Terrorbird

The duo of Nicole Barille and Sam Meister -- better known now as Cleveland's Mr. Gnome -- saw the release of their genre-obliterating album Madness In Miniature last year to some high praise, including being named a "Band To Watch" by Rolling Stone Magazine. After a short break in the new year after months of touring around the release, Barille and Meister are back at it again, announcing the upcoming release of their new digital 7" Softly Mad, featuring two new tracks "The Way" and "Still Life," both of which show a more restrained side of the band that was previously only hinted at on Madness In Miniature.  With a release date of March 20th on El Marko Records, both tracks were recorded in their basement studio and mixed by Beau Sorenson (Death Cab for Cutie, Tegan & Sara, Secret Machines), not to mention products of a long, dark Cleveland winter. Addtionally, Mr. Gnome has announced another massive two-month tour, taking them to SXSW, the midwest, the south, and the west coast. See below for the full list of upcoming dates. If you missed them in 2011, it's a perfect time to revisit the album and see their jaw-dropping live show in a city new you.

More info on Mr. Gnome:

Like the previous album Heave Yer Skeleton (2009), the new record was recorded at Josh Homme's (Queens of the Stone Age/Them Crooked Vultures) Pink Duck Studios in Los Angeles. The Madness in Miniature sessions signal the band’s second opportunity to partner with Pink Duck Studio Manager and Engineer, Justin Smith (QOTSA, Eagles of Death Metal, Arctic Monkeys, Them Crooked Vultures) as well.  Portland’s Beau Sorenson, who mixed the previous two albums, also returns. Barille and Meister bring an unfiltered approach to their craft, allowing for emotional and sonic variance.  The duo's mood swings are mirrored by the band's surreal album artwork, photography, and videowork, all created by Barille and Meister themselves.

The intricately woven musical tapestries and hallucinogenic interludes pounded out by the duo represent an expansion and perfection of the stylistic character Mr. Gnome had previously become synonymous. Don't miss your chance to see them in the flesh.

Mr. Gnome Spring Tour Dates

03/01 Nashville TN @ Exit/In

03/02 Cincinnati OH @ Mayday

03/03 Lexington KY @ Green Lantern

03/06 Durham NC @ Garage Bar at Motorco Music Hall

03/08 Atlanta GA @ The Five Spot

03/09 Pensacola FL @ The Handle Bar

03/10 Orlando FL @ Orange You Glad Festival

03/13 Dallas TX @ Double Wide - Prekindle SXSW pre-party

03/14 Austin TX @ Red 7 - Terrorbird/Force Field SXSW party

03/15 Austin TX @ Lucky Lounge - TapeOp magazine SXSW party

03/16 Austin TX @ SXSW - TBA

03/17 Austin TX @ SXSW - TBA

03/20 Fruita CO @ Cavalcade

03/22 Boise ID @ The Red Room - Treefort Music Festival

03/23 Portland OR @ Doug Fir Lounge

03/24 Seattle WA @ Sunset Tavern

03/27 San Francisco CA @ Thee Parkside

03/28 Sacramento CA @ Luigi's

03/29 Los Angeles CA @ Bootleg Theater

03/31 Albuquerque NM @ The Launch Pad

04/03 Salt Lake City UT @ Urban Lounge

04/04 Denver CO @ Hi-Dive

04/06 Springfield MO @ The Outland

04/07 Kansas City MO @ Riot Room/Middle of The Map Festival

04/10 Columbia MO @ Sideshow

04/11 Saint Louis MO @ Plush

04/12 Indianapolis IN @ Radio Radio

04/13 Chicago IL @ Schuba's

04/14 Grand Rapids MI @ The Pyramid Scheme

04/20 Cleveland OH @ Beachland Ballroom

04/21 Toledo OH @ Ottawa Tavern

04/27 Dayton OH @ Blind Bob's

04/28 Columbus OH @ Skully's