Author: nathan.lankford

Austin Spotlight: Southern Boutique

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southernboutiqueWell, color me mystified.  Late last night I received an email with little more than a link to a song; I’m not even sure if the name is for real, but I’m digging this mysterious entity.  Whoever it is, definitely has their ear to the pop writing wheel.  It reminds me of what the older version of the Shins might have sounded like if they had gone on exploring the world.  It’s careful in construction, yet beneath lays a monster of pop ready for rebirth.  All I can say at this point is that Southern Boutique are exciting, and they’re from Austin.  Here’s a great song for you to check out (with another at their SOUNDCLOUD). If any one knows more about this band, please let us know; we want the inside scoop.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Rabbit-Trails.mp3]

Download: Souther Boutique – Rabbit Trails [MP3]

New Music from Richard Youngs

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wh8e_RichardYoungsI’ve got a slight obsession with Richard Youngs.  He’s one of those musicians where you never know exactly what you’ll get from listening to a new LP, especially as he battles Bob Pollard for one of the most prolific people out there.  He’s just announced a new album, Summer Through My Mind, which should be out on September 3rd via Ba Da Bing Records.  This track’s pretty simple, and if it weren’t for the odd little touches coursing through the track, it might be fairly redundant.  But, like Richard always does, his voice warms you over, and you’re drawn in from there.  Take a listen to the album’s title track.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/101319586″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Spotlight: Genuine Leather

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The_Viper_600pxIt’s always nice to start off the week with something catchy and fresh, so I figured this new hit from Austin’s Genuine Leather is the perfect way to get thing started.  The band is currently in the studio working on their upcoming LP, and this is our first taste.  It’s got crunchy guitar work to get things moving in the right direction, and the delivery of the vocals have this innate hook that encourages you to get down with the band. This track is perfect for wrapping up your summer with fun times, so make sure you include it in your next hit list.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/100843481″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Weirdo-Pop from Alligator Indian

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Alligator-Indian-press-photoOccasionally, you’ve just got to mix things up to get yourself outside the confines of mainstream.  I think that’s precisely what the duo of Alligator Indian have accomplished with their blissful, yet oddball, songwriting.  The vocals are carefully draped over electronic beats that seem safer in a haunted house than anywhere else.  There are a few vocal bursts that provide an extra sensation of haunting as they soar high in the mix.  It might be a touch odd, but it’s definitely enjoyable.  You can find more such tracks on the group’s upcoming More Songs About Animals and TV EP, which comes out September 17th via Bleeding Gold Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/02-Corpsing.mp3]

Download: Alligator Indian – Corpsing [MP3]

Fresh Indie Pop from The Steinbecks

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steinbecksAs promised, it’s been a remarkable week for our friends at Matinee Recordings. Already with two new releases under their belt, they return with a new 7″ from the Steinbecks…the band’s first release in six years. It’s a preview of what’s to come when the band release a full-length later in the year.  From the moment this track opens, it’s the vocals that take the focus, with the accompanying music sitting politely in the background.  Lyrically, it’s got the classic touch of great indiepop, referencing personal sentiments throughout.  It’s hard not to fall in love with a song like this playing on your stereo; you can make that happen by heading to Matinee now!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/01-At-Arkaroo-Rock-Radio-Edit.mp3]

Download: The Steinbecks – At Arkaroo Rock [MP3]

More New Tunes from Modern Hut

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HutPromo1.1I can’t say enough about how much I am enjoying Modern Hut right now. This new track from the songwriter features the voice of Screaming Females frontwoman, Marissa Paternoster, who just happens to be the most bad ass girl in rock n’ roll right now.  The duo have written a song that reminds me of a more serious version of The Moldy Peaches, with the focus on the lyrics here much more serious than something like “Who’s Got the Crack.”  It makes for a special listen, providing more anticipation for Generic Treasure, which hits stores on August 6th via Don Giovanni Records.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/101344470″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Music from Velcro

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velcroI feel like it’s been awhile since we’ve heard anything from our friends in Velcro, but I know they’re always keeping busy writing, so I’m happy to share this new track with you.  It’s a down-trodden tone, gently drifting along with heavy toned vocals and light guitar work.  I like the fact that they get the most out of simple structures, creating an alluring emotional appeal.  This track is a teaser for an upcoming compilation that the band is putting together for Osborne Again Music.  We’ll keep you posted on that as more details unfold.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Rise.mp3]

Download: Velcro – Rise [MP3]

Crunchy Number from Kid Karate

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kidkarateIt continues to amaze me what two people can accomplish musically.  It seems like one would be tied down by limitations, but that apparently is not the case with Kid Karate.  The song starts out with pulsing electronics, but then bursts into a louder stomping guitar track ready-built for destruction.  Lyrics explode in a dynamic fashion, adding to the edge created as the song begins to unfold; it ends with this quiet piano outro that adds a nice soft touch to the angst-fueled attitude. You can find this tune on the band’s Lights Out EP, which comes your way next week.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/02-Heart.mp3]

Download: Kid Karate – Heart [MP3]

Smooth Dance with Barbarossa

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barbarosaI’d be remiss if I didn’t post this track, as I’m really warming to the sound of Barbarossa.  On this song, the bass line works just beneath the vocals, providing a groove that gets your feet moving.  However, the track also has this bright pop explosion that bursts forth during the chorus that makes the song more than just a minimal electronic dance number.  You should all be on the lookout for the new record from the London producer on August 6th when Memphis Industries releases Bloodlines.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/88561834″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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