Niki N. Phaser

               Australian indie-rockers Expatriate are releasing their debut album, In the Midst of This, in the UK, this very day. The album was initially released in their homeland back in 2007 and it certainly did not go unnoticed. It received enough indie attention to keep the band’s gig schedule quite busy and for Rolling Stone to name them “one of the most important new bands of 2007”. In 2009 they toured with fellow Riverman band, Placebo, thus being exposed to an even broader audience, which payed off, as shown by this UK breaktrough, as well as by a string of headlining gigs around Europe. As for the album, if you are into rock mythology, you should know it was recorded in Seattle, in the studio where Nirvana did their last sessions. Even though Ben King sings “A dream’s a dream, Leave it at that” on Times Like These (maybe the best track on the album), Expatriate keep on working on the architecture of their own dream and, with a second album in the demo phase, they might just become one of those bands who inspire others to dream.

Download Info HERE

             The full tracklisting of Alice in Wonderland’s soundtrack has been revealed and it seems it will not be just one song and the compulsory Danny Elfman score. Almost Alice will feature an impressive array of indie/alternative goodies and will be out in stores in March. The first confirmed track was the Pete Wentz/Mark Hoppus collaboration, In Transit, but now, it’s obvious that the selection range has widened.

             Avril Lavigne’s Alice (Underground) will be the first single from the album, with a video coming in February. Tim Burton’s lifeline in his early days, Robert Smith, is also an interesting surprise — he will be covering the classic Very Good Advice, with Franz Ferdinand adding to the Brit procent with The Lobster Quadrille. Interesting newcomer, Kerli will contribute with two pieces, one alone, one with Tokio Hotel. Owl City will pour some of his electro innocence in the mix, while harder sounds will most likely be provided by Wolfmother and Shinedown. All Time Low, Motion City Soundtrack, Metro Station and The All-American Rejects will also feature. Full tracklisting HERE.

                Besides the massive touring of the United States, Muse have also been selected to play at one of the most popular shows. I’m talking about Saturday Night Live, of course. The alternative brits will be the musical guest this Saturday, December 19. James Franco will be the host. A match made in heaven.

                There is no point in denying that this appearance has a great symbolic value for the band’s evolution. It’s just a show, yes, two songs probably, but it’s also a great exposure to mainstream America. This is a little landmark in Muse’s campaign for conquering the States and the world, for that matter.

                  And if America wants more of Matt Bellamy and his henchmen, there are plenty of chances in the upcoming tour of North America and Canada, stretching from February to April.

DATES HERE