Album Review: The Huguenots - The Huguenots

The Huguenots have never been shy about their 60s and 70s influence, and they let it fly on their self-titled debut album.

The album kicks off with a strummy guitar riff in "When It's Wrong, which reminiscent of The Who's "Pinball Wizard," before shifting gears with a solid groove and a little psychedelia.

"Your Little Nothing" sports a hooky chorus and great call and response between the lead and backing vocals. "I Would Say" is a fantastic little pop gem which chugs along in the verses thanks to a solid bass groove and a memorable melody.

Ke$ha announces summer tour, coming to Raleigh

Pop star Ke$ha will be hitting the road this summer behind her latest release Cannibal, which features the hit single "Who R Who We R." After spending the spring in large clubs, she'll move up to amphitheaters and arenas in the sumer on the Get $leezy Tour.

The tour comes to the downtown Raleigh Amphitheater on Tuesday, August 9. LMFAO and Spank Rock will open the show. Ticket info is not available yet, but we'll keep you posted. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, April 15 at 10 a.m. via the usual places.

Check out the music video for her latest single "Blow" below, which features Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek. It's quite odd, but mildy amusing.

Hopscotch announces free April shows, new festival venues

To celebrate the announcement of the 2011 Hopscotch Music Festival lineup which will be announced on April 20, there will be three free shows across the Triangle on April 21, 22 and 23.

The big show will be at Tir Na Nog in Raleigh on Thursday, April 21 featuring The Rosebuds, Heads on Sticks, DJ SPCL GST and a fashion show hosted by Revolver Consignment. It starts at 10 p.m.

On Friday, April 22, Spider Bags, Last Year's Men and more will play The Cave in Chapel Hill. It starts at 9 p.m.

And finally, on Saturday, April 23, Schooner, The Loners and more will play The Pinhook in Durham. It starts at 9 p.m.

April lineup of Local Band Local Beer at Tir Na Nog

April is here and like usual, we're bringing you the lineup for WKNC's free Local Band Local Beer series at Tir Na Nog in downtown Raleigh.

Things kick off on April 7 with North Elementary and Organos. The following week, on April 14, Goodbye, Titan, Minor Stars and Monsonia will play.

The Rosbuds, Heads on Sticks and DJ SPCL GST will play the April 21 show as part of the Hopscotch announcement launch party series.

The second half of The last show of April hasn't been announced yet, but as always, we'll keep you posted (Twitter is the best way to get updated info).

Amor de Días announces spring tour, coming to Carrboro

Photo by Grant Wilkinson

New the Merge band Amor de Días we told you about in March are gearing up for a North American tour immediately following the release of their debut album Street of the Love of Days on May 17.

The tour will come to the ArtsCenter in Carrboro on Thursday, May 19. Damon & Naomi will open the show and the entire tour. Ticket info is not available yet, but we'll keep you posted.

If you haven't already downloaded the song "Bunhill Fields" from Street of the Love of Days, do that HERE where you'll also find more details about the album.