Obscure Sound — The sophomore single from Hartlepool, UK-based band Crescent, “Sin Again” dazzles with a dynamic rock appeal — moving from organ-laden haunts to a bluesy, sweltering rock character. The standout single comes ahead of their debut EP Lamentations... more info

Brooklyn Vegan — Of the new album, The Futureheads say it's 'a return, we hope, to bombastic, daring, creative righteousness.' Continue reading… more info

Sweeping The Nation — 2003 was in some ways the year everything we knew about pop splintered - Phil Spector's arrest, Michael Jackson's post-Martin Bashir arrest, Britney being kissed by and then duetting with Madonna with the precipice starting to hove into view.... more info

Guardian Music — The former Sex Pistols lead singer is bringing his band to the Split Festival to the delight of music fans, new guest blogger James Hunt reportsFormer Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Lydon will be on stage this weekend at Sunderland's Split Festival.Lydo... more info

Guardian Music — In the last of the Guardian Northerner's posts on Wearside's great music debate, musician Neil Wood and student Hannah Matterson put their viewsNeil Wood is a musician and blogger in Sunderland. He's on Facebook and there's more here too.At 21 years ... more info

Guardian Music — Another slant on the who, whats, whens and whys of how Sunderland became the north-east's hotbed of musical creativity. Dan Carson speaks to today's young musicians and promoters on Wearside"What is it that transforms an area's local musical landscap... more info

Guardian Music — David Brewis of Field Music takes issue with yesterday's Guardian Northerner post, recalling the free-wheeling, spirited genesis of the city's contemporary music, and the role of an inspirational youth workerAllan Glen's Guardian Northerner post yest... more info

Guardian Music — A lot of thought and planning, that's what. Allan Glen explains the clout behind Sunderland's progress towards becoming music's new Liverpool or ManchesterWhat is it that transforms an area's local musical landscape into a national credible scene? We... more info

Chorus.fm — *The Futureheads* (http://www.absolutepunk.net/thefutureheads) have put up their new album, an a cappella full-length titled Rant, up for digital purchase (http://thefutureheads.over9stores.co.uk/Category/29/music). more info

Chorus.fm — Head to the replies to watch the new video from *The Futureheads* (http://www.thefutureheads.co.uk) for "The Old Dun Cow". more info