Tampa Calling

Metal Monday came early this week with Sunday evening’s show at Czar’s Imperial Palace featuring Torche, House of Lightning and Averkiou. Death Metal, one of Tampa’s more unqiue claims to fame, has influenced a plethora of subgenres including the hardcore scene I grew up in. It was awesome to see how many old school hardcore kids made it out on a Sunday night along with a whole new group of metal afficiandos.

Torche

Hailing from Miami, Torche has a rabid fan base hooked on their unique sound – part thrash with a twist of melodic hardcore, and dare I say a bit of twang, all against a solid metal foundation. Decibel Magazine called Torche’s music a “whole new beast built from the DNA up.” Ever since Torche’s Meanderthal (Hydrahead Records) took the No. 1 spot on Decibel’s 2008 Top 40 Extreme Albums list, the band’s fan base has rapidly expanded. Thankfully, their intensity remains intact. (MORE PICS AFTER THE JUMP) Read the rest of this entry »

Down the street from The Hold Steady at The Ritz on July 2, 2009, New Granada presented a night of local Florida musicians at New World Brewery including King of Spain, Will Quinlan & The Diviners, and Mike Dunn & The Kings of New England.

King of Spain

Alas, I only caught the last two songs but they were the artfully crafted electro-folk songs that are now synonymous with Matt Slate.

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I hate to perpetuate a rumor, but this is a juicy one worth mentioning: Tupac is Alive in New Orleans! No…. freakin’…. way!

BallerStatus.com reports:

We’ve always heard that the late rapper was hiding on some island somewhere, locked in a studio, recording all the music you’ve heard released following the years after this death.

But, that’s all not true. He’s alive, and has been hitting the town.

TMZ obtained a few photos of the Tupac, alive and well, drinking and have a good ole time at Hand Grenades in New Orleans.

Click below to see the pics…

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Morrissey and his band stuck 7″ records to their dicks and got someone to take a picture of it.

According to fansite sources, the photo will appear on the inside sleeve of his new single, “I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris”.

Follow the jump to see genuine Smiths pubes:

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An otherwise ordinary Monday evening was transformed into a fantastic inferno of colors, costumes and characters at The Ritz featuring Of Montreal, Fiery Furnaces, and Fire Zuave. It was impressive how many people were in attendance given the competition with the Bucs game and it being a Monday.  Proof positive that the Tampa area has a plethora of indie music fans.

See photos after the break. Click here for Leilani’s in-depth review and killer video.
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