The Metal Goldfish of CHRYST

Since branching off into web exclusive mode, Highwire Daze has been able to cover more music that ever before, and has done a record number of interviews and reviews this year.  Compiling a mere Top Ten List has been especially daunting.  I can honestly say that each recording on the Full Length list are albums I will surely listen to for years to come.   The metal is out in full force this year, featuring the demented grandeur of the almighty Chryst and the journey into avant garde madness courtesy of Ebonylake.   If relaxing music is needed after a trip through the bowels of insanity, enter into the Forest Of The Soul for a picturesque acoustic journey or check out Vieo Abiungo for a wondrous neo-classical explosion of the mind.  And who can forget the legendary Glen Campbell, whose final album received rave reviews all across the planet? And if metalcore fans have not checked out Miracle At St. Anna yet, I highly recommend you do so.

The Best Of The Year EP list is an interesting entity, populated mostly with bands I feel will explode into the stratosphere in 2012.   Many on the EP list are so pop rock oriented, you would think that another entirely different journalist compiled it.   So here it is, the albums and EP’s that made 2011 so entirely memorable…

The Top Ten Full Length CD’s of 2011

PhantasmaChronica by Chryst (Omniversal Records)
From the ashes of the obscure KorovoKill one finds the grand resurrection of an entity whose newly bestowed moniker is Chryst. The masterwork of the enigmatic Dr. Chrystof Niederwieser, Chryst is avantgarde metal at its most imaginative. Flying goldfish, ominous time pieces, and men with cloudy beards are only a fraction of what this vast and mysterious wonderland of sound consists of. A challenging, unpredictable work of artistry that is sure to intrigue and confound the metal masses at large.

In Swathes Of Brooding Light by Ebonylake (Ladlo Productions)
The passages of time and the complexity of madness and despair has unleashed an extreme avant-garde metal magnum opus conceived by the mysterious Ebonylake. The murky waters and distant shores reveal a complex dementia that is sure to excite and bewilder music fans all across this dreary planet. In Swathes Of Brooding Light ponders the true depths of unadulterated insanity and is a listening experience not to be missed.

Restless In Flight by Forest Of The Soul (Birdrune Recordings)
There is magic and intrigue to be found within the timeless acoustic passages from Forest Of The Soul. Restless In Flight is sure to enchant fans of such bands as Agalloch and Anathema. Progressive and cinematic, this West Virginia based duo present rich tapestries that transport the listener through enigmatic woodlands and the most captivating of dreams. A true stunner from Birdrune Recordings.

Dead Son Rising by Gary Numan (Machine Music Ltd)
Dead Son Rising is the 16th album by the iconic Gary Numan, and is perhaps his most experimental and remote recording to date. The Fall is a true stunner with its heavy duty dance beats and grim lyrics while For The Rest Of My Life and Not The Love We Dream Of features some wondrously impassioned vocals. The perfect companion for the darkest and manic of nights. Another triumphant collaborative work of Numan and Ade Fenton.

Ghost On The Canvas by Glen Campbell (Surfdog Records)
The final work of a legendary career, Ghost On The Canvas by Glen Campbell is a deeply moving experience. Songs such as Amazing Grace, In My Arms, and Any Trouble hold up amazingly well to the Glen Campbell classics while the Paul Westerberg penned title cut will haunt your memory for decades to come. No other album this year comes remotely close to the emotional impact Ghost On The Canvas conveys.

In Abstraction by A Hope For Home (Facedown Records)
In Abstraction presents A Hope For Home in their finest hour – a thoroughly ambitious and triumphant work of sonic art that will remain in the listener’s head long after the disc spins to its riveting conclusion. The lengthy songs contained within are nothing short of masterworks. Also contained is a DVD containing introspective interviews and artistic videos of all the song. In Abstraction is absolute brilliance!

Meredead by Leaves’ Eyes (Napalm Records)
Meredead is the fourth magnum opus from Leaves’ Eyes, a symphonic metal band fronted by the lovely Liv Kristine. Just the opening track Spirit’s Masquerade is more than enough to secure grand accolades, but Sigrlinn, Velvet Heart and their stunning cover of the Mike Oldfield classic To France reinforces its sweeping epic magnificence. A wondrous odyssey of dark enchantment for the metal ages.

