Fresh from their Viper Room introduction of newest member, Nick Oliveri (Kyuss/Queens of the Stone Age, Mondo Generator) on bass, LA’s THE KNIVES are further unleashing their venomous new creation on California with more shows.

TOUR DATES:
9.4 – Velvet Jones – Santa Barbara, CA (w/ MC Rut)
9.5 – Karma – Victorville, CA (w/ MC Rut) Cancelled
9.18 – The Roxy – Hollywood, CA (w/ The Ringers & Taxi)
10.4 - X-Fest 2008 @ Beauty Bar - Las Vegas, NV (w/ The Vandals)
10.11 - SoCal Rocks 2008 @ Pharoah’s Lost - Redlands, CA (w/ Unwritten Law)

The Knives formed in Los Angeles in 2003 when singer Le’Von Webb and guitarist Brian Klenke, both heavily influenced by the music and style of Queens Of The Stone Age, Kyuss, Black Sabbath, The Cult and The Stooges, discovered drummer Jonny Udell playing with another band in their rehearsal space. The three hit it off and joined forces.

They recorded their self-titled debut with producer (and Ozzy Osbourne/Rob Zombie bassist) Rob Blasco. Skin Flicks, their second album, released through indie label, Criterion Records (distribution by Revelation) allowed the Knives to venture out of Los Angeles and hit the road by touring the US and Europe with notorious prog-metal band CKY and the colossal Fireball Ministry. Ever evolving, honing and tightening their sound, the Knives returned home to cut their third and latest record, Filthy Angel with producer (and Bullets and Octane bassist) Brent Clawson, released by independent label, Ares Records (distributed by Revelation).

Having had a revolving door of bass players over the years, the Knives decided that it was finally time to search for a bass player and band mate that was the right fit all the way around. When TKO booking agent Tom Hoppa heard the news, he tipped off Nick Oliveri, who humbly offered to audition. Wasting no time, Nick joined the band as a full-time member and together the band is writing what they hope will be the fourth installment to their legacy, the greatest one yet.

Carving a new chapter in their story, the Knives are now setting out not just to blow the roof off but to level the entire establishment. No eardrum, nor venue, is safe.

www.myspace.com/theknives

Download “Filthy Angel” for free, with bonus tracks:
www.megaupload.com/?d=YV2UOXXF

I got the sad news that Harp magazine shut down a short while ago. This was a bummer because I really respect Harp and I know a few of their writers - a sharp lot! Luckily, the editors of Harp have launched BLURT, a reincarnation that we’re all really pleased about. Head on over and show them some love.

www.blurt-online.com

Pez was a featured guest on Charlie Schroeder’s second original podcast this weekend. For those of you who don’t know, Charlie’s a writer, actor and public radio personality. The podcast focused on how Pez recorded the track “Broken Rose” a couple years ago as a sort of country-tinged pop song, but recently re-recorded it as a more upbeat jazz tune for his new EP. Great interview and great dissection of the track.

Check it out here: Charlie Schroeder

Pez Wilson’s new eponymous EP is available for preview and download on his revamped website - www.pezwilson.com. The album is available on a “pay what you want” basis - meaning that it’s free or $100 billion! Your choice.

Those darned Baskervilles are really tearing it up out there in Critic-ville, USA. Which isn’t too surprising considering all it takes is one listen to get hooked on their ulta-catchy indie-pop.

Here’s what those critics are saying:

“This is going to be a tough act to follow up.” - Aiding & Abetting
“This record overflows with delectable little ditties swimming in sweet melodies.” - Burnside Writers Collective
“Twilight is simply amazingly jaunty and catchy.” - Delusions of Adequacy
“All the hip kids will be stashing this on their iPods throughout the summer.” - Midwest Record
“Making us all feel we should be having a cocktail…” - A Limerick OX
“A sound that pays due homage to both ‘60s pop and Belle And Sebastian B-sides.” - Dryvetyme Online
“The happy is stepped up about six or seven notches, staking claim for feel good album of the summer.” - AntiMusic
“Can you say bouncy, happy indie pop?“- Lost In Your Inbox

Harp Magazine just released its Mar/Apr issue featuring a review of the Houstons’ Still. Very nice. Here it is, but please pick up a copy at your local bookstore.

The Houstons, Still

The Houstons did right in naming their first album. Still is the kind of record to just sit and absorb. Every song is a thoughtful reflection set to hushed rock ‘n’ roll made up of almost twangy guitars, somber strings and keyboards. In “Magnolia,” in a whispery voice Justin Faircloth dissects a dying love affair, the kind of crumbling bond that’s hard to break in spite of its problems. The striking song sounds like it was recorded in a small room, Faircloth’s voice at the center, with warm strings and loud keys closing in. The effect simulates the kind of intimacy that half comforts, half hurts. “Won’t you lie down, Magnolia?” he begs. “There are certain things we should not question.” Faircloth and brother Matt used to be the duo the Houston Brothers, until they went on hiatus in 2004. They’re back with a shorter band name, a lineup that’s swelled to five and these 11 bittersweet songs.

By Crystal K. Wiebe

I’m happy to announce that we’re teaming up with New York City’s Baskervilles for the release of their new album, Twilight, due out this spring. The album, which was originally part of a free “MP3 a Month” project, is finally being mastered and released on CD. Produced by the impeccably impeccable, Mitch Easter, Twilight embodies the spirit of contemporary indie/new wave.

myspace.com/baskervillesnyc

Greatings. I just wanted to touch base - it’s been a few weeks since the last news posting.

We’re especially excited to announce our newest team member, the LA-based, live sketch comedy show, Fries On The Side. FOTS is starting its 5th season this summer and I’m stoked to be working with them. Unlike traditional sketch comedy, Fries is a brutal mash-up of sketch and improv, with a casting call just 2 hours before show time, the actors must learn their lines and be ready for showtime with barely any rehearsal. The results are typically hilarious, and oftentimes genius. And there’s always a guest host and band. Former hosts include: Alan Ruck, Tommy Davidson, Christopher Titus and more! Here’s some live video from a prior show:

Great CMJ chart news with Clock Hands Strangle’s Redshift/Blueshift coming in in the top 100 for multiple weeks in a row. That’s exciting news for the Florida-based quintet.

I’m going to have some new announcements and roster additions this month as well, but I don’t want to speak too early. Expect plenty of awesome indie rock to come out of this office in the early parts of 2008, including releases from the Baskervilles, Mighty Purple, Pez Wilson and more!

That’s right - The Houstons’ debut album was released on CD January 1st and to celebrate the release they landed at #142 on CMJ’s Top 200 chart! Sure, they didn’t actually do anything to get there other than work their asses off to release an amazing album, which is getting rave reviews. BlogCritics.org just reviewed STILL yesterday and here’s a recap of what they had to say:

“…The result of this group effort is a mix of summery, introspective and mainly lo-fi indie-pop. Singer Justin Faircloth has a voice that sounds like a slightly gravely Rob Crow (of Pinback). Subjects touch on everything from reconciliation and death - check out the Isaac Brock-ish “Carry On” and “Acrobat” - to turmoil and acceptance.

The heart of the CD is the middle portion, the peak being epic energetic tracks like “Providence” and “Promise of Gold,” which has shades of Pavement. Other tracks have keys or warm organ textures and gently crafted string sections, including “Frozen Ride.” The intensely personal “Magnolia” is another standout...”

Hey y’alls! Just like Britney’s sister, I’m pregnant - but by pregnant I mean filled with love and happiness, not a baby. Merry Holidays to everyone out there. 2007 was a great year and 2008 is gon’ be betterer.

Obey my dog!