Matchbook Romance: "Promise" Video

Video description: Change is unquestionably a constant in life. When Matchbook Romance began in 2001, the idea of playing music for a living felt like a dream, a romantic fantasy that dwelled in each member of the band?s imagination. And, for years, anyway, it seemed like it would remain that way. ?We never thought it was something that could actually come true for us,? says vocalist/guitarist Andrew Jordan who, at the time, was living at home and working as a waiter at a local restaurant. ?We had seen so many other bands try and reach for that place in the world only to fall short. We always thought, ?What are our chances??? Still, people believed in the band?their friends, families and peers?and they encouraged Matchbook Romance?s just-stepping-into-the-world rank and file to drop their impending classes at various community colleges in and around Poughkeepsie, NY that fall, in order to concentrate on the band. Which, they did. Thankfully, for us, they did. Matchbook Romance spent the next six months recording a group of demos that would attract the attention of Epitaph president Brett Gurewitz?a man who would later sign the relatively green band (literally the day before stepping on a plane to finalize contracts with the longstanding punk label, the band?s then-18-year-old drummer Aaron Stern graduated from high school). Gurewitz also produced their first real recording, the West For Wishing EP, in 2003, but it was Matchbook Romance?s debut, Stories And Alibis, that the world would really take to. The album?s list of successes now speaks for itself: following its late 2003 release came the video for ?My Eyes Burn,? a run on the cover of scene bible Alternative Press and a slot headlining the first-ever Epitaph Tour. In between, Stories And Alibis sold over 200,000 copies and the band absolutely lived on the road in support of it. As Matchbook Romance began writing the initial version of what would become their second album, VOICES, they began to take their musical ideas to a variety of new levels. The band was writing constantly. If you were to have walked into the back lounge during one of the many tours behind Stories And Alibis chances are the mirrored walls in their tour bus would have been covered with ideas for lyrics and ideas for new songs. Matchbook Romance knew their next record would have to stand apart and the material they had begun self-recording while out on the road behind Stories And Alibis?all of it decidedly more sparse, moody and meditative?was significantly removed from the sound they honed on their debut. One significant factor, as Jordan puts it poetically, is that they ?declared war on power chords.?

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Matchbook Romance: "My Eyes Burn"

Change is unquestionably a constant in life. When Matchbook Romance began in 2001, the idea of playing music for a living felt like a dream, a romantic fantasy that dwelled in each member of the band?s imagination. And, for years, anyway, it seemed like it would remain that way. ?We never thought it was something that could actually come true for us,? says vocalist/guitarist Andrew Jordan who, at the time, was living at home and working as a waiter at a local restaurant. ?We had seen so many other bands try and reach for that place in the world only to fall short. We always thought, ?What are our chances??? Still, people believed in the band?their friends, families and peers?and they encouraged Matchbook Romance?s just-stepping-into-the-world rank and file to drop their impending classes at various community colleges in and around Poughkeepsie, NY that fall, in order to concentrate on the band. Which, they did. Thankfully, for us, they did. Matchbook Romance spent the next six months recording a group of demos that would attract the attention of Epitaph president Brett Gurewitz?a man who would later sign the relatively green band (literally the day before stepping on a plane to finalize contracts with the longstanding punk label, the band?s then-18-year-old drummer Aaron Stern graduated from high school). Gurewitz also produced their first real recording, the West For Wishing EP, in 2003, but it was Matchbook Romance?s debut, Stories And Alibis, that the world would really take to. The album?s list of successes now speaks for itself: following its late 2003 release came the video for ?My Eyes Burn,? a run on the cover of scene bible Alternative Press and a slot headlining the first-ever Epitaph Tour. In between, Stories And Alibis sold over 200,000 copies and the band absolutely lived on the road in support of it. As Matchbook Romance began writing the initial version of what would become their second album, VOICES, they began to take their musical ideas to a variety of new levels. The band was writing constantly. If you were to have walked into the back lounge during one of the many tours behind Stories And Alibis chances are the mirrored walls in their tour bus would have been covered with ideas for lyrics and ideas for new songs. Matchbook Romance knew their next record would have to stand apart and the material they had begun self-recording while out on the road behind Stories And Alibis?all of it decidedly more sparse, moody and meditative?was significantly removed from the sound they honed on their debut. One significant factor, as Jordan puts it poetically, is that they ?declared war on power chords.?

