7/15/08

Oh my! We've been a bit lax about keeping this puppy updated, haven't we? It's not just because we've been outside enjoying the beautiful summer weather and going to rooftop BBQs - it's also because we've been hard at work putting together a whole new batch of tasty records for you, not to mention booking Faunts' first-ever US tour. But still, we promise to keep the site updated more frequently from now on, and also to eat all our vegetables, and to look both ways before crossing the street.

WINDMILL "PUDDLE CITY RACING LIGHTS" ALMOST OUT!

It's out in exactly one week, in fact. UK indie pop troubador Matthew Thomas Dillon, a.k.a. Windmill, has graced us with one of the loveliest, strangest, most heart-wrenching records of the year with his debut album "Puddle City Racing Lights". A heady distillation of US indie (think Built To Spill, Guided By Voices, Mercury Rev and Flaming Lips), early ‘70s melancholia and twisted folk-pop, all anchored by Dillon's warbling falsetto, "Puddle City Racing Lights" is unlike anything you've heard before. It's officially out on July 22, but you can preorder it now.

FAUNTS WEST COAST TOUR!

They're finally coming to America! East Coasters are going to have to wait until later in the year to see Faunts play, but if you're on the West Coast, consider yourself lucky:

7/30/08 - Portland, OR @ Holocene (w/ Titus Andronicus)
8/1/08 - Vancouver, BC @ the Sweatshop (w/ the Clips)
8/3/08 - Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern
8/5/08 - San Francisco, CA @ 12 Galaxies
8/6/08 - Los Angeles, CA @ Silverlake Lounge

4/1/08

CAMPHOR RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM "DRAWN TO DUST"!

Hello friends!

We here at Friendly Fire Recordings are very happy about two things these days. One is that spring has sprung in New York. The other is the debut release issued this week by Camphor, entitled "Drawn to Dust." Built around the songwriting of Max Avery Lichtenstien, Camphor is a New York group featuring friends from bands like Mercury Rev, Beirut, Hopewell and Timesbold (of which Max is also a member). While Max is perhaps best known for his instrumental compositions for films such as Tarnation, Jesus' Son and The King, "Drawn to Dust" finds Max and company offering up a heart-tugging selection of chamber pop. Their music hais a dark but catchy sound recalling the likes of Beck, Nick Cave and Calexico. And the packaging itself is as beautiful as the music within; the image of a butterfly wrapped in a warm vellum cover. We hope you'll lend an ear.

"Drawn to Dust" is available now on iTunes with two exclusive bonus tracks. The release can also be found at other digital retailers such as eMusic and Other Music and in physical form at your friendly local record store, not to mention on our own order page.

Camphor will be performing in New York at the end of the month in celebration of "Drawn to Dust." Woo hoo!

FAUNTS "M4" DIGITAL EP OUT NOW!!!

Hello friends of Friendly Fire,

Today is a very exciting day! We're extremely proud to announce that the magnificent new Faunts EP (really closer to a full-length album, considering it's 40+ minutes long), entitled "M4," is now available digitally via the good folks at iTunes. Perhaps you've heard the song "M4 Part II" in the closing credits of the Xbox game "Mass Effect," or perhaps you really loved Faunts' gorgeous debut album "High Expectations/Low Results," or perhaps you haven't heard them at all and might be convinced to at least check out one of their songs on Friendly Fire's myspace page...?

Originally written for a live performance hosted by the Film And Video Arts Society, "M4" is composed of scores originally created to accompany three independent short films. Harnessing the use of electronics and synthesizers, Faunts have gathered material that is more ambient and atmospheric than their previous work, but still demonstrates their love for layered melodies and sparkling electronics.

If we may say so ourselves, it's fuckin' brilliant.

And if you're so-inclined, you can buy it on iTunes for the so-low-we're-practically-giving-it-away price of $3.99. We promise you will enjoy it.

4.12.07
Lots of news for you guys....

NEW ALBUMS FROM ELK CITY AND THE OLD SOUL!
We're very proud to announce the release of not one but TWO new albums on Friendly Fire Recordings, both of which - if you'll permit us to brag for a moment - are totally friggin' awesome.

The first is from New York band ELK CITY, whose third album "New Believers" (featuring guitarist Sean Eden from dream-pop pioneers Luna) calls upon a wide palette of influences: 1960's psychedelic bands such as Love, the girl group sounds of classic Motown, 1970's proto-punk heroes John Cale and Television, and 1980's alternative rock such as The Smiths and The Pixies, all anchored by the striking voice of Renée LoBue.

The second is the debut album from Toronto psych-pop misfits THE OLD SOUL. Deep-fried Grandaddy rock, horn-led Elephant 6 pop and zydeco stomps all find a home in the warmth of the Old Soul's three-minute ditties - the Canadian band's self-titled debut album is a vast collection of pop, calypso, folk, rock, country & western and gypsy exotica, like some sort of genre-ignoring modern Frankenstein.

Check the band pages for more information and some free mp3s!

