JED WHITEY

The JED WHITEY double single `My Own Private Altamont/I`m OK` hits the stores on Monday April 21st.The ep is great value with three live tracks and a cover of Black Flag`s `Jealous Again` as well as the two album tracks.The guys continue to get some great press, you`ll see them pop up in both Juice and Blunt Magazine soon and hear them regularly on JJJ`s Home & Hosed program.There is also a new video in the work`s for the track `I`m OK` so they`ll be on your TV again soon.The band hit the road in WA with Brisbane`s very fine Giants Of Science this month.Catch them at the following shows :

Thu April 24th - The Lookout, Scarborough, WA, AUS

Fri April 25th - Amplifier Bar, Perth, WA, AUS

Sat April 26th - Settlers Tavern, Margaret River, WA, AUS

Sun April 27th - Leederville HQ, Leederville, WA, AUS (All-Ages)

They also have a few other split releases and 7"s out at the moment so if you head to www.jedwhitey.com you`ll get all the info on those releases as well.

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TRACES OF NUT

The day after they played their first show in Wollongong their were numerous people calling High Beam HQ to say we must check out this band.We went to see a show and were really blown away with the abrasive yet melodic noise the young four piece delivered.Fast forward to early 2003 and the band hit the studio`s to record their debut ep after a number of show`s they had played around the place.The result was so impressive that we have added TRACES OF NUT to our very cool stable of band`s.The debut release is a six track mini album titled `Internal Racket` which will hit Australian stores on Monday April 21st.The band deliver a sound that takes on board the influence of The Jesus Lizard, Sonic Youth and Shellac with their own unique twist.To get a taste of what to expect, download the mp3 of the track `Special Patrol Group` at - http://highbeammusic.net/sounds/tracesofnut.mp3...You can also catch them live at Wollongong Unibar on Thursday April 10th.

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LOG

Those six mysterious creatures that inhabit parts of Australia such as Canberra, Wollongong and Mt Buller are back with their second album.The brutal ten track effort is appropriately titled `Log`s Second Album` and will hit the stores on Monday May 19th.You`ll be able to get a taste of what the band have to offer before that though as we`ll be releasing their internet only single on April 14th, you`ll be able to download two full tracks from the album for free.We`ll also have 10 `promo only` copies of the single to give away, stay tuned to next week`s newsletter or the discussion room on the website for details of how you can pick up yourself one of them.

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THE MONSTROUS BLUESIf you are in North America you can now get hold of the brand new album from THE MONSTROUS BLUES titled `Colourblind` as it is being distributed there by Devil Doll Records.It will be available in Europe very soon.The album continues to get some great reviews, "There`s elements of everything here. Punks` energy marries a vaguely psychedelic wave of guitars. Simple riffs over the top of rock solid grooves, a developed sense of melody and catchy songs." is how I94 Bar described the album.The band will be heading to Victoria later this month so keep an eye on the High Beam site and gig guides for details.Also look out for the film clip to the track `Blemished` on your favourite music video show.

ROCKAFELLA

Also attracting rave reviews with their recent release, the self titled debut, Wollongong`s ROCKAFELLA are taking thier high energy show on the road once again this month.The band will be launching the ep which is out now at the following locations :

Thu April 10th - Barwon Club, Geelong, VIC, AUS (w/ tbc)

Fri April 11th - Criterion Hotel, Warrnambool, VIC, AUS (w/ El Sanchez)

Sat April 12th - The Green Room, Melbourne, VIC, AUS (w/ The Maydays, El Sanchez & Interstater)

Thu April 17th - Woonona Bowls Club, Wollongong, NSW, AUS (w/ El Sanchez, The Strangers & Abe)

Sat April 19th - Bat n Ball Hotel, Sydney, NSW, AUS (w/ El Sanchez & Hytest)

RIFFTER

After a turbulent start to the year which involved a stack of rave reviews, a tour and then a name change. the dirty rock n roll sounds of RIFFTER are ready to roll again.Monday May 5th sees the re-release of their debut ep, this time under their new name RIFFTER.With plenty of interest internationally there is also talk the ep may be released on vinyl in Europe.In the meantime they are in pre production for the recording of their new album which is being produced by none other than Radio Birdman frontman Rob Younger.Before that recording starts though they take time out for a show this weekend.Catch them at :Sat April 5th - Oxford Tavern, Wollongong, NSW, AUS (w/ The Turnarounds & Nightbreed)