Matchbook Romance: "Monsters"

Change is unquestionably a constant in life. When Matchbook Romance began in 2001, the idea of playing music for a living felt like a dream, a romantic fantasy that dwelled in each member of the band?s imagination. And, for years, anyway, it seemed like it would remain that way. ?We never thought it was something that could actually come true for us,? says vocalist/guitarist Andrew Jordan who, at the time, was living at home and working as a waiter at a local restaurant. ?We had seen so many other bands try and reach for that place in the world only to fall short. We always thought, ?What are our chances??? Still, people believed in the band?their friends, families and peers?and they encouraged Matchbook Romance?s just-stepping-into-the-world rank and file to drop their impending classes at various community colleges in and around Poughkeepsie, NY that fall, in order to concentrate on the band. Which, they did. Thankfully, for us, they did. Matchbook Romance spent the next six months recording a group of demos that would attract the attention of Epitaph president Brett Gurewitz?a man who would later sign the relatively green band (literally the day before stepping on a plane to finalize contracts with the longstanding punk label, the band?s then-18-year-old drummer Aaron Stern graduated from high school). Gurewitz also produced their first real recording, the West For Wishing EP, in 2003, but it was Matchbook Romance?s debut, Stories And Alibis, that the world would really take to. The album?s list of successes now speaks for itself: following its late 2003 release came the video for ?My Eyes Burn,? a run on the cover of scene bible Alternative Press and a slot headlining the first-ever Epitaph Tour. In between, Stories And Alibis sold over 200,000 copies and the band absolutely lived on the road in support of it. As Matchbook Romance began writing the initial version of what would become their second album, VOICES, they began to take their musical ideas to a variety of new levels. The band was writing constantly. If you were to have walked into the back lounge during one of the many tours behind Stories And Alibis chances are the mirrored walls in their tour bus would have been covered with ideas for lyrics and ideas for new songs. Matchbook Romance knew their next record would have to stand apart and the material they had begun self-recording while out on the road behind Stories And Alibis?all of it decidedly more sparse, moody and meditative?was significantly removed from the sound they honed on their debut. One significant factor, as Jordan puts it poetically, is that they ?declared war on power chords.?

Of Montreal: "So Begins Our Alabee"

The brainchild of singer/guitarist Kevin Barnes, Of Montreal was among the second wave of bands to emerge from the sprawling Elephant 6 collective. A native of Athens, Georgia, Barnes formed the group following a failed romance with a woman from Montreal. After several moves to various cities and states, Barnes again found himself living in Athens. Once back home, he began collaborating with bassist/vocalist Bryan Poole (Elf Power) and drummer/vocalist Derek Almstead (Circulatory System). Together they recorded the band's debut album, Cherry Peel, released by Bar/None in 1997 (and later re-issued in late 1999, remixed and with additions by the later five-piece version of the band). Whereas the majority of the Elephant 6 collective drew their influences from 60's pop icons, Barnes was taking Of Montreal in an altogether different direction. While paying homage to these groups, he also began incorporating vaudevillian elements not only into the band's music but also into their live performances. With Poole having to leave the band because of his involvement with Elf Power, Almstead switched to bass and new members Jamey Huggins and Dottie Alexander were brought on board for drum and keyboard duties, respectively. Andy Gonzales(Marshmallow Coast) guitar/piano/vocals joined shortly thereafter. The band's second album, The Bedside Drama: A Petite Tragedy found Barnes experimenting with his lyrical content. Chord changes impressed upon nearly every word as a host of characters were orchestrated throughout album's sixteen songs. Although Kevin is credited as playing most of the instruments himself, Bryan Poole and Julian Koster (Neutral Milk Hotel, The Music Tapes) made unaccredited appearances. All members were represented on the band's third full-length, The Gay Parade. Hailed by critics and fans alike (including All Music Guide, who went so far as to refer to the album as indie-pop's equivalent to Sgt. Pepper), The Gay Parade was a musical extravaganza bringing over 40 musicians (many of them vocalists in the album's choir) to the table. A concept album in every sense of the word, The Gay Parade created a carnival of absurdist characters living in a Kafkaesque world. Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies: A Variety Of Whimsical Verse, the band's fourth album was released April 2001. The 22-track CD included a 16-page full-color booklet of artwork by David Barnes as well as a fold-out poster with lyrics. The album signified an even more ambitious undertaking than The Gay Parade right on down to the concept, arrangements, lyrics, and artwork that went into making the album. The band's fifth album Aldhils Arboretum was released the following year. 2003 proved to be an eventful year for the band. Andy left to spend more time on Marshmallow Coast and to go back to school. Kevin got married. In the fall of 2003, they recorded their next album. Kevin's wife, Nina, joined the group. Derek left the band to spend more time with Circulatory System, and, following the demise of their previous label, Of Montreal signed with Polyvinyl January 2004 Four months later, the band's sixth full-length, Satanic Panic In The Attic, was released. With Satanic, the band again reinvented their sound, this time with the inclusion of electronic and Afro beat influences. The album was an instant critical success, tearing through the radio charts, landing a video on MTV, and gathering favorable reviews left and right. Of Montreal returns this Spring with their new album The Sunlandic Twins April 12, 2005. Peppered with beats from the eighties on top of the traditional Of Montreal sound, The Sunlandic Twins will assuredly become an instant Of Montreal classic. In addition to the new album, Of Montreal is preparing to embark on one of their most ambitious national tours ever. As of February 2005, the proposed routing will keep the band on the road for seven months, spanning over a hundred shows and covering countless cities.

Of Montreal: "Disconnect the Dots"

The brainchild of singer/guitarist Kevin Barnes, Of Montreal was among the second wave of bands to emerge from the sprawling Elephant 6 collective. A native of Athens, Georgia, Barnes formed the group following a failed romance with a woman from Montreal. After several moves to various cities and states, Barnes again found himself living in Athens. Once back home, he began collaborating with bassist/vocalist Bryan Poole (Elf Power) and drummer/vocalist Derek Almstead (Circulatory System). Together they recorded the band's debut album, Cherry Peel, released by Bar/None in 1997 (and later re-issued in late 1999, remixed and with additions by the later five-piece version of the band). Whereas the majority of the Elephant 6 collective drew their influences from 60's pop icons, Barnes was taking Of Montreal in an altogether different direction. While paying homage to these groups, he also began incorporating vaudevillian elements not only into the band's music but also into their live performances. With Poole having to leave the band because of his involvement with Elf Power, Almstead switched to bass and new members Jamey Huggins and Dottie Alexander were brought on board for drum and keyboard duties, respectively. Andy Gonzales(Marshmallow Coast) guitar/piano/vocals joined shortly thereafter. The band's second album, The Bedside Drama: A Petite Tragedy found Barnes experimenting with his lyrical content. Chord changes impressed upon nearly every word as a host of characters were orchestrated throughout album's sixteen songs. Although Kevin is credited as playing most of the instruments himself, Bryan Poole and Julian Koster (Neutral Milk Hotel, The Music Tapes) made unaccredited appearances. All members were represented on the band's third full-length, The Gay Parade. Hailed by critics and fans alike (including All Music Guide, who went so far as to refer to the album as indie-pop's equivalent to Sgt. Pepper), The Gay Parade was a musical extravaganza bringing over 40 musicians (many of them vocalists in the album's choir) to the table. A concept album in every sense of the word, The Gay Parade created a carnival of absurdist characters living in a Kafkaesque world. Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies: A Variety Of Whimsical Verse, the band's fourth album was released April 2001. The 22-track CD included a 16-page full-color booklet of artwork by David Barnes as well as a fold-out poster with lyrics. The album signified an even more ambitious undertaking than The Gay Parade right on down to the concept, arrangements, lyrics, and artwork that went into making the album. The band's fifth album Aldhils Arboretum was released the following year. 2003 proved to be an eventful year for the band. Andy left to spend more time on Marshmallow Coast and to go back to school. Kevin got married. In the fall of 2003, they recorded their next album. Kevin's wife, Nina, joined the group. Derek left the band to spend more time with Circulatory System, and, following the demise of their previous label, Of Montreal signed with Polyvinyl January 2004 Four months later, the band's sixth full-length, Satanic Panic In The Attic, was released. With Satanic, the band again reinvented their sound, this time with the inclusion of electronic and Afro beat influences. The album was an instant critical success, tearing through the radio charts, landing a video on MTV, and gathering favorable reviews left and right. Of Montreal returns this Spring with their new album The Sunlandic Twins April 12, 2005. Peppered with beats from the eighties on top of the traditional Of Montreal sound, The Sunlandic Twins will assuredly become an instant Of Montreal classic. In addition to the new album, Of Montreal is preparing to embark on one of their most ambitious national tours ever. As of February 2005, the proposed routing will keep the band on the road for seven months, spanning over a hundred shows and covering countless cities.

Of Montreal: "Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games"

The brainchild of singer/guitarist Kevin Barnes, Of Montreal was among the second wave of bands to emerge from the sprawling Elephant 6 collective. A native of Athens, Georgia, Barnes formed the group following a failed romance with a woman from Montreal. After several moves to various cities and states, Barnes again found himself living in Athens. Once back home, he began collaborating with bassist/vocalist Bryan Poole (Elf Power) and drummer/vocalist Derek Almstead (Circulatory System). Together they recorded the band's debut album, Cherry Peel, released by Bar/None in 1997 (and later re-issued in late 1999, remixed and with additions by the later five-piece version of the band). Whereas the majority of the Elephant 6 collective drew their influences from 60's pop icons, Barnes was taking Of Montreal in an altogether different direction. While paying homage to these groups, he also began incorporating vaudevillian elements not only into the band's music but also into their live performances. With Poole having to leave the band because of his involvement with Elf Power, Almstead switched to bass and new members Jamey Huggins and Dottie Alexander were brought on board for drum and keyboard duties, respectively. Andy Gonzales(Marshmallow Coast) guitar/piano/vocals joined shortly thereafter. The band's second album, The Bedside Drama: A Petite Tragedy found Barnes experimenting with his lyrical content. Chord changes impressed upon nearly every word as a host of characters were orchestrated throughout album's sixteen songs. Although Kevin is credited as playing most of the instruments himself, Bryan Poole and Julian Koster (Neutral Milk Hotel, The Music Tapes) made unaccredited appearances. All members were represented on the band's third full-length, The Gay Parade. Hailed by critics and fans alike (including All Music Guide, who went so far as to refer to the album as indie-pop's equivalent to Sgt. Pepper), The Gay Parade was a musical extravaganza bringing over 40 musicians (many of them vocalists in the album's choir) to the table. A concept album in every sense of the word, The Gay Parade created a carnival of absurdist characters living in a Kafkaesque world. Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies: A Variety Of Whimsical Verse, the band's fourth album was released April 2001. The 22-track CD included a 16-page full-color booklet of artwork by David Barnes as well as a fold-out poster with lyrics. The album signified an even more ambitious undertaking than The Gay Parade right on down to the concept, arrangements, lyrics, and artwork that went into making the album. The band's fifth album Aldhils Arboretum was released the following year. 2003 proved to be an eventful year for the band. Andy left to spend more time on Marshmallow Coast and to go back to school. Kevin got married. In the fall of 2003, they recorded their next album. Kevin's wife, Nina, joined the group. Derek left the band to spend more time with Circulatory System, and, following the demise of their previous label, Of Montreal signed with Polyvinyl January 2004 Four months later, the band's sixth full-length, Satanic Panic In The Attic, was released. With Satanic, the band again reinvented their sound, this time with the inclusion of electronic and Afro beat influences. The album was an instant critical success, tearing through the radio charts, landing a video on MTV, and gathering favorable reviews left and right. Of Montreal returns this Spring with their new album The Sunlandic Twins April 12, 2005. Peppered with beats from the eighties on top of the traditional Of Montreal sound, The Sunlandic Twins will assuredly become an instant Of Montreal classic. In addition to the new album, Of Montreal is preparing to embark on one of their most ambitious national tours ever. As of February 2005, the proposed routing will keep the band on the road for seven months, spanning over a hundred shows and covering countless cities.

