Holy Roar’s THROATS have called it a day. Not in the casual, “We’re taking an indefinite hiatus” sort of way, but as posted on their website, a big “FUCK OFF”. There’s potential for one last show, but otherwise, this is it.

Shame, they were one of the highlights of the Hardcore stage at Offset in 2009.

Tuesday evening, London town. The infamous streets of Soho were as bright and frenzied as usual, even this early in the week. People spilling out of bars lined with neon lights, failing (quite badly) to dodge oncoming taxi cabs. Smokers packed onto the sidewalks in between sets. Burly doormen looking for reasons to bar anyone who looks at them the wrong way. Kids trying to sneak drinks in and out of anywhere they can.

This could all well describe the atmosphere outside Madame Jo Jo’s, where White Heat hosts their parties each week. This night in particular was to celebrate the release of R O M A N C E’s first single, Another Place.

Horrors’ frontman Faris Badwan has unveiled a new project, and this time around it has nothing to do with drawings. Like fellow bandmates Rhys and Tom (who gave us Spider and the Flies) Badwan has ventured into new musical territory. It comes in the form of a b-side to the new Black Lips single, Drugs. The track is a cover of Black Lips’ “I’ll Be With You”. It also features Cherish Kaya (formerly of Ipso Facto) and Rachel Santesso, all collaborating under the name Lumina.

There has been no word as to if this is a one-off or something that could potentially appear again in the future.

Pitchfork have posted the mp3 here. The single will be released on 7″ on August 24th through Vice Records.

Talk about an anticipated release. OFFSET FESTIVAL co-headliners The Slits are set to unleash their third album, 25 years after their break-up.

The legendary all girl band had a seemingly short run the first time around. Formed in the late 70s, they released only two albums before disgrouping in 1982. The influence of The Slits however, became stronger with each passing year. After a reunion in 2005, which led to a slew of tour dates and an EP, “Revenge Of The Killer Slits, a full release was only imminent.

The album’s title is Trapped Animal, and the tracklisting has already been confirmed:

1. “Ask Ma”
2. “Lazy Slam”
3. “Pay Rent”
4. “Reject”
5. “Trapped Animals”
6. “Issues”
7. “Peer Pressure”
8. “Partner From Hell”
9. “Babylon”
10. “Cry Baby”
11. “Reggae Gypsy”
12. “Be It”
13. “Can’t Relate”
14. “Had a Day”

The tentative release date is October 6th. If you can’t possibly wait that long, make sure to see what will only be a stellar performance from these legends when they play Offset Festival in September!

London club Brave Exhibitions have compiled their second Podcast, nicely available for free download here.

Tracklisting:

“Frustre” Spotch Forcey
“Swastika Sally” No Kisses
“Communist Control” German Shepherds
“Quiet Room” Les Provisoires
“Tragic Figures” Savage Republic
“Fuer Den Untergang” Einsturzende Neubauten
“Herpes Simplex” Rosa Yemen
“The Rope” Clair Obscur

If you wish to hear such sounds in person, their next event will be held at the Old Blue Last tomorrow night (the 12th). Live sets from Advert and Constantinoplex, as well as resident DJs.

Spring is here. Summer is coming. Now is hardly the time to even think about anything with the word “Christmas” included. Up until All Tomorrow’s Parties’ announcement of their Nightmare Before Christmas festival this year, that is.

Held at Butlins in Minehead on December 4th through the 6th, curating the event is the legendary shoegaze band My Bloody Valentine.

Already announced so far are acts such as Sonic Youth, De La Soul, The Horrors, EPMD, and Sun Ra Arkestra. That’s just the beginning of it. More names will be confirmed as the year passes by.

Early bird tickets are on sale now but will most likely sell out quickly. Full price tickets are already available as well.
More news, details and TICKETS here

Finally, NEILS CHILDREN will be releasing their new album “X.ENC” on May 11th. To kick things off, the band will be hosting a launch night at The Queen Of Hoxton in Shoreditch.

The lineup goes as follows:
Neils Children
Disconcerts
Structurally Sound-System
Too Much Of A Jerk (DJs)

It all goes down a week prior to the album’s release, on May 4th. Entry is at 8pm and the best part is that it’s all FREE. So be sure to attend.

London’s Decasia club will be transformed into the legendary Hacienda later this month. With two floors of entertainment, it’s bound to create something brilliant of its own. It all takes place on March 25th.
Details and Facebook event link behind the jump!

Hatcham Social are nearing the release of their long anticipated debut LP, “You Dig The Tunnel, I’ll Hide The Soil”, due out on Fierce Panda Records. To celebrate, the band will be playing a special performance at Brick Lane’s Rough Trade East. They will be joined by Wake The President, as well as Tim Burgess (The Charlatans) who will be on hand to DJ. This all happens on the day of the album’s release, March 16th. The event will be free of charge, but limited to only one wristband per person on a first come, first serve basis. It all starts at 6pm, with wristband collection one hour prior to the gig.

Usually when you hear that an A-Lister celebrity wishes to take a shot at the music industry, it follows a typical formula. Young starlet works with high profile producers who can tweak her voice enough to fit perfectly into some premade beats, even if she ends up sounding like a robot. Somehow, a hit ensues. I don’t think examples are necessary, as I’m sure you could probably think of more than a few.

There have been some who challenge that mould, and have won acclaim. For example Zooey Deschanel, Scarlett Johnansen (although I’m still waiting on an album of all originals) and now Ryan Gosling.