Can together Pangea Live Up to Tommy Stinson’s Expectations?

thephageThe power of a producer looms large in the indie realm. The likes of Ty Segall and Jason Quever just being at the helm on a studio session pretty much guarantees some instant “likes.” But, what if you go with someone heralded in the pantheon of bands, like a Tommy Stinson from the Replacements? This new single from together Pangea definitely sees the band playing tracks more to my liking, and the recording seems bright in all the perfect places; the guitars are crisp, and while there’s a bit of a rough edge to the vocals, it feels intentional. They’re releasing The Phage EP this Friday (10.16) via Burger Records, so give this new tune a listen to see if it’s up your alley.

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Martin Crane Steps Out on Brazos

martinOkay, so maybe that’s not entirely true, though what I do know is that Martin Crane is stepping out on his own, working under his own name. But, I’m guessing that the songs he’s crafting have a different place in his heart than what he’s done to date with Brazos. This new single seems more influenced by huge beats, vocal hooks and almost a hip sensibility for dancefloors. I don’t mean to disparage Brazos, but this song already feels like it could potentially have huger legs for Crane; it’s as accessible as it comes (I don’t mean that in a bad way at all!). Let’s wait to pass our full judgment on November 20th when he releases his album, Physical Therapy.

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ATH Premiere: Cormandelles Unleash Title Track, from Late Bloomer’s Bloomers

latebloomersDan Michicoff is having a killer year thus far, having just released Poster with his band, Tijuana Panthers. But, never one to rest, Dan enlisted a few friends (namely Matt Maust of Cold War Kids) to help with his new project, Coromandelles. The result is pretty excellent, offering up a handful of new tracks with a differing glimpse into his ideas of rock n’ roll. The title track for Late Bloomer’s Bloomers is definitely one of the track’s that listener’s will sink their teeth into right away; it’s got an infectious hook, but I love the quirky way the song’s set on its edge in the closing moments after the 1.5 minute mark. If you’re looking for songs that have redeeming qualities time and time again, then be sure to pick up the record on October 20th via Porch Party Records.

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Field Music Return with New Single/Album

fieldmusicI don’t think there are too many bands that sound anything like Field Music, at least not in the modern landscape. Every time they release something, I’m pleasantly surprised by the influences working in their tracks, and the latest single is no different. They definitely apply a usage of groovy/funky bass lines, contrasted against tight angular guitar work and gang vocals; this track even has a nice little horn solo in its midst. They’ve titled their new record commontime, and it looks to have a release date early on in February of 2016 via Memphis Industries.

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Little Pick Me Up from Cold Fronts

coldfrontsThere’s nothing wrong with a great pop song, and I can guarantee that this new track from Cold Fronts is probably one of the best pop tunes you’ll hear on this Friday. While Craig Almquist might appear like some scuzzy gutter-punk, his project seems fueled by exuberant hooks; there are certain parts of this song that I just can’t get out of my damn head…though I reckon there are worse things. His Forever Whatever LP is coming out in a few weeks (10/23) via Sire Records; he was picked up by Seymour Stein if that means anything to you suckers!

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ATH Premiere: New Single from Video

videoAustin’s Video signing to Third Man Records might have come as a surprise to many, but what shouldn’t surprise you is how incredibly strong the band actually is at this point. Their “New Immortals” single had this huge power-pop feel, but in some way, it still felt rather dangerous. The B-Side, which is a live version of “Nothing Lasts Forever” brings on a barrage of noise and high-speed energy, punishing your ears in the best way. Singer Daniel Fried unleashes his best snarl through your speakers; he does so with such ferocity that one likely sees it as a call to incite a riot (in an orderly fashion; I don’t condone violence). Their full LP, The Entertainers, will be out via the label on October 30th, but you can grab the 7″ featuring this B-Side right HERE.

The band will be playing a release show too on October 28th over at Beerland.

Quiet Hollers Unleash Another Tune

quiethollersI’ve really taken a liking to this new Quiet Hollers album, so why not take this opportunity to share another single from the album with you. While some of the songs on their self-titled record adhere more to the crossroads between punk and Americana, this one seems rooted in the warmer tones of the latter. Considering the band’s gotten comparisons to MMJ, it only seems natural that they add a bit of polish to that sound, making it their own. You can grab their s/t LP on October 23rd…and if you’re in Austin they’ll be playing the Blackheart on Sunday night.

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My Jam of the Week: Hang Up by Frozy

frozeThis might be one of my absolute favorite songs this week. Frozy is a tri-country band, working together when they can, and while this song is short, it packs a great deal in under 1.5 minutes. There’s something romantic in the melody and the light-hearted tones of the guitars on this one. It reminds me a great deal of some of the cleaner pop songs that Comet Gain has been crafting for years, only making the tune more endearing…to me at least. The band has a new effort, Lesser Pop, which will be released later this month, courtesy of Oddbox Records

ATX Weekend Show Preview

austin_mainACL Festival is still in town, still going down. But, we’re letting B. Gray get the glory for our team with his camera work. Still, despite the attraction there, you’ll find tons of really incredible local shows you need to attend, including some great album releases by some of Austin’s best (in my opinion anyways). Here’s a quick rundown of the highlight, and we hope you consider attending at least one of these show.  Read more

Strong Vibes from British Sea Power

britishseaI’ve had friends who’ve toured and worked with British Sea Power, yet somehow this is the first track that really pulled me in immediately.  I love how the song builds from the get-go, with this really perfect vocal performance creeping in softly; I also like how the strings and horns are restrained until called upon by the band. It’s one of those songs that seems like the orchestration and vibe are pretty near perfect; I just imagine a cleaner, saner version of Flaming Lips or Polyphonic Spree…it’s orchestral pop music done like no few else. Their new effort, Sea of Brass, is being released on October 30th via Golden Chariot Records. You won’t be able to get enough of this track.

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