Raging Speedhorn: "How Much Can a Man Take"

Raging Speedhorn first came to be in August of 1998. The forming of the band was a result of the combination of the bands 'Soulcellar' and 'Box'. Guitarist Gareth Smith, drummer Frank Regan and bassist Darren Smith from 'Soulcellar' met up with guitarist Tony Loughlin, vocalist Jon Loughlin and drummer Gordon Morison from 'Box' to form Raging speedhorn. Frank Regan, formerly a drummer then changed to vocals along with Jon Loughlin to make an outstanding team. As the songs began to flow, Speedhorn recorded demos, and got a few good giggs, getting strong reviews in important magazines like Kerrang! and Metal Hammer.Their first big break came when they supported the legindary 'Ministry' at the London Astoria. From then on they never looked back, and have got stronger and stronger. Speedhorn have now recorded about 20 songs in just over a year together, and they play live regularly, with some great acts. Easily their biggest gig so far was at the Ozzfest UK, along with the likes of the mighty SlipKnoT and Amen.They have also been touring regularly, sponsored by Kerrang! and Metal Hammer. Their first demo song [selling over 800 coppies], Thumper, has since been released on Metal Hammer's December 1999 cover mount CD. Ian Camfield has also given Speedhorn plenty of airplay on his Xfm show. All this has built up to the release of their debut album, entitled 'Raging Speedhorn', which was released in the spring of 2001. After the success of their debut album, Raging Speedhorn kept up the tough schedule and started working towards a new album. Touring the country regularly, as well as trying to maintain part-time jobs meant that time to write was limmited. However, two years on from when we were first greeted by the din of Speedhorn, 'We'll Be Dead by Tomorrow' is set for release in the summer this year. 'The Hate Song' is the first single from this album, and was released on June 24, 2002. Appearing on the main stage at the Reading Festival this summer, as well as having more than one headline tour is sure to give them the publicity they deserve. And so, my friends, the story comes to an end... for now, anyway.

Spoon: "The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine"

Since 1994, the duo of vocalist/guitarist Britt Daniel and drummer Jim Eno have been the authors of an unlikely success story, making the quantum leap(s) from critical pariahs in the mid 90's, to respected indie rock journeymen by the turn of the century, to their current rarified status as America's bravest, most challenging rock band. That all of the above has been accomplished sans gimmickry and far from the New York/LA/London axis, is less interesting than the strength of Spoon's ouvre.

Over It: "Siren on the 101"