Shadow Country by Miracle At St. Anna (Tragic Hero Records)
Combining a ferocious brand of metalcore with the swampy sounds of the mystical South, Shadow Country by Miracle At St. Anna exudes a powerful intensity that is riveting. The vocals are passionate and ferocious, the musical soundtrack stunning and severe, with a mysterious keyboard underscore weaving its dark magic throughout the recording. Songs such as On The Reg, Moses In Agony, and Brokeback Fountain are devastating. An exhilarating grand slam debut.

The World Is Still Yawning by Vieo Abiungo (Lost Tribe Sound)
The World Is Still Yawning by Vieo Abiungo is as beautiful as it is intriguing. Classical music infused by a startling sense of ambience that achieves a sense of both sentimental daydreams and otherworldly visions. Conceived by multi-instrumentalist William Ryan Fritch, The World Is Still Yawning is ironocally titled to be sure. The various compositions will surely both enchant and mystify all adventurous musical aficionados.

Irrbloss by Yggdrasil (Grand Master Music)
A mystical journey through the Swedish folk metal underground, Irrbloss by Yggdrasil is a stunning masterwork. Fans of Moonsorrow and Thyrfing will thoroughly appreciate experiencing the magic that is Irrbloss. The sweeping choruses, traditional folk instruments, and modern metal passages are dazzling to behold. Let your imagination wander through the portals of time with this standout collection of tunes.

The Top Ten EP’s of 2011

The Raleigh Sessions by Amely (Amely Independent Records)
Amely says goodbye to their fans with The Raleigh Sessions – seven dazzling pop songs which would have made up a portion of their demo album for Fearless Records. In demo form here, the tunes nevertheless exude a sweet infectious that will tug at the heart. Also presented is a testament as to why their vocalist Petie Pizarro remains one of the most underrated vocalists of our time. So farewell Amely and hello Sovereign Soldiers.

Igniter by An Early Ending (CI/Decadent Suite Records)
Harrisburg, PA’s An Early Ending survived a devastating accident that nearly broke apart the band. Now after a brief hiatus, the band returned with a explosive new EP entitled Igniter. Mixing infectious rock melodies with hardcore and screamo inflections, the 8 songs found within are instantly memorable. With all of the exhilarating choruses and impassioned singing, Igniter is nothing short of a personal triumph.

Fail Yourself by Deserters (Rite Of Passage / Mediaskare Records)
“Rock in roll is your enemy and I am your enemy!” the narrator exclaims before the Deserters EP explodes into some of the most ferocious hardcore Los Angeles currently has on tap.  Fail Yourself is a definitive success, six songs of sonic, skull crunching intensity.  Rite Of Passage / Mediaskare has signed a lot of good bands this year, and Deserters is a another great discovery for the label.  Hit the pit!

A Reason To Swim by Joe Brooks (Fantastik Music)
Major labels? Who needs them? Not singer / songwriter Joe Brooks, who reached out to his fans and gifted them all with an eloquent collection of heartfelt pop tunes entitled A Reason To Swim. Holes Inside and I Find The Light In You are vivid and moving, and should appeal to all who cherish a first-class, genuine pop song. Now left to his own devices, Brooks continues to prove he’s a massive talent on the rise to greater glories ahead.

Pseudo Romance by Kyle Castellani (Independent Release)
Formerly in Nural, vocalist Kyle Castellani has always been a powerful, highly emotive lead vocalist who always transcended the material at hand. Now on his first solo album Pseudo Romance, his expressive singing absolutely soars. Like Old Times is as haunting as it romantic while Butterflies is inviting and eloquent. Timeless and fascinating, Pseudo Romance is an impressive debut effort for a vastly underrated talent.

