andynelson
-
Posts
136 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Feedback
0%
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Posts posted by andynelson
-
-
Hello friends, the new LP is out next month.
'VICTORY IS RATED'
The latest masterpiece from The Absolute Boys.
Out 22rd February 2019 on 12XU.Listen to "Waterford Crystals"
Bandcamp - bit.ly/2VXsH2R
SoundCloud - bit.ly/2sugCo7
Spotify - spoti.fi/2SZMGfe
iTunes - apple.co/2MgiEBt+ Pre-Order NOW
12XU Store - bit.ly/2TUQkHh
or Bandcamp - bit.ly/2Db4wGEHere's a thing Gerard wrote, if you like reading for some reason:
Spoiler'Victory Is Rated’ is the 3rd studio album from Philadelphia’s Dark Blue, following 2014’s ‘Pure Reality’ and 2017’s widely acclaimed ‘Start Of The World’. Over the course of the last half decade, the ensemble —helmed by Clockcleaner / Puerto Rico Flowers founder John Sharkey III, have walked a thin line between defiance and fatalism, often trading in the anthemic with equal doses of the sardonic and the melancholy. That all of it is increasing informed & influenced by the real goddamned world probably helps.
There’s some cruel irony in Sharkey’s (second) self-imposed exile from the USA occurring right after completing the recording of ‘Victory Is Rated’ with conspirators Andy Nelson (Ceremony), Michael Sneeringer (Strands Of Oak, Rosali) and B. David Walsh given that this is by far, Dark Blue’s most fully realized statement — in some alternative universe where this band toured consistently, they’d be way too big for this label (frankly, they already are), but really, what has America done to actually deserve their brutal honesty?
Sharkey says the album’s main themes are class war and mortality. I’m not entirely sure there are other themes (not simply on ‘Victory Is Rated’, either) , but we’re very fortunate he’s so skilled at writing about those two. He also likens the record to “if Blitz went Brit pop” and while that ticks off a couple of crucial boxes for me, let’s get something rather thorny out of the way. However many allusions you’ve seen to some subculture you either dislike or can barely be bothered to skim the surface of on a Dark Blue flyer, this is not a high (?) concept series of mannerisms disguised as a gloriously powerful rock band. Dark Blue is a gloriously powerful rock band. For all time.
John Sharkey III - vocals, guitar
Andrew Mackie Nelson - bass & piano
Michael Sneeringer - drums
B. David Walsh - guitarswith additional support from
Kurt Vile - trumpet
Sara Schimeneck - keysRecorded & Mixed by Jeff Ziegler
Produced by 2 Young AttorneysMastered at Chicago Mastering Service
includes download code
And we are playing ONE show in the entire U.S.A. in solemn observance of the record's release, March 1st at Saint Vitus:
Tickets - ticketf.ly/2swEwzE
FB Event - www.facebook.com/events/292201661499584/ -
PAINT IT BLACK
SCREAMING FEMALES
GIVE
THE HIRS COLLECTIVE
BACCHAE3rd August 2018 6:30pm
House of Independents
Asbury Park, NJ
All Ages
Tickets - https://www.ticketweb.com/event/paint-it-black-house-of-independents-tickets/8512515?pl=hoi
FB Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/982754885237304/ -
Surprise! We just dropped a load of extremely limited new stuff to our webstore, including some more versions of 'The L-Shaped Man: The Demo Recordings' LPs for all of those who missed the pre-order, and some new crewnecks, pocket t's and tote bags (plus some bundles, if that's your thing). Most of these are crazily limited and won't last too long. Don't sleep, we love you all...
http://ceremonyhc.bigcartel.com/
-
Good morning, dark yous. Pleased to share the news that we've a new 7" available now for the pleasure of your eyes, ears and, most importantly, your wallets. This is a BIG tune, one that'd be very much at home in the rafters of Wembley or Old Trafford. Naturally, it's backed with our improvement on an Anti-Nowhere League classic. Feast upon it...
