After much tinkering and tweaking (and a few now erroneous posts on our part), the hard-rocking Oakland outlaws, Annihilation Time have finalized their west coast tour schedule. Though they will miss Colorado, Salt Lake City, and Reno, the tinkering has opened up the August 6th slot for a Bay Area show, that was originally canceled last week. Though no venue has been announced for the August 6th opening, the band says they will post details as soon as they come. (more…)

Despite the March departure of drummer Lorin Coleman (pictured on the left), the Portland trio turned duo, the Thermals, have just posted two brand new demos on their MySpace page. The two songs, “I Let It Go” and “You Dissolve,” are both scheduled to appear on the Thermals’ upcoming fourth album Now We Can See. The remaining two-thirds, better known as Kathy Foster and Hutch Harris, claim that the demos were recorded solely on an eight-track recorder, in the duos practice space and houses. (more…)

Electronic organs have been part of the Japanese DJ’s toolbox for more than decade, but it took YouTube to make Electone artistry an American sensation. When video clips of the hyperactive DJ Tucker lighting a fire (literally) on a Yamaha Electone electronic organ (while standing upside down) began making the rounds on YouTube in the spring of 2006, a phenomenon was born. The intensity of Tucker’s performance—and the crowd’s mounting energy—reinvented this usually staid instrument. (more…)

With all of us here at ALARM anxiously awaiting the ALARM sponsored Isis & Dub Trio show this Saturday at Subterranean, we thought it would be appropriate to update you on some of the latest Isis news. Isis is currently finishing up their highly anticipated fifth album, and has assured us and fans alike that they are “sweating away in a small windowless room.” In addition to working on the new album, Isis members have also been keeping themselves busy with multiple side projects. (more…)

Portland favorites Starfucker recently signed to Badman Recording Company and their self-titled debut is due for release this fall. A culmination of drums, drum machines, keyboards, guitars, turntablism, this trio (Josh Hodges, Ryan Bjornstad, and Shawn Glassford) combines indie-pop sensibilities with hip-hop beats to create a sound uniquely their own. (more…)

Liam Finn’s first headlining tour of North America, entitled the ”I’ll Be Touring Tour,” will take place this fall. Finn’s debut album, I’ll Be Lightning, is already a fan and critical fave, and joining him on tour will be long time vocal collaborator Eliza-Jane Barnes. Until the tour embarks in September, fans are invited to view an exclusive improv live performance, recorded two weeks ago in London by Finn online at http://www.liamfinn.tv. (more…)

John Reis is synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll. As the singer/guitarist in Rocket From the Crypt, he helped usher a much-needed blast of style and flair to music in the grunge era. As part of the abrasive and rhythmically complex Drive Like Jehu, he helped put San Diego punk on the map. And as head of Swami Records, he’s curated a roster of incredible garage rock acts, such as Dan Sartain and Beehive and the Barracudas. (more…)

FNMTV , the new Friday night series on MTV hosted by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, will premiere Chromeo ’s new video for the single, "Momma’s Boy." Following the success of their latest release, Fancy Footwork: Deluxe Edition , "Momma’s Boy" will be the third single released from the album. The video is set to premiere on Friday, July 25 at 8:00 PM ET/PST. As well, like all videos that premiere on the show (four per week), the boy’s will appear live on the show to talk about the band and the song. (more…)

Akimbo - the Seattle-based hard rock outfit - will release their newest effort Jersey Shores (Neurot) on September 23rd. The album was recorded in just three weeks and sees the band maturing in their sound. Grinding guitars and growling vocals create a mixture of impending doom, which is fitting considering the album’s name was derived from the legacy of numerous shark attacks that occurred about ninety-two years ago in the Garden State. (more…)

Reno, Nevada-based Hellbound Glory will begin their first national tour in San Jose, California. The group will feature their latest release, Scumbag Country(out on Gearhead Records). On the first gig of their tour, the group will also open for ’80s root-rockers, The Blasters. The tour will wrap up on August 22 with a large, all ages outdoor concert at Elkhorn Station Restaurant. Tour dates are listed below: (more…)