlining tour dates (their first new shows since 2011!), which begin November 8th, 2017 in Long Beach at Alex’s Bar and run through November 18th, 2017 in Philadelphia at Underground Arts. The trek includes stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Brooklyn, Boston, and Philadelphia.
Early pre-sales for these shows begin today, August 14th at noon ET, with tickets on sale to general public Thursday, August 17th at 12pm EST. For up to date ticket information, please visit hotsnakes.shofetti.com.
Nov. 08 - Long Beach, CA - Alex’s Bar Nov. 09 - Los Angeles, CA - The Troubadour Nov. 10 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel Nov. 11- Portland, OR - Star Theatre Nov. 12 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey Nov. 15 - Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel Nov. 16 - Brooklyn, NY - Bell House Nov. 17 - Boston, MA - Middle East - Boston Nov. 18 - Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts
There’s no time like the present to obsessively follow news of the Hot Snakes variety via Facebook, or right here on subpop.com.
More on Hot Snakes from Swami John Reis:
Hot Snakes formed in 2000, after the release of their first record, Automatic Midnight. They were John Reis, Jason Kourkounis, Rick Froberg, and Gar Wood. The band’s sound represented a return to the unrealized past of its members. This time their musics would be direct, undraped and rock ‘n’ roll while still maintaining the dense and turbulent character of the members’ previous work (“hard” labor). In April or May of that year, Hot Snakes found their live sound and established themselves as primo, down-stroke warlords.
Wikipedia says that in 2002 the band released their second album, Suicide Invoice. The album exhibited Hot Snakes slightly larger palate in mood and dissonance. People enjoyed the shows and listening to the recorded music. But, strain from controversy and fame would reveal cracks in the worn hides of these old road dawgs. Exit Jason Kourkounis to focus on other musics.
In 2004 Mario Rubalcaba joined the band and Hot Snakes released their third and last studio album, Audit in Progress. An increased attraction to dissonance surfaced as the band spiraled downward into a mid-life punk crisis. Yet, more shows were played and enjoyed and the band visited many cities all over the world. By 2005, the band had stopped performing.
2011 saw the return of Hot Snakes. The band appeared on the premier festival circuit. Both drummers performed with the band on the songs which they each recorded. The reformation proved the band to still be in the top 5. They discussed writing new material and building upon this revitalized momentum. After an additional 6 years of discussions, Hot Snakes returned to the studio in 2017 to commence recording. And, lucky for all of us, 2017 finds Hot Snakes charging back, renewed, playing shows and planning for the release of a new album in 2018 on Sub Pop Records.
Downtown Boys use their ferocious energy and powerhouse live shows to unite crowds in the struggle to smash racism, queerphobia, capitalism, fascism, boredom, and all things people use to try to close our minds, eyes and hearts. Today, the band has released their highly anticipated and critically acclaimed third album, Cost of Living, on Sub Pop. Produced by Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto, one of indie-rock’s most mythological figures (he also produced Blonde Redhead, The Gossip, and others), Cost of Living shows a sense of maturity without compromising the band’s righteous assault and captivating presence.
The position of Downtown Boys has been clear since they started storming through basements and DIY spaces with their radically-minded, indefatigable rock music: they are here to topple the white-cis-het hegemony and draft a new history. This is how Downtown Boys began, and their resolve has only strengthened as both their sound and audience have grown. Like the socially conscious groups of years past, from Public Enemy to Rage Against the Machine, Downtown Boys harness powerful sloganeering, repetitive grooves, and earworm hooks to create one of the most necessary musical statements of today.
In addition to festival appearances at Riot Fest, London Calling, and Made In America, Downtown Boys are about to kick off an international tour, starting today in the band’s hometown of Providence, RI. Full list of dates are HERE.
