Depeche Mode, Dread Zeppelin, London Suede,Melankolic, Moe., Sand Rubies/Sidewinders, Waitresses

NEWS: > Word on the street is that extracts from the new Depeche Mode album Ultra have already appeared across the Internet. Initial reports of the tracks suggest a return to the mainly electronic style of Violator and Music For The Masses. The influence of Bomb The Bass' Tim Simenon can also be heard throughout the album. There are eleven tracks, plus one unlisted instrumental; two songs are sung by Martin Gore, the remainder by Dave Gahan. The first single, "Barrel of a Gun", is the exception rather than the rule; the second single, "It's No Good", sounds like classic Depeche Mode. Ultra appears in stores on April 15.

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> London Suede are currently on tour in Japan for a tour of the Far East. They have just finished recording B-side for their fourth U.K. single, "Lazy" - the single will be released on April 14, six days after the American release of their Coming Up! album. These tracks, produced by Bruce Lampcov, are the first time the group has worked with a producer other than Ed Buller.

> A new record label - a collaboration between Caroline Records, Virgin UK and Massive Attack - has been formed. The label, Melankolik, has already announced several signings, including Horace Andy, Craig Armstrong and Ariel.

> Moe. will be on L.A. Live (http://www.lalive.com) on Friday, February 28th.

> The Sand Rubies are performing at South by Southwest in March, and will be returning to the recording studio soon. Information on the Sidewinders, Sand Rubies and Rich Hopkins & the Luminarios can be found at the web site http://www.contingency.com

> A new site chronicling the Waitresses and their members is available at http://www.hardcafe.co.uk/waitresses/