NEW YORK (Astralwerks) - Astralwerks is proud to announce that
Graham Coxon will tour the US for the first time ever! Label-mates 22-20s and The Golden Republic (East Coast dates only) will join as support acts.
Two years on from his split with Blur, guitarist Graham Coxon has crafted his most accomplished solo album yet. Where Coxon's other albums, though often brilliant, could be deliberately rough around the edges, shyly hiding their charms beneath scratchy self-production, rushed recording sessions and take-it-as-it-comes playing, Happiness In Magazines (produced by Stephen Street) sees Coxon puffing out his creative chest and stepping firmly into the limelight.
"On his fifth solo album, Coxon reconnects with old Blur producer Stephen Street and goes from wispy string-laden balladry to playfully nihilistic punk rock rock to screaming-ax white-boy blues, yet never abandons his knowing, witty sense of optimism. Without his old mates, Coxon's Happiness is all his own."
- Entertainment Weekly
"Barmy and beautiful, Happiness in Magazines races from scorching guitar displays to Sex Pistols-like room-wreckers to romantic style tributes aimed at Coxon's Blur-mates. Some will hear this constant shifting of focus as a frustrated mind run amok, but Happiness' musical breadth and vocal insanity will refresh those who equate rock with frenzied energy. And with real rock a rare commodity these days, Happiness is nothing less than a (noisy) triumph."
- Orlando Weekly
The UK's 22-20s formed three years ago and named themselves after the Delta bluesman Skip James's piano-led 22-20 Blues. Their debut album, 22-20s captures a young trio approaching the raw materials of classic rock 'n' roll - to name a choice few: love; lust and frustration - and making them their own. 22-20s is on fire with that purity of purpose: to make a record that would do justice to the band's 21-year-old singer/songwriter/guitarist, Martin Trimble's songs, and best convey the rawness of the interplay between himself and Glen Bartup (21, bass), James Irving (20, drums) and Charly Coombes (keyboards).
"...one of the best British rock albums of the year so far." - NME
Kansas City, Missouri may not be first on the speed-dial list of A&R scouts or the subject of glowing magazine profiles on "the KC sound." But history shows that it takes only one great band to break a whole scene wide open. With release of their self-titled Astralwerks debut, The Golden Republic just may become that band. Their dynamic and distinctive eleven-song album-produced and engineered by Peter Katis (Interpol) and mixed by Michael Brauer, flows seamlessly like a great rock n' roll live set every track is propelled by Ben Grimes' passionate vocals, Kenn Jankowski's rich guitar textures and sculpted solos, and the restrained rhythmic power of Harry Anderson (bass) and Ryan Shank (drums).
Formed in 1999, The Golden Republic have steadily built up a dedicated following in the Midwest with their unique songwriting and powerful live performances. With influences as far reaching as 70's glam rock and 80's new wave to punk, garage and soul- The Golden Republic have set out to awaken the spirit of American rock music.
"...a golden egg with more slam-bam-chorus, rock substance than most contemporaries can muster." - Rockpile
3/17 Austin TX - Stubb's (Astralwerks SXSW Showcase) with 22-20s and more
3/19 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour - with 22-20s
3/20 San Francisco, CA - Pop Scene - with 22-20s
3/22 Portland, OR - Roseland - with 22-20s
3/23 Seattle, WA - Chop Suey - with 22-20s
3/25 Chicago, IL - Double Door - with 22-20s & The Golden Republic
3/26 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick - with 22-20s & The Golden Republic
3/28 Boston, MA - Paradise - with 22-20s & The Golden Republic
3/29 Philadelphia, PA - Northstar - with 22-20s & The Golden Republic
3/30 Washington, DC - Black Cat - with 22-20s & The Golden Republic
4/01 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom - with 22-20s & The Golden Republic
