Homework: 6 June 2002

‘Who Stole The Rock?’, ask those crazy demonic cats Daemien Frost in one of their new trilogy of videos. Other clips with visual eye candy accompaniment include ‘Duck Gait Parade’ and ‘Also Run’ with direction and production duties overseen by the very industrious Del9 and Apeonaut collectives. The freeform mentalists are also planning some US shows in August and no less than a double 7” to be lovingly packaged in a hand pressed gatefold sleeve crafted by Dexterity Press in Chicago, formerly the noted imprint Fireproof Press.

Also whipping up a sonic frenzy overseas are confrontational power pop punk rockers The Subtonics, serenading the senoritas in Madrid and playing their own weekend headliner in the illustrious Rock Palace. Currently, the boys are back at home working on sessions of Stone Roses-style duration for their debut album, which has been provisionally christened Half An Ounce Of Decorum. As jetsetting seems to be the flavour of the week, Cork’s Boa Morte have been booked for seven or eight UK dates in July. After doing the rounds in Europe, Gemma Hayes’ Night On My Side received a healthy plug in being named XFM’s album of the week. Gemma’s debut is also being championed by the highly regarded Rough Trade shops.

New band alert this fortnight for A Lazarus Soul, Giraffe Running and The Chalets. Lazarus Soul number Brian Brannigan, Joe Wilson, Tony Hegarty and Fin O’Leary in their ranks. Giraffe Running are a marriage of sound that includes Greg (Joan Of Arse), Happy (Daemien Frost), Dec (Warlords Of Pez) and Al. An eponymous debut EP from the Lazarus lot is out now... The Chalets are one to have a look at in the coming weeks and month as they open their live account. In new release news, the debut album from the Connect 4 Orchestra should see an early autumn launch. Meanwhile, an eagerly awaited single is due very soon from Estel and Drogheda metallers Scavenger releases their eight-track debut this week.

Last weekend, The Jimmy Cake played a super-duper long live set to mark a strategic hiatus over the coming weeks and months to commence work on album number two. Judging by the excellent material they’ve been showcasing of late, it should be rather special. It looks like a busy, melodic, noisy and fun 2002. Bring it on!