Elektra Entertainment Aphex Twin’s (a.k.a.
Richard James) latest brew of ambient electronica,
"Drukqs," is due out in October.
By Chris Moriates
Daily Bruin Senior Staff The whispers are heard around the streets,
in the recording studios and in the countless venues around town.
It’s called the “buzz” ““ talk of the next
big thing. There are countless CDs set to be released in the near
future, but only a few that are almost solely supported by street
buzz. Therefore, instead of focusing on the well-publicized Michael
Jackson-esque releases, this list will look at lesser-known and
perhaps more exciting albums that will be hitting shelves around
the country. Some of these CDs will change their respective genres,
some will hit the mainstream, and some may never even break the
surface. However, no matter what their fate may be, the fact is
that there are plenty of people anxiously awaiting the release of
these new and groundbreaking albums. You can now consider yourself
“in the know.”
Pressure 4-5 “Burning the Process”
Dreamworks Records Release Date: 10/2 Making their debut
on the current mega-giant Dreamworks Records, Santa Barbara-based
Pressure 4-5 are prepared to present the world with their blend of
hard rock music and introspective lyrics. Produced by the
established Jay Baumgardner (Papa Roach, Orgy, Slipknot), Pressure
4-5’s album, “Burning the Process,” is sure to
attract fans of the current hard rock scene. Pressure 4-5 have
performed with acts like Incubus, A Perfect Circle, Papa Roach,
Taproot and Black Eyed Peas, as well as appearing at the 2001
Ozzfest, winning over fans wherever they go.
Tenacious D “Tenacious D” Epic Records
Release Date: 9/25 It’s a joke. No, it’s real.
Well, whatever this album is, it is sure to draw some attention
when the comedy duo Jack Black and Kyle Gass present their
major-label debut. Having appeared on HBO’s “Mr.
Show,” and in Pauly Shore’s movie
“Biodome,” Tenacious D have been amassing a loyal
following. Not the most modest of performers, they openly describe
themselves as “the best band in the world.” Black has
also been seen in movies such as John Cusack’s “High
Fidelity” and will be starring in the upcoming comedy
“Shallow Hal.”
Dilated Peoples “Expansion Team” Capitol
Records Release Date: 10/23 Dilated Peoples are trying to
resurrect the hip-hop community. Much like their colleagues
Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples have grown through the underground and
word-of-mouth population, providing a breath of fresh air to the
rap world. Now on Capitol Records, “Expansion Team,”
the follow-up to their 2000 release “The Platform,” is
sure to turn some heads. With lyrics that go beyond the current
bling-bling and diamond rings of rap culture, Dilated Peoples are
revolutionizing their genre.
The Strokes “Is This It?” RCA Records
Release Date: 9/25 The Strokes have been described as the
second coming of the Velvet Underground. Seriously. Formed in New
York City, the band created quite a stir after performing around
town in some of the best-known clubs of the city that never sleeps.
According to the “All Music Guide,” their three-song
EP, titled “The Modern Age,” prompted a bidding war
between record labels to sign the up-and-coming band. Lead singer
Julian Casablancas has been described to have a voice like Lou Reed
and the band has a vintage yet modern sound.
Onesidezero “Is This Room Getting Smaller”
Maverick Records Release Date: 10/30 Onesidezero are from
Los Angeles and their debut album, “Is This Room Getting
Smaller,” is produced by Jim Wirt (Incubus, Fiona Apple) and
mixed by David Bottrill (Tool). Can it get much better than that?
The hard rock quintet rose through the ranks of the competitive
L.A. club circuit, receiving a record deal from Maverick Records
partly based on their self-produced demo CD. Onesidezero boasts a
full sound from their three-guitar assault and a unique emotional
connection through their lyrics.
Aphex Twin “Drukqs” Warp Records Release
Date: 10/22 Aphex Twin has returned and the dance
community does not know what to expect. Truly experimental
throughout his career, exploring ground in ambient and acid music,
Richard James has intrigued the electronic music world with his
recordings as Aphex Twin. His new album, “Drukqs,” is
sure to follow in these bold footsteps. James has produced albums
for the influential British label, Warp Records, since early 1993.
He has toured America with groups like Orbital and Moby.
Hoobastank “Hoobastank” Island Records
Release Date: 11/20 In the next few months, the
Calabasas-based band Hoobastank may seem to appear from nowhere,
but they have been performing in the local Hollywood and Valley
area for many years, garnishing a loyal following. Hoobastank has
recently finished recording their self-titled, major label debut
album for Island Records and has already been played on the modern
rock station KROQ (106.7 FM). They have recently toured around the
country with Incubus, as well as Dave Navarro.
 Steve Gulliuck The Avalanches’ album "Since I Left You"
has already received critical acclaim in the U.K. The
Avalanches “Since I Left You” Modular/London-Sire
Records Release Date: 10.30 The Avalanches’ album,
“Since I Left You,” has become immensely popular
already in the UK, where it was released this past summer. Now the
Avalanches’ are bringing their unique sound to America. The
album contains samples from every extreme of music, even including
a rare approved Madonna sample. The Avalanches are actually
bringing something new and exciting to the world of electronic
music.