June 8th, 2012

It’s been over two years since Hot Chip released ‘One Life Stand’ – and in an industry where time turns at a pace parallel to dog years that’s a long time indeed.

So why the massive wait? And what on earth have they been doing?! Well, it turns out the answer is they’ve been very busy indeed.

Not only have Hot Chip toured extensively across the US, South America, Mexico, Japan, Australia and Europe during their ‘absence’, but there has also been a number of splinter projects; frontman Alexis Taylor formed the jazz-soul improv About Group, Joe Goddard toured the world as one half of eclectic dance duo The 2 Bears, Al Doyle and Felix Martin founded the electro-pop of New Build and Doyle was also snapped up by LCD Soundsystem for their farewell tour.

Frankly it’s no wonder there has been a rather protracted pause before the release of fifth album ‘In Our Heads’. In fact it’s incredible they found the time or inclination.

The Prodigy and Slash are set to headline the first day of this year’s Download festival tonight (June 8th).

Upstairs at Camden’s Enterprise is a small affair.

The stage sits barely two feet off the ground and with fifty or so beer swilling punters it’s beginning to get a little cramped towards the back. When Skinny Lister enter the scene, five strong and sporting a double bass as big as a bath tub, you know that you may be in for a little more than bargained for.

Former Smiths frontman Morrissey has appeared to suggest he still plans to retire from music at the age of 55, putting the time for him to hang up the microphone at 2014.

The Killers have released a trailer for their new album ‘Battle Born‘, which sees the four bandmates standing in front of a camp-fire as the album’s title is spelled out. The teaser can be viewed below.

Veterans Black Sabbath and Slash were honoured at last night’s (June 8th) Kerrang! Awards, while You Me At Six picked up the Best British Band prize at the ceremony which took place at The Brewery in Barbican, London.

Bob Welch, one of the early members of the classic rock band Fleetwood Mac, has been found dead at his home in Nashville after an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 66 years old.