'Beat' it with The Trojan Rabbit

Local Soul/Rock quartet The Trojan Rabbit have spawned a new full-length CD, Beat to Hell, and this Friday they're having a party to celebrate. The release show takes place at Covington's Mad Hatter and also features performances by the band's pals, patientZero and Buckra. Doors for the all-ages shindig/concert open at 8 p.m.; cover is $5.

The Rabbit has been together for two years now, but they've already experienced the tumult of bands three times their age. But they've bounced back without missing a beat — original lead guitarist Peter Underhill was replaced by Matt Bauer about a year ago, as the band was working on Beat to Hell. Undeterred, the group re-jiggered the album with Bauer's help. Drummer Brian Kitzmiller (Full disclosure: Kitzmiller works for CityBeat, but is in sales and we editorial types never talk to those weirdoes, so there is no conflict of interest) says Bauer added a "more aggressive nature" to the band's sound. But, as is often the case with bands on a tight budget, it represents where the band was, as they've written a batch of entirely new songs for their next project, which Kitzmiller says may be out "sooner than you think."

The band ­ who make soulful, dynamic, groove-centric Pop/Rock, guided by the smoky, hearty vocals of their charismatic singer, Bebhin Blank ­ is looking to push the new release hard. They have teamed with local indie label ROC Records (which is assisting with management and other duties) and look to hit the road this fall, playing throughout the Midwest starting in September.

To sample a few tracks from Beat to Hell, visit TTR's MySpace page (myspace.com/thetrojanrabbit). Or tune in to WAIF (88.3 FM or waif883.org) this Thursday at 8 p.m. as the band drops in on long-running local music radio show, Kindred Sanction, to talk about and play some of the new CD. (thetrojanrabbit.com; rocrecords.com)

Rumors, Lies and General Misunderstandings
· This Friday at the Southgate House (in Junie's Lounge), unique, "Gypsy" acoustic outfit Michael McIntire and the Marmalade Brigade are holding a little shindig of their own, this time for a departing brother-in-music. Matt Anderson (original bassist for Jazz/Hip Hop masters, IsWhat?!, and current drummer for the Brigade) is leaving the band ... and the city. Anderson is heading to New Mexico to join their music scene, but he's spending his last night in Greater Cincy playing with McIntire and Co. The Brigade licks its wounds and recovers quickly to play Northside restaurant Gajah Wong Saturday night (Matt-less, of course). (macmicmac.com)

· Another great local group is also putting out its first CD this weekend. The Seedy Seeds will have copies of their new album, Change States, available at their release show this Saturday at the Decibel Lounge in Northside. The thoroughly engaging Indie Pop band will also have copies of its "super secret other companion album" available at the show. The Sheds, The Read and Heartwarmer also perform. Admission is $7 (for an extra $3, you get the new disc as well). One of the best new bands in the area, without question. (myspace.com/theseedyseeds)

· Local songwriting/guitar-playing master Rob Fetters appears on this week's installment of Studio 89, the fantastic live-performance series presented by NPR satellite WNKU (89.7 FM; wnku.org). Fetters, who has his pick of some pretty outstanding songs to play (solo tunes, Raisins/psychodots classics, new/old Bears songs), appears Monday, starting at 9 p.m. (check the station's site if you want to watch in person). If you can't make it and can't tune in, catch up later with 'NKU's podcasts of the series, also available through the Web site. You can also watch the performances at the station's station at YouTube (youtube.com/wnku). The site has clips of the local acts that have played the studio (Ellison, Ellery, Greg Schaber, Steve Manuel, Second Sister, The Newbees, Noah Hunt), as well as footage of touring artists like Xavier Rudd, Mieka Pauley and Last Town Chorus.

· Another very strong lineup for this week's installment of Edensong, running each Friday in July at 8 p.m. This week, get some fresh air and watch Sharon Udoh & Jan Wheatley, David Wolfenberger, Ma Crow and the Motherpluckers, Greg Schaber and the Cincinnati Dancing Pigs play Folk, Bluegrass, Blues, jug-band music and more at Eden Park's Seasongood Pavilion. As always, the event is free.(qcballadeers.org)