Of All The Beauty by My Genuine Find (Independent Release)
Those who like dance pop with a lot of heart are destined to become a big time fan of My Genuine Find. Mastermind Bobby Mares has self-released a dazzling collection of songs that will place a smile on the face of even the most jaded of music listener. The sweetest pop confections include Be Together, Heartbeat, and the hit single worthy Always You. Expect 2012 to be a huge year for My Genuine Find!

Big by PARENTZ (Chill Mega Chill Records)
Groovy and intelligent, the San Francisco based chill wave outfit PARENTZ is the brainchild of the resourceful Jeremy Sullivan. Inspired by all things Tom Hanks, Big is a wondrously infectious aural treat. Whether it’s the techno/dance title cut, the seductive Just Sayin, or the clever trip hop inflections of Back It Up, Big by PARENTZ is a astonishing breathe of fresh air in a world of musical stagnation. And always remember to “Trust the media, Trust Wikipedia…”

Feel Good Now by The Ready Set (Decaydance/Warner Brothers Records)
Jordan Witzigreuter and his band The Ready Set spent an entire summer on this year’s Warped Tour, winning over fans big time and had a hit song with Love Like Woe from his debut Decaydance EP.  Their latest effort Feel Good Now is an admirable follow-up, with stand out tracks being the pop rock perfection of Operator, the driving arena rock anthem Young Forever, and the rambunctiously infectious Killer.  The Ready Set is surely headed for pop rock superstardom.

Conditions by Sleep For Sleepers (Independent Release)
Although many thought the band was in a permanent slumber, Sleep For Sleepers returned with their most powerful collection of songs to date. Conditions presents their most melodic, accessible tunes to date. Especially noteworthy is the triumphant inflections of Dark, a song with a ton of hit single potential. A reawakening for a band ready to break on through to the big leagues. A stunning comeback to be sure!

All Our Yesterdays by Verah Falls (BlkHeart Group)
Raging out of the Pacific Northwest, Verah Falls present an exhilarating brand of melodic hardcore that is sure to gain them a good deal of notice.  One of the newer signings on the fledging BlkHeart Records label, Verah Falls notable songs from their grand slam EP include Season Tickets To The Opera, Portland Stay Golden, and A Family Affair.  It will be exciting to see was 2012 has in store for these guys!

And thus concludes Editor Ken’s thoroughly schizophrenic year in music!  See you all on the radiowaves and beyond in 2012!

(Compilation by Kenneth Morton)

In November, Highwire Daze celebrated an major anniversary.

20 Years!

I never thought we would make it this far.  I mean, who stays with anything for 20 years?  We may not be publishing the paper edition on a regular basis, but the website is updated several times a day.  I remember our Tripod/Geocities years when the website did not look so good.  Many thanks to Jason Mageau at Malus Clothing for bringing Highwire Daze into the 21st Century when it came to the world wide web.

There has been so many changes in the 20 years we’ve been doing this.  We have an interview resume that would rival any writer on The Rolling Stone, but that tends to happen when you’ve been around as long as we have.  A sense of irony is that a lot of our readers weren’t even born when the idea of Highwire Daze was conceived in a dark Hollywood apartment back in September of 1990.  The first issue arrived in November 1990 and here we are now, 119 paper issue and countless web posts later.

One thing I would like to do is update my column Sketches By The Editor on the 1st of every month instead of once or twice a year.  Make it more of a blog about the behind the scene happenings here at the Daze.  Expect that to start when the New Year arrives.  In the meantime, here is why we are all here – for the Annual Highwire Daze Top Ten List of 2010…

(By the way, pictured above is Issue #1 of Highwire Daze magazine dated November 1990)

The 10 CD’s of 2010

For those who think 2010 was a dismal time for music, I beg to differ!  This was the toughest compilation yet, and many I thought all year were going to make the grade on my list simply didn’t.

I have decided this year to not list runner ups, but I am doing an article for my Top Ten EP selections, because there are a lot of new bands whom I think deserve the attention.    So after a few weeks of thought and repeated listening to a lot of music that came in over the year, here is Editor Ken’s Top List of 2010…

Favorite Fix by Artist Vs Poet (Fearless Records)

One of the highlights of Warped Tour 2010 was the appearance of Artist Vs. Poet, a band that has come a long way within the past few years.  Their debut full-length Favorite Fix is jammed packed with melodic pop/punk anthems that should have been played all over the radio airwaves!  Definitely one of my favorite music fixes of the year, with top songs being Adorable, Damn Rough Night, and We’re All The Same.

