The Philistines Jr Announce New Record, New Homebrewed Instrument Creates Extra Spice

On October 19, The Philistines Jr. return after a nine year hiatus with "If A Band Plays in the Woods…?" (Tarquin Records/EmBarque), a sharply clever, bittersweet record that teases wisdom out of everyday encounters with litterbug neighbors, unruly pets, and broken cable service.

Comprised of songwriter/producer Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Swell Season), his brother Tarquin, and Adam Pierce (Mice Parade), The Philistines Jr. are a band unafraid to tackle life's big questions. The refrain "Hey, hey, it's the end of the world, again" appears throughout the album’s 12 original tracks, but the context shifts each time. The result is a work with shades of melancholy that transform into hope, moments of despondence that blossom into optimism.

As with most Philistines Jr. albums, the music mixes rock instrumentation, vibraphone and glockenspiel, theremin, and electronic sounds including a half-broken sequencer, a cheap Casio keyboard, and a homebrewed instrument, the Dewanatron, here played by its co-inventor Leon Dewan. In keeping with the lyrical themes, the sound is quietly radical — listen to the subtle but epic shift from keyboards to guitars on the majestic "B." "When I appreciate things for being weird," says Peter, "they're not obviously weird."

So, why the long hiatus? “If you work on a record three days a year,” says Peter, “it takes about ten years.” During that time, Peter has produced and mixed some of the most important indie releases of the past decade by The National, Interpol, Jonsi (of Sigur Ros), The Swell Season, Tokyo Police Club, Frightened Rabbit, Mates of State, Fanfarlo, and others.

"One way to create new sounds is to create new instruments," says Peter Katis. "New sounds" barely begins to cover the Dewanatron, an astonishingly complex electronic instrument created and played by artists/inventors Brian and Leon Dewan.

Check out this clip of "A Trip Down The Rooster River" from Philistines Jr's new album, 'If A Band Plays in the Woods…?' (Tarquin Records/EmBarque) for a taste of the other-worldly Dewanatron in action. (click here!)

courtesy of Shore Fire.

Wintersleep on Last.fm Discover Summer Sessions

Canadian indie rock band Wintersleep recently was featured on Last.fm Discover Summer Sessions, and they performed songs from their latest album New Inheritors.

Check out the stretch of videos over here.

Raekwon Unveils Two New Albums for 2010

Long-time rapper best known for his prominent role in Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon earlier made a statement that he will be releasing two new albums in 2010.

The first of the two as promised is entitled Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, likely to debut in September through ICE H2O Records. It's already the second half of the year - two albums in four months? Raekwon must have a lot in his mind to express.

We're looking forward to it.

Dave Sitek Unleash Side Project, Maximum Balloon New Debut in August

Last September, New York's experimental outfit TV On The Radio announced a year hiatus. Shortly after, member Kyp Malone revealed his solo project under the moniker Rain Machine.

This August, multi-instrumentalist and producer Dave Sitek will be releasing a new record under the moniker Maximum Balloon.

The first single from the record, Groove Me featuring Theophilus London, an electro funk piece as seen tremendous and rich in grooves.

Indeed we're rather curious to see what has the hiatus made the band's music evolve, otherwise, a little side project may amuse TV On The Radio fans.

Check em' out.

Porter Fall 2010 Union Backpack

More of those Union backpacks by Porter appeared in stores for Fall 2010. This time we see a spice up colorway as compared to their previous all-black release.



Available now at Yoshidakaban.

Asics Gel Lyte III Fall 2010

Asics introduced new colorways to their famous Gel Lyte III model. One significantly packs with the colorways similar to the ones found on Reebok's classic Insta Pump Fury.



Available now at Flauge.

Converse Jack Purcell High Velcro Strap 'Union Jack'

A special edition of the Converse Jack Purcell, probably a rare one indeed. Based on the high top with velcro strap, styled with the union jack on the back. Available in two colorways - black and blue.



Get yours now at Flauge.

Cody Hudson for Converse

Converse invited Chicago-based artist Cody Hudson to join the PRODUCT(RED) collection, and it turns out it wasn't such a bad idea.

The artist picked on the classic Chuck Taylor High and revamped the high top with premium leather. The embossed prints can be found on the side and it's tongue. The laces are leather too.

Not sure on availability, but we foresee it's coming real soon.

Via High Snobiety.

Belstaff Jair Low

Belstaff unveils the Jair Low trainer, black leather low top inspired by the all-time classic Chuck Taylor. Main attraction - we love to say it's the buckled strap on it's heel that made it so impressive, as we believe every little detailing makes a difference.

On top of that, the metal lack locks increased it's killer looks.

Now available at Coggles.

G-Shock Japan August 2010 Release

More of those G-Shock models were unveiled that will debut in stores this month. A couple of DW6900s playing with interesting colorways, some other technical models remain functional as usual kept in a subtle, presentable method.












Check out their website for more information.

Raf Simons for Fred Perry Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection

The Raf Simons x Fred Perry Autumn/Winter 2010 collection is now available in stores. A couple of great tops to rock on during the breezy season.

Parra for Converse Chuck Taylor High

Converse commissioned Dutch artist Parra to create a special edition of Chuck Taylor High featuring embroidered cherry-men. The main attraction - the suede leather he chose to apply on this version.

Coming soon.

New Balance H710 'Green/Yellow Colorway'

This pair unveiled is from their Spring/Summer 2011 collection, New Balance brings yellow and green as the attention, dare we say it's brilliant. The H710 hiking sneaker boast tough sole and stitching.

Via HighSnobiety.

size? x Nike Blazer

UK sneaker retailer size? celebrates their 10th anniversary by introducing the collaboration with Nike to create two limited Blazers. Colorways, as usual, plays with the theme colors of the company. In terms of materials, you can choose from white leather or black suede. The ? logo can be found on the heel tab.

Coming August 21. Check out size? for more information.

Proenza Schouler Embroidered Silk Bag

If you're looking for a stylish bag that goes well with your new black top, here's one we got for you. Proenza Schouler has got an embroidered silk bag, comes really attractive on the outer, as we also believe the fineness of materials and quality are guaranteed with excellence.

Also available in green colorway, probably your yellow or white top.


Now at colette.

Christopher Shannon for Eastpak

Three new packs from the Christopher Shannon for Eastpak collection. Two new backpacks and an assault pack. Embossed letter detailing throughout the entire pack featuring various types of materials.




Get yours at oki-ni.

Gourmet Dicivone Boat Shoes

Italian label Gourmet created a spin-off version of a boat shoe, introducing a whole new reinterpretation by adding a couple of extra features to it. One of those include the hi-cut boot frame, plus a little lace action on the side panels to create larger impact.

Made of white leather and tanned panels. Available at selected stockists.

adidas Honey Mid Zip

adidas unveils their all new Honey Mid Zip on a shiny satin upper. It's been a while since we last seen dope sneakers that blends well with satin, adidas has made us look good on them once again.




Pick from either the pink or tangerine versions, these are now available at Shelta.

Comme des Garçons Fall 2010 Wallets

Comme des Garçons released a new pattern to their wallet line. Pretty texture on the outer made of leather. One of the best few seen to date. The colorways are as usual wide - blue, red, beige, brown and black.

Items include zipped wallets, coin holders, document cases and passport holder.








Now available at colette.