Cirque du Soleil's Michael Jackson The Immortal returning to Raleigh in April

Cirque du Soleil's big theatrical, musical and acrobatic tribute to Michael Jackson, The Immortal, is heading back on tour in early 2014 and the show will return to Raleigh for two shows.

It will be performed at the PNC Arena on April 1 and 2. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 7, via the venue box office and Ticketmaster for $50 to $165. Pre-sale tickets are available now HERE.

The tour will also stop in Charlotte on April 8 and 9 and Greensboro on April 11 and 12. Check out the full tour schedule below along with a trailer for the show.

The Love Language & Vertical Scratchers to play Merge 25K finish line party

We mentioned back in November that Merge Records will be holding a 25K road race from Chapel Hill to Durham in March as part of their 25th anniversary festivities. Now we know a little bit more about what the finish line after party will entail.

The after party will happen at Motoroco Music Hall after the race on Saturday, March 25, and is set to feature performances from The Love Language and one of Merge's newest bands, Vertical Scratchers (check out more about the band's debut album and a song from said album HERE).

You can sign up for the race now HERE for $75 (the price goes up to $85 after January 31).

A guide to New Year's Eve celebrations in the Triangle

If you're looking to spend the final night of 2013 partying with some groovy tunes, there are tons of great options throughout the Triangle.

We already told you about Run the Jewels rocking the Lincoln Theatre tomorrow night, but Southern Culture on the Skids, Dex Romweber Duo, Lonnie Walker, Peter Lamb and the Wolves and many more bands will be ringing in 2014. Check out a list of New Year's Eve musical happenings below.

Here's looking forward to a great 2014. We'll see you there.

The Pizza Underground with Macaulay Culkin announces 2014 tour

The new and puzzling pizza themed Velvet Underground cover/tribute band The Pizza Underground featuring Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin are taking their odd antics on the road in 2014 and they'll be stopping in the Triangle.

The band will play Kings Barcade in Raleigh on Thursday, March 20. Tickets will go on sale at noon today, December 27, via Etix for $12.

Check out a video featuring footage from The Pizza Underground's first performance in New York in November below. I really don't think it will really help you make sense of this bizarre project though.

Graham Colton announces new album, winter tour

Oklahoma singer-songwriter Graham Colton will return with a new album on January 21 titled Lonely Ones and he'll hit the road with a full band early in the new year in support of it.

Colton will play Local 506 in Chapel Hill on Thursday, February 27. Cumulus will open. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $10.

Check out the music video for the dark song "Born To Raise Hell" from the album Lonely Ones below.

Best of 2013: Triangle Music readers' favorites

Now that Justin and I (Kevin) have shared our favorite music of 2013 with you, it's time for the important stuff — what you guys like.

The votes of our annual readers' poll have been counted and the top album of the year is the latest from The National, Trouble Will Find Me. "Wakin' on a Pretty Day' by singer-songwriter Kurt Vile was your favorite songs of the year, and Band of Horses at The Ritz was your favorite show of the year.  Check out the rest of the lists below which include Arcade Fire, Sigur Rós, Vampire Weekend, Hiss Golden Messenger and more.

It's been a great year for music in and from the Triangle. We look forward to continuing to bring you all coverage of the latest happenings in and around the Triangle and the great music that's sure to be made here in the new year.

The Love Language returns to HearYa for third session

After finally releasing their highly anticipated third album, Ruby Red, earlier this year, The Love Language has been hard at work as usual promoting the album. The band has continued the tradition of stopping by the HearYa studios for a session promoting each album, and they just recorded a new one recently.

Check out videos of the performances of "This Room," "Calm Down" and "Hi Life" below. You can download the session HERE which also includes the song "For Izzy."

Best of 2013: Kevin's Favorites

It's hard to believe that 2013 is almost over, but the year was full of good music. The year found me listening to more pop and specifically synthpop music than ever before.

CHVRCHES' debut album The Bones of What You Believe is a moody synth pop dream that gets better with every listen and is still blowing my mind which is why it topped my albums list (by the way, they'll be at the Cat's Cradle in April). Superchunk knocked another album out of the park with I Hate Music, and Arcade Fire continue to impress as they evolved into more groove-based territory on Reflektor.