LEGENDS OF MOTORSPORT

Initial feedback from punters who made it along to catch the return shows of LEGENDS OF MOTORSPORT, with new drummer Whiskey A Go Go, has been great and they continue their live shows around Victoria throughout April.They then head north in May with Bob Sledge for some NSW shows.You can catch the LEGENDS OF MOTORSPORT at the following locations :

Fri April 4th - Rob Roy Hotel, Melbourne, VIC, AUS (w/ Timid Joe & Breaking the Law)

Sat April 5th - Criterion Hotel, Warrnambool, VIC, AUS (Timid Joe & Airborne)

Thu April 10th - Irwin`s, Ballarat, VIC, AUS (w/ Remake Remodel & The Rye Catchers)

Fri April 11th - Barwon Club, Geelong, VIC, AUS (w/ Remake Remodel)

Sat April 12th - Duke of Windsor, Melbourne, VIC, AUS (w/ Remake Remodel & The Rye Catchers)

Sat May 3rd - The Green Room, Melbourne, VIC, AUS (w/ Warped)

Sat May 10th - Empress Hotel, Fitzroy, VIC, AUS (w/ Riff Random & The Frustrations)Their latest ep `Beef with Cheese` is out now.

VOLUME

May will see VOLUME team up for US shows with the likes of Tummler and Solace as well as playing the Emissions From The Monolith Festival in Ohio.While this is happening they are also in the planning stages for the recording session of their new album which look`s like it will have the legendary Jack Endino working behind the desk.Keep an eye on the High Beam and VOLUME websites for details of the upcoming shows.Remember their ep `Requesting Permission To Land` is out now.

POD PEOPLE

As plan`s continue for POD PEOPLE`s overseas jaunt that looks like it will take in the USA (with a stop at the Stoner Hands Of Doom Festival), UK and parts of Europe, the band will also be hitting the road in Australia in May.The latest album `Doom Saloon` will be out shortly on Rise Above for UK/Europe/Japan and is available for all the rest of you now via High Beam.

DRAGONAUTA

May is the release of the crushing retro doom album from DRAGONAUTA, we should have and mp3 from the album available very soon so keep an eye on the High Beam website for details.They also will be playing some shows in their homeland of Argentina where they recently were featured in that countries Rolling Stone Magazine.

EL SANCHEZ

In the lead up to the release of their debut ep `If You Don`t Like It.......Split` next month, Wollongong trio EL SANCHEZ are playing a bunch of show`s around NSW and Victoria during April.Catch the low riding fuzz rock sounds at :

Fri April 11th - Criterion Hotel, Warrnambool, VIC, AUS (w/ Rockafella)

Sat April 12th - The Green Room, Melbourne, VIC, AUS (w/ Rockafella, Maydays & Interstater)

Sun April 13th - The Tote, Collingwood, VIC, AUS (w/ The Meanies & Sass)

Thu April 17th - Woonona Bowls Club, Wollongong, NSW, AUS (w/ Rockafella, The Strangers & Abe)

Sat April 19th - Bat n Ball Hotel, Sydney, NSW, AUS (w/ Rockafella & Hytest)

HEE HAW

HEE HAW are currently taking time out from the live front.Lax Charisma is currently playing solo shows around the place and has joined a new band called Richie and the Creeps.Counsel Chambers is currently in the studio with FUGG recording a new album who are getting ready to hit the road as support to the original Aussie larrikans Mental As Anything! Big Jesus Trash Can is in hibernation exploring the wonders of Pro-Tools 6 and working on his long term project of freaked out electronica mayhem. They look like returning for some show`s in June.In the meantime their debut ep `How To Pay Your Debts When You`re A Genius` is out now.

FUGG

The new album from FUGG is getting close to completion and to celebrate they headline a very interesting night of sounds in Wollongong on Easter Sunday.That is Sunday April 20th at the Oxford Tavern where supports for the night will be Richie & The Creeps, Laura Imbruglia & Abe.They will also soon be hitting the road for some support show`s with legendary Australian rock outfit Mental As Anything.Dates for these soon, as well as more details on the release of the album.

http://highbeammusic.net