Judging from statistics I hear from time to time, it appears as if the general public’s knowledge of geography is, how shall I say, not so hot nowadays, but the world and its many interesting places seem to be of particular interest to London-based rock band Mount Forel. The band, named after a landmark in Greenland, titles most of its tracks after locations, and each of its four members hail from a different corner of the globe, with the U.K., U.S., New Zealand and Japan all being represented.

Mount Forel is currently prepping for the release of their debut album, Small Worlds, and we’ve here got the video premiere for “Elba,” a song whose title refers to the largest island in Italy’s Tuscan Archipelago.

On the upcoming June 12, 2021 Record Store Day, Souther Lord will release a 6LP box set of Engine Kid material. The set is called Everything Left Inside, collecting four releases from the Seattle, WA band during their 1991-1995 run.

The band, which features Greg Anderson (Southern Lord label owner, also in Sunn O))), Goatsnake & Thorr's Hammer).

The Venomous Pinks have announced a new live EP. Called Based on A True Story, the EP features four live recordings and becomes available on Friday April 23.

Recorded in the middle of a pre-COVID tour, the recording captures the Arizona trio's energy, including a Joan Jett cover, "I Want You."

Baltimore, MD's protopunk-inspired Ravagers have shared a new single, "Down That Road," including a video further down in this post. It's the band's second new single this year, which will lead-up to their Badlands full-length later this fall.

Taking influence from the greats -- Dead Boys, New York Dolls, and Ramones -- the band recorded Badlands with Tuk Smith (formerly Biters/Tuk Smith and the Restless Hearts) and Dan Dixon. It will see release on Spaghetty Town Records (USA) and Wanda Records (Germany) in September. 

The band is also scheduled for RKR MTN Ripper II in Denver on Sept. 10-12.

As we've covered previously, veteran independent label Kill Rock Stars is celebrating 30 years throughout 2021 with a digital subscription series that covers classic tracks from throughout the label's history. Those tracks are being released individually throughout the year, and this week sees the latest: Califone covering "Family Swan, originally released by Mecca Normal (The Family Swan, 2002).

Speaking of the song/artist choice, Tim Rutili (Califone) states:

I first saw Mecca Normal with the Go Team and Some Velvet Sidewalk in Chicago many years ago. I had my little mind blown and spent all the money I had on 7inch records at the merch table. That show was one of those experiences that changed the way I looked at music and everything - It was microscopic, personal and massive all at the same time. There is truth and heart, existential frustration and self-acceptance in this music that made me feel like I wasn’t so alone in the world. It made me want to move to the Northwest. I still want to move to the Northwest... Maybe someday.

Anyway.. This song is a classic movie that is beautiful, sad, funny and bleak all at the same time. This song is a really good book that breaks your heart with unwanted truth, but you can’t stop reading it and you can’t help but see the good and horrible sides of yourself and everyone you know and love in the world it creates. This song is undeniable humanness.

Thank you Mecca Normal. Happy Birthday, KRS.

Check out the song below and hit the embed to find the subscription song and all previously released cover tracks, including songs originally by Elliott Smith, Bikini Kill, Quasi, and more.

Detroit, MI rockers The Stools have a new (to vinyl) live record coming up: Live at Outer Limits. The recording was originally released on cassette by drummer Charles Stahl's Painter's Tapes label but is seeing a wider vinyl release on May via Big Neck Records.

Get a taste, with "Wrong Crowd," below.

Jim Ward, whose musical resume includes At The Drive-In, Sparta, and Sleepercar, has announced a solo album called Daggeres, out in approximately two months. Due on June 11 thanks to Dine Alone Records, the lead single for "Paper Fish" premiered this week, giving a taste of what's to come.

Early summaries of the record describe it as less post-hardcore and more "pop-informed" than his previous work.

While Daggers is presented as a solo effort, the album features collaborations with many familiar musicians, including Tucker Rule (Thursday) and Ben Kenney (Icubus).

New York trash punks World War IX are back with a new EP called Phoning It In, complemented by a comic book in their continuing series. Oh, and a new vocalist too: Johnny Celentano.

The new EP is available on 10" vinyl via Turkish punk label Kafadan Kontak Records.

A video for the single "Larry's House" is shared after the bump.

Spitboy, active from 1990-1995 with releases on Ebullition, Allied Recordings, and Lookout Records, will see their first full discogrpahy collection on June 25, courtesy of Don Giovanni Records.

The label has announced Body Of Work (1990-1995), which releases on 2xLP and digital platforms. All proceeds from sales will benefit The National Women's Law Center.

The all female, feminist band hailed from the Bay Area in California and played political hardcore that remains as relevant in 2021, exploring gender roles in society and the punk scene itself. The new limited LP includes liner notes from Vique Simba and Billie Joe Armstrong, as Green Day frequently shared stages). Graphic design on the LP was created by Martin Sorrondeguy (Los Crudos/Limp Wrist).

Listen to a remastered version of "In Your Face" below.