What have “The People” said about Downtown Boys? Well, since you asked…
“Accompanied by production from Greg Norman and Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto, Downtown Boys sound sharper than ever, their urgency tightened into a raging storm.” – Pitchfork, Best New Track
“[A Wall] feels powerful enough to break down any physical boundary.” – FADER
“Downtown Boys’ mission: to reject boundaries that separate our humanity.” – NPR
“Listening to [A Wall] feels like being seen, recognized—the head-nod—and the power in both the delivery and the words bring solace and strength.” – Jezebel
“There are serious grooves on Cost Of Living, chugging basslines that propel one song into the next, mood pieces that are thick and urgent and tightly controlled. […] They make music that aims to inspire some spark of radical progress in this country, and the torch is all of ours to bear.” – Stereogum
“For five years, the Providence-born punk collective Downtown Boys have been one of America’s most incendiary bands, their no-nonsense political stances and chaotic songs coming together in messages of personal and societal liberation.” – Boston Globe
“In their best moments … Ruiz and company solidify their status as the most vital band in the scene right now.” – Afropunk
“Downtown Boys are one of the most exciting bands around.“ – Salon
You ask, we deliver! The Afghan Whigs first three releases on Sub Pop Records – Up In It, Congregation and the Uptown Avondale EP will be released on 180-gram vinyl on September 8th* via the Sub Pop Megamart, and at the merch table for all upcoming Afghan Whigs North American shows.
*Retail stores will begin carrying these titles on September 22nd.
Both Congregation and Up In It have been out of print on vinyl for several years now and Uptown Avondale has never been available on vinyl in the U.S. … EVER. All three titles will be issued on special Sub Pop “Loser” editions as well.
Full details on the reissues:
UP IN IT
LOSER EDITION DESCRIPTION: Transparent blue vinyl with white swirl. Pre-order here.
Track Listing:
Retarded
White Trash Party
Hated
Southpaw
Amphetamines and Coffee
Now We Can Begin
You My Flower
Son of the South
I Know Your Little Secret
CONGREGATION
LOSER EDITION DESCRIPTION: Transparent Red vinyl with white swirl. Pre-order here.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Record turned into a double LP with gatefold packaging to be played at 45 rpm.
The Afghan Whigs are currently in Europe for a brief second leg of their tour which includes performances at Way Out West Festival, Haldern Pop Festival, Flow Festival and Pukkelpop. The band will begin their North American tour on September 6th at a Sold Out show in Orlando, FL. The tour includes three Canadian shows (Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver) and the band will be playing several markets they haven’t visited in years (Richmond, Birmingham, Kansas City, Houston). For up-to-date info on tickets, please visit theafghanwhigs.com.
In Spades, the group’s spellbinding new album is available on CD / 180 gram-LP / CS / DL worldwide from Sub Pop. Led by the singles “Demon In Profile,” “Oriole,” and “Arabian Heights” along with standouts “Copernicus,” and “Toy Automatic,” it is the follow-up to the band’s internationally acclaimed Do to the Beast. In Spades was recorded in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Memphis and Joshua Tree and written and produced by Greg Dulli. Read more on The Afghan Whigs In Spades here.
International Tour Kicks Off With Hometown Release Day Show in Providence, 8/11
Downtown Boys will release their third album (and Sub Pop debut), Cost of Livingon August 11. Produced by Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto, one of indie-rock’s most mythological figures (he also produced Blonde Redhead, The Gossip, and others), Cost of Living shows a sense of maturity without compromising the band’s righteous assault and captivating presence. Fans can hear the radical masterpiece in its entirety a week early, streaming via NPR First Listen today.
The Providence, RI band previously released the single “Lips That Bite” via Adult Swim Singles Program- the follow-up to the politically charged single “A Wall.” Downtown Boys use their ferocious energy and powerhouse live shows to unite crowds in the struggle to smash racism, queerphobia, capitalism, fascism, boredom, and all things people use to try to close our minds, eyes and hearts.
In addition to festival appearances at Riot Fest, London Calling, and Made In America, Downtown Boys are about to kick off an international tour, starting on release day in the band’s hometown of Providence, RI. Full list of dates is HERE.
[Photo Credit: Miguel Rosario]
The position of Downtown Boys has been clear since they started storming through basements and DIY spaces with their radically-minded, indefatigable rock music: they are here to topple the white-cis-het hegemony and draft a new history. This is how Downtown Boys began, and their resolve has only strengthened as both their sound and audience have grown. Like the socially conscious groups of years past, from Public Enemy to Rage Against the Machine, Downtown Boys harness powerful sloganeering, repetitive grooves, and earworm hooks to create one of the most necessary musical statements of today.
The time is now for you to follow Downtown Boys everywhere over the known internets via Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bandcamp.
Time for you to not miss Father John Misty’s gorgeous, stop-motion video for “Things It Would Have Been Helpful to Know Before the Revolution,” a thought-provoking standout from Pure Comedy, directed by Chris Hopewell (Radiohead’s “Burn the Witch,” Run The Jewels’ “Don’t Get Captured”). The song‘s apocalyptic themes and subtle humor are captured brilliantly throughout. The “…Revolution” video was constructed and filmed in three weeks at Jacknife Studios in Bristol, UK.
