Werewolves have synthesized pop, psych, punk, and minimalist noise into a cohesive (yet seemingly chaotic) sound that has the capacity to both elevate and destroy the listener’s mind, often in the same song. The guitars slide between effervescent, chiming tones and fuzzed-out riffs, the baritone bass lines weave counter melodies that propel the songs forward or leave them on end, and the vocals hover over the instrumentation with equal parts croon and nightmarish wail. The band’s newest release, Dance Raincoat Glass (BNS Sessions/Plays With Dolls), revels in these disparate elements. - Read Bill Dvorak full feature on the band here.

The idea that our world is the result of musical vibrations and clang phenomena is an old one – fortunately, there are bands like Glad Hearts that, through their musical sense and  harmonious interplay, remind us of this philosophical intuition. While listening to this New Jersey based four piece it may easily happen that you find yourself in another world where bells are broken or - to quote the band's lyrics - “a needle melts wax”. Although at times melancholic and thought-provoking, Glad Hearts, as their name suggests, succeed in bringing forth the joy and naturalness inherent in music, shining with a uniquely diverse and dense sound derived from a huge instrumental assortment that brings the fantastic into the everyday. Their country-tinged indie folk rock album “The Oak and the Acorn” is a promising and multifaceted output – you’re in for a treat! - Read Susi Muhr interview with the band here.

New York based outfit Outernational is readying the release of their debut EP "Eyes On Fire,” produced by Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello, who is featured on vocals and guitar on “Fighting Song.” Rock at heart, Outernational reaches out to reggae, ska, punk, dub, polka, mariachi, hip-hop, and world music, much as their forward-thinking predecessors and audacious idols. Outspoken and loud, this rock quintet  will be celebrating the release of “Eyes On Fire” with an all-ages concert at The Highline Ballroom on Sunday, December 6, 2009 with supporters Japanther and R-Tronika. The doors open a-t 6PM, and tickets are $12 in advance with a free download of the six-song EP on their website, or $15 on the day of the show. – Meijin Bruttomesso

This video from Obits is a lot of fun. The only thing we wonder is... was it really necessary to get each band member to sing the song with the head upside down? Wouldn't have it been easier to turn the camera upside down? If you are planning on having a true Rock'n'Roll New Year's Eve Party this year, Obits will play at the The Bell Hourse on 12.31.

Western Vinyl (current or former home of Balmorhea, Dirty Projectors, Here We Go Magic, Ola Podrida, J. Tillman, and more)  will release Tomorrow Becomes You, the new album by NYC's own Slow Six, on January 26th, 2010. Deli interview with the band from about one year ago here.