Brett Dennen announces 2014 tour, coming to Durham

California singer-songwriter Brett Dennen just released a new album in October titled Smoke and Mirrors and he'll hit the road in early 2014 on a big North American tour in support of it.

Dennen will play the Carolina Theatre in Durham on Monday, February 24. Tickets will go on sale via the venue box office and Ticketmaster at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 20, for $20 to $30.

Check out the music video for the song "Wild Child" from Smoke and Mirrors below.

Best of 2013: Justin's Favorites

In 2013, I developed more new tastes than I have in recent years. Artists like William Tyler, Alexander Turnquist and Steve Gunn opened my ears to American primitive guitar music that pushes the boundries of the instrument can do. This opened the doors for a fascination with experimental and ambient music like William Basinski’s The Disintegration Loops and Tim Hecker’s Virgins.

While my horizons broaden, my love for rock and folk deepened thanks to some incredible records. Two stand out above all: Scout Niblett’s It’s Up To Emma and Jason Isbell’s Southeastern. Both are similar in that they approach their topics with unflinching honesty.

Okkervil River announces spring tour, coming to Carrboro

Texas indie rockers Okkervil River released their seventh full-length album earlier this year titled The Silver Gymnasium and they've just announced some 2014 spring tour dates that will bring them to the Triangle.

The band will play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Wednesday, March 26. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $16.

Check out the music video for "Stay Young" from The Silver Gymnasium below.

The Avett Brothers to ring in 2015 in Raleigh

You read that headline right. 2013 isn't even over yet but The Avett Brothers have already revealed their plans to ring in 2015, and the Triangle will have the honor of hosting them next year.

The Avetts will play the PNC Arena in Raleigh on December 31, 2014. Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 17 for 39.50 to $59.50.

There are also some VIP tickets which include access to a private lounge, a concert poster and more. Those tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 19.

Album Review: NC Music Love Army - We Are Not For Sale

If you’ve been missing the energy of Moral Mondays, its spirit is alive and well in the new compilation of protest songs from the NC Music Love Army.

We Are Not For Sale works on both functional and aesthetic levels. From the functional perspective, the album works as a historical document of the events and attitudes that surrounded Moral Mondays. Several songs reference the actual names of bills and politicians (“Abraham Lincoln In His Grave” by Billy Sugarfix is particularly effective at using these references comedically). These details sharpen the edges of the songs and make them actual tools of protest rather than novelties. The melodies here can be easily picked up by a group. This is music that can be used in protest.

WKNC Double Barrel Benefit grows in 2014, The Love Language & Mount Moriah to headline

2014 will bring some dramatic changes and growth to the annual Double Barrel benefit concerts that help raise money for NC State's college radio station, WKNC. Instead of two consecutive nights at a mid-size club in Raleigh this year, the event will happen over two weekends in considerably larger clubs in two different Triangle cities.

The first show will take place at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Friday, February 7, and will be headlined by The Love Language. The second show will happen at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh on Saturday, February 15.

Robyn Hitchcock announces 2014 dates, two nights in Carrboro

Acclaimed English singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock released his latest album Love From London earlier this year via Yep Roc Records. He has announced a few early 2014 tour dates and he'll stop in the Triangle for two nights.

He'll play the Cat's Cradle Back Room on February 4 and 5. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $20.

Check out Hitchcock's full performance for KEXP earlier this year below which includes three songs from Love From London.

Hospitality announces 'Trouble' tour dates, coming to Carrboro

As we mentioned back in October, New York indie pop band will release their sophomore album Trouble on January 29 via Merge Records. They have now announced their first tour dates in support of it and they'll make a stop in the Triangle.

They'll play the Cat's Cradle Back Room in Carrboro on Saturday, February 22. Tickets go on sale today, December 13, via Ticketfly for $10.

Check out the song "I Miss Your Bones" from the new album Trouble below.

Lost in the Trees announces 'Past Life' tour, big hometown release show

As we mentioned last month, the ever evolving chamber pop band Lost in the Trees will release their third full-length album, Past Life, on February 18. They have just announced the first tour dates in support of the album, including a big hometown show.

The band will return to the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Friday, February 28. All Tiny Creatures will open. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 13, via Ticketfly for $15.