FREE FRIENDLY FIRE SAMPLER!
In addition to the new cds from Elk City and the Old Soul, we've pressed up a bunch of really nifty label samplers featuring tracks from every band on the label (including upcoming Faunts side project THE WHITSUNDAYS - more on them later). Samplers are free with any order, or we'll send you for one measly dollar (to cover postage). Yay!

FAUNTS WORKING ON ALBUM #2
The boys from Faunts are in the studio working hard on their second full-length album, which is shaping up to sound really really good. We'll keep you posted - expect more news in the next few months. In the meantime, the self-released, limited-edition 40-minute Faunts EP "M4" is
available for sale here.

ASOBI SEKSU LIVE ALBUM & ITUNES EXCLUSIVE EP!
Asobi Seksu have been keeping busy too - they recently wrapped up a national tour with the Ataris and finished a stunning video for the song "Goodbye" (check it out here).

Our friends at Spaceland Records in Los Angeles just released an excellent Asobi Seksu live album (available for order here), and iTunes has an exclusive live EP of Asobi Seksu's recent performance at the New York City Apple store. Enjoy!

3.9.07
FRIENDLY FIRE GOES TO SXSW!
Two Friendly Fire bands, Asobi Seksu and David & the Citizens, will be performing at this year's South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. If you're in town, come check them out!

DAVID & THE CITIZENS
Thursday 3/15: 4pm @ End of an Ear, 2209 South 1st St.
Thursday 3/15: 1am @ Uncle Flirty's Loft, 512 Trinity St. (Nordic Night showcase)
Friday 3/16: 1:40pm @ SOHO, 217 E. 6th St. (Pirate Promotions party)
Saturday 3/17: 3:45 and 4:30 @ Homeslice Pizza, 1415 South Congress
  (15-minute solo sets between bands!)
Saturday 3/17: 6pm @ the Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery, 1510 South Congress
  (Redeye Distribution 10th Anniversary party)

ASOBI SEKSU
Thursday 3/15: 1am @ The Parish II, 214 E. 6th St.
Saturday 3/17: 3pm @ The Mohawk, 912 Red River St. (Hot Freaks! blogger-curated party)

11.10.06
DAVID & THE CITIZENS "UNTIL THE SADNESS IS GONE" OUT NOW!
This has been many years in the making! Friendly Fire is very proud to be releasing the amazing album "Until the Sadness is Gone" from Swedish band David & the Citizens. "Until the Sadness is Gone" is a truly remarkable album: jubilant, melodic, and intelligent. Lovingly arranged, lyrically moving, and distinctively Scandinavian. Heartstring-tugging, but still a hell of a lot of fun. From the whooping klezmer clarinet on opening track "The End" (which works surprisingly well in the context of an indie pop song) to the bouncy harmonies of "New Direction," "Until the Sadness is Gone" is a confident and catchy release from one of Sweden's greatest exports since Ikea. And we're thrilled to finally release it in North America!

Check out some tracks from "Until the Sadness is Gone" here and check out the video for David & the Citizens' song "Graycoated Morning" (currently in rotation on MTVu) here. The album is available via Paypal on the Friendly Fire site, as well as online through iTunes and Insound, and at all good record stores.

ASOBI SEKSU ANNOUNCE NEW TOUR DATES!
New York dream-pop quartet Asobi Seksu has just announced a string of new dates, supporting a variety of bands including Mates of State, Tokyo Police Club, and the Wrens. Seriously guys: if you haven't seen Asobi Seksu play live yet, there's no excuse not to see them this time around. They are absolutely amazing live. Seriously. The new tour dates can be found here.

FAUNTS RELEASE NEW EP!
Last but not least, we're happy to announce that Edmonton's FAUNTS have just released a new EP called "M4" on their own label imprint. Originally written for a live performance hosted by the Film And Video Arts Society, "M4" is composed of scores originally created to accompany three independent short films. Harnessing the use of electronics and synthesizers, Faunts have gathered material that is more ambient and atmospheric than their previous work, but still demonstrates their love for layered melodies and sparkling electronics. This 40-minute EP being is being released by the band in a limited pressing of 500 copies, and is not available in stores. But you can order it from Friendly Fire!


10.09.06
FRIENDLY FIRE AT CMJ!
It's that time of year - the CMJ music marathon is upon us once again! This year, three Friendly Fire bands (including two brand-new signings, Elk City and the Old Soul, about whom you will be hearing quite a bit in the near future) are playing. Come check some of our bands out!

Wednesday, November 1
ASOBI SEKSU - Apple Store in-store (Soho location), free (no badge required), 3pm

Thursday, November 2
FRIENDLY FIRE/PAPER BAG/RESONANCE MAGAZINE AFTERNOON DELIGHT!
The Annex, 152 Orchard St.
Free (no badge required)
Free t-shirts from Blood is the New Black!

