Ransom have a new song up on their Myspace account (www.myspace.com/Ransom), "Before I Die." It’s their entrant in the WTOS Battle of the Bands, going on right now in the 12-bands stage. Take a listen to both Ransom and WTOS. We saw what Dead Season’s win last year did for them.

Rachel Griffin’s organizing a big-time fundraiser at the St. Lawrence for the Preble Street Resource Center, everybody’s favorite local charity. She’ll be joining Graham Isaacson, Pete Kilpatrick, Carll Wilkinson, and Cactus Highway for a whiz-bang concert on July 2. Tix are $10 and ought to go fast.

Red Fez Records just release a trio of interesting albums. The first is Mister Vertigo’s Mister Vertigo’s Fear of Heights, which they’re describing as Radiohead mixed with indie rock guitars. Notable is Mike Deneen on the mixing board. He’s kind of famous. Second is the Screen’s second full-length, Antitrust. If you’re looking for serious prog rock that’s bass-driven and listenable, this is your band. Look for more in next week’s "Beat Report." Third is an EP from Adria called Concealer. Don’t know much about it, but they’re calling it hardcore mixed with Euro-metal, but melodic. Listen for yourself. Red Fez rarely disappoint on the taste front.