Absentee

Aside from referring to my inactive status as a blogger recently, Absentee is also the name of an up-and-coming, highly prolific indie-rock British band who have been making a name for themselves with two mini-albums (Hawaiian Disco in late 2003 and Donkey Stock last year) and with their opening act slot in The Magic Numbers' recent UK tour --in fact, their bassist Romeo used to be a member of Absentee until he left the band to focus on recording the Number's debut album. The London quintet, often compared to such diverse, well-established alternative acts as Pavement (for their moody sound and often funny lyrics), Nick Cave or Tindersticks (for Dan Michaelson's powerful, haunting vocals), will finally be releasing their first full-length album Schmotime in May, with the energetic 'Something to Bang' leading the charge as its first single later this month. Check them out.