Epitaph and Hellcat artists take on SXSW

EPITAPH AND HELLCAT RECORDS ANNOUNCE SXSW 2008 LINEUP
Story of the Year, HorrorPops, The Matches, Hot Water Music, The Aggrolites, Civet, Nekromantix And The Heart Attacks To Perform At 2008’s South by Southwest Music Festival
Renowned punk labels Epitaph and Hellcat Records will make a strong showing at 2008’s SXSW with musically diverse performances by Story of the Year, The Matches, Hot Water Music, The HorrorPops, The Aggrolites, Civet, Nekromantix and The Heart Attacks. Home to some of punk’s most notorious bands, Epitaph Records will bring the freshest and most talked about groups to the industry’s most distinguished festival. Set times and locations are listed at the bottom.

Story of the Year:
After spending the past year recording the follow-up to their hugely popular albums Page Avenue and In the Wake of Determination, Story of the Year have emerged with their boldest and most accessible album to date, The Black Swan. The St. Louis alternative rock heavyweights known for their kinetically explosive live performances will undoubtedly be one of the festivals top draws.

The Matches:
Bay Area Indie-pop-rock group The Matches have officially arrived on the scene with the release of their third album, A Band In Hope. A striking mix of affective rock, poetic lyrics and rollicking indie riffs fueled by a daring song structures and ardent vocals, the group’s latest album boasts influences from art-pop to 80’s retro to dark rock musicals for one of the most eclectic and unique experiences in music today.

Hot Water Music:
Known for helping shape the post-hardcore movement in the mid-90’s and influencing bands like Against Me!, the Gainesville, FL-based group amicably parted ways with singer Chuck Ragan in 2006. The remaining members, Chris Wollard (guitar, vocals), Jason Black (bass), George Rebelo (drums) with the addition of Todd Rockhill (guitars), went on to form The Draft who released their debut album, In A Million Pieces, on Epitaph Records in late 2006. Fans and critics alike were teased by rumors of a possible reunion at last year’s SXSW, so this year’s reunion will be a must see.

The HorrorPops:
The HorrorPops intermingle a variety of influences ranging from punk, rockabilly, new wave and surf for one of the most singular styles of rock out today. The group’s newest album, Kiss Kiss Kill Kill, was inspired by thematic elements from vintage films and classic soundtracks, resulting in highly contagious and extremely danceable music. Lead by the sensational Patricia Day, the HorrorPops live show is fully outfitted with signature props, dancers and enough high-octane suprises to keep their fans engrossed and moving all night long.

The Aggrolites:
This five-piece group of L.A. musicians mixes old school reggae with rock, soul and funk, and are heavily influenced by The Meters, James Brown and Wilson Pickett among others. It's a thick blend of rhythm and melody, seasoned by years of love and soul. The result is the infectious sound called "dirty reggae." Touring in support of their latest release, Reggae Hit L.A., The Aggrolites have spent the past year on the road playing with bands like the Dropkick Murphys, Sick of It All, Social Distortion and 311.

Civet:
Femme fatale punk rockers Civet are carrying on the long history of girl bands with broken hearts and an axe to grind – think early Distillers, Bikini Kill and the Runaways – but do so with a humor and brazen, in-your-face gorgeousness that sets them apart from the reflexive feminist stance that at times burdened their predecessors. The Long Beach, CA foursome is currently hard at work on their Hellcat debut.

Nekromantix:
The ghoulish psychobilly stompers have been wrecking the world since their formation in 1989. Hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark and led by coffinbass thumper Kim Nekroman, Nekromantix have spent the last two decades amassing legions of fans with their creeper style of horror inspired rock.

The Heart Attacks:
True to the spirit of punk, The Heart Attacks are a self-proclaimed group of pirate gypsy crackhead smart-mouthed snot-nosed rock & roll misfits, whose music gives nods to Dead Boys and the New York Dolls. With a vigorously brash performance at SXSW 2007 under their belt, the band plans to wreak havoc again with an onslaught of brazened punk rock.

EPITAPH & HELLCAT RECORDS’ SXSW 2008 LINEUP: (Additional Performances Will Be Announced Soon)

Wednesday, March 12th
The Aggrolites: Wednesday, March 12th @ Fado Irish Pub (1:00 PM)

Thursday, March 13th
Civet: Thursday, March 13th @ Red 7 – TKO/Go TV Networks SXSW Day Party (TBD)

Friday, March 14th
Hot Water Music: Friday, March 14th @ Red 7 – Shirts For A Cure Showcase (12:00 PM)
Civet: Friday, March 14th @ Trophy’s – Whoopsy Magazine Party (1:30 PM)
Story Of The Year: Friday, March 14th @ Habana Annex – Ernie Ball Showcase (11:00 PM)

Saturday, March 15th
The Matches: Saturday, March 15th @ Emo’s – Alternative Press Party (TBD)
The Heart Attacks: Saturday, March 15th @ Ale House (2:00-2:30 PM)
The Heart Attacks: Saturday, March 15th @ Red Seven – Hellcat Records/Devil Dolls Showcase (9:00-9:30 PM)
Nekromantix: Saturday, March 15th @ Red Seven – Hellcat Records/Devil Dolls Showcase (9:30-10:00 PM)
The Matches: Saturday, March 15th @ Bourbon Rocks – SFxSXSW (11:00 PM)
HorrorPops: Saturday, March 15th @ Red Seven – Hellcat Records/Devil Dolls Showcase (11:30-12:00 AM)

For More Information:
www.Epitaph.com
www.Hell-Cat.com
www.SXSW.com