The “…Revolution” puppets will be auctioned off and proceeds will be donated to the Environmental Defense Fund. The first auction begins today, August 3rd and will run through August 13th. To donate, please visit Father John Misty’s official eBay page link right here.
Father John Misty’s new video is a powerful statement – a postcard from a world we never want to visit,” said Eric Pooley, Senior Vice President at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). “That’s why EDF is proud to partner with Father John Misty, and why we work every day to catalyze the ‘visionaries among us’ who can help forge a better, more optimistic future. For 50 years, EDF has driven innovative solutions that help people and nature prosper. We use cutting edge science and technology and unexpected alliances to scale positive change. We’re earning our middle name every day, and we’re so grateful to Father John Misty for his support.
Father John Misty’s previously announced international tour schedule in support of Pure Comedy resumes this weekend (August 5th) in Montreal with an appearance at the Osheaga Festival.
Aug. 05 - Montreal, QC - Osheaga Festival Aug. 06 - Bethlehem, PA - Musikfest Aug. 18 - Winnipeg, MB - Interstellar Rodeo - The Forks Aug. 19 - Minneapolis, MN - Surly Brewing Festival Field * Aug. 20 - Kansas City, KS - CrossroadsKC * Aug. 23 - Tulsa, OK - Cain’s Ballroom * Aug. 25 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre ** Aug. 26 - Portland, OR - Project Pabst Sep. 01 - Sep. 03 - Dorset, UK - End of the Road Festival Sep. 01 - Sep. 03 - Stradbally, IE - Electric Picnic Sep. 13 - Boston, MA - Blue Hills Pavilion $ Sep. 14 - Port Chester, NY - Capitol Theatre $ Sep. 15 - Philadelphia, PA - Skyline Stage at the Mann $ Sep. 18 - Toronto, ON - Massey Hall ^ Sep. 19 - Royal Oak, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre ^ Sep. 20 - Chicago, IL - Auditorium Theatre ^ Sep. 22 - St. Louis, MO - Peabody Opera House ^ Sep. 23 - Columbus, OH - Palace Theatre ^ Sep. 25 - Asheville, NC - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium ^ Sep. 26 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium ^ [SOLD OUT] Sep. 27 - Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle ^ Sep. 29 - Austin, TX - Bass Concert Hall ^ [SOLD OUT] Sep. 30 - Dallas, TX - Bomb Factory ^ Oct. 01 - Houston, TX - White Oak Music Hall ^ Oct. 02 - Austin, TX - Bass Concert Hall ^ Oct. 04 - Phoenix, AZ - Orpheum Theatre ^ Oct. 05 - San Diego, CA - The Observatory North Park ^ Oct. 06 - San Diego, CA - The Observatory North Park ^ [SOLD OUT] Oct. 07 - Berkeley, CA - Greek Theatre $ Oct. 11 - Santa Barbara, CA - Arlington Theatre ^ Oct. 12 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl ^ Oct. 13 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theatre ^ Oct. 14 - Pomona, CA - Fox Theater Pomona ^ Nov. 01 - Edinburgh, UK - Usher Hall ^ Nov. 02 - Glasgow, UK - O2 Academy ^ Nov. 05 - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo ^ Nov. 07 - London,UK - Hammersmith Eventim Apollo ^ Nov. 08 - London, UK - Hammersmith Eventim Apollo ^ Nov. 09 - Brighton, UK - Brighton Dome ^ Nov. 11 - Paris, FR - Le Trianon ^ Nov. 12 - Brussels, BE - Ancienne Belgique ^ Nov. 13 - Utrecht, NL - TivoliVredenburg ^ Nov. 14 - Berlin, DE - Huxley’s ^ Nov. 16 - Milan, IT - Fabrique ^ Nov. 18 - Barcelona, ES - Razzmatazz ^ Nov. 19 - Madrid, ES - La Riviera ^ Nov. 20 - Lisbon, PT - Coliseu dos Recreios ^ *w/ Tennis **w/ Jenny Lewis ^ w/ Weyes Blood $ w/ Phosphorescent
Father John Misty will tape his first-ever appearance for the PBS series Austin City Limits on August 22. The episode will broadcast as part of Austin City Limits upcoming Season 43. Stay tuned to acltv.com for livestream news and episode airdates.