The Good Years by Backseat Goodbye (Self-released CD)

Why Chad Sugg and his project Backseat Goodbye isn’t signed and as huge as acts such as Elliot Smith and The Rocket Summer is way beyond my comprehension!  There is so much heart and soul to be found within The Good Years.  A sheer triumph all around, from the dazzling melodies to the intelligent, compassionate lyrics.  This is an album about truth and discovery and is easily one of the most overlooked releases of 2010.  Poignant selections on the disc include You Are The One That Will Be By My Side, 1996, Letdown Of The Year, Moons, and the wonderfully titled Elliot Smith Is Still Alive.

Universal by Borknagar (The End Records)

What would the Black Metal incarnation of Rush sound like – maybe a bit like the mighty Borknagar from Norway.  It’s been five long years since we’ve heard from Øystein Brun, Vintersorg and the crew, but Universal was a release that was well worth the wait.  Intellectual thought and complex melodies abound, mixing the extreme with a cosmic sense of grace and wonder.  Here’s hoping Borknagar make it out here to the States for a tour in the New Year – the last time they played in the US, they were touring with Emperor and that was way too many years ago…

Circle The Wagons by Darkthrone (Peaceville Records)

Who would have even imagined that the best punk rock album of the year would have been made by a legendary Black Metal entity named Darkthrone?  Mix Motorhead with The Damned and you are only beginning to imagine the harsh and glorious compositions to be found on Circle The Wagons.  It’s light years away from their classics A Blaze In The Northern Sky and Transylvanian Hunger, but Nocturno Culto and Fenriz still manage to unleash compelling material.  Top circle pit inducing tracks include I Am The Graves Of The 80′s and These Treasures Will Never Befall You.

American Hell by Destruction Of A Rose (BlkHeart Group)

Destruction Of  A Rose may be metalcore, but these guys are absolutely metal TO the core!  Breaking out of Las Vegas in a big and glorious way, this hard working band has unleashed American Hell to an unsuspecting public at large.  The best thing about the album is that it successful captures the energy of their dynamic live shows, presenting studio cuts that are nothing short of genre classics.  Evan Foxx is one of the most charismatic frontmen on the scene today, and the musicianship found within is absolutely top notch.  Expect these guys to destroy everything in 2011 – they are fierce to the extreme!  Proof positive tracks include Suck Out The Poison, Open Your Eyes Not Your Legs, and Rise And Shine.

Axioma Ethica Odini by Enslaved (Nuclear Blast Records)

Nuclear Blast Records has released so many astounding CD’s this year – my whole list could have included all bands from the much revered metal label.  One such entity that has consistently made my Top Ten List is the mystical Enslaved from Norway.  Combining shade of Viking Metal with walls of progressive rock, Axioma Ethica Odini is an absolute stunner!  Throwing influences such as Rush and Pink Floyd into the mix, Enslaved bring a sense of adventure and intrigue to the extreme metal arena.  These guys can do no wrong!  Tracks that stun that senses include Giants, Night Sight, and The Beacon.

Mosaik by Frames (SPV/Steamhammer Records)

Have you even heard Frames?  This is a release that has surely surfaced under the radar, and it’s easily one of the most challenging, fully realized efforts of the year.  Completely instrumental and always nothing less than thrilling, shades of Kraut rock and progressive dynamics send the entire material soaring into the stratosphere.  Based out out Hanover, Germany, Frames and their masterwork Mosaik will take you on an unforgettable journey of sound that you’ll want to revisit time and again.

A Promise To Burn by Framing Hanley (Silent Majority Group)

A Promise To Burn by Framing Hanley is THE rock and roll album of the year.  A powerful collection of songs that present the rise and fall of spirit and integrity.  Emotionally intense and musically dynamic, A Promise To Burn is filled with a fiery passion and is nothing short of mesmerizing.  You Stupid Girl should have been a number one hit single for these guys and is my pic for song of the year!  Other selections that strike a persuasive note include Bittersweet Sundown, Photographs and Gasoline, The Promise and especially The Burn – where they do indeed promise to “Burn Hollywood to the ground.”  A promise thoroughly fulfilled!