Check out a short video about the new album, Past Life, below. Also, check out the song "Rites" from the album HERE.

Future Islands & Wye Oak announce March 2014 tour

Baltimore indie rock bands Future Islands and Wye Oak are teaming up for a short, weeklong tour in March that will bring the bands to an increasingly popular venue in the western reaches of the Triangle.

They'll play the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw on Wednesday, March 5. Ed Shrader's Music Beat will open. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 13 via Ticketfly for $16.

Both Future Islands and Wye Oak are expected to release two new albums in 2014. For now, though, check out the two bands team up for a performance of "Little Dreamer" at the 2011 Pickathon Festival in Portland below.

Crosby, Stills & Nash announce March 2014 tour dates

Folk rock mainstays Crosby, Stills and Nash have announced a three-week U.S. tour next March that will bring the band back to the Triangle.

They'll return to the Durham Performing Arts Center on Monday, March 24. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 13 via the venue box office and Ticketmaster for $69 to $99.

Check out the trio and their band performing the song "Helplessly Hoping" from their 1969 self-titled album below.

St. Vincent announces new album, 2014 tour

Singer-songwriter Annie Clark, better known by the moniker St. Vincent, just announced that she will release a new album on February 25 simply titled St. Vincent. She has announced a big North American tour that will kick off the day after the release and include a stop in the Triangle.

St. Vincent will play the Haw River Ballroom in Saxaphaw on Tuesday, March 4. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 13, via Ticketfly for $22.

Check out the new song "Birth in Reverse" from the forthcoming album St. Vincent below.

Chvrches announces spring tour, coming to Raleigh

Rising Scottish indie stars Chvrches released their highly acclaimed debut album The Bones of What You Believe earlier this year, and in the spring they'll return to the US for brief tour.

The band will play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro [see below] on Monday, April 28. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 13, via Ticketfly for $22.

[UPDATE: The show has been moved from the Cat's Cradle to the much bigger Ritz in Raleigh due to high demand for tickets which are still $22 via Ticketfly.]

Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear announces solo tour

Grizzly Bear guitarist Daniel Rossen will hit the road this spring on his first ever solo tour playing songs from his 2012 EP Silent Hour/Golden Mile, as well as some unreleased songs.

Rossen will make a stop at the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw on Friday, April 11. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $16.

Check out the song "Silent Hour" from the EP Silent Hour/Golden Mile below.

Sebadoh announces winter tour, coming to Chapel Hill

Indie rock veterans Sebadoh released Defend Yourself , their first new album in 14 years, a few months back and the band will hit the road in early 2014 in support.

Instead of playing the Cat's Cradle this time, the band will play the much more intimate Local 506 in Chapel Hill on Thursday, February 6. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $12.

Check out the music video for "I Will" from the album Defend Yourself below.

Against Me! announces new album, winter tour

Florida punk rockers Against Me! are gearing up for the release of their sixth studio album, the aptly titled Transgender Dysphoria Blues, on January 21. This is the first album from the band since frontwoman Laura Jane Grace (formerly known as Thomas James Gabel) came out as a transgender woman.

The band will hit the road this winter in support of the new album and will play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Tuesday, January 14. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. today, Friday, December 6 via Ticketfly for $15. The Sidekicks and The Shondes will open.

Check out the song "FUCKMYLIFE666" from Transgender Dysphoria Blues below.

Billy Joel announces 2014 dates, coming to Raleigh

After much fanfare and a day full of rumormongering on Twitter, Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane announced today that Billy Joel will play PNC Arena in Raleigh next year.

The Piano Man will take the stage at PNC Arena on Sunday, February 9. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, December 14, at 10 am via Ticketmaster and the arena box office. Prices range from $39-119.

Joel, who last played Raleigh in 2007, recently announced a indefinite residency at New York's Madison Square Garden, saying he would play the arena monthly "as long as there was demand." Those hoping (like myself) this was a sign that he'd play occasional one-off shows in other parts of the country were proved right with this morning's announcement, and those from other venues. A complete list of current dates is below.

America announces 2014 dates, coming to Durham

British folk rock band America is heading out on the road in 2014 to play shows across the U.S. throughout the year, including a stop in the Triangle in February.

