Once in a while, we like to take some time to introduce you to bands -- both local otherwise -- that we think you'd enjoy. Le Diamont Brut aims to showcase those MySpace gems we hope to see shine. Recommend your local suggestions by emailing music@austinist.com. FINAL FANTASY What’s the Deal: Final Fantasy is Owen Pallett, and yes, he is a fan of the game series. That’s actually where he got his name. His music... more ›

Belaire'sExploding Impacting is an album that very well captures the essence of summer madness: the spectral emotional range goes from playful romanticism ("You Really Got Me Goin'") to the deeply reflective ("Waiting Patiently" and You're Not A Kid Anymore". ) The band's sound is somewhere between '60s Brazilian Tropicalia (Caetano Velosco, Gilberto Gil, Os Mutantes) and early '80s synth-pop (Gary Numan, Talking Heads, OMD) taken in a new direction. Though twin sisters Cari and Christa... more ›

It could have been a lot worse. Mariah Carey could have walked away with Song, Record, or even Album of the Year; at that point, we would've completely given up on the music industry. Not that we have an extreme degree of faith in the corporate arts as is, but giving the big one to an album titled The Emancipation of Mimi would have all-but confirmed that those people are insane, evil, and totally... more ›

None of the Austinist staff was among the lucky 1 million who scored tickets to the much-ballyhooed Live 8 international music orgy. And chances are, neither were you! more ›

Last week, we journeyed down to San Antonio to check out the mighty metal quartet known as Mudvayne. Their latest CD, "Lost and Found" debuted at #2 on Billboard, bested by Mariah Carey’s latest release. It’s been a long struggle for this Illinois troupe. Battling drug problems that have forced them off the road a few times, Mudvayne seems ready to conquer the world as they have recently been named one of the mystery bands that will be performing at this year's Ozzfest. more ›