Buy - http://12xu.bigcartel.com/product/dark-blue-fight-to-love-b-w-for-you-7-12xu-108-7
Listen - https://soundcloud.com/gerardcosloy/dark-blue-fight-to-love
Read -
It’s 2018 and it’s another shite year in America. But hey, the Philadelphia Eagles finally made it to the Super Bowl, so it’s only fitting there’s a new Dark Blue single recorded by none other than Jeff Ziegler. The band’s 2016 LP—'Start of The World'—was as much an ode to the powerless as it was an effort to lay bare uncomfortable realities: the working poor keep working only to get poorer, oh and ICYMI, there’s a violent occupation happening in Palestine. Dark Blue’s latest 7” for 12XU continues to sing to the unsung with two tracks that are unwilling to sugarcoat issues many seem to turn a blind eye to.
The A side, “Fight to Love”, is a brit-pop ballad that feels arena huge thanks to John Sharkey III’s distinct vocals, which are the strongest and most emotional they’ve ever been. Like all Dark Blue songs, bleak is always embedded in the pop. This track rails against gentrification, which according to Sharkey, doesn’t matter if it’s lead by “slime who dress their rescue dogs in Lycra,” or if it’s cloaked in Zionism.
The flip side to this is a reimagined version of Anti-Nowhere League’s 1983 classic, “For You.” Instead of the cut’s street punk grit, Dark Blue turns the track inside out to expose a song that goes right for the heart instead of the usual brick to the gut.
Dark Blue’s new 7” proves that they’re still here, trudging through the dreadful in 2018, and these songs will have you stomping right beside them.
In other news, we wrapped up recording our 3rd LP the other day, which is due out later this fall. It's a classic-on-arrival, so you're going to want to keep your eyes peeled. NYC, see you tonight. xo/db
-
Friday February 2nd 7:30pm
OPEN CITY
PINKWASH
DOWNTRODDERAt Siren Records
25 E State Street - Doylestown, PA 18901
Five Bucks | All Ages | N.O.T.A.F.L.O.L.
FB Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/1447505965371200/
Saturday February 3rd 8:00pm
OPEN CITY
PINKWASH
KILAMANZEGO
DOWNTRODDERAt Danny's in West Philly
1 N 50th Street - Philadelphia, PA 19139
Five Bucks | All Ages | N.O.T.A.F.L.O.F.
FB Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/178566599580557/ -
HEADS UP! We're playing two 'City Of Ash' release shows NEXT WEEKEND. Friday night at Siren Records in Doylestown and Saturday night at Danny's in West Philadelphia. We'll be joined by some very special guests who will be revealed shortly. We're coming for you...SPREAD THE WORD.
-
Hahaha totally understand. The ridiculous part is if we sell all 400 we break even on costs. As if doing punk wasn't already a total labour of love as it is...
-
-
NEW LIMITED OPEN CITY 7” AVAILABLE NOW
Greetings Punks! We’re very excited to share the second Open City release of 2017, a 45rpm 7” featuring two new songs: “City Of Ash”, backed with “A Condition Worth A Mention”. Like the album, these tracks were recorded by Will Yip at Studio 4, and we’re releasing the vinyl ourselves in a very limited one time pressing. 400 copies for mailorder only. Includes an immediate high-quality download.
This single has been in the works for a long time, but as it would turn out, in the meantime the world has done us the courtesy of entirely falling apart around us so that these tunes would function as an even more fitting soundtrack to the oncoming apocalypse. So thanks for that. We do hope you enjoy it.
And, as always, if you’re over the symbolic gesture that is purchasing punk records in their physical form, you're invited to download or stream it in a multitude of digital formats.
Limited vinyl here, while it lasts:
http://store.theeopencity.com/
Listen here:
https://theeopencity.bandcamp.com/
Upcoming Shows:
Dec 15 - Silent Barn - Brooklyn, NY
-
60+ hand-screened (mostly) punk show posters from the past 10+ years including MORRISSEY, THE BOUNCING SOULS, PROPAGANDHI, THE MENZINGERS, MODERN LIFE IS WAR, CEREMONY, AVAIL, PAINT IT BLACK, THE DEAD MILKMEN, TIM BARRY, THE EXPLOSION, THE LOVED ONES, BLACKLISTED, KID DYNAMITE + Lots More. Happy to combine shipping, yadda yadda yadda...