The band will play the Carolina Theatre in Durham on Wednesday, February 5. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 6, via the venue box office and Ticketmaster for $46 to $86.

Check out the band's full 2005 performance on the PBS show Soundstage below.

Deerhunter announces 2014 dates, coming to Carrboro

Georgia indie rockers Deerhunter will open a few big arena shows for Arctic Monkeys in Boston and New York next February and they'll stop in the Triangle for a headline show on their way on their way north.

The band will return to the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Monday, February 3. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 6 via Ticketfly for $18.

Check out the music video for "Back to the Middle" from Deerhunter's latest album Monomania below.

Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks announce new album, 2014 tour

Indie rockers Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks have announced that their new album Wig Out at Jagbags will be released by Matador Records on January 7. The band will hit the road in support of it in early 2014 which will include a stop in the Triangle.

They'll play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Monday, March 3. Purling Hiss will open. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 6 via Ticketfly for $19.

Check out the music video for the groovy song "Lariat" from Wig Out at Jagbags below.

Vote now in the 2013 Triangle Music Readers' Poll

December is here and it's time again for our annual readers' poll. We love finding out what you guys have been digging during the year so please be sure to vote and tell all of your friends to vote too.

You can pick up to five albums, ten songs and three concerts that were your favorites of of 2013. You can vote HERE or the via the widget below. Just a note, you don't have to fill out all the categories if you don't want to, and don't shy away if you can't come up with the allotted number for each category. Your votes will count no matter how few albums, songs and shows you pick.

Votes will be accepted until midnight on Tuesday, December 17. Oh, and please only vote once.

She & Him releasing 'The Capitol Studios Session' today

Pop duo She & Him, featuring Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward (for anyone who has been living under a rock for the last five years), is releasing a new live EP today, December 2, titled The Capitol Studios Session via Merge Records.

The EP features four songs from the group's latest album Volume 3, which were recorded with their live band at the legendary Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.

Hopefully She & Him will make their way back to the Triangle in 2014 to celebrate Merge's 25th anniversary. We'll have more news about the 25th celebration in the coming months.

Rhiannon Giddens to perform two nights with NC Symphony

As we told you a few weeks ago, the Carolina Chocolate Drops are losing another member at the beginning of the year, but the sole remaining original member, Rhiannon Giddens, will play a big local show in the new year.

Giddens will perform with the North Carolina Symphony for two nights this spring at Meymandi Concert Hall in Raleigh on March 14 and 15. Tickets are on sale now via the Duke Energy Center box office and Ticketmaster for $18 to $60.

The newly revamped Carolina Chocolate Drops are also scheduled to play Merlefest in Wilkesboro on Thursday, April 24. Other performers that night include Alan Jackson, The Duhks and The Kruger Brothers. Tickets are available HERE.

New music video from Superchunk - "Void"

Superchunk is back with another new music video from their latest album I Hate Music, and this one features the comedic stylings of a few well-known actors.

The new video is for the rocker "Void" and it features H. Jon Benjamin, Jon Glaser and Ted Travelstead. Watch as the trio as well as Superchunk hang out a rock club that's condemned, but just on weekdays. Check out the video below.

Check out the band's previous music videos from I Hate Music for "Staying Home" and Me & You & Jackie Mittoo" HERE and HERE.

UNC-TV to premiere Tift Merritt's 'Still Not Home' concert next week

Photo by Parker Fitzgerald

UNC-TV will premiere a broadcast of Tift Merritt's homecoming show, recorded at the North Carolina Museum of Art in August, next week.

Merritt will be live in studio to host the premiere of the concert film titled Tift Merritt: Still Not Home, airing on UNC-TV stations across the state at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3. Check out a short preview of the film below.

Yep Roc Records released a deluxe edition of Merritt's latest album, Traveling Alone, in September. Check out more info on the release HERE.

Maria Taylor releases 'Something About Knowing,' announces winter tour

Alabama singer-songwriter Maria Taylor released her fifth solo album, Something About Knowing, last month and she'll hit the road in early 2014 on a winter tour in support of it.

She'll play the Cat's Cradle Back Room on Saturday, February 1. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $10.

Check out the music video for "Up All Night" from the album Something About Knowing below.

