Author: nathan.lankford

Austin Spotlight: Casual Strangers Go Instrumental

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casInstrumental music can take on many forms, but often it undoes itself by forming repetitively and boring listeners…this is not what happens with the new single just released from Casual Strangers. While there’s a trip effect to the track, seemingly intentional if you look at the art work for their new album, there’s this electronic soulful vibe that’s quite successful. It reminds me of the early days of Air, when they were crafting these sultry bits of pop music. The Austin band will be releasing Pink Panther on February 26th, with a party the night before over at Sidewinder. Have fun folks.

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I’m in Love With Fake Laugh

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fakelaughListening to the musical elements of this brand new single from Fake Laugh might give you the wrong impression; it looks at a lot of the current market with those dreamy bending guitar chords a la Captured Tracks stable. But, the vocal approach really turns the song on its side, offering up a juxtaposed warmth that you don’t usually see; I particularly like the clarity of the voice too…you can completely understand the lyrics, which isn’t always the case. Get behind this group now before they’re no longer a small little secret in the music community.

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Adan & Xavi Ready Debut Album

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adaIn case you weren’t aware, there’s a couple of Spanish degrees and minors floating around behind the scenes at ATH, so we’re always intrigued by Spanish lyrics, especially when they’re draped over warm pop structures. On this new single from Adan & Xavi, they blend a strummed guitar, slide guitar and super-steady percussion to build this casual pop background for the delightful vocals. But, just because this track gives into the influences of Adan’s time in Mexico City, don’t be entirely sold on them using Spanish, as they’ve also got another track floating around that pulls in some classic Rod Stewart vibes. Don’t be afraid of pop without pretension…it’s good for you. You can hear their self-titled debut on March 4th via Everloving Records.

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Fresh Twin Peaks Tune

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twinsBright and early in the morning, and a bright new track from Twin Peaks to kick it off. Listening, it’s got a lot of polish on it, yet you can still hear the energy in the band’s performance, be it the distant yelps and screams or the swagger that comes from the track. I still think the song will turn some people’s heads, as this definitely has a bit more of an adult feeling to it; bands are allowed to grow up, and while it may not be as gritty, it’s definitely good. Their new album, Down in Heaven will be out on May 13th via Grand Jury.

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More from Brothers In Law

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brosItaly’s Brothers In Law have long been on our radar, and their new effort Raise is a huge step in their musical game. They still hold onto some of their elements of dream/indiepop, but they’ve thrown in that circular guitar swell that’s been so enchanting for many shoegaze fans. Vocals are hiding a little bit on some of the more recent work, filling in the space just behind the cascading wall of guitars. This track definitely displays the band’s new found sound and sees them pushing themselves to new levels. Look for their new album via WWNBB now!

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Slow Burner from Jordan Klassen

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jkI have to admit, I’m one of those dudes that probably works too much on everything, any thing, for that matter. So lately, with the SXSW horizon and real life and all that, feeling a little stressed, so it’s good to find something gentle, like this Jordan Klassen tune. There’s some Bon Iver in the vocal tones, breathy and fragile. The music around the voice builds a steadying land where Klassen can take the spotlight. His album Javelin will be released on February 19th via Nevado Music…could help you steal away the Winter.

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Another Tune from Michael Nau

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Erika_12JKT EPS_r4The latest single from the forthcoming Michael Nau LP is reminding me how much the power of a voice can truly carry a song. From the opening moments, it’s Nau soaring in the front of the mix, while barely audible metronome percussion keeps the pace. He’s thrown in some extra notes via samples and orchestration to fully fill out the sound on this one, but ultimately, you can’t pull yourself away from his voice. His brand new album, Mowing, is set for a February 19th release from Suicide Squeeze Records…continuing a good run of form for the label.

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Jam This Track from The City Yelps

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cityBeen looking for days at hidden gems, things beneath the cracks…then I landed on this short blaster from The City Yelps. It’s interesting that both the song title and the band’s name seem to work with the feeling, and the lyrics, of this song…it’s all tied in together. But, musically, this has that swirling proto-punk feel to it, almost as if you’re pogoing, but not in an angst-filled manner…a fun habit! This is just a glimpse of what we can see when the group release The City Yelps Half Hour in April via Oddbox Records.

Show Preview: Roses @ Barracuda – TONIGHT

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Shivery Shakes

It’s Thursday night ya’ll…and that means, at least this time of year, time for you to get out and see a really great local show. Now, admittedly, two of the ATH Records bands, Rose Selavy and Shivery Shakes, are playing, but I’m not just pulling the homer card here. I really really enjoyed the Roses set on NYE this year. At times they had this indiepop feel, other times I felt a Kurt Vile vibe, both which I dig. Also, Typical Girls are making the drive in to bring their dreamy pop tracks to the stage as well. It sounds like a perfect night for all you pop fans; Doors are at 9 PM.

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