Local Music News & Notes: White Denim's Exposion, the Sword Skips Town, Octopus Project's Bright Shinies & More

Yesterday, White Denim is soft-releasing their new album, Exposion, online only through TopSpin Media (if it sounds familiar, it might be because Byrne & Eno just released Everything That Happens Will Happen Today on the same platform). Fans that sign up on the Web site will receive news and updates from the band, as well as the ability to download FLAC versions of the tunes. The band will be celebrating the release during Fun Fun Fun Fest with Dead Confederate. Get the record here.

Aching for more insight into the island of such great complexity that is Will Sheff? Spin has a video interview in which the Okkervil River frontman talks about "Bruce Wayne Campbell Interviewed on the Roof of the Chelsea Hotel, 1979"s (from the latest album, The Stand Ins) lyrics. the Star has another interview (you'll have to read this one) in which Sheff discusses the fertile Austin music community, including recent addition to the band, multi-instrumentalist Lauren Gurgiolo.

Octopus Project released the video for "I Saw the Bright Shinies" last week. The video was animated by Austin illustrator Divya Srinivasan, who previously animated Spoon's "Everything Hits At Once" video and worked on Linklater's Waking Life. Watch it here.

The Sword have announced a ton of dates where they'll be playing without Metallica, supporting Gods of the Earth. They won't be playing here at home, but will be in Houston. Check their MySpace for details.

On Thursday, head to Flamingo Cantina for some hip hop: MIRAGE aka Big Soul (Austin), Crew 54 (Killeen), and Mugsy Flows will take the stage. Cover is $5, doors at 9 p.m.