Fourth full-length confirms that this London outfit has completely moved on from their roots as an acoustic duo.  Source

Available this Monday on Astralwerks is the sophomore album by British duo TURIN BRAKES. The second album, titled "Ether Song" has received critical acclaim with it's UK release last week as a followup to their 2001 album "The Optimist". The new US release is set to contain a limited second disc containing live tracks, video and more. The album was recorded over the summer of 2002 in California with producer Tony Hoffer (Air, Supergrass, Beck, etc) as the band's attempt to break away from the "new acoustic" sound of the moment. As a followup to the release, the boys are doing a quick jaunt through the states in late March, early April. They are in the process of planning a more extensive tour in May, so if they aren't hitting your neck of the woods now, no worries.

Radio 1 announced the Mercury Music Prize nominations yesterday. They included, Basement Jaxx, Turin Breaks, Gorillaz, Super Furry Animals, Goldfrapp, Elbow, and Radiohead.

Then the Gorillaz refuse the nomination. Murdoc said, "Mercury Award? Sounds a bit heavy, man! You know - like carrying a dead albatross round your neck for eternity. No thanks man!"

And today the band's label, Parlophone, said that since they put the Gorillaz in the race, only they can pull them out.