1:00 Regina
1:45 Elk City
2:30 Diableros
3:15 The Old Soul
4:00 Uncut
4:45 Mobius Band

Thursday, November 2
ELK CITY - 8pm @ Rebel (251 W. 30th St. b/t 7th & 8th), w/ Craig Wedren, Tra La La

Friday, November 3
THE OLD SOUL - 8pm @ Galapagos (70 N. 6th St., Williamsburg Bklyn), w/Bound Stems, American Princes, Cities, Mixel Pixel, Dirty on Purpose, The Horrors, Born Ruffians, The Big Sleep, Headlights, Aloha www.yeproc.com/upload/images/public/Redeye/CMJ.bmp

Saturday, November 4
THE OLD SOUL - 8pm @ Arlene's Grocery (95 Stanton St.), w/ Cities, American Princes, Forget Cassettes, De Novo Dahl

10.09.06
DAVID & THE CITIZENS VIDEO ON MTVu!
Hi everybody!

We're very pleased to announce that David & the Citizens have had their video "Graycoated Morning" selected for MTVu's "Freshmen Five" this week. Every week MTVu (the "little sibling" channel of MTV and MTV2) posts five new videoS from up-and-coming bands on their site, and viewers vote for their favorite. Each week the winner is automatically added into rotation at MTVu.
Please please take a moment to vote for David & the Citizens here - we're up against some stiff
competition, and every vote counts.

David & the Citizens' album "Until the Sadness is Gone" comes out on October 31 and we're super excited about it. Check out some songs (and the video) here!

05.30.06
ASOBI SEKSU "CITRUS" OUT NOW
The day is finally here! We're very proud to announce that Asobi Seksu's new album "Citrus" is out now. Find it in your local record store, on iTunes and other digital download sites, on Insound or Amp Camp, or - best of all - just order a copy via Paypal right here on the Friendly Fire site!

Reviews for the new album have been excellent, but decide for yourself: two tracks for the album are available for free download on the band's page. Plus, as a special treat, we've put a Glass Factory remix of the Asobi Seksu song "Strings" (off of the new album) on the Friendly Fire MySpace page. Enjoy!

One last bit of news for those of you in NYC: Asobi Seksu is playing a record release party on Thursday, June 1 at Joe's Pub at 9:30. Get tickets soon; the show will most likely sell out!

05.09.06
ASOBI SEKSU "CITRUS" NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER
Asobi Seksu's sophomore album "Citrus" is coming out on May 30, but if you don't want to wait that long, it is now available for preorder here. Check out some tracks from the new album on the band's page too. This is going to be one of the best albums of 2006!

FAUNTS TOUR POSTPONED
The Faunts US tour has been postponed because of visa issues - yeah, we're bummed out too. The band is busy rescheduling the tour and we'll have dates for you as soon as they become available.

02.28.06
DAVID & THE CITIZENS EP OUT MARCH 7
Just one week left until Friendly Fire releases Swedish band David & the Citizens' US debut, and we're super excited about it. If you haven't already, take the time to check out the free mp3s on the band's page - you won't be sorry. Preorder the EP here.

ASOBI SEKSU NATIONAL TOUR
Fresh from recording their sophomore album "Citrus" (out May 30 on Friendly Fire), Asobi Seksu are hitting the road once again for a national tour that will take them all the way from New York to the West coast, with plenty of stops in between, including multiple shows in Austin, TX for South by Southwest and a show in San Francisco for the esteemed Noise Pop festival. If you haven't seen Asobi Seksu before, now is your chance - they're an absoultely stellar live band, and their new set list has to be heard to be believed. Check out the tour dates here.

ASOBI SEKSU TO PLAY LIVE ON KEXP
KEXP, one of America's best independent radio stations, has invited Asobi Seksu to perform live on the air on Monday, March 27 at 9am PST. The performance will be broadcast on KEXP's website as well as on the air - make sure to tune in!

01.09.06
OUR NEW WEBSITE IS FINALLY UP!
Yep, hell has frozen over, and pigs can fly. Our old clunky website, long in need of a serious update, has been redone by Lost Property Information in time for us to hit the ground running in 2006. And boy oh boy do we have some treats in store for you this year! We'll be updating the website far more often than before, so feel free to check back from time to time.

ASOBI SEKSU COMPLETES RECORDING "CITRUS"
After spending time in the studio with the very talented Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav, Calla), Asobi Seksu have finished recording their sophomore album "Citrus". Sean McCabe is doing art once again, so the CD is going to both look and sound fantastic. The album will be coming out in a few months. Reserve a spot on your Best-of-2006 list for it! In the meantime, the band's music is featured in two films that are both finalists at the Sundance Film Festival: "In Between Days" and "Flannel Pajamas". Yay!

DAVID & THE CITIZENS EP COMING OUT MARCH 7
We're very proud to announce that Friendly Fire will be releasing the debut US EP from the brilliant Swedish band David & the Citizens. We've been fans of this band (who are big stars in their homeland - they've even been nominated for a Swedish Grammy) for years, so we're really excited to bring their unique brand of multilayered, intelligent, dynamic indie-pop. Brendan Monroe and Xanthe Hohalek are doing the artwork. If you like Belle & Sebastian, the Decemberists, Neutral Milk Hotel or Patrick Wolf, you'll like this band.

FAUNTS GEARING UP FOR MAY TOUR
Faunts are preparing for a US/Canada tour in May 2006 in support of their debut album "High Expectations/Low Results". We'll post their tour itinerary as soon as it's ready!