Mr. Gnome, the local artsy hard rock duo that’s legitimately a national act, has announced its new album, The Heart of a Dark Star, will come out on November 18 on El Marko Records. According to the official press release, “This time around [singer] Nicole [Barille] and [drummer] Sam [Meister] are back in their conceptual wheelhouse, but this time their approach is leaner and the gut punches are swift.” Engineer Kevin McMahon (Walkmen, Titus Andronicus, Swans, Real Estate) mixed the album. The group has also revealed the album cover art, which it did itself. Due out next week, the terrific first single, “Rise & Shine,” starts with whispered vocals and sparse guitars before turning into rousing rocker that concludes with something that sounds like breaking guitar strings.  

This article appears in Aug 13-19, 2014.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.