https://www.ebay.com/sch/andrew_mackie/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
-
Hi. A gig-only version of the LP exists and there's only 100 of them. You can get them only from us at shows while they last. Here are two such places to get them:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1145038288898708/
Saturday April 29 @ The First Unitarian Church
THE +HIRS+ COLLECTIVE
RADIATOR HOSPITAL
OPEN CITY
PANDEMIX
SOUL GLO
SOLARIZEDhttps://www.facebook.com/events/415998608765978/
Monday May 22nd @ PhilaMOCA
RVIVR
OPEN CITY
BIG NOTHING
EMPATH -
Philly tonight, a benefit show for Electrifest...
https://www.facebook.com/events/636977289815085/
*TONIGHT*
Thursday February 16th 8:00pmPINKWASH
OPEN CITY
ORDINARY LIVESAt Everybody Hits
(529 W Girard Ave. In Philadelphia, PA)
All Ages / $5 -> ∞ Donation SuggestedThis show is a benefit for Electrifest. Taking place in Philadelphia April 8th & 9th, Electrifest is an event for LGBT folks centering POC navigating healthcare, wellness and institutional trauma through radical music and art. For more on Electrifest, please click here - https://www.facebook.com/events/273076116428498/
-
More shows this weekend:
2/16 Philadelphia, PA @ Everybody Hits
https://www.facebook.com/events/636977289815085/2/17 Washington, DC @ Comet Ping Pong
https://www.facebook.com/events/1781449685513722/2/18 Richmond, VA @ Black Iris
https://www.facebook.com/events/209268179546830/2/19 Baltimore, MD @ Downsquares
https://www.facebook.com/events/1833373453587171/www.theeopencity.com
-
-
-
I mean it IS gorgeous...just wait until you hear the vinyl mastering.
-
OK, coke bottle is all gone unless you're Australian, in which case you can buy one of the 25 we are sending to Resist:
http://shop.resistrecords.com/collections/feature-releases/products/opencityselftitledlp
-
We're down to like 10 copies of the clear vinyl. For some reason people are ordering more of the clear w/ black than the violet (probably because it's so pretty)???
-
We probably will NOT have vinyl for the shows in February (maybe tapes). Records are at the plant now (everything is approved) but I don't want to make promises and then not come through.
We will definitely have free lyric sheets though!
-
Also,
Pressing Information
800 CLEAR WITH HEAVY BLACK SWIRL400 VIOLET
200 COKE BOTTLE CLEAR
-
Hello, friends. Your new hymnal is available now. Resistance music for dangerous times.
Listen & get limited vinyl here (includes immediate download):
http://www.theeopencity.comEuros & Brits go here:
http://endhitsrecords.bigcartel.com/Wholesale copies available through Ebullition, RevHQ and Revolver.
About the record:
"I know you’d like if we just sat silent / and never challenged your ideas," asserts Rachel Rubino in the opening moments of Open City, the eponymous debut by the Philadelphia four-piece, over a blast of hardcore dissonance. “So here's how we feel, here’s what we want, here’s what we need: to be heard!” Open City is a project embedded with histories — people, places, sounds, scenes. Bringing together collective decades of experience in East Coast punk and DIY communities, specifically ones known for prying open the melodic sides of punk rock, hardcore and post-punk, the project is: singer and lyricist Rachel Rubino (Bridge And Tunnel, Worriers), bassist Andy Nelson (Paint It Black, Ceremony, Dark Blue), guitarist Dan Yemin (Paint It Black, Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, Armalite), and drummer Chris Wilson (Ted Leo & the Pharmacists).“Hell Hath No Fury” is the album’s opening track, an apt point of entry to Open City’s ten tracks of dynamic post-hardcore and Rubino’s wide-ranging vocals, which fluctuate from shouts and screams, to melodic hooks and the occasional deadpan. “I've personally never felt like I fit into the binary of what a woman should be or do,” Rubino says, reflecting on the song. “I feel a strong desire to disconnect gender from talents and actions. I constantly want to find new ways of challenging myself, and through that to challenge the stale ideas others have placed on us. I refuse to do so in silence. I believe in the individual’s right to govern themselves based on what they feel is right and true to their vision of a positive reality.”
