We love animals. In fact, we're secretly training to be EAMTs (Emergency Animal Medical Technicians) so that we can save kittens and turtles and gerbils. We aren't alone in this love, however, as is evident by the longstanding trend of animal-centric band names: The Eagles, The Unicorns, Tortoise, Grizzly Bear, The Animals, Super Furry Animals, Band of Horses, Cat Power, Le Tigre, Modest Mouse, Gorillaz, Doves, Eels, Sparklehorse, and now -- The Ponys. Ok,......

We've gotten our hands on a bunch of tickets, guestlist spots, and assorted swag for several excellent parties happening during SXSW, and over the course of today we'll be giving these away. Check back every hour for the newest giveaway contest -- each will only run until the next one is posted, so your chances at winning are pretty damn good. Congrats to the winner of our last contest, who'll be announced at the end......

Jesu - Conqueror Jesu's self-titled debut was a ragged slab of industrial noise that didn't quite manage to transcend its origins as Justin Broadrick's post-Godflesh pet project, but Conqueror proves the art-metal godfather still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Broadrick cements his reputation as an unrivaled sonic architect here, creating a panoramic soundscape of ethereal keyboards, bristling guitars, and towering bottom end rivaling Kevin Shields for sheer aural density. Opener "Conqueror" rides a......

Bellingham, WA's The Trucks carry on the loud-and-proud post-riot grrl tradition of acts like Peaches, Le Tigre, and The Gossip, playing guitarless, keyboard-driven pop-punk that'd be perfect for your little sister's sleepover if their hit single wasn't called "Titties." Maybe it is anyway. Depends on your sister. Anyhow we got to chat with singer/visual artist Marissa Moore, who also doesn't get why the SXSW schedule isn't up yet. Share a story about a visit......

I'm not sure if today would be the day to go shopping at Waterloo or not, but if you do go, check out today's new releases: Bloc Party A Weekend In the City (Vice) The story of bands like Bloc Party is familiar, but still depends upon a sort of mystery to come to fruition. Whereas the huge fame and irrepressible buzz seemed to propel them into official stardom, the stress and anguish that......

Check this week's IST list to see when these artists will be performing. Miranda Sound [mp3] Close Calls [mp3] The Lull of Youngsters [mp3] Midas Black Heart Procession [mp3] Not Just Words Peel [mp3] Moxy Blues Buttercup [mp3] Hot Love [mp3] We're Easy [mp3] Anti-Antarctica Diplo [mp3] Gold Lion (remix) [mp3] Bloc Party's "Helicopter" (remix) [mp3] Staring At the Sun (remix) CSS [mp3] Lets Make Love and Listen to Death From Above The Theatre......

We haven't gotten around to the weekend IST list - we're still hungover after last night's Le Tigre show at Emo's. Check back tomorrow. F R I D A Y in-store · Knife Party and Assacre at End of an Ear. 6pm [mp3: Assacre - I Feel That Gay Marriage Should] music · David Garza at Stubb's [mp3: David Garza - Eleven is Real] music · The Chapters, Vacation Gold, King Tears Duo, and Sumner......

Once you've thoroughly indulged your inner punk-feminist at the the Le Tigre show at Emo’s tonight, be one of the cool kids and head to the after party w/ DJ Ceeplus at Club Surveillance/Karma Lounge (119 W. 8th St.). The Emo's show should be over by 1:00 in the AM, and those 24 hour party people at Teleportdoor will keep the doors open for you. There will be plenty of giveaways, including posters and......