Justin Townes Earle announces December dates, coming to Raleigh

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle has announced a few tour dates in December which will bring him back to the Triangle for a headline show.

He'll play the Southland Ballroom in Raleigh on Monday, December 9. Tickets are on sale now via Etix for $25.

Check out a video of Earle performing the song "Ain't Waitin'" from his 2008 album Harlem River Blues for Paste Magazine at the Newport Folk Festival earlier this year below.

Merge to reissue classic albums in 2014 starting with 'Nixon'

As a part of Merge Records big 25th anniversary celebration in 2014, the label has already announced a 7-inch subscription series and a 25k Chapel Hill to Durham road race. Now they've announced their next big project which will be to reissue some classic Merge albums throughout the year.

They'll start things off with Lambchop's 2000 album Nixon which has been out of print for a while. The reissue will be available on CD and vinyl and it will include a bonus disc featuring White Sessions 1998: How I Met Cat Power, a solo session frontman Kurt Wagner recorded for Radio France in 1998. It will be out on January 28.

Check out the music video for the classic track "Up With People" from Nixon below.

Hiss Golden Messenger reissuing Bad Debt in January, listen to "Drum"

Hiss Golden Messenger's second album Bad Debt is set for a deluxe reissue in January. The album was released overseas in 2010, though most of the CDs were destroyed during the London riots and it was released in limited numbers is the U.S. in 2011.

The new reissue will be out on January 14 via the label Paradise of Bachelors and they have just shared the last song on the release, "Drum," with the world. Check it out below along with a complete album track list.

Pre-orders of the album come with an unreleased album titled London Exodus which is available as an immediate download. You can stream the entire bonus album HERE.

Queens of the Stone Age announces winter tour, coming to Raleigh

Alt rockers Queens of the Stone Age will hit the road for another round of tour dates this winter in support of their latest album ...Like Clockwork and they'll make their way to the Triangle this time out.

The band will play the Memorial Auditorium at the Duke Energy Center in Raleigh on Thursday, January 30. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 22, via the venue box office and Ticketmaster for $36 to $56.

Check out the music video for "The Vampyre of Time and Memory" from ...Like Clockwork below. There's an interactive version of the video which you can experience HERE.

New music video from Polvo - "Light, Raking"

Chapel Hill indie rockers Polvo released a new album in September titled Siberia and as of yet they  haven't announced any live dates in support of it, but they have just released a new music video from it.

The video is for the album's third track, "Light, Raking" and it is a stop motion clip featuring quite a bit of yarn which happens to fit really well with the catchy, synth-laden tune. Check it out below.

Check out our view of Siberia HERE as well as the song "Total Immersion" from the album HERE.

The 1975 announces 2014 North American tour

Up-and-coming English pop rockers The 1975 released their self-titled debut full-length album a few months ago and the band will be hitting the road in North America this spring in support of it.

The band will play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Tuesday, May 14. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 22, via Ticketfly for $18.

Check out the music video for the band's latest single from The 1975, "Girls," below (it features some ladies in lingerie so it might be a little NSFW).

Haim announces spring 2014 tour, coming to Carrboro

One of the year's most buzzed about bands, Haim, released a fantastic debut album a few months back titled Days Are Gone. The band is preparing to take the album all over the world in 2014 and will be traversing North America in the spring.

The band will make a stop at the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Tuesday, May 6. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 22 via Ticketfly for $17.50.

Check out Haim's music video for the oh so catchy "The Wire" below, which features an amusing performance from The Lonely Island's Jorma Taccone.

Journey, Steve Miller Band & Tower of Power announce 2014 tour

We're still working our way through the last few months of 2013, but the first big amphitheater tour of the 2014 season has already been announced. Classic rockers Journey, Steve Miller Band and Tower of Power will team up for a big tour and you guessed it, they're coming to the Triangle.

The bands will play the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre (it's no longer the Time Warner Cable Pavilion as the sponsorship deal was not renewed) in Raleigh on Thursday, May 29. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 22 via LiveNation for $36 to $131.

Check out Journey performing "Don't Stop Believin'" on the Today Show a few years ago below.

Shearwater releasing covers album, announnces early 2014 tour

Texas indie rockers Shearwater will release a collection of covers on November 26 titled Fellow Travelers which will include songs by Coldplay, Wye Oak, St. Vincent, Smog and more. The band will hit the road in early 2014 which will bring them to the Triangle.

Shearwater will play the Back Room of the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Thursday, March 20. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $10.

Check out the music video for "I Luv the Valley OH!," originally by Xiu Xiu, from Fellow Travelers below.

Casbah in Durham to end run as music venue

Casbah, the excellent music club in Durham, will cease to be a music venue once the calendar rolls over to 2014. In a year where a lot of Triangle venues have seen lot of changes, Casbah is the latest in a series of upheavals.

The final show will be a New Year's Eve party with Peter Lamb and The Wolves and Bullfrog and The Connoisseurs. Tickets are $15 in advance via Etix.

After that final show, the venue will close and will later reopen as what the Indy Week is reporting will be a "bar with games." We'll have to wait and see what exactly that entails.

Cracker & Camper Van Beethoven announce winter tour

California rock bands Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven are teaming up for a winter tour that will bring them to the Triangle in early 2014.

The bands will play the Cat's Cradle in Carrboro on Friday, January 10. Tickets will go on sale today, November 15, at 10 a.m. via Ticketfly for $15.

Camper Van Beethoven released a new album earlier this year titled La Costa Perdida. Check out the music video for the song "Someday Our Love Will Set Us Out" from album below. Check out the video for Cracker's 1993 hit "Low" below as well.

[UPDATE] Jason Isbell & Holly Williams announce winter tour

Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell released his highly acclaimed fourth album Southeastern earlier this year and in early 2014 he'll team up with Holly Williams for a short East Coast tour.

Isbell and Williams will make a stop at the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw on Friday, January 17. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $20.

[UPDATE: After the first show sold out, Isbell and Williams have added a second show at the Haw River Ballroom on Saturday, January 25. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $20.]

Yuck announces winter tour, coming to Chapel Hill

Back in September British indie rockers Yuck released their sophomore album Glow & Behold and the band are set to cross the Atlantic in early 2014 for a big North American tour in support of it.

The band will play Local 506 in Chapel Hill on Wednesday, February 12. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketfly for $10.

Check out the music video for "Middle Sea" from the album Glow & Behold below.

Carolina Chocolate Drops to lose another founding member

Grammy winning Triangle string band Carolina Chocolate Drops will take another blow at the start of the new year when they will lose another founding member, leaving just one.

Dom Flemons will take his leave at the end of the year to pursue solo projects and other collaborations. He follows Justin Robinson, who left the group in 2011. Rhiannon Giddens will be left to carry on the Carolina Chocolate Drops with new players, cellist Malcolm Parson and multi-instrumentalist Rowan Corbett, who will join her in the new year.

Sadly the group has no Triangle dates on the books before the end of the year, so if you want to see the Drops one more time with Flemons, you'll have to head west to Charlotte, Asheville or Knoxville or south to Atlanta. Check out the dates below.

Album Review: Roman Candle - Debris

Roman Candle’s fourth full-length record, Debris, is a departure from the shining pop masterpieces for which the band is known. This is a band that’s on their fourth label and has always been on the cusp. That frustration can be heard here.

On past albums Roman Candle was in full service of the melody and focused on how to deliver it with the most punch. Debris focuses on building atmosphere. This results in compositions thickened with synths and guitar and vocal effects. The percussion rhythms seem to loop in on themselves instead driving listeners through a song creating a vortex that can be thrilling and odd at the same time. The band seems to have taken some influence from fellow Tar Heels The Rosebuds in creating unexpectedly danceable rock.

Merge Records sign Vertical Scratchers, Ex Hex

Vertical Scratchers

In the last few weeks Merge Records has announced the first few elements of their 25th anniversary celebration coming in 2014 and they've also added two new bands to Merge family.

The first is the new Los Angeles band Vertical Scratchers led by John Schmersal, a member of the touring band of fellow Merge artist Caribou. Vertical Scratchers will release their debut album on February 25 titled Daughter of Everything. Check out the song "These Plains" from the album below.

The second new addition to the Merge family is the Washington D.C. trio Ex Hex. The band will also release their debut album sometime in 2014. We'll keep you posted as more details are announced.