In a world of bands where truth often gets bogged down in the mire of genres, trends and politics, Over it would like to think they have stayed afloat. Out of Orange County, California, by way of Alexandria, Virginia, they have taken in the road and a host of adventures, discovering the things they value most. For this band, what matters is the sincerity of every last one of their hundreds of performances, a personal connection with their fans, and the quest for the inspiring song. Over it lives for furious sounds and a hopeful future. Nearly five years ago in the Fall of 1998, chance drew the members of Over It together. Peter, Nick, Seth and James were four bright-eyed teenagers then, staring down the dawn of what was to become a dazzling, liberating vision. "Looking back, it seems ironic that music left such an indelible mark on the four of us," relates Munters, the group?s lead vocalist and guitar player. ?The suburbs offered us no big brother bands to emulate, and beyond the dark outskirts of DC no form of music-centered scene or shows really existed. Still, somehow the boys in Over It found and sought out the sounds that opened their minds to the possibility of music as a serious creative outlet. Recording and touring in support of their indie-released demo ep, "Over It" and a full length album, "The Ready Series" (both on Oakland?s Negative Progression Records) became more and more a priority for the band as they waited for Ulrich (drums, 20) to finish high school. So much that in the spring of 2001 Munters (22), Watts(21), and Bailey (21), already attending universities, decided to push their education to the back-burner, and persuade their youngest band-mate to wait for college, instead joining them in the full-time pursuit of their love for music. To this day, the band reflects on this decision as the most pivotal turning point in Over It?s story. "We were all good students, but distracted from our studies by the rewards we found in the studio and on the road," remembers Watts. "We just told one another that if we could survive as a productive force, hear our songs featured on dozens of compilations worldwide and find content at each day?s end, we owed it to the world to work fully toward a musical destiny." Following the release of their "Hindsight 20/20" ep in 2001, the band garnered the attention of Santa Barbara?s own Lobster Records, who recognized the bands unflagging work ethic and positive energy. Encouraging Over It to continue and amplify their rigorous touring and eventually relocate to the Southern California markets, Lobster helped spawn "Timing Is Everything", the band?s second full length, and most critically acclaimed work to date. Received by good press, and the approval of a growing fan base, the record propelled Over It through several national tours and two-week stints on the grueling and infamous Vans Warped Tour in both 2002 and 2003 (as well as ?04). ?Being on warped tour was all at one our greatest blessing and the most burdensome weight the band has carried," notes Munters. "We drove our van alongside the coaches of so many-of our idols, and touched base with more fans than we ever thought we would meet, working all day and driving all night to find as much as we could. It was truly a testament to how far a little dedication and sincerity can take four friends." Nearly three years later, the band is still full of wonder and grateful for the path they?ve traveled. None of us ever thought to just step up and live a dream, that?s just the way it keeps happening.

Jennifer Gentle: "I Do Dream You"

Hailing from Padova, Italy, Jennifer Gentle is not a girl. Jennifer Gentle is, in fact, a band made up of singer/guitarist Marco Fasolo and drummer Alessio Gastaldello (joined by various accomplices when they play live). Valende is their third full-length, and first for Sub Pop (their first two albums, I Am You Are and Funny Creatures Lane were released individually on Italy's Sillyboy Entertainment, and together as a double CD under the name Ectoplasmic Garden Party by Australia's Lexicon Devil label). The record was, like its predecessors, home-recorded by Marco and Alessio and it's a psych pop charmer, drawing on the band's own brand of musical dementia: an almost impossible-to-describe melting pot of whacked experimentation, deep fried eccentricity and acoustic beauty, drawing judiciously on the band's long-term fascination with Syd Barrett, 13th Floor Elevators, and Joe Meek production techniques. Jennifer Gentle is also the first Italian band Sub Pop has ever signed (such is our deep affection for the band). But, again, Jennifer Gentle is not a girl.

Fierce Allegiance: "Die Fighting"

Music video from thrash metal band Fierce Allegiance....metal, moshing, fights, blood and pits edits from 30 shows! If you like Metallica, Megadeth, Testament or Slayer, Shadows Fall, The Haunted, Iron Maiden, or Suicidal Tendencies this video is for you! Fierce Allegiance mixes power metal, punk, hXc, death metal and all elements of THRASH METAL! Produced by Ken Olden (Guitarist of Damnation AD, Better than a Thousand, Battery). Bands produced by Ken Olden include: Age of Ruin, Darkest Hour, Weezer, 112, and Good Clean Fun. Fierce Allegiance has played numerous shows since our inception in 2000, with Agnostic Front, God Forbid, Unearth, It Dies Today, Six Feet Under, The Agony Scene, Every Time I Die, Dying Fetus, Deceased, Between the Buried and Me, A Life Once Lost, Evergreen Terrace, Caliban, Cannae, Full Blown Chaos, and many more! Since their inception, Fierce Allegiance has released 2 full-length albums and one vinyl 7-inch. Support the band. Check out "Into the Fire". Visit our website for all details: http://www.fierceallegiance.net or http://www.myspace.com/fierceallegiance