Artist: Thrice
Album: The Alchemy Index: Vols. III & IV Air & Earth
Label: Vagrant
Purchase: Interpunk
Release Date: April 15, 2008

Overall: 8.0
Music: 7.5
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 8.0

The Alchemy Index: Vols. III & IV Air & Earth marks the completion of Thrice’s foray with experimenting with the four elements of nature. Overall, the newest Alchemy Index displays Thrice’s explorations with instrumentation, rhythm, and feel. The album consistently moves from expansive arrangements into acoustic etudes. As well, Thrice delves into the world of blues, folk, jazz, and dance, while continuing to strengthen their trademark sound. The record, in its attempt to explore each element with an EP of six songs, contains many successes and a few failures.

Protest The Hero are gearing up for the release of Fortress on January 29th. A special pre-order for the album is now on the Vagrant Online Store — you can pre-order Fortress for $6.99 or you can pre-order Fortress with the band’s previous album, Kezia, for only $15.00. Orders will be shipped before street date to ensure that you get your CD before or by the 1/29 street date.

Protest The Hero’s new video for “Blood Meat” can be seen here. Protest The Hero’s new album, Fortress, will be released January 29th, 2008 on Vagrant Records.

Artist: John Ralston
Album: Sorry Vampire
Label: Vagrant
Purchase: Interpunk
Release Date: October 2nd, 2007

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 9.0
Production: 8.0

Upon first hearing Ralston’s debut entitled, Needle Bed, I found the record to be impactuful yet rather sparse and almost hollow at times. His follow up, Sorry Vampire sits on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. This intensely layered and meticulously crafted record is truly something to behold. The somber, swaying, gloomy melodies lend the perfect audio-backdrop for the commonly gray fall weather. Each track is its own intricate and developed work of art. I find it hard to imagine how Ralston will follow this up or how these songs will be preformed live. I look forward to finding out those answers in the not too distant future. This is truly a record that requires a good pair of headphones and an open mind.

Thrice has signed to Vagrant Records. You can read a message from the band below.

Thrice will release The Alchemy Index: Volumes 1 and 2 via Vagrant Records on October 16th.
Taking an unsullied approach to the writing, recording and production of their upcoming release, the decision to find a new record label was evident and expected for Orange County’s critically lauded, Thrice. Assuming control of their creative direction, Thrice has parted ways with Island records after releasing 2003’s The Artist and The Ambulance and 2005’s Vheissu, and have signed with Vagrant Records, on which they will release the four-volume Alchemy Index.

Emanuel have posted an e-card for their new album, Black Earth Tiger, here. The album hits stores on August 28th through Vagrant Records. A special pre-order can be found over at Interpunk where you can get a free 4 song Acoustic CD with your order. Check out the album art for Black Earth Tiger below.

Track Listing

1. Whiteflag (Intro)
2. Cottonmouth
3. Anathamatics
4. My Antapex
5. Scenotaph
6. Phobos
7. Abandonment Star
8. Let Them Die
9. Year Of The Pig
10. Forever
11. Whiteflag (Reprise)

Vagrant Records has signed Illinois based Dr. Manhattan.

Emanuel has posted a new track titled “Cottonmouth,” the 2nd track from their forthcoming sophmore album Black Earth Tiger (which is due in stores 08.07.07 via Vagrant Records) is streaming on the band’s MySpace profile.

You can exchange any non-Vagrant CD that you may have gotten, for 2 Vagrant releases! This is only available in select markets, so visit this site for more details and locations.

Moneen and Alexisonfire recently visited the Vagrant Records office.