Hoodoo by Krokus (Sony Music)

80′s hard rock and metal return with a screaming vengeance as the classic Krokus lineup reunites for the rollicking Hoodoo.  Easily measuring up to their trademark albums such as Headhunter and The Blitz, Hoodoo was jammed packed with fantastic tracks such as Hoodoo Woman, Rock And Roll Handshake, and Drive It In.  They even made the old chestnut Born To Be Wild sound vivid and full of fire and energy.  A blast from the past ready to leave an indelible stamp on a whole new generations of rockers!  And vocalist Marc Storace sounds in top form as does the rest of the tremendous lineup.

Ascending In Triumph by Nox Aurea (Napalm Records)

Another label who keeps the magnificent releases coming is Napalm Records.  One of the very best of the year was Nox Aurea, a doom/death metal band from Gothenburg, whose mighty anthems are staggering to behold.  Ascending In Triumph is a classic, featuring ferocious male and tender female vocal leads, meshing in with the dark melodies to create an aural experience that transcends both time and genres.  There is a dim yet powerful light to be found in even the most depressive of places, and Ascending In Triumph by Nox Aurea is a compelling experience from beginning to end.  Well worth checking into on those dark and lonely nights…

THE 10 BEST EP’s OF 2010

Let The Sun In by Aaron Shanley (Love Gum Records)

Aaron Shanley is a remarkable singer/songwriter from Ireland whose expressive voice and wondrous compositions are both stunning and melancholic.  Check out the picturesque Cotton Fields, the wistful Today I, or the ballsy rocker Anna Came Along to see just how effective and diverse Shanley’s music is.  Let The Sun In is truly indicative of greater things to come!

Hello World by Amely (Fearless Records)

One of the newer bands on the Fearless Records roster, Amely from Orlando, Florida has presented a debut EP entitled Hello World that shows a good deal of promise.  From Petie Pizarro’s strong, emotive vocals to the wildly infectious tunes, fans of bands such as Anberlin, All Time Low, and even the Goo Goo Dolls are sure to enjoy what Amely has to offer.

The Wonder EP by Backseat Goodbye (Self released EP)

Serving as a precursor to The Good Years, The Wonder EP by Backseat Goodbye was a short collection of songs that shined brightly as the New Year 2010 began.  A grand return to form for Chad Sugg, clearly demonstrating just how beautifully effective of an artist and entertainer he clearly is.  The Breakfast Club was wide eyed and thoughtful with a killer “yeah yeah yeah” chorus and The Great Unknown shimmered with its sweetly sentimental lyrics and memorable melodies.

The Reckoning by Burning Twilight (BlkHeart Music Group)

The debut release for the BlkHeart Music Group, The Reckoning by Burning Twilight is a relentless assault to the sense.  Metalcore at its finest and most impassioned, song such as The Resolve Of Cowards and The Runaway are destined to gain these guys a good deal of fans.  Heavy and wildly impressively for both the band and its record label.  Definitely looking forward to a full length from this Washington state based collective.

Between The Lies by Memphis May Fire (Bullet Tooth Records)

Memphis May Fire hit a home run with Between The Lies, showing that they definitely have what it takes for a long and glorious career.  Be Careful What You Wish For is a revelation and Action/Adventure is filled with passion and conviction.  It will be exciting to hear what Memphis May Fire unleashes with their upcoming full length.  These guys burn bright and remain a music force to be reckoned with.

Anthems by Messengers (Strike First Records)

Facedown Records has presented us some truly great bands over the years.  One such collective is the mighty Messengers from Dallas, Texas, presenting thrash and hardcore metal in its finest hour.  With references ranging from Pantera to War Of Ages, Messengers is an unstoppable beast that should gain a good deal of respect and acclaim in the years to come.  A sledgehammer of a debut to be sure!

Goodbye To Sunny Skies by Mikey Sawyer (Self-released EP)

Based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, singer/songwriter Mikey Sawyer presents music filled with passion and remarkable depth.  Amazingly unsigned for now, Sawyer’s powerful voice and deeply moving tunes are wondrously effective.  Big choruses abound, with title cut Goodbye To Sunny Skies and the introspective BeLIEve in Me timeless classics in the making.  References to Jacks Mannequin and Owl City only scratch the surface when it comes to the sheer beauty of Sawyer’s poignant songs.

Love Enough by My Genuine Find (Self-released EP)

If you like Breathe Electric and The Ready Set with a dash of The Starting Line thrown in for good measure, My Genuine Find from Las Cruces is your treasure trove of music.  Positive and memorable, sole member Bobby Mares possesses great tunes and charisma to spare.  Still self-releasing his EP’s, Love Enough‘s highlights include Gentlemen, A Lot Like Love, and 1-2-3.  A probable breakthrough for this hard working artist who may find himself being courted by record labels in no time.

The Opportunity To Be by My Ticket Home (Rise Records)

Rise Records fearlessly signs what they truly believe in, and has gained massive success with bands such as The Devil Wears Prada and Drop Dead, Gorgeous.  One of their new collectives showing a massive amount of promise is My Ticket Home from Columbus, Ohio.  The Opportunity To Be is a powerful debut from a young band destined to take the crown in 2011.  The melodic and the extreme mesh well together, with songs such as Surroundings and Desertion being sonic favorites.

What Has Been Done Will Be Done Again by Sleep For Sleepers (Self-released EP)

While the future of LA’s own Sleep For Sleepers may be in question, there is no denying the beauty and majesty of their EP What Has Been Done Will Be Done Again.  Now on their own after a partnership with Facedown/Dreamt Music, the spiritual indie rock found on their new EP is absolutely brilliant and ambitious.  The Heights We’ve Come To Fear is the most heartfelt love song of the year and Of What I Have, Let It Be Enough is a testament to ones faith that is grand and sweeping.   It is hard not to moved by the sentiments heard on this truly great EP.

In Conclusion

Well that’s 2010 in a nut shell.  Looking forward to all the great releases in the New Year.  Happy Holidays to all from the staff at Highwire Daze magazine!

HELLO PRINT MAG

We’ve come a long way since our Tripod and Geocities days when Highwire Daze first went online. Print may slowly become a thing of the past, but for now, here you have in your hands Issue 119, our big summer edition that you’ve either picked up at the Warped Tour or at one of the many clubs or record stores who carry it. Please check out our website for exclusive interviews and articles not in this issue as well as longer versions of the stories that do appear here in print. Thank you for your support and now on to the sketches…

MADE IN IRELAND SHOWCASE at Molly Malones, Hollywood, CA – 06/08/10
I’ve been MySpace buddies with singer/songwriter Aaron Shanley for a few years now, so when he told me he was coming over from Ireland to do some shows here in Los Angeles, it was certainly something to look forward to. After a cancellation due to crazy volcano action on the other end of the world, Aaron was finally able to flee Belfast for a week to visit the enigmatic City Of Angels.

I first caught Aaron and few other Irish acts at the Renaissance Hotel at Hollywood and Highland – and what a special night it was. Irish pop and $3 beers right in the heart of Hollywood. And then the next night Aaron and his comrades performed a showcase at Molly Malone’s on Fairfax, doing a Made In Ireland presentation for a bunch of industry types.

Up first was the talented Mr. Shanley, opening the night with the wistful Sometimes People Just Fall Out Of Love. Fans of Elliott Smith and The Lilac Time should absolutely enjoy the compositions Shanley has to offer. Moving from acoustic guitar to piano, Shanley closed his short set with the absolutely stunning I Know She Lies.

Silhouette a.k.a. Shauna Tohill was up next, weaving her magical musical spells throughout the room. Channeling the likes of Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell, Shauna is a mesmerizing singer well worth checking into. Playing on both guitar and piano, she exuded a good amount of star quality as well as highly memorable tunes. A few of her best songs include the wondrous Put The Silence On Hold and the mystical Watching The Stars.

