Birmingham, Alabama’s KOROVA are an abrasive hardcore band that takes plenty of inspiration from BLACK FLAG and similar noise/chaos heavy groups. The band has recently put out a CD titled Another Happy Customer, and has also made it a free download, hosted by Archive.org.  For those a bit more cautious in checking out a band, several songs from the band’s discography are streaming on MySpace.

Richmond, Virginia hardcore punks DRY SPELL have released their debut S/T 7″ via Livin’ Loud Records. The four song effort is currently available from Revhq.com. Two of the four songs are streaming on the band’s MySpace page. RIYL: early BAD RELIGION.

From the inbox:

“We couldn’t be happier to announce that JOYCE MANOR, based out of Long Beach, CA/Torrance, CA, have officially joined the 6131 family. While Joyce Manor is clearly different than anything else on 6131 there was no way we could not work with them. After having their demo on constant rotation I [Joey Cahill] finally had the chance to see them live when they opened for TOUCHE AMORE, and needless to say, I was floored. With influences ranging from bands like Weezer to Guided By Voices to Screeching Weasel I can’t wait to see where this band goes.”

Joyce Manor self released their 5 song demo a few months ago, and are planning on self releasing a split 7” with SUMMER VACATION in the coming months. Look for the bands 6131 debut to come sometime this winter.

- Into this! The band’s songs are much faster than the label description might indicate. Melodic punk rock with a blunted pop-edge. You can stream/download their 5 song EP Constant Headache via Bandcamp.

The generous souls at Barsuk Records have teamed up with AmazonMP3 for a ten song free sampler of new music. Some of the bands included are MAPS & ATLASES, ROCKY VOTOLATO, DAVID BAZAN, VIVA VOCE, and RAMONA FALLS. You can grab your copy here.

Late in 2009, Fat Wreck Chords celebrated their 20th Anniversary with the release of a 3xCD box set titled “Wrecktrospective.” The set includes a first disc with 33 so-called “Fattest Hits,” a second disc with 28 demo tracks, and a third consisting of all 27 songs from the “Fat Club” 7″ series. Included in the [...]

New York melodic rock/pop-punk band JUST SURRENDER have their latest full-length, Phoenix, streaming on their Facebook page. This is the band’s first full-length for Razor & Tie, and third overall, after two with Broken English Records.

- Each release finds the band tinkering with a new sound/style adjustment. They’ve come a long way from being TAKING BACK SUNDAY clones on their debut. I’m not sure if the AC/DC like opener to Phoenix serves them well, but the album does eventually slide back around to the band’s more pop-punk/emo sound with keyboard goodness. Props to them also for using Rootmusic’s FB BandPage application, which more bands should explore, especially if they’re paying less attention to their MySpace page.

Australia’s FORGIVEN RIVAL, have released their new full-length This Is A War in the US via Indianola Records. The melodic rock/metal band combines the pop elements of bands like STORY OF THE YEAR and THE USED with the aggressive riffing of bands like FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND and AS I LAY DYING. (It’s sounds better than it translates into written band comparison form). Several songs from the effort are streaming on the band’s MySpace page.