Communique updates: lineup changes, projects, touring plans

Communiqué has announced a lineup change and some plans for the new year. They continue to support their 2004 Lookout release Poison Arrows.

The band had this to say:

After two and a half years and hundreds of shows, Cory has decided to leave the band. His decision was based on a desire to take a break from playing music, not on any personal or creative conflicts, and we all remain good friends. Being in a constantly touring band can be a thankless job, and we understand Cory's decision and wish him the best.

Taking over on keyboards will be our old friend Steve Loewinsohn. Steve played for many years in The Cost, whose Lookout Records full-length Chimera was recorded by Ryan. We've known Steve as a musician and a friend for the better part of a decade, and we're very excited to have him in the group.

The band, which is primarily made up of members of American Steel, has also added a mail order store from merchandise from that band. American Steel merchandise can be found here. The band also released a special Japanese edition this year, with three bonus tracks on Tokyo's Fabtone Records.

Members of the band also had some personal updates; Ryan is now a studio manager at Sharkbite Studios, where both A Crescent Honeymoon and Poison Arrows, as well as the last American Steel record, were recorded. John is now co-editor of Beeswax Magazine, a new journal of literature and art based in Oakland. The first issue comes out on January 15th

Web and poster designer, Mike Buchmiller, is featured in the new book Swag 2. The book showcases five of his posters, two of which are Communique posters, and the cover design is taken from his Social Distortion/Against Me/Communique poster.

The band is planning to tour in the California area in the Winter and Spring and is embarking on a larger tour in the summer.