Clownparlour took to the Molly stage, presenting a unique set of quirky indie tunes that was impressive to behold. The brainchild of one M. Mormecha, amongst the four songs performed was a terrific little number entitled Stanley Kubrick, of which there is also a video of on their MySpace.

Closing out the night was Kiernan McMullan, a resourceful singer/songwriter originally from Ireland who now makes the roads of the United States his second home. Constantly on tour, McMullan has some terrific stories to tell in his songs, and at the Made In Ireland showcase, he delivered the type of performance that gets you signed! One extremely delightful aspect of the show was when McMullan laid down several loops live on computer on the song Set You Free, including multiple guitar parts and his own backing vocals all created from scratch. Other songs performed included Fireworks, Running On Empty, and That Afternoon. Be sure to check out his new acoustic recording, entitled The Best Part EP – as well as his previous full length Perfect People Are Boring – now available on ITunes!

A perfect night of entertainment at the perfect venue, proving that Ireland does, indeed rock!

Information:
Aaron Shanley – http://www.myspace.com/aaronshanley
Kiernan McMullan – http://www.myspace.com/kiernanm
Silhouette – http://www.myspace.com/silhouetteofficial
Clownparlour – http://www.myspace.com/clownparlour

SEE YA LATEZ
See everyone at Warped Tour, Cool Tour, Scream The Prayer Tour, and all the other tours coming through this summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A FAREWELL TO THE KNITTING FACTORY

THE HIGHWIRE DAZE TOP 10 of 2009
Well here it is, Editor Ken’s Top 10 list for 2009. Once again, a very strange and eclectic selection – in alphabetical order with brief explanations…

The Best In Town by The Blackout (Epitaph Records) – Breakout band of the Warped Tour 2009 from South Wales. Save Ourselves (The Warning) is definitely the rock anthem of the year.

Lost & Found by Corey Crowder (Self-released) – Country and blues mixed with acoustic and classic intimate vocals. Crowder is an astounding yet underrated singer / songwriter.

Sleepwalkers by Dead Swans (Bridge 9 Records) – Best debut album of the year hands down. This UK-based band breathe new life into the hardcore / metal genre. Expect great things from Dead Swans!

With Thoughts But Not Regrets by 5 Years and Counting (In Vogue Records) – Sean McDonald is finally getting the recognition he deserves – now signed to a label owned by Before Their Eyes front man Nick Moore. Timeless and profoundly. moving, Best tracks: Seattle and Closer. Plus a super-cheeky cover of Poker Face by Lady Gaga.

The Pendle Witch Trials by I Shalt Become (No Colours Records) – Ambient, relentlessly bleak and weaved with Black Metal undertones. Read up on the actual Pendle Witch Trails and get to know Alice Nutter and the gang using this CD as the soundtrack.

Djinn – Les Mystere Des Chats by Louisa John-Krol – Romantic pop / ethereal faerie music in the grand tradition of Loreena McKennitt and Kate Bush. A journey through the secret life of mystical cats. Blue Beyond The Sky and I Am The Djinn are among the magical stories this artist weaves

New Shores by Lunatica (Napalm Records) – Female fronted power metal in its finest hour. Dramatic, sweeping in scope, and socially conscious – here’s hoping this Swiss band make it here to the States in 2010!

Yes by Pet Shop Boys (Parlophone Records) – The comeback album of the year. This highly influential electronic band can still write a tremendously infectious song. Their show at the Greek Theatre in September was one many will remember for a long time!

Monolith by Sights & Sounds (Militia Group) – Andrew Neufeld of Comeback Kid and company deliver the most progressive album of the year. Imagine Cave In mixed with Nirvana and you are only just beginning to envision the wondrous masterworks of Sights & Sounds. A stunning debut.

The Clearing by Sleep For Sleepers (Dreamt Music) – The most underrated band on the Los Angeles music scene today. Dream-like, visionary and adventurous. An important work from a band we’ll be hearing a lot more from in the future.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL