Just when you think you are on top of the scene and have discovered everything there is to discover it takes a nice note from a reader to alert you that you have missed a band (or twenty). The band this fan recommended was Tin Tin Can. Where has this band been? Their sound is a mixture of the layered vocals and organic nature of Animal Collective and the storytelling and edge of Cracker. They have released two eps, the most recent being The Devil and the Mockingbird released August 2009. Both eps can be downloaded for free from the band's website. Tin Tin Can are my favorite discovery this week, and I apologize for not taking notice sooner.

Tin Tin Can will be playing at Beat Kitchen with 100 Monkeys on March 5th.

Tomorrow the sultry duo of Lauren Cheatham and Wade Alin (aka The Atomica Project) will celebrate the release of their latest album The Non Affair. This album finds the duo loosely clinging to their trip-hop roots but branching out to explore the organic elements of their music. They bring in everything from everything from the 1940's to the modern shoe-gaze genre. The Non Affair features 11 brand new tracks and 6 bonus tracks from the 2 digital/usb only EP's released. Alin is responsible for the sound structure and has really out done himself on this one. If you have followed his career you may know that his has always been searching for that perfect balance between the electronic and the organic. On this album, based entirely on a misperception of intimacy, it seems as through he has finally found it. You can stream the entire album here, but this is an album you will want to purchase.

The Atomica Project will be performing at Metro tomorrow night (Feb. 26th) with theMDR, The Rosen Association, and Sarah Katheryn. The show starts at 9:00pm and tickets are $9.

Released nearly a year ago, Where Astronauts Go To Hide have toured relentlessly in support of their debut album Among Friends. There are still on the road, but will return home on Feb. 28th as they perform at Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark St.) with Brendan Losch and Brett Saxon. This show is all ages and is free, but donations are welcome. 

After a ten year absence from the Chicago music scene The Blacks returned last fall to play a reunion show of sort at Bloodshot Records 15thAnniversary Hideout Block Party. It was clear that they still had that spark that generated to albums in the late nineties. True they’ve lost a decade, but as I listened through their new ep In Sickness and Health it is clear they haven’t lost the passion or chemistry. The album is filled with introspection, but at its height it is simple and pure rock with country undertones.

In Sickness and Health is a digital-only EP that will be available on March 6th. The first 300 downloads (preorder now) come with a limited-edition poster designed by Danny Black and silk screened by Crosshair Silkscreen. All downloads of the EP include an enhanced package of lyrics, original artwork, photos and the documentary on the Blacks rise and fall, "Bring It Back From The Dead" by John Boston and Glorious Noise Productions.

The Blacks will be celebrating the release of the ep on March 9th at Schubas.

I just received a new single of the trio Kid Savant. “Better Side of Paradise” is track that begins like a standard Coldplay ballad, but subtly morphs into somewhat of a club track. This track just adds to the mystery and hopeful anticipation lead up to what stands to be a wonderful debut album. Hopefully we will be getting news to that effect soon. Until then we will just have to continue to enjoy these mp3’s they throw our way.