A shared ideology is central to Open City. The project grew out of a mutual desire for a band that rehearsed continuously, coupled with an urgent need for something faster and more aggressive than some of its members had done before. Yemin, Nelson and Wilson spent a year carving out the band’s sonic framework, searching for a singer who spoke their common musical language, one inspired by 90s basements and commitment to DIY as an ongoing process. By the time they found Rubino, they’d already linked up with Will Yip at Studio 4 to record the instrumental tracks for the record, fueled by eagerness, frustration, and utter necessity. The result is an album that moves seamlessly, full of thoughtfulness and careful rage.
Open City draws direct inspiration from a specific period in underground punk. “The most exciting shows I’ve seen in my entire life have been in basements in New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York, during 1991 through the early 00s. Specifically Sarah Kirsch’s bands,” Yemin says, speaking of the prolific punk songwriter who played in 12 bands over 20 years, including John Henry West, Torches to Rome, Bread and Circuits, and Fuel. “Those bands were really inspiring in terms of how she did things, what the records sounded like and looked like, the interface between content and design, and presentation and process. Most recently Mothercountry Motherfuckers, the posthumous record that just came out, that was my favorite record of the past few years.” In the early 90s, Kirsch’s music left Yemin in awe: for its aggression, for its melody, the energy, the things said on stage between songs.
Open City weaves in and out of pointed themes: sexism, not staying silent, but also the hollowness of words in the face of inaction. The stakes are high. “I am tired / and you are right / we’ve given up the fight,” Rubino scowls on “Nerve Center”. “Trading my cards in for other efforts / find a place where I can be more effective / What a fucking joke!” It’s a song that stares you right in the eye and couldn’t be better timed. "All these words they don’t mean shit when all you do is yell at bricks," Rubino screams on a cut that rallies against inequality, “Brother I'm Getting Nowhere.”
These are songs about sleepless nights, the reality of endings, about feeling stuck, honing on a purpose; about fighting, and then not fighting. “There's an inherent anger at the systems of oppression and abuse that constantly diminish and destroy the efforts of folks who are fighting for a better world,” Rubio says. “There's a deep disappointment for a lack of support and care from individuals in my life and in my community who I expected more from. There's a heavy dose of self-analysis, in a range from self care to self-loathing. Finding hope in strange places. Mourning loss along a timeline you cannot control. Trying to understand it. Admitting that I can't. It exists in that tense place where frustration is fighting apathy.”
- Liz Pelly
Upcoming Shows:
Feb 03 - Suburbia - Brooklyn, NY
Feb 04 - Aurora - Providence, RI
Feb 05 - In The West - New Brunswick, NJ
Feb 16 - Everybody Hits - Philadelphia, PA
Feb 17 - Comet Ping Pong - Washington, DC
Feb 18 - Black Iris - Richmond, VA
Feb 19 - Downsquares - Baltimore, MD
Apr 29 - First Unitarian Church - Philadelphia, PA- jonnywreck, cephcarn4 and ozfacter
-
3
-
Hi. Our friends at No Idea Records have done a small repressing of our 'Invisible' 7"EP on kind of like a dark pink vinyl and we have a handful of them, should you wish to partake in the symbolic exercise that is purchasing physical music in 2016. The good news for you all is that this record still totally RIPS.
http://paintitblack.bigcartel.com/product/invisible-7
We're also playing a couple of shows for the first time in a few years, info is here:
KYEO/PIB
-
Not sure. Somewhere in Delco.
-
Forgot to mention there's limited translucent green vinyl for pre-orders. 200 pressed, they won't last:
http://12xu.bigcartel.com/product/dark-blue-start-of-the-world-lp-12xu-089-1
PO Now: DARK BLUE 'Victory Is Rated' LP - Out 22nd February on 12XU
in Vinyl Collective Message Board
Posted · Edited by andynelson
Our Valentines gift to you, please enjoy another new song from our forthcoming album. Listen to “LET ME TELL YOU A NEW STORY” (feat. Delco royalty Kurt Vile on, what else, the trumpet) now. Feel LOVED...and then, Buy The Record.
https://darkblue12xu.bandcamp.com/track/let-me-tell-you-a-new-story-2