PLATINUM BLONDE LIVE @ THE MOD CLUB 2012 — Photography By: Dipan Cheema For FridaeTV

PLATINUM BLONDE ANNOUNCE FIRST FULL-LENGTH

ALBUM IN 12 YEARS

NOW & NEVER

AVAILABLE – AUGUST 21, 2012

TORONTO, ON – Platinum Blonde will release their first full-length album of new material in over 12 years, Now & Never, on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 (Fontana North / Universal Music Canada). Featuring original members Mark Holmes (Vocals) and Sergio Galli (Guitar) with Robert Laidlaw (Bass) and Daniel Todd (Drums), the ten-track album was written by Holmes and produced by Murray Daigle, Holmes and Laidlaw. Platinum Blonde’s first single, “Beautiful,” is currently at radio. For full track listing, see below.

“We have been working on this record for over two years. The process was effortless and it seemed like no time had passed since we last recorded together,” says Holmes. “During my work as a dance remix producer I was amazed at how many new bands incorporated Platinum Blonde into their own sound, so it seemed the atmosphere was right for new material. Our signature electronic indie style of rock remains unchanged and our four to the floor sensibility is very much at home in our new music. Note for note and word for word this is the best album we have ever produced.”

Platinum Blonde’s debut EP in 1983 (Six Track Attack) solidified the group as New Wave innovators. Multi-platinum selling follow-up albums Standing In The Dark and Alien Shores spawned numerous chart-topping singles including “Standing In The Dark,” “Doesn’t Really Matter,” and their #1 hit “Crying Over You.” The corresponding videos showcased the band’s unique visual aesthetic and bold style allowing them to dominate the music video formats introduced to television at that time. Each release generated colossal success, including 7x Platinum album sales and multiple JUNO Award nominations.

Since the band parted ways in the early 1990s, Holmes founded internationally acclaimed Toronto’s club venue, The Mod Club. It allowed him to further explore his musical evolution as DJ MRK, which has heavily influenced the spirit of Platinum Blonde’s new music. In 1999, their greatest hits compilation, Seven Year Itch: 1982 -1989, peaked at #1 and stayed at the top of the sales charts for several weeks. Most recently, Platinum Blonde received the great honour of being inducted into the Music and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame in 2010 and electronic duo, Crystal Castles, revived Platinum Blonde’s “Not In Love,” featuring Robert Smith of The Cure; introducing Platinum Blonde to a new generation of listeners.

A Cross-Canada fall tour will be announced in the near future.

Now & Never Track Listing: